We should talk. Can I give you my number? >> As soon as you walk in the door, he'll roll over. >> Yeah. Not as bad as I don't want to But it's Okay. Lots
of people. Yes. to the flag of the United States of America to the reps. One nation under God, indivisible. This meeting of the township of Roxbury was given as required by the open public
meetings act of scholars on December 31st 2025. Notice was emailed to the daily recorder and published in the daily record. Notice also remain posted throughout the year on the bullet board in the main hallway of the municipal building.
>> Thank you. Roll call >> here. Deputy Mayor Crowley >> here. >> Councilman >> here. >> Councilman Hall >> here. >> Councilman Riley >> here. >> Mayor >> here. Item four reports of council on
representative council committee and new old business. Tonight we have our budget presentation manager council. Tonight we're going to go over budget.
Tonight we're going to go over the fire prevention budget, the fire department budget, and then we're going to do an overall budget snapshot where we're looking up and start with Everyone should have the fire prevention power.
>> First like to take this opportunity to say thank you for uh having us come here. the department's been doing with um making the presentations. Been a long time since I've been here. I'm going to go through my slides, but also on some of my slides, I want to explain some things um educate everybody that's here
in the council like where we're currently at, who we have working for and things like that. And I've done a few comparisons with some other towns just to let you know like where they're at. And you know, just like Chief Holland said, I believe that we are the number one fire prevention hero in the state of New Jersey. I'm very proud of
my department and my my I should have said happy St. Patrick. Um the first slide is our bureau overview. Um the current staffing is myself. Um and we're all parttime. The whole entire bureau is parttime. I also hold two duties. I'm also the safety
officer that runs the uh safety committee for the township course as all of our accident investigations uh safety working with the insurance companies and things like that committee that we work with. Um I have part time inspectors. They're also all fire investigators as I
am. Mike Aligger, he has grown up here in town. He's uh currently he's a deputy chief in the city of Orange, but he works here on the days that he is available. Mark Sylvester is here. has also started Neon Fire has been here since his internship with us and he's a
firefighter full time in Clipton. Tom Ryan's here tonight. Um Tom's a Roxbury resident and firefighter. He's also like I said fire investigator, fire inspector. Uh Russ Niger, you may not know him. These are two new last two are
Russ is a firefighter at a research laboratory down in Princeton on the fire department down there. And Gilson is also a firefighter and Steven Holes. All of you can see we're all certified in different certifications and they're
just listed there. Just want to give you a snapshot of our inspections for last year. Um last year commercial businesses we had 1653 inspections. Uh residential fire inspections, major houses that for sale.
Um change of occupancy there's 325. We issued fire safety permits. Uh we respond along with the fire department about 99% of the time during the day when we're available. We respond with them. We had 176 fire calls. Uh we had eight fire
investigations. We handled 14 fire code complaints, six plan reviews, and uh 65 administrative details. Questions as I go ahead and stop me time to ramble a little bit. I want to go to
a 30-year financial review and just something that's very important here. As you can see, I reported that we're all um currently part-time staff. In 2011, we reorganized and went to all parttime. So, when we're working, we get paid.
When we're we have uh someone takes a vacation, there's a holiday. My staff does not. Um we're we are all part-time, permanent parttime. And we're filling the staff um and the bureau every single day of the week. Sometimes there's four of us on and some days there's one or
two of us on but we're staffing as you can see in the very beginning when it started out even like back in the early 90s we were actually a cost to the township when we re um reorganized and we went part time you'll see all the green highlight areas all our revenues
that we actually made for the township um so in the bottom line we've made $174,000 over those years that we reorganized so really cost. Those monies are supposed to be used on fire prevention, get things that you're supposed to need and things like that. But you can see this
most last year, 2025, we had a great year, got all our inspections done, very busy. Um, we were able to uh have a surplus of $58,000. So, any questions on that? >> Operating expenses. Um, this is just our
normal operating. You can see pretty much flat. The lines from uh last year and this year there's really no increases whatsoever question and it just breaks down our categories. Um our biggest one of our biggest line
items is our literature but literature for us is for all the school programs that we get in the month of October. That's really almost half of our budget we just spend with fire state education in the schools in the public.
And if there's nothing else different line items that we have, excuse me, sorry the year expensive. Can you explain how you were? >> A couple of years ago, we um increased our fee ordinance. We went from
something that was $50 an inspection for the smaller businesses to a minimum of 65 and based. So anywhere from 65 to a larger building is $300 per inspection. Same thing. At the same time, we did up
our uh fee for our smoke detector compliance inspections as well as added a reinspection fee within that. Sometimes they fail, we have to go back. So, we're covering cost. So, and also the ability to have the staff to get all our inspections done and stay on top of
everything. I believe they are. You might find, you know, some somection might be a little weeping. >> We are. >> We are. Um, >> yeah, we you know what? I can go back to
And you know like everybody right we go back we were probably been a little bit more it has slowed down but we're keeping up with it. It's a pretty strong number. It's pretty you know for you especially thank you appreciate that comment.
I would like to discuss the overview of the Bureau of Vehicles that we have because as Steve reported in our capital request, we do have a vehicle that we that we're looking to replace. But I also want to just give you all of our um
vehicles that we have. So, we currently have we're all marked first responders. Like I said, we're all equipped with equipment. We are um responding with the fire department all day long. Uh we have firefighting gear, extinguishers, radios, investigative equipment, um
personal protective equipment and and a lot of specialized stuff in there. Our our concerns are the way the gear is stored currently in the vehicles. We have respiratory exposure concerns which is carcinogens. Um some of our vehicles
and I'm going to go through each vehicle. You're going to sort of see um we do have some risk of way we're transporting some of our equipment and sometimes the vehicle size that we have because I'll where we're getting our vehicles from. Um it's sort of like not
quite accommodating what we have. We have a couple big guys that need some more room. Um some of the vehicles you're going to see are jam-packed with equipment. So I would like to go over all that with you. Our first one is the vehicle 320. It's a
2015 Jeep Patriot. And we bought this um 11 years ago. And you can see the purchase price was only $16,000. We did put in lights and equipment for 376280 installation of graphics. So that total vehicle at that time cost us 20,352 and
that was paid from our penalty trust account. Um so there's really no cost but mileage has changed a little bit. Um because this this vehicle actually is the one that we had slated the last 5 years for replacement. Um but after talking to the mechanics we're going to
keep this vehicle a little bit longer. But there's another vehicle that we're coming up to is the one that will be replaced that we're requesting this year. But you can see the um the equipment that's stored in the back of that there. Um any questions on that? And what I want to say is that Jeep Patriot said we bought it new with our
funds at the time. We do have a penalty account now. There's um not enough to buy a vehicle in that currently, but there is a good submission from the penalty. The vehicle that we're looking to replace in the last slide when I go through will be the vehicle what we're
proposing, but this is the 321 is a 2012 Ford Taurus. Now, this these two Tauruses that we're going to go through next. These were used by the police department. Um, we get them from the police department. We continue to use them. As you can see, this one was
assigned to us in 2020. So, we've already gotten six, we're on the sixth years of this. All we did to it at the time was put installation of graphics on it and was paid out of our operating budget. The current mileage is probably now closer to 90,000 because a couple
months ago we still been using it. But as you can see, some of the equipment that's in the trunk stuff's on the back seat. And like I said, we do have concerns because we're also firefighting and doing investigations. And a lot of the equipment does get um
stuff on it and not carcinogens. So when I go to what we're looking to propose, you'll understand where we're coming from. But that's that vehicle. The next vehicle is the vehicle that is assigned to me. As you can see, this is our newest one, but it's 9 years old.
Um, we purchased that for 24,000 back in 2017. We did put the lights, equipments, and and the graphics on it, which brought up to just under 31,000. Currently there's um it says 66. got over 68,000 miles on it. You can see the
vehicle was if we have a box in the back where everything was kept. Um like I said, same concerns within the cab area. Um the other taes have a trunk. We try to keep the gear and most of the contaminated stuff in the trunk, but this vehicle when I have a fire, it'll smell like smoke for the next two weeks.
Um you know, when we get to the concerns and more, I'll talk a little bit further, but that's the our newest vehicle right now. The next one is um vehicle 323. This is another Ford Tourist 2013. This was also uh acquired from the police department.
We've been using it for now for four years. Um this vehicle is wrapped with graphics on it for $3,400 and it's got a current mileage of probably over 70ome,000. You can see stuff's kept in the trunk. Brings me to our capital request.
Our capital request is to 55,000 to have a fully equipped 2026 Ford 150 crew cab 4x4 for state contract that will include emergency lighting will include a light siren radio installation, a pullout bed
with storage compartments, truck bed and lettering. Um this is an example of a truck that is um East Brunswick Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau. And what I was going to talk about other is I did a little comparison around um
Randolph Township currently has a full-time fire official, a full-time inspector, two part-time inspectors in the PDM. They're running uh three Ford F250 four-wheel drive pickup trucks. And the reason is what we're able to do with the CAP and the pickup truck is get all the gear in the back. So there's no
concerns of contamination and um you know to the members that are driving it. So it's similar to like what the chief's vehicle currently went to here in Roxberry. It's but it's not it's scaled down a little bit. It's just for fire prevention and uh that's what we're
looking at and I will go over concern or justification of that. >> Just for my edification, this will replace what other vehicle >> it will replace the uh vehicle 321 which was the Ford Taurus that was originally came from the police department. It was the second vehicle that I showed you.
That was the one after talking originally the one that was a replace the Jeep Patriot, but talking to the um mechanics and Steve and his crew said that vehicle a little bit more of it. So why don't we replace the Taurus and
that's the one they're recommending. Yes, we're going to look at repurposed committee recommendation news to you. responded. >> Oh, okay.
>> I would like to while I was talking, I did a comparison to Randolph just to give you right. I did I wanted to overview our department over Randolph. I did look into one other town, open township. They're currently running a full-time fire official, two full-time inspectors, three parttime inspectors,
and I looked at their vehicles. They're running a Ford Police Interceptor, which is similar to the one exactly what I'm driving right now. They also have a Ford F250 utility truck that they use for their solely for their investigations and their on call inspector for weekends
when we get a fire investigation. Um, and also they run full three fulls size Chevy. So, just to give you an example what some other towns are doing. Um the justification for our capital request
currently the Ford Tauruses are not like I said designed to really transport the fire investigation equipment resulting in contaminated PPE and the and the tool being stored in in passenger compartment. Storage of the PP and equipment inside the vehicle creates a
potential insul inhalation and contact exposure consistent with NFPA OSHA health and safety principles. There was a big a big do and study with the uh ATF about fire investigators and cancer. Um
and this is where everything started turning over to pickup trucks keeping the the equipment and the gear separated. Um I am I I've been in the fire service 44 years. I can't say where it came from, but I have had skin cancer
twice. I have a hole in the center of my head here to look at size of a half dollar. Number of years ago I had have been taking that down to the bone because I had cancer twice placed in my face. So, um it's very I'd like to bring us up to the safety standards and for
everybody. Um also at the same time, like I said, we don't have any um tools in the back seat that will be flying around should happen into an accident. I just think the pickup truck um is the best fit. I know I've talked to Steve about it and you know, we just like I
said, we think this is the best fit for currently where everything's at. So this is all right. >> Excuse me. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> We're going to try to get start getting
rid of some of the vehicles >> out of our fleet. >> We're going to figure out you'll see later in a presentation. who ask for a vehicle, we're going to see the best vehicle to repurpose to that department. >> And so we need to look at it more.
>> Anybody else have any other questions? Thank you very much. >> You want to come on up? He's coming up. I will tell you, having come from a larger fire department, there's nowhere in the country progressive fire departments are having
their first responders respond with their gear that they just were in a fire in the same cab. That is a very high cancer risk. So what they're asking for is not actually I would say outside of your comment
about the fiscal reasons this is a cancer. I think everybody on council takes his concerns very serious. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Chief Valencia. On my right is John Romeo.
We'll start off with our mission statement. >> I'm sorry. I'll start. The mission at the Ro is to protect and serve the community professional
Professional and compassionate fire suppression emergency medical services disaster response and fire mission guided with the principle of service before self. We are dedicated to safeguarding lives, property and the
environment with integrated coverage, courage and respect. We strive to foster a sense of safety, preparness and community trust, ensuring the wellbeing of residents.
>> Very wellated mission chief very well. So this slide shows the response that have happened in the past and our projected future. As you can see with the growing infrastructure and res Our line has been
going up this year. We are projecting. This slide summarizes the capital budget. It emphasizes uh uh it just emphasizes each company. what we're looking to purchase going forward
for this year. Next couple slides we'll go over some of those capital investments. The first one here is requesting $26,500. This is the Lucas chest compression
system. This device could be used strictly on CPR calls. Uh this will be the first device in Roxbury that we uh we have several surrounding towns involved Atlantic St. Clair's and county OEM EMS currently have them. For anyone
that's ever done CPR, it's very tiresome and as your responder providing chest compressions, uh, you may be providing adequate depth and speed at the beginning of performing
CPR, but over time that quality starts to go down. And when you're in the back of an ambulance, you know, thankfully on scene we have Roxbury Police, they're awesome. They're always helping us out. Uh, in the back of an ambulance and maybe by
yourself or with one partner. This kind of frees somebody up. Battery operated device strap on up to 95% of patients fit this device. This gives textbook perfect chest compressions battery operated. We can transport to
doville town. This will do chest compressions the entire time and text's 60% increase in blood flow to the brain versus manual CPR with this device
provides better CPR quality. I've used this account EMS and it's a phenomenal device. So uh when you actually look on the screen there that the yellow part goes below the back right underneath the
chest on their back. We actually strap it down and we pull the device suction cup down onto the chest flat up against chest. >> How long battery? So each battery you'll get uh 12 CPR
sessions from one battery charge. Your battery is going to last 3 to 5 years. >> Yes. Our plan right now is to purchase this uh company one has a duty group. It's going to be housed at company.
Company one has the duty group. They will have it. Company two has duty proof. Someone's responding to one picking it up. Bring it up. God forbid on another ambulance. Another call went out
to see it. We're asking officelves. We understand it's a large purchase. do everything we can to make sure it's >> are the state of the art for >> human absolutely humans humans are still very
involved with it but you know from doing chest compressions >> I'm just talking about multiple CPRs less chance of injury to the victim as well, right? There's no chance
of maybe breaking ribs or something too much CPR. Yeah, it happens quite often that you push down too hard. The second item that company one is looking to purchase is a power stair is
$20,00076. Uh this will create a safe ergonomic transport positioning for first responders and a better experience for the patients when we transport them. This uh chair comes with batteries and it goes up and down the stairs
mechanically with the battery. It takes the weight off the first responders that are going up and down the stairs. >> This would be another first. >> Currently we have chairs. So, it's not battery operated.
One of one of the huge features with this, the ability to be to go upstairs as well, we have tracks on ours currently. Um, they're meant to go downstairs. They're not they can be used to go upstairs, but now you're actually working against the tracks. So, in that
case, you're just picking the patient up and someone's backing you up the stairs. With this feature, we would be able to, you know, open the tracks up. Now that weight is down on the stairs and you're just guiding it, guiding it down.
>> That's injury for the first responders for sure. Stair chairs are not easy to work with. >> They have improved over time. We never had tracks. It was a chair. You never had basically a metal fold chair and you
pick the person up. Over time, we've had some nice features and we've gotten the manual version of this years ago. We had five at one time. We had all five
sprinks for us. >> And again, this would be a first rig and battery power. >> They were a godsend when we got those. >> So, uh the next slide is here. Company
two is looking to purchase Chief Romeo requires a firefighter turnout here compifically 1971 be replaced damaged contaminated or after a maximum 10 years from the date of manufacturing
gear must be inspected annually for damage fails to protect against and must be removed from service. Currently, we're looking for eight sets of gear that will replace seven current firefighters and one new firefighter.
Out of that, out of those eight sets of gear, we have seven that are either already beyond that 10 years or be at 10 years this October. We have one set of gear that is 17 years old and still being used by interior
So, we're trying to uh trying to prevent that from happening. Thankfully, we've uh it's a good problem to have in this day and age within the volunteer community. We brought on a lot of volunteers. We brought on three since uh we put together this budget. We have six more
that are in the process right now. Several of them are already certified as firefighters. is one of the biggest things. Chief has their thing. Safety of my members is paramount. My number one mission fire make sure my members have
the best gear possible and are safe what they do. One of the things you'll see the total cost per year that is for a total seven year co helmet approximately $6,000.
Thankfully over the years we replace all of our helmets on company 2. Um so we don't have to purchase helmet some members have received boost in the past few years they'll only need a turnout
turnout. So that's why you actually add up 8* it comes out more you don't need that 41 480 cover those members that is under 10 years
and with that being said all three companies have shared the last couple years because we've had that has been compant between different purchase so we've shared gear between all three companies so currently
two is feeling the effects of the turnaround process of our gear. Um, so that's where we're at now. So going forward, this is going to be a every company problem coming up. Uh, one of the things that we had in the past was the grant. Grant is no longer available
to us, but unfortunately this is paramount for us to get this year because it is one of the barriers between questions. the store for a little bit of time and then they bring it out to like deals or
other solutions that potentially could purchase it. Most of the time it's outside the United States. It's not inside the United States because FDA stands damaged so badly or so it just gets recyled. Also to add to that, there are instances
where gear does get damaged and it gets repaired, you get it back, the member can still use it, but it can only be damaged so many times and have so many repairs before it's no longer useful and companies will not fix it, which we are experiencing.
One thing is that your recommendation is a 10ear recommendation. Not that everybody knows this, but Rober is a top third of all responding companies in Morris County. So we're a lot busier than most. Our gear does get beat up a lot. So 10 years is a
recommendation. If our is damaged and unrepable speaking with JJ, we have this committee that's going to be doing the grants. So, we'll be looking at any other questions on here.
So, moving along to the next slide. This one will be quick. I'm sure you're all aware company 3 is in the lower valley area. We do not have hydrants in that area. This is why we have a tanker with, you know, 2500 gallons of water in
an engine, 1250 gallons. We need a good amount of hose because no hydrants connecting to other trucks and other tenders. Uh we've done a good job in a few years um placing some hose. In our capital budget here, we had you'll see
in a couple slides later, every uh year or skip a year, we're always replacing that we need whether or not we do hose testing every year. Some hose is damaged and can be repaired, others cannot. So, we're asking for the 5,000. After sitting down with the township manager
and CFO, potentially we may be able to remove this out of capital this year and purchase it operating. Am I correct? Next, we're going to speak about the fire apparatus uh in town. Chief of
speak. >> So, we have multiple pieces of apparatus in town. multiple tasks. Um, as you can see up in the slide, the NFPA 1911.1 scope, it states the standards of the equipment, which would be fire trucks,
engines, ladders, and tenders. So, uh, the NF 1911 scope is that 15 years. When a truck hits the age of 15 years old, it can no longer be a first two piece apparatus. For the people in the room
that don't understand what the first two piece apparatus is, that's the first fire truck out of the firehouse to the call. Okay, when you hit that 15 mark, they're asking that to be the secondary truck out of the firehouse. If you look at the graph on the right there, we've
replaced our 15 in 2023. It's 3 years old. Engine 21 being 10 years old, 13 being 15 years old at the cusp. Tender 32 16 years old. 12 20 years old. Rescue 34 25 years old
with the exception that is a mini pumper. Uh rescue 16 which does not currently carry water is 27 years old. Rescue 24 and engine 23 being 27 and 31 years old. The town has put an order in
for a new rescue engine. I'm sorry, engine 22 to replace that. So those trucks will be leaving us when we get our new engine. And then it brings us to engine 31 with 28 years of service. So
currently it's about 60% it'll show on the next slide 60% of the apparatus in town is a 20 year or the NFP 1911 again standard states at 25 years the piece of apparatus should be
retired. So, as we're getting over to the next slide, this is the it's just I know it's tough to see up there. That's why we have the bullet points on the slides. It's just giving you tips that we've
gotten from the NFPA in how we should be upgrading. Uh over 25 years old apparatus should be replaced. Currently, when we head to the next slide, you guys will see we have a good majority of that in our township.
So at this slide here you can see 60% of the fleet is 25 years or older times for this fire apparatus postco has increased significantly uh engine two to three years ladder 3 to four years raw materials labor shortages demand
continues to influence the rising cost to 140% increase from 5 years ago. We've all seen this with the ladder truck that we've recently purchased and the new engine that we have on order. Um, one of the meetings that we did have
just as of recently, we sat down with the public director about our mechanic manager spoke about putting together a committee for purchases and so we all be on the same page
with something to look for grants and other things that are out there available for our town. >> Correct. We've had that meeting already. The next one is in the works of being scheduled and going forward the committee will advise the council of
exactly what plan is set to do. That's why we have that capital budget plan. You see capital budget planned out engines and apparat% of this picture. >> Well, yes, you'll be replacing a rescue truck that doesn't have water and an
engine that's 31 years old. replacing two trucks. We're replacing two trucks. 22 already about a year and a half ago came out of service 24 currently using the new truck comes in
service committed what we're going to purchase. So what Steve have to fix, they're going to be involved in the decision going forward. So I just want to know that fire
department agreed to this. The other department silos of people going out buying things and then send it to Steve and say fix it. They can't find parks and everything. We're going to try to make this committee
right where we should be. One of the other things you know Steve last year mainted to extend the life currents and all the mechanical devices on these pieces. We used to pump maintenance
three years ago now about three years ago we used to pump service uh which you know has been a because now they're working properly. I think we've turned the corner now. It's just minimal issues with pumps that just normal maintenance.
>> Correct. And Jim has been a very big asset, the head mechanic over there with communication and really getting stuff done and figuring stuff out. Great job. chief of um a lot of the professional fire departments that I'm
aware of are now leasing vehicles instead of outright purchase. So can we get a comparison as to whatever the next upcoming vehicle is or apparatus that comes in the option of
what the lease cost would be versus purchase. >> Absolutely. Um we actually spoke about that in the committee meeting that we had um going forward. The head of the committee is Steve Sice and he's sitting here. So him hearing that question we will address that again next meeting.
But yes that is an option. Leasing is an option bonding as well. >> And there is some very good programs >> right with a 25 year life then leasing seems it might be a better than
purchase. >> Correct. What happens is that you're getting new technology equipment as it comes through. So you know when it's coming up, when a new one's coming in, and you can, you know, it'll just be top of line. And then, you know, at the end of
this life, like these 25 engines or, you know, any piece of equipment, they have no money in resale value, you know, >> any other questions about that? This next slide is going to show our timeline for
large purchases in capital. As you can see, we did put into timeline new engines and some turnout gear uh under when we had discussions with
JJ in regards to our turnout here to try to get this grants, but we are going to need new gear throughout all three companies. That's why grants for the engines why they're both listed next year. We
got to take a look at all options. leasing. Does it turn out cheaper next year? So it's four sets for 16 but 41 helmets.
>> Yes. If if you if we had it listed as head to toe, that would be gloves, boots, nox, goggles, coat, pants, suspenders. Some of that stuff we don't need because we can we currently have some stuff that
>> and then as the capital budget goes out five years, you can see we have the recent 27 28 29 30 we spoke about earlier slide with what we're looking for for 2026. Any questions on any of that?
Good. Moving on. This slide here is the operating budget for all three companies. Uh there is a minimal 18% going forward. I'm going to let Chief Romeo speak about
some of the items that we're looking to purchase through our operating operating budget, but it's some larger purchases. Uh so some of the larger purchases and some items that we've been trying to purchase uh past years
some other requirements we spent money elsewhere. Uh so one of the things uh is a size scan sonar unit. As you're well aware of company 2, we have a marine 2 boat that was purchased for about $36,000 from the association donated to
the town. Every year we've been doing some different projects trying to get that boat equipped instead of just spending a lump sum in one shot. So we purchased some equipment for the boat. Uh we purchased rescue suits. One of the
things that we really need that's why it's on the this evening is a sonar unit. This is a side scan sonar unit, the GPS mega side imaging. You can see some of the images right there. This will be used in search and rescue operations on
the lake. Integrated mapping is going to be huge for those search and rescue operations as well as just enhancing situational awareness of underwater objects. Want to get the longest life out of this boat as possible. There are
certain objects especially when you get to the codes that you can't see. >> Yes, there are plenty of rocks. >> So, do any of the other boats patrolling the lake have this now like our state police or Jefferson?
>> Currently, Jefferson does have on their fire boat. They have it sheriff's office that they'll bring out. It's not on the boat. They'll bring it out. It's actually a It's basically like >> it's an underwater drone.
>> Underwater. Interesting. >> Underwater drone. Uh I think we've done some training with the fire department. >> Well, I would imagine this would really be helpful in some of our sand kits, right? Because they
Correct. And we have, as you all know, in the last couple years, we've had some more accidents on the water with locating victims. And this would be a huge help. >> Takes a few days sometimes.
>> What we're doing is responding to our vote and we're looking down. members are diving in the water. This will allow us to search a large area quickly and uh you mentioned sandit
lake just in any questions on that I'm gonna let uh Chief Romeo speak about this. He was the lead uh person with the police department research on this piece.
>> So, a couple years ago, I was speaking with Sergeant Weaver and we were talking about getting fire department and police department training. Fire department's very good at forcing doors. We use some different tools uh to
do that job. A lot of times we're doing it with minimal damage as possible. You know, we can't access business key. We don't want to just slam the door open. We've been talking about, you know, doing some training with the police
department. We have used a training door in the past. Uh it's very limited what it can do. So, we looking purchasing training prop that can be more than just one or two basic uh scenarios and
something that is also mobile since we will be utilizing this with the police department. We'd like to take this trailer right down the school, roll it in the hallway whenever they're doing any type of active shooter training. And you can see right by the
uh picture there are You're not breaking open the door. We're actually going into the lock and forcing the lock open. Uh we also have the push bar and anyone walk through tools very
common doors throughout the hallways. Push bar scenario. So we can show them different ways of accessing push bar and pulling the push bar opening the door. We have some cutting scenarios on this. You can see on the right side there's a
padlock, there's rebar, there's chain link as well. So this door will do 11 different training scenarios all in one training and uh this will be purchased by all three companies and the police
department in conjunction together. What we've done in the past was borrow a simulator similar to this but much more bulky and harder to transport. Uh the town of Dville has provided us some training uh
opportunities with that piece of equipment. But what happens is they have to take time out of their day. Their DPW has to transport up a firehouse. We have to have a drill and the problem is that we try to schedule drills but as we all know we're very busy uh responding to calls. So sometimes those drills go
in a time f this piece of equipment was to be purchased. How would you move it around? We have a trailer. One of our members utilize the trailer all the time for moving equipment. Company one also has a trailer as well.
Utility truck, cheese truck, hook it up, strap it down and move it around. Once it's to the location, one person folds, temporary back. Currently, the one that we've been using takes about 60
>> correct >> and you can also hold classes for other people to come in. >> Correct. So, that's one of the big things like allowed us the ability to use their best. All towns have two out buildings. So we can't build a
roof, but you know a town that has a roof prop. >> I like hearing saving money. >> So as you can there on the slide that is a thermal imaging camera. That is a very useful tool in the fire service. Um what that does is it allows us to track fire
and also track the body because we all have a temperature and we can make rescues to the patient and get them out of the buildings faster. It also is utilized in recovery in the woods. We've had a couple of those last year as well. That heat sink that a body gives off,
you can actually follow footprints. You can see hands if they've fallen down. same thing as if you were in a house. It's a very useful tool. Um, we are looking to purchase them. We currently do have some. Unfortunately, the ones
that we have are older and they no longer make parts and the manufacturers no longer making them. That would be MSA. >> So, each company uh takes a thermal machine with them on a truck. So when they respond currently company one has
this camera vehicle has this vehicle company two has one and then it will be bringing three up and bringing them up to the same one that we all >> correct we have three in the department now one was able to purchase theirs last
year the year before I believe um and then we are looking to purchase this uh this We should the standard is to have one on each piece of equipment. The officer should have this camera at his uh call. So when we do go into a building, we're
able to check for heat sources. What this also does is help us find where the heat sources are in a house. So we're not actually like better lack of better term, we're not breaking stuff or looking for heat
sources that we can't see. actually not breaking down walls to see if there's >> correct. So, primary example of that is what the chief is getting across is an electrical fire. We've had multiple multiple of those this year. A camera from the chief's vehicle has helped us with that because we can see where the
fire is and where it is tracking and instead of now having to open every wall to figure out where the fire is going, we can pinpoint it and just attack that section versus the whole house or structure. >> And along with that, the Primary use of
this is during an actual fire when we would be searching for a victim. This would aid us tremendously in looking a victim in a fire at any point. Although we do already have three of
them, we need three companies with three of this model. We're trying to get all of them to this model. having, you know, an MSA, a board, a seat. The MSAs that we currently use pictures of anything like
those cameras are about 18 years old, black and white photos, uh, you know, imagery, it's the detail, the technology all the time. And one of the other things busiest time we know is very busy. We've
had seven calls at the same time different places. So we need those campers or two locations we don't have tied up somewhere else. So that's why it's important to make sure that engines each
has >> fire prevention >> and you a lot of times first on scene >> working Any other questions on thermal imaging camera?
>> This is going to be uh engine 23 which is currently at station. As we saw before, engine 23 is the oldest uh truck in the fleet. It's 31 years old. It's a mini pump. It's was actually repurposed. Used to be engine 105 at company one. It used to be a
yellow truck. Um, one of the major issues that we have with this truck right now, uh, due to its age and the lighting that is on the truck, the emergency lights cut out when responding to calls. Um,
>> so this used to be engine 105. at company. When I joined company 2, we had three class A engines. We're now down to one replacement. >> I'm sorry.
I was early 2000. >> I think maybe mid because I remember >> I can look into that and find out that that year. But uh yeah, like I said, uh currently the emergency lights shut off when we're
responding calls. Daytime, night time, we are clearing intersections and your lights go out and you don't know it. you have your siren going, but you have no clue that your emergency lights have just gone out. You know, at night time it's a little bit easier to tell because
you can kind of see the reflection off objects. However, during the daytime, you can't take this during the winter time snow conditions. We're doing standby. This is our first take up on the highway. We're now providing a block
on scenes and you're doing so we'll turn them off, turn it back on. Sometimes they come back on and stay on. Sometimes they go back out 30 seconds later. So after speaking with lead mechanic, Jim Norris on this uh he
reached out to Spectrum and had Spectrum come in and quote manager to switch all the current emergency lights out LED lights and that's number. >> It was engine replaced with a new squad that we
purchased late next year 2028. Engine 22 on that list. It's already been auctioned off last year. >> Correct. How old is
>> 22 at the time? Was 28 years old. Here's the slide that gives us a little bit of an update and an insight onto our cost recovery. Uh we went live officially on February 12, 2022.
Year to date, we've submitted 21 completed claims with five points, filled out 21,3 51 claims that's year to date. That's just a current update on our current situation.
Uh what I'd like to add to this is that some of the other surrounding towns are currently billing for a labor fee adding $2 to $400 per claim, a preparedness fee for $255 per claim, and administrative
fee adding about $200 per claim. The addition of these fees would potentially add 13,750 to $17,9. >> No, that's going to be the administration fee is for our
doing administrative work towards the cost recovery. It's an added fee that's a line item that we can include to provide for the you know office work that's being contract.
>> Well, we just we to do is point out the monies that are being left on the table. Why us? >> Yeah, we just want to make sure that you guys are aware of what's going on around this.
So, so currently we're applying this specifically to motor vehicle accidents and if there is a loss of equipment in a fire, we can go back and potentially build back for the loss of that piece of equipment during
currently right now >> within our townships. agreement already set up in place for an extended period of time. >> When the tenure goes out,
the reciprocals Any questions on cost recovery? >> Thank you. You're very request. We're looking to create a position for director of fire in the Here's an overview. Uh, the creation of this
position of director of Roxberry Fire and EMS has been discussed over the past couple several years with the fire department leadership. The benefit of Roxbury fire and EMS services due to the rapid growth within Rush Township, increased call volume, increased administrative duties associated with
being. This new position is if created would assist in completing administrative tasks that are associated within the fire department and allow leadership to concentrate on operational.
You guys have any questions? Some of the benefits uh this position would achieve in utilizing a single point for contact administration finance department. This position could potentially be offset by funds generated by the cost
recovery program. Keeps the department members safe and comp and we can have further conversations on this but this is in terms of one of the key positions that we're looking forward to especially getting cost recovery.
>> Yes. Talking about moving the current fire off the fire director and then another voluntector >> because we're trying to make the fire prevention officer fire director. So there was a little bit You know that's
why we're doing it at the same level and probably had a township manager who said the fire department. So probably you can blame me. >> There's not really a budget. We don't we don't see it's the same hours that Mike
currently works in a different title another part organizational change. >> Well, there'll be some cost. We think the costs are offset by the cost recovery. >> So, we don't think there's going to be a
negative we don't think there's going to be a negative budget impact. We thought it was appropriate, you know, and be trans. We're trying to do an organizational change. There may be cost discuss okay if we continue.
>> Yes please. So some of the duties and responsibilities would be coordinating with the fire department leadership to quotes purchases and projects for current and future needs. He would coordinate with the chiefs on an annual operating and capital budget and set controls appropriately allocating funds
for resources. He would act as a public information officer under direction of the Roxbury chiefs releasing information to public officials, press media during emergency events. assist the department with training officers with required annual training and record keeping.
Coordinates the ISO compliance within the township in the state and coordinates with Roxbury fire and EMS leadership on creating and implementing strategic plans that are best suited for the department and the residents of Roxbury Township which they serve. So that last slide you see there uh some
of the questions have been brought up already about it. As you can see, the transition uh the promotion, the location, and the hiring of it is within those four bullet points right there for you to review as well. So there would be
imper if we want to keep the amount of inspections at the same level. I think the slide was 1,600 this year. We want to keep up. >> I understand the rational I agree. I think I think some of these
things we talked about, >> right? All these budget preser would not be adding a fire in I would be removed from the fire prevention bureau. So the number of staffing within the fire prevention bureau will stay exactly the same exactly what you saw those numbers inspections and everything. The
only someone would have to go to my role and I would become fire department. staffing level and everything you saw with fire just be within the department. One person will move up to my role and then
those other ones have same staff. You still have five parts >> not at all. The organizational change would be the fire director would be working with the fire chiefs doing the administrative
work for the chiefs who are have other full-time jobs. The uh an internal person would come up to be the fire official who would supervise the fire inspector. Operationally,
Mike would go budget cost recovery would be taken out to pay the salary. So what I'm saying is we're not asking it'll be the same amount of people in
the fire inspectors today. We'll have one extra fire director would be situated in the fire department and that's the other reason we think we understand. I have additional questions. Next slide. Final slide.
All right, with my uh final summary, the number one priority of the Roxray County Fire Department is the safety and well-being of the residents and the volunteers. Fire Department is 100% volunteer
and in 2025 we responded to 1350 calls between fire and EMS with approximately 14,874 total men. The creation of the director of fire and EMS positions would assist
us in accomplishing our mission. Changes to the cost recovery ordinance will allow us to recover additional funds to invest in needed fire and EMS equipment. We are committed to being a collaborative partner with the township
council staff residents and delivering our mission of service. I'd like to thank everybody for taking the time out. Any questions before we head out? >> I just have one more question for you
guys as far as the standards on a regular basis. Is this something? >> So to answer that question is with within the last three years it happened. So, uh, three years ago it was 20 years
was you're up to 20 years at the last thing you want to do is not have it do what it's supposed to do. >> Thank you guys for your time. Why budget? Hallelujah. Thanks.
Thank you. Ready to go. How you doing? Council, I just would like to start your patience, new process going
to you sharing excellent work they do and I guess the public's been able to see that as well. But I want to thank you for trusting me to help us more comparing to findative solutions to find
additional revenues. So things like that allowed us to bring revenue to this community. I'm going to go into a high level. You can stop me at any slide. This is just to kind of put the framework where we
are and I understand we have now briefed multiple times. We haven't had a chance to come back and say I want to ask you a question about the health department. I want to ask a question about the police department that still is open just like
you know we weren't asking for definite decision we just want to have a chance with that uh next slide okay can't have this meeting without talking about the significant
ice physical impact our me dropped $62 million sell that building revenue loss as everyone knows is over 1 million broken down for Roxberry that's almost $500,000 a year
moving forward I don't know we have unknown personnel impacted positions if this facility is going to move forward whether it's public safety communications so I'm just going to put that out there that as we proceed with this we all know
that there's some things we can't answer in a week or two. Next slide. Want to go over some budget highlights. Proud to say that our health insurance increased by $700,000. Appreciate your support last year
forward. That was a great job. Veryful staff for all that work. >> The police and fire pension decreased by 3%. Library 1/3 of a mill increased by 13% to 1.8.
We added that grant team just one person. It's a team we have. finance added benefit software to $25,000 liability insurance%
obviously anybody who's lived here this winter knows that our snow and ice everything600 next slide administrative cuts works decreased by $60,000
offset from the recycling trust. Um, we actually have about 260,000 right now. We used 266,000 last year and we replenished another 200. So it's
by 259,000. >> After the replenishment of 200,000 is 260,000. What exactly did we spend this year? >> Um, in the 2025 2026 budget year, we
spent 266,000 out of the snow. This only has the 2025 extended amounts in it. Um we extended 619,22. That's just from the operating. Um I can tell you right now our overtime right
now over what we budgeted. So we're increasing that >> to accommodate for the next >> well it's already over for 2026 >> and we still have >> sorry So, it's already over for 2026 and we
still naturally have about two more months of the winter season, November, December at the back end of this year. So, that's why we're not I don't think was going to increase it much. It's just to cover some of the overtime potential at the end of the calendar. >> Yeah, that's the whole idea. >> Understood.
>> It was a heavy year. Lot a lot of events on weekends and holidays. >> That we had the money this year in surplus to replenish everything that we spent out of snow. We're not always going to have that. Back up bullet remove $300,000. >> Steve, you all right there?
We might have a new CPR machine. >> That was funny. >> For this budget, we're removing it $300,000. We put aside 300 last year. Obviously, we have to work with our attorney to make sure we cut the right deal with the state. They're not
treating us fairly. We removed the $200,000 from budget for the fire truck purchase. We have the $750,000 reserve mayor based off your question. The fire department came back
to that budget trying to figure out the hit on $500,000 that engineering project 400,000 to 300,000 approval grant
health department took out the animal control 95,000 this year next replace that 39,000 in one of the cars and Steve came up with various line
items in the DW. Next slide, please. Additional increases. Uh we have new planner. We put $100,000 in an icing line. We've added an additional labors
department and added 25,000 for overtime. Sounds good. >> Okay. So, we have talked in the past about potential investments in roads or roads and sidewalks.
>> We have two scenarios presented and obviously we can do either one of these scenarios. We can do a hybrid scenario, but we wanted to give council the opportunity to look at two different scenarios. One scenario being we were going to get aggressive and do $2.5
million over five years each year. We have options to ban some of that money or go to a bond. That would be a tax increase of 2% a surplus of $3.6 million and a capital
budget of 1.8. You can go to the next slide. You looked ahead. I think um that's one scenario, Jim. But I understand we're in uncharted waters right now and the budget impact. So I'm here just to
present alternatives. This council's going to come back and tell me what you guys want. We'll make it work. This is one scenario of a fiveyear ban and then bonding. We can do two years expect
>> some of the roads are up there. >> One way to structure that too is when you have a ban, you can pay whatever principle you want in that given year. So, if say this year we do 2.5 million and we say, you know, we're gonna you
could you have the opportunity to not even pay any of the principal until you get to the 10ear mark of any note. Um, but we we can we decide how much principle we pay while it's in the ban portion. So, we want to be aggressive
knowing that we're going to bond in five years. We're going to want to try to get that down as much as we can so that when we bond is not as high. There's different ways of looking at it. sidewalks.
>> So, it's it's a long-term outlook. It absolutely does get the road network in a much much better position where the township through normal increases of the budget process or would be very sustainable.
>> Absolutely. So we're we're hoping that >> programs >> five years >> there's a little bit of a catch-up period in that first five years. After that it would turn back into a maintenance and very standard uh how
many miles of road we would have to do and it really wouldn't change much. Um the sidewalks is a little bit longer term program but that's that does have an endgame in mind. So that our hope is we're able to make a significant impact
in the next seven years with this new sidewalk program. >> Yes. Give or take. >> Correct. That's correct. So keep in mind, Jim, it it is 1.8 million. That does not account for any of the offset grant opportunities that
will be presented to the township. So that that's really worst case scenario, but I obviously want to reflect the full picture. So we have been fortunate to get some DOT grants. I think some of the other things that are changing in town, I think we may be fortunate with other grant opportunities, but that's something that we're looking at
annually. You just can't guarantee the revenue on the grant. >> No, you cannot. But obviously I want to give the full picture of what our road network should be and what it's been and where we need to get >> um it's definitely more favorable than
it has been. Um, currently with the ban that we went out to, we we uh got a 3% interest rate, which was which was good compared to a couple years ago where it was over four. So, it's getting better, but you always have to pay attention to the markets and we have a firm that we
work with that sends us the markets or the the rates every month. So, we are on top of it. So right now being said, >> yes. Yeah. Because every year the bands expire every year. So your, you know,
your bands will get a new interest rate every year. >> Absolutely. That's that's definitely your direction. Yes. Another reason >> not only that but also our surplus the amount of surplus we have also helps
>> correct. rates. >> Correct. >> That was scenario one. >> Scenario two. that we had presented uh was if council decided not to make that
investment this year in the $2.5 million investment in the road and sidewalks bring it back down to 800,000 less initially request 1.8 ultimately
it's a math equation so you want to go less this year on roads and sidewalks. Do you want to go more? That's a council decision. But in this scenario, if we went back,
we'd have a higher tax increase unless we take more money out of the surplus. Again, you know, you can move that anyway. But just putting numbers here in front of you to consider and have thoughtful conversation with the emergence of
what they I CFO absolutely know we know we're taking a loss and I don't know what we're going to get backed worst case scenario what we're what we're facing. If we want
to describe scenarios, we can come up with a hybrid. It's we're looking for council direction especially on some of the timing for Steve and his team to get in touch with contractors who be doing some of this
work. Tim >> my suggestion would be coming out surplus that decision now financially startest. I'm with you.
>> Not knowing everything and we're so far into the process now. something so large. >> I do just want to say that um currently as it's presented in scenario two, you can see that the the municipal tax
increase is 5.5%. Statutoily, we cannot do that. In order to get it to 2%, I'd have to use another 800,000 of surplus. >> Um, and then we run into situations where we're not keeping as much surplus.
Our bond rating would then potentially go down because we're not holding on to as much surplus. >> And I also want to point out 800,000 would not be a lot to get. How many roads be able to pay?
>> The 800,000 is is we we authorized 1.2 million 1.1 or $1.2 million last year. So, we'd be taking a hit with the uh votes in this year, >> right? I mean, again, you guys can tell
us no, we don't want 800,000. We want 1.2 2 million half of the 2.5 more out there's a little bit of a balancing effect how far down you go started
wants us so that we have really This is also great. >> We could potentially ban $1 million in roads and and use and then 800,000 and then we get to where we need to be. >> It felt like that a little bit. We
sharpen our pencils for >> I would really like to I would like to start seeing some of these numbers because it's far I'm not against a hybrid solution at all but like for example we take 800,000 out of surplus
surplus surplus is still >> are we still we're already using 3.6 million you add eight we're going to be using I think it's like 4.4 4 million. >> Can you use the mic? We can't hear you.
>> We can't hear you. >> And um >> currently our surplus is I think it's about 9 million this year. >> So if we use 4.6 then we're about we're using about half. That's that's a lot.
>> Where are we supposed to be? I guess isn't it 50% of the overall >> it's like it should be 20%. Yeah. So if that's the case and we're still within it, then what's wrong with the hybrid solution?
>> I think I heard >> can I just mention one thing? Um statutoily I do have to adopt or introduce the budget uh by the end of March. Um and then I have to or the next meeting after. So I can technically um
introduce the budget first uh regular meeting in April um and then then the introduction would then be first regular meeting in May. Just putting this way out there already. >> Okay. >> Am I hearing
the ballpark of a ban of like 1.2800,000 reserves? I I think that's what I heard. I just want to make sure I heard what I need to hear. You have any questions? I want to do the Just just one other thing. What I'm
hearing is so I guess you have to make a decision on the 31st to get the contractor >> I will have to you by next >> we have a meeting next >> I don't know what to say.
You'll have an option by >> I'm going to any other questions. >> All right, we're going to move on uh to our first sorry item five requested referred by council members, manager,
attorney none. Brings us to our first public portion. I'm going to ask that the public portion be uh concentrate on the budget the departments that were presented tonight. Anybody have any questions on budgets that were presented tonight?
It's been a while, but everybody landing. Just want to touch briefly on what the chief's discussed. Um, this is just my opinion, not based off what they said or their opinion, but uh, Captain Ry, you are correct. This was presented for the fire director position about two
years ago in coordination with the recovery program. I just personally think it would be a huge benefit. You guys see the and effort these chiefs put in and it's very very taxing on them and their families. So just to have one
person consistently working with you guys and the chiefs especially with the transition up every year to have consistency in this town with that position I think everybody just app >> no I understand I'm justing I agree with
what they're saying about it all Anybody else have anything on the budget tonight? Seeing none, I'm going to close our first public portion. Item seven, introduction proposed ordinances, there are none. Item eight,
adoption ordinances. Second reading, there are none. Item nine, introduction of adoption of resolutions, there are none. Personnel changes, none. Communications, there are none. brings us to our second public portion. I ask that every anyone who wishes to be heard tonight come up to the microphone, state
your name and address for the record uh and please keep your comments three minutes. >> Hi, I'm Rosie and I live in Fort standing here again tonight because I am angry, disappointed, and honestly disgusted. The people in this community
are speaking out against an ICE detention facility planned for our town. Yet the people who are supposed to represent us are doing nothing. Silence is not leadership. Silence is simplicity. Across the country, ICE detention centers have been the subject of serious
reports of inhumane conditions, lack of transparency, and mistreatment of human beings who are often often simply seeking safety or a better life. And now our town is being asked to accept to be a
part of that system. And the council is standing by without taking a clear stand for the people who live here. You were elected to represent this community, not to stay quiet when something this serious is happening. Families in this town are worried about what this camp
means for our values, our reputation, and the kind of community that we want to be. Doing nothing sends a message. It tells the residents that their concerns don't matter. It tells the world that this town is willing to look the other way.
Leadership means having the courage to speak up when something is wrong. Right now, that courage is missing. Right now, I am asking, no, actually, I'm demanding that this council stop ignoring the
people you represent. Listen to the community. Take a stand and do your job. And don't just sit here with smirks and laugh at us. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Charles Johnson. I live on Berkshire Valley Road.
Many detention facilities are managed by forprofit organizations which have well doumented histories, poor conditions and inadequate medical care. The use of public funds to support these operations raises significant
ethical concerns. I believe is I believe that there that neither our tax dollars nor our township's reputation to be associated with a system that treats people seeking safety with such dignity.
My grandmother's my grandmother's journey to New Jersey from South Carolina was motivated by the desire to escape the harsh realities of segregation. She was a kind
god-fearing woman who was beloved by all who knew her. Despite having little formal education and working as a domestic labor, earning extra money by ironing clothes for others, she dedicated herself to supporting her
family through hard work. My grandmother lived to be 94, 96 actually. One day I asked her for advice to guide me through life. She simply told me, "Be good to people. This wisdom
has shaped my perspective and actions." And we and all we are asking now is for you to do the right thing and show kindness to others. My name is Matthew. I'm a social worker and a therapist here
in New Jersey. One of the skills that I've had to learn as a therapist and social worker to read people's emotions through their face, eyes, body language, and tone. And after having spent a number of weeks listening, observing the people in this room, I wanted to share some of the things that I've seen. As
I've been here listening to people come and address the statistics, money, infrastructure issues, and history of violence that comes with ICE concentration camps. The common thread I've noticed in the faces of those who came to speak is a look of empathy, but also pain in the eyes of these people.
They are fully aware of the danger and fear that is and will be experienced by their friends, family, and neighbors because of ICE and seeing how hurt they are to think that that could happen to someone in their community. I also see the bravery it takes to stand up here and demand change from their local
officials for the benefit of others while at the same time knowing that doing so can make them a target by this administration, by ICE, and even by law enforcement. I also see an anger in the people behind me, but not an anger that lashes out in destruction, but an that fuels determination to fight
to fight for what is right even when it might cost something. However, what I have seen from those in front of me stands in stark opposition. I see boredom, a look on your faces that says you are not here to listen but just waiting for us to stop talking. As you
look either down or completely past, I see quiet contempt as you attempt to hide smirks and smears unsuccessfully while the people here speak of the horrors that will fall this community because of ice. I also see an anger. However, unlike the anger behind me, the anger in front of me is an indignant
anger. One that says, "How dare you question us?" One that would see everything burn before aditted you were wrong. I see a coldness and a lack of empathy for your fellow human beings and the suffering that I will inflict and has already inflict on this community, this state, and this country. And so, I
leave you with one question, one I don't want to be answered to, but I hope you will really contemplate. What will it take for you to care? How many How many people do you need to see come into this room and beg for the lives of their neighbors before you care? How many more families do we need to see torn apart?
How many more children do you have to see running from mass agents and fear before you care? How many more photos and reports of inhumane conditions in these concentration camps do you need to see of people being treated like they are less than animals before you care?
How many more reports of violence denied medical care and rape against those held in these concentration camps? Do you need to you care? How many more people do you have to see executed in the streets by these mass agents who are gleeful in their use of violence before you care?
Will you only care once oppression is knocking on your door? Luckily, my name is Jean Marie Emler, Mount T, New Jersey. Just want to read a little something I saw today. DHS bought a warehouse in a city called Social
Georgia. When the city council asked DHS how they plan to use the warehouse, DHS refused to answer. So the city cut off water and sewer services and put a lock on the water meter and said that the
services will remain off until ICE indicates how the water and sewer to the facility will be served without exceeding the limit of the infrastructure capacity. That's something you might want to think about.
Thank you again for um is actually just a few questions. Well, first I'm going to start with I told you guys last week if you guys resolve this people wouldn't be here. So obviously you didn't resolve it. Understand that may not have been able to over the past week. But remember what
I said we will stop coming. We are advised that ICE will not be housed in Rox or anywhere local. Um anyway, it's it's two questions. There was in the media uh that um Congressman
King um said he will supply their funds to make up for funds that he doesn't lose um if the concentration camp open. My first question is going to be is if that money is offered, do you have to accept it? Um my second question is
going to be working on the budget. Um and I think um talked about this a bit. Um but ostensively you'll pass the budget probably within the next one to six weeks or one month to six weeks give
or take. Um if they were to move forward with opening the facility, does that you guys need to go back to square one to figure out how to move. You're saying you're saying no. Um or you're shaking your head. I'm not
I'm not criticizing. You're shaking your head. I'm just asking that's not a that's not a hot topic. That's a you know, I think kind of an easy question. Is it if this opens do you guys have to go back to square one to figure out like how do you guys there's going to be more
police needed >> answer that question >> Chris Mount I wanted to talk more about the infrastru problems um limitations for this facility. Um some quick numbers uh the water capacity for this warehouse um
is at 12,000 gallons per day. Um the intended use for DHS where they claim that the capacity would be 1500. Uh you know people being housed has in this facility could be up to 3,000 based off of some of the more accurate numbers but
DHS has 1500. Um that would bring the total gallons per day up to 187,000. Um this is on top of the Highlands region uh being in a state of extreme drought, which is really the only region in New Jersey that is under that that
code. Um the entire state of New Jersey is under a drought warning and really has been since um early to mid 2024. We haven't really gotten out of it. Um it snowed a lot over this past winter, but I think inches of snow roughly
translates to about one inch of water. So, we're really not out of that yet. And that's on top of AI data center development which is threatening water infrastructure even further. Um, which my organization has been helping to mobilize people against. It's a very bipartisan issue because people
understand that the extreme water usage requirements for these data centers for cooling purposes um is such a massive strain on public resources that we really just don't want them in our towns. Um, and this facility should be
treated the same exact way. Um, and for sewer, it's pretty comparable. 11,700 gallons per day under the current usage or the previous usage. Um, DHS would bring that up to about 187,500
um sewage. So, you know, New Jerseys municipalities are in charge of um operating their Clean Water Act requirements. Uh, Water delegates that authority to the states uh for uh pollution discharge permits. Uh we have
the gypties permits. We have uh municipal separate storm sewer system permits. MS4 at the local level. Uh we recently have new requirements to uh put together waterershed improvement plans which I hope Roxy's been working on. I know a lot of towns haven't but um that
that is our fault if we can't comply with that and all that sewage has to go somewhere. 187,000 gallons an area that is currently treating 11,700. That's 16 times as much. We do not have the infrastructure to handle that. Um,
and it would fall on the rate payers for uh the Musk Connect sewage authority to expand that piping service. I don't really know what that would look like. That would probably take years to get up to snuff. for water. Um, that area has a
publicly owned water utility, which means people Roxberry uh and rateayers would have to pay that. So, I think it's this council's obligation to inform all of the rateayers about the potential costs for uh improving the the service
lines uh 16 times what they normally are. Thank you. Although he's not here tonight, I will address Senator directly. Senator, it is important for you to understand that your votes are earned. Your moral and
ethical standing is underring immigration including advocacy from New Jersey and my requires detention without detain that speaks for itself. Your constituents are extremely concerned about your moral and ethical standards.
Sadly, it appears that the Roberry Town Council who also need to know that their votes are earned don't see the issue with your role as town attorney and refusal to recuse yourself in this situation as well.
residents are paying you to fight the ice camp with profound passion that you have been submissively submissively showing in must political theater. My question for you is reflexive. Where
is the proxy? majority. Where will this majority be at the next town council election? It is tremendously hypocritical and disingenuous that you say that the town council represents this majority. It is
morally reprehensive representatives to make decisions based on something they have yet to see or produce at public meetings. To all of you on the town council, I pose another rhetorical question. Kathy
was kind enough to take time from her overwhelmingly busy schedule to speak with you in early January. She was here as part of our community as one of your constituents and concerned citizens from other communities who bring to your attention ISIS plan to
incarcerate human beings in cages in Asentation camp is a place for a large number of people such as prisoners of war, political prisoners, refugees, or the members of an ethnic or religious
minority. are detained or confined under armed guard. Kathy encouraged Senator and members of this very town council to visit to visit. I ask you to explore your conscience.
Have you visited Delaney? If not, why not? You were invited. You have not shown nor you have the courage, fortitude or moral integity to accept. How are we to accept that you believe
there's nothing you can do. You do not. I am part of a group of friends and neighbors who regularly visit. Five of them are directly related to the environmental protection at the same 206
in a very commercial district. This warehouse can be zoned as a warehouse. It is not zon. I was extremely disappointed to hear they could not put anything in writing when I found out that the million tax
million that was talked about news was a phone call and never put in just maybe a few weeks but they got a restraining by putting it in writing in front of a
judge their detention center under a restraining order They can't move forward. They are getting things done. This is possible. And if you don't think having a prison detention center concentration in your
backyard will increase every negative like I feel bad for this environment they had on their chart that they won't have any more calls next year was only up a little bit. If this goes through they're already saying they're so busy.
They're so many 911 calls are dramatic coming out of these places and then also just the ice on our streets doing the crazy traffic stops. You're going to have so many more
traffic or large traffic issues from there already. I have seen as a business that projects can be stopped very easily but it takes everything in writing and
it takes very strong and powerful and you can father's had a small business in New Jersey for 65 years. If you can stop him from being able to sell property because we haven't heard a single thing.
So they come and shoot it in your jurisdiction and you guys don't know nothing about it. Have you inquired? >> Okay, cool. >> So has Senator BO only been cleared by the Office of Legislative Services or has he also been cleared by the Office
of Attorney Ethics? All right. So that means he hasn't been cleared by the actual office that's supposed to clear him because we're not asking him to step down as a legislator. We're asking him to step down as an attorney. Also in your budget it says um M80K, right? It also says approximately
18,000 per month which doesn't add up. Um but it also says ICE legal 100k. Is that for the 100k? Is he the only person that's going to be fighting this as far as legal counsel?
Okay. response is not a good look. I'm not going to lie to you. So, >> right. So, when let's say he loses, right? Everybody's going to be more mad at you than I argue at him because at least we know what he's telling us. And
can't we cons? >> You can't tell us if he's the only person that's going to be fighting it. >> Okay. All right. So let's say it's fair to say that he's going to care more about Republican voters view of him as opposed to Roxberry constituents because you appoint him as let me finish. I'm
and I'm going to go a little longer than three minutes because I'll let you talk a little bit too. >> So he he's going to care more about how Republicans think of him as opposed to us. So how do you think it's going to fair for him if he successfully stops this camp when Republicans want these things? They want it. And if they find
out that Republican Senator BCO is the one who managed to stop it, do you think that's going to look good for him as a Republican? I don't. And I think anybody that has common sense or has like the gall to admit it out loud knows that that's not
going to look good for him. He Okay. In terms of fire safety, right? Are there fire hydrants by the warehouse? Do you know? Are there sprinklers inside? >> There are sprinklers inside. >> Right. But it's not It's built, right?
It's built for 40 warehouse workers, right? It's not built for a couple thousand people inside. >> For 40 workers. >> You're not for 40 workers. Not for a couple thousand prisoners. Correct. >> Oh, for >> Okay. ISIS raping girls and women and
putting all pregnant girls in one detention facility in Texas. by the way. >> Um, they are I just read about a little boy 5-year-old autistic boy didn't for 10 days. Had a swollen belly. Didn't see a pediatrician. Oh, a Haitian woman in Pittsburgh
released her and they found her dead a couple days later just a couple weeks ago. Haiti, by the way, which were actively drone striking right now currently the government. Um, yeah. Oh, by the way, I found a petition from 2014 at least 500 signatures asking
Buer to resign in 2014 for the Fenmore project because there was a conflict of interest of him being an assemblyman and a republic and be a town attorney. So, people have been asking me for over 10 years to have him resign and you don't care >> and every time you stand here and look at me and don't say a word and looks and look me dead in the eye, you tell us all
that you don't care in no words and I appreciate you letting me go over. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Sierra Winters. I live on Boulevard in Landing. Um I need a second for a deep breath. Uh because I have a 5-year-old autistic
son. Um and hearing that made me sick and he's a Roxberry child and um yeah, I'm a mother. I'm raising two children here and I'm here to raise concerns about the same things as all of my neighbors. I saw the $100,000 line item for ICE related legal work. Um, if this
is going to Google on top of the $80,000 that we're already paying to him, that brings his total compensation for Roxbury taxpayers to $180,000. That is a lot of money for this town. I saw the cost of some of the equipment. Um, you know, for reference, um, do you
know the median household income of a family in Roxberry? is $134,000. So, we're preparing to pay Bugo more money than most families live on in this town to represent us in a matter that is
in direct conflict with his political record. This does not sit right with me and I want to be clear. I believe that we absolutely should allocate these funds to put a stop to the ICE detention facility in our town. However, I do not
believe that Senator Bugo will give us the return on investment. We all know that the families in Roberry are working hard. We are raising our children. We're paying our taxes. We're trying to build a safe, stable life in a
community that is welcoming and kind. It's been welcoming and kind to me, and I believe it should be that way to others. Um, choosing to line Senator Bugo's pockets while he supports policies that are actively harming immigrant families and detention
facility, a concentration camp is being built in our backyard is a misuse of our hard-earned tax dollars. As a mother, I see immigration as a family focused issue. I would do absolutely anything legal or illegal to
protect my children, to keep them safe, to keep them with me. And I know that I'm not alone in that. I would imagine that those of you on this council who have children of your own would do the same thing. Many of the people who will be held in this facility are not criminals. They
are families, parents, people driven by the same instincts that we feel every day to do what's best for our families. We need to do the right thing here. My ask is simple. If we are going to invest $100,000 in legal representation for
this issue, and I believe that we should, that we must fight this with every dollar that we can spare to. Let's hire someone who can get the job done. Someone who will work tirelessly and passionately without conflict and with
full trust from the community. And I think you know that Senator Buco is not that person. I hope you will make the right decision for Roxberry and obtain independent legal counsel. Thank you. Happy St. Patrick's Day. Guy Citron Tubesberry Township. Grew up
in Morris County. Uh coming to you as a neighbor and a friend. Uh good evening honorable mayor and honorable council members. I just wanted to say something very briefly in honor of St. Patrick's Day to the effect of Irish heritage.
And uh last week I admitted to not being a lawyer. I'm also not a historian. So if I, you know, get it a little bit wrong, I apologize. Um but to my understanding, um in the 1920s, the Irish were experiencing an
independence movement. They wanted to be free to self-determine outside of um I guess the British monarchy was it at still or was it were they Anyway, I'm sorry like I said uh they wanted to self-determinate and
um instead of being uh accommodating or democratic about it, the the British started a paramilitary group known as the Black and Tans. the black and tans would go in uh and basically terrorize Irish people and uh and destroy their
ability to to organize. I'm a Jewish American, third generation, and we experienced similar, my grand great great grandparents did in Russia and Poland with the Brams and I'm pretty sure the Italians experienced something
very similar in the 30s and 40s uh and actually late 20s with the rise of of Mussolini and and that three, you know, group of heritages, the Jews and the Italians and the Irish of New Jersey. Um, you know, I just want to point out
that we we were called the criminal illegal aliens. We were called uh the rapists, the murderers, the thugs. We had jobs in
sweat shops. We did the dangerous jobs. We were the push cart salespeople on the side of the road. That that was us um not too long ago. And so, you know, in in honor of of of everyone's heritage who comes to this country seeking
freedom and and liberty and life and the pursuit of happiness, and I I'll finish here. Thank you for your understanding. I I think we really need to look at our our our neighbors who are in the process of becoming citizens
understanding that asylum seeking and coming to America is not a uh like like an A tob process for everybody. If you get something wrong on your paperwork, you have bad representation or perhaps uh the country that you come from is now
collapsed and and the government no longer has your documents. things like this occur. So, I'm just I'm I'm praying for for that sense of pride in one's heritage, whether it's Irish, Jewish, Italian. Uh the gentleman spoke of his his mother who came from from South
Carolina who's seeking similar black American, you know, whatever your heritage is, heritage heritage is, I I pray that you find solidarity with with what our migrant neighbors are experiencing now. And please do everything to stop this facility. >> Thank you.
Tracy, >> I'm sorry. >> Tracy Reed, all so I'm here to ask for something fundamental. Clear communication, transparency, and accountability to the residents of Roberry.
We are tired. We've been here week after week. We've given you all of the reasons, all the business reasons, all the humanitarian reasons, all the environmental reasons. We've offered to help. We've had people that have advanced degrees and all kinds
of things offer to come forward and help you figure this out. And yet, we're still left in the dark. Transparency is not optional. It's essential to good governance. When communication is limited or unclear, it
erodess public trust and creates unnecessary fear and speculation. We're asking the council to ensure that no decisions are made without meaningful community input. And this doesn't count only as meaningful community input. We
would like a two-way conversation. We've been asking questions. We we don't get answers. >> And I understand there are things that can't be discussed. I get it. I managed people. I've run companies. I understand. But this is also still a democracy. So, at
some point, we need more information. Roxberry residents deserve to be informed participants in decisions that affect our community. Silence or delay is not acceptable. We respectfully but firmly ask you to do
your duty. Communicate openly. Answer our questions. and engage with the people that you represent. Thank you. >> Uh my name is Aish Gupta. If you need any help spelling that you can find me
after the meeting. I live on 69 Avenue in Newton, New Jersey. And I wanted to express that I'm very grateful for the opportunity to speak to you all. And uh I'm very grateful for the firefighters who go out and risk their lives legitimately. I know sometimes I get sarcasm up here, but legitimately it
takes a lot of courage for someone to run towards a fire, you know, and I really liked what they said about uh service above self. And I think the people who are standing behind me uh exhibit that because they're coming out here on a week night. It's it's pretty late and they're coming to address you
with their concerns. Um I really respect them for that. Uh I wanted to say something about I really wish Senator Buco was here because he spoke to the press about political theater that we're engaging in political theater. I I thought that was funny because during our last uh during the last council
meeting, you brought up the daughters of the American Revolution to give them an honorary award and you talked about the fireworks uh for the 250ear celebration of America. So I just wanted to talk a little bit about the revolution of 1776.
This revolution lives in the bullets that killed Sario Gonzalez, Keith Porter, Alex, and Rene. The revolution lives in the women and children shivering in ICE prisons across the country. The revolution lives with the four-year-old child with cancer that DHS
deported to Honduras. The revolution lives in the children that ICE uses as bait to catch their parents. The revolution lives in the slaughter of 150 girls in Iran. The revolution lives in the 72,000 killed in the genocide in Gaza at the behest of American capital
with American weapons. The revolution lives in the blockade around Cuba and in the bombs that fell on Caracus. The revolution lives in the knees that suffocated George Floyd. It lives in the bullets that killed Philando Castile and Brianna Taylor. The revolution lives in
my incarcerated black and brown brothers and sisters picking cotton on chain gangs in Louisiana because they committed a crime. The revolution lives in the slave patrols and the police departments they later became. And the revolution lives in our beautiful, brave
boys in blue, carrying on that beautiful legacy to this day, armed and ready to intimidate any brown people that dare to cuss on this podium. The revolution will live inside all 4,500 detainees at the Roxbury ICE detention center. God bless them all and the brave camp guards who
will abuse and neglect them. I'm excited to fly the red, white, and blue on 4th of July. Will the detainees, this is a legitimate question. Will the detainees be able to see the fireworks from the warehouse? Are you going to give them that capability? No comment. Thank you. This is not my
revolution. It's not our revolution. It is the revolution of the twisted parasites that rape children on Little St. James Island. Our revolution is the one where the levers of power are wrenched from the pedophilic elite and placed in the hands of the masses that work tirelessly to create their wealth.
Thank you for letting me speak. My name is Sally. I'm from so I just want to say um when that Washington Post article was dropped, everyone was caught up hard. All of us. Your own superiors screwed you over and left you to deal with the consequences,
the backlash, the humiliation. And because you haven't taken formidable action, they see you as weak and submissive and feel like they can use you as their face. If they did it to you once, you're going to screw you over again. And first, they're going to come
for us, but then they're going to come for their fall guys. So the ROI on silence will be your downfall. So true. What are you going to do to take your power back and stand for what's right? My name is Jose. I'm a stand president.
Um, I kind of want to continue talking about all the atrocities. Um, I want to keep talking about the recorded atrocities that have been going on in ICE detention facilities. Um, you know, uh, grew up growing up in the
internet age. I feel like I'm pretty desensitized to violent imagery. You know, my country um you know has uh engaged in war pretty much all my life. Um so I've seen the reporting the imaging and uh sometimes I'm not proud to say that like violent image doesn't really affect me all that much. I've
never been in war, you know, I'm sure it's completely different, but uh you know I've seen you know people getting shot, people getting decapitated, uh people you know under censorship but people getting raped. you know, those are all on the internet. Um, but there
was a Associated Press article that came out like two weeks ago that struck a different point with me. Um, there was a section of the article that says, uh, the detainee says, uh, this is an account of a person held in ice detention facility in Texas. And the detainee says that guards um were
placing bets on who was the next person, the next detainee that was going to kill themselves. Um, I'm going to say that again. There were detention guards placing bets amongst themselves to see which uh
um there were people ICE detention guards placing bets amongst themselves, you know, gaming, having fun uh to see which was the next person that was going to kill themselves. I I think that's so up, you know, on so many just on levels. I'm sorry.
um want to engage in violence right now. Um I think the pool of money that the articles say was around $500. Um and the detainee that was, you know, speaking to this reporter um said that that talk that they overheard was particularly
jarring because he himself had contemplated suicide while in detention. Now, a lot of people here bring up very valid concerns about the environment, the sewage, the resources on our township. All of which are very valid. But none of that pales in comparison to
the atrocities that are going down in these warehouses and they're just going to open one down the street on 46 like right here, you know. So, none of this is right anywhere. It's not right in Texas. It's not right anywhere across this country. But, you know, we are not everywhere in the country. We're here in
Roxberry and this is going to open right here in Roxberry. So, I really that you take this seriously, not just as a city council person, town council person, but as a resident and a human being. >> Like, you know, like we're talking about serious things. Suicide, rape, excuse my language, but these are real things, you
know. So, so yeah, I just kind of wanted to vent about that because, you know, again, it it's important the the water and the sewage is important, but keep talking about this while, you know, while the underlying theme is human suffering is it's a little absurd to me,
you know. So, I'm just going to leave it at that. Thank you. >> Good evening. May 30 whisper away East Ledger here in Roberry. Um first before I get to my comments, I would just like to make a procedural recommendation. Um as you
planning on ending public session, it may be helpful to do a for lack of a better term last fall. There are people who are physically unable to stand for long periods of time and wait for the line to go down because we have historically had long lines for this. Um so I would recommend that we make a
verbal announcement so People who wish to be heard can be heard. Thank you. Then for what I wanted to speak tonight, I often come here simply as a concerned resident audience member. However, I'm
often inspired by something one of you says. As Bonnie Rosenthal, very wise woman, said at a prior meeting, words matter. Tonight, I'm inspired by Senator Bo's letter posted on our town website.
When Councilwoman Alrech proposed adding a tab to our town website, we appreciated and applauded the gesture of transparency. We were anticipating things like updates on the ICE arrest, which also had a discharge of a firearm,
not a patronizing remark from Senator to read the quote that is resonating with members. I would encourage every everyone to rise above political theater and work together for the betterment of the township. >> What have we been doing here? That's
what we've been asking for for work with us. The term itself, political theater and the overall sentence that I just read is divisive and an improper use of our website tab that is intended for transparency to share information with
the community. Again, words matter. THANK YOU. KEGAN, 90 ROAD, New Jersey. I also just have some procedural two procedural things uh to say
how should we communicate to you when we can't hear you? Literally, we could not hear you. I couldn't hear Councilman Riley Council because they literally were backed up almost to the wall. So they were not ready for their mics. However, the township manager and the
person was sitting next to you, we could hear them clearly because they were on their mics. We could hear them. So we just asked that we could hear you. Uh, and also how will it feel when you're deep in litigation and these meeting
transcripts and you hear Mr. O'Reilly twice refer to the facility up the street? Aren't we capable of calling what is a warehouse? The warehouse. The
ice warehouse. Thank you. Public motion to return favor.