I'd like to call this meeting to order 605. This meeting is a regular meeting of the Township of Washington in accordance with the requirements of the New Jersey statutes regarding open public meetings. Notice of this meeting was legally advertised in the Courier Post in South
Jersey Times as well as posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building. Fire exits are located through the double doors to your left and right. Please silence all mobile devices. This meeting is being videotaped. Anyone who does not wish to be seen on television
may be excused. This will be shown on Channel 9 every week. Sunday at 9:00 p.m., Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., Friday at 10:00 p.m., Saturday at 10 p.m., and will continue until the next meeting. This meeting is being livereamed on YouTube. It can be viewed at the link
listed in the agenda. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice
for all. Justice for all. >> Madam clerk, roll call. >> Council Vice President Brown >> here. >> Councilman Harris >> here. >> Councilwoman Pascalone >> here. >> Councilman Jük, >> present. >> Council President Deborello.
Mayor Delipia >> here. >> Mr. Russo >> here. >> Mr. Ro >> present. >> Can I get a motion to approve the bill list for April 8th? >> Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Harris. I have a second.
>> Motion or second by Councilman Yorkis. Roll call. >> Councilman Jras. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harris. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pascalone. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. >> Council President Deborello. Yes,
>> the bill list is approved. Can I get a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes for March 25th? >> Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Harris. Second. >> Councilman Yorkis. Can I get a roll call? >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Councilman Harris, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Pascalone, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brown, >> yes. >> Council President Deborello, >> yes. >> Meeting minutes are approved. Moving on to ordinances. Ordinance 11, 2026. Ordinance fixing the
salaries of certain officers and employees of the township of Washington. Ordinance Ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a CAT bank for calendar year 2025 in accordance with NJSA4A
4-45.14. This ordinance is up for adoption after public hearing. Can I get a motion to open to the public on ordinance 11 2026? Motion by Councilman York is second. Second that motion. >> Councilman Harris. >> All in favor? >> I
um anyone wishing to speak on the ordinance, please come forward. Seeing no one, can I have a motion to close to the public? >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Councilman Jükus and Councilman Harris. All those in favor? >> I I
>> Can I have a motion to adopt ordinance 11 2026? >> Motion by Councilman York. Second. >> Second. >> Councilman Harris. Roll call. >> Councilman Jüks. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harris. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pascalone.
>> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. >> Council President Deborello. >> Yes. Ordinance 12, 2026, Ordinance of the Township of Washington of Gloucester, State of New Jersey, amending chapter
285, zoning section 285-342, entitled classes of license conditionally permitted within the township maximum licenses permitted. This ordinance is for introduction only. Public hearing and adoption will occur
on April 22nd, 2026. Can I have a motion to introduce ordinance 12-2026? >> Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Harris. Second by Councilman Jurkus. Roll call. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Coun Councilman Harris. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Pascalone. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. >> Council President Deborello. >> Yes. Moving on, we will now move to our 2026 budget
address by Mayor Delipia. Good evening, members of council, residents of Washington Township. What a privilege is to stand before you tonight. Washington Township is a place filled with dedicated residents, hardworking families, and a shared commitment to make this an even better
place to live. And it is because of that shared commitment that I'm proud to present our fiscal year 2026 municipal budget. This is my second municipal budget as your mayor. Budget season is a continuous process. We are working on our budget 365 days a year. We're always
looking at what is being spent, where it is being spent, and why is it being spent. I wanted to extend my thanks and gratitude to my business administrator, Joseph Russo, our CFO, Colette Back, and our assistant CFO, Jim Walker, and the rest of our financial department.
All of your hard work, input, and guidance have helped me present this budget early in the year. Again, our goal is to put together a budget in a timely manner that takes into consideration the needs of the residents and the financial stability of the township for this year and many years to
come. I am proud of what my administration has accomplished in its first year, and I'm excited for what the future will bring to our town. I'd like to take a few moments to talk about what the improvements that we have made and we're in the process of making so far.
Construction will soon be underway, I believe tomorrow, for our inclusive playground at Washington Lake Park. This is a million-dollar plus project that is being fully funded by grants. It utilizes no taxpayer funds from the municipal budget. This all-inclusive playground is an intentionally designed
space that allows children of all abilities, physical, cognitive, sensory, and social, to play together, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This is an exciting addition to Washington Lake Park, which is the largest municipal owned park in New Jersey that
we are confident will be enjoyed by residents for years to come. We're we are in the final stages of completing an updated user-friendly website so all residents can access information easily and quickly. We're hopeful that the fresh streamlined look of our website will simplify your online
experience and allow us to disseminate news and information to all our res residents more efficiently. The new site should be live by the end of summer 2026. We are instituting the process for our municipality to receive payments in the form of debit and credit cards. These
forms of payment have never been accepted in the building prior to 2025. This system is already operational in our tax office and will very soon be available in our clerk's office as well. There's our goal to have this ability in every department by the end of this year. We've implemented a system for
automatic a payments, allowing residents to schedule their tax payments directly from a checking or savings account, avoiding potential late fees. These payments can be scheduled well in advance and avoid late payments. Additionally, we are in the process of
setting up a new program called SDL portal. The SDL portal is a cloud-based municipal management application that provides residents, contractors, and officials with a 247 online access to property data, construction permits, and inspection schedules. It serves as a
digital hub for tracking building applications, zoning, and property information. This system will benefit residents and contractors alike, creating quicker turnaround times. The program should be up and running by the end of 2026. Last but not least, we have entered into
a joint service agreement for our court services with the Burrow of Pit Pitman. With Washington Township as a lead agency, this arrangement will bring in additional revenue stream for our township. We're optimistic that the partnership could lead to additional shared services and arrangements with
other Gloucester County communities. This arrangement will be starting in the fourth quarter of 2026. I must admit this year's budget has been a difficult one to work on, but please rest assured that we have done everything within our control to keep spending at a minimum. The these un
following unforeseen factors have contributed to the introduction of a budget with the municipal portion tax increase of 6.4 cents. For reference, one penny for our township is equal to just over 470,000. I know many of you are wondering what
does 6.4 cents even mean? How much is this going to cost me? The average assessed home in Washington Township is $233,346. Please be aware this is not your market value. It's what your house is assessed for tax purposes only. A home with an
average assessed value pays roughly $9,428 a year in property taxes. The proposed municipal tax increase for 2026 will raise your municipal portion about $12.50 a month, about the cost of a cup of coffee per week. There are many
components that directly affect this budget. And here's a breakdown of those factors contributing to this proposed increases. Healthcare and insuranceances. In 2024, as a preemptive cost-saving measure, Washington Township left the failing New Jersey state benefits plan, and we
joined the Southern New Jersey Regional Employee Benefits Healthcare Fund in order to maintain more control over increasing health care costs. The township immediately benefited from this move with only a minor increase for 2025. Unfort Unfortunately, due to large
largely to rise industry-wide prescription expenses, health care costs have seen double-digit percentage increase in 2026, resulting in a $300,000 increase to our budget to our premium wi which covers employees and retirees. However, this was the last
year of our HIF re review period. As a result, starting in 2027 and beyond, any healthcare increases should remain capped. Our liability insurance increase another 225,000 for 2026 and our workman comp insurance saw an
increase of 168,000 for 2026. The total increases just from these these three line items was $693,000 which is 1.4 cents of the increase proposed utility cost. Just like in your own households the municipality has faced unprecedented increases to our
utilities. We have seen the following impact to our 2026 budget. Our electric cost rose $100,000 from last year to this year. Our street lighting rose another $100,000 from last year to this year. And the rising cost and heating and gas have cost the township another
$5,000 this year. The total increase from utilities related expenditures is $25,000 from last year to this year, which is 4.44 cents of the proposed 6.4 cent increase. Trash collection last year only
contained a portion of the new trash contracts. contract costs as it did not take into effect until August of 2025. 2026 will incur a full year of premium for trash collection, recycling collection, debris collection, and bulk trash. The value of these increases from
last year to this year, including the co cost of bulk trash, is $755,000, which is 1.6 cents of the proposed increase. Snow. I know we all cringe when you hear that word. 2026 has hit us hard already
on the weather front with our area experiencing two major storms, one snow and one ice. These two unprecedented storms cost the municipality $564,000 so far this year, including labor, subcontractors, and snow clearing equipment and supplies.
This is an additional 1.2 cents of a proposed increase. Payroll. Once every 11 years, there are 27 payrolls on the calendar in a fiscal year compared to the usual 26. And you guessed it, it's this year. Payroll
expenses were reduced by over $284,000 last year in our first budget. Even with our best efforts to maintain payroll levels, we have to account for an additional $225,000 for this extra pay. It's a unique occurrence and it accounts for another.5 cents of our increase.
The township currently operates with six separate collective bargaining units. Three police PBA unit unions, one rank and file, one sergeants and one lieutenants and captains. Our public works laborers union, our public works supervisors union, and our clerical
union. We just completed a successful negotiation of two new contracts for both the clerical union and the public works labors union and they are good until 2029. So the breakdown of the increase
insurance 1.47 cents trash 1.66 cents utility44 cents snowstorm 1.2 cents and the extra pay period.5 cents. These are all beyond our control. These fact five factors on their own account for 5.21
cents of the proposed increase. The remaining 1.9 cents is being used as our overall infrastructure of our town and bringing our town to current dates. Just so everybody knows, your property taxes are broken down across multiple entities and dispersed the following
way. 56.2% go to the school district, 17.5% go to the county, 5.1% go to the fire department, and 19.62% come to the municipality. Simply put, the township receives less than $1 of every $5 you
pay in property taxes. All of which goes towards providing services to our residents. Lastly, and most importantly, I am proud to announce the planning and the construction of a new police department headquarters. Having served this town for the last 6 years and seeing firsthand the deterioration of that
facility, I can confidently say that this is a need, not a want. Our police chief, Patrick Ersk, has shown us that the jail cells are out of compliance. The entire plumbing system is failing, causing one of the bathrooms to be completely shut down. There is a
non-operational backup generator, a failing roof, and a multitude of other structural problems. This is not just about brick and mortar. This is about ensuring our police officers have the resources and environment they need to protect you and your families effectively and professionally.
The almost 60-year-old building was originally built in 1967 at a time when the department consisted of nine officers serving less than 15,000 residents. Our current department consists of almost 100 officers and serve a growing community of over 50,000
residents. We as a township need to be proactive, not reactive. The current facility is barely enough space for the staff we currently have. Our township is growing and our police force is going to need to grow along with it. In closing, what does it mean to be financially
responsible? It means managing money to live within our means while planning for the future, budgeting, saving, and avoiding unnecessary debt. It involves consistency, making productive, informed decisions like building an emergency fund, investing, and paying bills on
time, and to safeguard long-term stability and security. That is exactly what we're trying to do here in Washington Township. I will always be trans transparent with you, the residents and taxpayers. We are living in a time where the rising cost of goods, utilities, food, and so much more
are putting a real strain on families and individuals across this country. But the township is not immune to these rising costs. But I want to assure you that every decision in this budget has made with the resident's best interest at heart. Budgeting is not just about
spending about not spending money. It's about spending the right amount of money on the right things. It is taking care of the needs, not chasing the wants. Myself and my administration will continue to work hard monitoring all spending within the township. We will continue to work with
our government agencies and officials and pursue new initiatives and grants for our community. My goal as mayor is to continue to move our township forward and to regain Washington Township's financial stability while continuing to sustain the services that Washington Township residents and taxpayer payers
have come to know and deserve. I would like to thank all of our volunteers, boards, commissions who have helped Washington Township throughout this year, especially Mother's Covered for all their efforts day in and day out in this everchanging economy. I would like to thank our dedicated Washington
Township employees for their efforts serving our community throughout this year. You are appreciated for all your hard work. Thank you to my department heads for working alongside me this past year and managing your department's budget. Your efforts were integral in keeping the budget where it is. Thank
you to the Washington Township Council for working together in the best interest of the township. I appreciate all your collaborative efforts day in and day out. I want to again personally thank my administration and my finance team for all your efforts and helping me put this together. Finally, I would like to end by saying
thank you to all the Washington Township residents for putting your trust and faith in me to lead our township into the future. Thank you for your continued support as we continue to work extremely hard every day to make Washington Township a better place for all to live, work, and raise a family. Despite these
difficult choices, we're not just reacting to the current economic challenges. We are planning for the sustainable, thriving future of Washington Township. Together, we will continue to ensure our township remains a place where families and businesses flourish. I know that these challenges
are not easy, but I'm confident with your continued support, we will navigate through these difficult times and emerge even stronger. We're not just managing a today's budget. We're building for a stronger tomorrow. Thank you for your trust, your patience, and your continued
partnership and making Washington Township a place we can all be proud of. Thank you. >> Moving on to resolutions. Resolution 98 2026. Resolution. Resolution authorizing the introduced 26
2026 municipal budget be read by title only. Can I have a motion to approve resolution 98-2026? >> I'll make that motion. >> Motion by Councilman Harris. Second. >> By Councilman Jurkus. Roll call. >> Councilman Jükus. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Harris. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pascal. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. Council President Deborello. >> Yes. >> This resolution Oh, I'm sorry.
Motion uh of the resolution uh 98 passes. Um this resolution allows the budget to be read by title prior to adoption in compliance with NJSA4A 4-8. Resolution 9926, resolution to introduce the 2026
Township of Washington Municipal Budget. Can I have a motion to approve resolution 9926? Motion by Councilman York. Do I have a second? By Councilman Harris. Roll call. >> Councilman York. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harris.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pascalone. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. >> Council President Deborello. >> Yes. And again, the purpose of this resolution is to hold public hearing on the introduced 2026 municipal budget for
public comment. Resolution 100, resolution for self-examination of the 2026 budget. Can I have a motion to approve resolution 10026? >> Motion by Councilman York. Have a second
by Councilman Harris. Roll call. Councilman Jurkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Harris, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pascalone, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brown, >> yes. >> Council President Deborello,
>> yes. >> Moving on to other resolutions. The following resolutions are by consent agenda and only require a vote for all listed. Each one must be read by title. If any member of council wishes to have one removed
and heard separately, they need to indicate it prior to the reading of these titles. Does anyone on council have need to have a resolution removed and read separately? >> No. >> Moving on. Resolution 101-2026,
resolution approving a large gathering application for St. Peter and Paul Church. Resolution 102, resolution cancelling taxes for block 84, lot 19, effective February 27th. Resolution 103,
2026. Resolution cancelling taxes for block one. Block 19.09, lot 5263, effective February 10th. Resolution 104, 2026, resolution cancelling tasks for
block 192.02, 102 block 1317 Greenwood Drive effective February 10th. Resolution 105 2026 resolution cancelling taxes for block 85.04 lot 6
effective February 9th. Resolution 106, resolution accepting a safety and stabilization bond and inspection escrow from Homeman Automotive Group located at 3641 Route 42, block 115, lot 22,
project number WATPX26025. And finally, resolution 107, resolution consenting to the appointment of Mory K. a Cutler Esquire as conflict public defender and authorizing the proper officials to execute an agreement
for professional services. Can I get a motion to approve resolutions 10126 to resolutions 10726? >> Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Harris. Second by >> um on resolution 102 1034
is for totally disabled veterans. >> Yes. My mistake. I should have >> five is for the widow disabled. >> Yes. Thank you. Motion by Councilman Harris. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> By Councilman.
Roll call. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harris. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pascalone. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. >> Council President Deborello.
>> Yes. Resolutions are adopted. Moving on. Going on to old business, new business, and reports. We'll start with Councilman Harris. >> Thank you, Council Vice President. Um, well, first of all, I want to hope everyone had a uh a wonderful Easter
surrounded by family and love. Um, uh, coming into some nice weather now, uh, for the spring. Uh, so I'm going to, uh, read out a list of some events that are coming up this spring here in Washington Township. Um, I'm a little bit of a car buff. My first car was a 64 Mustang classic car. So, there's a
classic car show on April 25th starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Stonehouse. So, hopefully uh people can make it out to that. Um April 18th is the uh Jazz and Crawfish uh festival, Washington Lake Park.
April 28th is the Washington Township Phillies Night. You can sign up and bring uh bring your family up to watch the Phillies with the rest of Washington Township. See, May 9th, uh, Super Saturday at Washington Lake Park. And, uh, June
27th, uh, Alex 6 o'clock, Alex's Lemonade Stand is sponsoring, uh, cornhole for Cole, and that's at the youth football complex on East Holly A. So, hopefully, uh, everyone that's listening can make it out to, uh, most, if not all of these events. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Um Washington Township High School Student Council will be presenting Mr. Washington Township on Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center at Washington Township High School. Um the theme is Super Mario Brothers and
tickets can be purchased now through the day of the show. The tickets are $10 each. The Coalition for a Safe Community in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education Gloucester County Office hosted the second annual teen summit at RCSJ Friday, March 27th.
Students and staff from high schools in Gloucester County came together to develop leadership skills as they brainstormed to address issues that teens face every day. Senior Grace Consol, juniors Austin Brennan and Sophia Laughaferty along with sophomore Shiraz Meta worked on countywide
planning team with both Mr. Anderson and Mr. Dilio to plan this event since April of 2025. Students attended breakout sessions in the areas of self-image, motivational balance, fear, perspective, and leadership development. Mr. Perry Maize,
the president of the Coalition for a Safe Community, was very impressed by our students and their insights this past Friday. In addition to the students I mentioned, 10 others were recommended by staff as leaders or future leaders and attended the summit on Friday the 27th as well.
Washington Township High School will continue to serve on the planning committee for next year's event. 10 Washington Township High School students that had expressed an interest in the STEM fields attended the STEM Discovery Day at Rowan College of South Jersey on Friday, March 27th. The students took
part in three workshops hosted by R the RCSJ faculty and industry partners to explore various topics including marine biology, veterinary sciences, and environmental science. Spring break is currently taking place and students will return back to schools on Monday, April
13th. Thank you. >> Thank you. This past week, we had a meeting of the Veterans Advisory Board. Uh we are preparing for the annual Memorial Day services which will take place Monday, May 25th, 11 o'clock at
the uh Veterans Park right behind the police station located on um Careful Crossies Road. Please try to get there by 10:45. Uh there is an ample parking up on the uh high school parking lot if you just walk down. Um, and like to
caution people as uh the days start to get warmer hopefully and the day sunshine is out longer, the children are out playing riding their bikes. Please be careful. Uh, don't use our streets as the uh, Edco Speedway. Uh, be courteous
of the other drivers on the road. That's all I have. Mr. Council Vice President, >> thank you. >> Nothing to report, Mr. Council Vice President. Thank you. Thank you, Council Vice President. Um, on Saturday, there was an Easter egg
hunt I attended at the Washington Township High School softball varsity field. Um, was put on by the Washington Township Minutemen baseball team and the Washington Township Minute Made softball team. Uh, it was a great event. A lot of kids bounce houses. It was uh, really nice.
Weather was beautiful. Um, one thing you might notice there was a dugout being built on the JV field. Uh, I helped volunteer on that. Mike and John Johnny Sawyer built it in the memory of Sophia Bennett who was a senior last year who passed away at Washington Township High
School. Um, softball was one of the her main things. So, we built two dugouts, one with a snack stand and storage. Uh, painted them red and blue. And I believe they're going to be opening them up soon dedicated to Sophia. Um, Giana got her driver's license, so
she drove to her first meeting today. Mom followed closely to behind to make sure she wasn't speeding. Um, so congratulations, Giana, on the road. Stay safe. And lastly, I want to mention, um, Washington Township lost a
great resident this week. S Misara, our 103year-old resident, passed away. Um, if anybody doesn't know S, he was our he he was the lead of our parade a couple years ago. He was one of the last people to serve in World War II. He was
a former police captain in Philadelphia. Just a great guy. Um, he was somebody I cling clung to pretty quickly when I met him about five six years ago. See him at Senior Center on Thursdays. He was still playing bingo and still going out and still getting out. But um unfortunately
we lost S and it would be a big loss but just keep him in your family in your prayers. Um S's gonna be missing this this community. That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Yes. I want to person he will be sadly missed. He was
so much when when you go to the senior center, mayor knows over there spending time with really just he he's just of a generation of one of just the greatest. So he was definitely missed. Also, uh officer Ferris, Robert Ferris passed away. Uh condolences to his family,
another Washington Township superhero that that again, you know, people like that are are are just so hard to come by. So it really is uh uh you know, my prayers and go out to all of them. Also, this this month, if you didn't get it yet, take a look at the Washington Township magazine. I know not everybody
gets it, but Sergeant Nelson and his family are on the cover. It is a great story. Everyone, if you don't know Sergeant Nelson, get to know him. He's one of those people that that he's just one of those people that makes Washington such a special place. So, a lot of great things happen. Mayor, thank
you for all your hard work. Frank, thank you for introduction of of the budget and all the work that you've done behind that. Thank you for the the team you put together. You guys really work hard and really it's an honor to serve alongside of you and looking forward to seeing everybody soon. >> Thank you, Council President,
Councilman, Councilwoman Pascal. I think I skipped. >> It's okay. Yeah. Thank I also want to second that. Um, thank you, Mayor, administration, um, all the business leaders. Thank you for all your hard work with this budget and I continue, uh, looking forward to working with you.
Um I just have some some items for the economic development board. Live animal presentation by Woodford Cedar Run uh is going to be on 419 lectures on gardening for butterflies and onshore birds. Welcome Washington Lake Park with experts at sea resident and migratory
birds on 426. There's going to be milkweed and marold marold uh giveaway on 426. Tree seedling giveaway on 52. Tree planting on arbor day on 424. And just a reminder that Earth Day is 4:22. That's all I have.
>> Thank you, Councilwoman. Uh, moving on to my report. Um, from the library, they asked me to, uh, make note of a J. Daniel's concert, the year review of 1966 on April 18th at 3 p.m. Uh, some of
the songs will include Strangers in the Night, and that's Life by Frank Sinatra, Ain't Too Proud to Beg by the Temptations, Can't Hurry, Love by the Supremes, and Wouldn't It Be Nice by the Beach Boys. Uh, advanced registration is required. The program is open to all adult coal card holders. The priority
will be given to um Heagen card holders. Um, this program is uh possible due to the generous support of the F of the Friends of Hegen Library. So, April 18th at 3 p.m. And also National Library Week
raffle in celebration of the library 60th anniversary and 250th anniversary of the United States. Library is holding a raffle for two tickets. 1776 musical performance will be held at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia on
Saturday, May 23rd at 2 p.m. Uh only adult call holders will be eligible to participate. Uh flyers for both events are up on the front table. Uh please, as always, check out their website for upcoming events and story times for
young adults and children. Moving on. Um, all dogs in the township are required to be registered vaccinated. Please stop in the clerk's office to register your dog for 2026. Please check out our website,
excuse me, for information on Earth Day activities. This includes bird walks, exhibits, poetry walks, recycling lessons, milkweed marold, and tree seedling giveaways. The Old Stonehouse Village is holding their 18th annual car classic car show on Saturday, April 25th
from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information and the registration forms are available on the website and all proceeds will be used forward to the Stonehouse Restoration Project. The annual Red Cross Battle of the Badges blood drive is Tuesday, April
28th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the municipal building. Please respond to the call and support our fire and police departments and give the gift of life. Please call 1800 Red Cross to schedule an appointment. Washington Township Super Saturday event
is on Saturday, May 9th in Washington Lake Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. The primary election is Tuesday, June 2nd, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You may only vote the party that you are registered through registered to during the
primary. The deadline to change your party affiliation is April 8th. The deadline to register to vote is May 12th. Forms are available in the clerk's office. Finally, Washington Township's shred event will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Washington Township
Municipal Building located 523 Egar Road from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You must be a resident a Washington Township resident to participate. Public participation. Please follow the public decorum posted which has been attached to the public
agenda and limit your comments to five minutes. Once you have completed your comments or questions, I will ask if any member of the governing body or the designate wishes to address your questions. Can I have a motion to open to the public?
>> Motion by council is a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. Anyone wishing to speak, please come up to the podium. State your name and address for the record. How's >> everybody doing? Good. >> My name is Mark Everland at 60 Wendy
Way. You guys are all in trouble. I brought my dog. This is serious. This is the fifth year I've asked. Please stop billing people with service dogs the $10 because it's a state law rule that we don't have
to pay the 10 bucks. And I get renewal letters and then I'm getting a letter saying I'm going to get a summon because I didn't pay my $10. And every time I go to the office to renew to show that my dogs are back vaccinated, everything like that, it's a back and forth that I don't, you
know, they get enough from the public and I get it. So, I go in there with a good attitude and I don't try to break their balls too much. But it gets to the point that they're telling me like if my dog I go in January, but he's going to get vaccinated in July or something like that. They want me to go get my dog vaccinated before he's supposed to get
vaccinated. That's a whole separate issue. The $10 might not seem a lot, but we're talking about budgets and things like that and pennies to dollars, but for disabled veterans that are on set incomes, I've done 17 dogs for veterans in this town. And those guys aren't, you
know, and ladies aren't really, you know, it's paycheck to paycheck, dollar just like everybody else in here. So that $10 might not be a lot, but it is to them. And then they're getting the well me now I owe $15 cuz I didn't pay the first $10. And then I again I get a letter saying that I'm going to get a
summon because they didn't read the law, I guess, about the service dog. So, two mayors ago, she said it was a done deal. Previous mayor said it was a done deal. Please, just I don't know how you want to note the account. Hi, my name's Mark. I'm
going to register my dog. It's a service dog. And then, how do I know it's a service dog? Then we go through the back and forth. Well, if I tell you it's a service dog, he's a service dog. But I read them the ADA. I try to make it crystal clear. Again, those ladies hear enough in that office from the public that I don't really want to give them my
crap. But how do we stop it? How do we how do we note the account? Because last year when I did this, they said, "Okay, we're going to, you know, whatever." And then I get in the mail, I'm like, "Oh crap, I got to pay. I forgot." I'm like, "Wait, I don't have to pay. Why am I getting this letter?" And then I get a note that
I'm going to get a summon. Like I'm a mental case already enough. Then I got to get threatened with a >> our system. We We are very familiar with who you are. So I was told you weren't charged. >> Were you charged this year? I haven't gone in because I can't get myself to go
in this year because I've been in PS PTSD treatment down south for a bunch of months. >> But then I get a letter said I'm going to get a summon that >> I don't have to pay anyway. >> Well, we we know you, so you wouldn't get charged it anyway. Our sister >> What about the 17 other veterans that that have service dogs through my
nonprofit that they get charged and they paid? >> Would it be helpful to get a list from his organization? >> Maybe just put if you put a >> I don't want to single them out. They don't want to be. They were going to come. But if you put a note up on the thing, if you have a service dog, don't pay the $10. And then, you know, you're
going to get the fakes. Oh, he's a service dog just to get out of 10 bucks. But, >> well, I I think maybe if we can somehow have some type of list or something, >> send a letter. I mean, >> that's maybe HIPPA, you know, if you're asking. I don't even know. I I'm not the attorney, so I just want I just want the
thing to stop coming to my mail. You're going to get a summon. I'm like, what the hell did I do? So our system >> like I think I >> our system doesn't allow us to go back one year at a time. >> Can it just put a note on the account? Because they know I'll get do you still they'll say do you still have so and so? I'm like oh Batman's deceased. This is
bare now. So they have record of me in there. Right. >> So there should be aware somewhere in there for them to say >> don't charge this dummy. >> Is for us to make sure that your dog has its rabies vaccination which is why you're going to get noticed in the mouth. >> I I'm I'm cool with that. I'm cool
coming in showing the rabies. I'm just I'm going to get a summon because I didn't pay the $10. By law, I'm not supposed to. I didn't ask to not pay the $10. I'm just >> I we have no problem complying. I'll make sure that we handle this. >> And I'm not mad at you guys. I just >> notes we can stick.
>> But I can't if this the system doesn't allow me to go back 10 years. It's one year at a time. So when I roll over the 26 year, the 27 year starts new. And >> you have everybody's stuff in. You have all their information in there. No, because they they have a list of all my animals. So why can't you put a stamp on there saying
>> well >> that dog is a service dog or you know >> we don't have a a system that's that sophisticated to be honest. So but I will make sure >> well maybe maybe if I educate your staff because I do this without a lot of municipalities as well about what
questions they can and cannot ask me and that's where I'm coming here to say a little further like is that a service dog? I'm like well where's his vest? I'm like I don't I don't need an ID. I don't need a vest by law, but I do because everybody knows what I do in the nonprofit. But asking me those questions is I don't
even know that this is a nightmare for 10 bucks. I almost want to pay the $10 so they leave me the hell alone. We're getting a summon in the mail. >> The new software I spoke about earlier. Hopefully that has a a way that we could put a note in there that it's it's a fee
waved. It's just paperwork. So we won't know until we actually have it fully >> set up a way to fix it eventually. I'm just at what, five years now? I don't know. Can I get my 20 bucks back to you guys? I'm kidding. Uh, quick question. No ebikes in Washington Lake
Park. Is that a thing? Did I read that correctly? >> Did I I read something? Washington Township no longer allows ebikes in the in >> Well, motorized. I I get you can't drive the car, but an ebike. No. Fun fact, I just bought an ebike because
with my disability, I can't ride a bike. So now I can't go to that park with my kids. >> Tada. So there's that. >> Yeah. So I think you might might be referring New Jersey recently adopted a new law which requires registration and licensing for ebikes.
>> That's cool. I'm up to speed with whatever I have to register and do. I just read something that no ebikes. I'm like, that's why I bought the bike because I can't ride a bike and I can't really walk long distances either, even though look like I'm really in good shape. >> I don't know. The dog license thing made
me nuts today. The ebikes, I was like, "All right, so I got to sell my ebike online then because I can't use it at the park." >> Right. And and that's and that's why that's why I jumped in because I think what we're referring to is a state law that puts new restrictions on ebikes which you know obviously state
>> statister but if I'm registered and licensed and wear a helmet and got the and all that crap on it am I allowed to bring it to the park with my children because I can't ride a bicycle >> because it's a bike. >> I'd have to have to take a look at that. I don't know if our specific ebikes
>> we can ride it around our neighborhood but whatever. But if my kids want to go to the park, I'm like, "Ah, can't go. See you later." >> Yeah. I'd have to I'd have to take a look at the ordinance, sir. Um I mean, they're registered. >> They're now being registered, as you know, with the motor vehicle. >> It's insane with the streets, which
>> means, I guess, in theory that they're subject to title 39. >> Yep. >> Right. Which is, you know, we have a police officer up here. >> Um, which could be the complicating factor, but I could take a look into that if council wants me to. >> If you want to ebike, I'll sell it to you cheap if I'm not allowed to buy. you
would probably much more adept at it than I would. >> It just it's it's really not that fast. I just because I can't pedal. I use it now. So, I just wanted to bring it to your I didn't know and I didn't want to get tackled by the >> guys over there. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much for your time.
>> Anybody else wishing to speak? >> No. >> Yes sir. >> How you doing? Anthony Datitali 10packer court. Just want to say good evening mayor and members of the council. Already addressed you uh gave you my name. I'm the principal of We Are Stronger Together LLC. Uh the applicant for a hopeful future retail cannabis
project located in the Black Horse Blackhorse Pike. I'm appearing before you tonight as a 100% disabled veteran under New Jersey cannabis regulations and local ordinances. My status as a veteranowned business entitles this project priority processing. I'm here to ensure that the township's commitment to
that priority is upheld throughout this process. In interest of transparency and the procedural integrity of our local licensing, I'm formally submitting this binder that I have here of primary source documents and public records. I request that these materials be placed
in my official project file and included as part of the permanent administrative record for my application. I've already provided digital copies of these materials to the township solicitor. Mr. Rooney. Um, because these records involve sworn disclosure statements and potential conflicts of interest, I am
formally requesting on the record that the solicitor in conjunction with the local finance board conduct a full investigation into the documents that I provide. A formal ethics review is is necessary at this point to ensure that this governing body is acting on accurate information that and that the
process remains beyond reproach. I appreciate your time and commitment to the transparent process that honors the service of our township's veterans and I look forward to your findings. Thank you very much. Penny, any questions or comments? That concludes my statement. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you. >> Anybody else wishing to speak to the public? >> Yes. Thank you for your time. >> Yep. >> Excuse me. >> Black right now. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you for
your service. Welcome. Hello. Uh, Becky Bates, Washington Township residents. Uh, I saw a few members of the council at a board of education meeting a few months ago and I was able to ask a few questions and
added some of my concerns about the flock cameras that have been woven throughout our community. Um, about a month ago, another resident spoke here and presented you with a lot of information to consider. I would like to know if you had a chance
to talk about it as a group of the concerns of the community. Um, you might even want to reach out to some of the other townships across the US that have decided to cancel their contracts with Flock uh for advice or information about
why they made their decisions. Um, now that you know about the possibilities to be hacked and live stream, sorry, I get nervous. Um, I would like you to consider changing one of the cameras that's facing our elementary school entrance and playground.
Um, it is could be a violation of their rights if that does happen and puts our children and the community in danger. I'm all for you cancelling the contract and turning off all the cameras in Washington Township, but this one should be a priority to be changed no matter
what happens. Um, I would like to also know how many cameras does Washington have Township have as a total and are if they're all up and running or if we have more being installed in the future. That is all. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else wishing to speak?
Seeing none, >> I get a motion to close for the public. >> Motion. >> Motion by council. >> Second that. >> All in favor? I >> at this time we will enter into executive session regarding litigation
Martino versus Washington Township. It will last approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Action may or may not be taken. I have a motion to approve resolution 10826 authorizing executive session by Councilman York. Do I have a second? >> Second that
>> by Councilman Harris. Roll call. >> Councilman Jcus. >> Yes. >> Councilman Harris. >> Yes. Councilwoman Pascalone. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. >> Council President Deborello.
>> Yes. >> Okay. We will be going into