the uh the Pacon Township regular meeting for April 1st, 2026. Um prayer, please. At this time, would you please keep Conrad Meard, a longtime resident and volunteer in your prayers? He was a great man and we just lost it
recently. Pledge 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 the meeting in accordance with chapter 72 of the public laws of 1925 by advertising a notice on the township website at lacontownship.com by posting a copy of on the bulletin
board in the municipal building and is accessible by a direct hyperlink placed on the New Jersey Secretary of State's portal. Roll call. Bath, please. >> Yes. Councilman Delaro >> here. >> Councilman Marinelli >> here. >> Councilman Mcclaid >> here. >> Council President Bledo
>> here. >> Mayor Right >> here. Wade, would you summarize executive session, please? >> Yes. Uh, township council met in executive session where it discussed the following privileged matters. Uh, attorney client privilege, the Pacong Park project contractual LAA contract
update. Personnel docket number AR 2026 to uh 211 police grievance contractual South Six Street lawsuit update attorney client privilege the Q's warehouse fees agreement with Pohhatkong litigation harbor management breakley gardens
update contractual DPW contract update contractual police PBA contract update attorney client privilege JCPNL EMS utility bill dispute and attorney client privilege. Leakong School District SRO 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. There are going to be uh three motions. First, uh a motion to approve a settlement with the police
grievance for docket number AR 2026 211. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. Councilman Belcaro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Marinelli. >> Yes. >> Councilman McUade. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Mayor Right.
>> Yes. A motion to approve settlement for the lawsuit with South Sixth Street. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Delcara. >> Yes. >> Councilman Marinelli. >> Yes. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Mayor Right.
>> Yes. and a motion to authorize the execution of the PBA collective negotiations agreement. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Belcara. >> Yes. >> Councilman Marinelli. >> Yes. >> Councilman McUade. >> Yes. >> Council President Leo. >> Yes. >> Mayor R.
>> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Public comment. Agenda items only. Seeing none. Old business. Number one, approve minutes for March 4th, 2026 executive and regular sessions. We have a motion. Second, please.
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Valaro, >> abstain. >> Councilman Marinelli, >> yes. >> Councilman McCain, >> yes. >> Council President Fledo, >> yes. >> Mayor Right. >> Yes. Number two, ordinance number 20263,
second reading and public hearing to accept roadways known as Mountain View Road in Spring Court. I have a motion and second to hold a public hearing. >> Motion >> second. >> All in favor? >> I um public comment from the public.
Anybody have anything to say? >> Can you just do a brief on that? >> A brief? >> Yeah. >> Like what? roads here. These are new roads, right? >> That were taken over from the developers >> from uh >> what's in scenic rail,
>> right? >> Yeah. >> Taken over from the developers, right? >> Correct. >> So now we take care of we take care of >> be responsible to maintain them. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right.
Motion to second to close the public hearing. >> Motion. >> I'll second that. All in favor? I >> I >> motion in a second to adopt this ordinance. >> Motion. >> Second. Uh roll call vote, please. >> Yes. Councilman Delcaro. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Marinelli. >> Yes. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Yes. New business. Introduction of the 2026 budget. >> Hello everyone. >> Hello. >> Back here again. Another year.
Uh we'd like to introduce the 2026 budget. It's with a total appropriations of 11,996,550 less anticipated revenues of 5,496 329.37
leaving an amount to be raised of 6,500,22066. Um it's what this our municipal share would be uh a house assess assessed at 231,000 would be approximately $40 for the year
increase. I do not have any numbers on the school or the county. That is just our share. Um we've had to we had to cut about 64,000 from this budget to get under our appropriations cap. And last year we cut
close to 300,000 to get under that cap. So we have increased costs but the cap still is in effect for now. I know there's a lot of talk about increasing or li limit increasing or getting rid of the cap because utilities
everybody knows even their residential share utilities are through the roof. electric um especially gas um we pensions and then we have the health benefits. So even those items
there are way over that 2%. along with all the statutory stuff that um and the mandates from the state DP and everything. Um so $40 I think without interfering with the
services we provide um is not too bad for the annual cost. >> Any questions? and May 6 will be the public hearing and adoption for this budget.
>> Okay, Chris, >> one question. How much does the state give give back to municipalities? >> That figure hasn't changed in years. It's $959,579 for us. >> So that's what we get. >> That's what we get. And I tell you, I
think that figure is the same since I've been CFO here. >> So there's no increase in that? No increase at all. >> Just mandates. No increase. >> They talk about it, but it never happens. >> I'm sure other municipalities, they get
an increase, >> I would assume. >> No, I don't think so. I have a CFO chat and pretty much everybody's in the same boat. Uh the big topic is of course the state health benefits which we switched out of um which is going to work out well all
around because the state health benefits now they're saying it will be obsolete in a couple years >> because of the drastic cost and and you know cost to everybody and the more people that get out of it the less you
spread the expense through or about. So that that's really a big one there. Um I do know that a lot of municipalities are having struggles staying within that cap.
So there's really nothing to do. You could go off referendum, but that takes a long time. So we're we're in the boat with everybody else there. >> Thank you. >> Much anything? No.
Well, thank you very much. And once again, you did a great job and you're always uh you're always getting the cuts that we need to be cut. So, I appreciate that. >> Mhm. It's going to be tight this year, though. Really tight. >> Yeah, it's going to be tight. Yeah. >> Mhm. It's tight last year. We made it through, but every year it gets tighter
and tighter. >> I know. >> All right. Could I have a motion and a second to for the induction of the budget? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call bill, please. >> Yes. Councilman Delaro? >> Yes. Councilman Marinelli, >> yes. >> Councilman Mcquade, >> yes.
>> Council President Ba, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you. Cassette agenda um 1 through 10. Have a motion. Second, please approve it. >> Motion. >> I'll second it. Roll call vote.
>> Yes. Councilman Delcaro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Marinelli. >> Yes. >> Councilman McUade. >> Yes. >> Council President Pledo. >> Yes. >> Mayor Right. >> Yes. council reports. Rich,
>> I don't have any other information other than what I gave last meeting reference to the sewer. Um, I guess our attorney is still trying to work out with the town how we're going to distribute that 22% increase to our residents, but they
are going to be increased. >> Nope. I just want to add that uh the increase will start in the second quarter. So uh the last if you got your last sewer bill is probably low. Um I
know mine was the price but your next one that that's where you'll see the increase. Okay. So look out for it about 22% correct. >> Mhm. >> Scott down level again.
>> Okay. I'd like to thank the DPW, the fire department, and the student volunteers from Philipsburg High School Key Club and National Honor Society for all their help with a very successful Easter egg hunt this past Saturday. Uh the Earth Day cleanup in town is
going to be April 18th and the pickle ball court will be ready this spring. We're going to have a clinic on May 16th with the RA rain of May 30th. uh resident is going to be running the clinic. He's very interested
in getting this going. He's even set up a web page where people can sign up to use the courts and he also recommended some additional equipment for the courts. Cool. That's all. >> Great. That be nice. Uh okay. Myself um
just want to bring up a little thing. We received a petition for um request to the mayor and town council repaving of putting stone way in Brier Place. It was um signed by about 28 people. Um so
we'll turn this over to uh our engineers and see how fast we can get that done, put that on the list and get it done. So we'll get that done. Um, that's about I really don't want to
thank the PD on a personal note and uh the EMS responding to my mother's house today. She fell, broke her leg and 90 years old. They responded correctly and did a heck of a job. So, I just want to say great job. Really appreciate it. All
right. Um, engineer report. >> Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, well, we can start with um Putting Stoneway and Brier Place. Um, I visited Putting Stoneway and Brier Place with Brian Weekes. Uh, and Brian Race or DBW
was Bri. It was both both of us, right? Brian Weekes and Race came out. Brian Brian Race, right? So, we visited putting some way in Brier Place. We reviewed the conditions. There are segments that are in better condition than others. Um, certainly could could do with pavement resurfacing, some
drainage repairs, some repairs to manholes. our typical approach to to road uh road improvements and and maintenance activities. So um you know my initial thought was that that road those roads and putting stoneway and brier place will be placed on the next
round for DOT grant funding. Um so we submit those typically in June uh and then we find out you know when uh the grant funding is awarded typically in around November late October to early November time frame. Um so then we would then put that
on our next basically um project that would be partial likely partially DOT funded. Usually they don't fund these projects 100%. Um you know we put in we would have to do some estimating some measuring and put in for funding to the state through the New Jersey DOT local
aid uh program and then we would receive funds for that work. So, you know, based on the the council's confirmation or agreement, we would pursue that as our next grant um application. That's my thought in the approach there.
Um going back to our current uh road that we currently have under construction that was completed, partially completed uh back in the um the fall, Stonehenge Drive. Uh that actually is scheduled for milling tomorrow and paving on Friday. you're
trying to get it, you know, while the school is on spring break. Uh, so weather dependent, it will be completed by the weekend. If the weather isn't hold out, let's say Friday for finishing up paving, then that will be done, you know, between Monday and Tuesday of next week. So that when school is back in
session after spring break, that they're off the roads and, you know, we get it done while there's a bit less traffic around the middle school area. So that's uh scheduled for the next one. And then the next road that we do have uh DOT funding for Striker Road phase one. It's the upper portion coming down from the
county fairgrounds area coming down towards James uh Avenue. That's our next round for DOT funding that we do have funds for and we'll be preparing plans for that uh for the next phase of work there. Um
another item that we had the salary port is currently underway under construction. Um, it's probably about 75% complete at this point. We're waiting on some door hardware and some other materials to get delivered, painting of some of the other uh exterior uh features on the building
and and work is progressing on that. Uh, the park improvements plan with the pool. Uh, we're currently on our third rebid of the project. This rebid is is unique from the first two. We've reduced the scope. instead of bidding the vast majority of the park project. We've now
focused on just the pool area. So, we're going to bid or currently out to bid uh the pool itself, the bath house, and all the areas immediately surrounding the pool. So, that would include the parking uh and also walking paths that would connect the pool to the pickle ball
courts and some widening along um St. George's Avenue and some parking right next to the pickle ball courts to provide a bit easier access uh for people who would like to just play pickle ball and sort of leave the the site. Um so that currently is being bids
for that uh phase one project are being opened on April 28th. So we're hopeful we get more, you know, acceptable bids figures back and we can review those bids prior to the next council meeting in May. and we'll see how that comes
out. Um, and the final item that you know sort of something that was certainly brought up last year, um, and we didn't immediately pursue it, but u, we br heard it last month, uh, regarding the issues on Reservoir Road. Uh, Brian
and I also visited Reservoir Road and we looked at the areas in need of resurfacing and repair. a lot of the issues there what are going on and certainly Brian's aware there's some water coming off the hillside sort of perking out of the ground running along the road and that's really impacting the
stability and the quality of the pavement there so we're going to be looking at you know basically we were out there I believe last week we went out and drove around there and looked at all these areas so our next step is to look at where we can do these drainage repairs first um installing some
extended drainage collections tied into the existing drainage system on the road and once we really manage the water then we can come back with a resurfacing mill pave the whole road within the packon um and hopefully then have a you know better road moving forward.
>> So that's going to be something we work on that you know in the next month to two months so that we can move forward with getting that repair done. >> Um that's all I have right now. All right, chief.
>> Thank you, Mayor Council. Good evening. So, for uh for March, I have a traffic report for you. We had a total of 501 traffic stops and 50 56% of the drivers that were stopped were issued a traffic citation while 21% of those issued a
citation were for um commercial motor vehicles being overweight um and other violations as well. And then um I have one announcement to make. Um we have a longtime uh police officer that'll be retiring at the end of April. Uh Captain
Scott Bishy. He's had nearly uh 27 years of uh service with the township and um his final final day of work is going to be April 30th with a walk out ceremony uh beginning at 4:00 if you'd like to attend. And the public is welcome to
attend as well. We appreciate that. And my report, >> DPW, >> right? >> Um, some things with Adam was talking about your pickle ball. I have those uh in my lock down under my term now. I
turned it over from K&A. Um, I did question one thing, Adam. I don't know how you guys plan on doing this, but there's no locks on there once I take them off where you're going to be able to lock people out or I don't know how you plan on scheduling this thing
because it's just basically flip locks. All right. It's not like you got a master lock or, you know, I mean, something like that that you can punch in different codes and all that into it. So to isolate it out to certain things is something you're gonna have to think about and change, you know, the locking
mechanism there if you're planning on doing that. All right. So that's >> speaking about the biblical, of course, um grass seed, does does it need a little bit more grass seed growing there? I It's kind of sparse, you know. I'm thinking about the mud,
you know, from the weather. >> Well, it's growing. I mean, it didn't grow much last year. It was pretty much >> You think you should beef it up? >> It's up to you guys. I mean, I haven't really looked at it. I can look at it and if you want me to, I can throw some more down. >> I looked at it and I I I saw mud. So,
>> I'll do it. I'll throw some more down. >> Maybe some straw on top of it. And so, it's >> Well, I can't. You want me to straw the whole entire thing, too? >> Well, maybe I should want milk out of it. >> Around it. I mean, just We don't want We don't want >> It's not It's brand It's not brand new grass.
grow where you go in. >> I'll take a look at it tomorrow and I'll make that decision. You know what I mean? What I think I'll talk with you about this like I know what I come up with. >> All right. Um I haven't got a you know that. But I know it's growing pretty rampant right now. You know, all the grass is
>> Yeah. It should keep coming in. I know. >> That's what I mean. It didn't have a chance through the winter. >> Yeah. It was like August, September when they final seated it last year. >> So it only had like two months of growth before. >> Yeah. Which is really nothing from zero to that. >> Yeah. So, it's got a lot >> keep coming in. >> It's got a lot of a lot of growth. So,
but I will purchase some grass seed and throw it down on there and see what if I got to do anything else to it. I'll do it make it right for the for the public. >> All right. Um, just an update on the month. I mean, uh, winter is over. We know that. But at that point, we have to
go out and we fix every place that the plows ran over. You know, people got their mailboxes sometimes back further and that's kind of when when you can't see the road. That's what you guide by. So, you take their yard a little bit out and different things. So, we went out and fixed the whole community that way. All right. Brought it all up and and and
everybody seems to be happy. Um we uh uh just or yesterday uh turned the ball fields over to the LAA, the ones, you know, they can all play. All right. We do have infield mix on order. I just don't know how to get it to put it down.
I mean, you know, we're worried about getting them to play practice and everything else. So, we will do that man power-wise as we go. It's just the way it is. Um, you know what I mean? So, it playing the game took priority over whether you had a little dent for order or something. All right. Cuz I got to
send, you know, three trucks up to go pick it up three, four times, you know. Um, but anyway, um, we maintain the ones out here. The LAA maintains the ones in the park with the with the workmen. All right. That's the agreement we've had for years. So, just so you you
understand what's what. Um, all soccer fields, all sports is ready to go from our side. All right. So, um, we've been working on the storm drains and different things. We had some issues. Um, one of your couple your developers, um,
I don't think it was your fault. It's the way it was way back when they decided to overlay and put risers in and leave the heads down and not do it right. So, it threw a monkey wrench into some things. All right. So, we got some parts on order. There's 83 heads back
there yet that will be put down, but we have to order some risers. All right. And and things and some longer bolts. All right. What they did was they paved everything and then on base and then they put risers in, left the heads uh 8 in heads in but made them as 6 in heads,
but they're not right. I mean, Adam's >> Yeah, it was all down red school lane as well. >> Yeah. I mean, they did some funky stuff there, but um so I just got to get some two inch risers and and put them in there and stuff like that. So, uh we
we're we put in approximately I'm going to estimate maybe 150 200 heads close to 200 heads already are in. Um we will be going back out. We don't have a choice. I put money in. I don't know where we stand with it all yet, but this is the year has to be finished. >> Um by by uh stormwater regulations, it
must be done. All right. And I don't know exactly what we have left. 200 or something like that. 200 more. All right. It's got to be done. >> The purpose for safety, right? >> No. >> What's the purpose? Because they shrunk the opening
>> of the hedge. >> What what they did was they they paved the road. Okay. Completely. All right. With with base. All right. Now they come back later. Okay. And they go, "Oh, let's not mill down. Let's just pave over with but two inches up top. All
right. So, what they now now have to do is they have to rise the the grate. All right. Up two inches cuz that's what you're going to put down, right? So, the head now sits which is an 8 in sits down here and the grates up here. All right. So, I can't change that anymore. It
doesn't meet the criteras. So, I have to now get risers that take the spots where the there's four bolts. All right. And bring that head up. Because if I don't if I put in what's required, >> there's no opening. The the opening is below the
>> the the the manhole storm ra to to remove the heads to put those risers. >> I have to move the heads. They don't meet they don't meet code anymore. >> But the heads heads are replaced not for safety but for environmental reason. >> Environmental reasons. Every smoke had to be done. It's >> close the opening. >> Yeah. Because I I noticed in front of my
house that the the opening is much uh smaller >> smaller smaller. And then the grate has to be >> what? >> Um, if you look at some of the grates, it's >> So, you're going to raise that head. You're going back to raise that head >> or is that the way it's going to stay? >> No, no, no, no. We're going to we're going to make it right. >> We're going to do it right. We're going
to we're going to put the the 6 in on. We're going to raise the head because you can't get down in and do what you got to do. And if you ever go to mill again and all that kind of stuff, you got a nightmare. So, we're going to do it right so that down the road you have a town that's decent. You know what I mean? Not a nightmare. I always thought
it was a safety issue uh concerning kids. >> Now, what did the reason why they they did that with the whole >> when I was a kid back in the day? >> We all played in that stuff, >> you know. We used to climb down in there. >> Yeah. I used to climb under the pipes in my back in Hollip. You couldn't do that.
>> I was little. >> That was one of the places you could play uh hide and seek. >> Yes, that's where we used to go. Yeah. But uh um the reason for the real fast and I'll shut up is uh to keep the garbage the storm, you know what I bottles and everything else, which I
don't know if I agree with completely, but that's what the rule is and that's what you play with. Um, to keep it from going down in the storm drain, but our storm drains drain to a detention pond that I have to clean out every year. So, now we're stopping the bottles on the roads on the garbage on the roads
instead of going in and getting into one spot. Now, we got to go around and pick it all up all over the place. You know what I mean? But that's the rules. That's what, you know what I mean? They want, so that's what they're going to get. Um, just the other thing is, uh, um, I'd like to direct the public a
little bit. Um, man, would you please stop putting your leaves out in the road? All right. It's not leaf season. All right. The sweeper has been around the town twice and we keep going back and picking up leaf piles. All right. It's not what it's
for. the uh uh um junkyard up there, all right, that takes our sweepings for free. Doesn't want leaves. All right? They want the dirt and the millings and everything else that's on there. All right? So, um please respect what you have or we're
going to end up paying for it to remove it. All right? Um but, uh that's kind of what's going on and get ready to move to the next stage. So, >> how we look for Del Park Circle for a wet down and a fire. >> When do you want it?
>> I want it ready. I want it looking nice. People >> got to tell me about it. I don't know what you're looking for. I didn't even know anything to the wet down till now. Nobody's told me anything. >> You had no idea about the wet down. >> No, sir. >> We'll talk. >> Okay. Good. I will do whatever you need. >> Good. >> All right.
>> The uh Hold on. Just one thing. The uh pickle ball courts, they're locked right now. What I did is I had a I had the uh K&A had locks on them, but the one lock doesn't even lock. There's three doors. Okay. And you can't lock the the
other one cuz it can open it up and walk in anyway with the lock on itself. I did screwed up that system is. But it's not him, it's the system. So I went out and made my own cable took cable coated cable. All right. Wrapped it up and made a cable that goes around on each door
and then put a lock on it. So now you can't get in there no matter what happens. That latch is nothing no more. >> That's so I don't think we ever discussed it. Are we going to open it? >> This guy >> I think we'll do the clinic May 16th but
I know a lot of people want to use start using >> they've been asking me open it >> but but they also told us don't get mud on the correct court for short period of time grass seed. Right. >> So that's it's it's all >> but once that all t is taken care of
then then it'll be open all the time. Right. Right. >> Well, that's what I was asking cuz I didn't know whether you were saying that you were going to like rent it out on this day. Okay. Or plan plan a No, no, no, no. I didn't say that. I'm thinking that's what I was asking. >> That's what I just heard you say. >> All right. Yes. But that's I'm like
putting things together here. All right. If you were going to say, "Hey, you know, we're going to go up there and you know, Josh is going to play on Monday and and Tom says, "Yeah, it's yours to go play." All right. I mean, not renting it out, but authoriz you can't do that without having control on that lock that you lock it out. You know what I mean?
So, that's why I was saying that that statement or um but it's up to you guys what you want to do there. All right. But the pavilion's all ready to go. Everything's laid out. >> All right. >> Thank you.
>> All right. Fire chief report. Jim Thank you, mayor. Uh, so start off with a call report. In um March, we answered 17 calls for service, bringing our year-to- date calls to 53. Uh, couple updates. Our tower is officially in service. Uh, we conducted
all the training on it. We had uh three full days of training on it uh with a representative from the manufacturer that flew out from Wisconsin to conduct the training. and we conducted our own personal training. Everyone is comfortable and confident uh putting the truck in service. So this past Monday
night, we officially put the truck in service. So it'll be start it'll be answering calls. Um now, as we just mentioned before, the wet down is scheduled um and approved for May 30th at the uh Park Square in Delaware Park.
Uh there'll be live music, food, everyone's welcome to attend. There'll be memorabilia and stuff to purchase. Um, so it's open to anyone, open to the public, and uh, we're sending out invites to all the fire companies around. >> If you need anything on that, make sure you reach out. >> Sounds good. Thank you.
>> That's all I have. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> The old 69 truck. Where is that now? >> So, that was uh, sold to Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS right outside of Louisville, Kentucky. the day we actually took um in the new the new
tower ladder, that one got shipped out. Uh so it is down in Kentucky now uh doing whatever their department wishes to do with it. >> So thank you. Appreciate you. EMS, anybody
here? Shri board of education report. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council. Um, so last month I reported that our board of education and administration were working together to hold a state of
the district community event. Our event was held on Thursday, March 19th. We had approximately 40 people physically in attendance and another 38 attended virtually. We shared our progress toward our 5-year strategic plan. We are roughly halfway into the five years. We
then had an interactive session that involved five main topic areas tied to the goals in the strategic plan but also determined by a pre-event survey. The results of the evening are being tabulated and reviewed by the ad hoc committee that from the board that was
running this event. Um the full report will be uh given to our full board next Thursday night the 9th. So if anybody's interested in hearing the results from that um you can come to the public workshop meeting. One of our board goals this year is to utilize data in our
decision making, prioritizing student achievement and communicating decisions transparently to the public. All in all, I'd say we had a pretty successful event. Obviously, everybody would always like more attendance, but it it still was a really decent night. Um, another
significant item has been the formation of our tenative uh budget. So, you just had your budget presentation. We had a presentation on our tenative budget which has been now sent to the county department of education office for review. Um, hopefully you are all aware
that Lacong School District had a cut of state aid totaling $147,621. So, while some items had a slight increase, um there were significant cuts, especially in special education aid and our school choice aid, um at our
meeting next week, the superintendent and the business administrator will be doing a little more um information about how we've adjusted the budget that got sent to the county, but it still is a tenative budget. So, when that comes back, we also will be having um a budget
hearing and vote in May. The p this past Saturday, our National Junior Honor Society students volunteered at Shopright of Green Witch. They were collecting food to help support the River of Life food pantry. The students collected 3,754
pounds of food, which was which surpassed the 1,048 lbs that they collected last year. So, they were really um psyched up and happy that that happened for them. This past week, our chess team participated in a seventh and eighth grade tournament that was held at
Belvadier High School. A Lacon student placed third in the solo competition, and overall, our team placed fifth in the competition. This is the highest that Lacon's ever done in that chess tournament. So, we're happy for the kids. On Friday night, April 10th, the
district will hold the annual AG almost anything goes. This is a long-standing traditional night of fun game-like activities with student, alumni, and parent staff teams competing against each other. All proceeds from this event
will be donated to the Lakhong Township Fire Department. Um, that's also many maybe some of you have actually been to that event. So, but you're welcome. It's open to the public, so feel free to come. Springtime is always busy. and April, we will see both our elementary
and our middle schools holding their spring concerts. Um, these are always anticipated and happy events for the the kids that are singing and their families that are coming. Um, the elementary school will be hosting an art show on April the 22nd from 5:30 to 7:00. Our
elementary school students art will be displayed along the hallways of the school and our PTA will be offering art activities in the steam suite during the show. Again, an event that's open to the public if you'd care to come. And lastly, I would like to encourage you to
consider attending a very special fundraiser being held by our PTA. The Harlem Wizards are coming to town to play against our Lakhon school staff. The event is being held May 19th, but tickets are on sale now and are going
fast. This event is being held at Philipsburg High School. There are different levels of ticketing with uh various perks to each level. And we're really happy to um help support um and promote this PTA event because um the
PTA just does so much for our schools, for our students and our staff. Um if you don't mind, I will be happy to email all of you the flyer for the Harlem Wizards. Um it it should just be a really fun night. We're really excited about it. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Thank you.
>> I have a question. Sure. the reduction in state aid 143,000 you said >> can can that be appealed >> I don't believe so it's part of the >> I understand formula or something >> it's part of the state funding formula which
>> yeah it's a formula they use >> has been yeah >> especially it's affecting some special interest >> the special education cut is really hard I mean >> all you need is one student to move in you have to provide >> I understand that and so an argument can
can be paid uh for an appeal. >> We're we're not the only ones. We're we're one of five in the county, I believe. But >> I think there's 10 towns that uh you know, have a reduction. >> I I know that uh our superintendent actually I shouldn't say I don't know if it is. He is inquiring about that
because we did actually hear about some other district appealing, but I'm not sure where they appeal to. He was looking into it. >> Well, I hope it works out. >> Thank Yeah. I mean >> it was a that was a big cut >> because other municipalities you know I was reading your articles they got a
tremendous amount of money. >> Yeah. >> You know it's just lopsided >> uh and we don't we're not sure why >> formula >> you know and I I read some u you know some reviews on it. It's >> it's a it's not a good system the way it's set up.
>> It's not a fair system. >> You're right. >> Okay. And and I will say while we're friends with our neighbors um to the west of us, Philipsburg gets an increase, LOAC gets a cut. When we they
get the increase that makes their cost per student go up, we are a send receive to the high school. So while their cost to the high school then comes to us who got a cut. So it's it's a really tough system. >> No, it's not fair system.
>> It's not going to get any better either. and and we're faced with the same thing. I mean, our utilities are going up, the h health care costs are going up, transportation is going up. We've got all the same issues that the town does. >> The BA there, pardon me. >> Is Tina still the BA? >> She is currently. Yes.
>> Okay. Because I I heard that she was leave absent, so I didn't know. >> She's currently out on administrative. >> Okay. Okay. So, is there another person? >> We have a temporary right now. >> Okay. >> Good. >> All right. Thank you. >> If you guys u decide to appeal I'd like
to know. >> Sure. I I will have Mr. Marlejo send you uh some information. >> I'd like to know as as members of the body. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Great. I appreciate it. Thank you very much. >> Okay. LAA report. Mark. Anybody here? Nope.
>> Okay. Approve department reports. Motion and second, please. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Payment of bills. Everybody had a chance to take a look at them. Agreed. Motion and second, please. pay the bills. >> I'll make that motion.
>> Second. >> Roll call vote. >> Councilman Valara. >> Yes. >> Councilman Marinelli. >> Yes. >> Councilman M. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Yes. Public comment. Mr. Betts. >> Yes.
>> Director through council. I would like to ask about the just shy of a >> You want to announce your name? >> Yeah. John Betts, 225 Red School Lane. >> Um I would like to um
inquire as to uh there's $1 million coming back from the state. All right. What comprises the taxes that this $1 million coming back is? What exemplifies the taxes that are supposedly being paid that aren't coming
back? What taxes are paid? >> You're talking about the state aid that we received the 959,000. That's >> it's not specific to an area. It's a total >> Well, I understand that, but what what is the total? What is the total coming
the total coming from? I mean, is it something that the Lakon Township uh generates uh or uses, or is it just just you're just speaking of mandates that that are not coming back? Like I mean, say the tax is it coming
from property taxes, um business property taxes, uh things of that nature. >> The the the state aid, the 959,000, that's an energy receipt. >> Yes. Okay.
>> That's what we get that from. >> Yes. And that's for the for the town itself. For the town itself. >> That is our share. Yes. >> That's your share. I understand that. But I want to know where whether it's something that the people of Laccom use uh and should be paying for or not. And
then the other question I have is as far as the student population goes, I would like to inquire as to is the population total student population using going to Philsburg High School and also coming into the middle school here and the elementary schools is the population
increasing or decreasing and if anybody knows uh how many students there are the increase is or how many much the decrease is. >> I would go to a school board meeting by now. >> Okay, that's that's where that's where I'll go. Um,
so, uh, see, so that is basically that it does does help the the town the townships townships, uh, paying for and we're paying our taxes for one person. Okay. All right. >> All right. >> Thank you very much. >> Yep.
>> Anyone else? >> 245 Aurora Street. Um, Brian had mentioned about snowplow damage and my my property was one of the ones where the snow plow came in and tore up some of my lawn and I talked to Brian Weeks at the time and he said that, you know, they would they would repair it about,
you know, maybe like two weeks ago whenever we had that last hot spell. Um, somebody stopped by and I I think his name was Brian. I'm not sure. Yeah. And I just wanted to say I watched him out there. He was out there for quite a while. He did a really good job. I mean, it's not perfect. It's not, you know, like it was never torn up, but he did a
a really really nice job and I really appreciate the effort that he put in. He wasn't just there and you I'm going to throw back and he he really took his time and placed it and did a a very substantial job. So, I'm going to say thanks to the Department of Public Works and particularly to that fellow Brian. So,
>> thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. Hi, I'm John Magden. I live on 113 Pudding Stone Way and I just wanted to thank you and the council for moving forward with uh the repair of that
street. My wife and I lived in this township for over 50 years and uh we're original owners on Putting Stone when uh Country Hills started and we were also original owners at Brickley Park. We were at the end section of that on
Wsworth Lane. And uh my concern was when we lived on Wsworth Lane um the road one day had a dip in it. Okay. Uh it it increased a little bit more. Council was aware of it, you know, but didn't move
fast enough. And the day before that street went down, my uh uh brother-in-law was 12 years old at the time. And uh he he if if he would have been one day later he would have been in that home and uh from what I remember
there was a 14 ft ladder in that home on that street. So right in front of our driveway that went down my neighbor across the street her yard went down and uh and another part of of uh Wdsworth. So the condition of putting stone now I
mean we were here in the very beginning of Country Hills. We were the second person to sign >> to have a house built in Country Hills. And uh Wdsworth, that section that we're talking about here, is the oldest street in Country Hills. And we're seeing
pavement going on in other places. And our street is falling apart. >> Completely falling apart. And wintertime when it comes the the macadam we're throwing parts of the street into our lawns, into the road. And I I just
bought a new snowb blower two years ago and it's already shot from the augur and all but you can't see there's macadam snow and we're throwing that stuff all over the place. And what really set this off I think is when you repaved Stone
Hedge just recently last year the year before going up to the school. Um when they were finished with that road they had their um pavement uh equipment. They parked it on our street on that curb and everybody in our street was excited. Finally, they're going to fix our
street. You know, two days later they hauled the thing away and it was just a short section and and that that petition actually is for just the Country Hills section. And uh I have to say the original Brickley Park streets are better than I think Country Hills
streets. Somehow along the line, things got cheapened up and these streets are falling apart quicker than the old Brickley Park section. Those roads are still halfway good, you know. But, uh, my thing is I I appreciate, you know, like I said, I've been here a long time.
I got old in this township. We love it. My son grew up here, went to the schools, and now his daughter is going to Latcon school. So, we're we just love Lil Patcon. But, uh, we just have to keep it up, >> right? Yeah. And I I appreciate that.
Mayor Manguchi, who was the previous mayor, I mean, he started a great plan number of years ago hitting streets and said, "We're trying to hit them all. We just can't afford to hit them all at once." >> I understand streets, too. >> Trying to We're trying to follow his
footsteps because it was, you know, it has to be done. >> Yeah. >> And a lot of, you know, councils prior to us didn't do streets. So, we're trying to get them done. So, we we will get it finished. >> Okay. Very good. because uh all the people when this petition went around, nobody not one person hesitated to sign
that petition because that's how we feel about that road, you know. It's just it's it's it's the forgotten road >> it seems, you know, cuz it's an off road, >> right? >> Well, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Not seeing anything. Motion for a
German. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Thank you for coming out, guys.