not a luxury, but a vital component of health equity, especially for underserved and marginalized populations who may experience barriers to accessing wellness resources and support. And whereas Willingboro Township is committed to promoting a culture of wellness, encouraging its residents to
explore self-care practices and supporting programs, services, and community initiatives that foster physical, emotional, and social health. And whereas all members of the community, children, adults, seniors, caregivers, educators, professionals, and public servants, benefit from
greater awareness and adoption of self-care principles throughout all stages of life. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Mayor Samantha E. Whitfield of the Township of Willingboro on behalf of the governing body and all residents do hereby proclaim the month of September as self-care awareness
month in the township of Willingboro and urge all residents, community organizations, schools, faith-based institutions, and businesses to join in recognizing the importance of self-care by engaging in activities, education, and outreach that promote holistic wellness and empower individuals to take
positive steps toward a healthier, more vibrant future. Thank you, Deputy Mayor Worthy. And now we will go on to our township manager for the municipal updates. >> Thank you. We're going to start our updates this morning with our engineer,
uh, Mr. Russell Chapola, who's going to come and give you a summary of the things that have been happening or will be happening, uh, in the township from an engineering and construction or project standpoint. Mr. Chipola.
>> Good evening, Mr. Chapola. Good evening. Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor, council, and solicitor. Thank you, Mr. Harris. Can everybody hear me? Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Here. Thank you for having me tonight. I'd like to start off with the Jake's
playground and pickle ball court. Uh we're looking at a reduction in the playground equipment of approximately $300,000 in savings, which would bring us closer to our grant amount of 1.6 million. Uh with those reductions, we would be at $1.9 million and we would
still have six pickle pickle ball courts. Uh when we go out to bid, we're going to give an option for three or four picklear courts in order to try to reduce the cost to get closer to our grant amount. Right now, we have about $90,000 for each picklear court. Um, I
have a meeting set up this Friday, September 5th at the JFK Center and MLK building for the direct install program of the rooftop heating and ventilation units. Uh, we have problems with the mounting of these units on the structural framings of the buildings. I
will be meeting with Snyder Electric, Donnelly Energy, and members of the Department of Public Works. For Edgelane Road Improvements, our advertisement bid date is September 5th and we expect to accept bids on September 23rd. For Buckingham Drive,
we're currently under construction with concrete work and curbs and handicap ramps. Milling and paving is to begin either tomorrow or Thursday. I expect to last uh two to three days at the most. For the JFK exercise track, we have
Alima working on options for the track surface and regrading and drainage of the inner turf field. I gave Alma some suggestions for the track surface and other investigation items. Um, next council meeting, we are going
to be requesting a change order for additional concrete curb ramps at six locations where PSENG is going to be completing uh paving of six streets. And again, that change order would I would um hope to get that approved on the 16th
meeting so that we could continue with the work for paving and concrete work at Sussex, Sudbury, Siri, Sherwood, Shetland, and Shawont. For the performing arts center, I will I will be monitoring the progress of phase
two and observing our consultant Penon's work involvement to keep the project on schedule. The Babbot Lane storm water and drainage investigations is to get underway with a kickoff meeting with TNM Associates, which I expect to have a meeting next week. Uh for the food bank,
we're waiting on costs from the contractors that are through the New Jersey schools cooperative pool and we have a consultant. They have a consultant which works to get the prices and DPW is also coordinating this work.
But I personally spoke with the the gentleman from the uh schools cooperative and he told me that they expect to have couple of ores within two weeks. Uh as you're probably aware, the library
trees have been removed that were giving us some root system problems adjacent to the library. Uh now we're going to be having uh tree department of public works. We're going to have eight trees planted and they're told to me to be some beautiful crate myrtle trees and
then we're going to dress it up with some uh river rock around so we won't have any problems with the root system anymore. at 30 Executive Lane and 78 Tidewater Drive. We have under drain and pipe joint failures and I have been trying to get prices from different
contractors but have finally worked out what I think is um prices from Jay Fletcher Kramer uh that they are interested in working with us as our repair contractor and I'm expecting to get prices from them later this week so
we can get started on that those two repairs for the phase one of the senior center and library relocations. I'm going to have a sit down meeting with Alimo's engineer either late this week or early next week to go over the final scope items and drawings so we can put
that that project out to bid soon. Uh we expect milling and paving to be completed by Earl Construction as the last portion of our phase one IBank projects. And from September 5th to September 8th, we will be working on
Barington Lane, Messenger Lane and Mayfair Circle for milling and paving. Only two streets that are remaining which are Hopkins Lane and Hullbrook Lane. They will not be done until 2026 due to the PSSE PSEG's ongoing work. Uh
I received quotes from RVE, TNM, and CME for four locations that we also have under drain and miscellaneous pipe failures. Those four locations are Ballad Lane, Plum Tree, Shetland, and Tipton, and Topeka Lane, which I know
we're interested in getting that done. Um, we have the proposal from again those three companies and based on the scope of work and price, I recommended awarding the contracts to CME Associates to Mr. Harris in the amount of $3,500.
And lastly, I finally got what I think are some good a good budget price for all components of the aquatic center. This would include the fabric building structure which would be supplied by a company called Sprung Structures. An Olympic size swimming pool 170 feet by
75 ft which would be supplied by Murtha pools or it proved equal a splash pad area 1,000 square ft. I had a price from a company called Aqua Works. Uh bottom line for site work, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, offices, lockers,
architectural, engineering, consultant fees and contingencies was 11,500,000. And that's all I have. >> All right. Any questions for Mr. Chapola? You really dropped a bomb on us with that last figure.
>> I know. That's why I saved it to last. And and I look I have this is what I've been this is backup information. I've been working on it as Mr. Harris knows as time permits just slowly getting prices and putting things together. I'm
not saying that's the bottom line but it's I think it's a budget number that we have to be realistic about. The pool itself is $4.2 million. the Olympic size pool. Just a pool that's installation with all the plumbing and you know, you
know, that would be engineering and everything. I know it's a lot of money. >> Yeah. >> All right. I'll open it up to questions for Mr. Chipo. >> Counciloman P. >> Thank you for your presentation. A question regarding the um performing
arts center. I know you said that we're on schedule for um the date. What date is that? Do we have as far as it moved a few times? It was August and September. >> We were opening uh we were looking for end of this year. I don't have an exact
date on that, but believe end of this year. >> Like end of this year, like January, you mean like December? >> End of this year. 2020. >> December. Okay. >> They have right now we're in the we're in the shop drawing phase. They have 30 days to produce shop drawings for the
steel portion, 60 days, I believe, to produce shop drawings for the electrical and the fire protection, and then 30 days after that, they have to move on those items to get them built. >> Oh, wow. >> That's what I'm looking looking towards the end of the year. But we have a good contractor from what I hear, JH
Williams. We had a kickoff meeting last or two weeks ago. I was on vacation, but I got the detail from our consultant project manager at Penoni and they sound like they're really willing to get started and have done actually done some work before the contract was signed, which is a good sign.
>> Okay. But we're not going to make that October >> no >> date. >> Fortunately. >> Okay. >> Unfortunately. >> Would you be able to get a hard date for us? >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> One other question. This might be a council question. I know you spoke um
Mr. Chola about the first phase of relocating the senior center. So I don't recall when we voted on approving to relocate it >> library. >> Yes. To relocate the library to the senior center. Is that what I heard you say?
>> No. And Mr. Sholad did write that down as a note. Um the portion that is being worked on is the um senior center expansion with of the hallway, right? >> It's not the library relocation. That
portion is not >> in the port. Is that correct, Mr. >> That's correct. I'm sorry. >> Okay. So, um and I know that Miss Foster had given a presentation um few months back about the whole transitioning of
being able to have the path. And so that's what we're talking about. Okay. >> Did we ever get renderings on that or is this the first phase? Is this is this what he's talking about? What it's going to really look like? >> Yes. >> Okay. I was just stating that and it might be before your time. Um Miss Foster had came and presented um the
idea of having a corridor connect the senior center to the JFK center and like a little restaurant cafe type of a thing. And um she did her own drawings. But so I was thinking that with the phase one, is that what you're referring to when you say phase? >> I apologize if I misspoke. Yeah, the
phase one would be would not in I don't think that includes the and correct me if I'm wrong. I don't think that includes the cafe portion. I think that's going to be in the next phase. >> Okay. So maybe next meeting we'll get um clarification on >> that's that's around the corner from you
know the core area where we're working with and I believe that's on the next the phase two where the cafe is. Oh, that would be >> another wing. >> So, for the record, can you just clarify what portion of the building you're talking about? >> The remodel is going to take place. Whether you move the library or not is a
different subject, but the pos the the space will be prepared for utilization if you decide to move forward or not. And if you decide not to move the library, it could be repurposed into another fun. >> Okay. >> Right. Maybe I didn't make myself clear on that, but I knew there was a library
involvement in that. >> Yeah. Um gotta be clear. >> Okay. Sorry. >> So with the back to um Miss Foster's presentation, um she had presented um
repurposing the upstairs um rooms to be more meaningful to the senior center and also a corridor. So, Miss Foster's presentation was her her idea of what that would be, but we have since gone and got in um architectural drawings and designs in an
engineering plan for the first floor. And this remodel and design will be strictly related to the first floor. >> Okay. So, we're not doing anything with the top level. No. >> And you're and you're incorporating the the connection between senior center and
a JFK center. Cafe is phase two. Uh I'm um I I can confirm that but I think it's phase >> two. All right. So perhaps maybe at the next meeting I would like a little bit more clarity on what's happening with that transitioning of the senior center to the JFK center. Um >> it's not really a transition in
California >> or opening >> there's there's a door there and we will just be opening the door and just connecting the building but there's no physical constructing a a trans transitional space. I guess that's what I'm trying to say.
>> Yeah. So the senior center and the JFK center already in the same building. It will just be activating the corridor that is um immediately next to it. Not the >> so that it won't be as closed off. There
will be an additional area. Yes. >> Okay. >> But no structure right now purpose of that space other than the a walkway to >> No, it's there are classrooms there right now. Uh, Deputy Mayor Wy.
>> Yes. Um, Councilwoman Peron, if you think about when we walk into um the senior center to the left, those doors are always closed and they say do not enter or the alarm goes off. That goes straight into that first floor uh corridor currently where Faith and Action is. And then going on down that
way and that's >> that hallway and on around is this space that we're looking to um to activate. That's where the renovations. So that is like the transition or the connection. Um instead of those being well I don't know if there still be fire doors but right now they are they do stay closed
and they do say an alarm will go off if you push them open. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. And then there was one other thing that I had. Um Mr. Chapola, you talked about a reduction in playground equipment for the Jake's place, right?
>> And I remember those were two separate um grants. one that we got for the pickle ball court and one that was separate for the jigs place. So I was just curious about um how much equipment is being reduced to is it because I
think the selling point on this was that it will be a bigger inclusive playground than what we have at BTO. >> I did not get an exact description of what pieces of the uh playground would be reduced. They only gave me a general,
like I said, a dollar value. I didn't get a drawing from them as to exactly what's being reduced if that's what you're asking me. >> Okay. Yeah. And I think a reduction of $300,000 is significant and likely more than one
piece of equipment. So, >> I agree. That's, >> you know, I just don't want it to, >> you know, advertise a whole new playground and then it's only one piece of equipment. Okay. Yeah, I'm not sure. I wasn't here as far as the grants. Um, Mr. Harris, can you
speak on that? I'm not sure how many what grants there were on that. >> So, we did receive very substantial grants for those two projects. Uh, Green Acres did allow us to combine uh those two projects to uh utilize the the sum
of the the monies to make sure that one um that both projects were were done. Um, I believe the pickle ball court project came in a little bit less expensive than anticipated, which allowed the deferral of the additional
funds to the Jace place. Um, which also included uh incorporating uh restroom facilities and things like that, which I don't think were originally considered. Um, however, the projected construction costs came in
at substantially more than what the the grants would cover. So, we were just looking at ways to um bring it more in line with uh without having to put put almost twice as much money into the construction of both of those
facilities. So, nothing has been um finalized. Again, we were just looking at ways to just kind of reduce those costs. One of them was to um consider the the original plan was to have six
pickle ball courts and we decided to to bid those as an alternate bid. So, it could be three pickle ball courts, four pickle ball courts, uh depending what the um the uh the desire versus what the financial capabilities are to construct.
and then to to maintain as much of the original um Jake's Place playground. Um keeping in mind that we do have to provide bathroom facilities and all the causeways that go along with that. Um and just try to keep it reasonably um
cost effective. So there's nothing uh ingrained in stone as to what will and what will be. We we haven't seen a finalized uh optic of what all the equipment is. However, just the engineering in their planning has just
kind of outlined some ways that we can reduce the cost if if we choose to do so. >> Okay. I'd really be interested in in seeing that before we, you know, finalize anything and move forward with the
>> girl. Even if he just marks up what they already have, just a quick, you know, markup and show circles what would be removed. Just so here you can see, well, how much we had and what's going to be removed. >> Yeah, that would be helpful. >> I agree.
>> Any other questions for Mr. Chapo? All right. Thank you, Mr. >> You're welcome, Mayor. Anytime. >> Mr. Harris, >> thank you and good evening, everyone. I just have a few items to bring to you today as we're transitioning out of the
summer into uh the spring um this week or the fall. Yeah, I'm sorry I skipped two two seasons there, Deputy. I'm very futuristic looking. Um, this week we invite all of our residents and
community members to uh join us for our special ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official launch of our new outdoorness court. Um, that is going to happen on Friday and I believe that Miss Jackson will probably share more of that with her um information and uh and
report to the community. Also, the township has issued a trash survey which was mailed to every taxpayer um and shared across our social media channels. As of today, we have received 460 responses and um this is valuable
feedback to help inform future decisions about our waste collection services um and uh demonstrate the strong level of engagement from our community. We do have to make a decision. Well, we do have to go out to bid um for that in the
latter part of this year and we're trying to determine what it is that will be best for our community and we are also looking to engage an outside consultant to come in and do some um review work for us. Uh our fire and EMS
department recently held a touch a truck event that was on Thursday the 21st. Um it was a resounding success with more than 225 attendees and um the children in particular had a wonderful time and we just like to say
thank you to all who participated and supported this popular community gathering. And uh finally in human resources there are several noteworthy personnel updates. As you may uh recall, Miss Loretta Anderson will be retiring
in October after 27 years of service in Willingboro. Um we look forward to uh welcoming Mr. Anthony Buchcci as our new human resources manager. Mr. Buchcci brings with him 20 years of experience in local government and he will officially begin
his role on September the 15th. In addition to that, uh, public works employee Michael Vaughn has retired on Thursday of last week after 25 years of dedicated service in DPW. Mr. Vaughn is especially remembered for his efforts in
maintaining Willing Barrow's flower beds and green spaces, uh, leaving behind a visible legacy throughout the township. So, we thank Mr. Vaughn and Mrs. Anderson for their years of dedicated service to Willingboroough Township. And that's all that I'm going to bring to
you this evening. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Harris. Do we have any Oh, one thing that I had was on the trash survey. Um I have been getting some reports from residents that um
they're having trouble submitting if they um only have one trash can, only need one trash can, and the rest of the questions don't apply to them. there's a mechanism that make those you have to answer them um and if they don't have
any input or they don't apply they're not able to submit their response and >> we will look at the responses and and make the adjustment. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Are there any other questions or comments for Mr. Harris?
>> Councilwoman Macintosh. Thank you. Um just one question about the traffic unit. Um as we start school again, will that ramp back up during the um school hours or um beginning and end of school?
>> So I don't know that they ramp down um Chief Cook, but I guess they will probably be more visible in school areas. Chief Cooks, would you respond to that, please? So our our traffic unit will be responsible for uh motor vehicle violations of of such. Our patrol
division each officer is assigned a particular school and they will be assigned to uh those schools at particular times such as dismissal and uh and arrival >> and I think um also what I'm just thinking the speed down Beverly Ran Coke is to
>> Yes, that's where our traffic units would be. Yes. >> Thank you, Chickb. Any other questions for Mr. Harris? Council Pa. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Um, at our last
council meeting, um, you did briefly discuss that you had some, um, um, personnel absenteeism with the recreational center. And I recognize that you also stated that the person you hired left and you made some adjustments
to that department. um whereby temporary adjustments, deputy township manager is the acting director. Um however, with regards to the other roles, can you give an update on how soon before the individuals are coming back to their
posts or are they not coming back? Um has there any been any u postings? I did see some postings online. department is going through a um a very substantial restructuring um and is not a bad thing. Uh Mr. Lowry has assumed
the the helm over there and has made some uh wonderful operational changes already. I cannot go into detail about individual employees as those are personnel matters. Um however there have been some if you followed you know local
media who may have chosen to seek other employment. Um and as far as the others I am expecting um return to work after their um their their illnesses. >> Um do you expect full capacity like by
end of September? Do you have any gauge of when we'd be at full capacity or >> uh the persons who I am expecting to return are suspected expected to return in September? Um but I feel that we will
probably at at full steam probably a little bit past that. >> Okay, one last question regarding that qu that topic. Are you creating any new positions in that department or are you just filling who's left? >> We have not created any new positions. >> Okay.
Thank you. Right. Thank you, Councilwoman. Anything else? Seeing none, we can move on to the uh resolution overview or ordinance and resolution overview.
So first on the agenda this evening is ordinance number 25-17 which was presented um which was prep prepared for possible introduction. Um this ordinance has been submitted to the um the TNR
proponents for their comment. Unfortunately I have was not able to get it to them and back in time for a response for this meeting. So, if you would be uh gracious enough, can we possibly table this if possible
introduction uh until the 16th? Ordinance number 18 is an ordinance authorizing the municipal clerk to correct non-substantial and non-material uh errors in legislation. And if she wishes, she can uh elaborate on that a
little bit further. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Um so this resol or res resolution this ordinance um is really more um of a convenience thing in case resolutions come through with a
typo um or you know there was an error in the um a plethora of things. I think it says for misspellings, grammatical errors, numbering errors, cross referencing errors, punctuation errors, and
typographical errors. Um to note though, there was um a we did add a change to it to make sure that any financial errors, even if it was a typographical um error on a number, would still come
to council. Um, so that was added into the ordinance um after it was presented to you guys. So, um, there'll be an a C at the bottom of this ordinance. But, um, so all those types of things, all
those financial errors will come through you, but you know, um, a good example is if I put the wrong date on the bottom of a resolution, so it doesn't have to come back to you guys to be voted on. Um, it just gives me some teeth to be able to change it.
Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mrs. Zino. And then resolution uh 2025 is a resolution very similar to that particular ordinance, but I believe it is relative for uh one material
change to ordinance number 25-13. >> Correct. So this is a good example. Um the resolution that our redevelopment council gave us. There was an error in the um resolution number that they put at the top of the ordinance. Um they put
the planning board resolution, not the council resolution. So instead of it all coming back to you and you voting on it again, this just went this is gives me a way to just um change it and let you guys know that that change happened. You would still be notified on any change
that's made. It just would skip the part of you guys voting on it again. >> Thank you again, Miss Sino. Resolution number 2026 is a resolution authorizing the approval of vouchers for uh payment and ratification.
Resolution number 2027 is a resolution authorizing refunds for the overpayment of taxes. Resolution number 2028 is a resolution authorizing the township to award a contract to Route 23 Auto Mall um who
are participants in the New Jersey state approved purchasing cooperative for the purchase of two Ford vehicles for the inspection department. Um those vehicles were approved in the 2025 capital and we're going forward and and just making that acquisition.
Resolution number 2029 is a resolution authorizing membership in a mutual aid and assistance agreement with participating units. This is basically with uh Burlington County where it is in the best interest of the residents of
this municipality to enter into a mutual aid and assistance agreement uh with uh Burlington County and other municipalities included but not limited to police, EMS, and fire uh services. um provide that would just provide
additional protection against loss, damage or destruction um from catastrophic events, major emergencies or other extraordinary um devastation to persons and properties. And this is just outlining
the parameters of how each community will participate in the collective uh shared service agreement. And I believe you have the details of those agreements in your packets as well. And resolution number 230 is a
resolution appointing members to various boards and commissions. And those are all the items being presented to you this evening for consideration. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. >> All right. At this time, we will move on
to our first public comment. This is for public comment for agenda items only. If you have a comment for an agenda item, um please come up to the microphone. You'll have two minutes. Please state your name and address for the record. Public comment is now open for agenda
items only. Seeing none, public comment is now closed. Mayor, if I may, I forgot to call Miss Jackson to give us an update on community events. >> Okay. >> Well, we just finished public comment,
so I'll call her up after that. >> All right. The first public comment is closed. Miss Jackson, if you'd like to come up. Good evening, mayor, deputy may bear, all members of council, and all assembled. Happy September.
So, as Mr. Harris started to share with you, we are excited about our ribbon cutting that's going to be on Friday, September 5th, beginning at 10 a.m. And this is a ribbon cutting for our fitness court studio. So all are invited to
share in this occasion as we celebrate a partnership with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the National Fitness Campaign on bringing this wonderful resource to our community. So Friday's event will include um remarks from our local and county officials, demos by our ambassadors, which will
include coach mail as well as Zumba by Bonnie. So we encourage everyone to come and be a part. And we do want to remind you that we do have um coach mail on site Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. and again in the evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to assist um
residents with getting familiar with the court and the 7 minute workout session. For those who purchase tickets for our buron block on Saturday, we look forward to seeing you. Additional information will be shared with our ticket holders via email. On Saturday, September 13th,
the township will be hosting a shared event under direction of the township clerk's office from 10:00 a.m. to noon. And I'm sure the township clerk will share more information. And then we will close out September with our fall clean communities event beginning at 9:00 a.m.
at the Kennedy Center. More information will be shared um as we get closer to the event and certainly there will be opportunities for uh our high school students or young people to participate and get uh recognition or certificates
for community service. So we do invite them to be a part of that. The applications for the citizen police academy are available and residents are part are invited to be a part of this four-week class designed to inform and acquaint you with the world of law
enforcement. And we do that's it for September, but we are going to be working on some fall and holiday events. So we invite you to stay tuned and as always to just can stay um in touch via our website, social media, YouTube channel and weekly. And mayor, I did
want to advise that the um survey has been updated, so residents should be able to navigate the um survey with no problem. >> Oh, great. Thank you, Miss Jackson. And what was the date that you said for the clean communities clean up? >> Uh September the 27th, the last Saturday
in this month. >> Okay. >> At 9:00 a.m. at the Kennedy. >> Flyers and information should be >> All right. Any other questions for Miss Jackson? All right. >> Seeing none, thank you, Miss Jackson. Just one point of order, Madame Mayor. Um, can we do we have an update on I
know we did public comment, but as far as online, do we have an update as far as I do? >> It's streaming with no communication other way, right? Okay.
All right. So, we will continue on with the meeting for um the ordinances. Madame Clerk, >> thank you, Madam Mayor. Um I did want to just re reiterate um we are tableabling
the TNVR ordinance. Yes. Um, and then for ordinance 2025-18, um, I, uh, would like to put in a, um, addition under section
3-24 under C. Um um number three, there will be another C and that was where I will be adding the um caveat where council has to vote on financial errors.
>> So with that one, I think because it's not on there and the other council members haven't seen it, it may be best to just table both of those. >> That's fair, too. >> Okay. >> All right. So, I make a motion to table ordinance 2025-17
and 2025-18 until the um next meeting in September. That to be the September 16th meeting. >> Second. >> All right. Moved by Mayor Whitfield, seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh.
Madam Clerk, >> Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. And then we did
have I believe one item needs to be pulled for um from a consent agenda. That would be resolution 2025-230 for appointing members to various boards. Um, but other than that, I make
a motion to create a a consent agenda for items 2025-225 through 2025-229. >> Second. >> Moved by Mayor Woodfield. Seconded by
Deputy Mayor Worthy. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Can I get a motion to approve the same?
>> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Seconded by Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield.
>> Yes. >> All right. Resolution for separate um consideration tonight is resolution 2025-230, resolution of the township of Willingboroough, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, appointing members to various boards and commission. Um,
this is to appoint Matthew EPS to a resident member for an unexpired term um on the economic development committee uh to expire at the end of this year. I'd like to entertain a motion. >> So move.
>> Second. Moved by Councilwoman Macintosh, seconded by Mayor Whitfield. >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Prone. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. Councilwoman Mintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes.
>> Thank you. >> Moving on from resolutions. Can I get a motion and a second to approve the treasures report dated August 25th, 2025? >> So moved.
>> Second. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Seconded by Councilwoman Macintosh. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. Um, and for approval of
minutes, I have the July 15th and the August 19th regular council meeting minutes for your consideration. Can I get a motion in a second? >> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Melworthy. Rojo.
>> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. Yes. Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Abstain. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Madame Clerk, your updates.
>> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I will keep it pretty brief tonight. Um, the biggest things I wanted to touch on is, uh, like Miss Jackson said, the Shred event is September 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Um, the flyer is being
circulated. However, if you have any questions, you always um, feel free to call my office. Um, we're asking for um, approximately uh, two banker box worths per household. It doesn't actually have to be a banker
box. This is just some sort of unit of measurement to kind of keep people from bringing vans and vans of stuff to be shredded. Um, but again, if you have any questions, feel free to call. Um, and then just some important upcoming dates
for the general election. Uh, general election is November 4th, 2025. The voter registration deadline is October 14th. Early voting is from October 25th to November 2nd. The deadline to apply for the vote by mail and ballot through
the mail is October 28th, but you can go and apply for the vote by mail and ballot in person at the county um up until November 3rd at 3 p.m. That's all I have. >> All right. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Any questions for our clerk?
>> Seeing none, we'll go on to unfinished business. Any qu any items for unfinished business? All right, seeing none, um Mr. Harris, I did just want to um ask for an update or
a plan for our online technology um as we move forward. I know sometimes we can't control the technical difficulties that happen, but this has been a persistent issue. Um, and if you can provide council with a plan on how
we'll be able to best navigate um, the situation with online broadcasting or um, what our capabilities will be in the future at the next meeting, that would be greatly appreciated. >> Thank you.
>> All right. If there are no other questions, anything anyone have anything for new business? All right, seeing none, we are at public comment. This is our general public comment. This public comment is for four
minutes each. Um you will please provide your name and address when you come to the mic. And public comment is now open. And this is our general public comment. And if anybody else wants to speak for public comment, you can just come up and
stand at the podium um to be ready. >> Hi, my name is Leslie Jeresi. I live at 38 Balfor Lane. Um, my husband and I bought our house back in 1982. My parents were original owners. I grew up in Willing. I graduated. Go Griffins.
Um, however, since my husband died, I have received at least 25 mailings from township is ridiculous and we are not holding and I hesitate to use the word landlords because they're slumlords.
They are moving people in that have no concept on how to take care of a home. I live one next to one of them. I have seen rats in my backyard. I have Yeah, there is overgrown brush. One of the
inspectors was out and he was able to come in my house and look into their backyard from my backyard. He said it was horrendous. He took pictures, he cited them, but there won't be a change. Um, if the landlord has no investment in
Willingboro, you're not we have to have something in place to control the landlords. Um, it has become a major issue. We have people on our street that rent. They're wonderful. They take care of their property just like a homeowner would,
but it's the few bad landlords that we have, the investment people that are causing problems. Um, also some type of coordination between the police and housing inspections. We
had a shooting on our street. One of our neighbors decided to shoot a gun at our front door and hit the neighbor across the street. her house that again was a rental property and why those people were allowed to stay for a year after that there was also some
drugs involved and whatnot there has to be some way to control it I know we can't control everybody I don't want to live in a state like that but yet we need to look used to be a beautiful town we didn't have problems with rentals um
everyone was a homeowner and you busted your butt. And I understand up on le on Vans Skyber Parkway as they used to. They are now rerouted to Balffor Lane where we live. It is horrible. For three hours, because they
start lining up at 8:30, 9:00, we hear nothing but beeping horns, fights between people cutting in line. If a resident is parked on the street, instead of a person going around them and getting close to the curb, if there's no room, they just park right
next to that parked car. And it's a narrow street, you can't get down it. God forbid if we have an ambulance or a fire emergency, you will not get that vehicle down the street. So, thank you for the opportunity. Um, you can tell we
are concerned. We're all residents of the same street, two streets, and um, I don't want to live like this. I don't want to move. I want to be here. I've been here most of my life, and it's a good town. It was good back then, and it's still good, but we can make it
better. Thank you, Mr. Ty. Hello, I'm Terresa Williams McCoy, 76 Balffor Lane, Willing Road, New Jersey 08046. Okay, my grievance says street lights. I
live on the corner of Balffor and Bolton. That end of the street is so dark that you can't even see your hand in front of your face. On the corner where I live is a school bus stop. So you got kids
coming from both directions from the side street and from on on um Balffor. So in the winter time when it's dark, you know the kids they they they be kind of late and they running down the street to catch the bus. Sometimes the bus drivers sit there and wait for them because they know they got a couple on
them that's late. He can't see them or she whatever whatever the bus driver is because it's so dark on that corner. Now on the other end down by Dan Skyber it's like 42nd Street down there
but on the other end on the end that I live on you know between I'm going say maybe quarter ways down the street it's like it's so dark between Balffor Bolton and Sell Road.
And you can't see anything. So even if somebody walking down the street, me and my husband sitting on the porch, we can't see anybody coming from neither way. We can't see anybody coming from that way, from across the street, or from around our house because we're on
the side. We're on the corner. So that's my grievance. We need We need lights around there. It's dark. All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss McCoy. Hello everyone. My name is M God Glover. I'm at 54 Balfford Lane. Thanks for hearing us. Um Leslie, one of my
neighbors just pretty much gave all the concerns that I had, but I do have a few more. Um and I do want to piggyback on the nuisance neighbor. I just got to to um Willingboro and Balfford. Um we just celebrated my husband and I years ago.
Anyway, [Laughter] >> had to find him. Um, but we just moved here about four years ago. We absolutely love where we are. We've completely changed our home and our property and we were satisfied up until the neighbor,
the renter who came here that my neighbor Lesie just talked about the shooting um the 15 20 guys at her house all night which is her property the the where we paid for for when they got ready to leave. They go down a curb
street 60 miles an hour. My ring camera caught a few coming to her house with masks on. Um she's been gone. Thanks to Chief Books here, you know, um she's she's gone, but I wonder is there a nuisance ordinance? Is this I mean, do
we have to go through two years again if there's a problem? Um and how do we go about it as neighbors? What do who do we supposed to see? Because I called the mayor's office. I called Singleton uh Choice Singleton office. I spoke to the
inspector, chief of uh the director of inspections and they kept referring me to Chief Bucks, but I had no receipts on illegal activity. She was just a nuisance. There was mice running around.
People stopped picking up her garbage because she was putting garbage in the recycle bin as well. The garbage, she wasn't using her garbage can. She was using another one. And I just wonder what do we do? I mean, I'm just I'm new here. I just got here and I'm about to be 63 next week. I don't have anywhere
else to go. So, I just wanted to know how to address that and who exactly to address if I have that problem again because we have five vacant homes on our street right now. I don't know if they are for rent or new buyers or what have you. Also, I wanted to know about big
items removed. Where do we go? Who do we call about removing big items? the trash people will not pick it up. Um, and my and outside of the nuisant neighbors, which is, you know, violates
my whole peace thing, really want to know, is there a budget for our street? I had trees growing in my street last year until they fixed the piping and open up the street. They removed the tree that was growing through the street, but it's still
our street could look much better. Their property could look better. and for my taxes. I like my street to match my home. >> Um, thank you for listening. Um, I don't know if there's an answer for that, but hopefully I hope you put it on your agenda because I love where I
am. >> Great. Thank you, Miss Glover. And we will um answer public comments at the end of public comment. >> Thank you. That was my first little meeting. >> Oh, yes. >> Well, thank you for being here. >> Plan to be at more. >> All right. Be cute next time.
Good evening, council members. >> Good evening. >> Um, my name is Anna Callero. I live at 48 Belfer Lane and I love Willingboro. I love living here. I've been here 18 years, but recently there's been a lot of problems and it starts with the rental
properties. Um, I don't know how to change it myself. So, we had a meeting with Mr. Harris and he made suggestions to us and one of them was to come to the township meeting. Mr. Harris, we're here.
So, but there's got to be a way like to keep people from doing the things they're doing that, you know, it's infringing on the peaceful enjoyment of properties of people who have worked their whole life
to buy their homes and not fairly not fair and we've tried to include them. We've tried to educate them. We've tried to help them. I myself have done that. hasn't helped at all. So then you got to go the hard line. You got to call the
police. You got to get others involved and we asked about changing ordinances and we understand that was a process. But I remember I worked for housing all my life and it was landlords that were required
to have a set of rules and when people rented from them they were required to sign that they would keep those rules. And when they did, that was grounds for eviction. And when they had problems with other residents and those people and we would get complaints, we would call the
landlords that would go in their record and too many things in the record and they got sent to court. And I understand you can't like top an ordinance overnight. But there's got to be a way to help those who are are just trying to
enjoy their life. I retired two years ago. I feel like I'm doing more now than when I retired. But I mean it it's horrible. I have a disabled child who lives with me. And she's not a child. She's she's 50 going on 13. But ever
since the shooting, she's afraid to sit on the front porch. It's been a couple thousand dollars upgrading my front porch so she would have a space where she could sit and now she's frightened to sit there. I've noticed people coming down the street with masks on their face
in the middle of the summer and I, you know, at night I have a problem sleeping sometimes. I look through my security tapes and I see these men, young men I would imagine they are, and they're walking down the street and their face is all blacked out and their hoods up. I
mean, that's scary, especially at night. And who do you, you know, I don't see that until after the fact. So for me to report that like a day later or two days later, I don't think is very helpful. But to know that it's happening is very scary.
I never had mice. 18 years here. I never had mice until the last person moved out. Then I caught 22 mice in my house because the people that they were cleaning out the house, I was having a security system installed. My garage
door was open. 22 months later. Never had a mouse here in 18 years. And every time they clean out, kids, not myself, but my neighbors are complaining. I heard one of the guys across the
street come over and ask me a question about, you know, the house and trash. And he said, "Well, you should see the cockroaches jumping out of the trash can." It's crazy. And we're subjected to that. that can come to our house. You
know, it it's concerning and I wish the township could do something to get on the landlords. That's the key to get the landlords to keep these people obeying rules. >> Yeah. >> You know, that's where we could start.
>> I don't know. I would like to find out how to uh propose amendments, >> you know, how to do that kind of work. >> Miss Calero, your time is up. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. Thank you for coming. >> Good night, council members. My name is
Shya Channer. I reside at 25 Spindle Top Lane and I'll be reading. >> What was your name one more time? >> Showya Channer. >> Shya Channer. Thank you. >> I am here to bring your attention to the severe and deteriorating conditions of Spindle Top Lane. The road is riddled with multiple large potholes making it
hazardous for drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, the recent work done by PSCG to refill the holes they created has only worsened the problem. They the refilled areas are now even bumpier and more uneven than before. You know, it is
disheartening to see such substandard work, which I believe would not be tolerated in a more affluent neighborhood. Our roads are a critical representation of our city and community. No matter how much effort we put into maintaining cleanliness, poor road conditions overshadow those
efforts. Well-maintained roads play a significant role in beautifying our community and ensuring the safety and comfort of its residents. So, I would like to inquire if there's any plans. I know that I did see some roads being done I believe a year ago, but if
there's any plans to fix the roads and I do have pictures of um the potholes, a few of them. This was an email I sent to public works. Um this has been a long time ago, so I just said, you know, let me come and show my face. Pardon my
appearance. I was watching online, but I wasn't sure if there was a way I could communicate over Zoom. And I also have a problem with um you know, rentals. You could tell the difference in the communities um from a homeowner and a person that's renting. Like in my
street, you could tell the difference. No care whatsoever. I have um code enforcement on speed dial and they don't care. I don't know if we need to enforce stricter punishment, higher fines, and
also parking on the road. I have a sharp turn. I I don't know. Is it Somerset? and there's cars that fill that street making it dangerous, not to mention the kids that are outside playing ball now. So, yeah, those are my concerns. Thank you for hearing me out.
>> Thank you, Miss Shanner. >> Hello. Hello. >> My name is Shauna Flagger. I live at 49 Belffort Lane and I live right next door to one of the problem um rentals that we had. that person like they moved out now
but the house is being fixed up and everything for a new rental person to move in and most of these people on these street they're rentals but I don't have a problem with section 8 but I think they're mostly section 8 people and they don't take care of their property um when the or the landlord
when the pe when the person left the house I had tree they they were going they were going trees of heaven you know they they get the lantern bugs I talked to inspection Kenneth, he would come by, you leave a note, you know, then nothing never got done and he would put the sign on the door. So eventually I went
through Bro Connect and put my um complaint in and in about a week or two later, I guess they reached out to the landlord and had someone come out and actually try to chop the trees down cuz it was infested. Now my property has
lantern bugs on it. Um, I recently just got a pool put in and I have lantern bugs all in my pool. So, and because someone is moving in, they finally cut down the over um grown grass in the backyard. It was like so high was like
going over like it's over the gate. It was just and just the house. It was just terrible. So, I'm just hoping like we had shootings then the guy next door he passed away like he got hit in the head by the he had a fight and I guess whatever happened he passed a month
later. Anyway, I'm just hoping the new rentals or whoever going to be moving in there are not chaotic like the people who there was before cuz I have an 8-year-old and you know my window you know willing sits low and you know I'll be scared to death. They come out, they used to fight, you know, pull out guns,
and I didn't know if a bullet would come through our home. So, I really keep my son upstairs in his room. You like he didn't really play downstairs. So, you know, I'm with the community on the problems of the street and just hoping you guys like whoever these landlords
are that bought these houses and then, you know, rent them out, we can do a better job at vetting some of these people that moving. So we won't have these type of neighbors who can't even keep a a property, can't even cut the grass. You know, the grass overgrown,
they won't cut it all summer or like twice a summer and things like that. So, I'm just making it, you know, you know, joining in with my street neighbors and just hoping this next the people that move in next is just a
little bit more caring about their space and we don't have the cops at their at this place every other day. No one even lives there and the cops was there on Saturday. I'm like, what's going on? So, that's my that's what I just wanted to say.
>> Thank you. Thank you for coming. >> All right. Are there any other public comments? Seeing none, public comment is now closed. At this time, we'll start to respond to the public comments. And first, I just
want to thank all of the residents of Balffor Lane and Bolton Lane that have came out. Um, I really appreciate your engagement. It's um nice to see residents coming to a meeting not only to voice their concerns
but also um you're able to get some of the information other information that's going on in town. So, thank you for coming. Um and I will ask Mr. Harris. We'll tackle some of these together. You ready? >> I'm ready.
>> Okay. All right. There were some there are some concerns. I guess the major concern is about our landlord regulations and their um duty to take care of the
property that they are renting out. Um do we have any penalties or ordinances around slumlords or um anything like that? >> We do. We have very extensive ordinances in place about property care and and rental property maintenance and and as
you are maybe aware or not aware the the process is not as easy as it could be. Um you know the process is if someone is in violation they get a a notice of
violation. They have an opportunity to cure that violation. If the violation is not cured, they get a summon and then they go to court and then the matter is dealt with in the court. If they uh if they abate the situation and then a week
later let their grass grow up again, then we start from scratch and go through the process again. They get a violation. Um if if not, then they get a summon and and go to court. And it is very difficult for the township to
kind of deal with these problem uh residents. And you know, we are saying rentals, but these are problem homeowners as well in in Willing Barrow. And there is little um that we can do other than continuing
to give them summones and and take them to court. you know, we hope that the judge will impose fines on them that are substantial enough to kind of scare them into um taking care of their business.
But the reality is, not only in Willingboro, but in municipalities all across uh New Jersey, municipal courts are hundreds of thousands of dollars of uncollected fines from people who just don't pay. So, what's the recourse? Um
what we do here in Willing Barrow is that if we deal with a a property then we go ahead and place a lean on the property. But even that process is a very lengthy process that you know okay we put a lean on the property then after
6 months you you decide that you want to foreclose on that lean and take the property. You're talking a year and a half maybe uh before that even happens. So, so how do you legislate and mandate mandate good neighborhip?
>> Stephanie Lworthy. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Harris. I'm going to approach this a slightly differently. Um, residents of Balf for Lane, I hate that you are experiencing that living in Willingboro. the um council, the mayor council do not endeavor any of our residents to live the way that you are
having to live with the different inconveniences, the threats of safety, um the nuisances. That is not something that any of us um enjoy hearing about. And I I thank you for coming out to share those experiences with us. Um instead of telling you what we can't do,
what I would like to do is to find out what has been done on Balfur Lane. I would like to know, Mr. Harris, um, if you could please find out from code enforcement what has been cited, where are we in the process for some of these nuisances that the residents have shared with us. I understand that there are
things that take time. I think the residents understand that. However, I don't know if we've really captured what has been done, what's been reported. Um, where are we in those things? We don't know if those things have been caught at all. So, I would like to find out what
has been done so that if there's not emphasis on that block that there is more emphasis. I'd also like to find out what we can do about the street light. Not sure if it was removed or if that's a new problem or if maybe the residents just now are bringing it to us, but what
is it that we can um do potentially with the street light um the darkness that they're talking about at the end of the block. So, while I appreciate um you sharing with the residents the timelines and what happens with um the process when things are cited, I think that we
can look at things a bit differently and understand what's been done and give them a little bit of relief and perhaps within the next couple of weeks since they've met with you already, they can meet again. Um but I would like for us to at least take a look at what's been done to offer them some relief.
>> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Okay. um I'm sorry right now we're answering some public comment and I can respond to you during that >> corner board madame mayor just um to the young woman's uh concern if we can I it
sounds like she was online waiting to to answer to speak we did have some technical issues perhaps we can give her an opportunity to speak um with her comments um before we continue just because she came down here because of our issues. Can we just have her ask her
questions? If you want to do it now or after we answer however we want. >> Well, I want to finish answering this um question and then we'll take care of that. >> Um >> and I do have a question for Mr. Harris, too, but I can regarding the same topic. >> Regarding this topic. Okay, goody. So, um thank you um residents that came out
to bring this to our concern. Um, this is very disturbing for me to hear as well as the rest of my colleagues. Um, and I'd love some of the ideas that the young woman had spoke about with regards to um, penalties that we're the landlord
must sign as far as what we require and check off and um, so perhaps we can look into that. Let's look at our um, our ordinance that we currently have regarding rental properties but not only renters also um, owners. But speaking
about the renters, uh are we contacting the landlord? I know that um code enforcement is out there, but are they putting like a sticker because I've gotten codes before. They've put a sticker on your door. Are we taking the extra mile to contact the landlord? And
if not, perhaps let's look at that and incorporate that with code enforcement as far as an additional initiative to, you know, to um twist the arms of those that are not taking care of the properties. The last thing I wanted to say about that is um behind the yard
with code enforcement, do we check a person's backyard, especially if it's fenced in? And um if not, perhaps it's something we can continue to do. Actually, there's one more thing. Because there's a rodent problem, which as we all know, rodents, they will begin to populate and move into other blocks.
Maybe it's happening on this block, but is there something that we can do to even assist this area by um putting down some rat poisoning um as far as the township paying for that to put something down on that block to help
mediate what's been happening? Uh is another suggestion. So, that's all I have. Um, Madame Mayor, >> thank you, Councilwoman Peron. And I know we do have some um nuisance ordinances and um things that are being enforced as sometimes they do take time,
but there's also some issues or concern about fast driving. Um, Mr. Paris, would you um ask Chief Buck just making sure it go through the chain um to make sure
the traffic unit is paying attention to Balfur Lane and uh taking care of the speeding and parking on that street as well? We did at the last meeting, I believe we talked about parking in some of the areas. Can you take care of that?
All right. Thank you, Chief Bugs. All right. Um so Mr. Harris, will you be able to provide us with any information and what has been done to mitigate on um the issue on Balfur Lane?
>> No, but I will have be having a conversation with Mr. Tonsl uh after he returns and we will be discussing this along with Chief Pucks as well. >> Okay. Would you be able to provide us with an update at the next meeting? >> Absolutely. >> Thank you, sir.
All right. And also the street lights. I know that was mentioned, but I know we have some other connections with with PSEG. And if those street lights can get fixed on Balffor, that would be um helpful. It was um Balffor Bolton and
Salem Road somewhere around that corner. All right. Uh we did have a question about bulk trash. Uh Mr. Harris, do you want to have >> So there is there is a process for bulk
trash collection. You call and schedule bulk trash and and I don't I'll have a conversation with Mr. Chapman. Um I don't understand why their bulk trash isn't being picked up if they're >> trash. They don't know the process. >> Okay. Mr. Chapman, would you explain the
process for the the residents, the numbers that they call schedules? >> Good evening everybody. >> Good evening. >> Um B collection is scheduled um excuse me um 877-2200 extension 1107
and you can also do it through uh go one bro connect. There you go. No, I'm gonna come and talk to you after the meeting. I'll answer all your questions after this meeting is over because it's collected once a month, but I'll come and speak to you after the meeting is over.
>> But share a general, please, so everyone can can understand. >> All right. B collection happens in Willing once a month. Collection requests are taken up all the way up until the third Thursday of the month and then the collection happens the last week of the month.
All right. Alrighty. Yes, we do. >> All right. >> All right. Um, and then I think one of the last issues on that part is on the road
issues, the potholes and repaving. Uh, Mr. Harris, can you provide any updates on that project? >> So, PSCNG um is finalizing some work on some roads. I'm I'm not sure Spindle Top was was one of theirs, but if they recently
repaired um that road, then there was a settling period and PSCG is in the process of moving forward with repaving all of their roads. Um, and I will have a conversation to see where Spindle Top is on the list, but if it was recently
done, um, it should be probably I I don't know when it was completed, so I really can't say when it it's scheduled to be to be paved. >> Okay. Will you be able to follow up with Miss Channer and let her know um any updates on that? >> Yes. >> Okay.
Thank you. And it was um a pothole complaint as well, not just the paving, the repaving. >> Yes. >> All right. So, Miss Channer, he'll follow up with you on those road conditions. All right. We talked about parking,
street lights, renters, driving. I think we got all the issues. >> The food drive. >> Oh, the food drive. the parking on the food drive. Um, uh, Chief Bucks, is there anything that
our traffic unit is doing? >> Oh, we can't have any comment from the audio. Sorry. >> It's very, as the resident said, it is it is a traffic issue. Um, like you said, they used to line up on Vans Skyver and what would happen is as they come around the bend on Vans Skyver, it
became an issue on that. So, I guess what they what the drivers decided to do is move it to the side street, which has also caused an issue for that. Um, and they do start early. They probably start 8:30 in the morning and probably goes to probably about 1:30, 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Um,
>> and um, yeah, we'll I will take a look into it. maybe have a conversation with the with the church to see if they can come up with any uh any better procedures on how they can uh how they can dist distribute that uh those items. But yeah, it's going to have to be a conversation between um you know between
the church and and ourselves to see how we can rectify that situation. >> Okay. All right. And if you can provide an update at the next meeting that >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> All right. as we are having technical difficulties online. Um I know some
residents have come up and uh missed the public comment because we weren't able to accept them online. I'll call um those residents up now. >> Good evening and thank you for taking that um our questions. So um I rise
again. Can you put your name and address please? I don't know why, but uh Jada Jackson uh 83 Tidewater Lane. And the reason why I don't know why is my first question. Why were my questions what were presented twice verbally and in writing? I put them in the chat at our
last meeting, not responded to as I saw as directed by this council by the township mayor. I was told that they would be answered. I know people who do not know me who now know me. They know where I live. Interestingly,
I don't get anything. So, here goes my questions again. When will I get the report as well as other residents that analyze and identify the metrics and issues that led to the decision to restructure, revamp,
rew whatever the recreation department to. What specific ways does the restructuring, redoing whatever you have done in recreation presented at the last meeting, that staffing plan
directly address the needs, gaps, and concerns that are outlined in your analysis by which you made that determination. Three, how are you ensuring that the currently scheduled events are being executed at or above the standards
previously established? Four, what steps are being taken now to ensure that planning for 2026, which should be currently underway, are in prog are progressing in a way that does not negatively impact the residents or
the quality of future events. These are the same questions twice verbally, once in writing, now again verbally, and also in writing. I put them in the chat at 7:46 p.m. after waiting 46 hours 46
minutes to be heard in the first questioning. If someone would like, I can show you the screenshots, but I would like to answer today. When will I get the report? >> Thank you, Michelle. >> Thank you. >> Report analysis decision- making
whatever preface the decision making. >> Thank you, M. Thank you. >> Mr. Harris, do you have a response to um those questions um as to a report on the restructure of the um recreation
department of what led to it? >> Metrics, >> I don't have a report with metrics and to to analyze and identify. Um these were observations in um in needs and recreation
um the need for a full-time director and a decision was made to hire a full-time director. Um that individual did not work out. So a decision was made to put in a
temporary person, Mr. glory until we uh determine how we are going to move uh forward with the restructuring of recreation. Um
the rationale or reasoning behind some moves with personnel are largely uh related to personnel issues and there will be no report on those issues. Um and as far as you know the the
programmings and plannings uh for 2026, yeah, we are we already have our our plans for 2026. We know what the programs are and and again uh we have Mr. Lowry in place to move direct uh
recreation uh forward and I think things are moving along well. >> All right. And I think the last question was how are we assuring that the events are being held to the same standard um the events that are scheduled for this year?
>> Well, I believe that the person that we have in place who will be working on those events will ensure that they will probably be um different and fresh and new and possibly at a higher standard. >> Okay.
Um the the answer to that first question is that it was an executive level decision. There was no report or written a written report or analysis that was done for that. Um and Mr. Halt, would
you be able to um provide any information on our requirement to create a report for a decision of that? Can every can everybody hear me? >> Yes. >> Yeah. I believe the decision to create the report if there is one is rest with
the manager at this point and the question being is there a report with metrics as I understand it >> and there is not one. Mr. Harris stated that there he has not created a report.
I'm sorry. We can't have more commentary from the courtroom. Um, Mr. Harris, were any emails responded to from that were given or sent to you from
the last council meeting on any >> No, I I haven't received any emails and we don't really see chat comments while we are in the process of our council meeting. So, I'm I'm not familiar with uh information that may have been put in in the chat during the council meetings.
>> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Harris. Um, I'll ask that you follow up with Miss Jackson um on uh her her questions and any other uh issues that she may have. >> Madame Mayor,
I was going to ask Mr. Harris about that because that feature is available for chat. Um people raise their hands to speak and so forth. So I thought the IT department was well they used to >> no we can't see the chat during the
meeting. >> So then maybe that feature should not be active because then people are under the assumption that we're have we're receiving the questions when we're not. So aside from our technical issues is that feature going to be monitored and
um by whom? And if not, then it should not be a feature where people can put questions in. >> I don't know, councilwoman, if that's a feature that can be turned off if you if you >> would you be able to investigate that? >> We can. >> Thank you. >> Or have somebody monitor it? Is that
something that this is a council question? Um would you be opposed to having someone that can see the questions during public comment and say we have a written question or would you want to think? >> No, I'd rather those come through email or email. to email the questions and not
through the chat. >> Right. >> Okay. So, you definitely want to look into dis dis deactivating that feature or go back to the way we used to have our because we we started this whole platform with online initially. It was done before >> during co >> during co during co but we had um what
was the platform? It was different than this has changed um wasn't it um through our Facebook page was or zoom. >> It was always through Zoom. >> I don't know. Yeah, it's still through soon. >> It's through soon. Okay. Well, maybe let's look into that because it's it's
deceiving if people thinking that we're looking we seeing the questions and not answer answering. >> Yeah. And I think that's why I asked um Mr. Harris um to give us an update on the online capabilities, what features we will be able to provide to the public
because I imagine after this many instances of issues, we it we need to make a change um with from what we're doing right now because the inconsistent inconsistency is not conducive to public interaction. So, I agree,
>> Madam Mayor. >> Deputy Mayor Whitney. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. as we're talking about um interactions with the public and um whatever challenges we're having technology um tech technically I know that in some places um residents provide
their public comments in writing um they don't do public comment like we do in real time where we're trying to hurry up and respond straight away. I know that um back in 2019 or so um under previous administration, they were working really hard to try to get responses to
residents by the next council meeting. Um and it would be added to the manager's report and the manager will report out at the next meeting and then with this council we move to trying to respond straight away. Um but the challenge with that is a lot of the questions that are coming forth have
multiple layers and complexities but we don't have the email the resident's email. we don't have all the information to be able to get with them. Um don't know if the council wants to consider um accepting in lie of in-person real time public comment. Another option is
submitting it in writing. Um and the responses are given also in writing and then verbally. But I've seen many different ways that public comment is done to try to make sure that we're not trying to give responses that are quick but that that are incomplete. So, I think um as we're looking at ways to
enhance public comment, we may want to also look at what are those options that also include um submitting a written comment versus um coming to the podium or in addition to >> Okay, Madame Mayor, um what about um
giving information to the public on how to email questions um who to email, whose address to email, and maybe creating a process behind that because I know we did I we did all received one email public comment when one of our
situations with technology issues um via one resident Miss Holly she emailed all of us I don't remember that her questions being answered at the next council meeting and then she's not here to speak to it again so emailing is one
thing an avenue which I do like that avenue but then if there's a black hole where we're not responding to the emails that's a problem so I know I didn't respond to her email >> and I know there was a response that >> okay so I don't know if she received a
response to it and how so maybe a process as far as expectation from the resident where to email how soon to expect a response um creating some sort of uh process like that yeah and I think that's something that we need to explore
overall as we're re-evaluating this technology situation which you know, was put in place um and we've been trying to improve upon since co but um now it is really causing some issues
and confusion between us and the public and how to comment. So I think um if we'll start um to have some discussions with uh Mr. Halt and our clerk and Mr.
Harris about uh some strategies on how we move forward in this public comment piece. Um I know some of the things are not feasible but we do have a statutory mandate of how public comment and we
have to be able to take public comment. It's just the manner in which we do that um needs to be reviewed. So, we'll talk and go through some discussions and meetings um and come up with a plan for how we can proceed.
All right. Is there anything else um anything that I miss from public comment? I don't think so. All right. Moving along, we'll go to council comment.
Any council comment? Seeing none, um I just want to say thank you everyone for coming out once again. We really are working hard on our e uh IT technical issues. We have been struggling with this for a few months.
We've gotten a new contractor, but some of the issues still persist. As you know, technical issues are unpredictable and can happen at any time. Um and unfortunately they keep happening on our council days. So um we will uh as I've
talked to or as we've asked Mr. Paris for some updates on a plan on how we can move forward efficiently with technology. And um we will review our public comment procedures and um section
with our team so that we can make sure that our public interactions go as seamless as possible um and we stay within the um bounds of the public meetings act. All right. If there are
nothing else, um we don't have any executive session this evening. So with that said, I will ask for a motion for adjournment. >> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Roll
call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> We are now adjourned. The time is 8:45. >> Thank you.
>> Good evening everyone. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So then Want to