I call to order the regular meeting of the township committee of the township of Mars this Wednesday Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. 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, notice of this meeting was emailed to the daily record and Mars Newsby on January 8th, 2026 and posted on the Township of Mars website. The agenda and resolutions for this meeting are available on marswp.com
under the agenda center. Certain portions of this meeting may be closed to the public for purposes of personnel and/or other matters as outlined in the sunshine law. Notice to members of the governing body and the township staff, any use of electronic devices during
this meeting shall be used solely for the purposes of township business and any communications are open to the are subject to the open public records act. Madame clerk, roll call, please. >> Mr. Griselle, >> here. >> Mr. Ravitz, >> here. >> Mr. Janata,
>> here. >> Mayor Griglia, >> here. >> Please rise if you are able for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> I think it's to keep it from getting tougher. >> Yeah. Oh, I'm sorry. Could we please I'd like
to call up Caner Galit Dadum Cohen of Temple Temple Benet or And could everybody please stand for the invocation. May the one who blessed our ancestors Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob, Rachel and Leia, bless all those
who are here today and all who are called to lead with good faith and responsibility. Our prophets have been our role models guiding us in the commandments of the divine. The prophet Micah teaches to always do what is good as it is written.
It has been told to you what is good and what is asked of you. To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. May these ancient words of wisdom guide this sacred moment. Today, as leadership is entrusted in
responsibility accepted, may justice be pursued in principle and in action. May those elected to serve be instilled with insight and understanding, perseverance and patience. May we be inspired to work together in pursuit of our community's greatest aspirations.
We are thankful for the dedication and generous spirit that brings these people before us, prepared to devote their energy to service. May compassion and humility steady their every decision. May those who serve do so with integrity, courage, and a deep awareness
of the lives placed in their care. May service strengthen our community, uplift dignity, and bring us closer to a society shaped by responsibility, compassion, and hope. I am honored to bless those who are gathered here and
our entire community with words of blessing from Torah. May God bless you and protect you. May God's presence shine upon you and be gracious to you. Shalom.
May the eternal grant all of us peace. In Jewish tradition, it is our custom to acknowledge moments of bursts with a blessing of gratitude, recognizing the uniqueness of this moment in time and elevating to holiness. So, I'd like to
conclude by saying, "Blessed are you, eternal our God, sovereign of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment." And together we all say, "Amen." Amen. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> At this time, we will proceed with the swearing in of Township Committee member Samantha G. Rothman. Just before we call up uh Miss Rothman to come forward to take the oath administered by attorney Jared Caner and we'll have her family
come join her and to hold the Quran for the ceremony. I just wanted to quickly say Samantha is a longtime resident with years of service and volunteerism. She wants to help make Mars Township feel like home for everyone. She is dedicated
to help small business thrive in our community. She has seen the changes over the years and has an understanding of municipal land use law. She has served on the board of adjustment and has a strong commitment to environmental issues. Her background brings an array
of expertise that will benefit all of us. And she recognizes there is an obligation on our part to be prepared for the many stressful and challenging events that are even more prominent in our everchanging world. So Samantha,
will you please step up near the podium and Mr. Caner and could we please have Samantha's husband and son are here? Correct. on the Torah and right hand up. You Samantha Rothman solemnly swear that
you will support the Constitution United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and will bear faith and allegiance to the same and the government's established United States and this state under the authority of the people. So help me God. >> I do. >> Repeat after me. I, Samantha Rothman,
>> I Samantha Rothman, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially and justly >> impartially and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of committee member of the township committee of the township of Morris
>> of committee member of the township committee of the township of Morris >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. >> THANK YOU. GO ON PICTURE. >> NO, NO. I want her to everybody to go
now. Congratulations, Samantha. Madame clerk, roll call, please. >> Mr. Griselle, >> here. >> Mr. Janata, >> here. >> Mr. Rabbitz, >> here. >> Miss Rothman, >> here. >> Mayor Griglia, >> here. At this time, we will now proceed
with the swearing in of our Mars Township firefighter, Aiden Fernandez. Chief Nun, will you please approach the podium? And firefighter Fernandez, will you please come forward to take the oath of office?
administer today and you will join and who you'll do the who's doing the oath? Jared. >> Jared. Okay. >> Okay. >> Good evening everyone and thank you for being here tonight for the swearing in of a committee meeting. I'm Chief Mike
Johnson Fire Department and on behalf of the department, I'd like to extend uh my sincere thanks to the township committee for their continued support um for our staffing. In addition to that, administrator Kim Point,
your your commitment plays a vital role in ensuring that we can effectively serve and protect our community. So, I thank you sincerely for your support as you continue to move forward. um nuclear fire. It's my pleasure to introduce tonight probationary firefighter agent
Fernandez. Probationary firefighter Fernandez has proudly served the fire service for the past four years and has been dedicated member of the Mars fire department for the past two and a half years. Originally from counterwork, New Jersey, firefighter Fernandez developed a strong
interest in public service at an early age and has continued to pursue that commitment through his involvement in the fire service. uh over the course of the last several years prior to joining the fire department
completed diesel technician apprentichip and earned multiple manufacturer certificates he's worked in the field for the past 5 years and brings valuable mechanical knowledge that supports will support he
doesn't know that yet firefighter Fernandez firefighter one teaching county fire academy where he gained the foundational skills and knowledge required to serve in safety fire service as he does today. During his time at the
department, firefighter Fernandez has demonstrated dedication, reliability, and strong willingness to learn. He continues to train and grow every day since he started act
great asset started to train through his probationary in addition to his firefighter responsibility probationary fire emergency medical technician certificate the March minimum
first stage training will allow him to provide both fire emergency to all the members of community department. I look forward to continued service. >> Yes. And >> else you want to
do Aiden Fernandez solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and will bear faith and allegiance to the same to the government established in the United States and in this state under the authority of the people. So help you God.
Repeat after me. I, Aiden Fernandez, >> I Aiden Fernandez, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially and justly >> impartially >> and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of probationary firefighters of
probationary firefighters >> of the Township of Morris Fire Department of the Township of Morris Fire Department >> according to the best of my ability. That's my building. So help me. >> Thank you. You have to sign Aiden and just quickly this
>> so committ committee Aman Rabbits and I are on the fire committee and we just always want to say um not only congratulations but again to all the firefighters especially to their families. Um we are so proud and honored
to share this with you. Um we appreciate the dedication and we know that you go out there every day. every time you're out there, you're putting your lives on the line to do what's best for all of our residents and to keep us safe and to continue to do that work and to move up in the fire department is something
extremely special. So, on behalf of the whole township committee, congratulations to all of our firefighters in the room, to all of the families for all of your support, all the sacrifice, and everything you do. You definitely are probably, you know,
you're one of our most prominent employees along with our police officers and EMS in the town. We really do appreciate it. Mr. B, do you have anything else? >> I don't think I can add anything to what the mayor just said. It's so great that
uh we have Aiden getting his fire department badge in front of brothers and sisters and his family and we absolutely cherish our uh our first responders here in the town and and Aiden is going to be an excellent
addition to the Mars Township's bravest. Thank you. CONGRATULATIONS. >> OKAY. >> You want the tangent committee members go first? It's up to you. Just I can take and put this however you want.
>> No, I think we'll do that. Okay. >> First, right? So, uh, the next item on our agenda, um, is one that we're very excited and that is at this point we are going to
recognize former mayor and committeeman Mark Jory for his service to Mars Township. So, Mr. Jorphy, would you please come forward? Mark was on the township committee from 2019 through 2026.
Okay. So >> you can't imagine how many things when we have a committee member like Mark, how many different things and how much recognition um there is. So this might take a little bit but absolutely welld deserved. So,
the first thing that I just want to say before we even read the resolution um is when I first got a call from at the time Mayor Mark Jory to discuss I was being appointed to the township committee. I remember hanging up the
phone and thinking to myself, this man, young man is certainly impressive beyond his years. His passion to commit to change for the better is matched by his level of integrity and ethical practice in all that he does. While everyone
thought Mark would be on the tangent committee for a very long time, I knew the minute that I began working with him and it probably at the third meeting sitting on the deis thinking this kid's going somewhere. He's not staying on the
Mars stative committee very long. Um, and it was no surprise when he did call me to let me know that he would be transitioning to the governor's office after Mikey Cheryl won the election. There is no doubt that Mark will bring
that same level of excellence to his new job while also staying true to the town he grew up in, the town he served on the township committee, and where he continues to serve as a lieutenant in the fire department. On behalf of the
township committee, we want to recognize you. So the first thing we have for you, which I will read aloud, is a rec is a resolution number 86-26. >> We're at 86 already getting some things done. Even though
in recognition and appre appreciation of Mark J. Jorphy. Whereas Mark Jorphy, longtime resident of Mars Township, was first elected to the committee in 2018. And whereas the township committee selected Mr. Jory to serve as mayor in
2022 and again in 2023, making him the youngest mayor in the community's history. And whereas during his years of service, he served on numerous standing committees including communications, finance, parks and wreck, personnel,
public works, sewer, and acted as a liaison to the office of emergency management. And whereas Mr. Jorphy was instrumental in securing funding from Congress to rebuild the Collinsville playground and champion efforts to ensure the project would be completed.
And whereas Mr. Jorphy led the effort to acquire the dream Jean Street location for the proposed community center and was pi pivotal in helping to secure the township's senior bus. And whereas he partnered with American Legion to create
Mars Township's hometown heroes pro honoring our veterans. And whereas Mr. Jorphy also served the community, continues to serve the community as a longtime volunteer firefighter with the Hillside Hose Company number one. And
whereas Mr. Jory resigned from the township committee effective February 6th, 2026 to accept a position in the office of Governor Mikey Cheryl. And whereas the township committee desires to formally acknowledge his dedicated
service to the township and its residents and extend best wishes in his future endeavors. Now therefore be it resolved by the township committee of the township of Mars County of Mars, state of New Jersey that is hereby
express that it it hereby expresses sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mark J. Dorphy for his service and contributions to Mars Township and wishes him continued success. So at this
time Sue would you please on behalf of the township committee we would like to present Mark with a key to the city to the township of BEFORE you get to say anything, we do have a
couple other people here. So, at this time, Assemblywoman Sweeney, do you want to come forward? >> Okay, get that out of your way. That's yours. This is mine. >> So, here, why don't you come around this
side? No, that's okay. >> Um, and just a second. >> Well, give a speech. You ready? >> Sure. >> I just kind of need assembly done.
>> Oh, okay. So, we were waiting to see as maybe going to make it, but she's not. But, um, anyway, we'll read this, but you can hold this because Marissa from the This is from the legislative 25th. No, it's not for you. Um,
dear Mark, we wanted to congratulate you on your wonderful career serving on the Mars Township Committee, and on your new role as chief of staff for the Department of Insurance and Banking. For the last eight years, you have helped strengthen the community by supporting local projects, building partnerships
with local organizations, and advancing initiatives that improve the quality of life for Mars Township residents. Your work has made a lasting impact on the township and the people who call it home. Your commitment to public service and to the people of Mars Township will
undoubtedly serve you well as you embark on this new role. On behalf of Legislative District 25, we are pleased to recognize your public service and have prepare prepared an official ceremonial resolution to acknowledge your career as mayor and a member of the
township committee. Best wishes for continued success in your new role. Sincerely, Senator Anthony Mbuko, Assemblywoman Ora K. Dunn, and Assemblywoman Marissa Sweeney. >> So, congratulations.
Absolutely. Yes. >> And uh Assemblywoman, would you like to make any remarks or >> uh Yes, absolutely. >> I will go. >> Yeah. Sorry, I didn't know that I was going to be up here. I would have changed out of my yoga clothes for this. So, sorry about that. Um Mark, it's
really uh something special to have you uh in the administration with Mikey Cheryl, especially. I feel like you're the hometown hero here. um somebody that can represent us here in Morris County. I live 10 minutes away from here. So like the idea like it really is like this homegrown hero that we have. Um and
I think you set an example for a lot of local people here like that it that it can be done that there is a path to moving up and to realizing dreams and to making things um what you hope them to be on a higher level and to be part of that in a really special way in
government. So we're all really lucky to have you. It's unfortunate that we're losing you on the town council, but we're getting you in a bigger, more impactful role, and I think we're all lucky for it. So, thank you. >> YES. >> Thank you, Commissioner.
>> So, again, we're going to make you hold off before you can say anything. So, the first thing we're going to do though is we will go down the deis. We have a couple other speakers that have asked to speak and they'll come forward. But um I I think we'll start actually with
committeeman Raiselle. >> Hi. >> Hello Mark. Uh it's been uh since 2018 when you and I ran it together and it was an honor to uh run with you and serve with you and uh as as the mayor
said uh we always looked to you and saw that there was a lot of potential and it's really great to see you moving up um helping the state moving up from Morris Township and helping the broader community at the state level uh to do the good work of the administration. Um, best of luck to you and the entire
administration uh fixing so many problems in the state. Um, I think the your division is in good hands and uh, I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you around town. >> Committee Rabbitz. >> Thank you, Mayor. it. I think a
testament to to Mark's work is all sitting here right in the room with his brothers and sisters in the department, members of the Mars County and the Mars Township Democratic Committee and the wonderful dignitaries who have sent
letters. So, uh, I will certainly echo all of that, but in my own words, I'll say there are some people that are just born politicians and Bill and Hillary Clinton or or and Barack Obama are just just a couple of them that come immediately come to mind. Um, and few of
us get to meet such people and I have uh Mark Jory is one of them. Mark is a kingmaker and that's for sure. As his deputy mayor, I I learned the good and the bad side of politics. In other words, I learned a lot from Mark, and
I'm thankful I did because it opened my eyes from being a naive activist to a seasoned activist slashp politician. Mark was part of a team that was instrumental in transforming the township committee from red to blue and
writing so many wrongs of the past generations. His accomplishments during those years have been instrumental to where we find ourselves in our township today, and that is under good stewardship. When Mark called me to tell me that he was resigning to take a
position in Governor Cheryl's administration, I told him I wasn't surprised and that he was destined to follow her to the White House one day. He's playing in a bigger league now and though I doubt he'll ever be far
from Mars Township politics, I wish him luck in the better in the bigger leagues. Thank you, Mark, for your service to the community. >> Committee man, Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you, Mark. I'm grateful for your dedication to the your hometown, both as
a firefighter and then in holding elected office as a township committeeman. You have been effective as many have acknowledged here. Although you are the same age as my son. But in spite of that, you have been an inspiration to me during my time on the
committee and you have given support and guidance for me which I appreciate. We will all miss you here, but we know you're going to do great things for our state. Also, this is farewell for to a fellow Morristown High alumnist and a welcome to another one, Samantha
Rothman. Thank you. >> Thank you, Committee Woman Rothman. >> Mark, I have to say that beyond being a capable politician, as Bud said, and an admirable leader, you're a good human.
And that means more than anything. Um, to be a true leader, you have to have integrity and heart and genuinely care about your community and put yourself before others. And that to me is exactly
what you do. I think everything that you've done for the community, both, you know, volunteering for the fire department, volunteering here, has been an act of love for your neighbors and I just have so much respect for that. Um, you know, in hearing behind the scenes
how you got things accomplished. I have a lot to learn. Um, I will be calling you. Um, I am humbled and honored to be sitting where you sat and I look forward to many conversations in the future. Good luck with everything.
>> Thank you. At this time, I would like to welcome former Mayor Kathy Wilson to the podium for remarks. I'll face this way. Good evening everyone. Uh my name is Kathy Wilson and I did serve on the township committee with Mark from 2019
to 2023. I'm thrilled to be here tonight to honor Mark and to recognize his many contributions to our town. Mark and I first met it was about 10 years ago I think. Right. Um at that time Mark was
living in Washington DC. He was working in Congress as a legislative staffer for then New Jersey Congressman Albo Cir. Mark's advisory responsibilities in that role included homeland security, veterans affairs, and
financial services. One day as Mark was watching the floor debate in the House of Representatives, he was stunned to realize that our then CD11 Congressman Rodney Freelingheisen was advocating for a bill that would
make it easier for people with mental illness to purchase firearms. Having followed local politics in Morris Township from afar for several years, Mark decided to reach out and let me know what was going on. I'm so glad you
did that. Um, through emails and phone calls, Mark gave me a complete briefing on this issue. Summary, background, bullet points, recommended next steps. I took Mark's suggestions and I turned them
into one of my opeds. That piece in turn was published in the local press and helped give our residents an early heads up on an issue of widespread concern. And with that, Mark and I were in touch and our tag team pattern of working
together began. In 2018, as the then chair of the Morris Township Democratic Committee, I was all over recruiting Mark to run for township committee. By then, he had left Washington. had moved back to Morris Township. Mark was a
fantastic candidate except for his time in Washington. He had lived in Morris Township his whole life, having served as a volunteer in our fire department since I believe you were 16. Is that right? Uh Mark knew every neighborhood in our
town like the back of his hand. Even in his mid20s, Mark had deep roots with the people, the character, and the history of our town. After he and Mark and Jeff won this election, Mark became the youngest person ever in the history of our town to serve on the township
committee and also later the youngest mayor ever. Um, in the years that followed as one of his colleagues on the township committee, I was astonished by the skills and energy that Mark brought to this work. His professional
background with communication and legislation was a huge asset. One of the first projects I remember working on with Mark was developing a a communication plan for the years ahead. Mark took the lead on this project. He initiated the meetings. He invited and
synthesized input and ideas from many different people. He produced a written plan that was super helpful in guiding our ongoing efforts to improve communication with residents. Having worked on on my own to initiate video coverage of township committee meetings
in Mars Township, I was especially grateful for this planned support to expand our video coverage to include planning board and zoning board meetings and other large public information meetings as well. Over the years, Mark
spearheaded our work on a countless number of ordinances and resolutions that have that advanced our initiatives on topics such as land use, the environment, and transportation. Uh Mark also played a key role in many
many other initiatives including the development of our senior citizens advisory committee as mentioned our hometown heroes initiative of course his work with Mikey Cheryl to bring federal dollars to Morris Township to support the renovation of the Collinsville
playground um and many other things as well. It's hard to believe that this is just a partial list of all the different projects and impacts that Mark brought to our town during the eight years. I believe it was eight years you served on
the township committee. This is an extraordinary set of accomplishments for anyone of any age, let alone someone who's still in their early 30s. Mark is truly an amazing human being. I'm so
glad you decided to reach out to me all those years ago. Earlier today, I spoke with Peter Manusa. He asked me to mention that he joins all of us who are here tonight in thanking Mark for the many contributions
to our town. Uh Peter also joins all of us in wishing you the best um in as you continue your service in Trenton and who knows where after that in the years ahead. Congratulations and
huge thanks from all of us. If we could now have the Democratic the Morris County Democratic chairperson Darcy Drager come up please. >> Oh yeah. So speaker could be a lot.
>> Sorry Kathy was looking for good. I like to make it a rule to never speak after Kathy because I can never match her eloquence. Um, so I will just be brief. Um, it's really great to see young whippers snappers like Mark Jory
succeed against his youth and and all other odds. Um, it is a privilege to recognize him. He has not only been a great friend but also a smart, steady, and thoughtful leader within Morris Township and within the county as a whole. Um many of us
have relied on his advice um and guidance over the years and you know as we have all heard he has been the township's youngest mayor. Um he has had a a huge impact on the community with advancing initiatives on sustainability, community engagement and public safety
and he has consistently shown unwavering dedication to both his community and our shared values. He is truly a role model for everyone um with his commitment to public service. Um as far as the Morris County Democratic Committee goes, uh
Mark has just been an invaluable voice uh for myself um as a chair for our new electeds, for our municipal chairs, um giving us insight into the processes that go on with elected governance, advice in how to run, advice and in how
to deal with complicated, complex issues. um his clear and recent guidance in helping uh his contributions have strengthened our local government and party and his presence will be deeply missed. Um and at the same time, we are excited to see him take on his new
challenges as chief of staff at the New Jersey banking and insurance uh department. I am deeply jealous with a background in regulatory uh compliance implementation. This just really sounds dreamy to me. Um I don't know how many people hear like the words banking and
insurance and are just like but um I know that that he is just going to go there and he is going to bring the same uh intelligence, compassion, heart and talent to Trenton and I am really excited to see what you do next. So
Mark, thank you so much. Thank you, Darth. >> I do want to recognize here tonight we do have the Morris Township Democratic Chair George Quillin is here as well as Mars Plains Mayor Jason Carr. If either of you or anyone from the audience would
like to come forward and you have any remarks, please feel free to do so. >> Excuse you. Uh Jason Carr, mayor of Morris Plains. And uh Mark, it's uh it's been a pleasure working with you on your with
your on your tenure uh here on the on the Davis uh for Morris Township. We worked very well together. You called me, I called you. We had a great relationship. The fire and the passion that you brought on behalf of the residents of Morris Township to meetings or events or issues was unprecedented.
So the residents of Morris Plains or or Morris Township are losing are losing that but the residents of the state are gaining that. So the only thing I can say is look out the banks and insurance companies. >> I know.
>> Is there anybody else? >> Um Rio, would you like to come on? is like, "Can I get out of here?" So, Mark, at this time, um, I would like to turn the mic over to you. >> Thank you, Mayor.
>> You're welcome. >> Hi, everyone. >> Sorry to keep you past 7:30 for the folks who are here for the swearing in and for Sam swearing in. Um, and thank you, Mayor Greg, for putting everything together and everyone who
came out tonight. Um, for those who uh have followed me or followed the township committee or have been in meetings when I was mayor know that I value time a lot and I value our residents time and um, sorry, I'm trying
to just adjust this, you know, and I I don't like to waste people's time and uh, whether it was for me running my meetings uh, as you know, efficiently as I could or sending out my mayor's newsletter uh, using smart brevity and just keep giving you only the facts you
need to know and not trying to uh you know belabor any points or anything like that. Uh I really um just am grateful for the time that I've gotten from so many residents um that I want to talk a bit tonight and I'm going to keep you
here a little bit longer uh because so many people gave time out of their lives for me uh to get me to where I am today. Um and I want to make sure they know that how much I appreciate that. Um, first I'd like to um thank my wife,
Kelly, who has been u my biggest supporter. Um, Kelly and I have been together since high school. We've been together over half our lives and she uh aside from being a two-term first lady of Mars Township has put up with seven
years of me being home maybe once or twice uh a week at night because I was uh at doing fire department training or I was in meetings here or township committee meetings or advisory committee meetings or political events or community events
uh and uh I wouldn't have able to do this if it weren't for Kelly's saintlike patience with me, her support, and her brutally honest feedback on my performance every step of the way. Uh, she is every reason
why our our 2-year-old son, Leo, is becoming everything we've ever dreamed our son to be. So, thank you, Kelly, for everything. Uh thank you to my family who is here with me tonight up front. My parents Barbara and John who have always supported me no matter what I've ever
wanted to do. Uh I actually one of after the township Democratic committee meeting um before it was when I was decided to run for township committee with working with Kathy. I went home and told my mom I think I'm running for township committee and she said well do
you have to and uh a family that was very apolitical and never wanted to get involved all of a sudden were sprung into action to write letters to their neighbors, tell their friends, make phone calls for me, host phone banks, and raise money. Uh
so, thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything you've done, for raising me here in Mars Township, and teaching me everything that I've learned. Um yes. I HAVE my uncle Johnny here as well, uh, who is the reason why I got involved in
politics. Uh, he helped prep me for my first debate in 8th grade history class at Assumption School for the whatever presidential race there was that year. Um, thank you, Uncle Johnny, for everything. Thank you, Uncle Conrad, for your support. uh
Olar grew up in Jersey City under Frank Heg. So anyone who knows polit politics uh knows what kind of uh I guess uh not necessarily the governments who uh you know epitomize uh but uh my uncle Conrad uh really spurred my interest in a lot
of things and he's always been a huge supporter of mine. So thank you uncle Connor for being here. My mother-in-law Kathy who's I've known since high school as well. It was interesting dating Kelly in high school and Kathy being a high school teacher in the same school. So that was fun. Uh but thank you Kathy for
everything. Uh and I know I have family online too. My my sister and my brother are online uh who've always uh kept me honest uh throughout my life. Um and also my aunt Sue too who wrote a lot a lot of postcards to township residents
on my behalf during my campaigns. Um, thank you, Mayor Geriglia, uh, for everything and our partnership. Um, Donna and I ran together. Uh, and she was the best running mate we I could ever had. She we were her and I were
always on the same page. Uh, we were no nonsense. We didn't waste anyone's time. We knew what we wanted to do. We were effective and we worked really well together. and I'm so happy that uh you're you're you know continuing to lead the township committee in in Mars
Township. Thank you for everything and for your partnership. >> Okay. Good night, Leo. Leo's bedtime was 7:00. It's uh he's a little grouchy. Uh and I will be waking up at 5 tomorrow morning when he wakes up. Um thank you, Jeff. Jeff uh and I have worked together
for a long time. Jeff and I, while we were first adversaries in our primary in 2018, we came together and we worked together to win in the general election. Thank you, Jeff, for everything that you've done um and taught me in Mars
Township politics and on the township committee. It's been a great partnership. Thank you, Bud, for everything as well. Bud and I sat through endless meetings uh with the parks and recck department and our consultants on the Collinsville playground site plan and everything uh
dealing with the parks and recck department. Thank you, Bud, for all of your hard work and determination on our township on on behalf of the township and for sitting through all of our meetings on Friday mornings at 8 a.m. which I did before I had to go to work at 9:00 uh sitting there with Tim Quinn. So, thank you very much for that. Steve,
it's been an absolute pleasure working with you. Um, and I've really enjoyed your perspective on the township from a historical preservation perspective and an environmental perspective. You've always had extremely thoughtful uh uh feedback and advice for us and I'm just
so grateful to have been able to serve with you. And Sam, congratulations. Uh, I'm extremely happy for you. Um, I probably asked Sam to run for township committee maybe seven times. So, uh,
eighth times the charm. Thank you, Sam, for everything and uh looking forward to seeing everything that you do and accomplish. Um I also just want to thank all my colleagues on the volunteer boards and committees that I've worked with over the years from the planning board, the parks and rec board, the transportation advisory committee.
And I would not uh have started this journey in public office if it weren't for Kathy Wilson uh who obviously just spoke, but she gave you a little background on our back on how we got to know each other. Um, and Kathy encouraged me to run in 2018, uh,
shortly after I moved back, and she has had without a doubt a lasting legacy on our governing body since we took the majority several years ago. um not only um all the work she did recruiting
candidates, leading our party, organizing volunteers, building up a base for candidates like myself to be successful. Uh Kathy, I owe a lot of this to you and several people on the deis also do. So, thank you for everything you've done, all the
countless uh meetings you've been in and sleepless nights you've had. Uh thank you for everything, Kathy. Um, I I'll never forget on election night in 2018, Kathy and I and 10 other volunteers were phone banking the hour before the polls
closed. Uh, and I remember sitting there with you and Peter Gallerstein and George Quillin, uh, Genie, you might have been there, Diane Hall and probably Melanie, and we were all just calling every single person on our call list. And at the same time, my mom was having a phone phone bank with my uncles, uh,
and our our friends, uh, my brother's friends, everyone we knew. And, uh, I've never had that a feeling like that in the world where people are just taking time out of their days to support you. Uh, so, thank you, Kathy, for everything that you've done to get me to where I am
today. I also want to thank my treasurer. I don't, she's not here. She never wants uh she doesn't like attention, but uh anyone who's run in for office knows the toughest thing to do is to find a treasurer who will actually manage your money and file your
ELAC reports so you don't get locked up in prison. Uh Sharon was phenomenal and all she wants she doesn't want any recognition. She just wants to be the treasurer and that's her contributions. Thank you, Sharon, for everything you've done for me over the past eight years
and doing all the work you have behind the scenes. Uh you and John have always been tremendous supporters of mine. Thank you. Um and thank you to all the Township Democratic committee members who are here in Mars County committee members. Uh you really are like another family to me. We have all known each
other for for for some time now and I just value your friendship um so much and all the time you put together for me and on behalf of me. Thank you for everything. I mentioned uh brutal honesty a little
bit before uh and I think uh it's safe to say I get the most unfiltered and unsolicited feedback from my brothers and sisters in the fire department especially my friends at Hillside Hose Company. Uh and I'm glad David Schustster was here because uh is here tonight because I get all of it from him
most of the time. Thank you. Thank you Dave. He want to know why we're all what we're all being while we're all asked to be here tonight. So thank you for keeping me honest. Um, I can always count uh on on uh my my firefighters to to let me know what they
think about the town and what what what they think uh is happening. And while I had to recuse myself from fire department matters from the deis, I am proud that I was able to work as the OEM leaison to advance the purchase of the life-saving Luca system uh and devices
that our firefighters and police officers now have uh to use for CPR emergencies. Um, in addition to supporting this muchneeded funding uh for this device that I know is used uh very frequently and I know Mike Zucker had a lot to do with it obviously with
Chief Nun. Um, there are other things that we did for the fire department that I am proud uh to have supported indirectly from fixing roofs that have leaked at our fire stations for years and years to replacing siding uh to working with the Cheryl administration
to use our American Rescue Plan funding to fund our ladder truck replacement years ago. Um, I obviously feel a, you know, a huge connection with the fire department and my brothers and sisters. And, um, there are things that while I'm up here, um, I want people to know cuz
not a lot of people do, and that's that firefighters have a higher rates of cancer diagnosis and mortality than the general US population uh, significantly. Uh, and that's largely driven by exposures from a carcinogens, but not necessarily from fire scenes. is from
exposures just through their day-to-day work. Uh they can be from overhauling on a scene. Uh they could just be around the toxic chemicals that are around the fire stations that we have to use. And most, you know, concerning to me is they
get exposed to PFAS forever chemicals from the very gear they wear every day. Uh, and I am grateful for the township committee for be supporting the replacement of the turnout gear uh that our firefighters both paid and unpaid
wear. Uh, and I ask for your continued support to replace this uh this gear that our firefighters are exposed to day in and day out. Uh, we ask our volunteers to show up for free to save our tax dollars taxpayers money. We we
owe it to them to fund gear that's not going to get them sick. Um I'd also just like to say our firefighters as well a lot of times go out on the rig alone. We are in a volunteer crisis in the state and in this country. We have our professional
firefighters who go out, sometimes alone on the rig to a medical call on the highway and they need support and sometimes it's just them at 4:00 a.m. in the pitch black running into a fire into a into a house or going to a medical
scene and it's not a guarantee that someone's going to be there anytime soon. I have tremendous respect for for everyone here from the fire department and you will continue to have my support uh now that I'm not even though I'm not on the township committee anymore. So, thank you for everything that you all do
day in and day out. Um I'd like to thank the mayors uh around the township comm that are from around our neighboring towns. Uh, Mayor Jason Carr who's here. Thank you so much for all your partnership. It's been a truly a pleasure to work with you over the years, whether it was just local
issues dealing with the little leaks or public funding or trying to do shared services work. Um, thank you for every for all of your partnership. It's been an absolute pleasure working with you. And I also want to thank mayors Dardy and Gallagher as well who couldn't be here tonight. Um, I worked a lot with
the three other mayors over the past several years along with Mayor Grigalia since I um when I bec when I wasn't mayor anymore on a really important issue that I know has brought back to light, which is um water lead water lines being replaced that are going into our homes. And you know, whether you're
in a neighborhood uh affected or not, the fact is we have towns in New Jersey who are having their lead and galvanized water lines replaced at no expense to the homeowners. But our own public water utility, which is governed by a board that we appoint, has decided that our
residents should pay for the $12,000 or so cost themselves and that they will not help fund this project. And I've been outraged uh by this for years. I know Mayor Gallagher has as well and Mayor Dardy and I've just been absolutely uh delighted to work with
those mayors along with with Mayor Grigglia and the with the support of the township committee to fight our very own water utility who says literally in our meetings they don't report to the towns they report the board reports to the utility uh and it's just absolutely
outrageous that in 2026 we have families and folks on fixed incomes in Mars Township and in Marstown handover and Mars planes that have lead water lines going to their homes and their own public utility says we are not going to pay for that. It's absolutely outrageous
and I appreciate all the support from the mayors to continue fighting back on the water utility. I'm almost done. Not really. But >> I I I said I value everyone's town. I know. I
um so I ran back in 2018 because I wanted Mars Township to have as many opportunities for our children uh now that I had growing up here. And I hope that my contributions on the township committee have a lasting impact on the town we all know and love. I am proud to
have worked with my colleagues, the township staff, and volunteers over the past years to rebuild the Collinsville playground with over two million in federal and state township and township funding. Much of that due to the work of Congresswoman Mikey Cheryl and her staff. Uh, I was proud to partner with
Senator Buco to secure the old Gan Street School at a discounted rate from the state so that we can build a community center. I was proud to work on securing state funding to allow the township to f purchase our ver our first senior citizens bus which I believe should be
coming in the next few months. I think >> it's at the dealer. >> It's at the dealer. Uh, and uh, this is something that our seniors have asked for a long time because we have people out there who just want to get to the grocery store uh, or go to their doctor's appointments. And uh, I'm so
proud that we're going to be able to have a mode of transportation for them. And I'm grateful for the township committee for funding in this year's budget uh, the the the salary for the senior to have a have a dedicated driver to that to that bus. So, thank you for that. Um, I'm proud to have brought in
state funding to help with the design work of the community center. Uh, and to also dedicate funding to restoring our neighborhood tree canopies with over 500 trees planted across the township. Um, lastly, I am most proud of the projects
that I've led to honor those who most deserve it in our community, our veteran community. The men and women of the American Legion Post 59 and the Memorial and Veterans Day Association are one of the biggest and clearest examples of why the community we live in
is so great. One of my first projects as a committee member for the veterans was to bring veteran parking spaces to our township facilities as a as a simple way to thank those who served. As mayor, I worked with many of the men and women from the Legion to establish our
hometown heroes banner program, which has been a tremendous success, honoring our community's heroes twice a year uh in the months of May and November. Uh thank you to AnnAise Rush from the administrator's office for handling all of the administrative work with this
program. Thank you to our firehouses who a lot of the volunteer companies contributed to honor their own members with the banner program uh as well as some of our unions as well as our residents. Lastly, helping dedicate the
ball field uh at Green Park after Captain Brian McN is without a doubt the most humbling project and experience I had during my seven years on the township committee. Being joined by the McN family, their friends and neighbors,
along with troopers on horseback, our first responders, and the first lady was truly an honor uh to share that moment with Brian and his family and was a fitting tribute uh to someone who grew up in the neighborhood and demonstrated
to kids now and in the future what it means to be a true leader. None of this work could have been completed alone and none of it could have been completed without our township staff. Thank you, Tim Quinn, our town of administrator, whom much of the burden
falls on every single day to get the work done. Thank you for your partnership. Thank you for meeting with me every Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. And thank you for the countless uh nights and weekends you work on behalf of our residents year after year after
year. Thank you for everything. Thank you to our attorney Jared Caner, our clerk, Suzanne Walsh, our video crew in the back, Greg, Pete, Mike, and Jack. I'm not sure who's here tonight, but thank you uh Virginia Murphy and Anelise Rush from the administrator's office, our CFO, Sean Ferguson,
Bill Fulch, uh from Parks and Rec, Alexis Voloy, Tim Helalt, thank you, Chief Mike Nun, and Chief Shear for all your work with with me and Chief uh and OEM director Dan Nun. And thank you to all of our staff who does who do so much
for our township. And again, year after year with health benefit cost increases going up, continue to do our township's work, we raise we raise our tax rate, but they still keep taking home less money every year because of how expensive health insurance is. Thank you
to our public servants who are here day in and day out. Um, before I wrap up, I did forget to recognize the dignitaries who are here, which is a big no no for politicians. So, I'm still learning, bud. But, um, I wanted to recognize, uh,
my new boss, the commissioner of the banking insurance department, state of New Jersey, Susan Susan Ox, who's here tonight. Thank you for being here. There's a lot of people who want to meet you, so please don't leave. Uh, thank you, Assemblywoman Sweeney, for being here. Uh, it is awesome to call you
Assemblywoman Sweeney. Congratulations. We are so happy to have you in Trenton and I'm looking forward to working you during normal business hours as so outside of business hours. Thank you. And again, thank you, Mayor Carr, uh, and everyone else who's come. Um, it has
been an absolute pleasure. I never thought I would run for local office. I never thought I would be mayor. Um, and I've never thought I'd be able to work with so many wonderful people over the past seven years. Uh, it was not always easy. We had a lot of challenging
times. We've had a lot of challenging meetings, but um I am truly grateful for the friendship and partnership I've had with everyone here. I've learned so much from you. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your support. And it's 8:00, so I think that's enough. Thank you very
much. At this time we are we'll take a really quick maybe 3 to five minute at the most break so that as much as I know many of you would love to stay and sit through the rest of the tangent committee meeting family members and those who do
have to go please feel free to do so. At this time, we have one proclamation on the agenda, >> Women's History Month, March of 2026. leading the change women shaping a sustainable future. I'm not going to
read through the entire proclamation at this time. What I'll do is I'll read the last two where's due to the fact that we had so much activity early on. Um and then we'll move on with the rest of our agenda. Whereas throughout New Jersey and here in Mars Township, women continue to
strengthen our community through public service, volunteerism, education, leadership, and advocacy, helping to improve the quality of our residents and inspire future generations. And whereas the Mars Township Committee recognizes
the importance of acknowledging the achievements and contri contributions of women past and present and supporting continue opportunity for opportunities for women and girls to lead and thrive. Now therefore, be it resolved, the Mars
Township Committee hereby proclaims March 2026 as Women's History Month in Mars Township and encourage all encourages all of our residents to celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history and within our
community. I do want to mention that on March 24th at 9:00 a.m. here at town hall, the Mars Township Committee will be honoring our townwide women's staff's achievements and their contributions to our community and thank them for what
they have done here in the township to shape and sustain a brighter future for all of our res residents. So, that'll be a nice celebration right here at town hall. The entire township committee is invited to be there and thank all of our
women that serve the township, including our police, fire, emergency responders, and everybody who works here in the building. >> That was wonderful. >> We're ready for our first public public commentary. There are
12. There are eight. uh attendees joining us via Zoom and probably about 30 here in person. At this time, we will open the meeting for public comment. We'll begin with comments from those present in the
room followed by participants joining on Zoom. If you have a question on Zoom and you wish to speak, please use the raise hand feature. Before speaking, please state your name and whether or not you're a resident. For the record, comments are limited to five minutes per resident. And if you have questions and
would like a response, any remaining time will be yielded back to you. Is there a motion to open the public comment? >> Some move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Mr. Shakner. >> Uh Charlie Shaker, 10 Raleigh Court. Uh
good evening. Um, as some of you on the deis already know, I've attended each of the last uh township meetings since December to raise concerns about the public health impact of gas powered leaf blowers. Uh, tonight I have three updates to give you. Uh, first update is
that as I've mentioned earlier, I am circulating a petition which calls on the township to regulate gas leaf blowers in any manner. Um that's the petition now has 135 signatures and continues to grow. Uh second update, I
presented this issue to the environmental commission last month. Um I gave them the same presentation that I requested to give to this township committee and I remain eager to do so. Uh the mayor and committee person
Jananda attended as liaison. Uh the discussion was thoughtful and constructive. Uh questions were raised and concerns were addressed and the public input included both support and opposition. But I will note that even the resident who opposed the regulation
acknowledged that a seasonal restriction would be reasonable and acceptable. I believe that reflects uh where many residents are at. And that brings me to my third update. Uh, as you all know, I am a member of the environmental commission and as such I am working to
organize what I'm calling a quiet summer 2026 initiative. Um, this initiative basically would be a voluntary effort encouraging residents and landscapers to refrain from using gas leers during the
months of May through August. This is when people are most outdoors and windows are open and children are home from school. It is also when leaf blowers are primarily used for clearing grass clippings from hard surfaces such
as driveways and sidewalks. In these cases, there are simpler, quieter, and non-polluting alternatives such as electric leaf blowers, brooms, brakes, or even just letting clippings dry and disperse naturally. Uh, that is
what I do on my own property. Um, I'm asking the township committee to support this initiative by helping raise awareness through the municipal messenger, a press release, and social media. Um, I have presented uh a flyer
as well as a letter that uh residents could share with landscapers uh with the mayor and I'm hoping she will share that with all of you. And again, I would urge you to consider this initiative again purely voluntary. Uh it would be simply to make our uh summer
quieter and safer and healthier for everyone. And thank you for your time as always. and let me know if you have any questions and I yield back the rest of my time. >> Thank you, Charlie. And I did get um I will get it. I just got your email that
had the flyer attached. So, I will get that out to the other township committee members. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, >> mayor. Could I make a comment? >> Yes, absolutely. >> So, I just wanted to let the public know that I recently uh learned that when we talk about gas leaf blowers, we're not talking actually about all gas leaf
blowers. It's just the handheld and the backpack kinds of leaf blowers. the kinds that you push on the ground, I didn't realize were four stroke engines uh which don't pollute as much as the two-stroke engines uh from the backpack. So, when we talk about banning leaf
blowers, uh cuz I know there's been push back from homeowners on large properties about maintaining their property, um the push behind leaf blowers would not be part of that ban if you know if we considered it. And that was that's new learning that I learned just in the last couple weeks.
that is and Charlie does explain that in his presentations that he's done in in his whole uh year. >> There are alternatives that are much safer and much healthier. >> Yeah, >> mayor. >> Thank you, Charlie, for that. That that
was very informative. One of the things Charlie and I had met a short time ago about this very issue and as somebody that you know as a power walker outdoors especially during this the heavy leaf blowing season it's not only obnoxious
in the sound but also in in the in the exhaust which is uh that exhaust is is is very unhealthy for the actual users of the leaf the two-stroke leaf blowers. Uh a much better alternative and I think
that is something that the township committee uh can get behind on our social media would be to mulch our leaves especially in the uh in the fall season where it's actually better for the soil. Um it has less impact and it's
it actually helps build up the earth over over years. So much better alternatives to just blowing leaves and um littering our streets and clogging our sewers. So, thank you. >> And if I may just add, that would also reduce the number of leaves that are brought to the uh street for collection
by the township and thus reduce costs for the township as well. >> Thank you. >> If you can follow up on that, um so >> I live next door to my parents between the two of us. We're on six acres, so
it's a large property. And we do not cut our own grass. We told our landscapers, you cannot use gas powered. So they actually when they come, they do use the electric ones now. So customers can also make that request. Additionally, you'll
never see leaves at our curb ever. All of our leaves we mulch. We use them on our flower beds. We um turn them into what's called leaf mold by piling them and they break down and it's the best garden amendment you can get. Um when you put your leaves at the curb, you're
actually giving away the nutrients of your property. So if you're into gardening or just into a beautiful green hole, I encourage you to actually just keep your leaves. >> Thank you. >> Thank you all for your support. Also, I
wanted to add um Charlie Shaker, even though he's a member of the environmental commission, is doing this as a private citizen. So, I encourage anybody else who has something they want to have do, you can do something as a private citizen to come to the uh township committee and uh inform us
about that. Thanks, Charlie. >> Hi, my name Hello. Okay. Hi, my name is Dylan Medicichi. I am not a resident of uh Morris Township. Uh I'm the director of outreach and education for the New Jersey Highlands Coalition. Um we've been working with the Ruckers University Water Resource Center on a federal pass
through grant through NJD to install green infrastructure uh projects uh for example rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and bio swells within the Speedwell Lake wershed. um to uh mitigate for storm water runoff and flooding and to enhance water quality and quantity within uh the wershed which
uh has a high proportion of impervious surface coverage. Um so we've been working with the environmental commission to uh identify some possible sites uh within the municipality that might uh suit these kinds of projects. Um and on the recommendations, we took a look at a few
locations and uh last week we conducted a uh initial survey of one site at uh Catch Road Field that's particularly suitable for a a rain garden project due to the steep slopes coming off of Catch Road. Uh poor infiltration of water due to high levels of impervious surface
coverage from the uh nearby parking lot and roadway and a proposed housing development that is going to be adjacent to the park. and um it'll help mitigate excessive standing water during times of rain that will that reduce use of the park. Um so this grant program that we're
working on covers the entire cost of planning, design, site surveys, um which includes a mapping of the water table, uh topography, um and soil analysis for these projects, um to and construction of a uh what we have initially surveyed
to be potentially a 1,355 foot project that would mitigate 5,400 square ft of impervious surface coverage um from those nearby areas, which would be maintained entirely through the use of volunt volunteers requiring no ongoing commitment from the municipality
for its maintenance. Um so what we're looking for um coming to the town council tonight is if the town is agreeable to working on this kind of project and if so passing a resolution uh in nominal support of doing the survey work for it to see if it is indeed a compatible project that the
town actually wants. um and in uh collaborating with with us in uh hosting this project which will not only improve the water quality and quantity in the town and particularly in the subwaterershed that it's located in which is a subwaterhed that has a net water availability deficit and comes
under the provisions of the Highlands regional master plan for water quality and uh quantity planning. Uh but it'll also be an aesthetically pleasing project that will attract pollinator insects and bird species to this public park that has uh two playgrounds and a soccer field. So provide a a public
benefit as well as the actual um water uh uh provisions. Um so I I I was made aware by the environmental commission and your mayor and deputy mayor that uh the town's currently evaluating developing a residential uh community adjacent to this park and uh this project would uh
you know be a benefit to that because that development is going to increase the amount of impervious surface coverage within the subwaterhed and this will offset some of that. Um and there are certain some uncertainties about expanding the right of way of that road that goes in there to accommodate access
to this community through the park. Um if the town is amendable to you know working with us on this project this would be um uh accommodated for in a design produced by Dr. Chris Abrupta at Ruckers University to ensure that this project is both um you know is both
going to have the maximum impact of offsetting um uh impervious service coverage and it is also compatible with the expected and current use of the park. Um and there were also some concerns uh at the environmental commission meeting last week that I attended that uh there are some uh concerns about what the
town's obligation for the project would be. Um and in fact uh this project would be maintained by volunteers either through the New Jersey Highlands Coalition's network of volunteers or with existing community groups to maintain this project. So we would actually be uh looking for a commitment of not maintaining the project if it was
built. Um so not mowing it, not fertilizing it um as long as it's left to grow and mature. Um we've built several other projects in the area including a project of similar size at Turkey Brook Park in Mount Olive uh and in collaboration with the
municipalities parks department and town administrator uh which I'm happy to share um if the town is interested in pursuing the project. >> 30 seconds. >> Thank you. So this uh pro this grant program ends in June for this of this year and uh we're looking for the town to uh uh you know be amendable to
working with this project and and working with us in recctors university to uh uh build it and improve water quality and quantity of the people who live in more uh township. So I have um uh anal survey of the site as well as some of the conditions that we took a look at of last week that
shows what happens when it rains in the park. So I can provide this to I guess the the town clerk or >> appreciate that. I I thought though at the environmental commission meeting you said there was a deadline like that you didn't you say you had two >> yeah so so the deadline is basically we want to have projects um identified and
uh designed by May and the grant deadline itself >> but there wasn't like a twoe deadline that there had to be a commitment did I hear that wrong >> we're looking for towns to commit as to whether they want to move forward with this or not the actual design work takes about four to eight weeks and the
project ends in in May okay >> we don't own the property I thought it was uh going by the municipality manage by the county. >> Okay. Huh. Good to know. >> Okay. >> You can leave that though. You can leave
that with the clerk if you'd like. Thank you. Hello. >> Hello. Hi, mayor. How are you? >> Hello, Mr. Nice to meet Well, nice to see you again. >> And you had >> Yes. So, just really quick, my name is Gabrielle Wells. I live in um Morris
Township. I actually live in Collinsville. I live directly across from Collinsville playground which has been mentioned multiple times tonight if you guys all remember. I want to address everyone because I know that there's several people that are here to address the Collinsville playground situation actually. Um just a really quick
backstory. Um when I first met the mayor, I had just had my son. So the project and my son are actually the same age. Mhm. >> So if that you know just it just happens to be you see how large my child is. That's how large this project has become. Um living directly across the
street from Collinsville playground has not only been a joy but also like a very exciting process. The issue now is the frustration that builds because when I bring my son home from school obviously he wants to get on the slide and there are gates there and there are people who
do go into the playground who are escorted out by the police. My goal at this point is for my son to have somewhere that he can play throughout the summer where as everyone knows gas prices are extremely high right now. And so for me to have to drive to another town or the other side of town in order
for my son to play is very frustrating. My son is literally 2 years old. You guys have been on this project for the last 2 years. And I not only want to know when the project is going to be done, but then also when are the gates coming down, what can we expect? because
I literally have watched you guys go step by step. I've talked to the owner of the construction company. He made, you know, uh, comments about the fact that the park would be ready in by the new year. We're now in March, and I'm concerned that this is not going to not
only be open this year, but it won't be open until next summer. And anyone who has a 2-year-old or who has a toddler understands or grandchildren or godchildren understands that not only is it important for your children to have somewhere to go, you want it to be
close. So if you need to run home or whatever else, it's important. The last thing I do want to mention is the fact that Mark, the for former mayor, and Kelly and I all went to high school together. We actually graduated high school together, and our children are the same age. Yeah. So, you could
imagine as little Leo is getting antsy in the um in the meeting. So is my son. It's extremely past his bedtime, but it's very important that I address you because me and you have had face to face conversation about it. >> Yes. And I hope that he grows up and realizes how great his mom is and that
you brought him to the meeting to fight for something that you feel he should have access to. That being said, the >> playground, the gates are coming down. I thought it was in within two weeks. Yes, the gates will be coming down
>> and and before Tim go ahead but what I just want to say is I just found out too if it's possible it is it right that not is it next the week after is the schools are off >> right yes that was I just found that out and I did mention that to Alexis but too
if there's any way we can try to because if the kids are off >> but go ahead you give the >> yeah the gates are coming down the equipment and everything else has been moved out um there's only one section that we still have to do and that is the
surfacing the top surface for the basketball court which will be done when the the weather breaks. So, we'll need a little bit of time on that one. >> So, is that just the painting? Because there is >> it's a coating that goes on top. >> Okay. >> That we had to wait till the spring because of the weather. It has to be put down at a certain temperature. Has to be
55° steadily. So, >> until we get to that point. Um, and then they'll put put down the coating on that and then we have to do the final on the bath house of getting the permits finalized. That can't be done until we put water and electric into it again. >> But the break. >> So, just to answer that, they actually
cut in front of my house in order to bring a water line, >> right? But it it was winterized. >> They had we had to winterize it because of the weather month. So, the pipes don't break. >> Okay. >> So, once the weather breaks, we can open up. there's no heat in there that are going to keep those pipes from freezing
and breaking. So, um once the weather breaks, hopefully in April, we'll be able to finalize that with turning on turning on the power and the water for the bath house and opening up the bath house along with doing the top coating for the playground, the basketball court, and then the project for the Collinsville section will be done.
>> So, do you realize that the lights in the playground do come on? >> Mhm. >> Okay. So, what power is missing? >> The bath house. >> Okay. So for the So right now the playground is closed because of the coating that needs to be put onto the basketball court. The bathrooms being
finalized and the water not freezing to go into >> and we wanted there was hazards in there with equipment and other things that we had we moved out of there which we're working with the contractor to remove the fence but we wanted to get the equipment they had there and they had some I believe they had some
supplies that kind of thing that were stored there that have to be removed out there. that attract the distance to the people using the playground. >> Yes, because they did and I know sorry I I know you guys have other things to do and I know I have a time frame. They did remove all of the equipment about 4
months ago. So there hasn't been a single piece or item of equipment. When I say I live across the street, I literally as I can see you that's how close I live to the park. So that's the only reason why and and don't take this the wrong way. I I may seem a little feisty but I promise I'm not. Um
>> absolutely not. you have right to be frustrated. >> The only thing that Yeah. And and when you have a contractor tell you that there's a deadline and then you see all the equipment removed and the only thing that's left is a fence and then when people go into the park the police are removing them, it's kind of confusing
because not for nothing, I mean, we've all been through the winter storms. It's not like anybody's getting into the splash pad and then people are using the basketball court because we have a very large child community. I mean, you guys should see the bus stops. Like, you know what I mean? There's a lot of children.
So, you said in 2 weeks it'll be the gates will be removed. And will it remain that way? >> Yes. Yes. For the grand opening. >> There's a grand opening on June June 13th. >> Okay. >> And yes, it will be open. I promise you that it will be open >> the entire time. So, for
>> Well, it's not going to be closed back up. The only thing if they have to come in and do some work on the bath house just to get that. So, the park will be open before you won't be able to use the bath house yet. But >> trust me, and I'm not judging, but if we can get kids off the devices staring
absolutely into the devices. >> Absolutely. >> Which is so cute cuz he's so content. >> Yeah. Because if he wasn't the this would be a different kind of meeting, >> but trust me, we understand and we want to. And when I did hear that school's out and now there's going to be a whole
bunch and if it's warm weather, we certainly want to have them to be able to in that week be get onto the playground. >> Okay. Excellent. So, two weeks. I appreciate you guys. I thank you for the work that you've done. I also want to I I did get a chance to thank Mark, but I also just want to say it's very important that we have these
conversations because the work that you guys have done in the neighborhood has been amazing. The work that you guys did in the park was incredible. And for my son and for my family, I just want to say thank you. I really appreciate it. And I look forward to the grand opening as well. >> Thank you. We appreciate you, too. And really do thank you for coming in.
>> Thank you guys. I'm going to take him home now. >> Okay. Good night. >> Hi, Jeanie. >> Hi, I'm Jeanie McKay. I live on Walnut Street, kind of across from the playground, Collinsville Playground. I'm here to speak about the same thing
Gabrielle just talked about and I reiterate everything she said, but I have a few other things I have questions about. Yeah, it's been two years. It's been way more than two years, but the two years of the construction. And what I want to
know is um can we request like signage for no dogs? Can we request trash cans? There's no garbage cans in or outside of the playground. None.
>> Do we allow dogs on other playgrounds? >> No. No. >> No dogs. >> So, we can put up signs. >> Yeah. And also if we could get the dog trash cans with the bags. I don't know if any of you have walked around that playground is but it's disgusting. The
people do not pick up their dog waste. I don't know how you can get a message to the homes if you can send a letter out. Find these people or what? They literally don't care. I've seen kids step in it and it's going to be worse. The weather's nice. I mean, the snow was
there and it melted and it's underneath. It just looks horrible. Um, okay. The trash cans is one thing. Also, you said two weeks. So, in two weeks, the gates are going to be down.
Kids will have access, limited access. We know about the rest house. Are you going to have a summer program there? I spoke to Alexis in parks and wreck actually after I spoke to you on the other night and um yes she's going to put something together. I thought she
had said you and she had even talked a little about bit about what those programs would be like because they used to do them and then there was a time I think they set them up. they weren't getting a lot of the kids out. But I think especially too now with the new playground, obviously there'll be more >> kids coming. But Alex, absolutely. And
she's happy to sit down with you again and if there's anyone in the neighborhood too um who wants to help in those a lot of those summer programs sometimes there's neighborhood whether they're adults or even just you know college kids or whatever that maybe want to come over and help out. She said
she'd be happy to talk to you about that. >> Okay. All right. That's good. And as far as the amphitheater, there is a a top that was removed because it was wrong. When it rained, it puddled and it sagged and they have that
was when the weather was nice. That was last year and they still haven't replaced it. Is that going to be replaced? >> It's already in the works once the playground is back open and the weather is better. >> So before June 13th or after? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. All right. That's pretty much it.
So you you you're going to try and get the garbage cans, right? >> I would think that we have we have garbage can. That's easy. And that and again, you've I know you've been here before, not but this situation that we have, not just in your neighborhood of people who don't pick up their after
their dogs is so frustrating. >> I you know, unless you actually catch them >> and even then, you know, sometimes you'll be right there and you say something and they walk away from you. And I have I have >> you know even the signage helps but again there are people out there it's a
very frustrating problem. >> Well the sign before in the old playground it just said no dog training. So maybe if we could get more than one sign at maybe multiple entrances like >> Sure. or a sign that says please pick up
after your dog and >> and then also the the garbage cans for the dogs with the bags outside of the playground, not inside >> cuz that will invite them to bring their dogs in, you know. >> Yeah. I don't know if we have the garbage cans that have that, but again,
it's always stuff we we can look into and and find out. And it being that we're opening the playground and you have waited a long time, we're going to try to do everything we can to make it the best experience possible for everybody in that neighborhood. >> Well, as you know, I see everything, so
I will be in touch. >> I know. >> And how are you going to get this information to the community like about the June 13th? Um >> um we actually will put not only we did we do recognize that one of the things in doing in communication and we will
get it out to that particular neighborhood for sure because it will be in English and Spanish. >> Okay. >> So it'll be a big celebration and we will definitely get the word out so that especially in Collinsville that's a big celebration for that part of town right
>> to have. Um, and just so you know too, we're working on all, you know, we're gonna Alexis will talk about we used to do movie like a movie night there and I think that's when I first met you, right? >> That's like six, five years ago or four years ago. >> So, we can have events. It's a beautiful place.
>> Yeah. >> And everyone loves it. When I walk I have a dog. When I walk my dog, people are like, "When are they going to open? When are they going to open?" >> Yeah. >> So, >> thank you for your patience. We We will get it the gates down and we will get it open.
>> Thank you. Thank you all. >> Hello. >> Hi. Oh, I was waiting for her to >> That's okay. >> So, I also live in that neighborhood. I live on Highland Avenue. >> Your name, please? >> Oh, my name is Elizabeth Molinsky.
I live at 23 Highland A. And I have two kids. I have a 14-year-old and a 10-year-old. So, the 14-year-old has seen all the different phases of the playground. Um, so I'm I was coming here to to
express their frustrations. Um, but I'm really happy to hear that at least the playground part is going to be opened. Um, but some of my 10-year-old my 10-year-old and some of his friends have some things they wanted me to tell you. >> Good. It's
>> the best feedback coming from kids. >> So, Mikey, age nine, Highland A, says, "If they weren't going to finish it, why did they change it?" Jude, age 10, Highland A. Open it
already. Spring starts on Friday. Harley, age nine, Cedar Street. It's been years. If they don't finish it, I'm suing. So, they just they wanted to let you know that >> they want to meet Harley. Number one, we
just have that. >> She's She's >> Yeah, >> she should be in this room, too. >> Yeah, >> I would have brought them, >> but I'd need like duct tape for the rest of the meeting. >> It's okay. We've had we've had young people in, and to be honest, they've been incredible. And even a decision was
reversed by the township committee on an issue with parks and wrecks because of the kids that came in and spoke to us. >> Oh, wow. >> Yeah. So, >> that's impressive. That's cool. But yeah, and they definitely I've been telling them, listen, the town says do not go in there. Don't play there
because it's not open yet. Um, so I can tell them that if they just cool their jets for a couple more weeks cuz I end up with like we have a swing set in our backyard. So I end up with like 10 kids at my house >> cuz as the previous speaker said, there are every other house has at least one kid.
>> So there's likeund kids in love that. So again, we appreciate your patience and it will get open and not only on June 13th, but we hope that throughout the whole spring and summer that everybody can celebrate and really experience a nice time there. >> All right. Thank you very much.
>> You're welcome. >> Good evening. Good evening everyone. My name is Patricia Sims and I live in Mars Township and I'm a member of the Mars Township Office of Emergency Management. Um, and I just came, sorry I missed in February. I was sick after our Roses
fundraiser. But I just wanted to come in and thank Timmy Quinn, your administrator, the mayor, and the committee for all your support for our Roses Valentine Day fundraiser. Again, it was a su successful year. Um I'm here
on behalf of OEM and a lot of the FMBA members were here prior. Um we do it as a joint fundraiser for us and it was a successful year. Um this was our year 20 doing it this year. So thank you also to the public for their support. But I just
wanted to come and thank everyone for your support for our fundraiser. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> I always tell you the best roses at Valentine's Day. They're the best roses you can get. >> Thank you. I hope they lasted for everybody. >> They did. They lasted a long time. >> Thank you. Appreciate it.
>> Thank you. >> Uh Lee Goldberg, 10our head road. Um yes, I am a resident. Um so, um Samantha, congratulations on being appointed today. I wish you all the best of health and good fortune in your new role. Thank you for serving the on behalf of us all. So appreciate that.
Um, wanted to just bring an issue to the township committee's attention with um, as you may know, there's a six-story 120 unit apartment complex going up on the intersection of Park and Columbia Turnpike, uh, right next to the Hyatt. I the elevator shafts are up. I sort of refer to them as the Twin Towers of
Handover because they're they're pretty tall and they're still going up. Um, and there's some safety concerns with the construction that's going on at that site. They're bringing in a lot of large cranes. They're bringing in a lot of construction equipment. there's not a lot of places for the construction workers to park, so they're parked up on
the road on Park Avenue. I realize that that's a county corridor. I reached out to Chris Vitz, the county engineer, um, and got a response from him and I just want to read it to you. It's pretty short here and then look for some guidance, uh, maybe from the township committee on what could potentially be done. Um, he says, "Thank you for the
phone call. I'm still checking to see if the development has an open a road opening permit with the county of Mars. However, a road opening permit only allows the county to oversee any utility work within the county right ofway. The county does not have the authority to regulate or oversee construction traffic
into or on the site for the development of the 190 Park Avenue. This responsibility would be for the municipal police and municipal building department. Now, I realize this is an attractive property in handover, but you know, we are right on the border of the township. um large pieces of construction equipment parked literally
in the middle of Park Avenue as they're waiting to queue in and get in. I've already seen almost two accidents um happen and just wondering is I've stopped into the handover police department. I've met with them, spoke to them. Sure, we'll send someone over. I realize you can't have someone there every moment of every day, but is there
anything the township can do if they can to reach out um to the folks in handover to try to maybe get some sort of um schedule or when this extra-l large equipment is going coming in and all that cuz I'm really concerned about a safety issue there. >> Honestly, Mr. Goldber, I'm happy to
reach out to the mayor in Hover and know him and express your concerns. I'm not sure at the end of the day whose actual responsibility if the project is in handover, but he trust me if I give him a call and he'll check into it and find out so we can
>> Gallagher is usually pretty responsive. But yeah, I mean again I've reached out to the police department. I've stopped in there. It's really um how people are even going to get in and out of that project once it's fully built. I think that construction is going to carry on for probably another year and as they bring in the drywall
and all the other things that have to come in there, I think it's just going to be an ongoing safety issue. So, any time and attention that can maybe get to alleviate would be certainly appreciated. Um, other topic is I'm uh happy to see I think environmental commission uh chair uh Brian Morgan here
tonight. I bumped into Brian over the weekend at the uh winter farmers market. Um I was in sort of a rush but had a brief conversation with him and he had expressed some sort of um you know um optimism about something with composting here in the township. So I'm not sure if
there's anything that can be any insight you can give to composting or how we may be able to contribute or um uh just let the community know what might be coming down the pike or what's sort of floating about that would certainly be good to know as well because I think it would be a much welcome uh amenity. Um and then
lastly my So do you want to address that and then I only have one? >> I mean again Brian knows that because he asked from the township committee we were aware he sent us the list of the EC kind of priorities projects and and he honestly wanted us to know give me some indication of what the township
committee members are looking at and see and the number one thing was food waste and we are very close >> oh okay >> to getting something done there. So, Steve, I don't know if you have any other >> Yeah, just to know that there's food waste collection. It's not really
composting. Oh, because there are some legalities on the ladder. I mean, you can do that on your per personal property, right? >> But in the community side, it's uh there's some uh state regulations that would forego it. So, it's a food waste collection. >> A food waste colle Okay. Thank you for
clarifying that. >> Yeah. Yeah. All right. Well, that every bit >> light at the end of that tunnel for >> Okay. Well, every bit helps. So, thank you. be definitely a positive impact. Um, and then lastly, I just have a question. I'm glad glad to hear, you know, that we're going to we have money allocated for, I guess, to hire a driver for the new senior bus, that the senior
bus is coming. Um, has there been any thought or is there anything you can share like what we're going to call the bus? Can we do a a contest across the community? What should we name it? I mean, Mars has got the colonial coach or I mean, I don't have any ideas, but I think it would be something that would sort of, you know, open it up to sort of ideas and to engage the community. our
seniors are very much involved and have a lot of opinions which is a good thing right but um yeah no to be honest I I don't think anyone on the township committee yet has thought about a name or what we would >> you know I mean I mean you can't miss the colonial coach you can see it coming from a mile away so I and it's always
it's always great to see it because it's a great public event we're not going to be wrapping it or colonializing it or doing anything extraordinary to it >> to make it really stand out >> the first thing we need to do is get it here you heard it's on the lot. Yeah, it's on the lot, >> but again, we will
>> All right. Well, it's certainly something to be touted and uh will be much appreciated by the public. So, looking forward to seeing that around town. >> Thank you. >> I'll be quick. Uh my name is Andre Vasich. I live at 49 Highland. Um I I wanted to say thank thank you and I I
think the community is very thankful and grateful for the big win at Collinsville with the new park being stood up. Um, I did want to uh attest to the claims that everyone made before. Uh, there's a bunch of kids in uh playing around in the neighborhood, which is great to see.
It's lively. It's fun. It brings good energy. But what's scary that I see every day uh is those kids are playing in the street. And Highland is used as a pass through uh because of handover traffic a lot. And that's I don't have
any kids personally, but I sometimes not run out into the street to make the car stop, but I try to make the driver slow down and tell them, "Hey, my neighbor has kids. You have to be careful." Like kids aren't as aware as the adults are. And hopefully the adults are watching
them. But, uh, I think it's a not only a concern for the kids, but for the neighbors that live on Highland that it's used as a pass through people. I know the speed limit's 25, but sometimes I see >> Are you a newer resident there or No, >> I've been a resident there since 2019.
>> Okay. But again, because we, trust me, that's always it is a cut through and on those streets, it's always really hard. We have had some discussions about possible things we can do. Um, >> and we're trying to, >> you know, do what we do, traffic
calming, so that it is a 25, but you're right, especially when a lot of kids are around. >> Yeah. Yeah, it's just scary to see cuz right now the weather's warm. Kids are riding around on their bikes, scooters, all that stuff. >> Um, so yeah, and and I do I could say that your your claims are right. Police
are usually driving through >> uh policing the area, which is nice for them to slow the cars down sometimes. But um I I know off of handover there's a a sign that says no turning left between these certain hours. I don't
know if we could put like a sign at the front at both ends of island saying it's not a cut through and like residents only or something like that, but um things like that would be nice. Uh and then the second question I want to ask
was uh the other park that's adjacent to the Collinsville, I think that's being redone as well. >> Is it Tucker Field, you mean? >> Yes. Um, and uh I know Collinsville before it it it was in rough shape shape, but it did have a tennis court
that I saw a lot of uh people in the area using. I used it personally with my my >> have to fight the pickle ballers bringing up a tennis court. >> Well, that's that's the other thing. Pickle ball, I guess, is a popular thing now. People can convert uh one half of a tennis court to two pickle ball courts.
So yeah, I just wanted to see what the plans are for the other park and if we can get a tennis court back in the area. >> Yeah. No. Well, and Mr. Quinn, you want to first uh bring them up to speed on the what's going on on the remediation of >> design for passive recreation. There's going to be a walking trail,
everything's like that. Um but there is historic landfill that is in there that we have to test and we have to address uh for this project to contain. working with our professionals um right now to and what's called an LSRP which works in the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection to ensure that everything we do is compliant with the state of New Jersey. So, we're going through that process now. The rest of the project was primarily uh going to have a walkway and some other things like that, but it was pretty much passive recreation with an open field
where people want to kick a ball around or pick up, you know, pick a baseball game or anything like that was the the intent for that part of the park. >> Okay. Um so is there maybe a chance in the future after Lance remediated or something like that to put a tennis
court there? I only ask because um again thankful for the park, the beautiful park that's being built. I think kids are gonna have a great time there. Um I just w never received like a survey of what the residents would want to see at this new park. >> They did early. Just so you know though,
early on they not only did they do a survey and they had um boards up and they had everybody come out and the kids came out and they had colorcoded um stickers that they could put putting. So we showed them all different possible
things and they did there was input from the residents and especially the kids too on what they wanted there that early on before >> the park was redone. >> Okay. Just just saying I didn't see anything like sent out. Maybe I missed it. May I was busy building a house. So
>> yeah. >> Uh okay. >> Yeah, there definitely was input though. >> Okay, no problem. Thank you. Came up. >> Yeah. Uh Janie, I can you wait till the second door. I just one quick question. >> You're
one minute. >> No, that's unbelievable. >> No, you can't. No, you can't ask for something. asked about the um traffic study on the end of Highland. >> Second public comment, Terry. If there's anyone else here who wants to come to the podium >> and ask a question, they're welcome to
do so. We do have a hand up online as well. >> So, uh Lina Farrell, 58 Highland Avenue. Um, and uh, again, I, you know, the children on the street, I always am so careful when I'm going down the street because they are, they're throwing balls
from behind cars cuz it's only one side of the street parking there. And ever since the new shopping center went down at the end, we have even more traffic coming down the street. Um, and the traffic study, um, wanted to know about that.
Um, and I know they're a pain in the butt, but is there any way of getting speed humps or something like that? >> Um, and what was the last traffic study done on Thailand? >> Well, are you referring to the traffic study that was >> No, you just turned yourself off. >> Are you referring to the traffic study that was in reference to the
marketplace? >> Uh, yes. >> Yes, that was completed. It was done. It was determined that there was not going to be any additional traffic control device coming out of uh the marketplace onto Martin King. resonated due to the volume of traffic and there was no
accident history. >> Okay. Yeah, cuz I'm all the way down at the opposite end and I see people coming down. Um I mean they've got to be going 354 miles hour and it's just it's insane. >> We work with our police department on that. We put forth some things uh
traffic coming that would be available such as lane narrowing, that kind of thing. But that would require additional striping on the roadway, which was um most of the residents did not want that on the roadway. >> Yeah. Um I mean I don't know if you know signage that just says children at play.
I mean there were a few years that there weren't many >> children signage. There should be signage out there. >> Yeah. I mean I'll I'll check it out. I haven't seen any down on my end. But um we do provide children at play signs in certain areas >> because that would be great if there was uh cuz there's a couple different um
intersections along that road because of you know what's going on over there. That's easy. >> All right. And any um I don't really know what's going on. Is it Cedar the first intersection? Um are there is there buildings going up there where the um years and years ago there was a
junkyard there? >> Right. They have they have their planning board approval on that and that project will be starting fairly soon. >> Okay, good to know. Just because that'll increase the uh amount of trucks coming through and everything. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Kathy Wilson, 20 Beachwood Drive. I just want to ask a quick follow-up question on the um the the the study that was supposed to be done as a followup to the marketplace and it's in the memorializing resolution
that the planning board completed at the completion of the project and there is an item in there that says that the the developer supposed to do a follow-up count I believe it is 6 months after the clo after the opening of the project.
Are you saying that is the account that has been done? >> Yes, ma'am. >> And was it presented at the planning board? >> No, ma'am. It wasn't required to. It was required to be done and reviewed by our engineering department. >> If you want to see the report, can you file an OPRA? >> Absolutely.
>> Okay. What would it be called then? >> If you want the marketplace traffic study, >> is is it actually called a traffic study or a traffic study? >> Okay. And it do you can you tell me when it was completed? >> It was completed at the end of December.
>> 25. >> Yes. >> December 25. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay, good. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh I see Brian O'Shea, you have your hand up. Do you have a question?
>> Uh yes. >> Go ahead. >> Yes. Good evening. Brian O'Shea, 51 Catch Road. I do not speak here tonight under the illusion that the Morris Township Committee will change course based on public comment. Too often residents
speak and receive little more than a polite acknowledgement and that has led many to question whether public input is meaningfully considered at all. I am not here to talk about party labels. I'm here to talk about standards. standards
of transparency, competence, and accountability in how this township is governed and whether those standards are being consistently met. The results of recent decisions are not abstract. They include increased traffic, the steady loss of open space, and growing pressure
in our schools. These are not isolated concerns or competing narratives. the cumulative effect of decisions that are being made here and they're being felt across the community. Over the past decade, Morris Township has lost approximately 250 acres or about 2 and
12% of its tree canopy. That is not just a statistic. It reflects a measurable environmental impact that affects everything from storm water management to quality of life. And it raises a basic question. If we have the knowledge
and expertise available, why are the outcomes continuing to move in the wrong direction? Residents are responding at the last meeting where additional affordable housing developments were proposed. The
level of public response was striking. A large number of residents came forward, many expressing clear frustration about the direction of development and the cumulative impact of these decisions.
That kind of reaction does not emerge suddenly or without cause. It reflects a growing sense that decisions are being made without sufficient transparency and without sufficient consideration of
long-term consequences. Just as concerning is how these decisions are being reviewed. Appointments to planning and zoning boards have too often reflected political alignment rather than relevant
expertise, raising legitimate questions about independence and oversight. When positions that are meant to provide objective review are consistently filled by individuals with close political
ties, residents question whether those bodies are functioning as intended. Over time, people start using a word for that, cronyism. There are also decisions that raise
serious and unresolved concerns about safety, including potential risks affecting children and first responders. These concerns have been raised and they have not been adequately addressed,
which only reinforces the perception that critical issues are not receiving the level of scrutiny they deserve. There's increasing reliance on pilot agreements presents another area of concern.
While such agreements may serve a purpose in limited circumstances, their extended use shifts the tax burden and places additional strain on school funding. That impact is real and it is being felt by families throughout the
township regardless of political affiliation. Individually, each of these issues might be debated on its own terms. Taken together, however, they form a pattern.
A pattern of decisions that raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and whose interests are being prioritized. And it is that pattern more than any single issue
that residents are increasingly focused on and responding to. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. O'Shea. And um I would be happy at some point. I have not had the opportunity to sit down
with you. I'd be happy to do that at some point. Go through some of your concerns and why >> I would I would welcome that. I would >> I would absolutely do that. And I just want you to know uh you know you have a lot of things here. So happy to sit down and do that. And while I hear what
you're saying, I just want you to know there are Mars Township residents that do recognize over time that there has been more transparency. There has been more openness. So I want to know exactly why you feel so strongly the way you do.
totally understand in these recent weeks why that feeling seems a little more evident but um appreciate your comments and I will follow up with you and I don't know if other committee members have any comments but >> well I would I would just make one
additional comment um and thank you Brian for those comments uh that Morris Township is already 27% preserved open space uh one of the highest in Morris County and while we are concerned about losing uh the tree canopy as you mentioned it's a concern concern for all
of us. Uh it's one of the reasons why we implemented the tree replacement program to try to provide additional uh street trees throughout the municipality and I encourage we're going to be doing it again this year. Uh you'll see the line item in the budget later tonight. I encourage everybody to sign it for for a
street tree and help us replace that canopy that's that we're losing. >> Thank you. >> Seeing nobody else coming for public comment, is there a motion to close public comment? >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> This evening, we have four ordinances
scheduled for public hearing and adoption. Madame clerk, please read the title of ordinance 12-26 into the record, after which we will open the public comment. Ordinance 12-26, an ordinance of the township committee of the township of Morris, repealing and
replacing article 4, section 385-15 through 385-21 of the code of town, the code of township of Morris, note bamboo regulations. May I have a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance number 12-26?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Is there anyone wishing to speak on this ordinance? Any committee members any comments? >> Seeing no other members of the public wishing to speak, will someone make a
motion to close public comment? >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 12-26? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> Madame Clerk, may I have a roll call
vote? >> Mr. Rabbitz. Yes, >> Mr. Janata. >> Yes, >> Mr. Gazelle. >> Yes, >> Miss Rothman. >> Yes, >> Mayor Griglia. >> Yes. >> I, Donna J. Geriglia, mayor, declare ordinance number 12-26 approved and adopted and direct the township clerk to
public notice of adoption on the township website or as otherwise required by law. Madame clerk, please read the title of ordinance 13-26 into the record. 13-26, an ordinance of the township of Morris, County of Morris,
concerning salaries for non-union personnel. Note 2026 salary increase for non-union employees. >> May I have a motion to open public comment on ordinance number 13-26? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Seeing no members that would like to speak, will someone make a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> May I? >> I. >> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 13-26?
>> So move second. >> Any questions? >> Madame Clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Janata? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ravitz? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gazelle? >> Yes. >> Miss Rothman? >> Yes. >> Mayor Grigglia? >> Yes. I, Donna J.
Mayor declare ordinance number 13-26 approved and adopted and direct the township clerk to publish notice of adoption on the township website or as otherwise required by law. Madame clerk, please read the title of ordinance 1426 into the record.
>> 14-26 ordinance appropriating 195,000 available in the general capital fund balance to provide for part of the cost of various capital improvements by the township of Morris. Note, use 195,000
from the general capital fund for capital project improvements. >> May I have a motion to open public hearing on ordinance number 14-26? >> So move. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Seeing no members wishing to speak, will
someone make a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 14-26? >> So moved. Second. >> Madame Clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Griselle, uh, Mayor, we didn't have
a chance for comments. >> I'm so I'm sorry. I asked the first two times. >> Yeah. No, it's okay. Go ahead. Um, you know, everybody knows I'm an engineer and I love infrastructure and this is uh this is a piece of infrastructure. Uh, the first of the of the year that's coming in Morris Township. You'll see
more in the budget presentation uh later tonight and in April. Uh, but this is for road improvements on Harter Road and Gaston Road. again improving the infrastructure in Morris Township uh which we do a great job of doing. Thank you. >> Yes, thank you for that. Now, Madame Clerk, may I have a roll call vote?
>> Mr. Griselle, >> yes. >> Mr. Janata, >> yes. >> Mr. Ravitz, >> yes. >> Miss Rothman, >> yes. >> Mayor Grigglia, >> yes. >> I, Donna J. Griggley, mayor, declare ordinance number 14-26 into the record, after which we will open the
public hearing. Oh, no wait. >> May I have a motion? >> No, no. You declare it adopt. >> I, Donna Jaggeria, mayor, declare ordinance number 15-26 approved and adopted and direct the township clerk to publish notice of adoption on the township website as otherwise noted.
It's ordinance number 14-26. So, >> now we're up to 1526. >> Correct. >> I will read 15-26. >> Thank you. Ordinance appropriating 195 195,000 available in the sewer utility capital fund balance to provide for part
of the cost of various capital improvements by the township of Morris. Note use 195,000 from the sewer utility capital fund for capital project improvements. >> May I have a motion to open the public hearing on ordinance number 15-26?
So >> second. >> All in favor? Seeing no members of the public wishing to speak, will someone make a motion to close public comment? So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 15-26?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >> Uh just commenting again, this is a a partner piece to the ordinance that we just adopted before. It's a cost share between uh the general capital fund and the sewer utility. uh but also uh for
infrastructure for Gaston Road and Harder Road. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. May I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Ravitz, >> yes. >> Mr. Griselle, >> yes. >> Mr. Ganado, >> yes. >> Miss Rothman, >> yes. >> Mayor Grigalia, >> yes. I, Donna J. Gerriglia mayor declare
ordinance number 15-26 approved and adopted and direct the township clerk to publish notice of adoption on the township website or as otherwise required by law. Ordinance. Ordinances for introduction. We have one ordinance for introduction on tonight's
agenda. Madame clerk, please read the ordinance 16-26 into the record. >> Ordinance 16-26. ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank NJSA484-45.14
calendar year 2026. note authorizes the 2026 budget to be 3.5 above the 2025 budget and any amount authorized that is not appropriated as part of the final budget may be retained as an exception
to final appropriations in either of the next two succeeding years. >> May I have a motion to introduce ordinance number 16-26? >> So move second. >> Are there any questions on the introduction?
Madame Clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Janata, >> yes. >> Mr. Ravitz, >> yes. >> Mr. Gazelle, >> yes. >> Miss Rothman, >> yes. >> Mayor Grigglia, >> yes. The public hearing and final consideration and adoption of ordinance number 16-26
will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the municipal building here at 50 Woodland Avenue. Now I would like to turn over to administrator Tim Quinn and Valerie Dolan.
I'm sorry I was going to cross that. Yeah, just Tim Quinn. >> Oh, just Tim. I'm sorry. >> But we do have our our CFO. >> And Sean Ferguson has stayed and is in the back of the room to provide an overview of the budget and read the resolution language into the record.
>> Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. Um it is my pleasure and relief to um present to you the 2026 budget. It does cover four different budgets. The current fund, the sewer utility, the swimming pool utility, and and the parking utility um
that we have here. I will do a full presentation on the public hearing for the budget at the April 26th meeting. Um but with that I would wish to read into the resolution for the tension committee for consideration. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. So missile budget of the tangible marsh county marsh for the fiscal year 2026 be resolved that the following statements of revenues and appropriations south constitute the missile budget for the year 2026. be it further resolved that said budget
be published on the official website www.mmarsstip.com under public notices of the tang of Mars on March 19th 2026. >> Yeah, >> the governing body of the tanger does hereby approve the following as the
budget for the year 2026. And here is the budget document. And with that, mayor, I will return it to you and I would ask that you ask for a motion to approve the 2026 municipal budget for introduction. >> Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the municipal budget for
calendar year 2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Madame clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Rabbitz, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Mr. Janata, >> yes. >> Mr. Gazelle, >> yes. >> Miss Rothman, >> yes. >> And Mayor Grilia, >> yes.
>> Mr. Quinn. >> Thank you, mayor. Notice is hereby given that the budget and tax resolution was approved by the committee persons of the tangible Mars County of Mars on March 18, 2026. A hearing on the budget and tax resolution will be held at the Morris
Tench Municipal Building, 50 Woodland Avenue, on April 22nd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at which time and place objections to set budget and tax resolution for the year 2026 may be presented by taxpayers or other
interested persons. >> Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, >> Mayor. If I can. >> Yes. Uh just so the public is aware, we usually hold our uh committee meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. But because we need 30 days, correct, Mr. Quinn, between introduction and
hearing, uh we have to hold the April meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month, which is April uh 22nd. Correct. So just so everybody's not confused, the meeting next month is on the 4th Wednesday, April 22nd. >> Thank you, Committeeman Graale.
We have 17 resolutions on tonight's agenda. May I have a motion to approve resolution numbers 70-26 through 86-26 by one motion? >> So second. >> Madame clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Mr. Griselle?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Janata? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ravitz? >> Yes. >> Miss Rothman? >> Yes. >> Mayor Griglia? >> Yes. On the consent calendar, we have three items. Can I have a motion to approve the items on the consent calendar by one motion?
>> So move second. >> All in favor? I. >> Consideration of monthly reports. The following reports are on file in the office of the township clerk and the township administrator. January 2026 police and fire. February 2026 tax
collector and the Marstown Mars Township Library. The 2025 annual report of collections by the tax collector. Can I have a motion to approve the monthly reports? >> Some move second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Claims for payment and the list of bills
and vouchers. The total amount of bills and vouchers for this meeting is 8,595,691.80. 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. >> Second.
>> Madame Clerk, may I have a roll call vote? Mr. Mr. Rabbitz, yes. >> Mr. Janata, >> yes. >> Mr. Griselle, >> yes. >> Miss Rothman, >> yes. >> Mayor Griglio, >> yes. >> I have received, for the record, I'm going to read a letter from Senator Buco
um about the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Dear Mayor Gerrigley and members of the Mars Township Committee, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you that the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has allowed me to select a town in District
25 for a mobile MVC unit, and I have chosen Mars Township. This unit will be set up at the Mars Township Municipal Building on April 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Providing residents with both
licensing and vehicle services. Appointments will be on the MVC website on March 23rd at 11:00 a.m. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to the community benefiting from this service. As always,
it is a pleasure to represent the Morris Township community. Sincerely, Senator Anthony M. Buo. Uh we also have I know Assemblyman Dunn is also looking at dates, correct, Mr. Quinn, too? >> Yes, we're working with her office and we're going to have additional dates for
that. um mobile unit to be here in Mars Township that should be announced within the next 30 days or so. >> And anybody listening, if you, you know, need a Real ID, if you have anything you need, it's really nice to be able to make an appointment, come here. It's right out in the parking lot and you can
go in and get it taken care of. So hopefully people take advantage of that. >> That's March 23rd at 11:00 a.m., right? >> It starts at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow. >> Okay. Mark your calendars. >> No, no, it's safe to make an appointment. to make an appointment. No, it's like getting concert tickets. You got to get you got online at 11:00 to
get a spot. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. We will now go to standing committee reports and commentary by the township committee and I will actually we will begin with Miss Rothman. >> Thank you. Um I wanted to take this
opportunity just to introduce myself to the community. Uh, my name is Samantha Rothman and I have been a resident of the township since the end of fifth grade. That summer we moved here. Um,
and I attended the Morristown public schools um along with my three siblings. So my family had a business uh locally over in Whippony. Um, so I've really grown up in this area and I've seen the
changes that have happened. Some amazing changes, some not so great changes. Um, and just professionally my background. So I studied botney and plant science in my undergrad at Smith College. Uh, I went to the Yale School of Forestry. I
have a master of forest science. Um, and I also have a master of science from Yale. So I have a really strong environmental background. Um, paired with that, my research that I did in graduate school had a lot to do with land use. So, I studied land use law as
well while I was at Yale. Um, I served in the environmental commission on the town of Marstown. That was where my husband and I bought our first home. Uh, and then we lived there for 10 years and then we moved over to the township and literally bought the house next door to my parents. We share a driveway. It's
the best thing I ever did. Um, and I started growing in Marstown with two other friends. So, I'm really uh excited to be on the township committee. I kind of see it as an evolution of service that I have done here and participate in
my hometown community. Um, I really love being here. I don't love traffic and I don't love development and airport noise and ambulance noise, but we make up for it in so many other ways. Um, the people
here really are the heart and soul of this community and I want to hear from you. I want to know how to make your neighborhoods better. Um, good, bad, ugly, I want it all. So, please be in touch. I now have a township committee
uh email. So, please reach out to me. I'd love to meet you and your neighbors. So, thank you. >> Thank you. And we all look forward to working with you. Committeeman Rothman, Committee Rothman, Mr. Grazel.
>> Thank you, uh Sam. So happy to have you up here on the day with us. Uh as been mentioned before, uh you've been asked a lot of times, but it's h great to finally have you up here. uh look forward to uh your insights. You gave a couple earlier tonight um on
environmental issues and uh really look forward to your your bringing your skills and your your knowledge Morris Township here up to the Deas and running running the town efficiently. Uh congratulations again to uh to Mark Jory uh on his honor tonight. Um what a what
a turnout. It was really great. And um I don't know, he's still at home listening or if he's asleep yet. But uh again, Mark, thanks thanks for all your service and we we're sure it's it's not coming to an end. You're just serving us in a different way. Uh but thanks for all
those years of service and um I'm going to keep it short. It's been a long meeting tonight and I'll just leave it right there. >> Thank you very much, Committeeman Rabbits. >> Uh thank you, Mayor. Uh I just want to welcome Sam on to the township committee. her her uh council is going
to be greatly appreciated. Uh and I wish her all the best here and I know it's she's going to be an incredible asset to to the township with her vast wealth of of knowledge and experience. Uh I also want to take it uh a moment to acknowledge
um the Rich Lynch's retirement from the Mars Township Fire Department after 25 years of service. Rich consistently demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and pride in his job, and I know we all wish him well as he
writes uh the next chapter of his life. I It has been a long meeting tonight. I don't have really any urgent committee reports this month and I want to thank the residents that came out to to uh suggest things about Collinsville and I know we're all looking forward to you
know the grand opening and and just having really a premier park on on that side of town and we're we're we're so excited that we're just hoping for warm weather so we can complete the project. It I know it's been um seemed like a real long time. We've faced a lot of
challenges and hurdles, but we've overcome them and we're just about there. Um, I I consider myself um well, yeah, let me let me just kind of step back.
I'm going to ask your beg your indulgence for a moment while I kind of depart from my my usual commentary. Um, I consider myself an activist and that remains true. Uh I'm an activist at heart uh even as I carry the
responsibilities of an elected official. When I first ran for office in 2019, I said I believed our country was heading down a troubling path. Unfortunately, that concern has only deepened and today we find ourselves closer than ever to
authoritarianism. From this day, I have often said that we have far more in common than should ever divide us. And I still believe that. But in a time like this, it is all too easy to become cynical. I choose not to. I
believe in bringing people together and not in amplifying the divisions that others use too often to exploit us. The residents of the township elected me to represent their interests. From the very my very first remarks, I committed
to being open and transparent in both my thinking and my decision-making. And I've I've honored that commitment. I believe my experience and my vision have helped contribute to the strong stewardship of this township alongside
with the dedicated professionals and fellow committee members who serve our community. At my core, I remain an activist. One focused on doing what is right for the people, not is what not necessarily what
is easy or politically convenient. The decisions we make today are not just for the present, but for the future. So that these so that those who serve after us inherit a township strengthened by the
choices we have made and the courage to make them. To that end, I am guided by policy, not party. I'm a pragmatic independent, a pragmatic independent leader who
believes in independent thinking. And I'm not a party apparatic. I'm beholden to no one, no group, no faction, no party, only to the people I serve. And that kind of brings me to my final point this evening. In Mars
Township, every year is an election year. Tonight, I'm in announcing my intention to run for another term as committeemen. I do so because I believe our residents deserve leadership that puts good governance
ahead of party politics. To that end, I'm resigning my membership in the Democratic Party. I will be running for reelection as an independent under a banner I am calling USA 2.0
because there is no returning to the nation that boomers and many Gen Xers grew up in. We need a grassroots party to reimagine and rebuild our government and institutions and who will be in it for the long haul.
I appeal to those who feel disenfranchised, whether you are aligned with a party or you're not, and to independent thinkers across our community. I ask for your support this November because our experience and vision matters more than
party identity and because if we want better government, we must elect better leaders. Mayor, >> thank you. Committeeman Rabbitz, Deputy Mayor Janata. Mayor, if I just may, um, just in the future, if we could not advocate for any particular political
person, whether it be yourself or someone in the audience on the day is it's inappropriate in town hall. Thank you. >> That will be the last you'll hear about it from me. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you, mayor. I'll skip the u my township uh
the uh standing committee reports, but I'll just go into uh what the know your neighborhood. Normally I speak about history but this time I'll touch on the future. As we saw Mike Mark Joffy had resigned and is now
replaced by Samantha Rothman. And before I had often mentioned that we do need more women on the committee and here we are. And this is also women's history month and u I'm glad that we have finally got that. The future calls for
diversity, not for the sake of diversity checking off boxes, but diversity as as to reflect our community. We are seeing this in our township as well as the neighboring towns. And we are seeing this on the days and we we will continue to see this in the coming years.
Diversity is not just in racial, ethnic or religious terms, but diversity in viewpoints and diversity in abilities. We are thankful that we see this in Morris Township and we will continue to see this. Mayor, >> thank you. I think going along with
everyone else and at the late hour um I'll skip over to some of the uh committee reports. Um I do know do want to mention though that earlier in the board of health meeting uh Mars Township has been awarded the healthy town to watch designation. Liz Zi, our health
officer has led the way on advancing the township towards this de designation and ultimately the next level is you get you get the recognition of being a healthy town. So um our health department has
gone above and beyond and again to health officer Liz Zami thank you so much. um a year we we moved up in one year from where a healthy town to a healthy town up and coming was the first level. Now we're a healthy town to watch
and that the t top title is a healthy town. So again really appreciate all the hard work they do. And I also want to again just congratulate firefighter Aiden Hernandez. Um I do want to make this comment
as your mayor. I want to make a comment on the affordable housing meeting that took place on March 9th. I take full responsibility and own the fact that our residents came to their town hall to discuss an issue that they felt they
were not given enough prior input on and time to educate themselves and digest what was put in front of us to decide. As much as we all hear a lot about affordability, I feel that accountability is just as
important. Many leaders shy away from accountability at times. I stand by the decisions that I made and I know it was the only decision we could have made to remain in control of the forthcoming development in the township set by the
state law. In standing by those decisions, I understand that I as mayor am being held accountable for the process. So, I just want to inform the residents there will be public sessions on each of the projects.
Public sessions, a Q&A and information will be distributed according to the township policies that we have in place. Other than that, I just hoping I'm hoping that everyone has a happy Passover beginning on April 1st and a happy Easter on April 5th. In these
divided and troubling times, I feel these celebrations take on a profound significance, reminding us that hope and resilience can foster the enduring spirit of community. Easter has a message of renewal and resurrection,
asking us to embrace the possibility of new beginnings even amidst uncertainty. Passover teaches us the importance of liberation and the strength found in unity and the struggles endured in the pursuit of freedom. In celebrating these
holidays holidays, we honor our traditions and we reaffirm our commitment to building bridges of understanding and compassion in a world that certainly feels fractured. But as Barack Obama clearly stated, hope is the
thing inside us that insists despite all evidence to the contrary that something better awaits us. Thank you. I also have one other note that's very important. The voting districts 20 and
23 residents are advised that these the polling location has changed from Freeling Heisen Middle School to Fairchild Firehouse meeting room to Burnham Road in Mars Plains. So, on the
day of the election, April 16, 2026, uh please make sure that you if you're in either district 20 or 23, you're aware of those changes. Postcards will be mailed to the residents in both those districts. >> They have been mailed
>> have been mailed to the residents in both those districts. So, now we're at our last public commentary. There are nine members. There are seven members joining us on Zoom and 17 attending in person. At this time, we'll open the meeting to public comment. We will begin
the comments from those who are present here in person and then we'll switch to Zoom. Please raise your hand on Zoom if you would like to speak. Before speaking, please state your name and whether or not you are a resident. Comments will be limited to five minutes per speaker. If you have questions that
you would like a response, any remaining time will be yielded back to you. Is there a motion to open the public comment? >> Some move second. >> All in favor? >> I Mr. Goldberg. >> Uh Lee Goldberg, 10 Arrowhead Road. Yes,
I'm a resident of Mars Township. Um so, uh Samantha, congratulations again. Um, I think unlike anyone up here, I've actually had the benefit and value of serving sitting next to you on the zoning board and your experience in forestry, land use, botany, all things environmental was invaluable on that
committee and I'm sure will be uh of value and benefit to the folks on this committee as well and thrilled to have that sort of knowledge base and um all the uh service you've done to the community for the community and within the community today will I think just I guess great be a benefit for all of us.
So congratulations again. Um I do have a couple of questions on um the resolutions. So I'll just uh four of them in particular um to look for a little more clarity. Maybe if I don't know sometimes on the agendas they're a little sort of high level. So some of these questions might be able to be
avoided if there was a little more detail on the agendas. Um but having said that 7226 $160,000 uh to Catch Road for the affordable housing project. Is that coming out of a particular fund? Is that an affordable
housing fun? How does that work? And is that a portion of it? Is that everything? Or just highlight um what that is. >> Affordable housing trust fund for the affordable housing project that will be returned to the township after the project is built. >> So this is money we're paying out upon project completion. It comes back
>> comes back to us. Yes. It's help them get started. >> No taxpayer dollars. >> Yeah. >> No, I'm sorry. >> No taxpayer dollars. >> But the affordable trust fund housing dollars, those dollars are all they're not taxpayer dollars to begin with. Right. That's what I'm trying to understand. This is a >> But but it's being returned. So,
>> well, it's being returned. But were they were they contributions from developers or were they actually levy >> tax called a developer trust fund? It's contributions from developers for the construction and the projects that they do go into a special fund. >> Okay. >> And that's what's used to for these affordable housing projects.
>> Okay. Well, thank you for elaborating on that. I think with, you know, even as early as this evening, some residents who saw me from last week, they're still confused about things. So, anything we can do to communicate on this, I think really just helps uh from just an educational perspective. Um 7526
um uh this is for our township engineer who I believe is currently a part-time engineer. Um but the dollars um not to exceed going from uh up to $50,000 again tied to affordable housing work. Um, is that does this just the anticipated cost
for his extra time? Again, being sort of a consultant, not full-time employee of the township. How is that structured? Same with our land use professionals that work on affordable housing that we have to pay for that out of the affordable housing trust fund. So, we're
not spending taxpayer dollars on this. Same as we're doing for our planner, same as we're doing for our land use attorney, same as we're doing with our consulting engineer. So those dollars, so for example, for uh Mr. Warner that are in in 7626 going from 7K to 97K in
LA, that's from the affordable housing developers trust fund as well. Is that an accurate statement? >> That is accurate. >> And but at the end of that, the monies are not returned. They just stay with the professionals. >> We're permitted to use that for our professionals to further the affordable housing.
>> Okay. Thank you for clarifying that. Um and to a broader question which raises a more general issue again um not having we've lost a lot of folks in the engineering department. Is there any update or progress on actually having a full-time engineer here in town and filling that position as a full-time
employee? Um we've lost about 120 hours I believe a week of engineering services between Dave Hansen Jim Slate I think there was someone else another retirement you know is 20 I mean I believe Mr. which is currently a 20our a week. Is are we filling Is there an update on
that filling that position permanently? >> We filled in an assistant assistant >> full-time position. >> We did as a consultant. >> I'm sorry. >> Mr. Voic is a consultant and we also hired a full-time assistant township engineer >> that has already started. >> Started last August.
>> Started last August. Uh what is that person's name? Is it I can look it up on the tip of website. Just I'm just curious. Patricia Danhart. >> Patricia what? Danler. Thank you very much. Um and then the last question is on 7826 a position that was being
appointed to or created but it doesn't say what the position for. There's a name tied to it. Chris Evangel what is that position or what is that about? >> He will sit next to you at the board of adjustment. >> He's the he's the second he's an alternate to the board of >> that would be an example just some simple clarity on the agenda would prevent because again the public looks
at this and it's like what is this? Right. So >> yeah. So, thank you for uh informing me that he will be joining us on the zoning board. Look forward to meeting him. Thank you so much. >> But everybody should be aware that the agendas have hot links. So, the resolutions, if you click on the word resolution on on the agenda itself, the
electronic agenda, you can bring up all of the resolutions. Um so, you can see uh what what the details are. So, you could see that Chris Evangel was being >> pointed to the board adjustment. Yeah, you'll be able to see that. >> Okay. Very good. Thank you. sometimes, you know, again, I don't think I mean,
I'll look at my phone again here to see if it's on the online version uh if that was selectable cuz I would have selected it, but I'll check again. Thank you so much. >> Otherwise, we'd be printing packets, a lot of packets like this that are thick to hand out to people who are just going to throw them away. But >> yeah, but just just even just even a you
know, a couple extra keystrokes on the you know, again, just clear appreciate the the time and attention. >> Thank you, Mr. Goldberg. Seeing nobody else and no hands raised. Is there a motion to close public comment?
>> So move second. >> The time is now 9:39. Can I have a motion to adjourn the regular session? >> I'm going to make a motion, but I also want to acknowledge your comments, mayor. I I was really moved by uh you taking responsibility uh for the affordable housing uh discussions that
we had on March 9th. But I just want to let you know it's it's all of our responsibilities. It's not just yours. Um, and we all could have done a little bit of a better job. Um, but I really really appreciate you uh stepping out in front of that. >> Yeah. No, I'm a big believer in um, you
know, that if something doesn't go the way it should, that the first step you have to take is number one to own it and then you have to do what you can to make it better. And I do hope that people do realize, and we do, as upset as people get, they do come back a lot and say
they appreciate and they do realize that the work that we all have to do and the work especially on all the affordable, you can talk to anyone in any municipality, but the planners, the lawyers, the it was a really, >> really tough thing to get through. So,
>> I appreciate you your words, though. Thank you. And with that, I'll I'll make a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second. Thank you. >> All in favor? >> I. >> The next regular township committee meeting is Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 7 p.m. for the regular meeting, 5:00
p.m. closed in the municipal building here at 50 Woodland Avenue. Thank you all and have a safe time getting >> Good night everybody. Thank you for coming.