Good evening. I didn't order enough pizza tonight. Maybe I got to order some more. Welcome. Welcome to the October 14th, 2025 meeting of the Pakonic Township Council this March. In accordance with the requirements of New Jersey's open public meetings act, notice 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, publishes a legal notice in the suburban trends and daily record newspapers, and distributed to all persons requesting notice in accordance with township policy. >> Thank you. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance followed by a prayer and a
moment of thanks for individuals serving our nation. Ice 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. After the prayer, please stand for a moment of silence for Christine Francesca who was taken from us too early. Most gracious providence, we ask that you bless this governing body with an abundance of wisdom and understanding so that every deliberation will result
in actions which will promote the common good and the general welfare for all of the people of Aquonic Township. Amen. AMEN. The next item on the agenda is presentations. We're going to swear in
our new uh police officer, Zachary Pina. Is he here? He is. >> All right. Go down. >> Just you just full house tonight. Um we're going to do a swearing in and we have some awards to give out to our
officers that are seated in the back. Um, first off, we lost a young officer recently to another department. Um, I asked township manager Brewer if we could move quickly in hiring a new officer. Uh, I have to thank him. Uh, I
don't think any other department moves as quick as we do. Uh, we made this happen within about 2 to 3 months from the time the other officer left to the time we hired him. Um, so I thank officer uh, Patrick Master Brewer. Uh thanks to the council, the mayor. Uh I'm
going to give you a little bio on our newest officer, Patrolman Zachary Pelino. Uh Zach was born in New York City, moved to Quanic when he was 5 years old. He attended uh Steven Jay School, the Quanic Valley Middle School, Quanic Township High School. While he
was in high school, he was active uh in sports, played both football and baseball. He graduated in 2017 and continued his education at the County College of Morris where he graduated with an associates degree in criminal justice. After graduating from college,
he was hired by the city of Orange PD as a special law enforcement officer class 2. Uh after serving uh in that position for a year, he was hired as a full-time police officer with the city of Orange and he went to the Bergen County Police
Academy. He spent uh two years over there and then he applied to us, his hometown. Um he went through a rigorous interview process. We ultimately decided that he was the guy for us and we hired him as our newest officer. Uh he's
excited to serve the people of his hometown. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does in the future with the Puqua County Police Department. A patrolman Pino is joined uh tonight by many family members as you can see friends and he's
going to be sworn in with his mom Anilda his dad Lewis and his brother Jaden they can come to the front and I think mom will be holding the Bible right
mom come on up and mayor you can square THEM I KNOW. SO, your name put your right hand up. Right hand up. Right hand up.
>> Zach, you're pulling up. Do solemnly swear. do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I bear true faith that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and allegiance to
the same. and to the governments established in the United States. Governments established in the United States and in the state and in the state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people. And I will faithfully and I will faithfully and partially and partially and justly perform and justly perform all the
duties of all the duties of county police officer police officer according to the best of my ability. To the best of my ability. So here we are. So here we go. Congratulations. Um, as you can see, um, by all the people that showed up for
Officer Felino, um, he's a he's a really good guy. Um, a lot of support. I spoke with a couple officers who knew Officer Pelino before we hired him and everybody said the same thing. What a great kid he is. So, we're happy to have him here. Uh, with that being said,
we're going to move on to our our awards ceremony. I'm going to bring up the two lieutenants. Lieutenant Jones, Detective Lieutenant. So, as far as awards go, we don't give them out often. We probably should uh do
this a little bit more often than we do. Normally when we have something special happen, we go to the manager's office. We keep it private, but since we are having a swearing in tonight, we figured we do it here tonight. Um obviously a lot of the situations that the two
lieutenants are going to talk about, it's doing our job, but to me, it's doing our job above and beyond um what's asked and doing it well. So officers are trained, but when it comes time to
actually perform, these guys went out. They performed with dignity and uh above and beyond the call service. So the two lieutenants are going to go over some of the the uh different cases and uh situations and then we're going to give
out the awards. Who's up? >> All right. Hope you guys are in here for for the long haul. All right. Um, my name is Lieutenant Jeff Jones. Uh, many of you might know me, might not, but I've been with the department for about 20 years now. Both Kevin and I went to
the academy together, and I couldn't think of a better place to be, uh, employed. Um, as police officers, we are called upon to perform a wide variety of duties and tasks during the course of our shifts. Many of us signed up for this profession with a desire to work at a job where each shift brings excitement, something
different, with the ability to make an impact on others. Many people say cops are supposed to save lives. It's just part of their job or you're supposed to catch a bad guys. That's what cops do. This is true. Saving lives, catching and charging criminals is part of our job description covered by the motto to
protect and serve. However, often times we fail to recognize the efforts that officers put into their work to ensure a positive outcome. The act of saving a life may come as routine to some officers, but the impact that it has on the person in need and their loved ones is significant and memorable. An officer or detective who takes the time to
approach a crime investigation with passion and diligence by leaving no stone unturned is working not only to make an arrest but to build prosecution to ensure that the victim or victims are given closure and a positive experience with the criminal justice system. It is time that we recognize our officers for a job well done and show our
appreciation for the thankless tasks that they perform that have a positive impact on society. So, first uh we're going to go through a few life-saving awards that we have. um this dates back to the past two years. Like like chief said, we we kind of been laxed with uh recognizing people. We've done it in
private, but we have a few outstanding awards to um give out tonight. So, I'd like to call up Sergeant Jack Lion, Patrolman Benjamin Cole, and patrolman Brian Parigi. Uh these three officers are going to be presented with a life-save award for um for CPR save that was brought to our
attention by the chief of the aquatic first aid squad, Tom Lions. On January 7th, 2024, officers were dispatched to Bardies for a report of a male in his 60s who had passed out and was currently on the floor unresponsive with labored breathing. When they arrived, they found that the man did not have a pulse. They
quickly worked together to render aid by performing CPR and hooking up an AED device. After a shock was advised and CPR continued, they were able to regain a pulse and turn over care to Bquantonic First Aid Squad and medics on scene. As I said, Chief Tom Lions applauded their quick actions which led to the
resuscitation of the man and transport to the hospital where he was later admitted and doing well. Congratulations, GENTLEMEN. We have bars to give you guys later on. >> A lot to sort out.
Uh, next I have patrolling Jay Hardy, patrolling Vincent Lammano, and patrolling Steven Nass. On May 26th, 2024, while on patrol, patrolman Nats was at the Windbeam Turnpike and Route 23 light in Riverdale when he observed the Mustang coming down Route 23 Hill at a high rate of speed
and proceed through the red light. The vehicle then lost control, rolled over multiple times, left the roadway, and ended up in the Kia dealership at the bottom of the hill. Crashed into a utility pole and multiple vehicles, and came to rest on its roof. Trollman Nats immediately went over to the scene,
notified dispatch and other officers on the radio um and alerted that he found that there was two males trapped inside the vehicle and as I said, the vehicle was on its roof and they were in need of desperate medical attention. Patrolling Hardy responded and utilizing the Hallagan bar, which is a tool that the
firefighters use that they kindly let us borrow. Um, he removed the windshield of the Mustang to gain entry to the vehicle. Patron Lmano, utilizing his experience doing deadlifts in the gym, assisted by stabilizing the vehicle so that the occupants could be safely
removed. The three officers work together to um free the occupants of their seat belts and pull them out of the windshield and hand them over to other Riverdale officers to administer first aid. They all worked in unison um during a very hectic and dangerous
situation with power lines down and an unstable vehicle. Their swift and selfless actions in face of those hazardous conditions led to saving the lives of those individuals who otherwise had driven recklessly with no regard for the safety of themselves or others on the road. Thank you guys and congratulations.
Just want to add if any of you follow our social media, anything with humor, that's our guy right there. If it's serious, it's one of the best. >> Another life saving award we have is for patrolman Michael Kimmac, patrolman
Jeffrey Hackler, patrolman Brian Parizi. On January 6th, 2025, officers were dispatched to the rear loading dock of Stop and Shop for report of a female who had fallen and was unresponsive. Patrolman Parigi arrived first and upon assessing the woman, found that her condition was dire with no pulse and she
was not breathing. Patrolman Parigi began chest compressions until patrolman Hackler and Patrolman Kimck arrived on scene to provide rescue breaths and set up the AED machine. The officers all took turns of providing CPR and administering one shock via the AED unit until a pulse and breathing was
regained. Patient was then transported to the hospital, made a full recovery. She actually came into our headquarters uh about a month or so after this incident to want and she wanted to thank the officers in person and was able to to meet with them and thank them showing the impact that it obviously made on her
life. So, thank you guys FOR OUR next uh life saving award, we have Patrolman Shrek and Patrolman Fisher. Unfortunately, patrolman official was uh previously scheduled off for tonight, so you could not make it. On May 26th,
2025, officers responded to a residence for a report of a male in his 70s who was having difficulty breathing. In route to the call, they were updated that he was no longer breathing. Patrol and Shrek and Fischer arrived and quickly assessed the need for CPR. They began providing multiple rounds of CPR until the first aid squad and medics
arrived on scene. Together, they took turns doing chest compressions and rescue breaths over for over an hour until the patient was transported to the hospital. Chief Lions from the squad reported that the patient was released from the hospital one week later and attributed his survival to the prompt and quality CPR by the officers on
scene. Uh, next I have Sergeant James Darks, Detective Christopher MacGyver, Patrolman Vincent Lammano, Patrolman Michael Rafferty, patrolman Dominic Jen Teal. ON an otherwise um hot and and fun holiday weekend, July 5th, dispatch
received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible drowning at PB Park here in town. Patrols responded were guided to the water's edge where lifeguards were performing CPR on an unconscious 67y old woman. Officers immediately took over CPR and worked to expel water from the woman's esophagus and lungs. After
working together for several rounds of CPR, they were able to detect a pulse and continued to provide rescue breaths until the patient began to breathe on her own. The woman was then transported to the hospital. It was later reported that she was alert, sitting up in bed, and doing much better than expected. Due to the swift actions of the lifeguards
and the officers on scene, a tragedy was avoided that day. All right, one more and you guys are done with me. All right. Um, actually, Mike Rafy, you can stay up here. No.
Uh patrolling chestnut patrolling on AUGUST On August 31st, 2024, officers were dispatched to a resident for report of a woman who was actively in labor. When they arrived, they encountered a scene that all officers learn about in the police academy, but few ever experience
nor do they want to experience. The woman was in bed in delivering a baby who was breached with its feet facing down. With the assistance of the father and guidance from a doctor via video call, Patrollman Chestnut was able to successfully deliver the baby. And upon delivery, the baby was not breathing and had to be revived by both Patrolling
Chestnut and Patrolling Rafrey. Their calm behavior and professionalism in an otherwise hectic scene led to a positive outcome for the baby and the family. Tough act to follow. Um, for those of you that don't know me, my name is Kevin Mccardi. I'm the detective lieutenant with the police department here. And I
echo what Lieutenant Jones said. We have um truly have some of the best in the business um here, not only in this room, but the the police department as a whole. Um the patrol uh patrol division works great with our detective bureau and doing their job and truthfully making it very easy for the detectives to follow up with all their
investigations and conduct their business. The first in incident of two that I'm going to highlight here dates back to the early morning of January 22nd, 2024. The Bquini Township Police Department received a 911 call from an individual who reported that he had just
been held at gunpoint by two masked suspects attempting to steal his vehicle. Officers swiftly responded to the scene on Eastgard in place where they encountered a visibly shaken but unharmed victim. The suspect the suspects armed and masked had fled the area in a black Nissan Maxima. Through
decisive leadership and coordination, Sergeant Lion, Patrolman Boon, and Patrolman Gentiel immediately began searching Route 23 in nearby areas while securing the crime scene and preserving critical evidence. Their quick actions and professional composure ensured the
safety of the victim and potentially others during a v volatile and high-risisk situation. The criminal investigation was then led by Detective Sergeant Halligan and Detective Acriman, whose meticulous follow-up work uncovered that this incident was not isolated. It was connected to a much
larger and more sophisticated autotheft operation spanning multiple jurisdictions. Over the course of the following months, Detective Acrian conducted extensive forensic and digital analysis, reviewing surveillance footage, communications data, and electronic records that
revealed an organized network targeting high performance Dodge and Jeep vehicles. His work connected the suspects to similar crimes across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Detective Acriman exemplified innovation and precision through the use of cuttingedge investigative techniques, including a
timing advanced warrant, leading to a successful and highly thorough investigation. As a result, Detective Acriman identified the key suspects. I have two kids and a wife that basically cry the same AMOUNT
HERE. UM, as a result, Detective Aman identified the key suspects and coordinated the colle the collection of evidence to support criminal charges. This long and complex investigation culminated on July 1st, 2025, when Detective Aan formally charged the
perpetrator with multiple offenses, including um the following that I'm going to read. Now, not to insult anyone's intelligence here, but in New Jersey, first-degree crimes are the most severe, and fourth are the least severe of indictable crimes that before you get to like disorderly person's offenses and
petty things. So, the first of the charge that I'm going to read off, which I feel is important, armed robbery in the first degree, conspiracy to commit armed robbery in the second degree. Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Second degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Second degree burglary. Second degree terroristic
threats. Third degree. Attempted motor vehicle theft. Third degree criminal mischief. Fourth degree. Aggravated assault. Fourth degree. Possession of motor vehicle master keys. Fourth degree. And possession of burglary tools. Fourth degree. Following Detective Aman's work, an nationwide
arrest warrant was issued and the suspect was entered into the National Crime Information Center database as a wanted person. This marked the successful conclusion of a case that began with a single act of violence and invol and evolved into a major multi-
agency investigation that dismantled a coordinated crime enterprise. Through months of dedicated collaboration and relentless pursuit of justice, the efforts of detect Detective Acriman exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement service. His collective
professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to public safety through closure to a series of um serious and dangerous a serious and dangerous case protecting the citizens of Puquanic Township and beyond. Tonight, we recognize Detective Matthew Arian for
his outstanding diligence, commitment, and perseverance in bringing this case to a successful resolution. Detective Acuran's dedication to uncovering the truth and his relentless pursuit of justice exemplify the very best of the Bquin Township Police Department. Please join me in congratulating Detective
Acuran on his well-deserved recognition for his exemplary service to our community. Sorry. I sp some time up here. Detective driver, would you like to come up?
SORRY. This next next investigation was more recent and obviously involves the investigative work of Detective Chris McGyver. Welcome, buddy. This evening, we honor Detective Christopher MacGyver for his exceptional diligence, professionalism, and
commitment to justice in the investigation of an aggravated sexual assault case. Detective MacGyver's thorough and compassionate handling of a complex and sensitive case demonstrated not only his investigative skill, but also his deep sense of duty to protect the vulnerable and uphold the integrity
of this department. Through persistence and care, he ensured that the truth was brought to light and that justice could be pursued with strength and precision. When it came time to take decisive action, Detective MacGyver and fellow officers executed the suspect's removal and arrest discreetly away from students
and staff, demonstrating the highest level of professionalism and care to protect the school community from unnecessary exposure. As a result of this investigation, Detective MacGyver charged the perpetrator with the following. Aggravated sexual assault in the first degree, sexual assault in the
second degree, endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree. Uh official misconduct in the second degree, criminal sexual contact in the fourth degree. Detective MacGyver's conduct throughout this investigation exemplifies the core values of courage, discretion, and unwavering dedication to
duty. His actions bring great credit to himself and to the Puquanic Township Police Department. Please join me in congratulating Detective Christopher McGyver on this well-deserved recognition of his outstanding service, dedication, and sound judgment. Next is uh Zack for his speech.
That was just thank you all for coming. We'll turn this back over to the council and the mayor. Um I think we can actually run out. Good. Sure. Good. Hey, hold on. Keep holding. Hey guys, just want to just say one thing just not commit this any longer, right? Um, and I
know that these awards ceremonies, you know, not the top of your your priority, right? But it's an opportunity for the community to know what you do every day for us, right? Uh, right. And, um, it's an opportunity to be recognized for for everything that you do and a lot of things you don't get recognized for,
right? Working the shifts, you know, working uh, holidays and everything else when you're away from your families, right? So, um, so thank you guys for what you do. uh those you recognized, those of you who weren't recognized uh because we know that you're out there doing it every night, every day for us, for this community. And this is just an opportunity uh for everyone here to see
what you do and actually who you are because we know what you do. Uh at least over here we do, but the community may not. All right? So, just thank you very much for everything you do. >> Thank you very much. Thanks, Chief. Thank you.
Yeah. Wonderful. I love that. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat.
Heat. Heat. You want me to take a picture? Heat. Heat. Thanks for coming, guys. Thank you. So now for more exciting information. >> Oh, sorry.
Oh, you little face. Listen to what you say. Heat. Heat. Kevin, whenever you're ready, let us know. I am ready. >> All right. Uh, this is Kevin Nelson. He is our flood resilience officer in town, and he is going to give us his update.
Mr. Kevin. All right. Some of you guys know me, some of you don't. My name is Kevin Nelson. I've been resilience officer for about a year and a half. Started in May 24 because I was a police officer here. I retired in 2022.
I got hired by Adam last year. and still pardon the fun getting my feet wet, but uh so we're just going to go over what I do and uh my role for this
uh for the purpose of the presentation is role resilience officer me and the things that I cover we do these uh FEMA flood mitigation assistance grants uh we're part of the national flood insurance program which fally run agency
and I can help you with the interpretation of the team of flight master. There's a lot of news there. We'll get to it as we get through the slides. And we're part of something called the rating system. I'll explain as we go. My role is really overseeing my most job is overseeing the FMA grants and the
elevation projects. We have supervisors that cover that. But you guys um you can see some of the flood areas will get elevated and in most of those cases they're at no cost or low cost to the homeowners. FEMA FEMA does participate or we participate FEMA brand here and
again I'll explain to you that I know the CRS program which is the community system which the biggest benefit of the community rating system is a discount which is quite short and this any wood
so the FA grant. This is the meat and potatoes of my job really. Every year we apply for an MAR. So since 2015 we started these homes we we had for 21
grand 22 homes in 16 17 we didn't get the we applied for it and that's kind of the one but it's not guaranteed. It's a lot of money. One year they'll say have some might say no to Jersey not getting any out of our hands. So, a lot of the stuff I deal with is through the federal
government. And I guess on some level, it's a good way I can say we don't do the messengers. It's not us. It's not our we don't we don't get to control everything. Uh 2018 and 19 and 20, we're still in progress, but homes are still being elevated. And then the next slide
shows what we're at now. 21 we 22 we just started work. Six homes going to be elevated. Uh 2023, we had 10 homes on the way. We got to start work on the 23 grand and the money's not been appropriated from FEMA. 2024 there's been some issues with FEMA now in the
last year. Um the grant is frozen nowhere doesn't happen. 2025 sounds like the grand going to be over. So we don't know where we're going in the future for the MMA program but it's been successful so far. continue way works that owners that
might qualify you if you qualify the home generally be the flood area and there's other factors repetitive boss house your retive boss house will get more money but if you qualify for the grant and you're interested you know we contact you and say you're interested on the list
the application is prepared by me with the help of a consulting company we send that to FEMA FEMA picks it up and says yeah you guys are in the grand store home owners contact you have a meeting that goes over the rules. There aren't a lot of rules with team R. You can't just um
build anything you want and construction. We reimburse the homeowner as they progress. My act is a project manager but homeowners project managers. So it's a little bit of a 50/50 relationship. I kind of help the co homeowner be the go between FEMA the
township and their own and their contractors and workers. So they they choose their contractors. We don't hire uh builders. or hire surveyors or engineers or any that they hire their own people and we can't recommend any uh FEMA has a lot of limits on the way
work is done only work needed to elevate the house no improvements you can't you can't go out or you know master bedroom suite anything like that is the house whatever's needed is covered beyond that that's it that's that's as much work as you can do uh once it's completed I submit
everything to the national flood insurance program that will change the house which helps us it helps the community get more house after that's completed I will send all the documentation in to get the house
reimbured so project by project the town get x amount of money but we get reimbured by house when this house is done I can send reimbursement in that look good for that house each house has a a set budget set by
um so we've done over 50 states right now that the last two or three we just set up the last couple weeks so far in this program a lot more was done before I was working in this started a year and a half ago we've done one since
I started out last summer so I really wasn't involved in that but we over 60 properties the the um the idea is that the property will never be developed house no development in the flood in that spot and those less flood
insurance that the national flood insurance program is something we've been a part of started in 1968 from Congress and it really the biggest um impact that has to guide development away from restrict
areas you know warehouse on where houses right now it's just too much space too much of rise and all so there's a lot of construction and that's a result
new improved buildings are you know construction to minimize flood damages from commercial properties new I mean you could go to the new house res
most insurance the transfer the cost of private property loss from the taxpayers property owners where like this disaster declaration really got to pay the individual coming out of that homeowner's insurance policy
Uh it works this way. Requires condition receiving loans for fally insured region. There's no controls insurance. What are you going to do about your partners? I can't do the deal with
it. It is what it is. is not set by us. Um there are a lot of regulations. It's uh the true community. We are we have since 1997. Um and we agree as part of community. We
agree that we will adopt and enforce flood plane regulations and that's the most important part of this. We have construction codes that are restricted to floodway development and that's the balance of we say you can't do the lane and that is that
mapping is part of the flood point use policies institutions You have to determine if you're mandatory finally my house 50 years. It's not our fault.
It's got no we have I know the governing body has no control over the map who's in this insurance don't not our fault. Um so we voluntar voluntarily participate
in NFP. Um it enables home to get back flood insurance ability to fight federal grants of loans and we joined in 1971. Um the requirements are that we have to adopt resolutions of our participations which are more restrictive instruction
on what's what's more restrictive what's not. That's a pres. Um so we have statuto authority to regulate and enforce flood flood plane regulations. That's a big part of it. We permits we ensure compliance. Uh we
maintain records of floodwood development and uh the assistant flood map revision process which is a different app within the map change that just occurred. I'll get into that in a couple of uh future slides. And we can also help, you know, give res information on flood hazards, flood map
data, and flood insurance information and proper construction method. So there's a fine balance there, what you can and can't do that keeps us in. So this flood insurance rate, this is the township information page on the website. This
this bar right here, everybody says I'm right here. Property search. Click that. Type in your address, which I think is coming up. Yeah. So this is the overview of the entire town. The pinkish gold and gray is what we're
concerned with that reported by flood zones on both sides east and west north and south were clear. So you go further um gray the map has three colors gray gold. Gray is gray is area minimal flood
hazard as they call it. And that so in plain English the area middle flood hazard is you're not in flood zone. Can't say it's not flood zone because anywhere can flood and you can't say it'll never flood because never time but means you're not flood zone. Um flood
insurance is not required to obtain a mortgage. The gold zone is the X500 zone. That's all represented by gold on our map. X500 500 year flood plane. Here's the gold gives a 2% chance of an annual flood
according to FEMA. Again, these stats numbers are the base flood elevation. This all comes from FEMA. It's an engineering food scientist. Um, none of none of these elevations are set by us. Flood insurance may be required to obtain a mortgage. Used to be I would say FIP community 500 those insurance
was not required, but we're starting to hear a couple people saying my mortgage company saying I need it. Again, we can't tell you yes or no. We're going to say they might, they might not. Pay zones are the what you think of as the flood zone. In plain English, pay zone is a flood zone. It's known as the
100year flood zone. The pink on our map. They have a 1% chance of an annual flood. And generally flood insurance is going to be required to get a mortgage. We have two A zones, an AE and an AH. The AE is what you think of down at the
river village area. um master roers are a zone where there's elevations is an area for more detailed study. Um the AA zones is an area west of us right now. Um a bunch of streets are there forest cry and some Jacksonville Parkway
are a flood zone but they are actually flood plane and something called pond where usually heavy rain would be river flooding where those appear to be flooded by the river. This is more ponding and puddling from the depth of 1 to 3 ft but the elevations are such that
there's 100 flood insurance generally going to be required. So like I said a z to the east of one river page uh to the west along with several digits of all areas and the flood way versus flood plane. The flood plane is like most of the village is a
flood plane. No floodway that take carry here. Flood way is designated harm with the uh the splash park. The flood way right here stream channel and portion of the flood plane that must remain open to permit the passage of base flood. It's a swift flood area. So development is even
more restricted in the flood way. Now of course we built there built there for years into the 60s7s 80s but more restricted now. So if you were to try building your house in a foot way, there's no more coverage. You can't do additions that change your footprint. Um even the elevation project you do that
no footprint changes are allowed. Nothing's going to cause any rise on the flood elevation. So that's the difference there. Flood plane and flood way. Um when the map and the ground disagree, there are map revision. These are the calls I'm getting. Now we had a map change 2 months ago in August and
people are saying I'm happy in the flood zone 30 years. I've never had flood never had water. Why is he saying why are you saying the pleas from a homeowner and we This is Arizona letter of map amendment and what that does is say what you have to do there's
catch you got to get survey done get elevation which cost a decent $700 you know they look at say how many say yeah you're going to map you out so there's a catch you can't say I want to close that's not easy but you might get
out and then you have to rearch there are other letters of vision based on philision I know from the community disagree with somebody and say no that's not that's not right we want that area mapped out and again it's up to people they they got to decide we need to appeal to it or appeal to them to change
it but it's not so that's uh that's how the map revision works there is some recourse for home owners that map this map we just had so this map modernization I guess I don't know if I'm right to say 2017 FEMA changed our map which is several years
after the last big flood and they you know the idea is for a good and keep it much more accurate and uh after your flood in terms of these things community problem was there. Um we've been providing information on areas that were prone to development or areas that were
known flooding problems and by 2017 we were all experts with the previous 15 years or so we had a rough stress with a lot of floods. So our new map on 17 we disagreed with certain things and then the new map on 23 because we appealed
one did make some changes. So you can see here we've had 19 25 and that's what people call some people not happy but for the most part couple houses at least came out of the foot so that people put in 17
to the community system this is a thing we've taken part been a part since 2011 and it's signed by NFP and it encoura programs above and beyond NFP and there's a lot of public information a lot of public outreach stuff I'm doing right you know, uh the mapping stuff,
teaching people how to use the maps, flood damage reduction activities, STPW, in this town, you know, drainage clearing, storm water management, uh flood preparedness activities is is even drills, fire department training. There's a whole whole source of stuff there. Um but the CR activities result
in better flood protection, but most importantly, low insurance, lower insurance premiums. We have a rating of five, which equals a 20% discount on insurance premiums if you have policy. We joined CRS in October 1st 11 about a month after Hurricane Irene which was our first one to date and that was that
was the last one or about the last one of a stretch where we had a real rough stretch from 99 to 11 of about 10 plus um and here I just uh screenshotted a decorations made community is a discount 472 bucks so being a part of the community rating system and keeping a
good number is truly uh one benefit every member who lives in the I mean I mean you're learning right to give give real savings and and do what you can beyond that you know there is only so much you can do at some point we can help but down there there are times that
can be done about it but we're trying to save money and try to make it here this year business Thank thank you very much. I haven't learned a bunch of stuff today. So, um,
thank you. Um, and I just want to mention that, you know, we as for Township, we are we do take the flooding seriously and all this stuff seriously and this is one of the things that happens behind the scenes that most people don't know about until there's a problem. So, thank you Mr. Brewer and
Mr. Nelson 59 years since 1979 part of the 84 kids part of the 2011 as an adult and I didn't know we did all this other thought I don't know anything more we could be doing that or not so so thank you thank you um any comments from council
>> no thank you Kevin it was actually really good presentation it was a very goodation very mayor and members of council and the public if I could just take a moment to thank as he noted he was a police captain and a police officer for 25 years in town and he just shared his personal experience dealing
with things. Jennifer McCullik was the township's first first flood resilience officer. See if I can get that out. Um Jen Jennifer did a great job. Um had an opportunity to move on and I was genuinely terrified of what we were going to do and then an opportunity to present itself and Kevin expressed
interest in the job. We said, "Hey, this might work." Uh based upon his personal experience and also acquiring the credential of a certified flood plane manager, which requires taking a federal exam to to get the credential. Um, I just want to compliment you and say you've done a phenomenal job in 18 months. It was 6 months of drinking out
of a fire hose and from from then on I think we we found >> Yeah. So I I appreciate everything you do on a day in and dayout basis and you're an asset to the community. >> Thank you. Well, thank you. >> Okay, we are done with the presentations. Moving on. We're going to do reports from volunteers. These are
volunteers that serve on the on committees um and and boards for the town. So, is this time are there any reports or committees or comments from any of the volunteers serving our community? Seeing none, we're going to move on to the public comments. Oh, I'm sorry.
Never mind. >> Sorry. Thank you. Thank you. Um we'll move on with the agenda, the public comment. The next item on the agenda is public comments. 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 during the comment period. However, the purpose of this is to allow public comment and 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 three minutes. Please, if anyone wishes to address the council, please wait to be recognized and come to the microphone and provide your name for the record. I just would like to make one comment starting off. Contrary to stuff that's been online, the council has not
signed anything. Okay? So, I you're welcome to comment. You're welcome to talk, but nothing has been finalized. I just want to put that out there. Okay. Um I know there's stuff out there. Um I've heard about it. I'm not on the Facebook thing, so I really don't follow that stuff, but I'm just just wanted to
say that. So, who's up first? Yes. So, come on up. >> Sorry. I beg I beg your indulgence. Um I Good evening, Bob. Um anyway, I'm I came here to talk about the the
public safety issue, the the milling and paving operation in front of PB School. Um, first I want to thank Adam for um, whatever he said to get to go from being just a cluster to just being a small
fire. Um, I I called the county, but I assume whatever you said worked because they changed something. So, thank you for that. Um, some of you know I have some experience in this area. I've been doing it for 20
something years. Um, what I saw out there was insane. Having our in intermediate or middle school kids having to walk through an ongoing milling and paving operation is insane.
They literally know the word for it. I talked to our local police. They thought it was insane. Okay. The fact that our local police were involved means that somebody in the town signed off on it. I understand it's a Morris County project, but somebody in the town signed off to
allow our local police to do it, which means we tacidly approved it. Okay. Um I don't know if you guys have been out there when school starts, but we have kids walking side by side. We have kids
running next to them on bicycles. We have kids riding electric tutors all the time. Okay. I've seen some people say it's no big deal. Trust me, it's a big deal. I one of my one of my workers got hurt because the asphalt
wasn't secure properly on a truck and it landed on his shoulder. Okay, that hurts. If you're a 12-y old kid, it's going to hurt a lot. You know, the the t coat sometimes that bursts out because it gets clogged.
that comes out 250 260°. Um, what I ask, okay, is that I don't know what your protocols are, but if you are using and assigned local police, I ask that a
somebody reviewed plans so that they local police know they're supposed to be watching. And B, and this is what scared me most, those police were afraid to get involved in it. I don't know why. Our our local police are wonderful. But they didn't want to get involved in
it. All they did is they all shook their they shook their head. They said, "I don't believe this." But and so, um, you know, I understand so many people think I'm a pot, whatever the case may be, and I am, but this involves my kids. It's a
legitimate concern, and we get it. So, I'll ask Adam for just for an update when when, you know, and they hope they're done. >> Yeah. The problem is the problem is that North County also controls a boulevard which also has three elementary schools
on it which makes it double the danger. Okay. So I'll ask Adam for we're done. But thank thank you for voicing that. Um public comment. Yes. Come on up. Mr. Rich, if I may call you that.
>> Of course. Just the fact that you said mister makes me feel good. Um, I'll be as quick as I can. Appreciate the time to speak. It was nice to see the police officer uh awards. Uh, we have a great town and I hope that we can maintain it
and protect it going forward. Um, I thought it was interesting that the flood resilience officer uh was up during that presentation. You know, I'm here to talk about 60 sunset. I'm hoping that he is aware of the water issues, the retention bases, and the impervious
coverage overages that are proposed in that field. Uh that said, you guys know me. I know that your job on the town council isn't easy. Sometimes it's a thankless position to be in, but please be assured that the good work that you do is appreciated. That said, I'd like
to speak to the council meeting of September 9th, 2025 when I shared with you the conference call that took place on September 8th, the day before with the attorneys representing both and learning center concerning against the
town. You claim that you are aware of the itself and especially the route that the insurance company attorney Eric Harrison took defense of the suit lack of defense. Once again
people are turning indicator to anticipate a quick set of quant suggested that the county could be adjusted to satisfy the bill to smooth the road forc
at the town council meeting prior to the September 9th meeting. The public was assured by the council Mr. intent was to fight the lawsuit and defend his own the insurance company attorney was on board with that strategy. When I spoke to these troubling things from the
judges and attorney at the council meeting I was glad I did since you didn't seem to be aware of the course our attorney took. Then in hindsight having time to think about it I became concerned about the council's lack of awareness. There are two possibilities I
can see on your side about this. I mean to be totally respectful here about the insurance company after the people requested outside council that he re down so quickly and
pretty much in my opinion testify more for the plaintiff than for that's the case to lack of coordination communication between the council and our attorney and competence and lack of concern and time invested on your as
well was concerned for the quantics residents. The second possibility is that you were aware that the strategy was to set up quickly which I don't think I hope and adise the attorney to do just that. If that's the case, then that's a betrayal to the people you need
after advising that you defend his own visit vigorously only 2 weeks before. I don't mean to be confrontational possibility certainly in this. It's also a disservice to the residents who have spent so much time, effort, and money on
this issue simply to preserve the integrity of our master. It's not about religion or who you are. It's about does it fit here. I encourage the council to reevaluate your personal lawsuit. I understand nothing has been
settled for what has been done so far on that is quite damaging and I encourage you to take the time to know what's really going on. As I said before, just reading those papers can't get it from you deserve that as
citizens. It's your job. Now it's your turn. I understand is the basis of the suit. I understand the fiscal implications to maintain integrity of our town in my opinion is unfair
to protect those general discrimination is worth it. I'm pretty sure the client can afford a real defense here. Don't let the dollar ru your decision by the government by getting into this in the short term across the town so
much more in the long run. Should you decide to throw the tow so quickly? I think that the need for outside council is clear. I'm just about done. Two quick words against the municipality. It's common
for the township's insurance carrier to assign legal counsel to defend the case. Whether this satisfied the satisfies the carrier's obligations under the insurance contract, the interest of the insurance company and the governing body will not always. I think we've seen that
insurance council is primarily tasked with minimizing military payout. The council must consider impact such as long-term zoning authority and master plan integrity future risk such as
for policy decisions that affects not just the clone. There's several examples of towns have gone from the insurance company council to their own independent council. I'm not going to
leave you. There's a lot of numbers, but I will leave a copy with you if I can. Sure. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. Anybody else? Yes. Come on. Good evening. Thank you for this time to speak tonight. Lorine Robertson on West
End Avenue, Palm Plains. Um I wanted to bring to the attention of the council procedural defects and an improper joiner in this case. Uh the matter is not a religious discrimination case. It is a defective zoning appeal filed in
the wrong format also combining wrong defendants with no substantial burden on religious exercise. Under rule 40 col 69 bread versus the burrow of New Mford 68 New Jersey 576
I'll leave all this with you combining the council the planning board and the zoning board in one complaint is a fatal jurisdictional flaw requiring dismissal properties LLC versus Bethlehem Township
the planning board and I'll leave this case to the court reaffirmed that an improper joiner of municipal bodies avoids the action entirely. Each tribunal's decision must stand or fall in its own record and findings.
There can be no collective appeal um for a desperate municipal act. The consequence is clear for the Quanic and this is also clear for setting ordinances uh throughout the state of New Jersey as well as nationally because
this is a highly focused case. Um, when the suit is structured wrong, the proper remedy is dismissal, not negotiation or a settlement. A settlement cannot cure a complaint that failed to meet jurisdictional requirements. Um, reading
through um the zoning board um resolution, they hit on every single topic on why this case should be uh declined or denied to the applicant. So I am asking council to move to dismiss
the complaint with prejudice for procedural and jurisdictional defects, decline settlement terms and override that override our ordinance and grant relief that are not obtainable and a properly filed action and reaffirm
that the public inquiry and the lawful enforcement are not misconduct for duty. Please stand firm on the integrity and the laws that are given to us. Thank you. >> Thank you. Rich, you should have said it, but I'll
ask Bob to just update us where we are with whatever comments, you know, that happened in the meeting. So, um, yes, PAUL. Good evening. Paul Mailor, Township President. I'd like to begin by reading
uh from the uh applicant's website. It reads as follows. One school global is an independent network of schools attended by families of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. While originally established by members of the church and underpinned by a Christian
ethos, the school is not a religious institution and is not owned or operated by the church. I have a screenshot of that if you'd like, but please take that uh into consideration. Also, when you go into executive session
to consider the 60 sunset application, please keep these four words in mind, positive and negative criteria. Through countless hours of testimony, the 60 sunset applicant made just one significant claim, namely that they
intend to build a school and that a school is legally deemed to be inherently beneficial to society. That is the basis for their claim that they satisfy the New Jersey Supreme Court Coventry and SECA standards. So for argument's sake, let's give them that
one. and let's even give them the positive benefit of providing new sidewalks and landscaping and ADA compliant parking spaces. However, Coventry and SECA both require that the applicant also satisfy negative criteria
caused by their overly aggressive plan, including applicants claim they were unable to satisfy the minimal lot requirement because the site is surrounded by existing single family residences. In other words, they couldn't add to the
size of the site because houses were already there. Obviously, that situation existed when they purchased the property without contingencies. And wouldn't logic dictate that that they look elsewhere for a larger lot.
At least four proposed variances prove a detrimental effect to the existing zone. A 20.4% 4% bulk variance, a 12% imperous service variance, a 21% parking variance, and a 20% front yard fence
variance. In addition, the applicant's planner misrepresented the imper imperous surface variance, writing as in his report that quote the additional 4% of imperous surface is not a substantial deviation.
What he said 4% variation, it's 4 percentage points. It's a 12 percentage variation. The applicant claimed that a 5-ft fence along the entire frontage was a better alternative to prevent anybody from falling into the retention basin when
the standard is only to have fencing around a basin. Construction of a 5ft 5-ft fence along the entire frontage is entirely unnecessary for that purpose. The applicant claimed that fencing around their entire property was
required because of their quote prototypical safety and security standards end quote. Take a cursory look at their website shows several of their other properties in the United States that have no need for such compoundike
fencing. Why in Puquanic? What makes Pquanic so dangerous? The applicant presented architectural renderings showing a modern-looking building completely out of character for the township. So in summary, the applicant one misrepresented their bulk
imperous surface and fencing variances or the need for them. two, ignored the Pquonic master plan requirement to build within the character of the neighborhood, and three, demanded bulk impervious surface parking and front yard variances, all completely
detrimental to the existing zone. So, please keep positive and negative criteria in mind, and hire independent council to challenge their faulty and misrepresented claims. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Patty D. Stand.
Um, I want to speak to you today about the importance of fiscal stewardship and legal integrity. Uh, I do have a handout that I'll give everybody a copy of. Um, and I do hope that you look at uh the
laws and the case summaries that I'm going to give you and you use that when you go in your executive sessions and you make your decisions on how you're going to move forward. The case I'm referencing is properties LLC versus
Bethlehem Township. There are some clear reasons why we should case to the case that could do the following. It could encourage other institutions to passing
channels. It could increase exposure for the jo insurance fund. It could erode public trust in the township zoning board's decisions.
It could tax resources by human valid claims. Therefore, I encourage every one of you to please vote to vigorously defend our
township zones decisions because the facts 100% prove that the zoning board of follow zone Anybody else? Yes. Come on up.
Sure. Hello. Sandy Lort. Theic zoning board's decision to deny the school variance is legally defensible and stands on the clear neutral ground of public safety and traffic concerns. The defense against RIPA lawsuit centers
centers on proving that the denial was the least restrict restrictive means is the the terminology of addressing a quote unquote compelling governmental interest. So the documented track traffic hazards at that specific
unsuitable residential location also right on the way to Chilton Hospital and down the road from our high school. Claims of unequal treatment are false because the code treats all schools. Non-public, public, religious, all our
code treats them all equally and large variances granted to the homeowners for things such as decks and pools are legally incomparable to the high safety standards required for a major institutional school use. We have to be
more careful with the children. The township must stand in firm to protect the integrity of its master plan and the safety of the residents. This case affects the entire township, not just one parcel. If an applicant can secure through settlement what he could not
obtain through the zoning board or planning board, our ordinances lose authority and the public process loses meaning. As held in ML Plainsboro um versus Plains Bower Township zoning board, all the numbers are there. You'll
have that an applicant must exhaust local remedies before seeking court review. By filing prematurely and including multiple bodies in one case, the plaintiff bypass statutory processes under NJSA 4055D7
through18 which clearly separate local board jurisdiction. Shortcut through litigation are invalid as a matter of law. The right course is to uphold our ordinances, not to amend them through negotiation. Accordingly, I ask that
this council to direct council to move to dei dismiss the complaint with prejudice for procedural and jurisdictional defects. Number two, to decline any settlement terms that override our ordinances or grant relief
not obtainable in a properly filed fashion. And number three, to reaffirm that public inquiry and lawful enforcement of our codes and ordinances are not misconduct, but they are duty. Please stand firm on integrity and the
law. And I highly again um I ask you to please get independent counsel um a specific land use person who can look at this case or do some of the filings that we're talking about that has our town's
best interest rather than the insurance company's pocketbook. Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> I DIDN'T CALL ON YOU YET. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> SORRY, I WAS JUST making up.
>> Oh, sorry, Mr. Mayor. Um, I'm Jean Spain and uh I'm a proud resident of this town and I live right at 18 Cooper Road where we always have very good coffee on on uh public trust depends on transparency
and adherence to process. As observed right here uh in our town council meeting, the applicant Pascac Valley Learning Center uh entered an application of learning center school
and only later recast the themselves as a religious uh entity to seek different legal leverage. Uh we've talked about it before, Paul Mailer did. uh almost all of us have talked on that.
Uh that flip-flop is precisely why uh the law legal case of Bernetti v Fone warns against combining unrelated words and actions into a single lawsuit. It's legally deficient. citizens u and
if I can move into this citizens who investigated the inconsistencies of this applications were exercising civic duty which is a sacred right for us as American citizens to do. We were
not engaging in misconduct as per that pre-trial con uh conversation was implying which by the way I take great umbrage to the proper forum for resolving factual questions is in the
zoning board the members of whom have done an excellent job making sure that our township's zoning laws which are longstanding have been followed and through the zoning board's hearings and testimony, not through negotiated
settlements behind closed doors by third party uh third party insurance uh attorneys. The quantics ordinances exist for a good reason and they may and they must be
defended publicly on the record with integrity. Accordingly, I ask this council to one direct council to move to dismiss the complaint with prejudice, which is a legal term, for procedural and
jurisdictional defects. To decline any settlement terms that override or ordinances, which are longstanding or grant relief not obtainable in a properly filed action. And third, to reaffirm
uh that public integrity and lawful enforcement are not mis uh misconduct but duty. Please stand firm uh on integrity and our law. Thank you. Thank you.
I have seven copies of this. I'd like to give the car. Anybody else for public comment? Oh, come on up. Hi, I'm Sue Lada, 6 Franklin AB in Pumpton Plains. Um, I'm here tonight to support the zoning board's of
adjustments resolution to deny the conditional use variances for the Pascat Valley Learning Center and to encourage the township to stand firm in defending this decision. The township's defense against the Raulupa lawsuit is strong. It's legal. It's focused on neutral
public safety standards. The core facts are clear and the first one that's really important is the um the traffic safety. Um I grew up on Vanson Place and Sanders and went to all the schools and walked my whole life growing up and I
can't even imagine the proposed build. Um the denial was rooted among other health, storm water and safety issues in the unresolvable traffic hazards, inadequate sight circulation and public safety threats posed by this intense
institutional use on a small residential lot. This is a documented compelling governmental interest that courts recognize the traffic safety. Um and number two is the exclusive use distinction. We must look at the facts of the use itself as presented on the
record. The applicant's own testimony stated that the school is exclusive accepting no students from the broader community and that it does not teach religion as part of its curriculum. And then number three, applying the equal standards. This use is fundamentally
different from other religious schools in our town that serve the public interest. The zoning board was correct to apply the high legal bar of the special reasons Dv variance standard for a project that by its own admission under this standard will provide zero
community benefit while creating a significant safety detriment to the neighborhood. The township is not discriminating against a faith. It's defending public safety and its land use integrity against an impact use that is un unsuitable for this specific
residential site. We trust the town council will continue to stand behind the zoning board to protect the public health and safety of aquatronic residents. Thank you. Thanks for uh Rich Digos 9 Van Revenue. Um I'm not going to be as eloquent as the previous
speakers. I'm just getting up because I truly love this town. I truly love it. Uh resident for 20 years and I've been coaching at the lower levels and also high school level now for 19 years. Um the reasons why I'm so passionate about
this town is I mean obviously the locality of it close everything the resources we have and this town rises to the occasion when disasters happen. I was around helping people rehear their houses when they were flooded out. Just
this community comes together and the friends I've gained which some are here. We're all we all have different perspectives of things. We have open minds but we listen to each other. We don't always agree. We agree to disagree.
But the meetings that we went to at the high school, five or six meetings, I I can't recall where I got up and spoke and many other people spoke. When we would get together or text each other, none of us, and I'm talking dozens of
people, could see the benefit of the 60 sunset road proposal. Not one. It was brought up about inherent benefit, which I spoke at at the uh high school. And the examples I brought up are if AT&T were to come into our town,
the inherent benefit is if I want to go from Verizon to AT&T, that's allowed. An over 55 village comes in. Oh, I could help my mom move into that place. There's there's a little bit of competition. But when I got up and asked
during that situation if my child could attend the school, they can. So what is the inherent benefit for our town and to end it the coaching here at the high school now for eight yeah 8 years
that traffic in that area. You add that they took a survey at a time because they put the dates up there and it wasn't the time of a game. Maybe a practice but it wasn't the time of games
or even a football game. It gets nuts there during dur during those hours that they were proposing they would be leaving their area. So again, I love this town and I appreciate everything that you do for our town and it's it is a thankless job and I thank
you for that. Please stick to what I think the whole town wants. Thank you for your time very much. Thank you. Right. Can we do one more now and then there's a comment period later. We're beyond 30 minutes, but we'll get one more.
somebody. >> Hi, Mike. We're um I don't have a prepared speech. I just want to remind the town council and I know most of you are Bornic residents. We pay taxes here. Our taxes pay the insurance company. The insurance company is supposed to work
for the residents, not take fill their own pockets. So, please support the town. the town, all these residents here are saying, "Hey, we need to fight the Pascal lawsuit. We don't need the insurance company caving." I wasn't part of the September
8th call. Even though I was supposed to be notified on it, I never received a call on it. And it's really sad to hear an insurance company basically represent themselves as, "Hey, Baquonic was um they're they're not it's not a big deal." So, we need to get our own
counsel to hire. I'm an attorney myself. if I wouldn't I would hire someone to help me to do it. And I just want to remember remind the council we the insurance company works for us. We shouldn't care about their pockets.
Thank you. All right. So, all right. So, this comment here's closed. We'll have we'll have another one later. And I just want to speak for the rest of the council up here is we all love it. That's why we're up here. And you're welcome to come and talk at any time. you know, I'm just
saying you're welcome. It's this is this is this is your time to talk. So, but thank you for coming out. Um, Adam, can you just um address just Bob's comments about just the paving and the county and the stuff in front of PE? Yeah, I appreciate Mr. Morley's call. Um, I
didn't speak to it was ongoing. There were follow-up conversations and there are conversations that continue. Uh, there were definitely things that could have been done better. There was some intervention. Uh, may not be as much as we wanted at some points. But it did improve and learning experience for the next rows when they get done.
>> Yeah. So hopefully we can take that for forward if they're working in front of other schools. We were hoping to get that done before school started but that quite didn't work out. So but so just no we just >> I knew I knew this was going to be
sign by my house which was in >> No, I got it. We just All right. We can't we can't do this. All right. Bob, sorry, but just Bob, can you can you just address the 60 sunset um questions, comments? I'll try. There's a lot of
there's a lot of questions and comments and let's just start with where we're at today cuz there seems to be some just so just so we're clear. Some of the reason that there's it's not there's not clarity is because a lot of times when when you're in litigation things happen
quickly and a lot of times it's detrimental to a party's position to talk too much about what's going on and we have to we have to understand that as the mayor said there is no settlement of that case at this point. So wherever that came from that's inaccurate. Um we
do have on our agenda for close session tonight a discussion item on this on this subject. The reason for that is to update the council on the first first mediation session that we had. What happened, who was there, where the discussion went, and where it goes. It
is not to approve a settlement tonight. So, that is not on the table tonight. There's not even a a discussion of a settlement that will involve the council in a council decision. The council deals with ordinances and amending ordinances. If there was a proposed settlement that
involved an amendment to the ordinance, that would have to come to the council for council action. That's not there right now. So, as of this moment, there is nothing for the council to decide regarding this case. We are, as we said at the last meeting and as you learned when you listened in to where they were
at at the conference, which um which was open to the public and could have been open to anyone and which we will now be appraised of by the uh the attorney representing the township. He's going to be careful to tell us every every step so that we can listen in and
know what's going on. Um as a result of that we moved to medi a mediation a independent when we talk about having independent advice an independent mediator was retained for the purpose of seeing if there was some way to bridge the gap. We there's a variety of ways
that that could happen. The mediator's job is to see if there is a way. And there's good reason for that. First of all, you don't get through a federal case without at least exploring that. That's just the way the system works. In fact, it would be grossly irresponsible
for us for the council to stand up right at the beginning of a case and say we refuse to even discuss where this could go. There are all kinds of possibilities and we needed to understand what they are right now. None of those possibilities involve a council decision. So, the council will be making
no decision. And to the extent that that wasn't clear, we need to make that clear. Now, I'm not saying it won't happen in the future. there may not be some some room for discussion, but at this time there is not. So that is not what we'll be talking about in close session tonight. So just to be clear, um
the the township is a party, the board of adjustment is a party. I heard a lot of case citations and a lot of law, which is of course interesting to me to listen to and to and to hear out. Thank you. Makes my note a little more interesting. But um you know, I'm not
going to get into where they go. First of all, to some extent, I don't I don't know enough to even respond to some of it. I don't have the details yet. Um, but we will do our best to to keep everybody appraised as to what's going on while protecting the township's
ability to continue to defend this case. Remember, we go to mediation. We still have to remember mediation may not work. This matter may go to full litigation, and we always have to be sure we're not doing anything that could jeopardize our position. Nothing said tonight, by the way, I'm concerned, does that um I think
everyone has tried to make comments in a way, mayor, that I think is respectable, and if anybody listened to it objectively, they might disagree, which is fine, but I don't think anyone would say that this was this was some attempt to to do anything unto it with council.
So, I think the council appreciates hearing the public input, and again, we will do our best to uh to keep people appraised as best we can. But right now, there is no settlement. We're not discussing it tonight. That tonight, and that's not where we're at and that's what I have tonight. >> Oh, thank you very much. Okay. Um, any
comments from council on >> I just want to thank everybody who took the time to come out and let us know where they were at and all the work they've done and and just thank you for speaking up and being so courteous like Bob said and kind and >> just stating facts. >> Thank you.
>> Yeah. And I just want to say the same. I mean, the amount of time and effort that most of you have put in is just tremendous. So, thank you. >> Yeah, great. Ditto. Ditto and ditto. Ditto.
What they say? >> Gotcha. And I got to have these nuts cuz my sugar is low here. So, all right. Eat your nuts. Um, next on the agenda is managers report. Um, Mr. Thank you, Mayor. Uh
quick rundown to the things in my written report. I won't go into too much detail unless there are specific questions. Uh first, as I mentioned before, I appreciate Kevin's efforts. It was a good presentation and a nice update for the community. Um there's been discussion internally and externally regarding concerns over
ebikes and scooters. There's a growing problems can with issues we read in the papers of of fatal incidents and other significant challenges. um uh staff PD Mr. Oike and I met uh went over some drafts of some other communities, some
state statute, and there will be an ordinance scheduled for discussion at the meeting of the 28th for the council's input and if there's a direction to move forward with that or something like that, it would be in November. Uh with respect to the Green View pickle ball and tennis court membership fee,
we were done with that one. Um no, and it was identified. >> We are not done. It was identified that there is uh for green acres funded parkland meaning park land that was bought using greenacres dollars there's a limitation on the ratio between a
instate non-resident of the of of New Jersey versus a resident of township. The difference between the resident fee and the nonquanic township, New Jersey resident fee can only be doubled.
So, the existing ordinance is a $20 resident fee and $150 non-resident fee if the council decides to keep the resident fee at $20. The maximum nonmunicipal resident fee is $40. Uh, the ordinance is correct. There's a typo in my memo as I was writing that
multiply in my head. Uh, but in the ordinance it is correct. So, there's an ordinance scheduled for the council's consideration for induction correcting that. Um, if there's any other changes, obviously the council's free to make it whatever they want provided that ratio is maintained. >> I'm just curious, can I ask you um was
it just a resident that found this green acres rule? Like, how did we come about not knowing about it and then finding it? >> I I was notified that the concern was raised by staff in the parks department. My understanding is they spoke with residents as well as some folks in
Lincoln Park and it was verified to be accurate and here we are. Okay. Um last meeting we had a lot of discussion regarding solid waste utility rates and the challenges with the solid waste uh bids or bid I really should say that were submitted for the collection
disposal of solid waste and the collection the disposal cycling. Um direction was given for each study was uh finalized and the council has for it consideration uh the contract to award the solid waste collection contract, the contract to award the recycling
collection contract and the ordinance to affect the necessary rate to support those awards which would become effective on January 41st of 2026. Uh as the council discussed and just in quick summary, the reduction of the
level of service to once a week solid waste collection and alternating weeks recycling collection would have resulted in a $50 per quarter increase. So the reduction in in service would have had to happen. Uh to maintain the same level of service, it's a $70 per quarter increase. So as the council
directed, I've drafted up a statement. When this all becomes effective, put on the website. I don't like my draft thus far. are working on it, but it'll be ready to go uh once we once we adopt it. Um essentially the value for that $20 per quarter was perceived to exist with maintaining the current levels of service.
>> With with regard to that, the first time we went out to bid, we had two bids. >> Correct. >> And then somebody's bid didn't come in rate. Why did we cancel and go out? >> So, there was a fatal flaw in the low bid the first time. So, it would have precluded the council's ability to make the award. Um, had the council awarded
it, would it have been challenged by the the second bidder? >> Gotcha. And then >> so the decision was made, correct? So the decision was made to uh we were compelled legally not to be able to award to the low bid and the next bidder, the second bidder, which is the incumbent service provider, we rejected
because it was just high beyond what was contemplated in the budget. We did this all the time, went back out to bid and we received one bid the second time around from the company. >> I guess we did reach out to the guy and said, "How are they? was saying that he he he took out the package, never
returned it. That's what it was said last. >> Yeah, he he we communicated with him. We communicated with his council and made sure they were the presence of the new bid was was known and it was collected and not surprised cuz he even came here.
>> Y was here the first time. >> Yeah, very interesting. Can I ask you a quick question about the garbage contract? Sure. Um, I read somewhere in here, I'm trying to find it again, that I know there's a a senior discount. That's only about $40 per year.
So, being that it had gone up so much, how do they apply that? Is it a percentage of the total? Is it just 40? Is like >> I believe the 40 carried forward. >> So, there's no change because it had not much. If the council wants to increase that, if it's not a significant
increase, I don't think it would. That's something that of course the council always has the right to do it. But it could if it's a consequential increase, I want to have it reviewed with the finance staff because it could change what the rates have to be. >> So, okay.
>> Because if you take away from one and the rates are necessary to support the contracts, you have to add another, >> right? Yeah. I'm just, you know, $40 to senior household and going up the amount it is doesn't make sense to me. I'd like to see, you know, but it's something we'd have to talk. But if it goes from the left side of the balance, it's got
to go to the right. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um and then, uh with respect to the road reservicing program, there's a resolution scheduled for the council's consideration. Uh phase one was previously awarded in May. Um contractor forgot about us regardless of emails and
jumping up and down, yelling. Um so we the contractors now be more attentive and uh with the second phase which was contemplated when we awarded the first phase this would expand the contract by $100,000 to add in the library parking lot as well as the uh PV
park swim lane carbon road parking area uh basketball courts which were originally contemplated for 2025 behind the municipal building. As with anything when you have dedicated staff, we were going to resurface that or we were going to put new stations in for
council members. The original conversation was put the stations in. Then we needed new services and it was looked at and there's some significant gaps in in the service. So we that was awarded and we move forward with that. We went out started getting into the nitty-gritty. The the courts are not
regulation sized. There's lighting issues. There's a light that's in the middle of a parking space. So the staff said we really need to do this right. Um so being that there's no sense of urgency, it's not a safety risk. Um it's
going to be pushed off to 2026 so we can redesign it and make it right forever moving forward. We all remember when the standins that are there were put in. They're not the right stensions. We talked about it regularly since we want to make sure what we do is the right thing for now and for the next uh long term. Do it once. So, is it the same
contractor for all phase one and phase two? Maybe. >> Yes. Through the Mars County Cooperative Pro. >> Is it going to come now? >> Don't forget about it. >> All right. I've seen positive communication. >> Okay. >> That's always a plus. >> Yes. Uh and then lastly, we have the
annual tradition, as I like to refer to it, of the best practices inventory as a discussion item. Uh this is something that was initiated, I think, in 2008 by the Department of Community Affairs where there's a lot of questions asked. the municipalities to see whether we do things that are consistent with best practice. Do we adopt the budget in the
right way? Do we submit what's needed to be submitted to the public employee relations council? Um so we needed a minimum score of 32 to not have any of our state aid retained and we have a score of 42. So we significantly exceeded that. Um it's on for discussion. That's basically the
discussion points. Um but that that uh that is again a positive outcome and a good indicator of our operations. Unless there's any questions that's >> I agree. Yeah, I like that. That's a good question. Any comments from council? >> No, thank you. >> All right. Yeah, I'm just glad to and in
a way to get this garbage and recycling thing over. I know the numbers are going up, but we felt it more important to keep the same level of service instead of trying to cut it back is the difference wasn't wasn't really worth it. >> Yeah. The difference in going up, it's not only going up $40. It's going up
quite a bit more than that. It would have been $50 if we reduced it or $70 if you kept it the same. So, >> um and and then mayor and council, I have one more item that is not in my written report, but came to my attention. >> The post office is not what the post
office used to be. >> So, we mailed we mailed the water and sewer utility bills on the 23rd of September. Uh it's come to our attention that the overwhelming majority of residents still have not received them. the period to pay that bill, which may
have not yet been received uh without interest, concludes on the 20th of October. Uh in a similar situation in 2022, the council saw fit to authorize an extension of that grace period. Um I don't have a paper resolution. If the
council's amendable to extending that to November 15th, I think it would be helpful for those that have not yet uh received the bill. >> I got mine Friday. >> I would agree. >> I agree. I agree. I got mine today. I got it today. >> Um, a recommendation would be that there be a motion in a second with a roll
call. Can I make a motion? >> I'll second >> to extend the uh grace period for the payment of the water and sewer utility bill to November 15th. Okay. Right. Miss Mark, can you do a roll call, please? >> Sure. >> Mrs. Florence Lynch? >> Yes. >> Mr. Cole? >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Russell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Syracus? >> Yes. >> Mayor Tracy? >> Yes. Absolutely. Thank you. All right. Any other comments or on the manager's report? Next on the agenda is public hearing on ordinance number 2025-13.
Miss Marsh almost here. Ordinance number 202513 is an ordinance amending chapter 5 of the code of the township of aquanic and revising the eligibility requirements for membership in the township fire department. >> There any comments from council?
>> No, I think it's great that we're doing that. Yeah, this is you want to just say this is basically to allow township employees to join the fire department. There there was previously restriction that you had to be a resident of the municipality to join the fire department but not to be a member. You could leave. Uh this expands the eligibility to those
within 5 milesi of the border continuous municipalities and who work in town. There are already five interested parties once this is adopted who will be submitting their interest for membership which will dramatically increases our jail time response. So that's that's why we're doing that. Is there a motion to open up to the public public hearing?
>> I'll make that motion. Second. >> Second. All right. All in favor? >> Um, if anyone audience has any questions or comments on this ordinance, please come to the microphone and identify yourself for the record. Seeing none, is there a motion to close the public hearing? >> I'll make
>> I'll make a motion. Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Is there a motion to adopt this ordinance? >> I'll make a motion to adopt ordinance number 2025-13. I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Florence Flinch, >> yes. >> Mr. Cole, >> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes.
>> Mr. Syracus, >> yes. Mayor Tracy, >> yes. >> Next on the agenda is introduction of ordinances. Miss Marsh. >> Ordinance number 202514 is an ordinance amending chapters 152 and 237 of the code of the township of Aquanic and
establishing membership fees and rules for pickle ball and tennis court use. >> Uh, Mr. Bill, are any more comments? None unless there's any questions. All right. So, this is basically residents are $20, non-residents are $40. The rest of the rate. Um, any comments from council? >> No, it's a shame. We couldn't get more
from the >> Yeah, I agree. >> non-residents, but it is what it is. >> So, is there a motion to introduce this ordinance on first reading? I'll make that motion. >> Committee will make the motion to >> Mrs. Lynch. Yes. Mr. Cole,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, yes. >> Mr. Syracus, >> yes. Mayor Tracy. >> Yes. >> Next on the agenda is introduction of ordinance number 2025-15. Miss Marsh, >> ordinance number 202515 is an ordinance
to amend chapter amend chapter 124 entitled solid waste utility of the code of the township of aquatic. >> H Mr. Brewer, any comments? >> Uh nothing further like you said, Mr. Okay. Comments from council. >> No, we sorry we didn't have any other choices.
>> Yeah. Sorry. challenge. >> We got one bit. >> Yeah, we're not going to control this. >> So, is there a motion to introduce this ordinance on first reading? >> I'll make a motion to introduce ordinance number 2025-15. >> Second. Roll call, please.
>> Mrs. Lynch, >> yes. Mr. Cole, >> yes. We've gotten one bid for the last 15 years. >> Terrible. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes. >> Mr. Syracus, >> yes. >> Mayor Dre, >> yes. >> All right. Do you need a break? Are you
ready to go? Carol, >> I'm fine. >> Uh, next on the agenda is resolutions. Miss Marsh, >> I'll only stumble a little. Okay. Beginning with resolution R2025191 awarding a 5-year contract for solid waste collection services to Gator
Recycling of Patterson, New Jersey for the contract amount of $4,356,000 in accordance with the bid specifications. 192 awarding a 5-year contract for recycling collection services to Getan of Patterson, New Jersey for the
contract amount of 4,50 $40,58,500 in accordance with the bid specifications 193 authorizing the discretionary award of a contract for the removal and installation of new siding at the fire safety or Henning house to LA Design and
Construction in the amount of $21,998. 194 amending R2025122 authorizing Tilcon New York Incorporated under the use of the Mars County Cooperative Pricing Council for the annual road reservicing improvements projects in the amount of $170,000
to add an additional amount of $100,000 for a total authorization of $270,000. R20251 195 authorizing the adoption of the 2025 Morris County, New Jersey hazard mitigation plan update 196 authorizing tax office refunds overp
payments or can cancellations and R 2025197 approving payment of the itemized claims is set forth on the October 9th 2025 bill list and FEMA elevation escro list. >> Thank you. Thank you. Any comments on the resolutions from council? All right.
I just have one on uh 2025-193. Um I know when we bought that house, we weren't sure what we were going to use it for and then we decided, okay, let's use it for the fire safety office and I know Kevin Nelson is there as well. We
knew we were going to have to do work to it. Just curious like was it a good purchase? Like is it did that I mean how many people money pet how many people are in that on a daily basis? I was just curious. >> So the the Yes, there the office of emergency management is now headquartered there. Uh the flood
resilience officer is there and the fire prevention bureau is there. So there are always people in it. >> Um sometimes seven days a week. As far as was it a good purchase or not? I'm not touching that one. >> No, but we bought it and it's love. So >> it's being given love.
>> Did this Did this go up to bid or >> course? Yes, it did. >> Why did it two? There's two bids in the our pack here. Yeah, I saw that. But there was just two. But we needed this space as well. So, we're utilizing it. So, >> it's it's being utilized and bad purchase.
>> It's got lots of love. >> Oh, can't go back. So, we just got I just was curious. Thank you. >> If I remember correctly, the fire official was in a closet. >> Yeah. >> DPW. >> Yeah, we do. >> We needed it. >> Well, we needed more room. Yeah. Do we
need that? Maybe not. But we needed more room. So, that's that's that that was my house to the town. I'm calling Barbara Bud. >> There you go. All right. Any more comments? You good? Good. All right. Is there a motion to adopt these resolutions? >> I'll make the motion to adopt resolution R2025-191
through R2025-197. >> Roll call, please. >> I'm sorry. >> Mrs. Lawrence Lynch. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cole, >> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes. Mr. Syracus, >> yes. Mr. Dre, >> yes. >> Next item on the agenda is items for discussion. This is the 2025 best
practices checklist. This is the one we got a 42 on. This is the one we got a 42 32. Um the state requires it be identified on an agenda. We've done that. Um people are welcome to read through the thing uh in its entirety to give the council and the public a couple of examples of things we couldn't say
yes to that were not a positive answer. Uh there were two questions related to do we have bonding beyond what is required for certain positions which I think is fascinating from the state of New Jersey because if you want something more require more but if you ask if I
have more than is required the the answer is no I have what's required which is seven figure bonding so it's it's an interesting inventory in that regard there are a number of unscored surveys what that does is they're looking to glean information about operations lead paint inspection was a big one uh that got to the
implementation of Lowe's laws So it's it's a way for them to gather statistics once the legislation is put in place. Uh the other one that we say no to on a regular basis is or two of them rather. Uh one we don't have a local ethics board. We rely on the local finance board in that capacity which is permissible and and very common in the
state of New Jersey. And we don't have an electric charging station on public property. Uh and the challenge with that is it's not that we're anti-electric charging station. We've just never really identified a spot where it would make a lot of sense. Uh most would think it would be great in front of the municipal building, but if you don't
know that's not ours, >> right? >> So stashing one over the corner of PV park, I don't know what the benefit of that would be. So it's not that we're not open to it. We just don't we have one and that causes us Those are examples of things where the heading house >> wait till
we have more plans. >> Oh my gosh. >> All right, that's all I have on that unless there's any further questions. Any other questions from council >> on best practices? No. >> No. Thank you. Good job. >> Staff. Yes. Good job. Yes. Thank you.
Thank you. All right. There are no reports and notices. The next item on the agenda is council reports and announcements. Councilwoman Florence Lynch. >> Okay. I'll just start with some of the committee stuff on the town economic development committee. I believe they're working with the town manager and DPW to
see about purchasing wreath decorations for the turnpike. Is that still an ongoing project? >> Yes, they're going to purchase a rethreourse. >> Okay. And then they're going to purchase one, but then who's going to purchase the rest? >> Not in the budget from my perspective. >> I just wondered if those discussions
have >> No, I I I'm not aware of what their plan would. >> Okay. Cuz I know there was they were working on that. Um this past Saturday, the senior citizen advisory committee ran a bus trip to the Hunter Playhouse.
There were about 45 people who went on the trip. They um to Hunter and saw an Elton John and Billy Joel tribute concert. They all had a great time. Uh the weather held out. So, thank you for everyone that put that together. Um the
Pathway to History tour, oh, and also the senior citizen advisory committee, if anybody wants to come to the meeting, is meeting tomorrow morning at 10:00 um here in one of the conference rooms down the hall. um they do their meetings in the
mornings during the week. Uh the pathway to history tour was a success. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend. Um but I heard there was about 60 visitors um that visited the railroad museum and
the Martin Berry House was open as well and it was a great success. I don't know how many of you got to go to that. Uh let's see what else. The we all know the hoown is Saturday, October 18th. We hope to have a beautiful day. Um this Sunday,
if you don't know, there's a classic car show um at PV Park. It's sponsored by American Legion Post 242 and the North Jersey Classic Cruisers. Um if anybody has a nice car, it's only 20 bucks and you can get there at 8:30, register, and
have your car or just go and look at the uh cards. It's really a nice event. Um, if most of you know about the Empty Bowls event, there's a Empty Bowls community event on Monday, October 20th from 5 to 8. And if you don't know, uh,
their mission is to all the proceeds from that, um, the funds go to the local food pantry and, um, it's just a way to get together with the community and educate people, um, about, you know,
poverty and and hunger issues in our own community. So, if you're around for that, that'll be held at Friendship Appall. What else do I have? I know my things are always long, right? Everybody knows the tree lighting is coming up in November. We're a little early, but
November 30th, the reason I bring it up, if you're a nonprofit and you want to help out at the event, uh Doug Cook is in charge of it and you can reach out to him. Um if anybody needs his number, you can get it from any of us or or Carol.
But um that's a nice event as well and you can help that event because they have every year they're making it bigger and bigger and having a lot of celebrations, a lot of festivities. Um what else? Oh, Adam, I wanted to ask you if um I
saw the announcement that bios is coming to the park. Um but you said something about the south end. >> If you open the letter, >> it's more that's where it's starting. That's what I thought. Yeah, it's here already. >> It's here already. I don't know why we got the correspondence that we did, but
I'm sure that as soon as I see it, you did. >> Yeah. The assumption is it's coming in from way apartments. It's going to go up. >> Okay. So, we don't know when it's going to get through the whole town, but they're starting there as that section. And it made me think of if you remember a while ago, I was big on the seniors
that still wanted that shuttle 77. Um, and you got I know it's kind of funny, but >> it's up. is wrong >> and I hear it's up and running but then we heard that there was a learning curve and I never got any follow-up so it
actually works and people can submit things and >> so the the issue when it was down for a couple years existed between uh the software and optimal >> we're we're all T's at this point so once we got through that log jam uh had to get some new software a little bit
new equipment and staff got up going and it's there >> does anybody use like is there anything up there? Yeah. I don't think anybody knows they can submit as >> Yeah. Well, there there there's a small group of people that know that it exists submit. >> Okay. >> But if you get files, you don't get
>> right. I know. No files is um I get it. I know it's But you know if Hey, it's my seniors. They're always asking. >> That's why we got >> right. Okay. I appreciate it. >> Um and it also made me think about the
website. Um, we talked about updating the look of the website and we were going to do more with that. Anything going on with that? >> We did >> like since we talked about it last. >> Well, it got reskinned and new pictures and the the color >> that must have been just recently. >> No, that was a year and a half ago.
>> No, talking about recently. No, no, no, no. you had gone on a um you had done a seminar and had and said, "Oh, one of my goals is to use the website for like to update it more and do
>> Yeah, there's a lot more on it." >> Yeah, >> there's a lot more on it. The staff was engaged. I think that seminar was in 2023. >> No, this year. It was this year and and you had talked about utilizing more. So, I just wondered if anything was going on with >> There's a lot more on the website
because there's a lot more. >> Okay. Um I mean, I'm on it all the time. I'm just saying some people were saying that there was not a lot of information. Um, and also the budget requests if I mean most of you have left, but if you're on any committees or boards, I
know that they're asking for all the committees to submit their budget requests for next year by the end of the month and to work with your prospective um, you know, department heads in in getting those um, requests in. So, I
appreciate that you sent that out. I'm assuming it went to all the chairs already. Okay. Uh, do I do anything else? I think I talked enough, right? Um, I'll let I'll let you do the turkey truck. >> Oh, thanks.
And and that's it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Melissa. >> Council Nicole. >> Well, the one that I was really hoping Melissa was going to take is there is a grand opening this Sunday for Blissful Broad. >> Right. No, you don't want to say that. I didn't want to say it, but I was hoping
you were saying it. >> I was going to die about it. >> 3:30 at on the highway near uh the Century 20 21 building. So, >> if you're around, I heard the first 10 people get some sort of special bag or something. I don't know what's in the
bag. >> As long as it's important. Yeah. All right. Uh, company one is going very well with their turkey trot. Uh, they need runners. Uh, the turkey trot is Thanksgiving morning. It starts at 9:00, should be done by 10:30. So, if you want
to try to work off a few pounds or few calories before Thanksgiving, you can come out to the turkey trial. Uh, company 2 is having a poker day on November 2nd. Food starts at 12:00. It's a Sunday. The, uh, tournament will start
at 1:00. Uh, they're looking for players and sponsors, and that's going to be at company 2. Uh, I don't want to steal Kyle's thunder, but the first aid squad October Fest, the weather was beautiful, and that's all I'll say. I'll let her say anything else. Uh, the hoown
Saturday, it looks like it's going to be great weather. Uh, and prayers go out to Christine Francon's family uh for the loss of Christine. She's going to be a huge loss for the first age club. >> That's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
>> Thank you, Dave. Councilwoman Russell. Thank you. Um, just a couple of dates. Uh, we have also December 6 is the pancake breakfast with Santa for the first aid squad and the installation dinners, I believe they're all doing it together, is January 17th. Um, the hoown
was phenomenal. They had the greatest >> wedding the I mean the October Fest, sorry, it's late 9:00. Um, it was great. They had great weather. I just have a question because
they did get a letter from parks and wreck saying that there was some damage to the field and parks and recck was going to charge them. >> There will be no charge in 2025. The letter was sent identifying the issues were presented and there was some cost. Okay.
>> There would be no demand for money. >> Oh, there wasn't. Okay. They were under the impression that they were going to get a bill. >> They're not going to get a bill. >> Okay. Good. >> It was an FYI for this year and something to talk about when we lead up to the event next year. >> Oh, okay. Um yeah, they they had a great time.
They do a lot of of work for that and um we were there setting up the whole day before. Poor Greg Rena was he wasn't feeling well and he was just he kept telling me to go home and change cuz he was so sick. But it was really a a great great turnout. The three bands were
great. Um I think they're already all wanted to be booked for next year again, but we told Greg he's not allowed to pick the date. So there's that. Um library meeting is tomorrow where we'll be formalizing
um the bids that we awarded to do all the work. Um environmental will be coming to give a presentation on the new plantings around the pond. Now is the pond miner holding? Did I hear that it wasn't holding that it's draining water?
>> Um I have not heard that. I I visited it last week and turned on everything was going great. >> Evaporation, I would say. Yeah. >> What was that? >> It has losing much evaporation. It was not mentioned when we reviewed all the things in the park that there
was any issues with that. >> Oh, okay. Somebody had mentioned that. Maybe it was. And um that's all I have. >> Did you say the 17th is the installation? >> January 17th is the installation dinner. >> Thank you. Councilman Sarah. >> Great. So, uh, first and foremost, I just want to thank, uh, Rudy Steinfel
for all his, um, volunteer work to the community. He served his last community, um, meeting and, uh, he'll be moving south to join his daughter on a farm, uh, doing great things. >> Been there for like a year already. >> Yep. She's been there. He's finally
going to join him. And, uh, I think they're they're looking forward to all this things. So, just a quick recognition of Rudy and great. We should recognize them. >> Uh, yep. Something. And then um just real quick, parks are wreck. You already said it, but the ho down's on Saturday.
So hopefully we have mass participation on that. Hopefully it's a great day and uh it's a great day for the community. I always love going there, especially on the hay ride when I was growing up in town. Um and I brought my kids there. Uh and then open space. Uh the big so what out of there is there's going to be a
question on there for Morris County. um something about stewardship uh for the open space um and how that's going to add um stewardship to the open space verbiage uh for for money uh to be spent for that. Uh and that's all I have.
Thank you. Y a couple things for me. Um like many of the people mentioned tonight, I'm proud to be a resident of Aquanic. We have a great town. We're to do my best to keep it that way and I can speak for the rest of the council. We all are. Um, I'm thankful to be on the council and also thankful to be mayor
this year. So, um, most people that know me say, "What are you doing?" But, um, I I do enjoy it. I do enjoy it. So, thank you. Um, congrats on the best practices list with the with the town township. It's good. Whenever we kind of have a
test or have to fill out a form, we always come out a lot better than we than most, I think. Right. So, um, congratulations to Zachary, our newest police officer. Um, and also all the awards um that that they handed out.
Like like Vince said, I'm I'm glad he piped piped in. The guys the guys do it. They're out there every day. But it's nice that the residents know what's going on because uh because a lot a lot goes on. Um and in that light, the fire department responded to um and the first
aid squad responded to that fire the fire in town a couple, you know, maybe about a week and a half, two two weeks ago. So, um, I'd like to give a specific thank thank you to them. Um, that's not easy. Um, I don't know. I've never done that, but I but I can't imagine, you
know, you know, being being involved in something like that, but thank you. >> Yeah. Thank Thank you to them for what what they do for our town, especially not getting paid, going through a lot of training. So, um, as we did tonight with the new ordinances, uh, ordinance for
the fire department allowing other PE people to join and having people ready to sign to sign sign up already is is really a testament to to those groups. Um, I'm thankful that the paving on the turn is done. Um, looks good, but um,
they they did a lot of work. They did they did they rebuilt all of those basins and stuff. That is that is quite a bit of work. So, I'm just thankful that's done. And uh I think that's about it, Mr. Brewer. Thanks. Good. Uh moving
on. 15. Item number 15. Next item is public comment. As a reminder, we welcome comments, suggestions, questions rather than dialogue and comments are limited to 3 minutes. If anyone wishes to address the council, please wait to be recognized and come to the microphone microphone and provide your name for the
record. ANYBODY? You didn't get >> Good evening. >> Good evening. I'm Jill Werner. Um I'm sorry. Can you spell your last name? >> That was me. >> I didn't hear your last name.
>> Oh, Jill Werner. Werner. Thank you. W E R N E R. Sorry, it was like a weird echo. Um I'm here to tell a little bit of story. Uh this story has been told before, but it's to benefit those who may not have been able to listen in the past.
So, a new customer walks into a store in search of a pair of shoes. This store is well known for its quality products and exceptional customer satisfaction. As the customer browses the shoe department, they hone in on an extremely desirable pair in the center of the
store selling for $22. They ask the associate if they are available in a size 5. The associate exclaims that these particular shoes are only available in a size four. In addition, they run small, fitting more
like a 3.98. The manufacturer recommends sizing up. Despite knowing this information, the customer impulsively purchases the size four shoes, throws $30 at the associate, and walks out of the store without
taking their change. Some time passes and the customer returns to the store, heads directly to the customer service department. The customer complains that they're unable to fit their size 5 feet into the size four shoes, then demands that the store
make several alterations to the shoes to make it suit their needs. The customer service representative cites the store's policy that clearly states that no alterations may be made to shoes that are too small for the customer's feet. The customer argues that by making these
alterations to their shoes, it would be inherently beneficial to the store. Failing to see any benefit to the store, but more importantly citing store policy, the customer service representative denies the alteration request. The customer stands there in
frustration at the decision. What are they to do with shoes that don't fit, that they cannot alter, that they overpaid for? Some valued customers heard all the commotion, walked over to the customer service department, and started paying close attention. They
greatly appreciate the customer service representative doing their due diligence to do what's in the best interest of the store they love. They suggest to the dissatisfied customer that perhaps they could sell those shoes online and shop for a better fit in a different store.
Some more time passes. The customer returns to the store again, not to return the shoes that are too small, but rather to escalate their complaint to store management. They are claiming that they were denied their excessive alteration request due to
discrimination. The store management carefully reviews the claim and confirms with the HR department and they are united in their support of the customer service department's decision. The denial was based solely on the store's
long-standing history of upholding the store's policies. This is one of the many reasons that the valued customers continue to shop here. You may be thinking that this allegory is an oversimplification of a very complex process, but the taxpaying
residents who care about what happens in this town would disagree. It is in fact quite simple and comes down to this. The zoning board did their part by meticulously examining and ultimately unanimously denying the excessive
variances based on our town's codes and ordinances. Those variances would be a major threat to the safety of the residents of this town. It is now your responsibility to uphold their decision and protect the people you serve. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Anybody else? Jean to follow that. Uh we don't have to try if you don't want to. Uh, I just wanted to say Vin and I are members of uh, American Legion Post450
down by Rita's. We have a car donation program. And I just wanted to mention that because uh, everyone's always talking with uh, township council members. Hey, you know, what do I do here? What do I do there? We'll take any car. It'll be get donated and it will go
directly to supporting veterans here in this town. So, we're going to let you know that. Um, thank you for the Oh, yeah. So, if you got an old car, we know what to do with it. >> Yeah. Thank you. Sometimes the old cars are worth more than the new ones, so you got to watch, right?
>> I'm sure you want them, too. >> Anybody else have a comment? All right, seeing none, we're going to close this section. Thank you for your comments. Um, moving on with the agenda, approval of minutes. There are no minutes for
approval. Moving on. 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 the Pasc Valley Learning Center versus Township of Mcconic, litigation of Route
23 sewer assessment appeals, matters of attorney client privilege, and personnel? I'll make a motion. >> Second. I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. At this time, the public portion of the meeting is recessed for close session.