for them or you going to start without them? >> Yeah, you have a corn. Yeah, >> I'm not going to keep >> all right. >> But I knew exact. >> Have you gotten anybody stand up today? Okay. You're still here, Sam.
>> You're still here. I said >> told me earlier why. So, I just said if happens, you got to go. It's a >> family emergency. We're going to stick to our five minute donuts again this time around. Right. >> You must be talking right there. They'll be here in a second.
Thank you. >> Just talk. >> Yes. Okay. In compliance with the open public meeting law, I wish to state that on March 20th, 2026. Notice the meeting of the upper township committee was posted
on the official township bulletin board. The upper township website, emailed to the Atlantic City Press, the Ocean City Sentinel letter, the Herald Times, and followed the township parks. Tonight's meeting is being video recorded up until the close session portion of this
meeting will be available on the upper township website. I hereby direct this announcement be made part of the minutes of this meeting. Would everyone please stand for the >> flag 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 and reflection. Amen.
>> Please call the role. >> Mr. Cassaceio >> here. >> Mr. Nappen present. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo >> here. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo >> here. >> Mayor Corson >> present. >> All members are present. >> Has everyone had an opportunity to review the minutes from the previous meeting?
>> Yes. Motion to approve. Second. the role. >> Mr. Cassaceio, >> yes. >> Mr. Nappen, >> yes. >> Mr. San Palumbo, >> abstain. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mayor Corson, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Okay, we're going to start with governed
by >> Sam. Do you have any tonight? >> Yes, I do. Thank you, mayor. Uh on Saturday, March 28th, we will be having our annual Easter egg hunt. Uh starting at 10:30 to 11:30. If you're interested in volunteering for the event, please contact the rec office. That's all I got
for you. Thank you, Mayor. >> You have a lot of stuff on the 4th of July tonight. Would you like to talk about when the 4th of July celebration will be? >> This time it's on 4th of July. Different from last time. 250th. It's going to be a great event. Looking forward to it obviously. Uh yeah. Happy
birthday, America. >> Thank you. >> Go ahead. >> Do you have any words tonight? >> Uh no. Busy crowd tonight and we have a presentation. So I will say nothing tonight. Tyler, do you have anything tonight? >> Nothing to add this week, mayor. Thank you. >> Okay, Zach, do you have anything else?
>> I do, actually. Uh, so I'm going to help you out with the the little presentation we're going to have here. I want to thank everyone for coming out in this beautiful March weather day. Um, we have uh the report from public works. I know there's quite a few uh issues about
debris still out in the streets. Uh this past week, they started a collection from the storm, 162 total tons of uh tree uh tree debris and also uh foliage has been collected. We uh moved public works to start doing overtime on
Saturdays. On this past Saturday, they collected a total of 22 tons of debris from the streets. So, I would like to thank them for their efforts. I know it's going to be a long process. We're a couple couple more weeks away from everything being completed. I myself am
I'm looking at debris that's out out on my street. So, I mean just I'm asking everyone to have be patient with that process. I also um want to thank the mayor for the efforts that he's had by being on spot on Strath and you're going to see firsthand photos of what we're
currently dealing with in a moment. >> Well, thank you, Jack. Um moving right along. I do want to emphasize the brush pickup and I with social media today everybody expenses in instantaneous service. It's not going to happen. the
township 65 square miles. It takes a lot of effort to get from one end of the township to the other and pick up the sheer amount of stuff that we are picking up. So that moving along I wanted I'm going to have to step down give up the microphone. I'm sure everybody will be able to hear me so I
can actually see because we're having some technical difficulties. my colleagues if you would like to step down. >> So, we've had numerous problems with beach erosion. If we're going to start, we have drone coverage.
So, we have so last year uh we flew a drone over to show the uh amount of the erosion that was going on uh on the north part of Se I mean not Strathner Seattle is also dealing with the same set of erosion issues. On May 12th,
Upper Town works beach control and the committee design and plans just so we can open up the beaches for the summer. Uh and then on August 26, Mayor Corson, myself and Jimmy met with the Congressman Drew in his Northfield office. Uh afterwards, uh Sam, Mayor,
and Jimmy met with uh Senator State Senator Ta and the Soman Antoine. They surveyed the the damage from the summer. Moving right along, uh, Mayor of course and then Jimmy went to DC to plead with not just our, uh, uh, states, our
senators, but also our congressman. Again, they went with multiple municipalities. It wasn't just an upper talented event. Uh Mayor of course and myself and Jimmy met with uh Van Drew and the Army Corps of Engineers on February 13th right at the apex of where
the storm dam damage is being done. Of course, we had the uh blizzard February 22nd to the 23rd where we had significant damage. I showed uh pictures in the previous meeting of of what happened and now we are at uh critical z
critical mass zero so to speak. So starting on March 16th, uh the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. So this is the 16th >> and that was significant erosion to storm dates and
it's going to get worse. So >> just keep an eye on that clip or soon to be lack thereof. >> Yes, March 22nd. That's for those of you who are not from upper township. That's our beach patrol headquarters right on high.
>> And this drop off picture doesn't tell it's about 8 foot plus. >> So this is yes uh the 22nd yesterday morning public works got out there to take a picture. But again, take a look at the cliff and where our headqu uh the beach patrol
headquarters is and as it goes on. Now, this is the first half of the day and this is the second half of the day. Come on. And that's the interior of the building. We didn't have stuff under there till about three weeks ago. The building has
now been completely empty because the filings that hold this building up are driven until they hit the jetty rocks that are underath. So they are hitting jetty rocks. This building is inate danger of falling down. It's going to come down.
There's no where the piling hits the rock is only about six foot in the ground. It's not going to stay there. So, uh and then you also got to remember there's a neighbor next door to this. So, we're looking at significant property, not just a a structure for the
township as well. So, we are really begging for any help from anything above the municipality for for beach management. >> Yes. And so, that's our slide presentation, but I do have notes on it. Obviously, this building is going to fall down, come down.
We have gotten quotes on taking the building down, which we haven't gotten back yet, but the building has been basically cleaned out and abandoned in place. We have gotten quotes for temporary
lifeguard headquarters for the summer. We have gotten quotes to fortify this building on an emergency situation. To fortify this building, it would cost us approximately $125,000
with our engineers estimate. Um, it's still east of the bulkhead to spend $125,000 for a building that's antiquated and does not meet any of our standards that we need today.
It's not going to be money well spent. So, I guess I'm looking for authorization from the township committee. Do we What direction you want us to pivot? Do we spend the money or do we abandon this
building and and work with our insurance company and get it right? >> I'm personally leaning towards the ladder. >> I'm for the ladder. emotionally attached to what you used to guard. >> That's true. It's it's I mean it's a
horrific situation that we're faced with, but I mean I tend to agree with your guys assessment of it. It's just really unfortunate that we >> Yeah, it's it's just there were a lot of warning signs that we tried to echo. It's deeply disappointing. But yeah, I
agree with you guys. >> There's no point putting a bandaid on a flaw design building. Jim, you have everything you need from us for practice? >> Yeah, you're good to go, man. >> All right. At this time, that's all I have, and I'm sure I'm going to have something later,
but Jim, what do you have for us tonight? >> Hey, appreciate the opportunity to speak, Mr. Mayor. Um, couple things that are hot this week, last week, uh, bond update. So, uh, we are preparing to move forward with our bond related proposals and purchases. Uh, you know, there's a number of things, open space items there, road program, etc. So, we're
trying to get all our ducks in a row, ready to execute when that money becomes ready to spend. Um, and the second thing is, uh, big shout out. I thought I saw her walk in. There she is. Mrs. Ronnie Towns from Atlantic State Electric's here. Um, I I that took place in a meeting last week with Atlantic State
Electric. They're doing a modernization pro project on the line between Upper Township and Dennis Township. Um, and they're going to have a helicopter flying from March 24th till late April. um about 7 am to 5:00 pm daily except
Sundays. Um so if you see the helicopter floating around your area um just know that they are doing you know modernization and upgrades to our grid and I don't want to take any more because Ronnie's here and she will cover that in her presentation. So that's all I got. Mr. Mayor
>> John do you have nothing m >> I have nothing. Thank you. >> Nothing this evening. Thank you. moving right along. >> At this time, we're going to call on Ronnie Town to address. >> Good evening. I'm Ronnie Town. I'm
external affairs manager with the Atlantic City Electric for Kate May and Cumberland counties. And I'm here today to talk about a couple things. First, I wanted to talk about the patience everybody had during our storm restoration when we had the second major
storm I ever experienced in the 42 years and company in Kate May County. I just wanted to remind folks in regards to storm restoration, we do go through a process. First, we had to wait for the weather event to stop, and it really
didn't stop until Monday afternoon before we could start restoring customers. And a storm that magnitude, we need to make sure we have what is really damaged. So, we have damage assessors that go out to the uh major
outages, try to find out what's involved. What I found out, we couldn't give an estimated time to restore until we really had a better idea the magnitude of the storm. But the problem was when I was when we were trying to call people to contact them to let them
know about the outages might be, you know, this time and it might be changed. The numbers were not updated on the account. We had no way of communicating to folks. So, I'm just encouraging folks to make sure you call Linux City Electric or um email us and make sure
your numbers correct. A lot of landlines that people thought, you know, they probably, you know, they don't use them anymore and we had no way of communicating to folks. So, I just encourage that. Second thing I would encourage is that to make sure you
report your outage. Don't assume your neighbor called, especially the magnitude of that storm. a lot of trees came down on wires and actually to individual customers. So, we're going to go to the critical customers first. We're going to then go to the major
transmission lines and then we're going to go neighborhoods and that single customer. What we do is we ask people if you have our app, it's a really great tool. You ask to be called back. So, we let you know if we're in that area, we restored you, you might still have
another problem in that area. who while we're in the area, we'd like to try to fix it. If it's uh something right around the corner, if it's something we need more material, we'll have to get a crew out there and work. So, just encourage folks. You'll see a truck go by, you'll say, "Why haven't they fixed
what's going on here? They need to assess what the damage is, how many poles, how many feet of wire." Um, a trouble man, a single person who usually goes assess the property cannot do that work safely. And just remind yourself, you know, these folks work many, many
hours. It's probably been one of the toughest winters we all have experienced, seeing by the beach erosion, but also by the uh weather events that we have to make sure these guys, they're working a lot of hours. They need to, you know, have that moment
when they go up in the bucket, it's safe for them to go up there. So 30 miles per hour is the um miles per hour that they can go up in the bucket. So just keep that in mind. Safety is our number one priority on that. Going back to um the
reliability project, we continue to enhance and modernize and strengthen our system for weather events like what we just went through. But we are doing a helicopter um construction. I just found out now it's delayed a week because a
helicopter folks are now helping out in Ohio with storm duty. So, I'll keep you posted, but it still looks like we're saying by the end of April. We're hoping it'll be sooner than that. It is the smaller helicopter. It's not the larger helicopter, and they're going to be
working from BL England to our course and sub along our right away. And then finally, I just want to talk about I know affordability is one of the biggest things that folks hear about and we know that we hear it every day about
how expensive energy costs are. So, just want to make folks aware, you know, the energy supply portion, Lanning City Electric has no control of it, but we do hear our customers loud and clear and we do want to make sure we find some solutions for the near future on how we
can resolve that. More to come on that. But meanwhile, what I encourage folks to do today is our customer relief fund is available as part of our Exon company has given Atlantic City Electric $4.5
million to help the customers in Atlantic City Electric territory. And that's a one-time grant and it's shareholders money. It's not rateayers money. This money is coming. It's up to $500 and it is income eligible. Just
also encourage folks, don't wait until your bill's going about to be cut or is cut because you will be paying a deposit and only get yourself further in the place. There are programs available not only through Atlantic City Electric, but there's state and federal programs that
are available that we can help you right on our website. There's an energy assistance program. And finally, our energy efficiency programs that are available. There's opportunity for customers to get a free energy audit of
their home. And we just encourage folks, especially if you had a high bill, go and try to get an audit and get some recommendations on a certain income level. You might be able to get, you know, some grants through certain, you know, programs that are available with
weatherization or home comforts programs. But we just want folks to be aware there are also rebates available for when you get your uh refrigerator replaced your washer and dryer. Just encourage make sure it's an energy star and I would contact our our website or
usually who you're buying the product as knows what's qualified for those rebates. So I just wanted to share some of that information. More to come on the affordability part. We really take that seriously even though it's not our responsibility with the generation but
more to come and we'll be talking more to you. So thank you for the opportunity to speak. Any questions comments? >> Does any of my colleagues have any questions? >> No. >> No. >> Let I I just for the record does if
somebody has a problem with a landing collection, should they go on social media and complain or should they call the 1-800 number? They should go to 1 800642-3780. And folks here, they I believe almost everybody has my contact number. If you aren't getting the satisfaction, feel
free you could reach out to me and I'll make sure we're for that, too. Right. >> Well, I just wanted to say that because we don't govern on social media, but there's some sources and you you follow the platforms. All this complaining on social media is
crazy. So, >> if you have a problem, use the use the 1-800 number. Don't go on social media. It doesn't solve the problem or it will get fixed any faster. >> No. Thank you, Mayor. And I just want to share. I work for the electric company and my bill was $1,148.
And I almost had a heart attack. So, I appreciate what everybody goes through. I don't get a discount. Everybody thinks we get free electric. We don't. So, we do understand. I'm fortunate enough I can afford it, but some folks I know can't. really breaks my heart that we're
in this position that we are today. We just don't have enough generation and it's market driven and people are getting really um in a bad place. So, we're hoping we'll have a future solution and we'll share that with you folks. Thank you. >> Thank you, Ronnie. If we have any problem getting our service disconnected
at our lifeguard core headquarters, we'll give you a call. Okay. >> I don't think it's going to disconnect itself if we do nothing. >> Yeah. Now, I totally saw that picture. So, thank you for the opportunity to speak. >> All right. Thank you. All righty, moving right along. Um, we have a public comment. Is there anyone
that would like to comment on our agenda items? Items number two through 26 at this point in time. Items number 2 through 26. If anybody would like to comment, please step forward to the microphone and state your name and address for the record. And >> mayor, 2 through 26 are solely the
resolutions on the agenda tonight. >> Yes. >> Not the ordinances. Good evening, mayor and committee members. >> Good evening. Um, I'm just wondering on number 15 where you're amending the resolution where you're amending the resolution
72206 appointing members to the upper township cannabis subcommittee. Uh, could you tell us who those members are, if you're amending them, if you're changing them? >> Yes, I'll address it. Uh, it's myself.
So, I was originally on it. I'm being replaced with the chief of our uh EMS staff, John Britain. Uh and the reason for doing that was to prevent any potential conflict should litigation arise related to the cannabis ordinances, both that have already been adopted and one that is up for adoption
tonight. >> What was his name again? >> John Britain. >> John Britain is the upper county squad chief. >> John Britain. >> And also on that sub committee, >> I'm sorry. Who is he replacing? >> Myself. Oh, he's replacing you. Okay,
thank you. Yes. Yes, mayor. >> You wanted to know the other names of the committee? >> Uh, is it still the same? Yes, we could repeat for everybody else. >> It would be myself as mayor. >> It would be Zach Palumbo as committeeman. It would be Jim or James Van Slike, our township business
administrator. And it would be Lieutenant Thomas Cample from the New Jersey State Police. >> Was that Cample? >> Campo. >> Campolo. D A N T O L O >> O L. Thank you. My name is Diane Leo, by
the way, for more. Thank you. >> Thanks, Diane. >> Is there anybody else that would like to comment on items number two through 26 on our agenda? >> Yeah. Good evening, uh, folks. uh in uh I'd like to ask in uh continuence of uh
what Diane uh just said, what are the credentials of the uh people on this committee? >> Well, Zach, >> they speak for themselves >> and myself are both elected officials in our township. Mr. Van Lake is our
township business administrator. this New Jersey lieutenant of the New Jersey State Police. Um, I don't know his personal credentials, but I got to believe he's the commander of Woodline State Bars. So, uh, >> chief of the
>> and the chief of our local rescue squad. >> Okay. And what exactly would be the, uh, job description of the people on this committee? evaluation of proposals, mayor, that are submitted to the governing body through any application that may be submitted if
ordinance one of 2026 were to pass. >> So, applications will be submitted and you guys will evaluate them in your own discretion. There are no requirements as to um credentials or otherwise that have to go into this.
>> So, anybody could do it. Is that what you're saying? >> No, it's a committee appointed by us. No, anybody could do it. Yeah, but you're not giving me credentials or >> Mr. Mayor, I think we've answered the question. I'd recommend you don't further engage related to that particular >> my elected officials.
>> I understand. I'm giving them advice. >> Yes, the the credentials speak for themselves. We all have the as elected officials appointed job duties. We are I believe the credentials speak for themselves. >> Okay. Uh the other question I wanted to
uh ask is uh about the uh roads in Upper Township. Um is is the engineering um aspect of it. >> What item was that? >> Uh number 19. >> Okay. >> Yes.
Uh could you could you uh go into that as to uh what's exactly going to be done and how it's going to be done and how what your timeline is? >> Well, we have a painting project proposed that we bonded for. We have to put out specifications. We just can't
throw a dart at the number. We have to actually have an engineer prepare the specifications that we're going to put out for B. >> Okay. And is there a designated uh I mean you know some streets are better than others. I mean is there a list of
uh >> it's public? >> The engineer did a road study that he completed earlier this year of all the roads in the townated all the roads doing all the worst worst roads first. >> Okay. And uh is this list uh a public uh
on a website or or how can I find it? It is and we had a whole share out of that at one of our previous meetings. We could find that and get that to you. >> We can open request it. And it was on Facebook, too. >> Okay. Uh I'm just, you know, if I wanted
to see it, I I'm just saying um >> you are more than welcome to come up to see Joanne. You can if it's public information, if you want to open request it, it's available to you. >> Okay. Uh I was just asking if it was somewhere on the uh Upper Township uh web page.
That's website as of yet. >> The link to Facebook is on the web page as well. >> Okay. >> I beg your pardon, sir. >> It's on the web page. >> We'll get it to you. >> It's available through the link on Facebook, one of our website. >> Okay. And the other uh issue I wanted to
uh address is the cannabis. Um >> what item is that? >> Uh I don't 18 15. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Uh, I just wanted to uh I know it's this is probably not going to
affect your opinion, but uh I was uh talking to Larry Shirley and he is totally against it. >> Excuse me. This is if you're talking about item number 27, that's the ordinance. This is not the time to do the ordinance.
>> Public hearing there. >> We're having a public hearing. This is this is for the upper township subcommittee. You said 15. >> No. Well, when can I address this? >> When we have the public hearing on the ordinance. >> Is that going to be tonight? >> Yes. >> It's going to be next on few moments
>> after we get through item number one 2 through 26. Yes. >> Oh, okay. All right. >> We have our second public comment where anybody can make a comment about anything. We We added this first public comment so people could ask questions about the consent agenda. >> All right. I'm I'm sorry. I I thought this was all part of that.
>> All good. and and you know I I didn't look and see what the number was. So, >> all right. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Is there anybody else would like to comment on items 2 through 26? >> Natalie N 759 Route 50 Petersburg. I um
have a general question. Um if you could be so kind. >> Excuse me. If it's a general question, it that would be >> well to do with resolutions and hearings. if you could please explain the difference why we're allowed to talk on um
>> resolutions to be approved by consent but we're not allowed to talk on public hearings at this >> we're going to have a public hearing which will be part of the record on item number 27 28 and 29 well actually the introductions we don't have public
hearings but on 27 we have a public hearing you for you to talk about item number 27. Now, it's not the appropriate time. We will open the floor to the public on item number 27 at the appropriate time for the public hearing
on that item and that item only. This is to address items number two through 26. >> And what happens to 28 and 29? They're first readings. >> That's exactly it. You said it. It's a first reading. And then we'll have a
public >> and then we will have a public hearing at a future date which we will announce when we have the introduction. It'll probably be two weeks to four weeks after or it could be six weeks, eight weeks. It could be it could change and
the public hearing could change because the weather or some natural event that we have no control over. So, since they're not included in the um consent items that we're discussing, and I believe you're going to give each
person five minutes to talk on the public hearing, does that mean on number 28 and 29, we also got five minutes each to talk on that if >> not at this time. At the public hearing, you could, but you could adjust items number 28 and 29. After item number 31,
we limit it when we open it back up to the public. So you could theoretically talk about 28 and 29 for five minutes tonight at after item number 31. >> Is there anybody else who would like to address the tension committee on items
number two through 26 of the consent agenda? >> Hearing no more public comment, we will close the p this public portion and move to open to join. >> Okay. All consent agenda items listed
below are routine in nature and will be enacted by one motion. If the mayor or committee member wishes a particular agenda to be considered separately, it will be removed from the consent agenda and acted on separately. >> Motion to approve the consent agenda. And I'll note that this governing body added this extra public comment for the
public to ask specific questions about that. This was something created by us so that we could continue our transparency to the public. Before we vote on it, we need to remove item number 22 from the consent agenda and put that afterwards for a separate vote. >> Okay. >> Can I have a second on the motion?
>> Second to second that. >> Second. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Cassaceio, >> yes. >> Mr. Nappen, >> yes. >> Mr. San Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zach Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mayor Corson, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> At this time, we need to address item number uh 22. Authorizing payments from
the affordable house trusting trust fund for the township of Auburn. I would like to move that resolution. >> Second. >> Please call the RO. >> Mr. Cassaceio, >> abstain. >> Mr. Nappen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Mayor Corson. >> Yes.
>> Motion carried. >> Okay. Under ordinances number 27, we have the public hearing and final adoption of ordinance number 1, 2026 and ordinance amending chapter 20 zoning of the code of upper township to create a cannabis overlay zone within the CM2 zoning district and to allow class 5 cannabis retail sales within the
cannabis overlay district. >> Before we go anywhere, we have um somebody from Cannabis Regulatory Commission >> is going to be here. Christina Nash, are you here tonight? just I would like Mrs. Nash to come up address town committee and if you want
to she's here to answer any questions because there was a lot of procedural questions that were asked before that we didn't know the answer for. This is Christina Nash the vice chair of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. if you'd like to introduce yourself. And
>> good evening everyone, mayor, council. My name is Kristen Ash and I am the vice chair of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. I am also a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in mental health
and addiction counseling. I am a mother and a grandmother. And some may find this most important. I am an 82 graduate of Ocean City High School. That's 1982, by the way.
Similar. Well, I also want to introduce my colleague, Director of Government Affairs, Matthew Craig, uh, back there in the corner. Um, Matt is a wonderful resource for municipalities in the state of New Jersey. when they are shaping their cannabis uh
ordinances here in the state. Uh so similar to me, many of my colleagues at the commission are parents and have various education and experience in various areas that intersect cannabis.
And I mention this because we were tasked to create this cannabis industry, which is a big lift. And as such, we built a framework that doesn't just regulate a market. It prioritizes the safety of communities and the protection
of children. Again, I am a parent and a grandparent. We really do care. The reason for the commission's attendance here tonight is to bring awareness to communities about New Jersey's cannabis laws,
which includes some of the most rigorous safety standards in the country with unregulated cannabis already here in your community. >> These regulations, >> they're saying they can't hear you. Maybe pull the mic closer. >> Well, there is there is room in your
front row, too. to sleep. >> I can hear. >> How about now? Can you hear me? Okay. >> With unregulated cannabis already in your community, those regulations, they really make a difference. The commission
established a multi-layer defense to keep cannabis out of the hands of miners. For instance, we require products be sold in opaque, single color, and realable childproof packaging.
Packages that are difficult for a child under five to open. And I will add, they're difficult for 62 year olds to open. Regulations prohibit any imagery that might appeal to kids, such as cartoons,
toys, candy. That's a no no. Recently, the commission demonstrated its nononsense approach by finding a business that used p packaging mimicking a fruity cereal. There is no paraphernalia or marijuana
leaves visible from the outside of a dispensary. Windows must be tinted or frosted to prevent someone from seeing in. Um, age verification, we have zero tolerance to that. Dispensaries
face severe penalties for selling to anyone under 21 and they are required to have strict verification protocols at every point of entry. That means that when you walk in the door, you will be
carded. That means when you go to the counter, you will again need to produce identification. So, the commission has done what it can to keep children safe. However, parents and caregivers play a
critical role in prevention. Talk to your children and often, early and often. Uh, wearing my social work hat for a minute and and I don't want to give advice, but they say that 10 to 12 is a very good age.
Um, remember it's already here in your community and it's sold by people that don't care about your safety. We have multipleformational materials geared towards youth deterrence and helping parents and
caregivers have these discussions. Remember again, we are parents too and we have baked this into the regulations. These helpful resources can be found on our education toolkits page and on that page you can request free materials to
be shipped to you free of charge. Um I did bring some with me today. I left a bunch of pamphlets back there with Matt and um you can grab them on the way out if you would if you wish. Stay safe storage is key. Cannabis
products, especially edibles, can look very much like candy or everyday snacks, which makes state storage critical. We urge all adults to keep cannabis sealed, stored securely, and out of reach of
children and pets, believe it or not. Um, I also brought some locking safe storage back bags that the commission has. Again, they're back there with Matt. You can use them for your medicines if you would like. Uh they're actually very helpful.
I want to highlight um our efforts about ensuring community safety. Safety extends beyond the storefront and into our streets through high-tech security. Every licensed facility must be equipped
with 247 surveillance, motion detectors, and panic buttons. Importantly, commission compliance officers have access to it at any time of the day. And believe me, they are rolling back the cameras to see what's
happening in these businesses. Delivery vehicles must be unmarked and have GPS tracking and secure lock boxes, ensuring that transport doesn't draw unwanted attention. And with home delivery options, adults can stay off
the road and consume in the privacy of their own home. As a side note, if you visit a dispensary, you will see dem age demographics that look like this room. This is no longer the era of
chi-chin ch if some of you remember. So, it's not that it's it's it's it's a highly regulated, sophisticated industry. And I I know that uh if you talk to a dispensary owner, they say
that, you know, we are overregulated. That's right. We are overregulated because I'm a parent, Matt's a parent, there's parents here. We're going to make it really hard for for kids to get their hands on this, for people to consume safely. We want to make sure
that happens under our watch. The commission promotes safety through transparency and proactive outreach. We have something called metric which is a seed to sale tracking system and every single product is monitored from the moment it is planted in the soil until
it is sold. This ensures that if there are any safety issues that arise, we can identify it quickly and recall it immediately. There's rigorous testing. I am on the the testing commission and um the testing committee and so what is
sold in the community right now is not likely to be tested in the license industry. Before reaching a shelf, products are tested for harmful contaminants like mold, heavy metals from the water, and pesticides. So,
consumers know exactly what they're getting. And I I just want to pause for a moment here. I know we're talking about adult use cannabis, but there are a lot, and this is, you know, 10 years ago, a lot of medical users in the state, people actually use this plant
to help themselves with pain. that's for cancer and anxiety and chronic pain and migraines and a whole list if you go on our website. They can't have someone that has cancer shouldn't be ingesting mold or
pesticides. So, just a side note there, it's it's really important that that these products are tested. So, as I repeatedly stated, access to the plant is already here. It's in Ocean City. It's in Marmura
Tahoe here in Tahoe and throughout the state. I would know I grew up here. I know it's been a long-standing presence in many communities for decades.
And the commission doesn't does not seek to promote consumption, but rather to provide safer and more responsible options for those who do choose to consume. In conclusion, the commission's
regulations are not just red tape, unless you're talking to a business owner. Uh they are a vital safety net. By focusing on childresistant design, strict security and education, New Jersey is proving that a legal
cannabis market can coexist with and even enhance the safety of our communities. I thank you for giving me the time and space to share this vital information with you. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council. I would like you to stay up here in case we it's not we're
going to have public comment, but if there's a technical question that we think needs to be answered, would you be willing to say and answer the question? >> Okay. >> Would any of my colleagues have questions at this time? >> You talked about delivery >> and you said because I was asked the
last one about there's a lock box in the veh. I didn't know these answers. Um and I'm sure I'm glad you're here. >> Is uh is there now delivery in upper tension. >> Uh I don't know. I I don't know the answer to
>> operating outside of Upper Township. Can they deliver in upper tension? >> Yes, there's um if if someone has a license to deliver they and it's permitted in that community, they are permitted to have their delivery business there. But they are not
prohibited from delivering anywhere in the state. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, they can deliver to Ocean City. >> They can deliver to upper township. >> They can deliver to Upper Township. >> Yes. Okay. That's >> But the point of sale being in another town, that town would get the tax
benefit, not the town it's being delivered to. Correct. >> I'll check on that for you. >> I know the answer. >> Point of sale. >> Okay. At this time, we're going to open it up to the public. Uh who's
>> um >> respect five minute announcement? >> Yes, we do have a fivem minute limit. We're going to ask everyone to be respectful of each other and we're not going to tolerate any outburst. There's not going to be any give and take for
the pros and not pro. It's your comments and questions are addressed to us. This time we'll open it up to the public. Is there anybody that would like to address the public on ordinance number one of 2026?
>> Please, Susan, I know who you are. Please come forward, state your name, and >> Susan paper. Um, if I get a prescription from my cancer doctor for cannabis, I will go there to this.
>> You can go to any cannabis store that deals with medical cannabis, >> but I'll be able to go to this one. >> I would hope so. >> Okay. >> Are uh she's asking about medical? >> Yes. So if she has a prescription from a
doctor that is registered with the commission, she can go to a medical dispensary or she could go to the dispens a class 5 retail dispensary, but she would have to pay taxes on that. It wouldn't Okay, >> if you went to a medical cannabis store,
for example, there would be no tail sales tax. But if you went to a class five dispensary, you would have to pay the sales tax. Was that right? >> Yes, sir. That is correct. >> Is there anyone else that would like to address the township committee on
ordinance number one of 2026? Spencer Bells Marura. I uh just wanted to show my appreciation for uh the upper township committee doing their thorough due diligence on this matter. I know that this has been uh something you guys have been looking into for months and months and months at the at this point.
Um you have revisited certain things many of times and you have ensured that the safety of our community is your number one priority. Um and then you know looking into other matters like the financial benefit but you know safety has always been your number one priority and I appreciate that. I've uh watched
Commissioner Nash be on the commission for over four years. Um and I can tell you firsthand, we complain on a daily basis as licensed operators that we are overregulated. Um they definitely make our job very difficult, but they do so in the ways that are necessary for our
community. Uh nothing is overlooked. There are no loopholes. There are no opportunities for us to step out of line without accountability. I've seen countless dispensaries receive multi,000 fines for not IDing or selling to underage people or, you know, delivering
without the right regulations. As somebody that offers delivery to Upper Township actively, cannabis is in your community. You guys are well aware of that. You're bringing uh, you know, this under your umbrella to take advantage of the tax revenue opportunity, which uh, you know, is beneficial to all of us. But again, just wanted to express my
gratitude for putting safety first, for working handinhand with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to make sure that they're helping you understand safety and making sure that this is a smooth roll out to the benefit of everybody. So, thank you guys. >> Thank you, Spencer. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else would like to
address the township committee on ordinance number one, 2026? Hi guys, my uh 211 Mav um Taco. Um so I appreciate your honesty. Um I am a person who experiences addiction and
um until you have been in those shoes of addiction, it's very hard. Like yes, there's books, yes, you've helped other people, but until you've been in the of somebody, you have no idea what we go through on a daily basis.
Um, I'm here tonight as a member of this community and as someone who understands addiction from personal experience. This isn't about judgment or opposing legalization as a whole. It's about being honest about the public health impact and asking whether this is the
right decision for our town. Research shows that about one in 10 adults and up to one in six pe young people who use marijuana will develop a dependency. With frequent use, that risk increases significantly. As access increases, so
does use and more importantly the perception that it's harmless. I also want to share that my concern is not just based on statistics. It's based on lived experience. For me, marijuana was not harmless. It was part of a progression that led me into severe
addiction including alcohol and pain medication. Over time, my life became completely unmanageable that I battled this disease for 18 years. I went through multiple rehabs. I even ended up homeless. I had
nothing and I was suicidal. And the last thing I was using when I was suicidal was marijuana. Now I am standing here two years sober.
Over two years sober. But it has been but it has been the hardest battle to overcome. I know firsthand hand how difficult recovery is and how easily something that seems casual can spiral into severe addiction. I know what it's
like to lose stability, to feel stuck, and to have to fight for your way back. And I also know that addiction often doesn't start with the substances people expect. It can begin with something more socially accepted and easily acceptable. So when we talk about decisions like
this, I just ask that we recognize what's really at stake. For some people, this isn't harmless. It can lead to real consequences for individuals, for families, and for the community as a whole. I'm concerned about what increased availability means for our youth, our mental health, and our
community. Sorry guys, I'm right there. In this specific location at this time, we have a responsibility to prioritize prevention, protect vulnerable populations, and think long term about the kind of environment we are creating.
I pray that none of you, none of you ever have to experience a family member, a friend, or anyone in your closer relationships going through what I and so many others have experienced with this disease. I also want to remind you when we opened
this meeting, we sat there and prayed, had our head down, you know, said amen after that, right? God is the final judge. Okay? and through the power of prayer, he can make anything happen. So, thanks for letting me share.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else would like to comment on ordinance number one of 2026? My name is Diane Leo from Marbora. I've spoken twice on this subject. I didn't even prepare that much tonight because I
didn't really think it was going to make a difference because I know you already have your minds made up and that is infuriating. It really is. and you bring this lady in here and it's only because we have these two Democratic governors that this is going through and it's all
about money. I know the state has made billions over it, but what cost is that to our citizens? I ask you. Now, you have children. When they get into their teenage years, how are you going to tell them that I put that cannabis dispensary
there, but you're not allowed to go any? that you're driving your school buses by there to go to high school. You've heard testimonies the last time and I want to know are these in the records because they were heartbreaking. Are you keeping them in the records? Please tell me you
are from the last meeting >> that we had recorded. >> They are recorded >> and they and they are staying in the records because it's a recorded record. There's minutes for it. Yes, it is kept in. >> Okay. All right. Okay. That's
>> whatever the retention period is is kept. >> Okay. But as far as somebody talked about prescriptions, the FDA has not approved the cannabis plant for any medical use. Yeah, there are some doctors out there that'll give you a medical court, but you have to go to the
cannabis dispensary and pay the price of it with only a 10% discount. I was told at Coastline. And yes, I walked in there to see how beautiful this store is that Mayor Corson told me it was. They didn't ask for my ID. I went up there and asked
some questions. I said, "Do you deliver?" They said, "No, we do not deliver." How do you know that there are people getting deliveries here in Upper Township? Have you taken a poll? Everyone I talked to, and we've talked to 75 people in a week that hate the
whole idea of this, and believe me, they're not going to vote for you again. They were furious. Last last time I was here, I said that an 18-year-old with a medical card can go in and buy cannabis. Now we know that
children or young adults under the age of 25 it disrupts their hypocampus a region of the brain critical for memory formation. Disruption may lead to difficulties and learning and retaining information.
Long-term cannabis use initiated during adolescence is associated with a decline in IQ scores and cognitive performance. THC can impair executive functions like planning and impulse control.
Adolescents are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, especially in those with a genetic pre predisposition. Other areas of the brain affected adversely are brain circuits responsible
for regulating behavior, cortical thinning in the preffrontal cortex which increases risks of cognitive def deficits and other psychological effects as anxiety, depression and psychosis. We
are putting our young population at risk for telling them this is a safe recreational drug. No drug is including alcohol and cigarettes. But this is something we actually can stop now in our community.
And I'm asking you to do it now for the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens. As you have said, Mayor Corson, as Rich Palumbo did, our last uh mayor, and please postpone this till we
have more information. I do not think your township people really want this. You may have a few like our kind of a salesman here, but believe me, it's only for their money, for their own benefit, not for us. I hope you again carefully reconsider
your intentions. You have a moral compass. You took an oath to Almighty God when you came into this office. And you are going to answer the other young ladies saying to Almighty God, not to us because I'll be long gone and you the
rest of this community is going to be experiencing the effects of it and we have to answer to Almighty God. >> Yes, we do. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else who would like to
address ordinance number one of 2026? Good evening. My name is Joe Divine. I live in Peter Petersburg. Um, one of my questions is what are the regulations on smoking lounges that are attached to some cannabis stores in the state? >> We're not doing that.
>> Well, >> excuse me. >> We're not permitting cannabis. >> I'm asking the expert. >> Yes. Uh, yes. So, uh, good evening. They, so the consumption, they're a consumption lounge endorsement and they
must be you must have a class 5 dispensary license in order to have a consumption lounge and uh, that would allow someone to either purchase the cannabis in in the dispensary and then go into the lounge and consume. Uh,
there is no food or alcohol prohibited, not even water to be sold there. And um if you have medical product, you can bring your product in if that if they permit it. >> Okay. So there are in the state there are cannabis stores that also have
lounges attached. Correct. >> Yes. I think uh are there six now? Five. Five. Six. Yeah. Four. Okay. >> And there's no restriction concerning like certain areas or urban areas where people walk up. They may smoke in a snore. They may walk home. If it is a drive up, which most along Roosevelt
Boulevard, not too many people are going to walk along that boulevard to go purchase cannabis. Because it's a drive up, are there any restrictions uh preventing a lounge being attached to that or is that just up to the township? >> That is up to the municipality
>> to up to the municipality and we've restricted that. We are not permitting that. >> You are not going to permit lounges. Our ordinance prohibits it. >> Okay. because a lot of the public doesn't even know, especially down here, that there are lounges, some lounges attached that could cause serious
problems with accidents and things. Okay. Um, my next question is, do you do you actually have any revenue estimates on a cannabis store being open? >> We have used our neighboring community,
Middle Township. There's the old Waw Wa that was the dermatology center and now is a cannabis store. Their revenue, they opened July 4th and then from July 4th weekend till January 1, their cannabis revenue was I
think $97,000 is what the municipality took in >> and I believe what is the max 2% for the municipality. >> The maximum you can charge. Yes. >> Okay. >> And that was ordinance number two of 2026. Was that
>> okay? And my last question is, are are there any specific studies that the township has reviewed to determine whether this is a good idea as to what the negative impacts are on certain communities related to accidents, crime, increased crime, anything like that uh in those areas?
>> Well, I have talked to Middle Township mayor at length about that since the cannabis door opened till actually last week. Between the fire, police, and rescue, they had zero calls for service
>> in West Cape May's mayor's year, which I'm sure she will address. >> Zero calls for service at the establishment or in the area >> at the establishment. They're not, you know, the information I asked, there could have been a multi motor vehicle accident, >> right? in fact the reason I bring it up
I mean Roosevelt Boulevard is a high area of motor vehicle accidents already just with the traffic lights the parkway ramps and everything else >> yes >> um the concern would be this causing an increase in those accidents people going out if there is no lounge somebody go out to their car and smoke I mean
there's laws pro that >> against you can buy in multiple places there on the boulevard now you can buy alcohol and you can't go sit in your legally you can't go sit in your car and drink I mean I But do you believe that people don't do that just because it's illegal?
>> I know they do that, right? >> But I mean, at what point I mean, but you can go to any other You can go to Middle Township and buy cannabis and drive through upper township and smoke it. Guess what? It is in upper township. People driving their cars with it through upper township. It gets
delivered here. She went to Ocean City High School in 1982. I went in 1983. Cannabis was in a high school when I was there. There was other drugs of choice, too. Speed was very popular. I remember and I forget what else, but when my children went to Ocean City High School,
cannabis was there. So was heroin. So I mean it is in our community. >> If you're going to have if there's public discussion, you got to have it in the hallway because we have a record that we're trying to develop here. >> I I understand that. But at the same time, the more available you make something, the more problems it causes.
Just because alcohol is available doesn't mean that you need to add to the problem of motor vehicle accidents and other issues that it may cause. That's that's ALL I THINK. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD JUST reiterate that we have we require cameras and so
consumption is not allowed on the premises if we see it they're getting fined and and as Mr. Bell said and we are pretty tough with the fines and they're 50,000 20,000
people don't want to pay that so they're going to be very cautious about it. Do you have questions about consumption lounges? I know that's not relevant to this town but Mr. Bells could talk to you about that. >> Yes. >> I mean cameras are required in the
parking lot right? >> They are required. So right now, like in the liquor store, there's no cameras in the parking lot, nor is there any requirement. So you can actually buy a nip or whatever and sit in the parking lot and drink, but you can't go into a
cannabis store and sit in the parking lot and smoke. >> Is there anyone else in the public town committee? >> Yeah, Natalie N 759 Route 50 in Petersburg. Um, I'm going to ask for a postponement of this vote tonight. Um,
I'm reading a letter dated February 25th, 2026. Sean Mack, four page into the record tonight. Submitted 225 2026. Dear Mr. Mayor and Township Committee members, Coastline's overarching
concerns relate to ordinance number one, 1226 proposal to establish an artificially minute subset of the township CM2 zoning district comprising of approximately one mile stretch of Roosevelt Boulevard containing only seven properties as an overlay district
allowing for operation of a single class 5 cannabis retailer. The overlay zone. This proposed overlay zone is anti-competitive, inconsistent with the master plan, artificially and arbitrarily established. It would substantially and disproportionately in order to the benefit of a single private
party. The Coastline team has 30 years of combined cannabis experience in owning, operating, managing, andor consulting on the operation of dozens of cannabis facilities throughout New Jersey and four other states. Page two. It is common sense that a proposal from
Coastline to open and operate a satellite retail location in upper township would be closely considered by the committee or its delegates. Because Coastline is already licensed, it process to obtain state approval to open a second location and upper township
would be be dramatically truncated, thus fasttracking the commencement of cannabis tax revenue to upper township. Nevertheless, the proposed overlay zone is so narrowly drafted it would deprive Coastline of the opportunity to submit a proposal for the single upper township
cannabis retail license. Of the seven properties in the overlay zone, only a few are realistically viable. The marina, although it is CM2, presents substantial access and safety concerns for the local location of retail cannabis sales. Of the remaining six,
three are commonly owned by a single business enterprise. The Enterprise whose owner, we understands, intends to apply for a cannabis retail license and is therefore unwilling to lease space to any potential competitor. Coastline has evaluated the other three properties not
held by the enterprise and pursued real estate discussions with the owners of each. Unfortunately, Coastline was informed by the owner of one of those properties that an upper township official strongly discouraged them from pursuing a Coastline dispensary on their property, stating that the property
would be rejected for insufficient parking and that the cannabis dispensary would be located at one of the enterprises properties located at the former Sketis. Based upon this information, the owner not wanting to pick a fight with the township has decided not to lease the property to any
prospective cannabis business. Based on the utter lack of options in the proposed overlay zone, Coastline has contracted for a property in Upper Township CM2 zone. We understand that it is neither surprising nor a well-kept secret that the enterprise has supported
the proposed ordinances intends to apply to Upper Township for a local license and anticipates that there will be no competition to its proposal and that they have it in the bag. This is true notwithstanding the fact that the enterprise has no cannabis licensing
history, experience in owning and operating a cannabis retailer in compliance with the complex way of hundreds of regulations and standards set by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission for such facilities. Page three. In addition to those
problems, Coastline raises the following legal objections to the proposed ordinance. Number one, selective micro district benefiting a closed set of owners. Ordinance 1226 creates a narrow overlay zone east of the Garden State Parkway and Roosevelt Boulevard confined
to block 735 and 736 and authorizing only one class 5 retail license there. Numerous eligible parcels within that corridor are associated with a single ownership group while other CM2 parcels include
our clients block 599 lot 61 are categorically excluded. This reflects a classic spot zoning and personal zoning zoning enacted primarily to benefit particular private owners rather than a legitimate district-wide
planning response. Number two, the township's planning record concedes cannabis retail is retail in CM2. The township's own planning memorandum state that cannabis retail is a retail commercial use consistent with CM2 and with the master plan corridor policies.
If cannabis retail is retailed and similarly situated CM2 parcels cannot be carved into winners and losers without objective land use based distinctions. Number three, revenue cannot predominate in zoning. Press accounts of township
deliberations emphasize projected cannabis revenue approximately $240,000 annually or $20,000 per month as a principal rationale for moving forward. While fiscal impacts may be considered secondarily, revenue generation cannot
predominate in a zoning decision. Number four, one license cap compounds the arbitrary anti-competitive effect combining a micro overlay with a single license effectively allocates an exclusion commercial franchise via the zoning map to a tiny set of parcels.
Zoning may not be used to aortion exclusive economic opportunities among private actors. Number five, less restrictive planning based alternatives exist. Any valid corridor concerns, traffic near the parkway and bridge approaches, wetlands, adjacent city
seasonal demand can be addressed through uniform CM2 performance standards, access, spacing, queue management, buffering, parking hours rather than selective partial eligibility where obvious less restrictive alternatives
exist. A selective approach is arbitrary. Page four, number six. The ordinances 1,00 foot boundary requirements are arbitrary, non-uniform and pre-textual as apply. A nonuniform application
inside one district. If cannabis retail is retail in CM2, any buffer intended to mitigate land use impacts must be districtwide. Here are the 10,000 ft boundary requirements operate only in and around a tiny overlay, not across
all CM2. That structure violates uniformity because it discriminates among identical CM2 parcels based solely on the overlays lines. B. No evidentiary planning basis in the record. The planning memoranda do not
identify evidence showing 1,00 f feet is the proper distance needed to address traffic safety or public health for cannabis retail. Especially where the experts emphasize cannabis retail is a retail use otherwise permitted in CM2 corridors. In the absence of record
support, a distance rule used to exclude otherwise suitable parcels is arbitrary. C. disparate impact that reinforces spot zoning. In practice, thousand foot boundaries screen out most CM2 parcels outside the overlay, including block
599, lot 61, while leaving eligibility concentrated among the overlay small cluster, several parcels associated with a common ownership group. This disparit impact is entirely consistent with spot
personal zoning. And I concur with this and I have two um newspaper articles um that I would like to add to the >> paper on March 4th, 2026 and the other one is from the Kate May Herald on 34
2026. Thank you. >> It will be noted for reference. Thank you, >> Mayor. If I can just briefly too, I if anyone's inclined to respond, I just ask that you don't. Um, a couple points of clarification. I'm not sure if that was intended to be in opposition to the
ordinance, but the letter was not opposition to the ordinance. It was actually just asking for the zone to be enlarged or enlarged. >> Um, secondary to that though, it was obvious. was written by an attorney, although a member of the public read into the record. Interestingly, um, but it it's part of the record. It is a
potential objection to what you're looking to do. So, I just recommend you don't respond to it in any way right now. >> I'd just like to make a clarification. It's Natalie Nese. I was at I think it was the February 25th um, 2026
hearing for the uh, one 2026 ordinance where it was put in evidence. It wasn't evidence request to get the letter. >> That's where I got it from. >> It wasn't put into evidence. The receipt of it was put on the record.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to introduce number one of 2026? >> This lady's been trying to >> I'm short. No one sees me. Uh my name is Carrie Folk. I'm bringing this all up
here to show the gentlemen. There are lots of studies, I believe between a over a thousand that um that correlate mental illness with marijuana use. They're all in here if you'd like to see them. Uh I brought
three books with me that I had to read for those of you who were here the last time uh because my son has cannabis use induced psychosis. Um >> for the record, your Ocean City. Um, this is a book written
by Allora Stack. This is her very nice looking son who uh became a very frequent daily uh user of marijuana. They lived in Colorado. He believed he could fly and threw himself off of a parking garage
and killed himself. And after he died, she asked other parents to share their stories. And this is 24 stories from other parents and I can't even read this whole book because it's so disturbing. This book is from Alex Baronson and he's
a New York Times reporter who will tell you things in here that are also true that people don't know. But the reason I bring them up is to show to tell this man that there's plenty of evidence. Uh, ma'am, uh, I don't remember your name
and I'm so sorry, but I couldn't help but feel tonight that, um, you were brought here to be used to insult our intelligence. Not that you aren't intelligent, but that, um,
everything was supposed to be wrapped up in a nice bow and and told to us nicely so that we wouldn't still feel the way that we feel. Um, and I was reminded of a family called the Sacklers and another
substance called Oxycottton. Um, they just had a 7.5 billion dollar settlement because of a substance in the 90s that has a great deal of um,
parallel between cannabis right now. It was tested, approved, legal, prescribed, recommended by big pharma and all the salesmen that wanted to sell it and uh legitimized and already in our community, already in the in the
schools, already everywhere. And how about we just make it legal and sell it? And now they had a family. They were parents. Mafias have families. I don't understand why that mattered right now, but okay, you have a family.
um this $7.5 billion settlement. I don't know if you've ever heard of the, you know, the show Dopick. Um $7.5 billion dollar because people wanted to make money and they said they had something who
could help people in pain and so they prescribed Oxycottton. One of the people that was prescribed to was my cousin Jamie. And today, you'll notice I'm dressed in black because today I came home from his funeral.
He was 55. Today I gave his eulogy. That was a medicine that was supposed to help him with his pain. I I just it amazes me how you think
because somebody says something is good, you just are thinking about the money. My cousin is dead. He's dead. 55. He had no reason no reason to be dead. He had pancreatic
cancer that went to his liver and his lungs. He just was so bad with that. He started to his life just went in the tank. They gave it out like candy to him. People who have trouble with
substances have substance use disorder and you are handing them the gun. And I don't know why. I just don't get it. And there's plenty of evidence,
but I guess when you have the love of money that is driving you, you just can't see it. >> I have to follow Mama Bear. She's my my wife. Um she's solid as a rock. I'm sorry, Glenn from Ocean City, New
Jersey. You know, sometimes, mayor, you sound really ignorant. And let me explain why. You keep saying you had it when you went to school in the 80s or 70s, whenever it was. It's not the same weed. Don't say it WAS OCEAN CITY. PLEASE DON'T. BECAUSE
you are really people are asking you questions and all of you keep babbling. You don't have the answers. It's frustrating and I apologize because once again my wife is standing up here for the second time and fortunately you did something wrong in the process. That's why we're here tonight. So let's slow it
down a little bit. Let's think about what we're doing. If you had a situation like my wife was going through, you wouldn't be sitting up there. I can guarantee that. >> The records you're addressing the committee. >> Yes. >> Well, >> I will respond if I may when you're >> Please do give me some explanation.
>> Okay. Uh so I am a parent of uh >> Miss Nash just finish your comments and then we'll turn it over. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> You're right. It's being delivered to
this area. It's being delivered to Ocean City. But as a taxpayer of Ocean City, I'm going to be the one that will never have the gun that puts out in their lives. Okay? I can say that. And right now you're giving you're saying, you
know what, it's here. It's being delivered. Is that giving you the right to actually say we're going to have the influence on these children? You are the ticket to stop in this area. I grew up in Ocean City and Upper Township was my second home. It was family. I first
moved this area and I was so proud of upper township. Mar, we grew up on Martis Hill, seven Marles Hill. beautiful area and I can't believe it's getting to this point where you guys are willing to accept. And Zach, you're the school superintendent.
How hypocritical can you be? >> May I? >> Good evening everyone. >> Can we let Sir >> We're not going to do it. Well, there's not going to be a response. I just want you to be able to provide, but we're not doing a give and take here. >> Please respond.
>> Okay. So, um I have unfortunately been in your shoes. Um I uh am a parent as I said and my son is now an adult, but he had uh an opioid addiction uh which is what brought me to become a social
worker. I 30 years in in working in legal and business and finance. I I got a degree about 16 years ago because I wanted to understand it. He died on in the hospital. He's alive
now, but he overdosed. So, I have that very keen understanding of opioid addiction. And interestingly and different from you on your son's situation is that he is a
consumer of cannabis and it helps him. So I I'm not here to sell anyone on anything. I'm here as someone in in layman's terms telling you that this is a very scary thing for
people and I get it. Um, but as I said, it's here. And I don't mean it's here being delivered from whatever Kate May courthouse or whatever. It's here because some guy in a van or at his house is selling it or
some older brother of a kid. And that's scary to me. So, I am not insulted what you say because I would be angry too. But I'm I'm hopeful that your son gets the help he needs.
>> Thank you. >> All right. Good evening everyone. Mayor, committee and commissioner Ash. Um, thank you for being here. Uh, my name is Carol Saba. I'm the former mayor of Westgate May. I too am a social worker of 34 years retired now. Worked with
atrisisk youth my entire career. Um but I'm here just one I want to commend the committee for um your transparency in um rescheduling this second hearing and I understand the
logistics behind that. Um you know I'm sure you didn't want to do it >> off on the Monday we didn't make it snow again. >> There you go. There you go. Um but again I'm just I want to reiterate some of our experiences in West Kate May. We had the
um privilege under my tenure to be the first um municipality to approve recreational cannabis in um Cape County and we have had um the benefit of a several years of the revenue although of course that's stabilizing in the area
because of competition. Um we see what the market can bear in terms of opening this dispensary in upper township. However, um you know, there's there's room for the judicious placement of a dispensary. I you know, I all this
outreach we hear from our community members. Um I appreciate that and again I appreciate um people's work with addictions and families and children. Children are where I devoted my attention my entire career. Um, but I
don't hear the same outreach about the liquor outlets that are the big bold signs for the liquor outlets going into Ocean City. As our assemblyman Mlullen told me, Ocean City is the wetest dry town that he's ever seen. Um, so, you
know, the outrage over marijuana and the the intense regulation over that product, I wish it extended to alcohol as well. It's normalized. you know, everyone sees their parents with beers on the boat and on, you know, at your
parades and and this that and the other. Um I wish that same outreach applied um to alcohol because I find that to be a much more destructive um path and it's definitely the first step that that kids are taking when they enter into any type
of drug use. I'm not going to extend my um five minute time, but I do feel I've seen so many people um who have been as diagnosed with substance use disorder use be recommended to use marijuana as
an aid to help them through that problem. So, you know, with the opioids and yes, that that whole um big pharma's influence, big alcohol's influence in this um discussion continues to pervade
the discussion. So, um, thank you for your open-mindedness and, um, good luck and God bless. >> Thank you, sir. >> Is there anybody else who would like to address the Tennessee committee? >> One item number 27. Yes. L.
>> Yes. Hi, my name is Lou Barbo. I live at 38 Francis Drive in Petersburg and anything I have to say is not going to come close to anybody who's experienced
the use of drugs like cannabis as the lady who spoke who uh is home who was homeless, right? You're homeless, right? Okay. Uh so I just like to uh you
know give her uh her round of applause because she got through it and is able to uh function as a normal human being today. Uh what I'd like to say is uh a couple things uh now
about uh this uh like a dispensary and two satellite uh stores that I heard. Uh that's not right. >> No, it's not right. I I imagine you saw that on Facebook.
>> Okay. >> We're we're we're approving >> one >> one retail store. >> Period. >> That's it. Okay. And as far as the uh delivery goes, um you're going to deliver to people's
houses. Uh am I associated with this license application. Yes. >> Yeah. Uh who's going to be the delivery person? Uber Eats or >> an employee? >> No. >> An employee of the store. >> The guidelines were set. We were explained earlier. There's a delivery
vehicle with a lock box nondescript delivery delivery vehicle. Our ordinance actually asked for a nondescript delivery vehicle. >> Okay. >> And the other Uber just for the record, Uber Eatats can deliver from a liquor store. Okay.
Uh, the other question I uh wanted to ask is uh we're here tonight uh because of uh a mistake somebody made in not sending out certified letters. >> Yes.
>> Uh that's a personnel issue. It's being handled in house. >> It was me. I made the mistake. >> No, I was a personel issue. It's being handled in house. Thank you. No. Okay. All right. And um I guess uh
what I wanted to say was uh you know for every dollar that's spent on cannabis and and whatever uh drugs that people want to take is is less money that you know they have for food uh for school
lunches uh for snacks for whatever the the necessary things to get through life and with the use of cannabis that's taking that money out of somebody's uh you know somebody's hands and uh I just
don't think it's fair and uh I think out of everything that was said tonight uh you know especially this lady who who was homeless and had a an addiction problem I think you should uh
think about it and uh maybe maybe postpone it after you uh have further discussions. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anybody else who would like to address ordinance number one of 2026? >> Did you speak?
>> No. >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Okay. For those of us who are on your name, >> just your name and address. >> My name is Niles. I'm from For those of us who were once children,
we know you're not going to keep cannabis out of the hands of minors. As long as adults have recreational approval by the state, they know when their adults are smoking and they know
and not just their parents, but their their friends. And this will become a tribute and they will become more likely to use cannabis as a dissult if they have been familiarized with this
throughout their life. It's a it's a poison that has more information in it than just making you feel good at the time you take it. It also teaches other people that this is a great thing to try
and that's why people vote for it now is they have had contact with adults who are using it and they now use it. We have it in our family. It's just a problem.
>> Thank you. Hi, my name is Jessica. I'm speaking on behalf of a family member that can't be here from Dennisville that lives on Petersburg Road. I live in Igar Township. I wasn't prepared to speak today, so I'll make it short. Um, I have a family member that was a medical
patient for the cannabis and I just saw their life deterior after they got on the cannabis and it's really hard to talk about right now. And um, and I'm sorry to be blunt, but she's a
liar when she said that the packages aren't colorful. They absolutely are. You can visit any dispensary page right now and you'll see the colorful packages and how easy they are to open. And I've seen it in person, too. Ziploc bags and just twist offs. That's it. Anyone can
open it. A two-year-old. That's a lie. And I mean, there's they provide lock boxes, but not many people know that. And I'm sorry, no disrespect, but your nephew who or whoever was addicted to opiates,
and now on cannabis, you just substituted one addiction for another. And I just I don't think that's All right. So, I'm making a comparison and all the analogies that you guys are making to heroin and alcohol. You're just trying to pick the lesser evil, it
seems like. And I'm going to end it right here. No questions and anything. But I'm going to pray for you, mayor, that you think of your heart, your morals rather than greed. And I pray for you, TOO. SO, UM, >> Anna Neno,
6A Brew Hustling, Ocean View. you you've been hearing one person after another speaking and sharing and um this is obviously hitting a really raw spot.
I would ask that you would listen to your people. I would ask that you would pause, that you would halt, that you would get more uh a better understanding
of your the people here in your town and what they think about it. That's who you're representing. And I know you would say, well, we did a poll that you know, like are people for cannabis
I think that's different than do you want a cannabis dispensary in your town. >> So you can't go based on that poll. And I think by you doing that that is not right. First of all, I don't even know whoever
>> did a poll. Nobody did a poll. >> Well, that it it was listed. I think that was something that was talked about um the last time. >> The vote to legalize marijuana. There was a vote >> statewide >> when there was a vote in >> 2020
>> to legalize cannabis criminalized. >> Okay. >> 65% of our township voted in favor of >> correct. So therefore, I'm saying you can't go based on that to say, "Hey, this is what our people in the town want because, you know, to be in favor of
that versus do I want a dispensary in my town are two totally different things." Um, for the people that want to keep saying um, that Ocean City is the wetest dry town, I would say if you compare
Ocean City to Sea Aisle, by the ve very fact that Sea Isle has the bars, totally different feel. I'll take Ocean City any day. um the the aspect of I mean I I keep hearing it's already
here in our community so it's better to regulate it, better to make money off of it because it's already here. Um and heroin was already in our high school before also. I don't know that like should we be legalizing heroin also? I I
don't think believe in a lily white community with a a shield around us is not realistic either. >> So that's why the people in charge need to have a moral standard, a higher moral standard and keep people accountable to
that especially when we are connected to the ocean town that is the family town. And if if we are going to tell our kids that, you know what, 120,000 a year was worth it to put a a dispensary that is
now going to tempt kids, tempt young adults, if they're going to get it somewhere else, that's on them. But this is on you. We already know and this is in every study you will know that
25 it takes uh up to age 25 your brain is still developing. We heard from Diane Leo. I think that's right. That um we heard all of the statistics and all of the studies as far as what happens to the
brain up to that point and how it is a negative impact. It's a negative impact at the very very least from the 21 to 25. You can there is no way to disagree on that. There are the studies. So you
will you literally are moving forward knowing the studies that from ages 21 because that is legal to 25 you personally are making it accessible to those that now will
forever their minds will be affected be and their the formation of the brain etc etc I mean we can go through that list again but there there's no way of arguing that point. So even if that was
the only point, we should not be going forward with this. And yet, so my request is that you soulsearch. My request is that after hearing so many testimonies, so many
people sharing that this is not a good idea, and honestly, >> that's fun. I'm closing it right up. Thank you so much. And honestly, there is there is God. There is God in the whole equation as well. And I will
tell you um my hope it's not too late. My hope is that you turn. >> Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Liz Nicoleti. um from Ocean City. Uh wow, it's a lot. Um so
when I I think it's great you went to Ocean City High School and so did you. I went to St. Marks High School in Delaware. Um we all went to high school, didn't we? >> So we're we've all been we've all been exposed to this um two matter of fact, I'll just tell you a little story. Two
um basketball players that were pretty cool. They're really good. They used to drive around in high school and look at all the white trees. smoking pot. That's what they do. Like that's what we do sometimes. It just relaxes us. So,
is this what we want in Ocean City? Is this going to bring us together? Ocean City and Upper Township, a cannabis dispensary store. Is that going to Is that our best? I love that you said a higher standard. We need to we need to up our game over
here and we need to up our game in the schools. Zachary, I've never met you, but you're the superintendent of school. Like the schools need a higher standard, the education system. So, I'm just here for the whole picture, guys. Um, location, location, location.
Is this the best location for dispensary store for people to get pot? And the comment that the person who's for this She said alcohol, you know, the the the um the liquor stores in Summers Point and here and and you know, right over at
34th Street Bridge. I would like to invite her and also any of you to come to an open anybody can come an open AA meeting. Come to a meeting and you will listen to people talk about those liquor stores that are sitting there. They have a hard time. Some of
them. I don't really. I'm sober. I already told you last time. a long time, many years. And to the points that have just been brought up, it's it's very it was my first couple years were very hard. Even if you're a high bottom, which I technically was because I didn't
lose much. I made that decision on my own to get sober. So, it's and I don't bring it up um I only bring it up because I'm more productive in my life today. My standard is higher today and I'm proud
of what I am. I have to offer my family and my children who are making some bad decisions, who are experimenting with all this stuff. So, you are making the job of a mom and a dad much, much harder. You are going to get 20,000 a month. Is
that the number? >> Can you answer that? >> You don't You don't know, right? >> We don't know. >> So, the lawyer said you don't know. We don't know. >> YOU DON'T KNOW. SO, IT might be more. >> Oh my gosh. It might be more. Would that be great? So, you're gonna get you're
gonna get about $20,000 a month. >> I wonder what you're going to Are you going to put a beautiful bike path that's going to bring us together? Because that's what I want. I want a bike path to bring our communities together. I was on the school board at Ocean City and there's there's a little
dissension between Upper and Ocean City because I felt it. I didn't hear it. I just felt that feeling of I don't want the dissension. I want to bring us together. I want the kids to ride their ebikes back and forth and their cruisers
back and forth. Maybe you should put medians. You could take you could we could use our money to put medians to make that road safer. and >> we're beautiful. >> Okay, these are all these other We have so many other ideas than a location
of a cannabis store that is going into a feeder to a familyfriendly resort. This is a family resort. Families, most families don't want this. A lot of families are doing pot with their kids and giving it to their kids. But I would say let's raise our
standard, get it a little higher. Um, I just talked to a former cop yesterday and um, she said it's the wrong location. It's the wrong atmosphere. It's not the right look for your town. They're going to come in and they're going to go Ocean
City has a hot store. I can't believe it. I thought it was a family story. It's a joke. You guys are hearing it. You know that. Um, last thing I want to wrap up with cannabis increases, car accidents, psychosis, suicide, and list goes on.
But you already knew this and that's the most disturbing part. Mr. Mayor, you said yourself that you were a hard no. But you have compromised saying that the right amount you'd be a for the right amount you would be a yes. Therefore, it appears that your convictions and morals
mean nothing when money talks, which is the majority of politicians. You all end up selling out to your beliefs just to make a >> Where are the I'm my son. Where are the men and women of conviction who stand firm in what they believe? You know the saying, evil prevails when good men do
nothing or stay silent. There is no dollar amount that should ever trump the ch our children's welfare. Do the right thing and vote no. I hope there's one of you. I hope there's one. And I know I'm almost done, but I Excuse me. I want to just say one more thing.
>> Excuse me man. We have five minutes we've given everybody. We have to treat everyone fairly. >> Thank you so much, Mayor. I just want to let you know that we are praying for you and it happens a lot. We're praying for all of our administrators in our town. >> Thank you.
>> Yes. >> Hi, my name is Elsie Jameson of Seville, New Jersey. I just want to say um that I have five young children under the age of six. I'm deep in the community. We're in the the primary school. We're in the preschools. Um, I talked to a lot of people who are my age in the community
who also have kids. Most people I talked to seem to support the dispensary. We're excited to see uh what can be done with the money that we that we get from this dispensary um to support the kids in the future of redoing the skate park maybe one day, adding bike packs, things like
that. Um and um you know, I will as a parent, it's my job to teach my kids the difference between right and wrong. Uh how to be healthy. My parents were were like that with me. My parents grew up here. I've grew up here. And uh I just
support the committee. I think you're doing a good job. >> Thank you. >> Hi, Sher Morian. I live 35 road in I really didn't plan on speaking. I did not go to Ocean City High School. I went to high school in the northeast in
Philadelphia and my kids grew up here and went to Ocean City High School. I moved here. I've been here probably about um 50 years after having a home in Ocean City and spending summers there. Decided I wanted to be here. I didn't
want to be in Philadelphia. I wanted to be here. I love this town. I raised my kids here because I love this town. When my friends from Philadelphia say things to me about
where I live, I'm like, you have no idea how beautiful it is where I live. What how much I enjoy the community, the teams, the just the school. And and I know there's things in our high school
because my boys told me my boys are now they each one of them has a child. I have a grandson that's eight months old and I have a grandson that's 18 months old. My son just moved. He had he's an engineer. He had to live in Media,
Pennsylvania. He moved back home because he loves it here. I want to ask a question. Did you look at what the the um police force what what we're going to for your 20,000 or whatever a month? What are we gonna have to add on to keep this town safe after,
you know, we're gonna have to pay other people, you know, to if if if this brings in trouble, what other things are we going to have to do? I am so upset that there's going to be something like this on the boulevard in a town that I love
so much. My heart is just breaking. It really is for what's going to happen, you know, the way it's going to make things look. Okay. And maybe look isn't about everything. You're right. I'm praying
too that this situation will change because I'm I'm an avid believer and I know looks isn't about what it's about, but money isn't what it's about either. And the safety. Did you talk to the state police? You
obviously say somebody's on your committee. Okay. I am not allowed to say some I can't bring something up, but I'm very close to the state police. Okay. A member of my family is a state police and
he himself has told me that this is going to make an effect. It's going to change things. It's going to make it harder. It's already hard enough. And I pray when he goes out, every night,
every day, and I pray that something bad doesn't happen. And my worry, too, is that this is going to change that. This is a beautiful town. I'm not I'm just I'm happy I'm here. I don't want to see these changes.
I don't want to see this look. I'm not going to keep reiterating, but again, I will be praying and I will be asking that you take deeper consideration into this and listen to what the people have to say that live here.
>> Thank you. >> Excuse me. You already spoke once. Before we have you speak again, we're going to ask if there's anyone else. >> Oh, okay. We're going to give everybody an opportunity >> having anybody go against >> which is there anyone else that would like to adjust tension committee
>> Jessica Russell Ocean City I just wanted to make a couple observations Mr. Mayor, sir, with all due respect, >> if you noticed tonight and the previous meeting, the majority of people who have
spoken are against this. The majority the people voted you in. >> The people of Upper Township did yes. >> Correct. And the two two maybe three people who have spoken tonight for this
are not in this town. West Kate May and Spencer who I don't know where he's from. Okay. So, one is one is not. My point is
your heart should be for the people and it is very evident that you have not taken into account. >> Trust me, my heart is for the people. My heart is for our pretentionship. my last name. My family's been here for 13 generations. I have children and I have grandchildren in Upper Township. I do
concern am very concerned about Upper Township. >> It was very evident. It was very evident the last meeting and this meeting that it's already decided before the meeting before the meeting. IT'S heart it's actually heartbreaking
to see how you guys are going about this. Just because something is the letter of the law doesn't mean that it makes it right. >> My question is is there no conviction? Is there no conviction in you
hear the heart of the people? And I've heard it before, to not sell your soul. It's unfortunate and it's heartbreaking. >> Thank you. Anyone else would like to speak on
orders number one of 2026? Yes, sir. >> Good evening. Thomas Stranker, Seville, New Jersey. uh going to the basketball game last week. Proud Ocean City uh alumni for my three kids. I go down Bay Avenue,
blinking light. Say no to drugs. Marijuana, cannabis is a drug. I feel horrible for this woman here because she needs it. The rest of us, 97% of us don't need it. Okay, it is the look. It
is the look. spoke to four or five of my customers that live in places like Morristown, Hatenfield, Mount Laurel, people that do changeovers on weekends in Ocean City. They can't be here. They can't believe Upper Township is going to put a
dispensary on the main thoroughare into 34th Street in Ocean City. They live at the South End, all their homes. They can't believe it. They had nothing to say, but I can't believe the conservative Republicans that I voted
for in Upper Township would vote for this. And I said, "Well, they are." I said, "It's been going on for five, six months. The rumors and you you heard the rumors. I think you were all part of the rumors. These rumors have been circulating for five and six months.
properties on Boulevard are going to be the only ones considered. It is about the location. You know, when they first open up, of all things, micro breweries, flying fish had to go into a warehouse
in a terrible location in Cherry Hill. That's where this belongs if you're going to pass it. It doesn't belong on Boulevard, that's for sure. It's the gateway to Ocean City. It only benefits the owner of the store. doesn't benefit almost everybody on this side of the
room and some of the people on this side of the room. It doesn't benefit my three children, their grandchildren, my grandchildren. I'm listening to people talk about, you know, advice. I, you know, a 10-year-old, 12y old, five kids. I have
three three grandkids. Do I tell a kid that's three, four, five years old not to do drugs? They're probably not even aware of what a drug is, but I'm sure going to tell a 10 or 12 year old getting ready to go into Ocean City High School what to avoid,
who to avoid. Your friends are going to determine a lot about what you are. Here's what you should do. And hopefully they do it at age 21. Do I reverse course that child I've been raising my whole life and say, "Now that you're 21,
you can go any direction you want. you can go this route, which isn't a good route. No, I'm going to stick to my guns. I'm going to say to me what my father and mother said to me. Not that we always did the right thing. We all did not. But you're never going to, I
would hope, advise a child to start with legal marijuana if they have a medical need. Yes, most of these people do not have medical needs. to this man's opinion over here about the road
traffic. I did some math. You're going to have to sell close to $30,000 a day worth of the product to gross $20,000 a month. Good days, bad days, slow days,
snow days, 30,000. That means the traffic is going to be backed up. I mean, God bless Day Bile. I love day B. We have a lot of traffic that goes left into Boulevard Liquors when they're headed to Ocean City before they get there cuz they can't buy in Ocean City.
Now we have another lefthand turn issue, don't we? That we turning into the dispensary. That's just going to create more nightmares. You're going to have police issues. You're going to have traffic problems. So, I like to just say I go on record. I'm 100% against it. But you
guys really aren't listening to everybody who voted for you. you deserve. You should put this on the ballot this November. Bring it up in November. >> Is there anybody else who has not already commented that would like to comment on December 1 of 2026?
This is not normal. You've had your five minutes, but you real quick, if you want to make a point, I'll allow it. Just put it in the two-minute time. >> I very quickly I'll go at this from a different angle. >> Just need your name. >> State your name for >> Oh, I'm sorry. Carrie Folk from Ocean
City. Uh family's been in business for 57 years. If you go to uh Kate May County tourism report, uh Ocean City has 139,000 people who come to its borders every summer. 58% of county jobs are
dependent on tourism. The image, the brand of the hundredyear slogan of Ocean City's greatest family resort is one that probably the majority of people in this room depend on for
their livelihood in one way, shape, or form. If people decide that they don't feel safe and secure, which happens to be, if you look on the county tourism economic
report, the number one reason why people choose to come to Kate May County for their vacation, you can find it on the report if you look it up. It's 85% of people who come to Kate May County for vacation listed as their number one
reason, safety and security. Let's drive past the dispensary on our way down 34th Street. So, if people feel like they're coming all the way to Ocean City for a family
friendly vacation and it starts to look more like Route 130 outside of Camden than it does 34th Street, I wonder how much revenue you'll have. You say you have a lack of revenue.
How about a bowling alley or FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT? HOW ABOUT A wedding or a meeting venue overlooking the bay? How about Ocean City Welcome Center South? How about apartment complexes? How about we
develop shopping? HOW ABOUT SMITHVILLE? WE'RE GOING TO STOP the meeting. What we're going to do is you had your five minutes plus another two. >> Okay. Sorry. Thank you very much. >> One more really quick thing. >> No, that's it. >> Thank you for your input. See the mic.
>> Who wears. >> All right. Thank you. >> If you're letting us come up again, I'm just >> No. See, this is the problem. This You're the last one. >> You let her. >> I like you. I'm letting you. And that's the end of the >> I want to bring up something that I don't think anybody's talked about. >> I'll need your name. >> Your name for
>> Liz Nicoleti. And um >> we'll need your name again. >> Liz Nicoleti. >> Thank you, Liz. And I'll be and I'll be very brief. I'm I'm just surprised that the realators aren't here because back to my original comment, location, location, location
>> to this point, our brand is going to go poof a little bit. I think because the real estate's very good in Ocean City and this I think as well if you want the real estate to continue because some might people might say this
isn't for me. Ocean City is changing so just be careful. That's all. >> Thank you. At this time, is there anyone else who would like to speak? >> Hearing no more public portion. We're going to close the public portion of
number ordinance number one of 2026. At this time, we'll entertain a motion on ordinance number one of 2026. I'll make the motion. >> Second. >> Is that a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. Joanne, you please call the role. >> Mr. Casachio, yes.
>> Mr. Nappen. >> Yes. And I just want to say that I have put a lot of time and thought into this this idea that we're rushing things and that we're not listening to you all. We are listening to you all. Uh I I am in high school every day as a high school teacher trying to keep my kids safe. I
have three kids, 10 and under, as well, and I will continue to try to advocate for them. I think that this is a great way to generate revenue for the township, and that's why I'm a yes. Mr. Mr. Sam Palo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mayor Corson.
>> Yes. >> Motion car. >> Number 28. May the introduction and first reading of ordinance number 8, 2026, an ordinance amending chapter 2, administration and chapter 5, personnel of the code of Upper Township. If you introduce, we can have the public hearing on the 27th of April.
>> At this time, we'll entertain a motion to introduce ordinance number eight of 2026 and have a public hearing April 27th. >> Yes. Motion to approve ordinance number 2026. >> Second. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Casachio, yes. >> Mr. Nappen, yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo, yes.
>> Mr. Zack Palumbo, yes. >> Mayor Corson, >> yes. >> Motion carried. Number 29, introduction and first reading of ordinance number 9, 2026, an ordinance amending chapter 7, traffic of the code of Upper Township. Same public hearing. >> At this time, we'll entertain a motion
to introduce ordinance number 20 or nine of 2026 for public hearing. Final adoption on April 27th. >> Motion to approve and introduce MOO uh ordinance number 9 of 2026. >> Second. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Cassaceio, yes. >> Mr. Nappen, >> yes.
>> Mr. Sam Palumbo, yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mayor Corson, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Number 30. Under new business, Ocean City High School Theater Boosters, Inc. request to hold raffle RA 621 at 34 Lindurst Road, Marmore on April 26, 2026.
>> Motion to approve. Second. >> Please call the role. Mr. Kazachio, >> yes. >> Mr. Nappen, yes. >> Mr. San Palumbo, yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mayor Corson, >> yes. >> Kyrie, >> at this time, excuse me, sir, if you're going to have a conversation, we ask you
to please go outside the room. We respected your time when you were all speaking. Please respect ours at this time. Uh, Bill, >> entertain a motion on the bills. >> I hereby move all claims submitted for payment at this meeting be approved and then incorporated in full minutes of
this meeting. Second. Yes. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Cassaceio, >> yes. >> Mr. Nappen, yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo, yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, yes. >> Mayor Corson, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Um, at this time, we'll open it up to the public. Is there anybody in the public
that would like to comment on anything? >> Do we want to let Mrs. Nash leave? >> Oh, yes. >> Oh, yes. I'm sorry. Thank you for your time. >> Sorry. Thank you, Mrs. Nash. Yeah, >> you can say if you want to. >> Thank you very much. Thank you very much for coming out. And just for the record,
Mr. Nash did come out from the regulatory cannabis commission. They approached us. >> So we were very happy to have New York to answer questions for people that had concerns. >> Carol Sabo again, I just wanted to say a quick aside. Um, our local dispensary,
the average age of the consumer is 59 years old. So when you look around, they look more like me than I'm aware I actually did some studies on some of the demographics. >> Is there anybody else that would like to address the public or township
committee? >> Hi everybody. Kristen Meyers uh 211 Machave. Um you know I have to say like I've been observing like from right over here. You started going like this when someone else had their opinion, right? You were getting frustrated. I'm looking
at you all and it's like you have no empathy. >> Where is your empathy for people? Hold on. Hold on. I'm making my observations because I'm over here looking at you all >> and it's like you have a stoic face. You have no empathy for what anybody has
been through in here. >> True. >> This look that's your opinion. We all have we all do. We do have part. So, so for a mother to sit here and say who
has five children, right? And for someone else to sit there and say that um you know, oh your parents need to talk to you about everything. My parents talked to me about everything. I had no alcohol. I had no drugs in my house. I had the room. Everybody remember the
room? >> Okay. But I still went and did it because it's like social, you know, my friends were all doing it. It was I mean that's why I did it. It's not about what my parents say to me. I would never negate my parents being bad parents
because I went and became addicted to a substance. >> You know what I mean? And then you know you want your you want to sit here and support it and you have other kids and everything. Okay, no problem. You want skate parks. this and that. Well, I
guess you won't see your kids playing on it later on in life. You know what I mean? I mean, because this is all going to be around. You guys can shake your head. I mean, I really pray you never have to pick out a plot for any of your
family members. Like my mom had to sit there and look for a plot for me. Okay. How many rehabs? How many institutions? How many things did I have to go through? And it all started with
thank you for choosing death over your >> Anyone else would like to pass? My name is Diane Leo from Armora. Um there's um two of your committee members that have um either relatives or you're involved in pharmaceuticals.
Uh Sam Palumbo, I think you actually deal in as a representative for pharmaceuticals. >> I wouldn't say I deal I would say I'm a pharmaceutical sales representative. >> That's what I meant. Okay. >> The pharmaceutical not dealing like drugs. But it's it's just an important detail.
>> This is public comment. This is not >> I'm I'm just wondering about the ethics of um even voting on this when you're actually a pharmaceutical representative. >> There's no ethical issue. I can promise you that. Yes. Okay. >> He actually
he sells a a product for ir uh bowel movements. >> What is it again? >> Bowel movements. He sells a product for bowel movements. So, I mean, I'm sure there's a relationship. If you want to go ahead and make it. >> Well, there might be because with the use of um marijuana,
uh even there was a report of one actor who lost 100 pounds after being a marijuana user and it was a um a an actual uh gastrointestinal problem from being a heavy user. Almost died from it.
So, maybe maybe that'll be useful for him. Um, and Zack Palumbo's um father I believe is a um a pharmacist. He was our mayor, but he also um is also in regulatory commission.
>> He's on regulatory affairs. He's also now retired and now a consultant for other uh pharmaceutical companies. >> Okay. And you don't think that that's compromising? You have any relationship with that? Okay. Thank you.
Is there anyone else would like to address the township committee? >> Natalie, Petersburg. Um, does any member of this upper township committee have an immediate family member providing consulting or lobbying
services for any potential cannabis applicant? I'd recommend you just It's a public comment session. >> Public comment. Thank you for coming. >> None. >> I don't think we have to answer that. I mean,
>> you don't have to answer any question. >> I don't know if you can anticipate what applications you get to even we haven't advertised for applications yet. That is going to be the next thing. After the appeal process, we will put out an advertisement or a RFP request
for proposals. And so we I mean, you might know who the applicants are. I'm not I know of three potential applicants, but I don't know if they're going to be applicants.
Well, I'm not really techsavvy and I'm not a Facebook person, but it has been brought to my attention that there's a lot of posts on Facebook. >> There is a lot of post on Facebook >> on who the applicants are going to be. And really, you can narrow it to um
seven parcels, maybe three families, unless we're talking about people that are going to lease the property. Zack uh Palumbo, do you see any incompatibility of roles voting on a cannabis related ordinance, particularly
since you are an educational leader, a school superintendent that obviously has professionally bound to supporting a drug-free um educational environment in Cape May.
Thank you for your comment, Natalie. >> And Sam, I think you work for Salex, >> which has no cannabis products. >> No, >> but the boss, >> you don't. >> Okay. You work for is it Bosch? >> Bosch. >> Bosch Health. Yes.
>> Bosch Health. Okay. You work for them and they do manufacture synthetic THC products. Okay. Um, so, um, in my opinion, uh, Richard Palumbo and Sam are pharmaceutical guys
whose parent corporation is already in the cannibid game. Yet, they've used their political power in the upper township to block local small business cannabis competition. Thank you.
I promise just one minute. I'm up here. I want to apologize. If I offended you, I'm I'm sorry. Any of you, I I'm sorry for it. >> Not at all. >> It's not like me. Uh I just hope someday you don't have to say say the same thing
to somebody you know, by no. I'm sorry your son was in a car accident. I'm sorry your daughter was sick. That's all my hope is. I knew coming here today would not change any minds, but I hope that you don't go through what my wife and what we both went
through. >> Is there anyone else who would like address? Okay. Hearing no more public comments. We're going to close the public portion and entertain a motion to go into close session for >> 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 are one contract negotiations trinity code enforcement to contract negotiation block 382 lots 11.01 and 11.02.
I will also include in my motion the estimated time and circumstances under which the discussion conducted in close session can be disclosed to the public as follows. It is anticipated that the matters discussed in this close session may be disclosed to the public upon the determination of township committee that
the public interest will no longer be served by such confidentiality. B with respect to the contract negotiations such matters will be made public when negotiations have ceased and there are no longer a reason for confidentiality. Second, >> please call the role. >> Mr. Kazachio, yes. Mr. Nappen, yes. Mr.
San Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mayor Porson, >> yes. Motion, >> we're going to take a five minute quick uh stretch your legs, run, run for the hills, whatever you got to do. Slow down. >> I check.
>> You still have medicine, don't you? >> Yeah.