to call this meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and ask the city clerk to read the signal compliance with open public meetings act into the record. This meeting is being held in compliance with the open public meetings act with notice provided to the county democrat the
times and members on the list serve. The meeting agenda provides action items known at the time of publication and is subject to change. This meeting is being recorded and streamed live using the Zoom meeting platform. Roll call. >> Yes, please. >> Councilwoman Kaminsky >> here.
>> Councilman Lie >> here. >> Councilman Stegman >> here. >> Uh Mayor No, >> yes. and just want to note for the record that council president Lambert is absent tonight. >> Thank you. So, good evening and welcome everyone. Uh we'll begin this evening as we always do by standing for the pledge of allegiance and I'll ask that we
remain standing a moment of silence in appreciation of everyone who has just been reelected this week. work well from where I to the flag of the United States. Uh we begin this evening with squaring in of a new police officer, Nicole
Barrett. We're delighted to have you here in the city and uh it's always a great honor for me to welcome a new member of the L Police Department. So I'll come down and if you could join me, Nicole. somewhere over here. I can't see the last word.
I think so. and living. I Nicole Bry >> I Nicoleberry >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and >> the Constitution of the State of New
Jersey >> in the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and the governments established >> and the government established >> in the United States and in the state >> in the United States and in every state
>> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully >> and I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of police officer >> all the duties of police officer >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability
>> to help me out >> to help me >> congratulations the counseling Sam, you want to join us? >> All right. Thank you. Thank you. Congratulations. Oh, can you >> if you could just sign
It's going to see all right. beginning of our public participation session. So this time when invited to speak you have mobility issues. We also need to step up to the uh mic phone here. Give three minutes of uninterrupted time for comments or
questions. Um and then Lindsay will keep keep an eye on the time and let you know when you've got 30 seconds left. Um anybody in the public wish to make a comment this evening question? 33 Wilton Street. Just a couple of questions and then um
first is there a timeline on the agreement on affordable housing with Khabian? I mean I know you're not at least talking to them yet, but the timeline when the public's going to see it, far along we are and when will that be available? Uh and any update on the
uh parking lot in the tree issue from last meeting? Curious. Um, I did look to the site and looks like you could replace I mean I was a landscaper back in college days, but it looks like you could replace the the uh the boxes and make them larger and still have plenty of room for parking because you go
towards the street. And then um I saw the master plan is on for discussion and one of the things I think you would need to do sort of ahead of time is actually do a real build out and capacity analysis to know what how what your zoning actually does and what the
capacity of it is so you kind of know what where you need to make fixes. Uh for instance, when I was in Greenwood, we had an area by the original zone for light and less than the rural valley there because there's no limits on the sides of the factories. There's no highways or sewers, but they didn't get
filled, but just as an example. And then um as we're waiting for those things to move forward, um I really think that the town has to start working on some of the ordinances that are already a problem like parking. I mean, we're we're allowing development to happen with no parking or with these magic formulas
where, you know, you switch one thing to another and you gain, you know, extra parking even though there's still no parking facility and, you know, we're heading into a parking crisis in this town. People are parking everywhere and, you know, it's getting worse and we keep adding more and more uses and more
businesses and houses without adequate parking. And I think we're we're going to be buried by all the traffic and people trying to park it in different places, including illegally, like in my driveway. Um, and then on trees, I I really think that we need to update
the pre-ordinance. You know, I worked on the Jackson tree ordinance. It was upheld by the Supreme Court. It required a developer when cutting down trees to replace everything they take down for trees and they had to replace. I mean, you pay them to the point they actually had to find places. They had it really so it doesn't get wasted on something
else. I really think the needle serve like that because of what's going to happen in the hill and also because we we have a very small town with very few trees and um we need to figure out a way to actually green our city better and I think that would be an important way of doing it. And and then the final piece
is I think you know given what's happening at the state level on storm water we need to start updating our own because there's amendments to the stormwater ordinances that would allow um affordable housing and and builders remedy type developments and flood zones
and um wetlands and other things which I think would be horrible for multiple reasons. One um you're going to end up having two classes of environment. one for wealthy people on dry land and one for poor people in a swamp with black
mold and getting flooded. So anyway, I just wanted to >> thank you. Uh the redevelopment agreement uh we were due to uh talk about this evening at close session. We had to cancel close session because council president's unable to attend tonight. Um I uh my expectation is that
they'll have that agreement done sent off Kout by the end of the month. um council are submitting comments and still we're still working through it. Most of my own personal um recommendations although we've been incorporated so uh I'm hoping that uh my
expectation is that will be sent to by the end of the month. Um there's no update on the the uh the project in in uh at the North Street parking lot. Um I've asked Captain President to sort of take over that project. Um she's been uh
busy with other things if you haven't had a chance to talk about it. So uh certainly will be something that we talk about in the future. Uh master plan, we'll talk a little bit about this tonight. I just wanted to keep it on the agenda more than anything else. Um you know, council members down here have agreed to sort of help spearhead the
effort and really I just wanted to kind of keep it up front and center. Um and obviously we'll be taking a look at um everything that's part of that parking or parking ordinances zoning. Uh I'll talk a little bit about that when we when we introduce the subject tonight.
Um the cha commission they did uh amend their ordinance a couple of years ago after a a very lengthy period of uh kind of analysis. Uh so uh certainly uh you know if there are changes that you would you would propose I think it would be
worthwhile to go and speak to the shape commission specifically. Um that's really the place to start with uh proposed amendments. Um, and I'll just note that, you know, we did get a grant and we talked about this uh in 2023 to do an inventory that's on the website.
So, you can look at every single shade tree in the city on the website. It'll give you the health of the tree, the approximate age of the tree, the species. Um, it was a great grant to get and it was a lot of leg work for the the the contractor to do. So, that's a really great resource and uh you know,
city's always planting trees. uh parks and wreck uh you know just contacted me today uh about planting more trees on the uh uphills on the on the uphill side of Gilly Creek. Um they've planted dozen probably a couple of dozen trees on music mount just in the last few weeks.
So uh I give Marian Bors a lot of credit for working with Soline Conservancy in particular for uh planting trees. Um, so we've got a lot of them coming in. Uh, and hopefully, you know, that will continue, especially in those areas that have been so so negatively impacted with
the loss of the, um, the, um, ashes. Yeah, thank you. Um, so, uh, working on that and, you know, just in terms of the storm water and the affordable housing, that's something, you know, we're mindful of. I don't really have any any comment about that tonight, but it's obviously something that's uh a
conversation at uh local levels and to say anything else in the room. >> Okay. >> Beth, you want to go ahead? >> Yes. Hi everybody. Beth O'Brien to Hancock Street. Um, Mayor Noick, did I
hear you say that you would be submitting the agreement with the developer by the end of this month, meaning November? And will the public have an opportunity to see what the negotiations
parameters are before you actually give it to the developer? Uh yes, I will be sending the my my plan is to send the agreement to Kevin by the end of the month and uh no not the initial uh you will not the public won't
have access to the initial uh that initial document. We talked about it with the city attorney. We will talk about it in the public forum but we want to send the agreement off to Khob and they'll probably uh mark it up and send um edits back. So, we have promised to
have an open conversation about that, but not not before Canadians either. >> All right. Thank you. >> Excuse me. Mayor, did you ask for the people up on the hill to send us uh
ideas or concerns so we can incorporate at last meeting? >> Yeah. Well, I've encouraged people all throughout this process to send ideas. So, and you know, uh, we've incorporated some of, as I said to Beth last time, some of some of your ideas into it and
some of the other ideas that have been sent to us from other people, uh, in the community. So, yeah, I absolutely encourage anybody to send me anything that they think should be incorporated. Um, and, uh, happy to discuss about discuss with the city attorney uh, and then respond whether I think it's
something that can be included or or maybe even has been included. I don't I don't want to get into too many specifics about what we're sending uh you know in the first go around. So we absolutely welcome ideas. >> Anyone else online? How many people do
we have online? >> Seven. >> Seven. All right. Welcome online folks. Um so looks like I'll make a motion to close another public comment period. May I have a second? Sec. All in >> favor please say I. All right. Thank you very much.
>> So, next this evening we're going to have uh squad Lisa Aaron C this evening talking a little bit more about the function and the work of the squad over the last few months. Uh so I've been sending the
council reports which we've incorporated the report the council meetings and always happy to share kind of beyond uh council meetings. Um we have included some information from time to time matters and if anybody ever has any questions
they can contact me or uh or chief snider. So I'm going to turn this over to you chief. Um you're welcome to step up and uh is this a comfortable place for you to speak? >> Sure. further. >> Just give Lindsay a minute while she >> Absolutely.
I just want to take a minute to thank the mayor and council for allowing us to present tonight. And uh as always, if there is ever a question for rescue squad, feel free to reach out to myself anytime. I'm local so you can find me or
anywhere you get to. Uh we do have a little presentation that's the next one. >> I don't know where my switches are at home. >> Hi, I'm Lisa Aaron. I'm the president of
ambulance never ambulance rescue squad. >> Can you get closer to the mic? >> I try. >> You're going to have to >> Yeah. >> Is that a little bit better or no? >> Go for it. >> You want me just >> So anyway,
all right. So, we have tonight um about who we are, what we do. Um so, we can go to the next slide. Okay. Who are we? We are a unique state uh state certified squad, meaning we have EMTs who are certified in New
Jersey as well as Pennsylvania. Um we have paid and volunteer EMTs. We have a youth squad program, a marine rescue program, and K9 search and rescue teams. Um our chief is a volunteer uh president, me, I am a volunteer. Our
vice president, assistant treasurer, and our secretary are also volunteers. Um, one of our ambulances is staffed 247 and it is based out of the Eagle, one of them is based out of the Eagle Fire U Department in New Hope from Panda 6. Um,
the other is staffed at our member health station. Um, next slide, please. Okay, so you're going to see some facts and data, but wanted to share a few words directly from our members. Their stories
say more about who we are than any sharp number ever could. From Michael, a 10 plus year volunteer. After retiring from a long and fulfilling career in education, I decided to become an EMT as a way to continue giving back to my community. Teaching allowed me to help
others learn and grow. And now through emergency medical services, I can help people in moments of real need. Volunteering as an EMT has been a deeply rewarding opportunity. It allows me to make a direct positive impact on others lives while continuing to serve with purpose and compassion. We have another
one here from Shirley, who's been a part of the squad for over 50 years and is a lifelong Lville resident. The squad is a second family to me. I started as a youth squad member in 1972. I enjoyed learning first aid and being part of the team. Most of all, I wanted to help people in need. Another one here from
Jack, who got his start as a youth squad member and stepped up to the senior squad as soon as he turned 18. I do what I can with the Lambertville New Hope and Rescue Squad because just like every resident, we serve our local in our local areas. My family and I are included. The care and operations
provided on a daily basis are not easy to do, but I am proud to be part of an organization that is for the community as much as the squad is. And finally, we hear from Pat, a member of over 60 years whose family name is well known in Lville and whose father is the namesake of this building.
I have always felt that helping others in need is something I should be doing. EMS gave me that opportunity to serve. When I first got involved with the squad as a young boy of 16, the red light, siren, and emergency vehicles were an exciting aspect of the emergency services. Eventually, I came to realize
that giving aid to people in need was what it was all about. Serving my community is an important part of my life. That is why I continue to do whatever I can for the Lambert Ambulance Rescue Squad. >> Sure. >> Sorry.
>> All right. So, a little fact about this. So, we are a BLS squad and you'll see a little further what that means or basic life support versus advanced life support. Uh, as Lisa did say, we are staff 24 hours a day with two MTs
and from that 10 to 1800 to 6 p.m. We do have four uh AMTs on two surgery ambulances which we relocate around to get the best coverage. Um and that is we do that because that obviously is the busier time we have all gold in that window. We are dual state certified
which means every MT has to be uh certified in PA and New Jersey which is double double CD use double training. Uh and some of the protocols are different so that's a twist of things. Um,
we've been blessed that many of our MTs have gone to become paramedics and nurses and a lot of them still do ride with us part-time. So the level of care they get from our fields ambulance is far more than that. Next slide please. So a little history. So the adults
association formed 1927. In the late 70s it merged with the Lal rescue squad and then in 85 we added new move into our name to reflect all the areas that we cover. As you can read there want to read all that we have a huge area that we cover including new in into Sbury
Township in Pennsylvania and obviously all around the south end of Hunter County. U the USB program has been in place since 1961. I myself started it in in the 80s. Um and we do obviously the school districts that feed that youth
squad um New Hope and South Hunter Sbury School and we do have actually kids that come from program and again become nurses and paramedics. Um so it's almost 100 years we've been here doing that survey. In fact we were one of the first
three squads in Bucks County back in the day. Uh one of the things that uh you'll see here an article that was uh just heard it was an early site and actually spoke in this article back in ' 85. We were the first in her county to start to pay
our debt. We realized the uh daytime call the daytime assignments were difficult for folks to leave work. So and uh obviously the volunteers were all working. So we came on with two members that were running as a paid staff and
then you know that's evolved into a whole different academy. Today we have about 30 employees um and we are a you know we have our career staff on majority of the time there is about three volunteers that ride to help fill
that void. We're hoping to to get some more into that to help offset some of that cost. Um it's expensive. That's the one downfall of doing employees. It it's about $1,000 per day if you take our load cost of employees to stay at those
ambulances. And obviously equipment is just like everything else. The prices are going through the roof. So all the equipment is out of control. Unfortunately, we have been in the red uh in several years in 2019 and 22. Uh
we were blessed with some of the co monies to help offstead as many businesses were to get us out of that point. Thank goodness we've had some um very generous donations in the past to help. So that red at least we had savings to
back that up in the staff. Um you can see the great increase in cost 40% uh increases since 2020. CO really really took a hard shadow on anything emergency anything medical nobody wanted to be an ambulance during
co so we lost a lot of folks and had a great new and there was a really there was a big gap in the folks that would even go to get certified um our funding about 50% or less comes from municipal funding uh
we are not tax supported like I said everything comes from our billing income uh and more donations for our during our fund drive. Uh the billing income uh just to give you
some old numbers. So our payroll is we expect to be about 750,000 this year. Our billing income uh is around 565,000. Billing income unfortunately is out of our control. Depends on insurance companies what they're doing for Medicare and Medicaid. So that's where
we really run into it later. proceed. Next plan. So, as I mentioned before, what's the difference? >> So, a BLS ambulance is what you see on the street. We come out, we can transport, we can do all the things you see on the left there. And that's pretty
much everything emergency medicine. What the ALS component brings and that's the little and and you see the little white little white suburban that comes out 100 medical brings out. They can do things like IV therapy. uh they can do intubation and little some advanced
things but we cover all that. We do the transportation on that side. Um the reason this slide is here is so important. We went through it um earlier this year Central Bucks Ambulance in Pennsylvania who we've worked with for years in that same component as a trans
as a they would bring our unit into us. They are now they now brought in a transport unit. So we lost call transport in Sbury Township. So again, that's a little bit of an income loss for us. Uh we're working with new burrow and Sbury Township to continue to be
there and hopefully get back in the same capacity once. Next slide, please. Some statistics. Um you can see the call volume is increasing and we do forecast that to
continue. Obviously 25, we're not the end of the year yet. uh our volume may be slightly lower with that Sbury Township change. Um the Landville city calls uh are on the on the right hand side. You can see that volume stays around the same
you know while they're saying we can't forecast. So 448 calls so far. Um this just shows as we talked about that relocation into Pennsylvania with the second unit over there. We have um one or two calls come out of land because
obviously that's where we're at most of the time. 41. That just shows some of the response times into the areas and these are averages across all the calls. So some may be a little bit more worse, some may be a little less. Um we we were in a pilot program or we
are in a pilot program. Um, as we talk, one thing you're going to hear conversation about a lot more in the future with emergency medicine with the decrease in volunteerism, the squads that are volunteer are starting to really struggle. So, we were in a
pilot program. We were relocating an ambulance at Amal Valley or station 48, which is Ringo's for a couple hours during the day and trying to see how that worked. That um is actually coming to an end. So, we're going to take that data, bring it back. Uh, Councilman Kaminsky and I have really in this
conversation talking about regionalization and um and what that looks like. You know, one of the things that I'd like to continue on is to look at the uh all the municipal levels, the county level, and even at the state level to try to get some funding support
for that. We have equipment, we can we have staff, but unfortunately, as I said, it's very expensive. So if we can find some more funding, I think we can help to solve some of these coverage areas around the county. Go to the next slide.
Again, this is more just statistical data. It shows the type of calls October and this year January to October 25. Um if anybody's any questions about those kind of self-explanatory and just it's
broken in in the type of quality obviously they're all in one scroll. So and it shows one of the things that you'll see here that doesn't quite reflect it. So we may have 400 calls but we may not
transport 400 calls. Uh if there could just be a lymposic, could be somebody that doesn't necessarily need to go. Could be an overdose that when you snark in and they come out of it or a diabetic where they just need the the extra sugar to bring themselves back. Any of those calls, they're not billable calls. So
that's income. That's not income loss, but it's not income we're able to gather from that. Again, our our focus is always the patient. We always go, but we just have to we're going to pay. Any questions on any of the data that's there? If you guys can see that right now,
so we are actually not we are we just received a replacement ambulance. The one we got rid of in 2015 had 130,000 on it and um that unit will be in service by the end of the month. Uh we have to
be I don't know licensed most states. So we have to go through all that process. Um just an idea of some costs. I mentioned price once there. So the thing you see on the top right that's the CP manip but that device is a is a
electronic uh CPR device. It'll actually do compressions uh on well people necessary. They're very expensive and we have two of them. Uh they're about $20,000 a piece. We the batteries
have to be replaced. Four batteries for and there's your price. Um we have a main battery and backup battery. The AEDs are external defibrillators. We have they do for batteries again price points there. Seal detector bags, suction batteries, stretcher batteries.
We have power loading systems and then those flies. Again, they're just just some idea of what the costs are. There's some equipment. So in conclusion, that's obviously um there's a lot to the squad, a lot of things moving, a lot of moving pieces, a lot of staffing issues. You know, we
have transisted from the volunteer squad that we once were in early to more of a business that it is today. Again, you know, we are predominantly career. Um our focus is to obviously be here whenever the call is.
as that call line increases, that's challenging. Um, we'd love to be able to stay at that second unit more often. And if we move past those hours, which we're looking at some creative options of how to do that, how to pull volunteers into those. So, there's always a lot going on. Anybody has any suggestions or
thoughts or wants to volunteer, by all means, come on up. They always use help. Uh, is there any questions? Anything? As I said, you know, for me the um it's been a lifetime in this squad. Seems
like 40 almost 40 years, but in the chief position and back in as lead and always in some of the leadership role for me it becomes what does the future look like? I don't I'm not worried about today. I'm worried about 10 years from now. Um a lot of us are volunteering. I
don't anticipate us. Who knows maybe? So some of us won't be here in 10 years. will be on other things, but you know, can we make it sustainable where we can afford to keep the staff uh to keep the leadership where it is and be able to move it into the next generation and be here for the city and the county and all
the areas around us because as I said, we're seeing the number of lines diminish and the demand becoming much higher. Thanks. Well, again, thank you everyone for listening tonight and feel free to any questions anytime.
Chief Lisa, thank you very much for the presentation. Uh we're grateful for all of your service. Uh I remember years ago when I went up with Pat, I sat with Pat and the squad for the first time and I was just really overwhelmed by the stories of how many people have volunteered, how long people have
volunteered, how many nights and nights and nights people showed up to staff and to continue to, you know, honor those commitments >> Thursday night for 25 years. >> Amazing, right? Just amazing. So, uh thank you. We'll post this on the city website and I'll I'll put a link to it
in Lal Matters. terms of >> Yeah, just just to add to what um Chief was saying when Lisa um we we did he and I were talking a little bit about about you know the need to kind of coordinate
with the other municipalities maybe talk to the county you know just this idea about how as reference EMS is changing we don't have the volunteer structure there are financial needs it's kind of
an odd I've like government, you know, like uh oversaw, you know, government oversees it. There's just a lot to it of how, you know, municipalities choose their EMS services, how we how we help out and maybe it's time like
particularly in the county as there are more people moving out here and a lot more going on that, you know, with Westwell, East Amwell, you know, the the mayor and folks getting together with the county and, you know, talking a little bit about it and how are we going
to do this and, you know, kind of try to get ahead of the curve. So yeah, I I just thought that that was a good, you know, a good approach particularly when you know, you guys are looking at all these different ways to try to, you know, I don't want to say survive, but
operate and how squads are going to operate the future. So you know, I'm happy to be like kind of a part of that. think we would be I think it would be you know talk to the other you know mayors about it or see what we can do
>> defin to reach towards we definitely you know the it's it's a little disheartening the you know the state over the years has not considered EMS to be essential service >> and so there's just been no funing that
normal and you know which which now and it's not again it's not just here it's everywhere everywhere just you know the um is a technical skill just like everything else technical the it's hard to find enough staff to do it and then uh you know the expectation is going to
be a bunch more poor is pretty slim so >> yeah you all do a great job you know first responders we need you we love you and it's I think it's great that the fire department chief and our police department you all working together and talking to try to you know get the kinks
out and it'll be interesting to see now that you're come coming back from you know valley is what we're >> use our resources you know how do we system status how do we maintain the best system we can all resources that we have chief's been been exceptional
working with us Lieutenant Brown obviously he's been a is a squad member and uh you know worked with years so we you know we have a great relationship and trying to we want to continue that and like I said try to use as resources best we can >> absolutely like that. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh next on the agenda resolutions we have three resolutions tonight. Uh let's talk briefly about them. Uh so the first is to amend the contract of Gilmont for uh LSRP services down at Park. Um
there's additional testing that's been required. trying to get all this work done before the end of the year so that we uh are able to realize our green acres from that park and just reopen the park. So, uh we're working on it and uh need a little bit more money for the LSRPs to
kind of finish the testing and the additions to the D. Um the second one is just uh fairly fairly straightforward. Um uh St. jobs repaving their parking lot. Part of the parking lot is actually
a city right of way. Um it's called a black walls court. This just authorizes them to black court. Uh and then the last one is a resolution to authorize the donation of funds from our emergency uh emergency funds local food pantries
in light of the government shutdown government the governor's state of emergency. Um, so proposing that we take $5,000 out of the uh the emergency fund here at Lambertville, which is uh completely uh was completely financed by
uh the donations from residents. So this fund started in the wake of um IDA and was instrumental and very very helpful to a lot of people in the community. Um we still uh $12,000 after this $5,000 has been removed. So, we still have a
nice bit of money in that account, but this seems like an appropriate moment to do something for people in our communities. And I would also just note that tomorrow the county is having a uh a drive-thru distribution u food bank at uh at the
county complex from 10:00 to 2. Uh we just found that out today. I'm on a call with the the county commissioners tomorrow to talk about that and and the larger issue here in Hunter County um with food insecurity. So, um, uh, we're trying to do what we can to help out.
Um, so unless there are any questions from the council on that, I could ask for a motion to approve the resolutions 174 through 176. So, second. >> All those in favor, please say I. >> I. I. >> Thank you. We have this bills list
tonight. Uh, it's composed of the the two checks to the food banks and one other uh small bill. >> Yeah. It's a reimbursement to works comp. they overpaid on one of our employees. >> So, I'm going to make a motion to pay the bills. Is there a second? >> Second.
>> All in favor, please say I. >> I. Question carries. Um, next is a board appointment. Uh, it's gives me great pleasure to nominate Cindy Yan to the uh position of chairperson for the environmental commission with a term
expiring on 12312028. And Cindy was the uh the chair of that commission in olden days. uh when Mayor Dave was around. So uh she returns to that position with much gratitude for her work and she's been continuously serving on that commission for how many
years altogether? >> Eight. >> Eight. All right. So uh um I think uh we'd love to have you back in that position. So any any comments on that or motion? >> I think it's a great idea. So I have to
make too. When we were talking about the environmental commission having more input into the planning boards, the issual sense for her to be at the, you know, at the helm as I attended the environmental
commission meeting, which you know, we ran check plus a good time and I hope the after, you know, the environmental commission had the posth Halloween cleanup, right? Yeah. So, I hope it went well. >> It did.
>> You know, >> I was out there with them. Yeah. >> Gloves, you know, we have stuff going on, but it was good. >> So, that's a second then. >> Yes, >> that's a second. Okay. >> All right. All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. Motion carries. Thank you very much, Senator.
>> Um, so we have a few discussion items tonight. Um, as I said earlier to Jen, I'm just going to, you know, keep the master plan. This is kind of on the agenda. Um this is really going to be a 2026 early 2026 initiative. Um I'll just a couple of notes about the the master
plan because uh last completed the examin reexamination report was last completed in 2019 and there have been some elements that have been updated through the years. Our zoning ordinances were codified back in 2016. Um the city's made some minor amends to zoning
ordinances including storm water management and the flood damage prevention ordinance. Um we will have introduced uh at the November 20th meeting um some amendments to the zoning ordinances for zones that affect affordable housing. So um those will be
a amended change set aside from 15% to 20%. Um so we we're currently working on that language and we'll have that those ready for introduction. Um so far market um so um got some people here tonight. Um, so we we
started talking about having a farm market last year. I've had these conversations with council. Uh, Lindsay has been instrumental in helping us set up kind of a system of uh of an application and Cindy's been also very helpful in terms of getting us uh some found some foundational information. So,
we started having this conversation last year. We had some interest. We had three or four farms apply, but we just couldn't get it across the finish line. It's actually a pretty complicated um thing to sort of get off the ground. So um this year we've uh I've been able
been lucky enough to find a few people here in the community to really help out and uh three of them are here tonight. I saw that Tammy was here but she's uh she's left and I'm just going to introduce them talk a little bit about kind of what we're doing um over the next couple of months. Um so Tammy Leoris is not here. So these are all
Lambertville residents. Sammy's a journalist uh who's built a career of turning curiosity into conversation and uh she's reporting for the New York Times uh the Metropolitan Sections. Um and she's also a teacher at Montlair State University. Um Alexander Pacman is
here. Um he is uh famously known in my role as Sarah Gold's husband. >> He's a local economic development professional managing the public private partnerships for the state of New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Um he's worked as an analyst on Wall Street uh
served at Peace Corps um and he holds a master's degree in economic from Princeton. So he's uh very interested in getting a local market up. Uh Nate Storing who I just recently met uh who's here as well. He's the co-director at uh
the project for public spaces which is a nonprofit organization that unlocks the power of public spaces to strengthen the well-being of communities around the world. So, uh, a remarkable, uh, uh, resume here and I'm super happy and glad to have you here. And also
with a decade of experience in organic, vegetable, and livestock operations. So, uh, this is kind of the committee that's working on a farm market for next year. And just a couple of things I want to kind of highlight about what we're doing. We're meeting, we've met now a couple of times. Um, we've looked at the
library parking lot space. um which is about 50 by 90 uh in terms of footage measurements. Um and um we're looking at uh getting the market up and running next year from mid late uh from
mid to late May through October. It'll be a Sunday morning market when the library is closed and it'll operate probably from 9 to noon. Um there's a lot there's a lot going on here. We're working on applications, uh, rules. We're looking at structures. We're trying to decide whether it's something
that, uh, will be incorporated into a 501c3 or whether we can work with a couple of the other, um, organizations here in town to, you know, kind of provide some some support in terms of, uh, you know, just kind of just general support. So, um, anyway, uh, we're up
and running. We're meeting again next week and, um, I'm happy to answer questions at any point. Uh the council has um access to a shared Google drive with all of the information in it. Um and I'll be providing kind of like regular updates about where we are. Um
we're partly working on a mission. Um we'll be uh looking at probably hoping to get some vendors uh signed up by the end of this fall. This is really the time when you're looking for vendors. You want to catch them kind of at the end of the season when when things are a little quieter um before they start planning for the next year or as part of
their planning for the next year. So, uh, stay tuned. Um, thank you so much for being here tonight and, uh, I don't think we have any initial questions from the council. Um, but I'll be continuing to update everybody about our our progress. >> Uh, your your PowerPoint presentation
was was very informative. I didn't realize until I was able to have access to it, but you council got it before this meeting. And uh it's quite a it's quite an organization and your vendors I
saw are all New Jersey uh folks on the on the vendor list that was circulated to us. It was good to see that that you're promoting Jersey Fresh in some aspect. So that's that's that's
good. So yeah, it looks sounds very exciting. uh you know you start in a small lot and you see where it expands to so I can appreciate the time you're putting in and uh I know it's something we talked about doing co not only last
year but over many years >> yes >> um so you know I look forward to it working out to give that option to the people that can walk right to the library parking lot and uh and
you know experience experience uh you know what you guys do. So back to you. >> I would just add that uh hopefully if you um as it continues be great if we can move the whole get bigger the welcome park there. It'd be a great way
for people to utilize the property too and draw them there and give you guys a little bit more space. But we've got to do a couple more things before to make sure it's appropriate for that. But that would be great in the future this works out. Yeah, we're uh we're thinking big about this. We're starting small, but we're
thinking big and long term, right? I know is that a fair thing to say? Um I think it's got great potential as an idea. And uh I think our mission is really uh you know, we haven't really talked about our mission. We've gotten some got some submissions, but it really is going to be about community about
ways to enhance and continue to build community on through wonderful food and other possible offerings. So, thanks so much for coming tonight, guys. You're welcome to hang out with us or if you want to sit down by, you're welcome to do that as well.
>> Um, all right, moving on. Um, just briefly, why don't you talk about the potential for a shared service agreement with West Animal Township for Port Services? So, this idea came up not that long ago. Um, and I talked to the court administrator
and the judge about it. Um, and it would uh be you know, talked to the mayor of West Animal about it. There is some interest potentially in the proficiencies in the economies that would would bring about uh as a result of a shared service agreement. Um it
would be uh we talked to the council members who would really need to be here in Nandville just because of the pedestrian traffic that we get. kind of very high traffic in airport where Westl didn't get a lot of traffic because a lot of their tickets are uh written for trans people transient who are driving
through West Ammo on 202 or whatever, right? So, we have a much more active kind of um court here. Um so, the the the mayor of Westl people about it a little later in the month, but just wanted to throw it out as a general idea, something that uh
we're considering um to see if there were any questions. Um, and I'll I'll certainly follow up with your council. Um, it wouldn't necessarily have a big impact on Lambertville other than a potential cost savings for uh, you know, one full-time position as opposed to,
you know, sharing full-time position as a as opposed to having, you know, pay for completely for one full-time position. So, you just want to stay tuned on that. I'll keep everybody uh, keep everybody apprised of that discussion. Um
and then just moving on to the ordinance discussion items. So last uh last meeting we talked about uh potential ways in which we could address the question of close session minutes. Did everybody on the council have a chance to kind of look look at that ordinance language that Cindy proposed uh in which
the closed session minutes would be reviewed uh at the beginning of every year by the clerk and by the city attorney. um reductions that would be there would be some redactions obviously for matters that were still uh need to be in close session when the minutes
would completely be released. Everybody take a look at that. Everybody comfortable with that language. Is there anything we wanted to discuss about Snider? If we're ready, we'll bring the language we'll bring the ordinance and then move forward at the meeting on the 20th. We good with that? Sure. Okay. Great. Um
we also talked about food license administration fees. Um, so the county is revising their process for temporary food licenses and vendors. Um, they'll obtain their inspections right from the county. This means that the county will no longer be charging municipalities for food inspections for temporary food
licenses. The county is increasing inspection fees for annual food licenses and they will be charging the city directly for their inspections. In light of these changes, uh, clerk's office is proposing a change in the fee schedule and the language to adjust to the new procedure. After some consideration and
review of our process, the clerk's office is proposing a fee of $50 for all temporary food licenses and it's amending the fees for the risk categories to cover the county fees and the fees for the clerk's time for issuance postage and mailings STL online system contracting for those who are
late. So, >> and what is it now for temporary >> 95? So, right now it's 95 and the county will it depends on your risk area as to how much they're going to charge $100 to
$200 depending on where they they fall. Um, and that's for the temporary. And then for the annual, we currently charge $250, but there are four different risk areas. Um, one starts at $100 and it goes all
the way up to $400 from the county. It's really based on their inspections, on their risk factors. And so all we're proposing to do is take what the county is going to charge and add $50 to it to cover our our fees. Um, which means that
uh where you start with a risk factor one, which is kind of like for um for liquor stores um and anybody who isn't selling who's selling processed food, it starts at $125. So, we'll charge we'll
move that up to 175. Um, and then there was it goes, you know, into tiers. The the one that's mostly used is the tier the risk three and that we currently charge uh $250. I think that's going up to 350 to cover
inspection fees and our we also were going to propose some stronger language that we have to run by the city attorney for um those who still do not even though we have late fees and we're you know trying to
contact them on a regular basis they're essentially operating without a food license. Um and food license term starts June 1 goes to May 31st. Um and we still have this year so far one one place who
has not renewed. Um and that's historic and it's not always the same place but we're always chasing a handful of people. But we're proposing that if by January 1 they don't renew that their license is no board. We have to make sure that Bill approves
the language, but um you know, we just don't it's Lindsay and I, we don't have the time to keep doing this and the $50 late fees don't seem to matter. >> Got to add more to it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> So, so we're going to move forward with language on the 20th. Yes. Um unless uh anybody has any substantial concern about that >> just so just as so we present it to the pe the public and the people that are currently getting food licenses why the
increase is coming. >> What we'll do is after it's introduced you never want to do something until it's introduced because what if it doesn't get introduced right we'll uh send out a letter to all of those you know um that are on our food list and
notify them of the update. So currently we don't do any food inspections at all. The countyy's been doing them all. >> Oh, all of the inspections come through the county because they've got the certified food handlers >> and and the county would bill the people directly >> for the temporary. >> For the temporary.
>> Yes. But the annual will still go to us, >> which is why our fee is going to be higher for the annual >> because they were getting build directly and now they're going to bill us for them and then we have >> no the county in the past the past practice was they always build the city
whether it was temporary or whether it was um the what happened was you have food trucks who will go in various different municipalities in the county and then the county has to they're paying every municipality an inspection
fee. The county has to inspect multiple times and just to clean it up and make it easier for the vendors. They'll just go make an annual appointment with the county, pay the county the inspection fee, and that's the just the temporary >> and that way we'll get a list from the
county. We'll know that they've been licensed through the county or inspected through the county and then they can be licensed through us. >> How does that affect the food vendors during the shaft festival? they'll have to go to the county. All of their applications will need to go to the county before, which isn't really unlike
what we've done in the past. What we usually do is gather all of the licenses, scan, and send them to the county um for them to review so that they're ready the day of to be inspected. Then once they'll just send their application directly to the county
and then we'll get involved. We still have some kinks to work. Yeah, it's county uh putting together like like literature like a literature on it. So then maybe we could like send that out. Yeah. You know, just explain the program
along with the notice that's going to happen and that then of course, you know, they could come here for the uh to comment on the ordinance. But >> yeah, >> uh yeah, they they did have I mean the county was trying it at do this
uh you know to kind of also you know help it consolidate because there aren't so many because of tourism and and there are so many festivals. It's out more for the, you know, restaurants that are, you
know, locked down, but the amount of food trucks and festivals and tourism to try to get it to be able to have, you know, them centralized and then municipalities be able to >> The county has held shared services with
um with municipal representation. We've met with them twice now. Um and uh I and actually sent them our sample ordinance which they sent back with comments so we could adjust. >> Cool. >> So we've been working hand in hand.
Can't say enough about Carl Hobs and Rebecca Lunger. They are they're really fantastic. >> They have they have that whole department have been for very long. >> Yes. For a very long time and and they're they're really just such a great
resource. So, you know, um we're anticipating that after the first year, we're probably going to have to tweak it a little bit, but you know, we have still have to get something on the books so we can move forward. >> I think just as long as you whatever you send whatever they give us from the
county and what we do, we should make sure that the chamber president involved or CCD on on the changes because they'll be doing their outreach soon >> food vendors. So, we'll make sure that everybody who has in the past either
held a special event or who has, you know, applied for a food license receives their >> Oh, good. You have that question. Oh, great. >> Terrific. >> Good. So, uh it's good to see that. uh
coming out of November. Also a couple of um changes uh proposed changes to uh uh lacing fees for uh animals $15 uh to $20
um and with a $25 late fee move to $30. Correct. >> Correct. And then just some minor tweaks to are the language in the ordinance where um with regard to ownership of an animal. So if you own an animal, it runs
at large. They you know the acco puts it into you know wherever they they keep the animal. We won't pay for it. It'll the boarding fees will be the responsibility of the owner. Same for vet bills. Just really clarifies that language a little bit.
Uh and while we're talking about uh this uh you can you just update us while it's on my mind about landlord registration and some got some people that are do this every year. We talk about uh landlord registrations and to track
people down late fees and on and on and on. Here we are in November and >> we spend an awful lot of time. Lindsay spends an awful lot of time on it and now we're down to the wire and she's been working with the new construction official Paul who is fantastic. And
Lindsay, how many are we down to now? >> Down to 10. >> 10. >> 10. So >> they're going to court. >> Going to court. >> Really? >> Yes. >> We went to court last year. >> This is what we did last year. >> Good. >> Yeah. >> And you know what? you get down to the
wire and when most people see that men's still record appearance, they pay. >> Um although we did have one last year who did not. Okay. I think we had one um out of everything. So our goal is to get
100% compliance. >> Thank you. >> Um just announcements tonight is Tuesday. Uh it's coming Tuesday the 11th. All city offices will be closed. Uh the annual budget hearings will be
held uh here next Thursday uh November 13th beginning at 9:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity for members of the public who are interested in learning more about uh how the municipal budget was established and departmental budgets to come and listen. Um all the department heads will be uh here
throughout the course of the day um talking with the CFO and the budget consultant about what their anticipated uh budgets will be for 2026. Um, turkey truck will be held on Thursday, November 27th on Thanksgiving. Um, so please come up for that. Annual
tree lighting on Monday, December 1st, 6 p.m. and the manura lighting will be held on December 17th. Um, county. Um, that's it for announcements. Uh, I'll open this up to the second public participation period. Same one is before 3 minutes. Please state your
address for record. Evening 394 Street. Uh question on all these fees. Do these uh late fees escalate like or are they the same no matter how long they go? Because it sounds like you're wait you're spending a lot of
time chasing down people and I don't understand like all right one month late at double two months late three months late they don't get the license and they can't reapply for it for a year. >> They do they do increase it's $50.
>> Okay. It's 50 all the time. Yeah. >> Plus 50 plus 50 they accumulate. Okay, that's good. But then I mean like all right, three months. Don't don't let it drag out for the year. I mean, come on.
Let's force things. Give people. >> We all like his thinking. We got really I think please anyone else in the room. >> Anyone in line?
>> All right. I have a second. All in favor? I motion to reading. So all in favor thanks for coming folks.
going to fix it all.