Hey Alice, congratulations. And if everyone could please um fill out those forms and return them to me by the end of the meeting, I would appreciate that. Thank you. Item seven, uh roll call of the newly elected board. Mr. Smagle here.
Mr. Fischer >> here. >> Mr. Krauss >> here. >> Miss Nichols >> here. >> Miss Pallet >> here. >> Miss Pac >> here. >> Dr. Ross >> here. >> Miss Varello >> here. >> Mr. Zimmerman >> here. >> We have a quorum.
>> Congratulations to everybody. Uh so next uh will be nominations for board president. Um first we will have nominations. uh that does not require a second, that requires one nomination. Uh candidates will then be voted on uh in
order that they are nominated. Um after the nominations are closed, that's when the motion will be voted on and that will require a second. Figure it's always good to lay out the ground rules before you go. Uh so I'd like to open the floor for nominations uh for board president.
>> I nominate Jennifer Pellet. >> Thank you. And just bear with me as I as I take notes as we go here. Seeing no uh further uh nominations, uh I would need a motion and a second uh
to accept and close nominations for the office of president. Uh, I would then need a motion and a second uh to uh vote on Miss Pellet, elect Miss Pellet as president of the board of education effective immediately until the organization meeting has
prescri until the organization meeting has prescribed by law. >> So move second. Uh, we're going to do a roll call vote now. Mr. Smeagglia. >> Yes. >> Mr. Fischer. >> Hi. >> Mr. Krauss. >> Yes.
>> Miss Nichols. >> Yes. >> Miss Pallet? >> Yes. >> Miss PEC? >> Yes. Dr. Ross, >> yes. >> Mr. Earlo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zimmer, >> yes. >> Motion carries and we will switch sheets. Congratulations.
>> Thank you. Thank you. >> You did great. >> I get to keep the computer. >> Okay. I'll need that too. Just give me a second here. Drop everything. So, I just want to say thank you to everybody for their support and I want
to welcome our new board members, uh, Alice Nichols and Sarah PEC, and thank Carrie Ross for rejoining us. Um, I'm really excited about this year. We have a great team and we're really looking forward to doing some work. So, uh, with that said, I don't think anybody needs
an acceptance speech from me. So, we will move on to nominations for vice president. Um, same rules apply, same process applies. Like to open the floor for nominations for vice president. >> I nominate John Krauss. >> Thank you. Um, we don't need a second.
Do we have any other nominations? Okay. Uh, so now we need a motion to accept the nomination and close the nomination for vice president. >> Thank you, Charlie. and a second.
>> Second. Thank you, Alice. >> Terrific. Um, so now I do this on the motion of >> Oh, yep. I think I missed it last time. So, everyone voice voted to accept last time. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I think I skipped it. Yep.
>> Okay. So, so wait, what? >> Uh, voice vote to close nominations. >> Okay. So, can I get a voice vote to close the nominations? Just need the wording. >> I >> Okay, now it's fine. Now >> if Charlie said bye, we all say >> okay on the motion of uh Charles do
Charles seconded by Al was that Alice. >> Uh we would need a new motion and second to vote. >> Oh, so I need a new Okay. House as vice president. >> I'm sorry. Yes. So can I get a motion to Okay. Thank >> Thank you, Charlie and Ray.
All right. Um, so now we need a voice vote on the motion to accept uh John Krauss to nom to appoint John Krauss as vice president. >> I roll call. >> Can we get a roll call? Okay.
>> Mr. Fischer. >> Hi. >> Mr. Krauss. >> Yes. >> Miss Nichols. >> Yes. >> Miss Pallet. >> Yes. >> Miss Pac. >> Yes. >> Dr. Ross. >> Yes. >> Miss Echarelloo. >> Yes. Mr. Zimmerman. >> Yes. >> Mr. Smeaggley.
>> Hi. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you everyone. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Swapping it. All right. >> And I want to thank Charlie Smagalia for putting in the year with us last year as
vice president. You >> got your plate? >> Yeah. >> Thanks. >> All right. So, we're all sorted with that. Um, so item 10, public comment.
Um, I'm sorry to read. >> Sometimes when I fall asleep, this is what I dream. I'm just kidding. >> I bet. Uh during the course of the public meeting of the Vernon Board of Education, the public is offered the opportunity to address the board on agenda items and any issues regarding the school district. The board will remind these those individuals who take
this opportunity, they must identify themselves by name and section of town and limit their comments to agenda items and or issues that directly relate to the operations of the school district. Issues that are raised by the members of the public may or may not be responded to by the board or administration at the time of the meeting or at any time. All comments will be considered in response will be forthcoming if and when
appropriate. The board will request that members of the public keep their comments to a limit of five minutes, be courteous, respectful, and mindful of the rights of other individuals in speaking. Specifically, comments regarding students and employees of the board of education should be thoroughly considered by the speaker and may or may not be responded to by the board or administration. Be advised that students
and employees have the rights of confidentiality, confidentiality, and other protections under the law. Student names should never be used. The board bears no responsibility nor will be liable for any comments made by the public during the public portion of the board meeting. Members of the public should consider the comments in light of the legal rights of those affected or
identified in the comments and be aware that they are personally legally responsible with potential liability for the comments that they make to the board. >> Thank you, Mr. Slam. Do we have any members of the public who would like to comment tonight? >> No comments. >> No comment from those in attendance.
Anyone online? I don't >> have anybody online. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh item 11, appointments. Um, we do need some volunteers for the Sussex County School Board Association delegate position.
>> Thank you, Ry Simon. And uh an alternate for that position then. >> I'll do it. I was the delegate. He he could take it in. >> Okay. >> No, you have it. You're good. >> I don't know his job, but I'm okay. >> No worries. >> Keep volunteering though, Alice, because
there's lots of these. Um uh and then we need another delegate for the New Jersey School Boards Association. >> I'll do it again. >> U Bryant did that last time. Okay. And an alternate >> All right. Great. And then the legislative um position for the New
Jersey School Boards Association. Yay, Alice. Thank you. All right. Terrific. And then we have the Sussex County Educational Services Commission, Stephanie. Awesome. Um, do we have anyone who wants to be an
alternate for that? >> Okay, great. Sarah, perfect. Thank you everybody. Um, also for the new members who don't have committee assignments yet, uh, please see me after the meeting so we can talk about what you'd like to do
there. Um, okay. Thank you. So that's not item number two, but I'd like to confab about that one. So we we're just going to skip that for now, right? Um so item 12. Oh, recommendations. That's up. That's you, Miss Dendez.
Upon recommendation of the superintendent of schools, approval by the board of education to approve to adopt the attached code of ethics for board members, which is attachment A. Will we be reading this? Oh. Um, they're the standard ones we do every year,
right? Uh, I don't think we But I, you know what, it's a short meeting if you want to read it. >> Maybe each board member can take one. >> Okay, perfect. That's a great idea. >> So, uh, John, why don't you start? >> Okay, we're going around the room.
>> Um, a school board member shall abide by the following code of ethics for schoolboard members. Excuse me. Letter A. I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules, and regulations of the state board of education and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired
changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures. >> Okay, I'll take B. I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race,
creed, sex, or social standing. Okay. Um, Dr. Ross, do you want to start with C? >> I will confine my board action to policym, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.
>> Okay, Stephanie. >> D. I will carry out my responsibility not to admin administer the schools, but together with my fellow board members to see that they are wellrun. E I will recognize that authority rests
with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board. >> I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan groups or to use school for
personal gain or for the gain of friends. I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which if disclosed would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and in concert with my
fellow board members interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school. I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer.
I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties. >> I'll do the last one. >> Jay, I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative
solution. >> Thank you everyone. Number two, upon recommendation of the superintendent of schools approval by the board of education to approve the day, place, and time for the public meeting dates for January 2026 through
January 2027 as attached in attachment B. Upon recommendation of the superintendent of schools approval by the board of education to approve the following deposi stories for school funds under NJSA 18A17-34 Robet Bank
upon recommendation of the superintendent schools approval by the board of education approve Raymond Slam as a designated person authorized to sign school warrants NGSA 18A 19-1. Do you want me to read the whole thing? I want you to go through recommended. Okay. Uh recommendation to approve uh
New Jersey Herald uh New Jersey Sunday Herald and Star Ledger as official newspapers for the district. Item six uh recommendation to approve the New Jersey Herald for publication of board meetings. And number seven, uh recommendation for approval to read existing bylaws and policies for the board's operations and operation of the
school district. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to approve resolutions uh 71 through 7? Stephanie, I get a second. >> Second. >> Thank you, Sarah. >> Uh, questions or comments? Charlie.
>> Um, in the beginning, we have January 8th will be a public meeting, but it's not listed on the calendar for strategic. >> Uh, so we advertised it uh separately uh since those were special meetings that were added related to strategic
planning. Uh, so it has been advertised and it is on the board website. >> Oh, no. But it's not on this the sheet that >> uh those are regular meetings. Um so those have already been advertised. Yep. >> Okay. >> Cuz cuz what'll happen is we'll take
this form and then we'll advertise the whole thing at once for the year. >> Okay. >> Since the other ones have already been advertised, we don't need to advertise them again. >> Okay. >> Any more comments or questions? Okay. Roll call.
Mr. Krauss, >> yes. >> Miss Nichols, >> yes. >> Miss Pallet, >> yes. >> Miss Pac, >> yes. >> Dr. Ross, >> yes. >> Miss Carlo, >> yes. >> Mr. Zimmer, >> yes. >> Mr. Smacleia,
>> yes. >> Mr. Fischer, >> I. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. Um, item 13. You know, I just want to ask, were we supposed to have a second public comment session? or
>> or do you not do that at a rework? >> Usually we only have uh you're only required to have one. Uh so you normally reworks we only have one. Um if we wanted to we could in the future do two or we could open it up again. >> I mean we didn't have anyone but I just
wanted to make sure that no one was waiting to speak that thought that they Okay. Okay. So yeah, we don't need to. >> Thank you. Uh so item 13, open board member forum. Um, I know I wanted to ask our members who attended the town council meeting to possibly fill us in a
little bit on what they learned. >> Who wants to go first? >> I can talk a little bit. Um, so you know the pilot program that we had at the town, they talked about the town council which payment in lie of taxes. So
basically means that the developer is going to build property in this town and that money will go to the town but not since it's not tax there's no cut that goes to the school board the school district or it goes to any anything else that the town would have to pay out if
it came in the regular way. They also get it's a fixed price. So as our taxes go up their theirs will remain the same. There's also some stipulation in there where um I don't remember how many years, but it's divvied up over the 30-year period
where it's the greater of of the of the of the amount. So either the money that the town uh put down as a fixed amount that they have to pay or a tax rate. So if it's uh I think it starts out at zero, 20, 40%, 60% and 80% and at the
end of 30 years they obviously will get taxed at 100%. So it's whatever is more money. So that's their um their fallback plan. Um however, it's still not it's still less than regular taxes. It doesn't won't it won't help our district at all. Basically, that money will not
be like normally it's not part of the tax our tax base. uh we get we'll get some of the money from that right which I think in the neighborhood of 52% or something they were saying what what this does is in my eyes it looks like it
diverts a little bit of the money right the money will go right to the town at the end of the project they're projecting $3.8 8 million that will be the revenue for the town. If you look at their numbers, they gave us a number of eight students will will probably come
into the district. Those eight students will obviously there's no tax money coming for those eight students. It will cost each eight each of those students $13,000. So you're looking at $104,000. Um, and at the end of 30 years, if you
just quick math, right, $100,000 and that's $3,000, $3 million, right? So, it's almost a break even, I would say, for the town, but the money goes somewhere else instead of going to the to the school. So, the school is going to be
could possibly face a deficit of $100,000. In my eyes, that's that's like a teacher, right? That's going to hurt us. That's something we have to make up. um if we have to if if it got too bad I think u you know we would have to go
back and get money but so how they're diverting this money to say it's going to save you >> I don't know I I think it will cost more money in my eyes right because if we still need another teacher let's say or $100,000 in our budget because we have
eight new students then where is that money going to come from? It's got to come from tax revenue, which means taxes still have to go up, right? And you know, in p perfect situation is you have one student in eight separate school
school uh grade levels, but what if they're all what if they're all inclusion students, which cost the district a little bit more? What if they're all in the same grade level, which puts our class size over? I mean, if I moved in this town right now with
my number of kids, I it would definitely I I would it would be a big a big shock to the district, right? >> And so I I mean, they had some they have some, you know, specialists that that's what they do. They're professionals and
they look at statistics and they came up with the numbers. So, I I believe their numbers, but if you just look at their numbers that they're saying eight at at $13,000, and that's at this year's numbers, right? We all know inflation's going up. We all know everything else is costing
money. So, at the end of the year, I I don't see how the town really makes any money out of this, but I see that it will be it could it could hurt our district. It could hurt us a lot. Um especially if we go over more uh you know to be fair I I mean that lot
probably would not be developed. So I I see where the town can't wants to come in and they want a little bit more money so they can spend for other things but I think sometimes we forget that the school district is the town. If you look
at the number we have 3,000 students about right. >> Mhm. So you look at maybe two people in each, you know, they have two parents or two guardians. So that's 9,000 people. We are at a town of 24. A third of our
population is directly affected by the school district. And to keep, you know, to not give the money to the district, that affects a lot of people. And it also affects everyone else in the town, right? It's not just because I sell my house. We have a good school district.
It makes me money. when I want to re re you know reinvest in my house I want to get a loan I want to get anything it looks at my value in my house so you always want a good school district so this taking money you know not allowing money to flow the proper way into the
school district I think is will be will hurt us and um it's been signed I don't know what else we can do right now but I I I think this is something we have to look at and the town has to look at in the future
Um, you know, we're all on the same team. You know, the money helps us helps us all and benefits us all. So, we make have to make sure that we don't take from one to to make brought from one to help the
other. So, but I don't know, maybe I went too far over there. >> Thank you, Bri. Oh, John. Brian, >> you can go. I just had a question about the 13 the number 13,000 that they use is bogus because it costs the average
taxpayer 26 or $27,000 to educate a student. They use those numbers to to get their their their quotas or whatever they need to do with that with that number. But you have to double all those numbers. And what happens if, god forbid, there's a student who has an IEP
that has an out of district placement from those buildings? Those are hundreds of thousands of dollars as we all know. All right. But I also want to just mention one thing. There is some legislation coming down the pike that I read about that's I'm talking about making the people with pilots share with
the boards of education. That's um some law. I forget I forget the number. You can look it up, but they're it's they're fighting it. People who are developers and stuff, they're fighting it desperately. But if the law passes, we will get some money from that.
I think um and this was talked about at the meeting. I believe if the law passes, it's not retroactive. >> So, okay. There's a pilot in place >> before we're not getting that money. >> Okay. All right.
>> So, uh just my comments from the from the meeting. Uh it passed. We all know that it's the vote was four to nothing. It didn't >> not four to one. was it? Okay. Um, but it's it's in
place. You know, I don't think there's anything that we can do about this one. Charlie said, you know, what can we do? You have to keep in mind that there's other ones in the pipeline. And uh in particular, they're talking about a 99
unit uh uh structure that they also are looking to do a pilot on. So, uh I don't know how we do it, but we as the board need to keep our ears to the ground, uh because you know, we this was extremely
unpopular. Uh the place was packed there. It was literally people standing along the walls uh and uh 20 I would guess people came up for for public comment. easy. >> Um, so it it it was extremely unpopular.
Um, and I think if if we keep our ears to the ground and we become active as a board if we can, um, you know, maybe we can have some influence on the ones that
that are in the pipeline. Um the comment about the number of students that are going to come out of this development. Mrs. uh Mrs. Paladini uh brought up some some numbers, right,
from from other developments where that because uh somebody had made a comment about how amazingly accurate these projections were and then as he stood up and started bringing up development after development where they were supposed to be no kids or it was
supposed to be three and it turned out to be 30. Um so the the number eight students is is very questionable. Bear in mind that number was given by the developer. So >> well I was yeah I was curious because I thought you said they had hired somebody
like an expert to figure to calculate the number of students but I don't know 27 units eight kids sounds light to me. So I'm just curious how they got that number. >> I thought it was they had a I thought the firm was paid by the town. So I I I the developer did have their own um what
they thought and I think it was confirmed by uh the town p I can't think of his name was Anthony or something but it was some they had a firm and uh that's what they do because he cuz somebody questioned number and he said well that and it goes by where what the
location is what grade levels how many what the kind of housing it is like it was a huge formula that he said that they put together and that's how they come up with the 13,000 to begin what thing. >> Yeah. Ruckers >> and and then then how many people will uh actually have children that would
attend school. >> So, >> but I I think the the comment by the council members the the one comment that you know he Bill Higgins in in trying to
justify why he was voting the way he voted. One of his comments really bore a lot of weight and his comment was that we have a mandate from the state to provide affordable housing and
these pilots are going to satisfy that that requirement. And his comment was, you know, if if we don't do it, the state will force us. They're going to ram it down our throat, which I think were his exact words. So, you know, no
matter what our position becomes on pilot, you have to bear in mind that that's hovering in the background as a force to push these things through. >> Did they talk at all about the process for choosing this developer? Was it a
bidding situation? How long did what what did what did they try to do to get this uh property? >> This is the same objectionable. >> Yeah. This is the same builder that just put up the 55 plus seat
and to my under correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the same builder for every project they're talking about. >> I believe >> I don't know about future ones, but I Yeah, there was I haven't heard anything about bidding or anything like that. >> Jen, >> yeah, sorry. >> Just a little bit to what Brian said
about Mr. Higgins is that affordable housing requirements is one thing. pilot is separate. >> You don't have to do pilot to have a >> Yes, that's true. >> They can build it >> without pilots. >> I think I think what Bill's point was
and just as devil has Yeah. What what Bill's point was was that this development in particular, the one they voted on wouldn't happen without pilot. And that therefore was going to make it get built, which was going to help us
satisfy. And I'm just anticipating this being an argument that is going to be brought up for future projects. Yeah. >> So they're not putting them out to bid to different >> Yeah. That I mean that is the nature of pilot programs. The whole point of is
that you can't attract a developer any other way than by giving them some sort of tax kind of advantage situation. But I just wonder how hard they tried to attract other developers. And 30 years is the maximum. So why not try for 10 or
I I I just don't know how much time was spent to uh really research the whether this was the best we could do as a town. Um >> there's a petition going on >> being signed in town and on Facebook there's different places where you can
go down and sign whether it be at the Acme or wherever. But there were a lot of people that just do not do not want to see this happen. And I can't I like Charlie said the eight students, you know, that would be
>> I think that's optimistic. >> I think it's very optimistic. And then also the cost per student. We know that isn't accurate, you know. So, and that there's other >> the cost, you know, the cost per student is actually really difficult thing to to pinpoint because there, you know, there's fixed costs that don't go up
every time you add a student. And then, you know, Charlie made the point where uh if if they're all in one grade and you have to add a teacher for class size purposes, that's different. If someone comes into the district who has an IEP, that's different. So, it's just a really tough thing to to to estimate. But the
bottom line is it's not they're not giving any money and that the town is council apparently has made it very clear that they have the option to share this revenue with the district and they will not be doing that and so it's not going to cost us nothing. So, so that's
>> it actually cost us something. I mean, it's not minimum amount, but we actually that that parcel of land is being taxed right now. >> So, >> Oh, that's true. right there. We lose revenue. >> We're not losing a lot, but there is something that we're losing and and and I think that, you know, it makes sense
what they listen >> the idea >> I think the council tried to do what they think was going to help the town help the town grow and Okay, I got it. But we I I we need to next time I I wish they would spend more time looking at the school district and helping and
working. We are part of the town. we are part of the we're just we just have a separate governing governing body but we're the same thing and and maybe if we they can spend more time with us and we can help foster a better deal. Um the
they said the developer was only going to make three or 4%. That's why they went for this pilot program, right? This is this is why the projections are. So, you know, we can sit here all day debating on whether or not that's true and how much stuff, but
at the end of the day, I think a big part of the town was missed. This the school district is a big part of town and was not taken into consideration with this. >> Well, I think the school district was actually blamed. >> Yes.
>> Pretty big. >> Dr. Ross, did you >> Thank you to those of you that went and for explaining. So, um, did they say why they're choosing not to share with the school district? >> I don't think they ever >> Well, I think that was your your comment that you just made. The school district
was blamed. I think there's a sense I mean, I wasn't there, but I've heard it before. There's a sense that, you know, we're already maxing out our tax levy every year. And so, you know, >> so they
I I don't want to misquote some anything, but >> it it it was a kind of a comment where uh made that >> when tax revenue comes into the town, they have to pay people out. It's the same thing as us, right? We're all
taxpayers. We we we make a salary. Our all the businesses in town make a salary and then the town comes and taxes us. The state taxes, the federal government tax us. So the town has other taxes that they have to pay. They have to pay the school out. They have to pay county out, right? And so
I don't it was almost they were like, well, this is our money now. You know, we don't have to pay anybody else out. And that's why it was more beneficial for the town. And I think they're hoping to use that for improvements in the town. But when you take away I mean,
when you put another cost and I I I don't see it. It just it's like a wash. It's going to cost the district 30, you know, $3 million at the end of this. So, what we made $800,000 >> Mhm.
>> over over 30 years. Was it about 27,000 you make a year? Like, was it worth it? >> I don't know. But there was that also they said about the >> were these count towards for um lowinccome count towards phase three and
there's another phase phase four that didn't even start. you have that we're not even we still have to pay back phase three. So >> and and he also a large number that we had was it like a hundred or something like that apartments that we have to come up with. Do you remember what he said? >> I don't remember the number >> but there was a large number of low
income. >> We were in deficit. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> This one's 27 right? The one that they're low >> income only. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Go ahead. It used to be a town like Vernon could sell
its lowinccome aotment to, you know, a lowinccome place like Newark and actually make money and and relieve itself of the low-inccome burden. But the state >> ended that Yeah. >> Supreme Court made it ruled that
unconstitutional. So we have an obligation that that has to be filled. I think >> low income housing or affordable housing because it's a big difference. >> Affordable housing. >> Yeah. >> Housing one is not necessarily affordable for most people.
>> Low income is different. There is a difference between >> Did I say low income? I meant afford I might have went back. >> I might have said I said it but I thought that's what it was. >> No. >> Yeah. There's a distinction there, right? But >> okay. All right. >> One other question I had was is the eight students over the 30 years is it
like >> I think it's per year. per year there could be addition we should count on an additional eight students >> and that's just one building >> and that's so that builds yeah like we have a K to2 district so it's >> eight students each year
>> not no one's they're not all leaving the district every year right so the rent >> like they'll eb and flow but the average will be eight >> oh the average will be eight that was my understanding right >> yeah it's yeah >> pull that out of the air >> okay and they have a formula for knowing
That how many? >> It was a Rucker University >> Rucker blouseing model, I think, is what they use. >> Okay. Yeah. >> My Elma ladder. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Yeah. If you do back of the envelope math, it doesn't match that because the
number of bedrooms in the apartments. Why would people have these bedrooms if they weren't going to have people in? >> Another point that came up and >> I think this goes back to the condo, the great gorge where this building
One of the residents called up the building 27 units to have a right >> and many of them have lost um not loss >> family rooms an an extra room that could be considered a bedroom and they asked
specifically could that could that be considered another bedroom they said sure >> so what happens then I mean if we're bringing suppose somebody has three kids into one bedroom looks like they can So >> you never know.
>> I just want to say I'm sorry about the your like the average. So it's eight eight >> would imagine that's an average, right? So we know averages go up and down, right? Every the year. So >> what would 16 students one year do to the district? >> Yeah. So even though over eight years it
because one year could make a I I I think Ray might lose all his hear that that that year, you know, like 16 students just coming in with no revenue for those students could could could really hurt our budget that year >> and and no capability on our part
because we do have a cap on how much we can >> increase our budget. So we we won't be able to adjust for that. So that will mean cuts. So that's a little the the worst case scenario should definitely be considered with that.
>> I would also say you know main focus of some of those council members that sat where we are here now main goal was no more taxes. So we know what that's done that to the infrastructure here over the past 10 years that we're dealing with
now. They're looking to do it the same way now. Not invest it but to just keep the taxes as low as possible. The same problem that's going on here is going to go on over there also. And we're going to have more students here. We're capped on how much we can rate
that. Meaning the district will have to start cutting teachers, programs, and everything else. I do not believe 30 years was really weighed out on that council on the effects of the town. And here we already don't have enough ambulances to cover
Vernon as it is. Now you're adding more apartments, high density spots. We're going to eventually have to add an ambulance squad, a real a paid one to burn. I don't know if it affects the fire as much, but certainly the ambulances because most of our volunteer
ambulances are no longer manned. So there's a lot of structural problems, but in the end, we have to educate the kids. We have the CAPS. We're going to be the ones making these decisions. you know, the cap the pilot program would be great for commercial products, you know,
could also be used for commercial development also, which would actually I mean, Vernon's been chasing raidables since the day I got here, >> right? >> I don't know if we've ever caught one, but supposedly they're out there that we're searching for, but it would be better to do that because stores that
develop are not going to put kids in the district. You know, >> there's no uh retail space in this in the 27 unit uh >> plant. Okay. >> They talked about selling parking lots or parking spaces and the
>> charging extra for pets, >> right? Something >> we, you know, the town will then make more money off it. But again, that's still >> But you know, how much are you going to make up parking, >> right? I think, you know,
backing on on what Ry said about searching for raidables, you know, one of the council members made a comment that by building these these units, we're going to attract businesses to town. And I heard that comment and I
said to myself in in my reasoning anyhow, that's backwards. You know, you when when you look at a community, when we moved to this community, I came here from Little Falls where literally anything and everything was a two-minute
drive away, if not a two-minute walk. And we knew that in moving to Vernon, we were sacrificing that that convenience that we had for the the, you know, the tranquility and and the the rural atmosphere that we have up
here. when you're moving into an apartment, it, you know, that's what you consider. How far is the the nearest drugstore? How far is the nearest hospital? How far is the nearest grocery store? And it doesn't make sense to me that you're
expecting people to move into an apartment on on the promise that when you guys get here, it's going to attract the businesses to come and serve you. It to me, that's putting the cart before the horse. >> It doesn't make sense. and and they
they're sort of sitting there saying, "Well, you know, we're we're guaranteed a percentage." And that's how it works. It's it's a percentage of the gross revenue of the project, but if you're only 25%
occupied, then, >> you know, it doesn't make sense. >> Yeah. Yeah. That may not directly affect us that way. But I'm just again I think what we need to do as a board is to
anticipate what's coming and to get more involved at the levels because at one point there was a question about uh I I forget the exact question and and Mr. Rizzo's comment was well that should be sailed because it was something that had
been handled in the planning board stage. >> The land use board had already approved it so there was nothing for us to I I think that's where we as a board need to get involved to find out what's before these other boards >> and act before it gets to the to the
council. >> So yeah, that was my next question was you mentioned ear to the ground, but what what can we do? I mean, obviously this has been voted on. There is a petition circulating. Who knows what will happen with that, but we do have the future ones. So how how should we as
a board try to um understand and if not influence uh the future decision making here. Does anybody have any thoughts on that? >> We used to have a liaison committee that you know engaged with the town. Um we
don't have that right now. >> Might not be a bad idea under the circumstances. At least one person. Yeah, >> I'd be willing to do that. >> Or at a minimum, like I never heard this going to land use board like things go
to those boards that really aren't out there, >> right? They're not publicized. Well, >> should be looking at the agendas because I mean, >> yeah, >> land use planning. >> Are those public meetings? >> They are. Okay. >> Generally, all should be public if
they're governmental, you know. I would think they're not close session. people I believe testify >> for or against them. Not testify, but present >> before and against. But I don't think camp the town knew about any of this till the meeting,
>> you know. >> Well, that Yeah, I was wondering about that. That happens to us sometimes, too, though, where we talk and talk and talk about something and then people, it surprises people. So, I don't know if that's what happened with the town or if it just all came about very quickly. It's a pretty consequential
long-term decision that impacts the town for 30 years. So, I should would certainly hope it wasn't done quickly. >> If you look back, it's on the agendas, but like the land use board is not something I think on most people's radar. Maybe planning a little bit. It's
not >> something that goes out there, but it is there. Even us sometimes we get accused of not saying, but look back, it might have been on the agenda. that just wasn't brought up to people's attention or it's worded a way that people don't realize what it really is, you know. So,
looking at our committee structure, um, this kind of falls, I guess, under community relations, right? Um, so maybe the community relations committee can request a meeting with the uh members of the town council or
>> and we should probably, as you said, start attending some of those. >> Steph and I are on that committee and I think you're going to >> talk to other prospective members tonight. So >> yes. Okay. >> Yeah, I I can make that happen. >> Yeah, that would be great. I just think
we should try to be more at least informed. I mean, I don't know how influential we can be, but All right. Anybody have any um >> Jen, if you're gonna if you're going to do that with the uh um the committee, maybe it should also the committee should speak then to the buildings and
grounds, the finance committee, right? Because >> if we pro if the you guys learn about that there's going to be a projection of 20 students coming into the finance is going to need to know or John think it was right. That's you right.
You finance need to know how we're going to plan for that, right? So, >> well, I'm on finance. >> He's on finance as well. >> Okay. >> True. Yeah. >> I wonder if in their projections of the eight students, do they talk about what they think for grade levels or is it just eight students? >> Eight students.
>> It's just a number. Yeah. That they come up with. >> The problem is the way they talked about it. It was, you know, they talked about eight students. They talked about the $13,000 per year, but they talked about it as if those eight students were going to be there the one year, not right,
>> you know, not looking at the 30 years. So when you, >> you know, Charlie said, you you take 13 each year for 30 years. It basically equals what they're saying they're going to get in tax revenue if they get 100% occupancy, >> but it will be their revenue and our
cost. >> Exactly. Correct. >> Right. Right. Right. >> Dr. us. >> I'm just wondering if there's a way for our community relations committee to kind of keep an eye on agendas of these other
boards or like that. That could be a way too to >> sort of just keep informed if there's things coming up that might affect the school district. >> It really does >> to sort of, you know, just know when they're meeting and what's the agenda and whether there's places where we should leaison earlier rather than
later. Yeah, good idea. That makes a lot of sense. >> Yeah. >> And the town should really work with us because >> well, not not only for us, our benefit. I mean, that we could benefit the town, right? I mean, the better the schools are doing, the better we can get the word out that Vernon has great schools and we're doing better and we're moving
up and look at our scores this year compared to, you know, five years ago. That brings people into town. More people come into town, more businesses going to be. Now, like like um Brian was saying is in Riverdale. Look at Riverdale. Riverdale had those
apartments grand, right? They sold instantly. Why? They're right next to they're around 287. They're right by 287. They're right by 80. They're right by 46. Anybody who had a commute or needed to go to a job could live there and go to their job. You come to Vernon. I mean, >> and there are a lot of kids in the Grand.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Ton. >> But, you know, like >> you drive to New to get to >> Yeah. You're not going to burn that. >> Okay. Thank you everyone. Um that's it from me for open board form. Does anyone else have any
>> I just like to create again which everybody has done off on to the public to come on Thursday. >> Oh yes. >> You know touched a little bit about what you said before. People want to say want to know what's going on. This that's the time to come. We're asking you to come to tell us. So
>> yeah, >> it's a five-year plan. So it's not even only just this year. It's what the board will somewhat base its decisions going forward for the next four or five years. So it is an important part of the process.
>> Yes, definitely. Uh please everybody join us. It's a strategic planning session and it's at 700 p.m. um Lansbury Hollow and we were really hoping to get a good cross-section of the community and I'd love to see some town council members there so I hope they will join
us as well. >> I was talking this up to some parents. It's do does it have an end time? Do you remember Kelly? You know, she does have a tight uh she I was told to keep my remarks very brief because >> yeah, because there is a structure cuz one of the things I was selling was that
it was it was well structured positive you know intention setting >> like you know if you can make time for it'll be worth your while to come down and >> yeah it won't be a neverending meeting like our meetings.
Yeah, but I don't know what she I forget what she said in terms of what time that 90 minutes to two hours the max. >> Yeah, I I don't have it handy, but it's it's very regimented. She had, you know, she has time limits for everything and and it's going to be run very clockworky. So, um I don't think anyone
will be stuck there for >> too long. I I would say the 90 minutes >> that's a selling point, I think. >> Yeah. No, that's important to note because you know, Thursday night, you don't want to be out super late. It's uh two hours from 7 to 9. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> 7 to 9. >> Okay.
>> Refreshments. >> Okay. >> We really we really should. Yeah, we will have refreshments. >> Refreshments. >> Yes. Very important. Going to keep people alive and energetic during these meetings. Okay. So, uh
that's it for open board forum. Right. Moving on to adjournment. Our favorite item. Oh, wait. What? Oh, did I have to say we're going into executive after? Yeah, we have a uh we do want to tell members we have an executive session um that we're going to
discuss legal matters. Nothing of um nothing will be voted on um that will follow the adjournment of this meeting. >> Yes. So, we need a motion and a second to uh go to executive. >> Oh, okay. So, I need a Thank Ray. I need Ray for a motion and a second.
Stephanie. Uh, can I do an all in favor or do I >> You can do all in favor. >> All in favor? >> I >> I We're going to close in executive >> and then we'll close executive then. I was trying to I was trying I'm This one.