liance with the open public meetings law which should state that on November 21st, 2025. The notice of this meeting of the upper township committee was posted on the official township bulletin board and the upper township website, emailed to the Atlantic City Press, the Ocean City Sentinel ledger, the Herald Times, and filed with the township
clerk. Tonight's meeting is being video recorded up until the close session portion of this meeting and will be available in the Upper Township website. I hereby direct that this announcement be made part of the minutes of this meeting.
Can we all rise for a pledge to the flag of America to the stands one nation under God indivisible and justice for all >> Joanne could you please call the role
>> Mr. Kasachio here >> Mr. Nappen >> here >> Mr. San Palumbo here Mr. Zach Blumbo, >> Mayor is >> approval of the minutes. >> We're going to push those to the next meeting. >> All right. >> To the next meeting due to the uh absence of myself the last meeting. Uh
unable to Okay, those uh minutes uh report. Let's go right to left. Start off with Sam. >> Perfect. Uh thank you for my um on December 8th, correct? our pickle
ball court project will be completed. Uh obviously a big project for the township. I myself I'm very excited to get activated on those courts. Um and I look forward to everyone enjoying those. Uh I also just wanted to say uh thank you to public works for a successful
fall season for all of our sports. Uh got no complaints about field conditions or any issues at all. So that's a testament to you guys and the work that you did all season. Thank you for that. Uh, and I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and I hope everyone has a great week. That's all I got for
you. Thank you, >> Zach. >> I also want to thank public works for the great job that they did for the fall season. Also want to say echo happy Thanksgiving to all. I know that with Thanksgiving, it also means leaf pickup
time is coming through as well. So, I know that everyone's chopping at the bit to get their lease picked up, but they will get there eventually. Right. Uh on November 12th, I attended the Upper Township uh business association uh event at Upper Township Elementary.
Really good, highly subscribed. All in all, it was good to see our local business groups coming together, you know, and showing off their trade. And that's it for me again. Happy Thanksgiving to all. Thank you, Mr. Casaceio.
>> I have nothing to add tonight. Thank you. >> All right. And uh I'll be quick as well. Uh we do want to invite everybody that's here to our holiday tree lighting ceremony that will begin at 7 p.m. After the meeting, it's always a nice event. Uh attended the chief's meeting last
Wednesday. If you're not familiar with that, that's all the chiefs from all of our fire halls. Uh we all come together in a meeting and discuss different things that are going on. It was very um positive and uh things seem to be going well. Uh I was contacted by a resident about door-to-door solicitation. This
was something we dealt with over the summer. uh directed a few people to make some additions to our website which will be going up just giving out more information and our Facebook did reiterate the fact that as of now we only have one approved business for doortodoor and we invite residents to
put up a no solicitation sign if they want and uh they do not have to answer the door in those scenarios and if they encounter anybody that is giving them a hard time which was why this resident reached out to me to call the New Jersey State Police immediately. Uh, also want to thank Lane Hendrick's elementary
school class. She sent all of us a bunch of great letters from the fifth grade students and thank you to all the committee members that took the time to respond to those letters and happy Thanksgiving. That's all I have. Next up, we'll go to administrator. >> Hey, appreciate it. Deputy mayor of
committee. Uh, first thing I want to do is give a big upper township shout out to uh, resident Chip Degan. uh he donated that beautiful 14 foot blue spruce tree for this year's holiday season. Um if you see him around town, give him a a good pat on the back. Um
second thing is uh just want to report that we received a letter from the D commissioner essentially saying that the state of New Jersey is committed uh for a beach replenishment for Strathmir um in Ocean City um and state funds are allocated. We're just waiting on the
federal funds to avail themselves uh to move forward with this uh beach replenishment project if it is to come in 2026. And then the last thing uh that I have to report is uh a big shout out to Ralph Cooper in the house, Mr. Ralph
Cooper, if you could please stand. Um he's the the leader of our green team. He led us to a successful reertification for the upper township uh sustainable jersey initiative. Uh with that, um Upper Township scored a resounding 280
points, ranking us the third ranked bronze community, um 20 points away from silver. Um and this is just numerous uh time and time again reertifications that this township has received from sustainable Jersey for our commitment to uh being a sustainable township and
taking uh proper steps uh for achieving this goal. Um so the next portion of this agenda is uh a presentation of the plan. So, what I'm going to ask is Ralph come up here with the plaque. We have the the four committee men surround him and and I'll be taking an awesome photo.
>> Yeah. Come on down. We'll make sure this hits uh hits all the airwaves, as they say. >> Bring that beautiful huge plaque up here. That's your
>> N sir. Zach can probably speak to this better than myself, but in education getting your school certified and all the hoops you have to jump jump through to get those things is very difficult and timeconuming. So on behalf of the township, we do appreciate all your work, Mr. Cooper.
All right. Uh, we move on to public comment on agenda items only. Anybody from the public would like to speak to anything on tonight's agenda? >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> I have nothing to report. No, Barb does. >> Thanks. >> I do have one thing. Sure.
>> Um, just a quick change to resolution number 19. Um, we had added another bond purchase to it. So, the total amount that we will be that you will be authorizing tonight is $13,950. That's all I have.
>> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> All right. Now, we will move on to public comment on agenda items only. >> Those of you guys new to the room, we have two public comments, one at the end as well on anything, but this would be
confined to items on our list tonight. Yeah, good evening and uh thank you very much. My name is Lou Barbo. I live at Francis Drive in Petersburg in Upper Township. And I have a question about uh item
number 14 um which is federal lobbying and advocacy services. Exactly what services are being lobbyed for or and what would
come of that will be provided. And also I want to look at um number two which is uh residents of the township um and the S4
76 I guess that's the bill number um includes uh local planning and zoning. >> So your first question was 14. What number was the second one? I missed.
>> Oh, I'm sorry. The first and number two. >> Um, the war I can tell you I was on the conference call with the Warwick group. They are a federal lobbying group. Um, the state increasingly does not want to
help us ever with any type of funding or they they kind of are always crying poor and they never have enough money. We're looking to use the federal government to help get some grants and get some projects going in the township. Uh the Warwick Group is uh off the top of my
head, I know they're used in North Wildwood, Avalon, Ocean City, and uh there's two other municipalities in the in Kate May County, and uh they've had pretty good success. Um they're uh return on investment is 21. And uh we
have a bunch of projects we'd like to get going in the township and you know >> it's great to have state and county help but it's also good to try to utilize some federal help as well. >> Yeah, I understand that. But like exactly what are we uh >> do we need lobby?
>> Uh beach beach replenish are probably number one and uh we're looking to we sent a grant up to the state for that OEM building that we're trying to get. >> OEM I'm sorry what? >> Yeah. We have the study about the OEM building for rescue squad and everything. >> Oh, okay. I got
>> that's something like that that the board group. We're not having much luck up at the state. Senator Booker has been on his desk for quite some time. No action. And uh he said we're going to try to start using the federal government to help establish some of this stuff. >> Is that
um I don't know if I want to say legally, but I don't want to go there. Is that uh standard procedure we'll say to >> overstep the state and go to the federal uh government? >> Like I said, there's five municipal municipalities in the county that
already use this group. >> Oh, okay. >> Had very positive things to say about them and I met with them myself and was quite impressed and >> I feel they could help us uh secure some funding, much needed funding for the township. >> Yeah. And Lou, it's it's we can walk and chew gum at the same time. So, not only
are we going to try to get help from the state, but this will also help us to tap into the federal as well. >> Oh, okay. I didn't know you can overstep the state and go to the federal. Learning something new every time I come here. Uh, also number 26. I'm not really
sure. Um, what all that means? >> Something about the end of calendar year 2025. our salary salary ranges for >> Is that what it is for the salary? >> Salary ordinance? Yeah. Just setting forth all the
>> Is that for the township employees or? >> Yes, sir. >> Oh, okay. And uh that's a negotiation. Um I don't know if that's union or what exactly it it entails.
>> The salary ordinance. um it's required to do every year and it sets ranges a minimum and a maximum range for all of the positions that we have in the township. >> Okay. And that renews every year. >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> So, one one ordinance is making changes to salaries for 2025, the ranges, and then we're introducing our 2026 salary ordinance as well. >> And again, they're just ranges. They're not It's not setting salaries. It's
setting ranges for positions. >> Oh, okay. I thought it was like a like 3% or 7% or 10%. It's not that. >> No, no, it's it just sets the ranges for all the positions that we have here in the township.
>> Okay. All right. I thank you all for responding. >> Thank you, sir. Natalie Petersburg. I'm sorry. Did Oh, did you talk to number two? Number two, the resolution of the township opposing S4736 which would
preempt certain local planning and zoning regulations. Take on that. >> Sure. >> So, this is just this is a recommended resolution. The League of Municipalities has has recommended that municipalities oppose this pending legislation. We've looked at it and made sense to us to do so too. Essentially, what it calls for
is bypassing local planning and zoning boards authority when it comes to certain um highdensity buildings. Uh this legislation would allow nonprofit entities and churches to bypass planning and zoning in order to put residential uses essentially wherever they want. Could be in a commercial zone, could be
not. So what we're doing here, and many other towns have done this, is just putting a resolution together against that, right? In hopes that it doesn't actually pass it in state legislature. That's what this is. >> Can you speak to number six, please? That's a cancelling taxes.
Uh is a disabled American veteran. I have a copy of the bills list for tonight. And um I see number four and number five listed on here. >> Number six is not listed on the bill.
because that would be an internal um posting that the tax office makes. There's no refund of any money there. They just have to cancel taxes off the books. >> Okay. But the number four
23 was $4,469.30. I believe there is there is a typo on the bill list or the the fourth one down. It should be block 453.10 lot 337.08.
The lot block is incorrect on the bill list. I was referencing number four, block 4, 573, lot 23. >> That is on the bill list. >> Yes. And it says $4,469.30
>> is exempted. >> And I'm sorry, what was the one you just noted? >> The fourth one down. >> The fourth one down. >> Does that have a resolution or agenda? That is >> you're looking at two separate. >> That is resolution number 10.
>> So you're saying there's a typo on the agenda >> on the bill list. Not on the agenda. On the bill list on the cover page of the bill list. and number 31. Um,
I'm here to support at all and um the pending litigation. It says short. I'm wondering what the docket number and the date is. It's a closed session agenda item. I'm
going to recommend that nobody speak on it at this point in time. >> Is it a public document? >> Yes, >> you can. You could obtain that. >> Can I please have the number? >> I do not have it available right now. I don't have it on me.
>> When will it be available? >> You can request and it'll be available to you. >> I'm sorry. Submit a request and it will be avail made available to you. >> Okay. I just made a request right now. >> Would you like me to get the clerk to lean in the middle of the meeting to go do it for you? >> You would need to submit an over
request, Natalie. >> Now Okay. So, I submit an over request and then what happens? You have seven to 10 days. >> I I've never taken seven business days to respond to your ORA. I will give it to you as soon as it's available.
>> So, how many days will it take that? >> I don't have that. Let's end the discussion here at this point. >> You know, I'm not here to argue with you, but I believe you have seven to 10 days. >> No, I have seven business days to respond to an over request up to. I've
never taken that long. >> Um, as soon as I have it, I saying seven business days, she's going to do her best to get you that info. >> Okay. Well, it's my understanding that it has to do with Rhonda. She's been an employee here for 24 years.
We're not >> not going to respond. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else for that portion? All right. So, we'll close the public portion there and we'll move on to the consent agenda. >> All consent agenda items listed below are reaching in nature and will be
enacted by one motion. If the mayor or any committee member wishes a particular agenda item to be considered separately, it will be removed from the consent agenda and acted on separately. >> Second, >> please call the role. >> Mr. Casachio, >> yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zach Palumbo,
>> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Nappen, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Under new business or I'm sorry, under ordinances, we have the public hearing and final adoption of ordinance number 9, 2025, an ordinance amending revised general ordinance chapter 17, construction of bulkheads of the
municipal code of Upper Township. >> And what action do we need to be doing here on this one? >> A public hearing. >> Yeah, we're have to open for the public ordinance. >> All right. So, does anybody from the public have any comment on number 25? All right. Hearing none, we'll close the
public portion and entertain a motion to adopt. >> Make a motion to adopt ordinance number nine of 2025. Second, >> Mr. Casachio. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Nepin. >> Yes.
>> Motion carried. Number 26, we have the introduction and first reading of ordinance number 12, 2025 and ordinance amending member number ordinance number two, 2025, known as a salary range ordinance for the calendar year 2025. >> Make a motion to introduce ordinance number 12 of 2025.
>> If we could have a public hearing for December 15. >> Oh yes, sorry. >> Second, >> Mr. Casachio. Yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zach Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Nappen. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> 27. We have the introduction and first
reading of ordinance number 13, 2025. An ordinance establishing salary ranges for the township of Upper for the calendar year 2026. Make a commission introduction of the first reading for ordinance number 13, 2025 >> with a public hearing for December 15th. >> Second,
>> Mr. Casaceio, >> yes. >> Mr. San Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Nappen, >> yes. >> Motion carried. 28. We have the introduction and first reading of ordinance number 14, 2025, an ordinance amending chapter 3, section 17, noise of the municipal code of upper township.
>> Make a motion to introduce the first reading for number 14, 2025. So will be December 15th. >> Second, >> Mr. Cassaceio, yes. >> Mr. San Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zach Palumbo, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Nepen, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Under new business, we
have the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Corbin City request to purchase Township owned land block 377 lot 1, block 381, lot 1, and block 382 lot 2. >> Anybody on the committee have any comments on this? >> Motion to approve. >> Second.
>> Um, if you could just talk about it for just a second. >> Sure. >> They actually requested to purchase several lot more lots in addition to those three. They do not own land adjacent to those other lots. So, they would need to purchase these three.
>> Yes. And then actually vacate a couple of streets in order to purchase the remainder. >> It's going to be a lending process. >> So, you can't guarantee that they would actually be able to do all that. But just so you know that that is the next steps. >> Um I think it was a total of
>> these are all the ones, right? three, four, five, seven listed here. >> So, four additional ones in addition to these three. >> Yeah, these three vacation streets and then four more that they be looking to purchase. >> I'm sorry I missed I missed the motion. >> Yeah, I'll make the motion.
>> I'll second. >> Mr. Casachio, >> yes. >> Mr. San Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zach Palumbo, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Nappen, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. Um unfinished business. Seeing none, uh
let's do a motion for the bills here. >> I hereby move that all claims submitted for payment at this meeting be approved and then incorporated in full in the minutes of this meeting. >> Second, >> Mr. Cassaceio. >> Yes. And I have to abstain on two bills
tonight 25-0022 and 25-00173. But I'm a yes on all the rest. Would you please call the role? >> Okay. Mr. uh Mr. Sam Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Nappen, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
>> All right. Next up, we have our regular public comment portion of the meeting. Anybody from the public like to come on up, state your name and where you live. >> Good. Good evening. My name is John Cander. They live in the Poetswood section of Upper Township. I'd like to
uh ask a couple questions about the pending noise ordinance that's coming up, the revised noise ordinance. Some clarification if I could get get some. I know there was discussion about uh certain distances
that the noise could take place. 100 feet I think was the proposal. So my question is uh if the noise occurs, is that noise portion going to be from the source of the noise or from the property line?
That's my first question. >> It's from from the source of the noise. >> Source of the noise. Because if it's from the property line, it's a whole lot different. >> Correct. >> Obviously, the other question I have is there's going to be limitations on when the noise takes place. Windows, if I
could use that term, you know, 10 to 10 if it's music, construction, landscaping, that kind of thing. So my question is if the if the noise whatever it might be occurs outside of those prohibited hours does it matter how loud it is how noisy
it is? >> It it does. So you >> so let's say for instance sorry I didn't mean to interrupt. >> Let's say >> the noise ordinance on a music issue is 10 to 10. You can't play music for 10 at night to 10 in the morning. Just
throwing it out there as a as a point. So, if I can hear it outside of those prohibited hours, is it okay to play the music as loud as you want? As long as >> somebody playing the violin versus somebody having a heavy metal concert. >> Yeah. Whatever. Or just, you know, blast
the music out speakers in their, you know, driveway. >> One of the things we tried to change and address is previously we had kind of really no standard. The big thing we are introducing here is there's going to be a plainly audible standard that will be applied to the it's going to be from 10
p.m. to 8 a.m. And uh that way the state police can enforce noise ordinance because they don't have the ability to do decibel readings. So that's why we went with the plainly audible standard. >> I mean I I agree with that. You know the decel meter is some you got to have somebody trained to do that. Yeah. Makes
no sense. I mean you'd have to have a trained person to do it. Plainly audible makes a whole lot of sense. Yeah. >> So just my question is if it's if the noise whether it's construction, whatever, music, if it occurs outside of the prohibited hours, do I have a way to
stop it if it occurs at >> let's say 2 o'clock in the afternoon? >> Yeah. The process then would be to answer. >> So how would that how would I apply the noise or that? >> You would contact the enforcement agent who set forth in section 17.6 of the
amended ordinance during the day. That would be code enforcement still here. They could go out and if it's unreasonable or unnecessary noise, which is defined in the discretion of that officer, they can still issue a citation. >> So, it has nothing to do with plainly audible. It's just >> during that time, it's within their discretionary. >> It's discretionary. So, that's the
problem. That's that's a big problem because if somebody feels like playing music at four o'clock in the afternoon, which is outside of the prohibited hours, I'm going to rely on somebody coming out. It's very subjective. That was the big problem with the original noise ordinance. And I can tell you,
I've been in here a couple of times over the last 40 years that I've been living here trying to get this noise ordinance passed. And compliments to all of you for, you know, trying to make it better. It definitely is going to be better if it has these, you know, prohibited hours
and the plainly audible standard. But if you're going to rely on somebody coming out, because I had that problem. I had I called certain authorities to come out and listen to some music that was playing unreasonably loud in my opinion.
The person came out and said, "Doesn't sound loud to me." So that's the problem. It's my interpretation of what's reasonable or unnecessary versus somebody coming out and saying, "I don't think so. No big deal." So that's kind of the problem when you, you know, it's nice to have those prohibited hours and
using a plainly awful standard, but if you're going to go beyond those prohibited hours, then you have, you're back to the subjectivity of somebody's interpretation of what's loud, what's unreasonable, you know, what's necessary, what isn't. So that's a
problem. You know, to me, the plainly audible standard should be used 247. That's the way I I can see it. Other than that, in that same circumstance, I mean certainly the revised ordinance is going to be better than what it was,
which was very subjective. So, it's going to be much better. So, that was that was part of my concern. And if that's the way it's going to have to be that somebody comes out and goes, "Okay, I think it's lateral. I think it is." And you have to just deal with it. So be
it for now. I guess my other question is my last question has to do with so we're dealing with construction noise, music, landscaping, you know, blowers and all that kind of stuff. How about recreational style noise? Let's just say somebody wants to build a
horseshoe pit. You know, they feel like pitching horseshoes 8 o'clock at night for hours on end because they just enjoy that activity. Is there any way the noise or ordinance could be applied to that? >> The noise ordinance can be applied to any noise, >> you know,
>> can any noise whatsoever. >> Cornhole, basketball, you know, kids, kids playing whoever playing basketball 8, nine, 10 o'clock at night on these portable, you know, basketball uh rims that are you see frequently throughout the township. I got five of
them around me. So, you could it's the same circumstances. Is that what we're saying that you know it would have to be somebody coming out if it's during the hours that are not prohibited you'd have to call I don't know if it's zoning or whoever it is and say come out and say what do you think? >> Yeah.
>> Or would it be a state police if they're going to be uh the ones that are designated the the noise control you know for the township because I know we don't have police here obviously >> during business hours it would be code enforcement here in the township outside of that time frame it's the state
police. So again, it would be just what's reasonable, what's necessary, that kind of thing. Is that the way it's going to be applied? >> That's how it's written right now. >> When it's outside the prohibited hours, that's what we're saying. >> That is how it's written right now. >> Just so I understand it and I if I run
into that circumstance, I know what I have to deal with. >> Y >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Good afternoon everybody. Uh my name is John Houston. I live at 115 Harbor Road down in Memorial. Uh and I actually just wanted to step up about the noise
ordinance that he was speaking about. Um both in addition to what he was saying just as a few options to consider. Um do we accept recorded evidence in cases like that, but he's complaining that perhaps there's discrepancy in what someone's opinion is of that situation.
Uh would it be accessible to submit evidence that way? uh even to the court >> that that is it's a municipal court matter at that point. So what's acceptable as evidence is beyond for us to make a determination >> during ordinance hours somebody were to just turn their music down when they
know they're getting reported there's simply no way to get around that >> reiterate that to me. So if someone is blasting music or in some way making some sort of loud disruption and they understand or in some way for wounded that they might be checked, they could simply lower that and it would be a
non-issue. They can continue doing that and a code enforcer is going to have to take time out or they to come out each time. >> So that would be up to the code enforcement official to decide if they'll accept that or not. I mean I'm not going to sit here and weigh in on what they're going to do or not do. >> Right. >> But what they would need to do after that if they're issued a citation is
then have to prove it in court. So, it's not going to be easy for them to do it with with a recording, but they could if they choose to accept it. We're not going to sit here and tell them they're not going to be able to do it. >> I was going to say go back to like my rock concert example. Your neighbor's having a rock concert in the backyard. You like recorded or something. The code enforcement officer shows up, the
concert's over and you're using that as evidence. It would be assuming right, John, up to the enforcement officer at that time. If it went to court, you know, then that that's not something that we weigh in. >> Rules of evidence will apply at that point, >> right? Absolutely. Uh and then uh
submissions versus uh sporadic versus consistent. Uh if a case comes up consistently, uh I believe that would that may make any difference versus a sporadic. For instance, a week-long construction project is going to be expected to have consistent noise. But a
personal uh residence or business that is consistently loud, would that have any more or less weight bearing on that? It does not encode as it not in the ordinance is written. No. >> Thanks guys.
>> Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> All right. Here we go. Oh, sorry. >> Natalie Petersburg. Um Tyler you you abstained from um 2500222
and 2500173. I think I got that right. >> Um what's the reason that you abain? >> I can tell you why. I I've asked Mr. Cassaceia to abstain from those because they're payments to my firm and we rent office space from an entity in which he
is affiliated. So it's my opinion that he shouldn't be voting on bills to pay us when we in turn have a relationship with his company. >> So what are the What is it? $3,000 or something. >> I have no idea what the number is.
>> $2700 legal services. >> Is that over and above or I don't see usually it says $7,500 a month on here for your first. >> So yeah, I didn't see the 7500 this month. >> It's not not on there. So contractually
there's the way our contract is written. I independently get a certain sum and then my firm for services over and above those delineated to me would get paid separately. That's what you're seeing on there now. >> But usually the 7500 is on here. >> It depends on when I submit an invoice.
>> Generally, it's one once a month. >> Once a month. Exactly. Whether it's the first or second meeting, just depends on when the invoice is submitted. >> And we've gone over this a few times. It's a small town. It's easy for those types of relationships to happen where you're doing business with somebody now. You're named the you know, township
prosecutor and you've been doing that for a long time. So, it's totally standard operating procedure to abstain. >> Well, and it's ethically required. >> Ethically required, >> right? So, >> yeah, it's normal. >> Well, I just didn't know what it had to do with the rent
on Pistachio's properties. >> Out of a complete abundance of caution, I told him to abstain on voting on those bills. And this in my head I'm going back. I mean the Gary Dearzo stuff started um I guess
January, February, March. So it's at least eight months. And this was supposed to be about um economy and efficiency. And I don't think we've really heard anything. I mean, the year's almost up now. And I I see, you
know, a lot of new faces. I mean, really, I think everybody really here. All board people have been replaced. There's no engineer. Um you know, Mr. Vansake is here and Mr. Monzo is gone. Like, you know, >> I can speak to the engineer. It's uh
great savings to the township to not waste our engineers time at meetings. Here's our we're very happy with our engineers. They're doing a fantastic job and uh they're not required to be here at meetings and it saves a good chunk of money every time uh they're not here. So we did that for the taxpayers.
Few other things you mentioned there's a there's a close session item so I can't >> Yeah, that don't land on on litigation. >> Well, so I mean Going back in my head, I know Donnu I believe was the attorney for Demarzo and
I think there was money allotted. Um I'm wondering like if we've exceeded that I know one time or whatever. I asked Barbara >> about it. Um you know has there been more money allotted to the Donahue office?
>> It's pending litigation item as well. We're just not going to comment. Well, I thought these were public documents. >> What is what you're asking about is a pending litigation matter the township's involved in. For that reason, I'm going to recommend that you don't respond to
any questions related to it. >> So, Don is the attorney though that's um representing the township >> pending litigation item. We're not going to respond to any questions asked in regard to it. >> Well, who's the attorney then? I'm not going to respond to a question asked
related to pending litigation at this point. >> We're gonna listen to our lawyer. >> Okay. Well, I was going to ask about the pending litigation for sure. Who the township lawyer is? >> Same thing. >> It's a close session item, Miss >> Is it Mr. Mouser?
>> Same thing. >> I'm sorry, miss. It's a close session item. Uh my name is Lou Barbo. Uh I live at uh Francis Drive in uh Petersburg. Uh I don't know if anybody here can answer this question because it might be
a state item, but I applied for the uh senior freeze back in September. I haven't heard anything from them and it seems to be an old antiquated way of doing things because it's not going to get direct deposited. So, is there
anyone without wasting the time of the you know the township meeting? Is there anyone who has a um way of uh checking on that like a phone number I could call or u to the state? Uh, I'm just wondering,
you know, how long it takes or what I could do to, you know, check on it, like a tracking number or something like that. >> Let's take it into consideration and hopefully somebody can follow up. Maybe Joanne, >> a lot of times the tax collector's
office >> potentially the tax collector's office would be would be able to help you. >> Oh, okay. So, they have a a way a number that you can call or tracking, but they would have more information than than anyone else in this room.
>> Okay. And All right. Yeah. All right. I'll talk to her because it's it's like I said, it's antiquated. There's no um routing number or check, you know, it doesn't get direct deposited. You have to sit and
wait for the mail. But that's uh yeah it it's over two three months and I was just wondering how long it took. And also um when we talked about you guys talked about leaf collection um in Petersburg.
Do we have a rough idea as to when they'll be there? Because I have to blow my leaves so I don't want to you know inconvenience the township. Oh, >> third week of December. All right, that's all.
>> I thank you all for >> Thanks for my questions. >> Sure. >> Anybody else? All right, hearing none. We're going to close the public comment portion and we'll entertain a motion to go into close session. >> I hereby move that a resolution be
incorporated into the minutes authorizing the township committee to enter into executive session for the following matters pursuant to open public meetings act. Matters include one contract negotiation annual professional appointments. Two, contract negotiation
burrow of woodbine shared service agreement. litigation to Marzo versus Upper Township for pending litigation Sharp versus Upper Township. I also include in my motion estimated time and circumstances under which the discussion
conducted in close session can be disclosed to the public as follows. A it is anticipated that the matter discussed in close session may be disclosed to the public upon the determination of the township committee that the public interest will no longer be served by
such confidentiality. B with respect to the employment and personal matters. Such discussions will be made public if and when formal action is taken or when the individuals involve consent that it can be made public. C, with respect to
contract negotiations, such matters will be made public when negotiations have ceased and there is no longer a reason for confidentiality. And D, with respect to litigation matters, such discussions will be made public when litigation is complete and the applicable appeal
period has expired. >> Second, >> Mr. Cassaceio, yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Nept. >> Yes. >> Motion car. >> Take a short break. Thank you all for coming.