This is the February 17th, 2026 council meeting of Bhakan Township. Yeah. >> All right. I'll call the meeting to order. Adequate notice has been given in the Express Times and the Star uh ledger satisfying the requirements and open
public meetings act. We could all stand for a moment of silence on the flag salute. 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. >> How does that work for lives down the river and friends? I can only guarantee you now just before you go into to the store. There's that left if you go down there by where
you're >> All right, we have some minutes we need to approve. We got December 16th and January 20th. Um, was everybody here for both sessions? No. Well, that they can vote. >> Um, not sure about December, but they
were here for January. >> All right. Uh, just minutes. Somebody want to move them both forward? >> I'll move from >> second. >> Mr. Winsky, >> I think I was here for them, right? >> You're back on December.
>> Yeah, >> Mr. Melvin. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Black. >> Yes. >> All right. I see we have a brief executive session. We need to deal with what would it be, Scott? Contractual. >> Yes.
Um, how long you think it'll take? 10, 15 minutes? >> You want You want to do that now or at the end, Scott? >> Now. >> Now. Okay. >> All right. Somebody want to call an executive session? >> I'll make a motion we go in executive session. >> All right. I'll second that. >> I >> I
>> I go down to the other room. >> Come out of executive session. >> Second, >> that could be an all in favor. >> It's an I. >> I. I. Um, we had a discussion on the uh we've been having some negotiations with our newly minted chief where we've uh I
think we're at the point we have a meeting in the minds on the contract. We briefly reviewed the revised terms in executive session and I think at this point we're looking for a motion to approve. >> I'll make that motion. >> The uh chief contract which I think is 2026 through 29 or
>> third. Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. Congratulate. Well, let's get the vote first before we say that. >> Melvin will second. >> There you go. >> That's a roll call. >> Mr. Binsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Melvin. >> Yes. >> Mayor Slack. >> Yes. >> Congratulations, Chief. Well deserved.
Appreciate it. Thank you. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> No other business on executive that is. >> All right. So, let's move on to do our bills. Motion to pay bills. Payment of bills presented in the proper form signed by the director of each
department and approved by the majority of members listed on the bill list. >> So moved. Melvin >> second. >> Mr. Rubinsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Melvin. >> Yes. >> Mayor Slack. >> Yes. All right. Public comment. Anybody
that has any public comments pertaining to agenda items and agenda items only, please come forward, sign in, be recognized, make comment. And again, this would be on agenda items. Seeing none, uh we'll move on to the
attorney's report. Kevin, >> brief tonight. Um all the uh loan documents were fully executed and circulated for Ingramman and I'm assuming they did they break ground. >> They Yeah, they were there uh last week or the week before >> last week
>> with the drill and for >> Okay. Whatever. But they had they Yeah, they assisted Mr. Airheart from um >> frozen >> Phils Memorial. >> Oh. >> With moving his RV and stuff cuz it was all snowed in snow behind a building. >> Nice. Um I also had discussion with with
Scott and I had discussion with Jen. Um because of the way they we agreed to to to make that project a two-phase project in terms of developers agreements and and so on and so forth. That that's all fine. um we didn't agree to to a subdivision or anything of the property,
but because of of the way their loans are structured, they may need to conduit it. Uh so that doesn't need our approval, the condo process that goes actually through the Department of Community Affairs. But if they do do that, they'll have to record a master deed. It'll be a little bit more work
for Jen, but she doesn't seem too worried about it, frankly, Scott. So, >> yeah. And I today I talked to Jeff Long >> and just to get a brief on them on what they really were asking for. Yeah. >> And then I talked to Jen and every fine with that. So that that's all good.
>> Um >> the uh we are closing in on finalizing our uh we had to initiate that litigation to get our fourth round compliance mostly because we have some significant developers, you know, affordable housing development fees coming in and we didn't want to lose
those to the state. So, the two ordinances you see later on the agenda, those are standard form ordinances that um will put us in compliance with the updated affordable housing requirements. Um there's also a new development fee ordinance. One thing I did have Jim Kyle
revise that to eliminate any residential development fees because you guys have previously eliminated those and those are optional still. Okay. So, those are in good shape. That's what's on the agenda there. And Scott, beyond that, anything else you and I talked about? I think we're pretty good. Just uh the
only other thing which I was going to touch on was the uh with when I worked with Wayne and uh Andrew on the >> Oh, yes. I will have that you guys next meeting. Yep. Yeah. Just Scott sent me we we had talked if a few meetings ago about, you know, if we're getting
constant variance applications in certain areas of the municipality that would tend to mean that the zoning needs revision so that people can better utilize their properties. Uh Jim, Kyle, Scott, and Andrew looked at that. They gave me uh revisions that they all agree on. I'll have an ordinance basically
changing adjusting setback lines and um bulk requirements for some a couple of zones and um I will have that for you guys next month. >> And that's it. >> All right. Very good. Thank you. >> What about this? We got the notice from was it lowat
a fair share >> hearing? >> Hearing. >> Yep. Do we need to worry about that? Send anybody? >> No, we don't have to worry about that. The at the end of the pro at the very end of the process, we'll probably have the same thing. We'll just have to notice. It's a standard notice goes out,
but because we're a nearby municipality, I will be doing that too at the end. >> Okay. Uh, one last thing, Kevin, today we talked uh uh an email about um reaching out to the construction official from Lope. Yes, >> I did. Okay. I spoke with Scott Scoffield today and he I had him make me
the point of contact with him. >> Okay. >> So that but he knows and he went through the whole process like he goes it's going to be a while but he knows that no no permits are until we get and he named it off the coins the development stuff. >> This is on this is on the mall. I just I
just was coordinating with Scott. I said you know shoot because remember we had a prior discussion about whether it would be DCA that would issue the permits or Lat. And at the end of the day, didn't really matter to us. Mattered more to LOAP because they have an in-house department and those fees are nice to help subsidize the department. I don't
care. That's fine. We would we would have gotten no fees. >> That's who their inspector is. Scoffields. >> Yes. >> And and and I just said to Scott today, Scott and I were discussing said, "Hey, you know, shoot that just as a reminder, make sure we coordinate to make sure they don't issue that permit till we get the first half of our affordable housing development fee." And that's what Scott
was alluding to. So that'll be taken care of. Kevin, do you want >> I don't think Jen calculated that yet, but I know she's in communication with uh >> she did not yesterday and she didn't calculate >> Well, she's not going to do it till they absolutely are ready for it. So, >> there won't be any roll back on that one
either. That was because it was already commercial. >> Already commercial. Kevin, did you say do >> you want to uh speak briefly to the um email that we got about the tree as a followup to a public >> did an email to the public to the two in
the two property owners if you will and I just kind of explained to him I said look guys just because a tree is in the public right of way doesn't make it our tree. We we have the right but not the obligation to trim it or take it down if it's a a hazard to the traveling public
so to speak. But if it's simply a hazard to adjoining properties, you know, it's going to fall on your house, fall in the car or something, that's that's not our obligation. The tree is actually the property of the underlying fee owner. >> Uh so I kind of tried to lay that out politely and just said, "Hey, thanks for
the update on the condition of the tree. I'm sure Scott and and you know, Jeff, you guys can take a look at it." And they the picture show a big crack or whatever. I don't know. I I didn't ignore him. I just said, "Hey, look, I don't I don't >> see a reply, Kevin,
>> after that." >> Yeah. No, I did not. >> Yeah, they actually I thought the reply was pretty decent from >> Oh, well, I didn't see it. Did they reply? Okay. I had >> um >> So, I mean, again, I I was not rude. Yeah. Yeah. I tried to be I tried to be, you know, when they raised an issue. try to respond to it and just passionate
about >> they present the new information to JCPNL to say that it's even >> we've contacted everybody but the reply was they thanked us up and down >> and they understood everything and they said their arborist will be taking the tree down within a week. >> Oh, perfect. There we go.
>> And they named the arborist in the in the email and they they they thanked us at the end. >> Great. For for everything that we attempted. >> Yeah, they were polite and we were polite and Okay, great. I almost feel like they were planned on taking it down all along almost that they just wanted our okay to do it. I don't know. That's
almost what I kind of >> Well, they got it. >> They got it. >> All right. Everybody have a chance to read Wayne's? >> I did not. I was just looking for it. >> He did submit one. Correct. No. >> Yes. >> I have a brief on the things that are updated on his.
>> Go ahead. I mean, I talked to him oneonone today as well, but >> yeah, there was there was not much. The only the only uh the only different uh the only new things were like the Alpha Warehouse and Edge Road um that they're uh uh now going to include a pipe
connection in the rightway where before it was just a swale going down. So they're still doing construction and his firm has been uh doing periodic uh inspections on it. Um and so far he's happy with what he sees. Um, you know,
he said, "We'll still see what the end brings, but at least now they're trying something besides a sweat." >> Okay. >> Where's that going to go? Just down to the that that stream down at the bottom of the hill. >> Yes. >> Yep. Uh the the I mean, most of us know the Shimemer School uh had an application in their first hearing for
February. It's now going to be March 7th. >> 10th >> 10th. 10th is the new meeting. uh Willows. The plans have been signed and construction is proposed to begin uh this week, which I believe it did. And then uh he started the uh sewer capacity
and connections uh study and and they contacted the uh camera contractor uh so that we can start finding out where our trouble spots are and then we can keep moving forward with uh repairing the sewers that need to be repaired. Those were really the only four things that
were new from any of the other previous updates that he had in his reports. Cool. >> Thank you. >> You have anything else you'd like to touch on, Scott? While we're >> I'll just go over uh my the court. Um so
we had 161 cases for POAT new 151 disposed, $4,72821 of municipal deposit. Green Witch was 170 new, 151 disposed. Uh 4,83340
cents to the municipal deposit. Uh I did the true-ups. I finished the true-ups for both Lacon and Green Witch. Uh for 2025, Greenwitch will owe us 62,626. Um, Lacon had 199 new cases, $144 cases
disposed, $5,42147 cents to the municipal deposit. Uh, their trueup out of the money that they owe, they will still owe us $26,258.91. I uh drew up letters to both their clerks and sent them with the proofs of
our uh spreadsheet and our budget numbers. Um, and both have responded back that they received it. Um, >> and you, um, I think you reported back last time that you've adjusted the low pad agreement or has that, that's that process?
>> No, I I've started the process now. I actually had an open door with another topic that was brought up and I was able to finally squeeze my way into that conversation as well. So, um, but yeah, that so yes, I am in the middle of talks to try to up that. >> Okay.
Uh the fire department had a total of 22 calls for the month. Um they we finalized the um the grant to allow them to buy their uh their their gear. 15 sets of gear uh each uh that was the
grant they got from FEMA for let's 67,000 some odd dollars is was the bill. Um the 7582 uh is the skid unit is uh out of service right now cuz the skid the pump did
fail. Um with the new chief I was waiting for updated quotes. I got two out of three and I talked to him before the meeting. I just need the third so that we can purchase the uh skid to get 7582 back up and running. Uh for the police department they had 1159 calls
for the month. 24 accidents, eight arrests, 289 traffic stops, 185 summones. Uh we do I I am going to ask if we could put uh a motion on approving uh authorizing the chief um to purchase
new tasers. Their tasers for downstairs are um uh expired and they no longer make those. And that pretty normal. it happens like every four years um that the company will make updated ones and then the ones we have they're not capable of being uh maintained any
longer. Um so the purchase will be uh to get all new tasers for the police department would be $29,913. Uh that also includes though um up until February of 2030 uh um and it's a maintenance plan too. So if something's wrong with it, it gets
sent out. They fix it no cost. If they and it still includes like targets >> um and stuff like that, this funding will be taken from the DEA funds. Uh we will not need to have any um funding uh put aside from our budget. Um this will
all be from the uh DEA funds that we already have in the account, which we're right now we're well over a half a million dollars in that account. And it's a complete replacement of all or is it a phased approach approach where you take 10 this year, 10 next year?
>> No, this is the amount that they need and it'll be a replacement. >> But what I'm saying is it's going to basically take all your current stock of tasers off and new stock in. >> Yeah, it's all new software and everything. >> Yep. >> What happens to the old ones? >> They won't even take them back because they don't make parts or batteries or anything for them.
>> Should auction them off? >> What are they? Rechargeable. Take them home. Is that how they work? Rechargeable. >> They're rechargeable. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Just what we need is some tasers running around. >> Uh so if that's okay with everybody, we can just add a motion to tonight's list
of motions for that approval for the authorized chief to purchase those. >> Um the road department, I don't believe we need to really talk about how busy they've been, but they've been busy with the snow. >> What? >> Uh yeah, and uh they've done an outstanding job >> uh with that. Um the truck, their dump
truck is almost ready. Correct, Jeff. Couple weeks, a week out, something like that. Um, so that'll be uh back, you know, in that'll be in the shop in a couple weeks and be put into use. Uh, for the tax assessor, um, we are working
on finalizing the first pilot payments with Larkin project. Um so today in discussion with their CFO um we finalized a payment plan with them that uh for the first and second quarter of each year we'll get a payment on May 1st
from them. Uh their audit is due 90 days upon the end of the year which is March 31st. Uh then we have a I think I think Jen's going to do like a 15 to 20 day turnaround on on auditing
that. Um, so then we we confirm their numbers. Once we confirm their numbers, they'll have their first payment for 1st and second quarter, uh, May 1st, and then we get a payment August 1st and then November 1st. And that goes with we'll owe 5% to the county. So that goes
with the schedule of paying the county as well. We'll get the funding and then can pay them right away. >> Um, what about now? They also owe us an administrative fee annually. I think it's like 2%. >> Yep. That's all part of >> they'll put that that's all comes into that just that we don't share with the
county just us that's for like you and Jen for any our cost >> right and that that's going to be able to go right back into the account. >> Okay. >> Uh so that we can pay the money that we basically replace the money that we uh use that that's the plan for it. >> Perfect. >> Um and then uh
uh Kevin talked about the Ingramman uh situation that was brought up the other day to us. Um the other one that we have is uh in reference to Larkin, we received a complaint from a disabled veteran um that they were not put on the weight list correctly and it's their
belief that under the law that they get special privileges with that. Um we had uh Jeff Winsky or KOA attorney look into it. Um it's only if you have if like say
for instance we had our own um housing authority like if had a housing authority where we were purchasing we were paying for and we built the project well then yes they would have the right to special privileges for the weight list but because this is a private
entity doing the project that that does that doesn't meet the criteria. So, is this a resident? >> Uh, not a Pohakcon, but of Warren County, but not of Black. So, we in return, we I have a a letter that I just
got from our uh COA attorney, and I just got it. I told I talked to Kevin. I'm going to take that letter, forward it to Kevin, and we're going to forward that letter uh to the veteran um just with our explanation of why we don't feel uh
his complaint is is valid because there is a law in um in in the Senate right now that has not been approved that would make him an exception, but it has not been approved and it's not on the books. >> Well, couldn't we also recommended him for the uh 100% affordable one? Yeah, we
yes, we we we could and that so that's something we're going to do too as part of the letter stating we have another project to come up. Um the other thing with Larkin is we went through everything the other day and we found out that there are six
units still vacant. Why? We don't know. We called our COA person and they said, "I don't know. We'll have to get back to you. It's their responsibility. take take the applicants. >> We had over 3,000 applicants for this project alone. It's their responsibility
to take those applicants, vet them, see who qualifies, and then house them and allow that to happen. Larkin made a complaint to us about it as well, saying they had a meeting with their executive board yesterday or today and because they called us and said they don't
understand why they're six, but we told them we're on top of it. We're aware of it right now. >> Can I just clarify something? There are six affordable units. >> Okay. So, six affordable, not the regular. Not the regular. The only ones we're responsible, >> I think there's only 20 units. So,
that's that's like a almost a third. That's a quarter of their units. >> Correct. And so, we just found this out. And, you know, look, the pilot program is dealt with it. You know, goes off of >> the revenue, the gross, right? So, having six vacant, Larkin's not only
losing out, but so is is the township, right? So, we found it out within the past couple days. We are addressing it. Um, and we're waiting on a response to find out why. And if not, get it done. So, >> you don't feel it's on Lens and in other words, why they're empty.
>> It's on It's on our company that we hire. >> Mhm. Yeah. Is there an opportunity for this gentleman then to what? >> Have those slots or six slots already been assigned? >> No. I mean,
I'm just wondering if there's >> It's a lottery process though, I think. Isn't it how they get picked for the affordable? >> I think there's there is some sort of >> the way it lists because I know I asked about potential residents getting on the 100% affordable one
>> and I talked to Jen, but she just said they had to get out out there on that list early, >> right? Because >> maybe it's a first come, first serve. Yeah, >> but the priority would be for residents. That's why I asked you if this guy was a resident. >> No. >> Okay.
>> So, but I I am working with Jen on finding out why our professional, you know, is not up to par with what we're expecting. >> I'm assuming all the the apartments have been inspected. They got final CEOs or >> everything's Yeah. Larkin doesn't
understand why and we didn't either. So, uh, I'll have it as soon as I have an answer, I'll email everybody, um, and let you guys know what what the what I found out. >> Okay. >> Um, for, uh, finance, uh, we're we're working on the finan uh, the financial
statement with the auditors right now and budget prep. Um, we'll have, uh, by law, we have to do by March 31st or the first meeting after to introduce the budget. uh we'll have that ready for you
guys and we'll have uh something prior to that for your review prior to putting it on the agenda. Um the one thing that we want to wait for is since we're getting the pilot numbers on the 31st, we'd like to I mean we're going to prep everything else, but we'd like to wait for that um so that we can see those
numbers and see where where they need to go and because we we don't want to anticipate we'd like to have that in the budget this year um to go off with the pilot numbers. Uh, I also talked to Ann on um the potential of well, we want to pay off
our our bonding with with some of that, pay down our debt, but then also look at the potential purchase of CDs, short-term CDs for like 7 to 9 months to cuz our right now our bank interest rates are really, really bad. Um, but the CD rates are about 4% or a little
more. >> We'll get into a money market too. I just went through this with another board. >> Okay. And um we've been putting things into three four month CDs versus because you're the shorter the term of getting better rates. >> Okay. >> But believe it or not, the money market accounts were actually having better rates. >> Okay. >> You may want to have a money market as a
as a goeteen between CDs that you can move back and forth as they mature based upon the rate. >> Okay. But I if if you guys is that something you guys are okay with? >> I'm not sure if can I'm not sure. We'll have to check with Ann. I don't know if municipalities can invest in money market accounts. >> Yeah. I know we can do CDs. >> I know CDs you can but there are
restrictions. Kevin on that. >> I'm just Well, because there there's potential um you know, any type of stock stuff we can't we can't be involved with >> because because you could potentially lose money. You're not allowed to lose money, >> right? >> Okay. >> But the money market might be okay. I'm just saying we need to double check it.
>> Uh for zoning, we only had two applications for the month. Um one failed. It seemed like it was when I read the notes, it was for a full tear down um of a house and rebuild. So, I'm assuming that, you know, they're they're
going to have to go with the setbacks and everything maybe for a variance. So, that's probably why it was failed. >> Do you know where that was at? >> Uh yeah, I have notes. >> We have a few of them. Yeah. Well, while I'm looking, uh, so a total
of only 20 was we had one, uh, pass, so we had $25 fee for of the month. Uh there was a total of 18 zoning complaints were brought to the township's attention during this time this month. Uh four were initial complaints, 12 were reinspections, and
two were preliminary inspections. >> Where do we stand to get him some more time as far as uh the job? >> Uh he's already been doing it. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And it's been working out really, really well. Mhm. >> It was uh 608 Route 627.
So I think that's that one that uh >> down there by the Morland grocery street >> and there's been a lot of problems with that with DP and a lot of other things as well. So >> plane and all that. >> Yeah, that's been a huge project and undertaking for the people that bought
that unfortunately. Um >> it's nothing there to fix either. >> Right. Um, so the other thing for my report too is that uh I went last week I went to the Philisburg sewer meeting. Um,
unfortunately uh Philisburg is raising the sewer rates in 2026 uh 22%. >> Um they have not raised the rates in over 20 years. Um so now but they finally are raising the rates. They
raised it for uh 2026. is 22%. Then it goes to a uh uh 5% 2% 2% 2% out until 2030. Uh it's like a 30 some% increase
up until 2030. Um so uh unfortunately in order for us to keep with our infrastructure uh we had no choice but to look at our raising our rates for this year's um as well. Um due to that uh we were not expecting that. That was
a last minute thing. Um when I was at the meeting there was also talk by Philsburg of privatizing their in the talks of privatizing their sewer um uh authority >> concern
>> just to plant those cars. Correct. >> Right. >> Not the whole collection system. >> Well, they don't own the collection system. Yeah. So, but we end up we end up having to contract with a private >> right >> utility. >> But at that point that's like you know going to Aqua and you know we're we're
at their becket we're at you know for for the sewer rates you know they would so long story short there was something that was brought up at the meeting about um h having a meeting with the sending districts in Philsburg. Um, I spoke with
uh, Mayor Slack, uh, Mayor Wright, Mayor Barcini, Mayor Shako from the sending districts. Um, and all are on board to have a meeting. I did talk to Philisburg, uh, talk to, uh, Mayor Piaza
as well as their BA. Um, they're willing to have a sit down and talk about, um, the sewer. So, if it's okay with you, if we can add a motion to authorize me to write a letter, uh to request a meeting with them. Um, as part of that, um, I
would also like to see about if they're going to sell, why wouldn't they allow the sending districts to look at a regionalization first >> of of doing something, you know, that way? So then all of the municipalities
still have a say in what the rates are, you know, with with their budgets instead of worrying about what some private company's budget's going to be. And, you know, we're at will with them. Um, so if everybody's okay with that, I I' I'd like to write the letter requesting a meeting to start the talks
uh to to see where we can go with it. >> Do you need a motion for that? >> Say do it. >> I I mean, it's up to you guys. I I was just going to ask for permission. So yeah, >> and all the other mayors are on board that they want to join our letter. >> Yeah. Where are they in the process with this private position? Is it just
starting like an RFI or RFP process? >> So I talked to their BA today and they're in the beginning stages of it and there's a lot to do. They have to meet like 60 different things just to be able to put it out for RFP.
>> Um and don't do they don't they also I know like with water companies, Scott, they need a referendum from their voters. Correct. >> So if the voters turn it down, it's still their water company. >> But even if >> it could go through whip, >> that's what they're doing. >> Oh, if they're doing WHIPA, >> that's forget it. I I can tell you this.
Blairestown spend >> it's a it's a new >> it's an alternative to going to your voters to ask for consent to sell a a municipal utility. >> Applies to water and sewer. And and what it allows you to do is basically develop
um a comprehensive report which in Blairestown's case for a small water company costs 60 grand. So I don't know what theirs is going to cost. It's going to be big. >> You do this big report and you basically say, "Hey, look um we can't afford to maintain this system um for ABCDY
reasons." And you structure it to fit into these statutory require uh conditions. You send it down to DP and the way it was supposed to work, they say, "Yeah, this is emergency." And they authorize you to enter into direct
bidding with utilities, private utilities, and and you don't have to get voter approval. >> That was the idea. >> They have a report already, don't they? >> They have that report. The report was not good for them. >> Well, that's just report saying how bad their their system is. Yeah. But they
still have to go through the whole whipping process. That'll be a year. But my point is Blairtown went through that whole process, spent a whole ton of money, submitted it, D rejected it. No, you're not eligible. And and I'm told that that D is rejecting most
municipalities. So, >> but if it's a bad report, wouldn't that actually lean towards privatization? >> Uh, that's what they're trying to do. >> That's what they're trying to if they got a bad report. >> We got we got a bad report, too. D still
turn this down, right? >> So, >> so I don't I don't even know how somebody gets approved for this new process. >> Um I'm very skeptical. So, if they do go through a process or they wouldn't need voter approval, >> right? >> But it's a process. They're they're a ways away. >> Yeah. So, they were they've been very
receptive to the conversations I've had so far with them on sitting down at the table. And, you know, my my concern was I believe they they should be transparent with us to let us know what the problems are. You know, it's it's going to affect us. Poakcon, Lopat,
Alpha, Greenway, it's going to affect everybody somehow someway and most of it's going to be out of everybody's pocket that they don't want to have to come out of because of the infrastructure failures on their part. So, I think getting getting to the table
with them and having some talks I I think could be uh beneficial for all hopefully. So, >> and and also just so you guys know, the the whole WIPA process has a whole bunch of public hearing requirements and notice and we would get copies of all those reports ultimately anyway, just so
you know. But I I mean, I agree with Scott. We we we talked about regionalization years ago, and it would make sense, but they don't seem to ever want to give up the baby. >> Yeah. I I mean, >> maybe they are now. I don't know. >> I I think that I mean, they they know they need a lot of money. >> That that's I think that's the one of
their biggest issues. They know they need the money now. So >> about 5 years ago, they got 7 million from the government. >> Yeah. >> When they had when we had they had the flood >> and that sewer line collapsed into the creek bed there on the back side of
>> Dishwater alley. >> That's what they use that money for >> to get it back together, >> right? >> Didn't they just get another federal grant though for upgrades? >> That's what that was. >> That That's what that was. They just got a $3 million grant
>> just to do the paperwork to figure all this out. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah, >> that's the way I read it in the minutes that they had at their meeting the other day. >> I think that won't affect the water bill though, >> our water bills, right? >> No. I mean, it should, >> but the but the sewer is based on water
use, right? >> But it also >> puts our infiltration project way up there, right? >> Especially if it goes private. Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. And it's something we really have to keep an eye on and and get out in
front of in my opinion. >> Yeah. >> I uh I say we let Scott write the letter. >> Yep. Either add it to the motions or just right here now. >> Yeah. Just >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. >> And that's all I got.
>> All right. Council reports. Councilman Melvin, you have anything for us? >> Uh just land use board. The last meeting there was two uh applications. One was a D variance which was for FNF real estate which is the uh auto shop next to the
mall where Royal Marvel used to be. >> Yep. >> And um they they got approved for everything. I think the biggest item of contention was what to do with the sign because the sign's on the mall property, not on their property. So they're looking at that. And then the other item
that um started public hearing was Pakong Heights which is Shimemer school. So um I don't know the meeting went on for a good amount of time and we cut it off after two or three u witnesses for the applicant and we're going to resume
it as was said earlier in March. It >> was 10:30 at night, wasn't it? >> Yeah, it was late. >> Yeah, >> it was late >> Steve. No, it's not covered it. Again, thanks to the road department cuz they really
>> How are we for salt, Jeff? >> All right. Budgetwise, we over over budget yet or not? >> That I wouldn't know. >> No, we're we're all right. >> Okay. >> I mean, we're we're way above where we've been over the past few years. >> Mild winters catching up.
>> We're we're still okay. We we maybe went through half of our budget. >> All right. The only thing I'll add, I had a meeting last week with u a representative from Congressman Keane's uh office. She came down, we went over
uh some of our things that we could use some federal funding for. her and Scott are supposed to get together and they're going to put it into a it's almost like a program and it'll tell you what's available, what funding grants are out there for our parks, our fire
department, anything else that we need some federal help with. Uh she was very, very good, very knowledgeable, and what was nice about it, she's a full-time paid staffer. She's not a intern. So, as long as Congressman Keane is in office,
she will be our connection back to the congressman. >> Is that that Michelle Zakowski? >> Yes. >> My problem before anytime we had a a representative from a legislator, they generally were um
>> not staffers. They were they were doing internships. And you don't always end up with the same person. And that was one of the first things I asked her and she said, "No, I'm a staffer. So hopefully if there's anything out there we can use federally, we'll be
able to write some grants for it. And that was how actually how our fire department got the 67 or 70,000. That was a FEMA grant through the congressman's office for the U PPE.
>> All right. May I'm sorry. There's one other thing that we talked about last month um was the advertising. >> Yeah. And you had said you've >> Go ahead. >> There originally our website company I told you guys we were going to be like
>> over double it was almost going to be $30,000 projected to be for advertising for the year. >> Um we had another company that came in um that we could do everything for $5,500 uh for the year and that's unlimited.
Um, so I went back to our website company and said, "All right, well, they can do it for 55. What's your what are you going to do?" And they said they would match the 55 for the first year. But with talking to Noel and look and
reviewing the contract in the contract, it says that if we don't stay with our website company with specifically for the advertising for five years, that we have to pay an $8,500 exit fee. So when that was said, I just didn't
like the the business practice with it. So we made me and Noel made the decision to go with this other company for 5500. >> And that includes web they're going to be doing web hosting as well. >> No, not right. No, that's just to be able to have a page on our website and they'll they'll take care of everything. All we have to do with our website
company is uh sign a whole harmless. >> Um and I talked to Kevin about that already and we'll do that because it's going to save us a ton of money. So now we're going to utilize Tap In as our newspaper online and we're going to use the uh our website still through this
other company. >> Okay, that's all. >> Okay, resolutions. Uh we have several resolutions. Mayor, we're going to table the cannabis
dispens dispensary license application because you need to recuse and with only two people here, we could end up with a split. So, >> yeah, why don't we wait till we have >> I prefer to wait till we have a full council on that one. >> Okay.
Anybody have any issues uh taking the remaining? It looks like uh five one two three four five >> I'll move forward. Mayor second. Mr. Babinsky, >> yes. >> Mr. Melvin, >> yes.
>> Mayor SL, >> yes. Ordinances for first reading. We have two ordinances. Uh Kevin, these have to do with our affordable housing. You had said >> yes. The one is a complete 2602. The first one is a complete repeal and
replace of our existing 285 uh zoning uh article 7, which is our affordable housing provisions. basically just updating to comply with the updated uh fair housing act provisions and Jim Kyle did that ordinance. It's cookie cutter but it it works and again we need
to adopt this by March 15 technically which our second reading is until after that. So I might need to file a motion but that that's the first one. 2603 is again our basically a re reenactment of our uh affordable housing development fee ordinance. Again we're going to
limit that to commercial only. We previously repealed any development fees for residential. A it was hard for Jen and our assessor every time we did it. And again, our our our residents pay enough taxes. And you know, there's only so much we can do with that affordable
house housing trust fund money anyway. So those are the two those two ordinances. >> Anybody have any questions? No. >> If not, a motion to move them forward. >> So moved. >> Second. Melvin. >> Mr. Pixie. >> Yes. >> Mr. Melvin.
>> Yep. >> Mayor SL. >> Yes. Um I have one Noel. We were I did draft an ordinance for first reading tonight. I don't see it on there. Uh and we don't have to add it. Uh to sell uh to some adjoining property owners, a bunch of surplus properties that I
>> I talked to Mayor Slack. There was one down by the river who he thought might we might be better off auctioning because it could have some value. But um No, I I did send that to you. I don't know if maybe it got lost in the shuffle somewhere. >> I I'll recirculate that for next month.
Scott, did you see that? >> I did. Yeah. >> Did you research the deed to see if it was >> I still have to do that anyway. >> All right. That and that's going to tell whether it's going to be worth it. >> But but uh last year, if you recall, Wayne Wayne uh did a basically a complete summary of every property that
we own. And he he said, "Hey, yeah, this one you can auction. Well, this is a park you can't sell." You know, that type of thing. And there were a handful that he said, "Hey, they're, you know, that there's nothing much we can do with them. They should be offered to a joint property owner." So, >> and this was one of them. >> That was one of them. But I'll I'll
bring that back to the table while next month. Um, and we can act on that. And if that other one has some value, we can always pull it. >> Okay. Mayor. >> Yep. >> I don't have any idea when that gas station and Barnol is going to get cleaned up. >> They're in the finish of phase two. Per
Wayne's last report. They're in the second phase finish. >> I would I would hope to be able to clean that up and auction it maybe even at latter part of this year. >> You have you have somebody thinking about Steve or >> Yeah. >> Good guy always needs space for his cars.
>> Yeah. There we go. >> All right. Ordinances for second reading. Uh this is just standard boiler plate uh or municipal >> cap bank. Somebody want to open that up to public
hearing? I'll open that up. Make that motion. >> I'll second Melvin. >> Mr. Bibbons. >> Yes. >> Mr. Melvin. >> Yes. >> Mayor SL. >> Yes. Anybody like to make comment on that? If not, uh, we'll close it up and
adopt it. >> Motion to close and adopt. Melvin >> second. >> Mr. Babinsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Melvin. >> Yep. >> Mayor SL. >> Yes. All right. motions >> find them, including the chief's tasers. There's fine. >> Okay. So, >> I would say in my opinion, uh 18 under
new business should be added to the motions instead uh with a brief discussion with the chief. It's for the uh Huntington Fire Department's asking for an extension of premises uh through ABC, their ABC permit. >> That's so they can use that other house that they bought.
>> No, they want to use the uh the whole >> the whole grounds area. They want to be able to use old grounds >> and I just I just advised the chief like maybe we should bring that to mayor and council because it was brought up before and the one neighbor complains. So we wanted to just have a discussion with
with you guys to see where we wanted to go with that before signing off. Do >> we have to or do they have to advertise at all that the neighbors know or not? >> No, it's all done through ABC. Yeah, we had that woman that worked for
the lawyer came before and even though she said she drank in the social hall or whatever she was >> so is that is that for they'll have parties there and >> yeah they can have outdoor events they can have you know live music or >> they put the fence yeah there's a fence
>> yeah but are there time restrictions you know >> on not on the application there's not no >> so at midnight they could have >> still have I mean, that's something that can be done if if if mayor and council wants is restrict the times.
>> Well, don't you think it's >> so that we don't have >> a ton of complaints? >> A ton of complaints. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> But but would they have to revise the >> I didn't see anywhere on the application for >> time time restraints. No. >> Then they'd have to edit. >> We would just Yeah, we would just have
to have them re, you know, >> under these, you know, during these hours >> for an expansion. So if we make a recommendation here, you could go back to them and >> but for an expansion, >> we'll we'll allow it. We'll, you know, the town has to sign off >> through the portal through the ABC and
then I have to do it separately. >> So I can just go back to them and say, "Listen, but don't we have a public hearing for an expansion?" >> You know, >> there's not a notice and public hearing requirement like a person to person or place to place. >> No, because it's existing already and they've had it before. But but they had
it during CO. Yeah, they tried it during CO, >> right? So, they were given, it was given to them during CO, but we made them keep it to the garage bays and to the front >> Macadam area in the in the front there so that they could have the restaurant
include the grass area, right? >> Out back. >> I think what they're looking to do, >> well, they have to have a sketch with the permit. They should be showing there. I think what what they're welcome to do is go down the road for the fireman night out instead of the
school. They want to get back >> back to Yeah, they they have said that they want to get that back to the fire. >> Yeah, but they can get a one day so permit for that. They don't need a a whole permit expansion. We could we could give them a I think we can give them a special permit for that area on a on a case by case, can't we, Chief? I
think we can. >> There's It's like a social affairs permit. >> It's a It's a social affairs permit. I'm saying. So, but like for like a like a one-off like that, we they don't need a whole permit space. >> I think they just wanted to be able to have it so that they can just, you know, >> have tents up during the summer and not
have to stay inside, >> right? >> Planning night out. It's going to likely be at the school anyway, right? That green. Is >> that the area? The green area right here. This >> This is what we're talking about. That grass right there.
>> Yes. Because they purchased that That house. >> That house too. >> Yeah. >> When is their permit? >> Oh, so you have all that. >> All the white fence. So their permit, they have their regular ABC permits, but they're asking for a premise extension.
>> Okay. So this isn't something that's expiring. They want to add it. >> So if we don't approve of it tonight, it's not like it's something's going to expire. No. >> Correct. Why don't we have them come? >> I would like to have the somebody from the fire department or the social club come. They have quite a bit of
>> problem. >> For the duck race and stuff when they shut the road down. >> Yeah. Instead of trying to do each and every individually one, they're trying we're trying to wrap it up into one. Right. >> You give us whatever you want. You want us inside by 9 9:00. We have no problem.
It's just instead of coming back all the time and asking and asking and asking you. >> What do you think, Kevin? >> We did. >> We did. have somebody come and give us already cuz I want to know if they're
also cool tonight. >> What are we talking about? >> No, I agree. >> Talk about hours. >> But wait a minute. You're saying one already the >> expens >> signs off on it. >> Yeah. >> It does the acceptance approval. >> Well, same Wanda did >> on the town side, but we didn't do it on
our side. So, it's not complete. >> Right. Okay. I have to I had to put it in holding. >> Okay. >> And give them a reason. So I just told them that, you know, I was bringing it to the attention of town town council. >> I guess my question is usually a leazison with ABC and and I'm wondering if we can ask them h how do we impose
our limitations if that's what we're talking about is there should be a way to do that. >> I'm sure there's >> So we also have the noise ordinance, >> right? But you can do that in the application itself. Like I I I remember in the past like you can go in and make comments and say, "Okay, this is allowed."
>> You can do an approval, right? >> Almost like with stipulations. >> But that's where I wanted to I just wanted to bring it to your attention because again, >> but that has >> I'm not I'm not against it. I just don't want to have the guys going down there every Saturday night because somebody didn't like it >> and, you know, they're calling for a
noise complaint or, you know, loud offensive noises and and, you know, garbage being what it could be. >> Well, then they could they could rent that out for weddings and everything then and so on. So, and you could it could become a constantly used piece of
piece of property to be honest with you. >> Yeah. I mean, in the summer they could use it. It's, you know, it's a grass area, >> you know, >> and I'm not against it at all. I just >> I think we just have to think about the neighbors. >> Yeah, that's >> I think we just need a little bit more
detail. And I I think the mayor's correct and let's bring somebody in, talk to us. And if Jeff's like Jeff's saying, if it's these five vents, you know, if we're looking at an event in these five months, whatever, one per month, let's just get some context. And and I would also want to understand how
the relationship is with that one neighbor, right? I don't know. Has she has she called any complaints in? >> Not to my knowledge. >> Not to usually stop him. Well, that's what she said when she was here before that she
drank in the social club. >> I I understand. Nice woman. Don't know why she did what she did. It was her excuse. Well, I can see it from my bay window. Well, I know you're in a eye level. You're going to be over a 6' fence, but we're not doing anything
crazy, >> right? >> Not like making parties going on or something. Yeah. You know, >> I mean, could you get somebody from to represent the sofa club and come next month and just give us a >> Sure. >> I mean, I don't think that's a lot to >> application can sit there ping.
>> I haven't gotten anything back from them. >> Is saying that there's a time limit on it or anything, so we're good with that. >> I mean, it's still cold. It's not like you guys are going to be out there using it just yet. No, we were just discussing on again being honest with you that we don't come see you at five different
times if we want to have something outside because then the answer is still going to be the same. This is what we're doing. You guys either okay, give us a time frame, stick with a time frame on whatever you want. You want it 8:30. >> Well, you don't want to be crazy. Hell
doesn't even get dark till 9 in the summer. So, let's not go. Let's just have them come. >> What's our What's our noise or 10:00? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, I I think if we just made some outlines of of some parameters and things, >> I don't think there'd be no issues. >> Yeah. Do you want Do you want to
>> Let's just keep that separate in the new business and and move the motions forward as they were uh put >> with the chief's tasers. There's five motions, >> right? With the chief's tasers added. So if somebody wants to move those motions
forward. So move >> second. >> Mr. Babinsky. >> Yes. >> Mr. Melvin. >> Yes. >> Mayor Slack. >> Yes. >> And we're going to ask somebody from the department to come next month and we'll we'll hash that out. Is that okay, Jen? >> Yeah. >> Okay, that's fine.
>> All right. Sounds like a plan. >> All right. Public comments. Anybody have any general public comments? Please come forward, sign in, and uh make comment. tight in here. >> Down there.
That's fine. >> Just went over. >> Go ahead. You're up. >> All right. Thank you. Um, good evening, Mayor Council Clerk. Um, for the record, my name is Barbara Thomas. My husband, Scott, and I have been residents of
Pohatong Township since 2002. On January 30th, we submitted a letter to the mayor, council members, and municipal clerk expressing concerns and requesting clarification regarding the recent hiring and appointment of assistant municipal clerk and land use
board secretary. We respectfully ask for public confirmation this evening that our correspondence has been received and entered into official record. Our concerns relate specifically to the hiring of Trinity Rob, daughter of Scott Rob, business administrator, and whether
this appointment complies with the township's November 2025 personnel policy manual, particularly the section on nepotism procedure. We also request that the record reflect the township committee minutes of April
21st, 2015, which state in part that the township was required to terminate Walter Lei due to an anti- neepotism issue involving his spouse, the core administrator. The minutes noted that he had performed his duties well, yet the termination was deemed necessary to
comply with policy. The action established a clear precedent regarding the enforcement of anti- neepotism standards. We're here this evening seeking transparency and clarification. If there is a lawful basis, exemption,
or legal interpretation that permits this recent hiring under the township's adopted personnel policies, we respectfully request that it be explained publicly so residents may understand how the decision aligns with established municipal guidelines. Public
trust depends upon the consistent application of written policy. When policies appear to be applied differently in similar circumstances, it naturally raises questions that deserve clear and thoughtful answers. We appreciate confirmation of receipt of
our letter and respectfully request a formal written response explaining how this hiring complies with township's adopted personnel policy manual. Thank you for your time, >> Barbara and Scott Thomas. >> I guess I'll address that as the the
attorney. Hey, yeah, we we received your letter and of course every letter is is part of the public record and it's maintained by our clerk. Um, I've been around here for I don't even know how long at this point, probably over 25 years and I I don't remember back to
2015. You and I are the old-timers on this board and uh >> so I I don't actually remember remember that. But what I can tell you is this. Um first of all we always hire in accordance with with you know basic
equity and fairness no matter what the position is. Uh in this case um the individual that was hired the her her father had no role in that. We always go through a Chinese wall process and you know our administrator had no role in
that hiring role in the interview process and we feel that's adequate. Um, as far as the nepatism policy, to be candid with you, I have a lot of problems with all my municipalities personnel policies, including Glen Garders, where you're now the clerk. Um,
I find them to be actually unhelpful to small municipalities because compliance is problematic in many, many instances, which I won't bore you with with examples. Uh but with respect specifically to the nepotism policy, um
I I represent seven municipalities. I would say they're all small. Half don't have it at all. I I think Glen Gardner is one of the ones that also happens to have some form of nepotism policy. But the problem is number one is it's not a mandatory policy under our GIF. Uh when
you get our revisions, which we just went through a revision which we're not yet done with. So to be candid with you, I'm not sure that the nepotism policy is going to survive. And this this example might be one reason why it does not. That policy is not mandatory under our
GIF. When you get your every two years, actually they give you updates is you you may be aware of already. If if not, you'll learn this as a clerk, but every two years they give you updates. There'll be 30 policies in there. the
ones that are mandatory for a municipality to adopt in order to get their lowest um uh deductible. They're asterisks. Every other policy in there is optional. The nepotism policy
is one of those that's optional. You know, has always been such to me in a small municipality of 4,000 people like like this. um you're potentially excluding a lot of eligible qualified
applicants and having a nepotism policy. My my advice would be to eliminate it frankly um and go on a case-byase basis and if somebody is a relative then you have to make sure that that relative doesn't have disciplinary promotion or or
initial hiring authority. We did that here and I think case by case basis it certainly complies with the law. there's no government, you know, local government ethics all implications in this. So, I think at this point I can just say that our policy remains fluid.
We make revisions to it. Um, I think this council will will continue to review it. We may review this nepotism policy. And >> I do believe you just approved this in December, your policy. >> Well, it's not it it was reproved subject to further modifications because
we had a November one deadline. So, it was technically approved. I've signed off on it with the understanding, as is often the case, we we have further revisions to make. >> I can't help but feel like it's being revised because now it's being >> Well, I can't help what you feel. And
finally, um, as far as a formal written response, um, I wouldn't anticipate that. You can certainly keep coming to the meetings and you can certainly follow what what we may do with the personnel policy ultimately. Um, but I
don't generally make a an ex a habit of doing, you know, legal memorandums in response. We we certainly acknowledge your your concerns and you have every right to make those concerns and you have every right to come to the meetings and continue to voice those concerns. I have no issue with that, but I I don't
think this will require formal written opinion from me. Um, but we will follow up with the process. >> I appreciate that. And I really don't know why my um employment would be brought disclosed here. Like as far as you saying I'm the the clerk at Glen
Gardner, I don't know how that's relevant to the issue I have as a taxpayer here. >> So I'm just wondering >> that's public record that you're the clerk. I understand that. I just it was just if it's aically you objected to my apolog >> I'm sorry. So if it was if that was a
aquilically you objected to I apologize but >> no I just was curious how that applied to um >> I'm just indicating that these are some things that you were going to come across as a clerk because we all had these same personnel policies >> and that's how I all came and they all be a clerk
>> you know including your position which was offered to the wife of a council member and we would have come across the same issue and the nepotism policy would have been revised to accommodate that. That's just the reality of small municipalities and that's what I was
trying to convey by kind of, you know, and I guess that's about all I can say about it. >> So then that you still stand firm with the decision that was made here with the hiring. >> Oh, we're not reevaluating hiring
decisions. That that's not what we're here to do. Okay. >> Yeah. I I don't anticipate that being re-evaluated. I I see no reason to do that. All right. Well, thank you for your time. >> Sure. >> Any other public comment?
>> Hearing none. Is there any other business we need to address this evening? Hearing none. >> Move to journ. >> I'll second that. I >> I >> Not too bad.
>> Not too bad. >> Not too good.