--------- All right. Good evening everyone. We're going to get started in just a minute. Um, we are waiting for a quorum. Madame Clerk, the time is now 5:40. It is now 5:40 and I would like to call the Special Township Counting Council
meeting to order. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron, not present at this time. Councilman Anderson, >> present. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, not present at this time. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> present. >> Mayor Whitfield,
>> present. May we please rise for the flag salute. >> The United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Compliance statements. Notice was provided in compliance with chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975 to the Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, and to the Philadelphia Enquir stating the date, time, place, and the agenda to
extent it was known. Additionally, notice was filed in the office of the township clerk. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Good evening, everyone. Um, this is our special meeting to discuss a club license for
Diamond Dogs. Um, that is the only thing that we have on the agenda for this special meeting. Our 700 p.m. meeting will um conduct our usual township business. Um, Madame Clerk, you may proceed. Yes.
Yes. So, this evening we have a club license for Diamond Dogs LLC. Just a little backstory, uh, Diamond Dogs submitted three social affairs permits in 2005 and three social affairs permits in 2006 26, I'm sorry, 2026. A
social affairs permit is a temporary eventspecific authorization that allows a nonprofit to sell alcoholic beverages to public for limited occasions. Whereas a club license is a permanent license that permits the ongoing sale of alcoholic beverages to members and their
guests on the licensed premises. An application for club license was submitted to the township clerk on August 1st for Diamond Dogs LLC. Following the initial review, the application was determined to be incomplete and the applicant was notified of the required outstanding
items. The applicant has since submitted all required documents in accordance with both the municipal ordinance and the state of New Jersey requirements. Provided for council this evening is a listing of the required documentation from the township of Willenboro and the
New Jersey Division of Alcohol Alcoholic Beverage Control along with materials submitted by Diamond Dogs LLC for review. In addition, the applicant was required to publish notice of the application in accordance with the statutory requirements. This notice outlied the
intent of the applicant and provided an opportunity for public objection. Any objections were required to be submitted in writing to the municipal clerk clerk. As of April 7th, the township clerk office has received one written
correspondence related to this matter. Pursuant to township ordinance, the application supported and supporting documentation including the list of officers, directors or trustees was forwarded to the chief of police for
investigation. The investigation included a review of the applicant's organization, its principles, including any relevant background information. A written report of the findings was submitted to the township council. At this time, Captain Perez from the
Willenboroough Police Department will present the findings of the investigation. >> Good evening. >> Good afternoon, Madame Mayor, City Council. All right. Would you give grant me a couple of minutes to read the actual findings? Just a couple of minutes, please. Okay. On Monday,
October 27, 2025, the Willenboroough Police Department received a background investigation packet for the club organization known as Diamond Dogs, Inc. The listed applicants are Robert Mason, Jason Livingstone, Senior, and Derek Dicks. A comprehensive background investigation was conducted on all three
occupants. The application packet included all required documentation, including three years of tax returns, 18 I mean, do you need that information or keep going with that? Okay. Three years of tax returns, 18 months of checking account statements, proof of ownership
and 501c3 nonprofit status, current floor plan of the premises, copy of the New Jersey tax sale certificate, completed state of New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control questionnaires, completed Willenboroough Police Department questionnaire and list of officers, board of trustees, and all
club members with addresses. Following a full review of the submitted materials, supporting documentation, and departmental records, I find that the applicants have failed to demonstrate that the premises and operation will be conducted in a manner consistent with public safety, order, and the welfare of the surrounding community. So, the first
uh category is going to be incident data. A review of police activity at 55 South JFK way between March 20 2022 and March of 2026 revealed a total ofund 100 total incidents
uh matching the following categories. 911 miss dials, fireworks, motor vehicle accidents, noise complaints, homicide, property checks, assist of EMS, emergency services, police information, police investigations, and township ordinance violations. So to break down
the top incident types were noise complaints which were 61 and property checks which are 39 which were officer initiated due to homicide due to the homicide and complaints of noise from the citizens uh in the area. Other recorded incidents included 911 missiles
assist well I'm sorry we went over that already. It is important to note that these figures represent only documented calls for service. Unreported disturbances or informal complaints will likely increase these totals. Second category is the homicide
incident. On May 21st, 2024, a homicide occurred directly in front of Diamond Dogs involving a victim who had been at establishment. This event represents a serious and documented threat to public safety. And the third category was neighborhood impact. A neighborhood
investigation was conducted as part of this review. A majority of residents reported excessive noise originating from Diamond Dogs, particularly on weekends and during summer months. Residents described music and disturbances that lasted until 4:00 a.m. creating a consistent disruption to the
neighbor the neighborhood's peace and quiet. It was also reported that doors to the establishment are kept open, causing increased noise and guest visitors hanging out in the parking lot playing music from their vehicles and talking loudly. The establishment is located across from Wenboroough High School and in close
proximity to a church in a residential area which amplifies a negative community impact of late night activity, the consumption of alcohol and public safety incidents. Based on the totality of evidence, including the homicide incident, persistent noise complaints, repeated police responses, and the
unsuitably unsuitable proximity to a high school, church, and residential properties. It is my professional opinion that issuance of this club license would be contrary to the public interest, safety and welfare as outlined in NJSA 33 semicolon 131 and NJ NJAC 13
semicolon 2-2.7. Accordingly, I recommend denial of the club license application for Diamond Dogs, Inc. and further recommend that this matter be referred to the governing body for formal action and resolution. Thank you, Captain Perez. >> Is on behalf of Chief Buff. >> Thank you.
>> Any questions from council for Captain >> Perez. All right. Thank you, sir. >> Yes, ma'am. At this time, >> at this time, the applicants have uh time to speak and share any information
or testimony. Once again, um my name is Daryl Coleman, um member of the Diamond Dogs, um 609 Elite Social Club. um continually. I just feel that is so insensitive and
for you guys and the police to treat us like we were the asalants in that murder. We were victims in that murder. As the investigation has shown, we didn't do anything to cause that man to drive by and shoot up our building as we
were celebrating my birthday. Like for that to even be treated as a as a blotch on our record and things that we've done in the community is just totally insensitive. It was plenty of
people out there that were shot at that are also victims too that are the are from the community and it's continued to be looked like like it's something that we brought on ourselves and that we possibly deserve because of activities that we perform
which is outlined that earlier that day we were doing STEM projects with my football team. So we in the process of trying to do things to further impact the community in different ways. We're being assaulted from all these different ways.
These people from the streets, you guys, the police, we don't have no fair shot. Just us. We're the only ones fighting for us. And the people who are who are willing to listen to the things that we've had, we've had to fight since the
moment we've been here. And I see uh the people right here shaking your head. If we had noise complaints with you guys, we wish you would have just came to us and spoke with us. We're we're not anyone that's unapproachable or anyone. >> Mr. Coleman, if you could address it.
>> Oh, I apologize. >> Thank you. >> I apologize. cuz I just want to know that it's always been open communication with us and these noise complaints, incidents, and times that there were no noise and the
police have been called are being added on there. Now, I got to go back and get the opas from before to show that six uh 54 of those times there were no reported incidents of noise. Now, all of a sudden, when the police come, they're
directed by someone to give us a ticket every time. I've received tickets and had a warrant for noise complaints in my name and I wasn't even there. Here, give this to Daryl. Like, come on. What type of a
what what type of personal and business assault is this? We're trying to run our organization in the maximum capacity that the building allows us, which was doing this prior to us being there. We want to be in compliance. That's why
we're here. We've emailed and made sure that we're in contact with you guys. We wish that we can get the same same respect and honor as well. I've been living in this community for years and there's been a time where I was a terror in this community. Now I'm here trying
to change my life and make sure that the kids are better and that my kids are better and that I have a better life. And it just seems like we're under assault. And it's not fair when everyone here has an opportunity to sit down and have a conversation multiple times. We
we have to continue to fight and fight for things that we haven't done wrong. So even if we do something wrong, then we're still fighting the battles that we didn't do anything wrong with. like this is an opportunity for us to change our
organization and to increase our revenue and to be in compliance and to be in regulation of the things that need to be done. So that's all I have to say. >> Thank you, Mr. Coleman. >> Any other testimony from the applicants?
council. My name is Robert Mason. I'm Township Bison. I'm also the president of Diamond Dogs Elite Social Club. I came to speak about these noise complaints. Um, I think he said it was
over 61 noise complaints and 104 total complaints. I've been trying to reach out to Captain Bucks for since we put in this application for the COVID license to try to get ahead of what's being directed towards us. Now, as Officer Perez has
said, a lot of these complaints are frivolous, um, not accurate, and he mentioned up to 4:00 a.m. with noise complaints. I guarantee you, you cannot find a police report that says there was
noise at 4:00 a.m. So half of these calls, if you actually look over the Oprah, which we have, majority of these calls have been frivolous. Yes. Have they ever had noise complaints that was accurate? Yes. But
more of the complaints are false with no with no violations. But for some reason, we keep being harassed. I don't know if it's from a township person or a community member, but there's no excessive music going on. And if there is, it's because of a hall rental, which
we do turn the volume down. There's no second complaints where officers come back and say, "Hey, we're shutting the party down because the music is too loud." We we understand that there's music and music travels, but there has never been an incident where you guys
the officers have came out two times and complained about the music volume. We've always been in accordance with the township and and the noise violations to the point I was trying to get on top of it, but Captain Bucks again never responded to my emails trying to get
ahead of this situation. Um he mentioned 39 reports from uh the homicide. We were victims in that. Of course, there's going to be patrol to monitor the area. And those 39 reports
of them monitoring the airing the area. Not one came back with a report. All 39 reports came back, no no activity. So all these numbers are being brought up at 104. But if we're going to go off of what Captain Bucks is saying in his initial report as as far as being a
safety hazard, let's really dive in and look at what is actually being reported from these officers when they show up. We just want a fair shot. We're community members. We've never had a fight up there. Um they mentioned a car accident had nothing to do with us.
There's never been any cause other than a noise violation that warranted the police to come to our establishment. So, I don't feel as though we're a nuisance or a public hazard to the community. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Mason.
Any other testimony from the applicants? All right. you doing everybody? Jason Livingstone in the community forever. Some of y'all may know my father's pictures on the wall here, retired police. So basically, it's like this. I feel like what we're trying to do, we have a piece of
property. We're able to run it full capacity. We've been able to do the things that Township has asked us to do as far as getting uh uh permits and and and filling out paperwork, having people rent the hall. This is new to us. So, we're learning as we go. We're trying to make sure we're in compliance, just like
my partner said. Okay, what do we need to do X, Y, and Z? We have done X, Y, and Z. So, when it comes to the club license part of it, it'll allow us to, excuse me, it'll allow us to operate in the full capacity. Yes, it's not open to the public. It's our members and guests.
We have people that pay monthly dues, yearly dues. They pay. So, they want to come and whine sometimes. So that's why I said, "Okay, if we are if we're allowed to to to to take the establishment and run it in the full capacity, it'll help us be able to pay these bills, have something to do for these kids, the community center, people
rent the hall." All kind all kinds of different things go on that we use that building for, not just people think, "Oh, it's alcohol." Half of the time there's no one even there drinking. It's people renting the hall, sweet 16s, it's it's kids birthday parties, all kinds of stuff happening there. So when it comes
to all of that, the noise complaints and stuff like that, I understand where we are is close and they can hear everything. But like I said, it's if if it's something that is, you know, going on, the police have never been there two times in one night. I've been there multiple times. I they've came, I spoke to them. I've given them all my
information, everything. Anything they want to have, I'll give it to them. I have nothing to hide. So once once that all that starts to happen, it's like, okay, let's have this conversation. Let's have a dialogue with with the township because obviously some of these people in the township don't want us to have what we have for whatever reason.
They can say, "Oh, the violent, the noise, whatever." It's going to be noise when people get together. Period. I don't care where you are. It's going to be noise. People talk, they talk loud. They have a good time. They're enjoying themselves. We look around the room, everyone's enjoying themselves. No one the police has never been called for an incident
inside the building. Oh, such and such, you guys need to come. No, nothing like that has ever happened. So when they say the noise and all of that, it's people outside. Yes, we understand. But we can we can kind of regulate that. I've asked them. I've gi given them my number. Said call me. Call me. It's no problem. Call
me. Some of the officers I know, a lot of them are long gone and retired, the ones I know. But I understand how this thing works. So with that, I just I just want y'all to give us a fair shot to be able to operate our business the full in full capacity. And that's that's pretty much it.
>> Thank you, Mr. Levenson. All right. If there are no other testimony on um from the applicants, we'll open it up to the public testimony. All right. If there are any members of the public that would like to speak
>> here. >> Yep. Come on up. Just state your name. >> Kenneth Towel. All right. I um live in pro uh proximity to the club and uh I'm just going to read a written statement that I I wrote
here. I am here I am here to speak against Diamond Dogs LLC operating as Elite Social Club being granted liquor club license. The following concerns apply equally to their pending permit request to operate seven days a week. Uh
the building at 55 JFK way sits in front across from the street from Willenboro High School and is surrounded on um other three sides by private residences. The distance from the homes uh to the club range from approximately 150 ft to 300 ft, but the parking lot is
even less because it touches everyone's yard. Uh this is a neighborhood, a community, a bedroom community at that. Uh so we don't think Diamond Dogs is an appropriate location for a nightclub, a speak easy, a bar, a social club of this
nature. Uh granting the initial permit for a business of this sort was itself uh a failure. All right. Uh we have had to place multiple calls to the police for noise ordinance violations and disturbances coming from this location. Uh my home
sits approximately 150 ft away from this building. Uh with our windows and doors closed, loud music can be heard uh clearly through every room. Uh in over 20 years we have lived in this home. We have never ever had to call the police
about this building. Uh Diamond Dogs Elite Social Club descended upon this until Diamond Dogs descended upon this community. the prior um facility that was there uh never had that issue. Uh this business has been a persistent
nuisance since it opened. There was a murder at this location as everyone know even before that calls had to be made to the police uh for noise to services at 12:00 a.m. 2:00 a.m. and even 4:00 a.m. I made the call myself at 4:00 a.m. for noise. Uh and now they want to add a
liquor license to selling to the mix. All right. the vacational town or children's event held there does not offset the harm this established has caused and continues to cause and will cause. Uh we have written several uh
times to council members to address this nuisance to the community. Only Dwayne Harris has responded. I urge the board to deny the liquor license applications for Diamond Dogs LLC. I urge the board to deny Diamond Dogs LLC a permit to be open seven days a week. And I just want
to add uh I'm listening to the uh applicants. Um again, no one's against them. I wish them well. We just don't believe the location is a good location for the social club in our uh in our
neighborhood. >> Thank you, Mr. P. >> Any other testimony? Hello. Hello. >> My name is Scout Renstein West and I live at 138 Crestu Drive. That's really
right across or in the same line as Diamond Dogs. And we had not only noise complaints, but trash complaints. Our backyard is right there, and it's even, excuse me when I say it, used as an outdoor bathroom. sometimes by the male
population that frequenc the club or when you look at um JFK Southway when after a weekend how much trash and and I don't know bottles and plates and all this stuff is that that's also in our backyard and in our front yard.
Sometimes there are so many cars there that they are parked in front of our driveway basically and we don't think that a legal license would make this better. I really believe that that all those issues would become more and we
have little kids in the house and you just don't want them to run in the backyard and run into any plates or glass or whatever, you know, and I understand that the people want to do a business. I do understand that and that they can't really control when the cars
stay parked till 4:00 in the morning and blast their music. But it's the parking lot. they went to that club and so it is it is how you say it is within the club that that this is happening. If the club wouldn't be there, they wouldn't they wouldn't be there playing their car
music. That's really all I have to say cuz I don't find the right words. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other testimony? Well, I'm Miriam Powell. Um, I just want to address uh the commentary that as
residents, if something happens at this location, we can speak to the owners or the management. Uh, this has been going on for years. So since the inception and we as residents, it's not our responsibility to go to your business
and say it's noisy or your patrons are behaving uh in a certain way. This is our community and if you really wanted to be a part of the community, you would do community things. You would respect the the residences. You see where the
house where our houses are in reference uh to this building when it was the um uh Knights of Columbus. We've never had that. As my husband said, we've been there well over 20 years and they've always had different
events and different things occur there. The difference was it was not a club and even having me being members uh when I looked it up that stipulation is to uh uh circumvent a large part of the the
strict state's legal u liquor license is to have membership only. But a certain type of thing attracts a certain type of people and that is our concern. As my husband stated, we don't have a problem with anyone um having a
business. I own a business, but as a business owner, you are responsible for the behavior of your patrons. It is not the responsibility of the residents to come to you with our concerns. That's
not what we do. That that that shouldn't the owners should not be on you on us. It's on the owners um of the business. And this is not a new business. This did not just open yesterday, so you're figuring things out. No, the structure,
the age of this place is doesn't seem to be what the whole thing is just not appropriate. And I am deathly concerned. Adding more liquor. Adding is just going to exacerbate an already very bad
situation. and I shouldn't have to consider selling my home to be comfortable um behind your business. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss P. Any other testimony?
>> Good evening. Uh Steve Lacone, past Grand Knight of the Knight, former Knights of Columbus, 25 years past building 55 JFK way to address a few things.
Um there's always been issues from the day I got in there until the day I left. Uh noise complaints, crowd control problems, um problems with uh trash. There's been
issues. We had problems before me. There was problems there. Not as many. As the town got younger, so did the crowds. The parties got longer, younger, noise got louder. I got older. So, obviously, the
group got older. It's why it's changing. It changed hands. Um, when it comes to the liquor permit, I don't not sure if council understands. I'm not sure if Captain Perez understands. I'm not sure if the Diamond Dogs understands
hours of operations change. There's limits on it. I hope the residents understand. You know, once you get a club permit, there's parameters. How long you can stay open, how long you could be there, how long you could serve alcohol, who you could serve alcohol to. Everything
changes. So, it's not There's a lot of things that that happen and they change for the better. The police department has more control. Township has more control because now it's a legal place. It's legal. It's not just a place to sit and do what you
want. You have more control. They have control. You have control. The police department has control. So, it's a good thing to have a club permit. To issue a club permit is a positive thing for the township, for the community, for the organization.
It's the right thing to have. Um, that's pretty much all I have to say. Um, it took, you know, it took a lot for me to turn that those keys over and I want to see a positive thing happen. I didn't put 35 years in this community to see a building go to waste. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mark Honey. >> Any other testimony? >> Good evening. Good evening, >> brother Oscar McCoy. Um, as I sit here and listen to the the complaints,
but if there's no record of an officer soliciting the complaint saying this is valid, then that's a moot point. That's a personal um theory. I I you know, I I see that carries no weight. Um, if I called and complained about a neighbor
because I felt something, but when the police got there, they felt nothing. It's a moot point. Um, the Knights of Columbus has been there for is I' I've been in Willingboro almost 50 years and I've known the Knights of
Columbus to have operated. It's always operated in the same capacity. The ownership changed hands and some of the excuse me, some of the members have changed hands. I personally put my lodge in that facility because I believed in the ownership of
the facility. I'm not just a senior warden of Assyrian sovereign. I also sit over top the state in New Jersey. So my reputation has to be as spotless as that club. I took over security at that club to
facilitate a position of harmony. I have no pro. I've had not a single problem since I came in there to aid these brothers in making their venture be a positive one. Anyone who knows me, anyone who knows me understands how I
move. I think it it it not robbery to allow these gentlemen to operate in the capacity that they operate in. If we if I sat here and there was just cause not to have it, I wouldn't be standing up
here. I I I wouldn't have wasted my time. I could have put my lodge anywhere, but I chose to put it there because I believe in Willingboro. Every officer that's come up, whether I know him or didn't know him, has never said to me, "Brother Oscar, you need to
tell them to turn it down." they come up and say, "Well, we couldn't really hear it, but we had to respond because we got a call." Not that there was just cause. So, I think those type things need to be taken into consideration while y'all make and exercise your void your vote.
Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. McCoy. Is there any other testimony? Okay, seeing none, this portion of the public hearing is now closed. Um, I will go to council if there are
any questions or statements that you would like to make. Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I have a question. I don't know if our deputy clerk or Mr. Hulk can um can share a response um with the club license. Um
how does the renewal process work? Um and how often does a club license come up for renewal? I will double check, but it's ann it should be annually and they're on uh we just got notification now for club um
renewals. So, it's uh July 1st to June 30th. >> And Mr. Hall, for that renewal process, is it an automatic renewal or is that contingent on um council approval or how
does the renewal work? >> I don't believe that the renewal process is automatic. You have an opportunity to uh review before granted that process that
>> I believe. So, um there are documentations that they have to submit in the renewal process. So, we do have to send out notifications to the current ones that are coming up due now that'll be coming due um the end of June for their July 1st um renewal. So, there I
don't know specifically what the requirements are, but we were required by ABC to contact them to let them know and they have been notified as well by the ABC. Okay. And then those licenses come before us for renewal, for approval or denial of that license.
>> Okay. Any other questions from council? >> Is there uh madam clerk? Is there a time frame on this application that it needs to be approved by? >> That I do not know. I would have to find out. I don't believe
I would have to find out Councilman Anderson because I'm not sure if there's a deadline or anything like that whether to submit it. I think that there is a time period that we have to review it since they submitted it. Um but I'd have to find out further if there was a deadline to where we had to make a
decision or not. >> Okay. If you could please look at that. And I also just want to speak to the comments that Mr. Coleman made. You know, we up here as council is not us against you. We sit here, we get the complaints that, you know, it's being heard, whether it's one-sided or
two-sided, but that's what we have to go on. All right? So, for me in this position, I would love nothing more than to approve it. But at the same time, I got to make sure there's a balance there. So, I'm aware of you guys coming back and forth between us, getting permission. Anytime we ask, you've done
that. That's I'm fine with that. As far as the incident with the driveby, you guys were the victims. I agree with you on that. All right. you guys were, you know, op um entertaining what was happening at the club. It was very unfortunate what happened. You are
absolutely victims and I get it how stories could be painted and changed. I get it. So for me, I'm I'm not sitting here tonight to say no to you guys. But what I would like to do just get some additional information as far as it relates to the police reports. You know, the number of incidents, what happened,
the time, I just need to get some more details. So, I don't want to sit here and say, "Well, because Captain Perez presented X, Y, and Z, I'm going to go with that." But in in the effort of just trying to be fair, you know, I know you guys, um, but I just want to be fair
and, you know, I'm leaning to saying yes because of there is a renewal process, but there's certain things I just want to make sure that I'm comfortable with in making this decision because if I make the wrong decision, it's going to have to sit with me. But what I would like to do, and I ask for the time frame, is if we can just look a little
deeper into that report to see, you know, what you're saying opposed to what was said in that report, if there's documents to support it. >> Um, Mr. Coleman, you can come to the
microphone. >> Statement about it coming from um above is that that's what's been told to us the last few times that the police have been there. So that it's not us, it's coming from above. So if it's not
coming from the police and it's coming from above, we can only assume it's coming from so so we don't know where it's coming from. But to speak to your point about having to do another deep dive, well why we had the Oprah and we've already
brought that here. We've already shown that these were the amount of incidents that weren't valid and these were the incidents that were valid. So now we're go have going to have to go back and revalidate which the facts that we've
already came and shown that these incidents these 53 incidents or however many incidents that more than 75% of them the police are saying nothing happened. There was no noise. There was no just cause for the call. So now we're
being looked at as if we have a hundred calls when 75 of them had no validity. A 911 call, a kid that was there played and dialed 911. That's not us being bad neighbors.
That's not us being a nuisance. It sounds like someone has an issue with us and their way of dealing with it is calling the police. Well, the police allow us to have valid information that shows that we weren't having those
accusations aren't true. And as Robert spoke to, every time they've come, they've never come back. They've never they've never come back and said, "Oh, they still made noise." So, we are being neighborly. You called the police. You asked us to turn it down and we've
turned it down. And the police contested that because they've never been called back. So you having to go do another dive is like me having to revalidate something that we already did be because we're going off the number of police reports and we brought the police
reports here in front of council to say hey listen they said there was these we just wanted to make sure that we were and what it says is that 75% of the time that there wasn't anything valid. So there we go. >> Thank you Mr. Coleman.
>> All right. Thank you. >> All right. At this time, uh we'll take a short recall obsessive. >> Okay. So, we'll do a resolution for executive session.
Can I get a motion to go into executive session for a excuse me in accordance with the New Jersey Open Publiclix's Meetings Act for attorney or client private privilege and deliberation? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded
by Councilman Anderson. >> Roll call. >> Yes. Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Deputy Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. Captain Perez, would you join us on executive, Yeah,
>> Madame Clerk, we're ready to come out of executive. Yes. May I get a motion to come out of executive session? So moved. Second. >> Moved by council deputy mayor Wory, seconded by Councilman Anderson. Roll call. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Deputy Dr. Mory. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Whitfield? >> Yes. >> All right. At this time, we're going to um close the public hearing. All in favor of closing the public hearing? I
>> I >> the public hearing is now closed. >> Um so in our uh deliberations we did find that um there are some a few other things that we need to look into. We are
going to call for a continuence of this matter um for a future date that will be advertised um while we gather the necessary information um Mr. H
>> the applicant will be notified in writing and the and via email as to the next hearing date. >> All right. So at this time um madame clerk I would
like to call for an adjournment. Yes. The time is now 6:49 and the Willenboro Council special council meeting is officially adjourned. We have to take a motion. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. Can I get a motion? >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilman Anderson. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? Yes. Now the time is 6:50 and the Part: 2
Madame Clerk, the time is now 7 p.m. It is now 7 p.m. and I'd like to call the regular township council meeting to order. Councilwoman Peron, >> present. Councilman Anderson not present at this time. Councilwoman Mintosh
present. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy >> present. >> Mayor Whitfield >> present. >> At this time, I'd like to invite Apostle Janette Brewer from the Commission to Serve International Church for tonight's prayer.
I would like to say good evening to everyone. Most gracious and everlasting Father, we come before you right now. Father, I just want to offer up thanksgiving, giving you glory, giving you praise, and giving you honor in the name of Jesus. Thanking you for this opportunity,
thanking you for opportunity to come and to be a a presence, Father, in the name of Jesus. God, we thank you for this council. We thank you, God, for our mayor, Mayor Whitfield. God, we thank you for our deputy mayor, Dr. um uh Worthy. Father God, thank you for our
council Peron and and and and all of them. Father, in the name of Jesus, our township manager, God, our clerks, God, each and everyone that plays a part in this township. Father, we're praying tonight for our business owners, God. We're praying for our homeowners, God.
We're praying, God, for our police department. We're praying, God, for our first responders. We're praying, God, for our fire department in the mighty name of Jesus. Glory to God. We pray that you will cover this town from hurt, harm, and danger. We pray that you would cover from crime in the name of Jesus.
Decrease it, Father. We thank you God for a community that want to come together and increase and better go ourselves in the name of Jesus working together good communication glory to God resolving issues and solving problems father God and coming together in in the
spirit of unity and one father we ask you now in the name of Jesus to even look on our military God we ask that you look on the finances God oh God that they would be in the order that you would have them that they would be able to do the things that we pray for increase now in every area in the name
of Jesus. Glory to God. We pray God for all of those creative minds coming together. Glory to God. Working together, Father God. In the name of Jesus, we pray for the churches. We pray for the leaders. We pray for the pastors in this community. We pray for our children that you will cover them from
hurt, harm, and danger. Glory to God. In the mighty name of Jesus, Father, we just thank you for all things working together. We thank you, God, for new things that are coming, God. We thank you, God, for all things that need to be passed away. And Father, we ask you for guidance on today in the name of Jesus.
Glory to God, that we're not moving in our own uh self, God, but that we're led and guided by you in every decision and even those that are in the valley of decisions right now, God. We pray that we will acknowledge you in all of our ways that you might direct our path in the name of Jesus. Glory to God. Father,
let there be respect one for another in the name of Jesus. God, let us hear one another in the name of Jesus. Glory to God that all things will work together for our good. And again, we thank you, Father, as you cover us, God. Cover America, God, in the name of Jesus. We
thank you right now for everything that you're going to do from this day forward. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you, Pastor B. >> May we please rise for the flag salute.
flag of the United States and to the republic. One nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Madame Clerk, compliance statement. >> Notice was provided in compliance with
chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975 to the Burlington County Times, Trenton Times, and the Philadelphia Enquir 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, Madam Clerk. Good evening, everyone. Happy April. April. April is here and April here in um one it means spring. So we'll hear a
little bit about our spring plans, our spring cleanups and things that are coming up. And then also um spring for our municipality also means budget time. So we will have our budget introduction on this evening. Um, we do have one
proclamation this evening. Um, and that is for autism awareness month. Councilwoman Peron will be reading that proclamation. Counciloman Peron. proclamation declaring April as autism awareness
month. Whereas autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurological condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world. And it occurs across all backgrounds, cultures, and communities.
And whereas the United Nations General Assembly designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007, recognizing the need to promote understanding, dignity, and respect for
autistic individuals worldwide. And whereas in the years since designation, the movement has evolved from awareness to acceptance, emphasizing inclusion, respect, and the
celebration of neurodeiversity while recognizing the strengths and contributions of individuals on autism uh spectrum. And whereas Autism Acceptance Month highlights the
importance of creating inclusive environments that ensure equitable access to health care, education, employment, and community life, enabling autistic individuals to fully
participate and thrive. And whereas autistic self-act with adequate I'm sorry, excuse me. Whereas autistic self- advocates, families, educators, and community leaders continue to play a
vital role in advancing acceptance and fostering communities that value diversity, promote accessibility, and uphold the dignity of all individuals. And whereas the township of Willingboro
is committed to building a more inclusive community by promoting acceptance, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all autistic individuals and by supporting efforts that embrace neurodeiversity in all aspects of
community life. Now therefore be proclaimed that I, Mayor Samantha Whitfield, along with the Township Council of Willingboro, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month in Willing
Township and urge all residents to foster understanding, embrace inclusion, celebration, neurodiversity, and work together to create a community where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to
thrive. Thank you, Councilwoman Perum. Um, so yes, this month is autism awareness month, and in line with that, we will be talking a little bit about some of the renovations that um are be
being considered for the JFK Center. One of which um the addition of a sensory room um to support the autism community. All right. Uh, moving right along, we will go to
Mr. Harris for his manager's update. >> Good evening, uh, mayor and members of the public. Can you can you hear me? Okay. Um, mayor, we have a quite extensive an extensive agenda for this evening with a lot of presentations. So I have
submitted to you all my full report for the month of April and a sub summary uh consolidated engineering report that I will make available for members of the public on the township website uh for review. Um but I would like to get into um our main topics this evening uh
presentations. We have our engineers here from Alimo who are going to make a presentation on the the status of the um renovations at the JFK center. Um we also have them um we also have um our DPW director Mr. Chapman to make a
presentation on um some landscaping things for summer beautifification as well as recreation to give you some updates about what's happening in recreation as well as the presentation for the budget. So it's quite a bit of
information uh for you this evening. So um I would like to begin if that's okay by calling up um Mr. Lionel and Miss Anita from Alimo and they can begin with their presentation on the work that they've
been doing at the JFK Center. Thanks for being participating. >> Um, thank you. My name is Anita Aradia. I'm architect with Alimo Group. I have Lionel Calipot. He's an engineer with
Alimo Group. Uh today we want to present um renovations at senior center at Kennedy Center. Um do we have a clicker to >> next? So if you see this um display on the screen, it is actually a Google map
with the building shown in light color. The colors that you see in uh blue and um green and ochre are the areas of renovation. So we are just doing renovation to some parts of the building
not all of it. Most of it is existing. Next. So if you see this, this is actually a two-level existing uh rooms right now being used by uh various you know the camps, childrens
are using it and some of it is empty. The lower level what you see would be a um launch space and a study space for the seniors. The upper level we have a um a small room wherein they could do
recording for you know if they want to record a video or they want to do a live um you know presentation that could be done there on both sides. We have again a study area. The top portion top left
is the auditory sensor that we talked about just now. It's mostly for children. We are working with special um furniture, color, texture to make that a very sensory responsive space over there. And behind you would see all the
offices, they're being renovated as is. We are removing the finishes, carpets, redoing the finishes and there's no major construction per se over there. But the entire area we are doing HVAC, we are doing electrical, we are doing um
you know whatever else the finishes everything else to make it very um usable and more modern and very sensorally you know very acceptable areas. It's a it's going to be a very welcoming area. It's going to be ADA compliant for seniors. We have two
chairlift on either side. One is to the computer room, other one to the conference rooms where seniors can use all the spaces. 100 person spaces accessible by wheelchair. So the lower level if you walk out you would see that
blue color. That's the patio that overlooks the central courtyard. You have some planting and vegetable patches over there. That is the area. Next, >> Anita, if I can just um stop you for one second, just for the community's
orientation, the section in yellow is what we currently know as the LRC area. That lower level is what she is referring to as the lounge space. And then um there's a few classrooms in the upper area. But one of those will be
transitioned to a sensory room, one a recording um podcast recording studio um community space and then we'll also have an introductory um lounge area. >> Yeah. Uh I have a little bit more um
detail uh views later on. Um so what you see over here is mostly the existing senior center. The purple areas where you have a large uh multi-purpose room that is being divided into a craft room and an activity room. The one in green
is where we are proposing a new cafe and a kitchen area. So if that one opens out onto a patio which is in blue which connects out to the larger patio that opens out near the senior center. It's going to be one level area all
accessible by ADA. So it would be a very nice outdoor space for people to sit have some cup of coffee or just sit and study. So it's going to be a very welcoming space. Next, so this is one of the view we had
planned for the lower level of the senior center overlooking the you know you see a little green area that is the courtyard. You can just sit there and look up onto the outside and also walk out. Next
This is the outside. Um, you know, this is where it connects. It extends all the way and connects to the cafe outdoors. So, it's going to be one seamless, you know, area with no level differences. It's going to be ADA accessible. So, we planned it in such a way you can just
walk out those doors, walk out, sit there and walk further up and go to the cafe. There's a little bit outdoor space there as well. Next, this is what we plan to have for uh craft. Um, right now you do have a craft
that is being moved to the other side of the corridor. We proposed a new uh set of furniture. The kil is being moved to the other side as well. Next, um this is a computer room. The original computer room that you have right now
will be removed and we propose a brand new furniture computers. You see the step level, but each one is accessible by a chairlift. So, it's not like people can't get there. You can go there and you know, it's very well, especially if there's a presentation. Everybody has a
good view and it's it's a very nice uh space. Next, these are some of the furniture we plan to use for the sensory learning for children. Next, I do have a more technical drawing. Um I
I have a set of drawing if you want to look at it with dimensions and more details. Um if you want to see next if you want to see the kitchen counter what kind of equipment is going to be there cafe all that's there in those drawing next.
Um that's all I have. If you have any questions I'll be glad to answer. Um all right thank you. Any questions from council? Counciloman Pan, >> thank you for your presentation.
With regards to the computer room, is that at the current senior center building? >> This is at the LRC building at the LRC in JFK. Okay. >> Computer room would be moved to the LRC to make some space for the cafe. >> Okay. Okay. And then also the
multicensor room is going to be at the LRC as well. All right. The I know this was a photograph. um a model, but the computer room will the the tables looked a little close. Will they be also wheelchair accessible? People who are in wheelchairs?
>> Yes. So, if you see the last level that that is accessible by the wheelchair. So, the set of chairs, the four chairs that you see at the back >> at the back, that's where people can um >> they can fit their wheelchairs. Okay.
>> Directly with chairs. >> All right. Will there be computers or you have to bring your own computer? >> We do have computers in the current computer room and I think we'll transfer those over but we would talk about upgrading the current computers and things like that.
>> Okay. So, those are are they computers or laptops? Were they desktops or desktops? >> Computers. >> Okay. All right. Thank you, >> Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, thank you Miss Anita for the presentation. Um, I
was wondering in the computer room um, is it a do you believe it's a best practice to have the leveled um, seating like that? I'm a little concerned about um, that I know you said the chair lift is there but can you share more about why that was proposed?
>> Um, that's existing. Um, we are not doing much within that. Those terases do exist. >> Okay. Uh there is an option we can take all those terases out and level it and have it at single level. It's going to be
>> the like the band room like that's over I think I'm in the Yeah. Okay. Okay. No, I know what room we're talking about. >> Yeah. And it can be done. It's just a little more expensive >> if you know I know I know the space now. Thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> All right. Any other questions? Any other feedback or things that we'd like to see in the room that are not present here? >> I I wanted to know more about the multi-ensor room. I know you said there will be a room, but as far as um what
will be in the room? Are you speaking with psychologists and people of uh therapy who knows what types of things should be in that room? Um and what ages that you are attracting um for that room? Um we are working uh preliminary
phases. We are at concept phase. We're working with furniture vendors who provide these special furniture which has textures, colors. So we're working with those. Um also we'll be working with with the with your team to know
what kind of people you expect them there and various we probably have two different uh age group to be accommodated within that space. >> Right. So yeah, there will be I guess so there will be another segment when you have that meeting because with
multiensory um you have small children five then you have older children's 16 they do different things but it they still have multiensory um so certain things like sounds sometimes you'll have earphones in the room to silence a loud
space sometimes you will have um types of uh fabrics or things that to calm for calming um there's a lot are different things, but every age is different. And it's it will be I know it will be uh I guess it's going to be open space or a closing space.
>> It's a community space, but it's in um the back classroom. >> The back classroom of the LRC. >> I'm not a professional at all. So, I was just asking if they had anybody who on that level to just encourage like things when we do start purchasing furniturees
and things that would make sense for the >> Yeah, I believe Anita said they're working with a team Did you say that? >> No. >> Right now we are working the spatial part. >> We're working with the space. >> Yeah. So you we need big uh your team
feedback as to what age group, how many people because it's not a lot of space. We have to try and fit in maybe different station and things like that. >> We can work with you and provide what is required. >> Okay. So, we'll come back and um Councilwoman Peron, I know you have
knowledge and experience with this. I think it would be helpful if you could share any ideas, especially for furniture um and things like that as this is the stage that we're in right now of things that should be included in this room. >> Okay, we'll do. Thank you. >> All right, Deputy Mayor Worthy.
>> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I know Miss Tony sent in um a suggestion um a connection with someone actually that could help with um some of the selections. I don't know if Mr. Harris has passed that on. If not, I will share that with you um as well. I think it's proono services. She didn't say that,
but I'm I'm hopeful it's proono. Um so, I'll pass that along um for you. Um also, I'm not sure at what point we say it, but I am interested in ensuring that the spaces like the furniture selection is stuff that can be wiped down and disinfected. I know we had some challenges over the years with um the
cloth. Um and so as postcoavid as we're outfitting stuff um just want to be mindful of those um selections of furniture, but I'm really excited about the progress and seeing this rendition and looking forward to um the new spaces. Thank you, madam.
>> Thank you. Thank you for the opportunity. >> Yes, I need to hold on one more thing. Don't go anywhere yet. You're not off the hook. Um so also um for the lounge space >> um in that lower level of the LRC pull
that slide up. >> Previous previous >> There we go. Um so we did have some or um myself and deputy mayor did have some meetings with the youth of our community as well who will have access to the space. Um and they
were really um interested in some flexible seating. I see the seating that you have here, but it looks more like stagnant. If we can make sure we have different seating options, some high tables, some low tables, um you know,
some like group couches, different things that you can kind of like move around or um you know, sit in study groups and be able to study in that way. um um be able to push tables together should they need to um just so that we
have some flexibility in that space as well. And then also the other important thing I think is um charging outlets which I know you know we are a device-based society as we continue to move forward and folks have phones and
laptops and iPads and all types of technology that they will need to charge while um utilizing the lounge space. So, I just want to make sure that we have adequate charging docks, facilities, no one's like really hunting around for an outlet. You know, there's maybe table
pods or things like that that um are available for use. >> Yes. Um we do have uh we are working with a furniture vendor. We'll have one-on-one meeting with them uh to look at the options. We do have outlets everywhere because just because we took
into consideration it's a launch as you said and also there'll be larger table where people can sit and work on their laptop you know it's an informal space so we had that option considered >> okay great all right anything else all right thank you miss
>> thank you >> so thank you Anita and and Lionel again uh the next step would be to prepare a resolution and if the governing body is happy with the design then you can approve the design and then they will go in and do the detail architecture and
then prepare the bidding documents thank you not tonight over >> so maybe at the next meeting we'll have one Uh next I would like to call up uh Mr. uh Chapman who is our director of
department of public works who will make a presentation to you uh regarding um some summer spring DPW beautifification activities plan. Good evening, Mr. Chapman.
>> Well, good evening everyone. How's everyone doing? >> Very well. >> Alrighty. So, tonight I've been tasked with um speaking on the remediation of the center islands on specifically on Beverly Rancus and veterans. Um so, just a little history. Um prior to my tenure,
the roads were maintained by Willenboro Township DPW in the past. I reached out to the county because I didn't really know the history and I was speaking to Mr. John Janice and he did inform me that back in the 70s, Wimberl did maintain it. However, over the years and
specifically most recently um Mr. Rich Revogal, the previous administration reached out and made an agreement with the county to cease us maintaining it and them start spraying it with herbicides due to how much manpower, labor, and financial resources it requires to maintain such a vast amount
of vegetation. So since then those roadways have been being sprayed with herbicide um around the perimeter which is why you see all of those bread I mean those dead uh bare areas. They're dead and bare because of the use of herbicides. Um so and they were doing that just to keep those weeds and they
don't have to get out and weed whack and edge and risk people being in the street working in those roadways. Um I believe Mr. Rich Provogal um ceased doing the work in those roadways due to one of our um long-standing DPW employees suffering in a very significant injury. um
basically was almost paralyzed. Um we suffered a a very profound loss with some equipment and trucks and once that happened, it was like it's just not worth the risk of somebody's life working and maintaining those roadways. Um we do set up road details when we do jobs like that. However, with the nature
of society that we live in, people speed, they text, they're not looking, and sometimes they don't even realize, and by the time they look up, it's too late and they already ran into something. Um, however, I understand that is the desire of the council to try to do something to these roadways. So,
after conversations with Mr. Harris, we came to, I guess you could say, equal medium to try to focus just on veterans this year. So, with that being said, um, earlier in this year, I reached out to the county and I got that backtory with that history, which led me into the risk and everything else. However, I did get
Mr. John Janice and the county to agree to um, stop applying herbicides. So, as of right now, they retain uh I guess you could say turned over the responsibility of the maintenance of that vegetation back over to Willenboro Township. Um in conversations with Mr. Janice, he did
make it known that it is a massive undertaking and that we are taking on a very big liability. However, I made it I made him know that this is the desire of the council and this is what we're doing. So, with that being said, um
this year and specifically beginning this weekend, um what we're going to do is we're going to start on veterans and we're going to start trying to blow off all of those pine needles um to get all of those pine needles out their way and expose um the soil. Again, the reason why those pine needles are there because
that whole street is lined with pine trees. So when those pine needles fall and they accumulate, pine needles are very acidic and the acidity of the pine needles kill vegetation. So our first step is to try to move all of those pine needles. We're going to begin this weekend. I can't tell you specifically
how long that's going to take. Um because it is a vast amount of roadway. We're going to have to set up detail. Um and we're also going to have to try to intertwine that in the midst of everything else that we have going on. The season has kicked off. Uh we already are responsible for almost 500 acres of
grass, not including what we're about to start taking on right now. So um beginning this weekend, we are going to begin blowing off the pine needles. We're going to try to cultivate and air rate that soil a little bit and well, not now, but either tomorrow or the next day, I'm trying to get an order of
compost in so we can apply some compost to the bare areas. Right now, top soil or that soil that's already there is not going to do it. we need to put something fresh that's nutrient-rich in that area to give us a chance at even having some vegetation to grow. Um, with that being
said, with that top I mean that um compost going in there and leveling it out and us already mowing that space, hopefully we're hoping that the germination will naturally start taking place. Right now is not a good time to apply grass seed, but if we're able to get all of those pine needles out the
way, get that compost laid down later on in the year, which is around roughly September, early fall, that's the best time to apply uh grass seed. So, we're going to try to go through, put some grass seed down, and let mother nature take its course. Um it's going to be an arduous task because those median
islands don't have vegetation. I mean, not um irrigation. So, it's it's hard to water. So, we have to manually water those. And that's a a tough task when you're loading up a water tank on a truck, driving down, spraying with a hose and all of that. So, we're going to
try to do best we can. Uh my only fear is um extending all of this staff and resources over here that we might leak out and miss something somewhere else with everything else that we're tasked with. However, with that being said, we're going to give it our honest effort. We're going to try to do
everything we can. I'll provide timely updates as we go through and give you the uh before and after pictures so you can see as the timeline goes along and you can follow along with that. Before I answer any questions um if you have been driving around we
have been planting tulips. Last year it was uh requested of me to get tulips. So we already have our tulips. We're running around right now planting them. And then once we do that we're going to put the mulch over there and finish all that up. And at this time, due to everything else, we else have we going on tonight? I'll take questions.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chapman. Any questions for Mr. Chapman? >> Council pros. Um, the county put that you said veggides down. >> Herbicide. >> Yes. >> So, their only job was to ruin the grass and they're not interested. They're not to help us. They know that that's what
they did. So, I know they said, "Okay, well then you do it." So, I know you said it was an agreement with the rich provogal, but so it seems like they purposely came to our community and sprayed down something on our grass to ruin our grass and then we're like, "Hey, look, it looks horrible." Like, okay, well then you do it. Like,
shouldn't they be held accountable to help you with this process of making it come back to grass? >> Um, well, due to the simple fact that it is their road, they have the right to do whatever they want on their road. So, um, with that being said, I don't think it was their intention to destroy the
grass, per se. I think that just due to the Yeah, I just due to the financial t and they just really don't, they told me, he said, I just don't have the personnel right now. He said, we cover a vast amount of communities. He said with budget restrictions and everything, we just do not have the time or personnel
to dedicate to that. So that's why they came up with the option of applying the herbicide so they didn't have to come out and manually edge and assign manpower to a task like that. >> So they don't help with cutting the grass. >> No, they do not. >> They just spray poison to kill our grass. >> And and Councilwoman Peron, that had to
be some sort of law. >> Also to to um just bring this to light, our previous DPW director asked them to do this. So this was a request of the county to join their herbicide effort
>> and that was because um Mr. Provogel, we didn't have anybody at the township at the time that was licensed to apply that. You have to have a commercial pesticide applicator license to apply any type of commercial pesticides or herbicides in the state of New Jersey. So if you don't have anybody authorized on staff, you go out there and spray that the D and they'll come and snatch
you up real quick and you'll have way more vines than you can imagine. >> And and you do have those licenses. you have >> I have I have my 3A and 3B but if I in order to do that I would have to go back and get my rightway because that's another that's a 13 I think that's 13A so that's because you're spraying on the
actual rightaway you have to have a different license >> okay but you have knowledge on the herbicides yes and yes remediation plans and things like >> yes ma'am >> um all right uh Councilwoman
Macintosh >> I Um, thank you for that. Um, no problem. >> And I think it does shed light on what's been happening. Um, the herbicide was used to prevent the grass from going >> all over the curb. Yes. >> The curb into the street. Um, not the
prettiest thing, but it I think it's something that needed to happen. It does it does look bad, though. Um, my concern now that you brought some things to light is how I'm concerned about the the liability you you spoke of. Um, the risk
the risk for grass does like the risk of someone getting hurt in those streets and um versus grass is a little concerning to me. >> And that that's what the >> the extra ef that and all the resources pulled
>> um for that. I don't know if we can like kind of prolong that effort over some time versus trying to make it happen this year or you know, but I I appreciate you bringing you know the totality of the situation because I know um when we got on council that was one
of the biggest complaints was that middle that um the Veterans Parkway Beverly Focus. However, I don't think it's worth risking our employees. >> Um, >> you know, to a certain extent,
>> I would I would I would agree. Um, speaking to getting a feel for getting a feel for, I guess, through conversations with my supervisory staff, some of them do have, I guess you could say, some uh uh signs of or I guess you could say
borderline PTSD from the experiences that they had. They like, Brad, if you want us to do it, we'll do it. Listen, we'll do it. But we're going to have to dedicate our most experienced staff to do that. We can't put And right now, we're staffed with a lot of individuals who really don't have the landscaping
experience that you're asking for at the level of I guess you could say landscape beautifification that the township wants to see. We're we're trying to get there. I get I understand. But the same way that it took years to get that vegetation like that is going to take years of investment to get it back. And
if that's the direction we want to go into, we can do that. But we're going to have to make a conscientious effort to make a financial investment into doing so and in protecting our employees in whatever way we can do. >> I just want to say on one one second, Council Pon, Deputy Mayor Worthy.
>> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um those my my comments were along the line of what um Councilwoman Macintosh was saying in terms of risk mitigation and I'm I'm sure you all have done some due diligence around mis risk mitigation but I am um concerned about the risk and
curious if there are other have you all explored other ways um to beautify that area that would be less labor intensive like I don't know if you >> So um something me and my assistant director were talking about was potentially having a conversation
um Mr. Harris and the council to potentially look into ex um exploring installing pavers instead of having vegetation there. Um if you install pavers, which is like, you know, the bricks or the decatives like stone, um it will allow you to only have to worry
about what we already do now, which is the mowing of the center. You won't have to do the intricate landscaping and the weed whacking and the edging. Um I believe in the past, this is where the injury came. I believe I don't I haven't seen it personally, but I believe they were using some type of saw blade like
circular onto the back coat and driving down and edging that uh that lane. However, working in traffic is very different than just mowing in the center island because we don't have a truck that drops that mower off. That mower drives to that location, gets in
the center island, mow. So, it's a moving operation. It's not a stagnant operation. But with the type of detail that you're asking for, we're going to have to set up a safety zone, road detail to make sure that we're taking every safety precaution that we have at our disposal to make sure nobody gets
injured. >> And I just wanted to add, I think, um, what may I believe what's missing from the conversation is perspective. Um, when those medians look their best um, during that age, it also was less distracted driving. And so what has
changed um is not so much that we can't have beautiful center, you know, aisles. It's not like we can't have beautiful flowers, but we have on random bright sunny days cars going through fences of people's backyards. Um it's nothing going on. They just hooking a curve on veterans and end up in somebody's
backyard. We got fences down in several spots in Willenboro from people being distracted driving and just taking them out. And so that's something that's a risk that just wasn't as prevalent. Um, so I'm very concerned um about the risk. I appreciate you bringing it up. It was
something that um has been mentioned in passing, but I think that we really need to make sure if we're continuing with this labor intensive uh work that we have a risk uh plan and we have figured out what the risk is and how we're risk how we're mitigating the risk because
the more we talk about it, if something happens, we're all going to say we were all aware of the risk and we said yes because some residents wanted tulips in the medians. And so I think that we just need to be mindful as we give those directives and figure out, you know,
what level of risk are we willing to take as a, you know, as a body as we beautify the community. >> No, thank you. >> Yeah, thank you. Um, all great suggestions. I just um want to point out certain things. I mean, we know certain um types of skills. There's certain
cultures of people that just know what they're doing and Mexicans know what to do with grass. I'm not kidding with you. Hire a firm. Get a firm. They know what to do with grass. They know how to not f They cut a big tree down by my house. All Mexicans. The tree was bigger than Empire Stable as far as I'm concerned.
And they're not tall people. They know what to do with vegetation, grass, whether it's in the middle of the road, on the side of the road, on a corner. Hire them, get them paid. We'll have green grass. We'll have tulips. You can't have somebody who is public works
to to vacuum the floor or do something in the building and then ask them to go do vegetation when that's not their skill. >> Oh, am I saying something? Oh, employee. Don't say that. >> Oh, don't say Mexicans are good. >> Okay. I'm not supposed to say Mexicans
are good at fast. They are >> We'll look into options and contractors, >> but >> we'll look into some options of contractors. I did reach out to two potential contractors to get a price. However, once they seen the scope of the work, I'm I'm going to be honest with
you, they avoided me. They haven't responded. One of them said, "Oh, that's going to be very expensive. I don't even think y'all want to do that." >> Company. Yes. And they do great work. Um can't tell you their race, but they are amazing and they know what to do with grass and trees. So, I'll forward their information to you.
>> All right. Um thank you, Councilwoman Peron. saying we can't say we're not going to get gran grass because the people are >> but I will refrain I would refrain from generalizing about specific ethnicities and races and people >> they do great work it's like the to build the empire state building you
didn't have somebody that clean soilless you have somebody that knows what they're doing so you hire people that knows what they're doing and they're skilled that's their area hire the right you don't get pizza from the Chinese restaurant I'm just saying we don't again hire people that knows what they're doing and I far as I'm concerned
about insulting anybody. I'm I'm bigging up a a certain culture of people that knows what they're doing when it comes to grass. So if I get sued for saying that, sue me. I don't have any federal charges as far as I'm concerned. So um they do good work and I can tell you right now you council.
>> All right. Um >> well, thank you Mr. Chapman for your presentation. Any other question? >> Okay. Oh, all right. Before you go, I do want to say um commend you for the work that you've been doing um throughout the township. Um thank you for planting the
tulips. That was a request that we made specifically last year that has come to fruition. Um I am interested in maybe some alternatives to the close edge. Um because I do understand that that is a risk, you know, that edge. But even if
we put pavers on the sides, right, there will still have to be an edging that happens. >> Oh, well, no. Well, not necessarily from land uh I guess you could say a weed wagon perspective because um the pavers will go up against the curb. So, anything from the curb will be uh you
could say a yeah impervious surface. So, we could get back into any weeds that pop up through those cracks will be able you could get back into the herbicide applications through the county if you went that route. But if you keep at Yeah. If you keep turf around there, you can't apply anything and you have to do
a edge. But with pavers, you want to do that cuz it's a flat impervious surface. >> But in order to keep it, you know, from the grass from inside >> Oh, yeah. Growing over to Yeah, I got you. Yeah. >> Pavers, there still have to be some edging activities. But inside of there, you will be they have these uh what you these little plastic edging strips that
you will be able to imply uh be able to imply on the inside of the on the left side of the pa on the right side of the grass to keep that grass from going over you. >> Okay. At the end of the day, they did it in the 70s. We didn't have horse and buggies. We had cars. So, if they did it in the 70s, the 60s, we can figure out
how to do grass. They had cars. We >> But it's a different situation now. Council woman, >> that's not it's cars, but the cars are different. The The drivers are distracted. They didn't even have seat belts in the 70s. >> Listen, all I'm I'm just saying I think that's I'm not I'm just
>> I'm saying not do it before. >> No, I'm not saying let's not do it. I'm saying let's explore other options >> like hire somebody that knows what they're doing. >> That is an option. But I'm saying let's explore other options so that we can one
mitigate the risk to our employees >> from getting run down by a distracted driver or hit by a tractor trailer that's rolling past at um high speeds. We're we're just trying to mitigate the risk and if we don't have to have
>> getting run over. I saw them out there doing lights. They're not getting run over. I think you just need to get some people to know what they're doing at the end of the day. >> Okay. Thank you, council. Thank you, council. >> It's very simple. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chapman, for your presentation. Appreciate all the work that you do for Willing.
>> Mr. Harris. >> Thank you, Mr. Chapman. And and just to to reframe the conversation, any work that we do go out to bid for would be through some type of legal process according to the local public contracts law. So, it's not I know a guy. there
there are processes that we would have to to process through. Uh next I'm going to ask Mr. Lori from uh recreation to come up and enlighten us on the activities. >> Good evening. >> Good evening Mayor. How are you?
>> Very well, thank you. Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councilwoman Peron, Councilwoman Macintosh, never forgot your name. God bless. Anywh who, um, so I'll give a quick update. I'll try to get out of here as quickly as possible on the first quarter of the
recreation department. Um, so for our program income between January 1st and uh March 31st, we brought in $34,528 in program um income. And that's just a slight increase uh compared to last year. In terms of registration, across
all of our available program sessions, we've had 483 registrations. Our active programs starting in the month of April, we have our uh mentality brotherhood brunch series, which began this past Saturday. Um we have 30 registered gentlemen uh for that series. Our youth
baseball began on Monday, April 6. We have 106 kids registered for that league. our SIP T andB empowered with me uh women's empowerment series that began tonight at 6 pm. That will be from 6 pm to 8:00 pm and we have approximately 30
women registered for that program as well. Our intro to cheer kicks off on April 8th and that has almost 40 kids registered for that program. We submitted our summer camp application to the department of health and that has been approved. Our summer camp registration opened on March 23rd. We
currently have 10 students registered for that. Early bird registration began on March 23rd. Uh this year we'll be offering breakfast and lunch for our students. Um that has not been something that has been consistent in the past. And we're also working on our ability to accept child care assistance for
families um that would meet that need. Uh for more information regarding our summer camps, you can reach out to our recreation youth leader um Michelle Martin. Um her extension is 1140. Again, our main number is 609877-22000
extension40 and then mRN willingj.gov. We're transitioning to a new recreation management platform that will help us uh deliver our services to the community, manage our recreation programs better, and report on activities and participation uh more effectively. I
encourage residents to prepare to create new accounts as the accounts from our current service, My Wreck, will not be migrated. So, just everyone should be prepared for that. and we plan on going live with that service at the end of the second quarter. In response to the discussion that we had at the last council meeting regarding free
programming during the summer, um leveraging the funds from the national opioid settlement, I have developed a program titled summer in motion, the block series where we'll be taking uh recreation mobile. So, we'll be visiting uh the parks and the courts and the neighborhoods. We'll be taking resources
out there. Our recreation table will be uh set up so that we can help folks register for our programs. We're going to invite the school district out so that they can register uh the kids for breakfast and lunch uh for uh the school year that's coming up. We're going to invite the fire department, the police department to have their resources, but
also other uh connecting social services that would be needed for our community. Of course, we'll have food, music, and other activities for the community, not just the kids, but for the community to enjoy. Those will be on Wednesdays. I
want to say every other Wednesday starting on July 7th. Once we get closer to that time, we'll put out more information. Just off the bat, any questions regarding any of that information? >> Um, no questions, but I do appreciate um
the activation of our beautiful park system. We have a number of parks in town and um taking some program to the parks is a great idea. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh so we'll move into the analysis of the free resident admission um for our aquatic season for
2026. We talked about this at the last council meeting and it was requested that we put this uh analysis together. It is brief. Uh the council I believe you guys have a copy of this with you um and it's on the screen for the public's viewing. Um so I won't read it word for word um because you have it and it will
be there when you get there. Um so the township um requested this uh evaluation of the feasibility of offering free pool admission. Um just a little bit of the background, the pool season is scheduled to begin on March, excuse me, on May 23rd. Um we will operate for 15 full
weeks concluding on Sunday, September 6th. Um when the pool opens, that will be the first weekend of well the weekend of Memorial Day. um between that period and June 27th, the pool will only operate on the weekends. Um
that will only operate on the weekends and we do plan to only operate the country club pool which has a maximum capacity of 150 patrons. The pool daily operations uh to support the daily operations, the department proposes the following seasonal staff model. We'll
have 14 lifeguards, two pool captains, four gate guards, and daily schedule that will have seven lifeguards on duty, one pool captain per day, and then two gate guards. Uh to effectuate this, we'll have part-time staff. Those part-time staff
members, they are limited to a maximum of 29 and a half hours. Based on this staffing model and the projected total cost for the staff, we're looking at about a hundred $104 $104,000, excuse me. 104 96736,
pardon me. Um, some historical information. Uh, the recreation department, we identified partial historical data related to the pools for the operational season of 2025. We were limited to just that information because prior information was not available to us because it was
not recorded in our recreation management system um and in the turnover that has happened in the department over the last year. Um based on the available records, a total of 7,712 attendees were recorded over the course of the season. This past season, the average daily
attendance was approximately 99 patrons. And across the entire pool season last year, $38,318 in revenue was generated from individual daily passes alone. Um, so that data provides a baseline of what we're
looking at for the 2026 season. We were limited in some of our data of course as I spoke to. Um so as a result of that this report does not project any attendance for this pool season or what we may
you know incur and fees for this year. So we did prepare three scenarios um that we can look at for this pool season for the council consideration council and the administration's consideration. Scenario number one evaluates our
current pool operations. Uh to operate the current oper to operate the pool in its current state. Staffing levels will remain consistent with the current projections. Pool capacity will remain at a fixed of 150 patrons. Daily operations will proceed as planned with
standard access control and pool capacity will be managed under existing procedures. A few con fiscal considerations. revenue generated through admissions, seasonal revenue will be generated through daily um passes, the seasonal memberships that we
have, and of course our aquatic programming. The revenue will offset a portion of that uh total staffing costs and we will buy membership readers and card scanners to you know check people in. We're going to we're moving away from uh the bands that we would typically have at our pools. Along with
that, we'll need a digital device with a hotspot capabilities or Wi-Fi so that we can connect to our web-based recreation management system. Some potential risks um with this current scenario, low attendance uh registration may be reduced by the
ability to offset uh the cost. Unreliable internet access may also cause further admittance issues. Scenario number two would be the fully free option that we discussed at the last council meeting. Some operational considerations. Again, the pool access
would remain at 150 patrons. Staffing levels will remain the same. Um, and the increased demand may require active capacity monitoring and enforcement. We may have to hire supplemental security uh to support gate operations and crowd management. All residents will need to
create an account in our recreation management platform. residents will have to either scan membership cards or come in with their names, but all residents that would come to the pool, they will have to be registered in our recreation management platform. So, we can coordinate with the school district if
we decided to move in this direction, which part of this again, if since we're not doing the pool bands, we do want to move this way anyway. Um, everyone will have to be registered into our recreation management system. They will have to have a card or their name of course will have to be on the account
with the home that they're living in or registered to. Some of the financial considerations for scenario number two, we will not be collecting revenue for from residents. So that full staffing costs, it will not be offset by any admissions for daily attendance. Um it
will be offset slightly by um non-resident attendance. However, we don't have the number because that wasn't that's not any data that we can look at because it's it just wasn't recorded. So, we don't know how many non-residents were coming to the pools in previous years. So, we wouldn't be able to give the
number for that. Um, again, we may incur additional expenses to supplement additional security and again, we'll have to buy those digital devices to make sure that we're connected to the system. Some potential risk. The pool may reach maximum
capacity more frequently, requiring the temporary suspension of entry. Residents may experience wait times during peak periods. Increased usage may place additional strain on staff and facility resources. And then unreliable internet access may also further complicate
admittance issues. For scenario three, designated free swim days. These are days that we might just say, "Hey, on these certain days throughout the pool season, residents can attend for free." Operational considerations. Again, we're going to remain consistent at the 150.
The usage may vary between free days and paydays. Paid days, uh, supplemental security will still be needed for that time. Residents will still have to register with our new recreation system. fiscal concerns. Admission revenue will
still be reduced because we just don't know how many people will be coming on the paid days versus how many people will be coming on uh the days that are free. Um and again, in any of these scenarios, the staffing costs will remain at $14,000.
In this scenario, for potential risks, higher attendance may be concentrated on designated free days. The capacity limits may be reached more frequently. Wait times and restricted entry may occur during peak free periods and unreliable internet access. Again, maybe
cause for slowed admittance. Are there any questions on that? Then I have the conclusion which that was the report. >> Thank you, Mr. Lowry, for your report. Any questions from council?
>> Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Mr. Larry, have you all considered what other options there are if we can't get stable um internet for entry to the pool? >> So, if we can't get Wi-Fi connection at
the pool, there isn't possibility if we get iPads or anything like that. Those could be added to a cellular network. That may be an option to do that. Again, it's not super reliable. We can get the that would just have to be a a conversation with it. >> Okay. Because I think my concern is there's no shade and we've got we're
trying to do electronics in the heat without Wi-Fi or a solid way to get on >> Yeah. >> online. So, it might be free pools anyway. >> Right. Me. So, me and my team, we've been working on addressing the shade issue at the pool as well as the seating because right now there's just no seating at the pool period. There's also no tables at the pool. So, if you wanted
to enjoy anything, there's the pool's not that enjoyable. Um, so we're working on our end already outside of this conversation to address those issues. Any other questions from council? >> Yes.
>> Had a comment. Um, thank you, Mr. Lowry. I want to say, um, thank you for, um, the analysis because I know in the past we've had, um, prior to in the past there've been lots of conversations about things. Um, but to be able to see the diligence going forward so we can just read about it and take a look is
very helpful. So, I want to say thank you for that. Um, also, thank you for the rec zone. I was on the school district's website and I saw this um tag at the bottom with all the things that are happening in the recreation department. So, I really appreciate that to help, you know, bridge that gap between what's happening um in the
recreation department and and parents and families having access easily to at a place where they normally go anyway. So, thank you for that. And then did you have a time of day that you had in mind for the Wednesdays um for the summer motion? >> Those will be in the evenings. Um, so
again, most of my staff will be working during summer camps. So that would probably begin. I'm looking at either 5:30 or six o'clock to start those. But they would be evening programs just to allow parents, and I apologize for chewing my gum right now. I just noticed what I was doing. Um, those would be in
the evenings. So that will give parents the time to get off work, get their kids from either camp, wherever they might be at camp. If they're at camp, pick them up from grandma's uh the grandmother's house or parents house, whatever. uh but to get to where we're going to be. It would also allow us transition time as
well from camp to get to those parks. >> Thank you very much. >> No problem. >> Council pro. >> I too um thank you for the presentation. It was helpful. Um but just maybe a possible never um suggestion. Um the pass is available to only borrow
students. I know a lot of students are sometimes sent out of district. I'm not sure what that looks like as far as anything else about education. Um I know when students are sent out of district, they're still entitled to like school activities, but this is not a school activity. So just kind of like looking
at that where you're a student here in Willingboro from K through 12, you know, or college student, too. Um your free passes just because I didn't see that on there. I think it was to the whole family, right? A residents I think is what you put. >> Yeah, we we didn't look at whether if they were
>> student, >> a non- studentent at all. just because they still live in this community and we would think that they would still have access to those facilities. >> Okay. M yeah ma'am council Mintosh you used to do students right didn't students get passes like willing students so that's what >> but it was all students it was like
student age children >> no that's what I >> I know we got sixth grade up but it was people in that students in that age range >> oh they didn't have to be Willingboro students >> they had to live in Willingboro they had to be willing residents right I'm
talking about students that go to Willingboro schools That's what I'm ask. That's what I'm saying. They went to Willingboro schools. You were there Mecca, right? Okay. I know it was advertised through Willingboro schools. >> Yeah, I should have said that. That's
what I was just saying because I didn't see his >> But I don't think there was a restriction against homeschool students or >> Oh, I see what you're saying. >> You know what I mean? >> Wing bro. Well, that's okay. Willing students, >> they let they go to school students period. Because I think your
presentation is the whole family. Like it's everybody as long as you have. >> Yes. I thought we were considering residents, but if we want to just consider >> fourth scenario is all I'm trying to say. >> No, no, I got it. Would be fourth >> idea. >> Um yeah, that would just be that would there would be more risk and operational
considerations there as well. Um we would have to make sure that they have uh school IDs and things of that nature. We'd have to confirm all that. >> Records of people who are students of Willingboro. >> We don't. >> No, I mean we could get them. >> We can get them from the Well, if they provide those to us. Sure. >> Well, it's just another suggestion. So you could look into it. What I'm saying
is it one it g it keeps children focused because you know they get in trouble in the summertime. So giving them something to do and luring them to a safe place. Um also I think you should have basketball clinics too like we have them we had them in New York but >> we just started a clinic on Monday >> right? So just thinking about summertime
students they get into trouble a lot and if we're giving them a free place to go that's one way to do it. So if they're students they live in Willingboro that's just a I think you had three scenarios. Yes, >> that's scenario four. That's all I'm saying. It's another to look into. Maybe it's some more homework to do, but we
have their addresses. We know that there's students that go to school and the Woolly Brow should have a record of them at least and also keeps track of where they are because children go missing a lot too. So, well, also students currently have to have a adult
with them when swimming, right? It's they can't just go by themselves, >> right? That's currently the law, the rule. >> There's no written policy. Um, so I'm not I'm honestly I'm not going to rely on anything from what we've done in the past. Um, >> sign on this pool. It says I think you have to be accompanied by an adult if
you're not I think it's under 13 or something. >> It's not high 13 or something. >> But yeah, I mean if we do that we we have to make sure that we're uh precise about what a student means. Does it mean a student that's in grade school, middle school? >> An adult. >> Okay, great. >> There we go.
through 12 or >> what is >> it to 12. >> Okay. If that's what the council would like me to look into, I'll surely do that. >> Another scenario. So,
>> well, I know pool season is is approaching. next month. >> It's It's quickly approaching. Um and I I I appreciate your analysis. I think we need to look over
it and maybe see what um we'd like to do as a council um regarding free pools for our residents. Um I'm not opposed to maybe certain free pool days or um free
pool swims. you know, for students um because we don't have the data for um swim passes, you know, season passes or out of town um you know, revenue. We have very limited data on how much
revenue we've been taking in from the pools. Um and I think once we have better data, we can make a more informed decision because it is, you know, a cost and a cost that we're going to pay anyway. But um it's nice to have that offset. >> The data on how much your revenue was.
>> No, he gave us partial data because that's all they had available to them. Yeah. He said um they brought in $38,318 generated from individual daily passes, but that's not data from um >> seasonal memberships families. And we
can we can that stuff was recorded. I I should have included that. Um I thought we were just looking at daily entry though. Um, >> daily entry was that for one year? >> I don't understand. >> Season meaning one season. >> So daily is when you go to the pool tomorrow, you can get in for free.
>> No, I meant your number. Was that only >> that is just for the 2025 season? >> What you want to see more years of data? No, I'm I'm just in curious about how much revenue we take in from the pools
total because if we're taking in, you know, with daily passes and um the season passes and out of town residents, if all of that data, you know, offsets the amount that we're paying for pools,
then that would be a different consideration than if we take this bucket of 38,000 and then away like is that just a hole that we're leaving or how much is is being made up for that? >> Yeah. And I and I can get you those numbers. Um the difference between the
104 and then the the 38 I think is about 60 a little over 66,000. Um I can tell you now that the rest of the memberships are not offsetting that the rest of that 66,000. >> This is just >> No. Go ahead. >> And this this revenue was just from the
from what we received. But we we did you calc we didn't calculate the cost that from the damages throughout the year >> that would that would have to come from DPW and YA >> think I'm okay with going with one of these scenarios but I think we just need
to understand that there was still >> much more of that work >> right that's the um employee >> yeah I think the 104,000 is just employee >> cost that's just employee costs >> that's not chemicals water >> no that that analysis would have to come
from department of public works So, the last thing I want to say is um I'm I'm grateful for the scenarios and I hope that we do find one that we can do this year because we spend a lot of money on the jazz festival and the people who pay for that are the taxpayers. So, if we want their children
to go to to swim for free, I think we can manage fitting out some dollars for that in addition to we charge for the Easter egg hunt. We charge for the Andre Blanc, right? $100 a family. So, I think the revenue that you make off of that, we can find a couple hundred thousand dollars to say, "Hey, your children can
go to school to swim for free." How about that? Okay. It's going to cost money. And you know what we can do? We can do that because we we we charge a lot of money for taxes. And every event that the families go to here is dollar 20 here, $100 here. And then when we're talking about can they swim for two
months for free is a lot of I don't know how much is it? It costs money. They should be able to swim for free. So, I'm hoping that we can find out one of these suggestions by next week when we look at what we're going to do with the grass. Um, we can fit that in next week, the next meeting that we have. >> Thank you, council.
>> Scenario. So, thank you, council, for listening. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Pro. >> Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I do support um the recommendations that have gone forth for the free swim. I am
interested in the free swim for the students grades um six and tw six to 12 since they can go unaccompanied um for one day per week. I think that would be a great um a great start and be able to move from there. Um my concern with a delay in making the decision is
recreation not having time to respond. They're not going to be we say this every year. We need more time to think about it. No, >> I didn't say I need more time to think about it. Okay, we know it's the same people that live in Willingro. Well, how much more? Councilwoman, deputy, it is deputy mayor's time to speak. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Um, so I I am concerned about going back for more data. Um, we know it is going to be more uh there were other costs and other factors, but if we can't give recreation um a decision, they're not going to have time to coordinate with the school district, get the name, set up the recreation thing. So, I don't
think it's a big ask, um, I would be interested in in making a motion tonight so we can decide. All right. Um, so we would be making a motion for students, residents of student residents of
Willingboro, grades 6 through 12 having one day of swim per week. One free day of swim. >> Is that correct? >> You had a different >> Yeah. So I didn't have one free day. It
was just for them. the the conversations about the days came from over here. Well, Councilman Pron, I'm sorry. Um the one free day per week would be a little more of a task to >> designated free swim days. >> Oh, that so scenario number three
>> does it was that number three? >> Designated week. >> Designated free days. Gotcha. Thank you. >> Yeah. Scenario three. >> Gotcha. Appreciate it. >> Three. >> Option three. >> Okay. >> Every week. That's what that that that's what I was
suggesting when you said designated free swim. It' be designated I don't know Wednesdays every Wednesday is a free that's a designated free that's how I interpreted option three >> for Willingboro students not of Willingboro school district students that live in Willingboro grades 6
through 12. >> We can figure it out. >> I don't see why it has to be 6 through 12 though. Like why does it have to be six? The reason that I I made that suggestion was because um those students can go unaccompanied to the pool and it was their parents will
sorry go ahead. >> So I was my thought was if you give if you give the kindergartener the free swim pass they can't there's nothing they can do with it without having someone who's 18 or older to take them. Um so I was just following suit based on the p what was done in the past which
was the sixth grade six to 12. That was just my suggestion but it's it's just on the floor. I just think um we should allow the children to swim for free. Um because now you're talking to a family that has a child who's in the fifth grade and a child who's in the second grade. You can't go swim but your
brother can. Like I don't have money for you but >> open. I'm just like think about what we're doing to the families here. Like they're we're already struggling to pay gas for our cars. Okay. And now we got to figure out which child is going to swim which >> then just give what children what age I was children that live in Wingboro. I
was saying students because I know we have We have We have pre-K3. >> Okay. So, preK3, >> I don't know. >> PreK3 to grade 12. Um, swimming free one day per week for the swim season, >> right? >> Option three.
>> Option three. >> Is everyone in agreeance for that? PreK 3 to grade 12 students in Willingboro being able to swim for free one day a week. >> Designated free swimming days.
>> Yes. as one day a week. Scenario three. >> Yes. Scenario day week. So >> is that free swim days? >> I mean if you guys are designated free days as one day a week then that's the designated free days. >> Did your presentation mean that >> we would just come up with whatever days are free but you guys have decided that it's going to be >> during the season that it's a correct
free swim day. Is that correct? >> That's hypothetically. But if you look at it as designated free days and you're designating the free days as every Wednesday then that's fine with us too. >> Are you okay with that? Are you okay with that? >> Yes. Okay. So, I'd like to ask for a
motion to approve designated free swim days one day a week on Wednesdays for Willingboro students ages uh prek to three. Why was it Wednesday? >> I was I was can >> we just do the free days per week and then we'll figure out that on an
operational perspective because we have we'll have to still consult our camp uh schedule and what makes sense for us. But if we can just designate free days for the season for one free day for the >> week. >> Yes. >> Okay. Let's try this again. >> Here we go. All right. I'd like to ask
for a motion to approve designated free swim days one day a week for Willingboro resident students age prek to 12th grade. >> So move. >> Second. All right. It's been moved by
Councilwoman Peron, seconded by Dr. Worthy. Uh, roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes.
>> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Lowry. >> Thank you, Mayor. Please, you know, feel free to give us updates on how the free swim um program and um will be rolled out. >> We got it handled. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> All right, Mr. Harris, back to you. >> So, we're going to keep the momentum rolling and uh go right into uh the 2026 municipal budget presentation. I believe that uh I did send you all the
presentation in advance on your laptops. So, I'll ask um if you'll put it up on the slide. Thank you very much. Good evening, mayor, council members, and members of the public. Uh tonight, I am presenting the proposed 2026 municipal budget for Willingboro Township. My goal
this evening is to walk through the budget clearly, explain the major numbers, and provide the context behind them so that council and the public understand not just what is being proposed, but why it is being proposed. Slide two.
How do we maintain services while keeping taxes stable? That is the central question before us tonight. How do we maintain essential municipal service, meet our obligations, and protect the long-term stability of the township while also being mindful of the
burden placed on taxpayers? This budget attempts to answer that question in a responsible and realistic way. It reflects real financial pressures, but it also reflects management decisions to monitor spending closely, rightsize where necessary, improve collections,
and make better use of the revenues the township is generating. Next slide. Before getting into the substance of the bud budget, I want to briefly acknowledge the process. The budget is being introduced today, April 7th, 2026.
After introduction, it must be advertised in accordance with the law and public hearings and adoptions are scheduled for May 5th, 2026. That process matters because it ensures transparency, public notice, and an opportunity for comment before final
adoption. So, tonight is part of that public that public accountability process. It is our opportunity to present the numbers, explain the assumptions, and answers questions before the budget is finalized. Next slide. There are several major challenges
shaping this budget. The most significant pressures are salaries and wages, pension obligations, health care and insurance costs, and just general inflation. These are not minor issues. In many cases, they are there are
substantial costs that the township cannot fully control. That distinction matters because not every increase in the municipal budget is the result of local spending choices. Much of what we are dealing with is structural and external. The question is whether the
township is managing the things it can control responsibly and this budget reflects an effort to do exactly that. Next slide. Turning first to revenues. I wanted to spend a little more time here because this is one of the areas where the township has made a more realistic and
responsible adjustment for 2026. When we compare 2025 projected revenues to 2026 projected revenues, our revenue projections for 2026 have increased. That increase is important because it directly reduces the amount that must be
raised by taxation. In practical terms, stronger uh those stronger and more realistic revenue projections helped lower the tax rate by approximately 1 1.1 cents. That did not happen by
accident. And these projections were not arbitrary. In prior years, some revenue lines were estimated using a 3 to 5year average. While that may sound conservative in practice, it often produced revenue projections that were lower than the actual performance. When
revenues are projected below what the township is truly capable of collecting, the budget then relies more heavily on taxation that than necessary to cover appropriations. And the result is that more money ends up flowing into fund balance instead of providing relief to
taxpayers in the year it is collected. For 2026, the township has taken a more realistic approach rather than relying too heavily on historical averaging. We aligned our projection more closely with actual past performance and current operational expectations. In other
words, this budget reflects revenues estimates that are grounded more in reality than in formula. and that is a better budgeting practice and is one of the reasons the township was able to reduce pressures on the tax rate heading into 2026.
Next slide. This slide shows where some of those revenues where some of those revenue gains are occurring. First, collection from del delinquent taxes are up. That is significant because stronger de so I
think we're on the wrong slide. They changed presentations on me. I had a PowerPoint which had a different slide deck layout. Okay, here we go. First collections from delinquent delinquent taxes are up. That is significant because stronger
delinquent tax collections help reduce the amount that must be raised by current taxation. In effect, that improvement alone is contributing to almost another penny of tax rate relief. Second, as our collection rates improve, the amount we are required to place into
the reserve for uncollected taxes also declines. That is another important financial benefit. The more taxes are collected, the less money we must hold back in reserve, which improves flexibility in the budget. Third, we are also seeing improvement in facility fee
collections. A strong example is the JFK center. In the first quarter of this year, collections for JFK center rentals were already at approximately 45,000. If we stay the spa stay the if we stay at that pace we are currently or all
indicators suggest that we will project year end collections at about 180,000 that would represent roughly 60% growth over the prior year. So when we talk about revenue growth we are not speaking in vague terms. We are seeking stronger
delinquent tax collections, stronger collection performance overall and stronger facility use revenues. And there these are measurable improvements and they help reduce the burden that otherwise falls back on the tax levy.
Slide uh next slide. I'll go on to the next slide. So let's begin to talk about appropriations. On the appropriation side, one important concept to understand is the budget cap structure in New Jersey. Under New Jersey law,
municipal budgets are generally subject to a cap on how much the operating budget can increase from the prior year. Municipal municipalities do have the ability by ordinance to increase that cap to 3.5% and that's one of the
ordinances that we'll be presenting to you for this evening. And that ordinance uh will be before you in in just a bit. But for Willingboro, the maximum account amount that can be budgeted inside the cap for operations in 2026 is currently
43 million 81,458.93 and that represents the max the maximum amount per permitted for capp operating appropriations which is equal to 2.5%. However, not every cost falls inside
that cap. Major items such as insurance, utilities, trash collection fees are outside of the cap. And once those outside of the cap items are included, our anticipated appropriations for 2026
rise to approximately 54,145,000. So that total is about $1.3 million above 2025. like, as I said, represents roughly a two and a half% increase year-over-year. So, the takeaway here is that the township is not expanding spending
recklessly. We are operating with within the legal cap framework while also absorbing substantial outside the cap cost that municipalities are simply required to fund. Next slide. Or stay right where you are. Go back.
Yeah. So as reflected on this screen, the major components of the appropriation structure include salary and wages, other expenses, capital improvements, and debt services. The largest share remains salary and wages in other operating expenses which are
typically in local government uh which are typical in local government because labor and service delivery are at the core of municipal operations. Capital improvements and debt service also remain important because they support long-term infrastructure, equipment, and
municipal assets. The key point is that appropriations are not increasing across the board without purpose. They are being driven by specific categories of cost, many of which are either mandatory or operationally necessary. Next slide.
So this slide uh helps explain both the pressures and the disciplines within the budget. Go on to the next slide. The next one. Next one. Okay, we're we're we're out of sync here. Um,
I'm looking for the one with the appropriations. Yeah. So, let me continue. Uh, Willingboro is keeping tight controls on costs. In fact, the township underspent uh underspent its 20 2025 budget by approximately $1.7 million. We
underspent the 2025 budget by approximately $1.7 million. That is important because it shows that management is not simply spending to the limit of every appropriation. At the same time, the sing the single biggest
factor driving the budget upward is the rising cost of insurance. For 2026, insurance spending is budgeted to increase by approximately $1.09 09 million or 17.5%
bringing total insurance costs to about 7.31 $7.31 million. Insurance is crushing municipal budgets across New Jersey and Willingboro is not immune from that pressure. On top of that, pension costs
remain another very heavy obligation. Pensions are a substantial part of the township's local budget and they must be maintained. But when you look at the combined impact of insurance, salaries and pensions, those three categories account for approximately 85% of all
budget increase uh heading into 2026. And that is the real story of this budget. The growth is not being driven by runaway discretionary spending. It is being driven primarily by major uh structural cost categories that municipalities are required to absorb.
When we talk about revenues and we can go to the revenue summary table uh which represents uh or it's a sideby-side comparison of 2025 and 2026 revenues. That's good. Thank you. Surplus declined
modestly. Uh miscellaneous revenues also decline but receipts from delinquent taxes increase and the local tax for municipal purposes also rises. The municipal library tax increased modestly as well. The larger po point is that the
township's revenue composition is shifting. We're using somewhat less surplus, seeing some reductions in miscellaneous revenues, but also seeing stronger performance in tax collection and local revenues. That tells us that the budget is becoming more aligned with
recurring and supportable revenue expectations rather than conservative averages that underestimate actual performance. So, a common problem, we can move on to the next slide. I'm not sure what it's going to show, but a common problem in
municipal budgeting is to simply give each department an increase every year regardless of whether the the prior budget was fully utilized. This is not what we did here for 2026. department directors, the chief financial officer
and I, we reviewed these those departments that underspent in 2025 and we made targeted adjustments to rightsize budgets based on actual spending history and operational utilization and expectation. For
example, uh recreation and public uh events only spent 76.3 of their budget in 2025. Similarly, the office of aging and community affairs underutilized its budget by 31.6%. So based on those histories that those
budgets were adjusted for 2026 so they are more in line with actual need. Importantly, this was done without cutting programming. This was not about taking services away from the community. It was about aligning appropriations with realistic operational use. And that
is what responsible budgeting looks like. Rather than automatically increasing every line, we evaluated actual util re utilization and right sized where appropriate. Um the next slide which would have been
uh conditions of surplus and understanding what municipal surplus is in. We're there. Okay, good. We're there. We're back on track. This is important slide because surplus is often misunderstood in New Jersey. Municipal surplus is not simply extra cash sitting
around. It is the township's current fund balance or financial cushion after accounting for what the municipality has on hand and what it still owes. And it is a critical element of financial stability. Surplus is is generally
generated when revenues come in stronger than budgeted collections remain strong. Uh appropriations lap or operations are managed efficiently. In other words, it is created when a municipality performs better than expected or spends less than
authorized. For 2026, uh the township is using surplus in a measured and responsible way. We are not overrelying on it, but we are are also using it in one of several tools to stabilize the budget and reduce unnecessary pressure on the tax levy.
Next slide. reserve for uncollected taxes. Another area where the township identified an opportunity was in the reserve for uncollected taxes. For 2026, the township lowered that reserve requirement by $252,163,
which is an 8% reduction. That decrease is meaningful because it reflects improved tax collection efficiency. Simply put, when more taxes are collected on time, the township does not have to hold back as much money in reserve to cover anticipated shortfalls.
That is a positive indicator. It means Willingboro is collecting taxes more efficiently and it creates room within the budget structure. More broadly, the Willingboro team is not just accepting rising costs as an unavoidable expenses
for doing business. We are actively working to offset those pressures. That includes reviewing health care options, evaluating hiring procedures, and refining staffing processes to better manage expenses going forward. So even when costs are rising, the township is
still looking for ways to push back control what we what can be controlled and reduce the burden on taxpayers. Next slide. So, why do we budget for unpaid taxes? This slide answers a question that many
people often ask. Why do we have to budget for money that has not yet been collected? The answer is simple. The township must function even when every tax payment has not yet come in. We still must make payroll fund police, fire, EMS, public works, and all the
service residents depend on regardless of whether every taxpayer has paid on time or not. Even with strong collection rate, there will always be some portion of taxes that remain unpaid within the budget year. And the reserve exists to account for that reality and protect the
township's cash flow and financial stability. Next slide. This slide is important because it helps explain what residents are paying for when they receive their tax bill. In New Jersey, municipalities primarily collect
taxes through local property tax system, but that overall tax bill is made up of three separate components: municipal taxes, county taxes, and school taxes. In Willingboro, school taxes account for approximately 46.6%
of the total tax bill. The municipal portion accounts for approximately 41.8% and the county portion accounts for approximately 11.6%. The distinction matters because the township only directly controls the municipal portion of the bill.
administration and council are doing the best that we can do to manage that portion responsibly and that is reflected in conser consecutive years of no increases and even decreases in the municipal portion of the tax burden. So while residents experience an overall
tax bill, it is important to understand that the township is actively managing the portion it controls and working to keep that portion as stable as possible. Next slide. So this brings to this slide brings the
full budget picture into focus. The reality is Willing Brow has very little control over some of its largest cost drivers. Insurance premiums are rising sharply. Contractual oblig obligations continue to place pressure on the budget. Pension contributions remain
substantial. Grant funding is not always consistent or predictable. And beyond that, we are dealing with inflationary costs that are being driven in large by decisions made at the state and federal levels. What residents experience at home, the township experience as well.
When gas prices go up, when utilities cost rises, when material costs more, and when contracted services become more expenses, those same in inflationary pressures hit us as a municipality as
well. If you are paying more to fuel your personal vehicle, heat your home, or maintain your household, please understand that the township is dealing with those same increases across our vehicle fleet, our facilities, our
equipment, and our day-to-day operations. That is the bad news. Willingboro is being hit hard by its cost that it cannot fully control. And if these con trends continue unchecked, they will continue to place pressure on
the budget uh and taxpayers. But there is also good news and it should be stated clearly. The township council and administration are doing everything that can be done to keep taxes down. We're a analyzing every line item uh making calculation calculated reductions where
appropriate right sizing utilization budgets improving collections and looking for ways to offset lost revenues and rising costs. That is why despite these outside pressures, Willing Bro is showing strong signs of fiscal responsibility. This budget does not
ignore the problem. It confronts it directly and it reflects a township that is actively managing what it can control while continuing to protect the taxpayer as much as possible. Uh and that leads directly into the
positive side of the budget. Next next slide. Oh, so we we'll just get into the summary. At this point, I wanted to transition from the operating side of the budget to the capital side of the budget. Uh, the New
Jersey capital budget. Let me I'm sorry. Let me back up. Um, what's on the next slide? Okay. Yeah. So, at this point, I do want to transition from the operating side of the budget to the capital side of the
budget. Um the New Jersey um capital budget is a specialized multi-year planning document that outlines a municipality's plans uh expenditures for long-term physical improvements rather than day-to-day operating expenses. Is
there a video attached to that? No. Unlike the operating budget which covers salary supplies and routine services, the capital budget focuses on projects and purchases with the useful life of five years or more such as infrastructure improvements, u major
facility renovations, equipment uh acquisitions, and uh land or site development. In addition to our regular capital expenditures, we also introduced a bond ordinance provided for replacement of the stormwater alphi alpha pipe at
Pageant Lane, appropriating $336,581 and authorizing 300 uh the issuance of $316,581 in bonds and notes for the financing of that project. Uh that project is not a cosmetic project. It is necessary to address
serious infrastructure failure. The outfall and drainage pipe is is uh at that location has collapsed resulting in severe erosion um bank failures, falling trees, adjacent property damage, and the potential to compromise existing pump
station facilities. And this is exactly the kind of long-term public infrastructure issue that belongs to capital planning. >> Yes. That's good. Yeah, we're good right there. Go back to DPW.
Okay. So, um the Department of Public Works, we are appropriating $115,000 for the acquisition of equipment including but not limited to a tire balancer, snow plows, maintenance equipment, uh tools,
and uh trash containers together with all related costs and expenditures uh incidental there too. We are also allocating 160,000 to continue addressing uh drainage, potholes, sidewalks, and other road improvements on various roads, including but not
limited to Tempton Lane and Edge Lane, together with all other work and materials necessary to those projects. These are practical operational investments that directly support the township's ability to maintain infrastructure, keep equipment functioning properly, and respond more
effectively to everyday public works demands. Next slide. Under general municipal improvements, we will be allocating $697,500. That allocation includes the installation of lighting on the township's track which is uh planned to
be or slated to be scheduled. >> Miss Sarah, one second. I think your numbers aren't matching what you're saying. The numbers in the presentation is that your numbers are the right ones. >> Yes. >> The ones in the presentation are not right.
>> So I had a PowerPoint presentation and they they put the wrong presentation up. So you're looking at the the wrong >> Okay. wrong numbers. >> Okay. >> Sorry. Uh where was I?
>> Um township facilities improvements. >> Uh track lights as well as the fitness court and bathrooms. Uh that allocation includes the installation of lighting on the township track which we anticipated should be
completed between the end of April and midmay. And it also includes the construction of an outdoor bathroom facility and concession stand at the JFK track as well as a fitness well as as well as at the fitness court and
bathrooms required under the green acres program for the soontobe coming Jake's Place at Mil Creeks Park. These are important improvements because they support public recreation, community access, and compliance with program requirements while also improving the
usability of these public spaces for residents. The next slide. For municipal vehicles, we are allocating 382,500 to be shared by the Department of Public Works and the police department for the acquisition of municipal vehicles,
including um cost and related uh expenditures in incidental there too like upfitting and snow plows and lights and sirens. Vehicle replacement and fleet investments are essential to the continued functioning of municipal operations. Reliable vehicles are not
own are not optional in local government. They directly affect public works response, inspections, police operations, and general service delivery. Next slide. Recreation improvements. We are allocating $269,500
for specific recreational improvements. These improvements reflect the total the township's uh continued commitment to maintaining and expanding quality of life amenities for residents. Investments in recreation are not secondary. They are part of how a
municipality builds strong their neighborhoods, support youth and family programming, and improves the overall livability in the community. Uh next section we are allocating an additional 250,000 in conjunction with the 185,000
allocated last year to continue re renovations and improvements to the library facilities including all work and materials related there too especially or specifically uh these improvements related to carpeting flooring and roof and ceiling repairs.
We are also allocating 350,000 to fire and EMS to purchase a new chassis for one of its ambulances and continue uh build reserves for a new firet truck for the police department. Next slide. We are allocating 235,000 for
bulletproof vests, uh their Axon body warm camera and OEM and patrol division office upgrades. In addition, we are allocating 1323,000 for upgrades to the township's computer and technology infrastructure. So, taken
together, these investments represent a total capital investment of $2.6 million. And that is a significant commitment, but it is necessary uh one if we are serious about maintaining our facilities, protecting public safety, and modernizing uh infrastructure that
supports uh township operations. So what do all of these numbers mean? So we are anticipating a an adjustment to the the tax rate for 2024,
I'm sorry, 2026. uh at right now at um approximately 11 cents uh for an average home in Willingboro that is assessed at $100,000.
That would equate a total tax charge of $170 for a year. >> Wait one second, Mr. Harris. >> That is not Okay. We don't have a slide for that. >> No.
>> All right. One more time. Was that $100,000? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> If the property is assessed at $100,000, then that would equate to about $170.20 20 cents for um the year
>> the increase that would be the increase. >> Okay. Do you have a medium property value um number? Because there are not I don't think there are any homes in Willingboro that are assessed at $100,000. What is it? Mistakes.
150 >> 158. So the home at 158 350 is uh 26952. >> Okay. And do we have a high-end number maybe say 300,000 >> 300,000 the home for 300,000 would be
510 uh per year and 61 cents. So this will also be um published with the with the the budget so homeowners can go and see what the proposed budget for 2026 um will possibly affect their
um additional property individual properties. So, um I guess in summary um after all is said and done, we we will need to go ahead and uh do the the
introduction. Um the budget will be advertised. It will be reviewed by the state through the division of local government services and publish so residents can review it. Copies of the budget will be made available in the office of the municipal clerk and at the Willingboro Public Library with the
public hearing scheduled for May the May the 5th. And that um concludes my presentation. >> Well, thank you um Mr. Harris for your presentation. And I know you, Miss
Diggs, all of our directors and um staff work really hard on putting together a budget that you think um is right for the township. And now after we introduce
it, it will be our turn, council, um to pull together a budget that we think is right for the township based on your recommendations. Um I do recognize the rising costs especially the cost in insurance
pensions um things that we cannot control. These are things related to our employees. We want to provide them um a high level of of care and and assurance um working
here being employed by Willingboro Township. Um, so those costs are things that come associated with that. Um, but just preliminarily, I am gonna say, Miss Diggs, get out the pencil sharpener,
sharpen it real tight. We want a very pointy point. Um, so that you can cut some of these numbers down. Um, I know you guys do as much as you can. Um but in today's times with the
state of our country um and cost rising in every household um put it placing greater burden on all of our residents. It is imperative that we do not
exorbitantly contribute to um the the burden that our residents are feeling and try to alleviate it in any way that we can. So, if there's any way that we um I know we may have to raise based on
um things that are out of our control, but if we can find ways to subsidize that within the budget, um providing services or um relief efforts, um building partnerships with organizations that can help residents out and relieve
any of um the other burdens that may be um pressing on our residents. That would be greatly appreciated. And at this time, I'll open it up to council for question on the presentation. All right, Councilwoman Per just have a
few questions. Um, now please remember that we do have three budget meetings scheduled. This is just an introduction of the budget. We will be having budget meetings April 21st, 22nd, 23rd at 4 PM where we will dig into the budget and really talk
about where we're spending and where we want to cut as a council. This is just an introduction. >> Okay. Thank you. Um so just um I took a few notes on the materials you prepared for us and um so I guess I have a
questions. Um, I have here it says uh township manager other expenses and I just noticed that in year 2021 the actual expense was two $2,400 and then it increased to 2005 for
$119,000. So that's in like less four to five years it went from township manager other expenses from 2,000 to $119,000. So but that's all it says. So, what did township manage other expenses and how
did it increase from $2,000 um $400,000 $400 to 119,000? >> So, during the that that same period of time, there have been um an inclusion of different um job functions that were um
scattered in other areas that were encompassed underneath the office of the township manager. For example, security used to be in IT. Um, and they were repositioned under police. Um, uh, communications used to be under IT
and they were repositioned underneath the office of the township manager. So, in alignment with some of those repositionings, uh, some of our, um, costs uh, increased on that line item. So township manager other expenses
you're saying are salaries? >> No, those are those are other expenses. Those are >> what what is it? What is the other what is that? What is what is other township manager other expenses? >> It's the township calendar. It's the different functions. Uh
it's not just a what it is a lot. It's a compilation of of a lot of different things. So I think what the mayor was trying to explain was the the nuts and bolts and the nitty-gritties. I don't have the budget document in front of me. >> That's why I said maybe it's a question, but it could be a takeaway. So, I just wanted to see what that looks like because like I said, I'm just looking
here at a glance from 2021 to 2005. That's a huge increase. So, I was want to know what was that expense. It could be a takeaway. Thank you. Um and then I also see here um on the same page purchasing other expenses and the same kind of a thing, but the numbers are
kind of fairly the same. In 2021, um, the expense was 140, $140,625 and in 2025, it's $131,76. I just want to know what is the purchasing other expenses. So, it's a
similar question. What is it that you're purchasing? Because that says purchasing other expenses and then you have purchasing salary wages. So, it's two different line items. So, if it's a takeaway, um I just want to know what >> and council and councilwoman Peron, I
did just want to point out that we'll be breaking down all of these different ones in our budget hearings in the budget meetings. So, today was just the introduction of a bud of the budget to give us a chance to review it and circle all of those things that we have
questions on, right? Um and then during those budget meetings, that's when we'll um and he'll be prepared to answer all of those questions, >> right? And that's why I want to ask him tonight. This way when we come back, he has an answer for me. >> Well, we'll be breaking those up into days in three different days. So, he'll
be prepared to answer any questions on say today we're doing office of the township manager, the police, and fire. >> He'll be prepared to answer any questions that we have on any of those line items on those uh days. Right. Correct.
>> Correct. >> Right. Right. And I have >> and in in the budget document there are really two uh operating cal categories. You have salary and wages and then everything else it falls under o and e other expenses. So that could be from
gas, uniforms, right? >> Um >> don't guess. It's just a question for you so you're not surprised by my question when we have a next meeting. So this way you have time to look it up so you at least you know what my so far what my questions are. And then similar and it's it says clerk's other expenses.
In 2021, we spent well or the clerk spent $27,000 and in 2025 clerk spent $138,745. That's a lot in five years. So I just want to know what is that? Again, if you don't have the answer now, I just want
to know what was that expense because that's a lot for other and that's not salaries in there. No, but also in our budget binders, it does have those detailed breakdowns of what the other expenses are. They're in the um tabs. So, it goes down each account. It's not
just categorized in other expenses. Um it breaks down what all the other what accounts are in those other expenses, >> right? I want to know exactly what you purchased. If you bought paper and you can say $20,000 was for paper, I want exactly specifics what that money was
spent for. And so in this here it does not say what was spent. >> It it will say it will say so much for office supplies, so much for training, so much for vehicle repair, so much for this. It does break down those
>> based on what they were what it was. >> Hey, I just got it tonight. So I'll take a look at that. Those are my four questions. And then um again, and I know I brought this up before, but public events um we have here at 165,000.
Um that was in 2021 and then at 250,000 15,000 in 2025. So public events, I'm only one I'm thinking about is the jazz festival, but if there are others, that's a lot. Um and we just can't afford it. I know I can't. So, I'm just
saying we need to look at when we talk about gas prices. Yes, you got to pay gas here. We got to pay gas, too. So, we got to look at things, but you know what? Maybe we don't spend this much on this. So, I don't know what these other expenses are. I'll look in this binder. Maybe it's very specific there. But if
it's not, perhaps at our next budget meeting, you can provide that data for me. Um, I greatly appreciate it. And, um, I think that was all the questions that I just jotted down. Um, oh, one other one. Um, theater management
contract. That's real new. That's at a $25,000 for one person. We're not Giuliard. We're not the Madison Square Garden. That needs to be cut down like way down. >> Um, only >> and that's not even a part of the the
public events. That's somebody like what is that? And just maybe you could break that down for me. I have an idea what it is, but that just started last year. So $25,000 for theater management. The theater's not even open yet and we already spent that much last year.
>> So $ 105,000 of that is the the salary of the theater manager and the operations there. And then there's a $100,000 that was included into this year's budget to see the the beginning operations for the theater which is just about ready to open.
>> Okay. So $105,000 with salary for last year or salary for this year. And then you said the balance is for what? >> To seed the operations for the the theater that is getting ready to open. >> All right. And I know that's a contractual um item. So I'll look at
that again. Um but that's a lot. Again, we just really need to start making some hard decision as the mayor said. Um there's certain things we cannot control like the gas prices. Um the lights have to be on at these meetings. But you know what, theater management,
unless we selling some $200 tickets for Burton to people who don't live in Willingberg, remember because we pay enough over here as cities. Um, I think we need to look at those items. But that's all I have, madam, madame mayor. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Pon. Any other questions?
>> All right. Seeing none, thank you, Mr. Harris, for your presentations this evening. Um and again thank you for your presentation on the budget. Um >> oh yeah um also for council please
remember that Mr. Harris sent his report um separately. So please read the updates um from his report due to the numerous presentations that we have this evening. Um, also lastly, Mr. Harris,
I'm just going to state for the record again the charges, cut that budget as much as possible, and we'll, um, give some suggestions and ideas on what we'd like to see in our, um, budget meetings to follow.
All right. Now, we will go to um the ordinance and resolutions review. So being presented to you this evening for your consideration is ordinance number uh 2026-9 which is an ordinance to exceed the
municipal budget appropriation limit and to establish uh a cap bank. That was the uh ordinance to increase the budget appropriation to 3 and a.5% over the two and a half% as as limited or 2% as maxed
by law. Uh, ordinance number 2026-10 is a bond ordinance provide pro providing for the replacement of the stormwater outflow pipe at Pageant Lane. Um, ordinance number 2026-11 is a bond ordinance providing for the
various capital improvements um that was discussed in the uh 2026 budget presentation. Order number ordinance number 2026-12 is an ordinance amending chapter 150-9 of the township code entitled fees and
or license fees for licenses and permits and to update a limousine owner and limousine vehicle license fees. Resolutions being presented to you for this evening for your consideration is resolution number 2026-84
which is authorizing the approval of vouchers for payment and ratification. Resolution number uh 85 was authorizing a refund for overpayment of taxes. Resolution number 86 is a resolution to cancel taxes for 2025 for exempt
properties including disabled veterans. Resolution number 87 is a resolution for deferred school taxes for uh calendar year 2026. Um because the state operates on a fiscal year and the municipality
operates on a calendar year, we have the ability of appropriating half of the school's budgets um into next year's um operating budget. So that's what this resolution does. Resolution number 88 is the introduction
of the 2026 municipal budget. Resolution number 89 is a resolution authorizing the execution of professional engineering service agreements for uh the estimated contract values. These are the anticipated spends for general
engineering services for all the engineers that were appointed by the council. Uh resolution number 90 is a resolution authorizing the uh township of Willingboro to contract with uh Sylvie.
Um they are uh a member of the ESJ and we are going to um use them as a backup salt provider. So hopefully we do not have um the same scenario that we ran into this year, running out of salt
and not being able to uh find another uh provider. Resolution number 91 is a resolution authorizing a contract to easy dock for the installation of the docks and peers at Crystal Lake. Resolution number 92 is a resolution of
the governing body uh certifying uh compliance with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. And then resolution number 93 is a resolution um granting a social affairs permit and authorizing the township
clerk to certify the same. And those are all the items being presented to you for your consideration. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Harris. At this time, we'll have public comment um on agenda items only. This public
comment is for two minutes on any agenda item that um was just mentioned. Public comment for agenda items only is now open. >> Um just the resolutions and ordinances. Okay.
All right. Seeing none for agenda items only, we will continue um to the approval of the introduction of our ordinances. Madame Deputy Clerk, thank you.
May I get a motion to introduce ordinance 26-9, an ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish cap bank through NJSA title 4DA section 4-45.14. Second move by Councilwoman Macintosh,
seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Any discussion? Seeing none. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman in Macintosh. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. Open the public comment. Open it to the public. Anyone want to discuss? No, we don't have any here. May I get a a motion to introduce ordinance 26-10, a bond ordinance
providing the replacement of storm water outfall pipe at Pageant Lane in and by the township of Willingboro in the county of Burlington, New Jersey, appropriating 336,581, therefore, and authorizing the issuance
of a 316 thou,581 bond or notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof. So moved. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Seconded by uh Councilwoman Mintosh. Council session.
Roll call. Apologize about that. Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. Can I get a motion to introduce ordinance 26-11, a bond ordinance
providing for various capital improvements in and by the township of Willingboro and the county of Burlington, New Jersey, appropriating 2,600,000, therefore, and authorizing the issuance of a 2,470,000
bond of notes in the township to finance part of their cost thereof. Second. Moved by Councilwoman Macintosh, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Yes. >> Any discussion? Roll call. Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh.
>> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Woodfield. >> Yes. Can I get a motion to introduce ordinance 26-12, an ordinance amending chapter 150-9 of the township code entitled fees for license and permits to
update limousine owner and limousine vehicle fee license fees. >> So moved. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilwoman Macintosh. Any discussion?
Roll call. Councilwoman Peron. Yes. Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> All right. On to our resolutions. Are there any resolutions um council would like to be pulled from
a consent agenda? Deputy Mayor Worthy? >> Yes. I'd like to pull 2026-86. >> Okay. Any others? Okay, seeing none, I would like to ask for a motion for
resolutions 2026-84, 2026-85, and 2026-87 through 93. Second. All right. Um, it's been moved by Council Mintosh, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Deputy Mayor Worthy for a
consent agenda for those items. Um, any discussion? >> Roll call. Councilwoman Baron, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Can I have a motion to approve the same?
>> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilwoman Peron. Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. On to resolution 2026-86. >> Okay. Resolution for separate discussion this evening is resolution 26-86. Can I get a motion to discuss resolution?
Second. Been moved by Council McIntosh, seconded by Mayor Whitfield. Discussion. All right. Seeing no discussion, we will go to roll call. Councilwoman Peron, yes. Councilwoman
Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> abstain. Mayor Whitfield. Yes. >> All right. Ma'am, Madame Deputy Clerk, we can go on to the treasures report. Yes. Can I get a motion to adopt the
treasures report as of March 30th, 2026? >> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Councilwoman Peron. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Any discussion? Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh.
>> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> And at this time, there's no minutes to approve. Correct. >> That's correct. Um, Madame Clerk, is it this meeting that you'll have your report or next meeting? >> Next meeting.
>> All right. Thank you, ma'am. And we are at unfinished business. Is there any unfinished business? Counciloman Pro. >> Thank you. Um I wanted to discuss the voting locations. Um I was caught by
surprise at a previous meeting um where and flyers that were sent out to the entire community that um I think 26 of our voting locations will be relocating to the JFK center. So, first, um, we never discussed it as a council, and I
did ask the clerk if she could provide meeting minutes, um, as to when this was brought to our attention. Um, she said there were no meeting minutes, but, she did send me an audio of when she said there'll be more information to come about voting locations. And then I saw this flyer circulating the community.
So, I was caught by surprise because um, I don't remember any of this being on the township manager's report either. Mr. Harris, did you ever have a report on locations? Right. And so the thing I have a concern is because first as a
council, um, nothing is done until we discuss it and vote on it as a whole. And I know, madame mayor, as the mayor, we do select you to be the voice, the spokesperson to speak with our individual um, business um, people,
etc., and to bring back the information. The clerk did tell me she spoke to you about the changing of the location. So, it seemed to me that the clerk and yourself made the decisions to change all of these voting polls. I have a huge issue with that because of that specific
Faulner Act where we are one body and um we're supposed to act as such. I did review um NJSA19 colon 8-2 and it does read about the municipal's clerk's uh responsibilities.
Um it is quite lengthy but I did highlight a few areas of concern and council you do recall me sending this email highlighting the email. I think it was a communication between myself and the clerk. It says the county boards shall not be obliged to select polling
places so suggested by the municipal clerks but may choose others where they may deem it expedite. Preference and locations shall be given to schools and public buildings where space shall be made available by the authorities in
charge upon request. So, we would be the authorities in charge of the library, the firehouse, the municipal building, the JFK center. Um, I think I've covered all of them. Uh, so those would be our buildings. Then it does say,
um, of course, each polling place shall be selected accessible to individuals with disabilities and the elderly. It also says here, these are some of the highlights. It says um uh other public buildings denied the Oh,
in no case shall the authorities in charge of the public schools or other buildings deny the request of the county board to use as a polling place of any building they own or lease. If the county owns our buildings or
lease it, we cannot deny them access to it. So again, and uh our solicitor, I'm reading this and perhaps um if I'm misunderstanding what I'm reading, that's to my understanding. And in
closing, it says here, it says, "Whenever possible, the county board shall contact the managers or owners of the commercial or private buildings that that the board deems suitable to use as
polling places and are in or near an election district lacking accessible polling places. to determine whether a portion or such building may be used as a polling place on the day of election. Reimbursements for the use of the
portion of the such a building and the same as provided the selection for schools and public buildings. Okay. And then it does say neither the owner or operator of the facility designated as polling places by the county is permitted to or authorized
to relocate polling places rooms in buildings without the express of prior approval of the board. So with that um like I said no information. I saw a flyer um come out and I did receive a lot of questions
from the residents and um my concerns about this polling place at the JFK Center. It looks like you're moving 26 polls there and it's polls, but we're talking about inviting thousands of people on the same day to
go to that location. Um that's a concern. we have a a large population of elderly communities that doesn't seem like we have made that consideration when choosing all the polls there. Now, I did receive this today. I'm not sure if this went out, Madame May, did this
go out to people or was this just for me? >> No, it has not gone out yet. >> Okay. So, I did I did receive this and I um this is helpful because it does say that the changes were made due to construction and uncertainty places and so forth. So, um, this would have been
helpful previous meetings that we attended that this was our this is what we're trying to do so we could discuss it and see what the the best options are. I did speak to the clerk and she did inform me that there were some challenges with the school districts um because of the constructions and some
complaints regarding having to set the polls up the night before and it's two days they have to have the school programs etc. Um, so I have no problem with making accommodations or agreeing to doing that. My only issue is that I was not spoken to about this and I found
that to be very disrespectful um to my seat here as councilwoman. Um, and lastly, I want to know um is this permanent or is this like this is saying that this is going to be temporarily?
The clerk told me she was hoping this would be a permanent thing because of she gave her reasons. it's easier for the IT department to get around to one location instead of driving around. So that concludes my statements um and understanding of uh NJ
um essay 19 colon 8-2 and what happened? Why would why didn't we speak about this prior to the the town the board of elections coming out looking at our properties and the township manager has the opportunity to bring this to our attention and
authorize us needing to use the building. That never happened either. What? It seemed like the ball dropped somewhere. All right. Thank you, Councilwoman Pon. Um, any other questions from council on this matter? Questions or comments?
Okay, seeing none. Um, I do want to respond to your questions because um I mean, you're a sitting council person, you have questions. I do want to share that we have been discussing this and the clerk has been discussing this in her clerk report at every meeting since
at least December. um she proposed the voting place change I believe in around December um because of the trouble that we had last year with the November um elections um with Steuart school
possibly being closed and we not having access or the township not having access and residents to the building because of construction um for election day. So she did bring this up in um not only November that there was an issue
happening with the school district but also um she started to talk about um recommending different polling places in December. We've had discussion and she has provided us with updates at every meeting since uh January. Every meeting
during her clerk report she would say this is what's happening um with the polling place change. we have this confirmed with the township or I've submitted the um recommended locations um for to the county for approval or for
their selection. Um we're pending uh their review. They've come out and done a walk through. She's gone through multiple times because um madame deputy clerk, you didn't just have one walkthrough with the county. Is that correct?
No, they had a couple and they also did um like studies on um traffic patterns and how much the facility could hold and they looked at all of the different schools and how many people came in, their peak times and everything. So,
they based it off of that um you know, approving our location. >> Okay. and those those um details and um even the communication plan with the community that was all shared at previous council meetings during the
clerk's report. Um so I'm not sure why this was um a surprise to you because we have been talking about this the whole time. Um, also additionally, under that same statute that you cited,
NJSA198-2, it's the clerk's responsibility to um recommend the polling places to the county. The county, it says here, doesn't have to choose the recommended polling places. They can choose any
public building, school, and we can't deny them access to those. So the county makes the decision on where the polling places are. It's specifically not a decision that lies within the council because of partisan politics. um they
don't want partisan council members interfering with elections because oh it's an important election for my side this time and I want to move the polling places in this predominantly other side
district to over here to disenfranchise the election. It purposely the decision is not rely or lie on council to approve polling places because of partisan party politics. it lies within the clerk who is nonpartisan and then it goes to the
county board um for review and approval of the polling places. So that is why that this was done that way. And I will say that the clerk did give us detailed information and um keep us up to date on
what stage of the process they were in and um what was happening as it was going on. >> Okay. Okay. Um, thank you for your your comments and actually that's not true because >> No, it is true. >> Okay. I just want to respond. Um, and you were CCed on the email cuz I I asked
her to send me the minutes of all of the meetings when she discussed polling changes. And she sent me her PowerPoint presentation of the clerk's plan. And nowhere in that presentation does it say moving all of these polls to the JFK
Center or moving polls anywhere. She also sent me a meeting link. She said, "I spoke about it at this meeting." And she gave me the time point of where it was, which was very helpful. And I pushed play and it was 32 seconds. She says, "More information to come about
polling places. That's it." And you have the same email cuz we were all I think you were CCed on it. We were all CCD on it or some people were blind copied. No discussion, no materials. She And I asked her, I said, "Well, where?" She says, "There are no minutes." She and that it's actually in >> because it was in her clerk's report. It
was not in the We I will print out at the next meeting. I will have it printed out and even the email that she says no, there are no minutes on it. Her own words, I will have it. Secondarily, the clerk does not own the building. So, the clerk, yes, she has the right to say,
"I'm recommending moving these polls to this building. It should be spoken about at this meeting." If we spoke about it, madame mayor, please provide the meeting link when she said these polls be moved to this building and these polls be moved to the fire.
>> No information. We have a lot of papers here. >> There was information and I will and I will have the exact points pulled up for you. But this this is information and this is a topic that we've been discussing. >> Finish my responses. Okay. She emailed me what she had. She emailed me her
PowerPoint about her plans for this year. Nowhere did it include any data about where polls we moved to. She also verbalized in the email, Councilman Peron, there are no minutes. There is no minutes where we voted and discussed this. She says it. I'll have >> because there's no minutes where we
voted on this. >> I just hit in the last state. Okay. She or the township and it says it here. The township manager the manager may recommend buildings to be used for it. her recommendation should have come to
us. We do not say, um, okay, you're the clerk. You want to open up the buildings, when you want to open it up, open it up. No, she cannot decide when the buildings are open, when the buildings are closed, when the police are guarding the building. The clerk does not have the responsibility. The clerk's responsibility is on election
day and before election day, collecting the data, reporting the data, making sure that is it. She's not the police officer and she's not the property owner of any of these buildings. If she wants to use the building and has a concern, yes, she should talk to the township manager. The township manager could also
communicate that with us, bring us to knowledge base of this is the recommendation from the clerk and therefore discussion and we don't see any issues with it. Move forward. At that time, the county comes to start looking in our buildings. Why is the county moving into our buildings and we
we didn't >> because that's the way it does. >> No. So, that's the part. Okay. Okay, it says it here, madame mayor. >> It says, and I can read it right here, too. The county board shall select the polling places for the election districts in the municipalities for the counties for all elections and
municipalities thereof, including all commission government elections in the county. The county board shall not be obligated to select the polling places so suggested by the municipal clerk because the township council does not suggest the polling places. It is a suggestion by the municipal clerk but
may choose others where they deem expedient. Um and preference of locations will be given to schools and public buildings um where space shall be made available um by the authorities in charge. There's we
have we even >> authorities in charge. >> Yes. The whole thing we because we have to make we have to make the space available. There is no opportunity for us to deny the use of buildings. There's no opportunity for us to approve the use
of buildings. The county selects the polling places and they tell us the places where we use where they want to use the buildings. >> Okay, we already went through that. I mean, I don't want to have to go back and forth, but there is one other concern that I forgot to mention. The JFK Center is a resource revenue source
building which means and I think we're also using the banquet >> but that is a building that we do rent out space. >> So this also draws into an issue with people who are renting our spaces traffic that's going through there in that building and has anybody discussed
that part? Yes, we've actually looked at that in detail and because it's already election day and the banquet hall was already being used for election day prior to any of these changes, um JFK center does not schedule any outside
activities on election day in the JFK center because of election activities. We have election security issues. Um there's ADA things that need to happen and there are no facility rentals on election days already. So we're just
using more of the open space within JFK on that day. >> Now you see that question I just asked and if the clerk would have said this is what I want to do. I would have said are there any issues with the rental spaces? Then you would have gave that answer. >> No you had no feedback on those days. I don't >> see any issues but what she did tell me is she said she spoke to several council
members about the buildings. I said when did I said who were the council members? She says madame mayor and deputy mayor. I said first of all that's couple that's not several council members and you were on that call at that meeting the special meeting that she was invited to. And this is when I'm like, whoa, what are we
doing? >> And I and I just And I just want to say and I and I did not authorize anything because I don't have She spoke to me about it and I told her to present it at council during the meeting, which she did. >> I said there's no more discussion about
this until we speak about it at council. But either way, I'll bring the meeting. But please, this just should not happen again. Okay? If there is an emergency, we have to make a change. have no problem with change, but bring it to the right proper manner. >> And I and I and I want to and I want to
>> and and I also want to just reiterate that this was discussed at multiple meetings. >> No, it was not. >> It was discussed at multiple meetings. >> Please do. Please do. And I'll also bring the receipts. And I'll also bring the receipts of when this was discussed,
how it was discussed, all of the information that was provided. and you had no comment, no feedback, no information or or thoughts to present at any of those meetings that we had. And now and now there is an issue when we're at
the teenth hour. >> If you don't want to change the polling places, that's fine. If you're against changing the polling places, that's fine. You can be against it. But we what we are trying to do as a municipality and what our clerk was trying to do as she suggested the different polling
places to the county was protect our voters rights. >> Please provide those meeting minutes because she said she didn't have any. Um >> I will provide the clerk report. >> Deputy deputy clerk thanks for briding those locations because >> we will provide the clerk >> on the email. So were you so was Tiffany Worthy and guess what the clerk said she
does not have any meeting minutes pertaining to that >> because they were in her clerk report. >> No because she doesn't have it. But I guess you have them. But the deputy clerk doesn't have it. The clerk said before she went on maternity leave, she doesn't have it. But you have it. So produce it. Because every time I question something, he said, "We spoke
about it." And I'm at every council meeting. >> You are. And I'm not saying whether you are or are not, but you may not be pretention be paying attention at the times that we spoke about this. >> Move on to the next topic. But you were on the email and you could have >> But if you'd like to disenfranchise
voters and and cause a big deal about um changing the >> polling places that are necessary because school buildings are closed. >> Let's not I have no problem with that. Let's just do things in order of procedure of what we supposed to be doing, >> which the clerk did because it's not for us to vote on.
>> Not this ridiculous, but either way, we can move on. >> All right. Great. So, um, any other old business? Seeing none, we'll >> other old business. >> Um, yes. So, I've been speaking about
this, I think, since Christmas. Um, the Hometown Heroes program. Um, and we're waiting for a resolution from the clerk's office. I guess she was running around changing polls, so she didn't have time. But did you have a resolution, a drafted one? >> I don't. >> Okay. So, do you have an idea of when
we'll have a drafted res? I don't. >> Okay. Well, um, deputy mayor, since you're a veteran, I can see that the mayor doesn't care about the veterans and doesn't know when we're going to get a resolution. Do you have a thought of when we could possibly help the mayor um
look to a resolution, a drafted resolution? So, the mayor deeply cons is concerned about veterans. >> No, she says no. She doesn't know when she's going to get the resolution made. >> So, let's not conflate the issue. >> She said no, you were here. >> Let's not do that. council. >> I'm asking you cuz she says she doesn't know when
>> I'm a combat veteran and I I'm not I'm not even interested in the program. But I >> You don't want the program either. That's what it is that you're not interested in. However, the words you're not interested in the veterans. >> I'm not. I told you that on the record and I'm a combat veteran. >> That's why she's not interested either.
Let's be clear. You share a brain. Clerk did provide a resolution in one of our packs. We did for review. >> Councilwoman Councilwoman Peron, can you let Deputy Mayor speak because you asked her a question? >> She did. She included it in a previous white. Council Poron, can you let her
speak? >> Going to get it. >> The packet included the resolution for review several meetings ago. >> She asked the clerk asked for feedback. >> Councilwoman Feron, can you please let
the council the Madame May continue said you don't know when you're going to get it and then she says you created it. So which one of you are lying? >> We first bring the gavl again, please. We don't create the resolutions as you know >> doesn't have it. You said she created it. Which one I believe said that I said
the clerk said the resolution. I never said that. >> Council members don't never created one and she doesn't know when she's going to create it. But which one of you are lying about the resolution? Can you bang the gavl again so we can figure out which one of you are telling the truth? >> Council members do not create. >> You said a lot. You said you're not
interested in the program. So I >> I shared my I shared my interest with you, Councilwoman Peron, when you presented this. said you wanted to do stones complete the project that was started the paper project that Ron Dash Purple Heart uh metal recipient started a paper
project and I suggested that instead of moving the one to the hometown hero banner project that we complete the paper project. You said you would like to still do the hometown uh heroes banner project instead. The clerk did produce a resolution for review. It was
in our packet several meetings ago. If you want that resolution again, if you like another copy, I'm sure the deputy clerk can provide another copy. If you provide a soft copy, um I know there was a hard copy in our packet several meetings ago. Um and so with that, if you'd like to get that back onto the get
it onto the agenda, just provide your feedback to that resolution. I know DPW um did some analysis with Mr. Harris to find out how much it will cost. Um they did look at how much the the banners would cost. We're right at budget season, so I think it's great timing and we can get it done. I think that's
something that could be put on the agenda for the next meeting, but just give the feedback to the to the resolution if Okay. Um, deputy, if you provide. >> Yeah, that was never provided. If you do have one, please provide it. Number two, the the stone program, that project was
already completed. It's already a moving target. And I said, "If you have another person's name that you want to add a stone to in the in that park, then you just add the person's name." But what's not been created is the hometown hero
program. We don't have flags of our veterans. It's not been created. So, it's not that I'm saying don't do the other program. You said you want to see it to completion. And I think you're misunderstanding that that is completed. Now, if you want to see your name on the stone, then you
feel like it's completed. That's different because all you're doing is adding more veteran names, that's it. It's already a started program. Their names there. Hometown Hero Banner program is a completely different program, but it is for the certain purpose, and that's recognizing
veterans. So, I've been asking for the resolution. You said you have you've seen it. She said she doesn't know when she's going to be able to create it. So, whatever the truth is, we'll see it at the next meeting. Are you >> done? Councilwoman Peron, I did draft one. Um, there was some questions that I
had on it that I kind of left like little blank spots because I wasn't sure on some of the information that was supposed to be included in there. Okay. So, I did draft it and I did we did provide it. Um, there was we were just waiting for a little bit of feedback because it was still in draft mode. It
wasn't completed because I didn't have all the information for the project. Where did you send it to? Um, it was given in council capacity packet. >> Okay. Well, I didn't see it. Maybe it was in their packet. I didn't get it >> and I pro I will double check, but I'm quite sure I pro it might have been emailed as well, but I I'll follow up. I
would appreciate it. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. >> Is there any other old business? >> All right. Seeing none, we'll move on to new business. Is there any new business? Seeing none, we're now at the public
comment portion of our meeting. This public comment is a general public comment. Each resident will have four minutes. Um there are cards in the back where if we can't answer your question tonight, um we have your information to get back with you. Um this public
comment, as I said, is a general public comment on any issue. You each will have four minutes to speak. Public comment is now open. Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor, administration, and fellow William U residents. U Pat Lindseay Harvey,
Bedford Lane. Um I want to thank Mr. Chapman for his report u to bring back the vegetation on our major roadways. I have been concerned about the herbicides that have been used for environmental concerns um because the run runoff that goes into our waterways and the harm to
um aquatic life. Um our ro the um u flower beds uh serve as a way for somewhere to run off. And my other issue, the issue, so I'm speaking tonight because I'm pretty
angry and I believe I have a right to be angry. Um what we are seeing with this new cannabis um business, at best deeply concerning, at worst completely unacceptable. A business comes before council, presents itself one way, gains
approval, and then after securing approval, changing its name and its function doesn't sit right. It feels misleading. It feels calculated and quite frankly it's sketchy. It's uh let's be clear, this is not about being against cannabis business. This is about
integrity, transparency, and respect for this community. If an applicant is not honest and consistent from the beginning, then what are we exactly approving? Because it appears that what was presented is not what was delivered. And that raises a bigger issue. people
coming into this town thinking we are either too desperate or too stupid or naive to notice. Let me say this plainly. We are not desperate and we are not stupid. This community deserves honesty and we deserve businesses that
come in front in the front door the right way and not ones that try to slide in under the one identity and then quietly become something else once they're here. Quite frankly, I would rather see us have nothing than accept anything. So, I'm urging this council to
take a hard look at this situation. If there has been uh if there has been a material change from what was originally approved, then there needs to be accountability. Shut it down if necessary. Require them to come back, be transparent, and reapply on the true
identity and purpose of this business. Because if we allow this to stand, we set the precedent, and it's okay to be misleading. And as long as we fix and as long as we fix it later and that is not the standard that this community deserves. Do the right thing, protect the
integrity of this process and protect the people of this town. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Lindsay Army. Okay, thank you. >> Hi, mayor, deputy mayor, and council. My name is Freda Holidayiday Bervine and I
live at 150 Glen View Lane in Garfield Park. Um, I'm a 30-year resident and I'm asking uh for an amendment to a or a change to a recent ordinance ordinance and I apologize. As I ran out the house
without the number, um, a gentleman put something on my door and I forgot that sheet for the number of the ordinance, but the ordinance mentioned, um, removing of sports apparatus and toys uh, from the front yards and driveways
and to be moved to the rear yards, which are primarily grass covered. So, I'm asking today that basketball courts be allowed in our personal driveways because of all the other activities,
they can be played on grass. Basketball cannot. Um, my husband and I, we made this investment um spending over $1,200 to get our driveway paved and then we spent another $850 for a very professional
basketball court. We have been able to um have it professionally installed and professionally maintained, which is not just um setting it up. It's putting the right supply of water in it and adding um
uh coolant to it so it stays safe in the winter as well. Um we have not had any debris around it. It has never fallen. Um, it's standard and it was installed properly on our
personal pave, newly paved property. Um, this investment was actually for my two grandsons. Um, I have a 13-year-old grandson who's already 61. So, when he's there, that's his time before he goes to
New York because he's on a professional um, league in New York already. So when he's with us, which is often they they come up to us before they go to the Bronx um to practice their layups, their routines, my son Ali Bvine works with
them and trains them on that same personal paved professional court. So, my husband and I are just asking even if the ordinance doesn't change, if it could be an amendment for homes and
throughout Garfield Park, we have basketball courts and they they're not cluttered with debris. They're professionally up. They've been up for years. And going through my community since last week when we received it, I didn't see any problem with anyone's
court in my park. I wasn't able to go to other parks, but in Garfield, they're erect. They're properly erected. There's no debris around them, and they're being used by our children and grandchildren. Um, unfortunately,
my husband and I are on a fixed income and we've already invested in the new pavement of the driveway and the professional um, basketball court. Moving it to our backyard isn't and shouldn't be another financial burden on
us right now for having to repave the yard. And I can't even imagine what that cost would be and I know we cannot afford it. So, we're asking that either a change, an amendment that basketball courts that are installed and
professionally maintained stay in the driveways. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss B. >> Good evening everyone. Shirley Dillworth, Newport Lane. I have uh about four or five things that
I'm concerned about uh tonight. One is the location of trash and recyclable containers. Now, during the winter when we had all of the bad weather, snow on the ground, a lot of
residents placed their trash and recyclable containers in front of the garages. Okay. Made it easy for them to access. That was okay. But now that we are beyond the winter snowy season, I
think it is up to the inspection department to notify residents that it is not okay to store trash containers and recyclables in front of the garages. And if you ride around in uh uh Garfield
North, okay, you will see numerous uh trash containers, okay? And uh you know this is something that needs to be investigated and I hope it will be investigated. The other thing that I'm concerned about is uh the potholes throughout the
community. Okay, especially on Northampton Drive. There are numerous potholes, okay, that need to be uh you know need to be filled and also on Charleston
Road. uh so and and I hope it will not be up to the residents you know to identify these potholes. I hope you know whatever department is responsible for potholes will take the responsibility to go
throughout the community okay and uh to identify them and I know that will be a laborious task okay uh but it it needs to be uh dealt with. Traditionally, I am fed up with residents repairing
cars, changing oil on streets, okay, in my neighborhood. And I'm not talking about on their driveway. I'm talking about on the streets, okay? Using our streets as
their repair shops. And the last thing that I'm concerned about this, I'd like to know if the council will be bringing the zoom meetings back so that residents will have an opportunity to join uh the
meetings. Uh sometime it is a burden to come to the meetings but uh if we have an opportunity you know to have our meetings by zoom that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
>> Good evening, >> Miss Mallalerie at Hudson Place and uh I too had some concerns about the potholes. However, I've already spoken to Mr. Chapman and given him the list of
the places on Charleston Road. uh that have some serious potholes. Um the other thing on Charleston Road between um Vans Skyver
and um Kennedy Way, the monitors no longer work and they have not been working for the last couple of months. So I wanted to know why, excuse me, they are no longer working.
Um the other thing is um the planter uh next to St. Paul United Methodist Church that is on Charleston Road. Um there has not been any planning in that planter for years and I'm wondering why
uh no one um takes care of that. The other thing is um I wanted to know where does the money go? the money that is collected from our dispensaries, how is it used by the township? And of course,
um, one suggestion is that it could be used as a supplement for some of the other projects that are not necessarily covered by the budget. Um, in the pie chart that was shown for
the budget, I noticed there was no mention of library taxes and just wanted to know uh why that was not included in your pie chart. And of of course I see that our taxes are increasing even
though I'm always told that they're not, but I notice that they will be. And as far as the new polling collection uh locations, uh for those of us that are oxygenarians,
I see parking could be a problem. Uh if we have everyone showing up at the Kennedy Center for voting and of course um you know, I don't have a handicap pass. Thank God for that right now. But
for older people and you have everyone voting at the same place, it could be an issue for the parking. So, just wanted to mention those things. And thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Mallerie. >> Evening.
>> Good evening. Um, sorry, I wrote something. Can you please state your name? >> Sorry. Um, my name is Elisa McBride. Um, do I have to Elisa? >> McBride. >> Yeah. Thank you.
>> Address too. >> No, you don't have to. >> Copy. Okay. Um, good evening, Willingboroough Township Council. My name is Elisa McBride. I am the co-founder of Traveling Lotus Cafe. Uh today, Traveling Lotus Cafe LLC
requests property use interpretation for a smallcale temporary food and bis beverage stand as part of a developing mobile cafe operation. Service will occur at approved commercial locations with property
permission uh without on-site food production. All beverages are prepared in advance with only final service and ice approved from handled um sources. All business registrations and
certificates are current including New Jersey sales tax certification, certificate of authority and food safety certification. We ask the council to support this temporary operation, assuring full compliance with health and safety regulations, encouraging foot
traffic to local establishments while contributing, sorry, contributing positively to the community. Um, yeah. Uh, I'm not sure what else you guys can say. I saw that you guys were
really quiet after everybody came up here. So, is there anything that I should be aware of moving forward? If I'm doing this all by myself, so I just Any advice, any criticism?
>> Thank you, Miss McBride. So, we answer all of the public comment at the end of public comment. >> Copy. >> Because there's no back and forth at public comment, but if you have anything else to say, we'll take all the rest of your comments. >> That's it. Thanks. >> All right. Thank you. Hi, good evening. I've been living here
since 196. >> Can you state your name, please? >> My first name is Joy. J O Y. Last name is Green G R E N E62 Palry Lane. Okay. >> I've been living here since 1965. These are not the same roads. These are not the same trees. They're not the same anything, including Levit Parkway. Okay.
When they put in those maple trees and what they put in the medium strip, so the trees are taller, there's more debris, there's more everything. As far as the pool goes, we always had pool tags. You had a pool tag for the park that you lived in. If you were a guest of a friend for another park, like if we
went to Hawthorne Park to visit a friend, you got a guest tag put on top of your pool tag for your park. When children that were younger that had to be with parents, there was what was called a waiting pool. The waiting pool had a depth to it that went that far. The regular pool went from three feet down to the five. Then it went to the
deep end for the dive. Okay. Somerset pool was the pool where the pool stayed open late at night for the adults. The adult swim ended at 10:00. So when you keep talking and also when I started to vote, actually I got my voter education card at 17. Okay. I couldn't vote till I
was 18. I voted in four different buildings here and it hasn't been a problem. Every time they change where we have to vote, nobody riots, nobody runs up and down. and it has a fit or anything else that goes on. As far as these dispensaries go, we have dispensaries now. The first Fidelity
Bank, our first and only bank that we had in this town, okay, in the beginning, and the AM was right next to it. Across the street from that, there's another dispensary by that Turkey store there. Up the street from that at the plaza is another dispensary. Down the street from there, where the flex gym is, is another dispensary. You go down
towards Delran and Riverside where the Pizza Hut was is a dispensary where the Dollar Tree is on the right hand side is a dispensary. You go up down 130 the other way. This is what we can see from 130. So what is the goal here? For everyone to be addicted and then what are you going to do? So everybody will
be on cannabis and instead of worrying about what really needs to be done, that's the most important thing as far as how people got paid. years ago, an envelope used to go around to the household where we contributed $5. That $5 went to the fireworks and to the
EMTs. The fireworks were done in the Penny Packer field, which was the largest field. We did not have the city park then that we're now paying for and all those expenses. We didn't have any of that. And when we moved here, everything was complete up to Hawthorne. So when we have and the Levit building
was the high school, then we had JFK, then we had the other school. So when everybody is talking about this, this, this, this, and this, all of this has changed. This building wasn't even here. The library was in a room at the Willingboro Plaza that was the size of my living room. That's where the post office was. That's where the shoe repair
was. That's where everything was. This expansion and everything that's going on has cost money for everybody. When the children do not get good scores in school, that cost us. We don't get enough federal funding for that. So our tax dollars increase. And I know people are proud to say now our municipal taxes
are equal to that. Before that, we didn't have an inspections department. We only had a permit department. Before that, we burned our leaves. So when nobody cares about what happens to their workers when they're going 60 to 90 miles an hour on Beverly Rancus, it's not distracted driving. That's careless
and reckless driving. When they drive through traffic planning, that's what those police are there for to keep those people alive. They drive through traffic planning and ignore the barriers. So all of this stuff that everybody's saying is just I mean it doesn't even make any sense. There's no such thing as
affordable housing. You can try to put some apartments there or whatever. Every time the taxes go up, the people whose 30-year fixed rate mortgage is paid for are now paying every month more than what they paid when they had a fixed rate 30-year mortgage. If the woman's left alone and she's a widow, then she's
out of her house. So then the people who could afford their homes and have been in their houses for years now have to leave their homes to make some transient population come in here that'll be here for a very brief time, be here for two to four years waiting for foreclosure while people who could afford their
houses could be here. Thank you. I'm done. Okay. >> Thank you, Miss Green. Hello everyone. Good to see everybody. >> Evening. >> Um, great presentations earlier from everyone. Uh, I just had a quick question about um the 3.5 increase. I
know you said general topic, right? This this applicable, right? >> Okay. So, I was just topic. >> Your name? >> Oh, I'm sorry. The name is Hussein. Hussein Hawk. >> Thank you. >> You can ask any questions you want. any topic at this point. >> Okay. So, my question was about uh was
directed to Mr. Harris regarding the 3.5 increase and I was wondering if that 3.5 increase was the actual budget itself. So, I was confused about that, like if that if the budget that he's presenting
is the 3.5 increase and if that was the if that was part of the approval or the res resolution uh 0 2026-9
if that was part of the approval for that. Um, yeah, that was that was my only question. And I think it's a great idea to have pavers out in the middle of the instead of the grass. So, that's it.
>> Thank you, Mr. Huck. Um, before we continue with public comment, um, I would like to ask for a motion to extend the meeting um to for one hour. So that will be till 11:00.
Can we get a motion to extend? Moved by Councilwoman Macintosh. Can I get a second? Second. Seconded by Councilwoman Peron. Moved by Councilwoman Macintosh. Second by
Councilwoman Pon. Any discussion? Seeing none. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron. Yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, Deputy Dr. Tiffany Worthy. >> Yes. >> And Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you. All right. Now, um,
continuing with public comment, are there any other public comments? All right. Seeing none, public comment is now closed. Um, for the responses, we'll start um back at the top. Um, Miss
Lindsay Harvey, Miss Mr. Chapman, he's Mr. Chapman. >> Yeah, I think there's things to talk about in public comments, huh? >> Yeah, probably.
Um, so, Miss Lindsay Harvey, thank you um for your question. The cannabis business that is on 130 was approved um as a cannabis business. Um but there was some changes recently. Mr. um Harris,
will you allow Mr. Chel to come up and provide any insight? Mr. Chel, >> hold on. Wait till you get to the microphone. Good evening. >> Good evening, >> Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councilwoman Peron,
Councilwoman McInt, and our solicitor. All right. So, anyway, uh cannabis, that issue is being discussed with our solicitor and um people were talking about
shutting them down and all those types of things and I I don't have the authority to do so. I would defer to our solicitor to have some discussion regarding that situation. You want to talk about it now?
We certainly can. >> You have anything on that, Michelle? >> Yeah, I can sum up by saying that particular issue. Okay. All right. that particular issue the zoning officer has referred it to the
planning board at this point. >> Okay. So it'll be discussed in planning board. >> Okay. >> But perhaps can you just describe I think you spoke about at the last meeting what what's happening you mentioned something that happened 2000
2000 something and now a change. So there is some confusion here between the smoke shops and the cannabis facilities. They're two different facilities. They have nothing to do with one another. Individuals have been mentioning all these locations and some of those
locations that have been mentioned are actually smoke shops, not cannabis facilities. There are only two cannabis facilities in Willenboro Township. One is the old Wells Fargo building and the other one is Roots which is um just north of that. Um the issue pertaining
to the cannabis facility has been referred once again to the zoning board. There has been some issues pertaining to name change and that discussion is ongoing but there is
no way and I don't have the authority to shut anybody down when it goes comes to that uh from a zoning standpoint. >> Okay. >> So that particular matter will be reviewed. It's it's under review that correct
matter, but it was approved as a cannabis facility initially. >> That's correct. >> Under its original name. >> Okay. Um, while I have you here, Mr. Tonsel, there's a couple other things. So, I'm going skip around um from what
some of the things that were said by residents so that we can get all of Mr. Tonsel's things out of the way before. >> Let's go to basketball goals. >> Let's go to basketball goals. The ordinance she was referring to is 37013R, >> which obviously states that there are no
apparatus permitted in the front of residents. Um, that is that ordinance was passed in 2025 and is in full effect at this time. Any basketball goals that were affixed prior to that, I don't like to use the term grandfathered, but they
are not affected by that particular ordinance. any ones installed after that would have to be governed by that ordinance. Until such time as that ordinance changes or is adjusted, that is what our code enforcement officers
are enforcing. >> Madame Mayor, Council, you said that this is a topic um that I brought up before and this is a different residence. It's not the same person just so everybody knows because I did speak up about just us amending that and
removing the part where the basketballs cannot be on the driveway because that's where they're designed to be. However, you mentioned something just a minute ago that um for those who had it there before 2025, they're grandfathered in. there. We're
talking about the affixed courts that are permanently concreted into the driveway and or uh the front yard. There are several that were out in the public prior to this ordinance being passed and those are not affected by this
particular ordinance. However, if you have decided to put a basketball court out in your front yard prior or after I should say this ordinance was was passed or put into effect, then you were in violation of the ordinance. >> How do you know that they didn't have it
there already? >> There's obvious ways you can tell a old basketball court from a new basketball court. >> I mean, if some this cuz if somebody could >> We're talking about one that is concreted into the ground. Oh, conquer inst uh I spoke to uh the resident prior
to u her coming here today and I suggested that she come today. Uh the bottom line is simply this. Code enforcement is going to enforce the ordinance the way it is written currently. If council decides to make any adjustments to that ordinance, we
will enforce it based on your adjustments. But right now it reflects all sports apparatus. It protects all apparatus up into including grills. They do not belong in the front of the property based on 370
13R. >> Okay. Mr. um tonsil, would you be able to go back and look at that um sports apparatus uh ordinance? And I'll say make any recommendations, council, that would
allow for ones that are professionally installed in the front. Um I know the biggest concern for this was them blowing over, damaging property, things like that. Is there any mechanism that we can use to either approve them
um and allow ones that are approved in the front yard? >> You're like inspect them. When you say approve, what do you mean? Like have them be approved by this? >> See, then we would have to get into inspecting courts to determine whether or not they're safe or not safe. I don't
know that that's the road that the township wants to go down. The most important thing is, as she explained to you, it is installed in a manner that is applicable to the manufacturers's direction in terms of filling it with water and the whole nine yards. Um,
that's not permanent. That's temporary and that's not a fixed to any foundation or to the earth. That is a temporary uh structure, if you will, or facility. So, um I don't know that we want to really
try to differentiate between what is good and what's bad, what's properly installed and what's not properly installed. Uh the ordinance was written to eliminate all apparatus that was deemed not
appropriate for the front of homes. So, if we're going to allow basketball courts in the driveway, we need to allow basketball courts in the driveway. If we're not going to allow them, we're not going to allow them. I would not feel comfortable having any of my code
enforcement officers being responsible for inspecting whether or not it was done properly or done improperly for obvious reasons. um if something were to happen and it does fall and it was not appropriately installed, uh who deemed
it good? Who deemed it appropriate? So, um I don't know that that's an area we want to approach, but um we will address it in any way you see fit. But to answer
your question, I'll take a look at it and I'll get back to you and let you know uh give you my opinion on the situation. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, >> we differentiating whether they're in the driveway or I think a lot of them down in the street versus the driveway.
>> So there are two ordinances. There's one ordinance that is 328-26 which basically address any of the apparatus that is um placed in the street and then 370 addresses the
apparatus that is in the front yard. And that apparatus does not only include basketball courts. It includes all sports apparatus including barbecue grills, swimming pools, >> play sets, trampolines, you name it. All
of those things according to this ordinance do not belong in the front or sidey yard. They belong in the rear yard. >> All right. Um, also we had questions about trash can. >> Um, Yep.
As you know, this is a mixed situation. You get numerous complaints about how difficult we are and how hard we are on people who place their trash cans in front of their property at their um
garage doors. Uh we have written, Mr. Harris has probably reported over 200 not notifications and probably a hundred or more summones that have been written. Uh there was a elderly woman who came in
just yesterday, 86 years old. Her trash cans were in front of her driveway in her garage in front of her garage and I instructed her to place them in the rear and she is going to abide by that. So,
we can't differentiate between age or sex or any other um identifier when it comes to the trash cans. They're either going to be in the side or the rear or they're going to be allowed to be in the front. So, we do try to take situations
into consideration like snow, things like that. We did not write any citations to anyone during the time that we had the snowstorm. We waited for several weeks after the snowstorm before we addressed it. And uh and that's
that's just only fair because it's difficult obviously to manipulate the 70 gallon trash can um to the rear under those circumstances. However, I will make it very clear. We wrote probably a
hundred summones and just because you see them out there does not mean we have not addressed them. Uh there are many people who have had to either pay the fine or come to court. Some are coming to court and
trying to fight it but to no avail. >> All right. Thank you for that. um residents working on cars in the streets. >> So, we address that every week. Matter of fact, Mr. Harris is so graciously
allowed us to work on Saturdays to try to catch those uh weekend mechanics, if you will, that are working on cars in their driveways and in their streets. Uh we have addressed many of them from complaints from various residents who
have called us. Obviously, we can't be everywhere at every moment. However, uh when we're notified of a situation, we immediately address it by sending them a notice or citation. Um I can probably quote at least 20 to 30 that we've
addressed just this month, and we're not even halfway into the month. A lot of people work on their cars. Now, keep in mind, you are allowed to work on your own personal vehicle uh in your driveway and the code enforcement officers are not
responsible, if you will, for the streets. We are responsible for the front of your house and the driveway in those areas, but our police department has been working with us if we see that there's an issue that they need to be notified regarding as far as um making
repairs in the streets. >> Okay. All right. So, our police department is >> if you let me know where it is, I will address it. >> But once again, we're not capable of being everywhere at every moment. But, um, we don't have a problem taking care
of it once we're notified. >> All right, great. Um, I think that was everything for inspections. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Ch.
I appreciate you. All right. Um, Mr. Harris, I'll go to um I know Mr. Chapman um did walk out, but there were a couple things that needed to be addressed um by you and um for
DPW. >> So, Miss Dworth was mentioning uh potholes. Um the uh Department of Public Works has already begun of doing pothole repairs after the winter month. Um it's an ongoing process and there's already
begun. So um I will redirect him to those particular locations. Um but there are many potholes around Willingboro that are being addressed. >> Okay. >> Um Miss Mallerie asked about the planners at St. Paul United Methodist Church. I
am unaware of why those that planner has been neglected, but we will look into that. Okay. >> Um >> she also mentioned some monitors not working at Charleston between um Van Skyber and >> that was uh the first time that that I
was brought to my attention and I will have them she's talking about speed radar >> and I will have them look into that. I don't know why they're not working. >> Okay. I know sometimes the police do um monitor with the lights off um just
catching the speed because sometimes when people see the lights on and they go off um it alerts them, they slow down, we don't get accurate speed reading. So sometimes they put them out there, they are catching speed, but it's
not um on I mean just the lights are not. >> So was that the ones you were referring to? Are you referring to the sign? We have two types. >> The one on the pole, >> right? >> Yeah. They're not working at all in either direction on
>> Oh, okay. >> They don't light up at all. >> Okay. So, not the mobile units, the standing um sign speed uh radar. >> All right. There's a question why the
library wasn't included in the budget. >> The library is included in the budget. The township makes an appropriation to to the library. Um and that appropriation is segmented on the tax bill as the library tax, but it is part
of the budget. >> Well, the pie chart was broken down into municipal, county, and and She asked about the money from the dispensary. Monies received from the dispensary are incorporated into municipal revenues. Um we do receive 2%
I believe of their operating operating revenues and they are incorporated into our anticipated revenues. Miss McBride uh question the traveling uh the traveling border cafe. Uh that would be something and I'm assuming it's
a style of food truck. So that would be something that would have to be um reviewed through the zoning office and uh it may require licensing from the municipal clerk's office. So she would need to uh talk to those two divisions
um and especially uh specifically express what she is trying to do and that would be dep that would depend on what licensing um >> you gonna have to come back to the microphone sir >> all the way up first.
So delay is our zoning offer, Miss Genright. And Miss Genight, I believe, has spoken to this young lady um previously. Uh it is a food cart. It is not a vehicle. It is
not a food truck. Therefore, it has to go before planning board for approval. She denied it because it is a food cart, not a food truck. So, >> okay, >> that's the information I have. >> All right. So, um, Miss McBride there,
I'm glad you're here in Willingboro. Thank you for being here. Um, and, uh, I wish you the best of luck on your cafe. Um, you would have to go through, as you know, the proper permitting process. So, that would be, um, probably seeing the
clerk's office. Um, Mr. St. and Hila could probably help you out with any forms that you would need to fill out, any registrations you would need through the township um and let you know if that um would have to go under review from our planning board in order to um sit
here or if it can fall under the food truck ordinance. But best of luck on everything and please see u Mr. St. Hiller. He'll be able to help you. >> All right, Mrs. Um finally I have Mr. Hussein H question
regarding the regarding the three and a half% increase which was um introduced by the cap bank. What that permits is the municipality to increase the appropriation the the maximum appropriation by an additional 1% from 2
and a half to three and a half%. That equates to $631,000 that we can insert into our municipal budget which is reserve. It's part of our CAT bank and and we are able to uh use that over the
course of the next two budget years to kind of offset uh increases. So that's what that uh three and a half increase uh was. It is not related to resolution uh 26-9 at all.
>> Right. This is and being able to use our reserves in the budget. >> Correct. >> Okay. if that makes sense. Right. And we just approved the introduction. We haven't made any decisions on that yet. Um, as you said,
we do have three budget meetings scheduled on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, where we will be doing deep dives into the budget um to review all of the uh requests and to decide on what we deem
is an acceptable budget for the township. Um, also, Miss Dworth, you had asked about bringing um Zoom meetings back. The Zoom meetings never went away. Just the ability to um comment online did. But you still can view um the Zoom
meetings online um at during the initial airing and then they are pre present on YouTube thereafter. Um but the Zoom meetings are still available for residents to join in
and to view. >> Madame Mayor, >> yes. I think she wanted to know when it's going to be back where they can actually comment. I know there were issues initially, but she was asking about being able to participate where they h we used to have public comment virtually. So, I think that's what she
was asking. >> Yeah, we had decided as a council because um of the unreliability of the public comment um virtually that we will only do in person comment. Um, but if that's an issue that council would like to bring back up, um, we can bring that
back up to the >> I know we we posted something on our website that at this time that's what we're doing, but it's it kind of alluded to will we be getting back to that? It seems like we were going to work on it, figure it out, and then bring that back. >> Well, we can take a vote if we want to
go back to that or not. >> I just thought something online it says right now we're not able to >> due to the unpredictability of it, >> right? So, I don't think it says we're no longer going to offer this. It's kind of the wording seemed like we were going to come back to that eventually. I think
that's why she might have asked. She she left already, but I don't know. Um I think she's just trying it seems like we're working on it to bring it back later. So, um I think that's what um and that's what I kind of thought too. I thought it was something that we were just kind of working on the back end. We
hired a third party firm to help us so they can't figure that out. Um if we want to take a vote on whether we want to bring that back because we do still have the Zoom meetings but if we want to bring online uh comment back we can take a vote on that next meeting because we didn't it's not you're saying it's
because we don't want to or it's because we cannot like physically is it possible to do it I guess >> well that's what I you know >> I don't know we haven't um we've just been doing it the zoom the stream zooming
>> I understand I guess maybe I'm not asking the question properly. Do we have the capability for somebody viewing the Zoom meeting at this time today where they can ask a question or is it that we're saying we don't want to be bothered with that aspect of it so
we're just not going to include that part of virtual meetings? >> Well, what I'm saying is that we had stopped that portion of um having public comment on virtual meetings because of the unpredictability. If we're interested in bringing that portion
back, we can take a vote on it. All right. If we bring it back, I mean, I want it to work. Just I just Is it fixed? My question is, does it work? Like, that's what I'm trying to say. Does it I don't want to bring it back and it doesn't work. Is it is the problem resolved, I guess, is what I want to know. As far as the virtual
Well, Mr. Harris, would you be able to give us an update on that um virtual issue next uh meeting? All right. Great. >> Thank you. All right. And I think council, is there any other uh public comment that I
the money go? >> Yes. >> Okay. Yes, he did. >> Um parking um and elections. Deputy Clerk, um do you have uh the plan for the parking or are there what
accommodations are being made for parking on election day? >> I apologize about that. Um, yes, we're working on it now and we will be having another departmental meeting um to go over with police and um security and
stuff to find out um based on our the recommendations from the board of elections. They feel like we have plenty of parking and the parking and the studies that they did regarding the peak times and stuff like that. And then they also want us to encourage people to use
early voting. Um but they don't think that it would be an issue. Um but we are looking at all of the potential issues that might come up so that we can have a solution. >> Okay. So the office is taking extra precaution um working with um the
township and other agencies involved to ensure that one handicap parking um is available for voters in front of the JFK center. Correct. >> Correct. And then also um I remember there was something with the call buttons.
>> Yes. Potentially putting some um call butddings in the parking lot um and then having if needed you know having um staff available to assist people that you know for some reason were not able to park you know in front of the building. um you know, so we're looking
at all options possibly if it's an elderly person um that may be getting dropped off and then you know being circled around to be picked back up. Um potential wheelchair if it's needed. That's why the call buttons will be out there if there's somebody that really just can't get from the back parking lot
to to the front. Um but yeah, we're >> and that's an accommodation that's made at all of the schools. Um there's a a >> Yes, the handic they call it a handicap but bell. Yes. Mhm. >> All right. Any other questions?
>> So, Madame Mayor, I did um have a question from a resident. She she did not attend today, but it's a follow-up question. Um um Mr. Harris, this is and it might be a Chapman question, but this is the person that um had brought to your attention. When you scraped the
sidewalk, it made it made it look like there was paint poured on it. And I I remember Mr. Chapman that they were doing something about that. It was on the schedule I think to replace the block or something. So, she did um ask uh today what's the status with that. Do
you have that? Oh, is that with Mr. Chapman? Right. Okay. That's all I have. You need the address, Mr. Harris. All right. Um
so after uh discussing with council um the items that we have for executive session can wait till our next meeting. Um so at this time we will go to council comment. Any
council? >> Councilwoman M. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I don't have any general comments. I do I did want to just um I thought it worthy to bring up a um event that will be happening in Willenboro April 25th at Chakra Soups,
our vegetarian um restaurant in Willboro. Um we have um a special guest coming um the renowned ed uh wellness educator, author and healer Queen Afua. Um a lot of people know about her. She will be here on 25th. I just thought it
was worthy um to bring up to our residents. I think it can be a very positive event um for our residents uh as we're leaders in the community, leaders in our homes, leaders in our um our sub our divisions. Um, I just think,
you know, we need to take wellness and healing um, very seriously. So, um, hopefully it's a block party again at Shakarup Beverly Rancokus. I'm sorry I don't have the address. Um, but it's from 12 to 6. Um,
on uh, Saturday, I believe it's a Saturday, April 25th. But I think um I think she's a great uh holistic healer and I think you know it would be a good thing for Willen Burrow if you're interested in that to attend.
That's all I have. Mayor, thank you. >> Thank you Councilwoman Macintosh. And before we continue with council comment, I did forget to come back to Miss Jackson um for our events. Did you have anything that's pressing?
Okay. Not at 10:30. All right, council. Any other comments? Council, >> thank you. So, um, a few comments. Um,
let's see. Okay. Um, did I write everything down? Okay. Some of you may u remember I had um during the parade and events committee um hosted um autism in my shoes symposium.
Uh it was very well attended. Um we held it at the JFK center and um a lot of parents and families um inquired about the next one. Um it was a couple of years ago. So, I did partner with um Burlington County uh Special Services
School District along with um Burlington County um the county. And so, the three of us are putting on another Autism in My Shoes Symposium. It is on April 25th. It is located, it's going to be held at
um Burlington County Special Services School District. Uh the time is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Uh I do have a flyer if um the township would like could share it on our page um for families that are interested in
attending. It is a free program. Um and they will be um resources for families um that are need more information about guardianships. Um that has to do when you have an adult um person um that me
special needs. and now they're 18 and you need to be their adult guardian. There will be attorneys there providing resources in that level. There will also be information for the lower um earlier preschool ages giving information on families um that need assistance. So I
wanted just to put that out there. Um autism and I'll explain to you the name of it. So I identified it as autism in my shoes. um is because uh some may know I do have a daughter on the spectrum. However, it's possible
that you may not have somebody in your family that is autistic or on the spectrum. However, you could be a neighbor um or you could be a person's teacher or person a member of your church or somebody at the supermarket and you're a cashier and you come across
somebody who has um aut who's autistic. So, autism in my shoes means where where are your shoes in autism? Um, and understanding um some of the challenges and how to communicate um with individuals um who are who are autistic.
So, that's the where the title came from, autism in my shoes. So, if you know anyone um or if you're interested in attending um that's the date, April 25th, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Burlington County Special Services
School District. And the last um right I um the last comment I have I'm deeply concerned about the polling locations. I know that April 1st is the date that um you have to turn into the um board of elections about the polling
location. So it's already a moving target. Um I hope for all the best for it. Um then with regards to the um hometown banner hero program, if it was sent to me, I didn't get it. But I will tell the community this. At
every council meeting, before the council meeting, I get an email. And if I don't answer the email, I get a text. And if I don't answer the text, I get a call. You know what that's about? What do I want for dinner? We order dinner. if it was really something that they
wanted me to see. Hey, did you see that? Um, the resolution, the the draft, you didn't respond to my email. So, all I'm going to say is it's really interesting that this is a document that everybody saw, but nobody really wanted to really
get a hold of me, but they want to know what I want to eat for dinner. And if I don't answer it, I'm telling you, I get a text, a phone call, and an email. So, what I'm going to say is to all of administration, if I'm asking for something like a resolution, an ordinance, and you know
what? If I didn't respond, it is possible I did not see it. Knock me down. Did you see that resolution? Did you Did you get that book? You You have permission to irritate the mess out of me when I'm asking for a resolution, an
ordinance, or anything for the people. That's what I'm asking. Please, that's to everyone contact me. Okay, that's all that's all I have for the evening. Thank you for listening. Thank you for attending William. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Pong. Uh, any
other council comment? Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I just wanted to continue to um request that the community um really be mindful and prayerful for our community for those
who are um uniform service members. Um I don't get many calls and texts about potholes, but I do get calls and texts more recently about more and more of our residents being activated to serve in the Middle East. Um and so we have um
active duty service members, reser national guards folks who have been activated in our community um in support of operation epic fury. At the same time, there's a rising number of conscientious objectors um one of the highest numbers that they've seen over
many years um in the military. So, while it is important to have beautiful flowers and the pa and and pavers and all these other things, um I just ask that we really just keep things in perspective. Um be patient with one another, respect one another. Um because
there are things that are going on that we may not see every day and maybe some of you aren't impacted. My family is personally impacted. Um, and I think it's just just being mindful, being respectful, and just keeping some of the things that we talk about in perspective in the grand scheme of things. Not that
they're not important, but there are a lot of other issues that are also going on in our community, and we don't know even how some of our employees are being impacted, their family members are being impacted. Um, so just asking for everyone just to be mindful um of the administration and the environment that
we're living in today and just to be kind to one another. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Um, so lastly, I just want to one thank everyone for coming out tonight. I know tonight was a very long meeting. We had a lot of dense information and
discussion um as well as a presentation of our budget. Um, but this is the work that we are called to do. Um it is critically important that um and important to us that we want to share with you the information that we have
that you are able to know what's going on um in your township as well as um what what's going on with the budget. So thank you again to Mr. Harris and his staff and team um for the budget presentation and we'll be reviewing that
thoroughly and have many many questions as um we continue into the budget uh hearings. I also um did want to just um encourage the council to take a look at the budget
um be diligent in this review um as and I would also encourage you to ask Mr. Harris, any questions um that you have prior to the meeting um so that we can get you can get some clarity, some understanding so that you can understand
and then we can have just a discussion on anything that isn't cleared up or things that you still don't understand um outside of the me outside of the um budget meetings. But I do want to point out that Mr. Paris is available for
questions um during the week um to answer any questions that we may have on the budget um as we are reviewing. Um also um the information on our spring cleanup is out. Uh I believe it's April
25th. Lot of things going on April 25th. So um our spring cleanup is April 25th. I encourage all of our residents to come out um help beautify Willingboro as we keep Willingboro clean. Um and then also
just lastly, I know we are in hard times, you know, in the United States. There are a lot of moving pieces. There are a lot of things going on, a lot of uncertainty and a lot of changes um that are happening, not just uh in our homes,
but also with our finances, with the government. There's a lot of things and a lot of change that's happening. Um our aim is to try to stabilize and do what we can here um to keep residents safe, protected, and taken care of while they are within our bounds of Willingboro.
Um, so as we continue to say, please take care of one another. Um, treat each other with kindness. Um, and as we move forward, we'll continue to do our best work on behalf of you, the residents of Willingboro, as we all take care of one
another, um, and get through this time together. We're always open to suggestions, thoughts, um, opinions, please. The our emails are present. Um the clerk's office is always receiving calls. Um Mr. Harris is available and um
you can always uh get in contact with us if you have any thoughts, suggestions on any of these ordinance topics that we discuss. We're always none of us are experts. Um we're up here to serve on behalf of you. So we're always willing to receive the feedback um from our
residents to help us u make some of these really tough decisions that we have to make. With that being said, I'd like to call for a motion for adjournment. Second moved by Councilwoman Macintosh, seconded by Council Deputy Mayor Worthy.
All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Any abstensions? The time is now 10:38 in the Willenboroough Council meeting is officially adjourned.