I'm going to do I'd like to start the meeting. Would everybody please rise? allegiance to the flag of American. Zoning board of adjustment township of Oldbridge meeting March 19, 2026. Adequate notice of this meeting of the
Oldbridge Township zoning board of adjustment has been provided in accordance with the open public meetings act at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of this meeting by prominently posting in the municipal complex announcement giving the time the date the location and the agenda of this meeting also by mailing such
announcement to the home news and tribune filing a copy of such announcement with the municipal clerk and posting the agenda on the municipal website. We have a roll call. Mr. Pill >> certainly Mrs. Andrews absent. Miss Gomez
absent. Mr. Isizo >> here. >> Mr. Scogno >> present. >> Miss Spanelli >> here. >> Miss Testie absent. Mr. Singh absent. Miss Fernbach
absent. Chairman Sullivan >> here. Uh, as a matter of housekeeping, this the meeting is being televised on right here in the in the township on CATV channel 15. Well, simultaneously it goes out over YouTube live. If you ever need
to uh see the uh or refer back to the meeting, you can do so on YouTube. As you notice, there's only four board members that are seated tonight. Uh board consists of nine people. Uh seven regular and two alternates. We only have
four tonight, but by rule uh that that constitutes a quorum. So, we will be able to hear applications. Whether or not uh applicants want to uh have us take a vote on it would be up to the applicant, and we'll deal with that a little later on. Uh having said that,
just so we know the ground rules here, uh to my right and your left is the board attorney, Mr. Joe Melan. To my right, further down and your left would be Dan Hollahan, the zoning officer. Everything is uh recorded by a stenographer. I would ask anybody that
testifies tonight, these are directional microphones. Please talk directly into them. You don't have to be right on top of them, but you do have to be in line with them. Having said that, let me go through some other uh issues here. Uh we're going to go uh I'm going to move the adoption of the uh rules and regs
along with the uh discussion on the zoning board annual report uh to later in the meeting. Uh the planner is not here yet. uh she will be arriving shortly. So we'll move that down. Moving on, it's minutes of February 5th, 2026.
Hopefully Eddie, everyone has had a chance to review them. Absent any comments or deletions, I'm going to ask Mr. Mr. Mlin, we're going to take a vote on this. >> Someone move it. >> I move it. Skagno, >> is there a second? >> Is roll call as the minutes February
5th. >> Mr. Iso. >> Yes. >> Mr. Skaggno. >> Yes. >> Miss Spinelli. >> Yes. >> Chairman Sullivan. >> Yes. We have two resolutions this evening. I'll read them in order. 50-2021Z obn. It was a major preliminary and final site plan with CND variance. Mr.
Mlin. >> Thank you, Chairman. This resolution for was for application uh number 50- uh 2021Z. This was for approving preliminary and final site plan with uh use and bulk variances for property block
um 10 or 1069 and lot one. This is bridge. Um the applicant was OBJ LLC. This was proposing to construct uh additions um consisting of a first story and second
story uh with apartments and commercial use. Uh the board found that um the applicant provided such uh sufficient testimony for the relief requested. Um and then the second resolution or do you want to
>> We'll just do the one. >> Just do the one. Okay. >> Board members, you've heard the contents of the resolution. So we'll move that for adoption. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Iso, >> yes. >> Mr. Scogn. >> Yes. Miss Spinelli? >> Yes.
>> Chairman Sullivan? >> Yes. 03-2025Z Prime Space Capital LLC. This is bifurcated D variance. It was a denial. Mr. Melan. >> Yes. Uh thank you, chairman. Um the board found that the project would not
have um would have stood out in the neighborhood and was inconsistent uh with the character of the neighborhood and would have adversely impacted the uh residential neighborhood. Uh this is commonly known as uh 12 Pine Street and consisted of many block uh lots and this
was block 1804. >> Word members someone to move that for adoption. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Scogno. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Iso, >> yes. >> Mr. Scogno, >> yes. >> Miss Benelli, >> yes.
>> Chairman Sullivan, >> yes. All right, that moves uh right up to our swearing in professionals. As I said, Miss Sant, our planner, has not arrived yet. She will be shortly. I want to ask Mr. Hollahan to be sworn in. The agenda we're going to take out of
order tonight because we're going to take the C variances before we take the one other application that we have. Uh in reference to that number 33-2024Z Community Bible Fellowship Church uh that's located 442 uh Catrell Road.
That's block 14263 L 9.12. They're seeking major preliminary and final site plan with CND varants. Unfortunately, they were ready to be here but we didn't have enough and by rule law I guess I should say Mr. Meline, we have to have five in order to hear that application.
So, we only have four. Um, we offer our apologies on that. Uh, people get sick and people can't make and I I I apologize on behalf of the board uh Mr. Clauser has made comments to me uh that they would be ready to go and I think we're uh giving April 16th as a date.
>> Yes, sir. Yes. Okay. >> It's April 16th. There'll be no further notice. So that matter obviously is not going to be heard this evening. Uh the next uh application we're going to go right to the seas then we'll take them in order. Uh 51-2025Z
uh for about Kishna uh block 7120 lot one that's 26 Dane in uh applicant seeking variance to install a fence around the property for safety and privacy. Is that you sir? Come on up.
Are you going to testify by yourself? Okay. Come on up. No, you come right up and sit at the table here. >> Board attorney will swear you in. >> Raise your right hand. Do you swear affirm to tell the whole truth? >> Uh, state your full name and spell your
last, please. >> Thank you, sir. Please be seated. you see variances. Uh there's they're minor variances in a sense that they're usually done on homeowner property. It's not as a commercial level. It's something that you do in your own home, but sometimes requires a variance. The
board sits and hears that the board is comprised of people here from the township and this applies to everyone else who's here tonight for C variance. They're members uh of the community. We are volunteer citizens who sit here to hear applications. >> Okay. In doing so, what we want you to
do is tell us the who, what, why, and where. Basically, why are you here? What do you want to do? How are you going to do that? How you going to accomplish this? You may have some questions from us. We may have some questions of you. I'm going to ask Mr. Hollahan, who's the town of zoning officer, to explain after
you finish speaking why you're here. >> So, uh, I am here for, uh, installing fence, uh, around uh, my property. So you can see um the highlighted uh green area uh green line where I would be uh
planning to install once it's approved the fence fence height would be around like a 6 ft uh it's I think American white which is like allowed by the township. Uh last year uh we were not planning to install but like you can see
uh I have two kids over there. In summertime they were planning to uh like they were playing but most of the time me and my wife has to stay because the street area cars are coming here and there. So we have to always vigilant on
our kids. That is one. Second one is just for safety reason. Second one for privacy like if they want to play around with the water or something like that then obviously we want some privacy around there. There are two main reasons we want to have fence. So that's why uh
we are here to seek your approval for uh doing that. >> Okay. You're the original owner of that home. >> Sorry. Yeah. >> It was it's recently built. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Mr. Hollahan, give the board a synopsis. >> Thank you. Um yes. So if everyone can
look to the screen to the right. So the applicants seeking a C variance for fence in a front yard. Um this is Dalia Lane that runs around the lot here. Um typically something like this would be approved if this was another street because then it would meet the
definition of a corner lot. But because this is all one continuous street, this is then an interior lot, which then makes the fence in this area not permitted unless it's reduced to a 4ft height and is see-through. Um, so it's one single C variance for a fence in a
front yard. I do want to make one com two comments to the board. There are two ements that are on this property. They're hard to see on this survey, but there's a 4ft utility and sidewalk easement along the frontage of the property. And then there is a 20 foot
wide drainage easement that is shared between this property here and then lot 10 here. Um just for clarification to the property owner, I just want to make it understood that the township doesn't permit fences in drainage easements or any easements.
>> Um so should the board act favorably, the fence along this property line would just have to be relocated 10 feet in so that it doesn't encroach within this drainage ement. Exactly. So 10 ft like from the uh uh the property boundary.
>> Yep. >> Yes. So you have a capped rebar here which designates this corner. >> Same thing here. >> You would just have to be set 10 ft off of that. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Also 4 foot back off the foot. >> Correct. Yeah. Which side is >> that's already shown on the the plan.
>> I have no further comments. >> U for the record. I'll I'll make note that the uh association community it's associate community management corporation referenced the applicant here dated December 16th. It reads as follows.
Modification request fence installation. Dear homeowner, your application to install a fence was approved by the board of trustees on the following notations. Approval is contingent upon the following by following all township, state, and federal requirements related
to the installation. Upon receipt of any township permit, please provide a copy to the community manager. Material being used for your property modification may not be placed on common areas. Material may be placed uh on your driveway. No contractor can leave equipment on any street overnight. You're responsible for
the removal of all that construction debris. You may not build a fence on any portion of the HOA or the common property. Uh so in essence, they're they have no contest to uh you doing so. Yeah. And you have you've received a copy of this, right? We'll have that for
the records. Uh let me see if the board has any any questions for you. I'm going to start on my left. >> Uh I noticed on an aerial that a lot of people have done the same thing, right? A matter of fact, it's it's getting quite common in the community. >> Yes. >> And you have young children, you want it
for privacy and you want it for the safety. >> Uh you said six foot. >> Six foot height. That is a standard one. Uh normally white. >> The proposal is six foot. Yes. In the front yard. >> I heard you mention 4 foot.
>> 4 foot is what's permitted under the ordinance. Yep. >> So you you're going to build six. Is it going to be vinyl? >> Vinyl. >> Solid vinyl. >> So I need to win. >> Okay. Any other questions? Mr. Holler M. >> This for you, Mr. Holler. Um is it
consistent with other um did you visit the site? I have not visited this site. No. >> Okay. Then this question is for you. It the the other fences around uh with your neighbors fences, are they six foot fences? >> Yes. >> Yeah. And this is because it's not a
corner lot. >> Correct. Yes. If Dalia Lane to Page South was being lane, it would be a corner lot definitionally and then would be permitted under the ordinance. Um being that every applicant is every
application is viewed on its own merits. Um the board has approved a number of these with properties that are on interior lots that have frontage along one roadway. So I don't it wouldn't be out of character in the neighborhood.
>> Right. And a matter of fact, there's several of them around your property. >> So >> there's several fences that have been erected around your property. You have anything else you want to tell me right now? >> No. Thank you so much. >> Okay. I'm going to go to a public portion on this matter. It's 51-2025Z.
Physical location is 26 Dia Lane here in the township. This is for seeking variance to install a fence around the property. If anyone wants to make comment on this matter, please stand or raise your hand. This will be the only time for public portion. If anybody is interested,
seeing no one, I'm going to close the public portion. Any final comments, sir? Let me explain one thing to you. I'm assuming you're going to ask me for a vote. But before you do so, what the rules say in this matter in the C variance, you have to have the plurality of the vote. So tonight there's four.
You would need three. >> So if if that doesn't succeed, you can't bring the same application back to us again. >> I agree. Accept. >> Are you willing to take a vote with four people here? >> Yes. >> Okay. Very good, sir.
>> Mr. Mlin, this is simply a C, right? Uh, sorry. >> Um, believe >> okay. >> Okay. >> Not >> no >> not. Someone willing to move for
approval. >> Scogno approved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. As the C. >> Mr. Iso. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scogno. >> Yes. >> M. Finelli. >> Yes. >> Chairman Sullivan. Yes. Good luck on your uh fence. Please get the proper
permits. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for appearing with your family. >> All right. Next matter is 57-205Z. This is Arian Segworth. Uh this is R40 lowdensity residential block 10252 lot
07.12. Physical location 61 Partridge Road. That's Madawan mailing address. Put it here in the township. Uh, the applicant proposes to replace a 28 uh.2x 32.1
detached barn garage with a new 28Tx 33tx 21t9 height, two-story detached similar structure. Are they here this evening? Come on up. Both of you going to testify?
Both of you can come on in. You can take the two seats in front of the microphone. Ma'am, would you do me one favor? Push the button on it and it'll turn green. Um, one more time. Yep. There you go. Okay. If you just stand for a moment, sir. Board attorney swear you both in.
>> Raise your right hand. Do you swear to swear affirm to tell the whole truth gun? >> Please. Um, say both of your first names. And >> we'll start with you, sir. Craig Sigworth. >> Spell your last, please.
>> S I E G W A R G H. >> And your first name, ma'am? >> Arlene R. >> Please be seated. >> Okay. Uh, I know why you're here and what what you're looking to do. U as I
told you before, you don't have any professionals with you. If you have any uh documents or any kind of uh >> exhibits that you want us to see, you can give them to Miss Porchelli and the board attorney will decide whether or
not they can become evidential. your property was this structure actually was a a fire in that correct >> okay >> mark them all as one >> mark them all as uh >> A1 >> A1 yes >> it's a series of photos
I'm going to hold them up to you first because I I'm I'm assuming you understand the same thing I said to the previous applicant. You're going to tell us the who, what, why, and where. Uh why you're going to do this. Uh I'm going to ask you to explain these and we're going to ask Mr. Hollahan why you're here for
a variance. Okay. Having said that, you did it was a total loss of that barn, correct? >> Yes, it was. >> All right. It's a series of three pages. >> Did you describe the first one? Can you see it from there? >> Not prov.
>> All right. Yeah, I'm going to take pictures so I could explain. >> Okay. >> Um I was just showing um the path going to the backyard. The reason one of the reasons why we wanted it in the front that that was one of the reasons why it was rejected. It currently is in the front. And um in order to go into the
backyard, there's like a lot of trees would have to be removed to create a driveway. So I was I I have an aerial shot of the um of the property and I was trying to take shots on either side of the garage so you could see the trees and everything.
And then as far as the size, um >> let's let's let's just go through the pictures first. >> Okay. >> It looks like some tents up top. That's some of the stuff that was survived the fire. >> Okay. And on the bottom also same >> the same same from the barn farm.
>> One of them is on our front porch is like there's no room to put stuff. We have uh four pods storage pods. Well, now we're down to three because we were able to consolidate. Okay. >> But we have >> No one was hurt, right? >> No. I'm glad I'm glad to hear that.
>> What about that one? That's just showing you how far away the garage is from the main road. >> 75 ft away from the >> And there's some pods there, too, right? >> Pardon me. >> And there's it says, >> I guess your storage pods, they're on the property. How many of them are there
>> right now? There's three. >> And you want to get rid of them, obviously. >> Yeah. >> Questing you money, >> especially with the Yeah, especially with the snow. We have no place to put snow. like >> um are you you're not going to build it on the same footprint that it >> you are going to?
>> Yes. >> Okay. Anything else you want to tell me now? And I'll I'll go to Mr. Highland. He'll give me the technical stuff. >> No, unless you want to say why we need need the same size. >> You can tell me. >> Okay.
>> Well, I know Craig does a lot of uh >> restoring. >> Yeah. Well, I need the size of the building. It's anything small would be dangerous to work in. I I got my table saw. I got my metal working equipment. >> Okay. You're not You're not going to make a living quarters. >> Oh, no. This is all hobby.
>> Is there plumbing in there now? >> No. How's it moving? >> You have electric? >> Yes. Well, >> well, >> had electric. >> Had electric. >> Had electric. >> Okay. And but you're not planning on changing it into some sort of a living course. >> Oh, no. >> Mr. Holland. >> Thank you, Chairman. Um so the applicant
is here tonight seeking uh four separate C variances. I will uh go through each one. Uh the first one being accessory building size which is proposed at 924 square ft uh where 600 ft is required. Um second variance would be an accessory
structure in a required front yard. Um third one would be accessory building height of 21 ft 9 in proposed where 15 ft is required. And then the last one being accessory building stories at two proposed where 1.5 is required. Um I'll
be honest, I kind of felt guilty having to deny this one. Um I I tried every which way to get through with a permit. Um, the way that our ordinance is written specifically with existing non-conforming structures states that if
there is a total loss, it can only be rebuilt in conformance with the ordinance, which limits the size, limits the height, limits the stories, and limits the location. Um, so this is essentially a direct replacement of what's been there for countless years.
>> Um, it predates any aerial images that I have really access to. Um, I would say for sure it predates the zoning ordinance which requires the building size, height, location, and story. So, um, I have no objections to this
application. They are replacing essentially inind what has been there probably longer than all of us in this room. >> How long is the property there? That building >> they had the I had I had the roof replaced once and I found a shingle had a label on the back of it said 1935 on
it. That's the only Yeah. >> Not as old as the house. >> Not as old as the house. No. >> How long you been on the property there? >> Oh, what? Since >> your whole life? >> Since 91. >> 911. Let me see if there's any questions, >> counselor.
>> Uh, this seems pretty straightforward to me. I'm very sorry you had that loss and I'm very sorry that you're tangled up in in in the intricacies of the law because, uh, really all you want to do is replace what you had right there. But unfortunately, as uh, Mr. Mr. Holland explain there's technicalities in it and
that's why we have an attorney here. That's why we have a zoning officer and just to make sure that everything goes right. So I'm very sorry for your loss, but we do have to either take a vote or not take a vote tonight. Let me go to a public portion right now and see if anybody wants to speak on this matter.
Uh once again, uh 57-2025 physical location 61 Partridge Road. Uh this was a replacement for a barn that burned. And uh that was like uh last year or two years ago now >> January 20 25 >> January 25. Okay. Anyone want to be heard on this matter? Please raise your
hand or stand. This will be the only opportunity for public portion. Oh, seeing none, I'm going to close the public portion. Any further comments, folks? >> No. >> Board members, go ahead. If I can add
with a structure this size, typically what the board will do will be enact conditions, you know, no commercial businesses, no living quarters. Um, so I would ask maybe if we can come to an agreement with the applicant that >> those are the questions that I asked you. Were you thinking about turning it
into a living quarters? Were you that would become part of the resolution and you would agree to that, correct? >> Yes. Yes. >> You're going to continue on using it the same way you had it. >> Yes, that's correct. >> Electric's okay. Electric's okay. Yep. >> No plumbing.
>> Plumbing is technically okay. Um, as long as they obtain permits. Are there any plans to do any plumbing or just electric? >> No. I had thought of putting a heating system in, but that would be about it. >> Yeah, I have no issues with any utilities run to the barn. Um, just as
long as they don't create a dwelling unit, which is a combination of living facilities and cooking facilities. So, >> and you understand that, folks? >> That's okay with Do you'd agree to that if we approve it? >> Yes, I agree. >> Final comments from anyone. Any
problems? >> Mr. Hollian, >> we have four C's, correct? >> Yes. >> We group them together. >> Yes, we can take all four C's at once. Anyone in favor of approving? >> Motion to approve. Scen. >> Is there a second? Is roll call, please.
>> Mr. Iso, >> yes. >> Mr. Scogno, >> yes. >> Miss Spanelli, >> yes. >> Chairman Sullivan, >> yes. Uh once again, sorry that you lost that, but uh good luck on redoing it. You'll have a resolution by the next meeting and make sure you obtain any
permits. I'm sure if you uh touch base with Dan, he'd be more than happy to happy to help you out. We'll send you in the right direction. >> I have one question. Do we have to like reapply for the permits or just the permits that we already have submitted? So hopefully meeting yeah when the
resolution gets adopted which is typically at the next meeting um Moren once it's signed we'll email you a copy of it once you get a copy of that resolution bring it to the building department say hey here's my resolution they will then send the permit application back to me and then I will approve it
>> so you don't have to refile anything >> okay all right thank you >> folks thanks for being here tonight >> we have to hold want to get him back. >> All right. Next application. Uh 58-2025Z near Naring Dixon. Is anybody here on
this matter? All right. Physical location is 300 Highway 35 in Lawrence Harbor. No one here on that. All right. Uh this is matter 58-205Z. It's uh block 21 lot 299. Physical
location is 300 highway uh 35 in the Lawrence Harbor applicant seeking to legitimize a fence that was installed without permit. I'm told, Mr. Holleran, that there's been no uh notification given on this and there's we've lost contact with >> Yes,
>> council. I guess we can dismiss this >> prejudice >> without prejudice and they would they would have to refile. >> All right. So, in reference to that, if everyone overheard that 58 2025 has been dismissed. Uh they'll have to uh refile on that and it's dismissed without
prejudice. Come to the final C application for the evening. 59-2025Z David Lynch. This is zone R20 low medium density residential. This is block. You can come up. This is block 11257 lot 7
physical location 4256 highway 516 in Manowan for a pole barn. Applicant seeking to propose a construct a 22x 44x 20 pole barn 968 foot where a maximum of 600 is required and a minimum height of
15 is required. No rear yard of such no rear yard or sideyard setback as proposed. Mr. Lynch. >> Yes sir. Is the lady with you going to testify? >> You can come up if you'd like. You're probably only going to talk from the back anyway, so you might as well come up.
>> She's got answers to questions I don't even have. >> Okay. Well, we we'll swear you both in. Would you both raise your right hand? >> Would you both raise your right hands, please? >> Uh, do you swear or affirm to tell the whole truth to help you gun? >> I do. >> Would you please state your full names
one at a time and spell your last? >> David Lynch. L Y N C H. Thank you. >> And the physical location is >> 4256 Highway. >> That's correct. >> 56. Please be seated. >> Same thing applies. We're just going to
ask you what you're doing, why you want to do it, how you're going to do it, and we'll go through the same routine. >> Okay. What I'm looking to do is put up a pole bar. >> Just a little closer. Right. >> Bring that into you. I'm looking to put up a pole barn uh so I can store my
motor home out of the elements. >> Okay. Motor home is >> Yeah, it's a class A motor home. >> Why don't you tell us what how big that is? >> Um it's 12t 10 in high and it's 37 feet
long. The barn is going to be put where, sir? I see on the on the survey looks like at the end of the driveway. >> That's correct. >> But that's nowhere near the end of your property, right? >> No, my property goes back another 600 ft. >> And it's paved up to that area where you
going to Is that the reason you put it there? >> That's correct. >> You have any other exhibits or anything else you want to tell us at this point? No, I believe you have everything. >> The reason for the 15 foot is because would you say the the height is >> 1210? >> 1210.
>> Mr. Holly. >> Thank you, Chairman. Uh, yes. So, the applicant is here seeking uh 2C variances to construct a 22tx 44t uh by 20 foot 4 in height pole barn um where a maximum of 600 ft is proposed. The
proposed square feet is I'm sorry 600 feet is required. The proposed square footage is 968. Um and then with a 20 foot 4 in height is proposed where 15 ft is required. So it' be two separate C variances for this application. >> Okay. Uh you planning on doing anything
other with it? You use it for commercial purposes? >> No, just storage for the motor home. >> Not going to turn it into another living uh >> no >> facility? No. >> Will there be plumbing? >> No. >> Uh electric? >> No.
You can ask for electric if you want to have some lighting in there. Uh even if you don't do it, it would probably be better for you to ask now. >> It's going to have a door, a window, and when you open up the the big door in the front, there's going to be plenty of light. >> Okay. So, you don't need it. >> Okay. Let me see if the board has any
questions. I'll start on my left. >> Counselor. >> Yeah. U the height is proposed to be uh 20 feet high. Is that correct? 20T 4 in. The interior height is 16. >> 16. Okay. >> And that's because you have the rollup
door coming down underneath it. So we have have to make it high enough that uh we'll clear it. >> Anything else? >> No further. >> Anything else you want to tell us? Anything else? This is pre prefab kind of building, I guess. >> Yeah, it's going to be put up in a day,
I believe. They just bring the pieces and they pop it up. >> Okay. >> Uh I'm going to go to the public on this matter. 59-2025Z physical location 11257 uh I'm sorry 4256 highway uh 516 matter
one mailing address for a poll barn. Anyone wish to be heard in the matter please raise your hand or stand. This will be the only opportunity for public portion. No one has. I'll close the public portion. Any final comments? No sir.
>> Once again, you'll need three of four. You okay with that? >> Yes sir. >> Okay. >> Chairman, if I can just ask the applicant one question. I know we had spoken this, but just for the record. So I know these sideyard setbacks are not notated on the survey. The requirement is 10 ft. If the board acts favorably,
you would just agree to keep it at least 10 ft off of that sideyard. So the setback from this structure here to the property line the requirements 10 feet which as it's drawn it would >> it's like six feet.
>> Yeah it's about six feet. >> It's six feet. Okay. So then that that would be >> so you want another >> the sideyard set back. >> Yeah >> sideyard set back. It's six. Yeah it's six feet. I spoke with my neighbor. Okay. >> I think we can just group that third one
in. Correct. Okay. So, it' be it would be three variances. One for the height, one for the size, and then one for the sideyard setback. >> Okay. Everybody else? >> Yep. >> All right. Someone want to move this for approval? >> Is >> Wait, what? >> Is second. >> Roll call, please.
>> Who was first? Me. Okay. >> Mr. Iso. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scogno. Yes, >> Miss Spanelli. >> Yes, >> Chairman Sullivan. >> Yes. Thank you for appearing. You'll get a resolution by the next meeting. >> Thanks for having us. >> Okay, we'll just take few moments here
to set up. Oh, you were very good. Yes, sir. I was just going to say we're going to have to uh we're going to go to a quick recess. Five minutes would at most. Uh we're just waiting on Miss Sant the professional
counselor. >> Absolutely. Okay, >> we'll stand in recess. All right, we're back from recess. Miss Pelli, can we have a roll call, please? >> Certainly. >> Mr. Iso,
>> here. >> Mr. Scogno, >> present. >> Miss Spanelli, >> present. >> Chairman Sullivan, >> here. >> Mr. Melin >> here. >> Miss Sant. >> All right. When we left, uh, we had finished with our C variances. We have, uh, One other application for the
evening. I'll call it in. It's 47-20 24Z Bergen Concepts LLC. It's the ED1 zone, block 1300, lot 9.12. Physical location on that is 3699 Route
9 for an LED uh billboard. Major preliminary and final site plan with the D variance. applicant proposes to erect an LED billboard on the property. Jason Tuville on behalf of the applicant councelor. >> Great. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members
of the board. Good evening. Jason Tuvel, attorney for the applicant. Uh, if the board recalls, we were here actually, I think it was December. Um, and we testified, we provided uh testimony from two witnesses. Um, our operations expert, the applicant owner, as well as
our civil and traffic engineer. Um I think we had some limited time that evening because there were a bunch of applications on the agenda. But the takeaway that the applicant had from that um that night was that the board challenged us to do a few things and encouraged us to meet with um the
board's planning staff which we did on two occasions. And the three things I think the board challenged us to do after that first hearing was as follows. And I'll I'll summarize what the changes were to the to the plans that we submitted to the board and that you'll hear about this evening. So, first and
foremost, um we agreed to eliminate the Luke Oil freestanding sign that is currently at the property. Um the board has felt, I think, when it was looking at the proposed billboard and the and the freestanding sign there that that
could be an issue. So, the applicant agreed to remove the Lucille sign in conjunction with con uh Luke Oil and replace it with a more um aesthetically pleasing um monument sign. um with landscaping around it. So that was one
change that we made um in concert or consultation with your um board professionals. The next was the height of the sign of the billboard going back to the billboard. So the the billboard was originally proposed at 65 ft tall.
We have reduced that to 55 ft. The other is the size of the billboard. So the bu the original billboard that we came in with was 20 by 50. So 20 feet um high, 55 feet 50 feet in length. Um the
billboard now is 14 feet high and 48 feet in length. So three things that we did connection with the um with the project is we eliminated the Lucille sign. Actually more than three. Eliminated the Lucille freestanding sign, replaced it with a new modern one
with landscaping, reduced the height of the billboard, and reduced the size of the billboard. So, what I plan on doing this evening, Mr. Chairman, is calling Mr. Seckler back, our civil and traffic engineer, um to explain the um modifications we made to the site plan. I don't think that should take very
long. And then in addition to that, we have our lighting consultant um who's also here to just show which we which we uh submitted um just the lighting impacts or lack thereof in our opinion of the of the billboard. And we'll we'll go through that. So, I know you only
have four members here this evening. So, even if you were all in favor, we would still be in trouble. So, the the goal is to um just present these two witnesses this evening. Then, we would adjourn to a date that everybody agreed upon. And what I'd like to do, I think it's always
helpful to have the planner at the last meeting so that when the board is ready to deliberate and consider the application, the planning testimony is fresh in the board's mind when it's considering and deliberating on an application. So with that, Mr. Chairman, I'd like to recall Mr. Seckler if that's okay.
>> Absolutely. He's still under oath. >> Yes, I am. >> Would you just give the benefit of those from home who you are and why you're testifying as? >> Certainly. My name is Matthew Seckler. I'm a licensed engineer and I am the site civil and traffic engineer on the project. >> Thank you, sir. >> Okay. And you're still your licenses are
still in good standing and credentials are the same? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, why don't we uh Matt go back to the site plan and describe to the board the changes that were made between the last uh time we were here and now? >> Absolutely. So, can we go back to what was just on the screen
>> and just refer to the sheet that we're on? >> Yes, that's the correct one. Uh I can't see the date. My eyes are definitely not. Um so, what this is is the U updated site plan and just kind of going through
what Mr. Touvel had just uh put on the record. Uh the changes that were recently made to the plan is that the freestanding Lucille sign uh is a pylon previously was a pylon sign of at least 30 ft. It was located generally where the proposed um billboard was. If you
remember, the billboard was kind of over top of the pylon sign. We've removed it and we relocated the the sign and made it a monument sign. It's now located at the bottom right hand portion of the property. So that is the southwest corner of the property. Now again, it is right near the property line itself, but
just to remind the board, these property boundaries are very far set back from where the actual roadway is. It's about 85 ft back from the curb is where that pylon where that um uh where that sign will be located, that monument sign will be located. So again, while it's very
close to the boundary of the property, it's nowhere near the edge of the roadway. So clearly set back far enough for drivers driving by where it's not imposing on them. The sign itself will be 16 f' 4 in. So we basically almost cut the height down by half. It'll be
vegetating creating a landscape uh little area around the the base of the sign as well. The overall sign square footage will be 62.8 square feet which is fairly consistent with what is out there today just kind of reworked. You know, the sign right now has a really wide Luke Oil name and then the pricing
is kind of narrow underneath it. We've kind of reworked it and uh uh provided a little more of a modern look. Again, that'll be located at that um bottom right hand corner of the sheet as you look at it in this case. Difficult to see from this image, but uh because we're looking down on it, but as Mr.
Tuvel mentioned, the billboard sign has been reduced 10 feet in height as so it's gone from 65 feet at its highest point to 55 ft. And again, the actual dimensions of the sign are now 48 by 14. Um, so those are the changes to the site
plan. Accordingly, I know I provided extensive testimony at the previous hearing regarding traffic engineering and uh the two FHWA uh publications that came out studying whether electronic billboards are distracting or dangerous to drivers.
Obviously, all that is still consistent uh uh all that testimony is still consistent with this updated plan. So again, just by dropping the height of the billboard by 10 feet does not impact uh any way uh in terms of the driver safety on the roadway. >> Okay. And just indicate there there'll
be landscaping and around the perimeter or around the the base of the freestanding sign and we'd be happy to work with the board professionals in the event they had any comments or or uh suggestions relating to that landscaping. >> Correct. Okay. Right. That's all I have uh for Mr. Sackler. I just wanted him to
walk you through the changes that we made. >> You're a swear to tell the whole truth. >> Any question? Um I just only one comment I would make and not not a question. I just want you to
affirm that the monument sign and the location is not any way going to impede the sight triangle because it is because of the way the right of way is and the property line is so further set back. So, I just wanted the board to hear that. >> Correct. And again, it's somewhat unique
to this property is that the route nine right ofway is so wide here uh that you know, even though we're basically at the property limits, there's no impact to coming in and out of the driveways. You could see fine. >> And I believe this location was prior has prior approvals, right? The monument
sign. >> I'm not It could be, Vina. I'm not sure. I could check the prior approval >> because I I thought there was a site plan approval uh to relocate that monument signed to this location. >> So, you're actually just trying to
confirm you already have an approval for this location. That's my recollection. Am I right? >> Yeah. The Luke Oil representative is indicating that that's the case. >> Okay, >> that's all. >> Yep. No further questions on my left of this witness.
>> None. Oh, just one, please. Uh, the location on Spring Valley Road, would the sign be facing that stop sign? That's the that traffic light. >> Yeah. So, the sign is perpendicular to Route 9. So, >> it's facing north south.
>> It's it's facing north south. So, you'll see it on Route Nine. If you were coming down Spring Valley, you're likely seeing the narrow side of it. So, you wouldn't be able to see it unless you're immediately next to it looking to >> Yeah. Is there any interference with that >> traffic light at the stop and then that light
>> of the sign? >> Yeah. So, so that sign is about 80 feet back from where the pole is and then the lights on the pole basically are over the lanes themselves. So, you're almost 100 foot separation between where the actual red, yellow, green is,
>> but then you have to make the left turn onto nine from Spring Valley. >> Correct. But and and if you're on Spring Valley across the street, you wouldn't see the pricing of this sign. You wouldn't be able to see the pricing at this at that sign because it'll basically be aligned with you. >> Okay.
>> So, it would not be distracting from those drivers either. >> Yes. Okay. Thank you, >> Siza. Have not been counselor. >> Okay. Back to you. >> All right. Thank you. So, our next witness, Mr. Chairman,
I don't know. Do you do you do you ask for public questions of the witness at the end? At the end. Okay. So, the next witness I'd like to call is our lighting consultant, Lydia Vincente. >> And he did not testify last time, so we should swear him in.
>> You swear affirm to tell the whole truth. So, up again. >> Uh, can you state your full name and spell your last? >> Sure. My name is Vincenti. Last name is spelled B I N C N T E. >> Great. Olio, can you just give your background in terms of being a lighting
consultant specifically with billboards and what your role is in this project? >> Sure. Um, so I'm the vice president of corporate accounts for media resources. Been with the company about seven years now. Been in the industry for just a little over 20 and been working with light specialists throughout all of
North America. And you and your role in this project is to design the lighting for the billboard itself. >> That is correct. We are the manufacturer and we manufactured this digital billboard specifically to um abide by the rules of OOA which is the out ofome
outdoor American association. Um so that the board is actually designed to meet these regulations. So you're testifying as as as uh your time in the industry and your knowledge. You're not is not a licensed professional though. Correct.
>> No, he's not a licensed civil engineer. >> That's fine. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Accept. >> No, I appreciate it. So, why don't we go to the lighting uh go light lighting exhibit and then I'd like you to walk the board through um the lighting plan that we have and how it affects or doesn't these surrounding areas. And if
you want to let Moren know which page you want, >> you can start on the first page. we can work our way back up. I'll go through a little bit of the technology of the board itself so we can all get understanding. >> All right. How it's manufactured. >> And we're referring to the media resources um document that your office prepared in connection with this
application. Correct. >> Yes, that is correct. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> So the board itself has photo sensors built into them. They have redundant sensors. So it actually takes in ambient light throughout the day. So it'll actually adjust the board accordingly to the weather, whether it's an overcast,
sunny day. So it automatically will adjust it. It does have redundant photo sensors built into it. So if one were to fail, the backup one would take over in the event if both of them were to fail, which we haven't seen. It also has a timet built into the software. It's
built based on where it's installed, based on the time zone, and um the time of year. So if in the event that it went down, it would automatically dim down based on the time of day in in climate of the year. Excuse me.
You can keep scrolling down. Next page. So this chart here kind of displays how the board reacts and how it's operating. So, in the event someone were to bring up a case of the board being bright or not operating correctly, we have it
built into the software that it actually tells us exactly how the board is brightening throughout the day and how it would dim down through the evening in the event where we had to go back two months. We actually save all of that data in our so in our database where we
can review that time of the complaint if there was ever one. >> And the lighting is adjustable, correct? >> The lighting is adjustable. That is correct. Okay, keep going. So, here's one that we brought back. It's just another example of a a time we were back in time a couple of months
just to see how the board behaved. We can go to the next page as well. So, here is the actual light graph itself. This displays how light is being distributed throughout the board. And let's just let's just be clear, this is page four of the document you provided
and prepared. And this is an aerial of the proposed property and a light exhibit based on the aerial on the property. That is correct. Okay. So, okay. I just want to make sure that was clear. Go ahead. It doesn't take into account any elevations. Okay. So, the black area of the board that is
completely black. There'll be zero light being generated from that area. Uh, as you I don't know if we can really see if you can zoom in a little bit. Maybe you can see the chart itself. Can we enlarge it? >> No, just for the the Mr. Chairman and
the in the board to >> So the way it's set up if we scroll down, it's actually No, where were I'm sorry. So it actually breaks down within 200 feet, 400 feet, 600 feet, 800 feet out out to a,000 feet. And as the board
as you f go out further, the light itself diminishes. It's no longer measurable. So at the brightest point it would sit in its commercial area of 200 feet. That's sitting at about 287 foot candles. So it's right around 300 nits.
200 nits give or take. And as you get further out you could see how the levels will drop. Once you get into the 000 level the light is no longer measurable and there'll be no light being generated from that board. >> Okay. And just if you could just describe just going back to the to the
exhibit itself, the black areas demonstrate that it won't be visible from any residential areas. >> That is correct. >> Okay. And even in when you within the 200 foot range, which is the closest range that you studied, can you just give a comparison as to what that foot
candle would like? What would a person view that as? Can you just give a common sense example? So at 200 feet sitting at right around that 287 foot candles, it's equivalent to a 60 watt fluorescent uh light bulb on someone's porch at about
50 feet away. Okay. So in your so in your opinion, this is not going to have a negative impact from a from a from a lighting perspective on any of the neighboring residential properties nearby. >> That is correct. >> Okay. And as to the properties that can see them on in the commercial corridor,
those wouldn't have be negatively impacted either. Correct. >> That is correct. >> And the applicant has agreed based on the I think we talked about this last time, Mr. Chairman, but there are conditional use criteria in other zones or billboards and we agreed to comply with the um timing um of the of the
lights, which is I believe 11 p.m. they would have to the billboard would have to shut off. So, I just wanted to make that clear. >> I think you put that on the record during our December. >> Yep. Yep. Okay. All right. All right, that's all I have for Mr. Vincente. Any other questions? Be happy to >> I just have one quick question.
>> I'm sorry. Incondescent. Apologize. >> You mentioned uh residential homes. I I don't know of any there. >> Yeah. The the the goal was to show by way of this exhibit. Okay. >> That there that there are none within the vicinity
>> or or the ones that are nearby are are not within the the range. >> Yeah. They're not even in close to the range, >> right? >> Okay. I want to make sure that M. So what? >> Okay. I don't have any questions. Just a suggestion. maybe when your planner
comes to testify, right? It would be worth looking at our lighting ordinance just to compare because I know that in the ordinance there are um uh intensity requirements for at the driveway in the
parking area. So, the board is familiar with those numbers. In comparison to that, if you show the same exhibit when John is testifying as a planner, he might be able to give you give the board an analysis as to, you know, this
doesn't have any negative impact compared to an entrance of a driveway where you have your lights or a parking lot within a commercial. So, you're suggesting, just so I have the direction clear, um, comparing the light of the billboard to what the site lighting
would be on on a commercial property in in this zone. >> Correct. And I can I I can talk to >> That's fine. No, we're happy to to have him present that to >> just because the board is familiar with those decibb intensities, so it helps them compare.
>> Yeah. Yeah. No, I know typically on site plans, we don't talk about knits and things of that nature. So, so that that's fine. We tried to do it in foot candles, which is which is there as well, but we can we can >> it's that's great. Great. >> But we can show the comparison as well. >> And if our planner thinks it's a good
idea, I think good idea. >> Yep. >> Let me see if there's any questions. I'm going to start on my left. >> I have a counselor. >> No. >> That was it for tonight. >> Okay. Uh there's nobody here in the room, but I still have to open a public
portion. Yeah. Uh, can I do so now? >> Sure. >> All right. Uh, 47-204Z. This is Bergen Concepts for LED lighting. It's Spring Valley and Route 9. Anyone here in the room this evening
wish to be heard? Please stand or raise your hand. There will be further testimony uhony in this case in this application down the down at another date but uh tonight would be the only time I see no one has raised their hand no one has stood up
I'll close the public portion back to you sir right so Mr. Mr. Chairman, that's all I have. Like I indicated, um just because there isn't a full complement of the board, we we would like to carry this to a matter where we have hopefully a full seven. I'll provide the transcript to the board so
that um other members can read it if they just uh choose to do so so we could have seven. Um so I'd ask if the board would carry this without further notice to a date certain that we could decide this evening. >> Yeah. And I think we have that date, Mr. Tvel. I think it's April 30th and I'll read that into the record in a in a
moment. But I want to apologize on on behalf of the board. I'm sorry that we didn't have a compliment here for for this application. There was another one as well earlier this evening and you heard me speak to community bible which has nothing to do with you but it's another application before the board and obviously we can't control people's
health and and I'm I'm very sorry about that and I know that these are complex applications and it takes a lot of people uh to do this >> and merging these dates all together I know is is quite uncomfortable I'm sure
from your aspect and and ours as well. So I do apologize. I know we we have set it, Miss Pchelli, for April 30th. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Correct. >> So, if you have nothing further to say, I'm just going to say that the the matter this matter will be continued April 30th with no further notice.
>> 7:30 p.m. in this room. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Sounds good. >> Um I'll be here at 7:30. Let's hope everyone else will as well. >> Okay. >> Uh once again, thank you and your uh and your witnesses uh here this evening, your professionals for coming. >> Great. Thank you, Mr. trying to make
this common sense to us. >> Thank you very much. >> Appreciate that, sir. >> All right, we have board members. We have just a couple things left. Uh >> we didn't do we did the minutes. We didn't do the discussion on the annual
report and uh adjustment uh the uh rules and regulations for 2026. Let's talk about the zoning board annual report. uh with that and it was interesting that
that over the years how things do change and I and I know one of the issues was accessory structures and it's interesting that we we had uh two tonight. >> Oh okay. So actually um just for the new board members I know Miss Penelli this
must be your first time with the annual report. So this is one of the requirements of the municipal land use law and the reason we do an annual report. An annual report is nothing but a summary of all the applications that
were heard in the last year year and basically we summarize it and we categorize it only so that the township council can make policy decisions. So to give you an example, there was a time
when um many of the uh homeowners that came here in front of the zoning board would come in for a floor area ratio variance and that was only because the way the ordinance was written. If you
have a finished basement, then it's included in the F. If it's unfinished, you don't include it. So somebody who wants to finish their uh basement although the building footprint is already there it would trigger a floor area ratio variance and then it becomes
a burden to this resident because now he has to hire a professional he has to come in front of the zoning board it's time consuming. So this is one of the examples. But what we do is we look at the applications that were approved. If there is some type or something that we
can fix and eliminate and make it easier for the residents, we make those recommendations to the uh town council. In fact, fences, accessory, structures is something that I noticed because I
review the applications with uh our zoning officer. So we already uh in the last year towards the end of the year we started making those changes. So in the last 8 years we have been improvising
the zoning ordinance so that it becomes much and much less stringent to the homeowners. The recent one, in fact, it was uh we had a public hearing this Tuesday was when there is a corner lot
and you have two front yards because any municipality that you go to will require two front yards when you have a property on the corner. But then what happens when it's a corner lot is you have lost two front yards. You can't have an
accessory structure in the front yard. And many a times because it's an intersection of a roadway, the property is not a perfect rectangle. It's shamford because of the curve. So then
they are literally they get a very tiny corner in the rear yard where they could put a structure. Many a times they can fit in a pool, they can fit in a shed. So, we amended the ordinance so that you
could have a pool in your second front yard. Not the front yard that faces the house, but the second one. We allow any accessory structure in that front yard, provided it is not more than 6 ft.
Because you have a 6 ft fence, you don't want it to be visible to the homeowner that is facing that side, right? So that was the ordinance that was that was implemented just this Tuesday. So we have been improvising. So this is just a
report that I prepare summarizing uh and we hand it over to the township council. Typically I'm the one who makes those recommendations to the council that oh I think this should be fixed or floor areas. Now I'm noticing um actually I have a list of things that I want to fix
because in the past the township created these cluster zones. So on the zoning map you will see R20 zone but the actual development was was developed at R seven standards. So
which means that they were lot sizes were smaller than the zone requirements but in lie of that you got open space for the entire development but then they have different bulk standards. Now because I know the township well I know
the ordinance well I know that this was developed at R seven but tomorrow if I'm not here and someone new comes in it is going to be challenging. So I have a list of 29 such developments that I have to go and fix ordinances. So we try to
do them but the obviously the council is busy too with a lot of other things that are going on including the housing plan which we just adopted last uh Thursday but there's a list of things so you will see changes coming in and um you know if
something's comes to your not attention do let me know but but we have been working so this is just a summary and I would just um recommend and that we pass it on to the council. >> Hopefully everybody had a chance to
chance to look at it and I did note that interesting that you talk about sexy structures and I know we we changed design waiver for for driveways where we were having problems smaller when these homes were built. They were built with one car driveway. >> Yes. >> But they were built in that era where you didn't need you only owned one car.
>> Yeah. So, I'm glad that we have caught up with this and I certainly uh agree with the recommendations made there and hopefully I'll I'll entertain any comments, but other than that, we're going to we could probably move to adopt them and have that passed on to the planning board and council. >> Yes.
>> Any comments? >> No, I'm good. It was interesting. I read through it. >> Right. And and and it changed and co did change a lot of things and it was that was mentioned in there and people took on their own projects and >> not knowing. >> Yeah. I think we're moving somewhat out
of that area now, but >> we we still have a long way in >> because the original ordinance was written like 30 years ago and we're trying to eliminate inconsistencies. So, it's been >> Are someone be interested in moving that for adoption? >> I'll move.
>> Is there a second? Is roll call for adoption. >> Mr. Iso? >> Yes. >> Mr. Scogno? >> Yes. >> Miss Spinelli? >> Yes. >> Chairman Sullivan? >> Yes. Thank you, Miss Sant. And uh my vote is obviously yes. We have one other issue on the agenda is the
2026 zoning uh board of adjustment rules and regs item three. >> What was removed from there was the term vice secretary. >> That's all we >> only thing that you will see is in in the rear where there was actual uh
adoption of of of different rules. The comments are there but they're not part of the regular >> correct. they are not a part of the regular one and the only other change was the public commentary time to three minutes because I think that's important. The one thing the board just
needs to understand because this was a question that was uh that came up for a upcoming planning board meeting when there is going to be a lot of public participation. When we say we're limiting public comments to 3 minutes, doesn't mean that you will not get a
chance. If you have 10 questions and you're done with only five, you will never get a chance to come back and ask the remaining five questions. All it means is that you will give be given 3 minutes to talk. We will want the rest of the residents to get a chance to
speak. Once everybody is done, you can come back and ask additional questions. This is slightly different than what is done in front of the council because council you come and only comment but when you are in front of the planning
board and the zoning board typically you come and ask questions you get an answer and then at the end there is a commentary period as well. So I don't want the residents to feel that oh but I had more things to ask and I was uh
asked to stop at 3 minutes. That's not true. You will get a chance provided that other people in the room also get a chance to speak. >> Any comments? >> I just have a question. What happens? Are we still stopping at 10:30? Are we
stop? You know, so that's still going to Okay. Yes, we are going to implement that as a hard rule because uh it's sometimes it just goes beyond that and we have been in meetings where we are
here till 11:45 and it it it just goes on. So for people who travel especially the professionals and uh I most of my staff we we come back at 8:00 in the morning so it becomes very difficult >> members themselves have jobs as well.
Yes. And then what just as curiosity so what would happen would that just be carried if they had more questions to the next meeting like so yes >> those that have sat with me you know that I try to get >> No you do I'm just >> in as much as we can hopefully breaking at 10 so we have time for the public
portion >> uh maybe cheating a little bit and adding a little uh in there uh dividing the time up particularly when we have multiple applications. >> Yeah. No the three minutes definitely helps. So I think >> I think it did when we used it the one time and I think making it a rule would
further help us out when we have contentious issue and rightfully so. You want to hear hear what people have to say, >> right? No, >> but but to answer your question, just because we stop at 10:30 doesn't mean that we're going to conclude that application at 10:30. If there is more
public uh who wishes to talk or if there is a testimony that needs to be put up, we just carry it to whichever the next state available is. >> I've always tried to do that and and I know Vina has has tried to push for
that. Uh and I am empathetic to people's private lives and and their jobs and their own personal time. Give of your own time here to come here. So, we do try to keep it to the three hours. Not always successful. I will admit that we've we've stretched it a little bit,
but uh sometimes a lot of bit, but we'll continue to hopefully uh stay on that band. >> I I have something, Mr. Swan. I I have concerns about the removal of the vice secretary. Um
I have nothing. Uh Moren does a terrific job and she deserves a secretary position. That's no problem there. But I believe when we were first established, what back in 1992 or whatever it is, that was a vote on
that vice secretary by the board. And when we removed it, there was no vote to remove it. It was just told us that it's not warranted by the MLUL or whatever. And you just removed it without a vote.
>> So I I I mean it's not something that I did it because I wanted to do it. it I we had um we reached out to our township attorney and it was it was told to me that it's not a requirement of the municipal land use law. In fact, the
planning board bylaws if you look at it they never had a vice secretary position. So only the zoning board had it and it just uh I want to be consistent. I spoke to our zoning board attorney as well and I was told that uh
in all the towns that he is serving they do not have that position. That vice secretary position was actually meant for municipalities that are much smaller and do not have a full-time morin
perchelli. So when there is no full-time employee because not every planner or not every township has a township planner most of the smaller municipalities they usually have consultants and then and they don't even
have a full-time employee then it was important that there is somebody who volunteers and takes up the position but once you have a full-time employee doing the secretarial job there is no need to
have an appointment on the board and that is where the municipal so you're right there used to be a vice secretary and secretary position like 30 years ago and after that municipal land use law was amended because then most of those
municipalities started having an employee and now too there are some municipalities that have part-time board secretary but still there is a fixed outsider who controls the process. Because to me, in some instances having
a voting member also do a secretarial job is kind of a conflict. So then they separated it out. So that's the only reason. And so we just trying to be consistent here. Planning board didn't have it. We eliminated it from the
zoning board. We don't need it because now Moren is already we have always had one and if you notice many of the resolutions in the past were signed even the secretary wouldn't sign it. Uh Dawn Burbelli or Kim Silverman would sign it
because they were full-time employees. So it's just a change that was warranted just to be consistent. to just what's concerning to me is that nomination time in January, if somebody runs for
secretary and gets nominated, you have no parameters of that person has to have a talent because we would have to have access to the township records. >> No, I I don't get the
>> Well, well, say I ran and I won and I got voted. Okay. Now secretary, >> but there is no running or voting. It's just a recommendation. >> Nominations we have every January. >> Correct. It's a nomination. But when you're changing the bylaws and now you
don't even have a Same thing happened with the planning board. There was a nomination and Casey used to handle it. He's one of our township employee. I mean he's the director of public works. But um now that we we officially the
bylaw says it doesn't have it. We just told him that um Danny would take care of the resolutions. So I don't understand what is >> what I'm saying is that not if if I if somebody puts me up and nominates me and
I get the nomination and I win. So I'm secretary now. So my I have to actually have to enter the township and I have to get onto the computers. I have to also see everything.
>> No, that's not true. You are not as a wise secretary, even if that position is there. >> I'm saying you didn't set up any parameters where I'm not eligible to be the secretary. >> I don't think that was necessary.
>> What happens if I if I get voted in? >> If you get voted in, but if the position is eliminated, what happens? Oh, >> no. secretary. >> No, but why? We wouldn't nominate you as you wouldn't be able to be nominated as a secretary when you have a full-time
employee. Why would >> So, you're going to remove the nomination for correct that won't be there anymore. >> No, there it wouldn't be there. There is no need. If you have eliminated it from the bylaws, means that position is eliminated. There will be no nomination
for it. Secretary, >> correct? >> Not vice secretary. I'm talking about secretary. So there'll be no more nominations for secretary. >> No, I'm confused now. >> Yeah, >> I I'm so confused. >> Yeah, right. It's vice secretary that you're getting confused with. That's
gone. I understand that. >> Yes. Vice Secretary is secretary. There will be no nominations other than Moren Pchelli. The board still has to appoint her. She's a full-time employee and she is designated. In fact, I don't even
know, and it's a question to the board attorney that if you have a full-time board secretary, do we need to even nominate that position? I know it's typically done at the beginning of the year, but technically, you don't need to.
>> I'm not going to say one way or the other. I don't know off the top of my head if you even when she's a full-time employee. Um, I get what you're saying and it does make sense that right if she's a full-time employee, what's the need for a nomination, >> but I I don't know if there's still the
formality in place. >> I mean, >> you just have to nomination. >> No, but it is my observation and Oldbridge is not the only town I've worked with, right? So, it is my observation that every town I have worked with, they have a full-time employee, but yet that person is
nominated by the chairman or whoever the board member is. and every year they still appoint the secretary. So I don't know if it's a formality um say is there any other nominations? >> It would be an appointment not a
nomination. >> That's how it's written. >> Yep. So >> if it's a no >> no if the if if the board says no >> the bo board really can Yeah.
>> So what does it come up for a vote >> of the year the reorganization? >> Yeah. Right. >> What if it comes up for now? >> It's an appointment. >> Right. But you asked for a vote on it on the appointment >> for the position. It's not a nomination for the position. But you asked for a
vote on that >> formally. I >> think there should be some safeguards in there. >> Safeguards for who? >> For that position. >> There is. She's a township employee. >> No, regarding >> she or whoever
>> regarding the appointment. There should be some >> I I mean I I really missed the point because a when when the secretary is chosen, right? If suppose tomorrow there is a vacancy marin I don't want you to
get ideas okay please but if I'm just giving an example uh there is a vacancy me as the manager I review the candidates I shortlist them then they are interviewed by the mayor and the
business administrator they make the final in consultation with me they'll make a final pick once that position is picked that person is the board secretary. It is
it is one of your township employees with a designated role. So um at the beginning of the year you just reappoint or reaffirm that person as
that person would be serving for the following year as the board secretary. But I believe at that point it's just a formality. It has been done and maybe our board attorney can just confirm. Uh but I have seen that in every
municipality that although there is a full-time employee, the appointment is still made at the beginning of the year. Just like you appoint the chairman um but chairman, vice chairman, there are nominations for a board secretary. It's
it's an appointment. It's there is no two people that run for that position. It is an full-time employee that covers it. >> Any other comments? >> Let's take a vote for adopting the 2026 zoning board of adjustment rules and
recall. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. Miss Spinelli. >> Yes. >> Chairman Sullivan. >> Yes. >> Thank you all. Uh we have one other uh item. Uh I have a open public portion.
Sir, are you here to see the board? >> Oh, okay. In that case, officer, you don't have anything to bring before the board. Okay. >> Sure. I'll call for an adjournment. Someone want to move it? >> Moved. >> Is there a second? >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Any opposed? We stand adjourned. Thank you all.