Good evening everyone. We're about to start our me our meeting here. Thank you so much. This is the township of Lacy caucus meeting August 14th, 2025. Read a short statement. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with the open public meetings act pursuant to public laws 1975. Said
notice was advertised as Park Press in the beacon and was posted on the bulletin board showing the time and place of the meeting. Will stand and pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Item number one, special use permit Murray Grove car cruise show 10:25 of 2025. Jerseyshore Car Shows is looking
to host a car and truck show at the Murray Grove Retreat Center on Saturday, October 25th from 3 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Um, there will be a DJ and a food vendor. >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I hope to abstain. >> Yes. >> A member of that organization. Item
number two, special use permit. The forgotten room A. August 31st, 2025. B October 5th, 2025 and December 7th, 2025. Um, the Forgotten Room is looking to do three outdoor vendor events uh in their parking lot in those dates that
you mentioned. Um, August 31st from 11 to 4, October 5th from 11 to 4:00, and December 7th from 6:00 to 10:00. Um, this will just be various vendors set up in their parking lot. >> May I ask a question? What is the Forgotten Room? I have no idea. >> It's a little shop right over here where Anesto's painting is. It's a retail
shop. >> Oh, okay. All right. >> Question, though. >> Don't show how much I know about this. moving. Tim, there wouldn't have anything in there that you would be interested in. >> That's why I know anything about why you haven't gone there. >> It's a good spot. It's a good stuff that's forgotten. >> I'll make that.
>> Don't forget about my room. >> You're in there. >> I think I said that's my father. >> You get a motion, please. >> I'll move it. >> Second, please. >> I made a motion. >> I apologize. >> All in favor? >> Thank you. >> All in favor? Good. Never done that again. >> That is all I have. Mayor, motion to adjurnn.
>> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. All in favor? >> I start now. Township of Lacy Township meeting. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with the open public meetings act pursuant to public laws of 1975. Said notice was advertised as park press and a beacon
and was posted on a bulletin board showing the time and place of the meeting. We'll salute to the flag and have a moment of silence. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. Item number one, first reading ordinance 2025-14 supplementing chapter 79 so as to create the position of senior public safety telecommunicator. An ordinance to the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey amending and supplementing
chapter 79 of the township code entitled officers and employees so as to create the position of senior public safety telecommunicator. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Kennon, >> yes. >> McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. La, >> yes. >> Mayor Tera, >> yes. Item number two, resolution
2025-228 authorizing the execution of an interlocal services agreement with Lacy Township Board of Education for the alternative day program trust >> resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey authorizing the execution of an
interlocal services agreement with the Lacy Township Board of Education for the alternative day program trust. That stands for together rising upon successful transition. Um this is a program funded by the township opioid settlement funds. Second. >> Uh, Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenneth. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Laray. >> Uh, yes. And a couple of us just met with the school board and this has been a very successful program. And uh, yes. >> Thank you, Mrs. Juliana. >> Yes. >> Mayor Herzel. >> Yes. And what a short comment. I want to thank both of our school leaison here,
Mr. um, McDonald and Mr. Lay as well as uh ad administrator Laray and Amy as well for their their work on this and the good stewardship of those funds that came to us. Item number three, resolution 2025-229
awarding a contract for community needs assessment proposal. >> Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey awarding a contract for a community needs assessment proposal to DBD Group. This is also through opioid settlement funds. Um the township will perform a
community needs assessment. Um this will be related to public health, mental health, uh and recreational health. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenn, >> yes. >> Mr. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Laay, >> yes. >> Mayor Keruto, >> yes. Item number four, resolution 2025-230,
renewing membership in the Ocean County Joint Insurance Fund. >> Resolution of the Township of Lacy County of Ocean, state of New Jersey, renewing membership in the Ocean County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund. Second, >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenneth, yes. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Laray, >> yes.
>> Mayor, >> yes. Item number five, resolution 2025-231, authorizing the increase in the bid threshold. >> Resolution at the township of Lacy County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, authorizing the increase in the bid threshold to 53,000 pursuant to
NJSA4A1-3C. Every 5 years, um, the state, uh, evaluates the bid threshold and this year it was increased. Um, so we just need to do a resolution to authorize it in accordance with state law. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mrs. Juliano? >> Yes. >> Mr. Kennis? >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald? >> Yes. >> Mr. Laray?
>> Yes. >> Mayor Certolo? >> Yes. Item number six, resolution 2025-232 authorizing a chapter 159 in the municipal budget alcohol alcohol education rehab and enforcement fund. Resolution of the Township of Lacy
County of Ocean State of New Jersey providing for the insertion of a special item of revenue and appropriation in the 2025 municipal budget of the Township of Lacy pursuant to NJSA4A 4-87. Um, like the mayor said, this is for the alcohol education rehab and enforcement fund. >> Move it. >> Second,
>> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Laray, >> yes. >> Mr. Kennes, >> yes. >> Mr. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mayor Keruto, >> yes. Item number seven, resolution 2025-233 certifying qualified participants for the LOAP benefits for the year 2024. >> Resolution of the Township of Lacy
County of Ocean State of New Jersey certifying the lists of volunteer firefighters and emergency service squad members who have qualified for the length of service award program benefits for the year 2024. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. Kenn, >> yes. >> Mr. Laray,
>> yes. >> Mayor Keruto, >> yes. Item number eight, resolution 2025-234, accepting the retirement of various municipal employees. >> Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey accepting the retirements of various municipal employees. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mr. McDonald,
>> yes. >> Mr. Kenn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Laray, >> yes. >> Mayor Curatola, >> yes. Item number nine, resolution 2025-235 authorizing a leave of absence municipal court office. Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New
Jersey authorizing a leave of absence for Lisa Tatitham in accordance with the family medical leave act. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mr. Laray. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kennet. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Juliano. >> Yes. >> Mayor Ker. >> Yes. Item number 10 resolution 2025-236
authorizing a leave of absence municipal clerk's office. >> Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey authorizing a leave of absence for Lisa Monlau in accordance with the family medical leave act. Second, >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lraine. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenneth.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kola. >> Yes. M. Number 11, resolution 2025-237, authorizing the execution of a deed. >> Resolution of the Township of Lacy County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, authorizing the execution of a deed of
utility easement agreement with PKN Development LLC for block 1701, lots 36, 39, and 40. This is in accordance with their um planning board approval and it is for setback purposes only. >> Second. >> Mr. La. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald.
>> Yep. >> Mr. Kenn. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Juliana. >> Yes. >> Mayor Keruto. >> Yes. Item number 12, resolution 2025-238 authorizing the placement of a lean on block 1633.02, lot 5. Resolution of the Township of
Lacy, County of Ocean State of New Jersey, accepting the certification of the director of public works concerning costs incurred in the removal of debris and cleaning up of the property located at block 1633.02, lot 5 and authorizing the placement of a lean against said property for said costs. >> Move it.
>> Second, >> Mr. Kennes. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Laray, >> yes. >> Mayor Keruto, >> yes. Item number 13, resolution 2025-239, authorizing the placement of a lean on block 191, lot six.
>> Resolution of the Township of Lacy, County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, accepting the certification of the director of public works concerning costs incurred in the removal of debris and the cleaning up of the property located at block 191, lot 6, and authorizing the placement of a lean against said property for said costs. >> Move it.
>> Second. >> Mr. Laray, >> yes. >> Mr. Kennes, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mrs. Julian, >> yes. Mayor Ker. >> Yes. M number 14, resolution 2025-240, authorizing the cancellation of 2024 taxes.
>> Excuse me. >> Resolution of the Township of Lacy County of Ocean City, New Jersey, authorizing the tax collector to cancel 2024 taxes due on a property granted the 100% disabled veteran exemption and refund the resulting credit balance. >> Movement. >> Second, >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kenn,
>> yes. >> Uh, Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Ray. >> Yes. >> Mayor Certo. >> Yes. Item number 15. Resolution 2025-241 authorizing the cancellation of 2025 taxes. >> Resolution of the Township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey
authorizing the tax collector to cancel 2025 taxes due on a property granted the 100% disabled veteran exemption and refund the resulting credit balance. >> Second. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kennes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Juliano. >> Yes. >> Mr. La. >> Yes. >> Mayor Ker.
>> Yes. Item number 16, resolution 2025-242 authorizing the refund of deposit monies. >> Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State, New Jersey, authorizing the refund of deposits held for the use of municipal facilities. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Kenn, >> yes.
>> Mr. Laray, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mayor Keruto, >> yes. Item number 17, resolution 2025-243, authorizing the payment of township bills. Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey authorizing the payment of township
bills. This is in the amount of 15,195,568.84. >> Move second. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Kennes, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. And I'll abstain on T0035. >> Mr. Lay. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kerato.
>> Yes. With noted extension R5890. >> Thank you. And number 18, monthly reports. >> You have a name. I don't have. >> All right. The municipal clerk's office for the month of July collected receipts in the amount of $5,541. Municipal court for the month of June
collected receipts in the amount of $11,627.69. Road opening permits were collected in the amount of $3,240. for July. Recycling commodity collected in the amount of $1,788. Truck parking in the amount of $250
for the month of July. Municipal docks, $975 was collected for the month of July. And Department of Community Development receipts were collected in the amount of $54,088 for the month of July. Motion to accept the reports as read. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. Item number 19, motion to approve caucus meeting minutes from July 10th, 2025. >> Move it. >> Second. All >> in favor? >> I. >> And number 20, motion to approve township meeting minute minutes from July 10th, 2025. >> Move it. >> Second. >> In favor?
>> I. >> M number 21, motion to approve executive session meeting minutes from July 10th, 2025. >> Move it. >> Second. In >> favor? I. Item number 22, motion to approve auxiliary membership in Aloka Harbor Volunteer Fire Company for Danielle Towi.
>> Move it. >> Second. All >> in favor? >> I. >> Comments from the committee this evening. Deputy Mayor Kennes. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, so one of the items that has been of concern to me and has been brought up a couple times is just the uh Mr. McDonald actually brought up the other day and and um and
I've had other conversations is the the rising costs of um uh energy prices um particularly electric um so I did a medium dive into it and take a look at to see what you know what was going on and so I just prepared a short statement
on it so the simple answer is that it's supply and demand but there's more to it in our territory supply has been decreasing due to generator deactivations think of Oyster Creek and at the same time the interconnection queue which is the process for adding new energy uh generation to into the
system has been stalled for years. This new capacity was mostly solar and wind. It has been stalled for mostly litigation and permitting issues. In addition, demand has been rising driven largely by data centers. Load growth. The number of megawws needed has been
relatively stable for a long time at around 1% growth per year. Over the next decade is expected to grow about 5% per year. And again, it's been mostly mostly being driven by data center need. So, just a couple thoughts as it pertains to Lacy Township. Um, you know, we've said
it many times up here, but I'll say it again. Oyster Creek is a viable piece of property that has a lot of infrastructure in place to support some type of power generating option, and I hope that the state and federal permitting and litigation issues subside to maintain that viability. I don't speak for all of us, but I'm reasonably
certain that we will continue to support the redevelopment of the Oyster Creek property while ensuring the safety and the economic benefit for our residents. And also, the time frame to enact a transition to green energy, while while important, and I do support both solar
and wind alternatives, did not seem to allow for a plan B in the event that the New Jersey permitting process did not pan out, and it hasn't. >> Those are my comments. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Committeeman McDonald. >> Thank you, ma'am. I'm going to tie in
with uh Mr. Canis's uh comments on the energy. This is this is an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal on Saturday. And I'll just read you the headlines. How Phil Murphy caused New Jersey electricity prices to soar. Okay. And it
by this guy Tyson, if you read his biography, this is what he does. He's an investigative reporter on on energy. Um, you'll be shocked because we used to get all of our a lot of our energy imported from Pennsylvania.
Governor Murphy and his infamous wisdom slowed that down a little bit. So, we now have that problem. And he was betting on wind and solar and all this other stuff. And of course, it didn't appear. So that's the reason why tied in with that.
Has anybody seen any L city press this afternoon? Good headlines. Holtech to build four small nuclear power plants down at Oyster Creek. This is good news.
Now I had this I verified this with uh Jeff Dostel. They're already they're up in Trenton today talking to the state. They got to get the line the legal days going on this. The state of New Jersey doesn't have any for it. Figure the last power
plant was built probably in the 50s or early 60s. Um so they got to change all that and they've already started the environmental study. So this is very serious and four is going to be a lot of jobs and everything else for Lacy Township. It's a four small nuc. It's
the modern ones. I think if you go on Whole Tech site, they have a uh diagram of it. I don't know if they're going to need water. I don't think so, if I remember correctly. But this is good news for Lacy Township. Mayor, >> thank you, Commissioner. Committee woman Juliana.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Um, we had 78 calls last month for our fire department. Again, volunteer fire department. Uh just want to make a simple uh notice of saying we lost a fireman um in a very
untimely manner and um just want to share that our deepest sympathies I know as a board here go out to the family and and we're just all broken. Um and we pray that the family can keep themselves
together for Tyler. That's for sure. I also would like to talk about the fact that our um municipal alliance is holding their 25th year. Am I right? >> You are correct. >> 25th year of their um 5K which will be
next Saturday at Gilly Park. It's held there every year and has been. It's a celebration year. So, the more people that come out, the more volunteers we can get, the more people that are there to cheer on the runners. There's people that have run in this race for the last
25 years. So, it's a real um a real job put together by Miss Heather Scallion that puts this whole thing together with her committee and it'd be good for people to come out and support her. You know, I know that she would appreciate it. So, that's all I have. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you, Committee One. Committeeman
Lorett. >> Yes. Um I want to uh tag on to uh Mr. Kenison and Mr. McDonald. Um because this um if you look go in what Tim was
talking about, they're called SMRs. They're small modular reactors, which if you do a little research, uh matter of fact, I think they're actually even built uh in Camden. Um the state isn't licensed for them yet, so like Tim said, is going to make it through the process.
And they're supposed to they're smaller. They put out a lot more uh energy. So hopefully that's a plus for the town. But I also want to uh give condolences and prayers to uh Mr. Tyler Reb, his family, friends, his neighbor. He's a
local guy that grew up here. His family's here. Some of his family actually even works for the township. He was tragically taken from us uh just shortly. So, my heart goes out to everyone there. Just a couple quick dates. August 23rd, like Penny uh Peggy
just said, uh the onem fun run does start at 8 o'clock in the morning. The 5K starts at uh >> 8:30. >> 8:30. Lacy day this year is on September 27th. The Ocean County Social Services mobile
outreach unit will be at the uh Lacy United Methodist Church on the 26th of this month from 9:30 to 1. and it'll also be uh at the Lacy Treatment Center on August 28th from 9 to 12.
Also today, um >> yes, >> Peggy, Sue, the mayor, and myself, we got to um the opportunity to attend a really nice dedication uh over at the high school. Um they had refinished the
uh tennis courts uh the four tennis courts and they also were relined to make eight pickle ball courts which has become very very popular and the nice thing about this was I was glad to hear too is these are
totally open to the public but it was a beautiful facility um it was dedicated to Mr. Jolly Ryder, who had coached and been a big influence on our students for 50 seasons.
So, it's long coming, welld deserved, and it was an excellent uh thing to uh see today. And we missed the rain by about 3 minutes. We didn't make it to the car. Um the
other thing we did mention earlier, Veronica, Tim and myself, we met with the uh board of education uh about a week ago, our lison meeting was just a couple quick updates and I'm getting ready for the year. The one thing is is the preschool program which is totally
funded through grants, not through the school district. Uh a few more classrooms were added this year. There's 27 preschool classrooms this year. 15 kids in the class, preschoolers. So, right now, we're able to preschool
405 uh preschoolers this year. So far, it's been a very successful program. Very, very helpful for the parents in the community. >> And there's a waiting list, too. >> There's a waiting list. I think they got to cut down to about 70. But uh these
extra classrooms, the other thing that uh I know probably everybody in this room has heard um there will also be a bond question on the November 4th uh ballot for the amount of 28,000
28,873. This is for much needed repairs to the buildings and facilities. But with saying that, I'm only bringing this out so the community is aware of it. We're not the board to come and ask the questions of what's going on. We're not the experts on this. Like I said, have
said previously, please learn, listen, educate yourself about it and then make your decision. But with that said, please go to the appropriate board if you have any questions or
comments. I know you'll be here too, but please, they have the answers. >> Other than that, enjoy the rest of the summer. >> Thank you, Committ Tyler Webb. Uh, we did attend that week.
It was one of the more well attended and respectful services that I have seen in recent or long-term memory. Um, so heart goes out to a young person and uh, >> like I said, one person that takes care of people and another person that takes
care of animals, a veterinarian, um, is now deceased as well. So, it's a god- aful tragedy. I want to touch base on some of the things that were set up here today. Yes, I I do believe small modular reactors, anybody that reads anything on them, they are the future. Uh, they have a higher yield output. They uh, are more
ecologically friendly. They do not need water to cool themselves. so that we'll not be using uh water from the Barnagate Bay. Uh so I I do think that that is the future. I and I do think that with a higher yield output that could be a real true value ad. As I talked to Mr.
McDonald some of these times, you're going to see engineers start to come back here. This is going to be a value ad for our community. It's going to impact every part of it. So I'm excited for that potential and it'll be even cleaner than it was last time. In that regard,
um I never boil this down to a personal story because this the people seat, but I was on the phone with um an a major company, was not one of our utilities, was not New Jersey Natural Gas, not JCPNL, and I asked about a precipitous rise in the rate when I opened the invoice at my home. Live right behind
Shopight over here. And what the lady on the other end of the phone told me, usually you're used to maybe uh getting massaged a little on the phone, maybe not the whole truth. This lady very matter of fact said, "Oh, you Mr. Kerilla, you reside in 08731." That's correct. Since approximately 1998,
we only have barely 30,000 people. We have defined that as a quote quote non-competitive zone. Therefore, we have no bargaining power. We're not Tom's River, Lakewood, or Bricktown. It was all since I've been up here, since the people have been good enough to put me
up here for 12 years, I have never dropped to anyone. Hey, wait a second. I'm the mayor. I I want an answer for this. Never. And that was as close as I came because it wasn't just me. I'm thinking other people on the phone in our zip codes here in Lacy Township as
well. So, um, in that regard, uh, before that happened, I, uh, have called New Jersey Natural Gas. I reported the other day, I invited our senior presidents from our two senior communities, uh, and the VP of NJNG will meet with us downstairs. I want to thank publicly uh
the work that Amy and Veronica did and just help helping schedule that and phoneing emails and giving us the boardroom downstairs, the multi-purpose room. Uh so I'll report back to you. But there are programs and there are eligible things regardless of your income that can help ameliate some of
this. And I do think a new government, a new governor will uh put Ocean County uh on the board of public utilities. It's time we get a voice and they don't just take tax revenue from us that we get something for that in return. Um, I'll
talk really short. First thing I want to do, and I hope he's not embarrassed or ticked off at me, a guy I have a lot of respect for up here, Tim McDonald. It's his birthday, so I want to say happy birthday to Mr. McDonald. >> I was wondering if anybody was going to say I was going to say it at the end. I was going to, but that's all right. >> He's going to joke around, but he's a
good guy. He's got a great family. He's a good guy. Thank you very much. >> Good guy. Um, I'm going to close tonight with um something I've been trying to work on since New Year's. It's film ready New Jersey. The long and the short is uh five little short things we have to do.
But if somebody comes here to shoot a movie like Steven Spielberg just did in Cape May, that's money in our coffers. They buy everything from uh deodorant and toothpaste to maybe build a short movie set or shoot on in one of our parks or popcorn zoo. Uh, but they they
shoot and then they leave and then they pay us. So, I'm researching it. I'll present more about it and uh I'm hopeful that goes through. Um, but at the very least, I called the Harrington Group and they're going to take a portfolio of pictures from the different highlight parts of our town and we can put them on
that TV on our website because I do think it's a postcard of a town with a a very elite geography that offers everything from farms to beaches. Uh, so it's a destination. It will continue to be a destination. With that, I will close my comments and open it to the
floor. No comments tonight, Deputy Mayor. >> There's comments. >> Wait, raise your hand. >> That's not a good thing. >> It's the people's microphone, Mr. Scandlin. It's all you. >> Take take your time, Heather. Get your
paper together. We just spoke about you before you got here. So, you know, >> it was >> Yes, it was. >> I don't trust you guys. >> You have to listen to the tape. >> Yes, we both mentioned your >> Oh, okay. All right.
Well, as you know, I'm usually here this time of the year to promote our 5K race. >> That's right. >> But this year is really a special year. Did you mention that? >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Okay. So, I don't have to say it again, but it is our 25th. >> Talk about it. And what makes us
remarkable is that we have had 25 continuous years cuz some races didn't get to have an in an outside race, an in-person race during COVID, but we managed. We were the first one in the entire state that year to have an
in-person race when everybody could finally do it. So, we're very proud of that. We have a lot of planned for this year. We're making it uh more we we'd really like to encourage participation from the whole community, not just spectators who come to see their runners
run because we've been told that runners really like to have people cheering them on. That that's their most popular races that they like to come to is when people come out and cheer them on. So, we are asking making a plea to everybody if they can to come out. I know it they
need to know where it is. So people who do not know um or live in the area where they're going to go through Oakfield, they can also come out along Manchester and Western Boulevard, of course, between 8:30 and 9:30. But we're also doing something special.
Oh yeah. So we really want to see people with their pompoms and their, you know, noise makers. We hope they'll make signs too, posters. >> Cheerleaders, right? >> Yes. So, was anybody a cheerleader in their previous life? >> I was. I was, but that's not going to
happen again. I'll just say that. >> Me, too. >> We don't need the tricks. Just the just the pompoms. >> We only have, >> but we hope families come out, too, because we've also added something special this year. We're we're um going
to be having some I guess you could call them arcade carnival games for kids that are going to be on the field and they'll be there from 8 to 11. So we're having all kinds of things. Let's see. Duck hunt, the kitty high striker, puttmaster
golf, balloon pop, you know, all those fun things that you did on the boardwalk. And also the most popular is a foam pit. >> Oh, I like that. a foam pit. >> I'm sorry. I don't know. >> It's a foam machine and it produces foam
>> and the kids run around in it and it's it's really fun. >> Is it Is it yours? [Laughter] >> So, we really do hope everybody can come out. Of course, we have our onem fun run which is 8:00, >> right? >> So, parking can be an issue. So, if and
if anybody wants to volunteer, they need to be there before we close the parking lots down. This year we hope to have over 500 runners just for our 5K and then we have about 40 for a one mile. And in case you guys can't do the one mile, you can always come and do the
kitty dash. >> So we really do hope we everybody comes out this year and just makes it a special thing because it's very special to us. Thank you. >> Thank you, Heather. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other comments this evening?
Middle. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. Um, I have things to pass out. I'm here to talk about our Revolutionary War history. And if it's not something that they have to go along, but I want to share with you, I'm
going to try and talk loud not on a microphone that um >> Tom's not picking up. the first draft. >> Thank you. >> I would say to the U microphone if you could only because Tom Tom won't get the information.
>> You got to record this. >> I will. >> All right. Good. >> Okay. So, what this is is a first draft of a deep dive into our history. >> Thank you. >> I did the first format and then
reference the white things sticking out is a reprint from a book. that was published in the 125th year >> that mentions these topics. >> Thank you.
>> Try not to read along while I'm talking. >> Okay, I'm going to read when you get when we get home. >> And mayor, this one is specifically for you, which is the history of John Lacy. >> Oh, fantastic. >> Unfortunately, it doesn't have anything to do with the revolutionary work in
Lacy. So sorry about that. >> Thank you for this. >> Sorry about that in advance. >> A big fan. Thank you. >> All right. So I prepared a kind of overview and I'll try and get through it. Here we go. So the principal events occurring in Lacy during the
Revolutionary War center around Fork River and Cedar Creek which is Lenoka Harbor. Our stories includes local activities, loyalist raids, notorious Tory gerillas. In combining historical records, local anecdotes, and military
reports, we are able to paint a vivid picture of regional warfare and its impact. This feels like a high school project, by the way. It does. >> Okay. So, well, the the end result is I hope we can share this with our high school and our elementary school kids.
During this period, the coastal and pine regions became contested spaces where community loyalties and guerilla tactics shaped the conflict's outcome. In 1776, we had a formation of the Fork River Militia that played a critical role in defending the area and was led by Samuel
Brown, Captain Samuel Brown. >> The militia manned and operated a gunboat which they built in Fork River. The name of that boat was a civil usage and it was stationed on Fort River and patrolled Barnagate Bay um to counter
British forces that would be that would come in and steal things. So during the war, the Pine Barons and coastal areas were hotspots for irregular warfare. Both sides engaged in ambushes, raids, reprisals. Economic sabotage was
prominent. smuggling operations known as London trade disrupted local economies and supply lines in the Pinelands. Smuggling and survival often trumped the ideological loyalty and lines were often blurred between loyalists and patriots and neutrals. So
just know that we were and this is our events occurred toward the end of the war. So, um, in 1779, Tory Raiders burned Captain Samuel Brown's home and schooner, forcing his family to free flee to Woodbridge, but he remained in
charge of the civil usage gunboat. Loyalist threats included Pine Robber John Bacon, who emerged as a prominent Tory raider, leading to violent attacks on local patriot homes and militia, including the massacre on Long Beach
Island and the destruction of Samuel Brown Salt Works and the Battle of Cedar Creek Bridge. between 1780 and 1782, John Bacon's raids escalated and when he killed Lieutenant John
Joshua Stson of Tom's River and then he and then the ambush of Cedar Creek Bridge where Bacon was wounded but he escaped and that was the last land skirmish of the Revolutionary War. How am I doing so far? >> Good. In 1783,
John Bacon's death at West Creek Tavern is recorded as the last death of the Revolutionary War. So Bacon's transformation from obscure laborer into feared raider underscores the chaotic personal nature of the war and the rural pineands of New Jersey.
And this overview is all we've we've uncovered to date. I have stacks and stacks of research. If anyone has any questions, I'm here to answer them. We're looking for other groups to join and be proud partners so that we can continue this research and celebrate not
only this coming Fourth of July with a huge 250th of our country, but our our celebration in Lacy can continue on until 32 because our events I'm sorry, is it 32?
>> Yeah, it's at the end of the war is when we had our skirmishes. Do you want to share a telephone number or an email address? So anyway, >> my email's on the bottom of that. >> No, but has that? >> Do we have some stuff on our website related to this?
>> We have the link to the revolution website. >> Yes. >> Um, >> we could see if we can get >> run it through. If they need to get in touch with you, we'll provide instead of putting it out there publicly. >> Yeah. So, what we're looking to what my team is looking to do, we're independent
and what we're looking to do is to coordinate with in town with schools to be able to disseminate this so that we can do presentations at the high school or in all the middle schools and grammar schools and try and get people's really excited about what's going on. I had a
meeting today with Tim Hart. Um, I just have to mention this and it's a little bit contentious that the reenactment that occurs at Cedar Bridge Tavern. >> Okay, is the Battle of Cedar Creek
Bridge. So Tim Hart thinks it happened there. All our history books and on that white piece of paper I handed you has it happening here, including Salter happening here. I've done research at the archives in Trenton, happened here.
So, we're all gonna do it together and it's exciting that we have something that is controversial that we can say, "Oh, did it or didn't it?" and what are your notes look like, etc. So, >> as long as it doesn't create another war, >> well, that's that's what I was talking to him about. >> I don't know if you know up at the
mountain >> there's the old foundations to the can canyon um launches like where the canyons were mounted. They're still up there at Forket River Mountain that they were faced to go out to see the ships come in to the um into the bay into our
area. I don't know if you knew. >> I don't know that, but we should go out and find that. >> Yes. Well, I know somebody that that you could hook up with at that for you. >> So, again, this is something to bring in historic tourism. >> We are going we're on the map with the state of New Jersey. We're going to be
included in skirmishes and battles that happened in New Jersey. So if there were revolutionary war enthusiasts that want to follow where these things happened, um we have a this is just the tip of the iceberg as I say. So I look forward to
>> you know the ages that I'm telling you would be really interested of children that would be interested and follow and maybe get involved is really that grammar school age because >> just I've worked in middle school for the last 15 years. Okay, >> they this is not where they're going.
But th that third and fourth graders, let me tell you something that might be something that might they might want to jump in and help you with some stuff. >> Well, this is the pirates and this, you know, this is it's a very exciting story and the fact that within Lacy,
>> we have so much involvement that no one's really celebrated other than a little snippet in a book here or there. So, the deep dive is going to happen and I think we're going to take them piece by piece and we're going to try and coordinate with other Revolutionary War historic groups that are working along
the shoreline >> and to try and you know I'm I have names of all the officers that were in for River. I have the people that lived in the Revolutionary during the Revolutionary War in town. I've marked them on a map and it's it's a lot of work. So, we're just starting, but I
just wanted to share with you so you had a something to talk about as a township so you know that we're doing our job. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you so much for >> this. This is very interesting.
>> I'll give you a test next time. >> Good job. Any other comments this evening? >> Comments this evening? Additional comments? Good evening, Mr. S. >> This is a little too high in my head.
>> We'll say welcome back from vacation. >> No, I don't think you will. >> I'm not optimistic about that. >> She's got it. She's got it. We're good. Thank you. >> First, um, thanks Tom. Regina Desa, Sunset Drive, Sunrise Beach. Um, item
number three, resolution 2025229. Could I get more explanation, please, about exactly what the community needs assessment is because we got a very abbreviated and quick explanation. I'd like a little more detail. >> There are opioid um settlement funds.
Um, there are program, you know, certain you can only use the money on certain items and all the towns and the county will tell you they're having a difficult time spending the money, >> figuring out how to use it. Right. >> Right. And part of the municipal alliance grant program is also to do a community needs assessment as well to to
see what are the items that we might be lacking or focusing too much on in the community as it relates to uh mental health, physical health, those kind of items. you know, whether it's uh recoveries, rehabs, um whether it's assisting the schools somehow with
programs that we could uh partner with, those kind of of things uh for that, whether it's sporting items, uh mental health, like I said, health, you know, um >> but it says a contract for community needs assist to accompany. >> Yeah. >> Tonight
>> and they're going to figure out >> Yeah. So, what they're going to do is they'll put together um it's again it's going out to the community. So there will be physical surveys and you know like >> meetings or >> but there will be once the reports and stuff are done right so there's going to be physical surveys um I'm going to use
the word not survey monkey but like survey monkey kind of things that that they could do there's going to be QR codes that you'll be able to use to answer the surveys. There will be um in-person interviews um you know it might be we might interview the superintendent of schools we might interview okay you know some other
influential people in the community that that have their pulse on things. We will interview people possibly at the county level because the county board of health just finished a community needs assessment as well to see what we're lacking in our county when it comes to items that that are of need.
>> Okay. Interesting. That is going to be very >> So at the county level it's ocean countyalth.gov. I was very interested what I do was instrumental in it. It's on that website. It's about 108 pages long and it takes a deep dive into different zip codes. So if you want information, take a look at it. But this
will be lacy centric. >> All right. Now, I have another question. Someone told me there's going to be a special need meeting next week to talk about electric rates. >> No, there'll be there's going to be a meeting downstairs >> in this building with a select few
individuals where it's not going to be a discussion of rates. Rates are set by the BPU, >> right? >> It's going to be the dispensation of educational materials. I'm going to share initially with our senior villages. >> Oh, that's why the seniors told me about it. So it's there's I mean I I can't fit 400
people in. I'm I'm taking a couple of senior board members. >> Okay. So it's not a punctual meeting for the seniors. >> It's not an it's a meet and greet. They're bringing their education. I'm going to leave it at all around the town including the library
>> and it's next Thursday >> in the AM. Yes. I'm taking time. >> Yes. >> What time? 10 a.m. >> But it's not open to the public. >> That's correct. >> But I know other people that will go, >> but it's by invite only. >> They invite only.
>> Yes. Yeah. So what So >> this person didn't understand that >> what the mayor did is that he reached So New Jersey Natural Gas has numerous programs out there for energy efficiency programs. They've been in contact with the mayor for that they would like to present their programs. So he reached out to the senior community to start
with them and that they will provide packets and information that can be distributed to the senior community and we will invite them to other meetings to highlight the programs that all of us can possibly jump on and try to get more energy efficiency at our home. >> Right. So you're anticipating like the
boards of pheasant run toll brothers and that kind of thing. Seabbze. All right. >> And then eventually it would you know again if they want to come to the municipal alliance meeting the lunchon they could do that. We could have another community forum if New Jersey Natural Gas wants to do that as well. >> Yeah. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a public meeting of the municipal
body because that's the way this person made me understand it and I'm like I don't think so because I haven't heard about it other than >> we never get this information on either side of the >> All right. Well, has can I ask if anyone watched the July 17th board of ed
meeting because I just watched it last night because I was away. >> All right. Cuz I was off grid. >> Not yet. And I got bits and pieces from people, but I was able to watch it on a speeding Amtrak train coming up from Washington last night. So, I was rather
dismayed with what I saw. In addition to the fact that I think you heard the board of ed wants a new referendum in November. >> Okay. Well, >> I right. But it's that was partly mentioned at the July 17th meeting, but
a parent came forward to report an incident of incompetence at the school district. It was just unbelievable. A non-verbal autistic student was denied services indirectly by the school district due to the failure of several people to properly
communicate with the parent. The board was advised of the inaction and did nothing. My education credits are all in special ed. And it's a fact that a student with certain difficulties can experience setbacks in their educational process when it's disrupted and absent for over 10 weeks. That is a significant
lapse of instruction. I was hoping the parent would come forward here tonight because I heard she emailed you folks, too. Well, anyway, she went on at the July meeting. You need to watch it. I'm just imploring you to watch the July meeting. >> Yes, I know. I got an email. Oh, you
did. Okay. >> They all got email. We got an email. >> I did reach out to see what I could find out. It's a student matter and pretty much >> Oh, it's confidential. No doubt. >> Matter which pretty much that was the end of
>> I understand. But she went public and what she told me yesterday or the day before she got a judge's order on Friday and the child will finally be getting instruction. But no one no one should have to go through what that parent went through. And I believe there is an
extreme amount of incompetence right now at the school district. Now the other thing is the taxes, the referendum. You know, the new referendum is being touted as at no increase to the taxpayer. That's BS because the board of ed
already took your tax money twice at 10% which equals 20%. and they want more for their very neglected repairs. The school district is not financially sound and needs a complete revamping and reorganization. And the first problem in my opinion is the acting interim
superintendent. And the second problem is the board itself. Okay. Putting off vital repairs and letting go nearly every entire maintenance and ground staff has ruined the district. And the township committee should be extremely concerned about this because it's
dragging down the whole community. Okay. Anybody has any questions? I can tell you what went on for the last 10 years personally. Any other comments this evening? Sir, >> you have to pull it from the bottom there.
[Music] >> That's it. >> Same with the car seat. Everybody breaks their hand. >> Okay. All right. My notes here. Okay. So,
my glasses, I have a question. I'm going to start off with a question. Could someone explain to me what has happened to the minutes and resolutions from 1933 and 1934?
>> They are in the safe in the back. If anybody wants to come and look at them, let us know and we'll pull them out. >> Okay. Well, there's >> the resolutions are printed in full in the minutes in those years. >> Okay. That's very good because there's an OPER request that was out there that was denied and said items do not exist.
>> Well, the record that you're looking for, there was a specific record. It It's not in those minutes. >> How could How could the township committee have accepted a gift of property without a resolution authorizing it? It's not possible. >> 1933 or 34. I can't answer that and I
don't know what what the law was back then as to how they did things. >> Right. Well, maybe we need to go in there and go through the minutes. >> Just give us because they're just in the archives. Just give us notice and we'll be more than happy to pull I Amy, do we have them scanned? >> We have some your scan button. >> Okay. Because we might be able to send
you the scans, but if you physically want to look at the books, let us know. >> That's We appreciate that. Thank you very much. >> You know, Mr. Bennett, could I just add one thing? >> Yes. I would say you would be or whoever the party is that wants that document would be very fortunate if we have it because depending on the nature of a
document governments are able to through we call a darn process in two years 3 years 7 years nine years to shred just because that that's what you're allowed to do but if we have it we'll give it >> right but I would assume if you're
getting property given to you that these archival items would be at least retained. I would I would just assume there are certain things that you would do as a government body. Anyway, that's just my assumption, but >> okay. So, my second comment is this. I
didn't speak at the last meeting because I was totally flabbergasted by comments that were made by Mr. McDonald and Mr. Curtalo at the last TC meeting concerning the school. Okay. The first thing was about the test scores. Well,
I'm going to explain to you why the test scores matter. First of all, our schools are rated by those test scores. So if we have a student who happens to be above average and they want to get into a better
better school, they won't even get an opportunity to get a chance to go into that school because the school is so poorly rated. >> You are absolutely >> excuse me, I am speaking. >> No, you are absolutely dead wrong. There's not a single college in the
world that looks at standardized tests. Period. >> I didn't say standardized test. I said the ratings of the school district are based off of that. And I'm speaking and I don't appreciate you interrupting. >> I don't care what you say. >> And would you please conduct the
meeting, Mr. Mayor. So the scores matter because if students want to get into a better school and the the schools are rated by those scores, I can tell you this, our kids don't even apply to the top 20 colleges because
they know they won't be able to get in. The guidance counselors will even tell you this, but you need to stop gaslighting the community and saying that it isn't important because you're looking ridiculous and you're making us look ridiculous. Things need to change.
I've been fighting for this for a long time and I am very knowledgeable on this. I go to all the meetings and I listen. Good for you. >> And I do my research >> and so do I. >> And I'm going to tell you something. We're doing a disservice for our students. Okay. And with the amount of
taxes that we have been increased over the last two years, we have a lot of demands that we have every right to ask for. You >> didn't say you didn't. >> Exactly. and you people should be the ones who should be fighting for us. That's the real big problem. You've sat
here and remained silent during all of this over the last two years. Let me No, no, you can talk about afterwards. So, the other thing too about the school's poor rating is it affects all of our household values.
People do not want to move that have children to a town whose schools are poorly performing. This is, you could look at this, you could talk to real estate agents about this. This is an issue that has to be addressed and we're
not going to give up on it. It needs to happen because this is about accountability, fiscal responsibility, and you as a government body doing what you need to do and finally standing up to the plate. I'm sorry. We just cannot continue it this way. It just can't.
Okay. Two, I do have serious questions for Mr. Collo and for Mr. Tennis, what are you running on for reelection? Because you never spoke out about the mammoth tax increases by the school district the last two years in a row,
which is taken as you have condoned what they have done and pretty much said so by that outrageous letter that you sent to the board of ed giving them a green light under the disguise of whatever is best for the children. It's all hogwash.
Nothing at Lacy Township schools has ever done under the guise of what is best for the children. It has always been about the adults and the way they treat parents, especially that poor Ashley Meyer and I was at that meeting
who has a child who is majorly autistic is beyond disgraceful. The way she was treated at the meeting. Not only that, when I was speaking and apologizing on behalf of the town for what she had to go through, the superintendent tried to interrupt me and say, "Can we just move
on? He has no right. He's just an employee. How dare he interrupt a member of the public who is addressing something that's a major issue for and this isn't the first time this has happened. I have a parents group. I can't tell you the stories that I have
been told by parents who have special needs children who have gone and had to go through a nightmare with the school district. It isn't right what's happening. I'm just saying. So, you refuse to speak out and you support
this mess of a school district and we have and condoned their outrageous spending habits and lack of accountability. You did not speak out against the 92.5 million referendum. You took $1 million from the MUA
reserves to give to the school district. Money that should have been returned to the rateayers, not the legally allowed taxpaying agency of the school district. You were all in favor of doing a massive building scheme with Johnson Controls
and would have been okay with it if it hadn't come in at over $80 million which would have increased all of our taxes majorly. What you have given us is higher taxes, more overdevelopment, more traffic on our roads. Houses are
going up for sale everywhere. My neighbors across the street and the house next to me have both put their houses on the market. They have lived here for four years and three years. When they moved here, the taxes were low. They are now much higher. This is a
shame. You as a government body should have been standing up there and fighting for us about what is happening at the schools. You know, they have had years and years and years to get their house in order and we are being held accountable. We are having to bail them
out for their mistakes and that is just not right. It just really isn't. So the one thing Lacy had going for it was low property taxes and now that has all
all gone down the tubes. You continue to support selling a historic property in our town, the Charles A. Smith Memorial Hall given to the citizens of Lacy which was to be kept and used for social and educational purposes.
There's a total lack of integrity on this issue and integrity is key in my book and this is also a moral issue on a following the conditions of a gift and I don't care what your thoughts are about it. There has to be some moral
authority. If there isn't any moral authority, then we might as well all just give up. What are you running on? What have you improved? All we have gotten is a lack of leadership, higher taxes, more overdevelopment, more
traffic, and the quality of life has declined. Hardly anything positive to run on. Then you tell us that the people elected you and you feel that you have the right to do whatever you want.
wrong. You are elected to serve. Yes, serve we the people and not the other way around. And yes, I'm bloody mad. You, Mr. Couturo, could have shown leadership during this year's school board budget fight. And you could have
supported the legally allowed three and a half% tax increase, but you said nothing. This is not representing or serving the will of the people. And who wrote that outrageous letter to the board of ed that was read by Mr. Laorray
at the budget vote meeting? There is a huge disconnect between your actions and what the people in this town are concerned about. I ask the citizens of Lacy this question. Are you better off now than you were three years ago
concerning your life here in Lacy? I think every single one of us will probably say no. Thank you very much. >> Yeah. So, I'm confused. You're you're you're telling us that your taxes are too high. Yet, you're trying you're
asking us to hang on to an old dilapidated eyesore of a building that is a loss of about $100,000 in property taxes per year. So, I don't know how you can complain about your property taxes and then advocate for to hang on to in that particular uh instance that one
building. In addition to that, I support all the economic development that has occurred along Lacy Road and Route 9 since I've been in township. I've been here my entire life. I've sat on the the planning board for 30 years now, and I'm not everything has worked out perfectly, but I am more than happy with the
businesses that have uh chose to make Lacy Township their home. I could not imagine this township after Hurricane Sandy without a Home Depot or a Walmart. So, as for the record of the the traffic, yes, the traffic comes along with the increased business. I'm happy
to have that business and those jobs. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. I'd like to add um some of the things you've said and I' I've kept my mouth shut because I have respect for you. I think you're an intellectual, Rich, but what I will say is you have opinions, but facts are stubborn things. So, I'm going to go through a couple
things. Uh, Deputy Mayor Kenneth and I have been up here the longest. It's been about 12 years. Uh, right now the property values in our town and any zip code you go to are the highest they've ever been in their history despite 7% a mortgage rate. We're 86 square miles.
The majority of our of our township is completely built out. We will never, and I want to want to be on record here on recording, never look like New York City or have skyscrapers. We are built out. We are a protected Pinelands community. Houses go up for sale, they're off the
market a couple of weeks later. I have been voiciferous to the point at great detriment to myself asking and it wasn't going to bash my colleagues at the schools. I've been asking and I and I and I was very clear there needs to be accountability. Property value goes
through how how good our schools are and how they're rated. And I have been above board in saying that. You said I don't attend meetings. I have school liaison that do attend the meetings. I have attended the meetings in the past and I have I have already attended one this year so far and this year has several
months left. I am in contact with school board members in particular Mrs. Claus. There's an open door policy. We talk to each other and there let's talk about some of the good things that Mr. McDonald said last time too. You know we had 23 kids get an associates degree that left that school. If they're not
applying to Harvard, maybe they don't want to attend Harvard. There's other schools. Maybe some kid wants to be a plumber. Maybe a kid wants to go to Satan Hall or Ruters. Great schools. So, there's good here. It's not all negative. I'm proud of the work that Mr. Kenneth has done on his board. Mr. Laray
and and all of these these good people have been here a combined the Laray family since the 1850s. There's been more public service done by people up here. So, I would I want that to be noted for the record. volunteer for our boards. Be there for our
schools. Overdevelopment. Go up north. Then you'll see overdevelopment. Our roads. Okay, there's there's some more traffic. But I will tell you, compare comparatively speaking to legit cities with our property. You keep you keep bashing our schools. Yet there's so many
houses that are 67 800,000 a million dollars. I heard committeewoman Juliano say a couple of meetings ago, we have what how many house? How many single family homes? 12,142 approximately. Committee whom Juliana reported a couple weeks ago and she's right. And I'm sure and you talk to any realtor. Wh why
aren't they why aren't they earning money? It's because there's nobody wants to sell. People like it here. There was 76 houses on the market not long ago. So I take personal exception. I fear nothing. If I if I call out behavior, I want to be judged the same way I judge others. I will help my schools. I call
schools out if they need help or or or something. and we're there for them. >> Okay. But you weren't there for us. >> Come to the microphone if you want. >> When I asked you to go, you we had a phone conversation. You said to me, I can go along with that 3 and a half%.
When I texted you and asked you to go to that meeting and state that, you didn't even bother to respond. You know what? You are not you you are not defending the taxpayers. 70% of the households of this town do not have children in that school. We are bearing the brunt of
their failure. Now, I am all about top education. What irks me the most is that we are paying a huge amount of money and getting for the schools. And I'm just going to say this because Regina can tell you, she was on that school board for years. I've had helped people get
elected to that school board. I know what's going on. It is not good. I have asked you to take a more active role because it's the hugest part of our taxes and I am very passionate and angry about this because nobody, not one of
you got up there and stood and said for the people what you're doing isn't right. Of course, you can't tell them what to do, but just the authority of who you are as the mayor of this town. I'm going to tell you, if you had come to that meeting that night and actually spoke and said what you told me on the
phone, I'm guaranteeing you that vote would not have passed because it would have been going against the person who leads our community. That is what we need. Leadership. Now, the school has problems and I agree. You know what? The people that work there are half the problems because the teachers actually
had the nerve to confront me afterwards. We were talking about the test scores. They're part of the problem. You know what has to happen at that school? The teachers have to start educating the kids the importance of those tests and the importance for them to do well so
that the school will rate better. It all comes from the culture at the top. I've also heard you hear members say and support the pres president acting superintendent who is a disgrace in my view and I'm going to tell you why on a
number of levels. There was a post online on Vissy, New Jersey where someone had wrote about Mr. Zalinski. There were hundreds of responses by people in this town, students and parents saying what awful experiences
that they have had with this man. But he is still sitting there as the superintendent of our schools. And if the person at the top is bad, everything below it is going to fall. Now, I had a conversation with the board president after a a I think it was two meetings
ago. We had a very heated conversation actually where she's saying, "Oh, the public wants us to come together. I can tell you this. We're never coming together." She's a micromanager and I look at the macro picture, which means if you're a school, you're part of the
town. You have to look at the impact of what you are doing to the rest of the town. And that isn't happening. You you didn't hear committeeman Lorray and I say you said you seem to intimate that I'm afraid to say I >> I didn't say you were afraid. I don't know why you did it.
>> Committee and I have said publicly. Okay. I'm not going to speak for the other people up here, but I know that Committee Loray and I have said publicly, I'd like to not go into your pocket at all. I'd like a 0% tax increase, but I'm not going to say hi to Dorothy and the Munchkins because I don't live in Oz. I live in 08731.
So, what we're You asked me to call the county superintendent. I did. I gave you my cell phone number. I have been to meetings over there. I have talked to our school representatives over there and I have talked to our school liaison over here. I talked to Mrs. Claus a
couple hours ago at an at an event. So, there's no lack of communication. You come to us. I again, I respect you. That's the people's microphone. But you're at the wrong meeting. You're at the wrong meeting. >> I have. Look, I'm going to tell you. I have advocated for during the fire.
>> You guys were talking tonight about asking questions about asking questions at the school board. They don't answer your questions. I mean, it's a joke. I mean, it absolutely is a ridiculous. You get up there, you say stuff, nobody ever answers anything when you have a
question. You know, they lied to us the last time about the referendum, about the cost submissions. They would not release them when they lied. They said that they couldn't. Well, they were. We got them from the state. Lawrence Township posted all this stuff online. They are dishonest. And if you are
dishonest at the top, it's going to work all the way down to the bottom. And you can't continue, and I'm just saying this, to keep putting your heads in the sand while this is affecting our town. >> I'm not going to continue to beat a dead horse. I What I told you is is the
truth. There's a conversation in front of 30,000 people in our town twice. I said to not only members of the school board, but acting superintendent Zalinski, have a contract with the people. Now, this was said in a private meeting, but I said this to you a number of times when you're up at that
microphone. I'm sitting in this chair. I said, talk about every two weeks or even every quarter. What are you doing? Are you convening a curriculum committee? What are the steps you're taking? Make it public. You have a footer on an email that goes out to 38 3,700 students.
You've heard me say this. Progress report goes out. Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Bnick. Hello, Mr. Mrs. Curollah. Here, this is what we're doing this week. This is what we're swapping out in study hall that week. They can do that. Now, I don't know if they did or not, but I said just start with the communication
and tell the people. You're going to go into their pocket. Then you have an obligation to tell the people what they're getting for their money. That's a legit. It's not a criticism. It's advice. >> You're absolutely right. Now I have been asking one of my proposals that I have given to the school board for the last
10 years is that they open their committee meetings to the public. There we will get all the information that we need about curriculum development and everything else. Do you think that they would do that? No. We have asked for them to give the vote back to the people
on the school budget so we can have a say in it. Do you think that they would do that? No. Do you think that they would put through when they're doing their contract negotiations that they attach performance evaluations to the educators in our school district? Do you think they would do that? Absolutely
not. >> And now you're getting into union discussions. Maybe the union won't let them do that. And as Mr. As Mr. McDonald said astutely a number of times, some of this we don't have control over. When the state says or or an insurer says
we're going up 38% in one year, we got to swallow that. It's hard to do that as >> you don't have to offer. You do not have to offer insurance for the family members. The employee can pay for that. Okay, let's be clear about this. Negotiated negotiated has been
negotiated. But you know what? No raises. If you have no money and the school district is broke, and they have been broke for the last seven years, do you realize that they negotiated two contracts with raises in there when they didn't have the money? And technically that is an unfair labor practice charge
when you're dealing with a union. And I know all about unions because I ran a union organization. And I know how to deal with unions, too. You hire the best labor lawyer in the state and you take them to task. And you know what? We're at a point we don't have any choice any
longer. There isn't anybody fighting for the taxpayers in this town except for maybe me and Regina and a few other people. >> Well, I respectfully disagree with you. We everyone up here has been amazingly eloquent. We've stood up strong and straight. We have attended meetings both
liaison and school board and we have furnished. >> You have I I was at the budget meeting when they voted and I didn't hear one member of this township committee get up and state >> that this increase is too high and it's
going to be a huge economic burden on the taxpayers of this town. Not one person did that. >> Rich, I'm gonna I got up and spoke that night. You keep you refer to that. >> Yeah, you read the letter. >> I read that letter and and it's just
like the comment I made earlier. Okay. We all have opinions. We all have ideas. The one thing that I'm I find very very frustrating in the few months that I've been up here or the six, seven months I've been up here is I constantly hear
we're not getting the answers we want. We're not getting answers. I want answers. There's a lot of answers out there. Sometimes we agree with them. Sometimes we don't. It's the nice thing about this country. We all have opinions. Sometimes we're right, sometimes we're wrong.
And I you've never heard me say that I was in support of what they were doing. But at the same token, it's like I understand the frustration why everybody comes here because you're right. You're not getting answers to your questions
that you should be getting answers to. >> I agree with you, but we're not all we're not the experts, >> right, >> on their end. So, we don't know. And that's why even tonight with a few things, you almost hesitate bringing things up like the res the bond
referendum that needs to be known that it's out there. >> Yes. But it's like I always say, learn, listen, and try to get the right information out of the appropriate people. We try to do
the same thing. We get frustrated, too, at times. >> Oh, I'm sure. >> But that doesn't make us the villains. And the thing is, >> I'm not I'm not I'm frustrated. You have to realize totally frustrated because I don't feel that you people are
representing us. We are represented. >> How? >> Well, let me put it this way. >> None of you spoke out. This is the point. All of you had to do. >> You didn't speak out with what you wanted to hear come out of our mouth. >> And that's what I said. >> We're going to we're going to you're
going to say what you want to say. We're going to say what we think is appropriate or correct. And it's even like we've had discussions even before when I first ran right out on these front steps. And there's other
people in this room where we've had discussions because you're passionate. You're really good at what you do. And we asked why you don't run. >> Why do I run? >> And you're because >> I think I explained to you why you don't run. >> You did because you can say what you
want to say. >> That is not the reason. I represent a citizens group. I could not be monitoring a citizens group of a body that I'm mon that I'm sitting on. >> You can't do that. >> You can you can represent those people. >> Yes, you can. >> Especially me.
>> No, you can't. How could I possibly be sitting on a school board and be monitoring it at the same time? There's a conflict of interest. >> You would have a voice. >> You would have >> I have a voice. I have a very large voice. People listen to what I have to say.
>> And people listen to what others have to say, too. I'm not disagreeing with you. It's just I I thoroughly understand your frustration. I thoroughly do. >> Yes. But >> and there really isn't anybody in this town to if I were to run for office,
there would be nobody else to do what I do. Nobody has the wherewithal, the passion to come to these meetings. And whether you agree with me or not, I don't care. I just want people to respect that I do what I do because I believe in what I do. And I am concerned
about the taxpayers in this town. When I see people, my neighbors leaving who I really like and they tell me the reasons why they can't afford and I go on my walks every day and people talk to me and tell me things, everything that I speak to you is stuff I am hearing from
the public who you never see, who never come to the meetings because they don't feel like anybody cares. and nobody listens. And you know what? It's maybe it's just part of the system, the way the whole system works. And even when you have your meetings here, I have
never seen where anybody ever votes no. It's like we it's almost kind of like a joke like there's it's it's always yes, you know, yes. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We never have any disagreements on this body publicly. And I think that that's a problem.
>> There there are disagreements. Sure I can behind the scenes but then you're all voting together them out >> beforehand and these things are all discussed so that we know what we're doing so we don't come out here and make fools of ourselves and fight actually it's called the political debate process
which is actually very interesting budget time >> the problem is is that the people don't see any of this >> I don't think >> and you know I actually enjoy public debate and being in involved D in politics in this way. I don't ever want to be in an elected official because I
have my own personal opinions about all those roles. Um but I do think that you know >> as you have your personal opinions don't rich we all have our personal but I just want you to know when I speak up here it isn't Richard Bnick's opinion. Do you
realize how many people that I talk to? >> Well so if all those people are there you're always telling us you have so many people here's my Yeah, hundreds and hundreds of people. >> Okay, and I'm not saying you don't. I'm saying to you, where are all these people? >> Well, I can tell you something. When we had the referendum, they all came.
>> Answers from over here talking to Rich. >> When we had the referendum, I was the voice of the anti-referendum. And that voice came out and they voted. >> Why don't you get these people to run for office then? >> No. You know why? I'm Let me explain something to you, and I'll tell you what people tell me. First of all, with the
school, it's such a mess that nobody even wants to put their hands on it because they know it's going to be a thankless job. I hate to say this, but it is. And no matter what you do, you're probably going to get criticized. And there's a lot of people that don't want to put themselves in that position. Quite frankly, they don't. And I and I
respect that. Just like there are people who could never do what I do, that can get up here and stand on their own two feet, battle with you guys, battle with the school board. They don't have the wherewithal. They admire that I can do what I do. And you know what? It actually has changed the way things are happening in this town because I do feel
that people are now more involved and they are paying more attention. They are watching the videos from these meetings like they have never done before. And that is the whole point of what I'm doing. >> And I want them to. >> Yes. Me too. >> That that's what this is about. It's about transition. Let's close it. You've
been been up here quite a while. >> I just want you to say, >> look, I just want to finish with this. I am frustrated. This is not personal. Okay. Because I don't I this is not personal for anybody. I'm frustrated with the system. I'm frustrated what what is happening. I feel like no one is
listening. >> Right. But you levied accusations against us and me in particular. I take personal exception. Everybody in this town has >> Well, I did ask you. I do. We had a phone conversation. I asked you to support that. You said yes, I could get behind that. But when we needed, >> you said it on TV here. It's recorded.
>> But you did not say it at the meeting where it would have mattered, sir. That's what I'm saying. That's it. Okay. So, thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it. >> Appreciate it. >> Any other comments this evening? >> Sorry, Tom.
>> Oh, that would be it. >> When it's I'd like to make a comment, too, just in the back. >> Oh, sure. >> Okay. >> I just want to apologize to people. I can't run anymore. I ran 14 times over a 20-year period. I just can't. I need my
life back. I need my own personal time. And that's why I disappear periodically. >> Thank you. >> Come on now, Tom. >> Come on out, Tom. >> Come on out, Tom. >> Tom, come on. >> Sorry, not going to be any camera
changes right now. >> Uh, really not my place to be on camera. >> State your name. I would say that out of anybody here, I've been to at least most town meetings and school board
meetings for the last 20 plus years. >> Um, I've seen when uh boards work well with each other, when community comes up to the mic and are trying to get things
done. And I would say uh I'm back there. There's a lot of words that come to mind. Uh I really love what you were saying before because it's about listening and
learning and being open to what is happening in the discussion. being reasonable. Like you can't come up and demand and and although it may sound like I'm speaking to one person in particular,
I wouldn't have come out here if it was just one person in particular. I feel like this is not just here. This is on Facebook. This is everywhere. And I'm not here to I I don't want to be the person up here
who's lecturing anybody or anything like that, but I feel like if we can not come up here and try and take your thought and like I see people who think that if they just talk about it long
enough that they'll be able to make the person understand, but what they don't understand is that the other person has a what that they want you to understand. And if all you're doing is trying to make the other person
take your viewpoint, you're never going to be able to get any you you have to be able to discuss things and be open to what the other person has to be able to tell yourself, you know what, maybe I'm the one that's
wrong. Maybe I need to change my ideas. That has to always be in the back of your thought. And if never in any of the discussions somebody if if you look back at somebody and they've never had the thought that
maybe I might be wrong, maybe I'm willing to take some constructive criticism. I always say the one thing I know in my life I should start over again. I've been wrong so many times in my life
>> that I could never feel 100% confident in anything I say. But the one thing I know for sure if somebody comes up and says they are absolutely correct and there's nothing the only thing I know for sure is that one person is full of
it. That is not true. >> You can't be 100% right about >> everything all the time. You have to be able to accept some criticism sometimes. And I and again, there's a lot of issues
and I'm not speaking to any one of the issues a little bit. >> It's got to be so frustrating sitting back there. No, no. Because and and sometimes I'll have students back there and I and and and it is important to
present an o and I do I every single person who's come up here has I always say there will be that thing in your life that is going to bring you to that microphone. Something that you feel so strongly about. >> It's going to bring you to that
microphone. Now, you're going to go out into the world after that and the people that are going to agree with you are going to come up to you and they're going to talk to you. The people that don't agree with you,
why would you pick a fight with somebody on the street? So, sometimes it'll give people the false impression that they're Absolutely. But the the the one thing I I would say is, you know, we're
feeling like some contracts, and I'm not talking about well, eventually I'll get to school stuff, but some contracts are immutable, like they're magic, like and and I know nothing about what's happening with this
donation aundred years ago, but that happened and he donated something and the thought that that is more
what's the word I'm looking it's almost like you can't touch that that's that's that's untouchable the thought that that is more important and it's like horrible that we would even think of of of doing something I'm
>> sorry go ahead everybody else had more than 5 minutes >> is um the thought that that is so immutable and yet we're we're talking about hey you know what we have contracts with teachers and we're we're we want them to give back this is my
family I'm supposed to just be like you know I have four kids I've had tremendous amount of my son just had two hips um >> surgeries the thought like I'm supposed to give
that up like >> and and to use words like never and always and every like we're not evil there there might be some of us that are and I might have tendencies every now
and then I might you know but none of us are this and none you know >> right >> we're we're all just trying to get done the you you know, make our lives for our families and and to be portrayed one way
or the other. And I I I feel that that when when when somebody says something that that's just >> I'm not used to conflict. I'm not used to coming here and talking about this stuff >> and but when like I'm I hear those things, I understand the feeling that
you just want to to defend and you want that's why you're all here. you want to do the right thing and you want to defend people and you want to do and and sometimes people's opinions are on the opposite sides and it gets your Irish up and and I I I
I was back there and I was like, "Oh no, you know, cuz I think so much in the world right now is rage baiting. Everybody wants to get the other person upset." And again, I'm not necessarily talking about somebody in the room right
now. This is the internet. This is the world right now. Rage baiting so that you get somebody else mad so that Oh, do you see? Do you see how I'm treated? You know, and there will be cutups of this on on Facebook and I'm probably going to
be criticized and I'm probably going to have heck to pay when I get back to school. Notice I said heck and I didn't use an actual curse word. Um uh which which if I'm going to say is uh you know inappropriate for something you know now I'm going to have like I have to get it.
Anyway, I digress. >> Tommy, I hope nobody gives you a problem. That's your microphone. That's a people's microphone. Somebody gives you a problem, tell them to call me. I always taken it very >> to heart that I am I have not just a contract like you guys are paying the
school for us to broadcast but I also try to especially I I don't have any kids back there today but I try to keep things as you know well and and for me to do this it does give the appearance
that I'm being having a one-sided thing so it's Oh, why was the camera held on that shot for too long? You know, like I don't want that to be an issue. Uh but >> it is what it is. I think that was
important to say. I just want to see that. Uh and you know again the other thing was like evidence like we talk about oh all these anecdotal like I'm seeing about there and I'm I'm thinking like does anybody do like logic and
debate like anymore? I'm like oh like where's the evidence? You can't just say uh people are telling me and like I I again I apologized is one person in the room specifically. >> Do yourself a favor. Do not apologize.
>> Yeah. >> No, you know what? In this world in the middle of everything, having at least some empathy for other people and the fact that um another person might be feeling targeted and like I feel bad for
that. I do. So, I am going to say sorry to anybody in the room that does feel targeted by what I'm saying because that is not my impression. That is not what I want to have happen. I don't want anybody to go here feeling like they lost or anybody coming out of here necessarily feeling like they win. I
want the best >> for these committees, the school board, the township committee, so that not only do I get to go home and eat at a reasonable hour, but uh that actually things start getting done and it's
frustrating >> and I really feel sorry, you know, he must feel great that you don't have to deal with as much um uh uh Connors like you must Oh, I know you retired, so like you must be
like you're not dealing with it as much as you used to, but uh you know what? I'm going to uh exit stage left cuz I'm starting to peter out and I back there. Somebody get the I want to let me just let me just say something here.
>> You work with children, >> students. Guess what? They're going to make mistakes whether it's a on on >> We make mistakes. That's the only way to learn. >> But that's part of learning. Absolutely. >> That's part of So don't ever feel bad about that. And if anybody gives you a
hard time, let us know about it. >> Yeah. And Tom Tom, >> I actually, as you know, I've had the unique opportunity of when you first started broadcasting these years ago when I was on the school board, which
>> I've already been off of for 15 years. >> I have to give you a great amount of respect. This is the first time I have not seen the very calm Tom. >> Agreed. >> And >> agreed. >> Well, it's
Bradley. >> The I can't even imagine the amount of numbers of meetings and different things you have taped school board, township committee, uh different personalities, opinions, and the whole bit.
You should be very proud of yourself for being able to hold it totally together. for this long and you deserve a tremendous amount of respect for what you do, what you do for the kids. And that goes to show the type of person we
have working within our town in our district with the children because it's people like yourself that put out a good amount of the product that comes back and hopefully returns it back to our
community. the last thing I want or or and and actually that like >> respect is nice and I appreciate what you're saying but like um the last thing I need or want is like
>> recognition >> recognition right >> I just want to get things done >> and uh the thought that somebody you know I'm I'm going I'm going to take the hook
and get out of here. Uh, I appreciate it. Thank you. Thanks for coming out. >> Tom, Mr. Bender, >> welcome. >> Our closer is here. >> Completely different topic. Barry
Bender, can I say like somebody said their address. Can I say what I used to say >> you're not supposed to >> somewhere in Lacy Township. Um I was on Facebook and it brought I went over to um Lacy Chatter and I'm
sure people have seen this and I was like why are people posting pictures of pink flamingos in Lacy Township? Like what is this about? And there were this is historic. Three spoon pink spoon bills down at the end. Beautiful, aren't they?
>> They're Oh my god. But never before and like nowhere else. So they're drawn to Lacy Township, I guess. >> But I just wanted just wanted to point that out cuz I didn't hear anybody say anything about it, but I was amazed. I thought I was like, why are these people putting pictures of pink flamingos up?
>> I thought the same thing. I thought >> I thought they had made a trip to Florida and were like showing off their vacation. You know what I'm saying? But beautiful. Three beautiful birds. I are they I don't know if they're married >> down at the end of uh
>> what's the right the right near the >> I wouldn't tell anybody. >> Okay somebody going down and >> yeah no and I heard that it was like kind of crazy down there so I'm not going to really say but >> yeah but it's uh they came they chose Lazy Township so that says something.
>> Says something. >> Have a wonderful night. >> Have a good evening. >> Anybody else this evening? She got her hand up fast enough. >> Linda Miller. >> Yeah. >> Good evening. Linda Miller, Forkit River. Um, the first time I came to the
microphone, I was nervous. Now I'm nervous for a different reason. Um, because of heated discussions and whatever. But I wanted to say one more thing about the school. Um well, first of all, I do really feel
that u Mr. Bidnik does speak for the people. Um and that's what he wants to do. So, and I appreciate all he says and does. Um, now I don't know if you're um uh Bob I don't know if you realize that
um the preschool that's in that has been going on now for over a year and because it got it has fund been funded that that funding will go away and I don't know exactly when but when it does go away
then the responsibility for that preschool will also come back to the school and the taxpayers. >> The one thing about funding, I just want to say this real quick. That's true with anything in life in the government because there's a lot of things we all
depend on and make budgets on and different things like this. And that's the one scary thing uh one of the scary things I hate about government, you can't always depend on them, >> right? >> Because what they promise, they change,
right? And at any given time, because I'm agreeing with you a thousand%, that program may last for the next 10-15 years, and yet the next people in charge may change the rules. So,
>> well, the other I I always put it as all we can do is make the best out of a uh uh I don't want to use the same words that were used earlier, but uh out of a bad situation. >> Okay. The other thing I wanted to say about that, when that happened, it did
take a lot of business away from the daycarees that we >> had in our community and still have some them. >> And so there are businesses also. >> So I I I just wanted to make that clear to the public that this is
>> and that's why it's it's a two-ed double-edged sword. I you're exactly right. I mean, a lot of them are picking up the before and after care, but I guess cuz now that I'm a grandparent, uh, five of them that's between the ages
of three and six years old at $13 to $1,500 a month for daycare. These programs are very very beneficial especially in these times we're in because we're all frustrated
because of what things are costing us tonight because just about no matter who was talking people up the mic or this board it's all because of our pocketbooks right now and it's it's hurting and you're exactly right but the
this is a program right now that's beneficial for so many families because I know I was just talking to my order before hers just went up and it's 1,500 bucks just for one kid. >> I understand that. It is beneficial for the families and for the children right
now, but like I said, it's going to come back to the taxpayers at some point. >> If I may, if I may, my wife is a school teacher down in Little Egg Harbor. They've had this program, the one that we've just started the last couple of years for over 30 years. And every year, oh, we're going to cut it. We're going
to cut it. The state never cuts it. >> Kate, the state hasn't cut it. No, no. In fact, they put more money into it. >> Well, we'll pray for them. >> Yes, >> cuz I'm all about prayer, >> not the silent treat. >> Moment of silence. All right.
>> Thank you. >> No, the BPU has approved um electric bill credits. Is anyone else seeing this? >> The $50. >> It says we're going to get the $50 back. >> $50. It's on your bill. >> It's on September and October. I thought
it was well I thought it was article I thought it was on the August bill but >> right before the election it's almost like magic >> a ploy >> October surprise and in August $50 >> it says October and se and September and October 50 each month >> is that going to help
>> I have no idea but my bill is only $72 so >> any other comments this evening seeing none motion to close the floor >> second in favor >> I done motion to conclude Resolution 2025 >> guys.
>> Yo yo we're still going on here state authorizing convening of an executive session in accordance with the open public meeting to discuss matters personnel pingation and real estate. >> Move it. >> Second >> Mr. Hannis. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. Mr. >> Juliano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lay. >> Yes. >> Mayor. >> Yes.
>> Motion to move it. >> Secondly. All >> in favor? I. No further business.