Um, as is customary, as the township attorney, I will be presiding over this meeting for about five minutes and until a mayor is sworn in. Please take notice that adequate notice of this meeting was provided to the
public and the press on December 30th, 2025 in compliance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 231, PL1975. All council meetings are now livereamed and can be viewed at the following link.
https www.youtube.com at sparta township streams. Please rise to salute the flag to the flag of
the stands nation for all justice for all. Before we move to the appointment of the mayor, I've been asked by the township clerk and the township manager to um present the outgoing mayor's uh plaque
that the township did not have available at the end of 2025. And uh having converted with Councilman Councilwoman uh Murphy uh if you would please present at your convenience.
>> Sure. Thank you for everything. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. you. Thank you. Um, thanks to all my council people. Um, I am proud of 2025.
We did do some initiatives that will hopefully last a lot longer than my tenure trail film uh, beautifification which we will appoint today. I'm also proud that we got information to the public about the remediation
efforts at Station Park. We brought in D officials, EPA officials do that. We got experts about Sparta Mountain deportation. Very proud of that. I'm also proud of initiatives um trying to stop the illegal distribution of cannabis by
prohibiting land use responsible for billions of so we have a lot more work to do. Um, whoever takes the helm, I know we have plenty to do, but we're in good shape uh with the talent that we have behind me, and none of this could be done without
them and our staff. So, thank you. Okay, at this time I would ask the council to submit nomination for mayor for 2026. >> As is the tradition in here in Sparta, I'd like to nominate the deputy mayor,
Margie Murphy, to be mayor in 2026. >> Okay. Thank you. Are there any other nominations for mayor? >> Yes. I proudly nominate Dean Blumemedi uh for mayor. >> Okay. Any other nominations? Seeing
none, I will take a roll call vote in the order that the nomination was received. Um Madame Clerk, would you please call the role for um township mayor for Margie Murphy? >> Councilman Bli,
>> no. >> Councilman Clark, >> no. >> Councilwoman Murphy, >> yes. Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilman Sylvester, >> no. >> Thank you. That vote fails. Uh, Madame Clerk, would you please call the roll
call vote to have Councilman Blumeetti appointed mayor for 2026? >> Councilman Blumemedi, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Counciloman Murphy, >> yes. >> Council Councilman Scott, >> no.
>> Councilman Sylvester, >> yes. The vote passes uh 4 to one. Uh I'll now turn the meeting over to Mayor Blumeetti. Thank you. Now's the time. >> Yeah.
Thank you. Okay. Uh, please place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Dean Blumemedi, >> I Dean Blumemedi, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States
>> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States and in this state under the authority of
the people >> and in the state under the authority of the people Perform all the duties of the office of mayor. >> perform all the duties of the office of mayor. >> According to the best of my ability, so help me God. >> according to the best of my ability. Help me God. >> Congratulations.
Thank you everyone. Before we get on to the next uh topic on the agenda, I'd just like to share a few brief comments. Um I'd like to do a few thank yous first. Uh, thank you to my wife and dear
family here in person, also watching from New Jersey and from around the country for their constant support and enduring belief in me. Uh, to outgoing Mayor Clark and Deputy Mayor Murphy, uh, for your focus and your commitment
throughout all of last year. uh to my fellow council members, our employees, our volunteers serving on our boards and committees, and our professionals for your dedication in making and keeping Sparta the special community that it is.
Um like to share a few thoughts about how I see things entering 2026. You know, first and foremost, the reality is that we're really one very small community here. We're all neighbors who care deeply about our town.
However, I'm tired of the political nonsense and the divisiveness. And I know most of you in this room and those watching on live stream and in our community probably feel the same way. Partisanship is bad enough in towns
unlike Sparta where they're formerly structured along party lines. But it's even worse here in a Faulner town where partisan nonpartisan collaboration is actually encouraged and envisioned for the benefits that it provides. Device in
this is damaging and it's distracting us from getting the real work done. I don't make decisions by party and never have, never will. My decisions are based on information analysis and what I independently truly believe is best for this town.
I believe we should act and vote from a place of hope, not from fear or according to artificial constraints. I honestly don't care where my where my colleagues fall with respect to national politics. Doesn't matter. What matters is how we work together to serve this
community. So, how can we make this work? I can assure you that everyone sitting up here on this deis cares passionately about this community in their own way. But we're not perfect. We're not going to agree on everything. And that's okay.
Actually, that's good. We all agree on everything. You need new people up here. I believe we're meant to come together to debate ideas and issues and solutions, to seek to find common ground, and to evaluate based on merits
and pros and cons. But when we do hold differing opinions, it's going to happen. We, all of us, including the public, need to resist the urge to assume it's personal or that there's some behind-the-scenes conspiracy at work.
Those who may disagree with us are not the enemy assume positive intent. We're all just trying to do what's best for this town. 2025 was a rough year in many ways. We all recognize that. I have I have three simple requests that
I think will help in 2026. to help us be more productive and efficient. Listen. Listen to find areas of commonality. There are there. Second is don't judge. And the third third is just be
respectful. Now, easier said than done, especially when you're hot. You have a hot topic and you're passionate about it. I'll strive to do my best this year in those areas and I respectfully ask that my fellow council members and the public do the same. Once again, we're a
very small community. We need to come together to keep Sparta the special place that it is. Thank you. >> Okay. Next, I would like to open up for nominations for the office of deputy mayor for 2026. Do I have any
nominations? I'll start. Actually, I would like to nominate Councilman Mike Sylvester for deputy mayor for 2026. Are there any other nominations on the floor? Okay. Uh, Madam Clerk, do we need a a vote? If there's no other nominations,
>> we can take a vote. We should take a vote. >> Okay. Uh, please, uh, would you do a roll call vote? >> Sure. Uh, Mayor Blumemedi, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. Councilman Sylvester.
>> Yes. >> No. >> Excellent. You want me to do it? Oh, take this. There you go. Place your left hand on the Bible and uh you raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, Michael
Sylvester, >> I, Michael Sylvester, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same. that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state under the authority of the people >> and and in this state under the authority of people
>> and that I will faithfully and go ahead >> sorry I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> and justly >> perform all the duties of the office of deputy mayor >> perform all the duties of the office of deputy mayor >> according to my best of my ability. So help me God. >> According to the best of my abilities,
so help me God. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Thank you. Excuse me. I know. Is it okay? I just see what she's Same.
>> All right. Congratulations, Deputy Mayor. >> Thank you. >> Looking forward to a great year. >> So, next let's move on the agenda. We are going to go to the section number three, council appointments for statutory boards. Uh the first one on the agenda is the
environmental commission. Uh these are all uh appointed through by the mayor. So I'm just going to read these off. Uh the appointments for 2026. Uh Christine Dunar, regular member. Robert Otto, regular member, moved up
from alternate. Christine Rogers, regular member, Alex John Birdie, new appointment as a regular member and also for the chairperson um our recent chairwoman after three years her term ended and she resigned to join the board of ed. So congratulations to her and
thank thanks to uh Kim Null for all of her work. U so we have a a new chairperson this year which is our vice chair from last year. Uh Neil Sourine is going to be the chairman of the environmental commission. >> Yep. Um we are going to uh hold off for now
on the council leazison for rental commission. We'll do that next week or so. Next on the agenda is the library library board of trustees. So um this one these two are also
mayoral appointments. So, I would like to reappoint Mark Beardmore as a member again of the library board and I'll uh take the role of council liaison for the library board. All right. Next on the agenda, planning
board. So, um for the planning board, we have a number of openings here. Uh, I'll make a motion to place uh, deputy mayor Sylvester in the council liaison class 3
role and Christine Dunar to reappoint her to the class 4 role and the environmental commission liaison. I'd like to reappoint uh, the motion also includes a reappointment for Brian Zimmerman as alternate one
and also Uh the motion includes uh Burget Bogler uh as a new appointment as alternate two. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Would you like to do a roll call vote? >> I I think we have to we need to break
those up by the persons >> by person. >> Okay. >> I make a nomination for Mark Scott to be on planning board. And I believe there's another
you have a mayor designate as well. Correct. >> Correct. That's open right now. >> That's open. >> We haven't discussed that yet. >> Okay. But you can't make you can't make a motion on mayor's designate. You can make it on the first one. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> So, you just need a second
>> second. You don't need a second for a nomination. >> These aren't nominations. The nominations were only for mayor and deputy mayor. are now regular motions and seconds. Okay. So, do we we address the first motion first? Okay. So, um the motion I
made was for Deputy Mayor Celeste, Christine Dunar, Brian Zimmerman, Burget Bogler. Um do I have a second for those? Oh, you second it, right, Mike? >> I second it. You second it. Okay. A roll call vote, please. Madam clerk. >> Councilman Scott.
is a vote for all three. >> This for uh the motion I made >> to appoint all three >> uh four >> four. Do I have some clarity on this? Um Christine Dumbar's term isn't up until next year. Um
I'm not sure she should be considered, but however, if you know she is, the person filling her spot is only there for the remainder of that term. Yeah, you're correct. That's Beerit Bogler, the alternate two would have a one year of the two-year term left. So,
she'd be on for one year. >> Okay. Can we note that in the record? >> Yeah. >> Any other discussion? >> Uh, Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark,
>> yes. Deputy Mayor Sylvester. >> Yes. >> Mayor Blumeetti. >> Yes. >> Okay, we have appointments. Uh the class one mayor's designate. I have a uh candidate that I'm basically set on.
Just need to a final review on the individual. So, I'm going to delay that uh mayoral appointment till next meeting. All right. Next, moving on to zoning board. like to make a motion for the following. To reappoint Manith
Lori, reappoint Richard Luffa, appoint as a new person as alternate one Brian Romanowski. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion?
>> Is there going to be an alternate two? >> No, not yet. Um, there's a I'm waiting for confirmation. There's a strong candidate with a lot of experience that applied and just waiting final
confirmation on the scheduling though that's going to be delayed. >> Will that be shared with the rest of us >> prior? Oh, yeah. Who it is? >> Yeah. Yep. I can do >> because I don't have that. >> Yeah, it's in the packet of applicants for zoning board. I'll tell you. >> Well, I don't know who it is. Okay. Okay.
So, right now we're just on Kenneth, Lori, Rich Richard, >> Larupa, and uh >> Brian Romanowski. Yep. Ryan is the alternate one. Madam Clerk, may I have a roll call vote? >> Councilman Scott,
>> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Blummeti, >> yes. Okay. All right. All right. Now we're moving on to the advisory committees.
So the first one is beautifification. So we I'll make a motion for new appointments for five individuals. This is a new committee. Um, so we have uh Barbara Abita, Susan
Abaluchio, Stephen Espanol, Milani Brinkenhoff, Jolain Richmond, and also I'd like in the motion to include uh Councilman Clark as the council leazison. Do I have a second?
>> Second. >> Any discussion? Okay, Madam Clerk, roll call, please. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Blumeetti,
>> yes. >> All right. Thank you. And just I I will say that uh because this is a new appointment um and I'm now the council leaison I will be in touch with the appointed members about scheduling meetings and then at future meetings I'll I'll tell the public when
we meet and everything. So I'll hopefully have that information to you by our next meeting. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Next on the list is the business development committee. So I'd like to make a motion to reappoint the following four members. Brad Carlson,
Nicole Frankower, Patrick Mccernan, Dean Reinhower, and also would like to include in the motion two council leaison, Deputy Mayor Sylvester and Councilman Scott. Do I have a second? >> I'll second that. >> We have a roll call vote, please.
>> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Counciloman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Bli, >> yes. >> Okay, moving on. Cultural Affairs Committee. We have six I'd like to make a motion.
We have six reappoints and one new appointment. Uh so I'd like to reappoint the following. Glenn Allen, Steven Hespit, Stuart Leeben, Neil Sarowine, Chris Tutel, Bill Wright, and Janelle Leed. Um
Janelle Leard was actually technically appointed during middle of this past year but um there was a but she wasn't contacted in time so she hasn't actually started her role yet. So I'm including as a new appointment but she's been in the uh in
the process for a little bit here. And also I'd like the motion to include the council leazison of councilman Clark. Do I have a second? >> I will second that. May I >> have a roll call, please? Councilman Scott,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Blummedi, >> yes. Next is the film committee. So, we have a number of reappoints.
I'd like to make a motion to reappoint the following members. Kevin Ali, Robert Bole, Frank Dolce, Justin Karperich, Scott Landy, Shan Landy, Roy McDonald, Rachel Pizzulli,
Michael Puchio, George Seagal, and council liaison of Councilman Clark. Do I have a second? >> Second, >> Councilman Scott. Yes. Can we add additional nominees
after this group >> if they have applications? So, um on on the film committee, if I I can clarify, uh you know, this is from our committee. What we do, we have the applications uh come in. Uh we ask the applicant to attend a meeting uh to make sure they're
a good fit and everything. We're doing that. Uh there's two applicants who are not being appointed tonight because they've yet to attend a meeting. We had to notify them. They are um uh Sam uh Holivax and uh I think Ken Yeah, Ken as
well. So we'll be reaching out to them. We have our meeting on Thursday, the third Thursday of this month. Uh they will attend that meeting. Um and then hopefully the meeting that we have after that will be able to appoint them. But it's a procedure that our film committee has come up with as a way to make sure
people understand what is involved in the committee and not just appoint them um before they've had any experience. >> Good. >> Great. Thanks for explaining that. >> Sure. >> I just want to make sure they were included. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark,
>> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Blumetti, >> yes. And and sorry uh Mayor Blum Betty, one thing I forgot to add about the cultural affairs. We had a number of applications for this committee beyond the people. Um
I'm still need to reach out to them and see if they're still interested. Also, we're looking to sort of expand the scope of this committee. They've done an amazing job putting on the summer concerts and uh that takes up a lot of work of the existing committee, but I think there's a way to get some
additional people to to expand some of the offerings of this committee. So, I need to reach out to them and hopefully at a subsequent meeting, we'll be able to appoint some additional members of the cultural affairs and really broaden the scope of this committee going forward in 2026.
>> That's great. It's exciting. We can uh be wonderful to have them expand our scope, I think. >> Uh next is the municipal alliance. Um so, I'm going to list off a whole another whole group of names here all as reappoints.
Uh first we have town manager Zep. Uh, school superintendent Matthew Beck, school board president Caitlyn Gagnan, Michael Bell, Jennifer Dereks, Gene Emering, Patricia Clebitz, Clebus,
excuse me, Don Crumper, Doug Layman, Lisa Lombardo, Chief McCarrick, Marie Morrow, Tara Rossy, Susan Santo, Vicky Zabbo,
Brad Zachwitz and Council Leaison, Councilman Scott. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy,
>> yes. Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Pletti, >> yes. >> Next, we have the Recreation Advisory Committee. >> Excuse me, Mayor. Excuse me, mayor. There's two co-chairs for Municipal Alliance. Did you want to appoint a
second one? >> Do we have any interested parties to be a second liaison for municipal alliance at this time? >> Okay, we'll hold off for now. Okay, >> thank you. Okay, recreation advisory committee. We
have uh one reappoint and that is Pat Caruso and also a motion to uh for council liaison of Councilman Clark. There are additional openings too on recreation advisory committee. So we may do more filling in in the coming weeks.
Do I have a second? >> I'll second this. >> Councilman Scott. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy. >> Yes. Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Bummedi, >> yes. >> Okay. Next on the agenda is the Rev 250
committee, which is all about our country's uh anniversary year. So, we have a b number of reappointments here and one new appointment. So, I'd like to make a motion to reappoint the following. Andrew Buchanan, Elise Cisco,
Maryanne Francisco, Lynn Lightner, Pete Lichfield, Ben thes, Nancy Maski, and the motion includes uh council leaison of Councilwoman Murphy and
Councilman Clark. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. I would like to note that um Nancy Modeski is actually considered a new appointment. Um so that's a not a reappointment. My mistake.
>> She's been on it. >> She's been Yeah, she's I understand there's been um some meeting attendance going on, but I think officially Yeah. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. And >> Councilwoman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Blumetti,
>> yes. All right. Next for the senior advisory committee, I'd make a motion to reappoint the following Mary Co, Pat Mirk, Joan Shaw, and also a new appointment, a new member of Susan
Ciola, and council leazison of Councilwoman Murphy. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy, >> yes. Councilman Clark. >> Yes.
>> Deputy Mayor Sylvester. >> Yes. >> Mayor Blumeetti. >> Yes. >> All right. Next on the list, almost done. Uh trails committee. So, we have a number of reappoints and a couple new members are going to be appointed. So, I
make a motion to reappoint the following. Brad Carlson, Christine Dunar, Douglas Dystra, Annne Lupic, Landon Tenieri, Christy White House, Jeff Wolf, and the
motion includes two new appointments, Jeff Lenoski and Sears, and the council leazison of Councilman Clark. Do I have a second? >> I will second. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy,
>> yes. Councilman Clark. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor uh Sylvester. >> Yes. >> Mayor Blummeti. >> Yes. >> All right. Next, we're down to u government liaison. So, we ideally need two. And some of these we may just have
one for now. Um so, I make a motion for the liaison to Sussex County of myself and Councilman Clark. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Councilman Scott,
>> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Blummeti, >> yes. Next is our liaison to the board of education. Like to make a motion uh for
that to be Deputy Mayor Sylvester and Councilman Clark. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes.
>> Mayor Blummeti, >> yes. Next are liaison to the Lake Mohawk Country Club. I make a motion for that to be Councilwoman Murphy and Councilman Scott. Do I have a second? >> Second.
>> Councilman Scott. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy. >> Yes. Councilman Clark. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester. >> Yes. >> Mayor Blummeti. >> Yes. >> All right. Last of the uh boards and
committees is the Sparta Health Department liaison. Um we ideally have two right now. I think I'm the only one interested. So I'll make make a motion that I'm the lison for health department. Uh unless there's any other
candidates or anybody interested. Okay. >> If we need one. Okay. Well, we could leave it for now. Leave it if we >> uh do I have a second? >> I will second. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy,
>> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Bumemedi, >> yes. >> It was just me this year. >> All right, everyone. Uh, we're done with that. We're on to section five. um which
is a segment that is open to the public on pretty much the rest of the agenda. So all the resolutions that follow. So there are resolutions uh from pages 6 through 46. Uh we will we will accelerate that. But um anyone in the
public is invited to come up now and uh with any comments on the resolutions in the agenda. And if you do come up, please state your name and address for the record and be reminded that each speaker is limited to one comment for no more than five minutes and no yielding of time to another person is permitted.
Is there anyone wishing to speak about the resolutions? Okay, seeing none, we'll move on to the resolutions. So the next section are resolutions regarding professional services. >> Mayor, I think we have a member of the
public who >> quick question. Beth Broadick still on Northshore. Um Anand under the first one for Township attorney. It still has your office listed on Mountain View Mountain View Boulevard. Did you
guys move? >> Uh we did. We're in the process of transitioning the office. >> Okay. So, would this resolution have to be updated to the correct address then? >> It's a ministerial change. We can I can we can update the address. >> Okay. And I know I was late cuz I didn't know that the meeting was at 6. Will
there be open commentary on what just happened? Is that at the end of the meeting or should I just email you guys? >> You can email. There's no this this meeting the meeting has one public comment section. >> Okay. So, you'll update your the correct address from Mountain View Boulevard. Sure.
>> Okay. Just trying to make sure everything's accurate. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Beth. >> Okay. So, we are about to vote on resolutions under section six A through
O. I would like to bulk clump those together and do this in bulk if we can. Unless anyone wants to carve out any of these and we can do that. Yes. I'd like to carve out MN and O.
MN O. Okay. >> Okay. So, let's proceed. >> Saying carve out. Carve out for further discussion. >> Uh to handle each one separately. Yeah. To handle as a separate second item on its own. All right. Good. Okay.
Okay. Okay. May I have a motion to approve resolutions in section 6 A through L inclusive? >> I will move we approve resolutions A through L. >> May I have a second?
>> I will second. >> Because there are a lot in here. Would you like to do a roll call vote? >> Well, you can say all in favor. If they're all in favor, you can say all in favor. >> Sounds good. All right. All in favor say I. >> I >> I. >> All right. A through L are approved.
So now let's move on separately to >> I ask you a quick question under under this what we just approved under the health services consultant. What exactly does the health services consultant do? Don't we have isn't that handled by the county? Yes, he and we have a liaison
which is gentleman that works with the county and reports back to us >> and that's Steve Levenson. >> Okay. Correct. >> I just want to understand. Thank you. >> Okay. May I have a motion to approve resolution M,
>> professional services resolution, affordable housing agent >> and Jesus. I move we approve resolution M, uh, resolution to appoint an affordable housing agent service as identified on
page 22 of lease my agenda. >> Okay. May I have a second? >> Can I ask a question? Have we used enough? >> Well, let's second it first. I'll second it. Okay. Seconded. Okay. Discussion. Um. >> Yeah. I was just wondering how many
units does this company handle for us. >> And exactly what do they do? They taking applications. >> Yeah, they do. They do. They are third-party administrative agent for the affordable housing obligations that the township has. And they handle both the
uh sale of the units and the rentals of the units. And they also keep track of the uh list of applicants who are eligible for those units. They're all tracked and they also follow all the reporting uh by the state and uh they also keep tabs on uh with our finance
department on uh the monies that we take in for affordable housing, the COA program. >> Yes. Okay. >> Do you know approximately how many units they handle? >> I don't. I I could get that number for you though off top of my head. I don't. Um again, they're split between rentals and and and sale units too.
Thank you. We've had them now for three years. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other discussion questions on M? >> So that is our one housing agent. >> Mhm. >> The one company. Okay.
>> Correct. >> Okay. Uh all in favor of approving resolution M portable housing agent say I. I. I. Okay, approved. Next, resolution N, professional services resolution for financial
consultant. Uh, we have a motion to approve that. I'll make a motion to approve it. Do have a second. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion or questions on N?
>> Yeah, I just had a question. is it's we have a consultant well we have a CFO we have a consultant and then we have an auditor I mean that's over a quarter million dollars a year and I was just wondering
is this all necessary I believe it is um just because uh our CFO is she's new um she was recently licensed well not too recently about a year and a half ago and the consultant who I've brought out to the council several times and I'll I intend to bring
him out. >> Oh, he's a sharp guy. No, no, >> so uh he's been assisting. I have been slowly weaning him off on his hours. Uh he he comes in right now at about once a week and he's uh had a phone call uh for the finance officer uh if and when
needed. Okay. >> And then the auditor is the auditor. Um >> we've had the same auditor for many years now. >> All right. Thank you. I just wanted some clarification. Sure. Thank you. in regards in regards to his contract. Uh it has a $50,000 cap. Do you know what
he's what he charged last year? What he spent? What his costs were? >> Uh I get I can get that info for you, Mike. I don't believe it's near 50,000. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Excuse me, Mayor.
>> You're using them once a week, right? You said on occasion. >> Now I am. Okay. I'm weaning them off as as our CFO becomes more and more comfortable and versed in the in the requirements of of all all the obligations she has. >> Just a reminder if everyone can speak
into your microphone. Um >> yeah, just for the live stream everyone. >> Sorry. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> It's okay. You'll get used to it. >> All right. So for resolution N, all in favor of approving financial consultant say I. I
>> I >> Okay, approved. On to resolution O. This is a professional services resolution for the township planner. >> Uh may I have a motion to approve that? >> I move we appoint uh we approve
resolution O. Resolution to appoint a professional township planner. >> I have a second. >> I'll second that. >> Any discussion or questions? Okay, >> this person is this person
>> this person is currently hired as the fair housing affordable housing >> planner >> planner isn't that correct that's been her primary use right now but because she's the council planner we can use her on
other related items if necessary it's it's not solely for the affordable housing Most of her work has been in the affordable housing area, but if we have other uh issues that may come up uh dealing with land use or whatnot, we could also use her at the council's
discretion there. >> And it's an hourly charge to municipality township. >> Uh I believe so. I've looked at so many contracts an hour. >> Mr. Zep, if you can give me the total amount from last year just for
>> I'll have to get that to you, Mike. I appreciate that. >> Sure. Thank you. >> And does this come out of the general funds or is there a fair housing bucket? Affordable housing bucket? >> There is. And does that money come out of does this money the money that's used
on behalf of the affordable housing come out of that bucket? >> Yes. Out of the COA fees because they they're applicable. Not everything comes out of COA. It has to meet certain requirements, but most of her services as of recent have come out of that
bucket. Okay. Thank you. Sure. >> Okay. Is >> there a cap on that? Is there a cap on that amount? We had a cap on the previous uh group. There's no cap on this. >> Well, >> no. No. Um
I have to take a look at our contract. Um there isn't a cap, but I I don't think it's it's we don't we have either an hourly rate or a cap on on the professional service contracts that we put here. And you'll see sometimes both, >> right?
>> Um that's put in there. Um that planner area, I know that we don't use her a whole lot that it the expenses have become a c a large concern for us and we're able to access the funding through the COA program. So it doesn't
come out of the general fund. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Thank you. Okay. So all in favor of approving resolution O for the township planner say I. >> I. >> I. >> All right. Approved.
>> Okay. So now we're moving on to section seven which is which are the finance resolutions. So this would encompass uh starting on page 27 I believe resolutions AA through JJ. Uh would
anyone like to carve out any of these for discussion or a separate vote? Otherwise, we'll handle these also in bulk. >> Yeah, I would like to carve out uh double H and double I. They're they're very similar, but and I just had a question regarding them.
>> Okay. So, HH and I anything else? Okay. So, may I have a motion to approve finance resolutions AA through GG inclusive and JJ? >> So move.
>> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Okay. That's approved. Aa through GG and JJ are approved. Uh so next let's move on to HH which is the
investment of idle funds and fund transfers. Uh may I have a motion to approve that resolution? >> I have a question. We'll go with that discussion. >> So moved. >> May I have a second?
>> 36. Second. >> Okay. Uh any discussion on investment of idol funds and fund transfers? Yes, I had a disc question on HH and II um the investment of idle funds and fund
transfers. Another sweeping the funds every night here that the funds that we collect from in our taxes. All right. A I just wanted to make sure that that's happening. And B, I was wondering why we don't put out an
RFP on this. Why are we just saying Provident Bank is our bank? I mean, a there's uh elsewhere in this document, it talks about repurchase agreements, and I'm not, you know, I'm just not familiar
with Providence Treasury Desk, if they have the ability to do that for us. In other words, to maximize our return on our idle assets. And I just wanted to know if uh it would be worth shopping it around. Mr. Any perspective from the chief like
the financial >> one is is is you know what I would welcome all the questions just given to me ahead of time and I would love to have the answers for for you and the public when I'm aware of what your inquiries are. I do know that uh our bank provin was recently changed over
from Lakeland and it was a large transition. It was a lengthy process. There was a lot involved with that. Uh I also know that the bank banking that we use has to meet uh a whole high level of requirements to meet the standards that the municipality has and are required
for with investing money, with deposits, handling money, uh depositive pay protections, uh all that stuff that has to happen, that all has to be there. Um what the costs are, it's a good question. Um that's in the finance field. I'd have to look into that for
you. Um, but we can re research that and get you accurate information, but I'm not prepared right now. >> Okay. >> Do you have a personal contact liaison from the bank that you meet regularly? >> Yes, we do. >> Okay.
>> Are the gears of progress going to stop if we don't if we don't vote on this tonight? Are we table this to and discuss it more or do we need >> That's where your money is right now. Um, so >> so I guess we better pass it. Yeah, it would be wise to, but you know what? Um,
>> can we amend it to say that? I mean, >> I would I would like it if the council would put faith and trust in the professionals and we haven't had any large issues and the ones we have, they've been very responsive in addressing. Uh, most of those were uh entailed during the transfer between the
two banks. We had to make sure we had some issues going on there and um we're able to get those uh addressed. >> No, I appreciate that. But I just want to make sure I mean we have a very tight budget. I just want to make sure that we're maximizing the use of our idle funds. >> I I agree and and we I I can get you
that information. I'm just I I don't know what more to tell you on that. Thank you. >> Yeah. My my feeling is we approve it for now and then we can follow up with the CFO and just make sure if anything else needs to be changed, we can do that later. >> Okay. Any other questions or discussion?
>> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Uh so this is HH we're on, right? So we have a motion and we have a second. >> All in favor of approving HH investment of idol funds and fund transfers say I. >> I. >> I. >> Okay. Next uh resolution I I
professional service. This is the banking resolution. Um I have a motion to approve I. >> This doesn't lock us in is what what I'm saying. >> Let's let's do a motion in a second first and we can Oh, >> okay. Sorry.
I'll make a motion. A second >> and I'll second it. >> Okay. Um discussion or questions. >> So no, just is there some way we need to amend this or or or or add to it, review it is or can we just >> kick out of this at any point if we want?
>> I >> I would ask you to email me your concerns and I'll look into it for you and and and follow up. Meanwhile, this is a standard professional service contract with our bank and so that is cancelellable on 30 days.
>> Um I I'm not sure exactly on the terms with the 30 days. I'll have to each contract has its has its language in it. >> Okay. Um, but on something as as as heavy as as our our banking, uh, I I I
think that we're all professionals here and that if you have serious concerns, which I' I'd really like to know what they are. >> I don't serious concerns that that sounds like >> I love bank. I do a lot of business
bank, but they're a regional bank. They're not a national bank. I I don't know that they're active in the in the repo space and and that they're active in maximizing the return to our assets and that's all >> is it maybe Wells Fargo maybe it's
>> Councilman Scott I'm happy to answer it's just >> okay I'm not putting you on the spot I'm just I'm just and I'm not throwing you under the bus I just want to know that we have the option here to >> just an option >> just an option to look at this >> I'm sure always look at it
>> I agree with Councilman Scott if you could just supply and include me on some of the questions. I think it's a good it's a good look. And >> I'm here usually nine hours a day, guys. Hit me anytime. You know where I'm at. I work for you.
>> Uh, you know, I I'd rather be prepared for you and and not just, you know, sudden on it. Okay, >> we're all getting better than getting prepared. Don't worry. >> Okay. So um for resolution I I
professional service banking uh all in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> Okay. Approved. >> Okay. Now we're moving on to page 39 which is uh getting closer to the end of
resolutions. These are section 8 designations. So these are all around uh declaring at the beginning beginning of the year who the township's official advertising media and print and electronic media uh
partners are designating the schedule for township meetings the uh agenda format for meetings etc. So you'll see that on page 39 um forward. So would anyone like to carve out any of
these resolutions for discussion or a separate vote? Again, these are starting on page 39. So it's advertising and media print, advertising media electronic council meeting, standard schedules, standard agenda format,
and legal depositories. So those five No. Okay. >> Okay. So, I'd like >> I think we've handled the deposit, >> the banking. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I'd like to make um I'm going to clump these together then. So, I'd
like to make a motion to approve resolutions under section 8 designations. Resolutions one, two, three, four, and five. Okay, those are Roman numerals. May I have a motion?
>> I move we approve designations 1 through five. >> May I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. >> And we can add to these um the media and things we can if there as something
changes or something comes up like the print >> at a later date >> media. Yeah, we can always add that. Okay, next is uh section nine appointments and resolutions regarding administration. So these are things such as appointment
of fire marshall, emergency management coordinator, um the different agents for state applications and forms and certified recycling coordinators etc. This starts on page 40. Uh that's where the the list is and it
goes on after that with the details. So would anyone like to carve out any of the resolutions one through 13 on >> I'd like to carve out I'm sorry. I'd like to carve out four and 13. Okay.
Four and 13. Okay. Okay. >> Okay. So, I'd like to ask for a motion >> for resolutions 1 through three and 5 through 12.
>> Excuse me, Mayor Blummedi. Uh resolution one and two are an appointment by the township manager. >> Okay. Here's a point and then and then uh you can ask for the motion. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So we'll handle one and two separately. >> Okay. >> Can you carve out number three just for
my clarification? >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So we're going to carve out one through 4 and 13. So right now let's handle resolutions 5 through 12. So may I please have a motion to approve resolutions 5 through
12 under section 9. I make the I make a motion to uh vote on 5 through 12. >> May I have a second? >> I will second. >> Okay. All those in favor of approving
resolutions 5 through 12 say I. >> I. >> I. >> Okay. So, let's go back up to number one. This is the appointment of the fire marshal which is appointed by our township manager. >> Okay. >> Yes. Uh our fire marshall fire
prevention services are handled by uh Eric Stall of Harvest and Township. This is the the shared service that we recently trans uh transitioned into from last year. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Were we uh was there any um rate increases pro proposed to us this year
or is it the same? >> No, the the the the fees are handled by the state fees that the users pay for fire prevention services. So they're sort of self-funding on that. there was a transition, you know, uh, period where
we did offset it a little bit with, um, some software fees and some maintenance fees, but we were able to use our fire prevention penalty fund to pay for that. So, >> Okay, great. >> There's really not a lot of costs here. >> Right. Thank you. >> Okay. Any other questions from council
before we go on to number two? >> What count what town again do we share? >> That's right. >> Okay. The next one is the appointment of the emergency management coordinator and deputy coordinator by township manager EP. >> Yeah, this is the same as last year. Uh
Chief McCarrick is uh head coordinator and uh Tom McIntyre is deputy. >> Okay, thank you. Okay, now let's move on to resolution number three here. May I have a motion to approve resolution three, which is a resolution authorizing this the displaying of commemorative
flag on township owned flag poles. >> I'll make a motion to approve resolution number three. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Uh questions, discussion. Yeah, for my clarification and again for the public, just can someone give a two
second overview of where this ordinance stands and what it reflects because I know there was some discussion in the past about what flags can go on the primary flag polls on township property and just want to get clarification on
that. It's the American flag, it's a P flag, it's the state flag, correct? >> Yes. No other flags could be flown on township property. >> We have commemorative flags on >> they have to apply or there was a process right for that.
>> Mhm. >> The primary >> I'm just asking for my own information. I mean it's been I think a little while back when this was last >> Yeah. >> proposed. >> Right. What I understand is that the primary flag pole of the large one that you see needs to be that order you mentioned. That one can't be touched. Right.
>> Can everyone's go on a separate smaller flag pole, smaller flag. >> I think there's just some concern as to what the order is and I just want to make sure that we're My concern is that we're following the right rules that
we've got the state flag. I mean, I'm sorry, the national flag. And I believe the state flag is on on the next poll, but it can't be this high. I just want to make sure we're doing it right. >> Yes. Uh yes. Uh Councilman Scott, uh the
state flag and then underneath that is the smaller flag, uh the commemorative flag >> and then it's flag after that. >> P flag is underneath the American flag. >> Underneath the American flag then >> Yes. >> Thanks. Thanks for clarifying that.
>> Thank you, Roxan. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah, I think we're a little tired with the flag controversy, so I understand. >> Thanks to the clarification. Thank you. Okay. Uh, so we have a a first a motion and a second and we had discussion. So,
um, all those in favor of approving resolution three for the commemorative flags say I. >> I. >> I. >> All right. That is approved. Okay. Next one. Resolution four is a resolution uh
of the township establishing a procedure for public comment. So, may I have a motion? This is the annual one that we typically renew generally speaking. Um, do I have a motion for this? >> Yeah, I'll make a motion to approve resolution number four.
>> May I have a second >> for public comment? >> Second. >> Okay, this is uh the details of this one are at least my copy. It's on pages 42 and 43. Yeah. Um,
so I I do have actually a minor amendment. I'd like to add a few words into a section of this so I can I can begin. So again, this is on pages 42 and 43.
Um, so starts with a number of whereas clauses. Then you get to the now for there be resolved paragraph. Uh about halfway down it talks about each speaker shall be granted no more than five minutes in the aggregate.
After that I make a motion to insert per public comment section. So in other words, five minutes per segment that we have, not five minutes total. So I make a motion that we specify that so it's five minutes per public comment section. And that would be after the word
aggregate and before regardless. Do I have a second? >> I'll second that. >> Sure. >> Now, >> I have comments also. Is that now the time for that or? >> Uh, this is on the amendment. >> This is just Yeah, just unless you're
against the amendment, we should vote on the amendment, then we can go on to the next comment first. >> Yeah. Good. >> Okay. Uh, all in favor of the motion that I made for adding per public comment section into that paragraph, say I. >> I. I I >> Okay, approved.
>> Okay, Councilman Scott. >> Okay. Uh in the last word on page uh 42, the second to last word is undermined. Speakers may be curtailed or undermined. I I I just don't I mean, I looked up the definition and and and if you really
stretch, you could you could say that the word undermined may be applicable, but I think it's a little it's it's disconcerting to the public that we have that word in there. Why don't we just say curtailed and and take out so take out undermine and and then my other
question is is last year we had a lot of back and forth between the council the mayor and and the public um back and forth and a lot of people really didn't get their say in and I
would like to extend this five minute period to seven minutes per person per period per comment period. >> So, let's um if we could let's address the first right >> your first idea first would uh
>> take out undermined. >> Well, would you like to make a motion for that and we'll second it and discuss it and get legal advice? >> I'd like to remove the words undermined and at the bottom of page 42. >> I second that. >> Can I ask for clarification? You mean and undermined? Just get rid of that last
>> I guess and undermine. >> We need we need the last one. Okay. Uh, is there a second? >> Yeah, second. >> Okay. Uh, discussion there any dash. Do you see any issue with just removing those two words from here? Has it changed it? >> No, it's fine. >> Okay. Okay.
>> Look, I may I comment on that? >> Sure. >> I I think in the spirit of strengthening communications with the public, this I I agree with that that change and this and the proposed sevenminute rule. I think this is guidelines for the public and
folks up here to properly engage and be respectful of time frames and time limits and discussion. So, I mean, if we're we're holding this down to the second here, we got bigger problems. So, um I'm in favor for seven minutes if you want to increase it. >> Yeah, if we could. Let's let's vote on
the first motion Councilman Scott made about removing and undermined. Um, would we like to do a roll call vote or do we do want to do a >> All right, you can ask if all in favor I can do a roll call. >> All right, let's do all in favor of
removing those two words motion say I >> just I'm sorry clarification. What two words? >> Okay. >> And undermined >> and undermined. >> So it's in the four >> or and and not you're not getting rid of curtailed, right? >> No. Is is the basis of the motion that
undermine is superolous in addition to curtail and therefore is not necessary? I just want to understand. >> Well, I think it's I think it's a rather negative word to when we're just saying that we'd like to curtail long- winded
speeches by the public. >> No, I I don't think it refers to the the speech. It refers to their rights to speak. And we don't we the reason why you put limitations is because you don't want to curtail or undermine their right to speak. It's not saying that we want
to undermine them. We're actually trying to ensure that their rights don't get undermined or cretailed. So I don't think it refers to the speaker. It refers to their rights that we're we're the reason why you have these limitations in the first place is so that you uh protect the right of the
individual to speak and that that right not be uh minimized or you know undermined. But I could get behind if you think it's just superolous. I just want to make sure you know the council understands that's the appropriate the way I read that phrase.
>> Yeah. I I'm just either way it's a distinction probably without a difference for a resolution ultimately but the intent of that is actually to favor the broader speech of the public. We're actually saying in order not to undermine not to curtail we have
this resolution not the not the opposite the way this is written actually is in benefit of the members of the public. It presents them in a >> in a more positive light. Um but again it's it's it's really a distinction without a difference. Um I my personal
suggestion would be to leave it but >> I'll I'll withdraw my motion. I understand that now. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. >> So now we have another discussion or would you like anyone like to make a motion another motion? I'd like to make a motion that we extend the public
comment period for each speaker for each comment period that there are during the meetings, which I believe are there's there's one in the middle and there's one at the end to seven minutes. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second that.
>> Okay. um discussion, questions. >> What uh so I understand that um most townships actually have three minutes. Um that seems to be and our board of ed only has three minutes as well. So um
we're literally extending this by two and a half times the actual usual and customary limit. So, I I want to understand why we need to deviate from um the board of ed and most townships.
Well, I mean, there were multiple times this past year where the public w was not allowed to complete their their thesis statement or or their presentation because of the feedback that the that the that was coming off of
this dis, right? whether it be the mayor or whether it be one of the person one of the people up here whether it be the mayor the lawyer whoever was speaking back to that person was eating up those five minutes and so ended up that I just
I I don't think people felt uh satisfied. >> Yeah. I don't I mean I having been up there I don't I think we what we our practice was was to get the person they would often have questions and they would be instructed that we would try to answer those after they'd completed uh
their time period. U so there wasn't sort of a back and forth that would eat up their their five minutes. So it was my experience that we actually tried to uh encourage the public if you have questions um to state them and then we can answer them after your five minutes
are over. We tried to make that accommodation and I think we also let people uh go beyond. I think a more pressing problem that one that this identified is is that we had speakers who would try to speak twice in the same public comment period um which was you
know not appropriate and I think we needed to be clear to um identify that. So again, I think we've we've I think 5 minutes um is more than sufficient. Um and you know, the the purpose of these meetings is is really to get the the
town business done. Um it's important to have the the the public's feedback. I think that can be reasonably accommodated in in the five minutes uh that we've allotted. Uh again, that five minutes is more uh than is usual and customary. I think also
>> respectfully, Councilman Clark, I rather than have someone having a a timing official stop the clock when one of us starts talking back to that the public, right? I just thought it would be easier
to extend it to seven minutes as >> well. >> Many of us are well aware there was a lot of feedback coming off this. >> Mark, I support that. That's a professional courtesy to back and forth. I mean, Dean just pointed out his three uh points that one, we should listen. So, when the public gets up and speaks,
we should we should listen and let them speak. Capture all your thoughts, let them get their thoughts out, speak, have maybe one dialogue back and forth. I've been in this audience over the past year witnessing it, going back and forth. To your point, if we're fighting a clock, we got bigger problems. Whether it's
three minutes or seven minutes, it's about the dialogue, the way the public is able to address us and how we address them back. So hoping moving forward there's civility, there's open dialogue, and there's a procedural or understanding between both us up here as
well as the public to make sure that we're listening to each other and we're we're we're effectuating open dialogue, not debates or cutting them off. I've I've watched people up there get about two minutes in and then afterwards their their five minutes was up because we
were from this D commenting back on them. >> Correct. So we don't need someone here with a stopper every, you know, no a timer here. So >> that's my opinion. You want it seven, just up to seven to give give room. Hopefully the seven minutes doesn't come into play at all. We'll be doing it in
two three minutes. >> It's just it's just the posture and behavioring uh behavioral process between the public and us. >> Yeah. I kind of see it as in the last number of years the councils have debated whether there should be three minutes or five. Right. And I think it's a discipline problem,
right? If the council is going back and forth and not being disciplined about letting the person speak and get their concept out, that's a discipline problem up here with all of us. So, I'm not in favor of increasing it. I think the public deserves a chance to have that time to speak clearly and not having all
of us jump in. But this is not meant to be a debate back and forth between, you know, two sides going. It should be let the public they're legally they're allowed to come here witness us do business and then share their thoughts or questions or concerns at the microphone is not meant to be a Q&A
necessarily or a press conference. Those needs can be met I think through other channels right through emails personal conversations uh what have you phone calls and other means coming to the town hall. I'm a little worried that if we go to seven minutes and we use it for
different segments that the meetings can get very very long that way. And honestly I mean anybody who likes to talk a lot or doesn't I mean think seven minutes is a real long time. You should be able to get your point across probably in less than seven minutes. Otherwise it maybe just deserves a longer conversation with all of us or one of us but not standing up there.
That's that's my opinion. >> Yeah. I think also one another concern is that I don't want folks to think that it puts on a legal obligation that doesn't exist which is um as you alluded to uh Councilman Bumemedi the
requirement is that the public be allowed to witness the proceedings period in the story. Um, my concern if we bump it up to seven, they, you know, I mean, I encourage people to answer their questions. You should try to answer their questions, but there are times that you may have insufficient
information or you don't want to disclose it. But if people think they now have seven and you haven't answered their questions, um, somehow you've done something wrong or you're in violation of the law, which is not true. Um, so I want council understand that they're
still free to to not answer the questions if if if it's not appropriate. they don't have enough information or they can get back to them. But I don't want the folks to believe if we bump it up to seven, well now you got to answer my question and you got to have a dialogue with me. Um that's not a requirement under there and it can you
know part of it is you don't want to impede upon the efficient administration of the business that we have. Um there's you know there can be more efficient means to do it but you know if if if folks think they can you know get it done and you can answer the question within seven minutes great.
I mean, my my personal preference again would be I know uh Deputy Mayor Sylvester mentioned this, but um going back to what we talked about in the beginning, what I talked about was why don't we try out, you know, being better listeners, being respectful, giving them the chance to speak. It's not meant for
presentations necessarily. I heard that we word used before. These aren't presentations. Maybe we try five for now. Again, if we see it's a problem, let's either become more disciplined or think about increasing it later. >> Okay, I withdraw my motion. Thank you. Thank you.
>> Okay, I think discussion is uh done. So we have the uh >> we have the motion in a second. So we're now approving the a approved the amended resolution number four.
There was two amendments made. One amendment made, sorry. So we're approving the amended resolution four for the public comment period. All in favor say I. >> I. I >> it's approved. All right. So,
last but not least, resolution 13. So, this is a resolution of the township of Sparta appointing a municipal housing liaison. So, may I have a motion to approve resolution 13? >> I'd like to make a motion to table this.
Okay. Is there a second and then we can get into discussion? >> I will second it. >> Okay. >> Discussion. >> Yeah. Discussion. >> Yeah. >> Um the I believe that the number one
priority of this council is to fix and rehabilitate the zoning and planning office at this point. Um, it's it's it's it seems to cause a great deal of problems with the
planning board and with the public and I I a week doesn't go by where two people don't come up and complain about their interaction with that board, with that office. And so I
just think that um I know we've had to uh hire extra people to do the minutes and we're behind on the minutes and we've got a lot of a lot of tasks that need to be done. I just don't think that adding this to to
the staff is is appropriate or >> are you um just so I'm clear, you're not you're not arguing or debating that we don't need this role. We needed we need a leazison, right? You're just arguing. >> We probably need a liaison, but we but
maybe this this office isn't equipped to handle it >> or maybe there this this person may not be equipped to handle it. >> Well, manager Zep, if I may, how much how what's the level of effort involved here and who's been handling it and
acting as the leazison? Has it been yourself or you and your staff? Now, Dory Fox has been our designated municipal liaison uh since she's been hired for since I've been here for several years. There's not a whole lot involved with this because CGPNH, our
third party agent, they do most of the work. All right? But CGP&H needs to have a contact person at town hall and she's the contact person. All right? And and that's really primarily her role. She's also the intermary between uh the
finance office when when CGPNH has questions regarding the finances uh regarding affordable housing all but that's primarily her role and uh it um there isn't a whole lot of work involved on that front because cgb&h does most of
the work however she is the main contact person and she does handle uh any questions that arise uh related to the subject >> does it have mostly to do with questions or does it have to do with getting paperwork or any kind of applications or
anything like that? Does she send that all over to them? Does that office send it? >> They they actually do most of that work. They get the applications. They do all that. She is just the the the first contact uh for as the municipal liaison related to the COA housing obligations
that the township has. >> She's just the point person. Yes. For initial contact. >> Yes. Just just one clarifying question. Um um Miss Fox is the land use administrator for Sparta. Is that right? >> Correct. >> Okay. Uh is it usual and customary to
put the land use administrator as the municipal housing liaison? >> It has been as from my from my experience. Yes. >> Okay. And have you had with respect to the duties required of a um a municipal
housing liaison with respect to Sparta, have you had any issues uh with Miss Fox uh duties in that regard? >> No, I have not. >> Okay. >> Have you ever had to hire someone else to do duties that may may or may not be
the >> Not in regards to the minister liaison position? No. >> No. But in regards to the minutes, >> I don't think that's relevant here. And we have to be careful. Let me finish. Let me finish. We have to be sure we don't talk about employees in a public meeting as well. >> Okay. >> We have to be careful.
>> All right. >> Okay. So, we >> any should we just put the title and not a person? >> The the position. >> I think the point of resolution is to name it so we have a point person, not so we have a point person. >> Yeah. I mean semantics but
fine. >> Okay. Is there any more discussion on this? We have an open >> no motion that was seconded on the table. Um so Councilman Scott, do you wish to keep your you want to vote on your motion? >> So the motion is to table this right now. >> Okay. So we're going to vote on that.
We're going to vote on tableabling. Yeah. >> Okay. So, we're going to vote on Councilman Scott's motion to table resolution 13. Could we do a roll call vote, please? >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Clark, >> no.
>> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> no. >> Mayor Bumemedi, >> no. >> Okay, so the resolution the uh motion to table resolution 13 has failed. So, we'll now move on to approval of resolution 13. Uh, may I
have a roll call vote, please? >> Councilman Scott, >> uh, yes. >> Councilwoman Murphy, >> no. >> Councilman Clark, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Sylvester, >> yes. >> Mayor Bli,
>> yes. >> Okay, so resolution 13 has passed. Okay, so we are at the end. Um, thanks everyone for great first meeting, great reorg meeting. Let's let's have a wonderful year coming up. Um, let me
have a motion please for adjournment. Have a motion. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> I will second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> I. >> Any oppos? >> Happy 2026. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. Thanks everyone.