The notice requirement provided for the open public meetings law has been satisfied. Notice was properly given. Said notice has been transmitted to the Courier News on Tuesday, January 8th, as well as posting on the city's website. Roll call.
Council members Briggs Jones >> present. >> Mcraham >> present. >> McCrae >> present. >> Wyatt >> present. >> Cessums >> present. >> Vice President Hawiday >> present. >> Council President Cherry
>> present. >> All members present and a quorum. >> All right. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. And remain standing. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Humbly we ask God, the giver of peace and the lover of charity, to give the entire family of nations true agreement with his will, and to grant the light of his spirit on all those who work for
justice and peace. Amen. Amen. May I have a motion to approve the minutes for the city council meeting on May 11th? >> So move. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All right. Communications from the mayor. >> Uh yes. The mayor included a uh article
from NJ.com regarding New Jersey virtual public comment participation. Uh the copy of the article was included in the IQ2 portal. >> Okay, that's it. Thank you. There are no discussion items.
All right. Um I know there's some people this is your first council meeting. Welcome. So we're going to have open comment at the end. Um we're going to go through the agenda and during the agenda we're going to have ordinances that you could talk about that are on the
ordinance. But at the end is where you're going to be able to have general comment. Okay. All right. We have ordinances MC2026-12, MC2026-14,
and MC 20226-15, which are scheduled for public hearing and final passage for the regular meeting as advertised. We now move on to resolutions. The legislative body. Do I have consensus to add these items to the voting meeting?
Yes, it's so moved. >> All right. Are there anything that um we want to take off the agenda? Right. Consensus. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. The mayor, will you please um present your item or business administrator?
>> Yes. Thank you, Council President. We have um four resolutions that are appointments or reappointments for positions. And then we have one that is a street naming, a ceremonial street naming on East 4th between Richmond and
Roosevelt for Bishop Lawrence Wyatt Boulevard. All right, I'll entertain any questions for my council colleagues. I just have one question for um 2020-26. What's the criteria for street naming?
We get requests and then um you know we we consider it from there but when we get a request we take it seriously and this is one that had a church had reached out to us about do I have consensus to add these to the voting meeting
>> this under the business um R 219-26 26 yes okay just a quick question just um was this position advertised? >> So this is a p this person somebody ret somebody left resigned
>> and this person has the has a criteria to take on this role. He has the um licenses that are required for construction official. It's very specific by univers by UCC um uniform construction code what you
have to have. So this person has it. They've been working here in a different capacity under the construction code, construction official, and so they are being appointed into that position. >> Okay. >> I just want to know if it was advertised cuz I don't know, it could have been somebody in Planefield that might have
wanted this job or I just a question. Yes, sir. >> All right. Any other questions? >> CNN, do I have consensus to add this to the voting meeting? >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. All right. Will the finance
director please present her item? >> Good evening all. I have one resolution for your approval. This is resolution authorizing the adoption of the current fund emergency budget and this is to add
seven grants to the budget. >> Any questions, council? Seeing none, do I have consensus to add these to the voting meeting? >> Yes. Yes. >> All right. Excellent. All right. All right. Will the police director please present your items? >> Good evening, madame council president,
council. I have one item for your consideration tonight. That is a resolution to enter was actually a renewal to enter a one-year renewal contract with sound thinking, also known as Shot Spotter in an amount not to exceed $177,294.
Um, we worked out something with Shot Spotter and the price was held at last year's price. So, there was no increase in regards to this. That's all I have. >> All right. Any questions? >> Yes. President. >> Yes. >> I have a few questions. Director to the chair.
>> Um, how effective is Shot Spotter? >> Well, it depends. We've had at least one incident over the years where Shot Spotter was pretty much credited with uh saving or preventing the death of a citizen in the city. And as I've said
before at meetings, I I think that uh we don't want to be the people who turn it off and then we have an incident when we could have used it and somebody died. So with that thought in mind, even if it's just one person, we keep it on every
year. in terms of its effectiveness. Uh, a lot of times it it registers shots that are, you know, fireworks and different things of that nature, but a lot of times it registers shots that come in and we never received a phone
call for it and we'll we'll arrive and officers will be tending to a victim or something of that nature and there will not have been a call that came in to police headquarters. So, it's it's one of those things that we we kind of need to have.
>> Okay. And do we have the data on how many cases it helps solve? Like I was reading I know it helps with shell casings. And the reason I asked, I read an article that was uh based in New York and they were saying that they were having challenges with it and some people were pushing back saying that they were allocating um an enormous
amount of money towards it. In our case, what is it? $177,000 a year. Um, so just wanted to make sure that we had the data and that we're making datadriven decisions. >> Well, yeah, it's with me it's always data driven decisions. Um, like I said, uh, we have a pretty good relationship
with Shot Spotter. Uh, I don't know if other communities do. They've held prices pretty much stagnant for us over the years because we're trying to do the best we that we can do with the money that we have. So, with that being said, it's it's I I think it's a good system.
I I would It's one of those things I'd rather have it and not necessarily need it than need it and we don't have it here. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any other questions, my council colleagues? Seeing none, um do I have consensus to add these to the voting
meeting? >> Yes. >> All right. Will the director of public works please present his items? Good evening, Council President Cherry, members of the council, Department of Public Works has 10 resolutions seeking your approval. Resolution 22326,
authorized professional service contract for Associates. Uh, this is uh for a service improvement project for Belleview Avenue and Belleview Court in the amount of $7,850 professional services. and 224 authorizing amendment to resolution
34225 to change the funding source for the professional service contract for Associates. Uh this is for East Front Streetscape improvements totaling 74,400. Uh resolution 225 authorizes amendment to resolution 31125 to change the
funding source for the professional service contracting associates. This is for uh the waterershed improvements plan phase one. Uh 226 is authorizing approval for street opening at various locations through American water. All these streets be done back curve to
curve. Uh descend more 5-year moratorum. Uh res 227 authorizing change order number two through the valley construction. Uh this is for $25,000 for the complete inclusive playground project for mortise and sidewalk work and other things had to be done. and
resolution 28 228 authorized approval to purchase 20 decorative LED post top light fixtures. This is for library park beautify that. This is for capital funding. This project is under state contract for $56,50. Resolution 229 authorizing approval to
purchase traffic crosswalk push button beacons. This is a total of 20 for a total of $77,11.7. This is for public safety at intersections. Uh, resin 230 is authorized and approved to purchase one traffic company product blinking LED
lights for stop signs across the city. And this will help us out with everything from a safety standpoint for $118,28.20. And this is under the co-op, Somerset Co-op. Uh, res 231 authorizing the purchase of one new rack truck with a liftgate. This is to be utilized for
traffic control equipment, traffic cones, barricades, drones, stop signs, etc. for this will approve everything we do with it comes to major catastrophes across the city. This incorporates police department and fire as well with all this. We're going to use this truck.
Uh 3232 is authorizing Department of Public Works signal division uh to purchase one mobile generator. We have two in our foot. Another one would help us when there's other things for blackouts or lights that are knocked down across the city traffic lights. That's all I have. >> Thank you. Thank you, director. Before I
open up to my council colleagues, for resolution 223, where can a constituent um find um maybe like like a list of when their street is going to be in Q to get paved? because I I know we talked about potentially putting it on the
website and I'm starting to see a lot of our streets get repaid which is an amazing thing. Is there like some type of system that your department has? >> Well, we try good question. We try to ride around check streets that are deteriorating. We try to add them to a list and we do that. Uh we decide based
on some of those streets that we have we try to get DOT grant funding for those and that takes time to get that. Of course, some of those streets may need curbing inlets etc. So that that's how we go about that. And of course when things come from the administration, council, everyone else, we try to see
what's in the work be to be done. In addition to trying to do streets that we can just mill and pave, but milling and pavement, it's like a three to one. You can do three streets to one as opposed to putting curbs everywhere. You don't have to. That's why we try to measure things based on that. >> So is it listed on your on the city
website? What streets are in Q? Well, right now with the streets that are being done, I we can post a listing. It's with the utility companies from public service and American Water. Those are the ones we can post because it's quite a bit across the city that are being done. And as funding becomes available through grants, then we can
post whatever we're going to do in other parts of the city. If this Belleview Avenue, Belleview Court, that's on the agenda tonight, we can that's something we can post. Let them know that's going to be done because it's starting off right now. Professional service, design work, and everything for those streets. >> Thank you. And then for 229, the beacon
lights. Are you able to share the streets or the intersections where the beacon lights are going to be placed? >> Yes. So, we're looking at different location. We have some locations in mind where they're going to be placed. Uh there's a list of them. We're looking to put them in areas to around some of the
parks where it's dangerous uh around schools school areas and and some our businesses districts too as well where we can do that pedestrian where it's heavy pedestrian traffic. >> All right. Thank you. Um questions for my council colleagues. Just a quick follow-up question on 229-26.
Um, with regard to the locations that these uh, push button beacons may go, are we do we have to get like separate uh, permission to do them on a county road or is are any of the county roads
part of this list? >> This is so to put the beacons in. We won't need the county permission for that. That just something we can do across the decision but right now we have some located you look on seventh street 7 street and spoon after there's some
>> so wherever is a safety issue we will work in conjunction with the county and they would have no problem I believe >> so we're trying to work together to address things but right now we have one at well three of them at spooner and uh seven >> all right thanks
>> yes councilwoman Thank you, Council President. Um, director, good evening. Um, you referenced um that 224-26 is grant funded and typically you will raise if they are grant funded. Are any of the other ones grant funded and if
not, is the money that you're asking for currently in our budget to support these requests? >> Yes, it is. money's in the budgets and yes, as far as grant funded 22326 is NJT grant for 476774.
Okay, the one for the shared watershed only gave us the DP only give us 25,000 for that. And we have 224 like I said it's $565,773. Those are the ones that are grant funded. 223, 224, and 227.
>> 226, >> 226 grant funded >> a portion of Okay, good. >> Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions? >> Seeing none, do I have consensus to add this on the voting meeting? >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Thank you, >> Council President. Uh, excuse me real quick. I just want to ask that seat where that laptop is sitting is someone actually sitting there or is that an available seat? So we have one available. >> Okay.
>> Okay. We need a seat for that. >> Okay. So leave it in the chair. Okay. I'm sorry. I apologize, Council President. there on the side of the desk. >> All right. Thank you. >> Oh, will the director of economic development please um present her items? >> Sure. >> Thank you.
>> Good evening, council. I have resolutions 233-26 to 240-26. 4 233. This is a resolution to authorize the submission of the fiscal year 2027
administrative budget for the urban enterprise zone. This is to cover the administration of the annual allocations that we receive as in terms of staff time as well as
attendance and office supplies. for resolution 234-26. I am requesting to pull this item from the agenda requesting to pull resolution 234-26
for resolutions 235. This is to designate Crest Haven Academy Charter School at the location of 1512 West Third Street. Proposed here is to
look at a new structure that would be about approximately 4500 square ft. It will have 15 classrooms, 38 off- streetet parking spaces for 33
staff members, and this would house grades 5 through 8. For resolution 23 236, this is to designate Friends of Barack
Obama Green Charter School. This would be a charter school. Proposed would be a high school student facility rehabilitating an existing 15,000 square ft building.
Um, and addition of another 15,000 square ft. This would have 28 on-site parking spaces. There will be a total of 49 staff members. The remaining parking
spaces will be in the municipal lots 1 and 8. Next resolution is referring to the designation of the Queen City Academy Charter School.
This charter school is looking at the construction of an addition to house high school students at the facility expanding from 24 classrooms to 61 classrooms as well
as the addition of two gymnasiums. There are a total of 72 teachers and staff and they were have the equivalent parking spaces available. Resolution. The next resolution that
we're looking at is the resolution for,00 to 1118 South Avenue. This is to authorize the transfer of a red development agreement as well as the financial agreement.
Nothing is changing in this case. It will have the same number of units, same number of commercial space. The only thing that is changing is ownership of the property. Anytime there's a change in ownership of an agreement that the membership of the LLC is more than 10%.
We are required to present it for council approval. The only other thing changing in this agreement of course is the timeline because there it's a few months delay in the construction. And
the last one that we're I believe I skipped one, forgive me, I skipped resolution 238-26. There's a request to pull this resolution. Um the resolution 240-26
is in reference to a HMFA pilot. This is for Leling Gardens. The pilot terms, duration, and agreement would stay the same. The only difference is is that the financial institution requires a
renaming of the entity for refinancing. >> All right. You got to pull. You're going to pull 234 238. >> Yes. Requesting to pull R 234 and R238. All right, I'll entertain questions for
my council colleagues. >> Councilwoman, >> Councilman Wyatt. >> All right. Yes. Uh R236-26 >> uh for the Barack Obama green charter. Um are they looking to expand or are they just looking to relocate? Will
there be an increase in the student population there? So there there's no one there now. So there will be an increase in the student population there. This is the old existing New Jersey human services building.
This is to relocate their high school students to this location. >> So there will be an increase in the student population. >> Yes. >> Okay. Was a traffic study done for the area? The traffic study was done and it
will be presented should it be approved by council to the planning board. >> Okay. So the traffic study is the next step. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> There was a traffic study conducted already ready to be approved should it
get approved by council to planning board. >> Okay. Did we receive that information? >> Yes. But it's not a part of what we can present to you as this is an agreement for contract for designation. >> Okay. So
trust. All right. 236-26 Crest Haven. Is that Crest? >> No. >> No. >> 235-26. >> Are they looking to relocate or expand their student population as well?
This is to relocate ages 5 through eight, grades 5 through eight. >> Is there increase in the student population? >> It is an increase. >> Okay. And the Queen City Academy Charter School. >> Um I know that we had some challenges
with this uh the last two meetings. Um, I went to one of the forums where community members, uh, the church right next door, members from their congregation came as well, where people voiced their concerns about the traffic on Grant Avenue in that West 8th area
that currently is there. Um, so I know that they said they were go back to the table. What changes were made from the last meeting to now? They looked at the circulation as well as the use of their recreational facilities, what they would host on
site. >> Okay. And we can't we're not privy to that information as well. >> The circulation as well as the programming is presented at the planning board meeting.
>> Okay. Did they uh do community outreach once again and speak to the neighbors in the area? >> To my knowledge, I was told. >> Okay. And you sure about that since the last meeting? >> I don't know. I wasn't present. >> Okay. Have you had documentation that there was a meeting?
>> All I know is what was advertised at the previous meeting? >> Okay. And just one more question. um because that was one charter school that people were trying to you know we went to the meetings to hear them out. Now we're looking at three expansions of
charter schools. What's the overall goal when it comes to education in our city? >> That's not the point of this designation. I'm talking about redevelopment designation. So I would not be able to answer the question. >> Can answer that question? Okay. Okay.
Unless somebody else has council essence. Thank you, Madam President. Uh, Madame Director, just a few questions. Um, of the three charter schools that you mentioned, I believe two of them are looking to now have
their high school um, all in one location. What does that look like in terms of sporting events? So, in most cases for the high schools, this would create an area for
recreations. In some cases, they don't have gyms available. So, in one of the charter schools, they're creating two gyms. In another charter school, there are also creating a gym as well as a physical education area. In terms of
sporting events and programmings, whether they're competing, that's left to the programming of the school, and that's presented at planning board. So, if the ones that are adding on a a high school component choose to have um you
know basketball and they compete against other schools and other districts and you know clearly those families would have to travel in. Um is that their plan to have those games at those locations or are they considering moving those games to other locations? One um to ease
traffic and two to accommodate whatever the capacity might be at these games. So I know for sure that one school has agreed to move it to alternate locations not to have competitions on site and other schools they can entertain it and
it can be requested at planning board. >> Okay. Thank you. Um I'm going to move to uh 1100 South Avenue um that property. >> So um as I understand it the original developer ran out of funds to finish the
property. Is that not true? >> Yes, that's true. Okay. And now we're looking to um give this agreement to another developer >> to designate the developer >> to designate. Okay. The the one that we're looking to designate, do we know who they are? >> Yes, we do.
>> Have they done business in the city? >> They have done business in neighboring cities and neighboring municipalities. >> Did they finish all of their properties? >> Yes, they have. They have a very extensive track record. Okay. And the one that ran out of money and couldn't finish their property here in the city
of Planefield, are they doing any other development projects in the city of Planefield? >> No, they are not. >> Okay. Will they be doing other development projects in the city of Planefield? >> I cannot predict the future, but as of now, they are not up for any designations. >> Okay. We appreciate that. Thank you.
>> All right. Any other questions on this? >> Yes. >> Councilman, >> uh, quick question. All right. So, um, where R236-26, the um, Barack Obama school, where they where they anticipate moving
to, I believe that's the area where there's going to be 200 more new apartments, right? Is that correct? >> Yes, it is the block over. >> So, that's a traffic study was done for that combined. So a traffic study was
done for the moving of the school redevelopment plus the 200. >> So the traffic study will have to be presented at planning board and if there is a question about the new influx of
units that would come up at that time. >> Okay. Um, what's the current square footage of where the Barack Obama is located right now? Anyway, I know I read something on there where they had a infestation of
the rodents >> and I'm sure that was an issue also as well. I knew I read that. Um, but my question is I hope they're not moving because of that because that if that's the case, my
question is who is responsible for the disposal of of taking care of the garbage around there, then you have businesses around also around the Barack Obama school as well. >> So the responsible for the disposal is the property owner.
>> The property owner, right? So, whoever owns that building where the school is. Correct. >> Okay. So, because then I say to myself, okay, so if there's a problem there, then that means that the businesses are not doing what they're supposed to do. And then my next question would be, well, how
often is the garbage picked up? >> So, >> which which would could be a problem, too, cuz I'm sure it's not us cuz our guys, they do their job, >> right? So there is a trash schedule that is there. I believe it's there on a
bi-weekly every twice a week schedule. >> Okay. Because that I mean that would be also if it's that bad. Now you're talking about the health department coming in as well cuz that's an issue, right? No.
Okay. R235-26. Um, we talking about the Cres Haven School and I believe I don't know if Councilman Wyatt um I didn't know if I hear if I heard him say to ask a question um about the school, but did you have a meeting with the residents
also as well? I I asked that in um in that area where this they anticipate moving. >> No, I did not meet with the res. >> Okay. And the the reason why I'm asking is because it's right there by the Rushmore pool.
>> Mhm. >> And the parking is atrocious over there. And so residents need to know what's coming. Um I I would I know if I was a resident in the area, I be like, "What happened?
What what's going on here?" Um maybe they should be notified by >> Sure. So a part of notifying the residents is >> one when there is a study conducted >> the residents are notified that they are
looking at an area in need of redevelopment. Should the property get designated for development, then moving on, they are also notified when they're doing a redevelopment plan, they are
notified when the site plan goes before the planning board for approval. There's a requirement of a 200 foot list. Mhm. Okay. Okay. We're going to go to R 237-26, Queens, the charter. Um, I know that
they purchased that house right on Grant and 8th Street and uh the question that I have is now that that house has been purchased the we were getting taxes coming to the city, we were getting
revenue, but now that they have this house, we will no longer be getting taxes from it. We will no longer get the revenue. Is that correct? >> That is correct. >> All right. So the next question is R23726.
We're still on Queen City charter. Was the county involved as far do they know what's going on and what could take place? So the only time the county is involved if they own neighboring property and at
the time of doing the traffic analysis and should this go on to site plan review their approval and awareness is required. >> Okay. Um, and I know that we had we had been to a
few other meetings and we were talking about the Queen City Charter, of course, during this expansion, if you will. And um I also had a concern about Rosa Sharon because I do know that sometimes they
have funerals and they have things going on and um you know we want to make sure that they're properly notified also as well what's going on the congregation and those that are in the third ward right there on seventh and grant and
then going into the fourth ward. Mhm. Um I was told and well I know for sure when you have to do a study that they're required to look at the 200 foot list. Road to Sarin is right next door. So I
know they had to be notified of the study. >> Also looking at the redevelopment plan. I was told that the developers or Queen City themselves when they did their two outreach readings that they did reach
out. >> Okay. All right. I'm I'm sure somebody will somebody's here will speak to that. Um I I'll let them do what they need to do. Um R240-26. >> Mhm.
Okay, we were talking about the Leland Gardens. Um, where is the original agreement on this? Where where's the original agreement? >> And are we amending anything in this property? What's Can you explain that to me, please? The only thing that we're uh
amending is the required language for their financial institution so they can refinance their mortgage. Nothing else in terms of >> So that's the only thing. So there's no other changes. It's just that we're talking about >> their financial part of it.
>> Yep. >> Okay. That's it for now. >> All right. >> So, can you remind me if uh charter schools are exempt from real estate taxes?
>> Unlike where you're dealing with public schools and houses of worship, they're allowed in terms of any zoning area. where charter schools are different because their property is privately held. In order to develop, they're
looking for the redevelopment process. >> Do they play do the property that they own pay real estate taxes >> once? No, they do not. >> Okay. So for Queen City purchased a
building that that formerly paid taxes in our redevelopment agreement. Is there a means to equalize somewhat the missing tax revenue from them purchasing the building? >> It can be requested as a part of negotiation.
>> Okay. Um, but whether they develop on the process uh on the property or not, does that change whether or not we receive taxes for the property? >> No.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Is that it? >> Yes, that's it. >> All right. Any other questions? >> Yes. Just for a point of clarification for 240- um 26 with regard to the pilot agreement
for Leland Gardens. We're essentially uh extending their pilot agreement. >> There's no change in the terms or the duration. So if it was a 30-year pilot, it remains a 30-year pilot. No change in timeline. >> Okay. Thanks.
>> I'm sorry. I think I missed something. R235-26 going back to Crest Haven again. Um, what what's what's the plan for the space that they're in now? Like what what's going to happen again? What' you say? Can you repeat that, please? >> The school itself.
>> Yeah. >> So, the school itself is going to be a 45,000 square foot building. Councilman, any other questions? >> Nope, that's it. Thank you. >> Um, director, um, when you talk about
expansion, is it expansion that the state has expanded for the charters or this is an expansion so based on the number that they've been allocated? Can you talk a little bit about that? The difference >> each of the charter schools have a
threshold or a number of students that they can have in total. So if they can have 900 students in total, most of the charter schools have not approached that limit yet. the when we're so depending
on how you using the number expansion I'm making a difference between the number of increased students versus expansion because they haven't expanded what they're allowed to have at the full limit. >> Do you know what the current versus
capacity? So for all three, >> not for all three off the top of my head. I for I'm just going to give for example one. There's a requirement they could go up to 900. The top limit that
they are right now does not exceed more than 600. >> Thank you officer. Go ahead. director. >> Okay. So in most cases the these three schools they are only at
about 2/3 of their capacity. >> Understood. >> Of that top number. Yeah. >> All right. So can you got a question? >> Go ahead. Councilman. >> Yes. Um, Madame President, um, it was
over a year ago when we were speaking about expansions of charter schools and the question was put on the floor for all of the leadership to sit down like this is one, it's a small city. Planefield is a small city, right? So, the board of education, we have to vote on these things. The governing body, the
administration, uh, the Planefield board of education, we make decisions that impact not just the charter schools, but the entire city. But we do not have conversations and discussions with any other entities or parties. So how are we
how do we say we're one playing field? We're united and we don't do that. >> I don't think that was directed at me. >> What's the question? >> Was that question directed at me? >> Yes, it was.
>> So the administration has conversations in general. We have had several conversations with the uh school board, the superintendent as well as the president of the school board. So I think we're always opening open to
different visioning sessions. And if I may add, council president, I am aware that the former superintendent, I'll use the word former because superintendent Rashan Hassan met on a
regular basis with the charters in the city of Flame. You >> talking to your mic, mayor? >> Yes. >> Maybe come closer, but it's on. >> Okay. Superintendent Rashan Hassan met on a regular basis with the charter schools
in the city of Planefield. >> All right. >> What was the point of that, Madam President? >> You couldn't I couldn't hear him. >> Yeah. >> No, no. I said what was the point of saying that he met with him on a regular met with them? >> That is that you said we should all get together and have conversations. the
administration, the school district and the charters. Director Fields said that we have conversations we the administration and I am adding that the superintendent of schools also
had conversations with the charters. So we would have met what you were asking for. >> Right. Thank you. >> And so that's the point. >> Thank you, mayor. So, um, clerk, can you pull out
because I for for the voting meeting 235 >> four >> four >> no >> 234 and 238 >> for consensus. Okay. >> For consensus.
All right. So, for consensus 235. >> Anything else? 236 >> 237 >> 236 >> 237 >> and 237. Anything else? All right, seeing none.
All right. Will the director of health and social services please present your items? >> Good evening, council president and council members. Uh I have three items for recommendation tonight. Our R241 is
a resolution uh authorizing an agreement with Poor and Protect LLC uh to provide full animal control services for lost and abandoned domestic and wild animals found within the city of Planefield uh not to exceed 96,500
effective July 1st through December 31st of 2026. Resolution 242 is a resolution uh seeking approval to utilize a qualified lead abatement contractors which exceed the city of Planefield's
threshold of 53,000 under the lead abatement and remediation uh grant program. This is for one house um and it it is within the DCA uh recommended um span of numbers. Uh however, because it's such a large, well, because it's a
number of 53,000, we need to seek um approval. And resolution 243 is a resolution authorizing approval to utilize a qualified lead abatement contractors under the city of Planefield. Um, we subcontract with
Proceed and Proceed has a list of contractors, but the uh purchasing division said that we also have to get those approved by council in order to be able to use those. Uh, so those are our three um resolutions. >> All right. Thank you for um resolution
241. I see it's a new name. Is that the same person? New name? >> No, this is a new provider. Uh, we put out two RFPs and this is the only provider. However, I will say that we are familiar with this provider. He currently does the work for Titleshot
and so he'll be doing the work under uh his own company. Um we also have uh we know who the veterinarian is and we also know um the site where animals will be held because we've already had um relationships with them as well.
>> Okay. Thank you. Any questions for my council colleagues? >> Seeing none, do I have consensus to add this to the voting meeting? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. All right. Will the director of communications and technology please present her item? >> Sure. Thank you, council president. Um,
this is a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with JCT solutions for the installation of additional security camera and network infrastructure throughout Planefield as part of our ongoing smart city and public safety initiatives. The project
will be funded through available 2024 and 2025 capital funds and will expand camera coverage across key areas of the city in consultation with the police department. Since the original proposal was prepared, the police department identified additional nine additional
locations that should be included in the network and um certain equipment specifications required updates to ensure compatibility with current technology standards. So, as a result of that, I'm requesting council's authorization to increase the contract
amount by $33,349.80. So, it would increase from $499,97161 to $533,321,041. And this adjustment is going to allow us to complete the full scope of work recommended by the police department and also maximize the effectiveness of the city's uh public safety camera network.
>> All right. Thank you, director. Um any questions, >> Councilman? >> Yes, M president. >> Uh is this something that we have to do right now? Yes, it's uh so to give you some
background, some a couple years ago, the city had camera ne uh camera coverage network that was covered by a company called Packet Talk. Packet Talk was shut down by the feds just abruptly. We had no choice in uh recovering the
equipment. We had no recourse. This uh action that we're taking today is to restore the city to the coverage that it had before packet talk shut down. We covered a part of it with the with the smart city project and this is just to bring it to completion. We waited quite
a few years because we put the money together through capital requests in 2024 and 2025. It has no effect on the 2026 budget. >> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right. Any other questions? All right. Do I um do we have consensus
to add this to the voting meeting? >> Yes. >> All right. We now move on to ordinances on first reading. Will the business administrator please present the ordinances on first reading MC2026-16 through MC 2026-202022? >> Yes. Thank you, Council President.
Before we get started, um Director Fields, are you requesting the removal of MC 2026-9? Airbnb. I >> I will be requesting an amendment based on feedback from the planning board.
>> Okay. Okay. So, I'll do that one last and let her speak to the amendment of it. Okay. The first one we have is an ordinance for a redevelopment plan um which is 1500-1512 West 3rd Street. This is a previously
adopted redevelopment plan by this council, but we're looking to amend it to increase the height requirements. The second one is an ordinance by which we are asking um for approval to
negotiate or exercise the power of eminent domain for 700 to 710 West 7th Street. This is the Planefield rescue old Platefield rescue squad building. It's currently unused and vacant. Um,
we've talked about this building before in this in these meetings and how we have a desperate need for an OEM center and an EMS center and that we believe that this would be a good fit for those places. Currently, OEM when they have
their when they activate their EOC, we're either meeting in the basement like in a small basement room in the police department or in the city hall library. Um, neither of which are conducive to emergency management operations.
And EMS is currently housed at the at one of the fire engines and they have been for a long time requesting a space of their own. Um so we do believe that we could utilize this building um in a much more efficient way than just you know seeing it there vacant.
Um the second the third one is an ordinance to change the fees for UC. Some of those fees they haven't been updated in well over 10 years. And um we have looked at neighboring municipalities
and are looking to align closer to what neighboring municipalities are charging for permits and and things of that nature. Uh of course increasing our fees reduces the need to raise revenue through taxation. So that's always
helpful. Um I'm going to skip this next one because there is a I'm going to uh let Director Field speak on it. in a once I get through these. So, she has an amendment that she wants to make.
The next one is an ordinance to add 30 minute parking on Park A on the east side of Park A, similar to what we did recently with Front Street. Um, this is helpful for shopping and helpful for people to go in and out of stores quickly and get more people in and out
of the stores. The next one is um a request to establish cottage food operation regulations. Cottage food operations are basically homebased catering companies. Um and right now we don't have any zoning regulations on the books for
this. We have been asked by a resident to create them because in order to get a state license for cottage food operations, you need to have a uh municipal process by which you know they you can prove that you have your zoning
requirements met in your municipality. So we have looked at what other people do and we are proposing this ordinance to establish these regulations. And finally is an ordinance that would require quarterly reports from the
administration, whether that's DPW or engineering, whoever it is from the administration to the council on our flood mitigation efforts. And then uh Director Fields, I'll let you speak to the short-term rental ordinance.
for the short-term rental ordinance. We have gotten feedback from individual meetings as well as our most recent meeting that we held information session during the planning board meeting. During the planning board meeting, we
received additional feedback about the number of bookings as well as the number of nights that were limited. Um we have in this ordinance originally that it's going well for this version of
the ordinance going to be 15 5252 bookings uh allowed a year that would be allow one booking per week which is every week of the year. We received back feedback from owners of Airbnb or
short-term rentals such as Verbbo as well that 52 bookings a year is still limiting and looking at an opportunity to increase the number of nights as well. So at this time we would like to
still consider 52 bookings but also put the limitation at 230 nights per year. All right. >> I will entertain questions for my council colleagues.
>> So when you say uh 52 bookings a year, I know that's 52 weeks in a year. >> But can you have um it's a total of 52 whatever configuration. So if you did three in one week, it would just reduce the 52
>> or not exceed 230 nights. So what's in the limitations right now is that you can't have more than 28 consecutive days. So to arrive at 230 nights subtracting those days that you
can't whether it's a 30 days of the month or 31 days of the month to be fair and that would allow for the additional bookings. We got feedback during the meeting that sometimes they have multiple bookings in a week.
So just be clear, are we really talking about one per week or just 52 a year? >> It's 50. >> Meaning would two per week be permitted? Uh so long as you don't go over 52
for the year, >> you you can have two in a week. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So it's or 52 bookings or not to exceed 230 nights. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Council Wyatt.
>> Yes. >> Yes, Madam President. Um, I'll start with that one there. The short which one is it? >> Short-term rentals. So, what metrics are in place? How will you make sure that that's happening? How will you enforce that?
So we also in enforcement we're going to look we're only looking at an annual basis for inspections there. So some of this will be on the honor system >> honor system >> honor system and also looking at what's
recorded from the platforms. >> Okay. All right. I'm going move up to 2026-17. Um so this says negotiated agreement or exercise the power of imminent domain. Um so are we doing both? Are we going to
try to negotiate a price and if not then exercise imminent domain? >> You have to do both. So you have to offer fair market v price versus an appraisal and then you can choose to impact the power domain. >> The language just seems pretty much like
get down or lay down and it's like accept this or we're going to use imminent domain. Uh the $500,000 check that we received, will that be used for renovations if we take the property over? >> I believe that was transferred to the alarm system. >> Yeah, correct. We reappropriated that.
We brought it back and we did another resolution for the citywide alarm system. So, we don't have that money for that project. >> Okay. So, what plan is in place to fund this? If we do uh acquire the property, >> we can look at additional grant funds for this as well.
>> Additional grant funding. Okay. And um do we utilize this back in for the YMCA or we just paid the market value? >> We imminent domain. Yes. >> Okay. All right. The next one is for
MC2026-20. The uh 1 half hour parking um 30-minute parking. So you said Park Avenue, but there was other streets listed as well. >> Um for instance, the council meeting uh the street right here was on this list. So, if people wanted to attend the
council meeting, they only have 30 minutes to park because I believe the time said 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. >> That was previously approved. So, anything that's not in bold was previously approved. >> So, people can't park here outside anymore.
>> No, this is not new. This is not a new ordinance that this was previously approved. >> Yeah. So, I'm just asking for 30 minutes >> to park 30 minutes outside. >> All right. So, for everybody that's parked outside, you have 30 minutes. Well, during our duration, there's times identified. >> It's 10 o'clock. It's 10 o'clock, right?
>> Yeah, >> it's 10 p.m. >> All right. Any other questions, Councilman? >> Uh, that's it. >> All right. >> Any other Councilman Graham? >> Yes. Um, for MC 2026-21, the cottage um
the the the cottage food operation. I see a few loopholes in this ordinance. I disagree with this ordinance because essentially we're saying that anyone
in any part of the town can have this um cottage food operation at their residential home. If they're going to be a caterer, that means they're going to get commercial deliveries at their residential home.
I don't see anything in the in the ordinance that's preventing them from selling individual dinners to individual people. Um, traffic could be a problem with our accessory dwelling ordinance that we
passed. Someone could essentially turn all of their accessory dwelling into strictly a catering business. It undermines our small businesses, our restaurants in the town and this ordinance uh essentially bypasses
uh our zoning. So >> that that is not true, council. >> Okay. Well, this is what I understand. That's why I'm asking for uh and you can clarify it for me. I'm not making this into an argument. I just see that this could be a problem just, you know, if
anyone can open up a a a cottage food operation practically anywhere in the town next door to any of their neighbors, you know, if you're a successful caterer, you're going to be getting commercial deliveries. So, help me clarify that so that you
know. >> Sure. So, for the cottage zoning, it it isn't allowed anywhere. It's allowed in very specific districts that do happen to be residential. It's allowed in four zones.
It still requires a zoning permit. It still requires that your principal use is residential. In terms of the premises and deliveries, you are not allowed to have any commercial deliveries at your home. you
still would be required to follow those parking as well as those delivery requirements. >> Now, how do we enforce any sort of delivery? So, you know, if I'm a caterer, let's just say I'm ordering if I'm if if I'm if I'm just a
regular civilian, I'm ordering paper plates, I'm probably going to order about 150. A caterer is going to order a thousand. Perhaps they can get a better price by ordering a thousand not from Amazon but from a food distributor or or some sort of distributor. That's going
to require just the deliveries and we can't enforce that because delivery is 30 seconds or less. >> 30 seconds or less. You we can enforce the commercial delivery period and where they are delivering. Just like at your home
>> with Amazon, you have a certain amount of time where you may get furniture delivered, for example, but you can't have that furniture delivery there every day and for extended amount of time. >> And I understand that we're creating this ordinance for one resident. But
once we create this uh ordinance, any resident that's within any of these zones can start this operation within their home, which essentially they practically have no overhead. And then again, it just undermines our restaurants that we have in town or
restaurants that may uh want to locate relocate to this town. It's just un it's an unfair ordinance. I just disagree with it. That's all. I'm just seeing all the loopholes. Um that that's all.
Well, um, definitely to your points are taken and there are several municipalities that already have cottage food zoning. This wasn't created just for one residence. This was a consideration of a state model and how
do we apply it to our municipality. >> All right. Thank you. So, regarding the cottage, uh, I see it says, uh, the dwelling has to obtain licenses, permits, certifications, and approvals required by the state of New Jersey. So,
you know, it it doesn't seem to be a a free-for-all. There's still a minimum standard requirements. >> They are required to follow state guidelines, too. In certain cases where the state requirements are stricter than ours, they must appear to the stricter.
>> Thank you. Nothing further. >> All right, Councilman Cessum. >> Thank you, Council President. U Madame Director, um with regards to 2026-9, the short-term rentals. Um I did attend that planning meeting and um one, thank
you for listening to um those in the room about the days. Um but there was also discussion about the fee. >> Um was there any consideration to the feedback provided from the from the room that night? >> So the fee in the leverage we will have
discretion of waving the first year fee for and to encourage compliance. >> Okay. >> Um thank you. And then regarding 202617, this is probably more so for Madame BA. Um, with regards to the EMS uh current
property, I know um you and I have had discussions about this for quite some time and thank you for being forthright. Um, but there was an issue with with regards to who was the estab established authority that could negotiate the
actual sale of that property. Was that finally determined? who was the legal negotiator. >> You're correct because the deed is to the members of the of the Planefield Rescue Squad. So, you know who that's
that's not one individual person and the judge is going to have to weigh in. If it has to go to eminent domain, it's going to have to be the judge's call. Whether we put that money in escrow or how that pans out is is going to have to be a legal call. >> Okay. Thank you for that.
No further questions. >> All right. Thank you. Any other questions for my council colleagues? All right. Seeing none, do I have consensus to add these to the voting meeting? >> Yes. >> All right. Um, can I have a motion for a five minute recess?
>> So move. Second. >> Thank you. Five minutes. All right. We now move on to ordinances on second reading and final passage. Madame Deputy, could you please read MC2026-12
by title and further certify that the ordinance has compiled with all statutory publications and requirements MC 202612 is an ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits
and to establish a cap bank NJSA48 col4-45.14 3,53,97 77 and 32 cents. It is certified that notice of a public hearing on this ordinance was published in the Courier
News on May 15th, 2026. All right. The floor is now open to any member of the public who would like to speak on this ordinance. All right. Seeing none, we have a motion to close public hearing on this ordinance. >> So move second it. >> All right. Clerk, can I please have a
roll call? You need a motion to adopt. >> Oh, sorry. May I please have a motion to adopt this ordinance on second reading and final passage? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Roll call MC 202612. Council members Brick Jones, >> yes. >> Graham, >> yes. >> McCrae, >> yes. >> Wyatt, >> yes.
>> Sessions, >> yes. >> Vice President Hakaday, >> yes. >> Council President Cherry, >> yes. >> Unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on second reading and final passage. >> All right. Madam Deputy, could you please read MC2026-14 by title and please certify that the ordinance has
complied with all statutory publications and requirements? MC 202614 is an ordinance of the city of Planefield, County of Union, New Jersey, adopting an amended homeownership small lots redevelopment plan dated April 16th, 2026. It is hereby certified that notice
of a public hearing on this ordinance was published in the Courier News on May 15, 2026. >> All right. The floor is now open to any member of the public who would like to speak on this ordinance. Seeing none, may I please have a motion to close public comment on this ordinance? >> So both second.
>> All right. Can I have a motion to adopt this ordinance on second reading and final passage? >> Second. >> All right. Clerk, can I please have a roll call? >> Roll call. MC 202614. Council members Briggs Jones. Yes. >> Graham. >> Yes. >> McCrae, >> yes. Yes. >> Wyatt, >> yes. >> Sass, yes. >> Vice President Hawk, >> yes. >> Council President Cherry, >> yes. Mr.
>> Unanimous, ordinance has been adopted on second reading and final passage. >> All right, Madam W. Could I please read MC2026-15 by title and please certify that the ordinance has complied with all statutory publications. MC 202615 is an ordinance amending chapter 9 article 21
of the code of the city of Planefield entitled filming to ensure compliance with New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission film ready requirements. It is hereby certified that notice of a public hearing on this ordinance was published in the Courier News on May 15, 2026. >> All right. The floor is now open to any
member of the public who would like to speak on this ordinance. All right. Seeing none, can I please have a motion to close public hearing under this ordinance? >> So moved. >> All right. Can I have a motion to adopt this ordinance on second reading and final passage? >> Moved. Second. >> All right. Roll call, please.
>> Roll call MC 202615. Council members Briggs Jones. >> Yes. >> Graham. >> Yes. >> McCrae, >> yes. >> Wyatt, >> yes. >> Sass, >> yes. >> Vice President Haday, >> yes. >> Council President Cherry, >> yes. >> Unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on second reading of final passage. >> All right. We now move on to public comments limited to resolutions and
motions. A total of 30 minutes has been allocated to all public comments. Each speaker will be given three minutes. If any member of the public would like to speak or call in for public comment, please dial 6465588656. Enter the meeting ID 934
9101 4887 and press pound. Dial star to raise your D star 9 to raise your hand and to be placed in the waiting room. The floor is now open. Please state your name and the
municipality that you live in. >> Uh good evening Palmer Chambers, Planefield, New Jersey. Um >> resolution as well. >> Yeah, >> thank you. I'm going to speak on 234 23526
23626 23726. I'm just wondering because I happen to go to the zoning meeting, planning board meeting, and I realize that one of the
items that has been pulled, the other item that has been amended, these things have happened because the residents who would be affected or the people who had an interest were called together to have a meeting to discuss it
before tonight. And I'm just trying to figure out why the individuals or the residents who would be affected by 23426, 23526, 23627, I'm sorry, and 237 were not given that same courtesy. They have to hear
about it tonight. They have to hear discussion tonight. They didn't get an opportunity to go back and forth with you about what they thought. But you did that for the Airbnb people. You did that for the historic preservation people. You did that for the people who would be
concerned about the flood plane. And some of those were pulled and the others were amended. It was asked of you did you did they have a meeting with the residents before and you said that you don't know
but you were very clear on giving that education section for other people. You guys already know how I feel about charter schools. We have too many in Planefield. We have all the charter schools in Union County. And as a member of the NAACP, we have positions on charter schools. And if we look at
what's happening in our public school in terms of layoffs as a result of many things, but one of those things being dollars leaving our board education elected schools where we can talk to them, we can argue with them, we can criticize them, we can see what's going on with the budget. We have no oversight
with the charter schools. And now that we see it's becoming a problem, the state is doing something about it now, 30 years in. But we told you 30 years earlier that this is where it was going to be. So I would like to see these three
uh resolutions pulled until you give the people the same courtesy of having a meeting and hearing their concerns that you gave the other people before they were able to come to this meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right.
>> Winston, could you help her with the mic? >> Got it. >> Yeah. >> Just say your name. Just say your first name and the city you live in. >> My name is Sophia Reyes and I'm in
fourth grade and I live in Planefield. My name is Sophia Reyes and I'm in fourth grade and I have a question for you. Have you ever wondered what happens to students when they grow up and outgrow their school? Right now, Planefield has a big missing piece. We do not have a high school or middle
school. Instead, all of our students are packed into just one school that is split into a lower house and an upper house. As a fourth grader at Quinc Academy Charter School, I'm already looking ahead to the future. Planefield desperately needs to build its very high
school and middle school so that Plansfield have a place to so that students have a place to go when they grow up. First of all, a brand new high school and middle school would solve the problem of overcrowding. Having everyone
in one building with the lower house and upper house means space is tight. High school and middle school students need bigger classrooms, advanced science labs, and proper libraries to prepare for college and future jobs. By building a separate high school and middle
school, the older kids will get the space they need, and they will also free up room for younger kids like me to learn better. Second, staying in our community for high school and middle school is important for town pride and safety. Without a high school or middle school,
older students might have to travel far away to other towns just to go to school. If we build a high school and a middle school right here in Planefield, students can stay close to home. We can have our own sports team, music programs, and school clubs. This will
bring our whole community together to cheer on our local students. Some people might think that building a high school and middle school is too big of a project or cost too much money. However, a town cannot grow without a high school or middle school. When families see that
Planefield has a complete school system from kindergarten all the way to 12th grade, they will want to move here and support our local businesses. In conclusion, Planefield's students deserve a complete education in their own hometown. Relying on just one building with a lower and upper house
isn't enough for our growing community anymore. So, I hope you deeply consider whether having a QCACS high school and a QCACS middle school to help our students out and help our community and support our local businesses and support our school.
>> Thank you, Miss Thank you, Miss Sophia. For just for our for our miners here tonight, just say your first name and the city. Do not say your last name. Okay. >> My name is Paige and I live in Planefield. >> Thank you. Good evening everyone. My name is Paige
Black and I am honored to be here. As I read, I ask for your silence and I hope you enjoy my essay. Imagine being stuck in a tiny school with kindergarten through high school or having two locations on different sides of town with kindergarten through 8ighth grade in one building and high school in
another. Having the Queen City High School students and teachers all in one campus will make a big impact in a good way. One of the benefits of having the Queen City High School attached to the main campus is the high school students being role models for for younger kids
and mentors. For example, if the high school students are walking silently in the hallways and fifth grade fifth graders see them, they try to be just like them and also be quiet in the hallways. They could also mentor or tutor and tutor kids who need extra help
with classwork. Another benefit of having the Queen City High School attached to the main campus is one location. Having one location is good for parents and caregivers for drop off and pickup. For example, if if a mom has a meeting at 4:00 and her kids get out
at 3:45 and one of them is in second grade and the other one is in 11th grade high school. Both of their schools are on different sides of town. After the mom picks up the one in second grade, she has to go all the way across town to pick up the one in high school. By the
time she by the time the mom gets back, it's after 400 p.m. and she's late for a meeting. Because of this, she might send complaints to the school. The final benefit of expanding the Queen City Academy is in is improving the school felicities facilities. For example, if
we have a larger playground, larger gym to fit everyone for assemblies and performances, science labs, and a library. Most importantly of all, up is updated classrooms with more space, which will lessen issues and not be overwhelming to other students. Being
squished up in the classroom is not good. Expanding the school will lead to happiness all around. In conclusion, expanding the school isn't just breaking it down and building it up bigger. It's joining into one community and embracing our school while
also starting a new chapter. Expanding the school won't just benefit the school, it will also benefit the community. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Paige. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Hazel Ball and I'm a member of Rosa Sharon
Community Church and I was raised in Planefield. I attended proudly attended Jefferson Elementary School, Hubert Middle School, and a proud graduate of Randolph High School. Although my mother passed away three years ago, my stepfather still resides in our family
home on Huntington Avenue. My mother-in-law was the late Bishop Millisent Leverne Latimore Ball. And my family has deep roots in this city. For generations, we have lived, worshiped, and served the Planefield community. I
have attended several meetings regarding the proposed Queen City Charter School expansion and understand the desire for the school to grow. However, I have serious concerns about this expansion.
The um concerns about how it'll have on the surrounding community. The proposed expansion will significantly increase the traffic congestion along Grant Avenue, particularly at the intersections of 7th and Grant and 8th
in Grant. Grant Avenue is a major artery connecting South Planefield to Route 22 and serves as a critical route for police fighters and emergency medical services. Increased traffic
could delay emergency response times as well as affect the safety of the entire community. In addition, this project will place greater demands on the city's infrastructure, including the water, the sewer, and the
electrical services. These issues deserve careful consideration before any approval is granted. I also question whether the proposed design is compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood.
How will emergency vehicles safely access these buildings that are built so closely together? Where will students and staff assemble during emergency or a lockdown? It should not be assumed that Rosa Sharon will serve as emergency
gathering site. Parking and traffic management are also major concerns. Morning drop off and afternoon pickup are already challenging. How will the site safely accommodate nearly 900 students without creating additional
congestion and unsafe conditions? Where will the student drivers park? I also ask that consideration be given to neighboring churches and funeral processions. Many church members are lifelong residents, taxpayers, and
voters who have faithfully invested in this city for generations. Funeral funeral services deserve dignity and respect and increased congestion will only make an already difficult
situation worse. I support educational opportunities and understand the growth. >> Okay. >> Thank you so much, Hazel. name of the city. >> My name is May Bean. I'm pastor of Rosa Sharon Community Church and I reside
here in the city of Planefield. And I'm going to try to read faster, but I did bring uh copies that are on our letterhead for the council members. Uh Rosa Sharon is a community church of the 62 years of congregation has lo adjacent
to Queen City Academy Charter School at 825 West 7th Street, Planefield. Our congregation has coexisted with the school for approximately 16 years and respects its mission and the exceptional students that they have helped to
produce in our society. However, the school's proposed expansion adding two buildings to an incre to increase the enrollment from 300 plus to 900 plus and increased staff raises serious concerns that we respectfully submit to the
council for consideration. Impact on the church present and future. Rosa Sharon has served the community for many years and plans to continue to grow and to serve the neighbors. The proposed expansion directly concerns our
congregation's ability to safely access and use our own property on days of school events and during peak school hours with uh with ways of running with many running late parents who fly through our parking lots. We are
concerned with the safety of not only our members but the community parents and children who walk through our property not only on their way to Queen City but also to the other two nearby schools Washington and Hubard. We are also concerned with the interruption and
the impact of a 18-month construction project and we know that construction projects never finish on time. We are concerned that our daily operations will be uh disturbed by the noise and we will have construction. We want to know where
will the construction workers be uh their vehicles and those that are used for the actual construction. Where's the staff going to park? And also is Rosa Sharon going to have to detour because the one of the buildings is going to be on the front lawn which is going to be a
disruption also to traffic traffic congestion and parking. We respectfully request that this council consider the traffic impact prior to any vote. The current situation is really critically strained at this time. Daily drop offs
and pickup operations have generated dangerous traffic congestion around the streets. School events, concerts, graduation, and other student activities and program that are valuable to the learning experience directly affect Rosa
Sharon members from safely assessing our own parking lot because there is no parking and those cars. Those parents park in our parking lot. And so when we have something going on that evening when we come we don't have anywhere to park. So we're asking that you will
consider this and I also have it in copy because I did not get a chance to share about the con how it is going to change the appearance. >> Thank you. You could give that to >> our city clerk babe
and city. Good evening. Good evening. My name is Sharon Hunt and I'm from Planefield. I am a member of Rosa Sharon Community Church. have been a member of the church for 30 years and a resident of this
community for 25 years living on West 8th Street. My concern is the quality of life in our neighborhood. The traffic in the area, the traffic in this area is already overwhelming during the morning and afternoon hours. As a resident, I
often have to plan my daily activities, even schedule my medical appointments around the school traffic because of the congestion. I am concerned that this proposed expansion would significantly change the character and appearance of our neighborhood. The assist the
existing school building along with my church and most of the homes in the area are set back from the sidewalk. However, the proposed new building will be constructed directly in front of the current building and additional building is planned behind the existing
structure. This design will create a much more crowded appearance in what has traditionally been a residential neighborhood. I would like to know whether Queen City Academy has considered alternative options that would minimize the impact on surrounding
residents. Have the school considered a different site layout, a traffic mitigation measures, or other solutions that will preserve the character of the neighborhood while still meeting it expansion needs. As a longtime resident and stakeholder in this community, I
respectfully ask that the concerns of the neighbors be carefully considered before any final decision are made. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you, Sharon. Moren, is anybody online? Moren, is anybody online?
>> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Harrison and I am a fifth grade scholar at QCA. I'm writing to you to ask to please allow our school to expand. QA is not just a school building. It is a place where scholars learn, grow, feel safe, and become better people. Expanding QCA is
important because more scholars deserve the chance to have a school like ours. At QCA, our teachers push us to do our best even when something is hard. They teach us reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. But they also teach us how to be respectful,
responsible, and confident. Our school helps us believe that we can be successful. I also think QCA should expand because many of us want to continue growing with the teachers who already know us. My teacher, Miss E, always tells us that she'd love to see us graduate. That means a lot because it
shows that our teachers do not only care about us for one school year, they care about our future. If UCA expands, that that dream could become real. Our teachers could watch us grow from elementary school into older scholars who are ready for high school, college,
and life. Another reason QCA should expand is because our school community is strong. We support each other like a family. Scholars, teachers, staff, and parents all work together to make QCA a better place. When a school has that much love and support, it should be given the chance to grow. Please approve
QCA's expansion. This this decision would help many scholars now and in the future. It would give us more space, more opportunities, and more time to learn in a school that truly believed us. Sincerely, Harrison. >> Thank you, Harrison.
>> Name and city, first name only, and city. >> Good evening. Sorry. Good evening, members. My name is Mighty and I'm from Planefield. >> I am Cindy and I'm also from Planefield. I am the Zitra and I'm also from Planefield. And tonight, we're here for
business. Not the kind of business measured in dollars and cents. The kind measured in our futures, >> in dreams, >> in students. Every morning, we walk through the doors of Queen City Academy. We bring our backpacks, our goals, our determination. But we could also carry
something else. The weight of a building that's been asked to do more than it was already built to do. Crowded hallways, packed classrooms, spaces that are stretched beyond their limits. One room serves five purposes. And yet, we still show up. We still learn. We still achieve. Because that's what Queen City
Academy students do. But imagine what we could do with room to grow. Imagine hallways where students can move. Classrooms where ideas can breathe. >> A school that matches the greatness of our students inside of it. We're not standing here asking for luxury. >> We're not >> We're standing here asking for
opportunity. We are >> opportunity for the next freshman, the next valadictorian, the next teacher, doctor, engineer, artist, or leader sitting in classroom today. >> Because when you invest in a school, you're not investing in bricks. >> You're not >> you're not investing in walls.
>> You're not >> you're investing in the students. >> You are you're investing in possibility. You're investing in the future of Planefield. So tonight, hear our voices, see our potential, and stand with us because we are Queen City Academy and we are ready to grow.
>> Signed, educationally yours, >> I'm going to take the person online. Hold on. Let's take the person online. Okay. Will the caller who's online um ending in 517 unmute yourself and then the floor is yours? Caller, you have your hand raised.
You're able to speak now. Please unmute yourself. >> Dial star9 to pre raise your hand. >> Their hand is >> Your hand is raised. How do they unmute themselves? >> Press pound. >> Press pound to unmute yourself. Thank you.
Press pound to unmute yourself. All right, we'll pause. We'll go to the next person. We're good. >> All right, let's pause then. Let's go to the next person. And good evening, council president, members. Uh my name is Marcia Moore from the law firm of
Post Pollock on behalf of friends of Queen City Academy. So I think it's important to recognize why we're here tonight. I think our scholars have done a great job why we need this space and we're using this term expansion and I believe director fields have indicated that this seats that we're seeking or
part of this designation are seats that have been allotted and allocated to Queen City. I've heard a lot of comments and concerns about they want they have great concerns and want an opportunity to be heard. But we're here tonight for a designation. The designation would allow us the opportunity the applicant
to present before the planning board our traffic study. An opportunity to address our pickup and drop off areas. The opportunity to present that we have provided or uh submitted application to the Union County um planning board in
order to proceed with this application. lot of comments, a lot of concerns that this is a designation that there is a traffic plan. This is not a planning board meeting. We like an opportunity in order to present our traffic study which the applicant has retained professionals
conduct. We've done a number of traffic studies. They have been drone shots. We've had a number of uh meetings with the community. I've been personally part of the uh community meetings. We've had Zoom calls. We've had inerson meetings. We're prepared to address these
concerns. We're asking this board tonight for a designation. We're not asking the city council to approve a charter school. It is simply a designation in order to address the concerns of our neighbors, to address the concerns of our community, to present for our scholars the opportunity
to to to be able to have a gymnasium. There was a question earlier whether or not there would be extracurricular activities. There is a proposal for gymnasium, but it is for the students because they do not have the space. Councilman Wyatt asked why are we here?
Isn't it really about the kids? It's really about the education. It's really about the opportunity to present this application to the planning board in order for have a designation. We're not asking the city council make the the decision tonight in order to build the charter school, but we like to have the
afford the opportunity presented our traffic study to prevent our traffic circulation study to present our pickup and drop off and to hear from our residents and hear from our students. And I would ask that the board consider it the designation tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> First name and city. Good evening, Jasmine. Gooding Planefield. Good evening. I stand before you tonight as both a proud taxpaying resident of Planefield and the principal of the Queen City Academy Charter School that serves the children of this city every
day. As taxpayers, we invest in our community with the expectation that our resources will strengthen the future of our city. There is no greater investment than the education of our children. Yet, our students and staff continue to learn and work in a facility that no longer adequately meets the needs of a modern
educational environment. Every day, our scholars arrive eager to learn, dream, and achieve. They deserve classrooms that are safe, functional, and designed to support highquality instruction. While our staff works tirelessly to overcome the limitations of our current
building, our children should not have to overcome barriers created by inadequate facilities. A new school building is not simply a construction project. It is an investment in student achievement, community pride, economic growth, and the future workforce of our city. The decisions made by this council
today will impact generations of children tomorrow. I respectfully ask that you prioritize funding and support for a new school facility. Our scholars have shown what they can accomplish when given opportunities. Now they need a building that reflects their potential. Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to the children and
families of our community. Together we can build a future worthy of our scholars. >> Thank you. All right. So, we have roughly about five more minutes of public comments. So, name city. >> My name is My name is Eli and I'm from
Planefield. I live in Planefield. Good evening everyone. I am honored to speak with you today about an important opportunity for our school and community. Queen City Academy has helped many students, including me, achieve academic success over the years. Expanding our school would allow us to
continue that mission and serve even more families in Planefield. Queen City Academy should be expanded because it provides students with valuable educational opportunities. Our school offers a supportive learning environment where students are comfortable to express themselves and feelings
as well as encourage them to reach their full potential. Many families are looking for highquality educational options for their children, which is what Queen City brings to the table. Expansion will make it possible for more students to benefit from everything our school has to offer. One major benefit
of expansion is giving more students access to a great ed education. As Planefield continues to grow, the demand for strong academic programs also needs to grow to support these children's needs. Expanding the school would allow us to welcome more students and meet the
needs of more families. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that promotes success. Expansion would also strengthen the programs and opportunities available to students. Additional resources and space could support new clubs and hands-on
learning experiences. These early days in these kids' lives are are an important time when students develop their interest and confidence. Expanding Queen City would help provide a stronger foundation for students as they prepare for the challenge to come. In
conclusion, expanding Queen City Academy would benefit students, families, and the entire Planefield comm community. It would increase educational opportunities while strengthening the programs that help students succeed. The growth of our school is an investment in the future of our city and its young people. Thank you
for your time as well as your consideration and support. All right, hold on. Hold on. Moren, anybody on the Zoom? It's >> the same person. >> Okay, >> I can ask them to unmute.
>> Okay, caller, unmute yourself. You're the only one on the line. You can speak now by pressing um pound. Okay, next. >> Hi, good evening everyone. Leah Dunie Magneton. I am uh uh a resident of
Planefield. Hello. I'm here tonight to respectfully ask for your support in the expansion of Queen City Academy Charter School. For the past 25 years, Queen City Academy has been providing families in our community
with a highquality educational option focused on academic excellence, character development, and student success. What began as a small school serving just 72 students has grown into a thriving K through2 institution that continues to meet the needs of
Planefield families. The results speak for themselves. This year, Queen City Academy celebrated a historic milestone with its first graduating senior class achieving 100% college acceptance. Those students earned more than 1.7 million in
scholarships and many graduated with college credits already completed. Beyond academics, Queen City Academy is a school that invests in the whole child through leadership programs, arts, athletics, community service, and strong
family partnerships. The school prepares students not only for the college, not only for college, but for life. The school has also been recognized as one of the most diverse public K through2 schools in New Jersey. The proposed expansion is about opportunity. It will
allow more families to access the educational experience that Queen City Academy provides while ensuring that current and future students have the space, resources, and programs they need to thrive. Tonight, I ask you to support an investment in our children, our
families, and the future of Planefield. By approving this expansion, you are helping create more opportunities for our student success and strengthening our community and generations to come. Thank you for your time, consideration, and support. Thank you.
So, so these I'm going to allow the last two comments. We've exceeded the 30 minutes, but I'm going to allow the last two comments to go. Okay. Nobody after these two. >> We're going to have to just these last two. Good evening. Um Trusty Dra from
Roses Sharon Community Church, Planefield, New Jersey. Um, while the attorney for Queen City just mentioned that they're looking for the designation to go to the planning board, I believe and strongly believe that the city council needs to reconsider even
allowing it being passed until they get their current situation under control. As it stands today, they have an enrollment of 300 plus students and the spacing is not adequate as far as parking, drop off, pickup and this is
where they utilize the church property. Although we have notified them and made them aware, you know, to notify their parents. Not happening today. As pastor as pastor May mentioned, they're utilizing our parking lot, flying through, no control. We have to block
off our parking lot. they use the other side if we don't block off both sides. Um I think that before you can expand, you need to get control first and that means then you need to get things with your parents to understand how your your drop off is going to happen, how your
pickup is going to happen and then you can look to expand. If this was any other business coming next door to the church and had these same issues, we as the church would still have these same concerns. So, it's not about the
expansion of the school. It is just the expansion overall and our concerns of how things are handled today and what the future may look like if it continues. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Kesha Belton and I am a Planefield resident. I wanted
to say for the people calling in, you might have to say hashtag cuz this generation does not know pound. So give them those instructions and they might come on. Um, so I have three children in the Planefield public school system. I moved to Planefield in 2013, bought a home
here, have since I was in the third ward, have since moved to the first ward. I have been active in our community for the majority of the time that I've lived here. I've worked with many of you through COVID doing food distribution and a lot of different things. And I've seen how Planefield
comes together and that's why I chose to move to Planefield. That's why I chose to live here. That's why I chose to stay here. And sending my children to Queen City Charter Academy wasn't because the Planefield schools aren't great. It was the community where I felt most welcome
and felt like my children would get their needs met as best as possible. So, it was a conscious decision of a taxpaying resident. And we are afforded those decisions. And I'm so grateful to the community that I've built there. You see
I have a pack mom shirt. Um that's our parent advisory committee. We are an active group that makes sure that the children have opportunities to thrive beyond school. Um so if that's March Madness celebrations, it's teacher appreciation week, every student being
able to participate and um really bringing together the community. I it it's very unfortunate for me to hear that parents are still driving and parking in the Rose of Sharon parking lot because the message has been communicated very clearly to us from us
that that is not acceptable. We have a brand new drop off system that is really transformed what drop off looks like and I can tell you I was against it when I got the email about it and I raised concerns. All of them have been met. Um,
the school's very active in listening to parents and again, we're a part of the community. We really want to strengthen the community, continue to give our children opportunities to grow, to learn, to thrive, and we're just asking for the opportunity that they can stay
in an environment where they're comfortable, where they are welcome, where they are loved, um, and where they're exceeding expectations. I have a third grader, a first grader, and a rising kindergartener. My third grader fell in love with reading this year.
This is a child who told me that the only reason she would learn to read is because if she wanted to be a scientist, she would have to write research reports. So, I was not very hopeful. But this year, her teacher, who had to leave earlier, but was here tonight,
made her fall in love with reading. She's in love with mystery books. She's in love with National Geographic. She found things that gained her interest. And this child who told me, "No, mom, I'm only going to learn to read if it's science." is into so many things because
of the work that's happening every day at Queen City. It's really important to us and we thank you for taking consideration. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Can I have a motion to close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right.
Mr. Clerk, could you please announce the consent agenda? >> Madam President, the consent agenda items are identified as resolutions R 21526 through R23326 and R23926
through R24426. On the non-consent agenda item, we have R235, R236, and R237. And the items that were removed from the agenda were R 234 and R23826.
>> All right, clerk, can I please have a roll um can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So move. >> Can I please have a second? >> Second. >> All right, clerk, can I please have a roll call? >> Roll call on the consent agenda items. Council members Bricks Jones, >> yes. >> Graham,
>> yes. >> McCrae, >> yes. >> Wyatt, >> yes. >> Cessums, >> yes. Yes. Vice President Hakaday, >> yes. >> Council President Cherry, >> yes. >> Consent agenda items have been approved. We now move to resolution R23526.
You need a motion and a second. >> So, can I please have a mot um a motion? >> So, moved. >> Can I have a second? Seeing none, the motion is >> correct. >> All right. >> Resolution fails for not getting a
second. >> All right. >> Move on to resolution 23626. >> Have a motion. >> So moved. >> Second. Second. I thought I thought that was a second. Second. >> Second. All right. I see it's been
probably first moved in a second. Um, can I roll call, please? >> Roll call resolution 23626. Council member Briggs Jones. >> No. >> Graham. >> Yes. >> McCrae, >> no. >> Wyatt, >> no. >> Cessums,
>> abstain. >> Vice President Hakaday, >> yes. Council President Cherry. >> Yes. >> Three in favor, three opposed, one absention. Resolution fails. Resolution 23726. >> Can I have a motion, please?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Roll call resolution 23726. Council members Briggs Jones. >> No. >> Graham, >> yes. >> McCrae, >> no. >> Wyatt,
>> no. Cessums. >> Yes. >> Vice President Hakaday. >> Yes. >> Council President Cherry. >> Yes. >> Four in favor. Three opposed. Resolution passes.
All right, madam deputy, could you please read MC 2026-16 by title? MC 202616 is an ordinance of the city of Planefield, County of Union, New Jersey, adopting an amended block 146, lot 7
redevelopment plan dated June 4th, 2026. I'll I'll now entertain a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. Can I have a motion? >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Roll call. MC 202616.
Council members Briggs Jones. >> Yes. >> Excuse me. >> Yes. >> Graham, >> yes. >> McCrae, >> yes. >> Wyatt, >> no. Cessums, >> yes. >> Vice President Hakaday,
>> yes. >> 16, no. >> You're changing your vote to no. >> No. >> And Council President Cherry, >> yes. >> Five in favor, to oppose. Ordinance been adopted on first reading.
>> All right. Madame Deputy, could you please read MC 202617 by title? MC 202617 is an ordinance of the city of Planefield in the county of Union, New Jersey to acquire by negotiated agreement or exercise the power of
eminent domain of real property for public use as an emergency operations center known and designated as tax block 556, lot 29 on the official tax map of the city of Planefield, Union County, New Jersey, located at 700-10 West 7th
Street. All right. I'll now entertain a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. >> So moved. >> Second. Clerk, can I please have a roll call? >> Roll call. MC 202617. Council members Briggs Jones. >> Yes.
>> Graham, >> yes. >> McCrae, >> yes. >> Wyatt, >> yes. >> Cessums, >> yes. >> Vice President Hakaday, >> yes. >> Council President Cherry, >> yes. >> It's unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on first reading. >> All right. All right, Madam Deputy, could you please read MC2026-18
by title? >> MC 202618 is an ordinance to amend chapter 2, economic development of the city of Planefield by amending article 10, section 2, col 10-6C, fee schedule update. >> All right. I'll now entertain a motion
to adopt this ordinance on first reading. >> So moved. >> Could I get a second? Second. All right, clerk, can I please have a roll call? >> Roll call MC 202618. Council members Brick Jones, >> yes. >> Graham, >> yes. >> McCrae, >> yes.
>> Wyatt, >> yes. >> Cessums, >> yes. >> Vice President Hakaday, >> yes. >> Council President Cherry, >> yes. >> That's unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on first reading. >> All right, Madame Deputy, can you please read MC 2026-9 by title? MC 202619 is an
ordinance of the city of Planefield and the county of Union adopting regulations governing short-term rentals by the addition of article 9 to chapter 17 land use ordinance to be codified as section 179-49E
through 17 colon 9-49E.8 Eight. This was a This was There were amendments in this, right? With the amendments, correct? Okay. I'll um entertain a motion on um to adopt this ordinance on first reading.
>> So move. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Roll call. Clerk. >> Roll call. MC 202619. Council members Briggs Jones. >> Yes. >> Graham. >> Abstain. >> McCrae. >> Yes. Wyatt, >> yes.
>> Cessums, >> yes. >> Vice President Hakaday, >> yes. >> Council President Cherry, >> yes sir. >> Six in favor, one abstension. Ordinance been adopted on first reading. >> All right. Madame Deputy, could you please read MC 2026-20
by title? MC 202620 is an ordinance of the city of Planefield and the county of Union amending chapter 16 vehicles and traffic article 4 section 16 col 4-5 schedule 4 parking time limits on
certain streets and areas by adding 16A-4 schedule 4- C time limit parking 1 half hour 30 minutes. All right, I'll entertain a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. So move.
>> Second. Can I get a second? >> Was it seconded? >> Yes. >> Thank you, Councilman. Roll call. >> Roll call. MC 202620. Council members Briggs Jones. >> Yes. >> Graham. >> Yes. >> McCrae, >> yes. >> Wyatt, >> yes. >> Sess. >> Yes. >> Vice President Hakaday.
>> Yes. >> Council President Cherry. >> Yes. Sir, >> that unanimous ordinance has been adopted on first reading. Madame Deputy, could you please read MC2026-21 by title? MC 202621 is an ordinance
amending chapter 17 land use of the code of the city of Planefield to establish cottage food operation regulations including definitions zoning permits operational standards and performance requirements adding to article 3
subsection 17 col3-16 to 173-9 adding to article 8 subsection 178-15 amending ing and adding to article 9 subsection 17 col 9-55
to 17 col 9-57 adding to article 11 subsection 17 col 11-29 >> All right I'll now entertain a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading can I please have a motion >> motion
>> thank you clerk can I please have a roll call >> roll call on MC 202621 One council members Briggs Jones, >> yes. >> Graham, >> no. >> McCrae, >> yes. >> Wyatt, >> no. >> Cessums,
>> abstain. >> Vice President Hawk, >> yes. >> Council President Cherry, >> no. >> No. For 21, it's >> two in favor for uh and the negative and one abstension. Ordinance fails on first
reading. >> Madam Deputy, could you please read MC 2026-22 by title? MC 202622 is an ordinance amending the code of the city of Planefield to establish articles uh 9, flood
mitigation, transparency, and accountability consisting of 17A-70 through 17A-72. >> All right. I'll now entertain a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. So moved. >> Second. >> All right. Clerk, can I please have a roll call?
>> Roll call. MC 202622. Council members Briggs Jones. >> Yes. >> Graham. >> No. >> I'm sorry. Yes. I apologize. >> Gray. >> Yes. >> Wyatt. >> Yes. >> Cessums. >> Yes.
>> Vice President Hawkiday. >> Yes. >> Council President Cherry Lapstein. It's my ordinance. No. >> That is unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on first reading.
>> That concludes ordinances on first. >> Thank you, clerk. >> You're welcome, Madam President. >> Yes, sir. I would like to make a motion to add an ordinance to amend chapter 11 personnel article 12 uh separation from service and disciplinary action section
11 col2-2 uh which reads whenever there is a lack of work or a lack of funds requiring a reduction in the number of employees in the department of the city government the required reductions shall be made in such job classifications or class
classifications as council may designate in consultation with the mayor. So, I was changing it from just the mayor and adding the council as well to those decisions. There's a motion on the floor.
Can I get a second? >> Is that a motion? >> All right. >> Looks like I'm sorry. What did you say? Say it again. Councilman Wyatt put a motion on the floor. >> I make a motion that you add it on.
>> Whatever. >> All right, Counciloman. >> Don't look at me like that. Don't be mean mugging me. >> You want to get a second? Councilman, >> don't be mean mugging me. Yes. >> Second. >> Um, clerk,
>> I got a roll call. Council President, before you vote, if may I just weigh in for a second, it it's highly irregular um for us to add an ordinance which ultimately becomes legislation um verbally without having it written for having it available for legal
review, having it uh to be considered by the governing body actually, you know, so they can review the language in which they're voting on. So, um I would recommend that, um this matter be tabled um so that it can actually be written
down, codified, and then provide a legal review. Um this is highly irregular to just adopt an ordinance uh verbally. >> Motion in a second. >> We had a motion. Uh we have a motion on on We have a motion. >> Thank you, Council. So, this will be
identified as resol uh ordinance MC 202622, sorry, 23. Motion was made by Councilman Wyatt, seconded by Councilwoman Briggs Jones. It's a roll call. Council members Briggs Jones. >> Yes.
>> Graham, >> abstain. >> McCrae, >> no. >> Wyatt, >> yes. >> Cessums, >> no. Vice President Hakaday. >> No.
>> Council President Cherry >> abstain. >> There's two in favor, three in the negative, two abstensions. This ordinance failed on first reading. All right. Thank you. A total of 30 minutes has
been allocated for all public comment. Each speaker will be given three minutes. If any member of the public would like to call in for public comment, please dial 6465588656. Enter the media ID 934-910 91014887 and press pound dial star 9 and raise
your hand dial star six to unmute yourself. Please state your name and the municipality. The floor is now open. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um I attended the June meeting of the Green Brook Flood Control Commission
via Zoom. This commission, as most of you know, consists of representatives of three counties, several municipalities, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the New Jersey D. Former Councilman Frank Meeks was one of the original commission members when it was formed
over 50 years ago and I was formerly appointed by a prior administration to a committee on a commission that was looking into a retain retention basin in the Wong Mountains. At this June meeting meeting of the Greenbrook Flood Control Commission, the representatives and the
public were notified by the United States Army Corps of Engineer project manager that the upper basin study was being terminated and turned into a finding report. This is not the fault of the project management team. Evidently,
this came from upper management of United States Army Corps of Engineers at the New York District Office. The funding has been pulled for this study. Mr. Dabney was on the Zoom and so was his assistant. He asked a lot of questions which I appreciated because he asked questions that I would have asked
if I didn't need to do that. This termination of the study is quite concerning. My suggestion to the city and the city administration and that and to the public that letters and resolutions be sent to our two United States senators, our Cong current congresswoman and to make it an issue in
the upcoming 12th district election and even the seventh district congressional race. It is imperative that the Greenbrook uh upper basin study get put into the water resources development bill which is being prepared now according to the information on the
internet. The Water Resources Development Act, which is a federal act, is a comprehensive bipartisan legislative package that Congress traditionally passes every 2 years to authorize and deauthorize and modify water resources and civil works projects
of the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is strictly authorized legislation. It does not provide funding, but you need to have the policy and provides congressional authorization for the Army Corps to study construct and research infrastructure projects such as the
upper basin study to mitigate flood and storm damage reduction. Congress Congress has passed this bill bianually since 2014 to ensure steady pipeline infrastructure improvements. Projects authorized by this bill address
localized, regional, and national needs and are later funded through separate annual energy and water development appropriation. The impact of not having this study will be felt for decades by the people in the east end of Planefield, Scotch Plains, and even
further downstream. Planefield, the city of Planefield and the administration of Planefield has always been in the four flood forefront of flood mitigation for centuries by creating flood planes such as Greenberrook Park, Cedberrook Park,
and Mil Campbell Field. Planefield does not get the credit it deserves for these environmental and flood plane spaces. We need this upper basin study. Thank you. >> Thank you, Nancy. name and municipality.
>> Daryl Morgan, Planefield, New Jersey. Um, the system with the phones. Can we go back to the Zoom? Cuz uh all this dollies, digits, and stuff got a little confusing for me last week and I tried to uh call in on the seven lot issue.
So, um, are those I had a question about the seven lots. So, are these the same seven lots that's going to be given to develop developers for a dollar? >> If you ask all your questions and we'll answer at the end. Okay. >> Okay. That's one question because I feel like if we're going to give them
properties for a dollar and they're going to build half a million dollar houses, that's not really good for us playing field residents. That's putting like $2 million in these developers pockets and and we shouldn't be doing that at this point. Secondly, over to Keller Gold Keller. I saw some movement,
some type of construction today. Has that land been properly tested for toxins. >> I'm writing all your questions down. Okay, >> that's it. I'm done. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Name and city. >> Good evening. Daniel Grant, Rockway, New
Jersey. I am actually here as a friend of Barack Obama Green Charter School. um in my professional life which I am not here on behalf of. Um I am working with the Barack Obama school and here to just report on a lot of the items that were
arisen tonight uh regarding the traffic, parking, etc. Uh these are all being looked into and have been in a continual vetting process and we hope that you all see the value that this school brings to the community. Um, I'll say personally
again, I'm I'm here as an individual, not as what I do. Um, I've been working with the school for 7 years and it's become more than just a school, right? This is an investment in this community and I've seen the conditions these students are housed within. I unfortunately was not here earlier in
the time to speak prior to the vote, but I wanted to come and absolutely express the devotion and dedication and the impact this is having on the students in this community and uh I would highly consider as we hopefully come to reapproach that we can come to a common
mutual understanding here. Thank you. >> Thank you Daniel. >> Good evening council. Uh Joelle Planefield. Um gracias. Um the first thing I want to say is uh I know uh you guys probably couldn't
change the location of this place due to like notices and whatnot, but if we could have had a place where there was like a satellite viewing or something cuz I was outside for like an hour 30. My phone was about to die. I was watching the stream at home and I was like, "No, I need to be here in person. Come here. There's a long line outside. My phone's about to die." I was like,
"Oh, I needed to uh call Uber when I leave, so I got to turn it off, so I can't watch the stream." Then I'm outside. Then I caught the tail end of it. Um, but speed it up. I I I just kind of want to know what's up with the layoffs and the furlows. And also, um,
if we knew there was a deficit back in November, uh, why did we like pass a raise for council? And if it wasn't known in November, then it was known in December, why did we still pass it? And if my timeline's wrong, my timeline's wrong. And sorry. Uh the second thing uh
a wire propose a resolution or whatnot on the fly. Uh don't really know what the big problem is cuz it's just literally a little change of word to include the council in that process. So at least thank you to the people that
abstained. But why vote no to that? Uh I can understand if you guys want one more time, but I would hope you guys actually consider it with everything that's going on. Um and last thing uh I am for public schools uh but I also am not against fully against charter schools. I do wish
there was more input from uh the public which you know public funds are going to charter schools but what I would say despite of whether I am on that field. I would say I actually really really enjoyed and loved hearing the students speak uh regardless of whatever side
people uh are on. Uh I just like when people are passionate uh and nicely about it and you know I think they communicated very well especially the the trio up here. Uh that was amazing. Uh that's it. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Name and city. >> Cynthia Smith, Planefield, New Jersey. Um tonight I'm here speaking on behalf Can you fix this woman please? >> I think I got it. I'm here speaking in behalf of the Planefield Municipal Employees Association. Um, as the union
representative, I'm expected to look for solutions to the problems we are facing, such as reduced health benefits, furls, and layoffs. So, please don't take any of the things I speak of on here tonight personally. Okay? Um, I do know Richard
brought forth the resolution and a um the ordinance. A lot of you are new here. So, you weren't here back in 2021 when you had the power when that was a council um it was it was voted by the council to
take away their powers and turn them over to the mayor. But if you're talking about laying off people and um Councilwoman um Dr. Cessums, she was at a meeting at the school board. Those people were being laid off as well and
they had the opportunity to go before that board and speak about being laid off. If you don't have the power here, we don't have that same opportunity. They just present to civil service, right, their layoff plan and there's
nothing for the employees to be able to come forth and be heard. I don't think that's fair. Back in 2019, they were doing um third party for um the dispatchers and the mayor was upset
because the council didn't vote for it. The next month he tabled he he put on the agenda to take those powers from the council and turn them over to the mayor. He tabled it because it was a large crowd here like what you saw here
tonight of people filling this room. So when he got up to speak he's before we even started he tabled it right. So now tonight we just think it's fair that if you guys consider and bring it back
because there's a lot of things that go on that you are not aware of. Okay. But when you start talking about laying off people, you need to take a deep analysis on things like um let me calm down cuz I'm kind of upset because you're talking
about affecting people's lives, right? You need to take a deep dive into that budget, right? You need to look at things like stipens, things like salary increases, things like promotions, and make sure they're being done on a proper
level. We had tonight, I think somebody asked, "Was this a person um was that position advertised?" Right? It wasn't advertised. So, it was answered, but is that the proper way to do it? It should be advertised because we do have acting
pay which allows that person to perform those job until such time is is done properly. >> Thank you Cynthia. >> Thank you. >> Good evening again. Good evening again. >> Hazel Ball Rose of Sharon Community
Church member. I just wanted to finish up my speech from earlier. I support educational opportunities and understand the need for growth. However, I believe an alternative location including former industrial properties on the west side,
including the area on the second street where the DMV was previously located may provide more suitable site with greater space and less disruption to the residential communities for Queen City Charter School. this could be a better
um accommodate expansion while minimizing disruption to the surrounding neighborhoods. I respectfully ask that our city leaders consider um carefully evaluating the long-term consequences of this proposal
and prioritize public safety instructure infrastructure and the quality of life of all the residents. Growth should never come at the expense of safety. As someone whose family has lived, worshiped, and served in this city for generations, I ask that thoughtful
consideration be given to the needs of the entire community community, not just the needs of one institution. Thank you. >> Thank you, Hazel. >> Name and city, >> Mike Gileiam, and I'm playing field resident. All right. I'm on coming in
here on behalf of the many city residents who are facing um layoffs or furlows. Um speaking especially about the police officers and the firefighters, are we looking at accountability and responsibility? Like who's responsible
and who's accountable for the over budget for the budget being over? I mean because every position or every city um financial institute has a budget and they should be held to that budget. Now many of the women in this city right now
are really stressed out. I speak to a lot of them and they're concerned about the furlows because if you had to reduce your pay from 40 hours to 24 hours that's a significant decrease in money that's coming in. Prices are high, gas
is high. these residents vote for you guys and you have a responsibility to do what's in the best interest of each and every one of these people. We can't just smile in these people's face and say that I am for the police officers, I'm
for the firefighters, but then and then go back and tell them that some people who served for 26 years or 28 years that they're going to have to take a lower salary because you're going to reduce their days that they work, the hours that they work. So instead of a person
retiring at 130,000, they will retire at 122,000 and then be judged on that and have 65% of that for the rest of their life. >> That's thousands of dollars depending on how long that person lives. We have to do better
because this these people, they work harder than any other department in this county. and it's not their fault. I just hope that you take into consideration the men and women who vote for you, who you say
you support, and then, you know, try to make them take a lower medical benefit that they already say is problematic. It's not comparing apples to apples.
It's a it's a reducing thing. And then you have these people who are in charge of the police department, in charge of the firefight fire fight fire fight fire fight fire fight fire fight fire fight fire fight fire fight fire fight fire fight fire division. They can't speak out for the men because we work they work under people who if you say something you will not be in that
position. >> I don't work for them. So until this is resolved I'm going to come up here every time and I'm going to let it be known that it's not fair and it's not right. And if I have to get on chief and ride chief through here I will. And if you
ban him, I'm gonna sue you. And every p every cowboy is gonna come here. And we had a person that said when I was riding my horse that North Planefield ban their horses. That was a a blatant lie. Be fair. Tell the truth. Be honest.
>> Thank you, Miss Ala Jones. Um VP to the PMA. I'm up here speaking to the rest of what my council president I mean sorry not council president I apologize what my union president was talking about um earlier. Um
first uh we want to state that the administration knew about the finances were bleak and that there was going to be a problem with the health insurance. um we feel as if we should have been made aware sooner um in regards to the fact of healthc care changes and
healthcare being one of the lead reasons for this layoff and furlows. um we were not really given enough time to make a decision as a union to have conversations with our doctors um as well as anything else we would need to do before we make a decision with our
lives um on how we want to do with our healthcare as well as knowing that retirement whoever retires moving forward will also be forced to be on this retirement plan. Um it's hard for us because we've seen
people be employed. We seen that jobs weren't frozen, that people came here thinking that they were going to have um money, that they were going to be able to support their family. Um they got a job here and now there's a possibility of layoffs and furls. Um being told that
you can lose 40% um over 3 months or even 20% over 3 months is very hard. Uh especially when we know that taxes will probably have to be raised um as well. So, some of us are taxpayers, some of us
um do dual services. On top of that, we're supposed to service the community, and obviously some services will have to be cut in order to do this. But what happens? What happens to us as employees? What happens to us as residents? We're being hit double and we
cannot come before the council to speak to you and tell you how does it affect us? Not just personally, but how will it affect how does my job affect the city? You're only going to get a list of titles and you're just going to be told we're cutting this amount out. But what
does that cut out really mean? What does it mean to the residents? What does it mean to the employees? You guys are one of the top leading employers of residents here. when you're going through a layoff, that's a lot of people who will now not be able to afford their bills, not be able to afford their mortgage, not be able to afford these
high rents. Um, as well, what happens then? Next year, you're not going to have 100% tax collection. So, we're going to have to do this again next year. What about the year after that? Healthcare has gone up over the last 3 years. It's not going to stop. It's not going to stop next year. It's not going
to stop the year after that. So, we have to find other solutions other than we're just going to cut employees. We're going to cut services. Um, we have to find a collaborative way in which we also feel like we could come before the council and have these talks with you guys and not feel like we're going to be
penalized or retaliated against or anything else negative. It's nice that the board has that, but we would also like for it to be here. Even if you give us a no, it'll be nice to have the chance to talk. Thank you. Thank you. >> Hello. Good evening, everyone. My name
is Katie. Um I'm a resident of Planefield. Um I was calling in uh before I actually drove down here cuz the call wasn't um you guys were saying press pound. Um it was also my other um friend. She was also um trying to call and you guys kept saying pound, but it's
actually star and then six. Uh we did that and we could hear both each other. So maybe you guys should fix that. Um that's why I came down here. Um I couldn't speak on the um Planefield Rescue Squad, but I'm here because I was a member for 8 years and I volunteer uh
worked there voluntarily for 8 years even when I was pregnant. Um it's just not an abandoned uh building. It's actually a home for people. Um, I worked there more than 24 hours and put in so many volunteer hours that it's crazy and
only to help out the community, to help out and to give back to the community. So, that building is not an abandoned building. And a couple days ago, I was there with other members uh cleaning up uh in the heat. It was hot cutting
everything up there with our own things. And our neighbors, neighbors that are there were out there helping us, giving us gas, had helping us cut things down. So, it's just not a old building. It's a building of memories. It's a building of a home. And we've all worked there and
put everything to give out to the community. And you guys say that you guys are for the community, but you're not. I'm sorry. And with all due respect, you're not because the Planefield Rescue Squad is the community. Everybody askes. Everybody puts in when we're there. And that's all
about community, giving back and helping out. And the neighbors around us, I thank them all for coming out to help us, giving us a bottle of water. But that building is, like I said, not an old building. It's our home. It's it's a
place where we feel safe, where we feel comfortable, where we could give back to everybody and be there for everybody. And I'm can't say much cuz I've never spoke like this before and this is my first time. But the Planefield Rescue Squad is me. That's who I am today. And
it's who my son is. He I've showed him everything about being there and giving back to the community. I haven't lived in Planefield my whole life, but I was born here. And giving back to the community, helping out, being able to speak Spanish and help the Spanish
community with that is amazing because there's not people that speak Spanish in the EMS and working in Planefield. there was and I was able to help the Spanish community and there's other languages here that we were able to speak and help
out the community. So, I just want you guys to know Planefield Rescue Squad is not an old building. It's a home for other people, for us, and it means much more than just an old building. It means a lot more. And I just want you guys to
know that. Have a good night, guys. Thank you so much. Meen Before we go to the next person, hold on. Is anybody on? >> Okay. Could we take the next person? So, we have approximately seven minutes. So, you're going to be
the last person in the gallery. Does anybody else >> This young lady was here, too. >> Okay. >> She was here, too. So, she needs to speak. Okay. So, uh yeah. So, Quan Chamblas, uh Planefield, New Jersey. Um,
I want to thank those council people who voted the will of the people of the third ward who did not want this project in their ward. It kind of disappoints me that I saw a wonderful post by um,
Councilwoman Cess about all the beautiful things that are happening in the second ward. speed bumps, paint, all the different ways that she is servicing her constituents, but to come out
tonight and ignore her council colleagues in the third ward and what they want for their constituents. I know that council president, I know where she is on charter schools, she has a vested interest. I know where um Hakaday is on
because he actually sits on the board of Crest Haven which for me creates a conflict of interest that you're sitting on the board of a charter school that you're actually voting for the future of that charter school. And I know you don't see that as a conflict of interest
because as it was told to me, you're not taking any money. But we know that give backs come in more than just giving out money. It's opportunity. is contracts. It's awards for our children. It's all sorts of things that can happen. But I
know those two. I don't know why you did what you did, um, Councilwoman Cessums, and I really wish there was a way that the people of the second ward could have called you and said, "Listen, we stand with our neighbors in the third ward. If they don't want it, they shouldn't have
it." Because at the end of the day, we keep things off the agenda if we think it's going to affect the second war. That's why there's been no more talk about that farm being redeveloped. There's been no more talk about that property on Woodland Avenue being
redeveloped because they seem to have the power, the money, the influence to be able to convince you all to do whatever they need to do. And all we asked you to do was to stand with the residents of the third ward who might not have that power, who didn't want
their land and their area to be redeveloped and disturbed as well. So, I'm very disappointed in you as a council woman. I'm very disappointed in you as the liaison to our public schools. I watch your videos about the different things that happen in the public schools and that you sit there
and you report on and you see that our teachers are being laid off, our unionized people are being laid off and fired. And one of those reasons is because of the amount of money that leaves going to the charter schools. And finally, as an
elder, I'm disappointed with you because your sister in Christ talked about what was going to happen to her church and you voted all against that. I'm very disappointed in you tonight. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Jenny and I'm a
49year resident of Planefield. 49 years. Can you believe it? And I finally made it here because I'm passionate about something that happened again tonight as she is there. This is the big word tonight, I think, is
responsibility. You have a responsibility to the residents who live in that area. All these parents who come to drop their children off, the word is drop. They don't live there. I've lived there since
the houses were boarded up. And my parents went, "Oh my god, I'm still there. My children have gone to the public school and they have done very well, very well. I've worked the polls
and I see what the improvement in the Planefield High School. Do these parents who go to Queen City or any of these other charter schools even go to see what you have and what you've spent our
money as taxpayers to improve these schools and then you turn around and say let's just give them the money. You're taking away teachers positions that have been there, that have wanted to be there
to serve your children because they have a sense of responsibility to do tonight and to give these people a responsibility and to let them just have a building when I can't even cross the
street. And if they're being responsible, they don't have a crossing guard for 300 students. There's not a crossing guard. There's nobody there. Sometimes the teachers come out and they direct the traffic. If I was a teacher, I wouldn't want that responsibility.
That's not my job. So the responsibility again comes around to you guys. That's why we vote you into these positions that you would know what
is the responsible thing to answer to all of these residents when you are now laying off your teachers who have been here for a long time. I come from a long line of teachers. I have principles in
my family. I have deaf education people. I have masters. I have doctorates in the family. We're all teachers. And to turn around, turn your backs on the people that have these jobs and that have been
serving your children. Your children may have even come to this school as well as the children that are here now and saying, "Well, the public schools are not very good. You might as well go to a charter school." What are you doing?
>> Thank you so much, Jenny. Moren, anybody? >> Yep. So, there are two callers online. We're going to take you both. Um, caller ending in 517, press star six to unmute
yourself and the floor is yours. Caller ending in 517 plus star six. Okay, I'm going to come back to you. Um, caller ending in 209 plus Oh, >> never mind. Okay. >> Hello. Can you hear me?
>> Yes, >> I'm speaking. Hello. >> We can hear you. >> We can hear you. >> Hello. Can you hear me? >> Yes, we can hear you. caller, we can hear you. >> Hello. >> We can hear you. We can hear you.
Caller, you could speak. >> Okay. Okay. I'm speaking. Okay. I can't hear you. My My YouTube is a little bit delayed. Um, but I'd just like to speak on uh ordinance uh NC 2026-17.
I know I'm very late to this. Earlier I was told that pressing pound uh would allow for me to speak, but it was star six and that prevented me from speaking on behalf of the um the location of, you
know, 700 7th Street. So, I just want to make sure that you guys, you know, going forward, just communicate that well with the residents or with whoever um is speaking on whatever ordinance. And I can't really tell you what the time is right now. I can't tell you how far I am
into this. It's just delayed. So, um I'm sorry if I go overboard, but I I just want to, you know, express the importance of having a community-based health organization. Um, it's not only for the sick or the hurt, but it's it's for people who are interested in helping
others. And that's what Planefield is. Planefield's full of people like that. I started when I was 16 volunteering at the rescue squad because my school had an EMT class. And that changed my entire life. Then I went to undergraduate
school, got a degree, got a master's degree, and now I'm working as a physician assistant in an underserved community. things like this are important and the fact that um and the fact that
we aren't we don't have something like that in Planefield is really discouraging and I I think that you know we should just consider having opportunities for students who are interested in doing things like this. Um, you know, the rescue squad was there for me when I was younger and I I I know
that Planefield has an EMR class which is similar to an EMT class. I I think that, you know, having something like that for students, which is, you know, offered by the rescue squad would be a great idea. Taking away the space is is
taking away second chance for something like the rescue squad to happen. It's it's a home like uh my friend, my coworker Katie said earlier. And um yeah, the fact that I couldn't say this earlier um before you guys voted on it
is very upsetting and very scary. So I I think you guys should just, you know, make sure that it's communicated going forward that it is star six. Um if you have questions, just let me know. Thank you. I'm done. >> Thank you.
Okay. Caller ending in 209, unmute yourself by pressing star six. The floor is yours. >> Good evening. Can you hear me? >> We can hear you. >> Good evening.
We can hear you. caller. >> Good evening. Can you hear me? We can hear you. >> If you mute your your YouTube or turn it down, we can hear you. >> Good evening. Can you hear me? >> We can hear you.
>> Okay. You can hear me. Sorry. Uh yes. Look, my name is uh Sebastian Torres. My name is Sebastian Torres. I am um a resident of >> Please continue. >> Okay. I Okay, I muted it. Thank you. Uh
my name is Sebastian Torres. I'm a resident of Planefield and as an educator um watching this um I would like to call it the Planefield Charter Bonanza um drama unfold has been captivating. It's been very very
interesting. Um, but as a resident of Planefield, I know that we live in a a city that's primarily uh black and Latino and I know we can look to our neighboring cities and we can see what a healthy political climate looks like. Um, typically cities are very proud of
your school district. Okay, that is a source of pride for the city. In Planefield, we have a city hall that is openly hostile towards the school district, which is super strange, but we can get into that a little bit more. Um, there were two questions that kind of
framed this whole charter conversation tonight. One of the question was, why are we here? And a lot of the charter advocates that were there tonight, the kids were great. And a lot of them were kind of speaking anecdotally, right? They were saying we're here because we love our school. We're doing so good. And that's great. That's lovely. But
systemically, the answer to that question is that everyone's there tonight because the system is broken. The system is broken because we have politicians in the city who have unrealistic Washington DC ambitions and have decided to take money from charter
movements who are opening the schools up with the politicians backing. Okay, these politicians have become mouthpieces for the charters, taking every opportunity they can to talk lowly about the regular school district. And I could speak wonders about how great my
daughter is doing in the regular public school, but that's neither here nor there. I'm talking systemically, okay? When politicians are taking money in order to become mouthpieces for private interest, that is a problem. Um, there was a couple questions that that framed the conversation. So, one of the
questions Councilman White asked, "What is the vision for our education?" Um, he asked that question to uh, director Fields and she couldn't answer. And it's not her fault, obviously. I don't feel that was a question for her to answer, but I think that's a question that if you went and asked every different charter, what is the vision? They'd all
have different visions because charters are run by private interest. Many times people who are not even involved in education. Um, and I hate to pick on Councilman Hakaday, right? cuz um I know my my girl Pilate mentioned that he is on a on a board, right? And I don't
think he has any any background in education, you know, and I'm sure he went to school and a lot of people went to school. When people go to school, they think that they know about education, but going to school is one thing. Working in a school is another. Um but when you have people with interest outside of education who perhaps are just looking to fatten up
their um real estate portfolios, then you're going to run into problems. Okay. Um, now I'm moving on to a couple of mask off moments that I saw. >> Thank you, Mr. Torres. >> Ah, okay. I had a lot of good stuff to say. All right, I'll come back. Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. >> All right. >> No problem. >> Can I please have a motion to close public comments? >> Second. >> Thank you. Um, so I guess Abby want to can I just ask
this question for the health insurance? I know today was the deadline. Can it be extended? >> Um, you >> and I don't know what the I know that July 1st was the day that you uh you were going to enroll in the new plan. >> Yeah. >> Can that deadline be extended?
>> I mean, we could switch at any time. It's always it's just the amount of savings that it will incur is a different number. So what >> talking about to the unions >> to provide the union. So one of um the speakers tonight said they didn't have
adequate time to reach out to their provider to find out >> if they take Horizon. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So wondering and I know today was the deadline can it be extended? just a question and then you could go into if you're able to provide any response
tonight. >> Yeah, I mean I I don't know that I'm prepared to answer that right now because I have to you know know numbers and and things like that. It it we can always switch at any time and it would always save the city money. I think the question is that you're asking is
>> it's next week. Can you extend it to next week? >> We >> because I know it has to be done before July 1 or you have another incurred. We have to the switch would have to happen before July 1st. Yeah. If the unions changed their mind and wanted to come back, but I mean I am meeting with them
tomorrow. So >> I'm meeting with them at 11:30. I'd ra like it'd be a conversation for me to have with them tomorrow and see where they are because if some of them have already voted no, then it's kind of moot, you know. Um but the second thing that I wanted to clarify is that some of the
>> So the answer is no. Yeah. Or you're >> No, the answer is just I have to discuss it with all of them tomorrow. like that was one union, but there's six other ones. And if they all have already decided against it, it doesn't it doesn't really make sense for one the
it's a it's a cumulative answer. It's like everybody or nobody. >> Thank you. >> Um but I did want to just answer because I I don't want people thinking that the pension that your pension is based on your three highest years, your three last years. It's your three highest
years. So, I just wanted to clarify that it's your three highest years over the course of your career, not your three most recent years to your to your retirement. Sometimes they they're the same thing, but sometimes they're not. And then I think there was some
questions that Director Fields was going to answer. >> Like the mayor, you want to say something? >> Yes. just a uh well, you know, one thing, but I also want director Fields to respond to some questions raised by
Mr. Morgan. I want to say in terms of the what was being proposed by councel White, you can survey all the municipalities across the state of New Jersey. Layoffs are the prerogative of the
administrative branch of government. No way in New Jersey will you find where layoff plans are approved by the governing body. And whether I am the mayor or not, it doesn't change anything. But layoffs are the
prerogative of the administrative branch of government. It has nothing to do with whether I'm the mayor or not. And so I just want to put that out there and that is the reason why there was this
this this movement several years ago to put the responsibility where it lies. And so I just want to make that known. It's across the board across the state of New Jersey where it's the administration
that does that. >> Director Fields. Um, in terms of the small home ownership lots for sale, those are none of those seven properties are going to one developer in particular. The reason why we are
investing or partnering with in different developers for this, including individual homeowners, by the way, we've had two that have gone to individual homeowners, is that we want the homes priced at a more affordable rate. Not
the most affordable like you hack affordable, but more affordable. And to invest instead of the city getting the purchase price for the land, they invest in a down payment assistance fund. and the property owner, the pilot gets p
passed on to the property owner, which should be it's an incentive for Planefield residents. So, you're getting $30 to $35,000 in down payment assistance and you're also getting a tax abatement to help you. So, it really is intended for the
property owner. Um, I believe the other one was about the Gio Keller property. There was an environmental assessment for that and that will be taken care of with the developer. They are required to take care of the remediation. >> Sir, sir,
>> Mr. Morgan, this is not a back and forth. This is for her to respond. Okay. After the meeting, you guys got to have a great conversation. >> I'm sorry. >> This is the >> Madam President. >> Yes. I just like to announce that um I have an undergraduate degree in English
English education >> and I am a a former English teacher. >> Oh, thank you. Look at that education. >> Set your record straight. >> Hold on, counselor. >> That's how you say it. Kudos.
>> Um >> yes, >> I'm sorry. I just would like to respond. Uh we be selective when we pick and choose. Like for instance, we say no other municipality has that in place. We use that same excuse and scapegoat when it came to the virtual option. We're playing field. We should be doing what's
best for our residents. We should be doing what's best for our employees. So if it's in the best interest of the people that we serve, then let's do it. Let's not use that excuse and say, "Well, nobody else is doing it." It's a lot of things that's going on in other municipalities in Planefield. No other municipality has this amount of
development that's going on. the charter schools. If you look around, we can't pick and choose and be selective and say those type of things. So, let's not sit back and be afraid and say, "Well, nobody else is doing it." So, here in Plford, we're not going to do that.
>> I'm Thank um going back to um Nancy Piwar, I want to answer your question. I know this was timing. And I um introduced legislation tonight on that transparency of the flood mitigation. Um director um Dabney, do you want to talk
about what's happening with that? Because that termination of the study is big. Um that legislation that we introduced that I introduced tonight that was unanimously approved provides transparency through the city and and really provides that quarterly um um
communication on funding um and and projects like this. So can you at least provide Nancy an update? This what I mean but it is part of the flood something >> the study determination of the study.
>> Well what's going on what's going on with the study right now as uh Miss Pw mentioned uh the Greenwood Flood Commission right now up in the upper basin they're looking not to fund it. looking to terminate that. So, I have plenty of questions to them about why that's happening because the lower base
is being taken care of with everything. So, we want to make sure that we get back to the Army Corp of Engineering as she mentioned, reaching out to our US legislators, our US senators, our Congress folks to let them know that we're not going for this. We're not tolerating that because no matter what
we do with our detention basins, our green brook, our green brook, our cedar brook, nothing can stop anything once that water comes down out out of the hills. So we're looking for put up levies to address everything. But we have to
make sure though that we can get the upper basin back into this system. As you know, right now, because we're a blue state, what's going on with the federal government is not a good thing. By pulling us out
where we are in the upper basin hurts everything that we try to do down here. Whether it be without detention basins or our Cedar Brook or Greenbrook, it hurts everything. But we're going to do all we can, of course, in our power for flood better flood mitigation. That's
our goal to make things happen here in the city of Planefield. But again, we can't fight the powers of be on what's going on >> in Washington because they terminate everything. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Um, President, >> yes, Mayor just one final comment. I provided uh communications um from the mayor for the agenda and I did that for a reason. I wanted council
members and the public to read and to see what is happening across Union County and across the state of New Jersey as far as public comments and virtual meetings are concerned. And so that was done deliberately to share
information and hopefully it would be read so that you know the position of this administration is not an anomaly but it is guided by the law and you could look across Union County and see
what other Union County municipalities because that's closest to us. But look across the state and you will see the position of this administration is not an anomaly. Thank you, mayor. Um, and I'm going to close with the position
of the council president is that we're going to, long as I'm the council president, we're going to have virtual comment. And if you guys go to that article, it says that we are the only municipality in the county that allows virtual comment, which is okay in 50 years. Um,
and I I started off in January saying transparency is key and it builds trust and sometimes you just need to, you know, build trust and and be very open and honest with your um constituents. So for me being the only,
it's okay. 50 years. Um, can I please have a motion to adjourn? Second. Thank you. Great meeting everyone. Have a good evening. like gearing up again. Lord Jesus, I want to run my