call this meeting to order. Notice of this meeting is being held in accordance with public laws 1975 chapter 231. An 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, the municipal
building, and on the township website. Uh, pledge of allegiance will be led by Carl Ostagar Jr., commander, American Legion, Post 228. >> I pledge allegiance 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. Please remain standing for a moment of silence for our service members here and abroad. >> Thank you. Bless you, >> Madame Clerk. >> Mayor Laer >> present.
>> Deputy Mayor Kaiser >> here. >> Committeeman Capid >> here. >> Committeeman Yuber absent. Committeeman Weber >> here. >> Proclamations and announcements. Springfield 55 plus residents calendar
is available. March is available for the month of March. Uh it is a packed calendar. Um and they are doing a lot of really cool stuff. For the 6,000th time, if you are interested in serving on any boards or
the finance review committee, please send an email to residents review at springfield nj. us. Please uh our community needs
you and your input is valuable. Please sign up. Uh, and you get to spend time with myself, Deputy Mayor Kaiser, and the rest of the fun bunch here on the DAS. Uh, celebrating America's 250th
anniversary. Springfield Public Library vault reveal, Sunday, March 15th at 200 p.m. Um, there's a lot of cool stuff in that vault, stuff dating back from like the 1700s. Um, so it is definitely worth going to.
Finally, bulk pickup on Wednesday, March 18th. Please have all items out by Tuesday evening. All right. Public comment on agenda items only. Okay.
>> Yeah, come on up. >> Yeah, come on up. Is is the are you guys discussing um the clearing of the rails >> tonight? Is that on your agenda? >> I will. >> That is >> so >> Okay. All right. >> Name and address. >> Okay. All right.
>> Name and address. >> Yeah. Name and address. >> Allison Miller, uh one Hemlock Terrace, Springfield Environmental Commission Chair. So, Rails to Trails has been something that's been uh a vision for so many so many years, and it's finally actually
happening. Um it's been improved in um in Union and Summit. Springfield needs to connect it. All they're doing for this particular phase is removing the actual railroad tracks and getting rid
of the creassote which is a win for us. So we don't have to pay for disposal for contaminated materials and um and it's it's a first step towards this rails to trails. Uh like I said, Springfield is holding up this
process right now. It's approved in Kennallorth, in Union, and in Summit. We're the connection. All they want to do right now for this phase one is remove the railroad tracks and dispose of the debris. There
absolutely shouldn't be any reason why Springfield doesn't get on board with this first step. So, this is something I know um you guys have have had um concerns about the 10 or 11 houses that
may be affected ultimately in this project, but the thousands of people that will benefit from this project is the bigger picture. Um, this is a safe, amazing project that's happening all across the
country and we need to be on board. This is something for our kids to do. This is something for our seniors to do. This is something that brings towns together. This is something that brings people into our town for for shops and stuff. There is no downside. If anything, when
these people bought those properties, they were worried about the railroad reacting. This ensures it will never be a railroad again. This is just a space for people to get through on their bicycles and running. There is no
downside. This is an amazing project and if you guys don't vote for it, I feel badly. So, that's what I have to say on that. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other public comment on agenda items
only? Um, all right. I am going to close public comment for agenda items only. Uh now we're on to reports. Mr. Basicolo. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh as everyone knows, obviously we got whacked again
with another snowstorm the other night. DPW is out for 30 some hours trying to clean the town. Um they maintained passable roads for emergency services throughout the storm despite receiving up to 3 in per hour in blizzard
conditions. Once the storm passed on Monday, they began making their final pass through the assigned zones. The town was completely open by 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening, just five after 5 hours after the storm officially ended. Some
streets did not receive the final pass due to residents and contractors cleaning their driveways and cars. To avoid conflict, DPW returned at 2:00 a.m. this morning to complete those final streets. We were also out this morning cleaning public sidewalks,
crosswalks, bus stops, cool zones, ex, etc. Lastly, the thing I want to touch on that's that's become an issue. We've discussed it before is that we still have people we still have apartment buildings and businesses plowing the street plowing the snow from their lots
into the street. This stops us from either plowing or it makes it look like we hadn't been there. So, I think committee is going to discuss that at greater length. >> Yeah, I would just like to and thank you for allowing me to do so. I know that I've sent an email to the department
heads earlier today and I CC the mayor. Um I I again just to follow up with what John said, I applaud our police, fire department, first aid squad, DPW for the insurmountable task that they had over the last couple days. This was a
monumental historic storm and everybody did their job safely, efficiently and diligently um hours at a time away from their own families for for more than a day. Um but as Mr. Bicolo said there is
a growing problem where we have certain entities and again these entities hire these companies to do it that is pushing the snow out into the street from lots or wherever else they may have to clear
from. This is a problem. It creates a problem because it's a public safety. It puts snow back on the streets. It makes streets impassible. It costs us more money because the DPW has to go back and completely plow those streets again. And
to the resident's perspective, it does not look like streets are being plowed. And I know that we tried to enforce it the best we can. But I think it's now time to really dig our heels in and double down. And I think over the next few weeks, hopefully we'll not have a
storm again. But I'd like to talk to the attorney and our my colleagues up here about looking at the ordinance, seeing what the fines are, seeing how we can uphold it, who we could hold responsible for monitoring this uh plowing of the
snow into the streets during the storm. And I know that's an extra thing and we don't want to put anybody in a greater danger than they are already plowing the streets under these conditions. But this is a serious problem that needs attention and I believe we need to look at our ordinances to see if uh any
language has to be updated if the fine is substantial enough. And I'm also suggesting to go further for when we have all this codified to actually send a letter to all of our business owners and property managers alerting them of the ordinance, putting a copy in every
in every one of their mile boxes and knowing this is what's going to happen if you continue to do this. And then when that is done, we need to figure out who at the time that this unfortunate situation happens, we can get to report, document, and send the notice of
violation to the offended offending parties when they do this with the snow. >> May I just add, it's not just our businesses either. Residents can't plow their driveways out into the street either. So, everybody needs to be aware
that they cannot do this. And and and that's tricky because I know as far as I I'll take me for example, there is a time where after you shovel the snow off the sidewalks and the driveways, you have to pull out your car and you have to take the snow off the car. We get
that and we hope that you be mindful of the snow that gets on the street and putting it back on the sidewalk. But in other hands, and again, I know this is a lot going on. We have cars that are parked in the street while there's a storm going on. I cannot tell you how
damaging that could be to your neighborhood because the plows can't go curb to curb. The plows have to go around the car. And then once that happens, it narrows the street. So, it makes it even harder for two cars to go
down the same time. and and it's all and and we're not trying to be difficult. We're not trying to be, you know, we're not trying to like really pin it to anybody, but it is really a matter of public safety that we all need to do our part and we all need to be aware of what's really going on because it is
really a tough job to do. Our DPW does a more than excellent job in plowing our streets, but it's the little things like the cars that remain in the streets and the snow that continually gets pushed back out into the street itself that that make problems worse for everybody
from a public safety standpoint, from a traffic standpoint, from a financial standpoint, that it takes our DPW uh workers longer to be out there to do the job that they need to do right the first time. And it's just it's just a monumental problem that I think we need to start taking a serious look at
addressing a little bit more vigorously as these storms progress. >> Completely agree. Uh I did want to piggyback off of what Committee Capid said uh and direct this question to Chief Cook. Um
have we cons I mean I we recently just authorized uh OEM liaison officers. Um, you know, I I think this could be a really good spot for them to plug in. Um, I mean, you know, their job is to
assist with uh emergency tasks. Um, and as an added detail, I think this would be a really good spot for them to, you know, police this, uh, you know, and on hurricanes and things like that, if we need cars off the road, you know, I think that's that's a great project for
for our OEM officers who have police powers and uh, operate during emergencies. >> Can I come? >> Yeah. No, please. Um the guy the guys the patrol guys on the road are I mean that's yeah I'm not saying that's not a good idea. Um but
I'm putting out to the patrol guys. They're the ones that are out there 24/7. So um anything that is seen they're the ones that would see it if it's actually happening or as it's happening. Especially the commercial plows that take it from residential driveways and push it. Even though they
push it all the way across the street it's still against >> the ordinance. So, um, they're going to be advised that, uh, I want names taken. Um, and then we can decide how we're going to deal with it. Uh, or people
blowing snow in the street. I want names taken. Uh, no discretion. I want to know about it. And that way, you know, we're getting at live time as it happens. And and during a a a snow event like we had just now >> Mhm.
>> officers are on the road like they're out patrolling, right? Like it's not like it's not like, you know, it's not like one of those movies where there's no law for a period of of 12 hours, right? This >> I'm just checking the way I want.
>> They're not just they're not just in the station like they're out. >> That's the way it should be. That's the way I want it. And I do follow up on that. Um during the big storms the last couple years back when we had power out for a week I had the guys were all over town.
We're one of the few towns that actually got hit with burglaries because all the alarm systems were out. >> Yep. >> They were out just driving around just being a preventative uh you know maintenance. If you come in looking to do bad things and you see they had their lights going as they're driving around
>> and >> um and that's did good for us. So they're yeah they're out there looking to see if anybody's stranded anywhere to help um and they observe you know >> Yeah. And let us >> plowing into the snowblowing and all that >> and let us know what you need from us up here in terms of an ordinance change or
anything like that um to allow to enable your your officers to do that job better because >> it is harmful and especially for cars that are on the road event like this. It inhibits the entire street from being
plowed. So, I think >> I mean, we don't we don't uh make friends telling people you can't do that, but that's not what it's about. It's about what's good for everybody, not that particular person. >> Yep. And again I I and chief I understand what you're saying about you know you know being part of police being
part of the community but in situations like this as you understand especially in situations like this when we are in a state of emergency >> all 21 counties in the state of New Jersey are under a blizzard advisory and there is a state of emergency like we
need to do it's an emergency and we need to act as such and and that's why I think you know mayor saying police fire, EMS, DPW, they're they're the eyes and ears out there. You know, they're doing a hell of a job for us, you know, during this storm, but they're also the eyes
and ears out there. They're the ones that can see, you know, who what cars aren't parked where they're supposed to be, what entities are pushing snow on the roads. And we're trying to hopefully use that information and and and and in the collective Azure out there, you
know, protecting and serving to to to come up with a with a scenario by which we can identify and properly address the the the cars and the services that are doing safe things. for the record.
>> I mean, we in the past we've gone as far as as I know there's particular one I'm thinking of. >> Um couldn't prove who did it, but technology with Ring doorbells, we the neighbors were more than happy to let us see their video and we're able to see who were doing it and they were dealt
with and that was the last time that happened. But, you know, we we go out of our way to make sure we uh can uphold the ordinance. That's for sure. >> For the record, that movie was called The Purge. Okay, I just want to touch back on bulk. I was
going to ask our public information officer to put out not only the date but the requirements, what's allowed to be put out, the size, etc., etc., so we don't have somebody saying, "I didn't know." So, let's make sure we get together shortly and get that done. Um,
I want to talk quickly about Oakland Park. I've contacted three companies that are in the um under under state contract that we can use and that's we contacted Ben Schaefer, we contacted a
company that Mayor Harris gave me which is Playworld Park and we contacted MRC. Um they're doing drawings for us with recommendations and pricing. probably by the around the middle of next month we should have numbers and
drawings back to start picking and choosing from. >> I will keep you in the loop. >> Just a quick moment on that. Uh are we going to be bringing in the business improvement district for the um facade portion of that? Is that part of that plan or >> the what portion?
>> The facade >> of it. It's a park >> of the park. Yeah. of the so the the park is being done and at the same time the facade should be done at the same time >> a facade >> the facade the streets are we talking about >> the streetscape you're the street is going to do that
>> sorry did I say facade my apologies I was just reading the words >> sorry about that streetscape apologies uh for the streetscape are we going to be we'll be meeting with that together because we have to plan >> we will coordinate >> okay
>> um also we did we did discuss briefly about the white building on the corner of Mountain and Mars. I do have somebody that's going to take a look at that for us and see what that building is appraised at. So, I'll get that for you shortly, next couple of weeks hopefully.
Sounds good. We'll touch on that. Um, I did want to also mention we're still working on Duffy's lot. The permit fee uh was I believe sent over and the final drawings and details, permit plans and reports should be ready within two
weeks. So, we're going to continue to go forward to see if we can get the okay to start working on that lot and hopefully do away with the flooding. So, we're still we're still working on that. Um, as Miss Miller pointed out, I did have a
conversation and I know I spoke to the five of you at the committee about removing the tracks. Um, I don't know if they've got everything done. They're trying to secure agreement still with NJ dot. So, I don't think anything's
happening very quickly. You know, DOT doesn't move that fast. Uh I know that I believe we had did an approval at one point. I thought we we approved a resolution, >> right? So I don't know if we need to do anything else at this point. I would ask
maybe >> Jay Robina is runs rails to trails for the county. >> All right. But this is I got Steven Dunn is calling me. >> Okay. >> All right. So >> ask Stephen if >> I'll find out what he needs. I don't know if he needs anything further from us, but I will find out.
I think everybody is generally in favor. >> Everybody was. >> Yep. >> Um >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We're we're all in favor of pulling about. >> Yeah. >> Absolutely. >> I think we're all generally in favor. I do think hearing from the county, I do think they have some hiccups along the pathway. So, it's clearly this is a very
very initial step of a long-term project, but I think we're in favor. >> Yeah. >> Let's talk about Caldwell real quick. I want to touch on the the covert at Caldwell that was supposed to be done by December of this past year. The utility
work that was being done held them up. They're going to start the covert. They're looking to start at the end of this month and it would go all the way until July. Um we've discussed this with the county, the contractor we've met with on site. it is causing an issue
because Ruby Field, we need that for the high school for baseball. So, at this point, um, we don't have any resolution really yet. We should in the next once the weather gets a little better. I'm sure they're not going to be out there tomorrow doing any work, but we're going
to have to address how we're going to handle this. So, anybody has any questions or comments? >> I I got a few. Um, Jay, when you put out the the the list for bulk and everything else, I get a lot of uh questions about
appliances, what's available, what could be taken, what cannot be taken. Be specific with that one because I do think some things can be dropped off like microwaves I thought can go to the recycling center. >> Committ Weber, we actually we take we'll take the the metals and we'll scrap.
Yeah, I have a lot of >> So, I got to get with Robbie to find out what his plan is on that, but I know he does do that. >> That's what I figured because I know we actually make some money off of it. So, I guess be specific on that. I guess it would be a battle then between us and and the the junk guys. He was going to
get to it first. >> Um, that's one. Number two, Codwell. I'm just going to tell you right now, not in favor of it. They can wait. I am not in favor of messing up an entire baseball season because
they couldn't get their scheduling right. If there's a way to push them off or or hold them back, I would prefer to hold them back until after the season's done. >> 100%. >> Because at this point right now with them cutting off Codwell, there is
absolutely no way except to go up trivet for them or or to cut through a parking lot for them to to access it. So, um I am not in favor of that one. We met out there the other day with the contract and everything. And to be honest with you, there's there is no way
from Mountain Avenue to get into it. You can't you can't go through the parking lot because the covert is going to extend taking out the sidewalks on both sides. That's how wide it is. So, you can't walk around it. We looked at we actually, as crazy as this might sound, we actually looked at jumping the creek.
Could we put a bridge over the creek? We don't have anything long enough that could go over the creek. A and B, it'd be on private property on the office building that's on the corner. So, I'm I'm sure that's not going to be wellreceived if we go to that owner and say, you know, we want to have everybody
tramping over your property. >> Well, I'm only one of five. >> It's >> my vote is if you can fight this thing and make this thing hold off, >> that's my vote on it. >> It has to it has to get held off. We just >> Oh, >> I I don't see any way we can get around
doing it right now. It just doesn't work. And just to give a little more clarification on the Marsab building. So, so what John is talking about, what our BA is talking about is um the building on the corner of Mars
and Mountain. That is the old bank building. I mean, that thing's been >> the lawn 25 >> lawn. It's been a lot of stuff, right? Uh all five of us have decided that we were in favor of presenting the business
these the build the the land owner an offer to purchase it or make a move at that point to actually take it. So that is what's
happening with that. There there's not a whole lot more details to give, but that is what we're looking for on the corner of uh Mountain and Mars. >> And just a side note, anything with a plug on it, you can drop off up at the pool to recycle. >> Anything with a plug.
>> All right, >> there you go. Makes it pretty easy. >> Can I add a comment to the Coldwell issue, >> Chief? >> Um, yeah. I I completely agree that this is if they insist on going through with it, it's going to create unnecessary
risk cuz the kids are going to find a way to get there. They're not going to, >> you know, we were all kids, some of us sooner than others, but um yeah, I would certainly if it was me, I would go across the through the creek or whatever
to get where I needed to go. And it's just it's a total safety concern as far as I'm my concerns are. Um plus in creating increased traffic or parked cars on some of the uh ancillary streets
there. Um whether there's parking allowed or not. I see it all the time over by the uh the rec center cars parking illegally because they want to watch. They don't really pay attention to the no parking signs. And you got a lot of kids now. you got more cars and more traffic going
through and just the slight possibility of a kid popping out from between a car. I'm I'm you know I yeah back you with that. So >> we got a lot of kids that walk down Caldwell going to school, right? >> They're not going to be able to get they can't get there from there.
>> So it's it's it's a disaster >> there. Listen, when it comes to a project of that size, I don't know if there is an ideal time, but if there was an ideal time, >> not during the baseball season. >> Not during the baseball season. >> And and just, you know, I got to look
back, but I spoke to I was speaking to Mr. Meter before we came and we both remember we were out there probably maybe three years ago discussing this. So, this project has been on the on the planning board or approve approved for
several years. So, I don't see why if we don't do it in May and we got to wait, you know, we don't do it now, we got to do it in May. I don't see that it should be that big a deal. I >> mean, this was supposed to be done by December. >> Yes, it was. >> Which would have been the right time for it. >> We wouldn't have
>> Which would have been the right time for it. Uh, but yeah. No. Uh, I think everybody shares. >> On to the next thing. Lauren, you have a moment, please. Would you step up and we can put the hot lights on you and grill you? I think everybody knows Lauren. She's
our tax collector. Tell us how much money we have. >> 99%. >> Hey, >> my collection rate is 99.49% as of the end of 2025. And that includes a year- end penalty that I had to put on
as of December 31st. So, that doesn't give me time to collect it. Um, with that being said, I have my January report. We collected 5.6 million. Um, my delinquents for February, we're at 268.
Um, we've collected half of that already. Um, and um, we're still collecting some 2025 taxes. We have about, not including tax court judgments. Um I think there was about 452,000
of that still to be collected. Uh not including tax court judgments. Those go back for prior years and they have 60 days to pay on those. So those always get paid. Um total online payments, which is now becoming a popular way for payment other
than mortgage payments. Um we had two 285 of those in January. Um but we've had a thousand of them in December uh excuse me in February. So that is becoming um one of the most popular ways for people to pay their taxes. Um
interest we collected about 4,000 uh currently we have six leans uh outside leans not municipal leans. Um and we had two redeemed. So we're down
to five leans uh that were sold in 2025. >> Any questions? Any questions? >> No, >> no questions. Just a comment. I know that many of you may not recognize Lauren because she's a person that's always behind the scenes, but I do need
to tell you that she's a rock star and her breath of knowledge is absolutely incredible. I know that we've spent there was a certain time during a couple years ago we spent almost every day on the phone talking about uh the state of our our our town and our and our tax
situation. Uh and you are just phenomenal. We appreciate you coming here today and thank you for uh everything you do for us. Greatly appreciated. >> Thank you. >> Why is it so low at 99.46? >> You know, I don't know. I couldn't tell you. >> I thought your comment committee
>> was going to be we didn't recognize her because her hair was lighter, but that's the sun. >> I I I didn't want to do that because I wouldn't wasn't sure how it was going to go. >> I I helped you out. >> Appreciate it. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Lauren. All right, moving on to Alex's second favorite part of the meeting. Approval of the minutes. I'll make a motion uh to get caught up on the regular meeting minutes of
January 13, 2026 and the executive meeting minutes of session A and session B of January 13, 2026 as emailed. >> I second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Moving right along. Uh new business. There is no ordinances on second reading, but on first reading, we have ordinance 20263. Madame clerk. >> Okay. Ordinance 20263.
This ordinance repeals section 35-86 development fee regulations and to repeal and replace section 35-34 affordable housing of chapter 35 land use of the municipal code of the
township to address requirements of the fair housing act FHA as amended and the uniform housing affordability controls UA UHAC as amended regarding compliance
with the township's affordable housing obligations. Mr. Mayor, I move for approval on first reading ordinance 202603 as read by Madame Clerk publicized in the local source February 26, 2026 with final hearing on March 10th.
>> I will second >> discussion. >> Greg, there's a lot happened on this thing. Can we get clarification on Yes. What's changed with this one? >> This is >> Hold on. >> So, this ordinance is
doing a couple things. It's consolidating the um the development fee. We had a separate development fee ordinance. It's consolidating the development fee ordinance with the affordable housing components township code. So they're just being combined and it's basically implementing the consent order that was reached between the
township and fair share housing um as part of the fourth round obligations. The the the changes are are are minute in in detail uh and they're they're comprehensive. Um this was prepared on
the township behalf by our fair share by our affordable housing council and and with our planner. Um and these are comprehensive, consistent with the regulations, the statutes, consistent with the consent order that was entered into um and uh
approved by the court and required in accordance with that consent order. So that's the and there's a companion ordinance to follow which relates to the overlay zones and some of the other um zoning related issues. >> Okay. Any other input from up here?
All right, let's uh go to a vote. >> Committeeman Capidis, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> yes. >> Committeeman Weber, >> yes. >> Mayor Laer, >> yes. >> Ordinance 20264.
This ordinance amends section 35-17 overlay zones and mandatory set aside ordinance of article 5 district regulations of chapter 35 land use of the code of the township. Chapter 35,
land use regulations to effectuate the fourth round housing element and fair share plan of the township as amended and enacted pursuant to court order by the Township Committee of the Township of Springfield County of Union, State of
New Jersey. >> Mr. Mayor, I move for approval on first reading ordinance 2026 read by madame clerk for publication in the local source February 26, 2026 with final hearing on March 10th, 2026. >> Second discussion, Craig before Chris
Weber asks, >> as I mentioned, this is there was a companion ordinance. This is the companion ordinance. So this lists this lists all the development regulations for the overlay zones associated with the new affordable housing fourth round obligations. Uh little bit in some ways a little bit easier to read because you
can see here in the black line where the what where the new and where the deleted provisions are. Primarily it's new provisions and it has this is what new development and developers will have to follow in all of the new overlay zones.
Um a variety of changes and requirements on bulk requirements, etc. >> Any any further discussion? >> No, this one's much clearer than the other one. This this one is >> not 40 pages long and and much clearer.
>> All right, Madame Clerk, >> Committeeman Capides, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> yes. >> Committeeman Weber, >> yes. >> Mayor Ler, >> yes. >> All right, we're moving on to resolutions. If you would like one pulled, please say so. Resolution 202680
202681 202682 202683 >> Okay. 202684 202685
202686 I will make a motion to adopt the following resolutions by consent agenda. Resolution 2026-80 through resolution 2026-82 and resolution 2026-84 through resolution 2026-86.
>> I second. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> yes. >> Committeeman Capid, >> yes. >> Committeeman Weber, >> yes. >> Mayor Laugher, >> yes. >> Okay. Resolution 202683. This resolution authorizes a license
agreement with NMBC moving solutions to utilize certain township parking facilities on a temporary basis. >> Uh I make a motion to approve resolution 202683 as read by Matt Clark. >> Second.
>> Can I get clarity on what are they parking there? What's happening there? >> One truck that we've did this last year for a year. It ran out. This is a renewal of the previous agreement. >> Uh moving truck. >> Moving truck. Um
not going to wake anybody up. It's it's >> now it's parked in a pool park. It's >> parked on the back side of it, right? Not in by the the houses over there. >> No. No. It's actually parked uh down past the commuters. >> Okay. >> On that side. >> Okay. Just one truck parked to the back.
>> Yep. >> Okay. >> Thank you, >> Committee Capidities. Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser. >> Yes. >> Committeeman Weber. >> Yes. >> Mayor Laer. >> Yes. >> We have no discussion and action items. Uh now on to W. Mayor Kaiser's favorite
part of the meeting. >> I'll make a motion to pay or pay pay to I'll make a motion to adopt payroll invoices for the period of February 11, 2026 through February 24th, 2026 in the amount of 10,432,459.89.
89 cents. >> I second. >> Deputy Mayor Kaiser, >> yes. >> Mman Capid, >> yes. >> Weber, >> yes. >> Mayor Lera, >> yes. We have correspondence. Westfield, Ordinance 20263.
Uh, designating 625 West Westfield A as historic landmark. Public hearing March 10th at 8:00 PM Union notice of public hearing planning board February 26th 7:30 amendment to the township's master plan Milbour
zoning board hearing March 2nd 700 p.m. Applicant is 521 Milbour Avenue for a variance. Uh and now we're moving on to public comment on any governmental issue. The floor is now open.
I'm back. >> Allison Miller, one hemlock terrace, um environmental commission related also. Um so we removed uh quite a number of ash trees over at Ruby Field and all
around town. As we all know, we are a flood zone and um I want to know when we're planning on replanting those giant trees that were removed. There have been no efforts to replant them. There has been no efforts to replant a lot of
trees that have been taken down around town. And as somebody who actually lives in the flood zone and who has survived two major floods, I would like to know what the township committee and the town is doing to replace so many of these
trees that have been taken down. I will get you a number of trees that have been planted because I know we have replanted a bunch of trees. >> Not in >> No, not in Ruby Field. >> They removed all those adult trees. >> Again, Ally, if you if you want to come
up, >> that was a safety issue. If we didn't remove them and somebody got hurt, we would be responsible. They were all had the emerald ashbor, so they had to go. >> Well, they didn't actually, but they were afraid they were coming. So, um, it
was preemptive. >> The issue that I have with planting anything in Ruby right now is that's a decentsized piece of land back there. And I do believe we have something for
the community that can it can be used for. I don't know what I don't know if anybody else up here has any ideas about, but that's a big piece of property back there. >> There's something to be said for open spaces. There's something to be said about the charm of a town, having
beautiful trees line, you know, our roads and having actual um little forests and and and trees in town. Overdevelopment is uh not something everybody wants. >> That's actually a great idea right
there. Some kind of walk through some kind of tree. >> Well, I I I did recommend a tiny forest in that area. >> Yeah. I I just you know me person >> in space um you know not only do trees absorb
water they clean our air. It's you know pollution is a problem everywhere. So it it environmentally speaking it'll absorb water and give us fresh air to breathe. So you know we've been tackling the idle
idlers one by one. Um uh but this is something needs to needs to be remain open space or more trees. >> I I remember I seem to remember when we talked about refurbishing Ruby Field and we made all those improvements. We
talked about that area and I a lot of ideas came up at the time. I think we at the time spoke about like a a community garden area. Um, but it is a unique space in more ways than one because you can't really access that space without
walking onto the field to get there. So, I don't think it's not that we haven't been dismissing ideas. I think we've been just trying to figure out what's the best use for that space. Um, because of the uniqueness of where it is and how
to access it, it's it's been a evolving conversation. >> Yeah. I I think developing that space would would be a mistake. I think keeping it as a green space >> is what it's meant to be. >> Again, we have so few in Springfield.
Let's protect the ones we have. >> I I mean, in terms of developing, if there's no access to it without going into the field, you can't really like put housing there or anything like that. So, I mean, I in terms of like developing it, I think our options are
ex extremely limited. >> Yeah. But adding any kind of imperous surface, >> sure, >> would be a problem, >> right? >> So, you know, you you want to put black top on there or concrete. >> No, I'm not advocating for that. >> You know, I'm just saying it it needs to
there needs to be more trees there because they were taken away and it's adding to the flooding and, you know, it needs to be a green space. So, I'm just praying you guys don't turn it into a pickle wall field or or or some or another soccer field or I mean, you
know, let's let's Yeah, let's keep our green spaces green. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Betra will supply a report to you tomorrow on how many trees have been planted because we do plant trees every year. >> I get the report sometimes. It's not
nearly as many. I get the report sometimes. It's not nearly as many trees that are being taken down that are being planted. It's not even close. >> But you have to realize there's a lot of trees that we don't take down just to take them down. >> I understand. I I know there are a hazard. They're dangerous. They're
>> they're diseased. And a lot of them are on private property also that people are taking down. They have to get a permit for. And if they take so much down, they have to replace. >> But we're not replacing them is the problem. Not even close to the rate that they're being taken down. >> Mr. Ber will send you some info tomorrow.
>> All right. Sorry. I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees, >> the tree whisperer. On that excellent Dr. Seuss reference, um are there any other members of the public for comment?
Seeing there are none, uh can we move to adjourn? >> Before we adjourn, >> oh does >> Yeah. I just wanted to to bring up to the committee. I know that we've talked about it on an individual basis, but I didn't bring it up um as part of a meeting. I know many of us talked about
over the course of the year the employee manual, the employee handbook. It has many names. Uh and we always talked about updating it um because it does need another look um as part of the administration committee. I've been talking to Deputy Mayor Kaiser about it. I know we wanted to look at several
sections of it, including uh one about performance evaluation. So with your blessing and permission, I'd like to uh form an ad hoc committee with uh the deputy mayor to review um the performance uh evaluation portion along with the manual itself maybe with Mr.
Bicolo and maybe a couple me couple of employees take a look at it. I know it's a monster of a of a handbook, but if there's anything that we could see that might need some updating or some tweaking or through the passage of time things are irrelevant, of course with the attorneys uh advising us on
I think that's a great idea. Voice. >> Yeah. I mean, do you want to do you want to move to form the committee? >> Yeah. I'd like to make a motion uh to form an ad hoc committee to uh review the personnel matter personnel manual
and uh have it be uh disbanded once it's been uh finalized and approved by the township committee. Is >> there a second? >> Second. Motion cappity, second Weber. Uh, all in favor? >> I I >> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right.
through through uh Mayor and Jay, you're working together on the 250 >> Yes. >> anniversary uh thing. Can uh can I make a suggestion that we uh do a time capsule? I know there is one out front already. I forget what date that's
supposed to be opened up, >> but uh if we can organize a time capsule uh and put that together, that would be very very cool for this 250th uh anniversary year. Something that none of us will ever open up, but we can
definitely contribute to it and could be pretty awesome. >> Modern medicine and high levels of income. >> iPhone. >> Yep. >> Might be around to open it up. >> Taxable. Just make sure it's low. Um,
>> yeah. No, Deputy Mayor, I think that's an excellent idea. Jay will connect on it. Um, >> we could do a little ceremony. >> Yeah. Uh, we should definitely do a ceremony on it. >> Um, anybody else? Before we adjourn, I want to thank the
DPW and first responsor the first responders one more time. Uh, fire, police, EMS. Uh, thank you. OEM. Uh, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> We got one. Nay. We are adjourned.