Hey Jeff. Hey. How are you Jeff? Oh, good evening. All the meetings to order. May we have the clerk please read the meeting statement please adequate notice
of this regular meeting I'll let you know on the adequate notice of this regular meeting was provided to the public and the press on January 19th 25 and will posted at the building in accordance with the open public meeting act
NJSA10 home 4-7 thank Thank you. You all please join with me and stand. Pledge to our flag. 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. Roll call, please. Bushi can't hear you. Council member Bushieri. Council member Denadto present. Council member Higgins here. Council member Sparta present.
President here. This evening we are pleased to have a number of people with us besides yourselves. uh who one uh one individual who was being uh asked
to come forward is here with his parents and relatives and uh I happen to know the young man uh for a long time and I know the parents very well. They uh uh their Jack's mom was
uh raised and my uh help raise my grandchildren, my three duckies as she calls them from when they were born. They were born prematurely and you could carry all three of them in your hand at the same time. Now
they're kind of big for that. But they still remember sis. Always ask about and has that type of engaging personality and she uh people who love her remember her. But uh the
mayor uh asked to um introduce Jack because of her presentation and because of the fact that Jack had been uh awarded scouting's highest honor eagle becoming an Eagle Scout and I was proud
to be part of the Eagle uh not the Court of Honor but the uh believe I was at the ceremony for it and Uh uh it was really wonderful to be able to see young man honored and for the work
that he did and I know Jack for a long time and I've seen his progress and he and I I'm sorry his dad and I often talk about him because I see him near here at uh you know at the town hall and
occasionally I run into at you know at the store. we always reflect on what was um so I I asked the mayor to please uh you know uh take the floor and uh make his
presentation. Thank you, Council President. Um I so as you some people may or may not know Jim Schmeck works in our DPW. Um and one it was a I think it was a
holiday party uh or maybe it was for Ed Becock. You you started to talk to me about um your son and his achievements and his book that that he has now published. Um, I got a copy of this book
and I didn't I didn't tell Jim I I did and I wanted to read it first before I talk about it. I did talk about it on a on a Facebook video. Um, I have to say, uh, people who know me, like I don't tear often, but, uh, this I I I shed a
couple of tears in here. And, uh, the the life that you had, um, I want to say you had, um, it was a hard life. Um, I know he he lost his his biological mother. His dad
is, and this is all stuff that's in the book, by the way. um his dad serving a lengthy prison uh sent sentence um and Jim and Rita um have adopted him. Um the one of the things that some of the things that I
see um first off an Eagle Scout just tells you one thing about an individual. It tells you who he is, who his character is. Um, one of the things that I mean some of the quotes and I just this is why he just so it's so inspirational to hear such a young man
uh would come would quotes like this. Let me bear with me. I just want to just read some of these out real quick. Success is a lonesome journey. And that I I couldn't say how true that that is so true. Uh your daily attitude affects
performance. Trust is the drawn out process of progress. mental toughness dictating your limit. And I just do and before I go on, I did troll your Facebook, by the way. And some of the
postes he's made, uh, it just it just moves even more. Not every move is forward, but every move has meaning. Keep dancing. Love it. Uh, God doesn't recruit the flawless, he redeems the fallen. Um, I I would like
Jack and his parents, his family to to please join me up here for a moment. Now I know as um being um being a stepfather um one time myself the challenges that it has. Um being a
parent is whoever's a parent here would know that raising children is not an easy task. Um and I know sometimes mom and dad can you know sometimes maybe drive you nuts. I know there's something in the in the book about mom making a comment and you you also did your share
of running away, right? Um and it's it's funny because comments like and I know the frustration as as a parent. A little quick story. Um my daughter uh who's who's done the the greatest thing is the greatest accomplishment is when you when
you succeed, right? That is that is the biggest reward. Um, but growing up you always have these these challenges and sometimes, you know, you bite your thumb and you you you'll want to give a maybe a crack here and there. But my daughter, she drove me so nuts one time. I sent a text message which I thought maybe was
to her mother and I said, "Oh, I've I've had it. Marissa, I'm going to kill her." Well, I never that text message never went to who it was supposed to go to. It went to my daughter Marissa. Dad's going to kill me. You know, so but you know what I'm saying? It's just she's still alive today, everybody. Okay. Um but it
just uh what it is it's just u you know raising kids and and how your life and and some of the things that you had to endure and here you are today uh and your dad has also told me that you were looking to join the uh the state
troopers. Yes. Okay. I know you've met with Chief Dan Young. Yes. Um and I will tell you uh he said he was very impressed. Um, we do have uh office of ambulance loves you. She she was hoping
to be here today. Um, I can't as as mayor. Um, one of the one of the duties I have is to hire and promote police officers. Now, I can't guarantee you a position in the police department, but what I can we in the
next three years, we we will have a turnover. People are going to be retired. And should you choose to uh to go into the police academy or or want to um consider us, you know, I think we we'd love to have
you, but again, like I said, I can't make promise to you on that background checks and police academy and a lot of stuff that you're going to have to go through. Um but we'd love to have you. But anyway, um I have something here that I want to present to
you. This is in recognition for your unwavering determination and inspiration that you have shown in overcoming personal adversaries and challenges. You have evolved into a commendable individual
and exempl exemplified a positive influence which is an inspiration to many people in Vernon Township. So this is certificates for you of recognition. Yeah.
Um, someone else in your life you said saved your life. Uh, yes. Mr. Gentlemen, Mr. Gordon. Yes. Go ahead. Mr. Guy Gordon uh is uh I don't I don't want to say therapist because he in the book says he's not a therapist. He likes
to be called personal trainer. Personal trainer. Personal trainer. Um, and you you met Jack um when he was about 9 years old. Yeah. And Jack was, you know, hated the world and like most most kids that age, but um and was going to
probably um cause problems maybe, right? You were you were going to be and this gentleman shows up and you want if you could just tell me a little about maybe your
interaction with him? Um, I know he got you to start running, right? And that's something. Yeah, he uh, so I definitely learned that you got to be comfortable with being uncomfortable because, you know, the first day I met him, it was pouring rain. I was like, you know what? We're just, we're just going to stay inside. We're probably just going to
talk. Nope. We laced our shoes up and we went running in the pouring rain. We ran at Maple Graange in 100°, completely humid. Whatever I didn't want to do, we did. And that's what got me here today is that if you can't do what you want to do when you're uncomfortable, you're never going to get anything done. and uh Guy Gordon really showed me that was
possible. So, he changed everything for me. Appreciate that. And I I run an agency called Back on Track and it's about fitness and mentoring and and motivating kids. And I met Jack Edward when he was approximately nine years
old. And before I get into some memorable moments with him, I want to fast track to last month. Um me and my wife, that's Lori over there in the corral suit. You look great, by the way, babe. Um, we were, our daughter runs for Ramipo
and we were at TCJ and I saw Jack Edward there wearing his Stockton University track equipment and we hugged. And Jack Edward doesn't know this, but when we hugged, I I had tears in my eyes because to see where he came from and to be a
college athlete as well as all that he has accomplished is is absolutely amazing. memorable moment for me and Jack Edward was we went to Maple Graange Park and he alluded to it. It was brutal out, 90
degrees, 95% humidity and we were already sweating when we left the car. And I looked at Jack and I said, "Come on, we're going to run a little bit." And unlike 99% of the kids that I work with who would say, "No, Jack went with
me." And we started off slowly and we started talking and he started talking about, you know, what's going on in his life. And the more he spoke, the faster the pace got. And by the end, we were sprinting. And
we did three miles that day. And the one picture that I'll always remember about Jack Edward is we got into the car and we are both sweating our butts off. And my car still smells of Jack Edward's
sweat. But I turned the air conditioning on full blast and I saw Jack Edward his head back in my front seat with his eyes closed and I thought to myself, he's at a good place right now and this kid is going to do amazing things which he has
done in the future. The one thing I will tell Jack because I've known him for a long time. I've known him through high school. He he he put he puts a lot of pressure on himself each and every race and he'll
he'll sometimes um it's in his book. He beats himself up. Yes, he beats himself up. But the message I'm giving Jack is, you know, Lori and I are both marathon runners where we were. Um you've had good races, you'll have bad races, but you've won the biggest
race. And the race you've won is the race of life. Okay? That is the biggest race you'll ever go against. So, anytime you're upset about a race, think about your real victory. Jack, you know, I I I see a lot of teens
um I bring his book with me to every teen I see. And yes, I tell him it's on Amazon and but the message of the book is awesome. So, Jack Edwards legacy is so great and it's going to carry on
forever and just real proud of you, buddy. your biggest opponent township. We have a certificate of recognition. I serving Morris Sussex and Warren counties. Guy Gordon has been counseling, guiding, and motivating
children undergoing the host of varian adversities through fitness. The agency has helped hundreds respond with exercise as a physical and mental outlet, improving their lives, their lives to realize their full
potential. So, thank you very much. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. One last thing I would like to say by the way because they set the foundation out there for Jack Edward and Olivia to, you know, find out what their full potential
is. You guys did amazing. Yes, they did. Yes, they one one little quote out of this book and uh this is this is the one that that that broke and I hope I don't tear here. Uh I just want real quick. It's for a moment I hesitated unsure if
the smile on my face. This is now when he was being adopted at the court. For a moment I hesitated unsure if the smile on my face would falter. But then I caught my sister's eye and felt the warmth of my new parents beside me. The
judge's voice continued, but it became a blur as the reality of the moment set in. We were no longer foster kids waiting for a family. We are schmicks. That was just that got me. I
have one more thing. friends of mine um at Mineral Sports Club wanted me to uh read this letter to you. Um dear Jack Edward, on behalf of the entire team at Mineral Sports Club, it is with great
pride and admiration that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you. Your journey marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth is truly inspiring. Overcoming life's most difficult challenges and emerging with
the most powerful message of coaching and lifestyle trans transformation is no small feat. Publishing your book is a remarkable achievement, and we celebrate not just the pages you have written, but the story you've lived. As a token of
our ad admiration and to honor your accomplishments, we are pleased to offer you a one-year membership to the Mineral Sports Club so you can continue at the gym. This was uh they wanted to give
give you something. Um and once again, congratulations. Your strength and dedication serve as a powerful reminder of what's possible because uh through perseverance and purpose. We look forward to being part of your continued
path toward wellness and inspiration. Um warm regards Jack Kulage and I also um Sheriff uh Aubry and Robbie Young who is the gentleman that I speak with. He's the chief
operating officer at Minerals Resort and this is a one-year membership to the gym. So, you can continue uh your training. You can see again he's so focused on on running and still on the track and um so while you're home,
you'll be home for for a little bit. You continue on with that training. So, thank you very much. Stop by the membership desk who you are. They are waiting and and and wanting to to be with you. So, of course, thank you. Congratulations again. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.
Hey, I appreciate that. Thank you so much. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you. May we have comments from the mayor. Uh about a week and a half ago, theification committee and I we were out
there as you could see all the new planting uh in the in the new planters we have on 515 and 94. I just want to say thank you to all the ladies and gentlemen who uh who helped out in that.
We still have a lot more project areas we're looking to uh accomplish. Um last week I was at the mayor's conference in Atlantic City. I got to meet with many other mayors and collaborate ideas and issues. Um we have a New Jersey's
governor candidate forum. Um from the Republican side, Senator Brennick, Jack Chielik Cherelli, uh Bill Spadia and there was one uh and from the Democrat side, there was only Steve Sweeney. Some of the big issues on the topic was
affordable housing mandate uh and also the bail reform um which was another one. [Music] Um I don't know if you guys have seen that uh the construction over here on the corner. We have now started our
water expansion project uh which is going to feed the new 55 unit building and hopefully it's hopefully it's going to ultimately loop around back to Church Street. Um because there are some more development. last week or
two weeks ago uh I sat on the land use board and the one key or right hand I think they they have a different LLC but anyway it's the same company one key they submitted plans uh well it was a presentation of the 27 unit building
which if you look at the back of the municipal building where the dirt mound is that's where the 27 unit building is going to go that's just going to be regular apartments it's not going to be age restricted So that was an introductory that um also
on the land use board uh Sussex cultivation came for a TCO uh so they can begin growing cannabis. Uh I know there's people who are on different sides of the cannabis uh but 18 months
waiting for the D was a bit long. Um and I was happy to kind of push the D a little bit further so we can get the applications done. Corey reviewed everything with the land use board and the TCO was approved so they could start growing. Um because again they're
spending tens and tens of thousands of dollars sitting there just waiting um for this to be done. This is a going to be a huge money maker uh for the township. Uh so hopefully that that takes off. Uh we already started seeing
uh some good money from the um manufacturing portion of that. Uh also I met with uh two days ago I met with Corey and the developer of the 55 unit building. We were there on
site uh doing a progress review just to make sure that they are still on target for the end of August, September for a grand opening. So far everything is looking good. Uh the quality of work is is spectacular. Um it's it's it's really
is quality work that these guys are doing over there and and that's that's the feedback I'm getting from our building inspectors. Um so don't take my word for it. Um also a few weeks ago I met with uh Brian Lynch, Chief Young,
and Kevin Duffy to discuss the First Respondence Memorial, the design. Um and a cop I have a copy of the rendering. uh try to put it out there. We're going to we have to look to see if we're going to have to go out to bid for it. Unfortunately, we do have money uh that
was given to us. Uh well, we have money that was donated one cause and then for the actually was for the band shelf. Um and since that didn't take off, when I contacted the people who donated the money, I asked them if they would donate to our first
responders memorial and they couldn't have been uh happier to do that. And that's Mountain Creek, Joe Hessen, um, Great Gorge, uh, Jeff Hoffman, and Andy Mohill, Crystal Springs. Their donations
will go to the to the building of this First Response Memorial, which is when soon as you come out the door, right to to your far left, there's a there's a bench right there, but there's a planter. So, I I I will get this on social media. It is it's going to be a
pondless water feature. So that it'll be a water fountain uh but it'll go below the surface and it'll recirculate back. It won't be a pond so we don't have to worry about fishing kids out of the pond and all that other stuff. So um this is
a a little design of what each um members of the emergency service teams uh they've they've loved it. I wanted their input. They're the ones who who put their lives on on the line every day. And it was very important to me
that that they're the ones who come up with the design. So I have it here. So hopefully we'll get that done in a couple of couple of months once we figure out how and who's going to do it. But uh another thing, let me see.
On Sunday, May 25th, myself and the Vernon uh Vernon Police Department's Union PBA 285 held a car wash to help support the Senior Olympics. A total of $1,000 was collected. So, thank you to everybody who helped quash cars. Uh and
the people who brought their cars and donated the money. So, uh that was a from what I understand, it was the biggest turnout. Um so, thank you to that. And for anyone who knows who knows me knows I have the greatest respect for our
military service men and women. And with that being said, I want to read something that I would like to um sign today. And this is a statement
of support for the Garden Reserve Township of Vernon. We recognize the God and reserve our essential to the strength of our nation and well-being of our communities. In the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and women
of the god and reser serve voluntarily in an honorable and vital profession. They train to respond to their community and their country at time of need. They deserve the support of every segment of our society. If these volunteer forces
are to continue to serve our nation, increased public understanding is required of the essential role of the guard and reserve in preserving our national security. Therefore, we join other employers in pledging that we
fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniform Service Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, US RA. We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively
manage those employees who serve in the guard and reserve. We appreciate the values, leadership, and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to employ guardsmen, reser, transitioning
service members, and veterans. We will continually to recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war. So, without further ado, I'd like to sign that, and there'll be a
copy of it hanging up uh in the lobby at some point, but it's Monday. um was Memorial Day despite it being a sad day for our country. The c the weather was beautiful and to add to that
beauty was those hometown hero banners. Um those banners actually I was very proud to see them but but seeing them especially in the parade really it just it it took my breath away for a moment and happy to uh to see that happen and see it seems
like we honoring our men and women um of our service and and the parade was was just another added uh piece to that. So, um, thank you again to Michelle Matching and, uh, Tina for running with that project and and getting that done. I
believe we have another almost 20 applications that that's going to be, uh, for for uh, for banners. I think we're maybe running out of polls. I don't know. Uh, we'll we'll worry about that when the time comes.
Um, I I want to thank everyone who participated in in the parade the organ organizations um the VFW which was the leaders and it met this was I don't think it was their
parade but it was their uh it was their just call the way it is um other members the chamber of commerce girl scouts boy scouts ziggler dance Vernon Valley karate Vernon Township high school marching band township little league
baseball and to all of our first respond There's a fire pond in EMS. Uh, thank you again for for everything for participating in everything that you do. Uh yesterday, so yesterday I was at
the county commissioners um meeting and one of the objectives I discussed with director Carney um was to and as this is getting pushed across the county is to designate a parking spot at our municipal building
and other public areas for our gold star families. being that we are the largest municipality in Sussex County, we shall lead that by example and and get that done as soon as possible. So again, it's
it's I I it can never repay the loss of of a family member, but it's just the recognize the the sacrificing again and and and just recognition for the people who who are still suffering for that
today. Uh, one of the things I'd like to do and and I I talked to Jimmy Roberto who is a Marine and and Craig Digger. Um, I'd like to redo redevelop
that entire veterans park. It's it's the DPW does a great job cleaning it up and doing the best they could. But we're going to work on and I could probably get all that done with donations as well. And we can clean that up, add some
new things to it, make it a place where veterans and pe just people can come and reflect on on the sacrifices the people in our in our armed forces have. And that's that's all I have. That's all the comments I have. Thank
you. Thank you, Mayor. May I have the May I have a motion to open the floor for public comment? Move. Moved by Mrs. Benadero. May I have a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Higgins. All in favor signify by
saying I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. Is open to the public on issues that are on the agenda. Time limit of three minutes. Christine. If anyone has any comments
they'd like to make regarding uh an issue on the agenda, please step forward and give us your name and make your comments. Can you speak up a little louder, please? Certainly. You're the first person that said I
didn't speak loud enough, but I'll do that. Um, as I said, you have three minutes for an agenda item only. Anyone wishing to come forward? [Music] There's his copies right up front. Right
there. Oh, we can speak. We know. Ladies and gentlemen, if I understand a lot of people here for support for Jame um that is on the agenda, so you can come speak on that if you like can come up to the department right
here and just state your name. Roinger usually don't come up to here because I do don't find anything interesting. But this woman brought me in here only because of Excuse me. Are the microphones on? We can't hear you
back here. Can you hear me? The microphone is not on. How about now? Thank you. You repeat your name. I'm sorry. J Roinger. I usually do not stop here, but
because of Jane, I did come. And I'm responding to a very univilized comment from William Hans from last week comments about her being just a server for snacks.
I understand you might not know what Jane does or not pay attention for past few years or actually more than a decade. The rest of us do. We see her every day what she does and it's not just
n is taking care of the seniors every day. Coming here on weekends to decorate the spaces for the holidays. doing the senior Olympics, organizing, preparing everything, buying food, and being
involved with all the different activities, getting awards from you guys for what she does. So, please look in your histories and check out what exactly she does because we see it.
She's universally loved by everyone. The only one who seems to be have having a problem you. So look in the mirror and ask yourself, why do you not want the one universally loved person to be in that union? Why would you think that she's
only here to serve snacks? I've been with Jane for many years, even though you guys don't know anything about it. She was the one before the vivification committee was established decorating outside the medical offices, creating planters,
creating sitting area for the seniors. That was before all of this happened. CO time, she made sure the seniors were not hungry, that there was a food delivery. For those who could not come and pick up food, she arranged
deliveries. Did you know about that? Do you know that she calls people when they're sick to double check that there's somebody there that helping them that they're not going to fall down or if somebody does fall down following up? Did you get to the hospital? Are you
feeling better that she actually goes and visits some of them? No, of course you don't. You're ignorant. We're not. We see what you're not seeing. She is one of the best people we have in town.
And for you to say that she's here to to serve snacks, what were you thinking? Yes. All of these people are benefiting from her every single day. She welcomes them. She makes sure they have
everything they need. She contacts social services if they need to. It's a lot more than serving serving snacks. Look at everything she does. Here is history. And I believe Michelle has all the records because she Jane works for
Michelle. Do ask her what exactly she does. Thank you. How much money she spends out of her own pocket to benefit the downtown. Thank you. Sorry. Thank you for your time. pushing to address the I have a mouth and I'm going to use
if it wasn't for a change. Come over here. Yes. Can you give us your name? State your name. Can you give us your name? Hey, Mrs. Susanna Widell. Sorry. Susanna Widell. Widell. Okay. Thank you. Okay. If it wasn't for
Jane introducing me to the senior center, she made me comfortable introduced me to people that I didn't know. and with Jane with her backing introducing me to people that I
become very friendly with and I'm thankful for what Jane has done for me and what she has done for everybody else. And Jane deserves whatever she wants to get. And I believe everybody
here is behind me and or Jane. And I thank you. Uh, greetings. Um, my name is Kathy Zets. I've been a resident of Vernon, New Jersey for 38 years now and I happen to be at this point president of the
Vernon senior advisory board. Um, this town is great for kids. Got a lot of them. Got a lot of activities. We have a PAL. We have a rec department fabulous jobs. We also have a lot of people who are aging in place
today. and they're aging in place here in Vernon because we have a senior center that supports them. That's because we have Jane. If we had just an ordinary senior center, maybe open two days a week, we'd
get to play cards. You do not know the depth and breadth of what she does. Um, Jenny spoke a little bit about it. I can only say that I'm overwhelmed many times of how how much how much she does behind
the scenes. You you you can't imagine. I'm sure each one of you has a job and you probably don't go home after 9 to5. You probably do something at 6, maybe at 8. That's what she does. And she she gives a sense of belonging to each
person who walks in that door. If if a child brings their child, an grown adult child brings their parent in and says, "Hey, um she takes them around, shows them, introduces, gives them a list of what what's available for she's always
there for us." And to belittle anything that she does is is mind-boggling. It it's just beyond. And I just hope that you will um see that you do the right thing for her because basically we need
to always remember to do the right thing. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to come forward? Seeing no one else wishing to come forward, may I have a motion to close the floor to the public? Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? Excuse me.
Good evening. Good evening. Uh my name is Next Science. That was my wife that just came up here. So, okay. I'm going to go along those same lines. Uh I have been impressed with Jane's devotion and
competency and professionalism to handling the responsibilities that she has been given or that she has taken upon herself. Now you don't know me for matter. I will tell you that I have also
been up here for 38 years. But I was the chief of the Pake Fire Department. I ran 120 people with a $10 million budget. That woman is an excellent
administrator, someone who gets a job done and does it with humanity. This is something that let's say politics is not much in favor of very recently, the humanity
factor. All right? because we have people that have different needs and are hesitant. You know, a lot of people are afraid of getting older. She makes that a little bit easier. Jane makes that a little bit easier and the township makes it a
little bit easier by having the senior center there. I see the mayor come through. I'm with a bunch of guys that play pool Tuesdays and Thursday. and we see the mayor come through and he always stops and say hello and he asks you know how's
it how's it going and what's and most of that smoothness of the operation of the senior center is due to change leadership so I would really ask you to consider the fact that she uh be given
the consideration the respect and probably we could say the renumeration this richly deserves for the job she does. Thank you, gentlemen. My chops every time there.
Excuse me. Is there anyone else wishing to come forward? Can I ask a question? No, it's this is this is public comment. If I make a question to come up.
Oh, you already come up. Does any of you members know exactly what Jane does for the senior people? Have you been to the meetings? Have you been to the parties? Have you seen what she does to the
seniors? How she helps the seniors? I don't think so. Otherwise, we wouldn't be up here right now. Thank you very much. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to come forward? How are you? Thank you. I'm Lori from the flower shop here in Burn. Um, my mom
moved in with me at 90 and I was her caregiver and I had no idea there was a a senior center. So, one day I happened to bring her down here at 90 and I met Jane. I had no idea what happens down here. I see things going on and she's
getting a great lunch and she's making friends and she's being progressive and she's got a a reason. My mom had a reason for six years. She died at 96 and her main reason for life was this senior center. And these people and
Jane, they made her welcome. They gave her her a reason to live. And she had a wonderful six years at the Vernon senior center every single day right down to the bus ride. And it's all because of how Jane made her feel welcome. And to go beyond that, I have the flower shop
and Jane does all the decorating for all the events, these beautiful parties, the dances, everything that these people do to keep them young and youthful and give them purpose. And I asked Jane, "Can we come and set up all these flowers that you you want to buy on your on your
dime?" I said, "Hey, you guys, we make the most out of nothing and she makes beautiful things." I said, "I'll go and I'll deliver." She said, "No, I want to do it." And we all know Jane does it her way. It's got to be perfect. She's there. She's the first one there and the
last one out. She's cavalry. She's got it all figured out. She is she's got she spends more time than anyone else in this town on these these seniors that are so deserving. And uh she's incredible. That's from my heart and I'm
indebted to her and uh I'm forever grateful. Thank you, Jane. Zelanor Kim. Um, I didn't want to come down to the senior center. I didn't feel like I was old enough. Well, last summer I had a tragedy when I
came home from a month's vacation and my freezer had melted and I found out I knew before about the wonderful lunches down here. So, I started coming and I want to tell
you everything that everyone said here is true. I can only read in read what they say, but I have found such a wonderful, wonderful feeling of warmth and love. And Jane has a smile every
day. No matter what happens, no matter what might go wrong, she always has a smile for us and makes us feel welcome and worthwhile. And she deserves what she's asking for.
Thank you. Yes. Hi, my name is Paul Marsh. I've been up here for 12 years. Had a long career on Wall Street. Um, I started coming to the
senior center maybe five years ago. I just turned 70. I don't feel like I'm 70. Uh I joined Minerals. I play golf and tennis. Uh my kids grew up here. Well, they came here on the weekends to
go skiing Vernon. So I feel very close to this to this area. To the point about Jane is that I don't have to come to the senior center. You can go to the wall uh the Warwick Country Club or other places for
lunch. But there is a real warmth in those blue eyes uh that people look at every single day. She reminds me of the uh who is the character in his wonderful life, you know, who changes the lives of
so many people. That's who the person is. and uh you so irrespective of the issues here I'll continue to go uh just a wonderful person so whatever you can do to help
would be great thank you thank you my name is Frank Marone I'm a union man. I had been a union man for many many years. And in the old days, you couldn't get a job unless you
join the union. And from I'm a I'm ashamed to say I didn't know what this was all about until it was explained to me that that you're refusing to let her in the union. Since when? In my day, they used
to grab men by the hair and join to join the union. Now you're refusing to let someone join the union. That doesn't seem fair to me. It doesn't seem right to me. Maybe I'm not too bright. That could be. But that to
me is unheard of that you can't join a union. What are they for? Aren't they here for that particular reason? And from what I little bit I've read about this, refusing a person to join the
union is contrary to your well-being. I mean, uh, I can't think of the words. I lost them. That's unfair. It's an unfair labor practice. Do you want to get involved in that? Do you want you want
this to go all over the not only in Vernon but the rest of the townships will understand and see all this? I don't think you people want that. I don't think what all of this is even necessary. It's a waste of time and it's a waste of money and it's a waste of
good talent. If she wasn't here, where would she be or where would we be? I'm not going to extol her praises. She's You know all that. I told you that last week and you even admitted it. But would do something right for a change. You say
you want to protect the people of Vernon. Protect them by not bringing about a lawsuit that is possible. I don't know. I don't understand it. Maybe I'm not bright enough, but this sounds ridiculous to
me. Anyone else wishing to vote? Yes. Hello everyone. I just want to tell a funny story please. I'm sorry. Gloria Fredo Jane is so and so. She has to be
so perfect at everything she does that on about two weeks before St. Patty's Day, he goes to Acne and he talks to the butcher, tells him, "I need a hundred
um corn beef." Corn beef. I'm sorry. I need a 100 corn beef. And what's the price going to be? And then they start having it back and forth. And then when she got a good price, then she orders them. And
she takes a 100 corn beefs, takes them home and she cooks them in her house for the people to have on St. Patty's Day. They have it here. So she husband who's right there. computer goes into everything
that she's doing, decorating, making making napkin bowls and all that. And then he has to he he or she cook them and then he has to slice them. And then the potatoes go in and then the salad
and they do that today for St. Patty's Day. And I just think that that's a very generous thing to do. She spends the entire day and halfway into the night just so she could bring
them in in the mornings. So if you're Irish, you should go and try it. Any anyone else wishing to speak? Not. May I have a motion to close the meeting to public? Second. Seconded by made motion made by Mr. Starter,
seconded by Mrs. Deanto. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Carries. Moving on. We have bills list in front of us. Anybody have any questions on the bills?
I hope the mayor is ready to respond. Mrs. Bright and Scarson are not here tonight. They are otherwise engaged. have any comments? I'm good. Good. I'm
done. Okay. Okay. All members of the council have received copies of the minutes of our executive session uh on the 12th. May I have a motion to place those minutes on the floor for consideration? Moved by
Mr. Is there a second? Second. Second by Mr. Higgins. Are there any questions or deletions or additional from the minutes? Hearing none. May I have a roll
call, please? Council member D. Benadetto, abstain. Council member Higgins, yes. Council member Sparta, yes. Council President Pudo. Yes. Thank you. All members of the council have received copies of the minutes of our regular
meeting of May 12th. May I have those motions? Um that's placed on the floor for consideration. Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Roll call. I'm sorry. Uh any comments hearing? None. May I have a
roll call, please? Member Denadto, abstain. Council member Higgins, yes. Yes. Council President Rudo, yes. Motion carries. Thank you. Agenda. Uh
Members of the council have all have copies of the consent agenda. There are any items that you wish to uh have separated, please let me know and we'll do so. Resolution
25-146 authorizing issuance of estimated tax bills. Resolution 25-147 resolution of the town Vernon Township of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs leap implementation of
the grant resolution FY25 resolution 25-148 resolution authorizing of Gov deals work services through Sourcewell
National Cooperative number 111424- I resolution 25-149 resolution overpayment block C3418
resolution 5-150 refund for totally disabled veteran block 526 lot 346 komone resolution
25-1 151 refund for totally disabled veteran block 458 lot 53 on Essen resolution 25-152 refund for totally disabled veteran
uh block 153 lot Six core logic resolution 25-153 refund for totally disabled veteran block 153 block six project
resolution 25-154 a resolution for approving a solicitor's permit Trinity Solar LLC and resolution
25-155 Resolution of the Township of Vernon, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, authorizing the ex execution of a memorandum of understanding between the Vernon Township Police Department and the Atlantic Health System, Newton
Medical Center to establish joint behavior in the arrive together program to enhance and support response to certain behavioral behavioral cris health crisis calls. Does anyone wish to have any of these
separate? Excuse me. May have may I have the roll call, please? I need a motion. I'm sorry. May I have a motion to place these on the floor? I apologize. Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Roll calls.
Council member D. Benadetto. Yes. Council member Higgins. Yes. Council member Sparta. Yes, council president. Yes. Motion carries. Resolution number 125-156, a sidebar agreement between the
township of Vernon and the UAW local 2326. This particular uh sidebar agreement resolution uh was proposed uh at the previous meeting. Additional information was supplied
based upon request. Um, hence it was brought up under a different format. So, it is being introduced as a new uh a new issue voted on. May I have a motion to place this on the floor uh for
consideration? Move. Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Are there any questions or comments on this? Yes. I've obviously been the uh target of a lot of comments, rightfully so. Everybody here has their
right. All the all the comments except for that one gentleman, the union guy, all about Jane Damster's character, which I agree is extraordinarily excellent. All the things you spoke about, no to disagree with.
Unfortunately, that's not the issue here. The issue is the written job description, the hours that are supposed to be spent and the funding of that position. The emotional strategy or the emotional facts are that she's a great
person and everybody benefits from that. It really comes down to some facts and figures that haven't been discussed other than the gentleman about the union. So, let's let's review again that I never said anything about she just gives out sandwiches. That's not what I
said. I and whoever told me tonight that that's what I said, that is wrong. So, I I do understand and and I do understand the heartfelt gratitude you have and the extra work that she does. Whenever a person does extra work uh and and
they're a an employee, that's that's fine. That means they they're exemplary employee outside of their normal accepted activities. And a lot of time that's a person's character, not because they're earning extra money on it. So Mrs. Damster has been in this position
for eight, nine years. And what occurred last September was a UAW contract was uh voted on and agreed. And that UAW contract, there was a premise when it was presented to the council by the
mayor, the business administrator, and our CFO who negotiated the contract that we're going to change this contract. And there's different levels when a person enters employment and then rises level one, two, three, four, and and they're
hourly people. Remember, these are hourly people. They're not managers. They're not department heads. They all are paid on the hourly basis and there's a job description. So that contract was presented in executive session to the
council and it was September, the first week in September and it wasn't due to be enacted until January 1st. And at that meeting I said, "Hey, this is great. Thank you for the information. What's the premise for in making these
increases to the union?" And the premise was that we can't attract new people because we don't pay enough and we can't retain people because they leave for other other towns. Well, after the fact, I put a resolution up that night saying
we have three months to discuss the details of this uh union contract. And my resolution was let's put it off. Let's give a couple weeks until the next meeting. We can ask questions. We can look into it. I didn't get a second. So, the rest of the members of the council
voted to accept the contract in my eyes three months prematurely because it didn't take effect until January 1st. And uh the fact of the matter is after I did some research, I asked some questions. So, how many openings do we have? We can't attract people. You know
what the answer was? None. How many people do we lose to other towns? Uh I don't know. Well, those were the two premises you built the union contract on. Those are the types of things that should have been investigated and I was not given the time. So, now let's go
forward to January. And uh Mr. Dancer, who was not in the union by joining the union, is actually taking I don't know if she knew it, but she's taking advantage of that elimination of those steps and getting a 25% raise. So, that that's what
triggered my thought. I'm saying, "What's going on here?" And we had another incident on another town employee on a different uh different issue that was similar trying to take advantage of a little glitch in an agreement that we had and we stopped
it. So that's that that was what I was talking about. I agree with everybody here how nice of a person she is and everybody getting things. And you just went on to describe many of the things that she does are outside of the uh the
definition of her job duties. She goes over and above and uh so I'm looking at the recreation department here. And it appears to me that a lot of these things are under the oies of the recreation department. So is this an employee who
should have split responsibilities? Does a recreation department care to say we need another part-time person and split the duties? I haven't heard that, but I can sure tell you that those duties that everybody came up here and rightfully congratulated her on were not within the
confines of her job description, which is a county paid position. They pay us $27,000 to use our facility to uh to actually use their funding. They prepare the food. They they bring the food over
and it's a nutrition program. So they want to use our facilities which they pay us $27,000 to do and part of that go pay for Mrs. Damster and then the rest of it is township money. So I I want everybody to understand this is not
about her me. I'm I'm I'm a senior myself. I get it. I understand everything. And it's the gentleman who spoke about the union. you're the one that's really on the subject of what this is all about. And right now, Mrs. Damster is caught in that web. And I
just want to straighten it out because there's too many facts and figures that are flying around. Not on your part. I I'd love to hear all the stories about how good a person she is. It's about this side of the table. And And we're up
here voting on multiple resolutions, ordinances. It's it's rare that we get a full description of what we're voting on and you have to be somewhat of a detective to look into some of these things to find out what the real facts and things.
So, I guess I'm saying yeah, I'm making a stand just to try to improve the process, the governing process that we practice there on a uh every every meetings basis. And I'm sure it's going to be resolved. And uh the the
recreation department and the mayor have to get involved here. And uh if if if some of these uh features and some of these performances and some of these duties are outside of that that site manager's job, then the recreation
department has to say yes, we want to ask for a budget to add her to that. You add the two dollar amounts together and she might get what she need does deserve. So, it's on our side because it really really doesn't fall within the confines of the description of what her
job duties are as site managers. That's that's the premise I'm working on. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, but I'm going to still vote that I want a resolution from this town to define how the how she's going to perform her duties under what budget. That's where
I'm at. Thank you. Uh Mr. Higgins, uh excuse me. Meeting is closed to the public. Officer, were you speaking? Yes, I'm sorry. Yes, mayor. Thing is, uh, first off, you said you have to be a detective to find out information. You sent the
emails. We we discussed about the steps. Um, we could just understand that that this job description is a C. First of, it's a county uh it's a county job description. However, there's there's another whole side of what James does on
top of the site matter. That's just an that's just an add-on to what she does. This is not just her sole responsibility. The bottom line is is that we have an employee here who is not
uh a department head. She's not a confidential aid. Therefore, she has that right to go into the union. and it's going to cost us a lot of money in litigation um should this have to go that route.
And it is my recommendation as mayor. I see what goes on here. I see all the the duties that she does besides the uh nutrition manager role. She does a hell of a lot more besides that. It is my recommendation that we
end this. let her have her right to go into the union like 95% of the other employees. You're going to have to justify why you feel she can't go in there and take the advice of of our attorney
uh the administration. We provided this all to you. Um it's going to cost and the layout of the potentials and it's it's your responsibility as a councilman is to protect. I don't need you to tell me my
responsibility. But what I'm saying is, Mr. Damstra, everybody in the union is an hourly employee. And you are you willing to say how many hours you perform your duties under the job description you have? You may get a a uh a decrease in salary because the job
description is a site manager that in on paper that may maybe be a 4h hour a day job and all the extra things that you do out of your heart are not going to be compensated. because it's an hourly thing. You're not a manager. She's a full-time
employee. $40,000 a year in like 12 years. It's ridiculous. Come on, Bill. Thank you. Sorry. Anyone else wishing to comment?
Jesse, you want Jesse? As for I'm here to answer any questions or Maybe you could shed some light on Well, if they Yeah, very your name in the department,
please. Michelle Bowski, director of recreation. Thank you. If you have questions, I can answer. Yes, you heard the many people rightfully describe all the extra things that Mrs. Damster does, right? And many of those things are outside the written
description of a site manager and nutritionist, right? And they're they're things from the heart that typically would fall under the recreation department. So, so did does she interface with you? Are you Absolutely. Okay. Department head manager and she
works for the recreation department. In a budget, it is separated between recreation and senior center. So, it is um delineated exactly how much we're spending where. So, you you as the council and the public would be able to see that. But when Jane became a
full-time employee, she took on extra duties specifically for the recreation department. Her title has to remain the title it is to satisfy the shared service contract with the nutrition site. That is just one little snippet of
the job as a full-time employee. So the full-time employee is for two departments. Correct. Just the first time this has been brought to anybody's attention, right? Which is why I now let my points be proven that now there's something to talk about. This is a this
is a person with this dual responsibility. Which is why I said needed clarification. I'm here and I can clarify for you. Good. I would I would need a clarification probably. I'm not going to get it here tonight, but I would join I would like a meeting. I would like to have it described to me
and then if it's satisfactory to me on the way you're going to handle this internally, then I would support the race. But uh not not with lack of information. Employees in my department are chairs between recreation and the senior center. myself, Meg, James,
Jessica, Maryanne, Priscilla, Nancy, everybody pitches in for wherever it's needed. It all fall under the recreation department, but in the budget, the senior center is separated out so that it can be specifically seen what is spent where? I know you're not because you're a department head. Are the others
union? They're part-time. Parttime. Okay. D is the only full-time person. what what uh refresh my memory as to in the budget what is allocated to the senior center moneywise I don't have it in front of me I couldn't tell you exactly I mean um
if you're talking and that senior center and that senior center allocation is not just for the nutrition it is other things do right so we have a senior center and we have a nutrition site our senior center hosts a nutrition site but
our senior center operates above and beyond ond that nutrition site. There's times where the nutrition site is closed. Our senior center is still open and operating. Right. There's separate funding for each. Correct. Right. Shared service with the
county funds the nutrition site. Everything else funds everything else that we do in the senior center. So those are the key points, the funding and all the rest. Correct. I'd be welcome to uh have a further discussion and meet with anybody and
bring whatever mayor probably won't be tonight but can happen I can describe that in detail every every activity every program every thing that needs to go into it does and which department it benefits but at the
end of the day it all benefits the recreation department because the senior center operates under the recreation department and Jane is a full-time employee Thank you. Have any questions? No, I just have um some comments. Not for you. You can. Okay. Yeah. Thank you
for coming. Welcome. Thank you. Okay. So, this was never about uh Yeah. Was she served with the rice notice? Because I'm going to be the only one trouble. Okay. Okay. I just I always get in trouble when I do things other people do. Um, okay. So, this was never a
question about her merit. I've never seen so many people show up in support of one person. She's obviously an amazing person, a wonderful woman, and loved. Where I'm coming from as a council member, every time I want a change in the town to cut costs, to
lower our tax base for those of us who are feeling the burden of taxes, I am a I work very hard. I'm a full-time employed single mom. It's the taxes in this town are outrageous. And this is where I am coming from. I would support a meritbased raise for Jane, which she
obviously deserves. She's doing much more than a $40,000 a year job. I do not like unions because every time I come with a question of can we do this differently to save the taxpayers money, what about this person? What if we change this? It's always well because of
union rules and regulations, we can't. So that's where I'm coming from. The union ties our hands and now that same union that I constantly fight against for the taxpayer is asking me to expand it. I'm sorry. It's nothing against Miss
Damster. She's Mrs. Damster. She's obviously a wonderful person. I would support a merit-based raise. Absolutely. Outside of the union. Uh and again, after a meeting with Michelle, I'm I also agree that something can I'm sure be worked out.
But thank you. if it goes into the Excuse me. Excuse me, please. Um, I I'm just um something. Yeah, a couple things uh
that I would like to ask and see if I can get answers to. Last time this was brought up, I brought up about um going to the county to see if they would pony up some more um money and I was told at
that point in time that the amount of money in that shared service agreement was $27,000 and change I believe hasn't been um reviewed or um asked for in in a number of years. So I know the mayor mayor or somebody in
his administration has talked to the county and uh what was the update on that mayor? uh they they are aware um and they've agreed to have a conversation about it. So we you know they they not going to promise us
anything um obviously because budget times and things like that but that's one of the promises I'll make to you that uh we will when it comes time to renew the shared service agreement with the county we will bring to the table uh
the need for more money. Now, precoid is my understanding that that the county used to provide staff for this as well. Is that accurate? No. No, not accurate. We occasionally
get different um individuals through separate county programs that are offered employment through those different programs. That's completely not connected to the shared service. That makes sense. But that's
not in it is not involved with the uh the nutrition program. They come through these other programs to have a job and we currently do have one person through that program. Um and we do not pay their salaries. The different programs that they are connected with pay their
salaries. Is that still happening now? All right. Um the other uh concern I have and it has really nothing to do with this situation but has to do with the resolution. Um and this was discussed at
the last meeting also. The the resolution that is brought forth now which is 25156 is exactly the same as 2513 and
Mr. King. I had a little discussion with him before and I by no means an and a lawyer, but I I still don't understand how the exact same resolution can be brought
up at a different meeting because if a motion is defeated, I'm sorry, if a resolution is defeated and two meetings later there's two people that voted no to that a person on the defeated side then could
bring up the same resolution and get it passed. There's an issue with that. Am I correct? So, it's a new meeting. At new meeting, there's a new agenda. There's new information, but a motion could be made
from the floor or from the dis. Well, only if the council votes. So the the council president puts forward an agenda. That agenda is what's presented. The council has the right if they wanted to to amend that as long as they have
majority. So if majority of the council said we don't want that resolution on or we want to add another resolution, you could do that by a vote. You could amend the um agenda. But a resolution is is not an ordinance. A resolution is a um
writing of the council's um you know objectives of what they want to do. It's temporary in time. Ordinances are more permanent. Ordinance ordinances are are different and and there's a whole different procedure with publication. Ordinance is just
aation of the council's direction andor agreement of of contract. The issue also is the fact that there was information requested at the previous meeting that was supplied at
this meeting and that became part of the basis for uh or placing it on the agenda for reconsideration. It's up to the council if they want to now at this point I would suggest would
opportunity at hand for a table. That's what I was you and take advantage of the opportunity to meet with department head. I I I'll make a motion to table
until um uh Mr. Higgins is able to have his conversation with um Miss Dantine and whoever else. Can we meet with the county as well once there's a motion to table discuss? I'll second that motion.
By the way, just as a point of information, the information I was given was that the county the issue on increasing the uh the amount of money being requested uh would be they might not be able to
hear you with your mic that would be would be uh made and uh taken place at the next budget hearing in the county. Okay. Nothing would be done for this current year. Right. But at least if we could there there is a motion the table
on the floor on the floor. Yes. I'll call for a second. I have a roll call, please. Council member D. Benadetto. Yes. Council member Higgins. Yes. Council member Sparta. Yes. Council President
Zudo. Yes. Motion car. Thank you. Moving on. Do they understand introduction? of ordinance 25-08 an ordinance the township of Vernon County of Sussex state of New
Jersey amending chapter 94 of the code of township of Vernon regarding the police may I have a motion to introduce this ordinance motion motion made by Mr. Sparta, is there a second? Second. All
in favor? I'm sorry. May I have a roll call vote? However, before you before you uh we we vote on this, I would like to make sure to ask the mayor that this particular ordinance
uh and the hearing on this be given a little extra effort in terms of making sure that personnel involved are at the next meeting. Council President, um I spoke to um Chief Young and he will be at the next meeting. He will be at
the next meeting. Okay. Thank you. Member Detto. Yes. Council member Higgins. Yes. Yes. Council President Rudo. Yes. Carries. Uh, ordinance 25-06, a bond ordinance
appropriating 3,492,5 and authorizing the issuance of $2,550,000 in bonds or notes of the township of Vernon for various improvements or purposes authorized to be undertaken by the township of Vernon in the county of Sussex, New Jersey. May
I have this in the form of a I'm sorry. May I have a motion? Motion, please. Motion made by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Higgins. Again, uh I'm asking the mayor have the uh the
uh the chief financial officer. Thank you. Yeah. This is this is the second reading. Yes, we have to open. Okay. All right. Are there any Okay. May I have a motion to open this to the public? Move
by Mr. Higgins. Is there a second? Mr. Benadet. I'm sorry. Mr. Benadetto. Sorry. I'll second. Seconded by. Are there any comments from the public on this particular issue? particular ordinance.
I'm sorry. This is um public comment on the ordinance or sorry that's all right. I didn't think you wanted to speak about hearing none. Uh I have a motion to close the public moved by Mr. Higgins. No
excuse got to come up with a Okay, there you go. Seconded by Mr. Sp. Uh, may I have a motion to place this on the floor for consideration? Move. Moved by Mr. Sparta. Second.
Seconded by Mr. Hagens. Is there Does anybody have any comments or questions on this ordinance? Yes. Okay. Please. There's I first comment is uh the this ordinance and I compared it
with the ordinance that we just uh approved as a first reading by the ordinance 258 which was for the police department and the extra sergeant and all the rest. And whoever wrote the ordinance for the police, I'd like to
congratulate them. It was the best written ordinance. It answered questions before I was asking the question just from reading it. And it described all the various uh scenarios that could take place, where funding was coming from,
how it was going to happen, what was really going to happen, and and and the rationale behind it. It was it was my goal to have that type of vote on just about every ordinance that we have. This
to me is the model to go after. Now I'm comparing that to ordinance 256 and there's a lot of dollars in there. 3.492 million and uh you know a million
90,000 of it is for the fire truck and then the 25 2.5 million for other other items that are identified. And you know there's a laundry list of pro of equipment, no real numbers beside each
particular one, but they're grouped. And for example, in the first grouping improvements or purposes, and it lists lawnmowers and stands and blowers and trailers. So all of this money was introduced the meeting after we approved
the budget. So is this this is all capital money? Is it part of the budget? Is it an addition to the budget? What what what's the definition of of this ordinance? Are you able to resolve it?
This I'm trying to understand your question. Is it part of the overall I mean obviously it's part of the overall budget. Um the budget that was already approved or would this money be an addition? Correct. In the budget um this is just the capital.
Um uh bear with me here. And this is the the bond ordinance, right? Appropriating this this money um that I believe was part of the original budget that was approved. This is just separated out
um because of it uh because of the bond. I would say that was all included in that if I read this correctly. Um I'll put them. So these are questions I would
have would have asked um prior so we can get all the exact answers for you. So yeah, there's a cost to the bond. I don't know if the cost of the bond is in the budget or the cost of the bond which is like $700,000. 728,000 is going to be an
additional cost over and above the budget. That's really what it comes down to. And uh that's question number one. That's probably a reason to have the CFO here. And then going through the individual parts and pieces. There's
many many items listed as I said, lawnmowers and sand blowers. And there's a compacting dumpster. Is that for this the the improve the hope for improved garbage collection program in town or don't know there's no description of
what these things are. Yeah, that that is part of the um we have one compactor. Um as you know we we started managing our own garbage. Um this would be a secondary um for two reasons. One, it just it acts
as uh redundancy, right? In case one was to break down, but also they would also um serve uh for capacity um when we stop the garbage um collection. Um so these like I said
these these will actually pay for themselves in in the first year and a half, two years. So yes, it is it is part of that that project, but it was something that we were going to do anyway. That was part of the 1.8 that I
removed off the original capital budget plan. Um was one of these one of these compactors. Um but now that we've again we now taken our own garbage, uh that it's it's best that we have two of
these. They've already the concrete's already been most of it's already been like all the prep work the electric the the concrete that's already been done that was part of last year's um so now it's just a question of just purchasing
this u compactor and putting it in place and we could start have we determined how we're going to pay yes how is how are we going to pay for the garbage I mean do we know what the charges will be. Do we know
who's going to be handling money or have we found a way which I would prefer to have nobody out there handling cash but to have a preession? We will um everything goes through and we'll we'll we're going to lay out exactly um
the cost every single thing employee truck insurance everything will be be fully outlined. Um we're still tweaking a little bit of it. Um but for the most part we we have most of it narrowed down. Um and this was the work between
uh myself um Howie and Dell Tina and actually Mindy helped us because uh the the program will go through one of our pieces of software SDL. So we we do work it out those details
but the cost this will pay for itself and then some. I I I understand the desire to to afford the residents of the community the opportunity to participate in this
program. But my concern is that we have other programs such as our commitment to schuma which I am questioning as to see whether or not involving ourselves like this will in any way endanger our
position with Schuma. No, no. Um you know this for a fact. Yes, it knows for a fact. We we have spoken uh with Schoomer. Um it doesn't matter if garbage is going to them whether it's Vernon Township or private
uh private trucking. Um I did work with the D to make sure uh have I have a confirmed u statement from them. Uh we went through uh an entire process of whether or not this was a transfer
station which is not this is not a quote transfer station. Uh transfer station would open up another whole can of worms. Um the D had a bunch of concerns about how the garbage was uh stored
and about kind of leak you know leakage provide all the information on on the compactor which is a sealed unit. Uh the D was very satisfied with everything that we have and what we're putting in
place and they basically just came back and said just people who are transporting garbage have a driver's license. I mean it's it's we did go back and forth with with a bunch of questions and and they did confirm that um that we and where our
trucks already have the DMP on them so we can haul this type of garbage. Um, we've uh we've gotten the thumbs up. We got the okay to go ahead and vote. There are other municipalities that
uh I don't know if in Sussex County, but um but there are some and we've talked to some of the people who manage the SDL software who helped us with other other municipalities that do it and how they
do it. So we kind of mirror how their systems and this is something that again like u we will bring up cost analysis on how this is all being paid. Like I said this this also includes an employee and when you ran ran the
numbers then I'll ran the numbers it more than enough pays for itself. Um so to me this is just uh it's a win-win for everybody. Um, a lot of people are they're having
they're struggling out there and uh I did a poll on some of the garbage and people are paying between like 160 to over $200 a quarter. So I can tell you right now it's going to be a fraction of that to bring your garbage here. Um
we'll have all those rules in place. uh what you can bring, what you can't bring, how much you can bring, what you can't bring. Um and what those costs will be, and how we're going to manage that as well. Um I I can't say right out of the gate it's going to be perfect.
Nothing ever is, but we'll work through any kind of kinks that we run into, but for the most part, uh financially, uh it it's it will pay for itself and then some. So, um very proud of of the work that that went into it so far. And I'll
be I look forward to presenting that to the council and I and I think you will see that this is a great uh it's a great service to you know that's one of the things we you know you guys will campaign we all heard we pay all these taxes and we don't get garbage. Now, I
understand I can't get a garbage truck up to the house, but this is the best I could do for what I have. Um, I could offer some kind of relief uh to the taxpayers and they will save they will save some money and uh it would not be a
burden on on the taxpayers. It it will pay for itself more than enough. So would it be a burden on the administration in any way if we were to defer this uh this ordinance to our next meeting so
that uh the CFO can be here and resolve any concerns regarding costs and also uh providing uh some other opportunities to uh address some concerns regarding
regarding these. Were you just talking about the garbage? Yeah. Well, well, I think I think the problem is if you when you push this off, um it it it it puts a an issue with especially with our road construction.
Um I I think that would cause some serious issue. Um, and like I said guys, if this if this was something if there was some issues here, this stuff should have been it should have been communicated to our office so we could have answered anything that you
have. I think delaying this any further, it's going to it's going to create it's going to create issues. Like I said, have conversations at meetings anymore. That's silly. I don't know why we can't have conversations at meetings anymore and ask questions. It's
frustrating. Well, you want to go ahead. No, I'll we have to get them in 24 hours before the meeting. So, let me give you an answer. Maybe he'll know the answer. Ask him. Maybe he'll know the answer. No, I'm just making the point because I know there are folks here to support this ordinance because of the fire
truck, right? And that's obvious. Sorry. I think the second one is the fire truck that fire. Maybe we should separate that I Well, the problem is it's already a second. It's already It's Yeah, that's right. But besides that,
when you're working with bond council on this, the larger the size of the bond, the better the rates you get. Okay. The township does better, okay, by being able to split this up rather than just uh putting them all together.
I don't know if you have any questions, members of That one was here. Yeah, you have additional questions. I'm sure you'd be answer. Yeah, I'd have a difficult time voting for this ordinance as is without having
answers these questions. Unfortunately, it might hold up other things. We're talking about a couple weeks. We're not talking about a couple years. And uh you know, there are other things in here. For example, there was some talk last at the end of the budget season that there
was money left over and there a pickle ball court was a possibility and there was leftover grant money. I don't know if grant money is still available. Can that be used in this resolution or is a pickle ball court being planned? I I those are questions that how can you
vote? I I come from a business background and I would not present something like this to my boss at a board meeting without the details and uh and I look at it and say how can I vote for it? That 48,000 was was already
bonded out and it's only for that area and it cannot be and Dell answered that question last time. Can't hear you. Is that money? Yes, it's got to be specific to the bonds. It's very specific to the bond which have nothing to do with any of the stuff here. Completely separate.
Like I said, it's already been allocated. It's it's it's you can't use it for anything else. Um I said to answer that question the last time um on on that money for for those and again
these these are ideas but pickle ball was one of them that we had a lot of lot of people talking about and it's one of the things that we could we can use the money for. The money's been sitting in this account for years doing nothing. the road you it's a swimming pool in that road. You can like you said you you
could lose a station wagon in the potholes going down to to the pump track. Uh the walking trail like I said and I made fun of the last administration about paving the walking trail. But when I have the DPW guys come and speaking that they spend a lot of
money and time prepping and and fixing this walking path. you know, this walking path is not wasn't my idea and unfortunately I'm left to fix the problem and this this money can it will be used for that as well. Uh it's
48,000. So we we think we can that area. We have a bunch of senior building uh coming in over here. We have a ton of development. Let's uh let's stop putting amenities. You know, you know, there's a lot of people that want it. It's not
just, you know, it's not just one-sided, unfortunately. Like I said, the money there. We're not we're not uh and it's already been allocated for it, which is why I came up with the idea of doing that in the first place. Further
questions? No. Unless you're going to move to move it to the next uh Oh, that's why I asked. Yeah. But it won't be the next meeting. It would have to be the meeting after that for advertising purposes because I'd have to readvertise this even though
there's no change. Yeah. Because the public hearing was tonight. Yeah. I'd have to readvertise it. Is there anything else on here? Essentially, we would lose a month. We have one meeting in June. Correct. We
have um two meetings in June, but if it gets adopted, then there's a 20 a 20-day stoppable period. And by that time to to to start the road construction, it would be on for again
on 23rd of July. I'm sorry. We're losing almost a full month period. Is there anything else on here that you guys have a question about what we're purchasing?
You want to move to remove the dumpster for this time and uh and it can't do it and then I I can't vote for it with the dumpster. There's no there's no program. You have to present a program. If you put something in there about the
garbage there and it's not off your cuff, mayor, you got to put in writing. You got to give us details. This is not how to run a government. Like I said, we we we've we've already um cancelled our garbage, the numbers are there, they don't lie. The the just the fact that we
canled our garbage um contract or we we didn't renew it. That alone pays for pays for this stuff. This is not a ton of money we're talking about for a garbage comp. I'm gonna we'll hold this up. Um we're gonna hold back on
ordering. We're not going to get I don't know about the road schedule how that's that's going to seriously impact spotting our roads and getting that done for for a garbage compactor. So this could have been put on the agenda in February for all that
matters. But now it's our fault for holding it up because you put it on in May. This is questions you could have asked a long time ago. Well, you never asked. What do you mean you could have asked? This was the first time I've seen the ordinance. Huh? And it's your You had all week. You had a your job to put the details together, present it
professionally, and I don't have that information to vote on it. This agenda for a week, and now we're talking about it. Why didn't you ask these questions? Why aren't you doing Why are we doing this here now? We could have and you could have went here and
explained to everybody and educated everybody on on what these things were, but now here we are. Let's put a show on for everybody. It's a show. Stop. Let's stop having our garbage, right? Because here I am. We're trying to provide this service. CFO come to stop show because she should
be here and if you don't know the answer, she does and she should be here. Pretty simple. Had this for you had this for a week. It's pretty simple. No, no, it is simple. You had this for a week. You should have asked those questions and here we are now. We're going to
throw it on for another month. Come on. I had a question to the to Chief Tosh when you made your presentation just for a point of because it's part of the bond issue. Uh your statement was that for the million 90 that included an
anticipated cost increase of 3% per quarter and it was going to take up to four years to get the fire truck. Right? So my question is easy that 3% times four quarters a year single
compound interest is 12% times four years is 48%. Now the million90 is that assuming there's a 48% increase and it's really a $600,000 vehicle that's going to cost us a million 90. I just need a little more
explanation of what you said. I made sure I I specifically asked that question of uh Mr. Kosh and if it's ordered now the price is given to us now and it's held for the
amount of time when it's manufactured. So by ordering it now there is no price increases. What his comment was if we wait going to go up 3% the next quarter and then 3% the quarter after that and then 3% the quarter after that. So, if
we were to wait, then we're going to be spending another 3% on top of that money. Okay. So, it's from the time we order, not till we get it. Correct. Okay. Is that correct? That's correct. And the price that we have that did not put in the budget was only good till
June. Great. I just need that clarification. I was hoping that we didn't get a 48% increase in four years from now. Yeah. No, that number is the travel cost when it's delivered. Okay. Thanks, Brent. Does that satisfy everybody's concern?
Yes. point I want to point out that if this ordinance fails, we then have to modify it or represent and go through the same waiting period which will definitely
have a negative impact on certain areas of road construction and things like that simply by shortening yourself. Mr. just said it's going to cost us $30,000 more if we wait past June 1st. So,
if my number's correct, right, 3% of a million is 30,000. Okay. So, let's move the question. Can we have a roll call, please? Yes. And this is to approve this. Approve the fund. Council me
Council member Denadto. Yes. Council member Higgins. No. Council member Sparta. Yes. Council President Rudo. Yes. Motion carries. Thank you. Ordinance 25 there. 07 capital
ordinance. Ordinance providing for the various improvements by the township of Vernon, the county of Sussex, New Jersey, appropriating therefore the sum of $265,000 and providing such sum so appropriated shall be raised from
capital improvement fund uh of the township. I have a motion to uh open this uh this uh ordinance to the loop. Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mrs. the Benadetta. Uh all in favor signify by saying I
opposed. Motion carries. The mot the ordinance is open to the floor for public comment. Anyone motion to come up and make comment on this particular issue? Uh please do so. Hearing none, I ask for a motion to
close the floor of the public. Move. Moved by M. Mrs. Genadetto. Is there a second? Second. Second by Mr. Higgins. All in favor signify by saying I. I. I. Opposed. Motion carries. U. May I have a motion to place ordinance 25-07 on the
floor for consideration by the council? Move. Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mrs. De Benadeno. Uh, anyone wishing to comment on this adoption? The items in question are listed in the
opening of the ordinance. If not, may I have a roll call, please? Council member D. Benadetto, yes. Council member Higgins, yes. Council member Sparta, yes. Council President Rudo, yes. Motion carries. Thank you. Ordinance
25. I'm sorry. That's it. May I have a motion to open the floor for public comment on any issue? Moved by Mr. Sparta. Is there second? Seconded by Mr. Higgins. In favor signify by saying I. I. Motion carries. The public
for five minutes on any issue. Good evening, Jane Damstra. Um, I'm not up here to give you a list of my attributes or this and that. I am up here as a full-time township employee in a position that qualifies to be a me
from union membership. My question to you is, as I asked at the last meeting, why am I being singled out and not allowed to join the union when 95% of my colleagues are able were able
to exercise that right? I don't think it's fair and um some people spoke about taking stances and such. Um that's only a detriment to me and my rights.
And I would hate to and at one point at the last meeting um not to single you out, Mr. Higgins, but you you had stated when I asked a question that that could be answered in litigation. I would hate to have to
litigate against a township that I have lived in for 40 years, raised my children in, and love, and you guys are leaving me no recourse but to litigate. And I would really like an answer to the question, why am I not allowed to join
the union? But I also want to say when I started working full-time for the township five years ago, the business manager at the time was asked if I should be a union member and his response was, "Nah, she doesn't have to be in the union." So, it has just come
to my attention that I am in fact eligible to be a union member. And I would like an answer why I am not allowed to exercise that right. If I could just I can't I can't I can't answer that. But what the council did is
they've carried this and I think a number of the council people are just looking for certain information and hopefully that information is provided and I and I think they made a commitment if it's satisfactory to them that this issue should be resolved where that resolution gets passed at the next at
the next meeting. That's that's what the council has done. So they're asking for more information that hopefully this is resolved. And have you explained to the council the ramifications if I do choose to litigate? I would hate to have that happen. Yes.
But it's not. So that again that the action that the council took today was they carried the the motion. So they carried the resolution until they get that information and then once they get that information and it's acceptable then they'll vote on it. So I you don't
have to um do anything until that time. But sir, this has gone on meeting after meeting after meeting and I'm still in the same spot I was when the resolution was brought up the first time. And Mr.
Sparta, you had questioned more money from the county, but being able to join a union, being able to exercise my right has nothing to do with money from the county. May I respond? Sure.
It has it has nothing to do with you. Okay? And I've tried to keep you out of this. Okay? It for me it's more of a function of us doing our due diligence and getting the money that we're deserved
through the proper channels. Okay. To offset some of that stuff. Okay. I understand that. up. Yeah. Again, I ask, "What does that have with my right to do with my right to join the union? That's the part I'm not getting. I understand you'd like more money from the county. I
understand you have different issues, but I need you guys to understand I have right to join the union, and I would hate to have to see this go any further because you were denying me that right." And that's really all I have to
say. And thank you for your time. Yes. Have any comments? Please come up to the poke. Give us your name, please. My name is Susanna Wedell. [Music]
I don't I I was working for a union years ago. You paid to work and be in a union. So the employer then has to pay for the persons
that got into the union because we ourselves paid for it. So why isn't the president of the union here to help negotiate what is
going on between James and the town? My question exactly president union president know that there's a controversy that you're denying a person to join their organization years ago the union would
come and beg people to join the union. Now you're refusing a person never contacted had the meeting is open to the public. So if there was an opportunity for uh the union president or whoever the business manager to who
was the union for this town UAW United Auto United Auto You know the president's name why why would I I'm not part of the union. Not part of the union. All right. So if you're not part of the union why are you
denying ma'am somebody to be accepted into the union? Not a back at all but She's an employee. I think time employee. I think we've answered your question. I'm trying to, you know, these these sessions are not, as the our
attorney said, a back and forth. You know, I've gone about as far as I, you know, I I can. You know, each council member has their own reason for the for enjoying their position. Is there a way where I can get the phone number of the union and the union president? Sorry,
you have to ask somebody else outside council. Okay, thank you. There anyone else wishing to address the council? Seeing no one wishing to come forward, I ask the motion to ask for a motion to
close to the public. I'm sorry. Moved by Mrs. Deanetto. Is there a second? Second. Second by Mr. Higgins. Uh, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion carries. Uh, council comments. Mr.
Higgins. I think we covered a lot tonight and all spoke. I'm I'm satisfied. Thank you. I had comments, but I can't find them. I'll save them for another time. Thanks. We got It's a whole page here. I
know it's more, too. Um, I just want to uh thank the VFW for putting together the uh Memorial Day parade on uh Monday. It was I think it was nice that all five council members and the mayor could be together and um we started off walking
together but then the mayor got way laid by some people I guess and lost them along the way. So, but it was u it was it was a great day, beautiful weather. It was great to see uh Church Street lined with people and uh down by police by the tracks lined with people also and all the involvement of the organizations
and responders um marching in the paro also. Uh going back uh about six weeks or so I made a comment about uh legends and uh I would just like to know when I can expect the resolution on the agenda
for legends. resolution on the agenda right now is being I spoke with the attorney the preparing it. In the meantime, there was an issue uh regarding the liquor license and the liquor license
uh was was presented in terms of ownership and uh the judge gave the uh current owner 30 days uh because the potential you know Mr. Everheart uh told
the judge that his his funding would be available within 30 days. So again, this puts another, you know, it's solidifies our position in terms of uh affording an opportunity and giving him every chance
to uh to work to present. So if that 30 days is up like in a couple days, isn't it? No, I think meeting tomorrow. We have tomorrow on that. Yes. Is it the 30th day? No, we have another I think a week. Another week. I thought he met the
day after our April meeting. Was the court appearance now? I haven't I think it was I think 30 days is up close because it was I had it right after the um our last meeting. Was it the name? I think it's I think it's
next week. Oh, you're right. I'm sorry. You're right. It was after it was two weeks ago. So, yeah, moving on to that. This would give that time. Okay. All right. Yep. That's all I have. Thank you. Okay. Um, tomorrow there is an
opportunity for the public to take place uh and come to the uh Great Gorge Golf uh resort. Uh the One Club uh program that is being initiated is going to have
a ribbon cutting tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. And it's uh for people who want to play golf, say they want to play golf. they can't really play golf. So they do it on the basis of one club and that's it. The
whole course that's been laid out is being you handle it with one club. So you save on caddy fees, I guess you I'm looking forward to being there to to enjoy the ribbon cutting and I'm sure the mayor will be there uh and
anybody else who wants to come and uh and take part in that. As far as um other comments, I I too took part in the parade. Uh however, uh because of my decrepit state, you know, I chose to
ride in a yellow Corvette. So, I think that's really more of it than than my state. And uh maybe the next time we can get a float, we can all ride on a float or or uh ride in convertibles. But let's
see what happens. But it was a great opportunity to wave and see the public out there. I was really impressed and uh saw a lot of lot of old friends and received a lot of uh uh you know accolades. So uh and of
course you know we remembered our people who passed and I don't know if you know I wish I members of the public had stayed but this is a very very touching
public holiday for me. I come from a town named Midland Park which in 1969 I believe eight of its we we reached eight
members of that township who lost their life in combat. There was no no other township received well saw that percentage of loss and with that percentage of loss of
its sons, Midland Park appealed to the president and uh the uh members of that township were spared from that point on. So, and this was
also a very touching and moving day for me because again it was the uh the second Memorial Day that my good friend John McGowan who was in serious combat had passed and I had spent uh the
previous weekend uh with his sister and his relatives that were able to attend at the at the cemetery in Sparta as his cres were
uh were interred. So it uh it's a it's a very moving time and I thank those who were here uh on behalf of the veterans and for the those lost
in combat uh for their uh their support. Thank you. That completes my comments. May I have a motion to adjurnn? Moved. Moved by Mr. Higgins. Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Vendetta. All in
favor signify by saying I. I. Carries, right? Nothing. Yeah, just for a sec.