Madame Clerk, the time is now 7 p.m. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. I'd like to call this regular township council meeting to order at 7 p.m. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron is present. Councilman Anderson, >> present.
>> Councilwoman Mintosh, >> present. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy >> present. Mayor Whitfield. >> Thank you. At this time, I'd like to invite Amam Muhammad and Enjin Azir up to lead us in tonight's prayer.
>> Good evening. >> Evening. Hello everyone. on your aldul. above. Amen. Imam Muhammad from Masid Hamidia recited the opening prayer for
everything that we do. And so to open the council meeting, he recited surah fata and he seeking refuge with God from the Satan.
And then he began with in the name of God most gracious most merciful. All praise is due to God lord of all the worlds. Most gracious, most merciful, master of the day of judgment.
Thee alone do we worship and your aid do we seek. Show us the straight way, the way of those upon whom is your grace. Not those upon whom is your curse, your
wrath, nor those who go astray. And on behalf of our president of Masid Amdia, our imam and our members, we want to invite all the council people including the clerk and the township
manager to an ifar. Ifar is where we break our fast as we are entering the month of Ramadan on February, Saturday, February the 28th.
And please you can contact us and let us know that you're coming so we can prepare something really special for you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. >> Thank you.
>> Madam clerk, thank you. Please rise for the flag salute. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Compliance statement. Notice was
provided in compliance with chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975 to the Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, and Philadelphia Inquirer, stating the date, time, place, and the agenda to the extent it was known. Additionally, notice was filed in the office of the township clerk.
>> Thank you, Madame Clerk. At this time, well, good evening everyone. first. Um I hope everyone is doing well and thawing out after that deep freeze that we had. Um but at this time to begin our meeting, we don't have any presentations
or proclamations. So we will go straight to our township manager, Mr. Harris, for his municipal update. >> Good evening, uh mayor and members of the council and uh and the public. Um just a few briefings um of activities
that have have been happening since our last meeting and updates this week's the inspections. The uniform commercial code and the zoning team continue to manage a mix of compliance enforcement and operational workloads related to winter
weather um impacts. Uh at one of our locations on Charleston number 399, there was a smoke shop that was designated to go there. The operation has been paused following a zoning determination. Although a certificate of
occupancy was issued on December 17th in 2025, the current convenience store does not comply with ordinance number 2025-11 adopted on June 17th, which regulates proximity requirements for convenience
stores. Uh the staff is holding the operations in obeyance pending a meeting with the zoning attorney to confirm the appropriate legal posture and any notice requirements and the next enforcement steps. Separately, the winter compliance
activity remains high. A total of 234 violations and work orders have been issued for failure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks. 146 of these have been completed as of February 9th by the township due to the sustained volume and the need to protect
pedestrian safety. Um a resolution awarding a contract to Mark's Lawn Service to support the abatement and completion of outstanding violations and leans um will be placed on those properties to reclaim the expenses borne by the municipality.
DPW has provided several key updates. They received confirmation from um the inspections department that Brian Electric has paid the mandatory state of New Jersey permit filing fees for the Mil Creek electric vehicle charging stations. Uh DPW will be touching base
with the vendor this week to secure a more definitive construction start time frame and uh sequencing so the township can properly coordinate field activities and minimize disruptions. facility and capital activity at the JFK Center is moving forward. The township
did receive notice from Ascend Construction that a dumpster was dropped off at the JFK Center on February 10th to support the removal of debris and and appliances identified for disposal um particularly um related to the
bathroom remodeling over by the the gym portion of the the center. Um, in addition, the construction of the new human resources office at the JFK center has been completed. There was one uh remaining item regarding electrical
installation which is currently underway. DPW is also preparing for an important staffing transition as long-term supervisor Donald Thompson will be retiring at the end of the month after 22 years of service. Initially, he
was going to retire in June, but he decided to uh cut out early. The department is entering a transition period and will reassign supervisory tasks and respons responsibilities to ensure continuity of operations and
better align oversight with personnel changes um in the supervisory ranks. At the same time, DPW is facing a press pressing operational risk related to uh winter materials. No salt deliveries have been received from the original
order placed back on January 20th. Uh staff will continue escalating with suppliers for a confirmed delivery date and will evaluate contingency sourcing options as needed to maintain readiness during any additional snow events. And
we may possibly have a smaller snow event um this weekend coming up. Recreation programming continues to show positive momentum. At the same time, registration numbers for upcoming project or upcoming programs are
increasing, which indicates both healthy demand and improving participation levels at the department. Um, as the department builds out its seasonal schedule, uh, Miss Ballard, our resident artist, has launched Black History Month programming in the art gallery at JFK,
adding cultural, uh, engagement opportunities for residents celebrating black history. And if you have an opportunity, um, meander through the JFK center and look at what she has on display. Our fire and EMS department reported notable staffing changes in
oper and an operational operational incident. Uh one full-time ENT submitted a resignation from full-time position effective Thursday, February 26th. Uh they will be transitioning to a perdm role. A second full-time EMT also
submitted a resignation to move to uh PDM status after completing a paramedic course. Uh these shifts will require some uh scheduling adjustments to maintain coverage and response capacity. Additionally, one township uh ambulance
was involved in a minor motor vehicle accident in Westampton during the extended weekend while transporting a patient to the hospital in Mount Holly. The incident is being processed through normal reporting and review channels and the vehicle's condition and readiness will be confirmed as part of standard
followup. Our finance and procurement activities remain on track and compliant. The annual debt statement, which is statutoily due by January 31st of each year, has been prepared, and it reflects that the township remains well within
allowable debt limits. Under New Jersey statutes annotated 482 col2-6, the net debt valuation percentage allowable for a municipality is 3.5%. Willingboro reported a net valuation at
1.236%. Confirming the municipality is comfortably below the statutory cap. And to reinforce internal controls and consistent purchasing practices, purchasing training is scheduled for tomorrow, February 18th, from 10:00 a.m.
to 11:30 p.m. at the Firehouse Conference Room for individuals who have not participated previously or may need a refresher. And finally, the police department reported progress on fleet readiness. The bid package for upfitting
three police vehicles has been completed and was slated to be advertised by Friday, February 13th, with bids scheduled to be open on March 3rd, 2026. This procurement will support operational readiness and help ensure vehicles can be placed into service
according to department needs and equipment standards. and our um solid waste bid is also due back uh in the township on March the 4th. So, we are going to see where those numbers bring
us as we prepare our 2026 budget. And last but not least, I would like to um announce the pro promotion of Miss Ivy Carmichael to the role of deputy township clerk effective as of
yesterday. Oh, I'm sorry. >> Deputy Township Manager effective as of yesterday. >> Deputy Township Manager. Um, Miss uh Carmichael has been an integral
part of my office in operations since I came into to Willing Barrow and I feel she is more than um prepared for this role and we are looking for great things from her. Miss Carmichael, would you like to say a few words?
>> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Thank you for the opportunity. Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor, members of the council, and for members of the community watching. Um, I've just celebrated my four years in Willenboro. So, not new to many, but probably new to some, usually in the background, but I'll be more in the
foreground helping. I'm really excited. Um, those of you who have worked closely with me know that I do uh appreciate my job. I work really hard to get the job done um to see Willen Burl succeed. So, I'm excited to do it from one seat to the next. and we will see what I'm
excited about 2026. So, thank you. Looking forward to it. >> Thank you, Miss Carmichael. >> And last but not least, we will call on Miss Jackson at this time to give us an update on some of the activities occurring at Willingboro over the next
couple of weeks. >> It's all good. It's just water >> and it did not spill. >> Good evening everyone. Good evening, >> mayor, deputy mayor, members of council, and all assembled. It's so wonderful to see everyone this evening. So, as we
continue this year's Black History Month celebration, please be advised of the following. On Saturday, February 21st, we will host an artist's talk entitled Still Here. Join us at noon, which will this will be held in the front entrance of the Kennedy Center to hear artists
share their stories of resilience and courageous storytelling. And then on Thursday, February 26, we will host our second annual Black History Month celebration. Confirmed performance include Faith and Action, vocalist Courtney Wright, the Thomas
brothers, and saxoponist Robert Weise. We are excited about this year's celebration. Um, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, dinner will be served prior to the program, which will begin at 700 pm in the Kennedy Center. Dinner will be
served from 6:30 to 7. This is a free event, but um reservations are required so we can get our numbers to the caterer. We will close out the celebrations on Friday, February 27th with an open mic dedicated to Black History Month. The
event will be held we begin at 7 p.m. and be held in the Kennedy Center banquet hall. We are also preparing for our March events due to the early arrival of Easter and unpredictable outdoor weather. We will be hosting springtime lunch with the Easter Bunny
inside at the Kennedy Center on Sunday, March 22nd. Parents and guardians of children ages 12 and under are invited to join us for an afternoon of Easter crafts and games, lunch with the bunny, photo ops, and more. And the cost of this event is $20 per family. Doesn't
matter what your family size looks like. The cost is $20 for the entire family. And registration is now open. Uh this year's phenomenal women awards celebration will be held on March 29th also at the Kennedy Center and we are excited to share that we have identified
six wonderful women as this year's honores and we will be announcing that very soon in the meanwhile we ask that you save the date of Sunday March 29th at 300 p.m. and plan to join us for a wonderful afternoon and celebration of phenomenal women.
I feel like I got another yes I do have another page. Um, we have several classes, programs, and sports activities that are available and open to the entire community. Business 2.0, a financial literacy workshop for scaling small businesses, will be held on this
Saturday, February 21st. Registration is now open. We do want to remind our residents and community members that the wellness center is available to them. And we encourage you to take a moment to visit uh ww.willingboro.com willingrec.com for more information about the programs, activities, and
opportunities offered by recreation and parks department. On that note, in case you missed it, the an executive summary was shared early last week sharing highlights of the community recreation summit and summaries of the survey that was shared. So, please take a moment to
read and find out about the survey, the results of the survey, and plans that are underway to better serve the Willenber community. And as you will see on your agenda, um an ordinance will be introduced tonight regarding recreation and facility usage
fees. Information regarding a public hearing and more information will be forthcoming and all are invited to provide comment and public hearing during the designated opportunity. So um stay tuned for more information and as always all this information is available
on our website weekly and our social media pages as well as our app. Thank you. Any questions? Any questions? All right, Miss Jackson. All right. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Miss Jackson. >> Mr. Harris, for your um reports.
Um the ordinances and resolutions being presented to you for your consideration this evening is ordinance number 2026-04. This is an ordinance of the township of Willingboroough amending chapter 150 section 8 entitled recreation department
fees and establishing chapter 150 section 20 entitled facilities usage fees of the code of the township of Willing Barrow. This ordinance um does that. It sets um new rates and fees for some of our recreation programs and
establishes uh new rates and fees for the rental and usage of our um municipal properties and facilities. Ordinance number 2026-5 is an ordinance amending chapter 199,
housing standards, adding an article entitled uniform fire safety inspections, designating the township of Willingboro as the local enforcing agency for uniform fire safety inspections. This is in relation to a
legislation that amended um state law back in 2025 and it is recommended for the council to approve this ordinance authorizing the township to conduct inspections for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and secondary power
sources during tenant changes in residential resales and rental properties. Ordinance number 2026-06 and07 are ordinances that are going to be um discussed in relation to affordable
housing development fees. And uh at the time um Miss Tina >> Bon um can give you a little deeper explanation on what those ordinances are and why they are essential for Willing
Barrow. Ordinance number 2026-01 which is uh up for public hearing and possible final adoption is an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 342 of the code of the township of
Willingboro entitled taxi cabs. Um, and ordinance 2026-02 is an ordinance amending chapter 150-9 of the township entitled fees for licenses and permits and uh, ordinance number 2026-03
amending supplemental chapter 12 of the Willingboroough Township Code entitled boards, committees, commissions, and those were all put forth by the the township clerk. So, if she wants to take a moment to explain those to the council. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Um so these
ordinance were presented to you back um in the end of January. Um two of them are in regards to our taxi cab and limo ordinance. Um just to make sure we are um requiring all the all the
documentation needed that we have on file from the state that we um are getting it from the businesses in town. And then ordinances ordinance 2026-03 uh will allow the environmental
commission to um have a decision on who they would like to put as their representative onto the planning board. >> Thank you. The resolution is being presented to you this evening is resolution 2026-43 which is a resolution authorizing the
approvement of approval of vouchers for payment and ratification. Resolution number 2026-44 is a resolution authorizing refunds for overpayment of taxes. Resolution number 2026-45
is a resolution um of Willing Burrow authorizing the estimated contract value amounts for professional services of professional service agreements as determined. Um
this again establishes the estimated contracts for our professionals that you appointed um back in uh January at the reorganization meeting based on their their uh bid responses.
Resolution number 2024- 2026-46 is a resolution authorizing a change order contract amendment increasing the contract for custodial services with lease pristine cleaning. Uh it is um
recommended that you pass this resolution for a change order uh and contract uh amendment with Le Pristine uh based on um costs related to janitorial supplies and um labor that
was not uh anticipated at the time we renewed this contract back in 2025. Resolution number 2026-47 is a resolution awarding a fair and open contract for professional engineering services related to the proposed
retrofit and renovation work uh for the RT RTU which is the rooftop unit supports at the JFK center. Um as you know we began and worked almost through the EIP program for a few years. Um it
was discovered that the rooftop air conditioning units were inappropriately placed actually onto the roofs instead of a support. So um this is awarding a contract uh to design and retrofit um the
renovation work for the supports uh at the JFK center. And just as a sidebar, um most of this work is going to be absorbed by PSENG, um who was the was the direct installer
of this project. Resolution number 2026-48 is a resolution awarding a fair open contract for professional engineering services related to the speed humps on Tyler Drive. Um there was an expression
to uh install speed humps on Tyler Drive and this is contract going to uh R&V Associates to to do the engineering design work for that. Resolution number 2026-49
is a resolution closing out the 2023 concrete repair project which was completed on December 29th in two 2025. Uh the township engineer was Penoni for this project. They have performed a closeout inspections. They have found no
issues and determined the improvements to be acceptable. And the township engineer has confirmed receipt of a 2-year maintenance bond submitted in accordance with this uh the project contract. Resolution number 2026-50
is a resolution to amend resolution 2026-30 to change the annual contract amount for the fleet maintenance software to maintain the township's fleet of vehicles. Um, this contract was uh
approved by the t by the council at our last meeting. Um but it was noted um that the the contract pricing wasn't uh appropriately documented in the resolution. So this is reflecting the
accurate lower firstear cost and the subsequent one-year increases to bring the total 5-year contract to $50,240.35. Resolution number 2026-51 is a resolution for interlocal service agreement between the Burlington County
Soil Conservation District and Willingboroough Township authorizing um them to do storm water management facility inspections and other related services. What they do for us is they go
and inspect our storm basins. And we have a contract with with them uh previously, but this year we're going to do an additional I think it's 15 um at $100 a piece
to bring the total contract value for this project at uh is about $7,500. It's not an extensive project, but um it really enables us to stay compliant with
our uh stormwater obligations. Resolution number 2026-52 is a resolution authorizing Willingboro Township to enter into a contract for the township's server room upgrade.
Um we do have a need to upgrade the township's server room which is in the basement of this building. Um myself and IT um our IT contractor have reviewed the cooperative contract pricing proposal submitted by SHI and recommend
uh the award of this contract to SHI. This will be doing upgrades to access points um ID machines, iPads and and things like that. Resolution number 2026-53
is a resolution accepting a grant in execution of a grant agreement with the New Jersey Historic Futura Grant. This was a grant that was given to the township in the amount of $39,465 um from uh by the city federal savings
and loan spank bank space bank futura project. Uh this was specifically granted to support the preparation and completement uh completion of a national registry of historic places and to advance uh subsequent preservation
planning work including a preservation plan and a feasibility study for the futura house. Resolution number 2026-54 is a resolution acknowledging and accepting the master plan that was uh
approved by the planning board at their last meeting. Resolution number 2026-55 um would take us into executive session and are you going to do 56 afterwards? >> Yes. If there's a decision in executive
session, we'll do 56 after. >> Well, those are all the resolutions and ordinances being presented for you for consideration at this time. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Um, I do have one correction. Resolute or ordinance 2026-06
and07 are not the ones that um, Miss Pony is here. >> Okay. I'm like, those are not the ones that she's here to discuss. We'll discuss those other ones um in executive session. These are um regarding
affordable housing and we do have a memo in your packets on the deis um regarding some changes to the state statute that will require us to repeal and replace our existing ordinances regarding um
some issues on uh affordable housing. Um, and it talks about how money is designated to our affordable housing trust fund. Um, and that process and then also um
dictates some things about rehabilitation programs and other programs um and updates them with some new regulations that were put out from the state. So, if you'd like, we can hold those two and discuss them um in
executive session if uh you feel like you need to discuss those a bit more. Okay, with that said, we will go to public comment. This public comment is for agenda items only. You'll have two
minutes. There are public comment cards in the back um to fill out so that if need be, we can get in contact with you after the meeting. This public comment is for agenda items only. Public comment is now open.
All right, seeing none, public comment is now closed. Before we start with the ordinances, madame clerk, I do want to ask, are there any resolutions that council would like to pull from a consent agenda?
All right. I do just want um a call out for 2026-54. Madame clerk, you can start with the ordinances. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Ordinances for introduction today. Um, we have ordinance 2026-
uh 04. Can I get a motion to introduce ordin ordinance 2026-4 entitled ordinance of the township of Willingboroough amending chapter 150 section 8 entitled recreation department fees and establishing chapter 150 section 20 entitled facility usage fees
of the code of the township of Willingboro. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by deputy mayor Worthy seconded by Councilman Anderson. Any discussion? Roll call.
>> Councilwoman Pum. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. Ordinance 2026-05. um is entitled ordinance amending
chapter 199 housing standards adding an article entitled uniform fire safety inspections designating the township of Willingboro as the local enforcement agency for uniform fire safety inspections related to the certification on smoke alarms carbon monoxide alarms
fire extinguishers and secondary power sources pursuant to public law 2025- or 2025 C19. Can I get a motion to introduce this ordinance? So move. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilwoman Mintosh, seconded
by Councilman Anderson. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Pon, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> Before you continue, Madam Clerk, uh, is
everyone okay with moving forward with these two ordinances um, for the affordable housing? >> Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Madam clerk, >> can I get a motion to introduce ordinance 2026-6 entitled an ordinance of the township of
Willingboro repealing and replacing chapter 79 article 1 affordable housing development fees. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. Discussion. Roll call.
>> Councilwoman Peron? >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh? Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you. And finally, um, for ordinances for introduction, I have ordinance 2026-7.
Can I get a motion to introduce ordinance 2026-7 entitled an ordinance of the township of Willingboro repealing and replacing chapter 79, article 2, affordable housing obligations. >> So moved.
>> Second. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilman Anderson. Discussion. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes.
>> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. Moving on to ordinances for public hearing and final adoption. I have ordinance 2026-1. I'd like to or open the public hearing on ordin or ordinance 2026-1 titled
ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 342 of the code of the township of Willingboro entitled taxi cabs to update and expand regulations pertaining to limousines and rename chapter 342 of the code to taxi cabs and limousines. Anyone wishing to come forward to
comment on this ordinance only, please do so. Seeing none, I'd like to close public comment on this ordinance. Can I get a motion to finally adopt ordinance 2026-1? >> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson,
seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. Yes. >> Thank you. Uh, moving on, I'd like to
open public comment on ordinance 2026-2 entitled an ordinance amending chapter 150-9 of the township code entitled fees and licenses and permits to uh to permit collection of unpaid mercantile licenses and add limousine fees. Anyone wishing
to come forward to comment on this ordinance only, please do so. Seeing none, I'd like to close public comment on this ordinance. Can I get a motion to finally adopt this uh ordinance 2026-2? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Per. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy.
>> Yes. Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you. And finally for public hearing, we have ordinance 2026-3 entitled ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 12 of the Willing Burough Township Code entitled boards, committees, commissions, and authorities
to establish a procedure for the selection of an environmental commission member to serve on the township planning board. I'd like to open the public hearing on this. Anyone wishing to come forward on this ordinance only, please do so. Seeing none, I'd like to close public
comment. Can I get a motion to finally adopt ordinance 2026-3? >> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. >> Councilwoman Perome,
>> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. That is all the ordinances for discussion this week. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. We'll move on to the resolutions. I'd like to propose
a consent agenda for resolutions 2026-43 through 2026-53. Second. >> Oh, I need a motion. >> Oh, okay. >> I'm sorry. Uh motion. >> Second.
>> All right. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes.
>> Thank you. Can I get a motion to approve the same? >> Second. Moved by Councilwoman McIntosh. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron,
>> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you very much. >> Uh, moving on to resolutions for separate discussion. I'd like to open um
I'd like to get a motion to open um a discussion for resolution acknowledging and accepting the master plan resolution 2026-54. So move >> second moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy.
Discussion. So I just wanted to um discuss this resolution. In your packets, you do have a full copy of the 2025 Willingboro comprehensive master plan. This was a
tremendous undertaking um of the planning board of our town. It we have been working for five years essentially to get this master plan completed. Um all of the members
dedicated time, energy, um and their expertise and knowledge to a tremendous amount of reviews of each element. Um we did a number of community engagement events
to ensure that this master plan reflects our community today and not a community um that we're hoping to attract. We wanted to make sure that we're catering to our residents um and making sure that this uh master plan meets their needs.
Um I want to give a special shout out um to Miss Sharon Anderson who was part of the subplanning committee. She has since passed away and is not here to share in this accomplishment with us, but I did want to thank her publicly for her
contribution to um this effort. I also want to give a shout out to our municipal planners, BRS. Um we had been through um a number of planners um asking for assistance with this project prior to getting with BRS. Um and we
oftent times got canned master plans given back to us. some of them, including our own words that we have previously written in our strategic plan for the township just remixed and presented back to us. Um, so it was
uh very it was really great um to find BRS and to have them help us through this effort um and really take our concerns to heart and make sure that the voices of the community were reflected in the
plan that is presented. Um also thank you Councilwoman Macintosh for your support on the planning board. um Miss Kim Davis on the planning board, Martin Knox, Marie Turner, um Mr. Gary Lowry, who sat on the planning board for a
while through our um revisions, multiple revisions. Um and all of the others that um were present and helped with this effort. Um it is a huge undertaking. Um I it was told to me that some community um that
BRS is also working with has been working on their master plan for 10 years and it still is not passed. So the fact that we were able to get this done um even in five years is really a testament to the dedication of our planning board. Um and we look forward to sharing it with the community in
full. Um the copies are available and you can review it um at the clerk's office. And that is all I have to say about that. Any other discussion? >> Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I would be remiss
if I did not take a moment to thank our mayor who has graciously thank so many other people um before she was on council. she started studying um city planning um and she went to UPEN to study city planning because getting a master plan done in her town was so
important to her even before she decided to run for office. And so many times we see people are interested in the title. They're interested in getting a a seat up here, but the work really starts just as a resident being engaged and concerned about community. and she
graduated with that degree in city planning from UPEN prior to being elected to Willenboroough Council and that was not her forte before. She wasn't a city planner and just trying to go get a master's degree in city planning. So, mayor, I thank you for the example that you've set for your town.
For so many people who are sitting here with us and virtually who are interested in trying to figure out how can I make a difference in our town, it's not just in the seats up here. It's every member of the community being passionate about what's important to them and running with it. So, thank you for your leadership and for your steadfastness to
help bring Willar up and be one of few Levit towns that will have a current master plan. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Thank you so much. >> Like to echo those sentiments. >> Thank you, Councilman Anderson. >> With that, we'll go to roll call. Madame Clerk.
>> Um, Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. We have no treasures report
at this time. And Madam Clerk, the approval of minutes. >> Thank you. Um, so you do have a couple. Um I'm trying to catch up on me my my my minutes. So you do have um December 22nd special meeting minutes, the January 6th reorganization meeting minutes, and the
January 22nd council meeting minutes in front of you. Um if you um would not mind giving me a motion to approve, I will um get those on the website. >> Sure. I make a motion to approve uh the minutes. >> Second.
>> All right. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilwoman Macintosh. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. >> Counciloman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> vote yes to December 22nd, January 6,
abstain from the 22nd. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. All right. And madame clerk, your updates. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, so I know it
may seem a little early, but I'm going to start throwing some election dates at you because we are already almost in March and it's going to come up before we know it. So, important primary election dates that everyone should be aware of. Our um primary election is
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voter registration deadline is May 12th. Um, it must be post postmarked by May 12th for the county to accept it. Early voting will be at the library, per usual, from May 26th to May
21st. The deadline to apply for vote by mail and ballots through the mail is May 26th. You can apply um up to June 1st for a vote by mail and ballot in person by the county um by June 1st until 3
p.m. And then we also have our county committees uh up this year. So, if you are interested in running for a county committee position, those nominating petitions are due March 23rd, 2026. Um, we do have some exciting news on polling
location changes. I am going to be sending out a memo to uh the community at the end of this week, but we do have some um we are moving some of our polling locations just to kind of conserve space and make everything run a little bit
better. Um, so that will be coming out at the end of this week. Um, I'll send something out through social media. I can say it here, but I think people are just going to get confused if I start naming a bunch of different polling locations. So, that'll be coming up. Um, I encourage everyone to look um, at the Willingboro weekly and on social media
and at the clerk's office to um, educate yourself on where you should be um, voting in this upcoming election, as well as it'll be on all your sample ballots. Um, and then I just want to give an update. Our Civic Plus implementation on all of our um clerk
uh systems is moving forward. We are still looking good to be live by the end of March. Um and then my Oh, and I just did uh double check we don't have any solicitors in town yet that are approved. So, no one
should be coming to your door um and solicitating solicit solicitating soliciting right now. Um there are a couple people in the process of approval, but they no one has an active license right now. So just uh keep that mind in mind. And then um finally, I
just wanted to give council a heads up that this will be my last meeting in this seat for a while. I will be sitting in um watching my deputy Nikki kind of take the role. She's gonna um learn to get her hands dirty and learn everything before I go on maternity leave. So, um,
she will be starting to do the meetings in March. And that is all I have for today. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um, a couple things in your report I just wanted to um,
highlight um, for the postmark dates um, for mailin ballots and for um, voter registration. I just want to make sure that the public is aware that there have been some changes with the USPS. Um, if
you take your mail to the post office on that date, it may not be postmarked that date. Um, so please make sure you get it to the post office prior at least two days prior to the postmark deadline. Um, so that you can be sure that it is
postmarked by the correct date. Okay? or you can ask them to stamp it in front of you as soon when you drop it off. So if you put it in the little ballot box, the mailbox um for postmark, it may not get postmarked that day. Um
you must take it to the counter, ask them to stamp it in front of you or get it there um a few days early so that you can make sure you meet the deadline. Also um for the county committee elections, those uh petitions are due the 23rd. You said March 23rd.
>> March 23rd uh by 4 p.m. >> Okay. Um and I did just want to highlight to the community that here in Willingboro, we have 36 districts. Um there is one male and one female represented or elected to represent each
each district. Um and they are um tasked with getting to know their district, representing their district on the county level. um and and really helping to understand some of the issues that are happening and relaying those back to
council as well. Um so these positions are very important and critical to our township. We've had an uptick in involvement across the town. Um and we still have a number of vacancies on our county committee. So, I just want to
encourage anyone that is interested in joining our county committee or getting involved um to submit their petition by 400 p.m. on March 23rd um so that um you can be included in the conversation.
And then um lastly, as the clerk mentioned, please keep an eye out um and pay close attention to your polling place when your sample ballots come. Um there have been a few uh changes, a number of changes. I hope you will be
pleased with the consolidation and also um this effort has really taken effect because there are number of schools that are under renovation. Um and we want to make sure that we're not running into any issues come election time. Um so we
figured let's get it done now. um move those polling places so that everyone can get accustomed to their new polling place um before the general in November. Um any other discussion or questions for the clerk?
All right, seeing none. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Um any unfinished business? Council Pearl. Thank you. All right. So, have a few screens here. Um, but it's
relating to the same topic. Um, so I'm going to flip through um to explain um what I'm speaking about. So, this is pertaining to um 2026. Um I first want to start off by just providing a few
names. Um, and I will start off with Sharita Krenshaw, Germaine Sanders, Allison Mason, Alexis Weaver, Adrien Mural, Lache Latimore, Rhonda Lewis, Shahed Allese,
Marva Morris, these individuals, I thank you for applying to the parade and events committee this year of 2026. I do look forward to meeting with you at um committee meeting. However, here are the issues for the council. So, unless we
get this rectified, those individuals, here's why we're not moving anywhere. Okay. 2025 24 actually. Um, I presented concerns to the communication with the township
manager and the other individuals that work for the township. Understand the committees Bradic events committee is not my private organization. There should be a budget that is allotted for that committee so we can put on events for
Willingboro. Therefore, the staff that assist are the staff that works for the township as well as volunteers such as yourself and those who participate. As some of you may know, um there was a group of people who applied and was on
the committee and worked very hard to put on a Veterans Day parade and three weeks before the parade, it was took him back and the money was used for other things. I'm not going to allow anyone else to do that to anyone in this
community to waste your time and your efforts. So, the memorandum that was received by the attorney solicitor at that time reads, which is goes against our bylaws.
First, I'm going to start off with what she says. I hope everybody has time because we're here for the council meeting. Is anybody in a rush? Cuz I'm not. Okay. Here's what it says. Authority of advisory boards dated November 18, 2024.
This was written by Malamad Memorandum. Okay. The event and she again it's called the parade and events committee but she gave us a new name. The event and planning advisory board, don't know where that
exists, but it does say that here, can brainstorm ideas, research information, and make recommendations to the council and township manager. That's the brief answer for number one. Her second brief answer is all
expenditures must be approved by the township manager or the township council. There's more. However, I'm going to jump to our code, okay? Because obviously she read something else maybe in her
township. Um, let's get to our codes. All right, here we are. Purpose. Oh, let me read the code for you first. Just so you know, I'm not making it up. Article 5, bylaws. Okay, this is underneath the bra. It's
called actually chapter 12 boards, committees, commissions, and authorities. Okay, this is what we're supposed what we voted on. Okay, here's what it says. Purpose of board, committee, or commission. The purpose of
the board, committee, or commission shall be as determined by its established ordinance or resolution. Okay, it goes into membership distri distribution which we know how we become members. All of you those who've applied have done that. Let's move quickly to
the next part members. That would mean anyone who has applied. In the absence of any ordinance or resolution providing direction to the contrary, township board, committee or commission members shall be appointed by
the mayor subject to approval by the township council. That's how you become members. Okay. For such term as provided by the ordinance and in most cases it's one year. Okay, we understand that. Let's moving forward.
12-41. It's called voting. All dulyapp appointed board members, committee or commission members present shall be author authoritized to vote in all coming matters coming before it. Think
about that. Now focus on the parade events committee. Let's put on a Veterans Day parade. All members present, do you vote? Yes. Yes, we do. Now, where does it say you come to the council meeting and you ask the township
manager if you can? Where does it say council members to vote if you can? Answer is it does not. It does not say that. Now, we're all an intelligent people here. So, you understand issue and the frustration. Now, I feel
and there's more in here. Okay? I feel that we're all intelligent people here and we can make intelligent decisions on something very simple. We appoint people to the parade and events committee. We
allocate money for that committee and we allow them to use their intelligence to make decisions. I am the liaison and I don't need to look up that word for you but that person is the person that communicates with one group and brings
it back to this group. I bring it back to this group. We we produce minutes held show that we are using the money for its purpose. Present the days and the times of the events to take place.
That is what my position is as the liaison. Now with that said, all council is present at this meeting that SOP that the unfortunate law firm
who didn't even know what our bylaw said as you as you you heard I read she called it something else. Um, we need direction because the people who have applied, I believe that they do want to put on events for the community as well do I. But without a without a
legitimate communication from the rest of council and not a bogus response, we talked about it already. We got the email. There's no moving forward. So, if you want to retract that committee, then retract it. Do not ask people to apply
to a committee if you're not going to give them the opportunity to actually work. So my question to the mayor, how would you like to proceed with the parade and events committee and the challenges and the concerns and the legal opinion which was written to us? How would you like for us to proceed?
Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Peron. Any other comments on that? Well, that's a question, Madame Mayor, >> and I can answer it in my own time. Any other Are you going to answer the question tonight? And I will answer it under my own time. Any other question? I
I do have It's not a question or comment. I actually asked you a question, Madam Mayor. >> Other questions are coming. >> Madame Mayor, I've asked you a question. Madame Mayor, I've asked you a question. >> I didn't ask the rest of council. I've asked you a question. How would you like the parade and events committee to
proceed based off the challenges, based off the article, the legal opinion? How would you like us to proceed? Madame mayor, the question is to you. Okay. Are you done? That's the question. Okay. Thank you. Um, so as the mayor and
the orchestrator of this meeting, um, I am allowed to ask other council members if they have any questions before I give my responses. So, thank you for your patience while I did that. >> Okay. All right. Question for you if you
don't want to answer your question. Thank you. >> And to your question. >> Thank you. >> All right. And to your question, um, yes, as you said, uh, the parade and events committee is established. Um, we have worked previously, um, a number of
times on revisions for an SOP. Um, Mr. Harris and his office are relooking at the SOP. Am I correct, Mr. Harris? >> Discuss the SOP. We were supposed to meet with Councilwoman to to further flush it out and that meeting never
occurred. >> Okay. So, I will ask um Councilwoman Peron if you will set up a meeting with Mr. Harris and his deputy um manager to further discuss that SOP so that it's to your liking this time um and not uh
something that doesn't meet your standard, your high standard. I just want to make sure that uh that gets settled out before we come here and discuss a new SOP. So, if you would kindly before our next meeting set up a
meeting with Mr. Harris and his staff so that you can discuss your issues with the SOP and we can get a draft version um to the agenda for the next meeting. Would that be sufficient for you? >> Thank you for asking me that question because no, it would not because I've
already spoken to both you and Mr. Harris. As a matter of fact, two weeks ago at our last council meeting about the issue with the parade and events committee. The reason number two why that's an issue is because the whole conversation about set up a meeting the SOP has already been established by the other
fool attorney who put together somebody else's committee. And I and I have the I can read the whole the SOPD if you want me to. I started off with the title how she's she was belligerent to what we have going on with our bylaws and our chapter 12. And I spoke about this to Mr. Harris when it was written. When it
was when was it written? November 19th, 2024. So this is not just yesterday. That's why scheduling a meeting with Mr. Harris, he's going to pull out that same ridiculous SOP that was established and created by the ridiculous solicitors that we had who was not paying attention
to our bylaws and our resolutions. No, I don't want to look at the SOP. No. What needs to happen is we look at our own bylaws. We already have it established. I only read parts of it to you. if there is any issue with that because
what I don't want is what Mr. Harris did the last time. The mayor said, "We don't know. We we don't know if you should move. We can't pay for anything until we figure out I don't have time for any of that. I got no time nor the patience for ignorance. I really don't." Okay. So, no, I don't want to meet with him. You
know why? The SOP he's going to pull out is the same one that I just read. So, we need look at bylaws and council. bylaw needs to be councilwoman Peron. If you're not willing to put in the um the work, if you are not willing, excuse me, it's
my turn to talk now. Thank you. If you're not willing to put in the work or the effort that it would take to get the SOP to your standard so that it would be um reflective of what you'd like to see, I will take that under advisement, work
with our attorney um Mr. halt and we will review it and come back with what we think is proper and in accordance with our bylaws. >> Yes, that would be more sufficient to have our solicitor look at our bylaws, resolutions, and as it's written and
create a standard operating procedure. So this way the committee knows how to communicate with regular people that work here like if they need police presence, it's not a hole to do. He's confused. We have the SOP to talk about
that. Under understood understood council, >> the last question is how much money has been allotted for the parade and events committee this year. Well, that hasn't been established this year because we haven't passed a budget. >> Okay. So, I'm putting that out there for the people and I've read >> but there was money allotted last year.
>> Last year it was. And so, as you heard, no money has been allowed for that yet because we haven't yet passed the budget. >> You did. You've asked that. you've answered. I'm letting the committee know the people who have applied. We're waiting for the money. And what else are we waiting for? Standard operating
procedures, which is the SOP, which means how do we move forward with planning anything? Okay. With the ridiculousness that's been going on. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Fer. And as I said, I will move forward with working with our
attorney and our township manager to create an SOP that is to my standard um and in accordance with our bylaws. Yes. Um that would be great. Thank you. >> Any other um topic for unfinished
business? All right, seeing none new business. Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I just wanted to bring this to the council's attention. Um, there have been discussions uh with the Willenberg Municipal um utilities authority about
removing fluoride from our water. Um, I believe that is a council's decision. Um, I'm just trying to open up the discussion. There's no movement right now. Um, I just wanted to see what level of rigor did we want from the MUA to
present to us in terms of the pros and cons um of having Florida in our water. Um, I believe that um the majority of municipalities ini in New Jersey have taken it out already. Um, they have complained that there it's corrosive
material to work with. Um, fluoride was utilized, you know, previously for cavities. Now that we have a lot of dental um technology advancements, um it may or may not be um critical to have in
our water. Um but I think I believe if I if I've uh researched correctly, 72% of the municipalities have taken it out. Um so I just want I don't think a decision has to be made today, but I want to keep that on our radar. Um and it would come
I believe it would come to council for a decision. um whether we want to keep it in or take it out. So, I just wanted to um I can follow up at our next meeting with um some other discussion with um our council
question. Thank you. Um thank you um Councilman McIntosh. Are you the leazison for the MUA? >> No, I I was just at the meeting. >> The meeting? >> Who's the leazison there? >> You are. So, do we have any literature regarding that? Because that's Thank you
for bringing again for bringing that up. I would like to know more about it. I did not attend the MUA meeting because I don't know about this topic. Um, uh, Deputy Mayor, do you have any literature or or any meeting information or anything tangible that we can review or read between now and I guess our next
meeting if we have to be the people to make the decision on that? No, once that information is available, I'll share that along with the timeline for if council has to make a decision or not. I don't have that tonight. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. And uh C any
other discussion and Councilwoman Macintosh, thank you for bringing this. Um, uh, I did want to, um, you asked a question on what level of rigor we'd like from the WUA to present to us, um,
in regards of what we'd like to see as we make a decision on this. Um, I personally, in addition to pros and cons, I'd also like to see any case studies or um journals that, you know,
uh, cite any effects or long-term effects of fluoride in water. Um, uh, the data that some some of the data that you shared with what our surrounding municipalities are doing, um, both in the state and probably
across the United States. Um, and yeah, pros and cons, any studies, um, and maybe just like the history of our usage, um, and what the impact would be to the
MUA, whether that be like if it has financial impacts or >> point of order. I'm sorry. You are you asking M council Macintosh to do all of this? >> No, cuz you were looking right at I'm just trying to make sure because >> because she asked the question. Okay. Because you were looking right at I want to make sure that you're not giving her
direction on what do >> the leaison is Tiffany worthy. I want I'm just trying to make sure I'm reading the room correctly. >> Yes. And and she asked the question so I was answering her question down notes about what you're telling her to do. So are you telling >> I wasn't telling her to do anything. I was answering her question. You said can
you get this? Can you get that? No. The leazison is Tiffany Worthy. Do we got this correct? >> What I was doing was asking answering a question that she asked. >> Question. Okay. It looked like more just as I answered your question. >> Give her direction about what you needed. >> I actually wasn't. >> Okay. When you watch this meeting over again, you'll see. Make sure you get
this cuz we need to see that cuz we want to see this. >> All right. We will not see. We'll see. Exactly. >> I wanted to question that she asked. >> Directed to the correct people. >> Okay. >> Well, I was directing my answer to the person as the question. >> So, make sure we're not giving
directives to um certain other people cuz she is not the liaison. We've established that this evening. >> Well, what that she does. >> Yeah, she Tiffany Worthy says she's the leazison. That's why I'm like what is she asking you to do this and and if so we need to communicate on what is what
because my concern is again it's a legitimate concern. My concern is madam Macintosh not that you're not intelligent but that you are not the liaison. So the people who are attending the person who is attending those meetings is Tiffany worthy and it seemed like she was telling you what wants you to get for her and the problem is the
people the person supposed to be at the meeting the next meeting is supposed to be Tiffany worthy. Now, Madame Macintosh attended the meeting as a resident as I would attend a meeting. I want to make sure that the directives are being sent if there are any directives to madame mayor and that we all agree as a council
that we want the lea liaison to bring back this information. As I spoke about the P and events committee, I'm the liaison. I attend the meetings. I bring back information. So, same thing with the MUA. She's the liaison. She attends the meeting. She brings back information. That's why I asked her
who's the liaison. She said she was. I said, "Okay, do you have an information?" She says she does not, but she will get it. And then you start telling it looked like you were telling um Councilwoman Peron as Thank you, Councilwoman. >> Yes. You're very welcome. >> Thank you. So, as I was saying, I was
answering a question that was asked by Councilwoman Mintosh. So, I was responding to her question >> to her just as I responded to your question that you asked me directly earlier. So, she asked a question and I'm responding to that question. There were no directives given. Um, if there
were any directives, it it will be to the WMUA and I'm sure um, Deputy Mayor Worthy will take back any information from this meeting, but at this time I was answering a direct question. Was that not a direct question that you asked,
>> Councilwoman Macintosh? >> Respect. I wasn't um the intent wasn't to circumvent uh, Dr. Worthy. is a level of interest as a chemist. This is a level of interest. Um to me it but it was like that's why we just put it on the >> right. It wasn't that serious. I was
going to go through Dr. Worthy. Um but uh this you know this is something that you know I've been thinking about for a long time and just I just happened to overhear it and so that's why I'm bringing it to the council's attention as well with our expertise as a chemist.
All right. Um, so we'll move. Is there anything else that you had on that discussion? Thank you, Councilwoman Mintosh. We are at the point in our meeting where we're at public comment. This public comment will be for any general item. You will have four
minutes. Public comment cards are in the back. Please fill one out and give it to our deputy clerk as you come up to the microphone so that if there's any need for us to contact you um following the meeting, we can do so. Um you can fill
that out before or after you speak, but just make sure um our deputy clerk gets that card. Public comment is now open. Please state your name. >> Ayanna Ginyard. >> Ayana Ginyard. >> Good evening everyone. Um I actually was
really interested in the conversation we just had. I did have questions um and if it could come back about the fluoride in the water. Um I am a doula. So I work with um expecting mothers and persons.
And so what I will say is from my base of knowledge I would love to have information on what that looks like in our community. We talked about affordable housing. We know that dental disease is really really big um in expectant mothers. And so if the impact
would lessen some of the strain because not everybody has dental care, especially for our children in Willingboro. I would love to see if they have information about that if it's possible to keep it in because it's going to benefit our children going forward. I would like
information about that if that can be shared. Um when we're doing that research um there's a lot of children here. I grew up here. I'm from here. Um, and so I know growing up in WAR, I knew Flora was in our water and I'm 46 now. And so I think it also can lessen the
burden as we're talking about affordable housing, how expensive everything is and that there are a lot of children and mothers who don't have dental care. There are no free dental clinics here. I work in Trenton as well. There's one. And so even trying to get them to do come here to do clinics is difficult. So
that fluoride in our water can help lessen some of the negative implications of not having in the water. I would love to see us have a a deeper discussion about keeping it in. I know that other counties have taken it out, but if it's going to adversely affect our children here in Willingboro, I would love that
to be taken under consideration. >> Yeah. Thank you, Miss Gyard. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> My name is Diane Pulk. Um I reside at 146 Niagara Lane here in Willingboro.
I have u a concern about the yoga classes. I have been a member since um for 17 years and it has really benefited me and
many others. And on Friday, uh, the person, Kathleen McCabe, uh, decided to resign because from my understanding and what she said, she had
not been paid for six months and she had been trying to endure uh, because of the group. and I would like to have some light shed on this please.
>> Um good evening everyone. My name is Teresa Sims. I reside at 47 Gainwell Lane. Um I too had a concern with um the payments or the alleged non-payments of um vendors at the senior center. I do
know that I guess it was in 2023 um for the 2024 um budget year, they were speaking about having a $2 million um fund given towards the senior center.
And um here we are in 2020 the beginning of 2026 and many vendors not just Kathleen but other vendors have said that they have not been paid in um several months. So, um, one of the
things that I know that we highlight here in Willingboro is the senior center and talk and supporting our seniors and if we don't have any resources or activities for them at the senior
center, then what are we moving to now? So, we could please get some information on that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Pulk and Miss Sips. Thank you. >> Good evening, council. Um, my name is
Dr. Carol in Providence. I'm with the department of health as a full-time employee. Uh, the office of oral health services is in my division at the department of health in Trenton, New
Jersey. In fact, on April 16th and 17th of this of of April 16th and 17th, we're planning a water flidation boot camp. I would ask you to come out and listen to the experts about water flidation before
you make a decision in two weeks. Um, we have experts from across the United States. New Jersey is the second lowest fidated state um state in the country and we have done basic screening surveys
for children, pregnant women and our numbers are above national numbers. When we took fluidation out of water, dental cav cavities increased in the
state. These are just not numbers made up. These are facts. We have the data to support it. So, I would ask you to come out to our boot camp. I can send you the information. I can send it to Councilwoman Peron
and listen to what they have to say. The folks from Kentucky are coming in here. They're the highest fidated state, number one in the country and they have less cavities, less dental cavities than the rest of the country.
It's a controversial topic. We understand that. But like the previous presenter said, not everyone has the facts, not everyone has the information, not everyone has the affordability for dental care. The Office of Oral
Health, we are trying our best. is a new office in the state in the department of health where we're trying our best to enlighten and aware uh get some baseline data across the state. We don't have all the numbers
yet. We're looking into long-term care facilities. We're looking at anywhere that we can get data about oral healthcare. It's really bad across New Jersey. So before you think about taking it out on voting because your vote
matters. It really does. Come out, hear what the experts have to say, put this on hold. Don't just rush to this decision. Put in a hole, come out, hear what we have to say. Uh and then you make an informed decision after that. It's a very important topic. And I would
advise you to have some really thoughtful insight uh into this topic. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Providence. Is there any other public comment?
Seeing none, public comment is now closed. So, first we'll um talk about uh Miss Ginyard and Dr. Providence. Thank you for your um interest in this
topic. As you um heard, this was presented under new business. So, this is a new topic um that we're just taking under. Of course, we will do our due diligence um and find out all of the information so that we as a council um can make a
sound decision, an informed decision, and most more often than not a datadriven decision um that will work in the best interest of Willingboro residents. So, thank you for your interest. Um, if you have any other
information, I think the fluidation the water fluidation boot camp um would be very helpful information if you would get that information to our clerk. Um, I'm sure our um council would like that information. And then, madame clerk, if you would also send that information
over to the WUA, that would be great. Um, so that they would also have that information as well. Um, but thank you both for coming up and speaking. Um, Miss Pulk and Miss Sims came up to talk about um, non-payment of vendors at
the senior center. And first, I just want to apologize for um, you experiencing that. We were made aware of some issues at the end of last year and we did our best to uh, rectify that, but I'll give um, Mr. Harris uh, a chance to
talk about that issue. >> Thank you. Me Thank you, Mayor. And uh I was made aware of this of this issue on Friday afternoon um from a count call from councilwoman Peron where she had shared uh the concern of of Miss Pulk.
Uh this matter all of these non-payment issues should have been resolved at the end of last year which I thought that they had been but for some reason this particular vendor um did not get get paid. I did have a conversation with
Miss Foster on Friday. I did instruct Miss Foster to make sure that vendor got paid for whatever she was owed in 2025 and as well as uh moving forward with uh in their billing for 2026
and uh Miss Foster was going to reach out to her and have a conversation not to cancel the yoga classes. I I have not had an opportunity to speak with Miss Foster today, but I will follow up with her first thing in the morning. >> Okay. Um and would you also be able to
reach out to um the vendor just to, you know, share that we are aware of the issue and that it is being rectified. Um and then also I'd like um for you to just take a look at the payment process
for all of the vendors at the senior center. Um there's been this is the second time that this is bubbling up. So if we could centralize that payment um I know there's a number of recreation um vendors that get paid also. Um and I don't know if we can centralize it
within your office or if within the recreation department or where we would centralize that but um this is unacceptable. You know people going six months without payment is that's yeah that's unacceptable. So, um,
if you could take a look at that and come back at the next meeting with an update, um, and a remedy for this. >> Yes. >> All right. Is there anything that I missed during public comment? >> Yes. She als Yes, the um, Miss Pope and Miss Sims also inquired about the $2
million for the senior center and wanted to know um, where was that money going to? >> Yes, that um, $2 million, I believe, was for renovations of the senior center. Mr. Harris, do you want to discuss those renovations? >> That is correct. And those renovations are in process of being planned and
designed and um as soon as we get the the um authorization the the project is going to move forward. All right. All right. Anything else from council?
All right. Seeing none, we will move on to council comments. There any comments from council? All right, seeing no comments from council, I did want to just take a
minute um and pause for a second as we have a moment of silence for the Reverend Jesse Jackson who's just passed away at the age of 84. Um he was a freedom fighter. um he was believed in
one United States um and that resistance and um unity takes perseverance. So, um, I personally would just like to thank Reverend Jesse Jackson for his work, for
his courage, um, in fighting against injustice, for his courage, for being the first man, first black man to run for the United States presidency, um, and everything that he has done to, um, work towards a more perfect union
here in the United States. Thank you. All right, with that we have uh quite a number of events going on. I hope that everyone participates in all of the things that we have going on around town, not just during Black History
Month, which we have another a number of events going on for the rest of the month, but um also throughout the year. Um please partake in the uh programs and events that we have at the recreation
center. Um, and as always, if you have any questions, comments, concerns that you did not express here tonight, um, please make sure you get in contact with our clerk's office so that, um, the council can be made aware of it and we
can move forward. Okay. Also, um, there is a WUA meeting tomorrow. You can go um, and look up that information at wua.info. Um, and if you're interested in that
fluoride discussion, they'll probably be discussing it more over there. Um, at that meeting, I also wanted to say congratulations again to Miss Carmichael on your new position. And, uh, I think that was all
I had. Madame Clerk, we have a uh executive session this evening. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, so we do have an executive session. It's resolution 2026-55, resolution authorizing a closed executive session in accordance with the
New Jersey Open Public Meeting Acts. This is for attorney client privilege and I believe uh maybe contract negotiations. Can I get a motion to approve this resolution? >> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson,
seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Councilwoman Perome. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. executive session for maybe about 45 minutes for all of the topics that we have. Yeah, [laughter] for all of the topics. Um, and there may be a decision
made or a vote when we come out. I may just drop it off if you don't want to. You don't have to. But it's it's when your theme is when you didn't know it. >> All right, Madame Clerk. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Can I get a
motion to come out of executive session? So move second. >> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilwoman Peron. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? All right. We are now out of executive
session. We don't have any actions to take upon exiting. So I will ask for a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. Uh discussion.
All in favor? >> I >> I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? >> Thank you and good evening in Willingboro. >> The time is now 9 and 10. We are officially adjourned. >> All right. Good night, Willingboro.