Everyone, welcome to the regular public meeting of June 8th, 2026 of the Township Council of the Township of Washington. I've been noticed that the meeting was given in accordance with the open public meetings act by the township clerk on January 8th, 2026 to at least two newspapers and this meeting has been posted on the township bulletin board,
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everyone please stand for a salute to the flag? >> I pledge algiance 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. >> Councilman Casio >> here. >> Councilman Sears >> here. >> Councilman >> here. >> Counciloman Bles. Council President >> here. Let the record reflect also in attendance township administrator Mark D Carlo, township attorney Shan Bailey,
and township clerk Susan Wakowski. We'll have a quick uh Zoom call with Erin Stankovich from senior affordable housing manager for CGP&H to community grants planning and housing. Is Aaron on? Yeah, >> Erin, are you there?
>> Hi. How are you? >> There she is. Hello. How are you? >> Good. Thank you for having me tonight. I think I said your name right, too, because I know I had a coworker that used to have that last name. So, >> it was pretty close. You did better than most. >> All right.
All right. So, uh, we have Erin on the phone. I know Mr. Alman, you had some questions and we've been discussing um at a few council meetings. What are our um opportunities to the first being to
only have the lottery open to in town residents, which we kind of have an answer we know, but we wanted to hear it right from your group since you're going to be handling the lottery and stuff when it happens. So, I guess the first question was, can we limit it to in town residents only? And then, can the second
category be veterans? I believe Mr. Alman. >> Well, that would be one, but you know, I had >> you had you had multiples. Uh so I'll let Mr. Alman take the discussion from you. So the first one is can we limit it to in town residents only for the lottery for the affordable housing uh
elements of the plan? >> So the affordable housing regulations actually do not permit a what's called a local preference. So there can't be preference for residents who only live in the town, you know. Um but there is
what's called a regional preference. So affordable housing uh is divided into regions across the state. So anyone who lives or works in the housing region where the units are located then you can have preference for for those applicants.
>> And how big of a region is B is like B would that be the entire Bergen County or or the spot? >> No, no, you're fine. I just want to make sure I get all of the the right counties. It's Bergen, Hudson, Payic, and Sussex. I I knew there was four, but
I wanted Erin to say it because people don't want to listen to us. They want to hear the experts. So, she is she's gonna, you know, her group is going to run the lottery, so that's why we have her on. Go ahead, Mr. Alman. So, uh, good evening. Um,
I had asked this question over two years ago to Mr. D. Carlo and he had provided a rather detailed response from yourself. uh talking about uh the update uh as of
April 24th and I guess the the reason I raised it is we are closer now with uh one of the developments to actually moving forward with I guess filling these. So I guess my questions to you
are um besides veterans. So one can you describe uh what type of preference we can give to veterans and is it uh a binding
preference or is there discretion by the developer? And two, are there other classes or characteristics that we can give priority to? Uh, one of those I am
thinking is uh permanently disabled and as an extension of that, you know, can we ask for the units to be ADA compliant or we wheelchair accessible?
Uh the township, you know, has taken quite a bit of uh has taken the lead in making our parks and recreation uh facilities uh more ADA compatible and accessible uh through grants and through
investment. And it would seem to me if we're welcoming these people at our for recreation uh not these people, excuse me, if we're making these areas accessible who have disabilities or wheelchair accessibility issues, uh can
we uh require that these units be uh available for that? >> Sure. Okay. So, first part of that, the veterans preference. Um, that is something that I believe recently um the
township has adopted as part of their affirmative marketing and their updated affordable housing ordinance. So, there is a veteran's preference, but that preference can only be instituted if there was um an agreement made with the developer and that usually happens as
part of the approval process through the planning or zoning board. Um I do not believe that the project that is coming online in the next few months um does have that preference. Um we are still working out a contract with the
developer to administer the units. Um but I do not believe that it has that preference. So unless it was already included as a prior agreement, that's not something that is just automatically applied. So we've
the council or or maybe it's me, I don't know uh how to classify it, but that has been a question for over two and a half years. So how does that need to be communicated to you or the developer that it is a of
interest? I mean, I don't know. I don't want to speak for the other council members. I'm sure we'd have to vote on it, but uh you know, this is we've had this on our radar for two and a half years. Where was the potential breakdown
that it wasn't raised? And do we have that opportunity with the two new uh developments that you know uh are forecast to be approved move forward? Erin, would it be the correct
avenue if we did take a vote to um ask the developer if the if the council determined that that's the you know, excuse me, the avenue we want to proceed with with making these veteran um units, we would take a vote and then I would I
council president, we would send a letter through our attorney to the planning or the zoning board, whichever board they're at, requesting that that be included in their approval process. Um, it's certainly an option and um, Siobhan might have a better lawyer
answer than than I do. Um, but uh, I mean it's usually happens at the beginning of the approval process. There are just things are a little bit different how we're marketing and everything else for this project that's coming up now. I'll I'll defer to
Siobhan for what we could ask of and require after the approval's already been given. So um our you are okay. So Erin, you are correct. Our general affordable housing ordinance permits us to restrict 50% of
the um low andor moderate income housing um and give preference to veterans of 50% of those units. And that is precisely how it would be done. Um, what I would recommend just to be sure that it's clear upfront with the developer is
that there be a communication from council to the planning board. >> Yeah. So that that's incorporated as a condition into any site plan approval and then it would be uh memorialized in the developer agreement that would be
come before the council and voted on the council. So that's how that would work. So are we past that point for uh Filillmore or that's the >> if there is nothing in in their current developer agreement then yes you are
past that time period. It has to be done as I already explained by agreement upfront with the developer. >> Well I think as a council that was a big miss on our part. I don't know where I think >> I think the ordinance I think the
ordinance we passed clearly states that I don't understand >> well I I think we just passed the general affordable um housing ordinance that authorizes that >> the previous one did not >> correct >> so the previous councils this is something new Mike so
>> and it may very well be that this is a new provision within the fair housing >> I don't think it existed before did it >> I believe that's part of the fourth round Yes, >> it's a fourth round rag, but not a third round rag. >> No. So, so it was always actually that
it had to be an agreement in advance um that that the to do the veterans preference always had to be agreed upon between the developer and the municipality uh ahead of time, but your ordinance didn't have it that it was allowed there. Um so that's something
that was just adopted for the um I think it was the March 15th. Yeah. All right. >> So, all right. So, now that we have that on the books, we can request that for the
the new uh developments and any subsequent ones that are approved. >> Yep. Yep. And moving forward, you can you can have that. Um and again, it's it's only up to 50% of the units as Siobhan was explaining. Um so, I don't
know if you want me to kind of explain how how that would work um in implementing the preference for applicants. >> Sure. I think you know we have some residents here and I think uh you know they're the ones who are being um
impacted by the development and you know some of them uh may be veterans and be able to benefit uh through uh their veteran status. So I think it would be helpful Sure. Um, so this is a little
bit more complicated than, you know, with our regional preference, which is basically we just take everybody who's applied, filter out everyone who's who does not live or work in the housing region, and then we contact those who
who do before those who don't. For the veterans preference, there is a clear 90day of initial marketing that when people are applying or joining our waiting list, they would if they
indicate that they are a qualified veteran, they basically would be in as long as they apply within the first 90 days of marketing, then they get placed on a separate special veterans waiting list and then they are contacted before
the regional preference and before you know any other preferences or applicants that would have would have joined. So there they must join within the 90 days. Um if for some reason there aren't enough veteran applicants to fill the
available units um we can you know go and fill those units with nonveteran applicants. Um the only difference would be that when there is a reent those units as long as they're still at
the 50% or under or under 50% rather um we can the reents but given priority to veterans that apply later on. Um so at all times there's going to be 50%. So, >> so if a veteran moves out, say you're at
50% Aaron, right? And a veteran moves out, the the new uh advertisement to rent that unit would go for veterans only unless we can't find one. >> Correct. Yes. Or say that we weren't able to fill all the veterans preference
units up front. >> Um so, you know, say there's >> continue always having veterans until you get to the 50%. >> Well, I'm pretty sure we'd fill them up. >> I think we would. Yeah. >> And >> yeah, >> so that was uh so I appreciate that
overview. Um regarding the second question or part B about uh other I guess protected uh characteristics or groups uh such as disabled. uh are there priorities that can be
granted to them and can we do anything with regard to uh making them ADA or wheelchair compliant? >> Sure. Um so this is a
kind of like you said part B this is like B123 answer. Um, all of the affordable housing units have to follow the uniform construction code. So, if they're town home units, they have to be um, you know, accessible in some way.
Um, there they do have to follow any kind of ADA or any accessibility adaptability requirements that is under the construction code. So, affordable, not affordable, they all have to comply
with with code. um to require fully accessible ADA compliant units, say at least one if say the construction official advises that you don't they're not required to do one full, you know,
ADA compliant unit. Um that's also something you can put in a developer agreement. Um, you know, you can you can set the standard for what the developer is allowed to do, which is usually what I encourage, you know, our our clients to to do is be engaging with the developer while they're going through
the approval process because that is the time that you have the control to kind of get what you want and you need for your town out of the developer who wants to build in your town. So definitely something that you can, you know, talk
about, vote on, bring to the board, planning board, zoning board, um, and and require from a developer. Um, as far as preferences, really the only preference is if there
is an ADA or an accessible unit, people who apply or applicants that indicate that they require those accessibility, you know, features, they would be contacted first for an
accessible unit. But if there's nobody on on the list that would, you know, qualify, then we would put a nonADA um person in in an ADA unit. But then again, if it goes up for re- rental, the
priority would be somebody on the waiting list who would qualify for that. >> Okay. And if the developer pushes back in terms of uh accessibility
uh for let's say uh wheelchair ramps or whatever accommodation or uh design would need to be incorporated uh because of expense. Can we use the development fund to offset that?
So can we contribute? Yeah, you can definitely contribute. Um, you know, this is this would be for the creation of affordable housing. So, there is, you know, funding from the trust fund that you could use. Um, I also believe that some CDBG money may be qualified for
those types of improvements as well. >> Okay. I mean, I don't, you know, as a as a council, I don't know if we want Well, first we're too far for Filmore. We're too far for Filmore, but on the new ones, I think we should take a vote afterwards
to send the planning and zoning board a letter >> outlining that we want the 50% to go to veterans, and then we want uh affordable uh uh disabled uh assistance units to be the next uh you know, caveat we look at.
Um, but just to go to your question, I know where you're going with this, Mike. So in in my former life, the developers got away with ADA units by building a first floor ground level where you walk in and the bedroom and the
uh bathroom that is accessible for ADA is on the first floor. The entire unit is not ADA is not ADA, but that person has a place to sleep and a living room and a and but the whole unit is not ADA. So they don't they didn't put elevators in um for that
reason, but it was technically it was considered Joe's shaking his head because he's done it more than I have, but it is a ADA unit. >> So I mean I think we have to take >> Can the record reflect that MZ is here at 720? >> Thank you, M. I I think we would have to
take you know small steps and if that's what we could do. So there is >> the wider doors the yeah you know uh no curbs or no lips or whatever that is. Yes, different cabinets in the kitchen and so >> you know if again if the council I mean
that would be my desire but if the council desires that uh you know working with the administration if that's something we're interested in I just want to make sure that we're not p you know that ship hasn't sailed. >> No I I I I believe for the new development it has not sailed. if only
the Filillmore one that is outside our purview at this point >> and you know the trust fund you know I don't know what the goals were for that but to me if there's a issue of funding or if you know we need to contribute
>> well I believe the trust fund is to pay CGB right I believe the trust fund is to pay is to pay >> but that's not it I mean I'm sure there are other hopefully >> well it was we can use the trust fund for that, right, Mr. Burg?
>> 20% of the money in the trust fund >> can be used for >> administrative and planning purposes. >> Okay. >> I know if you're a disabled veteran, the VA will supply ADA equipment and set your home up for ADA requirements. >> Okay.
>> So, there's another out. >> So, let's let's let's take the vote after we finish with Eron. Um, and we'll go from there if everybody's okay with that. Y >> anything else, Mr. for Aaron while she's on. >> No, that was it. I mean, >> I appreciate all the information, Aaron.
It was It was perfect. Thank you. >> Absolutely. No problem. If um I just I I want to make sure you >> I'm sorry, one last one last question. I I I jumped in. So, if if when when you start the advertisement, is it always 90 days of an advertisement to to start the
rental process? Like from from first ad to taking giving out units, is it always 90 days for all caveats? whether you're disabled, whether you're a veteran, or you're a regular applicant, is it always 90 days? >> No. So, so the um affirmative marketing
period is what it's called. It's affirmative fair marketing. Um I believe you guys adopted a new plan that I did for your affirmative marketing a few months ago. >> Um so that's basically the the requirement in the affordable housing regulations, the Fair Housing Act. Um
you know, we we outreach to those who are least likely to apply. So, there's all of these digital requirements, non-digital ad requirements, you know, there's a long list of who we have to to reach out to and contact. Um, we are not
allowed to start processing any applications or contacting any of the applicants for 120 days. >> Oh, wow. Okay. So, or like at least 120 days, you know, for for when the advertising I may have
gotten the date the number, >> but are you receiving are you receiving applications in that 120 days? Are you just not able to contact them? Process of receiving already began or no? >> Uh, no. I apologize. I said the wrong number. I'm getting there's lots of numbers in these new regulations.
>> Take your time. >> Yeah. So, so it's so we have to have a minimum of 60 days advertising on the New Jersey Housing Resource Center website. So, we and we have to continue to take applications for 120 days.
Sorry, following that. So, um for the veterans preference specifically is that we have to advertise for you know at least 90 days to collect those those um veterans preference you know on on that specific waiting list. So, that's a
specific requirement. Um, as far as advertising for these new units, we haven't started advertising anything yet. We're still working um to get under contract to actually work for the developer. So, once we have that um and I know that I've been in contact with
Mark um you know about what moving forward and getting all the required paperwork done. So, we should be starting that hopefully by the end of the summer and then it would be you know 60 days from then that we could start filling the units. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions,
Vernon? Thank you, Aaron. Have a good night. >> Thank you. So, I would like to suspend the the the agenda for a minute and take a quick vote to send a letter to the planning
and the zoning board to require that any future negotiations with any developer include the 50% set aside for veterans and then followed by the second um being uh disabled. Uh >> go ahead, Mr. B. You want to chime in?
>> Yeah. your finish your statement. >> So I want to I want to make sure that the new developments that outside of Filillmore include a 50% set aside for veterans, disabled veterans and veterans. And the second um classification of of people that are
eligible are um uh disabled normal citizens, not veterans. Um and then it would just go to the general public. >> Uh second that motion. >> Anybody have any discussion they want to discuss? Mr. purchase anything that we just said
something Mr. Alman said it just rang the bell. Um, it may be prudent to alert the two new sites in advance of them ever filing an application because they don't file an application right away. They start having their architects
prepare all the plans. And if you're going to be talking about widening doorways, for example, and hallways. >> So, if we um write that letter, >> copy copy the two two applicants also. Ma, Mr.
I'm wondering whether a a formal resolution. >> You want to do a formal resolution? >> Resolution. >> Should we do a formal resolution? >> I think we should. >> All right. So, I I made the motion. Mr. Sears uh seconded it. So, we're going to do a formal resolution, Sue. So, we're going to have to uh prepare that.
>> You want a roll call? >> Roll call. Hold on. One second. >> She needs a minute. So, we're going to do a formal resolution. >> And I, you know, I don't think we should overburden the developer. Maybe it's one unit or I don't know how you know how it's >> We'll have to decide. We'll have to Yeah.
>> But, you know, for the ADA wheelchair accessibility, >> we can't make it. >> Yeah. We don't We can't make it too burdensome that they don't want to do any of it. >> All right. Once who gets a chance, she'll call the
roll call. Yes. Roll call. >> Councilman Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Councilman? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Veles? >> Yes. help the president to set up. >> Yes. Anything we can do for our veterans and our disabled citizens is a wonderful thing. So we appreciate it. >> Thank you everyone.
>> Thank you. >> Continuing payment of bills. Resolution number 26-263 authorized payment of bills May 16, 2026 through June 2nd, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Gasio. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Council Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman BZ. >> Yes. Council President Dota. >> Yes. >> Public service announcement for June 8th, 2026. Construction has begun on the new DBW building at Town Hall. With this
construction, the DBW yard will now remain closed on Tuesdays for household debris and recycling drop off. Residents may still drop off items on Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please note, during the hours of construction, there will be limited parking to the east side of Hudson Avenue. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle
Commission mobile event performed 104 transactions on May 14th. They included 59 real IDs, three registration renewals, three duplicate titles, one disability placard, nine initial titles, 29 plate returns. Thank you to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission as well
as Bethany Church for the use of their parking lot and facility. To report power outages, gas leaks, street light outages, or downlines, please call PSENG at 1 8004367734, or you can download their app. The township of Washington launched its
fourth round of our hometown hero banner program as a living tribute for our community to honor past and present members of the armed forces. Please visit our website for further information. Our next council meeting will be held on Monday, June 22nd, 2026.
Approval of minutes. Sindai meeting 2026 January 5th, 2026. Reorg meeting January 5th, 2026. Regular meeting and conference meeting January 19th, 2026. Regular meeting and conference meeting February 2nd, 2026. The emergency
meeting February 23rd, 2026. The regular meeting and conference meeting of March 9th, 2026. Do I have a motion? >> I'll move. >> Second. I just want to thank uh Cornelius, Sue, and the administration for all they do to bring these minutes up to date. I
know it's a ar it's an arduous task. It's a very long uh you guys do a very complete and thorough. I've looked at minutes from other places and they're very uh how would you call it? >> Cursory. They're very cursory meetings. They don't get into he said, she said.
They're just very cursory. They discuss the subject. So, I appreciate all the effort that the clerk's office and the administration puts into doing them. So, roll call. >> Councilman Cam, >> yes. >> Councilman Sears, >> yes. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman BZ, >> yes.
>> Council President, >> yes. Report of the administrator. >> Thank you, Council President. Good evening, everyone. This is my followup from the council meeting of May 18th, 2026. There is no resident or council follow-ups. However, I have several updates. On May 19th, 2026, Mayor
Calamary, myself, and Beckmire Engineering met with representatives of the Bergen County Engineering Department to discuss the intersection of Van Hamburg Avenue and Washington Avenue. County requests a three-year crash history at the intersection, which was provided to them by the police department. We are waiting to hear back
from the county for the next steps. Bergen County was very receptive to our concerns at the intersection. We also discussed the installation of emergency beacon on Washington Avenue at the emergency services building. The county was also very receptive of this request and requested a design plan which
township engineer Glenn Beckmire Jr. is working on. The speed sign for Van Emberg has been purchased and installed near the Viviano property. The yellow flashing crossing signs for Rididgewood Road by the high school have been received and DPW will begin working on installing them. Our grant writer has
prepared a resolution for this evening's agenda seeking council's approval to apply for a FEMA grant for document imaging services. Our grant writer is also applying for a fiscal year 2025 assistance to firefighters grant and the fiscal year 2025 staffing for adequate
fire and emergency response. Both will be for acquisitions. The 20-day stoppple period for our 26 capital funding bond ordinance has concluded and Beckmire Engineering will begin working on the 2026 road program and information and current expenses related to the four
major capital projects for the DPW building brook swim club and 450 Pasc Road have all been updated on the homepage of our website. That concludes our report. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Will you be given the mayor's report or we >> No, I I did not receive one, sir.
>> Thank you. report of the council. Mrs. W. >> Yes. Thank you. On May 17th, we held our annual 5K and health fair. Thank you to all the participants, the sponsors, emergency services, and volunteers. We had a beautiful day. It was a little
hotter than expected, but overall everything went very well. Thank you for all those who stopped by to cheer on all our participants and to um visit our vendors on that day. As a result of the
5K in health fair, we are happy to announce that two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each will be available to high school um township high school seniors graduating and entering into a
health related field. The details are available on the website and the deadline is June 28th. If there are any questions, please v visit the website or you can uh feel free to contact me as well. The Memorial Day parade unfortunately
was rained out, but it was very well attended. I would say it was probably one of the most well attended um events that we've had in a while. Um in terms of Memorial Day, thank you to Sasha Lopez for putting it all together and all the volunteers involved. Um and
thank you, you know, absolutely to all our men and women who have served our country, have given the ultimate sacrifice as well as their families um and those that continue to serve our country today. So, thank you for your service. And then lastly, I just wanted
to um mention the passing of Jim Joyce. Um I was very saddened to hear about his passing. We spent many years volunteering together on the public affairs um committees in town day, tree lighting, memorial day, and he was just
such a pleasure to work with. You know, he will forever be remembered as um the golden senior that loves the fish the uh the fish game. So, I know a lot of kids have uh great memories with his warm smiles and um my condolences to the
family and he will be missed. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Sears. >> Yes. My condolences also for Jim. He was a a very nice gentleman. The green team will start the Lincoln Park cleanup within a couple of weeks. We uh will
start the uh bridge book uh the the bridge brook um cleanup and planting within the next two weeks. I uh am working on the public service um second grant for $5,000
that will go towards our energy efficiency uh for the township. Uh, I got the awarded divinity grant from Bergen County uh for the uh waterway cleanup and I want to thank all that
attended the Memorial Day parade. Um, it was a great event and that's my report. Thank you, Council President. >> Mr. Cassio, >> yeah, short report. Um, just a couple of housekeeping things. Literally housekeeping. Uh, around town, people are not putting lids on their trash cans. Yes. And uh the weather's getting
warmer and there's more animal activity. As you know, for some reason we have an abundance of squirrels and hawks and chipmunks and everything. Um so please put the lids on there cuz we do see a lot of the garbage spread around that isn't self-contained. Also, uh dog owners, please pick up your fecal
material. Uh we find that around often and it's unsightly, unhealthy. And last but not least, I'd like to thank uh the Washington Township Ambulance Corps. Uh they had uh emergency over at seasons the other night. Uh a personal friend of mine was aided by their uh kindness and
their their skill. So I want to thank them for that uh service. Thank you Smartport. Mr. Alman. >> Yeah. Thank you uh Mr. Denna. So uh I'm not going to do it justice. Uh usually
uh we can rely on Mayor Kamari to go into depth, but I would like to uh talk about the Memorial Day uh service that was held. Uh it was uh excellent. Uh as
Miss Vel said, uh it was well attended. Uh I think we could probably do better. I think if it had been a parade, we probably would have had more people. Uh but uh first thank you to VFW Post 6192
uh who uh you know we are there to uh support and recognize uh especially uh council person Sears who was the master of ceremony uh and did an excellent job. Uh you know it was a thank you a really
good uh event. Uh at the event we recognized or the township recognized uh Grand Marshal James Gerbig who uh was a graduate of the Naval Academy as well as
a Desert Storm veteran. I think if you uh have the opportunity to read or or excuse me uh visit uh his remarks uh I hopefully are on WCTV. uh they were uh very good, they were
moving. Uh he really touched on a lot of important points and I think it's important to recognize the fallen or honor the fallen. We also had uh a Vince is it Croy? I think I'm saying that
incorrectly. Uh but he is a 101year-old resident of the township and he is a veteran. uh and he uh sat with uh the VFW and uh anyone who was there knows that uh it was almost like church
getting up and down. Uh but he certainly did uh and uh it was uh really an honor to see him there and there were some uh uh presentations made a proclamation from the state as well as our representatives our uh state
representatives. So, it was very nice. Uh, a young lady uh sang the national anthem and God Bless America. Ava Terry, I think I'm saying it correct. >> She was excellent as well. There are two hard songs and uh she got up there and
uh belted them out. So, it was very nice. And lastly, uh I wanted to call attention to Mr. Beckmire. Uh we had a missing bugler and uh Mr. Beck Meyer was there and unbeknownst to me, he is a
bugler or a trumpet player and he was able to provide taps uh for the ceremony. So really a very good ceremony. I encourage you to try and find it on WCTV and watch it. Uh it's really uh important that we honor those
who uh gave the ultimate sacrifice uh for our country. Uh, I'd like to also uh I don't know if it's here or when we uh go to the um
ordinances, but I would like to speak to the council. Um on uh last uh Wednesday, June 3rd, there was a planning board meeting. Uh at that meeting there were a
number of items on the agenda. Two of those items were referrals of um ordinances by the planning board to the council. Uh
Sue included a memo or a letter that I wrote into Miss Bailey on the uh on that issue and basically uh I as a class three uh member of the
planning board was denied the vi uh the right to vote at the meeting. Uh I feel that uh this was a uh a gross overstep of the chairman exception that I should
have been denied that right. I certainly didn't have a uh personal conflict uh municipal land use uh you know speaks to a class three member. It is provided legislatively.
One of the items that the legislaturator legislator um considered was the fact that there are matters for review and matters to go back and forth to the governing body and
they are silent on the uh class three member not being able to vote. Uh, I think it's a broad overreach and I question if the referral is valid. Uh,
and should we be voting on it tonight? Because, uh, I don't believe again that, uh, the, um, vote would have been legal because of
that exclusion. And uh you know I don't know if we're going to have a further discussion uh when we get to the actual votes, but I think it's worth noting um that you know there was no lawful justification. It's
a decision that can't stand and I think it should be vacated. >> So thank you. That's my report. >> We just I'm I'm Mr. Mr. Alman, if it's okay, we'll we'll address it during the ordinance since I'll give my quick uh my
quick uh report. Um I just want to thank everybody, uh Sasha especially. I was going to have the honor of driving Mr. Croy in the bug and I had the honor of driving Jim Joyce in the first Bugs parade. Um and he will be sorely missed
in town. Um so he got the first ride and I was hoping that Mr. uh Cody would get a ride this past. We got in the car already and uh unfortunately got cancelled and I ended up in Carne at a baseball tournament which I would have rather been here. So um but uh I want to
I want my condolences to the Joyce family. U he was a wonderful man. He did a lot for the town and I want to thank Sasha and all the volunteers. They did try to pull off the parade and I know it was a hard probably a very hard decision at 6:00 a.m. to make that email to
cancel it. Um, we will, uh, just so everybody's aware, the, uh, Memorial Day ceremony is available on the Township YouTube channel, WCTVJ, if they'd like to view it. So, it is available. At that point,
that concludes my report. We will open up the meeting to the general public with a limit of 5 minutes. Do I have a motion to open the public comment here? >> So, move second. >> All in favor? >> I. Would anybody like to come up at this time for something that's not on the agenda?
>> Seeing no one, motion to close the public comment period. >> Uh, excuse me. >> Oh, I'm so I'm sorry. >> Come on up. >> I just need your name. Yes. >> Tara. Tara. T A R A.
>> You last name. >> Loraca. L A R O CCA. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, Miss Lorac. >> Hi. Um, I have a couple of concerns about um the affordable housing. Um, do I have to say where I live? >> No. No, you do not. >> I live on Pasc Road, right across the
street from the entrance. >> Um, where? >> The Valley Bank. >> Okay. >> And, um, so I've been living in this town for 25 years. And since I lived here, um, it was very quiet and quaint town. And um so um over the years, Pasc
Road has gotten very crowded and very noisy. But um I live right across the street from the entrance. So when I try to go to my mailbox, which has been knocked down about like six times, and I made complaints to the town, they've done
nothing about it. But when they make the lefthand turn, they go around the right side of the cars. They go up on the sidewalk and like I said, they knock the mailbox down, which is um it's very unsafe for people when I try to go into my mailbox to get the mail or when the
kids or people are walking on the sidewalk. >> Absolutely. >> So, my concern is when for the affordable housing, um where are you going to put the entrance to the affordable housing? I Well, it's all part of the the entrance and the exit to that development the way it's depicted
now is at the same location >> as but you know the street is very crowded right now and it takes me a long time to get in and out of my driveway and that's just a concern for me. >> Yeah, but the entrance and the exit do not move from where they are now, Miss Laurel.
>> Okay. Okay. So, I know that doesn't address your mailbox issues, but the >> you know, just a concern because, you know, you know, I'm just concerned about also of the value of my h the house that my family lives in. I mean, that's also
another concern. You know, I put all that money into the house, all of us that live there. So, I'm just concerned about that as well. >> Okay. >> You know, we just um we bought the house. We just put a lot of money into it over the years. So that's another
concern. >> Property. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Any anything else you want to address? >> Um, no. >> At this point, the conceptual shows the entrance and the exit at the same
location. Um, we we haven't seen other than the conceptual plan. of the final details. You're going to have to attend the planning board meetings to address your concerns while it's going through the approval process. >> So, it's going to be the same entrance and exit. You're you're saying
>> right now as it as the conceptual design is shown for the proposed development, it is at the same location, but as the plans progress to be submitted to the it's going to the planning board, right? You'll have to attend the planning board meetings and state your concerns there because we're we're we're not going to
approve the final location of that entrance in the exit driveway. We're just doing a a broad scope to change the uh >> Yeah. But the street is just it's it's just really >> well Pasc Road is a county road. So, a lot of unfortunately a lot of those
concerns fall on the counties. I'm not trying to pass the buck, but it is a county road. We've asked to reduce >> We've asked them to reduce. >> There's also a a brook that's there too. You know that, right? >> In front. Well, the detention pond. It's not a brook. It's just the pond. >> I know that. Okay. But I'm just It's a
concern. >> And and the proper venue for that type of concern would be when it's in front of the planning board. So, you'll get not she's within 200 feet if you're right across the street. Yeah. >> So, you will get notified when those uh application the applications presented to the board and you'll have to attend
and supply the same comments she's told us tonight at that meeting. >> So, everybody that's near like in >> within a 200 foot circle of the property lines. >> Okay. So, >> which is not a lot of residents because the sidewalks are long. So,
>> yeah, I know. But I'm just saying like the street, you know, it takes when I first moved here, it didn't take me so long to get in and out of my driveway. It used to take me 5 minutes. Now it takes me like 25 minutes. >> Mhm. >> I'm just stating. And I just think that maybe it could be a different entrance or exit. The exit is not the problem.
It's the entrance. >> Okay. >> You know, when kids are walking in and out of the school, the people are going right up on the sidewalk. And I complained to the town and they didn't do anything about it. Nothing. >> But I believe the proper Mr. D. Carla, I'm not trying to th ask, but it's a
county road, so we should be it should be addressed by the county, right? The speed. >> Yes. >> Yeah. They'll need a county approval, too, Miss Laura. >> They'll have to go sign or something because it's very dangerous. I can't I don't even feel safe going to my mailbox all the time. I mean,
>> it's the speed limit maybe should be lowered or something. >> I mean, it's very dangerous. Very dangerous. >> Yeah. So, I would I just be be on the lookout for that development to be posted. >> Yeah. >> And and and when the >> should be moved or something and
shouldn't be there. I I just it's a very bad entrance. >> Thank you. >> I also want to talk about the property value of the houses too. If that goes up, >> the affordable housing >> I I I I'm sorry, I couldn't hear your question.
>> What is going to happen to the houses that are close to the developments for the affordable housing? What's going to happen to the property value of the house? >> Well, the entire development is not affordable housing. Only a certain percentage of it is >> certain percentage. >> Yes. >> So, nothing's going to happen to the houses. The property value is going to
stay the same. >> I I I'm not a I don't have a I don't have a crystal ball to predict that. But, you know, they are building. You know, the rest the the units all look the same. You're not going to be able to tell which one's an affordable housing lot unit and a regular unit. So, it's
not like you're going to have, you know, a little, you know, there the size of the units change, but the appearance of all the units is going to look the same. You're not going to be able to go in and say, "Ooh, there's an affordable housing unit." So, it's not >> it's not that detrimental to to to the
appearance of the development. Is that a fair statement, Mr. Burgess? >> Yes, it is. >> Like, so it's not like, you know, this one's uh, you know, sided with uh brick and this one's sided with, you know, vinyl. It's they're all going to look the same. So, gonna have a very hard
opportunity to tell which one's which. >> I know that doesn't alleviate your question, but I don't know how the property value would go down because they're putting up I'm sure these these town houses are going to go at at the way property values are right now. They're probably going to be million-dollar town houses. So,
I'm not I'm not trying to pass your buck, but they're not going to be, you know, other than the affordable housing units going through the lottery like was stated by uh Erin at the beginning of the meeting. That's the only difference is that they're going to go through a lottery to to place people that meet the affordable housing requirements. And how
many units are we putting there, Mr. Purchase? >> Uh 73. >> No, but affordable units. >> Uh 15. >> 73 units with 15 only be in this Lorac. >> And when is it going to start when you start building? >> We again they have to go to the planning board to get approval still. So it
hasn't been approved. Just the the number of the units have been approved for the state uh affordable housing grounds. >> Now I have a question. Is it going to be more like set back? They don't know yet, right? I mean, >> that hasn't been decided. >> There's a conceptual plan on our website. So, if you visit the township
at Washington website. Yeah, that's the >> question though. Like people that work that work like the night shift and stuff like that that don't work like a 9 toive job and come home. There's going to be all this construction going on. It's going to be all noisy. >> Oh, that's that we can't control.
>> Yeah, I know that. But still, it's a little disturbance. I I that we can't control them building. It's it's we can we're trying to limit we we've we've we've gone through a lot of rounds of with with the developer to get it to down to this number and Miss
Bailey and Mr. Burgess have done a lot of homework and so as everybody on this day is to limit our numbers to where they are now cuz they were a lot worse when we started. There was a lot more units planned. So, I thank everybody that's put a lot of effort to limit these numbers to the numbers they are.
Um, there's been a lot of late nights and a lot of back uh, you know, things that not I don't I don't want to say back room deal, but a lot of a lot of things have been done unfortunately in close session um, in order to limit these developments. We've limited
negotiations to limit them to the numbers we are now because the original numbers we started with you would be a lot >> it it was a lot lot more >> no one's happy about it at all whether you live proximate to it or distant from it >> you know uh it's just over building in a
suburb and it affects everyone it's going to affect street >> you know that traffic back up it's just it's just one you know spotlight should talking. So, >> so I'll get the notices for other >> You should be within the 200 foot
meeting for the planning board, right? I think she's across the street. So, I I think she's >> Yes. >> But I would I would keep an eye on our website to make sure that he feels, you know, cuz sometimes the mail we do have the Washington Township Post Office to contend with. And >> did you get noticed tonight?
>> Yes, I did. So, you get >> So, you get noticed. Okay. >> Well, that's it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. >> Have a good night. >> Would anybody else like to come up at this time? Seeing no one motion to close the public comment. Is this for Is this for the ordinance? Is this for the >> the housing? >> No. Yeah, we should. Miss Loraca came
up, but we we should do it when the ordinances came. >> She was up here already, so we kind of just let her go, but we should really wait till the ordinance is got the public comment. I'm sorry. >> Motion to close the public comment period for anything that's not on the agenda. >> So, all in favor?
>> I. Adoption second reading ordinance 26-04 an amended ordinance for the township of Washington Burton County New Jersey amending ordinance 2602 as to section 4 only creating a new chapter 580-38.3
affordable ah-2 affordable housing district and establishing development regulations for block 2110 lot 1 and lot 6 through 11 resolution number 26-264 authorizing second reading and opening of a public hearing for ordinance 26
6-04. Do I have a motion to move? >> Second. >> Discussion. Miss Bailey, this is for 660 Pasc. >> Um, >> this one. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I just want to let the public know cuz we're talking blocking lot. So, this this ordinance is for 660 Pasc Road.
>> Correct. >> Any discussion, council? Would anybody Any discussion on 660? Well, I mean, I don't know if there's a uh any discussion warranted or
>> No, just I I just want to I want to make sure we're covering that everybody had their right to before we invite the public to if they have any questions on the day. Sure. I always like to hear the days first. That's also >> So, any question? Anybody like to come up from the public on 66 C Pasc Road?
>> That's Saturday. No, that's that's the the other. Yes. Good evening. >> Hi, John Ramik. I have one question. >> Good evening, Mr. Ramik. >> I have one question. Um, last uh Wednesday when I was at the planning
meeting, um, some of the bulk requirements changed because of the plan concept which changed and you showed me what it was uh, which is on the website. Now there's four buildings that are going to be there. If this plan concept
changes, could the bulk requirements also change? Now the bulk requirement, assuming the governing body approves this ordinance tonight, >> that locks in those bulk standards. And if they were to if the applicant were to
vary from that, they would have >> Mr. Burgess, you guys speaking to >> speaking to the microphone. >> Sorry, I know it's hard for you. Okay. >> But if if the applicant were to vary from those standards and require variance, they would have to make an
application and then justify why they would be seeking that variance relief. And the municipal land use law sets forth a whole host of criteria that the applicant would have have to address in order for the planning board to even
consider that and approve such a relief that would be requested. So they should be pretty much locked into what these standards are. >> So if if they did apply for a variance of this concept plan, then it would go
before the planning board again and >> no it would have to come back to the council >> to the council, >> right? And then >> no, >> if they were seeking variances, they the planning board is entitled to grant certain variances >> but not the variances or anything like
that. They're not allowed to grant uh a variance if, for example, the applicant sought more than 32 units that this ordinance would permit. They asked for 34 or 35, whatever additional number, then they would have to go to the zoning
board of adjustment >> and that's a much more ownorous process for them to >> have to address why they should be entitled to such an additional an additional number of units. Uh the same issue would apply to building height if
you exceed building height by a certain >> Mr. Burgess. Could you stop one second? >> Uh resolution number 26-264 authorizing second reading and opening of public hearing for ordinance 26-04. >> Do I have a motion? >> You had a motion by Councilman Counc.
>> Councilman Casio. Councilman Seers. Yes. Councilman Alman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Vettis. Yes. >> Council President the Senate. >> Now you can continue Mr. Ram. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh just like that density variance that I just mentioned, if the
application if the applicant asked for a greater building height that was more than 10 ft or 10% above what's permitted, they would have to go to the zoning board to get that kind of relief which the much with a much more ownorous standard that would apply.
um in the concept plans that had been prepared by the applicant, it's clear that they intend to meet all of the standards set forth in the code, >> but if they don't, you know, they would have to jump through those hoops that I just mentioned.
>> Okay. I'm I'm concerned, one of the concerns we have at Northgate is the buffer. >> Yes. you know, so if there's any change in that, that would have to be >> that would also require a variance if
they don't meet the buffer standards. And as we discussed last week at the planning board level, um the site plan ordinance already has a whole host of site design standards, including a double staggered row of plant material
along the side lot line. Um have to be planted a certain minimum height. So it'll give you that kind of protection. >> Okay. Great. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Ram. Would anybody like come up for 660 at this time? >> Yes. My name is Richard Miller. I'm also
a resident of Northgate. >> Good evening, Mr. Miller. >> Thank you. Uh question I have on on on on the development is that uh we said there's going to be a 30-foot buffer from from the building I guess to our property line.
>> Now that will also include uh shrubbery if I remember that's what you said you're going to be putting up some trees. Are there going to be trees or are there going to be shrubs? I mean are they going to be like 4ft trees or 12oot trees that really can do something that that'll still be in existence? you know,
while I'm there, you know, I mean, >> um, that that's in the site plan ordinance, and I don't have that in front of me, but I believe they're required to plant of evergreen trees to a 6 to 8t height. >> Maybe we could up that a little bit uh
to 10 foot. >> Were you at the planning board meeting last? >> No, I was not. uh with the previous set we discussed that and we did indicate that we would talk to the developer about getting something higher than six to eight feet. >> Okay. And then also would we be able to
put a fence in there also? >> The ordinance does allow for that and it was another thing previous. >> Okay. Well, I I wasn't there so I wanted to hear it again. Um and we had indicated we would again talk the ordinance allows the planning board to
make the decision during the site plan review process if a fence is needed or not and there was a lot of discussion last week about the concern that residents could walk through. >> Yeah, I think you know I think it would be helpful if we had to account.
>> Can you uh initiate that to make sure that that's done? >> Yes. >> Well, you should Mr. Miller you should attend the planning board meeting. I will definitely >> and make your your case for the fence. It's not it's not our professional's responsibility to make your case, but I you you I remember the last time we were
at you and Mr. Ramik and your your your group was always there. So, I I I I want to thank you for that effort and I think you should continue to attend and make your u make sure. >> Yeah. Because it's it's it's a lot different coming from the residents that live next door to the development than
you know our our our professionals can only do so much. We can't, you know, we can't keep asking, asking, asking. So, it's good to hear from the local residents of what you want. So, >> okay. >> Can I ask um on the northernmost
boundary of the prospective development? What is on the north gate side? >> The pool house or the parking lot? >> Yeah, we have the pool there. >> There's no residence there. >> Is there a residence? because I know
that we have um other uh concerns where uh on I guess it's the west side uh there are residents that immediately bound the property. So I'm just trying
to understand uh immediately north there is a field and there's a pool house and there's tennis courts and a pool. >> Yes. Yeah, there's a clubhouse there, a tennis courts, uh parking lot, >> but no, no immediate residences
>> at this point. No, there's no one actually living there. No, >> there's no units there, Mr. Miller. But I'm saying, Mr. Miller, there's no units there to live. >> No units there. No, >> there's no units there to live in. No, >> right off. >> But that's part of what makes Northgate
Northgate really. >> Right off of Tazak Road, there's a a green space. Then there's the tennis courts and then west of that is the pool. But there's no units. >> Yeah, there's no units there on that on that property line. There's no units adjacent. >> I just wanted to make sure I understood the lay of the land.
>> And I just wanted to ask another question again, forgive me for not being at the planning board meeting, but uh where would the the waste the the garbage disposals be there? >> Uh what are the plans? >> In the individual units themselves in
their garages. Oh, so there's going to be town pickup. There won't be it won't be like uh >> the game big dumpster there where Okay. >> Uh Okay, that's my question. But I have one other question that's bothering me. Okay.
>> Next to the used car lot that's there on Pasc. What's what's being built there? >> House. Two houses. >> Two houses. Three house. Oh, >> two two houses. >> Okay. Thank you. Just like the other two houses being built on the other side of North Gate.
>> Oh yeah, you're right. >> You I'm sorry, Mr. Brown. You came up already, Mr. Ramy. >> No. Yeah. Only get one bite of the apple. Sorry. >> You take Vinnie's time. >> He can take No, he can't take Vinnie's time. Vinnie can go up and ask. Mr. Agnell is next. He had his arm raised.
>> Good evening, Mr. Agnell. >> Good evening, Mike. Um, just I'm a little confused. I'm just trying to get a clarification. When this whole thing started, 660 Pascap Road was a project created between lot 6 and lot 10. Then,
if I'm not mistaken, we incorporated lot one because extra property was needed to have enough land to build 32 units. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> First of all, >> cuz they were going to clear the lot and it was just going to be a lot. >> It was lot 6 through 11,
>> Mr. B. Mr. Burgess, you got to talk to the mic. >> And then lot hold it in front of you if you want to talk. >> You come. >> Okay. >> Lot one, which is at the corner of Washington Avenue and
>> M >> um that was that was needed at that time for additional parking. They subsequently >> No, I'm sorry. I don't mean to interrupt, but I'm going one step at a time. Originally there was >> Mike Mike Mike before we go any further
lot one is out of the application. It doesn't matter how it got in or how it got out. We got lot one out of the application which is one of your one of your one of your >> it's done. It's out of the application. It will remain a one-story house which is what you and your neighbors came in
to complain about. So we went back and did all this. So it doesn't matter how it got in or how it got out. It's out. >> It's no longer part of the process. >> Not part of it remains. It remains the same unattached lot it is currently today which is what you and your residents on my scene asked for and what
this count this board this council and administration spent countless hours on getting resolved for for your res for the residents of township. So it it doesn't matter how it got there. I think the Knicks are going to win tonight and we all want to get home. So I don't mean
to cut you off on that but we don't need I I we don't need to re It is out of the application right Mr. And if we adopt this tonight before the next start, >> uh that that property is being reszoned back to a single family res. That's what I was going to ask.
>> It's going to remain a single family residential zone. >> Holding this up for adopt >> and then very quickly, Mr. Norman, there's three lots on the actually four lots. The developer owns one of them and that's lot one. The other three lots are lots two, three, and four, which border
the west side of property that we're very concerned about having some kind of a blockade because the building will be 15, not 30 feet, but 15 ft from our property line. It's gotten a double variance granted, which is also the 15 ft and 35 ft of height. So, we're just
asking for as much possibility to block that building. >> Again, that's something we'll have to take up with the planning board. >> Yes. But that I just want Mr. Yeah. >> Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Agnel. And I'm a Celtics fan saying that. >> Would anybody else like to come up about 66?
>> I just want to say thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Agnella. >> Seeing no one else from the public, motion to close the public hearing for ordinance 26-04. Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Cassio. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Sears. Yes. Council Lman, >> uh, I'd like to, uh, would I abstain or excuse my uh, recuse myself? I don't feel that >> this should be voted on. So, I don't want my
>> It would be There wouldn't be a recusal. He doesn't have a conflict. He's fully entitled to vote on this ordinance, >> an extension, I guess. >> Um, >> good. >> Yeah. >> So, I'm a little confused.
Oh, you want to go back to I'm sorry, Mr. Alman. We should have took the we should have discussed your thing like we said we were. So, let's let's go back. So, Mr. Alman was asked to not vote during Wednesday's planning board meeting, right? And Miss Bailey provided
um uh a response. So, I guess we'll let Miss Bailey play. >> Sure. Yes. I I got Mr. Alman's uh communication Friday about >> Sure. There was an opinion given um by council um that um it was improper,
erroneous, and correct for the class three member of the council uh to vote um on consistency where it was referring an ordinance to the body that that council person was sitting on. Um there was discussion about it and ultimately
Mr. Roman did not vote and I was in I was in attendance and I I believe I was asked about it. I really had not heard of that bar before. So, I told Mr. Roman I' I'd go back and take a look at it. Um however, what is clear to me is that um
whether that decision and opinion was erroneous or not um does not invalidate or call for the count this council not to consider the ordinance tonight. Provided that there was a quorum of the body present, which there was, and a
majority of the quorum voted for passage, which it did, it is perfectly fine to proceed. Even if it turns out um that the decision um that Mr. and not vote uh on consistency was erroneous and
I intend to confer with planning board counsel look into it and >> thank you because I my my main object you know Mr. You spent a lot of time having to document something that you shouldn't have to document because you should have just been able to vote like
you were voting the last few times we sent it back to the planning board. So why this time was any different I don't know. I I I' I'd like to speak to the planning board chairman and the attorney about it when Miss Bailey gets more information about it because I think you know you were denied the right to vote on something that you would have
probably voted in the affirmative um because you're you spent a lot of time here on this day is in in close session getting that ordinance correct and you are a appointed member of the planning board from this council. We vote you on that board as our eyes and ears for that
board. So to be denied that right and to be denied that right after you voted on the same similar ordinances with revisions previously is is mindboggling to me. But I don't know what they were thinking that night. >> Well, apparently a half hour before the meeting, someone reached out to Chairman
Sabino uh a senior I think it was referred to as a senior official of the township uh and brought this to his attention. He brought it to Mr. uh Taylor's attention
and that was their decision. I don't know how that kind of decision can be made in 30 minutes and be made as you know without even the courtesy of uh speaking to me prior and just being told that you can't vote. I
mean it is a statutorial it is statutory right align as the class three representative to vote. There is nothing that precludes me from voting.
And I don't understand how if I if an elected official, a member of the body is told they can't vote, how it can still be a valid vote regardless of the fact. So what if it was a tide and my vote was the
tiebreaker? I mean just because it's a just because it is a unanimous decision doesn't deny doesn't uh absolve >> the error >> the error and doesn't you know allow for
the my right to vote to be denied. I just don't understand it. >> You know I'm not going to speak to the first part. I think you've spoken uh well to it. However, it is clear to me in reviewing the case law and on the
subject that as long as the the vote would have passed regardless of your participation or not if it was an erroneous decision um that is that it does not void the action of the planning board and does not impact this council's
ability to proceed with the vote. that that you know >> does does the council have the ability to sue the planning board? >> I you know I I have not looked at that question. I don't I haven't even determined I'd like to get with Mr. Lamatina just to determine if it was
erroneous or not. I haven't even made that decision yet. I I understand your point. I you know I I I know you believe passionately about it but I have to make that determination first. When I talked to Mr. Lamatina that was his opinion. that's that he's counsledled to that
board and he advised him. >> Well, I I would like I guess when the when the when the mayor and the administration is fully back, we should discuss this more in detail and then maybe it should be put on close session for the next
meeting so we can discuss it. Um I think that's the proper place to do it. Um if we have to rice anybody, you'll take care of that, Miss Bailey, because we are talking about performance here of of uh but they're not paid. Well, one is a paid employee, the the others aren't. So, um we'll have to discuss those and
see how we go. The chairman is not a paid employee employee, right? If we discuss it attorney, >> that doesn't change what we have to do tonight. Correct, Miss Bailey? >> That's that's correct. >> So, that's her legal >> That's correct. advice for tonight.
>> That's your expert. >> Yes, absolutely. >> So, Mr. Alman, I I I think we should put this on the next council uh meeting for close session and um we'll figure out what we need to do to proceed with that. Is that okay with you? >> That's fine.
>> All right. So, let's uh vote, continue the vote. Sorry. Apologize for not doing that sooner. >> We're at Miss VZ. >> Um Oh, Mr. Man. >> Oh, Mr. I'm sorry. Yeah, >> I am uh abstaining. >> Mr. Alman's abstaining with you.
>> Did you? >> Yeah. Tom voted already. >> You're next. >> Councilwoman Bles. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. Motion to adopt ordinance 26-04 at second reading by title. >> Excuse me. I didn't vote. >> You did.
>> I think you did. Yes, you did. >> You did, Mr. Councilman. >> And then we stopped at Mr. Alman because we got to Mr. Alman and then he said the discussion >> for the public hearing >> as before you. Oh, that was a public hearing. >> It's a closeup of public hearing. >> So, motion to adopt ordinance 2604 at second reading by title. We have a
motion by Mr. Casio. >> Seconded by who? Anybody? >> I miss >> I'll second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio. >> No. >> Councilman Sears.
And how would this delay if another vote came in? >> What do you mean by >> another no vote? >> We're voting on the ordinance. >> Um, we need three yeses.
>> We need three yeses. >> Excuse me. >> We need three yeses for the for the ordinance to pass. I'm kind of upset over what Mike was put through. Um, my gut feeling says no. To tell you the
truth, >> I'm in the same boat you are, Mr. Sier. >> You know, I know the situation that we're going to be in. Um, do we need four votes? >> You'll have three. You you you might and
it I'm just going to change my vote re re uh recount my vote to a yes. You got to pass it anyway. I don't agree with it, but I'm going to just say yes, >> but we're going to discuss it as Mr. Denna said, >> we're gonna discuss it in close session.
Yeah, >> we have to get >> we have to get this behind us. >> So, did you change my vote? >> My vote, please. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead, Mr. >> I asked M. I asked uh the clerk to change my vote back to yes. >> I thought we go back to the beginning. >> I definitely think we should. >> So motion to adopt ordinance 2604 at
second reading by title. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. I second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears >> in protest. >> Yes. In protest.
>> Councilman. I'm going to abstain. Councilwoman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council president to Senate. >> Abstain. >> Ordinance number 26-11, an ordinance of the township of Washington, Bergen County, New Jersey, amending the
ordinance 2602 as to section 3 only creating a new section 580-38.2 to affordable AH1 affordable housing district establishing development regulations for block 2329 lot 2 resolution number 26-265 authorizing
second reading and opening of public hearing ordinance 2611. Do I have a motion? >> So move second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Councilman Olman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman BZ. >> Yes. >> Council President December.
>> Yes. Would anybody like to discuss? Um, this is the Valley Bank property. >> Good evening, >> Lauren. Um, I'm sorry. >> Could you just repeat your last name? She didn't >> Coker. K O C H E R. >> Good evening, Miss Coker.
>> Hi. Um, I spoke last time I was here. It was the first time that I got a notice that this was the property was being built at Bell Bank. So, I think I'm behind a little bit in knowing what's been going on. I I'm not sure why that
was my first notification or is that just the way it's been did I miss out on anything prior to knowing that the first time whatever March I think was our meeting, right? And I that was the first notice I got correct and I'm within 200 feet. Is that where all the other
residents got our notice? First, >> or is there other subsequent notes? >> You should have received two notices. One for March and one for tonight. >> I'm sorry. One for March and one for tonight. Yes. That's correct. So then I I called into the town because I was not
sure about what was on part of the uh notice that we got and I was told that there was going to be an amendment tonight on the fact that it's stacked. The town houses will be stacked. So that's what brought me in here. I'm still the one that is very close to
retirement and was planning on living in Washington Township, but I'm getting more and more frightened the more I hear about it and particularly now just hearing about the entrance and exit as of now is on Passac Road, but what if we
move it up somehow and I'm on Jackson and traffic changes for the community. >> So that I'd like >> Well, there's no planned exit or entrance onto Jackson onto Jackson. nothing yet. I know this we don't know where this is all going to go. So my concern >> well the the the layout that the
conceptual layout is it's missing the the finite details but the conceptual layout is what's been approved by this by this governing body is that conceptual layout. There's no you know without some hardship variances and stuff like that to you know you're going
to have there's going to be a buffer along Jackson like Mr. Burgess has there and it's on the website. Um that buffer remains as it is today. Um and there's no planned entrance or exit leading to to Jackson. So I miss Coker I could that
is as of today there is not let me >> yeah go ahead. >> They don't have frontage on Jackson so there's no way >> Mr. Burgess you have to talk to I'm sorry they give it to you but if it's broken >> they do not have frontage >> so they can't get to
>> Jackson >> so they can't get through to it. Correct. >> They can get a crest. >> Pardon? >> They can get a big old crest and then Jackson is just going to become a busy >> cross through I think. >> Um, how large are these town houses? Are
they three bedroomedroom town houses? Do we know what size they are? >> They did not they have not submitted floor plans yet. Um, knowing that developer collecting some of this
product, you know, pounds, um, they're usually about 2800 to 32 or 3,400 square ft in size. There's a mix of primarily three some twos. >> And and when they said that they're
stacked, so it'll be like a duplex, one on top of the other. >> Yeah. in there townhouse, but in some instances there is one unit that partially overhangs in adjoining unit. That's why they're called stack
town houses. Quite frankly, it's a real term, not a planner's term. >> Um, but that's just gives them an ability to get a little more floor space on some of the units. >> Okay. And moving forward, is it more helpful for me to attend these meetings or the
planning meeting? >> This hopefully will be the last night it is discussed at this meeting. It will be when the final plans are presented to the planning board for approval that you will need to attend to voice your >> and I will get a notice on that. >> Yes. >> Yes. Yeah. >> And I I would urge you to come because
and everybody else because it's at that meeting at the planning board where the applicant's going to present their architect to describe in great detail what the units will look like, what the size will be. They will in all likelihood have a traffic consultant to
talk about turning movements in and out of the project and they'll have their engineer to talk about drainage issues. So there'll be a lot a lot more information to be presented that has not yet been presented to either this board or the planning board yet.
>> The people in town still will tell me it's not a done deal. You're getting too nervous. But and then I thought it is a done deal. The Valley Bank it's not it's not a done deal. It's not done till it's done. And that it's there's the likelihood that it's not even going to be built. >> It's a done deal.
>> It is a done deal. Right. It is a done. It is a done deal. >> Yes. So, I don't know who in town's telling you that >> in town too. >> But after tonight, after tonight, once we pass this ordinance that we've been working on for 8 months now, right? Yeah. Like a long time. >> Almost a year.
>> Almost a year. It It is It is 73 units will go to Valley Bank in the foreseeable future. In the next two to five years, construction will start knowing Russo. Um they're not going to sit around and wait. They're they built these all over the county. Uh Mr.
Burgess, you know, I all over the state. Um they're not going to sit with their hands. Uh they're as soon as we pass this ordinance, I I could see within the next six months, they'll probably be in front of the planning board. >> And this is the same developer that's at Promise Park. Is that Russo?
>> Yes. Obviously, that's a different building type, but it's the same developer. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Excuse me. Uh, Miss U Bailey, >> should the notices have gone out for the planning board meetings as well? >> No, the only uh the second reading of uh
a zoning ordinance needs to have that super notice, not the consistency. >> Yeah. >> Anybody else like to come up? Yes, >> Mike O'Shea. >> Good evening, Mr. O'Shea. >> I just want to clarify the planning board meetings. You said the final
planning board meeting. Is there anything that leads up to that that we don't get notified on where you know preliminary plans come through that we get to have input on? >> No. The the way the process plays out
the applicant submits uh their plans to the engineer and myself. We review the plans. Um, if we make recommendations to adjust the plans, presumably they would adjust them accordingly. And then when
they get to the formal public hearing, that's when one night. >> No, it's not going to be one night, Mr. Rocher, because they have they have a lot of expert witnesses. They'll need to bring in like Mr. Burg said before they'll have to bring in their traffic expert, their landscape expert, their
their building expert, their architect, their engineer. So, it's not going to happen a development of that size. >> Will we get notices each time for that? >> No. One notice. >> What will happen is at the end of the one the first night, >> yeah, >> they will announce when the hearing will
be continued too. >> Okay. >> And therefore, that's the notice you will get. It was something we had to spend a series. >> Yeah. You're going to you're going to have to keep track of that, Mr. Ro. So once you get your first notice, you're not going to get a notice for the next meeting unless it's >> unless it's adjourned for some reason
>> and they postpone it for months and months, then you they'll have to pro possibly renotice. But typically once the application is started, it's your responsibility then to check the website. >> Um I think the the rendering we did have it we did have it posted so it is available. Miss Kofer, I hope you've
been able to see it. Yeah, you need Yeah, it's a it's it's a very Yeah, it's it's a lot of information on that conceptual plan that's there. So, >> yeah. Okay. So, that we don't have to start coming to planning boards tomorrow. >> No, until the leadup to this. >> You'll be not you'll you'll get a notice
just like you did for tonight. >> Okay. Great. Appreciate it. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Are the plans once they're submitted, are they operable or are they um >> Yes. >> Yes. Mr. So, I mean, the public can always submit
an Opal request for the plans. Uh, >> they're on the website. >> We miss Miss Miss >> when they're first submit. >> They're on the website. Before the first meeting, they're on the website. Yeah. >> But even while they're going through review. >> Yeah.
>> No, when they're >> Oh, be after review. They'll be on >> after review. But that period could take U there's a tab, right? >> Is there a tab for planning? >> There's a tab for planning board and zoning board. So you'd have to check both tabs. But right now there's a
conceptual the there's a there's a web there's a there's a 660 Pasak road. What is what is uh what is next door? I check >> 570 570 370 >> 370 Pasak Road tab. Um there's a 450 Pasc Road tab. So each one of those tabs
has the different uh developments. I I make just one extra comment. Also, if you want, you might not want to look at it online. You're more than welcome to make an appointment with Miss Kish >> and she has >> she has the full size plans that you can come and take a look at them instead. >> Okay.
>> So, but they're not developed yet. >> But the conceptual she has a full one if you it's sometimes it's hard looking at it on your computer. So, if you want to come and you make an appointment with Miss Kale, as you can see, Miss Coker, I I didn't give Mr. Ramik
the ability to come back up, but >> here. >> No, you can't. So, I'm sorry. If you wait, I may be able to answer it afterwards. >> I'm not sure. >> Yeah. All right. No problem. >> Anybody else like to come in and discuss um
26-11? Seeing no one, motion to close the public hearing for ordinance 26-11. >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Councilman Omen. >> Yes. >> Counciloman VZ.
>> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. Motion to adopt ordinance 2611 at second reading by title. Do I have a motion? I'll move. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Councilman Casio. Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Omen. abstain. >> Councilwoman BZ, >> yes. >> Council president, >> yes. >> Resolutions, first reading, none. Resolutions. Resolution number 26-266, authorized appointment of Sarah Holic,
tax assessor. Resolution number 26-267 authorized refund of over overp payment of quarter 1 and quarter 2 property taxes due to veteran tax exemption block 2320 lot 15 to core logic in the amount of not to exceed $3,053.34 resolution number 26-268
authorized cancellation of any current tax liability and all future property tax bill due to US veteran permanent disability block 4425 lot 27 in the amount not to exceed $938. $88. Resolution number 26-269, authorized refund of overpayment of
quarterly quarter 2 property taxes block 3201, lot 2 to Core Logic in the amount of not to exceed $3,39. Resolution number 26-270 authorize appointment of municipal representatives to the Bergen County Community Development Regional Committee.
Resolution number 26-271 authorize application for a FEMA building resilient infrastructure and communities grant through NJEM and docu for document imaging services. Do I have a motion? >> So move second. >> Would anybody like any of those items
removed before we proceed with the vote? >> Um just a question but we're good. >> We good? >> Yeah. >> What do you want to remove? No, I don't want to remove. I just want to know who you who are we appointing to the um
>> Do you know who we're appointing to the municipal representatives? Mr. >> Depth looking at it. >> I'm glad you said it. >> In the resolution. >> Well, do you know who they are? Cuz Mr. >> It is yourself and it is Mr. Sears. Mr. Sears is the primary and Mr. D. Carlo
and Mr. Buno. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Congratulations. >> No. >> Roll call. Councilman Casio, >> yes. >> Councilman Sears, >> yes. >> Councilman Alman, >> yes. >> Council BZ, >> yes. >> Council President Desert,
>> yes. Motion to adjourn to the conference agenda. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Next regular meeting of the township council will be on Monday, June 22nd, 2026. Under administration, we have a draft ordinance amending chapter 433 street
opening. Mr. Darlo. Yes, Miss Wukowski is uh Mr. Beck Meer on so he can join the discussion. >> Yes, he is. >> Okay. Just glad you're there. >> Good evening. Good evening, Mr. Becker. >> Yeah. I just want to set you up in front
of the council. So, real quick, um last probably about a year, we've been dealing with the situation with some of our utilities kind of being able to skirt around the fact that our right-of-way definition was lacking a little bit. So, uh, M. I'm sorry, Glenn
Beckmire Jr. is looking to expand the definition to, uh, protect the township's interest within the right away. And Glenn, with that, I'll turn it over to you. >> All right. Well, good evening everyone. Thank you for having me. I have a few notes I'm just going to run through. Um,
at the end, if anyone has any questions, please let me know. Uh we were running into a situation where contractors specifically to utility companies were not taking out permits to perform work on township property. There were a few instances where sites were left unsafe
after the construction work was completed by the utility company. Um after discussions with the utility companies, it was their interpretation of the township ordinance that permits were not needed. um they were under the interpretation
that they were only needed when they were working on the roadway itself but not within the rideway to help protect the township. Uh our office along with Mr. D. Carlo and Miss Bailey, the township attorney came up with a game plan on how we could fix
some of the loopholes that the contractors were using. Uh, Miss Bailey created a proposal uh, I'm sorry, proposed ordinance edit that would clearly fill the gaps where our
ordinance was lacking. >> We Glenn, we just want to add in that we wanted consistency between uh, >> that's why we're updating the definitions, right? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes. >> I I reviewed 433 and 580, I think, uh, based on what Mr. Beckmire just said and
what I took out of the uh before report. We've addressed a lot of the deficiencies. I I I appreciate all the work that was put into this. So, I would make a motion that we put these on for adoption at our next meeting if everybody's okay with it.
>> Go ahead. Mr. When you mention uh you use the term township property uh >> twice or three times. Is it >> township of Washington's property or is it uh residents property within the
township? I'm just trying to be specific. Does this impact uh everyone or just uh properties that are owned by uh the township of Washington? So, so the the gap that we're trying to fill is when contractors
are working within the grass buffer zone. So, it's the area in between the sidewalk and the curb line and the ordinance as it reads now. Our office believes that it covers it, but the contractors were stating that that area wasn't covered. So we had contractors
coming out digging up the grass buffer zone leaving big holes like almost two foot deep holes and then leaving the site you know and that liability >> where uh you know if someone fell in the hole someone could get hurt. So to
protect the town and everyone involved we believe that these edits would uh force the contractors to take permits out so there's some oversight on the township side. So where is the code official
if we have this type of hole in the ground the damage why isn't he out there reviewing the work and why isn't he not not citing these contract >> so as the ordinance >> if Glenn if you don't mind me button in >> it's not the responsibility to code
enforce an officer and we're not being made aware that the work is even taking place in the right way so we'd have >> but somebody you but he's telling us now He he made aware of it. >> Yeah. Because we became across it, but it's not.
It should be triggering the notification to us. That's why we want to expand the definition. They were getting around it. So, they weren't even notifying us of the work. Therefore, not paying the road opening fee, the inspection fee, and and leaving it in a condition where um it's
unsafe. >> This would trigger this would trigger this would trigger an application to Mr. Beckmire so he can ensure that it's done properly. And I think that's all that's why I'm I'm happy with the with the ordinance the way it's it's been updated because it would be a mechanism for
them, Mr. Beckmire's office to be notified, hey, we're going to, you know, ex XYZ Street and we're doing a water mane uh curb stock relocate replacement and we're not going to leave it and you know, he's going to have to go inspect it and release the final escrow back. Is
that >> fair statement, Mr. Beckmire? And that's here's where I'm going at. >> Over the winter, we had three contract hardships that they needed to open up the street, >> violating our ordinance. They're not to
be opened. How are we going to tighten that up? Where where was the miscommunication from the building department to the contractor saying you cannot open the roads between a uh September and December? That's right.
>> November 1st to April 1st. >> We said we were we were going to have we asked that the building department issue it with the building permit give them a letter saying that no road openings are permitted in that time so they were officially notified. Has that do we know if that's been done Mr. Carlo or not yet?
>> Yeah. Yes, it has. But I don't know why we're looking to pass blame on any of our employees. >> William I'm just asking but that's what was consistent with the last two things. We the ordinance does allow for for a resident to petition the council. Council can say no. But yes, to answer
your question, I did speak with the building department. They're going to make sure that that that ordinance is made aware to applicants. >> All right. Has um was this uh did Mr. Aelino as the
planning board engineer, did he have a chance to review and offer input? Well, in all due respect, why would that be necessary? He's our Glen Junior is our township engineer. >> Because
maybe I'm meeting this incorrectly, but >> Well, who would you like me to um refer it to for um to review? >> Sue, you'd like to review it? >> No, but they come into my office and they go to the engineers. We find out. >> Okay. So, what what do I do if I have
confliction between the engineers? So how how should I >> we find out who's responsible? Most of them do go I think Glenn 9 >> but who's responsible for the for the permits the review and the inspections the town >> we send it to the township engineer. >> Okay. >> That's who we send it to cuz that's the roadways and stuff like that. It's not a
>> So that's my argument why it should be the township engineer. >> Yes. >> I >> that's where it goes. >> I'm not disagreeing with that. I'm asking if we have another planning we have another engineer. >> Yeah. But we also have another zoning board engineer. How many we going to have, you know?
>> Well, don't they shouldn't they all be in agreement on this? >> No. >> Really? The township engineer should be the one. >> Is the council ever all in agreement? Usually, I mean, we're just opening ourselves up for conflict with with the definition. The township engineer is the
appropriate authority for this this revision. >> Glenn, you still there? >> Yep, I'm still here. >> Yeah. I I have a just a quick off the off the cuff uh question for you. You know, they just repay uh Fern Street and
is did the law change with stop lines and putting the word stop at a stop line? Have you seen the work on Fern Street? >> Fern Street. Yes. >> Yeah. There's a huge It says stop in huge letters. Is that something new that
we're doing for all our roads? So, under MUTCD, um it's not fully required to have both the stop bar and the writing. >> Um but it is an option that you could utilize. >> Okay.
>> It makes it more visible for a driver coming up to a stop sign to make them aware that the stop sign is there and that they have to come to a complete stop. >> Okay. >> And that's normally how our office proceeds with, you know, stoppage. >> Yeah. And I'm glad you you're not going
to miss it because it's in a huge letter. So I just didn't know if that was something new that they put in. >> They've been doing it for 25 years >> that big. >> Yeah. >> Well, I I guess the >> they only put thermal plastic down so big because you have to spin that big machine. >> I guess the airplanes will see it from
when they uh >> it's huge. It is >> a good It's a good practice, Mr. Beckmire. >> I'm not saying it's bad. I'm just going to change it is big, right? >> So I I'll make a motion. If there's no other discussion, I'll make a motion that we add this to our next meeting for
introduction for the uh 433 and 580 chapters. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Roll call. Second. Um, yes. Councilman Casio, >> yes. >> Councilman Sears, >> yes. >> Councilman,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman BZ, >> yes. >> And Council President, >> yes. Thank you, Mr. Beckmire. Appreciate you. Thank you everybody. Have a good night. >> Under council, we have one thing this year wanted to discuss the new cannabis laws that the state came out with. >> Yeah. Again, another bypass the planning
board bypass the zoning and you got to take it or like it. We need to voice our objections to this. >> Do do we have any existing cannabis medical cab cannabis facilities? >> Yes, we do. No, we do not. >> We included the cannabis ordinance that
we do have. Yeah, we do have a cannabis organism. >> Can you review it and make sure it's uh up to snuff? We passed it my first round on council a long time ago. >> This really only this legislation only deals with existing approved medical
cannabis facilities so that they don't have to go through the same process. >> Um but I'll look at our ordinance to see. >> Okay. Thank you. Appreciate that. >> You got it. That was a long battle.
>> Anything else? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> So move. >> I'll second it. All in favor? >> I. >> Our next council meeting will be held on Monday, June 22nd, 2026, beginning at 7 p.m. Thank you everyone.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.