I call to order this regular meeting of the township committee of the township of Mars this Wednesday, December 17th, 2025. The time is now 700 p.m. This meeting is being held in accordance with the open public meetings act and adequate notice of this meeting has been
provided as required by law. Specifically, a notice of this meeting was emailed to the daily record and the Mars Newsby on January 3rd, 2025 and posted on the Township of Mars website. The agenda and resolutions for this
meeting are available at marriswp.com under the agenda center. Certain portions of this meeting may be closed to the public for the purpose of personnel and/or other matters as outlined in the sunshine law. Notice to members of the governing body and
township staff, any use of electronic devices during this meeting shall be used solely for the purpose of township business and any communications are open are subject to the open public records act. Madame clerk, roll call, please. >> Mr. Griselle, >> here.
>> Mr. Jory, >> here. >> Mr. Rabbitz, >> here. >> Mr. Janata, >> here. >> Mayor Grigley, >> here. Please rise and join in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and just for all. >> Can I have a motion to approve the minutes from October 15, 2025 closed and regular minutes by one motion?
>> So moved. >> Second. All in favor? >> Hold on one sec. How many attendees? >> Our first public commentary. There are currently five members of the public joining us
via Zoom and one in person. At this time, we will open the meeting to public comment. We'll first take comments from in-person attendees first and then we'll switch over to Zoom. Please raise your hand on Zoom if you would like to speak. Please state your name and if you are a resident or non-resident for the record
before speaking. And please note that comments are limited to five minutes for speaker. If you have questions you would like answered, your remaining time to speak will be yielded back for this purpose. Is there a motion to open public comment? >> I move second. >> All in favor? I >> I
>> would Would Would you like to speak? >> Thank you. You can say it on the microphone so it's in the record. >> Yeah. >> Put it on the record if it's a Thank you. >> We like We like compliments. >> We like that. >> Perfect. Uh Jennifer Nielsen, I live at
17 Egbert Avenue in Morristown and I thank you all very much for bringing the Climate Super Fund Act resolution support uh to a vote today. >> Thank you so much. >> Our pleasure.
Seeing no hands raised on Zoom, is there a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> This evening, we have two ordinances scheduled for public hearing and adoption. Madame clerk, please please read the title of ordinance 27-25
into the record after which we will open the public hearing. Ordinance 27-25, an ordinance amending chapter 88 entitled vehicle and traffic, article 2A, section 88-2A.2
and schedule 2, handicapped parking spaces. Note to remove a designated handicap parking spot at 15 EMTT Avenue. We will take comments from in-person attendees first, then we'll switch over to Zoom. Please virtually raise your
hand on Zoom if you would like to speak. May I have a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance number 27-25? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Is there anyone here who would like to speak?
Seeing no hands raised on Zoom, is there a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 27-25? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion or any
questions? >> Madame clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Dorphy, >> yes. >> Mr. Janata, >> yes. >> Mr. Griselle, >> yes. >> Mr. Rabbitz, >> yes. >> Mayor Griglia, >> yes. >> I, Donna J. Grigia mayor declare ordinance number 27-25
approved and adopted and direct the township clerk to publish proper notice thereof in the official newspaper. Madame clerk, please read the title of ordinance 28-25 into the record after which we will open the public hearing. Ordinance 28-25,
an ordinance of the township committee of the township of Morris, amending chapter 88 entitled vehicles and traffic, adding articles 23, bicycles and scooters. Note regulates use of bicycles, scooters, and ebikes. We will
take comments from in-person attendees first, then we'll switch over to Zoom. Please raise your hand on Zoom if you would like to speak. May I have a motion to open the public comment on ordinance number 28-25? >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Is there anyone here who would like to speak? >> Seeing no hands raised on Zoom, is there a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 28-25? >> So moved. Second. >> Is there any discussion or questions? Madame clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Ravitz, >> yes. >> Mr. Janata, >> yes. >> Mr. Griselle, >> yes.
>> Mr. Jory, >> yes. >> Mayor Griglia, >> yes. >> I, Donna J. Geriglia, mayor, declare ordinance number 28-25, approved and adopted, and direct the township clerk to publish proper notice thereof in the official newspaper.
Resolutions. We have 15 resolutions on tonight's agenda. The final item, resolution 267-25, was added earlier today and it pertains to the appointment of Aiden S. Fernandez as probationary firefighter class 2 for
the Mars Township Fire Department effective January 5th, 2026. Committeeman Jory will recuse himself from the R20267-25 due to his role in the fire department. We will take a separate vote on this last resolution.
May I have a motion to approve resolution numbers 253-25 through 266-25 by one motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Madame clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Gazelle, >> yes. >> Mr. Janata, >> yes. >> Mr. Dorphy,
>> yes. >> Mr. Ravitz, >> yes. >> Mayor Grigio, >> yes. May I have a motion to approve resolution number 267-25? >> So moved or second playing with my phone. >> You have that still? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Mr. Janata?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Ravitz? >> Yes. >> Mr. Griselle? >> Yes. >> Mayor Guruglia? >> Yes. On the consent calendar, we have two items this evening. Can I have a motion to approve the items on the consent calendar by one motion? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I >> There are currently two members There are currently five members of the joining us via Zoom and two members in person. At this time we will open the meeting to public comment.
>> So we are >> monthly reports. >> Monthly reports. >> Oh, okay. Okay, sorry about that. I skipped that whole page. >> It's the last meeting of the year. >> Yes. >> Consideration of monthly reports. The
following reports are on file in the office of the township clerk and township administrator. September 2025, fire. October 2025, police, fire, and joint court. November 2025, library and tax collector. and December 2025 the
Marstown Mars Township Library. Can I have a motion to approve the monthly reports? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Claims for payment and list of bills and vouchers. The total amount of bills and vouchers for this meeting is
9,233,27951. We are also the tax collector for the school district, the library, and the county. May I have a motion to approve the list of bills and vouchers? >> So moved. >> Seconded. >> Madame Clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Ravitz? >> Yes. >> Mr. Dorphy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Griselle?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Janata? >> Yes. >> Mayor Grigley? >> Yes. >> We have received for the record seven tax appeals. We will now do our standing committee reports and commentary by the township committee. At this time, we'll start with Committeeman Janata.
>> Thank you, Mayor. First with the transportation committee, we're they're thankful that an ordinance has been just passed through dealing with ebikes and e- scooters which have been become more prevalent in the area. And many people agree that there needs to be a a
regulation for them for everyone's safety. There is a a bill through the lame duck state legislature dealing with ebikes which seems to go much further than this ordinance which but we'll deal with that when if and when it passes. Meanwhile,
at least we have this ordinance on the books. I also want to congratulate Betty Simmons who had recently resigned from TAC since she's heading one of Mikey Cheryl's transition committee on dealing with education and will most likely work with Governor
Cheryl's team dealing with education matters and with the environmental commission we uh recently attended sustainable Jersey lunchon uh at the League of Municipalities Convention Atlantic City along with the green team
members Katherine Horhand and Barbara Buddha to receive the bronze award plaque which you can see outside. And uh uh last week I also attended environmental collaboration session hosted by anjek
uh and along with chair my Brian Morgan and Katherine Hand along with members of neighboring environmental commissions from Morris County. We learned about new initiatives regarding composting and food waste and I've heard that there's a large bofuel
facility that's being built in Lynen which happens to be the largest on the east coast and possibly in the country and there's also a presentation on building mini forest which was given by Susan and John Lau since they're moving from the concept of just planting native
plants to uh planting native trees on our yards wherever feasible And uh just last Friday, members of the EC toured our Department of Public Works yard as well as a nearby Morris County yards facility.
And uh also we toured the Butterworth um pollinator garden and meadow during the during this winter session. It was interesting to see where our waste products go and how they are handled and uh because we normally we just think of
them. We don't even think about them, but it's just how along with our sewer tour early earlier this year. We we just see another side of things and uh how we handle wasted and I thought it was just an interesting
to do. And uh as I mentioned last week, last last month, I spoke at the Burnham Park uh on November 15th at the dedication of a liberty tree which was presented by the Jockey chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
I I spoke about the historical significance about the area since it was a location of the artillery park of the Continental Army led by General Henry Knox. There's a YouTube video and a Marstown Green article about this that is floating around that if and anybody
who is interested can just look it up. And this past weekend was a weekend that saw many tragic events which have over overwhelmed this nation and the world with grief. The shooting at Brown University was horrendous enough with the murder of two
students and the wounding of several more. The killer is still at large and so far the motive is unknown. Then this was also near the 13th anniversary of the man massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary where 20 children were
killed and six along with six adults. On the other side of the globe, another shooting occurred at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where a local Jewish community were in the midst of celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. There at least 15 people were killed,
including a 9-year-old child and a survivor of the Holocaust. It's thankful that a bystander risked his own life in stopping one of the shooters. But here, clearly the motive was anti-semitism, which is an ancient form of hatred. Then we heard of the
family tragedy of the deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife by their own son. Rob Reiner was a talented actor and a great director who made many memorable films which we still quote. And of course his movies have great writers but his the film is a written word come to
life and he was a great director who was able to convey that to an to the audience. Tragedies hit hardest when they happen during this festive time. Yet our spirits endure in spite of it all. This was conveyed to me when I attended the
lighting of the minora along with members of the committee here along with Morristown town council members and state senator Tony Buo. The rabbi who led the ceremony reminded us of how the lighting of the minora is symbolic of how good overcomes the evil in this
world. Many faiths have such festivals of light. Hanukkah of course is a Jewish festival of light which commemorates the Jewish liberation in Jerusalem and the worship at the temple. Last month the Indians celebrated Diwali the Hindu festival of lights commemorating the
defeat of the demon world. And this Christmas season have lights both indoors and out commemorating the birth of the baby Jesus who seen by Christians as the light of the world. All the all these days or holidays or holy days
symbolize light overcoming darkness. As we celebrate this time, we strive to let light overcome darkness whenever and however that dark times happen. May we all have a blessed holiday time and a happy new year. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Committada. And um if people do get the chance, listen to his speech he did at at Burnham Park. It really was excellent. You did a very good job. Committeeman Jory. >> Uh thank you, Mayor. Uh earlier this month, uh Mayor Grigalia, Administrator
Quinn and I, uh went to a meeting hosted by Mayor of Handover Township, Pace Gallagher with the Water Authority, uh as a followup to a series of meetings that the four towns have had with SMUKA over the past several years. Um Smoka came to our meeting last month to
provide their presentation and updates to the township committee. Um and since then, um the township has been engaged with handover, Marstown, and Mars Plains to continue pushing forth our efforts to get the utility to replace lead and
galvanized water service lines for residents. Um, so for those who aren't aware of the issue, uh, the state passed a law in 2021 requiring all water authorities to replace all private water authorities to replace lead and galvanized water service lines to
homeowners at no cost. Um however in that law while all the lead and galvanized pipes have to be replaced by 2031 those served by public utilities are um the utilities themselves are not required to replace those lines um for
the homeowners. Homeowners uh have to replace them themselves. So Mars Township, Mars Plains, Mars uh town and handover all have a public utility that was formed decades ago. Uh and because of that discrepancy in the law, our homeowners uh are forced are stuck with
10 to12,000 bills to replace their water lines. Um so since then, um the health department has the list of identified lead water lines in Mars Township and they said at the health board of health meeting tonight that they'll be doing outreach to those residents to make sure they're following all safety protocols.
Um and since our meeting with SMUKA um in Hanover Township the other week, um we asked SMKUKA to come back to the towns within 45 days with a plan to replace all lead lines immediately and to finance the galvanized replacements
over uh an extended period. So um the four towns are awaiting um a response from the water utility. I believe Mayor O Gallagher is going to schedule a meeting in mid January. Uh and then we'll have a better update for the
public. Um if you do have a lead or galvanized pipe um and we're planning to replace that soon, I would hold off uh until we have a plan for the a water authority to do that work for you. >> That's my report.
>> Thank you, Committeeman Rabbits. Thank you, mayor. Uh, good evening, everybody. Uh, first I I'll be brief. Uh, first I want to congratulate, uh, Aiden Fernandez on becoming a probationary firefighter, class 2, which is becomes effective in
January. I also want to congratulate Corey Russo uh, for his uh, attaining the position of probationary patrol officer and he began his service uh, this past September. As we close out the year,
it's worth pausing to recognize something that doesn't always make headlines, but but should, and that's good, steady, community focused governance. Your township committee has met a real challenge head on at a time
when families across New Jersey and the nation are are feeling the pressure of higher costs, economic uncertainty, and tightening household budgets. Mars Township has stayed true to a simple promise. Deliver strong services,
protect taxpayers, and keep our community moving forward together. This year, Mars Township not only maintained essential services, we enhanced them wherever possible. Public safety remained our top priority. Our roads,
parks, and public spaces continued to be cared for. Community programs that make Mars Township such a great place to live were preserved and strengthened. And all of this was accomplished while keeping taxes stable and amongst the lowest in
Mars County. That didn't happen by accident. It happened because disciplined budgeting, long-term planning, and a commitment to making thoughtful choices rather than flashy ones. It happened because the township
committee understands that every tax dollar is somebody's hard work and that fiscal responsibility and quality services are not opposing goals. They go hand in hand. Just as important, this
year reminded us that Mars Township is more than a line item in a budget. It's a community. In challenging economic times, residents, volunteers, township staff, and local leaders pulled together. We supported one another,
stayed focused on what matters, and proved that when times get tough, Mars Township gets stronger, and our diversity makes us even stronger. As we look ahead to the new year, there is a real reason for optimism.
We've shown that smart, pragmatic leadership works. We've shown that we can protect taxpayers without sacrificing the quality quality of life that defines our town. And we've shown that even in uncertain times, a
community grounded in trust, cooperation, and shared values can thrive. And that's something to be proud of and something to build on in the year ahead. It's been a while since I've said in my commentary that we have more in
common than should ever divide us. We are divided by what we see and read on social media, much of it with the intent on keeping us divided and staying angry and blaming our fellow Americans. We will overcome this division by once
again engaging our fellow Americans in conversation and not talking at each other. And finally, whatever you celebrate and however you celebrate it, I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season
and a wondrous new year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor Grail. >> Thank you. And I'd like to thank committee man uh Janata for his comments regarding uh the two shootings this weekend. Um, I personally was numb on
Sunday and on the verge of tears virtually the entire day. Uh, I'm a father of a college student and I went to bed very troubled on Saturday night given what happened at Brown and I woke up on uh, Sunday morning um, as a very
scared member of the Jewish community here uh, with what happened down in Australia. I fear that gun violence is being normalized in our country. A and the fact that one of the kids in lockdown at Brown University was a survivor of
Parkland down in Florida is is just unconscionable that we have students now going through this multiple times in their lives. And I can't imagine how traumatic that is for them and their families. Um and since I became since I
since 2019 when I when I was first mayor here. Um I took a pledge uh for the mayors against illegal guns and became um a gun violence uh a fighter of gun violence uh in our community and always have been outspoken every time I get the
chance to do so on the day and taking that opportunity again tonight um because I fear for our country. I fear for the guns on our streets. Um I talk about how it affects so many facets of our society. our kids going to school scared and I speak about it when we have
police, you know, uh, promotions and and swearing in that it makes policing really hard because they don't know what's inside the car when they pull a car over and a simple, you know, stop could turn into something uh much worse. It is affecting the fabric of our
society in so many ways and it has to stop. Um, I don't want it to be normalized. I hope everybody listening to me will not allow it to be normalized and just say it's another shooting. We have to keep speaking out against the gun violence. We have to have more gun
control in this country or else I fear that the the mass shootings are going to increase and and unfortunately as a member of the Jewish community, I am I am so fearful that there's going to be an attack like happened in Australia uh in our country. Um, and as we head into the the Festival of Lights and and
Khaneka, there's extra police security at all of these events. There's extra police security at all the synagogues uh for their events. And that's no way to live as an American uh requiring the security of of the police officers like
we get. And we're so grateful uh the Jewish community is so grateful for the support we get from the the uh the law enforcement community uh to to support us and protect us. Um but that's that's no way to live and we need to continue to work really hard in having more gun
control in this country and being loud voices and just keep keep it up until something happens. Uh when enough people start yelling and screaming and putting their heads out the window that I'm not going to take it anymore, that's when things are going to change. So, I encourage everybody listening to me
tonight uh to keep raising their voices every single chance they can um as I try to do here today. Um I will uh now just say thank you to uh our our governing body here for an amazing year. Uh I am honored to sit up
here with all of you as always. Um we do a great job here in Morris Township and that doesn't just come from the governing body but from the employees um and Mr. Quinn who leads the charge here at town hall. Um so I wanted to thank all our employees for delivering for Morris Township doing a great job. We
talked about it earlier at the board of health how department after department delivers for our residents and does such a great job. Um and thank you Tim for uh for leading it all and uh and and running such a tight ship here. Um it it's really really great. And I also as
always want to thank the volunteers who come out and volunteer for all our boards and committees. Uh, you know, Morris Township doesn't just run with the governing body here and the employees that work at town hall, but we have tons of resident supported and volunteerrun
committees that provide a great service and and provide great input to all of us uh for the so that we can do the good work that we do. So, I want to thank all the volunteers for stepping up on behalf of the other residents in Morris Township um and thank them for their service for making our community a
better place for all of us. With that, happy holidays. Happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas, uh happy Quanza, whatever else everybody else might be celebrating, but uh have a great new year and look forward to 2026. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. So, I
just really have one quick update and that's just about the senior citizens um and their committee and uh this early in December. They always hold the senior club holds a lunchon. It's really nice. It brings out a lot of our seniors and we really appreciate um that they can
celebrate. So, it was nice to be there. Oh, and before I I have some closing remarks just about on how this year went, I do want to also quickly I have to give a shout out because as we continue to wrap up on the affordable housing, I just want to say we can't
thank all of our professionals enough and that includes um Paul Phillips and Liz Laney and Steve Warner, our attorney, and Jared Caner, who also helps out and Tim Quinn, who have just done an incredibly outstanding job in a
very short period of time. So, just want to thank them. As we approach the end of another year, I do want to take a moment to reflect on the dedicated support and involvement we've shared here in Mars Township. One of the reasons we continue to be such a
great town is because we do have people who engage and participate in a way that many other communities envy. Over the years, the change in the makeup of the township committee and the level of transparency has led to a much more inclusive environment that we always try
to improve upon. The early leadership of former mayors Jeff Gazelle, Kathy Wilson, followed by Mark Jory transformed a once handsoff, stop the noise, closed door approach, and they put an end to that. Committeeman Rabbits
and Janatada have always shared insight and history lessons that make all of us think deeper and give context to situations not all of us always consider. And as committeeman Rabbitz always wraps up his remarks, kindness is
the key at the end of the day. This year has been marked by significant accomplishments, but it's also been a time where the little victories have truly shown the strength and resilience of our community. We have seen employee retirements of some of our most valued
workers who dedicated many years of service to making Mars Township thrive every day. We've also seen our new employees step in and not skip a beat to continue the excellence that we require. We are so appreciative and thank our
township staff under the direction of Tim Quinn who not only keeps everyone rowing in the same direction, but he personally does things for his staff that go above and beyond to recognize their service. Our professionals fall into this same
category of excellence and perseverance. the diligence and determination of our planners, engineer, affordable housing attorney to meet every timeline, get the details right, and fine-tune every aspect of the affordable housing
obligations has been second to none. And I do have to include um our engineer Joe B in that. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the our men and women of our police, fire, EMS, and support staff
who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Your unwavering efforts towards safety and the community's well-being do not go unnoticed. Especially noting our DPW who at this time of year stay up late hours of the day and night to keep our roads
clear and make sure we can get our kids to school and we can all get to work on time. In our commitment to making our local government more open and inclusive, we have taken important steps to ensure that every voice is heard. from hosting coffee with the mayor,
addressing where we have fallen short on timely correspondence to residents and make improvements there, continually searching for new initiatives for more collaboration and feedback. We have always worked harder to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome
to share their thoughts and ideas. While we celebrate the larger milestones such as the navigation of our fourth round housing affordable housing commitment, the completion of our Collinsville playground, the prospect of our new community center and senior bus, the
worldclass Red Bulls facility, the successful initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and public safety and connectivity throughout the township. We must also recognize everyday contributions that make the town thrive. Whether it's a neighbor
helping another with a problem, growing our pride event, local businesses supporting our community events, volunteers organizing cleanup days, rallies, walks, and bike rides through our parks. These small acts of kindness
and collaboration play a vital role in our success. As we look ahead to the new year, let's continue to embrace this spirit of inclusivity and openness. Let's keep the lines of communication flowing and remain engaged in the
decisions that affect our lives. This will be a tough financial year coming up and we will need to be fiscally responsible for our efforts more than ever. But together, we can ensure that Mars Township not only succeeds in grand
initiatives, but flourishes in the everyday moments that define who we are. Thank you for your continued commitment to our community. We are all wishing you a very joyful h holiday season and a very prosperous new
year. Thank you all so much. At this time, we will open our second round of the public commentary. Is there a motion to open the public commentary? >> So move. >> All in favor? >> I >> I do need to add there are currently
four members that are joining us via Zoom and four that are here in person. So um if you raise your hand on Zoom if you would like to speak but we'll take residents here in person first. So would anybody like to approach the podium
>> and please state your name and if you're a resident or non-resident. >> Uh Lee Goldberg 10 excuse me 10 Arrowhead Road. Um good evening. Um just a quick question maybe Mark if you happen to know on the um the the smoker issue with the pipes and the galvanized and the lead is the galvanized issue is
it only galvanized that know I don't understand a lot about it that's leading up from the road to the house or is it also galvanized within houses or any sense on on that or so um SMUKA is
responsible for and according to their founding documents they're responsible for all pipe leading up to the curb stop. >> The curb stop. >> Uh however, um since the state mandated private utilities to replace from the curb stop
to the meter, um which is the private property, um the four towns believe that Smucka should be consistent with that approach since people living across the street from you and Floren Park will not have to pay a dime to replace their lines. But if you have galvanizer lead,
you'll have to pay 10 to 12,000, right? >> So, we're we're advocating for consistency and fairness, especially with folks with lead. Um, but yeah, so it it is there is potential that if you have lead or galvanized going to your home that you also have that in your home, >> correct?
>> So, um, but yeah, so um, we're advocating they replace to into the home >> to the meter to the >> the homeowner will have to replace whatever is in their home >> in their home. Okay. Thank you for clarifying that. I appreciate it. Um, >> can I add one? >> Sure. >> Can I add one comment to that? Uh,
recently we had some gas lines replaced in Morris Township right throughout the town. And just as another example, the the utility replaced the gas lines leading up to the meter on the house. U so if we followed that model, uh, as I and I agree with Mr. Jory and everything
that he says, um, we we should be replacing all the pipes up to the meter. We were sitting in handover two weeks ago and the water utility saying we have we're not replacing service lines on private property and I said PS&G was at my house today replacing my gas line to my meter for
free. So there's the precedent here. Residents don't care whether it's a water utility or the gas utility. They expect >> that if there's an issue that is dealing with the health and safety and well-being of the homeowner that the utility is gonna >> do the right thing and replace the line.
Okay. All right. Well, thank you for elaborating on that and also for the the leadership and coming together with the the other towns to to take on the topic. Appreciate it. Um I do just have a couple of questions on some of the resolutions tonight. So, um I'll just sort of um at the the treetops level try
to get an understanding of them. On the um the resolutions for Gregory and Styles app, I think it's about $400,000 in spend um total on here, if I'm calculating that correctly, are about 390. What what is that project or pumping station? Just a high level overview on what involved there or what
we're facing. >> Those are to measure the flow that we get from marsh planes. >> The flow >> sewer >> sewer flow, >> right? We take all the marsh planes of fluent and this is upgrading so that for the proper billing and to manage what
they're sending to our sewer plant, we know what we're getting. >> Okay. Gotcha. So, it's just an upgrade to existing infrastructure that's already there to >> That is correct. >> Okay. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Thank you so much. Um for resolution 26425
um references a settlement agreement between the township of Morris Ruo Acquis Rouso Acquisitions LLC and SL Acquisitions LLC. What's the just broad topic there? >> The old All Souls Hospital on Mount Campbell Avenue for an affordable
housing site along with market rate units. It was part of our third round. It did not get accomplished because of challenges um having the two municipalities together. Um it's part of our fourth round now and we've come to an agreement with the developer to meet
our obligation. >> To meet our obligation to meet part of our obligation on that site >> for affordable housing. Yes. >> On that particular site. >> That is correct. >> Okay. Thank you so much. That's super helpful. Um and then there's also you know there was a lot of talk earlier about affordable housing. Obviously
there's a lot upon us about it. There's another resolution that references a mediation agreement that was before the housing uh the affirmative housing dispute resolution uh committee. Was there a dispute about the affordable housing thing that we got resolved or
>> No, this is all all part of the process. >> Okay. So that's just a sort of administrative >> and it's basically confirming everything that the planning board did back in June that was then endorsed by the governing body and now adding make we had two projects from the third round that are
to make sure that they're going to be completed also. So it's just all part of the process and has to be done through December 31st. >> Very multi-threaded. Thank you so much. Um and one more resolution um for again it tied to affordable housing the sort
of topic of uh the moment um to take Mr. Phillips's um spend I guess from 25 to 115,000 not to exceed um I guess in the budget or how those monies get allocated that's a huge sort of jump. So is it correct to assume that we're expecting a
lot more work for him in the upcoming year affiliated with round four or is this for already services rendered or >> this was for the 2026 and putting everything together for our affordable housing plan. And yes, there will be more um going into 2026 because now we
have after our plan is determined to be compliant. We then have to start the process of doing all of the ordinances um and then there'll be more action before the planning board to approve those projects. So there's still quite a bit of work to be done. >> All right. >> But it does come from our affordable
housing trust fund. >> Okay. Thank you so much. Um to Mr. uh Rabbit's point earlier about good governance um and you know implementing good governance here in Mars Township. Um just an idea I know a number of years ago um we did a public session on how
the zoning boards and board of uh planning boards operate. There was some uh instruction and information provided to the public on affordable housing and co and what it all means. So I don't know if Mr. Phillips or somehow we can perhaps look to in 2026 get out in front of that and do a public session on the
new areas within town that might be impacted and just to sort of get out ahead of it. I think that would align with sort of good governance as well and I know be appreciated by a lot of folks. It's just a an idea you probably already thought about. I see you're shaking your heads. >> Yeah. No, we we actually even talked about it a little bit earlier tonight. We did the same when we did the original
just about all the new affordable housing when round four came up. But absolutely and we are committed to doing that. so the public okay >> has a better understanding and sooner in enough time so that >> all right super that'll be I believe super appreciated by many um and
educational as well um and just want to thank you all for your continued service on behalf of us all and the work and time that you uh dedicate to the residents of Mars Township to keep improving things here I appreciate your comments Donna on the sort of change in tone and tenor over the the the last I
don't know 8 n years however long time flies but um appreciate all the um the pushing of information to us um in the public. Um and lastly, uh to your point about losing some professionals, want to just also um personally thank um Sonia Santiago, who I know is leaving us. I've
been serving with her on the zoning board and um been in probably hundreds of meetings with her over the last uh 25 years and I've certainly learned a lot from her and she's been an invaluable resource to myself and to many in the public as well as to the many applicants that come before us. and uh she's really
done an amazing job of uh work ethic, attention to detail, and keeping things running smoothly. So, she's going to be uh sorely missed, but naturally we wish her well as long as well as um Dave Hansen who left us earlier this year and uh Jim Slate all who gave tremendous
contributions uh and were a help to me um and to many residents throughout the year. So, we appreciate their time and attention here in the township. Wish them the best and have a happy holidays. Well, thank you. And uh yeah, she definitely was one of the best. And Mr. Goldberg, I'm glad I bumped into you at
the winter market and said, "Gee Lee, we haven't seen you in a while. Why haven't you come?" >> So, appreciate you coming out. Really do. Um it's good to see you. Always appreciate your comments and your insight. So, thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else here in person who
would like to approach the podium? Hi, Charlie Shaker, 10 Raleigh Court. Uh, I've been a resident of Morris Township for 21 years now and I love living here and appreciate what the government does and uh all of your work. I know all of you somewhat personally
and uh I again thank you for, you know, another great year. Um, I'm here because I'd like to speak about an issue that is at the intersection of the environment, which I care a lot about, and also our health, which we also, all of us, I
think, care a lot about. Um, specifically, that issue is the gas powered leaf blower. I know many people have come and spoken to you about this already. Um, or at least a few have. And I know that it became a big issue during the pandemic when everyone was home and
and noise is really what I think drove people to uh come to you probably for some kind of resolution. Uh I'm while I'm concerned about noise and noise is a legitimate health issue, uh I think that we're ignoring a much greater health issue which is the air pollution that
these devices create which is really uniquely harmful and um dangerous. Uh, I've learned a lot about this subject and as a result I've decided to advocate for some sort of a change here in Morris
Township where we at least consider some level of regulation of these devices. Um, I recently met with a group of people from both uh Chattamborough and Chattam Township as well as Madison.
Uh all three of those communities are making um are starting to consider this idea as well. And these are clearly our neighbors and our peers and um people with whom I would hope we have uh
the same kinds of values and thoughts. Um so in that regard I've done the following. I've started a petition and I just want to say that um I am acting on my own behalf. if I'm not acting as a part of the environmental commission in
doing this. So, I started a commission, a petition, excuse me, um asking people to support the idea that Morris Township should regulate uh two-stroke gas engine leaf blowers on some level. That of course would be up
to you. But I think that beginning to think about this issue and thinking about how we can start addressing it is the right first step. Um I uh have recommendations of course about how they could be regulated uh and
I would love to present those regul those ideas of uh what the solution is as well as more details about the problem. Um, so if possible, I would love to um see if I could get a time at one of your future meetings in the
spring uh to discuss this issue and and basically offer a presentation uh 25 minutes to give you uh facts and um talk to about what other communities are doing and really open up this
subject for discussion uh because I think its time has come. And like I said, this is not about noise or nuisance or or any of those things. This is really about public health. And I think that we're going to look back on
these things in a few more years, maybe 5 or 10 years, uh the way we look at indoor smoking today. Uh no one would ever think about lighting up a cigarette in this room, but I'm sure 20, 30, 40 years ago that happened regularly. So,
um, that's really what I wanted to to talk to you guys about. And, um, and again, request, I don't know how this is done, if there's a formal process, uh, but I wanted to request a time where I could give you guys a little bit more
information and again perhaps open up a discussion. >> So, Charlie, certainly we're open to s hearing a presentation and, you know, you and I sat down and had have talked about this a little. So um always the township committee is very willing to
hear uh what you have to say and I do want to let you know that even with the surrounding municipalities we do get together the mayors and talk about some of these issues. So as the Chadams and Madison are also looking into this. So certainly in the new year I would say
you know um it's something that we would definitely I know you've done a lot of research on it and you have a lot of information that you would like to share. certainly willing to to listen and learn more and >> I would appreciate that very much and I don't want to take any valuable time from you know maybe in January you have
a reorganization meeting and that's got you know time >> probably further around >> if we can do something in the spring I would be more than happy uh I will bring with me at that time other people to speak about this uh again I've already
started to gather um I think a significant number of signatures that I hope to get many many many more uh before I come back and um I might even invite for example uh I went to a meeting in Maplewood. >> Mr. Shack, you have 30 seconds. >> Sorry. Where the uh head of the
department of public works in Maplewood uh talked about their experience of transitioning to all electric and it has been 100% positive for them and he's willing to attest to that fact. Again, he's the director of the DPW in Maplewood. So, thank you for your time and again best wishes for a happy
holidays and a and a happy new year. >> Thank you. Same to you. >> Is there anyone else? >> Mayor, can I make a comment, please? Thank you. Um, so thank you, Mr. Shakar. I I too uh would love to see some kind of ban on leaf blowers. Uh I I I hate
the noise and I hate the pollution myself. Uh so, thank you for your efforts there. Uh but I think back to when we started talking about banning plastic bags and we got together with Chattam Township and Chattam Burough and Madison and we as as four communities, I
believe it was all four communities came together at once and did a plastic bag ban uh together and we agreed on what the limitations should be and that was an impetus I think for the state to start moving forward on that front too. So if we could work together with the
other towns in coming together on deciding what works uh best for some kind of ban um a limited ban we might start with uh I think that would be a great approach working with the other towns to do that. I I and you and I have spoken also. One of the considerations
we have here in Morris Township is there are some very large properties and you know it's okay to do that. It's easy to do that in Maplewood when everybody's got like a much much smaller quarter acre lot in Maplewood. Uh when you have multi-acre lots here in Morris Township, it is much more difficult and we just
have to be cognizant of what those homeowners go through as well. Um so maybe there'll be a little dispensation for for larger lots. Um, but we need to we need to take a step forward. We need to find we find a way to to clean our
air in our community. Um, so anyway, thank you. I'll leave it there. Thank you and look forward to further discussion. >> Thank you >> again. Jennifer Nielsen, 17 Eggbrate Avenue. Since I'm here, I want to say I am also a thousand% in favor of leaf
blower bands. It's terrible for the men mostly who carry those as well and it's healthier for the soils. And so I'll be uh signing your petition and helping you. And also thank you so much for the you're absolutely right. The services in
this town are are spectacular. My husband and I are always thanking you in to each other. So thank you for everything you do. >> Thank you. We we really appreciate the feedback. Anyone else here in person?
Seeing no hands raised, may I have a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. The time is now 7:50. Can I have a motion to adjourn the regular session? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Next to convene on Wednesday, January. Our next meeting will convene on Wednesday, January 7th, 2025 at 7 p.m. for the reorganiz >> 2026. Oh, 2026. 2026 for the
reorganization meeting right here in the municipal building. Our next regularly scheduled township committee meeting will be Wednesday, January 21st, 700 p.m. right here as well. So, thank you all very much everybody. Have a great holiday season. Take care, be safe, and
we will see you in 2026. Good night. >> Thank you for coming out everybody.