This is the April 21st, 2026 council meeting if I had contention. >> Would have been here by now, but we got three. We can do what we need to do. Uh if we all could stand for a moment of silence and a flag salute.
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. >> All right. Adequate notice has been
given to the designated uh is it still the express times or what are we doing there? >> Star ledger. >> Star ledger. uh satisfying the requirements of the open public meetings act. It's also posted on our website and
at the municipal building. Correct. >> All right. Uh we have some minutes we need to approve first. We have regular minutes from the March 17th U meeting. I'll move those forward. If I could have a second. >> Second.
>> Mr. Vinsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stella >> Stain. >> Mayor SL. >> Yes. And then we have the executive minutes uh from that same night. I'll move those forward. >> Second. >> Mr. Babis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stella. >> Abstain.
>> Mayor SL. >> And yes. Motion to pay bills. Payment of bills presented in proper form signed by the director of each department and approved by the majority of members and listed on the bill list. Anybody have any questions or issues with their
bills? What are you laughing at? So, it cost to fix that. Would you put a fuel pump on the dump truck or something? >> Wow. Huge bunny. >> Fuel pump or an injection pump? >> Fuel pump. High pressure.
>> Yeah. >> Shut down in the middle of the road. Get to >> do I want to ask how much it was? >> Uh 10,000. >> 10,000 bucks. >> Yeah. I think I am in the wrong business. We both are.
>> Man, you used to be able to get an injection pump for less than that. >> Goodness. >> And I'm not, you know, it's the way it is. It's just the way it is. >> No, I know. It's terrible what things cost. >> Fuel pump was probably was was probably
9,000 and the labor was a grant. Who knows? >> All right. If nobody's got any issues with their bills, a motion. I'll make a motion. >> All right. I'll second it. >> Mr. Binsky. >> Yes. Mr. Still, >> yes. >> Mayor SL, >> yes.
>> Public comments. Anybody have any public comments pertaining to agenda items and agenda items only? Uh, please come forward, sign in, be recognized. All right. Uh, seeing none, attorney's report. Did Kevin circulate a written report, Noel? >> No.
>> No, I didn't see it. >> I talked to him today briefly. He didn't have anything really to comment on other than the uh Shimemer school redevelopment plan. And I'm trying to think what else there was. There was just a couple
miscellaneous things, but nothing that stood out um out, you know, that was really outstanding. Was there anything, Wayne, that he had talked to you about? Anything anywhere? >> Um no, not outside reports. No. >> All right. I know we're going to
introduce I thought in our uh motions or something ordinances for those vacant lots to try to do something with the ones that we can uh I think it's on for second reading. Yeah. 2604. You just mentioned that. We'll
introduce it by name and then I guess we'll identify all the properties. All right. Wayne, what do you have for us tonight? >> Sure. I'll just focus on the the new stuff. Um, we've submitted uh our last two local aid grants for the all the guide rail work to DOT. So, as soon as
we get their approval, we can go to the co-op with that and get all that done. Um, so it should be very soon now. Um, still no decision on the DOT's local freight grant uh to work on uh River Road by the Quarry. Um, the deadline for
awards is in May, so by next meeting, I I assume I'll have an answer for you on that one. Um we submitted for the which we have annually for the park and recreation grant. Uh no money was awarded this year. Uh interesting the program basically they cut the funding
to it to about a third and they also therefore cut what they would even give municipalities by 35%. So whereas you could get a 100 grand and they gave it out to pretty much any project, now they cut it down. only three municipalities in Warren County
got it this year at all and they only got 2/3 of what they ever got before. So, >> and this is a DCA program. >> Yeah. So, it's just it really just dried up uh this year um you know in terms of what they're putting out there. So, you know, we can always apply every year. I mean, the good news is that you know
because we didn't get the grant that we can basically recycle the application over and over. It'll cost nothing to keep putting it in now until you get money. But it's just unfortunate that they uh took that away because we had had pretty good success with that leading up to this year. Um
uh actually I think it was just announced this week uh the DOT local uh is up uh for 2026 due in July. Um before then we would need to do a uh um I guess
a an a resolution uh to pick what project or projects we want to apply for. I've spoken to Jeff about it. Um I think what what we wanted to do this year was apply to do a uh a mill and pave of Mount Joy Road uh debt from 627
down to the bridge. >> Thank you. >> Cuz it's too high and we can't obviously like the road is in terrible shape, but we can't we can't go up any higher. So we got to go down before we come up. And then it's not a very long section. So, you know, I think I would try to put in
with that uh going a little bit down um the side street over there, Muskano. Um you know, see as far we could go. It's narrow road, so it should be pretty minimal. But that could probably just be a you know, could be an overlay, but actually the the pavement's in pretty bad shape. >> A DP bill, you think?
>> I think we we'll want to court and see how many times that came in. >> 100 times because I'd like to probably take off as much as we possibly could. >> Yeah, the drainage here is messed up, isn't it? Well, it's it's a foot from our driveway. The road drops off like a foot just to get into our driveway.
Yeah. So, >> that it's been laid that many times. It's raised up. I got you. >> Well, the guys filled potholes or potholes deep as pots in there this year. >> I mean, I'm thinking like rather than go back to, you know, March Boulevard and Ohio and all those areas where they're not giving us enough to do a substantial
job, at least if we took it down there, we could, you know, because it's a shorter section, we could probably get more bang for our buck. Mhm. >> Um and that's one application we could submit. So if you're on board with that, you know, maybe at the next meeting we can put it on for resolution. We can uh select up to two jobs. So if there any
other thoughts of the second project, you know, anybody who's interested in we could do that or we can just go with the one. That's that's up to you guys. But it would probably be good to do that at the next meeting so that we can get everything prepared and submit, you know, for the deadline. Um tax maps, all of our revisions are
complete at this point. Um, we're working with Jen now that we're done. She has to do certain things on her end to um, basically rectify the maps with her records. Um, and I know she was having some computer trouble, but um, you know, once she's back up and running, we hope to have that wrapped up
and then back into the state. Um, I mentioned a lot of the aqua uh, lead line replacements and road repairs last time, so I don't need to be redundant on that, but uh, that should be forthcoming. uh getting our alleys repaved. Um
uh I should mention that at the Willows uh I provided notice to Scott because when I received it, but um they're going to be doing their blasting soon. So you might get calls and complaints and whatever. The world's not, you know, uh blowing up or anything like that. It's
just them blasting that mountain uh to get down. So they did provide all the required documentation um you know and the you know permits and such. So you know they'll be getting that shortly. Um regarding we were going
to do the uh sewer uh study um to try and seal up our infiltration issues. Um it'll be nobody's surprise that we're still hung up with the county. um can't get a you know can't get an answer and approval from the engineering office
which you know is part of the course. Um so that's what's basically holding us up from start opening the manholes is is getting their authorization for the work in the county roads and finally our MS4 compliance will be turned in uh by the end of this month. Um so it'll be good
for until next year. That's all I have. >> All right. Thank you, Wayne. Since we don't have uh Scott here tonight, we won't have a report u from him, but I'll go down and we'll start with you, John. Do you have anything
you'd like to report on um your end? Yeah, I attended the last wreck meeting. Um they first time they met in quite a while and um I said it was a little contentious between softball them moving to league and uh all that stuff. there
was a really big turnout there and and had a good conversation. So, everything was uh resolved as well as it could. Um and uh this went over I went over I explained them the the uh community fields in the back of the school uh the
updates on that. Um the metric has been dug and has put down. The water line has put been put down. Um I think at the end of May I believe they're going to start the concession stand and the press box and the scoreboard should be um you know
put up real soon. Wayne, are we are they satisfied with with what you said then for the scoreboard? Are they still in the home? >> Uh we were go my geotechnical engineer was talking to Scott about um how to fix the uh the holes that >> they get two more feet down now.
>> That's what he wanted. They were trying to go back and forth understanding why. >> Yeah. I don't understand. That's not I'm not the structural guy, but they were going to be talking about that. Once that's resolved, you're good to go. >> Okay. Yeah, it's about wind and being an open field. >> Um, so like I said, so that's come along
well. The the other part of the field area has been uh you know, that was done by dads where they kind of seated it and um you know, grass starting to grow there. So hopefully we'll practice this year and have our first game on there come uh September. And uh that project
will then add to it hopefully down the road with pavilion and the uh walking path and make that a big community gathering. So >> good. >> The water line in >> the water line was Doug and so they're
waiting I believe the guy from >> Scott's found somebody to hook it up. >> Yeah. Um who's on High Street? What's the name of um Larkin? >> Larkin. I think the Larkin guy is going to once we have everything there, he said he'll have his guy come over for us.
>> I thought it was the other guys, the ones down on South Main Street. >> Oh, that different. They're different. >> Yeah, >> it was the ones um >> Yeah, >> I think you talked to the guy and he uh they they actually agreed to just to
hook it up for us, which saved us about $3,000. >> Yeah, Scott had said four, but either way, it was a fair amount of money to hook up. >> Yeah. So, But um yeah, JCB finally put the pole up. That's why we're able to dig everything. The grass is Jeff the grass on the soccer field in between has
been like the straw and everything's been put down and >> was the school happy with it or not? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well, hey, >> as as as well as >> the school can be, >> right?
>> All right. Uh, thank you, John. Nelson, do you have anything you'd like to bring back to council tonight or not? >> I do not. >> All right, Steve. >> No. Jeff, anything major happened in the last month? Really? Not much. Getting ready for
summer. >> Trucks. >> Yeah, >> new trucks in. Um, we accepted that. That's down to the Edison DPW show. So, you'll bring that back to us. We
should have that by the end of the week. >> Mhm. >> Cool. All right. I had a couple things come across uh emailwise. I had a complaint um on River Road 5. I think it's 511
uh speeders. I guess they had a near miss. Somebody almost got hit. I gave it to uh Ryan and Ryan had said maybe about putting the billboard down there. You guys got to get batteries I guess for it. >> Yeah, we have one has a software issue
and I think both of them need new batteries. So >> either way, if you could I don't know if you can set up radar on Manor Road or not, but one of the residents down there's been hollering for speed bumps and that's kind of the last thing I really want to resort to.
Then I had another um inquiry about parking issues on what's the one about the firehouse, Jeff Hunt. >> Maple. >> Maple. That's it. Uh and I gave that to Ryan as well. He was going to look into that. And then there was another
complaint come through. Noel, where was that um one with the pickup truck that was unregistered with all the junk? Creek Road. >> Creek Road. Yeah, we'll give that to Are you familiar with that or? >> Yeah. Um
I believe they rent that place, the house center. >> Okay. >> Um as far as we've seen, there's no ordinance or anything in place that would prohibit parking there. It is possible. So I think the truck is insured. >> Okay. >> At least.
>> So if if it's registered and insured, there's not much. >> Where's that? Next 170 remember right across the bridge across the bridge to your right.
>> Yeah. Yeah. I saw wood there and everything. >> Um yeah. Yep. That's >> place a mess. >> Well, maybe we can have our zoning officer take a peek at it.
>> Yeah, it's kind of a mess. the same problems. I'm still having a mess. >> All right. Other than that, I can't think of anything else that came across my emails. I went to the uh annual Huntington Volunteer Fire
Company dinner on what night was that? Saturday night. >> Saturday night. >> Yeah. Okay. Saturday night where they honor their firefighters. Um it was well attended, good time, food was good. I was the only one that was there. I was a little disappointed that way, but at
least somebody from council was there. Other than that, that's about all I have. Uh, I have a proclamation here I'd like to read. It's designating May as older Americans Month. Do you fall under that there,
Steve, yet or not? >> Probably. >> What What does older classify as, Noel? Do they have a death definition or not? >> I think it's 55 plus. So, >> hell, I'm in that, too. All right, >> I'm in that, too. >> All right, let me read this here.
Whereas May is older Americans Month, a time for us to recognize and honor the township of Kohakhan's older adults and their immense influence on every facet of American society.
And whereas through their wealth of life experience and wisdom, older adult adults guide our younger generations and carry forward abundant cultural and historical knowledge. And whereas
older Americans improve our communities through intergenerational relationships, community service, civic engagement, and many other activities. 10. Whereas communities benefit when people of all
ages, abilities, and backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and live independently. end. Whereas the township of Pohakan must ensure that older Americans have the resources and support needed to stay involved in their
communities reflecting our commitment to inclus inclusiveity and connectiveness. And now for there now therefore I Mayor David S. Slack and the township council
of the township of Poakon do hereby proclaim May 2026 as older Americans month. This year's theme champion your health focuses prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility
as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages taking an active role in managing your own health, advocating for yourself, accessing preventative care, and making informed decisions that support independence.
We all call upon residents to join us in recognizing the contributions of our older citizens and promoting programs and activities that foster connection, inclusion, and support for older adults.
So, those of us on council that are older adults, congratulations. We made it this far. >> Uh, very good proclamation. Well, >> can we skip a quarter of taxes or something? >> I would love to do that. I mean, we
still have, I think, the tax freeze for anybody over a certain age. We'd have to talk to Carrie about that. All right, let's move on to resolutions. Looks like we only have one. Uh, I'll read it. It's approving the
cannabis dispensary license of Mindset Cannabis Shop located at uh 603 St. James Avenue, block 3, lot 2, and supporting the issuance of a class 5 retail license.
>> Doing all together. Oh, there's more resolute on the back. Okay, we got accepting a grant from the hazardous discharge site remediation fund. >> Then we have authorizing cancellation of
municipal certificates of sale. And then the last is authorizing the submission of grant application the association of New Jersey environmental commissions for an open space stewardship grant funding for uh the rain garden project.
Uh the environmental commission our chair wrote that application brought it by through the um commission. We approved it. So we're just authorizing that he can turn it in. It was for I think 1,500.
So I'd actually like to take the first resolution separate and then the rest of them together. So let's move all the the rest of them first cuz I can vote on that one. Anybody have issues taking the last three? >> Nope.
>> I'll move them forward. >> Second. Still >> Mr. Vibinsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lzen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Still. >> Yes. Mayor SL. >> Yes. All right. Now, back to the first resolution. Somebody want to move that forward? >> I'll move it.
>> I guess I'll second it. >> Mr. Binsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lozetti? >> No. >> Mr. Stila? >> Yes. >> And I will abstain. Is that enough to carry that, Noela? >> Yep. Two to one. Okay. All right.
Moving on to ordinances for first reading. We have ordinance 2605, ordinance of the township of Pohakan adopting an amended redevelopment plan for the Shimemer School redevelopment area, block 44, lot one.
>> I'll move that. >> All right. And I'll second that. >> Mr. Babinsky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Letti? >> Yes. >> Mr. Still? >> Yes. >> Mayor Slack? >> Yes. And that'll be on our next meeting for uh adoption. And in the meantime,
that'll go to the land use board this month. Wayne? >> Yep. It's on I think next week. Yeah. >> Did everybody see the um email that had went out if anybody has any historic things they'd like to look for or in the Shymer school before demol or
demolition? Do we have a liaison back to the historical society even Noel or not? Now, a couple people asked me about the cucula, but I don't know. >> I mean, you need a crane, right? >> You need to get a big crane to get it off. I don't know where they're going to
put it after it got taken off. So, I >> There was nothing inside. >> Sorry. >> There's nothing inside. >> No. No bell, no light, no nothing. >> I presume it's made out of wood. >> It's made out of wood. >> The coupla, I would think so. Probably. Yeah.
>> I' I've seen some on churches. I thought they were made of copper. >> Yeah. No, it's not that. >> No, >> we still got the time capsule over in our building. >> Isn't there a bronze plaque on the one side down the bottom where you walk in? >> I don't think that's there.
>> Oh, really? >> I have to check tomorrow, but >> see if that's there in the fallout shelter sign. If the fallout shelter signs there, see if we can get that. and the bronze plaque if it's still there commemorating wasn't like when it was
put in or >> something like that. Yeah. >> Usually it has like the freeholders and the town council people when the thing was >> built you know >> and you know the entrance I mean down there on the side. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. See if there's anything on the outside placardwise.
Otherwise other than that I don't see anything that we'd have any interest in. All right. Uh moving on. Do we vote on that, Noel? >> Yes. >> Okay. We have uh second reading of ordinance 2604.
This is the one that I uh talked about where we're going to authorizing the sale of real properties uh to the contiguous owners um properties that we ended up with through uh foreclosures, I think, and
tax sales and such. So, I'll open that up to a public hearing. Anybody like to make public comment on 2604? Uh, come forward, be recognized, sign in, make comment.
Seeing none, could I have a motion to close public comment and adopt? I'll make that motion. >> Second, >> Mr. Rinsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lazetti? >> Yes. >> Mr. Stila? >> Yes. Mayor. >> Yes. >> Old business. I don't believe we have
any >> old business. Anybody have anything? >> I have something. You're going to laugh. I got >> Go ahead. >> Got an email the other day from Mike King. Do you remember him from >> Yeah. He was >> P pro. Yeah. Yeah. And and it starts off
that uh I hope you had a good life. And and then he says then he proceeds to blast us about all the stuff we're doing wrong. >> And what >> I ignored it. just ignore it. >> What pray tell did he see? >> Well, you know, he didn't like the the up up um up behind where the mall was.
You know, that property up there that half is in low fat and half is our like what we're doing there and which is nothing, you know. >> I mean, we did all we could do. We said no. >> I I know. I know. He's at, you know, just just he went through a couple different things and, you know, that's
just the way he's just angry. He's always been angry angry at everything we've ever done. >> I can remember my mother >> for the last 40 years. mother used to talk about him when when she was involved with that property over there of hard tongues.
>> Well, I'm sorry he feels that way, but I felt like we did all we could up there to at least prevent something from happening on our side. >> Yeah, it's I like I said, I just ignored it. It wasn't worth He's looking for a fight. It wasn't worth it. >> Oh, that's >> He always always did.
>> That's too bad. Any anybody else have any old business or new business? All right, we've got some motions. Everybody look through the motions. Does anybody have any questions? >> Should move on. >> Yep. I don't have any issues. We can
move them all. >> So move. >> I'll second it. >> Mr. Binsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lazetti. >> Yes. >> Mr. Still, >> yes. >> Mayor SL, >> yes. Uh, public comment. Does anybody have any general public comments they'd like
to make at this time? If so, come forward and sign in, be recognized. Seeing none, do we have anything we need to deal with executive session? No. >> No. >> Anybody have anything they even though our attorney's not here? Nope.
>> Well, it's got to be one of the quickest ones. I'd say record's not here. That's why we didn't have our mouth. >> We'll tell him that Melvin's out here. Record meeting. >> Our mouthpiece wasn't here. >> Yeah. >> Anybody have anything else for the good
of the whole? If not, I'll entertain a motion if we're done. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Hi. >> Hi. >> Ajourned. All right.