Madame Clerk, the time is now 7 p.m. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. 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 is absent this evening. Councilwoman Macintosh.
Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy >> present. >> Mayor Whitfield >> present. >> Thank you. I'd like to invite Reverend Lamar to lead us in tonight's prayer. >> Evening. [laughter] >> Um I would like to read the Bible.
Psalms 91. He who dwell in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. I will say, of the Lord, he is my refuge
and my fortress, my God. In him I will trust. Let's bow our heads. Lord, we thank you this evening for everything you've done for us. Lord, we give you thanks for allowing us
to be in your shadow and for allowing us to live in a secret place. Thank you for your protection. Thank you for the wisdom that you are giving us in this place that we live, Lord, in this beautiful town of William.
We bless this council. We bless our city. We bless all of our neighbors. And we declare that your purpose will be done in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. >> Thank you, Pastor Marsh.
>> Thank you. Please rise for the flag salute. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Complying 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. Um, at this time, we have no presentations, but we do have a proclamation uh for Black History Month as it is the
100th anniversary. Deputy Mayor, >> thank you, Madame Mayor. Proclamation. Black History Month, February 2026. Whereas, Black History Month is celebrated annually in February to recognize and honor the achievements, contributions, and enduring legacy of
black Americans throughout the history of the United States. And whereas the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, founded in 1915 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, has led the National Observance for Black History for over a century,
fostering education, awareness, and appreciation of Black American history and culture. And whereas 2026 Black History Month theme is a century of Black History commemorations marking 100 years of organized efforts to research,
preserve, interpret, and celebrate black history in communities across the nation. And whereas black Americans have played positive and integral parts contributing to the promagation of America's unique social, cultural, scientific, spiritual, political, and
economic development, which is a testament to the strength, courage, and resilience of a people. Whereas the township of Willingboro will host Black History Month events throughout the month of February 2026, offering residents opportunities to engage in
meaningful programs that celebrate Black American history, culture, and contributions. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the Township Council of Willingboro, New Jersey, together with the residents of the Township of Willingboro, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2026 as Black History
Month in the Township of Willing, New Jersey, and do further encourage all citizens to participate in commemorative events, educational programs, and cultural celebrations being held throughout the month in recognition of Black American history, heritage, and contributions. Be it further proclaimed
that the township council commends ASAH, that is the African-American life and history, I'm sorry, study of African-American life and history for its leadership and dedication over the past century and encourages all
residents to participate in and support Black History Month programs and activities in recognition of the 2026 theme, a century of Black History commemorations. Thank you, Deputy Mayor Worthy. Um, yes,
we do have many Black History Month programs that will be happening here in the township. Um, I'm sure you'll hear about some of them later. Um, and we hope that you all take the time out to uh participate in those celebrations.
All right. Um before we dive into the business of the meeting, I did want to make a brief statement. Um I and the township council are aware of the matter involving a member of the governing body. This is a personal legal matter
that does not relate to the individual's responsibilities as a council person. As the matter proceeds through the legal process, the township will allow that process to play out. In the meantime, I as mayor and the township council are
fully focused on continuing to serve in the best interest of Willingboro. All right. Um, we will jump in and I will turn it over to Mr. Harris for our uh, municipal managers updates.
>> Good evening, Mayor, members of the governing body, and members of the community. Uh this is a brief summary report for February 3rd, 2026 of some of the things that have been going on in Willing Barrow since last we met. Um our finance department continues to work on
the 2026 municipal budget. Our top expenses that we are facing in 2026 continue to be health care which has increased over 35% to $1.7 million here in Willingboro. uh police retirement system pension contributions which have
increased by just under a half a million dollars and of course our solid waste trash contract renewal and those bids uh for that will come back in March. So we don't know what that increase will will look like at as of this moment. The
annual debt statement is due on January 3rd 31st. Um should be here relatively soon. We are finalizing the remaining items to complete and and file that report and we're looking to introduce our budget uh in March.
Our inspections and code enforcement department inspections is preparing an ordinance for short-term rentals or Airbnbs in conjunction with our solicitor Mr. Halt. There is also another mandate by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that
came out last year that impacts our inspections. Uh if housing inspectors are going to conduct smoke or CO alarm monitoring, fire extinguisher inspections and identifies secondary power sources like generators on single
family homes and duplexes. They must be certified as fire inspectors. The issue we currently have no one in housing inspections that meets that criteria. So there is a compliance liability issue for Willingboroough Township. However,
uh the DCA is giving municipalities until February 3rd, 2027 to become compliant by allowing multi-dwelling multiple dwelling inspectors and housing code officials to obtain fire inspector licenses. And currently, we have two
multiple dwelling inspectors in Willing Barrow and uh we will be sending them off to class to obtain those fire inspectors licenses. Uh the township must also adopt an ordinance specifying who will be responsible for doing these inspections and then that ordinance
needs to be filed with the DCA. So we're in the process of preparing that and will be presented to you in the very near future. Some new business activity that's happening. The township is tracking several new or redeveloping commercial locations expected to come online over
the next coming months. These are in various stages of review and construction. At the 399 Charleston Road, there is East Smoke and Convenience. That's pending zoning board uh final approvals. Uh 603 Beverly Rand Kokus Road, a Wonder Bowls and Crazy for
Chicken uh franchise. That rehabilitation is in progress on Vans Skyver Parkway. There is a convenience store um scheduled to go in there pending zoning board approval at 498 Beverly Rancus Road in Autozone is in
the process of rehabilitation rehabilitating that space. And on US30, the vault um is anticipated opening um subject to completion of inspections and any required approvals. I believe
that's the dispensary. Yeah. And then uh JFK Plaza across from the recreation center. There's report of potentially a discount clothing store um planned adjacent to the dollar store. Uh we don't have um the final paperwork um but
we will keep you up to date as more information comes online regarding that. Our Department of Public Works has been very busy after the storms um cleaning up snow. Sidewalks are still a huge problem here in Willingboro. Our
children have to walk in the street to avoid walking on the ice just to get to school. Due to the volume of properties that need to be addressed, we will have inspections uh pull an emergency contract this week um at the approximate
value of 38,000 to clear the sidewalks in front of 188 properties here in Willingboro. Those properties will be summoned for violating Township Code Chapter 328-1, which a person is responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks
within 24 hours um at the end of a of a storm. And those violators could be fined up to $100 for a first offense and up to $600 for subsequent offenses. And then for those properties that refuse to comply, the township will clean the
properties and file leans against the property under chapter 328-3 of the township code to recover the cost incurred by the municipality. So if you haven't yet cleared your sidewalks, I would encourage you to do so as quickly as possible to avoid any additional
fines or penalties. Uh DPW is still working in winter storm mode, preparing for the next storm, ordering parts, restocking materials. Uh we do have a very limited salt supply left. Uh we have not heard from our vendors, although we placed an order
with them back on January 20th and uh Mol Morton Salt has not really given an ETA due to the backlog that they have with salt deliveries. I know the police u department are have written numerous tickets for snow ordinance violations
due to the property uh roadway conditions and our DPW superintendent Mr. Chapman is here this evening to give you a quick operational report on snow operations and conditions. So I will call him to the floor at this time. Mr.
Chapman. >> Alrighty. Good evening, mayor and members of council and community. How's everyone doing? Um, I know this past storm has been the topic of much discussion. Um, however, I figure
tonight I'll just shed a little light on the operations, what we are responsible for, and hopefully when you get a better understanding of what we're working with, there will be, I guess, a better understanding, an extension of some sort of grace. Um, the mission the mission of
the department of oh mind you I'm going to read for the topic of the discussion the snow removal operation plan that was developed and implemented back in 2015 although we have expanded upon this and took on more responsibilities this is the standard and the basis practice that's been in will since prior to me
getting here uh so the mission of the department of public works is to remove accumulations of snow and ice from townships roads municipal parking areas and some designated sidewalks as rapidly and efficiently as possible The safety and mobility of the community is of the utmost importance during any
type of precipitation that may form ice and or accumulating snow. The department must respond immediately to each storm in varying storm conditions that may occur throughout the winter season to u to maintain public safety on the roads as soon as possible and to leave all
other areas in an accessible condition. some of the responsibilities that DPW is tasked with. We are responsible for 128 miles of township roads and that's including 22, no, not including 22.1 miles of county roads. 42 of those
township miles are treated as primary secondary collector routes. The 22.1 miles that we maintain in an interervice shared agreement with the county does get a lot of attention but deals with roads that are traveled the most by um residents. We're also responsible for
municipal parking areas that includes the JFK center, the municipal building, the rear of the building and across the street over by the post office. We're also responsible for in front of the library the handicap parking spaces over there. We're also responsible for town shut sidewalks. Now, I know a lot of
people get uh get down on us about these sidewalks, but we're responsible for over 4 miles worth of sidewalks. So, while we're out fighting the storm, we have to also come back and get to the sidewalks. By the time we get to those sidewalks, the storm is probably by that time temperatures have dropped. There's
freezing and now it's ice. We also do not have the ability to salt those sidewalks because the a price point of how much it would cost to salt those sidewalks. So just for demonstrative purposes in order to salt four miles worth of sidewall that will equivalate equivalate
to 10 pallets worth of salt. That's 55 bags per pallet. Right now the going rate for salt is almost $3,000 per pallet. So, if we want to treat every storm and every inch of that sidewall is going to come into approximately $30,000
per storm and that's not including the salt that we apply to the roads, we're also responsible for digging ourself out of. So, while we got to come to work, we got to dig oursel out in order to come dig out the township. I understand that the township wants to
see the roads clear, bare, but we're also working with a lot of uh things working against us. For instance, we have over 30 pieces of we have 30 pieces of equipment. Out of those 30 pieces of equipment that we use for snow removal, over 20 of them have already exceeded
their natural life. Um, right now on our main routes, the big dump trucks that we use, just to give you a little, I guess, insight, three of them are 2008s, one of them is
a 2003. each snowstorm that we have, we're all we anticipate or not anticipate where you we're averaging being down at least one truck per snowstorm. And that's not to account to the damages and the the the the stuff that goes wrong during a snowstorm. While you're out there snowplowing, you
might hit a manhole, a hydraulic hose might go. So, we're constantly repairing equipment in lifetime. This isn't something that we're just sitting around waiting for pe just sitting on our I know people think we're not out there doing nothing, but we're also working against time constraints. CDL drivers
are not allowed to drive person past a certain amount of time. If we have them drive p past a certain amount of time consecutively, we also have to give them down time before they can get behind the wheel of the car. Right now, this snow removal plan that was put in place was
based off of uh 36 total employees in the department. Right now, we don't have 36 total employees in the department. Right now, we only have 23 nons supervising personnel. We're trying to fight almost, not almost, 402 residential streets plus
22.1 miles of county road, four miles of sidewalk with 23 people and aging um assets. I know people want us to get out there, but we're trying and doing everything that we can. The things that we also deal with in the middle of snow operations, parking on the street. I
know the police are out giving ordinances. I mean summons, but summons don't get the cars off the street in the middle of the snowstorm. When people come and they see us come and make a pass through the uh middle of the cars, that's because most of these trucks have anywhere from 8 to 10t blades. If we
drop those blades with cars on the street, that will cause damage if those cars are parked on the street. So, we p we get through what we can, but then we receive calls after somebody comes out and said, "We never plowed the street, but we did. You just moved your car and now you're seeing the residual snow that's left from your car being there.
Public works, I understand we try to give the best amount of service that we can. But we cannot be a personal service to each and every resident and remove the personal responsibility of what comes with home ownership. We do not dig out mailboxes. We do not dig out cars.
We do not dig out your trash can. We have received numerous amounts of calls. I need my trash can dug out. I can't have access to my mailbox. Can you come dig me out of my house? These are things that we do not do. If you are looking
for all of the things that we do, all of this is located in our snow operations on our website. Our damage policy is on the website and we're trying everything we can. I just want everybody to know that it is not from a lack of effort. It
is not from mismanagement. It is literally us throwing everything that we have, every single opportunity at these storms. This past no storm, we fought that with no salt. We have literally no salt. I've been beating down the phone with Morton salt continuously since January since we placed that order. No
salt. So, the fact that those roles are even passable as we speak is a testament to how hard we work. That is countless hours. I had CO set up at DPW for my crew. So, and even though people don't think that my guys are out there working
hard, these guys are sleeping, spending countless hours at this job, and then after they do that, they go home and do the things that everybody complains about. They dig out their mailboxes, they dig out their trash cans, they shovel their sidewalks, and then they come back and they do it all over again.
I just really want people to understand that this is not an easy task. Half of the staff that we have right now haven't even seen a snowstorm. Most of them were probably in middle school or high school when the last snowstorm came. In order for them to get trained in a snowstorm,
has to be snow on the ground. It just so happens that this past snowstorm was one of the biggest snowstorms that we seen. They're trying. They're doing everything that we can and we're training them up in real time. If you have any questions, I'll be free. I'll be willing to take them.
>> Thank you, Mr. Chapman. Any questions, Mr. Chapman? All right, Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Thank you, Mr. Chapman. Um, I I think we all can appreciate what the DPW does. Abs, you know, I absolutely do. Um, and I think the majority of residents, while
I did hear a lot of complaints, I think the majority of people are very reasonable and can understand um the difficulty that um DPW goes to um goes through, you know, in these situations. And sometimes you just got to keep your butt home. You know, that's the reality of it. Everybody was trying to get out
the next day. That's not feasible all the time. >> Um my concern is first our salt. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I thought we were collecting salt for at least a decade. That was my understanding, you know, going through the budgets and stuff that we were
>> No, salt reserves. They have the amount for it. But however, our storage can only hold so much salt. But right now we stuff it with about 250 max 275 uh tons, but it can't hold that much. So we're trying to stuff it as much as we can. But the how fast these storms have been
coming back, we depleted it after the last snowstorm in December and then when we placed the order, this snowstorm came in right after and they weren't able to fill the orders. >> Right. And I think this know was a little different. It was heavy. It was icy really quickly. Yes. I mean there was a lot of factors understandably. Um, another thing you mentioned was of
concern was the equipment and um and and forgive me if I don't recall correctly. Was that presented as part of our capital budget or when you present a budget like that we would need some more um investment in our >> We only went over operation. We haven't
discussed. >> Okay. We didn't go. Okay. So, will that be presented as because that's a that's a lot of equipment that's outdated. >> Yes. >> Um that we're not aware of. So, we can't even make decisions. >> Yeah. This is this is all stuff that we've been fighting in real time since
I've been here. Um, all of those those trucks that I mentioned that are 2008s or 2003s, those are purchased as a plow package. So, when that truck was purchased, that same plow that was on that is what came with it. So, those plows are outdated as well. We just had a truck that we um right now we're trying to weld the frame because the
plowing frame snapped during this last snow uh storm. So, these are all things that we deal with and we we try to address as quickly as possible. But these trucks are also used for other things. It's not just for salt operations. So these trucks are used every day of the week, every day of the year. So I know it's we work 5 days a
week, but we also do things on the weekends because they have events that we set up for. We're here all of the time. So yeah, those those vehicles are not just used for snow operations. So it might go down in another season and we're trying to make a prepare for a repair prior to the snowstorm and it might not be able and then it goes down
in the snowstorm and then we got to So it's constant constant with the with the age of this equipment. >> I appreciate that insight. I don't think we were as a council aware that there was that you know our equipment wasn't up to
par. I appreciate that insight. >> Council P. Thank you. Um I have a question. So, with regards to equipment, and I'm originally from New York, so they have trucks that actually pick up the snow and load up truck and then take
it to a dump uh a location where they build a mountain of snow. Do you have one of those vehicles? >> So, we that would be either called a front loader or a back hoe. We do have one back ho that has a push box and we also have a front loader. That front loader is used at our DPW yard in order
to load up the trucks with salt. So that's usually at the DPW yard in constant use picking up the salt, putting it in the truck so they can go back out. The other back hoe is used has a big old push box on it and we use that to plow the JFK parking lot. >> However, a extra piece of equipment in
order to do that we do not have because both of those two pieces of equipment are in constant use. So if we wanted to go and load up and remove snow, we would have to shut down the ability to load up salt in order to go do something else. So op one operation always has to shut down in order to do something else.
>> I think we definitely should get another truck at something that you can pick up the snow and then the other thing is was there do you have a plan or was there anything already in place? I don't remember it coming out but where the residents have to remove their cars off of the street so you can there's no cars
on the street. >> We have put out numerous communications. We I have talked to the communications department. And I know for a fact Tanya put out one of the last snowstorm and the stors storm before that letting them know per ordinance such and such remove the cars and the cars are still there. Commercial vehicles, trailers, cars that
haven't moved in a while. Still cars on the street right now that have been snowed in and it's obvious they don't have nowhere to go because they've been snowed in since the snowstorm and they're still sitting on the street. >> So because some of the complaints were what what was happening is that the you were plowing the snow but you're pushing
it now we're people are being buried in their homes. Yes. and then school buses could not get by. >> So, um I think there has to be another system and you just identified you don't have the truck to load up the snow because definitely our streets are too small just to push it to the side.
>> Well, that's the that's the nature that's the n I know that's what you would like to do, but that's a a very expensive business to get into from a labor and personnel perspective because we have 402 streets. If we go into removing snow from 402 streets, that is
going to we'll be removing snow till probably the jazz festival. >> And then some other towns, they have people to um that you hire. >> Yes, Philadelphia just brought in day laborers, 300 day laborers just for this very specific task. I don't know if that
we we I don't know if that's at our disposal, but that is something that's this is the nature of the storm that we're dealing with. We have almost two feet of snow. So, this is why this storm is not your average storm. >> No, I get I know that's not a usual type of um storm. However, those are other avenues that I know other townships
operate where they will contact >> um businesses that have those trucks that we need. So maybe we [snorts] don't have to buy the truck until we can buy the truck, but at least we have connections with who has the truck say, "Hey, can you lift the snow up for us or whatever?" >> Well, we have been in contact with the
county, but even the county who is well more, I guess you could say, resourced and staffed than us, they were strapped for resources. This storm tapped everybody. The county didn't even have salt. They told us that they couldn't even help us out with anything because they were at their wits end with the storm as well. So, this storm did rock
everybody. It caught a lot of people by uh surprise, but as it I guess you could say as it currently stands with the equipment and what we're currently working with from a personnel perspective, this is just where we are. >> Now, the other I had did receive a complaint about Written House. So,
Written House, of course, the structure is different there. The layout is different. So, how how was um written house? >> I'm I'm glad you mentioned that. So, all of the HOAs constantly call about this because there is some type of confusion when it comes to responsibilities of
HOAs in Written House. The Department of Public Works, we are not responsible for any courts. The courts are where people park at. We are only responsible for the main roads in Writtenhouse because the courts I guess are congested as they are. People park on the street. The
streets in Written House are narrow as well with cars parked on both sides of the street. So you only can get the plow down the middle of the street. Once that plow the time to clean up from curb to curb is during the storm, not after, not when it rocks up, not when it becomes
ice, because at that particular point, plows do not work. Now you need heavy equipment because now you're dealing with ice. Plows do not move ice. It just rides right over top of it. And if we were to go out there and try to plow those BS of ice on the curb, now we're going to be down plows as well because
it's going to rip all those plow frames right off because it's going to hit it and break it. So right now, this is ice that we're dealing with. I know people see it as snow, but those are BS of ice out there and it's not able to be removed with the equipment that we have at our abil accessible to us right now.
>> Anything? >> All right. Um, Mr. Chapman, I just do want to um give my thanks to you and DPW staff for your efforts and um your hard work during this storm. I know this was
not an easy storm to deal with. I know there were many complaints. Um and I also want to um just ask the residents to give our department some grace. Um, there were multiple townships and I know this
doesn't make it any better, right? But Willingboro was not the only township that was struggling with this storm. We haven't seen a storm of this magnitude in over 10 years. Um, so as Mr. Chapman said, his staff had not even experienced
the amount of snow that um, we got. Um, I did want to say that we have made some investments in our um, snow equipment. We did get some >> um, this year we purchased a um, 2025 Hooklift International to try to beef up
the equipment. And just this year um, well, one at the end of the year after the December storm and one at the beginning of this year, I purchased two new Snow Raider machines in order to help us plow the um, sidewalks and in front of the municipal buildings and JFK and all of that because our snowblowers
were blown out. There you go. >> And we also added some um salt distribution to some of the back of the trucks, right? Or >> Yes, we bought two um salt dog uh salt spreaders for the back of the F450 dump
truck that we purchased and for another one of the vehicles as well. Yes. >> So, yes, we have been making some investments. You know, I don't want everyone to think, oh, they ain't been worried about the snow, so they ain't do nothing about it. No, we have been making some investments, but as you all know, this equipment is not cheap. It is
very expensive. And if we were to fully stock all of the equipment that is necessary to handle a once in a decade storm, um we'd be seeing significant increases in our tax rates. So, I just
want to um say thank you to you and the department for all of your hard work and also um for our residents. I know you all were upset after the plows came through cuz you had already shoveled yourself out and now the plow came
through and piled it up back on. Now listen, [laughter] now listen. This is the nature of snow people. As you know, snow comes down, it accumulates. are DPW, they have to get out there and plow and come back to the
yard and sleep and go back out and plow. You might have to go out and shovel twice. [laughter] You know, that's just the nature of home ownership. You may have to go three times. You know, break it up. Give yourself a little break, go in, have some soup, a cup of coffee, and get back out there. But, um, you know, just
because you just finished. I know you upset. You just finished the plow came through. You shoveled back in or you're plowed back in. I know it's frustrating, but DPW cannot come back and dig you out. >> And and before I go, I just want to say it's going to take a community effort.
Um this community has a lot of older single residents. So if you know somebody on your street, form your own little committees, your volunteer committees, get your children, go to your schools, try to This is going to take a community effort. DPW cannot be
held responsible for the entire community. There's over 11,000 homes out here. We need the community to pitch in. If it's going to be one Willingboro, that's going to start from the council down to each department and then it's going to go to one Willingboro all the way down to the residents. We need everybody out doing everything that they
can, shoveling and doing their part. >> Yeah. And even these children now, I didn't see a lot of children out here subing with snow. This how they can make this money. Get these children off the games, off the tablets, and send them out there with >> Yes. virtual reality does not move snow.
We got We going to have to All right. Thank you. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Chapman. >> All right. Um, I'll turn it back to Mr. Harris to continue. >> Thank you, Mr. Chapman. There is another uh facilities issue with the DPW is is dealing with that the Willingboro Public
Library that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. There was a cracked ball joint connection at one of the PVC lines feeding the roof mounted water chiller. This has caused a major water flow to be registered at the WUA, I
believe, at the rate of 135,000 gallons an hour. Uh the water has been turned off to the tower and they are um sourcing out uh equipment and materials to to make that repair and I believe Mr. Chapman you're going to make that repair
>> uh due to the temperatures and everything and the risk of refreezing. We did an emergency visit with Hutcherson and they came out um I haven't got the update but they were supposed to come out this evening to make the repair. uh Mil Creek Park, the EV charging stations. We are ready to break ground
as soon as the ground thaws uh on the charging stations at Mil Creek Park as once we pay for the the New Jersey state permits. Uh we can wave our permit requirements, but we still have to pay uh the New Jersey state permit fees and
that's in the process. And uh and the JFK bathroom renovations um are underway. They met with Ascend Construction and they are beginning are ready to begin work with um that sooner than later. Uh EMS and fire chief
Bernett has mentioned that our full-time EMS staff has been stretched very thin due to workers comp uh issues and other injuries. When people are out, we are forced to backfill by using full-time staff which is creating a burnout type situation. Um our perdm staff is very
low and we are trying to bring those numbers up as well. Right now, the range for an EMT per DM in New Jersey is between 18 and $30 an hour. Willing Burough is looking to be more competitive compared to what other surrounding towns are paying. And we're
looking to bring our rate up to $28 per hour. And we're hoping that will give us additional bodies who were willing to come and spend their time in Willing Barrow and offset some of those uh overtime expenses as well. related to our fire apparatus. Engine number 1613
is at uh the Hannesport Truck Enterprises for repair work. They were involved in an an accident back in August of 2025. Um there was some damage done to the main battery cable and when they were moving the truck into the bay to do some
repairs, the truck caught on fire and uh it is going to be an insurance claim, but I believe there's about $25,000 worth of work in relation to that. And engine number 1612 also has a major radiator leak. uh we put in a requisition through Edmonds Govvek for a
purchase order PO voucher to be generated so we can go ahead and proceed with that repair. Um there's a lot of or few projects that we are continuing to work on. There is a storm water emergency repair that is uh
underway. Uh our engineering has discovered a collapsed storm manhold outfall piping located in the parish lane pond lane storm water runoff. There has been significant erosion to the bank which has caused bank failure. There trees falling onto property and the
potential to impact a nearby pump station facility uh for the WUA. Um our storm map reviews show that there's an 18inch pipe feeding into a manhole that exit out to a 24in outfall and the
recommendation from Remington Vernick engineers is to proceed with an emergency outfall replacement. This is an emergency situation and should be corrected immediately to prevent a catastrophic failure. Uh so that those uh efforts are being uh exercised right
now and we are moving forward with the repairs on on that project. The performing arts center, we are in the final stages of completing the performing arts center. The phase two contractor stated that they should have their work done by the end of this week.
They should have hung the curtains by Friday. Sound and lighting are currently being installed and we are near the nearing the finish line and looking forward to a grand opening once we get the final stages of commissioning and the punch list closeout completed.
Our 2023 concrete repair project is completed. We received our maintenance bond from the contractor and we will bring a final closeout for council at the next meeting. Also, Remington and Vernick engineers will be meeting with PSCG and staff to coordinate the
roadways that that we will be paving and PSEG will be paving in 2026 uh due to their gas line replacement and any other streets that are need to be brought to full restoration. Uh since we have had some long-term
tenants leave the JFK complex, we have had a major mouse problem. We have contracted with Green Pest Solutions to come out and they did an inspection yesterday. Not only did they confirm rodent activity, but they also put quite a few bait stations throughout the
interior of the building around the uh along the perimeter of the exterior uh doors and garage doors and areas where mice travel. We are executing a one-year contract with them that includes on call responses and we can call them to come
and treat as many times as we feel that we need to and they will come and uh and then I will ask Miss Jackson if she will come and give us an update as to the wonderful goings on in Willingber. >> Thank you.
Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor, members of council. Happy February and happy Black History Month. So, we are looking forward to a great four great opportunity to celebrate the centennial celebration of Black History Month. We are opening up on Friday with a um Black
History Month art gallery opening reception that's going to be held this Friday, February 6, from 6 pm to 8:00 p.m. Our artist and resident, Miss uh Levette Ballard, along with um featured artists will be on site to greet and meet you and share information about the
pieces featured this year. Light refreshments will serve that will be held in the lobby um at the Kennedy Center on Friday. So, we invite everybody to be a part of that. And then on Saturday, February 21st, we will host our artists talk entitled Still Here.
Join us as we all at also in the front entrance of the um Kennedy Center to hear artists share their stories of resilience and courageous storytelling. And then on Thursday, February 26, we will host our second annual Black History Month celebration. Confirmed
performance include Faith in Action, vocalist Courtney Wright, the Thomas Brothers, and saxoponist Robert Weise. We are excited about this year's celebration celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. Dinner will be served prior to the
program, which begins at 7 p.m. That will be held at the Kennedy Center Banquet Hall. This is a free event, but we are going to require um reservations so we can know what number to give our caterer. So, a link will be forthcoming soon. And then we will close out the celebration on Friday, February 27th
with an open mic dedicated to Black History Month. That event will begin at 7. Will also be held at the Kennedy Center banquet hall. We are also preparing for our March event. This year's phenomenal women awards celebration will be held on Sunday, March 29th. Nominations for this event
will close on this Friday, February 6. So if you know a phenomenonal woman who is excelling in the areas of education, social advocacy, business and entrepreneurship or government affairs, please submit their names for consideration. We are also looking for high school female students who are
doing extraordinary things. So, and also um women who are deserving of the lifetime achievement award and um per your suggestion at the last meeting we did publish um past honores so you're aware of those who've already been celebrated as you choose your nominees
for this year. We want to remind you we have several classes, programs, and sport activities that are available at for the entire community. Chicago stepping started tonight. That's why I'm late cuz I stopped by there. is so exciting. So, those classes are held on
Mondays and Tuesdays. Yesterday is the first day. Classes will be offered on a four-week interval. Um, it's a great class. So, take a moment to visit Willingber Rec to find out more about this class and other opportunities that are being offered by our recreation and parks department. And as a reminder, we
want you to stay up to date with our Willing Weekly. I want you to follow us on social media and download the Willingro app and stay connected and stay informed. Thank you so much. Any questions? >> Any questions? >> All right. Thank you so much. >> All right.
>> That is all that I had to report to you for this evening. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Harris. Any questions for Mr. Harris? All right. All right. Thank you, Mr. Harris, for your report. We will move on to the
resolutions review for this evening. So the business being presented to you for your consideration this evening is resolution number 2026-32. That's a resolution authorizing the approval of the vouchers for payment and
ratification of the total bills list of the totals bills to be satisfied during this payment of bills totals 1,18,665.86. Resolution number 220 2026-36 is or 33 I'm sorry is a resolution authorizing an increase to the not to
exceed amount for McCloski mechanical uh contractors. Um this is for to to cover the cost of boiler repair services to close out the 2025 contract year. Um, we needed an
additional $2,712.99 to pay for all of the repairs that we uh made last year, bringing the contract from $18,47846 to $21,19145. Resolution number 2026-34 is a resolution uh increasing the not to
exceed amount for Carl Turner and Associates. Uh he serves as the engineer for the the planning board. Um they did a not to exceed contract with him for $8,000 and uh his total billing came to $8,250.
So they're looking to increase that by $250 for planning board engineering services. Resolution number 2026-35 is a resolution authorizing uh an increase to the not to exceed amount for
galls. Um they provide um well they're doing business as samsies to provide protective clothing and footwear for uh township employees. Um the current not to exceed amount of 80,000 will not
cover the cost of protective clothing and footwear for our operations for the 25 year. So again, we are asking for an increase by 15,000 uh bringing that contract total from 80,000 to $95,000 for uh the 2025
contract year. Resolution number 2026-36 is a resolution authorizing the extension of the contract for emergency board of services. It is recommended or asked that the council approves this resol resolution authorizing a 12-month
extension to the contractor with Belffor Properties Restoration for emergency boardup services. This would be the company that would be called if there were a fire in a home or something that would require um the facility to be boarded up and secure. Resolution
number 2026-37 is a resolution authorizing the extension of a contract for the community developer development manager uh services. Um back in 2025 you contracted
uh with Mr. the shield for uh for a six-month period. And this is just extending the contract for 2020 for 2026 for the entire year. And the uh
that will take uh that not to exceed um to 90,000 for this year, which is twice the half of the year contract, bringing the total contract value to 135,000. Resolution number 2026-38
is a resolution authorizing the township to amend resolution 2025-41 uh which deals with our animal control. The original the original uh contract uh was written for a one-year contract with
the provision for two one-year extensions. And we are asking that the contract be or that the resolution be amended to reflect a one-year contract with a oneyear option for a two-year extension. Um after
speaking with the animal control company, they would give us more favorable pricing if we extended the contract for two years. Um so we just need to take it from a one-year contract with two one-year extensions to a one-year contract with one two-year extension.
And total for that the total for the 2026 renewal will be 66,000 2027 renewal will be 68,000 for a total of 134,000 and
I believe that is all of the items being presented for your consideration. We have one more I think from the clerk's office. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Resolution 2026-39 is a resolution of the township council
um of the township of Willingboroough providing for the appointments of an alternate municipal prosecutor and chief public defender. >> Thank you, May. All right. At this time, we will go to our first public comment. This public comment is for agenda items only. You
will have two minutes. Please uh be sure to uh grab grab a public comment card from the back of the room and fill it out should we need to get back to you. When you come up to the microphone, you can hand that card to either our clerk or deputy clerk. Um and they will have
your information. All right. Public comment is now open for agenda items only. All right, seeing none, public comment is now closed. All right, council, are there any items
that you would like to pull from the consent agenda? All right. Then in that case, um, I'd like to propose a consent agenda for resolution 2026-32 through 2026-39. I need a motion.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Um, one second. Can you um just retract your >> I retract my second. I retract. >> Thank you. Um, madame clerk, one thing that was pointed just pointed out in the
resolution 2026-39, the names of the public defender and prosecutor are not in the provided spaces. Could you just state if you have them, can you state for the record? >> Sorry. So, the alternate prosecutor
would be the law office of Rean Moles LLP and the chief municipal public defender are um is Andrew M. Duclair, attorney at law. >> Thank you. All right. With those uh changes made,
now I'd ask for a motion for the consent agenda. >> So moved. Second. All right. Moved by Councilwoman Peron, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. And can I have a motion to approve the same? >> So moved. >> Second. Moved by Councilwoman Peron.
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you, >> Madam Clerk. The treasures report.
>> Sorry. Um, can I get a motion? A second to approve the treasurer's report dated January 28th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Seconded by Council Mintosh.
>> Councilwoman Per. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Um we have no minutes to approve at this time. Um, Madame Clerk, your updates.
>> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, just a few things for tonight. Um, as stated at the last meeting, all municipalities are transitioning to the uh their website for posting official legal notices um starting March 1st. We've been working
with the communications department to ensure that these public notices are displayed in a prominent location on the front page of the website to ensure the residents have the easiest access to legal notices as well as adhering to state statutes. Um, all this means is
that if um things that municipalities are legally um obligated to post in our local newspaper, they're now going to be on our website instead. Um, moving on, we're still working with
Civic Plus to implement next request agenda management and a boards and commissions module. We've had several trainings on all three of these um in the clerk's office so far and we're looking to have all of them implemented by the beginning of April. Um and then
lastly, our clerk's office did have our phase 2 consultation for digitization um with Bobionics earlier this month and we are in talks with them on timeline and next step for this. That is all.
>> Any questions for our clerk? All right, seeing none. Thank you, Madam Clerk, for your report. Um, any unfinished business? Seeing none, we did um have some new business. We were going to get a snow
report from Mr. Chapman that was handled in the manager's report. So, thank you again, Mr. Chapman, for your report. Um and now we have come to the point in our meeting for our general public comment. This is our general public comment. You
will have four minutes um for general topics. Please again make sure you fill out the public comment card that's are located in the back of the room. So should you need um any followup, we will
be able to get in touch with you. Public comment is now open. >> Hello again, council. >> Evening. >> Uh Hussein Hawk, um Ridge Place, uh [snorts] Written House. Um just a quick comment. Um
number one to Mr. Chapman. Thank you for that report about the snow removal. I understand the pressures that you guys are under and uh definitely appreciate you sharing what you guys go through. I'm curious to know if there is a um
contract forbid or a request for bid to assist in those matters. So where they can't they don't have the manpower to take care of the sidewalks. Maybe there's a company or something that we can afford, you know, a contract, put
out a request for bid strictly to do the sidewalks, right? Maybe that's something that instead of purchasing new equipment or items like that, um that we can possibly look at. Um,
just as an update, um, the case that I have against my HOA has still not been settled. Um, they actually pushed the date back just to keep you guys aware. Um, but I do
want to stress upon the upon the council and the township that the procedures that are being followed impact more than just me. It impacts the community, all the members, because we're talking about
debt collection, um faulty, uh what do you call it, recording of um payments, their whole process is is not it's not it's not procedurally correct.
And so they've gone through we've gone through many different um managers within our HOA and just the budgeting itself all of the all of it is out of whack, right? And that is a problem for
the community. So, I think it puts a I know it puts a strain on individuals that, you know, have been long-term residents there and to have their, you know, to to have their um HOA's dues incorrect is
crazy, right? And then on top of that, uh, I mentioned at the last meeting there was armed guards there that were telling the members of the community they couldn't come in. Now, members that paid their dues at the beginning of the
year couldn't attend a meeting for the community. And so, I just want to implore that, you know, the council um, just look into it and try to assist in that matter. and then I yield.
>> Thank you, Mr. Hawk. >> You can give it to our deputy clerk right behind you. >> Thank you. tag team. >> Tony Matthysse, Medford Lane. And I'm going to piggyback first and I just like
to let's say thank you for taking the time to hear me. Um I want to piggy back off of what the former gentleman, Mr. uh um had said about um Written House. Um I was a long-term resident of Written
House. I just recently moved about two three years ago and but still in Willenboro. I want to stay in Willboro. I love Willenboro. Um, I have brought to the attention of the board for a number of years about my concern about written house being considered to be part on an
island all by itself because of the HOA and the almost a hand handsoff um policy. I'd like to say though with this armed guard issue that was very alarming to me. I'm still concerned about the fact that there would even be a need for
armed guards at a HOA meeting. I think it reflects upon all of Willenboro. Um, and that's my concern. If if having armed guards at one of the parks would represent that it's unsafe community. It's it's a character assassination as
far as I'm concerned. And because I don't live in Written House, whatever affects any of the parks affects all of us. And that's my concern that why we would like for the township to take a a stronger role on what can be done to
help HOAs, especially Written House. There's a lot of issues there, but I would like to just try to address the the the armed guard issue and see if there can be any conversation about that. Um, and also I wanted to thank um our DPW person because I had a lot of
issues about uh the snow removal and you answered a lot of those for us and it was I thought it was very excellent report. I was wondering if because in some of the parks the streets are so narrow and one of the requests is you
can park your car on the lawn. Is that a actual um ordinance? That's my question. If so, people are not parking their cars on the for a number of reasons probably. It's difficult. If you park on the on the lawn, then how do you get off the
lawn? Um, so and if you do not park and do not follow the ordinance of moving your car off of the street, I'm not seeing the police coming around to uh put a ticket on the on the cars. Maybe they are, but I'm not seeing it.
And and you're right that we do have to as a community work together. That's an awesome that's that's really what we have to do. So I think we're prepared to do that, but we also need the police to do their part as well. Um
and also uh I think that I think that I I don't have enough time to ask some additional questions. Um okay, I do. Uh, as far as the um the animal control, if I can if I can speak
on that, we've had years of poor animal control. I'm not quite sure what we're doing about that, who's going to be handling that. I've I've reached out to them in the past when we have a lot of stray animals. And um I also find that the police work animal control after
certain hours and that becomes a problem because they'll say to you that if you can catch the if you can catch the dog, we'll we'll take the dog. if you can catch the cat, we'll take the cat or sometimes and that becomes an issue for people because you're not going to approach a dog that possibly could be
dangerous. So, I'm not sure if that rule needs to be changed. I know when I first moved here, animal control was a lot a lot stronger than what it is now because I know we're sharing animal control with other uh departments. I mean, with other um townships. Okay, that's it for me. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Miss Memphis. Good evening, town council. I'm Melanie Long and I'm from Written House. Also, I live on Pine Street. So, for me on Pine Street, we have no driveways. So, we have limited parking because of the
amount of cars that are in, you know, with residents living there. So, our other thing is is that some people have nowhere to park their car. So, if you're saying to park our car on the lawn, once we get on that lawn and
the snow mount is high, I couldn't get my car off the lawn. So, what are we to do about that? That's my question. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Law. Any
other public comment? All right, public comment is now closed. Uh, first we'll talk about uh Mr. Hawk um about the contract. Can we do a contract
um for snow removal for the sidewalk? >> Yes. And and actually uh Mr. Mr. Chapman and I have had that conversation about possibly contracting out um service pro providers to do things like the municipal complex, the JFK center, um
the library area uh and take care of those areas and that would relieve some of the stress on our DPW staff and equipment. >> Okay. All right. Great. Thank you. Um with the
HOA case, um I also have been in contact and and in talks and discussion with our solicitor here, Mr. Halt. Um, we are looking into it and you're still doing some research. Can
you give an update on >> Yes, Madame Mayor. Um, I'm still doing some research. I'm checking the court docket and reviewing the cases that have been filed. >> All right. So, as we know this some of these things do take time. Um he is
reviewing the documents so that we can um have a firm understanding of what our rights are as a municipality against the um HOA um and what agency we have to uh make any mandates or any changes to
that. Mr. Hawk, I know you have a I know you have a question, but we can't take we'll have to talk right after. We can't take extra commentary after public comment. Um, all right, Miss Matthysse. Um, you talked about the armed guards at the
meeting. We did have a discussion about that. Um, I too am concerned, you know, for uh various reasons. Um, so as I said, we are looking into what we can do um to uh mitigate some of the issues
with the HOA. Um we have to review the cases that have been filed against the HOA um and see what other actions we can take. So we are working through it. um tickets on cars that were still
parked on the snow during the or parked on the street during the snow. Whereas, hello. Good evening. >> Good evening, city council. How's everybody doing? >> Good evening, Wenboroough. Um [clears throat] yes, so our all officers were directed
uh during the storm to ensure that all snow ordinances they were in violation, they were getting tickets. We put out all our units uh day work, night work, and our traffic unit as well. So everybody was given their assignment and we did issue multiple summones to uh violations of that ordinance. So that
was done. Absolutely. >> All right. Thank you. >> Sure. >> Um any questions for us? >> All right. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Oh, here for animal control. Yes, ma'am. >> Um so there's some concern about the um
level of animal control that's being dedicated to Willingboro. I know um we just extended the contract, right? >> Um but how do people get in touch with animal control? What is their typical response time? >> Um the ordinance about having to trap
the animal before um it can be taken away. Can you explain any of that? >> So we used to have our own in-house animal control. Um but that gentleman went to a different company and we tried fruitlessly to recruit, you know, qualified people to assume that role. We
weren't able to do so. So because of that, we went to this company that we're currently uh doing with contract. Now, um if they have a problem, if the public has a problem with animal control or issue with animal control, they're always advised call the front desk 87730001 and our officers will give them
direction how to how to handle that. Um as far as anything that happens on weekends or after hours or on holidays, we the we the uh that they the company actually charges overages for that. Um, so that would be part of our, you know, part of the budget that we set out for
it. But yes, there are options for off hours, holiday weekend, things of that nature. Um, but very simply, if there's any questions or concerns, they can always call the front desk, call our dispatcher, and we're more than happy to give them all the rules and guide them through that process. >> Okay. So, if you have animal control
issues, call the police department front desk. >> Absolutely. >> And, um, Mr. Harris, just to clarify, I believe we did um add into the contract weekend hours, right? The animal control, >> they are part of the the contract. Um
but as Captain Perez was stating there, there are additional charges for that. However, if we need animal control, we will call animal control >> and we're not we're not being um we're being sensitive to the expenditures by encouraging residents if you can catch
them and hold them and fine. If not, then we will call animal control and do what needs to be done. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, also, not a question, but just a comment. Um, I do know that some residents have uh
complaints about just the dispatch process with animal control. Um the reason why animal control doesn't doesn't really come out when you call and say I see a dog um on MLK Drive is because by the time they get to MLK the dog has continued to move and they have
no idea where the dog is or what you know how's it cut between. And so it's not that animal control isn't trying to be responsive. It's just that if the dog isn't um contained or lingering by the time animal control gets there there the dog has moved. So it's it's really hard.
It's like the chicken and egg trying to trying to get there and trying to make sure that they're responsive. So, they do patrol. They do drive out, but that's the I think Miss Matthysse had brought up. Um they say to contain um the animal. I'm not containing any dogs either, but I'm still going to call animal control to tell them the last
place I saw the the animal, but sometimes they won't come out because it's not in a contained space. >> Councilwoman Mintosh. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. And then lastly, you can stay right here too, I think. Or you know what? This might be
more than DBW. This might be more DBW. Thank you for >> Yeah, Jen. Right. Okay. Um, Miss Long on Pine Street parking during snow events. Where to put the cars?
There's no driveways. Um, that's a very good question and I will ask uh Miss Genroight. You have that? Hello everyone. So, Pine Street has two parking courts on the street. So, there is parking for Pine Street. Okay. And
where are those parking courts? >> Um, they're all for both sides of the street. So, it's literally on Pine Street. There's two courts. There's no names for them, but they're just parking a parking lot. Oh.
Miss Jen, let me ask you a question. Our our ordinances, if they were required to park on their lawns during a snow emergency, they would be able to do that, correct? >> Correct. Okay. But and they won't get a summon or nothing like that.
>> Not during a snowstorm. >> Pine Street is right where Alphabet is. Or is that street? >> Rose is Rose and Pine. >> Rose and Pine. Okay. >> So, Pine Street. Two parking lots on Pine Street. >> Mhm.
>> Oh, okay. Yep. At the end. Okay. >> Um I hope that answers your question. There may not be enough parking. >> Yeah. >> There for the um car >> for everyone for if they have more than one car, >> right? Yep. >> So, there's nowhere else to put the
cars. But the sidewalk. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> If there's no parking in the parking lots, they could park on the sidewalk. >> Okay. >> With no summons issued >> during the snow event.
>> During the snowstorm. >> Okay. All right. Thank you, Miss Sh. All right. So, I know um snow is difficult. Snow is um a tough topic. Miss Peron, you have >> Yeah, I wanted just to speak to um the
same topic. So, another complaint that I received from written house um residents is that um the initial rule is one house, one parking space and um people have been um exceeding their cars, their
cars. So, families have three cars, their children have cars, and there's no policing, no one's policing that issue. And um so something needs to be done about that. I'm not sure if that's HOA or Well, that's HOA. And I I know, but
they um each car each home has one numbered parking space, but there are a number of visitor parking spaces in um several of the lots. Um that also So the visitors parking spaces are taken, too. Mhm. >> So when you say HOA, our inspection
department doesn't go to written house. >> They do go right um but not for parking um and not for like they go for violations of like property maintenance but not to maintain the the grounds and
stuff. So who's who's manning HOA? >> That that's the issue, >> right? So who who's supposed to be >> there's a board there's a board of the HOA who appoints the board >> the residents but >> right the residents of written house but there's been an issue um because there's
been a lack of meetings there's been a lack of communication there's been you know as you know there's been a number of issues with written house and that's why um Mr. Hull is looking into what we can do as the as a township. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you.
All right. Um, with that, I believe that was all of the public comment. Um, and now we'll go to council comments before we have executive session. We do
have um executive session this evening. We may have a decision when we come out. Um but before that we'll do um council comment. Any council comments?
Counciloman P. I'll be brief. Um I just want to also thank public works for all the work you did with the snow removal. It was a lot out there. So, I want to say thank you on behalf of the residents and um I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do uh this year um with
getting some more equipment um to make the department more efficient um and helpful to you. So, thank you again. >> All right. Thank you, Miss Council Mintosh. Um I just like to thank the residents for coming out. Um these are what these are
meetings are very important for the feedback um the insights the ideas um that y'all offer us. Um you are um we're council of five and you know the residents are our eyes and ears also. So I definitely appreciate the time that
you take to come and join us and offer feedback, constructive criticism, constructive feedback and we appreciate it. Um, I do want to shout out DPW um for a rough week and and all the other departments. There's a lot of work that
does get done. Um, my one concern is really making sure that that's seen in our customer service. Um, in terms of making sure if residents are calling in that we that our phones are being answered. That is I mean I think we're doing a great job communicating.
um maybe there's some more things to comm communicate, but if a resident has an issue, um I just want to make sure that when they call because that's the biggest complaint. That's the only one that probably sticks me, you know, it probably um peaks me because I think we're doing a great job as a township. I
really do. But everybody doesn't have that same insight and I think it's a little frustrating sometimes for residents if they don't come into a meeting that they can't get the answer that they're looking for right or wrong. think we have the answers. You know, I think we have a great, you know, do a great job answering the questions. Um,
but I know there's some frustration um when residents call in and say they're not getting um an answer, you know, even three days later. So, um I just want to make sure that um we make sure our customer service is topnotch. I
think we have a fantastic um group of workers. I mean, group of people, I'm a fantastic organization. So, um, I just want to make sure that's seen and felt throughout the township. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Macintosh.
Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. I want to thank everyone for coming out this evening and for the calls and emails so that we can get things done and resolved prior to the meetings. While the meetings are a great place to share and we do appreciate it. I appreciate the emails
and the calls so that by the time we get to a meeting, we have some resolution. We've had a chance to kind of figure some things out. So, thank you for for those calls. Um, I want to say uh happy Black History Month once again. Um, it's the shortest month of the year, but we celebrate all year long, every every day
of the year. So, I'm excited about all the wonderful things Miss Jackson mentioned um about Black History Month programming, and I hope to see you all Friday evening at the um artist talk at JFK um from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Um I'm I'm sure it's going to be a wonderful time.
And um welcome to the new businesses to Willingboroough. I don't think they're in the room tonight, but um thank you, Mr. Harris, for that update of the businesses coming. Um I look forward to continuing um to support the mayor and the council with the economic development that's happening in Willingboro. Um continue to encourage
businesses to explore opening their business or expanding their business um in Willingboro. We uh we like to spend our money in Willingboroough and it's um wonderful to see uh the work that's being done. Shout out to our community development manager, Mr. Dields. Thank you for the for the great work that you're doing. Um and of course I echo my
colleagues comments about the incredible work of department of uh public works and to all of our departments for showing up. Um in some towns um people just not coming to work. So uh in Willingboro I just appreciate the efforts that our entire administration makes to come to work each and every day
to serve Willingboro because we're a very vocal community. And so it's um it's much appreciated uh when our administration comes out and does what they need to do to take care of our residents. Thank you, Madame Mayor. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor Worthy. Um and
lastly, um again, happy Black History Month to everyone. Um, as former president of our local NAACP, this is, uh, you know, this time of year brings my heart, joy, um, and just to
celebrate who we are as a people and, um, you know, share our our history and culture with the world. Um, even though we do that every day just by existing. Um, I also want to mention the AXO. Um
we have an AXO group here in Willingbar. Um it is a youth portion of the NAACP. Um and they have they showcase all of their talents. It's ortor, it's um art and science and um mathematics and they
show their talents with presentations. um they will be having a showcase on Saturday, February 7th at 10 a.m. um at the JFK building. So, I hope anyone that is available will come out to support
our youth um with in that and they they do go on many of our students do go on to compete at a state level and compete at a national level. So, um good luck to all of our students that are participating this Saturday. Also, um I
want to say thank you to Deputy Chief Fardell um for his service. He recently retired um just last week um yes Friday after 29 years of service to our fire department. So, thank you Chief Fredel
for your um service and dedication to Willingboro, its residents, our safety um and fire prevention. Um, you'll enjoy your retirement. Enjoy your retirement. Anyone that's retiring, enjoy your retirement. Um, and then
lastly, I did want to just state one more time um before we close for those who may not have heard the statement at the beginning of the meeting. Um, as the council we are aware of the matter that's involving one of our uh members
of the governing body is a personal legal matter and it does not relate to the individual's performance or responsibilities as a council person. Um, as this matter proceeds through the legal process, the township will allow
that process to play out. So, um, please, uh, you know, bear with us as we let the legal process do the it do its thing. And in the meantime, I, as mayor and council, will continue to be
dedicated and serve um, in the best interest of Willingboro and its residents. All right. At this time, uh, I will take a motion for executive session. Madame Clerk. Um, so we do have
an executive session tonight. It's resolution 2026-40, resolution authorizing a closed executive session in accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meeting Act. This will be for contract negotiations and attorney client privilege. Can I get a
motion to approve this resolution? >> Second. All right. Moved by Councilwoman Peron, seconded by Councilwoman Macintosh. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. Mayor Whitfield.
>> Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. We will return in approximately 30 minutes. Um and there may be action taken after executive session. Madame Clerk,
>> can I get a motion to come out of executive session? >> So move. >> Second. Moved by Councilwoman Peron, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> We do have some action to take this evening um upon exiting executive session. Madame Clerk, I'll ask you to
do um resolution 2026-41. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Resolution 2026-41 is entitled Resolution of the Township of Willingboro, County of Burlington State of New Jersey, appointing members to the various boards and commission. They have one right here.
Um so we are um appointing uh Venice Mackenzie Smith to the environmental commission as an alternate and then we are appointing Marcus Major Barnhill for a one-year term for youth advisory and Arianne J. St. Clair and
Kennedy Patrick for uh to the youth advisory for uh a two-year term and a three-year term. Can I get a motion? >> So moved. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. Any discussion?
Seeing none, roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. Um and then also for uh in front of you is a resol is resolution number 2026-42
a resolution of the township council of the township of Willingboro providing for the appointment of a municipal prosecutor. That municipal prosecutor is the McGill law firm. Can I get a motion to approve this resolution? >> So moved. Second. Moved by Councilwoman Pon, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy.
Discussion. Seeing none, roll call. >> Councilwoman Pon. Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. And that concludes all the business that we have for this evening.
Thank you all um for being here. Um and thank you to the residents that stayed um after executive session um for the business we had to conduct after. Um be safe out there. Have a wonderful night. Willingboro.
>> Make a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second. >> Moved by Councilwoman Pum, seconded by Deputy Mayorworthy. All in favor? >> I. >> Any post? Any abstensions? Good evening, Willing.
>> The time is now 9:11. We are officially.