here at least. Good. Good evening everyone or good afternoon. April state council council special session agenda for March 13th 3 p.m. Please stand for the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it
stands nation. >> 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 March 3rd, 2026. Posting notice on the municipal website. Posting notice on the official municipal
bulletin board on March 3rd, 2026. Anyone from the public wishing to speak today will be permitted to address comments during the public portion only. They will be given one opportunity in up to 5 minutes unless otherwise determined by council. The draft of the agenda has been posted on the township web page and bulletin board in the municipal building. Roll call, please. Terry.
>> Mr. Kaufman, >> here. >> Miss Nunes, >> here. >> Mr. Sick, >> here. Mrs. Rick >> here. Mayor Talico >> here. This is the ordinance second reading and public hearing. Ordinance number 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. This is the open public meeting. Anybody from the public wishing to address council may do so for the first ordinance. Seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> I second comments.
All in favor? >> Sorry. >> I have something. >> Uh, yes. I voted no to this before. I'm going to be voting no again today for all these things. I think that the township's dropped the ball with the ability we've known about this housing
for years now and we're waiting till the very last minute, the 11th hour on a Friday afternoon at 3:00 when the town's people can't be here to have a meeting to finalize this so it can be turned in on the 15th. So there's a lot of issues I have with
this and the trust in the ability to do things in a manner that are legal is just I I'm not going to vote against any of them. So >> okay, >> that's my comment. >> Any other comments? All in favor? >> I I have a motion to adopt, please.
>> So second >> comments roll call. Mr. Coffman, >> yes. >> Miss Nunes, >> yes. >> Mr. Mr. Simon, >> no. >> Mr. Ziki, >> yes. >> Mayor Kico, yes. Ordinance number 2026-05 is an ordinance of the township
of Maples, Roington County amending certain sections of chapter 205 entitled zoning of the township code to establish the R-H residential affordable housing district. This is the open public meet hearing. If anybody from the public would like to come up,
>> Joia Mortimer, 39 Lancancy Road. >> Uh, I too agree that this is being rushed entirely. I mean, could you repeat what's the worst case scenario if this is not adopted today? Would
somebody repeat that? >> Sure. We'll give that to our attorney. >> Yes. >> My name is Will Wson for the law firm Serene Edwards Buzzac and Nolan. We are the affordable housing attorneys for the township state. Um, so I know I discussed on Wednesday kind of the generalized nonmoral obligations, how
every municipality is required to comply. um if they're if they're looking to comply voluntarily to avoid builder remedy lawsuits, there are certain measures and steps that have to be taken. The Fair Housing Act uh which kind of outlines how a municipality complies with it with its notal
obligations was amended in March of 2024 and outlined a timeline for the municipality to proceed forward and comply. Uh it had certain steps. The first of which was to pass a resolution in January of 2025. uh basically outlining what it thought its affordable housing number would be.
Following that point, there was a time period for the public to comment. The township did not receive any objections or comments on its proposed resolution. Uh and it had its uh res number formally adopted by the court. Following that date, it had until June 30th of 2025 to
adopt a housing fair share plan, which basically outlined how it was attempting to comply uh with both its round four as well as its round three and prior round obligations. and it did so timely uh which left it open to comments. Uh the comment deadline ended on August 31st of
2025. Here, the fair share housing center made minor comments to the township's plan uh which the township and the fair housing center uh worked through and entered into a consent order outlining and uh providing um conditional judgment of of comp uh
compliance for the township to provide build uh immunity from builder's remedy lawsuits until March June 30th of 2035. Uh following this there is a deadline pursuant to the Fair Housing Act of March 15th to adopt um all requisite um
ordinances uh basically outlining how was tending to comply. If the township does not adopt that these ordinances today, they would be subject to losing uh immunity from builder's remedy lawsuits and at that point um would be subject to a potential builder's remedy
from a developer where they would try and leverage the municipality for the outstanding obligation that it would have uh should they not adopt the ordinances. >> So, I have a question for you. You're a township attorney. Why are we waiting till the last minute if you knew all this? Because you spoke at the meeting
last year. I I have a serious problem with the way all this is going. And if all these things happened, which they did, it's beyond my comprehension how a professional that's uh you know getting paid by the township is allowing us to wait till the last minute. As far as I'm concerned, you should have been calling
the township months ago and getting this moving along so that the people of this town could come sit in this room and have a discussion about it. Now, here we are again at the very last minute passing a law so we don't get sued. And quite frankly, we have multiple lawsuits
against the township. So, what's one more? I I'm disappointed in your law firm. I I said what I needed to say. I'm not I'm not asking for a response. I'm just making a comment in public notice to >> Joan. Did that answer your question? >> Well, also, you know, that's my concern,
too. I mean, we're here at the last minute when the town's people can't be here. >> Exactly. >> Why do we wait so long for this meeting? That's what I don't understand. Can you explain that? >> Did you want to touch on that,
>> Miss Mo? Let me try to help here. Um, this is not unique to Maple Street. when Governor Murphy implemented the fourth round housing rules within the the new housing law which again covers the time
period 2025 to 2020 2035 there were very strict guidelines of when certain obligations must be met not only by Maples but every municipality that's participating in Mount Laurel litigation and that essentially is how
municipalities become compliant there is a lawsuit between Maple Shade and a fair share of housing and any action taken by the municipality has to comply with the judge's order. There
is currently an order embodied within the law that council mentioned that these ordinances must be adopted by March 15th. If you were to look at the public notices throughout the state of New Jersey, every municipality that's participating in malar litigation is
going through the same exercise, scrambling at the last minute to get these ordinances adopted. >> So, they're all sitting at meetings where their residents cannot attend and they're scheduling them during the day. Is that what you're telling me?
>> Uh, in some cases, absolutely. >> Well, not in every case. Well, again, I I can't control what time the meeting is. Obviously, that is up to the township individuals. >> The only thing I can tell you that it's obviously very rare to hold a meeting,
any public meeting on a mid-after afternoon or Friday, >> right? And that the sole reason we're doing this, the sole reason is so that at the end of the day, the township of Mapleh does not have any exposure whatsoever with respect to the ongoing
obligations under the Mount litigation. >> That part I understand. >> Okay. >> But who dropped the ball here? Was it the planners or was it the council not like coordinating and connecting with each other? That's my question. The simple answer is the state of New
Jersey. >> The state of New Jersey would blame >> 100%. Because of the guidelines and the time, the short time periods within which limited time municipalities had to adopt these ordinances. >> Well, when did they notify you? At what
date did they not jump in here? So, we were the the state was supposed all of these consent orders were supposed to be finished by January 1st of this year. >> Okay. >> We received ours at the end of January. Today is March 13th. >> Yeah. So, we had to draft all these ordinances and address all the concerns
of the consent order in a month and a half along with scheduling meetings. So, that's really the month and a half timeline that we were under. Um, we I it it seems that the municipality deadlines are always in play, but the state's deadlines, they never have to meet them.
We were supposed to have this consent order much before January, and we didn't. We got it at the end of January and we got March February March January 31st January end of January and it's March 13th a month and a half. >> It's also important to understand that
the draft ordinance that council prepared also has to be submitted to the court and fair share housing for approval which is unlike any other ordinance procedurally that is typically presented to mayor and council for adoption. There is a process
that took place before we are here today where other entities approved the ordinances council's about to adopt. >> And the way you explain it, it sounds like a very important process >> that should have top priority with the township. That's what I'm saying.
>> And it certainly did because we are here today before the expiration of March 15th. Anybody else in the public on 2026-05? >> Good afternoon, Joe Walters, 163 Frederick Avenue. Just have a question for council. If uh you could explain
where the AHR district uh yeah, the RAH district will be. I did submit uh with your manager after the joint land use board meeting the other day. I think he's all received that. There was about seven locations on the map that I had given to her, the zoning map. We
discussed uh there was just almost a dozen locations that I went over with. I'm wondering if I would like to know where the location is going to be, if there's alternate sites that you're considering, if they're going to be included with this today, or is it just one location?
>> Um, you want to take that because I know you were talking about spot. >> Yeah, exactly. So, I can touch on we did review some of the the the suggestions that you had provided and I appreciate providing feedback and not just coming to to give us a hard time. Um, so >> I I understand what you're up against. I
understand the the not my question. My question is where it's being put in town and the and the repercussions of later down the road. If it's ever built upon, >> it's going to have an impact on the school district, on on employees, on a lot. So, where you put it is critical.
It would have an impact on the school district anywhere in town anywhere. >> Not necessarily. When you talk I'm talking about busing and employees when you have it if you had something in town versus the I don't know if you were part of that conversation with me the other day or if you understood it. If you if
you have Okay. So if you have something say within the township >> where students are walkable to school and they're not required to be bus that makes a big impact on the school district versus having to go over a highway and provide an additional two or
three buses. I know they're busing already and that's you can't argue that. We say well we're already going over to Fox Meadow anyway and it's going to be on that side of the highway. Well, what if you need an additional bus or two buses and two more drivers? That's going to make an impact to the budget to
school and to the residents. So, that's why I'm saying where you put this is critical down the road if it happens. >> Yeah, I people need to understand this may never even happen. >> I understand that kind of I I think maybe a little bit of more background on kind of the methodology and how we got to this site is is going to be
beneficial. >> So, he's at this site. Are we are we still at one? >> Yeah, we're still at uh >> the original >> the original the original proposal is still what is being proposed. Um >> we just just to briefly say we since that this is a second reading of an ordinance we could not add any potential
properties um regardless since this is a second reading of an ordinance. >> Yes legally start over and repropose it. So you're correct. So today isn't to today you could add those alternate sites on this because I
was told the meeting two days ago that at any time even up to 6 months at any time you could change this. >> So why not put it on the board today and say we're going to have a second reading on them alternate sites. >> The goal today is >> is to get I get it under what >> address the the consent order from the
court. >> I know at least four of these when this goes away today four of these sitting up here today. If those alternate sites aren't even proposed and put in the form of an ordinance to be considered, it's going to go by the wayside. They go on to their next hoopla and dog and pony
show. They want to do in town. That's what's been going on up here. >> No, I'm not wrong, John. You've been a big disappointment. Heather's been a big disappointment. And everybody out there knows that. You guys are in your own world. I'm talking real here. >> So am I, Joe. So am I. Cuz this ordinance, if it pass, and when they
build, that's going to impact the school tremendously. I agree with you 100%. It's going to have to even add to schools. So where are we going to add to schools? Where >> that that >> there's other options. There's other options to do. That was part of the what
I submitted. Just because it's across from your house, you may not like it. I also proposed something that's near my house. I'm just being >> that property at Sterling Manor to build out the school. >> That's going to be neat. >> Is is that what's going to is that what you're saying should be built there on that property? I don't know what should be built there on that property, but we
need to leave it there. You >> just said school. >> If this all takes place, the schools are going to need to expand. They're busting at the seams now. >> We know that. >> Where are we going to put it? >> We know that. So, that entire property wouldn't be needed by the school. >> Where are we going to put them?
>> They could go there. >> It could go there. >> I don't think it's big enough to accommodate >> there. There was Well, anyway, there was almost a dozen sites that I discussed with the manager. You saw seven of them which was submitted to you. three of them I believe we talked well I was told they couldn't be done but there are
other options. My point today is you could you could put it on there as alternate sites and at your next meeting you could have your second reading on that or you can make a motion today to produce that at your next meeting for first reading and then have a second reading on that. You're just talking
about Route 73 between Billow's Electric and Belair Motor Lodge. Correct? Or we can talk about the streets. We're talking if you want to use the streets. >> Yeah. >> Further down onto Collins >> on the Collins Lane and or Collins Collins Road.
>> Collins Road. Collins Road. >> Correct. >> So yeah, that's the original proposal. So again, it's just let's stick with what you know. >> Things outside the box up here. >> This property would have been in the housing element fair share plan that was
adopted by the planning board back in June. So this that was publicly noticed. this has been out there for a while and there was no public comment about this area at that planning board hearing. >> I appreciate your feedback and I I really do and I think it's it's valued. >> At this point, the township is in a
position to gain a certification of compliance against builders remedy lawsuits by adopting this ordinance today. >> I understand that, but like I said, they're not even going to consider other sites to add to that at a later reading. >> I'm I'm asking them today if they want to do that. it can be considered today
to have that discussion, place it on an agenda for the next meeting and have other sites available within the town so that when a builder does come to town, there's other sites that they can consider because it's already approved. >> I understand that. >> But if it's not done, if we don't talk about it now, if I don't bring it up,
it's never going to come up. >> We would have to have that be approved by Fair Share Housing Center prior to any sort of introduction or correct. So, putting on an agenda, >> I'm I'm here today to get that conversation started. I and I think that >> and it's up to them >> council's hearing >> to make it happen.
They listen, they hear, but they don't do anything. Just everything's on that side of the table. >> Anybody else in the public? >> Do what you want. I just want to be on record. When the hits the fan and this cost this township a lot of money and they didn't consider other options,
that's when you're going to be sorry and they're going to say, "What the hell? What council approved this? And why didn't they look at other other properties in town?" There's many of them. These aren't doing it. You're being ignorant. >> Anybody else in the public? >> Seeing none, can I have a motion to
close? >> So, >> second. >> Comments. All in favor? >> I have a motion to adopt. >> So made second. Anybody? >> Second. >> Comments. Roll call. Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes.
>> M. Non. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sick. >> No. >> Mr. Veric. >> Yes. >> Mayor Del? Yes. Resolution number 2026-R65 is a binding resolution of the mayor and council of the township of Maple Shade committing to adopt all outstanding implementing ordinances and resolutions.
Can I have a motion to approve? >> I'll make a move. >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Second. >> Comments. >> Roll call. Mr. Kaufman. >> Yes. >> Miss Nunes? >> Yes. >> Mr. Simon? >> No. >> Mr. Znick?
>> Yes. >> Mayor Calico? >> Yes. Okay. Okay, this is the public portion. If anybody from the public would like to come up and address council, seeing none, can I have a motion to close? >> Committee. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right, we'll move over to stamp and
professional comments. >> No, mayor. Not a single comment. Thank you. >> Look, just be careful this weekend. >> All right, Andrew. I think part of the problem here is the state of New Jersey from what I'm
listening to and you're right. The state takes their good old time. They wait till the last minute and they ram it down our throats. But maybe we stand up to the state and say, "You know what? You just have no timeline, but we do. Where's the fairness in that?" I get all
of it, but the legalities of the things that are happening, I have a problem with. And I and I think one way or another, we're going to wind up in a lawsuit. and I'd rather it be done right and fight with the state. Call them up, say, "Listen, we have a problem with it.
They set all the guidelines and then we have to conform to it." And I got a problem with that. And on the behalf of the town, I think the town does, too. You know, another another entity that's not listening to the people of the town. They do what they want when they want. And I'm going on record saying anyone in
the state wants to challenge it, come down and have a conversation with me. We're getting penalized because they're doing what they want to do. So that's my professional statement for today. >> Sandy, anything? No. >> Yeah. I have any comment? I just want to
say is that I I understand the frustration and I can tell you is when the the Fair Housing Act was proposed to be amended, our our firm very extensively um discussed with with our clients as well as with you know legislators potential changes that there
could be um particularly on what we called you know kind of the public the you know the public costs you know cost of schools, sewer, water, public infrastructure and I can tell you is that unfortunately when legislature acted they did not take into account those types of of conversations when
they adopted the Fair Housing Act. Um but unfortunately still left the requirement to address that outstanding obligation uh to all municipalities. No, because the state don't care that our taxpayers are going to have to put the bill for all that. Nobody understands the cost for the infrastructure, for the
services, for the schools, and then these people that live in this town cuz they make a decision. We're stuck with all that as usual. So yeah, you're right. It's sad, but that's just the way it happens, unfortunately. >> Mike, do you have anything to add?
>> Um, no. Yeah, I I absolutely understand the frustrations. Like, Bill, we were not in support of this legislation in the way that it came about and um saw this 2 years ago when legislation was being drafted. The third round was a process where towns were planning for 10
years of of affordable housing over years and years and years. They gave us a year and a half to do this, less than that actually technically because of the binding resolution and then the housing element fair plan and then they gave us about 6 to 8 months after that to implement everything and that's what's
in front of me today. So I just echo the frustrations of this legislation and the way that it has been impacting this value and that was with a potential for either a developer or or you know the housing advocate to object to the township's
plan as well. Um, so we have that kind of moving over us. >> And I'll I'll make another public statement. If the if the state is funding some of this, that's problematic to me for developers that are getting money back for coming in and doing this
stuff. So that's another that's another equation to it. >> Brian, you may. >> All right. We have no old business. Any new business? >> No. Okay. Can I have a motion to adjurnn until the next township council meeting
March 19th at 6:30? >> John, you make a motion. >> I make that motion. >> I have a second. >> All in favor? I >> have a good night everyone. Thank you. >> Thank you everybody. Take care. >> Thank you.