Good evening. Welcome to the September 9th, 2025 meeting of Council 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, posted on the bulletin board of the municipal
building, published as a legal notice in the server revers 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 your prayer and a moment of thankful individual serving your nation. I allegiance to the
flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Most gracious providence, we ask that you bless this governing body with an
abundance of wisdom and understanding so that every deliberation will result in actions which will promote the common good and the general welfare for all of the people of the township. Amen. >> Thank you.
>> The clerk will please call the role. >> Mrs. Lawrence Lynch here. >> Mr. Cole >> here. >> Mrs. Russell here. >> Mr. Syracus >> here. >> Mayor Drey >> here. Moving on with the agenda. The next item is presentations. This is the Route 23 northbound and southbound sewer
extension appraisal report. Mr. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh just to bring the council and public up to speed with respect to the Route 23 sewer assessment report. Uh this evening there is the potential confirmation of the assessment after the public hearing. And by way of
background, I'm just going to explain how we come to the report that's uh before us. In 2016ish, uh there was a conceptualized project to Subaru Route 23 and some of the surrounding areas. Uh the first legislative action was ordinance 20171
adopted February 14th, happy Valentine's Day, of 2017, establishing the funding for the project and also imposing the concept of it being funded through special assessment. What that means is the beneficiaries of the project were partial responsible for a portion of the
capital expense to complete the project. The ordinance authorized the issuance of $6.1 million of debt and called for the collection of $4.6 million of that cost through those special assessments. Once the project was completed, uh, one of the first steps was to confirm the total
cost of the project. Uh although it was some time later and we had to go to a a second bidder because of other issues, the total cost ended up being 6,883,7446. Uh the council did authorize additional funding but did not increase the amount to be assessed from that original 4.6
million. Once the project was completed and the total cost was certified, the council engaged with a special assessor and appraiser who completed a report which was then posted on the website on July 31st. Uh the report is dated August
uh excuse me, the report is is uh has a date of value of May 30th. Uh the process requires that certain letters and notices be published. All the letters and notices were published.
There was a required hearing where people had an opportunity to hear from the appraiser how he came up with the values and ask questions. Part of the purpose of that is to determine if there were any errors or issues made. There was one mislabeled property identified which necessitated the issuance of a
revised report which was also posted on the the front of the township's website and is now was presented to the council for its consideration. Um all the information remains posted on the front page of the township's website. Uh the project was completed
and we did initiate the three-year connection requirement for the beneficiaries of the project and uh moving forward the council's consideration of confirmation. Uh that report remains uh published. There's a hard copy here and if there's any
questions from the council investigate a bit. >> Yeah. >> Yes. It's been it originates a long time. 9 10 years ago. It's a long project. >> All right. Hearing none, we'll move on to the public hearing portion. Next is on the agenda is the public hearing on the route 23 northbound southbound store
assessment. Is there a motion to open the public hearing? >> I'll make a motion to open the public hearing. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> If anyone in the audience has any questions or comments on this report, please come to the microphone and identify yourself for the record. Seeing none.
>> Well, did we Somebody raise their hand? >> No. Um, all right. Is there a motion to close the public hearing? >> I'll make that motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> I All right. Next item on the agenda is resolutions on this subject. Does Miss
Miss Mark? This is resolution R2025173 to confirm assessments for the route 23 northbound and southbound sewer extension. >> Thank you. Any comments from council? >> No. Hearing none. Is there a motion to adopt this resolution? >> I'll make a motion to adopt resolution R
2025-173. >> Second. I'll >> second. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Florence Lynch? >> Yes. Mr. Cole? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Russell? >> Yes. >> Mr. Syracus? >> Yes. Mayor Dre? >> Yes. Moving on with the agenda is at this time are there any reports or comments
from any from any of the volunteers serving our community. Seeing none, we'll move on to the public comment section. This comment period will be limited to a total of 30 minutes. Additional time is reserved later in the meeting. We welcome comments, suggestions, and
questions. However, the purpose of this time is to allow public comment, not to engage in dialogue. If you have a specific question, please feel free to pose it and then follow up with staff via telephone or email. Comments are limited to 3 minutes, 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. Yes. Come on up. >> Hello. Good afternoon. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> My name is Dana Reese. This is my son, Johnny. >> Hey, Johnny. How we doing tonight? >> Hi, everybody. Neighbors. Hello. I have some handouts if I can pass those around
quickly. We are here tonight to propose to the mayor, the council, and our neighbors um a pump track, bicycle pump track for the township of my son is ultra involved and
excited with mountain biking and there's not too much in this town as far as trails go or um opportunities or places to actually pedal bike around town without being on the road, on the street or on the
sidewalk. Although the wonderful place discoveries discovery, sorry to interrupt you. Did you just talk into the microphone to the council? Yeah, >> sorry. >> I do have more copies. Should I just leave these up here?
>> Yep, sure. So anyhow, so a pump track, if anyone has not heard of a pump track, it's a paved area um basically with little like ups and downs. Am I explaining this right? He always yells at me for not
explaining it correctly, but it's basically a bike track where kids on pedal bikes, they can go in a contained area that's safe, um very presentable, um clean area. Um it encourages active participation from family um and from
kids. So we're looking for an outlet for kids and students to be able to enjoy bike riding um in a safe environment. Um one of the benefits to this is that now we have this beautiful path that runs through town and there is quite a draw from also people that don't live in
Ponic. Um so I think having the pump track would also be a great addition to that. Um, we were thinking about maybe charging a small fee. Um, maybe like an annual admission or membership just to bring in a little revenue to the town. Um, but really it's going to be a great
outlet for the kids and families that aren't involved like town sports every single night that they also have another place to go to their bikes. Um, let's see some of the other highlights that we have. So, it's relatively inexpensive to construct this. Um,
there's one up in Vernon. If anyone travels up high on Vernon Mountain, there's one up there that, um, there's a great example of it. And it's very low maintenance as well. And we do have open fields in the town here that we feel could be possible opportunities for
constructing this pump track. Um, so I know that not everyone has the handout, but again, we wanted to do this this uh contract to build a family oriented park. Um, it would bring more people into the town, which would also um
generate economic benefits such as, you know, buy uh the restaurants, the diners, the ice cream places. If more families and more kids can turn more revenue for local businesses, which is always good. Um, the closest pump track that there is shopping hard and it's 26
miles from here. So, we go on the weekends occasionally, but it's kind of a haul, but of course, cuz we're 26 miles away, we're only stopping at the deli. We're stopping here, we're stopping there. So, by having an additional place for families to come, um even if it just is in Buffonic and
residents, we really feel that um it would generate a little bit of extra revenue for the town, which we love. Um, so Quonic has an awesome um, reputation for being vibrant and active and sports oriented. This is a sport
that has not really been um, capitalized on yet. We're a very, you know, football, wrestling, team sports, town sports type of town. Um, which is awesome, but there's also kids that don't do those type of sports all the time. Um, and you know, Johnny is
extremely athletic with more of extreme type of sports. um mountain biking, dirt biking, quads, things like that. And there's a lot of kids in this town that would also love the opportunity to expand on their um pedal bike skills. >> All right. So, Johnny, why do you like
it? Come on. I want to hear from you. What do you think? >> You like being outside? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. You like riding a bike? >> Loves it. >> Yeah. >> What else? Anything? >> No. All right. All right. Well, yeah. I
mean, we'll definitely I I've I've heard about it. I I've I've talked to Mr. Brewer about it. We'll we'll definitely take a look, you know, when the budget the budget season's coming up, so we can take take a look at it a little bit further. >> Okay. >> And see if we can work on it. So, >> that would be amazing. Just out of
curiosity, just out of curiosity, is this the first time everyone's seeing it or have they collaborated with uh the town manager or anybody in town? >> No collaboration. Um >> spoken about tonight, but not not beyond it. And I knew about it because I met Johnny at the SJG
uh fourth grade when they came to town hall and visited all different departments. >> Um and you know his mom said, "Hey, if we have an idea, you know, for something in the town, what should we do?" I said, "Come to a council meeting." >> Perfect. So here we are. Thank you every Thank you. Great idea.
>> Thanks for coming, Johnny. Thank you. Um anybody else public comment? Come on up. Hi everybody. >> Good evening Dave again. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Very nice to hear. Um I'm going to talk
a little bit about 60 sunset. Uh I'm not up here. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, Rich Walter 50 Sunset Road on Plains. Um not here to debate anything or start any banter or anything like that. Uh, and I'm not even sure if you're aware, yesterday there
was a conference call concerning the Pasc Valley Learning Center and the lawsuit against the town. I'm just going to read a few things that I wrote down about it just for your awareness and possibly um maybe uh we're not going in
the right direction. I don't know. But anyway, uh, their attorneys, Mascot Valley and our attorney, Eric Harrison, Ron, and each open with a brief synopsis of key points for each side as requested from the judge. I'll describe in a
statement what I heard and in my opinion, what was unsettling to our town and the residents. to sum it up as I remember because it was an audio recording or audio call. Uh Passback Valley said they simply wanted to come into town quickly and open the school
using the existing buildings that were on the property. They mentioned the lot size was too small, but there were no other lots available I guess in town. I know there were some in the area, but anyway, they didn't refer to any other variances they applied for except for
some small signage. They said that there was already a school on the property. They also said that during the zoning board meetings hearings, the residents and zoning board were animous. First time I heard that word. Basically, we had animosity in our questions and
demeanor to the applicant. The insinuation was the only reason we objected to the build was religious discrimination, not as to the real effect on the community, which was our objection. As a resident of Quanic, I take great offense to that and consider
it slanderous as do many others. I understand that the plaintiff will say whatever they need to to prevail. But, and here's where I'm troubled. There is no challenge or even disagreement to these claims from Pasco Valley by Eric Harrison, the insurance
company attorney that is using to represent our town and citizens. He indicated his goal was to settle this as quickly as possible and was confident that it would be easy to come to a resolution to satisfy the plaintiff valley. This is not what we were told to
us by the council attorney at our last meeting. Not that he said directly we're going to win this case or anything like that, but it was indicated that the attorney that we were using was not anxious to settle, especially at the start of the process. But that's what he
presented upon the court yesterday. Insurance attorney Harrison, again, our attorney, did not correct or dispute any claims in the plaintiff's opening, including that existing buildings were to be used when in reality they are demolishing a building, and these
elaborate plans are on file, that the school is already there. Our attorney, Mr. Harrison never mentioned that this school was a nursery school that was held in two rooms of an original building that had maybe 20 toddlers in it at a time, if that. I know because
all three of my children attended it over the years. It wasn't a K through 12 high school with multi rooms, a soccer field, tandem parking, a locking mechanical gate, and a large loading area among other things. That's quite a
difference. for the insinuation that there was already a school there wasn't even discussed by our attorney. No other violences or discrepancies or key differences requested by the judge were brought up by our attorney and short
attorney Eric Harrison such as going over impervious coverage fence height and placement retention basement the sunset road I could go on and on as the number of variances were double digit. There is no mention from our attorney of
traffic safety, improper traffic studies, which will fiasco if you at the meetings or water issues in the immediate area, including the flooding of RA 68 times a year when it rains. There is no mention from our attorney on
our master plan where in place to protect the character and safety of our town. No push back whatsoever. In fact, insurance company attorney Harrison suggested that current ordinances could be changed to accommodate the build,
which I'm not aware, but I thought that was kind of incredible. Our attorney even agreed with the plaintiff that the residents were awful. Or was his exact word? Are you kidding me? This is our attorney. Again, unoffended and I hate
this. I'm so offended, but I'm offended and possibly slandered. grouped into an alleged prejudice prejudice public not valued as a citizen by our own attorney. So our attorney even asked a question concerning the military charges his firm
would be responsible for if we reached a quick resolution. That doesn't sound like an attorney that has our best interest at heart rather one more concerned about cost in my opinion. What I got from that call was that we were laying down before anything even began.
Maybe there's a legal strategy here that I don't understand. Um, and if there is, my apologies. Maybe we have something in place that uh then there's some reason he did that. Um, it certainly doesn't line up with what we were told at the
last council meeting. So anyway, I would encourage the council if you weren't on the call, and I don't know if anybody was or not. Um, or if you haven't already seen the minutes of that conference call from yesterday, I would encourage you strongly to obtain them.
Talk about this when you go into the closed executive session. Um, hopefully with our attorney, Eric Harrison. Um, the court was yesterday, September 8th, and just decide for yourselves if we're on the right path here. or at least let the residents know where
we really stand on this defense of our lawsuit if in fact that's our goal to just settle as quickly as possible. Um because then you know I guess we're done. But from the last council meeting to the call yesterday it was quite
incredible and I I you know I kind of thought I was done with this but um the call yesterday was quite concerning. Everything that I said in here was said on the call. Um, so I encourage you to obtain the minutes. I appreciate your time. I know that this has been going on
for a long time. We've all worked hard on it and we're just looking out for the best interest of Aquinic. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Uh, anybody else go on sand?
Do you want to see my address too or Okay. Thanks. Um, I was also on the telephone call listening in yesterday and as you know, I think I got up here before and said, "I've read all the transcripts, both the the original ones and the corrected ones. I've listened to all the audio tapes from all of them and
annotated a lot of this and then listened to that whole." And it, as Rich said, it was very disturbing. I I couldn't believe what I was hearing that their attorney said the only problem besides the five acre requirement was,
you know, I just a few signs and they really want to get in by the fall and they can go in by the fall. They can go use the property now according to I called the town and all they need is uh the fire marshall to come over to get their CO. They've already evaded their
their umice. So, like that was not that was a misleading statement and that bothers me. Uh, and and our attorney said nothing about it. So, they they say there's five acres that we require. They
only have four. Hold down your thumb. That's 20% they're missing. And our attorney says nothing about that. Our attorney also said that he has a slim majority of town council members who are
ready or willing to settle. So that means there's five of you and slim majority out of five would be three of you are willing to settle and two aren't. And only you will know what's true. I'm not asking you to tell me or anything, but is this accurate? You should be thinking about that. And as he
said, I I really highly encourage you to listen to this yourself. And I think you and our community deserve an attorney who understands the facts of this case. That this community cared about where
the they were going to build, how they were going to build, what they were going to build, and how they were going to build it, and not who. I understand it's a nice little ploy or whatever to say that it's about who. It's not about
who. They didn't come in and say, "Oh, the only thing we need is the five acres. We're building a small enough lot. We have enough parking. We here's, you know, we're a smaller school now. There's no impervious truck uh coverage problem. There's no traffic problems."
They said there weren't and we who live here, we all know that there are traffic problems in that area. So, I I if I were you, I'd be I don't know, upset.
Or maybe I just misunderstand what I think you believe about our community and your willingness to stand up for us, our whole town, our personality. I like him. I feel is slanderous. I really do. Anyhow, thanks.
>> Thank you. Thank you, Cindy. Anybody else for public comment? Yes. Come on up. Good evening, Lorraine Robertson. I'm here on the 60 sunset as well. Um, I was one of the people that um heard about the case last minute and logged
into the call and that was the 440 civil rights other civil rights cause um against county, our zoning board and board of adjustment. I was appalled by the statements that were made, but I want to go over um since this is more on
civil rights, um I wanted to go over a couple of things. Um I did consult with um my attorney who represented us um represented me at the um board meetings. So I wanted to make a statement that
integrity is really who most of us are and I believe that what we do and say every cause has an action. I stand by the decision of our zoning board based on the fact that they followed the laws. The town zoning laws, the state laws
were reviewed as well as our master plan. I believe that the zoning board denied the application based on those laws and to me their hardship was self-created. They um sub they in the end started to
invoke religious status identifying as a base faith based private school and the only time this came up during the meetings was when we were questioning who the applicant was. Was it Pascat Valley or was it One School Global? One
School Global is listed here. And that's when they volunteered the information that it was being funded by their religious organization. But now they are looking to invoke the Rupa
uh laws in the attempts to overturn the denial in a discrimination case against Paco. whether their self-created hard hardship is a valid base under relief of the zoning law, whether they can invoke this
or not, right? Whether the town has to defend upon improper use of protections as shielding the zoning violations. The zoning principles are when hardships are created by the applicant, voluntary
actions are not grounds for release. Under rule 42, S USC 200cc protects religious institutions from burdens on religious exercise imposed by land use regulations. That's okay. I
agree with that. However, the claim requires proof that the government action, which is our zoning board and board of adjustment, puts burden on religious exercise. Based on the numerous amount of churches that we have
in this town, I don't see it as a burden and every one of those churches are inclusive. Um, courts have created that self-cre stated that pro self-created hardships and
overbuilding attempts do not amount to burden under Ruba. Our municipal governance is our township is applying the zoning ordinances consistently without favor or exception. So what I
look at is if we act lawfully in denying variances based on zoning laws and ordinances, religion played no role. And for them to basically say that we were unlawful and that we were out of control is really
sad to hear. When we put our trust and faith in an insurance company that's going to represent not only our town council and zoning board, they're representing us, the community. If you weren't a part of listening in, I
did type notes up based on the actual recording if you'd like to see them. I mean, it's appalling. And I really ask the town council to stand on integrity to uphold the laws, uphold the ordinances
so the next person doesn't come in and do the same thing. If you want copies, I do. That would be great. Yes. >> Thank you. >> These are my personal notes. I typed as fast as I could. I did miss a couple of little things here and there.
>> Thank you. Went for the third chest. Absolutely. Thank you. So, thank you. Thank you. >> Is there a tape audio recording somewhere? >> I honestly don't know, but I do know that.
Sorry. Congratulations. I do know that it usually takes a while for transfers to be released. So I was sitting at the computer and I just started typing up what I heard. So definitely there I did um have that gamlation
terminology that was used. >> All right, friend. Thank you. >> Can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> Did anybody else up here know that we could listen to this call? No. >> Did we even know the call was going on?
>> Did we find the corner always? >> Yeah. I wish somebody would have told us. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, none of us looked and the way they're finding it is they just Google Pascal Learning Center and they find it. >> It's public record. It's public.
>> Yep. We had two other dates listed for when this is going to be heard again. So that's great. >> Any other public comment? Hold on. Let's just add >> You got to come up. But let's let other
people talk too. >> All right. Come on. I was just going to say, and again based on Kyle's question, um, I would just think that our attorney should be letting you know what's going on. And I don't mean that in an insulting manner.
It just was a surprise to all of us as it was to you. Hey, who knew about the call? The only reason we knew was because we're Google lawsuit to know what's going on. >> Okay. So, want to come up, you can be next. Okay.
Good evening, Alex Barascus. Um, I wasn't actually going to speak at all. Uh, and many of you know that I spoke a lot during the uh, zoning meetings bringing up various things. Was a little bit uh, taken aback by
at the comments from our your representative of the insurance company about us as the town's people. I would think that the amount of people that showed up to show that support for this for this issue
was pretty pretty um impressive, shall I say. I've come to a few of the zoning board meetings and there were hardly anybody here and you had a couple hundred people at a time in the high school. And I think the fact
that the attorney did not even notify anybody on this board, the fact that there was a hearing is shocking is absolutely shocking. Not to mention the fact that he did mention about coming up with a quick solution to this problem.
Now, there may be a quick solution to this problem. I don't know. I'm not an attorney. I am an engineer and I can tell you that from an engineering standpoint, it doesn't work. But I I would hope that you're going to have a further conversation with the uh
with our attorney of record and possibly think about looking to get a third party attorney to represent us because this is shocking. It really is. And I'm sorry. I just think that for an attorney to go listen, he didn't have to say anything.
He nobody asked he didn't have to defend us at that point, but he didn't have to agree with the with the plaintiff. I don't think we were out of line. I think that's that's part of the process. Part of the process is we are allowed to come up and question the applicant. We did.
And a lot of people put a lot of hard work in to into that and time and effort into that. And to be treated like that is is shameful. So I would hope that everybody takes that into account. Thank you, Alex. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, thank you.
>> Hi, I'm Patty Den. Um, in at the Ros Town Council meeting, um, it was stated on public record that um that all of you here were involved in the decision-making process with the insurance attorney. Um, having worked
for insurance for many years, sometimes, um, I guess what I'm trying to find out is who has the final say. Sometimes when you have a contract with an insurance company to defend you, um, there might be a clause in there that says they have
the final say. So, I guess what I'm just trying to find out is it come to a vote or is there something with the insurance company that they say this is what's best? Like who who gets to say what's best, the insurance company or do you
get to direct the attorney? So, who's who's in charge? And if you did go for outside counsel, then how does that come into play? So, those are just some questions that I don't know if we can answer that here, but Then when we're done, I'll ask Miss M. Rose just to
comment on this. We really can't. So >> yeah. No, I I understand. And you know, I don't I I'm glad I'm not in any of your seats cuz you have you have a big decision ahead of you. And if you do decide to fight this aggressively, yes,
it's going to cost money and yes, it's going to come out of our taxes, but there's also a concern is is our property values going down. So there there's a lot there's a lot of
things to weigh and I think it's up to the people in town to decide are we are we willing to take this increase. So yeah it's just questions that if you could comment on it would be great.
>> Okay. Thanks. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you. >> Anyone else for public comment? All right. Seeing none, we're going to close um the public comment section. Um I'm going to ask just Mr. Roite to
elaborate on some of the questions, comments. >> Yeah, but for the most part, it was it was comments and I hear them. Um we will certainly check in with our uh assigned council and try to get a better sense of what went on and what this was about. I do know this would this would have been
nothing other than a initial scheduling, initial conference. Um, but sometimes those do set tones. Um, and I I'll I'll have a discussion with him about what the strategy was with the tone and what this was all about so that we can understand it and I can explain it better to the council and to the public.
I I don't sitting here now. I did not listen in on it. Um, so I do not know um I do not know what took place as to the questions about our insurance and our insurance coverage. Um, we do have insurance coverage. They are defending us in this. There is also a limit to
that insurance coverage um that we have to be cognizant of. Um we do certainly have a right in decision-m. This is not the kind of case where the insurance company will dictate because this isn't really all about money, right? There's a money component to this, but there's
also a component to this that involves, you know, potentially being able to develop land in a way that our board did not approve of. And that component is not about money. And that would have to be a decision that came here, not from the insurance company. What the insurance company will have a right to
do though is say we don't think your we don't think your decision-m is in the best interest of our insurance company and our responsibilities and therefore we're going to decline to continue to fund this and represent you. And that's a that's a risk we have to be, you know,
we have to be concerned about and we're we're cognizant of that and aware of that as well. Um I you know I don't know that we have not the council has not authorized a settlement of this in any way. We haven't even come close to understanding what that might even look like. Um we certainly wanted to
communicate cuz you would never want to communicate to a court that you have a complete closed mind about any kind of solution because that's that's asking for trouble right from the beginning. But there's a difference between having an open mind and necessarily agreeing with things you don't and shouldn't agree to. So I've got to get a sense of
where that is. But there's been no direction from here um that that the matter is right for settlement even. We don't we don't even know what that would take at this point. So we couldn't possibly have authorized that at this moment. I think communicating an openmindness is probably what was being
done. We did want that communicated cuz we do need to keep an open mind. We all have to keep an open mind to what the possibilities are. Um but we have to do that. We have to keep an open mind to the possibilities that you know this is not going to work work for us and we have to keep fighting. So we'll see.
Okay. And that's that's where I will investigate further report back. Okay. >> Yeah. If you can report back that' be great. Thank you Mr. Moving on with the agenda. The next item on the agenda is the manager report. Mr. Ber. >> Uh thank you mayor. Last meeting there was a question regarding
uh use of a recently acquired property by the church on West Franklin as a follow to the conversation about the West Frank. Um I didn't speak to the church, but I did speak to staff about that piece of property. Um in order for them to use that as a parking lot, I can say that
there would need to be a merger through subdivision and a revised site plan application for the planning board and then obviously the improvements to the parking lot. So I don't know if that's an impediment or not, but I know that's not an inexpensive endeavor. So that may be a challenge that they're the right
time uh to deal with. Um with respect to the Route 23 sewer assessment, we talked about that. I won't go any further uh into that, though there's more written in my report. Um Green View Pickle Ball Courts. This evening, we have a public hearing and potential adoption of an ordinance establishing the membership
fees for the use of the tennis and pickle ball courts at Green View. Uh, additionally, there is a public hearing of potential adoption of an ordinance to fund the deficit in the wells 1 and 2 POS treatment uh project as we discussed at the last council meeting at some
point based upon the application to I bank in an effort to get principal forgiveness or favorable interest rates. There were additional requirements, the most expensive being uh 100% inspection that caused the professional services to go up. We also had to go past the lowest
bidder due to a fatal flaw, which was a $291,000 difference. So, we ended up in about $213,000 in the hole. Based upon the recommendation to bond council, they suggested a $500,000 authorization. Not that that necessarily needs to get spent, but if change orders present
themselves as this is a project that isn't a want to, this is a project that is a have to. We have to install the filters to remove the bus to remain in compliance. Uh lastly, there's an ordinance to fund the 2022 home elevation grants through FEMA. This elevation grant round funds
seven houses. Uh the authorization for the uh issuance of debt is consistent with all the prior years and we continue down the path of I think in excess of 40 houses at this point uh participating in the elevation. Also, there was a discussion at the last meeting regarding
the personnel manual policy and procedures handbook uh following the council's direction that was prepared formal approval and there's a resolution corresponding to that. Next item is recommended changes to the county engine company 2 bylaws. Uh a review of the
bylaws by a subcommittee or committee of engine company 2 came up with some recommendations for changes that was presented to the membership. Hopefully the membership approved it. I met with the folks from company 2 a couple of occasions and ultimately have uh approved and recommended those changes for the governing body's authorization
via resolution. Um as I note in my my memo uh there was an ordinance adopted empowering the township manager to approve changes to the rules and regulations of the police department. So this is a little unusual when compared to the police department's operations. The council can choose to delegate that authority or it can retain it. I just
note that as being something a little different than our other operations. Uh in addition for the council's consideration, there's a um resolution authorizing uh additional membership to the Mars County Insurance Fund. Those are threeear cycles. This year cycle
concludes on December 31st, so be through December 31st, 2028. Uh and there's a uh resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding between the township council and the county of Mars for the
first amendment support team. I put in my memo through a drafting error, which my eighth grade self really appreciated, the first amendment response team. So FAS spells something very different than F A R T,
but honoring my eighth grade self, it's supposed to be the first amendment support team. Um, essentially that is a group uh that's being created under the opices. It happens under the opices of the Mars County Sheriff uh where uh chiefs of
police are designating a couple of officers to participate in a team to response to uh public public um events and public displays of of concern. We've had a number of of public uh speech exercising elements in township for both
the left and the right and everything in between. And and I'm exceptionally proud of our police department. no matter who's involved, everybody appreciates how they approach it. So, there's going to be some officers assigned to that which will enhance training and make everything better and and be helpful for the region. Uh the chief doesn't need
approval to do that, but the opportunity was presented to have a memorandum of understanding and I thought that wasn't a bad thing for the first amendment support. Um it it's it's not something you celebrate often, but we have we have a
new agreement with the city of Newark if the council approves it for the acquisition of Bulk Water, which we started negotiating in 2019. So for for Mr. Oste engineer and myself, this is a big deal.
We're very excited about this. After 6 years of trying, there might be fireworks, though I don't any more booms. Um the the the contract is is virtually identical, at least in its core elements, to the previous one that
expired in 2019. Um there is a balance that was owed because the city of Newark charged us the same rate for the last 5 years. And even though their rates changed, they never increased what we did. But I I credit the council with the foresight to reserve funds knowing this
was going to be happening. So the fact that we've reserved adequate funds to pay the $770,000 difference is fantastic without any delotterious impact on our water utility. So we're in good financial position and we're well prepared to execute a contract that took
a really long time to be done. Also, it's a 10-year agreement that doesn't start in 2020. It starts in 2025. So we don't have to do this again for 10 years. Y >> we we still need their water. Even with all we're spending on our new water tank and our wells and our PAS, we're
spending millions of millions. >> Correct. >> In order to maintain something called firm capacity, which is the necessary providing the water for the usage and fire, you must we we are required to have them or some other party that can provide the same amount of wood. >> But once our wells are all up and
running, won't it be okay? Cuz I thought we shut the one well down because of POS. So if we pick that up again, >> we have two usable wells and we need both of them in the city of New York. >> Okay. >> And what wasn't the main another main reason we did north is for the blending
of the hard water and >> the virtues of all the appliances and faucets and showerheads. >> Yeah. The detriment of surface water is you get trial methanes and hydro acidic acids which we dealt with a number of years ago but they correct on that machine. Um the benefit is it it does
balance against the hardness of the water that comes out of the aquifer. So the goal from the education >> I didn't see any change. The water still very hard and still extinct. >> Okay. >> I'm excited because we got a new
contract. Um >> and then lastly within my report we have a discussion item late this evening uh regarding third party company to manage outside duty or off duty. uh the police department administration. So unless there's any questions and I apologize for a second report that went well into
the alphabet, but thank you for your patience. All right. Any comments from council hearing? None. None. >> Good. Okay. Public hearing. Next on the date on the agenda is the public hearing on ordinance number 2025-10.
Miss March. Ordinance 2025-10 is a bond ordinance providing for the elevation of floodprone homes in by the township of the county of Mars, New Jersey, appropriating 1,767,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance
of 1,767,000 bonds or notes of the township to finance the cost thereof. >> Thank you. Any comments from councel? Hearing none. Is there a motion to open the public hearing? I'll make that motion to open the public hearing. Second.
>> There's three seconds. Man, that's pretty good. All in favor? I >> If anyone in the 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? >> So moved.
>> Second. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Is there a motion to adopt this ordinance? I'll make a motion to adopt that ordinance number 2025-10. >> Second, Mr. Sarusa. Roll call, please.
>> Mrs. Lawrence Lynch, >> yes. >> Mr. Cole, >> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes. Mr. Syracus, >> yes. Mayor Tracy, >> yes. Next on the agenda is public hearing on ordinance number 2025-11. Miss Marsh. Ordinance number 2025-11 is an ordinance amending chapters 152 and
237 of the code of the township of Pquanic and establishing membership fees and rules for pickle ball and tennis court use. >> Any comments from councel? No, nothing changed since we talked about this consistent with what was previously discussed. Okay. Is there
is there a motion open to public hearing? >> Go ahead, Dave. >> I'll make that motion. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I. If anyone in the 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? >> Make that motion. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I Is there a motion to is to adopt this ordinance? >> I'll make that motion to adopt ordinance number 2025-11. >> I'll second. >> All right. Roll call, please.
>> Mrs. Clarence Lynch. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cole, yes. Mrs. Russell, >> yes. >> Mr. Syracus, >> yes. >> Mayor Tracy, >> yes. >> Next on the agenda is public hearing on ordinance number 2025-12. Miss Marsh, >> ordinance number 2025-12
is a bond ordinance providing a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 for the treatment of wells number one and number two and related improvements in by the township of Aquanic in the county of Mars, New Jersey and authorizing the issuance of $500,000
bonds or notes of the township of the township to finance the cost thereof. No. >> Thank you. Any comments from council? Hearing? >> No. >> Hearing none. Is there a motion to open the public hearing? I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I If anyone in the 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 that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Is there a motion to adopt this ordinance?
>> I'll make a motion to adopt 2025-12. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Clinch. >> Yes. Mr. Cole, >> yes. >> Mrs. Russell, >> yes. Mr. Syracus, >> yes. >> Mayor Drey, >> yes. >> Item number 10, there are no ordinance
schedules for introduction at this time, so we'll move to 11. The next item is resolutions. Miss Mark >> begin with resolution R2025174 approving the designated special event permit application for the post for the
post 242 car show. 175 approving the designated special event permit application for Reese across America. 176 approving the personnel policies and procedures manual employee handbook of the township of Quonic. 177 for renewal
of membership in the Mars County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund. 78 authorizing the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the township of planetic police department and the county of Mars and the Mars County Sheriff's Office regarding the township of planic police department's
participation in the first amendment swarity fast 179 authorizing the discretionary award of contracts for the purchase of tools for the department of public works to JP
K Junior Tools LLC stamp fund tools in an amount that may exceed $17,500 or will be less than $53,000. 180 approving revisions to the engine company 2 bylaws. 181 authorizing the execution of a bulk water purchase
agreement between the township of Aquanic and the city of Newark. 182 authorizing tax office refunds, overpayments, or cancellations. and R2025183 approving payment of the itemized claims is set forth on the August 21st and September 4th bills list and September
4th, 2018 FEMA elevation escro list. >> Thank you, Miss Marsh. Are there any comments on any of the resolutions from council? >> I have a comment on 2025-179. So they need they thought they only
needed 19,000 but now they might need 53,000 or 53,000 more. >> So this is a resolution to comply with the paytoplay laws of the state of New Jersey which require legislative approval of anything in excess of $17,500.
Right now we're at about $18,000. So we we've exceeded that $17,500. And essentially it's confirming that it is a nonfair and open contract, meaning the purveyor has not given you all financial contributions that exceed a threshold in that's prohibited in the
state of New Jersey. So essentially, we're just saying this contract is not being awarded because of financial contributions. We spent the dollar amount is in the resolution um 18 is it 18 and change? >> Yeah, it says 19
>> 19 and change. 52,000 is the bid threshold. So they might need another 30,000. >> No, we don't think we're going to need a $30,000. >> But just in case. >> Yeah, because to satisfy the 175 threshold, we can't go beyond 53 by law without going out to bid. So that's why you said
>> So that's why you Okay. But there's no 44. >> There's no specific tools that all of a sudden they need. It's just that that's what I'm curious about. >> We we need we need mechanics. >> So they run much cheaper
as the budget allows. We've been to schools over the years and this year we spent in excess of 175 in order to not get in trouble with the auditors resolution. >> Okay. So So they're not necessarily going out and spending $30 more,000 on tools.
>> Not necessarily, but they could. Well, I could at the first. >> Okay. >> But you don't need I don't plan to spend $53,000. And you're not going to frivolously just >> I know it wasn't in the budget. That's why. So, >> and and if we did with seven different vendors, then we wouldn't have to do
this resolution. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> Any other comments? >> No. >> Is there a motion to adopt these resolutions? >> I'll make a motion to adopt resolutions 2025-
174 through R2025-183. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Lawrence Lynch. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cole. >> Uh, yes. So I'll abstain to R 20225-178 and then my son's a police officer in the quant.
>> Um Mrs. Russell, >> yes. >> Mr. Syracus, >> yes. >> Mayor Tracy, >> yes. Next item on the agenda is the items for discussion for the duty/ outside duty third party administration. Mr. Ro.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. uh police department undertook a review of operations associated with offduty or raw call outside duty work. This is when uh JCPNL needs a police officer to control traffic so they can cut trees or
do work in the road. This is when the county of Mars needs to retain a police officer to keep everybody safe on the turnpike when they're doing all the improvements. So this does not relate to actual police department law enforcement operations. It's the outside duty. Currently, the process involves uh a
contractor reaching out to the uh patrol lieutenant and making a request for outside duty to be scheduled either in an emergency capacity or at some time in the future. Um sometimes the patrol lieutenant is on vacation. Sometimes it's 11:00.
Uh if the patrol lieutenant is not available, the captain or the chief get involved. contractor says, "I need X officers on this date." It gets scheduled. Uh the work gets done. Township pays the police officers out of the salary and wage line item and then
pursues collection from the contract. Um administratively there's some bumps and challenges associated with the police officers that are involved. Um what is proposed is very common not only in the
state but in Mars County. Um, I'd say roughly half the municipalities use a third party service and the way the third party service works is the service an ordinance needs to be put in place by the the council authorizing this and a resolution needs to award the contract.
um the service provider, the third party would work with the police department, finance department, get everything set up, follows our rules and procedures and policies. And the contractor then contacts the service and says, "I need X officers for this date." An estimate is
prepared by the third party service and they say, "Okay, well then you need to give us a deposit of this amount of money." They do that. Third party service has an app that goes out to all the officers again following whatever our procedures are and the officers are empowered to sign up for that overtime
whatever our rules may be seniority who last did it etc. Um as soon as that time is worked the third party company remits payment to the township and we make payment with the contractor's money as opposed to our subs. There's the
financial liability short beneficial to what's in it for the third party contractor. They charge the third party service provider. They charge a 20% uh cost to the contractor. So there's no cost to taxpayers. There's no cost to uh
us as a municipality. In fact, financially it shores up the liability. So we're not running around. Although Chief Commune is one heck of a debt collector. Um we're not sending the chief to to go get people. Um, you know, it's just a different way of operating. So, uh, if the council has questions, I
go into a little bit more detail in my written report, but I just wanted to kind of provide an explanation. And again, this was a review coming out of the police department with a recommendation from them that would necessitate legislative action should it take place. >> So, this was recommended by the police department,
>> correct? >> And and with respect to contractors, it is so common. Uh I participated in three pre-construction meetings with contractors. One of the questions is how do we arrange for the traffic control and they say do you use there's two predominant services in Mars County. So
they do you use X or Y for your outside duty? And we say no we do it in house and they go what? Oh, who do I contact them? So it's it's you know we're not this is not something that's unusual or objected to by the contractors. speak on very common and the officers it makes it
a little bit easier for them to so we're not calling around >> any other thoughts comments I don't have anything as I said it doesn't cost the taxpayers anymore it cost the contractor utility
etc so is there a cost yes but it's not by us u now if if we have a budget a job. For example, Sunset Road is hopefully going to start sometime this year. Uh, and we need police officers. We will go through the third party and we don't pay that percentage. So,
they're not going to we're not going to cost ourselves money by implementing this this procedure. Okay. >> So, I know I'm not supposed to talk about this. So, >> so the high school if the high school needs police officers, it's going to cost them
money. more money now than it's costing. >> I can confirm it, but my recollection is if if the high school or the Two Bridges Sewage Authority or another public entity needed officers, I believe they would benefit from the same lack of that
being charged. >> I can confirm that 20% correct. They wouldn't I believe they wouldn't charge them either, but we all know that there's police officers in every home football game and you know, I don't want to because then it is costing. >> So, you got to check in. >> So, yeah, I can confirm that. that
that's my recollection but I'm not 100% so I would confirm that or correct it prior to any action because again an ordinance that would need to be introduced and adopted and a resolution adopted >> yeah very good point but we got them too like we're so you might want to collaborate with >> well if it's our wave but you know if
there's other local >> so there's only outside contracting details then that would apply in house that I apply and it also does not pertain to road coverage, right? Has nothing to do
with the enforcement of of laws, responses to calls for service, the operational management of overtime or the need for overtime or filling overtime or emergency response solely remains with the police administration. It does not get offloaded. This is simply for the outside jobs outside for
the third party. Okay. So, if it's okay with council, I will prepare the the necessary ordinance, but add answer the questions. So, at the next meeting, we'll schedule it for consideration pending approval of those of those issues. >> That works.
>> Okay. >> Good. Good. Good. Excellent. Right. Moving on with the agenda. There's no reports and notices. Number 14 is uh council reports and announcements. Councilwoman Farley. >> Yeah. Mine's pretty short tonight. Um just uh we had a planning board meeting
last night. We did an easy sign approval for Holy Spirit. Um they're replacing the current sign that's there. They needed two small, you know, variances just because of what what our laws say. However, it it's
the exact same sign that's there now cuz it's pre-existing our laws. It's been there forever. Um, so they're going to get a nice uh new wooden sign out, Holy Spirit. Um, it was also recommended, oh, the other thing was we did um approve
the resolution for Hillview Med uh to build out in five stages. So that the resolution was approved. I reported that last time. There was a recommendation that we talked about in length that
maybe a review of our ordinances can be done by staff. Um, so when the same applicants are coming forward for the same types of things, we can streamline it better. Um, but that's something
really for, you know, Jill and and Tamara to look at, which they said they they would. um just you know some of the processes such as a sign or or whatever if you're replacing a sign or whatever. So they did talk about maybe um reviewing some
of that. I know the board of adjustment brings gives us a report every year, but all we do is look at it and put it in a folder. Maybe we should use that to look at, you know, or somebody should look at it and say, you know, were there five
applicants going for the same type of thing that maybe we don't need all the to jump through all the hoops. Okay. Um, also, uh, I know the county work project on the turnpike continues. I know you've
relayed already to the county about street fair. Do we think we're going to be done in time for the street fair on September 21st or we don't know? >> We don't know. >> But it's been delayed and there >> Yeah. The response that was provided from the county was
contract runs until October 2nd. Uh milling and paving will is estimated to take 6 days. So the possibility exists that it may be I the three fair scheduled for a Sunday. So if it needed to be milled and over the weekend would be paid the next week it would just be
milful. >> So that's 11 days. >> That's what we know. Not going to happen. >> Well, it could be after it. It could be in the middle of it or it could be before it. I doubt it's before it but we you know we don't know. >> Some of those corners are dangerous. I hope we can get through it. Especially if it went on the corner of the Jackson
has that coming along. >> I I don't I'm not aware of any being dangerous. >> Yeah. I know I'm just like >> that's why we have the police out there. >> Yeah, we we'll have the police. I just figured I'd mention that. Um, also my last question, which is really a question, not a report. Um, are we
getting any closer with the getting rid of selling the affordable unit in the Glenn? >> We are putting forth all possible effort. >> Okay. >> Thank you. That's that's my report. >> Frustrating as it may be, we are putting forth Scotty's going full speed ahead.
We're just >> Adam Adam now knows the pain people >> in selling portal units >> selling and buying >> and and I think that's going to be a discussion item for next year I hope to maybe look at what we're doing
>> just stay tuned. >> Thank you. >> Thank you Melissa Councilman Cole. All right. Um, I got a text message from a person that's not in my phone. And you know, I have quite a few people in my phone, but as we all know that most of our phone numbers are on the uh town
website. So, this person just texted me. Uh, I finally got over to uh open play pickle ball last night at Greenville. What a night. There must have been 35 to 40 players. They're all rotating peacefully and on the amazing new courts. At one point I was outside
waiting for my group to turn to turn my our group's turn to play. And when I looked around uh I thought how amazing this is. Friends, strangers, community members all in one place having fun, meeting new people because of six new
pickle ball courts. Just amazing and gives me one more reason to be happy and proud to live in Bquatic Township. Thank you to everyone uh that was involved in making this possible. So, I did respond. Uh, she eventually said that her name
was Chris with a K, so I think it's a female. Uh, but it was nice to hear uh, you know, somebody actually, you know, comment and thank the council for what we did at that uh, at Green View Park. I will say that and I I mentioned it
already to the township manager. We need to set up money aside for the next year, two years, three years to get the other side of those tennis courts milled, new fence and fixed like we did the pickle ball courts. Uh that's the last thing
really that needs attention at the Green View Park >> uh to make that a a a class A park. >> And the handle part, >> well, I think they fixed it. uh you know so I don't know how many people play handball but I also wanted to
congratulate um our fellow council men Vince Sarakusa I went to a ceremony down in Westfield on Friday uh Vince was promoted to colonel of the national guard so Vince congratulations thank you
I heard he took some heat cuz I took some pictures and I posted on Facebook but he didn't invite all of his friends. I didn't uh but congratulations. Very proud. Thank you. That's all I have. Thank you, Dave. Councilwoman Russell. Councilwoman Russell. What did I say?
>> You said it. >> Oh, I did. I did. >> Sometimes I just blank out. >> That's okay. Who was it though? Oh, was it was it was it Facebook? Okay. So, first aid squad, they do so much for the community. If you want to join, please come talk to them. It's
really a great group of people. Good to be connected to those on that side of things. >> There we go. Okay, good. >> You're up. >> Stop trying to take my time, David. Um, yes. Congratulations to Vinnie. And all of a sudden, Dave, who's also a new
grandfather. So, back to the first day. Uh, in August they had 107 calls. 45 of them were to Cedar Crest. So, that's still uh an issue running up there for little things. Um, Saturday, September 27th is
their October Fest. Yes, it's in September, but the weather is going to be gorgeous. It's from 2 to 8. There's food, games, rided rides, unlimited beer and soda for a price, live music all day. It's going to be a lot of fun. They are currently selling 50/50. So, if
anybody wants one, if you guys want one, you can just let me know and I'll get you one. They're $100 each. Last year it was $7,100 to the winner. So, it's very good. Um, al the dinner dance is also scheduled for January 19th.
Saturday, uh, December 6 is the pancake breakfast. Um, and environmental Tom is going to be doing a presentation. I know I think it was Karen who mentioned it last time. The environmental club, they planted all grasses around the lake in Green View
Park and that's to stop the leaves from going in the water. So, they really did a great job and they worked hard on it. >> You know, they did a really good job. They they really do a lot of cool things behind the scenes. Um September 20th is hazardous waste at KV Park and October
18th is the hotel. >> What what dinner dance is coming up in January? >> That's the the first aid dinner dance. >> The installation >> the installation dinner. Yeah. >> Is that I think that's going to be a joint. >> Yeah, I think they're joining I think it's fire and that they just it's in
January. January 19th I think is the date. So put it in your calendars now. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. sir. >> All right. Good evening everyone. Good evening. So, a few things first. First off, um you know, thanks to the
volunteers who come out and they actually participate in these committees and it's important because if it wasn't for them, then a lot of things in town wouldn't that wouldn't happen. Especially those who are concerned on what's going on with it 60 sunset or any other issue or event that's going on in
town, right? So, your participation, you know, getting us to Yes. And right is important. I appreciate it. All right. And that's not to say that we're invested because many of us are multi multiple generations here in town. So, uh we are fully invested. All right. We do care about this town. Otherwise, we
wouldn't be here. We want to raise our right hand to do this job, you know, to represent you all. So, I assure you with us being up here, you are represented. Um okay. So, just one thing we have a lot of construction going on on the turnpike. Um, AB, if we could just maybe
talk to the contractor about the placement of some of the construction equipment at night, what they're done at the end of the day, just distance from intersections, private property, any of that. Uh, some things come to my attention if we can please just maybe just be cognizant of that. Just maybe a
friendly reminder to >> Yeah, I can relay that county with respect to dealing with the contractor unless it's something that's unlawful. >> Yep. >> And we're limited, but we can involve the county. >> I appreciate it. Thanks, sir. All right. So, let's go to um parks and wreck. That was the first one.
Well, and I say that because um what they had a really great idea, the the rail holiday trail lightw walk. So, there's a proposal that we write we light up the the the walking trail during the holiday uh with lights and
have like a competition or something like that. Uh so, I just reminded them that the trail closes at dusk. All right. So, more more discussion on that. Right. Um cuz we're not going to, you know, have anyone break any laws and accept risk with that. Right. >> We don't know.
>> We don't know. >> We don't know. >> We do not. All right. Um what else did I want to talk about here? Um that was the biggest thing for that open space. Um we talked about the the different committees and then the
biggest takeaway out of that was uh naming all the properties um down in you know in Pquonic uh along the river walk from the name of the park. So they they were discussing there's some discussion on that. Nothing's nothing's um been to
come to you know decision. And then we discussed the Cherry Street Park and on the rail trail and then that connection and then um let's see um thing I want to say but that might be I
think those are the those three biggest things right there. Yep. That oh the pickle ball courts. How can I forget the pickle ball courts? Right. Yeah. Yeah. Something that's going on in town, right? So we cut the ribbon tonight. It's great event. A lot of people out there cooking hot dogs. I couldn't eat the hot dogs, right? just gives
>> you a stake right now. >> So, but you know, but really, you know, just talk about a small community coming together like um that's hey this is important to me, right? And if it's important to you, it's important to us uh and together we're going to get to Yes. So, um so great job on the parks
and rec committee and everyone else who is involved with that. Uh and that's all I have. Any questions? Vince, thank you. Just jumping on the the the pickle ball course. There's a basketball court there, too, that there was probably about 45 50 people playing on and some
adults teaching kids. So, it was it was really cool. If you haven't been there, check it out. Um, so yeah, that was nice to find to finally get get that done, investing money into some parks, which we are going to continue to do. Um, I also want to just thank Vince again for thanking our volunteers. We don't do
that nearly enough. Um, we do do it a little bit, but not nearly enough. So yes, definitely thank thank you to all the committees and like Vince mentioned about the 60 sun sunset and bringing a lot of that stuff to our attention. So thank thank you for that. Um the shade tree committee did not meet over the
summer. There's going to there's a meeting coming up shortly. So that's that. Um north uh pump turn bike work. Thankfully it's moving along quickly. Um I think so anyway. Um just I know what's involved in construction and roads and um stuff like that. So, they seem to be
doing a pretty good uh a good job from what I can see. Um, again, school's in session. Anybody with kids knows that there's a lot of kids running around bikes, especially these electronic thingies. Um, just please be careful out there. Parents, talk to your kids. Um, some of them uh uh don't drive too slow.
In fact, the guy was doing wheelies in front of me coming up sunset before. So, um, anyway, that's crazy. And then also, I just want to give a shout out to the DPW for the work over the summer. just keeping the grass trimmed, keeping things cleaned up, um keeping the fields
ready for sports and stuff. So, thank thank you for them and also for their work at Green View Park with with the new uh with the new courts. So, that's what I got, sir. Next item on the agenda is public comment. As a reminder, we welcome
comments, suggestions, and questions rather than dialogue. Comments are limited to 3 minutes. Please, if anyone wishes to address council, please wait to be recognized and come to the microphone and provide your name for the record. Yes, come on up.
>> Hello, Sandy Lort again and I'm here this time to thank you, Mr. Mayor Drei, for asking Mr. Dike to weigh in um on those questions. And I did like what you said, Mr. like and I agree that being
receptive to ideas is is different than voting on them. So I think that clarification personally was very helpful to me. Um but I listened in on that phone call and the disturbing thing was Mr. Harrison said his goal is we he
hopes that we can work something out whereby the ordinance actually changes. So our zoning board's opinion wouldn't be as important. So that which was pre that which previously would require a
variance might not require one. It is my understanding. You know this has all been a huge learning process that we have a zoning board, we have a planning board, we have master plans and there's a lot of thought and vision that goes
into all of that. So, it bothers me that this attorney who's representing the insurance company who's defending you wants to kind of bypass the process and change the vision of all the people
who've come up with our master plan, who are sitting on our planning board, who are sitting on our zoning board. So I found that um a little upsetting. And then if I don't know what the word is, but the other
thing is when he was speaking about cost cuz mediation has cost. So it came out that he's volunteering to pay for the full cost of mediation. Now, if mediation is something that both parties are really amendable to, you would think
both parties would split the costs because then there's something in it for both of them. They have it it shows that they are both interested in doing this mediation and possibly coming up with a settlement. So I didn't understand why
he would offer to pay for everything when he's trying to work with somebody as a team to figure out a way to solve a problem that so that was just something else when you when you get a hold of the transcripts or whatever I would ask to
consider like I I don't I don't get that. Um, I think it should be worn by both parties because both parties are invested in trying to hear and and hearing things is a good thing. I listen to you. I listened to you. I processed what you said. I came back back up here.
I understand words matter. And saying he has a slim majority receptive to settling is a little bit different than saying that you voted or or he took a straw poll. So, thank you so much. >> I appreciate it. >> Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else? for
public comment. Come on down process. Um, with regards to the uh construction equipment, you might want to look into the NJ dot specifications with regarding clear zone. Okay. Uh, construction equipment is not supposed to be stored in a clear
zone when not being used. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else public comment? Come on up. While Sharon is walking up, I forgot to mention one thing. UNICO's 911 ceremony is this Thursday at 6:30
>> right here in town hall. Good point. >> Thank you. Unless Sharon was going to mention it, so sorry to take your thunder. >> You never steal my phone. I've been here too long. >> Good evening, council. Yes. Never forget our 9/11 wasn't a good day. So, I want to commend
this mother and this young child here. They're looking to put in a pump track. Some of you close your ears, but quite a few years ago, there was a very strong group that tried to put in a skateboard park. And part of that was allowing BMX,
other alternative sports to take place, and that was shut down very quickly. So, while this mother and this young son of hers is introducing a pump track, I would love to ask the council to please strongly consider, as much as you
say you'll talk about it at the budget, but to please try to strongly consider adding an alternative sport for kids that don't do football, baseball, basketball. I know pickle ball is very big for adults, but
it seems like our township, you're creating a vision. So, don't forget about those young children that once filled this room that asked for a park that was going to accommodate something for them. And that's all I have. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Anybody else public comment? Right. Seeing none, we're going to close this section the meeting and move on with the approval of the minutes. Okay. Um, so we got May 5th, June 10th,
July 7th, August 12th regular meetings in the July 22nd special meeting that Vince and I have to obtain from. Any comments on the minutes? Nope. Nope. No comments. Uh, is there a motion
to approve these minutes? >> I'll make a motion to approve the minutes as presented. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um, no. Well, I guess let's split this up. So, we So, >> you can do one. That's okay. >> Okay. We can do one. >> Just abain on those two. >> Okay. So, I'm going to abstain on July
22nd. >> July. >> Okay. So, who who's I don't know how you second because you can figure that out. I can't say all in favor, but we said all in favor. So, is anybody opposed? So >> we all approved. Yes. Thank you.
>> So that was a next item on the agenda is close session discussion. Is there a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the township council to meet in executive session to discuss matters of attorney client privilege? >> I'll make that motion. >> All in favor? I opposed.
At this time the public portion of the meeting is recessed for the closed session. Thank you. Thank you for coming.