Madame Clerk, the time is now 7 p.m. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The ne the time is now 7 p.m. I'd like to call this regular township council meeting to order. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron, present. Councilman Anderson, Councilwoman Macintosh, present.
Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, present. And Mayor Whitfield, present. Thank you. Um, for our prayer tonight, we have our very own deputy manager, uh, Gary B. Lowry III from Willingboro Township. Quite the introduction.
God bless. Let us bow our heads. Father God in heaven, we thank you, oh Lord, for allowing us to join together just one more time. We thank you for this day, a day that we've never seen before and a day that we'll never see again. Lord, I ask that you touch each and every council member right now under the sound of my voice. Bless the manager, the residents, the clerks, and all of
us. God, as we uh come here today to do the business of the township, we love you and magnify you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Please rise for the flag salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Um, for a compliance statement, notice was provided in compliance with chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975 to the Burlington
County Times, Trenton Times, and Philadelphia Inquirer stating the date, time, place, and the agenda to the extent it was known. Additionally, notice was filed in the office of the township clerk. Thank you, Madame Clerk. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming back to
another meeting. Um, and those online, just as a reminder, um, for our public comment, we will continue to live stream the meetings with the understanding that occasionally technical issues may happen. In such cases, we'll give every
effort um to make to record and upload the full meeting to the township's website um, as soon as possible after the meeting. However, doing due to unpredictable technology issues, including those that occur outside of our control, in order to ensure fairness
and consistency in public participation process, until further notice, we will um be taking we will until further notice, public comments will no longer be accepted through the live stream platform. Residents are
strongly encourage encouraged to attend meetings in person and participate um to participate in the public comment portion or you can send um notice to our clerk's office via mail or um email.
All right. Um we have quite a few things on our agenda this evening, but before we jump into the business of the meeting, we do have a few proclamations this month. Um this week we is fire prevention week and
yesterday we had a open house at our firehouse with sheep brunette and our fire staff. Um it was an incredible event and we learned a lot about lithium ion uh batteries and the dangers that
they can cause in your home. So Chief Bernett, will you come up and read the fire prevention week proclamation? Good evening, Mayor and Good evening. All right, there we go. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Uh, if I may, before
I get into the proclamation, just tell you a couple items about lithium ion batteries. Um, in the back, I left some uh RCAT um sheets about lithium ion batteries. Please take one. um before
you leave. Um we all have lithium ion batteries that charge our cell phones, our ebikes, our um golf cars, power tools, laptops, uh tablets. So, um it is very important to be able to make sure
that we charge our uh devices properly and um not overcharge them. And just real quick, two little quick stories. Two quick sto two two two quick stories. Um, one, this happened in New York on July uh, 4th. This year in Queens, New
York, a 76-y old resident walked into a pizzeria to use the bathroom while inside a lithium ion powered ebike that was parked in the hallway next to the bathroom, began to off gas, and went into thermal runaway. The flame, high heat, and toxic gases trapped the
patron. The fire department of New York responded. Companies responded quickly and rescued her. The lady was taken to the hospital and and was intubated. Sadly, she never recovered from her injuries and died a few days later. She was the first lithium ion battery related fatality in New York City in
2025 and 35 since 2021. Um, also a couple years ago, we had a lithiumion battery fire at a resident uh where the uh ecooter bike caught fire and actually went up the uh side of the house, went into the attic. Um, I arrived first on
the scene as the first fire official arrived on the scene and I could not believe what I saw where it it uh it created a smoke explosion. The actual the whole roof lifted off the house and landed back on top of its foundation. If my if I wasn't there first, my staff
probably would have went inside, bought the fire, but that house was compromised. But so lithium ion batteries are very very dangerous if they're misused and and yes and not charged properly. So, this is why we have our fire prevention. Uh, I know it's fire prevention week, but we say it's fire
prevention year. Uh, that we want you to be safe and I will read the proclamation to support that. And I want to thank council for signing that proclamation, too. So, proclamation 2025, fire prevention week. Whereas the township of William is committed to
ensuring the safety and security of all those living in the township and visiting. And whereas fire remains a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and the presence of lithium ion batteries and many household devices introduces unique fire risk. And whereas most of the
electronics used in the in homes daily, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, ebikes, scooters, and toys are powered by lithium ion batteries, which if misused, damaged, or improperly charged can overheat, start a fire, or
explode. And whereas the National Fire Protection Association and FPA reports an increase in battery related tips or sorry battery related fires underscoring the need for public education on the safe and use of lithium ion batteries.
And whereas residents should follow three key three key calls to action. Buy only listed products, charge batteries safely and recycle them responsibly to prevent battery related fires. And
whereas lithium ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space and improper use such as overcharging use using off-brand chargers without safety certifications or exposing batteries to damage can result in fire
or explosion. And whereas the proper disposal and recycling of lithium ion batteries help prevent environmental hazards and reduce fire risk in the home and community. And whereas the township of William Brook first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of fires through prevention, safety,
education, and community outreach. Whereas the 2025 fire prevention week theme, charging and to safety lithium ion batteries in your home serves to remind us to the importance of using, charging, and recycling lithium ion
batteries safely to reduce fires or to reduce the risk of fires in homes and communities. Now therefore, I Samantha Whit Whitfield, mayor of Tashable Willingboro, do hereby complain the week of October 5th through the 11th, 2025 as fire prevention week in the township of
Willingboro and urge all residents to make sure that their homes have working smoke alarms and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of the township of Willingboro's fire and emergency services. This signed this date um October 27th by the mayor. Thank
you. Thank you, Chief Bernett. Thank you, Chief Bernett. We do have one other proclamation this evening. Um, October is breast cancer awareness month and our deputy mayor
will be reading that proclamation. Thank you, Madame Mayor, and thank you, Chief. And um I just wanted to reiterate four things that I learned um that Chief shared with us about the Eon the lithium ion batteries because um I think it's
just important to continue to reiterate it and it's simple things like charge on a hard flat surface, not on your bed, not on your couch. Use the charger that came with your device. A lot of times we'll swing by Walgreens or Five Below, but um we need to invest the dollars in
the real chargers so that we have the right chargers. If you have to jiggle the cord to charge, it's time for a new charger. I know I'm guilty of that. I just thought I had like that lucky touch. Like, and I could get it to charge, but now I know. Yeah, get a new charger. And when your device is fully
charged, unplug it. So, thank you, Chief, and thank you, Madame Mayor, for highlighting the importance of that of fire safety year here in Willingboro. Um, proclamation declaring October as breast cancer awareness month. Whereas October marks breast cancer awareness
month, a time when communities across the country unite in hope, strength, and determination to raise awareness, celebrate survivorship, and support the continued fight for a cure. And whereas great strides have been made in the detection, treatment, and survival of breast cancer with millions of survivors
living vibrant, fulfilling lives, a testament to the power of research, early detection, and compassionate care. And whereas Willingboro Township stands with those who have faced breast cancer with resilience and courage and honors the strength of survivors, the love of
families, the dedication of caregivers, and the passion of advocates working every day to bring hope and healing. And whereas every pink ribbon worn, every step taken in a walk, and every dollar raised through community efforts helps to fuel innovative research, life-saving education, and critical support for
those in need. And whereas our township is proud to be part of a nationwide movement that is making a difference, advancing science, increasing awareness, and bringing us closer to a world without breast cancer. And whereas this month also reminds us that knowledge is
power through regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and community education, we can reduce risks and save lives. And whereas Willingboro is a community rooted in compassion and action. One that comes together to lift one another up, celebrate survivorship,
and support families during difficult times with grace and generosity. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Mayor Samantha E. Whitfield, mayor of the township of Willingboro, on behalf of the governing body and all residents do hereby proclaim the month of October
2025 as breast cancer awareness month in the township of Willingboro and encourages all residents to spark conversations that spread awareness, support survivors and their families, recognizing their courage and sharing in their hope. Take action by participating in local events, screenings, and
fundraisers. and look ahead with optimism, believing in the power of science, community, and the human spirit. Together, we shine brighter, we stand stronger, and we move closer to a cure. Sign Samantha E. Whitfield, Mayor Venro Township. And mayor, I also just
wanted to add, I just want to remind a community that all people can get breast cancer. Um, and so it's just um it's good to take preventive measures because anybody can can have breast cancer. And also, let's continue to encourage companies to stop just making donations
during breast cancer awareness month, but to stop producing um different products that actually lead to breast cancer. Some of the largest contributors to the research for breast cancer come from companies that are actually creating products that lead to breast cancer. So, there's a lot of work and
advocacy to be done. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Yes, I I echo those sentiments. Sometimes the biggest culprits are the biggest donors. Um, but many of us in the community have known,
love, you know, lost someone due to breast cancer. So, we know how important early detection is. And this is just a reminder to make sure you get screened, um, do your self checks, uh, and take your precautions throughout the year,
not just in October. All right, we'll move forward into the business portion of the meeting. Um, Mr. Harris, if you would um give your municipal updates. Good evening, uh, members of the governing body and members of the
Willing Barrow community. I'm going to start off this evening by asking our engineer, Mr. Chapola, to come and give a very brief update on engineering matters that have been going on in the municipality. Judge it. Yeah, Mr. Chapo's going to it
short and sweet. How's that? Is that better? Okay, thank you. Um, we are going to be requesting a resolution to award a contract to field turf construction on the October 27th coun 21st council meeting for the Kennedy Track Center
improvements. And this would include the new asphalt track, grading, top, soil, and irrigation and drainage at the infield and lighting will be included as a um supplement through a change order later on in the contract. Uh tonight
we'll be we are rewarding a a resolution to thin pavers. This will include thick streets for concrete curb ramps as part of PSSE's paving project for Sussex Drive, Siri, Sudbury, Sherwood, Shetland, and Shawont
lanes for Jake's playground and pickle bar courts. We're moving ahead with revisions to save $300,000 in prayground layouts and equipment. No pickle bar courts are to remove to be removed at this time. All six to remain in the base
bid and alternate bids for less courts will be included um to keep the um the bid amount close to the grant amount. I will be requesting proposals from engineering firms to complete supporting steel repairs for four rooftop units at
the Kennedy Center. and these conditions um the deteriorated conditions were found at rooftop inspections several weeks ago. um edge lane roadway improvements. Uh I will be having a kickoff meeting tomorrow with Pavings Plus of Glboro and uh we are going to be
trying to be proactive in moving forward with different items such as the kickoff meeting and getting submitts a uh into me so that we can award the contract on October 21st council meeting in order to keep the project moving for completion in 2025.
Performing Arts Center phase 2 is going well and is on schedule. The weekly meetings that I have requested have helped to keep everybody in line and have any if there's any issues that come up, we're able to get them squared away right away. Uh there are some
miscellaneous stage equipment selections that still need to be finalized, but um we have a we've had a flurry of submitts and we've been turning them around with no issues. Uh the Babbot Lane stormwater basin improvements are uh designed is under currently underway and on schedule
for completion within 5 to 6 weeks. Uh for the food court, I'm still awaiting prices from the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey cooperative contractor. I expect prices within one week for the Kennedy Center two bathrooms. We're going to be
requesting a award to Ascend Construction Management Company for $143,000 at the October 21st council meeting. Uh senior center library and relocation um updated plans for the interior
renovations and courtyard improvements were provided to administration for review and comments. And once I receive those comments, I'll get back to the engineer to to include those in the final drawings. I'm currently working
with Schneider Electric Company um to have a new building management system set up for the HVAC networks and this will include having everything uh brought in under one um one program. U
this would be for the Kennedy Center Library MLK building and we expect to have that proposal back from Schneider in two weeks. I'm going to be looking into getting budget prices for replacements for the Penny Packer, Hawthorne, and Country Club pools, and
I'm going to try to schedule on-site meetings with pool contractors so we can get some budget prices. Uh CME engineers are currently underway with the New Jersey DOT local aid infrastructure grant funding for six sites. They are Ballad Lane, Pageant and Plum Tree Lane,
Shutland, Topeka Pass, and Tipton Lanes. I personally had a site visit yesterday with a project manager to go over all items that are included and necessary for the grant application so we can get it done right the first time. U I inspected Mil Creek Park Pavilion C and
the tennis pavilions. Both are in fair to good condition. Pavilion C needs a good cleaning and and needs to be repainted. That would be including all the metal metal structural portions of that for the tennis pavilion. Uh that needs a new roof as soon as possible and
some uh trim and fascia replacements. And I'll also be preparing an RP to go out very soon for engineering firms to provide cost for design of a floating dock behind the Department of Public Works pond. I'm not sure if there's a name for that pond, but as far as I
know, it's just the pond. And we received a county grant for $175,000 for that project, which needs to be done within two years. And that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Chapola. Are there any questions for Mr. Shabola?
I had just a few. Sure. Um the asphalt track or the track rehabilitation is asphalt the same uh material that's on the track currently underneath underneath the
the rubber the engineered I don't know the technical terms but it's a a rubberized material that they use for competitive surfaces competitive track surfaces and that's been as far as I know that's been on for decades and it's been deteriorated so the cost was
very expensive to get another one of those um another one of those surfaces on the track was like $200,000 or something like that. So, we decided to just to go with uh an asphalt replacement. Basically, what you're getting for for the people that use it,
they're not running, they're not using high speed, so they don't need the grip and the traction. Well, I Yeah, I have to disagree with you because many of the people that use the track are or some of our seniors are using it for treatment, for
rehabilitation of injuries. Um, and they use the track and the rubberized surface because it's softer on their joints. Um, a lot of our seniors work walk at the track and that's the main thing. I just had a conversation this week with a resident saying how much the track has
helped her in her rehabilitation from having pins put in her her leg. Um, but it's that rubberized surface that really makes the difference. So, we'll reinvestigate that and have a conversation with Alimo and see what the cost upgrade to have a rubberized
Okay. Put on that. Sure. We can certainly do that, Mayor. Great. Yeah. the asphalt, you know, it's it's good in some cases, but I know for people that are training and um that are
in rehab and using the walking, uh it's it's not good on their joints. Um, also the I think that was it. Anybody else have any other questions? Question. Thank you, madam. Um, when you referred
to the DPW pond, are we talking about Crystal Lake? That that might be it. Is that what it's called? Okay. Right. Yeah. We're looking to get uh we had we just received a grant 175,000 for that.
Crystal Lake. It sounds a lot better than the pond behind DPW. Yes. Yes. And also I just want to clarify that there is no library relocation that is happening. You mentioned library relocation again.
Just to just was it's on the it's on the drawings. Yeah. But the the words matter and and our residents, you know, are very passionate about that issue. So I just want to make sure that the library is not relocating. We are we are still
moving forward with renovations on JFK, though. I'll make sure that won't be said at the next meeting. Perfect. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Dr. Worthy. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, you mentioned about JFK and Schneider um and doing there was something that you said
about that, but I didn't write it down fast enough. Can you restate? We're going to be looking at a building management system. It's going to integrate the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for three buildings. It's going to be the Kennedy Center, the this building, the MLK building, and the library. So, that it
can be all done uh through laptops or through desktops. Um I'm not sure about cell phones, but it's going to be a system that could be easily um to manage programmed, managed, right, without
having to go through individual buildings. So, it's going to be a kind of a oneshop, you know, network, if you will, okay, that they're going to be providing. Uh, they went around last week. The gentleman from three two or three gentlemen from Schneider Electric came around last week, went to all three
buildings and I was there at all three buildings and took a lot of notes. They had drawings and just, you know, is that going to be paid through our EUP savings or is that an additional cost for the I haven't gotten into the funding for that yet, how that's going to be funded. It's something Mr. Harris and I could
could discuss, but it's a it's a it's a it's important, right? But it's a good system for us to have. It'll bring us into the the 20th century 21st century with the funding part. Understood. Okay. Right. All right. Thank you, Mr. Okay. You're welcome, folks. Thank you,
Mr. Harris. You can continue. Thank you. I will go ahead and on with my report. Um so the township has achieved another significant milestone in our um communitywide LED lighting upgrade initiative um which as you know is a
multi-phase project that will ultimately transform the street lighting in Willing Barrow um to LED lighting. Phase three of this comprehensive modernization has entered the active installation phase. And according to um to coordination with
PSCG, installation crews uh have begun working um on on the 5th of October on installing LED on nine streets in again in the P section, Penny Packer section of town. I'm not sure which nine streets
they were, but they I think probably almost the rest of them. Um, but I don't I will say nine streets and I'm not really sure which nine. Um, and again, but this is again a multi-phase, multi-year project which will systematically work its way around Willing Barrow. Our Department of Public
Works has been um busy throughout September and early October. They have successfully managed infrastructure projects and facility improvements. um really demonstrating their ability uh to handle some complex um overlapping
initiatives while maintaining um quality and schedules as well. Um they recently completed the new DPW pole barn um which this facility will provide the department of public works with much needed covered storage and workspace um
protecting our valuable equipment from weather exposure and extending their operational life. This has been something that has been carried um on for uh a few years now. So I'm we're very happy to see that it has finally come to completion and and it looks
good. So if you get an opportunity um drive by. Can everyone hear me? Okay, I can hear you. Okay. Um they've also been um working uh to um for the renovation of our human resources relocation to room 114 and the
training room in room 118 at the JFK center. Contractors uh have successfully finished um drywall over their installation. U creating a a fresh, properly finished um walls to provide a clean, professional appearance. Um we're
installing new window air conditionings and as uh of this report uh carpeting carpet installation was scheduled for this week. Has that begun? Thursday. Thursday. Okay. Which will complete the transformation of these spaces and then
we're just waiting for some furniture to be moved into that space. Then we will be relocating our human resources department there and establishing a training room um adjacent to it. Um, in a visible demonstration of the
community's commitment to enhancing public spaces, DPW has completed a landscaping project at the Willingboro Township Public Library. They planted u eight um notches crepe myrtle trees um along the library and frontage um
immediately improving the aesthetic appeal of that space. Um but that served as a multi-purpose as well as we know we had to remove those trees because they were lifting the sidewalks there and creating um several trip hazards. Um so
that has been evade abadated um in that process and they've also gone ahead and recognizing that these newly planted trees require a constant watering um specialized bags these 20-gallon water bags at each tree which will slowly
release water into the trees keeping them moist um and encouraging their their growth and maturity. So, I just want to thank DPW for making sure that that project got moved along very quickly and efficiently. Again, as has
become was becoming a real liability with people tripping in front of the library. Um, during our preliminary assessments of addressing leaking windows and skylights at the public library, maintenance personnel discovered the presence of mold in that
building. Um we are in the process of finding qualified vendors to perform u comprehensive uh mold testing and ultimately remediation. One of the things that we are looking at um is removing those skylights and replacing
them with um solar what are they called again Mr. Okay. Uh so we're I forget what they're called but they're similar. They're they're essentially skylights, but
instead of a plastic dome, it's like a a cone that comes in and the light reflects and it pretty much gives this the same result. Um, but it will provide a little more protection to the roofing system. So, we're looking at at that and you know, we are moving forward with
replacing the carpet in the library and of course, we do not want to replace the carpet with leaking roofs and areas there. So, um although the the replacement of the carpet is moving along, we need to address the leaking skylights before
um so that is that. Let's move on to the finance department. The annual tax sale is scheduled for October 15th. Um they have completed their preparation for this um sale. This event uh which
happens every year represents one of the most critical revenue collection mechanisms for the township. Um this year the sale encompasses 572 individual line items um comprised of commercial and uh some residential properties.
These are our delinquent tax obligation and the total face amount of these delinquencies totals $1.5 million. So, it is our hope that at the end of this sale, we will sell off um $1.5 million
of these library of these liabilities, not of the libraries of the liabilities um bolstering our financial position here in in Willing Barrow. So, um, following the sale, the finance department will prepare a report, a
comprehensive post sale report for for your benefit, um, detailing the collection results, the successful lean purchases, um, unsuccessful offerings, redemption activities, and the overall revenue impact. our public safety. Uh the police
department um has organized a firearmsformational forum which is scheduled for October the 9th at the JFK Center demonstrating the department's proactive and educational approach to public safety. Um this strong uh the response for this event
was outstanding. um with 239 residents always already confirmed it was essentially sold out and they are going to schedule a second session um for persons who are interested in this information. The forum will provide
community members with critical information about firearm safety, legal responsibilities of gun ownership, and proper storage practices and resources available to residents. So, um, if you weren't able to register for the event
this week, look for, um, part two, um, which will be coming up at some point in the future. Um, some current challenges in the department. Um, there they they did encounter an unexpected and frustrating frustrating challenge in
fleet management. Um after securing the proper authorization to purchase three police vehicles, um the approved vendor uh discovered they no longer had the specific vehicles in stock. So um you know, it's not uncommon with today's um
challenges in the supply chain. Um but they're actively working with vendors and exploring alternatives um to minimize this operational impact. But we're going to be compelled to look at 2026 models when they become a
available. And despite this challenge, the department continues to uh maintain full operational readiness utilizing existing fleet resources while working towards the resolution of this procurement issue. Our fire and EMS um as was mentioned
they yesterday they hosted the um the annual fire prevention open house at the department's facility. It was very successful, so I won't go through that again. Um, on Friday the 26th, the fire and EMS department responded to what
would become one of the most challenging and dramatic incidences where a motor vehicle accident resulted in a complete submersion of the vehicle in the Rancokus Creek. Um the in the incident occurred at the terminus of JFK way and
Martins's Beach where the the driver went around a vehicle and then proceeded to go through a barrier into the lake and was fully submerged. Unfortunately, residents and neighbors who witnessed the accident took immediate action and
successfully extricated the the individual from the sub submerged vehicle and their quick thinking and brave response undoubtedly prevented what could have been a fatality as as underwater vehicle entrapment represents one of the most critical and dangerous
situations in emergency responses. So, we will ask um Chief Bernett if he could find out who those residents were that that risk themselves and maybe we can give them some recognition at a future council council meeting. Um code
enforcement and inspections. The inspections department has maintained active enforcement efforts throughout um since we last met um addressing multiple categories of violations while also balancing education and voluntary
compliance. um regarding enforcement actions. Um they continue to encounter persistent challenges with commercial vehicle dumping um at vacant commercial properties and lots throughout the township. These violations not only create unsightly conditions but also
pose health and environmental hazards and attract um additional illegal dumping. So um you know we are aggressively trying to u control those commercial truck paring violations remains an ongoing concern particularly
in residential areas where large commercial vehicles create um sighteline obstructions. And the department has also found itself addressing the daily posting of political signs in locations um that violate the township's
ordinances regarding placement, timing and or or the proper ownership of the property or the placement of the signs on properties that they are really not permitted to put signs on. So while political expression enjoys strong
constitutional protection, sign ordinances serve as legitimate government interest in regards to safety, aesthetic concerns and property rights. So we will be introducing an ordinance after the election season to
address some of these um continuing issues. Um recognizing the that effective code enforcement involves not only responding to complaints but identifying and addressing po potential hazards before they before they cause injuries. The the
inspections department has undertaken proactive initiatives focused on pedestrian safe pedestrian safety. Inspectors are systematically improving properties or identifying properties where overgrown vegetation has encroached on public sidewalks, creating
obstructions that force pedestrians into the street or make sidewalks impassible, and property owners are being issued notices regarding um require them to trim back the vegetation to allow safe uh sidewalk passage. Similarly, the
department has prioritized addressing um lowhanging tree b branches that also create hazards for pedest pedestrians and uh they also create liability concern for the township when located in public right away. And by addressing these issues, they are proactively um
preventing injuries rather than simply responding to a situation after someone has been been injured. Uh they are also undertaking aggressive enforcement regarding businesses operating without required merkantile licenses for 2025.
To date, they have issued 32 summones to business owners who have failed to obtain these mandatory licenses. Um so they will continue to work with the clerk's office to en enforce um these codes in the township.
The department does face some uh challenges regarding short-term residential rental properties advertised on prop platforms like uh Booking.com and Airbnb. These rental arrangements where where residential properties are rented to transient guests for short
periods of time raise multiple regulatory concerns including zoning compliance, life safety requirements, tax collection and neighborhood uh character impacts. So, the department is monitoring these situations and working to identify properties being used for
short-term rentals and determining the appropriate enforcement strategies um that balance the property owner's rights against the neighborhood's preservation and regulatory compliance, but they are actively monitoring um and and dealing with those individuals as they come to
our um attention. We're going to go on to recreation. The recreation department has experienced significant and positive personnel changes during um since we last spoke um strengthening its capacity to deliver quality programs and services to
township residents. We did promote one of our talented employees, Mr. David Kangis uh to the position of recreation program coordinator and um additionally uh one person has returned from medical leave and we have hired uh three new
individuals in the department um bringing the the department to a more fuller staffing level and allowing us to offer more diverse programs, serve more residents, and respond to community requests for activities and services.
So, we thank Mr. Li for the work that he is doing over in the recreation department during these transitions. Uh, Mr. Chapola did mention that we have been awarded $175,000 grant from the Burlington County Municipal Park Development Program uh to
be used for the construction of an accessible fishing dock or pier at Crystal Lake, not the pond, Crystal Lake. Um yeah, this is a significant grant award um which not only recognizes our commitment as a community to have more
inclusive recreation and meaningful uh but a meaningful investment in expanding opportunities. I know this is something that councilwoman Macintosh has been talking about for several years now and I'm very happy to see it finally coming
into fruition. Now, I don't know that the grant amount will allow us to build anything more than one, but is it is a start in the in the future movement um for having accessibility and fishing opportunities um in Willing Barrow. Uh
the recreation department has also embarked on um exciting potential impactful partnerships um exploring uh u a a financial literacy program with Chase Bank. They are also going to be working with the beloved project who has
um formerly moved into the JFK center and will be over there operating to um expand um services and programming to Willing Brow Community and residents.
And finally, but not least, um on September the 15th, Mr. Anthony Buchcci, our new human resource manager, began his tenure here in Willing Barrow, bringing fresh leadership and perspective into this uh critical
administrative function. Mr. Buchcci will be uh replacing Miss Anderson, who will be formerly retiring at the end of this month. And I would like to ask Mr. Buchcci if he will come and present himself to the governing body at this
time. Mr. Buchcci. I don't know what present myself is, but now my name is Anthony Buchcci. I've worked in government for about 25 years. I've worked mostly in Camden County with the uh board of commissioners with Commissioner Capelli uh in Cherry Hill Township for Mayor Platt and for about
the past 10 years at the Camden County Police Department as their human resources manager. Um I spent two years down in the Tampa Bay area at St. Pete uh working in private sector. came home for family reasons. Love the weather up here as opposed to sweating all the year
long in Florida. So, I was fortunate enough to uh to work with Mr. Harris. Um, one of the major initiatives we're working on right now, just so you guys know, is um we're putting forth a new uh excuse me, employee review program run through a program called Perform. I'm
working with our new vendor to establish u standardized review process startup smart goals for each department as well as individual employee. We're going to do a reviews on a bianual basis. We'll be meeting with each department head starting the formal kickoff is October 30th and then the month of November I'm
going to meet with each department head as many times they want so we can individualize each review process for each employee. And then the month of December we're going to start rolling out employee reviews. So for January 1st, everybody will have a fresh review and then twice a year from there resetting their goals so that they meet the standards of the township. Other
than that, we're going through open enrollment and a couple other small time projects. But uh it's been a fun couple of weeks so far. It's a pleasure meeting you. Thank you, Mr. Buchcci, and welcome to Wingboro. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Buchcci. So um finally,
um just an update on the Big D Marina. Um, we have pretty much gone through all of the requirements and in the that INREM foreclosure process which culminated a few weeks ago with the the the formal filing and posting of the
notice of foreclosure in the newspapers. Um within 15 days after that, then um our our solicitor will make sure all of the um notifi all of the notifications are made to the county clerk's office,
the state attorney general's, the tax assessor, and any other individuals that have and may have an interest in the property. Um I believe there is a 45day appeal window and once that 45day window
has um completed then I believe he is able to go ahead and make the petition to foreclose on that property. So that is coming to uh a culmination as well. And uh I know I shared a lot. Um but we
are also beginning the 2026 budgeting process and we'll be scheduling those hearings uh for very early in no November. So thank you for taking the time to listen to all I have to say tonight. All right. Thank you, Mr. Harris, for your very comprehensive report. Does
anyone have any questions for Mr. Harris on anything? Nope. All right. All right. And one other thing. One other thing. Balffor Lane. Yes, Balffor Lane has been remediated. That pro that that problem property has been
remediated. We did speak to an exterminator who does have the ability to go ahead and place the mouse traps in the neighboring yards, but we need to get permission from the property owner to go onto their property and do that. So, I asked Mr. Holt to review a an
authorization and release. And as soon as he gives the thumbs up, we will ask them to sign it and we will move towards getting that completed as well. And that that really that's it. So, I'm going to ask Miss Jackson if she will come at this time and just give you a briefing on the events happening uh in
Willingboro over the next couple of weeks. Good evening. Good evening. Good evening. Mayor, deputy mayor, members of council, and all those assembled. Um, we are just want to let you know that we are looking forward to our annual trunk or treat
event a little bit more which will held on Saturday, October 25th from 2 to 4 at the Kennedy Center. And we certainly appreciate all those who have um volunteered to service trunksters, donate candy, and event volunteers. So, we do have the registration deadline uh
open until the 17th, but slots are filling up quickly. So early registration is encouraged if residents are planning to be a part of this year's event. And on that same day, we will have the DA DEA drug takeback day that
will be hosted by Wenber Police Department and that will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. near the rear of this building. All encouraged to bring their unneeded medication and have it disposed safely. Our leaf collection begins on October
27th. Information has been mailed to all residents regarding park schedules and procedures and more information will be shared as the date approaches. And we are certainly looking forward to our holiday season and um next couple months we are planning to host a Veterans Day
breakfast this year, our annual tree lighting and breakfast with Santa. So um and also we want to keep in front of you as u Mr. to her shared there's a lot of growth and um activity going on at the recreation department. So we want to remind you of our ongoing dance and
fitness classes, pickle ball, basketball sessions, and more that have been hosted by the recreation department. And for those interested in securing space at the Kennedy Center, you can visit willenberre.com. There is a new layout and userfriendly
view now available to you so you can see what events are happening and what dates are available to you prior to initiating the booking process. So we think that you will um appreciate that opportunity if you visit the site and see that. Um as a reminder the municipal offices and
buildings are going to be closed on Monday in observance of indigous people's day. So we just want you to keep that in front of you. So for more information about this and any of the items that I've shared, you can visit our website, Willenber Weekly and our social media. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Miss Jackson. Any question, Dr. Worthy? Just one, Miss Jackson. Is the Veterans Day breakfast on Veterans Day or a different day? Can you I should have Oh, yes. It will be on November 11th uh at 11:00. We are in the
planning process, but what we anticipate that we will serve breakfast um just prior have a um a brief program and um make sure that we do something intentional to honor our veterans. Okay.
Thank you, Miss Jackson. Any other questions? Seeing none, um we will move on to the resolution review. Thank you, mayor. So, uh, being presented to you for your
consider this consideration this evening is ordinance number 18, which is an ordinance governing the management of community cats in Willingboro Township. Um, it was the desire of the council to enact this ordinance in an effort to
balance humane treatment of free roaming cats with the public health, environmental, of quality of life concerns of Willingboroough Township residents. So, uh, a few meetings ago, several residents and or concerned parties came, um, expressed their
concerns and, uh, but the council had already been working on moving forward with this ordinance, but it is finally in place and ready for introduction. Ordinance number 17 is an ordinance authorizing the municipal clerk to uh
correct non-substantial and non material errors in legislation and move on to the resolutions. Resolution number 239 is a resolution authorizing the approval of vouchers for payment and ratification.
Resolution number 240 is a resolution authorizing refunds for the overpayment of taxes. Resolution number 241 is a resolution authorizing an extended property tax grace period for eligible
federal employees and federal contractors in the event of a um of a federal government shutdown which we are in the midst of a federal government shutdown. But what this will
do is if the the shutdown exceeds 21 days, it will allow persons who can um verifiably prove that they work for the government and are affected by the shutdown um to
defer their November tax payments to February. And it's just a one period deferral. And that again is if it exceeds 21 days and they are able to prove that they work for the federal government and are affected by this
shutdown. Uh resolution number 242 is a resolution authorizing a change order number two for the contractor of think pavers hardscaping LLC for concrete repairs. Mr. Chapola did kind
of mention this um in his report. Um this change order is essentially going to be doing uh installing handicap ramps um through various areas of the community and doing other work so PSCG can come in and complete the ro on road
paving on some of the roads that they have been uh working on. But even with this additional work, it will result in a decrease of that contract by $9,481. Resolution number 243 is a resolution authorizing the township to increase the
uh not to exceed amount for the Route 23 auto mall um regarding the uh purchase of the two Ford veh purchase of two Ford vehicles for the recreation and fire department. Um this is for um pickup
truck for the fire department and a pickup truck for the recreation department. Resolution number 244 is a resolution authorizing a contract with to ESI
equipment um for the purchase of a whole martro extrication rescue tools. So this is for the for the fire department and this is for um large vehicle extrication. Give
us a brief chief brief on that. Chief the mic jaws of life, right? Yes. Yes. Um it's just vehicle education tools that we use on not just vehicles but any kind of person that may be trapped in any kind of item. We can use our education tools. County knows like
jaws of life or cutters and spreaders and stuff like that to educate that person or whatever whoever is trapped. And this was allocated in our 2025 capital budget. Resolution number 245 is uh authorizing um to place municipal
charges on certain properties for failing to address property maintenance violations. Resolution 246 is a resolution to amend an agreement with Axon Enterprises um which is a which is a contract participant in the New Jersey state
approved purchasing cooperative contract. We entered into a contract with Axon um a few years ago. It was a 10-year contract to um um provide services regarding body cameras. So,
this this contract is going to include an upgrade of our police tasers to taser 10. Um, and it also is including a community request module, a redaction assistant modules, and additional body
cameras for new police employees. And unfortunately, um, Chief Bucks is not with us this evening. So, but I will have at his next meeting to tell you what the upgrades to the new Taser 10 is.
Resolution number 247 is authorizing a a non-matching salary or deferral contributions pursuant to ordinance 25-09 and u and directing that this resolution be appended or the ordinance be
appended. So section five of the ordinance establishes provisions for deferred compensation contributions uh for certain township employees. Our retirement solutions provider nationwide um submitted a request to clarify that
such a contribution may be offered as either a salary or deferral contribution which is consistent with federal deferred compensation program requirements. So they're literally asking that you include these two words
salary or deferral into that to clarify the uh intent of what the contribution is. So resolution number 248 is a resolution authorizing the execution of a shared service agreement between the township of Willingboro and the Willingboro Public Library Board of
Trustees for Human Resource Services. Um after uh after our former library director left our employee, it was discovered that the Willingboro library was actually under civil service and they do
not have anyone over there qualified or educated ready to um manage um the rules of civil service. So after speaking with the library board president, we did talk about um having a shared service where our human resources
manager will go and kind of manage the library's HR from a high level perspective, but they will we will not be involved in doing their salary reviews or their performance reviews, but we're just making sure that they are operating within the laws and policies
and procedures of civil service in the New Jersey Department of Labor. And then finally, uh, resolution number 249 is accepting the $175,000, uh, grant to fund the construction in installation of the accessible fishing
dock at Crystal Lake and authorizing the mayor to sign that that um that agreement. And those are all the items that we are presenting to you for this evening. And I feel air
sounded there. Um, thank you Mr. Harris for those explanations. So, we do see um error in the agenda. The numbering is off and our deputy clerk is coming in
with the right ones to clarify. Everything was presented correctly. You just have the incorrect numbering on your recent packets. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Yes, this is right. Thank you.
So, there were a few items on the agendas that we have that are not on the actual agenda. They didn't make it to the actual agenda. But thank you, Mr. Harris, for uh presenting everything. At this time, we
will open the first public comment for agenda items only. This public comment is for two minutes. Uh the cards uh to speak are in the back. If you'd like to speak, please come up to uh the podium
and uh present your card to the clerk or the deputy clerk and um you will have two minutes. Public comment is now open. Sir, are you coming to speak during this public comment on agenda items
or not? Was it anything that was mentioned just in the No. Okay. All right. So, that'll be for the second public comment. Uhhuh. But you can fill out your card still. All right, seeing none, this public
comment is now closed. Um, are there any resolutions that council would like to pull from a consent agenda? No. Seeing none. All right, Madame Clerk, we'll start with the ordinances and then we'll do a consent agenda for
the resolutions. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, we have one ordinance for introduction tonight. Ordinance 2025-18. Um, this ordinance is entitled Ordinance Governing the Management of Community Cats in Willingboroough Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. Can I get
a motion to introduce this ordinance? So moved. Second. Madame Clerk, can you speak up a little bit? Your microphone. Yeah, I apologize. Um, okay. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron. Yes. Councilman Anderson.
Yes. Councilwoman Macintosh. Yes. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. Yes. Mayor Whitfield. Yes. Thank you very much. And then ordinances for public comic, excuse me, public comment and final adoption is ordinance 2025-17, which is entitled ordinance authorizing
the municipal clerk to correct non-substantial and non-material errors in legislation. Anyone wishing to come forward to comment on this ordinance only, please do so. Seeing none, I'd like to close public comment. Can I get a motion to finally
pass ordinance 2025-17? So moved. Second. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Seconded by Councilman Anderson. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron. Yes. Councilman Anderson.
Yes. Councilwoman Mintosh. Yes. Mayor Whitfield. Yes. Nope. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, I apologize. No worry. Yes. And Mayor Whitfield. Yes. Thank you. That's all of the ordinances we have for um this evening. All right.
I'd like to propose a consent agenda for um resolutions 2025-239 through 2025-249. [Music] So move. Second. Moved by Councilwoman Macintosh.
Seconded by Councilwoman Peron. Uh, roll call. Councilwoman Peron, yes. Councilman Anderson, yes. Councilwoman Macintosh, yes. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, yes. Mayor Whitfield, yes. Thank you. Can I get a motion to approve the same? A move. Second. Moved by Councilwoman Macintosh.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron. Yes. Councilman Anderson. Yes. Councilwoman Macintosh. Yes. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. Yes. Mayor Whitfield. Yes. Thank you very much. Moving on. Um, we have a treasures
report from September. Can I get a motion and second to approve the treasurer's report dated September 29th, 2025? So moved. Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron.
Yes. Councilman Anderson. Yes. Councilwoman Macintosh, yes. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, yes. Mayor Whitfield, yes. Thank you very much. And then uh we do have one set of minutes for approval tonight from September 16th, 2025. Can I
get a motion and second to approve the regular meeting minutes from the state? So moved. Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Wy. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron, yes. Councilman Anderson, yes. Councilwoman Mintosh,
yes. Yes, Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. Yes. Mayor Whitfield. Yes. Thank you very much. And then, Madame Mayor, if I move may move on to my Madame Clerk, your report, please. Thank you. Um, so not much for my report
this evening. I did want to uh do my reminders about the election again because it is coming up quickly. Um, general election is November 4th, 2025 at all the normal polling locations um from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voter registration deadline is is October
14th. If you want to register to vote um and it is October 14th, please consider either coming to the um municipal council building um to the clerk's office or bringing your application right to the county's office. It's the most efficient way to get your
registration to them on time. Um, however, they will accept um, anything that's postmarked October 14th just to be more efficient. Um, I can send it right to them. Um, early voting is from October 25th to November 2nd at the Willingboro Public Library. The deadline
to apply for a vote by mail and ballot through the mail is October 28th, but if you want to apply for a vote by mail and ballot in person at the county, you have up until November 3rd at 3 p.m. to do so. Um you should be slowly seeing vote
by mail and ballots come. They started um being mailed out by the county on September 20th. So um they should be arriving in the next couple weeks. We do have a ballot dropbox that's monitored 247 by camera um and is picked up daily for residents that would like to utilize
it. Um or of course you can send it right through the mail. Um and then finally uh not about elections but I did have my quarterly meeting with the mayor and deputy mayor. yesterday um just to go over, you know, my yearly goals, make sure we're still on track. So, I will
have an updated presentation for the rest of council to you um by tomorrow afternoon. And that is my report for today. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Any questions for clerk, counciloman Macintosh,
are there any updates on any new permits or anything that happened, you know, this month? Delicitor food trucks. Um, yes, that should be going out. I sent my I got a little backed up. I sent
my August report out pretty late in September, but you should have the um September report uh by probably early next week. I'm getting all the numbers. Um, and I'll be sending that out to you guys. Um, there's no new solicitors, though.
Thank you. Yeah. All right. Any other questions for our clerk? All right, seeing none, we'll Thank you, Madame Clerk, for your report. Um, we will move on to unfinished business. Um,
for unfinished business, we have been talking a lot about the renovations at JFK. Um, and there were some plans that were sent out by Mr. Harris uh for council to review the proposed uh
renovation plan. Mr. Harris, you want to talk a little bit about that? So, thank you, mayor, and you you pretty much covered it. Um, the plans were pretty much sent to council for your review, your comments, and your input. And, uh, we need to to hear back from
you so we can determine if we're ready to go and prepare bid documents. So, if everyone is satisfied with what has been presented, if you have any questions, please feel free to stop by my office and we can discuss them and just answer
any questions that you may have so we will be be able to determine whether we're not have instruct Alma to go ahead and prepare the bid documents and put that project out to bid. Okay. Were there any questions on any of the materials that were sent out? Did
everybody receive them? Okay. All right. So, please make sure you get that feedback uh back to Mr. Harris uh preferably by this coming Friday so he can move forward with the process for
those renovations. Um, one other thing I did want to mention that's not on the agenda um is our master plan. I did send out a link or I had uh our clerk send out a link to all of our council members um for our master plan. the draft is has
been put together with all of the proposed elements. I'll just ask you to spend some time in to review that document. Um it is quite lengthy, but it does set the plan for the next 10 years of our community. So take a minute um to
review all of the things that are proposed in that document. Um it is a plan for Willingboro. So once we um go through as council and we feel it's okay, then we will present it. uh along with our planners to the community. Um
and then it'll be approved by the planning board. It'll come to us for final approval. Um but we do want to make sure that we're okay with the state that it's in before we present it to the community. All right. All right. Any other unfinished
business? Seeing none, any new business? I don't have any. Uh Council Prong. Yes. Thank you. So, couple things. Um, as we recall, uh, we renamed, uh, our
street to Veterans Parkway a couple years ago, uh, and so given Veterans Coming Up, um, I met with the Brain Events Committee and I had this idea that I wanted to bring to the council to see if you were interested in adopting
this program. It's called the Hometown Hero Banner Program. And what that is is they basically um will put up a banner on a street poll with uh a veteran that has served in service, whatever their
rank is. Um it doesn't have to be a person who's passed away. It could be a current veteran. Um, ideally the idea is to have um an application for a anyone in the resident's community to submit as
a a suggestions to create a banner or put a banner in this person's name. Um, which would be more of a lengthier process. However, because we wanted to try to do something for November and I did speak with the company. I'm going to get to the numbers real quick in a
minute. Um, it is a two-eek turnaround to produce the banners. Each banner, there's three different sizes. So, the banners range from $84 to the most being uh $124 per banner. And the banners are double-sided.
And the brackets that go on the poles, they're they're two different types, but they're both $69 per per pole. Uh so there's a deluxe banner which is more for wooden poles and then there's a junior banner which is for like the decorative black poles that some
communities have. Uh in addition to um there's additional shipping costs. Um now as far as installation he said most communities their public works department install on the poles. However, if we don't have a way to get them installed on a polls that is an
additional service that they would charge additional for. So, we were looking to possibly get maybe about eight to 10 people um to to send them a letter of the community that we know of. One of the people who we know, Mayor Campbell,
who's passed away, he would be a family member that we would send a letter to and just say, "We want to honor you in this way." And since that, they would need to get us a picture back. I would be the main uh contact with the hometown banner program, submit the application
and they would design and create the banner. There are multiple different designs. So, what I would like to do if you're interested is also email you the different designs. This way, we have a uniform look and the council is okay
with what design we go with. Um, what else is there? And then, like I said, that's just for now. Um, he said if we he said he would try to make a rush drop to get it done by November 11th. And I heard M. Jackson say to have a breakfast because that's another thing I was thinking the first
time go around while we introduced the program to have something like to monument the moment that we're going to be having this program. And then we'd have more additional um banners such as maybe Memorial Day. Somebody can submit an application on the on their family or something and then it could be selected
to be for a banner. But since we don't have enough time to do the selection process, just actually come up with some names um to create a banner for them. So the first part is are you interested in entering the it's called hometown hero
banner program. Um, council, any comments, questions? I mean, I've seen exactly what she's speaking about. Actually, I just saw it this week in Delaware. Um, my my concern is one, how many polls do we have? Number two, it needs to be a process
that's inclusive of everybody. And it's just a matter of, you know, let's say this year we took in 10 people, five people, whatever it is, but each year do something, you know, as far as an induction. But I think it needs to be opened up to everybody. And we, you know, look through who submits who. um
wants to participate. I think it's you may get a little slack if we just start picking people right from the top. So, I just think the way we advertise it and get the feedback, but it's something I would support based on hearing what the numbers is, what the impact is to the township, but I think it's definitely a
very uh worthy cause. You know, this is a veteran-based community, and I would love nothing more but to, you know, show our love and our support for those veterans. Thank you, Councilman Anderson. Anyone else? Council McIntosh.
No, I have seen these also. I think it's a great idea. Um I kind of have the same sentiment as um Councilman Anderson in terms of just picking right now. I think that can get a little um complicated. Um I also was curious how other towns
funded it. Um, I know some towns in North Jersey, um, you know, people who are people who are interested in having their picture up funded, and I'm okay either way, but I was just curious, um, how many poll Yeah. How many polls there are, how
many, you know, what is our what's our landscape that we can work with? Um, but I definitely support this initiative. I think it's a great a great idea, especially for this town. Um but I think the turnaround's a little quick. It is. Yeah. So November's, like I said,
November's right around the corner. It is um matter of four weeks we're talking about. That's why initially like I said was if you had somebody in mind just for the initiation of it. However, going forward and they have and they actually have forms. They actually give us forms
that we don't have to reinvent the wheel. U we will make it borrow of course. Um and the anyone in the community really I mean we can decide how we want to do it but really it's open to anyone staff members residents of Willingboro um could submit an
application um for our considerations for that person to being placed on the banum that would take a process um as far as jumping it off if you're interested. So you're, if I'm hearing you correctly, you're not interested in jumping it off now like just picking names. You rather
just go through it maybe next year or something select people or even Memorial Day for I think this is a a great idea for a program, especially with the naming of Veterans Parkway. It would be very fitting to do the Veterans Banners along
Veterans Parkway. Um, I think one thing that we would have to consider for this is how long the banners are going to be up because with the elements, wear and tear, um, you know, sun bleaching, I don't want, um, them to get destroyed
and then we don't have the money appropriated to replace them once, you know, something happens to the banners over time. So if they're up for Memorial Day and um for the month of November for Veterans Day about if they're up for a
year or they've been selected for like how you have like you know a president for the year or committee of chair for the year and then you'd fold it up and give it to the family member this remembrance of maybe along with the proclamation this is for you for your family member you know I don't know how many polls there are
I'm just saying but I'm saying veteran Parkway that's that's the street I was thinking of Um, and as far as funding it, I was thinking we would pay for it. You know, I I don't I think $124 is not, you know, I feel like something we could do. I don't know if there are other I
don't I didn't I never I didn't ask him that question if other people pay for their own family members, but I was more thinking we would pay for the banner and the bracket. Now, the brackets, of course, we just buy it one time. So, we're just, you know, taking down the banner in that time period that we decide on and maybe it is something
that we need like a um resolution for as far as laying out the formalities behind it. Um this way it's clear so nobody feels slighted like oh why did you leave this person up for two years? You left this person for one year, right? Um but that's one thought. Okay. So we'll have I have some takeaway. I'll
forward you the emails as you miss Havs as well. my communication with the gentleman. Um I'll take it back to the committee, let them know that we're interested, but we we do want to spend some more time on it. So maybe by the next meeting, we'll talk about um next steps and then decide if you want to do
it for Memorial Day or you want to wait to Veterans Day, the next when you want to and it doesn't have to be on those. It can be Christmas. It can I watched the video. I'll show you a video. A lot of towns have done it. Some people are doing it in around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's. So we don't have
to wait for those two holidays to start the program. Um but I do agree maybe we need to look at formalities as far as making everything you know legit as far as resolutions and what it looks like on paper and go ahead. I think I think a food for thought I think if you know if we put
out a survey but also including a survey who will be willing to pay because I'm pretty sure there may be some families that say hey we would love to pay for it to honor our loved ones. Um, I think as far as time, we might, you know, if we can come to um a consensus here, you might be able to announce this
initiative on Veterans Day as part of that program. Okay. Just food for thought. All right. And start to get those applications in and start planning for release next Veterans Day. I think that will be great or before.
And just for your information, there are 25 approved poles along Veterans Parkway where we can hang banners. Okay. So, we know 25. So, that's good to know. Dr. Worthy. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I think that I know for me just the selection process
in terms of how um what the criteria is, you know, is there proof of service required. Um, we've tried to recognize veterans in the past and some veterans weren't recognized for whatever reasons um and still haven't been. So, I think
being being mindful of how we're doing it, what's the selection process? Who's making, you know, the selections. Um, I also think about we have the PA project that was started a number of years ago in Mil Creek Park where people could buy the pavers and put those in and that
project wasn't completed. Not sure if we want to, you know, finish that project or add now the banners or people could have options of if they want the banner on veterans and or the PA project. um that's still in Mil Creek Park. I'd also be mindful of is it a veteran thing? If
it's for veterans, yes, those who have passed away um are veterans, but they're typically honored on Memorial Day. So, thinking about how we present it, how it's presented, you know, what is it? What are we trying to accomplish? Because you don't do Memorial Day stuff during Veterans Day. Like, it just the
the Memorial Day is for those who have passed. So, but I understand the tribute, but I'm just saying we want to be mindful um because if it's for living veterans, you wouldn't want to launch the program during Memorial Day season. So, just being mindful of how it's um
how it's placed. And then um I do like the idea of uh sharing it on Veterans Day of this program is coming, more to come. You know, we'll be moving forward on that. I think that's something that people can um get excited about. And then the last thing was um there are
more sustainable things we can do to support veterans in our community besides banners. Um there are programs for veteran friendly communities where you have um parking spaces for veterans or for Purple Heart um medal recipients where veterans receive different
preferences on different things. It's a whole the state of New Jersey has a program on how to become a veteran friendly town. And I think those types of initiatives are very wellreceived by veterans. While the the credit, you know, a picture, a banner, those are nice things, too. But there are other actionable things that can be done to
actually support veterans that are that are living in the town. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Dr. Worthy. Yeah, I just want to um answer to uh Deputy Mayor's concerns and questions. So, this um Homestown Hero Banner program would be the committee of the
parade and events committee. So we as a council have appointed people to that committee just like the phenomenal woman we don't pick the who's going to be selected we select the committee. So the committee of those bodies of that body would be the committee that would handle
the applications and then bring forth the names to the council. Here's who's been selected this year whatever for you know for our approval and stamp. Okay. This way we're not surprised who it is. Um that was that's the idea. But as far as like the design of what it looks
like, I was thinking that's where we can incorporate the council because we do want to make sure we're keeping the look and feel of Willingboro, how we want, you know, how it's how we're moving with it. So, I wanted to and it's this when you see the the email, there's like hundreds of different designs and I
think mismatch would be really Yeah. So, and even if we change the design a bit each year, once they come down, we'll pick another one. But I think that was the idea. Yeah. Okay. I think it's a great idea. But we just want to make sure that we have a resolution or a ordinance, a process so
that the program is sustainable and just it just doesn't happen one time and then pass away. And that's the idea. It's not supposed to be a one-time thing. And it's not the Memorial Day was because if we don't do it Veterans Day, but Memorial is only for those who have passed away. I was
trying to, like I said, just select five to eight people that we select and they would, it's just a matter of printing it and sending them a letter. we've selected you for this year to start off to initiate the program and then going forward we have the application process but that would have been on nove um
veterans day or any other day that's not it doesn't h I guess it doesn't have to be veterans day but of course if it's memorial day then the people who we would honor that day would be people who've already passed away not on days that's not however if we were to select
a group of people for the banner program on a day that's not Veterans day or it's not u Memorial Day. It could be somebody that's passed away or living and currently serving. Um so that I wanted to answer that. Is that
answer your questions? Men. Okay. Yes. I wanted to speak on that. I do have Does that we good? We good there? Okay. Because I have another um new um new business item that I wanted to um bring to the table. So I again I will send you those emails
so we can look at that for the other item. So this I would like to see if if you're interested in u creating another another committee willing committee this committee would be the pageant committee uh princess Willingboro and Prince Willingboro pageantss as well as Mr.
Willingboro and Miss Willingboro mis so the princess and prince willing would be our elementary middle school middle school age students and of course Mr. and Miss Willing will be high school age students but also be college students.
Uh the purpose of this committee would be not just to propose to advertise physical beauty. However, the component of it is to also emphasize intelligence talent uh leadership and promote community service encouragement. So
those students who or children who were selected or voted in would be Mr. or Miss Willingboro for the year. And but the younger children, it would be Princess or Prince Willingboro for the year. They would visit our different council meetings or different events
that are going on through the police department, through the fire department, all of our events to make, you know, announcements, presents, and of course promoting positive and well- behaved behaviors, manners, and so forth. Um, and the council would award them, of
course, with a trophy. Um they would be also a financial deck for that child um for that year and the committee would be a committee of just like how we select other committee meet people for the um
from the community would be parents residents you don't have to have children in the community it could be anyone that wants to register for the committee to run the program um and in Willingboro. So this committee would be a committee that would need small budget
for the things that I talked about. They would also need a space to practice. Um so that would be more I'm thinking about the JFK center. Um so again that's a new a new committee. I wanted to see what your thoughts was with regarding that. And of course there's this is a student
program. Um so just advertising through our families in Willingboro. They don't have to be students of Willingboro schools. I know some students go to school out of district um but they should be a resident of Wingboro. Um so what are your thoughts about that new uh
committee? Anyone have thoughts? Yes. My my personal thoughts is this sounds more like a school district initiative. Have you spoken to them to see if this is something they would want to take the lead on? No, cuz it's not it's not going to be a school initiative. That's what I wanted to
I'm saying it sounds like a school district. It's more like football. Like you know we have football, we have the we have the Panthers. It's not with the school but the students go to the school. We have dance programs. It's not it's not a school program. It's not for the teachers to put it on. It's not for the
parents to put it on. This is an idea that it's a committee of residents of Willingboro that would run a manager's program for our children. Like it says, you know, it takes a village to raise a child. So just because your child is not in school, but you could be a grandmom
or you could be an auntie that doesn't have children and want to participate in helping educate and teach our children um leadership skills and so forth and even including us having been I I served on the school board. I've served on council being able to teach our younger
children certain skills and add advice, you know, things like that. So this is not it's not meant to be a school program. It's it really is meant to be a community program that we house here in Willingboro underneath our umbrella as council, not
not for the school. Deputy Mayor Worthy. Thank you, Mayor. Um I love the idea of doing something with the youth and the community and getting them engaged. Um I think that what that's what's really appealing to me. Um, I think that for me
what I would be looking for is the connection back to civic engagement and how we can increase um interest in civics. I'd be more interested in something like having a student mayor, a student council member, student something like that that's more in
alignment with um a core need we have in town, which is getting students more engaged in civics um and having them more informed about what's happening in their community and figuring out how we could use that pathway. Um, for me, I'm not as interested in the pageantry, but
I do think that there is a need to connect with our students, um, whether they're in Willenboro School District or not, but they're residents of our town. Um, but I would be interested in doing something. My whole, um, line of work is supporting youth. So, I'm interested, but I'm not interested in the pageantry
part of it, but I would be interested in some kind of civic engagement, youth and government, something to to that effect. Anyone else? Thoughts on uh the pageant? So, I I do
think it would be a nice program to have here in Willingboro, but I don't think that it should be something housed under the council umbrella um or something that the municipality should um put on.
Um, typically our our programs are either civic based or um, you know, on the recreation department and the recreation side. Um, I don't not that I I I think it would be
valuable, but I think it would be better served as like a resident initiative, something that residents put on um themselves and versus something that was sponsored by council. Well, that's why it's a committee just like the residents that are in
Willingboro are on committees and they serving their community through the committee. So, and it's and and it would promote leadership. it everyone doesn't become the mayor. So some people become principles, some people become congresswoman and congressmen. So in the
beauty pageant like I said it's it's to promote all of types of leadership and responsibilities and so forth speaking um things like that. So, not you're not interested in the program in the beauty pageant program. Not I
don't know. I know Tiffany mentioned something else, but this program you're not interested. Is that right? Um I I'm not in favor for a beauty pageant offered by the municipality. But that's all I have for new business.
Those are the two. Okay. All right. Anyone else have any other new business? All right, seeing none, we will continue on with our agenda. Um,
next is public comment. This is our general public comment. It is for four minutes. Um, please come up, state your name, and hand your uh card to either the deputy clerk or our clerk. You'll have four minutes for this public
comment on any general items. Public comment is now open. Hello. Good evening. Good evening. And I first like to apologize when my phone went off. I didn't mean to disrespect anybody. I forgot to put it on. I vibrate. I was embarrassed. I'm sorry.
I tell my son all the time, he goes somewhere, do that. And I did it myself. So, uh, my name is Ricky Boone. I'm at, um, uh, five, um, Brunswick Lane. And the reason I'm coming to speak to you today is because I was surprised. My son called me and I got this flyer
or summons in my door in regards to my basketball um, court net that we have in our in our driveway. I've been there for 37 years and always had a basketball court there. Never had a problem. No neighbors on nothing. Kids come there.
They play all the time. Now I get this and they say I got two days to remove it. I called them up and they told me I have to remove it. Put it in the back. But then they said if I have a permanent one, I can have a keep a permanent one there. I had a permanent one there before. It got old. So we took that down
and we got a portable one there. But the portable one, you have to have it weighted down so it doesn't fall or anything with the wind. So it's a big inconvenience if we have to try to remove that all the time. and then bring it back when the kids want to want to play. And I asked them there there has
to be something that can be done with this ordinance where there's some type of variance or something that could be done because I mean I understand it's not down at the um um in the street or anything. It's always been in my driveway. I had that extended so the kids can play. And that's what I'm
coming before you guys now to see if there's something that that can be done um about this. I mean, I don't want to have to go and because the guy told me, "Oh, put it in your back and get some concrete and put it up there." Yeah. My yard is not that big in Willingboro in
the back that I want to put concrete in my backyard. No. And I didn't want to have to get a new permanent one put out put out put out put out front. So, so like I said, the basketball court is not hurting anybody. There's no complaints or anything like that. And and I don't
know why the ordinance was put in for the basketball court. I can understand the trampoline, the trampoline and those things, grills and all that. I can understand, but for the basketball court, I don't understand. And I hope that's something that you guys can amend or if there can be a variance or a
waiver or something that can get done where I don't have to where I don't have to uh remove that. All right. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Room. Thank you. And we do answer uh public comment at the end of public comment. Any other public comment?
Good evening. My name is Sandre Thompson and live in Will. It's my first time here. My neighbor told me about that there's going to be a meeting here. First one here I'm So anyway, my problem is on my street I have two people that do
not take care of their property. I've been to the township twice or maybe three times. My neighbor also has been to the township about these two houses and one house they're selling drugs
and one of the people that live there they have um warrants for their arrest that's been called in. She called the police. Nobody is doing anything. And we talk about Warren Burough making it safe to live. It's not safe.
So it's it's just unacceptable to me. So, I don't know what you're going to do about it, but you need to do something cuz on my street, everybody keeps their property up. They do the laws and everything like that, but when people move in, they do
not take care of their property. And it's and I've been up there quite a few times, so I don't know what you're going to do. All right. Thank you, Miss Thompson. And we'll have a response. Somebody I hope somebody goes over there doing what they need to do.
We will have a response right after public comment. Anyone else for public comment? Seeing none, public comment is now closed. Um Mr. Harris, can you have Mr. Tonsl come up and talk about the uh basketball
nets? Mr. Tonl, it's your night. You got to come to the mic. Good evening, council. Good evening, Madame Mayor and council as well as the public. All right. So
earlier in the year, we were asked to generate an ordinance that would take care of items that were placed in the front yards like basketball courts, trampolines, grills, uh items,
accessories that really don't belong in the front. Basketball courts is one of those items. As Mr. Boon said, "We talked extensively. Um, this ordinance was passed earlier this year and it requires
that the basketball courts be placed in the rear. This ordinance was designed and developed through the direction of the council to move forward with this. Um, so he did state that uh if the court was
permanent that it did not have to be removed, but that is only related to permanent courts that were in place prior to this ordinate being passed. So all basketball courts, all trampolines, all apparatus that does not belong in the front of the property
and they're clearly stated exactly what they are are expected to be placed in the rear. Now, what is the question? Well, you just explained the ordinance, though, so I appreciate that. Um,
council, is there Mr. Anderson? Well, I know prior to us making this request, there were some concerns that came into council, such as those portable basketball courts falling over. Even though they were weighted, they were damaging other people's property, such as cars. We had a couple of those
situations, safety issues. So that at that time when it came to us, we started, you know, thinking about what can we do to help remediate that moving forward. So that was one of the reasons why this came to the forefront along with the other items mentioned. Deeper?
No, not right now, but we can talk to you after the meeting. So that is there there are reasons behind why the ordinances are passed. Um, we typically don't do uh waiverss or
or variances for these. Um, but if council is interested, that is something we can take a look at to see if there are any changes we'd like to make to the current ordinance. And if you have any ideas on um if
there's any changes that uh you would like to suggest, then you can just send them to um myself or the clerk and we'll discuss it at a later meeting. But thank you, Mr. Boom, for your comment. Uh Miss Thompson, Miss Thompson uh discussed
uh two properties on her street that are not being taken care of. And I think that's back to Mrs. Huh? Securing those addresses as we speak. As of course, you get the mic
microphone. As you know, inspections is responsible for property maintenance and ensuring that residents maintain their properties. I will secure those addresses from uh our residents and try to resolve that matter. Now, as far as
the police matters, that is not my responsibility. Yeah. Yeah. Um, Mr. Tonsl, we do have our police officer here tonight. Benson, you want to come up and say anything?
Hello, council. Hi, residents. Um, when it comes down to the warrants, um, give us a phone call and we'll see what we can do. We can't violate people's rights, but we sure will accept the phone calls. We delighted to have the phone calls, actually. So, but I will assure you this. If a person knows they
have a warrant, once we pull up, they're going to run and go in the house. We can't go in the house and take them out of the house. We can't, ma'am. We can't have the back and forth, but you can talk to Yes, you can talk. Thanks, or Mr. Tonsel after the meeting.
All right. Thank you uh for those public comments. If you have any other public comments or any of those folks that are watching online, you can send those public comments into the clerk's office um and we will be sure to uh make sure we
respond. All right, council comments. Anyone have any comments before we close? Councilman Anderson, just want to thank everybody for coming out, those online, those in attendance. Also, while I was at church, yes, I do
go to church. Um, I had the opportunity uh to be approached by several residents who were very pleased with the dog poop stations uh that were placed. So, they thought it was a good idea for those uh you know, folks who forget to come out with their bags and so forth. So, I just wanted to bring it to the table to say
they were very pleased, the residents I spoke with. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Anderson. Anyone else? Deputy Mayor Worthy. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, thank you for everyone who came out. Just a reminder, you can communicate with us
via email or um talk to the clerk even between meetings if there are issues and concerns that we can address. Um, while we appreciate the dialogue here, as you know, it's only four minutes and then there's not much any conversation really that we can have, but we're always open
to uh to the dialogue. I also want to remind everyone we have a highly contested uh election coming up and I think it's important to make sure that you get to know everyone on the ballot and know um so that you can make an informed decision. Um also in Willingboro, you may or may not know we
have a school board election this year. So please look at your entire ballot. There are five candidates running for three seats. So I think it's really important to understand uh what the concerns and challenges are in our school district. what's working well, um
areas for improvement, and get to know the candidates, all of them, and understand um what their vision and plan is and how they'll work with the residents and the administration um to try to bring those things to bear. So, it's a huge election. Um I just ask everyone to please just take the time.
Um it's a highly polit politicized time that we're living in right now. It's easy to become very apathetic, but please just take time to um take a look at the ballot. Um the sample ballots are online. You'll also get them in the mail um so that you can take a look and um
just encourage you to do your do your duties and exercise your muscle in your right to vote. Thank you, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. All right. Well, thank you all for coming out. Um, as you can see, we handle a lot of business at these
meetings, but we also want to keep you informed and hear your concerns, questions, um, and comments on how we're doing and things that you want to see done. Um, so, as always, thank you for coming. I do want to give a shout out to
the DPW department for an incredible clean communities cleanup. Again, we had over a hundred residents come out to clean up um our streets last week and it was just a really great uh time for
people to just pitch in and do their part on something that we all want to see, which is a clean and safe community. Um also shout out to the library on their town center day. It was a very big success. Um lots of
businesses came out and um gave, you know, had samples or shared their services and it was a good time for folks to get together at the town center. We want you all to stay involved and stay engaged. So make sure you download our Willingboro connect app,
sign up for the Willingboro weekly. And I also wanted to give a shout out to a resident that has started a new periodical burrow news today, Miss Kiana Foreman. Um, and they they're around town in distribution. So, if you see
them, make sure you pick that up. All right. Thank you all for coming tonight. And I will entertain um motion for adjournment. Second. All right. Moved by Councilwoman
Macintosh, seconded by Councilwoman Peron. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Nope. All right. Thank you everyone. Good night. Is now 8:44. We are now adjourned.