I don't know. See? Yeah. See if it's working. Is that All right. Thanks, All right. How you doing? Oh my god. I know. store. >> I know. It's so good. Let's go. announce that notice of this meeting
was adopted by the bury. United States of America stands nationy and justice for allust members of the company. >> Mr. Houston, >> Mr.
mayor. >> I do. So, council see I had a draft of the audio chambers in short's
a few things that mayor made some comments. This reflects your comments on that and just kind of highlighting some of the uh the updates here
this proposal 75 in display that's there we update all microphones including the ones that are out there public install uh two new cameras
PC cameras. The ceiling, one facing, one facing the public. There be a new audio system. Um, it would have to live stream the record from YouTube.
And then one of the one of the key features of the system is that system. So the reporting system that they use is the old software. So that would be part of this.
Um there's some specific specific type of switches and we're very specific about what we need and then of course we have to contract. So
just a reminder that we did budget this is not we haven't actually pricing yet this is proposal that's once we put it in final form the
send it to answer questions Yes. So, currently we have I believe the burrow has a one gig provides one gate of which is fine for
what everybody's doing computers but we would need to upgrade that to It goes from one gig up to I forget what the says basically
whatever it is they have next level up already. But yes, that would be a part of the just include this is just what we're going to send out. So part of that exercise
once we do what does the process look like? >> Yes. So uh we would we would put this materials together, right? We would set it out to um ideally what we would do is we would have any
system. >> Yeah. I mean, >> yeah. Once we put it out there, they respond back and we just open up typically like but it sounds like >> it's like I said it's um it is running.
We did talk about it probably. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay, that's it. as part of what's proposal also read
through it right also there's a series of training sessions here so staff that's here on how to operate I'm sorry. Forgive me. I think once we see what's involved with technology.
>> Okay. >> So it it really depends on how we That's part of set the system up so that you can just have a wide angle camera that just wide angle everybody. All you got to do is
hit record. For example, if there's sessions and they wanted to do somebody in possible Exactly. This would be the person installing the
technology, right? Not the option. Correct. You're right. Updating is a First of all, thank you to me. So, I really appreciate you taking the time to do this. Um,
I was going to ask, is there an advantage? I know the cable is going to be an issue, but is there an advantage for the rest of the speed for our technology moving forward? Like, what are the advantages of I know it's going to something but it help the
computers help our programs to do that. >> Yeah, absolutely. So just speaking based on my years of experience in the industry but it
dep nowad on your does all that fire department. So guess not just for
the entire entire building. live streaming. >> I just find it interesting though because people are taking their time every single week or every single time we have meeting to come and volunteer. So it does seem like something that the
town would want. >> Yeah. Just actually not on that. He actually noticed that during council meetings that there are members of the public who connect their devices to Wi-Fi they actually have to open up that time in order to allow the screen to
happen. So it's not automatic. He actually has set a rule in our system to be able to do that but it's not something that the week. So there are
technology grows as it's inevitable at some point. Yes. This kind of pushes it forward but And then my last question, I'll just talk loud. Um, do other municipalities in the area already stream and do this?
>> Yes, >> they do. >> Not all of is it a requirement? Um, so it's it's required that the meeting is recorded, right? Is it res?
>> So if we didn't have our wonderful volunteers doing it, who would be recording this meeting right now? So there's an audio that goes on but there is no uh but there is no video recording there's
no public >> I don't Okay. So, I'm here tonight on behalf of the women to talk about the New Jersey council and the opportunity we have to get some data and information about how land development impacts the drinking water consume. New Jersey region
supplies drinking water for more than 70% of New Jersey. This region important environmental resources such as rivers, streams, wetlands, forests, rural landscapes, and great small towns. In 2004, the Highlands Water Protection
and Planning Act was passed to protect these critical natural resources at small town and the Highlands Council was created and charged with developing a regional master plan to protect these resources. There are 88 municipalities in New Jersey. Five are in what's called
the preservation area. Those are required to comply with the regional master plan because of their proximity to the water sources. 36 municipalities are in the planning area including Mars. The remaining 47 towns have land in both preservation and planning areas. So of
the 36 in the planning area 25 already comply with the regional master these include the chest parity rock township and Washington
compliance means these municipalities have revised their local master plans and develop regulations that align with the goals and of the highlands regional master plan. So those provisions will protect things like forested areas, wetlands, stream beds, and they'll they
will direct growth to appropriate areas. So I'm here tonight to have a discussion about considering an initial assessment to determine what this voluntary compliance look like for Mars. In general, compiance means that our
zoning regulations including permitted uses our setbacks standards remain. But in certain areas of the bur stricter regulations that could apply to things like water availability consumption, septic density when you're building a
development, storm water regulations, water quality, steep slopes, wetlands, forest disturbance, habitat impacts, etc. A preliminary map that they prepared the house prepared for show that 90% of our
land falls into what they call an existing community zone which is land that's generally viewed as the preferred location for development or redevelopment. So that's places where we already have water and sewer infrastructure.
About 9% of our plans is classified as environmentally constrained subzone in an existing. So this treat more restrictively because it contains significant habitat forest etc. About
little less than 2% of plane land falls into a protection zone which means classified as a forest reserve area buffers etc. These are location and property specific. It would be like a terra acre probably and they would be
highly protected from development under the comply with their master plan. So overall there's Highlands regulations don't apply to single family home renovations generally one or two single new single family
homes and it doesn't apply to commercial developments that create less than a quarter service and there's other exemptions but why would we consider going through an initial assessment so in February this
year I met with Mayor Carr and her planner ask about this because she's done this for other towns but she said there's no assessment going available
etc. She said some municipalities after condesc obligation move forward. It's just a gives us information that we can use going forward for our planning, our other resources even if we choose not to move forward.
So why would a municipality consider compliance at all? This is the element in the room. Why would we even entertain the possibility of having additional regulations on develop especially when you hear about Jefferson
where Highland's preservation area restrictions have limited new development and commercial commercials which is now straining their tax base school. So they're in the preservation area. So they're they don't get to opt out
but there are several reasons to consider compliance. Now that's further down the road right now just asking about the initial access but just so you have the background of why we're here. Uh the primary reason is to preserve for future generations.
Secondly, preserving our green spaces, trees and clean air that we all love, which differentiates us from the concrete jungle access to the highlands. Uh this this also provide us with access to the high council grant which is generally
non-competitive granted municipalities. It's reimbured based so forward and we get reimbured and it requires no match. So there are very few that require
opportunity. I'll talk about some money. We also have priority or favorable considerations for other grants and funding such as space grants, water resource environmental construction, smart growth redevelopment and planning grants, trail and recreation planning
grants, forest management grants. So all examples of bigger projects funded by New Jersey Roxberry they did $112,000 river stream bank stabilization project fully funded Philipsburg did a
circulation plan $12,000 project so this relationship could also help initi that we're already pursuing or considering by providing technical and financial assistance for things like
our municipal master planations. That update cost us money. We hire a consultant or our planner to run those meetings. Our next update is due in 202. We could also use the funding for the required climate change element of our
next master plan required by the state. uh town center planning and design, storm water and environmental studies and plans for some of our projects that are underway. We needed environmental studies for example doing the
trail. I think we get some funding to do that rebuilding initiatives and economic development plan. So these resources are expensive and Highlands funding can
significant financial strain on small municipalities for those expenses. So in short, compiance would help us resources. The Highlands Council also coordinates with sister state agencies on behalf of municipalities including DC
department affairs development authority infrastructure finance agencies and also finally in any case of action against related to use against the court would give extraordinary
difference to the local government and the burden of proof of demonstrate by evidence that the action was arbitrary. So it gives us a little bit of legal teeth as well. So to wrap up, the initial assessment will help the bureau
determine what if any discrepancies exist between our current zoning master plan and the regional master plan and it would be conducted by a planner or consultant we select, usually our municipal plan. There's no obligation to move forward after completing the initial assessment and the bur still be
eligible for reimbursement expenses related to the initial assessment regardless of whether forward or not compliance if the I like oh no if the bureau does become a conforming municipality later down the road it can choose to withdraw
from the planformance at any time for us it's optional the majority of the is in the existing community zone of the highlands not meeting any resources or restrictions or protections. So I wanted to just give you guys the
back explain what this will provide for us forward with the assessment and find out if the council has any questions or comments that So just to kind of summarize but um doing the initial assessment
which is what what you're talking about is fully reimbured by the council, right? It's done by our can be done by our initial assessment to this is where
I believe it was to determine the discrep what is the What does the most from the highlands require that we currently don't require? What are the differences? What would we have to do to actually be able
to process far But they're availing everybody. M's point opens up. I just have one question.
I don't even know, but has anyone on talked to other towns and said, "How did it go? Were there pros and cons? Do we have relationship with other municipalities? We can get that information before we
colleagues and recently directly told me that they were involved with discussions and outreach to get people situ
come in and do a big project for us. We have a system every copies of two assessment reports. They're very lengthy and detailed and really give you a lot of information about the resources that do have your
community and why they're worth how they impact the overall water resources of Jersey. So, it's kind of an interesting I'm so concerned about Great. I think that
question. Thank you. So when you say >> I'm is you mentioned something about schools millions. So, so I guess
Happy understand that a little bit better. Not necessarily now, but I don't I'm not understanding how negatively. >> Would this be affecting like community parks? My favorite thing
>> just have a zoning chap and lot number You absolutely cannotiferity or you feel more important. I think those are to help us make these decisions. >> So everybody's comfortable. assessment
needs was great. I think I have a resolution. It's kind of on my mind. I've had a couple of resider I think time now to look at the markets too early on
how it was going to financially for communities for businesses themselves particularly illegal taxes were too high. So I think we were waiting to see how things would shake out and alsing
Yeah, I But they're close. I think to your point. obvious or no, but I do think I think it belongs on this one. Um, being a former school
counselor Drugs are a huge problem in schools and it makes me really nervous to bring something like that in. But I'm always open to having my mind changed. So maybe
it does make me nervous and it's a huge problem at the high school and middle school right now. So I think it's something to really consider Just seems like there's
always um Some will be active. Is that something? Obvious We got baseball. She's not Have you done part?
Oh, no. I'm too assignments to each building. room for two cents. So the concern especially when you're running downstairs we have no backup.
I do. I do garbage. things to make the operation upstairs and one full time dedicated person. I don't know what that is, but we have service don't mind doing it downstairs but yeah
to your probably doing over here. Friday, especially But to Chief's point, there Keep going lower and lower and lower. Have you looked at full time?
So they don't use higher cost >> experience. How many years ago? >> So it was a bad experience with that particular service. Every year contract temporary.
>> Sure. >> Sure. I think the council was part as a longer term solution. >> Yes, sir. >> I would love to pull the I just am nervous because
the last five years it sounds like it's not working by next week. Everybody watching after two, three, four weeks a Okay, I'm on it. All in favor? I
April building resolution. I've received any excuse for rental, 625 Gerald alcohol. back. Police Department.
Valley Department of I've received public street contract. The federal treasur You should guess. I know with the salary.
Some of these So just to be clear what they set it for. But it's also set for the people. So if the people choose not to sign up and they say this is too expensive, Right.
>> But for the record, almost all of these classes have been sold out. Um there's waiting list for four of them and >> it's just these are individual people teachers who are doing things for the kids and they're setting their rates and we haven't
recreation. It's just yeah >> almost every single person I'm just trying to be supportive of recreation department and all that for this is the reason they think
Yeah. >> Okay. 497,000 favorite once you raise that rate. >> Well, I think to your point that says recently >> and I think if they didn't extend the
date and the times I think um that would be a bigger conversation but now parents are allowed to send their kids from 8 to 2 summer camp in the past 9 to 12. So I think um working parents especially really
appreciate it. There are some on here that are really expensive 110 hours. It's not just an hour and a half. Um but I will I was I do agree with you mayor that we should be careful with
this but at the same time what people are asking for recreation responded and we run from eight programs in recreation for parents to 20 this year. So and we're offering so many new services almost every single person who
who's teaching these classes is a master degree education. So how wonderful for our students, >> right? Okay. Is there a second? >> Mr. >> Mr. Houston. >> Yes. >> Mr. Ivy.
>> Yes. So the clerk's office has been working on website people when you eventual website or something you require photo warm
So that's why we attended a webinar for small municipalities small ABA requirements for online was sponsored by the national cities and small business administration. It's basically listening session for us to
provide feedback and questions and everyone on the call agreed on the necessity and the intent to make available to people. However, it became clear on the call that small towns like Plains do not have
tools or expertise to evaluance funding are needed for this requirements and right now we have April of 2020 resources finance that was prepared by our external
auditor tonight. They also work on the tax report and the capital received tonight to funds for some of the capital projects that the mayor council meeting
and meeting also raising treasur position. The green team is energy conservy. And finally, May is our mental health awareness month. So if you or anyone you
know need suicide or mental health related support mayor mentioned in about mental health function had two close friends in my life really hard
topic. Happier note, good evening everybody. As Chief Ky had mentioned in the last meeting, he and Lieutenant the police tour in Washington DC. This is a 300 mile bike ride to honor officers from around the country. Extremely proud that
they both went. Sounds like we did an excellent job. The only way I'd be able to do that is probably if you pull me in a wagon or something like that. So has started in the new role of the chief's executive assistant has been training with Seagal. I stopped by one
day this week. Everything seems to be going very well and they seem to be working extremely smooth together. The vibe was high. They were having a good time. Both both chief both and really happy progress so far which is great
for them forward mentioned last week forunately due to the county delay we will not be able to roll out the serial parade this year and can potentially still help in some ways and we still have been meeting so a thing so again if
anyone is interested in being a partic response team you can sign up online you can reach out to guide show next steps. The department is geared up for a big day this Saturday for the Morris Memorial Day parade. They
work extremely hard along with all of our other first responders and public safety to keep the burrow safe on days like the Saturday. So again, big shout out to them. Thank you very much. I spoke with council members on I about some of their questions and concerns with the CGS advisory policy. I had some
really great takeaways and I'll be speaking with my co-chair Jim Hunt tomorrow on next steps and back to the council. We would like to try to get this on in the next book or two, but again, just really want to make sure we right way covering all of our bases that clear, understandable, and dare I say
enforceable policy. It's very complex. So again, just the should >> today. Okay, great. It's in the All right. So it's out there. Go talk to it. and
will put the lights on for you. I also spoke with Council Houston or maybe the lithium batteries. Don't want to steal Bill steam. So, I'll let him maybe go into more detail on that. Um fire prevention as always very busy
inspecting. He's done about 90 inspection issues so far this month. Still over a week to go. He's also been working with public safety and the council to order a new fire this week. Fire department averaging about one call
per day. Uh Chief spoke to that as 151 calls which is fantastic. Staying busy, keeping people safe. There's always parts being ordered and various training exercises happening. Our newest firefighter pulse starting on
June 1st a five week five day a week firefighter one course as well and the new mini pumper is still not ready but they are making progress. We are waiting for the actual pumper itself to be delivered. Do not have a delivery date yet. Been saying maybe soon for a long
time, you know, I just like to keep people excited about it's coming, ladies and gentlemen. On the court front, I actually plan to meet with administrator Melissa next week to check in questions, concerns,
and see how I help with everything in the future. And we do the resolution for the additions and renovations to the police department and the municipal building here. So we are excited to be able to discuss that
mention started doing quite well on processing dumping as much knowledge as just uh clicker ticket is upon us. We're doing some added state funed over
seat belts fatalities, injuries and crashes. New car was delivered today and small. That's all I have. I'll start out with garbage parts.
get ready for memorial. They started hanging their home. They still around the brush next week. Trees now last time
out. had a spring clean up at the park or pathway to receive. So people are res That's why tomorrow
the other styles people That's why this year >> I'll see Is there any way to have them color? I don't think so,
never changing depends on if it's really nice drive ines we haven't paid. curve to curve. on the one side. is Saturday, May 23rd, starting at 9
a.m. at Robert. It ends at the BFW, where hot dogs, beverages, rides, and other activities will be made available by the hardwork. Please be aware that streets will be closed throughout the morning. So, plan for extra travel time if you need to be
anywhere. We hoping for sunshine, but if rain persists, a decision regarding will be at 6 a.m. on May 23rd. You will receive a rave alert and all town social media will be updated. Keep an eye out.
Pool registration is still open and there's wonderful things planned for this season. Make sure to check out the website at pool.com to see time and dates for all activities. Tennis courts are finally resurfaced and ready to be used. keys are available for purchase at
the community center for town um taxpayers only. Um DMP downtown Plains launched a communitywide business wish list survey this week to collect information about what stakeholders would like to see in their town. Everyone is encouraged to share their
opinion. DF also partnered with the transitional art project, TAP, a partnership between the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and New Jersey Transit. Tap is a public art program designed specifically for transportation hubs throughout New Jersey. Morris Trade
Station has been selected for two art installations and qualified artists are encouraged to submit concepts for consideration. The submission deadline is June 4th for anyone. You can learn more about both these projects by visiting the DMP website or
their social. Farmers Market opening day is Saturday, June 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 100 p.m. The market will be open every Saturday except for July through October 10th. Follow the farmers market on Instagram
at farmers market for special events, vendor updates, and more. Recreation update. Summer camp is still open for registration. You can register online or in person at the community center. The senior picnic will be at the
community center July 16th at 100 p.m. We hope all of our seniors can attend. Summer concert at Robert Gardens start July 5th from 6 to 8 p.m. Do not forget your lawn chair. Lastly, the centennial committee. Be sure to look for the
special centennial float designed and built by Tom Forest. They will be along route and give them a big wave as they pass by. The committee is inviting businesses, students, and residents to help make history by suggesting or donating it to the community time
capentennial park future generations to discover. In addition, plans are moving forward for Centennial Park itself and opening the park this September. Um, everything I shared, which is a lot
of information and dates, can be found in the latest issue of our wonderful news, our wonderful So it's hard to believe that the school year is coming to an end already. So centering all their events
of the rise and sixth graders last week those kids weeks they're also working on event two parents are stepping down so that the four open positions on board making
missing. So if you know anybody that might be a good situated meeting the division of public health provided an update on public health next month And those activities include coordinating public
health emergency efforts between department office management local EMS local hospitals and other local health departments to ensure proper interation evaluating staffing plans increasing surveillance activities for
disease and illness and reviewing updating emergency response plans to feedback. There was a fire at cleaning and wellness day confirmed to be October
10th. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, thanks for calling out the uh Just the over
there were no issues that on ordinances. So tonight, ordinance number, excuse me, this appropriates a total of $279,800 for various capital improvements drawn from two funding sources. First funding
source is the capital improvement fund which $13,000 $68,000 of that is purchase installation six carbon wrap cylinders. The second funding source is from the
balance for $146,800 96,800 police officers and then $50,000 Tyler mentioned it earlier but I did meet with Tyler So what this would do
is it would amend our curtain or to regulate electric bicycles and scooters in conformance with law NJS434-635 which signed January 13,6 which takes effect July 19th, 2026.
Essentially some of the just very briefly some of the things we looked at were new classifications, some public rules specifically for scooters um how they could be operated on sidewalks or
roads. Um if there's any commercial use in town um as mentioned already we talked to about battery safety we're actually think ahead excuse me the instead of
determining how you can sell those batteries if preemptive on that and then enforcement and uh I think it's worth mentioning that the chief is very aware that there's
you know an education period law. So I think we talked about a 90day education warning period um which would you know educate the public about what this new law is. So appreciate work with everybody on that. So my hope is we can
we can wrap up that draft and then I'd like to introduce as an ordinance in at the same time as the law that way there's no confusion residence that we've been working on um
excuse Just a reminder that uh there were some updates that came back from justice attorney. We need to fix those. Uh and then we'll we'll have the uh the work time and hopefully we uh get that
passed through. Um and then lastly working on the tree ordinance. Um currently we have a call internal action plan um that effectively flags that are currently
non-compant storm water permit. Um there's a number of gaps that we need to make up and there's a couple of deadlines that need to have ordinance.
So I think it's something that chang The subject It's not become much more active. The only place That's right. Remember name Tower Hill
just want to speak for people who are so interested in our town meetings but can't be here in person. Thanks to all work trying to remember to speak into just please try to keep that in mind. give stage speaking classes.
>> No problem with anybody else. I council member Houston introduce the following ordinance. Ordinance number 6-26 an ordinance to appropriate $13,000
from the capital fund $146,800 from capital fund balance the various improvements in and by the borrowings in the county >> Mr. >> Mr. Houston >> Mr. Yes, >> Mr. Yes.
>> Yes. >> Council member Houston resolution whereas the above ordinance of this meeting now therefore be resolved that meeting to be held on June 18th 2026 to 7:30 p.m.
building. This council will further consider checking finance resolve is hereby direct. We have no second. Mr. >> Mr. Houston. >> Yes.
>> Mr. >> Yes. >> Moving on to resolution. building a maintenance that clerk or other inh We try to do things on the fly. You're a very critic of us doing things
on the fly. So I'm going to express the same criticism of doing this. I think that we need to take the appropriate amount of time. I understand but in the past that has stop. So I just want to voice that
just found out yesterday. change. Is there a second? Mr. >> Houston. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mr. >> Yes.
Yes. >> So that's the definition. We'll be resolution discussion on the table. I know that I would like to hear what your thoughts
one story >> I'm just I'm interested to hear what everyone has to I hope this move along the direction. Director. Sure.
Resolution 2026-72 resolution authorizer testifications for the police department and municipal building. >> Mr. >> Mr. Houston. >> Yes. >> Mr.
>> Yes. Mr. Yes. >> May 21st. Roll call, please. >> Mr. >> Mr. business. >> Very good.