start our meeting now. So, in compliance with the open public meeting law, I wish to state that on February 6, 2026, the notices of this 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 sent a ledger to the Herald Times and filed with the township clerk. Tonight's meeting is being video recorded up until the close session portion of this meeting and will be available 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 and remain standing for a moment of silence and reflection after this? >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisibley andice for all. >> All right, please remain standing for a moment of silence and reflection.
Amen. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Please call the role. >> Mr. Cassaceio, >> here. >> Mr. Nappen, >> here. >> 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 our regular
meeting workshop and close session? >> Yes. Motion to approve. Second. >> Please call a role. >> Mr. Casachio. Yes. >> Mr. Nappen. Yes. >> Mr. San Palumbo. Yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Mayor Corson. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. Moving forward there. We're
going to shake things up, but we'll start with you, Vic. >> Awesome. Good evening, everybody. Everybody. So good to see you all tonight. Love these nights when we get the teams to come in here and celebrate all of your success. It's wonderful. Uh I do have a few announcements that you guys have to sit through before you we
bring you up. Uh every month we put together this upper township update and basically it condenses all of the hard work that everybody does into a nice easy to read one page. We also post this on Facebook. So please check that. That's a lot of hard work that goes into that and it's a good way to keep in
touch with every wonderful thing we have going on in the township and all the hard work of all of our departments and I thank my IT department for doing such a great job with that. From a public safety standpoint, it's been a a major talking point. We talk about safety around the community center. It's an issue that I take very um importantly
and I just wanted to say a few things tonight about some of the steps that we're taking. Uh acknowledging that we are a safety first uh group. We want everybody to come to and from our events and to be as safe as possible during that. I personally view this as a good
problem. Our community center is so busy because we have so many wonderful coaches and athletes and parents that want to frequent our events. So, this challenge is welcome for me. Um, and we want to make a distinction that this is a parking capacity issue, not an issue in the community center. Our community
center does not go over fire code or anything like that. We uh we are well aware that it is a parking issue. Um as far as the jurisdiction is concerned, Highway 50 is a state road. This is not an upper township road and we do not
have jurisdiction to unilaterally ban parking or anything on that road. Um the reality here is um that we have an issue of where the cars are going to go and we're trying to design alternatives. Um if we ban it and we make cars go other places, we're just making it somebody
else's problem. the immediate action steps that we are taking as a township. We are uh keeping our partnership with the state police very tight uh for the remainder of the 2026 wrestling season. We will have a state police present, flashing lights, making sure that people slow down and drive safely uh around our
community center. Um our planned bridge next season is we will be searching for alternate sites. This uh timeline on any sort of construction could be fluid, but we are actively seeking um alternate locations to host wrestling events. Um this will provide tempor temporary
relief on the issue as we try to find a long-term solution. Our long-term solutions um would be extensive. We would have to come up with a permanent fix such as expanding on-site parking and anticipating that this would fully solve our problem. Uh we have been in
negotiations with property owner next door since the summer of 2025 to acquire the land and space that we need for that safety. Uh which we also have regulatory hurdles. Um there's tide lands, there's pine lands. Uh like you said, it's it's a very complicated issue, but I wanted
the community to know how serious we're taking it. It's wonderful to work with Zach and Sam from the public works side and from the recreation side to try to alleviate this issue, keep everybody safe. That's all I have. Z. >> Yeah, I'm going to keep it brief. Really
hoping that the uh snow uh ice falls so we can get Mandis Field up and running. Public works got some projects ahead of them, but we need the ground to fall before we can get started on that. My biggest uh uh you know thing is making
sure that like Vick said that people can get to and from uh things safely and obviously when you have a sheet of ice on some of the properties that the township owns you know we have to put a little bit extra salt out there then we
want to so we don't but other than that looking forward to recognizing our citizens tonight. >> Sam do you have any tonight? Let's hear it for cheerleading. Am I right? >> That's all I got, MAN. >> All right, Tyler, do you have anything?
>> Uh, just a couple things, Mayor. Uh, Saturday, February, February 21st from 1 to 3, Rain or Shine, will be our last freebies clinic for eight months. I believe this will be the last one for a long period of time before we offer another one. That'll be at Shore Veterinarians at 73 Hope, Corenberg, in
Seville. And I just want to touch briefly. Last week we met uh with Simon Judge Sue Shepard here in the courthouse. We had all our court staff here and personnel. Jimmy was here. Also, Mayor Woodbine attended as well. Talked about she was very uh helpful.
She wanted to know anything she could do to help us have our courts run smoother, more efficient. She talked about wanting to see more shared service agreements throughout the county. um they don't want to consolidate their court system like Atlantic County did. There's been some problems over there with that, but
they want to continue to see towns in Cape May County consolidate and work together to provide more efficient court systems for municipalities. One of the things we also talked about at the meeting, um we're the only municipality in the county that has to pay private security because the state police are
police force. a lot of these other municipalities in the county, they have their own police force or the county sheriff steps in and helps uh provide security for court sessions and court hearings. Uh we have to pay private security which obviously cuts into our budget. So she was looking at a way to
try to help us uh financially offset that burden. So hoping she follows through on her work there with that. But other than that was a very good meeting. She was very helpful and her staff was wonderful in kind meeting and I just our court system is well regarded in the county. best most efficiently run. So I
just want to give out to all the court personnel from top to bottom there from the judge down to the public defenders. So do a great job. That's all I have. >> All right. Thank you, Tyler. >> And uh the only well the one thing I have is we do have a public information
meeting March 2nd at Monday. It'll be at the upper township municipal building right where we are now. It's going to be in regards to our safe route to school grant money which we have received and CME Associates is
going to be presenting the plan for the safe route to school. It's going to be basically the sidewalk project in the elementary school area. So if anybody would like to attend, that's when it'll be.
And I do want to thank everyone that did put up with all the storm and damage and all that. We had a public works. I want to just stress what a great job they've done. And I guess everybody's a little bit housebound now ready to be outside and our spring activities are right
around the corner. But I just want to remind everybody, please check on your neighbors. The elderly. We've had a couple people run out of heat heat issues. We've had water pipes freezing. So check on your neighbors. Make or they're okay. So, that's all I
have. Jim, do you have anything for us tonight? >> Yeah, just two quick points. Uh, Mr. Mayor, committee. Uh, so, uh, last week I had a successful meeting with the lobbyists um and the rescue squad team and the engineers um to try to scope out the future of the rescue squad building for congressional directed spending as
from the from the Fed. And so, that's moving forward. Um we hope to be more successful this round at getting the feds to spend money on uh expanding and improving you know the the home to our rescue squad that does such good service to this community. Second thing is uh I have a meeting with DP tomorrow to
discuss the approval process uh revolving around um using clean quarry sand to patch some of uh the holes in our dune system and share. So, um, you know, we think it's possible, uh, as long as some of that grain size comes
out, you know, in the right measurements. So, ideally, you know, we'll be dumping some loads of truck of sand, um, on the dunes to patch some of those holes on CPU or C cliff area. Um, and lastly, I got, uh, you know, how
about those cheerleaders? Am I right? >> That's all I have. you have anything? >> Uh, just a reminder, the next meeting on February 23rd is at 6:30 because we'll be hosting the public safety awards. I'm not sure what time that starts. Do you know? >> Off the top of my head, I don't want to say the wrong time.
>> I will public safety awards starts. >> It's I think it starts meeting time and our meeting time is push an hour. I thought that's what >> 5:30 is the public safety award. >> So, I we're going to be here for a workshop and all that. We will probably I recommend attention committee be here for the public safety award. Not
We're going to award our public safety people their annual recognition for what they do for us. And that's to include the fire, the lifeguards, every >> Yeah, it's a nice event. It's it's incredible to hear some of the life-saving stories that happened right
in our in our waters. Uh we had a structure fire over the weekend. The incredible work 24 hours a day EMS does. So, and fire. >> That's it. >> John, do you have anything? >> Nothing right now. Mr. Mayor >> Barbara, >> nothing right now.
>> All right, we're moving right along. >> At this time, we'll open it up to public comment for anybody that would like to comment on anything that is on our agenda. Agenda items only for tonight. Seeing and hearing no public comment, we will close the public portion at this
time to open it again later and we'll move on to presentations. And the I guess the first one we have a presentation to the upper township peeweee cheerleading squad. So we're going to start with the peewee
and we are going to ask committeeman Sam Palumbo since he's enjoying recreation. Would you like to read that into the record and as your name is called out for the young ladies please come forward and the coaches we want to line you all up and we all want to get a picture.
Uh, I just want to say before I get started, if there's a name that's challenging and you hear me hesitate, it's because I am hesitating. So, feel free to just yell out the name and I will say it correctly. Okay. Thank you. All right. I'll read this into the recording. Whereas the Upper Town
cheerleading program provides a dynamic sport for our youth by championing the ideals of sportsmanship, fair play, and physical fitness both on and off the field. And whereas with their infectious and energetic spirit, the upper township peewee cheerleading squad's wholehearted participation in the island championship
cheer competition in Wildwood with a strong placing with a strong showing by placing fourth in the peewee category. And whereas it is appropriate that on behalf of the citizens of Upper Township, we recognize and honor the following members of the Upper Township cheerleading squad. You
can keep Go ahead. You can hand them out. >> Felicity Anglada. Tough start. Riley Bernard. >> Are we here? >> It's okay. What's Carly's last name?
>> Boss. I'm asking for lifelines. Perfect. Carly Bos, >> McKenzie Brown, Gerber, Helena Butterfield, >> Brena Deber, Emma Faggerstrom,
Marggo Jennalini, Rayan Gillespie, Julianne Haberman, Chloe Kilroy, Jordan Low, Addie Mayer, Mia Mcdev, Melanie McKinley,
Nora Mitchell, Brooklyn M, Lizzie Mullen, Ava Perry, Madden Robinson, you got one, Taylor Rubin, Marissa Shonne, Nor Zapati. Whereas we also extend this recognition
and thanks to Michelle Jernowski, Bernardet Jennalini, Evelyn Grizzner, Katrina Warren for their generous donation of their personal time and service to coach this team. And now therefore, we And now therefore,
be it resolved by the township committee on behalf of the citizens of the township of Upper to honor the 2025 Pee-Wee cheerleading squad for their dedication and hard work. And to each coach, our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the generous donation of their time and service to the young people of this community given under our
hands and the seal of the township on this 12th day, January 2026. I will hop. Congratulations. >> Jim's gonna be up there screaming as he
drown out the clap. I'll show you. >> All right, let's do it again. >> The junior varsity cheerleading squad. Whereas the Upper Township cheerleading program provides a dynamic sport for our youth by championing the ideals of sportsmanship, fair play, and physical fitness both on and in competitions. And whereas the Upper Township Junior
Varsity Cheerleading Squad displayed their infectious energy and enthusiasm by dominating the competition during the Island Championship Cheer Competition in Wildwood, earning first place in the junior varsity category. And whereas it is appropriate that on behalf of the citizens of Upper Township, we recognize
and honor the following members of the Upper Township Cheerleading Squad. Alli Adams, Brinley Adams, Hadley Blizzard, Emma DeFazio. >> No, Hadley. Okay. Emma DeFazio. Harper
Garby. SNOW GODFREY, >> Alana Greor, Riley Cordinos, Olivia Ley, Emerson McNeel, True Milvski, >> Ellie Murphy,
Charlotte Oello, Selena Phillips, Ella Cruz, Skyler Bruce, >> SKYLER, AC Robinson, KYLIE ROSARIO, KAYN SCHOLARITZ,
Riley Shrader, Hazel Shupe, Ellie Simmerman, Mia Chuffs, G Victoria Tradente, Sophie Wallish,
Abig Gale Young. Whereas we also extend this recognition and gratitude to Amanda >> Pruceley Brinley Adams. >> Whereas we also extend this recognition and gratitude to Amanda Pruce, April Milvky and Samantha Wallish for the
generous donation of their personal time and service to coach this team. and now therefore be resolved by the township committee on behalf of the citizens of the township above to honor the 24 to the entire season and to each coach our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for
the generous donation of their time and service to the young people of this community giving our hands and the seal the touch bumper on this 15th day of December 2025. All right. >> Your other left. >> CONGRATULATIONS. ALL RIGHTY.
>> Third time's the charm. Varsity >> for the varsity cheerleading squad. Whereas the Upper Township cheerleading program provides a dynamic sport for our youth by championing the ideals of sportsmanship, fair play, and physical fitness both on and off the field. And whereas the Upper Township varsity cheerleading squad demonstrated their
infectious energy and enthusiasm by dominating the island championship cheer competition at Wildwood, earning first place in the varsity category and being crowned grand champion overall. And whereas it is appropriate that on behalf of the citizens of Upper Township, we recognize and honor the following
members of the Upper Township cheerleading squad. The Upper Township varsity cheerleaders. Vivian Becker, Carson Bell, Kina Cavalo, McKenzie Camp, Emily Costello,
Megan Cous, Quinn Crowley, Marcy Curran, Miranda DeFazio, Zoe Delbboido, Ashlin Frell, Aubrey Germinino, German
Sophia G. That's just an addition of the first one, GM Baradino, Evelyn Grizzner, Morgan Lechner, Zoe Mayfield,
Tanner Mel Mohler, excuse me, that was a bad one. Allison Pino, nothing. Okay. Vanessa Swangnum. Thank you ladies.
Savannah Tutor Madison TURNER MISSING. Whereas we also extend this recognition and thanks to Stephanie Grizzinger, Desiree Divine, and Megan Gio GM Bardino for the generous donation of their
personal time and service to coach this team. And now, therefore, be it resolved by the township committee on behalf of the citizens of the township of upper to honor the 2025 varsity cheerleading team for their dedication and hard work. And to each coach our heartfelt thanks and
gratitude for the generous donation of their time and service to the young people of this community given under our hands and the seal of the township buffer on this 15th day December 2025 >> girls going take you outside
everybody together. >> Nice job, guys. >> I just want to say on behalf of the township committee, Larry Cole stole our >> Hey, I just want to say girls have great job. >> Hopefully all
Yeah. Last one. Last one. >> Germaio and Gio Bardino right next to each other. >> Good job, guys. Great job. >> Great job. Great. >> Woohoo. See you. >> I wish you all would stay for the meeting, but >> it's really exciting. You're missing an
exciting meeting. Just don't come next week. >> Well, hot guy. >> Well, next week. >> Oh, wow.
>> All right. >> At this time, we'll move on to our consent agenda. Thank you, Sam, for that recreation presentation. You did a great job. You butchered the names up worse than I would have. >> Uh, it was tough. It was tough out there, man. >> Motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Second.
>> Please call a roll. >> Mr. Cassaceio, yes. >> Mr. Nappen, yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo, yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo, >> yes. >> Mayor Corson, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Under new business, we have the activities club of Oakidge, Inc. Request to hold raffle RA 614 at 516 Route 9
South Memorial on August 6, 2026. >> Motion to approve. Second call to >> Mr. Cassaceio. Yes. >> Mr. Nappen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sam Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Corson. >> Yes. >> What's your pleasure on the bill? Gentlemen, >> move that all claims submitted for
payment this meeting be approved and incorporated in full in the minutes of this meeting. >> Mr. Cassaceio on one bill tonight, gentlemen. 26- 75. Yes. On the list, >> Mr. Nathan. Yes. >> Mr. San Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Zack Palumbo.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Corson. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> At this time, we'll open it up to the public. Is there anyone in the public that would like to address the township committee? >> This is your opportunity.
All right. Speak now or hold your peace. Right. At this time, we'll close the public portion and we'll move on to Entertain a motion for close session. >> I hereby move that a resolution be incorporated in the minutes authorizing the township committee to enter into executive session for following matters
pursuant to public meetings act. One, contract negotiation, special legal counsel. Two, contract negotiation special legal counsel tax appeals. Three, contract negotiation appraisal services. Also include by motion the estimated time and circumstances under
which the discussion conducted in close session can be disclosed to the public as follows. It's anticipated that the matters discussed in close session may be disclosed to the public upon the determination of the township committee and that the public interest will no longer be served by such confidentiality
be with respect to the contract negotiations. Such matters will be made public when negotiations have ceased. There is no longer a reason for confidentiality. >> Secio Mr. Nappen Mr. Sam Palumbo. >> Yes. >> Zack Palumbo. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Corson. >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right.