--------- The regular schedule public meeting of August 11th, 2025 by the Township of Washington Township Council. Adequate notice of the meeting was given in accordance to the open public meetings act by township clerk to at least two newspapers in January and this meeting has been posted on the township holding
board, electronic message board, WCTV and the township website. Please notify the municipal clerk of any visibility requirements necessary for attendance at the council uh meeting. The fire exits are located to the double doors to your right and to the door on your left.
Please silence all cell uh cell phones. Uh if you are unable to attend the council meeting in person and would like a topic to be addressed at the council meeting, please visit uh www. Township of Washington, US contact us tab. Click
on mayor and council. Send email to all contact me uh all members at once. Uh salute to the flag. Please stand. 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. Councilman Casio, here. Councilman Sears, here. Councilman Alman, here.
Council Meles, Council President Denna. Let the record also reflect in attendance, Mayor Calamari, Township Administrator D. Carlo, Township Attorney Bailey, and Township Clerkowski.
You are unlisted. You're here. Okay. Payment of bills resolution number 25-285 author authorization payment of bills
July 11th to August 7th 2025. We have a motion. So move. I just have one question. Second. Second. Second. Discuss. Just one quick question. On page 16 of
the purchase order listing by PO number, there are two awards uh from the spring into wellness um
fund. Uh I was under the impression that three were awarded and I'm just wondering was that on the previous bill list or is there a subsequent one? No, I don't I don't want to steal the uh mayor's thunder, but I think the mayor was reporting this evening on the grant
recipients. Yes, there are three. Um, however, one may not have made the list uh due to paperwork. No, I think all three are on there. It's on a different sheet. Oh, I thought I went through it. My apologies. I'm pretty confident there isn't, but if there isn't, there is three recipients.
Yeah, I didn't. Maybe one. I thought we didn't get their paperwork in because even though they're recipients, they got to do the Oh, sure. It's on page 18. Apologies. I didn't. Thank you. Any other questions? That was it. Tom,
hold on one second though. Somebody speak, please. Hello. Hello. Testing. All right. No deal. It's working. No, not working. Councilman Casio. Yes.
Councilman Sears. Yes. Councilman Omen. Yes. Okay. And Sen here. So, we're on to the PSA. PSA for August 11th, 2025.
The Township of Washington is launching its third annual round of our town hero banner program as a living tribute to our community to honor past and present members of the armed forces. Please visit our website for further information. Burton County Shore helps seniors and
those with disabilities remain safe in their homes by offering repair services and home maintenance. The chore volunteer program uh uh perform a variety of jobs including installing grab bars, weather stripping, installing doorbells
and locks, changing light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries. To schedule an appointment, please call 2014 489-9456. Pursuant to NJSA468-28. Landlords are required to complete a landlord identification registration
form for single unit dwellings that are nonowner occupied. To complete the the complete form is to be fil filed in the office of the township clerk with a copy to be given to the tenant as per ordinance number 20-03.
All rental unit owners are required to complete a lead inspection application. Both forms are available on our website. H. A dedicated ecycling container is now available year round at the town hall
through a partnership with Everval LLC. Is that what it is? E Revival. E Revival. A certified electronic company. Drop off is available Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 3 pm and on Saturdays
9:00 am to 1 pm at the ecology uh by ecology permit only. Please note the yard is closed on Tuesdays during both pickup and leaf collection weeks. Please visit our website for full listing of acceptable items. The Kuanas Club of
Pasak Valley meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Westwood Community Center. If anyone would like more information, please contact uh Paul Ralph Cardulli at 516581
8319 or Pascal Kowanasgmail.com. Also on September 7th, uh the Washington Township Fire Department is hosting a car show at Westwood High School between 8 a.m. and 300 PM. A friendly reminder,
please curb your dog and pick up their waste when necessary. The town hall will be closed Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day. Our next council meeting will be held on Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 700 p.m.
And uh at this time, we'd like to have report of the administrator. Thank you uh Vice President Casio. Uh this is my followup from the township council meeting from July 14th, 2025. There was no residents or concerns uh
from the residents to follow up on the following our questions and concerns that the council had. At the July 14th, 2025 council meeting, Mayor Calamari announced the upgrading of the township's lightning detection system. In response, council asked if we could
ask the contractor if the new system will allow the community notifications to cellular phones. I spoke with John Wills of commercial recre recreation specialist. Mr. Wills informed that our new system will be able to provide that service. However, it will require a
compatible software at an additional cost estimated between $2,000 and $3,000 and a reoccurring monthly internet fee. The software essentially works with Nixl. There are no funds available for 2025 for this upgrade. However, we can pursue the council uh pursue with
council during the 26 budget if council is interested. Council requested I obtain an updated time frame for the next sequence of events for the construction of DPW facility. The bid was made public on July 28th, 2025 with a bid opening date
of September 4th, 2025. Anthony Iavino, our architect, will have a recommended bid award resolution for the council for the September 8th, 2025 council meeting. Anthony Ayino, feels confident that construction can begin in early October. Of course, this time
frame is not bar is barring not barring any unforeseen circumstances. At the July 14th, 2025 meeting, the council was presented with resolution 25281, a request to increase the bid threshold from 44,000 to 53,000.
The resolution was not passed and some members inquired what the benefit to the township would be. I reported that the increase in the bid threshold would save township tax dollars that would otherwise be necessary to pay professionals such as engineers and or architects to prepare the documents and
would save staff work hours as well. Council stated they may have additional questions. On July 152, I sent Council Councilman Casio and Council President Denna an email asking for any additional questions they may have so I may respond to them on the August 11:25 meeting.
I've not received any additional questions at this time. I would like to take the opportunity to explain that the request to increase the bid threshold is supported by administration, our CFO, our QPA, and our financial adviserss. I did make contact with our financial adviserss, Lurch, Vincy Bliss, who
reiterated the same benefits of saving time and money by increasing the bid threshold. The Division of Local Government Services disseminated local finance notice 2025-08 announcing the increase in the bid threshold. This notice was provided to
council prior to the July 14th, 2025 meeting. Pursuant to state law, the state treasurer exercising her authority to do so increased the bid threshold. This review is conducting every 5 years by the state treasurer. It is the township council's authority to adopt the increase in the bid threshold by way
of passing the resolution. I respectfully request the township council to reconsider passing the resolution which will be presented to the council on September 8th, 2025. Councilman Sears and Council President Denna conveyed concerns that heritage
trees were cut down at the property of 182 Sussex Road without the proper permitting. I determined that the trees were taken down appropriately with a valid permit issued by the zoning officer and in accordance with the township code chapter 465 trees. I made
this determination by reading township code chapter 465, reviewing aerial images of the property on Google Earth, reviewing the application submitted by the homeowner, talking with zoning officer Joe Sedakiase, visiting property with Joe Sedicase, taking my own pictures of the property, speaking with
the co-owner of All Season Tree Service, meeting the builder on site, and reviewing the supporting letter from All Seasons Tree Service. Which company is registered with the State of New Jersey Board of Tree Experts, license number 816331?
If WCTV can please put up slide one. All three of the trees that were cut down were in fact heritage trees by definition in the township code. A heritage tree is a single trunk tree with a circumference of 38 in or more. multi- trunk tree with a circumference
of 60 inches or more or greater than 35 feet in height. The trees removed at 182 Sussex Road fit the definition of a heritage tree due to their height. The applicant properly identified the trees
as heritage trees on the application, provided an aerial photo that identified the trees to be removed. I'll just wait up a second for WCTV to put up slide one, please. I'll move on. And the supporting letter
from All Seasons Tree Service documents the two pine trees next to the house as being a concern for injury and or property damage. Hazardous. The third tree by the pool was considered a hazard and dying. A copy of all the documentation uh has been provided to
council and I don't don't believe I did send that to you. I will follow up with sending you uh all the application documentation. My on-site inspection and discussion with the builder also proved that the only trees taken down recently on the property were the trees marked in the
application. Do you know if there's a problem with the pictures too or council has the pictures in front of them? It just won't that you know the pe the public won't be able to see it. But the a um a picture an aerial view which was taken from Google Earth because if I
go on to Google Earth I get the same view and I believe it was from 2021 but the trees marked with an X were in fact the trees that were taken down. Question council president. Go ahead. Did he submit an arbor risk report?
Yes, he did. He did. He did. Is it Is it here or do you have No, I'm sorry. That's what I said. I'll send I'll follow up to with you guys um later. Okay. But if you want, I do have a copy of it here. I can certainly pass it down. Otherwise, if you'd like to uh send me
to send the documentation via email, I can do that. I can send it to everybody. Mr. Se what? more slides right now. I do. It's because we zoom nice. Yes.
Recording in progress. Sorry about the technical difficulties. Okay, here we go. There we go. There we go. Yeah. So, the trees marked with the next were the ones taken down. And I'll be able to prove that because I went and I did see where they stumped grinded
and there was pine cones around each area. The tree in the back I think is a maple tree and uh also in the documentation around the council but the the letter from the arborist um identifies the type of tree how tall it is. The application identified them as
heritage trees um and and puts them as the two the two closer uh to the street were marked as hazardous because of how close they are to the house. Did did the arborist mark him as as hazardous or did the tree
company mark it as hazardous? The tree company who's a licensed um with the state is the one that wrote the letter. But he is he an arborist or did they get an outside arborist? I'm sorry. I don't know if I understand
the question. He's he's asking is the arborist associated with the tree um cutting company? Is it the same same? It is. It is the It is from all seasons tree. Yeah. Yeah.
It may I ask a question just because we talk about an arborist and then you mentioned a company is registered with the state of New Jersey board of tree experts. Mhm. Are they
um are they one and the same or is one uh a certification of one set of um expertise and the second is a certification of another expertise? I'm not sure. I just I wrote what what
is on there. Can we chime in a little bit? When the tree vendors put their applications in, they have to supply to us and they're certification with the tree as tree certified board of tree experts. So those are documents that come in through the state that they are registered with
the state at that level. So we do have that. Now does that consider an arburous from what I understand? No. I believe is different totally different right things. Yeah. I know what to look for. So it's like some of them do have having the fox saying their chickens are
good. He eats them. They were good. So I I guess uh and I know we'll receive it from you Mr. D. Carlo, but in addition to the letters from the
uh from all seasons, is there an arborous letter? I I'm not I have no idea the comparison between a New Jersey licensed tree expert and an arborist. I wouldn't know the difference between the two.
Okay. So, is that something that um who who makes that determination? I mean, in terms of cuz don't we need an arborist to provide the sign off? Yeah. On the damage on the dying trees and ability to remove it.
Yes. So who who makes that determination? I would probably figure it might be the code official person. It's the zoning officer. He's the one the zoning officer which was authorized. So can we ask him the difference? Yeah. Okay.
Well, can can we ask Mr. Setase if what are we ultimately trying to do it just so I understand because I feel like I went through it really in depth to like the nth degree. So I just want to make sure I understand. You certainly did. But are we ultimately trying to figure out
if somebody did something wrong, Mr. Roman? Because that's, you know, like No, I don't think he's doing something wrong. It's following proper procedure. Okay. So, can someone explain to me the difference between an arborist and a New Jersey state licensed tree expert? I I I
don't think the the process was done incorrectly in this case, but I think um what we might what I'm thinking is you have a tree company that has an arborist. So they have an um vested interest to say this tree might not be
safe unsafe, right? So maybe in the future if we go back to the tree ordinance, maybe we could put something out says we need an independent arborist independent of the tree company to say that you know this tree is no no good. I think that's a great idea and you have
it before you this might want to right. I mean I think I I don't you know I think we can require the administrative side of this government to follow the ordinance as if it's written not as how you would like it or someone would like it to read. So the tree is right before you guys
right and you know the thing is this it was done in this case correctly by the by the book. Okay. But I think you know we don't we don't know that I I have to disagree from from what Vice President Casio. Okay. because we don't know if an arborist signed off on this
in this case. We we're unsure of the definition of the arborist and the certified tree. Well, so what would you like done? I mean, put the tree back together. I know that's silly, but what what would ultimately happen here? Because I have an application that was filled out completely correct. I have a letter from
a New Jersey licensed state tree expert. I have pictures. The terminology of a treat expert is what he knows. I don't know. That's what I'm asking you. So I don't know maybe Mr. when we had to do our tree inventory for the township
we had to get a certified arborist to do all the trees. We we didn't get a tree expert but then what it was defined as a certified arborist. Am I putting the tree down? Okay. No it's for the future. That is one of the most ridiculous
things and that's not what this could get worse. That's not what this question the these questions are. If you don't like the way the ordinance is written, rewrite it. That's all I can tell you. We can certainly rewrite it. Thank you. Can I carry on or
No, you made a com that is a ridiculous comment to put it back. The question I'm asking or I asked is specifically because we note that there is a state of New
Jersey board of treat expert and he has a license. My question is in our ordinance and I believe it's in our existing ordinance, not the proposed that an arborist, a certified arborist needs to make a
determination on the viability of the tree. its health if it's a danger. So the question I have and is at the time based on the uh ordinances
that were in place when this was all agreed, was it done properly? And if it wasn't, it's done. But do we need to account for it in the revised tree ordinance? And if we do, is there a lack
of guidance from that Mr. Sedakase can provide to us? Okay. And that would be my comment on that. Okay. Sorry. So, um, Mr. Sears, any questions? No, we'll do more research.
Yeah. I think we have to put a little bit more effort into finding out what these definitions are of an arborist and a registered tree um expert in the state of New Jersey. If they're one and the same, they're different. If they can work for a work with the company that's actually doing
the cutting. So, we have the tree ordinance in front of us. Let's, you know, take a little time to get it done right if it's not done correctly. We're going to find out the answers to those questions, Mr. man so we can you know do
it correctly from now on. Again, we cannot replace trees that have already been removed. Um so, but I want to make sure things are done um as as they should. Can I comment, sir, if I I just uh sure brought up some information.
In New Jersey, a licensed tree expert and a licensed tree care operator are distinct titles regulated by the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts. Both are arborists. So again, I you know, I understand, but when Mr. Sedic case, that's a zoning
officer sits down and he reviewed this if a letter is written by a licensed tree expert in the state of New Jersey, is it reasonable for Mr. Sedic case to take that into consideration as an arborist? What degree should the zoning
officer go to? Like I said, everything was done. The eyes were dotted, the tees were crossed. We have pictures. I've confirmed everything. I spent an endless amount of time to now prove that they're one and the same. And again, it's not even a mistake. So, I don't want to say
he made a reasonable mistake. He made a reasonable judgment of how the ordinance is written and took it into a consideration that a licensed New Jersey tree expert with a number that I even read out loud was considered either identical or the
same or similar to what an arborist is just because it didn't say the word ar. So when we challenged in the beginning that those trees were heritage trees, they we were told they were not. No, I didn't tell you that. No, you didn't tell us.
And now all of a sudden they're heritage trees and he's got permission or he's got a license. He's a tree cut down person and now he's a certified arborist again. We'll have to
look deeper into that. Again, we have we have an opportunity to tighten up the ordinance if we don't like something. Yes. you know, and if we want to try and keep it more independent because I see there could be a conflict of interest there with someone who is a,
you know, a tree removal person and someone who has uh arburst on their team. So maybe we can separate that out. So right now, unfortunately, you know, what's what's done is done. So, but thank you, Mark, for looking that up for us. I appreciate that.
You're welcome, sir. Um, so, uh, your report can continue if you Thank you. Uh, Councilman Cass and Council President Desenna brought up a concern regarding stop signs being a fixed to the same post as a street sign and stated this has been done all over the township. They expressed the desire
to have this practice terminated, believing that this practice is not appropriate, especially prior to the township installing added stop sign locations based on the anticipated, which has been approved uh, since last meeting. Township Township uh revision
chapter 223. And as you can see, there's a picture of it. Is it literally is all over town. They're exactly right. I did some checking into it. I spoke with Lieutenant Clock, our traffic safety expert. Lieutenant Glock provided information from the MUTCD,
which is the manual for uniform traffic control devices section 2A16 parentheses 05 that specifies street signs should be posted in conjunction with stop or yield signs. The standard reads as follows. Signs requiring separate decisions by
the road user shall be spaced sufficiently far apart for the appropriate decisions to be made. One of the factors considered when determining the appropriate spacing shall be the posted or 85th percentile speed. The guidance sign should be located on the
right hand side of the roadway where they are easily recognized and understood by road users. Signs in other locations should be considered only as supplementary to signs in the normal locations except as otherwise provided in this manual. Signs should be
individually installed on separate posts or mountings except where street name signs are posted with a stop or yield sign. It is a recommendation of the administration, police department, and our township engineers to leave the signs the way they are. This will align
with the standard according to the MUTCD and will save taxpayer dollars by not having to change all the existing signs and posts and not having to buy posts for the new stop signs along with saving manh hours. At our last meeting, we had a discussion
regarding the forthcoming change order from Four Cleanup, Inc. The company awarded the bid for resurfacing of Koolage Avenue. On Saturday, June 28th, 2025, I spoke with our township engineer, Glenn Beckmeer Jr., Mr. Becky Jr. explained to me that that a change
order would be necessary in order to account for needed upgrades to the storm inlet frames. I requested Mr. Beckmeer Jr. to produce this request in writing as I'll need to inform the council of the change order. Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at 12:09 p.m. I received the
following email from Glenn Beckmire Jr. Mark attaches a proposal to upgrade the eight storm inlet frames, head pieces, and bicycle safe grates on coolage jab. The storm inlet frames must be upgraded to accommodate the new compliant storm inlet headpieces and bicycle safe
crates. The exist existing storm inlet frames are not compatible with the NJD required head prices. The proposal is for $16,300. This amount is still within the contingency allowance and will not increase the cost of the project. If you
have any questions, please let me know. 4 hours later at 4:09 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, I sent the following email to the council. Council, you are permitted me to make decisions regarding change orders when it involves safety, timing, and or saving money. Koolage
resurfacing scene is starting Monday, not July 6th. Either way, would not have been able to gain council's approval prior to the work being performed. This change order will result in a $10,000 net increase. However, will still remain within the 20% contingency allotted for
in the bid award. When the final pay app is presented before the council, I will officially request council approval for the change order. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. This change order will not go over the bid award amount. I then provided my cellular number in the email. I did not
receive any communication from council members on this topic. So, it was discussed at July 14th, 2025 council meeting. this meeting. Council president descent councilman Casio questioned why our engineers did not account for this work in the original bid award stating that bicycle safe rates have been
required for many years. I explained that the bicycle safe grates and the head curb piece were accounted for. However, the change order was for the metal inlet frames that the bicycle safe sits in. I informed the council that I respond to the August 11th meeting with a more in-depth investigation to request
a change order. WCTV slide three, please. That's a picture of a storm inlet. The metal piece that's up along the curb, that's called the headpiece or the curb piece. The part with all the slots is called the bicycle safe brake. The metal
frame that's outside of it is the metal frame. This slide shows a storm inlet, which is made of three components. These components are identified as the bicycle safe brake, the metal frame, and the metal head curb piece. The change order was to replace the metal frame because the new metal head curb piece will not
fit on the existing metal frame. The holes for the bolts to attach to the new headpiece to the frame no longer line up. The only way for the engineers to have accounted for this in the bid would have been to take apart the storm inlet prior to going out to bid. There's several bolts under there that you can't
see. I think there's two on each side. This would have cost the township money during the designing and bid phase. The extra work did not increase the bid award amount and circumstances such as this were accounted for with the contingency built into the bid
updates as a mark interrator to hold off on the balance. I have a time constraint. I'd like to give my report because I'm going to have to I didn't know we spend so much time on trees. No problem. Um the mayor does have a uh another another engagement tonight.
Well, if we could let um mayor I appreciate the consideration. Go right ahead. Um and uh just one quick thing before I get into my report. Maybe future meetings when we have people here. I know you'll consider this very riveting, but maybe we can move them up in the uh so they don't have to hear all this
stuff. Uh but thank you. I appreciate it. No problem. Thanks. Uh good evening everyone. Councilman Tom Sears, Councilwoman Daisy Veles and I attended a ribbon cutting event for the Flex Dance Company. They have opened their new business in the shopping center. I wish wish them much
success. I am incredibly I am incredibly proud to announce this year's winners of our spring into wellness scholarship program. An initiative that grew out of our annual 5K run walk and health fair which was launched in 2023 alongside
Councilman Tom Sears and Councilwoman Ba Daisy Valz. What started as a fun familyfriendly event to promote health and wellness has become something even more meaningful. A way to support and invest in the future of our young residents who are committed to careers in health related fields.
Thanks to the ongoing success of the 5K and the amazing support of our community, we originally planned to award two $500 SC scholarships this year. But because of the incredible quality of the applicants, I am pleased to share that we're recognizing three exceptional recipients, Gabrielle
Martinez, Sophina Marinaro, and Victoria Dillio. Each of these outstanding high school seniors, all proud residents of the township of Washington, have shown a deep commitment to their education, their community, and their future in health and wellness.
The new DPW facility project is now out to bid. This is another milestone in the process of getting our valued employees the building they deserve to conduct their operations from. For quite some time, the administrator and I have been researching additional
recycling options that would not violate the terms of our existing agreement. I am now pre pleased to report that we have established a nocost arrangement with our recycling hauler, Gator Recycling, to provide two dumpsters at town hall. These dumpsters are available
for residents only who wish to dispose of their household recycling outside of regular pickup schedule. an ecology permit sticker as well as standard separation rules still apply. Please continue to sort and flatten paper and cardboard from bottles, glass, and cans
accordingly. Drop off hours will be will align with those of the DPW facility for debris disposal, which are Tuesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Again, thank you to Gator Recycling for their support
in offering this added service to our community. Recreation news. The 2025 summer camp ended on Friday, August 1st. We have received a lot of positive feedback on the program. Thank you to Chris Pinto, the supervisors, and all the counselors
for their hard work and caring for our children. The 2025 men's over 33 softball season has ended. Congratulations to team Blue Steel on winning the championship. The teams were very pleased with the infield rehabilitation and the new benches in the dugouts.
The 2025 introduction to cheer program starts Saturday, August 16th. Thank you to all those who volunteer to help with this program. The 2025 fun with art and fun with cartoony fall season registrations will start on Friday, August 15th, and end on Friday,
September 12th. Teen night at the Westwood Recre Recreation Center will resume in October. Please visit the recreation page on the town website and Facebook pages for more information about these programs and registration. Fire department news. The fire
department responded to multiple calls due to CO fire alarms this month. On July 15th at approximately 8:30 a.m. the department was dispatched to the intersection of Washington and Clinton for a traffic crash to ex extricate the driver. The crew swiftly opened the door
with the jaws of life, removing the party who was then transported to hospital by wait awaiting medics and EMS. On July 18th at 3:53 a.m., the department was dispatched to Willow Street for a garage fire. Arriving
firefighters stretched a line to the garage containing the fire to just that area. The Pamas fire department was called for extra manpower and the Hillsdale ambulance for standby. The house received some smoke damage, but it was deemed clear to return. The
residents were alerted by their smoke detectors and quickly evacuated the home. This is a prime example to make sure your detectors are in working order. At that time of night, it can be too late before someone notices a house fire. DPW news, the department removed a tree
at Memorial Field that had uprooted the walkway. The walkway will be repaired shortly. New toilets have been installed in the ladies room at Memorial Field. They were happy to participate in the library's touch a truck event. They've been painting and refreshing stop lines
and crosswalks, especially in school areas. Public affairs. We are happy to announce that the band Super Trans Am will be performing for this year's big concert. The event will take place next Tuesday, August 19th, starting at 700 p.m. Both
Hold My Knots and Conrads will both be there serving delicious food. Please patronize them. Whether permitting, we are expecting a great turnout for this event. Please check the website and social media for more details. The department, uh, bit of a repeat, the department also supported a ribbon
cutting event for a new business in the shopping center, Flex Dance Company. We welcome new businesses to town to serve our residents. Please show them your support. Initial planning has begun for our annual town day festival. Vendor outreach, entertainment booking, and
logistics coordination are already in motion to ensure another successful community celebration. Zoning office. There were a total of 31 zoning applications reviewed for the month of July. Library. What a month. Neurodeiverse
music classes. Family story times, senior social crafting, yoga classes, movies, puzzle groups, bingo, tween dying, tween tie dying, step story times. The list goes on and on and registration is booming. Summer reading
clubs continue for a few more weeks, and it's never too late to sign up. The shingle roof project was also finished this month with great appreciation to the mayor and council for their support of the replacement. A big thank you to all the fish tank fundraising donors.
The tank has arrived and fish are being added every few weeks as the tank gets established. While the library will be accepting donations for the fish tank on an ongoing basis, sponsoring donations, for which your family or business will be recognized on our donor wall, will be
closing on August 15th. Please stop by the library for a form or see their website for sponsor donation levels and details. Municipal Court 126 total traffic tickets were issued in June with 105 from the Township of
Washington Police Department and 21 from the state police. The court collected $4,127.88 in revenue for the township. Last but not least, uh board of health members working with the mayor's wellness campaign members continue to research new and exciting ways they can gather
data for the healthy communities initiative. That ends my report. Thank you so much. Peter, can you stick around? I'll I want to suspend the rules for a second if it's okay with the other two and so Pete can um do the new officers and the fire department if you
if you have time. Uh yeah, I have time. Yes, of course. Okay. Is that okay? Do you u absolutely and Mike? Sound good? Okay. So uh so am I reading the sleos? No. Okay. Well, you have the appointment papers in the yellow if you want to do it that way.
Yeah. Thank you. Whichever way you Yeah. Thank you. I appreciate that. Of course. Okay. to council president uh in this case council vice president and council of the township of Washington. Please be advised that having received the recommendation and endorsement for
appointment of the following person people from the director of public safety, I'm hereby approving the following people to the offices listed below. Special law enforcement officer otherwise known as SEO1 Andrew Echart
with an effective date of August 31st. Uh, special law enforce enforcement officer three, Justin Bosch. Effective date August 31st, 2025. SEO 3, Vincent Monttobano III. Effective date August 31st.
Mr. Mayor, you say Leo three or two? These are two. It's three here. Okay, they're twos. Thank you. Um Justin and Vincent are twos and the rest Brian, John, and Nicholas are threes.
Okay, thank you for that. Nicholas uh Cop Cheetah, I'm hoping. Uh so I'm assuming that's Cleo two instead of three. No, he's three. Okay. John Danimo that I know is a three. Uh
Brian Meltzer three. Yeah. Okay. I think hopefully I got them all. I apologize for the confusion. Um, do I do the school crossing guards also, please? Okay. School crossing guards regulars. Uh, these are all for the school year 2025
to 2026. Angela Bochia, Joseph Bochia, James Mahalish, John Jack Walsh, Anus Anous Yanokeian, Scott Zwain, Danielle Fischer, and then two substitutes, Ron
Kemper, and Jennifer Hess. And uh Sue will be doing all those also at a later time. Correct. Yep. Okay. And Pete, you can do the fire uh fire department. Well, you you what you need to do is we got to do a motion to approve it. Right.
Okay. Uh appointments to the fire department membership application for Baldi M. Shalom of the Township of Washington Volunteer Fire Department. Uh I need a motion to approve. So move. Second. All in favor?
I can do it. What do you want to do? If you have time, Mr. I of course I have time to swear in our new mode. All right. left hand on the Bible. Right hand. I I
am do solemnly swear or affirm do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support I will support the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey that I will bear true faith and allegiance that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments established under the governments established in the United States in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the and that I do solemnly swear and that I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully
that I will faithfully impartially impartially and justly perform and justly perform all the duties as a volunteer member of all the duties as a volunteer member of township of Washington Fire Department township of Washington Fire Department in the township of Washington in the township of Washington in the county of Bergen
in the county of the state of New Jersey in the state of New Jersey according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability so help me God so help me God congratulations Thank you so much. Thanks so much. Thank you all for coming.
Congratulations. Keep hearing that. Thank you, Pete, for doing that. I appreciate it. And uh Mark, you still had some more to do. Okay, that's okay. Thank you. Uh just some updates. There's plenty of them. We haven't seen each other in a
while. So, as a reminder to the public, the building department and planning and zoning, both offices have consolidated for better efficiency and service to the public. Their new office is located in the lower level of town hall. This evening, the council will have a resolution before them requesting the
authorization to purchase an additional garbage truck as discussed at the July 14, 2025 council meeting. According to the vendors, the garbage truck should be delivered in approximately 8 months. This evening, council and administration will discuss our request to establish
township ordinance to prohibit stopping and standing on Pascac Road. WCTV slide four, please. specifically in the shoulder cutout on the southbound lane of Pascak Road just north of Northgate
Road. Administration has received complaints from residents within the Northgate townhouse community. The stopping and standing of vehicles in that area are causing view obstructions for the motorists turning on to Pascac Road from Northgate Road. We have
discussed this with the police department and Beck Meyer Engineering who both support the prohibition of stopping or standing in this area. Assistant County Engineer Nancy Dares advised that parking on county roads is under the jurisdiction of the township and we can establish an ordinance to
address the concern. The resurfacing of Koolage Avenue is complete. A majority of the cost for the resurfacing was funded with a New Jersey DOT grant in the amount of $190,50. We have already received 75% of the full reimbursement and expect the remainder
to come once NJ DOT performs their final inspection. The library roof project has been completed. Library director Laura Riiffken sends her appreciation to the council for funding the project. The council the township will be receiving our grant reimbursement of $88,668
from the Bergen County Community Development Block Grant for the construction of the ADA improvements to the township public library earlier in the year. 450 Pasc Road. All of the required documentation has been completed and submitted in order for the
township to be reimbursed for a portion of the purchase price of 450 Pasc Road. As a reminder, the township received a grant award from Bergen County Open Space Land Acquisition. The award was for reimbursement of 63% of the
anticipated purchase price of 880,000, not to exceed 550,000 in grant reimbursement. Township successfully negotiated a lower purchase price of 750,000. Therefore, the grant reimbursement No, not you.
The grant reimbursement will be for $472,500. The township benefited from negotiating the lower purchase price rather than receiving the full 550,000 grant reimbursement, which is $52,500 better. Currently, county council is
reviewing all the closing documents for reimbursement. Part: 2
I believe we increased that trade from 50 to 400. >> That ordinance has not been passed. We're talking about it tonight still. >> Try. >> All right. >> Nice try. >> Do you want to hold off? >> Mr. Aelina, um,
>> if I'm not mistaken, presented this at a recent planning board. >> He did. >> He did. >> All right. Thank you. >> So, um I'm going to ask for a motion for resolution 25-287. >> Oh, okay.
>> Want to take a roll call? >> Councilman Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hman. >> Yes. >> Okay. Moving on. Moving on to resolution 25-288
authorizing entry into the mutual general release and stipulation of settlement with Mass Construction Services LLC. Any motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Discussion. >> Yeah. So I know you had I know you went
into close session last week and I'm assuming this is the result of those discussions. Yes, I was I was directed to uh enter into this agreement uh which results in the dismissal of the complaint by the construction company
against the township contribution of an unpaid construction bill. Um, once this is approved, is it or can it be discussed now in public or do you want to
>> if you if you would like to discuss it, I would suggest we do that in close. >> Okay. So, um, would you mind suspending the rules uh, gentlemen to bring that back in close? If you want to discuss it, Michael, discuss it in closed
>> if you want to do so. Well, I get So, are you comfortable with the >> I am comfortable with it? Yes. >> Mr. Sears? >> Yes. >> Okay. I'll follow up, but no need.
>> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Casio, >> yes. >> Councilman Sears, >> yes. >> Councilman Elman, >> yes. >> Okay. Moving on to resolution number 25- 290. Authorize tax collector to cancel
current tax liability and all future tax property tax bills. >> Motion. >> So second. >> Okay. Discussion. >> This is 290. >> 290. Yep.
>> So I guess my question is do they have any current tax liabilities? >> Yes. This is this is the uh relating to the purchase of 450 passc. Um and when we closed on it, it's obviously we closed before tonight. So uh the tax
liability keeps running until >> So but this is for current period. Are are there past are there prior period? >> No, we we collected we collected everything current as to closing and credited the township for anything. We
made those adjustments as of closing date and anything that continue to run before tonight when the township owns the property is being cancelled because it Yeah. >> understood. Thank you. >> Got it. >> Roll please. >> Councilman Casio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sears. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Alman. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um Mark 291. You want pulled for future discussion sometime else? You want to discuss this? >> Oh, it'll be quick. Just before you vote on it, I want to make sure the council's fully informed as to what they're voting for. >> Let me let me just open up for
discussion. So, resolution number 25-291 authorize purchase of automatic license plate readers and video cameras from GTBM, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $98,52710. >> So, move.
>> Second. >> Second. >> Thank you. Um, before I go into that, I just want to let the council know Mr. Olman's question. I was able to communicate with the captain of the first aid squad and they were not on duty Sunday at that time. County Burton County was covering that. >> All right. Thank you. So, if you
remember back during um the capital approval process, this project was approved for $100,000. It is coming in slightly under. Um, what I wanted council to be fully aware of before we do this project, because it
wasn't really discussed during the capital, is that it was able to determine that there's going to be an approximate um reoccurring yearly fee to have this project. So,
what's not what will have to be reoccurring is the monthly SIM cards, right? So, every location where one of these ALPRs is going to need a SIM card. Um, we haven't gotten the price yet, but it could range anywhere from $20 to maybe up to $50 times three. So, the
worst case scenario is it could be up to $150 a month for the SIM cards, which would be $1,800 bucks. And then the software, the Vigilante software that is at each location for each camera totals up to just under $7,000.
So the the software is included in the first year package of this project. So we wouldn't you know we wouldn't let's say this gets installed by November 1st and the worst case scenario is it's 150 bucks per month. I have in the budget
this year where I can sneak in find $300 for the SIM cards starting in January. Again worst case scenario would be $150 a month for the internet at those locations. And then about the same time next year, November, we're going to get
a bill to renew that that software those programs, which is just under $7,000. So, I just wanted the council to know that doing this, we're going to have to request um an addition to next year's budget to
account for this reoccurring bills. >> Okay. So, was that um relate to you when you first looked at the system? It wasn't. It definitely wasn't talked about with council. Um, >> it was related to you and the police. >> I'm sorry.
>> It was related to you and the police. >> It wasn't because when I when I was going through the proposals and because I wanted to make sure, okay, is there electrical work? Who's going to pay for that? You know, we made, you know, we found out the county does there's no expense. Um, again, just being a little
bit familiar with this. Um, I wanted we wanted to make sure there wasn't. So that's when I got a hold of the vendor the other day and discussing it with the chief and the captain. They were unaware that there was going to be a yearly uh software renewal. We were kind of
certain there was going to be the internet, but it was not identified um until I clarified it with the uh with the contractor the other day. So again, I don't want you to blindly vote yes. I mean, we hope that you still do because it's very valuable device. Um, or we
want you to know it's going to come with, you know, >> so it's about a $10,000 year lead. >> About $8,800. Sounds better than 10,000. >> Okay. So, I round it up. You round it down. So, cool. Nine. >> Okay. >> Um, so
>> um, no other no other recurring expenses that we know of, right? These are for >> just be the SIM cards and it would be for the Vigilant um softwareprogram that this system uses to operate >> um >> and it's it's for the year like I said.
So that 98,000 and change is going to cover this first year. >> All right. >> And then again come next October, November, we're going to get a bill. Is there, and I don't know if you know this, Mark, is there a, let's say, the
camera breaks or there's a there's an issue with repair. Is that part of the >> There is a warranty. >> There is a warranty. And how long is that warranty for? >> Three years. >> Three years. >> So I was based on the discussions that
we had at the budget meetings. I was under the assumption that there was a one-time fee and that this tied into a larger county network and that we were
leveraging the county network. Uh I guess for lack of a better term from from my understanding to run this uh run these cameras. So
now in addition to the 98 and the 98 will get us to having three up and running >> locations. There's more cameras than that. It's just location >> locations. >> Yeah. So it's it that cost is per
camera. Again, I I don't have it in front of me that proposal, but >> yeah, three locations and and there's a car there's a car device, >> but that doesn't need a SIM card because it already has one because of the police incar computer system.
>> So, you mentioned SIM card. So, these are these go work on a wireless network. >> Yeah. So, would they be impacted by a power outage or battery backup? I didn't know that actually.
>> Where do the SIM cards go into? To the cameras or is there a base station that you put the SIM cards into? >> Um, I don't >> Does that require a pocket truck to pull the SIM cards in? >> Well, it's going to, you know, they'll they'll install it. speaking with the
contractor, everybody works very well together. It's the county because of the lights, the prosecutor's office because of the program and the vendor. And again, you know, we have we haven't solicited Verizon yet for these SIM cards. You know, we're hoping for, you
know, the fact that we do business with them, we can get a, you know, a reduced price. We we haven't tried those negotiations yet, but telling council, I want to go in thinking it could be the worst price. So that's what you know, you know, the worst case scenario. >> I got to agree with Mike because I was
under the impression that this would be a joint venture with the county. >> Well, it is. They host interface. >> They host the program, >> but we, you know, we would have to um, you know, I think they they host the information might be a better way of uh
explaining that they host the information. Um, but it, you know, it's our responsibility as the ones purchasing it to keep up, you know, the the v the vigilant program. And how long is our contract for the vigilant
program? Um well with the with the purchase we get one year of the software and then the 7,000 that the estimate of 7,000 >> is that guaranteed for a year or is that
guarant is 20 years? I mean because we know that 7,000 in year 1 might be 7500 in year two and 8,000 in year three. >> Yeah, I have to admit I didn't specifically ask that. I just, you know, he told me this is what the price would
be next year, but I didn't specifically ask, you know, can you guarantee? It's a good question. I just I didn't ask that. Well, it um you want to pull it and get more answers or
I mean I I thought this was, you know, one time buying the cameras and and the software so we can tie into the county. I didn't realize there was more expense. There's always more expense. Um, so
I mean apparently we need it. So what what do you say to Tom? What do you want to do? We'll offer more answers. >> I agree with you. We need it because I'm just thinking about the amount of growth that's going to be coming through this
town with the building all around us. Um, we are got exit to 17. We got exit to the Parkway and we are, I hate to say a prime target, but we do need it. Um, I
did not know about the yearly cost fees, but um, I will venture to say I would go with it, >> Mr. Roman. I'd go with it. Okay. So, you know, it's it's it's
unfortunately it's the cost of doing business. Um I was under the impression that, you know, we buy the cameras and the county would do pretty much everything else. I think that was the impression from everyone, >> but apparently um that is not. Mark, if
you can get a uh maybe a locked in price for the next two or three years on these software updates and the SIM cards, I think the council would greatly appreciate that. Because as Mr. Alman says, things tend to go up incrementally. You know, one day the
price exits is a dollar, then it's a $150, then $3, $10. So, I'd appreciate it. So, um, roll call, please. >> Councilman Casio, >> yes. >> Councilman Sears, >> yes. >> Councilman,
>> yes. Okay. If I can just express thank you from behalf of the administration and the police department and I wish I could have had that information back then. Um, lucky at least I was able to get it to you tonight. Okay, it's it's okay, Mark. I I understand how you know sometimes you just you don't think of
those things till after the fact and uh I get it. All right. So, uh, motion to, uh, go to the conference agenda. >> So, move. >> I'll second it. All in favor? >> I >> I Okay. Next meeting of the township council will be on Monday, September
8th, 2025, beginning at 7 p.m. Sign up for NIXL. Uh text 07676 to 888777. Key code is TWWP Bergen at WWatch
Bergen. US >> Good morning. >> Okay. Anyone want to take a break? >> Yes. >> Okay. We're going to take a fivem minute break and we'll return and go on to the next part of the fun Uh we have uh four items for ordinance
and legislation. The first one is an amendment to chapter 465 trees and this is a followup and Miss Bailey if you can tell us about our updates. >> Of course. Um the council may recall at the last meeting or maybe Mr. Elwin does
not recall at the last meeting um that we we went through some suggested changes to the tree ordinance born in part from uh suggestions uh made by our municipal prosecutor in connection with
the case that he had recently and having having some clarity issues. uh together with the stated desire of the council to increase uh some fees relating to tree replacement and also finally uh to clean
up some um blanks for lack of a better term that were in the ordinance. Um and lastly I made some suggestions myself. So out of those four categories I presented a proposed you some proposed
changes at the last meeting. Um I was directed to make some changes based on that and that's what the council has in its packet tonight. Um so um maybe I can go through those changes. Um or since
Mr. Olman wasn't there, if he'd like to raise anything that is not reflected in the red line uh section of the ordinance that is in your packet, I can do that as well. Whatever's best. >> Did you go through it, Mike? I uh went
through it and I did listen to the uh meeting last week. So I heard you know the extensive discussion on this. >> Okay, great. So on the first page there's let's start right there. There's a typo. There's a deletion of the word
street. That I'm not sure how that happened. That was probably a faulty error on my part. So that should not be taken out. Section one, article one is a new section of the statute that deals with street trees that are in the public
right of way um or on public property. Now, there was a concern raised by the council um that they did not want this ordinance that re that prohibited certain actions of trees that exist in the public right of way to um any way
water down the the duty of the residents to maintain trees that are, you know, adjacent to the public right of way or the the the paved public rightway. So I would draw uh your attention to section 462
C uh C and right there it says nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit um the above acts by the township wait no that's not it sorry oh B excuse me the
foregoing in section B the foregoing regulatory provisions notwithstanding the maintenance of a street tree shall be the sole responsibility of the owner of the property adjacent to any public rightway or easement. So
while having added uh regulation um specific to street trees in the public right of way including permits to do anything with it um you can't climb on them to some added protections um if if
the council is interested in those added sections. So that's that's that >> I just have a question. Sure. So I understood the whole discussion on the uh trees that are planted between the curb
line and the property line for lack of a better term. and that you know it has been the township's historical uh opinion that they are the responsibility of the property owner. I
guess my question when you talk about an easement to me that is a much broader um I guess definition.
um you know what would constitute an easement? >> Well, it it depends upon I would it it depends because when you have the adjacent
property owner, their property line um may or may not go up to the curb line. Um it may be short of the curve line. >> Sure. and may it and may, you know, come in um but the town still has an easement
over that private property um for right-of-way purposes for sidewalk for this or that. >> Um so when I think of easement, I think of like uh possibly like a power line or power easement or >> yeah,
>> utility easement, >> right? >> Maybe that's the the right term. And if it's a utility easement, are we telling the property owner that if that easement is on your property, you're responsible? And is is that
one, is that what we're saying? And two, is that what we mean? >> I don't believe that's what we're saying. And in fact, if you if you read the whole sentence together, I don't know that that would be a reasonable construction um of of this provision.
Um, so if we go back to the beginning, the foregoing regulatory provisions notwithstanding the maintenance of a street tree shall be the sole responsibility of the owner of the property adjacent to any public right of way or easement. So any public right of
way or easement, however you want to characterize that public right of way, whether it's by easement or fee, it's the public right of way. It's not a utility. There are many different types of easements. utility, all of that. But I think that
this type of easement is limited by that language, public right away or easement, the way it's, you know, the way it's drafted. I mean, it certainly everything can be clearer. If one person has a question about it, maybe that's cause enough. I don't see that construction
that you you are attributing, but that doesn't mean anything. you know, that could mean somebody else uh you know, a zoning officer may agree with you. You know, it's I I could certainly clarify that. >> And do these definition the way we're
defining it here? >> Yeah. If the tree were to fall over and cause damage, does do these definitions carry over to
that and put the responsibility on the homeowner? >> The this definition is solely for the purpose of prohibiting certain conduct as to trees in the township. Okay? It is not meant to alter,
abdicate responsibility or do anything else in any other setting. >> Okay. >> And and that's >> Yeah. Okay. >> That's the caveat that that's meant to address. >> Thank you. >> Where's the next one? >> All right. So, the next one um
>> 4653 >> 4653. That looks like a typo. Um okay. the definition of person included um again a clarity uh point. Uh I believe there was a comment raised that they wanted to be
clear that any contractor um including the property owner could be uh summoned for violation of this. So, we we define a person um although it already says any individual resident
corporation, you know, we want to make clear that we're not talking about a person or corporation that owns a piece of property. It also includes uh any person or entities who contract with or engage by the property can be uh cited
for a violation of this or so that I believe covers that. Um, does anyone have any questions? >> Did that just expand the expansion of the definition of persons, right? >> Well, yeah, it not. Yes, that's exactly
right. For for the purpose of bringing those clearly bringing in those contractors who are who engage in the contact as well. >> Um, >> 4565 >> 465p. Oh, that that again that was an an error
of mine that doesn't belong. Sorry about that. >> Which one is that? >> Uh 465 E >> 465E. That's right. Yeah. >> All right.
Then we're on to that violation >> permit 44 4656. See >> um that can be that can that's a relocation. Um, Miss B,
>> can I just ask a question about uh 465 5.1 >> who the registration and who reg and how they register? >> Sure. I don't think I made any changes to that. >> So, you mentioned the clerk. Um, I guess
my my only question is is the clerk is this, uh, for lack of a better term, a strictly administrative checking the box or are they validating that the insurance is in uh, in effect,
that the driver's license are not suspended, that um, whatever else we're doing, the license plates are affixed to the proper per vehicle. So, are they checking are they checking the box for these eight or nine items or are they
validating that they are in effect and uh and I don't know enforceable is the right word, but you know that they're valid. >> If you look at section B and and again, Mr. Alman, this is in your existing ordinance. I I don't believe I made any changes to 5.1, but if you look at
subsection B, it says all applications shall be received by the clerk's office and reviewed for completeness. Once complete, the clerk's office shall issue to the applicant a decal for each vehicle and trailer covered. >> Sure. But for instance number five above,
>> registrance insurance declaration, >> certificate of insurance, >> right? Anyone can make a copy of the declaration page. That doesn't necessarily mean that it's force >> in effect. You know, they may have
missed they may not have made a payment. May uh you know, they may have canceled it once they received it. I mean, I had friends in college who would get insurance, get the card, and then cancel, you know, just so they had an insurance card in with it. So,
>> they were your friends? >> Yes. Look at the house. >> So, you know, so I just I just want to make sure I understand what the clerk is doing and are they ticking a box that they receive the insurance or are they
calling like the division of insurance in the state? >> Miss, >> I I don't I don't know the answer to that. Um >> on our application, all those boxes have to be checked and they all have to meet standards. So for the insurance, we request a current certificate of
insurance with us named as additional insured. When it comes to current licenses, driver's licenses, we have caught people saying, "Oh yeah, my guys are good." And we look at good things and say, "Um, this guy's he is." Yeah. Well, what? So, you know, we we do we >> Okay.
>> We're very vigilant in what we're doing. >> Okay. >> Some of them do confirm the license. But we we make sure we tell them that they don't have the decals fixed. If the police officer comes by and they see it, they can stop the job immediately.
>> They also get a copy of the ordinance. >> Yes, they get a copy of the ordinance as well. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Where are we? We're at the 56. I'm going to I'm going to jump to 4657 because C is really taken out of has
been just moved up to the above section in my view belongs there. It's not really changed. Um Oh, well it is actually. Let me just just let me orient myself. I'm sorry. >> We just crossed out. Moved it up. Right.
>> Yep. Yep. All right. So then we're if you look at 4657 except as otherwise provided in this chapter the following um are the tree replacement requirements. Okay. So we'll go through what has been changed.
The fees I think were basically changed and the word >> tree was just more tree trees >> and two any person removes one or more trees. >> Well, the capital I I
>> I put a capital T because it's a defined term and we want to always have that definition apply. And then for NS means, you know, you have to one or more trees is just grammatically correct. >> Um,
all right. And I think I saw a small T there at the bottom there going against my recommendation. All right. So, we talked about um what um the these application fees. I think I
made a comment here that there's a tree removal permit um already in 4656 which uh is consistent with your your fee ordinance chapter 212. >> I'm not really sure what the purpose of
the the replacement application fee is. Um but I feel I made it consistent with um 100 because in my view the there' be there'd be an applica a permanent application fee made a determination made on various things whether you know
you have to replant you have to replace and if replace it has to be this that and the other I'm not really sure what this application fee is for uh for replacement I don't know I don't see anywhere in this ordinance requiring sep separate application to be
filed that would generate this fee and it's it was in the old ordinance and it wasn't filled in and I'm not sure what >> well unless it means you know you're cutting down a tree and you're putting a different tree in its place that could be u you're still
adding a tree you're taking down a tree but you're replacing it with another tree that might be uh why that replacement thing is in there that's the only thing I could think of would the same. It doesn't matter how big it is. Right. >> Right. >> But it's the
>> I mean there's no there's no fees to plant trees. We want you to plant as many trees. >> Yeah. There's no it's it's part of the original application to remove >> the determination of having the replant uh the replacement obligation is part of the original tree application. So I
don't know what this what this application >> could that be the the two for one. Uh, Mike, >> well, I thought that was more the um treat the criteria, the one and a half, >> right?
>> I mean, um, the two to the 2 to1 or 3:1, but to your point, Miss B, I don't know where the fee for the application occurs. It would be part of the larger planning application or zoning application,
>> I would think. Yeah, those are there are other applications that would generate the tree replacement requirement, but there's no separate application for tree replacement. So, what what would this be? I I don't and perhaps that's why it's had never been filled in because
>> nobody knows what what this means. >> I mean, it it could be struck from my perspective. >> Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. >> Yeah, I kind of agree with you. Well, I'm just This would go in front of the planning board anyway, right? They
do the trees. Is that where it goes? >> Yeah. Planning boarding. >> Okay. So, and they already paid fees to be on those on those boards in front of those boards, right? So, this would be an additional fee. Again, I don't think
it serves a purpose. Um, I would just I would strike it. Yeah, Miss B. I would I don't think it doesn't make any sense. There's no tree replacement application. >> That uh Mr. Alman and Mr. Shear, strike that section. >> Yeah. >> Agree. >> Yes. >> Okay. Let's strike that and then that's
something we don't have to worry about because it doesn't exist anymore. >> All right. The next is a question by me uh under subsection B of the same >> right >> section. That's our our tree bank, right, Tom? >> Yes.
>> And that's per tree for we raised it. It used to be a lower a much lower amount, right? >> Yeah, we increased to 400. >> I think like two something. So that >> Yeah. >> But but should it be tree removed or per tree to be replanted? >> Well, here's the thing. If you're building a house
>> Mhm. >> and it's a two for one and you're saying, "Listen, >> I can only get five trees. I'm supposed to plant 10. You have to pay for the other five.
>> To go into the tree. >> That's to be replanted. Then >> that will be replanted. So, so you can't so your obligation removal >> and planting two two no one fee, right? >> No, no, that's not my question. My
question is let's say on a two for one you you're removing five trees you've got to replace with 10, but you don't have the room to put 10, >> right? Five back and you're paying for five. >> Okay. So that would mean the the language should read pay a fee in the
amount of 400 per tree to be replanted. >> Okay. >> Right. >> No, that's you're not replanting it because you don't have room. >> Well, no. You're >> required to Yeah. >> You're paying the 400 per
each tree that's been removed. >> So I I think that >> that's right. Okay. >> Yeah. All right. And then this fee goes into the tree fund, >> right? >> And the green team, I think >> you >> we use it to plant trees in the parks and everything.
>> So you don't think, for example, if the caliper is, you know, 33 in or greater and you're you're replanting four trees per one, right? You think you should still only pay 400
>> per tree >> removed? >> Okay. And you don't have room to do the four to one. >> Two to one. >> No, >> no, four to one. >> No, you're down to category four. >> I think
>> so. You got to replant four, >> right, >> for each one of these. >> Yeah, but you don't have room. you know, you're now have an obligation to do four to one, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, it's only still >> and but only let's say only two are being removed of this size, right? So,
your obligation is to either put eight in, find room for eight or pay for 2 * 400 when your obligation is eight. >> It doesn't make sense. That's what that I just think it
if you're if you're getting rid of some big trees there and you have a larger obligation your your financial obligation >> should be more >> should be more that's why I think the language should be per tree to be replanted >> okay >> does that make sense Mr.
>> Yes. So just put put remove removed and put replaced >> to be replaced >> per tree to be replaced >> per the per the schedule right >> per the tree replacement schedule
>> per the above. Yes. >> Okay. >> Is that Yeah. That wouldn't make sense if you did that because you'd be losing >> right. Okay. All right. So that's that one. Okay, next page.
>> 4658.1 is just a little bit of a cleanup I stated above for clarity >> exemptions >> enforcement. That looks like it's >> I think that's it. >> Okay. I I have one.
>> Sure. um on page nine. Uh so it's part of 4659 exemptions part B. So B
be like boy. So my question is uh there is a property in town that is an classified as agriculture because >> they have a goat in the front yard or
something. >> No, they they harvest trees. >> Oh, I thought he said agriculture. >> Well, that's I think it is. So they have a tax exemption. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So my question is >> if they're classified
in that manner for tax roles if they're exempt, could they come in with, you know, 10 bucket lo uh, you know, 10 bucket trucks and cut every tree down without penalty? Because I think that's I don't think we want that.
It says tree farms in active operation. Um, >> well, they are because they get a >> tax exemption. >> Well, like I said, >> well, every year they got to report a WD4 to the tax office and they have to tell
them how many trees they have removed on a continuous basis. Now, I think it's between $500 and $1,000 that they they can sell. So, it would be I would I would check with Sarah to see if they
submitted that form. Uh if they did not, then they lose their tax status. >> No, understood. But because they're exempt from this statute, >> yeah, I know what you >> can go in and cut every tree down without penalty. >> You know what? just take bee out and
then >> well a tree farm you're going to make them get a permit for every tree they're remove if they're an active operation isn't that what their business is >> well I mean you would think it'd be their business
>> the property in question is the property >> okay >> so they have a farm a farm exemption >> but do they are they an active operation >> they have to be That's how they get their exemption. So they pay, you know, pennies,
>> but for for tree farming, they have >> I I don't know what they're It I guess I'm cynical and and >> have seen those tax exemptions very liberally. >> You're cynical. I mean, it's costing us
tens of thousands of dollars. Yeah. >> That big piece of property up there is a lot of money. >> So can Like to me that's I I would like to understand the implication of that. >> So I would say Sarah
and tax office would be first I would check to see if they submitted their WD40 tax exempt relating to their tree farming and probably you can find out who they
sell it to. Well, they need they they would need receipts. >> Exactly. >> They would need receipts. >> But, you know, you can just take that. You take that out. >> Wow. They would lose
every $20 they sold. That's 400 bucks. That would take them out of business and then they'd have to pay the tax. >> Yeah. >> So, just they should move it. I would imagine this is a model ordinance. I'll have to see. >> So I I'll make a motion to just remove
B. >> B is there anybody else in town that might >> that this might impact garden centers or No. >> Well, they don't. >> No, they don't they're not taking
B. >> Siobhan, we did follow the NJP model ordinance. I don't know if that specific >> Yeah. >> verbiage was, but we did we've revised this or it's like a lot. >> I know. I aware of that.
>> Um, >> are you are you okay with removing B? Uh, Mr. >> Well, I I think would I and I don't want to delay this heat more than it already has been, but >> Well, I don't think another two inch is
going to make a difference. I I think it's I think it would be important based on their tax uh classification that they're a you know a uh a farm or
an agricultural business to know if they're exempt because, you know, they could go in and remove every tree and there's no penalty, you know, and And
>> you're right because here here's another question that you raised. If the owner sells off the property to a builder, does that builder maintain that tax
status if he >> I just said >> sells to another developer to build >> unless he's unless he's selling it. Unless he's unless he's an active operation >> and selling stock. I mean,
>> that's a good question, Mr. Holman. >> Theoretically, they can go in and clear cut and then when the new person buys the property, there's no trees, nothing they have to they don't have to replant anything. >> Yeah. But even if the even if the trees are there and they sell off the
property, does that new owner still maintain that tax? If if he maintains the operation. >> No, I buy a farm and I m I go back and re >> Yeah. But it's only under that one ownership.
>> Isn't it the property? >> The land change of use. >> Isn't there a look back once it loses its exemption? Isn't doesn't it look back a year and don't we collect >> it? Right. If there's a change of use,
there's a a an added assessment, right? >> Okay. >> That that relates to that, >> right? >> So, the seller has to >> Yes. >> pay that. Yeah. >> You know, I I think for now, if you just remove it, it protects you. Then we can
move forward later on and amend it, >> Mr. Remove it. And then I mean, amend amendments are easy. Um, I'm I'm comfortable removing it. You know, I would just be sensitive to Mr. Carlo's
comment that a lot of this is based on a um a model. >> I Yeah. >> So, if we change the model, do we do something? >> Yeah. Yeah. We're not going to I don't think um we'd be ready to I'd like to
have the rest of the council here if we're going to >> you know pass it because I don't think two weeks is going to make a difference so everyone has a small like um Daisy have a little bit more input on it. Um but that's a good point that Mr. Alman brings out again you know as you go through these things you see things that
you know we haven't noticed before. >> Um >> so um >> just take a break though. Is there any else that we have? >> If if uh if you don't mind if I chime in real quick. Um one, waiting two weeks
definitely isn't going to hurt because what prompted the whole revision was getting consistency with the with the numbers we're going to charge like 300 400 per tray and then also making it easier for our municipal court to adjudicate this. And there's no current um violations out there. So I think
you're fine with >> if we put it on. >> Yeah. Okay. and letting us maybe you know me and Siobhan look into that >> look into I would make a recommendation for now just to be you know the error on the side of you know caution just move be
>> you know let's look at what what what would be effectively be and what are the alternatives for B >> you okay with that Mr. Roman Mr. Yes. >> Okay. >> Council Vice President, if you don't mind if I just bring you guys to page five real quick. >> Where? I'm sorry.
>> Page five under 465-6. And I do apologize for being sarcastic and recommending to glue the tree back together. I guess that was my way of trying to say that we do want you to feel that we really looked into this and we feel that um the appropriate decision
was made to let these trees go. And Councilman Sears, I know trees as a whole are important, but if heritage specifically, perhaps we could put another step in the process like we talked about during my report for
heritage trees. And if and if you look at paragraph B, it's second sentence. If removal of a tree is being requested under 465-5D, which talks about the diseased trees, the tree removal permit application shall be accompanied by a letter from a licensed arist verifying that any tree
to be removed qualifies under the same section. And this is where, you know, I would lead into what my defense was. If the zoning officer is satisfied with the information of the tree removal permit application and with the letter from the licensed arborist, the same is required here, the zoning officer shall direct
the building department to issue the tree removal permit upon payment blah blah blah. But then it just goes on to say if he doesn't, we can solicit um the assistance from another entity at the applicant's expense expense, whether
it's a township engineer, department of works, licensed arborists, or other professionals. Again, I mean, just so we wouldn't bog down the entire system because, you know, there's a lot of trees people want to take down. If definitely heritage trees being taken down because of that disease cause,
perhaps maybe we do ask for a separate letter, a separate arborist that's other than the company that wants to take it down. I don't know. I'm just trying to think for you for another step. >> I mean, that that would, you know, it's it's like having having an auditor. like
we talk about in order and someone who's doing the books having that second eye that's a little bit more independent because if it's you know you know you're you're you're creating business that might not otherwise be there
again you want to look you want to look into that put a section there independent person because Tom if you read or miss if you read C too I mean it's it's set up for you to just like add a sentence not to simplify it but
>> right and and in the event of a her like something like that yeah >> that there should be an independent >> yeah if it's identified as a >> this is already the authorization in section C to do >> let's add that >> okay >> that would be wonderful if we can do that and I think you know that that
would put um another eye set eyes on it a little bit more independent >> for just heritage tree right >> yes >> just heritage Mr. Sears, what do you think? >> I would I would go along with that. You
like that? Yeah. >> There's no Is there a definition? Oh, there's heritage tree. >> Any of the following. Single trunk tree with circumference of 38 or more. Measure 4t >> multi- trunk tree. Okay.
>> Mr. Alman, you good? >> I'm good. >> Okay. Mr. procedures. >> I'm I'm fine with it. >> Okay. So, let's see if we can get that for the next meeting and maybe we can wrap this up and vote on it next time. >> One quick thing. >> I don't want to delay. 465-5-1
item number eight. The registration fee is $50. I was approached by one of the code officials saying that that fee is real low for the amount of administrative work that's being done and they're
getting $2,000 a tree. Um he said we should at least increase that to $100 to cover the cost of the administration and the labels. So, I would I would like to increase that uh registration fee to $100
and this would cover all of the administration costs at this time. >> Which one is that, Tom? Five. What? >> It is uh 465-5-1. Item number eight, payment of annual
registration fee >> 5.1. They felt uh the code officials felt that that was way too low. >> This one where you're talking about registration free removal and the application move it up to 100 reasons.
Mr. >> Mr. Alman, what do you think? >> Move the fee from 50 to 100. >> Sure, that I'm okay with that. >> Okay, I'm okay with it, too. Let's put that in there. >> Excuse me.
Question. Connie, are you referring counsel? Are you referring to the building department trans doing the application tree application? >> No, no, I'm just our registration fee of the vendors. >> Okay. Yeah, that's what I wanted. >> It was way too loud. Wasn't covering the cause of administration.
>> Thank you. >> 465-5.1 is what he's talking about, >> right? Letter eight, right? >> Yes. >> And you want to increase that to 100. >> A8, right? So that be $100 for a block of five
decals. So if they want 10, >> correct? >> They'll pay $200. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> That's a deal. 20 bucks. 20 bucks a dec. >> Not bad. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Um let's move on to uh B under ordinances legislation amendment of chapter 223 schedules uh no stopping standing for Mr. Cargo A and the mayor. >> Yes, thank you. >> I've seen this uh quite a few times
driving around town, but the complaint actually came in from a couple different residents trying to make turns out of Northgate um especially trying to go northbound. And what's happening is motorists are coming into town southbound on Pasc and they're pulling
into that little section that um was >> I'm sorry >> the carveout you're talking the car the carve out of the street carve out and they're stopping there and they're you know conducting their business whether it's on the phone or not and it's you know just >> it's it's causing a hazard for people
trying to turn. So our idea was to come up with no stopping or standing. Um, we went to the county. The countyy's like, "Hey, the the enforcement and the uh ordinances is all within your business to do." And then speaking with Siobhan, I I didn't realize realize this, but
Pasc Road, I guess, is the complete uh the entire length both directions, right, Siobhan, is no no parking, >> right? even though it's not posted in some areas. >> But I guess whether it's semantics, you know, parking versus stopping and
standing, you know, again, I can't believe people would get away with that. We would have to add a section of stopping and standing. So Siobhan said, "Hey, do you want to do the entire length?" >> I wasn't thinking that at first, but it's not a bad idea because where else on Pasak Road is safe to stop and stand.
So that's what we're petitioning the uh if that's the right word. We're asking the council to consider no stopping and standing for the entire length both north and south of each one of uh of pass. >> The the four county roads that we have >> Mhm. the other three have that?
>> That's a good question >> because because you got because I had in you know in front of my office I have the stall carve out and people do stop there um so on Richard road. So you got Richard Road Washington Vanburg right
and Pasc. So I don't know what those um those streets are like but they should all be the same if we're doing it for one county or we should do it for all the counties. But I can tell you across the street from the firehouse that's becoming >> where the where the >> a parking spot,
>> you know, where there's three roads. Yeah. And then >> that's been really getting bad because there's now a truck parked there or a car parked there and you see them parked in there. That's getting worse. >> Good point. I was narrowsighted with
just Pascal. >> Let's do the Waller County roads because they're well they're all well traveled you know and it does cause uh you know uh issues. >> So how would that affect landscapers? You you go down Pasc Road now and you see them parked on Pasc Road. No cones
are out or whatever. You know >> it would also affect um delivery trucks like your Amazon and your >> will they Yes. Well, the delivery truck's probably in and out, but these landscapers are there for 45 minutes. >> You can't say stopping and standing for
five minutes. You can't you can't do that. It's either got to be all or nothing, >> right? >> So, I mean, I don't know. I don't think we can do that, can we? Five minutes. >> I'm sorry. I was looking at this. >> No one's going to time them that they're there for We were talking about UPS trucks and Amazon trucks because they
stop and make their deliveries. So, >> I mean, you you you'll even see cars parked half on the sidewalk and half on the road in Pascat trucks. >> Well, if they're on the sidewalk there, there is an ordinance there for for sizes. >> Uh Oh, yeah.
>> Well, >> what if we concentrated just on the cutout areas then and don't do the entire length? Because if if a landscape truck parks and no one's in it and they're mowing the lawn for a half hour, is that considered parked?
>> Yeah. >> Well, because well then Siobhan, please correct me. Pasc road is already prohibited from parking on Pasc Road, right? >> Parking. Yes. And stopping and standing. You've got prohibitions on Finery Place
on the south side. entire length Lafayette Avenue on the south side from Muspot Sync Brookke Colbert at the Westwood Burrow boundary line to Brook and finally on School Street both sides from W from Wayne Place to its westerly terminus.
That's your current prohibition on stopping and standing. So if you wanted to for now right now the issue was really in that one section. No stopping or right now there's no parking on either
side. That's a different ordinance, different schedule. >> So already that landscaping truck shouldn't be doing that. >> Shouldn't be prohibited. I mean >> parking prohibited at all times. East Glenn >> um Finery from this to that. Let's see. I think it's
>> What about Washington? Washington both entire length >> road. >> Can you come back >> from Bridgewood Boulevard to town >> Venber? >> So that that this is an enforcement >> road both entire length.
>> So it's already no parking on North County roads. >> Looks that way. >> I mean that's not how it's defined. It's it it's spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe specified out some in some spots it's just one side in some spots it's it's in certain sections of it on a side
or both. So it's not necessarily all county roads period. That's not how the schedule meets. >> I think we may be fighting too much >> trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist and creating a bigger one.
>> Yeah. Although if we wanted to limit trucks on Van Ember, I fully support it. Just throwing it out there. >> Why don't we do um why just limit I can't vote on anyway, but if you want to limit it limit it to cutouts,
>> how do you carve out? >> How do you define that? >> Well, I what I would do consistent with the rest of this no stopping or standing >> is define it first. The street. Well, you already have it. the street, Pascal Road. If we're trying to limit it to the section, that was the problem.
>> The cross street from the entrance to V uh North Gate to whatever Eli Road, whatever it is on that stretch, >> you want to limit it to this one section, >> that one section. So, so from road to road, >> who would I get with to clearly define?
>> I mean, me or Lieutanic. >> We can figure that out and then bring it back here. >> Yeah. Frank, do you want to do like all the cutouts that we think are an issue? >> Right. Right now that seems to be the issue the complaint. So do that and if we get more complaints then I think we should bring it back. >> Okay. So we'll do just that cutout
section >> and we'll say whatever >> on the southbound side. Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you for your consideration. >> Okay. No problem. Okay. Um, we have a C uh zoning board has concerns about uh demolition
oversights for uh what's that section 53 through 85B code clarification. So there are I guess um when they go to do
demolition they are supposed to take down less than 50% of a dwelling uh before they get board approval. Apparently, that's not being the case lately. They're doing more than that. So, they asked us to maybe tighten up
the uh language in the code uh to um deal with that and maybe uh enforce it more. Is that that's how I'm reading. Anyone reading that differently? >> So, I have Go ahead. You can go. I was going to say we there's a lot of information I can I can present to you.
>> Sure. That would be great. >> Before that, if Mr. Alman wants to >> No. So I think this is like a carry-on of an issue at the planning board where residents are, you know, applying to zoning,
>> right? >> They're applying to do a uh less than 50% body of work, >> right? and they start and once they start escalates they find that there's existing damage, there's this, there's
that and they wind up taking down the whole house or in excess of >> No, you're right. It actually happened multiple times. >> Yes. So, we've had this year on the planning board, I think at least four
instances. So we had a meeting earlier or late spring uh April 9th and you know there was discussion about how to address it. Uh one was coming up with a standard definition of
demolition and what it means to take uh to require a demolition permit. >> Okay. And the second was uh making contractors, engineers, homeowners aware
that if you get to a point uh and you need to go further, you need to stop and you need to come back. Um, and I think I asked at the last zoning board or planning board, excuse me, uh,
of Mayor Kalamari, and he indicated that, uh, the zoning office and the building office are sort of doing enhanced notification or enhanced advisement of uh, this issue.
Um, and that's as far as I know at that's what I know of of the issue. >> So, it it was kind of brought to our detent attention like in early spring, I guess. And, uh, we all know the houses. It was Ridgewood, the extension, you
know, Cyprus, I think there was one more. And again, not putting the blame on anybody, but you know, was it was it the applicant saying it was under 50% and then all of a sudden it's greater? Like Mr. Alman said, what is the
definition of demolition? Right. Um, so it led us to look into these things. So right now, currently as it sits, the the demolition ordinance that's in 540 for land use, the only reason it's talked about de demolition is to protect the
township's canopy. It's 1,000% about trees. >> So if someone's going to uh go greater than 50%, it triggers going to the planning board so they can discuss the canopy. So like Mr. Alman says, there's nothing about demolition or what to do
next. So we also we knew it had to be addressed via ordinance route but we also need to address it versus uh with internal policy and procedure. So um we had several meetings with the building department and then Grace as the
planning and zoning assistant and the recommendations. And you know again whether it sounds silly or not one of the biggest things we did was consolidate them and get them in the same room so they hear the discussions. They're dealing with the residents at the same time. We're not sending them up to a different level. you know, all that
knowledge is in one room and they have consistent efforts um when dealing with these different issues. The other thing was resolution compliance, assuring that the building department is adhering to what's in the resolutions that come from the planning board and the zoning board.
The other thing was specifically writing on the demolition permit how much is permitted and what. So instead of it just being demolition permit, it says, you know, Again, I'm just guessing because I haven't seen one specifically, but you know, demo 40%, you know, wall
and what, you know, I'm making that up. The other thing was to actually put on the zoning permit that's issued how much demolition is done. The other thing was if if if there is and the the UCCC, the uniform construction official, which is Darius,
um is very good at his job. He's very knowledgeable. So, so is everybody. But in this specific reason, he's responsible for all this cuz you know sometimes it might not have to go to a board, right? So, we made sure there's communication between the township
engineer, the UCCC, and the zoning and planning office with specific notes being put in the file folder, specific trail within emails of how much is supposed to be done. So, we're trying to catch this with all these hands um in
the pot. So, we took care of it internally. So, then on April 9th, we had I mean, Mr. Omen, I think everybody and their brother was there. Um you know, April 9th, we had Paul Aelene as the as the planning board engineer, you know, Beck Myers, both son and father, as our engineers, John Kimmick as the as
the zoning board, Mr. Get was there as the chairman of the zoning board, um Mr. Uh Sabina was there as the chairman of the planning board. Mr. Olman was there as you know pretty much all of that right planning and council liaison the mayor myself and then numerous building
departments with Darius Mr. Sedakase Grace um and we got everybody in the room and we discussed this um at no fault Mr. guess he had to leave at the end. So, he may not have heard what the plan was um with the ordinance. Um but
they they definitely heard the internal process we put in place, but towards the end, Mr. Sabino volunteered to lead the charge with getting the demolition ordinance revision how we wanted it to present it to council. Um and it it was going to be,
you know, him, myself, Mr. Aelina, and uh Mr. Burgess, but as you know, every great plan gets punched in the face. And we had the housing element in the fair share plan that was taking Mr. Burgess's time. Um, and then we got to that point. So, most recently, I'd say within the
last two weeks, uh, Mr. Sabino, Darius as UCCC official, myself, and, uh, Miss Bailey, um, we brought it into our hands and Miss Bailey got us a very nice draft just the other day. So now we're hoping to have a follow-up meeting to review
it. Uh see if it satisfies the planning board because right right now the zoning board doesn't you know respectfully doesn't have anything to do with demolition the planning board. >> Um so I think >> so you're working on >> So we're working on >> Yeah. So >> yeah, a long-winded way, but I think
everyone should know, you know, >> well, you have everyone has a hand in it, so everyone knows what's going on, and that that needs to happen because a lot of times it doesn't happen that way, and there's a surprise. We don't like surprises. So, um, >> I have a question for Mr. >> Oh, sure. Go ahead.
>> Mark, what is the engineer's responsibility when he gets a job? Shouldn't he go out and look at the project that's going on? He he's getting paid to look at a building. So if he goes out and sees a
building that's more than 50%. Or he sees that they're tearing down more, shouldn't he be the first one to realize what's going on? >> Yeah, absolutely. And I >> So why don't we have anything holding them responsibility
as part of this demolition? Well, I don't I I truly don't think in any of the specific examples that we reviewed, whether it was Ridgwood or Cypress or the other one, that anyone failed to do their job. I think it was a matter of like internal procedure and whether the
applicant was conveying something inaccurate. >> Yes, but he gets paid to look at the job. He gets withdrawn. >> Yes. if it if it goes to one of those boards, but not everything that involves demolition will go to a board.
>> So, he gets he gets to look at the job that's going on. I mean, I I could throw out five examples right from the top that if he showed up, he would have saw more than 50% of the house was down. >> So, I think like there was one I don't
know if it's Cypress or the at the end of the beach. >> Yeah, Cypress. >> Cypress. that that started I don't even think that went in I don't believe that went before any board. He started the work
and he was going to um do internal uh work you know taking it down to the studs etc. uh it involved the removal or the replacement of some of the exterior and
the way I understood the explanation is they opened everything up and they wanted to do like a 10-ft ceiling versus an 8ft ceiling and to start to marry to lift it up and to start to marry all of
the framing became too much. So the contractor took the house down basically never approved. They put a stop work order on it when it became apparent what
was going on. But you know I like to put accountability Tom. I completely agree with you. But in the three or four examples that came before the planning board, >> I don't think um you know, I think it uh
was an evolution as opposed to someone saying, "I'm going to knock my house down and no one catching it." >> Right. >> But that's just my opinion on the ones that have been before the board this year. >> Okay. >> Understood.
>> Okay. Well, you know, we're we're going to have an ordinance and we're going to work on it and hopefully, you know, these things don't happen again because it did start out with that house. You know, just everything was knocked down except one wall. >> Yes, >> that was it. So, I figured, you know, hey, this is great addition on one wall
and it's I don't even know that wall's still there. >> It's not. >> Yeah. I I didn't think so. I didn't think so. All right. So, we're going to go on to uh D zoning board recommendations for zoning board uh application fees and escrow requirements. So I assume that you know
they're looking at some of these uh requirements that the fees might be too low and I think there are also ones that um should be different from residential and commercial the fees should be different and exactly the scope of the
projects. So, I don't know. Is the administration working on that as well or >> No, I I don't have any, you know, the first time I actually saw that memo was when I was reviewing this packet. I fully support them in and most likely
raising those fees. I do know, >> you know, the struggles with Grace trying to get escrow replenished and not being able to pay bills and, you know, of course, the engineers aren't going to continue doing work. you know, it's not crazy often, but it's often enough to where I think it I definitely would
support and and recommend to the council to do that. But, you know, I'm not prepared to sit here and say, "Hey, make it $75 or and I think, you know, I think the the point might not be the um the amount, but the replenishment because that's that's an issue. You know, the I
think we raised those fees uh a few times already since I've been on council. Um, but if there's an issue collecting and um replenishing those as work goes on, I think that can be a problem. And I didn't I was not aware that there was a problem collecting
those fees. Um, I'm going to ask Sue. Do you see anything with that with collecting fees in that area? >> That's all you Troy and Grace. >> Grace, can I ask you a question? Is it the practice of the board not to schedule a hearing unless those
replenishments are made or is most things usually one hearing or two? H. >> So in other words, if you I if if you show a deplet a deficiency in the escro account for engineering professional fees, legal and professional and the
applications before the board, is that generally where you see it and will you not schedule a hearing if those >> No, this is in Grace. >> Okay. Siobhan Courtney have ever seen me come in and say, "Hey, Grace, hello." And you think I'm crazy?
Okay, you're not great. >> So, next time we'll know. >> All right. What's the question, though, Siobhan? >> Yes. >> What's the question? Question is, >> I don't even remember. The question is when when when when when it becomes depleted the fund, do they continue doing planning board and and zoning
board meetings or they don't issue or they don't continue on with that? >> Do they issue a stop work order when there's no money in the thing? >> Well, not stop work order, but sometimes the process doesn't go forward. >> Just don't schedule the hearing. Don't don't schedule the second hearing. You know, >> I during that phase that we see the
problem. It's during the afternoon inspection. So inspection invoice will come in and you know there's $13 left and the bill's $270. >> Yeah. >> You know again that that's where I see it. >> Okay. >> You know everybody's paying their bill to get themselves through the the boards. >> Yeah.
>> You know what I mean? It's >> Yeah. >> And again most I'm going to say 90% of the time people are like, "Oh, you need more money." Um sometimes we have disputes on how much it was versus what the person thinks it was. But then, you know, a lot of it is them tracking down
and getting escro pledge and a lot of times it's not a problem. Um, but sometimes it is like we were working on the uh, you know, the Azelina AR, remember if you remember, we were we had bills back to 2006. We're we're really good now. there's only like 10. But when
I get the report from Grace, you know, some of them are disputes, some of them won't pay a replenishment, you know, and the jobs are well done, you know, and the So, um, you know, that that's where the issue is. Again, I, you know, I don't know if the fees are not high
enough, but I do know because when we had that issue, speaking with Ken, Mr. Per he said we certainly can stop doing work on this but what would happen is people would have you know Mark Dar would have project A and I stop replenishing it but then two years down
the line they want Mark the car wants to start project B and can we not punish them I can't think of a better word like can we not approve project B would say no you know it's a it's a new project you know project A you're fine on holding back on
but project But I mean we have a new sheriff. >> Can it be a checklist item kind of like proof of payment of taxes, proof of all pay outstanding? >> Well, I mean sheriff's in town attorney. So, however, you know, the guidance, but
>> I would agree with Mr. Paul probably not under the current >> and then Councilman Casio just to, you know, again, not that you want to talk about tonight, but there was a second component to that demolition oversight, and that was the code clarification, >> the code ambiguous. an interpretation.
It was on the demolition one. Again, not that you want to discuss tonight, but it might, you know, they were, I think, looking for counsel to help on that. I don't know. But, >> all right. >> We're also going to have another meeting with Mr. Burgess and Lenny, and I suggest if if I'm if I'm capable of
getting the chairman in a room together, which we probably can, um, we might be able to hammer out some of these things that there might just be missing, you know, missing information that people don't >> Okay. So again, you know, a lot of stuff comes down to research, what other people are doing. And so I'm going to
ask student, can you um look at surrounding towns for us, what their differences and rates with commercial and residential escrow fees and um the types that are needed. >> I think it's in there, Sue, didn't
>> there's a couple quite a few. >> Grace had done that. She put that in there >> Oakland Parramis Cliffside Park new Milford. >> Yeah, but I think >> I don't know why those but those that's what's in there. >> So do you.
>> Let me ask the current council. You're Are you in the mood so to speak for raising those fees? I mean if the fees I I don't want the fees to become prohibitive for someone doing work in the town because sometimes
that does happen. What really concerns me is non-payment of escrow fees when they run out. That's that's more my concern >> more than anything else. And I don't know how that's enforcable. Siobhan, how how we can do something with that. >> You look at their feet to the fire with
that. >> If you look at paramis section F, unpaid fees, established leans. I mean, >> do we want to, you know, there's an expense to that though? >> There is an expense. Is it worth Is it worth the expense? I mean, when you look
at our fees compared to surrounding towns, we're clearly on the low end. I mean, really low. >> Yes. >> So, even if we, you know, came up to
the low end, it would still, you know, >> it would offer more protection. >> I I think you're right. I think we we should bring them up. >> So, you want to propose some numbers
uh Mr. Sears and Mr. Olman next time that you want to put in there? >> You know, you want to take an average of the five surrounding towns of Washington Township. >> I would have no problem with that. Do a median. >> Think that would be fair.
>> I'm okay. I'm okay with it. I mean things everything else goes up. >> Electric's going up. Got to pay for it. >> Got to pay for it. Well, then you'll get an escrow. You want a heat or you want escrow account? You tell me, you know. So, let's definitely think about um the
fee that we want to um fees that we want to bring up since we're on the low end because again, this should be a uh self-funding lines, right? when they do when we send people out to the to the
buildings right to look our inspectors. >> Yes. >> So, and if it's not selfund I mean we were Mark if you can recall last year we were we pretty much self-funded the building department right? >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. We were we were okay. >> Absolutely. So
>> profit center a profit center. >> Okay. >> All right. So let's see if we can come up with some fees and some enforcement with those fees. Um um and I'll be in touch with you about maybe you know putting something together with that enforcement. >> Okay.
>> Okay. So we'll look through the the ordinance that you sent to us and see what their enforcement procedures >> try and stop it. >> All right. I hadn't I think the um the board had suggested these. So does the council want to tell me
>> what was your suggestion? >> There are different town >> different towns. Cliffside Park fees have been provided. Um >> Pamas Pamas >> there are there are various examples. So it's really
>> I think I would like I don't want to do Oakland. I don't want to do Cliffside Park. I want to do something that's contiguous to the township of Washington. >> Okay. >> Um in that same >> I would agree. Cliffside Park is not a good >> No, I think let's let's look at Pamis
right >> closely since it's our, you know, neighboring uh town and see what they come up with. Even though it's a little bit different mix, you know, um but at least no one can say you're comparing us to Cliffside Park. We're at least next
door um in that respect. >> Okay. So, do you want me to prepare an ordinance model after the >> model it after paramis where we where we can and I'll leave that up to you where you see fit. You can always give me a call if there's a question. >> Okay.
>> Um and then we can go from there. So, at least we have an idea and you know, we can, you know, like I said, the big thing that bothers me is that it's not being replenished on a timely in a timely manner and that's not the right idea. There's a bill due. There's a bill due. Okay. Anything else, Mr. Alman, for
that one? >> No. >> Tom, no. >> You're good. Okay. Uh, I'm going to No financials. I'm going to go down to miscellaneous. This one's uh mine. I've had three or four residents called me um with complaints about trash pickup. And
um it was regarding uh white goods. Uh one resident uh put out on debday a microwave oven and she was told that is not a white good. that is electronics.
And then I had another um uh constituent put out a two draw metal filing cabinet. They didn't take that. They told me that's a white good. So, um I think we need to define what
white goods are and are not. So, being the clever person I am, I went on my phone on 360 Washington Township. I saw definitions of white goods, but it wasn't our Washington Township. It was Glouester counties. We don't have any definitions of white goods. >> I don't think that's right.
>> I don't think that's either. >> I looked if I missed it. >> Number five, >> but was it's kind of so Were you done or I was just trying to guess what the top might have been? So, I jot down some
notes. So, it's when you're done. So anyway, um they were a little upset that the stuff was not taken and I can understand that. Uh so if we don't have a definition of what white goods are, I think we should
have them. Maybe I missed them some I missed them somewhere in 360. >> Yeah, I promise we do. >> Okay. >> It even lists specific items. >> Okay. So I think we need to put down specific items cuz >> No, it does. It does. >> It does. Okay. Well, if you have those, I'd like to if someone could send that
to my email, I would appreciate it the right section. Um, and it wasn't so much the microwave because I can understand how that could be electronic in nature because it mostly is, but I think picking up, you know, small fine counter
I could pick up with one hand. It wasn't didn't didn't beat the requirements of weight was empty, you know, that should have been picked up with pickup. I mean, to be honest with you, I threw out a shed. That's heavy. >> Okay. They picked it up. No problem.
>> So, >> so we definitely have it on there. Um, we'll send it to you. I think it's under DPW recycling. And so, white goods is obviously a metal is metals and appliances that are majority metal. It's
upright. Right. >> Yeah, they do. They have So, it's refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, alliances. >> I don't know about the microwave. I mean, I probably wouldn't think that's an electronic, but >> but um if they're putting if someone's
putting out metals during debris week, it won't be picked up because the metals go to the recycling center. So, debris goes to a different place. So, they wouldn't pick it up. So, >> the filing the finger would be >> that is metal. So, >> that be a white good.
>> That would be a white good. It's it's metals. Okay. >> So, that is by pickup by scheduling. that I understand that's just >> they call they speak to Ranada >> and they get a date or they can fill out the online form for the pickup and the
pickup is every the Thursday after the household debris and there's so much of it we had to add a second date but the second date isn't always a a definitive like you know the the next Thursday it's usually decided by Mr. baller got
>> um to have an an overflow. >> So they probably either put it out at the wrong time. Yeah, it could be confusing. >> Yeah. So, you know, just maybe we can just, you know, hone that up a little bit and be a little bit more specific with the white goods themselves. And
that's that's all. Um and uh let's see, what do we got? Next one is zoning board uh nonparticipation of a member. If I could summarize what this is about. >> You may if you like. >> Oh, I didn't mean to cut you off.
>> You can cut me off anytime you want. I thought it's probably best. >> All right. So, um there there is a zoning board member who has a quite an attendance problem. So, the zoning board attorney contacted me um after he spoke
to Chairman Jets and they wanted to understand the procedure to initiate removal. and what our ordinance says.