Good evening everybody. Welcome to the meeting of township. Should we do a statement of that? >> Let's do the pledge of allegiance. Join me in the pledge of allegiance. I
aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> And Megan Bank, please read the decision 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 Echosetyl Morris daily record and posted on the township 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 and participation will not invalidate this meeting or any actions taken but not limited to the
adoption of any ordinance, resolution or motion. >> Thank you. Please kindly take the role. >> Committee Lavender >> present. >> Committeeman Liberado >> present. >> Committ >> present. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy >> here. >> Mayor
>> present. So we are on item four. Meeting is open to the public. Please remarks and statements to agenda items only. your comments or questions to three minutes. >> Sorry, my bad.
Good evening, Charles Rena with Millington. Uh, similar opening comments as last meeting. Ordinance 58126. There was a similar ordinance 49822 on redevelopment zone for the car wash.
Question for your second reading discussion. Given ordinance 58126 is similar to ordinance 49822. Does ordinance 49822 need to be replaced?
Next comment. Same ordinance. is the township committee's direction to have a pilot payment ala taxes for this new redevelopment zone in ordinance 581-26 ordinance 583-26
in discussions with Dennis Sandow there's a term in this ordinance that's not defined in section B definition pages six to 16. That term is a half one half person.
This ordinance mentions numerous times a one and one half person household. A four and one half person household. I'm a little concerned on what a half person is.
So in your discussions, I'd like you to clarify what a half person is. Thank you very much. >> Have something to do with St. Patrick's Day and little green men. >> I think it might be more question.
>> I'll leave it to determine whether or not the ordinance needs to be repealed. And the pilot question But the half person is is a is a method for determining the income for a household. So it's just
an average >> and it's pretty standard. >> It is standard. It's based on state uniform housing affordability controls. The whole ordinance is just a very general ordinance on administrating affordable housing. It was adopted by
the DCA along with affordable housing professionals incorporating law and how the affordable housing administrator determined. >> Thank you. As far as the pilot is concerned, the
question is are we considering a pilot? Yes, we are considering a pilot and this ordinance replaces the prior >> totally different. That was it. Okay. We already did. >> We already did. >> We already did it. It's been of appeal.
>> Okay. U again, any members of the public who are present in the courtroom that would like to comment or ask questions >> on agenda items. >> On agenda items. Okay. So, Pam, stay there. I I think Jack, what you're recommending is I
should open up the ordinance 58126 >> and then have the public hearing. >> No, what I'm saying is public on the agenda and don't have their own public hearing. have their own public hearing because their second meeting of the record that
>> I understand. >> So I'm I'm confused. >> You're gonna you will be coming up momentarily. >> Okay. >> All your questions about the ordinances. >> Uh yeah, it's about for tonight's >> and it's just a comment not really >> that you you should make those comments
during the public hearing of that ordinance >> at the end. >> Right. on the ordinance when the public hearing is over >> momentarily. >> Momentarily y >> so you can sit in the front if you like >> no extra charge. Uh so item number five
and I just whacked my knee >> online. >> Oh yeah, I apologize. Well, I'm in pain. >> You need a timeout. Yeah, you got to collect yourselves. >> Any member of the public online? >> Anybody online would like to make a public comment in regards to agenda
items only. Please raise your hand now. >> I don't see anyone. Mayor, >> thank you Megan. And my knees okaybody empathetic to me. Ordinance 581-26. This is second reading. We will have a
public uh uh hearing immediately afterwards. I'll read the ordinance. An ordinance of the township of Longill and the county of Morris, New Jersey, adopting a redevelopment plan for block 11401, lot 7 on the official tax maps of the township, commonly known as 11:06 to
1122 Valley Road. Any questions, comments from the member members on the township committee? >> Well, we talked about this at the planning board meeting yesterday because they reviewed it. Do we need to discuss
any of their feedback. >> It's resolution 26-11 up here. You have to red >> this one and So, all right, >> there you go. >> So, Scott, to your point, uh we were
both at the planning board meeting last night and there were a number of questions uh concerns, but in light of certain I think bulk items and various things like that. Uh I think we explained why the process is the way
it is but Jessica you are an expert in this area. Perhaps you can explain ultimately the planning board did sign that the consistent I was just going to say before we start in section two of their resolution they did finally determine
that the redevelopment plan is consistent with the town's master plan specifically the housing element. So the key part now questions that I written them down and I have okay Jessica I didn't have a chance to share
them with you and I don't know if you have a list of them there were things like the front yard set back they did send the full list >> I can get just a broad overview of where we are here and then
>> make sure you're speaking into the mic Is it on? Okay. Is that better? >> All right. >> Hopefully. >> Um, so as you recall, the township is winding its way through the fourth round affordable housing process. Uh, there
was the amended fair housing act in 2024 that set forth uh various deadlines through 2025 for communities to comply with the fourth round affordable housing. So the planning board adopted a housing element and fair share plan on
June 24th of 2025. It was submitted to the dispute resolution program which is now sort of the new COA uh overseeing affordable housing uh compliance on June 26th which was prior to the June 30th deadline for submitting to the program
if the community wanted to keep their immunity from builder's remedy lawsuits and be part of the fourth round. Uh so that there was a period, a waiting period until August 31st of 2025 for any interested party to challenge the plan.
So, Longill did get one uh challenge on August 29th of 2025 from Fair Share Housing Center and the challenge really centered around the question of whether there was still going to be a durational adjustment for the fourth round due to a
lack of uh sewer availability and whether or not the career ban essentially was going to be lifted. Uh when uh enough information was provided to Fairchair Housing Center about the various programs in the plan and the fact that the sewer ban um luckily was
being lifted right around the same time that this process was going on. uh they essentially fair housing center agreed to the housing element and fair share plan that was submitted and then you know had some of their basically standard requirements. The housing
element and fair share plan that was submitted largely relied on existing zoning and projects that the township had been diligently working on through the third round period. So there was a lot of work that went into third round compliance which really helped the
municipality in the fourth round. So for the fourth round, the prospective need was 102 units and there was only one really new project that was proposed and that was a replacement of uh the proposal at the what's called the car
wash redevelopment area 1106 to 1122 Valley Road and that was for 167 uh unit multifamily development that would provide a 20% set aside which is higher than been required in the past for rental units but has sort of become the
new standard for the fourth round given limited capacity of sewer and water and places to build and all all of those types of things. So, it provides for 33 affordable units. So, that's what you have before you tonight for uh
second reading for this replacement redevelopment plan for this, you know, essentially one new project for uh your housing element and fair share plan. The other thing is the the Fair Housing Act, the amended fair housing act established
a March 15, 2026 deadline to adopt these ordinances. So that really puts us in a bind in terms of being able to make changes to this ordinance at this time. So um because if you don't adopt it tonight, if you made substantive changes
and you didn't adopt it tonight, that would leave you out of compliance with that deadline, which is I'm sure recommended um because it could, you know, put you subject to questions as to whether or not you're you're still under protection of um builder's remedy
lawsuits. So, you know, the recommendations, I know that the planning board had a lot of questions and uh wanted some different considerations, but what I would say is that the governing body because it's redevelopment does have a lot of um room
to work with the developer when they come in on on various factors that that may be of concern. Uh so through any redevelopment agreements, if there's concerns about things like sign size or landscaping types or things like
that, uh you can certainly address those. I mean, the the redevelopment plan has to affectuate the 167 units that's that's required. So whatever happens to make that happen on the site,
um that is is needed and and really of the housing element and fair share plan uh was to try to create one compact development that could address the entire need that was
you know outstanding for the fourth round rather than trying to find 10 sites throughout the community. We had one site that that really has very little impact on any surrounding areas. It's relatively isolated. It's mostly surrounded by commercial not other
single family. Uh so the governing body and and the planning board at the time felt that that was a good proposal for the community. So I mean there are tradeoffs. You know it's a little bit more dense than than what we're used to
seeing, but that tradeoff allows for not having to have several other proposals throughout the community and looking for more um projects. So that was the balance. you are under the deadline. Um,
but things like signs and and streetscaping and landscaping, I I think those things can certainly be worked out in the future. >> And just to give some perspective, round three, I believe obligation was 54
units, but as you touched upon, that number was a negotiated number that worked out with fair share. The 102 was assigned and was not to negoti >> the third round number was
>> 220 >> total >> right but it ended up is 54. >> Right. Right. You were able to lower it down by the end of the third round. I mean, because the the township has been really good about being diligent over
time so that you haven't ever luckily gotten hit where all of a sudden you have to provide 400 units all at once, >> you know, which is unfortunately. >> You have that 55 at the end of the third round. Now you're, you know, you're providing essentially 33 new. The other
ones are coming from prior projects, prior approvals, you know, existing zoning, all of those things that you've already been working on over time. >> Right. What new units do you have to come up with? Uh and and and the fact
that you worked so hard on getting the sewer taken care of was another thing that you could see, you know, right in in the settlement with fair share that that was, you know, in the first couple paragraphs that that really meant a lot that you went the extra mile to make sure that that that got worked out
>> right and unfortunately just alluded to there's a number of towns in the state, many of them in the immediate area here whose numbers far exceeded the numbers But that's a that's a shout out to past
committees going back to beginning within the law may not be something that we would consider ideal but play the ball as it as they say. >> Absolutely. >> Any questions for Jessica from the
township committee? Yeah, I'll just um and again I think you said it but just to clarify in the single statement the exceptions are only tied to this property and not to any adjacent properties. >> Oh absolutely. It's a redevelopment plan
specific to this property only. >> Right. Attorney last night said it's legal spot zoning. Thank you. If there's no more questions or comments for Jessica, I would like to open up to
the public on this ordinance. So that's ordinance 58126 and we can call it J Millington and um also a member of the planning board. and you have in front of you the additional recommendations. I
would just like to add one thing. Um, we all had very limited time to review this. Planning board had about 36 hours. I think you guys probably had even less time to review this plan, the final plan. We got we got it on Monday and
discussed it last night. So, uh, had a little bit more time to look at it today. And the one would want to add because we are talking about conflicts with master plan um is that
Millington is considered now suburban medium to low density. This plan uh would have a dwelling units per acre of 29 in the state of New Jersey. That's considered high density.
Currently the most dense um area in the township will be and it's not yet. It will be done 15 units drawing units per acre. So this plan
would be double the highest that we don't even have yet but we will shortly. This is high density and I just think that needs to be taken into consideration. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Any other member of the public in the courtroom? Charles Rena with Millington. I'm a little surprised that we are operating under the gun to our head tonight where the deadline is
March the 15th. Obviously, when the planning board has 36 hours to look at something, we must have known this for some time. And I think we as a township and the boards and our professionals,
attorney, engineer, and planner need to do a better job in communicating this so we're not operating with a gun to our head in four days. I think the planning board last night had some valid points, but based on the comments made by our
township planner, we can't make the changes because of legal requirements. We need to do a better job on planning this. Affordable housing has been on the table for years. Attorney Pigeon can discuss the Mount Laurel
decision and on and on and on. and we get four days before it's done and the planning board gets 36 hours and we can't take any of their changes. Not good. >> Thank you, Chuck. Any member of the public? >> Anybody on Zoom would like to make a
public comment, please raise your hand now. >> Mayor, >> thank you, Megan. So, at this time, I'll close the uh meeting the public hearing portion of the meeting and look for a motion to approve or adopt ordinance
581-26. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committee Liberado, >> yes. >> Committee Verza, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy, >> abstain. >> Mayor Certia, >> yes. Thank you everybody. So now we'll
move on to ordinance 583-26. This is also second reading and I'll read the ordinance repealing chapter 15 of the county code entitled affordable housing and repealing and replacing chapter L-138 entitled affordable housing requirements
and replacing chapter L-185 entitled development fees township land use code and adopting an updated affordable housing and development fee regulation regulations based on model
DCA ordinance. Okay, that is a mouthful. So, who would like to Jack or Jessica? >> Yeah, I can give a brief overview and Jack could fill in if I missed anything, but this is really uh an administrative
ordinance. It replaces an existing administrative ordinance for how you administer affordable housing units incorporating state law. Essentially, uniform housing affordability controls have been updated and changed. uh in the last year along with you know when the
fair housing act changes came through. Uh so it's things like how you determine income, number of bedrooms, how they're distributed, how the developments are administered, how long are the affordability controls, what happens when something gets sold. It's it's
really highly administrative in nature. And then this the second half the development fee ordinance you also have but it updates it to current standards as well. So you have a 1 and a half% for new residential development that doesn't include affordable housing, 2 and a
half% for commercial. Uh, and that's in place already, but it does also incorporate new regulations from the state. How the, you know, how the fees are spent, how, you know, we need to do monitoring of that every year, which we do. you know, it's it's pretty much
everything you're already doing or would be doing um as required by state law, but of course they want us to incorporate it into our ordinances. Part of our agreement with Fair Housing Center um just something that the state was encouraging every
stat >> it's already required essentially, you know, so and it's because Fairshair is looking at this as an implementing ordinance. So, you don't really want to be in a gray area where some someone is saying trying to say you didn't adopt
the things you were supposed to adopt. So, that's what this is about. >> Thank you. Any questions, comments from Jessica from the committee? >> I see none or hear none. I'd like to open up uh the meeting to the public on
this ordinance only at this time. >> See, Megan, >> if anybody on Zoom would like to make a public comment, please raise your hand. Now, >> I don't see anyone. Mayor, >> thank you, Megan. So, I'll close the public hearing and I'll look for a
motion to approve or adopt ordinance 583-26. So moved. >> Second. >> Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Liberado. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Vlesa. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Peria, >> yes.
>> Okay. Item number six on your agenda, consent agenda. Are there any resolutions that a member of the committee would like to hold for further discussion or to themselves from?
If I could just point out before you do it that resolutions 77,78 and 79 are all implementing resolutions that we have to have filed with the court by March 15th along with the two ordinances that were just adopted. Thank you.
>> Any questions for Jack on that? Hearing none. So I would look for a motion to approve resolutions numbers 26-75 to 08. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Committ Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Liberado. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Vlesa. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy. Mayor Bertia. >> Yes. Uh so start with committee reports and Are you ready? >> I'm ready.
>> All right. >> We got a lot going on here. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Our Wednesday, March 11th, rec update is as follows. Tonight, before the meeting, we hosted a St.
Patrick's Day virtual bingo filled with corny St. Patrick's Day jokes to boot. Do you know what we call an Irish spider? Patty Longlegs. All right. All right.
>> I think it was a I think it was a funny joke. >> I'm working on it. I'm working on it. More photos of birds are coming in, especially as our spring temperatures are upon us. Have you entered the photography contest yet? In Long Hill,
we have the perfect backdrop for a photography contest. Enter up to three photos for free in our contest. Birding in Longill. Winners will be announced on March 31st. So, get those cameras ready. Registration is on
community pass. Consider signing up for a Red Cross first aid or CPR AED class. These classes are offered as a cooperative effort between the recreation department and the long hill
first aid squad. Upon successful completion of the class, participants will receive a certificate from Red Cross valid for two years. Registration is open on community pass now. Registration is open now for spring
break field hockey for our spring break field hockey program for grades five through eight. Games are beginning on April 12th. Check out our website for more information. All right, mark your calendars for our
annual egg hunt. ages eight and under on Saturday, March 28th at 10:00 a.m. sharp at Caner Park. Visit with Peter Cottontail, petting zoo, and many and pony rides free for all Longill
children. The Longill Chamber of Commerce businesses will also be on hand to greet all of our egg hunters. But wait, it gets better. We have some exciting news for this year. Who says only the
kids shall have fun? This year we will be hosting an adult egg hunt for all Longill residents from March 20th through March 28th. More details are on our website. Get your cell phones ready. This will be a
goose chase app scavenger hunt. And the last clues will be given at the egg hunt where our winner will be announced. It may sound silly, but it's competitive. Don't you want in on this? I want in on it.
Okay, I'm trying here. >> You're doing great. >> Dates for our spring yoga program have been announced. >> Registration is open on Community Pass. Now, there is important information on our
website from the Bernard's Health Department about the aven bird flu and how it is affecting birds in our area. Now, it is a trans it's transmittable to humans and pets, although not easily. You will want to read more on this to
understand what to do should you encounter a sick or dead bird. We are accepting applications now for summer seasonal employment. Please see our website for for more information and apply by April 1st at the latest.
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 as always, don't forget Oscar the
Grouch who always reminds us to keep our parks clean. As soon as the temperatures climbed this week, there have been a lot more activity in the parks and a lot more garbage. In the spirit of keeping everything green, happy Saints Patrick Day,
everyone. And that concludes my recreation update. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Frank, we haven't exactly assigned anything to you. You and I will work on that. >> Not a problem. >> I don't know. Well, Scott,
>> yeah, I have nothing. Matt's next. >> The library is a cute death. All right. Library is open Monday bas Monday through Sunday. Why don't I just put every day? Oh, all right. We have got a we have daily programs and events for all ages.
The Saturday hours are now longer. We're open till 5:00 on Saturday. Joining in the spirit at Vic. It's already started. There's a free Irish concert this Saturday. Come on down. It's at 10:30 in the morning Saturday at the library.
Makaker Day is coming up. all sorts of opportunities to tinker, create, and make things with us. The main event is to learn to knit program with the Gates Avenue knitts. Now in her fourth year upcoming senior scam talk,
okay, USA is a 250th anniversary of Mrs. Bennett Follow will be helping out with that one on 328. Senior scam seniors will be scammed on 327 and the shredded day April 25th. What's What's the scam? They're planning. >> Well, they tell you they're not going to
fool fall for it. >> Oh, that's true. >> We They have two great displays up. The Pinewood Derby cars. I know the kids work very hard on them, so come check them out. And student art from Long Hill Township Schools. Stop by and enjoy. And I think there's a program coming up. I
actually saw on in social media. It's about uh how to navigate Disney. The children's not on there, but I saw it. The children's librarian. It's not a sales pitch. It's basically give tips and tricks for people who are thinking about going to Disney. And that's that.
>> Disney vacation planning Saturday, March 14th, 14th at 2 p.m. >> I knew it. Saturday. That was on there. >> Uh it's in the corner underneath you guys. >> Oh, Saturday. This Saturday. What time? >> Uh Disney Vacation Planning Saturday, March 14th at 2 p.m.
>> Yes. And it sounds like it's sounds like it's be very well attended. and the woman that's running it's the children's librarian and said it's not for the sales pitch. She's there to teach you like tricks and different terms and how to navigate the park a little easier on a better budget. So if you're planning on going to Disney, I suggest you go go
to the program. >> Save a lot of money. >> That's right. Well, that's true. And then the only the only other thing, this is this is new and I forgot to send it to Megan, is the high school has, if you go on the high school, watch on's website, they're trying to um figure out
all the alumni that are from the mil that served in the military, men, women, any alumni. They're doing an alumni database, database, whatever call it. So, if you go on the high school website, I think you just type in military alumni form and it's a very form to fill out. So, if whether you know somebody, have a friend, family
member, deceased or alive, you can register them. high school has a list and they can honor those veterans. >> Thank you, Matt. >> Thank you. >> So, just a shout out to to Matt because I know this was something you worked on with Chief Gall. Director Gallup.
>> That's right. >> Uh I was at a county event and the director holders of the commissioner director came up to me from Mountain Lakes. Apparently, Mountain Lakes is one of the five towns currently uh that bring styrofoam all the way
Al, I don't want to steal your thunder. I think there may be a six town in the near future or whatever and that would cap us out. But we're we're recognized statewide for that styrofoam styrofoam collection program and I know
Matt and the driving forces behind that. So, thank you. I found out thanks to a resident inquiry. I didn't realize we do accept alkaline batteries here. DPW. So for those who did, I didn't know
that. Um, so and and and and all other batteries for that matter. Uh, lithium batteries, car batteries do. >> So basically, I mean, WGO really is recognized statewide for it. >> Al, where do you put the batteries when
you show up there? >> In the shed out front as soon as you get through the front gate. Thank you. >> And and there are boxes I believe that are labeled alkaline, lithium, etc., etc. >> So that that was good news.
>> Thank you, Chief. And and I attended a pre-budget yesterday. The good news if we can look at it. Remember this is a proposed budget has to go through many iterations. But the
proposal is to keep municipal flat. You know, it's not great, but it's better than it could be. And I'd like to think that as the senate go and that's it for me. So Randy just um
Reiterating uh last u meetings engineering long hill road phase one um has been awarded the official contracting. Uh we're looking to have a pre-con meeting in the beginning of
April. Uh we're we have long hill phase two out to bid. The bid opening is March 20th. So you'll you guys will have it on the 25th for a ward. Um and along with that, Chestnut Street, uh
the bids are out. The opening for that is March 18th. We also have a third project, the long Central Park trail system. Uh so that is out the bid and that is due to open on uh March 18th
also for all to be appointed on March 25th. Um good news is Morris County has Longill Road on their schedule for 2026. They will be coordinating with New Jersey American Water who will be doing
some sewer sewer work on uh the county section of Long Hill Road. So they'll be working together with them uh not to pave the road and then rip it up. So they'll complete that work before they pave. Um New Jersey American Water uh as
I stated and is on that this is on the website they are actively working on two streets on Southfield and Mercer Street to for extension and Sussex Avenue. Uh they also actively working uh off the
street in the lake park to replace the above ground sewer lines over there. So they are um actively working on that. The unfortunately the weather in the this winter kind of held them up uh but they are eager to uh get it done and get
out of there. uh for planning and zoning. Um they have received a application for Duncan at 1300 Valley Road. It is not scheduled for a meeting at this time. Uh cell tower at
Millington Fire Department is a hearing is on March 17th. So that's this Tuesday. Uh during the month of February, they had five applications before the board of adjustment. And they also have one of our of the affordable
uh projects are uh submit an application for amendment. That hearing has not been set and they uh supplied two uh zoning per permits for the month. Um the clerk's office uh issued 67 dog
licenses uh issued four yearly parking permits. Basically, two of the parking lots are filled and we have about 50% available in Millington for yearly parking. They issued 287 daily permits
um during the month and 83 other registrations and licenses. Um food truck licenses were issued. They have uh trucks in Millington every weekend, I believe through the middle of summer, if not through the end of summer. So
they're they are booked for each weekend. Um, that's all I have for for tonight and I will have more for the next meeting. >> Evan, what what the Dunkin Donuts? What is 1300 Valley Road? What? >> Sant Tandoor Bank.
>> No. Yeah, it's Sant Tander Bank then. Okay. So, the bank building. So, people ask it's the Santander Bank building. >> No. >> Oh, is that the Chase? >> I think it's the Chase. >> Oh, Chase. I'm sorry. Chase Bank. >> The Chase Bank. All right. So, if anybody's asking, Duncan wants to go into the Chase Bank. >> One of the banks.
Chase Bank and I I I believe it it's their design is mostly for drive up. >> Yeah, that's what I was >> work, but they do have a very small uh interior. I don't even know if they're going to have seating or not, but that has not been scheduled yet for the zoning. >> Yeah, I think Dunkin Donuts their model
over the years is the one here. time donuts is going to be down in I don't know somewhere so it'll be drive as you said this will be focus and I don't know and as far as NJ work
correct me if I'm wrong agreement are that any digging up of roads the maintenance of it will be curve to curve will You won't end up with those. >> Correct. Correct.
>> Which is a major reason why county by the ways that are on schedule is the local roads on township website. The roads that are
>> for milling and overlay. >> Yes. >> Not yet. >> Not yet. They will be. >> Yes, they will be. >> Okay. Great. And the county because they as well. >> The county is on um I know it's on the county website, but we will get uh we're
trying to get a time frame of window here. Um but um and once we once we have a closer time frame for Long Hill and Chesta, we will absolutely make sure they're on the website. >> And I that's the only county road in
Long. >> That is correct. All right, beautiful. Great update. I appreciate if we can move on to older new business. No, the discussion items. I apologize.
Why committee leazison? You wanted to make sure that I work it out with why why don't uh Frank and I take that offline. We're going to be back here afterwards. We'll figure out something. Sound good? Frank, you're okay with
that? >> Sorry about it. To be clear, Megan asked me several times had I spoke with you. >> So, that's on me. My apologies. Uh, the Sha Tree ordinance. Where do we stand there?
>> So, a couple meetings ago, um, you guys had reviewed, um, the attached proposed ordinance that Jack had circulated, >> right? >> Um, you had asked for for the shade tree commission to review the ordinance. They
got back to me on March 2nd. Um the town the uh shade tree commission reviewed the ordinance that the TC has proposed and finds it satisfactory. >> Really? So I mean they're more than welcome to come here and speak on it, but if they're okay with the ordinance,
>> they reviewed it and concurred. >> Yep. >> So I don't know how you want to proceed with this. So now that we have their input and it's positive input, this is something that we've discussed for many years. >> It feels good that it's uh it may come
to fruition. >> I agree. So I would suggest I mean we can discuss it if you want. I don't know. Or we can just put it on the agenda for the next. >> Let's do that. >> We've discussed it. >> Yeah, that would make the most sense.
>> I think so, too. So, first reading in on March >> 25th, >> right? Is that okay? Is that okay with everyone? >> Yeah, it works. >> All right. And so this other thing I know you wrote me a little note or Megan wrote me a little note AJ
the came to me and was that's the employee exactly stands for >> employee employee association of New Jersey. Anyway, a number of towns. This came to
us via uh somebody on the uh county commission board, somebody that works here, works there now. And there's a number of towns that do it. Uh although the ones in Somerset County, it appears they get a membership in this
part of their part as well. >> Yeah, we can check. was even aware of that. Yeah, I I spoke to deputy mayor over in War and I was speaking about he said they love it
>> because a lot of classes are free and issues but a whole whole host of reasons they have webinars they have seminars etc etc. So maybe something we already have. We
just, you know, it's like when you have a subscription to something, you find out. >> Usually our is very good at letting us know and this has not come up, but I I'll find out. >> And if not, we can talk about it in the future, but it's a nominal cost. >> Yeah, it's under $1,000. It's under
$1,000 >> and we can do it for one year. It's not like a 10 year contract. It's great. If not, don't do it. >> Right. And and basically, it's unlimited access for for department heads and or you know them who we feel uh needs the
assistance for asking labor questions and so forth. Now they they claim right up front that they're not an attorney. They only give advice. Uh so you know if you have um things that may need more involved legal uh aspect, we should go
to our labor attorney. But uh you know they offer um they offer classes uh for safety classes and other classes that are required by the GHIF on a regular basis. >> Speaking of which, Megan, I think we have to take our committee members to
take a I meant to ask you to resend it now that Frank is on. Would you mind? Thank you. All right. Well, that's it. So now Old news, >> old new business.
Anybody? We'll close that and then we'll go to item item number 11 announcements. I guess that's me. So, the parks and recreation the spring egg hunt is Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. sharp.
There must be a rain though, right? I don't know what it is. It's not going to rain. We'll get Dennis on that. So, Saturday, March 28th, 10 a.m. is the parks and recreation spring hunt. And
hopefully we'll get a weather day like today or yesterday. Any other announcements? >> Let's go to the public. >> Go right to the public. >> Let's go to the public. >> Go to the videape. Right. I'll open up
the meeting to the public remarks and statements to any matter tomorrow. Topic tonight is professionalism. Called here this week to town hall, left a message, didn't get a call back.
I said, "Geez, that's unusual." Come to find out, the individual's on vacation. No message on the voicemail, nothing on the email. We hire an HR guy to improve service to the residents. So, we need to take a look at what we're
doing. If someone's out on vacation, they ought to say that in their email response and on their voicemail, voice uh messaging system within the town. that did not happen. So I'd like to see some improvement
whether or not we have the HR director still on board or not. It's not being professional. Similarly, this evening's discussion earlier when I was on the planning board for a
number of years, I told the three professionals, the lawyer, the planner, and the attorney. I said, ' One of your jobs is to keep us focused, keep us aware of what we should be
focusing on, and if we get off track, you need to bring us back. A couple of the individuals said to me, "Geez, I've never been told that before." I found that rather interesting. So,
with tonight's meeting on this deadline of March 15, it's the attorney's job, in some cases the engineers's job and the township planners job to tell us
what we're doing. And it's your job to direct those professionals. They're working for us. You Let's not forget that. And I think it's rather embarrassing
what happened. And I didn't realize that. And I have a great recollection of what the density is per acre in this town. And I've got a couple spreadsheets that I've shared with you. And I didn't realize that what
you passed tonight is 29 units per acre. That is astounding. So you need to better manage your professionals so we don't have surprises like this and
get input from the other committees. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Any other member of the public in the courtroom? Seeing none, Megan would check at home. If anybody on Zoom would like to make a public comment, please raise your hand
now. >> I don't see anyone there. >> So move. >> No, she's pulling me back. >> I'm pulling you back. >> All right. >> I want to talk. >> I'm getting the floors. I Okay. I'm
sorry. >> All right. So, I sent this letter to um these guys on February 11th. I'm going to tell you tonight what it says. I'm going to read the letter. I want to give you a little bit of background on this so you understand where this is going and where I'm coming from. So, Guy,
Matt, and Vic, I'm writing you to inform you of my decision to step down from the township committee effective March 16th. As I've shared previously, my intention has been to serve two terms and two terms only. Leaving a few months before the end of my second term reflects my
belief that service has seasons and I'm ready to begin the next chapter of my life. I've done the best I can to serve Long Hill Township with sincerity and appreciation for the trust placed in me and I'm going to move forward with gratitude for the opportunity this town
provided me. Secondly, I'm also grateful to have served alongside colleagues, these chuckleheads who who care deeply. >> Mr. Mr. Chuckle, >> Mr. Chuckle, >> Mayor Chuckle, Mayor Chuck, >> they care deeply about our town and they
bring real commitment to this work. Um, my resignation does not signal any disengagement from civic responsibility. To the contrary, I intend to remain actively involved in our community and to continue supporting efforts that preserve the best version of Longill
going forward. I am first and foremost a resident of this town and I've sat on this side of the dis and I've held my tongue on some things and the one thing I've learned and Chuck I'm going to give you credit for this. So one thing I've learned is that you can
have just as much impact on the other side of the dis as you can back here because there are things that need to be said that will be said and it's folks out in the audience folks at home folks on Zoom you guys have done a great job of opening up the dialogue
electronically and Mr. Mayor if if if you will at your pleasure let me to continue on the digital engagement committee we will make sure that that voice and that channel of communication continues. But there's things that are going on in this town that we need to
preserve. Changes that are happening that maybe they're happening too fast or maybe they're not going in the right direction. And maybe we need more voices out there. And I'm going to be one of those voices. We need younger people stepping up. We
need fresh blood in here as the other reason is I love the Frank I love the fact Frank that you're on now. >> Thank you. fresh perspective. Um, I hope that whoever you guys choose to replace me brings a fresh a fresh perspective. Someone younger, a little bit more
energy, someone who's focused on conserving the values of this town and conserving the identity of what we you grew up in a town and this town isn't what it was when you were a kid. A >> little bigger, >> a little bigger and maybe not the same. And you want to see it more the way it
was and not I moved here 28 years ago. you moved here 29 years ago, right? We want to pass this on to our kids. We want to pass this on to the younger generation. So, I'm not disengaging. I'm just not going to be up here. So, you
know, with that, it's been a pleasure. Some of these meetings have been hard. I think I've developed enough scars to um really last through just about anything. So, thank you for that. And uh good night.
Well said, BROTHER. >> Oh my. Absolutely. Come on up. >> You were offended that he called us chuckleheads, right? >> I'm really sorry to see you stepped out, Scott. I mean, you've been helpful to me on planning board.
You're never sarcastic. You're great listener and you like to teach people and we want to learn and we share a vision for this township and I appreciate that and I'm glad you're going to stay active. >> Yeah. My my intent is on whatever board
the mayor and the and the committee decide that they can use me. I'm happy to do that. Um because that's where all the real work is really getting done, right? That's that's the beginning of the funnel as it comes up to here for decisions, right, Vic? You know, >> absolutely.
>> Thanks again. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I too would like to thank Scott for his efforts and time, not only on this committee, but on the Boy Scouts, the Elks, and other things that he's been involved with.
Um he hasn't he and I haven't seen eye to eye a lot of times. I can't imagine that. No, but that does happen. But I think u Scott respects people's views and opinions and opened up a few
eyes during his time here serving this town. Thanks again, Scott. Thanks, Chuck. >> Thank you, Chuck. And Scott touched upon it. We don't always agreeable
during those moments in the end of coming out in what uh is best for the community. So, it's been a pleasure serving with you. Uh and as you said, you're not going anywhere. Yes, you're staying on the digital engagement
committee. Yes, you're staying on the planning board. And and quite frankly, both of those boards or digital are critical and that was the first thing I mentioned I believe at the
beginning of this year. I think the communication uh we need to bring it up to whatever century you want to call this and I know you and the other members of that committ so thank you and work you were
heavily involved in getting that master which was critical reference count but it stayed the same as best it consideration of what decided down 60
miles south. So that message was critical and as far as you know density by definition is high density housing that's what it is. So I appreciate Pam what you said
Chuck what you said it's high density has her hand raised online >> I'm sorry >> Nan has her hand raised online >> okay well meeting is still open to the public so Maryanne jump right in the water's fine
Um, on a personal level, um, I have the highest respect for you. Um, you've done a fantastic job. Uh you are one committee person that I know who has tried to bring the
residents um during the course of the meetings more understanding of what protocol is um what practice and procedures are.
uh going down to having um the board of ed come in with their budgets to explain that to us. Um I thank you for all your hard work. Um I hope that the digital committee will
still stand and um if you still need me, I'm there. >> You're not going anywhere. You're staying. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Maryanne.
>> Anybody else online? >> If I could, I say happy St. Patrick's Day, by the way. >> Highest of all holy days. >> I make a motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. Thank you. Good night,
everybody. Good night.