Before I sit down, Heidi has taken the the seat below because we have a very special day here today. A sad day for all of us here in Middletown. A happy day because it is Karen Senna's birthday. 25 again, right Karen?
>> Yes, exactly. >> Um, but Karen is going to be uh retiring at the end of this month. So, uh, Heidi has stepped aside to allow Karen to open up her final township committee meeting. So, let's give a round of applause for Karen.
>> Thank you. >> All right, Karen, back to work. Here we go. You ready to do it? >> Ready to go. >> All right. >> Good evening. Thank you. This is a meeting of the township committee, October 20th, 2025. Notice requirements provided for in the open public meetings
act have been satisfied. Notice of this meeting was properly given by transmission to the Asbury Park Press, the Two River Times, and by posting at the Middletown Township Municipal Building and filing with the Township Clerk all on January 11th, 2025. Committeeman Clark
>> here. >> Committeewoman Katz >> here. >> Committeeman Sedbrino. >> Deputy Mayor Hibel >> here. Mayor Perry, >> I'm here. Karen, >> please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> At this time, I'd like to ask for a moment of silence to honor the troops serving worldwide, defending our constitutions, freedoms, and way of
life. Thank you. First item on tonight's agenda, we have a presentation recognizing Jason's Dreams for Kids for donations to Veterans Village. At this time, I would like to invite the representatives from the organization to join Mayor Perry at the front of the
room. All right. Good evening everyone. uh an exciting uh day as last uh last month or earlier this month we recognized several organizations that have helped with our veterans village and um Ben Clark
introduced me to Dennis um and and and more importantly Jason's streams um because uh of all the work that they do in our community um and it's organizations like Jason Stream dreams
that uh was born out of tragedy. Um but has made an impact that we know Jason would be extremely proud of. Um and Jason's dreams year after year makes those little little impacts. Um but to
the people that they're benefiting, they're much greater than little. Um, and Dennis has a a way of of saying that the impact I've met with them several times now, and the impact that that they have, um, you know, is is is small and
and is tiny. But I can tell you that the efforts that they make uh each and every day, each and every year supporting our community um is is certainly one that we should all celebrate, thank and be grateful that they're right here in the
in this town and in our county and making an impact for our residents. So, let's give it up for Jason St. A few months ago, uh I met I met Dennis and uh we were talking about uh his uh
what what he saw as our veterans village uh began to take shape and he said, "I want to be involved." And it it's not one of those donations that you had to pry people and really make an effort for. Um because just a few uh maybe two
weeks ago, Dennis and I met uh upstairs in my conference room and he said uh you know I'm ready I'm ready to assist in in any way that we can. Um and normally when conversations like this happen in that conference room in particular, the
numbers start on opposite ends of the spectrum and we get find ourselves in the middle. Not the conversation with Jason Stress. uh the donation that they wanted to make um was started at $25,000
and when I heard that number I almost fell out of my chair. Uh, by the time we left that meeting, we had gotten to $50,000. And Jason's Dreams, Dennis and and the entire team's wife uh
were are making an impact by donating $50,000 to the men and women who have honorably served our nation to support our our veterans, to make sure that they have the resources that they need. Um, and
Dennis, you you and I have sat and hugged for a long time. And as many people know, I'm not that big of a hugger, but uh we hugged for a long time at that moment because uh Dennis does not do it for himself. He doesn't do it
for his family. He does it for a great great cause and that's helping the our fellow residents, helping our community. And it is because of Jason that that Dennis has been able to go on this endeavor. So Dennis, um,
when we sat in that conference room, you pointed to your chest. Uh, and I'm going to ask you to say a few words about Jason in a minute, but I want you to know that you you both are doing an an amazing job. And the $50,000 will be
divided up over the course of several years to the residents of our veterans project in the amount of $300 per quarter so that they can go to Target. They can go to Lowe's and get those small things that perhaps we we take for
granted, don't think about. Um, but Dennis thought that. Dennis made it happen. Jason and his dream made it happen. Let's give it up for Jason people that I got to thank because without people believing in me,
I wouldn't be able to keep the promise I made 33 years ago to my nephew. I'll never forget the phone call on December the 12th when he was in the hospital. He called he called me Uncle De. Uncle De
uh he told me to call you when I found out what I wanted for Christmas. I said, "Oh, you going to be home from the hospital?" He says, "I don't know what you talking about my mom today." I said, "No, what's up?" He said, "My cancer's back." I said, "You got through it once. We'll get through it again." I said, "You riding will barrel. Uncle D push it for
you." He says, "I knew you would. That's why I called you." That's right. But what's going for Christmas? He said, "I don't want to die." If I do, will you make me a promise that you'll never forgive me? He passed away.
People like Brian Clark here, his father, they made it easy for me to keep a wish, a dream that I made a little boy that wishing there right now looking at
I feel that we made a difference. And it's kind of crazy. I think back to certain things. I don't want to call no names. certain people here tonight know who I am from many years ago
and grown a lot and um where I'm really united with Jason. I pledge to make a difference in a lot more people's lives because of him and because of people that believe in me. It's not about me. It's about the cause
and we can all find a way to make a difference if we just choose to make a difference. And I just want to thank people for you know what they're doing here and uh you know continue to believe in me.
Well, we believe in you Dennis. Jason will be very proud. Uh he he is very proud looking down on on on all the good that you've been able to do. Um, and we couldn't be more grateful because the impact that you're making today uh and
every day um is is one that's that's deeply rooted in not only the faith that um one day you will be reunited with Jason, but that day he he'll already know all the impacts that you've already made. So, God bless you, my friend.
Thank you. Thank So, in grateful appreciation of this unbelievable donation to Middletown's Veterans and the Veterans Village, this plaque is hereby presented to Jason's Dreams for Kids on this the 20th day of October in the year
2025. God bless you. Thank you. All right. One, two, three. Beautiful. >> All right, let's give it up for Jason Drake. Thank you. You're welcome. >> Next item on our agenda, we have a presentation recognizing the Middletown
Elks Lodge 2179 for donations to Veterans Village. I'd like to invite the representatives from this organization to join Mayor Perry at the front of the room. We'll take care of that. only Swedish fish.
>> Yeah. >> So, uh so uh la last time John was uh up here with the Gary Ruman bike tour um that was able to donate $7,600 to the
Veterans Village and our veterans. Um today's back up here in a different capacity. Two Yeah. two meetings in a row. >> Don't say we never honor you. John um but today I was over at the Veterans Village with our Veterans Affairs
Committee um as they went through the uh the new building. Um and uh it's it's punch list items at this point and uh it's uh looking more and more beautiful by the day. When I passed by the other
day, I saw last night I saw it lit up uh for the first time. And when you see this uh beautiful building, you realize the lives that are about to be uh impacted by by this endeavor. And the Middletown Elves/2179
uh came to me um John Eddie Han and came to me and said, "What what can we do for the Veterans Village?" But on each floor uh is two community rooms and uh those rooms will be fitted out with furniture so that uh our veterans can build a bond
with one another. It's not just a building where they're going to walk in and walk out. Uh it's where that we hope that they will will grow together as a community, as a family. Um and the Middletown Outs said, "Well, what can we do? What can we do for our veterans?"
Um, and without hesitation, I said, "Well, we have two community rooms on each floor. Um, we could buy the TVs for uh for those for those four rooms." Um, but it didn't stop there cuz the Middletown Els Lodge wasn't going to let
it stop there. Not only did they buy two 65 inch TVs for two of the rooms, but then they bought two 85 inch TVs for the other community rooms and then they went on and bought uh an additional um 12 TVs >> 12
>> for each room um in the building. Um and this was done not for the purposes of recognition. was done for the purposes of helping out a fellow veteran um people that have defended our country both at home and abroad. And when these
individuals walk into this building um they will be greeted by gifts of support, of love, um and an ability for making them feel at home. And the Middletown Elves Lodge is going certainly a massive part of making them
feel at home. um they may not want to watch the New York Football Giants uh or the Jets for that matter, but I bet you all those Jets fans that will be in that building, they will say that ne next year, next next year,
>> um so uh on behalf of the entire township committee to all of our elks here, uh we're damn proud to have you in town because it's those small acts that you make a difference in. I can still see the little girl from just a few years ago who couldn't walk and the
Middletown Elks went out. A woman went on Facebook and said, "My daughter can't walk. She needs a she needs support. She needs a walker." And without fanfare, without anything, saw it on Facebook, made it happen. That little girl is now walking just fine because of the
Middletown Elves. Um, and that is what community is all about and that is the impact that all of you are making. So, um, on behalf of the entire township committee, on behalf of all the veterans that are going to be living there, thank you for your efforts and making this
possible. Let's give it up for our eld class 29 2179 and also now lady landing going to do the job again next year. Uh I'd like to first of all thank the mayor and the rest of the committee for recognizing us like this. It's uh so much appreciated. We don't do it for the
recognition. We do it for the good work. And if anybody knows our organization across the country, we'll never forget a veteran. We'll never forget a senior citizen. And our special children hold a special place in our hearts. So if you
leave here with nothing else, just know that uh we're another avenue you can pursue. If there's somebody in need of anything, if you need some help or you know family needs some help, contact us. We'll be there for you.
Thanks very much. Thankful. >> By the way, all the the four TVs are installed and ready to go. >> Turn them on yet? >> I I didn't turn them on, but I set some power up there. All right. Ready? One, two, three. >> Perfect.
>> Let's give it up for Middletown. >> Very Okay, next item on our agenda, we have a presentation recognizing October 2025 as substance use and misuse prevention month in the township of Middletown. Kimberly Kratz is up at the front of the
room with Mayor Perry. So, I I'm actually not going to not going to say too much because Kim Kratz um lives and breathes um for making a difference in our community when it comes to substance and alcohol abuse. Um even before she
was a member of the township committee, she has long led our uh Middletown uh alliance and does amazing work. I popped by just the other day. Um and uh in there uh was Kim, all of all of our
students um learning about uh social media. I had to leave because I had my 5-year-old uh with me and I didn't want her hearing all the the dangers with social media. Um not yet, at least. Um but uh Kim has uh dedicated herself to
making a difference. one child, one student, one family at a time when it comes to uh our drug and alcohol alliance. And um she deserves a big round of applause for everything that she a pitch and we have obviously a
proclamation um for substance uh substance use and misuse prevention months. Okay. >> Thank you, mayor. So um just for those who don't know the alliance is made up of stakeholders in our community. We're a volunteer organization. I've started this program and it's very coincidental that my son my eldest son happens to be
here this evening on another for another reason but I started volunte when when Luke had gone through um it was project plus at the time. So it was it's a drug and alcohol prevention awareness program prevention program for our young folks. And I knew at the time
as a mom that I always had a gaggle of kids in my house. And I just wanted to make sure that I had all of the most current and most valuable information that I could possibly have to make sure that I was going to be able to be a resource for these kids and make sure they were getting the right information.
So again, it's it's stakeholders in our community. It's moms like me. It's um folks on our members of our board of education, our police, um our elected. We we just have a whole host of folks who are all working together collaboratively to make sure that our
young people are given the best resource they can to start off. We graduate nearly 500 students a year in our program. So, we're quite proud of that. I've been doing this for almost 14 years at this point. And it's a program that's evolved not only for our young people for but for our residents, too. Um you
can never get enough education and enough awareness about it that it's forever changing. The information is forever fluid. So, we always want to make sure that we're ensuring that our residents are given the best and up-to-date information that we can. If anybody has any questions, um, please reach out and and look at our website
first. Um, we're blessed to have Erica McKe, who is was, you know, very sorry she couldn't be here this evening. She wasn't feeling well, but she's our alliance coordinator and is doing a fabulous job. So, again, our our website is a wealth of resource, too. And there's information available for our for our young folks and and along with
all for all of our residents, too. Thank you. So, uh, obviously this is this is a a passion of of committeewoman Kratz is ensuring that both parents and students have the resources that they need to
avoid um these types of of u what can be very awkward conversations. Um but if you if you were at Middletown yesterday, uh Drug and Alcohol Alliance had uh their booth there with all the resources that that they give out um each and
every um session that our students come in and the candy and snacks aren't that bad either at each of these. >> And a pizza party, don't forget our >> Yes. So therefore, I, Mayor Tony Perry, and the Middletown Township Committee, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2025 as substance use and misuse
prevention month in Middletown and call upon all residents to observe this month with appropriate programming, activities, and discussions. And we encourage our community to reach out to Middletown Alliance for Prevention of Substance Use and Connection to resources by visiting middletownj.orgmtown
alliance for more information. Kim, thanks for everything that you do. Appreciate it. All right. Ready? One, two, three. >> Thank you. That's Let's give it up for Karen Ste. >> Always smiles. Always smile.
>> So, so Karen's name right here. So, uh Karen Senna became our deputy clerk. um right as I was coming onto the township committee and um you know you you you value you have to value the clerk's
office um so much because without them um very little can proceed when it comes to township committee meetings but above that it's the everyday um items and and checklists that have to
be done publications in newspapers all the things that have to be just so perfect each and every time there's little room for error. And when you have Heidi uh as as your clerk, you know, we're so fortunate to have a clerk's
office that is not only um doing their job on a daily basis, but they they're doing so many shared service uh efforts uh with different municipalities. I I came here the other day and a a deal police vehicle was was parked um right
behind town hall where thousands when I say thousands of documents were being unloaded by public works uh teams to be scanned into into our computer system so that deal. But when you look at every
from passports to marriage certificates, all these different things, the the agenda for our meetings flows through the clerk's office. Um, and when you have a clerk's office that runs so well, it takes great people. And for 21 years,
Karen Senna has dedicated herself to making that reality. And Karen, we love you. We're so grateful. Um, we know that you want to spend time with these little buggers in the backyard
who who I asked your grandson. I told him I loved his shirt and he said, "This is my shirt." Uh but when you have a loving family, a loving staff, um and people that are are
so reliant on you, Karen, it's it's been an absolute privilege and honor. And to be able to do this on your birthday, sorry about that. Uh >> but where would you rather where would you rather be, Karen?
Um but um th this township this this township committee um so many mayors um every department head Tony um and and I know in particular Heidi have been the beneficiary of your service and your
dedication to Middletown Township. So thank you so much Karen. Appreciate everyone. I don't have any words. I love working here. I love working with all of you. This has been an honor and pleasure to serve this committee and this township and as a resident, it's always been
important to me to give the service to the residents that they deserve. >> No, I don't know what else to say. Americans. >> Well, the township committee presents this plaque to Karen Senna in recognition of 21 years of outstanding
leadership, dedication, and service. Your commitment and contributions have made a lasting impact, and we are so full of gratitude and best wishes for this well, very, very well-earned retirement. So, thank you.
I just want to say that uh Karen and I have been together since 2003 working here for the township of Middletown. On our first day, we were pulled together out of uh the bonds. >> Yeah. Formed a bond immediately due to circumstances, but um it's it's
literally been a great relationship, working friendship, everything you can ask for in the deputy. And um I think that uh you have demonstrated so well how people of this town should be treated and uh what they deserve when
they come into our offices and you will always be an inspiration to the people I hire. You know that um you take after you and how you treat everyone respect and kindness. >> Um you know it's just been such a pleasure and I'm going to miss you. I'm gonna miss all too.
>> That's it. Let's give it a go. Heidi, she leads by example. She sets a very good standard and it shows. >> Let's give it up for Karen. Perfect. Thank you. >> We'll step out
in the back. I just want to thank you. All right. Ready? One, two, three. >> Perfect. Thank you. Let's give it up one more time. Thank you so much. >> Take the rest of the night off. Okay.
>> You sure? >> Yeah. How you can handle it from here? Then I can go. >> Go celebrate your birthday with your family. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. Good night everyone. Thank you.
All right. Hi, you're back at the home. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Getting ready. We'll have one more presentation for the record. A proclamation recognizing November 11th, 2025 as Veterans Day in the town of Middletown. I saw you. >> At this time, we have approval of
minutes for the September 15th, 2025 regular meeting and the October 6th, 2025 workshop meeting. >> Motion to approve. Second clerk, >> yes. >> Comm. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Hibbo. >> Yes. >> Mayor Parody, >> yes.
>> Motion carries to approve minutes. At this time, we have public hearing on 2025-473. An ordinance amending township salary ordinance setting salaries for non-contractable employees for 25 through 26. >> Any member of the public wish to speak
on public ordinance number 2025-3473. Seeing no member of the public 74 move to close the public portion and approve second. >> Min Clark. >> Yes. >> Minwoman Crafts. Yes. Deputy Mayor Hel. >> Yes. >> Mayor Harry Perry. Yes. >> Motion carries to adopt uh this
ordinance on second and final reading. This time we have ordinance 2025-3484, an ordinance of the township of township committee of the township of Middletown County of Mama, state of New Jersey, authorizing the sale on block 84, lot 6 pursuant to NJSA4A
col2-1 EDSC. >> Any member of the public wish to speak on public ordinance number 2025-3484? Seeing no member of the public stepping forward, move close public portion and approve. Second. >> Committeeman Clark. >> Yes. >> Committ Kratz. >> Yes.
>> Deputy Mayor Hibbell. >> Yes. >> Mayor Perry. >> Yes. >> Motion carries to pass this ordinance on second and final reading. At this time, we have ordinance 2025-3485. An ordinance establishing regulations governing the planning, growing,
maintenance, and cultivating of bamboo. >> Any member of the public wishing to speak on public ordinance number 2025-3485 >> exactly. >> Just state your name for the record, sir. >> My name's Thomas Savileski. Okay. 861 Lincoln Street. I would just
like to know exactly the way that it's written now. You're saying that you're responsible for roots that are growing. >> Mhm. Okay. Well, you know, the thing is, you
know, roots grow all the time, trees. I have bamboo on my property. It was there when I bought the property >> and it actually transferred over from the other property. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, what I guess what I'm trying to say is I mean it's part of home
ownership to maintain it. >> That's what this ordinance allows for us to have uh regulations in place to be able to en enforce that. Currently, we don't have any. >> Okay. Well, consider wasn't there an ordinance in place that says that you could not plant it? >> No.
>> No, there is no ordinance currently in place. And that was the discussion that we had over the course of several months to decide whether or not we are going to prohibit the planting of bamboo um or govern it as a code enforcement issue.
>> Okay. Well, I can agree with that, but to a to a certain degree, you don't make it very easy because I know that my landscaping company that takes care of takes care of the grounds at my house, basically it's lawn lawn service company. They can't take the bamboo to the they won't accept it over
at K's Lane. I have to take it there. >> Th this is a this is a nuisance issue. >> I understand that >> it's not if you want it on your property, you >> I don't want I really, you know, look, I would rather not have it. Okay. It's But the thing is that I don't want someone
pointing a finger at me and saying, "Well, these came from your house. You're responsible for it." >> Okay. Well, well, the the the the point of this ordinance, are you saying that your neighbor does not want the bamboo that's on your property interfering with their property? >> No, I haven't I haven't my neighbor has
not complained to me about that at all. >> Okay. As th this ordinance is is for a pure conversation and discussion and ability for the township to enforce when and if someone does have bamboo on this on their property. It does not it does
not um stop you from planting bamboo, but it cannot interfere with your neighbor's property. Um and I think that that is an incredibly reasonable thing given the fact that bamboo roots are very expensive to have to uh mitigate.
You have to uh drive um sheet piling down to prevent them from uh being able to uproot uh in you know underneath fences and things of that nature. So, um there there is a nuisance to it if uh if by chance a neighbor does not want it.
You also have um roots that interfere with swimming pools and um uh pavers and >> I understand that. I understand that. >> So, are you in favor of this or opposed to it? >> I I I'm in favor to a certain degree. Okay. >> What degree would you like it to stop
at? I agree that if I'm making a good faith effort to maintain it, >> I don't I don't feel that I should have to, you know, necessarily since it's already been there. It was planted that I know of. It was planted back in the 1980s back when it was there was no ordinance against it. It was
>> there's still there there is no ordinance against planting bamboo. >> Right. This is a this is a nuisance ordinance that allows for the township to be able to provide nuisance uh deal with nuisance complaints from neighbors that their
bamboo from an adjacent property is interfering with the existing footprint of their property because it is incredibly expensive. We met with several experts um on secondary purposes for bamboo and also the cost to maintain
it and to uh any individual thousands of dollars to be able to rid themselves of bamboo on their property. It could be a serious expense for individuals. >> Yeah, it's it's a serious expense. I've looked into it. Okay. So, but I think
from a reasonable person's standpoint, okay, within a reason for a reasonable manner, if you're making a good faith effort to try to control it, well, then you wouldn't have any issue with this ordinance then because it doesn't prohibit it. It just makes sure that you have to maintain it just like any other hedge that is in a uh interfering with a
sidewalk. We require if if we receive a complaint that those individuals have to maintain it because the per the persons walking down a sidewalk or needing to be able to look around a bend at a stop sign should be able to do so safely and walk to school or wherever safely. So I
I don't think in reality it's any different than any other um uh problem that occurs when overgrown vegetation does come through. >> Right. Well, I had I had a root from my neighbor's property from a tree that
came in and busted out my my foundation. I took care of that. Now, that's not his fault, okay? That's just part of m maint uh maintaining your property in in my that's in my opinion, okay? I'm not going to sue him because the thing came
through it. He's not responsible for the tree. Okay? This is what I'm trying to ex trying to you know bring forth is that there's certain things within your control and certain things without that that are beyond your control. I think if you try to maintain a good faith effort
to try to control it >> but this isn't this isn't to punish people that are making a good faith e effort. This is to to be able to provide residents that are not maintaining it to your point are able to have a remedy about that because currently there is no
remedy. >> I could just explain. Go ahead. >> You know what what it does is it says you you can't have it within 10 feet of your property line. So that way you're keeping it from interfering with your neighbor. Now there are some neighbors who share bamboo across the property
line. That may be you may be in that situation. If your neighbor's not complaining, we're not going to enforce it. It's only if it's actually becoming a a real problem for a neighbor and they make a complaint, uh, then we'd have to enforce the ordinance. And that means you got to cut it back 10 feet from your property line and 10 feet from your from
the street. That that's really what you can still have bamboo. You just got to keep it more than more than 10 feet away from Okay. So then you could get into a situation where let's say you don't want it. >> Mhm. >> But your neighbor likes it. >> Mhm. So now what are you supposed to do? >> If it's on your if it's on your
property, you can do whatever you want. >> If it's within that 10 ft, then I'm I would be cutting it down on their side, too, though. >> No, you Well, you can't cut anything down on someone else's property. You control your property line, and your neighbor controls their property line. >> Yeah, but you just said there's a 10-ft buffer. You're not supposed to plant it
within 10 ft >> of your neighbor. >> Of your neighbor. >> Right. >> Right. Okay. So if it's on the property line and I cut it down on my side, it's still within that 10 ft buffer zone on his side. >> Yeah. Then they they'd have to do it too.
>> But you know, I'd rather avoid doing that. I'd like to keep the peace. You know what I'm saying? But it's just >> Well, well, you're not you're not deal Well, well, respectfully, you don't work in our code enforcement office and you're not receiving the complaints that we get from current neighbors that are having a problem. I understand. I
understand completely. I've had I've lived at that house since 2003. Believe me, it's a it's a it's a battle, okay, to to to maintain it and uh you know, looking down different avenues. Yes. You know, right now going through the the process of actually putting
bamboo barrier down, >> okay, >> but there's certain areas that it's grown and it's jumped over from the other property, okay? and it's there and you know it's it's hard to get to you know it's going to be but I'm trying to
maintain it within a reasonable within a reasonable fashion but I it did it was not me who planted it. >> I understand >> you know this is what I'm trying to establish. So >> it's um it's you know it's a tough situation with that. It really is. I
mean, but I think if you're making a good faith effort to do it, I mean, you know, >> this isn't to try and interfere in anyone's good faith efforts. This is trying to provide people with an avenue that they are able to utilize so that if it does become a nuisance, they are a we
are able to deal with it. >> So, all right. Well, anybody else that wants to say >> Thank you very much. >> All right. >> Hello. Hello, >> David Pierce, 865 Lincoln Street. So, following up on that, hypothetically,
we have a uh a bamboo that's Tom just explained running along the back of the properties. Okay. Now, I've talked to my new neighbor to say, "Hey, this bamboo is going to start coming this way." If
they neglect to do anything about it, it's still my responsibility. because it's coming from a mine. >> No, that that's the exact purpose of this ordinance is to provide you with the avenue to be able to enforce making sure that bamboo does not come onto your property. >> But wait, it's already on my property.
>> Mhm. >> All right. So, it's it's going along the rear of the properties and then it starts coming up because the leads go all over as we know, right? So, if they neglect to do anything of it and and they sell the house, somebody else comes in and says, "I don't like that. They
know of this ordinance nuisance. Am I on the hook for it? >> You would be would you be responsible for maintaining it on the on the back part of your property? Yes. Under that circumstance. >> On the back part of my property, but at the same time, it came over and then went adjacent. So then how who's
responsible for it? Me. >> You are responsible for what happens on your you don't cut your neighbor's grass. You're not responsible for the leaves on your neighbor's lawn. Your neighbors are not responsible for vice versa. So understanding that if you and your current neighbor are okay with it,
then there's no reason to en engage with our code enforcement officials. If your new neighbor in the in that hypothetical that you're referring to wants it gone, then they would be able to request hopefully through a neighborly conversation first, but code enforcement
then would be able to go out and uh provide you with the the proper guidance on where and if you had to remove that >> because again, as Tom explained, that came from several houses down. So now
it's it's come across, you know, seven properties and if we let it go another 15 years, it will be 20 properties. >> That's why we're doing this ordinance. >> Gotcha. I got you. But when it starts coming up and and I mean, who do we who
do we put the finger to who started it? >> Well, the I hear you. You can't. That's the whole that I I don't want to I don't see how how you come to >> but roots of a tree that are on my property that now interfere with in in
this gentleman's situation where a root was planted his he's saying that his neighbor's not responsible for a root. It's the same thing if a tree sits on a property. If a tree branch falls on my fence from my neighbor's yard and breaks my my fence, well then I have to deal with that,
>> right? But what about if you're what about if the tree is in the rightway of the township and it's their tree, it's their roots, >> then being responsible for it. >> The township be a township issue. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. >> We talk to insurance companies about
this stuff almost every day, >> believe it or not. >> Any other member of the public wishing to speak on public ordinance number 2025-3485? Seeing no other member of the public stepping forward, move the to close public portion and approve. >> Second. >> Committ Clark. >> Yes.
>> Committ Kratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Hibbo. >> Yes. >> Mayor Perry. >> Yes. >> Motion carries to um pass this ordinance on second and final reading. >> At this time, we have introduction of proposed ordinance 2025-3486, an ordinance amending chapter 240 of the
code of the township of Middletown governing fee schedules for passports and registars's office. >> Motion to introduce. Second. >> Minman Clark. >> Yes. >> Committ Kratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Hibbell. >> Yes. >> Mayor Perry, >> yes. >> Motion carries to pass this ordinance on
first reading with a public hearing to be scheduled for November 10th, 2025. >> At this time, we have ordinance 2025-3487, an ordinance amending chapter 240 of the code of the township of Middletown to establish amusement game licensing fees.
>> Motion to introduce. Second. >> Committeeman Clark. >> Yes. >> Committ Kratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Hibbell. >> Yes. >> Mayor Perry. >> Yes. >> Motion carries to pass this ordinance on first reading with a public hearing to be held November 10th, 2025. At this time, I'd like to ask the
township committee to adopt a consent agenda, which would include resolutions 25-305 through 25-316, removing 25-308 and 25-312 for a separate vote. >> Motion to approve a consent agenda.
Second, >> Committeeman Clark, >> yes. >> Committee Kratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Hyel, >> yes. >> Mayor Perry, >> yes. Motion carries to adopt consent agenda. At this time, we have resolution 25-308,
a resolution authorizing contract to a vendor with New with a New Jersey co-op for playground and recreational service surfacing. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Seconded by Committee Kratz. >> Committee Clark.
>> Yes. >> Committee Kratz. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Hibell, >> recused. >> Mayor Perry, >> yes. Motion carries to adopt ordinance 25-308 with recusal noted. At this time we have resolution 25-312, a resolution supporting adoption of
Senate Bill Number 3359, Assembly Bill number 3797 criminalizing the manufacturer, sale and possession of substances containing Krat. You want to make a motion on that? >> I would. I would like to make a motion.
>> Okay. Second it. >> Committ Clark. >> Yes. >> Committ Kratz. >> Yes. Comment please. >> Yes. Um so just to just take a quick moment um this is a super important really important piece of legislation
because um for those who don't know is a um ready readily available product that that's available in convenience stores and and really in anywhere that you walk into. Um so it's a product that is
derived from um a tropical tree in Southeast Asia. Um, it's a dangerous substance. There's evidence um to show that it's detrimental. It causes psychotic episodes. It's highly addictive. It's touted in convenience
stores, typically in a drink fashion. Um, it's it's touted as being very healthy. It's an energy booster. Um, if you've been into um any convenience store, you perhaps may even see these energy drinks on on the counters. Um the
purpose of it is to really um prohibit these places from selling it because currently there's no age restrictions. So our young people, you could be the age of 10, 11 and walk into these stores and use this product. And what they're
finding is is that it's so addictive that people are are having to go to rehab in order to combat it. So, it certainly is a product that um I'm quite proud that we are going to um work hard to make sure that our young people and
our residents don't fall prey to it. Um and it's it's really quite quite important. Um it's one of those things that just moving forward even as parents that we always keep an eye on and and make sure that uh we're paying attention to to
what our kids bring home. You know, sometimes our kids, you know, are afforded some independence, which is a wonderful thing, but they're purchasing drinks in in these stores that we're not always looking at what the ingredients are. So, really important to just keep an eye on that. So, I am a resounding
very much in support of this one for sure. >> Deputy Mayor Hibbell. >> Yes. >> Mayor Perry, >> I just looked up. I made sure Celsius didn't contain any crayons, so I can vote yes. Good. Um, motion carries to
adopt resolution 25-312. >> At this time, we have Township Committee comments. >> All right. Uh, Committeeman Clark. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, first, I'd like to congratulate the entirety of Middletown on an extremely
successful Middletown Day. I'm sure the mayor is going to expound on my comments. Um, but every department uh had a integral role in making Middletown Day uh the amazing day that it was. Mother Nature was super cooperative as well with the weather. Um, but it was
just a great day all around. So, uh, that was my first comment there was to thank everybody involved. Um, second, uh, Committee Kratz, the, uh, your your comments about the alliance and this, uh, support that we just put in for the,
um, banning ofratom. Uh, I wasn't aware of it until, uh, you and our administrator made me aware of it and, you know, doing some research, it's scary that this stuff is out there and that is so readily available to our young our young people. So, I appreciate your leadership and uh putting us in a
good direction to make sure that our youngans are in good good shape in that respect. Um to the Elks, thank you for your help with the um with the Veterans Housing and to my friends uh Dennis and Linda Mc Linda McInness. Uh they amaze
me every every time I get to be around them. They figure out a different way to um to just make it make a difference. And I've been I've been working with Dennis for nearly 30 years. And every time I've seen him and his wife do
something through Jason's dreams, it's it becomes something that I tell a story about. And you know, to evolve it from children with needs to adults with needs to families with needs to now veterans with needs is uh is pretty remarkable.
And I think, you know, to the mayor's comments earlier, uh, Jason would be super proud. And if anybody really got to know Dennis and knew how important this dream of Jason's is for him to keep, it's, uh,
you you can see it in his in his face when he talks, but man, if you just spend a half hour with him, you'll you'll truly truly get it. So um thanks to everybody involved in that project and I think that's all I have for right now. Mayor, thank you.
>> All right, >> many women crats. >> Thank you. So we are on quite the alliance uh trend here this evening, but just wanted to share with you just a few things that are coming up um with Erica that was was unable to be with us this evening. So Red Ribbon Week is October
23rd through the 31st. It's America's largest and longest running drug and alcohol prevention and awareness campaign. Uh the alliance was able to fund uh campaign materials and student giveaways for all three middle schools and two high schools right here in town.
Um there's also a free public Narcan training um November 6th from 5 to 6 o'clock in the training room which is on our first floor. Uh participants will receive a certificate complete of completion, an overdose responsive kit and an over and overdose education
materials. Um, and also the Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 20th. Uh, the alliance will also participate in the American Cancer Society's annual event to encourage Americans to quit smoking. Uh, the alliance will have a table and town hall lobby once again this year from 9:00
till 3:00 p.m. where people can come and make their own smoking andor vaping um, quit kits and and get further resources to to help them quit. Um, so that's out there. Uh again, I'll echo committeeman
uh Clark's uh comments about Middletown Day yesterday. It was quite a fabulous day. Was wonderful to see so many families enjoying themselves uh and and testament to all of the hard work of our employees and our staff who who did everything to make it possible. So,
we're real thankful for that. Um any opportunity we get to highlight our first responders in addition is always a great day. So, we're we're always thankful for their service and and we're forever grateful for that. Um, I will I feel like I have talked a lot this evening, so I'm going to end here, but
thank you. >> Thank you, Committee Kratz. DM >> just told me you took my time. >> I did. Uh, just quickly here. So, I I did I did want to mention Middletown Day because our team did a ton of work on it. Uh, I know the mayor has tasked
every single department in many meetings to get this uh done. So, I know our team is the the real deal and they got it done. Thank you everyone. Um, I got to give a special shout out to Ted, uh, because I think I call him probably the most, I would say, and I I'm sorry, but
I do drive around town a lot. So, uh, if anyone hasn't driven on Navas Road and Locust Point Road, you can see the paving that was completed there. So, uh, that's a great job. I I appreciate it. I know everyone in town appreciates it. So, thank you very much. Uh, just want
to mention, uh, I spent some time at the West Minister uh, um, church on Tindle Road this weekend doing some, uh, flags there. Uh, there's 7,000 flags and I think the mayor said he did 200, so I had to do more than him. >> I said Reagan did 200.
>> Oh, sorry. My back is still a little sore, but it was a a great event. Uh, I I I don't know the date of their actual uh, but it's on their sign. I'll get it next week. November 8th. Thank you, mayor. Thank you. Uh it's it's something that everyone should come out to to be a part
of. It's a it's a it's a it's a great event. They do a great job there. And uh I would definitely encourage uh all these young people here in the crowd to help us with the flags next year because it's uh you're right at the right height. So, all right. That's all I have. Mayor, >> quit while you're at it.
>> Um have your poor daughter putting those flags in your back, right? Um, no, I just want to say uh again um to Janet Dellet and Sarah Finery um really appreciate uh their um leadership
when it came to Middletown Day. Um but was was a group effort and I want to thank um Gianna and Tara and Laura and Shannon and Raven um for everything that they did. I want to thank Tony um uh and our entire public works team, park
maintenance, um everything to make that day possible. Um it is it I mean Janet texted me this evening about next year's date already. Um so it really starts um you know uh early and it takes a lot of planning and a lot of effort. So I just
want to give them a big shout out and thank you for such such a success um last night. Uh it it really means a lot and the thousands and thousands and thousands of people that came out yesterday uh all talking about how wonderful of a time that they had um at
Middletown Day. Um uh to uh to all the folks and the congregation at Westminster Presbyterian Church, I want to thank them. Um they had a bunch of groups coming in beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. All through the afternoon, Reagan and I were
there. Um and uh it really is eyeopening when when you were the ones placing the flags um down um because you when you attend the event but not the the flag planting ceremony. Um it's uh you you
see this unbelievable um planes of almost of flags that just that just are all moving and all waving in the same direction. and and you feel a sense of of of sorrow, but you get a
sense of of pride that there were that many individuals that were willing to give their lives for their country. Um and uh so to everyone at Westminster Presbyterian, I do have to give a shout out to Alpha Wave Group. um that is a
veterans organization that was there and um this is an organization run by Marine veterans that uh work um they were formed a few years back um and it's a local organization that gets um veterans
out and it teaches them to meditate and surf um and really uh understand how to control their their thoughts, their emotions um and to bring them peace of mind when they are um you know uh filled
with um uh some uh horrible memories um but to be able to give them that that peace and sense of purpose and and moment um is really wonderful. So, I want to thank them for their efforts um being there. Um and uh I I wish uh
Westminster Presbyterian Church um uh Dave DRC and everybody that was involved um a a great deal of gratitude and luck um for their event on November 8th. Um today we uh did a few things for our fire department. Um number one, our new
chief's vehicle uh was purchased tonight. Um, and the new Chief's vehicles, the trucks, uh, the the newest one, is that Jimmy Abbis', uh, truck? So, Jimmy's, um, uh, looked great, fitted out. I know Jake is on its way.
And, uh, and our newest chief's vehicle is, uh, is coming, but tonight we added, uh, another resolution and component to the, um, Middletown Veterans Incentive Program, and that is the tuition reimbursement program. um which we are
very excited about. Um now, uh members of our volunteer fire and EMS OEM are able to receive college credits from Brookdale Community College um at no cost to them um so that they can uh take
classes um and grab a greater uh educational um position so that when they decide what they want to do, if it's right for them or not right for them, they have that opportunity without being burdened by the cost of that. So, um, Tony, Heidi, I want to thank you for
your leadership on that. Um, and, uh, this is at no cost to the township, um, that we are able to do this. So, uh, I want to thank the chiefs. Um, I want to thank all of our first responders and hope that, uh, many of them will take
advantage of this this program. Um, uh, finally, uh, this is our last meeting before election day. I would encourage uh obviously many of you have uh many Middletown residents have taken advantage of vote by mail. Um I hope
that uh all everyone that has that VBM takes the time to uh look at all the candidates running um on on on the ballot um and send their VBM back. That is your ability to make your voice heard. Uh early voting does start on
October 25th and your last day to request a vote by mail if you can't vote on election day is October 28th. Uh and I encourage every resident um to go out, express your vote, vote for the people that uh you share um your vision for
Middletown Township um for Mammoth County and for the state of New Jersey as we head up to election day on November 4th. With that being said, I'll open up for public comment. Any member of the public wishing to make a p public comment may do so. We ask that you state your name for the record and that you keep your comments to five minutes. At
four minutes, I'll let you know that you have one minute remaining. Luke Kratz is ready to go and he is going to be my first selection and I might defer this question to Committee Kratz. I'm not entirely sure yet. Luke Kratz, please state your name for the record.
>> Um, hello. My name is um Luke Kratz. >> Oh, okay. Good. You got that for the record, Brian? Excellent. And um I would like to ask about with um passing of 2532. I just wanted to ask about specifically withratom being banned um what are the
exact enforcements such as like fees? Is there going to be a fee? Is there going to be possible jail time or a misdemeanor? I was just kind of curious on like the crackdown of that. >> So uh the I'll allow you to answer just for a point of clarification. Uh Mr.
rats. Um this is a resolution supporting uh legislation. Um the township committee was actually moving in the direction of banning uh this product in town, but state law prohibits us from being able to do that on the advice of
council. Um so we were unable to do that. Uh but the one thing that everyone should know is that umratom's uh uh more common term is is actually and I can't believe I'm saying is gas station heroin. Um it is manufacturer it was it
was originated out of Indonesia where it is now banned. Um seven US states have banned this product already. Um I'm kind of surprised that New Jersey has not already banned it. Um but uh com I'll defer to committeewoman Kratz because she had such a wealth of information
over there on I will defer to her for the rest of your answer Mr. Kratz. Is that okay? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> There you go. Well, hello Mr. Kratz. >> Hello mom. >> And may I ask you a question? What is the purpose of your question this evening? It's nice to see you here.
>> Oh, thank you. Um the purpose of my question is because for my college course on public administration um we were all tasked to go down to our local uh committee people and ask a question here specifically today and I
told my professor actually my mom sits on the committee and he didn't believe me so I said I'll take a photo so just to make sure. And um just another question on mom after this what is for dinner >> reservations.
for sure. Um, no. So, this is like we talked about, this is is an exciting piece of legislature so that we can continue to protect all of you young folks from from being exposed to this kind of, you know, nonsense and this
cratom that we've, you know, the DEA, there's just been so much recent evidence to show that, you know, like the mayor shared that it is considered and the the the slang term is, you know, convenience store heroin or convenience store cocaine. It's it's that addictive
and it's a shame that that folks are becoming so addictive to it that they're forced into rehab, you know, to try and beat it. So, I um it's it's really quite impressive that, you know, we're going to be moving forward and continuing to work to to make a difference to
eliminate it alto together. I know it's not exactly what we wanted, um but it's it's certainly a start in the right direction. >> Thank you, >> Luke. By the way, Joe has taken a screenshot of the uh video, so we'll be happy to provide you that with that photograph.
>> Thank you. >> All right. >> Any other member of the public wishing to make a public comment? John, come on down. >> Yeah, Luke, you could have you could have moved the microphone up. It was, you know, >> that same move putting the flags down.
>> John Spinelli, 91 Burlington Avenue. Um, this might be a little bit of a silly question, but um, you know, I was just thinking about the the b the old buffalo statue on on a cherry tree farm road. >> Do you do you guys know what happened to it?
>> Uh, interesting question. Um, a few years back before the uh, owner passed away. Um, I just so happened to bump into um, that individual's son who asked me if the township would be willing to accept it as a donation. and I said,
"Yeah, we'll take it. We'll we'll take it." Um I I don't know what happened to it in g in the end, but we did follow up with that individual several times. I know the house was sold. Um and the person didn't want a giant buffalo statue sitting on their front lawn. Um
but we were willing to take it and actually put it into I think it was countryside. Um but the the owner must have sold it or something like that. So, um, it would have, you know, I I also thought we could put it on top of the new Claud so that there would be a cow
and a buffalo on top. Um, but, uh, but, uh, it it didn't end up coming to fruition. >> Okay. Yeah, I was just going to ask about that. You know, >> are you in the market for a Buffalo statue, Jack? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I wish I was. I don't think my parents would uh like that on their property,
but Okay. >> I uh, yeah, I was going to propose. I thought it would be a especially with America 250. I'm not sure if you guys know that the bison is the national mammal of the United States. So, I thought that would be a cool uh statue to either have at town hall or one of
the parks here. So, although unfortunately, like you said, it's no, we don't know what happened to it, but >> yeah. So, good thought though. Thanks, John. >> Thank you. >> Any other member of the public wish to make a public comment? Yes, ma'am.
Morning Kramer, 630 Hopping Road, Belelfford. Um, a neighbor of mine and I have a couple questions that we asked Jersey Central Power and Light about their major project that they have running through the township uh specifically on our street between Roxbury uh road and
Hopping Road. >> And when I spoke to uh Georgia Central Power and Light and I asked them three specific questions, I was given misinformation. So I came to town hall and Mr. Cananti was very gracious. He took time from his day to take me to the an office and y
>> he um did correctly answer one of the questions for me >> and one of them was about the height of the poles, the size of the poles which I was told by Jersey Central Power and light was going to be the same as the poles that were there which it isn't. And the other thing that I asked about was um because the poles were large
going to be larger if the um the um voltage going through the lines was going to be increased and I was told no. But when I found out that the poles were similar to the ones on Highway 36, I noticed that there's a crossbar on the poles behind our houses that um have two
lines on them. So I'm assuming it's a circuit. I mean, I'm not an engineer, an electrical engineer. >> The redundancy line, >> right? Mhm. >> And so the poles though on the highway have three of them. >> So I was struggling to figure out, well, how could it be the same amount of voltage >> um because we're concerned about the
electromagnetic fields >> and the properties that um are on my in my neighborhood. They're small properties. I don't think I'm 200 ft from that pole and I'm across the street. So um I was contacting some agencies to find out because I wasn't getting the answers from Jersey Central
Power and Light. And so I called some government agencies. I called the BPU. Nobody knows about this project even though it goes all the way from Belelfford to Redbank. >> So when I saw the map that Mr. Merkande showed me, I said to myself, gee, this looks awfully familiar to the 365
project that they stopped that was supposed to go from Aberdine to Redbank because it's winding up in Redbank. So when I spoke to somebody, I called a couple of the >> meaning the monster power lines. Is that what you were talking about? >> Yes. >> Okay. So when I um contacted two two of
the county commissioners because I figured somebody in this somebody around here has to know what this is about because I saw on a on a website that they have the Jersey Central Power and Light when they have a big project has to go through the county. So, I called two county commissioners and one returned my call on Friday. And what
what I was told was that they contacted their they spoke to their contact in Jersey Central Power and Light. We told them when I was asked them if there was a name for the project, they said no. Well, there is. It is in fact part of the Energize 365 program. It's called
the Mammoth County Reliability Project. And I was told that the person from Jersey Central told the county commissioner that this was the safer alternative program that was presented to them by the rage group that sued Jersey Central Power and Light. So I
said, well, if it's so safe, then why is it not back going from Aberdine to Redbank and now why is it behind our properties? My neighbor is less than 40 ft from that pole from her house. And I was told I should come to the
township committee meeting and and ask some questions. So, uh, my neighbor and I put together, we have seven questions >> and I don't expect you to answer the questions tonight, but um, I can also give you a copy of them. But the questions are how tall from the ground
up are the replacement poles going to be between Roxberry Road and Hopping because they told us it was dependent upon the um terrain. Uh the current KVS on the single transmission line pole between Roxberry Road and Hopping Road is currently 34.5 KVs when the poles are
replaced with the new taller poles that um are like the ones on Highway 36 um that appear to have six lines as opposed to two currently. um how many KBs will be going through each of these lines. Number three, when another area loses power, Jersey Central Power and Light
gave me an example. Oh, if Redbank loses power, uh with this new program that we have, we can flip a switch and switch it over to Middletown, which was interesting to me because my power went out on Thanksgiving Day with no storm, no wind, no car accident last year with the house full of people. So, I don't
understand how if they're not increasing the um KVs, then how are they going to transfer uh another town over to here? Number four, over time, can Jersey Central Power and Light increase the KVs on these transmission lines? Number five,
does the township have a copy of the safer alternative plan presented to Jersey Central Power and Light by the engineers hired by Rage in their lawsuit with Jersey Central Power and Light over Project 365? If so, would the public be able to view the proposal so we can have a better idea of what this project
entails? Number six, does the township have a health and safety report from First Energy about the close proximity of the homes to the electromagnetic fields created by the high tension lines? Uh, number seven, there's two more questions. Why was there a press
release from the township similar to the one used in Hlet Township to inform residents about this project? And are you planning to release information to the residents in Middletown minutes or local online and print newspapers? The act uh has a township actually posted,
interestingly enough, it was a um press release from Jersey Central Power and Light about the program that went from this past summer and this is dated um July of 2025. uh the project that they just worked on
from Keyport, Union Beach, and Hlett. And the last is, can you please inform us when roads are being closed due to the project? Today, the southbound road, the southbound side or the southbound lane of Sleepy Hollow Road was closed while Jersey Central Power and Light contractors were working doing the work
they did behind um Roxberry and Hopping, they continued. I got to tell you, they're working at war speed whatever this project is. um because they're already up at Sleepy Hollow Road and they only worked in our neighborhood four days. Most people living in the East Road area of Belelfford use Sleepy
Hollow Road to get to Highway 35. Alternative plans could be made if we were notified of a road closure or future road closures. So, thank you in advance for answering our questions and concerns and I can give you a copy of the questions if you'd like. >> We'll take a copy of the report for you.
We'll be sure to get you all all those answers um back. Um, I would like to thank publicly though Mr. Mkand Danty because he was very gracious that day and in Olivia, you know, he answered a lot of my questions and he showed me the map which quite frankly concerned me.
Um, but he didn't have to do that take the time from his day. So, thank you, Mr. Merkant. I appreciate it. >> Kind of did have to do that because that's what I did. But, uh, >> that's his job. But, yeah. >> But, uh, but, uh, just just to be clear, we've asked them repeatedly about this that the the 34.5 KV is staying the
same. There are additional 34.5 KV lines being so that they being run so that they have redundancy if if area goes down they can back it up with the second circuit >> and so the electromagnetic radiation that comes from these isn't cumulative
>> you know in other words you're only exposed to the highest one on >> on the pole. So if there's three 34.5 KV lines you you don't get three times the amount of electromagnetic radiation. You just it's just from the highest one. Okay. But we're still we're still concerned about the
>> we're still concerned about the voltage. And I couldn't quite understand if it's staying the same, then why are the poles low now? >> They're different circuits. >> Okay. >> They serve different circuits. >> It it wouldn't have been helpful though if if the township would have informed us about what was happening in our
neighborhood. >> Well, all of the adjoining property owners were notified at least three times previously by JCP >> by Jersey Central Power and Light. >> Yeah. But I wouldn't be because I live across the street, but I'm less than 200 feet from those poles. And according to what I've read, you're really only safe
if you're beyond 200 feet from those polls. >> I I think that would be questionable. >> Oh, thank you. >> Thank you. Any other member of the public wishing to make a public comment? >> Yes, sir. That's okay. I have a loud voice anyway.
Um Devin Rafferty, Leonardo, New Jersey. Do need my address? Okay. Um I just wanted to do I have a few questions, I suppose. um about the functional distribution of tax
revenue um for Middletown and then how it compares to other townships across Mammoth County and then within the larger regional area, right? Whether that be Ocean or Middle Sex. Um in the notice
that was sent out about Oh, there's our other thing. Uh the notice about Middletown taxpayers, right? Um it says board of ed for board
of ed 61%, Middletown Township 23%, county government 10.5%, Middletown Township open space 2%. Is that through the municipality? That open space 2%. >> The township's open space is through the township. >> Yes, I would assume so. Okay. So that's
effectively 25% for the township. And then the Middletown Township Public Library is also through the municipality. Correct. >> No, they get their own their own >> their own separate levy that they would administer on their own. >> Correct. They have a board of trustees and the o the open space has to be done just like the county does their open
space because it is a dedicated fund that is required and can only be spent on open space. The rest of the money, the 23% comes in through the general fund which is then proceeded and utilized in the operating budget. >> Okay. Thank you. So what I did was I
went and I looked up some data to see how Middletown's distribution compares to other towns in Mammoth County over say 2022, 2023, 2024, right? >> And then I looked at Middle Sex and Ocean as I alluded to, right? Um, so
what I found that was kind of interesting is a lot of the other towns in middle in a lot of the other towns in Mammoth County of similar population size, similar median incomes, uh, seem to have a municipal township
levy somewhere in the high teens. For comparison, we're at 23 24% in this town. The school which has its own separate levy here is listed as 61% but other towns in
Mammoth County are in the 68 69 70 71% range and I factored in libraries or the fact that some of these towns have county libraries and things like that. Um,
so then I guess my question is, is there a specific reason why the Middletown >> municipal levy is higher than other towns in Mammoth County? >> Well, well, I think what you're inferring inferring is that the township
gets to set those uh percentages. We do not. um each governing body, whether it be the county or um the municipality or the board of education, sets their budget. >> That those numbers are then submitted to
the county. The county te county uh tax assessor then sends back to our CFO. The percentages broken out as those budgets are finalized and passed. um they take the culmination of the funds and then divide them up and provide the percents
of what they are so that they can be distributed to um the residents of the respective municipalities to be able to understand what percentage of their tax dollars goes to which entity. That's what I assume. Okay. So then my question would be
if that's the case where you submit your budgets and then those respective percentages are split up by the county. >> Mhm. >> Correct. >> They're set by the the own their own government agency. >> But your re but your gross revenue dollar amounts are set by the entity
within say this town that needs that. Correct. the the the taxes that are collected are distributed by the through the municipality, right? But we don't set those percentages or those numbers. We only set them for the municipality
>> based upon how much money you expect you would need >> based on the assessed values of the homes within your municipality. That's why they fluctuate from town to town because you have some municipalities that have regionalized school districts. You have some that don't get charged um for libraries like Middletown Township
because Middletown has our own uh own county own municipal library. >> Right. So >> which is not included but okay. Yes. >> But the count but towns that are a part of the county system receive those receive that that tax, right? So but the
municipality does not set those percentages. It's set by the culmination of the total assessed value of the municipality and then divide it up amongst what is passed by each respective government agency. >> Understood. So then I guess I was it's
what you get for having kids. I always time it out on 30 seconds so they can't get on to Amazon or YouTube. Um >> they buying anything good? >> Nothing off Amazon's good. Um and by the way I think the cratum
that's a wonderful initiative. Um, but so I I thought about the school district, right? And that would be interesting because at least for some of the towns in Mammoth County, they would benefit from unit costs, right? Some of our surrounding towns since they have
regional K to2 regional high schools. You would in theory get a unit cost deduction by collectivizing through economies of scale. So therefore >> they should actually have >> well you might have to run two separate school districts. Okay. So then that's
fine. I guess my question really when it boiled down to it was within one town say you have 24 25% historically and you know historically about 60% that goes to the school
district. Other towns somehow do that for 18 19% for the municipality and about 70% for their school district. So what is it about the political culture of those towns or
their municipalities that have gotten their funding needs together for what would be their oneif of the town's budget versus we have to do it for a quarter? >> I I'm I'm not sure. I'm understanding or your understanding of how it's divided.
I don't get a say as to what the school district's portion is. >> Absolutely. Understand >> they pass a budget, >> right? >> And that budget is then determined by assessed values, right? Yeah. And what and what they would receive and then what the increase on their budget may be,
>> right? So I guess if I could phrase it another way, then you put in for the amount of funds that you perceive Middletown to need. the school district puts in what it perceives it needs and then that gets aggregated through the county. Am I correct? >> Correct.
>> Okay. So then when this all said and done and you figure out what those percentages actually are for Middletown, it comes out to roughly 24 25%. When say Manalapin does it, the township of Manalapin figures out that that is actually only 18 to 19%.
>> Okay. So, so, so then we we collect the trash for the school district, right? I don't know if Manalapin has townshipwide trash. I have no idea. Pretty large expense for for the township at the the rate of what, Colleen? How much is trash
on a yearly basis? >> $8 million. So, Manalapin might not have municipal trash. Every single municipality, they don't. Okay. So $8 million for the township of Middletown is now automatically off the books for
Manalopin because they don't collect trash. We used to not have a trash district in Middletown and then the township decided about eight years ago that everybody in Middletown Township was going to be a part of the trash. You can't look at every single percentage and just compare it to Middletown and
say why aren't they even? Because you have Sebrite that has a $25 million budget. 5 million of that budget goes to Shore Regional High School because they subsidize Shore Regional because their assessed values are higher than those
that participate in Shore Regional. So looking at it from just a percentage to percentage basis may be a a thought, but when in reality because that's what you we have to exist in it, it is not just 18% versus 23% or vice versa. I in uh
Milstone, for example, they don't have a police department, so they don't need a police. Well, our number one expense in the township is our police department. So, boy, if Middletown just decided, well, we don't want a police department in this in this town, which none of us
on this township committee would ever suggest. Well, boy, that'll save us a lot of money. If we decided not to pay health insurance for our employees in retirement, boy, that would save us a lot of money, but we do. county doesn't do that, so you don't get charged for that. Looking at paper and saying that
this isn't fair because X is 23% and another town is 18%. Without looking as to how you got to those numbers is is not a good uh demonstration of how those numbers are formulated. When you compare apples to apples, then it's then it's
fair. But if you're just going to say, well, why is it fair for 23% versus 18%? Because the services that are being provided to those residents of that municipality are not equal to they are actually less than the residents of another municipality.
>> Okay, that was my question. I believe my question if you remember I wasn't sure by the tone of your voice that was developing. >> Oh no, I'm just telling you exactly what you got to know. >> My question effectively was is there a difference between municipalities of that might necessarily exist? In every
municipality, there's differences. Differences in the number of police officers, differences in services that they provide their residents. It's it's all a matter of looking at the services that are provided versus the services that are not. And that's why we
recently, just a year ago, took over the tax assessor's office in Millstone. Great shared service for us. We get to handle their their taxes. They get to save money and we get to generate revenue from it. Heidi has now uh probably half a dozen uh shared services
because municipalities all across Mammoth County were not properly scanning documents. Well, now our staff has the ability because we've scanned all a lot of the documents that we have and and every day we scan more and more shared services that are able to be done. Municipalities depend on
Middletown to be able to do the proper documentation and scanning. Um, and that's why municipalities look towards Middletown in what programs we're offering, what services we offer our residents because there's not one person in here that wants to go back to the days of not having trash collection be
done by one entity. You are going to have blips in every once in a while and you know, Committee Kratz's trash doesn't get picked up because she's the only one on the block. But I remember the days of live when I lived in River Plaza when four trash trucks would drive down the street every single day because
18 different neighbors had 18 different companies and Jake Sullivan, Chief Chief Lawrence rather, is shaking his head because he's like he still lives in River Plaza and he's like, "Hell yeah, those were bad days." So looking at it apples to apples is the way to go. Looking at it from percentages is not.
that I'm glad you phrased it that way because if you see it in that light, the percentages are really a breakdown of where you are going to use your real resources and where you're not, right? Whether it's going to be trash pickup or something else, right? Or the police as
you alluded to. >> Well, you you decide as a governing body what you're going to do, right? And when you expression of your political but but the well that's >> and so then I guess the obvious conclusion would be if there's a comparatively lower funding that goes
towards schools and a comparatively higher that goes towards the town >> but the percentages are based on overall >> overall appraisals. >> I didn't interrupt you sir. I guess it would be an expression of the political culture that we prioritize municipal
services and channeling those services through this governing body rather than say the public education system. The the board of education gets to decide how much they want to raise taxes. >> Correct? >> Okay.
>> That is how those decisions get made. Your question should be directed at the board of education to be able to answer those questions. I do. We break down ours for every every single year a tax receipt calculator. Every single year we
upload the assessed values and demonstrate exactly where your taxes are being paid. You plug in your your assessed value and we break it down. you you're you're basing your argument over an overall number and that is not the
way to break down how and where services. I don't get to decide where what how many teachers are hired. We get to decide how many police officers are hired. And that's how we're going to break down our 23% of of the tax revenue
on top of our library working and providing services to the town in their revenue that they receive based off assessed values. Their value their their percentage never increases. Their percentages are based on the overall assessed value of of the municipality. It's it's remains flat. They don't get
they don't have the authority to raise taxes. So, it is the county, the town, and the board of education that get those make those decisions. >> Yes. Yes. Thank you. I know my time is probably up. I just wanted to for clarification when I'm saying an
expression of the political culture, I'm referring to in the aggregate of the town, where are we going to emphasize the allocation of our real resources based upon how the board of education may budget, based upon how the town may budget? >> And that's a question for them. Our
responsibility is the $115 million that we bring in for the operating expenses of this municipality. Those decisions are made right here. The decisions for the nearly $200 million that the board of education gets is made down the
street. And those those those questions are perfectly valid. But again, the services and the priorities of each board of education and each township committee and each county government is going to be made by by those respective entities. >> Their individual political culture.
Yeah. Incidentally, Middletown Township website isn't run off of Amazon Web Services, is it? >> It is not. >> Uh what was it? I think Britain.uk was down. >> That's a bad website to have down.
>> Did you visit Britain.uk you okay today, Brian? Oh, okay. I thought you said yes, so I figured you did. Oh, okay. All right. Any other member of the public wish to make a public comment? See no other member of the public stepping forward. Move to close the public portion real quick.
>> I just >> cuz I was halfway through my motion. >> No, this is public. I wanted to thank you, mayor, and all of the people on the committee. I graduated from modern day high school and I also vote every every time it comes up to increase the um the
penny or whatever it was for open public space and so I think it was a great decision that you made especially for the children in the community to keep those ball fields and I'm looking forward to seeing the park even though I'm sad to see the building go I'll be very happy to see the new park so thank you >> thank you so much and by the way the
Mammoth County open Mammoth County does have a referendum on their ballot this year for open space um and uh to give them uh the the credit that they deserve. Um two of those acquisitions that we made this year, including Modern
Day, $8.8 million coming from the county and then Linkraftoft Presbyterian Church, 32, yeah, 3.2 million coming from the county. So, both of those acquisitions being funded at 75% by Mammoth County to be able to support uh Middletown. And
that's why uh voting for open space is so critical. Um all right. Uh any other member of the public? Seeing no member of the public stepping forward, move to close public portion and adjourn. >> Second. >> Mman Clark, >> yes. >> Mwoman Kratz, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Hibbell, >> yes. >> Mayor Perry,
>> yes. Motion carries. >> Have a good night everybody. Thank you all so much.