It keeps asking. >> I have to do the chat. I don't need all the meeting to order. The clerk, please read the meeting statement. >> Meeting was provided to the public and the press on January 19, 2025 and was at
the municipal building in a closed act and JSA 10 col 4-7. >> Will please stand with me and join and I pledge to reflect. >> I pledge allegiance 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. It might be frozen. I'm sorry. >> Roll call. >> Member Bush here. Council member
Benedto. Council >> member H >> here. President Rudo >> here. >> Um, >> did we read the statement? >> Yes. >> Mayor, uh, you like to present your
comments? >> Yes. >> Okay. Today is the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. You want to say happy birthday to the Marines. Um
and as you know, tomorrow is Veterans Day as well. So big uh big patriotic week um for all those who served are still serving. Uh this week, Thursday, uh we at 3:30
p.m. we had the ribbon cutting for the 55 unit uh 55 for 55 um building. Um they don't have the TCO. We're just waiting on the county portion, but for the most part
of done, they were just finalizing a couple of extra things on their list. So we'll be doing a ribbon cutting for that. Um, and I believe they're also going to be uh present the land use board three
other uh apartment buildings to the left of right if you walked out of acqu five 517 route 515 uh three buildings consist of 99
apartments um which will be going in front of the land use board Right now we have um a 27 unit building which is going to go right next door to the 55 unit building. That building
right now we just got the performers. Um that's we're still waiting on the on a lot of the schuma and connection fee issues before we um complete the the pilot for that building. but they're ready to um
probably within two months they'd like to try to break ground. Um and as you know um we talked about the legends u $276,000 which was a big big step forward. We're very confident that we'll hopefully move
this uh this long burden that's been on Vernon Township um for many many years. Hopefully we can get that put that to rest. But um more on that as it develops and the election. So I know I think
we're still waiting uh November 19th I think is when they certify the election. So they were still receiving uh uh ballots. Um as of today was the last day I guess that it would be postmarked. So believe there's still
ballots coming in. Um so and I know think there's still a slight margin. Um so I don't want to call the election yet I guess for the on the local uh politics but on the local election but um that's that's all I have.
>> Thank you. >> Second Pat one one last thing. Um, I I would like to when we go into this garbage discussion, um, I'd like to just just for the record be able to enter what I what I have here is the kind of
like a summary and then uh some of the finances to put that I guess in as my comment as well. I'm not going to read this all but just so we have that but it'll be part of the discussion anyway. >> Thank you.
Number six is our item for discussion, which is the garbage incentive that mayor was speaking of. Uh if you'd like um
he's given a number of he's given to us all of the uh what he considers to be the the basis for these decisions. Uh, every council member has had chance to receive this and uh,
the fact that we're doing this as a discussion item allows us to bring this up at a future meeting. >> Move your mic closer. >> I'm sorry. >> Move your mic closer. >> Sorry. There we go. >> Mayor, would you like to uh, bring us up to date on this?
>> Yeah. like uh I said, we've heard um you've all been on the campaign trail, you all know that we get a lot of people talking about, you know, they don't get garbage in their uh their taxes. But um one of the things that I felt that we
could maybe help try to reduce a little bit of the burden is to start taking in our own. we started taking our managing our own garbage instead of hiring a you know a third party company to come in and take
that and that's been that's been working out very well. So then then we decided to kick it up a notch and and start offering it um for household garbage for for residents. Um we we are looking to
expand our uh our hours at the recycling center um to five days a week. Um, we looking at 7 a.m. to 300 pm with two late evenings. I don't have the second evening yet, but I think we're looking
at Wednesday 2 to 8, but I'd like to get a second evening in there. Um, preferably Monday, possible. Um, we'll be closed during >> open on Saturday, too. >> Yeah. Well, the recycling the recycling will be open on on Saturday, but the uh
garbage for garbage >> we're not going to take because it will be it'll be a mad house. >> Oh, okay. >> When you're when you're talking about expanding the hours for operation for recycling, does that mean
the actual recycling center or is that you referring to uh >> Yeah, we would Yeah, we would do the recycle. we would be able to expand recycling because it really the recycling is almost like self-managed, right? Right. But the garbage uh
something that has to be uh supervised. >> Understand? Okay. >> But so then we would just open that up for you know for the recycling to be done too. But but no no garbage drop off on Saturdays. Um I would weekend but I
think it would just be uh chaos I think on a Saturday down there. So, and then we'll be closed on on snowstorms because obviously we'll have our crews out there with trucks and we don't want people driving in in the bad weather. So, we've come up with um
three ways of of paying this which um we came up with um after all said and done the numbers was $350 a year where you could pay quarterly. If you just want to pay just for one quarter, that's up to you too. You don't have to pay for the whole year.
High Lakes just ended their uh garbage their summer only garbage and that's 2,000 homes right there. So to to actually pay for this, this is a this is a service um an individual service. This
is not something we're putting on every taxpayer to go to uh that they have to pay this. This will be sign up, you pay for it. You will have a punch card. it'll be your option to bring it, you know, to bring to bring it down to to uh
the recycle center. Again, people spending, I think, from $180 to $200 uh a quarter on garbage. Uh some some gentleman told me he's paying about 300. Um but I I think on average it was 18200. So $350 for the year to bring
seven kitchen. I brought a kitchen bag. This is a uh 13gallon 12. It doesn't look thor, but it's a 13 gallon uh kitchen household bag. Um obviously people are going to probably put them in in contractor bags. Um but
they they are will be subject to inspection because obviously we don't want commercial construction debris and things like that. Um so seven bags three uh $350 for a year. Uh, and it it also helps reduce on uh
environmental drive a lot of people who drive their garbage to Skuma. Um, so and I don't know about you guys, but time is is valuable. You drive all the way out to Schuma. I know it took me 40 minutes from where I live to Skuma. Um, so 40 minutes I think
is uh and then you got to wait on the scale and dump it. So, I mean, you're talking, you know, two hours of your of your day of bringing garbage and you still got to pay a fee there as well. So, this we found to be a huge savings, but also this everyone
we all talk about revenue for the town. This will ultimately be a revenue for the town. This is 217 memberships if they sign up will pay for itself. Now, what does it pay? Right? So
it pays for the tipping fee. So right now the uh it's school charges 107 $107 per ton. Compactor there we have two of them hold about seven uh about seven
tons. That that cost is uh $749. Um right now I think we're like every five six weeks I think for to manage our own garbage. So we seven so seven tons is a lot. We estimated just to just to
be just to have some some spare room. We estimated uh dumping uh 14 tons within um per week. So it's two compacts at $1498. I did break down the actual fuel cost um
uh an employee cost uh on average uh as well. Like I said, the the total the total cost overall cost is $76,235.84. Um again, at 217 uh memberships that sign up, um comes out to 76,300
is is the total. So, um everybody will have a you'll be issued a punch um a punch card um which is going to be the size of like a business card. You'll have to present this when you go
to um to to drop off your garbage and then uh the attendant will will punch the card for that week. You're only allowed to bring the garbage one time a week. No different than you put your garbage out one time a week as well. That's so if we look at the survey that
we did, so survey results overwhelming 310 yeses to 110 nos. But I have to say I would say probably 80% of these nos were because someone lives in Barry Lakes where they they
already have their garbage part of their HOA. Um and some of them were just assuming it should be in their taxes in. So there's a lot of stuff in here that I think that a lot of people just didn't understand what exactly uh we were doing
and how much and it'll take a little time to work that out. Um, I know a lot of the lake communities right now are are going through a difficult time, especially with the the new mandate about the uh structural integrity act. I think they pushed the issue down in uh
down in Florida. So, I know Barry Lakes is one uh I I'm this is me just guessing. I'm thinking eventually Barry Lakes may I I know they first look to get rid of the garbage is one of the things that they look to do to save to save money. So, High Lakes just did it.
I don't know if Barry Lakes is going to do it eventually, too. So, it's just that's just my opinion. Um, and like I said, it's uh this this will save you money. Uh, and it's also a revenue maker. So, to me, this is just a win-win for everybody. Um, again, it it'll save
you your cost. It'll save you from going down to Schuma and it's a revenue it will be a revenue maker ultimately for the town. So, and that's what we all we all campaign about about bringing in more revenue. So, only 217 members in this would pretty much pay for itself
and we we let there's a lot of padded room there. So, um like I said, probably be less than that. It would be a two. So, that's um we have obviously have to do a fee
ordinance attorney laid out there. there has to be a lot of details that go along with it successfully get that submitted in. So, and if uh like you hear and I guess we'll the
attorney will decide I guess whether we're going to go forward with an ordinance or at least we the ordinance up for you guys to put on a vote. Like I said, if you guys have any questions for me, be more than happy to answer. And you guys all got a copy of the the uh
>> I >> Yeah. So >> I have a question. So as far as signups, when you have your your potential interest for your survey, what's your minimum? Like once you start getting signups, what is your minimum? What if
what if you don't have this amount of signups? What would be your minimum for it to work? Do you know what that number is yet? >> No, I don't have that. Um, again, 217. I mean, just Island Lakes alone is 2,000 homes, right? So,
>> I I I can't, like I said, the survey was 300. It's a survey. I get it. >> Yeah. >> Um, but >> but I just cur Yeah. I think it would get to know like what that minimum number is because there's there's like a tipping point where if it's not enough, if it it won't it won't be financially
um reasonable and once it gets over that number, it would be financially reasonable. You know what I mean? >> Yes. And no. Right. So, uh, we have the compactors, we have the trucks, um, >> the manpower. >> We're not hire we have no we're not hiring staff. Uh, we we are shifting uh
within to to accommodate for for the hours, but other than that, this there's uh we're already paying for everything we have. So, >> we're already bringing our garbage over our own garbage over to the dock. Yeah. So, this So, >> yeah. So, that would just be one
trip. we would just even if it was just 100 homes um it wouldn't because we're already bringing >> we're already going there >> we're already going there with our own >> the question of whether or not we're bringing two compactors a week or one or three okay depends right >> I see what you're saying okay
>> like I said I think this is an allaround win-win um >> might not have the hours then I mean because you might not need the staffing that that would be a little different >> okay >> did we purchase any compactors in our last budget as a as a capital uh
improvement in the last budget that >> that was part of the bond I believe. Um so that was one of the things that we did um when when uh we we came with the zero
0% budget. I I had to go through the budget and try to cut a lot of things out of it and one of them was the compactor. Um, and that's why that's why it was put on um the last time, but um we we got the compactor because we we
were taking in our we we were taking in our own garbage and managing it. Um but you always want to have a second compactor. So that was that was the reason why we we bonded out for the second one. That's why that came kind of later on. And then this was just an afterthought, but I said, you know,
let's just kick it up again. The same thing we did with the shared service, the board of ed with the parking lot. Then we said, you know what? Let's try to see if we can get it done for the lake communities, you know, and that's just these are afterthoughts that we just keep, you know, just >> so that compactor that was bonded for is
maybe getting double use if this program goes in being used as a current backup to the old one that >> plus plus this one. So So it has a weekly cost here of $1,498. It's as as your uh
as one of your summaries here. Total cost for two compactors, 1498. >> That's a tipping fee. Yeah. >> Cost is 149. Is that so? That's a variable cost. If we don't use the service and let's say only 100 people
rather than 217, which seems to be the break even point, the tipping cost would go down. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. So again, this is and that's at seven. I think the most we've ever had was six tons um of garbage for this. There's a light that goes on
there. So it's like six tons was the most that we brought over there. Um but again, it's uh it's $107 a ton. So that's where we got that number. So if it was only 100 people, then yeah, that that 1,400 won't exist. We only pay for
we only pay for what we're we're bringing there by way. So if I was reading it, it says total cost for two compactors. I guess the right wording then is total tipping cost for two cont. >> Yes. You know, you're right. Yes. So >> because we have the compactors.
>> Yeah, you're right. >> Yeah. In your in your scenario here, you're you're having two trips a week, right? For one for each compactor, but in your fuel cost, you only account for one trip a week. I don't really guess.
>> Okay. So that that needs to get doubled in order. So now it's 2,900 not to 1450. So that's number one. Number two is your staff costs only two additional hours a week. Am I assuming correctly that those two additional hours are just to drive over
to Skuma and >> Yeah, >> we're already making some trips there. So, you're actually thinking that it's going to be an extra trip. But is that obviously if it's, you know, 28 miles round trip? It's probably >> Well, I think it's Yeah, like you kind
of we're already going there anyway. So, um, so that's one added as a as a secondary, but, um, like I said, that would have to be deducted out, but like I said, we we're we're already going there for our own
garbage. >> And in in the staff cost, too, you have the hourly rate, but that's not taking into account the benefits of that person either for those two hours. Correct. This was the hourly rate I was given by on average
um by Howie um gave me that >> there's no way that includes their b their benefit charge per hour. >> Depends on the the individual that's that's taking it. >> Any new employees or these all current employees?
>> Current. >> Yeah. I don't Can you help me with the numbers in under one because they don't add up like they don't add up. >> This is this is two trips a week. That's
the cost per month for two trips a week. >> Yeah, >> that's right. >> 1500 times four is 6,000. >> Okay. What about weeks with five months, >> right? That's >> I mean >> weeks with weeks. >> Thank you. We we took we took on
average. Um >> because I did it and I got like 78 or something like if there's 52 weeks in a year, right? So if you multiply 1498 times 52 presuming you're going all 52 weeks in a year.
>> Oh 7,000 or 78,000. There's that extra's that extra. >> Yeah, just 1498 52. It comes up different. >> It's nice that one. >> What if you're taking into >> like six extra? >> He's accounting for 48 weeks. You're
accounting for 52. >> Yeah. Um 71 77. >> You have to get >> because you're you're accounting for 48 weeks. She's accounting for 52 weeks. That's why >> because of those weeks with more money.
>> That's an extra extra $6,000. >> Okay. So, >> I'm thinking 26.98 times. It'll >> be 77896. >> Yeah, save. But we can make that adjustment.
>> Probably see some variations from summer. I'm sure into the summer seasons, you know, summer sum with >> I guess there's a general statement if if it's something that benefits some of
the residents and 250 residents decide to take it and the variable expenses the fixed expense are almost nothing here it's all variable if you don't have the program you haven't had any the program goes away you really don't have extra
expense sitting in the card that's being unused, >> right? >> So, if we can make the numbers work out, probably worth that effort doing something for the taxpayer. If it doesn't work out, then the program's canceled. If it does, it can expand it. >> What about the wear and tear on the
compactor? And I agree with you. I do mostly. Is there a sign? I I don't know, you know, with the lifespan of a contractor. I mean, I can't talk today. My goodness. >> Live an average lifespan. compact >> table compact.
>> I'm sure >> take that into account is my question. Repairs and replacement. >> I think that I would think the trucks would be the the factor and the compactors. >> Um we haven't just had one of the uh one of not not this these are
brand new. Um but I think we had to weld weld the interior of one of them. Um, but for the most part, I mean, they're kind of workless, right? I haven't had any. >> These are requiring the same type of maintenance that our other heavy equipment. Yeah. >> But where would the payments go through?
Like as far as collecting payments, how would that work? >> So, um, we're going to we'll have something set up here. We're still going work through the details, but where's exactly that's going to get collected? So, it'll be something here. Um or we actually contacted immunity pay
>> and we're going to do credit card if if approved we'll go through uh you could pay you could pay through a credit card too. >> Okay check or or >> mail to the municipal building. So a department here would payment like which department would take it? that will still work but uh either either it will
go to finance or uh another department but >> or originally it was supposed to go to DPW >> um and that's where it could end up over there but then I was kind of playing around with sending people over there is
just no one goes there today so why would we do it now so it we were kind of tossing a bunch of ideas but so we still have you know uh >> wants to figure that out But we'll >> maybe you could put in an animal shelter and we can adopt some animals in the process. >> Yeah.
>> Put an animal shelter. Yeah. >> A cat with a garbage cat with it. >> Be beneficial. >> Can you give me just as an idea of how this works? I mean literally
person comes in with their their garbage even before then person wants to be part of this program. So what do they have to do and that point >> they'll have to come in um obviously pay or pay online um we will issue punch
cards for the the quarter that they pay or cards for the year. Um and then once we we initiate they they would come down to uh we we actually have it mapped out in uh we'll put the lines in once once we're ready.
Um >> lines in where >> lines in kind of in the uh in the recycling >> like follow this path to get to recycling. follow his path to get to garbage >> cuz I'll tell you my husband. >> And then there one of the requirements
asked if it was going to be managed and and yes, the answer is yes. Somebody will be there to assist. Um >> can I interrupt for one second? I'll tell you when you go to Lafayette, you don't even get out of your car. The man takes it right out of the back of your car. >> Right.
>> If you could if we could do that, that's very nice. Anthony, you don't even get out of your car. >> They jump you, they come right in and >> they come right in and take >> part of it's a safety concern. The other is also for expedition.
>> Yeah. Well, and like you said, possibly inspecting it like I you pull up your trunk and you don't even get out. >> Plus the fact that they also use that opportunity to kind of visual >> that what you're >> also they have to lift kind of lift the
garbage into it. So that's why we will have an attendant there to assist with that. >> Um >> Right. >> Pretty much one of the requirements that D has to get because if not then I can only imagine what what stuff would be thrown in that compact. >> Exactly. And you don't want someone
possibly getting injured or something. Yeah. So >> we'll have somebody there for that. >> Okay. >> And would there be any type of requirement? And I don't know if Peter you could answer this. So like when they they need to sign an agreement like I'm you know committed to like a year and
what if they move like do we need to have like okay you've prorated and we'll give you back a year's you know are we obligated to do something like that? >> So their punch card their punch card will have >> put that language like that >> if we choose to. Okay. I'm just like see
if we want to. >> I don't think you want to because then you're going to get people to do it and then well I didn't come down two weeks so I want to get prorated out you know for it. Okay. Just asking. Just curious. Okay. So, we don't Okay. >> People can, you know, I assume sign up
or stop at any time. >> She just asked that. Oh my god. >> If they sign up online, how do they get in their part? >> Rolling then. So, if you sign up anytime, it's a rolling gear. >> There was a question. >> Um, I think either they can pick up their card or we're going to we're going to
mail them. I think >> that's a little tricky. mail those outs, >> mail them out. >> If they sign up online, they sign up online. >> There is money and envelopes, >> right? >> There is a um like I said there there's
credit card there are credit card fees um that go along with it. Whatever that fee is um >> charge that fee to them, right? >> Yes. Um that's correct. Yeah, absolutely. because they can get it. They can get pricey.
>> Charge them for the stamp. Go ahead. >> Charge them for the stamp. Mail the card. >> Anyone else have any other questions? >> No. >> Okay. So, um barring any any further questions, you
know, if anybody doesn't have any or you develop some during the week, answers questions. >> I'll have uh uh set up >> um and council
>> ordinance. >> Yeah, because that'll have a number attached to it. So >> I think that answers a lot of the questions that the public had too. >> More questions. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. May I have a motion to open the floor
comment? Move. >> Moved by Mr. Spartan. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Higgins. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. Uh floor is open to the public for three minutes on
agenda items also only. If anyone wishes to come forward if the council >> that would include the garbage. >> It's on the It's on the agenda. >> Would you like me to keep time?
>> When the um member of the public reaches the 30 minutes, would you like me to let them know? >> Yes. No, I'll take care of it. Just Just >> Would you like me to let you know then? >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you, Steve Gunlo. >> Um, I won't be using the service. So, we'll
get that out of the way right from the beginning. I think anything we do should be on a temporary basis, maybe six months, one year, see how it works out. Um, I was troubled about hiring additional employees. The mayor's assured that he's got sufficient staff
to do all their prison duties plus take on additional duties, which raises more questions, you know, when it comes to number of employees and what they're actually doing if they have all this free time on their hands. I'm glad the mayor finally did put something out about the driving time down there.
um part of his pitch was is it was going to save you all this time. But when he wrote to the DP um to make his pitch to them, he says that once the uh once the carding is
full, it will be delivered to Lafayette, which is a few short minutes away from Vernon. I know I know how politics speak works and you have a different answer for different audiences
but to tell people that it's going to save them two hours which it doesn't know a couple of people including myself that go down there when we moved here in '95 we did $65 a quarter we wrote it up to $165 a quarter and said this is
ridiculous so we started going to school doesn't take that long to go. As you say, they take it out of your car, they give you a slip, you pay, you're out, and I'm back to Vernon in much less than an hour. But I just did find it interesting that the mayor would uh
build this to the D as just being short minutes away from Vernon because we know it's not just a few short minutes away. I hope we don't additional person. I hope we can find a way if we do that we do it for a temporary period. see how it
works out. So, we're not into this. They talked about the black garbage bags as opposed to the red bags. If you have employees that can see through those bags, then we need to find another job for that because that's a real skill. Um, and so the reason for not for having to
inspect the black bag is you can't see through them. You can't see through those either. Don't know what's going to be put in. Um, yeah, that that's about it. I I I just hope that we're cautious and if we do something that we do it temporarily and see how it works. I remember there
was a time when they were pitching the second compactor was because there was an agreement with the schools that the schools were going to use our services. Well, it turns out they didn't. Um I think you know as much about that as I do, Mr.
Um, I think we just need to be careful moving into these things because nothing's free. The other point that I would raise and I'm going to try hope I don't my time. You're probably going to tell me I'm out of time. I see a lot of posting on Facebook about why don't we have count
why don't we have town white garbage and why can't we do it? We did it down below. We had free garbage. Nobody has free anything paying for it. I went and looked at some of the towns that they were talking about coming
from. And you look at U Bur County 26 miles the largest, Pumpton Plains 5.3, Glenrock 2.089, 2.71 for Butler. Y
>> we're the largest township in the state, which I just found out this weekend. We're almost 70 square miles. You know, for people to think that we can run a garbage service for the township, and I know the mayor, this isn't his plan, but
I have heard him say and put in writing that it's something that he's looking into. Um, I think our taxes would just skyrocket. >> To dumb up, I I understand. First, your time is up. >> Yes. But >> this is not the first time we've had the
uh an examination of the possibility of having garbage pickups. I remember clearly when new government was instituted back in 2011, one of the
the issues that was brought up at that time was whether or not we could afford something like >> Yeah. >> And while the trucks weren't as expensive then the uh I think the cost of living was
expensive then. So everything kinds of moves up and it was just too heavy. It would have been ownorous for the people in the township to assume the responsibilities what private people private industry was doing for the
community. U it would have meant major increases. I think this is a way that we'll see if it works. I know I've had discussions with the mayor and to him I've said the same thing. You know, we can't consider this as one and done.
It's I think it has to be examined over a period of time and if we find that it's a losing proposition uh then I think we have to recognize that either we raise prices or we do something else and that's why I think we should try it on a six month or
12 month basis instead of over. >> I think that has to be evaluated like any other program, >> but there's so many posts online about >> townwide pickup and I just think it needs to be mentioned to people.
>> I I I I can't help what people assume >> on on on the internet and what they what they're looking at in terms of what they consider, what they would like. >> 17 square miles and it's just not feasible. Absolutely. >> So, I think this should go out the window and I hope people are listening
>> because they want what they had down below. Nothing's free. >> No, not at all. >> They're paying for it and their taxes. >> Thank you. >> And it's easier to do it when you have two or four miles and you have 70 miles. >> Thank you very much, guys. >> Anyone else wishing to address the council?
>> No. May I have a motion to close the meeting to the public? >> Close. Move by M. >> All right. >> Uh move by Mr. Higgins. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mrs. Benadetto. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I.
>> Motion carries. The all members have received a copy of the bills list. Comments. >> Two. >> Certainly. >> One. I noticed that we're paying the uh for the memorial that the mayor
orchestrated outside, which is I I like it. It's a very nice uh nice uh setup. And the total cost 38,950. So the and this was the uh amount that was primarily donated from outside
sources. Is that true? >> Primarily primarily. Yes. Uh >> there was um um you uh I don't know if there's a couple thousand. I don't have the number, but
we had to take from the uh capital uh >> uh yeah improvements. um to to finalize the the the the last bit of it. For the most part, I would say 95% of it was was done on donations. Yeah.
>> How much over 30,000 was donated? >> 25 or 30 I think. Yeah, it was like 30,000 I think was donated. I don't have the number in front of me. >> Yeah, that's that's the right that was the total price. Okay.
I I don't know if they if if money from the uh beautifification whatever that money was in where that donation money was if all that was transferred over because we had
to get emails uh but permission to so I don't know if that's a total amount that was actually um uh that we spent out of out of the capital but yeah it wasn't complete but it was close. It was um thousand that we we were shy.
>> Okay. >> So >> my second question is has to do with on page nine on the amount paid to Sashi County MUA for the quarterly usage
fourth quarter $73,000 is our quarterly payment to schuma. So my question is of that 703 that we're paying, how much do we take in from the resident's use of that is that do we take in more than 703 or less than 703?
So how much of an income producer is it or how much of a loser is it? >> That's a question question for the MUA. I would I would ask that you >> can I can tell you that MUA stands on its own
so to speak that the the uh the only time the MUA was required to come to the council for money was back I think it was during the the uh
administration with Mr. short way and uh it shortage the council paid the paid that paid that amount money back and to this day it it relies only on its on the uh the monies that it generates
through members. >> So I take that answer to mean that we're our income revenue for the quarter is more than $73,000. You're saying it's a income producing >> Yeah. So it's it's on the plus side. >> I don't know what it means how it goes.
>> The MUA is known as a selfquidating entity where it takes in a little bit more than what it thinks it's going to operate. So it has a a small bit of surplus that then gets put back into it, but it's not a profit maker. It just it
just raises enough to pay its bills. >> Raises enough to pay it bills. >> Yes. So the so the so so the rate that it charges is based upon bonding and also operations components of it. So that when as you do the as you do your
budget here you know that the salaries you know these expenses they do the same thing and as you set your your tax rate they set the the rate for the sewer rate. >> Yeah. The usage. >> So when they set their budget they don't set it to be a money loser on the year.
>> No. and they can't they cannot. >> Okay, that that's my concern. >> And but by the way, there are some MUAS and utilities that have gone um down the drain because they didn't do that. >> They're not supposed to, but >> sometimes the governing bodies of
certain entities do things that are unexplainable and got Okay, thank you. Anyone else? I I have one. Um I noticed a fence repair a fence repair for the uh
the community garden about $10,000. How was how was that 50? page that >> I'm looking for. I just >> Oh, is this it? I got it here. It's a check 64. >> I know. >> Six. >> It's on page one actually of the A8
fence. >> The third one listed. A third that right here. >> $10,300. >> Find out. I don't know. I I have to find out. >> My understanding that when
program was started back when that it would be there might be some accommodations made by the township like water or something like that, but substantial
um substantial uh money being spent on it were not supposed to have been used. >> We'll find out where that >> Thank you. That was >> anyone else. members of the council have received.
>> Oh, okay. Received the uh minutes from the executive session of October 16th, 2025. May I have a motion to place for
move? Moved by Mr. Spar. There a second. >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. um you have any questions or corrections?
May I have a motion? I'm sorry. May I have a local vote, please? >> Yes. >> Yes. Sparta. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Member all members have received the minutes for the regular meeting that date. Uh may I have a motion to place on the floor for approval? >> Motion made by Mora. Is there a second?
>> Seconded by Miss Ferry. Any additions, changes, or deletions? Not roll call, please. >> Council member Bushier, >> yes. >> Council member, >> abstain. >> Council member Higgins, >> yes. >> Council member Sparta,
>> yes. >> Council President Risto, >> yes. >> We have a number of motions regarding the consent agenda. Would anyone like to Place them all in total. So move um
>> all second. >> Seconded by Mrs. Bier >> and motioned by Mr. Mr. Higgins. I'm sorry for motions resolution 25-289
through uh 25- 299. Okay. Uh, may I have this in the form of a motion?
Oh, I believe I moved by Mr. Spart. Is there a second? >> Second. Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Uh, >> roll call, please. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council member de Benadetto, >> yes. >> Council member Higgins, >> yes. >> Council member Sparta,
>> yes. >> Council President Razudo, >> yes. >> Motion carries. Resolution 25-300. Resolution Township of Vernon, the county of Sussex, New Jersey, authorizing the
forbearance of the right of redemption certain municipality held delinquent leans on properties within McAfee Village redevelopment area and determining
certain related matters there too. May I have a motion to place this on the floor for move? >> Moved by Mr. Higgins. >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Sparta.
Any discussion on this? Uh I will ask the attorney to this affects the uh previous resolution that the council has adopted if he'd like to make a comment
on that because there seemed to have been some questions as to I could guess the legality of what the council did at a previous meeting. So, at a previous meeting, a resolution was put on uh the
agenda after a closed session. Uh back a little closer. >> The subject of that closed session uh was the condemnation and purchase potentially of a piece of property. Uh the decision to either do go through with condemnation or not was not made
because it had to be discussed in an executive session. So at the executive session there was determination made um that the council would want to proceed. So once we opened um to the open public
there was a um by the president he amended the agenda to include that resolution. Uh that is something that is well within the the ability of a governing body because there's certain things that just happen in in daily lives and also in business as well as in
government that um you need to act on it quickly. Uh also the the clerk and her notice uh will put in you know the that the agenda items will be discussed and any other business and you do that as a safeguard because again something could
have happened at 3:00 today that you needed a resolution or you need a you know some type of um you know something brought before the the governing body and it has to be an open um session. So that's why the law allows you to do
that. Um it's not something that the law wants you to do all the time. It's cleaner and easier when it's on an agenda, but there are those exceptions when you just don't have the luxury of the time and something happens that you have to put it on at the last minute. So
that's why at that I think the October 16th meeting there was a resolution that was placed on for condemnation. And then the second resolution 25300 is just another one to um that that talks about
that condemnation process and what it's doing is putting a pause for um three uh 3 months uh until any condemnation action can happen. >> Thank you. Uh, any other comments? No. Okay. Uh, roll call, please.
>> Council member Busheri. >> Yes. >> Council member D. Benny. >> Yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council member Sparta, >> yes. >> Council President, >> yes. >> Motion carries. The
number 12, the Google public hearing ordinances 25-16, an ordinance amending the Vernon Department administrative code chapter 250 escros section 250-13
Department of Public Works. Uh, may I have this first reading? >> Well, first reading. Uh, >> this is for approval. Right. >> Approval. >> Public hearing. Okay.
>> Public. >> Uh, I'll make a motion. Open. >> I'll second that. >> Moved by Mr. Sparta, seconded by Mrs. Butcher. >> All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> I. Opposed. Motion carries. meeting is
open to the public on ordinance 25-16 um for discussion on that and only that item wishing to come forward so if not may I have a motion to close the meeting to the public
>> moved >> second >> moved by Mrs. Ianto is there a seconded by Mr. Higgins Mrs. Mrs. We're sharing. Um all in favor signify by saying I. >> Opposed. Motion carries.
Um are there any questions regarding resolution the 25-16? >> No. Just a simple phrase to the public. It's charge 50 cents a gallon for disposal of motor oil. And uh
>> we the cost to doing it I guess on our part. So passing along, right? >> Um just >> motion >> I think we did >> for public comment. >> Oh, >> we need a motion to put on the floor. >> They're both
>> um may have a roll call. >> We didn't make a motion to put on the floor. >> No, >> that was public comment. >> I have a motion to 2516 to the floor. Move second >> seconded by
>> Ms. Bouteri. >> Mrs. Beri. Sorry. Um, any other comments on it? If not, may I have a roll call? Council >> member Busher. >> Yes. Council member Danetta. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council
>> President Rudy. Yes. >> Thank you. Move for open public comment on any item for the public move by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? >> Seconded by Mrs. Fury. All in favor
signify by saying I I motion carried is open to the public on any item and for is limited to uh five minutes. Any motion to come forward best I can hearing? No one coming forward. Seeing
no one coming forward, may I have a motion to close the floor to the public? >> Moved. >> Moved by Mrs. Debenadetto. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Higgins. >> All in favor signify by saying I. >> I.
>> Opposed. Motion carries. >> Council comments. Mr. >> Looking for the mayor and the business administrator. Any update on uh CFO search, any expansion of the advertising? Any interest on anybody's
part? We're now paying for a part-time service at $168 an hour. So, it probably is our benefit to fill the position with quality person as soon as possible. Is there anything to report? >> No. the couple of uh applications we
received, they didn't have theerts. Um they don't have the qualifications that we can even bring them in to interview them. We have it still out on the league. We have it on the website. It's on the finance website. Um
that's that's the best we can do at this point. And for us to get ahead Hunter, it's thousands of dollars. >> What about like Indeed or Black? You have to pay for them. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um you have to pay. I've looked on
Indeed, Monster, um Zip, you know, Zip Recruiter or whatever. They they want to charge you either by day or by month. And it's >> expensive. >> It's it it adds up because it's not something you could
just put out there for a couple of weeks and be done with it. Yeah, it might be time to expand the search and consider spending some of that head hunter money. It's an important position obviously and we're not getting the results through the uh government sites.
>> Did we get a one? >> Yeah, it was it was over $15,000. >> 15,000 for I don't >> 15,000 for what? >> For a head hunter >> for like um >> a company to like go out and Yeah. >> What? >> For Sean's company.
>> It wasn't his. It was another company. But are there tears? Like it doesn't have to be, you know, like I mean I know like he does like he'll do like the screening and the in the initial interviews, but what about just like the advertising? I wonder if they offer like tears like because I know school boards would offer tears, right, Brad? Like
they wouldn't there was ones where they wouldn't do everything you could do. >> It's the same thing I think because uh municipal government requires that specific certification. you're you limit yourself. >> I know. Well, I mean like the headers
though like maybe not buy their full package like sometimes maybe like just their advertising but maybe you still do the screening, right? Like just use their advertising contacts or something. I don't know. Just a thought like maybe not pay the full 15,000 if they have like a lower tier where they don't do
the full service. Maybe ask them that like maybe 5,000 because if you're not getting anything, right? >> Right. >> To me, it's one of these things where getting the specific certification
>> and there's only certain pool. >> Have you talked to Sarinelli? Have you talked to our accountants to see if they have any leads? that >> when when when there's a uh municipal info position, they they go specifically
to to to that website. >> Maybe talk to our our auditors, see if they have any leads. I don't know if they know anyone. >> I did um >> they're going to probably hope that you come to them because barring anything else. >> Well, they I mean they they can't do it. >> They can't do it. No, they can't. That
would be a conflict. But they might have contacts. They might know people who are looking for a job. But, you know, I don't >> So, I know uh >> networking is key, right? >> I was at a uh Sussex County Chamber event and I did mention we were looking
for a CFO and Tammy um was reaching out. There was a couple people, but then I think it was they were looking more for like remote positions. >> Yeah. >> Um and I said, "Well, send them my way. We'll we'll let's entertain. Let's see what what they have to offer anyway."
But then we never got anybody. >> I mean it couldn't hurt to talk to the auditor and see like if they know anybody again like what could it hurt like to have a conversation >> if there's certifications needed which there are is it similar to other hires that we've made for example code
officials or BAS and if you get a quality person doesn't have all the certifications you can hire that person put them through the training get certification while they're employed. Is that possible with the CFO as well? I think they're but they can't be a C our
can't be listed as our CFO but I believe if you you I think didn't they do that with Dell but Dell was >> but she was already in the process >> she was in process problem with CFO is it is perhaps one of the most stringent
and yeah >> offices that uh and the the state requires an awful lot of the people that and you know that have been approved uh and it takes time. >> Yeah,
>> she was in the uh the program to be you know to be schooled in it and had spent some time in it and we had a background is able to you know move it along. >> Anything else?
>> I'm fair. No, >> no. I'd be in favor of expanding if it cost us some money coming for me to spend the money. >> Really? Sick from Jesse. Check his check his call whatever I have.
>> Thank you. >> Uh so tomorrow is Veterans Day. So I just want to say thank you to our veterans for their uh selfless service and the sacrifices they've made to protect our freedoms and way of life. Your courage has preserved our nation and on this Veterans Day and every day
we honor them with our deepest gratitude. >> Amen. Thank you, >> Mr. Spark. >> I was going to say happy Veterans Day, but I'm just going to piggy back on what Jess said. I mean, that was that was very well. I you know, I I have a saying that uh success has nothing to do with
what you gain or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others. And I've always thought veterans are the most successful people I know because there's nobody's given up more for others than they have. So I I want to thank them for their service. >> Amen. And happy birthday to the Marine Corps. >> Amen.
>> Again, I I would like to echo the comments and the feelings of my fellow council members. Um I always try and buy my poppies
whether that counts for anything or not. But uh the uh and the the work that they've done with the members of the various organizations,
including the Vietnam vets, and it's it's amazing. They I remember those those times as as clear as day. and now they're among the people who are
uh the oldest. Uh and I don't know, but I understand that the people who served in World War II are becoming far and few between. So I I thank all of those people who have uh offered service and
offered their lives to uh in the service of our country. And I think the the best way I'm sorry I didn't mean to drop. All right. >> Is supporting your local VFW. Um attend their events. We they just had a uh a
barbecue. >> It's it's always a great They really depend on on open they're open for for dinner. It's a limited menu, but um go down there. You'll see it's not just for uh for
veterans. It's it's open to the public. Um the drinks are reasonably priced and then the food's, you know, bar food. Um but those guys are, you know, they could always use the extra help. So um anytime you you want to support veterans, stop
down there >> and they also do an awful lot for their own organizations. yesterday at 12:00 mass was dedicated to the members of the Vietnam uh veterans
and uh we were pleased and I was pleased to see so many people coming uh to attend mass there and they were many of them not of our parish but who came to give recognition to uh the
members of the organ organization and uh the number of people who were there was really substantial. And um and it was very very nice to see this type of uh
support for this group uh for a group that never heard the words welcome home. and by the uh members of our parish.
On a less somber note, uh I don't know if any of you know, but this past Saturday was a momentous time in Vernon for one of its sports activities. we became
and one of the I believe the only unbeaten un was almost unscored upon except for three touchdowns uh in the pee-wee league and the uh the youngsters there had a
great time in the afternoon playing against the uh Madison Madison >> team from Madison, >> New Jersey. And they were the only team that scored upon them. Uh I'm sorry,
there was one other, I think, but they were the only other team uh that scored upon >> Vernon and uh Vernon said, "You're not going to do it again." Well, they did it once, I believe, and but the score was 346
>> in favor of Vernon. and Vernon is now the champion for that particular age group uh not only in conference here but throughout the the district that they belong to. So well
done Vernon Vikings and uh they really had a great time and it was interesting to see it was played at uh at the uh Mount Olive com sports complex which is a beautiful facility down there and uh I
thought we had a very nice facility and we do but >> Mount Olive is beautiful >> but the Mount Olive is absolutely great and it shows what happens when you begin to tie in some businesses with what is going on and and and what they were able
to contribute. So, >> are you recommending we build a stadium next? What do you think? >> I'm still going to be working on on the uh the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. So, Belle, >> and I can tell you a story about that. >> Yes, certainly.
>> There was uproar when when the council purchased that piece of property. >> Wow. It was they had to go out for 1 point some odd million. >> Wow. 1 point some odd million >> for that property. >> That property is now probably worth
about 20 million I would think. >> There was a Citra. He was the mayor at the time. >> And he got a lot of >> blowback. Yep. But he he said if we don't do it now, you won't have that property. And that's right. >> It was a good investment. >> It was. It certainly was. >> I want to just hope I'm not going to be
put on the spot. I hope I'm correct. Peter, you you are a veteran, correct? >> Thank you for your service. >> Oh, you're welcome. Thank you. >> Well, that thank you for your service. >> So, um I had mentioned to the people who
were in the the group that you know what are they going to do with their trophy, which the trophy stands almost as up about here. And uh they said they were going to keep it in the
the sports cers box at W Field and on Maple Graange. I said, "Why don't you go talk to to the mayor?" I said, "I'm sure he's good at finding places to uh put something like that on display." So if you see them, you can
>> absolutely >> tell them that I spoke on your behalf. >> Got it. Thank you. Uh, seeing no other comments, uh, I ask for a motion to adjurnn. >> Moved.
>> Moved by Mrs. Yenadto. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Sparta. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. Motion carries. >> Thank you. Good night, everyone. Then there's a whole complex.
>> Oh, no. We all think the same thing. >> No, we're all thinking. in.