[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[0:07] Good evening,
[0:13] everybody. I would like to call this meeting to order with the statement of proper notice. Notice of this meeting has been posted on the municipal bulletin board and forwarded to the hopeful valley news. The times.
[0:30] Yes, the Chentanian, and hope will express in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Chapter 231, B.L.1975.
[0:40] Ms. Pantanuman, can you please call the room.
[0:42] Committee member Kaczynski?
[0:44] Here.
[0:45] Committee member Peter Svannon?
[0:46] Here.
[0:47] Deputy Mayor Pieran Dara?
[0:48] Here.
[0:49] And Mayor Chaita Zaps.
[0:50] Committee member Ritter, I've totally forgotten you.
[0:53] I'm here, too.
[0:55] I'm looking straight up to two.
[0:58] Mayor Chaita Zaps.
[0:59] Can you please raise for pleasure, please?
[1:03] I have two allegiance to the five of the United States of America.
[1:08] And do you ever bother with her?
[1:10] Which stands?
[1:11] One.
[1:12] One.
[1:12] One.
[1:12] One.
[1:13] One.
[1:13] One.
[1:19] So,
[1:23] there are two additional atoms on the meeting today, there is one, there is one
[1:29] the ordinance and one resolution which we will take it in the order, the ordinance will
[1:38] be seven B and the resolution will be nine B. So, as we go through the agenda, we will
[1:45] We'll get to that.
[1:47] With that, we are on the committee members and the staff reports, and I'll start with Mr. Snyder.
[2:02] Thank you.
[2:06] So just one quick, a couple of just quick questions.
[2:09] I know there's a lot going on this time of year.
[2:13] I'd like to just follow up with you in the mayor when he's back just on the hiring.
[2:17] And we're doing both seasonal hiring, additional form and crew to help deal with the increased load within the township.
[2:27] And so we'll follow up offline.
[2:29] But everything's looking good after a hard winner.
[2:32] Thank you, appreciate that.
[2:34] Thank you.
[2:35] Mr. Gideon,
[2:38] Ms. Chaotman.
[2:41] All right, Ms. Spendanyuman.
[2:44] Nothing to report, Mayor of Daxingham.
[2:46] Thank you.
[2:47] All right, so committee report.
[2:49] Committee report.
[2:50] Mr. Ruger, you can start with you.
[2:52] The Open Space Advisory Committee will be meeting tomorrow night at 7 o'clock.
[2:56] Mr. Kachinsky.
[2:58] So, Planning Board is meeting this Thursday.
[3:01] You know, they have a very busy schedule in the weeks ahead.
[3:05] You're going to see one of the additional items.
[3:07] Effects are fourth round, affordable housing plans.
[3:10] And so we'll speak to that introduction more as it comes forward.
[3:14] It's for the partnership with over at the White L tract.
[3:20] And so we'll talk more of that.
[3:22] And I've been working with the mayor and with our professionals to advance that.
[3:28] And the big focus on the fourth round is really towards senior housing and 100% affordable.
[3:36] Thank you.
[3:37] Mr. Peters-Manning.
[3:39] I have nothing to say.
[3:40] Thank you.
[3:41] For me, Environment Commission is going to meet tomorrow at 7 p.m. on the Zoom.
[3:47] The Board of Health is going to be on May 4th at 5.30 here in the Township Office, and I
[3:53] also would like to remind everybody again this coming Saturday we are going to have the
[3:58] cultural festival in collaboration with the cultural connection?
[4:06] May 2nd. May 2nd Saturday.
[4:09] From 11 to 2 at Pulsey Park.
[4:12] So again, there are going to be some food trucks,
[4:15] life performances from diverse ethnic background.
[4:18] It's going to be a great family event.
[4:21] So with that, I'll open the publicsation.
[4:24] The first publicsation.
[4:25] I will now open the first public session.
[4:28] If you have a comment, please step up to the podium
[4:31] and speak clearly into the microphone, state your name
[4:34] and your address.
[4:36] Public comment will be limited to three minutes per person
[4:39] and question will be answered at the end of the public
[4:42] comment session.
[4:43] And
[4:48] for you, how
[5:00] many of you have been here?
[5:02] Just a check and see if you move.
[5:04] Let's go on, Dan.
[5:05] So, one, yeah.
[5:06] Okay.
[5:10] Good afternoon, Jim Bird. Hope well, township. The reason I'm coming is because I sent
[5:16] an email to the mayor, and I don't know if he reported it on you or not. But there
[5:21] would say there's an issue that's taking place with some people that used to be
[5:29] Mayors. One was John Hart, the other one was Miss Sando. And it's in regards to a change
[5:41] of the Township Committee's operation, the way it operates. The reason that I contacted the
[5:52] was because I said it's a great concept to review, but the other important aspect is there's at least six or more different types of political programs for the different municipalities throughout New Jersey.
[6:14] So, what I'm saying is that, yes, it's nice that you go for aid petition, but I think
[6:22] that one of the most important things is that it goes before everyone in regards to
[6:30] every type of government that's available in New Jersey prior to approving a petition.
[6:40] Now, I remember the petitions, I remember when we went and four out of five members of
[6:51] the Township Committee passed a law or an ordinance, I should say, that people on
[7:00] Crest Avenue, Orchard Avenue, and other avenues in there could get, excuse me, could get
[7:12] the sewer for $15 a gallon for the setups.
[7:20] At that time, the sand would help put together a petition to thwart that.
[7:26] and that's why I say that I'm a little apprehensive of just accepting one
[7:35] petition for a choice of other options for Hopewell Township. I have nothing
[7:44] I have no problems with the change of it's necessary but before we go through
[7:52] Through with the petition, I think we should do a complete evaluation of every type of government for the municipality prior to making a decision.
[8:05] I'd like to know what your opinion is on this and what we can do in regards to that.
[8:10] Thank you very much.
[8:11] Thank you, Mr. Berry.
[8:14] Anybody else has comment or questions?
[8:21] Any one on Zoom who has a comment, please raise your hand.
[8:29] No one's raising their hand.
[8:31] All right, so there are no further comments.
[8:35] I'll close the public session.
[8:38] So, Mr. Burr, yes, thank you for your question.
[8:42] We have been discussing on that particular issue extensively and we truly believe that it
[8:49] needs to be kind of look into a holistic view.
[8:55] And we are still in the discussion
[8:57] what would be the best way to move forward.
[9:00] And I'll let my fellow committee member add into
[9:02] if you have anything to add in.
[9:05] Sure, I'd be happy to talk about that.
[9:06] At our meeting last week, we introduced an ordinance
[9:09] to potentially put a charter study commission on the ballot.
[9:14] That would be same thing happened in 2004
[9:17] where it would be a commission that studies all of the alternatives available, there's 12.
[9:22] And I agree with you 100% that we shouldn't just pick one, we should have without any discussion of the alternatives.
[9:27] So the Charter Study Commission, the first reading was last week, the public hearing is set for May 4th.
[9:33] We're hoping to hear from the community to decide if that's something that people are looking for a change.
[9:38] We also, as a part of our 2026 budget, we are getting a grant to study efficiency overall
[9:47] in the township.
[9:48] It's called the Merp Grant, which is a municipal efficiency review Merp MERP.
[9:56] I'll get back to you on what that exactly means.
[9:59] And so that will study whether we need to change forms, and if so, to what form, and also
[10:03] So just holistically look at the efficiency of our township operations and what might need to be changed.
[10:10] I mean, to just build on what Peter's Manning and the deputy mayor said, I think it starts with,
[10:16] it makes sense time to time to get someone from the outside to look at and advise us.
[10:22] And so that starts with facts, right?
[10:25] So in 2013 there was a study within the municipality that looked at structure and staffing.
[10:31] And from an outside perspective said, this is what's working.
[10:36] Here are some suggested changes if any, and that came back committee.
[10:41] I know, because I've looked at the history now in 2004, so I'm familiar with that process.
[10:46] I'm also familiar with the SOAR referendum, but I agree with you Mr.
[10:49] Bird, there's not one form of government that a select few should unilaterally decide on.
[10:56] I think there are alternate options, and we have in the last meeting, I don't even know
[11:01] If the four or five of us are necessarily on the same page as to we want to hear from the public.
[11:09] We want to hear an outside independent assessment of where we're at.
[11:14] And then if there is a charter commission, there will be five independent members who take all that input,
[11:22] who can hire an expert, that's part of why we're looking to get the grant.
[11:25] And they will advise the community on what they recommend.
[11:28] And it is a, the charter commission plan is a two step process.
[11:33] So in 2004, the charter commission did recommend a change that went back to voters the following year.
[11:41] And after the voters looked at all the options, my understanding was that the voters said we believe the current form of government is working.
[11:51] We're not presupposing any of that, we're not presupposing one form of government or another.
[11:56] But I agree with you, it should not be just one that we go forward with.
[12:02] So it appears that Merp has management enhancement review program.
[12:05] Thank you.
[12:09] And Mr. Burd, I just had a little bit to what my colleague said.
[12:14] What I think is the most important thing here is the process.
[12:17] Changing the government is a very big deal if we are going to make that change.
[12:21] It should not be done because one person or one small group of people say,
[12:25] take it or leave it here is our proposal,
[12:27] either you like this or you don't.
[12:29] What we need to do is we need to have the right process
[12:31] where we have the everybody who wants to participate,
[12:35] to participate or we have an independent party,
[12:38] look at things and let us know what we're doing right
[12:40] and what we're doing wrong and what we can do better.
[12:43] We do not have perfect knowledge of the 560 plus
[12:47] municipalities in the state of New Jersey,
[12:50] but whoever we bring in as an expert will.
[12:54] And to be able to rely on that person's expertise and make a proposal that could then go to the public I think is a far, far better idea, a more inclusive idea and a more democratic idea, small day than having a one person or small group of people say here's what we think you should do.
[13:12] Can I just one thing about the particular town manager form of government that is being proposed with this referendum?
[13:17] them, it puts the executive power of the government in an unelected town manager.
[13:23] So the town manager is appointed by the town council and that person has all of the executive
[13:28] authority like you would imagine a mayor does in many other forms of government.
[13:32] So while you would directly elect the mayor, you're directly electing a figurehead who runs
[13:36] meetings and goes to ribbon cuttings and it's largely a ceremonial role, even less so than
[13:42] and our mayor is in the Township Committee Forum.
[13:45] And I also wanted to say sort of a pitch
[13:49] for the Township Committee Forum of Government
[13:50] because for our form, the executive authority
[13:53] is in all five of us.
[13:55] So it is not just one person that makes the decisions.
[13:57] We have to vote on pretty much everything.
[13:59] If you see one of the additions tonight
[14:00] is supporting the mayor writing a letter
[14:02] and supporting a grant application
[14:04] and supportive lowering the speed limit.
[14:06] So the mayor can't really make those decisions.
[14:07] We all have to make those decisions together.
[14:09] And while that is, for sure, clunky sometimes, I think promotes better decision-making because we're all very different.
[14:16] We have different opinions.
[14:17] We approach problems differently, so we get to better solutions, in my opinion.
[14:22] Mr. Gradel, do you have to add anything in here in the clarification?
[14:29] Clear, but there are two different ways to change the chart.
[14:32] One is to have a petition that recommends a particular change in the notice select.
[14:40] The other is to have a charter study commission, which then itself studies the government.
[14:47] And so your study, analyzing, determine what they think is best in sending that to the voters.
[14:55] So, can you have the two different, first, previous versions?
[15:00] Right now. And, I mean, all of us are in consensus that, you know, we cannot rush to this decision or just pick one or the other. We have to kind of look at the overall situation. What is going to work the best for current, I mean, expanding our township is expanding and what would work best now and in the future. And to be clear, the ordinance that the township is introduced.
[15:29] would put the question on the ballot, shall there be a charter study commission?
[15:34] And at the same time, there are people who may want to be on that charter study commission,
[15:41] can submit petitions and be on the ballot.
[15:44] So if the answer is yes, then they take the top five vote getters,
[15:48] and those people become the commission, they study the government for the next nine months,
[15:53] and issue a report, if they think the charter should be changed,
[15:57] their recommendation goes on the ballot the following year.
[16:00] Great, thank you.
[16:02] I think that's pretty clear now.
[16:05] With that, we are going to move to the next agenda item,
[16:09] the ordinances, and this is the introduction
[16:11] and the first reading of the ordinance.
[16:15] So A, the ordinance amending chapter 17 land use
[16:19] of the code of the township of Hopewell
[16:21] to establish requirements for native land species
[16:25] This is in the landscaping plants.
[16:28] Can I get the motion and the second, please?
[16:31] I'll move that.
[16:32] I'll second it.
[16:33] Thank you.
[16:35] Mr. Snyder.
[16:36] Thank you, Deputy Mayor.
[16:38] The remarkable vision has worked quite extensively for several months to create this ordinance,
[16:46] where the, which changes the lane use code to require that landscaping plants use native plants.
[16:50] It prohibits cultivars and genetically modified plants unless granted an exception by an environmental commission, and it also creates a new exception review process and clarifies enforcement, including remove unapproved plants.
[17:06] And the review process goes through the environmental commission.
[17:10] The plan board reviewed the draft ordinance at a March 26, 2026 meeting, and concluded that the ordinance is not inconsistent with the Township Baster Platt.
[17:20] Thank you. And as I am a liaison for the Environmental Commission, I have seen that the Environmental Commission is very passionate about making sure that we grow the native plans to kind of keep the floor and
[17:34] If you're now off our area, which is very environmentally rich, so I also support this.
[17:42] So, it's a roll call vote.
[17:44] Can I have that one?
[17:45] Yes, please.
[17:46] So, I just want to make sure, this only applies when someone is planning board or the zoning
[17:52] board, right?
[17:53] It's not just to everybody in the tap too, it's like correct.
[17:56] Good question.
[17:59] This is not the requirement, this is suggestion.
[18:02] I don't think this is going to make the hardship on anybody.
[18:07] It's more like a new development where people are just picking and choosing whatever they want.
[18:13] And we would like to suggest a huge list of the plans.
[18:17] But it does say it will be removed if it is not consistent.
[18:21] So my understanding was that it applies to only applications of the planning board
[18:28] or people can be variants of the software.
[18:30] So it's not just if I wanted to plan something
[18:32] that would be invasive.
[18:33] No, I would because I don't.
[18:34] Yeah, but I wouldn't be subject to this ordinance.
[18:37] That's right.
[18:38] OK, that's correct.
[18:39] That is correct.
[18:40] Yes.
[18:42] All right, so.
[18:43] So I'm deputy mayor.
[18:46] I did have to, you know, Mr. Snyder mentioned Cultivar.
[18:49] I think that we're familiar with what a genetically modified
[18:51] plan is.
[18:52] I had to look up what a Cultivar is.
[18:54] A cultivar is a plant variety selected by humans for specific desirable traits that is maintained through cloning or controlled propagation.
[19:04] So clearly that is a genetically modified plant.
[19:09] I think functionally it's genetically modified plant by the time that you're done.
[19:15] I will be interested.
[19:16] I have tremendous respect for the work of the people on the environmental commission.
[19:19] it was Liz on for several years and know how hard they work on these things and, you know,
[19:23] Mr. Snyder, thank you for your help on this. I do look forward to hearing if any members of
[19:27] the public have any specific comments about these. They're pro or calm.
[19:31] And I'm sorry, thank you for mentioning that because one question because I know, for example,
[19:35] the American chestnut was dying until they crossbred it with a chestnut that was resistant to
[19:40] the light of killing all the chestnut trees. So is that allowed? If you have, I mean, so, you know,
[19:46] So I guess since it will now, so there is traditional breeding, crossbreeding programs
[19:52] like they did with the American Chestnut, where they, I mean, that's been going on for
[19:58] hundreds, if not more years, where they take two species and they bring them together,
[20:03] or they, in the case, some of the cases of the Chestnut, they would splice one plant
[20:09] onto the roots of another.
[20:11] There are several techniques that they use broadly in the industry.
[20:18] It's different from using a CRISPR type tool and actually going in and modifying the genome.
[20:26] As I understand it, now, if we need to get an expert in, because I agree with both of
[20:30] you that it's genetically modified, sometimes it's a scary word, would you stop to understand
[20:35] Is it genetic reading or is it genetic, it's going to change?
[20:40] I mean, it is modifying, you know, I completely, you know, I remember those stories as a young kid.
[20:46] I'm glad we have the sapling here in the township, and I hope that the chestnut comes back.
[20:52] Maybe for the public hearing of this ordinance, we could have someone from the Environmental Commission come and answer some questions.
[20:57] Good idea.
[20:58] Okay, so should we just table it for now?
[21:02] I think we can introduce it, but then we can do all of this of the public hearing.
[21:05] Sure.
[21:07] As far as a cultivar, a cultivar can be specifically identified because after its Latin name,
[21:13] it will include another name in single quotes.
[21:17] So that's how you can differentiate a cultivar from a non-cultivar.
[21:22] Okay.
[21:22] Okay.
[21:23] I'll have that.
[21:25] I mean, I'm part of this discussion, but I'm not aware of all these small nuances that
[21:31] I mean, it's a good idea that we can bring one of the native land experts to explain it to us.
[21:38] Thank you, thank you.
[21:39] And I'm sorry, but I just, I wanted to back up on something.
[21:43] I'm looking at the ordinance, and as I look at the section, the proposed ordinance, 17-89.2, exception review.
[21:51] Our applications to the zoning board of approval, planning board, stream quarter parmits,
[21:54] or any agenda item that comes before the Environmental Commission that proposed any landscaping
[21:59] must include landscaping plans.
[22:00] So, as I read this, this is for anything that would come before those groups that proposed
[22:09] landscaping as opposed to if you ran out to the garden store and bought something.
[22:15] Yeah, that's what, as you said, Mr. Peter Manning, that this is more like people who are
[22:22] coming for the huge landscaping, you know, new development and rather than bringing some
[22:28] non-native, it just entries them to and there are tons of, I mean, I think they have included
[22:33] the website where literally have thousands and thousands of choices. So it's just the preference
[22:40] that what you plant. So you are free to buy a cultivar, but it is a, you know, developer,
[22:48] a developer would not be permitted to have a cultivar. I mean, I think what logic is that,
[22:53] And, you know, as a resident, you probably will have a relatively small landscaping versus
[22:59] the entire development may have a huge acres and acres of the plantation to be done.
[23:05] So, I mean, you know, we all should be cognizant about having the netheeds, but you know.
[23:12] It's also sort of what's the reach of the government, right?
[23:14] If you're asking to develop a neighborhood in a town, that's a different thing,
[23:20] And if you just live in your property and you don't plan what you want to plan.
[23:23] So I understand.
[23:25] I understand.
[23:25] Still totally in favor of native plans.
[23:27] Me too.
[23:28] I have my eye on that on my backyard.
[23:30] So we're supposed to be on the board of adjustment, though, that's only part of approval.
[23:35] So I'll move it as a man doing it.
[23:39] Thank you.
[23:41] So should we move to the roll call board?
[23:45] Committee member Kaczynski?
[23:46] Yes.
[23:47] Committee member Peters Manning?
[23:48] Yes.
[23:48] Yes.
[23:49] Community member Rueger?
[23:51] Yes.
[23:51] And Deputy Mayor Parenthood?
[23:53] Yes.
[23:54] And this ordinance has been introduced on the first reading and will be published on the
[23:58] township's official municipal website in accordance with PL 2035, chapter 72.
[24:05] Second reading in public hearing date will be set for May 4th.
[24:09] Okay.
[24:10] Thank you.
[24:12] We have seven B is the ordinance amending the chapter 17 of the Code of Township of
[24:18] Opal Entry to land use development ordinance to include a new affordable housing one district
[24:27] affordable housing district so can I can I get the motion and the second please and I will
[24:33] move it.
[24:34] Thank you.
[24:35] Thank you.
[24:37] Roll call for it, please.
[24:40] Sure.
[24:41] Oh, anybody has any comments here?
[24:44] So I mean, this ordinance was prepared by Mr. Banish, our master planner, coming out
[24:51] of discussions we've had regarding the White L track with the Walters group.
[24:55] They are as envisioned in our fourth round plan, proposing a 70 unit 100% affordable project
[25:02] on why Dow, that they are working actively to get state funding.
[25:09] They believe it will get a very high score under the state funding formula.
[25:15] This is because the township controls the land.
[25:17] This is something within our purview.
[25:20] We have had discussions and there is a separate process to look more broadly at that area,
[25:28] that intersection on both sides of denial road across from the stop and shop.
[25:32] But this is an ordinance that starts the process and is an enabling ordinance to move forward with it.
[25:40] It, of course, has to have a public hearing, and like the last one, we encourage members of the public to come out.
[25:46] But Mr. Banish has looked at the site along with Mr. Katrina can has within the ordinance proposed the controlling zoning setbacks and
[25:58] And other requirements for it, and we'll have a full public hearing if everyone's inclined to move forward at our May 4th meeting.
[26:05] There will be other elements we walked through an overall timeline.
[26:11] Mr. Snyder, we probably should just follow up with Mr. Deluca and or Deluca and just share that with the full committee so that everyone is aware before meetings like this of what is coming down the pike.
[26:25] But they are working towards a June 30th application for the site.
[26:30] And as a reminder, one of the requirements in the fourth round is that all 100% affordable projects are under a certain timeline.
[26:41] And there is a very tight two year overall process because this one is the one that we control.
[26:47] We have several other projects and vision in our fourth round plan that are not as far advanced as this, but we believe it will show good faith.
[26:57] Anyone else?
[27:01] Okay.
[27:02] Can we move on to the Royal Goldwood Police?
[27:06] Can you remember Kaczynski?
[27:07] Yes.
[27:08] Can you remember Peters Manning?
[27:09] Yes.
[27:10] Can you remember Ruder?
[27:11] Yes.
[27:11] Yes.
[27:12] Deputy Mayor Purandari.
[27:13] Yes.
[27:14] And this ordinance has been introduced on its first reading and will be published on the
[27:18] tabship's official municipal website and reporting with PL 2025, Chapter 72.
[27:25] Second reading and public hearing date will be set for May 4th.
[27:29] All right.
[27:29] Thank you.
[27:31] So, that brings us to the consent agenda.
[27:35] If you have had a chance to review it, do you have any consent before I could go with this?
[27:41] Do you want to just read the, by title, the four items on the consent agenda?
[27:47] Okay.
[27:48] A, consent agenda, A, resolution accepting the resignation of the community development
[27:53] coordinator in the community development department, Ashley B. Smith, B, resolution amending, resolution
[28:03] amending, resolution number 26-5, a, designating official newspapers, C, a, resolution
[28:11] position appointing Michael Martin as a part-time social seasonal labor in the public
[28:17] worst department, de-resolution rectifying the authorization of committee member Kevin
[28:25] Kuchinski to execute a letter of support for the grant application on behalf of the Historical
[28:32] Preservation Commission.
[28:35] So I will move the consent agenda, I'll second it.
[28:39] Thank you.
[28:40] All in favor?
[28:41] Aye.
[28:42] Any opposed our abstentions?
[28:45] I see none.
[28:47] Consent agenda passes.
[28:49] The next is resolutions, a resolution approving the promotion of the
[28:56] Janet Pratt to the position of executive secretary in the
[29:00] the regional department, can I get motion in the second place?
[29:03] So moved.
[29:04] Second.
[29:05] Thank you.
[29:06] Mr. Snyder, please.
[29:08] Thank you, Deputy Mayor.
[29:10] We had several internal and external candidates apply for the Executive Secretary position
[29:17] in the Recreation Department and I have to vetting process and that Pratt is offered to position.
[29:24] She's been here nearly a year and improving herself to be an excellent member of our team,
[29:28] And if the motion becomes effective, May 1st, this will, we're trying to balance it out, get someone in recreation as soon as possible, but also backfill her position in administration.
[29:38] So, it can be effective, May 4th.
[29:40] Great, thank you, and she's great I had talked to her a couple of times, and please can we are congratulations for her appointment.
[29:50] Thank you.
[29:52] As I said, 9-B, sorry vote, resolution, congratulations.
[30:00] All in favour? Aye. Thank you. This is resolution passes. 9-B, resolution authorizing a mayor to sign the
[30:11] letter of support to Mercer County engineering engineers regarding a speed limit reduction on the
[30:18] county of 579 Bayer-Tabran Road. Can I have a motion and a second please? I will move it. Second.
[30:27] Thank you. Anything from the committee if you want to comment?
[30:33] So, you know, I appreciate the letter that was put together in response to the inquiries
[30:38] that got from the public. While this letter primarily talks about the section from
[30:43] Washington Crossing Pennington Road to Pleasant Valley Road, it does include supporting the
[30:49] exploring need for reduced speeds along the entirety, so going all the way up to the border
[30:54] because when you go north of Pleasant Valley Road full disclosure, I live on
[30:59] that part of the road. Shoulders disappear, you go off the road, you go into a
[31:04] ditch. There's very little room for error, so I do think that it is worth
[31:09] exploring there. Mr. Snyder, I know that Ms. Burkhead is not with us this evening,
[31:13] but the one thing that I would like to do there's a reference in the letter to
[31:16] the frequent horse traffic requiring vehicles to slow to 25 miles an hour.
[31:23] I'd be
[31:24] And for getting any kinds of signs, letting the public know that.
[31:29] And if we could do that during our last meeting, I expressed surprise.
[31:33] I was not aware of that and members of the public said they have seen signs like that elsewhere.
[31:39] So I think that if it is deemed appropriate with the level of horse traffic that we have,
[31:44] I would like to see those.
[31:45] I don't know if that's something through, you know, through Sonny's office or someone else.
[31:50] But I would like to make that request, please.
[31:52] Okay, Wendy and I will start working on that and it is a state statute.
[31:58] We looked it up and it is a statute that motors have to slow down to 25 miles an hour and a horse is present.
[32:03] And there are portions of Barrett Javron Road that are township controlled and
[32:09] there are portions that are county controlled.
[32:12] I think I know the answer on township roads we have the power to put up the signs with the support of the committee on county roads.
[32:20] I think they're generally, it's not the same process as the state DOT.
[32:25] So I think we could get those signs up, I think would be generally a positive.
[32:29] Okay, and I think the other thing, I said this in the last meeting.
[32:34] I think part of the issue that we saw even north of the circle on Route 31 is that there's a lot of change in traffic conditions.
[32:45] In several years ago, we worked with the state and with neighboring municipalities to create a more harmonized
[32:53] series of speed zones that we are waiting for final approval on that.
[32:57] But I look at, we made the improvement in front of bear tabern, and that's an important safety improvement.
[33:02] But I do think that there is value in looking at whether, certainly as we come out of the bear tabern school area,
[33:09] and we go north to the areas that Mr. Ruger mentioned,
[33:13] of whether we could have a harmonized 35 mile an hour speed zone.
[33:17] We did that recently on Pennington, Titusville Road
[33:19] and Pennington Harbourton Road.
[33:21] We changed speed limits.
[33:22] We put in four way stops.
[33:25] You know, I mean, I think the data is clear
[33:28] on pedestrian vehicle incidents.
[33:31] And I've seen quite a bit of commentary over mailboxes
[33:34] and we have a number of residents who have to cross the road
[33:37] to get their mail every day.
[33:38] When someone's gone 45 and they're coming around a corner over hill, there's a lot less time to react.
[33:43] So I support this and look forward.
[33:46] I think we've done good work with the county.
[33:48] I think it's appropriate that we signal our support, but it's ultimately, they have to do their due diligence and their call in sort of it.
[33:59] But I for one would encourage that and support it.
[34:02] I mean, honestly, I wish that there were the equivalent of signs of people maybe crossing
[34:06] go to their mailboxes, but I, you know, kind of like, and I don't mean it facetiously
[34:12] because if you're not familiar with the, you know, if you're from out of town and you're
[34:16] driving down the road, you don't realize that somebody's mailbox might be across the street.
[34:21] They don't know it.
[34:22] And what do they want to cross the street?
[34:23] Yeah.
[34:23] Well, the one that gives me the concern on the northern part of baritade, or you know, of 579 is somebody who's gotten their mail.
[34:33] It was safe when they crossed and they have to stand there and then cars are going both north and south because, again, there's very little room for a person to stand.
[34:42] But, you know, unless the post office changes its rules and mailboxes are always on the same side as somebody's house, that's not something we can control.
[34:52] Have
[34:55] any comment?
[34:56] All right.
[34:57] And, you know, we had extensive discussion
[35:01] about this particular issue, and we had few residents
[35:04] coming here last meeting, and we always have committed
[35:07] for the safety of the resident in the township.
[35:11] And Mr. Kuchenski mentioned few of the things,
[35:15] Mr. Alki, we have done to improve the safety and security
[35:19] in the town.
[35:20] This is one of the things, and we also have said,
[35:23] Mayer said last meeting that it's a process and this is the first step in the process.
[35:29] So we are going to follow the process, we'll follow it through with the county and make
[35:33] sure we make this correct, right for everybody and safe for everybody.
[35:39] So with that, any normal comment, all in favor?
[35:46] Aye.
[35:47] Any opposed or abstentions?
[35:48] No, there is a resolution passes, so next will be, yeah,
[36:00] we already said that.
[36:02] Now we are at the last, the sea is the Bins and Plains.
[36:08] Can I get the motion and the second and this?
[36:11] Thank you.
[36:12] Thank you.
[36:13] Mr. Darkman.
[36:14] Yep, so thank you.
[36:16] The disposal claims only represents disbursements made
[36:20] from the township for Bill's and claims.
[36:22] No payroll on this one since we just started meeting
[36:24] one week ago.
[36:26] The Bill's and claims includes our quarterly payments
[36:30] of going to the county for their share of pilot revenues.
[36:35] So you'll see going forward quarterly,
[36:38] we'll all have that going forward on the bill's and claims.
[36:41] That's great.
[36:42] Thank you.
[36:42] Anybody from the committee has comments or questions?
[36:46] All right.
[36:47] So roll call.
[36:48] I think this is a little confound.
[36:49] Committee member Kaczynski.
[36:51] Yes.
[36:51] Committee member Peters, man.
[36:53] Yes.
[36:53] Committee member Ruger.
[36:54] Yes.
[36:55] Deputy Mayor Purandari.
[36:56] Yes.
[36:57] And Bill Sinclaims passes.
[37:03] The second one.
[37:05] Oops.
[37:06] That brings us to the second public session.
[37:09] And same rule just last time.
[37:12] If you have a comment, please step up to the podium.
[37:15] speak clearly your name, address where you leave and public comments are
[37:21] limited to three minutes per person. There you are. Thank you, Mr.
[37:25] Burd. Yes, Jim Burd, who bought township. I guess I have a question in regards to
[37:30] this petition that we were just discussing because if they present a
[37:37] petition and they get X number of vote or excuse me, signatures, I assume that in
[37:45] In turn would be presented to the public for a decision yes or no.
[37:52] And I wanted to just check with you to find out, can that be deterred?
[38:00] Does it go through?
[38:02] If it does go through and they get the amount of votes to pass it,
[38:10] do they in turn change
[38:12] the township organization?
[38:16] So that's the question I have in regards to that.
[38:20] Okay, thank you.
[38:22] Anyone else in the public?
[38:25] If you're on Zoom, please raise your hand if you'd like to make a comment.
[38:33] No one else in the comment.
[38:33] No one on Zoom, that being there.
[38:36] So no further comments or question?
[38:39] I'll close the publicsation and thank you, Mr. Bird again, follow up.
[38:43] Question I'll have Mr. Gadel to explain it even further.
[38:48] before any one of us could answer that, so.
[38:53] OK, well that's the question of the hour.
[38:58] They have every right to circulate a petition.
[39:02] They have an obligation to get a certain amount of signatures.
[39:08] And once they get the required number of signatures,
[39:13] they can turn their petitions into the clerk.
[39:16] and then the clerk gives the obligation to check the signatures and make sure
[39:20] they are accurate just 20 days to do that. If they turn in a viable petition, then
[39:28] that the former government that set forth in that petition would be placed on the
[39:36] ballot for a referendum in November. On the other hand, there cannot be two
[39:42] processes at the same time. You have initiated a process as well. So at this point, two different
[39:50] processes have been initiated. Only one can be on the ballot. So you've got a timeline
[39:58] for when you will be voting on and adopting your ordinance. Assuming you do adopt your
[40:04] You're going to have a public hearing, and then make up your mind.
[40:08] Once that ordinance is effective, then if there is no other process in place, and
[40:16] there is no petition filed, it will be the process that moves forward and is on the
[40:21] ballot.
[40:23] Okay.
[40:23] So, it's like two, yeah, one or the other.
[40:28] Anybody else has any comments?
[40:33] All right.
[40:33] I guess that's clarifies further, so that brings us to, we need to have the executive
[40:40] session and now we will be in the executive.
[40:46] Can I have motion to adjourn the legal session?
[40:51] Second.
[40:52] Thank you.
[40:53] Any?
[40:54] All in favor?
[40:55] Aye.
[40:55] Any abstentions or opposition?
[40:57] You can just say, a lot more than discussing one session.
[41:01] Oh, yeah.
[41:01] I will read the statement, whereas it is necessary for the Township Committee to discuss the
[41:08] real estate legal contract negotiations and the personal matter and whereas NJS810 call
[41:14] N4-12 permits the Township Committee to conduct the meeting from which the public is excluded
[41:20] in order to discuss such matters and whereas the time, when and circumstances under which
[41:27] discussion conducted in the executive session may be disclosed to the public in when appropriate.
[41:34] Now therefore, BEAT resolved by the township committee of the Hopal Township County of
[41:39] Mercer State of New Jersey that the township committee shall forth with conduct and executive
[41:45] session to discuss the above matters. Be it further resolved that the scope of the aforesaid
[41:52] Executization will be limited to the above matters as stated and we don't expect to make any decision.
[42:01] Thank you. We are in the executive.
[42:04] The topics are litigations, update from litigations, real estate, personal contact.
[42:11] Thank you. We are in the executive.