I'd like to call the work session --------- meeting to order. Roll call, please. >> Mayor Ramen >> here. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> here. >> Commissioner Suie, >> here. >> Vice Mayor Watson >> here. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> here. >> May you please rise to salute the flag of America. >> 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. This meeting is being conducted in accordance with the Oakland Public Meeting 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. >> Presentation. Seeing none, I will now move towards public comment on the agenda items only. Anybody from the public would like to comment on agenda
items, please come to the podium, state your name, address your concerns. Please limit your concerns to approximately five minutes. Seeing no one, I will close public comment on agenda items only. Discussion of commissioners. Go ahead, Commissioner Hwitt. >> Uh, thank you, Mayor.
Made another stop by I'll repeat this later tonight. Made another stop by Play Streets today. Uh, I got to tell you that the the foam company has got to be the best thing that's ever happened for the kids at uh at these events because they just love
it. I saw pictures and >> I mean they were walking around and with the foam all over their bodies and they weren't even in the foam. That was some good foam today. Uh so I made a stop by there and uh I'll wait for the rest for later. Thank
you. Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Suvie, >> nothing at this time. >> Commissioner Kasibu, >> nothing at this time. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> nothing at this time. >> Thank you. Yeah, play streets looked the, you know, seemed like the overcast or the haze that we had today was uh welcomed. And I saw the foam. It looked
like almost like two to three feet high. >> Oh, wait. Which >> and just like the entire street almost >> disappeared. >> That was that was really nice to see. Brightened my day. Um I will wait till further meeting to express what happened. Any business? Seeing nothing.
We have 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 your concerns. Please limit your comments to approximately 5 minutes. And thank you. >> Good evening, Angeline Broomal, Milville. Um, just to clarify, I'm not
speaking on behalf of anyone in my family or anything like that. Um, there's been uh but we know we're in campaign season, right? We know we're full on. We have like 25 candidates. It's fabulous. I think it's great because it's good to see public
interest. I I do have to share my concern. There's a rumor that um one of the candidates has been spending hours with department heads and while I really appreciate that we're open to the public and um I've taken advantage of that before. I've sat with you know our CFO
uh before and gone over things and and whatnot. regardless. Um, but I am concerned that it's being used for campaigning and I am concerned with some of the things I'm hearing back that there's and it all may not be true. Let's just put
that out there, too. But I just wanted to share my concerns that it sounds according to rumor that some departments are talking about each other. And I'm just hoping that maybe um you guys as directors of your department could maybe
squash that a little bit. Like the last thing we need and and you don't have to vote for my family member. I don't that's not what this is about. I swear. But I'm just asking, you know, just talk to them. Let's keep the bickering with the at least let's keep city hall together. We can we can campaign out there and fight out there in the
streets, you know, but at least in city hall, let's try to keep them together. And let's keep in mind that, you know, our department heads are the top earners and when we're taking two, three hours away from them being able to do their job, that does cost us all. So that's
all I ask. You know, do what you want with that. Thank you so much. >> Can I ask a question? >> Go ahead. >> Angel, do you have any suggestion as what we should actually do? >> The stop that I mean that we can't tell people >> No, of course the public not to talk to department head as candidates are not
right. So, how do we how do you guys handle that? >> My only request, and I think it's great that that we're open to the public. I've always loved that about the employees here for years. My request is for the city itself though to keep the piece in
here is that maybe you guys could speak to the department heads and just ask them like just keep the the let's not talk about each other, right? Let's just say, hey, I think we could maybe
I'd like to see us invest more in potholes or I think this is the machine I might like. >> Do their job first and then >> right like let's not say, oh, I don't like this one because she has long hair or whatever, you know, she's always on break and he's always, you know, driving around. I don't want them doing that
with each other. I think that's going to reflect poorly on performance here because I know I wouldn't like it and um that's all I mean that's about all you can do I'm sure. Well, I I appreciate what you're saying, but I
will tell you there are always >> of course >> unpaceful moments between staff at city hall, >> which is even more of a reason why now um that we we try not to do that. You know, it's very tense time for employees. Election time is hard for
them. You know, they're going to be getting new bosses soon and that's scary. and um they're watching this election just as close if not more close than anyone because this affects everyone directly
and I just don't want to see that just stir up more I'm not trying to campaign here. I am really genuinely concerned. >> I I understand you miss Bmont. I'm I connecting to you oneonone and I I understand. >> I appreciate that so much. Thank you so much.
>> I can give an example. when we were running uh the original group, I walked into the firehouse on a work day, which firehouse a work day every day, 24 hours a day, and I asked if I could get signatures on petition. You know what I was told by
the chief at the time, Mike Lipcock, be glad to sign your petitions, but not on company time. Come to my house. That's just the reply I got. Then I didn't go any farther with anybody and I I took that and I just made it as a whole for the city. Yeah, I don't think they're coming in asking for petitions
to be signed. >> But but just an example what I did and the reply I got when it was petition time. You >> Hello, Tamara Davis. And just to piggyback on what uh Miss Broomal said, it's a touchy line when any department
head or employee is discussing their own departments or other employees to a member of the public in general. I'm not saying that's happening, but in general. So, you know, department heads shouldn't be discussing what any other employee is doing, feeling, working, whatever at all
with anybody except between them and their employee. So, not saying that this happens, but that really kind of needs to be set out there just in case the public thinks they can go discuss something. But at any rate, um I'm here to briefly and then please stop me at my five minutes because this might take a
minute. Um on Monday night the ordinance discussing retail cannabis was uh introduced at the planning board. Um and I'm very concerned at with the speed of which is this done that not enough attention is given to
exactly what the ordinance states. Um and I'm going to be clear. I'm not against retail um marijuana. I'm not against it. I just think there needs to be a better thought process so it doesn't get pro pushed through quickly and it makes it harder um for the city and it makes it harder for anybody that
might be interested in in coming and opening a retail location and that's based on what the state says as well as what the ordinance say. Um, first off, I would highly urge you, especially the rest of the commission, that when you do go over it, have the zoning map next to
you so you know where the locations are because I can't figure out number one, why you're using um why you're using B uh the river as the dividing line for east and west and why you're using Broad Street as a
dividing line for north and south. Broad Street is only on the east side of the city. Okay. The river is a geographic anomaly. It's it's it shouldn't be. Um technically if you if you use the addresses, Buck Street is the division for east and west Milville.
>> If you go to the you know towards the river on, you know, across Buck Street, then you're on east and west, but Buck Street is only on the east side. So I think the ordinance has to be a little more detailed as to far as far as the exact locations for any of these um highway commercial exa, you know, etc.
because it's going to open up some confusion. It really will. And are you are you discussing the fact that broad street like the crow flies across the river or I mean are you considering the river a straight line which it's not? All
right. So um a couple of examples. Um, first of all, the regional district, regional commercial district, from what I see, we only have one, and that's where 47 and 55 meet. And you're and according to the conditions that um
you're you're stating is two cannabis retailers are permitted um east of the Morris River. Well, there's no river there. That's the lake. >> And it's also not zoned for that area. Well, yes. It says right here you're
going to allow it. >> You mean part as part of the Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um and the cannabis retail north abroad. Okay. Which it happens to be. >> So, and we only have one right now. I guess you can always add another regional commercial district, but it just by the nature of it, it is north
abroad. Now, here's the other thing that bothers me and concerns me with it. accord and this is just particularly this particular um district regional commercial the cannabis retail should not be lo and this is from the state the cannabis retailer should not be located on site or proposed site that would
place the retailer's premises in or upon any premises that operates a grocery store deli indoor food market or other store engaging in retail sales of food now I understand these are conditions I get it okay but if the state law says in or upon any premises now no one on the
planning board could tell me give me a good reason a good expl explanation what in or upon means in I get inside. Okay, but upon all right to me and I'm no expert. Okay, I'm not the state. I know I should call the state but upon means on the same property. Well, the regional
commercial district has ShopRight plus a few eeries. So, if the state is already saying it shouldn't be there, why are you consider even considering it? Okay. And I know it's, you know, if someone comes in and tries to get a variance, that's true. But, you know, it's it's
going to be a fine line there. Now, my other concerns are the neighborhood commercial districts. There's from one from my count, from what I can see on the zoning map, there's seven. Okay. But again, they're on the same some of
them are located on the western part of the um city. Okay. on the western side of the river. But how can we tell if it's north or south abroad? Because broad is only on the eastern side. And the particular location I'm referring to is the
neighborhood commercial at West Main and Sharp. Okay. Now, of course, another condition is 300 ft up to a school, a child, a day, a daycare. Okay. And a church. Well, Sharp Main has a school
and a church. And I guess it's Caramel, too. and a little further up. Okay. Now, Mr. Watson, I know you're not I know your stance on this and I appreciate it and I respect it, but I really wish that you would give the time to read it as well because it does affect the future of the city. So, I hope you don't don't just
ignore it because you're straight up not in agreement with cannabis in general. Um, the other one that concerns me, um, >> one minute remaining, Miss Davis. >> Sure. Okay, I'll do it quick. Um, Ninth and Broad, that's another neighborhood cons, uh, uh, district. half of it is
north abroad, the other half is south. Well, how do you, you know, differentiate that and then it's surrounded by residents? Um, and then many of these like, um, South Second and Orange, well, that border is a business
enterprise zone and business enterprise zones, you're not putting on these same conditions. So, it can get confusing. So my suggestion is I know I know time time is running out is to really look at these neighborhood neighborhood what is it called neighborhood commercial areas and
maybe eliminate from them alto together just strictly out of confusion and maintain it in the regional commercial district in the highway commercial district and mind you some of these neighborhood commercials border highway commercial so you know why do that um
you know and you're allowing it everywhere in the airport and obviously the business um enterprise. So maybe just remove it from neighborhood commercial alto together and just keep it at the rest of the areas. So I'm sorry I went over time. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Davis.
>> Seeing no one else, I close public comment. Closing comment on commissioners commission. >> Yes. uh to address Angel. I I already addressed my part for you, Tam. Uh I was
a bit dis disappointed when some of us sitting up here uh sat till I believe it was like 11:30 that night when the planning board was examining the cannabis uh zoning and uh I took it when
I went to the microphone, you know, as a resident also after sitting here all night. uh people actually left that were involved interested in cannabis because it was going so long. It was a bit disappointing when
basically they threw it back to the commission to make the decisions and I mentioned that and I sort of got pummeled uh in my questions. I I thought that the planning board would make this solid and it's as you state it's not. Uh
I agree with you. There needs to be some things looked at. You know, uh, some of us up here, Commissioner Sue put some a lot of time into cannabis. I put a lot of time into cannabis. The mayor sits on the planning board and it's
>> I I his time to speak. Thank you. You had your time to talk. >> But but I do agree it needs to be examined a little bit more. I think I agree with you. >> Uh, just to where it can be. That's all I have right now. >> Thank you, Commissioner Hill. Commissioner Suie,
>> nothing at this time. >> Commissioner Cosmoon, >> nothing at this time. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> No, thank you. >> Miss Davis, I'll explain to you in person. >> Seeing no else. Resolutions, please. Staring at the >> A resolution authoring authorizing close
session for the following matter. Discussion of DRBA negotiations, discussion, contract negotiation, and attorney client privilege. >> Make motion. >> Second motion. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romik, >> yes. [Applause] Part: 2
with your glasses on. >> I do the same thing. >> I never had this problem. It's fun. >> I'd like to hold the regular session meeting to order, please. Roll call. >> Mayor Romick, >> here. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> here. >> Commissioner Suie,
>> here. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> here. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> here. May please have Brian Robinson give us our invocation followed by Suda flag. Please please stand. Would you pray with me? Gracious God, we give you prayer. You we gather here today to give you thanks and praise. We
acknowledge you are the source of wisdom and understanding. We thank you for the blessings that you've bestowed on this city that we love so much and for the opportunity to serve this community. Tonight, we ask for your guidance and wisdom to be with our mayor and the whole city commission as they deliberate
the important matters before them tonight. May their decisions be guided by your love, justice, and compassion. And may they lead with integrity and with grace. We pray for the peace and prosperity in our city. And we give you thanks for all of our first responders
to help to keep us safe and well and for all municipal municipal employees who do their best to make this a great city to be in. We ask for your protection and provision for our leaders and for our citizens. It's in the name of your love we pray. Amen.
>> Amen. 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.
>> This meeting is being conducted in accordance with the open public's meeting 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. Madame clerk, are there any changes to the agenda? >> There are none, mayor.
>> Thank you. Public comment on agenda items only. If anybody from the public would like to comment on an agenda item, please come to the podium, state your name, address your concerns, and please limit your concerns to approximately five minutes. Thank you. Good evening. Um, I'm here for uh number
19 resolution item 07. My name is Dennis Sandifer. Um, 17 Torsdale Street in Milville. I'm the board um trustees president for the Four Seasons at Millville.
I would like to request that the city commissioners table this bond release because not all items on the punch list that the city has and was not completed.
We did hire an engineering firm to create this list which was approved by mi Mr. Barry Beac and Ryan Holmes. Now, I'd like to voice my concerns.
Your city engineer has only met with our board one time in the past three years. We all we always got excuses why they could not meet. They even cancelled on the day of the
meeting and sent us to the city solicitor who knew nothing about the four seasons of Milville. We have trees that were planted in May that are now dead and missing.
Where is the shade tree commission? These are on the site plan that the city, the developer and the four seasons have. We have common areas where water stands
and cannot reach the storm drains because of poor d poor grading. There are common areas behind homes that are nothing but weeds because seed was applied before a rainstorm.
There is a 100year storm tank installed and the manhole is 4 feet above the ground. There is raveling in the asphalt which is a result of a poor job
and with a bond release these streets will soon be your problem. Also, there are handicap ramps that are not flush with the street and are not ADA compliant.
We do have people in our community that use wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. So, as you can see, we have concerns about the release of the bond, and we have concerns about what the city
engineering department was looking at. So, if you plan to release this bond, $100,000 would not be sufficient to finish all of these repairs, and our homeowners would have to pay for
these items. and I don't think this would be fair to them. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Don Ley. I live at 43 Wharton Street. I'm part of the residence of Ryan Holmes that we're here tonight for and I'm also chairman of the
transition committee. I do have some pictures that I can show the commission to a short notice and see anything we can come up with. I'd like to present them to you right now if I could. >> Go ahead. >> Wait to speak when you're in front of a microphone. Please wait to wait to
continue talking until you're in front of a microphone so we can pick up on the recorder. >> Yeah, just Yeah, that's good. I think they're all different, but >> they're just briefly some of the stuff that the U developer
to fulfill his uh obligations. Um the HOA has been following the public officer settle uh statement and uh obviously we'd like to know how we got here today with the engineer approving
this reduction of bond. We weren't aware of it. Um, according to the public offering, the developer should have notified either the HOA or the the transition committee a notice of
completion. We never received anything like that. We never had an opportunity once we did get a completion for engineer to review it. Um, we have sent a punch out list to both the developer and the builder of
Ryan Holmes. They have not completed the list. We have forwarded the unfinished list to our our attorney. What we're asking, like Dennis said, is not to release the bond.
All you're doing is rewarding someone who has not fulfilled their obligations, both the builder and the developer. We have no problem with the growing community. All we're asking is that you
fulfill the obligations from the developer and the builder. Thank you very much. Good evening to Mayor Davis. Um, I too would like to speak on the uh Four Seasons resolution. Although I am not a resident of Four Seasons, I believe absolving any contractors of any bonds
before a project is 100% completely done is wrong. This is one of the ways that you can keep a contractor honest and it releases some of the obligation from the city. The Four Seasons should be an area that we should be looking into it since I'm at the age where I could live in
such a community that is something I might consider when I get closer to selling my home. So absolving almost a million dollars of a of a bond. So the contractor is not respons would not be able to obligate any responsibilities with what will be
left I think is wrong and not table it. But I think you should say no to it and hold the contractor responsible. We don't want to become a city We don't want to become a city where we allow contractors to come in and not finish the jobs they're supposed to be completing. We should be supporting
these residents just as much as we support the rest of the residents in this city. Thank you. Hi, my name is Sharon Canubal and I live at 41 Dipman Street in the Four Seasons community at Milville. Um, my husband Jim and I moved into our
home in February of 2023. Um, at a time when it's not possible to tell if the trees planted are alive or dead. Um, but when spring arrived, it was clear that the trees behind our homes in the common area were indeed all
dead. Almost all dead. There were just one or two that were not. Um, in the spring of this year, there was removal of those dead trees and replanting of some. And I say some
because it was every second to every third tree, not every tree. So where the trees weren't replanted, there are round circles with dirt that are collecting water that are um grounds for mosquitoes.
Um the trees that were replanted though have all died. They're all dead. So again, looking behind our homes in back of Ditman Street, the homes are all dead. The trees are all dead. Um, that
common area behind the Dipman's Street homes is indeed ugly as I think Dennis had referenced, and I'm speaking to that same resolution number seven, of course. Um, it the the ground is rutdded. It's not
possible to walk safely back there. Um it's not maintained and again the water buildup with the mosquitoes. Um so I too want to echo what our HOA president has said and
others who have spoken. I I don't think it is fair at all for this issue to go not rectified. Thank you. And I do have pictures. I have emails and I will get those.
>> Thank you, Sharon. >> Hi, my name is Kristen Best. I am the property manager of the Four Seasons at Milville. Um, I am requesting that you withhold the bond. Um, because there are several items that have not been rectified. There is quite a bit of sand
and dirt in the storm drains in the street. Who's clearing that out? We can't even get our streets cleaned either. Just as well as dead trees. They planted then they died. The back of Dipman is nothing but gravel and empty
patches with grass. So, I honestly believe that you need to because I've been doing this for 16 years, okay? I have dealt with other townships. With this township, I'm sorry to say it's a roadblock. I get nothing,
no answers. I have emails to the engineer, have no response. We gave them our independent engineer list. We asked them for their list. So, we compare apples to apples. We never even knew they had a list. But from we found out
on Monday when the agenda came out, oh, we're going to be releasing $924,000 of the million-doll bond. That's not right. And it's not fair to these residents to have to fix the builder or the developer's issues. Thank you.
Hi, Scott Fisherman, 61 Wharton, Wharton Street. Uh, I was here with a group of maybe 14 to 16 residents about two years ago. I believe three of the current commissioners were present at that time. Uh, Mr. Be's a a recurring offender. Uh,
we went through problems with no stop signs, no lights, unpaved roads, and you basically had to threaten him with uh, you know, continuing to hold the bond until these things were done. While we have to threaten a uh a developer to do
the things that all of you would want done in your neighborhoods, uh we feel, you know, we deserve the same treatment. The communication was much better back then. Two years ago, we had uh the city engineer put together a great PowerPoint uh presentation for you that you were
able to see many of the deficiencies were present at that time. Uh many of those still exist. We shouldn't have to pull Mr. Belot's teeth to get these things done. So, what I'd like to see moving forward is first uh forget the
resolution to release the bond. That should not be released at all. Uh legally, I also asked when I was up up here before you two years ago, I asked Mr. Russell uh what the legal uh powers were of the city to force Mr. Beot to
take care of the street signs and the lights and things like that. uh we hadn't heard anything from the city other than we hold his bond a little longer. So number one, please hold the bond. Number two, we would like to see better communication with all of you moving forward. Uh election day is only
three three months away and we'd like to see candidates coming forward. We'd like to have an open forum to discuss current issues important to us in the community. Uh we have 300 uh registered voters in the community who have lots of friends
and family and co-workers and previously uh you know previous fellow employees who would create a pretty large voting block that can pretty much uh put someone in or remove someone if necessary. Not to make threats, but you're here because you were voted in.
Uh we we want your help first. We want your help. Okay? And you want our votes. Thank you. >> My name is Sheri McFersonen. I live at 209 Cottage Street in Four Seasons. I am here tonight to ask that you delay the vote or deny the request to release
$900,000 of the existing bond until both the builder Ryan Holmes and the developer Barry Belot meet with representatives our of our community and remediate ongoing concerns with the construction in phase two of our development. My complaint speaks to a lack of
communication and a lack of response on the part of both the builder and the developer to address problems with the houses and the infrastructure built in phase two of our community. Four seasons has both a board of trustees and a transition committee who are represented
here tonight. We are tasked with making sure that there is adherence to the site plan, re remediation to the punch list put together by a professional engineering company, that there are protections built in to address the handicapped in our neighborhood, and that there is simply fair play where
building efforts have been inadequate. Aside from a couple of poor attempts to communicate, both the builder and the developer have ignored requests to meet with us, ignored correspondence to address remaining items on the punch list. They have failed to discuss
problems in a reasonable manner about the intent to address remaining obligations. Our community currently represents 193 homes of older adults in this city. We um we rarely get arrested. We never
cause problems. We pay our taxes and we even vote. We are the consumers who shop in the Millville stores. We eat in the Millville restaurants at lunch. We come to the theater and we support the arts. As we approached our retirements, we
saved to buy these homes expecting decent work workmanship or at a minimum compliance with the site plan. In closing, I am asking that you delay the vote or deny granting the bond release until there is communication and
remediation. Thank you. Seeing no one else, I will close public comment on agenda items. Only presentations. >> There are none. Mayor, >> thank you. Bills. >> Make a motion to pay the bills. >> Second motion. >> Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick, >> yes. >> Minutes. >> We need a motion to approve the minutes for the following dates. Work session, close session, and regular meeting
minutes dated February 4th, 2025 through July 15, 2025. >> Make a motion. >> Second a motion. We have a motion to second on approval of the minutes for the following dates. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson.
>> Uh, abstain as to the July 15th meeting, but as of that, yes. >> Commissioner Hassabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romnik, >> yes. >> Petitions and letters. >> Uh, motion to receive and file letters from Atlantic City Electric regarding
vegetation management. >> Make a motion. >> Second a motion. We have a motion to second on petition letter item number one. Any comments? >> Yes. Uh if I can. Uh >> this does pertain to this. I came over from vacation and as far as I know after
all these years, Lang City Electric takes care of the supply lines along the roadways, their supply lines. I had a door hanger on my doororknob at back door telling me that they now are moving through town and through South Jersey
and they are actually looking at folks residents. This doesn't cover four seasons because everything's still growing out there. What is still growing? Uh but for the residents, Atlantic City Electric now has grant money, fund money that they will come
into your yard and clear any obstruction, possible tree damage to your lines coming from the street to the house, which us homeowners were always responsible for that. So that's just some general information for everybody out there. >> Thank you. Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Mick, >> yes. >> Reports of commissioners. Commissioner Hwittick, go ahead. >> Thank you. Uh, I'll start off with stats for the month for the last month for
public safety. Uh, police department responded to 30 3,454 calls for last month. Fire department responded to 149 calls.
Rescue squad responded to 796 calls. That was just for last month, folks. Uh on a positive note, we have three new officers that just came out of the
academy. They are in training now with seasoned officers. That is ongoing. It will take a while before they're on their own. September, we have seven new candidates entering the academy.
So that'll be 10 by the end of the year. Uh touch base a little bit on play streets, which everybody knows is going on now on Wednesdays. I was out there again today. I made it a couple weeks ago out there and uh I mentioned it
earlier in our work session. They got this phone machine out there. These kids are going crazy. It's it's really working. It's it's it's they're enjoying it. Uh the adults are enjoying watching the kids enjoy the phone. Uh we had a little bit of hiccup a couple weeks ago. It was handled, but Play Streets is
going strong as it always does. And thank you to Parks and Recreation. uh our police department, our rescue squad is always standing by uh and uh you know the whole public safety team for what you all do for play streets for
the kids and mayor with that progress. >> You sure? >> Uh yeah, I'd like to make a motion to receive and file the police and fire department reports for June 2025. >> Second motion. >> Thank you. Roll call, please.
Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Ramen, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. Next Wednesday will be our last play streets for the summer. That's on Pine Street between 2nd and 3rd from
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We want to thank everybody that made that possible. Also, this month will be our last fourth Friday for the summer. It will take place on Friday, August 22nd at Buck Park starting at 5:00 PM. It's a great band called Music. It's going to be there. Hopefully come out. It's an R&B
band. At the end of the month on Saturday, August 30th, we will hold our annual city Holly Cityfest, which will take place on High Street from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. We're still accepting vendors, so please reach out to the recreation department if you are
interested at 8568257000 extension 7394. We're also preparing to present to the UEZ board the next round of funding. I'll uh let you guys let the public know what those projects are next week.
That's it for now. >> Thank you, Commissioner Sui. Commissioner Kasaboon. >> Okay. Streets and roads for July. Outside of everything else collecting, tires, appliances, cleaning, sweet cleaning tickets were written. 453.
We had a lot of sink holes. We've had a lot of a lot of rain. We had a repair on Wedgewood Court. that's completed. Uh Glenside Road, that's been completed. Sinkhole repair on Sunset Boulevard, that's been completed. And also on Rhonda Drive. The CA catch catch basin
repair at Packard Drive is complete. Uh they stoned and graded on Apple Place. That's been done. We had three big trees come down with this rain. One on Woodland and Sycamore, South Tenth, and Coloris. They were all cut up and hauled
away. The Wade Boulevard drainage project has started. It's still in process. It's going to be a couple more weeks, but I will tell you what's been done so far. That rain we had, torrential downpour, the next day it was drained off. So, that's a real good bonus. Just a reminder, uh, brush pile
at the compost facility has been ground up, hauled away. Potholes are still being filled. If you have know of any of them, just give our department a call. 8257000 extension 7388. That's That's about it. finished later. >> Thank you, Commissioner Cosman.
>> Thank you, >> Vice Mayor Watson. Go ahead. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh tax bills will be distributed by August 15, 2025. There is an extens uh extended grace period uh for the August quarter only to September
12th, 2025. Uh we ask for the residents to be please be patient. Um included with uh the tax bill uh will be a bill stuffer with the following information. Um, information on the extended grace period again for the August quarter uh to September 12th, a reminder of dog
licenses and proper disposal of pet waste, reminder for the solids waste utility billing and dates, and a notice for the water meter upgrade um that residents will be receiving information from metertech uh to make their um I'm sorry
to make their appointments. Um again there's over 9,000 tax bills that are going out and 83 pilots. So if everybody can just be be patient. Uh tax offices receiving a lot of calls. Um secondary clarifier project demo began at the um
wastewater treatment plant on August 4th. Uh I did get the opportunity to make a visit at the wastewater treatment plant to see the Hubra pilot um which was part of the dewatering project. Uh the initial results shows significant or greater achievable percent solids um
with the proposed equipment. This new equipment um is self-contained uh releasing no odors as experienced with our current 40-year-old Comline Sandersons. Uh this equipment is in a trial and is a separate part of the process before the Fernier equipment on
tonight's agenda. The Iron Avenue pump station force main uh was tied into the intersection of Peak and Fulton um on July 24th. The force main was also tied into the pump station on July 28th. We are still waiting for some materials
to finish that project uh to include a air relief valve. Engineering made an application on 62625 to the New Jersey Waterbank uh technical assistant program. Uh this includes the Laurel Lake water distribution system, the citywide meter upgrade project. Um
there was a meeting held on 62625. uh they were reviewing the slow progress made with the appointments. Uh some concerns were shared with the contractor and uh there's a field meeting that is scheduled to review the various installations and addressing the difficult issues that we're facing for
the Wade Boulevard drainage improvements. Streets and roads has installed the first two 8t diameter x 6t deep uh leeching pits. Um these are put on a stone bed. engineering has been um monitoring the new install and reports that the new install is working based on
a severe short storm that we had that dropped 2 and a half inches of rain in 15 to 20 minutes. Engineering wanted to thank and congratulate the streets and roads department uh and their crews. Public work crews are now working on a new inlet and two additional pits.
Beginning Friday, August 8th, and continuing daily Monday to Friday, um until approximately Wednesday, August 27th, crews will be replacing curbs, sidewalks, drainage, inlets, drainage inlets, and ADA compliant ramps at the intersections. Uh with this planned
work, please expect traffic uh shifts, alternating traffic patterns and potential closures. The hours of construction for this project will be from 7 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And I noticed that I didn't put the street on there. >> Let me check that one.
>> Second Street. >> Yeah, Second Street. >> We just got the email today. >> Correct. >> Yep. Thank you. >> Welcome. Uh, beginning September 11th and continuing nightly Sunday to Friday until September 20th, careers will be resurfacing Second Street, 47 for Te
Henderson. Please accept uh please expect the same traffic this year. >> That's at night, though. >> Yes, that one's at night. I want to thank the engineering department um as they put a meeting together with sewer and water. Um we discussed uh topics about digitaliz
digital making documents digitalized. Um this is to build a database of records to include items such as sewer and water maps, fire hydrant inspections, new installs for the utilities and storm water mapping. Uh was an exciting
meeting and um it was pretty cool to watch. Um Shelby, she's doing a great job and uh we're going to be updating maps that were from the 1960s. So great job to the engineering department. Uh thank you to our payroll department. With some of the negotiations closing, this department has taken a heavy uh
workload. Uh corrections need to be made. Um and I ask for all employees to kind of be patient as we work through that with I don't know if it's the right time. I'll probably ask Brock for his opinion on this. Um for what was the residents
brought forward today for the four seasons? Um, is this something that I can open up for discussion right now or is it better to wait till we get to the item on the agenda? >> I think it's up to you. >> Go ahead. Um, so had a conversation with
engineering department and I have a brief report from them. Um, you know, we discussed that the punch list, um, you know, developer met the city's punch list. You know, we're kind of at the point where you we kind of need to make a decision obviously with the bond
release. Um, I know that the ordinance allows us to do certain things. Uh, but for me to actually, you know, review this, I would probably have to speak with engineering and go over the ordinance myself because it's been a little while. So, is this something that
we would like to consider the table until I can have those discussions or till we can have those discussions with engineering? >> I'll make a comment. When I had the engineering department, I was out the four seasons several times and I did meet with the homeowners association. I know you guys had an election in between somewhere as I recall. And we also met
with Mr. Be and Ryan Tomes over several things. Some of the things I remember that we looked at were the uh there was asphalt in the drainage pipes piled up in the bottom. They had to fix that. They had to fix the uh improper grades on the driveway ramps. You couldn't
drive up some of your driveways as well as improper proper grades on the uh handicap ramps. Um, now I understand that, you know, some stuff is between a city and a developer. The punch list is different than some of the
stuff you want from the developer that's in your contracts or whatever. I I understand that. I don't know what or look, I'm just telling I'm telling you what I saw in the paperwork, okay? I'm not saying I'm going to support the resolution or not support it. I'm
telling you what I saw. So, I get I get all that, but I do want to make sure that this stuff is done right. And um I'm not comfortable supporting it myself at this time until I am sure it's done right. I have all the faith in the world in our engineer, but I know
they're very busy. I don't know if he did the inspections or if our inspector did the inspections. I don't have any of that information available to me. So, I wouldn't be comfortable voting on on that now unless we were to vote no and stick it on there later. you you could table it and then ask the
engineer to be at the next meeting so that maybe some answers could be given to the members of the association that are here >> with what with what engineering has going on. Do we have time between now and two weeks from now to have Wayne come to this meeting?
>> That's discussion. >> I know he is busy. >> He's very busy. Engineering department, you know, they have a lot going on. Uh but we do have to make sure it's done right. We have to make sure you know we have the answers residents. I think that >> we've definitely seen the results of >> some developments that weren't done right. >> We don't want that to happen.
>> I don't want that to happen as Right. >> I I've been in and out of there. I sold a lot of standby generators out there and stuff. Uh I think we'll handle this when we get to the resolution. >> All right. >> So, you want to just table when the time comes till engineers can come here and explain it to everybody.
>> All right. Make a motion to the table. >> Second a motion. >> Motion to table. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt. >> Yes. Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Stewie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick, >> yes. >> Anything further, vice mayor?
>> Uh, that's all I have for tonight. Thank you. Planning board will take place on August 11th. The regular session meeting will start at 6:30. 206 code enforcement violations notice were issued with a total of 376 total in the month of July.
746 rental inspections were performed in July, including threeart apartment complexes. All in all, the fifth floor is doing their best and I appreciate all their hard work. Thank you. July 21st, I attended our city ceremony for raising the Puerto Rican flag at Buck Park.
Puerto Rican the cult Puerto Rican society has celebrated their month of and 52 years. I was gracious enough to meet a mayor from Puerto Rico uh on the 21st. Um it was a nice day for the
weather as we experienced in our break for almost three weeks as vice mayor and I were talking right before the meeting. It was a pre it was abysmal to stand outside um with this hot and oppressive weather weather that we have been having. But this last uh week and a half
has been quite nice. I enjoyed also our area's chicken barbecues. Uh Cedarville Fire Department sold 2,30 platters um for their chicken barbecue. So fun stat right there. And as well as yesterday it was um I got invited to attend Vinland's National
Night Out and it was a great show from the public out there. They estimated 5 to 10,000 residents showed up um and they had over 150 visitors. So hopefully I the city next year will be able to have its national its own national night out
ordinances in the second reading. >> Ordinance for second reading item number one capital ordinance providing for the purchase of a used ambulance by the city of Milville and the county of Cumberland, New Jersey and appropriating $20,000. Therefore >> make motion second.
>> We have a motion to second. >> There is a public hearing as well. ordinance in the second reading item number one. I will now open the ordinance up for public hearing on this ordinance. If anybody from the public would like to come and comment on this, please come to the podium. Seeing none,
I have a close public hearing. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick, >> yes. Ordinance for second reading item number two, capital ordinance providing for the purchase of information technology and
related equipment for use by the water and sewer utility by the city of Milville in the county of Cumberland, New Jersey and appropriating 22,000. Therefore, >> make motion. >> Second motion. >> We have a motion and second. I'll now open it for public hearing. If anybody from public like to comment on ordinance
in this second reading item number two, please come to the podium. Seeing none, I'll close public hearing. Any comments? the software programs in uh the sewer department, water department, computers are outdated to replace some of that technology. >> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick, >> yes. >> Ordinance for second reading item number three. An ordinance approving and authorizing an application to the Cumberland County Roadway Department for First UMC of Milville to hold a coin drop on August 30th, 2025 at the
intersections of Buck Shoot and Cedarville Road. Make a motion. >> Second. >> We have a motion second for ordinance in the second reading item number three. I would now open public hearing for this ordinance. If anybody from the public like to comment on this ordinance, please come to the podium. Seeing none,
I will close public hearing. >> Any comments? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romik, >> yes. Ordinance for second reading item number four, an ordinance amending
Milville Code Chapter 30, land use development regulations to reszone block 124 lot 1606 to AE airport enterprise district as recommended in the 2025 master plan re-examination report. >> Make a motion. >> Second a motion.
>> We have a motion to second for ordinance in the second reading item number four. Any comments? I will now open it up for public hearing. If anybody from the public would like to comment on this ordinance, please come to the podium. Seeing none, I will close public hearing. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes.
>> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romnik, >> yes. >> Ordinances in the first reading, please. >> Ordinance for first reading item number one, an ordinance amending the municipal code of the city of Milville motor vehicle and traffic regulations, parking
reserved for handicapped persons at 230 South 3rd Street. Make a motion. >> Second. >> We have motion second for ordinance in the first reading item number one. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romnik,
>> yes. >> Ordinance for first reading item number two. An ordinance approving and authorizing an application to the Cumber Cumberland County Roadway Department for Milville Girls Softball League to hold a coin drop on September 27th and 28th, 2025 at the intersections of Buck Shoot
and Cedville Road. Make a motion. >> Second. >> You have to hear it or >> pick somebody it. >> We had a motion and second for ordinance of first reading item number two. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt,
>> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick, >> yes. Resolutions. Resolution item number one, resolution of the board of commissioners of the city of Milville agreeing to continue a conseratorum with the city of Vinland, city of Bridton and
the township of Fairfield and including Pittsburgh Township for the purpose of receiving home entitlement funds. >> Make a motion. >> Second motion. >> We have a motion second resolution item number one. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun?
>> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Romnick? >> Yes. Resolution item number two, resolution authorizing the hiring of entry level law enforcement officers pursuant to NJSA1A4-1.3. >> Make a motion.
>> Second. >> You give it to Carol. >> Give it to Carol. >> Commissioner Cman. >> Commissioner Cman. I'm sorry. >> My bad. >> We have a motion to second resolution item number two. Any comments? >> Yeah, they both owe me a soda.
>> Yeah, on the resolution you mean? So this is to bring us in compliance with civil service code. >> Yeah. This is this is housekeeping general compliance recommended through our labor attorney and HR. >> Yeah. Necessary. Legally necessary. Yeah. >> It is necessary. >> Understood. Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Huitt. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Ramen? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number three. Resolution approving the June 2025 amendment to the standard professional services agreement for GEI consultants.
>> Make a motion. >> Second a motion. >> Motion second. Resolution it under number three. Any comments? >> Uh yes. I have certification of availability funds. >> Really? >> I do. >> Okay. >> Uh an amount of $98,137 to GEI Consultants signed by our CFO
Susan Quununes. >> Was there a second? There was a second. >> I second. >> Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Ramnick, >> yes. >> Resolution item number four, resolution
to adjust adjust the bidding thresholds per statutory authority. >> Make motion. >> Second motion. >> We have a motion in second on resolution item number four. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Uitt. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? >> Yes. Yes. Commissioner Suie,
>> yes. >> Mayor Ramnik, >> yes. >> Resolution item number five, resolution authorizing the award of state contract for computer related equipment. >> Make a motion with that. I do have certification of funds in amount of $27,71548 signed by our CFO, Susan Quinones.
>> Second a motion. >> We have a motion in second with certification of funds on resolution item number five. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. Mayor Ronic. >> Yes. >> Resolution item number six, resolution
to designate Horner Industries as the sole source supplier of the bioolids dewatering system at the Millville wastewater treatment plant. >> Make a motion. >> Second. >> Motion and second resolution item number six. Any comments? >> Yeah, there was a pilot study uh you know, I think it was back in like 2018
for the Fernier. Uh they had the best results and you know, they're the only type that has this, you know, technology. So that's why Soul Source. >> Good. Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick,
>> yes. >> Resolution item number eight, resolution requesting approval of items of revenue and appropriations per NJSA 4A-87, County of Cumberland Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Use Disorder.
>> Make a motion. >> Second. >> We have a motion to second on resolution item number eight. Any comments? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Roman, >> yes. >> Resolution item number nine, resolution
approving second amendment to shared services agreement with Cumberland County Code Blue Warming Center. >> Make motion. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any comments? Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon,
>> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. Mayor Ramen. >> Yes. >> Resolution item number 10, resolution authorizing first amendment to professional services agreement ACOM technical services. >> Make motion. >> Second a motion. >> We have motion to second. Resolution item number 10. Any comments?
>> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Romnick. >> Yes. >> Resolution item number 11. Resolution to award a non-fair and open contract to Corin Maine. >> Make a motion. And with that, I have
certification of funds for the amount of $43,080 from Susan Cornones, our CFO. >> Second motion. >> You want to buy me a soda, too? >> Three for three.
>> I think I'm down. It's back to zero. Dang. >> You have a motion in second resolution item number 11. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. Commissioner Kasavoon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romik, >> yes.
>> Resolution item number 12, resolution authorizing the tax collector to issue a duplicate certificate of sale as per NJSA 54 521.1. >> Make motion. >> Second motion. >> We have a motion second on resolution item number 12. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt,
>> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romick, >> yes. Resolution item number 13, resolution authorizing water sewer termination on August 18th, 2025 due to non-compliance with the utility ordinance. >> Make a motion.
>> Second a motion. >> We have a motion to second on resolution item number 13. Any comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Rom. >> Yes. >> Resolution item number 14, resolution
authorizing tax and utility adjustments. Make a motion. >> Second. We have a motion. Second resolution item number 14. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romik, >> yes.
>> Resolution item number 15, resolution rescending resolution number 157-25 and approving revised first amendment to professional services contract with Taylor, Wiseman, and Taylor. >> Make a motion. >> Second a motion. We have a motion in a second on resolution item number 15. Any
comments? >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Roman, >> yes. >> Resolution item number 16, resolution authorizing special assessment of municipal leans for certain properties
incurred by Milville relating to board and secure. >> Make a motion. Second. >> We have a motion second on resolution item number 16. Any comments? Roll call, please. Commissioner Hwitt, yes. Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasabun, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie,
>> yes. >> Mayor Romnick, >> yes. >> Resolution item number 17, resolution authorizing a professional service agreement with ACOM technical service, Inc. for the wastewater treatment plant solids dewatering project. >> Make a motion. With that, I have certification of funds
in the amount of $154,500 signed by our CFO, Susan Quunones. >> Second a motion. We have a motion in second resolution item number 17. Any comments? >> Uh, this is engineering service to bring the um documentation up to 100% to send out to bid.
>> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Romnick? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number 18, resolution authorizing special assessment of municipal leans for certain properties incurred by Milville relating to cut and
clean. >> We'll make a motion. Second. >> We have a motion second. Resolution item number 18. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson, >> yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon, >> yes. >> Commissioner Suie, >> yes. >> Mayor Romik, >> yes. >> New business.
>> New business item number one. Motion to authorize the following special event on public lands application pending approvals. A walk to benefit community member battling kidney disease August 23rd, 2025 at Corson Park from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. >> Make motion. >> Second. We have a motion and second on
new business item number one. Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Hwitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Ramen? >> Yes. >> New business item two. Motion to authorize the municipal clerk to advertise for bids for High Street downtown sidewalk improvement phase 2.
>> Make motion. >> Second motion. >> We have a motion to second on resolution I mean on new business item number two. Any comments? >> Yes. This will be done with UEZ funds. So, this won't be coming out of your property taxes. This will be coming out of sales taxes generated in the UE zone.
>> Why I said that, I'll tie in with my closing comments. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Huitt, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor Watson? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kasaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Suie? >> Yes. >> Mayor Romik, >> yes. >> Public comment portion. We have now
reached the public comment portion of our meeting. Anyone who would like to address the commission, please come to the podium, state your name, address your concerns, and please limit those concerns to approximately five minutes. Thank you. >> Uh my Dennis Sander, I live in the Four
Seasons. Um 17 Torsdale Street. Um I would like to thank the commission for tableabling the bond release. Um, I know the engineering department is busy. Um, if anyone would like to come out, I'm
there all the time. I would be more than happy to show anybody around to our concerns. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Hi everyone. Steve Soloff from Vinand. It's been about two months since I first
announced that I'd be covering the Millville city commissioners race for inform thevotenj.com and I just wanted to drop a quick reminder that I'm still here and continuing to prepare for election season coverage. I also want to
apologize if I unintentionally gave the impression that there's still plenty of time. In reality, vote by mail ballots go out on September 20th. That means for the sake of voters who want to review candidate information before voting
early and for my own ability to review and properly post everything, I really need to start advertising and finalizing content by early to midepptember. While many people understandably operate on a November election mindset, it might
be worth considering the end of the first week of September as a practical target for getting your campaign information submitted. This isn't meant as a hard deadline, just a friendly reminder that the clock is ticking and I'm trying to be fair to
both voters and candidates by working within the realities of how election season now operates. I didn't write the new rules. I'm just navigating them as I see their implications play out in a real election in real time. Now, the
reason why I go out of my way to make these public announcements is because in prior races, I've been accused of being one-sided or biased. Whether it was where a lawn sign ended up, the order interviews were posted, or the lack of
coverage for someone who never submitted anything in the first place. So, I'm doing what I can to keep the process open, fair, and visible. If you don't like how something's going, the best fix is to participate. And just to clarify, that doesn't mean
you have to participate through me. Despite rumors that I must be getting paid to do this or chasing attention with scoops, I'm not. I've had plenty of attention playing in bands over the years, and I'm fortunate enough to not need the money. I started doing this
because two years ago, I opened my sample ballot and realized I had a real problem. I didn't know who most of these people were. So, I decided to do something about it. You know, public and community service, the way it's supposed to work. So, if you want to post your
platform and videos elsewhere, please go for it. That actually makes my life easier. Just be kind enough to send me the link so I can include it on the site. The re the original idea behind inform thevotenj.com
was to be a central hub, a place where voters can find everything in one spot, not a two-year part-time or full-time job that often feels like a wild goose chase or dystopian scavenger hunt. And for what it's worth, part of the reason
why I show up to meetings and make public comments in person is because there's a whole layer of civic life that is not on camera. People sit next to each other and exchange updates before the meeting even starts. Reactions in the crowd can inform how the people on
the bench respond. You have the opportunity to actually make comments, stay afterward, follow up with questions, or have side conversations that carry into the pub down the street while things are still fresh. That's how relationships build. That's how trust
forms. And frankly, it's how a lot of elected officials finally start to open the door to a real meeting. Not necess not necessarily the first time you see them, but maybe the third or the fourth after they've seen your face enough times to know you're serious. That's not
some insider secret trick. That's networking 101. So, I'm not here to micromanage anyone's campaign, but I will offer this reminder. We're supposed to be a community of people who know each other and work together toward the common good, doing things we know our
teammates are actually capable of. So, if I'm the guy who's been showing up doing press coverage and I haven't seen your face in that context, don't be shocked when the have you even been to a commissioner's meeting question comes up. That's not a trap. That's just basic
life skills. Thank you for your time and I look forward to helping make sure Millville voters have a clear understanding of who's on their ballot. >> Thank you, Steve. Mary Messi here of Milville. It's not so
much as a concerned and it's not basically addressed to the commission itself. It's more or less addressed to those that want to sit there, whether it's on Facebook
or behind closed doors wanting to holler and cry and scream and rant. Milville has nothing for anybody to do. I'm here to tell you that's a bunch of crap.
Milville has things for people to do, but unfortunately if people don't know how to act in public or at events, yes, cities will end up having nothing. I've
been to several different events throughout my 24 and a half years that I've been a Millville resident. I've attended a lot of functions as a participant even play streets
and play streets is wonderful. Not only is there a safety there for the kids that's why they call it play streets. Kids don't have to worry about being chased from here or there.
Don't have to worry about getting into really any trouble. Our law enforcement is there not only to keep everybody safe, whether it's the exhibitors or those that attend it, but they're also
there to interact with the youth or the or the adults. They do that gracefully and they have actually done patrols throughout the day
of play streets which is something that most people do not see, do not know, and maybe don't even realize it. But to sit there and say that this city doesn't have anything for anyone to do,
they really need to look. Again, there is a website. Mr. Horn has a site with listing the calendar thing. Milville's Recreation has a whole sheet. Holly City
Development has a website with a list of all their events. We do play streets every year. The first Wednesday after the 4th of July to the second Wednesday
in August. It's a six-w weekek program. Kids love it. Although with with Mr. Foam, I'm not sure who had more fun, Mr. Hwitt. The kids or the adults. >> It was a good day today. >> It was a fantastic day. Good night
tonight. >> And I thank you. >> Thank you, Mary. >> Uh Rick Milville. Uh first of all, I'd like to commend all you guys. Um thank you for u voting no and it's uh great to see all these very young, beautiful
people here today. Um but I do commend you guys for doing that. That was that was the right thing to do. And then I just have a general question. um 2026 RFPs, when do they go out and will grant writing be one of those? That's it. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Rick. >> Good evening, everybody. So, this evening, I wasn't going to come up and speak, but I felt I had to. And actually, this is directed more towards Kirk and everybody else and the police
chief. Um, this evening there was an accident on Wheaton Avenue and a vehicle ran into a parked car. It was parked on the side of a road
and you know, I I I witnessed it. I normally don't witness many accidents or anything, but this time I happened to be parked there waiting for somebody and I witnessed the accident. And while this vehicle was parked, it
was raining. This other vehicle came in and hit the passenger doors, both the front and the rear. You know, we've heard a lot of negativity pertaining to the police department, to
to their officers, and there's there's a lot of people that when they go in front, they like to praise them and then they change their mind. But I I'd like to bring this to everyone's attention this evening. the two officers that were there, one of
them was officer Lopez and the other one I believe was Carto. What an amazing amazing job they were doing. They were there within minutes. Um, they blocked off the traffic, they
protected the vehicle, they ran to the people's side to make certain that they were okay. Once they assessed and managed a situation, then they continued with their work. So for those individuals that don't
appreciate a lot of the hard work that these officers are doing out there, I have to tell you that, you know, seeing it firsthand, I commend them. I commend all the hard work, the training, the management that they've had and uh
the supervision that they've been going through and um I was talking to officer Lopez for couple of minutes. He was telling me he was on the job I believe about 16 years and the professionalism
that he that was he was exac he was shown to to the other individuals looking at him and the respect that the other officer was bringing to him. It it wasn't somebody that demanded it. It was somebody who earned that respect.
And there's a major difference with that, you know, and I have to tell you, I was very impressed and very happy to say that we have these people working for the city of Milville because he is an excellent they both are
excellent role models for the citizen. So, I wish I could do more this evening, but at the very least, I'd like for everyone and Kirk, when you see them, please, you know, give them my, you know, thank you. I was not involved in
it for Thank God. >> But I, but I was there. I saw it and I just wanted I want them to know that, you know, at times we have to give commendations where and these guys really earned it. They did a phenomenal
job. And in addition to that, the ladies had to leave because they had a young daughter waiting that they had somebody come picking up. So they stayed with the vehicle until the tow truck got >> to to came to came to get it. So they went not only did they did they do their
job, but they went above and beyond. And that's all I wanted to say. And I want to say, you know, it's not every day you get to give praises. And this evening, I think they deserve a lot of praises. And you know, pretty soon the end of the commission is coming out. So I do want
to take this opportunity. I'm sure we'll see each other again. You know, we've all had our differences, you know, for past and the future. But again, thank you each and every one of you for the hard work and the dedication. I know the sacrifices that you guys have made, you
know, and uh and I do I know you're doing it out of your heart. So, I want to let you know that, you know, whatever you need, my door is always open, but you know, we do want to thank you for your services and for everything that you've done for this city.
>> Have a great evening and I'll see you guys soon. >> Thank you, Mr. Dannis. >> Thank you. >> Angel Broom Hall. Um, I wanted to follow up with your fair question, Commissioner Suie, from the work session. Um, and I
think that was a really important question that you asked me because it I shouldn't just come here and blah blah without at least some sort of, you know, so I think that's very fair. So, I thought about it especially because during this time, this election time to limit the appointments maybe to 20 minutes. Um, you know, I can meet from
you from 10 to 10:20, you know, because we have 25 people or end up, right? I mean that's a lot of time if we're spending an hour for each employee that we meet. So we do have to limit that. Um and to make it clear to uh the
candidates and the staff that electioneering or discussions outside of job responsibilities or the department's responsibilities are not to happen. So those were my suggestions that I thought of after you asked. Fair question. The other thing I wanted to ask and address
was the solid waste bills. So, we're coming up on two years of the solid waste utility being created. Um, and I had two things that I'd uh like to know about. One, uh, delinquent bills. So, we did a shut off today for
water and sewer, but um I have yet to see anyone's uh any any sort of action being taken on delinquent solid waste bills. And while that's not nice to ask for something like that myself and probably half the town, you know,
$240 a year is a lot. So if I'm paying it, somebody else isn't, that means we're all paying for them. And um, you know, some action needs to be taken on that because I would venture to guess that there's people who've probably never paid that bill. Um, so that was
the one question uh that I have. And then uh nonprofits. So I looked up the trash thing to find to to double check that before I came here. Um so I noticed that it's residences up to 10 units that
are allowed to use the city trash and nonprofits. seems like a a very broad thing, nonprofit, but um I am concerned because I'm noticing that some nonprofits are, you know,
which I guess they're welcome too, right? Take advantage of the city uh solid waste. However, there's like four trash and four recycle cans, and when you check the bill, they're only paying one bill like me. So, if I'm only allowed to have two
trash cans because of tipping fees and whatnot and the nonprofit is paying the same trash bill as I, they I'm not understanding how they can have four cans, eight cans, whatever. That
just seems a little uh burdensome on the residents who are trying to minimize our trash to reduce tipping fees. Um, I have like this whole issue with the recycling. You know, when there's something not in the recycling and I know that that truck is going to get turned away, it's a big deal to me,
right? So, I try and do my part. So, those are that's all I had. >> Thank you, Miss Bumo. >> Seeing no one else at this time, I will close closing comment closing comments. Closing public portion
of Turn around. Close the public portion. Closing comments of commissioners. Commissioner Hewitt. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh first, I want to thank the commission. Uh it took us We had a little bit of stall between the first reading for the uh purchase of the ambulance. Uh we got it done today.
Thank you, everybody. Four Seasons folks, welcome. I've been out there a few times to sit with folks over different things. Uh, I appreciate the offer. I don't know if it'll happen or not because some of
us candidates worked real hard last year, last election during the campaign to be able to come out there and speak to the residents and we were turned away. Uh, not very politely. >> So, I appreciate >> it's excuse me everybody, it's the commissioner's time to speak.
>> Uh, so I appreciate that being offered to the candidates this time. I hope that they take advantage of that. Uh, as always, public safety team, Mr. Danis, thank you. As I always say, thank you to my entire
public safety team. We may be small, but we get the job done. That's not saying that sometime in the near future, there's going to have to be some somehow some changes. We need some
officers. I need more people on crew at the firehouse. Rescue squad needs another crew. None of us know the time that's going to come that we're going to need one of them. And folks, I hate to say it, but
you all know out there. You showed tonight what coming to a commission meeting does. few residents from four seasons. There's going to come the time that changes are going have got to be made, additions are got to be made. That's going to cost money, folks. Money don't
come on trees. We can't survive without public safety. Thank you for coming. Uh thank you for voicing your concerns. Thanks to the commission for buying some more time here to try and get you guys made whole.
With that, mayor, uh thank you. That's it. >> Thank you, Commissioner Hewitt. Commissioner Suie. >> Sure. Well, first I'll talk about the public safety part. So, you know, on social media there's a lot of information that is incorrect. So, recently there was something on
there about how this commission was holding back and not funding positions for the police. And as Mr. Hila can tell you, that's absolutely untrue. >> Correct. >> We budget for way more officers than we have. The problem isn't the budgeting for the officers. The problem is the
recruitment for the officers. So while we had three graduate the academy, we had hoped to have 15 and we ended up with three. >> Well, we got seven more going in. >> Well, this that was the last group, right? So this this group now you have seven. >> Yeah.
>> So it it's not like we're holding back funding. >> We are having problems recruiting as many other areas are. >> Uh as for the fire department, we have lost a significant number of volunteers. This commission has increased the staffing of the fire department over the
last couple years by two. And we also replaced one individual that was getting paid for two years while being suspended. So, we got rid of him and we hired a fireman for that. Now, on to the part where you're going to have to pay for it. So, I mentioned the UEE funding
and not coming out of your property taxes. And here's why. You didn't get your tax bill yet because the state hadn't approved the budget prior to this week or this week or last week. >> So when you get your new tax bill, you're going to see a 4 cent increase
for the city. That's our responsibility. You're going to see a 4 cent increase for the county. It's the county's responsibility. You may want to invite some commit county commission uh candidates out there to talk to your group as well. and you're going to see a
5-cent increase from the board of education for a total of 13 cents. So, what does that mean in plain English? That means for every $150,000 your house is worth, your taxes are going to go up $195 a year.
So, it's all about resource management. It's about decisions we make here, about decisions made at the board of education, and about decisions that are made at the county level. We send the county a lot of money, over $20 million a year. When you get a chance to talk to those candidates, ask them what you're
getting for your $20 million. Here, you can kind of see what you're getting. You might not like it all the time. So, I appreciate Four Seasons coming out. I did meet with the Homeowners Association when I was in charge of engineering as well as with Mr. Be and with Ryan Holmes. I went out to the site several
times with the engineering department. So, I look forward to seeing what progress has been made or lack thereof before I vote or not. But there were some legal implications that we have to dig into, too. So, with that, I'll be out there again, I'm sure.
Progress. >> Thank you, Commissioner Silly. Commissioner Kasaboon. >> Okay. First, I want to say thank you to Four Seasons for letting us know that there is issues. I'm was unaware of it, but I'm newbie on the block. Um, congratulations to the three new officers. looking forward to the seven
new ones that are going in in December. Thank you, Mr. Dantis. It's so nice to hear because police officers are very often not complimented. Thank you. Uh solid waste bill, Miss Broomal. The delinquent bills action taken towards
them, there is a lean put on their property. If at the end of the year their prop that has not been taken care of, you know, it goes up for sale. leans for that. Um, as for the nonprofit, they are allowed to have as
many trash cans that they pay for. We give them two, give them one at each and they can come and buy more and that's what they can do. So, >> that's what I was told by my department. All right. So, you can have more trash
cans. If you want to go purchase two more, you can purchase them. >> Yes. Okay. All right. Um, also with volunteers, the first sign set
for our newly established adopt a road program, I'm excited about that, are in and they're going to be up soon. If any individual or group would like to adopt the road, neighborhood or drain, please contact Chris Finch with Recycling and Clean Communities at 8257000.
They're doing two neighborhood cleanups shortly, and I'm excited about that. But when you do do your cleanup, we do ask please follow all the instructions in the flyer that is left at that your address announcing the cleanup. And we
had to leave a few piles between the two cleanups for the one that was done because the items were not placed out there properly. Also read carefully what items we accept and we don't accept. And on that note, um, just to let you all know that when you are going to be doing a neighborhood
cleanup, please reach out to our Chris Finch in advance so he can let the authority know that we're dumping this extra trash. That way, the trash that's collected is goes through our clean funding and is no burden on the taxpayer.
And also, any volunteers will need to just sign a waiver releasing that they're doing this. So they if they get hurt, they're not holding the city responsible. And with that, I'm looking forward to the cleanups. I'm excited about that. I saw the signs and they really look nice.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Kasaboo. >> Thank you, >> Vice Mayor Watson. >> Uh to answer Mr. Cot's question, I'll follow up with the RFPs. I remember sitting in them. I think it was like the end of the year. Uh but that was just to review them. I don't know when they go out. Um for the solids waste commission.
>> New commission. >> Forgot to do it. Yep. That'll be their first tour. >> So, this is first for me and this change. So, I may have that wrong. I do remember sitting in the RFPs to review them though. >> Um, so I'll follow up with that and let you know.
Uh, just to kind of copy what everybody else is saying. Great turnout, great meeting. Good to see the folks from Four Seasons come out. We'll follow up with engineering and, you know, look through the ordinance, see what's got going on. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice Mayor Watson. Uh, I got the name from the mayor George
Perez from the city or the town of Utado, Puerto Rico. He was the nice gentleman I got to meet during flag raising ceremony. Um, Miss Bum, you can also purchase smaller uh containers for your waste collection as well. >> Yes, thank you. um because surprisingly
not all residents in the city of Milville fill up 96 gallons of trash and or recycling, but more can be added to with the same amount of your utility. Other than that, I appreciate each and one of my commissioners for doing their
jobs and performing for tonight. Um I thank the public for coming out. you can see how positive your impact is meant for us and for us being accountable and doing our jobs as best as we can to our abilities and with our staff that is set here in city hall and throughout the
city. So, I do appreciate the public coming out. I wish there was this many people every meeting and or more. Um, chief, how many can we fit in this place? a lot more, but uh >> 140
143 or something like that. >> There you go. Um every seat >> each and all one of you have a great night. Enjoy this beautiful weather. Um enjoy the outdoors and have a blessed week and a blessed couple weeks. See you all soon.
>> Motion for a German. >> Make motion.