Good evening everyone. This is the city council board meeting. Today is May the 18th, 2026 and the time is 6:30 p.m. This meeting has been duly advertised in the city newspapers in conformance with
the open public meetings act otherwise known as the sunshine law please >> present >> present >> present >> here >> Gibson present Thomas >> present
>> all in attendance may I have approval of previous minutes. >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Madam clerk, agenda review.
>> First on the agenda is ordinance number five, first reading authorizing the execution of a tax abatement agreement with Kasa Nor today LLC 14-11 and 18-28 or old turnpike.
>> Any any questions? Also see anyone >> resolution 99 authorizing the tax collector to refund taxes on certain properties in the city. >> Any questions? >> Yes. And these offer overp payments. >> Yeah. >> But I mean
>> the overpayment is when the homeowner pays and you also have the mortgage mortgage company. Okay. That's the one we discussed. In fact, all three of them. >> Yep. Any other questions? Seeing none, >> resolution 300 authorizes to apply for a grant from the New Jersey Urban
Enterprise Authorities Enterprise Zone Assistance Fund. Assistance Fund 300 >> for marketing program and amount not to exceed $13,500. >> Any questions? Council see none.
Resolution 101 authorizing the sale of surplus of personal property no longer needed for the public use on an online auction website. >> Any questions council? >> Seeing none. >> Resolution 102 granting approval for a
cultural festival to our ladies of the east on July the 24th to July 26 at 25 West Park West Black Horse Pike. >> Any questions? Council see none. >> Resolution 103 approved to accept a
grant from sustainable grant Jersey grant by the PSG foundation. I'd like to make note that there's a uh error. It should be $20,000 and not 10,000 is located. So we'll be making approve with
the necessary corrections of it being 20,000. Thank you. >> Any questions council? Seeing none, resolution 104 authorizing the sheriff services agreement for fire protection and suppression services between the
city at the township of a park. Any questions council? >> I have a question. I have a question on this as far as um this being on the bill list. We discussed it in meeting in a meeting and I see here it's um
it's a finance issue and when I called the uh finance When I called Kenya, she didn't know what the exact numbers were that we had finally discussed. And that's what the whole conversation was before when they originally came up to us when they
>> Is this about a contract matter? >> Is this about a contract matter? >> I don't Well, I there was no Can you There was no contract I don't think involved in that. >> 104. >> I I think >> you would know that.
>> Yes. There is a contract. >> There's a there's a contract involved. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. So you but that never came back to committee as far as anything discussing
that as far as the um I got some information from chief but as far as the actual figures and all on what it would bring into the city the revenue it will bring into the city I did I never we never had you were you on a finance meeting with that as far as the revenue
that it's actually bringing to the city >> finance public it was in public safety >> wasn't financy So I believe you was in at least maybe two. >> Yes. >> Yeah. When they discussed this >> but not in the final to know that it's
on the bill and we're you know we're voting on it now. >> I'm confused. >> She said okay I didn't >> that the revenue that it's bring to me. That's what I'm >> right. 60,000.
>> So it's 80. It's >> well it's it's 80 with the fire truck. It's going to come out to 50 plus the fire truck first year each year after that 5year contract will be $60,000. Yeah. >> So can we have um the chief police I
mean fire chief come up please >> and chief battalion chief >> what up there. >> Good evening. of the operational site.
>> So, can you just give a brief overview of um the shared service between a harbor town well atlantic city a harbor township and the city of >> the benefits? >> Yes. So, uh to to give you guys a quick
overview, West Atlantic City has been struggling maintaining the members in their department. So anytime that they have a situation that needs to be handled, if they cannot maintain it, they have to call us. We're the first call out to make. Uh we can't deny them
because of open mutual agreements. We cannot say no. So we're going to be going out there anyway. So due to this, they reached out saying that we can take over or get into conversations with taking over that territory. Uh we discussed all logistical matters with
it. um put some recommendations to the business administrator so we can discuss with town's business administrator and um they took it from there. So >> yeah, >> any other questions? >> So also in the beginning it was on the
agenda of the public safety committee at least two or three times. >> Yes. Yes. >> We discussed it in detail as far as the deployment >> uh situation and then the backup that would have to occur. Yeah, >> we cover them anyway and we have to
>> committee committee presented a bunch of questions to us and we presented all the recommendations and they gave us the go ahead to to further uh look into >> based on my numbers we're going to net anywhere from 20 to 25,000 a year but that's that's just my opinion but I also
did uh I had I known about the yeah the negotiations I would have added was the price index each No. So, to your point, uh we had that conversation with um and I did reach out to the VA. Um they're not >> they're not taking exceptions to that at
all. Um I'd like to also say that they they voted on this in their last uh meeting. They passed to passed it to go further in negotiations. Uh we gave the uh uh contract for theou to our solicitor. She reviewed it. She made
some adjustments. She did some red lining and uh um Miss Cosby, would you like to speak to the um the issues? Was it >> Yeah, it was just some indemnification where they said we would if they they would not identify us for negligence. And so it was like what's the point,
>> right? Like you're not going to indemnify us for negligence, then you know, we can't have a whole normal agreement. So they agreed to indemnify us for negligence. and then just some other wording um that was ambiguous and some things that were in conflict, but I didn't touch anything else because I
wasn't part of the negotiations. I was just looking at the legal language >> and and they agreed to it, >> right? They agreed to it to those changes and before we sign the contract, we're going to negotiate the uh uh consumer price index
into this matter also. So, this doesn't make it a done deal. This does not sign the contract. All this does move it forward. Moves it forward. Yes. >> And and just to give you a little more context, they're probably averaging 20 to 25 calls a year. Um a lot of the nuisance calls that they get at Carpet
Township PD will still be responsible to handle certain things. >> A note to the public is as you said earlier, uh when we committee meetings, we would have to respond to Aar Township anyway due to them having a volunteer
fire department, right? and they don't have the personnel. So, we're obligated under the mutual aid agreement to respond out there. We're obligated to respond out there with a pedestrian maybe accident with our fire department. So, hopefully Mr. B that would be the
next step to look into is because the fire department do have to respond when they have major accidents and fatals. So, then our personnel is being used for that. So after this, maybe that's something else that we can look into because I know they're having problems with that. >> Okay.
>> No problem. >> Um I asked this question before and I'll ask it again. Um if we were to take over West Atlantic City, will that create a lot of overtime? uh we we factored in um with the with
the the dollars that we recommended and also with our operational uh overhead with him with our department that he's going to put in place, we're going to try to maintain very very low and efficient manner of that. So, we're going to take that into consideration
and um anytime that we do have a major incident there, we're going to be using uh a township's resources in addition to ours. So, it's not just going to be us fulfilling everything and we're going to have certain place uh things in place to ensure that Pleasant will still maintain
full coverage. >> And we also um will receive a fire truck as well, right? >> Yeah. So, the that first year we we added in a deal that they gave us an additional dollar amount so that we can purchase a used fire truck that we have a eye on right now because right now we
have no uh backup reserve apparatus. So this is going to help our fleet. >> As far as your question about overtime, on a daily basis, it will not acrewue any overtime. The overtime will come when certain major events happen in that town where we have to backfill the
station. So on a daily basis, overtime will not be affect. >> Thank you. You want to answer questions? >> Mayor, you have anything? No, but the overtime that we discussed before that was the m you know that was one of the main things that that created the
overtime for our department and we already >> so that you're saying >> not on a daily basis just just when the incences occur and we have to back fill to make sure that Pleasantville is staffed as well like keeping all that in mind on the way we operate. So if we
have to go over there to handle an incident we back fill the station which we create over time along with mutual aid as well. But that would happen, sir. Even if we have a fire in Plugsville, we have to back. So no matter what, if we have a fire in Plugsville, you have to respond. I don't I don't know if the public
understand that. And we still have to have another fire go to our house before you guys are out dealing with a fire. And that's the, you know, that's what has to do. So it would be the same situation. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Anyone else?
>> You okay, Mayor? >> Yes, I'm good. >> Thanks, guys. I mean, >> what is that? 104. Madam clerk, as usual 105, authorizing notice to proceed to M Watson's
Associates LLC for design and permit and services for the approved New Jersey Department of Transportation fiscal year 2025 transit village Pleasantville bus pavilion improvement project in the amount of $220,000.
Any questions, council? Seeing none, resolution 106 authorizing a notice to proceed to Mount Watson's Associates LLC for design and permitting services for the approved New Jersey Department of Transportation 2026 Black Lane program,
West Jersey Avenue and South Franklin Boulevard in the allow of 14. Any questions? Council seeing none. >> Next is review of the bill. >> Good evening. Good evening.
>> We can look at the first um it says on the top check register by check date. And these are bills that were paid that we had to get paid prior to the meeting.
Um, we have an AT&T bill for 1,800, excuse me, I'm sorry, $8,24.37. Uh we paid also Charles Marendino and this is um grant funded 41,49749. >> Katie a question. Is this from the park?
Lakes Bay Community Park. >> No, Lakes Bay is another contract. >> I forget which one this one is. I'm sorry. Um, and if you just go down a little bit further, you'll see actually towards the bottom
of the page where um, pay wall for for the um, last pay period May 15th is 564,94252. Does anyone have a question on this page? Charles uh 8461
>> 846 >> Marina. >> Yeah, >> that's um one of our D projects. >> I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry.
>> Okay. Okay. So, if we go to the purchase order listing on page one, we have um Atlantic City Electric for 66,69.39. >> Yes. And uh then if you go Yeah. I'm
sorry. Um, so how come the sewer payment is attached to this for $3,000? >> That's because the sewer account has its own electrical charges. So you those are run on two different budgets. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Mhm. Then you also have the third vendor down after the electric county. >> Yes. That's >> 546 >> $546,729 and we pay that quarterly. On page number two,
if you go down to the vendor number 320004, Nava Auto Part Reports, um, our mechanics are working a lot getting our cars um, into top shape.
That's $4,86843. and as well as the next vendor over beneath it is Orchids Hydraulics and they're working on our sewer equipment as well and it's um $1,087.76. If you turn over to page three,
okay, these are South Jersey overhead doors. um $4,030 even. We have Triricare for services February,
March, and April, $22,500 even. And then right beneath that is in Harvard Township when we also have an agreement with them in place. um
for dispatch services >> and >> yeah, this was and and this was what we had open from the construction official that we were using. So that's paid off now. And it's a total of 1,500
one, excuse me, I'm sorry, $154,65929. That goes to 25. >> Yes. Well, the dispatch service that's quarterly. The other 1,600 that's done. So, what you will see again in August is another payment for dispatch and IT
services >> in August. >> Uh, council I mean has a question. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. The last one on page three. I left you a message. uh Ruther Town Development Incorporated.
>> Yes, this is for the CEO's training, the SO school resource officers training and it's mandated so >> accommodations. >> Yes, but this is that money is coming
back to the city because they could not find space for them here in New Jersey, at least locally. So, the agreement is, and it's in it's in it's in writing, too, that they pay up to $1,000 per officer. Once they go through the
training and fulfill their obligation, then they will refund us the um accommodations. >> Why I'm confused as to why we're paying them $1,800. >> Well, we have to pay for um we're not paying the officers. We're paying the
place that's going to hold the training. >> What's that? The hotel accommodations. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Any other question for us? >> Don't tell us how many SROs are going in. >> Two.
>> Two. >> Yes. >> Council, anyone else have any questions on the bill? Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. Mayor, you have any comments? >> I have none. Thank you. >> Any welcome to council?
>> Welcome discussion. I have a motion to close work session. May I >> have a second? Second. >> All in favor? I Good evening everyone. This is the city city city council meeting. Today is May
the 18th, 2026. The time is 6:50. This meeting has been duly advertised in the city newspapers in conformance with the open public meetings act otherwise known as the sunshine law. Please stand for invocation and flag salute. You
going to have a silent prayer, please. >> Amen. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for standy and justice for all. Thank you. >> You're welcome.
>> Ogusby >> present. >> Battis >> present. >> Swepson >> present. >> Gibson >> present. >> Thomas >> present. >> All in attendance. Do I have a motion to discuss previous minutes? >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> Mayor have anything commendation? >> Next, we have public portion. We have Miss Felicia Morales. I'm sorry. >> You always get a pass. >> Thank you.
>> Good evening, everybody. Good evening. Um, I just want two things actually. Um, so you know what we do. Every second Saturday, we go out to the community and we serve our neighbors who are homeless and hungry. Um, our goal is to feed
1,200 people a year. So that means as of November of this year, we going to have fed 3,600 people. Central items of 3,600 people. I'm happy to announce that as of last Saturday, we have fed over 3,300 people and we've
given over 3,000 people hygiene items and stuff like that. >> Thank you. >> Grant, thank you so much. Um, and part of that is I am inviting my city council people to come out every second one second Saturday if you guys would take a
moment just to come and see what it is that we're doing so that you can see how we are being a blessing to other people and that people in the community will get to know you even more. Um, the second is that we are having a 5K walk run resource event on the 30th of this
month. Um, we also ask that you guys will come out and support us as well. Um, we have flyers and all that kind of good stuff, but I just trying to connect the community with resources. The people have to know that we're out here, that we care about them, and that we're trying to make a difference and impact
you guys, and more love cannot do it by ourselves. We need you guys to support. Okay. >> Yes. >> So, I'm inviting you to come out, check out our website. You can come and join us. And it's even on the city website as well. >> What time is it?
>> It's um starts at 11. is from 11 to 3 >> on the third. Yes. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you so much. Okay. >> Next, we have Mr. Sim J. >> Good evening everyone.
>> Good evening. >> Happy springtime. Uh I have a one question regarding the agenda on the ordinance number five. Uh I said there's a tax abatement. Um you know how the community is always expressing concerns about tax abatements
and policy etc. Um madame president could you share with us how this tax abatement for this 5 years will in in in any way benefit the community as well as it will benefit the um person looking to establish business. >> I'm going pass that question on to
>> Yes. You're welcome. All right. Thanks. Um, yeah. So, this is, uh, something that we actually already have an ordinance for. This was built specifically to help small businesses, you know, expand and become reliable businesses in the community. So, this
was like designed a while ago, but this is just one of the businesses that's taking advantage of, but it's already on the books. It's something that we already >> Well, will they be like employing? Um, >> so expanded. They they took three buildings. I mean they took the buildings and kind of expanded it out to
three. We did you see them right on Little Town Bank Road there. Brand like brand new buildings. It's really nice. They put know a lot of money into it. It's this is our way to encourage these small businesses to start dressing up uh our main street and the jump. Um but
it's been in place. We just utilize it now. >> Would we be like setting certain standards for them to um >> There are certain standards. Yes. >> Yes. Cuz so we don't end up with like crazy. >> No. No. Great. That's good to hear. >> It's looking good. >> Good. Great to hear. The other matter I
like to raise, something that matter I've raised many times before and I just have to continue to raise is just the fundamental request that you provide more agenda information available to the public prior to the meeting. As you if you go to um for example FC's website,
as you see prior to their city council meetings, you can um download. You can't get it at the meeting cuz that's that would be a lot a lot of waste for nothing. But you can download an um a packet that gives you a greater insight as to what's being um um dealt with at this city council meeting. And I just
ask for you to give that consideration. Look at what they do so that we just have an opportunity to have a greater insight. I know you have the protections of um personnel and things like that that you know how to come safeguard those matters, but I ask again that you give us more information. >> Absolutely.
>> Thank you. >> And I'm still waiting for those letters. >> I am. >> Oh, great. Yeah. >> Um, next we have Miss Renee Brown. >> Hi. >> Hello. >> Um, I just want to know I haven't heard
anything about the wreck. Can you is there a date for that to open, >> Mr.? >> No, not at present. Uh, we don't have a date for it to open. There's a series of series of hoops that we had to actually jump through uh with the uh state DTA.
um we weren't allowed to just start on the project because once the fire was put out they considered it not a emergency. So we had to go through we had to go through the bidding process which we've done to identify the company that's going to start um and we're hoping to get started next couple weeks
>> in the next couple weeks. So they might open it up again. >> That's our prayer. >> That'll be our prayer. >> Okay. >> I want everything I can to get it open for the service here. Trust me. We have to have it at my house. No, I'm
just kidding. >> Maybe they can use the schools >> until they have gone so that the kids have somewhere to go. Everybody keeps asking
to make other at this point. That's and and that's how I feel about it because a lot of parents will be stuck if we don't get it. There's a lot of people that >> I'm sorry I didn't hear that. >> A lot of people rely on us for their summer care >> and if they can make other arrangements rather than be stuck, I would rather for
them to do that. >> That's what I was trying to do. Suggestion maybe they use schools >> as some other arrangements. >> I can't speak on that because schools, >> right? And
>> oh the parking man parking general. We had two male one day and one night >> for parking enforcement. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> The female and the male. >> Okay. Um first street between Adams and Martin
Luther King. >> You said first street. >> Yeah. >> Between Adams and Martin Luther King. Mhm. >> Cuz she might go out there. I don't know who to call at night or anything to to ask them to do that because they parked
so close to the corner. You can't see coming up. >> And that's a oneway street, but you still can't see. You can always call 6416100 for dispatch and advise them as such and they have officers find out. We do not have to depend on a parking force for
the officer because our officers are also to enforce that. So if you have a problem after hours, please contact dispatch advis officers know how to deal with it. That's the procedures. >> Okay. I'm just I'm just asking. >> I'm just letting you know how it works.
>> Yeah. Because I've been saying that every every meeting about that that street and those trailers and those trucks parked I mean right to come on like this all the way down on both sides. >> Thank you. Thank you.
May I have a motion to close public torches? >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> All in favor? And third, first is ordinance number five, first reading, authorizing the execution of a tax abatement agreement
with passing over today LLC for 14-16 and 18-280. >> Any questions? I mean, we have motion. >> We have a second. >> Second call. >> Yes.
>> Clangersby. >> Yes. that >> yes >> yes >> Libson >> yes >> yes >> ordinance move to second reading scheduled for June the 1st resolution 99 authorizing the tax collector to refund taxes on certain
properties in the city I have a motion >> motion may have a second >> second roll call >> yes >> clay >> yes >> yes >> yes Swepson, >> yes. >> Gibson, >> yes. >> Thomas, >> yes.
>> Resolution Resolution 100 authorizes to apply for a grant from the New Jersey urban enterprise authorities enterprise zone assistance fund for marketing program and allow not to exceed $13,500. >> May I have a motion?
>> Motion. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Colona. >> Yes. >> Plant. >> Yes. >> Yes. That is >> yes. >> Yes. >> Gibson. >> Yes.
>> Resolution approved. >> Resolution 101 authorizing the sale of surplus of personal properties no longer needed for public use on an online auction website. >> May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> May I have a second?
>> Second. >> Wo. >> Compona. >> Yes. >> Clay. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Baptis. Yes. >> Swepson. >> Yes. >> Gibson. >> Yes. >> Thomas. >> Yes. >> Resolution approved.
>> Resolution 102 granting approval of a cultural festival to our Ladies of the East on July 24th through the 26th at 25 West Black Pike. May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> May I have a second?
>> Second. >> Roll call. >> Yes. >> Mark. >> Yes. >> Old. Yes, >> Bettis. >> Yes, >> Swepson. >> Yes, >> Gibson. >> Yes, >> Tommy. >> Yes. >> Resolution resolution 103, approval
to a second grant from Sustainable New Jersey grant by PSG Foundation with the need of correction. >> We have a motion. >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call.
>> Kimona. >> Yes. >> Barlay. >> Yes. >> Yes. Bavis, >> yes. >> Sweatson, >> yes. >> Gibson, >> yes. >> Thomas, >> yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 104, authorizing the share services agreement for fire protection and suppression
services between the city and the township of a barber. Have a motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Kimona, >> yes. >> Or Clay, >> yes. >> Oby, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Swepson. >> Yes. >> Gibson, >> yes.
>> Thomas, >> yes. Resolution approved. Resolution 105 authorizing a notice to proceed to Moxis Associates for design and permit services for the approved New Jersey Department of Transportation 2025
Transit Village for Pleasantville bus improvement project and the amount of $24,000. >> May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Yes. Yes. >> Overby,
>> yes. >> Yes. >> Swson, >> yes. >> Gibson, >> yes. >> Thomas, >> yes. >> Resolution resolution 106 authorizing notice to proceed to M Watson's Associates for design and permit services for the approved New Jersey
Department of Transportation 2026 bike program, West Jersey Avenue and South Franklin Boulevard in the amount of $14,000. May have a motion. Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Over. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Swapson. >> Yes. >> Gibson. >> Yes. >> Thomas, >> yes. >> Resolution approved. We a motion to approve the bill. >> Yes. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second.
>> Roll. >> Pomona. >> Yes. >> Watch. >> Yes. >> Obisky. >> Yes. >> Bettis. >> Yes. >> Swson. Gibson, >> yes. >> Thomas, >> yes. >> Motion approve. Need a motion to approve wrap on bingo licenses.
May >> I have a motion? >> I have a second. >> Second call. >> Pona, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Oski, >> yes. >> Bettis, >> yes. >> Swepson, >> yes. >> Gibson, >> yes. >> Thomas, >> yes.
>> Motion to Texas and council. >> Mayor, you have anything? No, it's good. Thank everyone for coming out and also um Council uh Swepson, if you could let them know when the flashback's going to be open. I'm
getting a lot of calls for that and the time that it's going to be open cuz there's no nothing posted up there. >> Oh, the chair is council. >> Okay. You got it.
Everyone have anyone from counsel have anything? >> All right. None. Um. >> Okay. >> Yes. Um the the city along with the
American Legion post and the American Legion Auxiliary and the Junior ROC core from the high school will be uh hosting the annual Memorial Day services uh at the grave site. We'll assemble at
the corn of Ireland and MLK uh at 9:30 on Memorial Day the 25th. Dr. 31st, 25th, Monday the 25th, public
and uh we also have some young ladies as usual participate in the program and you will see your junior ROC core great group for the function. Also, uh, the American Legion posted flags in
the Atlantic City Cemetery, uh, which is bordered by the Black Horse Pike Route 9 room and part of Martin Luther King and Aron Avenue. Uh, we posted flags at the graves of uh, veterans on last
Saturday. I want to thank uh, Mr. Jones for coming out to help us. He was there for over three hours. And he did a lot of walking. He even had his motorbike with him. And also uh the Rough Riders uh
motorcycle club, they brought 15 people to help us. We didn't have a lot of it because conflicts, but we got it done and we wanted to say thank you to everyone for helping us, giving honor to those who have served and who are passed
on. Thank you. Um so the next item is uh executive session for legal matters. So if you all would like to stay, you can stay. If >> if not then
be it executive session. All in favor? >> All right. May I have a motion to adjurnn? >> I have a second. >> All in favor? >> I