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 has an excused absence absence this evening.
Councilwoman Mintosh, >> present. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> present. Mayor Whitfield, >> present. Thank you very much. Um, leading us in prayer tonight is Willingboroough Chaplain James Parish. I'd like to invite him up to the mic.
>> Good evening, Chaplain Parish. Amen. Thank you, Chaplain Parish. Please rise for the flag salute. >> I pledge algiance 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. 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, Madam Clerk. Good evening, everyone. So at this time we will have a
proclamation for Anthony Williams senior resolution of life in honor of Anthony Williams Senior. Whereas the township pauses to honor the life and legacy of Anthony Williams, Senior, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator,
businessman, mentor, and man of faith whose life was defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. And whereas born on November 22nd, 1960 in Harlem, New York City, Anthony was raised in a large, close-knit family that instilled in him
strong values of love, responsibility, and community. Affectionately known as Bubba Rome and later Big Tone, he formed lifelong friendships and meaningful connections that endured throughout his life. And whereas Anony's passion for hospitality began in childhood through
his family's restaurant, Seafood Haven, ultimately leading him to proudly operate Seafood Haven in Willingboro, New Jersey, where he and his family created a welcoming space that brought people together and strengthened community bonds. And whereas Anthony dedicated his professional life to
education, earning a bachelor's and master's degree in education from the City College of New York, serving as a bilingual special education teacher in New York City, Philadelphia, and Willingboro, and mentoring countless students with compassion, accountability, and joy. His exceptional
service was recognized with the Lindbeck Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award in 2011. And whereas beyond the classroom, Anthony continued to guide and support young people as a mobile therapist, forming lifelong relationships rooted in trust, encouragement, and genuine care, and was
finally remembered for his infectious laughter, generosity, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student. And whereas Anthony shared a lifelong love and partnership with his beloved wife who's with us today,
Annette, with whom he raised a family, traveled the world, and served the community through hospitality, fellowship, and service. Their home was a place of warmth, celebration, and welcome to all. Whereas Anony's faith was central to his life. Baptized as one
of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1991, he served faithfully as an elder in the East Willingboro congregation and in numerous capacities known for his empathy, availability, and loving counsel, leaving a lasting spiritual impact locally and abroad. Now,
therefore, be it resolved that on this 22nd day of January, 2026, Mayor Samantha E. Whitfield and the entire township council of the township of Willingboro, County of Burlington, state of New Jersey, do hereby honor and
celebrate the life of Anthony Williams, Senior, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to education, faith, and community and extends its deepest sympathy to his loved ones. and be it finally resolved that the resolution of
life be entered into the official records of the township of Willingboro as a lasting tribute to a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to be remembered. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor Worthy. Um
if Miss Annette would come up and receive this proclamation Yeah. All right. Thank you, Miss Annette, for being here this evening. Um, we all loved Tony so much and love Sefue Haven,
so know that the Willingboro community is here for you and behind you. Um, and he will be deeply missed. All right. And now we'll turn it over to Mr. Harris for our resolutions overview
or for your updates. >> Good evening, mayor and members of the council. Uh my report this evening provides a concise narrative of township operations and departmental performance for December 2025 uh with our emphasis on service delivery, fiscal status, and the
operational priorities that will carry into 2026. From a financial standpoint, the township closed December with a year-to- date revenue of approximately 51.3 million. Expenditures were reported at approximately 49.4 million yearto
date. Uh our December dispersements were approximately 4 million uh driven by primarily by payroll and employee benefits. Uh we did pay to the board of education 3.3 million and year-to- date grant revenues realized uh total
approximately $1.68 68 million from a public safety operations. Uh they remain active on both the community engagement and incident response uh fronts. The police department is still reported at 20 sworn officers with
>> 70 I'm sorry 70 sworn officers >> with one officer uh being deployed for a 12-month tour with the Air National Guard. Uh through December, police supported multiple community focused initiatives and holiday events while continuing resident outreach and crime
prevention messaging, including reminders to secure our vehicles and remove valuables given the increased vehicle burglars burglaries um reported not only here in Willingboro, but statewide. Um, Chief Bucks will be out
of commission for a few weeks, but when he returns, he will be presenting um the annual crime statistics for Willing Burough, and I trust you will be pleased with the dramatic decreases in 2025. Our fire and EMS operations included
significant incident responses within the township, including a residential structure fire and a vehicle fire, along with numerous mutual aid responses to our neighboring municipalities. Uh going forward, a key improvement is ensuring that performance dashboards in the
public safety sections are fully um populated each month in their reporting. Public works concluded the fall season while pivoting into the winter readiness. Uh leaf collection was completed seven working days after the December 31st deadline, largely due to
the December snow events that shifted operational priorities. Uh DPW also advanced winter capabilities by procuring a snow raider machine with a plow attachment and a brine tank to strengthen snow and ice response at our
municipal buildings. Uh facilities related issues remain in operational focus highlighted by emergency repairs to the library boiler systems including multiple boiler related events that require requisitions and followup. DPW
also pursued reimbursement uh work related to county road maintenance and snow operations invoicing approximately $22,800. Routine services uh routine service delivery continued across sanitation, storm water recycling and roadway
maintenance with monthly metrics and the full report reflecting the ongoing field activities um being conducted in the department of public works. The inspections department reported a high volume of activity and continued progress on compliance. In the reporting
period, the department conducted 861 inspections. They identified 373 violations with 31 summones being issued and 444 matters brought into compliance or closed. uh activity remained high
across construction permitting and updates, UCCC inspections, rental and resale inspections, zoning permits, and certificates of compliance. The report also notes 164 residential and 20 commercial uh vacant properties
underscoring a continued need for discipline enforcement and stabilization measures here in Willing Barrow. Department revenues totaled approximately $72,165 across construction, rental, and resale activity, zoning certificates, and
vacant property registrations. Recreation update uh reflects ongoing programming, internal operations work, and forward planning. December included a signature community program event, continued sports program activity, and
registration, and prepared a preparation for CPR AED training for volunteers and staff. The department has clarified chain of command expectations. They have realigned responsibilities, address some outstanding billings, and continued
volunteer coach background checks. Recreation also held a successful recreation summit uh on January 14th of this year while advancing summer camp planning and targeting a May launch for a community drone program. Additionally,
the department has begun engagement with the New Jersey Film Commission through the film ready towns framework with the next step requiring um development of a township film ordinance and code of conduct. So this initiative is structured, enforcable and align with
municipal standards. A notable operational and revenue development in township support functions is the progress in facilities management and rentals. Miss Lorraine Spelman, who has taken over the facilities management and rental functions, has recorded just a little
bit over $21,000 in rental space revenue since November. She has also reported that Saturday bookings for 2026 are fully filled with only a few Friday spots left available. I think this is a strong indicator of demand and conf
confirms that facility rentals can be a meaningful revenue stream here in Willingboro in 2026 provided that we continue uh disciplined scheduling, clear contracts, fee compliance, and tight operational oversight to protect
township assets and minimize risk. Our human resources continues to focus on its core responsibilities for personnel records and civil service governed personnel matters. The department has reported completing their 2025 uh employee reviews and are moving forward
in our plans for bianual reviews starting this year. Vital statistics continues to be a high volume high service area that also generates meaningful revenue. In 2025, the township processed 180 marriage
applications, coordinated 85 wedding ceremonies, certified records volumes remain substantial, including 1,400 birth certificates, more than 300 death certificates, 375 marriage certificates with total vital statistics revenue
reported for 2025 at approximately 78,815 inclusive of statemandated fees that must be remitted to the state of New Jersey. Projects are still moving forward here with the track and field at JFK still under construction. Even
though there have been uh some weather delays, we are still moving forward. We have met with the vendor for the dock installation at Crystal Lake and we need to commence with the design of the parking area and dock access ramps. The pickle ball courts and Jake's Place
approvals have been held at uh New Jersey Green Acres as they are awaiting the redevelopment plan specifically for the bathroom facilities which needs to be submitted before we receive their final green light to go ahead out to bid and begin construction. So we are going
to uh work with um either Remington Vernick or CME to get that um fasttracked. We had discussed it but I did not know it was that essential that Greenacres would not move forward with the approval unless that that plan was um included.
Our biggest holdup has been the design of one of our biggest holdups has been the design of the food pantry mainly because of the amount that they have been requested for the engineering services. We have one proposal at $170,000 to design that space and that
would encompass pretty much all of the or good portion of the the grant monies. So, we have been able to uh procure the services of an engineer who specializes in restaurant spaces and um they gave us a really reasonable proposal. So, we
will be moving forward to contracting with them. The Big D Marina has been a lengthy process. However, the attorney has reported that the motion for final judgment requires a signed cert certification from the county clerk's office and the attorney general's
office. And once his office or there his office is in the process of attempting to obtain those documents, once received, then they will be able to file for final judgment. And once that is granted, um that property will be turned over to the ownership of Willie Burough Township.
Uh the township also intends to perform a drainage improvement along Typton Lane from Topeka Pass to Tyogga Lane. We are con anticipating that construction on that project to begin in the summer of 2026 and Remington Vernick is moving
forward with that project. We're also going to begin uh to work uh to potentially install speed humps on Evergreen and Tyler. And if there are any additional streets that you would like um us to consider, uh please let me
know and we will uh take those into consideration as budgets allowed or maybe develop an annual plan as to uh rectify or satisfy the request for each street um yearly moving forward. I did receive a report today from
Remington Vernick that the outfall on Padrick Lane has fallen into the creek. Uh this is going to be a major repair, but it will be essential and will be completed as an emergency as it could potentially develop into a major failure affecting the road, the sidewalks, and
the sewage infrastructure. IV RVE was out there this morning inspecting it and I am awaiting their final report. Uh we are also investigating another serious issue at Plum Tree and Potter and uh it may be beneficial for us to um abate
that situation while a contractor is dealing with Pageant Lane which is almost literally right down the street. So in closing, the December report reflects uh a township organization uh that is delivering core services and maintaining momentum into 2026.
And that concludes uh the December 2025 narrative report. >> Thank you, Mr. Harris. Any questions from council? >> Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Harris, for the comprehensive update. Um I had a few questions. Um is have we
received an updated design for the LRC um at the JFK Center? We haven't received that yet. >> Okay. Um are we aware of any um additional delays as related to the performing arts center? >> I am not. >> We're not aware of any of those. Okay. Thank you. And I appreciate all the work
that the administration is doing under your leadership. Um it's very meaningful to see the the progress throughout the town. And as you know, council's also very curious and um um concerned about morale. I was wondering if you could share how is the morale how do you think
employees would describe morale um right now in this busy season as so many things are going on lots of changes lots of progress how would you describe it and how do you think employees would describe morale >> uh that's an interesting uh question um the
way the morale I feel the morale is I feel it's an up um I feel that uh essentially uh employees are um satisfied with the way that the township is moving overall, but there are the issues that are pertaining to the
employees that you know they give me the boo thumbs down. >> So, it's a very difficult uh answer from my perspective. >> Um >> Okay. No, that's fair. I understand. And I know sometimes how our employees view us is different than how we view
situations. I'm just asking um um because I don't know. I don't get to to find out, but I'm asking given that the state of our country right now, there's so much going on uh politically, there's a lot going on where people are um scared at home because of different
raids that are happening um across our country. Families are being deployed. Uh families in Willenboro are being impacted with deployments um to Venezuela and abroad. So, I'm asking that you just continue to be mindful and gracious and graceful as we're working with employees. Um, and I'm hopeful that
you continue to extend grace to all of them as we extend grace to you as our employee, but I'm I'm just I feel really really compelled to just ask that you continue to extend grace and just be mindful um how we're engaging one another because there's a lot happening in our world around us and um we want to
make sure we're taking care of Willboro first. >> Receipt. >> Thank you. All right. Any other comments from council? All right. Before we move on, um Mr. Harris, I did uh we received your uh brief on the snow preparedness
that we are doing for the impending snow that we're expecting this weekend. Would you be able to share with the community some of the measures that we've taken and let residents know what to expect when it comes to plowing
um and snow removal as we move forward? I know we've been getting a lot of commentary, especially on social media, about some of the ice on some of the interior streets. Um, and I just want to, you know, give a a notice to let
residents know what to expect. >> Well, the township is actively preparing for uh the anticipated snow. Um, I wish we had a more definitive target as to what that number um is expected. has been labeled anywhere from uh 2 in to 12
in to potentially up to 20 in depending on how the the the um the storms converge. Uh we are asking the residents to be mindful of all their requirements regards to snow removal on
sideways uh sidewalks to be mindful of the parking to enable our plows and and uh necessary equipment to um navigate the streets. Uh so we are doing all that we can do to prepare for the weather. Uh
we did go ahead and attempt to purchase $35,000 worth of salt. However, the salt purveyor does not have salt for not only Willingboro, but for anyone. >> Yeah, I hear there's a salt shortage. So, we do have some salt in our
stockpile. Um, but we were ordering more as a precaution. >> Yes, we do have some salt in our stock stockpile. We have had conversations with the county um to tap into their stockpile, but they are as limited um as
we are. But they do have an obligation to uh help us take care of their roads. So we are asking them to at least uh supply us with adequate salt to to handle that. And they are going to attempt to deliver some of that to us um
by Sunday. So >> that'll be after the snow. >> Um but uh you know we do have plans to to do the best that we can. They have been out brining and preparing the road. So, it may be just to the point where we
may actually need to do more pushing of snow more often. Uh, our DPW director has gone and purchased CSS and pillows and blankets so the team can camp out because they can only drive so much and then they have to to to rest. But all
hands are on deck um in preparation for this particular storm. >> Okay. And is there a minimum or an amount of snow that triggers the removal of snow on the interior roads? >> 2 in. >> 2 in. >> It needs to be at least 2 in before the
plows will go in and actually plow. >> Okay. >> And we are preparing uh the JFK center and the senior center to be warming uh locations in case there's extended periods of uh power outages. >> Okay. So, we will have those areas
available. Also, I just want to let um some of our residents know that when you see the the lines, you might see white lines on the major roadways. That's them preparing the roads. That's the brine truck going down and pre-treating the roads. Um I know sometimes, you know,
you might see it and notice it, but you don't know what that means. So, that's what those white lines going down are. It's the brine for the pre-treating of the roads. So, they have been out um and they'll continue to be preparing until we get snowfall um this coming weekend.
>> Yes. So, Mayor, I do have Miss Jackson with us who >> Hold on one second, Mr. Harris. Um Councilwoman, thank you. Just one question regarding the um preparing for the snow. Um do we have any um schedules
for trash pickup over the weekends? Do we typically have trash pickup on Saturdays or Mondays? trash pickup is is still scheduled. >> So with the snow for Friday, >> we don't do week no weekends. Okay. >> No.
>> So if there is a period affected, it may be on Monday, but we anticipate that Monday morning um the snow will be pretty much done with maybe some light flurries. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right.
Um so yeah, with that, Willing, make sure you take care of yourselves. Make sure you prepare your properties um with salt. Um cover your cars with tarps if you have them so that for easy snow removal and everyone be safe. All right. Now, Mr. Harris, you can continue.
>> Miss Jackson, I was going to call Miss Jackson. Um as we have circled into 2025, we have some exciting events coming up >> in 2026. >> Yeah, I'm stuck. I'm sorry. Moving forward.
Great. We will open up. On Saturday on Okay. On Saturday, Feb 21st, we will host an artist talk entitled Still Here. Join us at noon, also in the front entrance of the Kennedy Center to hear
artists share their stories of resilience and courageous storytelling. And then on Thursday, February 26, we will host our second annual Black History Month celebration. We are currently looking for poets, vocalists, dancers, and the like to be a part of
this very special celebration as we mark the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. We're really excited about this year's event. And then we will close out the celebrations on Friday, February 27th, with an open mic, also dedicated to Black History Month. And this event
will be at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Kennedy Center Banquet Hall. We are also preparing for our March events. This year's phenomenal women awards celebration will be held on March 29th and we are now accepting nominations. So if you know of a phenomenal woman who is
excelling in the area of education, social advocacy, business and entrepreneurship or government affairs, we are asking you to submit their name for consideration. And additionally, we are looking for nominations of high school female students doing extraordinary work. And um if you know
of a woman that you believe is deserving of the lifetime achievement award, we will also be accepting those. And nominations will be going on until February the 6. We want to remind that we have several classes, programs, and sports activities that are available and open to the
entire um community through our recreation department. A financial literacy workshop for scaling small businesses will be held on Saturday, February 21st, beginning at 11:30 a.m. This event is will be held in the Baker Hall and is geared towards small
businesses. And we do encourage you to take a moment to visit um ww.willenber.com for more information about this event and others offered by our recreation and parks department. Um, we do want to bring to your attention that effective
February 1st, the senior center will be closed on Sundays. So, we want people to be aware of that. That's again on February 1st. Effective February 1st, the senior center will be closed on Sunday. And as a reminder, we want um
you to stay informed and up to date by signing up for the weekly, following us on social media, and downloading the Wilm app. We did find out at the summit um a couple weeks ago that we have a lot of residents that are not taking advantage of these resources. So we want to continue to remind you to stay
connected and stay informed. Thank you so much. Any questions? Yes, >> Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Miss Jackson. I was wondering is there a place where we can or residents can see the previous honores for the phenomenal women's? We can click somewhere.
>> Great suggestion. we can we can um compile that list and um share that so that people are aware because you're right there are a lot of um women in our community have already been nominated so they'll give you a gauge of who has still need to be recognized. Okay, thank you for that question. I definitely will
we definitely do that. Any other questions? >> Any other questions for Miss Jackson? >> All right, thank you so much Jackson. >> Thank you. Yes. >> Yes. There is a plaque in available in the Kennedy Center, but we'll make sure we circulate those names through a social media in the weekly. Okay.
>> Yep. >> Thank you, Miss Jackson. >> That is it. >> All right. If there's if there's nothing else for our manager, we'll go into our resolutions. >> Back to you, Miss.
>> Thank you, mayor. Again, so on our agenda for this evening, we have a few ordinances that are being introduced uh this evening, but they are all relative to the township clerk's office. So, I will defer those to Miss Savino for um explanation.
>> Thank you, Mr. Hers. Um so we have three ordinances in front of you this evening for introduction. Um one and two are ordinances that we um that you have already seen um back in December. Uh so ordinance 2026-
um 1 is ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 342 of the code of the township of Willingboro entitled entitled taxi cabs to update and expand regulations pertaining to limos and rename chapter 342 of the code to taxi cabs and limos uh limousines.
Um the biggest changes with this um we did uh speak with the um resident and business owner of the taxi company in town um to work with him to um take into consideration his concerns. So, the biggest change is from what we presented
to you back in December to now um we put in explicit language that takes out um Ubers and Lyfts um and you know big companies uh that are exempt from this. We put in that language in the um in the
ordinance because they're already regulated um by the Transportation Network Company Safety and Regulations Act. um we gave him a temporary license that was due or it was ex good until December 31st, 2025. We um expanded it
or extended it until April 1st, 2026 to ensure that you know we're in in compliance on our end um with the ordinance and he's in compliance on his end with having updated insurance and everything. Um we remove the requirement for the police to inspect each vehicle.
Um, we removed the requirement to have the fee posted in the vehicle. Um, and we've removed the requirement to appoint the township clerk as power of attorney. Um, those are the biggest changes to that ordinance. Um, ordinance 2022
2026-2 is an or ordinance amending chapter 150-9 of the township code entitled fees for licenses and permits to per permit collection of unpaid mercantile licenses and add limousine fees. This did not change at all. The fees didn't change at
all. Um we are just asking to add a limo fee um as well as uh allowing the clerk's office to collect um unpaid mercantile fees up to three years. So if a mercantile or if a business didn't
come in and pay for their license, you know, we can charge them up to three years back. Um, and then ordinance 2026-3 is an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 12 of the Willingboroough Township Code entitled boards, committees, commissions, and
authorities to establish a procedure for the selection of an environmental commission member to serve on the township planning board. Um this just adds a stipulation in the environmental commission um part of our code that um
instead of someone applying for the environmental commission and for the planning board um to be the environmental commission representative, this will change it so that the environmental commission will pick someone from their board to be the representative of the planning board. Um
and those are all the ordinances for you this evening. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Sabina. >> So, as far as the resolutions go, the resolutions being presented to you this evening for your consideration is resolution number 13 or 202613,
which is authorizing the approval of vouchers for payment and ratification. Resolution number 14 is uh a resolution establishing a change fund for use in the recreation department. Um, we are looking to establish a fund in the
amount of not to exceed $200 for the purpose of making change to ensure a proper exact payment due is paid when necessary. This fund will be used for making change only and will not be used to make purchases of goods or services
of any kind. Resolution number 15 is a resolution establishing a petty cash fund for the recreation department. Uh in in amount of $100, um the custodian of the petty cash fund uh will be the recreation
supervisor, Miss Ashley Ortiz. And that >> opits. >> Yeah, it's opus, but under it's written Ortiz and it's opit. Yeah. Uh opits. and um and that uh petty cash
fund can be utilized to purchase goods and services and um and is reimburseable um with the presentation of a receipt. Resolution number 16 is a resolution authorizing change order number three
for contract with think pavers for the 2023 contract uh concrete repairs. Uh they have submitted uh an appro a a proposal for $216,171 for um concrete repairs. The cont this contract will be increased
by $19,442.50 resulting in the revised contract price of $244,56450 which is an 8.6% 6% increase. Um this additional work it was related to um doing um curbing and
handicap ramps along the streets that are about to be repaved by PSCG and th that type of work needed to be it was recommended that it would be done before they came in and do the final repairs of those particular streets. So that's what
that particular change order is relation to. Resolution number 2026-17 is a resolution authorizing an increase to the not to exceed amount for CSG law for 2025.
Um so we are going to increase their not to exceed amount to 20 by $27,500 from 126 thou 126,000 to 153,500
as this um will be the totality of all of the billing for services that we receive from CSG law uh in 2025. Resolution number 18 is a resolution authorizing an
increase in the not to exceed amount for Rigans, Inc. to obtain fuel and diesel uh for the operations of the township um vehicles. Um this is being increased by 25,000
and a good portion of this is um is because the um school district's fuel pumps went down and we did support uh them uh during the latter part of the year by providing them fuel um which we we be reimbursed for but we still need
to needed to acquire the fuel to to provide. Resolution number 19 is a resolution authorizing the township of Willingboro to establish a not to exceed amount for Glenwood office furniture to procure office furniture for the township human
resource training room in the amount of $21,816. This is the training room that we are establishing next to the human resource offices that we will use for in-house training um meetings and it's also a
rentable space if anybody wants to utilize it for training opportunities as well. Resolution number 20 is a resolution authorizing the township to place municipal maintenance leans on properties uh that were abated by the township due to
property violations. And the list is attached to was the list attached to the resolution of the properties. >> Yeah. Resolution number 21 is a resolution to enter into an agreement with Delta Dental of New Jersey for
dental and vision plan coverage for the employees and retirees. Um the amount due for the calendar year 2026 is estimated to be 215,000 which includes the anticipated monthly
invoices for active dental delta PO enroles and um active retirees um which I believe there are are three delta dental PON enroles. Resolution
number 22. Yes. Uh is a resolution authorizing the township to enter into a 5-year lease agreement with Canon Solutions um a contracted participant in the Omnia Partners
formerly uh US Communities. This is for the uh large multifunctional uh printer that is going to be installed in the communications department. Um replacing um the printer that is currently uh in
the JFK center which is no longer be being uh serviced by um the vendor. So we are are looking to uh transition some of the services that we have been shipping out and making sure that they are done uh in house.
Resolution number 23 is a resolution approving a contract um with approved Burlington County Cooperative Pricing System. Um this is I don't have the vendor list attached to
to this my copy of this particular resolution, but this is for particular vendors that we are doing um uh purchasing with that are are cooperatives. So, we are required by law to uh approve uh resolutions authorizing
the cooperative purchasing. So, that's really what this resolution is pertaining to. The resolution number 2024 is a very similar resolution um with the New Jersey cooperative um system ESCJ
and those contracted vendors. Resolution number 25 is very similar. Um, and those are related to those are related to New Jersey state contracted vendors. And I believe that
the the services that we are procuring um were attached to your versions of of the resolution. And resolution number 26 is again um very
similar uh with Omnia Partners and they provide us with a lot of electronic services um like um Office 365 and and phone services. So those are um those resolutions. Resolution number
27 is awarding a contract for municipal accounting software licensing and maintenance and related equipment uh with Edmonds Govvek. There are financial management software.
Resolution number 28 is uh awarding a contract for lawn and landscaping maintenance services. We are recommending that the account the council approve this resolution. This will award contracts to vendors for lawn
and landscaping services for township abated properties resulting from um property violations. Um this is a $100,000 uh we have set aside $100,000 for these
purposes and we are awarding um $520,000 contracts to Abs Abso Green CPW Management Services LLC, Mr. Roberts Landscaping Services LLC, Marks Lawn
Care LLC, and RJM Landscaping. Resolution number 29 um is awarding the contract very similar but for trash and debris removal services uh for township abated properties
resulting from property violations. And we are set aside $100,000 for these services. And we are rewarding awarding five $20,000 contracts to Born Leaders, CPW Management Services LLC, Marks Lawn
Care, and RJM Landscaping. Resolution number 30 is a resolution authorizing the award of contract for fleet maintenance services. This is to enter into a five-year um agreement with
AMCS Group Incorporated to uh acquire um fleet maintenance software for the township fleet um at a total of $47,96125 over the 5-year contract period.
And then resolution number 31 is a resolution amending resolution number 2025-302 to remove language as directed by the division of alcoholic beverage control and that's in relation to a uh liquor
license transfer. >> Uh yes. So um we had the hearing for Buno's the liquor license transfer back um on the 22nd of December. Um, I sent everything in and they finally got back to me and they wanted just um, one of
the lines removed from the resolution. Um, so that's just what this is doing. Um, and then I can send it back to them. That's the only thing that the state is uh, holding them up on at this time. We we um, got everything else.
And I believe that that transfer was going from um barbecue spot to be buil. >> Yeah. And that's all that has been presented to you this evening for your consideration. >> All right. Thank you. Um Madame Clerk,
at this time we'll move forward with the ordinances and then um we'll move on to the resolutions. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, at this time I will request a motion to introduce ordinance 2026-01 entitled an ordinance amending and
supplementing chapter 342 of the code of the township of Willingboroough entitled taxi cabs to update and expand regulations pertaining to limousines and rename chapter 342 of the code to taxi cabs and limousines. >> So moved.
>> Second. Moved by deputy mayor worthy, seconded by councilwoman Peron. Any discussion? >> Just one question. Thank you. Just one question. Um, Madame Clerk, you stated that the one of the items that was
removed was that the um or changed that the police department would not inspect the vehicles. So, who would be inspecting the vehicles? >> Um, motor vehicle >> state, >> the regular state inspection that
everyone else goes through. Okay. Thank you. And madame clerk, at the end of the title of this one, it says none at this time. Is that a typo? >> Yes, that's a typo. >> It will not be on the ordinance. All right. Any other discussion?
Seeing none, roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh moving on, I'd like to request a motion a motion to introduce
ordinance 2026-02, an ordinance amending chapter 150-9 of the township code entitled fees for licenses and permits to permit to permit collection of unpaid mercantile licenses and ad limousine fees.
>> So moved. >> Second. Moved by C uh Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilwoman Macintosh. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes.
>> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you. And finally, can I get a motion to introduce ordinance 2026-03, an ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 12 of the Willingboroough Township Code entitled boards,
committees, commissions, and authorities to establish a procedure for the selection of an environmental commission member to serve on the township planning board. >> So moved. Second. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilwoman Macintosh.
>> Any discussion? Yes. Can someone explain to me the purpose of this? >> Yes. So, um in on the planning board, there's required to be a member of the environmental commission to serve on the
planning board. Um, this would have the environmental commission select who instead of the environment, anyone putting in like an environmental commission member also having to apply for the planning board, the
environmental commission during their meetings would select which member would um serve on the planning board. So, in other words, the environmental commission chooses who gets to be on a
planning board. So, we're required to have a member from the environmental commission on the planning board. >> Don't we already pick that person? We only had um applications if if because people would apply to be
on the planning board, but if they weren't also on the environmental commission, we couldn't accept their application for that spot. >> That's how it's currently written. >> This is the first reading. >> Yes. Okay. I'll look into it more then. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Roll call.
>> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Are there any items that council would like to pull from a consent agenda?
All right. Seeing none, I'd like to propose uh consent agenda for resolutions 2026-13 through 2026-31. >> So moved. Second. Moved by Deputy Mayor
Worthy. Seconded by Councilwoman Pon. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Counciloman M. Councilwoman Mintosh. Sorry. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Can I get a motion to accept
the same to approve the same? Excuse me. >> So moved. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilwoman Macintosh. Roll call. Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy.
>> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> We do not have a treasures report at this time, but we do have some minutes to approve. So, um, Madam Clerk. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, I'm slowly working my way down December's list. Um,
so, uh, tonight you have in front of you the regular and executive meeting minutes for December 2nd and December 16th. Those were both our regular meetings. Um, can I get a motion to approve the December 2nd and December 16th regular and executive meeting
minutes, please? >> So moved. Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Counciloman McIntosh. Any discussion? Seeing none, roll call. Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Mintosh, Deputy Mayor Dr.
Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> Thank you and thank you for your patience. >> Thank you, >> Madam Clerk. Do you have any updates? >> Yes, I do. Okay. Um, so bear with me because this
is my end of year, end of 2025 um updates. So, um I wanted to give you a good comprehensive look of what the clerk's office um did this year compared to 2024. Um however, moving um I want to start with the
civics plus implementation at least on the clerk's office end um to keep you apprised of what's going on. Um so the clerk's office has three different modules um with Civic Plus that we will be you utilizing their agenda meeting
management um their pad software which is their boards and commissions software to keep track of boards and commissions um and next request which is their OPRA um software. So we had our agenda meeting management intro meeting last week and we've started on our action
items to implement this agenda module by May 1st. The next few months will be dedicated to training the employees and implementing the correct procedures to ensure we're getting the most out of this project and the most out of this product. Um, Miss Scott me met with the PADS implementation specialist earlier
this week to go over the boards and commissions module. This module will allow the township to keep better track of the various boards and commissions terms as well as it will let residents apply online. Um
uh and then we're on track to have this module implemented by midFebruary. Um finally, we have our next request implementation meeting next week to review the timeline for um the OPRA module. Um with next request, residents will easily be able to submit and track
their OPER requests online um via the Civic Plus portal. Um so I will have more details on timeline next week on that. Um but they get it was like a six to eight week timeline. Um
uh and then also some uh big news from the state. My office is in the middle of transitioning to online legal publication process. Um this was signed into law last June. Um starting March 1st. Uh all municipalities
official newspaper official legal publication will be their website. Um, so I'm working with communications to ensure that all the ads are located somewhere permanently on the website um for that March 1st deadline to ensure
we're in compliance. Um, we will be publishing all of our legal notices still on um as normal on the newspaper until March 1st as well with as a um a notice twice a month for all of this
year to the newspapers saying you can find all of our legal ads at this link. Um, so that's kind of what we're transitioning into and that will all be um completely set up by March 1st, but we're already in the process of kind of starting that. >> And that was mandated by the state.
>> That was mandated by the state. Yeah. Um, and then so for our 2025 statistics in the clerk's office, um, we issued 126 uh three-year dog licenses and 146 one-year licenses for a total of $4,349.
We issued $169 mercantile licenses totaling 26,684. This is a major increase from last year. Um it's almost f $15,000 more. Um, I would really like to thank the
inspections department for collaborating with us to ensure, you know, we're both kind of working together to see who's licensed, who's not licensed, and making sure, um, we're going through the proper channels to make sure all the businesses
are in compliance. Um, we issued 3,200 foot lists for a total of $300. We approved 44 out of 50 solicitor applications for a total of $1,470. Um this is um
people wouldn't get approved. They either decide they didn't want to come back and do the fingerprint. Um I don't think we had anyone denied or anything. They just didn't follow through with it, but we still collected their their money. Um, we issued two cannabis
licenses, one being new to the township this year, um, for a total of $35,000. Um, we issued three liquor licenses and a transfer application for a total of $5,538. Um, we issued two raffle licenses for a total of $20. And that brings the
clerk's office revenue to $73,000 261. No, 73,261 um, for the year 2025. And this is an increase of $18,000 from 2024. Um, a big part of that is mercantiles and the new
cannabis license. That helped a lot. Um, and that is all I have for you tonight. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Any questions for our clerk? All right. Thank you, Samantha. And
um I did want to bring to council's attention um there you do have a folder on the deis it is additional citizen leadership form submissions um please take a look and we will add those to our
next meetings agenda for appointment. All right on to unfinished business. Um, our unfinished business, we have the Hometown Heroes um, banner project. Um, Mr. Harris, do you have any updates on that?
>> So, I will have a full proposal for you with numbers, specs, and all of those by uh, your meeting in February 1st meeting. >> Okay. I'm sorry. Excuse me. You're going to have a numbers to Can you let me know? What do you mean about numbers?
prices, costs, um, what's going to cost to purchase the banners. >> I sent that information already. The prices and cost >> in total. In total, I think you sent the price of like each individual bit, right? >> But what the cost of the whole project will be.
>> Um, outside of the banners and the brackets, what other expenses are there and that you're >> So, I haven't seen any pricing that you you sent you sent. >> You didn't see them? Yeah, I was sending it to you. I'll send it to you. >> Okay.
>> Because there um is pretty detailed. That's so I wanted to know what else are you looking for as far as pricing and I know that our staff would have to put them up. I'm not sure if that was a part of your pricing too as far as them putting them up. >> No, not really, but it was the the pricing of of the manager. I brought
back samples from the the the municipalities conference, but I didn't have any pricing attached with that. >> Okay. All right. I'll send you um what I have then. Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Deputy Mayor Worthy. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, in the spirit of
Hometown Hero, I was wondering, um, as we're looking for ways to be able to honor the veterans, I was wondering if there was any interest in um, revisiting the PAR project that we had in Mil Creek Park because that was started by Ron Dash, as we know, the resident um,
Purple Heart um, awardy honore. And that project was something he started but it wasn't completed um because the town it wasn't a township project. It was his project. He started it. He did the research. He got the pavers and things like that. I was wondering would the council be interested in completing that
project before we start the hometown hero project so that we can finish our like veteran memorial in the park where we do our memorial day event and like spruce up that area and complete the paper project. I know that they um had looked at putting lighting over there
because we have the flags, we have the pavers, the chains are there. Like it's a lot of the pieces are there, but it just was never finished. And I was just curious if the council was interested in us finishing that project, having more members of the community participate in that paper project before we start um a
new veteran initiative. I just wanted to present that for just consideration as we're talking about, you know, recognition and RNR community members. Okay. >> Um, thank you, Deputy Mayor, for that. Any thoughts?
>> Um, I just find them to be two different projects for the same purpose. So, I don't feel like we should stop the Hometown Hero program to continue something that um, one of our residents started. I think the pavement idea is it's awesome. He started it. I can't see why that can't be something that can be
done at the same time. Um, they're two different projects, like I said, for the same purpose. I'd like to see both of them to flourish. Um, I wasn't on that project. Like you said, another person was on that. Um, but I rather just continue with the Hometown Hero program
because I did do some research at least with that. I'm not sure what Mr. Dash did to get it done. Um, so maybe even inviting him back to a meeting or something. um asking what did he do or
is there something you want to take on madame deputy mayor but I don't think we should stop one because somebody else started something years ago and as far as complete the pavement is it has we do have stone we do have um bricks that
were laid right >> yeah there are some bricks there I know they're it's not it doesn't look like the project is complete I know when we do our Memorial Day um or our Veterans Day um ceremony out there. It, you know,
it it could use some some >> completely facelift because I thought that that was supposed to be something that doesn't stop though. Like you you there would be somebody else and we lay another brick. We lay another brick. >> I didn't think that was a project that I think maybe he started it and it was supposed to continue. As far as lights,
I think we should put lights there anyway regardless if we have the banners or not. Um it's something that should be lit. You know, the flags are there. And what else you mentioned that you thought as far as beautifification? I think >> yes, the beautifification and the lighting um that's over there, the
pavers. Um well, it's just not an it's not something that no one's doing anything with it right now because they started it as a resident as an initiative, but it the township never >> continued on with it. So like if someone wants to add additional pavers, right, um today, there's not a process in place
to be do to do that. Um but it's something that's already started. So to me it was one and the same. I understand you you see it as two um projects related. To me it if it's about the recognition of veterans, we have one that's in place that just never
>> it it's not it's no work being done around that. So it to me is it's similar. It's going to it can create the same challenge of we start the banner project and then you still got to find and select people and it's the same it's the same thing. >> Selection of people and I think you're
right. So we and I think we talked about that for the hometown hero program as far as creating a resolution. So maybe we need a resolution for processes of selecting a person's name or being nominated to have a brick laid in their name. That's something that I we can
create a draft. I don't see why we couldn't create two drafts. One >> and I think it might be similar. You know, I think they may be able to be included in the same resolution for the recognition because the the brick laying and the banner are are so similar. I
don't know if it needs to be two separate resolutions to do the same. >> Honestly, I think it causes confusion just like when Natt wanted to do this the golf and he put too much into one. Just it's paper. We have resolutions. This is what we do. We create resolutions. We create ordinances. Two
sheets of paper. Two different ideas. It's for the same purpose. This way it doesn't get confusing as far as what we're doing, what and how how long it's because the brick is not something that we're going to take out of the ground. It stays. The banner, we're supposed to take it down. That's what we had a
little bit of discussion on if it's going to be one year, two years. So, the only thing that's similar is that it is for a veteran. Now, the banners, the idea is you don't have to be deceased. You can be a living veteran today and somebody nominates you and you can have
a flag in Willingboro posted in your honor and receive, you know, a proclamation. The brick, I think it was for people who have passed away already. I'm not sure. Again, I don't I don't know about it. I'm just saying like I know the brick does not get taken up. Two different projects, two different
resolutions. That's that's how I'm seeing it. Um, and I think when you add too much to like putting too much laundry in the washer doesn't all get cleaned, keep it clean, two separate resolutions. Keep the thoughts, the hearts and minds in place
for both and let's just get it done. And so I see let's pick that ball up again, the baton that was started by Mr. Dash, and continue it like you said, Deputy Mayor, and let's jump off the ground the um, Hometown Hero program. I think we
should do both. All right. Well, Mr. Harris will have some numbers for us um forthcoming for the Hometown Hero project, and I'm sure it'll incorporate the information that you forwarded.
Um I don't think there was any other updates for the landscaping and the edging through town, especially with the uh snow operations pending. I don't think it's at the top of any of our minds right now. So, um, we'll discuss
that at a later date. Um, new business, vehicles and traffic. Mr. Harris, at the last meeting, I believe in December, there was a resident who had come and expressed some concern over um,
parking on her particular street in Willingboro, which happened to be a culde-sac. Um so um after having some conversation um we developed a proposed ordinance to deal with the issues that
she had presented um to the council. Um but we did uh take it back to look at it again to make sure that we included um deadend streets in that particular ordinance. So, it's
still on the drafting table and we will uh present it to you uh very near into the future. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Harris, for that update. Any and I think that was regarding the residents on Spindle
Spindlewood and Shield I think Shield Lane and and Spindlewood I want to say. Um so we are addressing that. Um, any other new business? All right, seeing none, Spiralwood.
There it is. Thank you. Spiralwood and Shield Lane. Um, all right. If there's no other new business, we'll move on to public comment. This is our general public comment. You'll have four minutes. Please come up and state
your name. Um there are cards in the back where you fill out your information in case we need to follow up with you for any reason. Um public comment is now open. song that's one too.
>> I think I think that one should be working now. Okay. All right. [laughter] We'll use that. Good evening. >> Good evening. So, my name is Hussein Hawk. I'm a resident in Written House um
written house park and um just wanted to come up and mention a few things um regarding that as well as some other some other issues or comments that I would like to make. Um, first I want to start by saying that tonight I went over
to the JFK Center thinking that the meeting was going to be over there and that was my own fault because I didn't read my text message properly. But I'm glad I went because there's proper lighting in the parking lot. So I just want to commend you all because I know that that was something I had brought up
before at a previous meeting that was that we had or that you all had over there. So, it's good to see that the lighting is actually, you know, working in the parking lot. So, that was good. Um, I forget which resolution it was that you all were talking about, um,
PSCG and the streets and I know that there are several streets that need some work on. Um, I mean they took up they did whatever they had to do underneath the pavement, but the street itself it's like every so
like every 8t is like doom the doom the doom like as you're traveling in your vehicle. And so I think that that's something that maybe PSNG need to be reminded to repave the street and make it smooth or something. I don't know if that crawls on you all. Um,
so that was those two issues and going into written house. Um, so I'm a resident there and I had so we have an attorney that is
acting as the attorney for our unit, our community. And this particular attorney has placed a lean on my property um for time periods where
my HOA fees had been paid and it's a substantial lean like close to four 4500 $5,000 some somewhere in that area. And so the issue that I have with that is that he was able to do this without
any um without any legal basis or documentation, no certified copy from a judge, a judgment or anything like that. He was able to go and put a lean on my property
and it's been clouded ever since. And I've been fighting it in the courts. Um hopefully by the end of this month the judge will make a determination about the arguments that I put forth. But I just think that it's um
I I think that there's something wrong with that picture where I can just simply go to the clerk's office and say I I have a problem with this person or this entity or whoever it is and be able to place a lean without any court
documentation or anything showing that we've actually gone to court. Our bylaws doesn't doesn't allow for it. He has circumvented the bylaws. Um he circumvented um um the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act as a debt collector debt collector attorney. And so all these things are happening. I know at the last meeting a young lady came up um Miss Gray came up and talked about you know some other things that
are happening within the community and she's absolutely right. We're not having our meetings, our monthly meetings for, you know, for the members. That's not taking place. Um, we don't see pro, we don't receive proper billing that
doesn't take place. Like, there are so many violations that are taking place within our bylaws right now. And there's no one that we can turn to to assist in this because the acting president is not holding meetings.
So, and then on top of that, so one last thing because only because the >> I'm sorry, but that's your time. We will um continue this and as I said, I know I haven't um set up a meeting with you as of yet, but we are working on it with
our attorney and I will set up a meeting with you shortly. >> So, he's had armed guards there. >> I know, but your time's up, sir. We have four minutes. >> Thank you, Mr. House. Thank you very much. >> Good evening everyone. I am a resident
of Willboro. This would be my first meeting coming to just participate and inform myself. So I kind of want to >> Can you just state your name? Sure. Lita Gutierrez. I'm in Garfield Park and um I kind of want to learn about the
community and see how else I can show up for my neighbors, my community, and how to get more involved. Not done anything like this before. So, I'd like to learn and be pointed in the right direction and how to just be more involved in the community and do something.
And I guess that's it. >> Thank you so much, Miss Gutierre. >> Thank you. Um did you guys >> Yes, you can hand that right to the clerk. Thank you. Any other public comment? >> I don't know. No, but I own the only transportation company in Willingboro.
Yes. So, >> I hope you understand why I'm a little upset because you're updating an ordinance that's only going to affect me and especially it's going to affect me financially. when you're giving Uber and Lift a pass
or an exception because you're saying Uber and Lift is regulated by Transportation Network Act, but I'm regulated by the Federal Dot and by the State New Jersey limo law. So, I just
would like an explanation of why Willing Brow decided to update this ordinance. >> Thank you. Could you just state your name for the record? Don Mika. >> Thank you. We'll answer. I'll um give feedback after all of this. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Any other public comment? All right, seeing none, public comment is now closed. Um we'll start with Mr. Hawk. Um thank you for the kudos on the
JFK lighting. I think last time um we were all there, they did have a transformer blow or something happened in the parking lot um and that lighting is back up. So, thank you for noticing um that. Mr. Harris, would you be able to give an update on the PSCG road work
completion? So PSNG is in the process of um um preparing to repair the streets that have been um dug up and um they will be beginning that work um when the weather turns.
>> All right. So yes, um PS&G did replace a bunch of gas lines throughout the community. You may see that strip going down the side of the road. All of those, Excuse me. All of those roads are set to be paved um this year. Is that correct, Mr.
Harris? Thank you. Um and then um for the written house issues and the issues with the HOA, um Mr. Hall, do you have any
um I guess preliminary thoughts on the township's involvement with the HOA? >> Not at this time. I think I Not at this time. I think I need to find out a little bit more about the gentleman's lawsuit and get the docket
number, take a look at that, and it will give me more of an idea of what's taking place. So, I'll speak with him after the council meeting to get the appropriate information, then report back to you. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Hawk. Uh, Miss
Gutierrez, thank you so much for coming tonight. Um, we always love when residents come and take an interest in what we do here at the municipal complex. Um, a great way to get involved is exactly what you're doing here
tonight to show up and um, understand what's happening on the meetings. This is where you get the most current information um, and an update on all of the projects and things that are going on throughout the town. So these meetings are very critical. Um, also
Miss Jackson mentioned in order to stay up to date, sign up for the Willingboro weekly. That's a weekly newsletter that goes out. And then the Willing Brow Connect app um that is our own app that we send notifications out and things on.
And then we do also um have some spaces left on our boards and commissions. Um, our citizen leadership forms are online or you can see the clerk um to get more information on that and how to apply, what commissions have positions open and
if any of those areas interest you, you can participate in that way as well. But thank you and I'm excited to see you here and I look forward to seeing you in the future. All right. And then Mr. Amigo, yes, I know um we you've been working with or
talked to the clerk. Um why we're updating this ordinance is that this ordinance does so it does have some on the state, but we are required to have an ordinance locally because the
township is supposed to be doing the licensing for limos. um and our ordinance. We're we're bringing a lot of our ordinances up to date and making sure they're in compliance with um the state regulations and this is one that
we found that we were not in compliance with. So that's what brought this on and um what prompted the change in the update. All right, any other comments from council?
All right, seeing none, um we'll move to council comments unless you don't have anything. Council comment. >> Deputy mayor. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, I
appreciate all the work that's being done and I just want to um reinforce to um to all leaders um our council as well as um all leaders because I can't tell anybody what to do but I can just send reminders and I think it's just um in
the spirit of all the things happening in the world around us. Let's just be reminded to take care of one another, to be good neighbors to one another. And I think about our values as a township. Um back to basics. It was something the council put together back in 2020 um to
remind us to get back to the basics and it was betterment, accountability, service, integrity, collaboration and success. And I think we just have to make sure that we are reminded that when we talk about service, it's not just
about taking care of our residents, but we have to take care of one another as colleagues, as employees, as leaders, as supervisors. We have this storm that's coming up. our state and our our state is in in fine leadership. We just got our governor sworn on Tuesday, but
across the nation, there's so many different things and so many challenges going on. Let's make sure that we're good neighbors to one another and that we're able to listen to be heard and to be understood. And when we speak, we speak gracefully and graciously to one another. Again, I just want to remind
everyone we have families in Willingboro that are being deployed across the world um to to serve our country with dignity and respect. We have people who are losing loved ones. I've attended too many funerals already in 2026. People
are trying to figure out their jobs. We have retirees in our community who retired from the federal government in September 30th and October 1st who still have not received a paycheck since they retired. there is so much going on around us. And I just want to remind us
to be gracious and full of grace when we work together and to just take care of each other. Um because you don't know what people are going through and what they're suffering with. So just a reminder to all of us, especially if you have people who work to work for you and
who are looking to you for leadership, they're looking to you for guidance. Let's just take good care of one another. Thank you, Madame Mayor. >> Thank you, Deputy Mayor Worthy. Any other council comments? Councilwoman P. >> Thank you. Um just wanted to encourage
everyone. Um thank you for coming out tonight and um encourage you to continue attending our meetings and um whether you have children or not, you should attend the school board meetings um because you know we're all one
community. So your tax dollars go there. You should have a voice there. Um attend your um utility meetings. the WMUA meetings, it's very important that you are a breast to what's going on. The planning board meetings, they are virtual. Uh just try to pop in and to
hear what's going on and have a voice. Um zoning board as well. These are um important meetings that we do appoint bodies there, people there that have applied. Um however, it again it takes a village, right? So we are all the one
village and um we need your eyes and ears and your thoughts. So I do want to hear from you. I know this is the first meeting of the year. Um I think we all agree that we want to hear your comments, your thoughts and issues if there are any. Um but that's all I
wanted just to add. And um I just bid you all a good evening and safe this weekend. And um I know you've heard it before already, but check on your neighbors, especially our seniors residents um cuz it's going to be pretty bad supposedly this weekend. But that's all I have. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councilwoman. Counciloman Mintosh. >> Yeah, I didn't have too much more to add. That's those were my points I was going to say, but um I do want to thank everyone for definitely coming out. Um definitely be safe this weekend. Um as my colleagues have already said, this is a excellent opportunity to be neighbor,
to be part of the Willenboro culture. Um, I'm glad to see the excitement of being involved that I mean that's part of, you know, what we're looking for, too. Um, but there are definitely many, many, many opportunities to get engaged even outside of what uh the township
offers. Um, there's baseball, there's I mean, there's sports and just keeping block captains. I mean, there's a lot of opportunities to start um bringing Willingboro more together. I grew up here and um it's not as together as it
was when I was growing up, but I think there's definitely a lot of opportunity to make sure um even as blocks we're or as streets I should say um that we're cohesive um and again great opportunity this
weekend if if the snow comes. [laughter] >> Let's hope it doesn't. >> If the snow comes, a great opportunity um to look out for each other. definitely um and form those bonds that I think are definitely needed in this community. So, thank you everyone again
for coming out. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Macintosh. And lastly, I just want to um say once again that every voice matters. Um, as we're here and we do this work, we know that
Willingboro is a community that was designed to work when everyone is working together, not just five council people up here making all the rules and deciding what happens. We do hear you. We take your complaints and make them
into ordinances. um we make sure that we're serving the community and we expect and know that you all want to serve your community as well. Um there are other organizations within town that can always you support.
Um we have a local NAACP that I'm sure would welcome more membership. We have neighborhood watch that is also welcoming um additional members. Um there are the beloved project is always taking volunteers to help pull together
um things for food drives and clothing drives. Our local churches have many of them have food drives and always need volunteers to help pass out food. Um so that is one thing that I will ask all of us to do this year is to just find one
way that you can help out in an organization in town. And I I'm not going to tell you what organization um to help out with. There's so many to choose from, but find one that feels right to you, fits right with you, and just donate. You know, even if it's only
two hours a month, donate some of some time to assist in all of the things that are going on. Um because when we all work together, we all grow and rise together. So, thank you all um for your attendance tonight. Um, we do not have
an executive session tonight. So, I will ask for a motion for adjournment. >> So, moved. >> Oh, yeah. >> Sorry. Will you retract your I retract? I'm sorry. >> I'm so sorry, >> Deputy Mayor. >> I just wanted to wish um a belated
birthday to our beloved mayor, Samantha E. Whitfield. She celebrated her birthday this week. Our township manager had a birthday. Happy birthday to Mr. Harris. Happy birthday to the voice of Willingboro, Miss Tanya Jackson, and to Councilman um Councilwoman I mean
Councilman Anderson whose birthday is coming up as well. So if I missed your birthday for January, my apologies, but those are the ones that I know. But um happy birthday. >> Happy birthday. Thank you. Thank you all so much. All right. Now I will ask for a
motion for adjournment. >> So moved. >> All right. It's been moved by Councilwoman Pam. Seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. All in favor? >> I >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions? >> Nope. >> Good evening, Will and Roll. Have a
great night.