Yep. >> Good evening everyone. Welcome to the Maple Shade Township Council regular session agenda February 26, 2026. Please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Public notice of this meeting pursuant to the open public meetings act has been given by the township council in the following manner. Notifying the township clerk December 23rd, 2025. Mailing notice to the carrier post central
record in Burlington County Times on December 23rd, 2025. I've been posting notice on the official municipal bulletin board on December 23rd, 2025. Anyone from the public wishing to speak tonight will be permitted to address comments to council during the public portion only. Those who are wishing to speak will have five minutes and one
opportunity. Um, a draft agenda has been posted on the township website and bulletin board and municipal building. Roll call, please. Terry. >> Mr. Kaufman >> here. >> Miss Nunes >> here. >> Mr. Sick >> here. >> Mr. Zadnik >> here. >> Mayor Tel Rico >> here. We are going to start off with the presentation and public hearing for the
Woodland Sports Complex by Remington and Vernick. Okay. Should I use this one? Hello. [snorts] >> Okay. Um >> Okay. Hi everyone. My name is Annie Oreo. Um I'm a professional engineer with Remington and Vernick Engineer. I'm
licensed in the state of New Jersey and this is the second public hearing for um the 2026 Greenacres project for Woodlon Sports Complex improvements which includes turf replacement, parking and field sports lighting. And specifically,
this is the local government park development application. Um just really quick, Green Acres is a program offered by NJDP, which is the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Its purpose is to protect and preserve
New Jersey's natural, environmental, and recreational features. Um, this pro all projects that are funded by Green Acres, especially park projects cannot be locked. It has to be publicly accessed. And specifically this year, um, the
Green Acres for Maple Shade Township, uh, Maple Shade is eligible for 50% matching grant. And, uh, this grant is generally available every year. here. Last year was called Cheeks Place. Um, but generally something of the sort is available to every every year. So, it's
important to know that when I'm presenting the development for Woodlon Sports Complex for a phase development. So, one of the things proposed today is um the proposed turf replacement. It will be a
rubber infill and it is currently striped for high school football, high school soccer and nine versus nine soccer fields. And um any manufacturer we use will be third party verified as safe. Um and then something else is the
proposed lighting at proposed new sports lighting for the baseball field Nolan Field. And then there is a retaining wall along the um existing stone drive aisle here. and then um mill and overlay delineating parking
spaces, proposing concrete curb and then sidewalk and accessibility for a second access through the bath through the Woodlon Sports Complex and then um additional landscaping and trees and I will go into it more um in the picture
to the left. So, just a background, Green Acres was funded as an open uh Woodlon Sports Complex was actually funded by Green Acres uh back in 2002 and the turf existing turf field right now. Um was actually first designed and
constructed in October 2013. The average lifespan of a turf is about 8 to 10 years, but with really really good diligence and maintenance, you can push it to around 12 to 15. um with light use. And that's very
important to note because [snorts] um looking at the use of Woodlon Sports Complex, it actually is considered a very very high usage turf field um specifically home to soccer, football along with practices, youth sports festivals, and football program. And
then up here we have an example of brand new turf. As you can see, it's very colorful. You can see all the fibers. And then if you look at the picture to the left, the [snorts] field is mostly black. And that's because you're seeing most of the rubber infill. You don't
have that fiber that's helping hold the uh rubber pelin. And this can pose a hazard to the players that are using this turf system. And then one thing that green uh one of the argument is to do sod which is a natural turf which is
just regular grass dirt and that is not feasible for this facility and especially maple shade due to the absolute extensive use of the field and especially because the existing turf field has an under drain system. So
there's about a foot below the turf that's um perforated pipe, stone, DGA base. And then so if we were to replace it with sod, it's a heavy excavation cost um soil, earthwork, top soil along the sort. And especially uh for sod, you
cannot play during rainy days. And then after about three to four times and then if you play um a 100 hours which is about only every 12 days you need about a week of rest for the saw to regenerate
otherwise the sod will die and also saw requires um receding mowing watering fertilizing and replanting every year. and equivalent sod field for the right now wood lawn synthetic turf field. You would need about four or five sod fields
to make up for the current use of the wood lawn um sports complex. The synthetic turf and then also much more important um is we are proposing sports lighting for the Nolan
field. That is one of the many fields that we're looking at for lights, but specifically this year um it'll be Nolan Field. And then we rolled out a survey and one of the biggest complaints about everybody was
um the overflow parking during Friday, Saturday, weekend sports events where people are saying that overflow parking are going to Collins, Windsor and beyond. And so one of the proposed components you see here is actually milling delineating parking spaces this
way. And then we are also proposing another accessible sidewalk that has a gate on the southern side that leads to existing bleachers. Um and what's going to happen is this is going to open a second access. So people will start
spreading their parking um to the back of the field. And right now there's no stripe spaces, so people kind of park wherever they want. So you can't fit as many spaces. Once you delineate spaces, you're going to get a lot more people spread out throughout the park for these
events festivals. Um, having that second opening. And also having a curb helps maintain your pavement for much longer because right now you can see the pavement is in very poor condition. It's you basically just see the uh aggregate base course. like you don't really even
see any of the surface asphalt course that should be there when it was newly paved. Um, and so one of the important things is repairing the access, the parking, the curb, and then having that second
accessible entrance way into the park. Um, and we think this will definitely disperse the parking burden that many of the residents feel right now. And then additionally, if you look at the picture, um, which is top row to the
right, there is an existing wooden retaining wall. And this retaining wall is like holding on by a thread. Somebody has piled dirt up behind it to try to hold it back, but um, just due to the amount of weight on top and the fact
that timber can degrade and rot over time, the timber is basically failing. So, um, that's one of the new proposed improvements for this grant is we're going to propose a new retaining wall, like one that's going to last much longer and we know will not fail and um,
collapse. So, and then one of the last features is some more proposed landscaping such as trees, shrubs just to beautify this area much more. And I know another issue was about um Green Acres funding about kids riding the
bikes. Um that's something we'll work with the police because that's definitely an enforcement and education issue. And um I'm open for questions from council and the public. >> Um I don't Does anybody from council have any questions?
>> We could open up to the public if anybody from the public would like to come up or ask a question. Join you can come up or Yeah, that's fine. Uh Joanne Mortimer, 39 Lancancy Road. The only question I have is will the
girls softball fields also be included for the lighting here >> for here? No, we're >> baseball fields. >> We're redoing the whole complex and Nolan is going to be the start of the whole redo phase. So that's where we're going to put the lights instead of paying to put the lights somewhere else and then moving them in a couple years
or a year down the line. So >> will the the girls >> girls softball will get lights at that time? Not this not in this proposal >> when we redo the complex. This is the first phase. >> I don't know. I we nobody could say we need money. We need a red. We're working
on a redesign currently. But softball is very aware. We spoke to the president. >> Okay. >> Okay. Anybody else from the public? >> Good evening. My name is Dave Leve, 506 Monroe Avenue in Edgewater Park. I'm
here to represent the AARP driver safety program. We uh started the program in 19 >> This is for the This is for the Green Acres. So, if you're looking for the just the regular public portion, we'll call you back up. >> Oh, okay. Never mind. >> No worries. >> Like those fields. >> Thanks.
>> I was not going to know. [laughter] >> Does anybody else from the public have anything on the Green Acres Grant? >> I would like to say if you are in um support of this park, you want to come up afterwards and address. It really helps the application.
>> All right. Seeing none, does anybody else have anything? No. Thank you very much, Annie. Appreciate it. Have a good night. Moving over to the ordinance introduction, first reading. Ordinance number 2024, 2026-04 is an ordinance repealing and replacing in its entirety.
Article 21 entitled affordable housing and article 22 entitled development fees of the zoning ordinance of the township of Maple Shade to address the requirements of the fair housing act and the uniform housing affordability controls regarding compliance with the township's affordable housing obligations. Can I have a motion for introduction, please?
>> So, >> I'll second >> comments. >> Uh, for the record, um, [snorts] >> could you please tell me who prepared these ordinances? >> Our fair share housing, uh, Michael Serenian and William Olsson. >> Okay.
>> Anybody else? Roll call, please. Terry. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss Nunes? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> No. >> Mr. Zeratnik? >> Yes. >> Mayor Jerica? >> Yes. Publication dates February 27th, 2026 and the public hearing will be March 13, 2026. Moving over to ordinance
number 2026-05. It's an ordinance of the township of Maple Shape, Burlington County amending certain sections of chapter 205 entitled zoning of the township's code to establish the R-H residential affordable housing district. Motion for introduction, please. >> So made >> second. Comments.
>> Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman, >> yes. >> Miss News? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> No. >> Mr. Rnik? >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico? >> Yes. Publication date February 27th, 2026 and the public hearings March 13, 2026. Moving over to the ordinances and second reading and public hearing. This
is ordinance number 2026-02 is an ordinance amending salaries and wages of certain employees and officers of the Township of Maple Shade, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, effective January 1, 2026. This is now open to the public. If anybody would like to come up and speak on this
ordinance, please do so. >> Seeing none, can I have a motion to close? So made >> second. >> Okay. And then I need a motion to adopt. >> So made. >> I'll second. >> Comments. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes.
>> Miss New? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> No. >> Mr. Zadnik? >> Yes. >> Mayor Talico? >> Yes. Ordinance number 2026-03 is the bond ordinance amending bond ordinance number 2024-14 which provides for various capital improvements here to [snorts] for finally adopted by the
township council of the township of Maple Shade in the county of Burlington state of New Jersey on September 12, 2024 to amend the description set forth therein open to the public. Anybody from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance? Seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> So made. >> Second.
>> All right. Motion to adopt. >> So made. Second >> comments. >> The uh bonding for this was done last year under us. I would like a copy of the bonding ordinance and what money was spent under that bonding ordinance
because I believe there was $466,000 put aside for the turf field. And we're talking about money now and it's tax dollars for the for the people. We we we're going to be on the hook for probably $750,000
for that project down there. And I want to know where the money's coming from. So, I want to copy that bonding ordinance and what was spent off of it. And while we're talking about bonding ordinances, because you said we had five five million set aside for capital A
that wasn't spent, I want all the bonding ordinances sent over to me for that $5 million so I can look at it and see what was spent, what wasn't spent, and have a plan for reallocation because right now we're just reallocating money
that we allocated. That bonding issue was from last year for the 2024. >> Mr. Simon Sek, this ordinance is not reallocating any money. What this ordinance is doing is adjusting the um descriptions of where the money >> then I'm asking for the adjustments. That's all I'm asking for.
>> That's fine. It was sent to you. I will send you another copy. >> Okay. Any other comments? >> Roll call, please. Terry. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss News? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> No. >> Mr. Znik? >> Yes. >> Mayor Telerico? >> Yes. This is the public portion for the consent agenda items only. If anybody
from the public would wish to come up regarding the consent agenda items, please do so. >> Yes. Um Joanne Mortimer, 39 Lancancy Road. Um I have a question on um
resolution R57 concerns the um land use board the joint one. My question is how can an individual be appointed to the joint land use board when there were other
people other than myself. There were a few other people who were on the original boards. I would think that if you had an available space, you would bring one of the original people back.
Does anyone have an answer to that question? Really? >> I would just like to say, Joanne, I I can't answer that question because none of that stuff was ever discussed in open public and it surely wasn't discussed
with me. >> [snorts] >> Um, so if you can't get an answer from the the uh people that are sitting next to me, I'm sorry. >> I mean, it just doesn't make sense to me. I mean, if there was available space, I would think you would bring back one of the other people that were
on the original boards. Does anyone have an answer to that? >> I do not. >> Nope. >> I think you got your answer, Joanne. >> Okay. Thank you. Sorry. >> He did put an application in just recently.
>> Well, I mean, people that were on the boards already had applications way in. >> This This is a new board. >> Were you on the board, Joan? >> It was discussed at the last meeting and it was a new board. >> Was that was that was that courtesy
extended to you by by anyone on council? >> Not the way it works. >> Okay. So, they contacted you, but they didn't ask if you wanted to serve again, did they? >> That's >> Anybody else from the public on the consent agenda items?
>> Okay, we'll approve these in bulk. Resolution 2026-R55 through resolution 2026-R62. Can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So, made second. Comments. I'll be voting no for R61.
>> And roll call, please. >> Mr. Kaufman, >> yes. >> Miss Nunes, >> yes. >> Mr. Simon, >> yes. >> Mr. Zering, >> yes. >> Mayor Tel Rico, >> yes. Approval of the expenditure list, please. >> Current fund bill list $356,587.99.
[snorts] Utility fund bill is $55,88487. Capital fund is $775. Utility capital $155,330. Trust fund $15,71955. And we had no grant fund expenditures this meeting. I have reviewed the above
bill list as submitted and recommend payment when funds are available. >> Right. Thank you. Can I have a motion to approve? >> So made a second. >> Comments? >> Roll call, please. Terry. >> Mr. Kaufman. Yes, >> Miss Nunes. >> Yes, >> Mr. Simon. >> Yes, >> Mr. Zadnik. >> Yes, >> Mayor Telerico.
>> Yes, this is the public portion. Anybody from the public wishing to come up? >> Yeah, you can come up. >> Said seven, but wrong. Okay. My name is Dave Le. I'm from the uh I live at 506 Monroe Avenue in Edgewater Park, New
Jersey. I am here representing the AP driver safety program. Uh the program started in 1979 and it was somewhat prosperous in this this vicinity. Uh the vicinity we speak of is what they call
zone 5, Burlington, Camden and Glouester counties. CO turned it down. So now we're back and we're looking to expand. The purpose of the program is to keep older Americans independent, safe, healthy, and confident on the road. Although the
program's aimed at people 50 plus, it's open to any licensed driver in the state. I've had 18 year olds in in some of the classes. Uh what we're looking for specifically are people to host or places to host. Hosts can be municipalities, fire departments, police
departments, banks, hospitals, houses of worship, senior centers, adult communities, corporations, libraries, community service centers, VFWs, law offices, and insurance officers. Essentially, you need a room. Uh, the cost to a host is nothing. It doesn't cost anything. I just had cataract
surgery, so I don't know what I'm looking at. Um, the only thing we require is a room that can hold up to 25 or 30 people and an AV system that has uh capability for us to plug a laptop or USB drive or uh DVD player to uh show
videos as part of the program. Uh the advantages are it gives you community engagement, delivers an award-winning program, community goodwill for your organization, and provides a valuable service to your community. The ARP will provide trained instructors, course materials, and promotional materials. In
fact, if we schedule a course 90 days out, they will send notices to all AP members in the area about the course. The course itself is 6 hours long. It's not AP requirement. It's required by the state of New Jerseys Motor Vehicle
Commission. It can be done in one or two days, either on weekends, evenings, weekdays. uh the two days we try to keep them close together so people remember to come back. The cost to a participant is $20 for an AP member and 25 for non-members. Now you ask yourself what
do you get for this? You get a discount on your car insurance for three years. It's mandated by the state. Your minimum 5% on three aspects of your policy which I believe were liability, uh PIP and medical medical. and some give you more,
some give it on the whole policy. It's up to the insurance company. They also get two points taken off their driver's license. Now, that's only if they have them. You can't bank them. You can't leave the course and go get some points out there. It doesn't work. It also gives them an awareness of their driving
skills or maybe the lack of driving skills. Um, if you have any senior expose or community days or similar types of events, let us know. we'd be willing to participate because we're trying to get this program up and running. Again, I have some brochures here if anyone's interested and I'm here
to answer any questions. >> Okay. Um, you can give it to Susan. She'll we could have something up here. >> Okay. >> I'll pass it along to our recreation directors as well. She handles a lot of those programs. >> Thanks. >> The six hours. Is that usually during the day or is it a weekend or how does
that work? >> Uh, you can have it anytime. I mean, I'm working with the Browinger Township Police Department right now, and they're talking about wanting me to come in overnight to train their officers, and you know, [laughter] I have to draw a line somewhere, but uh
generally um we're available anytime in the morning, the afternoon, or the evening. >> Okay. >> Weekends and uh uh weekdays. Does that uh does that course is it six hours straight through or is it broken up into two days or
>> Well, we can break it up into two days. That's the option of the host. Um if we do, it's two three hour sessions. We can't break it smaller than that because the way the courses are designed, it would cut off some of the units in the middle. >> Six hours is a long time for somebody to retain anything. >> I would think so, but um
>> people do it. They come all the time. Uh we usually >> usually we bring have them have bring a lunch with them. They can eat while we work because if we break for lunch, whatever period that is a half hour, an hour, we have to add it on the end because the CL the state is requiring six hours of classroom instruction.
There's no driving. I have people ask me when do we go in the car? And I said, not my car, but uh you know, it's all classroom instruction. There's no real test at the end. They just uh you do these knowledge checks as you go through and check off where you stand with certain aspects of it. >> Thank you.
>> Perfect. So the only thing you're required of the facility is just a place to plug in your computer and stuff. >> A room and [snorts] a TV. You don't have to give us lunch. You don't have to. We'll even do the registration. We can set it up to even do online though. Haven't had anyone do that yet. And I've had several classes that I think there's
a reluctance to use computers for certain age group. And uh but we can do all that. You don't have to do anything >> and it can be held during the day. >> Anytime. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And we could do it a couple like every six months, a year. every week if I could get this people. >> I didn't know what your need was. I
mean, we have we have the space. >> We try to keep uh the classes to 25 or 30. You get more than that. We got to collect the fees and some people they [snorts] emptied our piggy banks and they they come with change and whatnot. And um to keep account of that with 30 people, 40 people gets a little messy.
Plus, you get that much in the classroom. If anyone's a teacher, you know that the classroom tends to go its own direction. and the smaller group in terms of 25. Um, >> okay, >> we can do it. >> Great. Thank you very much. >> Okay, thank you.
>> Anybody else from the public? >> Don Burn, I live at 66 South Popular Avenue. Um, mayor, last council meeting you thanked Donald Norcross and his office for securing federal funds for improvements on the uh King's Highway.
um plant. Um I'm a little suspicious because the Norcrosses are very connected to American Water and American Water is a private company that goes into towns and
buys up their water rights and sewer rights. Um when this happens, the township cannot get them back and they're not even sure what's in their water. It's a private concern and they make all kinds of promises. Of course, it's it's
a private company and um private companies are responsible mostly to their companies and their shareholders, not to the people drinking their water. Could I have you promise that you will never sell our water rights?
>> That's not something I can promise, but do you want to elaborate on that? I will say the funding that we're that was awarded is congressional funding. Um so it has nothing to do with a private company. Um it's money that is set aside for water and sewer and utilities. So that's where the money is coming. It
didn't necessarily come from Norcrosser, but what it is is we had asked him for his support from the Congress side of it since he represents us. >> Um so that's where the money is coming from. It's not technically coming It's not coming from American Water. It's federal funding that we >> Oh yeah, I do understand that. I just
the Norcross name connected with American water concerns me because the family is very connected to American water and they're very powerful people politically. So that's my concern because other townships that has
happened to them and once it's done it's done. And I'm assuming it would be up to the council to make that decision. think it would be and I can guarantee you that I won't sell it because Maple Shade is unique. We do own it locktock and barrel
and I [snorts] don't know really how much more of a cost it is but we control it. So I agree with you and I have no intentions whether I'm sitting here or out there. I'll fight for that because it's the right thing to do. So you have my promise. I
>> I'm very proud of our water. I'm very I know we have a good workm longterm >> 10 years. >> Okay. 10 years. >> Well, it's 10 years now, but and it was re it had been renewed. So, yes. >> We have a very strong utility.
>> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else in the public? >> Evening kids. Uh Tony Edgar, 61 North Holly. Mine is more of an observation than anything. I just want to go on record giving a shout out to the Department of Public Works for the job
they did the last two times with the snowstorms. The first one was brutal, something we hadn't seen in a long time. They did the best they could and this time was just awesome. Curb the curb. So, I just wanted to come up and I felt it was important that they be recognized for the fine job they did.
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> Anybody else in the public? >> [snorts] >> Joanne Mortimer, 39 Lansancy Road. I was going to give a shout out to to public works. I mean, it was phenomenal. Really
was phenomenal. Uh, also, um, with the, um, redoing of the park and my concern about the lights on the girls softball fields, I do have a question.
Um, what is the title of Miss Dumalsski's job? >> Oh, who? Who? I'm sorry. >> Miss Dumalsski, is that her name? What is her title? >> Director of Recreation. >> Okay. Director of Recreation.
Well, I recall quite vividly when Sunonny Fret was here. He was the director of recreation also. He [snorts] was a big advocate for our sports recreation activities.
What happened? I mean, I I love Miss Dolski, don't get me wrong. She's very energetic and [snorts] she does a lot, but she only seems in my mind, and correct me if I'm wrong, to deal with activities.
Well, sports is an activity and they need an advocate for these girls to go without lighting on the fields. And for you to say, you don't know when it's going to happen. Well, we
spoke to the president. They need an advocate and if it has to be Miss Tzowski, so be it. She has to extend, you know, the activities of her job. And uh I would like that to be looked
into, please. Okay, >> let me respond. >> Excuse me. >> I said let me respond to you. >> Okay. >> We don't have a crystal ball, so we don't know when we're going to do that project. Okay. However, the recreation director has done so much more for recreation.
Yes, Sunny Fret was great, but he only concentrated on sports. He had nothing else was done. Sunny, I loved Funny Sunny. He was a great guy, >> but he only concentrated on sports and the new recreation director has expanded that program and I'm very proud of what
she has done >> and I'm proud of what she has done, too. And I think I mentioned that. But there has to be an advocate for the sporting program also. That's all I'm saying. It has to be looked into. I don't know
whether she can do it all. I mean, it all comes under her department. So maybe if she concentrated somewhat also on sports, it doesn't have to be her major job. >> Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else in
the public? All right, seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> So made. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right, moving over to staff and professional comments. Sandy, do you want to go first? >> Sure. I I do uh also
are are very happy with the DPW. They did a fantastic job uh all the way around. The first storm was tough. We had haven't seen, you know, two, three inches of ice on top of snow like that. It was very difficult to deal with. And uh this time around it was just smooth
sailing. So they do a great job all the way around and I give them a lot of credit. >> Thank you, Chuck. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Did you say? >> Yes. >> No. Did I on that? Yeah. The TPW. I mean, I know they were working
24/7 sometimes, finally got a break, went home, and then came back. So, they really did excellent job. and you got notification that if you would park your vehicles anywhere other than
in the street, it would go a lot easier. You can park them on your lawn for all we care for that snow emergency issue. So again, hopefully no more snow, but if we do get more snow, feel free to park your vehicles >> feel free to park your vehicles
>> off the street somehow, even up on your lawn if if possible. and uh that wouldn't wouldn't be an issue. >> Y >> Andrew, >> [snorts] >> uh so I just want to touch on uh I guess
what would be this the the township and it status. Um I've been on the council now for a little over a year and um for me it was all about good government coming in here and doing the right thing for the
people. Um, and it just seems to me that uh as time's gone on, everything that happens in this town winds up in a lawsuit, the township being sued. And for me personally, it's it's kind of disturbing to me that the people aren't
being listened to. But as far as I'm concerned, um, it's been a rough year for me. I mean, it's very clear watching the township council meetings what's going on. the people of the town aren't stupid. Um, but I'm going to keep
fighting for the township people. Um, and I just want the township people to realize something that the things that are done are done by choices. People making choices, not communicating, communicating, doing what they want. Um, and it seems to me that right now things
are just being done when people want to do them with no regards to what the outcome's going to be because your tax dollars are fighting those fights in court. So to them, it doesn't matter uh, you know, if they're ramming something
down the people's throat, but it does matter to me. And I just want, you know, for me personally, you know, I I can't consider myself accountable for it. Um, you know, if anybody out in the township wants to know why I'm voting no
for something, they can come and ask me. I have it written down and I can explain my position on all the things I vote on and why I vote on them. But a lot of the things come down to council council itself and the things that are happening
in this town are happening because council's allowing it to happen. So, I want the town's people to think about that. The things that go on in this building are the responsibility of the council. So when things go south,
ultimately it comes back on us. So everybody in the town needs to think about those things, the things that I just said because it affects everybody in this town whether they think so or not. >> Okay, >> John. >> Yeah. I um [snorts] also want to
reiterate about DPW. I plowed snow for years. That first storm was brutal. Um, I will never plow snow again because it is so hard on your back, your neck. When you come out of those storms, it's crazy. And the guys plowed for how many hours that first storm, Susan? I I
couldn't even tell you. And then and then and then they get out of the trucks and I Everybody drives down the shore. They drive for two hours. They get out of their vehicle to walk around. They can't move. And then they come back and and they got to shovel and clean the corners. That first storm, I know that a
lot of people gave them flack. They did a very good job on that first storm, how that storm came in and what it was. That layer of ice killed them. And the second storm, they knocked it out of the park. So, congratulations to our guys and what a
good job they did. And hopefully they don't have to work on Monday. [laughter] But, um, I am definitely team no. >> And everybody, please stay safe if we do get another storm. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Terry. Susan. Uh yeah, I'd just like to say that um the DPW was out
that whole time. So was our manager >> with a fever, >> sick as a dog, both storms, and she was by their side going through every street and troubleshooting the whole entire time. So I give her an awful lot of credit. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Tony. You have anything right?
>> Same. Thank you to the DPW. They I mean the first storm was hard. The second storm, they did a great job. And thank you to the township of employees, including Susan, for going out there and guiding them through it. Um, and hopefully we have no more snow. Moving over to old business operations.
So, mine is I start out about another round of measurable snow that we had this past weekend, and I do agree. DPW did a phenomenal job. I know I spoke about the um plowing efforts on the first snowstorm that we had. [snorts] Um, and it was rough. If you weren't if we weren't out there, you know, before the ice hit, it didn't matter. And you
know, if you went and you drove around any other towns, we were not in the minority. It every town looked the same um you know, in the area. But again, DPW, they're the real heroes uh in all of this. They do they leave their families, their snow gets plowed, their
snow gets shoveled last um you know, because they have to come home and if their families haven't done it, then they have to do it after being in a truck all night. So um they're the real heroes. They did do a great job this time. Uh again, two different storms, but um again, they they showed up for
the town. And we do want to thank the residents, too, because they everybody did heed the warning and they did listen. And you know, just driving around over the weekend, seeing, you know, where cars weren't parked this time on streets that they were parked the last time, it makes a huge difference. Um you know, just here on
park on park just behind the building here, they're alone. And a lot of those families, they did park on their on their sidewalks and it was easy for us then on Monday morning to come in and Tuesday morning to come in and just clear the road, [snorts] you know, curb to curb and uh so it was great. This storm is definitely something that um
that we can walk away and we can all be proud of. Uh the CFO and I are finalizing the budget for presentation to council. That presentation will be um held next Thursday evening, March 5th. So um that will be a regular council meeting, but that is where we will present the budget this evening. the
Buttonwood drainage project was awarded. I'm sure that Alexis, you'll have a little bit more to say on that. So, I won't steal your thunder. This project though is to address the flooding that occurs in the back of the homes between Cutler and Buttonwood. So, definitely um this has been on the on the list for a couple years and we're glad that we're going to get that started. Also wanted
to let you know that my office recently submitted two grant applications that if awarded will support continued improvements to our downtown gazebo park. One application was submitted to T-Mobile to fund connectivity upgrades and a small mural installation along with a new roof at the gazebo. And a second grant was submitted to AP to
support the installation of a new sound system and additional communication enhancements for our older population along Main Street. And we're optimistic and look forward to hopefully that award announcement expected in May. March 11th, we want to invite residents to attend a town hall meeting where we'll present and update our master plan
re-examination. That meeting will be held here in this room at 6 pm. And just a reminder that next Wednesday evening, March 4th, we're inviting everyone to join us as we host the community heart and soul meet and greet. That event starts at 6:30 in the senior center. Let's go ahead. >> Okay. Thank you. Moving over to the
engineer report. >> Okay. So, I'll start with the uh MS4 wershed inventory report. We will be submitting the overall storm sewer map tomorrow to D and then uh the wershed inventory report itself will be
completed in the next few weeks for submission to D. Um and then they will have it for review. If they have comments, we'll address them at that time, but the plan is to get it in as soon as possible. The But Park drainage improvements was awarded as Susan said um today. So, we will be sending out
contracts for signatures and getting construction started as soon as possible. Uh, we're planning to work with Remington and Bernick so that they can start their park improvements project at pretty much the same time and everything can go as smooth as possible. The contractor that was awarded the project, Ramone Concrete, they're a
small but mighty uh construction company. I've heard great reviews about them and they get things done fast and well, so I'm looking forward to it. uh the Thomas Avenue drainage. Um I'm still waiting for the videos from Route 24 who
did the inspection. Um I'll reach out again, but I know that Susan was handling the payment for that and that was their last hold up for giving us the videos. Uh the speed control, this is um some newer developments. Susan and I have been going back and forth trying to
figure out what we need to do. We've consulted a traffic engineer and they've suggested doing a traffic study which includes a week-long collection of data along High Street because I know there were a lot of complaints regarding the speeding on High Street and the four-way
stop sign that was recently installed along I think it was Maple, North Maple and and High Street is not having the effect we'd like. So the next step is going to see about speed bumps and in order to do that we need to proceed with
the traffic study or else DOT could have some some repercussions if we don't pro proceed protocol. So uh Susan reviewing the the proposal from the traffic engineer and we're going to proceeding with that probably in the next month and
we'll have the results from that study within a week or two after it's completed. Um they'll also include all the equipment needed for the uh actual study. So that's included in the proposal. Um the Broadway and North Fork Landing
road drainage improvements. We're just waiting on the utility department to give us some asbuilt on the water and uh force main pipes that are right next to the railroad at that intersection. Once we have those, we can finish design up and um we'll be ready for completion and
bid probably in the next month. um for the North Kosav roadway improvements phase two pretty much got the final things I needed from the township and we're waiting on one resident to give us some feedback on some existing conditions on their property and that's
pretty much at completion right now as well. So that'll be ready within the month as well for for bid and and receiving of of bids. the Maple Heights road roadway improvements uh design is moving along very smoothly and we should have a 90%
ready in the next few weeks for the township to review. Um this is for the curb installation along Maple Heights Road right where the sub shop is. Um on that block between uh South Cherry and South Walnut. So
uh that's a pretty self-explanatory project um and it should be very simple. It'll help. We're doing million paving on the road. Curb insulation that should help with um preventing damage to utility poles, signs, properties, and
things of the like. Uh the Fernwood Avenue and Farnsworth Avenue roadway improvements. Um we did receive quotes for televising those uh the storm pipes in that on those roads.
were just waiting for the township's uh comment if they'd like to proceed with I think it was um mobile dredging or Route 24. Um they were very similar quotes and once we confirm who we're going to go with, we'll get those started. And then
the Glendale Avenue storm sewer replacement. Um I just finished the draft for the proposal today and I'll be submitting that to Susan tomorrow at some point um for your review and comment. Any questions on on any of the updates?
>> The one the traffic study we did that already. We have to do another one because there's a stop sign there now or we did a full traffic study before. I thought >> we've never done a traffic stud. No, that was originally it was discussed to do a traffic study. >> It was done in the past though. >> I thought we did one. >> May have been maybe in the past. Not
while >> I thought it was done a few times. >> I thought there was a couple done because they said that we that it didn't pass for a stop sign. That's why we did The last one we spoke with um when Rick was here, >> he had said that he spoke with the traffic engineer and the traffic engineer said that it would not pass,
that the study would not show what we needed to show. So that's why we did not go through with it. Now, there may have been one prior to that >> that I'm not aware of, but maybe if Alexis, if you could go back and just check your records. I'm sure now it's probably outdated, too, at this point. >> Yeah, I think uh Matt Shaw did send us
over some older data. I'll take a look at it again. Um, and I think from what the numbers showed, it might have shown us as just underneath the the threshold of being able to proceed with actually doing something, but hopefully the newer
data will help. Um, but we cannot proceed with installing anything until we have the data to back it up. Uh if if we do proceed and DOT for some reason is called in because someone complained on the road and they noticed that things
proceeded without proper protocol, they could revoke any state funding for any projects in the town and that's just something they can do. So you want to make sure you proceed with with all your tees crossed and dies eyes dotted. So >> and how much is a study usually of that
magnitude? >> I think for under 5,000. Yeah, like 3500 $4,000 >> because I've heard in the past that it was costly like up there about between 10 and 30,000. >> And then there was the suggestion that I had made to you as well that we could um again and I had had um when we did the
work on Front Street, we had put in the um the traffic sign, the speed sign there. >> And we have seen some excellent um results from that digital speed sign. >> Right. >> That could be something that would be, you know, lesser. Um, no. If we put two
on the on the on High Street, one coming from Fork and then one coming from um, >> Haven't we done that before? Many. >> No, no, no. Not not what this police department has the actual speed them >> mile per hour sign. >> Don't they? It collects data and lets you know it does how fast you're going, how how many cars and
>> Yeah. And like I said, the one that we did on Front Street, we did we got that survey. I had Matt do the survey there and it shows that the average speed there is 28 miles an hour. Right. Mind you, there is a school there, but it's collect remember where that sign is. It's collecting from Fork down towards style. So that would be the, you know,
that's not that they're hitting the schools right away. I personally think it it's it's working there. But >> would that be enough for for uh DOT? >> No, no, no. That this would be something permanent that we would do there if you were interested in doing that as opposed to if we didn't want to look at again do
another study or do a study and but that's up to council what how you want to proceed. I was just going to say you've got to caution if you're talking about speed bumps because that's always a liability for the township. We install speed bumps and somebody
>> takes off. >> I think some of the issue too is like our our own first responders that have them. We got the fire trucks that we have to worry about. We got, you know, our trailers that are coming along. >> Horstown has them on is it Second Street? >> Second Street. Second Street >> going through there. And uh >> there's only one though. >> No, there's two.
>> There's two. But >> yeah. Again, this is up to you if you want to move forward. Obviously, I'll get through. >> I know uh Chief Fletcher has been against that from the beginning of time >> uh with all the data they have collected through the years. >> So, that that >> because there are other options there
too. So, I mean, if you want to proceed with the with the study and see what it is and then make the decision, we we can obviously clearly do that. >> Yeah. The main concern with high street specifically is because it's coming off of a state road. That's why the state is probably going to have they want to make sure everything's done properly because
of course >> there are rules that if you're impacting the traffic flow of a state road then you have to make sure everything is in order. But something like a a speed sign would be much easier to install and I don't think we need a full study for that. No. >> Um
>> any study? >> Yeah. got their month sign. >> Speed limit sign. >> Okay. John, do you have anything on that? >> No, I'd like to digest it for a little bit. >> Okay. Um and also the Thomas Avenue. I mean, we paid that bill in January,
December. >> We don't have the the videos yet. >> We've paid the bill. >> I mean, we should they should have >> I'll reach back out. That was their one thing is they went to make sure they were paid. Um >> I mean, they know better. I mean, my my
conversation with them was that they were releasing it and that was that was a couple weeks ago. >> Um, >> can you update me tomorrow on that? >> I'm sorry. >> Are you going to update Are you going to call them tomorrow? Yeah. >> Can you update me? >> Yeah. >> Thank you. That's this is like a year and a half. >> I know. Yeah. >> It's And I don't know why Route 24
specifically had was really responsive and communicative up until we wanted to actually proceed with the project. So, I'm not sure what happened in that month. They were responding to my emails constantly on the phone and then it was kind of radio silence for a while.
>> It's kind of odd that they haven't released the the videos. I don't know why they >> Why didn't we wait to pay them after they released the videos? >> We didn't get the invoice, I don't think. Right. >> The invoice went to the place you guys and then they it eventually got to you guys and then it was paid.
>> Well, in the future, I would suggest that we don't pay anybody until we get the final. >> Absolutely. >> I agree 100%. that was that slipped through the it was one of those that we needed to be and >> that's the way it's going to go nowadays. >> We will find out tomorrow. We will have the answer tomorrow for those. Anybody
else? >> All right. Moving over to sustainable maple shade. We did not meet in February. So I don't I do not have a report. Anybody else have anything for old business? Okay. Moving over to new business to senior property maintenance program. Susan, you have information on that? >> So yeah, I had sent out as I believe I
sent it in my activity, right? I did. Okay. I'm sorry. I was told. Um, so I'd sent you something out. Uh, my hope is that if we can get a senior property maintenance program going, we will never have snow again. Um, but what it would be what it would be, um, is that we would offer we would start a volunteer
program. Um, hopefully some with the with some of the high school kids as well and people in town that would want to do it where our senior population 65 and older would be able to register. it would be put on a list beforehand and then we would offer snow shoveling and also grass cutting. Um, speaking with
code enforcement, obviously this is where our two biggest issues are. Um, but it would definitely be something that we could offer. It would be free of charge. Um, again, we would we would rely on volunteers. It kind of goes along with our community heart and soul program. As you know, I sent you all the paperwork, the registration, the
guidelines, just things that I put together quickly. Um if it's something that we would like to move forward with, then I can easily get it out. If we get another snowstorm, we get a couple, you know, we get some people to register. Um but again, they would have to register here. They would bring in everything. There would be no liability. We have a
hold harmless. You know, we're going and it's basically to do good deeds for our residents that just can't. >> Have we talked to uh Beth Norsha about, you know, community service for the >> I have spoken with with Yeah. with the superintendent. they need that for college and you know shows that they're >> and there are a lot of people there are
a lot of people in town just even adults that you know would that have called us and said hey you know do you know of anybody can I help and we have hooked them up and connected them with residents um throughout these past two storms and said hey we know that this one's having issues they haven't shoveled yet can you go out there >> there's definitely a need because you
know sometimes things happen and you may be just sick of a you know particular time or someone family you know is in the middle of something horrible so >> we need to Yeah. >> So, if you're okay um with doing something like this, then I can uh push it out to everybody. >> I think it's a great idea. Yeah.
>> Okay. Thanks. >> Anybody else for new business? >> Yeah. Two things. Um Susan, do you know if there was a CO issued for the uh building up on Main Street? The new building >> there for the RPM? Well, the RPM building.
>> Yes. >> There was a TCO issued. They can't get their CO. >> Okay. Well, I want to go on record as saying that those stores are not finished down the first floor. And if there's people in the residence above that that are living there, that's
problematic because if there's a fire in those stores in the bottom, those people are not going to have protection. Wait, let me finish. Because the stores aren't finished. And if somebody says uh they have sprinkler systems in it, sprinkler
systems are designed to slow down the fire and let people get out of the building. They are a fire suppression system, not an extinguishment system. The only way fires go out is the firemen go into the building and finish their job for the most part. So, with that
building not being finished and fire, I I'm it it's it's on the building inspector because it hasn't been turned over to the fire official, but that building would not pass code. And I'm putting it on record that I'm not going to be responsible if something happens in that building. Those stores are
unfinished and if a fire happens in there, they're going to go right through that ceiling area, right into the first floor of that building. It's all wood frame construction and it's going to be an issue. So I will ask respectfully, have you had this conversation with our construction official? Because I am not I am the lay person here. What I can
tell you is that the commercial building portion of it was not seeded and does not have a TCO. They have to come back before the board. The TCO was issued based on the um UCCc code. So again, I'm not the one that can be able to answer this. >> I'm not arguing with you. I'm just putting it on record. >> But you're putting something on record
that's very serious and there's >> it is serious and there's people in that building. that there's 30 residents currently that are living in there. Like there's 30 units that are already rented out. You're making a statement that that building is not safe and that is a true liability for this municipality. So that's right. It is.
>> So my suggest So my suggestion is >> to please reach out to the construction official or let's set up a meeting where we can discuss with him. But to make that statement publicly and I will look at I will refer to ask you um Tony if you can. I just I have a difficult time making that statement or having that
statement on the record when the construction official is not here. >> If that was a resident of the town, they wouldn't get a CO. They wouldn't be allowed. >> They have a TCO. They are allowed a TCO. >> All right. And that's fine. I get that. All right. But I'm telling you from a fireman's standpoint, a safety issue
because it hasn't been turned over to the fire official for inspections of an open store. That's that's problematic to me. And I don't care what anyone says here. I'm putting it on record because I'm not going to be responsible for it. The construction official needs to go down there. First of all, the building.
All right. Well, that's his choice. Then he's on the hook for it or whoever's making those decisions, not me. I'm saying right now that that's not acceptable to me as a council member and I will not be on the hook for it. What they want to do is I would appreciate if you would have brought this to my
attention prior to because that building has had a TCO for 45 days. >> Nobody wants to listen to me. I do want to. You need to call me so I can listen to you. >> No, I look I don't have to do things the way you want me to do them. I'm doing them [laughter] the way that I want to do them.
>> Let's move on. Did you have something, Sandra? >> Yeah, I have a few things. The other thing is that building, whoever designed it, the prior building that was there, you could walk right up and walk in the doors. That is not handicapped accessible to that front of those buildings. That's unacceptable. That's a
federal law. >> You are absolutely correct. coming back to the board >> that so they have to come back to the board. That's part of the reason why they are coming back to the board and I will tell you that the steps that were constructed there did not have railings on there. The construction official tagged it made them put the railings in
and the ADA accessible uh doors now are in the back. That has all been vetted. >> The stores the stores in the front don't have >> and that is why they're coming back before the board. >> There there's no leverage for the township. >> There's a lot of leverage before it. is the people are in the building.
>> They don't have a co and they can't get the rest of their funding. It's definitely leverage. There's there are laws that the UC Listen, I I opinion I'm entitled my opinion and I know more than you do about fire and the
safety of the building. >> I absolutely do. But my suggest and I know more about you about how to make sure that we can get the answer for you. So >> then get the answer. I'm I'm just putting it on record. You're starting an argument with me over nothing. I am suggesting that we get a hold of the
construction official. You give me your questions that you have and you sit down with us and we can have that conversation so that he can explain it to you because let's face it, Mr. Simon Sack, when I give you the answer, it's not going to be good enough. So that's how I would like to handle this. Tell me when you're available, I'll get a hold
of me the safety of the people in this town in that we are 100% looking at the safety. >> That's what's important to me, not the developers money that's being held up. I'll get a hold of the construction people in the building so they can start getting their money back cuz that's what this is about. >> What was the other thing?
>> The other thing is I would like to know what is going into the Wells Fargo bank that's on for Clanning Road. >> That is a depository bank is what it is. There have been some questions that have come around. [snorts] The application that was said uh and that was sent to
the municipality is for cash verifications, cash vaultting, federal reserve deposits, contract vendor, and various community bank account holders throughout the state of New Jersey. Okay, >> we have been told that it's a bank. >> All right, which we already >> it's a depository and all right, that's that's a whole another argument.
>> It is not a cannabis facility. >> All right, whatever. But so so if that was a bank going to a bank, I get it. But did it ever go to any of the boards for the uh for the fence that went up site >> didn't need to go before the board for >> Why did it not need to go to the board?
>> Because it's an approved use. >> The use I'm not talking about the use. I'm talking about the that their permission to put a fence up. We're talking about two different things now. The bank use is the bank. The fence went to the zoning. >> I'm getting a lot of people that are complaining about that fence, the appearance of this town and what's
happening 100%. And on Wednesday, I have a meeting with the owner to discuss because the landscape we're going to discuss the landscaping plan. They haven't been able to do the landscaping plan because of the snow. >> The question to you is, did it go before the board to get permission to put the fence up? It's a yes or no question. >> Go before the board. It was approved by
the zoning official. >> All right. So, the zoning official, which again, we don't have a zoning official because they were never he was never formally put in as a zoning official because >> under No, it's appointed. It's appointed under the manager's discretion. >> No, it's not. Yes,
>> I'll argue with that. So again, back to just people doing what they want to do with no regards to what's going to happen. That bank is a sore spot for the people of this town, me included. That is an eyesore. That was so offensive to me going with you on the landscaping.
It's why we are still having a we are going to have a meeting with them to discuss and to make sure that they know what their responsibility is with the landscaping. They have no CO. >> If this if if the if the official quote unquote zoning official approved that,
then we're on the hook for it. If he wrote that and said in an email that they had permission to do that fence, there is nothing legally we can do to take that fence down and not give him a CO. You're not going to give him a CO. We're going to wind up in court again. This whole process of everything is
being done wrong for this township. >> That's your opinion. Well, the people that are complaining to me about the fence, and trust me, there's a lot of people that are very unhappy >> complained about the fence. It's been conversations that we've had up here. However, that's because the process changed and they're not coming and doing the way that we used to do it. It's been
changed for other reasons. >> It was approved. It was discussed with the land use. It was also approved with the land use attorney. It was >> It's on record. Well, the land use attorney, he does he doesn't do a good job because at the last meeting I made a statement and I checked into it and he
was wrong about that, too. >> Anything else under new >> That's right, Susan. You smile about it. I'll be at the next meeting and I'll be clarifying that for you. >> Andrew, do you have anything else on the new business? >> No, I know. I'm done. >> Um, resolution number 2026-R63 is a resolution to meet in executive
session for the following matters required by state and federal law or rules of court to be confidential. Can I have a motion to close? >> So made >> second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I [clears throat] [snorts] don't want to go to close.
>> No, I don't want to go to you staying here. All right. Okay. Uh, can I have a motion to open, please? >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. This is a motion. This is Sorry. >> Come out of close session.
>> Yep. So, we need a motion to adjourn until the township council meeting scheduled for March 5th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. >> So made second. >> All in favor? >> Everybody have a good night.