Good evening everyone and welcome to the January 27th township committee meeting of Longill Township. Would everybody please rise? Join me in the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Megan would you kindly read the statement of presiding officer >> in compliance of the open public meetings act of New Jersey. Adequate notice of this meeting specifically the time date and public call and
information were included in the meeting that was electronically sent to the echo sentinel Morris daily record and posted on the tangent website. The agenda and public handouts for this meeting can be viewed online at www.longhillnj.gov. A public comment period will be held in the order it is listed on the meeting
agend agenda. Failure of the governing body to provide a live broadcast of this meeting or technological problems encountered during the meeting that affect remote viewing andor participation will not invalidate this meeting or take or any action taken including but not limited to the
adoption of any ordinances, resolution or motion. Thank you, Megan. Uh, would you please kindly take role? >> Committeeman Lavender, >> present. >> Committeeman Verlesa, >> present. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy, >> yes. Here. >> Mayor Persia, >> present.
>> And do you want to make a comment about >> So, woman Riker Erine, >> I will. So, effective today, committee woman uh Aubrey Reken Eli is stepping down. I don't think that's a shock to anybody. She kindly stayed on uh through the transition into the new year and we
thank her for it. Uh she did an incredible job and I think dragged us a little bit forward. Uh sometimes kicking and screaming, but we got there. Aubrey has kindly agreed uh to serve in some capacity. We haven't figured out what the title will be. I'll work with Jack
or Megan as to what it will be. Uh but it won't be uh on a regular basis. It'll be on an ad hoc as needed. certain items. Uh she's very good with detail and she cares very much about the town and uh I think I speak to everybody up
here. We love her. Uh we wish her well and uh she's not going anywhere. She'll still be be in our bonnet. I don't know if anybody else wanted to say anything or we could proceed. >> Yeah, just thank you Aubrey for your uh
for your service. >> All right. So, uh, what we're going to do now, uh, which we've discussed in the past doing, we'll open up the meeting to the public for remarks of statements pertaining to agenda items only. There will be a public statement later. Uh,
oh, I apologize. And it's even in red yell at me, Randy. We are going to have an intermission to hold our board of health reorg meeting. So that I So can I have a motion to recess? >> So move. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. So uh at this point, >> yes, I see. Yep. >> Everybody have a second set agenda for the board of health. >> Does Megan doesn't have to read unless she >> I don't have to read it again. >> Okay. Um
>> Okay. at this point. So, we're going to take an oath of office for the appointed members. >> No, >> let Megan take it over. >> All right. >> Madam clerk, can you let I'm the mayor. >> I'm going to call
>> Madam Clerk, can you take over? I'm going to call the Township Long Hill Township of Long Hill Board of Health 2026 reorg meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. This year, we'll be reappointing Committeeman Verza to the Long Hill
Township Board of Health. So, we're going to do um your oath of office. I'm going to pose it as a question. All right. Committeeman Verza. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh do you solemnly swear that you'll support the Constitution of the United States in the state of New Jersey? that you will bear true faith and allegiance
to the same the governments established in the United States and in this state under the authority of the people and that you will faithfully and partially and justly perform all the duties of the Long Hill Township Board of Health according to the best of your abilities and that you will not use your office to grant preferential treatment nor seek
personal gain favor or advantage not available to the general public. So help you God. >> I will. >> Perfect. So now that we have our board of health, I'll call the role. Assessor Sherman >> present. >> Dr. Redling um sent me an email that she
would not be able to make it. Committeeman Lavender >> present. >> Committeeman Verza >> present. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy >> here. >> Mayor Persia >> present. >> We're going to do the nominations for president. Can I have a nomination for president? >> I nominate uh Deputy Mayor Matt Dorsy.
>> Are you looking for a role for Aubrey? >> I'll accept. Somebody's got a second. >> Second. >> Are there any other nominations? >> Matt's going. Please. >> I make a motion that we close nominations.
>> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Assessor Sherman? >> Yes. >> Committeeman Lavender? >> Yes. >> Committeeman Verza? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy. >> Yes. Mayor Purchia, >> can I have a motion to elect Deputy
Mayor Dorsy as the president? >> So move. >> Second. Sorry, Vic. That's okay. >> Who made the second? >> Vic. >> Assessor Sherman. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committee Verza. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Purchas. >> Yes. >> All right. Deputy Mayor Dorsy, President. Uh, do you solemnly swear that you'll support the Constitution of the United States and to the state of New Jersey that you will bear true faith and allegiance to the same to the governments established in the United
States and in this state under the authority of the people, and that you will faithfully and partially and justly perform all the duties of the Long Hill Township President of the Board of Health according to the best of your abilities. And then you will not use your office to grant preferential treatment nor seek personal gain, favor,
or advantage not available to the general public. So help you God. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. Let's see. I have a motion to appoint a uh board of health attorney for 2026. Um Mr. Pigeon, I have a second on that.
>> Second. >> Professor Sherman. >> Yes. >> Committee Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committeeman VZA. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy. Yes, >> Mayor Perio. >> Yes. All right. Can I have a motion to approve the minutes from the February
12th, 2025 uh board of health meeting? >> So move. >> Second. >> Assessor Sherman? >> Yes. >> Committeeman Lavender? >> Yes. >> Committeeman VZA? >> Yes. >> President Deputy Mayor Dorsy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Purgia?
>> Yes. All right. Uh, we have resolution 26-001 authorizing us to enter into professional service agreement with the visiting nurses association or community visiting nurses. Sorry. Um, can I have a motion to accept that? >> So move.
>> Second. >> Assessor Sherman? >> Yes. >> Committee Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committ. >> Yes. >> President Deputy Mayor Dorsy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Peria. >> Yes. Any discussion items? Seeing none, uh, now opening the meeting to the
public. Um, anybody have three minutes to want to comment or have any questions about the board of health? Madam clerk, you see if there's anybody on Zoom when you sit back down. >> This is board of health only. >> Maryann would like to speak.
>> Okay. Good evening, Maryanne. My bad. >> Okay, it's not me this time. >> That was me. Sorry. >> No problem. It's been me the last two times. Quick question. with the
resignation of Aubrey. Um, is it the same protocol that was discussed? >> Hold that thought for >> it's going to be have to wait until the public portion at the end or >> we have to adjourn the board of health
meeting first, right? >> Well, yes. Maryann, do you have any comments in regards to the board of health? >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Okay. Then we'll table. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mary. >> Stay stay right there because we we're going to go into uh uh remarks, statements, anything on the agenda?
Aubrey is on the agenda, so you'll be able to speak momentarily, I believe. >> All right. Anybody else on Zoom? >> If anybody else on Zoom would like to make a public comment in regards to the board of health, please raise your hand now. >> Thank you. Seeing none, I'd like to make a motion to adjourn the January 21st,
2026 meeting of the board of health. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. All right, board of health over. >> All right, so we're going to go to item number four on your agenda if you're following in the audience or at home. So
the meeting is open to the public. Remarks and statements pertaining to agenda items only. Uh comments and remarks, please, if you could limit them to three minutes. And Maryanne, I think the floor is yours if you're still live. Marian, I lowered your hand, but if you
would like to make a comment in regards to any agenda items. Marian would like to speak. >> Thank you, Megan. >> Yes. Um I apologize. Um I was not sure that this this was the um
official part in terms of the wellness committee. So I was a little confused with the professor there. um you know saying yay and nay. Um but back to um my um original question
um what will the protocol be for the rep replacement of Aubry? Is it still status quo from the last time? >> All right. So uh and Jack's going to correct anything I I get incorrect. Uh so
starting today uh the Long Hill Township County Committee, Republican County Committee because Aubrey uh is is a Republican. So the Republican committee will recommend up to three names.
>> They have to name >> they have to name I have to name three. If they don't name three, you can choose anyone. >> Okay. So they have to name three or that's kind of an important nuance there. uh or the the township committee could choose anybody >> and they have to do it within 15 days.
>> 15 days. So one deadline is >> and that's calendar days, right? Not business days. >> So they will present three names to this body. This body will then >> 30 days >> 30 days from today >> February 20th. >> As long as they name three, you can only
choose from that group. So you guys will have the the local committee will give you three names by February 5th. Failure to do so, you guys can pick any republic registered Republican in Longhill Township.
>> You guys will most likely have to make the decision by February 11th, unless you want to hold a special meeting because we don't have a second meeting before the 30-day deadline. >> All right. So, uh, the question even number up here, if it were I don't think
it would, but if it were to go to a 22 vote, what happens then? >> Then it doesn't pass. >> I uh, does it go back to the local committee to make the decision? I thought it did. >> I think in that case, if you don't
appoint one of the three, it goes back to the committee and they can then make the appointment. >> Correct. The local committee. >> The local committ. Correct. Correct. >> Which I don't think is ideally what this township committee would would want. So >> neither of you has to take the full 15 days or 30 days. So
>> correct. >> If the uh Republican committee gave you three names tomorrow, you could >> have a special meeting in 48 hours and name. >> Okay, Marian, I hope that was sufficiently clear.
>> Yes. Thank you. >> Is that it for now? >> That's it. All right, I'll see you in about an hour for item number 12. >> Better not be an hour. >> Uh, would somebody please control Deputy
Mayor Dorsy? Item number five, ordinances. Ordinance 580-26. I'll read it. its first reading introduction abolishing the open space advisory committee so that a new open space beautifification advisory committee can be established by
resolution and amending chapter 2 of the township code entitled administration. Um Jack, did you want to give a brief idea of what we're doing here? Yeah, I think the title is self-explanatory. The county committee wants to establish a combined uh rec or open space
beautifification committee. Uh but the current open space advisory committee was established by ordinance. So we had to do an ordinance abolishing that committee and later in the agenda is a resolution uh establishing the new uh open space beautifification committee.
So we're going to change it from an ordinance to a resolution. Correct. I got you. So we don't have to go through this again in the future. And Megan, correct me if I'm wrong. Are we s simply taking the members of both committees? What are we doing or we're going to have to discuss that and provide names?
>> You have to appoint them. You can name those people. >> You're going to do that at the next meeting. So >> the next meeting, >> correct? Because you're going to have the second reading uh public comment and hopefully adoption of abolishing the
open space advisory committee. You're establishing the uh open space beautifification committee tonight and then once that passes at the next meeting hopefully then you can appoint who you want to the beautifification open space >> the members of those committees will not
have any vested rights in being re appointed to the new committee but you can appoint >> yeah I don't know if under the ordinance it was mayoral or not I don't know it doesn't matter it's going to be by resolution and so therefore it will be a township committee vote as to who is on it I know we have one person in
particular I spoke with today is very excited about being appointed. She's not currently on it. Uh so I assured her come whenever which happens to be next meeting >> February 11th. >> February 11th. Okay. And the other point is it's in the resolution of the ordinance is I made it a one-year term
because that way it'll just come up every year at reorg and you can keep track better. Okay. So we are we notify the people who are on these two committees comes to an end. >> Yeah. I think maybe that was my bad. I probably didn't realize and so that's
what prompted some of the emails and texts and phone calls I received. So, um what's how how best to maybe through the chairs? Uh >> you could chair no committee right now. >> Well, I can send out an email.
>> Fair enough. >> To the former chairs. >> Yeah. >> And just letting them know what we're doing. We're not abolishing it. We just thought it would be more efficient, especially moving forward. >> You could also um administrator bar could send an email to
um the the chairs and ask for recommendations as to who they feel should be reappointed to these boards. >> Yeah. I the only reason I hesitate on that is I don't want to leave it well >> because you're going to have two boards that are coming together. So there's going to be a lot of
>> resolution. You didn't put a a limit. No, there's no limit on how many people, but I'm just saying you're going to have a lot of >> when we get to it. Okay. >> Resolution hasn't passed yet. >> So, just be clear on that process. Um, typically when you are appointed to
committee, you have to you have to submit a volunteer form. >> You have not. Now, >> the person I referenced in in you get past that. >> Yeah, I think so. >> I did put between seven and 10 members
and we can take that out of the resolution. >> Do you know how many we have on each now? >> I can tell you. >> I don't know if you know uh from beautifification or that that was your recommendation. So it may be more than 10 >> I believe it is.
>> That's my only >> as needed or fair enough. All right. >> We're momentarily going to be in the consent agenda. All right. So, I think we caught up. >> I'm sorry. >> Open space had one, two, three, four,
five, and then well there was a crossover uh with the environmental commission and then Vic was the TC liaison. So, one, two, three, four, >> five, six. And then there was a few vacancies, but Right. And then beautif. notification
had sorry if we don't put a limit on it's not going to matter but that's what I thought >> uh Um,
>> I don't have the number for >> so don't don't worry about it. We'll we'll we'll leave it openended and we can change it as needed. Resolutions change. Yeah. >> All right. So, with that being said, can I have a motion to introduce ordinance 580-26 on first reading?
>> Second. >> Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committeeman VZA. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy. Yes. >> Mayor Peria. >> Yes. All right. So item number six on your agenda, consent agenda items. Are there any u resolutions that members of
this committee would like for further discussion or do you have to abstain from any? >> I was happy Gus and Dawn, just so people know, Gus and Dawn are back at the Millington Station Cafe, which is good news. I know a lot of people in town are happy about that and I saw Gus and Dawn are very happy as well. So that worked
out well. >> Yep. Yes, process was done correctly. >> That's that. >> Uh any other comments or you know Scott? >> Yeah. What's the number on PD rules and rags? I see
>> 51 01. >> It's not on there. >> Oh, it's not. >> We didn't have it on there. >> I apologize. I was I was going to put it on the next meeting agenda so you guys could have the most updated rules and brags. Okay. >> As backup. So, it's only to uh >> 50 >> to 50.
>> All right. >> The last one being the Twisters tournament. >> Okay. Then I'll make a motion to approve 26041 through 2605. So moved. >> Second. >> I'll second it.
>> Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committ. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Peria. >> Yes. All right. So, committee reports. Let's fire it up. Let's fire up this crowd. It's a little uny out there. So, we're going to go to Vic. All right.
Sorry, Megan. I should have given you a heads up there. All right. The recre the recreation update for Wednesday, January 21st is as follows. We were very busy in December with
holiday programming. Our holiday house business decorating contest winners were visited by prize patrol which included Jolly St. Nicholas, his reindeer elves, and a member from the Long Hill Chamber of Commerce. Six families and one
business were presented with awards and a swag bag from the recreation department. We had six amazing bakers win our cookie decorating contest. each were awarded a custom cutting board, but some would say the real award was the
cookies they got to eat as part of the contest. We were able to help the North Pole again this year to to get letters to Santa from good girls and boys in Longill. 104 letters were sent to the
North Pole and responded to by Santa's elves. The website is currently updated with photos and a video of all entries for all to see. All right, we moved on to slide number five.
All right, winter yoga is coming up soon. Registration is still open on community pass for Monday and Wednesday morning classes. Now is the perfect time to take a Red
Cross first aid and or CPR AED class. Tomorrow night, we are offering a basic first aid class. Still plenty of room to register on community pass. Class will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the first aid squad. Thank you to the
Longill First Aid Squad for the for partnering up with us to run these valuable classs. On February 26th, we will offer the CPR AED class and registration is still open on community pass. At the completion of each of these
classes, participants will receive a certification from Red Cross valid for two years. Are you planning to coach this spring? Now is the time to sign up for the Ruckers safety class. We will hold it an
in-person class on March 5th from 6 PM till 900 p.m. at the Old Millington Schoolhouse. Register now on Community Pass. This class fills up fast. Looking for something fun to do with the
family while we are all huddled up each night? Register for virtual bingo. Tonight before the meeting, we ran the first of these and crowned five winning families. The next one will be on February 11th at 5:30m. After that, we
will host one in March on 11 on the 11th at 5:30 p.m. Register online on Community Pass and it is a free event open to all ages in Long Hill. At Long Hill, we have the perfect
backdrop for a photography contest. Enter up to three photos photos for free in our contest. Birding in Long Hill. Winners will be announced for 33126. So get those cameras ready. Registration
is also on community pass. We are accepting ations now for the summer seasonal employment. Please visit our website for more for information and apply by 41 at
the latest. Moving right along to slide number 11. Want to get more involved in our community? Consider joining the recreation advisory committee and have some fun. Please contact Lisa or Bill in the parks and recreation department for
more information. And last but not least, don't forget Oscar the Grouch who always reminds us to keep our parks clean. And that concludes my recreation update. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Let's go to Scott.
>> Okay. The uh planning board had its reorganization meeting uh last week. Um they elected their new officers, Don Richardson continuing as president or chairman rather and Tom Jones uh
continuing as vice chairman. Uh we also welcomed our new board attorney Yolanta Mazi who has now taken over So that's an update there. Next, the digital engagement committee is
going to meet tomorrow night. Uh one of our first objectives is to identify one recommendation to make in the first quarter. Try to boil the ocean. We're going to make one recommend recommendation back to this committee and see if we can do something.
>> That's great, Scott. I appreciate it. That it. That's it. Deputy Mayor Dorsy. >> Yes. You wanna You want to put up? Okay. Library update. Library is open Monday to Sunday. If there's inclement weather or snow, please call or look at the
website before you show up because obviously the roads are a priority especially on a Sunday. So, as I said, please call or before you go on a Sunday or any day if there's inclement weather because the library might be closed. >> For example, this weekend. >> Yeah, exactly. this weekend and as I
said the DPW is very busy. It's more important to get the streets clean then clear out the parking lot and town hall on a Sunday. So they prioritize and that's not a priority. However, it will be at some point in time but right now call and Sunday it's probably not going to be open but call. Slide two daily
programs and events for all ages. They are doing a two-part talk on Monae and Venice. I used this talk to prepare for a visit to the Brooklyn Museum and its ongoing Monae and Venice ex exhibit through February 2026.
They show free movies every week. Bring a friend. No registration needed. Ed Kadaman, who has presented on AI at the library before, returns to talk about how to use AI to simplify your life. Engaging, accessible, and useful.
It's an in-person talk. That's on Sunday the 25th, which again, call and make sure it's happening. Last one with an author talk with Liz Moore, the author of the wildly popular novel, The God of the Woods. Register online for the Zoom link. Thank you. And now from one of my
favorite reports of the year, brought to you by Director Gallo from the DPW. Here are the year-end recycling numbers. And I'm very proud of these numbers. Styrofoam 25,947.9 pounds. >> Yeah, Scott just doing the thing for a
cooler or something. Uh 5,000 cubic yards of brush and trees, which you know we turn over and we used for uh for mulch for around town and other people use in their yards. And that's another good one. Aluminum cans uh for St. Barnabas Burn Center 1.5 tons donation
total for 2025 was $1,893 to the St. Barnabas burn unit that was sponsored by the Sterling Fire Company. A special thanks to uh Fireman Womaker who had spearheads that uh operation. And the good news is the the the case was about a third full already. So
hopefully we can get more money this year. 2,680 pounds of used cooking oil. That's some people aren't dumping it down their drains. That helps the sore system too. 90 yards of grass clippings, 382 cubic yards of leaves. Electronics,
computers, TVs, printers, fax machines, 28.8 tons. Then we have non-coed electronics, DVD players, VCRs, the old school stuff, six tons. Fluorescent bulbs, 600 lb of fluorescent bulbs. Car
batteries, 1.5 tons. We have 17 30 yard containers of single stream recycling. rec recyclable. So, 28 tons. So, the big um what's that thing called? My mind still. The uh >> dumpster. >> Dumpster. That's it. The dumpster down
there. We've we've filled that up 17 times. There's 28 tons in addition to what people are recycling outside. 80 829.25 gallons of motor oil. And I know it's almost all used to reheat the building. So, we take the recycled motor oil and
they use it to one of the furnaces to heat one of the buildings, which saves the township a lot of money as well. And it's recycled. 600 gallons of food compost, 451 Christmas trees, and the last day of curbside pickup is January 31st. You still have a tree. Um, bring it out.
It's probably a fire hazard by now, but they've recycled 451 of them so far this year. 203 pounds of plastic bags, 80 pounds of K cup pods, 393 tires, and as our new addition, 50 pounds of sneakers.
And I know Al's working on some other things coming up in the spring that we're excited to announce when they come out. So, thank you everybody. I know it's a team effort. Uh DPW does a great job and thank the township and I know other people actually come here to recycle their styrofoam, be such a
successful program. So, great job everybody. And that's all I have. There you go. >> Thank you. >> You know, and special thanks. I mean, Chief Gallow, DPW, uh, and Deputy Mayor Dorsy, he
kickstarted some of these things over the years. Uh, so, um, he's modest. He doesn't take any credit for it. And, and most of all, thank you to the residents. They embrace these things. I I find it,
you know, when I brought up the uh the styrofoam, the tonnage of the styrofoam at one of the league uh events down in Atlantic City, it was big crowded room and everybody was saying, "That's not true. That's not true." So, I said, "Oh, yeah, it doesn't sound true." It is
true. So, great job. All right. Just a uh a couple of things. Uh, and I know Scott, you said you don't want to boil the ocean, but at some point I'm I'm going to send you I have an example of an email I'd like to use which will mimic hopefully replace what our
quarterly uh update used to be at much cheaper, right? And I don't know if we can piggy back off of what the u >> the alert system is. >> That's one of the things we're consider. And seriously, when I talk about not boiling the ocean, we have so many advisory committees that come up with8
number of and nothing gets done. So if I commit to you, we'll get one thing done. Maybe we'll get two or three. You'll >> smart and that's a re I mean you're very good at and I think the other members of the committee are very good at it. Come
up with some sort of thing and then we can have however that's done AI or you plug in Re can go in, Randy can go in and we could send it out on whatever regular >> I can spell AI.
Uh we're also going to have we used to do this and then we kind of drifted away from it for whatever reason doesn't matter. Uh we will have the chairs of somebody respective bodies. We get the planning board update from Scott uh but we will have chairs say from shaitree uh
uh committee it's committee now right? >> Yes. >> Yeah. So >> it's still a commission. We kept it as >> commission commission. All right. Susan Jeans used to love coming in and presenting, you know, whether it was the uh challenge grant program or something like that. So, we will have a regular
basis of folks coming in. There'll be brief reports. I see Matt glaring at me from the side. Brief is the key word. 10, you know, it could be 10, 15 minutes, but that way we can engage the uh the public and they'll they'll know what's going on.
And what we'll do, Randy, when he's about to give an ad hoc report uh at my request or however you want to phrase it tonight and we will have a more formal presentation I think at the next meeting from the uh assessor ASI that we use.
It is confusing. I I think some folks and I saw a thread on Facebook. Uh I I've you know asked in the past please don't go to Facebook. uh reach out to one of us, reach out to Megan, reach out to Randy, reach out to any member of the township committee uh with questions
that you have. Uh you know, the most common uh comment was, "Oh, my uh assessed value went up $80,000 on a say $700,000 home. Therefore, my uh taxes are going up 12%." That's absolutely not true. What I what I I'm a little bit
confused. We've been doing this annual assessment for 12 years, 10 years, somewhere in there. >> This is not new. >> Yeah, we've been doing it for the long time. >> So, I'd also recommend that I save that letter every year. It goes in a file.
And one of the best ways to figure out what's going on is look at last year's, look at this year's, read the paragraphs very closely to understand that there's a couple of moving parts to the equation. assment. The other is the rate
and the rate usually goes down, right? So, you know, take a, you know, breathe. Randy is CFO in addition to being the administrator. He's going to briefly high level explain it and then we'll have a for more formal presentation I believe at the next
meeting. But Randy, if I could turn it over administrative report which will include uh high level explanation of the reassessment process about how how high level it'll be. Uh I think I have some u good information. Um I was uh in my
previous life a certified tax assessor. Uh so I am familiar with the program. Um I've been involved with the program um probably 15 to 20 years now. So what the purpose of a of an annual reassessment
uh does is it gets the municipality as close to market value as possible. Obviously this this helps in multitude of different ways because at the county level since they have multiple uh uh municipalities that they tax they come
up with an equalized valuation. So, the closer you are to 100% and that equalized valuation, the less room for error or the less room for uh not being taxed correctly and and uh getting more
accurate numbers to the county. Um so, will every property be at 100%. Obviously not. Okay. Because sales occur every day. Um they come in at all different uh amounts. Uh but I can give
you some updates of the um annual reassessment that just got completed. So the total assessment for the town increased just under 9% 8.98%. In the residential area
it was 9.53%. So what does that mean to the general public? If your assessment went up below 9%, you're going to get a little break on taxes because of the reassessment. If it
went up 8.98%, 9% not going to see any kind of uh effect in your taxes because of the reassessment. If it went if your assessment went above 9%, you're going to see a slight tax increase because of
the reassessment. Just because a town does a reassessment, the town does not get any extra tax dollars because of a reassessment. The school boards do not get any extra tax dollars because because of a reassessment.
The tax rate is derived after each of the entities come up with a budget that the budgeters approved and that's when you get the tax rate. Each of the entities send their information to the county. The county sends it to the U
state division of taxation which talks with the division of local government services and they certify a tax rate that eventually comes back to us for the tax collector to send out tax bills. So a misconception and I've I've heard it
for for many years a misconception is that people believe that the town is getting in our case 9% more in tax monies just because we do this. that's not the issue. U reassessments also help
obviously in in tax appeals uh because people have a right to tax the to appeal their assessment. Um they should call it tax assessment appeals but they call it tax appeals. Uh they because they could uh appeal their assessment to the county
board of taxation. Um the burden of proof is upon the property owner to prove that the assessor is wrong. Um the assessor takes the information from an our outside inspection company appraisal systems and certifies that list to the
county which has already been certified. There is a link that uh is on our website under the tax assessors page that is a link to applasal systems. You they have great information there. They
in fact have the assessment of every single property in town from 2005 to 2006. So you can see what the assessment increases were for various properties and so forth. Um and and that's that's the program in in general. So
the tax appeal process you can kind if you don't feel that you uh your assessment is correct, I would suggest that you call the assessor first. And like I said, the the the certified list is is already certified to the county.
Um, so he may tell you you have to file a tax appeal with the county. So you have until normally until April 1st is a statutory date. However, they allow towns and reassessments to file before
May 1st. So if you're looking to file an appeal, you have to do it before May 1st. If you come you file it on May 3rd with the county, they're not going to accept it. I don't even know what May 3rd is. It might be a Sunday fall. No, but you you understand what I'm saying.
It has to be filed by May 1st, otherwise it's not going to be assessed. Um, so we each year it's a, if you will, a five-year rotation for inspection. So each year the company
attempts to inspect 20% of the properties throughout the town. Um, most people are fine. They they let them in if if uh you deny them access or if you're not home. If you're not home, they'll leave you a note. Please call us
for a time to uh make an appointment to come inspect the home. If you if you refuse entry to the inspection company, uh they will evaluate your home at the at the highest possible um and potential
uh assessment. uh assuming taking into assumption certain facts that may or may not be there. Obviously, they won't know because you the person refused entry to them. >> For example, they they since it has to be at the highest possible level, they make the assumption that the basement is
finished even though reality it may not be. >> Is updated >> and the kitchen would be updated and and bathrooms updated and so forth. So, you know, so by refusing uh these these inspectors entry, you you don't gain anything over
everybody else that allows them to be enter. So, >> because it's already going to be assessed at the highest possible value. So he did do all these renovations. If I could just anecdotally what triggered this 10 12 years back is >> we were getting a number of appeals tax
appeals or tax assessed appeals every year although we hadn't done an assessment in 10 12 years and uh and generally speaking Jack correct me if I'm wrong towns tend to settle right they don't want to go through the legal process legal costs etc. and we had one
part of town. There was a bunch of uh uh appeals that came through. We settled and that was troubling to us. Um then I would also point there were three prongs here. Then there was also people that did permitted work and my family was one
of them and I remember we it was a substantial uh uh renovation and our taxes didn't move and I thought well that's very strange. So and then there was a third prong. We knew that there were uh renovations going on throughout
town, non-permitted. So, our uh tax assessor at the time said, "Why don't you you have to do an assessment this year anyway? Why don't you go to annual?" And correct me if I'm wrong, the tax appeals the township has received are nil now.
>> That's correct. Almost n >> that's gone away. >> Far fewer. And you know, it's a much fairer system. >> Correct. Because when our ratio, which was the assessed value to market value, was around 50%. Some houses were assessed at 120% and some were assessed
at 30%. So there was no uniformity and it was totally unfair. >> A real life example of how it was fair. Although to my dismay, >> I was right. It didn't make any sense that my taxes hadn't moved. So my our taxes went up $2,300 when they did the
assessment. But that's fair. >> Yeah. It should have been made, >> right? So, I was underpaying and one house in particular I can think of which we were aware that a lot of non-p permanent work had gone through, their taxes went up five grand and they went
crazy. But that means they were underpaying relative to what they should have been. Meaning somebody was paying five grand in aggregate >> more than they should have. >> The assessment should be what you can sell your house for. It's not an exact science, but it's a lot closer than
>> it's a moving target. Look, there there used to be what's called revalu uh re revaluation >> uh years ago. There still is in some communities in some counties. Uh but I can tell you a horror story with with revaluation. I was in a town that
completed a a revaluation for the whole town. And in that revaluation, you have to attempt to get into every single property uh with a revaluation, which obviously is a lot more difficult than % they got done with the revaluation. It was an outside company obviously uh and
they came to present it to the town and the market tanked. So the assessment was about 20% over assessed. Now the town decided well we need to go back and look at all these
numbers because so it costs even more more money now because now that we asked the company to do e even more things. The better the best thing about reassessments, they can take into account those type of market increases and decreases annually instead of
waiting for either the tax board to tell you to do a revaluation or order you to do a revaluation or waiting the 5 10 years where municipalities normally used to wait. >> One thing is the last time we did a revaluation which was probably 20 25
years ago, we probably had hundreds of appeals. >> Sure. because you know people >> look the goal is everybody to pay as people use that trit phrase their fair share but in this particular case that is we get as close as we can to people
paying what they should be paying on a relative basis everybody's property taxes in the state of New Jersey are too high I get it mine too but we have to collect what we have to collect we have to give what 63 cents on the dollar to the to the schools the high school and
the K8 I think it's about 23% to the municipal somewhere in there. >> About 20 20 some county and and mayor what you just said and and you may not even realize what you said. Okay. A lot of people think a tax appeal is
appealing your taxes. >> That is not correct. You cannot appeal taxes. The taxes are set by the tax rate and it's based on your assessed value. years ago they used to have the tax appeal process uh I think in August or
September as a deadline and so many people used to file tax appeal say my taxes are too high and ignore the assessment. So that's why the law changed to have it in the beginning of the year because you have to appeal your assessment not the taxes.
>> Gotcha. And Vic, I know you were gonna say >> Yeah. If I could get So we do reassessments here in Longill Township every year, >> correct? Every year. And what percentage of houses are done every year? >> 20%. >> 20% >> 100% reassessment, >> right?
>> 20% inspections >> rotated through. >> Understood. >> Therefore, after 5 years, every home has >> So, every house is reassessed >> every year. >> Every year, but 20% of the homes in town will get the old letter. Someone's going to come and, you know, wants to come and
look, take a peek inside. Correct. >> Supposed to take by inspection. Everybody else Correct. >> Full inspections, interior inspections every year. I think it used to be 25%. >> Yeah, it used to be 25 in four years and they increase it to 20 over five.
>> That's why I was confused. Perfect. >> Almost every >> So, here's a question. Can a resident request that they be part of the inside inspection? >> Can a resident request if they missed the inspection say last year, can they
request an inside respect inspection next year? >> Yes. And and you can do it any year. You before you file an appeal, as Randy said, you should call the assessor and he may ask to come out and inspect your house. >> Okay. Thank you. >> The assessor still plays a a very key
part in the in the whole assessment process. He oversees it. He's he's he's the person that signs off on the assessment. So, if you if anybody has any any specific questions and so forth, they should contact the tax assessor. Now, our assessor is uh parttime. He's only here uh in in Wednesday evenings.
Uh but he does answer emails throughout the week. So, >> make a very subtle point. It's off of what Mayor Persia said and I think what you said as well. If you don't allow them inside of the house, they will assess you at the worst case.
>> That's right. >> And therefor you you're at the worst case, you can always invite the assessor to come look inside. >> Yeah. One resident told me that she they when she called, she was told that she had an updated bathroom and a finished
basement and she said that I don't and I had them come back out and I proved that I didn't. But to your point, the assessor did their job. One one final point and somebody I think it was the mayor or Randy said you it was Randy you don't appeal the taxes but
also if you do appeal it the evidence is comparable sales not assessments. So the fact your neighbors may have lower assessments than you is not evidentary. You they may be under assessed you've actually got to come in and show comparable sales uh to your home. And one of the things I would encourage the
residents if you're concerned about your assessment because they they do um assessments and they take similar neighborhoods. Now a neighborhood isn't your surrounding properties. It's neighborhoods are divided into the town
by similar types of houses. They have that map on the appraisal system link. So you can take a look at it and they have it colorcoded. you have to probably enlarge it a little bit to get certain sections, but uh you you would be able
to see what the neighborhoods are that they compare each neighborhood to. >> So, first of all, Remy, thank you. That was an unbelievable job. Uh I'm getting some dirty looks from people. >> We We just want to move on to the cap bank description. >> No, no, >> no cap bank description tonight.
>> No, they public doesn't get everything tonight. I'm going to hold off on cap bank till the next meeting. Thank you. >> So, at that point, Randy, I know you have the administrative report. I don't know if you have more items for us. >> I do. Um, the uh I have I have December
2025 police report. So, they had a busy month in December. They had uh 2,474 calls um for duty for for uh bump calls for a yearly total of 32,09
responses for calls during the month of December. And I'm not sure if uh maybe some weather related, but they responded to 21 motor vehicle accidents uh which four of those ended up in uh uh summons
written for driving under the influence. Um, >> that's nothing to do with the weather, >> only with the frost. >> U, they also, the police also participated in the Meerville's tree lighting on September on December 7th,
I'm sorry, December 7th, u which I'm sad that I wasn't able to uh be there, but um I was away on vacation. So uh on December 10th uh as uh many people do know we had a promotion to of two lieutenants and four sergeants. Um they
are now getting uh all kinds of training done um and doing training. The lieutenants obviously have to train sergeants and lieutenant and and current lieutenant and chief have to train the lieutenants and we're sending them to various classes uh and courses to uh get
all the training in that that needs and obviously that will be ongoing throughout uh 2026. Uh so um I just want to say to to uh director Gallo uh you guys did a great job with the recent snowstorms. Uh even
last weekend it w it was uh rather unexpected that uh it was supposed to turn to rain that never did. Uh but your guys ca went out Saturday, came back out Sunday and even came out Monday to do some touchup. Uh so you know Monday was a federal holiday and and the guys were
off. So uh kudos. Uh you know they've they've uh worked uh straight through last week, straight through the weekend and and straight through this week. And unfortunately uh might be the weekend also as as the weather's looking. Uh so,
couple of reminders. Please, please, please keep your cars off the street. We have an ordinance that no cars are allowed to park in the street when snow covered. Uh this impedes the uh um snow operations and quite honestly if they
have to plow around cars and there's another backto back storm it it creates uh quite a mess in those areas where they can't get curb to curb. We have a lot of narrow streets in town and please the the police uh go out there and try
to notify the property owners. They knock on doors and everything else to try and get people to move the cars. Um don't please uh you know I don't want to see anybody's car towed or anything so that we could do our operations. So a lot of cooperation would be very helpful
not only to yourself but your neighbors and and everything else. U do not I guess for certain contractors or homeowners with snowblowers do not blow the snow into the street. Do not plow
the snow into the street. there's there's a lot of uh vacant property around. You could blow the snow into the lawn and everything else. Um so cooperation from all the residents helps the public works guys uh get home to
their families a little earlier and make sure the streets are are plowed curb to curb so that everybody can drive safely. I think uh congratulations on the recycling. Fabulous job. Uh just a side note, the styrofoam. Yes, we have other
towns uh dropping styrofoam off here. We do charge them a fee. I believe we have five towns right now, Al. So, uh that's um some income to the town that goes into our recycling program. Um Al Gallo just recently got a uh
recycling uh grant from the county and they actually gave out numbers for the countywide recycling and they are very impressed with our operations of how much recycling we do and the uh uh various types of recycling that we do.
So kudos to Al kudos to the deputy mayor for keeping out uh thinking of of all these new ideas of recycling. Um so great job. That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you Randy. Uh all right
so we're going to go on to item number nine. There's a number of discussion items. I'm not going to reach conclusion on any of these. So, I think we're going to give a like a brief description or discussion. Vic, I know you have a couple, maybe most of them. U how does
the committee what what's your uh pleasure? How would you like to proceed here? >> Jack, were you involved in the tree ordinance? >> Yeah, I I submitted the tree ordinance. The tree ordinance is an ordinance submitted to the town committee by the
shade tree commissioner committee. I'm not sure what it was at the time uh in 2010, 16 years ago. So, some things have changed. And just briefly, uh if you go to the general provisions 235, tree removal restricted, uh the first
sentence says that no person shall remove a tree without getting a permit. And then the second paragraph says no person shall destroy or remove any historic tree. I think that if you do go ahead, I think that should be removed. It's redundant. It's inconsistent. I
think it causes confusion. It says you have to get a permit for a historic tree. Well, requiring it for all trees. Uh I would take that out. And it has exemptions. Every single family house can remove three trees. This is actually based on
the Burnersville ordinance. I think the >> page four now for those following. >> That's correct. U single family houses can remove three trees a year with permission. diseased trees can be removed, but only if the the tree officer has determined
that they are actually diseased or dead, that they should be removed. I don't want to take a whole lot of time. >> Now, are we going to let the tree the shade tree commission take a peek at this again? >> Oh, absolutely. >> Yeah. >> Hey, Jack, I have a quick question, though. I thought we updated it like a
couple years ago, >> but it was so watered down that it really means nothing >> and that's why we're relooking at it. >> That's right. Exactly why we're reooking at >> all the substantive provisions were taken out. So what was left really doesn't >> say much wonderful.
>> In fact, it didn't require a permit. It just required you to report, >> right? >> And now we're looking to now we're looking to change it >> and give it a little >> That's not up to me. But yeah, that's the intent of this ordinance. >> And I I think ultimately our goal is to really stop the clear cutting.
>> That's ultimately our goal >> and that continues to happen. >> Yep. I agree. which is page six. It has these are regulations applicable to uh development applications. So for site plans or subdivisions uh they you know they have
to go get approval from the shade tree commission. U then there are separate provisions if you go later on. Oh the next section is actually site protections just if you do take trees down you've got to put up you know soil conservation measures which you probably
have to do anyway. Then there's a separate section for those uh pre removal permits that don't involve planning borders board of adjustment applications. They're very similar rules but just a different process for doing
it. Um then there's now this is probably obsolete the person designated to enforce it is the tree conservation officer and it makes the uh TCO the chairman or chair of the chap
commission and and I think that was done at the time because I think David Welsh was the chair, right? You know, and he wanted to do it, but >> he did a heck of a job. >> He he did >> a heck of a job, >> you know, and obviously David Welsh new trees inside out. So, that's probably
not a realistic thing to have the chair do it, but as I say, this is from 2010. Uh then it goes on to uh an appeal procedure, which would be the town committee. Uh it has replacement requirements and it's very specific as
the size and species of trees and it also provides that you can request the shade tree commission that in lie of planting trees on your own property you make contributions to the tree conservation fund which can only be used for for trees elsewhere in county. Where
in here does it um specify the invasive species trees that are >> I think it was an appendix but that is something that should be >> specified commission will should take a look at this when we refer to them because they have some specific trees
that we have problems with >> exactly and I don't I don't have >> Yeah and I can give them the burner one because they say this is obviously modeled on they have a list of trees
and then there are other things like you know you don't need a permit or you need a permit but you don't nothing else applies uh for the footprint of a twirling and 20 ft around also like driveways and things like that you know you can take trees down
within 15t of wells or a driveway or garage or access required by the fire official or fire department things like So you can take those down without a permit, >> right? You know, you still have to report to the tree conservation officer,
but you don't have to get a permit. You don't have to you don't have to replace the trees. >> That's interesting. Does that include any sewer lines or anything like that? >> Yes, it would. Okay. >> It would >> because obviously that that causes problem roots cause a lot of problems with sew. >> Yeah. And and there are a lot more
examples in here, but I want to get in there. I just want to >> give an over and it talks about the tree conservation fund how those monies can be used and as I said it's for tree purposes planning on public property primarily
enforcement provisions again as I say tree conservation officer but to ask the chair of the j commission would probably be pretty ownorous request and then has penalties which are the standard penalties for violating an ordinance
and that's pretty much it thank Jack, so how should we proceed? Will Randy or Megan send this to the shade tree commission at the direction of the township committee? >> Yeah, >> please look within a reasonable amount of time. >> Yeah, send it back. >> And I would just note that my
recommendation and remove that one paragraph about historic trees. They may want a provision in there about historic trees, but I think it is confusing to say you have to have it all for all trees and then the next paragraph says you have to have one for historic trees. It's
already covered. I think they have a list of historic trees. >> I think they do though. They definitely do it. It mentions that in here. >> Might even be on the township website. It >> is on the township website, >> but but the tree the shade tree commission probably has come before the township committee
>> 10 times. You know, in my >> not recently, we're ready to go. >> It's about time. We're ready to go. We're ready to have a real ordinance that has some real teeth in it that really has to be followed. And I think a real key component of this one also is
when there's an application, there's a certain amount of time for the shade tree commission or I believe our tree expert uh Chief Gallow to take a look at the uh application in the site and either approve it or deny it. And I
think that I think that's a great provision and we meet need to make sure that you know that part is followed also. And we're not we're not a leader on >> other words when you when someone applies that we actually the shade tree commission or or chief gallow actually
take a look at it within the 45 days because if not they get a blanket approval. >> Yeah. Saying >> right I'm not trying to put you I'm not trying to say that we're not doing it. I'm just saying that I think it's great that we're going to take a look at it >> and and the intent is not to be ownorous
on on property owners. The fact is we did this once before because I was on the shape commission for many years. >> Every town in the same area. Everyone has has an ordinance at least >> as uh strict as what is being discussed
here. Again, I always say if you want to take a if you really want a good example, come and take a drive through my neighborhood and take take a take a look at where the neighborhood was developed when there was a shade tree ordinance where that was followed and do and and David Welsh came in and made
sure that certain trees were preserved versus when we no longer had it and my my neighborhood was extended by four houses and they were allowed to clear cut those lots. We we never had an ordinance actually. >> But at one time we >> thought we did. >> At one time it was there was some type
of something was followed though because the builder actually >> David it was David's dictates. >> Yes, he actually but but take a look at the different personality. How it looks with the trees versus how it looks with where they clearcut them. It's significant. >> I'm not saying that that part of the
neighborhood isn't also beautiful, but the lacking of those mature trees doesn't go unnoticed. >> Thank Jack. Thank you Vic. Thank you. And I'm not even going to look over at Megan because I know she's given me the eye. >> No. So, if I could just jump in, mayor. >> The uh the Shade Tree Commission meets
next Monday, uh the 26th. I don't know if I can ask them to review this in that amount of time and then give us some sort of response by the 11th. >> Give it a shot. >> Okay. And then do you want it on for a discussion item again or do you want it on for introduction?
>> Not until Yeah, exactly. Not until they've had time to re properly review it and send it back. >> In fairness, many members on that change commission are the same and they've been there for for quite some time. >> They are going to perk up when they see this committee is taking it seriously.
>> Correct. And then you want it on for a discussion item, not an introduction. So you guys can give your final blessing on the proposed. >> I think what we can agree is we want the sh commission to have the proper amount of time. If they come back and say we we're not meeting that night or whatever it is, >> I would guess it might be the second
meeting in February. >> That's fine. But you want you want to come back review it and then Jack draft it into an ordinance for the first >> because because I have a clean version of this as well. This one was kind of broken up to break out the substantive sections. So >> well first second reading I I think we
can discuss it at first reading. If we don't feel we made it through, we can >> I think table it, right? Carry it. I think we're better off discussing it again. >> Okay. >> Okay. We're starting from scratch here. >> Okay. >> All right. Fair enough. >> I'll send it to the Shade Tree Commission to ask them to review it
either the 26th >> or their second their next meeting would would be uh what is this? February 23rd and then we're into March. So, I'll I'll see what I can do and let you guys know.
>> Well, it's 16 years in coming. I think an extra meeting or two I think this is just the latest one. >> Fair enough. So, Megan, this thing that you just passed along uh >> right is it is it here is one of those
items. >> Second. All right. Perfect. Fire away. Jack, you taking up a lot more time than I usually do. Then u establishes procedures for our meetings. U in part because the state hasn't done anything with respect to
remote meetings and hybrid meetings. So I thought it was appropriate that we codify the procedures we follow and and I'll be brief again in two.3 says that all meetings will be held here uh except and that they will be
broadcast on Zoom and YouTube when possible goes on to say that the mayor or in his sole discretion can hold a totally remote meeting uh for several reasons. one
if for weather if there's a snowstorm, two if we can't get a live quum, but three for any other reasonable reason the mayor determines. Uh it goes on to say that everyone will be given the opportunity to be heard. There'll be three minutes. Uh people both remote and
in person should identify themselves and give their address and people on Zoom should also have their camera on so the tax committee in the audience can see them. And I think this is an important provision. Paragraph seven is that failure of the cancer committee to
broadcast on YouTube or on Zoom u does not invalidate any action taken. Now that would obviously >> if there's a technical >> if there's a technical issue now that obviously would would not apply to 100% remote hearing. In that case technological problems we'd have to
cancel the meeting. But in any other case, the actions taken would still be valid. And that's basically >> and a big part of the reason we wanted to move forward with this, correct me if I'm wrong, is it's not common. And in fairness to the state, why address something that isn't I don't know how
many towns do allow remote participation. I I probably think we can count it on one hand. >> Well, other towns do >> okay. So, it really should be addressed by the state, but they haven't
But in our case, we do both. And you know, Maryanne kindly spoke earlier today. I I'm sure there are another town or towns that do it. I I'm just not aware of >> Oh, okay. There you go. I know. >> There's quite a few towns that do. >> Yeah.
>> Really? >> After co they they stayed with it. >> The Morris County just did a survey. There's probably about seven nine towns in >> 39. All right. That's more than I would have thought. >> People weren't used to doing it. Bye. >> Yes. >> All right. I have just one comment on
this. That's it. >> Sure. >> Uh number six, uh second sentence. Speakers on Zoom shall activate their camera so they can be seen, etc. Not everybody has a camera. >> The mayor can wave requirements. >> Okay. Just clarify that.
>> All right, Scott. I want to be clear that does not count as one of your overd delivering. That that's not one of your three items when you promise. Just making one comment because we have a lot to get through here. >> All right. >> I'm counting on you to move us through. >> All right, Jack. Look, what do they do in other towns where there's some kind
of technical issue with Zoom? Do we have to wait 20 minutes to let somebody connect and make all these jump through hoops? >> Well, I think I think we have the other night when you know they give the opportunity. I think that's covered by the technological problem,
you know, that it doesn't invalidate, you know, they have the right to come in person. So, it's really a a courtesy to the residents that were providing participation. >> You go with that. >> Yeah. Thank you for the answer,
>> Matt. All right. So, let's move on. Uh the next item is commercial vehicles. >> Mayor, if I could just jump in. So, what is the conclusion for that ordinance update? >> Uh, we're not It's a rough draft. We
can't vote on that. So, >> I understand. So, do you >> want to introduce it for next meeting? >> That's >> I have no problem. Jack, do you have a problem introducing it tonight? >> Introduce it tonight. Obviously, the draft come Jack's saying yes. Megan's saying no. I'm gonna go with Megan.
>> I would too >> because she can make my life miserable. >> I say that. Sweet as the voice. I'm >> sure. >> So, no, >> we'll introduce it at the next meeting, >> February 11th. So, it's nice, clean.
>> Fair enough. Okay. You're right. You're right. As always. >> Say it again. >> You're right. As always, I'm done. >> All right. So, now we we're moving on to commercial vehicles. Jack, is this going to be a Jack night? Are we gonna
>> No, I'm not discussing commercial unless I ask you. >> Wait, what? two-handed. Is this the current ordinance or proposed ordinance? >> This is the current ordinance. >> This is the current one. Got it. And what we're what we're looking to do, we I mean, we had the uh large town hall meeting where I feel strongly you can't
have ordinances and just selectively um decide which ones you're going to enforce. If you have ordinances in your town, you have to enforce them. So, right now, we have an a commercial vehicle ordinance that allows for no commercial vehicles whatsoever. you
can't have them nowhere on your property. Uh you can't park them at all. You just can't have them. So, we're looking to have a compromise. But since there's been no reinforcement of the commercial vehicle ordinance, some people are parking three commercial
vehicles on their property visible from the street on their lawns. Uh they're making no attempt to shield these vehicles. They're both parking multi multiple vehicles. So when we came together as a community uh and we had the extensive meeting, I thought there
we there was a good feeling that there was one commercial vehicle. If you have a garage, you garage it. If you don't have a garage, you try to attempt to shield it. But if that if you have neither, you're still allowed your one commercial vehicle of a certain
size. It can't be a big monster jump. There's a certain weight limit to these vehicles. And you can't have an overnight. This is for residential zones, by the way. This is not for commercial zones. If you're in a commercial zone, you can park. You have them. You can park. But there's also no
overnight parking of commercial vehicles in front of your house. >> In front of a residential house. You have to have a driveway. >> So, just to kind of build on your thought, >> you recall when we had that meeting last year, we kind of went through discussions on this and I think Jack, we talked about Bridgewater has an
ordinance >> that captures the what you're talking about the details of what can happen specifications on gross vehicle as well. So we don't have people tractor trailer. >> Right. Right.
>> And yet not penalizing you know historically what we've had is section of town. >> Right. >> Right. So my recommendation would be maybe Jack takes that ordinance and presents for discussion the next time we
meet >> copy of that some edits that kind of capture >> the sense of what you're talking about and take from there. >> Yeah, because this was not only discussed with the comm members of the community, it was also discussed with the planning board also to make sure >> there's too much ambiguity in what we
have. >> Yep. >> I think we're I think everybody's in agreement. >> It's not realistic. >> Yeah. >> That includes the zoning enforcement officer. How do you enforce something that's unclear? >> That's right. That's right. So, thanks for doing that. >> Vic, thank you for bringing it to our
attention. We can move on to the next one. Uh overnight parking. Is that you again? >> That's That's me again. >> So So I've been living here all the these years, 24 years, thinking that like every other town that I lived in
that there was an overnight parking ordinance that you had to park your car in your driveway if you had one. And if you weren't going to park your car in your driveway, if you were going to park your car on the street, you had to notify the police department. that if you had a guest that was parking on in the street that evening, you were going
to notify the police department and let them know that there was a guest that was going to be parking on the street. However, we don't have an overnight parking ordinance here in Longill Township. And I believe that there's a few reasons why most towns, if not all
our surrounding towns, have an overnight parking. And it's it's not only aesthetic for aesthetic reasons that it looks better at night when the streets are clear and there's not a bunch of cars parked out on the streets, but it it's also there's a safety reason that the police department uh and our law
enforcement agencies know uh you know which cars are here overnight by people who don't live in our town. So, I think it's about time that we got up to to speed with it. If you don't have a driveway and you cannot park your car in
a driveway, you are welcome. You know, you get a free, you know, permit sticker that you're a resident and you have a car parked out on the street because you don't have a driveway. We're not looking to, you know, be unfair to people, but if
you take a if we take a peek, I I guarantee you that the vast majority of the o of the towns that surround us have an overnight parking ordinance. And so, let me ask you, have have we discussed this with uh Chief Chimrio and Lieutenant Sutton, the traffic officer?
>> No, not that I could answer that. >> Okay. No, because uh I I believe that the first discussion should be at this board. Uh if there's if if three out of four of you say no, there's there's no reason to involve and get the police
involved and and spend their time if you guys aren't even consider I know that our chief is out in the audience and I don't want to put her on the spot. U is that how does it work in another town? Are we inundating our police with, you know,
>> or is it something that they think is a good thing? >> We're not. >> Listen to me. Listen, it's it's just something for us that I think that we should discuss. Obviously, it's not my call. If the if the if everybody here and chief thinks it doesn't make any sense, heck, let people park overnight.
Well, let them park overnight. But I do believe that there are reasons why the vast majority of towns have again every town I ever lived in you couldn't park overnight except for Wong. You couldn't park your car on the street. >> Are there certain areas where this is a problem?
>> No, I again I'm not saying actually there I think there are a few spots where there's a lot of cars parked out on the street. Um however, as far as policing is concerned, I think there's an advantage. But again, that would be something that the police department Chief Chairillo
will be able to answer far better than me, but I believe that there's some type of advantage to the police department knowing which cars are from town and which are are not. I could be wrong. >> It's it's always it's always been ambiguous to me. I'll give you an example >> as to what exactly the reasons are. >> Well, I'll give you an example, right?
When you cross the train track, the conventional wisdom in the neighborhood is you can only park on the right hand side of the street, not on the left side. That's what people say and if you park on the wrong side and I don't know if you
just I don't live there, but that's what I understand. It's always that way. >> It's like selfed. I suppose I suppose, but I I don't I don't know where that comes from, right?
And I don't know if that same custom occurs in other >> and I hear what Matt was I Well, I don't want to put words in your mouth. We don't want to fix a problem that doesn't exist. >> Yeah. Like in Lower Sterling, there's small driveways and some of these driveways only fit one car, maybe two, and a lot of them are single. So, say for example, if Scott lived on Essex
Street, he'd be in trouble because he has five people in his house that have to have a car. And if his kids were over for the holidays, he'd have six cars. What you're saying is that could be addressed by having little stickers. >> Correct. A resident sticker. >> But see, it's owner, not ownorous, but it's really not the police's department
business or mind who lives in town or doesn't live in town. It's just an alpine and it's not a uh restrictive. >> That's why what I said and I hear what Randy >> That's right. So like we want to discuss it in an open forum. Yeah. You know what I mean? Like >> recommend sitting down with chief and and traffic
officer >> just to get an idea. Maybe what we're discussing makes no sense at >> No, I mean I don't think Chief I don't think they're issuing a thousand parking summones a year here because there's really not a parking problem. I mean, sometimes when the hotel has an issue, there's a there's an issue with parking or if the snowstorm like we said the
other day, but again, I think it's a solution without a problem. >> Yeah, I can certainly get together with the chief and and who she deems necessary to have a discussion about it and bring the bring the comments back to >> Listen, if it's if it's not like, hey, leave it alone. It's not an issue. Yeah,
I think what in fairness to Vic, Vic just said, I want to discuss it. That's fine. Maybe it's a maybe exactly as Matt said, it's a a solution problem. >> Maybe maybe many many surrounding towns, the majority of the surrounding towns have this ordinance. There's really no good reason. You know what I mean?
>> Well, thank you, Vic. One of the reasons they do have this too is they have street sweepers stuff. >> That's true. Yes. >> Yeah. And that's another thing like I I know I I don't know what's the deal with the speed sweeper. How many times does it come around? What's the deal with it?
>> It um there's there's actually D regulations under the storm water management program of how many times you have to clean the streets. I believe it's twice a year for those streets that qualify to be cleaned. >> Okay. >> Um
>> yeah, we do we do it more often. >> Um The thing with parking too is anytime we have an event, it seems like people are pretty good at getting off the street. >> Yeah. Yeah. But, you know, in my my experience, I've seen it in in really more smaller
condensed towns where where you know there's a lot of uh houses on on streets and so forth. Population much greater than here and smaller areas. books out.
>> That's a great point because that's probably how the the Northfield Road came up because if they did park on both sides, you wouldn't get two two lanes of traffic. >> I have that problem on my street too, >> right? >> You could only can't park on both sides. You can't get very you couldn't get an
emergency because it's usually because of that person that has all those parties. >> It's a problem that person. >> But yeah, we we'll uh discuss I'll come back. All right. So, let's carry on. Driveways. Who is this? >> Vic. >> Vic. >> Jeez.
>> Parking lot. >> By the way, seriously, >> these are things for bringing this. You want to know what? I know we're we're teasing a little bit. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. This is these are things that you hear. They have to be settled. >> Yes. >> I'm like kind of like, you know, the
beautifification open space kind of guy. And I think these these things I try to be I try to be reasonable and fair. None of this is is designed to try to pick on anyone, but maybe in certain cases to to to stop a neighborhood dispute or a
neighborly dispute before it happens. And so we have a situation in town where some people just arbitrarily pave the entire front of their house by the street creating therefore an a
private parking off streetet parking in front of their house. And I mean personally I I I I just don't think that's fair. I don't think it's >> I don't think it's right, wouldn't >> they? >> But in the past, people just do it. Now,
my what I think would be fair is if you have a situation where you made your own homemade parking pad in front of your house, if you went about it properly, you you know, it's not an impervious coverage issue. Uh you got the proper permitting, whatever that was, whatever
was required to do so. You got it. It's perfect. If you just arbitrarily pave the entire front of your therefore creating your own personal parking off the street parking that no one else can use. Well, I think that that we should address that. I don't think it's a good look for the town. I don't think it's good for the neighborhood. I don't think
it's fair to your to violation of the ordinance. So, >> but it does happen. We also have situations where people just put, you know, rocks on their front lawn and decide to park a car there or without rocks, they just park cars on their
front lawns. Again, I don't maybe I'm wrong and if people want to discuss it, I just I I don't think that that's a a a great look. I don't think that's good for real estate values and integrity of the of of a neighborhood. They'll be just arbitrarily stoning a portion of
the front of your house to park a car there. >> Does this dove tail into the carport? Is it the same conversation or no? >> And and that would be the that would be the probably the final >> let's say let's stay on the car thing because I've been thinking about this one because I understand what you're saying and it's the kind of thing that's
inappropriate in some neighborhoods and in other neighborhoods. And I'll say specifically going down Long Hill Road. Yep. >> Right. You have this big long hill and then you have another hill. And you have people that have those pads there and I understand why >> because you can't get down that drive.
>> I completely agree >> in >> you can't get up. And I've seen that on St. Joseph's as well. You have these really highways and so in those cases it's like as long as they did it with regard to impervious
coverage and an attractive way >> and they have a hardship that's a hardship I believe which would which would warrant it. >> Right. put a justification for why they're doing it with process etc. I don't think anybody has any problem with that. >> Agreed. >> But when people go
>> and I and that's >> that's what you're trying to do. Correct. You're trying to narrow this down to the insult that you're trying to >> correct people. >> All right. So how do we proceed? >> That would be >> I don't know where these dots are.
Like again, I I need examples of where this exists, where the problem >> I could I could I could take you for a ride tonight and show you a bunch of examples. I don't want to call anybody I don't want to call anybody. >> I'm not happening. >> But I could show you a bunch of examples around >> during the daylight. So whenever you're
ready, I'll I'll take you for a cruise. Well, >> like I said, if you give us addresses, we can check to make sure that they followed the ordinances. We have got no addresses. Look, I'm I'm I'm again I'm not looking to personally single anybody out. >> But I I understand but you said, you
know, if they did not if they didn't do it correctly, we should get on top of them. Okay. >> Without addresses, we don't know if they did it properly or not. >> Yeah. And I think I think maybe our zoning officer would be >> Yeah. >> key in that.
>> You need to tell him which ones there are. >> So, do you want the our code enforcement officer drive around town and find those? I don't He He and I have had some conversations. He He He seized them. He He's aware of them and he he also based
on his experience doesn't happen anywhere else but Wong. >> Now, I wanted to also build on something that I think we're a little bit alarmed by is people renting out >> their property as parking parking lots. >> Bingo. And that that one that that fits
in with the conversation we've been having about Airbnbs and some of the stuff that's being uh taken advantage of. >> And this being a World Cup year, that's probably gonna >> That is absolutely true. That is absolutely true. We're at risk of even
more of that stuff this year. Park your car, get on the train. Well, we got three train stations. Thank you, Mayor Persia, for getting that press. And and that's another that's a good one to bring up committee lavender there
because I have heard some whispers of that kind of thing possibly going on on some properties. >> Well, we're pretty sure one in particular it is going we we we see them being advertised right now in town >> and that that that that really >> that's unfair that's unfair to those
other people who live in that neighborhood. I >> I would No. And then we looked you looked it up. >> He was 100% right. All right. And then I I think the last and then the last thing to discuss is you know carports. >> Wait. So >> no wait I'm sorry.
>> Is there is there a conclusion for the driveway parking ordinance? >> I think we Jack was going to uh do his research and make some pro proposals >> at the next >> I think you know the spirit of what we're looking to accomplish. >> I do.
>> Okay. I will bring something to the next meeting. Look how much time we're giving three weeks to the next meeting. Usually we tell you about 20 minutes before the meeting begins. >> Again, >> that was Mayor Dorsy. That's his style. My style. >> These are things that that that you know if if people feel differently or the
same, we'd like to hear from you. >> All right. Awnings is the awnings. Who's >> awnings? I think Oh, awnings is also on. That's a commercial thing. That's for commercial. That's not awnings. Was is it a residential thing? It's a commercial.
It's part of the commercial. In other Oh, if we're going to bat out of water, let's discuss audience. So, if you drive through I'll use it as an example. Take a ride through Take a ride through Madison, the center of town. It's beautiful. They have a You can see that
they have a uniform ordinance for awnings. You just can't put up green, yellow, blue, or purple. You can't just put up a particular sign you want. businesses need to um comply with the sign ordinance and it creates a
much more upscale look. >> Jack, I thought we had a pretty strict sign ordinance or no, >> I don't believe we do. We've discussed it before. >> In other words, >> in other words, all right, so there's there's a particular mall in town in town
>> and the awnings aren't looking all that great. the signage, the awnings, and it might be nice. It might be a real step in the right direction if there was one agreed upon or two agreed upon styles and colors. Uh, and that they had to be
maintained and not tattered and and and when based on the conversations I've had with our zoning officer, that type of thing really does not exist. And I have, and I don't know, maybe I'm the only one, but I do on a regular basis, even
on Facebook and social media, see complaints about just how wonderful the Valley Mall looks. And this is a step in the right direction. If we want to have a mall that looks better, then we have to have ordinances that our zoning officer can enforce to make that happen. And as of right now, I'm under the
impression that's not the case. So there there is an ordinance, this isn't the ordinance, but there is an ordinance for commercial appearance that our code enforcement officer uses >> for commercial properties, >> but it it doesn't really give, again, based on my conversation with him, it
doesn't really give him what he needs. >> Well, it doesn't give him uh, you know, to tear down the building, but no, >> it gives him some some um some material to to go to the property owner and say, "You need to do these repairs. They need to fix this up part
of the property maint. >> Correct. >> So the last time we we we discussed the warnings a year or two, whatever it was three years ago. I don't I I I don't recall. I thought we left it an open-ended sentence, but I don't think
we moved forward on it. And then and what what we're really trying to accomplish is is close these open-ended sentences. We've discussed it. We agree. let's make the ordinance and give it some bite so that the zoning officer can get out there and do their job. >> But the ordinance does discuss awnings
as signs and and I think Ry's right under the property maintenance code uh you know properties have to be maintained and that would include the awnings I think >> but does it mention a particular style particular color particular you know you can't have one that going six feet away
from your you know from your building you know it has to be limited That's >> that's covered right here. >> But I think >> the perview of the planning board though. >> Yeah, I was going to say this should be to the planning board. >> Yeah, they signs and everything approval.
>> Yeah, I was just going to say this should be referred to the planning board. >> So Megan was about to ask. So why don't we kick it to the planning board? >> So >> okay. >> I I can't tell I can't tell from Megan's face whether that's a a yay or a nay. It's not up to Megan. It's not up to
Megan. I think the planning board would be would be awesome to to consult with on this kick to the planning board. >> We're kicking it to the planning board. >> I ultimately have this we have the same goal. We're looking for a nice uniform look throughout town as far as a warnings are concerned.
>> And again, I I know I like to I >> you won. You know what? You know what? >> I don't want to ever argue a call in your favor. That's what I was taught. I played sports. Don't argue a call in your favor. >> We're kicking it to the planning board for them to opine. >> Got it. to opine on the property
maintenance code. >> Awning. >> These are the awnings. >> Just the awnings. >> He's talking about aesthetics. >> Aesthetic. >> Awnings and signage. >> Awnings and signage. >> You guys done that.
>> They're different. >> Yes. >> We do it for science now. >> Awning. Awnings and signage. Yes. >> All right. So, are we going to carry on? >> And and and by the way, >> in in the spirit of putting periods at the end of sentences,
>> where's when's the followup? When are we looking to have their opinion come back to us? You know, >> what's a reasonable amount of time? >> So, hopefully >> that's up to the chairman. >> Perfect.
>> Again, I'm not trying to say that >> 60 days. The planning board does an amazing job. I'm not trying to say they don't, but >> Okay. So, then we would diary it for 60 days. And >> I would say early March I'll put it on as a reminder and and check in with the
um planning board >> um coordinator Deb and see what the status is and then I can give you an update. I know it must be annoying to some people that I use my real life experiences, you know, when when giving examples, but
I >> I I don't have an office in any town where I could just put up any sign I want. >> You don't you can't hear either. >> But it's it's usually a little more restrictive than it is here. I'm limited to specific color. I'm limited to a specific style, a specific size.
>> We do that. We do that for science but not >> for so you get what I'm saying. >> Okay. Yeah. We'll get clarity back to the board if if you get that over >> sincerely. Thank thank you for bring have it on the next meeting agenda. So >> you put a lot of thought into this and I
appreciate this one's easy. >> So all right moving on. Item number 10 old new business. Seeing none. Uh announcements. I don't want to read the whole thing. U Megan and I think we're going to put
this on the uh website, right? Lewis Bay. All right. So, high I view the Lewis Bay Second Future Municipal Leader Scholarship Competition. Mayor's involvement. Uh
let's see what it's in sponsored by the New Jersey League. When is the We announced by January 30th, why don't you because I didn't really get a chance to read it. When's the deadline to apply?
>> No deadline. >> Uh, no, there is a deadline. It should be um >> Oh, I have it, not you. That's what your appointment is. >> Suggested deadline for submission of entries to the hometown mayor. So, we'll go through Megan. So it's March 9th.
>> March. Stop. Suggested. Always suggested. >> Suggested. >> It's suggested. So let's let's say by the middle of March. Okay. I'm going to add live there. By the middle of March, if we can get the applications, we have had residents win uh this award in the past.
Um >> it's a scholarship >> and it's a thousand scholarship. I think we we had backto-back years. Somebody won it. I think so. But either case, uh, we're going to put it on the website
right on the front page and identify it. >> All right. So, it's the Lewis Bay Second Future Municipal Leader Scholarship Competition. That's what you'll see on the link. Um, and we'll go with the middle of March. How How's that? I know it's suggested
March 9th, but we're going to go crazy. >> You're the mayor. >> March 15th. How about that? March 15th. We'll go. But we'll say St. Patty's Day. That's easy to remember. >> The seven That's the highest of all holy days. Jack said March 17th. That's the
deadline. Okay, Megan. There you go. >> That said, uh the meeting is open to the public. Remarks, statements pertaining to any matter. Uh and if you could please try to limit your comments or remarks to
three minutes. We'll see in 2026 if the mics work. Charles Arenowitz Millington. One thank you, one comment, and one question. Short comments. First, let me thank Aubrey for her time
and dedication to the township by serving on the township committee. Comment one, the township committee received a notice of torque claim dated March 26, 2025 where the former public safety director,
Michael Peoples, claimed a $2.5 million in damages against the township. This notice of tour claim was never filed in superior court. Based on this week's article in the Echo
Sentinel entitled, quote, "Former public safety director sus Longill Township Police Department end quote." Former public safety director Michael Peoples filed a civil suit against the township and the police department on December
31st, 2025, claiming quote a hostile work environment end quote. and that he endured quote various unlawful acts of retaliation which culminated his constructive termination end quote.
The suit lawsuit was filed in state superior court in Marstown, New Jersey. The filing requested a jury trial. In the filing, the amount of compensatory damages and punitive
damages is left open to a professional evaluation. Question one directed to the township attorney pigeon andor deputy mayor attorney Dorsy.
If this civil suit goes to settlement before trial or goes to jury trial and Mr. Peoples is awarded judgment, will these awarded damages be covered by Mars County's joint insurance fund,
calmly referred to as GIF? That's my one question for tonight. Mr. Pigeon, >> I can tell you it's been submitted to the GIF. We have not heard back from them. The assumption is the GIF will defend the township. Beyond that, I really can't comment. >> Is there a limit on the amount of claims
that you can file in a year or amount per claim by GIF? >> Not to my knowledge because we have excess coverage. I'm not sure what it goes up to, but >> All right. If they don't cover it, who covers it?
>> The town would. But >> we the taxpayers cover, right? >> I'm sure there's I'm sure there's adequate coverage. >> But you don't know if they're going to cover it. You just said that you don't know. >> No, I'm sure they will cover. >> When will >> I have not gotten a response yet? >> When will we find that out?
Historically, >> we we should hear soon. I can't tell you an exact date. >> Soon? A year? >> No, it won't be a year. >> No, an answer has to be filed with a certain amount of time. I think 35 days. >> 35 days. >> So, we we'll hear from him shortly.
Mayor, Deputy Mayor Dorsy, do you want to add anything to Mayor with your legal experience? >> No, that's fine. >> That's about it. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Chuck. >> Anybody else present in the courtroom
this evening? >> Seeing none. Oh, I do have one thing to say. I forgot. Um, I got this question. I spoke to the chief. I know ICE has been in the area. Again, the township, the police department, they don't know what ICE is doing, what they're doing, and how they're doing it. They're not
they don't notify any of us. And there was an not an incident, but over the weekend, the police department was knocking on doors to tell people to move their cars for snow plowing. So, they didn't want to give them a ticket or have their car towed. So, our local police aren't looking to deport anybody. So, I don't want people to be afraid to
call 911 if they're hurt or injured or they're a victim of a crime. And I don't want anything bad to happen or go sideways if the police try to pull somebody over, our local police. Maybe just say, "Hey, you know what? Your tail lights out. You got to get it fixed." I don't want something to go sideways or the somebody might take off because
they're scared or take off running and one of the people in the public or one of our officers gets hurt. Our local police are not looking to arrest and deport anybody. They're just looking to do their job. So, don't be afraid to call 911. If you see the police officers
outside your kid's school, they're they're there to help you, not to harm you. So, don't be afraid to interact with them. That's not what they're here for. And again, if ICE is in the area, we don't know about it. And I'm not lying to you. We really don't. They do what they do. They don't tell us what's going on. I'll say us, meaning the
township police department. So, please don't be afraid of our local police officers. They're here to help and serve you. Thank you, Matt. Thank you. That was great. >> Yeah. Uh Megan, is there anybody online that would like to speak
>> on any Patel would like to speak? >> Thank you, Megan. >> Montzy, if you could, we know you, but if you could kindly state your name and address. >> Hey everybody, this is Monty from um Warren Avenue in Sterling. I actually
wanted to um ask a question related to ICE, Matt. So, thank you for bringing that up. Not saying that Long Hill Township is acting as ICE, but wanted to see what your recommendations are when ICE inevitably does come to town. Is it appropriate for residents to be calling
the police? I know that there are masked men and they do not have to necessarily identify themselves or have not been identifying themselves. So, wanted to see what the township stance is on that. Would be for the chief to answer that. Don't
I I mean I'm I'm fine with the chief, but federal law, local does not supersede federal law. We cannot uh impede any action. Uh is my understanding. So Jack, I don't know if >> I believe.
>> So I guess the recommendation that you guys are saying is that if a masked individual comes to our door and asks us to open our door, we we should not be calling the 911 or Long Hill Township Police to assist. >> No, you don't have to open the door either unless they have a warrant. So
yeah, I don't know what the our police officers aren't going to go and if they're not doing if ICE isn't doing anything illegal, they're not going to do anything about it. They can't. Just like they can't barge in your house for no reason either. So you don't have to open the door. >> Don't they have to carry identification? >> Yeah, I was going to say they identify themselves.
>> Well, that's a whole different story. But yeah, they should, but who knows? >> Well, they should, right? I think that's the problem here is that they don't necessarily identify themselves and they are using force forcibly, you know, in inviting themselves into people's homes. >> Yeah. I don't want to be pretend, you
know, I watch police shows on TV so I don't want to pretend they know what I'm talking about, but Matt Uh, I think what you said is 100% correct. Without a warrant, >> you don't need to let anybody come in your house. >> Correct. As far as the laws I know, just like our police just can't go in your house for no reason. They can't say, "Let me in." >> Absolutely.
>> Yeah. So, you don't have to let them in. >> But if they have a warrant, >> that's a different story. >> Let them in that famous Grateful Dead song. You got a warrant. I guess you're coming in. >> So, Monty, I apologize. I don't know if we cut you off there.
>> Nope. Sounds like if they have a warrant or don't have a warrant, if they would like to forcibly enter someone's home, thinking, you know, maybe if a child were to answer the door and just open the door, let them in >> without thinking or knowing better.
>> Sounds like contact the civil rights attorney at that point. >> Hypothetical is that you should respond to ICE. >> Well, I would say one thing that I will You said if a masked man comes to your door, which you didn't specify whether
the person was a law enforcement officer or not, um I would tell my wife to call the police and have them come over. Uh you know, a masked man that's not identifying themselves is a scary or a woman, a masked person, uh is a scary
situation. And I would I would probably myself I would call 911. I don't believe that. I mean, from the stories that we're seeing online, I don't believe that they are identifying themselves. From the experiences that I have heard, they're also covering the Ring doorbells and forcibly trying to
get into homes even when they are told to please go away. So, just hoping that Long Hill Township will be one of the township and the police department as well will be one of the police departments that does help residents in need. So Mzi, in fairness, I think this body and and our police chief can only
opine on what happens within our borders. Are you referring to some an incident or incidents in Longill Township or stuff you're reading about? >> I'm not referring to Long Hill. I'm referring to neighboring towns. >> Then I I I would defer to what Jack just said. We really don't have any uh
opinion on what happens in other towns. you know, in our town, uh, we rely on our outstanding police department and outstanding police chief, and we defer to them. So, if you hear of something within Long
Township, by all means, bring it to our attention or have the resident bring it to our attention. >> Sure. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mont. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? Miss Megan, >> anybody else on Zoom would like to make
a public comment? Please raise your hand now. I don't see anyone. Mayor >> motion. >> So move. Second. Third. >> No, I can't. >> All in favor? >> I I thank you. >> Let the record show. Jack cannot second
that motion.