5th, 2025 in council chambers, Sparta Township, Municipal Building, 65 Main Street, Sparta, New Jersey. The time is 7:22. Uh, all council meetings are now live stream and can be viewed at the following link, www.youtube.comwpstreams.
Adequate notice of this meeting was provided to the public and the press on January 10th, 2025 by delivering to the press and posting on the township website a copy of the notice. Madam clerk, may I have a roll call? >> Councilman Sylvester >> here. >> Councilman Scott >> here. >> Councilman Blumemedi
>> here. >> Deputy Mayor Murphy >> here. >> Mayor Clark >> here. >> All right, let's all rise and salute the flag, please. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Uh we are very pleased tonight uh that we get to swear in. Uh I no longer have to call him Councilman elect. He's officially a council men. So um I think at this moment we will go
ahead and do the swearing in. And I see he's got uh his family here. We have Assemblyman Inganomort here. I pronounced it right this time. Yes. All right. Um fantastic. So, let's get the festivities underway.
>> If I can, I just want to thank you very much and the council for allowing me to join you tonight. It's very special. I'm Mike Danort. Proud to represent Spartan in the state assembly. This is my hometown. This is where I grew up. I should be the marching band in this company. I was a member of the
Sparta High School marching band and I like so much wedding anniversary. So I will come visit another time proclamation for that. But tonight's about our new council Mike Sylvester. Mike, do you have some family members that you'd like to have up here?
>> Okay. Come on up, gang. Do you want this? your right hand. We're gonna get this right. Okay. So, we'll take our time to look at my beautiful girl. So, let's turn out a little bit this way.
We go. Okay, >> Stephanie. There you go. I, >> Sylvester, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States
>> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> and the state of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same. and allegiance to the same. and to the governments established
>> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly
>> and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of the office of councilmen >> of the office of councilmen >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations, Councilman.
blocking my view. >> Oh, just one more picture. >> Yeah. >> Oh, this. >> Yes, please. Thank you. Congratulations. >> Shake hands, please. That's it. That's
it. I get a shot like that. Awesome. Thank you. >> Thanks, Brian. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mark. Congratulations. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Michael. >> Okay. Well, welcome. Uh we look forward to working with you. Uh all your background experience. I think you're going to make a fantastic council person. And you know, let's let's get to work. >> All right. So this is the fun part. Um
it's not always going to be this fun, but these are the fun ones. Uh the proclamations. Uh particularly here where we are celebrating a state championships. Uh that is a very hard thing to do in anything. I mean there's
what 427 high schools in the state of New Jersey. Probably most of them have a marching band. But what they don't have is a state championship marching band. But you know who does? We do. All right, congratulations.
Tonight we get to honor them and so I get to read this proclamation. Um, and then I know that uh we'll have Scott Tomlin who's the um will be here um to uh the head director to accept the proclamation, but also all the kids who are here who uh earned that state
championship, you know, please come forward at the appropriate time to make sure you get your picture taken. So, here's the proclamation. Whereas the township of Sparta has a longstanding tradition of supporting excellence in the arts and celebrating the achievements of its students. And
whereas the Sparta High School marching Spartans demonstrated extraordinary talent, dedication, and perseverance throughout their 2025 season, culminating in winning the USB band's group 3A New Jersey state championships,
the first state title in the program's history. And whereas the marching Spartans 2025 program London Calling earned a claim across the competition circuit, including hosting the fifth annual Spartan Showcase on September
13th, welcoming 10 bands from across the state. First place in a sweep of all caption awards at the South Brunswick on September 27th. Second place best music performance and best percussion at West Milford on October 4th. Second place and
best percussion at the Ludwig Muzzer Classic at Metife Stadium on October 18th. First place at Vernon on October 25th, winning best music, visual overall effect, and percussion with a color guard finishing in second place. First place in group 3A at the state
championship at Mount Olive on November 1st with a score of 89.4, 4 earning best music overall effect and percussion with a color guard placing first in achievement and second overall in group 3A. And whereas the season was dedicated
to the memory of Lori Lori Tomlin, longtime color guard instructor, mentor, and beloved member of the Marching Spartans family, whose legacy continues to inspire students and staff. Whereas the marching Spartans have been invited to perform at the New York Jets home
game on December 28th, a prestigious opportunity that reflects their excellence and growing recognition. And whereas the success of the Marching Spartans is a result of the students tireless efforts, the leadership of band director Andrew Lopez, and the unwavering support of dedicated parents
and families whose behindthe-scenes contributions help bring pride and unity to the community through the power of music, teamwork, and school spirit. Now therefore be it resolved that the township council of the township of Sparta hereby extends its heartfelt
congratulations and best wishes to the Sparta High School marching band for their outstanding accomplishments during the 2025 season and encourages all residents to join in celebrating their historic success. So congratulations everyone. Fantastic team.
Wow, >> congratulations. Feel free to say a few words about the season if you want. You don't have to. >> You said it all. >> Okay. Fantastic. Sure. Great job everyone. >> And um I assume you guys are already practicing for next year, right?
>> We're ready to go. >> Yeah. Well, you know, you got a bullseye on your back, so keep practicing. >> All right. >> Congratulations, y'all. Very good job. Yeah. No, it feels so important. >> I must say being a Spartan myself, when
I was there, we didn't win it. We didn't win any prizes. Congratulations, y'all. I know what it takes. That's awesome. Well, that was quick. Okay, so uh we know we do not have any minutes to approve tonight. So that
brings us to the manager's report. So Mr. Zeep, could you please present us with the manager's report? >> Absolutely. Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor, council members, newly elected Councilman Sylvester, and all Sparta residents. Whether you're here with us
or watching from home, we're glad you're with us tonight. I'd like to start my report by congratulating our municipal court staff member Kimberly Burkhoffer for completing the principles of municipal court administration classes and for achieving accreditation as a deputy
court administrator for the shared municipal court of Sparta Township and the burrows of Hamburg and Ogdensburg. Kimberly began her career as a part-time violations clerk with our clerk our court in May of 2024. Not having any court experience, this
was very challenging position. But our court administrator, Bonnie Msina, recognized her talents and professional qualifications necessary for the position and was promoted to full-time shortly thereafter. Kimberly successfully completed levels one through level four as required by the
New Jersey court rules. She has become an invaluable asset to the court operations and we wish her best of luck for her continued success. As colder temperatures become more common, the water utility reminds residents to ensure their pipes and water meters are insulated from
freezing. Be sure to have your outside hose bibs and lawn sprinklers properly winterized for the season. With winter approaching, our parks and recreation team is busy preparing for the upcoming season. The winter brochure is now available and registration for winter
2026 programs is open for Sparta residents starting December 10th and non-residents starting December 17th. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these offerings and join in on the fun. Starting December 30, starting December
1st, families can register with the recreation department to have their children receive a call from Santa this season. All requests must be received by December 12th. If you're feeling festive, there's still time to sign up for the holiday home decorating contest. Registration closes on December 5th.
Santa will be visiting Station Park on Saturday, December 6th, arriving by firetruck at 1 p.m. Families can enjoy live entertainment, hot chocolate, and popcorn, write letters to Santa, and receive free digital photos of their visit. Donations for the Sparta Community Food Pantry will be accepted
during the event, which runs from 1 to 3:00 p.m. Our parks department has been hard at work wrapping up fall sports and conducting seasonal cleanups to keep our facilities in top shape. For our seniors, the last fall book swap will take place at the Sparta Senior
Center on Wednesday, December 10th. The Sparta Library staff will be on hand to exchange books, so please bring your Sparta Library card if you have one. To celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year, the annual senior appreciation holiday party is scheduled for December 30th at the Senior Center from noon to
2:30 p.m. Registration is required and seating is limited, so please reserve your spot early. Enjoy great food, music, and joyful company. Tickets are $15 a person. The Sparta Township Free Late Rabies Clinic will be held on Saturday, January
24th, 2026 with a snow date of Saturday, January 31st, 2026. The clinic will be from 1 to 4:00 p.m. at the Sparta Public Works building at 15 Prices Lane. Dogs are from 1 to 3 and cats are 3 to 4. Lastly, municipal offices will be
closing at 3 p.m. tomorrow and we'll reopen on Monday, December 1st at 8:30. This concludes my report. On behalf of myself and the township staff, we wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Chief McCarrick will now present his portion of the report.
>> Thank you, Manor Zep. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, council. First, I'd like to welcome Councilman Sylvester. On behalf of the police department, we look forward to working with you. And as I did with all council members, I'd like to invite you to the department for a tour and to see what the operations are. Uh, you know, daily. You could do a ride
along. I know you're still we're still trying to schedule a ride along, but you just let us know when. Um, but it's important that we work together and we're looking forward to it. Congratulations. >> Thank you very much. >> Welcome. This past Sunday, the police department took place in organizing its annual Thanksgiving Cran the Cruiser
food drive at the stop and shop. Our officers were there collecting donations for 5 hours and were able to collect uh a fully enclosed trailer of of donations which was taken to the Sussex County Food Pantry also with uh $47 in cash. I
would like to thank Sergeant Scott Eling and Officer Paul Wel for organizing this event as they have every year. And thank you to the Stop and Shop for hosting and all the officers from the police and the police department employees. Sparta High School Criminal Justice Club student volunteers. Sussex County Community College Club Criminal Justice Club
student volunteers for taking their time out of their schedules to come and assist with this food drive. As I mentioned uh last meeting, a reminder, the Turkey Trot uh Thanksgiving morning, there's going to be delays in the area in the plaza. It's expected to close around 6:30 and will be open um usually
around 11:30 or once it's safe to do so. And again, as I mentioned last uh meeting, I did submit our Mercy operations plan to the county and state, which has been approved by both county and state, signing off, approving the plan uh which is good for two years. Um
it's important for emergency operations. Our first responders need to be uh best prepared as we can. Um and my deputy coordinator, Thomas McIntyre, and I consistently work together with all our first responders to do just that. Uh last thing I I'd like to ask for a moment of silence uh for Mr. John
Durkott who passed away last Thursday. Mr. Durkott was a staple in this community for many many years. Uh a friend to many of us. Uh past VFW commander and a Korean War vet vet. If I could uh ask for a moment of silence, please. Thank you. We'll miss you, John. That
concludes my report. >> Thank you, Chief McCarrick. May I have a motion to accept the manager's report? >> I move to accept the manager's report. >> May I have a second, please? >> I'll second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I.
>> The manager's report is approved. Uh we are now up to our first public comment period. This has to do with items that are not on the agenda. So if you see something on the agenda you want to talk about, now is not the time. Um this is to discuss items that are not on the
agenda. Please be mindful of the five minute limit. Um, and also, uh, please state your name and address for the record. >> Um, hello, my name is Dan Sherello. Um, I'm a resident of Sparta and I'm joined by a a number of a couple of former
council members and we're here I'm here to wish our new council member well. Um, I also contacted a couple of others who couldn't be here for various reasons, but they all share the same sentiment to to wish you well. And I'm I'm hoping that this is something that we can do um every time a new council member sworn
in. Sorry for my voice. Um, and then speaking for myself, um, I'd like to give you special wish, two other special wishes. Uh, first off, um, there's plenty of mistakes and things I did wrong while I was sitting in your position. I really like that corner, by the way. So, I hope you I wish that you
can build upon or improve upon the things that, uh, that I couldn't do very well. And secondly, the things that I could do well, I hope you can improve upon and keep those going going forward. So, again, uh, congratulations um, and good luck serving your community. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Rick Frinkle, Spartan, New Jersey. Again, Michael, congratulations on your election and good luck. Uh, this is really more of a question for Jim. I think I'm looking to get there's a lot of frustration on the people that live up on Sparta Mountain
specifically around the gas line and the traffic havoc that that has been causing for the last 70 days or so. Can you give us an update on where we are? It seems to be a daily routine where we're constantly being stopped on Glenn Road,
East Mountain Road. You get to lower Glenn Road, there's traffic interruptions. Then there was Main Street with the curving. One day it was on East Mountain, then it was on Woodport cuz Planet Network was running wires and they had trucks with someone
up in the bucket driving down Woodport Road. So, can you give us a timeline of when this is going to be over? I I think they're just getting the main line up. They haven't even started connecting houses. We're driving around in ruts from where they dug the the the line.
And I'm just trying to understand how long this frustration is going to last. One is my last two manager reports I had extended uh uh heartfelt uh appreciation for the residents uh patience and and and uh tolerance to all the construction
that was going on around town. Uh, I can speak for that. The the the main street work is is is done as far as the curb work there. The bucket truck was changing out the banners on the lamp post for the holidays from the hometown heroes. >> No, this is Planet Network. I think they
were running a wire from one side of the street to the next. >> All right. Um, I'm I'm That's probably what it was. We have a lot of activity going on as you as you stated. Um, I know that the uh gas line install is coordinated through the county because
Glenn Road being a county road, they have worked for this. Now, I I know the chief can help me on this because the chief and I uh oversee a lot of this and we hear a lot of the complaints. Um, there are certain impediments that that uh you just can't get past because all
the residents on Glenn Road and up on the mountain want gas and they've made that very clear. >> All of them because I live up there. Well, I know there's a few there's a few, but the major majority benefit from what they're doing right now. >> With that being said, I know that the county has uh mandated that the work be
done at night because they can't do a a a quality detour of traffic during the day if they were to work during the day. So, it's it's at night that they're they're putting the main line in. Um I do believe it's coming to an end soon as far as uh their phase two uh phase on
that. But, you know, I'll I I don't want to give you inaccurate information, so I'm going to have to kind of hold it there. I am familiar with that. Um, Roxan, if we have Mr. Finkele's contact information, I'll make sure I I get you some updated information on that. Um,
Chief, I don't know if uh you you can add anything to that. >> Looks like they finally got under that bridge halfway up Glen Road. >> I don't have anything to add. >> Yeah, I'm gonna have to I'll get an update for you on that. I know they're very close to it and um believe me, they
they know that the residents are are are are frustrated. Uh they're trying to get through. I know they hit a lot of ledge and rock up there by Angelo on Glenn Road there and it slows them down. Um they've actually asked to work uh through some of the winter and we actually said uh you know we've had
enough. >> So I know we've limited uh authorization on the construction. >> Who's paying for all these cops sitting around >> directing traffic? Is that part of natural gas or county or >> Okay. >> Contractor based >> the contractor. >> And besides improving the infrastructure
of the town, is there any benefit for the town for putting the gas through just about every street in the town and >> more for the residents? Uh lower heating bills. >> Okay. There's no two cents on every gallon they sell or anything like that.
Uh no, we do work out uh well the county is got works out their method of of asphalt uh renovation on it and then uh when they're on Sparta roads, we have a formula we use where they compensate and we usually end up repaving the road after they're done.
>> That's what I want to know. When is that going to happen? >> I got to get back to you on that. I don't have >> they got they still got to cut into every house I think on Glenn Road at least. >> It's it's possible. It's possible. I know that's a lot easier to do than what they're doing now.
>> All right. Thank you. I'll get you. >> Well, taller than me, but Jen Rogoff. Um, uh, congratulations, Mr. Sylvester, and welcome aboard. Um, I am here specifically in reference to the land swap. Um, I have been attending every
single meeting that since this has been brought to our attention other than the council meeting of November 13th when I was stuck in LaGuardia airport and watching online. Um, I directly emailed Mayor Clark at one point in time during this process asking for transparency
from the council and to see that the resolution was reintroduced when it was not on the agenda is not the type of transparency that I anticipated. Um, I was extremely disappointed. I was disappointed that a member of the
community who has been brought forward by the council, Mr. Dystra, stood here and said, "I am speaking for Jen. We're on the same page." We're not. And I don't know if the member of the council's know that the dispute with the property line is not resolved. Mr.
Dystra did provide me. He was correct. He provided me information, um, graphics, survey information, but what he may not have explained is that there are two different scales that are used. One that is used when you purchase a property and submit that survey to the town of Sparta and a different set of
criteria that's used by the New Jersey Land Trust. So, you can't compare apples to apples. He took the time via email to try and go through some of this information with me. He even was kind enough to go on the phone with my husband while he walked the property with his survey wheel. My husband did
while Mr. Dyer was on the phone. And guess what? The numbers didn't add up. So, there is still an issue. It's not resolved. I asked that we deal with that before the resolution was moved forward again. And the fact that the council
brought it up, introduced the resolution, voted on it again when you have had members of the community here at every single meeting where any detail was discussed and the one meeting where it was not on the agenda. It was actually put out to the public. It's not
there. So, we don't need to be there. There are other issues they're going to discuss. They are important to some members of the community. They weren't the ones that were bringing me here every week. and you were aware because I never started coming to council meetings until this became an issue. And that's
the night that you choose to reintroduce the resolution and vote on it as a council. As a resident, I'm extremely disappointed because I have been honest, professional, and given a lot of my time and energy as well to try and learn as much as I can because I honestly didn't
know anything about land use in the town of Sparta. And I am beyond disappointed to see that that's how the situation was handled. And um there's some other residents that are here as well that we came back again because now we know okay it's the resolution has already been
voted on and passed. So now the only thing I don't know what recourse we have you know other than to hope that the deed restrictions are are put into place that have been promised and that eventually the property line issue will be resolved. >> I I didn't want to interrupt and make
sure you're done because you're f you still have like two minutes. >> That's fine. Okay. Um, so what I will say is I think as was explained at the October 14th meeting, the November 6th meeting, and the November 13th meeting,
um, issues related to boundaries is something that happens during the deed creation process. What we voted on was simply to start that process. Right? That's all we did. I I've we've explained that on three separate
meetings and I think uh there was an explanation about why it wasn't on the agenda. Um I think our clerk explained that it wasn't intentional. Um it wasn't about, you know, let's it wasn't about you. Um uh so if you want the boundary
dispute resolved, the way to do it is to allow us to go forward and and that's what we're doing. So, um I'm I'm and I do take issue that we haven't been transparent. I've been transparent from the beginning about what this process involves. We are at all we did on
November 13th is to allow us to begin the the negotiations. That's all we did. And I think I made, you know, uh, and I I think this is what I said at the November 13th that we will, you know, do our darnest to make sure not a blade of
grass of the Rogos property is conveyed to the town. How are we going to do that? We're going to do it by we will make sure what the proper meets and bounds. These are this is sort of ordinary sort of how it works out in these things. So >> any other real estate transaction in the
town of Sparta, you need to have that survey submitted to the town prior to moving forward with any of it. So the fact that you've moved forward as a council without that information solidified >> is disheartening. >> Okay, I I get that. But you also have to
understand, as I said there, um part of this is we are trying to deliver something that the people of Sparta have said time and time again that they wanted, which is the preservation of open space. So regardless of what happens to this trail, what this uh
beginning transaction does is to deliver what the people have wanted in survey after survey. We had a thousand people fill out that survey uh most recently. And the number one priority was to preserve open space. And so when you live in a community, it's important that
you try to deliver on the benefits to the everyone and not simply acquies to the grievances of a few. I'm not saying your your grievance isn't well taken. It is well taken and I assure you that we will do everything in our power to make sure that that goes forward to where
you're satisfied. That like I said, not a blade of grass of your property gets transferred. And so, um, I would just respectfully ask that you let us under undergo that. Understand that we're trying to do the best we can here. Um, and I've admitted that the process could
have been explained better at the at the start and we will continue to do that. I don't know. Maybe she didn't hear. >> Miss Roga, I also understand that uh Mr. Dyster is going to meet up with you tomorrow. >> I think so. Yes. >> Okay. So, hopefully we get some positive progress.
>> I'm hoping. >> What was that, Marty? Did >> No, I saying maybe you did not hear because you were at the airport then when Roxanne said she hadn't it was a mistake. She hadn't put it on the agenda. It it wasn't uh I didn't have I didn't have the resolution time.
>> Your committation has been beautiful. I take no >> at the bottom of our agendas. That's why it's a subject to change. Sometimes we have to pull something off. Sometimes we have to put something on last minute. Um not necessarily last minute but as much as we notic as we can give
>> given the circumstances. I I don't know what the rush was that it had to be put forth at the meeting when the residents who had expressed concern at meeting after meeting were not present. >> I don't believe it was done intentionally. But >> no, I would hope not. >> No, >> I would hope not.
>> It was not done and I think that the public has had um you know more than ample opportunity to convey their and they have. I mean, we we took aside a we had two-hour meeting on this that we live streamed that required a
significant amount of logistical work just to make happen. I think, you know, and members of that uh committee um did everything possible to answer people's questions, uh to be transparent about what the process is. And like I said, we're we're trying to do a good thing
here. Um we really are. And you know, are there going to be bumps in the road? Sure. But I would just ask that, you know, people recognize that we're we're trying to do something to deliver for all 19,000 people in Sparta. And and and
sometimes when we do that, there will be people who disagree with that, who complain about it, and and there they have every right to, but we're really trying to to do our best here. And like I said, the the the boundary dispute will get worked out. Um that's why we
couldn't work it out if we'd never went to the contract negotiation process. So >> yeah, >> that's why we're doing that. >> Yeah, I will add to just as was mentioned last meeting that this is just the next step. This is not at all guaranteed. This is going through because all those other details besides
property lines, the protection of the land, there's a list probably this long. They have to get all worked out. So this is just bringing us to the next step. Doesn't mean it's a given. Doesn't mean it's going to happen in January. doesn't it's just to move the process along. >> Yeah. The and the environmental commission will be involved and along
through that entire process. >> Yeah. Where where needed and necessary. Um you know where where there's an environmental issue. They'll be read in on it. And we have Christine Dumbar is on our trails committee uh who's also on the environmental commission who's also on the planning board. So just by virtue
of her mere presence there, we have, you know, some readin by the planning board and the um environmental commission. >> Yeah. Because they didn't seem to know where you were in the process either. So I want to make sure moving forward that they are a breast of each part of this process as it moves forward. >> Mhm.
>> And also we had discussed our the traffic survey actually after the first time I spoke um at the council meeting. So I appreciated that information. But then that also would be a further traffic study with introducing that pedestrian traffic now on the other side of West Mountains is both sides now.
It's a snowball. But okay, thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Just state your name. >> Uh good evening. Um I'm Marjorie Castell. I'm a life um Well, I have pictures. Am I able to give them to
someone so that you folks can see these? So, if you want to price it. Oh, I didn't know. No, you can give them >> I don't know if I'm allowed to buy you folks or anything. I'm not familiar. >> Yeah, go for it. >> Okay. Um, good evening. My name is Marjorie Castell. Um, I live at 353
North Church Road in Sparta. I'm a lifetime resident of Sparta. Um, I'm here tonight because I have a concern regarding a property that borders my farm. I'm concerned specifically that I have not been notified in any way to the
enormous activity that has interrupted as far back as October 2020 24. It has grown to such capacity that the noise level alone has drastically changed our lives
on our once peaceful farm. To date, many more machines, equipment, trailer, etc. have arrived. Drum duck, excuse me, um dump trucks are con uh continuously dropping loads of dirt.
When we built our farm, we went through all the requirements and permits with town with Sparta Township. I am questioning such a gi excuse me
gigant gigantic endeavor would be able to go on without any alert to a neighbor architecture um agriculture agric I'm sorry I'm nervous but just fine property >> doing just fine
>> but um this has been going on at 809 West Mountain Road and it's extremely It's extremely upsetting. I've had the code enforcement out a few times and now I don't get any response. I
haven't gotten any response from the town engineer which I emailed and I would like for you folks to give me some sort of direction as to where I might go and excuse me but I didn't congratulate. Sorry.
So maybe somebody has some input for me. >> First let me say I I you know I understand why you would be upset like this looks I mean your pictures show a rather extensive um you know construction going on um outside your house.
>> I can tell you me personally I have no idea and I'll be candid with you. I I don't know maybe you have some light you can shed. >> I have to admit mayor this is the first I've become aware of this. Um, make sure you leave your contact information with Roxanne. >> Absolutely.
>> I I will look into this and we will get back to you on on what's going on here. Um, >> I I I'm not aware of this. Um, as you know, we're in the middle of trying to find a code enforcement officer right now, but um something like this would would get would get addressed
regardless. Uh, and you said my town engineer is aware of this. >> I emailed him and he hasn't responded. >> Right. Do you know who you emailed? a Corey. Am I is that would that be right? I'm not familiar with I I don't spend much time.
>> Um just go through my office and and we'll address this right away for you. I I just need your contact information. >> Yeah. I mean, I think, you know, first order is is find out is this subject to, you know, an approval from the planning board at some, you know, a lot of times what happens is there'll be an approval
that happened years and years and years ago and they finally get the financing and funding to actually start the project. They were denied in June. >> Yeah. So, um Okay. Um so, >> yeah. No, I think you know that's what I would want to know is who um is this
subject to a you know, a prior approval and they're just doing work now or if it's not subject to approval, then that's another >> very important issue. But, um you know, I'm sorry you haven't gotten answers to what are very important questions to what I know is probably very disturbing
to you is you don't you have no idea what's getting built behind your house. Well, the environment like is the dirt because all of the dirt that has ever come onto our property, we have sand because we have the equestrians, we have the horses, and every guy that comes into our property has a ticket and the
quarry is always certified. So, everything that has ever we have always played, however you folks want things done, we've we've hired engineers, whatever projects we've had, we've always done it by the books. >> You You've done the right thing. We'll
get this addressed if we we can. >> So, you'll give your information and uh Corey and and Jim uh we'll get a hold of you. >> Yep. You bet. Thank you very much. Thank you. >> Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving. >> All right. Thank you. You too. >> Thanksgiving. >> Andrew Z, if I may add to that, if there
was enforcement uh on site, can you get a a report or >> Yeah, I've been aware of it. So, I'm um we're definitely going to look into it and uh >> All right. Thank you. >> I'll let you know. >> Hi, Jenny Derek. Stepping Desparta. Mr.
Zep, how are you tonight? >> Um so, landfill update and I had a question at the last meeting about the land being transferred to an entity and are we going to be able to in the land
swap to close the landfill? Are we going to be able to put deed restrictions on just as we are expecting deed restrictions to be added to the land that's going to the land conservancy or a land trust? >> So the first question is >> I'm working on it on all your questions regarding that. We are making progress
though slow. Uh Doug Dystra has been a a big help. uh Laura Nugard who is our environmental scientist. Um I actually had asked her if she wouldn't mind coming uh to talk to the council and explain uh more about the properties
that uh we are uh using as donation for the wetland mitigation and um the the the um trust that we're using uh to donate that and to answer your your exact questions. It's just it's it takes some time and throw the holidays in the
in between it all. it, but we're getting there. >> Who negotiate who decided first of all that this would be the location that we would make the swap with and um was it negotiated because it's a significant number of acres ratio versus what we're
doing with the other organization. >> It has to do with the quality of the property, the the ratio that that the D uh uses for the for the offset for the compensation of the wetlands. I'm not the environmental scientist, so I I really don't want to get into it deeper.
However, I will get your answers uh for for those questions with a professional here because I see the concerns and it's understandable. And um I do still believe that in the end it's it's a a win-win for the township because we're finally able to close the landfill and
all the property that we're using will be preserved in perpetuity. >> Well, that's the concern is will it stay or not? Okay. Thank you. He is genuine. >> Hello everybody. Uh my name is Joe Pasakqua, senior. I'd like to
congratulate you on your victory. Um, I thought the construction on Main Street was done excellent. My company owns 12 buildings in Sparta, five of which are on Main Street. The police were exceptional considering the cold weather that you had to deal with and the con
the construction came out much better and uh, our company and our tenants are very happy. I hadn't planned on talking tonight, but I just heard so much other stuff. I just wanted to give a different perspective. Sparta is a great place to live and I wanted to keep it that way.
Everyone have a nice Thanksgiving. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> Okay. Any other person wishing to be heard on items not on the agenda. >> Okay. Uh seeing none, we will move on to
the expenditures. Deputy Mayor Murphy, would you please read the expenditures for November 25th, 2025? >> Yes. The expenditures for November 25th, 2025 are $6,651,000, not $594,000.35.
>> Right. Uh, may I have a motion to approve the expenditures of November 25th, 2025? >> So moved. >> Uh, may I have a second, please? >> A second. >> Uh, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. The expenditures for November 25th,
2025 have been approved. Um, we have three ordinances to be introduced tonight. And just a refresher on the introduction of ordinances. This is simply uh for to have the ordinances introduced um so
that they can then move on to a hearing in two weeks. And so u this township uh does follow Robert's rules. that sets forth I believe in chapter 2 section 3 section 7 um that says we do follow
Robert's rules so when you introduce an ordinance you simply are reading it um you're not discussing it we're not taking it back to the dis to have a lengthy that's going to happen in two weeks um so just a reminder of that for everyone um however if you you know
there is a public comment period at the very end um where you can say whatever you want and so if if people want to talk about one of these ordinances and that um they can just don't expect a response from us because that's kind of deliberating which what we're supposed to do in two weeks. So that's just a
refresher on the introduction of ordinances. So um with that caveat out of the way, madame clerk, could you please read the title of ordinance 2520? An ordinance amending chapter 2 administration article 11 taxation and
revenue of the revised general ordinances of the township of Sparta amending section 2-62 100 disabled 100% disabled veteran tax refunds. >> And may I have a motion to introduce ordinance 2520?
>> So moved. >> Uh may I have a second, please? >> Second. >> Uh madame clerk, may we have a roll call? Councilman Sylvester, >> yes. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilman Blumemedi, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Murphy, >> yes.
>> Mayor Clark, >> yes. Um, so, ordinance 2520 has been introduced. Uh, at our next meeting, we will have a hearing on that where the public will be able to comment on it as well as council to add whatever they
want to add um to the discussion. Okay. Next, we have um ordinance 2521. So, Madame Clerk, could you please read the title of uh ordinance 2521? >> An ordinance to amend and supplement chapter 18, comprehensive land
management code in the code of the township of Sparta. >> Okay. May I have a motion to introduce ordinance 2521? >> I move to introduce ordinance 25-21. >> May I have a second, please? >> Second. >> Um, Madame Clerk, may I have a roll
call? Councilman Sylvester, >> yes. >> Councilman Scott, >> yes. >> Councilman Blummedi, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Murphy, >> yes. >> Mayor Clark, >> yes. So, ordinance 2521 uh 22 has been introduced. Um >> 21
>> 21, sorry, it's uh has been introduced. Again, in two weeks, we will have a hearing on that particular ordinance. Uh madame clerk, could you please read the title of ordinance 2522? Ordinance of the Township of Sparta, County of Sussex, New Jersey, repealing
and or withdrawing Ordinance 25-07 to Ordinance 25-08 and Ordinance 25-09 relating to cannabis zoning, licensing, and taxing regulations. >> Okay. May I have an ordinance I mean a
motion to introduce ordinance 2522? >> I make a motion to introduce 2522. >> Uh, may I have a second, please? I'll second. >> Okay. Madame Clerk, may I have a roll call? >> Councilman Sylvester? >> Yes. >> Councilman Scott?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Bli? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Murphy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Clark? >> Yes. So, ordinance 2522 has been to introduced um at the two weeks. We will have a vote on whether to adopt 2522.
And that does it for the introduction of ordinances. We are now we don't have a hearing um on any ordinance. We are now open to the public again. Uh this deals with any of the resolutions. So if you have any comments with respect to the
resolutions, uh please step to forward and and and please provide your name and please be mindful of the fiveminut period. Yeah. Okay. So these um I think council is is other than Councilman Sylvester, these are pretty routine uh resolutions
dealing with uh uh cancelling tax and refunding water payments. And so in light of the sort of what I will call kind of preuncter nature of these resolutions. Um I would like to have a motion to approve all the resolutions. So may I have a res motion to approve resolution?
>> Oh okay. Pete Lichfield 120 Kosoga Trail. >> Uh I'm a Vietnam veteran. While I served, thank God I'm not disabled.
Uh I've had jungle rod on my back. It's scarred for life. I had malaria. I've uh have to get checked every six months for Agent Orange. Uh I get lead poisoning from Camp Leune. And thank God I'm in
fairly good health for a 78-y old man. I just want you to think about what a lot of these people are going through before they get to this stage. I know one gentleman over here 16 years before he got uh his disability. He
suffered with pain for that many years. Most of you, I don't know if you're in the service or you have relatives that were, but you know, I I think we have to be look at this a little closer.
And it shouldn't just be a broad brush. I I have a friend of mine, he comes to me and he goes, "My taxes in Sparta are killing me. They're $15,000." I said, "You have five kids in the school system. you know, you're you're you're you're
living the dream and here you want to take a couple grand from some guy because this is easy. This is picking the low fruit. So, anyhow, I checked with the state of New Jersey, called the state commander, got our attorney, and I did find out
that only two towns that he's aware of is Sparta and Lynon, New Jersey that do a what you call a look back for a year. or two years the the this year and you go back a year or whatever it is
and uh as a as a taxpayer who doesn't have any uh advantage of not paying taxes uh I think we have to look at is what is fair for both the service person that went through the hell that they're still
going through and also the taxpayer I had a friend of mine lost both of his calves, part of his back. He bought a house in Roseland for $2.3 million knowing that he wasn't going to pay any property tax, but he suffered his whole
life. So, you know, you want to take a little bit of money away from these people. Uh, I don't know, maybe you should put something in there. Anybody that moves into the town from this date on that's 100% disabled doesn't get it. goes from
whatever you said here from this day that they notify you. The people that are here that are still going through the process, maybe give them a second look. I don't know. I'm just throwing things out there. Like I said, you have people that have five kids in the school system paying $15,000 in taxes isn't
covering that expense either. Thank you for your time. Have a nice Thanksgiving. Congratulations, Mike. Yeah. You >> and thank you for all you do. >> Thank you, Commander. Okay. Anyone else wishing to be heard on the resolutions?
Okay. Um, seeing uh, no one. Uh, may I have a motion to approve resolutions 91 through 97? >> Some moved. >> Uh, may I have a second, please? >> I'll second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Resolutions 91 through 97 have been
approved. We are now up to the council liaison updates. And I will start on my far left with Councilman Scott. >> Uh on the planning board, um recently that the uh planning board had was
cancelled. M Celeste Luciano canceled the October 15th and October 17th planning board meetings because she would miss the two meetings for her own personal reasons. Even though the vice chair offered to conduct the meeting, we're not really sure what happened
there. Um the uh the municipal alliance is has ended their is started to end their year and we went over many of the programs that are being done in the county and in the town and I think that uh slowly I'm
figuring out what these what these people are saying at these meetings. Honestly, no idea. Um, I went to the chamber chamber breakfast this morning. It was well attended and,
uh, several new companies coming to town, so that was, uh, good to see. That's it. Thank you, >> Deputy Mayor Murphy. >> I have no updates. uh the except for the Rev 250, we're kind of pulling things
together to to start with the tavern t talks in January, but uh as soon as we get things together and you can purchase tickets online, um I will let you know and always check the website, the Sparta Township website. It will also be on
there. >> Else that it Okay. Um sure. So, just a follow up with Rev 250. Um, for the tavern talks, um, it will be held at Crows, there will be a limited number of tickets obviously because you can't fit a whole ton of people on there. Um, we
are using, I believe, Eventbrite, uh, which is a ticketing service. Um, you know, it took a little extra work to get that done. Um, but we will post that, but it will be kind of first come, first serve. So, I think if I recall from our last meeting,
>> 30 tickets. Yeah, like 30 tickets or so uh that we'll have available. So, uh again, I think that's a wonderful way to kick off uh the revolutionary 250 period. Um like I said before, Sparta is really at the forefront of this. Some
towns are doing it. Um but we're doing, you know, we we are lucky to have the folks that we have on there and including an award-winning reenactor who will be at the Tavern Talks. Um, in February, um, we will be having, um, some colonial era music. I'm in the, uh,
I will be probably reaching out to some members of the community, business community, u, because we're looking for someone to host that. Um, so, uh, I will have that in mind. Obviously would want the acoustics to be as good as they could. Um, but I'll hopefully by the
next meeting I'll know the time, the date, and the venue for that. And I would hope that may we'll see whether that's going to be a ticketed item or we can just you know have the have everyone come in. So we're still hashing that out. um on our trails meeting will be
held on um December 10th uh in the township and uh we haven't had a meeting um since or uh we had that meeting that was um live streamed um but that will happen December 10th. As far as I know,
no other than Mr. Dyes are having conversations um with Miss Rogoff. There hasn't been any movement on anything else uh with respect to the trails. Uh our film committee met last week. Um I am happy to report that the county now
has an official um film ready uh and committee. Um and Sparta was lucky enough to have a representative on that. So I congratulate uh Mr. Rob Nicholson uh from Sparta who is one of the members of that uh committee. And so part of
what we will be doing going forward is making sure that the you know because there's other towns that have now jumped on board. I think Newton I think Stillwater is also going to have its own film committee and now that we have a county um there'll obviously need to be coordination. And I know that what the
county is trying to do is create a database that has listed town by town um you know sort of all the pictures and everything. We had done that Sparta had done that early on in the process and we just need to share it with the county. Uh but what that enables uh to do is so
that a a prospective entertainment production uh company can look and go through in one failed swoop at one database all the various towns in Sussex County including Sparta uh to have their pictures and everything so they can
decide um if that's an appropriate location for them. So we're we're very happy about that. Um, I think it's a going to be a very good committee and and I um I'm thankful that we have the support of our county commissioners who
are behind this endeavor. Um, as far as what's the next committee that I'm on? Orec. We're going to meet uh next week. Um, uh, so we haven't had a meeting in a while. So that is uh next week. And also Rev 250 will meet again on December 1st.
So that meeting will give me more information about um upcoming events and uh tickets and everything. And then if I have more information about the tavern talk and how to get a ticket, I will definitely share that.
And with that, I do not have any more council liaison updates. So that moves me to Councilman Blumedi. >> So uh update on the business development committee. Our next and last meeting of the year will be the first week of December where we'll be hosting uh
several so three to four members of the business community to come in and uh in an informal setting share their ideas and experiences uh in the spirit of how we can best support and encourage business development in the town. Uh we'll have our planning and zoning department uh director there and
possibly another employee. So, I I look forward to reporting out after that meeting on some of the uh opportunities and ideas that arise. So, >> will there be a way to share that with the rest of the council about what's discussed at that meeting? Because I know there's everyone up here is
particularly interested and I know um Councilman Sylvester is particularly interested in small business. He made that a key part of his candidacy and I think, you know, it'd be important to share whatever information you have with with all of us. Well, yeah, I expect
that. Um, and the purpose of the BDC, it's an advisory committee only, so it can't enact anything, but it's to provide recommendations to the council on either uh policy or process updates on how we can better serve the community. So, yeah, I I plan to give an
update myself, but I think following that, if there's any recommendations that we think should be proposals, the council will see that to to consider. >> And what's the date again? >> Uh, that is the 4th. >> Fourth. And where's the held? It's here. >> Here. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> I Yeah, we'll have to talk because there
there's two council members already there. So, if if Yeah. If anybody else is going to come, we have to figure out noticing and all that. So, we'll talk offline. >> Good catch. >> That's it. >> Yeah. You've been on the job for two hours. What's the update?
>> I'll suggest new committee next next meeting, I guess. >> Thank you. >> We we we'll definitely look forward to putting you on. Um there's a lot of great committees that we have and you a lot of great people. I think it's one of the best ways to meet your some residents who are engaged and informed
and and really put the town first. So I look forward to you getting that opportunity to to be on those committees. I think you have particular expertise in certain areas that you know I think we need to think about where you know you could be most useful um and where you think you can be most useful.
So I >> agree. Thank you. Sure. Okay. Anyone forget anything? We're going to move on to unfinished or new business. Okay. >> All right. Any unfinished or new business? And I I'll start with uh
Councilman Blummedi. >> Uh just a general announcement. Uh >> with the new year approaching, um if there's any residents that are interested in any of the township boards and committees, uh now's a good time to start thinking about going online and
completing a very simple brief volunteer application. Uh in there you can provide a little bit of your background and also select a first and a second choice for boards or committees that you think you might want to be interested in in contributing to. So, just want to put it out there to start thinking through that as we get towards year end and the
beginning of the year. Thanks. >> Thank you. That does remind me I forgot about the Sparta Beautifification Committee um that we did uh we are now an official committee, but we need people to uh join. So, I would re reiterate I think we have gotten some
interest. I'm trying to figure that out. Um, and you know, I would like to kind of start staffing that kind of on a rolling basis as soon as we have people interested. Um, we can we can put them on there. Um, as opposed to waiting because what um, Councilman Bli was, uh,
alluding to is in January we have our reorganization meeting. And so what happens at that we, you know, re-up people who on the committee, we maybe take some people off who haven't shown up to any meetings and then we staff it with some other people. So, um I think
you know, but we can that doesn't stop us now for putting people on committee. I'd like to get the the beautifification one uh started so they can get up and running. So, that's sort of my new unfinished business. Um I also attended the uh League of Municipalities. A lot
of very good um you know, updates on the law, particularly with land use. Um you know, there was I think you went to a cannabis one. Um I did as well and uh it was a great way even though you're
exhausted after 3 days. Um but it was you know very well attended. Um I was glad that um Councilman Sylvester could go too and experience even though he's been to many of them uh in a professional capacity. So that I don't
think I have any other um unfinished or new business tonight. You >> Councilman Scott, any unfinished or new business? Okay. All right. We are now at the final uh public comment period of
the evening. Um so this is whatever you want to talk about. So um anyone wishing to be heard uh in the public comment period please st uh come forward and state your name and mindful of the five
minutes. Jenny Derek's tap into Sparta. I just want to um extend that wherever you are on Thursday whomever you're spending your de day with I hope you find grace there and I hope you are blessed with a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you.
>> Same to you. >> Same to you John. again. >> Hi folks, Ronda Day. Uh, congratulations Mike. Mike, um, at the last meeting there was when we they were talking uh about the disabled veteran uh, exemption, the question was asked, you
know, how much how much money is really involved here? Did we ever get an answer to that question? I know you were going to look into it. I talking $10,000, $100,000, a million dollars. Does anybody know? >> I I think I can answer that. Okay.
>> Um, as you know, we we h we we have this past year, we're we're up to 19 tax exemptions. The township has a total of 8100% disabled vets as of today. um yearly now, and this is based on my
information that I obtained from our tax collector, is we're up around $200,000 in the look back. All right. Going forward, those those veterans are are exempt from property tax entirely uh for as long as they own the property. The
look back, which is an optional position that the township uh you know, had um formalized in 2022 20 Yeah. 2021. Thank you, Margie. Um, roughly right now, it all depends on the size of
the property, Ron. And that would dictate the size of the of the retro the retroactive refund. All right. But generally, we're averaging around $200,000. All right. And um it's it's tough to budget. It's it's you don't know what what that number is going to be. So,
>> what period of time? >> For a year. >> So, so if I could, and thanks for the information, Jim, that helps me a little bit. You know, when I think of the look back, you know, that's probably like a one-time thing as opposed to, you know, every year you can come back and you you can say, I want the exemption for this year, but the look back once it's
claimed, you you don't go back. So, I imagine the look back portion would get smaller every year as we get further in deeper into the program because people have claimed it up front, >> right? But you continue to take on additional vets. So the past two years
now we averaged 18 uh applications. >> Sparta is is a popular spot. Yeah. >> All right. Uh for various reasons and uh recently the just the past two meetings we we just approved seven applications. Um
it's it's a moving target. I uh I've been advising the council on this for a little while now because uh um it's it's it would be nice to have the money to be able to give this. We just don't have it in our budget. And Ron, do you know
where that money gets pulled from? >> So So here's where you're going to hear a different side from me than you probably heard before. Well, I've always said, you know, got to watch your spending, got to watch the revenues. I don't think taking u exemptions away
that we've already given to the disabled vets is the place we should be looking at. When when I heard Pete Litchfield say that, you know, we're one of two two towns in New Jersey. You know, I'm I'm proud to be from Sparta, but when I heard that, I was even prouder. We we
help our disabled vets. So, I know I know you all can't can't talk about it tonight, but I'm going to ask that you really think hard before you take that exemption away. There are people out there that need it or the look back part of the exemption. People out there that look at it that count on it. And you
know, as speaking for me as as an individual, I don't know the stories of what these people went through, but I I I I probably can't even imagine. But as a Sparta resident, my vote is support disabled vets. Don't
take anything away. >> Ron, just to be clear, we're not taking it away from them. Well, the exemption you take the look back, >> the the two-year look back, >> but that's that's there now. >> We're We're one of two towns that do that. >> I I got you. >> So, however long it takes for the VA to
get them approved, which sometimes can be way too long. I've had to deal with them and they're not very quick. But from once they get approved and the and the vet comes in and applies to Sparta, they're exempt. Let me just say one
thing because I want to be mindful of the clock is >> sorry >> you know I I appreciate I appreciate the the conversation. Um you know I look back over the last couple weeks we approved $100,000 to microfich some boxes cuz we don't know where to put them. We approved half a million dollars
to do a a street sweeper even though the current one's working. But now we're talking$100 to $100,000 for a look back that we're trying to use to balance the budget. I just don't believe that's the right place to do it and and that's just my opinion. I'll I'll leave that to this
for discussion next week. So, thank you and happy Thanksgiving everybody. >> Happy Thanksgiving. >> Anyone else wishing to be heard uh for the final public comment period? Okay, seeing no one, um just to reiterate what um Mr. Derek said, "I
hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving. Uh, and we all should be grateful uh that we live in the community that we do and have the family that we have." So, I hope everyone gets able to take time to to really be grateful and celebrate with their family members um over the holiday. And we will
see you in two weeks or is it two weeks? >> December 9th. Okay. >> All right. With that, uh may I have a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Uh >> may I have a second please? >> I'll second. >> All that all those in favor say I.