said in the mail. >> Right. The clerk to read the meeting statement. Adequate notice of this regular meeting was provided to the public in the press on January 19th, 2025 and was posted at the municipal building in accordance with the open public meetings act NJSA
10 col4-7. >> Thank you. You all please join me in saluting the flag. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Council member Bushieri >> here. >> Council member Denadto. >> Council member Sparta. >> President here.
The mayor is not here. Spenc uh please note that I will be aing A resolution 25-286. This resolution will be relative to um
the title. >> Title resol. Oh, yeah. resolution authorizing the township of Vernon to pursue the acquisition of certain property and if the township is unable to acquire such property,
thereafter referring to such property to the township planning board to undertake an investigation to determine whether all or a portion of such property uh constitutes a condemnation area in need
of redevelopment. We will consider that at the appropriate time. >> That will be 287, right? >> That will be 28025-287. >> Right. >> All members have received a copy of the bills list.
>> Any comments on that? hearing none. Move on. Uh I'm sorry, I did skip ahead, didn't I? Okay, we'll move back to public comments. [Music] May I have a motion to open the floor to
a public comment? >> I'll make that motion. >> Motion made by Mrs. Bucheri. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Roll call. >> Council member Bushieri. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins. >> Yes. >> Member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Rudo. Yes.
>> Motion carries. >> Motion is I'm sorry. The meeting is open to the public for comment on agenda items period of three minutes for anyone wishing to address it the council.
I'm Mr. Council President Steve Dunlop. I guess the resolution that you referred to is available for viewing. Um, I can give you a copy if you'd like. >> Difficult to address it if it's not available, but it seems like you've
added it. Um, I'm happy that you have added it. Guess it has to do with either red redevelopment or condemnation or some faximile of those. >> Yes. >> I just wanted to read something. On
March 14th, 2024, our mayor posted on his Facebook page, "Breaking news. Since the election, I've been determined to address the issue of legends. During my first week in office, I had several discussions with the owner of Legends, Mr. Meyer. I advised him that Vernon cannot continue down this
road anymore." I also explained the governor recently passed the law on their pocket licenses, which he will also lose. Two weeks ago, Mr. my request for another week or two to store things. I apologize for the delays. Today, I'm happy to announce
that follow. On Monday, I met with the new owner in the office to discuss the plans. He's requested we jointly work on a press release which would be released in the next few weeks. >> Okay. >> A year and a half ago.
>> I understand that. No, >> it didn't sell or hadn't sold. >> I don't think the council ever said that it was sold. >> You did read you the mayor's comments. >> That's right. >> Um, so yeah, this has gone on for a year and a half and has been
>> maybe kicked down the roads, not the right thing, but I know it's been raised by one or two council members repeatedly over the last year and a half, maybe longer. And uh, I'll look at this now. Obviously can't comment it because I haven't seen it. Um,
but I'm hoping it's a step in the right direction and I appreciate all the efforts of everyone involved that has gotten us to this point. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to address the council? Seeing no one else coming forward, may I
have a motion to close the meeting to the public? Moved. Moved by Mr. Spart. Is there a second? >> Second. Second by Mr. Higgins. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> We have reviewed bills. U all council members have received copies of the minutes of our meeting of September 8th regular the executive session. May have a motion to
have those minutes approved as listed. >> I'll make that motion. Motion made by Mr. started second >> seconded by Missy uh >> changes additions or do we have
>> hearing none I'll move to the role >> council member >> yes >> council member >> yes >> yes >> council president ruda >> yes >> for our regular meeting of September 8th 2025
all members have received receive a copy of those minutes. Um, may I have a motion to place those on the floor for consideration? Moved by Mr. Spart. Is there a second? Second. Second by Mr. Higgins. Any changes, additions, or deletions to
those minutes? >> Not real close call. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins. >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Wizo. >> Yes. Consent agenda. We will move the consent agenda. Pat,
>> there's a couple on the top of the page. >> I'm sorry. >> September 22nd meeting uh minutes as well. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I missed it. Um the uh minutes of May I have a motion to
place the minutes of September 22nd, 2085. Um, executive session on the floor for cons by Mr. Higgins. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Mr. U. Any additions or
deletions on those uh corrections on those minutes? If not, roll call. >> Council member Bushier. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins? >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta? >> Yes. >> Council President Ruda? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Uh,
regarding the minutes of September 22nd, 2025 regular meeting. May I have a motion to place those? >> I'll make that motion. >> Motion made by Mrs. Bucheri. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Any additional
additions, deletions, or corrections? >> No. >> Hearing none. May I have a roll call? >> Council member Bushieri? >> Yes. >> Council member Higgin. >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. Yes. >> Council President Ruda. >> Yes. >> Motion carries.
>> Uh resolution consent agenda. Uh may I have a motion to approve resolution 25-268 through 25-286 in total.
>> I'll make that motion. >> Motion made by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Um, roll call. >> Bushiary. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Resolution 25-287. Going to read this into the record. uh resolution, a resolution authorizing the township of
Vernon to pursue the acquisition of certain property and if the township is unable to acquire such property, thereafter referring such property to the township planning board to undertake an investigation to determine whether
all or portion of such property constitutes a condemnation area in need of develop. redevelopment. May I have a motion to place this on the floor for approval? Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there seconded
by Mrs. Bucheri? Any question or comment on this? If not, may I have a roll call, please? >> Council, >> yes. >> Council member Higgins, >> yes. >> Member Sparta, >> yes. >> Council President Rudo, >> yes. Motion carries.
>> Thank you. Moving on. Introduction of ordinance 25-16. Ordinance amending the Vernon Township administrative code chapter 250 fees escros section 250-13
Department of Public Works. May I have a motion to introduce this ordinance? >> Moved. >> Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Mr. Higgins. Uh, roll call. >> Council member Busheri. >> Yes. >> Member Higgins.
>> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Rudo. >> Yes. >> And number 11, an ordinance 25-14, an ordinance to establish, and this is a
an adoption of ordinances. uh an ordinance to establish a new chapter in the code of Vernon Township, part one, administrative legislative
chapter entitled restricted areas to safeguard the public and confidential or exempt records for from disclosure. May I have a motion to place this on the floor for u the public participation?
Move second by Mr. Sparta. Seconded by Mr. >> Mr. Higgins. >> Roll call. >> Council member Busher. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins. >> Yes. >> Member Sparta. >> Yes.
>> Council President Rudo. >> Yes. You should face >> floor is open to the public on ordinance 25-14 for uh comment from the public and only on this for a period of uh
five minute three to three three minutes >> five minutes excuse me uh anyone wishing to address the council on this >> if not I'll close ask for a motion to close the meeting to the public >> I'll make that motion >> motion made by Mrs. Beri, is there a second?
>> Second. >> Mr. Sparta. Roll call. >> Council member Bushieri. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins. >> Yes. >> Member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Rudo. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> May I have a motion to place 25-14 on
the floor for consideration? >> Yes. >> Motion made by Mr. Second. Seconded by Mr. Sparta. Um, anyone wishing to address this? >> We have to open the floor for >> hearing. No one address this. May I have
a roll call, please? >> No, we have >> Yeah, you already >> This is for adoption. >> For adoption. >> I'll make that motion. >> Is it Is it not on there for adoption? >> Yes, I have. I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm sorry. I thought we needed another public hearing.
>> I have the second by Council Member Sparta. Um, >> yes. >> Council member Busher. >> Sorry. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins. >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Rudo. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Go ahead.
>> An ordinance 25-15, an ordinance amending salaries for certain officers and employees of the township of Vernon, uh, county of Sussex, state of New Jersey. They have a motion to place 25-15 on the floor for
for consideration an opening to the public. Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Um, may I have a motion to open the >> That was May I have a right. There we
go. Motion that the floor is open to the public on this >> for five minutes. >> For five minutes. Any motion to adjust this? Seeing no one coming forward, may I have a more motion to close the floor to the public on this?
>> Mr. >> Ms. Bouter. >> Mrs. Beri. Okay. Seconded by Mr. Higgins. >> May I have a motion? I have a roll call on that. >> Council member Bushieri. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins. >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta.
>> Yes. Council President Rudo. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Motion to place this ordinance on the floor for consideration for passage. >> I'll make that motion. >> Motion made by Mrs. Bucheri. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Mr. Sparta.
Anyone motion to address? >> Yes. 2515 we're talking about, right? >> Yes. >> All right. So, this is important if the public should have some awareness what's going on here. So, we're voting to raise the minimum or change the minimum maximum salaries for general administrator, business administrator,
and the chief financial officer to a cap of 175 and 180. And I guess uh did we know where the current uh well, there's nobody as a CFO right now, but what was that? 140 was that the
>> 140 for the uh CFO and I believe 105 for the uh business >> for the VA >> VA >> as a part-timer. >> Well, a part-timer in the sense that it was the agreed upon terms and her terms were,
you know, being available five days, four days a week, uh and then by phone on the fifth day, >> right? So, however you term that >> right in her words because she was asked if she full or part-time and the answer was >> she takes no
>> just yeah for for the record that person those people were not >> okay but it was a it was we did it in public I asked the question was >> absolutely yes >> in a public meeting yes so so we have a
uh 28 hour a week BA at $102,000 or 105 in that area >> that position that position carries no benefits, >> no benefits, right? Due to the to the circumstances.
So if uh if that is raised to 175 and we decide that we need a full-time VA, that's a negotiable figure from the current BA or any other candidates as to what they we would offer to pay. In
other words, there's no automatic movement from 105 part-time to 175. >> No, this is a salary range. >> This is the salary range that this township is required to to have
>> right on this. So, >> just like private corporations have salary range. Yeah. >> And and every there you also do a every year a ordinance seller ordinance or resolution, >> right? And that pegs based upon the range, >> right?
Yeah. These are in line with numbers from I guess down below. And we're trying to uh we're trying to increase our staff and we're trying to upgrade our staff and I guess to add a higher salary range is
one way of doing it. >> Any other question? >> That was my own comment. Thank you. >> Roll call. >> Council member Busheri. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins. >> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> President Rudo. >> Yes.
>> Motion carries. >> Like to have a motion to open the floor for public comment for a period of five minutes on any subject. >> That second. >> Motion made by Mr. Sparta seconded by Mrs. Bier. Roll call.
>> Council member Busheri. >> Yes. >> Council member Hickey. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Council President Mel. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Meeting is open to the public. If you have any comments to address the
come forward and address the council. >> Hi Steve Dup again. I'm sure I haven't been missed, but I wasn't here for several months. My son was in the hospital for five months and then we lost him and uh kind of turned my back
on everything, but um I know you guys had a pretty rough year. >> Excuse me. We share your grief and things. He was well recognized within the community and
all of us are parents. We share the grief that you >> It was a kind of soul. >> Certainly. I never I don't believe I've ever met Joseph, but certainly uh loss is felt by me as a parent and by Sher in
your feelings. >> There's a a real hole in the heart. >> Sure there is. um having not attended meetings, but I was trying to watch where I could. Sometimes I'd be in the hospital and I'd be watching a meeting and screaming at my phone. Um but things
have a way of falling through a crack. Um one was the um identification of vehicles. um if uh all town vehicles should be properly marked. And I know the mayor was asked the question, the business administrator was asked the question,
they didn't seem to know if the vehicles were marked or not, which I've kind of confounded by. I think all town vehicles should be clearly marked as being town vehicles. I think it's something guys should feel that vehicles come in, they should be
labeled as such. So unless it's an unmarked police car, I understand that's different, but I think all municipal vehic ve vehicles should be labeled as such. The second item was the salary issue and it was addressed multiple times over the
last year and um there was never any real resolution. It was kicked back and forth full-time, part-time. Mr. Sparta finally came up at the last time that I recall it being addressed with what I thought was the best solution
was that nothing would be done while the current council or mayor was were serving, but you guys would consider a 2% raise, 2% increase per year for a 10-year period to then sunset and be looked at
again. And Mr. Sparta asked the attorney at the time if that was possible and something he would look into and he said he didn't. In the meantime, we had a change of attorneys and that just kind of fell through a crack and nothing was ever done about that. We're coming up on
what's going to be a new year and new council and I just don't want to go through what we've gone through in the past. And I would really challenge the council to try to come up with some solution before their term expires now to finally
address this and do something. I thought Brad's recommendation made the most sense, was the most reasonable, and um again, I can't see where it ever came up again. I know other things went on. They got busy with other items, with
other issues. We had a change of attorney, but I would challenge you guys to really try to figure this out so we don't go into new year with the same nonsense we went through this last year. Thank you very much. Anyone
else wishing to adjust the council? >> Not. I have a motion to close the for the public. >> I'll make the motion. >> Motion made by Mrs. Beri. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Roll call. >> Council member Bushier. >> Yes. >> Council member Higgins.
>> Yes. >> Council member Sparta. >> Yes. >> Council President Rudo. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. Uh public council comments. >> Yeah, a couple. Number one, the election is close. I just want to go on record. I wrote an endorsement for Mr. Bucheri,
Mr. Rudo, and Miss Ols. And for the advertiser, it wasn't in today's advertiser. However, there was a nice endorsement from some county people in there. So, I endorse that endorsement. And uh good luck to good luck to all three. I think uh it's a way to go.
>> Thank you. The the other thing that happened yesterday, I went on business-wise. I went to a meeting over in Times Square at the Microsoft training center and it was a comprehensive meeting with a number of speakers and the one that was most it was all about IT and cyber
security and it dealt with government and municipal protection as well. So, I learned a lot and I'll have some things to say later that maybe this town should uh consider as we protect ourselves because it's a serious issue. The last
speaker happened to have been a mayor in a small town in New Jersey >> and uh he was very knowledgeable because he actually used this IT company but that was only about five minutes of his speech that lasted for an hour and he was talking about the entire method of
how the town works, how they go about making decisions. Some of those things parallel what we do here and some of them I thought were good ideas that added to what we do here. So, I'll share some of those ideas at later day, too. I'm gonna have a meeting with him. Peter
probably knows him because it was down in Somerset County and uh very very creative guy that uh came across well. So, I I learned about the way they do some things. And uh lastly on the uh the CFO position, I know we now have a
temporary company doing the work and uh I just hope we're advertising and if it comes down to using a head hunter and it costs money to fill that position, I'm in favor of it if it's going to make this process go further. We just increased the salary range. We have a
lot to offer here and uh I think we have to spread the word. app propo to Mr. Higgins's comments. Um, is there any way can we get the most recent ads in the uh
league of municipality? >> The most recent ad for this CFO? >> Yes. I don't think there has been an ad because um you were talking about changing the salary range and until the ordinance was approved and there was a
20-day estopple period they couldn't advertise it. >> They can just keep it up there. >> Not with the salary range approved. >> You say you wouldn't have you wouldn't have advertised that even with the existing range. Well, it was advertised for 30 days and
we only got one. >> Yeah, but you're right. But was was that in the league? >> Uh I don't believe it's been since the 30-day expired. >> Okay. >> That's something. >> Yeah. At the last meeting, Jessica had her phone and she said she couldn't even
find the posting. >> 30 days expired. So, that's something you have to talk to the business administrator about. But I don't believe it was advertised because with the salary range that was on there, they weren't get any applicants.
>> Okay. >> And um just be aware that there is a 20-day stople period before this um ordinance goes into effect. >> Not on here. >> It's not on here. >> Okay. >> So, it can't even really go up until November >> 10th or something, right? Or
>> Yeah. So, we we legally like can't even post it. Um, that's >> Can we just not put the salary down there? >> Um, I don't be honest with you. I don't think that that'll get an accident.
Yeah. >> First the the >> Thank you. Okay. >> Yeah. It was advertised. >> Okay, >> Mr. Spar. >> The only thing I want to say is I'm thankful that Bill made it out of Time Square. >> I was thinking that myself.
>> That's all I have. I can't top that. So, I can't top that. Yeah, >> can't top that. Okay. >> I can't top that. >> All right. Uh, thank you. Um, I have no comments other than to
thank you very much and uh ask for a motion to >> move back. Moved by Mr. Tigers, seconded by Mr. Sparta. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I opposed. Motion carries. meeting is adjourned.
>> Mr. Spartan said he was down in town braver than me. >> I I >> Yeah, >> I I hate the city. >> It's funny. I drove down Palace today
down toward Fort Le and I'm I'm looking across the Hudson and I'm