Okay. I'd like to make a motion to open. >> So made >> second. >> All in favor? >> I >> Okay. There was a decision in executive session to add a resolution to the agenda terminating the agreement for legal services with the township solicitor. The resolution number will be
2025-R165. Terry, is that correct? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Is there a motion to add this resolution to the agenda? >> Some made. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> No. >> Is there a motion to approve resolution 2025-R165? >> So,
>> second. Roll call. Terry. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss Nunes? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon Sick? >> No. >> Mr. Zerick? >> No. >> Mayor Trico? >> Yes. >> Okay. I guess I leave now since I'm done.
>> Thank you. >> My pleasure. >> I would like to ask uh Mr. Rapishi, our labor attorney, to come up and finish out solicitor for the rest of the meeting. >> I don't believe I need a motion on that. Good. Okay. >> All right. We're going to move over to the open board of health meeting.
>> Thank you, mayor. Uh this month there's been a total of eight uh reports given. We had two sanitary conditions. One was for mold in a unit which was abated and a dog park in a complex was not being cared for. Those both have been abated. There was one dog bite owner got bit and
then there were five miscellaneous calls. Uh, one was for dated food, outdated food that was unfounded. One was another for water damage. That's been abated. Air the air conditioning unit was not working in the apartment. That's been abated. And then two retail food establishment applications, both of
which have been approved by the board of health. And then now come here to the municipality. That is the end of my report for board of health. Okay. Public portion. Does anybody have anything on the board of health meeting? >> Seeing none, motion to close. So
>> second comments all in favor >> I >> I >> motion to adjurnn >> second all in favor >> I >> I we're going to move over to the ordinance introduction and first readings ordinance number 2025-10 is a bond ordinance authorizing the
completion of various capital improvements and the acquisition of various pieces of equipment in and for the township of Maple Shade County of Burlington New Jersey appropriating the sum of 2,45,000 therefore authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds bonds or bond anticipation notes of the township of Maple Shade County of Burlington, New
Jersey in the aggregate principal amount of up to 1,725,50 making certain determinations and covenants and authorizing certain relations, I'm sorry, certain related actions in connection with the foregoing motion for introduction. >> So, second comments
roll call >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss Non, >> yes. >> Mr. Simons, >> yes. >> Mr. Zadnick, >> yes. >> Mayor Telerico, >> yes. Publication date August 27, 2025. Public hearing, September 18, 2025. Ordinance number 2025-11. Bond ordinance authorizing the completion of various
utility capital improvements in the acquisition of various pieces of utility equipment in and for the township of Maple Shade County of Burlington, New Jersey, appropriating the sum of 2,170,000. Therefore authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds or bond anticipation notes of the township of Maple Shay County, Burlington, New Jersey in the aggregate principal amount
of up to 2,66,500 making certain determinations and covenants and authorizing certain related actions in connection with the foregoing motion for introduction. >> So made >> second comments roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman, >> yes. >> Miss Newton, >> yes. >> Mr. Simon, >> yes. >> Mr. Znick,
>> yes. >> Mayor Telica, >> yes. Publication date, August 27, 2025. Public hearing, September 18, 2025. Ordinance number 2025-12 is an ordinance of the township of Maple Shade County, Burlington State of New Jersey, amending the township code chapter 205 zoning section 113 and 114 requirements for
cannabis retailers. Motion for introduction. >> So moved. >> Second comments. >> Roll call. I'm sorry. >> Does that have to go to planning the planning board? It will after the so it comes from >> I just want to put it on record that it needs to go it can be introduced tonight
but then it needs to go to the planning board for recommendations to come back to us. >> So under the land use law yes >> council makes the changes that they're recommend recommending it goes to it goes to planning for their basically review and any recommendations that they have it will come back to council for an
adoption with any changes or if there's any changes that are recommended at the next meeting we'll enter them and then those will be noted. Will that come back before uh >> so in September it will come back to council with >> so zoning will I've already seen >> planning planning I'm sorry >> and council will get their
recommendations after their meeting next week. So and if anything has to be changed that lines will be more substantiative then we'll make those uh adjustments. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss Nunes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Simons. >> Yes. >> Mr. Znick. >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico?
>> Yes. Publication date August 27th, 2025. Public hearing September 18, 2025. Ordinance number 2025-13 is an ordinance of the Township of Maple Shade, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, amending chapter 205-75 and adding a new article to chapter 63 animals to establish a two-year pilot backyard
chicken program. Motion for introduction. >> I'll make that motion. >> I do have a comment on that. We need a second Chuck. No. >> Andrew second. Anybody? >> No. >> No. Okay. No second
motion dies. >> Okay. All righty. Ordinance number 2025-14 is an ordinance of the township of Maple Shade County of Burlington State, New Jersey amending the township code to add chapter 155 housing code. Motion for introduction.
>> So made >> second comments. >> Um we are going to add notifying to that, right, Susan? Notification. >> Yes, if that's that can be the comment that's made. Yes. that we're going to have a not in the procedures and policies of how the um of how the
application goes. There will be a notification clause in there to the >> to the neighbors to the neighboring properties as you would asked. >> Okay. >> Okay. Any other comments? >> Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss News? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> No. >> Mr. Zerick? >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico?
>> Yes. Publication date August 27, 2025. Public hearing September 18th, 2025. Ordinance number 2025-15 is an ordinance of the township of Maple Shay County in Burlington State and New Jersey accepting a sidewalk easement within block 189-03 lots 5 and 5.02. Motion for
introduction. >> So made >> second >> comments. >> Yeah. Where are we talking about Susan? >> This is the PSCG on Route 73 Rogers. >> Okay. >> Where were asking them to put a sidewalk in? >> So it was a requirement of um their approvals. So, and DOT said would they
have to have an easement to put the sidewalk in? >> Any other comments? Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> No. >> Miss Nunes? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simons? >> Yes. >> Mr. Znick? >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico? >> Yes. Publication date August 27th, 2025. Public hearing September 18th, 2025.
Ordinance second reading and public hearing. Ordinance number 2525-08 is an ordinance to the township of Maple Shade County of Burlington State of New Jersey amending chapter 194 of the township code entitled vehicles and traffic at sub chapter 194-21 to identify a new multi-way stop intersection. This is now
open to the public. If anybody from the public would like to come up and comment on this ordinance, please do so. Good evening. Please state your name and address for the record. >> Good evening. Claire Boly, 824 Greenwood Avenue. >> I just have a question with regard to this. Does this mean that we're going to
have a four-way stop on High Street and on Mil Mill Road? >> Yes. >> So, it's just going to be at Maple. >> Yes. >> On High Street. >> Yes. Fernwood did not pass for the four-way. Only Maple, >> right? >> Correct. >> That's correct.
>> All right. because it it just it it's I understand the reason behind this for the traffic, but and going to on Second Street in Morristown, they're going up there. They have stops every street, which to me would seemed if you're going
to be doing the stop sign to have it go whatever whatever the cross streets are there. >> So, you would be in favor of having a stop at Fernwood as well on High Street. Is that what you're saying? Yes, we tried. It didn't pass. Did >> it pass this? >> It didn't pass this test. >> We tried that. >> Well, I think we should petition the
state and see about getting it put in there because the residents want it and I know that >> Wait a minute. I just, you know, I'm just bringing up a thought here. What do you mean it didn't pass? Engineering study. >> The traffic study >> under the MUTCD, but it doesn't pass. It
doesn't have enough accidents at that intersection. There's a They have to look at what I know. I >> I know. I I agree. >> The accidents are on 73, not so much on on high street. >> That intersection did not that was the first intersection went through through and it had to do again with MUTCD laws
and what was going to be distances and whatnot. So our township engineer had said that that would not pass but that at High Street and North Maple that that would be an intersection that was um that was able to >> All right. So it would slow them down as they come off of 73,
>> but then they'll just pick up. But I mean, if it's if it's not >> the criteria doesn't meet what's needed for a stop sign to be put in Firmwood. However, you know, the town, it's your neighborhood. Yeah. >> And fine. It might slow them up. I mean,
cars are getting hit, the mirrors are getting ripped off. There might not be accidents that they're considering to be accidents, but at the end of the day, they just speed up and they'll make up the difference, you know, from Maple to uh for clanning road, >> right?
>> You know, we want >> they'll avoid it because it'll be I don't want to go down there and stop. Well, I understand that the state has criteria and that they want to uh have it met, but my opinion is that we
petition the state, have them come down here, explain to them what the problem is. We're going to have one four-way stop on there, and have the other one installed, you know, and see what their contention is of why we can't put it in there. I mean, it's our town and you
know, they're not dealing with the problems. And unfortunately, we can't have police sitting there >> all all the time writing tickets for people speeding and going through the neighborhood. >> Something that has been going on for a long time. So, I would just, you know, if they say that it doesn't qualify for
it, you would give it a give it a try and see what happens. If you can prove that it's not working, then you have better ammunition to go up to the state and ask them to do that. But my other question is with regard to Mil Road. So that's going to be a four. That's going to be >> four as well
>> because they're they're like not >> it is offset. >> Goofy. >> Yes. Qualified >> and that qualified qualified. >> But the other one didn't. >> Well, I I just don't agree with the stopping on Mill Road. I mean, but
whatever. We'll see what how that happens, too. Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else from the public on ordinance 2025-08? >> Okay, seeing none, motion to close. >> If I may, mayor, if I I'm sorry, if I may, just the comment was that uh from
Councilman Simon Sack was to petition the state. Is that something that the township wants the council wants us to look further into? I don't want to. >> It's been I don't want to because it's been done in the past with other uh councils a few times over and when I
first got on I I've talked uh extensively with the police department with the neighbors uh on the street including John and we've we've done a lot to try to make this happen. And I think at least we have to give this a try before we move forward to uh you
know refute the study and spend another 30,000 on a study >> and it's been done two two or three times already. >> Okay. >> So that saves the money uh taxpayers money and let's just see how we how we can work through this. >> I'm not saying to do another study.
We've already done the study. I'm saying to have the state come down here and explain it to them and say, you know, it doesn't meet the criteria, but we want you to go out here and walk the the neighborhood with them. Show them why we want to have the softway, the four-way
put in there. >> And I think it's more under the MUTCD. It's not so much the state telling >> you know what I mean. It's just it's their criteria. But >> I know Mr. you had mentioned something about the um uh speeds. >> I would like to see speed humps there. I
mean, I I talked to you at length about um I don't understand why it doesn't meet the criteria. The guy on the corner of that where it didn't meet the criteria has lost six trucks. He has six trucks total on that corner. How can
that not meet the criteria? So, I would like to see speed humps put in um in between those two streets like one one up by my block halfway down and halfway down the other block. Um they
are our streets. Um we can we can do whatever we want with our streets. We just can't put traffic signs on >> which is is counterproductive to a point. I mean, you know, I think we owe it to the residents in that neighborhood. Um, you know, they've been dealing it for a long time as Sandy
said, you know, and I know Sy's worried about the money, but things change all the time. I mean, the other stop signs are in there. My concern with the the speed humps is if, you know, we install them and something happens with somebody doing that that we're going to be on the hook and liable for. The stop sign is a
stop sign. I think we have a little bit more uh control with the police and incidences on on High Street if we have stop signs versus the speed humps. I mean, that's just my opinion, but I think we need to keep trying. I think we
need to have you reach out and see see if they can come down here, tell the people of the neighborhood why they're not getting a stop sign. Um, and speaking of that, since we know the one-stop sign is going in, I I would appreciate it if you could send a letter
out to the people that it's affecting there on High Street and let them know what's going on. So, >> so we will have to do that under MUTCD anyway. There has to be notification. We'll have to give two weeks worth of not at least two weeks worth of notification. We'll have we've I've already spoken with the police department. There will be a our sorry,
>> you know, our electric sign will be up there. Our notification sign will be up. Obviously, we will send notice out via Nixel. and we'll make sure that there's something in our newsletter as well that have those photos and stuff. >> It just want my own opinion and if the council says they don't want to see that, I would like to see the engineer
look into that Susan the speed humps and get a cost on that and also to meet with the residents on that because the speed bumps or speed humps do make a little bit of noise. I would like the residents to be aware of what they're going to be dealing with.
>> You you may want to look into Morristown because they have them on Second Street. I know exactly where they have them, which is why I think we should have them on high street. >> It's a pretty big hump. Actually, we've had this discussion quite a bit with Chief Sim >> Fletcher. >> Chief Fletcher and uh they were opposed
for quite a number of reasons, but you know, I think maybe uh get everybody to the table and let's talk about it again. But, you know, >> from an emergency standpoint for the first responders, it becomes a problem with the speed humps. They have them in the apartment complexes which we don't
really have any control over and they have they're very abusive to all our vehicles, police vehicles, EMS, the fire department trucks. >> It's a liability also. >> Well, it is, but we can't tell them unfortunately to take it out. You know,
I I mean that's my one of my reservations with the humps. I mean, it slows down the response. So, >> so why if council if it's council's pleasure I will get a hold of our township engineer discuss with him that
there's some discussions about speed humps again and then the stop signs how can we go how can we meet the MUTCD requirements around it and >> can we include u the chief >> oh yeah the police department has been involved in this yeah so we will make sure that that's all involved and then
we'll get that answer and then again you know if we need to do some community outreach to make sure people on high street at least Um, in the meantime, this ordinance will be for, if you adopt this ordinance, it will be for the one at um, North Maple, right? >> So, and those are ready to go. The signs
and everything have have >> they should be here tomorrow. So, it's all we'll have everything. That's what council will be voting on. >> Okay. So, I think we have Do we have a motion to close? >> We need Okay. I thought somebody said that. >> No, we had a motion to close. We just need a >> second. You can get a second.
>> I said second. >> Okay. Sandy, it was Chuck and Sandy, right? >> You good, sir? >> Yep. >> All right. Comments. All in favor? >> I >> I motion to adopt. >> So made me. >> So made. >> Oh, sorry. >> Yes. >> Do we have >> Do we have a second? Second comments.
>> Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss Nunes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zadnik. >> Yes. >> Mayor Chico. >> Yes. Ordinance number 2025-09 is an ordinance of the township of Maple Shade County in Burlington State of New Jersey amending chapter 178 subdivisions and
site plans part two site plan review. This is we are now open to the public. Anybody from the public like to come up? >> Seeing none, can I have a motion to close? So >> second comments. >> Is this also have to go to the planning
board? >> No. >> This one does not. No. >> Any other comments? All in favor? >> I >> I motion to adopt. Sir M. >> Second comments. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes.
>> Miss News. >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon. >> Yes. >> Mr. SNInic. >> Yes. >> Mayor Tri Rico. >> Yes. This is now the public portion for the consent agenda items only. Members of the public wishing to speak, please come up on the consent agenda items
only. Anybody? Okay. Seeing none, motion to close. So >> second. All in favor? I Okay, consent agenda. Going to do this in bulk. Resolution number 2025-R144 through resolution number 2025-R165.
>> No, I'm not adding 65 in. >> You got to add 65 in. >> No, no, sorry. >> Through 164. Can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So many. >> Second comments. Um
there was a lot of things that we didn't discuss and open up I feel for a lot of these. So I'm just putting it on record and also that because of that I'll be voting no for the consent agenda >> for all items. >> For all items.
>> Okay. Any other comments? >> Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss News? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> No. >> Mr. Sadnik? >> Yes. >> Mayor Tel Rico? >> Yes. Approval of the expenditure list. Thank you. Current fund bill list 5,744,372.61.
Our utility fund is1,5335 533,545.90. General capital is $298,739.71. Utility capital $491,847.81. Our trust fund is $1,19292,6459 and our grant fund is $197,5724. Do want to make note that, you know, this is five weeks worth of bills. The
current fund, that's the 5 million, you know, 5.7. We had all of our general obligation bonds that had to be done. Our third quarter taxes were paid, NJIT loans. So, that's what bulked up that plus um, you know, our school taxes as well. So I have had the opportunity to review the above billis as submitted and recommend payment when funds are
available. >> Okay. Thank you. Can I have a motion to approve? >> So made >> second comments. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss New? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> Yes. >> Mr. Zerick? >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico? >> Yes. Um approval of the July 2025
minutes. Can I have a motion to approve? >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Comments. >> Roll call. Mr. Kaufman. Yes, >> Miss Nunes. >> Yes, >> Mr. Simon. >> Yes, >> Mr. Znik. >> Yes, >> Mayor Terico. >> Yes. Okay, this is the public portion. If anybody from the public would wish to
speak, please come up and state your name and address for the record 18 Westwood Lawn Avenue. Um, I just want to have a clarification. Um, obviously I would talk. >> That's okay. um for the planning board. Um I was late
to that meeting for my board of education meeting and I know I've had some um people um ask me about um Councilman Simon Sex's concern, which is a concern for the public about the ladder truck not being able to fit through the Sun Bank, which is the new
proposed property for the cannabis. Just wanted to see if there was any resolution or anything that has come up since, you know, his concern and it's a public safety concern. Um, so I wanted to know and I was being asked being a planning board member if there was any
resolution to that his concern basically of the latter chalk not being able to fit. I think it was the fourth lane. >> The township uh engineer for the board um was in contact um and is going down
that checklist that was uh produced by the the um planning board attorney. Um my concerns are uh unfortunately it never came to site plan. Something of that magnitude being the first one in
our town. Um it seemed to me that it was just being pushed through just to push it through. Um, and it in that meeting I went there and I didn't expect it wound up being a a long meeting for the planning board which could have all
those items could have been resolved at a site board meeting um before they went to the planning board where it would have been taken care of. So obviously they have to come back as long as they meet them requirements. But my concerns
with the building um is first and foremost the the people that work in the building, the people that are going to be going there to the building and the community of Maple Shade. Um I'm not going to be responsible for uh you know
things that might happen on that site if we're not going to follow through with a public safety issue. Those concerns with the for the fire and for security too. there there was never any issue of a fence being brought up and that site is
wide open to uh both sides. Ponderos the old Ponderosa that's shut down and used for storage. I mean it's a cash business and to me it's a problem. You know the things that I was proposing protect the township, it protects the people in
there. It protects the owners as well um when it's all said and done. But um you know those things need to be addressed. Uh you know um >> the fence did come up during the meeting >> but it wasn't on the the list for uh
>> we they we the planning board voted that one wasn't needed I believe. >> All right. Well and that's fine but you know but my statement in open right now is going to be the place needs to have a fence around it for security purposes. you know, um the police are involved in
the part of the process, but they're only involved in the in inside of the building, you know, and I learned something from it that they need to be a part of the uh security on the outside cuz the security people are only worried about the inside of the building and
they're trying to make it a drive-thru. So, for me, that becomes problematic. So, um, you know, it it there's a lot of things that are left hanging open there and right now the the engineer is
working on those things with the people that need to answer those questions at this point in time. >> So, respectfully, there was Sorry, mayor. >> So, there wasn't there wasn't enough security when there was a bank, >> but that there's enough security. >> I'm confused.
>> Sorry. Respectfully, I I get it. I'm on the planning board, right? But um my concern was his concern for the fire truck not being able to fit. Is that a a concern if I don't know anything about fire. So that's is this is my question to see if
>> Well, since well it it was already a bank and it was it was all approved when the bank was there. So >> it was approved for a bank and the the problem that people are seeing is the site plan is about the site. It's not
about the business. It's not about if the usage is, you know, allowed or not. It's about the site. It's about the ability for us to make our town a little bit better, have the site improved, and move forward with the township. And people are confusing that. They're tying
it together. And it's not. It's a site issue. It's for the the security of the site. It's to improve the site. It's to make sure that there's lighting on it, the sidewalks, you know, the fencing, all the things that need to be done. It's the township's opportunity to be
able to get the site improved before that business opens up so that the town is a little bit better that it's safer because every day things change and you know whether it was a bank or not the security the bank wasn't giving out marijuana they were giving out they were
giving out money and it's a cash business that's going through with a drive-thru with no fencing. somebody can sit right in that parking lot and rob those people, take the marijuana. There's a lot of concerns that I have with it and they're they're they're
being publicly made at this point in time and I hope the planning board does the right thing. >> Not sure if that answered your question or not. >> It did not. It did not. >> The fire truck does not fit and the engineers aware of it. So, it's got to go back with the engineer to their
engineers and the owners so that they can discuss what they're going to do if they're going to remove a part of it because that removal was originally in the original plans and they changed it because they didn't want the cost to take it down. The trucks don't fit
through that area. And whether they did or they didn't when it was a bank is irrelevant. I wasn't here when the bank was built. So, you know, maybe it slipped through the cracks. I don't know, but we're here again doing it. It's a safety issue for the people in
that building if there's a fire. Period. >> Didn't they agree to remove that lane? >> I thought they they were >> No, I've used that one outside lane. >> If if I know that the fire marshall spoke with the owners today. >> Yes. >> Um and the owner did tell us that they will get back to us as to how they plan
to proceed and if if they will proceed. That was the message that we got this morning, this afternoon. At least this afternoon. So, >> just >> the bank was built in 1998. >> Correct. Correct. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> And the drive-throughs were the same. >> Correct. >> They have not changed. >> Correct.
>> I I also sit on the planning board and I believe the ladder truck was bought in 2018 2020, >> right? >> 10 >> 18 >> 18. So it worked as a bank.
My I had no concern. I don't differentiate um a cash business that's selling a product versus a bank that is handing out money. I mean, you're I don't want to rehash what's
going on in planning, but I I have no concerns about that issue, Gina, to tell you the truth. >> All I wanted to know. Well, that's all people are asking, so I wanted to know being on planning. I was I missed half the meeting, so I wanted to know. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else from the public?
uh which there's a bunch of you want to just get in line that last comment. I just want to ask a quick question. >> Obviously I was on the cannabis advisor >> Steve Smith 520 Sunset Avenue. Obviously I was on the cannabis advisory board
that approved that. Um I just don't understand why we need to take a ladder truck to onetory building. I'm not a fireman but do we take a ladder truck to every fire in town? ladder trucks the second truck out of that firehouse for every fire and structure and building
call period. It is a necessary evil and is a it is a major part of the operations. It is put in front of every building so that if the fire gets out of control that they can use the master streams to fight the fire. So yes, it is a prevalent piece of equipment for this
township and the safety of it and what it does on a daily basis. >> The only place that can be operated from is from the rear of the building. If the fire is on the other side of the building, that's a collapsing. It It doesn't matter. It It doesn't matter if the building's small or not. The point
is is it's a fire and every fire is different. Every situation is different and you have to look at it that way. >> That's fine. So, so I guess the next comment I have would be um do the residents realize that the planning board, Miss Stansson just made a comment that they're not sure if the current
cannabis people will continue. uh that the residents realize that that's one cannabis of the three we're going to have. You lose that, you lose $250,000 a year in the township's pocket. So, >> wow. >> Just to make sure everyone's aware of that. >> Thank you.
>> Anybody else from the public? I believe you were next. >> Hi, my name's uh Dr. Dan Keebler. live at 33 West Park Avenue. And I just want to thank the uh council for passing 202514 because we really needed that. Yeah. And
uh we're not the only community that's looking at this because it's happening all over the state, actually all over the country. We have people that are renting their properties and it's causing real problems, public safety issues, uh businesses and residential
areas. and uh you know us as residents, we really shouldn't have to deal with that. I talked with the council administration, so I probably bent their ear a little bit on this, but uh but it was really this was really needed. I wish it would have passed last month, but that's the whole reason why I came
up today make sure that this thing got passed. So, >> thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. John Bearden, 36 West Park Avenue. I want to piggy back on what uh Dan was saying. Um but the one question I do
have is today the individual across the street from me who's been renting his pool out moved a barbecue grill the size of a car into his driveway for as I'm assuming the parties he's going to be having this weekend >> for Labor Day. >> Is there anything that could be done
about that? I mean, this guy has his parties. It shakes my windows. Mother-in-law lives now. I mean, >> I think that there's some confusion on the housing code ordinance that we passed. Yes. The housing code ordinance that we passed is about certificate of occupancies and finding and doing the zoning portion of it. What you both are talking about, it will be our short-term
rental ordinance, which is something the council is going to be discussing at the end of the meeting. Okay. >> So, they are they are different. Um, but they do they will play in together, but yeah, the housing code is more on zoning. And we understand that that property is >> it is a huge issue. You know, I I speak
for Don Smith who's my next neighbor at least in hospice care now and he's got to put up with that music and everything that goes on, you know, and I mean he's bedridden, you know, >> and it's just horrible for that neighborhood there. >> And we know the traffic there has been an issue, the parking, the parties.
>> Yeah. And there's not a single car there. It's got a New Jersey plate on it. I don't know how they get away with that. We did get it taken down off the simply simply back up there. >> And that's that's part of the issue where we have is it comes down, he puts it back. It's back up, it's down, it's back up. So, our zoning officer has been
out there as have code enforcement and our police department has been out every weekend. We hear about it. So, they are very well aware of it. Again, the conversation that will happen later this evening about our short-term rental um ordinance will address. >> But one of the things that's confusing us is, you know, especially the people that live in the neighborhood. You know,
we've been told to call the police whenever they have the party that we know, you know, is being rented out. It's happened three times now. The police come and they just drive by and then the music gets loud. >> Right. So, unfortunately, the police can't do something for a party is what
it is. And, you know, the municipality is taking it from an administrative standpoint. That's where that's what we are right now until we can get our short-term rental ordinance um in place. And just to add on that, you know, I mean, the house rules that they have listed on the on their website right now is nudity, loud, music, third party
vendors, parties, smoking and alcohol. I mean, third party vendors and nudity. Is that anything that that we want? >> Can you take a screenshot of that and send it to >> We have it already. >> We have it. Yes, >> we have it. All right.
>> So So when So when So I have this correct? So when the police come, they can't like knock on the door. So if there's a party and there's not a if there's nothing that's being violated by way of noise or if it's just a large party then no if it's not if it's if it's a nuisance then yes they can but
they can't if it's just a party unfortunately they can't that's why we've had to take it as an administrative action up here which is what we have done. >> When does that noise ordinance kick in Susan? time is 10 o'clock. >> During the week, it's 10. On the weekends, it's 11. >> 11 o'clock. >> 11 p.m.
>> You know, and the only the only noise that we deal with after those hours is all the cars leaving or him sitting with his big trucks idling, you know. So, in the summertime right now, you got your windows open, you know, we're smelling diesel fumes because he's got all his big trucks out there, you know.
>> Isn't there an ordinance for for running the car? >> It's all for them moving all their vehicles around. so that they can get their vehicles back in the driveway and let everybody else go. >> When we have the discussion about the shorts, it's all in there and it will clearly address it will address your
their concerns. >> You can come back up. >> I thought that this was already passed with the >> Can you just say your name and address again? >> Yeah. Yeah. Dr. Dan Keeler, 33 West Park Avenue. >> Uh I've been a resident for about 40 years in this town. I've owned three properties, right? And this what we're
dealing with, you know, John, myself, everyone that's close to this, but it could happen next to anyone's house with this uh swimply thing. Uh the first party, there were 50 or 60 cars, 200 people, you know, getting changed in the
street. The other day, uh drinking a bottle of vodka in the middle of the street. I saw a a woman get out, leave the party, stand in the middle of the road watching, what the heck is this lady doing? She gets in a car, smashes into another car, and then drives away.
So, this is what we're getting. Poured a pot on the front lawn, right? And uh it's happening. >> That has to be against >> it is. And we've we have cited the res. >> They've moved it. They've moved it into their backyard now, >> right? >> Yeah. So it is a So if you're if you're going to this is a residential area, you
know, and it's not a business. They're running a business out of that area. So to take that into consideration and also public safety, you know, how much uh how many people can they have in the area? Has does the area go through some type of inspection? Right. They got a
swimming pool. It's uh with diving boards, you know, like John said, they just pulled up a a barbecue pit that came on a trailer. It's as big as a car. >> So, we're probably going to end up dealing with this this weekend. >> You know, >> we we've been finding them, haven't we?
>> Yeah, we have been issuing the notice on the We know. And that's why again this this next ordinance that we're going to discuss later in the evening is the short-term rental ordinance and it addresses all of these concerns specifically the swimply the renting out of accessory structures those sorts of things. So there will be a much bigger
discussion at the end and I promise you it does address it and we hear you. We do know what I say is that when you see it please call the police. Please do not. >> Well, I called the police and the police came out and they told me we're told by a lieutenant uh this my sergeant called
lieutenant. Lieutenant said we're not to do anything about it. >> Okay. >> So, that's what ended up happening. >> Okay. >> So, then when I call and I say, "Hey, listen. This is going on." >> Mhm. >> First thing they said, "Did you call the police?" >> Said they said not to call.
>> So, >> I'm going to have the officer in the back come up and speak. >> I don't know if I'm allowed. because I see your faces going on. >> So, just to the repair, >> I don't want to call you out. >> I I've actually uh spoken to you a couple times in reference to some of the words. So, just for your clarification,
just for everybody else's clarification, at any point in time that you feel that noise is an issue. It does not matter time, right? You have the ability to then document, what I suggest is you take video, right? Take video of what's going on, what's doing inside of your house. You then can come up to the court
and you can sign what's called a north ordinance violation as a private citizen. So you have the right to do that with any township ordinance to include anything with idling or whatever. The idling is a uh signable, right? So like if you go up to Wawa, you notice that it says no no idling zone.
That's something that's specific by signage by New Jersey law by title 39. So some of the stuff right you can anytime that you feel like there's a noise uh violation we spoke it was about the vehicle right the commercial vehicle has a tag on.
>> Yeah. I wasn't thought about this or I'm just saying that you and I have spoken about >> and that was taken care of pretty much but there there has been as far as I'm aware there's been no don't don't respond. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Thank you very much.
>> I know you really wanted to say it. >> You were biting your lip. But I I just want to I just want to document it and and so that everyone on the board knows this is a problem and this is not just a problem in our town. I have a friend that's on the Cimentson uh uh council
and as soon as I told them what was going on, they looked up looked it up and they said, "Oh, no. We can't have this where we're at, you know." So, everyone's is going to start doing these ordinances to take care of this because hey, if if it was just a regular thing and it's everyone, you would probably won't even notice that somebody was
doing this. But some people take it to the extremes, right? And that's what we got to start considering, the people that take it to the extremes because if you don't pass this ordinance, that's exactly what's going to happen. Exactly what John just said. There's a big
barbecue pit that's not there for 10, 15 people. There's going to be hundreds of people there. Now, I don't know, but I'm just saying we're going to have a problem this weekend, Saturday. So, if you got at the end of this meeting, right, and you talk about it, are you
going to make a decision tonight about this? >> So, it's under new business and then we could we could introduce an ordinance by name, by title only. >> Okay. council >> by like tomorrow. Would that be actionable by >> by the >> No, unfortunately in September >> September 18th
>> September this weekend. So when the summer summer season's over, you know, >> so again the violations that have been issued so far are administrative. That's all that's what we have the business. It's not a business. Those are the violations that we go on. So our zoning
officer will go back out again tomorrow. will issue the violations for, you know, the money, the fines that that need to be issued. Does it stop the party? It probably won't. That's going to be something that, again, as you know, as uh Officer Martino had said, you know, call if there's noise violation, you
have to please call them. I know I was given I was I was called one weekend. I went out. I took video. I mean, I made sure I had everything and sent it over to the police. But it really helps to call the police directly when it's happening. take the video of it so that we have evidence of it because again if the officers don't get out there if it's quiet when the officers show up they
>> and we see this in other communities too I think it was over in Gloucester right they had >> hundreds of people at these parties >> and then the local police I don't know how many are on duty they're outnumbered you may have six eight police officers you got hundreds of kids or people they
don't want to disperse they have to get mutual response from other towns to try to help out and then they went into another community, then they went into a Waw Wa or something, then they they uh looted that. So, we could see that this is this is what's going to happen here,
and we're seeing a real problem. So, >> well, that that's all I had to say. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And Rose, >> she was raising her hand a couple times. >> Yeah. Hi, Rose Young, 225 South Clinton
Avenue, Maple Shade. >> Hi everybody. Been a long time since I've been in this room and a really long time since I sat back there, but we have something going on in town and we want to get it addressed. Um, we have Maple Shade Arts Council. I started it back in
1999 when I was the mayor and it's still in existence and to this date from what is it now 24 years. It's still doesn't have a home. They leave Maple Shade to perform. They leave Maple Shade to have
camps for the kids. Um they're limited to what they can do. They pay a fortune for the rental spaces for storage. um it it's just horrible to expand. They can't expand and they can't offer more.
So, we came up here tonight. There's um members from the arts council here on the board. Uh there's also people here who take pride in being on stage. Um maybe they'd like to speak too. We are really hoping to get a home in Maple
Shade and really want the Wells Fargo Bank building. Um, we did send a letter hoping they would donate it. So, selfishly they said no. Um, and actually who I wrote the letter to did not say no. I would love to know who interceded
that letter and if we can get an actual letter to who I wrote it to because his daughters are in musical theater and I think he'd be a great aspect for donating that building. He makes a ton of money. Um, I know it's expensive, but I think
it would offer a lot to Main Street. I think it would build our business district huge. Bring in so much more and advocate for every business in town. We have a lot of vacant buildings that are going to be open soon. What is there? Eight in that store in the under the new
apartments. Uh, seven or eight stores there. the store in the corner, there's, you know, empty buildings and I think they'd fill up a lot faster if there was a nucleus to draw them here and a theater in any town has done that. And
you can ask so many people. I've gotten two letters today from um one from Kurt Bow who moved to Washington and Maryland. Uh he has two theater companies there and they're thriving like crazy where he is. Um, we have so
many kids that go out of town for a theater program because they could just can't find it here and we can't offer enough and we would love to. We would love to have adult theater. We have two apartment complexes that would be subscribing so fast because there's
nothing else for them really to do here in town and they would be at that theater for every show. I can guarantee that it would fill up really fast on just those apartment complexes, especially over 55 and a senior complex. So, I would love it if uh some of the
members of the board would come up and um address this as well. The uh there may be other locations that you guys can think of. I don't really walk around town anymore to see what else is open, but when that Wells Fargo opened for
sale, I was like, whoa, that was such a green flag to try to do this now. I think we're going to lose the window of opportunity if it sells. So, it's something that, you know, it would need to be discussed ASAP. Um, I think God's on our side at this
point because it did not sell yet. And he knows I've been screaming for quite a while now about that building. I wish I could hit a lottery and buy it, but it's not happening. I don't gamble. So, if you guys don't mind, um, if we can get some of the other speakers to come up.
Um, our pre I'm only doing costumes and I hide as much as I can. This is, uh, the Limelight people. This is Jill Brener and she is the president of the Maple Shade Arts Council and, um, has been for how many years, Jill?
>> This is my fourth. >> Fourth year. So, ladies and gentlemen, Jill. >> Thanks. What was the last name? >> Uh, it's Reniewer, R N BJ O R, and I'm at 315 Gradwell Avenue in Maple Shade. Um, I have I had something written, but Rose kind of hit on everything that we
said. Um, we kind of revamped uh Maple Arts Council in 2014. It was originally part of the Maple Shake Community Alliance and when they wanted to move towards um more of like they wanted us to introduce like a like a drug program in with it and it just didn't kind of align with our kids at that time. Um
right now we're currently doing our summer program which this year our numbers were kind of low because the summer programs in the area for theaters, every theater in the area has them. I will say that we are the cheapest one in the area. The closest one to us is Burlington County Foot
Lighters and they charge more than double than what we charge. Um, our program right now is from 9 to1. We run it out of uh Grace Episcopal Church in Merchantville. Um, Father Bob Fitzpatrick has been fabulous in giving us a home. Um, and we've worked well
with him. However, the cost that we do in cover with that is a total about $8,000 a year. Um, and that is for we're currently running three programs this like our summer program that we do. And then this year we're doing the best Christmas pageant ever, which is an
it'll have adults and children involved with it. And then we also run a junior program, which is first grade through 8th graders. I I graduated Maple High School. Maples High School was all I did all the arts there. I did the shows for years. Um, we were always a very big sports town. I
always felt that theater was kind of like pushed towards the back. My mother tried me in sports. I was put on the softball field and the only reason I went is because I was promised a free snow cone. And then when I was nine, I auditioned for a show at Mside High
School and got a role in The King and I. Theater touches so many kids. The kids that really don't feel like they have a place in a sporting event or a place on a field or anything like that. We have children in our program that have disabilities that um are autistic, have
um other like um social problems and they come into us and they find a home with with theater. We accept everybody. We love everybody. Um we do offer a scholarship to Maple Shade High School every year. This year it was I mean to a from Maple Shade Arts Council. This year
it went to a gentleman from Holy Cross High School who had been a member of our program forever. Um, we do enjoy our relationship with Grace Episcopal Church, but it would be very nice to have a place that we didn't have to ship our lighting and our sound equipment and all that into every time.
My husband and another gentleman, Jay Grant, and my brother-in-law, they are the ones that load everything in and out, and it takes a good full day to get all of our equipment inside and out. Costumes, we also are keeping costumes in sheds and attics and things like that. and we're just asking for a space
that we can call our own, that we can have everything there that can be that way we could offer more things to kids. Um, we would love to have some sort of a dance program, more theater programs. I just think it'd be really beneficial. I think if we did have something in the
town, restaurants would benefit from it. The township alone would benefit from having that type of thing in our town. Thank you for listening. >> Thank you. Um, hi. I'm just going to go a little bit more onto that. I'm Bethan Canny. My
I live at 204 South Clinton in Maple Shade and I'm the treasure of the arts council. Um, over the years, Grace Episcopal has been great with us, but over the years it, you know, our our uh fees for him have increased. During COVID, we literally almost went under. I
mean, we couldn't, we still had, I think I was paying $6,000 at the storage unit and we were unable to like we have no shows, so we had no income and we were putting out I think we had still had to keep our insurance current. So, we still had at least $10,000 in bills. We got to
the end of COVID and we had $4,000 left in our account. So, I was like, "All right, we got to do something or you know, Grace Pisces was great. They were like, "We will um we will like we'll see how this goes." And they kind of charged us almost like on a per person basis at
that time, which helped us come back and slowly but surely we are coming back. But, um now like for our summer camp, we pay 5,000 just for the summer camp. So, we're trying to keep our cost low because we do only charge $450. As Joel
said, we want to keep Maple Shade Kids in our program and we don't want to charge like Cherry Hill charges like $1650 for their camp. So, we would like to keep it so our kids can afford it. Um, it's just getting harder with like
rent increasing. Um, OP has been great. They also during co were trying they were going to try and um give us their spot. Their spot's not handicap accessible and the basement of the church it's it was built as a bomb shelter. So it's like we had our lights
down there and they blew out. So it just it wasn't feasible. So um that was all I really had to add to that. So >> and are you you're the treasure. Are you a 501c3? >> Uh we are. Yeah, we are in the process of like restarting that. So that should be
>> done within the next like month or so. >> And all of your board members are volunteers are not paid. >> Correct. >> Nobody gets paid on your board. >> No. We do like we have stipens where like some of our directors for shows and like summer camps will get paid but the board positions are not paid. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> If I may, mayor, yesterday um before I had even known Jen, our director of business econom economic development had already set up a meeting with Jill and Beth um and she had asked me to come in. So I had spoken with them and I had shared with many of you back in my last town. I ran South Jersey Stage Works. It
was a it was a another program just like this. We did it on based off of a summer camp. So I did have the opportunity to speak with both of them yesterday. I do have some ideas um you know as far as what we can do. They were saying that they spent 6,000 you know they spent $6,000 on um storage fees as a storage
unit. Well, we do have space some space here. So you know maybe getting some of that that equipment out. I said we have upstairs that definitely could be you know what we use. we can find some others places here. Um have a couple other ideas. I had asked about if they'd ever reached out to the school district again like that was something that's how
we did it was the same thing. You're you're on a very tight budget, you know, and you only see these kids, you know, so many times during the year. Um so I did offer to reach out to the school, see if we can come up with some sort of partnership is there because it is an expense. Um I do agree that, you know, the arts is something that that would be wonderful for this town. That's why the
BEDC has taken on, you know, we're doing that color run. You know, that's going to be to promote arts with, you know, throughin the throughout the community, not just, you know, theater arts, but also, you know, graphic arts and and painting and those sorts of things. So, um, you know, I will work with them, work closely with them, and, you know,
try to come up with something. But the immediate that we can offer is definitely storage space um to get your bins out of people's basements, to get them out of the $6,000 a year storage unit. At least that would, you know, that would help. So, we can make that we can make that accommodation. And then as far as a location, again, I would be
willing to work with, you know, whoever I have to in the community to kind of make those connections. Um, you know, similar to to what we do with our with our sports organizations. I mean, it's something, you know, that our sports organizations, they're able to use Township Fields. Um, you know, but they have requirements, too. So, I think that
would be a good a good way to start at least to um, you know, to get themation. >> Yeah. To at least start the conversation and and get them back here into uh into Maple Shade. >> Well, I think they they need a home. I think it's been long overdue. Um I know
that when we have parades and events, they're the first people that get called to come and participate. Um and I think for the township itself, it's and it's not just to the young kids. It's for all ages of people. It, you know, it's arts
for older people, younger people. Um, you know, and I think there's an opportunity here for us if we have that building that we could recoup some of the income or the cost to it because it's my understanding that they, you
know, there's a lot of places that are looking to rent a space for a night or have a show there. Um, and I think that's extremely beneficial to this town. you know, we we spend a lot of time and effort on sports and I think it's about time that the township, you
know, looks at the arts and the the kids that are involved in that. Instead of worry about them being on the street, we have a place for them to go and a place to use, a place to call home. And >> I think everybody here on council wants an arts back. I don't know why they left
in the first place. They weren't thrown out, I don't believe, by an old council. But um the Wells Fargo building I believe is uh currently has an offer or two on the table. >> They do. I did reach out to them yesterday and they do have an off they have an offer on the table >> and I believe does everybody from arts want the Wells Fargo building or
>> I don't know I don't I don't know if that came up in your conversation or not. >> We had discussed you know other locations. Um so I don't necessarily know if it has to be the Wells Fargo. I'm sure if there's a if there's a home that we can give that we can get you all um you know working working with them reasonably because that's a lot of
money. Well, a home for them if it's theirs, they don't we don't have to worry about putting them in the schools or having people in the schools. It's their place. They they have it. If it was at Wells Fargo, I don't see any downside to that. It's going to bring foot traffic in for the the the eeries,
the businesses. Um, you know, that that's just a win-win across the board for the township as far as I'm concerned. Um, you know, putting them somewhere is nice to have a place to operate, but a home for them would be the ultimate goal as far as I'm concerned because then they don't have
to worry about being put out, going to Merchantville, worrying about the school using it first. You know, there's a lot of considerations that go in with that. >> And I and I don't disagree with that at all. Um, you know, the point of the matter is is that the Wells Fargo building is asking $650,000.
There would need to be um significant renovations made to it to get it to there would need to be a stage. There would need lighting, those sorts of things. So, there may actually be other areas in town that would still benefit. Again, I I I just I think that there needs to be more research done and just not focus on the Wells Fargo. I understand.
>> I'm not focusing on it, but it's opportunity and it could be a missed opportunity. They're telling us we have bids. We don't know that. Throw them a bid for $200,000 and see what they say. What you know what's the worst they can say? that happened before in this town and the the people agreed to sell it for
that money. >> If council wants to do that through capital and we want to readjust some capital money for it, then then we certainly can, but we would definitely need to reappropriate capital money out of the bond ordinances um because that's not something that we can just >> Well, I think instead of missing the
opportunity, we we put a bit in on it. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain, you know, and if we can get a hold of the person that's in charge of that and speak to them, the building's sitting empty. They're paying money right now for it to exist. So, if uh
they can get a portion of it, then it may be a win-win for them. We don't know. But unless we ask, we can't be told no. >> Okay. >> We can definitely have further conversation or if you want >> I I would like us to look into it. I
would like the township manager to look into that and see where it goes. >> And then who's paying for the construction? I didn't see a plan tonight. I didn't see anything. I mean, I don't know how I can I don't know how how much it takes to build a theater from the minimum to the maximum. I didn't see a plan at all from anybody tonight yet, unless it's still coming
up. Um, I don't know who's paying the electric bills and making up on the tax ratable. Um, that would be my concern as a council member. I don't think it should fall on the taxpayers. >> I agree. >> I think there should be a plan. >> I agree. >> Um, okay. So,
>> I mean, we we can look into something else, but you know that that >> I think there's a lot of space that we could look at. Um, I know I've spoken to Rose about some other spaces and asked her to come up with proposals. >> I definitely think we need to do some research. We definitely need to find a home for the arts. They need they need a
home, a permanent home. I'm not sure that the Wells Fargo building is the home that is going to be affordable. I think there might be some other locations um that we could purchase for cheaper and donate back to the arts council. Um
>> as I explained to you yesterday, you know, the 501c3 will help as far as grant money goes, too. So, and then there could always be public public and private partnerships that we go into with grant money. So, I definitely think, you know, that we should research it a little bit more. Um you know, let me start. I know immediately it it seemed and correct me if I'm wrong, the
immediate need was definitely storage. That's $6,000 savings that we can save them right off the bat. um you know if we can get them here space here in the municipal building um and then we go from there and I know that we spoke about a couple other things as far as you know camps and with the school district. So I will definitely make that I have their contact information and
we'll we can go from there and I mean I I'll I'll talk to Wells Fargo. I mean I've spoken with them. I had spoke with them at length yesterday after um you know after our uh our meeting and they did look >> I sent letters in February and March. >> But I'll also look at Yeah. >> Rose, did you get a denial in your
letter? I didn't. I actually got um an email back after I asked them an email back from someone else, not from who we sent the letters to. >> Okay. >> Someone else who just interceded everything and said that that building
that they're still interested in keeping it for sale. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um anybody else in the public? I think you >> I'll definitely sir. At least we have a kick. >> One question. Beth, you are getting the you are in process of getting the 501c3. Okay. >> That was my question. in the past during co it kind of lapsed. So, we're just
working on getting it back up to >> Good. Because that would that would help with what what Susan said. >> Getting some grant money. >> Yes. >> Some grant money to move forward. >> Hi everyone. U my name is Alexis Romeo. I live at 103 South Popppler, Maple
Shade. Um I'm here to read a few letters and then I also can kind of speak on my legacy of basically being birthed as the child of the Maple Shade Arts Council. Um, so my first letter uh to council and to
whom it may concern, thank you for taking the time to hear our town's plea for a permanent location for the Maple Shade Arts Council's theater program that has been in full effect since 1999. My name is Margot Manguini Mullen and I have lived here in our town my entire
life, 41 years. I shared a bit of my story and personal perspective on how theater has shaped my life. Through theater, I found and utilized my inner voice. This has helped me greatly in building my self-confidence. I see this in my ability to speak publicly, run and
operate my own business, and sustain and employ a work ethic that has allowed me to see many projects to futition and completion. Theater gave me the opportunity to express myself out loud, creativ creativity,
be silly, and engage in play without judgment. I learned the importance of emotion, emotional expression, exploration, and empathy. Hearing and diving into story lines that were not my own has instilled in me compassion
towards my neighbor and a heart for understanding their position is, if different to mine, as I believe the majority of us do, I had my fair struggles, my my fair share of struggles. When a sibling fell into drug addiction at a very young age, my
parents likely like like any did what was needed to save their child. Theater gave me a safe space to be physically and emotionally. It was there I was able to remain a child when life was forcing me to grow up so soon. In theater, I
learned to paint, draw, design, build, memorize, dance, and sing. I was exposed to technical skills like sound engineering, sewing, construction garments, makeup, operating light programs. As a young person, I learned how to feel more
comfortably with my body, gained spatial awareness and music and muscle articulation. Reading scripts was a fun and engaging way for me to practice my reading comprehension skills, which is something I've struggled with lifelong. I think we can all agree that theater is
a benefit to the human experience and our children need it. Our local children have had it thankfully in MSAC. Theater provides the same enrichment, skill development, competence, and team building that sports offer our children.
You might ask, what does theater offer our town? Having a theater in the heart of our town will be an immense asset to town culture and an imme immeasurable aid to our downtown business economy. Creating opportunity for youth volunteering as
well as general employment. A theater will give our town's people another point of connection and community. Restaurants, florists, print houses all benefit from the presence of a local theater. And those are the exact businesses we have in our town. Thriving arts and cultural venues make towns more
attractive and will also raise our property values. Again, benefiting our town as a whole. We must thoughtfully consider this plea. Operating our town theater program for over 25 years without a permanent home is devastating to say the least. I commend the MSAC
volunteers for their selfless hard work building into our children all these years. It is imperative that we give the generations of children who have gone before and the ones who will go after these 25 years a permanent place to survive and thrive. Sincerely, Marggo
Mullen. >> I'm sorry. Who was >> what was the name of the individual? >> Marggo Mullen. >> Okay. You you can submit that to the transit matter. Do we have any >> is it letter one? >> Oh, you can't >> I have do I have any time li time limits? Okay. Yeah, you have five. You
have five minutes unless council agrees to to further. Can you just forward that? So >> you like I can have them. I can give them to >> Yeah, this is former letter. This is from who uh Rose spoke about earlier, Kurt Dome. >> Okay. >> Um and then I am the age of the arts
council. I would not be the person I am today without this program. You most of you know me. I grew up on stage most of my life. I went to college. I was in coral arts for five plus years. I'm still performing today. I love what I
do. I met my fiance doing theater and we all of our friends still do theater. We all met because of theater. My life is theater and this program is all where it all started. And I really hope you guys consider helping us find a permanent
home in town. It would be great to be able to walk to a theater and enjoy that passion with all of my local friends. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else from the public? >> Anybody else?
>> Okay. >> I just have a quick clarification. >> Sure. Hi everybody. Cara Mrangelo, 31 Overbrook Avenue. Um, things were moving real quick when we first started, but for ordinances, introductions, and first reading, ordinance 25-13, the chicken
pilot program that was introduced, but it was not seconded. Was that correct? And so, it's dead in the water. >> Got it. Thank you. Hi everyone. My name is Jennifer Rosario. I live at 408 North Forklanding Road upstairs. My mom is downstairs. Um
so um I just want to thank everybody. It seems like the response um is you're very open-minded and positive about it and for that we thank you for your open-mindedness and looking into it. Um, I've been teaching Maple Shade Kids
voice um for 20 years now, off and on, but um pretty much on. And I spent three years as the music teacher at Steinhower from which I've moved on. Um I'm now building up my business again and I'm renting um out of town, too. I maybe it
could be a place that um I could rent in the future to you know stay in town because we all love this town and it has a lot of talent. It's very special place. The kids who come through here they I just I always say there's something in the water. But um I just
wanted to add to as far as people may be thinking, oh well theater is not really my cup of tea. Theater is just evolving and changing. It's not just Oklahoma now. uh like how it used to be. Um you know we're bringing in there's
productions that have you know screens and there's multimedia involved. Um the music has evolved. Um there's like I say to kids in school in class um there's music in musical theater for everybody. There's hip-hop,
there's rap, there's jazz, there's country. Um, so I think it can touch a lot of people, can bring a lot of people together. Um, different aspects of the arts too, the visual arts, performing arts, um, the band, and there's just
some great teaching here in the district. And, um, I'm also a a mother of two. My daughter, um, loves theater, too, and she currently, um, has been out of town, but, I would love to bring her back into town. Um, so yeah, just wanted
to throw my two cents in. Thank you for looking into this. It probably really would benefit the town a lot. >> Thank you. >> Please state your name and address for the record. >> Steve Schmidt, 520 Sunset Avenue. Um, I agree with everything they're saying
about the council or the art council. Not sure I agree with the money end of it. We got to figure that end of it out. Um, my question is, if there was a building in town that we already own that we pay all the utilities on, it's got plenty of parking.
Would that be the ideal situation? >> You speak of this building. Do you know one? >> I do know one. >> Okay. Let us know. >> I do know one that was that was deeded somewhere that required a certain action that isn't happening and it's the firehouse. They the property was deed to
the IFC as long as they are produc as long as they are providing fire services for the town of neighborh they are not it's our building as residents so there's your building don't have to spend $200,000 >> thank you
>> anybody else from the public >> okay seeing none can I have a motion to close please >> so made >> second >> all in favor I >> I All right moving over to staff and professional comments. Mr. Simon, we'll
start with you. >> Um, I just wanted to uh say to the town's people and the people here, um, we had agreed that uh we weren't going to do close session before the meeting. Um, but for some reason tonight that
happened. So, I'm just apologizing to the people of the town and to uh the people in this room that we didn't keep our word in that and made you sit here. Um, also uh Margaret Toth was a resident of
this town. Uh, she lived to be 100 100 years and three months old. Uh and the reason I'm bringing it up is that uh she spent a lifetime uh participating
and donating time to which it equated to almost 200 years of uh volunteer service in this town. Um I had the pleasure of knowing her for the last 40ome years of uh her life. But I think it's a notable
thing to just put out there uh all the contributions that she gave to this town and the time she put into it. 200 years of service is a lot of time to uh donate to a town. So uh I just wanted to bring that up for Margaret and her family.
>> Thank you. >> I'm uh yeah, I have a couple comments. Um school's getting ready to start. I'm hoping hoping everybody's getting safe to go back. Um, also want to add that I'm uh very disappointed that the hens
did not um go through. People put a lot of time and effort into this and I'm extremely disappointed in the fact that it wasn't passed. Um, it's a very viable option. we this program that we put out
there did a lot of time and work and extremely disappointed in that. That's all there may. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Uh well, we're coming to the end of the summer. Of course, the kids are going to be going back, but you know, you have the opportunity to spend the, you know,
next few weeks with the kids and just uh get that quality time and just be careful. Uh it is a very hectic the Labor Day weekend is very hectic and just uh enjoy yourselves. Uh make sure uh you stay safe and get the kids back
to school and please be careful when you know beginning of September winds up because the kids are going to be wild to go back and they're going to you know not be paying attention to any of their surroundings. So just be very careful. Uh I believe we're going to have Front Street going to be uh done by the end.
No, >> no, no. We're I'm behind. Well, I'm just saying just >> just just be very uh diligent on keeping everybody safe and and have a wonderful rest of the summer. I don't have much to say because I really have poison ivy all over me. So, I I have really nothing
much going on here. >> All right, Mr. Coffman. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um Andrew, I agree with you on Margaret To. Margaret To spent so many years, matter of fact, she was the first citizen of the year here at Maple Shade, awarded by Rotary. So,
yeah, she was she was something else. Um, in terms of John being upset about the chicken thing not passing, there is another option for having chickens in here, and people don't seem to realize that you can go to zoning and have it have a request to have chickens. It's
it's very easy to do. You know, that gives the opportunity for your neighbors to say, "Wait a minute. I don't want chickens next to me. I don't want my dog getting over into your yard, killing your chickens, and then you're coming back to me and say, "Hey, you owe me, you know, $50,000, $150,000, what, whatever." Um, so um there is a method
for getting chickens. Uh you just have to realize that you just have to go to zoning. And we even reduced the cost for going to zoning to do that. >> Wasn't it to 50? >> No, we didn't. >> Forget it. >> Yeah, we reduced the cost considerably. We we talked about reducing it.
>> No, we did it before you guys were on. >> They lowered it. We lowered it >> because that was part of this proposal that it was going to be a reduced >> which it was in this proposal as well. We met the same. We met the same. >> Okay. >> So, it's possible. >> Okay. Terry, >> you know the thing with the chickens,
you know, chicken. >> Excuse me. If you want to come, come on up. >> Well, it's not it's not open to the public. We can't It's not open. It's closed. >> Great point. I mean, it's nice to have chickens and all that, >> but they do troll rats. >> Thank you. when you get >> Susan, did you have anything? >> I do not. I'll have it in my report. >> Okay.
>> We also kill rats. >> All right. Well, I have good news. Um, we are starting a Friends of the Library group here in Maple Shade. I think I think we're the only county or the only town in Burlington County that doesn't have one. Um, we had our first meeting last night. This will help um enhance the library experience and promote community awareness. Uh, as of today, we
can start collecting book donations. Uh, once our group is fully set up with the 501c3, we will look into having fundraisers such as book sales. So if anybody's interested in joining the group, >> yes, >> we're helping out with different things, please reach out. Like I said, we're going to meet probably quarterly.
So get it up and running. >> And that's all I have. So we'll go over to old business operations. Thank you. So the Fort Landing and Yoku school roadway safety and sidewalk improvements has been completed. I don't know, Dennis, if you're going to have a little bit on that, too, but probably. So I'll let you uh do that. the East Front
Street and Alexander Avenue project. We were just uh informed that concrete C crews are going to mobilize on Thursday, August 21st. So that's today. >> That's yeah, 21st. Uh this work will take approximately two weeks. Inlet reconstruction and manhole adjustments are going to take place September 8th to
12th and milling and paving will begin on Monday, September 15th, and completed by September 19th, weather permitting. Um we did have extensive discussions. The police were involved. We've spoken with the um with the contractor. We tried to do everything we could to get it done before the school before school started and it just didn't happen. So,
they're very well aware of, you know, the the nuances over at the school and the the parking and all that. Um, police department is there's a good relationship there. They're working and everybody will discuss and we will make that hopefully as um flawless as and seamless as possible. North Kohl's
Lansancy to Park and the Roland Avenue project has been given notice to proceed as of September 8th. That project has a 60-day timeline. So hopefully by November, well, not hopefully, we're going to make sure that they're done by November 6th, that that is done. Windsor Avenue, we've received a lot of calls. Um had spoken with uh several residents
via email. There's going to be CCTVing work done there. Um I received confirmation right before this meeting that that's going to be done next week, August 28th and 29th. That work is going to allow us determine the status of the infrastructure as we prepare for future roadway. That roadway is definitely um in some bad shape and it needs to be
redone. So we were working on that. Concerts in the park wrapped up on Tuesday evening. Also, I'm pleased to announce that we have been awarded $125,000 through the Burlington County Municipal Park Development Program. These funds will be issued to install a new pickle ball court uh and fencing
over at Woodlon Park. With this award, also I just want to make everybody aware that the township has now secured more than $800,000 in recreational grant funding just this year to enhance our parks. So, thank you to everybody that has been a part of that. For those looking for adventure, I had mentioned it uh just a little while ago, the BEEDC
is sponsoring a color run or a walk for those of us that don't run. Uh and that is the color run for the arts. It'll be on Saturday, September 27th. Please uh checkin is at 9:00 a.m. and the walk run will begin at 10:00 a.m. To register, you can head over to our township web page or our Facebook page. And then just
some highlights from our department heads for the month of July. Maple Shade Police Department answered 24,412 calls in the month of July, of which 587 were property checks, 16 juvenile complaints, 81 motor vehicle related incidents, and 192 traffic stops. Of course, the PD
also hosted National Night Out on August 5th, beginning of the month. That evening was filled with family fun for all ages and another successful event. No rain. It was partially inside, some uh outside. So, that was a great event. Maple Shade Fire official reported the following. He had 81 incidents, nine
investigations, 186 inspections, cited 253 violations, eight consultations, 114 reinspections, and has performed seven public education se sessions to date. For the month of July, um we took in a total of $66,7.
That's in combined fees, state, local, municipality, uh penalties. 13,225 of that goes to the municipality. So that office is um definitely a bonus that we have that back here in the municipality. Um EMS answered 294 calls
in July, bringing their total to n to 1,948. I also want to bring note that if you residents don't know um obviously our residents don't get charged when you know they don't go into collections when um there's a you know there's a service.
However, they have written off the EMS has written off $72,426 year-to- date just in resident billings. Um, so that's that's an important number like they they rely obviously on their billings. Uh, the state changed Medicaid and Medicare billings. So, they don't
get much from that. They get $51 per um per run for for Medicaid and Medicare. Then on top of it, you know, they write off the township residents, um, portion that, you know, aren't covered by insurance so that a resident doesn't go. So, um, just kind of keep that in mind when the drives come through. Uh, they
really could use that help. Maple Shade Fire Department had 47 calls in the month of July, bringing their total to the year to for the year to 317. Average number of calls answered by a firefighter throughout the year has been 23.2 calls. That's the average. So, some of the firefighters have answered 75
calls, some, you know, triple the the amount of the average. Um, some have answered five, but that's just uh some numbers to to put out there. Our construction department continues to remain steady. Uh, they've performed over,00 inspections through the end of June this year. That's a 14% increase
over the same period last year. However, revenues are down approximately 18% in that department. Um, this difference is obviously attributed to fewer larger scale development projects. It's just people get, you know, the people are getting permitted, but they're smaller projects. Um, on this, >> what's this? >> The cost for doing that now is
>> that's what it is. >> Sky. >> And then lastly, uh, as of July 31st, our current fund account balance was 6,451,7728. Our water sewer operating account balance was $1,464,527.75 totaling $7,916.
$16,235.3. This balance does not reflect our additional 3.9 million across our trust, general capital, and utility capital accounts. So, we're standing in a good position. And that ends my report. The department heads of me. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Engineers report.
>> Sorry to be fast, but here's the >> I have a listing of ongoing projects that we're working on. And um one of the big things that has changed um is Maple Shade is now a tier 2 community as far
as by the New Jersey Infrastru infrastructure bank. We've had some initial meetings with them. We just started uh July 1st. Uh we're probably eligible up to 2 million in principal forgiveness for water projects every year for the next three years. and also
for the clean water which is the wastewater and storm water we also could qualify for another two million in principal forgiveness. So we're trying to identify projects to take advantage of those programs and they're a little slow in getting started with the program
and uh we want to take advantage of this first year. As soon as I talked to him today about if we can do equipment purchase and they would possibly allow us to purchase the jeter that they've been looking at that could be shared by both public works and
uh fantastic sewer department. So that's probably a possible target, but we'll have to talk about where the priority is going to be for that. >> Uh Kings Highway water plant um that's been out of service as an equated but we really need to bring it back in to service. We've been trying to purchase
land. We're very close. Uh but there's an antenna company had right of first refusal. We're trying to get through that last hurdle with that. Uh we did receive 850,000 from a congressional grant. Uh so we're up updating the two wellhouses as the first step of that
project. And then we're also going to be eligible for now through the principal forgiveness. So the I bank probably to get uh free money for emergency contaminants. So, we're waiting to have a follow-up meeting with them when they get organized on that. As far as the Main Street water plant, that's the
workhouse. That's where all our water supply has been coming from in the most recent years. Um, I remember when it was a new plant, but now it's over 20 years old. Uh, well 12, uh, which was one of the main wells. There's three main wells there that all produce, 1250 gallons per
minute. It failed this spring. Uh there was a hole in it and we had gravel 18 in 18 ft of gravel at the bottom of the well. Uh we were able to air lift that out and we put a new well a 12-in well inside of the existing 18inch casing. Uh
so we lost a little bit of capacity but we were able to work with that. That project's now complete and that well's back on line in service. Um other things there we do have some of the poly fluoride issues there. Uh we've
uh through with Susan and Wooden Kern and Remington Vernick, we did apply for all these uh um lawsuits that that are out there for some of these larger companies. We're getting over $2 million coming back. I think we got our first check of like $450,000
and their scheduled payments that are coming out for that and those can be designated towards uh actually you can really designate that in different ways, but we're probably targeting to do some of the treatment. we have to be carbon treatment at that plant. Um in 2029 the
the limits are going to increase for uh currently we're in compliance but we'll be out of compliance for one of the wells in u 2029 when the new standards go into place and also we're always testing for emerging contaminants.
There's always new regulations 14 dioxane is something that's going to be regulated. Uh so anything we would do there we would also take in consideration uh for treatment in that regard. As far as water system improvements uh under the water quality act we have to
do certain main improvements. We just completed Alexander Avenue and now we're going to be starting with the the paving on um a contract's been awarded for that. Uh Rose Avenue from uh basically the water man's water man's been completed on that project. Um there's
final mill and overlay after the settlement period. So that be should be taking place sometime in September of October. And then um lead services. The EPA is requiring that all towns replace any galvanized or lead service lines uh
up to the water meter in in the homes. Um we're out to bid for that project and we'll have bids in early September. Uh again, this is through the eye bank. uh we're going to get 50 50% principal forgiveness. And then the other thing is
where we it's probably going to be close to a $2 million project. We can use part of that 2 million of water money uh for the the second portion of that. So we're going to have to get with your bond council and do the interimm financing for that. But that's something that uh we're setting up.
As far as sewer system projects, uh obviously we're under EPA administrative order to address extraneous flows. A lot of it is sump pumps. Uh in the springtime when the groundwater gets high, we get really high flows to the plant uh and then during rain events
also. Um so we're ongoing with them uh trying to address some of the concerns. They want to see certain improvements. The main street force main we did complete the phase one of that project. Uh the second phase of that's going to require us to get an easement on More Street and then adjoining property
coming up to Pine Street. Uh again, that's a project we're going to put in for two years from now for the uh the funding through the eye bank, but we really need to start the the design and engineering and getting the easements in place for that. The advantage of getting an easement on More Street also is uh we
have some hydraulic issues with our water system. So, if we could tap into the 16-in mains that would go up across the near the soccer field and then go up Morris Street and out to Pine Avenue um with at least a 12-in main that would
improve the hydraulics going out to um the western part of the township. Um Main Street sewer replacement. Um that's we just finally got back. We've been dealing with the county. I think the permits and so booth mechanical
should be uh out there doing some test pits and we should be able you should see action out there this fall. There is going to be traffic control. Uh but right now most of the work's going to be uh in the sidewalk area, but uh that needs to be uh finalized with the the
county traffic control plan. Um then also the the housing our RPMs housing project they had to replace a certain amount of sewer. Um so we're trying to work with them and get their schedule to move that forward.
At the wastewater treatment plant uh we had a warranty repair with screw pump number two that should be put back in service in September. And u capital projects were passed this evening. Uh they have a list of some of those that we know what we want to do here come up in the fall. They need to
really want to remove some of the grit from their existing irration basins and put a storage building up. So those are the two main uh target projects for the wastewater treatment plant. Uh Aces Park uh is finally completed except for final
they have to come back in the fall and do final seating air. There is a little one little grading issue which we're looking at. Then hopefully they'll be able to address those and then clean that up when they do their final uh p u seating out there. Uh this building
here, the the police uh building and the holding cells are out of compliance with Department of Corrections. Uh we've been working with the chief and their staff and we basically put designs together uh due to the improvements. Uh but we've
been dealing with the EOC and they come back and they keep changing things. So hopefully we're getting very close to being able to bid a project out uh and we go to construction to make those improvements that are are necessary. As far as the ongoing road and drainage
projects that we're completing, uh Susan talked about east fronts in Alexander and we certainly got to work with the school there with the delivery and so forth. We did really want the contractor to the finish before school started, but he was focused on a couple other large projects and we couldn't get him over
here. So, um, North Cole's enrolling u, that's a 2004 grant program and, um, Black Rock is the contractor for that. And, um, we don't have their schedule yet. I believe it's coming up this fall. >> Yeah, that's the one that I said the we
gave notice to proceed on September 8th. >> Yes. >> For or September 8th. So we should have a schedule coming shortly as one of their submissions. And then for the 2025 road program north Terrace, uh that's in design. Uh you
worded the water main design for that because we've had a number of breaks there. So we're going to jump in this fall and get the water man completed first. Uh part of the project. We're also possibly putting in uh sump pump uh drainage system to try to give home um get the homeowners to connect in if
possible and uh so we want to get the the piping work done. We did televise the sewer. We did line a portion of that previously. Uh the other portion would be such that we could do a trenchless technology. So we can uh either do that
sewer uh as a completed as a project now or it's something can wait because it's something we can do without excavating the the roadway. Um the the Oak School project sidewalk guess substantially complete. There is
final restoration work that needs to be done out there but um that's complete for the most part. as far as u um Susan talked on some of the the grant money we've gotten for u um recreational projects and u obviously the we put in
there for the pickle ball courts over wood lawn and then buttonwood there's 740,000 Jake plates grant and we have to have the design complete for that by November. Um, I know that the congressional grants
that we did put in for more money for Kings Highway project and we've been noticed that, you know, I don't know if the congressional grants are going go forward in next January, but right now we didn't get as much as we asked, but we're looking we possibly get another million dollars for that. we were on the
list that came out recently and uh we can I can talk to you know I don't know what the the timeline is because these take go out in the future but we certainly can look even for the theater or something like that. I see a lot of times that those type of grants through the congressional grants can get
approved so that's something to consider too and talk about. >> Yeah definitely. >> Is there any questions on any of the projects? I'd be glad to answer them. >> No. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> All right. Moving over to site plan, Andrew. >> Yes. Uh
at site plan this this past month, uh we had uh the residents on Elm Avenue um who unfortunately lost their house in a fire in December. Um came before the board. Uh they were seeking relief for
the sidewalks. Um they were under the impression that uh they had to put curbing and sidewalk in, but due to the uh the events with the fire in the code, it says that they don't have to put
sidewalks in. So when they came in, we explained that to them and they were h very happy and thankful because it was definitely a monetary uh issue with them um that they weren't going to be able to afford. Uh we also had Fox Meadow come in and
update us with uh their process for uh what they're going to be doing with their dumpster enclosures. Uh we made some recommendations to them and they're going to be coming back to the site plan
uh to uh follow up with that. And we also had uh Main Street and for Planning Road. They've had an ongoing issue with the uh owners of that building about the uh dumpster enclosure.
Um and I'll bring that up under new business with the dumpsters uh a a partial resolution for them for right now so that we can get businesses into those empty stores and and get Main Street moving along again. Um, and then
we had a walk-in for a new build, um, that was, uh, trying to get information where to go for, uh, zoning. They had a 50ft frontage and they need 60 ft. So, um, we explained to them what they had
to do. Uh, and they'll be moving on to zoning. And, uh, that's it for site plan. And I'd just like to say thank you to the arts council for coming up um putting the time to come up and talk. I know you
are passionate about it and I hope we can work all this out for you. >> Okay, moving over to new business athletic fields. >> Yes. So, um if you recall, I had mentioned something in my activity report about the athletic fields. This summer, every summer, every year, we have been we're getting constrained. Um
space is limited. We get it. Um, but there's been there definitely is a need for most likely another softball field. Um, we we found that during the summer months, specifically in August, we were up against football, soccer, um, women's
softball. So, uh, it was uh, it was not fun. We went back and forth for days um, trying to trying to come up with something. So, definitely something that we need to keep on our minds. There was a floated idea of perhaps um in the back
of where the community garden is. Um that property is just over two acres. Um that perhaps maybe we could put a softball field back there. That could be something that could be used by the teams, the men's and women's softball teams that use our fields. Um it would definitely alleviate some of the issues
that we had over um like I said in the beginning of August. Just a thought. If not, we need to come up with something of perhaps where we can put some sort of of another field. Um I know that there was a preliminary discussion about possibly um looking at wood lawn and
going into a bigger phase project that and then redesigning that al together. So um just some things that council we would like council to start thinking about. It's things that we're hearing from our athletic programs um and then obviously things that we're hearing from some of our residents as well.
>> Okay. uh dumpsters. >> One thing about the columns lane when that was designed, it was really designed to be passive recreation. >> So that was passive on where the walking path is and everything. Not looking to to go into that side of this would be
behind this would be behind that. >> Where the garden is. Yeah. No, no, no. We want to keep that as passive as a passive walking path. We put a lot of renovations into it and a lot of enhancements in there with the lights and >> there'll be cameras and whatnot. So, and a lot of people enjoy it. So, it has nothing to do with taking that. It is to look at the back.
>> There's no graffiti any >> but there's light missing. >> There's light miss light's missing which now have one order. >> Does anybody else have anything on athletic field? Sorry. All right. Moving over to dumpsters. So, um, at the, uh,
site plan board, we've had an issue, um, with a certain, uh, landlord, um, and it's kind of been going on for, I guess, a year and a half at this point. Um, you know, the council that that passed the ordinance for the
dumpsters, I think that they had good intent with all of it, um, for moving the township forward. uh but I until it got here I don't think they could have um imagined the magnitude of issues that were going to
occur with it. So, at the site board, um there was discussion about uh having the dumpsters uh the township putting a dumpster uh
terminal in behind the uh behind the uh Acme stores back there and maybe a few other spots. And this kind of all ties into redevelopment. um redevelopment is something that we need to uh start looking into. But the
dumpsters themselves um I feel that the dumpsters the intent of the uh ordinance was a good intent. Um you know it it's very clear uh but the problem with Main Street itself the district is that there
is really no place to put them. We can't redesign the buildings at this point. we're kind of locked into to a certain amount of space um and the appearance of all of it becomes an issue. So, one of
the ideas that was floated um from uh uh Jim Fletcher who is our planning board uh chairman and also on the site board was that we do you know a terminal type thing where all the businesses can use
it. Um, and then if the township chooses to, you know, charge them for that, then that's fine. Um, but it it gives us the control to put them in there and maintain them. Uh, instead of having, you know, 10 dumpsters behind it, it's
into one area with one location. Um, and at this point, if we want to be business friendly, you know, we're collecting 95% of the trash in town at this point. just put the dumpsters in and uh just have them collect it. You know, we can put a
dumpster in there for recycling and it just cuts down on a lot of the the problems that we're going to run into. Um you know, with the building opening up on Main Street when the when that's done, we're going to be collecting the trash from that. Um
so, it's just something that we need to talk about next month as far as ideas or what the township wants to move forward. um they are going to go to the site board for uh asking for uh forgiveness for right now until we kind of look into
this and figure out what we want to do. I think with looking at this and being out at the sites um I think it's going to be the best course of action. It it gets the the people to have the dumpster
areas. Um, and it also, you know, is going to stop us having 10 sites behind all of it where I think it would long-term would be, you know, not very uh healthy looking for the township back
there. You know, we could design it have bushes around the one side of it. Um, you know, and I think personally that's the way we really need to approach it at this point in time. um because there's other areas of redevelopment that we
could be looking at uh where we also could do that for the downtown business districts. And I know that's a little bit off, but if I could ask the township manager to uh put redevelopment on, you know, for old business and just leave it
on there moving forward. Um, I think it's something that the the council really needs to look into and uh start uh moving forward with. So, um, you know, does anybody have any questions about the the
>> I do. You said we're going to be collecting the trash from the new RPM facility, >> the building on Main Street, their apartments. We're going to probably wind up eating that trash cost, too. Are they going to be private? >> Private. Yeah, they're they have a dumpster. putting out information.
>> Well, their apartments right >> up there. I mean, we we collect Fox Meadow and all >> theirs. >> I mean, I'm just saying they might wind up coming to us and saying that they want their trash collected, too. I mean, we're not going to have any say that
>> and and business dumpsters, the businesses should be paying for their dumpsters. >> I'm not saying or not. I'm just It was a suggestion, Sandy. >> I'm just saying not the res >> I'm not I'm not saying anything is written in stone. I'm I'm bringing it up so we can have a discussion and talk about it. >> I have a question.
>> Yes. >> Um I wasn't at the site plan so I sorry this comes off. Um wasn't there a plan given to the business owner by the zoning board? >> Yes. >> Last year. We had nothing to do with that.
>> I'm just saying like so what happened as like did he just not want to do it? I >> I think there was a lot of issues. I didn't think he realized the cost. I I mean, you know, he went to the planning board and got approval for the whatever plan it was. They did a resolution and
we're kind of locked into it. You know, the only thing we told them was to go back to planning and ask, you know, for relief and, you know, the dumpsters across, you know, everywhere. It's going to be an issue for for us that we're going to have to deal with. And I'm just
trying to look at a a solution that is going to be, you know, fair and equitable for everybody. Um, >> so who So your I'm just trying to understand. So your solution who pays for that? Do the businesses still pay for something like that or does the township take that over?
>> Well, if we have a general site where we put the dumpsters there, we could do the enclosure and provide the dumpsters and charge them for that. >> So we would pay for the enclosure >> initially. Yes. This doesn't make any sense. >> Can I interject if I may? Sure. So, I
did this is something because I've been sitting in the meetings and everything, site plan, planning and everything. So, I did some research. Um, currently locally to us, the burrow of Heightstown has an ordinance like this. I reached out to my municipal manager. This is part of their ordinance. Um, so it's just it's just to get the conversation
started. Not saying that it's working or not working. I do have a conversation u or I do have an email into the clerk and the manager over there to ask how it works. But at least it breaks it down. I wanted to give you just an idea again like I I wanted to do some research for you. Um they do it in a stock it's
called their Stockton Street parking lot. Um there are prohibited materials that can be there. The one thing that I do know because I spoke with the former manager of Heightstown. Um they said they did have to increase their staff because you need people to be able to go out there like DPW would need to keep the area clean. Um and then there was
also the cost of like cameras and stuff. So, those are some things that we just need to, but I at least wanted to give you a re I wanted to do a little bit of research to be able to have, you know, the conversation. I know that Councilman Simon Ze had asked to have it um discussed. So, that's what it's there. We definitely can do more. I can get some more information from Heightstown
and ask them exactly how they've implemented it. Um what their fee schedule is um because it does say that they have, you know, it does they do uh >> the fee is not paid within 30 days. Yeah. So, >> right. So, that's something I mean that we think up to, but I will get more information on it. But I just wanted to
give you something in your hands to be able to look at it. So, >> anything else on dumpsters? >> All right. Short-term rental discussion. >> Okay. So, you've all been given a short-term This is uh you've all been given the short-term rental um I don't
even know where mine went. Oh, it's in front of me. Sorry. The short term, it's one of those nights. Short-term rental ordinance. Um the ordinance that was originally proposed has gone a complete overhaul. Um, so the ordinance that you all had been given previously was
something that was worked on. Um, Kyle had worked on it. Our former solicitor had worked a little bit on it too. We came up with that. Um, and just a brief synopsis about what this newer ordinance uh is being proposed. It would be for short-term rentals, which are
residential units rented 40 41 31 days or less. So 31 days or less. That's a that's this what the short-term rental is. Um, they would be allowed and permitted only in owner occupied single family homes, certain two family dwellings, and some condo HOAs if
government governing documents allow. So, we wouldn't be able to do that. Their HOA would have to say that it was permitted. They would be per prohibited in state regulated housing, dorms, shelters, nursing homes, and similar facilities. Permits that would be required. All short-term rentals must obtain an annual township permit, $250
fee, meet safety and code standards, and remain current on taxes and utilities. Operating rules. Owners must provide insurance, emergency contact information, and comply with the noise, parking, property maintenance regulation, amenity only rentals. This is where we get into the swim blades,
your pools, a driveway, a shed, those things would that are on the outside of the home would not be permitted. That's what we would be banning. We are not banning. I know we had the residents that had come up and they were concerned that, you know, their short-term rental. Um, and then enforcement. We have violations could result in daily fines
of anywhere from $250 to $1,500. that's actually low um for what the standard is around the area and repeated complaints could lead to permit suspension or re revocation. So these regulations, they're just designed to allow short-term rental in appropriate settings. Um still protecting
neighborhood quality of life through clear standards, inspections, and enforcement. So that's what this current ordinance that we did in draft form. >> And no swim, >> no swim. You cannot you cannot do any sort of rental on an accessory amenity. Again, you can't rent out your driveway. You can't rent out your shed. you can't
rent out your pool, can't do it. Um, but it would put in the safeguards that we need that that's been the concern from public safety, from our first responders of, you know, we're going to a house and we don't even know like who's there. Um, the other thing is too, you know, it the
ordinance that's being proposed is, you know, you have to give your neighbor some some notification that, you know, that you're going to have this. This is what it's going to be. You know, we we'd want to make sure that that happens. Um, you know, and then obviously, you know, the turnover is what it is. So, 31 days or less would be considered a short-term
rental. It coincides with our regular rental registration program that we're doing now. Still have to get the inspections. Um, still have to, you know, give us their their forms, that sort of things. And then there is the full, you know, it's itching. You're making me itch, Sandy. I'm sorry. So, I
hope I don't know if everybody got a chance to read it. I know it was been circulated, you know, for for a week or so. Um, but if it's something that you're interested in doing, as the mayor had mentioned, it can be something that is introduced tonight in title only. Um, we can make some, you know, some minor revisions if you need to, or if you like
it, we introduce it the way it is, and Terry's authorized to put it out for, uh, >> thank you for making the changes from the last one. >> You're welcome. >> I think this is a lot better. Thank you for going with our suggestions. >> What would you like to >> Can we have a starting point? >> I know you want a band. Oh, you don't
want any airb at all? >> Um, I'm fine with it the way it is written. >> This one, >> the notification is in there. >> I have to put it in there. It's not in the one that you have in front, but it's been noted. So, it will be put in there. Um, as you and I have discussed, it's that would be a requirement. It wouldn't
just be something that's in our policies and procedures. It would be in the ordinance that says >> they would have to notify all the neighbors touching their property. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think, you know, originally we were just discussing loosely and we had said, "Oh, you know, as long as they knock on the door." I think we definitely it needs to be in writing as part of the application process that we've at least seen it.
>> Mhm. >> I'm I'm fine with this sooner rather than later. Let's introduce it. >> I think we should introduce it. >> Okay. Do we need a motion? I'm assuming we do need a motion for that. >> You will need a motion to add the introduction of the ordinance and then you will need a That's correct. Right.
>> Correct. A motion to add it to the agenda and then a motion on the actual introduction. >> Yes. >> So, it'll be introduced tonight. >> It would be introduced. Yes. So, it would be introduced the way that it's written with the suggestions that um Councilman Zer adnik had said that we're
going to put in notification to the neighboring properties there. Um and then it would be in with along with the um the other one. So, the publication date would be August 27th, hearing date on September 18th.
>> I'll make both those motions. So >> the first motion is to add it to the agenda. >> Amend the agenda. >> Okay. >> Somebody want to second. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> And it would go all in. >> All in favor? >> I
say no. >> Okay. Now we need another motion to add to approve it, I guess. Right. >> So you're going to you're going to this is going to be 2025 >> R-166. It's an >> 2025-16 ordinance number 2025-16
>> resolution. >> So, it's a motion to introduce, right? >> Yep. So, now we need a motion to approve it. >> Motion to introduce >> introduce introduce it. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Um, now we need >> Andrew second. >> Yeah. Roll call. >> Any comments
on the motion? >> Mr. Kaufman, would you like to comment? Nope. >> Okay. No comments. >> Okay. Mr. Kaufman, >> no. There's my com. >> Miss Nunes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Simons. >> Yes. >> Mr. Znick. >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. >> Okay. Does anybody else have anything under new business? >> Yes, I do. >> No. No. >> New business. Let me show you something. >> Um, I was just looking through the
emails and uh I just uh came across the the purchases for the capital outlays for the fire department and I just had a question for Susan about um what what you don't like about the HGAC.
Um I I just trying to understand that. Could you help me understand it? >> Yep. So, first there is an administrative fee. we have to pay an additional thousand just to have them put it together. That's the first one. Second one is is that historically the HGAC is always higher than our state
co-op or our other co-ops that we have. So I did the research. I did reach out to HGAC. Their price on an F350 is $60,000. The price at Winter Ford and at Pamis Ford for an F350 is $50,00051,000 each. Um that's for the vehicle alone.
And then I know that you do have the upfitting as well. So, >> so with the with the, you know, if you do a prepayment and and just for the record, we've bought numerous vehicles under that. >> Yes. >> Um, and if with the money, the capital
outlay money is there. If we do a prepayment on the chassis, we could get $10,000 back on that deal. >> We're not permitted to do prepayments. Unfortunately, we can't do a prepayment. >> Why can't we do prepayments? We've done it before in the past. >> Correct. We can't do it underneath
because the state of New Jersey has a um purchase. They have a co-op and a state contract that is equal to what the HGAC does. So, we cannot make that prepayment. >> HGAC. >> I Well, I'm going to look into that because we had we did a prepayment on
the HGAC that we did on the other trucks. So, I don't understand why the state >> I do know we're not supposed to. >> All right. Well, you know, and the other side of that coin is we have to compare apples to apples and what we're getting out of those trucks,
too, because those trucks are specialized trucks with skid packs in them for weight classes and other things. And you know, uh, Winter Ford doesn't do that for a living. The company that we're looking at strictly does fire department trucks. You know,
it's the same with the police. the police don't, you know, have them do outfitting. There are special people that do special outfitting for the for the vehicles. And I just think, you know, um that we need to get on on top of this and get this done. I mean, you
know, the state is saying that they're equal to it. But if we're comparing apples to apples, which what with what they're saying that they're going to have and what they do have, I don't see that that is an issue because they're not providing the same thing under that contract. So, well, they're providing
the same vehicle, the the F3. >> We're not talking about the vehicle is a package. The package is the back of it, the skid pack that goes in it and and the vehicle itself. And, you know, at the end of the day, that's a that's a big savings for us. That is, you know,
that we could use as far as that goes. You know, they're not going to be providing that skid pack. They're going to sub that out and it's going to wind up costing more money when it's all said and done. We we've been down this road many times. Uh you know, so you know, if
we're comparing the apples to apples, then as far as I'm concerned, and maybe that's why we did make that prepayment on the chassis, we saved $60,000 on the purchase of that truck when we did it, and it was through HGAC. >> Okay? >> So, nobody else could provide that. And
if we're not going to take exceptions to those contracts, then there's no reason why we can't do it. So all I and all I asked was that we look at the state contract, we look at Sourcewell, we looked at ESCJ, we looked at the Bergen County co-op. It's all I asked. I said, "Let's see if we can get another price
that's cheaper than what we were looking at for the HGAC through the Virginia Company." >> As long as it's apples to apples, that's all. >> So I'm not putting that together. I asked Chief Simon Sec to do that. So that's that's it. It's same thing. That's all I ask so that we can definitely compare it because when I got
the prices for on the F350 that they were asking there's a nine and a $10,000 difference in the vehicle alone. Listen, it might come up that you know you have to have outfitted up up here and it's not cheaper. I don't know that. That's where I stay out of this. But I all I requested was that please look and ask
what it's going to cost if we did it through the state contract. >> All right. Well, hopefully he can get that done. >> Yeah. >> Did you have something else on end of business? Uh, no. >> Anybody else have anything for new business? Nope.
>> Okay. Um, we need a motion to go back into close for negotiation and attorney client privilege. >> Anyone? >> So, >> second. All in favor? I >> I All right. Formal action may be taken
upon the conclusion of closed session.