How do you figure out the seating? >> Okay. Uh tell you off the air. Uh we're on the air. >> Great. Thank you. Okay. Opening up the uh regular meeting of the planning board for Long Hill Township. Uh this is
January 27th, 2026. It is 7:31 according to the clock on the wall. Uh if you wouldn't mind please, Madame Secretary, could you read our announcements? >> Happy to. Number one, call to order and statement of compliance. Adequate notice of this meeting or hearing has been
provided by posting a copy of the public meeting and hearing dates on the municipal bulletin board and website, by sending a copy to the Echo Sentinel newspaper, and by filing a copy with the municipal clerk. Number two, standard board procedures. Any meeting or hearing conducted by the board is a quasi judicial proceeding. Any questions or
comments must be limited to issues that are relevant to what the board may legally consider in reaching a decision and a decorum appropriate to a judicial meeting or hearing must be maintained at all times. Number three, electronic devices. All in attendance are asked to mute cell phones or any electronic
devices as to not interrupt the proceedings. Number four, pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
>> Okay. Next, we are can't do the oath of office at this moment for Mayor Gaperia. So, we will do the roll call. Uh, mayor is currently absent or I think he's supposed to be coming, right? Scott,
>> that's the rumor. >> Yep. Okay. Miss >> Still, >> Committeeman Lavender >> present. >> Mr. Hans >> here. >> Mr. Lavario >> here. >> Miss Ojins >> here. >> Mr. Alpalca >> here. >> Vice Chairman Jones >> present. >> Chairman Richardson
>> here. >> Chairman, we have a quorum. >> Great. Thank you very much. Okay, first up then on our agenda are some uh resolutions, some boy board resolutions. The first one is a revised
resolution 2026-05-PB. Uh let me just read what this is about. The board will appoint an engineering firm professional engineer for specific services pertaining to application number 19-13P.
This is Prism Millington LLC major site plan located at 50 Division Avenue, Millington, New Jersey to include resolution compliance and any further related matters for this application on behalf of the planning board through the
completion of application number 19-13P. And just just for the record for everyone, if you were confused or didn't read my email, the um this this particular resolution and the next one that were the next revise is
because I had them at the incorrect rate for 2026. >> That was my mistake for the reorg meeting. So we would need a motion and a second and a roll call vote to appoint
uh the firm which is here >> view engineering. >> Yes. >> For that purpose >> is so moved. >> Second. >> Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones. >> Yes. >> Mayor Peter.
>> Oh, we have to swear. >> Oh, he can't vote until he's sworn in. Yes. Oh, >> so you can wait till the next one. We'll swear you in between. Miss Dill, >> yes. >> Mr. Hans, >> yes. >> Mr. Leveraria, >> yes. >> Miss Ojins, >> yes. >> Mr. Opela, >> yes. >> And Chairman Richardson,
>> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Excellent. Let's circle back and get our mayor sworn in. Welcome, Mr. Mayor. >> Sorry for being late. There was a lot of traffic. >> Mayor, if you could please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I Guy
>> I Guy Persia >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the State of New Jersey >> and the state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance
>> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States and in this state >> in the United States and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully, impartially,
and justly >> And that I will faithfully, impartially, and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of planning board class one member >> of planning board class one member >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my abilities.
and that I will not use my office >> and that I will not use my office >> to grant preferential treatment >> to grant preferential treatment >> nor to seek personal gain >> nor to seek personal gain >> favor or advantage >> favor or advantage >> not available to the general public
>> not available to the general public >> so help me God >> so help me God >> congratulations >> um you can swear me in anytime because when anybody ever does that they always read a full sentence Yeah,
>> much easier. >> Thank you. >> Very good. >> I noticed you cut her off pretty quick to just make sure she gave you short, >> too. >> I was I was a good movie. >> That's right. In the beginning, I die for.
>> Yeah, >> you set the tone. >> Okay, moving right along. Uh we have another revised resolution. And this is resolution 206 D- 2026-06-PB. This is the board will appoint a traffic
engineer as well as an alternate uh alternate planning and engineering firm in such case that traffic expert engineer is required to review a site plan or subdivision application and if the board professionals have a conflict of interest with any specific
application for development. Now, this the background on this because I thought we voted on this last time. This was >> We did again. Same firm. >> Same firm. We had to revise it. >> Revised uh because I did not have the 2026 rate. Correct. >> Correct. >> And I did and Mr.
>> Right. And Mr. L Mr. Leario pointed out the location. I confirmed with them both locations were correct, but they said just use the Rose. Um yeah, the Rose Did I use Rosland? Yeah. >> Roseland. So that's what's reflected will be reflected in their contracts and
and just just another point we will be using the traffic um well assuming that this board sees some of the applications we're expecting to see this year the traffic engineer will be used. >> Okay very good. >> So Deb the the rate is 170 or 180
>> 180. >> Did you get a pay raise as well? >> Nothing. >> Did you get a pay raise as well? >> I did. So thank you. I appreciate it very much. >> I make a motion to accept uh revised resolution 2026-06-PB.
>> Second. >> Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hans, >> yes. >> Mayor Purchae, >> yes. >> Miss Dill, >> yes. >> Mr. Lario, >> yes. >> Miss Ojens, >> yes. >> Mr. Opalca, >> yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones, >> yes. >> Chairman Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
>> Excellent. >> Thank you, everyone. Okay, next item is our meeting minutes. Thank you very much for >> being very prompt. >> Told you I'm not getting that behind again. >> Keep up. Thank you this year
>> for January 13th uh 2026. If you could take a quick look at those if you have not seen them >> and offer any comments or questions be appreciated. Do you want to move in nine Deb
under nine numbers five and six since they were not? >> Well, technically we did approve them. >> Now we're and now we're doing a revise. >> Correct. >> So in in tonight's minutes for next time it will be will reflected that we revised it.
>> So it's okay to leave. Correct. >> Oh yes. Okay. >> Oh yes. >> You got me till 2029. >> Yeah. Oh, don't be so excited. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Thank the mayor and your committee membership. >> Yeah. >> You broke up. >> I promise we'll double your salary.
Okay. >> Double. >> Right. >> That's fine with >> any comments, >> questions. Okay. >> Is there a motion to accept? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? Hi.
>> Hi. >> Thank you. >> Excellent. >> Okay. Next up is uh resolution. This is the Freddy Espinosa Indigna Barbara. This is
application number 25-9P. >> So I I would think that I don't know Miss Ojens if you'd like to make a comment and Mr. hands. Uh they both sent uh Chris Sovieties some questions andor comments with regard to the resolution
and I think that they were all clarified. Correct. >> We got a response. I did. >> Yeah. >> And you're satisfied. >> No, >> I should. Okay.
>> Um All right. So if you look at the the first height variance uh proposed for the dwelling on lot 12.01 page 6 item 11 sub item V or five where
the architect Miss Polarmo said both proposed homes would now stand at a compliant height. no architectural plans illustrating the compliance have been received from um Miss Polarmo and
the response that I got was that she the architect testified that the homes would be a compliant height um and that the applicant dropped their request for a height variance. So, uh that's basically
it. And yet the response I got on the next page. >> So there's no contention with that one. Correct. >> Pardon? >> You're good with the response on that one. >> Um I I my comment was that the applicant
should revise the architectural plans to ensure consistency with the site plans because all we have before us are site plans that show a variance. >> The issue was the height, but they said they would stay compliant with the height requirement. So >> it's strictly their word. Yeah.
>> Well, it's not strictly their word because what happens during resolution compliance when those plans come into us before a permit is issued, we confirm that it comes in at 35. In addition to that, once the certificate of occupancy is issued
>> at the end of the build, we also confirm if they go over that height, they come back to the board. >> Right. So we do have insurance >> and balances in place. >> Correct. Good. Okay. >> Right. I because it had been such an item of rather hot discussion, I felt
that it warranted being stated in the resolution um something to the effect that the effect rather that um that this was going to be in addition saying it we're not giving a variance for them to exceed
the height >> right in the beginning doesn't ask for it initi 27 says >> yeah I I'll go through 27 in a Second, >> the response that I got um when I asked um Chris about the height variance and
that we had on the ta the zoning table in the application still requested a variance and his response was again the applicant has no choice but to comply with the height restrictions because they did get a
height variance and They they didn't get a height vary. >> We did not. >> So I think that's just a misstatement. >> I think it's that's a misstatement. It's not stated like that in the in the resolution. >> So I just wanted to clarify that because that's the response that I got from Chris. >> No, he must have misstated because No,
they >> they have to come in in compliance. >> Okay. >> And the plans that you saw if they had >> anything other the compliance plans will be corrected. >> Okay. So let's just clear that up. And I I can give this to you.
>> They eliminated their request. >> Correct. >> That's correct. They've revised their request during the application and then we captured that in the resolution. I think that should be sufficient. >> So >> going forward if it's helpful because I usually do this in my resolutions. I
have uh a section of rel relief requested and then I have a section called relief granted so that you can see automatically from the beginning. You don't have to dig through a resolution. So if if that'll be helpful that that's >> I think that would be very helpful
because here it says in the response that I got when I asked these questions that they no longer needed a variance and then it said we did grant them a variance. So and I can give this a typo.
>> So but this is the resolution is the important document. So let's just make sure that's accurate. >> Read have you read 27? >> Have you read the resolution? Yeah, I read the obviously I read it. That's why >> okay that's the old one. This is a
>> So let me just go through. >> We got a couple of conversations going on here. All right, let's Pam, you had the floor. Are you finished with your >> as um I think I'm looking at the Oh, I think I'm looking at the most recent resolution.
>> It's the one I printed for tonight that's on the desk. >> You just got >> Okay. So, this is different from the one I was working on yesterday. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. So I admit to not having read this yet. >> Yeah, nobody has because I got it like an hour before meeting. >> Okay. So are we going to approve this
resolution without having ample time to read it? >> Let me let me pick it up from that point if I can. >> Yeah, because David can explain the rest. >> This was I I went through this with Chris. >> So I had similar comments about the heights and I think exactly right. My concern was that as a very sensitive
subject because they actually came back because of it and within the documents there were inconsistencies. >> Mhm. >> So that's why I presented the quiz. So back and forth. So ultimately number 27 which suggested or he suggested
27. So let me read it to you and see if this helps Pam. Finally, the board notes that while there was a robust dis while there was a robust discussion with respect to the height of the dwelling that would be constructed on proposed lot 1201, the
applicants ultimately eliminated their request for bulk variance relief to permit said dwelling to stand at an extensive excessive height. So they removed their variance request. >> Gotcha. As such, neither proposed dwelling will
be permitted to stand at a height greater than 35 ft unless the applicants obtain further variance relief from this board of township zoning board of adjustment. The board also notes that here that compliance with the ordinance is applicable building height requirement will be verified as the as the applicants will be required to
submit revised plans demonstrating same condition as of this approval. So >> to me sort of >> emphasized there was a discussion they presented something they withdrew it but now have a fix at 35. If they want to do
something else they have to come back before the appropriate authorities. So I think I was okay with that paragraph unless disagrees with that. Well >> it clears it up. >> Is that okay from your perspective? It's good enough. That's good.
>> Okay, good enough. >> Was there anything else that you changed in this? >> There was nothing else that I mean other than minor typos that I fixed. >> So that 27 was the main piece that was added. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I was comfortable personally. So
>> any other comments? >> Yeah, I got a just a comment. Nothing about this just process. In the future, would it be helpful for us to get a markup version of these >> red line so you >> a red line so we can actually see the changes?
>> Absolutely. >> Right. And a con and and some sort of a header at the top that you know we know when we pick up a piece of paper we're looking at tonight's >> version. Document control is of the essence as
you're getting the just it just makes things move faster. Yep. So, we would then send out just a a track change PDF along with the >> Yeah. Well, >> the resolution that we're voting, >> right, you'll want to do that. Yeah,
Chris, >> that's what we do. That's what we do for ordinances on the committee. Oh, yeah. Chris Chris did not do that for this particular circumstance. >> Understood. >> Which is fine. >> Understood. And >> we can do it for the future. >> We are going to get so much better at getting these things out in advance, not
hours before. But that's partly my fault cuz I saw dep I mean I even followed up yesterday and he I whether it was snow or otherwise he didn't respond until at 5:00 at night. So >> yeah and I didn't look at it this morning. So that was >> that was my bad. >> Yep.
>> All right. We'll blame it on Mr. Hans. >> We can I take this >> We have a motion which blame it on Mr. H. Okay. Good. >> So I make a motion to accept the resolution as written. Okay.
>> Second. >> Uh, actually you are not eligible, Mr. Richard. >> I didn't say second. >> Oh, who said the second? Oh, Mr. Jones. I apologize. >> Ventriloquist. >> Was there was one further correction that was made with square feet or square feet?
>> Uh, yes. Mr. Labario pointed out on page three under the third whereas the property is a rectangular approximately 7,00 76,392 square feet will be added >> square foot. So with that change you can
>> as amended. Yeah. Right. >> Okay. So you're just putting square feet after the number. >> Correct. >> All right. So I'll I'll revise my motion to accept the document as is with that change noted. >> Great. >> Second. Okay. Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones. >> Yes.
>> Miss Ojins. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Hans? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Very good. >> Thank you. >> Well done. Excellent. We had enough votes to carry that. >> Oh, you only need technically one on the resolution. >> That's it. Okay. Wanted to make sure. >> But yeah, those are the all the four that are eligible.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. Our next uh item on the agenda is uh an ordinance discussion. is the agenda title and I'd approach Elanta to um give us kind of a primer on some of
the processes and some of the things now that you're aboard uh that both you would like to see as some of our best management practices going forward as well as just the overall process. >> Okay. >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> Of course. So the arch overarching theme
of this discussion I think should be cost efficiency because that is my goal. Uh making this as costefficient as possible for the township. Uh because it is the township that that pays uh for these reviews to go on. Uh and also
ensuring that whatever we produce here is defensible that it is accurate. um so that we we don't have to go on for long periods of time uh trying to get something in a correct format. So what I
would like to propose to the board and you know if you disagree with me please let me know. I think to begin ordinance review because I understand that it's stalled over the last, you know, couple of months that perhaps the professionals
should take the first stab at looking at the ordinance and um coming up with um their you know their ideas about what is priority because I understand that the board also has a priority list which I
haven't had an opportunity to really take a look at. Mr. Jones is shaking his head no, but he's shaking his head yes. So, you do have a priority list. >> Yes, I haven't sent it to you yet. That's the No, I haven't sent it. And yes, we have a priority list. >> Okay. Very good. Very good. So, I haven't seen it, but
>> reading the nods. >> I I I don't know if Miss Laney's seen it or not or Mr. Vu, but I have spoken to Liz Laney. I spoke to her this morning actually uh about this um to get her take on it. And uh there are certain things that exist in the ordinance and
and I know this because I used to work here many years ago. So I remember this ordinance. There are certain things in the ordinance in the you know not not the ordinance as a whole but just the land development section that should probably be revised to bring it up to date. So there are things that the
professionals are probably going to note that are a little bit out of date that we can bring up. So what we're doing at doing is we're not looking at it necessarily substantively. We're looking at it, you know, from a procedural point of view and from a legal point of view,
from the engineering and planning perspective, bringing it up to date. And then once we do that, and it's not going to take us a long time to do, uh, we would sit down with the ordinance review committee and go over what the board's
priorities are so that we can put all of those priorities together and then start drafting ordinances. Once we do that, I think that the first stab at drafting these ordinances should go to the professionals, which means either Liz
and me or Joe and me because I'm going to have I'm going to need them uh for planning and for engineering purposes. They're going to have to opine on a lot of this stuff. Um I can be the scrivener initially and then they can help me. Uh Liz also is going to write a lot of
these things just from a planning perspective, especially once we get into the zones. That's all planning and Liz has a lot of experience doing that uh throughout the state of New Jersey. She she does. >> So, you know, and I really look forward to working with her actually. Uh I
didn't get a whole lot of time to work with her before I left the last time. >> You had a little overlap. >> We had a little overlap, but but not a lot. But I do know her work and I I know what she can do. Um and then we bring that to the ordinance review committee to get their take on policy
um and where we're going. Um because the point of what the planning board is doing because as you know we have two governing body members sitting here uh the way ordinances are generally adopted is they are you know they're written
nobody knows when or where or who does the writing but they show up at the governing at a governing body meeting they're introduced and then a few weeks later you know after they've been published they there is a public hearing and then they're adopted
Land use ordinances are a little bit different in that when after introduction at the governing body they come back to the planning board. The planning board is required according to the municipal land use law to review the ordinance and to determine its
consistency with the master plan >> because board is in charge of the master plan and you just adopted a master plan and you have done an incredible job. I went through the master plan today. I read it cover to cover, read it over the weekend. I think that you did a magnificent job. It's a great master
plan. Um, and the ordinances that we're going to be crafting, you are going to be ensuring that those ordinances are bringing that master plan to fruition because you've already provided the vision. Now, we're going to have to
write it down. The best people to to write that down. And I'm telling you, it's Liz Laney. Um, and and I can help, but she's really good at this. She she wrote part of that master plan. I know she did. I know that she was involved in that process as well, at least over the
last couple of years. And uh, she knows as a professional planner how to bring your vision to life. Uh, now all we're going to be doing is bringing it to the OC just to make sure that everything that's being written because sometimes there are two ways to look at an issue.
There are two ways to write >> um, an ordinance. sometimes three ways, sometimes more. So, we want to get the, you know, the OC's take on what it is we're producing. So, by the time we get it to the board and it goes to the governing body, to the township
committee, it's in final form. Now, I must say that even whatever the planning board does, whatever the OC does, the governing body, the township committee still has every right to take a look at that ordinance, to make changes, to adopt it, to not adopt it. um based on
what their policy perspectives are as well. So, you know, what we're doing here, it has to it has to pass a couple of different tests. And the governing body test is one test. And then the master plan consistency test, that's another test. >> Uh and then it goes to hearing before
the public, that's yet another test. So I I think that the way that this should work is rather than trying to establish priorities in public uh and with the entirety of the planning board, I think it becomes unmanageable and I
think we run into trouble like for example um we run into trouble where some of the documents that we might may want to share that I would take the position are deliberative. I don't want those documents for someone to take the position that those documents are
subject to OPRA that they are public documents. I also don't want to have discussions in public uh regarding um certain ordinances because sometimes discussions start um you know go in a direction I'll
say that start uh people start discussing hypotheticals which you know I mean nothing's happening right now >> personal opinions >> uh there are personal opinions that are expressed which is fine but the problem happens in the future when that
hypothetical becomes is reality. Um, and an application actually comes before the board and it may be a controversial application or or not. And if you have the board that's trying to get something from this applicant that potentially
might even deny this application, you are having applicants and attorneys looking back on the public record to see what was stated. This has happened in other towns. I presided over something, a court case actually in in another town
in another county. Uh that turned into just a a big time waste and a lot and a big money waste for for a town in litigation because certain things that people said during planning board meetings and governing body meetings
were then used against them in court. So I want to prevent that from happening as much as possible. And I want this process to be fruitful, to be quick, and to be as cost-effective as possible. I think drawing it out and having many
meetings and having professionals sit through many meetings, you're paying us hourly, >> you know. I think if we can get the work done upfront quickly, turn it over to board members who are then going to review it, members of the OC. This is a subcommittee. uh nothing that they're
doing is subject to OPRA because it is deliberative and it is done uh behind closed doors because they're not subject to the open public meetings act either. Uh they're not required to u give notice or to appear in public or to have public discussions. There's no voting that's
happening. So this is something that we can do to protect the process and to make it go quickly because once you start in, you know, you start including all of these other things in the process, there's just more to go wrong.
>> Can I um I'd like to direct this comment to Guy I suppose because this is sort of uh parallel to what you're talking about. I like what you're saying, >> Guy. We have three or four,
I would call them land use ordinances that one committee man is sort of on a mission to for us to adopt. Those are going to come to the planning board if they get off the ground and they are
controversial. Should we be taking those as subjects and referring those to the ordinance review committee just to appine on the big picture on these >> because we could waste a lot we could waste a ton of time on this and irritate
a lot of people. We can do that on other issues. >> Yeah, we're we're like experts at that. I I know but it's like it's not something I'm proud of. >> You need help. Right. >> Right. I I would think so because to Yolant's point, I mean, the ordinance
review committee could say whether it's in direct conflict to the master plan, >> right? Some of these I think would be dead on arrival if we just simply sent them to the orc and said >> here's the planning board could come back and say this can't fly based on the master plan. So you might want to
rethink >> sending it to us >> or or it will fly and so continue right deliberation. You don't want to shut the process down, but at least you get you get kind of a screening review. Does that make sense, Yolanda? >> Oh, no. Absolutely. And the governing body >> uh can do it either way. I mean, the the
governing body under the municipal land use law has the has the right uh to request of the planning board that the planning board review any land development ordinance that you want to send to it. And now the planning board has determined that they're going to have this ordinance review committee
that's just going to be a specialized group looking at this with the professionals. >> You know, I mean, land use is what we do, so why not? >> Well, and and and so a lot of times what happens, these ideas come up. Jack Pigeon spends a lot of time crafting something. We go back and forth with
this. Couple of meetings, three meetings go by. There's a lot of, you know, the the meter's running on all this >> when we really could have just sent this down and said, you know, here's the idea. Give us an opinion on this because a lot of times these these things only come to the top of the queue because
like a resident in one neighborhood complained and someone thinks it's but but there's not this great hue and cry to do anything about it. >> But getting back to your original point, it would be nice to know what the parameters are as we discuss it >> at the township committee. I hear what you're saying. We do have uh the ability
and the authority to do certain things, but it would be nice to hear from the planning board what the the goalposts are. >> Yes. >> And especially right now because the planning board just adopted their master plan. The master plan's brand new and
and we're approaching the ordinance in an omnibus kind of fashion. you know, we're trying to revamp the whole thing and bring it into, you know, 2026 because it's stuck a little bit, you know, a couple years before 2026. >> And as wonderful as that master plan is,
and there are some newer members I see here, uh, the long and winding road to get to that masterful master plan. >> It was a challenge. >> It was a challenge. Can I just make a couple quick observation if I can? I like the idea personally of the township
committee saying here's a here's a subject bring it to planning board first before you spend the time crafting the ordinance for us then to review the ordinance sort of after the fact if that's appropriate legal avenue to take
I think >> run that by me again David >> I think you're talking about a little bit more than a subject I think you're talking about >> proposal Scott is saying the subject project. So let me just back up then what we have
seen are um ordinance prov presented to the board written by the township committee Jack or whoever else correct >> we we review it upon send you know or for master plan conformance
>> consistency so what I'm think I'm hearing not going that township committee doesn't get that far township committee comes first with the idea here's a subject the light of the planning board to look at. We can then say sounds good in or we can come back
potentially and say no not a good idea right just potential >> or there may be an ordinance or something that addresses it already. >> Right. Right. Or right. Although and we always say good idea let us come back to you with the ordinance. >> Right. I I'll give you an idea there as
Scott said. I think there are four items maybe five but four. One of the ones that I don't think is as controversial, but I don't know if it's a simple solution. The idea was floated, >> no overnight parking in any district anywhere in town.
>> It sounds I mean I like you know it's prettier or more aesthetically pleasing, but is it practical? >> Is that land or is that >> about police? That sounds pleasing to me. >> I don't think that's in land use parking overnight. >> Yeah, but >> that may be the in the part of the
ordinance. That would be an example granted it's not here >> of something that it sounds nice >> in theory >> right so >> practice >> so that's that's my point I think that's my point anything to do with land use perhaps as a thought comes to the
planning board first for our review and then it goes back to you guys with an opinion >> well let's let's clarify anything from the township committee and I Scott has a great idea I think it's great to send if the township committee Because remember, ordinances can come directly from the
planning board or directly from the township committee. These are things that are t coming directly from the township committee. So you'll want to correct me if I'm wrong. You're going to send it to our OC committee. >> Correct. >> The OC is going to say, "Okay, this is great." And then go back to the first reading. So once you do your first
reading, wait, >> go ahead. Go ahead. >> Wait. >> Because this is how it works for the T. So once it goes back to first reading, then it comes back to the entire board. >> The entire board. entire board gets it for master plan consistency at which point >> if there are members of the board that
are not on the OC and didn't see it initially >> you can comment on it at that point I mean >> let me ask a question then who writes the draft ordinance would that be >> Jack >> see this I'm trying to get >> yes in this case Jack or he's sending
down an existing ordinance for us to review >> it >> if there again Jack >> right >> if the T if it comes from the TC or sending down something >> or Jessica depending on the type of the ordinance uh Jessica Caldwell who's the township planner. Now if it comes from
the planning board the ordinance is going to be written by either Elonto or Liz. >> So procedurally how does the OC give the feedback to the township committee? >> Tony I just want to make sure your mic there just
>> you have to share. >> Sorry. >> Yeah. Okay. Go ahead. Say it again. But procedurally, how does the OC give whatever their recommendation or finding is to the township committee? >> It's it's in the ordinance. It's whatever ordinance is produced that
everyone is satisfied with. And my understanding is the procedure that Longhill has been taking and and the way I remember it, it may have changed, is that once the OC was finished uh with their ordinance, it came to the entirety of the planning board. It was a final
draft uh that came to the planning board that was discussed at that point because it was a final draft and that draft was then forwarded to the township committee for their review, right? And then the township committee when they decided if they decide to put it on an agenda and
introduce it, then it goes on for first reading. >> So, I understand that part of it, but Scott brought up if there's topics or things that are township committee hotspots that may not have an ordinance, >> right? So it's kind of it's a first question before the ordinance is even
drafted is where I'm I'm coming what I mean right. So if it's a topic that we don't have an ordinance of is it worthwhile to write an ordinance is a question that's put in front of the OC >> and they don't have an O they don't write the ordinance right they go back and they say we think that we need one.
>> How does that feedback process work? Because I understand what you're saying when there's an actual ordinance. What I'm trying to get from Scott's question is if it's a topic that doesn't have an ordinance. Well, we have two governing body members sitting here on the planning board. And you know, they are our our direct liaison between the
governing body and and the planning board. And if there's something that's happening on township committee that our governing body members would like to to tell us, then then the mayor and committeeman Lavender can certainly bring that up here and then the chairman can direct the OC
>> to go, you know, to go into committee and figure out, you know, answer the question. That's the step that I was missing. It sounded like it went from township committee to the OC without the planning board in the middle. No, was the way that it was described. What I heard was that they could say, "Let's go
right to the OC. Skip the planning board for the review." But it has to come here >> for referral. But I would quickly refer it then to the the or >> that that's where I was just getting the >> and the only reason for that is because
the board while the board is empowered to make recommendations on ordinances to the township committee they do that within the context and within their purview of master plan consistency review. So you can make those
recommendations as a whole, as a board, but you do that within those parameters when you are ensuring that it's consistent with the master plan or you're writing a memo about why it's not consistent with the master plan and you're sending it off to the governing body. Um, in terms of how an ordinance
comes about, many towns do it in many different ways. An OC is just another way uh to do that. So >> is there could I just uh ask a question? Is there any merit to also reversing this process as well? Is if we have a
subject or an idea and a and a proposal that we're going to develop at the planning board, get that up to the township committee. >> Well, you have that you have that already. It's the 81 ordinances that we have to update. >> Okay. All right. So you so there we
don't need necessarily a formal process there as we're developing in regards to the flow down to the >> can I can I a good conversation can I simplify it and >> nod yes or no so guy and I show up at
these meetings we'll come with something that was discussed at the township committee >> um you'll refer it to the orc What'll come back from the ORC? Could be a memo.
Could be an opinion, good idea, bad idea, consistent, not consistent, do not pass, go. >> Um, we could write an ordinance. That could be one thing that comes back. We take it back to the township committee and we decide what to do next. >> That what to do next might be a memo
back to you folks. go ahead and write the ordinance or we abandon the idea or we'll write it oursself. >> Sure. >> Right. And guys, that >> that and then and then this way we're not, >> you know, doing all this work at the top at the township committee and then
finding out that, >> you know, we spent a lot of money and it didn't go anywhere. >> Yeah. Let me just play out one quick hypothetical. >> Could there be a response that we need more information? >> Yeah, there could be. >> Yeah. Right. Of course, >> as long as there's as long as there's
this handshake of information >> and and there can also be a response, you know, during a master plan consistency review that the board finds that it's absolutely not consistent with the master plan, but the governing body thinks it's important enough to pass
that they do they pass it anyway uh with a supermajority and with a statement of reasons and they're allowed to do that. >> Y so just to recap it for a second. So the intention there I think ultimately the intention is any land use ordinance fundamentally comes from the planning
board as opposed to what we get occasionally it's coming from the township committee is that the general principle we all good with that and yes there will be circumstances where you can absolutely but this way we save the time and effort and not picking on Jack but on at the township committee level
we take the first drafts first review >> yeah because we've had those miscon communications over the years between the two. So I think I'd much rather see this. >> And Mr. Chair, can I add one to what Yolanda just said? While that is absolutely legally true, what you said
in the years that I've been on the township committee and prior to that I was on the planning board and board of adjustment before, >> it has never been that situation where the governing body has tried to jam something through. >> Right. >> We depend on this body
>> for guidance. Hence why Scott recommended what he did. It would be nice for you guys to opine. Now, we we may come back and say, "No, but we really like it for these reasons. >> Maybe let's let's tweak it a touch." >> But it is true. The governing body could
be dictatorial about it. I've never seen it. >> Of course. Of course. That that is your right. Um and as long as you have good reasons for it. >> How did you phrase it? With good reason or is there was a phrase you used? You need to pass it with a with a majority, with a supermajority. >> Yeah. Then you said with reason and with
a statement of reason. >> Statement of reason. There it is. >> Statement of reason supporting your decision why you're going to pass it despite it not being consistent with the master plan. But what the governing body is doing in this case right now makes a lot of sense because the master plan is
so new. This board worked on the master plan. stands to reason that then this board is, you know, it's it can help the governing body greatly. >> To point, it would be nice if everybody on the governing body understood the master plan as intimately as the
planning board does, >> right? >> It we don't we're all >> and this process this process will help that education go. Even though I served on the planning board for I think it was five years prior and then on the board of adjustment for eight or nine prior to that,
>> my touch with the master plan, I haven't had it in five years, >> right? >> You know, I'd like to I'd like to admit to all of you that I've read it. Uh I haven't. >> We'll have quiz next time. >> And we've got and we've got a YouTube
video. >> What did you want to say? She read the whole bloody master plan today. masterful. >> I >> I'm not as f quick. >> I'd like to I'd like to >> contribute to closing out this topic with one final comment. >> Here's a coffee for you.
>> Yeah, >> I probably should get that. >> So, there's there there's narratives in the master plan that talk about the individuality and the character of all the different neighborhoods in the town. And oftent times we on the governing
body, we think about these ordinances >> as if the whole town is one neighborhood and it's not. >> And that's a lot of value that can come back, >> right? When we talk about, you know, what people should be doing with their lawns and their driveways and the
>> right, that's the value that comes back is is all the work that you've done on the neighborhoods, the character, the history. Sterling has a workman's village, you know, whatever. Right. >> Yeah, that's very good point. >> Good. >> And that's really something that stands
out in the master plan and and it's it's very unique because I read master plans from towns all over the state and you know this one, you know, it really is special because it really it it's tailored to Long Hill and it encompasses the feeling the Long Hill that I know, you know, that I used to work for and
I'm here again. You're hired. >> Before we really close the topic, did anybody else have any other comments? >> My only comment back was just going back to you originally said, are we comfortable? It's time versus cost, right? You the approach you're suggesting is cost. The way we do it,
it's time. Are we okay with the way that it's been proposed? I mean, that's more of a commit township committee. Well, I think procedurally for this board, um, you know, since we did not appoint individuals on the org at the reorg, >> I think we need to do that this evening
unless the board disagrees with me. >> So, that would be the the first thing is we reappoint four members. >> The second thing is I think we need to discuss uh the possibility of act an actual schedule. >> So, we can whether the committee is good with two times a month, once a month.
Um, you know, >> I was going to ask you that. Yeah, we could do we could do, you know, Monday. I would prefer not on a Tuesday because we have meetings on Tuesdays, but we could, you know, any day of the week, pick a time, afternoon, what we could do a Zoom, we can do in person, whatever everybody's comfortable with. And at
those scheduled meetings, you would have Yolanda, Liz, Joe if he's needed, myself, and any of the members of the OC committee. And if anybody can't make it on the committee for one given day, you know, we can still continue with the discussion
>> preparing something for the board. So, you know, I think we just keep it moving with including the professionals in every one of the meeting >> those orc meetings where they could just be zoom meetings, right? >> They could absolutely. It's just >> doesn't make sense to pull people into a room and >> right. I know that some some members
>> documents, >> right? Some members prefer in person, some me it's it's totally up to committee, >> right? It could be. So I have a question. If you have four people on the ORC, can you have alternates if there's an issue that um we don't want to delay
things because you know only two of the four people can show up or is that something that's done with >> my experience? >> No. No, it shouldn't be because we can't create a quorum, right? >> Yeah, that I understand. >> Create a quorum and if we have alternates, you know, I mean, what are
the rules? Are the alternates allowed to, you know, are they allowed to attend? Are they allowed to know what's happening? You know, I I don't want a situation where we're creating, you know, we're create now we're creating a public body because then we might as well just have a conversation. >> Just to just that point, two seconds,
right? There's a difference between the the master plan chapters elements and so is any harm to say there's a land use orc and there's an all other orc. So you have maybe historical conservation
focused um ordinances within that subcommittee and the land use within the other just to avoid >> I would not I do not recommend that. No, >> for the reason being you're just going to pigeon hole discussions and go down I
think rabbit holes >> but then we'd be focusing >> yes >> on a subject >> and just to get everybody's >> availability just a suggestion >> well the focus is important but I think you know when you're drafting an ordinance it's not like a master plan um
I I think the focus of an ordinance is to make sure that the whole thing works and there are many moving parts and our job is to put all the moving moving parts together and make it move like a machine. Uh if we start poking around with different parts, once we come back together to put it back together, it
might not work. >> Uh and that >> in my mind, the both most complicated and Tom, you can chime in too. One of the most complicated areas of development of the ordinance is all of the implications that it creates because it's a it's a tangled web on many of
these ordinances. And so there's implications and that's where we're really in need of professionals >> to help us understand kind of the cause and effect of what we're doing and what implications it it impacts. >> Right. None of the professionals are
making policy at all. U whatever I write, whatever Liz writes, I will explain it to you. We're not going to do anything that is not crystal clear and it's not what the ORC members or the board members believe that it should be.
if there is an opinion that's needed about a policy consideration, we're going to come back and we're going to ask. We're not just going to put in what we think. You know, if there's actually something that needs um you know, a that's a subjective um thing that we
need to put into this ordinance, we're going to ask. We're not we're not just going to use our judgment because we don't live here. So, we're going to ask you. Um, but the process, the safety net, making sure that things are consistent so that the, you know, so
that there's no conflict, internal conflict within the ordinance. That's our job to make sure that it works together. >> Okay. So, just so we can move on, Tom, are you in a position this evening to announce who you would like to be
because I'm looking to you as the captain >> of the ORC or would you like to further consider some of the discussion and come back to us? >> Your choice. >> So, I did last last time we met reach out to a couple people here who uh and
asked them if they wanted to be part of and they had said yes. So, um I'm if they still want to do it, yeah, I'm happy to take them on. I think that was uh I had one extra position. I was going to ask um my neighbor two doors down
over here if she would like to join Teresa if she would also like to join the the orc and that would make four counting myself. >> Okay, >> that was Mr. Hands. It was just Mr. Larerio >> getting there >> every time. and Theresa if she wanted to
join >> and that would be >> are you guys comfortable all committing to this? >> Yeah, I know that we talked Don earlier last year that like last year took such a toll on I think the ORC with the inefficiencies that existed. So, I'd
love to serve in this role again, but I think we as a board need to like work on some of our >> right >> and and I pledge from now speaking from the board that we will be empowering you and we will be trusting in the work that
you do so that we're not redoing work of the orc because that's where inefficiencies develop as well. You're anointed. You're going to propose things. We're going to listen and respectfully have faith that you can help us get through this process efficiently.
>> Yeah. And I don't think it's that like >> I think the biggest thing was allowing every person in every meeting who somebody maybe didn't attend this one and then somebody didn't attend this one and then somebody didn't like it's like there should just be one shot >> consistency >> for people to give their feedback and if that feedback has to come via email
that's also fine. I don't think it should be >> like we'll wait for whoever and then whoever and whoever. I think there were like several different members who just by absences. I I I just don't think that's like an efficient way. >> Yeah, preparation is absolutely critical and that's on both sides, the board as
well as the orc so that we can get through the process efficiently. We're volunteers and that's you know we know life gets in the way of our volunteer activities, no doubt. So it it's difficult but we really appreciate. So So is that now you
have your team in place? >> Yeah, that's fine. Beautiful. Did you >> I will send out an email to the team >> and include Yolanta and Liz and Joe and say let's discuss a schedule >> and figure out times, dates, you know, how many times what we want to do and
we'll get started. >> Great. >> Can I just make one last comment? I will I like the way Tom was handling it in the documentation and the organization of what was being done. I I would encourage you to >> Oh, absolutely. Make sure you share that
>> they have an idea of how Tom approached it and a oneoff conversation to talk about what was done and what we can leverage to bring >> I did I sent her one from I the last one I have from was from 2024. >> You did? >> Uh we had one last year. >> Yeah. I don't know if I I didn't I'll
share the most current stuff that we've had >> and use those as an example. What I shared with you today >> and you forwarded on. >> Yes. >> That's part of it. I'll send the rest of it so that way she has a whole front to back on what we were doing. >> Yeah. I I think once we have the
framework of a plan, once we know what the priorities are, once we once the the professionals are given the go-ahhead to start building, you know, what's going to be the foundation of what the the ORC is going to build upon, I think it will then become cost effective. >> I'm sorry.
>> Because it will be because if you know, if we have to go back and review and re-review, that's where the cost comes in because that That's extra hours. >> Well, just so the board knows, I'm I'm going to give them permission to do two
updates soon to discuss fees. >> Yeah. >> And um now that we have the zone changes all completed, the our bulk what's called the bulk chart of requirements, >> which is uh 131, section 131, has to be
updated >> with that information. That's got to be done like ASAP for zoning purposes. So, um, that's gonna I'm gonna basically give you and Liz the go-ahhead to like, okay, rewrite these ordinances and update it based on the ordinance change. >> Those will be two good ones.
>> That aren't going to require major substit. >> Great. 100%. >> Fees are easy and I know that we redid that portion of the ordinance many years ago, but I know that they've changed. >> Yeah. So, >> and I will when I when I propose the fees, I will also give everybody the
board the backup when we discuss it so that you know that I've compared some towns, etc., etc. >> Great. Excellent. Well, I'm going to bring the the discussion to a close without any other comment. I uh look forward to working and I know the board is looking forward to moving this
process along. Thank you, Mr. Jones, for keeping this keeping us going here. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair, and the body. >> Great. Uh any old or other new business before this board I can think of? Not then is there a
motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. In >> favor I >> I