WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=g__6-fA5JY0 NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: g__6-fA5JY0): - 00:03:57: Meeting Call to Order, Pledge, and Roll Call - 00:05:32: Announcement: Passing of Retired Sergeant Angelo Bonavitcola - 00:08:01: Public Comments Honoring Sergeant Angelo Bonavitcola - 00:09:54: Proclamations, Announcements: Events and Town Information - 00:13:28: Administrator's Report: Updates on Town Projects - 00:20:52: Approval of Minutes from the Previous Meeting - 00:21:25: First Reading: Bond Ordinance for Public Improvements - 00:24:10: First Reading: Mulch Purchase Ordinance Amendments - 00:25:33: First Reading: Tree Removal and Replacement Ordinance - 00:27:14: Resolution Adoptions by Consent Agenda (Pulled Items) - 00:29:04: Resolution: IT Support Services for Police Department - 00:31:29: Discussion/Action: Resignation, Blood Drive, Appointment - 00:32:47: Discussion/Action: Approval of Payroll and Invoices - 00:33:25: Correspondences: New Jersey American Water Rate Petitions - 00:34:00: Public Comment: Mark Krauss - Chisum School Time Capsule - 00:37:52: Public Comment: Wendy Jones - Explanation of Flow Rights - 00:39:26: Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session - 01:31:39: Resolution: Police Training Compensation Structure - 01:32:28: Motion to Adjourn the Meeting Part: 1 1 00:03:57.519 --> 00:04:20.880 M. Are we good? >> All right. >> Give me a second here. >> All right. This meeting is being held in accordance with public law 1975 chapter 231. Adequate notice of this 2 00:04:20.880 --> 00:04:36.080 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. Uh we're going to be led in our pledge of allegiance by American Legion Post 228 Vice Commander 3 00:04:36.080 --> 00:04:54.320 Mark Krauss and sons of the American Legions Commander Post 228 Judah Krauss. Please rise to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, 4 00:04:54.320 --> 00:05:16.400 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing for a moment of silence for our service members here and abroad. >> Madame clerk, can you call the role? Sure. Mayor Laer >> pre here. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser 5 00:05:16.400 --> 00:05:32.160 >> present. >> Committeeman Capid >> here. >> Committeeman Yuber is absent. Committeeman Weber >> here. >> All right. Proclamations and announcements. Before I uh go with uh before I go with the normal order of 6 00:05:32.160 --> 00:05:48.000 things, uh I want to announce uh that it is with regret that I announce the passing of retired Sergeant Angelo Anonovitakola who passed away this morning after a long battle with health issues. Angelo 7 00:05:48.000 --> 00:06:05.199 was hired by the Springfield Police Department on February 1st, 1990. In April of 1991, Angelo was assigned to work with the narcotics task force. During several cases he worked resulted in arrest within Union County. In 1999, Sergeant 8 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:20.479 Bontitcola uh became Springfield Police Department's first ever bike patrol officer. He then became the department one of the department's DARE officers in 2000 and later a school resource officer in 2008. 9 00:06:20.479 --> 00:06:36.080 In 2006, Angelo Angelo was named Municipal Alliance Volunteer of the Year by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. On October 12th, 2010, Officer Bonavitcola was promoted to the rank of patrol sergeant, where he worked until his 10 00:06:36.080 --> 00:06:53.520 retirement in May of 2020. Having proudly served the people of Springfield for 30 plus years, having a love for police work and the camaraderie it brought, Angelo became back to work for the department as a SEO special law enforcement officer class 2, which he 11 00:06:53.520 --> 00:07:10.800 did up until last year. Arrangements are as follows. The wake is at Memorial Funeral Home in Fanwood. Sunday, May 29th, 400 pm to 8:00 p.m. Friday. Sorry, your cursive is excellent. Um, funeral mass at St. James Roman Catholic 12 00:07:10.800 --> 00:07:28.960 Church, Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. Internment following at St. Gertrude's Mausoleum in Colonia. On a personal note, um, Officer Angelo, uh, I've known since I was a little kid. He 13 00:07:28.960 --> 00:07:45.919 was a super nice guy. um to the time I last saw him, he was always officer Angelo. Um he was the better of the two DARE officers that I I had in my in my time here. Um and when you thought of 14 00:07:45.919 --> 00:08:01.520 the Springfield police, you thought of him and he was a pillar of this community and we are very very sad uh to see him go. Would anybody else like to speak on Officer Angelo? >> Yeah. um Heart of Gold. I to be honest with you, I think I knew a little bit 15 00:08:01.520 --> 00:08:17.280 more about him than he ever knew about me just because I saw him out and about all the time. Whenever anything was needed and when anybody needed anything, he was always there willing to step up just like all our other officers. And um I I found out about this probably about 16 00:08:17.280 --> 00:08:33.839 10 minutes before the meeting started and I'm just I'm kind of crushed. He was a great guy, heart of gold, and I uh I I I you know, may God be with u him and his family during this difficult time. For sure. >> 1,000%. 17 00:08:33.839 --> 00:08:49.200 >> Uh Mike, >> Alex, then uh you Chris. >> Whoever can go. >> Okay, Chris. All you >> just um true gentleman is the best way to describe him. 18 00:08:49.200 --> 00:09:07.959 I've known him for quite some time and they uh broke the mold when they made him. Absolute fantastic guy and uh so sorry to hear this, 19 00:09:08.240 --> 00:09:21.920 >> Alex. >> Um I I was just going to say I think he touched the the the lives of so many in our our town, especially among students. I I remember him fondly in in elementary school 20 00:09:21.920 --> 00:09:39.839 teaching us about the dangers of uh uh drugs and alcohol and and nicotine and and the effects and um I think he dedicated his uh career to Springfield and making a difference and there's a lot of people and a lot of names that he 21 00:09:39.839 --> 00:09:54.800 won't remember but I think he touched the lives and was there to support a lot of people in need for a long time and uh at the end of the Hey, that's all you can really ask in life and if you make a difference and in just a few people's uh 22 00:09:54.800 --> 00:10:10.399 uh lives growing up, I think you you really made all the difference around the world. So, thank you. Agreed. Proclamations and announcements. Um Springfield 55 plus residents calendar for June 2026 is out and about on the 23 00:10:10.399 --> 00:10:25.120 Springfield website. Um, Springfield Pride Month celebration is Friday, May 29th at Chism Park near the community center at 6:30. Rainbow flag raising, speeches, live musical performance, and 24 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:40.720 a 7:30 p.m. showing of the mu the movie Wicked uh on the big screen. Refreshments uh will be served RSVP for the event and updates at uh https 25 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:57.360 colon back slashbackregister. communitypass.net backsprfield. Celebrating 250 years um in God's sight. Saturday, May 30th at the First Presbyterian Church of 26 00:10:57.360 --> 00:11:13.760 Springfield. Free and open to the public. Doors open at 12:30. The event is from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30. Uh the farmers market will open on Monday, June 1st. From 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Come enjoy fresh fruits, 27 00:11:13.760 --> 00:11:30.480 vegetables, as well as Piccolicious Hoffman bread, Ador's Mobile Coffee, and and the Empanada Lady every Monday through October 26th. It is right out by the library on the on the lawn over there. Uh, the vote by mail dropbox is 28 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:46.800 located in the Chisum parking lot by the handicap ramp in the back of the building. Early voting begins Tuesday, May 26th, which is today, and ends Sunday, May 31st. Visit the county website for participating municipalities, 29 00:11:46.800 --> 00:12:03.519 unionount votes.com, one word. Please note that Springfield is not an early voting site. primary election, Linda's second favorite time of the year, only to the general. Um, is Tuesday, June 2nd. Polls are open from 30 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:19.519 6:00 am to 8:00 p.m. I will be voting. I hope everybody else does. Uh, the townwide garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th, and Sunday, June 7th, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No permit is required. However, we do ask you 31 00:12:19.519 --> 00:12:34.480 register your address on the township website. This will allow residents and visitors to easily locate all participating homes. Bulk pickup is Wednesday, June 10th. Please have all items out by Tuesday evening. 32 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:52.639 Overnight parking permission request will now be accepted online. Please visit www.sprfieldj. usep departments backp. Questions can be directed to the email 33 00:12:52.639 --> 00:13:09.279 traffic at springfieldj. us. Finally, please be advised that garbage collection will increase to twice a week starting today through Friday, September 4th. 34 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:28.720 Collection days will either be Monday and Tuesday or Tuesday and Friday depending on your location. Now we'll move to public comment on agenda items only. Is there anyone? Seeing none, um, administrator's report, 35 00:13:28.720 --> 00:13:44.720 Mr. Bichlo. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Touching on a few items. Uh, bolt collection, as you would mentioned, is June 10th. I do want to emphasize, you're allowed 3 foot by 3 foot by 12t, and there are no exceptions. is that please stay within 36 00:13:44.720 --> 00:14:02.079 those parameters. Paper shredding is held on June 13th up at the pool, 44 Morrison Road from 9 to 1. Uh you can bring up to three reasonably sized bags and proof of residency is required. No commercial businesses. our mulch 37 00:14:02.079 --> 00:14:19.519 program. We've done a few changes to it and if uh need be um Craig can go over some of the details, but really the only change was we're eliminating the commercial portion of service due to lack of interest over the years and we're increasing the fee by $50 to 150 38 00:14:19.519 --> 00:14:36.240 because our costs have skyrocketed as far as grinding the mulch and also delivering it. So, we were forced to do that. Um the community pool parking lot is being striped and that's be done tomorrow. Um there'll be someone up there to guide people if they're going 39 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:58.720 up to the parking lot for any reason. But that parking lot, the striping is gone. Needs to be done over. Tamar, can you put up the Hershey building if you would please? No, it's not. All right. So, this is what our Hershey 40 00:14:58.720 --> 00:15:15.440 building looked like. The old Hershey buildings, our DPW building on Mount Nav. As you can see, the the side of the building, all the paint was peeling off. A lot of the stuckle was loose, that type of thing. So, we had it redone. Keep going because 41 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:31.760 that one's not real clear. We had scaffolding put up. They did all the stuckle on the side and we got a finished product. There you go. So, the building now is much cleaned up. And again, this is this is part of what we're trying to do with the downtown 42 00:15:31.760 --> 00:15:46.639 period. We're trying to get the downtown cleaned up. This actually is part of our downtown. So, we thought it was important that we do our part also. So, next thing I wanted to touch on is the Caldwell covert. If you could bring 43 00:15:46.639 --> 00:16:03.120 that up to Mar. As you can see now, you're looking actually across from the bank. The top of the covert now has been capped and they filled in on both sides. We're on schedule at the last meeting. They're still looking at June 26th, but we're in good shape. Looks like 44 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:17.440 everything is on schedule. We should have no problems. So, that should be open in the next We're really only about a month away and that should be totally done and and back open again. We shouldn't have any issues with that for the rest of our lifetimes. 45 00:16:17.440 --> 00:16:33.839 um Oakland Park. We had two things done last week. The water line was brought into Oakland. We had um uh the water company PS&G was out there. And then also at the same day, we had um 46 00:16:33.839 --> 00:16:50.000 JCPNL out to bring electric to the park. The electric will be done probably within the next two to three weeks. The water, the only thing we need to do is put a backflow pre on it and the water is is ready to go. Mike Disco and I spoke to the contractor that's doing the 47 00:16:50.000 --> 00:17:06.240 actual work the other day. They're just waiting for materials to come in and then they're ready to go. That park should be done and open for September 1st. So, we should be in plenty of time to take care of the uh grant that we had received. That was the big concern there 48 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:23.280 quite frankly. Um the other thing I wanted to touch on, if I may, Mr. Mayor, I don't want to rain on your parade. Mr. Bartage sent in a couple of questions and I kind of wanted to comment because I'm not sure who knows what on on this. One of his questions was crosswalks with 49 00:17:23.280 --> 00:17:39.039 the center lines in the roadway need to be painted. Uh that we are responsible for only the crosswalks. The white the white stripes along the gutters we're not responsible for and we're not responsible for the center 50 00:17:39.039 --> 00:17:55.200 line. Now, the the white paint, a lot of that is thermal plasty, which we do not have. So, the county's got to do that. Anyhow, uh there was another concern he had. Some of the older digital pedestrian signs don't work. I don't know exactly. I wish he would specify 51 00:17:55.200 --> 00:18:11.039 which ones because the only ones that we've put up that are pedestrian signs are Evergreen and South Springfield, Wabino and Meiselle, and the high school. All of those are working. if he's referring to the traffic lights where you push the button and it lets 52 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:27.200 you cross the street. Those don't flash or anything. Basically, you push the button and what it does is just extends the time so you have more time to cross. If there's one of those out, we'll check it. But if Mr. Bartage could let us know if there's ones specifically that he 53 00:18:27.200 --> 00:18:43.360 knows of, we'll be happy to look into those. Uh, the other one I believe is for PD as far as the digital sign goes. I don't know if you want to comment on that, Ryan. >> You're good. >> It's on. >> Yep. 54 00:18:43.360 --> 00:18:59.360 >> All right. So, the digital sign is going to stay where it's at due to the high volume with the covert closed. Until we can uh get that back open, we won't see the traffic flow that we currently have. Um to touch base on just a couple of your 55 00:18:59.360 --> 00:19:14.480 other items, the hillside in South Springfield, the last time I spoke to the county about the traffic cycle there was back in May of 24 and they said they did a traffic study and they were not doing it. So we'll reach out again, try to run the same traffic. We've been 56 00:19:14.480 --> 00:19:30.880 waiting this one to change the pattern for a little while and if it needs timing, we'll work something out. Um, and typically my time in traffic with crosswalks, we waited till the end of the school year, but the school year kind of scrape away the the old paint 57 00:19:30.880 --> 00:19:45.600 and by the start of the year, DPW usually had it all squared away. >> Yeah, Robbie will get those painted. So, we will take care of them. As far as any of our redevelopment, just a quick comment that uh our development down at the end of Church Mall is going along 58 00:19:45.600 --> 00:20:03.360 very well. We're at a point where they're probably going to be looking by the end of the summer. They should be either renting or pretty close to that. That project's going very well. We've been dealing with Scotties, as I think everyone's aware, trying to get the redevelopment agreement signed off on. 59 00:20:03.360 --> 00:20:20.080 Um, I got the final iteration of it today and they're telling us that that Scotty's will the owner will sign off on that tomorrow. So once that's signed off, they're ready to go. And although it's been demolished, they'll be ready to start the next phase and start 60 00:20:20.080 --> 00:20:36.559 building shortly. >> Are they going to be rentals or buys? >> We don't know yet. He hasn't decided. So we've got the redevelopment. >> So he'll decide tomorrow. >> We've got the redevelopment agreement written up. So he can do either or. But once he decides, he has to come to us because it needs to be voted on. If he's 61 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:52.799 going to go with um own instead of rental, there has to be an HOA put in place. There's a bunch of other things that have to be done. So, we'll we'll bring that to you as soon as we find out what's happening there. Are there any other questions or comments I can answer? 62 00:20:52.799 --> 00:21:08.799 >> Seeing none, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, moving on to Alex's second favorite part of the meeting, which is the approval of minutes. Deputy Mayor, >> I will make a motion to adopt the regular meeting minutes of March 24th, 63 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:25.679 2026 as emailed. >> I second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I >> All right. We have ordinance on first reading. Madame clerk. >> Ordinance 20269. 64 00:21:25.679 --> 00:21:41.120 This bond ordinance authorizes the making of various public improvements and the acquisition of new, additional or replacement equipment and machinery, new communication and signal systems equipment, new information technology 65 00:21:41.120 --> 00:21:59.840 equipment, and new automotive vehicles, including original apparatus and equipment in by and for the township, county of union, state of New Jersey to appropriate the sum of $2,967,500 $100 to pay the cost thereof to make a down payment to authorize bonds to 66 00:21:59.840 --> 00:22:16.559 finance us to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. I'll make a motion to adopt uh ordinance 2026-09 67 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:31.440 as read by Madame Clerk with publication on the township website on May 28th, 2026 with a final hearing on June 9th, 2026. I second. Uh just to to piggyback off of uh last 68 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:47.760 meeting when we adopted our budget and made it clear that uh uh uh this administration has over the last decade uh almost nearly decade has prioritized investing in our uh township 69 00:22:47.760 --> 00:23:04.080 and making and making sure that necessary repairs and upkeep are met year after year to ensure that we don't get into a situation where equipment breaks down and we're in an endless pit. So slowly each year we prioritize 70 00:23:04.080 --> 00:23:19.679 uh uh and make a priority list of what's most pressing. We try to invest it the best we can. Uh we try to only do what is necessary while ensuring that we're meeting the moment and this includes infrastructure improvements to all our 71 00:23:19.679 --> 00:23:36.240 buildings so they don't fall into disrepair. uh uh keeping both uh uh our staff uh as well as visitors of town hall safe during court and ensuring camera systems. improvement to other 72 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:54.080 technology and and making sure that our fleet of vehicles are upkept and continue to run on time to ensure that uh uh services aren't uh delayed or dis diminished. So 73 00:23:54.080 --> 00:24:10.240 each year this is a bond that allows us to spend uh some money uh to make those necessary improvements. Yeah, 100%. Any other comments from up here? >> Nope. >> Madam Clerk, >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> yes. 74 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:26.320 >> Committeeman Capid, >> yes. >> Committeeman Weber, >> yes. >> Mayor Laer, >> yes. >> Ordinance 202610. This ordinance amends the provisions of 75 00:24:26.320 --> 00:24:43.840 the township code regarding the purchase of mulch from the department of public works. >> Cavities, you want to make a motion. >> Sure. Uh I move for approval ordinance 202610 on first reading uh as read by madame 76 00:24:43.840 --> 00:25:02.000 clerk uh publicizing the website May 28th, 2026 with a final hearing on June 9th, 2026. Second. >> Okay. >> It It allows us to buy mulch. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I think 77 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:17.120 >> a little today. >> Yeah. I I think discussion is pretty clear on Can you please define mulch? >> It smells good. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Plant perfume. >> Uh Madame Clerk. >> Committeeman Capid. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser. >> Yes. 78 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:33.039 >> Committeeman Weber. >> Yes. >> Mayor Laer. >> Yes. Ordinance 202611. This ordinance amends the township codes tree removal and replacement provisions to update certain fees and enforcement 79 00:25:33.039 --> 00:25:49.200 provisions. >> Madam uh Mr. Mr. Mayor, I move for approval ordinance 202611 on first reading uh as read by Madame Clerk and publicized um on the township website May 28th, 2026, excuse me, with the final hearing on 80 00:25:49.200 --> 00:26:10.320 June 9th, 2026. >> Oh, I will be second. >> Uh any discussion on this? Again, it just updates our tree removal and replacement provisions and raises fees. Right. >> Actually, what happened was we stumbled 81 00:26:10.320 --> 00:26:26.799 on an unintended consequence that the way we had written the original ordinance, if you had dead dead trees, we were charging for each one. We felt that was unfair. So, we >> just a dead tree fee. >> Multiple. >> Multiple. Okay. 82 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:43.200 >> And Craig, we had some other small changes, didn't Yeah, there are a couple minor changes to um the violation enforcement provisions to make sure that it includes not just uh violations in terms of failure to get a permit, but also other violations because it's a pretty, you 83 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:59.919 know, comprehensive ordinance. We want to make sure that we can hold folks accountable for um all forms of non-compliance. Good stuff. >> Any other discussion up here? No, >> Madame Clerk. >> Committee Capid. >> Yes. Deputy Mayor Kaiser. 84 00:26:59.919 --> 00:27:14.799 >> Uh, yes. >> Minimman Weber. >> Yes. >> Mayor Laugher. >> Yes. >> All right. We're moving on to resolutions. If you would like one pulled, please say so. 2026 162. 85 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:30.320 2026 163 2026 164 2026 165. We are going to pull 2026 166 as it is uh as it pertains to our one of 86 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:48.880 the things in executive session. Uh, resolution 2026 167, resolution 2026 168, resolution 2026 169 uh and resolution 2026 170 2026 171 87 00:27:48.880 --> 00:28:05.279 >> um uh we yeah if you could pull that I'm not sure but yeah if we could pull that please >> we will 171 >> 171 >> okay we're gonna >> I don't know I don't I just don't know so >> no 172 88 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:30.520 and resolution 2026 173 just so you know we're pulling 166 >> okay I'll make the motion then uh I'll make a motion to adopt resolutions by consent to Jazza resolution 2026-162 to resolution 2026-165 89 00:28:30.640 --> 00:28:48.720 resolution olution. Then we'll pick it up with resolutions 2026-167 through 2026-170 and pick it up with resolution 2026-172 >> and three >> and 173. 90 00:28:48.720 --> 00:29:04.799 >> I will second. >> Madame clerk. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Capidis. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Weber. Yes. >> Mayor Ler. >> Yes. >> Okay. 91 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:22.080 Are we going to do resolution 166 now? >> No, we'll do 166 later, but we'll do 171 now. >> Okay. Resolution 2026 171. This resolution authorizes the award of specialized information 92 00:29:22.080 --> 00:29:39.520 technology support services for the Township of Springfield Police Department. I'll make a motion to approve resolution 2026 171 as read by madam clerk invol you want to second it 93 00:29:39.520 --> 00:29:56.000 >> we'll second >> no I I just wasn't sure if I had to abstain or not I missed that one >> no this is quick tech this is >> oh then then I apologize for extending the meeting I missed that one on the agenda >> can we get a you're here 94 00:29:56.240 --> 00:30:11.440 >> well I know won't be the best answer, but uh Captain Rachel did a lot of the research into the IT end of it. U endlessly he put a lot of effort into it. Over the last few years, we've had some issues trying to get our computers up and or keep them running. The 95 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:27.120 laptops, uh it's it's difficult because I really can't help much other than what YouTube tells me. So, uh this company produced a really good uh plan for us. They came out, assessed what we had. Um, 96 00:30:27.120 --> 00:30:41.919 and we stand behind that plan. We think it's going to work great and really take that that burden off of Captain Rachel and I trying to keep the IT end grinding. Why we don't really know the uh dynamics. >> And one of the reasons that Tech was 97 00:30:41.919 --> 00:30:59.360 picked is because they understood what a lot of the requirements were from PD which are much different than any other department. They've done it before in other towns. As I say, Captain Rachel had two or three other people in to look at and these guys came out as we thought the most qualified. 98 00:30:59.360 --> 00:31:15.039 >> I apologize, Ryan, for putting you on the spot. >> No, it's okay. I um when when Katherine Rachel takes the lead, I try not to interfere because I don't want to derail him. >> Okay. Uh Committeeman Capid, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, 99 00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:29.360 >> yes. >> Committeeman Weber, >> yes. Mayor Laugher. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, we're going to we're going to move on to discussion and action items. Uh number one, 100 00:31:29.360 --> 00:31:46.559 the township uh I'll there's a mo is there a motion to accept uh Drew Stern's resignation as a member of the board of health? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I thank you for your service, Drew. 101 00:31:46.559 --> 00:32:02.480 Um, New York Blood Center Blood Services request to hold a blood drive at Chisum Community Center. Monday, June 15, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and Monday, August 3rd, 2026, 102 00:32:02.480 --> 00:32:18.799 12:30 to 900 p.m. Insurance certificate and hold harmless provide. Is there a motion to allow for that? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Deputy Mayor Kaiser. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Capid. Yes. >> Committeeman Weber. >> Yes. 103 00:32:18.799 --> 00:32:34.080 >> Mayor Laer. >> Yes. And uh I would like to announce the appointment of Andrew Batitalis to the Springfield Library Board for uh to fill a term expiring December 3128. Is there a motion? >> So moved. 104 00:32:34.080 --> 00:32:47.919 >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I >> finance Alex's favorite part of the meeting. I'll make a motion to adopt payroll and invoices for the period of May 13, 2026 through May 26, 2026 in the 105 00:32:47.919 --> 00:33:09.679 amount of $9,658,12183. >> Uh, I make the motion. >> Okay. >> Second. You second your second. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I apologize. That's why I >> No worries. >> That's Deputy Mayor Kaiser. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Capid. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Weber. 106 00:33:09.679 --> 00:33:25.360 >> Yes. Mayor Laugher. >> Yes. >> Correspondents. New Jersey American Water petitions to implement a distribution system improvement charge. To implement a wastewater system improvement charge, and to implement a 107 00:33:25.360 --> 00:33:43.039 resiliency and environmental system investment charge. So many new ways to charge us more money. um June 1, 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Uh there is a call in if you'd like to voice your opposition or support. It is 108 00:33:43.039 --> 00:34:00.399 1862 2942 2638 ID number 287137785 pound. We're going to move on to public comment on any governmental issue. If anybody would like to address the township 109 00:34:00.399 --> 00:34:22.159 committee, please do so at this time. Uh Mark Krauss, American Legion Post 228 vice commander. This is not political. This is the good part. Um first of all, I want to thank the township for supporting the Memorial Day ceremony yesterday. Greatly appreciated. Um, even though it was bad weather, we we all 110 00:34:22.159 --> 00:34:37.200 kind of like going inside to the auditorium and something consideration for next year, possibly doing it again inside, staging the parade at Dayton and parading up Mountain Avenue and ending up in Veterans Park where I think more appropo maybe we'll try and see what 111 00:34:37.200 --> 00:34:52.720 happens. Uh, the other thing I want to talk about is I'll let me bring this up to you. Thanks. So that is a postcard picture of Chisum Raymond Chisum school from 1921. If you don't know the Chisum Community 112 00:34:52.720 --> 00:35:08.480 Center, which was the Chisum School, the left side, which is currently the senior center, was the original school. >> The right side was built in 39 with the FDR works project. I read an article and by the way, if you look at the foreground, just take a there's a little gray spot on the corner of the building. 113 00:35:08.480 --> 00:35:25.280 That is the cornerstone of the building. You see that little gray spot? That cornerstone is now in the lobby of the community center behind the piano. So I found this article >> very cool >> in um the library as I was going through some of the files. I think Donald Palmer 114 00:35:25.280 --> 00:35:42.079 did old school filing. When the cornerstone of the Chisman School was laid, a capsule was placed in it containing a record of the young man for whom the school was named. Exercises for the dedication of the school were held on October 15th, 1921. in them. Further 115 00:35:42.079 --> 00:35:57.680 tribute was paid to the memory of Raymond Chisum. The first American Legion post organized in Springfield was also named after him, but was later was only active comparatively short time when it was later reorganized some years later into what we currently have as Continental Post 228. Did not know that 116 00:35:57.680 --> 00:36:13.520 until about a week and a half ago. So October 15th, 1921 was a Saturday. October 15, 2026 is a Friday. That would be exactly 105 years after that cornerstone was laid. To my knowledge, and even I 117 00:36:13.520 --> 00:36:29.839 consulted Linda Jersey from the Historical Society, no one's opened the time capsule yet. >> So, >> wow. >> So, >> okay. >> So, this is what I'm asking of the township. >> That's awesome. >> So, the time if you if you go look at the picture or I can send you a picture of the cornerstone. It's it's pretty 118 00:36:29.839 --> 00:36:45.760 beat up after time, but it's inside, which is nice. Maybe on October 15, 2026, we can open it up in the ceremony, which is on on a Friday. So exactly, like I said, 105 years later, and hopefully it's still there because I don't know of any record that I'm aware of, and neither are other people that 119 00:36:45.760 --> 00:37:01.200 may know this stuff that the time council was ever open because it was probably forgotten due to time. So considering it's the 250th anniversary of the country, 105 years later, >> and Chisum was the only was technically the only soldier from Springfield that was killed in battle uh during World War 120 00:37:01.200 --> 00:37:17.440 I. So that's my ask of the township for consideration. I think we have enough time to >> I think that's a great ask. I think we have enough time to get something off the ground and I think we should >> only if Mark helps us >> 100%. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'll be happy to chisel the time. You know, I'd like to pull out the cornerstone in in one piece even though you know 121 00:37:17.440 --> 00:37:33.280 >> you brought it to our attention, man. That's that's fantastic. >> So DPW can probably take the lead on the physical aspects of it and the Legion will be there, Township will be there and see hopefully something's inside still intact. So >> totally. >> So that's my ask. Very interesting fun. >> 100%. We will absolutely be in touch. 122 00:37:33.280 --> 00:37:52.560 Mark >> send you a picture of the cornerstone and that article and I'll take my postcard back. >> Thank you. Got it. >> Thanks, Mark. >> Anybody else from the public? >> Good evening. Wendy Jones, 158 Miltown Road, Springfield, New Jersey. On April 28th when I was at the meeting, uh, you 123 00:37:52.560 --> 00:38:09.119 talked about flow rights and I know what they are in terms of the west with Colorado River and who gets what percentage of the remaining water, but what specifically do flow rights mean in terms of Springfield? >> You want me to explain that? Sure. >> Yeah. >> Flow rights are when we have waste water 124 00:38:09.119 --> 00:38:25.200 going into the system. We're allowed so many gallons >> and because when the town was established, it was mainly farms. our flow rights what were purchased at the time were not enough with today's society and and the amount of building that has gone on. So over the past eight 125 00:38:25.200 --> 00:38:40.480 years or so with the help of of obviously with the committee's approval we've managed to purchase more when we go over that you get fined >> for exceeding what's called your amount of flow rights that you have. You buy them, you buy fluoresites from 126 00:38:40.480 --> 00:38:56.320 >> another town that's see other towns at that time were smart. Yeah. They they purchased more than they needed. Yeah. They did not grow as much so they have extra flows and we managed to buy a number of them from Garwood. >> They sold us a fair amount which really 127 00:38:56.320 --> 00:39:11.119 really helps us out. >> Yeah. Garwood is very tiny. >> Yeah. So so that's what stops us then from being fined because we're now within the amount we're allowed. >> Okay. Okay. All right. That's very interesting. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Jones. Anybody Anybody 128 00:39:11.119 --> 00:39:26.880 else from the public? I uh will go ahead and close public comment. Um Madame Clerk, we have a an executive session today. >> Resolution 52626. Whereas article six of the open public 129 00:39:26.880 --> 00:39:43.440 meetings act provides that a public body may hold a closed session and whereas the township committee will during this meeting enter into discussion of the following matters. One matters covered by attorney client privilege personnel and collective bargaining. Two, matters 130 00:39:43.440 --> 00:40:00.400 covered by attorney client privilege and potential contract negotiations. Whereas the matters to be discussed in close session are to remain in the strictest of confidence by all township committee members in further furtherance of their fiduciary duties to the township. Now 131 00:40:00.400 --> 00:40:16.160 therefore be it resolve matters discussed at this meeting will be released to the public when the reasons for discussing and acting upon them in close session no longer exists. Motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Alex 132 00:40:16.160 --> 00:40:30.800 >> second. >> Okay. >> All in favor? I >> I >> we will be taking action during this uh close session. >> I mean after this close session, sorry. Uh all right, we have a motion second. All in favor? Everybody is in favor 133 00:40:30.800 --> 01:31:39.199 except Alex. We are in All right, we are back in open session. Is there a motion for resolution 2026166? >> So move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Should I read? >> Please read the resolution. Resolution 134 01:31:39.199 --> 01:31:54.480 2026166. This resolution authorizes discussion and negotiation with collective negotiation units regarding a potential new compensation structure for the administration of certain police 135 01:31:54.480 --> 01:32:11.040 department training programs and specialized tasks. So we have a >> we have a Kaiser and Weber motion in a second. >> Madame clerk. Okay. Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> yes. 136 01:32:11.040 --> 01:32:28.000 >> Committeeman Weber, >> yes. >> Is Richard? >> Yes. >> Committeeman Huber? >> Yes. >> And Mayor Laer? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Is there a motion to adjourn? >> So moved. >> I'll second that motion. 137 01:32:28.000 --> 01:32:36.199 >> All in favor? >> I. Nay. >> We're adjourned. Rich, I'll talk.