Good evening. Welcome to the January 27th, 2026 meeting of the Bquanic Township Council. Miss Marsh, in accordance with the requirements of New Jersey's Open Public Meetings Act, notice of this meeting was included in the annual meeting notice which was filed in the office of the township clerk, posted on the bulletin board in
the municipal building, published as a legal notice in the suburban trends and daily record newspapers, and distributed to all persons requesting notice in accordance with township policy. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance followed by a prayer and a moment of thanks for individuals serving our
nation. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Most gracious providence, we ask that
you bless this governing body with an abundance of wisdom and understanding so that every deliber del deliberation will result in actions which will promote the common good and the general welfare for all the people of the country. >> Amen.
>> Amen. Amen. >> Will the clerk please call the role? >> Mr. Dreie is absent. Mrs. Florence Lynch >> here. >> Mr. Cole >> here. >> Mr. Syracus >> here. >> Mayor Russell >> here. Next on the agenda is a presentation of
the watershed inventory reser report. I'll clap for you. Brian buckle up for uh what hopes to be very enlightening. So Frank, it's 14° out. Why are we talking
about storm water? The uh state of New Jersey in a not so sub manner has imposed on everyone every municipality to develop a watershed
management plan which consists of three parts. First is the inventory, second is the plan itself, and then third is the wershed improvement plan. The second one is the wershed assessment report and then improvement plan. Tonight I'm just
presenting the inventory, which is essentially what do we have and where is it. Um, I must say I couldn't have done this without, you know, the help of Ray Mester and everyone before them. We put
in hundreds of hours, man hours to produce the plans uh, and the maps that are currently on the website. So, I know no one's looked at it as as and I'm not ashamed and I'm not
insulted that you didn't because it's not entertaining. >> We did, but it's a lot. >> You did. >> It's a lot. >> It certainly is. Um, as part of this, state says that we have I have to prevent we have to present this publicly
to ask for comments and then incorporate the comments into the final inventory report before I submit it to the DA. >> Can you do me a favor and just move that microphone up a little bit? I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Uh, I did have a chance to go over the
inventory report with uh Mr. Newman from the Environmental Commission. He gave me a nice list of editorial comments mostly related to um formatting which is understandable trying to work
off the states um their template and everything is linked and if anyone has tried to edit a link document it it's not easy or fun. So, I'll be um he gave me a substantial list. I'll be
incorporating those after the meeting tomorrow. Um and any other comments that or questions that uh the governing body or the public might have? Anyone know that? Everybody want to know the history of how this came about or am
I being brief enough? when everyone else know. >> Okay. Um, in 2004, a long time ago, when the storm water rules, new storm water rules were enacted, there's a a whole sub chapter on
regional storm water management planning committees. It was very permissive. You know, there could be planning committees established. I think there's probably 15 18 of them currently. Um I think
Greenwood Lake is probably the best example I can give of a U regional storm water management planning committee. They're having problems back mid 2000s with um falformms and
total phosphorus and weeds in the lake. this they formed a committee uh which was mostly westn um for the stormwater plan on what they could do to lower and meet um to lower
the the phosphorus the um ecoli which is from so thank you Um they went forward, you know, they planned it, they had a budget for it. Um
the budget was not small, but it was over probably 10 years where they've they've come closer to what the state thinks is our appropriate numbers. Fast forward to two years ago when the
most recent storm no the last stormwater rule uh revisions came in. Uh all of a sudden the municipalities had to prepare a watershed improvement plan which consisted of those three parts.
What I I foresee is that if and or when this area ever gets a regional storm water management planning committee, what they're going to do is they're going to go to each municipality within that region. Point two, here's
your watershed improvement plan. which one of these projects are you going to do in order so that we can meet what the state thinks we need for um total phosphorus. So it's it's in essence it's it's never
you guys do what we need and then we'll take it when you're done. So this time next year the assessment report is due which is where in town we could
enact or or or start some sort of water quality um the project kind of like we did the library what we did down at uh Gravy Park with the rain gardens uh in order
to meet the water quality limitations that the same things we need. There's language in in the the the um our permit that says we also need to reduce or eliminate flooding as part of
our um watershed assessment report. Hopefully everyone is is comfortable with the fact that there is nothing we can do to eliminate flooding in the township of Quanic. um you know isolated areas where we have
large puddles you know we try to address those without you know the state coming in with any data but um that's one of the things that we'll we'll try to address you know giant
puddles that stick around way too long flooding is flooding um even if we put a giant umbrella over pornic we're going to flood at some That's all phase two. Um, that's due next year. This time phase three is
actually December of the following year. For some reason, they went with 11 months instead of 12. So, I'll be here at least two more times to um, you know, elicit comments, questions,
and keep it as brief as I can. with that. Does anybody have any questions or comments? >> Are there any grants to help us improve this? >> There was um there was a $20,000 grant
2 years ago, maybe two years ago as a UM the state offered it so that every everyone could start their the planning. basically the first map that we prepared which was where all the inlets, where all the
pipes go, where all the outfalls, where are all the um water waves. We had most of that already in the pipeline. So, you know, we we took the $20,000 and we uh put it towards good use. Okay. And
then once it's completed, how often is there a reassessment? doing a letter is that every two years after the uh improvement plan is done and you have to tell the state which one of your projects you did and how you
funded it. >> Thank you sir. >> No questions. >> Great job. Thank you for coming out. >> Any questions from the public? >> Oh yeah. not open it to the public. >> Okay. I'd like to open any questions to
the public. >> Okay. >> What was your name again? >> Frank Russo. >> MR. Mayor Council. If I can just note some of the comments Frank made about having a lot of this information already in an inventory and having all the resources
to be able to do this in house is somewhat unusual. So it's a compliment to the town for one that this has been a priority not just over the last couple years but for a long time obviously with our water management issues. It's something that's been uh paid a lot of attention to for decades here. So it's
it's a good thing that this didn't require the retaining consultants didn't require hiring of staff to go out and get the GPS locations and all these things because of being proactive for a very long time. Prioritizing having professional engineer on staff is something that township easily addressing when others might be
struggling right the environmental commission also >> and thank Tom Newman being involved and engaged and you know Mr. Russo referenced rain gardens and the other projects and things throughout the community. There's a lot of collaboration that happens between the volunteers and the staff and the professionals. So that's a thing to be
credited and not overlooked. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. At this time, are there any reports or comments from any of the volunteers serving our community? Robin, good frigid evening to you.
I'm I live in Iowa and it's South Dakota. My god, it's cold. Um uh Robin Jones, uh Pompton Plains. Um I'm representing Open Spaces. I am the chair. Uh we had a discussion about the
referendum that was on this past November's ballot. Um and I'll just um that permits the county of Morris to include natural resource management, habitat restoration, and wildlife stewardship as eligible activities on
permanently preserved public lands acquired for recreation and cons conservation purposes. uh the ballot uh there was uh well at any rate it it passed 70 plus% uh so
that's to say that prior uh the only thing we could use the grant money for was acquiring properties. Uh we don't have any properties unfortunately that that are on uh in the pipeline uh to be preserved. So we are
hoping for uh different uses, stewardship uses. Um so we we have several projects that we've started to discuss that I think would uh qualify. Oh, I wanted to um I wanted to give you uh this for council
and anybody else that wants a copy of it. This is this is the uh referenda uh both for Morris County and Morristown. Uh, open space is encouraging you to have this on the November ballot so that
we can use our funding for other purposes such as uh uh canoe launches are one of the things we're looking at. Uh improvement or creations of some pads along the uh Pmpton River. Uh Pquanic North Puquanic
Avenue is a wreck. Needs a lot of work. It's more than than probably three or four people can do. And I don't I'm hoping maybe the town can get involved in that. Um if if we don't have this on the ballot
or somehow it it gets uh thumbs down, um we could not take advantage of either county or state funding for a stewardship >> programs. Is that not correct? >> I don't believe that's correct. That's >> I had a call in to to Steve Shaw, but
that was never brought up in any of our meetings. >> That is Yeah. Our consultant Frank Pinto thinks that that is that is >> was never even brought up that wasn't brought up doesn't mean it isn't true, right? >> They're still working on how they're
going to be doing it, but it it that would have been something that was brought up. >> Okay. Um well, just the same, uh open space is encouraging the township to consider putting this on the ballot. Uh I think the deadline is July or something like
that to to get that in. Um that's all I have. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Rob. >> Thanks, Robin. Yeah, mayor and council, if I could just note when the referendum was established in Pquanic Township authorizing the tax
for open space, you have to specify what it can be used for. So, different levels of governments have different referendums. So, um the question that is I think necessary and Mr. Rust can weigh in if he so desires. Uh the county recently did have a referendum to expand
the use of the trust as chairman Jones referenced beyond just acquisition to improve stewardship. The question is whether or not that has any impact locally or not. Um the township has its own referendum. So I think that just needs a little bit of additional research to to get a determined answer from uh the county counselor or county
staff and we can follow up on that and chairman. I'll get back to you if we get something definitive in writing from the county. >> I appreciate that. Thank you, sir. Thank you. No, I there's been a discussion here whether our referendum allowed for maintenance. I think we've taken the position that it does, but we'll look at that issue and confer confer with the
county. >> Um Peter, I think you had your hand. >> Good evening. Peter Schmidt, um 16 Men Avenue. Uh I would like to introduce the first project of the Pekquanok appearance improvement initiative. Um I
sent out an email to everybody uh describing the project. I have I have it here. Basically it is to build a wooden alligator that will guard our panther panther park. Yeah, you have seen the
picture. you know, it's a very tiny small project. I think this could serve as a project to test the process. How can we do one improvement after the other? And uh and you see if if if it
stalls at some point, not much is lost. And if people don't like the alligator and start kicking it, we can take the alligators and put them into Lyman Park or somewhere. Um um however um I think the the the
real part is is the process itself. I would like to introduce it here. I send the email out and maybe I think it's a good idea that the next time next council meeting you tell me Peter go ahead with this project or Peter stop
and actually your approval should be only the approval for the planning process not for the implementation because then a planning process can kick kick off and decide who is doing it what
does it cost do we have uh any legal issues, all kinds of things and and the township and then we should come back to you and actually ask for the approval of the implementation project and then we
implement. Yeah. And then afterwards we celebrate and uh and uh so I would um I should say what endorsement mean? endorsement would tell me um I have already meetings with the environmental committee uh and the
historic committee next month to see what they think and how they can collaborate with that. So it should be a joint effort. the Chamber of Commerce is is of course on on board with that and of course the economic development
committee. Um uh the goal of the whole initiative is to help business and I would say maybe bring a little bit joy into our community more than than there is already you should say. Yeah. Um
endorsement would allow me to basically go to the township and say are there any legal issues? do we have to work with that? Uh how much burden is this on DPW and whatever the project is? You see that? And and it would help to tell
other people that the council endorses this and that's what I'm asking for and I would suggest yeah you ponder it and if you say no then then we don't proceed. Yeah. And I come up with another project.
Okay. So that's my my my talk. Okay. Peter, can I ask you one quick question? Did you did you vet that through the whole committee or was that more your idea? >> This is now my idea just to get the process started. >> Um um I see them tomorrow. Tomorrow evening is our EDC and we see who is
there and and this is a low hurdle I think but in general I think I should only present projects that are approved by the committee. I do that. I mean, for now, I just try to get the ball rolling with something. And I think these could
be done out of 2x4s. We just cut them to length and we screw them together. And they are so heavy that they can just lie there and don't do anything for the alligators right now. Yeah. But other projects in the pipeline that we have already, if you look at the opportunity
document, we have already a lot of opportunities. Yeah. All kinds of things. Um, however, it will kick off with a walk through our community where some people, volunteers walk through and say, "This wall needs a little bit
cleaning. We could put a statue over there. We need some signs over here, trees and bushes and whatever we can do." Okay, that's it. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> How come alligators are not panthers?
But I want to die. >> Yeah. >> Just just keep us fresh. >> OH, I'M SCRATCHING. WE'LL TALK TOMORROW. The next item on the agenda is public comment. This comment period will be
limited to a total of 30 minutes. Additional time is reserved later in the meeting. We welcome comments, suggestions, and questions. However, the purpose of this time is to allow public comment, not to engage in a dialogue. If you have a specific question, please feel free to pose it and then follow up
with staff via telephone or email. Comments are limited to 3 minutes. If anyone wishes to address the council, please wait to be recognized to come to the microphone and provide your name for the record. Paul, good evening. Paul Miller, president of
Propelic. Since my organization advocates for marginalized people, I would be remiss not to mention that today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. Um, and as a young man, the founders of Archie Comics were a
client of mine. Found myself out to dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Silvercllay. And in the course of the dinner, I noticed on her arm there was a tattoo. And she found me staring at it and
looked at me and said, "It is exactly what you think it is." And began to tell me that she lost her entire family in one of those Nazi camps. Uh, it is a moment I'll never forget. But I'm here to to make a statement and
ask a question. For weeks now, the people of Minnesota have been brutalized by a secret police funded by our federal government. Marauding through otherwise peaceful neighborhoods, these masked agents injure, detain, and murder American citizens without regard to the
rule of law, their own published training standards, and absent any moral judgment. As predicted in Orwell's 1984, their leaders tell us to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. They do so in the hopes that the ensuing
chaos will rationalize, for them at least, a declaration of martial law. Their ultimate purpose is to subvert the 2026 midterm elections so as to permanently solidify their hold on power.
As written in our Declaration of Independence, they have quote kept among us in times of peace standing armies without the consent of our legislators end quote. If you choose to stand with them, you do so in direct violation of
our nation's most cherished values. If you join us to stand against them, together we will find our way back to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My question has a bit of a preamble if you bear with me. Chris Medell is a
Minnesota Republican and the lawyer who currently represents the ICE officer who shot Renee Good on January 7th on a Minneapolis suburban street. On Saturday, January 20 24th, another ICE officer was shot and killed, Alex
Prey, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Upon reviewing the readily available video of the Prey shooting, during which Prey was shot at least 10 times while he was pinned to the ground and continuing
after he collapsed and his body lay motionless, Chris Mell, a conservative Republican, ended his campaign for Minnesota governor. In his statement, Mell said that it was wrong for United States citizens to have
to carry papers in Minnesota to prove their citizenship. He further characterized Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis as an unmitigated disaster, adding that it was clearly unconstitutional.
Considering that each of you sitting up there pledge your allegiance at every meeting to the republic and the constitution for which that flag stands. Which of you tonight will stand with
fellow Republican Medel and oppose how the federal government is conducting its ICE operations? We'd like an answer from you. Thank you. Is there anyone else for public comment? >> Good evening everyone. Alex Brasquez,
Abram Avenue. Um I'd like to discuss uh on June 16th uh June January 19th the zoning board held a meeting with regards to 60 sunset uh presenting the applicant's revised plan.
Um it it is noted that in this plan that it is not doesn't meet the standard of practice for a revised plan. A revised plan normally requires bubbling around the areas that are going to be revised. These plans did not have that.
Um so the engineer presenting and reviewed the presentation of the new plan and made the following comments with regards to safety um for walking students and the public. They stated that in order to meet the
impervious area they had uh the applicant re reduce the sidewalk on Sunset Avenue to 3 ft. Now that is contrary to ADA requirements. ADA requirements require a minimum of 4T
recommended 5T and that can be found by if you review the NJ DOT standard detail CD 66-1. Okay. Um, additional comments. Uh, I made that comment to to the board and of
course they weren't um weren't responding to comments at that based on the rules of that meeting. Now, you take into account another issue, New Jersey Administrative Code 154.6,
which talks about the standards for a buffer zone. The project has a buffer zone along uh from the property along the Wild Avenue which is owned by Mr. Wallace. Um and what it says in section
three, no buildings or structures in the abuffer zone, but the U design currently has a retention basin which abuts the Mr. Mr. Wallace's property which falls within the 25 ft uh buffer zone and
additionally their artificial turf. A section of that falls within the buffer zone which when brought when the planner for the applicant made their their presentation that was brought to their attention including and
and agreed to by the former planner from the from the zoning board that structures could not be within that buffer zone. The new plan still contains structures in that buffer zone. The board engineer also stated that the plans included a storm water management
plan. Um, which it does, but the property as it stands retains almost 90% of the rainfall that that falls within the property limits. So yes, the they they
they did make the point that there is no storm management plan on the existing property. The existing property has been a church and school since the early 60s. And um the existing plan
will now place water um and that never entered the storm water drainage system of the wild room sunset and ultimately ending up in the flood zone known as ah which is you know part of it is behind the hospital. Also, it it doesn't meet
the NJ D storm management plan. Section 7 colon 8 groundwater recharge section D n uh nonstructural storm water management. Again, I brought this up early in the um applicant's presentation
that the um that they only did one um perk test, which for a um a project of this size requires a uh seasonal perk test. They had more than this project's been on board for almost 3 years. They
had more than enough opportunity to do a seasonal perk, which they didn't do. And finally, um, deed restriction. Should this go through, which I don't feel it should based on or they need to a lot of corrections.
Um, the restrictions are property. The, uh, the it must be based on people, not students and staff. They have mentioned that they've they are roughly at about 145 they anticipate 145 students and staff. Previously uh when I questioned
the the applicant's engineer, the applicant's engineer did admit that the pro that the property as constructed could hold up to 1500 people. So by doing by deed restricting and the applicant did agree to a deed
restriction, but by making it people you ensure that they don't use they don't obiscate the issue. And I just wanted to uh make one other comment. Uh for two months I the property has been left open. The doors
on the school were opened. We called the police about it once or twice. It was an attractive nuisance. The applicant did nothing. 2 days after the board's uh overturn of their unanimous uh deni, excuse me, denials,
miraculously the doors were closed. I'm just saying, you know, we have to take a look at this. I'm not getting the answers on those questions. Those questions are serious questions. Regard to Mr. Russo and his and his question about uh I paid attention.
you you are you are going to increase the amount of storm water into the existing drainage system and it ends up behind in flood zone ah flood zone ah is partly behind the hospital and we do not and I don't believe that anybody wants
to add additional flood insurance to anybody anybody's plate so it needs to be reviewed and it hasn't been and the safety issue I'm sure that everybody here is either walked along Sunset or has their ch their children have walked
along Sunset, you reduce that ADA to 3 ft. That's that's ridiculous. And for them to put a sidewalk on Room Avenue, Room Avenue doesn't need a sidewalk. Remove the sidewalk from Room Avenue, continue with a four minimum a 4ft ADA.
Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Rich. Yeah. Good evening, Rich Walter. 50 Sunset Road. Um, not here to talk about 60 Sunset. I can tell by some of your faces that you just want to get through
that. But what I do want to say is that Alex Barskus knows what he's talking about. So, put the 60 sunset build aside, put our concerns aside for traffic and safety and all that kind of stuff. But look at the water. I mean,
Mr. It's Russo, right? Mr. Russo just got up and talked about that. A couple of meetings we had the Fred, whatever his title was, talked to us about ponding and things like that. These are serious issues. And you know, Mr. Brewer, you need to listen to them as
town manager. He is a highlevel engineer for the state of New Jersey probably for 40 years or so. He's dealt with it a lot. He knows how to read plans and he lives across the street. You need to at least look into this. I'm not saying to
undo 60 sunset. I'm saying for the benefit of the entire town, especially the flood plan behind children hospital because that's not where I live. So you can look and say, "Well, he doesn't live there. Why would he care?" I care because they're residents of aquatic. So
if you do live back there, be aware that in a couple of years if you don't at least look at the drainage plan. Okay? Again, take 60 sunset out of it, but it's serious stuff. Please at least look at it. At least give him the respect
that he's due. Thank you. >> Thanks, Rich. >> Anyone else for public comment? There being no additional public comments, we will continue with the agenda. The next item on our agenda is the manager's report. Mr. Brewer.
>> Uh, thank you, ma'am. Two quick things. One, obviously, thank you, Mr. Russo, for the presentation that already took place. Item A is just an introduction from the council's benefit over the weekend in the public. And item B is just as discussed at the last meeting. There was a proposed schedule for the budget, something that we're spending a
lot of time on right now. Uh, and if there are any edits or comments on the proposed budget, I would welcome them. Otherwise, I'll put it in with the packet which is scheduled for dissemination to the governing body on Friday. >> I was good with the schedule. >> Yeah, I'm good with the schedule.
>> I'm good with hearing none. Thank you very much. It'll be in the packet that goes out to the governing body on Friday. And that concludes that I can always keep talking. Never mind. There are no public hearings scheduled
for this evening and there are no ordinance scheduled for introduction. The next agenda item is resolutions. Miss Marsh, beginning with resolution R 202662, authorizing the mayor to provide a statement of support for the Bquantic
Township Board of Education's application to the state school year 26 New Jersey DCA local recreation improvement grant program for $75,000 in support of the preK and inclusive playground at North Boulevard Elementary
School. 202663 authorizing submission of an SFY 26 local recreation improvement grant application and execution of the grant agreement for the acquisition of wrestling mats for the township of aquatic wrestling program 20264
appointing Susan Field tax collector for an unexpired 4-year term expiring December 31st 2029 20265 conser confirming the designated memberships in the Quanic Township fire department. And contrary to the
resolution that's online, that's for junior firefighter Russell Eddie. Um, so here I let you know how human I am. Um, there is no resolution authorizing tax office refunds or overpayments and resolution R20266
approving payment of the itemized claims as set forth on the January 22nd, 2026 bill list and FEMA elevation excel list. So 65 is not for William Brewer. It's for Russell Eding. >> Correct. Correct. And I spelled William
Brewer wrong the last time, too. >> Yeah, he was on last. >> I didn't know who it was. >> He went on the same time as Harper. >> Yes, he did. So I have a corrected resolution that he's not a junior firefighter yet. >> No, this this is >> right. Okay.
>> Yeah. >> So Russell is >> this is for confirming Russell. What's the first name? >> Russell first. Russell's first. >> Are there any comments on the resolutions from council?
No. I think it's great. May I have a motion to adopt these resolutions? I'll make a motion to adopt resolutions 2026-62. It's through 66 through right through 6 26-66. >> Roll call.
>> Mrs. Lynch, >> yes. >> Mr. Cole, >> yes. >> Mr. Syracus, >> yes. Mayor Russell, >> yes. >> There are no items listed for discussion and there are no reports or notices. The next item on our agenda is council reports and announcements. Councilwoman
Florence Lynch. Uh yes uh senior citizen advisory committee met uh there was uh one new appointee to the committee Hani Dandia if I'm saying that right and two reappoints uh the committee reorganized uh Debbie
Duca is the chair Linda Pakoro is the secretary they started putting together plans for their senior events for 2026 their first one is going to be a health fair that they are planning for Tuesday April 28th ath that friendship hall. Um
the speakers have already been booked and the the venue has already been um pretty much booked. They have to do some paperwork with the town. Um and once that's all firmed up, we'll bring you
more details on that. Uh the committee meets the third Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Um economic development committee, they meet tomorrow here in this room. Um the historic district commission met and they reorganized uh
with the same people as last year. David Wiseski is the chair, Elaine Staff is the vice chair, and the secretary is Ryan forgot the last. Well, thank you.
Um, and what else do I have? Um, just wanted to say congratulations to the new firefighter, Russell Edding, if I'm saying that right. And, uh, wanted to also mention we had a wonderful event,
the first aid um, squad and fire in with and fire department had their installation dinner on the 17th. It was wonderful. Congratulations to everyone. Um they really uh work hard for our town
and they're all volunteers. Um the only other thing I wanted to mention, there was a ribbon cutting last this past Saturday down at Pquonic Mini Mall. There's a new uh opening of a store called Desserts, if I'm saying that
right. It's basically cookie dough, edible cookie dough. Um all kinds all kinds of flavors. and it's right next door to the dance studio down there. So, if you haven't um been down there yet, stop in, say hi to Nick, the owner, and
welcome them to Bquanic. And uh that's all I have. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilman Cole. >> All right. Uh the reorg planning board meeting took place on January 15th. Angela Caputo was the chair again and John McGalla is the vice chair. Same as
last year. Uh there was a new engineer introduced, a new planner introduced, and Ray Mezer is the new zoning officer. Uh as Councilwoman Florence Lynch said, the first uh responder dinner was a great event. Great to see all of our
first responders together enjoying themselves. Uh this past Saturday, it looked like the band pancake breakfast was a huge success. Um the ribbon cutting for derts. Uh good best of luck to the new business in
town. Uh DPW did a great job clearing the streets uh this past uh Sunday and Monday. Uh and hopefully we don't get the storm this coming Sunday because it seems like they're all falling on uh when it's overtime and double time for
for the DPW guys. So >> that's the budget. >> Yeah. And uh congratulations to the new junior Russell uh heading. So that's all I have. Thank you, mayor. >> And ditto on the DPW. I forgot to mention them. Awesome job. >> I think we all think they did a good
job. >> Yeah, >> absolutely. >> Council Sierra Cruz. >> So, good evening everyone. Uh, so Robert Jones, selected chairman for open space, vice Tom Newman. Um, here to discuss the steward the stewardship referendum be
topic of discussion. Uh, we went through the different committee reports. Um, and identified is the uh planning board. We don't have any represent representation from the planning board parks and w so we'll be looking to from those committees to see if they wanted to you know represent on the open space
committee. Uh we did a review of open current projects and um uh any kind of uh projects that needed to be updated. We adjourned that 2019 and we will not have a meeting in February. So just a couple things you know thanks thanks
again to all the first responders and DPW uh folks. So those guys are out there all hours of the day, night, um you know, just getting it done. You know, it's not it's not an easy job, especially when you you clear out your driveway and they're piling the streets and you got to go get the end of your driveway again, right? But um you know,
a little bit of tolerance goes a long way for those guys uh cuz they're out there putting the work in and certainly um you know, putting in the hours, first responders, firefighters, uh first aid squad, you know, getting it done. Um you know, conquer your many challenges. Um
again, you know, um your voices are heard, okay? We know we don't comment all the time. All right? Um I understand. So that's all I'm going to say on that. Uh all around, right? And everybody safe and operating within conference of our laws. All right? In a safe and orderly manner. And then we can
all get along better. Uh that's all I got. >> Thank you. >> Um library will be closed through till February. Um on the construction, we did have the reorg. Christina White is the board president. I'm the vice president. Jason Peller is the treasurer and Ivette
McBain is the corresponding secretary. Um there will still be meetings. You will be able to get in uh for meetings. And if hopefully it's done by next time, you guys can all see the great job they did. Environmental um I don't you Environmental does a lot and you don't
even realize how much they do. Um, I'm sure you guys all got the letter of what they do and they do it every year, but just for the sake of the public. Last year they did a styrofoam drive. They can't do it this year because the guy's out of business the machine or something with this machine, but they do booths at
every festival, whether it be the Pride Festival or the library festival or the hoown or the thing they they always man up and do that there. They're always available. They're running the mayor's uh river cleanup this year, which actually this year is going to be April
11th. Um they do a mini bio blitz they did last year. They're doing again this year. They do the rain barrel workshop. Last year they did plantings along the um the pond at Green View Park to stop when the leaves all go in after the new
liner was done. Um they did a foothills pollinator garden. They do the tracks benches. They they really do a lot. So, if anybody has some free time and they want to come out and help them, they're really a great great group who does a lot. Um, great job DPW. They did a great
job. Um, question for council. February 18th is the league meeting. Is everybody going? Usually the first ones are the Yes. Everybody's going. Okay. >> That's not the Birwood. >> Yeah, the Birchwood doesn't matter. Um, May 2nd is that mini biob blitz I just
spoke about. either May 9th or the 30th is a Rainbell workshop. They usually do it online and it sells out very very quickly. So, if you want one, um, and that's all I have. Next on the agenda is public comment. As a reminder, we welcome comments, suggestions, and questions rather than
dialogue. Comments are limited to three minutes. If anyone wishes to address the council, please wait to be recognized or come to the microphone and provide your name for the record. AS THE MEETING WENT ON, FORGET PAUL Mailor Township. As the meeting went on, this came across my phone.
State Senator John Branick has taken a stand against the tactics by ICE. Here's his statement. He stated that quote, "Law and order is for people who committed serious crimes," arguing that current ICE actions do not align with
that, noting if Trump was targeting the worst of the worst, everybody would be on board. Obviously, that's not what's happening. You folks are the leaders of this community. You say a prayer that you will do what's
right for everyone in this community, not just those that share your political leanings. You have a responsibility to speak out against this terror and against the killing of citizens in
Minneapolis and in other places. You have that responsibility. Your failure to do so is nothing short of disgraceful. Anyone else for public comment? SHARON. Good evening, council. How are you? >> Good. How are you?
>> Happy New Year. Happy New Year. I missed the last few meetings. Um, I just had a question uh regarding and I know it's been approved, but resolution R2026-62. During the budget um workshop,
we had donated $30,000 to board of education and I thought it was originally going to go for North Boulevard, but it was going to go for the special ed kids to build a playground. And then as I was reading the notes for this meeting,
I see that they put the board of education would like a request for the mayor to uh put in a note for $75,000 grant for prek and inclusive playground. So, I would like to know that does the
board of education share the cost of what the expenses are going to be for the playground they're looking for at North Boulevard? And I was just kind of looking at the past meetings. I didn't see any kind of introduction or an ordinance for that. So, I didn't know if
that was posted for the community to see. Um because I I support kids in this township. I'm always here supporting everything. But board of education is separate than the township municipal budget. So there's two different budgets
from what I understand and they can't fit this in their own budget. So we donated $30,000 to them, but now they're going to put in a grant for $75,000. So before a letter goes out or if the township is supporting that, did they
share what the expenses are for that playground and for the use of it? because I thought that was for the special ed kids, the special needs within North Boulevard. So, it's just a fair question cuz I missed a few meetings. Maybe there was something I
missed off one of the agendas. I don't know. Um, last DPW did a great job, but um I'm just requesting that you say a prayer for the seniors in this township that may struggle. Um there's a lot of you know people that don't have the money
for even heat or they may have electric and they don't have the support that some families give each other. So please check on your neighbors during this time even if they're seniors or not. Um it's very cold out there and we just need to support each other as a team. And lastly
support whether it's a panther or alligator. If you're going to put more trees in this town, put one in front of some good lots. Okay? So, uh, thank you very much and have a good evening. Thanks, Sean. Take care. Anyone else for public comment?
Megan. Thank you. Megan Dempsey, Compton, please. Hi everyone. Um, I just wanted to um briefly speak in support of Paul's comments with regards to what is happening nationwide and to reiterate that this isn't just happening in Minnesota, which might feel like a very
far away place. Um, it's happening in Marstown. It's happened in Dunville. It's happening in New Jersey communities. My husband marched with um the I can't remember, but it's a Hispanic celebration with St. Mary's in Pmpton Lakes. And one of the women who had organized it had been taken by ICE,
and her family had no idea where she was or still is. So, this is not separate from us. This is not aart or far away from us. This is happening in our own backyard. It's happening to our neighbors. and it's very wrong. So, um I
was hoping to hear uh something from everybody against what is going on. I appreciate the, you know, veiled comments and support for where they come from, but um this isn't right. And as members, elected officials, members of
our government, I hope you will take a stand against this. I hope you would not allow it to happen in Puquanic that we don't allow masked secret police in our town, but we also support our neighboring towns that do have populations where this is happening too frequently. Thank you.
Thank you, Megan. Anyone else? Sandy. >> Hi. Hi, Sandy. I I just have a question about R2026-66. Is there a copy of that bill list that we could see? Yes, it's right down there
in the back of the behind the yellow thing. There's here Oh, okay. Thank you. Anyone else for public comment? There being none, public comment is now closed. U Mr. Would you like to address
Sharon's question? >> Sure. Uh the Yes. The township appropriated for 2025 capital budget $30,000 which was intended to support the inclusive playground which is for the population you disrupt. Um it is was intended
essentially for seed money. The board of education also appropriated $30,000 in their budget and there's a committee which I'm a member of that is seeking grant funding. So the resolution tonight authorizes the mayor to provide a statement of support for a local recreation improvement grant. It's a requirement as a component of the grant
application and Quanic Township. Unlike for example Wayne, the mayor can just kind of do these things with Quanic Township. It's a body of a whole. So the resolution essentially authorizes Mayor Russell to support the efforts of the board of education. You'll notice on the second resolution right after that one, the town of aquatic is also going to
submit local recreation improvement grant. We've gotten to in the past. Uh I confirmed with the state of New Jersey that there's no prohibition on doing that. Both entities are welcome to apply and uh the the the playground is estimated to cost roughly a quarter of a million dollars. So playgrounds are
incredibly expensive. Um in the town of Bhutin where I live, they installed a playground that was roughly $600,000. So it's amazing what these things cost. Uh and unfortunately that's the nature of it. So kudos to everyone for trying to team up and use seed money to get more grant money and bring things to
town that we don't have to pay for. >> Okay. Thank you much. Okay. There are no minutes presented for approval. Next on the agenda is a close session discussion. Is there a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the township council to meet in executive
session to discuss litigation of sewer assessment appeals and of tax appeals and contract negotiations of PBA and SOA contracts? I'll make that motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> Opposed. >> We do anticipate that action may be taken following the close session. At
this time, the public portion of the meeting is recessed for close session.