[laughter] Now we are. Okay, we're on the air. And good evening everybody. Welcome and happy new year. And welcome to the planning board meeting, reorganizational meeting and hearing if although we're not having any hearing today uh for
January 13, 2026. It is 7:31 p.m. 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 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 the 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 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. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liberty andice for all. Okay, tonight we will be issu we will be I'm sorry, our board attorney who's uh
will be doing the oath of office for Terresa Dill, our class 2 member, the ex her term will expire 123126. Scott Lavender, sorry, committeeman Scott Lavender, class 3, expiring 123126.
And Tom Jones, who's class 4, expiring 123129. May I have a copy of the oath? >> Yes. [snorts] You want to Sorry. >> Thank you. >> Everyone taking the oath. >> Oh, wait. Here. Take guys.
>> Follow along. >> It's okay. [laughter] >> Everyone taking the oath, if you can please raise your right hand. I state your name. >> Scott Jones. Do solemnly swear or affirm >> do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support the Constitution of
the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the State of New Jersey >> and the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments >> and to the governments
>> established in the United States and in this state >> established 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 >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially and justly >> impartially and justly
>> perform all the duties of >> perform all the duties of >> and please state your board position >> planning board class three member >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> and that I will not use >> and that I will not use
>> my office >> my office >> to grant preferential treatment >> to grant preferential treatment >> nor to seek personal gain gain, >> nor deceit, personal gain, >> favor or advantage. >> Favor or advantage >> not available to the general public, so
help me God. >> Not available to the general public, so help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> I can witness. >> You're the witness. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Okay, I will now take the role.
Mayor Persurch is excused this evening. Miss Still >> present. >> Committeeman Lavender >> present. >> Mr. Hans >> here. >> Mr. Lavario >> here. >> Miss Ojins >> here. >> Mr. Opala >> here. >> Mr. Jones >> in attendance. >> Mr. Richardson >> here.
>> Fabulous. We have a quorum. Okay. Next, we are moving on to the election of the chairman. So, I will open up the floor to motions or nominations for our chairperson. I'd like to nominate Don Richardson as chairman. >> Okay.
>> Second. >> Okay. Any further nominations? >> Okay. >> I'd like to make a motion that the nominations are closed. >> Nominations are closed. >> So, I will take a roll call vote. Uh, Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Jones? >> Yes. >> Miss Dill? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hans? >> Yep. >> Mr. Lavario? >> Yes. >> Miss Ojins? >> Yes. Mr. Opala. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Richardson. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Congratulations.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you for your vote of support. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Couple of quick things I just wanted to mention as as I take this. I'd been thinking about some of the priorities for the year and we'll talk more about that in the coming weeks, but certainly
our continued work on the ordinance is probably the the uppermost priority. We lost a little steam last year with u various things that occurred that interrupt our lives and and affect our ability to to do this in a volunteer fashion. We appreciate the public's
patience as we get through this process, but this has got to be um a key year to move these ordinances uh up through the township committee and then out um uh into the into the the book, so to speak. Uh the second thing is I've been
thinking a lot about how we can continue to improve the applicant process. I think we've made some strides to streamline some things. I think they're on both sides as far as how we prepare for the uh hearings as well as uh the
work that we do in interfacing and helping to try to mitigate costs associated with the applicant process. We recognize that it can be an expensive process for applicants coming before the board. We want to be accommodating uh
but on the same token we want to uh have a thorough and and and accurate reflection of really what uh the uh applicant is striving to do and it comports with the master plan and the goals of the town. So we take that uh
role very seriously. And then the third thing is the continued connection with various other committees. We we uh made a good start last year. We could probably enhance that more in regards to connecting with some of the other township committees to ensure that we
are promoting the master plan that we [snorts] work so hard on to pass. So those are what I see as some of the three main priorities uh going forward. So thank you again. Look forward to working with you all. >> Very good. You're here. >> Yeah. >> You want to do the nominations? >> Yes. I guess I'm on. >> You're on.
>> You're on. Carry [laughter] on. >> Okay. So, we are up to uh nominations are open for the election of the vice chairman. >> I nominate Tom Jones as vice chairman. >> I'd like to second that nomination. >> Any other nominations? >> All right.
>> I make a motion that the nominations are closed. Second vote. >> Second. >> Okay. All right. So, Committee Lavender, >> yes. >> Chairman Richardson, >> yes. Miss Dill. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hanss. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lavario. >> Yes.
>> Miss Ojins. >> Yes. >> Mr. Opela. >> Yes. >> And Vice Chairman Jones. >> Sure. [laughter] >> In attendance. >> Motion. >> Nice guy. [laughter] In. >> Thank you very much for that vote. >> Congratulations. Thank you. Forward to
working with all of you. >> Put your title back on there. [laughter] >> And the orc will be alive and well. He worked. Great. Okay, moving right along. We are up to uh board appointment
resolutions. Now, do these resolutions have to be done individually or what's your recommendation? >> My recommendation is because you are uh appointing people and you are giving them contracts that they should be done individually. >> Individually. >> Gotcha. Okay. All right. So, uh, the
first resolution is for the appointment of a board secretary to serve until January 12th, 2027. And we have a resolution here. Does anybody have any comments on the resolution? It should be one of the
first page in your packet. >> Are we doing um normal motions and seconds? >> Okay. >> Motion to appoint Deborah Coun as our secretary. Second. >> Thank you. All right. M. >> Yes.
>> Committee Lavender. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hans. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lavario. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ojins. >> Yes. >> Mr. Opala. >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones. >> Affirmative. >> Chairman Richardson. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Thank you all. >> Okay. Great. The uh the next resolution,
I assume you have these in order, Deb. >> I do. >> Yes. Perfect. Uh will be for the appointment of the board attorney. This is resolution 2602-PB. >> 03. >> The wrong one. >> 02.
>> Yep. Yep. >> No problem. >> Listen, my eyes are gone today, so don't worry about it. >> Uh, is there a motion to approve the board attorney who sits before us tonight? >> Yep. Approved. >> Second. >> Okay. Mr. Hans.
>> Yep. >> Lavender. >> Yes. >> Miss Dill. Yes, >> Mr. Lavario. >> Yes, >> Miss Ojins. >> Yes, >> Mr. Pal. >> Yes, >> Vice Chairman Jones. >> Affirmative. >> Chairman Richardson. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Well done, Yolanda. >> Yes. Congratulations. Good to have you back.
>> It is wonderful to be back there. Great to have you back. >> Thank you. >> Okay. The next is uh for planning board resolution uh 2026-30-PB is the appointment of a planning consultant. You have the resolution
before you assuming there are no changes to this resolution. Don't see any. If I could have a motion to accept. >> So moved. >> Oh, okay. Tell me where >> under term it's J and then space
January. So it's just an extra J. >> Just an extra J. Okay. >> So move with the spelling correction. >> Second as amended. >> All right. >> There's a second. >> Oh yeah, I see that. Okay. >> Great. Teresa, thank you.
>> Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Through the motion right on that one. >> Yes. >> Okay. Correct. >> Uh Miss D. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hans. >> Yep. >> Mr. Lavario. >> Yes. >> Miss Ojins. Yes, >> Mr. Oalca. >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones. >> Affirmative.
>> Chairman Richardson. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Excellent. >> Okay. Moving right along. We have the uh resolution uh 2026-04-PB for the appointment of the board engineer. Take a quick scan of that resolution.
Make sure we don't we're good there for that amendment. When ready, please provide a motion. >> So moved as written. >> Second. >> Mman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hans, >> yes. >> M. Still, >> yes. >> Mr. Leario, >> yes.
>> Miss Ojens, >> yes. >> Mr. Opelka, >> yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones, >> affirmative. >> Chairman Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. So, this is an uh resolution for the planning board resolution 2026-05-PB for the appointment of Bright View
Engineering. This is an engineering firm to deal with any conflicts. Correct. >> Well, there's or specific traffic. >> This is two point. This is there's a twopoint appointment. Okay. >> I don't know if that is legal, whatever. And the reason being is because Bright
View Engineering, I'm sorry, back up. Joe Vu and Van Clee have a conflict with Prism. >> Prism will be coming back. They were supposed to come back in the fall. They haven't gotten back to us >> to do resolution compliance and then to begin their project.
>> Uh but unfortunately Van Clee cannot do the resolution compliance. So we are as we did a motion and a resolution in 2025, we're going to do a separate resolution for them for the Prism account. And then then there's another resolution
for them for if we have any other engineering conflicts and for traffic. >> There would be the contingency. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Got it. >> Can I ask a question about this contract? Um, so if there's any other
needs, uh, just before we vote on this in the hearings about the site [clears throat] plans for Prism, the residents expressed concerns about having an independent LSRP.
>> Will that be a separate appointment? Will that be under this bright view? >> Is that forthcoming? No, there's no there won't be an LSRP for Prism that it that I don't believe that was part of resolution compliance that they hire an LS.
>> No, Prism Prism will have their own them, not us. I remember a lot of conversation. Yeah, I remember a lot of conversation around this, >> right? I was actually the board attorney. >> Yes, you were. >> And I wrote the resolution and I do recall that they were required to have
an LSRP. They had an LSRP. Uh, and um, it was not the township that was going to be hiring or paying for it. It was Prism. >> Uh, so I don't know where they are at this point. I've been gone for a long time. This started in 2019, >> right? >> Yeah. Honestly, they haven't come back
since then, literally. So, >> and it went through co I remember doing this on Zoom. >> Oh, yeah. Yes, we went through CO. >> So, yeah, to answer your question that we will not be hiring an LSRP, >> the prison will. And and just for clarity that conversation around the
LSRP is not part of this resolution, correct? >> Okay. So that's separate conversation >> because that's condition that's that's a condition of their approval. >> That's not part of this. Right. >> Okay. >> And just the other question is so this company will be involved from shovel in
the ground to completion of the site. >> Yes. >> Yes. because Van Clee is our township engineer in addition to our board engineer. >> And it's my understanding I I think the town committee the township committee
they may have to appoint Bright View >> as well to do the inspections. >> Probably. >> We haven't gotten that far yet, Pam, but that's my assumption is that the township committee will also have to do a resolution um to appoint Bright uh
Bright View to do that project. I'm sorry, Pam. Was your question whether this engineering company is going to be the ones that stick the shovel in the ground? Is that what I thought I heard you say? >> No. Would they be overse? They're going to represent the town >> that they'll just oversee it from shovel
in the ground to completion of it. >> Thank you. I missed that part. >> Okay. I make a resolution to accept 26-05-PB. >> Second. >> That would be great. Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones. >> Affirmative.
>> Miss Dill, >> yes. >> Mr. Hans, >> yes. >> Mr. Larerio, >> yes. >> Miss Ojins, >> yes. >> Mr. Opelka, >> yes. >> Chairman Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Very good. Okay. This is the the last of the professional resolutions.
Uh this is uh resolution 2026-06-PB for the appointment of an alternative uh board professionals. >> This is the one that intersections traffic. >> Correct. Correct. >> Correct. >> And we on the zoning board has used them multiple times for traffic and I can
only assume that based on some of the applications that this board will be seeing y >> probably this year we will be using them as traffic as well. >> Good. Um my my only question is that this this is written for a different
office than the prison one and is that specific and it has to be that way. Was it >> that I that's a good question and I will confirm the addresses for both. I'm I don't I don't know why I did that and maybe there could be different offices,
but I will confirm and when I have Don sign the resolutions and I put them on the website for the meeting minutes, >> we will I will correct. >> That's fine. Thank you. >> So, you're you're questioning the 70 South Orange Avenue address for for the office of the
>> Right. It's specific to an office. Yeah. One has one to an office. And are they meant to be that specific or not? Gotcha. Okay. I think we could proceed probably with a motion to approve with the understanding
that that will be reconciled. Is that >> so move? >> Second. >> Committee Lavender? >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones? >> Yes. >> Miss Dill? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hans? >> Yep. >> Mr. Lavario? >> Yes. >> Miss Ojins? >> Yes. >> Mr. Opala? >> Yes. >> Chairman Richardson? >> Yes. >> Motion carries.
>> Excellent. Very good. All right. Great work. We've got a team, a big old team. There you go. Okay. Um, moving right along, we are now going to look at the adoption of the 20 26
meeting schedule. Uh, Deb, is that contained somewhere in our >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Just following resolutions. >> Following. >> Yeah. >> I got cut off some. Got it. Anybody have any questions about this? Taking a scan?
>> Yeah, I have a conflict. Um the date October 13, 2026. Um that's my uh wedding anniversary. I'm [laughter] >> Well, you're married to the board, so >> congratulations. [laughter] >> Well, is it a big one or
>> For the record, I do love my wife. It's good. >> She makes good brownies. Maybe she >> come in attendance. >> So maybe she could be attendee and >> how many years is it this year? >> Don't let me check. [laughter] >> Uh oh. >> Yeah. Don't go on record with that. >> Yeah.
>> I was going to say my 30th wedding anniversary is in October this year. So there you go. >> Fall on the board date. So >> So motion to move all meetings stricken from October, please. Thank you [laughter] very much. >> Motion to accept as we're
>> meeting. Correct. Second >> Miss Still. >> Yes. >> Command Lavender. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hanss. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lario. >> Yes. >> Miss Ojins. >> Yes. >> Mr. Opala? >> Yes. >> Vice Chairman Jones? >> Yes. >> Chairman Richardson? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Thank you.
>> Okay. This is a resolution [clears throat] to adopt a notice of publication. This is resolution 2026-08-PB. And this is to be it resolved that our notices will be listed in Echo Sentinel and the Morris County Daily Record.
>> Question for the board attorney before we move forward. >> Yes. >> Does this change at all with the new legislation? >> It it will. >> It will, but that new legislation has not taken effect yet >> till March. Right. >> Until March. So I can do a short very
brief memo and send it to your office so that we are so we know what we're doing >> when the time comes >> once the legislation takes effect. >> So what does that mean? Newspapers are no longer the primary newspapers >> are no longer the now we are going to be able to publish
online. Municipalities are going to be able to publish notice on their websites. >> Perfect. So people will need to go to our town website to find this information. Right. >> Yes. So the 200 foot list for notifications for applications to my understanding still stands. >> Yes. >> Right. >> It's just the way we publish.
>> Yes. This is just the way that newspaper notification is going to go. Uh the 100 or 200 foot list. You're still going to have to go to the tax assessor and get get the list, mail the letters. >> What's the date when when um
paper media is not required anymore? Is that when when is the date when echo sentinel we don't have to notify them anymore? >> The legislation will become effective in March >> the Q1 >> uh I don't recall the exact date in March but [clears throat] >> no touchy
>> uh I will do a short memo just so that we know. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> So we're looking for the first half of this year. >> Yes. in the first half of this year. Um, and the purpose of that, the legislature, you know, became aware that many publications are going out of business. They're just not printing
newspapers anymore. >> So, there are some areas like ours where we do still have print newspapers and we would still be able to give notice, but there are other areas in the state where there simply aren't. There's no way to give notice. So, in order to make all of this uniform, they passed this
legislation that allows now everything to be online. So, will we need to amend or change this ordinance come March? >> Probably. Yes. >> All right. >> Yeah, we're still working through I've been looking at some online forums with
attorneys uh to come to uh how we're going to move forward uh what's going to be the you know the the consensus moving forward. How is everybody going to uh going to implement this? >> So, it's going to be interesting. So for now, because the law is not not
operational yet, we need this ordinance. Correct. Because we need an official newspaper, but come March, we'll be doing something different. >> So So maybe this is not a problem for us to tackle, but somewhere somehow um what's going to be the communication to the public so that they they're not looking at the Echo Sentinel,
>> right? I was thinking from now perhaps in um >> is it something up on the post coming and mentioned at the TC? Absolutely. >> Yeah. Yeah, if I could make a suggestion, >> but as long as it's put out there and then Yeah. Okay. >> If I could make a suggestion so we can
get past this. This falls into the realm of the the digital engagement advisory committee. We're meeting this month. I'll bring it up with them. So, we have a plan coming. >> Thank you, sir. >> Perfect. >> And perhaps we could put something in the paper uh that this will be the last time. >> Oh, we could do that, too. Y
>> for those of us who still read the echo [laughter] >> when when when uh >> pages launch when Yolant and I working on the memo for the board, I'll have make sure she drafts something up for the newspaper. >> Perfect. >> So that we can put I'll I'll put something in the newspaper to that. Good idea, Pam. >> Very good. >> Great.
>> Sun setting newspapers. >> Thank you. So did we >> Motion resolution 268 PB? >> Y. >> All right. Who wants to do who who was fighting over the motion? >> Paper scissors. [laughter] >> Stop it.
>> I made the motion. I made the second one with frock. >> Vice Chairman Jones. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Mr. Opela, >> yes. >> Miss Dill, >> yes. >> Lavender. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hans, >> yes. >> Mr. Lavario, >> yes. >> Miss Ojens, >> yes. >> Chairman Richardson, >> yes.
>> Motion carries. >> Excellent. >> I'm going to help you on this one. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. Motion to move resolution 20269 PB uh meeting cutoff time set at 10:30. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Vice Chairman Jones, >> yes.
>> Miss Dill, >> yes. >> Kim Lavender, >> yes. >> Mr. Hans, >> yes. >> Mr. Lavario, >> yes. >> So, >> yes. >> Mr. Opala, >> yes. >> Vice Chairman Richardson, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Excellent. Okay, so moving on now to uh
committee assignments. We really just have one committee right now, the ORC, that uh is front and center. Um, Mr. Jones, would you like to make any statements in regards to this as far as membership requests? Do we want to keep
continuity? Does anybody want to be step down from the ORC? As far as who's been on the >> I don't know if you've talked with any of >> I have not spoken with anyone. Um, so what I would like to do is just table to next meeting. >> Okay. >> Uh, and then talk to those who were on
the board to see if they still want to be on that um on the ORC. And uh, also >> and this presuming that you would like to continue on as the >> Yeah, I'm just named captain. >> Yeah, I'll I'll take the lead on that. Um also, [snorts] um I I do challenge
the um or make a request to this board that even though there's a limited number of individuals identified on the OR, everybody's an active member uh on this and there's still a a lot of changes and I've said in the past, I'll say it again, it's a gift that keeps on giving. We're just going to keep on
doing and it's going to go through the pipeline and it'll get kicked back and it'll go back forward. It's it's just a gift that keeps on giving. So you're we're never going to finish. So, I promise you there will always be work. Um, and it's going to come from us straight out of the uh master plan or
it's going to come from the reviews of the zoning board of adjustments or it's going to come down from the TC. It's going to come at us from a bunch of different angles and we'll just take it on and, you know, we'll do the best we can. We had a great year last year even though we did run out of steam towards the end. uh we did and I don't remember
the exact numbers but I know we touched over uh directly and indirectly over 60 ordinances just with the naming convention changes with all the uh the zones. So um good work done there. I appreciate the work that was put forward and there were some challenging ones
like uh the apartment um that went back and forth quite quite a bit. I know we have house uh uh houses of worship coming up and also there's another one that came down from the TC but it's it's escaping me right
now. I think it had to do with parking >> remember. >> I just said the minutes I should know this off the top of my head. It was >> they come they come at you so fast. >> Was that the trucks >> zone changes >> Tom? Was that the trucks or something like that?
>> Um I think it was the trucks commercial. Well, we have we have >> could be the commercial commercial vehicles. I think that was the >> commercial vehicles. >> That was though. >> I spoke with Liz. She's going to bring Yolanda up to speed on houses of worship. >> Good.
>> Uh >> yes, sorry. It is a vehic uh commercial vehicle ordinance that was discussed and we had to go back and look at that uh and make recommendations back to the TC. So, that's still with us. Um, so those are the kinds of things and and that's not in the master plan that came down
from the TC. So, um, there's going to be stuff like that throughout the year. So, uh, I'll just say thank you in advance. >> And if I apologize too, >> just one separate comment about we had some issues last year. I'm pointing a
little bit to the TC as well about the communication between the two. So, I think that needs some help and improvement because we ended up, I think, in a couple of spots where we shouldn't have ended up >> and we had to redo a couple of things. So, that communication flow between the two
>> needs to tighten up a little bit further. >> That's very vague. What in particular? >> I don't want to >> I can't fix something unless you're specific. >> I'll tell you about it later. >> No. Where? >> Well, I don't have my minutes. I brought nothing with me tonight, but I can go through it next time. Okay,
>> I [snorts] can explicitly tell you where things got messed up. >> And just just be mindful, you know, the these things take like 45 to 60 days sometimes to go from front to back from the time from we first touch it and start making changes to the time it gets
adopted. So there communication is paramount. So we're all doing this voluntarily. So um >> we'll we'll work on the communication. Communication is always something that needs to be worked on regardless of what you're doing whether it's a sporting event or at home with family or you're
at your place of work or right here at the planning board. Well, I just I think to clarify in the end uh with some of the communication um that we had we ultimately in the end it was decided that
the when the township committee receives anything it comes from me in an email specifically with the ordinance saying this has been voted on this is ready to go for first reading >> and that's the only communication
>> to the TC for an ordinance. Yep. >> And then after they do the re the first reading, then we do the um >> not inconsistent with the master plan. Right. >> So I think in the end we we >> we'll get there. >> We got there. Yeah. >> Yep. We'll get there. >> But um
>> yeah, but basically it's not going on an agenda this year for the TC unless it comes from an email from me and I will always copy the board on that >> and say, "Okay, this has been voted on, ready for first reading." >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think another important element is the shephering
after it goes up to the township committee is coming to the township committee meeting and helping support answering questions about it when there's a hearing and the public is involved and engaged in that that shephering I think is critical and that needs to be distributed amongst the
whole board not just a few people. Back to >> y >> it needs to be more than the orc. the ORC is out of a convenience to allow us not to have a quorum so that you can do f you much more regular meetings etc. whatever it takes to get through and and develop proposals back to the board.
Scott's been very good or or committeeman Lavender has been very good at uh socializing, communicating when we have stuff coming uh to the TC. And I know that you and David and myself have sat in on TC meetings as support for any
ordinance that has gone uh before the TC for any questioning. So, we'll continue to do that. Um >> Oh, and I think we're really fortunate this year to have the mayor on the board as well as uh Committeeman Lavender. >> Well, I would like to add one more note for the for the ORC. Um, you know, in
the last couple years based on the work that we would like to get done on the land use ordinance and the updates, um, I have budgeted significant amounts for land for the items specifically for our board attorney and for our board planner. >> So, I would highly suggest that and I
know that Yolancher was very in previous um when she was previously our board attorney, she sat in in a lot of those meetings. So whether we do it in person or by Zoom, I highly suggest that we bring in Yolanda and Liz, you know, on a regular basis to assist you.
>> So because they the two of them can write everything, get it ready up to speed to be discussed in front of the board. >> Okay. >> So we do have the budget to include them in the discussions. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So that that is the Are you finished, Mr. Jones? I >> am finished.
>> Great. So uh obviously that is a huge priority for the year as I mentioned earlier. Uh any other committees that we decide to develop will be a little bit more ad hoc. I will be tapping people to uh go and attend certain specific uh uh
other committee meetings as they might be uh appropriate. I will uh be the interface working with a lot of those committee chairs looking at agendas where it makes sense. I know we did touch base with the environmental committee last year, the environmental
commission, the HPAC group, shade tree, open space. Uh, so we we have a good, you know, we need to do parks and wreck. I think that you had said that you I think you did sit in on that. >> Well, I haven't, but >> I think that that's important in regards
to a face having the planning board interface with these committees. Again, promoting >> aspects of the master plan. We don't want the master plan to die. We work very hard on that. We don't want it to gather too much dust on the shelf somewhere as we go forward. So, >> yeah, the the other thing I'll say is,
you know, once these ordinances kind of make their way and get in, you know, instituted and stuff like that, once they're out into the laboratory of real life, that's where we find out what we didn't cover. And I know right now you're going to be getting a few things to review in the first quarter of this year, >> uh, of things that we're seeing right
now that are happening in town that >> aren't what we really want to have happen. >> Gotcha. Okay. Great. Fantastic. Um, okay. So, that covers our uh committee committee assignments for now.
Uh, now let's turn to meeting minutes. That, uh, Thank you, Deb. I think this rounds out our year. >> It does. >> So, we did catch up. >> It will never be will not be this [laughter] ever. >> Just in time. I just I will note to the board that last year was the busiest
year that this the boards both boards have seen >> um >> you know since I've been here >> and not to mention a whole affordable housing thing thrown in the middle of the year which really was one of the reasons that [laughter]
>> wasn't as bad as it last >> which that's still going on is it not I mean I know that >> I mean I've heard that people are still crazy busy engineers and planners and attorneys is still a little bit busy >> because of the court's decisions and >> they're coming down.
>> M Mr. Chair, um I' I'd like to do this all as one big packet as opposed to individual unless someone has a burning desire to go through every one. >> Those of us who are like I'm absent from September 9th, so I'll abain from that. Is that >> Well, this is we can't do just uh
>> so we have to do my understanding we had we can do we can do a motion, second, and an all in favor. We don't have to do a roll call for everyone. >> But to my knowledge, we have to do each minute. Yes. Yeah. >> Got it. >> Going forward into this year, are we going to try to stay on track where we always do last meeting now?
>> 100%. >> That was >> the goal is to send it to you with the agenda, you know, the previous minutes so that I never get this behind again. >> It gives me too much anxiety. I can't. >> Yes. >> We can just I'll Well, I'm not eligible for the first one, so I can't kick us off, but [laughter] go through.
>> Well, if you see typos, of course you can tell. >> Yeah. Let's let's just go through and is does anybody Let's just first tackle any typos on any of these minutes. >> Any of them >> on any of the minutes? >> I mean, unless you want to go one at a time and we could go one at a time.
>> Just for the record, I I I stood in for Deborah on this one. >> Can we skip typos and just concentrate on on on syntax that alters the meaning of what's trying to be said? >> Yeah. >> Vice Chairman Jones called the role. So, did Tom, did you write the minutes
on this one then? >> Huh? >> Did you do the minutes on this? >> That's why [snorts] it's so good. [laughter] >> That's why there's no time. >> We need to scrutinize it. >> I'm fine. >> I make a motion that uh to accept minutes of June 24th as as written.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I done. >> Okay. So, I have a question on the August 12th meeting minutes because one of the meeting minutes that it says we approved is the meeting minutes that
we've just approved for the 24th. >> So, I think >> No, it says that were carried to the >> carried were carried not approved. Oh, >> touche. >> See, got me because it was on the agenda. >> You wrote on your own
myself. You'll see that in a few others too that we didn't get to it. >> I [snorts] see carry. >> Sorry, just over. >> I make a motion to accept the meeting minutes of August 12th, 2025 as written. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I September 9th. >> I'm uh abstaining. >> August 12th, right? stay in town. >> The previous 12 >> and it said that carried August 18th, but it should carried August 12th,
>> I think. 18th is >> the date that we met. >> That was the date it was supposed to be. >> Well, that was a special meeting. You remember? So, >> the special meeting was August. >> I'm just saying that the planning board meeting of the 12th. >> I know. I think that should be the 18th meeting,
>> but double check it. But I think that's the which is I'm confused. >> So on here it says planning board meetings August 12th. >> Yeah. >> Right. On the next one, meeting minutes that are carried. It says August 18th. >> Oh no. >> So do we meet on the 12th or the 18th? >> On the 12th
>> is what we're asking. >> Yep. >> Good. >> I do that throughout >> and then Yeah. And then Deb, it needs to be changed on >> probably everyone after that because I did a copy and past >> which doesn't matter except for when you go to do the minutes for today. >> Right.
Got it. >> Okay. Where are we up to? The 12th. >> September 9th. >> September 9th. >> Nth. We did the 12th. The night. Do we have a motion to accept these minutes? >> As edited. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I
>> September 23rd. >> Same edit on meeting minutes, August 18th. >> Yep. Y >> make a motion to accept September 23rd, 2025 as edited. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I October 14th. >> Reese and Tony were excused. >> Just a minor point. Was that one for Liz on the second? >> Yes. Where I where I I appointed Liz to
board attorney on number 10. >> Temporarily. >> You gave her a law degree and >> Yeah, I gave her a law degree. We've had a church supposed to stay at a holiday in >> Yep. >> And she was here early [laughter] to do. >> What we got?
>> We did. >> Motion to approve >> with that change. A motion to approve. >> I can't find that change. So >> number 10, second and last line. >> Number 10 on the third page. >> Third page. Board attorney. >> Board attorney Leah Haney further noted the board attorney needs to review the
proposal. Change to board planner. Correct. >> Yeah, board. It should be board planner leane. Further not. >> Has this been motioned? >> 14th. >> I think as amended by Mr. Hans. >> Oh. Oh. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Mr. Hans, did you did you motion this?
>> I motioned that without a bonification on Liz's title. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> November 12th. And that's I'm changing August 18th and that one too to >> cut and paste.
>> Yep. >> Everybody was here. >> That was an epic >> to adopt as amended. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> November 25 >> Thanksgiving meeting.
>> Yeah. Thanksgiving week. Next to last last paragraph in seven says by unanimous unanimous votes of vice chairman Jones. >> Oh yeah no that should not read unanimous. Yep. Sorry. Thank you.
Make a motion to accept November 25th 25 with the suggested edits. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> December 9th. December 9th. We have to do uh we'll do the first set and then the executive session. >> Update the meeting minutes. Yep.
Bob, I thought you said there were typos. >> Well, we said we weren't going to do >> We're going to do typos. We weren't going to go to typos. >> There were a couple typos, but >> I thought we said we weren't going to do a couple typos. >> Only if they changed the meaning >> and they didn't. >> They didn't. >> Right.
>> Grammar. Okay. Yeah. [laughter] It's not >> That's the thing. I mean, he's allowed to send that to her. >> Oh, totally. >> Yeah, I I'll tell her afterwards. There's only like three of them. Okay, fine. >> Don't put us off. >> I'm one behind
>> right. [laughter] >> What? >> One behind him. He's got three. >> That's a pretty good week. Getting called up to the major. >> Okay. Do we have a motion to accept? >> A motion to set a minute of December 9th.
>> Second. >> All in favor? I >> and then the executive session >> motion to accept from December 9th. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Great.
>> Excellente. So, what do we have left? We've got some uh we've got a resolution. >> Yeah. >> Now, I I'd like to make a note. The >> the copy you everyone has in front of them is a redline version that I just received >> literally prior to the meeting from the attorney Fred Zelli.
>> So, just take a quick glance at that. >> Okay. Question. If if I abstain on a vote, can I comment on the document >> if you find a typo? Sure. Absolutely. >> [laughter] >> Typo only. >> What's that? >> Typo only. [laughter]
>> On page two. >> Yep. >> The were the architectural plans as of September 30th of 21 or they supposed to be September 30th at 25? >> Good questions. I'll check it out. >> Question.
Yeah. >> Uh clarification requested here. >> Um second paragraph item three. Construct an approximately what? 4200 square foot. >> That's where I come.
>> Where are you? >> Sorry. >> Second paragraph >> on page one. >> On page one. remove all existing site improvements and three construction construct an approximately 4200 square foot. >> That's right. That was the original. >> Okay.
>> And it it [clears throat] said 2400 originally, so it needed to be correct, >> right? Okay. >> Page 10. Oh, and page 10, 12, and 13. >> Yes. 10, 12, and 13. You have 13th day of January 26. >> Has [snorts] just at a point of
clarification, has I'm confused. So, did this come to us through the board attorney or did this just come from Zelli? So, >> it came from Chris Soies and then Zeli. Okay. Zeli did the red line.
>> Gotcha. And okay, but that was it. So it was just those drafts. There wasn't any more back and forth. >> No. And Chris Chris and Joe uh there's a handoff. >> Yeah, they agreed on it. Yeah. >> Changes. Yep. >> Thank you.
>> I have a general question about it, not typos or anything like that. >> Are we going to discuss this or resolution when you're ready? >> Well, let's let's just make sure that we don't have any other corrections and then we can >> Okay. Uh on page nine
uh number 23 uh Roman numeral two the second set of Roman numeral >> oh yeah >> 22 it says that the provision of sufficient space in an appropriate locations
it's it it's either in an appropriate location or in appropriate locations. I don't know which one it's supposed to be. I think it should be. Yeah. Well, first of all, the Roman numerals are off, >> right? >> Which I'll fix. >> Well,
>> no, it's a two. There's a one. >> Oh, he did. Oh, I see what he did. Okay. >> So, >> okay. Yep. Yep. Yep. >> I just It It doesn't make total sense. It just says the provision of sufficient space in and appropriate locations. It's
either inappropriate locations or in an appropriate location. And that does change the the context of sentence. >> So the provision of sufficient space in an appropriate location for a two family
single family dwelling. No, >> I think you have to read the entire sentence to understand it. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> It's going to be in appropriate. It's not going to be on the negative, but it's worked out. location for two single family dwellings. I think you just take out the S from location. >> Yeah,
>> that's what I thought. [snorts] >> Take the the S out. >> That's what I thought. >> Then in >> Well, I I'm not sure I agree with that. >> Yeah. Well, my brain doesn't work as quick as you people. >> It's too long. The provision of
sufficient space in appropriate locations for two single family dwellings. >> The appropriate locations refers to the two dwellings. >> Yes. >> Right. So then you take the an out. >> Take the an out. Right.
>> So I'm not I wasn't sure which way it went, but it couldn't be both. No, you're absolutely right that it ties to this to the >> the prepositional phrase. I think it is. >> Mr. >> I think it go can go either way. Um I
agreed with with this in the first place because it's one application. >> Yeah. >> So an appropriate location for this particular proposal because it was one thing but you do it either way because ultimately this resolution subdivides those two.
>> It was a type it was grammar. >> I wasn't to change any. >> Did you? >> So, are we good with removing just the S? >> The S or the N. It doesn't matter. >> Okay. >> It's over. >> Yes. It's one or the other
in on page 1026. Uh again the I the I the second part of the sentence says on any single lot to develop permitted
improvements while maintain it should be maintaining a consistent scope of development. >> All right. What wait in 26? Where are you? 26 I >> it says lot area and width requirements >> y
>> is to ensure that adequate space exists on any single lot to develop permitted improvements while maintaining y >> a consistent scope of right >> okay >> okay >> and then just a point of clarification
there was a dis quite a discuss discussion about tree placement >> on on this property. Right. >> Yeah, I have that concern too. >> And I don't I don't see anything in uh three one two three and four
>> that really addresses the discussion about tree placement. >> I thought it went so far as a tree plan. Essentially, they were going to work with Joe. I yeah I thought that was in the condition that they're >> but that was actually going to be not to
interrupt but that's going to be my point. I think it's very light on the conditions here. I remember height been another one we discussed >> and I don't want personally I don't want to lose some of these more material things in the testimony and the documentation as opposed to in the
resolution. >> Did we capture the dumpster because that was another thing. Did that get >> that was the other one. That was the other >> that wasn't on this. >> That wasn't this one. >> That's the dumpster. That's right. I'm sorry. So my point is I think this is personally I think this is very light on some of the conditions. Normally we a
bit more expansive. Yes, we answer and address things like will they agree to all Liz's comments in her docu Yeah. In her um >> that was going to be my question. Were those if if those conditions were listed in Liz's or the engineers report?
>> Yes. >> They're required to comply with all of those that's in here. >> Right. So I don't think I think it's light personally and I hadn't I honestly I didn't go back and chicken and tie against my own notes. So I'd like to hold this off personally so we have a chance to review it a bit more detail
>> if everybody's okay with that >> just in agreement with >> next meeting >> we had a lot of discussion about the 35 ft height. >> Yeah exactly right a little more specific. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So then board members please send me your comments individually and I will
forward them to Chris soi to revise. >> Okay. >> Thank you. If I don't want to hold but that's I think because it was quite a >> an important um development. So >> I just don't want to violate
>> we are going to >> but we just got this today. But that's true and and that's fine because the approval was granted. All you're doing is is adopting a resolution. We can get back to attorney Zeli and let him know that uh the board simply meets and the board is going to meet again in two
weeks. The board simply needs a little bit of additional time >> to finalize the resolution, >> but it is substantially complete and he's seen it. So this isn't, you know, >> so do we need any motion to officially carry this? >> No. >> Anything? Okay.
>> No. No, >> just notifications noted attorney on it. >> Yeah. >> And noted for discussion by the next meeting. >> I just have a question too about um at what point do we have the subcommittee of board members
identified um as is stated on page 11. >> I would I would say that when at such time that they put forward an actual plan. >> Yeah. to which then either myself or Joe Vu is the engineer because he's included
um it would come to us and then we will form the we will form the board and then move forward with the >> subcommittee. Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I thought there was some discussion. And I don't know if we got an actual >> I remember people saying, "Oh, I'd be
part of that. I'd be part of that." But >> but we actually have to at such a point when we do actually have the subcommittee ready to go, we actually have to appoint them. >> Right. >> So could I could I ask uh Deb if you could just check the the videotape and
see you know what >> and who raised their hand. Yeah, I think there were a couple different just so that we can hit the ground running when >> comes back. Why don't we also do that resolution as well so that >> right
>> as to who would be on these different groups. >> Okay, >> I make a suggestion >> to kind of streamline this in the future when we have these conversations and we make decisions or conditions during the meeting. Deb, can you write down the
exact time so that we can go back to the vide tape and find those points? >> I can try. Yeah. >> Right. And if I don't know if there's a time stamp clicking by and that, but this way we don't have to kind of watch the whole thing all over again because >> Right. Right. >> I could imagine. >> Yeah.
>> Thankfully, it's just a one day session. >> When I do my notes [clears throat] during meetings, I usually do do that. >> You do do that. Perfect. >> I do. Yeah. That's how I >> She's got it. Then that's perfect. That's how I know because I sat through many many very long hearings here with the board. >> Yeah. >> For a long time
>> and then we could just kind of fast forward to the money. >> So, and that's a that's a fantastic idea. >> That is a good idea. Yeah. >> Because sometimes I have to go back and rewatch to to hear [clears throat] what to uh so that I could remember what I was hearing at that time. So, I do put in little time stamps
>> when I'm doing it. >> Okay. Great. I.e. older new business in front of the board this evening. >> I'll just mention a couple things. We're having conversations about budgeting >> money to fix this place in terms of, >> you know, these things going a little
bit funny during the meeting. So, um, >> good. Thank you. >> You know, Don will keep talking to you about that. I mentioned the digital engagement committee starting up. So, you guys will have some skin in that game as well. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> I guess we can talk about Oh. Uh we do not have the this board does not currently have any pending applications there. I do know of two subdivisions coming our way. >> The zoning board however is absolutely insane. And we have nine pending applications
>> including the new Dunkin Donuts and um yes new Dunkin Donuts and the Verizon application. Yeah. >> New meaning like they that Dunkin Donuts wants to do something or there's got to be another >> another Dunkin Donuts location. Battle of the Dun. >> Is it what bank is that on the corner of
Maine? And >> that was the old chase by the by Valley Auto. >> That's my understanding. Yes. >> Is it two? I thought it was just one move in. >> I I don't No, I'm understanding both locations will be open. >> I think they're owned by the same
family. >> One's going to have a drive. >> Yeah. One is going to have That's Yeah, that's why they want that. >> Yes. >> Right. Um, if I might, I would like not to lose sight of the state plan we discussed last year. We went through that.
>> If we could just keep that on our >> I know it's been a little bit delayed, I think, in the legislator. >> Why not? >> Legislative body location, >> but you're familiar with the state plan. >> Yes. >> Good. Good. Good. Good. So, we did some work on that. So, there's a couple I
think there's a couple things that left over >> acceptance review. Right. >> Right. as we were required to and Bob and David beautifully did that work. What's the next step? >> I just remember again, you know, we've talked about trying to get back to Moyes County to say, let's think about the
three, you know, 12 towns or whatever it was, 10 towns along the river. >> What can we sort of promote or how can we push that forward again >> was one item, >> right? >> And maybe, yeah, I think we've talked about that separately as well. I wouldn't like to lose sight of that personally
>> for the next year. >> You know, I've been working uh a bit too talking with uh the mayor with regards to also the challenge of because we're bordered with other counties, >> you know, that we can't be just Morris specific because that's only one side of
the river type of thing as we make the big turn here, >> right? >> Uh but yes, I think and that dovetales with the storm water and the flooding related concerns with the town. >> Yeah. So, no, thank you. That would be great if you guys could continue to at least watch that
>> and just see how we can actually what we can help to progress, >> right? That area. >> Good. Very good. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> We're going to go through at the next meeting all like the mini boards like we did last year. Is that kind of thought?
>> Yes. Yeah. So, now that we've gotten the reorganization out of the way, yeah, we'll have more detail and think more about that. I'll be approaching folks in regards to that as well. So, but good. I I want to make sure we're freed up to work on the ordinance stuff. That's the probably that's by far
the most important thing. I don't want to get distracted >> with the work that we need to do there. >> And back to the ordinance thing. If there's anyone who has a passion on something they saw in the in the in the plan and they want to work on that, just let me know. >> So, >> okay. Don't have to be on the order. >> Can I make a suggestion?
>> That that's definitely our priority, right? >> Having you run it and creating a couple mini groups that kind of cl some of them together. >> So instead, >> I'm happy to chair on all those. That's where you're headed. >> Well, it's I think everybody's got to chip in, right? So this isn't a matter of it's just the ORC now. I think if
we're going to get it done, everybody's got to be >> partnered up or however you decide is is running it. But >> I don't think this is a subset anymore. I think it's everybody is what I'm trying to say. So, >> and you've done a great job with the spreadsheet of kind of breaking it down
into like mini clusters of they kind of overlap. So giving groups that way and just going back through you. So instead of you getting bogged down trying to work on them, being the facilitator to get us moving along, I think would really help out this year. >> Sounds good. >> Good suggestion.
>> So it could be like land use and everything else. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Right. So >> but I think that he I I don't want to speak but I think you broke it down a little bit more than that. Like you actually went in. So like if we can break it down to >> That's good. >> A couple of the many groups and
>> that way but Not trying to step on your toes. I know. >> Tom, if you could send Yolant and I that spreadsheet again >> and maybe Liz and Joe too, just so that the four of us have it and then because next week at the zoning board meeting um we're going to be carrying the Verizon
application. So, we will have time for the zoning board next week to discuss >> their priorities. Okay. >> Because uh they were asked to make a list of what they see as priorities. >> And we had we didn't get anything from last year and I don't remember anything from the year before either. No, you just have the annual report. Yeah.
>> So, we um I know that but it was short of that >> that the two of you we had had conversations with Ed and Tom Groskoff that >> to say let you know I'll have the board the zoning board make an actual list and say okay >> these are the things that we really want to focus on in the immediate because of
the applications we've seen. >> So, >> is that their year-end review? >> Yes. >> Which I'll send you. >> But that's something we've done in the past. we might want to just go out with the the chair and vice chair of the zoning board and just have a that worked really well to kind of make sure we're
>> integrated in regards to what we're looking at. So, >> and I have my own personal list, too. >> I'll have a think about how I want to slice and dice that, but I just put it out to the group. If there's something that is in the plan that they're passionate about, I'd rather have that passion and energy behind getting that
ordinance over the line. Okay. >> Could I ask a question? Is there a list of the ordinances? I know there's a number that we need to revise. Have we circulated that list? Um >> only amongst the ORC. It didn't go to the wider audience, but I'm h um
>> so send it to and I. >> Yes. >> And then we she and I can circulate it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Since it shouldn't be coming directly from you. >> No, because that would create a forum. >> Have any of those ordinances been codified? Can I find them on general code?
>> A couple of them. The apartment went across. Did it did it get codified? >> Uh, I don't know. >> And the and the name changes. I don't know if it made to the codify, but it did get two readings and they were both approved. >> I'll check and I'll let you know. >> Okay. >> How long does it normally take
>> to actually get into the code? >> It depends. It could take a month. It could take six months for get codified. So, it just depends. >> My process is like six months. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> And that's not counting that process. >> Well, it depends how quickly you send it to general code and then thinking
updated on the online. So, I'm going to say I'm going to retract my statement. I don't know if it's codified >> and I Yeah, and I and I can tell you that >> if the zone changes the name changes for the zone have been codified, >> we haven't been recognizing them yet
because we don't have an updated zoning map. >> Right. That's why priority, >> right? That's why that needs to be a priority. Yeah. >> Joe still. >> Yes. Well, we ran into some budgetary issues. It's a long story, but that is top priority for January. >> It's it it's not a budget issue anymore.
It's a Joe time frame issue >> right now. It's a Joe time. Yeah. >> Hopefully, he can delegate to us >> because I keep telling him we have the budget, >> right? >> We got to do it. >> Well, we have two backup engineers now. >> Yes, we do. That's true. We do. >> And we could we sound like a resource
problem. >> Doesn't sound like a resource problem. >> So, >> all right. Anything else? Is there a motion to >> I have one last thing? really short. Really short. This is our nation's 250th birthday this year. So, let's make it a
banner year. >> Mhm. >> I make a motion to make it a banner year. [laughter] >> I second that. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I There you go. >> I I I I I would stay [laughter] >> for reasons. Citizenship, too. Don't
even start. >> Oh, yeah. >> You got dual citizenship. >> Flags. How's that? >> You got dual citizenship. I make a m motion to adjurnn now. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I