Good evening everyone. This is the Maple Shade Township Council regular session agenda for May 14th. Please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God,
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. [snorts] >> Right. Public notice of this meeting pursuant to the open public meetings act has been given by the township council in the following manner. Notifying the township clerk December 23rd, 2025,
posting notice on the municipal website, and posting notice on the official municipal bulletin board on December 23rd, 2025. Anyone from the public wishing to speak tonight will be permitted to address comments to council during the public portion only. Those wishing to speak will get one chance at the podium. State your name and address
and you will get up to five minutes. Please place all phones on mute. Roll call, please. Terry. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Miss Nunes >> here. >> Mr. Simons here. >> Mr. Radnik >> here. >> Mayor Telerico >> here. >> Mayor, for the record, uh both Councilman Kaufman and Councilman Simon
Sack did notify us that they were unable to attend this evening. >> Okay. Thank you. This is the open board of health meeting. >> Thank you. Uh this past month, we had four sanitary conditions, all in restaurants, but all have been abated. So that is the end of my report. Everything else was good. >> Okay. Thank you. This is the public
portion. Does anybody from the public have anything on the open public the board of health meeting? >> All right. Motion to close. So made >> that motion. >> I'll second >> comments. All in favor? >> I >> I need a motion to adjurnn. >> So made. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. We are going to move over to the proclamation recognizing Denise Valencia for outstanding athletic performance. Denise, if you can please come up. [applause] [applause] >> Congratulations.
for you. >> So, I'm going to read this. That's for you. Take home. Okay. This is the proclamation recognizing an outstanding athletic achievement. Whereas the township of Maple Shade is proud to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our residents whose
hard work, dedication, and perseverance bring honor to our community. And whereas East Valencia has demonstrated exceptional commitment, discipline, and sportsmanship through participation in competitive wrestling. And whereas Denise has achieved remarkable success throughout her athletic career,
including earning first and second place finishes at the Clipper Classic, two-time participant, placing second and third at the South Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame tournament, two-time participant, and securing third place at the General Regional Golden Eagle.
And whereas Denise can't get home. >> Okay. Whereas Denise has further distinguished herself as a Creek Classic champion and a two-time Cherokee Tournament champion, showcasing her consistent excellence in competition. And whereas Denise earned third place in
both district and regional competitions and achieved an impressive fifth place finish at the state tournament, competing at the highest level in New Jersey. And whereas Denise also demonstrated outstanding performance by recording the fastest pin at the state tournament on two occasions and was
honored as second team all South Jersey recognizing her as one of the region's top athletes. And whereas these accomplishments reflect not only athletic ability but also determination, resilience, and a strong commitment to excellence that serves as an inspiration to others in the Maple Shade community.
Now therefore, be it resolved by the township council of the township of Maple Shade that we do hereby commend and congratulate Denise for her outstanding achievements in wrestling and extend our best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors. In witness whereof, we have here on set
our hands and caused the seal of the township of Maple Shade to be affixed this 14th day of May, 2026. CONGRATULATIONS [applause] ALL >> [applause] >> RIGHT. WELL, WE'RE GOING TO MOVE OVER TO THE PROCLAMATION FOR THE Memorial Day honoring those who gave all. Whereas
Memorial Day is a time for our nation to pause and honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. And whereas [snorts] these courageous individuals gave their lives to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear, ensuring that future
generations may live in peace and liberty. And whereas the sacrifices of our fallen service members extend beyond the battlefield, deeply impacting their families, loved ones, and communities who carry their legacy forward with strength and pride. And whereas the township of Maple Shade is forever
grateful for their dedication, courage, and selflessness of those who have served and those who continue to serve our nation. And whereas Memorial Day is not only a day of remembrance, but also a call for all citizens to reflect on the true cost of freedom and to honor the memory of those who gave their lives
in its defense. And whereas it is fitting that we as a community come together to recognize and pay tribute to these heroes, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten. Now therefore, be it resolved by the township of council of the township of Maple Shade that we do hereby proclaim Memorial Day as a day of remembrance and
honor for all those who have given their lives in service of the United States of America. And we encourage all residents to observe the day with gratitude, reflection, and respect. Be it further resolved that the township council calls upon all residents to participate in Memorial Day observations and display to
display the American flag and to take a moment of silence to honor our fallen heroes. In witness whereof, we here we have here unto set our hands and caused the seal of the township of Maple Shade to be affixed this 14th day of May, 2026. [snorts and applause]
All right, moving over to the ordinance. Second reading and public hearing. Ordinance number 2026-07 is an ordinance of the township of Maple Shade accepting a deed of dedication for PSEG for land and improvements to be utilized as right of way on property identified as portions of block 18903
lot 5 and located at the intersection of Willow Road and Rotary Way. We will now open up to the public. Does anybody from the public have anything on this ordinance? All right, seeing none, motion to close. >> I'll make the motion. >> Motion made by John. Second
>> comments. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Motion to adopt. >> So made. >> I'll second. >> Comments. Roll call, please. Terry. >> Miss Nunes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Radnik. >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico. >> Yes. >> Resolution number 2026-R87
is to authorize the purchase and installation of the replacement synthetic field Turfield under New Jersey Bergen County Cooperative Contract BCC25022. Can I have a motion to approve? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. comments. >> Mayor, just so clarification, it's R84,
not R87. >> Did I say 87? >> I believe. Right. 84. >> Yes, >> it is 84. Okay. Um, comments. Roll call. >> Miss News. >> Yes. >> The microphone. >> No. No. Not until public portion.
>> No, this is about the >> Yeah, but this is our comments, not yours. >> Resolution. >> Yes, you can come up during the public portion for that. I mean you can you're here so that's fine. You can stand there for a second. Roll call please. Terry. >> Miss Nunes. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Zadnik. >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico. >> Yes. >> All right. This is the public portion. >> Okay. Um 39 Lancancy road. >> I was just wondering if um the cost of [snorts] to the taxpayers has been
revealed to them. I understand there's a grant, but I was wondering what the total cost to the taxpayers would be if we can put that on record. >> We have We have applied for the grant, but we have not heard from the grant yet. >> Correct. We have not heard from the grant. >> We don't know what we were awarded or if
we're even getting it. >> The total cost is $43,767.64 >> for the total cost >> for the for the turf field. Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> But we're not aware of what we're getting for a grant. >> That's correct. Okay. >> All right. Thank you.
>> All right. This is the public portion for the consent agenda. Does anybody else have anything? All right. Seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> So, second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. So, resolution 2026 R 85 and R86.
Um, we need a motion to table this until the June 11th meeting. >> So, made a second. >> Okay. All in favor or is that a roll call? >> Roll call. >> Roll call, please. there. >> I just want to explain um these are both uh liquor license associated [snorts]
and the state did not open the system up for the clearance certificates yet until next week. So that's why they're being tabled. >> Thank you, >> Miss Nunes. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rnik, >> yes. >> Mayor Telerico, >> yes. Resolution 2026-R87
through resolution 2026-R95. Can I have a motion to approve? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Comments. Roll call. Miss News. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sernik, >> yes. >> Mayor Tel Rico, >> yes. The approval of the expenditure list, please, Susan. >> Thank you. Current fund bill list
7,319,48 and a penny. Utility fund $722,718.93. Capital fund is $444,940.554. Utility capital is $972,55267. Our trust fund is $25,642. And the grant fund is $2,89563.
Just for clarification for everyone of our current fund of the 7.3 million, 1.672 million is the quarterly pension obligation. 1.87 million is the second quarter county taxes. 2.69 million is the board of ed monthly tax payment.
375,476 is in our joint insurance fund. So that leaves $72,324 in operational expenses that include solid waste collection and other insuranceances. So I have reviewed the above bill list as submitted and recommend payment when funds are available. >> Okay, thank you. Can I have a motion to
approve? >> I'll make the motion. >> Second comments. >> Roll call, please. Terry. >> Miss Nes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Znik. >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico. >> Yes. Approval of the April 2026 minutes. >> So made. >> Second. >> Comments. Roll call, please.
>> Miss Nunes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. Rnik. >> Yes. >> Mayor Terrio. >> Yes. This is the public portion. If anybody from the public would like to come up and address council, please do so now. State your name and address for the record. >> March Terry, 200 East Lynwood Avenue. I have a short statement to read and I
promise mayor I will not go above my five minutes. And I actually brought some show and tell. [snorts] >> Two weeks ago, I had new garage doors installed. My garage sits across from the infield of JFK Field. While the
contractor was there, the high school team lobbed a ball across the fence and dented his brand new truck. The contractor knew how the damage occurred as he saw the ball being thrown and found it under his truck. I didn't learn about this until he returned to complete
the job and asked if he had reported it. He said he didn't bother as he'd likely be told the damage came from someplace else. This is the second time someone came to my home, parked across from the field, and had their vehicle damaged. The first time a friend incurred $1,200
in damage to his vehicle. He did report it to the township, but he was told that there had been no problems with baseball since the elevated fence was installed. That could not be further from the truth. I've taken a few photos which I've given to Susan over the years of
some of the hundreds of balls that have landed in my yard. These photos don't include multiple fivegallon buckets that I gave to my son who coaches baseball and the dozens more I've thrown away. Over the years, I've had multiple instances of broken siding, broken
siding on my house and garage, dents in my garage doors, dents in my travel trailer, broken fence pickets, and damage to my chainlink fence, excuse [clears throat] me, by players climbing over it to retrieve balls. I have absorbed the cost of all this
damage except for the one claim I filed with the township insurance, but it only covered my homeowner deductible. This left me to cover the rest of the repair out of pocket or turn it into homeowners and risk an increase in my premium. Neither was a good choice.
Ultimately, once again, I paid out of pocket to have the repair completed. While the liability insurance works for the township, essentially there's little protection for the homeowner. Aside from the property damage, three times I've had a near miss to my head by
flying balls. Once while standing in my yard and twice while in my pool. My husband was not so lucky and was hit in the back with a ball that bounced off our driveway. This is the second time addressing council on this matter. Years ago, a decision was made to elevate the
fence which cut down on the balls in my yard by approximately 10%. Basically, it did little to solve the problem. A backs stop with a large overhang or extending and can lever can levering the ex the elevated fence may help, but I
feel the best solution would be to move the high school boys and other older boys to another field, perhaps to Seinhower or one of the fields on at Wood Lawn. My husband and I put up with a lot of issues over the road over the years from the leagues that play at the
JFK Kfield. While I understand that some of this goes with living across from an athletic field, a homeowner should be able to expect safety while in their own yard and not have to tolerate continued property damage. I'd like my yard I'd like to be safe in my yard, be able to
park in my own driveway without risking my vehicle, and have my property be protected from damage. I ask that the township address this issue and take some action to remedy it. >> Thank you. >> That's all I have. >> Thank you. I thought we did address this. Didn't we move Babe Ruth from
there and the high school? >> The high school is still at ACES. >> So, it's just the high school now because I know we had moved it so football could have the infield. >> Yeah, >> there's still there >> practice or something going over there now. Older boys >> practice or games to >> I think they do they do games there.
Last I knew that they were doing games there too. >> You said that the contractor said that he called up here to the township and that we said it was no issue. >> No, he did not because he I said well why didn't you do that? and he said, well, he said, they're not going to believe me anyway. Which, you know, I said, well, you should have called
anyway, but >> thank you for bringing it to my attention. We'll >> appreciate it. >> Have a good night. Anybody else from the public? Jay, >> good evening. Jay Renwick, 40 West Lynwood Avenue, Maple Shade. Just wanted to mention that our Memorial Day
services will be on the 25th at 11 a.m. the normal spot at the monument at Main and Fellowship. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So encourage everyone to come out. It's a rain or shine event. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else from the public?
>> Okay, seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> I'm here. >> Oh, I'm sorry, Joanne. I didn't see you. All right. Uh Joanne Mortimer, 39 Lansancy Road. Now, I'm here as a followup to what I brought up last month,
>> okay? To the fact that since the land use board was formed, uh there has not been an engineer present at the meeting. There has only been a planner. I brought it up to you last month and I'm here to see if there
has been any resolution to that. >> Do you want to answer that? >> I'll speak to that. Sure. The uh the board functions when it's reviewing applications at public hearings um in response to the applications they
receive. And during a public hearing and before the board makes a decision, if the application involves engineering issues, an engineer would attend. If it involves planning issues, a planner would attend.
If it involves both engineering and planning, then both would attend. But where one is an issue and the other isn't, um, only the engineer or the planner would attend. And the reason for that is that the professionals are paid the board's professionals are paid by
the applicants. The costs for the the board's professionals to review development applications are not borne by the taxpayers, not spread over the town. So all the taxpayers can pay for it. The applicants pay for it. So for that reason, applicants pay application
fees. They make deposits to into escros in order to defay the costs of the professionals review fees. But depending on the issue, either a board planner or an engineer would attend. But it's not a
situation where for every application or for every instance whether there's an application or not, both an engineer and a planner would sit through the entire meeting each and every time. That's the reason why that doesn't happen. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, well, in that particular case,
so you're stating on record that [snorts] nothing was needed for an engineer during the months of February, March, and April. Is that correct? I don't think he could state that. >> I don't know what applications were heard during those times.
>> Well, I do because I was at every meeting. >> Okay. Now, for example, if you're discussing putting an addition on a building, would that be a situation where an engineer would need to be present when people are giving
professional testimonies relating to that? >> Maybe >> architects and engineers >> maybe maybe it's a planning issue. Maybe somebody wants a variance and they want a planner there. It depends. You really have to look at each and every application. Can't speak in broad
strokes. When we're discussing things related to the RPM building not having handicapped access, would you think an engineer would not need >> to be present? >> I'm not going to speculate on that. I'd have to see the application.
>> Well, see, in my situation, I feel what we are doing is presenting liability to the township of Maple Shade. I really feel that we're doing that. And as taxpayers, we should try and avoid that
as much as possible. Now, since then, oddly enough, I was showing one of my listings to somebody who happened to be an engineer. And he said, "Can I bring my father with him to with him too?" I said, "Sure."
Well, his father happened to be a retired engineer who serves on the Mount Laurel boards currently. And I just asked him out of curiosity, you know, how important is it to have an engineer at a meeting? He said, it's
very important. In fact, Mount Laurel has both. We always have an engineer present and we always have a planner present. So, I'm putting it on record again that I feel you are presenting liability to
us as taxpayers. Okay? and I feel something should be done about it. Now, this is the second time I've been here. So, if anyone knows me well, if I'm not satisfied with an answer, I'm going
higher. I'm going outside the township at this point. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You state your name and address for the >> Dennis uh with Remington New Yorkers. And I would just like to respond to this. Uh Ashton Jones is the planner
who's been attending. I'm a professional engineer and a professional planner. I work with Ashton. Ashton does not step out of his bounds. If there's an issue that regards a professional engineer to be part of that, he'll reach out to me or somebody else on staff and we'll be
there as part of that application. >> Thank you. >> You know, one other thing, Dennis, just to to kind of end it. It's not just the public hearing isn't the first time that the board has taken a look at a development application. Development applications come in on paper. They're
reviewed by board staff and professionals. Those folks issue review letters, either the planner or the engineer, depending on the issues, long before the matter gets to a public hearing. Then when you get to the public hearing, basically it's just the opportunity for the public
to comment on the application and to make it public. But it's not the first time that either of the board's professionals are looking at the application for the first time. And if one of or both of them is not there at a public hearing that the application is
not being properly developed uh reviewed by the board or its staff or its professionals. It's just the public hearing portion of the entire process. Does that make sense? >> Very much so. And what you mentioned earlier too is we could have two people attend [clears throat] makes more money
for us. But I don't think that's fair to the applicant. If we can cover with just a planner and they can uh address the issues and uh and give good advice on that, I don't think there's a need to run up the expense for the developer. It also assumes that the applicant is going
to get a bill from a planner who didn't have anything to do with the application, attended a public hearing, and the applicant says, "What are you billing me this for?" and would not be very happy about it. So that I think that goes to your point >> and Ashton's not going to risk his license by doing engineering reviews.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else in the public? I just texted. >> Okay. >> Same problem. >> So, this it's a glitch with YouTube. There's actually there should be two links. One says external and one does
not. You do the one that does not say external. That's what the issue is. It's not YouTube's been working on it. But it is. >> Yep. >> Anybody else from the public? >> Okay. Can I have a motion to close, please? >> So made. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Moving over to staff and
professional comments. Start with you, Mr. Zarani. >> No comment. >> Okay. >> I just wanted to send out my condolences. Betty Proopio, a member of our community and historian
that has uh taught our children, has taken care of the historic society for many, many years, has passed. And I wanted to reach out to her family and say so sorry for that. Uh it was a great loss for for everyone in town. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Susan Terry, do you have anything? >> Do you have anything? >> I don't. >> Uh yes. I want to uh this is the last meeting before the primary election, which is Tuesday, June 2nd. The polls will open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Uh
there are three ways for a voter to vote in New Jersey. Uh you can go to the polling places, which you will get um on your sample ballot. it'll tell you where to go in your polling place. Uh there's early voting which or starts May 26 through May 31st
and there's also uh you could by mail you could put it in the secure uh box out front. Uh their deadline uh the sample ballots are going to be starting to be delivered on May 20th. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot
is May 22nd. And I believe that is all the dates that you should know for this election. So it is your right to vote. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You don't have anything, right? >> Okay. The only thing I have is I want to congratulate the Maple Shade High School for winning first place today in the unlist contest at the Philadelphia Zoo
for the second year in a row. It's awesome. [applause] Um this our soccer basket is auction is tomorrow night from 6:00 to 8 at the VFW. and the concert in the park series. Sorry Susan if I stole that from you. Starts May 19th from 6:30 to 8:30 at the
Gazebo Park. Uh moving over to old business operations do just so I can be set up and get through this. Okay, so last Saturday was our annual shredding event. The event yielded 2,940 pounds of shredding material. So that's always a good event.
Um thank you to everyone that came out. Today we held a pre-construction meeting for the new Jake's Place playground. Notice to proceed will be issued as of June 1st. This project is anticipated to take approximately 90 days to completion. Residents in that area will be getting notices from both the township and the contractor as well. Um
in front of you, you have some documents. It's also going to be up here on the screen. We have ongoing issues at Woodlon Field with the wooden fence that runs along the back of the homes between field four and five, which would be um the Collins Lane side. So, these are
just some photos that we took today. Um, there's also problems along Roland Avenue and it literally seems that each time the wind blows, panels fall. So, oh, did you just move that television? >> Oh, they can see on that one. That wire
comes out and I'm coming after you, Jeff. [laughter] >> I won't let him work for it anymore. >> I won't let him work for it. >> All right, we'll take it out of the police budget. It's all good. Um uh it literally does seem like every time you can see the photos here. This
the fence is older. Um this is over right after the turf field and by the softball field. This is another portion of the fence over there. And this is the one that literally falls over whenever we uh the wind blows. So um we have received quotes and I'd like to move
forward with replacement. There's just one small issue. Um it's the location of the fence. And before I get into the location of a fence here, our wonderful AI can let you do some um concepts. So, what we're looking at is a black um
chainlength powdercoated fence with the slats that would go along. It would be 8 foot along the Collins Lane side. Uh field four and five. We would then do some shrubbery in there to decorate um and to block. This is just another view of that. And then on the softball field,
this is what it would look like. Clean that up. So you can see that it could it would really make a big difference um just in general. The issue is however we had a survey done and a copy of which has been placed at your seats. Um and we've learned that two of the properties the fence was installed approximately 10
ft from the resident's property line and 3 ft from another which um in the resident's favor. So the question for council is is where would you like to install this new fence? Are we going to go back to the actual property line and go back and some homes might have to
move a shed or there's one that has a stone um like a gravel patio area or do we just put it exactly where we did it and I figured that is a conversation for you all to uh >> in the past we just did it that area
over to the residents right we just did that with M Mr. the core. >> We have we have Yes. So, and again, the it would be along this side right here. There are three homes that are affected. Um, you know, you can see in some of the other photos, too. I'm going the wrong
way. Sorry. Um, I went the right way. Let's go back. Sorry. So, if you look at this one, so if you see where that chain link fence is, that is the property line. Right behind that is somebody else's property line. They put up a white vinyl fence. And then you have the wooden fence that starts.
Problem is is that it's been that way for years. Um so if council is okay with replacing it or you know replacing where is like as is then that's how we'll go. >> Probably the fairest thing to do. >> So but that's a decision for you all to make and pat I did not feel. >> Yep. So that's what we're doing.
Authorized to do that. >> Yeah. Because I mean we said president before. >> Okay. >> Makes sense. >> Just wanted to make sure. >> I don't want to. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And then just real quickly, our monthly report overviews from our department heads through April 30th, 2026. The tax collectors report reflects
strong property tax collection performance compared to 2025. Right now, year-to- date tax collections have totaled approximately 17.97 million, which is about 1.2 million higher than the same period last year. Our Edmonds collection ratio also improved from 66.81% to 69.05%
indicating a higher percentage of taxes collected overall. Our water and sewer collections were lower than the prior year with year-to- date revenues down approximately $255,700 compared to 25. Dog license revenue remained relatively consistent. While April revenues and monthly licenses sold
increased over last year, the overall year-to-ate total for dog licenses is behind 2025 with only 368 licenses sold compared to 411 last year. Our construction department has remained very active, strong permit and inspection activity. We've had a total
of 336 permits. 136 certificates have been processed year to date. Generate so far about $140,829 in permit fee revenue. April alone accounted for 96 of those permits, 20 certificates, and over $28,500 in permit
fees. Our inspection activity has also remained steady through the first four months of the year. 713 total inspections completed, 161 building, 246 electrical, 176 plumbing, 80 fire, 50 mechanical inspections, and then April
itself had 199 inspections across all of the disciplines. So there they are very busy. Um overall their report reflected continued development and construction activity throughout the township along with new processes that we've put in place um in the construction department for permit revenues and inspection volumes maintaining a strong pace
through the first third of the year. Our fire department responded to approximately 269 incidents as of April 30th throughout the township reflecting a steady operational tempo across a wide range of emergency calls. The largest portion of these responses have been commercial fire alarms, followed by
fumes and odor investigations, then utility wire issues, motor vehicle accidents, CO alarms, and then structure related incidents. Overall, their activity levels have demonstrated a consistent demand for both emergency response and public safety services across the community throughout the first four months of this year. And then
through the end of April, the township's financial position remains stable. It's something that we've been discussing along with the budget the last several meetings. Um, it's very well managed. We have strong cash reserve, continued grant re reimbursements, active capital project oversight. The 2026 municipal
budget uh 21.64 million was successfully adopted and uploaded into the state fast system, keeping the township on schedule both financially and operationally. Finance office reported the total cash on hand of approximately $30.9 million across all of our funds at the end of March, including healthy balances in the
current fund, capital fund, utility fund, our trust account, and our grant account. We've also continued to aggressively monitor our expenditures. We're continuing that process, something that we had spoken about late last year and then at the beginning of this year. We're reviewing our budget allocations regularly, identifying old capital
balances that can be released back into active spending authority. That's going to be something that we'll discuss a little uh later this evening. Our grant management activity has remained strong as well. During April, the township submitted the quarterly cops grant reporting and secured a reimbursement of approximately $31,250.
that goes to offsetting what uh we pay for our officers while also completing the required ARPA reporting with most of our ARPA fund projects nearing completion. Lastly, our capital project activity continues at a very active pace. We have numerous roadway drainage, utility, recreation, and water
infrastructure projects underway. We're out for bid or also in the final design phases. We also have major ongoing investments including the lead service line replacement, our utility plant improvements, our roadway resurfacing, drainage upgrades throughout the township, playground improvements, and then recreation facility enhancements.
So overall the finance report reflected a municipality that is financially stable maintaining strong liquidity and responsible managing capital responsibility managing capital obligations which we are actively pursuing outside funding opportunities and continuing to invest in long-term
infrastructure and community improvements. >> Is that it? >> That's it. Try to do it as quickly as possible. >> Thank you. >> Police report. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. How are you? >> Good. How are you? [clears throat] So, I know that the uh council is aware of the
incident that took place on May 1st at the Tigers football carnival. Um I know Susan had briefed you on it. Uh I'm sure you had a chance to look at the video that we had put up on our YouTube page. Um but I just wanted to kind of break down for you um you know, kind of our
perspective of the incident. Uh and and the easiest way to do that for you was to kind of tell you what we did pre-event uh what our observations were during the actual event and then some of the things that we've done since then to try to uh address the things that happened that night. >> Okay. >> So, in anticipation of the carnival and
uh knowing what had happened last year, um we met with township officials and carnival planners months in advance to discuss safety protocols. These protocols included stafing the event with two officers each night, signage prohibiting backpacks and face masks, which we actually found to be uh very
useful during the other township events like fireworks and stuff like that. Um, and they were to have uh a volunteer stationed at each entry point enforcing the rules and controlling the entry of people who were not complying with the uh protocols.
For the Friday staffing, the event included two officers who were assigned to the event specifically uh and we made arrangements to hold over four members of our daytime patrol shift in anticipation of a potential problem. Uh we also had our SEO one officer assigned
to the event that night. In addition to the preparation uh manpower-wise during the week leading up to the carnival, we received credible information that there was a group of agitators that planned on meeting at the event, specifically a fight. This information was uncovered by our SEO3
officers through their contacts in the school. Um, and it was also confirmed by some outside law enforcement agencies who had received that information who called to share that with us. And as a response to that, we had assigned our detective bureers, our detective bureau
to uh attempt to mitigate that situation. um some of the uh potential people involved were outside of town, so it necessitated a little bit wider response than we could have with the patrol division. So, we uh turn that
over to our detective bureau. Um they spent several days leading up to the carnival tracking down people who were making threats uh either over social media or uh through direct messages or in person. and we ultimately um were able to speak with everyone who was
involved in that particular situation and actually pre prevented that from materializing. However, there were obviously other situations that took place that night. And lastly, as a proactive measure, we put the surrounding departments um in the neighboring communities on standby just
uh you know, reminding them of what had happened last year and uh anticipating potentially needing their help. So during the event uh despite the increase in staffing the size and volatility of the crowd necessitated a regional response which we call an all call. And
basically what happens in that situation is central communications will uh get out on a countywide channel and basically put out a message that they they literally will call it an all call for Maple Shade uh for a disturbance at
the football carnival. and we will basically get everyone who's available to send officers. We wound up with a total of 53 officers responding to our town that night to try to assist our officers who were already there and on scene. Um these officers came from Burlington
County and Cam County mainly. However, we did learn after the fact that departments in Gloucester County were actually staging their officers in case we needed a second wave of people to come in to help mitigate the situation. Uh the event again was overwhelmed by a
large number of unaccompanied minors. This crowd consisted of a mix of local and out of town juveniles, including a group that we would classify as agitators. The agitators were mostly juveniles dressed in black clothing, some of whom were wearing face coverings. The agitators were openly
confrontational with law enforcement and appeared to be attempting to provoke officers into physical altercations or incite conflicts conflicts with other attendees. Uh, additional concerning behavior that we observed included groups of juveniles suddenly running in a coordinated
directions without a clear cause, which created panic and a stampede type response. One of these instances actually occurred inside the carnival, which caused some children to be knocked down and others to be separated from their parents. Even [snorts] after the carnival was shut down, many attendees lacked
transportation, preventing their orderly dispersal from the area. That's how we wound up with a large group out in the neighborhoods and in the main street area. As a result, groups of juveniles migrated into nearby neighborhoods, engaging in behavior that disturbed residents, creating public safety
concerns such as climbing on porches, jumping on fences, and also jumping on vehicles. Um, the WAWA fell victim to this behavior almost right from the outside of the event. Um it wasn't even uh initially wasn't even a situation of disorderly conduct, but um the
shoplifting was so rampant in the store and they were losing so much money that they elected to proactively close down to just get people out of the store. Uh additionally, I was informed that at one point during the event, one of their delivery trucks um pulled up and
basically opened its door and was getting ready to take product into the Waw Wa. and his truck was surrounded by a group who in his estimation their his their intent was to basically loot his truck. So, he had to close his truck up and actually leave the area.
Um, as far as our operational response, um, you know, we had several of our officers who were off duty come in to supplement the officer was already working. Um, Lieutenant O'Brien and Lieutenant Davis both responded to the scene. Ultimately, Chief Fletcher and I made our [snorts] way in when we realized what the scale of it was. Um,
and I just want to give an add to Lieutenant O'Brien and Lieutenant Davis because it certainly was um, their quick response and their management of the scene that helped us resolve it in what I would consider to be an acceptable amount of time considering what we were dealing with.
Um, since that incident, uh, we've done a lot of followup. Um, that night there was a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old juvenile from Oakland and Camden arrested um, and charged uh, or I'm sorry, charges are currently pending. Uh through the use use of
social media, bodywn camera footage, and stationary cameras at the venue, we have identified additional suspects and are currently working on building a case to charge them. As well, we are proactively meeting with the Rick County Prosecutor's Office to review the actions of the individuals that night and secure approval for any and all
charges that apply up to and including the charge of riot, which is 2C33-1A, a fourthderee crime in New Jersey. Um, as I previously stated, we released a video of the incident on our YouTube channel. And this was not only to help
us uh assist in identifying actors, which we actually did. We we had a parent actually call in and say, "That's my kid." on the video, and I accept responsibility for what they're doing. Um, but we also wanted the public to see the chaos that unfolded at what was supposed to be a family-friendly event and the steps that we needed to take to
mitigate that. Uh unfortunately, the events that occurred that night are no longer an anomaly in our community. This is the second year in a row that we've had this type of situation unfold at that event. Uh our detective that was assigned to monitor our stationary cameras during the event estimated that the peak number
of people present at the event was close to probably 500 people. This is a sharp increase over the numbers of individuals that engaged in the riotous behavior we saw last year. When we conclude our investigation, I hope to be able to report that back to you that we have held the agitators
accountable for disrupting what should have been a great event that has been in being held for many years. Um, the second thing I wanted to uh brief you on is an operation that we became involved in through the New Jersey State Police. Um, I'm sure you
recall, uh, Chief Fletcher reported, um, earlier in the spring that we had a well, what can only be described as a shootout at Hometown Studios where we had two factions of what we believed were, um, you know, rival gangs, for lack of a better word, engaging in a shootout in the parking lot out there.
Um, through our investigation with that, um, we became involved with the state police in an operation called Operation Dethrone. Um, it recently concluded with the execution of several search warrants in our town. Uh, like I said, this
operation started earlier in the spring. Um, it primarily started out as an operation to target human trafficking that had ties here in Maple Shade. Uh, patrolman Colinto, who's in the room tonight, was assigned to the task force and did a very good job. uh through the use of electronic
surveillance and good oldfashioned police work, he assisted in identifying several targets in our apartment complexes and our motel. There was actually three locations hit in our town the other morning when this all came to a head. Um I am being a little vague about it because there hasn't been a lot of details released as to the players in
it course. >> Um and obviously there's additional information that uh or additional investigation that needs to occur. So I apologize if I can't get into specifics, but I can tell you the following. 13 subjects were charged in Maple Shade and this does not include targets outside of
our town. These charges included racketeering, human trafficking, conspiracy to commit human trafficking, being the leader of a narcotics track trafficking network, promoting organized street crime, and unlawful possession of a weapon, which are all first-degree crimes.
Additional charges included certain purses not to possess a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, conspiracy to to distribute heroin and cocaine, and distribution of cocaine cocaine, which are all secondderee crimes. Some of the thirdderee crimes that were charged included distribution of heroin,
possession of CVS, promoting prostitution, and financial financial facilitation of criminal activity. In addition to the charges, there was one 9mm handgun recovered in our town and two additional firearms which included a ghost gun AR-15 that were recovered in other jurisdictions. There was a total
of 17,24 in US currency recovered in total. Um, a bright spot for us in addition to Cullen was that our K9 officer Anthony Marshall and his partner Sitka assisted in the recovery of a half a kilogram of CDS at
a location in Camden County during the time of the raids. More importantly, um the operation identified 15 victims who h of human trafficking who were liberated from their current situations and provided with resources that will allow them to start their journey to
recovery. Um, one of the females that was interviewed basically told her story a little bit and uh said that, you know, she was in a position in life where she was a little downtrodden and she probably started out hanging out with people who weren't the best of uh comrades and ultimately they got her
addicted to drugs and forced her into prostitution. So it it it just shows that there's legitimate victims of human trafficking out there who just because, you know, they they wander into what's potentially a bad situation. You know, they they get caught up in this. Um as I
said, it's an ongoing and fluent investigation. I wish I could provide more specific details. Um and maybe in the future I will be able to, but I don't want to compromise anything that may be coming out of this. Um I just like to commend our officers who were involved in it. Um we did have some officers who were involved in the
operation itself who uh did security and did some prisoner transports and helped out with the actual execution of the operation. So in addition to Cullen, there were other officers uh from our department involved in that. Um Mayor, I know you said you like stats, so I want to give you a little
bit overview of our calls for service for April. Uh for April, we handled a total of 2,248 calls for service, which breaks down to 75 calls for service a day. Uh, out of those calls, some of the more frequent ones were 46 domestics, 66
well-being checks, which um go work usually go closely handinand with uh mental health calls, um 196 calls to assist EMS, 64 motor vehicle crashes, 194 phone call requests, 23 shopliftings, 20 thefts other than
shoplifting, 380 property checks, and 251 motor vehicle stops. Um we continue to work our way ahead in accreditation. We are coming up on our mock assessment um which entails the Rogers group taking a look at our policies and then making a recommendation to the state chiefs to
move forward with our reacredititation. And lastly, our uh cell block uh deconstruction reconstruction project started on May the 4th. Um and they have wasted no time. They have already broken through into the existing cell block. Uh
they've already broken through into the holding cell and broke the wall out that we needed for expansion. Um I can tell you they're not sitting around drinking coffee. They they came in, they're there bright and early. Um they've been great to work with there. We've had a great dialogue with them. They've had questions. We've had questions. Um and
you know, I'm sure putting things back is going to take a lot longer than knocking things down. It always does. Um but so far so good. Things are moving along and uh no hiccups as of right now. And that's all I have to report. >> Thank you for that report. Great job and please thank your officers.
[applause] >> All right, moving over to engineers. Is that who is that today? >> Alexis have the report too in front of you. >> Yeah, got it. >> Um for this month um for the watershed
inventory report. We're just waiting for the updated data. Um but pretty much as soon as we get the updated data, we need two or three days to finish the report and resubmit to um the EP for the annual uh stormwater report. The report is
done. I'm just working with the land use board to get the information we need from the heritage on main development. Um they have a lot of information that has accumulated and they're just trying to sit through to get the information that we need to submit to the D. um for Buttonwood Park. Uh they made a
lot of progress this week. Um I know that was a concern. Um, so they currently have all of the work inside the park complete except for the tree planting and they're going to be starting the work within the road tomorrow and the intersection on West
Mill and Buttonwood will be or flagged and partially closed I think Monday and Tuesday so that they can set that inlet and get the concrete poured for the the base of the inlet. Okay. Um, but they plan to be completely done by the end of
next week. So, they should be done with plenty of time for you guys to start the um, Jake Place Park. >> Um, Thomas Avenue drainage. We still haven't heard from DOT on the additional funding, but the proposal is draft. It's
ready. It'll be ready to submit sometime early next week. Um and then for Broadway and North Park Landing as well as the North Co's A projects, they will they're pretty much being wrapped up or they were wrapped up today and tomorrow and they will be
ready for advertisement next week. The plan is to receive bids in time to award at the June meeting if that is um what the council and township manager would prefer. Um and then they could be completed over the summer. Okay. Um
and then Maple Heights Road. Uh you guys just awarded uh or approved the resolution to award it to think pavers. Uh we will most likely meet sometime in the next two weeks for a precon meeting and give notice to proceed by the end of
the month and they will have 60 days to complete that job. Okay. >> Any other questions? >> You have any? No. >> Perfect. >> Thank you. Thank I did see uh done that button with today. So, I appreciate you you heeding my email.
>> Yes, our construction manager has been calling he called me probably six times today to give me updates on questions they had. Um they're pretty much just starting everything in the road tomorrow and finishing up by early next week and trees will be delivered and planted sometime next week. Fantastic.
>> There was water. I guess they were pumping it out because it was all the way down to 38 >> this morning. >> Oh yeah. I I saw some pictures of um of just water sitting in some of those trenches. >> Yeah. >> So, >> just goes to show that those >> how important we need wet back there. Yes.
>> To do this. So, >> Sam, thank you. >> Thank you. >> U moving over to sustainable their community cleanup is going to be this Sunday from 9 to 11:00 and then the green fair is from 11 to 2 at the gazebo. That's all I have. West Front Street Sewer Connection.
>> Yes. So, at our last meeting, uh, council, you were asked by the residents there, um, to give some consideration as to whether or not we wanted to extend the line there. There were some questions, um, that were left after that meeting. I know, uh, Councilman Zarnik
had a question for me, just basically the cost, whatever. I did ask uh our engineers, our utility engineer Dennis Yoder and Kina to please uh give us some information just about the project, what it an estimate of what it would cost, what needs to be done, what has been done in the past so that you all have a
full sense of what would need to be done out there. So Dennis, if you want >> So I've had the privilege of being your sewer engineer for 26 years. uh in the town most most people are connected to the public sewer system but there are when you get on off of Koh's Avenue
going down uh west of there there's a couple streets there that are not in the public sewer and then there's individual lots in the town where the there might be not be a sewer maintenance street and then people from time to time come in want to tie in a lot of times they have to put an individual grinder pump in pay
the connection fees and run their own force main and connect into the closest uh uh sanitary sewer. We usually work with them, give them details uh to em to uh township standards that we they'd have to do as far as the lateral, their
connection and so forth. Um in no case have we ever just paid for or provided sewer for any of those individuals. A number of years ago, um I think James Booth there on West Front, he was uh redoing a home and he came to the
township and asked about he wanted to run a put his own grinder pump station in because the septic system was failing and uh he was going to run it up the street and tie into the manhole in Kohl's Avenue at the time. I talked to council and I said uh what happened in
Cine Menson there's a bunch of the homes and residents are next to over over the years and this happened before me uh a bunch of the homes would put their own grinder pump in and run down and tie in. So you have four tieins from from different homes with four different
force mains all tying into the same manhole and it becomes a sort of a a messy situation. So, I didn't want that situation on West Front Street. So, we went back to James Booth and basically
told him that if he ran runs a larger a 3-in man in the street and he reaches out to his residents, then we would do that. Not only did he run it down as far as he needed, he extended it along his property line and uh then reached out to
the neighbors at that time to see if anybody want to connect. One of the other neighbors put their own pump station in and connected in, but I think there's four other homes at that time. The receptic systems and everything were working fine at that time and they declined to tie in. Now, the township
agreed to take over ownership of that main. Now, it needs to be extended for the final three homes. Uh, but again, the policy in the past has been that individuals run their own sewer, connect in, but that doesn't necessarily have to be uh the policy going forward. But I'm
just telling you that's the way it has been in the past. Uh I believe there at that point in time when that was put in I think there was a reach out to say anybody else interested and there was only one person interested. >> Okay. Thank you for that history. Much appreciated.
>> So council obviously we owe the resident some sort of decision. Um he has been inquiring. So, >> well, the solicit the solicitor left, but he he made a comment at the last meeting that if we do this, then everybody must tie in >> wherever that line is run. Yes.
>> So, everybody must tie in and the cost of that everybody tying in is upwards to $30,000. So it it depends whether you they the individual puts their own singlex or the duplex of pump station in
but you're they're looking 12 15,000 just for the pump station putting that in and then running their force main to tie into this main. There's also the connection fee uh which is a sort of like the connection fee is a statemandated formula which we look at
is basically takes a retired debt of your sewer system divides it by the number of users and saying hey everybody's connected now has already contributed this much to your system so anybody new connecting has to pay also uh so we have not waved that in the past
what what has been waved in the past is rather than having like remedy no vernick out there inspecting it the town has been gracious and allowed these homeowners to have Wood and Kern do the inspections of that work sort of since they were there. But that was sort of a gift. A lot of towns would actually make
them post escrow and have a inspection of the work done. But that has not that's a good way of working with them. That's sort of a compromise uh that that has been done in the past. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So there there's four other homes that would be affected by this line if we put
it in. Correct. I think there's a little bit more than four, right? >> So there I think there's two homes and I should look should there's at least one or two more homes that could connect currently and uh but then if this extension was there's three homes down at the the lower end of West Front that
would have to would connect in. >> So and these residents would also incur a monthly sewer bill that they're not they're not responsible for now. >> That's correct. But once once their septic system fails, it pro, you know, they're probably going to want to tie in at some point in the future. And usually
you Yeah, I don't know if it becomes a mandatory connection. That's also another decision. Uh, usually you maybe if they sell their home, they have to tie in if it's there, but that's that's again a more of a code issue. So >> Okay.
So I to know if we want to explore I would then ask Remington Verick to come up with a you know a true proposal and a true cost of what it would cost the municipality. Is this something you want to entertain? >> I wouldn't want to. >> I honestly thought last time Chuck gave history of people had asked before and we turned it down. >> Oh yeah.
>> And then Paul went and did it himself with >> That's correct. So we have had others throughout the town that have come to council and have asked and they have been denied. Um, the reason that it's back here on council is because at the end of that meeting there was there were like I said there were some questions and there were some guides guidelines that were given um without a real I went
back and I listened to the to that portion of the meeting and it wasn't real clear that council would want it. So that's why I brought it up again tonight have uh Remington and Vernick here to help us and uh come up with a decision so we can >> So tonight we still don't have a true cost of what
>> it's going to be what you said you said nine or 10. So you're probably looking at the run to force main if you do a local public contract law and obviously a resident can run a lot cheaper than we can run it as a township but you're looking $100 a foot and we're probably looking 300 foot to get down there to
tie the rest of the homes in and that doesn't include their lateral and the pumps but I don't know if you would ever entertain you don't want to take over ownership of the individual grinder pumps their electrical and and their force out there but just extending the 3inch main down you're probably looking at $30,000.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Would you like to speak? >> Good evening. >> Good evening. Can you just >> booth 42 North Liot? >> Thank you. >> I installed that line there. Okay. When
I installed it was back in late 19 2020. The septic system failed at the house we were. >> We spoke to Dennis about running the main hub. We ran it at our cost. We also paid a connection fee. We didn't get
nothing free there. >> Okay. >> When I ran it, I ran it past my son's house down to the neighbors, which is right next to him. So, I put 70ome feet in that I didn't have to put in. I left a valve there and I left a blowoff there. And that was for future for
people to tie in. I offered everybody back then. You want to tie in, we tie in now. >> So Mr. Sullivan was offered. >> Yeah, he was offered >> and he declined at the time. >> He did not do anything. >> Okay. Thank you. >> The law is in New Jersey, as far as I know, if you're within 100 ft of a public sanitary. They want you in it.
They don't want you in the ground. Okay? They want the septics gone. I put the septic in next to my brother my son's house 30 years ago. That's still working there. So they didn't tie in, but there was no as far as the cost goes. We ran
the pipe. Dennis gave us the size just in case these other people wanted to tie in. We put it into the manhole. All that was done at our cost. There was nothing given. No one paid me. I put it in for him because soon as you put a septic in,
it's just like a roof. They prorrate it every year. So the resale even though you got a pump is in the public sewer, not in a septic system. >> Okay? >> And you gain your yard back. So that was the two reasons I did it for my son
there and I had the capability and the means to do it. So it would be quite expensive for somebody to put that in. I put a duplex system in back then and for me to buy the material was 20ome,000. That was just that part not running up the street cutting all the asphalt and
the connection. on top of that and Mr. Morgan tied in when we went up there. He wanted to tie in. I actually put his pump station in too. Never once in the 30 some years that I've been here has the town ever paid for anybody to extend the main or every builder would be up
here wanting the mains extended for free. >> Okay. >> So, if you don't want to get onto the system, then you got to put a septic back in and then you have no problem. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Yep. Thank you. I appreciate Thank you. Thank you.
>> Mr. Sullivan, did you have something to add? >> John and Sharon Sullivan, 478 West Front Street. Just to be clear, um you're saying to get a pipe down the street, 250 ft is going to cost $30,000.
contract. Yes, they got prevailing rate for that if the township runs it. It's not going to cost you to do that, right? You don't have to pay that. >> Okay. And then would there be need to be a pump at the end of the street
>> your personal you would have to put your own pump station there. >> I know we probably have to put one at our house.