I'd like to call the October 28th, 2025 council meeting two quarter. >> 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. A moment of silence to remember the service and sacrifices of the armed service members who protect our nation and the first responders who protect our neighborhoods. >> Cler, please take the role. >> Councilman Freellander >> here.
>> Councilman Savi >> here. Councilman Quinn >> here. >> Councilman Brooks >> here. >> Councilwoman N >> here. Councilman Salber >> here. >> Councilman Vtovich >> here. >> Council Vice President Brooks >> here. Council President Morrison
>> here. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided to the daily record and the official newspapers for the township of Rockaway. Notice was posted on the official bullet boards of Rockaway Township, the township website, and notice was filed in the office of the township clerk. Approval of minutes from the October
14th township council regular meeting. Can I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Clerk, please take a role. >> Councilman Frelander, >> yes. >> Councilman Sak, >> yes. >> Councilman Quinn, >> yes. >> Councilman Brooks,
>> Councilwoman, >> yes. >> Councilman Salber, >> yes. >> Council, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brooks, >> yes. >> Council President Morrison, >> yes. Yes. Is one extension motion passes. Mr. Mayor, I have the floor.
>> Thank you, Council President. Excuse me. Back. >> I know probably wondering why there's so many police officers here tonight. It's not because they did anything wrong. I'd like to call up the chief. We have our four police officers that just graduated the academy. Want you all come
up here too and introduce you to the public. So, it's always As we grow our police force, increase public safety in our community. That's not funny. I would just like to take a minute first of all to welcome to Rockway Township
and the Rockway Township Police Department. These four officers. I would like to congratulate the four officers for successfully completing their six months of intensive training that I hear was a breeze.
And I would also like to introduce uh to the township and the council uh all of our members here. So, Officer Torresman, Officer Urban, Officer Rubio, and
Officer Ar. Welcome. [Applause] >> Congratulations. Welcome. Congrats. Welcome. >> Thank you. Now Paul, you get rowdy. You guys are official. >> Mayor,
right? Just saying. >> Mayor, >> mayor. >> Joe. >> Mayor. >> Joe, >> do you want a picture with them up here or no? >> Oh, it's too late. They should be sealed. >> No. >> Now, let him go. >> You, >> you had your shot.
>> It's over, Joe. >> Okay. >> All right. Ordinance for introduction 02516, an ordinance amending chapter 2, article 5, section 2.8 82-8 define contribution retirement program regarding eligibility of certain titles. Can I have a motion?
>> So move. >> Clerk, please take the role. >> Councilman Freellander, >> yes. >> Councilman Zack, >> yes. >> Councilman Quinn, >> yes. >> Councilman Brooks, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Non, >> yes. >> Councilman Salber, >> yes.
>> Councilman Wovich, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brooks, >> yes. >> Council President Marson, >> yes. It's nine yeses. Motion passes. Ordinance for adoption 02515, an ordinance supplementing chapter 4 police regulations to add article 13 to define,
to identify, and to provide requirements for and limitations on the use of electric personal transportation devices. Is there anybody from the public that wishes to speak on this ordinance alone? Please step up to the front, state your
name and address for the record. Uh and just for those who haven't been here, there is a threeminut time limit. >> I am Luke Kel 12 and I wanted to just kind of I saw the notice come out on this and I thought
that particularly I think 4-2 is overly restrictive. I understand what you're trying to do with this ordinance. It makes sense in principle, but I kind of have tr I emailed a few of you in the house president. I appreciate your
response to that and I just kind of have a problem with the fact that it limits it use on like walking trails. There's a lot of walking trails that this you know and uh such as games not so much Mount Hope but like Lake
Ames Lake just to name a few. And same thing even at something like Peterson. Even somebody who might be in their 50s or 60s might want to use an ebike to get down to the pickle ball court and they're expensive and you don't necessarily want to chain it up back at
the front and walk all the way in. I I just kind of think that that's and seeing that everything else is restricted. We restrict everything, you know, human power to anything. Leaving this as the one outlet allows us to have a firmer uh push
against anything else. Right? So you say this is a good alternative, a safer alternative. Yes, it has risk, but it's better than somebody running an ATV down the street. And I think that this section should be reviewed, revised, so to speak, to be more about
reckless behavior, menacing behavior. I know had a problem with that even on ped bikes, not even electric bikes where people were kids were riding doing wheelies in front of cars and that was a problem I know had last year. And just kind of in that spirit, this is a good
option if we can get the education out. If this is declined or edited, I'd be happy to go to the school board and talk to them about putting this in part of the education because I think that's also what's needed here is so that the know. So if the parents go, "Oh
yeah, you can ride your motorcycle down the street or you can buy this ebike." No, no, Dad. They said it's illegal. And I'd be happy to take that message if this is declined. So I just would urge you all to vote no on this. I think these are uh at least as it stands
today. Um I think that these are great tools to kind of equalize life for a lot of people that a kid that's good at pedaling 20 miles, maybe somebody can go with him who's not get up some of the hills we have all over town um as opposed to some kids
that might be more athletic. It kind of allows those friendships to I think that this shouldn't be as restricted. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else from the public that wishes to speak on this?
>> Michael 19 North Brookside Drive. Just to add to what he was saying, um the mountain biking, some people go mountain biking and they pedal most of the time, but there's a few hills in the area that the electric assist would help so they can continue through the trails. And
from how I read it, that looks like that wouldn't be allowed. So if you were caught in Wildcat Ridge on an ebike, even if you were pedaling it, 95% of the time, you know, according to the ordinance, it looks like you wouldn't be allowed to use it there. So things like that and
what he brought up something that should be worked into the ordinance. Thank you. >> Is there anybody else in the public that wishes to speak on this ordinance? All right. As we open up council discussion of the question, Mr. Yafano
is actually even maybe things like wildcat ridge and a lot of these trails are managed by the county. Correct. >> All right. And with these township rules, the county would supersede the town, correct? Like we
would not have jurisdiction to go and site somebody in like wildcat ridge >> generally speaking. >> Okay. And then the other question because I completely understand your point like a Peterson Field, right? And I would think, and this is just my opinion, that the spirit of the
ordinance is to prevent something like when there's Rockets games and there's so many people around and like there's danger of, you know, somebody getting hit. You know, again, I don't want to speak for anybody, but at least that's would be my interpretation of doing something like that. If somebody's, you know, two people are going to play
pickle ball, you know, I don't really see anybody complaining, but that's that's just my point of view. Is there any other council discussion on this? Mr. Co. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, two of the reasons why this came about
is because some kids were riding these bikes on the turf at Peterson Field and there was nothing on the books for the police department to enforce. So, we have to start somewhere.
And the other thing is I get complaints from kids driving on Mount Pleasant Avenue on the wrong side of the road heading towards cars. They don't care. They don't listen to the rules of the road. This is going to make them either
do it or they're going to lose the bike. That's what this is for. It's not to prevent seniors from riding the bike. Seniors are smart enough to know to rules of the road. It's the kids that
don't want to do it. Over at Target on the weekends, they're riding in and out of the traffic like crazy. And Target won't do anything because they don't want to lose customers if they want. But if somebody hits a car,
who's paying for the damage? So that's why this ordinance came about. We can pass it and then refine it if that's what's needed, but we need something for the police to be able to enforce the law.
Right now, they can't. >> That's where I'm at. >> Councilman second. >> Thank you. And the first gentleman, what was your name again? >> Luke. >> Luke. So, thank you for your comments. Um, I do agree on the education aspect like you mentioned, the schools and everything. I think it's very important
um especially when they're going in for the permits some education to the kids um because that's where concern a lot of concern with with the children. I think that's an important aspect. I kind of feel that this ordinance is a little incomplete and some of it the things
you're mentioning should be added. I do want to get something on the books just like Councilman Quinn has said there's been major problems all over the county and all over the state as well. So thank you. There's also west. >> Do you have a copy of that? Maybe get
some copies. Take a look at >> email. >> I'll make sure you get it. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Is there any other council discussion? Council Brooks. >> So, I have a question. He brings up a
good point. We allow pedal bicycles on the paths at Peterson. We don't restrict that. I don't know who would answer it. >> Okay. So to that point, I think the reality of it is, and I understand putting something on the books, and I
understand the intention and purpose, and I know it's I'm never the fan favorite because I always bring up if we're going to put something for enforcement, it needs to be consistently enforced, right? Whether you're 50 or 12. So I I do think the reality of
bringing up those points and saying to ourselves, okay, if we are not going to allow anyone to ride any bicycles, whether they're level one ebike or and there are distinguishing um factors in the terms of type of minibikes and all of that stuff. So, I appreciate all of
that. Um but if we're not going to restrict a bicycle, the true intent is true of what the ebike should be, what it's being used for, we know is potentially a different story. But we can't just say, "Oh, well, he's just
some guy wants to use the pickle ball court, so we're going to let it go." But what if he's just some kid who wants to use the pickle ball courts and he gets, you know, enforced because he happens to be a kid. I think we have to be very careful with that. So, in my point, um,
I think I would have to vote no on moving forward without looking at more revisions because consistency is key. >> Any other council discussion? Council. >> Yeah, I agree with >> Turn on your mic. Council Brooks, uh,
we've been wanting this for a long time and, uh, you've seen other towns implement it when we were the first ones that wanted it and it took a long time to finally come to fruition. But there are concerns
and if we wait this long a little bit longer to find to find the f find points and get it right for everybody. That's what I'm for to to vote for something and then two weeks from now
say this just happened. We got to change it. Let's kick it around a little bit longer. It's not going to affect anything because it's still going to happen and let's do it the right way. Any other council discussion? >> Yeah, I I don't see any issues with this
ordinance. I mean, you're talking about a regular bicycle versus an ebike. There's a big difference when it comes to that. Regular bicycle weighs a lot less than a electric bike and it could go a lot faster. So, when you hit somebody that's walking on a sidewalk, there's a lot more damage that's caused to that person on electric bike than
there is from a regular bicycle. So, uh yeah, I don't I don't think there's an issue with that. when I'm looking at this ordinance right now. That's all I have. >> Um, my question is for the chief. So, what's the state statute on the ebikes
being on a general sidewalk? Currently, the ebike, whether class one or class two, follow the same regulations as do bicycles, and they're not allowed to be on. >> They have to follow the rules of the
road. >> Okay. >> So, is a pathway, there's a difference between a sidewalk and a pathway, correct? So would you consider the access road at Peterson to be a
pathway or a sidewalk? Again, generally sidewalks or as we all know pathways might be Let's say through a trail.
>> Thank you. >> Are bikes fleet? >> Yes, >> they are allowed, right? But ebikes would not be allowed in parks. >> I kind of agree with Councilman Quinn
and and Councilman Sack in in that we do have to get something on the books sooner rather than later and it could always be changed. >> Any other council discussion? >> Okay. And and I'm sorry, the last piece, Mr. Uh, I completely agree with you that there
should be education in the schools, probably more in the middle schools. >> Um, I would also urge you to to go to the BOA meetings, uh, BOE meetings and certainly make it known there. I agree with you. >> Okay, Council President. >> Yes. >> May I add one thing?
>> Sure. Okay. I just wanted to acquaint the council with the process that we followed in granting this ordinance. First of all, as I always say to the council, we don't think policy is attorneys. We're given the concept in
this case by the administration. So the first thing we did at the time, and this has been not a short time in the making is reviewed the legislation, the local legislation that was out there at the time, and we also reviewed the state
legislation. So let me talk about the local legislation first. We started this process and this is relatively early in the progression that has now resulted in many many board
towns just recently I'd say in the past month six weeks jumping on the bandwagon for introducing legislation of this nature unfortunately and which is the
initiating factor for many laws They they have resulted from a lot of problems and a lot of serious accidents including loss of life that have occurred by
Elvis gentlemen. uh most of the more recent ordinances that have been introduced by a number of towns particularly towns in I would call northern New Jersey but certainly
certainly not exclusive New Jersey. The newer authors of local ordinances are far more aggressive and far more restrictive than this ordinance is. Uh
there have been numerous study groups about what has become the ebike problem. There are multiple bills pending and trending. Uh and what they will probably do eventually I'd say within the next year
maybe two on the outside but I'd say sooner than that is this is all going to be taken out taken out of everybody's hands at the local level by state legisl We really dug into this because it's important to do it because we realized
people are going to have concerns for various reasons. But this kind of mimics what happened what is it almost three decades ago with mopeds. Uh mopeds came out uh they were very very popular
uh very economically beneficial for the of the population. So uh a bunch of accidents and problems resulted. Finally they, you know, legislated the
no helmet, no ride here, no ride there, uh moped out of existence. Uh and they made it the equivalent of driving a motorcycle, which is today. Um the the harsh facts in the study groups
that have been out there are that ebikes are very different and even at the lower levels much more difficult than that is bicycles. uh at the upper levels what we're seeing
is young people are getting these you know class two in particular ebikes and they're modifying uh and you know really turning into electric powered motorcycles the bikes
themselves are not designed with the I'm not a mechanical person but they're not designed speed like most motorcycles are even lowowered ones and uh I think Mr. Quinn said it we need a
starting point. Uh as many of you recognize, we certainly have the ability to bend this as we go along and see how uh Vice President Brooks has spoken about enforcement. That's a separate issue and I'm confident our police
department can handle it. Uh but sooner or later, probably very soon, uh state legislation is going to take control of this whole area and at that point uh all local ordinances regardless of municipality are going to be
superseded and we won't have to worry about >> Okay. 02515. Can I have a motion? >> So move second. Cler, please take the role. >> Council,
based on our discussions, I'm going to go with just say yes or no, sir. I'm sorry. Turn your mic on. It's yes or no. >> Yes. Okay. >> Councilman Sack. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Quinn. >> Yes. >> Councilman Brooks. No. >> Councilwoman Newman. >> Yes. >> Councilman Salberg. >> Yes. >> Councilmanovich. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brooks.
>> Yes. >> Council President Marson. >> Yes. Eight yeses. One no. Motion passes. >> Okay. Consent agenda. R25190 R25191 R25192 R25193
R25194. I am pulling I am pulling uh resolutions R25195 and R25196 for further discussion after the vote on the first box. Okay. So, can I
have a motion for R25190 through and including R25194? >> So, move second. >> Cler, please take the role. >> Councilman Frelander. >> Yes. >> Councilman Zak.
>> Yes. Councilman Quinn, >> yes. >> Councilman Brooks, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Moon, >> yes. >> Councilman Sal, >> yes. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brooks, >> yes. >> Council President Marson,
>> yes. It's nine yeses. Motion passes. As for R25195 and R25196, I'd like um Miss Palmiri to go over uh the specifics of these um to ensure that there's a full understanding.
>> Sure. So, um 195 is a resolution for us to join what is called the New Jersey Solutions HIP or Health Insurance Fund and 196 is for us to pull out of the state plan which we are currently in. Both plans are covered by solution. It's
the same exact plan. It's literally just changing the number on your car. Um what we did was we had our broker um do a a study and we were able to we had you know besides the state plan there were two biders. One was coming in actually
higher than our state plan and one came in a million dollars less. So it was a huge savings or I should say not a savings but a net savings because the um state plan is going in 2026. The um HIP plan is only going
on 22%. Only 22%. So it's it's about a million dollar swing in our favor with the HIP, which again, like I said, is the exact same plan that we're currently in with the state. We've had meetings with our um
unions. We've had um meetings with our department and division heads. We will be holding a meeting with our retirees and our insurance broker will be there to explain any questions that they may have and our plans to get this movement forward on January.
>> So just to clarify, I mean a 35% increase is criminal. >> Yeah. >> Um and this is all around, right? So other towns are still feeling the same thing that we are. >> Absolutely. >> And the plan that you're putting forward
is really the option of the plans that we are available to us. >> The best option because it's it's not it's the same coverage. It's the same. It's the same doctors. It's the same. It's the same plan. It's just not through New Jersey state health benefits. It's through this PI, but it's
still Blue Cross. >> Nobody loses any benefits or it's the exact same like menu of plans, right? It's offered by the state. You still can choose option one, option two, option three, whatever. >> It's just a matter of ask yourself how
lesser cost um to the responded two two main reasons they're not subject to the state regulations and state health
and then the second relates to a other cost to provide the same because with state plan it's you know it's all or nothing but you can't you can't tailor it in any way. So if
they're going to offer Certum C prescription drugs and you know it's gonna it's whatever the cost is if we find that our you know our employees and our retirees are not using drug A that can be pulled from the plan that's
reducing the cost >> um I'll have some council discussion if anybody has any questions >> just curious um you know as far as adoption how many other municipalities are going this route is it becoming popular >> it's becoming popular don't
in the area. This is the smaller of the two. Um it's been around for about 12 for 12 months and um I expect that in starting January 26, we'll probably have another 25 members.
>> Any other council questions? >> If more municipalities join, will cost down? >> So it depends on Alison was referring to experience. >> So they they can select what numbers they'll they will put into the plan. So obviously we're going to pick you know members with good experiences like walk
away. So um it would avoid ones that are not good experiences. So yes it should it should keep it at least costs are going to go up but um you know hopefully they'll be going up slower than what we've been experiencing with the state.
>> Correct. me if I'm wrong, but the reason why the uh state healthc care uh plan is going through the roof is because the first I think three or four years of the plan uh a lot of municipalities have left the state health plan because they're getting a better price out in
the market, right? So then what happens is the people that are leaving are able to get a better deal are are lowrisk um employees. So then the state health plan is stuck with high-risisk employees, thus the 35 37% increase. So you have
more and more municipalities leaving like we are doing here which is a very smart move. So you get the same exact plan like she's saying. I know it doesn't make any sense but you go into a plan that has a low level risk employees. That's the plan I assume we're going into and that's where the
saving is at right. >> And I think another thing too recognize is the state controller had written us up a few years back about not having a broker and not plans. And so you know we did that and have a broker now and now
we shopped out brands and we're saving significant money to taxpayers while still providing great benefits to our employees. >> Good. >> And this has no effect on the retirement benefits, correct?
>> It's the same again. It's the same. >> Okay. So, it's not it's not we're not going to be in >> No, >> no surprises. >> Okay. All right. Any other council discussion? >> I just want to say so this is the way
it's going to be I guess from year to year because of insurance is what's happening in this industry. >> Yeah, we'll continue to shop. >> Okay. Uh make a motion for R25195 and R25196. Can I have a motion? >> So move.
>> Second. Please take the role. Councilman Frelander. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sack, >> yes. >> Councilman Quinn, >> yes. >> Councilman Brooks, >> yes. >> Councilwoman, >> yes. >> Councilman Salber, >> yes.
>> Councilmanovich, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brooks, >> yes. >> Council President Marson, >> yes. Nine. Yes. Motion passes. >> All right, we're going to go to the open to the public portion. Uh, as a reminder, I will call your name. Please step up to the microphone. State your
name and address for the record and there will be a threeinut time limit. Pat >> D. >> Actually my questions were answered by the last discussion. >> Excellent. >> Michael 19 drive. First I'd like to save all us
taxpayers some money and we raise the heat lower the heat. It's awfully hot in here. Um, back to my stop lines. I've been talking about this. If I wasn't expecting to be t-boned on North Brookside in Elon, I would have t-boned
somebody yesterday, but I expect that every time I crossed that intersection, so when they came through the stop sign, I was I was going slow and stopped. And when they saw me, they stopped for a half a second or slowed down and then continued their turn like, well, I already started. I might as well finish.
But if it wasn't me, somebody would have t-boned right on the driver's side. Um, the lawn signs, I know it's election season, so after election day, is there any ordinance out there that prevent me from going around and collecting every lawn sign in Rockway Township and
throwing it in a dumpster? I will do that if it's legally allowed because we have homes, gutters, lawn service, fall cleanups, dance shows, handyman specials, and sales at the mall
on lawn sales. You know, they want to advertise in White Metal Lake where they can call the newsletter and pay for an ad, but to have them all over every right ofway, it's just unbelievable. Um the dirt in the air from Mount Hope every time they're blowing things up up
there. I know. I've heard that they do air quality and all this. All I know is I come out from a car that was spotless the night before and it's covered in gray dust. So it's coming from Mount Hope. So I don't know where they're doing their air testing, but maybe they should do the air testing a mile away
where the debris is actually landing. Um that question was answered. Could we maybe with the money we on the heat. Buy an extra microphone so these two don't have to share. >> That's my best. >> Actually, the answer to that is yes. So,
uh I I at one of the past meetings I've been working with button with Miss Palmiri. We have awarded a contract and we're replacing the entire system. >> Paul just likes being my best friend. >> If you're getting rid of the microphone though, if you could talk to White Metal Lake and we could maybe make a deal.
>> Thanks. complain for half hour. >> Uh, Luke Hel, >> you're good. Amber, >> 41 Maran Road. My concern is for the dialogue program. A lot of times I call
and I would the rule two week notice and then they would tell me I'm sorry the we're full and I think there should be something done where if someone calls within the two weeks they should be able to get a ride. That's what I think. And also it's comes to my attention that
some people they uh they have like social events and they might have to go to a doctor appointment in the morning. So, I think like they should be able to go to their doctor appointment and then be able to go get dropped off at the social event. That's what I think should
happen. All I have to say. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Is there anybody from the public that did that did not fill out the form that wishes to speak? >> Please step up the microphone. 82 Richard Road. I'm a retiree from the
library and we have >> library respond back to him, but the library is a separate entity. But we never it just was that that's when you that's when you become when you
retire you that's >> yeah that's the one yeah so that that would be administered again because it's a library it's not exactly the same but um there is there's discussion on whether you know the
library will be included in this school but wheate but again you're talking for us it's a million dollar savings >> no I just we don't have shield >> right right that's also employees but I think one of our
employees there's one that that will be a problem but not the medicare it's just it's the people who are 65. >> Okay. >> I'm just 65.
>> So you're saying So you're saying in 15 years when she turns 65. >> Understood. If anybody else would like a compliment, please step up to the Is there anybody else in the public that wishes to speak?
Okay. Uh moving on to reports. Um I'm going first this time. I wanted to uh thank the Mount Hope Pope Fire Department who came here uh at 6:00 and brought the new fire uh the new bucket
truck. Um it is an incredible piece of machinery and a lot of us were able to go in the bucket and go all the way up. Um I don't think anybody got sick which was great. Um but it it gives you a fresh perspective unlike what these you
know what the fire uh firemen and firemen uh do. Um just an incredible piece of machinery. We also last Saturday had the fire department inspection. Uh we spent time at all five firehouses. Uh the the dedication that
is shown, you know, by this 100% volunteer group um is just phenomenal. it it's awesome to see how proud they are um of their equipment. And then thank you to the uh to the police department for escorting and attending.
Um it's always good when when all of our public servants are out there together. Uh you know, let's go. Councilwoman, Council Vice President, >> I have no report. >> Councilman, >> I have no report.
>> Councilman Sal, >> thank you. No uh commissioners report uh open space trust fund report. We did hear our final uh presentations from the towns. We did make our recommendations to the board of commissioners. So I'm hoping sometime after uh November 5th we'll be able to announce who the
recipients will be. Um and had a great time down at Dark Lake Spectacular. Again, another great year. So thank you to all the vendors and uh and participants for that. Uh the Historic Society of Rockway Township is going to be uh hosting an event uh Monday night
at the Senior Center New Jerseys role in the revolution. So if anybody has an opportunity, they really are great, very very informative meetings. I believe it's 7 o'clock. >> Yes. >> Great. Thank you. It's 7 o'clock. Um want to thank Pat Degen for the meet the candidates night. As always, great
opportunity for residents to meet uh incumbents and candidates. Really gets a chance to to really meet meet the people. Uh and finally, Just hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween. >> Councilman second. >> Thank you, Council President. Um, just
like you mentioned, the uh fire department inspections, I was able to get to the last three, which they did a great job. Everything clean, precise. They they know the ins and outs of those all their equipment. They take so much pride. So, it's great to see. And the
the dinner at night, just a great time um was had was excellent. the fall cleanup this past Saturday. Was able to get down there like me and my wife. We did mouth pond. Walked around the whole thing. We had a lot of garbage. So, you know, people that are out there fishing
and all that stuff. I found tons of uh you know, worm stuff and and cigarettes and tons of stuff all over. Beer bottles. Let's let's take a little more pride in cleaning up after ourselves. You know, we spent a lot of time walking around. And I stopped by the um the Boy
Scout um cabin and saw the nice plaque that was put in there. It was very nice. And then just walking back on the road, it was parts of cars. I don't My bag must have been 100 pounds. There was a lot of a lot of garbage we cleaned up in in that time frame. And then like
Councilman Sber mentioned, the Dark Lake, I think it had to be one of the biggest I've ever been to. I don't even know how many people. would love to get a count on that one, but I don't know, three or 4 thousand had to be. So, thank you so much. >> 100 pounds.
>> 100 pound. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, as Howard said about the fireman's dinner and the visiting of the firehouses, uh, the firemen can't do it alone. their families have to help them and support
them and I thank them for everything they do. They really take good care of that equipment and that new truck I got up in it today and what a view. But that truck is amazing. It's going to really
do a great job for this town. The other thing is the uh fall the winter sports are kicking in and the fall sports are stopping. Football cheerleading is almost done, but basketball is getting started. And
again, they're always looking for volunteers to help coach. I'm going to keep throwing it out there. It's great way to spend time with your kids on the court and you stay warm during the winter.
All right, let's see what else did I have. Oh, dial ride is starting its uh lunchons for the seniors now. Um, they have it scheduled for the Red Hut
and you got to call Shannon if you're going to go. Um, they'll make arrangements if you need a ride, but most people that are seniors that can drive will drive. The ones that use Dialeride uh will be picked up and taken by
Dialeride, but you have to call Shannon to get on the list. All right. Other than that, that that's pretty much it. Thank you, >> Councilwoman New. >> Uh yes, I only got to a couple of the
firehouses this year. Um, but as always, they always do a good job. So, um, went attended Dark's Lake. It was great. I saw the fire truck there. So, that's why I didn't come to see the fire truck tonight. Didn't know you were going to go up in it. So, um,
>> you wouldn't have gone up. I make it. >> You would. >> She goes, "I make it." >> Um, the other thing is I I It's such a busy time of year and this is the first time that I ever missed one of the cleanups because I just forgot about it.
So, we come up with a better I forget to put things in my phone. So, we came up with a better system for the elderly. Thank you. >> Coming up with a better system to put things on your phone. As we can say, a better system than sending out constant emails on it.
>> Council Brooks. >> Thank you, Council President. On behalf of myself and the third ward constituents, especially in Circle Drive, wanted to thank the chief for the Halloween traffic plan. Uh super excited that people and reached out to me right
away uh when they got it in the mail. Uh so it looks like a good plan and uh I will definitely be taking part in the in that. on Halloween. Uh, also just to um talk about the signs on the street. Um,
I know I've mentioned this several times over the years and it goes not just with the political signs, just any sign. Um, we really need to look at the senior building where the intersection is over there by Parks Lake. Uh there is definitely signs within the sight
triangle and uh when you're coming and you're parked trying to make that left on the Mount Hope Road. I've been t-boned almost a couple times because people are coming and you don't see them with the signs, especially if you have a lower car. So I do know we have sight
triangle and uh we shouldn't be putting our signs within them. So thank you very much. I I just want to make the point that um what Councilman Brooks uh put together with Circle Drive is a great example of like hyper local um community things,
you know, that that's you know, and don't get me wrong, every council person here has done that for their work, but like that's just a great example of what we're doing. Uh we've also said the word t-bone more than any other time. Councilman >> Freto
[Music] historical society councilman over there mentioned Monday night >> over there trying to make it shorter. Um but
uh now that we have the uh walk pathway stores over, I believe we're going to be starting to work inside >> on the grant money that we have until we open it up again for uh the fall. Uh the substance abuse alliance is moving along
with their programs. Um and the bingo night fundraiser, which was a big success last year, will be in the spring folks. So you'll hear me on that. Uh also uh there is in the Senate an assembly bill bill bill coming to
fruition in the fall about the substance abuse uh program the positive project positive choice. Our program is doing so well in our town that other towns want to copy it. So that it's before the
Senate and assembly to make a footprint for everybody in the state. Uh What else? I don't want to forget anything. Oh, DPW. I just want to thank uh Joe, you know, Al when you see him. I
asked for signs up north by Pillar. >> There was only one sign. Pillar goes around a bend and there's another street and it's going to be they were going to be installed this week. I was told long waited, but that's good. On a different
note, we you know, we were all going to different things and we did go to fire at five houses did five out of four out of five be somewhere but uh I tell you our fire department we we're lucky to have these
people it's amazing group of people and uh to protect our houses and properties you you got to you got to support them uh I do want to mention one thing I did go into the bucket of when we first got it
>> and that was the last time I But I do want to mention something to the uh administration which was brought up and I believe myself and Councilman Clint know about it. Pound view. Palm view. Okay.
Everybody knows about developers agreements. Usually something with the developer in the town. They give us a little something when they build. Okay. That's where we get some ball fields by the houses. Pond View gave the town a fire
department a building. >> No, they didn't. >> Uh, that's not what I was told. >> So, what what building is over there? >> Didn't give us anything, but John, you can talk through where we're at. So, it's a mischaracter mischaracterization
of the situation. >> Okay. Then, can you explain it? Because it's an empty building that was supposed to be a firehouse, I believe. U when the site plan for PI was approved many years ago. >> Yes.
>> As part of the site plan uh had the obligation to construct the firehouse. Okay. The firehouse has been built. It's there. I've been in it.
We are now in continued negotiations with Bond concerning what was intended by the developers agreement which is a lease of the firehouse. Okay. Back to the town
has not been easy to negotiate with and has on occasion try to switch up the playing field. Uh we are close to resolving the least issue with the fire department now
in terms of having a building that's leased to the town for the nominal amount of you know $1. that doesn't address the realities of the situation which uh according to our
fire director uh we are not likely in the foresee in the future to be able to staff the firehouse fire. So the present plans for the
firehouse I mean as I said earlier it's there it's built are to fire equipment, including what I'm going to call fire vehicles to protect them so they don't deteriorate outside. Uh
that's where we are. The reason that the firehouse is not likely to be populated by fire is number one, uh we have adequate and good fire coverage even for pawn view according to our fire director. And number two, uh,
volunteerism for fire departments is on decline statewide. In fact, nashville that we could muster is just what I'm told. You can have your own conversation to
man. >> Well, that's why you you excuse me, you hear different things. But you know the building is there. >> It is. >> Exactly. And it's you can put the biggest fire truck in there with no
problem. >> But if you don't have people to drive that truck, it doesn't sense. >> But I think you can figure out something. But but at least it's being taught now >> because this has been >> nothing. >> It's been for a long time.
>> And the issue of the lease is to um keep the out of harm's way in certain situations. Correct. >> That's correct. >> Okay. So, we would have a liability should we adhere to what Pon View wants us to do in totality. >> Well,
right. But if it was the other way, we would be we would have certain liabilities likely. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I just don't like seeing a facility that was built for a purpose and just sitting there for, you know, how long? and
doesn't >> I I don't know actually what the building was constructed. certainly in one of the new areas of funding where residential development is continuing now I I'm not sure the exact number I think in
terms of residential dwelling units is currently up somewhere in the neighborhood >> I I mean I would think it's a mischaracterization to say that nothing is being done that the township is actively trying to do what's best for the townships you know you can't just
come along and say here's warehouse, you know, put trucks in it and people, you know, that these guys have to keep us out of harm's way. >> Well, I I agree with you, but there was a plan in the beginning when they built that development to do that because brought it up at that point to get something like that if it wasn't
>> but it has to be it has to favor the town as far as our liability and that's what these guys are working on. >> Okay. >> Are we good? >> Yes. >> Okay. Mana, >> I have no other than the young lady came
up and said that she's just 65 in relation to benefits. I was just 65. >> That was about 13 years ago. >> Let's be clear. She didn't say she was 65. Lisa said she was 65.
Am I right, Jean? Right. I am. Thank you. So, first I it's it's apppropo to have the fire truck here and and all the police officers as today is National First Responders Day. >> Um so, thank you for all you do. And uh
I'd also like to recognize on December 17th, 2003, board President George established presidential directive HSPD8 outlining who is recognized as a first responder. Public works is within the presidential
directive. It has taken the New Jersey Public Works Association, the American Public Works Association, 22 years of hard work in order to have the state of New Jersey recognize them. This week, the state of New Jersey recognized public works workers as first
responders. The Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey signed a resolution declaring public works as a first responder with the October 28th as annual National First Responders Day. So, I'd like to congratulate
and all of our public works uh employees is being recognized as first responders because you can tell you during a snowstorm or when a water mane breaks they are first responders. All right. Yeah. >> Um, couple things. Uh, council is
referring to the Well, first I want to just talk about ebikes. So, somebody who's experienced it firsthand, like Luke and Mike, I get what you're saying. I think that's kind of the exception. I think what I've experienced is, you know, kids riding at high speeds in uh around the mall. Um, I can tell you at
Park Lake, I've almost gotten run into by kids on bicycle in the back. Yeah. almost got t-boned by a bicycle, but I've also been passed by a kid on an ebike in Park Lake and it scared the crap out of me because he was doing like 30 miles an hour. So, um I think what
we're trying to do is is govern by the majority of the the situations, not by the exceptions. So, I I I think we can, you know, as everybody mentioned, find some type of way to amend it if needed. But I'm glad we got something on the books. Um Councilman Quinn mentioned a
senior lunchon that is going on. Um and just is not just for dialer rides. It's for anybody um who's a senior um and uh we want to do quarterly. It's just a way of getting our senior residents out um and in the community and having lunch. So, we'll do different places and things
like that. So, it's just another effort. Um tomorrow night is the senior Halloween party at White Metal Lake. Um I'll be one of the judges for the costumes. Uh believe Sacket Brooks, the rest of you probably all qualify to go. Um, so you Oh, no.
Paul, too. You're young, too, I think. So, the rest of you can go. You just let me know. And, uh, I'll get you guys in. Um, so I did also recognize, I don't think she'll mind because they posted something. Um, a resident of the community, um, Brad Weiss, who heads our
baseball program and is a big rocket coach and has kids that play. It's just a really great member of our community had healthcare um, recently and he's home. And, uh, Brad, we're thinking about you. in our prayers and I know it's been a tough fall for the family.
Um but uh you know you have all of us behind you so glad you got home. Uh Councilman Fre uh recognize that substance abuse alliance. We are actually um one of the things that came up at the last meeting was uh Unico is considering doing a
fundraiser to raise money um for the substance abuse alliance um in our annual citizenship dinner. So that could be another fundraiser after the thing that that uh I do for the substitution alliance. Uh everybody talked about the inspections and banquet uh the uh for
those you aren't in the know they part of the inspections is each house puts food out and um it's like a clamoring for house one B parks makes chili and it's like so like as they're inspecting
the trucks I notice more and more people are disappearing. I'm like and so like all right we're done with the inspection. I go inside everybody's chili, right? There's like one cup left. So, um it's a it's a burden. Chili was spot on again year, but again, as everybody said, the trucks um we had a
50-year member recognized at the banquet this year, which is always nice. Um we had a a planning board meeting since the last meeting. Um and I think I posted about it. Uh there's a girl who uh came in to get approval to sell cookies, make
cookies out of her house and sell them. Um only sugar cookies. Um we Katie tried to get her to make different cookies and she's insisting she's only making sugar cookies. But um we're excited about it and uh I think she's going to have a great business opportunity and I told
her once she gets the final approval from the state I'm going to have her bring in cookies for the council. So uh we'll make that happen. Uh we recognized our new police officers. We had a flu clinic. Um I did a post about the Morris and Morris Nulls band. Uh they just had
outstanding performances at Rich High School. Stags are coming up. Um I think they're far away so I don't think they're going to be able to make it. But um they both bands are just exceptional. Um the conductors, the drum majors, everything, the routines are just
awesome. And they they clearly I watched probably a dozen bands performed and they the two of those bands just clearly stood out. So um thanks to everybody who was part of the spectacular uh from the burrow and the everything. I think it really came out
great. So, um, >> I'm sure this was brought up tonight, but was I apologize. Just a reminder that the next council meeting is on Thursday. It's November 13th. Um, that same morning, I'm going to be holding the note sale resolutions 192
and 193. So, hopefully that evening I'll be able to interest rate. Um we also received the um Lake Telmar grant award for 68,000 but the funds arrived yesterday
and I were able to take a ride as well. So >> you were very brave. >> I'm sorry. afraid of heights. So New York City was pretty cool.
>> So thank you Hopeunteers for organizing that. Uh, I want to let you know that the request for quotes to remove the trees at Peterson Field is out for quotes. If you know anybody that trees, uh, we did look at any potential
value in that stand of trees. Spoke with our forester as well as some other tree specialist and not the small species. So that is out right now. to make sure that we can retain a venue
in the required timeline to download trees perm. All right. And then you also will be seeing our consultant McDonald water infrastructure.
regulations. We have to map all of our storm water infrastructures to compite ordinance to be one of the first in the state to be part of management of ebike concern. Uh I would also ask that
parents please communicate with your children in reference to the ebikes that they are driving and inform them. You know it's the parents responsibility to make sure that they understand the rules of the road. It's it can be very
dangerous. They do go very quickly. You know, back in the day, I mean, there's been a lot of age already mentioned here this evening. Uh, however, back in the day when it was pedal power and we were exhausted, uh, everywhere we went in the
township hills in both directions, uh, they don't they don't suffer from that anymore. They simply just hit a switch or turn a handle and and accelerate to speeds that can be very dangerous. So,
Just a word of caution. I would also as far as first responders and the recognition, I'd like to recognize all of our volunteers in the Rockway Township uh fire department. They do an amazing job and and are certainly part of a partnership with the police
department and I will not forget the DPW again certainly are part of our first responders team. Without them, we wouldn't be able to get half of the places we need to go to to help without their assistance. Right? So, they're
valuable and I appreciate that. Uh, we also had the opportunity to go to Dark Lake Spooktacular. A lot of amazing, again, incredible turnout for the for the town. Very, very good event. A lot of creative costumes were out there and we enjoy getting to meet uh residents.
So, our show will drive on Halloween. A lot of information went out through the school system, through social media, and through mailboxes over on Circle Drive. We're trying to make sure that that's a one-way traffic pattern uh from Mount
Hope Road in through Circle Drive and Midway and out on the other side. So, that'll be signed and and also parking only on one side during that time frame. So again, please if everybody can drive
uh cautiously, not just in Circle Drive, but throughout the township, know that all the trick-or-treaters will be out there coming up this Friday. >> Okay. Like to make a motion to adjurnn by consensus. All in favor? >> I meeting
John.