--------- our second work session meeting to order. Roll call, please. >> Mayor Romney, >> here. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> here. >> Commissioner Suie, >> here. >> Vice Mayor Watson >> here. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> here. >> May stand the flag. >> I pledge algiance 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. This meeting is being conducted in accordance with the Oakland Public Speeding Act of 1975. Was advertised,
posted, and made available to the public as required by statute. The municipal clerk is directed to include a statement in the minutes of this meeting. Madam clerk, are there any changes to the agenda? >> There are none, mayor. >> Presentations. Seeing none, public comment on agenda items only. If
anybody from the public would like to comment on agenda items, please come to the podium, state your name, address your concerns, and please limit those concerns to approximately five minutes. Seeing no one, I will close comment close comment on agenda items. Discussions of commissioners. Commissioner Huitt, go ahead.
>> Uh, nothing at this time, mayor. >> Thank you. Commissioner Suie, go ahead. >> Nothing at this time. >> Commissioner Kasu. >> Nothing at this time. >> Very well. Vice Mayor Watson, go ahead. I think you have something to discuss. >> Yes, we do. Um, this one's probably going to be a
longer discussion [snorts] than the other items that I wanted to bring up. Um, so I guess we'll do the water meter upgrade project discussion last. Um, I guess first I want to start with ordinance item number one. Uh, it's the 5-year tax agreement uh for the Caldelli Enterprise, Inc. Um, I asked Brian
Rosenberger if he could uh join us here today. Um, if anybody wants an explanation for this. Um it's a short-term tax abatement. Um from what I understand it's you know if u golly brothers if they met all the criteria which tax assessor saying that they do
uh this is something that we must approve. So if anybody has any questions or concerns I appreciate Brian for being here. Thank you sir. >> When was this built? >> It was just >> it was just built uh 25.
I've got a co date 6625 [snorts] [clears throat] 20,000 square foot warehouse. >> Correct. >> And one building's worth 1.2 million. I'm guessing that's close to the construction cost.
>> Correct. Yeah. All good. >> All good. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Baron. >> If I could if I could make a comment that there's a difference between a short-term [clears throat] tax abatement of five years and a long-term tax
abatement. And if uh an applicant for a five-year abatement meets all the criteria, which generally is decided by the tax assessor, then the governing body is uh almost compelled to grant that. A long-term tax abatement is a completely different animal and that's
discretionary. Short-term tax abatement is not. >> What would be reasons we wouldn't have to grant it since we're almost compelled to grant it? I'm curious. >> I'm sorry. reasons we >> Well, one of the things that we've um I think it was this year that they didn't meet the criteria was uh the apartments.
>> Yeah. >> Right. So, that was uh because of the dwellings, how many dwellings there was in apartments. >> They didn't satisfied the definition, but I think Brian could probably address that better than I can. >> Yeah. The I mean, what what happened was um I looked at it as a commercial
project. Uh that's why I brought it in front of the governing body. We kind of talked it out. Um, >> that's not God. This is the apartment. >> This is the apartments. Yeah. >> I'm not worried about the apartments. I'm worried about the >> the present. >> Okay. >> I think what are the criteria that God
uh has to meet in order to qualify for a 5-year abatement? I think that's >> Let me ask that. My question is what would what criteria could we use to disqualify that if we wanted to? >> Is there any >> anything negative as far as the the six items that I that I gave to you?
>> Okay. But they seem to meet each one. >> That's all. Yeah. Thank you. >> Second item I want to discuss was ordinance number two. It's a bond ordinance for the water utility capital improvements. Um we decided to remove
this at a previous meeting with the idea for us as the current commissioners not to agreeing to take out another bond or increasing our debt. Um, and with the idea that these, um, you know, these purchases wouldn't even take place this year. Uh, we know we have a new commission coming in January and in ways
it makes sense to wait, but I wanted to bring this back up for reconsideration. Um, the ordinance is to establish accounts not necessarily receiving the funding. Uh, ultimately next commission will vote on the financing bond anyway. Uh, the city of Milville Water Department doesn't have the surplus to fund the projects or proceeds what is
needed. Um I believe we only have what two more meetings to include the last one. Um just to close out the accounts. Um but I think ultimately we need to kind of prepare for the next commission coming on. Um I believe it's you know you know proceeding with this it could
avoid uh you know further interruptions and you know we can make further progressions uh to get ready for that next commission. Uh just one less step for them to do that. >> Did you sorry I was just more curious if you talked to any of them so you see. >> Yeah. So been in discussion with Commissioner Casabin and from what I
understand uh we have full support from the upcoming commission. >> Uh resolution ite number two which is um the contract for we Johnson Engineering. Uh this is to extend uh Mr. Johnson's contract overseeing the third uh secondary clarifier project. Um first
off I want to say Wayne and engineering department outstanding. Uh they're great to work with. Um Wayne has been involved in multiple projects at the wastewater treatment plant for many years and um with the third clarifier project uh I think we broke ground what April I
believe and it's projected to be completed uh end of spring early summer um so I think >> with I think delivery right there's some piping that wasn't delivered on time so um you know I think having Wayne on board extending his contract for the
rest of this year and uh you know extending the contract for 2026 6 beneficial to the city. Uh, keep some continuity and, you know, keep progressions. >> Yeah. If if I may, this his involvement in this project goes back to I thought it went back to 2015,
but I just spoke with him. It goes back to 2010. So, this has been a and he was the uh engineer contractor involved with this project long before he became the municipal engineer. So, he knows this project inside and out. The clarifier is
just one facet of it. There was phase one and now we're on phase two. And do I understand correctly that phase two is anticipated to be completed next year? >> Yes, the clarifier projects was late spring, early summer, I believe it was.
So, um, for resolution item number four, uh, it's a contract award to Pleasant Drive. Uh, we tabled this as we didn't have certification availability funds. So, we have that here today. Um, and I have it in front of me, but I'll probably be abstaining. >> I'll take I'll take that for you. There
you go. >> I wanted to thank the finance team and engineering for putting this together for us as well. Resolution item number nine. This is a little bit more controversial. Um, >> yeah. So um for the purchase uh to
replace the uh I'm sorry for the final phase of the meter upgrade project corn main uh an option was presented to the city water department to complete fulfill the order of the new meter instrumentation and radios at a discounted price. Uh this was presented to us last week and we were given a deadline from the vendor
with the we had to respond by December 10th. Obviously that only gives us this meeting um you know to make our decision. Unfortunately, there was limited time for questions, concerns, and getting answers because of the holiday. Originally, I thought it was uh, you know, best to put it up for tonight's discussion during work
session. Uh, put it on tonight's agenda in case anybody wanted to proceed with the purchase. Um, I do have a little bit of information here that we've gathered. Thank you, engineering, water department. I know our business administrator's been working on this as well, our CFO. Um but again, you know,
limited time gives you limited answers, but I did want to have this presented to the commission um up for discussion. Anybody's opinion um kind of move forward that way. Uh I did have the chance to speak with our city solicitor um to see if we can do this as a closed session for the upcoming for not this
meeting, but the next meeting. I've asked our superintendent of water to reach out to the vendor to ask for an extension that was not granted. So, we can't push this off. This decision's got to be made today. we proceed with the purchase or we don't uh and this is for the discount um uh
for the meters. So again many things are considered um so this option offers a 7% discount on already given costs uh using the source well contract uh the estimated cost for next year will increase 3.75 on the current rate we have now. So that's excluding the
discount. Uh potentially that's a 10.75% savings if we do this compared to waiting till next year. Um I think that the first order was over 3,000 meters. I think that was correct.
Um I think for install I have written down about 1,800. Uh it took about 7 to eight months for that install. Uh that began this May. I believe that we have 1,600 in stock still on shelves ready for
install. Um, this order is estimated about 560 more meters. Um, you know, if we kind of use the same timetable, it'll take about 18 months to install the meters if everything goes well. Uh, I know there was some hiccups along the way, uh,
especially with, you know, trying to get residents to respond to meter tech. Um, so that probably was a little bit of a holdup. Um, so we'll just kind of get into the pricing. Current pricing without the year-end sale. Um, so if we were to buy these today without the year-end sale, it's uh 1,785,000.
The discount price that they're offering for the end of year sale is uh 1.6 million, I'm sorry, $1,678,000. Uh, with the projected 3.75 increase pricing in 2026, it's going to go up to over 1.8 8 million and the difference is
roughly about $175,000 compared to the end of sale uh discount or end of year discount this year to the increase in cost next year. Um going back and forth and trying to catch up with some emails especially over the holidays. It's only been what two days that we've actually
had the opportunity for city representatives to meet and discuss. Um, and obviously there's a lot of concerns like where these meters are going to be stored, how they're going to be insured, how long they're going to be sitting on a [snorts] shelf before install. Um, you know, when does the warranty take place? Is it do we get the warranty when
they're installed or do does the warranty count as soon as we get them? Um, some of that I don't have answers to. Um, I can tell you from our tax uh collect tax utility collector that uh there is potential benefits with the install of these meters right off the
get-go. Um there's been uh issues with um proper reporting. Uh so if a meter at a resident's house is broke and we're using averages, uh now that the meter tech or the me the new meters are installed, um it alleviates us um from
inaccurate readings and now we're actually charging those people for the water they're actually using. Um you know, holding um holding ground to the vendor was another concern. So basically, if we were to make this onetime purchase, how can we hold uh the vendor accountable for further
installments or further uh purchases? You know, if we pay them, are they just going to walk away and kind of forget us? You know, is another big concern. Um potential benefits. Obviously, there's a cost savings. And on top of that, if that's just for the instrumentation and the equipment, but
uh there also could be potential cost savings when it comes to the install. So if we go ahead with this bulk order, uh we sit down with corn main and we discuss pricing for um installation rates um you know things of that sort. Uh it is prevailing wage you know so
over time I'm assuming it's going to go up if we separate these in phases. There's a lot of pros and cons to this and unfortunately you know we don't have that much time to decide. Uh yeah, but I did want to bring this forward uh to the commission, try to get
their input, try to see what everybody else is thinking. >> My first concern would be a with the warranty because if you're buying something, it looks like it's going to take you at least a year to install it. >> Mhm. >> And if it's not under warranty and what happens if you get a batch that are no good now, you just wasted correct
>> half a million dollars and you save nothing. So there's that risk. Um, second, I can tell you why installs are taking so long. Just from my personal viewpoint, I got a call, they wanted to install my meter to call the number so they could arrange a time. I called the
number, they said they couldn't hear me. I said, could you repeat that? They said, "We can't hear you." I said, "Okay, call this other number." So, I called another number and that number went unanswered. I tried three times and then I just simply said, "Why bother?"
Um, so Cord Main is still doing the installs right at this point. Uh, and I know we don't have a set price on those installs. That that price varies. And I believe we had a contract that had a set price in it. So I don't
know what happened to that. That kind of went bye-bye. Um, it seems to me there's a lot of risk involved in doing this. So you may you may have cost savings, you may not. And then just for example, I was so happy to lose the election, I went out and bought my wife a new car.
So while I was shopping for the new car, they had a 2025 model, but I wanted a 2026 model. So the financing on a 2025 model, the incentive was, well, you can get that one for 1.9%. Or if you want the 26, you're going to have to wait two weeks and you're going
to have to pay the 4.9%. I said, you know what? I want what I want. I'll pay the 4.9%. When I do the math on the $20,000 or so that I owe after the down payment, it's really not a whole lot of difference. So, you know, sales tactics are one thing, which this
seems to be a sales tactic. If you're telling me in December, I've got a week to make up my mind if I'm going to spend a million dollars with you or not. I'm not buying that. Um, and I think the risk is not worth, you know, you're you're the risk isn't worth the reward, I guess, is what I'm getting
at in my viewpoint. >> Because what if you get a batch of 500 meters that are no good? >> I I agree. >> Right. And then >> I agree with that part. >> And then you can't get them replaced and then you got to buy them again, >> a different model. Did um by chance did
the vendor say that the warranty started the day of install by chance or >> they didn't say but the the meters uh hold a 20-year warranty. >> So if they don't work on install you're going to get they're going to replace it. >> We got that in writing and we don't even
know if a company's going to be in business 20 years to be quite honest with you. >> Well I hope so because they're the sole source for the meters that we're putting in. >> Yeah. For now. >> For now. I mean that the distrib is a distributor since this is a manufacturer. >> I mean
>> at any rate to me you have a lot of risk involved and you don't have you know you mentioned the problems with not knowing a lot of the information y >> and that's a lot of money to spend without having all the information in front of you. >> I mean I don't know how many meters we have sitting around still and what do we got sitting around? 1,200 1,800.
So, it's going to take and we've been doing this for for over a year now, right? >> So, you're not even going to get to these meters for probably two years. >> How many more do we need? >> That's a good question. >> How many customers are there? >> 5,60.
>> So, you need 2,000 more basically. >> No, that's an additional That's what >> That's what 5,60 is what we would be ordering. >> Oh, we need to order 5,000 more. >> So, 5,000 more. You're looking at three to four years to get them all in at the rate we're going.
And that's not counting the ones that are just sitting there that aren't installed yet. >> And you don't even know what other new technology is going to come down the line then. Updated models, better models, worse models. I don't know. >> So, I I probably wouldn't support it
because there's too many unknowns. But that that's me. No, >> I think that's fair. Like I said, just uh it was an opportunity that was presented to us. Um and I didn't want to make the decision by myself. That's why I wanted to put it on tonight's work session for discussion. [clears throat] >> A lot of unknowns. I I
>> When was this when did you get this in? >> Last week. >> Last week. >> Uh are we in a position where we can try and force a hand to both you and Derek uh with trying to uh get some kind of between now and two
weeks from now when we sit down again? >> I already said no. >> So for this discount, it would be one bulk purchase. They wouldn't break it up in separate installments >> if we ordered. Yeah. I mean, I think that pricing would would account for a
smaller order. I think the price is the price discounted price is you know whatever you buy by that. >> Damn it. >> By the 10th date. >> So basically, if we decided to go with 2,000 meters, they would honor the the discounted price. >> Yeah.
>> For 2,000. >> Yeah. Because the sale is a manufacturer sale to the distributor. So it's not a main sale to us. It's >> So you got the manufacturer working through a middleman getting in and
delivery to us. Just just for information purposes, we had recommended we buy the meters in thirds and for one third procurement we'd have to spend $553,000 get oneird of the meters to have them
available and you know from a collaborative effort everybody actually going to and I found online buying know like that and put a a procurement
based upon installation. So once they put 75% of the meters in, then we would buy the next one just to give them an incentive to get them done. >> So you're holding their feet to the fire with that. >> Yeah. I mean, we want them in. We want the meters in. Everybody supports the meter project. Great information
instantaneous, you know, flow information for engineering order to get the installs right now. Right. >> The sooner we get them in, the better
for us because the less chance there is for escalation of the installation fees, things like that, wage rates, all kinds of issues with installation. >> Storage is an issue. I just for example with you know infrastructure trust
materials, we can't store them off site. They have to be stored at our facility. [snorts] buy material and store them somewhere else unless it's in a bonded certified warehouse. >> So that
>> so we don't have a bonded certified warehouse trail to put them here. They would have to store them for us, >> right? >> Yeah. They offered uh to give us a storage container to go next to the ones that we have. And they also offered offsite I think it was a location in Blackwood for them to store the meters.
>> At what cost? >> No cost. >> No cost. So you're but you're the original recommendation as you said was to buy them in third so that way they have incentive to get it done >> and it doesn't look like they're moving real fast anyway. >> So how fast are they going to move if
you buy them all? >> Oh my gosh is the question. >> That would be right now we only have the meter project opened up to one cycle one part of town. So buying the remainder of the meters would open up to the rest of the city. So, you have
>> 5,000 more customers to schedule appointments rather than >> you only have you only have 1,800 installed so far, right? Out of 3,000. >> Yeah. But what he's saying is basically there's a certain part of town that only has the option to schedule the meters installed >> if we ordered the remaining 5,60 m. This
opens up the whole entire city to schedule their installs. >> Well, my question would be why aren't we installing the other 1,200 meters? Then if we can install 5,000, why can't we get 1,200 installed? part of that whether we purchase all the other meters or just a portion
we that's a discussion we need to have internally but we talked today of the possibility of opening it to more than one just right now to speed up the installation process that's something >> and I believe we picked the area that we were going to install them to if I
recall right we we picked the area that we were going to install them to to begin with >> based off the last cycle that we said we picked that cycle to start for billing purposes to give them time to install before the billing is do again. >> So are they going to hire more people to
do the installs? >> More according to them the more appointments the more installers there'll be >> I don't know. All right. Well >> yeah like I said just open it up pretty soon. This was option was presented to us. >> I guess we'll find out. I don't know
where I stand, but find out shortly. Right. >> Carol, got anything down here? >> You got anything, Carol? >> Other than can't we just tell them that all five commissions said no until we we need to talk with them? >> Yeah, that's why we we we requested an
extension, right, >> to at least give us a couple weeks to gather. >> Just give us a couple weeks to gather >> and then we were hoping to put it in close session, but unfortunately >> a sale or they're going to say, "Okay, we'll do that in hopes that they get a sale." >> They're going to get a sale anyway. distributor for our region. So we can't
buy the meter from anybody else. >> So we got no power over >> we have no power >> when it comes to >> you always have power. >> I think the real decision right now is >> buy them all. >> We need to buy more leaders for the next phase whatever that phase looks like.
>> That's in my opinion what I would consider. >> Do we go for the discount? If we're January 1st going to go buy another 2,000 because we need it for installation, then we should buy them by December and save that money. >> If we're not, then I don't think the risk is worth.
>> So, we we purchased 3,000 meters for the first cycle. Is that correct? >> 3651. >> And how many are installed? >> I believe. So half in a year. >> Yeah. And that was more meters were bought than what that
cycle holds. So it was originally supposed to be 900 meters in that cycle in all the commercial accounts. >> Well, we >> for billing purposes, we open up the rest of the cycle. So they ordered uh >> we bill quarterly, right? >> Yeah. >> We read the meters quarterly.
>> So that's four cycles in a year. How many meters are we reading a quarter? >> All of them, right? >> No. >> No, we don't read all We don't read the meters every quarter. >> Not every single month. >> Every month, but by the end of the
quarter, you've got them all. >> Correct. So, that's my point. You've already went through four cycles and you still only have 1,800 meters installed. are people that are not responding to emails, letters, phone calls?
>> Well, that would be me at this point after trying to respond. [laughter] >> I I'll add fuel to that fire. Did [laughter] Did all did all residents in town that are on city water get some kind of notification? Because I can tell you I have not. >> No, because it's only on a certain part
of town. Okay. >> June and then maintenance just sent out more what about a month ago? >> Reminding people in that section of town that you know they need to get their meters. >> What section are we you're working on there?
>> Okay. >> It's like center city. >> Okay. >> So we may have a lot of rentals in there. >> Yeah. which >> would would be the hardest >> to hit. Yeah. >> Didn't help our installation,
the speed of our installation by picking a lot of >> rentals. The tough area. >> So, we can do some things I think internally to affect a quicker installation rate. I don't know how much quicker, but we could do some things by opening it up. And that's why I say we
need more meters. Just generally speaking, we might as well take advantage of discount. I wouldn't let the discount drive the purchase in my opinion. >> That's I I agree with what you're saying, but you only got half of them in so far in a year. So, you buy another
3,000 or another whatever, you're still not going to have them in judging by current performance. Even if you tripled your performance, >> would uh this commission consider lease ordering half of them like say 2500 to open up the next cycle or >> I don't know. Does that make does that
>> are you going to have them in in a year? It doesn't look like it. >> Well, hopefully if we open up to the rest, >> who remains installing them, right? >> Meteor >> meter tech's installing it. >> When's that contract up? Maybe we need to look at another installer.
>> I mean, it >> it's not our sub. >> It's not our subract. >> Oh, that's all through there. >> It's all through them. >> That's right. Once the the you know the next phase or whatever it is, then core main then goes to the installers for
pricing. So it's there are other installers out there, but it's whoever gives them the best price. >> So do we have a fixed price in the contract for the installer >> for page one >> and that's what >> $125 for 58? I think 300
inch and it's 100 25 for inch and a or 5 in one inch 300 for inch and a half and 2 in then 3 in 4 in and 6 in all prices go up. >> So if we buy let's say we bought all those meters and would that price be the same for the installation or is that
going to change anyway? >> It's the the installation price is going to change the prevailing wage on that. >> So we don't even know what the total cost is going to be anyhow. Well, that was the reason that we were bringing this up because it's not just the cost in the equipment to for install. It also could be a potential cost for
installation. So, if we buy the equipment needed up front, we sit down with Cor main, we lock in an installation cost. >> No, you don't because you don't know how fast. If you knew how fast you were going to get them in, that would be true. But you don't know that. >> No, we whatever our contract is,
whatever we buy next, it's locked in for the >> Well, what did they say? How long did they say it was going to take to f put the first 3,000 meters in we bought or 3600 m? >> They must have said something. I don't remember. But >> I mean, when they did the presentation
here and they said the whole project, whatever the full price, they said, you know, soup to nuts, it would be nine months. But, you know, that's that was ordering every meter for the entire city and opening all up at once. That wasn't going in cases. Well, that makes me hard
to believe what they tell you to. >> They're using that for a bargaining chip like we're looking for a bargain chip. >> That that's that's what they're doing. >> Well, that kind of answers all my questions. Anyone? >> Any consideration for ordering partial
If you were caught up or near caught up, I would say yeah. But I mean, you tell me if you order 500 more, does that help? If you order a thousand more, does that speed anything up? >> You'd have to open up >> based on on appointments, you know,
residents scheduling their appointments. >> So, we have no direct answer for that question either, right? There's that's another unknown. We'd have to if we bought more we would have to open it up to >> I get it. We would have to open it up but there's no like you said there's no guarantee of when they're going to get
it scheduled. >> Is Cor and Mine the only player in this game as far as the meters go? >> Yeah, they're the distributor. >> They're the they're the only players we can't look what I'm getting at is is Cor and Mine wanting us to commit instead of peace mealing it where we
could search for others. Is is that into play here? >> Do you think? I mean, the only I think way to do that is you would scrap everything that was done and start over. >> I I'm just looking to see if they're trying to force a hand because they feel like it or they're afraid we might jump
ship or the next commission might jump ship and get another price from somebody else to finish the project. That's basically my question. I >> think it's kind of like getting rid of that 2025 model car. Huh? >> Have we spoken to anybody else that has
used them to install meters? Are they going through what we're going through >> recently? You mean right >> recently? Yeah. >> Really nobody >> talking other towns that are doing the meter upgrade. I mean that like I said in our region if they're using census
meters for main uh are their suppliers and they supply the contract. They supply the installer. >> They got the lock. >> So how are they making out with their installs? Do we know that? >> I don't know for sure these other towns. I know they are
instill seems like a lot of unknowns to me. >> All right. U the only thing I have is I just want to thank those that I asked to be here. Uh Tracy, um obviously I knew you were going to be here anyway, sir. [laughter] Brian, thank you. Wayne, Michelle,
Derek, and there's Trisha over there. So, thank you all for coming. Sorry. Thank you, Miss Mayor Watson. Thanks to everybody for contributing to this discussion. It is a very convoluting one. It's
>> stressful. >> My my cons are more than my pros. I think we can agree with that. >> I'm sure yours does too. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But it's one of those going if we do and going if we don't. >> Absolutely. Rock between a heart, please. >> Yep. A rock and a hard place.
>> Thank you, Vice Mayor Watson. I have nothing at this time. New business. Public comment portion. We have now reached public comment portion of our meeting. Anyone who would like to address the commission, please go to the podium, state your name, and address your concerns. Please limit your concerns to approximately five minutes. Thank you.
to Mayor Davis. Just a quick question on the um discussion you just had regarding the water meters. Um [clears throat] what are the asurances that the city has that all the housing buildings, apartments, whatever get the water
meters that they are supposed to get? >> That's a good question. >> I mean, what is the guarantee? That that's a good question >> because if you if you are purchasing these additional water meters, which I understand you need, but let's just say not everyone in this city responds and gets one, what are you going to do with
the the stock that will be left [clears throat] over? And I know you could use it for replacements, but then how long will it be replaced? I for one can tell you this. I have been watching closely. I've been waiting for the notification. I live in the center city area. I have heard nothing. So I might get skipped over. There's a water meter
that's not going to be used. So, you know, I I'm just wondering if every house that iso every building that is supposed to get one is going to definitely get one. That's one issue, which I don't think has anything to do with the water meters, but with the company that's supposed to be installing them. And number two, what is the
guarantee? What is the guarantee that all the money that we are spending will ensure that everyone who's supposed to have that meter in their building is going to get one? And there is none. I think you're going to know that when they go to read the meters and there's no meter reading for that address. >> Yeah, that's a check and balance there,
>> right? But they issue a summon, >> right? But okay, they'll issue a s But if someone who doesn't get a notification ever doesn't even know that the meter's supposed to be installed. >> I I would hope I would hope that there be a check and balance internally with >> Well, that's what I'm asking. Is there a
check and balance? >> Like I say, that's a good question >> because you're spending a lot of money. I mean, is is that check and balance because otherwise Yeah. You know, I mean, I'm speaking personally. You mentioned you're in the center city area. I live in the center of center city and I have not received any notification that these meters I mean,
I'm patiently waiting. I'm sure it'll come at some point. I'm sure I'll get it next week now that you know. But, um, >> they're there now. [laughter] >> It's right there in my mailbox. You know, maybe I missed it. And this was one of the things that I requested when this water meter project started. Why couldn't there be a list of which phases
you're going through and what phase is hitting what area? just as le at least the people that are paying attention can go look on a website and say, "Oh, okay. In next summer they're going to be in the western side, you know, they're going to be on the eastern side or whatever or even pin it down to maybe, you know, the exact addresses that
they're going to pinpoint it. But it just seems like there's a lot of unknowns. I mean, obviously the decision to purchase more water meters is up to you. I would cons carefully reconsider what you um based on the discussions that you just had. Um, it does sound a little bit like a sales pitch, but you know that that I'm glad I'm not making
the decision. Um, so but that was my question. Thanks. Good point. >> See no one else. I have a closed public comment portion. Closing comments of commissioners. Commissioner H. Anything? >> Nothing. >> Commissioner Suie?
>> Nothing. >> Nothing. for the rebuttal. >> Yeah, just appreciation to all those that came out and expressed their opinions and their concerns. Obviously, we know it's short time, but again, it's something that I didn't want to just make the decision not to do it uh myself. That's why I wanted to bring it to the commission. So, I do appreciate everybody and
>> I understand your opinions. >> That's what the work session is for. As we got scolded by Commissioner Sui long time ago. Uh, no. Thanks. At least a blow through this work session 30 seconds.
Uh no, thank you for all the input. It's a it's a tough discussion to have, but it's well worth discussion to have with all the professionals here. So, thank you for all resolutions. Seeing none. Motion for German, Part: 2
I'd like to call the regular sessions meeting to order. Roll call, please. >> Mayor Ramay, >> here. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> here. >> Commissioner Suie, >> here. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> here. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> here. >> May please have Pastor Jamie Brandon deliver invocation. May you please stand
followed by the student flag. >> Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, Lord. We thank you for each and every day that you give us to uh walk on this earth. Father, I thank you for each and everyone that's here because Father, you value them as people. And so,
Father, I ask that you would uh bless this commission, Lord God, with wisdom and structure and um uh fortitude, Lord God, to lead this city with courage, Lord Jesus, and in the decisions that they're making for the benefit of the
citizens of Milva. And we give you praise and honor and glory in the name of Jesus. Amen. >> Amen. >> Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to theublic which stands one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> This meeting is being conducted in accordance with the open public's meeting act of 1975 is advertised, posted, and made available to the public as required by statute. Municipal clerk is directed to include a statement in the minutes of this meeting. [sighs]
Madam clerk, are there any changes to the agenda? >> Yes, mayor. We do have a presentation item to add to honor the Millville Tiger Shark Swim Team for the Adopt a Road program. >> Thank you. Public comment on agenda items only. If anybody from the public would like to comment on agenda items, please come to the podium, state your
name, address your concerns on those agenda items. Please limit your concerns to approximately 5 minutes. Thank you. Um, Tamara Davis, I know I said planning during the uh uh the work session, but I want to again just mention to be very
strategic and very smart about making your decisions about the water meters after thinking about it a little bit during the break. Um, there's too many unknowns. Um, and until the city or the the the meter company or whoever's installing it gets a better handle of
when things are going to be done, how are they going to be done, what part of the city, when you could schedule what part of city to be done, then maybe you can consider purchasing what you need. But, um, and unfortunately, I know you might have to lose the discount. But I refuse to believe that a supplier of any
sort [clears throat] will um, I think Miss Kasaboon said it will forego the sale, so to speak. So actually I think you know point of um you're in a better position by saying no or tableabling this particular res resolution to see
what the particular supplier will come back with because saying yes to this now there's too many unknowns too many unknowns. The biggest problem is how can you ensure that everyone who's supposed to get a water meter gets the water meter and gets it in a timely fashion because
you don't want to be sitting on a bunch of water meters that will never be used. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Davis. Seeing no one further, I will close public comment on agenda items. Presentations.
>> Yes, mayor. We have a presentation honoring the Millville Tiger Shark Swim Team of appreciation for participation in the Adopter Road program. Just want to say thank you. Um, the Tiger Sharks, they did a lot of hard work during the very hot weather doing
in our clean communities. So, they made a profit to help their organization. Uh, but they did in the summertime, we cleaned up Wade Boulevard or not Wade Boulevard, Orange Street, Wade Boulevard. South South Wade Boulevard. Yes. Yes. And they did it in June and
August and then se October and November. Yes. >> Finished it up. Yes. So, I just want to say thank you because this is a community thing. Um, it's great to see the youth get out here. I love it, love it, love it, love it. And parents were there and it's just a wonderful
organization and thank you. Thank you because the road looks really nice. So first one is David Westerfield, >> Michael Graboi, Rainard McFersonson, Julie Davis. Did I say it right? Okay,
great. Gary Starcher, Kirby Westerfield, Doris Flores, Ethan Delgado, Colton Starcher, and Hannah Sparks. She's not here. Okay. Again, I can't say enough. Thank you so very, very much.
And anybody who wants to get involved with clean communities, please give us a call at 82587000 extension >> 761 >> and talk with Chris. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] Nice. Thank you, Mobile Tiger Sharks, for doing that. You know, helping the
community, making it a cleaner and better community for all of us. We appreciate your effort and uh hopefully more in and around the city. Uh teams and businesses will do the same for the Clean Communities Act. >> Bills, please make a motion to pay the
bills. Second a motion. >> Motion to second on bill payment. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kosaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick, >> yes. Minutes. >> We need a motion to approve the minutes for the following dates. Emergency meeting minutes dated October 31st,
2025. Work session and regular meeting minutes dated November 5th, 2025. And work session and regular meeting minutes dated November 17th, 2025. >> Make a motion. >> Second. We have a motion and second of approving of the minutes.
Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. For October 31st and November 5th, recuse myself for November 17th. >> And Mayor Ramnick, >> yes.
Petitions and letters. >> Need a motion to receive and file a letter of resignation from the zoning board of adjustment. Paul Williams. >> Make motion. >> Second motion. a motion in a second to receive and file a letter of recommendation from the zoning board from Mr. Williams. I'd like to thank Mr.
Williams um for his service to the zoning board and uh obviously next commission needs to fill that spot for uh zoning board as well as planning board people as well. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Roman, >> yes. >> Ports of commissioners. Commissioner Hwitt, go ahead. uh watched the parade the other night. Another good parade, bigger I think last year than last year. It ran a little bit
longer. Uh so kudos to Sam and her crew on that. Uh public safety department, fire, rescue, and police department are running pretty smooth at the time. And uh naturally, there's going to be some handoffs to the next commission. That's
all. Mayor, >> thank you, Commissioner Hua. Commissioner Suie. Yeah, this Saturday we'll have the win winter wonderland will be held on High Street between 2 and 4 and there'll be pony rides, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, and it's
even supposed to snow at Glasstown Plaza. So, I hope the families come out and have a good time with that progress. >> Thank you, Commissioner Sue. Commissioner Casab, >> just want to say thank you to Sam and her department. It was a wonderful parade even though we got wet and it was
cold. Somebody forgot to dry the seat. >> I was going to say it didn't rain. >> No, it didn't rain. Somebody washed the seat. >> But we had it was a it was a great parade. Thank you. Thank you. We had a lot of fun. >> No, I'll do that later. >> Okay. >> Okay.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Cam. Vice Mayor Watson. >> Well, I think we discussed enough in work session. I just wanted to add for the water department, engineering department, they respond to a sinkhole underneath a railway uh this week. Uh quick response. they alleviated the issue and we have to move forward with proper repairs underneath the railroad
which requires uh to do an emergency um compaction so the railway can get under service. Uh so thank you to those departments. So I have >> and I hear thank you to Ben because he did a lot of the work whoever he is in Woodward department did a lot of the digging.
>> Thank you Vice Mayor Watson. There will be a plan and board meeting will take place on December 8th at uh 6:30 p.m. I'd like to thank my uh older cousin Julie Ramenick Bergman for being inducted in the Milville Thunderbolt Hall of Fame this past Saturday. Um she was a star athlete for soccer and that's
when she was recognized um here in Milville back in uh class of05 season and then went on to Charleston, South Carolina for the College of Charleston for a soccer scholarship. So congratulations to Julie once again.
Christmas parade was all fun. Uh it was cold only when the wind blew. Um walk it good walk. I was walking with state assemblymen um Eric Simson. Uh good to see the whole crowd out there. I was pleasantly surprised. The whole parade route was uh pretty full with uh
bystanders and uh onlookers watching. Um so it was a it was a great night to be out there. only one one big break, but uh it was a you know, pretty flowing and pretty well set up. So, once again, thanks to the parks department, um Sam, Ed, I know Sam was feeling under the
weather. Hope you're feeling better. Um and to everybody else assisting in the parade. Uh thank you. Do thank you and continue doing a great job um for all of us to enjoy the for this holiday season. Ordinances in the first reading. Ordinance for first reading item number
one, an ordinance authorizing 5-year tax agreement, God Enterprises, Inc. >> Make a motion. >> Second motion to second ordinance the first reading item number one. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> yes.
>> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick, >> yes. >> Ordinance for first reading item number two, bond ordinance for water utility improvements. >> Make a motion. Second >> motion and second for ordinance in the first reading it on number two. Any comments?
>> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Ramnick. >> Yes. Resolutions, please. >> Yes. We first need a motion to remove resolution item number four, resolution
authorizing the contract toward Pleasant Drive reconstruction from the table. >> Make a motion. I'll second it. >> I'll second it. >> Got a motion and a second to remove the table. >> Roll call, please.
>> Uh, Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> abstain. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romney, >> yes. >> Resolution item number one, resolution authorizing electronic tax sale service agreement. >> Make motion. Second motion.
>> Commission second. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt. Yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kaspoon. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie. >> Yes. >> Mayor Ram. >> Yes. >> Resolution item number two. Resolution authorizing authorizing an authorizing an extension time period for we Johnson
Engineering to provide engineering services for the Millville Wastewater Treatment Plant. Third secondary clarifier addition project. >> Make motion. Second motion. >> Motion. Second. Resolution number two. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt. Yes. Vice Mayor Watson.
>> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> abstain. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Ramick, >> yes. >> Resolution item number three, resolution authorizing approval to submit LAEX3 grant award extension application on execute a grant contract with the New Jersey Department of Transportation for
the project entitled Pleasant Drive Roadway Improvements. >> Make a motion. >> I'll second it. >> Motion to second on resolution item number three. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt. >> Yes. Vice Mayor Watson >> abstain. >> Commissioner Kasaboon. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Romnick. >> Yes. >> Resolution item number four. Resolution authorizing the contract award of Pleasant Drive reconstruction project. >> Make motion. And with that I have certification of funds in the amount of $628,000
$28,570.88 signed by our chief financial officer Trisha McGee. Second a motion. >> Motion second resolution item number four. Any comments? Any finally getting done? Thank you for all being involved. Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> abstain. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Ramen, >> yes. >> Resolution item number five, resolution authorizing tax and utility adjustments. >> Make a motion. >> Second motion.
>> Motion second. Resolution item number five. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt. >> Yes. Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Ramen? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number six, resolution approving shared services agreement between the county of Cumberland and the city of Milville regarding Code Blue
Warming Center. >> Make motion. >> Second. >> Motion second. Resolution number six. Any comments? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Romick? >> Yes.
>> Resolution item number seven. Resolution awarding a non-fair and open contract to National Highway Products, Inc. for the purchase of a speed trailer for the police department. >> Make motion. And with that, I have certification of funds in the amount of $20,000 signed by our chief financial officer, Trisha McGai.
>> Second motion. Motion to second on resolution item number seven. Any comments? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Ramick, >> yes. Resolution item number eight, resolution requesting approval for the
insertion of a special item of revenue funded through the directing administrator of the National Opioid Settlement Funds for the National Opioid Abatement Trust Fund Distribution Installment Payment. >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Motion second and resolution number item number eight. Any comments? Roll call,
please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romnick, >> yes. Resolution item number nine, resolution authorizing the purchasing agent to award a purchase order for the city of Milville final phase of meter
upgrade project to Corin Maine. >> No motion dies for one. Motion motion fails. No motion. Motion fails. New business, please. Seeing none, we've now reached the public comment portion of our meeting. Anyone who would
like to address the commission, please go to the podium, state your name, and address [clears throat] your concerns. Please limit your comments to approximately 5 minutes. Marissa Reinelloo, Para Drive. Um, I just wanted to address the commission and say, uh, I know that it hasn't
always been easy these last four years. And I wanted to thank all of you for your service to this city. Uh, because what the public doesn't see are a lot of the hard decisions that go on behind the scenes and how passionate everybody is.
Uh, and I I think that that comes through as maybe sometimes as aggression or a a wave of emotions, but I know um and feel that all of you have served in your best capacity.
Uh, and I want to thank you for your time here serving our city. Good luck to you guys. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. sounded like. >> Hi, Cindy Cook Dain Milville. As the representative for
the city of Milville on the homeless trust fund, I just want to mention that we are in the thick of winter already. Code blue has been activated now for the December 1st, 2nd all the way through
the 7th already. All three of our county warming centers are in dire need and I mean dire need of volunteers. Bridgen is so low of volunteers. They only had somebody
enough people for today to open the doors. We desperately need people to come up, step up, volunteer for, you know, a two or a threeh hour shift. Um, you can contact Sarah Williams at
the homeless um trust fund organization and you're literally saving a life by volunteering. Code Blue began in Cumberland County because of the death
of a homeless man. He went into a a clothing bin to try to get warm and he died in there. So, this is why we're, you know, you're literally saving the life by volunteering. So, if you have
any questions and want to know where to go to apply to volunteer, you can go to a group Facebook page I have called John612 or to my post at Cindy Stanger Cook and I'll be
glad to relay the information on how to volunteer. here. So, please, please, please, everybody that's within the sound of this show, we implore you to please volunteer. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Cindy. >> Seeing no one else, I have a close public comment portion. Closing comments of commissioners. Commissioner Hwitt. >> Uh, nothing at this time. Everybody have a great couple weeks. We'll see you in uh two weeks. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Suie. >> Yeah, just kind words are always appreciated uh and compliments after an election. So, thank you. >> Thank you, M. Commissioner Suie, Commissioner Cman. >> Again, I just want to say thank you to
the Shark T Noble Tiger Sharks for their community activities. It was greatly appreciated. Just a reminder to the residents that um streets and roads crew are in Center City and out at Cedarville Road. So still you can still get your
leaves out there. And I have just one comment. Thank you Marissa for those nice words. Do what you feel in your heart to be right for you'll be criticized anyway. Elellanena Roosevelt. And that's it for me. >> Thank you Commissioner Cosby. Mor Watson.
>> Yeah. I forgot to mention a thank you to Street RHS. They helped out the response to that water main break. Yes, thank you. >> Thank you for your department. Um, great job to the Milville Tiger Shark Swim Team. That's a really cool name, by the way. >> Uh, for their assistance with the Clean Communities Program. Um, Chris Finch,
very involved, uh, recycling coordinator. Um, very nice to see acknowledgement for great efforts. So, >> yes, thank you. They deserved it. >> Uh, thank you, Chris. Yeah. Uh, thank you to Tracy Gregoire, our tax utility collector. Uh Joe Couchy, our business administrator, Brian Rosenberg, our tax
assessor, Michelle and Wayne from engineering, and Trisha McGee. Um I know the past week has been a little rough with those water meters, and uh you know, Brian being here for the meeting to address any concerns um you know, for the Guelli building. I really appreciate everybody being here. Uh simple request, and you know, everybody you stepped up
and you know, they're taking their time away from their family. So, I really do appreciate it. Um and then thank you, Marissa. I'm excited to see what the next commission brings. uh think it's a good team. Um so thank you for your kind words and with that that's all I have.
>> Thank you Vice Mayor Watson. Yes. Uh thank you Mr. Ronaldo. You know it's uh you're exactly right in what you said. Not everybody knows what happens. Um and the public can also be very misunderstood of what we are trying to convey what we all try to think what is the best decision for our communities up
here. Um so I know you will continue to do a good job that we all have set precedents for and all as the rest of you will do. So um two weeks ago there was a league municipalities you know a lot of city folks went down I met this person his name was Antoine Stewart he was a
enterprise government solutions expert um got to talking and uh he's a big Dallas fan so we made a friendly friendly uh wager in case anybody doesn't know I'm a huge Eagles fan um so we made a friendly wager that you know
uh that if uh you know the Eagles one. I would not say his name and um say bad things about Comcast Business, but no, no, Comcast Business is a very great company. Comcast in his whole um and what he does for Comcast Business Solutions. So, but I lost uh the Eagles
lost and so I lost a bet. So, uh Antoine, I know you're watching and uh yes, I was wrong. Um Dallas did win. Dallas is continuing to win. Um, but you just watched your Super Bowl because Dallas last win in the playoffs was
January 16th of 2023. Um, and Jaylen Herz is six and three in the playoff and Dax Prescott is two and five in the playoffs. So, I just would like to remind you of that. This is my meeting and not yours. But nice meeting you, Antoine. >> Um, like I said, Christmas parade was a great time. Winter wonderland is fun.
Uh, please enjoy the holiday season. I hope everybody had a wonderful turkey dinner um all with your families this and uh keeping everybody uh wonderful and stay healthy this uh winter season as it embarks us. As you
can see, I'm not 100% healthy, but thank you all for being here. I appreciate it. Thank you all for watching. I appreciate it. Motion for a German.