talk about his comment. Adequate notice of this regular meeting was provided to the public in the press on January 22nd, 2026 and was posted at the municipal building in accordance with the open public meetings act NJSA
104-7 Algiance to the flag to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice. >> Have a roll call, please. >> Here.
>> Holmes, >> here. >> Council member Rudo >> here. >> Council member Sparta, >> present. >> Council President Higgins >> here. Next will be mayor's comments. >> Thank you, Council President. Um just uh two two short um two items I'd like to
discuss. One is we have our uh car show um uh this Sunday. Um I don't have the times, but I do apologize. So, please uh attend that event. That that event keeps growing. Um and it's it's a fundraiser
again for our uh emergency service teams. Um this uh last week we had the Vernon day um and the VFW had uh again we had the 250th year celebration. Um so
I want to thank everybody who who uh participated. Thank the VFW. Uh I want to thank uh Howie the DP DBW and all their guys recck department police department, fire department, everybody
who who came and um celebrated and took part. If you guys missed it, um there was a little tug-of-war. Sorry guys, but the uh against the EMS versus fire department and well fire department lost
two times. So, sorry guy. Uh, another topic. Um, I talked about it last year and it kind of um kind of fell off the the radar a little bit with everything else that's been going on.
Um, is the uh request for pickable courts um down and off of Black Creek Drive. Just say for the record, uh about a year and a half ago, I didn't even know what
pickle ball even was. And now I kind of consider it tennis, whiffle ball tennis, right, in a in a way. But um so we we have um so there's been money um that this came from the the CFO. Um it wasn't
a grant. There was a ordinance 21-12. Um this was an ordinance that um so we went out to debt for um for the pump track and there is money that's
left over and that's 48,29527 um and that we want debt for that money's there uh it can only be used for for this area um so I I put a poll out probably a year ago um uh to talk about
who would you know would would Vernon want a pump a uh a pickle ball courts and the we got overwhelming um positive feedback on it that um people would love to have that in this town. Um uh you know we we do have some development here
especially with the 55 and over uh building. I I think it that would also be a great amenity but it's an amenity to the town. It's not for for one, right? Um so I do know all these courts uh all these courts from other
municipalities. They tell me all the time like how they're they're filled with people. Um I I so I asked the council um before we start um spending money on on designs, but again that
money has already been allocated here. So we're not we're not uh going out for new debt. Um, so we're not, you know, using uh any of that money, new money to do this. So the money's there. Um, and
I'm open for for anything else. I mean, I just threw pickable courts. That cost to do four pickable courts, um, according to Corey, our engineer, is is around 200, but he said like, let's go 250 just to just to um, you know, to be
safe on that. So, and like I said, we have 48,000 change there. And the the uh the cost would be around 250,000 to put these four pickle ball courts uh down off of across from the pump track. Um
there's also a parking uh 15 parking space included in there. Um, and then we'll probably add a little uh resting area with some a shade area, but but again it's something that again it's been in kind of demand. I guess a
lot of people would would love to have this amenity. Again, this is not a pet project of mine. I didn't know what it was. I probably would never play pickle ball. I listen to the people and this is what I hear a lot about. Um, so I would
ask the the council to just you know, um eventually you guys, if we do it, you guys would have to um approve the uh the awarding bid. Um if you know, we're going to bid for this. So,
that's part of my that's that's my comments. Um I hope that we can uh have further discussions, but eventually I would I would need to get some kind of yay or nay. Um this way again we start
getting the engineer involved and you know again that's all covered underneath that 250 200,000 250,000 but before I go any further I I wanted to raise those comments to the council. Um and uh that's it. That's my uh that's my
comments. >> Thank you very much. Have a motion to open the comments to public comments. Three minutes only on items that were on the agenda. Have a motion. >> Move. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Anyone from the audience care to come up and speak? Agenda items only. >> Speak about the data centers then. >> Sorry, >> I can speak about the data centers. >> That's on the agenda. Agenda.
>> Thank you. My name is Christa Garry and I live in Vernon, New Jersey. Uh the data centers can bring several concerns for a local community. One major issue is that their massive energy consumption which can
strain the local electrical grid and potentially lead to higher energy rates for residents. They also consume significant amounts of water for cooling systems, which can be a problem in areas with water scarcity. Additionally, they
don't typically provide many permanent jobs once they are built while taking up a large amount of land. They can be a source of noise pollution from cooling fans and backup generators. Construction of these centers could
cause traffic congestion during the long construction phase. They would also be unsightly in a rural area such as Vernon. There is also a risk of potential light pollution from security lighting. Besides all that I have mentioned, this
could also put a strain on local emergency services due to specialized needs for fire suppression systems. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else?
Edwards. >> Good evening. Excuse me. Dorian Edwards, Vernon. Um, I was looking at the, uh, agenda this evening. Excuse me. And I was questioning something on Bill's list. Uh, maybe you could just explain it to me if you don't mind. Um,
66140. It has to do with duplicate tax refund entries. There's three of them. What is that? How does that happen? And is is it a mistake that's corrected or I just don't understand. I just want to get a better feel for what that's about. >> All right. Is this something that that
we will respond to questions at this time or it should be addressed later? >> You can address it later. >> If anybody I I don't I don't have any background information on that particular Is it on the bills list? >> Yeah, it's on the bill's list. number.
Uh, this time I got smart. Uh, 6140140 >> makes it easier for us. >> Exactly. >> You know, >> I always looked on my phone and I could never expand it that far to see that number on the left. >> You might when when you when the council's reviewing bills, if she may want to
>> address it then? Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah, we'll we'll add that to a discussion item. >> All right. And then uh ordinance 2614, 15, and 16. That's a lot of money. I'm just curious. I did look in the backup paperwork for 2614
5,700. Um can you explain a little bit more in detail what that would go for? >> We will do that uh >> at that time. Okay. And uh my other com will be for later on in general. Thank you very much.
>> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Hi, can you hear me? Uh, Carol Bernham from Vernon. I also want to talk about the data centers. Large data centers represent a high impact industrial use that threatens to impose lasting costs on Vernon residents
while offering comparatively little in return. Although these facilities are often often marketed as symbols of innovation, their local consequences are far more dire. They consume extraordinary amounts of electricity, can require significant water for
cooling, generate persistent mechanical noise, and rely on backup power systems that can burden surrounding communities across New Jersey. Concern about these impacts has become serious enough that multiple municipalities have already
moved to prohibit data centers altogether, citing exactly the kinds of land use, infrastructure, and quality of life conflicts that Vernon should seek to avoid. Andover Township, Peton Township, and Philipsburg have all
emerged as examples of communities concluding that the risks are too great. The case for a ban is especially compelling in a township such as ours, where open space, scenic character, and environmental stewardship are central to
community identity. A data center can permanently reshape land use through oversized buildings, round-the-clock operations, and industrial infrastructure that is fundamentally out of scale with our rural and residential setting. Even more concerning, these
projects rarely deliver a proportional public benefit. They require substantial land and infrastructure, yet they typically produce relatively few permanent jobs after construction is complete. At the same time, New Jersey
reporting and advocacy group advocacy groups have increasingly increasingly warned that data centers can drive up electricity demand, strain water supplies, and shift broader costs onto households and small businesses.
New Jersey 101.5, New Jersey Spotlight News, and statewide advocacy groups have all highlighted these concerns. I can't speak for everyone, but my costs have gone up significantly in the past year for food, gas, medication, and
utilities. I certainly don't want to be paying additional cost for an AI data center. We do not need a data center, but we do need clean air and clean water. For Vernon, a ban would be prudent. It would protect residents from an energy-hungry industry whose burdens
are local, immediate, and potentially irreversible. We should be preserving land and infrastructure for uses that are more sustainable, transparent, and consistent with the township's long-term interests. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Anyone else? >> No. Seeing no one else, may I have a motion to close the meeting to the public? Motion. >> Second. All in favor? I
Next is a review of the bills list. If you have any questions on on the bills list, >> I wanted to ask about 66140, the duplicate tax refund. >> Just any information on that. Like everything else in the bill list I
can understand. I just don't really. Okay. >> Yeah, I have no idea. I'd have to look into it and let you guys know. >> All right. Just an email. Thanks. >> Only one I had was 66149. That just happened to be the plowing for
the MUA. Is the MUA on their own or are they part of our services that we provide or >> we we have a shared service with them? Um yeah, they they um we charge them you know if they need our service that's how that works.
>> Okay. >> Said we don't even with uh the collection of money that's that's done through uh the finance office under a shared service as well. And the other was 66152
positive promotions $4,52 community relations supplies. Any idea what that could be? >> Yes, it's uh it's the police department. Um they this money is taken out of the opioid settlement fund and
all the items that they purchased are for like any of their community service events like um I actually have it because I had a feeling this was going to be a question. So they used
they purchased items for Burning Day, the Junior Police Academy, the um the Boys and Girl Scout troops, Safety Town, Trick or Trail, the Christmas tree lighting. Um and then for the college community fairs that they go up to like
the high school and stuff. And so they they buy different um items to give out to the kids and to um you know to help them with their I guess demonstration on what we've done with the police
department. Now the monies is actually taken out of our opioid settlement funds that we receive. >> Good. Thank you. Any other questions? Seeing
no other questions, we'll go to the approval of minutes. Have a motion to approve the 2026 executive session meeting. Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member Canino.
>> Yes. >> Council member Ols. >> Yes. >> Council member Razuda. >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Hus. >> Yes. >> Carries. June June 8th, 2026 regular meeting. Have a motion to approve June 8th, 2026
regular meeting minutes. >> Moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member Canino? >> Yes. >> Member Holmes? >> Yes. >> Council member Ruda? >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Higgins.
>> Yes. Motion carries. >> Next is a series of resolutions consent agenda. There's uh looks like there's seven of them. And if anybody wants to discuss anyone individually, just let me know.
Seeing that there are no resolutions being asked to discuss, may I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> And a roll call. >> Member K. >> Yes. >> Council member.
>> Yes. Council member, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Next. Ordinances. Ordinance establishing the salaries of certain officers and employees of the Township of Vernon
County of Sussex, State of New Jersey. May I have a motion to introduce ordinance 26-12? >> Move. >> Second. Have a second. Second. >> Second.
>> Roll call. >> Council member Canino. >> Um, >> yes. >> Council member, >> no. >> Council member Rudo, >> yes. >> Council member Sparta, >> yes. >> Council President Higgins,
>> yes. Please speak. >> Ordinance 2614, the bond ordinance appropriating 5,700,000 and authorizing the issuance of 5,33,000 bonds or notes of the township for
various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the township of Vernon in the county of Sussex, New Jersey. I have a motion to introduce ordinance 2614. motion. Do I have a second? >> Second.
I just want to say one thing. >> Do you have a second? >> Second. >> Yes. >> Okay. U roll call. >> Council member Canino. >> Yes. >> Council member Holmes. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Carries. Okay. So, just one comment. >> One comment here. is signed town Irene Mills township clerk. >> Yeah, I saw that too. >> I'll Yeah, we get that from the bond
council. I didn't even notice. I'll change it. >> Moving on. Ordinance 2615. ordinance providing for various improvements or purposes to be undertaken by the township of Vernon County of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating $281,280
therefore from the various funds of the township. Have a motion to introduce 2615. >> Motion second. >> Second. Roll call. >> Council member Canino? >> Yes. >> Council member Ols. >> Yes. Council member Lazudo,
>> yes. >> Council member Sparta, >> yes. >> Council Presford and Higgins, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Ordinance 2616, an ordinance amending the Vernon Township Administrative Code, chapter 250, fees and escrow, section 250-16,
zoning and land use board. Have a motion to introduce 2616. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call. Council member, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council member Rudo, >> yes. >> Sparta,
>> yes. >> Council President Higgins, >> yes. >> Carries. >> Now, public hearing, adoption of ordinances. Ordinance 2611, ordinance amending chapter 330 of the township code of the township of Vernon
to define and prohibit data centers. May I have a motion to open the public hearing for ordinance 2611? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. If >> any of the members of the public wish to
come forward, seeing none, do I have a motion or motion to a vote? All in favor? close and then >> public. >> Okay, >> I'll make a motion to close. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I have a motion to adopt ordinance 2611. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Oh, second. Excuse me. Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member Canino? >> Yes. >> Council member Ols. >> Yes. >> Council member Rudo.
>> Yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council President Higgins, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Ordinance 2613, an ordinance authorizing the sale of certain land in Vernon Township to be
sold at public auction in accordance with NJSA4A-12-13A. May I have a motion to open a public hearing of ordinance 2613? Second. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed?
Any members of the public? Seeing no members of the public wishing to come forward. May I have a motion to close the public hearing for 2613? >> Motion. >> Second. Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> May I have a motion to adopt 2613? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member Cino. >> Excuse me. Uh before we go further, can I ask just a couple of >> comments? Yeah, sure.
>> Mayor, have we inspected all of these uh these sites? I mean visually received a report to make sure that they're looking at and we're not dis we're not
disposing of something that we'll need or that we cannot use them ourselves for another particular use. So after um I guess the the last administration um they sold a critical uh piece of
property um but we've put um internal uh policy in place that every department has to sign off. Uh our zoning officer has to go and visit the
site, has to take pictures of the site. Um, we've also passed that on to our uh our engineer just in case maybe that property it it a burn off or something, right? So, we we we put it through our
our town engineer as well. Um, and they all have to sign off. Another thing what we did was we instead of we have a lot of property um but we didn't want to put a tremendous amount um so we we broke it
out 25 30 30 manageable amount um we do it in increments so so it doesn't get too too crazy but yep we do have um a a spreadsheet that goes around and and each department has to sign off on it that that it's that it's good to go.
>> Thank you. Yeah. >> Will we get a list of properties that are sold once they're done? Sold >> once >> if they got sold. Will we get a list? >> Yeah. We can um the price. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We'll make sure that you get them. >> Okay. Thank you. And when is um when
would that be? When will this all you think be completed? >> I don't know. What happens is after this if it's approved then we have to wait the time period. Max span will then take over and they'll run the whole auction.
So, it'll really depend on how long, you know, where they can fit us in their schedule to actually do the auction and then, you know, what the their time frame is before they close everything down. Um, so it's really going to go off of what their time frame is and they
can't give me anything until everything's approved. >> And did they get a percentage max Pam? It's all incorporated in whatever they decide, you know, through us. Um, what they're going to put out for auction.
So, they do get a percentage. It I think it goes by how much they sell it, you know, how much it for sale. >> Yeah. And a lot of these properties that you see here, they uh a lot of them have been requested from from uh from
residents um who inquired about it. So we put them on list because it's nice to know that people are interested in these properties instead of putting a whole bunch out there that you know would kind of be a waste but um so a lot of them I don't know the total amount or if every
single one of them who uh are interested but I know uh I mean was doing collecting a list of those properties and I believe a bunch of them are there so so they they will they will sell. I don't know how many of
them, but but um but it's good. We Yeah, we got to get We have a lot more than than that. So, we're trying to unload as much as possible. Um I I did discover there is probably a handful of properties um that that have a dwelling
on them. Um so, >> not these, >> not those. Um that was after. So, um that's something that we have to look at. Then there's there's properties that like I said, it's they're you can't build on them. They're kind of a waste and yeah and I think we're just going to
get stuck with them for life and a lot of them probably we probably have owned them for for quite some time now. So um yeah, so that that's where we're at with it. But I I'd love to yeah can't wait to get rid of it and I said put it you know
put it back on the uh start collecting tax money on it. So yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. I'm so sorry. Where did we leave off? >> I had a question voting. >> I vote yes. >> Oh, okay. Vote yes. I vote yes.
>> Have a motion. Um, Council Member Sparta, a second. Council member Ols. And I'm going to do a roll call. Okay. >> Council member Canino? >> Yes. >> Council member Ols. >> Yes. >> Council member Rudo. >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes.
>> Council President Higgins. >> Yes. Um, is it possible for me to change my vote on something? >> No. >> Yeah. As long as you don't close out motion to reconsider. >> Yeah. >> That can be done at the same.
>> What is it that you're >> I just want 2612. I thought about it. I want to vote not that. >> It doesn't change the outcome at all. >> Thank you. Make a motion to reconsider. >> Reconsider. Need a motion to reconsider.
>> Well, yeah. >> Oh, >> but back the next day. >> Make a motion to reconsider your vote. >> Yeah. I'd like to motion to reconsider 2612. >> All right. I'll second it. I'll second it.
>> All in favor. >> Ellie. >> Have them do roll call. >> Yeah, I'm going to do a roll call. >> Um, Council Member Canino. >> No. >> Council member Holmes. >> Yeah. Well, now I have to >> This is on your This is on your motion.
>> This is the motion to recon. >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay, then. Yes. Sorry, I'm >> first time doing a motion to recon. >> Council member Holmes. >> Yes. >> Council member Rudo. >> No. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Higgins.
>> Yes. >> Excuse me. Make my Yes. >> Yeah. I didn't realize make a motion to reconsider the same motion for you to reconsider. >> Now you need a motion to vote on it again. Bill
>> have a motion to vote again on the resolution from Carl to change his vote. >> Do we have a motion? >> Just for him to change his vote. Yeah. >> Yes. Motion. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Second. Roll call, please.
>> Council member Canino. This is to approve my no vote, right? Okay. Yes. >> No, this is a motion on the ordinance. >> On the ordinance. >> Oh, then no. >> They should have gone with the no and just let us take >> Yeah.
>> All confused. >> Andy, you voted no on the ordinance. >> Pardon me. >> Say no. >> Voting on the ordinance. Andy. >> Oh, no. >> Council member Rudo. >> Yes. On the motion to reconsider. >> Oh, no. The motion on the ordinance.
Yes. >> Did you say yes? >> Original vote would yes. You're voting again. >> Member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Higgins. >> Yes. >> Motion carries to introduce. >> Thank you. >> Public comment.
>> Limit limited to five minutes on any subject. Do we have a motion to open to the public? >> Moved. >> Second. >> And a second. >> Second. All in favor? >> I I >> Anyone wish to speak five minutes,
please come forward. >> My name is Al Ren. Uh people call me Buddy in town. I'm here to encourage you to get those pickle ball courts going. I've been playing for 10 years now and coming back for the summertime. I have a winter home in Florida which we play almost every day. And when I come back
here, I played up in SP up in Warwick several times, but they raised the outside fee for 100. I don't want to pay. So now I'm playing at Woodburn and the courts are excellent and it's filled every single day. It's really popular and I encourage you to
build those courts. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else? Ma'am, >> I'm Jean Buffalolino from the Glenwood section of Vernon. I'm just gonna second what Buddy just said. Um, I've been here for 45 years. I've paid a lot of taxes.
I have kids that have gone through all the recreation programs. It's time for me to want to stay. Pickle ball will help. Um, I think there's a lot of people in town. They have courts in Highland Lakes. They're closed to the people down here on the side of the town. We have to go out of town to do
this, you know, on a daily basis. It's not there. The money's there. The property is there. Seems like a no-brainer. >> Can I ask a question about Mr. Mayor, is this coming out of the open space fund? Is that what the money's coming?
>> So, um, >> coming out of open space. So >> this uh >> no it's not coming out of >> I thought it was coming out of a bond. Uh well contract portion 900,000 is
funded by 291,64 from open space um 45,000 CIF and the balance sorry that >> I you weren't clear. So some of it's coming out of the proposal would be
coming out of open space money and then out of another fund. So, let me um so if you look at ordinance 2112 >> um I believe it did come out of
open space. Um, >> so that's where you >> I have to double check, but um >> you're saying some of it would come out of open space at this point. And >> yeah, if it's already been pulled out, I I think it's already been pulled from
>> Can you just have Patty send us an email tomorrow? >> I'll I'll forward you >> the whole breakout or ordinance 2112. Is it? >> Yeah, I'll break out ordinance 212. How the money was spent out of 2112? What's remaining on that? if it's open space or if it's bond money. >> You got a phone for that, right?
>> What was that last you said open space or >> bond money? >> A bond, >> right? >> Cuz there was 2112 was a bond ordinance. >> Yeah, I'll forward that to you. >> Yeah, there's a bond ordinance for 900,000. There was 291,000 from open
space left 609. Some somehow some of that was spent. There's 408,000 left over. So, if the information stays that way, that means that if we appropriate money for the pickle ball court, it's not grant money. It comes out of the taxpayers. That's
not to say we're going to say yes or no. Just so everybody knows where the money's coming from. >> Well, thank you for clearing that up. And then my next question is the pickle ball, would it be safe down in that area? >> Yes.
>> It's not supervised area, correct? None of our parks are supervised. >> Well, there Maple Gra there's a lot. This seems like you could go there and no one be around. Am I correct? >> Oh, you can go to Maple Granger and no one be around either.
I'm sorry. >> Sorry. If you can go to Maple Graange and no one be around, >> but you can see it from the the the road. I'm just I'm just making a comment. >> Yeah. No, no, that would it be safe and um coordinating times since it's so populated popular
coordinating times to use it. >> So I well coordinating time I think that would be that would be very difficult. Uh unless there was leagues and m this is a park correct. >> Yeah. This was >> there's should be an ordinance where there's parks municipal parks are closed
at certain hours. >> Well correct. Yes. >> Open at certain hours. >> Yep. So we we have those times but monitored. Um no but I guess if there was leagues right like Mr. you you you play um horseshoes, right? You guys are high and times. So, I don't know if that
would be the same. Like I said, I know nothing about pickle ball. Um whether or not they would actually be leagues, I I don't know. Um and then have those times, but one of the capital projects I did request, I don't even know what I if
we still are out or we have the money for is cameras. Um I I do it is one of the plans to put cameras down in these these areas to again it's to protect our assets too. >> Yeah. Cuz that one's not visible from the road. >> Yeah.
>> Whereas all our other parks are just about. >> Yeah. I found this to be probably the the again we have that property. Um, parking. Well, as you know, we're trying to add additional parking to Maple Graange, but we also were concerned. Uh,
I know pickle ball makes noise and that's a a big problem. And I think down by the pump track would be a great place for it. There's no homes there. So, >> it's noisy. >> Whereas Maple Graange is, as much as I would love to have everything in one spot, but there's there is there is
houses nearby. So, >> we all know the senior citizens are very loud. Well, yes, they are. And tough. >> Speaking of senior citizens, >> other people other than seniors play pickle ball. >> I play and I'm 75.
Speaking of senior citizens, I seem to remember that uh I brought forward a resolution and it was passed for a band shell >> and I even brought money in for that to
the tune of about $35,000. Um when the town when the council was asked to appropriate that money for the uh particular uh you know for the the for the
particular job the uh it was unanimously approved except by me that it would be uh necessary for on future recreation uh projects
that they be funded with private donations. Hence, hence the reason why that money sat in the bank for a period of time going
on close to four years. It was then used for the waterfall uh artifact outside our entrance.
Now that money can't be applied to any other project. My question is, is it fair for something like that which here to four would be normally uh funded by
where money is coming from on this for the citizens who wanted that uh that who wanted that band shell and the number of citizens who would have used
that banshell, I would say would pro would easily outweigh the number of people who are going to be using a pickle ball court. Passive recreation. I know people love to come to some type of
>> events >> events, you know, you know, uh, uh, the, uh, part, you know, jazz at the park and, uh, jazz weekends and that type of thing. But you, we weren't able
to get that type of money. And besides that, there was pledges made to me personally and to the township that additional funds would have been uh dedicated and given to the township for use on that particular
uh that particular project uh if it had been moved to go forward. So, I'm here to ask the council, are we ready to do something for for the uh
seniors who don't want to just play pickle ball, but maybe want to enjoy some other type of passive recreation. >> Well, this is this is public. >> I'm just Yeah, >> looking at the council president. >> This is public comment right now.
>> Yes, I understand. But this would this I think the mayor had said he's not wed to this um and would be a decision between and amongst the governing body and the mayor. >> Right. It's a discussion point right now. It was not on the agenda on
purpose. The mayor introduced it as a public comments. That's why it's open for discussion. It's not a resolution. It's not a vote. It's just a discussion item >> based upon what the mayor said. >> And this is still public comment. >> Yeah. And we have um
a member of the public ready to go. >> Mr. Edwards, >> I'm staying right where I am now. Thank you very much. >> Edwards pickle ball player. >> Sorry. >> Are you a pickle ball player? >> No. >> Wish I could. I wish I could. You know,
passive and physical are both good. Um so I'm going to get back to my first question if I may. How many minutes do I have? Three minutes or five? >> Five. >> You got five. Okay. So, am I going to get any kind of transparent information on 2614 or 15?
>> Yes, I have something here for you. Right. >> Thank you very much. I am not a fan of the answer we were given in regards to the duplicate tax refund. I I I would like to next meeting find out exactly because I think I've seen that before.
>> If you can give me your email at the end of the meeting, I'll email you. >> Perfect. That would be great. I'd appreciate that. Um, also I don't know about you folks, but I talked to quite a few people during the week. I am having tremendous, tremendous
problem with my internet, which is optimum now. My cell phone, which is Verizon. It was at one time it was horrible, then it got better. I got an extender. Um, it was okay for a while. Now it's been eight months, nine months. It's
horrible. The calls keep on dropping. I know from previous meetings that they have to come before this council and get permission, if you would, to continue the services in the town. I honestly would like an answer. What the hell is going on with the service? Because I pay
good money and I and constantly it's like I my friends get around. They said, "Oh, hurry up and talk. You only got you five minutes before the call drops." And I tell I'm not calling you back anymore because I've I've tried to get one conversation done. It took four calls back and forth and other people say
they're having the same problem. So, I really would like to know what the hell is going on because it's so so frustrating. I waited a week for a doctor to call. He's on the phone. I'm like, "Please, please, please, please." Of course, the important part, try to
get a doctor back on the phone. So, I don't know. You were shaking your head, Mr. King. I don't know if you >> I have the same problem in Morris County in Dville where I live. It's pathetic. Want to know what's are they due back anytime soon? Optimum or Verizon to come
in front of the board and say, you know, hey, we want to continue our services here in town. I mean, I really would like somebody to reach out. I do what I can. I call customer service. I just recently had my brother um he lost he's in Dumont. He lost his um internet and
his phone. there was a problem with the cable, but it took me an hour and eight minutes waiting on the phone to speak to somebody to find out what happened and that was Verizon. So, I'm not I'm not happy with this at all. I feel like we've gone back in time. So, I don't
know. And Optimum, you get the beep beep beep, you know, when it's waiting, >> right? >> I don't know. >> Have we ever had them? >> So, I I don't know anything about them coming to We're talking about cell phone >> Verizon. I don't know. Cell phone. Yeah, cell phone and optimum.
>> I I don't know that they are required to come back and maybe the attorney can talk a little bit on that. Um but I will tell you that the board of ed um is putting a cell tower in um which I think just is going through the land use
board. Uh and that will be from what I understand a Verizon tower. Um so that will help. Um, I'm hoping it will hoping. >> Um, I I know even when I first moved up here, uh, uh, I had AT&T and as soon as
I got up to 515 from 23, that was it. My never worked. And then it and then I was on Verizon, which was great. And then Verizon went downhill, too. Probably about a few years ago. And so, I don't know. Yeah. You said >> I noticed different places when I drive around town, I'm loving losing the
service more now. >> Yeah. big stretches which could be a hazard if you have to call 911 or something. >> I think it's the 5G that's that's the >> Yeah, I have 5G. I upgraded my phone because I felt they were pushing me to do that and I it's just it just feels like I live in
>> land now where land you know. Um, so I don't know what I know you had executive meeting and if I could ask I don't know if this is I address the question to you but do we know if the developers of theta drive paid their outstanding fee
to schuma that 250,000 approximately fee to scha you answer that >> that would be between the developer and schuma >> repercussions on us at all. No, that has nothing to do with us. That's between
Schuma and the developer, >> right? But if Schuma says, "Uh, we're shutting you down." They can't operate either, right? They wouldn't be able to operate the >> We can we can answer the question. >> So, on an unrelated matter, I did speak to someone from Skuma, the attorney. He
advised that they granted the hardship at Schuma. So, they are paying that overtime. >> Okay. So, they're doing the hard they let them because we allowed the hardship. That was the big thing. If we didn't allow it, they they didn't have to allow it. >> Yeah. But they're so they're paying that money over time with interest.
>> All right. Um, so like general questions like legends, what's going on with that? How how do you like really get I like to come down and speak to you folks because I feel like you're my representation and I'd like to know what's going on. Is can we have any update on legends?
>> We had a discussion earlier in our next executive session at the next meeting not open to the public. will address the update. It's an ongoing discussion. There's some positives here >> and we can't say anything more, but we are speaking to the attorneys. We are
speaking to the potential owners or buyers and there is movement. >> Okay. All right. I think that's it. Oh, and you're going to be put Okay. >> Yeah. So, uh the the council members get a breakdown of all these ordinances or resolutions that you're in the audience.
You just hear us vote and you don't see any details, right? But there's details. We all see that and we read it before we vote. So, on a $5.7 million approval that was passed here tonight, Mr. Edwards was asking what what's included
in that. I'll just read some of those things. There's $5,000 for a new additional equipment. There's improvement of various streets. 5,000 million million490 for improvement of streets. There's $50,000 for police
department accessories. There's 963,000 for Conway Dam, which is Conway Drive, which has to be uh paid for by the township. There's $2 million for a ladder truck. And there's a first responder
communication system. Speaking of communications, with it's not only cell phones in town, but it's the police, the emergency, and the fire department. They go out as well. So there's a million185 for that. You add all those up, that's
$5.7 million of bonding that is being discussed >> at 963 for Conway Dam. That's a must that Vernon has to pay. >> That's a result of litigation. >> Negotiations. >> That's a result of litigation.
>> It's not something you negotiate. Um the >> usually when they were putting their >> Oh, that's that's >> that's what I'm saying at that time. The point. Wow. Okay. That's a big Is that a one time? >> Yeah. >> When then we're done. We don't have any other responsibility to them or that.
>> I guess there's maintenance of it. >> But we responsible for the maintenance as well. >> Wow. >> Yeah. We own the dam. We own what's there. So >> Oh, we own it. Vernon owns the dam. >> Yeah. So >> taxpayers can fish off that or use that
lake. Um >> we own we own the road >> that are paying for the dam. >> We own the road that's uh that's on that dam. >> Can you speak louder or into the microphone? >> We own the road. >> Very good. >> We own the road that's on that dam. So
that's I think we we've had that discussion already publicly um about how and why we we own it. Um, so there there's a lot a lot of history that goes back to that, but um, how
how uh, you know, fishing off of it, I you know, I I I haven't looked into that stuff, but um, we did question whether or not do we do we own it, right? And who should be paying for it? Um, and unfortunately it it's come back to us
and unfortunately the past administrations have been pushing that off and Corey, our engineer, as a mayor, we can't keep pushing this off. Um, we've been doing it and, you know, last thing we want is is for that situation
to become, you know, an emergency, right? And then and then it's going to cost us more money. So, um, he said we need to we need to fix it now. And I think the got involved too as well. I'm not 100% sure, but I think
they they they got involved too. And fortunately, like I said, I question um and uh it's something that we can no longer push off. Same thing with the antenna uh emergency service antenna.
That's a million one million two. Last thing we want is is that thing to go down. the spending. We don't want to nobody wants to spend this money because it's like we don't get anything for it really, right? You don't see >> that's why the town's people should be
able to go over there and use that lake then if we're all contributing toward the dam. I would say that should be it. But that's for another conversation. What's the last thing I just wanted to say? Thank you. I watched the um budget passing on the um
TV, >> Facebook or whatever and um I had had heard statements that you know we're we're getting forced um by Trenton to to do unfunded mandated items and I just want everybody to remember that in
November when you go to in November remember who's the majority in the in the assembly who's been in Trenton for all these years doing a lousy lousy job. And now we have a governor who just wants to give away our money, 20 million, you know, for reasons that
should not be. And they're talking about taking money back from one of the programs. Either save new, you know, stay New Jersey, >> save New Jersey. >> Yeah. So they're talking about taking money back from that. So people wake up because this is not a good situation for
the state of New Jersey. We're going down a rabbit hole fast. Thank you very much. Yeah. And >> and Dory, thank you uh to you and the the women's auxiliary for uh the VFW >> um for for uh coordinating that 250th uh
celebration. That was fun. >> Yes. >> Before we go to council comments. >> Anyone else? >> Oh, anybody else? Anyone else? >> Still in the public. >> Yeah. >> Yep. Still in the public. >> Seeing none. Motion. >> Seeing none, have a motion to close the
public. I scared coming up. I was just wondering how much the town is paying Elizabeth Town gas for the natural gas lines that are going on uh going to be put in on Samos Road. >> Zero. >> Zero.
>> Zero. Uh how come the people that live there were never really notified and just all of a sudden there's a sign on your door. This is happening. I mean, you don't even know if the people want this or not. Well, it's that. So, that pipe is just
being um they're upgrading the pipe. >> So, it's not >> They're going to dig up the streets then. >> Yeah, they dig up the street. Um I think there's a 4 in I think there's a 4 inch main there now. And they're going to be uh going to an 8 in which will
eventually will again will feed uh all the schools which will be a huge savings. Um, well, maybe not now because natural gas is expensive, but will ultimately be a huge savings to to the school for uh for for heating buildings. Yeah, >> hope so.
>> And they're responsible for paving the road, too. >> Okay. >> I have a message for Vernon taxpayers. >> We have an incredible opportunity right now in Vernon to shape the future of our town. And it starts with using our first
amendment right to have our voices heard. While it's easy to feel disconnected or busy, getting involved is the most powerful way we can address the issues that affect our everyday lives. from taxes to local governance.
We owe a massive debt of gratitude to the dedicated neighbors who step up year after year as unpaid volunteers. Despite facing immense challenges, their love for Vernon keeps them moving forward and their perseverance is truly
admirable. They are doing the heavy lifting to ensure every resident has a voice. This petition to change our form of government in Vernon isn't about political parties and it isn't about
specific individuals. It is entirely about you, the Vernon taxpayer, and your right to vote on the issues that matter to your family. We are on track to bring this to the ballot this November, and we want everyone to be part of it. Let's
stand together, take pride in our community, and create a positive impact. Please join us, show your support, and sign the petition. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Anyone else?
>> Yes, sir. >> Got a couple questions. Um, >> yes. State your name, sir. >> My name is Kiani Vernon. So I have a couple questions mainly around 2612 and 2613 um data center language. I wanted to understand now that Andover has
recently passed the ban on data centers across the town and various towns around the state. So I wanted to see what the wording that we're putting in is and how that ties into the future >> email address. I could send you the ordinance.
>> That'll be great. >> It is on our website also. >> Okay. Whereabouts on the website >> under agendas. Okay, I'll take a look there. And second question on that, the 2613, the land that we're looking to sell,
whether it's I'm not sure if it was land that has residential properties on it or just empty land, is that going to be used in any way for potential data centers at any point or has that been considered? >> No. >> Pass a ban. I don't think so. These are
>> well that's why I wanted to understand the wording. Is it a full ban on on centers or is it arbitrary bans on wording and kind of loophole kind of thing? >> These are like flag pieces adjoining pieces. I think the largest piece of
>> was 4 and it was residential zoning has been factored into all this. I'm just trying to understand the full picture of kind of >> how this all work. >> In addition to that I'm on the land use board. It was discussed at the last land use board meeting and the gentleman sitting next to me is a mute point we
were voting I said yeah I know you can't build in 67% of Vernon Township >> and so and data center is not like a home lot you know huge place >> and so I want to make sure these aren't combined and use and again I I just want
to get a good understanding of kind of what's what's going on what the the >> you do I respond to him Yes, >> I I wrote the ordinance. Um the so the way it's written, we're defining what a data center is and then to the part of
our code entitled uses prohibited in all districts, we include data centers as we define them. And it defines a data center as a facility, building or use primarily engaged in the storage, management, processing or hosting of
digital data, applications, cloud computing services, cryptocurrency mining or AI processing through the use of servers, networking equipment and related infrastructure. Such uses shall include the associated cooling systems, backup generators, substations, utility
infrastructure, and security facilities. But then there are carveouts >> um to make sure that it doesn't prohibit something that we would want like better internet or location. So the term shall not include customary accessory information technology or server
equipment incidental to a permitted principal use including but not limited to schools, hospitals, government buildings, financial institutions or ordinary business operations. The term shall not include telecommunications facilities, public utility infrastructure, cell facilities, fiber
optic network, central office switching stations or similar communications infrastructure primarily engaged in providing telephone, cable, wireless, broadband or internet access services. So the only thing it's doing and like Bill said, the Highlands Act already makes it very hard for anything like
this to come into town, but just to be safe because we don't want these facilities ever coming into our town. >> Yeah. um we're defining what it is and those largecale data facilities like you saw what was attempted in Andover or in Washington Township,
we're prohibiting them. >> I love it. >> Allowed. >> Yeah. >> But we're not saying no to something that we would want like better or better sell service. No. >> So, >> no, that's that's beautiful. I I wanted to make sure that was kind of all in there because I was going through the
end over how they defined it. So, I wanted to make sure that it we matched closely to that and love it. Nice work. >> And just just for the record, no no one has ever contacted me about putting any kind of data center in the town.
>> That's even better. Cool. That's all I had. Well, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Seeing no one else in the audience, I have a motion to close to the public. >> Moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I
council president. >> Council comments. >> Can I just >> Yes. Comment? >> Yeah. In fact, the mayor had asked me before you you said you sent >> an email that I didn't see before the meeting about data centers. Did you >> correct >> have a comment to make? >> Yeah. So, I I think it's an like I said,
um I worked in data centers, bad and good. I I don't want a massive data center in Vernon. So, just like I said, uh I think they create short-term jobs, but not long-term jobs. So, it's not even like a job thing I would before. Um but there is some language that I've
asked to include or possibly can do an amendment to it. Um you want me to read that? >> Yeah, go read it. >> Okay. So it says data centers shall not include telecom >> right into the microphone. Data data >> data centers shall not include
telecommunications, broadband, wireless, cable, television, fiber optic or public utility facilities used primarily for transmission, routing, switching, interconnection or access network operations
uh including central offices, remote terminals, telecom huts, cabinets, shelters, uh cell tower equipment shelters, uh optical line terminal
uh facilities, points of pre uh presence uh or similar network infrastructure. Unless each unless such facility is used primarily for largecale commercial uh data storage um uh
collocation cloud computing um cryptocurrency mining artificial intelligence computing or high density data processing. So again, it's some language um that maybe at some point we can add an
amendment um to it. Again, we nobody here is for big data centers. Um but we yeah, we just want to make it um so that we're not cutting anyone out and you know, again, we could always limit our footprints on how we do things too. And
again, the Highlands uh prevents a lot of that stuff anyway. So, um, and then my my second comment, again, the band show, Mr. Zero, you did advise me to give that money back to the people that gave the money. I just asked them if
they would donate it to the uh, first responders memorial. >> Um, >> you responded, your response was not that way. I requested that the CFO send it back to the donors.
They were contacted after I brought that to your attention and the donors uh a number of them had comments for me which kind of vary from what you're saying right now. I choose not to get into it.
>> Well, like I said, um I I asked them if they would would don would donate that money and I would send them an email. I said it was and and most of them are huge uh supporters of our first responders. So, um
I said it was going back. I figured I would ask them if they would put it towards First Response Memorial and they agreed to it. >> All right. Thank you. Council comments. We'll start with Mr. Cathino. >> So, I'm very glad to see that the data
center ban passed. Um, and I want to thank everyone on the council for working with me and everyone who supported it and who's out to support it. Um, and really all I have to say. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. Rosto. >> Yes. Thank you. Uh I would hope that the mayor is as you know uh you know remembers the situation as clearly as the uh as it was brought to
him because uh the number of people that we could have serviced as part of our community with this particular uh project would have been substantially more than the people who would be using
like a pickle ball court. Not that either one of them would have been um you know without cause but uh it was the feeling of the council at that time that only uh money
raised through donations should be used for um for uh new recreational activities. Secondly, uh please note that uh
regarding the uh the power drain that would be required or the power that would be required and would be a significant drain on uh our facilities up here uh
have been uh addressed by the president. He is now going to be permitting small mini reactors to be constructed on site for use in the uh construction of these
hyperspace uh facilities. And those are the ones I believe people here are concerned about, which is why I voted no. Um I'm sorry.
Yes. In approving the uh the agenda. I'm sorry. The uh approving the uh ordinance >> the ordinance. Thank you. And uh but I I don't see that as happening here. I think the rest the community can rest
easy as our council president pointed out. Um we only have 60 about 30% of the community is zoned for
um development. The other 70% is part of the Highlands Act. Uh hence any type of development would uh not be conducive uh to what's going on. But more than that,
it would have changed, I believe, one of these hyperspace projects would have changed the character of the community. And that's not something that I think we or the council or people here sitting here would like to see. So, uh I'm
pleased that we were able to uh come together on this and avoid any uh negative feelings. Secondly, and finally, the this is the last full week of school.
You're going to see a lot of youngsters on bikes and going around, you know, hopefully carrying fishing poles and having a great time. And uh I would ask that you please, you know, keep a sharp
eye on these uh uh youngsters and making sure that uh you know they'll walk in the road and so forth, but let's keep an eye on an eye out for them and just to keep them safe. Thank you.
>> No, >> no comments. >> No comment. >> Mr. Sparta, >> I just have one quick one. um like to wish my parents 63 years of I don't want to know I don't know if it's weded bliss anymore or not three years but uh today
they're celebrating 63 years of their anniversary. So >> thankful that we can sing along and I can get over and see them before they go to bed. So uh thank you. That's all. >> And I'll make my last comments quick. The first one is there was a person just came up and talked about voting for the
petition to change the former government. Whenever the person who was behind that was in the audience two meetings ago, they didn't quite clearly come across to me as saying, "Let's go back to the form of government we used to have." That was the statement that I
heard. That's not the statement that the petition says. The petition says, "Let's stay at a nonpartisan form of government." We were at a partisan form of government before 2011. I fully support going back to the council form
of government as long as it's partisan. The state of New Jersey runs as a partisan government. The counties run as a partisan government. The people in Vernon have their own way of of living and what they believe in and they have their certain beliefs. And that was all
changed when we went to nonpartisan. So, I withdraw my support of saying that I supported that uh petition because it it should be a partisan form in my opinion and otherwise I would not vote for it because I said I I supported at the
time. I don't >> not the way it's written. Secondly, I'd like to congratulate all the Vernon High School and middle school uh graduates, particularly the high school graduates. Hope that they're safe and they have fun. The graduation is
coming up next week. As far as the pickle ball's concerned, I'm a senior as well. I like athletics. I still play horseshoes and once in a while or play golf. I get it. I understand pickle ball is important. Just remember that that $48,000 is taxpayer money. It's not a
grant. That was money that uh can be given back to the taxpayers. It can be spent on pickle ball. Can be spent on something else, too. And there is property down there next to the uh bike track that would be the location for it if that's what's decided. And lastly, I
did notice in the paper that there was another incident with another truck coming down break neck and uh just shouldn't be you where they're coming down 515 or break neck just a dangerous situation and whatever the police department can do the county can do to
stop it. Too many people have gotten hurt and I thank everybody for coming out tonight. >> Bill, are we going to talk about the July and August meetings? I thought I heard. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry about that. >> Yeah. Lastly, we normally have two meetings a month and uh during the
summer tradition depending on the uh agenda, we'll take July and August and we'll have one meeting for each of those two months. We'll post the dates on the website and I believe it's the 24th of July is the next one. It's um >> Is that about right Marcia?
>> It is. Sorry. >> 24th of Friday. So >> yeah, it's the 20 July 27th >> and August 24th. >> So they're they're the actual scheduled meetings. We're just going to be
cancelling the first meetings of the month. Okay. >> We'll cancel the second those dates. >> Oh, you're going to cancel those. Keep the first. >> Yes. >> Oh, okay. Okay. So, you said we're having a meeting August 25th. >> No, we're going to have a meeting July
13th and August 10th. >> Oh, why did I get >> canceling the last two meetings July and August? I >> have a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> Second.
All in favor? I meeting. >> Happy 4th of July. >> Thank you everybody. >> Yeah, there you go. Congratulations to your parents. That's a long one.
Getting you that bandell.