statute regarding open public meetings. Notice of this meeting was legally advertised in the car post in the South Jersey Times as well as posted on the bulletin board in Missile 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 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at 7 p.m. Friday 10 p.m. Saturday 10 p.m. We'll continue to the next meeting. You can also see us on our YouTube where where we also do a live stream. Please rise for the pledge of >> allegiance. Okay, we're on.
>> All right. United States of America to the stands one nationy for all. >> Roll call, please. Council Vice President Brown >> here. >> Councilman Harris >> here. >> Councilwoman Pascaloon
>> here. Councilman Jurgis >> present. >> Council President Mr. Dearelloo >> here. >> Mayor Delia >> here. >> Mr. Russo here. Mr. Rudy >> present. >> Okay, moving on to presentations. We're going to have a presentation by Frank Altoro from our public works and Brian
McGaffrey. Good evening, mayor, members of council. Um, just want to touch on the on the storm that we just had a few weeks ago. Uh, storm we was one we experienced uh was one for the books. Uh, there was an unprecedented series of events uh that
took place on January 25th. Uh, the accumulation of 8 to 9 in of snow. Uh the three plus inches of ice, sleet, and freezing rain and the extended temperatures below 32 degrees made this storm very challenging. Events come in two forms.
Those we plan for like marathons and Super Bowl parties and those that hit us without warning like hurricanes, wildfires, snow and ice storms. As a director of municipal services, I stand by my department for the long challenging task of snow removal. The
majority of the workforce are younger and do not have many hours of experience needed to tackle this type of storm. The ice and freezing temperatures made it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to move. We also had additional contractors working in other
developments in town. Of those contractors, some have experience, some do not. In conclusion, can we as a department improve? Absolutely. Do I wish we had 100 pieces of equipment?
Absolutely. It's easy for people to judge or make suggestions when they are not in the truck with low visibility and cars parked in the streets. But as we move forward, we will take the lessons learned from this snow event and
strive for a better result because of it. Mayor and council, I just want to thank you for your support. Um, Brian has a few specifics also. Thank you, Frank. Thanks for that, Frank. And uh let me say as I start, um
thank you all for the time you put in. I've talked to the mayor probably 10 times a day, every day for 10 12 days straight. Uh Pete as well talked to I talked to Don, I talked to Joe. uh heard
uh messages relayed from Jack and we were trying to respond to each and every specific complaint in real time as as best we could. Um so this isn't a speech. This is these are just like some notes that I wanted to kind of go over
to share with the public um for the benefit of anyone watching and anyone up there that has any questions about our response. So, as I'm going through this spiel, it's probably going to take me 5 minutes. If at any point anyone has a question, feel free to stop me cuz it's
not going to throw me off track and ask for clarity or or any question that you may have based on on what I'm going to say. So, first I want to talk quickly about the geography of Washington Township. For those that don't know, I know everyone up here knows, but for the benefit of the people might be watching on YouTube or in the audience that are
here to to you know this for this topic, we have 700 roads um in Washington Township and we have in addition to that 200 courts. That is 170 m of linear roadway spread across 21
square miles. It's a big town. um to plow a road properly, you need to go up and down that road about six times. Uh you know, so you're taking that amount of linear roadway and
you're multiplying that by a minimum of six times because it's three passes on each side of the road. So you do the math, we're covering [clears throat] thousands of mile or over a thousand miles traveling at no more than 10 to 15
miles an hour. So, the simple point of that is this operation takes time. People call 12, 14 hours into a cleanup operation. I haven't seen a plow yet. It takes a long
time. Um, we had a video that we did prior to the storm and I took the highlights that we touched on from that video to to reiterate. We said we were going to block people's driveways. the amount of snow that we were getting. The snow has to be deposited somewhere. We
can't scoop it up, lift it out of there, and make it disappear. When you plow, everything rolls off to the right side of the road. Except in rare cases where you get an a median in the middle or a wooded area, you can turn the plow in the other direction and put it where there are no homes. But if you have
homes on both sides of the street, you have to plow from the middle outward and the snow gets deposited along the side of the roadway. Okay? Didn't it's unavoidable. We didn't want to do that, but we said it was going to happen. Second point we made in that video was
it was going to take at least 20 hours to get through the town one time. When we started our full-scale plowing operation, which I'll get into in a minute, it was 100 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. We made our last pass of our
first trip through town of every street at 9:00 a.m. the next morning. So, we worked all night. Um, and then the last point that the mayor made was we would be responding to calls and touching everything up for the entire week
following this storm, which is very normal. That being said, to clear those 700 roads and 200 courts in house, public works has 18 people that responded to the call to
come to work. That's everyone with the exception of two people on workers compensation and one guy that was on vacation that was available to us. Every person that came in was in a piece of equipment from 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. When we came
in at 7:00 a.m., we started cleaning main roads. And we did that for um 5 hours from 7 to 12. The only time there was an equipment on the road in Washington Township was between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. The guy
stopped for lunch before we went into our full-scale plowing operation. After that, we had 32 subcontractors in addition to our 18 that we had
available in house. That is what we could acquire. We had a conversation in the in Frank's office prior to the storm um to say to the subcontractor that we use, we will take
every single piece of equipment you can provide us. No one on this board, not Frank, not anyone that controls the purse strings here said to me, Brian, we want you to try to cut corners and save money. We only want to spend x amount of dollars on this storm. That was never
said. We asked for all the resources that we could. We put out a request for snow plowing. Uh at the end of last year, we had a contractor provide us a bid for that service and he could only provide us
with this particular storm 32 pieces of equipment. So with those 32 pieces of equipment, we also have to work within certain parameters when it comes to using the private sector. There's something called Maggie's law. Maggie's law, as the chief would probably be familiar with, we're
only allowed to work them for 14 hours. Then they are required by law to come off the road for a period of time. In a state of emergency, the municipal employees don't abide by that. They are allowed to to stretch that because it's
a state of emergency. We worked the public works department for 32 hours straight. Um, a few guys came off the road at 2:00 in the morning that just said to me, "Brian, I don't have it right now. I
need a break." So, they came off from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. I know this because at 700 p.m., one of our people went home sick and I got in a plow truck. So, I was out there working with them. And I can tell you some of the the
challenges that we experienced after midnight when it dropped down into the teens. The roads that we hadn't gotten to yet were completely frozen solid and there's no way we could have got to them faster. We had every resource that we had available to us out making our way
through the town. They started to freeze and we could not make it down the street without lowering the plow halfway, skimming off two or three 4 in of snow on those first six passes, then dropping the plows all the way down. So now a
street that normally would take six passes was taking 12 because if we didn't do it that way, every truck kept getting stuck. They were getting sideways. They we took out a couple mailboxes because they totally slid. Uh
I've been here 27 years. The the only storm I've missed um I started in 97. I didn't see the blizzard of 96. This was the most challenging job we ever had to do because of the type of precipitation. It was the duration of the pre precipitation. It fell for 14
hours and the extreme cold. It didn't Frank talked about below 32. It did not go above 25° until last Monday, a week after it stopped snowing.
you know, some of the criticism that we got. You know, I'm I'm going to pull up something. I snapshotted a few of these you you know, things that we we encountered um on social media. This is this is verbatim. I I want to give you
this. This premier community is a joke. They had plenty of notice that this storm is coming. That's the only thing that's accurate in what I'm about to read. and did nothing until it was too late. Waited until it stopped snowing,
sleeping, freezing rain, then decided to plow. Idiots. That's what's running this town. Maybe if they would have brined before and kept up with it during the storm, we wouldn't be under 6 in of ice. Well, tell me how we were supposed to keep up with it when we had every
available resource running constantly for the whole time that we were here. The only way we could have kept up with it more is if the subcontractor could have provided us with, like Frank said, 100 pieces of equipment, 125. Um,
they have the nerve to post to call the county and the state for the roads that they are responsible for. We're not responsible for the county and state roads. The county road department is. The state is responsible for the state highways. Those roads were kept up with and are clean. Well, our office got
flooded with calls of people complaining that the county roads were reduced to one lane, you know, so and those roads were bl brined to death. You can put all the brine you want down on a side road. Doesn't work. Needs traffic and not
extreme cold. So, we could have wasted resources and spent all that money brining streets to get minimal result or we could save that money and try to bring in more resources to do what needed to be done. push this stuff and make these roads passable.
So, I I'll finish with I wonder what the roads around the idiots home looks like. And I don't know if I'm the idiots or you're the idiots or who they're calling idiots. Um but I took a picture of my house and posted it on social media 2 days after the storm. Now, I run the department,
right? I run the response. I live in Whitman Square. I'm not afraid to admit it. I put it on on social media. 2 days after the storm, I had ice pack on my road. Why? Whitman Square was one of the first neighborhoods that got done on on Sunday. It was done around between 1 and
two. It takes about with nine trucks. It takes us about 4 hours. When we finished, we still had precipitation coming in the form of sleep, freezing rain, and and slop coming out of the sky. It refose while we were out doing the rest of the town. We can't do the
whole town simultaneously. We just don't have that kind of equipment where people talk about the county and the state. They take a handful of trucks and they run the same road in tandem over and over and over again. We simply cannot do
that. I would need four times the amount of equipment we have to even come close to that. So our goal with these storms, any kind of storm in the developments are to get the roads passable. Would I love to see blacktop on every single
street? Yes, I would. Of course. It's just not a reasonable expectation. With the amount of roads we have, the amount of equipment we have, it doesn't make sense to have 100 pieces of snow plowing equipment sitting around when we only have 18 people with the credentials to
drive it. The only way this storm could have been handled better would be if contractors responded in more force and we had more pieces of equipment. It's as simple as that. And I'll touch on one more thing that Frank said, and I'll I'll shut it
down with that. Of the 18 people that we had on the road from our department, because somebody talked about you need to train them better. You need to train them better. Um, of the 18 people we had driving, only six were here for the last time we got this amount of snow. They
were all hired 2017 and later. Now, they've had experience in smaller snowstorrms, but there's we've watched videos with them. We've I've taught them. I've gone in the truck with them in lesser storms. There's no way you can train somebody for what we experienced
until you're out there. I was out there in the truck and I'm the one that told them, "Hey guys, the only way you're not going to get stuck is you got to do this double. You got to lower it halfway, skim the top, then drop it down." They had no idea. That's why they were getting stuck all over the place. The
guys with experience, the half a dozen guys that have done it before realize that. So, our guys have been trained. They've seen videos. They've plowed lesser snow. There's no experience like real experience, right? So, in closing,
you know, our video that we we sent out early was spoton. It it it it explained everything that was going to happen and it happened almost to the tea. When somebody says we had noticed, they're correct. And we did prepare. We got all our trucks in house ready. We got all
our people rested and sent them home and had them ready to report the next morning at a certain time. We jumped right in and started doing everything we could do. And the whole time since that storm, every day post storm for 7 days, we worked additional
hours to to try to clear the roads. And still today, we're still trying to open up the roads, but 90% of the complaints that we're getting are the roads not wide enough. It needs to be opened up more. Well, why was that? There was cars everywhere. Everywhere you went, every
street, every court, there was cars. Now, if we go back to try to open those roads back up, what's the result going to be? You, the good neighbor who didn't have your car in the street, who shoveled your driveway, and now you're clear because your neighbors four or five houses down had this stuff in the street. I'm going to come down with a
plow and now plow you back in. So, we have to be surgical about the way we open the roads up. We come in, we very slowly push everything up. Um, and I one more and I know I'm getting longwinded. This I promise this is my last point. People talk about they don't put enough salt down. They don't salt. In a normal
storm, I put about 125 ton down doing our 120 main roads. In this storm, I put down 680 ton of salt. It was over a 100 truckloads worth because every main road, every side road got at least two
passes and some more than that with salt. It would not penetrate that thick layer of ice because we were only getting a little bit of sun for a few hours that helped activate it. And when we came back to try to push it, the plows were just gliding along the top of
the ice. So, there's nothing more we could have done short of having an army of vehicles that are just simply not available to us. So, um I'm going to stick around. Anybody from the public is here for this reason. I'd be happy to answer any questions that they have. If
anyone up there has any questions, this was not about a lack of resources. This was not about a lack of planning. It was not about a lack of execution. It was about a once in a decade storm followed by the lowest temperatures we saw for an extended period of time since 2004
and just having a certain amount of equipment available. You don't have 200 trucks sitting around to do this job and that's the only way to do it quick. And trust me, my wife, my kids, the people that care about me would much rather me be able to do this in 8 hours and come home and not be at work from 7:00 a.m.
on Sunday till 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday without a wink of sleep and then come home, fall asleep from that time until I had to go back for the next 10 hours and the next 10 hours. We would want to do it quicker, too. We just have to work with what we have. So, um, sorry that
might have been long-winded. I I wanted to be thorough in giving an explanation as to what we did. If anyone has any questions, I'm happy to answer them. >> I just want to say thank you to you guys and and the whole team because we we did spend a lot of time on the phone. We talked about it every day. So, I was going to talk about during during our old business, new business about what,
you know, again, we can always get better. We we said that, right? We could always get better. We know that, but you guys worked tirelessly. The whole team worked tirelessly. So, thank you so much for that. >> And did we miss a few courts? >> Yep. >> And we went back the next day and we did them when when we got the call. Hey, you know, a couple in the Birches we missed.
It was a miscommunication. Uh the one sticks out um uh Amhurst, we missed it, right? Um there was another court we didn't do is when I was out there playing, there was a car stuck in the opening of the court. I tried to help him. I tried to move snow to get him out of there.
>> He got stuck. I couldn't get in. By the time I remembered, oh my god, I never went back there. It was eight hours later. Then I went back and I did it. >> Yeah. >> So, you know, stuff falls through the cracks, no doubt. But it's um it was all addressed. >> Sure.
>> In a very short period of time. So >> we had a lot of messages, right? I mean, we had a lot of text messages. >> I just want to say thank you to Frank, Brian, your whole department. Um [clears throat] we I felt like an operator. I mean, I must have answered 60 phone calls in three days. Yeah, >> I know. I rode around with you for about four hours at one day with with
Councilman. I wrote around with you for about three hours the other day. >> We're always willing to learn, right? I think Frank said that. You know, we're always willing to learn and grow. My street didn't get plowed till about 2:00 in the morning and it was ice until this week. Yeah. Because it was already frozen by the time we got plowed. And I
saw so many messages saying our town was the worst. Every other town was clear. Well, I had a mayor's meeting from Gluster County on that Thursday and actually Councilman was my guest and we've spoken to the mayor of Deford, mayor of Williamstown. They all had the same issues. They all were getting the same complaints.
>> The only ones who didn't have a problem was this one town was like, "Well, you know, we were short-handed. We had five guys. Well, you can plow your town in that small window of when the snow stopped and it was ice. Unless we can plow 700 roads in a 6-h hour window,
unfortunately, this is what we would dealt. >> But we will learn from it. We will grow from it and we'll we'll work on the things that need work on. >> Yeah. And I just want to say thank you. I mean, I I know I talked to you and and I do want to commend you and your staff is as we got
>> complaints, you guys were out there instantly. I I was getting responses of being grateful that you guys got out there instantly. >> I I say it all the time and and it's not lip service. I live here. My parents live here. I have a sibling that lives
here. My kids go to school here. If the town guys were sitting in the shop with their feet up drinking coffee, I'd probably have a hard time defending what we did. But when they were out 32 hours straight running with everything we had, that's why I feel the need to respond to a lot of the stuff I see on
the social media because I want the folks that know um you know the guys that work for us to know that we have their back and appreciate the work that they put in because you know you read all these comments and you say to yourself, I've been here for 32 hours straight busting my butt. Maybe the next
time I don't want to come to work they can keep the money. It's not it's a tireless job. I don't like it. I it's it's one of the most difficult things we do. And and to your point with the other towns, I actually snapshot and I think I sent it maybe to Pete. There was someone from Williamstown saying Washington
Township roads look great on their Williamstown talk and and Williamstowns look like crap and blah blah blah blah blah. And I I sent it to a couple people like look somebody that lives in another town thought we did a great job. Yeah, I like that when I was >> Yeah. And to answer your question, Bri, and I guess the expectation, right?
>> When you guys do interviews, do you ask about snow? I mean, we're not Buffalo. We're not Rochester. And I've told a lot of residences that we don't hire these guys to plow snow. We're we're not in an area where they learn to plow snow at 15, 16 years old and that's all they're used to. It's a once in 10 year, you
know, once in a decade situation where they're thrown into this is just something that you have. >> That being said, I think they did a pretty darn good job. There was little nuances that they needed help with, right? Like, you know, some of the other complaints we get, oh, you blocked the handicap ramp when you tucked the corner. Well, what are our options? Are
we supposed to take the plow with a pile of snow bigger than this podium and try to strategically and surgically open the driveway or open the uh the handicap ramp? It's not possible during the heat of the month. If we did that, then your 20our response goes to some
people might not see a plow for 48 hours. So, it's a it's a tough job. Hopefully, we don't see another storm like this for 10 years and it won't be my problem. Um, but we did everything we could. We tried to respond to everyone we could and it certainly wasn't for
lack of effort, lack of caring, lack of resources. It was a lack of participation from subcontractors. We would have paid because that would have cut down on the time we were out there. So either way, we're still spending the same amount of money. We had 100 trucks. We cut our time in half. Same money,
right? And and less hours for the guys that had to come in from our in-house staff. So, I appreciate the opportunity to speak. If anyone from the public has a question about that, I'd be happy to answer it. and uh you know my phone is is always on to the residents. I talk to a lot of them and generally when you give them an explanation
>> um the reasonable folks get it. So thank you for the time and I'm sorry for being so longwinded but it's important to me. >> Thank you Frank and Brian. >> Moving on to the bills. Can I get the motion to approve the billas for February 11th, 2026? Motion.
>> Second. Roll call, please. Councilman >> Jükus. >> Yes. Councilman Harris. >> Yes. Councilwoman Pascalone, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brown, >> yes. >> Council President Deborah, >> yes. >> Moving on to minutes. Can I get a motion
to approve the regular minutes the executive session meetings for January 21st, 2026? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Urkus, >> abstain. >> Councilman Harris, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Pascalone, >> yes. Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. >> Council President Deborello. >> Yes. We have any ordinances? Madam clerk, please. >> Ordinance one, ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits
and to establish a cap bank for calendar year 2026. >> Now, this is up for uh this is for introduction only. Can I get a motion to introduce ordinance 001-2026? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman,
>> yes. Councilman Harris, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pascalone, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brown, >> yes. >> Council President Deborello, >> yes. So, public public hearing and adoption will occur on February 25th at 6:00 p.m.
>> Ordinance two, ordinance of the Township of Washington, County of Cluster, State of New Jersey, adopting chapter 43, Weddings and Civil Unions of the Code. >> Okay, this is also for introduction only. Can I get a motion to introduce ordinance 002-2026?
>> Motion. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Urkus, >> yes. >> Councilman Harris, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pascaloon, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brown, >> yes. >> Council President Deborello, >> yes. This will also be up for a hearing
and and the adoption will be on February 25th at 6 p.m. >> Ordinance three, ordinance of the township of Washington, County of Gloucester, state of New Jersey, adopting chapter 282, senior center advisory committee of the code. >> This is also for introduction only. Can
I get a motion to introduce ordinance 003-2026? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Harris, I'm sorry, Councilman. Yes. >> Councilman Harris. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pascaloon.
>> Yes. >> Council Vice President Brown. >> Yes. >> Council President Deborello. >> Yes. Public hearing and adoption will occur on on February 25th at 6 p.m. Moving on resolutions. The following resolutions are for consent agenda only. Require vote for all listed. Each one
must be read by the title. If any member of the council wish to have one removed and heard separately, I need to indicate prior to reading. Does anyone need anything heard or moved separately? No. >> Seeing none, madam clerk, would you read the resolutions, please? >> Ordinance 57, resolution authorizing the cancellation of stale dated bank
reconciliation items of the Township of Washington current account. 58, resolution, resolution designating an Americans with disabilities act coordinator and adopting grievance procedures pursuant to the code of federal regulations, title 28, chapter
1, part 35, subp part A, sub section 35.107 107 59. Resolution appointing Alfred Morgan as full-time zoning officer for the Township of Washington. 60. Resolution appointing a member to the Washington
Township Municipal Authorities Utilities Authority. 61. Resolution to authorize the submission of a grant application for local recreation improvement grant with the Department of Community Affairs. 62. Resolution amending resolution
R250 2025 resol resolution to cancel all grant receivables and/or grant reserve appropriation balances effective 1231 2025 six resolution 63 resolution cancelling old capital money to capital surplus
effective 1231 2025 in the amount of $4,399 87 64 Four, resolution cancelling taxes for William S. Dub, a totally disabled veteran. Resolution 65, resolution cancelling
taxes for for a totally disabled veteran at 7 Atlas Court effective October 23rd, 2025. 66. Resolution approving participation with the state of New Jersey grant program administered by the Department
of Law and Public Safety. 67. Resolution authorizing the cancellation of stale dated bank reconciliate reconciliation items for the townable Washington trust account 68. Resolution appointing Mara de demar
Antonio Esquire as hearing officer for towing suspension suspension appeals. >> Thank you madam clerk. Can I get a motion to approve resolutions R057-2026 to R068-2026? >> Motion. >> Roll call, please. Councilman Yorkis,
>> yes. >> Councilman Harris, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pascaloon, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Brown, >> yes. >> Council President Zabarella, >> yes. Moving on to old business, new business. Let's start with Council Joe Harris.
>> Yes, sir. Thank you very much. I actually have quite a bit. So, um, relax, sit back and relax a little bit. [laughter] Um, so as as we speak right now, my son's actually uh in in junior wrestling and um the youth wrestlers are over at the high school right now and they're meeting up with the high school
wrestling team and these guys it's it's always a fun event. They they mess around with the the young guys and they let them get beat up a little bit. The older guys get beat up a little bit by the young guys. It's a fun thing. They do that for football, too. So, it's a really nice event. Speaking of wrestling, this past weekend was the uh Jimmy Fistler Junior Wrestling Tournament and that was at the high
school. Uh there was a huge turnout. My wife Kelly ran the concession stand and um they kept running out of food. It was a big event. I uh kept making pizza runs uh at uh Pet Pizza gave them really good prices on the pizzas and uh Philly pretzel factory gave a a good price for uh for pretzels. So that was a really
nice event and um it was a busy weekend. We also had helping hands uh Hogy sale. Uh mayor and some of the council people were there as well. They're probably going to elaborate on that a little bit. Beautiful event. um very heartwarming um that middle school students all lined up
making helping to make uh the hogies and later on the day I believe it was the high school students were there for all the pickups um and those hogies were distributed uh throughout a lot of the elementary schools as well for pickup. So that's a really nice event. If you didn't um either participate in that or
buy hogies, keep that in mind for next year. It's always on Super Bowl Sunday. Hogsis were were fantastic and uh it really goes to a good cause. Um, speaking of good causes, we have a lot of fundraising uh activity uh going on uh in the next upcoming weeks. Uh we
have Whitman School uh has a uh a sip and support all day at Blended Joe coffee and that um actually that ends uh Saturday uh the 14th uh which is Valentine's Day. And also Cinder Bar has
a dine and donate and that's um February 8th through the 17th. Monday, February 16th, um Thomas Jefferson has a fundraiser at Fun City and that's at from uh 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. And that's again at Fun City
Adventure Park on the Black Horse. Monday, February 16th, Bunker Hill Middle School uh is having a fundraiser at Raising Canes, also on the White Horse Blake from 4 PM to 900 pm. And uh Washington Township schools are
closed uh Friday uh the 13th. Um and that'll be February 13th and Monday the 16th as well. So keep that in mind. And um I am a delay on to the board of education. So the next board of education meeting is Tuesday the 17th
upcoming and I'm going to do my best to be there. Um and regarding supporting our local businesses, there's a business called Mattburn. Getting back to the wrestling theme and that's a uh uh that's a wrestling themed uh uh gym uh for adults and children. So, their grand
opening is uh this Saturday uh the 14th from 9 to 1. I'll be there. I think some of some of the council members as well as the mayor may be there and um got just a little bit more folks. So, uh [laughter] try to make it fast. Um [snorts] really beautiful event coming
up this Friday and this is going to be held at Calvary Christian Chapel and it's called Night to Shine. Um, so what we have is is physically and um developmentally challenged individuals. Um, it's their night. It's their night to shine. And we're asking everyone who
can make it to come and support these amazing people by acting as as paparazzi and cheerleaders outside. I know I know several of us were were there uh last year and I could I could I could speak for everyone saying how moving this event was. Um, so these uh these individuals walk the
red carpet and they enter uh to their version of uh the prom or the Oscars or the Emmys all wrapped up into one. Uh it's really exciting for them. It's uh also Tim Tibo Foundation is a big part of of making that happen. So it's a it's a touching event and if you can make it
out there [clears throat] at least in the parking lot dress warm and help cheer these uh these people on uh it'd be really appreciated and you're gonna you're going to be real happy that you did. And that's uh that's all I have for tonight. Well, thank you so much, Councilwoman. Do you have anything? >> Yeah. Um last Friday I had the
opportunity to attend a project graduation fundraiser and it was a great turnout. I got to meet a lot of the board of ed and teachers and parents of the children that go to Washington High School. So, it was a great event overall. And I want to thank public works again for all their work and
tireless uh energy to get the the snow removed. and I know you guys had to deal with a lot of Chris and so we appreciate all the work that you did and all the calls that you answered. So that's that's all I have for today. >> Appreciate you. >> Representative Katie, you have anything? >> All right.
[snorts] >> Good evening. February has been an exciting month so far with a few exciting things coming up. Sunday, February 8th, the annual Township Hogy Sale took place. Students and members of our community came together to make and distribute hoggies to benefit families
facing medical setbacks. It was a super successful event and everyone who participated enjoyed being a part of something so impactful and rewarding. Sophomore class council's township night of the Flyers took place on Thursday, February 5th. Washington Township High
School cheerleaders performed their routine at Exfinity Mobile Arena in the concourse between the first and second period. It was a night full of laughter and wonderful memories were made. From January 9th to January 11th, a group of 12 high school students along
with their adviser, Miss Balker and Principal Anderson attended the YMCA model United Nations Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our student delegates got together to learn more about how the United Nations work and even had the chance to debate relevant world topics to solve problems.
Washington Township High School was even recognized as an outstanding delegation at this year's conference. Our science national honor society as well as math national honor society had their induction ceremonies earlier this month. Our hardworking students got
recognized for their academic success thus far in both subjects and were awarded a certificate for their achievement. Township Choir is proud to present the 13th annual Philly Pops concert, Crossroads, which will be held this Thursday, February 12th, at 700 p.m. in
the Republic Bank Performing Arts Center at Washington Township High School. Come out and support these amazing students while enjoying songs by Rascal Flats, Alanis Morsette, Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus, and lots of other familiar singers and
songwriters. Tickets will be sold for $15 at the door and the booktix.com link will be open until 1 p.m. tomorrow for tickets on sale for $10. That is all I have for February. Thank you so much. >> Thank you so much.
>> I do. Um on Saturday, February 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 at the public works garage um we will be having a free rabies clinic. >> It's a busy one, too. She'll get there and get >> So, we could take anyone that would like to help fill out the paperwork and and
assist. It's actually fun. All the little dogs come in and >> Yeah. Actually, it's a good time. >> Make a mess. [laughter] >> Uh, no, but it's fun. They bark and they talk to us, so it it's it's fun. It's busy. >> Yeah. Oh, >> and we will be taking um if you want to
pay at that time, we'll take your payment. >> Okay, good. Counselors. [clears throat] you. Um I am the council leazison to the veterans advisory board and wanted to remind people that this coming Friday night, February 13th, starting at 6:30,
the Tri-State Veterans Memorial Fund is sponsoring a Valentine's Day dance party starting at 6:30. It's a fundraiser for the veterans. It's going to be hosted by Bob Pantano. He's a local resident, very famous. He does the oldies. Should be a
great time. He did one uh veterans day at Adelfias. I will be there to support our veterans and uh talk with anyone who comes there needs to talk about what's going on in the township. Be happy to help you. I think the donation is $40.
It's at the senior center on Green Tree Road and there will be a buffet by Mission Barbecue. If you've never had u their food, it's fantastic and it's a Bob. Um, I did want to reach out to our public works department. They did a
phenomenal job. Herculean job. Um, I know I saw some of the social media post. Uh, the one that Brian or wrote writing. Uh, this is not Buffalo or Rochester, New York. We can't invest $100 million
in equipment we're going to use once every 10, 20 years. And that was the storm. I've been shoveling snow for 60 years as a kid making money. Never seen a storm like this. I was out in it snowb blowing. Got the snow off. And when that
sleet came down, it poured. It just didn't come down in flakes. It poured and froze very quickly. 4 in were I measured it. It's an impossible storm to keep up with. And for the job that they did,
they went above and beyond. And I think they deserve a big round of applause from all of us. [applause] Um, and I think that's it and thank you again. Anything? >> Nothing substantiating. >> Yes. Felt like it.
>> Yeah. Yeah. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Like it. Yeah. Russo. Anything? Mayor, >> one day Joe's gonna have a report. I I know it. Um, [clears throat] >> wait for the good one. >> So, I'm not gonna be as long as Brian or Joe. So, uh, one, the Hogi sale was
great. Um, I want to personally thank Joe Harris because I would have not made it without you calling me at 6:00 in the morning. Um, I set my alarm for 5:30, but some for some reason I hit PM, but when Joe called me at 5:45 or 5:50, I lied and said I was awake already, even though I wasn't, [laughter] but I made
it there on time. So, Joe, thank you for calling. I appreciate it. It was a great event for a great cause. Um, so I was happy to be there. Chief was there as well. Um, I was there for the ribbon cutting for Hearing Life, which is in Walmart shopping center, which is hearing aids and assistant for hearing.
So, welcome to Washington Township. Uh, me, Councilman Dr. Hibbs, and uh, school board uh, member Steve Srano attended the Wedgewood Winter Wonderland Door contest, which was great. Got to walk around Wedgewood. um grade school and
judge the doors and pick a winner. So, it was it was actually really fun to do. They had hot chocolate scarfves for us. So, >> it was actually great to see the kids and then and pick a winner. >> Um the Night to Shine is this Friday, like Joe said. It's a great event. If you've never been there, um it's all
donated. The Lifestyles, I believe, donates all the tuxedos. They enter the building and then what they do is they have a limousine pick them up from the back of the building and they drive them to the front of the building like they're coming in for the paparazzi and outside we cheer, we holler and to see their faces, the way
they get out, it it's really amazing. It it it puts things into perspective of if your mailbox was blocked, your driveway was blocked, go to this event and then you you can see you could appreciate the issues we think we have to what other
people deal with in a daily basis. And I was there for the first time, I believe five years ago when I first got on council. I've been there every year. And I brought my kids because I want them to understand that when you think you have it tough, there's always somebody who has it tougher. Be grateful for what you have and give back to where you can. So
it's a great event. If you can get there, please get there. Um, I want to thank public works again. I mean, Brian, Frank, I called you 8:00 at night, 9:00 at night, 7:00 in the morning. You guys answered every phone call, every text message. All we could do is react when we got those calls. and that's what we
did. So, I appreciate the effort. I love having you guys as part of our team. And, you know, when the next storm comes, we we'll be side by side again fighting it. So, thank you. And last I mentioned is we have a couple podcasts will be coming out. We did a great one with Ed Wade. >> Yeah. >> That um you know, Councilman says my
face was glowing the whole time because I love sports, but it was a great conversation. So, look for that one to come soon. Um I did one on uh affordable housing today which it's going to come out soon. explains to everybody why the developments are coming and everything
else. Gives you a lot of insight of what we are mandated to do and sometimes we don't have a choice. And then we did one yesterday where um the councilman threw me in and I had to get a facial. So we were at a [laughter] we were at a podcast at a I guess skininc care place
and you know he volunteered me and there I was had my first facial ever. So um so that one should be coming out soon. >> Heated bed, right? It was a heated bed. It >> was heated bed. Yeah. Hey, listen. And we're we're going to get payback. So, the next one Pete's going to volunteer. Mean maybe a proctologologist. I'm not sure. Call,
>> but I'm I'm going to I'm [laughter] going to I'm going to pick where we're going to go, but uh but it was really fun. I got to say it it was nice doing one on location. >> Yeah. >> And um >> you know, never think of a man getting a facial, but I'll tell you, I my face felt great. Hydrated and stuff, and
>> you talk to people saying that they've got it done. So, >> feel good. >> Yeah, I was glowing last night, but but it was it was fun. It was really good to get out. It was a platinum suit. Um, so it's good to get out and and see people work in our town in their space, but it was a great great thing. So, look for
these to come out. We'll be on the website and on the YouTube channel, but but that's all I have. All right. Thank you. >> That explains why you're glowing. >> Yeah. >> Um, first off, to [clears throat] reiterate again, thank public works, Frank, and uh, Brian [snorts] for all
their hard work. I did reach out to Brian about some issues that were brought to my attention and he handled them the best way that he could. Circumstances aside, I was very tough storm. The criticisms that you guys took online,
phone calls here, it's just it's a shame that you know people Monday morning quarterbacking and not realizing the impact of this storm had on the entire region and how it affected not just Washington Township, the other towns. I was driving to and from work myself and
I could say 42 was a nightmare. Uh going back and forth and I didn't see any clearance on that or actually asphalt or concrete until about Tuesday. So this is very rough. You guys deserve to be commended and you guys do a great job
for the township, not just in the snowstorms but in everything that you do. Also want to recognize police, fire, and EMS. I'm sure their calls doubled and tripled. I know the fire department usually gets added on to the EMS calls to not only help out maybe moving a p
patient out of the house, but even going the extra mile and shoveling a driveway. Um, police department, they were out as well assisting as much as they could. Um, I do believe there were a lot of accidents through the storm that were encountered. Um, it was it was rough all
the way around. Um, I look forward to Friday night. But this will be my fourth Night to Shine. It's an incredible event, very moving experience. And to see the look on those um young adults faces um is just incredible. Laughing,
carrying on, and just enjoying themselves. Um it's a great event. And if you can just show up as Councilman Harris and the mayor uh suggested, uh it really brings a smile [clears throat] to their face. Um the Hogi sale, I thought
it was a great event. Unfortunately, I was under the weather and couldn't make it. But I congratulate the high school for uh all their [snorts] hard work and volunteers who come out and assist every year for a great cause. Uh from the library, um [clears throat] it is Black History
Month and on February 17th, which is a Tuesday, Mary Fields, uh portrayed by Dr. Daisy um Century will be having um a West [clears throat] Cowgirl, West Cowgirl and Stage Coast driver who
delivered the US mail in Montana. Be learning about her that night. And I encourage everybody to visit uh their website. They have their uh posting about Heagen happenings. Uh some of the things are coming up. Check the website for details. But they have blind date
with a book. um introducing book club in a bag, poetry walk is back, and the Hagen Library is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026. Uh they'd ask that you help celebrate by participating in
their uh reading challenge. And of course, if you have any questions, reach out to the library uh staff. They'll be more than helpful to uh help [snorts] out. >> All right. Thank you so much again. uh this month being Black History Month and
actually also American Heart Month. Also, the other thing was I kind of want to say we get to this point, it's kind of you kind of heard everything, but I do have to thank Brian and Frank. We were getting a lot of messages and I was telling people to call me. I was telling people to message me. I was asking people to if you had problems, but as soon as those messages came in, I would
send them right over to you guys and you were getting right on it because people were writing me back and there was some negativity online, but there was a lot of positivity. There was people who understood what was going on. They understood the weather. other towns. Again, we went to that that mayor's meeting. They were having the same issues. So, I I take some of that that
other stuff with a grain of salt because I really think people do understand how hard you guys work and that team worked around the clock. So, I really have to thank you and and the people who reached out. We're trying out there and trouble some people out ourselves. Uh really trying to help them out as much as possible and we'll try to continue to do that. It was just once a you know, every
10 years a storm like that comes and this was our our time to have it. >> I broke the shovel. She's the only thing she had. She said, "Please don't break my shovel." the first house I broke the shovel. So, that just tells you what that that it was like snow and ice. I just had a sledgehammer. So, not many people saw a guy in a suit with a sledgehammer, but I was out there like
trying to get people's driveways cleaned up and trying to help people. So, we had a lot of fun uh doing that. And I told Maxine I would do her driveway. She didn't call me, but I would have. Maxine, I would have done that for you. Uh so, yeah, just just wanted to kind of follow up on that. And that the podcast, we're having a lot of fun with it. Yesterday's episode really was a lot of
fun. Then we actually shot in a restaurant as well. Yesterday we actually had the people of the neighborhoods magazine, Washington Township Neighbors magazine. So we had them. We were talking about that. So that gets to about 3,600 houses she said. >> And they're going to do something where you'll able to get extra copies. You might be able to buy copies here or we're going to figure out something. I
know a lot of people want to get that magazine. There's some really great articles. This month was actually coach Chman that actually had the cover. So they make a great story. So we actually sat down with the writer, with the person who puts it together, the photographer. We had a great conversation at Posdor yesterday. So, we want to do more shoots like that with
with the where we we're doing behind the welcome or beyond the welcome sign in other other businesses as well. So, like mayor said, he got a facial yesterday which was was awesome to kind of to see that and then we actually heard her story. So, you watch it, find out about her, her roots from Philadelphia, how she got into the business, what she
loves about it. Platinum Fleek was beautiful. What a beautiful place. If you've never been there before, please check that out. There's about 32 different hair and make of all kinds of Yeah. The coffee place down there. There's a new tattoo place in there. all different things. We haven't been there really really
>> uh we're going to tattoos next year with your [laughter] matching tattoos. Uh uh but it really just just a lot of fun. So now moving on to public participation. Please file a public decor and post it which been attached to public agenda and limit your questions to five minutes. Once you've cleared your your comments or your questions ask
any member of the governing body or their design wishes to address those comments. Can I get a motion to open to the public? Motion second. All in >> favor. All in favor? Anyone wish to speak? Please just come up and state your name and address for the record, please.
[snorts] >> Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name is Rich Croft. I'm from Hatco, New Jersey, and uh I've been a pain in the neck to the clerk over the last month, but was trying to get on the agenda tonight because
>> Can you talk a little bit about >> because I I run a um cannabis dispensary in Echo and I understand there's one license still available in Washington Township. I've been trying to get licensed in Washington Township for over
two years. It's difficult to find the right site. I finally found the right site across from Luna Rosa, the old automotive U garage. And uh however, the uh contract is contingent on me getting
a license because I'm not going to spend a million dollars and uh not be able to uh reap any benefits from it. So, I'm I'm confused as to why the township is pausing that license because
every day it sits vacant um is lost revenue to the town. And that's that's my uh question for the uh for council. Don't know if anybody wants to respond or
that's really we're pausing on I think we just kind of paused it for for right now to see how the other ones kind of operate first before we kind of went into another >> Midnight Green's been there for over a year, >> right? We we have we have a second one that's getting ready to open. So, we also wanted to see how how it worked out first. I know there's been some issues
in towns. I've seen some now that are closing as well. So, I think >> I've seen I've seen no dispensaries that have closed, but it's very possible. But everyone that I've been involved with, uh, seems to be doing great. The towns enjoy the the tax benefit.
[clears throat] Um, whatever Midnight Green is doing, if I am successful in opening, I'm sure I would do at least that or more. Uh, which would give the town, you know, a lot more resources. maybe they buy a another flower or something if they need it,
>> but um there's no detriment to the town. Um they're um uh or downsize or downside. Um, I I think that um, you know, obviously everybody has their own thoughts on cannabis, but uh, I feel that uh, bars
are much more of a detriment and a liability as opposed to a cannabis store where somebody comes in and buys and then they they go home. >> It's something we could consider. I mean, I don't think we're totally against it. I think we were just waiting to see how the other ones played out
first. So, I think it's something that we can revisit in the future. I don't think it's completely off the table. >> No, I know. But I need to give myself this the people that I'm buying the property from, you know, an answer like is it is it 30 days away? Is it two
years away? Is it you know answer right this second? >> There's one on the corner of 42. partially township. >> Yeah, it's another town. >> They say close to the other one. >> No, I a matter of fact, the zoning off
when I, you know, months ago I went to uh get a zoning verification. The zoning officer said that um the site was fine. Obviously, I'd have to come in and go through whatever other uh requirements there
were, a site plan approval, um this and that. And uh you know, the building right now is is an ugly building. It it's an eyesore. Of course, I would put, you know, at least 100,000 or more into it. It would be it would look nice. It would look like across the street.
[cough] [clears throat] And uh it has adequate parking. I put a drive-in in there so that makes it makes it easy for people to come in and out. Although mo we found that most people like to come in and check things out and see what's available.
Um but um as far as uh the um requirement of a half a mile, I I I don't know. I don't know what the exact mileage is from from uh the botist but like you said it's in another town and not sure how the
ordinance is written and that it you know does it affect other towns or you know I know that the purpose of it was so that you know midnight green it's open you don't open up next door to them although in our business it doesn't seem
to matter because people you know they go for price they go for convenience they go for service uh friendly doing this all that stuff. So, >> [clears throat] >> You'd have to ask your solicitor. I don't know that any, you know, any of us
could really say definitively, you know, what, you know, what's the intent and and how would it play out uh legally? Uh the TD Bank, yeah, I looked at that a couple years ago when they closed and uh it [clears throat] was um it was a
difficult site to to to wrap up. So, you know, I guess the I don't know what they're doing with it. I guess they have the light show every year and I don't know what their their end result what they're really going to do with it at the end of the day but uh um yeah we'll
see >> just a question you operate one in Winslow Township >> atco okay >> which is water for township >> water right [clears throat] uh in that particular area how many are around you at the current
>> I have one within uh actually within a mile >> okay >> yeah it's called Holistic Solutions. They were open before me. Um I came in, I took a a [clears throat] similar type building that was dilapidated. Um put a bunch of money in, made it nice. Next
door to it, I have a warehouse that eventually going to I'm going to do indoor growing cultivation, but that's, you know, another year down the road. So putting that much money into that particular building with the botist in
Williamstown and um in like u I know what you're saying people don't visit for price variety and whatever else it doesn't concern you putting that much money.
>> No, I would uh welcome it because the botist they have a nice draw. >> [clears throat] >> Everybody knows what that road looks like during the summer. Um, you're not only going to grab the township people, but you're going to grab everybody coming over the Walt Whitman bridge that
when they once they get familiar that they can stop on their way down to the shore. I think you know that and I'm on the right side side of the street go to the shore. I think it I think it's a win-win for me and then it would be a win-win additional income for the town
because not going to take much from Midnight Green, but you guys aren't getting anything from the botist. So, whatever I can grab from them is is a bonus for the town. A lot of places that come and solicit a license. >> What I said a lot of the businesses come
here who solicit licenses have provided business plans or models and uh projections and all that. Do you have anything that you >> I did submit I did submit >> I didn't see it. >> No no that's fine because I'm not on I'm not on the agenda but I did I did submit
that. Um there's no um security-wise um I went through the whole thing, spent $100,000 in arm security, everything like that. And >> it's not it's not worth it. I mean, the town's small enough that if there's a problem, >> the employees are told to just give
either cash or the product or whatever and call it a day. Then the police then it's up to the police and insurance. [clears throat] As far as the business plan, um, this as far as numbers and everything like that, I didn't really run the numbers, but that's not a difficult thing.
>> No, that's okay. I was just, you know, like I said, I've seen some things come through here and I don't remember seeing it. >> You probably would. Well, because I'm not on the agenda, but >> not necessarily. Okay. >> Whatever. I mean, they have it. So, if you wanted to peruse it, but um, yeah, I
certainly would like to have the opportunity. I'd like to if I could tonight, you know, leave with something a little more than we don't really know. Um, if it's something that would be considered in the near future, I don't know what the near future is. Is it 30,
60, 90 days, um, I would like to uh go back to the sellers because they've already lost a a buyer before. I don't know what the buyer was going to put there, but um, you know, I have a nice plan and uh, there's a house that goes with it. that'll be sold.
There's a building lot there that'll be developed and um and then there's a commercial lot in the front next to the uh the building itself with adequate parking. Uh a nice in and out off of the highway and then you know and then
somewhat of a not a major street but a a a um a nice spur street that that you know fronts it too. >> Well, to [clears throat] address your question, sir, as you mentioned, it's not on the agenda tonight. >> No. Um, I'm sure council appreciate you coming in here and advocating for
yourself. [snorts] Um, but it's not on the agenda. I don't anticipate uh any formal action as possible this evening. >> Oh, no. I agree. >> Um, and that would include any type of insurance um that I think [clears throat] you're
you're looking for, but certainly council heard what you had to say and if that changes in the future, it could always be added to a >> Yeah, I'm not looking for >> a a future agenda. But I don't think anybody can tell you tonight >> what I think you're asking for. I mean, you're essentially looking for some type
of anticipatory municipal approval or municipal support for an application for >> not and when, you know, am I going to be able to come back in front of the board, you know, in the next 90 days with a, you know, whatever they request, you
know, whether site plan, whether you a little bit more of a business plan, security plan, or or what? That's all I'm asking for. >> Right. Again, as I said, not on the agenda tonight. I don't think at this point township council is prepared to to be able to deliberate on that to be able
to extend that. Um, but if that changes in the future, it could be added to a future agenda. >> Right. And I guess the only other question is if there is one license available, why wouldn't I be able to come in and uh apply for it? >> Well, that's a very complicated question because, as you know, there's a lot of
things that goes into the process, a lot of considerations. So again, this is public comment. So you've stood there and you've commented, you've advocated for yourself, and that's perfectly fine. But this isn't the venue for us to be able to, for example, have a fullborn
hearing over an application that's not currently on the agenda tonight. >> I'm just asking when would I be able to come in? >> I I think I think respectfully I've I've answered that very directly. Well, if I came in tomorrow and made an application for the next meeting,
would that would I be denied to to even have be on the agenda to make an application? Well, you're asking me to presuppose what council is going to do with an application that hasn't been filed yet. >> So, I can't I can't rightly do that. It
wouldn't be fair to you because anything I would say would be pure speculation. >> Just answer. So, I think at this point I've I've I've answered the question as directly as I can. Is there anything else I can answer? >> I'm just asking if I make an application
to the town, formal application to be heard. Is that a problem? >> Well, sir, I mean, anybody that submits a lawful application is allowed to submit a lawful application. But again, what you're really asking is, Mr.
solicitor. How is township council going to decide on my application which which hasn't been submitted? I I obviously can't do that, sir. >> No, I know. >> Even though I know you're looking for I think you said a nod earlier. You're looking for some sort of indication. Can't offer that tonight.
>> Let me step backwards. If I make an application tomorrow, then whatever the next meeting night is. >> Sir, I've I've answered this question to the extent of my >> I think you danced around it. >> I'm not a very good dancer. You could ask my wife if she was here.
>> I'm being I'm being very direct with you and I gave you an answer >> and that's the only answer that I can give you. Okay. >> The the I want the answer is if I come in tomorrow and make an application, will I be placed on an agenda?
>> Sir, that is not the decision of the solicitor and that's not something that can be answered tonight. It can't be. >> It's not how it works. Unfortunately, that's not the process. How does it work then? >> I can't give you legal advice how to work through a >> It's not a matter of working through.
It's a matter of an application which which there's >> sir this is this is an instance that happens a lot of times in life where I've given you an answer and it's not that my answer is in any way ambiguous. You just don't like my answer. You want me to give you a yes or a no or
absolutely can't do it. Okay. >> I just don't want to be discriminated against. If I come in for an application tomorrow, >> sir, I don't know where you would have possibly gotten that. I have given you again a very direct answer. >> Well, you didn't say >> you can f you can file the process that
anybody would normatively follow. We have an ordinance which >> which president which I did a a couple weeks ago and I'm here not on the agenda. So I don't have a real answer just that the council said no we're not going to put you on the agenda. So, I
would liken >> I I don't think at all that's what the council president said. I heard him very clearly. >> No, no, he didn't. >> He didn't he didn't he didn't he did not tell you in any form or fashion, leave and never come back, sir. It's just not on the agenda tonight. And you're asking for prejudgment on an application that's
not on the agenda tonight. >> I just want to know why I wasn't on the agenda tonight. That's all. I made an application. >> Sir, your questions have been answered. >> I don't think so. >> Very directly. I don't think so. >> Is there something else I can answer?
>> Just that if I make application, will I be >> Well, that's what you've already asked and I've answered that. Is there anything else? >> So, what's the answer? >> Sir, I already I already told you that's not answerable. I'm a lawyer. I can't ask I can't ask a court, hey, how, your honor, are you going to rule on my
motion before it's before you? Doesn't it just doesn't work that way. >> All I'm asking be put on the agenda. I didn't ask for an answer, >> sir. I think you've I think that you have asked your question. Is there something else? >> No. Do I have Do I need >> Okay, I' I've answered that.
>> I don't think you did. [clears throat] >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. >> Anyone else looking to speak, Maxine? >> Oh, you brought your glasses today, Maxine. You got something. Oh, man. I'm sweating already.
And I I don't want to be televised. >> Okay. >> Turn me off. Okay. >> You're just going to keep it this way. >> I My name is Maxine Canelos 911 Whitman Drive. I appreciate the uh presentation by Frank and Brian, but I have my
feelings about Okay. Um, I have witnessed many snows storms in which the severity was much worse than the last one, including the storm of 1996 in which we had over 30 in. And we did not
have cleanup issues as we did now. And I understand it was a different type of storm. You know, you had ice. You I like the way you explained it. My husband and I are very disappointed with the township's efforts of snow removal. We only witnessed our road being plowed
once. There are many plow there were many plows passing by with blades up. Additionally, snow and ice were not plowed close to the curb. We had to shovel the end of our driveway 10 ft from the curb to get to the plowed area.
The stage coach road was so po poorly cleared that the lefthand turn going into the pike pe nobody could use it because the people coming off of the pike had to use there was no lane for them to get onto.
So it was really packed with snow and ice that went on for days. Witch Whitman Drive which is quite busy traffic could not go. you know, the opposing traffic could not, you know, go. They had to wait till the other person, you know,
went. It was really a scene. Buses and everything. It went on for more than a week. And if I says, if I was paying private contractors for their work, I would not pay them the whole fee. And may we suggest in the future an
amendment creating a snow emergency so that no parking whatsoever on the streets in a snow, you know, in an emergency like that would help the people clearing the roads. We have on our street a popup tent that's it's
licensed, but it's sitting out there all the time. There's a a car a vehicle for sale that's been out there like for two years. So, if you had these roads cleared, it might have been easier for you guys. >> Yes.
>> I can speak specifically to where you would like I know exactly where >> Okay. >> There's a dumpster in the street. >> No, that Well, that's further down. >> That affects our ability to >> But isn't there's a white van parked that still hasn't moved just past your
house >> up the street. Yes. Yeah, that's what I was >> you said. And then in between that >> that that pop up >> there were several cars. So we don't have the ability with these plows >> that I understand that but I'm saying if you have an amendment saying that that
during snowstorms you have this is a snow >> I think we have something on the books that says that. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's the problem. >> You have four cars, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Only two are driving, >> right? >> Where are the other park? >> I'll tell you what one of the residents
does. They're parking over in the church parking lot. Seven vehicles. >> I get it. Um and then as far as stage coach road, the state has big giant that's out on the corner that restricts [snorts] lane. >> Not our not our
>> So we don't do stage coach. >> We do stage coach, but where you're talking about part of the car dealership, the giant ice accumulation that prevents you from getting on stay put that there. And by the time we were able to get to it, thank you. >> We couldn't move it. I I understand.
>> This is what my FL does. >> Okay. I I understand that. But I really think we need to have some kind of law about having these cars. >> I agree with you. I would love >> We do. Right. >> I think we have the ordinance. Yeah. The problem is it's not enforceable. Same with the sidewalks. You make people
sidewalks or sidewalks going back and forth. Who's going to enforce the housing force and then >> well why can't we if there is a thing about cars on the road if maybe if people got ticketed to something you
know they would learn a lesson. >> Yeah I think we look at anything right we we are definitely going to come back together right soon as we get through this since this melts a little bit more we're going to have a plan like we had before and we'll come together we'll figure out some of the things we did right some of the things we could do better with. So I I think that's all on the table.
>> And Maxi, one of the ideas we did throw around when me, Brian, and Frank were talking is maybe opening up some lots that we have, whether it be the senior center or the park, and say if anybody doesn't have room in their driveway. >> I mean, it doesn't affect me, but I'm just saying it affects the cleanup. It does. Yes,
>> you are. >> Thank you. I come from New York, remember? So >> I wish I had streets with those. It would make our job easier. We would be able to go to the curve. Then the Part of the problem is like I said when you have an area I know and drive well
follow up um that particular area with those permanent obstructions and then a few cars parked in between. It doesn't allow you to swing out and then once those things are moved two of them are never
moving. If we came back in your driveway that you spent all that time clearing we would reblock you in. And that's the issue. We do need the cars off the road at the time of of of the issue and I would love to see it. It's just I call that I don't mean this disrespectful
way. This is how I characterize it. That's like my blue heaven. I wish that that was the perfect environment that we had plowing. But sure the towing cars off the street which people are already mad about their snow removal then their car [laughter] gets real.
>> Well no I understand but that like that popup camper >> I know >> it's used maybe three months a year. >> I know where you are. >> Thank you. I've lived in Whitman Square for over 30 years of my 48 years on this earth. So I I know it. >> Really? You grew up? >> I grew up on Mar.
>> Oh, really? >> 48. >> Oh, >> I'm telling you. >> See, >> somebody here longer than me, right? >> I moved in in 79. But no, I I think maybe a snow emergency thing would
>> maybe work. And >> we will. No, I I promise you we're going to look at everything in >> You know I know your number. >> I know you know my number. [laughter] >> I know there's going to be a one. Anyone else [clears throat] looking to speak? >> State your name and address for record, please. [clears throat]
>> Hi. Uh Richard Relian, 113 Pinnacle Place. Uh I came here on uh December 17th asking about uh possible reimbursement for snow removal of our townhouse community. >> Yeah. >> Um nobody's reached out to me as of yet
and I was wondering if uh there's a time frame where I would hear back from you guys. Yeah. >> Is there is there an HOA, sir, for your community? I'm the board president. >> You're the board president. Okay. >> Um, if it's all right with you, Mr.
Council President, sir, if you want to stick around after the meeting for a minute, I could get some information. >> Sure. as the mayor is is indicating um there are New Jersey laws that govern govern communities like yours but it's a factsensitive analysis and you know beginning with whose roads they are.
>> Okay. >> Um so happy to talk to you and see if maybe I can figure out the answer to your question. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Uh one one other thing if I might. Um, is the township considering at all uh
smaller sized trash bins? Um, because um, you know, in our community, we have probably the smallest legal size garage you can probably get and it's very tough to fit a vehicle in there as well as uh,
trash bins. Um, we did have them, you know, we can't have them outside because they they don't seal. So, they attract bugs, insects, rodents, even maggots, all kinds of stuff. So, we require our
residents to have them inside, but then they can't park their car in a garage with two or three bins, uh, in some cases, uh, most cases. Um, and with a town home community, you know, there's not enough parking, >> right?
>> And so then that ends up having street parking, which is not legal. Uh, so it causes issues. So, um, we did talk to Suburban and Suburban said as long as the bin can get the, you know, trucks
can get the arms around the bin and lift it up, it's okay. But I don't know how that works with the township. I don't want anything illegal here. Uh but I was wondering if you guys would consider the smaller bins. Uh in a previous community
I lived in or town I lived in, they did offer a smaller size. >> Yeah, I think as our program I mean we've only had it when we go out July. So you know just north of six months. I mean, I think the initial commitment is get
everybody rolled out, get the process going with the automation, and then as the program starts to mature and we can repurpose some of these cans, the 95s that we have with some new developments coming in, we could look at the possibility of bringing in the 65s and maybe possibly start redistributing
them. But right now, we don't have them in stock and um we're not purchasing them right now. But as these start to turn over, there has been talks internally of how we're going to redistribute the cans. So there is a possibility and we do acknowledge that it's not just your development. There's
several HOAs that have reached out to us um so over 55. So we have a nice idea of you know again it's not like we can just do it just for your development. No, no, no. >> It's it's just something that we have to repeat on on a >> anything we do, we have to look at it from a 30,000 foot view and how does it
affect the whole town and how many people would actually >> need that type of can, right? So, um it it is something that there are internal discussions. Um there obviously it works around money too making sure we do it smartly so we're not wasting the
taxpayers money by storing a ton of 95. So, it's really a repurposing of the cans. Um but it it's it's on the agenda. >> Um >> yeah, >> just your small concern about
our paper roll out. I was sorry. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. We go out there. >> There's a 48. >> Yeah. a little over. [clears throat] Is it allowable for people to like I
don't know go to Lowe's and buy some kind of >> Okay. >> All right. No, just wanted to be clear. That's all. >> All right. >> Okay. >> And stay. Matt's gonna talk to I want to get your information anyway, so you guys can talk after.
>> Yeah, I'll I'll much longer. Thank you so much. >> I appreciate the time. >> Oh, does he really? >> Peter has twins. I have twins. >> How old are your twins? >> Uh, mine are 14. >> Oh, that's a good age. >> Actually, >> of course he has twins. >> Actually, no. I'm wrong. They turned 15
on the floor. >> I tell people it's in the water here. When they're telling me they're pregnant, I'm like, "Is it twins? Like, I hope not." I'm like, "Well, it happens here a lot." So, just so people know. >> I had twins. I never seen >> Yeah. >> I didn't have this gray before I had them. That's all, you know. Yeah. [laughter] >> Yes, sir. I do have a question and a
comment >> about twins. >> Um, now getting back to the can issue. Um, because I said this to a couple other HOAs, whether it's condominium or whether it's
be simple. Um, would you as an association be willing to do a temporary uh adjustment allow people to have the cans outside until something can be done? But >> question number one, [clears throat]
>> that's something that we've discussed, but the problem is um even though they're required to be inside, some people are still keeping them outside and we've had complaints um >> because of the there have been rodents
in the area, there have been um maggots and it's it's sort of disgusting and it's offended the nearby with the adjacent owners, you know, because the town houses are all close together. >> Yeah. >> So, we just for health concerns, we we
we we're not going to allow that. >> Yeah. Well, the other question I have is a lot of condominiums in town and they have a common dumpster. >> You go and put the trash in. You don't have to have an individual can. Would
that be something your HOA would consider? Getting yourself a dumpster so people could put their trash in the dumpster, eliminating the need for the camp. >> Um, that might be a possibility, but I don't believe there's a place in our
community where you could put such a dumpster. [snorts] >> The Well, I >> The other thing is is the general laziness of our residents. um they it's very hard for them to
manage to take their trash bins off the street after trash day. So I can't imagine them walking 10 extra steps or 100 to a dumpster someplace. Well, I if he's >> I understand your point though.
>> You have clusters Washington development hill. I'm in those developments every day. I yet to see any of these problems
back and I know that coyotes foxes I I I haven't heard one person complain about anything until now. >> This isn't new this is new to me.
So, but maybe discuss it with engineer condos reimburse them parking and trash something. Okay, I appreciate it.
>> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Anyone else want to speak? >> Come on up here, Mr. Davis. >> Good evening everyone. Robert Davis, Saddlebrook Drive in Soul and have a question about neighborhood watch actually to do with the snowstorm too
where uh the complaints I've heard all have to do with the the roads and everything. However, uh going on the next door app, I saw a lot of people who said, "I'm handicapped. My driveway is
plowed in. What do I do?" I was supposed somebody said they were going to come by, they didn't show up, nothing's happening. I was just wondering on a neighborhood watch type of thing. I know the Hunt Club has neighborhood watch in
addition to the HOA and if you have a neighborhood watch, you could have things like who are the kids in our community who are willing to shovel the walkway. Uh again, I live on Saddleberg Brook Drive. My neighbors, four or five
of them came over to me, helped me dig out everything. It >> Yeah, >> it they did most of the work. I I did all the watching. >> Yeah, it's good. >> And it still took them three days to dig me out. Uh but if each I don't know
other communities other than Punch Club that have community or have neighborhood watch but if if more community more of the developments did I feel like the people who have those emergencies could just find out from the
neighborhood watch people who would be available to do that. They wouldn't have to go to Frank and his team. uh they wouldn't have to come and send you all uh emails. Yeah. >> They just go to their neighborhood, the community neighborhood watch,
>> and if there were problems uh that had to do with police uh and police force wanted to send something to those neighborhood watch communities saying, "Here's what's going on in Washington
Township. let your the people in your community know about that. It would be helpful. I don't know if you all have anything to do with those with neighborhood watch, but I just think it's >> I think we're looking into it. I listen I think we we're going to go back, you know, kind of figure out some of the
things that we can do, things we that we can kind of keep on going, right? So, I I did see police officers shoveling people out. I saw firemen shoveling people out. I saw I seen everybody trying to help out. I we we were talking about the Boy Scouts, but the snow was it was a lot of ice, too. So, we don't want to have our kids out on the road and things like that. So, because I
thought the same thing and I did have some residents that reached out and we tried to get to all of them, the ones that and I have their numbers saved. I told them to text me again. Again, it was a 10-year storm. So, I mean, that was, you know, some of it. A lot of it was ice. It was it was different. >> But, but again, I think everything is is
on the table discussed and figure out for future. But I appreciate that. >> Yeah. Just I just wanted to praise my neighbors and uh appreciate that. or other uh people in our development that gee, you know, don't they have neighbors that could help them if if there are
emergencies like >> No, and you know what we did? So, when I was stopping at people's houses, the neighbors were coming out and helping out. I mean, people were stopping their cars. They were trying to help. They were taking out shovels. So, nobody people were bringing out water and trying to help each other. So, that's what Washington Township was all about. I did see a lot of that going on. I saw the one thing I did want to bring up is
that you had some people were saying, "VMO me money. I'll put you on a list." Do not send anybody money. do not prepay for anything. After the job is done, then you pay the person. So, there was some of that stuff going on. So, unfortunately, that's what some of these storms bring as well. They bring scammers out that were scamming people
thinking they were getting on a list and no one ever showed up. So, that was something that that I didn't make a video about. I did want to talk about that. I thought that was important. I did hear that from a lot of people on on neighbors and that's why those apps were so great or those sites are so great because you did have a lot of people that were letting people know about that.
>> Yes. >> Col. >> Yeah. Uh do you do you have a a neighborhood Facebook page or if you're on Facebook? >> There is a Colts neck uh web page. >> You do have Yeah, we went in my development. I'm like right across the street from China.
>> Oh, okay. >> We find that to be very helpful, too. Yeah. >> Everyone communicating with each other whose children are [clears throat] are, you know, >> Yeah. >> shoveling snow and what have you. So, >> and again, I know there's excuse me, the Hunt Club has a Facebook page for their
neighborhood watch. doesn't have anything to do with this. But uh I hear a lot of people over there and they'll say I don't go on Facebook. I don't go on Facebook. So there are a lot of people who don't even though Coleneck has a Facebook page. Yeah. >> There there are some who just don't go
on there. >> Yeah. >> Makes it tough. >> That's true. >> There sometimes there'll be emails too like Heritage Valley has >> I think Hard Valley does a nice job. >> Yeah. They got a good association. >> Yeah. Oh, they're over here in the meeting
right now. Okay. >> Okay. >> Right. >> But keep in mind 30 years. What happened was
we've had storm I have never seen 60 years never had a storm like it's almost impossible. Plus on the news what do they tell you? Stay off the road. You shouldn't be
going anywhere. You have an emergency. So people are trying to go out icy and mother nature's not the winds down below zero. What are we supposed to do?
Stay in your house. Don't go out unless you coming just like a hurricane. Stay in. We had a hurricane and we had a thousand 10,000 trees that fell power would have been worse. the storm we had
when Frank back in 2018 17 that summer graduation >> I was at the high school for my daughter's graduation almost got locked in there that was we lost power we lost communications
blame us for that really realized what we just and it was an impossible storm for our roads keep up with. I don't care if we had 100, 200 people that ice
unless you got tanks treads. >> Yeah. I just >> People should be out anyway. [laughter] >> Wait till you see that tax. >> Yeah. I just think it would be easier if people in a certain development would contact people in their own development.
>> Yeah, I agree with you. >> Rather than go to township to >> We may want to talk about something like that. I mean, we can try to do something like that. It's going to take some time, of course, and it's going to be uh but we can talk about that. There's nothing else on the table. >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. I think I think it's all on the table.
>> Okay. >> This might be a catalyst problem getting interest. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'm going to I keep trying. Yeah, keep trying. >> I can have those conversations with you, Mr. Davis. We could we could try to see what we could do to try to reach out some people in the development and see
what we can do. >> Okay. >> Definitely. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Good to see you. Thanks, Mr. Davis. >> Anyone else? >> Seeing none, can I get a motion to code to the public, please? Brian has >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. I got to get seconds. One one quick point, take me two seconds. One of
the things that I'm sure you guys encounter that I know I encounter with almost every phone call is I pay $15,000 a year in property tax. I want to clear it right now. I I just want to point out Frank and I had asked our CFO, our assistant CFO, to run some numbers for
us. Of the $15,000 the average whatever the average household pays in Washington Township, $433 comes to municipal services annually. Trash, snow, grass cutting, vehicle
maintenance for the police department, everything. Street less than $500. It's 3.59% of the total taxes paid per household. So, whatever you pay in taxes, if it's
$10,000, it's 3.59%. If it's $15,000, it's 3.59%. But the average works out to $433 per household. If I got the whole 15, you'd be able to eat off your streets after 10 minutes when the storm was
done. I'd have I'd have flame throws. So, I I I meant to mention that during the conversation, Jim put some time into that for this and I wanted to just share that figure for everyone that takes that phone call because I know that's the this the you know the beginning of every
conversation is how much I pay in taxes. >> We get less than 500 in our department. So, >> thanks. Appreciate it. >> Anyone else looking to speak? >> Seeing none, can I get a motion to close the public? >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I
>> Okay. Next council meeting will be February 25th at at 2026 at 6 p.m. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> Make that motion. >> Second. >> All in favor?