Okay, everyone like to call to order the uh county of Pakcon regular meeting for May 6, 2026. Please bow your head for a moment of prayer prayer, please. Pledge 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. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided indicating the time and place of this meeting in accordance with
chapter 72 of the public laws of 2025 by advertising notice in the township website.com by posting a copy on the bulletin board in the municipal building and is accessible by direct hyperlink placed in the New Jersey Secretary of State's
portal. >> Roll call, please. >> Yes. Councilman Belcro here. Councilman Marinelli >> here. >> Councilman Made >> here. >> Council President >> here. Mayor Right >> here. Um Wade, would you please summarize executive session, please?
>> Yes. Uh the council met in executive session where it discussed the following privilege matters. Attorney client privilege of Hackong Park project. Contractual LAA contract update. Attorney client privilege the cub's warehouse fees agreement with Hackong. Uh litigation harbor management brickley
gardens update. contractual DPW contract update. There's a sixth item also that was mistakenly left off the agenda. It's contractual uh police chief's contract. Uh minutes from the executive session will be released at such time as the council deems no public harm will come from it and no official action was
taken. >> All right. Great. Thank you. Okay. At this time, we're going to swear in um um two of our officers, Andrew Wayne as Lieutenant for the police department and Sergeant Cox as sergeant for the police department. Also, at this time, I'd like
to uh welcome Mayor Luan Cox from Washington B. It's a pleasure having you here. All right, so if uh we can do first we'll do Andrew. Repeat after me. I state your name. >> I, Andrew win >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States. >> I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. >> That I will bear true faith >> I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same. and allegiance to the same. >> and to the governments established in
the United States >> and >> to the governments established 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 >> and that I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> justly perform all the duties of the office of lieutenant in the police
department. >> Justly perform all the duties of the office of lieutenant >> according to the best of mind. >> According to the best. >> So help me God. Is it daddy? Afternoon. Raise your right hand. >> Repeat after me. I state your name. I,
Scott Cox, >> 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 Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith
>> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and the allegiance to the same >> and to the government established in the United States >> and the governments established in the United States >> and to dictate under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people
>> and that I will faithfully >> and I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> and justly perform all the duties of the office of sergeant in the police department. >> impartially and justly perform all the duties of the office of sergeant in the police department >> according to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. As always, uh the council is very proud of our guys in our PD. They're a great bunch of guys. And at this time, I know you don't want to hang around, but you're welcome to leave.
I've been down back here. Okay, moving on. This time we have a very special presentation. Um, Ryan Thomas Pugley uh is now a Eagle Scout. So, we have a pro proclamation
we're going to read to him. All right, Ryan. We'd like to um do this proclamation for Ryan Thomas Puzzle, the Eagle Scout Court of Honor Truth number 63, Eagle Project. It says, "Created a rest area with picnic tables along the
trail at Horseshoe Bend Park in Kingwood, New Jersey. Congratulations on achieving this high honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that can be earned through the Boy Scouts of America. Your achievement places you in a very elite group of scouts. The
leadership skills you have learned in scouting and demonstrated in completing your Eagle project will serve you throughout your life. A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of
others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent. The mayor commends you on earning this distinguished Eagle Scout award and wishes you well in your future endeavors. CONGRATULATIONS.
You did a great job. Very proud of you. >> Sorry. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Public comment only on agenda items only. Anyone? Not John Ketcherson, 38J Lane. Um, item
number three under new business, the uh ordinance for data centers. Um, I don't know specifically what's in it, but uh, high energy and water consumption leading to higher costs for taxpayers, increased greenhouse emissions, air pollution, water pollution, noise
pollution, light pollution, and potential property devaluation are all very valid concerns when it comes to data centers. Um, it's why communities across the country is struggling with data centers and why townships across Warren County have now banned them. yet
Le Pakong seems to be planning to welcome them with open arms. Um I didn't attend all of the planning board meetings so I don't know exactly what's in the uh the proposed ordinance. Um but my question is I' I've noticed that on
the website under legal notices there's been some other uh proposed ordinances that have been placed there so the public can see them. Will the uh township be posting this proposed ordinance there so we can take a look at it? >> Of course. But where do where are you seeing that we're welcoming them? Did
you you >> Oh, no. No. So, I I attended the uh I attended a few of the uh planning board meetings where they're talking about uh you know they weren't planning to ban them. They were planning to um >> first step on how to uh how to >> manage them,
>> push them away. >> So, we're not Yeah, we're not >> But we're not welcome welcoming them. That's for sure. >> Okay. >> All right. And just >> Okay. >> I thought you read it somewhere cuz I wanted to read it. >> No, I haven't read it yet. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Okay. Good. It's just that you know the discussions >> I don't want to get the wrong message.
>> No, the planning the planning board meeting discussions were kind of leaning towards all right let's let's >> outline how we want these things to be managed whereas other towns in Warren County are just saying that's it we we are we're going to ban them.
>> I appreciate it. Okay. Very good. Thank you. >> Anyone else? Good evening, honorable mayor and councilman. My name is Paul Harney. I live at 1204 Fairview Circle in the overlook. Um, this is a nice place to live and I
moved up here purposefully from a lesser place to live 20 years ago when I retired from the police department. I'd like it to stay that way and these AI data centers are risk to that. And I had heard that there was
possibility we were considering one and I like to go direct to the horse's mouth and ask when that type of stuff comes up. So I'm asking now if we can get a commitment from this council as to their position on AI data centers because I
really don't want to be here a couple years from now opening up my window on a quiet summer night trying to get some air in my house and hearing So if I could ask directly anybody >> that's why that's why we're doing what we're doing tonight. So hopefully you
don't hear that down the road but we got to take our right steps. We're not going to rush into things but we are going to put >> not roadblocks what we call it >> restrictions >> restrictions and all that. So we'll get it scored.
>> Appreciate your time. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Agenda items only. We got >> My name is Sarah Hair. I'm from Hope. Um and I appreciate what you were just
saying, Chair Mayor, because um I'm happy to hear that you're not welcoming data centers. Um, I am a concerned Warren County resident speaking in reference to ordinance number 2604 which concerns conditional
uses data centers. Did you know that Leakong is the one and only township in Warren County that is putting front and center an ordinance that will allow data centers? Did you know that? The only
township in Warren County at this point so far. due to the awareness of other towns. I apologize for the back of this. I'm read um due to the awareness by other townships of the harms that come
with data centers. The following townships have either adopted Commissioner Kern's data center ordinance prohibiting data centers. Um have updated an existing ordinance to prohibit them. have put into their
master plans no data centers and or warehouses, which includes data centers, or are currently in process of voting to adopt an ordinance to prohibit. And these townships include Liberty, your neighbor Philipsburg, Washington Burrow,
whose mayor was just here, Washington Township, Freiling, Heisen, Green W, which just updated an existing ordinance to prohibit, Hope, White, your neighbor Alpha, and Nolton. There are other townships like Hardwick
whose zoning won't allow them. I heard that in a Le Paccom meeting, and I don't mean to be harsh here, but not too long ago, members of your town council and the planner were making comments expressing their lack of knowledge about data centers, such as when planner
Daniel Block indicated that he had visited a data center and stated that data centers don't use near the amount of water people are stating because one that he visited used a closed loop cooling system. that just isn't true that they don't use a lot of water. At
that meeting, the chair said he knew nothing about data centers. When I hear these comments, and I'm sure I am not alone, a chill runs down my spine knowing that an ordinance is before this council allowing data centers. Allowing
data center ordinance that allows data centers. If you pass an ordinance that whether it's with conditions or not, you are allowing data centers. You are, you know, whether you have an application in
front of you, whether the LUB planning board has an application in front of them, you're saying out there to developers, yes, we will allow a data center. it. All these other townships are looking at, you know, find it's a
real problem. We have 4,000 being put up across the country. 80 just on easter in eastern Pennsylvania near the Delaware River, lower Mount Bessel right now, Andover, Sussex County. These
are serious issues because I'll just read a little bit about the harms. And I'm talking about harms of um ones that use renewable energy. Um the data centers using renewable energy can still harm the environment and
communities primarily through high water consumption for cooling, noise pollution from fans as was mentioned and generators, significant land use. I mean think of the imperate. Most of these
are 1 million square ft or larger. Uh and the ecological footprint of manufacturing and disposing of electronic hardware. While they reduce carbon emissions, their rapid growth creates heat islands and can still strain local water supplies. I have
copies of this if you would like it. I mean, you know, when I heard also from the last um tap into article, let me just find my place. I'm sorry. Um >> Okay. It was a of equal concern when I
heard that another lowaccom planner, Kristen Russell, filling in for Daniel Block at that last uh land use board meeting was reported in tap into article is stating, "Then also we added some language that says in addition any data center development shall be responsible
for the cost of any required or requested infrastructure or utility extensions, upgrades or capacity improvements. to at least to at least attempt to not burden the community with any of the costs associated with the
infrastructure. At least attempt >> please I thank you and um I hope you'll just consider the residents of Leakong and >> we always do >> the Leakong wershed. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, just to clarify uh to what this ordinance is, just so
everyone's clear, um so it is amending the uh zoning ordinance from allowing data processing centers from a permitted use with no regulations to a conditional use. >> And it's uh putting on to the conditions uh additional buffers, landscaping,
screening, lighting plans, noise, vibration analysis, >> still a data set, >> and and water analysis to make sure that there's no impact on water uh water usages. Um, and just as the mayor said, they're still continuing to look at it. This is the first step and maybe other steps.
>> And that's why after this um is read tonight, the next meeting, that's where public comment will come in and we can hear everybody. >> You know what I mean? >> Okay. Anyone else? Yes, sir. >> Good evening. My name is Joe Roth and
I'm from Belvadier and um I've read the uh uh proposed ordinance on data centers as well and I just wanted to say that I think it is a very well-crafted document. I think you and the folks uh in your planning
department have done their homework. I believe you're making decisions now based on fact and not based on Facebook. And I think it's been it's a courageous act and I think it's the right direction to go. You're taking control of the
environment and how things will affect your town which is what uh legislators should do. So I wanted to say thank you. >> Thank you sir. Anyone else? Okay. Seeing none, we'll move on. Old business approve the minutes from April
1st, 2026 executive and regular sessions. I have a motion in second, please. Motion second. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Belcara, >> yes. >> Councilman Marinelli, >> yes. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Council President Pledo, >> yes. Mayor Rick,
>> yes. Number two, 2026 municipal budget public hearing and adoption of a motion and second to hold a public hearing. >> Motion. >> Second. All in favor? >> I I >> Okay. >> Okay. Um, for 2026, our introduced budget has
an appropriations of 11,996,550 with anticipated revenues for 2026 of 5,496,329.37 leaving an amount to be raised of 6,500,220. 2066
which it equates to about $40 an increase per household local share only for house assessed at like 231,000. >> Yeah. The one of the biggest drivers this year, not just to your municipality, but throughout the state
of New Jersey, has been health benefit costs. Health benefit costs are in your budget alone are up $130,000 this year uh over last year. and a tax coin is roughly 103,000. So of the two cent increase, you're seeing more than 1 cent going
specifically towards the increase in health benefits, while you have contractual obligations and a whole other litany of of costs in your budget that are going up, especially gas prices and and fuel. >> Um, and that's what's that's what's
generating the increase to the rate this year. >> And we also did have to cut again. Like last year we had to cut to be under the cap and we had to cut about 64,000 this year. Last year was about close to 300,000 cut.
>> Well, once again, you guys did a great job. I appreciate all the hard work both offices done. And uh Kim did form me into the office and said we have we have to do away with a couple a lot of things we wanted to do this year. We can't. So, uh, we we did a lot, but
>> Mhm. >> we got to pull back on the reigns. So, but all right. Thank you. Anybody have any questions for Kim or John? >> No. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh,
so 2026 bud. Oh, I need a roll call in that, don't I? No, I don't. No, I don't. We got a motion in a second to comment from the public. >> Motion. Second. >> All right. Anyone in public about it? John >> John Kerson 38J lane. I looked at the uh
user friendly budget which as user friendly as I guess you can get >> it. It is because a lot of the data we have to collect for that particular uh document >> we have to go from scratch almost to
>> I don't I don't uh but I just have a couple questions if you don't mind. So when I looked at this um it appears that the uh the impact on the average residential tax payer is going to be about 3.25% increase >> if that's uh that's what's in the
>> I just wanted to verify that. Okay. >> Um one of the pages uh lists the uh the properties are paying pilot. >> Yes. >> Uh and that's the the one that's in there right now is the I78 logistics. >> Correct. and they're paying 142,390 in
the pilot. It says >> 42. That is a quarter amount. That's a quarter. >> That's a quarter. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um but it also says that if they were paying if they were taxed at the full amount, they'd be paying the same
thing. >> Mhm. >> So they're paying pilot, but it's not any less. >> They get uh a credit for the land tax. Okay. >> Okay. Um, so and every year you're going to see that the increase to our revenues
increase. >> Okay. Okay. I was just curious as to why they would why they would want a pay pilot if they're not saving anything. So, >> believe me, somewhere they are saving. >> Yeah. Uh, and lastly, um, so one of the things that that's been one of my
concerns is the, uh, uh, the $18 million pool and park renovations, which we we didn't >> even start yet. Um, I know that in coming to the council meetings, uh, some of the bids been as high as 50% over that $18 million. Um, in this packet, it
says there's a page that says, um, uh, let's see, the user for the park project is an unknown amount for for future year appropriation increases. Yes, that's because we don't know once that project is complete
>> the other surrounding cost to staff it. >> Okay. >> And that's that's why that says in future years. >> Okay. So, when we said that it wouldn't we wouldn't have to increase the taxes to to renovate the park. It's just to renovate it. But what I'm hearing is
that after it's been renovating, they >> and it's going to make revenues, too, >> hopefully. >> Yes. And and just just so everybody knows, I have not borrowed anything for that project yet. So, >> yeah. Right. Right. >> Okay. Just say thank you.
>> Question. Have you guys know the numbers on uh the increase on this county and the school? >> No, >> they haven't come out with numbers yet. >> No, the school should have them any time, but we we have not received anything >> and nothing from the county. >> Correct.
Okay. The county is usually the later one anyway because they have to do the equalization stuff, >> right? >> When we have to construct the budget, the only factors that those go into the budget on is you have to reserve for uncollected taxes, >> right? So, we always take last year's
number which you actually were charged by the county, by the school, and we bumped them up 2% just to have an estimate within the budget. I could see them using CAT bank and going over the 2% increase, but at the time we put this together, that's as best we best we put in there.
>> When do we anticipate to get those numbers in? >> Uh when all of the budgets in the town in the county are submitted, that's when the county tax assessor strikes all the rates for all the towns. They'll have all the information at that point. Um roughly end of June. Yeah, it's
>> not a quick process because it has to go to the division too to approve it. >> Yes. >> And the school taxes it should come out any time. >> They they Yeah, we should have those numbers. >> You should probably know what your numbers are at this point. >> Yes. >> Our budget vote is throwing.
>> Okay. >> Okay. There you go. >> This week. Thank you. >> Tomorrow. Tomorrow night. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else any comment? Okay, >> mayor, I'd just like to say one more
thing before you before you close. Um, this year we were a state examination year, which means every document goes down to the state. It always does anyway. Uh, every two years you're allowed to do what's called a self-examination of your own budget, which we go over the records to make sure everything's compliant. Um, the
state of New Jersey this year, and I I won't get on my soap box, but state of New Jersey has been very tough in giving uh points back to the governing bodies to make changes and make amendments. I've had about seven of them that have gone down to the state at this point,
and more than half of them have been amended. Uh, and we're not facing that here tonight. I just want to say Kim did an excellent job in dealing with the state. I was away when she was dealing with the state. Uh, and and I wish all of my clients would do that. I really do. But, um, yeah, I it couldn't have
gone smoother and we got permission to go ahead and have the hearing and adoption of the budget tonight. Great. >> I just wanted to pass that along. It's important. >> Appreciate it. Both you guys did a great job. You always do. >> Okay. Uh, motion second to close public hearing. Motion. Second.
>> All in favor? I motion second to adopt the 2026 budget. I'll make that motion. Second roll call vote, please. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vero, >> yes. >> Councilman Marinelli, >> yes. >> Councilman Mlade, >> yes. >> Council President, >> yes. >> Mayor,
>> yes. Okay. New visits resolution to accept audit for 2025 and sign the group affidavit. Need a motion and a second. >> Motion. >> Second. Roll call vote. >> Councilman Valtro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Marinelli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mcuade.
>> Yes. >> Council President Fledo. Yes, >> mayor. >> Yes. Number two, resolution uh corrective action plan for 2025 audit report of the township of Lak motion. Second please. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Roll call vote. >> Councilman Belro, >> yes. >> Councilman Marinelli, >> yes. >> Councilman McCrae, >> yes. >> Council President Fledo, >> yes. >> Mayor Ray, >> yes. Okay. Number three, Ordinance 26-04, first reading of chapter 243, zoning and
land use, article 2, terminology, article 14, zoning district and use regulations in article 15, conditional uses data center. Motion in a second. >> Motion second. Roll call vote.
>> Councilman Valera, >> yes. >> Councilman Marinelli, >> yes. >> Councilman Mccade, >> yes. >> Council President Fo, >> yes. >> Mayor Wright, >> yes. Mayor, uh, I just wanted to say that for number two, resolution, corrective action plan, uh, Kim and John were going to speak. Yes.
>> Oh, needed any comments from us. If you want them just to go over the audit. >> Well, you can. Yeah, why don't you? >> Uh, just quickly, I mean, you we we've come a long way from when we began here as your auditors 20 plus years ago, you know, dealing with about a $325,000
fund balance on an annual basis. uh we now exceeded 7 million in fund balance and you're using more of that to balance your own budget as well. So um but we saw a very big increase this year in a couple of appeals that came through in
your favor which don't typically happen. So about a million dollars of the increase this year was for those couple of appeals. So you're doing very good there very well. Your cash balance is very strong. Uh you're in an excellent position to move forward. Uh at some
point, my suggestion would be to have some kind of plan in place for fund balance of how much you think is appropriate to have on the books so that going into next year's budget, you can hit those plans. Maybe you'll utilize some of it to bring some down to purchase a piece of equipment like a
one-time expense with a one-time revenue type of thing. We can discuss that at another time. I can get you examples of that. Um but you're in very good position. you have been for years and and this has been the best of of the years that we've seen you. Uh debt service, you have about a million
dollars in serial bonds that are payable and you continue to pay those over time. I believe we got a couple of years left on that. >> 2027, >> two years left. So this year and next year by the end of next year, no serial bonds. Some temporary debt on the books about 5 million, but you address a lot of that on an annual basis. You just
keep rolling that. You pay some off. You bring some on. So you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doing with that. you're not kicking it down the road to say, "Okay, we'll address it in 10 years." Um, >> can I just um we will be next year converting those bands into permanent
financing probably in March and then the other ones drop off and so hopefully it'll be seamless. >> Yep. Um the idea is to not make the tax rate fluctuate up and down. is to keep it at a level debt service is what the industry calls it and we'll be helping
to make sure that you maintain that success. Uh last thing is sewer is healthy. You're about 4.7 million in surplus in sewer. Uh however, there are some increases in this year that are going to have to be addressed through a sewer rate study. We're going to start
looking at that shortly. Um and the only debt that you have there is about 1.8 8 million for the USDA loan, but that goes out to like 2050 something. So hopefully I'm long retired at that point and future committees can deal with that.
But you pay it off. You're structured for that. There's no advanced payment of that. You have to pay it off over time. >> Uh you had three recommendations in this year's audit. Uh to me, they're housekeeping type recommendations, but when we find things, we have to bring them to the attention or we're not doing
our job. So there were a couple of things when it comes to timeliness of payments. We noticed that there were some late fees associated with some bills that were being paid and late fees are a red flag. We need to put that in the audit. Uh there were some signatures missing from POS and vouchers. Uh need
to clean that up because there were too many for sample sizes that we picked. And one that's consistent in about I don't know 75% of our towns is confirming purchase orders. It's kind of circumventing the purchase process where
a a PO has to be generated first so that the CFO says yes the funds are available in this line item you can't just bring a receipt and say okay I need this purchased or reimbured there has to be order to that and that was one of the things we found as well to me three
housekeeping type brought it to your attention we know you'll address it and we don't anticipate seeing any of these next year >> and I just want to comment too I don't I have a correction action plan. We haven't had one in since I've been here
and so I'm going to comment that I'm handling it and it will be rectified one way or another. >> It's already in in the works. So we'll we'll make it minor stuff but but it's not minor. You know what I mean? >> Yes. Yes. It's not the way I run.
>> Absolutely not. >> Financially you have a very sound municipality and happy to be a part of it. So thank you for that. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Okay. All right. Moving on then from there. >> Um >> have to go back to
>> 2604. >> 264 was already uh >> we did that one, right? >> Okay. I just want to make a comment on that. Why I voted yes. The reason I voted yes for this um
conditional use is I want to hear the facts from all parties obviously including all the citizens but I want to hear based on facts. I make decisions based on facts not emotions not hearsay. So I want to hear from representatives from different utility
companies to come here, explain to me to us the whole process, the pros and the cons, how it will affect our community, what are the benefits, what are the disadvantages to it. I want to hear the facts, not emotions.
>> And if I could make one quick suggestion to look into Vinland, New Jersey, where there again not public comment, >> right? It's not public comment, >> but I understand what you're saying. Again, I want to hear the facts. That's all. Uh, you know, so I'm open to that.
I don't just do blind uh yes and no to follow anything or anyone or anyone has to say. So, I want everybody to be clear on that. Okay. I think it's fair. I think we all need to do that. Okay. We good?
Ordinance number 26-05, first reading, chapter 243, zoning and loose land use, article 10, sign regulations regarding digital signs. I have a motion in the second please. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call vote.
>> Councilman Bero, >> yes. >> Marinelli, >> yes. Council member, >> yes. President, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Consent agenda items 1 through 15. I have a motion and a second for those
items. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Councilman Valero. >> Yes. >> Councilman Marinelli. >> Yes. >> Council Made. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Mayor Rick. >> Yes. Okay. Council reports. Rich.
>> Mayor. I don't have anything for tonight. >> Lou, >> there's no updates yet on sewer rate other than it's going to be an increase. So, I'm not sure when we'll be impacted by that. >> Maybe Kim, maybe you could tell us.
>> We had a meeting and uh I don't know how many of us attended that meeting. Um we don't have the contract, >> right? And still we got build starting in January, >> right? So, I think the inter- the attorneys are involved in that and going
to send a letter out because we're not paying for something that we don't have a contract and they just uh adopted the ordinance mid year, you know, on the year like end of the first quarter. So, the billing they were going back to the
first quarter. So, we didn't think that was fair as well, >> right? >> And maybe even the rate explaining the rate. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, we're waiting on a lot of information still, >> right? Cuz I haven't heard any uh updates. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> That'll be it. Mayor,
>> that's it. Scott, >> no, I have nothing, mayor. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh, first, I'd like to thank all the volunteers who came out for the town cleanup last month. Special thanks to Robin George for organizing it. The pickle ball clinic is scheduled
for May 16th. There will be two sessions, one at 10 a.m. and one at 11:00 a.m. And music in the park starts May 27th and will run every Wednesday through September 2nd. And plus, we will have three Tuesday performances in
August. That's all for now. Thank you. >> I saw we had a shipment of supply coming for pickle ball courts. Yes. >> When will we that be open? So people do we know yet? >> Um don't I don't know if it's still locked but >> we should get that open. It's getting warm. See, whatever we got to do with
their guy. >> Yeah. Okay. Uh myself, uh I love seeing this many people. I wish they would everybody would come out like this all the time so you guys know the true story and not read it on Facebook and you'll understand why everything is done the
way it is. We do it the right way. Nothing can come back on us at a later time. Lawyers, we're tired of paying lawsuits and stuff like that. So, let's do it the right way once and we're done. Um, that's all I have to say really. I don't have anything else. Engineers
report. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, to give everyone an update uh on a number of projects that we have currently underway. You probably noticed on the consent agenda, we had an our professional
services proposal for the continued work on the Fox Farm Road storm damage repairs going back to the July 2023 storms. That's a FEMA funded project. We're going to be beginning uh the next phase of work for this the final survey design and permitting work. Um that will take some time with there's some
endangered species there, some wetlands, some other issues that we have to address in the repairs before we can begin the repair work. So, we're going to be starting that work uh shortly. Um Sallyport project hopefully you've noticed police sally port is substantially complete at this point
probably 80% maybe 90% complete. There's still some interior work to complete and we're waiting on some exterior finishes some brick facing and some other work that has to be done but we're getting close on that. Um the Stonehenge drive improvements that
work has been completed at this time. We've had NG DOT inspected has inspected the project and has approved the project. So we'll be working to close it out and you know get the attaches reimbursement grant funding on that project. Uh and then our next road road
project that is uh NJ DOT uh municipal aid funded be the striker road phase one improvements and uh we'll be working on getting that proposal put together for approval by council at the June meeting. After that, we'll be beginning our
design and hopefully another fall construction on that project. Um, you know, we've had conversations over the last two months on on Reservoir Road. We're aware we need to do some resurfacing and drainage work on that project. Um, I already met I think
mentioned last month I met with Brian on the road and we looked at some of the issues. I'm working on scoping the next next effort design effort that we'll have to do there to improve the drainage first. Once the drainage is improved, some of the ground water coming off of the hillside there needs to be managed
so we can then repair the pavement. So, sort of working towards that that repair work. Hopefully in the coming coming month or two, we'll have some progress there um on the design effort first before we can do some construction. Uh and then uh this month or I guess last
month, we received notice that uh municipal aid applications for fiscal year 2027 were announced by the NJ DOT. So, we'll be applying and as we discussed last month for Putting Stone Way and Brier Place uh resurfacing. So, that'll be our next grant application.
Those are due by July 1st. We usually get them in mid June to the state and then usually we get awarded um uh that uh announcement usually occurs around the Thanksgiving or early November time frame. Usually it's
right around, you know, Halloween Thanksgiving time frame. Um that's all I have right now. Thank you. >> Please report chief. >> Thank you, Mayor Council.
The uh traffic report for April 2026, we had a total of 358 motor vehicle stops. 48% of the drivers that were stopped were given a uh citation. And 26% of those that were given citation were commercial vehicle operators.
Um, that's my report for uh traffic for the month. I would just like to openly uh congratulate Lieutenant Wayne and Sergeant Cox for their promotions. Appreciate the um the support that you uh gave us there and uh I look forward to working with them in their new roles.
I also want to thank uh the mayor and council and the community for uh the outpouring of support for the police department. Uh last week when um Captain Bishy retired, we had a walk out ceremony for him. So, they made it a uh you all made it a memorable event and uh
we appreciate that. That's my uh my report. >> Well deserved. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Okay. DPW Brian. Uh my report's basically um letting you know that you know basically got ready for ball fields. We put down 40 ton. We
have 10 left to put down. Um we just don't have the equipment to put it down. They work when died on us. All right. When uh not us, but somebody else drove it. All right. It's out for at least 5 weeks. Um so that will eventually be coming its
way. just basically building maintenance, put in the carbon dioxide testers inside the building. All right. A couple more he requested. All right. And uh um you know, just basically helping the town down, doing sweepings and and uh you know, moving along,
cutting grass and everything else. So, >> all right. Thank you, >> Fire Chief J. >> Thank you. Uh so call report for the month of April, we answered 32 calls. Uh that brings our year-to- date total to
85 calls for the year. Uh in the month of April on April 10th, we responded to another structure fire in the Bragley Garden Apartments in the H building. Uh that was confined to the kitchen area of that apartment. Uh but that brings us to
uh four fire four working fires on the year. um are my men are very hard at work uh staying out in the community. We try to be seen in the community as much as possible drilling. Um I just want to make it known to the community. When
we're out drilling, if you see us out there, please stop by, ask us questions. Kids come by, check out the trucks. We're always welcome to have anyone. Or if you see us at station, don't be afraid to to come in and uh check us out. Uh, one last thing, just a reminder
to the community and everyone, our wet down for the celebration of our new Larry Truck will be May 30th. Uh, there'll be all kinds of stuff for sale and for purchase, food, drinks, all kinds of stuff. It should be a good uh event for the community to come out. That will be at Delaware Park Field starting at 1:00.
>> Quick question. Hate to bring this up, but uh looking down the road, number two is Pumper. >> When is that? >> That would be It's a 2007, I believe, or 2008. Uh, so that's coming up on its
years. I mean, repairs are becoming more and more with that with that truck or yearly yearly repairs need to be done. So, >> that's the next one, >> right, >> to be replaced and it's coming up on its 20 year mark. So, >> great. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Yep. Thank you. >> All right. EMS. Anybody here from EMS? Shade Tree, Board of Education. Yeah, >> thank you. Um, so from the Lakhung Board
of Education, as we firmly move into spring and the school year begins to wind down, it actually ramps up with a flurry of activity. In April, our PTA sponsored an assembly for the elementary school that was titled Super Science Fun for Kids. The kids learn the students
learned about matter, chemical reactions, and conduction. The PTA also brought members of the Wizards basketball team into both schools for some fun physical education activities. There were lots of laughs, tricks, and a high energy um ending to the date. As a
reminder, the PTA's fundraiser that they'll be doing for the Wizards basketball game will happen May 19th at the Philipsburg High School. I did mail email each of you a flyer. So, um, we'd love to support our PTA. They do a lot
for our school. There are still tickets available. On Wednesday, April 22nd, the elementary school held an art show highlighting art from all of the students, kindergarten through 4th grade. Their art was displayed in every hallway of the building and our PTA also
offered creative art activities in the steam suite that evening. April 30th was a busy night with two activities. The elementary school held a preschool activity night with staff from Busybees Kitty Academy and our elementary school preschool staff. They offered a wide
range of preschool aged activities to make and participate in. over 35 different families um attended. You know, Busy Bees and Kitty Academy are um outsourced uh areas where we have preschool programs um for the school.
That evening uh was also the middle school spring concert with coral and band performances. The students all performed well. This was also our music director, Mr. Cravani's last band concert. With 23 years of teaching, he will be retiring at the end of this
school year. Um he's been an amazing teacher and we wish him well. The National Junior Honor Society inducted nine new members on Monday night, May 4th. These students exemplify scholarship leadership service character, and citizenship. We are proud
to have a national junior honor society at Laccom. Not every school does have one. New Jersey state testing has begun. So, grades three and four at our elementary school are testing this week in English, language arts, and math
every day. Grades 5 through 8 at the middle school will have um English language arts and math next week. And then their science testing will be on May 18th and 19th. Philipsburg High School has published its top 10 list of graduates and we are
over the moon that seven of the 10 students are La Pacon graduates. So that was really impressive. That's a pretty high number. We usually have some in there, but seven of 10. This week also is teacher appreciation week. Our PTA has spearheaded an amazing farm fresh
theme for the week with 28 donated raffle prizes from businesses in the town and also uh surrounding towns. Uh there's also various culinary delights that they're offering to our staff each day. We're really proud of our staffs and and we just really do wish them a
great teacher appreciation week. In board news, we've had two board training courses in April from our New Jersey School Board Association uh field service representative. At our April 9th meeting, we delve deeper into um a
training titled utilizing data in decisionmaking. This was one of our board goals for the year and this was um pretty intense and we're happy to have had a little additional training in that. On April 23rd with five board members who have never completed the
process, we were trained on completing the chief school administrator annual performance report. We are now in the process of doing just that, that evaluation. Um he is the board's only direct employee. So we while he employs
every other staff member, the only one that we have any say about is our school administrator. Um he is evaluated on the progress and his progress toward the district's stated yearly goals as well as six standards for effective educational leaders. It is a
timeconsuming but important process. There's a whole booklet like we really this is not just like oh how do we think you did? So, it's um we're happy to do it, but it does take a lot of time. Um um some good news regarding our district superintendent. Our board has completed
months of work and are pleased to announce that we have approved a new 4-year employment contract for Mr. Marmaleos, which will begin July the 1st. His contract can be found on our district website. And lastly, the Lakhong School District is once again
pleased to be hosting a Memorial Day celebration at the middle school on Saturday, May the 23rd. Whether dependent, the day will begin with a Blackhawk helicopter landing on the school grounds at 9:00 a.m. And the ceremony itself will be held at 10:00
a.m. All are invited to attend. And as always, we thank you for allowing us to share some of the highlights of Lakhong District Schools. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Okay. LAA report Mark.
>> Good evening. >> How are you, >> Mayor? Wright council. Um, not much of a report at this time. It's more of a um introduction of the LAA and myself. Um, my name is Mark Roshshire. I've been a LAA president for the last
year and a half. Um, it's my privilege of serving as a president. And again, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with uh you tonight. Hopefully to shed some some light on the state of the LAA and the vision moving forward. Uh, the LAA's
mission is simple and has always been this way. uh is to pro to provide safe, accessible, and development focused athletic opportunities for the youth of our township. We believe sports are more competitive
or more than competitive. They build character, confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging that carries beyond the field. Our vision is is to continue strengthening these programs hopefully adding few more near in the near future
for every child in Low Pac has a chance to participate grow and succeed to support that vision. Our goals remain focused on maintaining high quality high I'm sorry high quality well athletic
well-run athletic programs. We currently offer football, wrestling, baseball, softball, basketball, cheering and soccer as of right now. Uh, softball, baseball, and soccer is in the season. Um, all of which have grown in participation,
ensuring financial transparency and responsible stewardship of all resources. We currently updated our policies to reinforce that initiative. uh expanding opportunities for families and athletes,
including but not limited to possibly adding um there was some talks of uh maybe adding uh pickle ball for for the youth since we got a new pickle ball court. Uh some maybe a kickball club or some track and field activities. It's
just some ideas that we was just uh throwing out there. Um, not every child is athletically gifted to where they playing the normal football, basketball. So, we're just trying to find some activities just to have all children of the township be more involved and be
inclusive. Uh, beyond sports, the LAA is deeply committed to being an active and positive presence in the community through fundraising, donations, and volunteer envir involvement. We support
local events, recognize our veterans, assist families in times of need, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen our township as a whole. We take pride in stepping up when the community calls. This commitment helps build strong partnerships with the
township and organizations within the community. Uh as we as we look ahead, we are eager to continue working together with the township in collaboration with the LAA's mission and reformed vision. Your support, whether through the facilities,
communication, financial resourcing, or shared initiatives help us fulfill our our mission and ensure that all programs remain a source of pride for Lakhan. And at this time, I'd like to thank you for your time, your partnership, and
your continued commitment to the families we serve. I look forward to working together to create even more opportunities for our youth in our community. >> Um, so thank you for that. Thank you for that time for that. And, um, there's a couple of things that I did promise my
board that I will bring up. Sorry. Um, I think, um, Mr. Weeks already mentioned about the, um, the softball and baseball fields. Um they're saying they need some more field mix or dirt. It's um it's getting a little uh eroded
with it's exposing a lot of rocks and stuff. So it's becoming an unsafe environment for >> where what fields at? >> Um that I don't know. He just said the field was in general. >> Let me know. >> Okay, I will. >> Yeah, Bri, >> it's the school field. The school needs to figure out something there together.
>> Okay. >> The elementary school field. It's not hard. >> Okay. >> All right. Then on 57, you mean >> one on 57 or the element? Yeah. Yeah. Right behind the firehouse field.
>> Okay, cool. >> Um, soccer. Um, we recently lost a goal post. Um, a car ran ran through the park and ran into gold post. Um, I was recently reached out uh by
officer came to my house and asked me for to send a uh estimate to you guys. >> Okay. >> For the cost of the goal. Um, just wanted to see where we were with uh >> No, I know it just happened. Maybe chief
>> I know the case. Hopefully the the courts will provide restitution at some point for for rules, but that was submitted to the case. So, I think we was going to um I guess let you guys know that we was going to purchase the gold just so we can continue our season
>> and then hopefully get reimbured for it at a later time. >> Can we afford that? >> I don't know. >> Uh one more thing. Um baseball was requesting um town approval for um a
backs stop for I believe the uh major field. I think it's called for the bigger kids. unless don't quote me on that but >> yeah, >> he was saying that um >> we'll get with Brian and talk about that stuff and then he could let us know what he thinks. >> It was a it's a specialized one that he
wanted to uh see. It's >> it's supposed to be more safe, playable, and um more aesthetically pleasing, >> okay, >> for the township. So, it just wanted to let you know that it's coming down the pike. >> Okay. >> But other than that, LAA is in uh good
standings. Um, as of right now, it's it's on cruise control for the most part. So, hopefully it stays that way. And, um, again, I thank you guys for your time and thank you for your support. >> Well, Mark, we the council wanted you to come up and do this quick report cuz you're fast. We never saw LA. They never
we didn't know what you needed, how you could help us, how we can help you. So, this is great coming up to take a few minutes of time, you know, first Wednesday of the month. Join us if you have some. If you don't, you don't have to come, but just nice to have you here. >> Thank you for the invite.
>> All right. Thanks. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Approval departmental meetings. Motion to second, please. >> Motion. >> I'll second it. All in favor? >> I. >> Payment of bills. If everybody looked at the bills. I need a motion in second.
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Councilman Valkero. >> Yes. >> Councilman Marinelli. Yes. >> Councilman McUade. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Mayor Rick. >> Yes. Okay. Public comment. Three minutes. Anyone?
>> Yes. John. >> John Ketcherson 38 Jade Lane. Mr. Belc Carroll. I agree with you 100%. We should based our ordinances on facts. And I appreciate the fact that you said that you're going to reach out to the utility companies and get the facts. Uh I would submit to you that that probably
should have been done by the planning board. Uh and unless something has changed dramatically during their last meeting, uh they were they seem to be placing all of their information on the planner who visited one data center and not even didn't even say what data
center it was. But when you do get those facts, I'd appreciate that you share them with the public. Um so we're all on the same page. So I'd appreciate that. >> We'll put on the website or something. Yeah, that'd be great. That'd be great. So, um, warehouses, um, Mayor Wright,
during the 20 October 2025 meeting, uh, you referred to some of your constituents as idiots for providing the public with information about the warehouse proposed on the farmland behind the PBerg mall and urging people uh, to submit comments and attend the Highlands Council meeting where the
warehouse is going to be voted on. He stated, "This council's position has not changed," presumably referring to the tough anti-warehouse uh ordinance three council members referenced during the re-election bid. Um
and um and claim that you you don't support the warehouse. Uh this despite this council specifically allowing the warehouse via ordinance which you all unanimously supported. You stated the Highlands Council denied the warehouse once and would probably deny it again.
Uh that Le Pakong has been stopping warehouses and that you'll have to pray the things work out. So the next Highlands Council meeting is scheduled for May 21st at 4 p.m. in Chester. This warehouse will be on the agenda because I know that homeowners in the area had
received notification of that public hearing. You've touted your tough anti-warehouse position during council meetings. Um voiced concerns during a photo app with Senator Steinhard and the DOT commissioner and claimed that the township's a victim of the developers
and there's nothing really that could be done to fight them. So, taking all this into account, will you be attending the Highlands Council meeting and voicing your anti-warehouse position and concerns that you have with warehouses? >> When is that meeting? >> It is the 21st at 4 p.m. in Chester of
>> May. >> May. >> Good. Good. I'll see you there. Thanks, >> John. How many warehouses have been built since this council's been on? >> How many warehouses have been built? How? Well,
>> how many have been built under this council? >> Under this council? >> Yeah. >> Well, we have the one the one on Striker Road. >> Under this council >> that was done. >> When you say under this council, what do you mean? >> You guys Well, none. But I mean, don't forget, don't forget
>> because we do it in a way that we don't get sued. If we do get sued on NFI, okay? >> Right. NFI is >> I think we're doing it the right way. So hopefully, but you know, don't forget that this council also approved that redevelopment plan which
specifically allows warehouses on both the uh Philsburg Mall property and the farmland behind it. So >> has anything been built in the farmland behind it? >> Of course not. It has to go to the Highlands Council first. They have to get permission to deny it. >> Pardon?
>> They keep denying it, right? >> It got denied once. >> It's got denied once. >> Twice. Okay. So, but >> see that's what I'm saying. If you come here and you if if you have all your stuff lined up, right? >> No, you and I have talked so many times >> and I told you day one
>> you you've been telling me stuff like >> islands will never let it go through. >> So, why would it even get to that point in the first place? >> So, we don't get sued, John. You like to spend money. We don't want to spend money. >> You don't get it. Well, you guys developed the redevelopment plan that specifically allowed warehouses. So, you
developed a plan that would that uh allows warehouses and then acting like the >> whole mall, not a warehouse, but what could we do? >> Pardon? >> Nobody wants to build here any stores or anything good. So, what am I supposed to do? >> Well, you know the the mall is one thing. I don't like warehouses at all,
but the mall is one thing, but the the the farmland behind it is prime Monday morning. >> Lacong has said, "Nope, we don't want the warehouse." And Lacong and has gone back in and said, you know, we'll >> we haven't changed our That's where he
is. We haven't changed our opinion and that's what our opinion is. >> You can change it any way you want. >> I would just I would just say that actions speak louder than words. So we'll just have to have zero zero warehouses. >> Hopefully, Bill, I will see you at the Highlands Council meeting. I welcome
>> Get off. I can't, you know, promise everything. I'll try. >> Okay. Anybody else? >> All right. Hearing none. Motion for German. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor? >> Thank you for all coming out, guys.