Look at that. I'm going to call the workshop meeting of the Lake Ko mayor and council to order. We have one item on our workshop to discuss. This was a topic that was brought to my attention by fellow mayors in the area. Um, and I
know there have been a number of articles written about it in different newspapers and online newspapers um over the past couple weeks. It is the disc it's a discussion regarding the
possible opposition of Senate resolution S 4736. This is brought to my attention like I said we have a um a group of South Mammoth mayors that meet on a regular basis and this was a topic of discussion. I know that some of my
fellow mayors and other communities around are going to um oppose this and they're going to develop a resolution from their council to send to the Senate for opposition. Uh I believe everybody has had a copy of this. I don't know if
you have looked at it. Uh but basically what this resolution says is that in my opinion it is telling um towns that if religious groups or
nonprofit groups would like to uh develop or create affordable housing in conjunction with their their property that is already um
part of that that charitable group or that uh religious organization, they can do so without the guidelines of the municipality. Um I believe if I'm not mistaken, Drew,
that was the idea behind builder's remedy. Correct. If the township, if the burrow did not come up with um the standards that we came up with in accepting the affordable housing numbers, that builder's remedy would
kick in and builders would be able to come in and really build their own affordable housing without >> wherever they want, >> without the structure. without the structure of going before the planning board, going before the zoning board, and they could kind of do
whatever they want, wherever they want. Correct. >> I I believe so. And correct me if I'm wrong, it has to be via through a usually an injunction. >> It's litigation. No, they go they go to court. So the point is if you don't if you don't have a plan that's approved by
the courts in this circumstance or you speak about fairshare housing center an acceptable plan for affordable housing based on the size of the community and and that they can land availability then a builder can come in and and and sue for a building remedy and that means they still have to go to planning and
zoning board but but they can essentially build it anywhere they want. They they decide where it's going to be and they essentially take the power. there's limited review power of the plan. >> So, so you you don't want that to happen. >> So, and right by adopting our numbers,
which we did back in February or March, whatever we did, >> um we are not subject to that builder's revenue. When reading this um proposed resolution of the Senate, they are kind
of giving the same powers to religious organizations and nonprofits to what they will outside this the scope of the bar. >> I think you're absolutely right and also I don't think it has to be property they
already own. They can come in and buy property. So eligible property is property owned by a religious organization. But the question is if they come in and buy it then under this statute of this proposed legislation
they will be free to um have more market rate units. They can they can put them wherever they want to put them. They can all kind of other Yeah, I mean essentially they're giving giving a builder's remedy without without any justification for it other than this legislation to any nonprofit or
religious organization who wants to come in essentially. I mean, it's it's it's opening up the town perhaps to a bunch of group homes and things like that, too, which are all the kinds of things that could be built in conjunction with um a proposed housing development by a business or a nonprofit organization.
>> This was also given to Doug and I uh from a member of our planning board, zoning board to to look at and discuss as a council. Um do we think that this is something that we want to oppose? I know we have a lot of questions. You know, the one thing that that
hits me or that I can pick up. We're This is a small burrow and this is going to affect other burrows and townships more than it will affect us, but the fact that you can have uh tax exempt groups do this, not just religious
groups. I'm thinking of the people that own our charter school, right? They could come in, buy a property, say where the radio station is, they want to that property, they can come in and that
nonprofit organization probably has the power to come in and build affordable housing outside the control of the barrel. That's what that sound like sounds like to me. >> Am I wrong? >> No, no, you're right. You're right. Sure. >> So, the council has put it they can put
it in an area that's a non-residential area, too. They can put it in an area where you you don't have its own residential. They can put it in down in the middle of downtown Main Street, >> which is the exact. >> Um, questions, thoughts? You've had this for a little while. Hopefully, you
digested some of it. >> I was curious what what prompted the Senate to do this. >> This is This is Benji Wimberly and Troy Singleton are really big affordable housing advocates. And I've had a meeting with Troy Singleton years ago,
actually years ago, months ago about why they don't uh it was it was when the the uh the newest fair housing legislation was passed. We were trying to get to revise it a little bit and also to go back to regional sharing where we could talk about the towns that really want
affordable housing or that already have equipment and he wouldn't hear it. So they're they're just both um it's probably get it's probably not going to guess, but if you want to weigh in is This is al excuse me this is also a lame duck >> right session kind of push through
>> y >> what's the stop like say a not for-p profofit organization develops property builds units on what's to prevent them from later selling >> that's a good question nothing >> so if they sold it with with whatever
they did that didn't necessarily conform or bought it would be able to benefit from that >> sure it's protected >> even if it goes to just a private I mean, they probably there's probably some I don't know what there is or isn't, but there legislation isn't always drafted exactly the way it should be drafted. I mean, I'd be surprised if
this even got voted out of committee, but but it should have something in here that's a fail safe that requires them to maintain it for some period of time. And if it gets sold, they shouldn't, but they're going to have protection. If they build a residential structure in a
non-residential zone, they're not going to have to knock it down when they sell it. Hopefully there's something in here that doesn't permit them just to build it and flip it, >> right? >> I think I'm I'm a fan of structure, organization, and laws and guard rails,
and I think that this has none of that, >> and that concerns me for a small town like ours where potentially things could go in places that really wouldn't belong here, especially in a very small town where we don't have a lot of property. Any
other questions? >> And this resolution would be our way of just rejecting it, >> right? You're just telling the Senate that you're >> I agree. >> Agree. >> Um, at this time, I'll take a motion to
I'll take a motion to open to the public. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> Okay. anyone wishing and from the public wishing to speak to this. Um, technically you've heard what the the council is is moving towards as far as
uh coming up with a resolution to send to the Senate uh to send to our senator uh in rejection of this resolution. If there's anyone from the public that would like to come and speak and be heard on this topic specifically, you can come to the mic now and do so.
Seeing none, I'll take a motion to close. >> Sorry. >> All in favor? >> Um, is this something that needs to happen right away? >> Um, we probably should pass a resolution and then we can draft it unless we
already have a sample. >> So, there is a sample resolution. >> Okay. >> Um, I've read it. It it basically outlines everything we just said, right? That we have the town has a master plan. Um, and the municipality relies on it as a plan. And this resolution is basically
agenda. >> So Amy will make this 2025-143. Okay. So at this time I will call the regular meeting of the Lake Ko mayor and council to order. Please rise for a salute to the flag and a moment of silent reflection.
>> I pledge algiance 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. >> Please remain standing for a moment of silent reflection. Thank you. Sunshine Lo
notice of this meeting has been provided by the adoption of a resolution council on the seventh day of January 2025. The winter resolution the time and place of agenda and regular meetings commencing on January 7th. Notice the scene was delivered to the park coar and tap into a copy of the notice was posted on the
burough website and on the bulletin board in Burough Hall. All meetings are open for the >> roll call please. >> Council member Witty >> here. >> Skull here. And >> here is not here tonight. Council member Ventrice >> here. >> Validor >> here. >> Thank you. Can I take a can I have a
motion for the approval of the November 5th meeting? The minutes of the November 5th meeting. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed? Extensions. >> Nothing under communications. We will move to reports of committee starting
with Councilwoman Albalad. >> Thank you, Mayor. I have a few announcements. Um the first was thanks to everybody who came out on Saturday for our small business Saturday and annual treelighting. It was a wonderful movie and a wonderful evening and if I
heard it once, I heard it twice. It was like out of a Hallmark movie. And there's something really special about living in our small town. So I just wanted to say thank you to all involved. our DPW, Amy obviously for organizing and everybody else who was involved in
that day, our vendors who came um and just the everybody from the town. It was just a wonderful, wonderful evening and thanks to Doug for speaking and um for taking on that last duty before you >> before you complete your time with us.
Um I also want to let everybody know I'm excited to announce that our giving tree has been cleared. So, thank you to everybody who participated in that. Um, Santa is coming on the fire truck again this year. Um, that will be on the 15th with a rain date of the 17th and
uh, families are encouraged to drop off their gifts from the 8th to the to the 12th here at Burough Hall from 9 to 4. Um, there's information for that that is on our Burough website and also on social media. Um the we will have our
second annual Hanukkah celebration which will be on the 18th of December and that will be from 6:00 to 7:30. And last but not least our holiday lights that's to be determined. So please keep an eye on our social media to be so when we figure out the date for
that but that will be posted on our burough website and on the local social media pages. Other than that all matters are in order. >> Thank you. I'm just filling my calendar here. Uh the Hanukkah the 18th is 6 to 7:30.
>> 6:00 to 7:30. Yes. >> And that I believe will be the third night of Hanukkah, right? It's the 15th is the first. >> I believe so. I believe so. I believe so. I didn't look. >> I was testing it. >> You were.
>> Um Okay. Thank you. Uh Councilman Ventrice. Thank you, mayor. Saturday really was uh like a hallmark moment. I and I heard that from many people also and and I agree. Uh great job to everyone involved doing that. All matters are in order.
>> Thank you, Councilman Dan. >> Thank you, Mayor. Just a reminder, the last brush pickup of the season is on December 16th. The last pickup of leaves is going to be on December 19th and pickups will resume again back in April.
>> Thank you, Councilwoman Skull. Thank you, mayor. Just wanted to um echo the sentiments of my fellow council people that Saturday night was a wonderful event. Um thank you to tourism, Amy, of course, Heather, Santa, um the vendors.
It was it was a a great event. Um I just wanted to add of course that um announcements like these will also be on our uh Lake Como Facebook page. Um, and then the gifts for the giving tree I believe are
due back the 10th. Just wanted to add on to that. Um, and also I just wanted to thank everyone um, for voting for me. So um, I wasn't here last meeting uh, due to medical purposes, but I'm back and um, wanted to thank everyone for who
voted for me. Um, I'm looking forward to serving our town for another term. So then that all matters are in order. >> Thank you, Council President Whitty. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh yes, Saturday night was very nice and it was honored to do the uh tree lighting ceremon as my
last official event and I will hold my other comments until next meeting. >> Okay, other than that matters in order. >> Thank you. Uh yeah, I unfortunately could not have been was not there on Saturday night. It was the first tree lighting I missed in a while. Thank you,
Doug, for for stepping in and taking those reins. Um, we've had a lot of new things come our way in this barrow over the last five, six, seven years. And the addition of the small business Saturday
on the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been one of the the nice things about this burrow in the winter months. We celebrate a lot all summer long. We kind of start with the parade and we move through our summer season and we have
Lake Como day. Um, but the the the creation of that day was really nice. Um, and it's just getting better and better every year. So, thank you to everyone who's had a hand in it since the beginning. Um, and thank you to everyone who made it happen again this year. Um,
other than that, I just other congratulations to Holly. Sorry we missed you. We did congratulate you. >> Thank you. We're putting here. Um >> my ears are ringing. >> Yes. So, um that's all I have
>> at this time. I'll take a motion to open for public comment on new business. >> So, move second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Anyone wishing to speak to anything listed under new business, including resolution 2025-143, which will be added at the end, can come
to the mic and do so now. Seeing none, I'll take a motion to close. So move. Second. >> Thank you. Uh under new business, we have our first line item, which is a special defense application for Cupid's Chase 5K. Uh we do have a
representative, I believe, in the uh audience. You can come to the mic. Just tell us your name um and your representation. >> Yeah. Uh hi, my name is Kevin Ryland. Uh this will be my fourth year uh appearing before you. Uh I'm only here once a year
so I don't expect you to remember me but uh we've had this is going to be our fourth year hopefully uh doing the race and we've had a great turnout every year. Uh Mayor Higgins has been graceful enough to show up and uh give a little speech each year which has been fantastic. Uh we're hoping to have
another 250 runners again like we did the past few years. Um it's a great event for community options. I'm sorry community options. We help people with disabilities uh find and maintain employment. So each year uh around the country, we're in 11 states. On the same
day uh throughout the country, we have a Cupid's Chase 5K to help raise money for the organization. So we probably have uh maybe 60 races going off at the same time every year. Uh we have six I think in New Jersey alone. Uh so this is the
race that my group does and it's been a great success. uh bar has been wonderful for us. So I just hope for uh approval again. >> Thank you. >> Uh and it looks like from the date it's a big year. >> Yeah, it actually falls on Valentine's
Day this year. >> Yeah. Usually we try to pick this Saturday closest to Valentine's Day, but uh it's Valentine's Day this year. >> And I just want everybody to know that you can go back and tell my wife that I know the date of Valentine's Day. So, um, questions. We There was a
question that you that you marked that there was no charge to attend the event, >> but it looks like there's no charge admissions to get into bar A. That's what >> Oh, yeah. There's no I mean, it's it's people pay to run, but we don't charge anything else. And Bar A is gracious enough. They're open. They let us use
their restrooms. Um, and they're open for business. So, you know, we encourage people to go in there afterwards for a beer and a burger. >> Yep. Questions from the council. >> Chief, anything? >> True. Any
>> good? >> No. >> True. We're good. Insurance is good. Everything's okay. >> Okay. Yeah. Motion to approve it. >> Second. >> Second. All right. Uh, roll call, please. >> Since other new business, >> yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You're ready. You're good to go. >> Great. Thank you very much. Hope to see you again this year. >> I'll be there. >> All right. >> Well, I don't know. I got to talk to my wife. >> All right. >> Plan the afternoon with her. >> Sounds good.
>> Thank you very much. >> Next on our uh agenda, we have resolution 2025-139 offered by Councilman Dan Tuano. >> Thank you, Mayor Soul offered resolution 2025-139. This is governing body certification of the annual audit. Whereas the annual
audit report um annual report of the audit for the year 2024 has been filed by a registered municipal accountant with the municipal clerk pursuant to NJSA 4A 5-6 and a copy has been received by each member of the governing body. Now therefore be resolved by the merit
council of the buro hereby states that is complied with NJAC 530-6.5 and does hereby submit a certified copy of this resolution and required affidavit to set the shance. >> Thank you. Before we take a vote
I'm going to ask Sam to talk a little bit about the audit and um as best you can and the suggestions that are given to us by our order. >> Sure. So um this year We only received uh one comment from the auditor as opposed to last year we received three
or more the year before that. So we are working diligently to reduce those. Um the only comment this year was that the borrowate all inner fund balances prior to year end. Um that just means one fund owes another fund money um should be
cleaned up by year end. Um it was simil similar comment last year we received it again this year. Um and moving forward I just It's something to monitor. If if the funds are there, we will transit them and clean up inner funds. That's the only recommendation this year and
that's the plan moving forward. >> So, and I did ask you this before um just a little clarity and um I don't know if there's other questions for the council >> when you say that if the funds are there, right? Can you explain a little
bit what that means? If they're giving if if our auditor is looking at the year-long books and saying at the end of the year you got to move fund move funds. >> What do you mean by if the funds are there? >> So I'll um there was a bigger inner fund in 2023 was that the current fund lent
water sore money. Water didn't have the extra $200,000 at the end of the year that it borrowed to pay back waited until revenue was received in order to move it back. So it's something similar to that. It was not that big of a figure this year. I think the biggest one was
um planning board escros were supposed to be kept in a trust fund and that money wasn't moved from current fund to that trust. Um so it's just something to monitor at the end of the year but that's the only comment. >> Okay. And um that comment is going to be
put into >> the next resolution is the correct >> um so we're still on resolution. >> So you're I I this resolution that we're talking certification is saying that you guys received the audit and you guys are all aware of the comment that we
received. >> Thank you. Um I have a motion. Any questions from council? >> I have a second. Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council member Witty, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> How valid? >> Yes.
>> The next item is resolution 2025-140 offered by council president. >> So offer resolution 2025. The resolution indicating directed action plan status regarding the 2024 audit report. That's what I went over,
>> which means we're just going to monitor. That's our >> Any further questions from the >> I have a second. >> Second roll, please. >> Witty, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Resolution 2025-141 offered by Councilwoman Abalago. >> Thank you, mayor. So offering resolution 2025-141 be it resolved by the mayor and council of the burough of Lake Ko that the
proper officers be directed and authorized to make payments from the following accounts. The current account 1,422,85549 the water account $1,89.99 the general capital fund of $13,638.38. the escrow trust account of $241.50,
the tourism account of $1,55863, and the AC wire payments of $490,26523 for a total of 1,929,64922. >> Thank you. Woody, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Ventric. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Thank you. Resolution 2025-142 offered by Councilman Skull. >> Thank you, mayor. So, offered resolution 2025-142. Be resolved by the mayor and council of the burrow of Lake Ko that the proper officers be directed and authorized to make payment from the following account.
Current account New Jersey natural gas $335.13. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Ventric. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Okay, we have resolution 2025-143 which is uh a resolution opposing S4736 which we discussed in our workshop. Um I will just read that it is resolved that the bureau of Lake Ko urges the legislature to def the legislation to
defeat sorry let me start over again. It is resolved that the Bureau of Lake Como urges the legislature to defeat S4736 and similar legislation that denies local autonomy in land use planning and ignores the wellthoughtout master plan.
It is also resol resolved that a copy of the resolution is forwarded to our senator and our assembly people as well as Governor Phil Murphy, Governor Elect, and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. Um, would someone like to make a motion
for this resolution? >> So move second. Roll call, please. >> Witty, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Do >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Um, at this time, I'll take a motion open for public comments. >> So move.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> Thank you. At this time, anyone from the public wishing to come and comment uh on any topic for the council can do so now. Right. came all the way from Florida. No, nothing. >> Just to say everybody.
>> Seeing none, I will take a motion to close. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Thank you. Next meeting. >> Next regular meeting of the mayor council will be held on Tuesday, December 16th at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room. All meetings are open to the public.
>> Be a small meeting. >> Should just cancel. >> Take a motion to adjourn. So >> second. >> All in favor?