Okay. Good evening everyone. Adequate notice of this meeting of the Lawrence Township Council being held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 has been provided through the posting of the annual meeting schedule of the said
council in accordance with section 13 of the open public meetings act. Said notice was forwarded to the tranian, the times and the princeton package on December 19th, 2024. Okay. light of my inspiration. I'd like to
congratulate my fellow council members on their reappoints to council. I'm just going to give them a round of applause. Shout out to Councilwoman Sanders for your election. >> Madam Per, if we could have your
inspiration. May we carry out our work at this meeting in a just, harmable, and sincere manner, always bearing in mind our duties and continuing to keep Lawrence a wonderful community in which to live.
>> 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. Madam, would you call the role please?
>> Uh, Mr. Bobby cannot be with us this morning. >> Mr. Kaki >> here. Merry >> here. Mr. Santos >> here. >> And mayor >> here. Okay. At this time, we will have a
presentation. They're here from the Lord School Touching Scholar in civic life. The students will make be making a presentation on the immigrant immigration trust. You just come to the floor in this statement.
>> Good evening everyone. Um my name is Ali. >> Hello, my name is Claras. I'm arrested. My name is Um, and before we begin, we have
>> the micro mic on >> um but before we begin, you have um handouts to give the council members and we're just wondering what the best way to get that to the wonderful Hello all. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. We are
students from the Lawrenceville School participating in the Hudson Scholars in civic life program, an initiative advancing civic education through scholarship programming experience and experiential learning. As a part of the program, we chose trust our neighbors as our civic campaign which aims to pass
the immigrant trust act in the New Jersey state legislature. As children of immigrants, we have grown up in communities. We have grown up in immigrant communities and know firsthand how valuable immigrants are to our society and culture. From our various
backgrounds, we have all learned the importance of seeing ourselves within the context of our communities. Whether it's filling backpacks with basic essentials for kids in foster care, bringing a warm meal to an ill neighbor, or helping a community member in need climb the stairs or carry their
groceries. We believe in the inherent dignity of every person, which affords them the right to security in their neighborhoods. No one should have to worry about being wrongly detained on the streets because of racial profiling. To build such safe communities, our
group apes to foster trust between all New Jerseyians and in seeking public services. The federal government's wrongful ICE rights violate these affforementioned inalienable rights. To protect New Jerseyians, we call upon you to pass a resolution to urge the New
Jersey government to pass the Immigrant Trust Act, which would allow every member of this state to seek public services without fear of deportation. Under the current immigration policy, people regardless of their citizenship for documentation status, are racially
profiled and unfairly detained. This creates an environment of distrust between immigrants, citizens, and local officials, which deters people from seeking essential public services like healthcare or education. Furthermore, when state, county, or
municipal law enforcement officials help federal immigration authorities, they incur costs upon the state for which they are not reimbursed, diverting local resources away from local needs. By limit by limiting when government
entities and law enforcement can collect information on a person's immigration status, this act would ensure that anyone can use public services without fear of detention or deportation. and foster trusting culture where law enforcement and fish officials are held
accountable to keeping everyone in their communities safe. Countless townships and cities and counties have already passed resolutions in favor of this act, including Trenton, Newark, Edison, Patterson, and Princeton, as well as Union, Essex, and Hudson County. We urge
you to join these other New Jersey state, New Jersey communities in passing a resolution to support this act. Thank you so much for listening. Thank you so much um for your presentation and the use of your voices and for coming out this evening.
Does the council have any other comments or you'd like to share? >> Well, on behalf of myself, I thank you again for coming um and for sharing your information and for your brave advocacy
on behalf of our community. Thank you. And we will take it under consideration. At this time, we will have our opportunity for a public participation five minutes. And I
would like to ask uh I know uh Dr. Wooy if you could come first because I know you're on a tight schedule this evening as we celebrate your wedding anniversary. You know, you married the right woman when she comes to council on her anniversary.
>> So, I would be here for a minute and then I'm going to the last council meeting. First of all, thank you. >> We know we know you, but just say your name and sign. >> I should know that.
Um, mayor of the council. Thank you. Uh my name is Chris Woolly. Uh I'm chair of the board of trustees for every child. I'm a 45 year resident of Lawrence Township. Um worked in recreation as a coach and
h soccer program. Um I was mayor chair of the mayor's task force on the future of community center. I served the school district for 24 years in Lawrence. Um, and last meeting, uh, I shared with you
that I was going to make a little trip out to Franklin Township to see, uh, their youth center because I heard that their youth center is a model of partnerships and uh, close associations uh, with other uh, community entities to
operate their youth center. Um, so I went out on October the 27th and I met with their program director and I met with their school district leaison and I met with three partner organizations that they u associate
with. Uh, my goal tonight is not to suggest that Lawrence should replicate Franklin's model, but rather to highlight what's working well there and how similar ideas could inform the future of our own community center.
Franklin Township Youth Center is a joint effort between the municipality and the school district supported by nonprofit and even some for-profit partners. The result is a safe, vibrant, and well-used facility that's truly serves as a home away from home for young
people. A few key takeaways stood out. Uh, first was school partnership. Franklin places a school administrator on site during the day. The center serves as an alternative high school learning space.
After school, it shifts to a youth to youth programs. Entry is monitored and a retired school resource officer is always present. Um there's a library next door. Um access for children to the
library is is uh permitted. Uh access from the library into the youth center is not permitted by adults. Programs and spaces. They offer a gym and maker space, which they just make things, computer and podcasting labs,
arts and cultural programs, and a strong program with the police department. Um, they have what they call cops and community activities such as cops with cops in art, cops in chess, cops in cooking,
cops in weightlifting. Um their model blends township oversight with nonprofit and private organizations that bring specialized programs like drone technology to ch to students job
readiness and mentoring. Now I'd like to just highlight a little bit about how this compares to task force vision. While Franklin Center focuses on primarily on youth, Lawrence's proposed model is a
multigenerational serving youth, families, and senior citizens alike. We also emphasize nonprofitled programming where community partners operate independently and help bring outside funding rather than
drawing on additional municipal dollars. Both models share some important values. One is partnership between the township schools and community organizations is an important value. I asked the school district uh liaison and the community
municipal leaison how they managed to work together and they said uh we like working together and we do it for the kids. In our case it works for the community because ours is a broader broader vision.
Um safety and supervision are top priorities. There are tech technical um ways that people can check in and out so they can keep track of everybody who's there and everybody who leaves and um their programs foster learning,
recreation and community connections. Key difference is scope. Franklin center serves youth. Florence's vision serves everyone, youth, adults, and seniors through collaboration and shared resources. The short Franklin Township shows how a well ststructured community
integrated facility can thrive. Lawrence has the opportunity to take this idea even further, creating a future community hub that reflects our town's diversity, partnerships, and shared commitment to learning and well-being. I just like to thank you over the last
several months for the opportunity to share uh our work with you um and to share our observations with you. Um, I'd be happy to take any questions from council. Um, as I do have report here, so I can actually get into some
specifics if you care to not seeing any. I will go out. Well, I just want to thank you because the the committee ha has, you know, presented its final report and the council owes the public um a little bit of
information as to where we are in the process. And um I do want to share uh that we have uh begun discussions with regards to what the process may be going forward in terms of the usage of the building. Um, so I don't want the public
to think that we're uh not taking any actions or having any discussions. Um, but you know, shortly and um, you know, appreciate the you extending yourself beyond your responsibility as a member
of the task force and taking those extra steps. um the center that you visited, I also visited and was very impressed with the work that they're doing, their partnerships that extend throughout the community and that was a an effort that
was created by um their council member um there in Franklin. So, I know that there there's a true commitment between uh their recreation department and the community and residents as well as other organizations that include the school.
So that's what um I I too thought it was a very admirable example of how community recreation and many other organizations work together in one facility for the well-being of both in their case mostly the youth in that uh
community. So thank you for u taking those extra steps. I know you didn't have to. That was on your own time. And uh appreciate you coming to share your experience with us and letting council know a little bit about what's out there and things that have worked in other
communities. So, thank you. >> Well, thank you. >> May I ask that you get us a copy so that the council can read the >> a copy of >> your findings? >> Yes, I can. I could do that. Yes,
>> for everybody. Okay, I'll get you in a day or two. >> Thank you very much. Happy anniversary. >> Thank you. 37 years. Is there anyone else for public participation at this time? >> Good evening. Honored to be here.
>> Sign in. >> Thank you. Good evening honorable council. Uh my name is Eli and I am an organizer with Resistencia and Axion New Jersey. We serve Mercer County and we are here to
uplift uh and really follow the lead of the students of the Hutchinson Scholars in civic life. So, thank you for your wonderful presentation today. And we're here to ask you all to please put on the agenda for the next city council
meeting, the ITA resolution. So, I help lead um Resistencia's rapid response team. We have about 90 trained volunteers. Our team patrols every day and we respond to raids several times a week in
Mercer County. We are proud to say we have on numerous occasions successfully stopped ISIS illegal actions by exercising our constitutional rights to observe, to document, and to let people know their rights. We make it known that
ICE is in the community when they are. We also know firsthand why local law enforcement should not be collaborating with ICE. Sadly to say because guidelines of collaboration between ICE
and police are not clear. I have been arrested twice by local police for exercising my constitutional rights, including for telling a family their legal rights when ICE was trying to get them out of their home without a judicial warrant.
This is why we need very clear guidelines to ensure our police are not engaging in collaboration. And it is why we need the immigrant trust act to be codified in state law versus the immigrant rights directive currently in place and one that will most likely be
removed because our future governor hasn't been clear if she will pass it into law and if it passes the legislature um versus the go the current governor who will actually um sign it into state law if it passes the legislature. So, we have seen more times
than we can count families ripped from their loved ones. Families we then have to tend to. This reveals the true gutwrenching cost of ICE. Just a week and a half ago, a mother contacted us that while her husband was taking their
children um to the bus stop, uh the neighbors informed her that ICE had abducted him. I stand before you today and I ask you to feel the weight of that. Some of you in this uh committee are parents. Um and I ask you and I ask
all of us as well, what makes us more deserving of hugging our kids or tucking them into bed tonight than he was? I have seen how emboldened ICE becomes when local police are entangled with
these responsible um and they are responsible for that pain. You have the power to make it very clear where Lawrenville stands. You can choose to be the next county to pass the immigrant trust act resolution, joining 21 other
counties just yesterday who um passed resolutions themselves. We decided to come out today knowing you already passed a wonderful equitable treatment of all residents resolution in the past. Thank you for that. and we're counting
on you to now pass the ITA just as the awesome students of Hutchinson Scholars and civic life are asking. The power to protect every immigrant family in New Jersey lies on the state legislature. And by passing the ITA, we will send a
message to legislators, specifically Senator Guutari and Assemblyman Coughlin, to put the statewide immigrant trust act bill on the calendar. So, we're appealing you to do that after you pass the the act. Our community is
watching. Our families are depending on you. And the state of New Jersey needs you to choose the path of um being there for the community versus being complicit with ICE. Thank you so much. Thank you for your comments um and for
the work that you're doing. I know it's not easy and um also for informing us of what's uh a little bit of what's happening. Okay. Additional Okay. You could sign in and then Thanks.
My name is Van Kaja. I live in Princeton and like Asma, I am a volunteer with great. So I'm here to say a few words in defense of Lawrence's passing a municipal resolution in defense of the immigrant trust act. So the ITA is a
codification and extension of the immigrant trust directive that has governed law enforcement in the state of New Jersey since 2018. The ITA would give the ITD the force of law and extend some of its provisions to
make them stronger. Now, the ITA has been stalled in the state legislature for more than a year now. The point of our request tonight is to have you pass a resolution in favor of the ITA that persuades the legislature to take action
by giving them some indication of the popular will on this issue. The passage of a resolution would not create any new legal obligations for Florence. There is a powerful need for legislation like the ITA. It has always been a
contested issue how federal immigration enforcement relates to local law enforcement. I used to teach criminal justice at the university level at Felician University in North Jersey. So, I know that there are lots of hairs to split, but two things are incontestable.
One is that the 10th amendment to the US Constitution demands a distinction between federal and local powers. It makes a distinction and demands that it be preserved. The second is that this distinction is currently in the process of systematic erosion across the entire
country. Now, there are many ways of proving this. It would take a long time to go through a lot of them, but the quickest way to prove it to yourself is to go back and read or reread the middle section of the Declaration of Independence. In particular, the Bill of
Particulars against the British Crown. If you haven't done that in a while, it is a useful salutary exercise. I think you will find to your shock that literally every complaint listed in the Declaration of Independence is one that
could justifiably and in some cases easily be made against DHS today. Whatever your views on immigration as a whole, it is time to set some balance, which is what the ITA does. So, I hope
you'll join what is quickly becoming a statewide movement and pass a municipal resolution. Some 21 municipalities and three counties have signed on and our hope is that Lawrence will as well. I was in Clifton last night. I will be in
West Orange next week and Montlair after that and Burvington after that and Rawway after that and Woodbridge after that and wherever I can't remember after that but we are going to continue until we get some traction in the legislature
and uh among municipalities and among counties um until we prevail. So, I hope that you will join what is becoming, as I've said, a statewide movement. Thank you. Good evening.
>> My name is David Shriger. I live in Hamilton Township, but I am the president of racist extension, New Jersey. So, you would expect that I would be a better speaker than Alaska, but I'm not. Um
uh I would like to say that um well, first of all, I rise to speak in favor of the Immigration Trust Act. Um
And uh it's I'm very glad that 21 municipalities in New Jersey have already enacted it. Um it it's legislation that limits the involvement of state and local agencies and law
enforcement with federal immigration enforcement. We've been struggling to stop local police from collaborating with ICE and terrorizing our immigrant communities uh since
forever. It's like what 15 16 years now. We started out as Widita Latina Axion, New Jersey in Heightstown and we've since moved to we we're now based in Princeton and Trenton, but we work all
over Mercer County to protect the rights of immigrants. Immigration is federal law. Local police should not be involved in immigration action.
We want to make sure that all residents regardless of immigration status can access essential services like healthcare, education and legal services,
right? And it it we're also saying that uh local police involvement with ICE is enimical and antithetical to effective law enforcement.
If an immigrant is a victim of a crime, why would that victim go to the local police? or if the if the local police need an immigrant to serve as a witness to help
solve a crime, why would the immigrant cooperate if they fear deportation, detention, or being removed from their families. So,
it makes no sense. Um there there we need this act to create a new data privacy new data privacy protections and to strengthen the separation between local
law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Okay. Um and Osma mentioned that we have 90 volunteers,
rapid response volunteers who who go out and respond to stop ICE abuse. Uh they ICE comes out with these
administrative warrants. An administrative warrant is just the form of a warrant. It's not signed by a judge. It doesn't name a defendant. It is not a legal document.
So it it and if you've seen anything on social media saying, "Oh, this was during the gubernatorial campaign." ICE nearly isn't coming around because there's a there's a very close
gubernatorial election. Well, that's a bunch of BS. Okay, it what stopped ICE is our heroic members of the rapid response teams. That's why
ICE has not been effective in arresting people. It's because of people like Osma and others who who are here who protected the immigrant community. They truly are heroes in the struggle. And I
would like to leave you with one other thing before I go. In her book, Strong Men: From Mussolini to the Present, Ruth Bengia points out that both Hitler and Mussolini
started out by attacking immigrants. So, if you care about the struggle against authoritarianism and against fascism, we need to protect immigrants. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Jessica Defelo.
I currently live in East Windsor, but I've been a Mercer County resident for 25 years. I've lived in Hamilton and Trenton, East Windsor, back and forth. Um, I was also a member of the Slackwood uh volunteer fire department, ladies auxiliary from 2016 to 2021.
I am a volunteer for residencia's rapid response team focusing on patrolling and rapid response in East Windsor and Heightstown. Also an organizer for NJ5051, a grassroots protest movement that's been hosting protests at the state house in Trenton this year. I'm
here tonight to request that the Lawrence City Council pass an immigrant trust act resolution. Now more than ever, our leaders must act to protect immigrants living in Lawrence. 21 other cities in New Jersey have passed ITA resolutions including Trenton and Princeton and we plan to request the
same of East Windsor and Hakestown. As government leaders, you have a duty to listen to the community, ease fears, and support protections, not just through verbal support, but through written support. Policy protects people. Promises do not. Resolutions are a great way to support laws that we need in our
communities. To be clear, this is not just an immigrants bill. It's a civil society bill. Food pantries, schools, courtrooms, and hospitals are no longer exempt from ICE activity. I've seen firsthand ICE kidnap a father in East Windsor after dropping his child off to
school while not technically on school property. Um, but in plain view of teachers and K2 students at Ethel Mcnite Elementary School. I recently showed up to a rapid response call on Main Street in Heightstown during morning rush hour to find eight ICE agents banging on all
the doors of a multif family residence in East Windsor. ICE has been sneaking out the rice food pantry and recently broke through the Heightstown High School parking lot during morning arrival time. The ITA has been stalled in the state legislature for years. And this is a chance for Lawrence to set an
example and lead the way in Mercer County and New Jersey and show our state government leaders that the residents and local governments support the passage of this essential legislation. Please remember that this this does not only impact undocumented immigrants. US citizens have routinely been detained by
ICE simply because of the color of their skin or the language that they speak. Children are being traumatized by seeing these things happen and families are being torn apart. I'd also like to give the rapid response phone number for residentia for Mercer County. It's
64-466 2386. Thank you for your time. Good evening. My name is Phil Duran. Uh I'm a I guess a 30 plus year resident of the town and I don't want to take
anything away from our last several speakers. What you're doing is very important but I want to switch gears just a little bit as they say in Monty Python now for something completely different. Um, it's come to my attention over the
years that the township has a problem that's been getting worse that I want to highlight, bring to your attention, and that is uh an issue of communications. So many of the the groups in town,
whether they're nonprofits or businesses or organizations, are trying to get their message out. And they're having a hard time because there doesn't seem to be any central source, any central location where they
can get township information. Yes, we do have the ledger still. >> It's not what it was, and it's it's harder to find than it used to be. There are some online sources, but unfortunately some of them that claim to
be township information sources are really no more than uh an occasional snippet of what's going on in the town intersperse with um political diet tribe misinformation and sometimes even hate speech and it makes the township look
bad. And my request to the council is simply think about what the township could do to either uh fund more time for for Lee
to spend here in town and do the wonderful things she does um or perhaps use use uh her information and many more. We need like five leads here in town to cover everything we just
do. Um, maybe it has to be online. Maybe something like Princeton online. I don't know. But it would be nice to have a central location where people can go for information and to disseminate information about what their organizations are doing because right
now it's hard to know. And I'll be willing to bet that if you stop an average person in town, they won't know who you all are, which they should know. And then they won't know what's going on with the
police department, whether the crime rate is increasing or decreasing, you know, whether there are bears in that section of town. They don't know. It would be nice to have a central location. That's my point. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Good evening. My name is Emola. I'm a lifelong resident of Lawrence Township. I'm also a proud member versus Tensia. Um, I been accepting years where I was out of state to college and grad school. I lived here my whole life. I can say
that what I've done with my life has really been much attributed to what the opportunities were provided me in this township from sports to academics to social activities. And I can't really say much to add to what has already been said in terms of
the legalities and the ethics of what's happened. But I do want to ask all of you a simple question. Can you can you differentiate between this image >> the audience and listen?
>> Any idea? Well, I've seen both. So, I've seen gentlemen like these are men or gentlemen dressed like this in Trenton. This is ICE men wearing masks, carrying guns, terrifying the community.
And I was in this is in Libya. I was in Libya in 2012, less than two months before ambassador was killed. I know what it's like to know fear because I was the only American that I saw in a westerner aside from the special forces guys in the airport that said see you later when I went into the
country and I think that what's happening today I never thought I'd ever see this country come to what I saw there the memories I have what I saw um I think it's horrific what's happening and I think that our community needs to stand up and make us take a position that says
we do not believe this is acceptable morally ethically legally family and I think that um I can only imagine how I've spoken to a number of immigrants who live in fear every day. They're afraid they won't come home to their children
their children will be taken. I will add one thing. You know, the Trump administration has said or has rescended a bid order that allows ICE to now take people from schools, churches. So, I think it's time to draw a line in
the sand and say that we do not find this acceptable and support everything we've been talking about this evening. So, I hope you take consideration and I thank you for your time. Hello. Good afternoon, council. Uh, my name is A Flores and I am a proud
Mexican American and an organizer with our San Mexico as well. So, every day I work directly with families whose loved ones have been taken by ICE. I see the fear and devastation that follows when a parent, a spouse, or a sibling is
suddenly gone. These are people who are on their way to work. Work that helps keep our community running and instead they are infected in their homes and in front of their families or pulled from their cars without a judicial warrant. When this happens, families are left
asking me, "Why did I take them? Why are they doing this to our Latino community? What do we do now?" And the truth the truth is they are left alone to pick up the pieces. The city doesn't step in to help them pay rent, feed their children, or replace the
income that was ripped from them because a loved one was detained. It's their community like organ organizations like Resistencia and Exion that show up. We help them find lawyers, food, housing, and sometimes even just a shoulder to cry on
after a rape that never should have happened in the first place. This is why we're here today. The Immigrant Trust Act is about making sure no one in Lawrenceville has to go through the violence of family separation. It's about making sure our local police and officials are never used by ICE to do
their work for them. We need you, the elected leaders in Lawrenville, to take the stand and pass ITA now, just as you passed equitable treatment of all residents resolution in the past. Every day that passes without these protections is another day a family
could be torn apart. We cannot wait. Our families cannot wait. Lawrenceville has a chance to show that our city values dignity, safety, and trust for everyone who calls it home. Please pass this resolution and make it stronger by asking the legislature to support it in
the resolution. Do it for the children who go to bed not knowing if their parents will be home tomorrow. Do it for the workers who serve this city every day but live in fear. Do it because no one's human humanity should depend on their immigration status.
Good evening everyone. How are you? Um it is really great to be part of this council meeting tonight. Um I'm Anna Fasmino. I'm the executive director of the system and I'm here and I see visibly a lot of
people who have been either responding rapidly working as a coalition with other organizations um in the fight because we're all brothers and sisters and most of all because we are um in Mercer County and
we want to be the leading protector of our community. Um, what does Resistencia do? You probably have heard already from some of us. But we're here to support families. Um after many loved ones get
picked up uh kidnapped I should say rapidly from the streets from their cars um we get the families who are distraught and they come to us with a lot of questions of how to find their family members how to um raise some
funds for legal fees how to pay their rent. really some mothers have been left without their breadwinners and now they don't even know how they're going to pay their rent that month. Um as well as organizing against different injustices
that are happening because of the immigrant immigrant attacks happening um federally and statewide. So we have seen many day laborers abandon the street corners. We have also seen a lot of domestic workers not going to work
anymore to clean our homes, to take care of our children because they're scared of being picked up by ICE. Um, over the years we have seen this. This is nothing new. However, I think this year it's intensified. It's gotten aggressive and
unfortunately we're going to see more of this over the next couple of years. So I want to first thank you for actually putting forward and putting this on the agenda so that the community can come and tell you why they want this. Um, as
an organization and as a leader, I think it's critical to step forward and ensure that the members of the community, regardless of their immigration status, feel safe in sending their kids to school, in accessing city services
without any fear, in doing their daily lives in Lawrence like they should. For years, we have seen that um there have been raids, there have been victims of exploitation, but we know that our neighbors are the ones who are going to
stand up for us. So, this is why we're urgently needing the immigrant trust act as a statewide law and your act of putting this as a resolution will just affirm to the legislature that it is
necessary. Lawrenceville's commitment to safety and dignity urges us to take one step further. We need to pass the ITA resolution here in Lawrence, but we also need to tell the legislators in Trenton
that this is necessary. Today we were at in Trenton State House and we were also talking about no to IRA which really censors our freedom of speech. And how are we putting this together? How is this happening? Well, they're going to
censor a lot of things that we could do as immigrant communities as well, and we're going to be under attack. So, we're asking that this resolution pass here in Prince in Lawrence just like it did in Princeton, and we're offering to
work alongside of you to make sure that the community needs are being met fully. We believe in co-governance and we want to ensure that this resolution isn't just symbolic, but can make a difference in the community. Thank you for taking this leadership and we just wanted to be
here to be part of this and become a model that you guys can put together and put forth in protecting families who call and who are victims of immigr immigration raids. Thank you and we will
like to work alongside of you. Hey council members, my name is Ray Bound. I'm a resident in Lawrenceville and also a rapid responder with President Stencia. I just want to add my voice and to say again I hope that the the council will pass a resolution for the immigrant trust act and be a leader
to push the state along to pass the statewide immigrant trust act. Uh I'm also an elementary school teachers uh next door in Euan. And I just want to say the view from inside the school is that once in a while we have police officers come through uh to just do like
a routine round and I see fear in my immigrant students eyes and they will ask like why is that person here? Uh and I wouldn't say when when any of us are afraid uh but especially for young people when they're afraid their brains
get flooded with cortisol their amydala hijacks like any uh like ability to to function at a high level to take in new information and the body goes into this like fight or flight instinct to help you survive. Uh because
that's what your body needs to do is just survive that moment. And when our students are in that kind of mode because there's confusion around who are the police officers, who is immigration, am I in danger right now, they're not able to do what they need to do in a school, which is learn, feel safe, feel
connected to the community. Um, I think that that is a strong reason that we need a statewide mandate on this, that uh, police officers in New Jersey are never ever working with immigrations and custom enforcement. Uh, is to make that
clear to our our young people especially that you are safe in your schools uh, and that if you see a police officer there like you're okay. Uh, and yeah, that's all I said. Thank you very much.
Okay, thank you. I have a very long address, so thanks for your patience. My name is Carolyn McGrath. Um, and I'm also a rapid responder with Resistencia,
a proud heart responder, but okay. Thank you. Um, and I wanted to share a perspective, a little bit of a historic perspective. So, I want to share a quote with you.
Terrible things are happening outside and at any time of night and day. Poor homeless people are being dragged out of their homes. Families are torn apart. Men, women, and children are separated.
Children come home from school to find that their parents had disappeared. And those words were written in 1943 by Anne Frick. And I I don't mean to diminish the
hearts of the whole cause by drawing too equal a parallel, but I think that what she described very closely mirrors what we in resistance here are seeing today.
Um what we're seeing in New Jersey as well as across the country. ICE agents are showing up as people have said at homes, schools, workplaces, and ripping people away from their
families, friends, and communities. Um, as part of the rapid response team, we see this up close. As Arlene has said, we see families that are shattered, children that are traum
traumatized. um as Ring was talking about and a whole community is living in fear, people afraid to leave their homes. Um it's quite devastating. The vast majority of people that are
targeted by ICE have no criminal record. They are the caretakers, the neighbors, and the family members that others rely on. Excuse me. They're the workers who keep our towns running.
And when we um do patrols for rapid response, I'm overwhelmed by the number of people who are just up at 5:30 6 in the morning like waiting on the corner to start work. Um it's it's quite
remarkable. And yet they those same people are being targeted. ICE treats immigrants as threats. They're using increasingly aggressive tactics. Um, we've seen them use
weapons. We've seen them use choke holds um that spread terror and mistrust in immigrant communities and and communities in general. I want to thank this council for the work that you've
already done to make Lawrence Township a welcoming place for everyone. But we also would love for you to take one step further by passing a resolution in support of the immigrant trust act.
Doing so would not only protect our immigrant neighbors here in Lawrence and local uh neighboring towns, but it would help build the statewide moment, excuse me, momentum that's needed to pass this
legislation in New Jersey. And as the federal government continues to ramp up its inher in inhumane deportation agenda, we need local leaders like yourselves to show courage and compassion. And I ask you to please pass
the ITA resolution today. Thank you. Not special. Good evening everybody. >> Hi, my name is Carlos Anders. Uh, and I'm here I'm a lifelong Lawrence resident and um I'm here today in support of the immigrant trust that
being uh passes resolution by uh township council. Uh I know that we're living right now in very difficult times. It's hard to tell if you're not an immigrant being uh
attacked uh on a daily basis worried about whether you're going to make it from home to work, from home to school. Uh even if you have to take a ride to the hospital, you don't know if you're going to make it in life and death situation.
I I'm here today also as a member of the statewide land Latino action network and the local chapter of the Mercer County Latino Action Network. Uh and uh I would
like to just uh address the council in terms of encourage you to support uh this resolution because what we know here in Lawrence has always been to do the right thing to come together when
times are difficult, when times are in need of of somebody to pick up those that uh are are not in the same shape or in the same place that we are this is a an issue that we can see on a daily
basis that's impacting people all around the country and here in Lawrence uh I I have to say uh as a lifelong resident uh our um uh
demographics have changed in my lifetime and I've been able to see them uh and we have an opportunity here to really take a an approach a brave approach to dealing situation that's in our hands which is
to jump on the same bandwidth right of protection for those that are in need. We are not only a a group of a town that has lived, you know, that we live a good life, but this is a an opportunity for
us to also hold hands with those that need us. Uh the the point of a readiness resolution, okay, which is uh has been done in other townships and other cities around the state is to coales to coales
with those other uh entities. There's other township, cities that are pushing for this to be pushed at the state level. And I can see no more important role right now. And all you have to do is turn on the TV on a daily basis to
see how people being attacked, people are being disrespected. And every every citizen of this country, every non-citizen, anybody that lives in this country should be protected. that is really what the country's you know uh
democratic values uh are you know are really pushing for on a regular basis. I also like to say that um that in you know in this particular time we you know cannot play we cannot you know postpone
with these critical uh decisions because we are uh the ones that have the opportunity to come up here like I am to speak freely uh and we that's something that's being denied okay people are being attacked people are being uh
condemned and and for no reason at all. It's not just because of illegality. It's because of the interest in demeaning individuals. Okay? Uh we are a country of immigrants and we are a country of
opportunity and we have to put our words have got to put our laws in our mouth where you know where where they belong which is really in the fair part of protecting every citizen in Lauren Township. Uh I thank the the town
council because you took the bravery to bring us to the table and to put early agenda and I admire that. Uh and also respect that. But the most important is to put action to put action into your words to put action into your intentions
and uh we will continue to play and continue to advocate for those that are less fortunate for those that are being under attack. And so we we hope and we pray that you do the same. Uh so thank
you. Uh and this is an opportunity for you to show your thank you and uh for all you do. Good evening, council. Thank you so much for putting the NTA on your agenda. Um, I was really excited for this because I
live in Lawrence Township and I've been working with Elizabeth. Um, sorry, what was that? >> Oh, my name. Oh, sorry. My name is Pas I just um so yeah no it just made me really excited to be here and meet you all
because I heard that the mayor is actually proud of the work that we do and we would love to really work alongside you guys and and create like a safety plan even beyond the ITA just to make sure that families are actually feeling safe and protected. A lot of our
residents in Law Township are immigrants. I mean, right around the corner for me is the European bakery. You know, white immigrants as well, although right now we know that times are very dark and um you know, there's a lot of racism, racial profiling that's happening, but we all are immigrants of
some kind. I mean, no one's just native to this land except the Native Americans. So, um I just think that it's really crucial at this point. Um having your support, having your willingness, I know you've heard it all at this point.
everyone's been saying the same stuff over and over. Um, but it just really means a lot that you guys are just willing to hear us and want to see the work that we do. I mean, I've been working with a team of people that are trying to provide resources and support
for a mother of four children right now whose husband was just taken and she can't afford to pay rent on her own. She can't afford to take care of the kids on her own. So, some of my, you know, my comrades that I work with closely are doing things like helping her do her
laundry, you know, uh, dropping off food for her, making sure that, uh, her kids are going to their doctor appointments, dentist appointments, all kinds of variable, various things that you and I, we do on a day-to-day basis, but we don't have to think about the fear of
being stopped or abducted or suddenly separated from our loved ones. And seeing people go through that, it's just I can't really describe it to you. It's a type of vulnerability that I can't even relate to. Even though I am an immigrant myself, but I have the
privilege of being a citizen. So, not everyone has that chance. And just because of that status, we really can't lose our humanity. We can't see people as less deserving because they don't have this piece of paper. I really hope that you all share those sentiments. I
trust that you all share those sentiments. I trust that you reflect the population of Lawrence Township, which is again increasingly immigrant population. There's so many different I mean even in my neighborhood alone uh right now times are really tough. I mean
EBT is getting cut off apparently. Um some of my neighbors have actually started like getting together and and organizing. Not even politically. Well, it is political work but they may not even see it that way because we're just supporting our community. That's really the point here. So, I hope that you all
get to know us better as people, as individuals, and get to work with us because really what we want is just safe, healthy communities. And I just really hope to get to know you all on a better, deeper level. I I trust that you will pass the ITA resolution, and I'd
like to see where it goes after that. Um, I think that's really all I have for now. Thank you so much. Have a good night. Good evening, council members. My name is Maranni. I am standing here as an educator first.
I'm also a researcher at Princeton University. I live in Wester. Um I'm also a board member of the organization resistencia and um many of our members are here tonight. Uh, I chose to speak and I promise we'll be brief just to
share with you an experience I had a couple of weeks ago. I am a member of the rapid response team. I normally don't answer the operator hotline, but I had to one morning as a backup operator. Um, I picked up the phone to the SOS of
a young woman desperate asking me telling me first that imig immigration is outside. She didn't have to tell me for too long because I could hear the pounding fists that sent a
chill in my bones as I heard through the phone them pounding on her doorstep while she's sobbing at the same time trying to stay quiet so that they don't hear that someone's in the house. Begging me to come over. Pleading with
me, asking me what they want. Do I know what they want? Does she are they looking for her? Are they looking for someone in her house? She's certain they're not looking for her. Maybe she should just open the door and tell them the person you're not looking for that the person you're looking for does not
live here. I stayed with her on the phone. Of course, my self-panic and distressed as I'm telling the story right now. I I feel some of that. It shook me to my core to have to what was I ended up checking my wala. It was only
a 6-minute call. Felt like 30 minutes of being on the phone with this young woman, reminding her to stay calm, telling her that her it is her right to not open her open the door. It is her right to not have to respond to anyone who comes to her door unless they manage
to communicate that they have a judicial warrant. I stayed with her on the phone until I monitored our team's chat to know that some of the members of our team had shown up right outside of her door, shouted the ICE agents out of the
neighborhood. Then I heard a silence. The pounding had stopped and she asked me, "Are they gone?" And I said, "Let me double check." I checked with my team members and they said, "Yes, all four cars, all eight agents have left." This happened in East Windsor. This is not an
isolated case. It has happened over and over throughout Mercer County. I'm standing here to tell you and to ask you, as my uh comrades have before me, to help us keep our community safe. We
know you share our values about this issue. There's no question. And that is why we're here to ask you to use your legislative powers to push forth the ITA resolution so that this can become a statewide initiative that then turns
into law and has tangible impact on the lives of our neighbors. We are on the streets educating, patrolling the streets, keeping our neighbors safe with the powers that we have in our own capacity. We're looking to collaborate
with councils of different towns within our Mercer County to make sure that no one else has to make a terrifying call like that. No one else should have to once I showed up to the house they asked
me, will they come back? I don't know, I said. Should we open the door and tell them perhaps they were looking for our neighbors? You know, he moved away. I don't think that that's the safe thing to do was my response.
And so, should we move away for two weeks? I got all of these questions, people's lives, and I mean, so many have talked about individuals who are abducted, families that are torn apart, but it's not just that that that that's what's happening. This these operations
that have been happening are terrorizing our neighbors. No one should have to live in that kind of fear. So again, I implore you esteemed council persons to please work with us get using the powers that you have to push forward the ITA
resolution. Thank you. Can you hear me? Okay. uh the region mayor and council members. Um thank you for including the education about the immigrant trust act on your agenda tonight. Um my name is Richard. I am a proud immigrant um from Ecuador. I grew
up undocumented for about 24 years. So I know the fear of having a suspicious police looking car behind you and thinking this could be the last day with my family, with my parents, with my brother. Um, I am an organizer with San Antonio
as well, along with my colleague Esma. Um, we lead rapid response where we work every day, not just with the responders that are here, as you guys can see. They don't just go out there and have to face ICE, but they're here for their community. They care about what we do. They just don't show up when they need
to. Um, they're all volunteers. And we work every day. Also, as my colleague Arlene, we deal with the families um across Mercer County who just want to live without this hair. So I know exactly what it is to to live that way. Uh we learned that the Lawrenceville uh
Lawrenceville was considering the ITU resolution even though you have a equitable treatment for all residents resolution. Um we felt real hope. We know that this council has shown leadership before by passing this resolution in support of immigrants and we trust that you will do so again by
passing the immigrant trust act resolution without a delay. Each day, our team meets parents who hesitate when seeing the police when they witness uh violence or harassment because they're just afraid. They're just simply afraid to make that call that could lead to
deportation. Uh we met young people who translate for their parents at every appointment at their check-in, worried that one wrong move could tear their family apart. Um, passing this resolution is about restoring that trust, is about saying clearly, our
local government protects all residents. So, we ask that this resolution include a strong language urging our state legislators to pass the immigrant trust act statewide and what starts here in Lawrenceville can echo across New Jersey and your vote can help that happen.
Thank you so much. Hi, good evening. I don't think I can possibly add anything more eloquent to what my colleagues have already said to you tonight. So, I won't try. But the one thing I would like to request is that
you consider given what you've heard and given your own commitment, which seems substantial to vote tonight if you possibly would consider that. Thank you for considering it. Hi,
my name is Rebecca Healey and I am a resident of Mammoth County in New Jersey and Mammoth county is known for being a red county. And if you are able to do this to pass the
Immigrant Trust Act here, that's a bold step and it helps my community. I wouldn't want to have an opportunity like this
not be taken because the idea that any human being should have to be afraid when they've done nothing wrong makes for a terrible community. And I
hope that you will do this in order to make this a safer, better place for people in this part of the state and then hopefully people will follow suit in my part of
the state. Thank you so much. Okay, seeing no additional is there any additional um participation I will close our five minute um public participation at this time.
I do just want to make a brief brief statement. Um I know that this topic makes a lot of people I'm sure in our community uncomfortable. Um and it should and we are here as a council to listen to the public. need to
hear this and it makes people uncomfortable but it's the truth and we need to hear it and we need to um discuss it among ourselves and take it you know take into consideration what
our actions will be as a township. Uh there were several residents from our town here tonight who are actively doing this work and so we should not um think that it's not in in our community
that people in our community are not being affected by this. So I urge all of us to you know we've listened uh we've heard you we know the work that you're doing which is brave work important work
and um you know we will discuss it and take it you know among ourselves. Um but thank you for uh your bravery. Thank you for bringing your stories to our attention and again thank you for the work that
you're doing. Thank you. >> Now, we will have um we're going to continue with our agenda. Um and I believe we do have some revisions to the agenda this evening. >> Just one. Okay.
>> Yes. We're going to add 18 H1 because I'm assuming have no close session right session. the woman has and it's just authorizing the public auction by director um of public work
just auctioning off some items like one of the things we're auctioning off in the auction this evening in the auction will be the pews that once uh we're in this room so if anyone has a a
deep desire to have a historical um take away from the counseling group. We are auctioning off those keys. I have my eye on one. They're done. >> Okay.
They're piece >> more than 50. >> We need a motion in a second. I motion for the revision to add 181 which will be auctioning off some items. >> We have a second woman
to the agenda. We're voting >> yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> And we have the adoption of minutes for years.
There are no minutes at this time. >> And then we move on into the awarding and our rejection of D. Madame Mayor, I would like to present um 9 A and 9 BTO >> motion for excuse me, I'd like to read
into um session 9A number 340 awarding authorizing a water bid 25-16 RJN landscape and design for snow plowing services for the period of November 1st 2025 through April 1st 2026
and we hope you don't have to use them. >> Okay, madam cler you call the role please. So, I'm sorry. This is just we in addition to our own public works staff, we do have the need to have this additional uh pling service available to
us should >> Mr. Mr. Merry. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Madam mayor, I'd like to present 9B number 341 authorizing award of bid
number 25-15 2023 NJ dot truck improvements to Tiffany Woods to Mechco Inc. >> Second. So this is um with regard to middle and
overlay work at Tiffany Woods funded by the 2023 New Jersey DOT Trust. >> Madam Cler, if you call them open participation, are there any comments from the public on this or the previous item?
>> Seeing none, madam clerk, you could call the role. >> Mr. Mr. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> There are no introduction of ordinances at the first reading which is number 10.
>> We will go into the adoption of the ordinance listed here. 11A ordinance number 251-25 an ordinance to vacate release and extinguish any and all dedication of
public rights in or to certain portions of Harrison Avenue adjacent to block 302 lot 2 in Township of Lawrence County of Mercer state of New Jersey. Second. >> Any comments from the public?
>> This is the opportunity for public comment on this subject. >> So, mayor, I just would like to >> give an explanation. >> Yes. Thank you. So um this is uh there are paper streets throughout our township and uh they are defined as streets or roads that appear on an
official map subdivision plot plat or deed but were never actually built or open to public use and are deemed no longer necessary. Under New Jersey law, a local government may vacate unused paper streets by ordinance reverting uh ownership often to the abuing property
owners under NJSA 4067-9. Um this we've done this in the past. Um interestingly enough, I think this particular um area was a part of the original owner
of Horn's Corner and was uh taken was a public taken for >> for the use of the street, but the street was never it's it was never done. So this is uh something that actually
would be returned to the new property or adjoining. >> So it was just there but not being used. >> Yeah, it's you know there there are streets that become part of the master plan but uh if there is never a need or a purpose for them they are just remain
as paper streets until action sele 35 Avenue. I'm here to urge council to please adopt this ordinance. Mr. Rose has been a wonderful neighbor. He has improved the property that was once a dilapidated building.
It was an auto body part, an auto body shop before that, but the building was very run down. Mr. Rose has improved that corner and made it an actual showplace as you as you go through our news corner. And I would ask you to please
pass it. He's been very good. He's kept his property spotless and I think it would it would be do him a service and the township a service to pass the ordinance. I thank you
Excuse me. Sorry. Uh, good evening, council. Eric Woody. Um, I know I've reached out um to the administration and council about this ordinance um a couple times just about some of my concerns with regards to um both the possibility of
this being used as a circulation element and also environmental concerns with wetlands in existence on the property. Um and so while um ideally I would appreciate it um if you guys would vote now um an alternative that I think that
has the potential to make everybody happy including you know the property owner potential future property owner and even residents who came out and spoke in favor of it is if you would just seek the input of our environmental committees. Um there is the possible existence of wetlands on the property
that should be at least known before handing it off. that would actually be good even for a potential future property owner. Um, and I have a lot of information and data that I would like to discuss with each of you individually and you know potentially you know if you were to say even just table it to a date certain so that the environmental
committees could weigh in. I would love to meet with all of you individually show you kind of what my findings were and how this could kind of fit into a larger walkability plan for South Lawrence. We know the proximity that this property has to project Freedom Colonial Lake so on and so forth. Um and
so if voting no um is maybe not the most palatable um at the bare minimum I think maybe a little more due diligence could be done so that everyone's informed and then you know whatever decision is made you know the most research was done in sort of the pursuit of processing the
government Kathleen, 35 Davis Avenue. I just want to respond to the walkability. The walkability in that area is through and across my property. The township should also be concerned
because they have to walk through across and over culver. Uh the traffic has increased phenomenally in the past year or so that people are
walking across my property to go from Brunswick Avenue over to Princeton Avenue. And I am quite concerned at this point
about someone being injured and facing a lawsuit. And if someone gets injured on the township's cold that's there, the township is also facing a lawsuit. Thank you.
>> I saw you on my property. >> No, it is not. It was my property. We will not we will not have any um argument from them. >> So I'm David and I just want to first quickly bring Mark about the makeover of this group. It's much warmer and more
inviting than before and I think appreciation should be expressed to manager for making that happen. So anyway, at last night's um sales notice basically this measurement this um ordinance came up for discussion and we
reached the consensus that we were to opposition to adoption of the ordinance as written. Um the main factors trails and open space committee. So for regards the open space the land the putts
the um slack park I was have to think which park I'm talking about the slack park and also there is between Harston Avenue bit of a paper street and then the lot this is block
302 lot one there is a public right here and I hear the concern about people wandering off that and trespassing and so that is a very serious concern. So um
if this were retained as a public property then perhaps the township should look into that and make sure people are staying on public property and not infinity on anyone's private property. So, um, Eric, police suggestion that
this be tabled for further consideration. Um, actually sounds good to me if, um, if you did want to look at that. It also occurred to me and this was not discussed in the um jails and open space
committee me but it has occurred to me that the initial offer of the lot or the portion of the lot was to both neighboring property owners and the property owner so
corner auto body was interested the other property owner to the north was not interested or at least did not respond. So instead of giving that whole portion to on his quarter quarter body, if half of it were given to him as
though the other owner were interested and the towns have retained ownership or that half, then um um that would I think that would be a good compromise. Thank you.
the area in question. >> Say your name once again just 35 Avenue. It is not that entire section that he's buying. The section that you walk
through my property and then walked around. You are on my property. >> Mission motion. Please direct to council. >> Well, someone was trespassing on my um
and I just wanted to make it clear to council. It is not that entire circle that Mr. Rose is purchasing. It's only a po portion of it. So, it does not abut the Slackwood
school park uh parking park area. I do want to clarify it. Miss Mr. Rose is not purchasing this property. This property is it's a road. It's not open space. It's it's it's a paper street as
we've identified and the process involves vacating it and transferring it uh to the adjoining property owner. We went through the entire process. the um property owner on the other side I believe is deceased but it's also that
land has thousands and thousands of dollars on property tax basically been abandoned and we did not expect to receive response but we sent certified mailings we were supposed to with regard to that
so we're not it's not selling it's it's the process involves vacating a paper stream then it goes to um the adjoining property owner who paid for the surveying that was required to be done
out of his own pocket because that's our policy with regard to these these um generated requests for property owners. Um, so I wanted the record to be clear with regard to that and and there was a comment about
uh potential wetlands on this property and our council of engineers believe that it's probably impacted in some way by wetlands, but there's no wetlands delimination uh study that's been done.
We we the township and uh taxpayer money would not go to that type of study for this process. uh should this land be the subject of a later development application which um I
don't even know if that's that's relevant to this but if that's the case then that application by that property owner would require all stuff that's required from the D and everything else as it as it relates to a planning board
application >> manager Ninsky can you clarify right Now, there is nothing on that land. When you say vac, there's nothing there. Correct. >> It's Yeah, >> there's like an empty lot. And >> well, I mean, listen, it's if you drive
by it, you see >> those bushes and I remember, >> but um >> but there is no um like township property that needs to be vacated. When you say vacated, I'm thinking something has to be. which is transferring it to
>> it is township property. There is >> master plan as as a a potential roadway that was deemed not um required and and our township of engineer as a part of their process makes a determination whether or not it would ever be needed
in the future based upon its positioning as it relates to Horn's Corner. It's not anything that is is relevant to a future use as a street. >> And there um it was mentioned that there's a a cover
Google cover which is a structure that channels water past an obstacle such as a road or a railway or directly directly directs it to a suburing waterway. So there's water there, right? Is there a creek? Now what it is that I'll answer
that that is that's the property of where I live society hill we have a cack back there change the water blood so when our water level gets high it does go through and
it goes past Kathy's house corner okay but it's controlled and ain't like if our streets are flooded my area floods all right it comes up to our sidewalks, some other people's back porches. All right, but it will not flood that area.
The pipe going out uh is only a 6 in pipe and then it's reduced. So, it's not a big pipe. It's not a big flow that's going through here. It is controlled and it comes from society hill retention pond and it's
only when it floods. All right. when we had heavy rains the other day that for a short time our retention pond got two feet deep. >> You did address your neighborhood. >> I'm sorry. >> You're looking at it. Exactly. That's
it. >> Yes. And just to re rest re restate what you said um manager if the property owner comes later and wants to develop they have to go through all the processes that need to give them permission to do
so anyway. >> Absolutely. >> Mayor, if I may, just so we're clear, this is not just unique to the town of Lawrence. We're following the state statute here. uh and and it's very specific as to procedures and operations
to do uh the vacation of of paper street. I've had opportunity to review the documents opportunity to review uh all the pertinent uh maps, surveys, etc. And the procedural aspects of this have
been completely mapped by the township there. There is no other excuse no other statutory or administrative code procedure that has to be followed for the township to vacate a paper street. This is done I'm not going to say every
day but this is done many many times across many municipalities across the state of New Jersey every year. It was put in I can't remember the year but many years ago the street was was never built. uh it really serves no legal
purpose and the vacation of it is a I just call it a a routine uh legal procedure that many municipalities follow on a on a whatever annual or whatever basis that
they they review things and the process of offering it to the adjacent property owners is statutory and this is exactly what we have done. We mean the township and there is no other committee or or
no other governmental unit that has to approve this. And if you don't mind, I just want to put since this is the public hearing part, uh the process to determine and and put it to you for a vote is is a process where you go through and and um
evaluate reasons that support vacating, right? And so for this particular um situation, it's a small area that was never accepted for public use and therefore has never served and will never serve a public transportation function. The
township has no present or future need for the right of way. The paper street serves no other public p uh purpose. The long-term non-use establishes a lack of public necessity. Eliminates municipal liability concerns due to its use as a
cutthrough area leading to the disturbance of nearby residents and public safety issues. Maintenance and administrative concerns would be eliminated and the area would be maintained and improved consistent with the adjoining property as demonstrated by the drastic improvements done by the
new property owner of Barney's Corner Auto Body Shop. It also increases property tax revenue. that returns a portion of land uh to the tax roles, although it's not going to be significant, but um and nearby residents, in particular, a resident
that uh is very close by, supports the street being vacated to eliminate her concerns about her own public safety uh with people cutting through. And um finally, there will be no negative impact on emergency response since it has never been used as a street or a
means of transportation for emergency services. So all that consideration happens um before it gets to this point. We're at a second reading of an order. And um and I'll just finally say uh there is the objection from the open
space committee. This this is not open space. This does this does not um a join open space owned by the township. This is not a situation that we would we would submit to an open space committee.
In my view, I mean your decision, you are the five elected officials that the community says you are entrusted to make these decisions and you have all of the information. So, um, we've been through
the introduction. We are now at the second reading. Um, any adjournment of this would risk it, uh, having to be done all over again because I believe we've confirmed that it's a 60 days that it has to be from intervention to being
passed. So, we would probably, if we're submitting this to the open states, we've already heard what what their opinion is with regard to this. So, I simply will just say this is why you guys get paid the big bucks to make these decisions. >> Uh, correction.
>> Yeah, big bucks. >> Correction. >> I just have two simple questions. Um, remind me how this originally came to your attention to move forward with >> as it normally does. An adjoining property owner expresses interest.
>> Okay. And he expressed interest. >> Yes. >> Okay. And um why would it not be a sale versus just a transfer? >> Because it's a it's a matter of policy and we wouldn't we would agree to that. Thank you for coming. >> And Mr. Ninsky, I think this has been
asked before, but I don't remember the answer. How large is this property? >> I think it's 50 ft by 100 ft. >> Yeah, it's there's a map that's attached. >> That's the size of what?
>> Do you not have >> You may not have it, but I have 50. It's small though. I have to warn you. >> Yeah, I didn't originally had um the township. >> Well, there are a couple things. Um if I
may I um I'm the leazison for the trails and open space committee on council and there was a robust discussion yes last evening with regards to this matter and I would not be a responsible if I did
not share um information you know part of the discussion. I know uh the chair of that committee has spoken but I know there was also a letter written and there were just some questions um also that I had in terms of um in normal
circum or in other circumstances I know trails and open space they're interested in this obviously because of trails in the township and are there times where I know there are some committees when things like this come up they're run by
different committees like you know the greenway which is well that was a previous committee but if it has to do with trees or things of that nature I know the planning board there are reports that are often um shared with committees so that they can give some input if there are any concerns with
regards to actions that the council is taking and so in in that meeting and I know that we're at this meeting where we are now there was a significant concern with regards to um wetlands or uh
nearby trails that could potentially be a part of this and also the uh the proximity to the school and whether or not um that land in the park how it impacted that area and also you know
longer term um access. Yes, you know, with trails and things of that nature was something that members in that community were interested in discussing. So, I did uh receive a letter and make sure that this is the right letter.
Then I said I would read so at least council would hear from uh what the committee uh where they were coming from with regards to their concerns. Actually, I'm writing uh I'm writing to convey a request from our committee which met
last night regarding your review of the Laur Lawrence shopping center. That was wrong letter. >> There's another one. I think I missed it. >> Well, it it was um because the trails
and open I could I could see it. the trails and open space committee. You know, we're charged with looking at the big picture in Lawrence Township and we're always looking to connect um trails that and and areas in our township that um could benefit
residents. So the concern or the discussion was around the connection between the park that was that is there next to the school, you know, whether or not there was a consideration about the
usage for um the school in that area because it's township property. Uh it is a beautiful you know area with trees and um and space and there was >> I don't know if it's adjacent to the school like there's so it's a street
>> you got horny the owner of corner on one side and then you got the property owned by >> an individual that's now in tax lean status. >> So I'm not sure >> it's not it's not municipal property. So
what is >> is it closed >> the park? >> It's close to the school but there's there's private property >> that both sides of it. >> Yeah, there's a small portion
>> that the the committee was interested. I'm just relaying that I would be wrong if I didn't relay. >> No, I just wanted to make sure that >> and you can again correct me yes as we go along. Absolutely. Um but but the overall interest was that and and there
was talk that there are wetlands there like whether there would be any future development probably not a possibility but also if that space could be used long you know in a larger vision for a
trail that would give access from from Princeton Pike to um Brunswick maybe not you know but I'm just saying this is what was discussed And this is why there is interest and conversation and I'm as a
leazison it's my job to relate to council what I hear from the residents who serve on these committees. So um that was one of the the options the discussions that um came about and then
looking at other areas in that particular part of South Lawrence because there is a feeling there is a belief perhaps by some that that part of town does not get enough of the green and open space opportunities as maybe
some other parts of town. So that's just what I'm doing. You know, that that is an area that is under represented by by more green space and that's what I just want my fellow council members to understand that this
was the discussion that occurred in the uh trails and open space committee and that they're also speaking with another committee and that's why they wanted to pause if that was a possibility. What would you hear? Like you said, there are five of us on
this council and we make the decision. So, we go with whatever the vote is. But I would not I would be remissed if I did not share and make council aware of the concerns of the committee and what I heard from some residents.
>> Question. Was the public comment closed for this? >> No, you can still comment. >> Is it open still? Come on. Ken K 29 Gatesboro Road. So this red herring going through from this committee about a piece of land that
does not abl the school. There is land between there is no access to the playground area in the back that comes on our Avenue. This land has been empty since I've lived here for 35 years. And now it's an issue that we want to make it a green space of somewhere in between
a dead end street and Princeton Pike. It's just that a red herring. The gentleman does not want to build on this. So there is he wants to extend and take care of the property. That was rightfully the property of the original owner before the township made it a
paper street. Thank you. Sylvia Coas. Um I understand there's a state law that uh allows for the townships to hand over paper streets. What concerns me is as we all know those
that area heading towards uh Captain Poles and all that that area floods a lot. My concern with that lot would be whether or not the new own if if it's being if the new owner acquires it um if
he wants to pave it if he wants to pave over it will there be a requirement for a permit um we there is a belief he doesn't want to build on it but do we know for sure what he wants to do with it just because
he took care of an already existed existing uh building and all of that. We don't know really what's going to happen to that flat. We have assumptions. So, um having a culvert there that um drains
another community in that area to protecting that area from flooding. Do we know uh whether or not that's not going to be clogged by additional trash from that property? Um
that's those are my concerns with wetlands and with the fact that that's an area that's supposed to flood to protect other areas from flooding. Um is that's not correct, Mr. Kaki? Because that's what I understood what you said.
after the storm floods, >> his area floods, that area doesn't flood. >> But is it not >> respectfully, we're all going into what if scenarios. >> Yeah. >> And as the manager mentioned, >> in order for that gentleman or whoever
the new property owner is to do anything, he's got to come back and get approval. So that is the the protection that we have. But at this point that is what? Gravel. Correct.
>> It's mostly gravel. >> It's a paper streak that has not been used. Okay. But the protection that we have is whatever he wants to do, he has to come back and get permission >> even for payment. >> Yes. >> If I may. >> No, I'm just asking a question.
>> I'm answering the question. the the granting of of the or the passing of the ordinance with regard to vacating the paper street does not give any any special rights to to the individual to the owner.
he or the LLC, whoever, whatever it is, would have to come back to our land use boards, zoning, planning, whatever, just like anybody else and go through the entire process, engineering, uh all the
uh necessary approvals would have to be given for uh paving or anything to do on that. So there's by this if if this council were to approve this ordinance, it does not have any special rights whatsoever to uh do anything on that land.
>> Okay. Thank you. I just want to make one comment. I I agree with protecting the environment. I was silly enough and Kevin will be laugh at this story. There was a turtle in the middle of the road backed by FedEx. Okay. I battled trucks
and everything else until somebody moved that turtle. So, I'm a environmentalist. >> It wasn't a snapless. >> It was a snap jacket, which I didn't know, which would have been off my hand. >> So, we want to protect this beautiful
township. But at this point, may I call for a vote? One second. I want to add add one more important thing just that is an additional um >> layer of scrutiny.
>> Can we have the mic? >> Thank you. >> No. >> Okay. So this uh most of South Lawrence and into uh Trenton is an overburdened community under the New Jersey environmental justice uh law and um any
development within a designated area that the application would be subject to additional environmental review, community notification, and public participation requirements to ensure that new impacts are not added to communities that are already
disproportionately burdened. So there's not only that layer of planning board, there is additional review text. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I heard what the manager said about the 60 days starting to clock again and
everything. I emailed about this prior to the previous meeting and didn't get a response. I emailed again. I got a response from the manager and I had to email again and finally I got to the
mayor's credit a call from her and I was able to discuss it with her. My only request is to be able to sit with members of council to discuss matters of policy. And this is a matter of policy whether or not you have a piece of a parcel that is under township control
and whether it's utilized for X, Y, Z, what have you. And a lot of the reasons that I've come up here at these meetings has to do with both the environment and with process. And I've tried a lot of different ways
to approach that so that there's at least the opportunity to have these conversations, provide good information because at its core, these are policy decisions, right? Like there's a green space here. We could do X, Y, and Z with it. Oh, maybe we didn't consider that. Maybe we didn't actually seek the input
that we need from the community. And so what frustrates me is what what's how how am I supposed to be doing this so that there's ample time for you guys to directly engage with residents on
matters of concern because the vast majority of the reason I come up here has to do with green spaces in South Lawrence has to do with walkability in South Lawrence. I have the neighborhood I live in is has a lot of new residents coming in and it's vibrant. It's great. There's
families. I hear kids running around all day at all hours. It's it's great. But, you know, there are so few green spaces and places to walk and those places have dwindled. And I've seen that end of town go from, you know, the Trent Motel and an abandoned factory to now there's, you
know, that housing there and the CVS and that's good. So, we were going one way, but now the traffic conditions have deteriorated. We were supposed to have a task force about that. It didn't happen. Just walkability in green spaces just seems gotten forgotten. And it's it's
death by a thousand paper cuts. It's here. It's there. And I'm just looking for the opportunity whenever these issues arise to directly engage with you guys, show you whatever research maps on on based off whatever issue it is. This
just happens to be one of many. And if you have an opportunity here where you know, smart planning talks about things like desire paths where if there's people traffic going through there, then clearly there's there's a walkability element there that needs to be looked at
because ever since the improvements along have been made, more people are walking than were when I was a kid. And that's that's great. That's less cars. That's economic activity because when people walk around, they go to a coffee shop, they go to a diner, they get ice cream after, you know, when you look at
that whole area. I mean, you're talking about people being able to walk down, like I said, from Project Freedom, you got USA Mr. Ice Cream down there. And even though it's a small piece of land, there's an opportunity and it can always just this can always happen later on.
And so I'm just trying to understand as a resident who has worked in local government for 15 years like there is like a savviness here. I understand but I just I'm trying to figure out how can the process just be so that people are able to you know voice and explain. It's
not about getting one way or another which is why I suggest you know the potential of putting it off so that you can seek input from other people. If in the end you come back and you're like no this is this is what we're going to do. I mean, that's that's y'all. That's that's why you're out here, you know.
Um, but I I just don't see the the issue with finding getting more input from the community, from people who who volunteer their time on these committees and and care deeply about our green spaces. And you know, I didn't want to come up here
and pontificate on the particulars with like the uptick in wildlife incidences, especially with roadkill and everything because I felt it was too much for this and you know, one-on-one conversations would would would be better and more substantial. And so I'm just trying to understand
how we're supposed to be doing this as as residents um who are really concerned about green spaces in our town. That's all. Thank you. Kathleen, 35 David Avenue. The subject of trash came up.
Mr. Rose keeps his property spotless. I can't tell you the number of broken liquor bottles, beer bottles, crushed beer cans, crushed soda cans,
plastic bottles that are thrown constantly onto my property of the people that are walking through my property. And to go a little farther and maybe it won't be appreciated, but
the used condoms that I have seen, Mr. Rose will make that piece of property into something that will enhance his property and will enhance the area at Har's Corner. I really urge
you, please pass this ordinance. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Okay. >> Uh we're going to close now this public participation unless there's any other member of the public that would like to comment at this time.
>> Mr. We appreciate you coming and giving us your um observations and informing us of things that we may not have known and you you're doing the right process. But in this particular case, it it is not a
open space area per per se, but again we were elected to make the right decisions for the township. And we're not perfect, but just continue to to reach out and do what you're doing
because the the township does appreciate that. >> Could have called me. Could have called me. >> Do we have a motion on the floor? I need a motion. >> Sorry, >> we just need to >> Okay, madame clerk, if you could please
call the role. >> Mr. Kaki, >> yes. >> Miss Perry, >> yes. >> Miss Santos, >> yes. >> Mayor Farmer, >> no. >> Now for the manager's report. I have nothing to report.
>> Thank you. And for the attorney's report >> briefly, uh, as you're well well aware, mayor and council, we had a closed session meeting prior to the open public meeting at which time uh, the mayor and
council interviewed an individual for a open position here at the uh, at the township, specifically the uh, the CFO position. Um, we cannot reveal because it was in close session, you
know, the name of the individual. Uh, but I would like to have a I guess a sense of those members present. I know of that Mr. Bob is not here this
evening, but he has expressed certain concerns. not necessarily concerns, but he expressed his opinion on it prior uh and whether or not we should be authorized
to prepare a not a contract, but I guess >> it would be an offer letter contingent upon appointment by council. >> Yeah, the council appoints. You clearly vote on this. So, so we're not talking talking about a contract, but we're
talking about an offer letter. And we are concerned given the ticking time clock we have that our CFO will be enjoying retirement sooner than later. Uh that we at least prepare an offer
letter, see if that is viable and then council would have the ability to uh to vote on that uh at a hopefully you know meeting quickly. we do have a a real time constraint
here. So I I would um think that if if you are supportive of the individual that you interviewed and reviewed credentials about um if if that individual accepts the terms that we are offering, we have a special
meeting sometime next week because we we can't wait till December for this because our CFO has already agreed to extend his time because we've There's no clear succession plan in our pocket so far. So, he's graciously agreed to
extend his time to assist in the transition process and we're losing time. Um, we were interested in somebody that person didn't work out and so that that would be the process and maybe a meeting on Tuesday or Wednesday or whatever giving us enough time to
provide >> Tuesday and that >> Tuesday is a holiday. >> I mean, I'll come in. Well, we don't need to decide that part right now, but I think if there's a consensus from council for us to move forward with the conversation and get a response back,
then we would make a determination about special need. >> And that would be the only item on the agenda, nothing else. >> Yes. >> I have nothing else and we have no close session.
Thank you, Madam Clerk. >> Congratulations on a great and smooth. Before we go, congratulations. >> I want to congratulate our two that reelected Councilman Kaki and Councilman
Bob who's not here. And also um congratulations to uh Counciloman Sanchez. uh she's going to fill that two-year term and we're looking forward to continuing to work with you on that. Um also and we had a nice smooth
election. We had a good election. It was a few problems countywise. Uh but they kudos to the county. They they they handled it very well professionally. No voter was uh disenfranchised. They were
up open and we did a great job. So for 35 by the board of elections superintendent and our county clerk. Um the next thing that I have here is pay to play letters. I'll be sending out um
next week sometime uh in the new year um boards and committees you'll get at the next um with your books at the next one to look over. I've received back a lot of responses. I sent them out already
for our incumbents and we thank them and a little bit of a sad well it ain't a little bit it's a lot of sad news um Nicole our deputy today and you'll let us Okay.
Sorry. Uh unfinished business. Seeing none. Old business. New business. This brings us to the last opportunity for public participation with three minute limitations. can carry games. Good evening. First, I
want to congratulate Counciloman Santos for her win on the election. And then I also wanted to respond because I didn't get a chance last time to Councilwoman Perry's insinuation that I was confused about form of government when I mentioned the $725,000 grant. I
was not confused. and councilwoman Perry's own words from a previous council meeting. The only responsibility of town council is the budget. The township manager is responsible for the daily operations of the but the spending approvals including the
aformentioned grant is the subject council approval. As I mentioned in the last meeting, the mayor and voting majority in 2022 through this election has failed to move this along.
Mr. Ninsky and Mr. Oi made recommendations that did not or acted upon. I'm sorry. You had two years to make a decision. Two years to make a decision to do nothing. It's not rushing, especially knowing the term the
grant ended on December of 2025 or 2024. It's also stated that Mr. Ninsky was trying doing everything he can to get the grant extended. The good thing is it's never happened in Lawrence that we haven't finished a grant in time. So, we
do have an opportunity to get it extended, but it's not guaranteed. That 725,000 is not guaranteed. According to the grant number 2023 09013 0110.00, 00. The period span December
15, 2022 through December 31st, 2024, and liquidations of the obligations must be made by March 20 or 31st, 2025. Perhaps the confusion of Lawrence form government is not mine. Maybe it was yours. Thank you.
>> Thank you so much for your comments. And I would like to um also acknowledge the fact that there was two years here that council did nothing. We were here one year under the grant regulation.
So, I appreciate your comments and thank you. >> See you at this time. We'll close the public participation. Mayor, I would like to present um the resolutions 18A
number 342 authorizing acceptance of stabilization bond for 235 Eldridge Avenue. >> So Mr. isn't here. >> Oh, so no, that's fine. So a motion a
motion could should be could be it's by unless somebody wants to put something out there would be a motion to move 181. >> I wasn't going to move in the >> Okay. You you're going to do it individually. >> Most of them. Yes. I understood that.
>> Got it. Okay. >> My apologies to you. Um again as I stated u bond acceptance 18A1 number 342 authorizing acceptance of stabilization bond for 235 Eldridge
Avenue. >> Second counc please. >> Mr. Kaki. >> Yes. >> Miss Perry. >> Yes. >> Miss Sanchez. >> Yes. >> Mayor Br. >> Yes.
>> There is no release. and no escort release 18D refunds number 343 authorizing refunds for tax over payments second Mr. Kaki.
>> Yes. >> Yes. And then the special items are do you not have any? >> No. >> Okay. >> At this time I would like to move resolution 18F one
two and three in the block. Second F1 just so clarification number 344 authorizing amending professional service agreement to claim three for inspection services for miscellaneous
engineering product project and number two for $30,000 F2 number 345 authorizing professional service agreement to Princeton Hydro Educational Science for Colonial Lake
Shoreline Restoration at 19,200. F3 number 355 authorizing professional services agreement to road safety systems LLC for replacement and repairs
to guide rails at various locations for 17,990. I'd like to move those F1 through F3 in the block. If I could just ask a question. >> Um, >> give a second. >> We have a second. >> Second.
>> If you could um clarify for me the Colonia Lake signage that is signage is for educational. >> Yeah, it's for the installation of it's hydro educational signs that for the colonial lake shoreline restoration.
Okay. >> Yeah. Just notice. Notice >> All right. Madam clerk, if you could call the role, please. >> Mr. Kaki. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Mayor. >> Yes. And then for grants, we received
the the most recent update on the grant, right? >> There were no questions on that council. I would like to move 18H miscellaneous in the block from H1 through H1 with the amendment that we added H1 for the
auction for the items being auctioned. >> Second call the RO please. >> Mr. Kaki >> yes Merry >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. For council initiatives and
leazison reports. Um I think you want to talk about the veterans then mayor mayor. I'd like to just remind everybody uh Tuesday 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11th
month 11 11th hour 11th day Veterans Day right out front here. yourself right now and there be like refreshments thanks to uh recreation and your team out here and some people on the patriotic committ
recreation patriotic committee will be on that. Thank you very much. They do a lovely job. Looking forward to it. >> Anything else? >> Yeah. Um just uh wanted to update everybody. We are uh running a food drive. Uh the collection is going to run
through throughout the month of November um to provide to local families in need. All donations are going to be given to arm and arm to distribute. So drop off will be at the Lauren Senior Center. You can place donations in the tub outside. Um the items that are most needed are canned food, shelf stable milk, olive
and canola oil, dry cereals, and herbs and spices. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, community really organize around that aspect. The school district is also um collecting as well their website ltps.org.
>> I think >> um I don't know if anyone's heard but there are several retailers that are providing a full Thanksgiving dinner for eight for their family for $40. Aldi being one of them. not giving a commercial, but it's good to spread the
word for everything from the turkey and all the fixings for eight for $40. >> That's awesome. I gave my update on trails and open space, but I don't think I have anything else. Any other committees or
I do announce we have another birthday in town for 103 year old. I tell you we're going to have a club. They're always count. >> Yeah. 103. >> Yeah. That's okay. We got time. We got
time. She she did she um I just I just want to give her a shout out. We are going to um give her a resolution. I'm going to visit with her family. We're going to sing happy birthday. I'm going to have cake. And uh I'm just so honored and thrilled that um I just attested to
the quality of life in our town. This this uh this uh centinarian, she is 103 living in her own home. She had a neighbor who was over 100 also. And uh I just I can't wait to meet her. But her
name, just give a shout out. Her name is Jeannie A. Kobinski. I don't know if anybody in the audience knows her. Um, Kobinski. So, we have a write up. I'll leave it at the next council meeting. >> Are you related?
>> I'm all people are related. >> Oh, okay. You said it. I'm um it was wonderful. uh her her family reached out uh to me reached out and I said I am the ventarian mayor.
>> So I'm going to another birthday. She's 103. She lives in our town. She lives on her own and she has family that loves her. So we are going to celebrate her. All right. If there's anybody else out there you all know about, please send them
>> uh your written communication. I don't believe I have any. >> All right. And we will not have any session this evening. So I am in search of an
adjournment. >> I make a motion to adjourn. Second. >> All in favor? >> Very well. Thank you to the public uh for coming out this evening and being a part of our democracy.
Lively discussion is always welcome. You know what? I click at the top and end.