here and Telerica here. >> The notice requirements of the open public meetings act for the meeting have been satisfied. A copy of the annual notice was sent to the Aspbury Park Press in the coaster posted in town hall filed in the office of the municipal clerk on December 18th, 2025. Uh before
we get into C4 and appointments, uh purple flags initiative, that's simple, right? Yes, that's the one. Oh, I'm glad we said that first. That's the one that we do every year um for the Mammoth County overdosed. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And um >> that's you got a date set.
>> They haven't set up, but I'll let everybody know. >> They'll plant the purple flags >> and we'll plant the flags. Purple >> and we'll put up the signs. >> Yep. >> Everybody's okay with doing that. >> Yeah. Just uh get send us out an email list. >> It'll probably be sometime in August.
Okay. Okay. Which cuz overdose awareness day is on August 31st. >> Yep. >> So we'll be in. Thank you. >> Okie dokie. All right. Let's start with the C4 zone. So I'm going to call up Miss Kco. >> Hi everybody. Nice to see you. Glad to
hear that there were no houses that were rendered uninhabitable considering um I understand that at a prior meeting uh Colleen had given you a list of uses that were u in discussion for the C4. >> Uh it it was given to you without any
context and that's why I understand that perhaps didn't know what was being requested or why and some of the feedback was more general. What we wanted to do, we had met with the township's professionals to talk about the reasons behind why some zone changes
were being requested and were necessary. Um, and paid escrow and worked with Jim to kind of clean up the ordinance for a couple reasons. Just technically speaking, your C4 ordinance allows for a regional shopping center and then a
non-regional shopping center and then there's an support facilities around that. So those three all kind of apply to C4 and there's inconsistencies throughout all of it. It probably hasn't
been revised in a very long time. So the first thing that we were asking for is that we get it cleaned up so it reads in a way that makes sense and everybody knows exactly what is uh permitted there. And that's one of the things that Jim had done. The second thing was we
had discussed a bunch of uses that Isaac Mastery, who's the owner of the shopping center, um was looking to have potentially added since really we are the tenant in almost the entirety of that area as it
relates to the larger uses in the shopping center. Um, and a lot was bounced off of your professionals and we got a lot of push back on it with regard to what would fly and what wouldn't. And we kind of came up with a list that everybody considered to be reasonable
subject of course to the council's uh opinion on it because ultimately you have to make that decision. So again, we had hoped that when it was presented to you, we would have the opportunity to explain why and it kind of went out of order. So here we are today. I want to
introduce Isaac because at the end of the day, he's really the only one that can explain the uses because it has as much to do with planning as it does with the economic vitality of that center, which I think we all agree for those of us who were born and raised here is
significantly different than it was when it was an enclosed mall in 1975. >> Thank you, John. Thank you. Mr. Maz. >> Hi, Hi, everyone. Thank you for uh letting me speak tonight. Um
so Isaac Mastery grew up in Ocean Township, lived here my entire life, 51 years. Um our company is based out of Eatontown Warren Realy Group and we own properties from New York down to Florida. uh
similar to C view in 2012. Uh the property was in foreclosure. Previous owners ran out of money and the bank decided to sell the note of the property.
We looked at it even when the previous owners bought it and we said, "Look, C view was always known as a little bit of a dirty word in the real estate market." Um, again, I think most of you live in Ocean Township. Um, so you know what C
view was uh over time, but we said at the right price, we think maybe we can make some improvements and save what we've looked at as almost a blighted site. Um, so in 2012, we took a little bit of a risk and we bought it. Um,
there was about 400,000 square feet vacant. the Value City building, if you remember, that two-story building was vacant. You had, if you remember, the Lowe's um home improvement store that was sinking and they vacated. It was
built on a landfill. It had a lot of overgrown grass. And you call up a tenant who might be based out of Texas and say, "Oh, we have a shopping center for you in, you know, Ocean Township called Se View." and they said, "Well,
you can't see it from the road and has vacancy." And I Googled it and I saw that it's sinking. Wasn't such an easy property to lease. So, we spent a lot of time. We spent a lot of money. Um, and we came to the township and said, "Look, there are certain things we think can
help us try to improve the property." And they said, "What do you think could help you?" We said, "We think we need signage. You didn't have any signage in the front of the property, the pylon sign that's on the road. Can you help us get approvals for that?" and they said, "Show us some renderings." We sat with
the professionals and came up with the renderings that are there today. That helped us. We designed some other things and the township worked with us. We told them we want to raise the value city building because we want to build for
Homesense and Sierra and Marshalls and Homegoods. And can we do that? And we had to go to D. And none of this was easy. This took years. This is now again 2012 or in 2026. And we made some good improvements. I think we're all pretty happy with how it
came out. We spent a lot more money than we expected to, but went from being a blighted site of Ocean Township to really the crown jewel in terms of shopping destination for Ocean Township. The Costco I think we all love, and the Marshalls and the Sephora and all the
improvements we made. And we thought we were done. We thought the leasing was all done and we were in great shape. And then all of a sudden you get hit with a bankruptcy and those have happened over the years and Harmon went bankrupt and we filled them up with with Hallmark and we had a lot of bankruptcies and now you
had a you have at home. It's a big bankruptcy. It's a 100,000 square foot box. That's where Sears used to be and we're talking to tenants. We signed one tenant just so you know. We signed Wayfair which we think is a great exciting >> which I'm very excited about.
>> So we think that your properties quick. They think >> no that's a store you go to pick up. >> You shop in the store. >> Can you hold this off for a few years please? >> So that's so we think that's great but that they just took a small piece of the box. Now we're talking to other tenants
and again I'm talking to the tenant in Texas or in Wyoming or wherever the tenants are based and they're saying no we hear some great things about Eaton Town and we want to be in Eon Town. We hear Monmouth Malls being redeveloped. Netflix is over there and we want to be
closer to to Ean Town. So now we're we have this really great momentum for years. We we we we did a lot of good things. Um and the township has been incredible with us. Um but we didn't overreach anything. We didn't ask for, you know, land a spaceship here. We
didn't ask for anything silly. We asked for things that are typical of of this shopping center and it's it's worked well for everybody. Um, lots of jobs, lots of taxes. Um, but I'm getting a lot of push back now because of Eat in Town. So, we
again talking to a lot of tenants. We had a tenant. We thought we had Tesla. They wanted to come and put again Sears used to have an auto center. So, we said maybe Tesla was looking for a place to do some repair work, light collision repair work. We said, "All right, maybe that's a good use." So, we came to the
town of four or five months ago. and said, "What do you think about this?" Oh, it could be good. It could be great. And then Jen gave you the recap. And I thought we'd be able to move it along to get an approval uh or you know, something uh as a permitted use in the
ordinance, but it we're four or five months later. I lost that deal. I had another deal that was pending. I just lost that deal in big town. So I just I don't have any of the the the uses now. Yeah. I just don't have I don't have a
tenant now that I'm telling you I need this use because I have this tenant but I want to know that if we are lucky enough to bring in another tenant. Maybe we didn't want Tesla at the end of the day. Maybe you didn't think it was a good use but if there's another good use that comes along that it's here and it's
approved and I know I don't have to wait four or five months to get it approved because they're they're they're laying out the red carpet. You see what they did for Mammoth Mall. You see what they're doing for Netflix. you see what they're doing even for the orchard, you know, the golf
course. There's a lot happening and we're up against a lot and I just need assistance and that's >> and so couple things from a more technical standpoint. The reality is is that this is ideal for a town particularly one where the public is
complaining about overdevelopment and and you know stop the development. You have a fully developed site. We're not looking to add impervious coverage. We're not looking to create or spread more development where there isn't. You have a center that we want to continue
to invest in and grow. And what you left out and I think you did to be humble is when it was in bankruptcy, you were getting no taxes. Now I think you're the biggest taxpayer in all of Ocean Township >> by a lot. Yes. >> Okay. Approximately how much do you pay in taxes a year for that center? >> I think a million8.
>> Okay. >> About. >> So again, >> probably pull on the most rent too. I didn't want to say that. You know, I was thinking >> you guys are misunderstanding. It's not about profit. It's not about money. The reason why all of the prior administrations, >> I know, but
>> we're in public forum. So, >> one of the reasons that the township over the last decade has been always willing to work with us through changes in administration and and um attorneys and council members is because they recognize that if we do well, the
township does well because if you have a center that can't rent, then you're going to be paid less taxes, but the same coverage, the same everything is all still there. So, vitality in this location is going to be key for everyone. and you're able to do it as a redevelopment without having any impact
on the infrastructure of the town in any way like people were complaining. As far as medical offices are concerned, the reason we wanted medical, they're already permitted. They're in the ordinance. They're permitted at the mall right now. The problem is is that there
is some overlay as they're permitted here. They're not in the RSSF. They're permitted. We just wanted to clean it up with regard to how it was permitted. The car wash, we had a prospective tenant for a out parcel that's adjacent to the
mall. That deal died because we weren't able to get the zone changed in time. And again, clean use, no pun intended, but it's a clean use for the site. Um, and it would have fit within the context of where car washes are permitted
conditionally. So, we were looking to have that added because again, you're right in the row where the car dealerships are, the circle is, there's another car wash right across the circle. It seemed like an appropriate location. The bank is already permitted, but I
don't think any we can all agree that there is no bank without a drive-thru. So, we were looking to just make sure that would be permitted. The auto service center without sales was the Tesla. We were looking to have that. Um, there is auto service already at BJ's.
I'm not sure under the at Costco. I'm sorry. I I represent BJ's also, and that's been a been a big one on on the mind. Um, >> but there already is car service there. I don't know how it got >> zone, right? And Sears had the auto. So,
to us, it seemed like a very natural >> segue to put in there, provided it's not, you know, a a a repair shop. It's part of the integrated building. All the work is done inside. We understand all the things that would >> Can I stop you on that one? >> Sure. >> So, it's not per like to your point, how
are they both there if it's not there? >> Well, Sears is not there. >> Sears is not there. >> And I was there. >> It was there. I don't know. And Costco, theirs is tires access. It's accessory >> tires at Costco >> and batteries. >> And it's accessory,
>> which is basically what Sears did. Tire and battery center. It's accessory to the um We're not looking to go back though, Councilman. We're looking to to move forward. The ordinance has changed over the years. I don't know how it got in. I mean, Sears was there since the 70s,
>> right? That's my That's right. >> And and as far as Costco is concerned, that is an accessory to it. So perhaps since it is a typical accessory use to a to a Costco, it wasn't considered as its own separate use. But what we're suggesting is since those uses were
there >> again and it would be limited. So that was why we raised that the auto sales and service. Um we weren't looking to do a car lot necessarily, but you have them along the highway there. But more importantly, if Tesla came and we
thought we'd get them, they didn't want to be limited that they couldn't sell cars from there. So that was really the the mindset. We're not looking to we don't have the land to put a car dealership there. um the data center we've given up on. >> Why? But we we didn't even want to do it
in the first place. We didn't we >> our planner or someone threw it in there and then there's a lot of um >> a lot of negative feedback on data taking away the power of the township. So we said >> we didn't have a tenant. It wasn't we were looking at >> I lose my power enough at my house.
>> No, we were looking at ideally where are the trends? We looked at where are the trends going? You have all these vacant spaces everywhere. Who's taking the spaces? That's one of them. That's why we put it in there. Same as sustainability. Again, we didn't have anyone. >> Is that in or out?
>> It was in our list. We would love to have like a battery storage alternative energy in one of these big areas, but again, we don't have anyone to do that. We're just coming up. We're trying to look forward to make sure that 20 years from now, this is still a vital center.
Um, the warehouse is already permitted in portions of that. It's It's the warehouse where Jason's furniture was. I forget what it is now, >> but that was already reszoned for warehouse in that area. >> We don't own that portion, but >> Yeah. No, no, we don't own it. But I'm
saying, >> it's essentially part of the same parcel. While it's a separate lot and block, it uses our access. And then how the when I tell you I couldn't figure out what was permitted or not permitted when it came to health or sports clubs,
indoor recreation, children's entertainment. Every section of that C4 ordinance said a different thing. So all we're looking to do is to have it uniformly permitted because again have the pickle ball in there already. You
have the trampoline in there already. These are the types of uses that you >> And the gym. >> And the gym. >> And the gym. Yes. These are the types of uses that you would want. So, and again, I don't think it was circulated to you because it wasn't a formal document. It
was something we paid escrow and and had Jim work on on behalf of the township. It wasn't it wasn't something the township asked him to do. It was something we asked him to do on behalf of the on behalf of the township. and he came up with a really good way to clean
up your ordinance, to get rid of RSSF, to get rid of the distinction between shopping center zoning and all the other zoning, and to do a comprehensive ordinance that covers the entirety of the area that works for the small lots
and also works for the bigger lots. So, I'm hopeful and today was justformational. I'm hopeful that, you know, I can I can ask Colleen or or Dave to kind of share this ordinance with you, take a look at it, and then if you have questions,
we're happy to come back. But, you know, Yes. >> could you go back just to the um sustainability alternative sustainable energy? >> Try not to ask me a lot of questions on that because I don't have a lot of answers. >> Yeah. The only reason we even brought that up is a tenant that does
>> The reason why I'm asking is because it says the the electrical power on site and then discharges the stored energy to the public grid or nearby facilities through one or more underground electrical conduits or to the direct use to support electricity demand on site. What does
that even mean? And what would that how would that affect our environment and you know our surrounding >> I'm not an expert. The only reason I put that in is 3 days I think before we brought this up a battery storage tenant contacted me and said we would love to
lease one acre of land from you to do battery storage >> and I don't know much more about it so we could look into it much more started I really don't know but I think it's a clean I think it's a clean energy source not anything else
>> but again that is not we'll look into that but is you know that is one that we threw in because that came in. >> Yeah. >> We had to look up what it even meant and I had to pull ordinances from other municipalities that have it >> and I I think that that's an amalgamation current that goes
underground. >> Oh, do you have this? >> Yeah. >> Oh, I didn't know you guys had it. Yeah. Okay. I do have another question. I hope you don't mind. >> Um when the Tesla, you know, organization, whatever, approached you. Why didn't we know about it? >> Oh, I came to the town. the town
>> four or five months ago. >> Four, five months ago. I never heard of the Tesla. >> Township. I met with you know all the professionals and I said look we have these guys and that's what initiated this entire process. I can tell you when we had >> it would have been good ways for us to
have collaborated to understand that this was in the works for you >> because I mean obviously you're a businessman so you want to be able to fill your >> Just so you know we met on March 4th 2026 and >> with who?
Dave um don't know why Dave and Isaac, right? Colleen wasn't there. So, we met with Dave Brown. We met with me, Dave, Isaac. I Anthony, I know that you said this. I thought there was I think that Greg was there also for
that meeting. I'm pretty sure Greg was there cuz >> Wait, I think there was another one before that meeting >> because you and I got into an argument over whether or not >> I was at the second one. Oh, okay. Maybe the second one. And I don't know why the notes aren't an error. We got into an argument over whether or not sick people should be allowed to walk through a
mall. So I So there was a second meeting >> where where that was explored >> outside. We can >> All right. So wait, sorry, one more point. >> Yeah, one last point. The last point is is what Jennifer was talking about is that looking forward because I might not
even like what if Netflix calls up and says we we need a temporary >> uh staging facility. So, I'm just throwing out things that might work. It's not that I have these tenants that are saying, "Oh, you know, if you get this approved, we can come in and these are all tricky things that I can't get anywhere else." These are, you know,
uses that are in centers and I'm, if you have ideas of other other uses, then we should throw them in here, too, because we know what happens when we come and want to come in for, you know, planning board meeting or whatever. It takes a five, six months. >> So, let me let me ask this. You we want
to finalize this as much as you do. So, my suggestion is, everybody has a copy of this, everybody's reviewed it. My suggestion is that you give over notes of anything that you potentially want to see changed within that ordinance or additions that you think would be good.
Get them over to David so that David can review along with Colleen. And then at that point, David, um, I believe we can have a discussion at the next council meeting in work session. I want this sealed up by the next council meeting for a resolution or or whatever we have
to do >> ordinance >> ordinance change so we can do first reading second reading. Um we can always amend the first reading obviously I mean if we want to go as far as doing the first reading for the August meeting or wait till September but everybody has to get their comments back and if they
don't comment back within two weeks then let's just move forward with what the recommendations are on the town side with our professionals. So could you get back to us about that one point? >> So council is aware that was a draft that I prepared based on what the
applicant submitted >> that they wanted to do and I didn't have any feedback from the town at that point in time. So it was for you to react to >> right. So what the intention was we were going to present what we wanted. You were going to meet with Jim, meet with
us, digest it and during the process we kept there were a lot of internal meetings held and so finally we said you know what let us just come and talk to the council. So that's >> good move. I'm glad that we got to listen. So now the suggestion is you takes a little bit of time review it but
no more than two weeks because we have our next meeting >> August what day? and >> and I'm going to try to figure out exactly how that works technically. >> I mean, I don't have a problem with probably 98% of this. I have a problem
with that. And also the AI data center taken out, then I really don't have a problem with it. Just that one. >> Okay. And if if you guys, you know, if you weren't ready for that one because we don't have any details or a user to give you that, we're not going to cry over that one because we don't even know what it is yet. I do have one other
question about the child entertainment. Do you know what that would be? >> Yes. >> Like a sky >> zone. It's already permitted. It's already permitted you guys. So that was the issue. In one section, child's entertainment is allowed. In another section, health and fitness is allowed,
>> but they're not allowed throughout. So all we're doing is putting all the uses that are already permitted within how many acres is it? >> 120. within that 120 acres and making it uniform so there's no question as to what you can or can't do >> and that would be the full and pardon me
for not knowing the exact answer to this you're not the only C4 zone right >> there's the couple of pieces in the front of us >> that are part of it on the highway a couple of small >> but other than that that's the only one in town >> right I have but I didn't I figured out these guys know the answer okay so we're
basically doing it and no disrespect we're doing it for you for C view which slide >> C view and the surrounding so again yes >> the surrounding C4, right? Okay. >> Followup question. Is this the latest version? What What's the date? >> There's only one version that I've done, >> which is dated March May 28th.
>> Yeah. >> It's there's only one. If that's the date on it, that's it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Mine doesn't even have a date. >> But this is one that has your uh edits cuz I saw your name on it. >> No, no, no. These weren't my edits. This
This was the edits that This was the edits that Jim did. You want one? >> Jim did these the color coding. That was my comments to it. >> Comment. Okay. >> Right. But >> we'll get the right one. >> Yeah. Yeah. See, I saw your name and that's why I thought it was
>> Yeah, those were my comments to it. But um the but again, all Jim did was memorialize in a fashion that was consistent with your ordinance what we were asking for. Mhm. >> Now, it's up to you after hearing everything that you know, Isaac and I
had to say what you're comfortable with. And again, you know, Grace, to your point, we're not here asking for sustainable energy. If you want to say, look, we're not ready for that now, but if you have a tenant and you come to us with someone who has some expertise on it, we'd consider it. That's okay.
>> Okay. I get that. >> All right. Thank you everybody. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Take care. And everybody, this is Anthony Storo. Those of you who may remember how I used to follow Peter Falo around.
>> My name is Peter Falo. >> And and unlike Peter, I don't intend to work till I'm 80. >> So enjoy that retirement, right? >> Peter had nicer suits. You can dress up, boy.
So, it's just 7:00 a.m. with an evening. >> Okay. I can get you both. >> Okay. >> Take care all. Byebye. >> All right. Uh, so we've scheduled the rest of the time for planning board appointment deliberation. So, let's get rolling. >> Uh, we're not doing public comment on
that. Yeah. Just uh >> Yeah, he's out. >> Really? It was easy. >> Come on. That's it. I'll do my I wasn't going to be here tonight. I just came for that. >> Okay. >> But and I not I didn't want to cause an argument, but when they said they came
in March 4th for that, they came with that whole list and we targeted the AI stuff. >> Mhm. >> Because we're like, "What is this?" And we spent 90% of the time talking. That's why it never went anywhere. They didn't take it off table till just now. >> Okay. >> So that's why we were very cautious on all this stuff because there were things
out there we didn't know. They didn't know what it meant. So that's why it took so long. Okay. >> I mean, I thought there had to be a reason. >> Yeah. Because if they had just came in with Tesla, would he have said, "Yeah, no problem. Who would have council have been done?" But they didn't come in with Tesla at all. They said like a Tesla >> and then he got that later on. He must
have knew it was in the works or something. But he had nothing solid on anything. That's why we said, "Well, we got a whole list and we don't like a lot of things on your list." And they clarified a lot of things because I mean, we had car wash. We could car service because you didn't want, you know, pe cars stacked out in the parking
lot that are all broken up like decks like the gas station on the corner of Roosevelt and um Mammoth. You don't want cars out there looking like that in the mall. It >> just isn't the right spot. >> I don't want to go on Mammoth and Roosevelt. >> No, I know for sale for sale by there. I want to prevent another one, but that's
why it took >> Was there anything else on this list that you guys didn't feel comfortable with? >> Uh they they refined the okay with it, too. >> They took off the ones I asked them to take off. >> Yeah, the battery thing we were a little cautious on because they didn't know what it was. So, why do you want us to
approve a battery operating? You came to tell us what you what kind of batteries you want. We thought it might have been they want um solar panels and a rechargeable thing to sell energy back. >> Yeah. >> And when we asked them that, they said, "We don't think that's what it is." >> So, I I still don't know what they mean
by battery storage. Is a guy who's going to sell batteries? They don't know. So, that's that's why we're very cautious. They wanted a whole list and we didn't know what any of them were. >> So if they take those two off, you guys are comfortable. >> Pretty much. >> I'm comfortable. >> Yeah, cuz the rest of them are all permitted like they said around there. >> Man, if you guys have any additions, you
know, send them over to Dave. Yeah, >> they can we can add whatever we want. >> We were just mostly looking at deletions more than >> and that that would be explicit use, not conditional. So they they >> have they wouldn't have to go to the plane board, >> right? >> Be automatic permit. If somebody wanted
to film a movie there, is a film studio permitted in that zone? >> I don't think so. But >> okay, >> you have to. >> But is that something he's another thing like he says if Netflix came in the as fast as he has to move, we can't move that fast. Yeah, >> cuz he can't explain it enough to know what we know the impacts are. You know,
how long are they going to be there? How much space are they going to how much parking they need? He doesn't know. He just wants to put Netflix in there. >> You know, that that's the problem. >> I guess my question is a third of the mall parking. It's going to be a problem. >> Yeah. Like if you have a warehouse that's permitted, but then a sound studio is not permitted, I could see
where that could be interesting. >> But I think if he comes in and has all his facts presented to us right off the bat, it'd be very easy. Hey, this is what it is. This is the hours I need and this is what they're going to this is the impact of the zone and the park, it'd be easy. But he I understand his problem too because he doesn't know. But
he just wants us to give blanket approvals. He doesn't have if they're conditional uses, I wouldn't have a problem because then they have to go to the board. >> Yeah. >> And the board could deny. So, do you think that's going to happen with the conditional uses with Netflix coming to our town and asking for like >> Yeah, if you gave him a conditional use
because that way he has to go to the planning board, >> you know. Oh, >> so it would have to go there first. >> Yeah. To make sure all the site plan stuff issues were. If you make it a permitted use, he as long as he conforms to the the four requirements of that zone, he's fine. >> Gotcha. >> Yeah. So, that's why it's very dicey
what he was kind of asking about. BL check. >> Yes, pretty much. And then of course what would happen is how he twists that you know well this is what we really meant and then we get that in there and he's going to say we'll prove that. >> Yeah. >> And we don't want that either. So we kind of wanted to give us examples of what he was and you can see their struggle with that.
>> Not not to compare but I'm going to >> okay using his word now just is Eatontown doing something. I mean I get it. They got more land. They got more business. I get don't misunderstand me. But are they doing anything? Obviously the law is the law. Land use law is land use law. I mean, are they doing anything
different that we should be doing to not necessarily attract, but to make it easier? >> I don't believe so. I think the difference between him and Eaten Town, Eaten Town is a bigger draw because they have a village they're building, >> right? >> So, you have a lot of place like eating establishments and things like that,
gyms and whatnot are permitted there because that's who's going to use it, right? >> People have to drive here. It's not the same kind of condition. >> Yeah. >> They can't give them what they have there because they don't have the same situation and the demand. You know, that's going to be a walking village where people, you know, the movie
theater, all that stuff staying because the people there will support it. >> Not one last one. But it's not just Mammoth Mall. It's 36. It's >> everybody Everybody's fighting for these tenants. >> No, but my point is it seems that when you talk to people, it's easier to do
business in Eaton Town from a zoning planning ordinance perspective. Not necessarily. Okay, that's fine. I I think they they'll tell you that because it's easier to sell the space in town because of visibility. >> They have a corner with visibility second here to sell a Tesla thing for
somebody that wants roadside frontage. He doesn't have it. >> Got it. >> So, a lot of people don't. That's where his I think his biggest problem is. >> Okay. Just want to make sure. Thank you. >> See you, Greg. >> See you later. >> Thanks, Greg. >> Thank you, Greg. >> Miss you.
>> I'll be here next year. That was nice. >> Well, you know, I don't get the answer question. >> All right. Planning board um deliberation.
So, um you guys interviewed, we didn't see any recos. So, where where are we going? You said you wanted to talk about it tonight. So, let's go for it. Terrific. That's great. So, we did
interview. We had 20 resumes and we interviewed 15 people. Uh, some are here tonight. And we used a rubric. We have them all here. Actually, the rubric included um a one point one
to five points regarding community involvement, knowledge of municipal government, land use and planning knowledge, professional experience, analytical and decision-m ability, communicational skills, ethics and integrity, commitment and availability, diversity of perspective, and ability to
work collaboratively. After we interviewed everyone, we would uh sum up all the points and they came into three different categories. So there was the ex or I'm sorry, the outstanding um applicant, the excellent
applicant and the good applicant and that's how I came up with my list. >> Outstanding uh good and what? >> Excellent is in the middle. >> Excellent. Outstanding. Excellent. Good. Correct.
>> Based on the rubric. >> Okay. >> And these were based on 15 to 20 minute interviews of each applicant. >> Do you want to say something or >> Well, I got a little thing I want. >> I do too. So, whatever. >> Let me go first.
>> Go ahead. >> So, I'm putting this on the record, so bear with me. Um, >> can I have a copy of that one? >> Sure. You don't want to type it all? >> Write it in. happy to send it to you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um I want to provide everybody a little history of how we got
where we're at for the appointments for those of you that don't know. Um back in November of 25, Ocean Township residents voted through a townshipwide referendum to dissolve the existing planning board and zoning board of adjustment and replace them with a unified land use board. That referendum was more than a
modest structural change in our government. It reflected our residents clear desire for a board that would guide reasonable development. zoning and planning in Ocean Township for decades to come. The rationale was straightforward. The most of Ocean Township was already developed, so the
planning board was hearing very few applications, while the zoning board typically reviews applications for improvements to existing residential and commercial properties, faced a growing backlog that caused or that could have taken six months to resolve. The combined land use board with nine
regular members and four alternates would be able to meet twice each month, reduce the risk of cancelling meetings due to lack of participation and hear more applications monthly, thereby helping to move the process forward more efficiently. For these reasons, the council voted unanimously to bring this
to the residents for a referendum. Creating this new board also meant that all sitting members of both prior boards would no longer hold their positions, but could re reapply for the new board along with other interested residents. Because this new board will have
enormous influence over redevelopment, neighborhoods, traffic, environmental protection, open space, housing, and commercial growth. I have consistently maintained that the process used to appoint this inaugural members is just as important if not more important than
the board members themselves. The new land use board should have been selected and approved and members terms started July 1st. So why did we why are we here now voting? We've been asking about the process that would have been followed for the selection of the new board
members for nearly 6 months. Yet, respectfully, Mayor, you continued to ignore our numerous requests to put a formal, transparent selection process in place. And we soon found out why. Allowing one individual, the mayor, to independently choose every member of our
newly formed board would undermine every principle of good government. Yet, respectfully, the mayor tried to do exactly that by introducing an ordinance that would have given him the ability to appoint every member of the new land use board. respectfully secretly with the
township attorney to draft an ordinance. The ordinance was then put on the agenda for introduction at a regular scheduled council meeting. Once we identified it to be completely against state statutes and a total power grab on the part of the mayor, we immediately asked the town manager to pull it from the agenda. He
fully agreed, as did most of the council members, and it was removed. Residents need to understand that the land use board will shape ocean for generations. Unlike many municipal committees, a land use board exercises quasi judicial authority. It affects
residential density, commercial development, variances, redevelopment projects, neighborhood character and charm, environmental preservation, property values, and the long-term implementation of township master plan. These decisions have often cannot simply
be reversed by future governing bodies. Because the board's influence extends far beyond the current administration, its membership should not reflect the preferences of only one elected official. The referendum language was approved by the full council and passed by the voters of Ocean Township, not
just the mayor. That distinction matters. Residents voted to establish a new governmental institution intended to serve Ocean Township for decades. The inaugural appointment should therefore reflect the entire community rather than the philosophy or priorities of
whichever mayor happens to be in office during that transition. The board belongs to Ocean Township, not to the administration. And while we continue to insist on a documented, fair, and open process, respectfully, the mayor continued to ignore our requests. Even
if every appointment were made in good faith, allowing a single official to appoint every member creates an unavoidable appearance problem. Land use decisions routinely involve developers, property owners, attorneys, engineers, neighborhood organizations, and
residents. Public confidence depends not only on actual impartiality, but also on perceived independence. As I've always said, it's all about the optics. When one official selects every voting member, residents may reasonably question whether the board represents
independent judgment or the current administration's policy performances preferences. I've always tried to prevent the perception whenever possible, which is why I am so deeply concerned by the lack of a formal transparent process for selecting the members of the new board.
Understand Ocean Township has long relied on a shared appointment authority. Nearly all public appointments require confirmation or participation by the full council because it encourages border discussion, not backroom deals, prevents ideological
stacking or group think, improves transparency, which is critical for all council matters, builds confidence, and produces boards with more diverse experience. Ocean Township operates under the council manager form of government where the council sets policy
in the township manager oversees day-to-day operations. In that structure, the mayor serves primarily as a presiding officer of council meetings and as the ceremonial head of the government body, with limited executive authority and with few exceptions, no
greater power than any other council member. The township manager has had to remind the mayor of this distinction numerous times over the past year as the mayor has repeatedly attempted to act though as though the he runs the town solo. This incident is yet another
example of a lack of teamwork and collaboration on co critical decisions and should that should involve the full governing body. Applying that same philosophy to the inaugural land use board would strengthen not weaken the board's legitimacy. Also keep in mind
land use decisions affect every neighborhood and every section of Ocean Township experiences different planning challenges. Whether it's Oakus, Wayside, Wanasa, West Allenhurst, Colonial Terrence Terrace or other neighborhoods all bring different perspectives
regarding traffic redevelopment, flooding, open space, housing and infrastructure. A collaborative appointment process increases the likelihood that those varied viewpoints are represented. That is again why we demanded that the council effectively advertise for new members seeking
resumes to submit and interviews to be conducted using a transparent scoring sheet or a rubric. Public trust will be built during the first appointments and the inaugural board will establish the culture for years to come. These appointments will determine how our
residents perceive fairness, whether applicants believe hearings are impartial, whether neighborhoods feel represented, and whether future decisions are respected. An inclusive appointment process creates confidence among residents before the first
application is even heard. If these appointments were made collaboratively, future land use decisions are less likely to become political controversies. Ocean residents are more willing to accept unpopular decisions when they believe the decision makers were selected through a balanced and
transparent process. On the contrary, if every member owes their appointment to one elected official, every controversial decision risks becoming a debate over politics rather than planning. The goal should be a dependence, not loyalty. Land use board
members should be selected because they demonstrate integrity, planning judgment, willingness to apply the municipal land use law fairly, independence, respect for residents and developers alike, ability to evaluate evidence objectively, and for those who
have been serving on either planning or zoning boards, a high attendance rate at previous meetings. Residents and professionals should never wonder whether members feel obligated to support the administration that appointed them. Clearly, independent boards make stronger decisions. And
finally, this past week sadly demonstrated why decisions of this board matter in daily lives of every Ocean Township resident. Many residents did not need to look beyond their own windows to see the overwhelming amount of water in their yard, streets, parks, and o neighborhoods. Others only had to
look in their basements to see the severe flooding firsthand. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated event. For many residents, it is part of a troubling pattern ocean has experienced for years. These conditions are directly connected to the past decisions that have allowed
overdevelopment without adequate attention to storm water management. Every resident has the right to submit an application to the new land use board to improve their property and I fully support that right. But the right must be balanced with, amongst other
considerations, reasonable planning, proper drainage, and the long-term protection of surrounding neighborhoods. Monday's flooding made clear that these issues are not being taken seriously enough, which is precisely why the appointment process for the new land use board is so critical. Rather than
allowing the appointment authority to entirely be with the me may mayor, we pushed for an open and transparent selection process, which included soliciting public resumes and cover letters from residents interested in serving on the new land use board, including those no longer serving on the
former planning and zoning board, which the council in full initially agreed to. The full council would individually review and evaluate candidates resumes and cover letters and then full counsel individually or in groups of two to avoid violating the sunshine law. Would
conduct interviews of qualified candidates using the scoring sheet or rubric that rated applicants on a number of important qualifications and experience including Graceand read those. And finally, the full council in open session would then discuss their
findings, share their recommendations, have what I would have expected to be a spirited debate and come to a consensus on those individuals who shared who should serve on the new land use board, ensuring recommendations reflected a broad cross-section of neighborhoods,
professional backgrounds, and community involvement. Council Councilwoman Taler Rico did go above and beyond reaching out to the public for potential candidates, receiving nearly 20 submissions of caring and interested Ocean residents. We reviewed those resumes, as she had mentioned,
interviewed the candidates, completed the rubric, and prepared to discuss our findings at tonight's meeting. It was however deeply troubling but unfortunately not surprising to receive the final council agenda for this evening's meeting with names already
listed for appointment to the new land use board. That raises serious unavoidable questions. Who determined that these individuals were the most qualified to serve the residents of Ocean Township? What criteria was used to evaluate the experience, judgment, independence, and commitment of the
community? Was there a scoring sheet, a rubric used to rate the candidates based on this criteria? Were these interviews held to allow the council members to hear directly from each candidate on the value they would add to the new board? If so, the final selection of candidates
did not occur in open session and was never made visible to the public. And if those decisions were made outside of public view, residents have every right to ask why. A board with this much power over Ocean Township's future cannot begin its work under a cloud of
unreasoned, excuse me, unanswered questions. The public deserves more than a list of names on an agenda. It deserves a transparent process that proves these appointments were earned, evaluated, and made the best interest of the entire community. Thank you.
>> Okay. So, uh, you never cease to amaze me, Rob, with your accusatory actions all time. >> Rob, you spoke. I was silent. So, now it's my turn. >> Okay. All facts. >> So, um, you did an accusatory
meeting when we were appointing Kevin and he proved you wrong on just about everything. >> One thing. Now, let's get the facts right. One out of 12. So Rob, again, I listened intently for 20 minutes. >> Mine were factual. You just >> Okay. To listen to me.
You can say you're factual. That's in your mind. >> I'll pull the recordings up. >> You can pull all the recordings up. And now I have a couple of questions. So, first off, Kevin, did I direct you at any point to draft
an ordinance that made me the appointing power? >> No, it was my understanding that that the mayor had in the past made the appointments. I I've only been here for a year and a half. Um, I thought it was mayor's appointments. It's not. I I learned that now and we change the ordinance accordingly.
>> So, why wasn't we why wasn't the rest of the council consulted as that ordinance was being developed? Well, you frankly it was a it was a complex ordinance. So >> we're pretty smart. We can handle complex. >> Let let me tell you what my usual practices has been here has been in
every town. When I'm asked to draft an ordinance, I draft it. I present it to the council. Your decision, not mine, in draft form. You review it. You contact me with questions. If I if I had to sit with everybody all the time, draft every every ordinance, you'd never get one.
So, the draft ordinance went to the council, all council members at the same time, >> I believe it did. I don't >> Did it go to the mayor first? >> I don't think so. I think it went to everyone at the same time. I I'll check my records, but I didn't know you going to ask that. But >> fair, fair point. >> But, um, I presented it. It's up to you.
I present orders all the time and they are changed all the time. I get comments. I get input on a variety of things. So, saying you weren't part of the process, you're directly part of the process from from my perspective, all of you, because you all have to vote on it. So, I want to make sure you're all aware of it, know what's going on, and
comfortable with every ordinance I draft, but it's got to start somewhere. >> Can I ask you a question, please? So, you based it though on the state regulations, and the state regulations stated council members all have equal um
say and vote. So, who told you to change that wording to mayor? >> It's you. much of it is based on state regulations. In a council manager form, explain how the appointments are done,
right? In a in a mayor council, not here. In a mayor council form, the mayor makes all the appointments. In a burrow form, the council makes all of it. In the kind you have here, a council manager form of government. The choice is up to you how it's done. It can be done by the mayor. It can be done by the
council. Two different options. State law does not tell you which. It just tells you it's got to be one of those two. You've chosen to have it done by the council. That's that's fine. >> I mean, I have the email somewhere, but you had put in the email that you were directed by the mayor to do that. >> I have the email.
>> All right. I was not directed by the mayor to do it. >> Okay. >> And Jesse, how many ordinances have I requested that be added to this agenda? Any agenda? >> None. >> None. Because I've never asked for any ordinances or resolutions to be added to
any agenda. When Kevin was told about the mayor doing the appointment, did I kick and scream about it? No. I said, "Change it. I don't care. I really don't. I want to get the process done." I started sending emails on the
19th of June. No one responded. I requested that the interviewed names that you guys were interviewing submit to someone. You chose not to.
I also asked multiple times to send the names in. Nobody did. David told you that you had every right to send in whatever names you wanted to. Kevin told Grace Anne she had every
right. Now it's funny how you want to point everything at me as the mayor and you want to blame me and you want to run to David every time you have a problem with the mayor yet you have the same authority that everybody else does
at this table. You had every right to send the names in. You asked me why we're waiting to the last minute. Why did you wait until July 9th to make a 20 minute speech
and submit no names? Tell me about a rubric. Tell me about this. Tell me about >> I've been asking for it since January. >> Okay. So, I've been asking for an economic development committee to for you to take over since November. Haven't heard a word. >> Have you since November?
>> Huh? Why do I have to ask you, Rob? Aren't you a big boy? You're a bigger boy. >> Well, I don't have to ask you, Rob. You're equal, aren't you? I don't need to tell you what I need. >> Then we're doing fine. >> You wanted to take care of the economic development. We're talking about now. All I'm saying is
that we talk about delaying. I try to move the process. >> Three special meetings to discuss this prior to today. And I >> So, we're supposed to have a special meeting every time we do an agenda item. No, >> there every time. This is the first and
only time a new land use is being >> developed. So then why didn't you discuss these at the other workshop meetings? >> Did you request to Jesse to extend the time like we did tonight? >> You kept pushing it off. >> I didn't push anything off. Rob, where
did I push it off? >> We sent email. She sent email. >> So if you were to email asked for it as well. If we were so intent on giving names and interviewing names,
why didn't either one of you submit any? >> Because it's public session and we are here right now and you knew about this and you were fine with the entire process
>> until the name showed up last night when >> No, no, no, no, no, no. No, >> you were fine with taking a preferred list of the existing members because taking it asking for it.
>> Colleen had said multiple times, >> multiple times and you agreed that for us to start over. She first of all didn't even think the planning board was going to be disbanded. >> She had no idea. And if I knew it was
going to turn into this >> Mhm. >> I would have never have agreed to merge these boards cuz this is ridiculous. >> We knew it on November. >> You have known about a merging of the boards since Ron Kirk was here. Okay. You agreed and placed it on the
referendum. You voted in the affirmative to get it as a referendum. Correct. You were fine with doing it from the existing boards until a few months ago >> when No, no, no. That's not fair. >> No, no, no. until a few months ago when your tune changed, Rob, let's let's
talk. >> We can go back to the meetings. >> Let's talk fact. >> Why Colleen and why our professionals didn't tell us or we did know? >> So then we're here right now. Who do you guys suggest? >> Hang on. I'd like to read the email. Can I? >> Sure. Okay.
>> This is from you. I spoke with the mayor about the process in Ocean and he told me that the appointments had always been made by the mayor after consultation with the council. So based on that information, I drafted the proposed ordinance to have the mayor designated as the authority to appoint the class 4
members. I've since been informed by Jesse that the council would annually adopt a resolution to appoint the class 4 members. And based on Jesse's information, I recommended changing the proposed ordinance to be consistent with past practice and to have the appointments made by the council. So >> that's what I just said.
>> So that's what he said. Sorry, you said I said >> I was I was told that the mayor made the appointments. I think >> my it was his understanding as well. >> You were not here when the former mayor was here, but the former mayor always told us who was going on the agenda. That's how it was done. I answered the
question. That's all I did. I didn't direct him to make the ordinance. He changed the ordinance once Jesse sent in the email. >> Yeah. I hadn't been here I haven't been here for a year and a half. I wasn't aware. I knew there was two different ways to do it and he told me how it was done. I was like, "All right, I'll draft the ordinance that way." Which I thought
was consistent with the historical practice in Ocean Township. Jesse, it's probably been here longer than anybody. Sorry. Said, "No, here's how what the records show." And I changed it. I I you know, I have no qualms about how I act. And that email is
>> what you said. >> It's not though. You said that. >> I'm not kidding. Go ahead. So then let's go. What what are the recommendations? I mean, why are we so quiet about it? Why is it a secret? Why am I the only one that put
names in? >> Because this is supposed to be a public discussion. >> So then it's a discussion and we can change a resolution. >> No problem here. You got five of us. So let's hear. Because honestly, I called all the resumes that I had in there and
spoke to almost everybody except one person who I plain phone tag with. >> Okay? I spoke to almost every single person on that list. >> I heard that you spoke between a minute to 2 minutes and you asked them if they had any questions. That's what I heard.
>> Okay. So, you can hear all you want, but there were a couple people that I spoke to longer than that. >> I don't think that's a real >> interview. Okay. Well, you know what? You interview your way. I'll interview my way. So, again, you know, let's go. I mean, I didn't go and chase people down
to put their name in there. You didn't chase anyone down. Uh, yeah, you did cuz I went to somebody's house and they told me you called them up to put a resume in. >> I didn't call anyone over. >> Okay. >> My hand to God, I never called anyone on stage. >> Can I Can I ask you guys a question as
I'm just want to chip in from the uh peanut gallery >> from 150 yards out? Um, so how do you feel about the existing board members who have put their blood, sweat, time, and tears for no pay to be
on this particular board? >> Great. So that's the thing that I want to clear up because I think some of these people are super super qualified. >> Great. >> And they're on my list. So I just want to make sure that we haven't discounted their time, their energy, and their commitment. >> Not at all. >> Okay. because I mean
>> but you also shouldn't discount the other 19,000 qualified residents which you guys are doing. >> But I do believe there is an absolute experience level that is really important to a land use board. >> I started without experience. You
started without experience and Gita and John started without all of us did. >> But remember there's never a brand new board. It's usually a flowing you add on here and you know on down there and you do learn from experience. you do learn from the professionals and there's no doubt about it. The first day on the zoning board, you're looking around like
what day is it? >> So, I just want to make sure that we're not demeaning some of these people's time and energy because because >> I really believe this is of all the jobs I've ever done in this town, this definitely goes up there in the more thankless jobs. Agreed.
>> And I think it has a potential to change a lot of things. There are rules and regulations, so it's not like you can go in and just make sweeping changes. But I don't want to dismiss any of these people's hard work. I just want to get that out. >> Agreed. But on the flip side, I'll repeat myself. There's not a single new
member on that whole list. >> Nope. >> So, you guys haven't considered anybody else. >> Well, you know, that's uh >> you haven't recommended anybody else. >> They can't legally. I mean, they can't. >> You can't. They can send the list to the
clerk like I did and she can send it out. >> No, you can't. That violates the >> Is that violating anything? >> No, you can you can What the mayor did was propose the names. I think somebody's got to start the ball rolling here. The mayor put out his list of preferred names. We we've talked about
this whether that violated Sunshine Act. It absolutely did not. The mayor can make his preferences known. The mayor didn't send out and say, "Hey, a majority of the council has agreed on these names." He couldn't do that. that would have been problematic. He can put out his preferences. You and I I told you you could put out your preferences.
Here's who I'd like to see. You You can do that. You can't have a discussion with the quorum. You can't agree on names outside of a public meeting. That's the Sunshine Act. But putting names out, say, "Hey, this is what I'd like." There's nothing wrong with that. >> I disagree with that.
>> Okay. Well, I'm the lawyer to give the legal opinion. So, you know, I >> I've had many discussions with different lawyers about the Sunshine Law. I was on the board for six years and this came up many times. So your discussion is very different than other people's opinion and
if we all handed out a list of names that would influence other people and it's not in public session. So that's a walking quorum. >> I I I've never heard that term before you used the other day, but does not violate the Sunshine Act. >> Well, I guess we would have to go to
Superior Court to see. Well, having said that, again, my expectation, my understanding. >> So, we're here. We're discussing it. You got, you know, 30 minutes left. Let's hear some names. Why is this a secret? It's not. >> Who are we going to pull? Who do you
want to pull off? I'm sitting here with an open mind because honestly, there were a bunch of people in the new list that were great. I'll agree with you. >> So, you're taking off the list from the agenda that you put? >> I didn't take it off. I just said let's hear your names.
>> It's under individual action. So you can replace you can take someone >> correct you pull out >> that will be the and it'll be >> I will give you the reason why I chose >> and there's one empty that it's no one. >> So I'm also going to >> I know attendance was a big issue.
>> Attendance is a big issue. >> So what is a let me ask you a question. What is a decent like what's what's acceptable in terms of attendance rates? I would say 75% or more. >> Okay. Then you were an off zoning board
and the and the board of education because your attendance >> was in the 70 to 74% range. >> I was a alternate >> but I'm not on the board of education. You weren't. >> I was on for six years. Did you >> I have your attendance cuz just like you check people sent me yours.
>> Really? Six years? >> I don't have six years. I have the last three. >> Okay. I don't want to go back six. Well, I'll look that up, too, but I'll bring it next time. >> Can I flip it? >> No, she's going now. Her >> What's your expectation of of your attendance
>> in here? >> No. For >> You mean on the plane? >> It should be 80%. >> 70%. >> There's two meetings a month. >> Yeah. No, I'm curious. I don't I don't I don't know that there's a right answer. I I don't really have an answer because that's why there's alternates and there's things that come up and there's
a reason why we have >> I'm trying to stay silent because obviously I'm one of the names on the list but in terms of the attendance I just want to make clear that for the planning board when more often than not there is nothing on the agenda getting a
phone call from Colleen in my opinion or Nicole saying that your attendance is not required because we have a quorum and there's nothing on the agenda was sufficient for me or multiple people that have kids that have games or something else. They've called Colleen and said, "Hey, I can't make the
meeting. Do you need me? I'll switch things around." Colleen will say, "I have alternates. No problem." That's why they I was an alternate on the board of adjustment for four years. >> Mhm. >> I never became a regular member, but I
showed up every time. My idea is to show up at every meeting. >> That's a great idea. But that's me, not I. Listen to me. That's not everybody. I have to be I have to be cognizant of people's private lives. Their kids, they get sick, things come up. That's why
there's alternates. >> If you think that every time I agree with you on that, we agree because it's important that >> But that's me. >> I'm I'm that way. >> And you know what? There's three members from that list that actually did show up
almost every single time. Okay. >> So, I will give you my list, but I also want to preface it with there's some people that are existing on these boards that I did ask for a resume for because I don't know them. And if I don't know
what they do for a living or how long they've been on there or get even a second to interview them, how can I in good faith vote for them? So, the people that I did not receive an interview a resume for, I could not vote for because
I don't know them. >> But you could have called them. >> Why would I call them when I asked for a resume and you told them not to send it to us? >> I listen to me. You could have called them. >> Wow. Okay. Well, they didn't send me the resume. >> What I said was I found it insulting
that I have to ask an architect to send in his resume. >> I asked for the resumes from their very first appointment and received nothing. No resumes. So, I guess we don't have them here. So, no one will ever know who's on these. >> I don't have the files.
>> Okay. >> I'm not saying you >> Well, I'm getting accused of everything else. I might as well get accused of shredding the files now. >> I don't know. It seemed like I had a lot of accusations. >> I would like to see this list, though. Can we get to the list? It is important.
>> It was resolution. >> Yeah. Can I see it? >> That list I've got. I mean, I'm talking about um I want to hear who are the other candidates that were >> Every single person should have their own list. We have 11 people that we can choose. My list will be different than his. It'll be different than yours.
>> Well, you want me to start? I'll start. >> Sure. >> So, I have Atardi, Williams, Alcon, Fuches, Lineski. >> Slow down a little bit. Intramaso at Williams Alone
Fuches. I hope I'm saying that right. Fuches. Sorry, I apologize. And and just let me preface this. I don't know any of these people. They're not my friends. And they're not my relatives. I don't work for them. >> That's implied. >> Yeah, keep going.
>> Not really. uh Laneski who happens to actually be on the uh one of the boards and wasn't asked if he wanted to continue. Intramaso, Dimmitro, Hidea, Pujielli, D Janeiro,
Litman, and Rousel. That's my list. So, I'm just going to throw this out there again. And I uh did speak to everybody. You're right. I didn't speak, you know, some longer than others. Um but one of
those people on the list, it's pretty interesting. Um, that person was blind copied on an email and inadvertently did a reply all to myself, the attorney,
the editor, the coaster, and pardon my my language, but the reason why they wanted to be on the board was I can see the two of us being real [ __ ] stirrers. >> Who are you?
>> Love it. Well, I'm not gonna I I can give you the emails later. I'm not going to name names right now. >> Know who would say the >> but well, it's right in print and I'll give it to you later. >> But the bottom line is when I see stuff like that, which is from another person
that's on there, >> it's really troubling to me that somebody that you chose wants to be on this board to stir the pot. This board is a professional board.
This board is chosen to >> is that person here that we can discuss with him or her what they talking about, what the context is and what they're talking about. >> They didn't realize they were saying that to the entire group. They thought they were writing it back to the person
and unfortunately it came to me. Mhm. >> So what I'm saying is that the people that are currently on the boards, let me see it again, >> are doing the right thing by the community. Now you want to talk about the flooding and everything else that
went on. >> This was way before these two boards were on there. As a matter of fact, most of the people most on these boards, the two past boards, >> Mhm. >> have only been on between four and five
years at the most. So, they're not even on that long. >> They've gotten their stride. They've got their professions. >> And again, seeing something like that in an email is troublesome to me. >> Well, there's a lot of different emails that I have we can go through since
you're bringing up emails because you sent me an email. Let's see. July 3rd, 2023, where you told me that you need to get more qualified women because day two will be added to the board when you decide that they're qualified. Um, let's see. You also wrote that you
are recommending other people, other residents, because you wanted to give more people the opportunity to be involved in the decision-m process in the town, but this round you didn't allow any new person >> cuz these people just got on the boards like I just said.
>> That's ridiculous. You're absolutely ridiculous. >> I was on in 21 and I served with some of them. So, you're lying. >> Well, again, you wouldn't be on the board based on your attendance procedures. >> Oh, okay. I was an alternate, please. >> Doesn't matter. You still show up.
>> I showed up. She's up for 50%. There's one meeting a month. >> Oh, cuz she was told not to go to certain meetings. >> What? You would want to go if you were a full member. >> She's being told that she's right here. be there in the room.
>> You always have an answer. >> Okay. So, >> you know, a lie is still a lie even if you believe it. >> That's right. >> Mhm. >> Rob, uh, give me two seconds. I'm just I didn't 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
fines in diro. >> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. Litman and Rouso. Thank you, >> Grace. When you say Lowski, you mean Mark Lowski? >> Yes.
>> He's the United Lee. >> Hi, Lee. I'm >> not here. No. No. >> Nice to see you. >> Uh, I got Deflia, Kaplan, T Janeiro, Pollutus,
Chimara, Litman. I always get the name. You know, >> freaking name, right? Puchielli. Sorry, >> I learned that from Dave. >> Ripon. I should know it, too. Uh, Danzuk, >> Sassan,
Williams, Rouselle, Alcom. >> 1, two, three, four, five, six. >> I'm chicken scratchy. That's Oh man. >> So just to clear up is is Gita um John's appointment or Gita is her own
appointment. >> Um >> council >> which is council appointment >> appointment by the majority of the council has to you have you have to choose one member of the council to be on the planning board. It's choice of the majority of the council. >> Right. And Ed Defilia is the class two
which is approved by the mayor or the council. The mayor >> environmental commission the the appointment to the >> environmental commission is by mayor. Correct. >> The appointment of an environmental commission member to the planning board is a choice of the entire council. >> Okay. But somebody from the
environmental commission is to be on the planning board. >> Correct. Got it. >> Correct. So you're limited to that but it is >> correct. Okay. And then everybody else is just >> the majority of council point. >> Got it. Got it. Got it. >> And the mayor mayor's seat is >> the mayor.
>> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Do you guys have your lists? >> I do. >> You ready? >> Um, surprisingly, Rob, we were rather aligned, which I'm intrigued by. Um,
>> crazier things have happened. >> I'm actually really intrigued by this. Uh, my, uh, going down the list, Gita, Ed Deilia, um, John Fuller, D Janeiro, Pollutus, Gino, Delmo, Jamora, Litman,
Minnell, Buglesi, >> Pujielli, I'm sorry, which I haven't written the right way. Um, and Robbie Goslin, but I also I have 13, right? Mhm. >> Katie Williams and Darren Shabet.
So those were my 13. >> I missed a couple. Did you get them all? >> I can give it to you again. >> Yeah. Do it real quick. >> Gita. >> Yep. >> Ed, >> John Fuller, >> DJ Janeiro. >> Yeah. >> Pollut Jamora Litman.
>> Manelli Goslin. Katie Williams and Darren Shabbat. And I also believe that um you know there's some really good people on here. Put them in the bullpen and um you know
things change >> from Eric uh in that order. So the last four alternates >> uh yeah really put them in a great order here. But these are my two alternates for sure and this one for sure. And
I don't know what else to do there, but these for sure on the alternate list. Okay. >> 12. >> I think this was 14. >> 13. I got 13 from David. I got
>> I got Williamson ch. >> What do you got, Miss Kathleen? >> I see the list. >> I first want to say that I'm not going to put myself on this list. I'm serving at the um >> pleasure of the council. >> Pleasure of the council. I am not doing
this for any vested interest in anything. I do I give my own time to be at these meetings 50% or not. And I do it because I want to help the community, not because I have uh any other interest in in doing so. If someone else wants
it, put your name in the hat. >> It's a big time commitment. >> That's why you're on my list. >> Thank you. Um Defilia Fuller Dane, >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> And let me preface this by saying I have served with Colleen. I've served with
pretty much all of these people, whether it be on zoning or planning. I know them all personally. and I think that they are excellent and I trust Colleen's opinion which is why I'm reading directly off of this list. Okay. >> Oh, so >> so it's pretty much the list recommended
by our professional Colleen. >> Who's the Okay. So, who are you adding? >> I'm adding Darren Shabet. Um, yeah, I got to add one, too. >> Uh, >> so just for the record,
that list is I don't want to say your list, but it's your list. >> The list that's was published, right? >> Whatever one I sent over. I mean, I'm the only one that sent names. Well, >> this is >> that's not what I'm asking. So, what ended up on the agenda is your list.
>> I'm assuming >> it's the name from the mayor. That's correct. >> That's proposed by Colleen. >> Now, I'm also, you know, in Rob's category, surprisingly, even the ones that I put into the bullpen are >> Why didn't we do this freaking six
months ago? Damn it. >> Well, well, listen to me. I wasn't ahead. That's I'm not going to get into that discussion, but I did uh I had met uh Darren Shabitt months ago when he was interested before this process even was
uh was up there. You know, I I don't have problem having Darren on as a as another alternate, but then I also have the bonus of grabbing uh a designate. So, I give my commitment that um one of
these people will be picked as one of my designates and I haven't decided yet. >> Oh, so you're not sitting on the board. >> I am going to in the beginning, but I have a design that I can send. So, my seat will always have somebody in it, whether it's me or a designate because I get a designate. I haven't decided yet,
but I do like uh the ones you mentioned, the ones you named. Um, you know, Rivone, Danzic, Williams, Talcon. Um, you know, honestly, there were a lot of good ones. I I can't argue.
>> I can't say, you know, and I don't need to have a 45minute conversation to review a resume and have a conversation with people. I looked at the resumes. I reviewed the resumes very qualified and you know like I said I don't you
know I had uh what's his name on here? Nick too on my list. Um so I mean I like I said they're they're good. I mean it is it's tough. It's tough. I wish we had more seats. I wish there were more, you know, but I I don't see everybody
staying on forever either. I mean, honestly, >> we can look we can look at the attendance and if they're not attending and >> they're not attending, then move them off. >> Mayor, I served for five years on the planning board, as I'm sure all of you know, and things changed. People moved
on, people left. Unfortunately, a couple we lost a couple of people who passed away. So, I mean, life goes on. >> People move. >> People move out of town. So, you've got really great qualified people. I thank them so much for applying and even and putting themselves out there because
this is not an easy gig. We'll put you in the bullpen and then we will as spots come open, you'll have opportunities. I mean, >> yeah, I don't even want to go out anymore. I mean, I think we've got a lot of people and other positions that potentially come up that we can, you
know, ask them if they want. We've got alternates on environmental commission and you know Dave's always got shade tree and um you know we've got different things that they can go on. So I mean you know now we've got people in the bull pun which is what we've been looking for. >> I mean I would encourage anybody to get
involved if you want to get involved in the town get involved. Find some way to get involved. I mean, you know, it's all great if we just sit around and do our thing, but >> but one thing I think that's got to be clear, this current these current two boards
are not the reason why we flood it out. Okay, this has been an ongoing thing here in the town and we have systematically worked on changing the board. Now the board
we have changed our impervious coverage ordinances >> trees. >> We are stream cleaning. We are doing all sorts of things to rectify the mess. We've got redevelopments coming in where
we can require more storm water retention, more water mitigation, all that stuff. So the problems that are caused in this town and even things that are coming up today, these have been in the pen for 3
years, 3, four years. So even these people can't be blamed because everything's starting to come through that was working through the board now. The approval process that's done, anything that's being built, I'm watching it today. I spent hours outside
at different areas where we have problems. >> Can we pick a list? We're good >> that we go downstairs because we have to go downstairs in seven minutes, >> right? >> Let's go class one. You Is everyone in
agreement on Edlia? Yes. >> For class two? Yes. >> And Gita for class three? >> Yes. >> Majority. So yes, >> everybody seemed to be okay with D Janeiro. >> Yes. >> And Palutis? >> Yes.
>> Lisa? >> Yes. 9 months talking >> and Fuller and you Fuller wasn't on yours. Yours >> got the majority. >> Okay. >> He was on your list, Dave.
>> Yes. I don't have I'm sorry. Okay. >> Pudas, we said yes. Uh Gino Dammo, >> he's got a majority. >> Jason Chamura, >> he's got a majority. Then we did Lisa.
Okay, now we're down to our alternates. Eric Minnell, >> Anthony Puelli, >> yes. >> Robert Goslin, and I need a fourth. >> We need a new person.
>> I'm good with Darren. >> I had ri Ribon as my next >> ribbon. >> Ribbon. >> Ribbon. Ribon. Okay, we have two for and you had the Grace and you had him too, right? Or >> no, Ed Williams. >> I didn't have
>> I mean I would go to Williams if if there was a majority. >> Dave Fisher had Williams, too. >> Darren and and Williams. >> There's only two women on the whole board. >> You want to want to go with Williams? There's Cuz you had Gracian, you had
Williams. Rob, you had Williams. And Dave, you had Williams. That's three. We'll go with Katie Limes. >> I Someone has to make a decision. >> I'm gonna argue with you. Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> Don't be like I can do Darren as my alternate potentially. I'm good with
Katie. >> Okay. >> As my uh designate. >> So tonight when we get to this, you'll read the names. >> Okay. >> When we get to the individual action, >> okay? >> We'll do the vouchers. >> I'm sorry. Say, oh, read the names. But
you're voting just for the record. >> Yes. >> You're voting individually or voting >> We're going to do the resolution. We'll do the resolution and he'll read the name. >> So again, are you voting on individuals or are you voting on the resolution? >> On the resolution, but we'll name the names because the names aren't on.
>> I got you. Actually, everybody is here except Katie. >> So you could say adding Katie Williams as alternate four. >> And should we ask them first if they are still interested? Katie >> or will the people >> we can appoint her next time if you want
>> and if they if they're not we have a list of people that were >> I think Katie would be I don't know what would have changed why would you >> in her case I don't >> why would you >> I don't I mean I can ask but I don't think there's going to be a change there. >> Okay. >> Um >> so really if it's all that then it would
be we'll vote if you look at the agenda we have the vouchers and then >> resolution to approve the appointments on the planning board. Everybody that's on there adding Katie Williams as alternate form. >> Got that.
>> That's good. >> All right. Can I ask a quick procedural question? We got anything else to cover? >> No, we should probably take five before we go. Go ahead. >> Can I ask a procedural question? So, when we make a motion, John asks for somebody to introduce the resolution ordinance. Then we second it
>> and we don't ask for debate. We just go right to a vote. You're you're all council members are free to make comments before >> but we do that individually as opposed to a debate before the vote starts from
a Robert's rules or procedural perspective. Isn't that a little >> should be on the floor first? >> Correct. No, no, that I agree with but then we start the vote and comment as opposed to comment from everybody before the vote. >> Not suggesting anything's going to change tonight, but just from a procedural standpoint.
>> I think that's why they moved. things to the consent >> which is also fine. You can still but >> I don't understand there's a motion to second and then you can comment. I don't understand the question. >> So but respectfully John then goes personto person for the vote not a
general comment session. >> No >> it's look look this is I mean if you say before we get to a vote I'd like to make a comment. It's up to John to say okay you want to make a comment or you could say when it's my turn to vote I'll make a comment. I mean, whatever. I mean, I
don't know if there's any magic to it. Is that what you're saying? Like when >> I am because procedure again from a Robert's rules perspective, it's motion, second, debate, vote. >> Uh, yes, typically there's there's at least my
>> Again, we haven't had an issue, but somebody brought it up, an attorney brought it up to me today. >> I said, you know what, you got a point. Let me bring it >> debate comment. I mean, I I equate they're the same in this context, right? If you want to debate or comment, >> but you're doing it individually as
opposed to a group. >> Well, no, any anyone can. >> Yeah, but if I'm first or if if Grace is first, she's voting before we all have a chance to comment. >> That's my true. >> Yeah, this is this
>> there's no magic. There's no Robert's rules doesn't answer this. This is a small body that >> say I would just say hey can I make a comment before we get to it >> and great thing say do you mind if I make a comment >> or before it's your time to vote you have
the floor you can make your comment I I it it's it's six of one half does the other but I think if you say hey John I'd like to make a comment before we start voting >> I I don't I don't think you'd say nothing >> that's fine right >> yeah nothing one we've done it all we do it all the time >> but we do it again I don't want to be a
dead comments but I do it individually Excuse me. >> And I'm first so it's easy for me. So I'm voting before anybody else gets to make a comment. >> Right. But you do make comments. >> So I mean I >> I don't think we've been stopped. So
>> ordinances you >> and one day you're going to be you're going to go first for ordinance. >> I'm good to be in second. I did hear you when I was paying attention. >> Just want to remind everybody that all council meetings will be audio and
videotaped. They'll be shown on Township Provos Community Cable channel 22, on Verizon FiOS, and channel 77 on Cable Vision. Everyone, please stand as we Oh, no. Wait. Roll call, please. >> Wait a minute.
>> Roll call. >> Mayor Nepalani >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Fischer >> here. >> Council member Sera >> here. >> Kaplan Telerico >> here. >> Can everyone please stand as we do a pledge of allegiance and remain standing as we do a silent prayer. I pledge
allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing. You may be seated.
The notice requirements of the open public meetings act for the meeting have been satisfied and a copy of the annual notice was sent to the Aspbury Park Press the coaster and posted in town hall filed with the office of the municipal clerk on December 18th, 2025. There are two emergency exits to my
right that'll take you to the front of front of the building, one to my left that'll take you to the rear. Please make sure all your cell phones are turned off. If you need to make a call, kindly step outside. I am going to flip the agenda around a bit. Um, we're skipping council comments and going back
to it as well as our public hearing because we have a gentleman here who has spent a significant amount of time in this community not only volunteering but also doing the reports of the word on the street. So, we are going to honor
Jack Karns tonight. So, if I can have the council come down as we get ready to honor John Jack Karns. >> Come on, Jack. Get on my back, buddy. You want to get on my back? >> On your back a long time. >> Take it. It's okay, buddy. Come on. Now,
hold on to me, buddy. >> I like the way you're working. >> You You want to sit down? I'll come over here. >> I'll sit. >> You good? >> Yeah, I'll sit down. >> You sure? >> I got a chair. >> You want to bring a chair? Deputy Mayor, get in, Mr. Chairman, man. We don't want him up. >> You good? >> Oh, they're all taped together. All right, look. We'll stand on each side.
Yeah. >> There you go. >> Best one in the whole place. >> There you go. Let's go. Right here. >> Up there. Take it down. >> It's like a throne. >> You good, Jack? >> All right. Here we go. >> Not bad for a mature person.
>> That's his All right, here we go. Wow. I don't Does this sound all right? This is loud tonight, huh? Right. Okay, here we go. We are going to honor Jack Karns. And it's so good to see out here from our Shade Train Environmental
Commission members that are on the board. And Jack spent many years on our Shade Tree Commission. I've gotten to know Jack over the years. And yeah, Jack, uh, what' you used to report for, Jack? >> The link. And, uh, then later my son
opened a paper and and I did that for a while, but then he had too many things to do, so he dropped the paper just to get it going, but it's still viable if anybody gets interested in doing. >> So, Jack uh, would come out to the meetings. Now, Jack, look, I'm not
allowed to ask a woman her age, but I can ask you, Jack, how old are you right now? >> Uh, 19 or 29, I forget. I thought you didn't get to 39 yet. Come on, Jack. >> I thought Let me give you a tip. On October 8th of this year, I'll be 90
years old. >> God bless. >> There we go. So, Jack, just so you know, we do a super senior lunchon in, you know, November and you've hit that age. I think we lowered it to 85, but >> you listen to me. Thanks. >> We listen to you. We want you to attend
a few of these. So Jack uh spent many years you know really advocating for the community and you know with over time we have come up with different ordinances to strengthen the municipality with um
the environment. We have a ton of open space. Um their team has created a shade tree plant. He's been involved with the environmental commission. We straighten out impervious coverage. We've done a
lot, right, Jack? >> You've done a heck of a lot and there's more to go and you're you're finding good people to do it. So, you can't lose. Just stay with it. >> So, Jack, what else can we do? Cuz as you depart, I want to hear, you know, some of the things that we can make this
group do because I know Cronheim out there wants a little more added to her list, right, Patty? I just I I just have to learn how to uh land my jet plane.
The 200 seaters. Yeah. >> But Jack, what else can we do? Like what what what do you see as like uh something we should really look for? >> Stay with what you're doing for the most part. I I can't think of anything since I was active on the team. I uh for
personal readings at home, I uh I I don't make the shade tree committee. Amen. Hopefully I will at some point, but I do keep track of what y'all are doing and I've learned to talk that language, so I might as well keep saying it. You know, we have some really nice
people here in this town. And and not just the official committees, but their little local town neighborhoods where they started to do things like planting flowers or something like that. The big thing in my time was I think trees just because it
was something that everybody was cutting them down because whatever the uh real reason I don't I don't I don't want to mention that I would call it greed. Well, no, I wouldn't call it greed. I'd call it something even worse.
>> Well, Jack, we got a proclamation for you. This is for John Jack Karns for his years of dedicated service on the Shade Tree Commission. Whereas the preservation, protection and enhancement of the community's trees and natural landscape contribute greatly to the
beauty, environmental health and quality of the life enjoyed by all residents. And whereas John Jack Karns has faithfully served on the Sha Tree Commission for over 10 years, dedicating countless hours to the stewardship and care of the community's urban forest.
And whereas throughout his tenure, Jack demonstrated unwavering commitment, thoughtful leadership, and a deep appreciation for the importance of maintaining healthy trees, promoting sustainable practices in preserving the natural character of the municipality for future generations. And whereas Jack
has worked collaboratively with fellow commissioners, municipal officials, volunteers, and residents to advance tree planting initiatives, support responsible tree maintenance practices, and encourage public appreciation of the importance of urban forestry. And whereas the mayor and council wish to
recognize and express their sincere gratitude for Jack's years of exemplary public service, commitment, and lasting contributions to the township of Ocean. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the mayor and council of the township of ocean that we hereby extend heartfelt
appreciation and commendation to Jack Karns for his distinguished service on the Shade Tree Commission. And we wish him continued success, good health, and happiness in all your future endeavors and an early happy 90th birthday to you, sir. So, thank you very much. Let's give
Jack a big round of applause. Jack, look, stand for you, buddy. SMILE, JACK. Here we go. Let's go. Here, Jack. Hold this. >> Smile with your smile when I'm here. >> Even when I'm working my neck.
>> Hey, can I have my environmental people up here also? >> Let's go. We got our environmental commission chairman Ed DeFiglia coming up. Let's go. Environmental commission people >> to sit through those meetings. and Sha Tree.
>> I forgot. We got them all. >> Let's balance it out. >> I'd like to just say a few. >> Oh, wait. Oh, I forgot. Norm's got a few words to say. >> I just want to point out to everybody that Jack, you know, there's certain jobs that have to be done. Okay. Think do this job, do that job, etc., etc. But
there's one job that Jack always did with pleasure, and that was when are we going to do this? Get off, get up off the chairs, and let's make it happen. Okay, this guy's an instigator. There's no question about it. And the problem was he was right most of the time. That
was very annoying most. >> Most of the time, Jack, I'm sorry. I'm not going to lie to you. >> You're still good. >> Anyway, so but it's always been a he's always been a positive influence to everybody and it's been a pleasure working with us.
>> Thanks, Norm. >> Excellent. All right, Jack. Yeah. >> I've missed you. >> Hi, Patty. How are you? Your hair is so pretty. This is me just coming out of the shower and just doing that color.
>> You're so I love it. If my if I could be guaranteed come in like that. I think next year I'm gonna do it. >> Yeah. Find out. Let me know. What was the other? He never answered
his son's son. He had an online when he was here >> his son. Right. We ready? Let's continue. All right.
>> Okay. We're going to start off with council comments. I'm going to start down with Deputy Mayor Dave Fischer. Go ahead, Dave. On to you. >> Thank you, Mayor. I had a uh a fluffy feel-good story about the Kenny Picket success story, but I've got to absolutely divert to our first
responders and all the wonderful things that occurred in that horrible uh ceiling collapse and flooding in this town. I don't think anybody really appreciates how great our emergency services are. our police department ran into that uh building and they were
expecting the absolute worst and thank God nobody got killed, but um thank God for these guys. The fire marshals that were on duty that day jumped right in. The response from the sheriff's department, from departments as far as Somerville coming down here. Um,
personally, my office is over on 257 Mammoth Road and uh, we I left my office at 11:40 and literally 15 minutes later, they had to bring boats in and rescue the people in that building. So, it was unbelievable how bad this was. Uh, it
seems to be unprecedented, these storms. I've never seen anything like it. I've never seen Route 35 with water literally flowing down by Wegman's. Uh, is just, um, thank God nobody really got hurt. And and I can't stress enough, you know, our emergency management people are top
shelf. Tom Rue, police department, fire department, you guys are great. The second unsung hero that most people don't realize is we have a connection at JCPNL. And Jose is integral. He is our connection to JCPNL. And to have a relationship like this with somebody
about getting our lights on uh as quick as possible is probably one of the best assets to this township. And I can tell you these people don't sleep at night. They work so hard and this, you know, crisis could have been a lot worse. So, thank you to all those wonderful people
and uh I will leave it there, mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor, Councilwoman Kaplan. >> Just want to echo uh the deputy mayor's thanks to our police force, OEM, Tom, uh our fire people. Um, I personally also I
think a lot of people had a rough weekend. Um, between the power outages on Friday, um, and then the storms on Monday. It was kind of a rough a rough weekend in Ocean Township. Um, thank you. And I'm so happy that, you know, everybody that was in BJ's is okay. Uh,
my own mother-in-law was there five minutes before the ceiling collapsed. And, uh, everyone is a little shook. and I hope uh this weekend and and the rest of the summer is enjoyable and pleasant for everybody in Ocean. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Councilman Chair. >> Um echo everything. I won't repeat it.
Um and add to the uh thanks to the uh department sanitation DPW uh that morning started off with a uh sanitation truck fire and uh ended with uh well then BJ's and then the flooding. So it was a threebagger. Uh but the sanitation
department put that fire out safely. Nobody was hurt. So, uh, but kudos to the, uh, all the first responders that took care of BJs and everybody else in town. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Terico. >> Thank you. I'll just echo the same thing so I don't have to go through it, but
um, I do want to thank all the first responders and, um, I do also want to thank Tom Rue for distributing the emergency kits, uh, the storm cleanup boxes the other day. I actually went down there and spoke with some residents
who picked them up and heard about the damage that they experienced and it was just devastating from the floods. Um, one resident did suggest studying mid Mammoth County towns to evaluate their flood planning efforts. So, I thought
that was very interesting and and I told him I would bring that up. Um, also wanted to let you know that the director also stated that he'll let residents know
when they can um and present any pictures of their their damage sustained with possibility of being reimbured at another time by the state. So I thought that was good information and I did want to congratulate Bills on his retirement. He
is our tree enforcement guy and our next J tree and environmental commission meeting is scheduled for August. Thank you. >> Thank you Dave Brown our manager. >> Thanks Mayor. I'm just going to echo what everybody said, but I'm going to also include my gratitude and
appreciation for the Fourth of July event for the Ocean Township team, uh, which went over well, and of course, uh, storm response one and two. Uh, job well done. >> Thank you, sir. And, uh, congratulations on your official swearing in there, Dave
Brown, who's now Councilman Dave Brown. >> Thank you, Mayor. >> Is it Councilman Dr. Dave Brown yet? >> Almost. It's almost Councilman Doctor. So, uh, yeah, July 2nd started off great. I mean, uh, we could not have had
a better fireworks show. It was hot as could be. Uh, phenomenal band out there. I want to thank Tom Janarone and his team for getting Suit My Thai out there. It was just a great night. We had, I think, between 10 and 15 food trucks. Uh, it the the heat was extensive.
Thanks Jack Serpico and Serpico Pyro Technics for throwing an excellent show. uh July 3rd uh obviously that's when things started to hit the fan here uh at evening of July 3rd uh power was knocked
out to approximately 1,600 people. Uh July 4th I spent pretty much the whole day back and forth with Jose who uh Deputy Mayor Fischer mentioned and I cannot say enough for Jose Ortiz from JCPNL. I even told his bosses when I was
on a couple of the calls and he got praise all over all over the county wherever he was needed. July 5th was pretty much the same. Then July 6th, uh we were from 1,600 down to 200 power outages. Um we should have been cleared
out by that evening, but when the next storm came through, we were back up to 600. We had floods. BJ's roof collapsed. Thank you, Jacob. The first police officer to jump in there and spring into action. We had 27 people
trapped. Uh cars were flooded out on Route 35 and throughout the entire municipality. People wanted to know why our first responders weren't out quick enough. Well, everybody got deployed over to BJ's because it was just a matter of safety at that point. Once they got deployed out, they got to as
many spots as they could. Um power went out again, more trees down. Um, I had to actually drive the DA commission chairman down to the flume to open that up, which he was already proactive two days in advance. Our lake was already lowered and we were very prepared. So, I
want to thank Don Brockl and the DA Commission for getting us to a point and for me to get him down there to continue the draining of the lake. Uh the fi the following day uh the governor came down which is a very significant move for the township of ocean to actually get the
governor here over at BJ's. Um we got a last minute call and she came down. Um I spoke to the D commissioner the following day in regards to water steam um storm water management and everything of that nature. I've advised them what
we've done up to this point as a municipality. We had a 5-year stream dn snagging plan that we got done in about two years. This is helping the flow of the water to get out. Um these are proactive measures. The governor was actually pretty impressed with what
we're doing. Also planning to try to get the water out through deal. We've already had multiple discussions with deal. Um I was asked by Senator Booker what we need. I said I need money. I say said the same thing to Senator Gopal and
Assembly women Donald and Peter Paul when I was with them. It's about money. It's about storm water mitigation money. That's the problem right now. We need to get the water out and we're doing our part right now. Um the Oakhurst flood
happened on the 9th which is over there um in a section off of Norwood Avenue. We found out that there are two pipes compromised. one over in Elon and one on our side. The engineers went out this
afternoon. Um, we have water that's not draining out. So, they actually have to hire Burke Construction to get out there and pump that water out so that we can get them cleared out and they can fix the pipe. Um, the damage is pretty extensive over there. Um, but we are
working on correcting the situation. It's pretty bad on that section over by Lockwood and those areas. And anybody that has a flooded backyard, help is on the way. They're going to start to suck the water out tomorrow and then they'll repair the pipes. I've already been on
the phone with uh Mayor Palone about his issue on the Elberon side. So, he's going to work on that as well. I want to start off by thanking Tom Rue, our OEM director. He did a fantastic job and he
took my calls late at night and early in the morning because there were a lot of things going on. I want to thank the Ocean Township Police Department, the Oakurst and Wana Massive Fire Companies, the Ocean Township Public Works Department, the entire D8 Commission. I
want to thank the Asbury Park Fire Department for sending in their rigs over to BJ's. And I want to thank Mayor John Moore for having that happen for us at at a pinch. Middletown Township Mayor Tony Perry called me up, offered the
same thing, sent rigs down for us. It was great. And I know Tony likes his name mentioned. So Tony, here you go, buddy. Um, I want to thank Senator Gopal and Assemblywoman Don um, Donlin for getting the governor down here to see
what's going on and understand the severity of what we have and what we need for storm water mitigation. The next steps are mitigation. I have kudos to the governor's office and the D for taking my calls and starting to listen
to suggestions. And as much as this was a tragedy, I'm going to try to turn it into something for us that we can get for this town to make it better so that we can get the drainage better here. You know, it sucks the way it happened, but
now we've got to actually start to work on a long range plan. We've already been doing it by changing our ordinances. It'll be continued with redevelopment. When my conversation with D commissioner, I was telling him where he said to me, "You're pretty much built
out, but he said, "You're in a good spot. Everything needs to be redeveloped at some point. This is where we can put the more stringent rules in place for these new developments." Orchard Plaza, 10 acres. Pivotal. Pivotal. As Deputy
Mayor Dave Fischer said originally, that's all concrete in the building. The new plan will probably have about 2 acres of open space in it, various areas. Anything is better than what we have currently right now. So, I can assure
you that these teams that we have in this town from the Sha Tree Commission to the Environmental Commission with our new chair out here, Ed DeFiglia, that they're keeping an eye on things to make sure that we start to write the ship. None of us in this room were here when
all the problems started. But guess what? We're going to be here to start to correct them and it's already started. So, I want to thank the volunteers that have assisted. We have drain issues and we're going to work on them. So, thank you very much.
On to the next thing, which is our public hearing for a community development block grant. Uh, this is for the construction of ADA compliant bathrooms at the all-inclusive Kewell Park located at block 159, lot
one, 100 Cold Indian Springs Road. Can someone please open the public hearing? >> Mayor, >> yes. I have to read the statement first. >> Oh, you got the statement. Okay. >> Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor, members of the township council, and the public in attendance this evening. The township of Ocean is conducting the
required public hearing regarding its application to the Mammoth County Community Development Block Grant Program, also known as CDBG. The township is seeking 250,000 in CDBG funds to construct an ADA compliant
restroom facilities at the Kepwell Park located at 100 Cold Indian Springs Road, Block 159, Lock One. Kwell Park is an all-inclusive park designed to provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
The purpose of tonight's public hearing is to provide information about the proposed project, receive public input, and ensure that residents have an opportunity to comment before the township submits its grant application to Mammoth County. Following the public hearing, all comments received will be considered as part of the application
process. At this time, I turn the meeting back over to the mayor who will formally open the public hearing. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. And again, I will ask for someone to please open uh actually, are we introducing or are we doing >> just open uh for public hearing, mayor, and then we'll take any comments if
there are any. Someone please open public discussion on the community development block grant. >> I'll open the discussion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Aera, >> yes. >> Fisher, >> yes. >> Kaplan, >> yes. Telerica. >> Yes. >> Nap. Nope.
>> She said yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. I'm sorry. >> Yes. >> And nutanic. Thank you. >> Anyone wishing to be heard on the community development block ramp, please step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. Seeing here none, do I have a motion to
close public discussion on the community development block grant? >> I'll make a motion to close uh the block discussion. Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Aera. >> Yes. >> Fisher. >> Yes. >> Kaplan. >> Yes. >> Taller Rico.
>> Yes. >> And Napotenni. >> Thank you. Thank you, mayor. Okay. Uh consent agenda. All matters listed under the consent agenda are considered routine by the township council and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate
discussion on these items and if a discussion is desired on any item that item will be considered separately. The purpose of the public portion is to solely ask questions to understand resolutions that appear on this agenda and is not an occasion for a public hearing on an ordinance. All questions
not related to an item on the agenda should be asked during the public comments portion at the conclusion of the meeting. Anyone wishing to be heard on the consent agenda only, please step up to the microphone, state your name and address for the record. cuz you touched it.
>> It was fine. >> Push the button. >> Hello. >> There you go. >> Alex Hayes Oakst. That is really loud. Um, this is about resolution 12 number 26138. So that should be within the consent agenda. Yes. Yes.
>> Okay. Um, I have long voiced my opposition to this redevelopment. I don't think this town needs another town home redevelopment. Um, 30 homes you are approving to be literally built the next driveway up
from the intermediate school. I think the more people if more people had known about this, you might have received more opposition. Um, from what I gather from what was in the agenda today, it says garden homes, senior living. So, I have a couple of
questions. Senior living, does that mean this will be a 55 and over community? How many affordable units will be here? Because by law over 20, you have to have them, right? Um, what will happen to the residents that I
thought as of like a week or two ago were still in that Anora development? Um, and are you assuring that they are being placed properly and adequately and not rushed to leave unless if they're still there? Um, and I hadn't really
seen um there's like what is it section three in in that resolution? It talks about the mayor having the right to change stuff and I just haven't seen that before in a resolution for redevelopment. So, I'm just wondering
what kind of authority or like powers you're authorizing like solely the mayor to have. Is that a typo? I don't know. So, there are a couple questions in there. >> I didn't get a chance. >> That's anything else. >> No.
>> Okay. Right now, there's currently uh nothing in redevelopment other than designating a redevelopment area. It still has to go in front of the planning board. So that's not even in front of the planning board yet. Um >> this garden home senior living you know nothing about. >> Again there's nothing in front of the
planning board yet because this is an area in need of redevelopment which means it goes over to the planning board. As for the resolution or that states the mayor has something with the redevelopment. I don't know. I didn't write it >> and I'm not going to get accused of
putting it in there again. That's not what we're doing. I mean, that's what I'm sure you >> Why am I the only one that you got? >> But yet, why am I the only one that's noticing this? >> If you guys all get the agendas, I don't know why nobody else is like, "What is this paragraph?"
>> It's fair, if I may. >> It's executing the redevelopment. >> Yes, that's it. >> It happens every single >> So, that is normal for any new redevelopment. >> That's normal on a lot of >> most agreements when the mayor has to sign uh but he has to sign on behalf of the council. So, the council votes on
it. He can't change anything else out of that. >> He can't change the substance of there's a a typo in there. If there's a date alteration, something like that he can change, but he cannot change the substance of the >> Okay. And I don't normally see that in resolutions because we don't normally have redevelopment resolutions. Is that
probably why I'm seeing this for the first time? Okay. And you don't know if there's going to be affordable units? >> Yes, there will be um by law 20%. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to be heard on the consent agenda, please step up to the microphone, state your name
and address for the record. >> Mayor, if I may make one comment since it's on the consent agenda and didn't have a convers didn't have a chance to discuss it upstairs. Um, it is resolution 11. I've had a couple of conversations with Ricky and with um, excuse me, our CFO and our township
manager. Uh, given my day job is um, technology, I questioned a couple of things on there. Um due to the fact that we have been working with freehold uh it for a month. >> Yeah. >> Is okay. >> Um this resolution needs to get passed
so we can pay them. But I respectfully ask and I've had a conversation with the town manager that there are two or three and Kevin um that two or three things do need to be adjusted. Um I think freehold will be acceptable to it. standard language that would be put into a
managed services agreement, which is what this is. Uh it's called shared service, but it's a managed services agreement from an IT perspective. Um so I I'm voting yes, but I do want to say that we do need to make a couple of changes before we >> Do you want to pull the resolution?
>> I I asked for that, but thank you for asking, mayor, but uh given the timing and everything, I I think it's wise that we just approve it. I think they're good enough. There's a good enough relationship between us and freehold that they'll accept the minor changes.
>> Okay. Very good. Anyone else? Seeing none, do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Aura? >> Yes. >> Fisher? Yes. >> Kaplan? Yes. >> Terrio? >> Yes. To all the 12.
Okay. Napani. >> Yes. Vouchers in the amount of $10,166,4008. Someone please offer. >> I'll offer. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Aera. >> Yes. >> Fisher. >> Yes. >> Kaplan. >> Yes.
>> Telerico. >> Yes. >> Neutic. >> Yes. Uh individual action resolution uh approve the appointments to the planning board. Um listed out in order. John Naplani senior class one Ed
DeFiglia class two Gita Kaplan class three class 4 members John Fuller Anthony DJ Janeiro Michael Pollutus Luigi Domo Jason Chamora
Lisa Litman in that order and then alternates Eric Minnell Anthony Puielli Robert Goslin and Katie Williams. Someone please offer. >> I'll offer. >> And uh for the record, there's staggered
terms. There are terms ending next year, ending in 28, ending in 29, ending in 30. So, just so everybody knows, uh the clerk put them in that order of
where they're going so that there's a rotation here. Someone please offer. Follow >> second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> A chair. >> I have a statement. No, I'm kidding. I'm not What's the question? >> Oh, public comment. My My apologies.
Anyone wishing to be heard on resolution 26-135. Please step up step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. >> Don't touch it. >> Don't touch it. I think there maybe needs to be a sign that says like don't
touch here. Alex Hayes Oakst um I kind of didn't put things in perfect sentences so I'm going to try to be as quick as I can. Um uh I mentioned this before at like one of the previous meetings that you got a preferred list before you asked the town folk to like
put in their names. Um and I I think that basically implied that you all picked your members ahead of time. I was upstairs in the meeting upstairs. So, I know everything that you all said. Um, but as much as I disagree that you should have had a public hearing
upstairs cuz I do believe that these are two separate meetings. This is my only opportunity to talk. So, um, you'll have to bear with me. Um, I think it contributes to the appearance that, you know, backdoor deals are done in this town. Um, that done deals happen
before you all even vote on it. um you were given a list and surprising not you're pushing through that list tonight even though 20 other people um put in their names. Um you know a majority of the um
proposed land use um I I have no problems with I'm friends with some of them. Um but I think it gives an impression that you are not transparent. Um, >> it gives an impression that there's like some sort of a a power grab that was mentioned upstairs. Um, there was also a
mention of somebody like one of the people like being a pot stirer. That's why they wanted to join the the the board. Um, I think we might need that in this town. We might need somebody to think differently and to actually ask more questions than the current planning board members have been asking over the
years. I'm all for a pot stirer. Um, let's see. I also was I have a question here. Those are mostly comments. Can you please describe how the mayor is taking a spot? Um, he set upstairs like, "Oh, well, I'll take it now and then if I
can't go, I believe that I'm paraphrasing so I might be wrong. If I can't go, I'll just appoint somebody to go." So, can you clarify? Does that mean like um Mayor Napoleani will like today I don't I want so- and so to go. you know, next month if I can't go, somebody
else will go. And I don't understand um why there isn't another name put forth for that. Um and I will finally um say to to my knowledge, I wonder if this is recording or not.
>> Are we flooding outside? Is my car going to be floating? Okay. >> Too loud. >> No, I I totally agree. It's way too loud. Um, there are no black or Latino members on this board. If you know me, you know representation is a huge deal
to me. Um, I think it's unfortunate that you did not pick anybody of um any minority residents. I don't think that's representative of this town. Thanks. >> Thank you. Uh the only thing I have to
say uh obviously is the designate. Uh I'm entitled to send a designate. I haven't picked who that person is yet. Uh but I've told them upstairs that I would pick somebody from that list that was up there of some of the names because like I said up there there were some great names. Anyone else wishing to
be heard? >> Yeah. I just want to add for clarification, one seat on the planning board is reserved by state law for the mayor. It's the mayor in every town has a seat on the planning board. the mayor and the mayor's sole discretion can appoint someone a designate to for the mayor and typically it is a a longer
term appointment doesn't have to be but typically it is meaning for a year or month >> right technically it's allowed but it's not advisable and it's usually longer term like I said which I expect it to be here
>> okay thank you anyone else from New York >> Emily Hidea Oakhurst I'm not sure if this is the portion where I can only ask questions or I can also make a statement. >> Is this about the planning board? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> I can make a statement about the planning board. >> May I get my my notes? >> Sure.
>> Three minutes. Three minutes. >> My name is Emily Hidea. I've resided at 7 Old Farm Road since 1991. I'm speaking tonight because I believe Ocean Township is experiencing the consequences of planning decisions that
deserve careful review. Good planning is about balancing growth with the health, safety, and welfare of the community. When that balance is lost, residents live with the consequences for years, sometimes decades. One example is the township's former
zoning standards that allowed up to 90% imperous lot coverage in certain residential areas. Imperous surfaces, roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and pavement and parking lots prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. The more imperous coverage that is
permitted, the more storm water is forced into neighboring properties, streets, and drainage systems. The township has since reduced that maximum. I I think it was in 2024 to 65%. Is that when it was, Mr. Brown? I'm
not sure. Was it 24? I don't believe so. >> That raises an important question. If 65% is the appropriate standard today, why was 90% ever considered acceptable in the first place?
It also raises another important question. Why wasn't the process for appointing members to the newly formed land use board more transparent and equitable? If the township has recognized the need to correct planning standards, residents are justified in
asking whether simply reappointing many of the same individuals who served on the planning and zoning boards during that period is the best path forward. Experience is valuable, but so are accountability, fresh perspectives, and public confidence in the process.
Residents have witnessed flooding become more frequent and more severe. While no single ordinance or development is solely responsible, decades of allowing excessive imperous coverage, continued overdevelopment, the routine granting of
variances, and land use decisions that failed to fully consider their cumulative impact have placed enormous strain on our community. Those impacts extend well beyond storm water runoff to increased traffic congestion, changes in
neighborhood character, greater development density, parking shortages, public safety concerns, pressure on aging infrastructure, and a gradual erosion of the zoning standards that were intended to protect our residents.
These are the cumulative effects of planning decisions. Planning is not simply about approving projects one at a time. It's about understanding how today's decisions affect tomorrow's neighborhoods. Every variance granted, every zoning standard adopted, and every
development approved has consequences beyond the property line. The purpose of land use planning is not merely to determine whether an application meets the minimum legal requirements. >> Thank you, Emily.
Uh, the only thing I'll say on that, you're 100% correct. We've made some fixes to the ordinances. I don't believe it's 65%. I think we went down to 45, but we can double check that. Um, certain areas I believe other areas are.
Um, a lot of the issues that are happening in this municipality were not caused by anybody again in this room. As I just stated, we are dealing with development that is east of us. And there was a time that nobody went to the
city of Asbury Park. Nobody went to the city of Long Branch. And now Ocean Township is the cut through to get to those very popular areas on top of our own municipality that's grown. We're 100% almost 100% built out. We have very
few parcels of property. But as I also stated, this is where redevelopment comes in and this is where those strong members come on and follow the requirements of the state of New Jersey D regulations and such. All these are regulated and they're
going to see to it that we have stringent rules. I have the utmost faith in Ed Defigia that he's going to make sure that this is a green project or as green as it can be. I trust the people that are there.
They're not doing anything wrong. They want to do what's right because we all live here. I would never ever ever consider anybody that's not going to do the right thing for this town. I will always do the right thing for this town. Anyone else wishing to be
heard, please step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. Lisa Litman, 108 Grove Street, West Steel. Um, two things, please. Um, in response to the diversity of the board,
um, I want to point out and recognize that Gita's service on the board represents as a member of our religious Jewish community, she brings a perspective that has been absent from this table for
far too long. Her presence closes a gap and our board and our town are stronger for it. And I also want to recognize Dr. Almost Dr. David Brown, also a member. Um,
we have color on our board intentionally. When I first started, I I serve on the zoning board. Our chairwoman, she was an African-American woman. We We do our best to be inclusive because we are an inclusive community.
We are made up of architects, builders, community uh member of business members. I'm a I'm a land use lawyer and a regulatory attorney for the state of New Jersey. We have so much
information that we bring to the table. We scrutinize everything. We don't rubber stamp a thing. Not a thing. We have had our decisions that we denied brought to court. The judge sent it back to us and we denied
it again because it's not okay for our town. We live here. We are volunteers here and what we do and we care about our community. >> Thank you, Lisa. Um, I can assure you I've been reamed
out by some professionals for putting certain people on that board that tend to ask too many questions. I'm good with it. I'm very good with it. Anyone else wishing to be heard, please step up to the microphone, state your name and address for the record.
>> I thank you. >> Resolution uh this one only planning on the board. Okay. We'll have uh com general comments at the end. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else wishing to be heard on resolution 26-135?
>> Seeing none, do I have a Can I have a motion to approve resolution 26135? >> Make a motion to approve. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> The chair. >> So, here's where I get to comment. I'm not going to read the 13 minute speech that I gave upstairs. You can all watch
it on video. Um, I will say that what happened upstairs in a half hour could have happened three, four or five months ago and we could have had the planning board, the land use board in place July 1st and not caused all the drama. That said, um I think we had a what I
expected a spirited conversation and uh we I don't know how everybody's going to vote, but um I do believe that the board that is being put in place now uh is a good one, qualified uh to Lisa's point, uh a variety of professionals that are
on there. I think they will or should have the best interest of the community in uh in mind. And uh I am actually going to vote yes on all of them. Thank you, Rob. >> Fisher. >> Yes. Uh, I would like to make one quick
comment. I do want to thank from the bottom of my heart all the people who volunteered to be on these boards. These are, uh, I served on the planning board for 5 years. I made the same comments upstairs. They are thankless jobs at times. You are not paid. You're away from your family. These are hours that you could be doing other things, but
you're here because you want to serve the community. And that is a very high standard. And I thank all of you for that. not an easy job making decisions. Sometimes you are hamstrung by the laws but you have the best interest of the township and I really believe that we
have the right board and as I've said also opportunities will come up. So just because you didn't get picked for the board this time does not mean that you cannot be put into a bullpen. We are always looking for talent. If it's not the planning board, it could be the environmental commission, it could be the shade tree commission, it could be
anything. So don't feel slighted at any degree. There's lots of opportunities. I encourage all of you to get involved with the township. My vote is yes. >> Thank you, Kaplan. >> Just want to thank everybody that served on the board um and that will no longer be serving with us. Thank you, Victor
Ashkanazi. Anyone else? Uh I miss that that won't be >> goes without saying. >> Um and I echo as usual Deputy Mayor's comments. Please get involved. The more volunteers we have, the better. Uh so yes, thank you. >> Thank you, Telerico.
Thank you. I I want to echo that I want to thank everyone that has served on our boards and that continues to serve. I also want to say I did not agree with the process whatsoever. And I would vote no for that, but I do
vote yes for the people that are going to be serving. And I hope that we can all work together to make our town even better than it is now. >> So yes. >> Thank you, Grace. Nutani. >> Yes.
And uh I too want to thank Victor for your time served on that board. Thank you very much for that time. And thank you to the new board members because this is a new board with a lot of experience. So I'm counting on you guys
to really keep an eye out for this town because nothing proved that we need to seriously look at redevelopment more than this past storm. I'm really counting on you guys. Make us all proud. Thank you. Ordinance is up
for adoption. Ordinance number 2548, which is an ordinance amending chapter 12 of the revised general ordinances of the township of ocean 1965 authorizing a stop intersection on Cedar Street. Someone please open public comment on
ordinance 2548. >> I move to open public comment on ordinance 2548. Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Aeras, >> yes. >> Fisher, >> yes. >> Kaplan, >> yes. >> Terica, >> yes. >> Nepali, >> yes.
>> Anyone wishing to be heard on ordinance 2548, please step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. >> Seeing none, can I have a motion to close public discussion on ordinance 2548? >> I move to close public discussion on ordinance 2548.
>> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Aera. >> Yes. >> Fisher. >> Yes. >> Kaplan. Yes. >> Telerico. >> Yes. >> Nutani. >> Yes. Action on ordinance 2548. I move to uh approve ordinance 2548 and publish according to law. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call.
>> Yes. >> Fisher. >> Yes. >> Kaplan. >> Yes. >> Telerico. >> Yes. >> Napani. >> Yes. That ordinance is ordinance comes in effect 20 days later. Ordinance 2549, which is an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 21 of the comprehensive land development ordinance of the township provotion article 4
zoning provision subsection 21-22 through 21-32. Someone please open up public discussion on ordinance 2549. I move to open public discussion on ordinance 2549. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Yes. >> Fisher.
>> Yes. >> Kaplan. >> Yes. >> Telerica. >> Yes. >> Neutani. >> Yes. Anyone wishing to be heard on ordinance 2549, please step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. You have the Hi, Alex Hayes Oakst. Um, I wanted to
bring up some of this even for the um, new land use um, discussion a minute ago when I was up here before. Um, the way I read how you all are changing this, I think I said some of these comments at the last um, time I spoke about these revisions to the land development rules.
Um, you are now making changes to the development rules which are also in the new revised master plan. Correct. >> You you want to get out everything. >> Okay. Well, I'm going to assume that's what I'm going to assume that's what
you're doing. Thank you to Miss Hidea for um mentioning that at one point this town considered 90% um impervious coverage, which is bonkers. Um, so apparently it was moved to 65% in in the ordinance
that you're talking about right now for imperous cover. 65% you were granting developers. Um, and now you're moving it back to 45%. As a lay person, I read that as you're realizing that somebody made the
percentage way too high and you're trying now to correct it. um which means you're trying to scale back the number of trees that are cut down and the amount of grass and trying to I mean trying to scale up that and trying to scale down driveways, roads,
sidewalks, big box, whatever. Um, so I think what Miss Ada mentioned earlier is extremely important that we need to consider the impervious coverage rules in this town and possibly even go
stricter. I disagree with you, mayor. I do think that um what is it called? The uh storm water man mitigation is extremely important and clearing the pipes extremely important. But I think um our policies
on land development contributed to the floods that we have seen today. You kind of all just said or this week you kind of all said that. So just keep doing and raising I mean lowering the impervious coverage because it's pretty obvious
someone's realizing that there was a mistake a couple years ago. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing me or please step up to the microphone, state your name and address for the record. Uh, >> am I allowed to finish my statement now? >> Sure. >> Excellent. >> Is it on this ordinance?
>> Is it on storm water management or anything like that? >> No. >> What's this ordinance? >> This is in the ordinance hearing. >> There'll be a public comment period following. >> What is this ordinance for? >> Change the zoning in section 21- >> Yeah, it's in the agenda in the in the >> So, it's general zoning.
>> Yeah. Well, you can finish the statement when we open up public comment. >> Excellent. >> Cool. >> Anyone else wishing to be heard, please step up to the microphone. station name and address for the record. Seeing or none, do I have a motion to close public comment on ordinance 2549?
>> I move to close public comment on ordinance 2549. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> The chair. >> Yes. >> Fisher. >> Yes. >> Kathine, >> yes. >> Terrier, >> yes. >> Neut. >> Yes. Action on ordinance 2549. >> I move to approve ordinance 29, excuse
me, 2549 and publish according to law. >> Second. >> Roll call. Aera, >> yes. >> Fisher, >> yes. >> Kaplan, >> yes. >> Telerico, >> yes. >> Napani, >> yes. >> Uh, introduction to ordinances 2550,
an ordinance amending chapter 12, the revised general ordinances of the township of ocean 1965 authorizing a stop intersection at the Lincoln Drive and Colonial Avenue. Someone please introduce ordinance 2550. >> I move to introduce ordinance 2550. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Aera, yes. >> Fisher, yes.
>> Kaplan, yes. >> Terico, yes. Nutella. >> Yes. That will have its public hearing on the 13th of August. Ordinance 2551, which is an ordinance amending chapter 12 to revise general ordinances of the township of ocean 1965 prohibiting parking along portions of Dwight Drive.
Someone please introduce ordinance 2551. >> I move to introduce ordinance 2551. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> A chera? >> Yes. >> Fisher? >> Yes. >> Kaplan? >> Yes. >> Telerico? >> Yes. >> Mindani? >> Yes. That two will have its public hearing on the 13th of August. Ordinance
2552, which is an ordinance amending chapter 12, the revised general ordinances of the township of motion 1965 deleting prohibiting parking along portions of O Avenue. Someone please introduce ordinance 2552. >> I move to introduce ordinance 2552. >> Second. >> Second.
>> Roll call. >> Nera, >> yes. >> Fisher, >> yes. >> Kaplan, >> yes. >> Telerico, yes. >> Now, Lieutenant, >> yes. That two will have its public hearing on the 13th of August. Ordinance 2553, which is an ordinance amending ordinance 2338 entitled an ordinance fixing salaries and compensation
of certain offices, positions, and employees in the town of a motion. Someone please introduce ordinance 2553. >> I move to introduce ordinance 2553. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Aera. >> Yes. >> Fisher. >> Yes. >> Kaplan. >> Yes. >> Terrio. >> Yes. That too will have its public
hearing on the 13th of August. uh ordinance 2554 which is an ordinance of the township of Ocean and the county of Mammoth, New Jersey, adopting a redevelopment plan for block 34, lot 11, commonly known as 1610 Highway 35 Ocean Township, New Jersey, also known as
Orchard Plaza. Someone please introduce ordinance 2554. >> Move to introduce ordinance 2554. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Chair. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I have a question.
It's an it intro. Okay. Go ahead. >> Fisher. >> Yes. >> Kavlin. >> Yes. >> Terrier. >> Yes. >> And Neaten. >> Yes. That too will have its public hearing on the 13th of August. >> Posted about there's nothing on this one
yet. We can uh this is just an introduction. >> Okay. But I'm just asking why it's being introduced because it was supposed to go to the planning board on the June 22nd meeting and it was cancelled. >> And it's a And I think in the ordinance it said once it's by the time this is
adopted. >> Yeah, we check with the redevelopment council. It can go to the planning board after the uh first reading before second reading. >> It said the plan >> ordinance adopting a redevelopment plan >> even.
No, you will not approve it before. >> No, we won't. Okay. >> Where was I? >> Good. >> Okay. Ordinance 2555, which is bond ordinance providing the acquisition of various capital vehicles and equipment appropriating 2,80,000 thereof and
authorizing the issuance of 1,980,100 in bonds and notes to finance a portion of the cost thereof authorized in and by the township of ocean in the county of Mammoth, New Jersey. Someone please introduce ordinance 2555. >> I'll introduce ordinance 2555.
>> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> A chair. >> Yes. >> Fisher. Yes. >> Kaplan Telerica Napani. >> Yes. That too will have its public hearing on August 13th. >> Ordinance 2556, which is a bond ordinance providing for various capital
improvements appropriating $4,200,000. Therefore, and authorizing the issuance of $4 million in bonds and notes to finance a portion of the cost thereof authorized in and by the town of Ocean in the county of Mammoth, New Jersey. Someone please introduce ordinance 2556.
I move to introduce ordinance 2556. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Yes. >> Fisher. >> Yes. >> Kaplan. Yes. >> Terico. >> Yes. >> Neut. >> Yes. That two will have its public hearing on the 13th of August before we open up public comment. Our attorney
will be making a statement. Kevin, off to you. >> Yes. I want to read the rules of the public comment period. Um, speakers and members of the public should at all times maintain proper decorum and shall make their comments in a respectful and civil manner. No person shall at any
time engage in any personally offensive or abusive remarks to the mayor, council, city employees, or professionals, or any other member of the public. Personal attacks, obscenity, derogatory, or slanderous remarks will not be tolerated. No person shall engage
in any express or implied speech that involves any other person or group's race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or ethnicity. Those are the rules that apply to this portion of the meeting.
>> Anyone wishing to be heard, please step up to the microphone, state your name and address for the record. >> Thank you, Mr. Starky. Lisa Litman, 108 Grove Street. Freedom of speech is not absolute. Speech that crosses from protected
expression into incitement to violence or genocide loses all legal protection. In US law, the standard comes from Brandenburgg v. Ohio 1969. Speech loses
first amendment protection when it's directed at inciting imminent lawless action and is likely to produce it. Truth threats are also unprotected.
Importantly, hate speech by itself is legally protected in the US. It only becomes unprotected when it crosses into incitement or threats. Free speech protections end where
incitement begins. And under US law, speech directed at and likely to incite imminent violence is not protected. An incitement to genocide is itself a
crime. >> Thank you, Lisa. Anyone else wishing to be heard? Please step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. >> Alex Hayes Oakst. Um, thank you, Attorney Starky. Thank you, Miss Litman.
Um, those were um phenomenal rules um and sentiments that I concur with wholeheartedly. Um, I thought I was going to be able to talk about ordinance 5, the Orchard Plaza ordinance. Um, and I know it's coming up uh the next time.
I still don't get how you're basically saying ahead of time, we're approving it now. We're going to wait for the planning board. The planning board is probably going to approve it and then you're going to approve it again the second reading. That's the way I understood Mr. Starky saying it. >> No, we the council did not approve the
ordinance tonight. It can only be approved first a public hearing on second reading of publication which is going to happen >> two weeks, four weeks. It'll happen in the future. It's not happening. >> Okay. But you had a first reading now before the planning board even has it. I don't know why the first reading wasn't until after you've already directed the
planning board to hear from the developer. I don't why would you do the first reading now and not wait till after the planning board is done. I just think that it's it signals like a pre-authorization in my brain. Um, I have a couple other comments. Um, moving
the meetings to 5:00 p.m. in my opinion means less people can attend. Um, I I I I really hope that the next time you need an extra half hour, you tack it on to the end. You used to have meetings at 7:00 p.m. Most people work a 9 toive job. You can't even get them here at
5:30. How do you expect them to come here at 5:00? Um, I thought Mr. and the OEM did a fantastic job with social media and the town flooding and all that. Um uh and and the deal commission
did like a good job also. Um I do have slight concerns that there was not one cohesive place for talents folk to get their information. Um you had to kind of be on all these pages. Um, so I hope you will revisit like instead of sharing all
these pages maybe um if there's another natural disaster come to our town website and here's all the information you're going to need. Um that's the PR person in me I guess. Um I am thank you so much in the work session for basically saying you are not
going to do a data center in Ocean Township. Many towns in New Jersey have issued uh resolutions forbidding prohibiting data centers and I encourage you implore you to do the same so that we never see a data center in our town.
Um going back to the flooding, you guys thanked so many people, the OEM, the fire, the um people even got in their boats and like rescued people and and are helping people clean out their um garages and and their their carpet. I hope you do some kind of a ceremony to
thank everybody for going above and beyond. Um, I have some random other questions. Um, I on my way here at 4:48 cuz I had to leave work early in order to come here. I was passed by no sooner than five buses uh from different
companies. They were all different bus companies in town. And um, in my opinion, like almost all of them were speeding. They weren't the Township of Ocean school buses. They were private contractors. I hope that um maybe you guys direct the PD to step up
enforcement because I don't think I've ever seen a non Ocean Township bus like not speeding. Um and one other thing, um thank you so much. As I mentioned before, the 25 speed limit in some of those town on
some of those town streets, fantastic. I was in another town in North Jersey uh last week and they must have done the same thing, but they had a little like brightly colored neon new under it. So, everybody knew these were new um speed limits cuz I still think
people are flying down Sunset cuz they have no idea that you changed it to 25 despite what you're putting on the POA park marquee. Um, and I'd also be curious to know how many speeding tickets you have given or the not you this. And I think that's it, but I also
reserve my right uh in public comment to come back a second time after everybody has spoken. So, thank you. >> Anyone else wishing to be heard, although it's only one time at the microphone, Miss Hayes? Thank you.
Anyone else wishing to be heard? Please step up to the microphone. State your name and address for the record. Hi, thank you. My name is Ruby Azarak. I live on Mapport Avenue. I've owned the house for 45 years plus. Um, we never
had a water problem up until they decided to pave the streets. On the last when it rained in September a couple of years ago, there was torrent of water going in through down my I have a 350
foot long drive not driveway piece of land. My tennis court got destroyed. My basketball got destroyed. Forget about my house was there was a river running through it. Uh came in April the town engineer I think it was the engineer.
and I came to to my home to go over and see what the problem is. He told me straight out there is a problem with the sewers right in front of my home. Now we're now going again. We had a m this major rainstorm that happened. I mean my
wife was out there trying to with a boom sweeping up with going to the sewers because the water was so strong and the debris was so strong. The water ended up going again back into my home. Uh
my there was refrigerators, freezers, uh heating, the hot water heaters totally destroyed. Forget about the fact that the remediation they already want 15 to $20,000, but that's okay, but it's not
acceptable. They again, they told me that they were going to fix the sewer. It's now 4 and 1/2 months. Nothing has been done. So, I don't know what to do again. On my way here, I got a call from the tennis court guy. My tennis court has to be
redone again. So, I I there's got to be a cure to all of this. And I really reached I don't know what else to say, what else to do, but this all started when they repaved Maplewood Avenue. >> Dave, can you uh Greg look into
Maplewood? We'll have our engineer take a look at that. You're gonna get the manager. >> Frank, I think is the one who came. >> You're gonna get the manager's number. He I want you to call him next week. >> Tomorrow, Dave, you're good. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Give him a call tomorrow. He's going to want your address so you can
get the information to even call today and I think they're running out there. >> Are you off Norwood? >> Uh yes. >> Okay. >> Norwood and Lwood. >> Oh, I Yeah, I know where the problem there's a big problem over there. It's not that I know that there's a problem. >> The engineer was out. The engineer was
out there today. there was uh they found that there were a couple of areas where there may have been a pipe collapse, >> but he was there also in April. >> That's he'll get in touch with you and then give him the address. This way Greg can take >> Okay, what do we do for all the damage? It's not even coming from insurance >> again. Uh he'll speak to the manager
tomorrow and he'll get Greg out there. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to be heard? >> I'm not going to finish my statement, but I am going to make a comment. There was a tremendous amount of flooding on my street and I've been in my house for
over 35 years and I think a lot of it is attributed to the development that was allowed to proceed on old farm road because a lot of that property which was mostly trees and grass is now impervious coverage and there was a river completely running through my property.
I contacted Colleen Mayor immediately the next day. I also contacted I think I think his name is Richard Dalton. He said he was out there because he realized that there's a problem and I'd like to know what's going to be done to remediate it because all of the water that comes down from that from that old
farm road goes straight to my house. Doesn't go to any other house. So either the city looks into how they're going to put better drainage or either that development that was put there looks into how to remediate the water problem or the city covers the damage that happens to my property.
>> Okay. Thank you. Uh Dave, that one also. >> You could follow. Yeah, Mr. Dalton. Okay. >> Good evening, uh, council members, mayor. Thank you guys. Um, >> name name and address for the record, please. >> Yes. My name is John Perryakis, 24 Framingham Road, uh, Wayside. Um, I'm a
third generation resident of Ocean Township. My family's held interest here in this town for over 40 years, and now I'm part of the next generation that's kind of looking to build upon that and keep those interests um, in town. And um you know obviously the flooding that we
had was uh very concerning but I wouldn't say it was necessarily unprecedented. I mean over the last three years you know we've experienced much higher levels of precipitation. The data supports it and um you know I'm not going to like sit here and criticize you guys. All I'm going to say is like if we
really want to like get to the next level and get to the next step with respect to what's going on in the rest of the county, we really need to um invest more into this infrastructure. And I I know mayor that you just mentioned that there's some action there. But I'm just reiterating it
because you know what's built is built, right? as far as development. I'm not going to sit here and complain about that either. But we have to take what we have existing because it is what it is and just ensure that we're doing the best job or I guess you guys are doing the best job that you guys can to ensure
that we're best prepared for the future because you know I love Ocean Township. I'm still here. Um the only times I weren't here were the four years I attended college in Florida. Still here despite that. and um you know, I just want our town to not fall behind with
all of the good that's happening uh in our county. Um and so, thank you. Um just a just a quick uh question um or I guess comment too. Um, so today I was driving by a couple of our properties um that I managed and I guess New Jersey
Natural Gas was doing some gas line uh configurations like uh at Cindy Lane and it just came as a surprise cuz we weren't notified um by either the town or New Jersey Natural Gas that their work was being performed and you know it's cool like I'm fine with work being
done like it's an improvement it's making our area better but um just a better job with like the messaging of that type of work going out to commercial business owners because I got to prepare my tenants for that kind of thing. And um you you know it's just you
you don't like to have surprises like that. Again, it wasn't that big of a deal, but just like as somebody with interest, like commercial interest, um just a courtesy of like knowing when this kind of stuff is happening. Um just so I can be good on my end. Um and
really that's all I have for you guys. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you very much. Uh, make sure you say hi to your mom and dad for me, >> Dave. Utility companies. >> What's the story there? >> Yeah, we really don't have any control over the utility companies. >> So, um, they're responsible for
notifying. >> And in most cases, they they notify us if our township property is in the area, but if it's private property, they may not even notify the township. >> Right. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to be heard, please step up to the microphone, state your name and address
for the record. I'm going to give you one warning. If I don't like what I Listen to me. If I get one word that I don't like, there's a couple gentlemen in the back that'll take care of this for me. Thank you. >> Of course. Yeah. My name is Jeff George. I live in Tin Falls. I
>> You have any >> Hold on a second. I have a right to be here and exercise my First Amendment right even though I don't reside in Ocean Township. I came a couple weeks ago um at the last city council meeting and
I spoke to this council about how the deer population is getting um out of control. >> Take them out. Please just take them out cuz I'm not going to go through this again. I'm not going to get embarrassed. Just trying to I'm just trying to set the record straight. >> You can set the record straight all you
want. They're taking you out. I'm not even going to get to the record. >> How's that stand? >> No, I want them to take you out. >> I'm not going to put up with >> I'm here to talk about dear. I'm here to talk about you. Your comments on Facebook. >> Okay. I'll tell you what. Take it
outside. >> You just messed up. >> Thank you. I did. I messed up. Okay, that's fine. That's why I have him next to me. >> Thank you. And you know what? Sue away.
Thank you, gentlemen. Take him out. Thank you. Okay. Uh at this point, motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? No.
>> Thank you. Have a great night. You need to get