##VIDEO ID:0na4i_xH7UE## e e e e e e e e e e e e this is a regular meeting of the township committee public notice of this meeting has been given as required by the open public meetings law a resolution was adopted on January 1st 2025 designating this date this Hall and 7:30 p.m. as the time for this regular meeting of the township Committee of the township of Union in the county of Union a notice of each and every meeting of the township committee was posted in accordance with the affet open public meetings law in one public place reserved for the posting of ordinances and official notices of the township of Union namely the bulletin board next to the clerk's office in addition there to a copy of said resolution was forwarded to the local Source in Star Ledger a copy of said resolution is on file with the clerk of the township good evening this evening the prayer will be led by committee woman Patricia gar Frasier and Deputy Mayor jph Flo will lead us in the flag salute let us bow our hearts and Minds as we gather as members of this Township committee we pray that we are ever mindful of opport opportunities to render our service to fellow citizens and to our community keeping in mind always the enduring values of Life exerting our efforts in those areas and on those things upon which future Generations can build with confidence let us continue to strive to Make a Better Community ameni 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 roll call please Mr figorito here M Terell here M Frasier here Mr Floria here mayor Bowser here I have a motion to approve the minutes of conference session and regular session January 14 2025 motion to approve second all in favor hi I Madam Kirk can we move on with the ordinance and resolutions I for consideration on second and final reading an ordinance amending chapter 26659 schedule 17 entitled time limit parking by the township Committee of the township of Union County of union state of New Jersey this ordinance affects Caldwell Avenue will you ordance be taken up a second final reading second an ordinance amending chapter schedule 17 entitled time limit parking by the township committee Township of Union County of union state of New Jersey this ordinance effects Caldwell Avenue is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this ordinance move the ordinance be adopted second Mr figorito yes M Terell yes M Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes amending ordinance number 4 4934 designating a previously approved handicapped parking space on Oregon Street for exclusive use move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading at this time second an ordinance amending ordinance number four 4934 adopted February 14th 2016 in the township of Union Union County New Jersey this ordinance designates a previously approved parking space for exclusive use is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak on this ordinance Mo the ordinance be adopted second Mr figorito yes M Terell yes Miss Frasier yes Mr floral yes mayor Bowser yes authorizing a special emergency appropriation this allows payment of contractually required Severance to be paid over the next 5 years move the ordinance be taken up for second and final reading second an ordinance authorizing a special emergency appropriation pursuant to njsa 48 col 4-4 53h this allows payment of contractually required Severance to be paid over the next 5 years is there anyone from the public wishing to speak on this ordinance move ordinance be adopted second Mr figorito yes M Terell yes M Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes I have your consideration on draft and first reading an ordinance creating a handicap space in front of 1475 Walker Avenue move the draft be taken up by title at this time second an ordinance amending the designation of parking spaces for use by persons with special vehicle identification cards in the township of Union Union County New Jersey this ordinance creates a handicap space in front of 1475 Walker Avenue Mr figorito yes M Terell yes Miss Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes move draft be taken up at the next regularly scheduled meeting for second and final reading second Mr figorito yes M Terrell yes M Frasier yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes amending chapter 26666 of the municipal code parking by permit in residential areas this affects this ordinance affects Caldwell Avenue would the draft be taken up for first reading by title at this time second an ordinance amending chapter 26666 schedule 25 entitled parking by permit only in residential areas by the township Committee of the township of Union County of union state of New Jersey this ordinance affects Caldwell Avenue Mr figorito yes M Terrell yes M Frasier yes Mr Florio mayor Bowser yes move the draft be taken up at the next regular scheduled meeting for second and final reading second Mr Figo yes M Terell yes M Fraser yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes following resolutions authorizing a contract with WW Granger for industrial supplies and equipment for the Department of Public Works for an amount not to exceed $115,000 State contract 19 Fleet 0566 move for approval second all in favor I allowing the maintenance and repair of heavy duty vehicles from Air break and equipment for an amount not to exceed $15,000 State contract number 89279 motion to approve second all in favor I I authorizing the purchase of Road materials from welded materials Inc for an amount not to exceed $75,000 through the Union County Co-op motion to approve the purchase second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of office supplies for Township departments from WB Mason for an amount not to exceed $331,500 State contract 19 food 01329 move to approve the purchase second all in favor I authorizing a contract with on-site Fleet Service Inc for the maintenance and repair of vehicles for an amount not to exceed $220,000 State contract number 8 9273 V for approval second all in favor I authorizing a contract contract with Northeast sweepers for the repair of road equipment for the Department of Public Works for a fee not to exceed $65,000 motion to approve second all in favor I authorizing the maintenance and repairs of road maintenance equipment from Jesco Inc for an amount not to exceed $15,000 motion to approve second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of uniforms for various Township departments from fitright uniform company for an amount not to exceed $699,000 State contract 16 food 00109 to approve the purchase second all in favor I I authorizing the purchase of safety equipment for the Department of Public Works from fanel for an amount not to exceed $115,000 State contract number 19 Fleet 0565 for approval second all in favor I authorizing the purchase of tires and tubes from Goodyear Tire and rubber car of FNS Tire Corp for an amount not to exceed $118,000 State contract 25 Fleet 8 2627 motion to approve second all in favor I authorizing a contract with deer carcass removal service LLC through the Union County Co-op for road sweeping disposal services for an amount not to exceed $220,000 all in favor motion approve second all in favor I authorizing a contract with to Sparrow Towing for the maintenance and repair of vehicles for an amount not to exceed 0,00 ,000 State contract 40845 for approval second all in favor I amending resolution 20 2534 to reflect no fees for services for the employee Benefit services for the township move for approval second all in favor I amending resolution number 2024 1221 increasing the amount to Aro and donu LLC by $2,500 for a total amount not to exceed $22,500 for a Personnel matter motion to approve sir all in favor I authorizing an agreement with Dr Matthew J lazia to serve as medical director for the fire department at AA to exceed $4,000 motion to approve second all in favor I I authorizing a professional service agreement with Coler engineering and design for Safe Streets and roads for all for an amount not to exceed $250,000 motion to approve second all in favor I authorizing an emergency contract with s brothers Inc for the Emergency sanitary sore repair at 29 six Perry Avenue in the amount of $29,800 so move second all in favor I authorizing change order number two increasing the amount to grenade construction Corp by $1,599 for revised total contract amount not to exceed 2,889 67020 for the 2023 Road reconstruction program phase two motion to approve second all in favor I I authorizing pay payment of all approved vouchers for solid waste collection holl and Disposal at the interim rate of $759 per ton for household waste and $119 12 per ton for bulky waste for the month of December move to approve the payment second all in favor I determining the form and other details of General improvements bond series 2025 of the township and providing for their sale move for approval second all in favor I authorizing the issuance and sale of the water Bank construction notes by the township of Union pursuant to the New Jersey infrastructure Bank financing program so moved second all in favor I awarding a 5-year lease of property at 900 green lean to Def shark coffee LLC for use as a coffee shop at their monthly lease rate of $2,000 for the first year and an annual increase of 5% each year thereafter motion to approve second all in favor I appointing Jenny berinsky as temporary Municipal Court judge motion to approve the appointment second all in favor I committing to current and round four prospective affordable housing obligations motion to approve second all in favor I I ask you to approve the finances as listed on the agenda so moved second all in favor I following Communications from Terry Manda tax collector requesting the township committee authorized checks issued to the following representing the Redemption of tax s certificates as listed on the agenda motion to approve second all in favor I I from Joseph Ania Township engineer requesting the following payments payment number 5 to PM Construction in the amount of $18,988 12 for work completed through November 15th 2024 in connection with the 2024 Road resurfacing program Elizabeth Town Gas payment number eight to grenade Construction Corporation in the amount of 89,1 15.50 for work completed through January 3rd 2025 in connection with the 2023 Road reconstruction program phase two motion to approve the payments second all in favor I from deie Debbie Ivans TNT Fireworks requesting permission to hold a tent sale in the parking lot at 900 Springfield Road from June 12th through July 6 2025 utilizing a 20x 40ft tent banners and flags also requesting permission for a 10x2 foot container for storage and a small generator to operate the lights motion to approve second all in favor from Allison lerick union union Catholic High School requesting the use of the showmobile for a food truck festival on Saturday May 3rd 2025 from 10: a.m. to 6: p.m. with all fees waved vve for approval second all in favor I from Skyler Samson 109 rmer Court requesting the use of rapkin park for a family reunion on Saturday August 23rd 2025 from 10: a.m. through 8:00 p.m. for approximately 125 people motion to approve all in favor I from arone gais Health officer requesting the following refunds Garden City restaurant 985b ion Avenue in the amount of $275 for an unused food establishment license Union Elks Lodge Number 1583 281 Chestnut Street in the amount of $100 for an unused pool license motion to approve refunds second all in favor I and I have Department reports from the police department and senior citizens move down rece f second all in favor I that concludes my part of the agenda thank you madam clerk at this time we'll have the various Commissioners give their reports starting with committee woman sanra trell uh thank you thank you good evening everyone um so I'll be reporting on the activity uh from the union Police Department for the period of January 10th through January 27th 2025 um so direct patrols um since my last report significantly higher we had 1873 uh calls for service we had 2,992 and arrest there were 99 all three of those categories the numbers were slightly higher uh maybe due to the cold cold weather that we have but I'm not sure uh and then for uh in our enforcement area so for truck enforcement um those numbers were down slightly we had uh four stops two ticket tickets and one resident received a ticket red light enforcement and speed the speed initiative I'll talk and the speed initiative again those numbers were slightly up uh for red light enforcement we had 101 stops there were 95 tickets issued and um of those tickets it was 16 residents on the speed initiative uh we had 155 stops 132 tickets were issued and 27 uh residents received tickets um highlights and announcements just a few things I'd like to share with you um on J on January 13 2025 Springfield Police Department notified dispatch that a commercial burglary had just occurred on Route 22 in their town and were looking for assistance for uh searching for the suspect multiple Union police officers responded to the area to assist the Springfield Police Department while searching Union Officers located a mail matching the suspect's description attempting to hide as officers approached the mail he fled on foot across all Lanes of Route 22 officers continued to pursue the mail on foot and were able to catch up to the suspect and take him into custody without F further incident he was charged accordingly for his crimes in both towns and announcements the union Police Department is seeking new additions to their neighborhood Watch program this program has been established to enhance the partnership with the police department and the community this will help the residents become more vested in the community and assist in resolving any issues that may arise for additional information about the neighborhood watch program please contact the community policing Bureau at 908 851 52 52 and then one last thing after 25 years of devoted honorable and loyal service to the township of Union officer Daniel telasi will be retiring at the end of this week on behalf of the township committee we extend our heartfelt gratitude and warmest congratulations as you begin this exciting new chapter this concludes my report thank you committee woman Terrell at this time I ask that committee men Manny Figaro BPW thank you mayor I have the uh Public Works report here from uh the road division we have ongoing maintenance and repairs to Township roadways to ensure safe and efficient travel from our sewer division we continue to inspect and have maintenance of outfalls to maintain proper drainage and prevent flooding issues our shry division we continue to address trees in the towns right away with an emphasis on removing hazardous trees to to prevent accidents and we have two projects that are are brand new our streetlight project this is a proactive initiative to ensure that all the street lights are functioning properly with a focus on identifying and repairing any hazardous lights and we also have a sidewalk Safety project where we address hazardous sidewalks in the towns right away with efforts to ensure proper repairs are made by the property owner to prevent any accidents and as always any concerns you have any inquiries you have you can call our division of Public Works uh at 98686 1922 we do encourage all our residents to report any quality of life concerns that you have to our report a concern feature on the township website and mayor that concludes my report thank you at this time I'll have paty Frasier for fire department okay the fire department uh report for this evening Union fire department responded to 286 emergency calls for service this period This is a 9% increase versus the previous reporting period some significance some significant events during uh during this period include a commercial vehicle powered by natural gas leaking its fuel load on Morris Avenue car fires on in Garden State Park Parkway and Arbor Lane a heating unit that malfunctioned causing a smoke condition and Franklin at Franklin School multiple Mo motor vehicle accidents during the recent snowstorm a fire in the heating unit fire in a commercial building under construction on Route 22 our firefighters uh participated in several training sessions this period which included annual refresher training in both fire and EMS subject matter training to satisfy Regulatory Compliance and exercises and leadership development the recent harsh weather takes a significant toll on the firefighting equipment the mechanic division along with assistance from the on duty firefighters have been preparing for these conditions and working to address preventative maintenance while simultaneously handl handling repairs of apparatus and equipment and finally National B burn awareness week is February 2nd through through the eth presented by the American burn Association it is a chance to unite and promote burn prevention and awareness in communities this year's theme focuses on reducing burn risks in homes apartments and all living spaces for more information on this um awareness week please uh go to www am.org that is a m r i b n.org org and for licensing applications motion to approve the following gas stations Kirkland Signature gasoline fuel 4 fuel 6 LLC New Jersey fuel LLC Union West shell Union East shell Styers shell Delta on McGee Avenue Delta 1351 and then Parkway Exon private PS the union fire department Union Police Department Union public works department Union Board of Education Dela pillow Paving ceruli LLC Gusto Sabor on Morris Avenue Peri Peri on Styers Avenue cheeky Chicken on Route 22 Munchies fast food laasa Del pan on North Avenue gnd D LLC Nunzio's barbecue gri and then Outdoor Cafe First Watch restaurant laa Del Pang Bakery on North Avenue sir Ru suya spot and Gusto Sabor Colombiano on moris Avenue that concludes my report thank you commissioner Frasier I have a motion to have a motion to approve the licenses that we just read please just second my you're seconding my make the motion yeah yeah I'm sorry I second your motion all in favor okay roll call Mr figorito yes M Terell yes M Fraser yes Mr Florio yes mayor Bowser yes at this time I like to have of commissioner Deputy Mayor Joe Florio for for recreation and Senor sener thank you very much mayor from our Recreation Department something we're very proud of here in Union our Municipal Band will be playing a Winter concert on Monday February 10th at 7:30 p.m. at Livingston School the Municipal Band has been an ongoing Union tradition for nearly 200 years each concert features a pot pop say that one right musical styles such as wal's rack Time Marches show tunes and more this month's feature will be a special selection entitled The Spirit of the usn March written by Alton Adams who became the first black band leader in the US Navy in 1917 the mile ban is current accepting new musicians all of Ages and abilities whether you are a Young musician hoping to gain more Concert Experience or retire who who hasn't played your instrument in years playing the band is a great way to practice and be part of a welcoming community of musicians rehearsals are held every Monday evening with monthly concerts played throughout the year interested musicians should contact Union Recreation at 98686 4200 be put in touch with the band director want make another comment about the recreation department uh it's unbelievable how many programs events and activities they have for everybody in Union not just adults children teenagers I I I would I would like to see you go to our website and just check them out from Township website there's something for everybody every age and something just we have a ton of programs in the recreation department I'm very proud of that from our from our senior senator senior senator uh uh we have a health and wellness Tuesday February 4th at 9:30 to 11:30 nurse will be providing Health maintenance check and prevention service nail spa day Tuesday February 11th 10 to 12 enjoy a complimentary Nail Spa manicure courtesy of Union High School cosmetology call now to reserve your appointment and treat yourself to relaxing experience sounds very good a Tai chai class welcome on Wednesday February 5th 1:30 to 2115 join us for a taii class at the senior center open on both new and advanced Learners the class accommodates participants with seated or standard options offering tailored instruction for beginners and more advanced practitioners experience the many benefits of TI Thai including increased strength improve balance and enhanced posture ARP free tax Aid we need that this time of year every Thursday starting February 6th through through April 10th ARP tax Aid provides tax assistance to anyone free of charge but you need to schedule your appointment today appointments are based on availability dates and time so if you need something get get on the phone and schedule an appointment celebrate Black History February 7th 11 to 12 Dr Daisy centuri interpreter extraordinaire will present the historical life of Harriet Tubman Tubman I'm sorry Valentine's celebration on February 14th 12-3 karaoke and cupcakes entertainment by Tanya Ray vocals serving of cupcakes and coffee upcoming trips and events Wind Creek Casino betham Pennsylvania February 13th $40 per ticket departure Janette Avenue any additional information please call Senior Center at 908 85152 90 just so we understand the senior Center's mission to provide a comprehensive array of programs and activities to promote healthy aging and sense of well-being for older adults and I'll tell you right now what they do a great uh great job over there and I congratulate them that's my report for tonight thank you deputy mayor before we dive into our upcoming Township events I would like to highlight two remarkable individuals whose achievements bring immense Pride to our T our Township first congratulations to Union High School senior Peter NEC grego who earned first place in American League League oratorial contest and will now compete at a at the district and state levels your hard work elegance and commitment to Excellence exemplify the talent and determination we celebrate in our students we're cheering you on as you shine in the prestigious competition so again let's give them a round of applause additionally a heartfelt congratulations to Christina Shelby Val a a former Union High School student who is headed to the National Cup Championship of international baton trailing Federation in Italy your dedication and Artistry are truly inspiring and we wish you the best as you represent Union on an international stage again let's give them a round of applause this is really fantastic uh next I have a small business Workshop the township of Union is calling on entrepreneurs and small business owners to our upcoming Workshop in partnership with the in New Jersey Eda on February 20th at 9:00 a.m. at Nova's coffee shop and restaurant discover powerful programs and financial resources to take your business to the next level this is your your chance to connect and Learn and Grow RSVP today at Union township.com Black History Month Expo join on join us on Saturday February 1st at Jefferson School for our for our 2025 Black History Month Expo this event will feature powerful living uh performances offered from local blackowned businesses delicious food items and highlighting the diversity of of of cultures follow at Twitter TW WP Union andj for updates the C is offering a Valentine's Day Paint and Sip prepare for a funfilled afternoon on Saturday February 8th at 2 pm and at 6 pm at paint nor Art Studio Unleash Your creativity at our Paint and Sip session while enjoying drinks and light bites visit uniontown.pa are filling up quickly again in terms of Evergreen notification please sign up for emergency and general notifications on at our website ww. uniontown.pa also posted on Facebook at Twitter TWP Union New Jersey with that I'd like to open it up to uh comments from the public five minutes and please give your name and where you where you live good evening uh good evening Mr Mayor committee members my name is Jose Rodriguez uh I live at 618 Jackson Avenue in Elizabeth I am uh one of the assistant superintendents here in the township of Union Public Schools uh I'm also joined by our superintendent Dr benaquista as well um the reason for uh tonight's visit is really just to give a thanks a thanks to the township uh especially Senator cryan uh Don travisano uh Mr Bill Reyes as well a few months ago as you know we had to uh close one of our schools Hannah Coldwell due to some issues and we really relied on the township of Union especially Mr Mr Reyes um what was very important is at no time did they ever ask how could we help they just jumped right in and uh they really were partners with us sometimes you know when you're going through some some uh dark moments to have someone have your back and to not do it by yourself means the world and so these two gentlemen as long as well as uh Senator cryan and Kane University really came through and you really know who your friends are when you are in need and uh like I said you have two employees here that um have done wonders for us they have never left our side and it's really good to have that partnership I've been in many districts where we've gone through some issues uh when I was in a previous District we actually had to close a school as well a prior district and I've never seen the Board of Education and a town come together in a way for students like I've seen it here and like I've heard many times what's good for kids is good for Union so I just want want to say thank you to uh to the two gentlemen you have here as well as Senator cryan and Kane University and thank you very much thank you thank you Jerry Ben aista superintendent of schools uh for Union and and again uh I'm also I just want to thank uh Dr Rodriguez uh hit on a lot of um you know different entities and different people that helped us um been in the district since 2000 started as a teacher and this was a Testament of how the township and the school's relationship is really so strong um we collaborated on a lot of initiatives but to have that support like Dr rodrig has explained but not just for Hannah Caldwell all the years that the police fire DPW um you know I feel like we collaborate more often now um than ever um and find ways to support each other because it is all about the community so uh without um the support of the township I don't know if we would be successful in the schools looking for obviously to to continue to grow and keep um collaborating on as many initiatives as we can but again I just want to thank everyone um uh from Joe Graziano DPW uh the business office um director donelly uh fire everyone kind of stepped up when we needed it um the most and like Dr rri said it it's very hard if you're standing alone it's harder to get accomplishes but together you could accomplish anything so thank you everyone thank you Dr Rodriguez and Dr benaquista on behalf of the township committee and Senator cryan and others just want to say thank you for coming forward as you mentioned this is definitely a partnership that we will maintain and continue to strengthen so again thank you for coming forward are there other comments from the public name and address and keep to five minutes yes I'll watch the clock there thank you um uh Ruth slovic 1221 McGee I had some questions on the uh draft and first readings and resolutions on number four under drafts and first readings I was just curious is that 1475 Walker Avenue a private resident or a business it's a private residence so anybody who can request one depending upon their situation you're saying I'm sorry can you repeat your question yes anyone can request a handicap space according to their particular situation yes and it will be evaluated I didn't realize that okay thank you um and then um number 13 it says $69,000 for uniforms I was just wondering how many hi Ruthie happy New Year hello happy new year so I can't I can't answer that all it is is a not to exceed number so it may be one and maybe 30 um we won't know until we place the order but it's a not to exceed number okay $69,000 for uniforms I'm I'm assuming it's a number of people um for that amount that's safe to say uh with $69,000 you can buy a Department's worth of uh fire uniforms sure oh fire uniform it doesn't say that it just say uniforms fit right uniform okay I understand now um and numbers 15 well no I was going to ask you how you choose your vendors do you pick the same ones each year or is there like a committee that that that pulls out the information and and tries to uh negotiate how how is that usually work it's a general General thing so so generally speaking it really depends okay um often there is a very specific product that is available only under a co-op or a state contract uh so often we will go to those vendors regularly sometimes it's proximity sometimes it's uh if it's a sealed bid it's always price uh depending on the method of procurement it could be price and other factors so there really is no set way of doing it um I'll tell you that that we always do it with an eye on um you know the the best quality product at the best price absolutely is there a committee that does that or just whatever Department falls under they do that and make recommendations generally speaking again we have a centralized purchasing department and that that's what uh what what our purchasing agent and what our administrator what we do regularly okay thank you um number 20 um uh agreement with Dr liia to serve as medical director um how long is that for and what is the function of the medical director yes so Dr Leia is the uh is the in charge of medical for both the primarily for the fire department but also the police department it's for one year and the role of the medical dep director is I mean we have like you know hospitals and doctors I was just wondering what specifically for the fire department would be sure so in the casee of fire department and uh our EMS Department um occasionally medicines or medical treatment is given out that's done under the uh the supervision of a licensed MD and Dr Letizia is that licensed empty and that's during the the the moment of the crisis you're saying can you repeat that I'm not sure during the moment of the crisis it is not during the moment of the crisis it's General oversight oh I say yes okay and then um number 21 when it says uh engineering design for Safe Streets and roads for all those for signs is that what it's for or is it a program what is what is the safe streets and roads for all I'm glad you asked so uh It generally speaking the safe streets and Roads uh for all program as well as you may have heard Vision zero uh those are both programs that uh are long-term studies to identify areas of concern and methods for uh for combating those concerns but very very specifically uh for pedestrian safety so uh it is a it is a a program to avoid uh any pedestrian fatalities or even accidents really so it's a study um and then at the conclusion of the study there may be recommendations that are made pertaining to signage traffic calming measures enforcement things of that nature okay and then my last question is what does the Department of Consumer Affairs do uh the DCA is the administrative Department of the state that oversees local municipalities local government entities so um the number on the calendar that says the Department of Consumer Affairs is a local number for representative from the state I'm not sure what number you're referring to but if you are referring to the DCA there really is only one DCA in that state of New Jersey right I just looked in the calendar and saw it so so I asked it okay my time I know thank you for your questions this evening I I want better understanding thank you anyone wishing to come forward please state your name and address sure my name is Tasha Ney uh I am at 886 Donna Road and I've been a resident here uh for about 17 years um um this is my first meeting so I'm gonna try to make this quick uh because I can't stand too long um but first of all good evening Mr Mayor and the committee members um I'm here today to make a request to reinstate the train shuttle um I'm one of the individuals that like many travel into the city although I'm not currently traveling because I'm recovering from spinal surgery um I did utilize the train shuttle when it was in operation and that has I guess it was dissolved probably during the pandemic um it is definitely a need and now that I have older children in my household they also commute to the city um it was always a concern when I did commute into the city because you can is rarely you know that you can find parking at the parking lot and since that time we have grown as a community um and it's it's just the traffic here in the township is just uh it's overwhelming and um I think it would cut down a lot on the traffic the pollution you know the congestion Etc and then we have all these new uh developments apartment complexes Etc so we have I don't want to exaggerate the numbers because I'm not quite sure what they are but we have tripled almost in my opinion in size and the roads especially here on Morris Avenue and through uh gallopin Hill and Vox Hall and and Etc it's just it's just overwhelming um and speaking for myself as a person who I eventually will be going back into the office that's a concern for me because my ability to really Drive distances now um is a little bit limited uh so that would be a great help and I'm sure I'm not the only one that fits into that category um but it would be wonderful if we can reinstate that shuttle so we can start transporting people to and from the trans the train station without having all this traffic and congestion and having the parking lot at the train station overwhelmed um so that's uh my request um for consideration and then lastly I don't know maybe this is a little bit of a a a pet peeve for me and then I'm going to end it here um I'm a little concerned about all the trees that are being cut down in the township um I understand the safety concerns you know with trees falling branches falling hitting power lines and homes but maybe we could consider like a what do you call it like a save the tree replant project where what we cut down we make a a motion to you know kind of regrow um and then I just recently heard about uh the Garden Project or I'm not really quite sure I just went to a a event at the library and they had someone from the township come in and talk to us about um native plants and things of that nature and then there was some sort of project in Union Township where they were giving trees for people to plant that's awesome I would like to see more of that um yeah I think it's important you know because we need to do something to save our environment yeah that's all I have thank you for your time thank you for your question okay you're welcome mayor if I may I just wanted to uh address some of the items that were raised during those last few comments so um the comment was made that uh regarding trees that are taken down um at this at this point as far as the municipality is concerned the only trees that are ever removed are those that cause a safety problem uh or those that are diseased or dying it will tell you that uh we also have a very robust tree replacement program um and if you're interested in in that uh please reach out to our public works department um they are looking look for locations to to put trees uh also uh last meeting this Township committee introduced a tree ordinance that very specifically requires a the replacement of any trees in residential areas that are removed um with obvious certain exceptions of disease or decaying trees but you can't go on and uh your lot and clear trees just for you know for whatever reason there's got to be a reason for it um I also wanted to address the uh the shuttle if I may so and I believe you're kidding when you say the population tripled I want to make sure that everybody knows uh that the population really has remained mostly stable within a maybe a thousand people or so over the course of the last 20 years so really want to make sure that that's clear we also believe in addressing a need and the shuttle continued post pandemic the reason it didn't continue is because we had roughly six unique Riders in each Direction um happy to take a look at that again but I don't know that for six Riders it becomes economical for us to continue that shuttle we we have other ways to to help and we'd love to have that conversation maybe it's not the shuttle but uh I just wanted to kind of give you some context if we could thank you thank you Don any other questions from the public hearing none can have a motion to adjourn so moved second all in favor I