Council agenda council precipy Troy Hills regular township of council meeting of April 21st 2026 introduction posting of notice adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in accordance with the requirements of the open public meetings law by following notice in the office of the township clerk and by posting the meeting notice in the bulletin board at the mal building on December 4th 2025 which
remain posted since that date I'll leave a notice appear in the daily record and the northstar ledger on December 17th 2025. Can I please ask everyone to stand for the >> flag of 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. >> Roll call. Mr. Kifi here. Mr. McGrath >> here. >> Mr. Kavanagh here. Mr. Patel >> here. >> Mr. Hernandez here. Also in attendance from Mayor Pora Desai, business administrator Mark Seaman, Township
Attorney George Marco, CFO and Jaka Sabatini, Municipal Clerk Colette Madden, Council President, we have a quorum. May we begin? >> Yes, please. >> Thank you. Upcoming meetings. May 5th, 2026 at 7 p.m. is the agenda meeting. May 19th, 2026 at 7 p.m. is the regular meeting. Moving along to ordinances,
second reading and public hearing. Ordinance 52616, an ordinance of the township of precipit, New Jersey, amending and modifying chapter 4, administration of government, section 4-81, thirdparty payment plan for emergency medical services provided by parro EMS chapter A445 fees compilation
section A445-91 emergency medical services of the code of the town of Pacific Troy Hills in the county of Morris, New Jersey. A notice for ordinance 202616 was published in the daily record of the official newspaper of the township of Pacific Tro Hills on March 2024 26 and introduced at
the March 17, 2026 regular meeting. Motion to accept ordinance 202616 be heard in their second and final reading by title only. Can I please have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Mr. Kurifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanaaugh. >> Yes.
>> Mr. McGrath. Yes. >> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Motion to open up the public hearing for ordinance 202616. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh. Seconded by
Miss Patel. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanaaugh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> M. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. The floor is open to the public on this ordinance only. Seeing no one, could I have a motion to close the public hearing? >> Motion.
>> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> M. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Floor is closed. Whereas the above ordinance was written on second reading and hearing held thereon. Now therefore
be resolved. This ordinance be passed on final reading and the notice of final passage of set orders be published in the newspaper according to law. Can I have a motion to approve the resolution? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. Mr. Kavanagh. Mr. McGrath. Yes. Mr.
Patel. Yes. Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. Motion passes. An ordinance amending um ordinance 202617 ordinance amending chapter 430 zoning section 430-8A of the township municipal code expanding the definition of personnel services to include tattoo establishments. And notice for ordinance 22617 was published in the daily record. The official
newspaper of the township of Pacific Troy Hills on March 24th, 2026 introduced on March 17, 2026 regular meeting. Motion to accept the ordinance 2026 17 which is heard in the second and final reading. >> Motion >> second. >> Motion made by Mattel, seconded by Mr.
Kavanaaugh. Roll call. Mr. Kari? >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanaaugh? >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath? Yes. >> Mr. Tell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. May I please have a motion to open up the public hearing for ordinance 202617? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Seconded
by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. uh Karifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. Mr. McCell. >> Yes. Mr. Hernandez. Okay. The floor is open to the public on this ordinance only. Okay, seeing no one, can I get a motion?
Oh, come on up. >> You can, if you'd like, do you have anything you'd like to say with regards to this, ma'am? >> Right on the mic. We'd like to hear your voice. Put it on the record. Yep. >> We got to put it on the record. >> Got to put it on the record. >> Good evening everybody. >> Oh, no. And um
>> it's not on. I can talk loud. >> No, it's anyway. Okay. Good evening everyone. I just wanted to thank you for the support for the tattoo ordinance being passed. I wanted to know when I can start advertising. I own the Phoenix Lawn Suites in Pipony and I'm
excited about this move and I want to know when I can start the process. >> So go ahead. So it will um be voted on tonight and then it has an estoppel period. So that's at least 30 days after it gets published before it becomes
effective and then the health office will um put some regulations in on as to how that gets inspected and what's needed. Right? This now permits the zoning. Um, but now we have to add in the layer of the health regulations for
our health officers on what the compliance is with the state. >> Okay. So, is it 30 uh business days or calendar? >> It's it's like 45 days. Let's just be safe and say within 45 days that becomes a permitted zone. Okay. >> Hopefully by then we'll catch up with
what that means in terms of what the requirements are once you operate one. Okay. >> Right. This now allows one to be operated. The next action we'll take is to define how it's operated. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Well said. Thank you.
>> Okay. We had a motion by Mr. uh Karifi and uh well we had a motion by Mr. Kavanagh. Second by Mr. Karif. We'll close the public hearing. Roll call. Mr. uh Karifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. Yes. >> Mr. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Close. Close. Whereas the above ordinance was written in title on second reading and hearing held thereon. Now therefore be it resolved that this ordinance be passed on final reading and that notice of final passage of setness be published in newspaper according to law. Can I have a motion to approve the resolution above please? >> Motion second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh. Seconded by
Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Ordinance 202618 notice for the township council of township precipitator Hills Mars County, New Jersey. amending and supplementing chapter 290 parks recreation areas and
public lands and chapter A445 fees compilation of the code of precipitate Troy Hills. The notice for ordinance 202618 was published in a daily record the official newspaper of the township precipitate Troy Hills on March 24th 2026 and introduced at the March 17, 2026 regular meeting. Motion to accept ordinance 2618 which is wrote in its
second and final reading. >> Motion >> second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Miss Pat Mattel. Roll call. Mr. Karipi, yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh, yes. >> Mr. McGrath, >> yes. >> Miss Patel, yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. Motion passes. Can I have
a motion to open up the public hearing for ordinance 202618, please? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Patel, seconded by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Roll call. Um, Mr. Kify. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath, >> yes.
>> Miss Patel, >> yes. >> Mr. Hernandez, yes. >> Floor is open to the public on this ordinance only. Seeing no one, can I get a motion to close the public hearing? >> Motion. >> Motion made by Miss Patel, seconded by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. Mr.
Kavanagh. Mr. McGrath. Yes. >> M. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. Whereas the above ordinance was read in title uh on second reading and hearing held on. Now therefore be resolved as ordinance be passed on final reading and a notice of final passage of set orders be published in newspaper according to law. Motion to approve the resolution above ordinance 202618.
>> Motion. >> Second. Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. Mr. Kavanagh. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> M. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. So, moving on to the
public session. I'd like to entertain a motion to open up the public session, please. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Karifi, seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Mr. Kavanagh. Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. Yes. M. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Fernandez. >> Yes. The floor is open to the public.
You can speak on any matter. You have 5 minutes to speak. Please state your name before you speak. No one today. Huh. Okay. Very quiet. Come on up, Mr. Pazano. I'll sign in a second. Tony Fano Tony
Robin Hood Road Mars Planes. Uh, this is getting disturbing. 3 months free rent on Route 10. uh I'll hand that out to you. Second thing I noticed in the purchasing second thing is I noticed in the purchasing we're purchasing uh F350s
from uh Flemington Ford. Who's going to service them? We got spend an hour going down an hour coming back. No local dealers that we could have gave the business to. >> I'm sorry. >> You're purchasing F350s from Flemington
Ford. Who services the warranties? We working on them. Local Ford dealer working on them or do we travel an hour both ways? >> I I think and I'd have to look into that for you. But I do think we have our own our own mechanics that service the cars.
>> Yeah, I know. That's what I'm asking for. Purchasing new equipment goes in under warranty cuz actually if you look at some of the research I told the mayor uh Ford's having GM's having and Chevy's having a major problem with fuel pumps. the engines are dismantling and actually
fracturing within 40,000 miles because they went to a Japanese uh just Chinese fuel pump instead of using a Bosch for a uh Thunder fuel pump. So, you know, it's a major problem coming up. They haven't issued a recall on it, but you're going
to see it and I'll give you the pictures on this. >> I don't think we can be responsible. >> Yeah, I'll ask them to find out. Any other members from the public? Okay, seeing no one, can I go ahead?
Come on up, ma'am. Absolutely. >> No wor glasses. Okay. My name is Diana Orbertson. Um, I have lived in Precipity my entire life and I would like to um, Mr. Mayor and Town Council,
you are going to make an extremely important decision tonight regarding our budget that will affect every resident in this city. As I said to Mr. Simone
earlier, we'd like to believe that everybody in Pipony lives in a nice big house, has all the means to take care of everything, but we have a lot of people struggling. To that end,
no matter how much it goes up per month, people are going to have to come up with amounts to supplement their escrow. There are people out there that don't have that kind of money. They could lose their house over this.
Mr. Mayor, you ran on lowering taxes. That is obviously not going to happen. People of Piponyany have long memories, all know each other, all talk to each other
and whatever happens on this council, if they are very upset with you, there are ways to resolve that. In other words, there could be a recall. Okay? I want you all to please think about the people
before you make this decision. There is a woman, Dawn Marie King, who delivers food nightly to people. She looks for housing because people are on the street.
Okay? When you make a decision that is going to affect families like that, I urge you to strongly vote with your heart and understanding because your job is not just to run the
town. Your job is for the residents. That's what you were put in place for. And you need to keep them in mind when you make this decision. Please. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Jacka, um, Mr. Mayor, we spoke last week about the budget, the timing of the school budget increase, and if I am correct, only one half of the fiscal school budget is being factored into this
year's budget. Now, that is an accounting convention change, I believe, because in the past, the school budget aligned up with the town budget. And if I'm wrong be I I don't think I'm wrong because in past years, I've compared the
revenue from the town in the school budget and it would be the same as the expenses on the town budget that was being paid to the school district. So if you could just clarify that because I think it has changed and uh so so the
the impact of that is we are deferring part of the school budget increase into next year into next year's budget. So, so the town can expect another significant increase in next year's budget because there was a big number on the school side because
of the health insurance increases and that is going to be reflected half of it is this year and half of it is going to be next year and plus whatever else there there will be on the school budget side. So in effect we're kicking the can down the road into next year and this
year is quite a big can that we're kicking. So I think the town should be clar should have clarification on that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> No problem. Uh thank you mayor. Um just wanted to clarify that. So in an effort to try and just show how the differences
between how the school's budget operates and how we operate from the fiscal to calendar. That was the intent that I was trying to make. Our bills go out in August and you will have four quarters consistent with what the school is doing and what we are doing. So it's it's nothing has changed. Everything is still
the same. I was just trying to explain the differences between how the finances are done between the two entities. >> So, so >> Jack, you can't you can't answer. You can't talk from them. Sorry. So, we we'll have a we'll have a budget hearing. >> Same bill for four quarters. >> We'll have a budget.
>> Go ahead, >> Jack. If you want to follow up, there will be a hearing uh budget hearing. So, you can follow up at that point, but I can't have anybody uh yelling from the uh audience. Um Okay. Anyone else? Okay, come on up. Hey, how you doing?
All right, Thomas Armenty, Hillside Terrace. My whole thing is with with this, how could you raise taxes on this amount? Like this woman said, all the people now in this state are struggling
from the from the federal government all the way down. Gas prices, food prices, etc., etc. Uh, I would think that having a double-digit tax raise would be this is not the time to do that. I mean, the whole thing with the pilot program, wasn't that supposed to be done to to
help the town out? So, that's that's my whole thing here. This is just I just think it's totally ridiculous uh all the way around. Previous administration, current administration, when does this all end? That's what I want to know. Can anybody give me any any answers? Mr. the
karifi, you were here for the last administration. What happened? >> Uh, this is not my budget. >> Okay. >> This was given to us by the administration. So, >> we can't go back and forth. I'm going to have a budget hearing later. >> Okay. >> I just think, like I said, from the federal government all the way down to
the local people are getting taxed at that, especially in the state of New Jersey. It's ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Thank you. Thank you. >> Anyone else? Come on up, sir.
>> Excuse me. You'll have to bear with me a little. Never been to a town hall meeting before. I've lived in this town for 20 years. There's a problem. There's a water pre-tax of $100
every month as plus the water and soil usage. I've lived in various towns in New Jersey, plus couple of towns across the country. This the first time I've ever heard of anything like this. And $100
pre-tax plus $45 for my water and sewer usage. So that comes to $145 a a month. I used to own a house in Clifton. I had a house in Bloomfield. my friends in Belfrey and Alex from Clifton, she only
pays 30 like $35 $50 a month in water and sewer. When did you I understand this was initiated to fix the uh water treatment plants some years ago and you guys don't haven't fixed it yet and you and
everybody's been paying this $100 a month tax. I mean, when you got where's all this money going to fix this the water treatment system? All right. And this is still going on. You know, you take care of this problem. That's a $100
a month less that there's other people and everyone else has to pay. I don't go a long way to helping people with uh monetary problems. I' never heard of this before until I moved into this town 20 years ago. And from what I understand
from my neighbors who've been living in this town 20, 30, 40 years, that's what that was for. When are you guys going to fix the water treatment plant instead of trucking the water, having to pay to have the water trucked out, the waste
water trucked out to other uh treatment plants? What are you What's going on here? >> What What are you guys doing? >> Are you finished? We can talk about it. Why don't you give us your name and we'll get back to you on that because
I'm really not sure how to answer you right now. I'm not even sure. >> I haven't sure since this has been going on for years. >> I'm not I don't know what you're talking about. >> I I really don't water treatment there.
I don't know what you're talking about. >> That's what I was told. >> Okay. I I appreciate that. Give me your name with leave it with the clerk and your and your question and we'll get back to you on that. >> I'll see you after the meeting. >> Okay, >> I'll do it with the meeting if unless if if you if you don't want to wait for the
whole meeting, I can see you now, take your name and uh you and I spoke earlier, you know, we during the week so you come to my office and I can look into that for you. >> All right, no problem. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Anyone else? Okay, seeing no one, I'd like to enter a
motion to close the public hearing, please. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanaaugh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Randez.
>> Yes. >> Okay. The floor is closed. Okay. Moving along to the budget. >> Ordinance. Second reading. Ordinance 202615. Ordinance to exceed the misful budget appropriations limits and to establish a CA cap bank for calendar year 2026
pursuant to NJSA 4A colon 44514. Notice for ordinance 202615 was published in a daily record the official newspaper attached to Troy Hills on March 24th 2026 and introduced at the March 17, 2026 regular meeting. Motion to accept ordinance 202615
in in the second and final reading. Motion >> second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by M. Patel. Roll call. Uh, Mr. Karifi. >> Just for the public's knowledge, this is not a vote on the actual budget. Okay. >> Thank you.
>> Uh, yes, >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Miss uh Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> And uh Miss uh Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um motion passes. Do Now I know I know the
mayor you had uh Well, the mayor had a statement. We'll do the statement right after this hearing. >> Okay. >> Can I have a motion to open up the public hearing, please? >> Motion. Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh, seconded by Mr. Karpi. Roll call. Mr. Kipi. Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes.
>> Mr. McGrath. Yes. M Patel. >> Yes. >> And uh Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. Floor is open to the public on this ordinance only. Seeing no one, can I get a motion to close the public hearing? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by uh Mr. Kavanaaugh,
seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Miss uh Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Okay. Floor is closed. Whereas the above ordinance was written in title on second reading and the hearing held thereon. Now therefore be resolved that this ordinance be passed on final reading and
that notice of final passage of sinus be published in newspaper according to law. Motion to approve the resolution above ordinance 2615. >> Motion second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. >> Mr. Kavanaaugh. >> Yes. >> Uh Mr. McGrath. >> Yes.
>> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> M. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. Uh before I move forward, I'm going to go ahead and turn it over to the mayor to make a statement with regards to the budget. Hello. Testing. Okay. Tonight we will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget. However, the budget will not be
adopted this evening. And I want to be clear and transparent about why. After careful review of our fiscal responsibilities and listen to our concerns of our residents, I will be amending the budget to reduce the increase from 9.59% to 8.25%.
So, tonight is not about voting. It's about discussion. It's about making sure we get this right. So, let me be clear. I'm human. No mayor walks into this office wanting to raise taxes. Not me. Not anyone sitting here. And I don't believe my predecessor wanted to raise
14.5% taxes either. Like me, he walked into realities that don't went to politics and they demand decisions. So why do it? Because the alternative is to pretend to push it down the road, to leave it for someone else or worse, let
it grow into something far more painful later. To me, that's not leadership. Leadership is telling the truth even when it's uncomfortable. leadership is making the hard calls now so this town is stronger, more stable,
and more predictable in the years ahead. I'm not doing this because it's easy. I'm doing this because it's right. Doing things the right way also means we don't pull money from our utilities to balance the budget as it was done in the past. That's not fixing the problem,
that's shifting it. Those funds are meant to maintain infrastructure and keep services reliable. I've been deeply involved in this budget because getting it right matters not politically but practically. I worked with this council and walk through every
scenario what a 3% 5% 7% and even 9% mean to our residents. The proposal in front of you of 8 12% reflects that work and the current external realities. It aligns with what the surrounding
towns are facing. It's consistent with our schools and it protects public safety because these aren't abstract numbers. These are real dollars affecting real families. Yes, I ran on affordability and I meant it. But leadership is not about holding on to a
position when the facts change. It's about adjusting when you see the full picture. And the reality is the financial footing we were told about is not where it needs to be. I didn't run to break this town. Let me repeat. I didn't run to break
this town. And I'm not going to let that happen. We can cut things to make the numbers look better, but cuts come with consequences. Fewer services, delayed repairs, and a message that this town isn't investing in itself. that affects whether families stay, whether
businesses come, and whether we can deliver what residents expect. My responsibility is not just to get through this year, is to fix the problem and to build a strong foundation because, as you know, without one, the house crumbles.
I anticipate that next year the conversation will be how we move forward because we corrected the problem this year and how we are fixing problems that were never fixed or ignored and that's exactly what I intend to do. So once again tonight we will hold a public
hearing on the proposed budget. However, the budget will not be adopted this evening and I want to be clear and transparent about why. After careful review of our fiscal responsibilities and listening to our concerns of our residents, I will be amending the budget
to reduce the increase from 9.59% to 8.25%. So, tonight is not about voting, it's about discussion, it's about making sure we get this right. Thank you. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh, at this time, we're going to go ahead to resolutions. R 20226103
authorizes the 2026 municipal budget to be read by title only. So could I please have a motion to approve that resolution? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Mr. Kari again
for the public. >> This is not an adoption. This is a >> not a vote for on the budget. Okay. This is just for it to be read by title only. So yes, thank you >> Mr. Griefy. Um, Mr. Kavanagh, >> yes. >> Mr. McGrath, >> yes. >> Miss Patel, >> yes.
>> And, uh, Miss Hernandez, >> yes. >> Okay, motion passes. Okay, moving along to the public hearing. Before I open up the public hearing, Mr. Seaman, did you want to do anything with regards to the uh, presentation? >> Yep. Thank you. >> Yeah, we'll do the presentation first
and we'll open up the public hearing. How's it good? Everybody can hear me? All right. Okay. So, to get us to the adoption, um we're obviously discussing an amendment as the mayor had just stated. Um the recommendation that we have put forward
is an 8.25% increase in the 2026 budget. And this is going to ultimately removing um all new position requests while keeping in positions to ensure the public safety is accounted for. Uh this is being done with no layoffs or cuts to services and is a 1.34%
decrease from the introduced budget. So go back. Thank you. So in the original budget, we put $1 million into our capital improvement fund. Now we just have $500,000 which is going to cover the cost of bonding. So we're not going to
put cash on hand as what we were anticipating doing. We're just going to have 500,000. Uh the remaining positions that are listed there um are the public information officer, the chief of staff position uh position in IT, a finance
position, parks and forestry workers and laborers uh tree workers and laborers for positions there and then there's an adjustment to our uh reser reserves for uncollected taxes. Now these are percentages based off of how the positions are spread out throughout the
utilities as well. Now, we went through the process of looking at what different um increases and decreases could look like. So, to get to a 7.8 uh 7.78, it includes the first slide um from the 8.25 and then includes the cuts of
cancelling events for the municipality, uh various events, summer camp, Memorial Day celebrations all the way down to the Santa and treelighting. And that does include the cost of overtime um for parks and recre employees. That would also include the possibility of a layoff. Um, and also as we had
discussed earlier, if we were going to do a layoff, we would look at repositioning positions prior to doing something like that in this scenario. And then the health insurance coverages uh savings that would be incurred there. Next slide. Then to get to a 4.64%
um we would be laying off all employees within the first 90 days of their tenure with the municipality. um which would include again you have this would be a these numbers are reflective of a half year because you have to put in a layoff plan that has to be approved by the
state. So it takes a little bit of time to get that moving. Uh this would include not hiring 10 police officers as well as laying off uh members of the clerk's department, purchasing department, engineering, uh public health and uh omnibus driver and that
program. This would eliminate the police uh civilian positions within the budget. there would be no police promotions this year. And then again, the cost that we'd be saving off of those employees that were laid off for their health costs. And then finally, to get under a three
uh% increase, all the layoffs from before, and then we would initiate a town layoff plan with zero capital improvements uh budgeted for for 2026. So again, we would be laying off, I believe, that's 17 positions listed there variously throughout the
municipality. all um white collar non-UN employees and then uh merit increases would be eliminated for all employees for this year as well. And then again this is what we are recommending. This is what administration is putting forward. Again
cutting capital improvements in half. Uh no public information officer or chief of staff position. Uh removing a position from IT and removing a position for finance. removing four positions from parks and forestry and then an adjustment to our reserve on uncollected taxes.
So what that changes is um now we would be looking at a total of $64.33 per month when including the township uh and the board of education with the rates that they have put forward. And the overall tax rate increase for the municipality including everything would
be go from a 765 which originally was at the 9.59 and now at the 8.25 we would be at a 7.3%. >> Mr. S, I have a question. >> Sure. >> So the to get it to the 8.25 25. That
eliminates all new requested positions, not positions that were already in the budget that were weren't filled last year or the year before. That's >> correct. But we would but we're not eliminating police or ENS. So no public safety is being removed during that with that option.
>> Okay. But that eliminates the rest. >> Correct. Everything that is listed, if you want to go back a slide, >> right? Everything that's listed there would be removed and those are new higher requests. >> Okay. >> I have to make a correct council president. Can I inject a comment? >> I would like to.
>> Okay. I mean, so you're you're you're putting less money in the capital improvement, right? >> Correct. >> So that means we're going to be using are we going to start bonding? So in
>> still >> in this scenario, we would only be bonding. So in the original scenario where it was $1 million that we were going into the capital budget, that was going to give us cash on hand. So we've talked about in some other scenarios where we want to be able to purchase vehicles or equipment that has a shorter
lifespan so that we're not incurring interest uh as much interest on those lower lifespan vehicles. Instead, we would be doing exactly what has been done in the past when we would be actually be doing more because we would be including more into the budget that was previously put in the last time, but
this would cover the cost of bonding. >> So, I guess next year we'll be putting more into the capital improvement, which we're spreading out. >> We would just continue to bond. We would continue to bond and we wouldn't have as much cash on hand.
>> Okay. So we're kind we're kind kind of like looking at the short-term fix for us, right? >> For an extent. Yes. And it's >> I mean I understand because the affordability is a is a big issue. So I understand and we've been doing this for a while. So
>> it makes sense um for our town to do this. And I'm concerned like with all the other cuts that you've had, it would be to go further than that would kind would ruin Paripony. I mean to take all those things away would have a spiral
effect. Taking all those benefits away. I mean for the town. >> Yeah, I I would agree that it would be a much more visible. >> And then what about pilots though? Where would they come in to play any of the money from pilots? would would >> so currently we do have everything that
we have that we've received is already in the budget from the previous year that we are anticipating we can't anticipate >> you can't add you can't add it for this year >> but we do anticipate something but we can't anticipate that without having factual numbers in front of us >> um so could we go back to the slide with
the 7.78% I just have a question >> sure >> so you said that there would be potential >> we're going to go back two more I believe right there. Perfect. >> So at the bottom it says there'd be potential layoffs. Could you explain why there would be layoffs in that sense?
>> Yeah. So the the concept here was essentially that if we're eliminating all the recreation run programs that we would why would we have a recreation program in general? So the com so but we would also at first see can we repurpose those employees for any of the vacant positions that we currently have and see
if we can repurpose them that way. But in this concept yes it would be laying them off but we would want to repurpose them first. And that's in any scenario that we'll be going to elect. >> I know I asked this question in one of our meetings about anticipating
revenue or uncollected taxes that didn't come in but that now have since come in or and >> Mhm. >> isn't there a a percentage of that money that we can anticipate as revenue? >> My my CFO is ready to rock on that one. She started moving.
>> I mean I know we can't for instance we didn't collect 1.6 6 million uh in addition in unpaid taxes, but now some of those people have paid. >> Correct. >> So, isn't it true that we can anticipate I know we can't anticipate the entire thing. We're not even close to half, but
we can anticipate some of it. >> So, if you look um at what I did anticipate, I did anticipate more in receipts from delinquent taxes than we did >> originally >> last last year. So, um, that's actually
governed by the NJ NJSA4A, the budget law, what we can actually specifically for receipts from delinquent taxes. It's a calculation in the AFS, >> right? I know there's a certain amount that >> Yeah. So, um, I did increase it, >> okay,
>> based on our calculation in the AFS, but we can't really go any further than that. >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Any other questions from uh council at this time? Okay. Mayor, I know you wanted to say something, please.
>> Yeah. Uh can you go back to the 8.25 slides? I want to make a clarification. >> All right. The the positions in the mayor's office, they have been budgeted for many many years. So the bottom uh the IT
finance position parts and forestry are the ones that are new position. No >> finances >> finances also from last year. >> Okay. >> PIO is new. >> Okay. Uh Mark uh so can you just
clarify? So all all the positions are from last year. Uh to clarify, the IT position was a new request and parks and forestry were a new request this year. >> Yeah. So the four the the two positions
from the mayor's office, the finance position and the parks and forestry are all um this year's cuts for new hires and the other was a cut from the previous vacancies. >> Yeah, but we had a lot of vacancies in the last year. >> Correct. before
>> and as I as I did promise that I would be giving a vacancy report once we have finalized everything with the budget but I will be able to state that we have 13 vacancies right now in the township all of which are uh replacements. So just to clarify that the finance position, the PIO and the chief of staff position have
been budgeted for in the past and the only new position is the IT position and the parks and forestry positions. Correct. And all of these positions are being cut. Is that correct? Is mayor, you wanted to say something pertaining to that or no? >> No. >> Okay. Uh, anything else? Any other uh
any other question or comment for council? >> Yeah, I wanted to make a comment. >> Sure. >> Um, so, you know, we're looking at all these numbers very closely and making some hard decisions. You know, when I ran, I wanted to be part of making hard choices and the right choices. I think
the mayor is doing a great job with his transparency looking and slicing and dicing the numbers various ways to see how we can get down to different percentages. Uh but it's a very heavy lift to to make and ultimately um you
know it it's going to be a hard choice for everyone out there. So >> thank you. Thank you, Mr. Kavanagh. Any other member of the council has questions or comments? Okay. Uh thank you Mark, Mr. Seaman. Uh, at this Okay,
at this time I'm going to go ahead and open up the public hearing. Can I please have a motion to open up the public hearing for the 2026 budget? >> Motion. Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call.
Mr. uh, Karifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanaaugh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Miss Patel? >> Yes. >> Miss Hernandez? >> Yes. >> At this time, uh, the floor is open to the public. Uh you have 5 minutes to speak. You can speak only on the budget.
Nothing else. No one want to speak. You can come on up right after him. Go ahead. Go ahead, sir. No, no, no. Go. Come on. It's okay. >> Hi, my name is Davos Sha. Um I am part of the board of education, but today I'm
coming in as a citizen. Um wanted to make that clear. Um so >> you're not speaking on behalf of the board of education, correct? Okay. >> Correct. Um, speaking as a private citizen, so I've been hearing doubledigit increases in taxes, but in the last slide I saw
7.3%. >> So, is it correct to assume that, you know, I'm not going to get a 15% cuz if I added like 9.25% plus the 6.6% 6% um 15% let's say of tax increase. It's overall the tax increase
is only 7.3%. That's >> Yes, that's correct. >> Okay. So, it's not a double digit increase like Okay, good. I guess in hindsight, good. Um, next question. Um, how does going from 9
um 8.25, 25. We're only saving $4 a month technically, right? Um >> but what does it impact? Does it impact the Lake Hayawatada Library capital improvement projects? Like overall, what does it impact? Does it impact the ratables? Um >> no. All that's going to impact is what
the we're cutting capital in half. So instead of having cash on hand uh to spend on capital improvements, we will be bonding for capital improvements. >> Okay. Um, so we're still going to be able to function uh as a government and then the other ones are just um cutting
new hire requests. >> And >> and some previous vacancies and thank you for this breakdown cuz even the board of education uh has gone through a 30% increase in health insurance cost. We're going across the
state. So we're lucky in part at least to be ahead have our heads above the water. So, thank you for the breakdown. So, in total anticipated, this is based on 315. It's about $700
a month, a year increase. >> Yeah, probably about 750. >> Okay. Thank you. And thank you for thinking of the efficiencies. I appreciate it. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Come on up, sir. Wait, could I just one second? You sure can. And Shellica had a very
good explanation for how the weighted averages could you just explain the weighted averages once again? >> So basically, you don't add up the increase on each entity to get to what the total increase on the tax bill is. It is essentially a weighted average. So
that's how you come up with the 7.3%. Um, you wouldn't take the 8.25 25 and add it to the school's increase and add it to the uh county's increase. They're they're all worked into the total amount of the bill. So that's where you get the 7.3
>> and that's because 60% is board of ed and we're >> Yeah. So it's Yeah. It basically has to do with the size of our levies and all of the levies are added together. But since the school makes up 60% of the tax
bill, that increase percentage affects the overall increase percentage more than ours does. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, just state your name, sir. >> My name Dennis Quinn. Thank you, D.
as the the new governor has uh just uh announced in the past couple of months that she's going to have to do away with the anchor program, the senior fees, and the state of New Jersey programs. How much of that extra tax revenue is going
to filter down to us? So, a lot of that, sorry, a lot of that goes to school aid is where um the state usually puts that any tax money. Municipal aid has been frozen if not reduced over the years. Municipalities
used to get decade ago, 15 years ago, used to get more tax relief directly from the state. We get minimal now. Um, the school aid is a whole other different ball of wax as to how they compare and how they chalk it up and how
they compare it to different towns, abot districts, all that other stuff. So, traditionally any new revenue goes to to education from the state and not to municipalities. How how much money does
it take to have a student be able to read at the level that they graduate at 12? They can't kids can't read at 12th grade level. They're reading at 8th 9th grade level. This is a problem going on just now in New Jersey. They're going
out to a lot of part of the country. Where's all this money going to that these kids can't read at graduating grade level? So, so very quickly I got to I'm sorry Mr. Hernandez >> question just ask your questions please >> but sir this is the municipal budget not the school budget so got to just keep
you on the >> the municipal >> so Mr. Quinn so I'm sorry Mr. N one second so what I what I can't have Mr. Quinn, I appreciate your questions and I appreciate the information, but we can't go back and forth. So, what we're going to do is you can you can state any questions you have and then you'll take
a seat. Then we'll have them answer if they can answer the questions. >> That's it for now. >> Thank you, Mr. Quinn. Mr. Ra, you get three minutes this time. Thank you for this. Um,
I think first of all we need to put back the 4th of July. It's our 250th anniversary of this country and considering considering the recent election results, we better put back that that uh uh
either or either one or both of the parade or the fireworks. We've had the fireworks in this year since well before the 200th anniversary since I was a little kid for to not have the fireworks. And I know I've been up here complaining about, you know, too much
spending, but there are certainly other things. And the other thing, the way this is presented is terrible because we should see what last year's budget was, the the the the uh broad categories, a total of what was spent last year, and what is being proposed to spend this
year in in our budget. We don't see that. And I think you can't talk about transparency and not have a column for last year and a column for this year and what is the change. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Mr. I just want to be clear uh just so
you're aware uh with regards to the American 250 and all those programs as of now they are not being cut. >> They're just proposing. >> No no they're not proposed. So what what they showed you here >> going to be a less of if we were going to 7 something%.
>> So yeah Mr. What was what was shown here was multiple slides to show you what it would take to get down to those percentages. But it doesn't mean what is actually happening is the amendment of 8.25. So that is the cut that's happening. Unless it is motioned by the council or the mayor decides to cut any
less, nothing else is going to be taken off. >> And again, so you can understand my frustration at the lack of transparency. We don't know. There's nothing to indicate what was spent last year compared to what we are proposing to spend this year. And what is the change?
>> Thank you, Mr. >> Council President. Can I uh inject a comment? >> Yes. >> Okay. I'm requesting to adopt 8.25%. There are no layoffs with this and there are no cuts to any programs. Just want
to make everybody clear. Okay. The other options we presented is, as I said before in my opening statement, we went through every single scenarios to see what those cuts would look like. We're not going to do 3%, 4%, 5%. We
eventually landed on 8.25 because we are not going to cut anybody except for positions. Uh, anybody that's working in the town, no layoffs and all the programs that we provide, they will continue. One of the purposes of a
township, you know, besides providing service is to bring community together. You know, a lot of times with all these events that we have, people from other towns come, people from our own towns come, you know, and they spend money and there is an unintended consequences of
that, a good one, which is, you know, they're spending money into this town. And hopefully we can see that coming back into, you know, in one way or another. We can never quantify that. But what I'm proposing is only eliminating
of the current positions and we uh the capital improvement fund going down to $500,000 from $1 million. Everything else stays. You will have the services. We have a huge plan to fix all the roads, you know, parks, uh, every
services that you're getting, garbage collection, sanitations, coming here to town hall, any responses that you get, everything continues. We're not sacrificing services, but you know, we're going to bond for a few things at least this year. Next year is another
issue. And the positions that are open, we're not going to fill them this year. You know, everybody will do more with less. Thank you. >> Come on up, Bob. >> Oh, wait. Somebody Vanessi, I just have one quick question.
How is our 8.25% rate compared to um other towns in Mars County? >> I can answer this in the same as we are. >> Yes. This is a very tough budget year.
Um I was speaking with uh our auditors. I spoke with our prior auditors on where their towns are landing as well. And there's other towns and municip uh in Morris County that are landing higher than we are. So um there across the
state it's been a very difficult year. I think health insurance is a huge driver in everyone's budget this year. >> That's it. Thank you. >> Hi. Uh Camille Pesha, I have a question about a light iron light line item I saw
in the first uh meeting I attended and it's talked about salary increases of 4.x. And I didn't see that mentioned today and I wanted to know what was the discussion around that and the outcome.
So that those increases are contractual increases uh along with all non-contracted employees receive a COLA adjustment for the year. Um but it's primarily driven by the contractual increases.
>> So I know that you put that up there 4. So that remains the same. I understand they're contractual. Mhm. >> Do any of those contracts expire during the year that we can see some benefits? >> Not during this budget year. No.
>> No. We have two, I believe, open union contracts at the moment or will be closing at the end of the year. Um there may be adjustments based off of the cuts that we just made potentially through in there, but we'd have to readjust that. But it would be what it would be in the range of
>> what we presented this evening. So it would be a minimal decrease just based off of what we're pulling out of that 8.25%. >> But going forward, you can then think about with the new contracts for next year >> that you would take that under serious
serious consideration because 4% nowadays is a huge increase. >> Yeah. And I just again I didn't want to cut you off as I was saying as I was jumping at the fact that yes, the contracts need to be negotiated um better um than they have been done in the past and more professionally. So, it's not a knock on our unions. It's a
knock on our employees, but >> I just think from the administrative perspective, they could have probably been handled a little bit better. >> Um, so we're going to be putting in a lot of work into that. We have a brand new um labor attorney and we have our current township attorney who has a ton of experience and has been very helpful throughout that process. So, I know that
the team that we have now um I've negotiated significant contracts throughout my career. Um, in the city of Adderson, we had 18 unions. At the deputy county administrator in Pose County, we had 23. So I am used to negotiating contracts. >> So we can expect that. >> Yes.
>> All right. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Come on up. >> Okay. I want to address um mayor on what you said about we have had
a 14% increase. The difference then was the running mayor went around and talked to all the constituents that wanted to talk to him and they were aware of that upcoming increase. Okay? We can't keep doing
this. They did this. We're doing that. We got to stop that because it doesn't matter. The past is the past and we have to look forward. So, um, I'd like clarification on the one slide with the police.
>> Yeah, that the go back to the >> four. >> The four. >> Yep. >> Yep. Yep. >> Yeah. Okay. So when I sat through the police budget, they weren't asking for any additional um increase in their budget. Quite
honestly, I think they deserve to have more headcount because this town has grown so much. >> Um >> we're not hurting them. >> So yeah, so that's that's not being cut. So what's already in the budget, so I believe if I recall correctly, their budget maybe might their operating might have increased by maybe like $40,000. It
was very minimal. So, the promotions um and civilian positions, those are um currently in the budget. The new officers, this would be a cut of like we just wouldn't hire any new officers for a year. So, we have officers in the previous year's budget and then we have
a couple more that are coming into this year. >> Okay. And when you do your budgeting, and I know we're focusing on this year, but do we have a long-term five-year plan so that next year we're not looking and saying, "Oh, we forgot this." No, 100%. So, we have our auditors have been
working on projections for us for the next few years so that we have that in place to work off of. The budget process that we have that we'll be doing for 2027 is starting in September. So, you have to remember and again, I'm not trying to open up the can of worms here, but there was no little to no transition
right from this administration to the next administration. So, we had to put together a budget very quickly, and I've thanked our departments multiple times for being able to put it together as fastly as they could. But that's not the way the process is supposed to go. You start in September, the departments put it together. We start having budget
meetings internally between October and November. By December, we're pretty wrapped up. January is when we would have all the state numbers, county numbers coming in to make any adjustments. And then we're talking about it more in February. And then we're going to be following the same schedule essentially that we were able
to fall in. So, we were in we are in a position to introduce the budget and adopt the budget on time, but it'll be a much less aggressive lift as it was this time. >> But what I'm asking cuz you're still talking >> real quick. I have to just one second. >> Go back and forth with these. >> You are wonderful and you're asking
great questions, but we can't have a back and forth. So, what I hold on one second, please. I I just need you to ask all your questions and I'll have them answer all your questions. So, I'd like to see the township put together a five-year plan so that we we
have a the residents have an idea of what is going to be going on in the future instead of keep focusing only on what's happening right now. We need to know, Mr. Mayor, you have said you want to >> Yes. >> make insure the town. Yep.
>> The only way we will know that is if we have a a 5-year plan, a future of what is what is what you are thinking not only this year but going forward. Um, another person brought up the governor reducing
um the freeze act and the anchor. So that means our seniors are not going to be getting that money back, right? We had talked about it that yeah, it'll be okay for the seniors because they're going to apply for these programs. they're not going to have them. Um, the
wages were three million and the other expenses were 1 million. Has that changed? >> So, the the wages of the employ >> the the original budget line items were
other expenses were a million and wages were 3 million. So if we're not >> um going to hire those people, will those numbers come down >> before? Make a note of that. Mark, is that your last question? >> Okay, go ahead, please. So, so from the new hire perspective, yes, that
million-doll number that was more general than your on my end as well. That has come down significantly and that's what's resulting in this 8, it's a part of the 8.25. And then >> um and just to jump in, I do project out our budget
for the for five years. We do have as part of our state document all of our capitals projected out for 5 years for public consumption. So you can see that on the website. >> Thank you. Any other member from the public? Mr. Barios, wouldn't be a
meeting without you talking, huh? Tim Barios, 24 Farmstead Drive. Um, I am a member of the board of education and I am speaking in capacity of myself as a private citizen without uh speaking for the board or the district.
I have a question and I was here late so you may have covered this already with the on our question on pilots and if that was the case I apologize but I'm going to ask my question anyways. So, we have
all these residential pilots that have opened or to be opened this year. 1515 being one. We've got two and three camp uh was that uh campus drive.
Um I think six is close to being open if it's not open already. I haven't been over there lately. So the question is obviously they are drawing municipal services. So then I like the school district. So the
when does the budget reflect these wonderful pilot deals that we spent four years hearing about? That's my first question. The second question is with that revenue coming in from the
pilots, these 30-year uh pilots, when does the budget start reflecting that revenue as a revenue source instead of cuz I mean if we're saying that well we really have no pilot
revenue right now so therefore we can't show any any money but you still have to provide services. I mean, I'm assuming that that garbage has got to get picked up and and whatever's got to get done unless they're going private. I'm assuming that the district h I mean at
the district the township has to pay for that. Number two would be how about fire services? We police are on this sheet sheet here, but now we're looking at, you know, Paripany still an all volunteer fire department. What about
fire services? What about their budget? I'm assuming that at some point in time we're going to have to deal with the district's budget on that. So it goes back to um at some point in time I would like to see as a citizen a breakdown as
to what's the anticipated revenue coming in in 2026 from these pilot adventures especially the residential but also we got a couple warehouses
popping up. Um and then where does that come into the budget? And if you're saying this in 2027, then I would imagine that we can project out a little bit as to what that might be because um what it seems like here is that whatever municipal services that are
being paid out in 2026 that are in the current municipal budget, you should see that revenue back in 2027 unless that was another uh backroom deal that was made and they don't have to do that. So that is my
question. My question specifically on the pilots, the revenue from the pilots and these agreements. I mean, talking only on the school district's side, we're already seeing students that are coming into the school district in 2026
that weren't budgeted for. So, those things are happening today, especially coming out of 1515 and Al Century. So, thank you. Thank you. So, we did go over that before you came in, but Mark, you can talk a little bit about when we will
see it in our budget. And you're right, a lot of it will be in 2027. We're hoping we'll get more in 2027 and cannabis and more in our budget and we'll see lower at least that'll help us with our budget. So, talk about >> No problem. So, I'll let my CFO answer
first and then I'll respond. Um, so statute only allows us to anticipate revenue that was received in the prior year. There are circumstances where you can request a specific DCA approval to add certain revenues to the budget, but you need
a check in hand in order to do that. So, we were able to our budget does include revenue from 1515 as a revenue source. uh and it does include revenue from the UPS pilot that's been in place. Um we
had did not receive any money from two campus or three campus in 2026 because they got temporary cos in December. Uh so we will be able to include those revenues as sources in the 2027 budget.
And then if we have any other pilots come online with cos in 2026 and we do receive revenue in 2026, we can use that money in 2027. >> Okay. And then what we're doing right now is we're exploring any possible ways, you know, working with our
financial adviserss and our auditors to determine how we can be presenting this information appropriately. This is obviously a very big topic throughout the municipality and it's impactful. Um, but we want to make sure that because of the fact that things have been a little wishy-washy in this area, that what we're providing you is proven and
factual. Um, and our intention is to be able to provide on a quarterly basis what those revenues are looking like. Uh, that would be a part of the website. But for right now, we're in the process of making sure that that is done appropriately and then I think we have it on this meeting for the pilot committee. Um, if not, we have a pilot
committee that's going to be in the process. So, we're taking this very seriously and we are going to be doing everything we can to make sure that the public is seeing what is actually happening. >> Any other member from the public wish to speak? >> Hello, my name is uh Jeff Kamisholi,
Sexuality Street. I just uh Mr. Mayor, I just want to let you know, can you go back to that first screen, that first uh slide? We can. >> That's 8.24 for this year's tax increase. I'm assuming this doesn't include the board of education. >> No, no, correct. It does not.
>> So, with the board of education, what percentage would it be? >> Total is 7.6, I believe, or >> 7.3. >> That's the 7.3% that we showed before. That's the last slide if you want. So it would be 7.3 plus 8 total of 7.3 across
>> combined both the county us open space all of it that is what your tax bill will go up is 7.3%. 7.3. >> Yeah, but >> I guess 7.3 is better than you got the sticker shock price of 14, right? You're
the 14. Oh, no. Here, take this deal. 7.3. Oh, I'll take the 7.3. I >> agree. >> That just seems like a bait and switch to me. >> Wait, wait. Before anybody comments, hold on. Before anybody comments, please. So, do you have any other comments or questions? And we'll have them respond for you.
>> Uh, just on affordability, I I I don't know how that's affordable. Is this going to be like the next 3 years? Do we anticipate, you know, tax rates like this going up in the next 3 years as well? >> Double, you know, almost double digit
tax increases. >> We will hold. >> And you hold on. Anything any anything else you have or you're all set? >> Two questions. >> Those were the two. >> Those were the two. Okay. So, he's all set. You guys may respond now at this point. >> Okay. I I'll take one of the questions. uh
when we presented the first budget we uh at 9.59 we had no idea what the board of education number was because their meeting was that following Thursday so we can only go with what we know right now and that's traditionally how it has always been done you know we present our
numbers depending on how the calendar works out but once we got the board of education number at the town hall that I had we did tell people what the combined number was still at 9.59 as you can see you know 7.65
now today you know if we do adopt the budget not today but you know in the next few weeks when we adopt the budget 8.25 25. The 7.3 combines everything because everybody gets one bill. You you got a quarter, you know, a bill every
quarter that includes a 7.3 increase. That's it. Nothing else. Board of Education, open space, as my CEO mentioned, is all included. If your house is $315,000 valuation is uh and say your taxes is uh $10,000 for simple
math, >> it will go up 7.3%. That's it. >> Oh, wonderful. Okay. And the other question, can you anticipate in the next three years, will there be raises, tax increases similar to this? That was my second >> from the municipal. I can't speak to the
board of education. Okay. But from the municipal, you know, as I said in my opening statement, this budget puts us on a good footing for the future. >> Okay. >> Okay. Under ideal conditions, I expect the tax rate to be low. You know, >> Mr. Mayor, I just have one more request.
I really hope you could sharpen that pencil a little bit more because constantly I have to tell my family one slogan. We can't afford it. Maybe Paripony needs to hear that the town can't afford it. Just maybe.
>> Sir, just uh just so you know too is we only control 20%. For for every dollar in taxes, we're only 20%. The board of ed is 60. and then your your county and and >> No, I I I understand how that works, but you know, I'm assuming that a lot of
people in Paripity send a lot of, you know, income tax to Trenton. >> Oh, absolutely. >> And what school district gets like >> 85% of it. One school district, Newark, gets 85. Is there any push back from the council in Trenton? >> Totally agree with you. Totally agree
with you. >> That's all I'm saying. >> I know. It's frustrating. It's frustrating. Thank you. >> If we could keep some of our money that we give out for our own school board, it would be great. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> I'm just answering. Anyone else? >> It's fine.
>> I totally agree with you. >> Okay. >> Totally agree. >> Question on what came up. Brian Smith. Uh I'm a 50-year resident of this town. >> I'm 30 years in the fire service. Uh when you said that that 7.3 includes every department, does it that has
separate budgets like the board of ed? Does it include the fire fire departments? No. Because that's six separate districts with different percentages. So I don't know how you can come up with an average like that. Every district has a different average. >> I'm sure is that your only question? >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> You want to go ahead and answer that? >> They didn't want to make it complicated, but it probably it's included in there. >> It's an average. And if we want to talk about fire departments, I have a lot to say because >> mine goes up a lot. >> Any other number from the public?
>> 20 40%. >> But keep one thing in mind. We haven't changed a formula or how we do the weighted average for the last 20 25 you know at least last few years. >> Yes. >> You know, so the 7.3 is uh probably the same formula that was used last year.
Correct. Yes, it was the same formula we used last year to project out what the the increase was, including the average of the fire districts. Uh, and it's been the same formula used since as long as our assessor has been here, which is 20
something years. So, >> hi. Good evening, council. Pretty Danny. So, I just want to follow up on the pilot. So, you said that you can only budget the actuals collected from the pilot for last year. What happens if you receive additional revenues in 2026? I heard you say, can you only use it in
2027 and you can't use it in 2026? >> So, >> is there a reason for that? Is that regulatory? What what governs that? >> Is that all your questions? >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Um, yes. So, NJSA4A 426 uh governs governs mis miscellaneous
revenues that can be used in the budget. Um, so for argument sake, say say we received $500,000 last year, I can budget $500,000 this year. If we receive 600,000, that difference of $100,000
goes to fund balance, which in the end can be used as a different type of revenue in next year's budget. And next year, I would then be able to budget the 600,000 as opposed to the 500. >> Any other members from public?
Okay, seeing no one, I'd like you coming up. >> Come on up. >> My name is Paul Giovanelli. I live at Five Marine Road. And for those who know me, I am proud to say that >> my spouse is Judy Hernandez, Council
President. So, she dreads this. I know. Uh, I have one question. I totally didn't understand the slide that had the events on it. It appeared to me that those events were being cut as it did to one of the other people who
spoke. Can you explain that slide and that we're not cutting all those events? >> Correct. If you could uh All right. It's the 7.78. That is to show that if we do the 8.25 25 all the cuts from there and then if we were to go past that
recommendation, this was the next chunk that we had put together for public events with a small layoff involved as well. These these are not the recommendation of the administration. This is just what the process of what we did to show what lowering the taxes could look like. These are currently in
the budget. They are unless the the governing body decides to remove them by vote, these are these are in for this year. I'd like to add one of the reasons we put uh the programs is ever since we
presented the budget, a lot of people came to me and saying cut the programs, we don't need them. while fully realizing that this is America's 250th anniversary. Uh but people said we don't need them, you know, uh including some of the religious ones like the manura
lighting and Santa. So we decided that you know what we're playing with numbers because that's our job. We we need to see what everything looks like from 3 5 6 7 you know all different percentages what the horse reality is. So this is
just it was an option you know but uh ultimately was my decision to present the budget. I went with the 8.25 25 because as I said before the parcipony town's job you know is to bring people together in addition to providing
services >> I think and I agree and I think if we did this it would hurt paripany in the long run and it would be a spiral effect bringing less people to paripony and it would be worse in the long run we'd have to
raise more money and our taxes would be we'd have to raise taxes again. >> Can I say something? >> Sure. >> Um, so I want to say that I personally won't vote for a budget that cuts the programs. Um, if we're going to talk about affordability, summer camps, our
summer camp is one of the cheapest in the area. Parents will pay about $8, $900 for summer camps in town versus the private Lake High uh, Lakeland Hills one. That's $375 a week for the summer
versus $800, $900 for the entire summer. So, parents are going to see a massive increase in the summer camps in daycare for their children over the summer if we didn't have summer camp available. And as someone who grew up here and benefited from the summer camps when my
parents had to work and we couldn't afford private summer camps, I I do see the difference that it would be if we had to cut this program and parents had to go and find private summer camps. >> Good point. Good point, Dan.
>> Okay. Any other member from public? Seeing none, I'd like to entertain a motion to close the public session. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. M. Yes. Mr. Kavanagh. Yes. Mr. McGrath. M.
Patel. Yes. And Mr. Hernandez. >> Okay. The floor is closed. Uh, at this time, we're going to go ahead and uh R 2026 104, which is a resolution to amend the 2026 introduced budget. This is a budget amendment. Just to be clear for the public certification, this amendment
is moving the budget from the 9.59 down to the 8.25. There are no other that's what it will be. Okay. So, no no programs being cut. Jack >> voting on the budget. >> Yeah. No, we're not voting on the budget. This is simply a a amendment.
We're amending the budget to change the percentage. Uh at this time, can I have a motion to approve the resolution? >> Motion. >> Second. Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Um, Mr. Kit, >> yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh, >> yes.
>> Mr. McGrath, >> yes. >> Miss Patel, >> yes. >> And Mr. Hernandez, >> yes. >> Okay. At this time, uh, resolution R2 2020 26105 is being pulled from or tabled is being tabled, uh, at this time to be, um, brought back up at the next
meeting to be adopted. So, there is no adoption tonight. Uh, moving along. Consent agenda be it resolved. All items listed in Nastract are considered routine non-controversial by township council will be approved by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member so request in which case the item will be removed
from the consent agenda and considered it normal sequence on the agenda. Can I please have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Motion second. >> Motion made by um Mr. Kavanaaugh seconded by Mr. Kipi. Roll call. Mr. Kifi. >> Mr. Kavanagh. Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes.
>> Miss Pat Mattel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Moving along to the approval of minutes. Can I please have uh a motion to approve the minutes above for March 3rd, 2026 and March 17, 2026. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Motion made by Miss Patel, seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. Mr. Kavanagh. Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> And Miss Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Motion passes. Moving along to the ports. Uh, mayor. >> Yes. Report. Sorry.
The shredded event was a resounding success this past weekend. Cars were lined up all the way out to Pipony Boulevard. I showed up at 8:30 and there were lines already. I couldn't back out, so I just parked my car on the side. Then I went to the Pipony Earth Day cleanup at Parks and Forestry. Many
volunteers showed up of all ages. The cleanup yielded many bags of trash and we took another step in keeping PC clean. The pictures are up on the socials for both events. It was great to meet everyone and the team managing the events did a fantastic job. My wife also
came to help out, so I'd like to extend a warm thanks to her and Bill Sanford for taking me home since my car was stuck at the town hall and also Nick Hamak. I know he's not here tonight, but thank you for always helping keep Pipony clean. We also held our monthly board of
education meeting where we discussed opportunities for shared services including grounds maintenance, summer programs, and potential insurance savings. We will continue to meet monthly and all options remain on the table. I'll provide meaningful updates
as necessary. Thank you. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh councel, >> I have a report. The Parcipony Troy Hills Economic Development Committee continues to welcome new businesses to the township, celebrating recent openings while preparing for several upcoming ribbon
cutting ceremonies. On Thursday, April 9th, the committee and Mayor Pulit Desai welcomed ECLC of New Jersey located at 40 Baldwin Road with a ribbon cutting ceremony. ECLC of New Jersey is a nonprofit organization making a difference in the lives of more than 900
individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and other special needs. On Saturday, April 11th, the Precipity Troy Hills Economic Development Committee together with Mayor Pulit Desai welcomed Wall Automotive located at 1195 Littleton Road with a ribbon cutting ceremony. On Sunday, April 12th,
we also welcomed Unisex Hair and Beauty Lounge located at 73 New Road. Then on Saturday, April 18th, we welcomed Jonathan's Having Haven to Sherborg Road with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Jonathan's Haven is a premier disability
provider agency assisting dis disabled adults to live their best lives in a comforting and stimulating environment. Upcoming ribbon car ribbon cutting ceremonies include Vistar Montasauri School 1279 Route 46 on Saturday, April
25th at 10:30 a.m. Einhorn Barbarito for Campus Drive, Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 a.m. and Acashore 3 Silven Drive, Thursday, May 7th at 9:30 a.m. Residents, business owners, and members of the community are invited to attend the ceremonies and welcome these new
businesses to Pipany. The economic development team remains committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the township's business community. The economic development committee's next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. in the third floor conference room at 90 East Holsey Road. To RSVP, contact Chairman
Frank Cahill at 973-559600. Thank you. >> Any other member from council? >> Yes. >> You go. >> Okay. Uh the partipony environmental advisory committee along with the library and the whipony river watershed
action committee sponsored a program on April 9th to educate residents on light pollution and discuss policies to reduce it. The event provided valuable insights and offered simple steps that can be implemented by residents and the municipal level as looks towards
sustainable development and energy efficiency. Managing light pollution offers a critical costeffective opportunity. Uh and then also uh the precipitating green team is holding its first meeting in the main library tomorrow night at 7 pm. So uh moving
forward on some of these sustainability initiatives. >> Great. >> Thank you, Mr. Kavanagh. Any other member from council? >> Yeah, I just have a couple of things. The Parcany Child Daycare Center um won a EDA grant for $200,000. So, they'll be
Oops, sorry. They wanted an EDA grant for $200,000. So, they'll be upgrading their facility. Um, putting extra egress stores and >> um Paripid's Child Daycare, you know what
that is? Okay. So, that's where a lot of it's a facility that's been in Paripony for a long time. So, it's a lot a lot of underprivileged children can go there. Um, and in the beginning of May, we're starting some of our 250 year semiquintily
year celebrations. So, we'll be putting that on the calendar, I hope, right on the township calendar. We'll start putting the pathways and historical events starting in May. There'll be lots of stuff. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. That's all I have.
>> Counc nothing for me. from business administrator Seaman. >> Thank you. Uh just wanted to quickly state um we'll have a better formalized report in May once the budget has been completed, but as promised uh we as I mentioned before we have 13 vacancies
currently in the municipality. Uh three in the DPW uh one in the sewer department, three four in parks, uh one uh three at the null, uh one in zoning, and one in human services. We don't have the I am sorry. We have
nine nine vacancies because we just cut for tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. I have no report. Moving along to ordinances first reading. Ordinance 2619 bond owners providing for the 2026 road improvement project by the Township Pacific Troy Hills appropriating 2,750,000 therefore and
authorizing the issuance of 2,619,000 bonds or notes to the township to finance part of the cost thereof. Be it resolved that the above ordinance be introduced by title and pass on first reading and a meeting of attachment council at township hills held on April 21st 26 and this ordinance be further considered for second reading and final passage and a meeting to be held on May
19th 26th at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time which when thereafter the matter may be reached at the municipal building and set town council in which time all persons interested shall be given the opportunity to be heard concerning so ordinance be it resolved be it further resolved that the clerk be authorized and directed to advertise soreness with the notice of introduction thereof being published in the official according to
law. Could I please have a motion to approve the above resolution? Motion >> second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. >> Mr. Karifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> M. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes.
>> Motion passes. Moving along to the non-consent agenda. R226106 contract to SL Specialties LLC for the purchase of apparel promotional items and custom printing percent discount pricing. Motion to approve the above resolution. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh. Seconded by
Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi, >> yes. >> Mr. Kavanaaugh, >> yes. >> Mr. McGrath, >> yes. >> Mr. Patel, >> yes. >> Mr. Hernandez, >> yes. >> Motion passes approval of payroll and bills list CFO in Jaka 17 recommends the authorization for payment. Number one, authorizes payment of the April 24th, 2026 regular miscellaneous payroll estimated 650,000. Number two, payment
of bills from bachelor list of 4212026, which is $2,315,31.96. Motion to approve the authorization for payment above, please. >> Motion second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh, seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Miy, yes. Mr. Crabel,
>> yes. >> Miss uh Mr. McGrath, >> yes. >> Miss Patel, >> yes. >> Mr. Hernandez, >> yes. >> Motion passes. Uh at this time, we're going to be going into executive session. We do not anticipate any action at this time. Uh shouldn't be more than a few minutes. Um resolution. Whereas the open public meetings act PL 1975
chapter 231 permits the exclusion of the public from meeting in certain circumstances. Whereas the township of council is of the opinion that such such circumstances exist. And whereas the attention council wish to discuss attorney claim privilege glamong commons and whereas minutes will be captain on west the matter involving confidentiality they above no longer
requires confidentiality the minutes can be made public now therefore be resolved by tach castle tach hills at the public be excluded from this meeting motion to adjourn to close session >> motion second >> motion made by Mr. Kavanagh second by Mr. Karifi roll call Mr. Karifi Mr. Kavanagh McGrath Mattel yes
>> and Mr. Fernandez. >> At this time, we're going to ad to close session. We don't anticipate any action should be taken. We should be back in about 5 minutes. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Could I please have a motion to reconvene? >> Motion. >> Motion made by Mr. Karifi. Seconded by >> Second.
>> Miss Patel. Roll call. Mr. Karifi, Mr. Kavanagh, Mr. McGrath, Miss Patel, Miss Hernandez. >> We are back into open session. Can I please have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> Motion. >> Wow, that was quick. Three, huh? Motion by Mr. Karifi, seconded by Mr. Kavanagh. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Mr. Kavanaaugh.
Mr. McGrath. Yes. M Patel. Yes. Mr. Hernandez. >> Want to thank everyone for tonight. Have a great night, everyone. >> Thank you.