6:30. >> All right. Good evening, everyone. This is the Maple Shade Township Council regular session agenda for March 5th, um, 2026 at 6:30. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. pledge of allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Everybody can please remain standing for a moment of silence to honor the brave men and women serving [snorts] in our military.
>> Thank you. Public notice of this meeting pursuant to the open public meetings act has been given by the township council in the following manner. Notifying the township clerk December 23rd, 2025. Posting notice on the municipal website and posting notice on the official municipal bulletin on December 23rd, 2025. Any
anyone from the public wishing to speak tonight will be permitted to address council during public portion only. They will get one chance to come to the podium, state their name and address and it will be for five minutes. Uh draft agenda has been posted on the township web page and bulletin board of the municipal building. Roll call, please.
Terry. >> Mr. Kaufman, >> here. >> Miss Nunes, >> here. >> Mr. Simon, >> here. >> Mr. Zadnik >> here. >> Mayor Tallerico >> here. This is the open board of health meeting. Susan, >> thank you. Uh this month we have five different accounts. Uh one sanitary
condition, one cat bite, and three miscellaneous. All of which those three miscellaneous were multi-unit dwelling complaints from August 2025 that are now closed. So it was a total of five complaints but everything has been closed out. That's and that's all I have for the board of health. >> Okay. This is the public portion for the
board of health meeting. If anybody from the audience would like to come up. >> Seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> So made >> second. >> Comments. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> So made. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Okay. We'll move over to the budget discussion. >> The fun stuff. That's it. If you want to come on up. Good clean point. >> Okay. Believe everybody has their uh their documents >> just one sheet. So yes, you guys >> Yeah, just have something. So um tonight
we're presenting the township proposed 2026 municipal budget to all of you. Um I'm not going to put it up only because they're spreadsheets and you wouldn't be even be able to see it up. >> Are we doing water and sewer first or the detail? >> So we will be doing the general. Um just kind of going over some things first.
The proposal currently reflects a 1.9 cent increase in the municipal tax rate. That's bringing the estimated rate to 0.986, up from 0 or 0.967 in 2025. Um, as required under New Jersey law,
every appropriation must be supported by revenue such as taxes, fees, surplus, or other income. This year, we're seeing some declines in certain revenues and increases in operational costs. uh particularly in areas such as insurance, our ser our insuranceances, our utilities and our debt service um as
well as our trash. At the same time, our taxable valuation is slightly decreased, meaning that each penny on the tax rate generates approximately $133,000. The budget that is in front of you tonight is intentionally tight. We have
literally dropped it down as lean as it possibly can, being mindful of the impact on the taxpayers. Um, it reflects what maintains a relatively low tax increase would look like at 1.9 cents while still supporting all of our municipal core operations.
But it also means very little cushion for us. Um, I will tell you that again we are down to like lean numbers here. Jess will go into it more. We are going to propose to you that you consider a little higher tax increase for it. Even
though it's mindful, it's just it's that tight. It's it's uncomfortable tight. It's doable and manageable, but it's uncomfortable tight. But we wanted to show you at least what we can get down to if this is what um this is what you would all you all decide. Again, the process is still the same. It starts in
Octo mid-occtober through November. Department heads get a breakdown of everything. Basically, what you see on these large sheets, which is this summary, this budget detail worksheet. They go, they give us their wishes. We put everything in. This year it started with all of their wishes, wants, desires, everything is uh was what we
were at 16 cents I think is what the initial was. >> Yeah, >> just about 16 cents. >> That's not difficult. That's that's you we can't we can't even pass you know adopt something like that. So, we were able to cut uh you know, we made our preliminary cuts, which you can see the
preliminary initial adjustments were about 514 515,000 and then we went through and we did another initial 190,000 in cuts. Um I'm not going to steal all of Justice Thunder since this is her first one. So, she's worked diligently on this. So, um
again, it's it's very very lean and I think, you know, there's there's definitely some discussion that we can have there. So, Jess, if you want to take over from here and we'll go from there. >> Sure. So, um, as Sue said, >> Yep. Just take one of them. They're close. >> Um, as Sue said, the tax rate increase
that we're proposing is 1.9 cents. It is very lean. Um, and being as lean as it is doesn't allow much wiggle room. Um, it doesn't allow much space for emergencies or any possible oversight. You know, department ends [clears throat] up meeting something that they didn't account for in the
beginning of the year. Um, our net valuation tax bill is down about a million dollars from new total disabled vets. Um, county level appeals, uh, the one penny is just about 133,000.
The average assessed homes about 162,000 right now. So, the budget in front of you right now is under both the tax levy cap and the appropriation cap. Excuse me. >> I just turned it up. >> Okay, you should be good.
>> I'm sorry. No worries. Um, and again, as Sue mentioned, uh, New Jersey requires a balanced budget, meaning anything that we're looking to appropriate, we have to be able to support in revenues, whether that's taxes, use of surplus, um, and miscellaneous revenues. So, getting into
revenues, um, if you'd allow me to do a rundown, and if you look at the sheet that was just passed around, that'll give you a comparison of 25 to 26 revenues. So surplus basically our savings, the
municipal savings. We [snorts] have licenses such as alcohol, raffles, bingo, businesses, different fees and permits, um land use, police department fees, municipal court fees, interests and costs on taxes, so tax sale fees, delinquent taxes, interest on
investments. Um [bell] >> yeah, sorry. Yep. [snorts] >> And then if you excuse me, I'm just going to revert back. >> Um, so our construction code fees, they
are down a little bit as of 2025. So, um, we kind of take a hit a little bit there in our revenues. Um, but we're already surpassed what we collected this time last year by about, um, $35,000. So it'll help us in 2027.
It's just not really doing much for us right now. So we have state aid which is our energy receipts tax. Um the shared service with the BOA. So we have the one school resource officer and four CLOS. So we
collect um a portion of that from the school and then we have our receipts from delinquent taxes. [snorts] So, as you all probably know by now, we can't anticipate more than we collected last year, and it's not recommended to to anticipate 100% of what you collected in the year prior. Anyway,
um in comparison, in 2025, exclusive of surplus, our revenues were just under $3.6 million or just over, excuse me, $3.6 million. And in 2026, we're sitting at about 3.43. Um, so our revenues were down, you know,
$300ish,000 from what we collected in 24 to 25. As of right now, our property tax levy is um 13,128,1235 and last year's property tax levy was about $230,000 less than that. So you'll
see, you know, we have to increase our taxes here to be able to support our growing budget. >> [snorts] >> An option that we did last year was defer an additional $800,000 of school tax. So the state allows us to defer up to 50% of the school tax because we
collect 100% of the levy. We don't pay them 100% of the levy in one year. Um so this budget shows an additional $600,000. It still leaves us with about a million dollars to defer. So we're not deferring all of the 50%. It's a good option to um
just kind of boost our surplus a little bit, give us a little bit more space, and obviously we have to be able to increase our revenues. It's not really our spending that's quote unquote the issue. Um we just don't have the means
of supporting it right now if we're not looking to increase our taxes by more than 1.9%. [snorts] So, if you do go back to your appropriations, um you can take a look at your budget detail worksheets. >> Here's the big one.
>> Big one. Yep. We have a bit of an increase from 25 to 26 versus 24 to 25. Everything is increasing. Um insurance is up. The cost of services is increasing significantly. And utilities are up as well, just as they are at
home. they are in the municipal building as well. Our debt service is up about 10%. We did finance notes um from last year. So that's expected that our debt service is increasing. And just to reiterate that our services
from 24 to 25, our trash saw an increase of $68,000 and now from 25 to 26, it's seeing about $134,000. So in two years, that's $200,000 to have to raise in the budget. It's a lot of money. Um, that's that's kind of what I have
here. Well, I do just want to kind of touch on the one 1.9 cent increase. >> So, 1.9 cent increase on the average home own the average assessed home of 162,000 is a $31 increase. Um,
last year we had 2.9% increase. So, if we wanted to stay consistent and consider something like that, it's only going to add [snorts] 133,000 back into our appropriations, give us that little bit of wiggle room, and taxpayers average assessed home would
see an increase of about $49. Um, so that's something to take into consideration while we're about to go through our budget. If anyone has any questions or wants to go anything go through anything by the line, >> what percentage of the SLEO's uh
salaries does the school district cover? >> Nearly. So we have one that we use in the summer. Um otherwise they're covering nearly 100% of the theos for those four. >> Go ahead. the
>> health benefits. Do we have a percentage increase on that? >> Um, you know, I didn't prepare a percentage increase, but I can just look at um from last year >> about 18%. >> 18% >> would be about 18%. >> 18%. >> That's with the HIP. So, we switched
that we 36% is what the state health benefit was supposed to be by switching. It's about 18%. >> So, we cut it in half by switching over. >> Yeah. Yeah. And still offering the same right >> the same benefit level. and staff do have any issues? >> Knock on wood. [laughter]
>> Not yet. >> The implementation was a little bit, but I mean, as far as the service level and what we're getting, no, I mean, we have two others in the back. I haven't heard anything people have been able to go. Um, you know, the trash is a big the trash is a big [snorts] increase, but we
knew that, you know, we had talked about that >> last year. Um, PSEG, [clears throat] our gas, our utilities, that's at everybody. You know, that's a big that's a big hit. Again, you know, you can see spending wise, you know, you're getting a snapshot on this from 2016 to 2025. You
can see how the departments are all spending like that's that's not where it is. Yes, there's going to be some increase there because things are increasing, but it's not that we're overspending or we're, you know, we're being exuberant in what we're doing. We're really controlling those costs. And we've already had the meeting with the department heads to let them know
that, you know, things are going to be tight this year. We are going to a very strict purchasing policy this year where everything must have a purchase order prior to there must be an approval because those things it adds up if you don't know where you are. Um you know so
those things are being put in place. The additional is then again it's it's those things that we cannot control your pension your again your utilities your trash your your salaries [snorts] and you know to make serious cuts in the budget I listen everybody would want a
zero you know I remember last year you know we talked I think Mr. times like you were the one that said too, you know, you always should have a little increase at least a little to just help with things. Um, but you know, these increases that we're seeing in just costs in general are, you know, are are
exuberant. So, we're feeling them as well. But in order to make serious cuts, then you really start looking at staff. And nobody [clears throat] wants to make those kind of cuts if we have to, unfortunately. You know, those sometimes are the tough decisions. But again, you know, this this budget at 1.9% is is
lean. Personally, it's a little uncomfortable for me too, but you know, I know how council is and you always want to get and keep the be mindful of the taxpayers and that's what this is. But I think we also need to be very mindful of what we
are trying to accomplish and what we want to do. >> Where are we with contracts? >> Uh, our DPW contract is up this year, so that will start getting negotiated in June. and our police is up in 27. So, we'll start next year.
>> I probably asked this last year because I see that the grant under grants it went from 447,000 to 44,000. >> Yeah, that was the cop's grant. Um, so you just appropriate it once and then you're able to spend on it. So, when we were awarded it, it was appropriated in
that budget. >> Okay. Is that something that we could get every so many years or what is that? >> You're allowed to appropriate at one time. That's it. >> So, okay. >> And >> were we going to go through all these line items? I just have some questions. >> Yeah. Yeah. If you have questions, I
that's why everybody's So, ask the questions and then I think we what we going to need to do is come up with where you all are comfortable. Okay. >> And so, >> I didn't [snorts] want to interrupt your >> No worries. President >> the uh what is the GIF safety award for 2500? >> Um so, the GIF safety award you you may
>> Yep. That's through our insurance company. So, our they give us $2,500 when we meet certain thresholds. And so, the $2,500 is just the safety award that we get and we we use it to offset different things, different programs if we're doing um >> trainings and whatnot for the staff. >> I just saw it as a new item. I didn't
know. >> Yeah, we received payment um the end of 25. So, added it to the budget this year. >> Okay. >> How much did the trash go up? Percentage. >> Uh percentage I don't have. It went up 133,000 from the year prior
because I thought we had discussed that that >> about a 14 about a 14% increase right now >> right >> for this year contract >> same contract >> the uh municipal land use salaries and wages what is that difference
>> so you know what I should have um separated this for you uh I wasn't sure how our auditor was going to look to see it on the want to see it on the budget Uh municipal land use used to be on the sheet that you're looking at used to be planning and then housing used to be zoning. Um so together
>> yeah we used to split the planning and zoning department into two different lines. Okay. >> The health insurance you already explained that >> the budget too just so you're aware it allows for one additional police officer.
>> Yes. And did we do did we wind up keeping the um DPW later on in there? We did not. Okay. >> So, we did not keep a DPW hire, a new hire in DPW. >> Okay. >> So, staffing remains the same, just not adding to it this year.
>> Okay. And then the fire department expenses. Yep. >> That went down 100,000. [snorts] um just based on the original submissions which uh if you'll see were more than $100,000 from the year prior.
>> So we were just bringing Yeah, that that was a preliminary those were preliminary requests. >> Um and then we went through and and readjusted. >> Okay. So under the preliminary that's what the department heads have that's what they asked for. Yep. Then Jess and I go through after speaking with the
department heads say okay we believe that we can have some you know some cuts here. So in that initial adjustments those are the initial adjustments of 109,000 on that department. >> Okay. And then the um uniform fire safety act
>> that that's paid charged and cumbered at 30,000 but we're 76. >> Yeah. So, uh, we were looking at restaffing the office here. So, um, we did not have an inspector last year. Um, and Dan Kerr,
was he did he leave at the end of 25? So, we were only, we were only supporting Dan Kerr there, right? >> Um, and this budget allows for a full-time fire marshal as well as um, a part-time inspector who we've recently hired. And last year we lost um our inspector,
our part-time inspector early in the year, too. So before the uh before the budget was done, so we were able to >> Okay. And the I see the I know we talked about trash. Trash went up 100,025 and then another we're projecting another 150 130.
>> So it it went up um 68 from 24 to 25 and then we're projecting another 133,000 based on the contract in from 25 to 26. Okay. >> Didn't we switch to them a couple years ago because they were cheaper? >> Yeah. >> Contract. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. And what happened with the um their last contract that was just that was the postcoid contract the the in between COVID contract. So because they were in the rate the rates actually went up but we had negotiated a low rate a newer rate with them. So when we came
this year when for this year when we had or last year when we had the contract back in that's where they saw that's where they were socking everybody. >> But you know I mean some towns were at 42 and like 50%. So I figured our 26 >> Were they the only one who bid? >> No. No. We had other biders but they
were out of the water. >> Does anybody else have questions? Am I the only one? >> No questions. I'm still digesting. >> So, I guess one of the questions that needs to be asked of council is where are you comfortable? Again, it you know,
it it's easy just to say, you know, at 1.9 cent increase, it's $31 to the average taxpayer. Um, at a 2.9 or 2.9, I think we're at 40 >> 2.5 we're at 41 and three cents, we're at 49. So, >> okay. >> And this the [clears throat] excuse me,
the average assessment is only 162,000. 162,000. >> What did we do for recessed? >> 400. >> We're due. >> Do you really want to be recessed? >> Pardon? >> Nothing. >> Well, it's going to happen one way or the other. >> And honestly, a lot of that, too, are
commercial um evaluations are are off. So, we definitely need to have a readout. We definitely need to put out >> I'm sorry. >> And and uh multif family apartments. >> Is that included in this the reassessment? Because what does that cost us? that will raise upwards of
about between five probably five and $600,000. Yeah. >> So, we need to appropriate that money. Um it would be something that we could go out for the RFP towards the end of the year and plan on doing it in 27. That would be my suggestion. >> A reassessment would cost us 500,000
>> just about. >> It was uh back in Yeah. So, when you did it back in I guess it was 12 was the last one. 12 or 14 >> was the last one. Um that would that came in just about 400 I think it was $475,000. >> But don't the ratios change? So it's not
going to be you're not going to get you know hit that hard. Some do, some don't. Depends depends on how how low you were assessed, >> right? >> If you assessed really low. >> Yeah. >> Some people have been assessed low for years. >> So next year there will need to be a
revaluation. So Jess and I just need we need your direction as to where you are comfortable. Are you comfortable with the super tight budget? [snorts] >> In last year it was 2.9. We >> Last year was 2.9. >> Mhm. >> So >> I know what my taxes went up this year
and I'm not comfortable going up to that. I think we leave it where it's at with the 1.9 and we deal with it. That's my opinion. Okay. doesn't give you any wiggle room, then it gets a little tricky.
>> We have some. We just don't have a lot. I'll be honest with you, we don't have a lot of what you has typically been. There's always been a very large cushion. Um it's not there. But again, it was, you know, this year looking at and knowing how things have been raised just on homeowners in general, that's what we went in with the mindset of,
okay, this is where this is, this is as low as we go. Listen, you're not getting to zero. You're not getting to one. 1.9 is as low as we can go. Um but if that's not comfortable and you know that's not comfortable for everybody of not having that cushion or having you know there could be very very tough decisions come
May June July that we have to make just because we can't purchase things and you know department heads yeah department heads have been told >> they know um it was you know it's not >> so we don't really want to do that either. We don't really want to bond out when we need something in an emergency.
>> I don't see us ever we're not in that position. >> What's our surplus? Our surplus currently with using what we're using in the budget leaves us at we started the year we ended the year at well we had 7.2 million so now this year we're using what are we using we're using 49
>> 49 so that drops us down to about 2.3 that were there. Um again you use that to absorb in your >> and something to bear in mind is that unspent funds um they go back into surplus. So when you cut a budget to
lean in in 26, it's going to directly affect us in 28, it's going to directly affect us now because we're in a position where we're going to have to give uncomfortable nose to departments, but it's going to directly affect us in 28 as well.
>> If they're projected budget was given to you and the capital outlayary requests are in there and it's built into this budget, you're making statements that the that the departments are going to have to suffer. So I I don't see how that's going to happen. I know when I
did the budgets, the budget was the budget. You operate it within the means of it. They're not going to ask for something more if it's emergency expenditure for something than it is. And I know normally it was just, [snorts] you know, motor maintenance is
what killed everybody all the time because you can't foresee when equipment's going to break down or things are going to happen to them. So, you know, as far as telling the the department heads that they're not going to be able to spend something, I don't we they're not allowed to spend it
anyway. Their budget has already been put in. That's what's being approved here now. So, that's why I'm saying >> their budget that's being approved is not what they asked for. >> I'm aware of that. >> But the capital outlay ladies, I'm aware of that. But what I'm saying is when
it's approved, they're going to know what they have to operate within >> 100%. So >> 100% it's just a little bit tighter than what they've been. I mean, we've made some cuts that that they've typically not had in the past and that we've had to not have to cut. >> Look, I'm not in favor of cutting anything when it comes to services,
especially on emergency management side of things. However, we got to start raining it in, you know, 1.9 the taxes are going to keep going up. If we have the same increases that we had this year just for health insurance alone, you
know, we were fortunate we cut it in half. That still killed us. Trash, everything, you know. >> So, what's halfway like two? >> Yeah. >> 4 23. What does that come out to be? >> 25. Um, I have 25 at $41 on the average
assess home. >> Okay. >> 25. >> At least gives us a little leeway. >> Yeah. And it's less than we had last year. >> Yep. So that sort of is a win-win there. >> It'll put about $60,000 back into the
budget for values. That does anything for you? [snorts] >> Anything sounds good to me? >> Yeah. Uh someone brought up uh last year what what would it take in additional what do we need to bring in in revenue
>> to support a no increase >> or is let's decrease. >> Yeah. >> I just let's just go with a no increase. What would it take for additional revenue to come into this town? So right now a penny is 133,000. If we're sitting
at 1.9, we'll call it two. It's going to take uh 267,000 after you're um considering rounding. Um and that's without an additional effect from surplus. >> So we need an additional $300,000 on top of what we're bringing in.
>> Okay. >> It's it's doable. And those are the things that we've done. You know, like those are the programs that we again like we're looking at cannabis. If we can get cannabis running, you know, >> that should bring it in. >> That that should bring it in. We should hopefully have it there. You know, [snorts] again, the construction department this year, it it took a hit this year, but it's also because we had,
you know, in 24 we had the RPM building that came in and did some things. Volcano had come in and they So, those revenues were there, but as Justice explained, we can't appropriate all of them into >> I understand that, but Woodbury Heights is a very small town. They have one little cannabis. It's not even a
dispensary. It's a they manufacture >> and they got they received a check from that one thing for $300,000. >> You know, same thing with the once the housing ordinance that really goes and that starts to take off. You know, that's going to bring in additional revenue. That's something that we did
not anticipate this year. We couldn't. So, it's there. It's this is the year that's that's just the anomaly. >> I don't think we should be basing our our budget on projected things that may come in. I didn't I wasn't I wasn't basing the budget. I was just asking the
CFO what what would what income we would need to have come in. It's just the question that I have. >> I get it. But >> and the same thing if that money all comes in this year, that's great. Then it's a windfall for us. >> Right. Right. >> But we we can't do it in reverse. That's
not being fiscally responsible to people down. >> How close are we [clears throat] excuse me on any of the cannabis if >> uh today? I heard hopefully the one will be April around April 15th. >> Is that the one out there at the old bank? >> At the old bank.
>> Yeah. I'm just waiting. Uh the on that I heard that the attorney is uh has been on vacation. So there's just some forms that she has to get done. >> Are there any others in the pipeline? >> So we have one that's supposed to be coming to um to the land use board in this month and then the one that we gave
the extension to >> hopefully. So, but again, you know, you don't bank on that, but it's at least we're looking at what the possibility is. >> That's why I was asking what do we need to >> what do we need to generate to make a zero >> increase? So, you're saying around
$300,000 >> additional additional. Correct. Additional. I understand that this year. Yes. >> Not taking into consideration um appropriations next year as well. >> And again, the the budget is not that our departments are not going to be able to work. They're going to be able to
run. It's just it's again some of the things that we might have been like, "Oh yeah, go ahead and go get it." is now gonna be >> do you really need it this year? Can you can you hold off on it? And >> I understand >> again and it's not in paper clips and pens and that kind of stuff. It's it's in your larger items. That's all. Um but
it also goes down, you know, the capital items. We were able to move um some things that were in the general operating budget requests, we were able to move them to capital. So that will help as well so that departments will still get what they need. It'll just
come out of the capital budget. Okay. So, Jess, I just need direction. Are you willing to stay at 1.9 or do you want to add the 60,000 and go to 2.5 or do we
want to go up to 3.2 increase? That's what we need to know so that we can get ready to So, because in our next March meeting, this will need to be introduced. >> Okay. Um, >> do we need that tonight? >> Yeah, >> we'd prefer it tonight if not tomorrow.
But >> since you're already projected to 2.5 and we have the numbers for that at least it gives you a little leeway. >> Yeah. >> Again, as I said once again, it's less than last year, but it's more gives us a little more, you know, wiggle room and a
little breathing room. >> Yes. >> Just in case. >> Just in case. And 2.5 is how much more on the average? >> $41. >> 41 as 31. It's like $10. >> $10. Yeah. So instead of 3087, it would be $49. Yep. Is that what you're saying?
>> Or 41. Okay. I can't remember. >> I thought it was 35 to 41. Was it wrong? >> 3087 to 41. >> It's within $10. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I don't It's a reminder now too. That's our increase. We don't control what the school does, what the county does. So I
mean again and that was something too that you know that goes into our thought because >> well we always catch it from the school because you know >> and I don't think they're going to get a windfall like they have in Alaska. >> No >> no >> this governor is really not >> they're not >> I'm surprised I'm surprised that we're
going to get any state aid. >> We won't met our obligation. I mean we're you know we qualified. So >> we won't those numbers. Yeah, I I don't see the state. Well, I I can't say I don't want to make that comment because I'll jinx this. But >> you don't see that going down?
>> I I'm again, I'm not going to make a mistake. I hope that it's not, but I I don't see that. I don't see >> you know, she's talking about a big budget hole already. >> Yeah, statement. >> I think that Yeah, that came in what, two weeks after she was warning me about, you know, that but again, um
at 1.9 our departments can operate. It's just a little tighter than what we've been what we've been used to. at 2.5 and it influxes another 60,000 into, you know, in a budget that's 21 million overall. I mean, 60,000 just sounds like, you know, pennies, but it's $60,000 that we don't have to worry
about. Um, and then again up here, you know, we will make sure our department heads will make sure that they're doing what they need to do. And we will also make sure that, you know, we are working every avenue for for for revenue, you know, and and and new business to push in and and, you know, our tax assessor
is is looking at a lot of things. has just said, you know, there was just over $1 million in totally disabled vets. I'm not saying anything, but it hurts. It hits the budget. So, um, but again, you know, that's something that they've earned and and we honor it. So, you know, it
>> but we have to take all of that into into account. >> How about county? What's a county rate look like? >> I haven't heard anything. No, we normally don't till late May, early June. >> Sometimes they don't strike the rate until August. >> Well, yeah.
So, it's in your hands, council. Just give us direction. >> I'm comfortable with 2.5. >> Yeah, I am. Also, >> I'm sticking with one nine. >> Okay, >> there we go. >> There. 25. >> Okay. Then we'll make the adjustments uh
for 25. We'll send out the documents again so you can see what they look like and uh we'll go from there. >> Don't advertise it to staff. >> They know. Staff know >> they can go out and go wild. staff knows and and they're doing uh they're doing what they have to do. So,
like I said, they won't they still won't go without. >> They'll be okay. >> Do you want to review water and sewer? >> Oh, yeah. Water and sewer, too. Sorry about that one. >> Go ahead, Jeff. So, water, sewer, you're seeing part of
the um same effect from insurance, although we were able to keep insurance at the um 1.09 million that it was at before. Um, again, you see an increase in debt service. That's to be expected. We had notes in 25.
Um, there is still about a $500,000 increase. Again, it is debt service. We see a little bit of an increase in contractual services. Uh, we had a renewal with watered and current, which doesn't make too much of a difference, but it is an additional hundred and so
thousand dollars. So, it is something to consider. Um, we do have some POS money that we're using to help supplement the budget a little bit. >> POS. Yeah. So, there was PA settlement money. Yeah. >> Yeah, I know what it is.
>> Yeah. >> Um, this this is pretty cut and dry. So, if anyone has any questions about this, I'd be happy to answer. >> I do not. Okay. >> Remember, with the utility budget, that has to balance. What we bring in, we have to spend, and that's what we have to selfquidate. I mean anticipate any
increases in there. >> We'll have a discussion come later this year about an about a water rate increase. Um but again that's but that's on the schedule that we've been on. So >> and so nobody with the utility so good there.
>> Um capital we will send I figured capital that will be a larger discussion. So, this budget does allow for obviously a new capital ordinance, but I figured we will let's get through this and then we will go right into um you know early April we can start really digging into the capital budget and figuring out how we want to move forward
with that one. >> Okay. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good job. Great job, Jess. >> Yep. First time. >> Thanks for all your work. >> Thank you. >> All right. We're going to move over to the ordinance second reading and public hearing. Ordinance number 2026-02 is an ordinance amending salaries and wages of
certain officers and employees of the township of Maple Shade County of Burlington State of New Jersey effective January 1, 2026. Can I have a motion to adopt, please? >> So move. >> Second. >> Comments. >> Roll call. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss Nes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Simons. >> No. >> Mr. Rnik.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Terico. >> Yes. Ordinance number 2026-03 is a bond ordinance amending bond ordinance number 2024-14 which provides for various capital improvements. Finally adopted by the township council of the township of Maple Shade in the county of Burlington state, New Jersey on September 12, 2024
to amend the description set forth therein. Motion to adopt. >> So move. >> Second >> comments. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Kaufman, >> yes. >> Miss Nunes, >> yes. >> Mr. Sinson, >> no. >> Mr. Zerick, >> yes. >> Mayor Taller, >> yes. This is the public portion. If
anybody from the public would like to come up and address council, this is for the resolution. >> For the resolution only. >> Thought maybe you just mistyped that. Okay. >> So, this is for resolution number 2026-R64. If anybody has any questions or would
like to come up and say hi regarding the resolution. No. Okay. Seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> So, second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Resolution number 2026-R64 is an award of contract to Think Pavers Hardscaping LLC for the playground
improvements to Buttonwood Park. Can I have a motion to approve? >> So, second. >> Comments? Did uh we ever reach out to the residents to talk to them about all this work that was going on out there and meet with them? >> So we haven't had that meeting yet.
That'll come in the beginning when it is. So when we start, but this is just the approval that we went out. This is for site work this portion is. So those discussions we'll have when the before the um before the contractor starts. Well, I think it'll be a little bit late
to have a discussion with them if it's all been approved and they're just going to be in there under contract. It's telling me it's already done. It's not going to be changing. >> Well, there'll be because there will be time for them to have once we have our pre-construction meeting and whatnot. We
will have time for residents to to contact us. >> Okay. Any other comments? >> Roll call, please. Terry. >> Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss News? Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> No. >> Mr. Zadic? Yes. >> Mayor Terico. >> Yes. This is the public portion. Anybody from the public like to come out and
address council? >> Please state your name and address for the record. [clears throat] Renee Bruce 272 South. Um I just got a couple questions regarding
the budget. um commercial property assessment will cost about5 to $600,000 and it's overdue. How much revenue would you guess we are losing without that assessment and would it be cost effective to do the assessment and would you gain more money
back from the revenue if the assessment was done? So ultimately yes we will wind up it'll obviously help our tax base where it is at this point in the game. It is something that we have to go out for an RSP. We have to get a firm to come in here and then they have to do
the actual ev reeval revaluation. So, we're still looking at a one-year timeline of where we are, but it will ultimately help. Yes. >> Is there a reason why it has been overdue? >> You're required to do one every 10 years. Um, we have been looking and as the assessments have been coming in, as
our tax department, as our tax assessor has been basically going through her, um, I I apologize through her um, tax appeals and whatnot. That's how we we've been gaining those that information to say okay this is where we are and this is where evaluation is this is what we
need to do with our commercial business. >> So it's not something that's done every 10 years like this it's time to do that and >> now it's time to do it. We are here now. We honestly in all honest we probably could have done it last year or the year before. Um but we just weren't in the position to do it at that time. So now
is the time where we definitely know that we need to move forward. Um, and when you say the 2.5 that we're going to move forward with, would does that get passed on to commercial properties, multif family properties as well? >> Everybody, >> everybody will receive that 2.5%
increase. Okay. >> 25 2.5% increase. Yeah. >> Okay. Gotcha. And then um services like trash. I of course we all heard they're going up. Um, do the businesses, the multifamilies, do they all share in those same services of
trash and does that cost that the increase get passed on to them as well? >> 100%. It does. Yes. So, they're multifamilies. We are in a program called the MAX program. Um, that's something that we share throughout the county. It's almost like a shared service, but yes, that cost is brought on. That's a mult across the board with
everything else. >> And um, then the POS, I just found something interesting that you said. You said moving forward purchase orders will need approved to spend money. How does department spend money without a purchase order? So we still no so that
let me explain that process. So that process is everybody does have to have a purchase order. There are times when we know that they've made the purchase and it's delayed. It we get it we might get a quote afterwards. We might get an invoice afterwards. The process that we're putting in for this year is prior
to be a you have to have a purchase order. There is no it is part of our policy. Has it been followed to the tea? It has not been followed to the tea. So now everybody knows that that's it. We have reached out to all of our vendors as well and said that they cannot encumber. They cannot fulfill any order
from us unless they have a purchase order down to our Amazon orders which you know Amazon you order online. Same thing. Amazon now will not even do that. It's just it's a control. It's a control that we have that we're truly putting in place. >> Okay. >> And it's just it'll it'll help. It'll keep us it'll keep us in line. We'll
know basically to the day how much is in each account as opposed to maybe like a week later we know what's in each. >> Yeah. Because people shouldn't spend money that's not theirs. It's the taxpayers money. >> Taxpayers money. Exactly. So that's what we're going to do. We're going to keep it strict. Very strict. Thank you. Can I ask a question on Rene's question? Yes.
Um can we go out separately with the commercial on the like can we do two different RFPs for the assessment? Do we have to do them both together? >> That answer I don't know. >> Okay. >> Um I can find that out though. I don't know. I I don't see why we wouldn't be able to do it. I do know that you don't want to do a re-evaluation for
commercial and a re-evaluation then for residential. Like you do want to do it together because there's it's some sort of spot assessment is what it is. But let me double let me see if we can get two separate like are you talking about just two separate bids. Are you talking about doing commercial separately from >> Well, I was thinking commercial separate
getting the money coming in from them with separate RFP and then >> Okay, that we cannot do that. I do know we can't do that. >> It's done at the same time. Yes. >> All right. Don, did you have >> Don Burn I live at 66 South Papa Avenue. Will you be um sending around the leaf
truck this year come the fall? >> Yes. >> Yes. Um I think it's important for everyone to understand that when the leaves fall in the ground, they create a habitat for fireflies and insects that are vital to our environment, which is
vital to us. Also, piling leaves in the street contributes to flooding. We have problems with flooding also. Um, our residents are more than half
renters. They have no property. Most of them don't have leaves. If you add to that residents who who don't break leaves into the street, you have most of Maple Shade not putting leaves into the street. I don't understand why we're
paying for a truck to go around for such a small percentage of people, which isn't benefiting us anyway, you know, uh sustainable. Um, it's important
to for for residents to understand the sustainable part of it. And I think that you're confusing our residents. Sustainable maple shade says leave the leaves, but you send around the leaf truck. That's confusing.
Mayor, you had the the drain painting project when you were running for council. Great educational piece. But if you have leaves in the street, it's it it's confusing. And I guarantee you any person that
knows about sustainability that's coming through Maple Shade, they see our sustainable maple shade sign with a leaf on it and they see leaves in the street, they're laughing at us. So, please leave the leaves. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I just want to thank you for bringing
that up. >> Chuck wants everybody to mulch. Good evening. >> Hi, I'm Antonio Manino. I live at 39 Shade Court and I'm a senior at Maple Shade High School. I'm one of the mentors for the Unless Environmental
Club. Uh just a few weeks ago, we actually had a few students here talk about our focus animal and our initiatives. And tonight, we're back to advertise one of our initiatives, which is to um challenge plastic pollution. As you guys know, plastic pollution, you
know, ends up in our landfills and our litters, our streets. So, one of the things that we're doing is turning plastic water bottles and soda plastic bottles and, you know, like detergent bottles and upcycling them into various
things like um hanging planters where we can put them in classrooms or in shared areas around our homes and also mini green houses to, you know, plant trees. And um our goal this year is to collect 3,000 plastic w water bottles. And we
have three locations throughout town right now. We have one in the main office at Maple Shade High School. We have another box at the firehouse. And we also just put one up tonight right here in the recycling station um uh so
that people could bring their plastic bottles rather than creating more waste so we can actually create a solution and create something out of them. Thank you. So, um I'm just here to advertise that and hopefully we can share on the message that instead of uh creating more waste, we can actually make a solution
out of it. So, thank you. >> Do you have the Do you want the lids on the plastic? I know sometimes the cast. Yes. Because what we'll do sometimes is like we'll poke a hole and then when we create like the mini greenhouse, we'll hang them up like that. So, thank you. >> I was going to say, did you look into Ruckers University? They have a process
for taking plastic and making things out of it. You might want to check them out. We'll look into that. Thank you. All right. >> Um, out of all that plastic, >> river ties, same thing out plastic. >> Awesome. Thanks. >> Thank you. Anybody else? >> Who are you? Come up and give us
>> You have to come up and state your name and address for the record. >> We don't know who you are. >> And then ask your question professionally. The young lady talked about >> Say your name, name and address, please for the >> Stevens, 47 Cherry Avenue. >> Did you forget? >> Maple Shade, New Jersey, 08052.
>> Good job. >> All I want to know if can she or you repeat what she was talking about the vets in her budget thing >> where they get they don't pay taxes. >> Yeah, they don't pay tax. >> That's the total disabled vet. If you're a totally disabled vet, then get the discount.
Yeah, >> that's all. >> Anybody else from the public? >> Seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> Second. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right, we're going to move over to staff and professional comments. I'm actually going to start tonight um just
to correct the record from last meeting. Um so, I want to clarify a few things for the public record that were brought up at the last council meeting uh regarding the new development of Main Street. Our construction officer, I'm sorry, our construction official and township fire marshall both had been consulted and have confirmed they are
there are no conditions observed that would warrant stopping the issuance of a temporary CO. It is also important to understand that the C the temporary cos are issued through the uniform construction code office, not the fire marshall's office and the authority over that building is the construction
officials. Our construction official, who I see here this evening, confirmed that the residential portion of the building had to meet all requirements necessary for a CO before a TCO could be issued, including completion of the required fire rated ceiling assembly and
other code compliance measures. The building is fully sprinklered on both the residential and commercial sides and the required fire rating protections are in place consistent with the uniform construction code. There is a separate matter that will return to the land use
board because portions of the commercial space were not constructed exactly as originally approved. That is a land use compliance issue that will be addressed through the normal public process. Most importantly, at no time have township officials determined that this building
is unsafe. Ed, would you like to add anything? >> Sure. I know I'm shorter. [laughter] >> So, for the few of you haven't got to meet yet, my name's Ed Tusain. I'm your construction official here uh through a shared service with the burrow of
Hadenfield. Uh you know, we came here, we're going into our fifth year of the shared service agreement. Um, we came here originally in Maple Shade because there were some issues in the construction office with this type of problem where your life safety issues
weren't being addressed or inspected properly. Uh, the DCA had come in through your offices here and you know they were forcing some changes to be made. Um, through a cooperative effort between Maple Shade and the DCA, uh,
they had reached out to me. So, with that, I just want to give you a little background on why I'm here, what I do, and what my experience is here. Um, I feel that may have been a little bit questioned last week or at your last meeting. So, I want to clarify that I've been a residential builder for 20 years.
I'm 19 years into being a code official licensed by the DCA. I hold 14 licenses for the Department of Community Affairs, all of which are at the highest HHS level that you could possibly get. and that's in every discipline of construction, building, electric,
plumbing, mechanical, and fire. Uh, I sit on the county board of appeals. I sit on the Department of Community Affairs Peer Review Committee to make sure that all the other officials uh in South Jersey from Trenton South are in full compliance with the Uniform
Construction Code as well as any ethic violations come before us. I hold both planning and zoning certificates as well as a flood plan administrator. I've sat on multiple land use boards as the administrator of those boards as well as testified before land use boards
and municipal court as an expert witness. I've been a local review officer for the Pineelance Commission since 2010. And the team that I put together that works here in Maple Shade for you guys, there's three of us officials. The three of us together have over a 100red years
of construction experience. So with that, I hope there is no doubt in the way that I run that office and the way that my inspectors conduct themselves throughout town here. Okay. >> So at your last meeting, it was mentioned that the building on Main Street was occupied as an unsafe building and that the people would not
be able to get out in the event of a fire. It was also mentioned that the floor ceiling assembly between the commercial and the residential would fail in the event of a fire. I want to assure all of you as well as the residents and the people that are already occupying that building that is
only one person's opinion. That is the furthest thing from the truth. The rated ceiling between the commercial and the residential spaces are 100% complete. All of the structural components that support that building. Yes, it is a woodframe building that was mentioned at
your last meeting, but it has a steel superructure that holds the entire four stories above the commercial units that are supporting the whole thing. All of that superructure is encased in drywall and fire rate.
On top of that, the building is completely suppressed, which even lowers the requirement of a rating between the two. As well as the building is fully alarmed. All of the suppression, all of the alarm has been installed, inspected,
is active and live for complete notification for any issues that may arise throughout that building. If they were to occupy those commercial spaces right now today, there's not one more thing that's going to go into that ceiling assembly or any of the
superructure other than painting it. It's completely finished. The way that that building sits right now, if you look at any other strip mall, you have a a set of commercial units. They get to the point where this
one is now and then they sit there until they do what's called a tenant fit out. When they have someone that's going to occupy that unit, they'll finish the unit to whatever the needs are of the person that's going to occupy that unit. The open wood frame construction that
you still see when you look through the glass there, they're simple non-bearing partition walls. They could be removed. They could be moved. They could be replaced. They could be reconfigured to any way that they possibly want in order for that building to be fit fit out for
whatever specific tenant wants to occupy. I I know it's just I'm I'm very uncomfortable with the way that it was brought up at the last meeting and and I I know at least one of the members one of you guys up there as part of you know your commission are in the construction
business and there's a lot of glass along Main Street and if anybody looks through the glass of that building you can see that the work is complete. The drywall is installed on everywhere that's protecting that building that needs to be installed. It was also mentioned that the fire
officials not inspected the building since it doesn't have a certificate of occupancy. Let me clarify that also. The residential units of that building, the fire marshall will never inspect it. He has no jurisdiction over it. The fire marshall only has jurisdiction over the commercial spaces and the common areas
of that building. The residential units themselves, he has no jurisdiction over. That does fall under me. And until that building has a final CO, it is my decision to whether to grant a TCO, a CO, to allow people to occupy that
building. That does fall on me. I take that responsibility. But the reason I gave you my experience in the beginning is why I have no problem doing that. I understand that, you know, some of you may be a fireman or you may have experience in putting fires out like it
was mentioned at your last meeting. But with my experience, my license, my knowledge, it's my job to make sure the building is designed, built, inspected, and occupied to where the fire department is not even needed there.
And believe me, I don't think there's anyone in this room that's got more experience to make sure that that happens than me standing here. It's also been brought up that the commercial spaces are not ADA compliant. 100% correct. The building was designed
for the ADA route for the residential units to be located in the back of the building where the parking spaces for the handicap accessibility were originally located. Nothing of that has changed. It's that's the way the building was designed. That's the way your board approved it. That's the way
the building was built. So the ADA compliance for the residential units is 100% designed, built, and inspected the way that it was supposed to be. That's why the residential units have a TCO and you cannot deny them for that. The
commercial units, however, along Main Street were not built the way that it was designed. They poured a a a curbt type step out in front of the building. Um that is not the way it was designed to build to be built. Uh it is required
to be accessible. That's why there's still a six-foot fence blocking the building from anybody getting in it. It does not have a certificate of occupancy until that condition is worked out through our inspections which just to be so you're aware the final inspection of
that building failed 11 times through that we denied it because the accessibility is not being met that they're coming back before your board. We set a strict timeline for them to come back before your board so this doesn't get drugg out. The application
has already been submitted. they're scheduled for your next uh board meeting. They do have a new design plan to where it will be accessible. I have reviewed that plan. Again, that part is not my final decision. Whatever your board approves, that's what I then have
to make sure meets the intent of the code. So, as long as your board approves it the way that the new design is, I'm sure the work will resume immediately after that. We can then get through and hopefully get the commercial units occupied. With that being said, it's my
recommendation that as a council and as town officials, we really need to keep the line of communication open. I'm available all the time, whether it's through your township administrator, through my technical assistant in my office, or directly to me. There is no reason all five of you cannot have my
cell phone number. I am four miles away if I'm not here sitting in my office in Hadenfield. I'm back and forth between both towns throughout the entire week. We need to keep that line of communication open and professional. We
should never come to a public meeting and make statements that were made like they were made at the last meeting. That does nothing but create unnecessary worry for the residents that are living in that building or around that building. And that goes for not just that building. It could be any type of
hazardous condition in town. It could be a spill. It could be a fire. could be anything, but we're supposed to be a team here on the same team. We should talk to each other, come up with a plan, discuss on how we're going to present it to the the rest of the residents, and then figure out how we're going to move
forward with that plan to get compliance. No one has reached out to me about any concern of that building. I I I got to be honest with you. I'm standing here. If there's any question left with that building or any other
development going on in town, feel free. I will be glad to answer whatever I can for you. If I can't answer it, I'll be glad to get you the answer. I can't memorize every project that's going on, but I'm pretty good with most of them. So, if you got any questions, any other concerns about that building or any
other, feel free. So, I'm going to clarify something. The statement wasn't made that the apartments were the issue with the fire marshal. I'm well aware that the fire marshall doesn't go in and do res residential inspections, and I never said that. The fire official and
the fire marshall don't take occupancy or any kind of jurisdiction of that building until those stores are opened and there's uh a store in there operating. That's when they go in there and start inspecting. That was my statement first of all. [snorts] And you're saying right now that there's
open wood components in that building and the loads designed just as you're saying that you're a professional with all the things you do. Have you ever seen a fire take off in a building that was sprinklered and or uh the fire alarm system being in there? The early warning
systems. >> As you're aware, sir, I'm on almost every single fire that the fire department is. >> That's not That's not what I'm asking you. >> Yes, I have seen the damage. I've seen the way construction. >> There is no building that is fireproof. None. >> Been doing it my whole life.
>> So, you're making a statement out there as to try and counteract or you're upset with statements that I might have made. My job is to make sure this town's safe. And just as you made the statement there as that you're the professional in this room with that, I'm also a professional
in this room with fire. And I know how it travels. I know how it moves. I know how deadly it is. And I know how unpredicted it is. And those systems in those buildings are not designed to put fires out. They're early morning systems to get people out. That's what I'm
concerned about. People, not the building. The building can burn to the ground. It's insured. I don't really care. It's the people that are living above it. And even though that that fire ceiling is done in there, if there's openwood components in there, you don't know how that fire is going to travel.
No one there is. You can light a fire in the same condition right next to each other and they'll both burn differently. That's the nature of fire. That's the scientific part of it. So, you're up here and you're kind of, I think, trying to re, you know, clarify because you
think I attacked you. I'm not attacking you personally. I'm looking out for the interest of this town, for the safety of it and the liability. All right? and I'm trying to avoid problems and mitigate problems. So, if you felt that
was offensive that I made those statements, I'm sorry, but I'm going to continue to protect the town. That's my job as a fiduciary for this town. It's my obligation to bring things to to attention. So, if you feel like you're attacked, I'm sorry. I wasn't attacking
you personally. I want to make sure that those buildings and the people in them are safe because I do know how travel fire travels and I know that in three minutes that fire can whip through that building no matter what systems in it especially if the fire load is is
exceeded by the sprinkler systems. So if you felt like you were sidelined, I apologize for that. But it wasn't about you. It was about this township and the safety of the township. >> Does anybody else have any questions for Red?
No. Thank you, Ed. Appreciate you coming out. >> Thanks, Mark. >> Setting the record straight. Have a good night. >> All right. We're still on staff from professional conference. >> Any other have anything? >> Are you sure?
>> Uh, make sure you buy local for St. Patty's Day. >> That's all I can think of. Some Irish potatoes. Some Irish potatoes. >> Irish potatoes. Yeah. Chuck. Um, [clears throat] seniors should have gotten a piece in the mail about uh the
new program. It's not new. There's a program for uh >> PAS PA. >> PAS. Yes. >> PA which you know is a >> tax relief. >> Tax relief for seniors. And uh you should have gotten those applications
recently. I got mine because I am a senior, believe it or not. Yeah, I know. I know. I don't look like a senior, but I am a senior. >> [laughter] >> You got my birth certificate. >> We are looking to um do another program like we did last year to help seniors with them. >> So, uh you should have gotten them. If
you haven't, you might want to check. >> If they haven't gotten them, will you pay the bill? >> Anything else? >> No, that's good. Thank you, Mayor John. >> John, no. Yes. >> Happy St. Patrick's Day. And um I know it's St. Patrick's Day weekend coming up
depending on when you're going to celebrate it. If you are going to indulge, please get a ride. Do not drink and drive. Thank you. >> Drink and walk. >> Andrew, >> walk. >> There you go. Uh, no, >> I'm good. >> Tony, good. >> Susan,
>> uh, since I don't have um anything under old business, I did just want to make sure that residents know that um, Roman EG, that's one of our contractors for our water sewer. They're doing the the lead line. They were going around doing this. are also going to be doing test pits uh March 7th to March 10th on a
bunch of various or various areas throughout town. Windsor Avenue, South Clinton, Fort Landing Front, Elm, Melrose, Kohl's. So residents will see them out there. There will be some traffic uh some traffic detours and whatnot, but that's what that is. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. So, we have
no old business. Anybody have anything new? Okay. If not, we can I have a motion to adjurnn until the special township council meeting scheduled for March 13th at 3 p.m. [clears throat] >> So made all in favor. I
>> Everybody have a great night.