WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=i7UVnEW4Tq8

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: i7UVnEW4Tq8):
- 00:01:38: Meeting Called To Order, Roll Call, and Prayer
- 00:05:01: Flag Salute, Notices, Lupus Awareness Proclamation
- 00:08:18: Acknowledging Recent Concerns, Manager's Municipal Updates Adjustment
- 00:10:42: Finance Department: April Revenue, Spending, and Grants
- 00:16:41: Finance Department: Staff Updates, Tax Reminders, Questions
- 00:18:47: Communications Department: Trash Collection, Events, Website Update
- 00:24:47: Communications: Sign-Ups, Red Tops Clarification, Pool Passes
- 00:27:12: Republic Trash Collection Issues and Potential Penalties
- 00:28:35: Fire and EMS Department: Staff Updates and Academy Programs
- 00:34:27: Fire and EMS Department: Increasing EMS Call Volume and New Ambulance
- 00:36:53: Fire and EMS Department: Training, Mutual Aid Discussion
- 00:41:14: Inspection Department: Grass Compliance, Trash Cans, Basketball Courts
- 00:47:10: Inspection Department: Housing Inspections Training and New Businesses
- 00:48:29: Inspection Department: Business Updates and Vacant Properties
- 00:51:45: Inspection Department: Weekend Violations and Truck Parking Concerns
- 00:54:01: Engineering: Township Capital Projects Actively Moving Forward
- 00:59:47: Praise to Directors and Staff, Deer Park Easement
- 01:01:13: Sidewalk Repair Discussion, DPW Staffing and Lawn Maintenance
- 01:06:15: Possibility of Temporary Setup Employees, Reviewing Ordinances
- 01:12:31: Public Comment: Sarah Holly: Peace and Good Order Explanation
- 01:14:13: Public Comment: Miss Matthysse: Trash Penalties, Small Bins, Smoke Alarms
- 01:16:50: Public Comment: Miss Manners: Down Payment, Trash Carts, Overall Containers
- 01:17:32: Addressing Public Comments: Peace/Good Order, Trash Penalty, Public Works
- 01:24:23: Addressing Public Comments: Smoke Alarm Details and Restrictions
- 01:25:37: Addressing Public Comments: Down Payments, New Trash Contract
- 01:27:19: Motion to Introduce Towing and Special Events Ordinances
- 01:28:52: Public Hearing Opened: Route 130 Redevelopment Plan Amendment
- 01:29:42: Overview of Route 130 Redevelopment Plan Amendment
- 01:32:40: Public Comment: Explanation of Townhouse Development Needed
- 01:33:15: Discussion of Route 130 Amendment; Fencing and Entrance Concerns
- 01:44:32: Finalizing Fencing Requirements, Moving to Bond Ordinance
- 01:46:06: Public Hearing and Adoption of Bond Ordinance 2026-13
- 01:46:58: Public Hearing: Optional Additional Refuse Cart Program
- 01:48:09: Discussion: Cost and Justification of Second Trash Bins
- 02:02:29: Roll Call and Decision on Red Cart Program Ordinance
- 02:03:25: Consent Agenda Resolutions Approval, Budget Discussions Begin
- 02:08:25: Public Comment: Budget Amendments and Community Review
- 02:13:41: Treasurer's Report, Meeting Minutes, and Clerk's Updates
- 02:17:56: Voter Registration Deadline and Voting Rights Act
- 02:20:05: Golf Outing Update: Fundraising for Student Scholarships
- 02:24:08: Strategic Plan Assessment and Vehicle Policy Review
- 02:25:59: Delta Sigma Theta Bench Installation Approval
- 02:29:04: Public Comment: Sewers, Communication, DPW Staffing Issues
- 02:29:22: Public Comment: Jacqueline Ruffin
- 02:31:40: Public Comment: Tony Matthysse
- 02:35:53: Public Comment: Mallalerie Hudson
- 02:40:15: Public Comment: A Manners
- 02:42:10: Public Comment: Shirley Dillworth
- 02:46:37: Public Comment: Nheimia Claude
- 02:48:19: Public Comment: Sarah Holly
- 02:53:09: Addressing Public Concerns: Sewer Issues and DPW Staffing
- 02:58:55: Deep Dive into DPW Staffing: Issues, Needs and Budget Implications
- 03:19:36: Executive Session Approval and Adjournment
- 03:46:55: Return From Executive Session and Adjournment


Part: 1

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She was supposed to be Madame Deputy Clerk, the time is now 7:01. It is now 7:01 and I'd like to call the regular township council meeting to order. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron,

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>> present. Councilman Anderson, >> present. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> present. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> present. >> And Mayor Whitfield, >> present. At this time, I'd like to invite Chaplain Will Chaplain Zamari Cruz to lead us in tonight's prayer.

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>> Good evening. Good evening, madam. Um, let us bow our heads as we start a prayer. Father God, we thank you most holy father great and mighty you are. I thank you

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this evening for the chosen city council that you have chosen here tonight. Thank you for your presence here this evening. I ask you that you control the course of

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this meeting here tonight. That you keep that you keep this meeting and that you give your people that you have selected the wisdom and the knowledge and the insight

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to lead us to guide us and they they stand in the gap for the families here in Willenboro. May they be able to work in peace, in unity, and excellence. May they have

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your clarity, integrity, and your spirit of love as they work together as one, as one body for our community. May they discuss agendas, ideas, and strategies. Give them the godly

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strategies to benefit everyone in the community. remain in this place with your people. I ask you these things in your holy name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you.

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>> May we please rise for the flag salute. One nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Notice was provided in compliance with chapter 231 of the public laws of 1975 to the Burlington County Times, Trenton

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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, Mr. Harris, do we have

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any presentations this evening? Okay. All right. And we do have a proclamation for lupus awareness month. Oh, right here. And that'll be read by Deputy Mayor

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Worthy. >> Proclamation declaring May as lupus awareness month. Whereas lupus is a chronic, unpredictable, and often misunderstood autoimmune disease that can cause serious damage to virtually any organ or tissue in the body, potentially leading to severe

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complications or death. And whereas more than 5 million individuals worldwide are affected by the devastating impact of this cruel and mysterious disease with over 100,000 new diagnoses made each year predominantly among women of childbearing age. Though men and

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children are also affected and whereas despite the severity and widespread nature of lupus, research into its causes and treatments remain significantly underfunded compared to other diseases of similar magnitude and impact. And whereas many health care providers lack sufficient awareness of

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the symptoms and long-term effects of lupus, often resulting in delayed or inaccurate diagnosis and inadequate treatment for those living with the disease. And whereas there exists a critical and urgent need to support individuals and families impacted by lupus through education, advocacy, and

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access to comprehensive medical care. And whereas increased awareness of lupus in our community and across the nation and world is essential to improving early diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for those affected. And whereas the color purple is recognized as the

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official color for lupus awareness, and individuals are encouraged to wear purple during the month of May to show support for those affected and to help spread awareness. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Mayor Samantha E. Whitfield of the Township of Willingboro on behalf of the governing body and all

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residents to hereby proclaim the month of May as lupus awareness month in the township of Willingboro and urge all citizens to join in this observance by educating themselves about lupus, supporting those living with the disease and advocating for greater research funding and public awareness. Thank you,

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Deputy Mayor Worthy. All right. And before we begin tonight's meeting, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the concerns and emotions that have been raised in response to comments made during recent council meetings. Tonight is also Cinco de Mayo,

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a day that for many is a celebration of Mexican culture, heritage, and resilience. It is especially important that we recognize the value of contributions of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors, residents, workers, and business owners

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who help our community grow stronger. I understand that many people were hurt and disappointed by the remarks that were made and what followed afterward. I want to be clear that those comments do not reflect the values of Willingboro Township or the views of council as a

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whole. In Willingboro, we believe in treating all people with dignity and respect. We will not always agree, but we also must hold ourselves to a standard of leadership that reflects our diverse community that we serve here in

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Willingboro. My hope is that we move forward with a greater understanding, accountability, and a commitment to bringing people together rather than dividing them. And at this time, we will now go to Mr. Harris for our manager's

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municipal updates. >> Good evening, mayor and council. Uh after some consideration, the discussion with um the mayor and deputy mayor and my department directors, we're going to make a little adjustment in the way information is presented to you. in that

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I invited my directors to come and stand before you and give you more in-depth reports about what is going on in their departments um and give you the opportunity to ask them any specific questions that you may have instead of me giving you brief uh synopsis of of what's happening. So, we're going to

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begin there this evening if that's okay with Mrs. Diggs from our finance department. Mrs. takes. Good evening, Madame Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Council, residents of Willingboroough. Good evening.

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My name is Jibia Digs. I'm the chief financial officer and director of finance for Willingboroough Township. My report this evening provides an overview of the municipality's financial

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activities including income and expenses for the month of April and also an overview of all our finances remain stable and we continue to meet our obligations,

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monitor spending closely, build reserves in alignment with our budget and goals. So, I'm going to give you a brief uh summary of our revenue intake for the month of April. We recorded a total

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revenue of 2,546,47954. And 93% of this revenue intake was actually um tax revenue. The other 7% came from other sources such as licensing fees, UCCC fees, interest on deposit and

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taxes, and court fees. Um, our grant revenue year to date received $216,57746. 99,50985 cents came from our New Jersey

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Department of Transportation 2023 Burlington Buckingham Drive rule project $17,6761 came from our body armor federal and state grant and also I want to report that we we

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were reimbursed from the county on our snow reserve an amount of 40,000 662. Now we go to our appropriations. The spending for the month of April. A total of 9,188,240

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53 was expended in the month of April. These expenditures were largely driven by the statutory expenses such as our PERS and a PFRS and the township's um dev service and the and these expenses

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equipped to 66% of the total amount expended for the month. A breakdown on the expenditure, appropriations, salary and wages 1,740,654 $654.13. Healthc care coverage $514,62716.

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our statutory expense which includes the payroll taxes uh $129,974.77 cents. The pension contributions um per that's um $1,27,16. Our PFRS contribution as police fire

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retirement system was $3,461 3 mill 3,461,463 a total contribution of $4,668,569. Other expenses from uh various departments day-to-day operational expenses were $883,

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$41547. Principal and interest pay on our 2015 general improvement bond was $1,251,000. We wire our monthly um contribution to the wedding borrow board of education in

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the amount of 3 million 339,14367. I will give you a little um breakdown on our grant uh expenditure so far in the year 2026. Uh our recycling tonnage grand we have

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expended $16,1717 in a penny. Drunk drive enforcement grant $22,822.50 clean community program $31,84584. The New Jersey Department of Transportation 2023 Buckingham Drive in

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Road Improvement $6,71.75. Our 2025 Bindon County Municipal Park CR Crystal Lake $98,39.80. Our winning borrow community center cr 827,45798 our 2024 New Jersey Department of

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Transportation resurfacing of Marshall Lane $39. Um our Opia grant $2,36.38. Our Mil Creek Park inclusive playground $880.

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Milk Creek Park pickup ball court $7,2 $2.50. Get out and get active grant $2,27642. Our New Jersey Department of Transportation Municipal AR Grand East Gate Lane

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18 $1884 $461.86. We'll go to our staff updates. the for the finance department. Of course, the purchasing agent attended the 56 Rockus public purchasing education forum from April 28

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to the 29 2026 at Result Atlantic City. There was a this was a great opportunity to meet and greet with rockers and New Jersey P purchasing association as well as network with other p

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purchasing official across the state of New Jersey. The information uh covered during this uh um forum included AI and ethics, na navigating responsibility in a digital age, bridging the gap,

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strengthening collaboration between purchasing finance and the governing body and new information related to the DGS guidance and legislative update. One employee in a tax office continues to receive training and attend classes

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to earn a certificate as a certified tax collector. Finally, just a reminder, the second quarter taxes are due are currently due. Please pay your taxes between May 1st and the 10 to avoid interest payment.

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Taxes can be paid online in person and there are three drop boxes located by the security decks. One next to the finance window and the third one by the police deck located downstairs in this

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building. I thank you. >> Thank you, Mix. Any questions for Mix? >> All right, seeing that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next, we're going to hear from uh Miss Tanya Jackson, who is uh the director of our communications. >> Good evening, mayor, deputy mayor,

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members of council, and all those assembled. On um behalf of the office of public information, where we try to keep our residents informed about um activities, updates, and occurrences in our township, please be advised of the following. The renovations at the track

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at the Kennedy Center are now complete and the track is now open. So, we do thank our residents for patience in that process. On Monday, June 1st, we will transition to a new trash collection service with Interstate Waste Services.

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As noted, most of the collections will remain the same. The few changes include that all Tuesday collections will move to Wednesday. There will no longer be any trash collections on Tuesdays. Garfield East will move to Fridays. All others will remain the same. The other

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biggest change is that bulk collection would occur the same day as your trash collection day and up to five bulk items will be picked up. Second carts will be available on a first come first serve basis and we anticipate that an ordinance regarding those fees will be

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addressed this evening. Per the approval of the ordinance, we will prepare a mailer for the printer this week. All residents will receive a mailer regarding the transition to interstate waste services within the next couple weeks. We also have flyers on the back

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table for those who are interested. We will make sure this information is also available for those who attend the neighborhood watch meeting and available at the Kennedy Center, the senior center, and the library. Additionally, a letter will be sent to all residents who are currently on the

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waiting list for a second cart. those residents will be extended an opportunity to purchase a second cart prior to it being offered um ex and extended to the general public. We will also be sending so that's the trash collection service. We will also

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be sending out a mailer um postcard over the next couple weeks um to our residents uh related to our events coming up this summer and um early fall. Additionally, the communications department is working with the recreation department and challenge your

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clerk's office um to prepare for our website re um transition to Civic Plus. We anticipate this transition will occur in August time frame, but we will definitely keep you updated. Regarding our upcoming events, we are just a few days away from this year's

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rescheduled spring clean communities cleanup event. We do apologize to those who missed the rescheduled date due to um anticipated heavy rain forecast uh during the last Saturday in May. The rescheduled date will occur on this Saturday, May 9th, beginning at 9:30 at

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the Kennedy Center. And of course, we encourage everyone to come out and join us. And then also on Saturday, the rec department will be at Rita's Water Ice from noon until 3. Take and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to register for summer programs. grab a hot dog or burger and

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enjoy Rita's water ice. Um, we do want to make sure you're aware that applications for our youth fire academy and youth police academy are now available and they're available on our website. Of course, these are great opportunities for our young people and they are free opportunities. So, we want

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to encourage um participation in that. Our rep registration for camp fun and sun is now open. Those camp dates are July 6th through August 21st and um we do encourage participation in that. In

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addition to lupus awareness month, this is also mental health awareness month. So we do encourage you to check out our website um for a host of activities that are hosted by our recreation department. They have a um host of activities and programs kicking off this month. So

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there's something for everyone. We also want to make you aware, bless you, um that our Memorial Day observance will occur on Monday, May 25th at Mil Creek Park. Retired Command Sergeant Major Dr. Maurice Mimmss will be this year's keynote speaker, and that observance

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will be again at 11:00 a.m. Uh the Country Club Pool will open on Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 23rd, and will be open on weekends only from noon until 5 until June 28th. when it will open daily. As a reminder, free swim

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passes will be extended on Fridays during the summer for our Willough residents prek3 through 12th grade. On Friday, May 29th, we will host the second annual mayor's golf classic tournament in collaboration with the New Foundation. I believe more information

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will be shared later in the agenda. Our Friday night live series will kick off one month from today and will feature the Renaissance band. This year we'll be hosting performances every Friday until August 21st, weather permitting and excluding the holiday

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weekends. And we are collaborating with House Heads United this year, who will be hosting several Friday evening sessions as well. Our June team celebration will be held on Friday, June 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 at Mil Creek Park. Vendor applications and

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sponsorship sponsorship opportunities are now available. Again, more information regarding our live music series, Summit in Motion Block series, the jazz festival, and more will be um are coming up this summer. So, we're excited to share more information as we

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get closer to those dates. Um more information regarding the grand opening of our performance arts center will be shared soon and we hope to have a full schedule starting this fall. Information and updates will be forthcoming as we begin to transition from willingerec.com

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to a new platform, Civic Wreck. And this will align with our township's new website which will be powered by Civic Plus. And we just want to encourage you to stay informed, stay up to date regarding all of our many um resources. And I do have a um poster in the back

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with QR codes so people can sign up for our weekly download our app and just stay connected. That concludes my report and of course I'll entertain any questions you may have. >> Thank you, Miss Jackson. Any questions, uh, Councilman, >> as it relates to the uh, red tops?

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>> Yes. >> Last meeting I asked, if you have a current red top, is there an additional fee that's going to be assessed with dumping? Because I know the new red tops, they will be assessing a fee. So, I just want to clarify because I'm hearing there will be a fee, then I'm

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hearing there won't be a fee. Can I get a definitive answer? I believe according to the ordinance that will be pres um hopefully approved tonight, there will be a $145 uh collection fee for all those >> for all red top >> for everyone who owns a red top.

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>> Okay. Thanks for clarification. >> Absolutely. Any other questions? All right. Yes. >> Oh, Council Councilwoman, >> thank you. I'm super excited about the pool passes. So, thank you council for supporting um that initiative um and

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giving back to the community in the way that we're doing now. So, I just want to have a question regarding the pool tags. I know you said that they're going out. How are you reaching the students? How are they getting the tags? >> I am going to defer to the U director of recreation which I'm not sure him here.

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He's here but we will make sure we communicate that information and get that out. I believe that he does. They do have a relationship with the school district and they plan to disseminate that information, but I will definitely verify that. >> Okay. Okay. >> That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> And Council Veron, it's my understanding

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that um there they won't have a physical tag. They will have to register um so that they can check in. Yeah. So that they can check in when they get to the pool. Um but all students, you know, if they have proof of residency will just

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be able to um participate in the aquatics program. >> Okay. And I do remember um Mr. Li mentioning the the new app that's going to be transitioning over, but I wasn't sure how the stu then you mentioned hags this evening. So I now a physical tag, >> but I wasn't sure how that information

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was going to be conveyed to the schools or to the students. >> So maybe it's a takeaway for uh Mr. Lori when he's when he's available. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sounds good. We'll do. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Jackson. >> Thank you, Miss Jackson. And Miss Jackson did mention the transition with

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the uh the trash services happening on June 1st. It has been brought to my attention that we have been having uh collection problems um sporadically throughout the municipality. It has been a day or a section of town. And I did send a pretty

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uh stern letter to Republic reminding them that they are still under contract with the township and we still expect um full service from now until uh our contract is due and uh if there are any future problems and we will consider um

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doing appropriate fines um penalties and I did instruct our finance director to hold off in sending them any future payments between now and the end of this month just to ensure that we do not have any um service boycots because they were

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the losers of the the bid. >> And Mr. Harris, in line with that, I just want to remind residents that we do have a penalty structure within our contract with Republic. So, if your trash is not collected, that's money that we can receive back or not have to

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pay to Republic um for those miscolctions. So, please make sure you either email the clerk's office or the manager's office, send a note on the app um so that we know whose uh trash wasn't collected so that we can make sure that we assess the appropriate fines.

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>> Yes. And yes, that's fine. Thank you. >> Next on the list would be uh Chief Bernett from the Willingboro Fire Department. Good evening, Chief. >> Good evening, deputy mayor, deputy mayor, council, and public. Um, I'm here

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to report uh some some information about the fire and EMS department. Uh, first, I want to report that uh, Captain Matt Ferrell will be or who has retired as of May 1st. Um, he has dedicated over 32 32 years of combined full-time and volunteer service uh, to the Blar Fire

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Department and Township. Uh the department will hold a retirement ceremony for him on this Friday, May 8th at 1 pm at the uh fire headquarters located at 398 Charleston Road. Um with some other items going on, uh we have a promotion to announce. Uh

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congratulations go out to Lieutenant James Ratarowski who's being promoted to fire captain as of fire uh Friday, May 8th. Uh, Captain Ratarowski um brings many years of experience to the table and we feel confident that he will be a

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great um asset asset in his new role. Um, some some new hires on the fire side. The department has hired two new full-time firefighters off the civil service u list. Uh, Kyle Mcdana and Joseph Feliciano will join our ranks as

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of Friday, May 8th, uh, 2026. Both of these new hires are certified firefighters through the New Jersey State Division of Fire Safety. Um we will hold an official promotion and new hire ceremony within the next month or so for all the new hires that have been occurred that have occurred over the

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past six months. Um we're just waiting for some full dress uniforms to come in to make them look presentable when they had that uh ceremony. Um Cent Fire Academy that has started uh it started on April 22nd. Uh we have 11 adults in

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the class over the next uh eight Wednesdays. Um they meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to uh 9:30 p.m. Um they will go over they they will learn the department history. Uh they will go over the u what kind what type of gear and

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actually put the gear on that the firefighters utilize. They will also put on the uh SCBAs and see how that see how to wear SCBAs properly. Um they will also earn a two-year CPR CPR certification and they also will um get

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a chance to cut up a vehicle utilizing uh vehicle education tools as you guys know probably as jaws of life. So they get a chance to feel the weight of those tools and see what firefighters actually do on a um daily basis. Uh the graduation for the Citizen Fire Academy will occur on Wednesday, June 10th at

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6:30 p.m. Uh and that'll be held at the uh fire headquarters. Um, I'm going to re reannounce what Miss Jackson said about the Youth Fire Academy. Uh, the Youth Fire Academy application process went online on April 13th. Application filing is open until Friday, June 12th.

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Uh, we are seeking students ages 13 to 17 who are interested in a career in the fire service to participate in the youth fire academy. This 10-day Monday to Friday, two weeks uh fire academy style training program is designed to expose youth to many different aspects that can

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be found in the fire service community. While at the academy, students will participate in a variety of activities that actual fire recruits participate in in as part of their training. Some highlights of the academy will include uh fire behavior, firefighting tactics.

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They will also earn a CPR certification, uh, physical training, teamwork, and leadership skills. The class starts on July 6 through the 17th from 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m. The class is limited to 25 students, so get your applications in as soon as possible. Uh, you can download

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the application on the township website under public safety uh section or on the fire department website. Um the fire department also has four volunteers uh firefighters or or fire firefighters that are attending the

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spring semester academy in West Hampton, New Jersey. Uh this academy is held on every Sunday from 7:45 a.m. to 400 p.m. for approximately 6 months. They will go over um to overall they'll have uh course curriculum comes out to about 250

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hours of training. Um the cadetses who are training in the program are um and they're all from right from Willingboro. Trayvon Cox, uh Nippus, Jabismpor, Sebastian, and Raven Hall. Raymond Hall actually went through our youth fire academy over

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the years and now he's uh becoming a certified firefighter. So that's great. So that's great. Uh the training course will be completed next month in June and once they have passed the New Jersey Division of Fire C exam, we should have four new certified volunteer firefighters in the township. So that'd

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be great. Um on the EMS side, um EMS the we had some new hires. Uh department has hired two new full-time EMTs. Uh Peter Serena and Jada McBride joined our ranks uh back in April. Um both full-time EMTs

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backfilled some positions that were vacated by full-time employees. Also, the department has hired some new predium EMT staff uh Chinme Narin Taylor Latin Latin uh Devon Erison and Patrick Harvey. So, they joined our ranks within

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the last several months. Um and hopefully um so but they're on the the predium side. So they're available when um we ask them to write to come in to back fill some spots. Um EMS response go real quick. Um the

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EMS department runs approximately 5,000 calls for service a year. William Township is a very busy department when it comes down to medical emergencies. Almost daily. Willing EMS receives back-to-back incidents that we are dispatched to within the community. A lot of times we receive three to four

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calls within 10 minutes um in a 10-minute period. Uh and that's constant throughout the uh daytime. Um the department can't answer all the calls within the time frame. So mutual aid departments are dispatched. I recently received a telephone call from the president of the Bernie County EMS

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chiefs association to advise me that some agencies have cut back on their out of town responses even to our community. So that may cause an additional burden on townships that currently provide mutual aid to our community. Um but within the 2026 budget request, we did

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ask for four additional full-time EMTs to allow the department to hire a um staffing to to staff a second ambulance on a 7-day week uh basis. Uh the second ambulance will help address the multiple calls that we receive daily. So hopefully that the additional personnel still will remain in the 2026 budget

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request. uh apparatus. Um in 20 in the 2024 capital uh uh budget um the council approved a new ambulance. So finally after fall of 2024 to now it

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finally is getting online in 2026. It takes that long to make an ambulance now. Who would have ever thought? Um so I just I just received the the specifications and drawings today uh for the new ambulance that that was ordered back in the fall of 2024. uh we have to meet with the vendor uh probably on

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Monday to go over specifications and drawings to confirm that everything is correct. Once it's approved, once we approve that everything is correct, that will go online and we should have that vehicle within 6 months. So, probably by the end of the year. Okay. And my last highlight that I want to go over is uh

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back on Friday, April 24th, uh from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. uh the fire department conducted a departmental training uh where we had all the staff come in. We conducted some training on ladder operations at emergency services training center. Uh the the firefighters went through three evolutions in the use

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of power soil cutting rebar how to enter a structure utilizing it's a technique called vent enter isolate and search concept and uh roof cutting operations. This training was conducted with no smoke and then we did it with smoke. Uh, and we want to thank Burn Township Fire

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Department, Beverly Beverly Company, Beverly Fire Company number two for covering our town while we're at training. So, that's what happened. >> Thank you, Chief. Any questions for Chief Bernett? >> All right, Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um, thank you

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for the updates, Chief. A question regarding the mutual aid. Um, you mentioned as some of the communities have decided or they've had to pull back or um, they're not going to be responding as much. Is Willingboro in return also doing that for the communities that are pulling out of

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Willingboro? Are we extending mutual aid to them? >> So the ones that I've that I got an email from, we do not they they come to our town more than we ever would get dispatched right to their town. Um it's these are town um the one I got from

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from was from Cmenson. Uh but we probably never go to Cmenson for for EMS mutual. I was curious because I know sometimes we're the decisions we're making for personnel and even for equipment include um the consideration of providing mutual aid to other communities. So just just curious about

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how that's working. >> Right. So our neighboring towns we do um go to their towns >> and they come to >> and and they definitely come to our town. Absolutely. Yes. >> Will you be able to just keep us surprised as that continues on? Um I'm just curious to see how that's going to

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you know play out if other communities are gonna um start doing that as well right closer to Willingboro. >> Yeah. So the way that we have um what we call response grids and um our neighboring towns that are on our response grids have not said anything

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like that they wouldn't come to our town. Uh it's just that the further ones because if they're committed then central dispatches the next town pass them to come our town. But I said that for some reason we are notorious for getting three to four calls in like 10

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minutes and not just one time, two or three times a day. >> And I was and also I mean I can't direct you to work but Mr. Harris I was wondering if Chief um could just proactively reach out to those um communities that provide services to Willenboro to um to thank them for what they do and just kind of shore up the

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relationships as as things are continuing to shift um in today's climate. >> We most absolutely will do that. Deputy Mayor and and one of the things that that Chief Bernett and myself are very grateful to this council for is that you approved the funding for the hiring of

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full-time EMT personnel. Prior to that action, um they were all perdm and uh we invested about $255,000 in salaries, but we are getting back insurance uh returns to for the

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increase. Right. this year. >> Last year it was um it was close to 900 not million 900,000. How much it was 900 million? 900,000. Yes. >> So even with the calls that we have not been making, there is still a lot of money that is left on the table in

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reimbursements which some of our wiser neighbors have been taking advantage of because when they answer the calls, then they collect that revenue. Right. >> So even when we were short staffed and they were willing to come in and spend some time in our house um it wasn't just pure um good neighborly. Right.

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>> Right. >> So we understand. So that is what our hope is as well that um with the additional personnel we will be able to cover or recoup additional revenues to cover their salary expenditures. And I do firmly believe that Chief Bernett's

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EMT services will be another million-doll department here. Yes. In Willingboro in 2026. >> Great. Thank you, Chief. And I just want to say um thank you um for all that you and your staff do with the Citizens Fire

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Academy. It's such a tremendous program um and opportunity for our residents to really get acquainted with our fire department. And I'm looking forward to the um junior fire academy. Um I definitely will be promoting it with all students. >> Absolutely. And I saw them uh the other

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night in their gear um the citizen fire academy. They were like, "Oh my god, they scares heavy." But they are enjoying it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Thank you, >> Deputy Mayor. I can't promise you push-ups. >> Last but definitely not least, Mr. Dennis Tonsl who is um in charge of our

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uh inspector's department first million-doll department in William will borrow. >> Good evening council. >> Good evening Mr. Tom. >> Madame Mayor, madame deputy mayor and council as well as the William Township public. I have shared with you some of

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the numbers pertaining to April and where we are with relationship to our revenues for the quarter. So, I'm not going to burden you and read any numbers. What I would like to do is talk to you or share with you some information pertaining to what's going

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on in our department. The inspection department, as you know, is comprised of uh both code enforcement as well as UCCC, which is the uniform construction, zoning, as well as housing. We are currently code enforcement is heavily

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into the grass season, as you may have noticed. Uh grass growth and overgrowth areas and weeds have a compliance date of 3 days for maintenance. That's weather dependent. Of course, that

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landscaping ordinance is 27-10B. Keep in mind that reverse frontages are also the responsibility of the property owners. And when I say reverse frontages, that means the lot which is in the rear and facing the street is the

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property of the individual who owns that lot and they are responsible for maintaining that lot. Many people are not aware of that, but they are. You're not allowed to plant within 10 feet and you are not supposed to have any

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obstructions within the 20 foot barrier. Trash and recycling placement, one of the hot topics of our township. That ordinance is through or kept if outside in the rear yard

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inside the rear yard fence area in the case of a townhouse. So, those folks living in Written House and uh Fairmont Park, technically based on our ordinance, and I know there's some issues pertaining to the size of the trash cans being able to fit into the

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fence. Um, they are supposed to be within the inside of that f fence. It says also to that side of the building, not adjacent to a street. So if you live on the corner and you're adjacent to the street, technically your trash can

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should be inside the fence or unless there shall be by reverse planning or um the event shall be kept or stored in such a place that it will not become a nuisance. And what that clearly means is that you must maintain your trash can.

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You can't allow your trash can to overflow. You can't allow the trash to hit the ground. We are aware of the issue pertaining to um Republic and picking up the trash. So, we are not currently writing up any trash cans that remain on the street that haven't been

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picked up. However, you must maintain that trash can if it's in the street. So, if you got it overflowing and that trash is on the ground, you have to pick that trash up and you must maintain that trash can. In those situations, we will

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be asking for compliance and you may receive a notification. So, last meeting or a couple of meetings ago, I was asked to look into basketball courts. And after looking carefully into the

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ordinance, which is 370-13R, and it reads, in accordance with 31715E, secondary use, no barbecue grills, inflatable amusement devices, play sets, outdoor playhouses, trampolines, or

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sports apparatus may be placed or erected in the front and side of any lot. So the problem with me looking into basketball courts is this ordinance does not specifically call out basketball courts. It says sports apparatus. So

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that includes basketball courts that includes soccer goals or any other sports apparatus. So the only way to adjust this is to obviously make some adjustment to the ordinance to relate to basketball courts

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um in itself. Uh there was some question about whether or not the township wanted to take on the responsibility of determining whether or not these courts were erected properly. And I said then and I say now again I don't believe that's something that we want to be

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involved in or um have that as an obligation for anyone um in terms of checking to make sure the courts are installed properly. There is obviously a manufacturing um requirements and specifics that or specs

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I should say um that should be followed when using that apparatus. Uh one other thing housing divisions we have implemented an automated scheduling uh inspection notification which will improve our communication

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with scheduling uh our applicants. Uh this system basically notifies the uh applicant when that inspection is going to take place. So there's no guessing, there's no trying to figure it out and we don't have to um make any unnecessary phone calls. They will receive an email

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pertaining to that inspection date and time. Also, relative to housing, uh, we have training going on for two inspectors that have been accepted into the fire inspectors class beginning June the 1st.

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I believe this uh is required that all fire inspectors or all inspectors for residential changes of occupancy are able to test and evaluate the functionality of smoke carbon monoxide

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detectors and portable fire extinguishers compliance in addition to um checking to make sure that the electrical panels are labeled properly. And last but not least, I'd like to

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report that there are one, two, three, four new businesses in town. 621 Beverly Ran Kokus Road, uh number 3B is an inspiring your creativity. It's a recreation center. Uh 20 uh 231 Vans

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Skyver Parkway, Pegasus is a mental health and substance abuse treatment center. Uh 330 Beverly Rancokus is express cuts. It's obviously a barber shop and hair salon and 609 Beverly Rancokus

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uh is a virtual reality gaming center. Uh those four businesses are now currently open in Willingboro. If you have any questions, I will be glad to entertain them. Uh if you have any questions pertaining to the numbers

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that I've given you given you, uh please feel free to ask. >> Thank you, Mr. Tunl. Any questions for Mr. Tons. >> Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Tons. I I was going to ask about the uh new businesses. So, I'm glad you brought

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those up. I was curious if you could share an update on when I don't know if you know um when AutoZone is opening on Beverly Grand Cook is. >> We don't have a date for Autozone, but based on uh the inspections that have taken place in our department, they

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should be opening up uh sometime early June, if I'm not mistaken. Um, they have been working diligently. As you can see, the sign is up now, so we do know what the facility is going to be. I can check on that and find out. Um, I've talked to

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the manager there a couple of times. Uh, he is definitely looking forward to opening up, I believe, in June. I think they're waiting for some of their supplies to come in so they can stock their shelves properly. >> Okay. My second question was about the uh the old firehouse. I saw they're

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digging up a lot of stuff uh around it and going to be Yes. Any updates on when they're supposed They've been under construction for some time. Any updates? >> Quite some time. Uh that, as you know, is supposed to be a restaurant. Um we don't have a a final date on it opening.

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They've finally kind of regenerated some activity. It's been lying dormant for a while now. Um, as you may or may not know, that uh resource road behind it actually belongs to that location. So,

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that's going to be part of their parking lot in their entry u from the rear, but they are digging up the asphalt and uh I can check on that one, too. I'll stop by and see how things are going. I haven't been able to catch up with the manager there or the owner of that property, but

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uh I see the workers there all the time and and uh our um our construction official has done several inspections in the last couple of days. >> Okay. And then the convenience store that's um at MLK uh >> favorite.

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>> Yes, our favorite. I was wondering any do we know what's going on there? I know they're um they've vacated this space. >> The one at MLK? Um no. >> Okay. that that that store actually is owned by the gentleman who owns a gas station across the street and he owns

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both of those those locations. Uh at one point he was trying to rent it out as a restaurant. Um I don't know if that ever uh was able to get any traction, but right now it still remains vacant. Uh as

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I was going to report, I think I had it here somewhere. Well, on your report, it talked about the vacant commercial buildings and residential uh properties being residential 168 and commercial 20.

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That number 168 is down considerably uh from where we were several years ago when we were getting close to a thousand if not more. So, there is movement, there is traction. A lot of the houses are being sold and and refurbished. uh and uh our

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UCCC department is working hard on on keeping things uh moving in the right direction. >> Thank you, Mr. Tonsel. >> All right, Mr. Tonsil, just uh a few things. Um I see in your report you your department has given uh 620 total

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violations in the month of April. Um I know we had talked a little bit about um inspectors working on the weekends. Can you talk a little bit about the schedule that you have set up for um inspectors making sure that uh things are still in place over the weekends?

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>> Certainly. As you are aware, we have a one employee working every Saturday from 8 to 4. Uh we kind of work through I shouldn't say that. I was going to say we work through lunch, but I'm not going to say that.

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From 8 to 4 uh every Saturday. and uh it's working out pretty well. Uh what I can do going forward is to give you a breakdown of what happens on Saturday so that you know what's going on. Saturday's been notorious for a lot of construction activity as well as truck

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parking and things of that nature. Um, surprisingly enough, I got a email from the state asking us whether or not we offer any leniency in this town for truckers who are resting and uh, you know, they have to be off the road a

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number of hours before they can get back on the road. So, you know, we have taken in certain things into consideration when it comes to truck parking. Uh, overnight is not acceptable. Obviously, sometimes they'll pull into a lot and

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rest for a few hours before they hit the road. A lot of times our code enforcement officers are knocking on the window and we find them in the back sleeping. Uh we try not to disturb those individuals. However, it is not legal for you to park 18ers in

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any parking lot in this town. So, we have to do what we have to do. >> Thank you, Mr. Council. Any other questions? All right. Thank you, Mr. Johnson. >> Good evening, guys. Enjoying a beautiful day today.

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>> Do you want to wait just trash? Up to you. >> Oh, yeah. >> All right, Mr. Harsh, you can continue. >> Can and just some brief uh project summaries that are are going on still here in in the township. Several

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township capital projects are actively moving forward, including the senior center improvements, the performing arts center closeout work, roadway improvements, drainage repairs, park improvements, and facility upgrades. The senior center revised plans have been approved by council, and the the

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performing arts center change order number 17 is scheduled for tonight's meeting to address two electrical items required by the official township code enforcement. uh so they can go ahead and receive the certificate of occupancy. Uh phase one and phase two work are almost

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nearly completed. Uh construction on the senior center uh remodel is projected to start in August and hopefully be completed in early 2027. The township was awarded an aotment of $550,000 from the transportation trust

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fund for uh one year 2026 which is going to be used on Shawont Shetlin and Sheffield lanes. There are three projects that were submitted on that application and this funding will support local railway infrastructure improvements here in Willing Burrow. The

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2026 roadway improvement will be coordinated with Remington Vernick uh the township and PSCG. A meeting is scheduled for May 11th to discuss the next round of roads all of which will be roads where where PSCG has performed

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work and the project will include um uh the I bank funding application. Park facility and public amenity projects are advancing. The food pantry design is nearly complete. Crystal Lake survey permitting uh for the parking

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lot, walkway, and dock coordination is underway and Mil Creek park improvements, including restroom facilities for the pickup ball courts and Jake's Place are being coordinated with Green Acre. Several construction and repair items are near completion or

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or moving forward as reported to Kennedy Track is substantially complete and will be reopened for public uh usage tomorrow. We are still reviewing the lighting options that are are being reviewed uh for installation there as well. Pageant Lane and Plum Plum Tree

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Powder Lane emergency Storm Dream repairs are moving for towards construction. I believe they're going to begin on Padet Lane um next or tomorrow. And uh uh Plum Tree and Powder Lane will begin after uh the May 19th council

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meeting. we award that contract and Lambert construction will be involved with both. Um, Edge Lane is substantially complete except for a few punch list items. Concrete and sidewalk repair locations have been identified

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with with engineering. Um, those proposals are due on May 19th. The Tyler Drive speed humps plans are underway or under township review. Uh the Kennedy Center rooftop unit support repairs are ready for purchasing review with an

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engineer's estimate of $159,000 uh for those repairs. Eastgate Lane engineering proposals are under review um for the $35,700 uh local aid funded project. Um some notable occurrences Mil Creek Park the

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EV charging stations have been installed. We are just currently waiting on PSCG to energize the statements before they can be placed into service. The uh hot water heater uh replacement at the JFK center has been completed.

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That was an item that uh we did fail on when the state came in and did their surprise inspection. I do want to note the um fine work that Miss Lorraine Spellelman has been doing with managing our uh JFK rental spaces for the last

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two months. She has brought in $35,817 in revenue compared to $20,25 same period last year for an increase of $15,792. And I just uh thank her for her um

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diligence in executing the uh adopted fee ordinances um to recoup some of the revenues that are needed to to maintain and those facilities. um two stone stone haven lane cyber repairs uh have been completed by ocean

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construction at a cost of $11,000. The work included a manhole installation and adjustment to final grade excavation um for approximately 2.7 cubic yards of concrete. The new sidewalk section was

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blended into the existing surface and graded to ensure proper drainage. And the country club pool is ongoing uh preparation ready for opening. Uh it was determined that the pool drain covers must be replaced which is required every

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5 years. And to complete this work the pool must be completely fully drained to expose the drain covers. A purchase order has been issued to mainline pools and we are waiting confirmation of service date uh once the vendor receives the necessary permits. Overall, the

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township continues to advance uh multiple infrastructure, facility, park, and emergency repair initiatives while in coordinating funding, permitting, purchasing, and construction schedules. And that is our report for this evening. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Harris, and um

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our directors. Um thank you, directors, really for coming up to the mic. It's important for the community to see who's at the helm on at these um departments and so that they can put a name to a face and um just know who you are. Make yourself more uh available and

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accessible to our residents. Uh so thank you for sharing your reports from your department. The information is um much appreciated. Um Mr. Harris, I did have two notes that um came to me just really

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like today. Um, one is about Deer Park. There's some cracked, severely cracked sidewalks and basin overgrowth, catch basin overgrowth in Deer Park that uh, I'd like for you to take a look at. And

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then also during our snow operations this year, there was an easement on Enderly Lane that was dug up um, accidentally. And I just want you to take a look at uh, that as well. Enderly Lane.

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>> Any other questions for Mr. Harris? Uh, Councilwoman F. >> Yes, I just wanted to follow up with the resident that um had contacted me and I did speak to at the council meeting, Mr. Harris, regarding the sidewalk and how it was um damaged because you were

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putting down new cement. So, do we have an update on that? >> Mr. Chapman sir Chadman >> Mr. Chapman's department DPW was handling that issue. Mr. Chapman an update on that. >> Good evening everybody. How's everyone

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doing? >> All righty. So, sidewalk repair. Yes, we are aware. We just haven't had time to get around to it. Um, we do have an allocation for sidewalk repairs under this year's capital. Um, we're trying to

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earmark a particular portion of it to try to clear out the backlog, but the sidewalk you're talking about, we are aware scheduling wise. We'll try to get to it. >> It's not on schedule. >> No, we haven't re started repairing any sidewalks in house. >> Any sidewalks in that area or

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>> No, any sidewalk repairs haven't begun in-house by us at all period this year. you have an idea when you'll start that >> um >> like is it a people thing or a finance type of thing? >> Uh I would just say

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mixture of both. Um people and scheduling wise we're having a I guess you could say struggles right now trying to keep up with our workload in comparison to all of the other things that we're tasked to do. Um right now we are still staffed at I think uh 23

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people. Um, one, two people are out right now. Um, not workers comp, but pre-related injuries. Um, and we're just with callouts and staffing issues, we're just trying to do everything that we can. The majority of our time right now with all of the scheduling and the

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picking up of the events of the rental spaces, majority of our morning is spent setting up. So, every morning we dispatch and we have to send a significant portion of the available staff that we have over towards setups. um by the time that's over with, it's probably almost closer to lunch break

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time and then that's when we really get to start dispatching people to do our assignments. So, we are aware of all of the things that's going on. However, we're just stretched to the point right now where we are currently falling behind on some of our uh responsibilities such as sidewalk repairs, pothole filling, um catch

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basin, uh maintenance, and all of the above. So, I understand we're trying to get to it. Um, but as of right now, it's just uh I guess you could say a burden that we just haven't been able to handle. >> What about the lawn maintenance in the

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major roads that we that I've been speaking about? I mean, they've ordered some material. >> Yes. So, um, if you have driven down of veterans, they have been uh, methodically working their way down. Um, the exact location that they're at right now, I do not know. The last update I

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have, they were past JFK. However, we did receive the order of compost that's already at the yard. We have there has been no applications of herbicide. So, the grass is starting some areas if you can notice it's starting to grow back. It will take some time, but we have been mowing it. We have been consistently

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tending to it to the best we can. So, it is growing back slowly but surely, but it's coming. No problem. >> Just one other question. I know you mentioned before um with regards to this topic about staffing. So, what is a typical um number of people you would

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need where you're at capacity where you be able to set out projects um for the the community of Wingboro? >> Um that look like as far as people count, >> I guess roughly for a community this size with what we are tasked with doing

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in conjunction with the setups of facilities, tables, events, barbecues, paint, you name it. Um, safe to say I would like that target number to be somewhere around 40 employees. >> Um, yes, because of the amount of grass

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that we have to do, the amount of I guess you could say I just was looking at the stormwater catch basin report from the township own and the non-township own. There's several areas that have overgrown vegetation that need attention to it. The one that you just mentioned at Deer Park, I'm well aware

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of it, already aware of it. is just we're h we just do not have the manpower or the time to get there and we're trying to get there and we're just mixing. We had today I think we had three call outs. We brought the number down to about 18 available people and

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then six of them had to go do setups all morning for uh the facility rental. So it's just at this particular point we're just stretched in. We're doing everything we can. I'm trying I'm feeling all the phone calls we can. trash calls, the scheduling of metal,

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the bulk scheduling, you name it. The calls are coming in. We're trying to get the pool set up with all of all of the events and things that come on. I believe a lot of our time is more inward facing than it is outward facing. And

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that's just the nature of the situation that we're in right now. >> Mr. Harris, would it be possible to look at maybe some um part-time employees for setups in that morning to maybe free up some of our DPW workers? >> We have uh we have looked at that. We

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have uh set up um hired uh employees to to do support. Um we've had three on board, but two didn't work out. So, we are moving in that direction. Um yeah. >> Okay.

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If anybody wants to help in the mornings on setup, please contact Mr. Harris. All right. Um, thank you, Mr. Chapman. >> No problem. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, any other questions from council for Mr. Harris?

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All right. Seeing none, we'll go to the review of ordinances and resolutions. Thank you, mayor. The items being presented to you this evening for your consideration is an ordinance amending chapter 350 of the township code

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entitled towing to update procedures for application and participation in the towing rotation list. This has been something that has been under construction for uh several I would say months now and I guess it is finally ready to be presented to the governing

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body for uh for consideration or introduction. Um, next is an ordinance of Willingboro um amending chapter 252 of the code of the township entitled peace and good order to add a new article 4 entitled special events and it's establishing a

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formal process for the permitting review and coordination and regulation of special events uh within the township. described that um activities that could potentially have above 100 persons in

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participate or in um participating uh in outside facilities within the township. being considered for public hearing and final adoption is ordinance number 26 2026-8 which is an ordinance of the township uh

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adopting an amendment to the 4284 Route 130 development plan which was dated February 2026 ordinance 2026-13 is the bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements in and by

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the township of Willingber in the amount of 3,300 $180,000 appropriating $3,211,000 in bonds or notes uh to finance part of the cost thereof.

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Uh, ordinance number 2026-14, which is an ordinance of the township um, amending chapter 370, article 17, uh, supplementary regulations of the code of the township by creating a new

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section number 370-94 entitled to optional red lid additional refuge cart program. And that's specifically related to the red lid um carts that are being introduced into the the township setting the fees um and the

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the policies and the procedures to execute that or ordinance. Resolutions being presented to you this evening is resolution number 2026-101 which is a resolution to read of the municipal budget by title. Uh and this

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will allow us to um this will affirm that the budget has been placed uh in the local libraries and has been published and will allow us to read the budget by by title. Uh we will not be

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entertaining resolution number 2026102 which was a resolution adopting the 2026 municipal budget this evening as we are required to move forward with some statemandated and some uh municipality requested amendments. Those amendments

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uh will not be ready for introduction until May 19th. So, we will have the uh the amendments presented to you before the meeting and we will have um the hearing on the amendments and then possible um adoption of the final municipal

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budget in June. So, we can move forward with the budget hearing tonight if you choose to or we can do it in on the 19th, whichever the council desires. Resolution number 2026103 is a resolution authorizing the approval of vouchers for payment and ratification.

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Resolution 2026-104 is a resolution authorizing refunds for overpayment of taxes. Resolution 2026-105 is a resolution authorizing u the extension of change order number two for the contract for cloud-based product

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solutions and online platforms. This is our contract that we have currently with Granicus which is scheduled to expire um before our new website is implemented. So, we were able to um extend that contract for a six-month period just to

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make sure that we do not run into any hiccups and be without a website before we are fully ready to transition. Uh resolution number 2026-106 is a resolution authorizing change order number 17 for a contract with JH Williams Enterprise relating to the

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performing arts center. This change order is specifically relating to a a few electrical um adjustments that need to be made um particularly with the emergency lighting and horns and flashing uh in case there's an emergency within the facility and which are

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requirement of our uh code enforcement officer office uh before they would issue um the certificate of occupancy. And then resolution number 2026-107 is a resolution authorizing change order

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number one for a contract with paving plus for the roadway improvements to Edge Lane. And those are all the items being presented to you for your consideration this evening. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Harris, for

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that overview. At this time, we'll move forward with our first public comment. This is for agenda items only. Any um questions or statements on any of the ordinances or resolutions that were just presented to

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you? Um you may come up to the mic and speak. You will have two minutes um for this public comment. Public comment is now open for agenda items only. >> I don't think I need to go down. Well, for it to be recorded, we need to

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make sure you speak into the mic. >> Okay. >> Sarah Holly, nine tyogga lane. >> Good evening, Miss Holly. >> Almost 50 years. How are you tonight? Good. I have a question as it pertains to ordinance B, the ordinance of the township. I want um an explanation of

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peace and good order and also examples of special events. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I'll get that answer ASAP. >> All right. Okay. >> Good evening, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Council.

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>> Good evening. >> Uh, a couple of questions. Um, one was just to find out, I noticed that there was a mention about penalties for the trash pickup. Would that be for one day late? That would be my question. or

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if it would be if it's a whole week late. So if in case that's the if that is the rule then would you want for the residents to um give a call if the trash pickup is a day late? Uh second question

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about four years ago when we started this uh trash pickup with automated system I did bring it to the attention of the DPW about Written House Park. I'm no longer a resident of Written House Park, but I did bring this up because I do know that a lot of residents are

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still getting penalized or getting well, not penalized yet, but they are getting uh some type of a what would you call it? A note um stating that their trash is not going to the back and behind the

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fence. Um, this what I brought up before was the trash bins are too large for a lot of the fences. So, I had asked guess four years ago that it be known to the rest of the residents that um that they

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should order a smaller trash can. is going to continue to be an issue. Um if um and you're going to continue to have residents that are not going to be able to put their trash can behind the fence because the the fences are too small to

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fit the trash cans through. Um this other question was for the uh the fire department. uh maybe a year ago you were offering free um smoke alarms and installation. I would like to know if that's still um possible

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and if so where do uh the residents need to go to see if they can uh receive a a smoke alarm? Those are my three questions. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Matthysse. >> Any other public comment on agenda items

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only? Good evening. A manor spindle top lane. >> Good. Good evening. >> Um I just had a question on ordinance 202613. Um more so about the budget down payment. Um being that I guess we have to seek higher taxes because of the

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budget already, is there any reason why we're not doing the minimum 5% amount? And then um in regards to the trash containers and the public works portion of the bond ordinance, is that related to the residence bins with the new contract or is that just containers

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overall for the township u public works location? That's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Seeing none, no others, public comment is now closed. Um, Mr. Harris, can to answer Miss Holly's

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question, um, can you answer the question about peace and good order in that ordinance? What classifies as a special event? And, um, just a over an overview of the ordinance itself.

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So the the the the title piece in in good order. That's just the title, but essentially it was designed to bring um order to special events um here in Willing Barrow and um I would say

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establish a a level of peace for the residents uh hopefully so these events don't get out of control. Some example of special events may include but are not limited to community festivals, fairs or celebrations, carnivals,

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circuses or amusement based events, parades, marches, processions, outdoor concerts, performances or theatrical productions, craft fairs, vendor markets, corporate business promotional events, demonstrations, rallies or organized public assemblies, fire uh

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works displays or pyrochnic events, large-scale sporting recreation, of fraternals or fitness events and events conducted on private property that are open to the public and of sufficient size or scope that may require township coordination or public

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safety services. Um those are some of the examples of special events um outlined in the ordinance. >> Okay. and the po uh Miss Ali, I think additionally some of it is um it lays

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out the fees for some of the events if you need permits um and also uh coordination with other departments that you may have to as well as any pol uh penalties that may be incurred if you

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don't secure the proper uh permits. All right, Miss Matthysse had a question about the penalt penalties for late trash pickup. I believe that's a daily penalty, right, Mr. Harris? >> If they are one day late, they have the

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ability to cure that. And if they don't uh cure the the the collection within the time frame, then they can be assessed a penalty. >> Okay. So, if your trash is late two days and not picked up, then call us. >> Yeah. And I would prefer that the

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residents contact the Department of Public Works because they are keeping um those records. But if they call my office or the clerk's office, we will refer them or take the information and refer the information accordingly. >> All right, Madame Mayor. >> Yes. >> So, just on the topic with public works,

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um Mr. Harris, I know I had spoken to you about the calling public works. The voicemail still says the gentleman that used to do Mr. Chapman's job. In addition to when you call that number, it just says push one for this person's name, push two for this person's name.

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It does not tell you the title or the job function of that individual. And I've called and it's still that way. So, I'm just trying to see and I know we we spoke about this a couple months ago. So, is when how can we get that rectified?

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>> That is in the process of of being rectified. Um, we are in the process of revamping our whole phone list. Um, it was a little more extensive than than I thought, but we are in the process of of correcting it uh throughout the whole municipality. >> Okay. So, just for right now, because

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you you just directed the community to call public works regarding the TR situation or if there's a situation, what feature should they push? Um what is miss? It's either Miss L Gambino

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or um Right. >> All righty. That will be extension 1051 from Michelle Boon or 1107 for Susan Lang Gambina. >> And then you also have mine as well. 11:05. 1105 is a backup default.

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>> 1050. Say a little slower. And then just >> 1051 that's Michelle Boon. 1107 is Susan Langenbina and then 1105 is myself Bradley Chapman.

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>> Thank you. >> All right. >> I will ask Mrs. Jackson to highlight that in our communication so the public has that information as well. >> Thank you. Uh all right. Um also, uh there were some

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statements about the trash cans in Written House. Um I know you talked a little bit about that. Um Mr. Tontol, about the violations for the trash cans in Written House. Do we still have the smaller carts available at the yard um

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for those residents that need smaller carts because they won't fit in the gates in the town houses? >> I don't think we ever had smaller carts. >> They they were available though I guess they're not available at this time >> for I believe there were I I believe

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there were recycling carts that were were available um and they were distributed in in Fairmont I believe. But the trash I don't believe ever had smaller sized carts. >> I remember a note going around or a letter going around to written house

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residents and at the time of distribution, initial distribution, they can select to have a regular 96gallon cart or I think it was a 56gallon smaller or 64 gallon 60gallon um smaller cart. Um, I wanted to see if those are

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still available, but um, maybe we can explore um, either getting smaller carts. Do we still have to use the same carts with the new trash company or can residents purchase their own trash cart? Again, >> they can purchase their own trash cans,

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but um, those are our trash cans. So yeah, but but if the governing this body, you know, decides to get a smaller cart, uh is it going to be a smaller cart specifically for written house or will everyone have the opportunity to get smaller carts?

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>> Okay, >> we would have to have that conversation. >> Okay, so we'll explore that a little further. And then um for Chief Bernett, the smoke alarm installation, is that happening again or Yes, we still um through the American

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Red Cross, we get um smoke detectors donated to us. Um so we can uh all you have to do is uh go on to the um either Township website. There's application there or the fire department website. You can just go online or call the fire department at 609-871-7476

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directly and we can um get that set up. But we this won't hand you out one. The Red Cross requires us to install it, right? So, we have to be able to install it. And then also too, I want to make a note that um we've we've received phone calls when people are selling their

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house for um for um uh >> smoke alarms, >> right? For real. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Right. To pass inspection. Red Cross does not allow us to install for that purpose. So, but this is only for people that are in need of a smoke detector. We'll be more than happy to uh install

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them. Okay. Thank you. All right. Um, there was another question from Miss Manners about the 5% down payment. >> So, the 5% down payment for all of our bonding is included as part of our

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municipal budget. That's part of our our requirement and it is included. >> Okay. And then um for the um trash bin question, that is for resident second carts um not for the initial trash

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collection, but it's if you need an additional cart, there's a fee and then uh or to purchase the cart and then an annual fee for tipping up that cart. Oh, we can't take other questions, but you can come back during um public

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regular public comment. Um, >> so Mayor, if I I may, that's one of the things Miss Diggs and I were just communicating about. We do need to go forward with the public hearing for the um for the the budget this evening. >> Oh, okay.

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>> Just a public hearing. Miss Scott, do you have the resolution for >> W? Right. Um I think that was all four um items

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agenda item. All right, we'll move on to the ordinances. Okay. All right. Um, Miss Scott will um move for the ordinances for introduction.

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May I get a motion to introduce ordinance 202615 entitled an ordinance amending chapter 350 of the township code entitled towing to update procedures for application and participation in the towing rotation list. Anyone wishing to come forward to

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comment on this order. >> This is just an introduction. >> So moved. >> Been moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by uh Councilwoman Mintosh. Any discussion? Seeing none. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron?

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>> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy? >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield? >> Yes. May I get a motion to introduce ordinance 26-15, an ordinance of the township of

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Willenboro, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, amending chapter 252 of the code of the township of Willenboro entitled peace and good order to add a new article 4 entitled special events establishing a formal process

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for the permitting review, coordination, and regulation of special events within the township. And uh Miss Scott, that's 20 2026-16. My apologies. Yes, 16. >> Do we have a motion? >> So move.

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>> Second. >> Moved by Councilwoman Macintosh. Seconded by Councilman Anderson. Any discussion? >> Seeing none. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield.

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>> Yes. We'll move on to the public hearing um for the redevelopment plans. I'd like to open the public hearing on ordinance 26-8 titled Ordinance of the Township of Willenboroough County of Burlington, New Jersey, adopting an

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amendment to the 420 42840, excuse me, 4284 Route 130 re redevelopment plan dated February 26. Anyone wishing to come forward to comment on this ordinance, please do so.

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All right. Good evening. Um Mr. Colber, um could you just give a brief uh overview brief overview of the changes that we'll be making for this redevelopment plan. >> Good evening. My name is Michael Colber. I'm the director of planning for BRS.

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I'm the municipal planner for William Bro Township. Uh the planning board for Willingboro for William Township uh held a public hearing on April 13th regarding this redevelopment plan. At that public hearing, they passed a resolution

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uh determining that this redevelopment plan um this uh is in conformance with the uh master plan for the uh township of Willingboro and recommended that Willingboroough Township adopt the redevelopment plan. As part of that um hearing um there was a detailed

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discussion about section five additional regulations for individual town home lots. Um in that section five there's a subclause stating the redeveloper will be responsible for building side and rear yard fencing for individual town homes. Um, there was a long discussion

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at the hearing about how to interpret that clause and whether or not this meant that the developer should be required to install fencing for all lots as part of the development or whether that fencing should only be required if it's at at the at the discretion of the

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residents coming in. Um it was determined that um for the planning board that the preference is that the developer install that fencing for the rear yard of all of all homes not just at the request of residents. However, there was a recognition that there may be some complications in the site plan process

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that could um that the board may wish to reconsider that additional time. The recommendation therefore was that um city council clarify the township council clarify the clause um with a note that um the developer will be responsible for uh building side rear

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fencing for individual town homes. However, um there should be a waiver be a waiver should be permitted at the discretion of the planning board um in case um uh for additional provisions for uh for the fencing instead. uh should that be

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determined to be necessary by the planning board due to um design site plan design at at after they've uh reviewed the site plans. Um that's the only change that was requested by the planning board. Um so they uh re recommended that to the uh

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town council for review. Um the resolution was not yet memorialized. So this was sent in a letter by the plan by the planning board chair uh to Samantha Cino as the clerk um for your consideration tonight. All right. Thank you, Mr. Crowber. Any questions for Mr. Cobber?

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All right. Seeing none, and any members of the public wish to comment on this uh redevelopment plan, this ordinance? All right. Council, any question? Oh, come on up, Mr. Matthews.

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I'm not aware of this um something about a townhouse um development. Could you share some some additional information on what that is and where it's going to be? I'm I just apologize for not being

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aware that this was happening and I'm not sure if if everyone here is aware. So, would that be okay for someone to be able to share that information? Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Memphis. >> All right. Um, so a question for council

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in this. Do we need to close the public? >> Yeah. All right. If there's no other comments, then public uh the public hearing for this is now closed. Seeing no other public comment, I'd like to close the public comment for

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ordinance and get a motion to finally adopt. I need a motion. >> So moved. >> You going to have discussion? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Not to adopt. It's just for discussion.

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for disc. Is it adopt? I wasn't sure. >> Yeah. Even if we're moving to adopt, it's still a motion. >> Oh, yes. Second. >> Okay. So, it's moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilwoman Peron. Discussion. All right. The um project that this

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redevelopment plan is referring to is the new development or the forthcoming development at the Burlington County Times property. Um there are two separate development sites on that. In the front half there will be 60 affordable units um to satisfy our

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affordable housing need and then also in back of that development there will be 128 town houses. Um some of those will also be affordable um as new development

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behind the affordable housing uh development that will be in the front side closer to 130. Um so that is a proposed we've been working on this >> for purchase too. There'll be for per some of them will be for purchase.

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>> The town houses are for purchase. Um some of them will be affordable. There'll be a two and threetory roundhouse. All right. Um so for consideration of the council, there was a lengthy discussion on fencing um at the planning

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board. Um the request from the developer was that there uh they requested that they not be mandated to do fencing. Um I think to coincide and go with the rest of the town home development that we

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have in Willingboro, um the planning board really suggested that we do mandate that fencing um because we have the we have it in written house as well as in Fairmont currently but it it's up for to us if we want to

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keep that in the mandate the fencing and then um the other suggestion us to include an entrance in the back. And I would say since we've had discussion about the trash carts, um entrances in the back must be able to accommodate a

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96gallon trash cart so that we don't have that issue moving forward. >> Yeah, I I agree with what what the planning board suggests. I think we should mandate. Okay. Any other comments on that? >> All right, Deputy Mayor Worthy.

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>> Yes. No, I um I do agree with the fencing um and don't think that it should be at the discretion of the homeowner, but that the developer do fencing for all of the property um to include the access for the 96gallon trash can. >> Okay. All right. Any other comments?

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All right. Seeing none, then we will make that um inclusion to the redevelopment plan. I don't think that's just a substantive change. >> All right. >> Did you want to include the design Sorry. >> Did you want to include the potential

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for a design waiver or not at all? >> Potential for a design waiver. >> Um I think we need to see what it's going to look like. So they don't you don't have the design already. You've not seen that at the meeting. >> We've seen some preliminary but we haven't received the site plan yet. This is just our redevelopment plan for it.

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The developer still has to provide the site plan. >> I think that's important. Um, so I was under impression that it was already something that you've seen and and it was needed. There was a reason why the board adjusted they wanted this. I think we should include that to see what it's

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going to really look like. Well, if we if we add the waiver, then they have the potential of not building fences. It would be, you know, it would have to be the waiver would have to be approved by the planning board, but they could possibly not have to build the rear

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fencing for the town homes. If we include it um just outright, then the they would have to build the fencing to the specifications. >> No, I understand that. I just mean that you're I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Michael, you you were saying that you're going to

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provide graphics of what this will look like. some sort of >> I'm not doing that. >> Not yourself. No. >> So what were your what was your question? >> So the question is for the planning is whether that not the planning board should have the ability to grant a waiver um to the fencing requirement um

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as part of a site plan application. So if you you then that's at your discretion. So you can provide an option for planning board to provide that waiver to grant that waiver or not. Um if the planning board is not able to grant it to grant that waiver then they the fencing is required.

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>> Um >> then the fencing is not required. If you can't get the waiver then it won't be required. >> If you can't get no if you can't get a waiver then the fencing is required >> is required. And so we're voting to get the waiver so that it >> you're voting to deter you're voting to to decide whether or not the planning board should be a should be allowed to

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grant that waiver. >> Okay. >> So the planning board has not nobody has seen a design on this fencing of what it's going to look like >> later. That will come down the road. That'll that'll come through site through the site plan process >> just for the waiver. I got you now. Thank you. Thank you. >> Go ahead. >> Can you share more in a little bit more

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in terms of why it would be advantageous to grant the planning board access to be, you know, approval to be able to do the waiver? Like are there some mitigating circumstances? So, there were concerns at the planning board hearing at some parts of the property about access to the property from the rear yard, about whether they would access

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would be would be um accessible to walkways and how that would work with different walkways from the back. There was also questions about accessibility to certain properties due to proximity to the to the creek and the planning board was concerned about potentially seeing that. Um there was also concerns

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from the developer about um just the amount of space um that was going to be in the back for for certain properties for whether you know whether they were going to be enclosed. So the idea for a waiver is that planning board would then have the option to look at the actual site plan design and if the developer has a has a jud has a genuine reason to

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say that you know this is just not going to work here then the planning board would be able to grant that waiver. >> Okay. No understood. Thank you. And I think because they haven't broken ground and they're still developing plans, then they can make the responsible deci decisions along the way instead of us creating a waiver process. But

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understood. >> No, the so if there's a if there's no waiver process then planning board then they would have to go for a variance for planning board um as opposed to being able to grant a waiver. It's a higher burden. It's a higher burden on them. Um good. >> So thank you.

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>> All right. Any other discussion thoughts? All right. Do we want to include the waiver option or not include the waiver option? >> All right. Um, >> think they need it. I mean, if they need >> Honestly, this the question is a little

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challenging because it's Mr. Michael is stating that we give them the waiver, then if they need it, then they will start developing what it looks like and and some of the challenges that they're receiving could possibly be a challenge. they'll be able to at that time make an intelligent decision on whether or not

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they want the fence without the waiver. Then they have to go through a higher level or variance to even move forward to even establish that idea >> to to not to not put >> So I mean my recommendation would be that we don't allow the waiver process.

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Um I I just think to keep our community cohesive with the requirements. I think that fencing is necessary with the access in the back. Um the waiver, although it would allow, you

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know, the develop, you know, the planning board discretion on whether or not to grant the waiver, um but it could potentially allow the developer to not build the fence at all. And then we have a bunch of backyards that are just open

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and then people are calling the township. Oh, my neighbor's dog keeps pooping on my back line. >> Well, what about if you we require that they come back with a rendering and then we make the final call as opposed to blocking the idea, giving them the opportunity to work with the the it's

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going to take a little bit for them to bring the site plans. This is our this is what we're requiring as a township. >> I got it. They don't want to meet this. If they don't want to meet the requirement, they can still have the option to not build it. they would just have to apply for a variance.

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>> I I understand that. I was just saying that with regards to the waiver aspect, which is less hoops, I guess, to jump through um and it allows them to conduct business, meaning the planning board and the professionals that are there. Um this way, we're not blocking them. But

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however, I understand the concern that if they make a decision because we gave them the waiver and they decided to wave it and now it looks like what it looks like. I'm saying to also add they need to come back to us if they in the event that they want to not build the fence or

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whatever whatever the sit whatever the cases build the fence not build a fence but then we'll have we we don't have any information from the builders >> but that would be in the realm of the planning board it wouldn't be up to council to decide >> that's what I'm saying so if we gave him the waiver what about adding that

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amendment to bringing it back to us is for a second confirmation that the waiver can be used or something like that. I'm kind of making it up, but something where >> I don't know in the planning process that's permissible. >> So, under municipal land use law, it's

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on the it's on um the planning board to make decisions about whether or not a a site plan can be approved or not. It doesn't go to city council um to town council. So, it wouldn't be an a normal process uh to have that review. Um the idea is that the municipality is

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determining the zoning guidelines and then it's on the um planning board to make sure that those zoning guidelines are being followed. Um and that's how you have a fair process. >> That's the waiver, the zoning guidelines. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Yes. W Mayworthy. Thank you. And I just wanted to add to the conversation that

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the developer is likely to not want to build the fences because of the cost. It's more money. So, um, there probably would be more or less considerations of defense in the whole design process because they don't really want to do it and then we create a waiver. So, now

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we've kind of created a loophole in the whole process. So, that's my concern. >> I agree. >> And then Dr. Dr. Ry's point, um, they're starting from scratch. So now is the time to implement >> whatever they need for the fences now as

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opposed to starting to build or breaking ground and >> you know now it's like oh well this corner lot you can't put a fence here they create you know that that's >> I do want to make clear that there is no breaking ground whatsoever until they go through the site plan process and get an approval an approval by by the planning

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board the um so the you know whether or not there's a fencing or not it still has to go through a planning board approval and it's still under municipal control. It's just a question of how much discretion you want to give the planning board on this issue. >> Thank you. All right. So, are we in agreeance that

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we'd like to um maintain the fencing requirement and add the access uh to accommodate a 36 or 96gallon uh trash receptacle? >> Yes. >> All right. So, with those amendments,

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uh, Madame Deputy Clerk, uh, we can move to a roll call. Councilwoman Per Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield,

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>> yes. You can continue. I'd like to open up the public hearing for ordinance 2026-13, a bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements in and by the township of Willenboro and the county of Burlington, New Jersey, appropriating

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3,380,000. Therefore, and authorizing the issuance of 3,211,000 bonds of notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof. Anyone wishing to come forward on this

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ordinance, please do so. >> All right. Okay. Seeing none, this public hearing is now closed. Madam clerk, >> can I get a motion to finally adopt ordinance 2026-13? So move >> second. >> Moved by Councilwoman Macintosh,

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seconded by Councilman Anderson. >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes.

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I'd like to open up the public hearing for ordinance 2026-14 titled an ordinance of the township of township council of township council of township of Willingboroough County of Burlington state of New Jersey amending chapter 370 article 17 supplementary

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regulations of the code of the township of Willingboro by creating a new section 370-94 entitled optional optional red lid additional refuse card program. Anyone wishing to come forward to comment on this ordinance, please do so.

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All right, this public hearing is now open on the additional trash cart program. All right, seeing none, uh, public hearing is now closed. Can I get a motion to finally adopt ordinance

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2026-14? So move. Second. >> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Discussion. >> The reuse. >> Thank you. The reuse cart program. >> Refuge.

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>> A refuse. I'm sorry, Lord. I read it wrong. Okay. So, this is regarding the second trash cart. >> Okay. And so we purchased and I have questions regarding it because I know that when we first started this pro um the program with the all automated trash

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pickup people purchased trash bins. Um so there with the new contract understand it's a different company. Will they be allowed to continue using those trash bins? And within the contract uh

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is there a sufficient um agreement in place where if a person has two trash bins, it's not an additional cost because the reason why we had started the idea from my memory of when we started selling the additional bins because it wasn't a part of the

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contractual agreement to have two bins. So the cost was offset to the resident. Okay, if you need one, we we made other arrangements with the with the the company to get the extra bin, but now

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that we have a new company, what's the deal with the other second bin? Like, is that free? Is it part of is it part of our agreement that they'll pick up both trash bins or is it still at the cost of the community? >> The agreement is that they will collect

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both trash bins. The residents who currently um purchased the $75 bin with the original distribution are exempt from paying the $75 placement cost. However, they will

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pay $145 a year in collection expense. And that was calculated by dividing the total fee divided by the number of trash carts that are being put out as possible second second carts, >> right? But that was only because the

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contract the history of that situation was we did not sign the contract but they gave out bins. So we were forced into this and they bought the other company that we initially had. So we were kind of stuck in a situation where we could not go back to the other company because they were purchased by

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Republic. So we made we recognized some of the issues was that what was in the contract agreement was for one trash bin, not for two. So what I'm stating is that now that we have a new contract, why can't that just be a part of it in

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instead of charging an additional, you know what I mean? Additional 150. I understand why we did it before because it wasn't a part of the agreement. And so we kind of had meetings with Republic in order to um amend and make accommodations for families that needed

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more than one trash bin. So I'm just trying to say why do we still why isn't that part of it of the agreement where they don't have to pay additional money every year? Well, the additional money that was paid was absorbed by the township and what this is is which collectively is all of the taxpayers and

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this is just a portioning that particular part of the contract to those who actually have the second carts. And and Councilwoman Peron, if I may add a little bit of context, um if you remember, we also did the trash survey

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um quite about a bit ago, asking for information from residents on who needs a second trash bin, all of those things. Um also, we asked some questions about bulk trash collection and that as well. Um what we saw was that a bigger issue

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was bulk collection, right? Having to call and schedule was very cumbersome. um uh the only having it once a month was difficult for some residents and things like that. Um what we opted to do in the contracts that we reviewed prior

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to getting to this point um before the contracts even went out to bid was to include a five item bulk trash that can happen anytime without scheduling on your regular trash day. You don't have to schedule. It happens every week.

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people can put their bulk out. Um, which would solve that issue. Right? There was a smaller population out of the 10,000 homes that we have here in Willingboro. There was only maybe a combination of the 135

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>> or so that we have currently that have second carts and then there was another 200 on the waiting list. There was actually just 89 >> 89 additional which we we know but it's a significantly smaller population um

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for the entire 10,000 homes to be shouldering the burden of those um people that need additional cards when they don't need additional carts. Sometimes I can go two weeks without putting my trash out. I don't need two carts. But if I have to pay additional

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so that 100 people can have an extra cart, I don't think that's fair to me. And that's one of the items that we had discussed before we even put the bid out. >> Right. But again, the issue and I do remember um this entire process. The issue is that we had to make a well we

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they made amendments with us because one they know that we did not sign the contract and so they sat with us to try to come up with a resolution and to keep the figures close to where it was. That's when we came up with the idea of purchase a cart and pay additional each

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each year. However, now that we have agreements with the new contract, it should be included. And the reason why people needed two bins is because we went from two-day pickup to one. So the families that Yes. We used the the trash used to be picked up twice a week. Then

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we changed it to the blue and green bins. So we we further inconvenience the community by limiting one day pickup, then changing it had to be a special can, a special trash bin. then further

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charging the community more money. Um, so I figured that would be temporarily until we can get a new contract, which is what we're doing now. What I can't understand is why is that not included? We know that we have quite a number of family members, I mean, family residents that are on waiting list for trash bins

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that need more than one trash pickup or to pick up the same bin but do it twice a week. It's the same families. So, what I'm saying is why was that not incorporated with this agreement, you know? Um because for me, that's that's where I would be in favor of it. One,

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either it's two-day pickup or two, they if they purchased a bin, then it's theirs. They they purchased it and not charge them an additional $17 whatever $50 a year. I think that's that's not right. And counciloman, >> go ahead Anderson.

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>> If um uh let me know, Mr. M if I'm correct, but there's also incorporated into that the tipping cost. >> Correct. >> Because the because you're dumping more garbage, they're charging us more a lot of tax. We we pay we charge a the residents a lot of money in tax. So the

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one thing we can do is pick up the trash and dump it. Tip it tip it over in the dumpster. I'm not I know it costs money. I'm not saying it doesn't cost money. What I'm saying is we are in the process of a contractual agreement with the trash. We are here as elected council

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members to make these decisions. So, we've done three things and I'm saying myself as well because I was here even though I was not in agreement. One, we change from two-day pickup to one day. Then, what do we do? Special trash bins.

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If it doesn't fit in there, it's not getting picked up. Then, okay, if you want another trash bin, you buy it and you pay us more money. I'm just saying now that we're here to we're with the company, we can make another agreement include all I'm saying is the 150 that

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you're charging each year. They already have we know that they need two bins. We know that they need it because we we're only picking up trash once a week. So, I don't feel like we're really looking at with this service that we're supposed to provide to the community. I don't feel like we're really keeping the entire

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community at large here. I think we're look, you know, I have an issue with this the way it is right now. >> Counciloman Macintosh, just have one correction. Um, the two weeks was years ago. That we didn't change that to one one day a week. That

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was >> No, I know. No. >> No, that was a long That was a long time. That was incorporated when we >> It was here when I lived here. I mean, I've been there over 20 years, right? >> So, when we inherited, you know, that was it was one day a week, right? >> So, we're trying to make it work. Um the last couple years I think this is a

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great deal at this point because the last couple years we've been putting out bids trying to find you know the proper um accommodation for this town and it's been hard and so we have a we have an um option now during a research during the survey we did find that the majority of

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people do not need a second can that that was you know that's why they did the survey um and to accommodate 10,000 homes with a second can is going to be a lot now and and that's an option to your point. I agree. Um but I I don't think we have that. Do we have that number?

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Cuz that's going to be >> we have a portion 750. That's the a lotment for additional cans. 750. Currently there's about 375 that are out on the street um being collected and we have an additional 80

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or 89 on the waiting list. Those were the ones Miss Jackson was referring to about sending them. >> That's what I'm saying. the people you need to be picked. So we have an additional 400 more or less of a additional carts for residents that choose to or not choose to purchase the additional carts. But

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there is a cost to the utilization of the second cart. And that was this was part of the discussion either the at other municipalities. This is not uncommon right now that other municipalities actually have a criteria by which you can only get another cart. So everybody a lot of municipalities do

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not have double carts. um at each home you they they made the people fill out um applications and I'm talking about Cinnmenon. I looked at a couple of different ones um just to see how they were accommodating their residents and every household

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>> did not get and they do charge for another you know another cart. Um so I mean I guess it's an option if we weigh the cost. I'm not against what you're saying, but I do think, you know, we do have to >> realize that um the atmosphere that well

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the environment the garbage industry has shifted and um I think the council and the administration did a good job trying to figure out what we do need and you know what we do need and balance the cost. So I mean taxes aren't high

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because we're just spending money anywhere which way. You see you see the cost. We're going through the budget process right now. You see, you see the actual cost of what things cost. So, we're not making, >> you know, we're not just charging a lot of money for or you know what you said, a lot of money for no reason. It's the

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cost of >> and councilities. >> And council prom before um you speak again, I just want to clarify that we talked at length about this trash contract before it even went out to bid.

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We had conferences and executive session went through the trash contract and what was in it um with Mr. Harris and all of us were okay with that trash contract when it went out to bid. We reviewed it when it came back. Everybody was okay with this. We approved it at the last

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meeting. We were all good and now we're at the public hearing and final adoption and all of these issues are coming up. And I just don't understand where this sudden concern is coming from >> because there have been amendments. There were amendments to the contractual

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agreement in addition to um again the initial contract was what it was. We had to live with it because >> but that was with a different trash contract. >> That's what I'm saying. >> This has been the same contract. This contract have not been amended.

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>> I do understand that. What I'm what I'm saying why I'm saying to you is >> we are at the table where we can request what our community needs. >> We're no longer at the table. Council on Prime. >> Listen, here's what I'm saying to you. When we made that agreement to sell the

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the other trash bins and charge the community, whoever needed another one $150 or whatever it was, is because we were already in a contract with them. We are not in contract with these this company. We're not in contract with them yet. We're trying to make it a final adoption. So therefore, if we're trying

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to you want me to vote on this now, that means it's not final. So all I'm what I'm saying is the additional 50 that you're charging the community who wave that or not charge them additional. Okay? And if every family does not need two bins, then they don't

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need it. I understand that. Doesn't make sense to give somebody two bins if they don't need it. But what I'm saying is we we are raising taxes and we're still charging additional to the community for a service that we're supposed to provide. Only a small portion of the

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community need. And and Councilwoman Peron, I just want to be clear on this part. this trash contract, the one that we're viewing, you are absolutely correct that the one with Republican, we were stuck in. We had to make the decision, right? We had we've been discussing this trash contract since

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last year with what we were going to put into the trash contract before we went out to bid for what it what trash contract went out to bid, what we received back, and the bids that we received back. We reviewed all the bids and what was included in them, the

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different options. No, we didn't. >> Yes, we did. We absolutely did, Rebecca. >> We received the lowest bidder of contracts. We received three three items, three company names. Okay. And I don't for me to be honest with you. We We're not in contract with this company.

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And and I'm >> bid is already done. We We already awarded the bid at a previous meeting. >> Why do you need me to to vote on a final >> This is This is an ordinance to approve the >> final adoption. a final adoption ordinance to approve the second red cart.

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>> If it's the second red cart program, you see how what I'm saying to you, it's like, so this is not final. If we're asking me to if you're adding literature to to to add more information about the final red cart program, that's I'm not in >> this is an ordinance. This is not the contract.

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>> Roll call. Contract. >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> No. >> Councilman Anderson. Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes.

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>> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> We'll go to resolution. Oh. Um, let's do a consent agenda. Are there any items that we need to pull from consent agenda? I know 101 and uh 102 should be

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pulled. Are there any other items from the agenda that um anyone would like to pull? >> Nope. >> Oh, what about the um excuse me um the performing arts? Did we speak about that already? This is the lighting. But

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>> that's a fire alarm. >> We're not talking about that. We don't need to talk about that later. What's that's going to >> We can talk about it in a second. Okay. Are you pulling that one already? Is that what you're saying? >> Right now we're pulling 101 and 102. Um, we can pull that one if we want

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>> cuz you said >> to discuss. Yeah. >> All right. So, we'll pull 101, 102, and 106. So, I'd like to propose and ask for a motion for consent agenda for resolution 2026-103

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through105 and 2026-107. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. Uh I need a motion to approve the same.

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>> So move. >> Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Oh, wait. We didn't do roll call. Roll call on the first one. >> Okay. Roll call on the first one. >> Okay. Roll call for consent agenda. >> Councilwoman Peron,

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>> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> May I get a motion to approve the same? >> We had the motion. We just Sorry. Roll call on the motion to approve. Uh,

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Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> And Mayor Whitfield, >> yes. >> We'll go to resolution 2026-101. >> Uh, resolution authorizing >> motion. Right.

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>> Right. Res. Yes. May I get a motion to discuss resolution 101, a resolution to read the budget by title only? >> So move. >> Second. Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Uh

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discussion, Mr. Harris. >> So we after you adopt the resolution, then we can go right into the budget hearing if you would like. >> Okay. So, don't you have to read it by title, Emily, first? >> Yes, but you're just doing the resolution to approve us reading it by

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title. >> When we go to the introduction, I'll read the budget by title. >> Okay. >> Or the public hearings. >> All right. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron? >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh? >> Yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy?

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>> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield? >> Yes. >> Can I get a motion to discuss resolution 102, a resolution adopting the 2026 municipal budget. >> So moved. Second. >> We're not going to move that resolution. >> No, we need to go into the public

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hearing for the budget first. Can you retract your >> retracted? Retract the second. >> All right. Um public hearing for the budget. I'd like to open up public hearing for resolution 102, the 2026. >> So this is I'm sorry. This is a

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resolution adopting the 2026 municipal budget as introduced reflecting total revenues of 54,145,000 and total appropriations of 54,145,000 and the six-year capital budget as

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reflected um reflecting uh 16,423,736. >> That's the that's the title. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Um, and we're not introducing the amendment tonight. >> No. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, >> so we're going to open the hearing on

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the introduced p introduced budget. >> All right. So, if anyone has any comments on the introduced budget, um, you may come to the mic at this time. The public hearing is now open for the introduction of the 2026 municipal

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budget. All right, seeing none, the public hearing is now closed and we'll go to roll call >> or we need a motion. >> We're going to move to table the the the budget introduction until

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June the adoption until June. >> We just had to do the public hearing. So, we're going to do the amendments on the 19th and then we will have the formal adoption probably in June. >> Point of order.

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So, I did speak with the clerk earlier and I and I did you speak with Mr. Harris about the amendments he's going to provide. They're still working on >> Okay. So, for the community, I did call the clerk and the rest of council earlier. I understand that there have been some amendments made to the budget

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as it was produced. Um as you all the council is aware as well you refused to allow for zoom communication. Uh therefore when you had your budget discussion amongst yourselves um that was not an opportunity because I was at work at 4:00 um to participate in the

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discussion. So it is to my understanding that you amending some portions of the budget. So what I would like to see is what exactly have you amended to the budget per item and before it gets sent to the state and

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then uh the clerk and I were trying to find out what is the order. So you I know you need to send it to the state the amendments but is that before we look at it as a council. How does that work? >> The amendments. So the the amendments

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which have been uh recommended either by the state or by the governing body are being prepared and would be presented to you for your consideration and adoption on the 19th. After you adopt the amending resolution, that amending resolution is forwarded to the state of

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New Jersey for their approval. We have to have a a hearing on the amending resolution and if the amendments are approved, then the budget can be finally adopted. That's process. saying on the 19th that's when the council will be able to see what amendments you're referring to >> before then but yes that's that's the

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meeting that you will be presented them with for your consideration. >> Okay. And when do you think you will have those amendments to the comm is it the community as well? Will they be able to see these amendments? >> They're being constructed with our CFO and our auditor and I trust that they will be probably finished uh preparing

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that resolution by the end of this week. >> Where will it be posted? It will be presented to you with your your next coming packet or prior to that. >> Okay. So, we'll discuss it at the council meeting. >> Yes. >> Yes. Well, we'll discuss it at the council meeting, but also we can discuss

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um if you have questions about them, you can ask Mr. Harris or anything. >> All right. And then will this budget be produced to the community for them to review a draft of this budget that you're speaking of? The budget has already been introduced and has been

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available to the public for for review. >> I meant with the amendment amendments. >> Yes. The the amendments have to be published and there will be a public hearing on the amendments. Yes. >> Okay. >> So, tonight we're just introducing it. You're not voting on anything other than

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to just introduce these figures here. >> We just read the resolution by title and had a public hearing on the introduced budget which was the one without any amendment. Okay. What's the purpose of introducing it if it doesn't have any amendments? If we're not going with that one

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>> because that's what you do. You introduce your budget and then the budget gets amended. You already introduced the budget >> at the last meeting. >> At the last meeting. >> So, but you're introducing it now without the amendments. >> A public hearing. Do any residents had feedback on the budget that was introduced?

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>> Right. It just seems a little bit backwards because if you made amendments, why would they have feedback on this if they don't see the amendments? No, this was just on the so the amendments haven't gone to date yet. They haven't been filed yet. So, this was an opportunity for the public to

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provide any additional thoughts, recommendations, amendments so that if we agree, we can include those with the amendments that we send to the state. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Um, I think that was all the ones that we

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have. >> So, I'm sorry. Did I have six? But we're going to talk we'll have to talk about that when we come back out after executive session. >> We didn't I don't think a >> motion to the table then. >> Yes. >> Table. >> Yes. >> To table 102.

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>> Yes. All right. >> 519. 519. Introduction of the amended budget 59. >> No, the >> possible adoption because we have to introduce the amended then we have a

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public hearing possibly >> um >> no um >> table in until the first meeting in June. >> Yes. Thank you. >> All right. So I need a motion to table resolution 2026-102

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to the first meeting in June. So moved. >> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. Roll call. >> Councilwoman Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes.

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>> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. >> Yes. >> Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> All right. Okay. And then resolution 106 we will um handle after we come out of executive session.

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Um we'll go on to the treasurer's report. Yes. May I get a motion to approve the treasurer's report as of April 27, 2026? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy.

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Um roll call. Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes, >> minutes. >> Yes. >> May I get a motion to approve the April

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7th special meeting minutes, executive minutes, and regular meeting minutes, and the April 21st regular meeting minutes and executive meeting minutes? So move. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Anderson, seconded

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by Deputy Mayor Warby. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron, >> yes. >> Councilman Anderson, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh, >> yes. >> Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy, >> yes. >> Mayor Whitfield, >> yes.

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>> All right, Madame Clerk, your report. >> Yes. >> Good evening. This is our update from the municipal clerk. So, I just want to clarify um the flyers that the mail polling mailers that had went out. There was a typographical error that appeared um in the recently distributed mulling

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mailing um flyers that went out. I think some people might have received them already. And as the deputy clerk, I take full responsibility for the mistake included in the flyer being shared with the members of the public. While the polling location details themselves are

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accurate, I understand that any error in inofficial communication can cause concern and I regret the oversight. The clerk office has reviewed our internal processes to help prevent similar errors. Just some election reminders. Please take note of the following important

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dates. The voter registration deadline is next Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, and they must be postmarked by that date. As a reminder, you can't guarantee that if you drop them off in the mail, just at the post office that they will be

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postmarked. So, try to get there as early as possible this week if possible. Early voting period is from May 26 to May 31st. And our local early location, it will be the Willingboroough Library. Vote by mail application deadline is May

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26. And the vote bymail application deadline in person is June 1st by 3M. Primary election day is on June 2nd. And for more voting information, please visit voter www.voter.srv

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svrsnj.gov. Again, that's voter.svrs.nj.gov. You'll find different information regarding polling locations. If you put in your address, it'll tell you um more information if you're registered and more information about where some of the

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other early voting locations are. Um licensing updates for the clerk department next month. Reminder letters will be going out about the 2026 27 Merkantile License as well as the New Jersey Division of Alcohol Beverage Control renewals. Please note that if

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you're a new business in town and need information on merkantile requirements, please feel free to visit the clerk's department or you can email clerks at willingboronj.gov. Anyone who's had has applied for the no knock stickers up through April 30th.

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They should be receiving their stickers if they have not in the next couple days. Please remember to place this in an area area that's clearly visible to potential solicitors and peddlers. Currently we have 12 applications, three pending and nine that are

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approved. And that is all that I have for mun. All right. Thank you, madam clerk. Also, I just wanted to add a highlight for the residents. Um, as uh our deputy clerk mentioned, next Tuesday is the voter registration deadline. And

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as we saw uh this week and um at the end of last week, there have been some major gutting of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Um with this being said, it is no longer

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illegal to have a racist uh outcome of uh voting districts. You have to be able to prove the intent was racism, which is kind of wild and crazy. um especially in the times that we're

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in. But it makes it uh incredibly difficult to be able to fight back against gerrymandering and other um voter suppression tactics that we may face in the coming years. Um I want everyone to be v vigilant and to

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remember that make sure your voter registration is valid. It has your current address. If you had a name change, do redo your voter registration. Um, if your address changed, even if it went from apartment B to apartment C,

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redo your voter registration. Um, if you realize that your name on your identification and your name on your voter registration card do not match exactly, meaning middle initial, middle name, whatever is on them, if they don't match exactly, redo your voter registration.

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Um, and if you had an issue with your signature verification at the last election, um, redo your voter registration so that you can update your signature in the system so that you won't have that problem moving forward. This is so important. This is so important. Um, the midterms are going to

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be very critical to protect our rights um, just as American citizens, all all different types of rights. And if you don't think that this is ever going to apply to you, I'm telling you right now, you are sadly mistaken. and it is coming for all of us. So, please, please, please tell your family, tell your

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friends, tell your neighbors, make sure everyone has valid voter registration um so that we can protect ourselves and make sure we advocate for ourselves in the way that we need to to maintain the freedoms that we all enjoy here in uh the United States of America.

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And with that being said, um I want to go to unfinished business. Uh Councilman Anderson, the golf outing. >> Um I did see Miss Wells here who's the

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chairperson for the golf committee. If you can please come to the mic to provide an update. Thank you. previous meeting, previous commitment. I apologize for my lateness in attending this meeting. Um to um to date

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Jesus, sorry I turned the phone off because they just want to stop calling. Um again, I apologize. monies collected to date is $11,87. We have received donations from the Willingboro branch of Chase Bank and

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they are also giving us four volunteers for the event. They are very excited to be partnering with us for this event and I did uh stress to them that this is the mayor's golf classic for fundraising for our students in Willingboro Township.

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Um, we are also getting donations from CVS warehouse. They are donating Gatorade. Foster Military Lodge and Airy Chapter number 62 are donating more snacks for the bags for the golfers. We currently have 82 golfers. We are

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looking for 60 more golfers. We do expect to get those golfers. As we know with golf, they usually don't pay until the last minute. Um I did make a contact with the golf um course today. He um expressed the same sentiment. He's

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confident that we will get the golfers that we are expecting and they are very excited to be hosting this event for us. >> All right. And the scholarship applications, have those gone out already? >> The scholarship application is electronic. If you would like paper

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copies to go out, we can do that and take it to the schools. >> No. where can they access the um scholarship link? >> I provided a link the um a link for them for the students, but I will um get that information to you in an email and also a QR code for that.

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>> Okay. Um Mr. Harris, if you would just talk to communications about um making sure that we publicize those scholarships so that we can get a good number of uh applicants in. >> Okay. >> And could we also arrange to have the schools announce it during their morning

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announcements? Is that possible? >> It's possible. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we'd have to talk to the school district about that. >> Okay. >> All right. Um, >> any other questions? >> Um, the only other thing that I had is

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is more on the technology side. I did get a call today that the link on the um post wasn't working properly. So, if you could just double check that for the Golf Classic, the registration for the Golf Classic. Okay.

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Oh, they did that. >> No, but I think it was posted on >> Okay. Yeah, >> they get a I'm sorry. You get a link from where you the link should come from us. One of

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us on the committee doesn't link Foundation. >> Oh, it's what's on So maybe their website needs to be updated. Is that what we're saying? Okay. I will reach out to them. Yeah. >> And get that corrected. And um we >> Well, you're welcome, Miss Jackson, to make sure that we have the right links

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so that we can post it. >> Yes, I will definitely do that. >> All right. Great. >> Okay. All right. I think that's all. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> All right. Oh, you have something else, Mr. Anderson? Go ahead. >> Yes. Also under old business um at the

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last meeting um I discussed the strategic plan that we had put in place and just to see how effective it was um I did request and get the supporter council to have labor council you know conduct this I guess this conversation with the

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directors and employees. What I failed to uh request was if it can be independent if they can do it on their own without administration. This way there's no I guess compromise uh people don't feel uncomfortable uh with which whatever conversations they may have as

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well as if I can be provided a time frame in which this is to take place. >> Okay. So we'll get that update >> and then I got one more. >> Okay. Um, I also asked about the uh vehicle policy to find out who had

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vehicles who didn't because there was a concern that the director of public works didn't have a vehicle during the snowstorm and so forth. But since then, a vehicle has been provided to him. So along with the policy, I did notice um what I'm looking for is to see what

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other directors have vehicles who don't, the reasons why they don't have them. Um, in addition to the policy, I saw where when it comes to council, we had to get authorization and had to be approved. So, I just want us to just take a look

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at that policy to see if it needs to be amended in any form of any fashion. But just the way that was written, it just had me question some of the things about the policy. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Council. All right. Um, we'll move on to new

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business or the divine nine bench. >> So, Alpha Alpha has submitted an application to Alpha. >> That one is already in that already. Delta.

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>> Okay. I will apologize because I received an email communication from them today requesting to but I received a communication asking to install a bench at Mil Creek and at Park. >> Alpha Alpha already has a bench at Mil Creek.

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>> Correct. But I received an email communication today from them requesting to install the bench there and at park. So when I was looking through my my email >> delta

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>> okay >> go ahead. Oh, Miss Jay from Delta Sigma Theta, if you want to come up and if you have a presentation. >> Good evening, mayor. Good evening, deputy mayor. Good evening, council. Um,

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we did Delta Sigma. I'm the chairperson for this bench committee. Um, we did submit a packet. Um we were told that we were supposed to submit a letter of interest um of our participation. Um we provided an invoice with the price of the bench and we provided an estimated

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day of um arrival of when it's supposed to um come to Willing. So I was just here in case council had any questions. Oh, I'm sorry. And we also provided um language. So we we are looking to and have installed three 10x10 plaques. And

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the language on the plaques was submitted in advance um for council's perusal. Do you have any questions for me? >> Madam Mayor, we needed a formal we needed >> to vote. Okay. >> All right. Um is everyone has everyone reviewed the materials? Are you ready to

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vote on the approval of the installation of the Delta Sigma data bench? >> Ready. >> All right. All right. Thank you, Miss J. >> All right. Um, I need a motion to approve the installation of the park

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bench at Mil Creek Park for Delta Sigma Theta Sarority. >> Moved. >> Second. >> All right. Moved by Councilwoman Peron, seconded by Councilman Anderson. Any discussion? Roll call. Councilwoman Peron.

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>> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. Yes. >> Councilwoman Macintosh. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy? Yes. Mayor Whitfield? >> Yes. All right. And at this time, we'll move to um general public comment. This public comment is for general items.

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You'll have four minutes uh to speak. And if we need to contact you after the meeting um to provide you additional information, there are comment cards in the back um that should be handed to um Mr. Donald St. Heler in the front row or

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to our deputy clerk. Public comment is no. Good evening. >> Can you state your name, please? >> Oh, Jacqueline Ruffin, 60 Pageant Lane. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Mayor Whitfield, Deputy Mayor Worthy.

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This is my first time here. We just moved a couple of months ago. Um, I know I missed part of the chance to be able to talk about certain things, but I just want to make these three statements. Number one, I think the sewer problem in Willingboro

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is a problem. Um, my family have to address it, but I think it's something that was signed off and there was still a problem and they should not have signed off on it. That's number one. Number two, the communication is not the

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best. Everyone's very cordial, but you just can't get to the right person that you need to talk to. Mr. Chapman, Mr. Tonsill has been a blessing. Mr. Chapman has been a real blessing. I think he need a raise. But um he uh has been very

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helpful because now I have a sinkhole by my um storm drain down the street and he helped me with MUA water company and then it end up I don't know where it is now. But these things are difficult for

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me because I feel like you may have the departments but it would be good if I if the person knew I'm in Penny Packer who the council person is for Penny Packer. So that person could say Mrs. Ruffin you need to call such and such and such cuz by the time you go through the list by time you talk to some gracious people I

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don't get any answers. Well he has been helpful because he told me what to do but it's just a little messy and um if those things can be considered I'd appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Ruffin. >> Any other public comment? >> Is that okay?

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>> Okay. Tony Matthysse uh 26 Medford Lane. Couple of questions. Um one is about the uh staffing uh for the DPW. Um last the last meeting um uh Councilman um

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Anderson had mentioned that there used to be 40 something uh employees uh for um DPW. Now we're down to 23. Um it's been a number of times when um Mr. Chapman has come up to explain and and apologize for not having

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sufficient staff. Why is it not in the budget that we and is there a way to in I think we've talked about this somewhat, but I'm still a little confused. um a way to increase the the amount of staff by I guess you're going

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to have to increase the budget to allow for there to be he said he needed at least 20 additional staff members because we keep hearing as residents we keep hearing that there's not enough staff to go around and do all the repairs. So that's a concern. I hope

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that that's something that we can maybe rectify. um what are the arrangements arrangements that are going to be made for the seniors to the new um polling places? That has been a concern because a lot of it's a lot of the election now

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polls are going to be at JFK. I just envision there being a bottleneck. How are we going? Has there been any type of plans logistically to make sure that folks who are handicapped, uh those that used to um vote at Steuart, they

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would sometimes just take their their mobile carts and go across the street, someone will probably now need to transport them over to JFK. Uh I just envision that is going to be a lot of traffic over there. Um, I did read that

528
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there's a reason why you changed it because instead of interrupting the schools, uh, that was the reason why we're going to now have everything at JFK mainly. Um, so, but I do see that that would be an issue for, um, seniors. So, I just would like for some clarity

529
02:33:51.200 --> 02:34:07.520
on that. Um, enforcing charging homes for a second trash cart. Um, how are you going to do that when you move into a home and there's already two trash carts there and you decide that I'm just going to put out two trash carts? How are you

530
02:34:07.520 --> 02:34:23.840
going to charge a hundred and something dollars for that second chart? Just another question might um that can be answered. uh with the increase of um these 101 I think additional homes uh and the

531
02:34:23.840 --> 02:34:38.479
apartments that are going to be going up, how are we going to um is that going to be a hardship for the schools? Did we look at that? Do we have any other options? But that's another concern, too.

532
02:34:38.479 --> 02:34:55.280
We're already overwhelmed, I would say, with um being able to supply good education for our children at will in Willenboro. So, now we're going to add additional apartments, town homes, and with that comes families and children.

533
02:34:55.280 --> 02:35:13.040
So, I don't know if we have addressed that. So, that would I would just need a clarification on that. Also, um one other question. I have 40 minutes left. Um, I've been noticing that there's a lot of um, uh, smoke smoke um,

534
02:35:13.040 --> 02:35:29.920
uh, tobacco stores, convenience stores, and in some of these convenience stores, um, there's tobacco being sold next to candy, and is this a a disservice that we're doing to our children? And it seems like we're an overabundance. So,

535
02:35:29.920 --> 02:35:53.920
is there a stop anywhere to maybe have less of these convenience stores or vaping stores or smoke stores um coming into Willenboro? That's my final questions. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you, Miss Matthysse. >> Good evening, Miss Mallalerie Hudson

536
02:35:53.920 --> 02:36:12.160
Place. And uh at the last council meeting, I was on the um well, I'm going to call it Zoom for a better word. And uh there was a motion made by um Councilwoman Peron, if I'm not mistaken,

537
02:36:12.160 --> 02:36:29.680
to resume the services so that the taxpayers could participate via Zoom. And I was very disappointed that not one of the other council members uh second the motion so that there could be a vote

538
02:36:29.680 --> 02:36:46.160
on this. So, you know, we talk about one willing, but um that was not a good representation uh as far as supporting another council member. Uh trash pickup.

539
02:36:46.160 --> 02:37:01.840
I'm one of the victims of the trash pickup. Uh, my trash was supposed to be picked up on Thursday. Um, I called public works on Friday morning and I talked to Susan

540
02:37:01.840 --> 02:37:19.040
and uh, she said that the trash would probably be picked up either Friday or Saturday. And if not, I was to call her back. Uh, the trash was not picked up. Uh there were trash cans lined up all along

541
02:37:19.040 --> 02:37:35.120
Charleston Road and I live on Hudson Place and most of us left our trash out because we had no idea uh when it was going to be picked up. So I called Susan again on Monday morning and reported to

542
02:37:35.120 --> 02:37:53.760
her that the trash had not been picked up. It was picked up after 3:00 on Monday. Um, I've lived in Willingboro for August the 3rd will be 54 years, and I have never ever seen such disgrace as

543
02:37:53.760 --> 02:38:09.600
far as the trash pickup, the litter around town. And it was just a disaster to drive along Charleston Road and see all of those trash cans filled to the brim running over. and a ROOC call to

544
02:38:09.600 --> 02:38:24.960
the residents would have been nice to tell us that this is what's going on. We're having a problem. So Susan gave me the number of the supervisor from the trash company. I called him personally,

545
02:38:24.960 --> 02:38:40.800
told him that I was a Willingboro resident, and the fact that they are saying that they had two trucks or three trucks that were broken was suspect to me because I think they were playing a

546
02:38:40.800 --> 02:38:58.399
game of sabotage. And I'm disappointed that the township did not inform the residents that this was what was going on as far as the trash being picked up. The other concern is there's a property across from the Kennedy Center that was

547
02:38:58.399 --> 02:39:16.880
once a uh repair shop that has been demolished. The fence is laying down. Uh it's full of trash and something needs to be done about that because it's an eyes sore. Um as far as

548
02:39:16.880 --> 02:39:34.720
the comment that was made in reference to individuals who can do better work as far as lawn services, uh as I said before, I've lived here for almost 54 years and we've had worse things said about different things in

549
02:39:34.720 --> 02:39:52.640
this town. We've had worse things done at council meeting. So I think again we need to re-evaluate when we're criticizing other people and this was not a crime. Okay. So

550
02:39:52.640 --> 02:40:15.760
>> that's your time, Mrs. Mallerie. Thank you. >> Okay. I guess I don't get to finish my uh comments. >> That's your time. Thank you. Good. Good evening everyone. Um, a

551
02:40:15.760 --> 02:40:33.120
manners spindle top lane. Um, I know I had two questions earlier. They weren't answered. I think maybe I didn't ask them properly, but I do see Mrs. Digs here, so I'll ask her later on those. The charging stations at Mil Creek, um, is the town receiving some type of credit or rebates to install these? just

552
02:40:33.120 --> 02:40:48.560
trying to understand the valid val validity or the need for these. Um I know it's been something that I've been seeing everyone posting about. And then the um the pools. Um I'm just curious as to why we didn't go after any grants. There was this big grant, the LRIG grant that we missed out on. The deadline was

553
02:40:48.560 --> 02:41:03.040
February 26. Just curious as to why we didn't go after it for parks and recreations because maybe that could have assisted with the pool repairs. Um, and then on ordinance 202613, the question I had about the garbage

554
02:41:03.040 --> 02:41:19.840
bins was section 3A 8.1 for the 106k. So, my question wasn't about the red lids. I just wanted to know um the list of items in that section um state um trash containers and I just want to know what those containers were related to. Are they the residents containers or if

555
02:41:19.840 --> 02:41:38.800
not if you could just elaborate on that. Um, ordinance 202613 for the bond um, ordinance. Um, section 3A 8.1 106k. Um, you guys itemize some of the item. You list some of the items. So, it

556
02:41:38.800 --> 02:42:10.160
includes trash containers. I didn't want to list all the other items cuz I didn't, you know, that wasn't my concern. >> Okay, we'll answer it. Thank you. You're welcome. Good evening. Shirley Dillworth, Newport Lane. Uh, first of all, I'd like to say

557
02:42:10.160 --> 02:42:25.520
thank you, okay, to the managers, to the department workers, and to the council for all of the good things that you do in Wlling. and there are a lot of them. I really appreciate that. But lately, I

558
02:42:25.520 --> 02:42:41.040
have been very concerned about some a lot of the things that's going on around town. I too have been living in Willenburgg for 54 years. And I have never seen trash left on the streets,

559
02:42:41.040 --> 02:42:56.640
okay, for 5 days. The trash on my street still has not been picked up. And I was informed today by a neighbor that some of the

560
02:42:56.640 --> 02:43:14.240
homes in Garfield North had their trash picked up because they called the company. Okay? They called the supervisor and complained about that. Now, I am not going to pay all of this money in taxes and have to get on the

561
02:43:14.240 --> 02:43:30.800
telephone and call the sanitation company and complain to them about coming out to pick up my trash and it's been out there for 5 days. The entire street, okay, for five days. That's a

562
02:43:30.800 --> 02:43:49.920
disgrace. Uh the other thing that I'm concerned about is housing inspection. I was told recently that there are four housing inspections for this entire community.

563
02:43:49.920 --> 02:44:06.160
There's approximately nine parks in Wllenber. 54 years ago, there was an an inspector for each park. When I spoke to the inspector for our park, you know, I was

564
02:44:06.160 --> 02:44:21.840
told that they get around to inspecting the parks occasionally. There are issues on Newport Lane that needs to be dealt with. The trash containers, the recycling containers are

565
02:44:21.840 --> 02:44:38.800
still being stored in front of the uh garages. Now, I know I complained about this the last time I was here at council meeting, which was about a month ago. Nothing has happened. I don't even think uh notices are being given to these

566
02:44:38.800 --> 02:44:55.359
people. If they are being given, they are ignored them. And it's not just on Newport Lane. What about Northampton Drive? As I ride up and down Northampton Drive, they people have their trash container, their recycle container

567
02:44:55.359 --> 02:45:18.080
hidden behind uh their automobiles in front of the garage. Okay. The other thing that I'm concerned about is okay, the grassy area between Kentucky Fried Chicken and that corner

568
02:45:18.080 --> 02:45:33.279
store. I don't know the name of the corner store, but I know it's on Route 130 North. Okay. The grassy area between those two locations, it looks despicable. Okay. uh paper,

569
02:45:33.279 --> 02:45:48.560
plastic bottles, okay, all over the area. Okay, it it's hard to believe that they cannot get that that area is not clean on a regular basis. It didn't just get like this. It's been like this for

570
02:45:48.560 --> 02:46:06.000
quite some time. That uh that bothers me. I'm very concerned about that. And the other thing that I'd like to say is I hope before c uh this council

571
02:46:06.000 --> 02:46:37.680
>> That's your time, Mr. Hoy. >> I'm sorry that it is my time. Uh because I do have uh some things that I'm other things that I'm concerned about. Thank you so much. Hello, Nheimia Claude, 15 Crest View Court.

572
02:46:37.680 --> 02:46:54.319
Okay. During the month of May, I want to raise awareness that it is National Haitian Heritage Month across New Jersey. A time to honor the rich history, resilience, and cultural contributions of the Haitian community. Our Haitian flag stands as a powerful

573
02:46:54.319 --> 02:47:10.479
symbol of freedom, unity, and independence. My family was born from the world's first country to gain independence. It represents strength, identity, and the enduring spirit of a people who fought for liberty and dignity. A nonprofit that I'm that I am

574
02:47:10.479 --> 02:47:26.880
proud to be involved in called House of Bread who empowers the youth on character development. We aid in community service. We provide cray classes. We built and we continuously fund a school in Haiti and so much more. We will be hosting a story time on May

575
02:47:26.880 --> 02:47:42.640
16th at the library which will be featuring Haitian authors and stories that highlight the beauty of our culture. Additionally, on May 30th, pending final approval, we hope to gather for a larger community celebration. More details will

576
02:47:42.640 --> 02:48:19.920
be shared soon. So, come celebrate and take pride in the legacy that we carry forward. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Glad. All right. Any other public comment? Come on up. >> Sarah Holly Ta Lane. >> Good evening, Miss Holly. Couple things

577
02:48:19.920 --> 02:48:36.240
before I really start my comments. One, Mr. Chapman should get his 40 other workers so that he can do all the work that he said he couldn't do. So, y'all should change your budget and put his workers in there. At least some of his workers anyway, because apparently 18

578
02:48:36.240 --> 02:48:51.040
people not enough to cover this town. That's my first concern as it relates to the inspectors not working on the weekend. Well, we had inspectors working during CO, so I don't

579
02:48:51.040 --> 02:49:06.880
see why we can't have inspectors working on the weekend. My trash was picked up on Friday. Well, it's supposed to be picked up on Friday. It wasn't picked up until Monday. You guys said that the company was going

580
02:49:06.880 --> 02:49:23.680
to give you a refund. Do I get a refund as a taxpayer? Who's going to get that refund, counsel? Or will I get my refund for the days that my trash wasn't picked up? Okay. Now, what I really came to say,

581
02:49:23.680 --> 02:49:40.560
and I'm glad it wasn't like a whole outpour about this situation that was that went on. Actually, I was on vacation, but still I heard about it. I'm not here tonight to talk about recalling Councilwoman Peron. I'm here

582
02:49:40.560 --> 02:49:58.160
to talk about fairness tonight. It's not about personality. It's about public public accountability, ethics, transparency, and trust. In New Jersey, recalls, cuz that was all over um social media exist because elected officials

583
02:49:58.160 --> 02:50:12.880
are expected to serve the people honorably. When confidence is lost, voters have the right to act. All of our council members, in my opinion, have violated one or more of these

584
02:50:12.880 --> 02:50:30.399
reasons to be recalled. According to NJSA19 semicolon 27A-2, here are the reason to recall a council. Now, you council people just check off the one that you fall under. Misuse of

585
02:50:30.399 --> 02:50:48.960
taxpayers money. $19,000 for a rule. Ethical scandal or corruption allegation. He had a council member who voted on a contract and two years prior to that was on Yep. I guess that's what to say. Uh

586
02:50:48.960 --> 02:51:05.200
commending that company about the good work that that company had received I guess for her ignoring residents is number three like cutting off Zoom so seniors like me can't participate.

587
02:51:05.200 --> 02:51:22.880
repeated absenteeism from duty, not from the meeting, from duties. And let's see, sharp tax increases. Yeah, taxes have gone up. Conflict of interest, nepotism.

588
02:51:22.880 --> 02:51:39.760
Yeah. When we have relatives and friends being appointed to pay in boards, criminal charges or convictions, broken campaign promises. You promise expect more, but we got a lot less. Poor management decision.

589
02:51:39.760 --> 02:51:54.319
Management decision as it relates to our trash not being picked up. Uh our taxes ex uh being uh taxes being increased. Um the sidewalks that Councilwoman Peron talked about.

590
02:51:54.319 --> 02:52:10.720
Um there a couple of other things here. Poor management decision, contract controversy. That's what we heard tonight. There's a couple other ones that I want to I talked about family members. Oh, utility courts.

591
02:52:10.720 --> 02:52:27.120
Our utility courts. Even though you say you have nothing to do with the MUA, but you appoint people to the MUA and they make those decision. >> I know your time is >> I know. Very quick. And where is our >> I'm sorry that's your I'm sorry that's your time. Where is our I'm sorry that's

592
02:52:27.120 --> 02:52:46.840
your evening >> president tonight. He's not. >> I'm sorry. That's your time. Thank you. >> It's always my time. >> It is. Thank you. >> But I will continue. >> Where did I report him? Oh, there you are. >> All right. Pardon me. He's back.

593
02:52:48.000 --> 02:53:09.279
>> All right. Um, Mr. Harris, let's first >> All right. Let's first talk about um the sewer issue on Pageant Lane. I know we're in process of that. We talked a little bit about it tonight. Can you just um reiterate what's happening on

594
02:53:09.279 --> 02:53:24.160
Pent >> So that is part of the uh rehabilitation that I believe that that's the one that she's referring to that is going going to work is going to begin on tomorrow. >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah. >> So I believe that's the issue that she's referring to that we're going to begin

595
02:53:24.160 --> 02:53:40.319
working on tomorrow. All right, perfect. Um, so that sinkhole, yes, we are aware that there are a number of issues um in our storm water and um sewer system and we are working diligently to um repair

596
02:53:40.319 --> 02:53:57.120
the neglect that has happened over the years to our infrastructure. Um for uh the council member for areas for certain areas we here in um Willingboro we have a we're under the Faulner

597
02:53:57.120 --> 02:54:14.880
system. So we have five council members that are elected by the people um at large. So we cover the entire township. Mr. Harris is the executive in the township um and handles the day-to-day. So, if you have any issues um or you

598
02:54:14.880 --> 02:54:32.479
can't find the right person, the best place to probably go would be Mr. um Harris's office, the township manager's office um or the clerk's office, and they can always help direct you to where you need to go. Um we had some questions for Miss from

599
02:54:32.479 --> 02:54:47.520
Miss Matthysse about the staffing in DPW. Can you shed a little light on that? We have had many conversations regarding staffing in DBW during my tenure here in Willingboro under the the direction of Mr. Provogal under the

600
02:54:47.520 --> 02:55:04.800
direction of of Mr. um uh Marvin Harris. Yeah, I should know that name. And uh even recently under Mr. Chapman's uh regime about the appropriate staffing of DPW and the number has always come

601
02:55:04.800 --> 02:55:21.040
out in the mid30s range and it was our intention this year to hire uh additional individuals to bring the staffing up to uh to the the agreed upon numbers. Our plan was to hire 14

602
02:55:21.040 --> 02:55:36.880
individuals at the beginning of this year, but because of situations and things that have occurred um with the availability of funding, uh that had to be amended this year. Um but we are continuing to to put out the uh ads for

603
02:55:36.880 --> 02:55:54.240
for hiring for DPW. We have hired several DPW employees and have terminated the services of several DPW employees because of um their poor job performance or other things that have happened. Uh part of Mr. Chapman's

604
02:55:54.240 --> 02:56:10.880
issues is the number of of employees that call out on a daily basis. He can have up to 10 individuals call out from work because they don't feel like cutting grass today. And that is problematic. Um, but those are things that we need to kind of deal with and

605
02:56:10.880 --> 02:56:27.760
and handle on on the in-house. But it is our plan and we are still looking to continue to hire and staff uh DPW um more accordingly to uh enable him to get the work that needs to be done accomplished.

606
02:56:27.760 --> 02:56:42.880
>> Madame Mayor. >> Yes. >> So, Mr. Harris, honestly, that response is unacceptable. um and to the rest of council as well because as I said earlier in the meeting, we are here

607
02:56:42.880 --> 02:57:00.279
as elected bodies to collect the money and provide a service and part of the service is maintaining the lawn where we hire professionals, okay, pick up the trash,

608
02:57:00.399 --> 02:57:17.439
repair the potholes and the answer is Well, we don't have enough staff because of funding. Then that means things like the the jazz festival, those type of things that we spent two over $200,000 for, how about we put that money into services that we're not providing. You

609
02:57:17.439 --> 02:57:33.520
see, so the the fact that those numbers are not in this budget, the bodies that we need, the DPW, he said he needs at least 40 people. And the response right now was, well, we were going to, but we didn't have enough

610
02:57:33.520 --> 02:57:50.240
money. But we're looking at a budget here that we just introduced. That's amended, but it's still not amended to make sure we have the bodies in place to complete the service properly, effectively, with the materials that's needed is unacceptable.

611
02:57:50.240 --> 02:58:06.640
And and I feel that with this the budgets that we're discussing now, it is not too late to make it right. make it right. You have the staff here. They're telling you what what we need to get the service done. We can't just keep looking at our our

612
02:58:06.640 --> 02:58:22.240
community and keep charging them more and put the put the dollar on them and not providing a service. >> So, with all with you're absolutely correct, Councilwoman Peron, and and I do present the the a

613
02:58:22.240 --> 02:58:39.760
budget to the governing body and you adopt that budget. So if you as the governing body want to make amendments to the budget then you have the opportunity to do so. >> And also I just we had um we did discuss this. We have

614
02:58:39.760 --> 02:58:55.279
included some funding for additional DPW employees. Correct, Mr. Harris? Correct. >> And uh if I may ask Mr. Chapman a question. I know he's still in the back there. >> Mr. Chapman, um if you could just come up real quick. Let's talk about um some

615
02:58:55.279 --> 02:59:16.720
of the staff real quick or staffing issues. >> The mic. >> Yeah. Yeah. Right in the hot seat, sir. >> Hey, I'm all right. Let's do it. >> All right. So, let's Okay. Um before we go on, hold on one

616
02:59:16.720 --> 02:59:34.080
second, Mr. Chapman. Um, I'd like to make a motion to extend the meeting to 11 pm. >> So, moved. >> Moved by Councilwoman Peron, seconded by Councilman Anderson. Uh, all in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Any abstensions?

617
02:59:34.080 --> 02:59:49.040
>> All right. Now, we're all good. >> All right. >> Um, so, uh, Mr. Chapman, just a little bit about the employees at DPW. So, you have some in the budget for this year, correct? I believe we have some in the budget for this year. I didn't see it.

618
02:59:49.040 --> 03:00:09.840
>> Mistakes. What is our >> um >> All right. I didn't Well, before we before we get that, if if Mr. Digs, if you can find that answer, um but while we're talking about that, Mr. Chapman, um can you just talk about some of the

619
03:00:09.840 --> 03:00:25.279
issues that we're having with retaining employees in DPW? Um, okay. Um, so I guess uh I guess at the beginning of my tenure, we kind of changed the standard of women. More professionalism,

620
03:00:25.279 --> 03:00:42.160
more service, uh, uh, I guess you could say resident focused service, um, higher standard, quality of work and all of that. So in that transition, in that process, we did have a lot of employ, I guess you could say, some employees that were longer standing employees in the department that potentially didn't get

621
03:00:42.160 --> 03:00:58.160
with the new wave. Um so we did have some terminations there. We had some um terminations from um negligent behavior um unc conduct unbecoming of uh public employees, things of that nature. So we have had situations where we haven't

622
03:00:58.160 --> 03:01:13.520
been able to retain a certain amount of I guess you could say quality bodies. Um I guess the problem is getting more bodies into the building. Um, now I don't know what happens behind the

623
03:01:13.520 --> 03:01:30.160
scenes with, you know, salary and wages and all of that, but um, as far as when we get an employee out, I think sometimes when we don't immediately replace that employee, sometimes that money or that employee becomes lost in the abyss and then we might not be able

624
03:01:30.160 --> 03:01:47.520
to fill that position or it might not be able to be filled at that current time or whatever the case may be. Um, so as it currently stands, I know that I would like to get some additional employees, but the reality of the situation is if we do staff up the department with the

625
03:01:47.520 --> 03:02:02.479
adequate number of employees, we're going to have to also beef up the equipment, the vehicles for those employees to get around and all of that stuff as well. So, it is like a double and tandra is a two-edged sword. But I don't believe it's something that can be fixed overnight. But I do believe it is

626
03:02:02.479 --> 03:02:19.439
something that needs like immediate attention because with us taking on the new development of that's coming, more storm water infrastructure, more roadways that we're responsible for, more snow plowing that we're responsible for, that whole development with sidewalks. So in Willing, we're

627
03:02:19.439 --> 03:02:34.399
responsible for sidewalks. So even though it'll be new sidewalks in that development, there's a potential for cracks, damage, whatever the case may be. So, it is the growing I guess you could say the growing amount of work that we're responsible for is increasing and that's my concern because of the

628
03:02:34.399 --> 03:02:50.560
increase of the amount of work we're responsible for and where we're already falling short. So, it's like a we're bleeding out and we're just not able to keep up and that's just my concern. >> Madame Mayor, >> go ahead. Um, >> Mr. Chapman, during during the budget

629
03:02:50.560 --> 03:03:06.720
hearings, >> you identified doing research on a community this size that it would take about 43 employees. >> That was based off of a DCA uh Department of Community Affairs uh study that was performed over a shared service agreement between two communities coming

630
03:03:06.720 --> 03:03:22.479
together on how they can potentially staff that community. Yes. >> Correct. And right now you're well below that. So the the reality of it is you do need manpower. >> Oh yeah. Well, yeah, we definitely need >> in addition to the additional work with the current work that we can't keep up. >> Oh, well, yes, that is that that as well. Yes,

631
03:03:22.479 --> 03:03:38.000
>> manpower. So, based on your conversation, it sound like you were saying you didn't need manpower. >> No, no, no. I'm just saying just and with the increased amount of work we is we do need more and then what we need now. Yeah. >> Of work you still are under. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And it's not in the budget. You I didn't

632
03:03:38.000 --> 03:03:53.840
see >> Have all the Have all the positions that were vacated been backfilled? >> Um, no. Um, when we had a retirement from one of our supervisors, we had five supervisors. We downsized to four now. So, we only have four supervisors. Um, I

633
03:03:53.840 --> 03:04:10.319
don't believe that positions being filled. Um, and as far as laborers, yeah, we're just at the number 23. Right. >> Mr. Har's request in your budget. >> Uh, yes. Um,

634
03:04:10.319 --> 03:04:26.160
>> but I we we as far as salary and wages, that's something that's not in our control, >> right? >> Yeah. >> So, I'm trying to find out. Did you request >> more uh more people? Yes. >> How many people did you request? >> Um,

635
03:04:26.160 --> 03:04:42.800
the particular number, I guess I can't put a number on that, but through discussions that we had prior to all of this, um, >> 14 was the number. >> Yeah, 14 was the number. >> I I didn't see it in the book. No, I don't know. But yeah, about >> Yeah, that wasn't that blue that blue book that we got that we received for

636
03:04:42.800 --> 03:05:00.319
all of the departments. I did not see new hieres. That's why I'm asking that's why I'm trying to find out the question because it wasn't in there. >> Well, there is no line new hirees. It's the total salary and wages for the department. >> I didn't see an increase. I didn't see where this salary included 14 more

637
03:05:00.319 --> 03:05:16.479
people. So, that's what I'm saying. So if it's not there, that's that's why we're here to discuss this now to just get it right. Make it right. So if it's not there, put it in there. This is what we're this is what we're here to do. >> That is a decision that you have every

638
03:05:16.479 --> 03:05:30.880
right to to make. >> So to the council members, do you are you interested in amending the budget to add 14 more laborers to the department so this way Mr. Chapman has sufficient staff to conduct his department of at

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least 40 people? No, I would I I excuse me. Order. Um I would um just caution, right? Because as we add employees, that also adds pensions, health insurance, and we

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already have to go up 9 cents because of the increases of pens pensions and health insurance for the employees that we already have. I understand. I want to give Mr. Chapman all of the resources that he needs. >> Right. I think >> Mr. Chapman is doing a fine job and I

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want him to be successful. I want him to have the things that we do that he needs. But we also have to manage the rest of the community. If we add an additional 14 employees, that will equate to a tax increase for the residents. You know, if we stop putting

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so much money into the jazz festival, the performing arts theater, all of these that we spend, we spend so much money on other things. This is what I'm trying to say. instead of the services >> we're talking about. So, Councilwoman and and and please un understand, like I

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said, we had planned to include 14 additional employees in DPW. But last year, we became subject to a settlement agreement with another union that required us to to transfer almost $700,000

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of available monies to cover now those employees, which we have not fully recuperated from yet. So, it's not as easy as just saying we're going to put in 600,000 because 600,000 really equals 1.2 2 million if you

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consider benefits and all the other associated with it and you wanted to >> I'm not sure I'm not I'm not sure >> some of the steps that we have have taken to offset some of the um the burden is we've shifted our uh some of

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our maintenance costs we've gone to outside vendors to maintain the ball fields and cut grass and things like that to kind of uh soften the blow and our desire is to rebuild DPW W to the point where we don't need to utilize

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those outside services. But again, it's process >> people the laborers here then we wouldn't have to go outside sources. He's underst staffed. So if he's staffed properly with the right equipment, then we wouldn't have to hire a third party.

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>> I understand what you're saying. We we are having we are having hearings tomorrow, disciplinary hearings, which could result in the termination of three DPW employees because of things that happen. So those three employees will be replaced, but it's not something that

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can just happen overnight, >> right? You just post an ad for hire. It's that's what you do. We post the ad for hire, but the you you think the the >> Well, I I will let me I will say that when I come up here and I I guess make

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these statements of transparency when it comes to staff. It isn't to I guess try to make excuses. It's really just to be transparent and let the community understand what we're really up against because we receive a lot of phone calls and my office gets inundated with phone calls. You're not doing this. You're not

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doing that. This pothole's been here for a month. this pothole has been here for this, my brush has been sitting here for this long. And I be I'm trying to communicate to the residents that it's not a lack of uh mismanagement, poor planning, or whatever the case may be. It literally is a lack of it's just too

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much that we just can't get to. We're we're scheduling it, but we're in the middle of a season right now where we're picking up with pools. So, I got employees in the middle of the pool right now power washing the pool, trying to clean the pool. We got to get the electrical bonding and grounding for that pool. So, that's also going on. Replacing the drain covers is going on.

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We're repairing things at Brodeo Park that break so people can use these facilities. So it's it's it's not that we're not trying to get there, but I just don't want the residents to think that is a neglect. It's really not a neglect. It's really just me not having the ability to schedule or put people in

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places where they need to be due to what I'm facing. >> Council Mintosh, >> was some there was an increase in the budget for staff. Correct. >> Miss Digs is going to get the the the budget figures. >> I don't know what the total

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>> your original ask was 14. >> Well, when I when I originally started in Willingboro, it wasn't necessarily asked. That was the disc uh conversation that we had when I first come on that we was going to onboard an additional 14 people that year 2000. So, I started 2024 into 2024. It was supposed to

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happen in 25. That didn't happen. I get it. municipal government. That's all well and good, but it's there's going to have to be a conscientious effort at some point to start trying to pour into the department if we're going to start providing the level of service that residents expect because we haven't had

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any conversation about reduction of services, but we are still have the expectation for a level of service that right now we quite frankly we can't provide. So, right now the service delivery is lacking, but it's not lacking from mismanagement or whatever

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the case may be. is just lacking from a lack of availability. Yeah. >> Deputy Mayor Worthy. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um I know Miss Diggs is going to go get the numbers because there was a request for additional um salary dollars. Um and I

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know there's a lot of um chatter in the audience about you know just you know hiring more people which would be great. At the same time we're asked to sustain taxes or to keep taxes um at bay. Um shouts from the audience say that we have increased the taxes which we have

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not. Um but there has been increases to the county tax and the school district has leveraged additional taxes. As we're having these discussions just being mindful tomorrow the school board is having a meeting and they are discussing what their increase is going to be. Um as we know there multiple portions of

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what make up make up our tax bill. So if we already know there's going to be some increases on the municipal part. Um not saying that we shouldn't add 14 employees. It's just a matter of understanding. Um, we can increase the level of service delivery, we can increase the resident experience, but

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it's going to be at a at a cost. It's no different than, you know, if you want a nice ribeye, a nice ribeye, you can go to state 48. If you want to go to Applebees, nothing wrong with Applebees, but that's not the same kind of state. And so, all we're saying is that we're it's not >> Don't discriminate on restaurants. >> Excuse me.

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>> Don't discriminate on restaurants. Okay? >> You can't talk about business. >> No, you're the expert. No, thank you. you talk about different businesses and which restaurant is better than the other. >> Point of welcome point of order much of appreciate that. >> You're welcome. >> As I was saying, I think it's just important to be mindful that your um the

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experience we're going to have as residents. We can have a better experience, but it's going to it's going to come at a cost. And I think we just have to be mindful of that. And we can load it all in and see what the total cost will be, but we don't know yet what the um impact of the school district is yet. And I don't think we have numbers

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from the county either in terms of what that's going to be. So those are just all the pieces coming together. We're looking at Willingboro um just our local tax, but there are other things that that are coming that we really have no idea what the impact it could be. Um yeah, we have no idea.

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>> And the 20% PSEG cost increase there. There are so many costs increasing and you know just overall looking we're looking at the total budget, right? We also had to substitute some money to get a new fire engine because our fire

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engine um needed to be replaced. Our pump engine, I think that's a critical need. DPW is, you know, it's a critical need, but do we place the fire engine over DPW employees? It it's a balancing

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act for the whole thing. Um so we want Mr. Chapman to have the things that he needs. We just bought a whole bunch of salt, new salt spreaders, another sweeper. We We're getting some things. Um, but we

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also have to balance where we divvy the dollars because there are departments across the municipality that have needs and we're just trying to balance all of those. I mean, ultimately, we just need to provide the service for the community. And I just think it's not it's not an

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acceptable excuse that we just don't have the money to provide the service. That's and and if your vote if if your proposal is to raise taxes, increase taxes that we can provide all of the services and fulfill all of the needs for the departments within the

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municipality. I I'm just saying use the taxes for what we're supposed to use it for for ser to so just make sure we get our things I understand we need a fire truck. We need everything. What what I'm trying to say is let's look at the budget and just get it right so we can so when Mr. Chapman is standing here he

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has the staff that he needs. >> And if you have if you have proposed amendments you can send them. We we had >> this is an amendment. Here we go. Here's an amendment. >> We had multiple emails go out. >> It's not an email. statement asking for amendments prior to this because everyone has already submitted their

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>> matter to be combative. You hear this? Do you hear the request? You heard the report from from DPW. He needs staff. So there's amendment council. >> Are you going to motion the Thank you for the >> Is the mayor going to motion the amendment? You're not. So you're not going to motion the amendment. Deputy mayor wants to speak.

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>> Deputy mayor. Madame Mayor, in terms of um amendments, I know that the inquiry went out from the administration requesting any um amendments that council members were interested in sending, they could send those amendments. Um I'm sure the administration is open. If you have amendments, you can just send them right

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here. Are you going to second the amendment request? >> Have to second it. That's what I'm saying. It's all >> in the next meeting. It will already be in there. That's what we're saying. We've already >> You need to just be specific to what is it that you want that Mr. Mr. Chapman needs 40 people to run his department. So as long as there's

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>> whatever the dividend is get left go tomorrow, we need to hire substantial amount of people to make sure he has at least 40 people to run his department. So that needs to be in the in amended in the budget. So, and and you had suggested that we

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take that money from the justice, some of that money from the >> No, what I'm saying is to look at the budget and find where is the most appropriate way to make that happen. That's what I'm saying. Look at the budget. Look to see where we can make sure our department is >> We've all been looking at the budget,

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Councilwoman Pone. That's why I'm asking because you're making these sweeping things and if we don't make it happen, then it's on us and we don't agree with it. We have been going over this budget for over a month. making recommendations, making changes, putting different things in. And if you have

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feedback, if you want to if you are your proposal is to give Mr. Chapman 40 more 40 a total of 40 employees, then where are we going to cut that from the budget? Look at the budget. First of all, you look at the budget. You look at

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the budget. We have all been looking at the budget. Just a moment. Just a moment. Remember, you had budget meetings at 4:00. You did not make sure that I was able to You did not have the zoom working so I could participate. You did not want to make a second a motion so I could participate. So you were

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sitting there, the three or four of you together. Okay. So it's not So you have an amendment right here on the table on the table to amend it to find it. So this way this department is staffed so we can provide proper service to the community with the tax dollars that we've already taken. Mr. Harris, please

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take that amendment down. um what would it cost and what would be the impact of um adding a total of 40 employees to Mr. Chapman? Thank you. Moving >> and under staff is not acceptable. We cannot counciloman. We got it. Thank

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you so much. All right, moving on. >> Um we had some other comments to get to. Um I'm going to go. >> No, I'm good. Thank you. Okay. All right. Um, a little bit about the polling

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places. Um, the polling places, some of those changes happen because there's construction at the schools, not just because we weren't trying to interrupt the school day. Um, which is making the schools unusable for that. So, we did

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have to make accommodations. There are accommodations being made um for handicap. I think our um police will be helping with traffic as well as um some members or workers at the um JFK center

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to be assisting residents who may be handicapped to get to and from the building. So, we do have some accommodations in place for those. Um there are a number of other ones and we still have some information to go over

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in executive session. So >> yes, we have contact cards for all of the residents that I believe everyone submitted. I might >> All right. Sure. We have them from uh

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Miss Matthysse down to uh Miss Holly. >> And mayor, most of the comments uh from the residents were uh code enforcement issues. And I will have a thorough conversation with Mr. Tonsel tomorrow regarding some of those outstanding issues.

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>> And if we can just get um some replies back to those residents out. >> Yes. >> Thank you. All right. Okay. I'd like to um make a motion for executive session. We have a couple items. Discuss an executive session.

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>> Oh, yeah. Executive session. I get a motion to approve resolution authorizing close executive session in accordance with the New Jersey open open public meetings act for matters of

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personnel and attorney client privileges contract negotiate yes contract negotiation and attorney client attorney client client privilege matters. Excuse me. If we could have quiet in the courtroom. We're trying to go into

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executive. Yes. Can I get a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy. Seconded by Councilwoman Mintosh. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Any extensions? All right. We are now in executive. We may

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have a decision of 30 minutes. All right, madam clerk, we'll come out of executive Can I get a motion to come out of executive session? >> So moved. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Wory, seconded by Councilman Anderson. All in favor? I

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>> I. >> Any oppos? Any abstensions? All right. We are now out of executive um madam clerk, let's uh move on with resolution 106. Can I get a motion to discuss resolution 26

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106, a resolution authorizing change order number 17 for the contract with JH William Enterprises for the performing arts center. So move. >> Second. All right. It's been moved by uh Councilwoman Peron, seconded by Deputy Mayor Worthy.

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Discussion. >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman Peron. >> Yes. >> Councilman Anderson. Councilwoman Macintosh. >> Yes. Deputy Mayor Dr. Worthy. Yes. >> And Mayor Whitfield. >> Yes. >> All right. I think that's all the items

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that we have. Um, you can close us out. Motion to adjurnn. >> Can I get a motion to adjurnn? So moved. >> Moved by Deputy Mayor Worthy, seconded by Councilman Anderson. All in favor? I

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any opposed? Any abstensions? >> All right. Good night everyone. Have a good evening. The time is now 10:46 in the Willenboro Council meeting is officially adjourned.