No, we have Megan does it. >> All right. >> If I could ever everyone take their seats so we can start the meeting. >> The Is that on? >> Yes. >> Okay. Good evening and happy new year. I'd like to call the reorganization
meeting of the township committee of the township of Long Hill to order at 6:07 p.m. In compliance with the open public meetings act of New Jersey adequate notice of this meeting, specifically time, date, and public calling information. We're including the meeting that was electronically sent to the Echo Sentinel Morris daily record and posted
on the township website. The agenda and public handouts for this meeting can be viewed online at www.longill. longillnj.gov. A public comment period will be held in the order it is listed on the meeting agenda. Failure of the governing body to provide a live broadcast of this meeting or technological problems encountered
during this meeting that affect remote viewing and/or participation will not invalidate this meeting or any action taken including but not limited to the adoption of any ordinance, resolution, or motion. Can I have everyone stand for the pledge of >> allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. If I can have everyone remain standing.
We are going to have Mr. Rogers sing the national anthem for us. Oh, say can you see by the dawn early light,
what so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight.
Or the ramparts we watched weren't so gallently streaming. And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting
in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled
B yet wave or the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Thank you. Can I ha can I ask father Sarapin Molino from the shrine of St. Joseph's to deliver the invocation? So good evening to all of you and happy new year. Just this morning
we celebrated the mass for you, the town council and all the public servants who are going to be honored tonight. So let us bow our heads now and pray.
Loving God of all, we thank you for the gift of this new year and for the opportunity to gather in service to our community. We ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon
this township committee and upon all who serve the people of our beloved town. grants them wisdom in their deliberations, integrity in their decisions,
and courage to always seek what is just and good. May they lead with humility, guided not by personal interest, but by a sincere desire
to promote the common good. Bless our township with peace, cooperation, and respect. Help all who live and work here to grow in understanding,
unity, and care for one another. Especially the most vulnerable among us. We ask your blessing upon our first responders, all our public servants, and
all who contribute to the safety and well-being of our community. May their service be protected, strengthened, and blessed.
We place this meeting and the year ahead unto your loving care. And may all that is said and done be ordered toward justice, harmony, and the flourishing
of our township and our people through Christ our Lord. Amen. Thank you, father. We have one newly elected member of the township committee, Victor Verza, who will be serving his third term on the
township committee. If I could ask Senator John Bramnik to administer the oath of office to Committeeman Verza. Come right here. >> Come right here. Hold the Bible. Hold the mic. Let's do a sort of audience.
>> Turn around the audience. >> You'll hold the mic in the middle. Okay. >> And I just want to start by saying, you know, the warmth of Councilman is
start. The warmth of this individual to me is what New Jersey is. is a warmth and a love that comes from Vica every day. And on that note, let me swear you. >> Repeat after me. I state your name. I,
Victor Verza, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the state of New Jersey >> and the state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith
>> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to Saint >> and allegiance to Saint >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority authority of the people
>> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties >> of office of township committee >> of office of township committee >> according to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability >> and that I will not use >> that I will not use >> my office to grant >> my office to grant >> preferential treatment >> preferential treatment >> nor to seek personal gain >> nor to seek personal gain Favor or advantage?
>> Favor or advantage. >> Not available to the general public. >> Not available to the general public. >> Person is the instructions. >> Uh, so help me God. >> So help me God. Get a photo.
if you want to sign that. >> So, Senator Okay. >> Megan, would you like Matt and Scott to come down for the pictures so Senator can leave? Is that okay? That's fine. Whatever you guys want to do.
Right up All right. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you. >> So, now that we have our newly sworn in committeeman, I'll take the role. Committeeman Dorsey >> here.
>> Committeeman Lavender >> here. Committee Preseria >> present. >> Committee woman Riker Elign >> here. >> Committeeman Vlesa >> present. >> Next we'll conduct the election of mayor
for 2026. Can I have a motion? Can I have a nomination for mayor for 2026? >> I'll nominate Guy. >> I'll second it if I can from afar. Thank you. Are there any other nominations? >> Can I have a motion to close
nominations? >> So move. >> Second. >> Committeeman Dorsey. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Lavender. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Purgia. >> Yes. >> Committee Riker Align. >> Yes.
>> Committeeman Verza. >> Yes. Can I have a motion to elect Committeeman Persia as Long Hill Township mayor for 2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Committeeman Dorsy. >> Yes. >> Committee Lavender. >> Yes.
>> Committeeman Peria. >> Yes. >> Committee Riker Eline. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Vlesa. >> Yes. Now, if I could ask Morris County Clerk Anne Graci to administer the oath of
office for mayor to committee. Okay. Sure. He doesn't want me to say anything about him. He's afraid I know all his secrets. So, he's a great guy. My honor here to do this for you. Thank you. Yeah. Good.
Repeat after me. I repeat your name >> by >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> in the state of New Jersey >> in the state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same >> I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments >> and to the government >> established in the United States >> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the and that I
will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the office of mayor >> all the duties of the office of mayor >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> and I will not use my office
>> and I will not use my office >> to grant to grant preferential treatment >> to grantial treatment >> nor to seek personal gain >> to seek personal gain >> favor or advantage >> favor or advantage Not available to the general public.
>> So help me God. >> Congratulations. You're two. Congratulations. >> Okay, Megan, it's been a while, so direct me here. >> Page two. >> I'm on it.
>> Thank you. >> If I could at this point, can I have a nomination for deputy mayor for 2026? >> I nominate Matt. So moved. >> Second. >> Uh, can I have a motion to close
nominations? >> So move. >> Second. >> Committee Dorsy. >> I'll abain. >> Committeeman Lavender. >> Committee Lavender. >> Maybe. Yes.
>> Committeewoman Riker Align. >> Yes. Committeeman Verza. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Peria. >> Yes. You see, Megan, I haven't forgotten to pass because I read your mind without even looking at you that it was my turn. >> Um,
can I have a motion to elect Deputy Mayor Matthew? Can I to elect Deputy Mayor for 2026? >> So, move. >> Second. >> Committee Dorsy. >> Yes. >> Committee Lavender. >> Yes. Committee woman Riker Elign.
>> Yes. >> Committeeman Verza. >> Yes. >> Mayor Persia. >> Yes. >> If we can ask. >> Well, I I don't want to I don't want to take over your role. >> I I understand what Megan's saying.
You're now the mayor. You're supposed to Is this your first rodeo? >> Sure. >> You're the holder. >> We haven't done this before. >> No, never. >> I state your name. I, Matthew Dorsy, >> do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the State of New Jersey >> and the state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to same >> and allegiance to same
ths established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully >> impartially impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties
>> of the office of may deputy mayor >> of the office of deputy mayor >> according to the best of my abilities >> according to the best of my abilities >> and that I will not use my office >> and I will not use my office >> to grant preferential treatment >> to grant preferential treatment >> nor to seek personal gain >> nor to seek personal gain >> favor or advantage
>> favor or advantage >> not available to the general public >> not available to the general public >> so help me God >> so help me God >> THANK NO, WE UM I THINK THAT MICHELLE AND I would just like to take this opportunity h we get all choked up. Um to thank
every single one of you on the deis as well as the public. It has been an honor and a privilege to be your representative. I for almost 17 years, Michelle for4 um we took this responsibility extremely seriously and
our job, our main job was to be your voice in Trenton. We felt that we our objective was always to serve the constituents of district 21. Our commitment remains the same until forever and ever, but and uh until the 12th when which is our last day. Our
offices are still open if you need anything or anyone. Um, so we just want you to let you know what an honor and a privilege and that the people of Long Hill have treated us with such warmth and kindness and that it is because of you that we continue that we have done
this job and that we were hoping that we would be able to continue to do this job. However, things didn't work out how we would have liked, but it doesn't mean that we're not still committed to every single one of you. So, thank you. doesn't feel like there's a whole lot more to add to that, but that's okay.
Um, but yeah, I I just want to say thank you. This has been the thrill and the honor of a lifetime um for me. You know, I I I've said um I've been watching Nancy for years and she's always been a role model for me. So to be able to
stand next to her for the last four years has has really been um amazing for me, you know, and um what I have found over the last four years is that um through politics you find friends
and there are people that have touched your hearts and um all of the people that I have gotten to know as friends, I do know their hearts and they are all in it for the right reasons. and the ones especially in Long Hill are here to do what's good for Long Hill.
And again, I'm forever grateful. And um as Nancy said, we're not going anywhere. We're still around. So please don't be a stranger. Uh you know, and uh we love you guys. So thank you so so much. You know,
Megan, I'll come down to All right. Yes, you're about to be disappointed. A little a little. Thank you. >> Thank you, Michelle. >> So, for those who thought they escaped a few
words from me, uh, I'll say them now. that I guess I'm speaking about you specifically. >> I want to thank Father Sarapin from St. Joseph Shrine for his inspirational invocation. Thank you, Daniel Rogers, our very own
Daniel for reminding us of the greatness of America. I'd like to recognize the dignitaries who reached out to us but could not be present this evening. Congressman Kaine and I spoke. He sends his warmest
regards to Long Hill. Uh Congress is in session this week. The Morris County Commissioners have a meeting of their own tonight, but also sent their best wishes. We invited a senior representative from Governor Elect Mikey Cheryl's office,
who understandably was unable to make it. We look forward to working with Governor Elect Cheryl's team as we have the past eight years with Governor Murphy. Special thanks of course for Senator Brnik, Assembly Assembly Women or woman
Nancy Munoz and Assemblywoman Michelle Matakudis. Thank you. I think they had a run to another swearing in. And I think the same for Morris County Clerk Anne Graci. All of them have always been here for Long Hill. They attend every event they
can and tonight was no exception. Special thanks to my wife Sandra and my children who have kindly allowed me to pursue my passion for public service. Thank you to the residents of Long Hill for supporting me in my roles as deputy
mayor, committeeman, and once again as mayor. Special thanks to all of our incredibly hardworking employees, several of which you see here tonight. and to my colleagues, Deputy Mayor Dorsy, Committee Woman Reich Eline,
and Committeemen Lavender and VZA. Is it an honor to serve with you? We don't always agree, but we try to do so respectfully and professionally, recognizing our only goal is the collective service to the residents of Longill Township.
Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that the goal of debate is not victory, but progress. To that point, I believe Longville Township has never been better positioned for the future than it is today for a number of reasons that I will briefly discuss.
The process for putting the command structure in place and fully staffing the Longill Police Department is completed. Chief Terry Bella along with Lieutenants Marchesky, Thompson, and Sutton will lead our remarkable police department going forward.
And once the weather clears, we will once again proudly refresh the blue line on Main Avenue. Two key events have occurred that will shape Longill Township for decades to come. First, the sale of the wastewater system to New Jersey American Water,
which closed late last year, provided a number of significant benefits. We were able to retire all municipal and sewer related debt. Longill Township is one of approximately 25 towns statewide that is debt-free out of 564
municipalities. We were able to lift our decades long sewer ban and contractually agree to provide sewers to 95% of the town which means an additional 300 or so homes.
We are able to meet our legally required COA fair share obligation. New Jersey American Water has already spent nearly $50 million upgrading all Hill Township's wastewater system and has budgeted another 50 million over the
next 5 years. I shudder to think where we would be financially had we not sold the system when we did. Some benefits that come from that sale. the lease for purchase of several emergency service vehicles totaling
nearly $3 million. We are now planning a park across the street from town hall with walking trails that stretch to Railroad Avenue behind the Sterling Hotel. We were able to provide competitive compensation for our hardworking
employees. The artificial turf field behind us continues to pay for itself while providing funding for recreational programs and the free concerts at Caner Park amongst other items.
It is worth a brief reminder of where we were just 15 years ago. We were only three years removed from a proposal to increase the municipal budget by 16% in one year. We were $20 million in debt.
We had an underdeveloped park outside town hall. Since that time, we have averaged 1.8% annual increases in the municipal budget, well below the statemandated 2% cap, and we never once utilized the
misleadingly titled cap bank. That's commendable by any measure, especially in the context of a tax base with only 8% business ratables. We are now one of 25 towns, as I mentioned, that is debt-free.
We constructed a beautiful turf complex at Matthew Caner Park with state-of-the-art lighting, and we did not use a penny of taxpayer dollars to do so. In addition, the township has never ch charged any of our long-hill
recreational participants for the use of the field. The second event which was not in our control but will have a dramatic impact on Longill Township is the long discussed gateway project has begun. Amongst the myriad of improvements will
be one seat trips into Manhattan along the Gladstone line. As you know, Longill Township has three train stations in town. While we are likely eight or so years away from this becoming a reality,
Longill Township is no longer unknown. The critical completion of the master plan by our planning board means Longill will determine what Longill looks like while meeting our legal obligation for fair share housing. Finally, we will enhance communication
with our residents. As you know, our meetings are televised and streamed live. Links to meetings are put on the township website within 24 hours. To my knowledge, we are the only town, certainly no more than a handful statewide, that permits virtual
participation. We will once again have the chairs of our volunteer commissions, committees, and boards present at public meetings on a regular basis. We will direct the digital engagement committee to design a regular email update of pertinent information. I
already have a basic framework in mind. This one's for you, Megan. I will ask Megan, and I cleared up with Jack. I will ask Megan to schedule meetings with me likely on Fridays. I ask that this be done by appointment
with the municipal clerk, Megan, thereby allowing the meetings to be timely and productive. Most of all, I wish the residents, employees, and my colleagues on the township committee a happy, healthy, and blessed
2026. God bless you. God bless Longhill Township and God bless the United States of America. At this point, and Megan, you can stop me anytime I get it wrong. We have resolutions 26-001
through 013. Are there any resolutions that need to be pulled further discussion or any abstensions hearing? None. Looking up for a motion to approve. >> So move. Second. >> Committ Lavender.
>> Yes. Committee Riker Align. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Verlesa. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Burgia. >> Yes. And I want to thank uh Committee woman uh Eli Reich. Eli because I know she isn't feeling well. I think you can
hear that. Um so at this point I'd like to open up the meeting to the public. >> Oh, I apologize. Little rusty there. Little rusty. Little rusty. will get better. >> Uh, can I have a motion to approve resolutions?
>> I think the numbers are wrong. >> Is it 14 24 >> 25 26? >> Yeah, I know that's >> two years old. >> I noticed a couple of these things. 26-014 through Actually, I don't think that's right. Right. Is it
>> 39? That's right. Okay. 039. >> Ask if anybody wants to pull one. >> I did the beginning. >> Okay. No, you didn't. >> No, you didn't. >> Sure. I did. Any abstensions for >> that was the first discussion. This is consent agenda. >> Oh, okay. >> Any
>> is this your first rodeo? >> It is. >> No, no comment. >> I'd like I would like to vote for a censure of committee ra. >> So moved. >> Okay. So, can I have a motion to approve 26-014?
Right. >> Yes. >> 0 >> 39. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> So, you don't you don't need to pull anything. You just >> No, no, no. I just wanted to hear. >> There's a motion from Committeeman Lavender. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Committee Lavender.
>> What are we voting on the consent agenda? >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Yes. >> Committeewoman Riker Align. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Verza. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dorsy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Peria. >> So, yes. It appears that Senator
Brandick is the funniest lawyer in New Jersey. I think Long Hill Township Committee is the funniest committee in the state of New Jersey. >> At least in Long Hill. >> At least. >> So, at this point, with Scott's permission, I'd like to open up the meeting to the public. Remarks and
statements pertaining to any matter, comments, and remarks. If you could please kindly limit to three minutes. >> Megan, do you see anybody at home? If anybody on Zoom would like to make a public comment, please raise your hand now. >> Don't see anyone. Mayor,
>> thank you. Megan, can I have a motion >> to adjourn? >> Second. >> God bless everyone and God bless me having to deal with before we go off the air,
I have to take my No, >> that's okay. Thank him anyway. I'd like to thank my family, my friends, my supporters, and everybody who voted for me this past election. I I promise to work my hardest to make you pr, you
know, proud of that support and that vote. Um, to everybody that didn't vote for me, and uh there was a lot of them this time that didn't vote for me. I promise to work even harder to earn your vote. And to my opponent, Monzy Patel,
uh, congratulations to you. you burst out onto the long hill uh political scene and uh you ran a you ran a heck of of a campaign. So well done. Thank you everybody. >> Sorry. That's okay. >> Would anybody else like to say anything?
So can I have a motion, Matt? >> Absolutely. >> Second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> Thank you everyone. God bless. Don't forget to shut it off.