We're good. >> All right. Welcome. Uh, this meeting uh is called to You're good. This meeting called order. Notice this meeting is being held in accordance with public law 1975 chapter 231. Adequate
notice of this meeting has been provided by a notice sent to the star ledger, the local source, and posted in the main lobby of the municipal building and on the township website. Um, I would like to ask Deputy Mayor Kaiser to lead us in the pledge of allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag to the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Please remain standing for a moment of silence for our service members here and
abroad. >> Be seated. Madame clerk, can you please call the role? >> Mayor Laer >> here. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser >> present. >> Committeeman Capes >> here. >> Committeeman Yuber.
>> Committeeman Weber >> here. >> Proclamations and announcements. >> Springfield 55 plus residents calendar January 2026. It's a full calendar. I urge everybody to take a look.
All municipal bu offices will be closed Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Christmas trees will be collected curbside through the month of January. Please remove the lights, decorations, wire, tree stands,
and plastic bags. First bulk pickup for 2026 is scheduled for March 18th. Garbage and recycling days will remain the same. The 2026 DPW brochure is available online and at town
hall. There will be a public discussion at the January 27th meeting regarding the Oakland Park project. John, if we could publicize that further, please do. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. uh reconciliation regarding the building
the bridge at Jonathan Dayton High School on Sunday, January 18th from 2 to 4, the 63rd anniversary of the first time Dr. King spoke in Springfield. Next is a proclamation for Maline Graano
celebrating her 100th birthday on January 24th. So I will uh ask uh Committeeman Capid to read the proclamation. Oh. Thank you. >> Whereas is Meline here?
>> No. Um, our CFO Diane Cherry will accept that on behalf. >> Oh, wonderful. Well, Meline, if you're watching, congratulations. And this is for you. Whereas Meline Graziano, a resident of Springfield for 64 years, is celebrating her 100th birthday on
January 24th, 2026. And whereas we are gathered here on this occasion as family, friends, neighbors of the Maline Cresano to honor and celebrate her 100th birthday. And whereas Meline was an educator for 40 years, spending most of her career as a third grade teacher, God
bless you. And whereas her love for education and her students is well remembered by many. And whereas Meline is also a devoted tennis fan and dabbled in playing tennis on the courts of Springfield. And whereas she is now also
a or she is also a very charitable person helping many in need including such agencies as St. Jude, Covenant House, Animal Shelters, and many more. Now therefore, I, Harris Lauer, mayor of the township of Springfield, Union County, New Jersey, on behalf of the
township committee, do hereby recognize Maline Graciano for her extraordinary qualities and accomplishments. Her service and her life are appreciated by all, and we congratulate her on a life long well-lived and wish her a very
happy birthday. It is signed by the mayor and our seal of the township of Springfield is affixed. And uh congratulations. Happy birthday and uh may it be another hundred years. Even >> I was just going to say even though
she's not here, we should she still deserves a clap for 100 years. Um >> watching I believe. >> Excellent. Congratulations Meline. And now, the moment 98% of us have been waiting for. Um, we are going to swear in our Springfield First Aid Squad
officers for the year 2026. If you hear your name, please come to the front. President, this one's a nailbiter. Elizabeth J. Fritzen. Vice President Jessica Miller. Treasurer of Pumalik Recording Secretary Circar Nagbu Shan.
How'd I do? Good. Did I do good? I'll take the six out of 10. Uh S corresponding secretary Samantha Yusupov, Trustee Martin Gornstein, House Committee Vidia Merty, the Chief Marla Naparano,
Deputy Chief Juliana Silva, First Lieutenant Lois Hornshark, second Lieutenant Anna Maria George, >> Training Officer Jeffrey Sheainus, and Supply Sergeant Joseph Vorhees. Liz Mara raise your right hand.
I say your namely >> swearly >> swear >> that I will support the United States of the United States >> and the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the state >> and to the government established in the United States and in this United States >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and I will >> I will
>> faithfully >> faithfully >> and partially >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the office of >> all the duties of the office >> the position >> according to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability >> so help me God >> so help me God >> congratulate officers. Thank you. And now, uh, we'd like to call up the new EMTs for the year 2025. Uh, come up to the front. Number one,
Griffin Cedarquist. Number two, William Diaz. Number three, Rohan Goell. Michaela Milos, Nada Muhammad, Ikshita Na, Chica, Solo, Dwali,
Paulina Pearlman, David Panzalon, Matthew Shei and Vina Vidali. I was just going to say Liz, if you want to say a couple words. On behalf of the Springfield First Aid Squad, I want to thank the mayor and
township committee for this great honor. what you do every year are swearing in and recognizing the squad and uh we really do appreciate your support. So I want to give you a couple stats before I
sit down. >> Um >> folks, it's our 77th year in operation service providing uh emergency medical service to the Township of Springfield residents. The squad answered over 2,300 calls in
2025, and that's a lot of calls. Uh, we added 18 new members in 2025. We have 11 new EMTs that we added this year. You just met them all.
Um, and we currently have 70 EMTs. So, um, what I wanted to say to, uh, the mayor and township committee and all the residents that you are certainly in safe
hands as we continue to provide this valuable service to the residents of Springfield. We work in partnership with the chief police department, chief the uh you were there uh of the fire
department in this great partnership. And what I'm proud to say is and I think everybody here tonight saw our ranks are getting a lot younger and uh we have uh 15 cadet members that we
bring up along the ranks. Some of them started out as cadetses are now uh EMTs. They passed the classes this past year. So, um we have a full mix of members that are answering calls and the
residents of Springfield should feel very secure in knowing that your volunteer first aid squad is topnotch. And I also want to bring up something we're very excited about. Any day now,
we are taking ownership and delivery of a brand new ambulance. Our fourth ambulance. And you know what? When you have 2,300 calls in a year, you need four ambulances. So, uh, we're very proud to get, uh, our
newest, uh, vehicle again any day now into service and to continue to provide, uh, the great service that we do, uh, for the residents of Springfield and those passing through our borders. I
will have to say um our members volunteers it's not just the riding time it's the countless hours of training that each one of us go through and able to provide the standard of care that
that we do. So again a big round of applause and you're right I think 98% of your audience tonight is us. >> Yep. And um I would say that all of you from the Springfield First Aid Squad, please stand up and be recognized for
everything that you do. Thank you. And again, uh Mayor Township Committee, we appreciate the support you give us. Um, we appreciate you talking um us up to the residents. Of course, we
always need volunteers. Of course, we always need donations. Can I be before you go anywhere, can I can I ask you to expand on that about the donations cuz you guys are volunteer. Can you just express to the public how important it is when that envelope comes
to the house and and what a check for $5 or or $10 or $25 does for you guys. >> Uh >> but they need you to go into the microphone so people at home could hear it. I would say that uh any kind of support that the residents lend to us
monetarily is important and again as committee person Weber just said no donation is too small and you give what you can afford and um that's what keeps us viable and going and we rely on donations from the residents of
Springfield to continue uh for us to stock a brand new ambulance. keep all of our medical supplies um and also the training. So again, no donation is too small and you give what
you can and we gladly accept it. So thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. before I call a recess. Anybody else want to talk the first aid squad up to their faces? >> Your your volunteers. It's a special uh
kind of person to to volunteer to go out there and and do your hours whether it's day shift, night shift, afternoon shift. Give up your time and take care of those who need it. Uh,
we're a few years ago already and I just bring it up all the time. Fire department come to my house. My wife cannot breathe. Cannot breathe. I I I don't even know how long she had left. Mike shows up, fire chief shows up, you
guys show up. She is breathing within a minute. Pretty amazing. So you will forever have my uh gratitude and and I'll forever be indebted to you guys. So you you are
awesome. Thank you. This year I was taken to the hospital by first a day squad. They were very good, very professional. Um I didn't know what I'd do if they wouldn't come. I didn't want anybody to come. I told my wife, "I'll divorce if
she calls anybody." But they came. They were very quiet. Um, and they were professional and they did a great job. And I want to thank you. >> You know, having the first aid squad
come to your house and not everybody be aware of it, that's a very tough thing to do because the same thing happened to me um probably about a year and a half ago. Now, um minor thing that happened and then you know we had to uh call the ambulance and and and same thing as uh
committ uh Huber just said. Um this is the ninth time I had the honor to see this in person and uh I love this every year. Um you in the audience probably feel you know um know how I feel about
you. Um, one of the first memories I had with my dad is, um, seeing him be a firefight, uh, not firefighter, a, um, Coleman's emergency squad member, uh, growing up in Union. So, uh, I got to see him do it a little bit and, uh, I've been fortunate and very blessed to, uh,
go on a couple ride alongs and see what you guys do firsthand. So, thank you for always answering the call. Um and to the family and friends that are also here to share in this moment of the swearing in, thank you for giving up your uh loved
ones for a time to uh come and of of service to the to the residents of this town and we do appreciate that as well. And that's a very uh important part of this. Thank you for giving up your time to share with your loved ones their service to our community. Congratulations again and good luck this
year. Uh uh you all do it for the $100,000 check that comes along with it, right? Oh, wait. No, you don't. You do it for free and you do it because you're part of a community and you want to give back and and make it a better place. And hey,
there's not much I have to say. Your stats speak for themselves. That uh uh uh is quite clear. Um, that's 2,300 calls in our town that somebody needed assistance that you were there. I think everybody is touched at some point in
their life uh needing a an EMS squad and you being there at the right time makes all the difference and there's not enough thanks in the world that uh can go by uh uh to to thank you for your service. So, we all appreciate you. Keep
doing what you're doing. It makes our community just a little bit better knowing that you're there. >> Um, I'll just keep it short and sweet. Um, Springfield First Aid Squad is an absolute pillar of our community. Um, we
we are not the same community without you. You we you are relied upon, trusted, um, and appreciated. But everybody, uh, has their own, uh, Springfield First Aid Squad story. And uh you know I'm I'm going to share one
that is not about the Springfield first aid squad uh couple years ago uh last more like a year and a half ago uh hurt my hand uh really badly. Um and um
Milbour showed up and my response was damn it. Um you know uh I've seen the Springfield first aid squad in their finest hour. Um, and you know, it was that instance was just an illustration that you guys do it better than anybody
I can think of. So, um, thank you for all you do and, uh, keep doing it and, uh, I hope never to have to see you, um, in, uh, in your EMT capacities. So,
thank you for everything. We're going to take a two-minute recess and then we'll return to the time business. Before we go into executive session, I do have a couple additional announcements. Um, if you're interested in joining the
finance review committee, please submit your resume to residence review at residence-review at Springfield NJ.
us. The committee will consist of seven residents. Springfield Public Library will once again present the Battle of Springfield, a conversation on Sunday, January 25th at 2 p.m. in the Donald Palmer Museum,
66 Mountain Avenue. Springfield Public Library will also host members of the AARP income tax volunteer service beginning Wednesday, February 4th, and continuing every Wednesday through April 15th. The
library will begin accepting appointments on Tuesday, January 20th. Please call 973 376434930 extension 221 or register in person. Moving on, we have uh an executive we
have an executive session resolution. Madame Clerk, >> resolution 11326A, whereas article six of the open public meetings act provides that a public body may hold a close session. And whereas
the township committee will during this enter into discussion of the following matters, attorney, client, privilege, and personnel. Whereas matters to be discussed in close session are to remain in the strictest of confidence by all township committee members in
furtherance of their fiduciary duties to the township. Now therefore, be it resolved matters discussed that this meeting will be released to the public when reasons for discussing and acting upon them in close session no longer exists.
>> Motion for executive. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor? >> I >> I >> uh before we go into close, action may be taken. >> Um and we are now in close. It will be
very short. Okay, we're good. Um, after uh exec uh we need a motion to add resolution 202659. Can we have a motion? >> Motion second. >> Is that a roll call, Madam Clerk to add
it? >> I would think so. >> Yeah, >> whenever you're ready. >> Okay. Committeeman Weber, >> yes. >> Committeeman Yuber, >> yes. >> Committeeman Capes, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> yes. >> Mayor Ler, >> yes. We've added resolution 2026
59 to our consent agenda. None. We're going to move on. Uh, administrator's report. John Basico. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Election has been extended because been extended because of the weather that we suffered on the 14th and the 27th. leaves can be placed at the
curb and we'll clean them up. After the after the 31st of January, they will no longer be collected. So, you still have another couple of weeks. Christmas trees you touched on. There's no need to schedule a pickup. I'm sorry. Yes, M. >> I don't believe so. Let me check with
Mr. Ber. I >> said something about >> Yeah, the No, no plastic bags. I just want to make sure people know >> uh Christmas trees will be picked up through the 31st of January as was indicated. There's no need to call the town to schedule a pickup. We're going
to continue to canvas the town on a regular basis. So just leave them out there and they will get taken away. DPW crews are removing all the decorations, cleaning the parks, storm basins again, God bless you, on a regular basis and waterways in between the weather events
and over the winter months we're trying to keep clear. Um, I do want to show you one picture that as as maybe mundane as it is, we're kind of proud of. Tamar, would you please put that up? After six years, we have a sidewalk.
>> Warms my heart. JCPNL are or Horizon Verizon. It only took us six years to get him to finally fix a sidewalk. So, it's it is done. So, >> that was, trust me, that was a that was a career to get that sidewalk finished.
It was ridiculous. Um, the building that you see in that picture on the right there, the Gomes building on the corner, we are trying to schedule a meeting with them this month. We're talking to the owner, Joe Gomes, at the possibility of that building may be for sale. So, we're
going to see what uh what we can do with that. We're looking into it. Uh there hasn't been a whole lot as far as redevelopment goes. Obviously with the weather that we're having. We did have an incident at the Gomes building last week with fire department. There was a meter gas leak in one of the meters.
Fire was on it. JCP come in shut it down. So it was taken care of. No danger to the public. Before that building ever opens, everything will be reinspected. So they'll have to have a clean bill of health before they get any chance having any cos. So, nobody has to be concerned
that there's a safety issue there. Um, other than that, I don't have a whole lot else at the moment, unless there's questions or comments. >> I just I just have a comment. Um, I was walking in my neighborhood and I was, you know, we talk about leaves and and and garbage collection and we have
Christmas trees. I was walking along uh my neighborhood and I I have a picture here that I just took, but it's it's obviously not going to work for this. But I'm walking along and I saw a uh drain, sewer drain that was completely covered with wet leaves. Now, that could
happen for a myriad of reasons. We have weather, we have wind, we have rain, things shift and settle and and that's all well and good, but I also want to just put out a gentle reminder to our residents that, you know, having the leaves over these grates
counter is counteracts what these drains are actually used for and their purpose. So again, I understand that, you know, through just mother nature, things seem to change and shift and sometimes it's through no fault of anybody's, but especially if you're trying to put the
leaves to the curb or the landscapers are doing it, ask the landscapers. And also I want to ask the residents to please be mindful that these leaves do not cover these drains because obviously, you know, with some some issues that we've been having in town. I'm not saying this is a a cure all, but
certainly this could help alleviate problems in the future. Just be mindful that when you're taking care of your leaves, just to just to keep the keep the drains clear because it's just counterproductive what they're there for to do. >> Yeah. Yeah, we asked if you keep them 10 ft away if you can from the the basins
because it does contribute to flooding when they get blocked. >> So, and and thank you for the segue. We're going to also have on our website, we're going to have our DPW director, Robert Bcher, is going to give us a little story and question and answers about our sewer and sanitary system so
that everybody understands how it works, what happens when you put things in it that don't belong, where everything goes, that type of thing. I think it'll be eye opening because I don't think most people know even that we do have two systems out there, you know. So, we'll get that up very shortly. So,
we're looking forward to getting that posted. >> We uh >> the only thing I have to say is um I saw him today collecting leaves and if cars were parked, they wreck rad around the cars. I mean, I give DPW a lot of
credit. I mean, they they raked around the cars. They picked them up in piles. I mean, you can't anybody complain. Shouldn't because there's no other town that does that. And I know
>> I think if you pass through some of the other towns, especially when we have a snowstorm, >> our roads here actually are well taken care of. I think we're very fortunate. You know, we don't see it sometimes, but you know, I come down, I cut through Summit and some of the other towns on the way, and I'm telling you, you get to
Springfield, you see a noticeable difference. >> So, Kaiser, you had a >> Oh, no. I was just going to go off of the the sanator. It came up in discussions and budget and it was enlightening that it cost us and the
town a significant uh uh uh money to take care of and maintain. And it's not No investment on our end on this will get people to comply except through education of what's the right thing to put down your sword and and so it is eye
opening and uh uh that was uh administrator's uh point to try to do a video and try to get it out to the public. >> You're welcome. Any other questions or comments? If not, thank you very much. >> Seeing none, we're going to move on. Uh there are no minutes because this is
meeting one. Um, new business. We have no ordinance on second reading, but we do have uh ordinances on first reading. >> Ordinance 2020601. This ordinance amends provisions of the township code to create the position of
OEM liaison officer. >> I would, Mr. Uh, Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to adopt ordinance 2026-01 as read by Madame Clerk, publicized in a local source January 22nd, 2026 with a
final hearing on February 10th, 2026. I I'll second it, but we get a rundown of >> Sure. So, yeah. So the the thought behind this is
um with Captain Westover advancing to the rank of captain um his day-to-day becomes more than OEM and these positions are uh to lighten that burden and assist OEM in operating um you know
for instance auxiliary cert things like that any paperwork that pertains to police these officers um will be trained in uh the operations of OEM, work with uh Apoo, Scott, everybody in that office
and uh assist in uh you know filling that gap. >> No, this this is the the the the position in the police department. >> Yes, this is in the police department, >> not OEM. >> They are to liaz with OEM. Any other questions, comments, concerns?
What's happening right now is that we we there's just too many tasks going on. Um if one person's if one piece of the puzzle is missing, there's an issue with this new uh officer with this new
liaison officer and and creating the position of it. It's in our best interest to have more people with more knowledge of what's happening than just rely at all on one at this point. And uh this has been due
for a while. Any other further questions, comments, concerns? Seeing none, I think we're ready to vote. >> Committeeman Weber, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> yes. >> Committeeman Capes, >> yes. >> Yuber, >> yes. >> Mayor Laer,
>> yes. Ordinance 20262. This ordinance amends the existing ordinances governing certain employment positions and establishes salary ranges and compensation levels for such
positions within the township. Uh, I'll make a motion to adopt ordinance 2026-2 as read by Madame Clerk with publication in the local source on January 22nd, 2026 with a final hearing scheduled for February 10th, 2026.
>> I second discussion. >> I I like the ranges. Um, I think the ranges are Let's find real quick. I think the ranges are appropriate. I do think that um and I'll be I'll be
fine to put it out there. I do think that I will be looking to um increase the stipened for for the TC up here. you know,
I I think it's it's it's a different job than it was even, you know, 10 years ago, 20 years ago. Definitely some of the uh messages that I have on my phone
from some of the people residents around town are things that I don't even know if I could put them online without insulting other people.
But it is impossible to find people who want to come up here and take the the beatings that you get from people online, who
love to sit there with the peanut gallery and say things that are just so outlandish about you, your family, um the job that you try to do up here
the integrity of your character and everything else. So with that said, I want you all to think about it. But at this point right now, this position doesn't pay nearly enough for what it's supposed to for for what we do or what
we have to put up with. Save that volunteer stuff because it's not a volunteer position anymore. It's an elected one. So I want you guys to think about it. I don't have anything in mind right now, but I will be bringing it up again uh within the next month or so for you guys
to just kind of kick it around and we can have individual conversations privately. >> And if we choose to amend, we'll make sure everybody knows that it's amended, but >> absolutely right now. And if anybody ever wants to meet with me, anybody wants to ever meet with me and discuss
some of the text messages they send me, as a matter of fact, chief, I have to meet with you later because some of them I have are just downright threatening to me and my family. But if anybody wants to meet with me, they can feel free to find me.
>> Heard and definitely >> done. >> Yeah. Feel that. Um, any other discussion on the salary ordinance? Seeing none, I Let's vote. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> uh, yes. >> Committeeman Capid,
>> yes. >> Committeeman Huber, >> yes. >> Committeeman Weber, >> yes. >> Mayor Lford, >> yes. Okay. Moving on to resolutions. Um, if you would like one pulled, please say so.
Resolution 202648, Resolution 202649, 202650, 2026 51, 2026 52 202653
202654 202655 202656 202657 7 202658 and we added 202659.
Mr. Mayor, I would like to approve resolutions 2026-48 through 2026-59. >> Is there a second? >> Madame clerk. >> Committeeman Weber. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Yuber. Committeeman Capid. Yes.
>> Deputy Mayor Kaiser. >> Yeah. >> Mayor La. >> Yes. >> Mr. Mayor, I move to regrettably accept the resignation of Scott Harowitz as the member of the rent leveling board effective January 2nd, 2026. >> All in favor?
>> I. Thank you, Scott. >> Chris Weber comment. There are two of you. >> Mr. Mr. Mayor, I'd look to uh approve a request from Jonathan Dayton High School for overflow parking at Ruby Field for graduation on Thursday, June 18th at 6
p.m. >> Yeah, they're prep they're preparing early, so I guess we can't even not >> got to give them credit. >> Yeah, we have a second. >> All in favor? Hi, >> Alex.
The time is now. The day is here. >> Uh, I'm I'm getting advice and counsel from my uh my administrator. Uh, uh, yes. >> Is that the uh >> No, we're on treasures report. We're paying bills.
>> Um, that was Dayton. >> Yes. >> Uh, can I ask a question? What what uh Scott Haritz, did you appoint him to another board? >> Yes, he's going on he's on the library board. Okay. Um, uh, I will make a motion to adopt the
payroll and invoices for the period of December 17, 2025 through January 13, 2026 in the amount of 2,482,115. >> Second, >> Madame Clerk, >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser.
>> Um, yes. >> Comman Capes. >> Yes. Commuber, >> yes. >> Committee min Weber, >> yes. >> Mayor L. >> Yes. >> Correspondence. The Union County Utility Authority tipping fee for solid waste
for calendar year 2026 will be $92.91 per ton. The board of >> last year. >> Absolutely. uh the board of adjustment hearing on January 21, 2026
at 6 PM for 70 Morrison Road for a front yard setback. And our RVSA 2026 assessment is 3,456,000. Oh, sorry. 3,400.
Yeah, it's a dot instead of a comma. You're killing me. uh 3,456,430. Uh and there is related information available upon request. >> Mayor, can you explain how?
>> No, I can't. Uh public comment on any governmental issue. >> I have one if nobody's >> hit me. >> This is going to be the third year in a row. There is not another town that I know of that has a finance review
committee where you can allow residents to come in. >> There are >> review the budget >> and when you can find the gold toilet that we're buying and you want to scratch it off the budget, you can do that. >> Put your resume in or I don't even think it's a resume. It's just a request.
>> If you submit your name, >> it's literally just a request on a piece of paper that hey, listen. I'd like to see where our tax dollars are going. I'd like to see if if money is being wasted or or if there is expenditures that are that are just frivolous, not needed.
>> Uh I would like to amend my statement for >> Go ahead. >> Uh in the past you just had to submit your name. This year you will submit your name and there will be some consideration following incidents we had last year. which follows into what I was saying
before about, you know, we we pick somebody, somebody comes in here and decides to just >> make it completely unpleasant to the point of of of almost having to be >> to where we could no longer meet with the >> correct. So So there's no other town around. Find another one in Union County
that has residents. Doesn't matter what party you're from. Doesn't matter what your background is. Put it in there. Come on in. assess the budget and sit with the finance committee and see what you can figure
out. >> Well, and I want to just echo um Committeeman Weber's comments um you know, and this stemmed from several years ago where this town year I was mayor and I I say this just
uh you know that that um our town experienced the biggest tax increase in Springfield's history. I know because it was said often >> um and they were right and um but also to try to turn this as a positive.
I cannot think of another example, a better example of how this community and this government can be transparent, to be collaborative, and to seek advocacy from our residents about what we're
spending, how we're spending it, where we literally say, "Here is our books. Here is the numbers. Here is the numbers we deal with every day. Please tell us, give us your input, give us your thoughts on how we can do better or what
is the idea that you have of how we can make our budget as tight as we can. And it is a thing that I certainly can't take credit for, but I take, you know, I I want to credit Alex and I, forgive me, I don't know your co-chair that year,
but and and mayor mayor Lauer for putting this comm community committee together from that point on. And I hope it continues every single year where we give the residents the chance to literally sit at the table with us as a
governing body to look at our books to say here it is. Give us your ideas, give us your comments, give us your input about how we can best serve you, the residents, financially. And I think it
is a a a very good thing that we're doing. And I and I I also um you know add to the challenge that Commitment Weber says. Fi find another township within this county that'll do that that'll be that open that'll be that transparent that'll be that uh
willing to look for advocacy and transparency and collaboration from the residents from the community about how to make our bud budget as efficient and as uh cost-effective as we can. You know, people don't remember, a lot of
people, we had a sewer tax at one time put in here >> right before I got on the committee. >> 2004 or something like that. >> I don't even what I forget what it was, >> but we took it out and we didn't put that right in the
taxes. We ate a lot of that. You know, Democrats were up here at the time and I forget who it was, but we took it out and we didn't put it back. And there's not many towns that don't have sewer taxes. People don't realize that. >> And a lot of them pay for their own
sanitation also. >> Yes. Oh, yeah. So, you know, I mean, they should I feel people of this town are appreciating what we're doing. You know, we're squeezing every every penny we can. >> And that's and I don't mean to
>> Yeah. No, I'm don't mean to keep going on this, but that's another big point that you brought up >> that I also want to um reiterate. Because there are ideas that residents have come to. How about we, you know, pay for our own garbage collection or
how about we do it privately or how about we do this service privately or how about we do a shared service with this entity and you'll get the answers that we research and that we have come up with. And if you have a better idea and as you see the numbers as we see
them, you know, for these ideas, it's not that we're dismissing your ideas, we're dismissing your input, but with the books and the mo numbers that we look at, we try everything that our residents and our community comes to try to do effectively what we can to serve
our residents. And and you'll be able to see how tangible the ideas are that you come to the table with. and you'll actually see the numbers and see the cost benefit if it's if some of these ideas that people always talk about is is
appropriate to do and and and bene cost effective to do. >> Sorry, I didn't mean to go on, but I you have a good point. >> You're good. Before I close public comment, anybody from the public? Okay, we're moving on. Uh madame clerk.
Okay, we have resolution 11326B. Whereas article six of the open public meetings act provides that a public body may hold a close session and whereas the township committee will during this meeting enter into discussion of the following matters. Attorney client
privilege and personnel. Whereas the matters to be discussed in close session are to remain in the strictest of confidence by all township committee members in furtherance of their fiduciary duties to the township. Now therefore, be it resolved, matters
discussed at this meeting will be released to the public on the reasons for discussing and acting upon them in close session no longer exists. >> Action will probably be taken, right?
>> Yep. after close session. Um, do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. We're enclosed. taken in executive session. Can we have a an adjournment? >> Motion to adjurnn. Second.
>> All in favor? I. >> We're adjourned.