[0:06] call this uh regular meeting of the
[0:09] whole bar council October 1925 order.
[0:16] » Adequate notice of this meeting has been
[0:18] provided by notice mail for Valley News
[0:21] in the Fman times post on a bullet in
[0:23] the bur and follow the bur as required
[0:25] by you with license.
[0:29] Pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[0:31] United States of America to the republic
[0:34] for which it stands one nation under God
[0:36] indivisible with liberty and ally
[0:41] >> here.
[0:41] >> Mr. Fuller
[0:42] >> here
[0:45] >> Miss Steeler
[0:45] >> here. Miss Williams
[0:48] >> here.
[0:49] >> Okay. Um, I'll take a motion for
[0:52] resolution 2025106 to retire in
[0:56] executive sessions for three possible uh
[0:59] legal matters.
[1:03] » All right, first.
[1:05] >> All in favor?
[1:06] >> I
[1:08] Okay, thank you. Um, holding second.
[1:11] Those watching online, we will return at
[1:14] 7 p.m. Thank you.
[55:23] All right. Uh good evening everyone uh
[55:26] on Zoom and here in person. We're going
[55:28] to resume our regular uh October meeting
[55:32] of the local Burough Council. Uh council
[55:35] did uh have executive session at 6:00.
[55:38] So we did our uh call to order and uh
[55:41] flag salute then and we are starting
[55:43] with item five resuming public session.
[55:46] Uh next items are we had our packet
[55:48] reports of the director of public works
[55:50] and water and sewer and when any
[55:52] questions uh for administrator now be
[55:55] the time.
[55:59] Next uh item take us as no. Uh next um
[56:03] our standing placeholder uh for updates
[56:06] on our water system sales. Want to thank
[56:09] everyone uh who worked on attended or
[56:11] watched the uh information session in uh
[56:15] September.
[56:17] Reminder that the video is up online as
[56:19] well as video from the other sessions uh
[56:22] some other information there. So, please
[56:23] visit the water website uh for uh all
[56:26] the information that we have uh on the
[56:29] sale and a reminder that dates coming up
[56:32] um particularly
[56:34] October 14th is last day to register to
[56:36] vote. So, please check to make sure you
[56:39] are registered to vote. Uh early voting
[56:42] uh is available for the Saturday through
[56:44] the Sunday more than a week uh before uh
[56:48] voting. And if you're getting your vote
[56:49] by mails in the mail, uh please make
[56:51] sure you use it and and vote. Uh with
[56:55] that then our next item is we have a
[56:59] presentation by a kind of subcommittee
[57:02] uh for Halloween. So uh bear with me. I
[57:05] will uh try to get that up on screen and
[57:09] uh Deb or Sher or Chris whoever's been
[57:11] working on it. Please uh
[57:13] feel free give me one second to just um
[57:16] it's on the screen here but not yet.
[57:18] shared on Zoom
[57:20] and um I will take credit that I did
[57:23] that's my pumpkin that last
[57:28] um I uh you know
[57:31] >> the cat is one of my kids I can't take
[57:33] credit for that level of detail but
[57:35] anyway um whoever like to
[57:37] start Jerry whoever um the floor is
[57:40] yours
[57:41] >> okay thank you everyone so uh we're very
[57:44] excited this year to announce the
[57:46] creation of a Halloween safe zone. Um on
[57:50] Friday, October 31st, um our plan is to
[57:54] shut down Columbia Avenue to all
[57:56] vehicular traffic for that night
[57:57] starting at 5:30.
[58:00] We're looking forward to having um a
[58:01] pedestrian walking zone for the length
[58:03] of the street and um we've obviously
[58:07] made plans for emergency vehicles to
[58:09] have access as needed. Um, Columbia AB,
[58:12] as everybody is probably aware, is the
[58:15] busiest and most popular section of town
[58:17] for trick-or-treaters and their
[58:18] families. Um, there's always been at
[58:20] least 500 kids that come by. Um, so far
[58:24] there's been no um, incidents, but we'd
[58:26] like to keep all of our kids safe. Um,
[58:29] so the Burough Council, we're partnering
[58:31] with the Hope Recreation Committee, the
[58:33] Hope Valley Police, the Fire Department
[58:35] and EMS services, and the Hope Valley
[58:38] Office of Emergency Management. um as
[58:40] well as all the residents of Columbia
[58:42] Avenue to create a fun pedestrian
[58:44] walkway for that night. Um all the
[58:47] details about specific cross street
[58:48] closures and parking are still being
[58:50] finalized in partnership with the police
[58:52] and the emergency services teams. Um
[58:55] we'll have multiple offices from the
[58:57] police will be troll be patrolling that
[59:00] night and they'll have some cars on site
[59:02] and I believe there's a rumor they're
[59:03] going to have some uh trunk retrieving
[59:05] going on. It should be fun. Um residents
[59:08] will be asked to use alternative parking
[59:10] off of Columbia AB as needed and to
[59:12] limit street parking and we're going to
[59:14] try to make arrangements for alternate
[59:15] parking if we can. Um emergency vehicles
[59:18] will be have access to make calls using
[59:20] Greenwood A and they'll also obviously
[59:23] have access to the pedestrian only
[59:24] Halloween zone uh throughout the event
[59:26] as needed. Um and residents would be
[59:29] allowed to exit their driveways um in
[59:32] the emergency during the closure.
[59:34] Um so for communications um all impacted
[59:38] residents will be receiving um a mail
[59:40] letter with information on closure and
[59:43] process for emergency access for the
[59:44] night of Halloween. Um updates and
[59:47] reminders will be emailed. Uh Ryan sends
[59:49] out the Burough Blast on Sunday nights
[59:51] with information and the Burough website
[59:52] will also be updated with information on
[59:55] plans and procedures for the evening.
[59:58] Um we're hoping again that families take
[1:00:00] advantage of this pedestrian zone and
[1:00:02] plan to spend the evening strolling down
[1:00:04] Columbia Avenue. Um the recreation
[1:00:06] department volunteers encourage
[1:00:08] residents of Columbia a to decorate
[1:00:10] their homes to rival Halloween and
[1:00:12] nearby towns. I think we can meet
[1:00:14] Lambertville eventually.
[1:00:17] Let's show them what hopeful is all
[1:00:19] about. Um I think council is planning to
[1:00:21] having a tent um set up along the route
[1:00:23] to give out some candy and we're hoping
[1:00:25] everybody can walk to view the costumes
[1:00:27] and some home uh decorations. So
[1:00:29] hopefully we can have a fun night.
[1:00:32] That's it.
[1:00:33] >> Thank you. Thank the subcommittee and
[1:00:37] administrator current and former uh Opal
[1:00:39] Township Police Department. um R O EM um
[1:00:46] liaison um are the P Valley merch
[1:00:50] there's a lot of people assembled to
[1:00:53] >> make sure this this will make sense uh
[1:00:55] and the specific uh I believe it's both
[1:00:58] it will be both sides Colombia on either
[1:01:00] side of Princeton and specific
[1:01:02] information about which roads will be
[1:01:04] closed when will go out to to residents
[1:01:06] um but just as a kind of a preliminary
[1:01:09] >> yes heads up Okay, excited.
[1:01:13] One second to stop screen share here. Uh
[1:01:16] but our next item will be uh public
[1:01:19] comments. Uh so I will as I fumble to
[1:01:22] get my cursor to the stop share button
[1:01:25] here. Um going to open the floor to um
[1:01:30] the public. Mayor Council will take
[1:01:32] comments first from members of the
[1:01:33] public attending in person, then for
[1:01:35] members of the public attending via
[1:01:36] Zoom. If you're on Zoom, uh push the
[1:01:38] raise hand button. Uh we're going to
[1:01:40] limit people here uh and then for the
[1:01:42] first of our two public comment sessions
[1:01:44] as we usually do to five minutes or at
[1:01:45] least try to and and no immediate action
[1:01:48] be taken on public comment issue. Um and
[1:01:51] uh with that I'll ask you to state your
[1:01:53] name. No need to give you your full
[1:01:55] address and uh feel free to address the
[1:01:58] council.
[1:01:58] >> Hi everyone. David Waldman prospects
[1:02:01] east prospects for um I'm going to read
[1:02:05] from a prepared statement. I intend to
[1:02:07] file an action in lie of prerogative ris
[1:02:10] to block the clerk from counting the
[1:02:12] vote on the referendum as the language
[1:02:15] of the referendum is misleading and does
[1:02:18] not accurately reflect the terms of the
[1:02:20] contract with New Jersey American Water.
[1:02:27] Thank you for that. Um,
[1:02:35] anyone else have any comments or person?
[1:02:55] » Okay. H O EUI.
[1:03:00] So um uh I have a comment just with
[1:03:03] respect to the referendum and first and
[1:03:05] foremost I just want to make sure that
[1:03:06] it's clear. I'm not for or against
[1:03:11] selling the water system. Um, so my
[1:03:14] point is going to be a rather discreet
[1:03:17] one, which is my concern is the contract
[1:03:23] or the draft agreement that is out there
[1:03:25] that the voters would be voting on in
[1:03:28] connection with the referendum.
[1:03:32] So
[1:03:33] I think that
[1:03:36] to the merits of the proposal, right? I
[1:03:40] think there's merit to seeking debt
[1:03:43] relief. I think it was understandable
[1:03:46] and I think there's logical that we're
[1:03:48] trying to address issues regarding the
[1:03:51] costs uh both from a long-term
[1:03:53] standpoint infrastructure as well as
[1:03:56] costs uh currently uh borne by the
[1:04:00] rateayers and the residents within
[1:04:02] burough. Um I know that you've all put a
[1:04:05] tremendous amount of time into it uh
[1:04:08] into this project.
[1:04:09] I think my concern is that as a voter
[1:04:13] when I'm looking at the referendum and
[1:04:16] then what is ultimately as a lawyer
[1:04:19] right who does this for a living what is
[1:04:23] the agreement ultimately going to be
[1:04:25] between the burrow and New Jersey
[1:04:28] American water. So I read, you know,
[1:04:31] it's 117 page document and I reviewed it
[1:04:36] as a lawyer would and I have some
[1:04:39] concerns. The first and foremost concern
[1:04:41] is that it's a draft agreement. Now, if
[1:04:44] I was drafting this, the very simple
[1:04:46] remedy to that is you draft and execute
[1:04:49] a a contract that has a contingency
[1:04:51] clause that says in the event that the
[1:04:55] referendum passes the you know the
[1:04:58] document becomes self-executing and if
[1:05:01] the referendum fails then the contract
[1:05:03] automatically terminates. It's not a
[1:05:06] complicated provision. I'm not entirely
[1:05:09] clear why such a provision wouldn't be
[1:05:11] in it because the concern I then have is
[1:05:13] as a draft agreement. What's not clear
[1:05:15] to me is is the referendum then advisory
[1:05:18] or is it then binding? Right? Because
[1:05:22] the agreement as a draft agreement could
[1:05:24] be modified after the referendum and as
[1:05:29] a voter that's concerning because I
[1:05:30] would want to know ultimately what are
[1:05:32] the final terms of the deal.
[1:05:36] Let's assume presumptively that this is
[1:05:38] the final deal. Well, then there are a
[1:05:41] couple representations that are being
[1:05:42] made that I don't see reflected in the
[1:05:46] agreement. First and foremost, people
[1:05:48] are saying we're going to, you know,
[1:05:50] most people are going to save money.
[1:05:53] I think and I'm not saying that it
[1:05:55] hadn't been attempted but what would be
[1:05:58] better from my perspective is is that I
[1:06:00] don't see a reason why there wouldn't be
[1:06:02] a moratorum on rate increases rather
[1:06:06] than deferring to New Jersey American
[1:06:09] water and the BPU in making
[1:06:11] determinations as to whether or not
[1:06:13] rates would increase. We have the asset
[1:06:16] that they want. So why aren't we
[1:06:19] guaranteeing that everyone in the burrow
[1:06:23] has a moratorum at a minimum or a rate
[1:06:25] reduction for at least a few years?
[1:06:28] Because under the contract as drafted,
[1:06:31] it is entirely possible that as soon as
[1:06:33] the ink is dry
[1:06:36] that they're going to the BPU and
[1:06:38] seeking rate increases,
[1:06:40] there is nothing in the contract that
[1:06:41] precludes them from doing that. and is
[1:06:44] nothing as a result of the request for
[1:06:46] the rate increase. We would be relying
[1:06:48] on the BPU in hopes that the BPU
[1:06:51] approval of a rate increase isn't in
[1:06:53] excess of what people are already
[1:06:54] paying. And that even assumes that
[1:06:58] everyone under the current recalculation
[1:07:02] New Jersey American Water would actually
[1:07:04] see their rates go down. And I haven't
[1:07:06] seen any assurances that in fact that is
[1:07:08] the case across the board for everyone.
[1:07:12] The other point I want to raise has to
[1:07:14] do with capital improvements.
[1:07:18] It is an undefined term in a contract.
[1:07:22] So, not only is it an undefined term,
[1:07:24] that makes it ambiguous.
[1:07:27] And as a taxpayer, my concern is that
[1:07:29] when you have an ambiguity in the
[1:07:30] contract and there is ultimately a
[1:07:33] dispute between the parties, that
[1:07:35] requires then litigation. in this case,
[1:07:38] arbitration, which can be very expensive
[1:07:40] because you're paying the arbitrator as
[1:07:42] well as paying your attorney and the
[1:07:46] people who pay for those legal fees and
[1:07:47] the arbitrator
[1:07:49] are the rateayers, i.e. the residents in
[1:07:52] this township in this municipality.
[1:07:55] So, with that, I guess the the point I
[1:08:00] want to make is that if we're asking
[1:08:03] them and they're agreeing to make $7
[1:08:05] million worth of improvement and they're
[1:08:07] willing to do it within five years,
[1:08:10] those capital improvements should be
[1:08:12] enumerated, right? because I don't want
[1:08:15] them repainting a couple sheds and
[1:08:17] replacing a couple shingles
[1:08:21] after a contract with a friend of theirs
[1:08:23] and then turn around calling that $7
[1:08:24] million worth of capital improvements
[1:08:27] and then washing their hands and saying
[1:08:28] that they're done.
[1:08:31] So from an enforcability standpoint, it
[1:08:33] would be prudent that the capital
[1:08:35] improvements
[1:08:37] be enumerated in a contract in an
[1:08:40] appendix.
[1:08:42] Um and then
[1:08:45] just want to make sure
[1:08:47] one other
[1:08:53] not going to stop you
[1:08:56] >> and then I think so um as well as the
[1:09:00] fact that the other undefined is that
[1:09:02] there's there's reference to a
[1:09:03] comprehensive analysis of the system and
[1:09:06] I think like again that ought to be a
[1:09:09] defined term so that the parties know
[1:09:11] exactly what we're referring to when
[1:09:14] we're talking about capital improvement.
[1:09:16] The last is an enforcement mechanism.
[1:09:20] Currently, under the contract, the only
[1:09:22] remedy would be to go to arbitration.
[1:09:26] >> There is no oversight provision, meaning
[1:09:28] when the capital improvements are made,
[1:09:31] there's no opportunity for an
[1:09:33] independent inspection and approval by
[1:09:35] the burrow.
[1:09:37] Give you an easy example. When I built
[1:09:39] my house, I had the contract. The
[1:09:41] contractor built it. We had a contract.
[1:09:43] There were certain provisions, but I
[1:09:44] still had my own independent inspector
[1:09:46] going in and inspecting the work to make
[1:09:48] sure it was getting done because I don't
[1:09:51] have that expertise,
[1:09:53] right? So, the contract doesn't allow
[1:09:56] for that. And in the event that there is
[1:09:58] a breach, either they've got to fix it
[1:10:01] or let's say hypothetically rates do go
[1:10:04] up astronomically over the next 10
[1:10:06] years. you do or you could negotiate
[1:10:10] what's called a right of revision,
[1:10:12] right? Reversion, which means in
[1:10:14] property that you get the asset back and
[1:10:18] then there are certain conditions you
[1:10:19] have to meet as well. But in the event
[1:10:21] that certain events don't happen as
[1:10:23] expected. So in other words, let's say
[1:10:26] hypothetically in 10 years rates go
[1:10:29] through the roof, right? or capital
[1:10:33] expenses go through the roof and they're
[1:10:35] like economically we can't make these,
[1:10:37] you know, we can't make these
[1:10:38] improvements. Well, then we would have
[1:10:40] the potential if we wanted to then step
[1:10:42] back in and say, "Okay, well then we're
[1:10:45] going to take the the system back. We'll
[1:10:47] treat your capital improvements as a
[1:10:49] loan and we'll just repay you at a
[1:10:52] reduced rate over time."
[1:10:54] What I'm saying is is there are creative
[1:10:57] ways in which to make sure the things
[1:10:59] that were that are being claimed are
[1:11:01] supposed to happen actually happen and
[1:11:04] that there are viable remedies.
[1:11:06] >> But in short, I think the point is is
[1:11:09] >> I think there could ought to be a
[1:11:11] moratorum on rate increases. If that's
[1:11:15] the promise they're making, they should
[1:11:16] be able to stand behind it in a written
[1:11:18] agreement that would be enforceable by
[1:11:20] law. Capital improvements should be
[1:11:22] enumerated and we should have the
[1:11:24] ability for an independent inspection to
[1:11:26] oversee this.
[1:11:27] >> I see.
[1:11:28] >> So, thank you very much. I appreciate
[1:11:30] the time and the work they put in on the
[1:11:31] issue.
[1:11:33] >> So, some of those things we can try and
[1:11:35] address a little bit. We have one of our
[1:11:37] attorneys from the transaction. We don't
[1:11:38] have our special outside counsel uh for
[1:11:42] this um here tonight. So, some of these
[1:11:44] things might be good for a followup. Um
[1:11:48] the first one though and Lisa um stop me
[1:11:51] when I stray from reality here but uh
[1:11:54] just the process under whip for a
[1:11:56] contract dictates that we do it this
[1:11:58] way. Uh rather than signing it um it
[1:12:01] goes as a draft to the board of public
[1:12:03] utilities to be approved by them in this
[1:12:06] form and under the statute it cannot be
[1:12:08] executed or signed until the referendum.
[1:12:12] uh was a just a statutory process uh
[1:12:16] underwater infrastructure protection act
[1:12:18] that dictates it it's done this way. Um
[1:12:21] it's not a traditional draft. I guess I
[1:12:24] want to add to that.
[1:12:25] >> It's not really a draft any longer
[1:12:26] because the BPU actually issued an order
[1:12:29] approving this form of agreement. So if
[1:12:32] the referendum goes through, this
[1:12:34] agreement will be signed as it's done
[1:12:37] >> without the draft on. So it's it's
[1:12:38] different than know while it is unsigned
[1:12:41] like a traditional draft would be and I
[1:12:43] found this uh honestly as the person who
[1:12:45] posts these things to the website
[1:12:46] particularly confusing because I wanted
[1:12:48] to find the signed one uh to include and
[1:12:51] uh um so that that's
[1:12:54] >> right but it has it's it is in final
[1:12:57] form because the BPU has has essentially
[1:13:01] found it to be acceptable to the BPU and we're locked in if if the referendum
[1:13:07] goes This is the agreement that would be
[1:13:09] signed.
[1:13:10] >> So, just to be clear, the reason it's
[1:13:13] titled draft is because there's a
[1:13:15] referendum
[1:13:18] >> and also because of the B. Yes. Right.
[1:13:20] Well, it would have been draft even if
[1:13:22] it if there was no referendum, it would
[1:13:23] have been draft until the BPU approved
[1:13:26] it.
[1:13:27] >> Yeah. But because there's a referendum
[1:13:29] as well, it can't be signed because and
[1:13:32] I and I understand the points being
[1:13:34] made.
[1:13:36] But this is just the process.
[1:13:38] >> I just want to be clear that it isn't
[1:13:40] drafted in that like it can then change
[1:13:42] the
[1:13:43] >> right it it it it can't because because
[1:13:46] of the VPU. The BPU has said basically
[1:13:48] this is ex this is it. This is this is
[1:13:51] what they've approved
[1:13:52] >> and yeah that's that's it. And that
[1:13:55] includes all of the um rate schedules
[1:14:00] and tariff references that are in like
[1:14:04] the approval was specifically rate
[1:14:06] schedules that would apply which are
[1:14:07] regional rate schedules not specific.
[1:14:09] >> Exactly. Nothing is specific to the
[1:14:11] bureau because it can't be
[1:14:13] >> right.
[1:14:14] >> It it it's the the regional uh
[1:14:17] >> the rate action under the contract that
[1:14:19] they have to deliver to us is to put us
[1:14:22] to charge our residents. be schedule one
[1:14:25] a tariff rate that Princeton or
[1:14:27] Montgomery or that those other
[1:14:29] municipalities
[1:14:29] >> and the only schedules that are
[1:14:30] referenced. Exactly. And then the only
[1:14:33] those rates would change would be by
[1:14:35] petitioning BP to change the rates for
[1:14:37] the
[1:14:38] >> the entire region
[1:14:39] >> service areas that are served under
[1:14:41] those tariffs,
[1:14:41] >> right? They can't just say we want to
[1:14:44] recoup the money that we are paying
[1:14:48] from the burrow specifically and we're
[1:14:50] going to raise the burrow's rates.
[1:14:52] That's not the way it works. It's just
[1:14:54] that's that's not legally the way that
[1:14:56] the system works. If it would have to be
[1:15:00] part of their next rate case and it
[1:15:02] would be any increase would be
[1:15:04] applicable across the board to the
[1:15:07] entire region.
[1:15:09] And I guess also um to rates um in many
[1:15:14] other sales or municipalities rates were
[1:15:18] largely lower than the tariff rates,
[1:15:21] lower than the schedule that BPU had
[1:15:23] that would be applicable. One of the
[1:15:25] things that's negotiated is a phase in
[1:15:28] or a moratorum of waiting until they
[1:15:31] would catch up essentially to keep the
[1:15:33] lower rates. Um here the I guess the
[1:15:38] desire was to get to that largely lower
[1:15:41] tariff schedule you know immediately
[1:15:44] rather than delay and then once that
[1:15:47] happens there's not really ability to
[1:15:51] >> right
[1:15:52] >> be different than the than the tariffs
[1:15:53] >> right because you're in a very different
[1:15:56] posture than most municipalities or most
[1:15:58] municipalities that are selling their
[1:16:01] rates are actually lower than the tariff
[1:16:03] Right. So they want to maintain that and
[1:16:06] there is a I there is a mechanism to do
[1:16:08] that.
[1:16:10] We know that because it's been done but
[1:16:13] you guys are unique because your rates
[1:16:14] are so much higher. So you want the the
[1:16:17] tariff rates
[1:16:19] >> and I don't think there's a mechanism to
[1:16:21] go lower in in that instance.
[1:16:23] Unfortunately, that's that was never
[1:16:26] >> and of the um
[1:16:29] I want to prejudge what was discussed or
[1:16:32] maybe you know negotiate a bit or what
[1:16:33] some of the other biders suggested but
[1:16:35] to to Keith's point there are a group of
[1:16:38] users um whose the tariff rate is um
[1:16:41] high uh you know like the smallest users
[1:16:44] in the municipality I think would be
[1:16:45] about $11 a month more if they would
[1:16:47] pay. um we I guess conceivably could
[1:16:52] have negotiated with them or maybe even
[1:16:54] did but ended up somewhere else with
[1:16:56] maybe a delay in those rates catching
[1:16:59] up. But ultimately, I think the position
[1:17:02] the bro took was of the $1.2ish twoish
[1:17:05] million dollars of savings a year that
[1:17:08] the cumulative David is right about
[1:17:09] $10,000
[1:17:11] um if you added up all of the increases
[1:17:14] at the at the lower end um can be made
[1:17:17] up by an adjustment to the sewer fee. So
[1:17:20] in aggregate
[1:17:22] you take people that were at 1,000 2,000
[1:17:26] 3,000 and 4,000 gallons per quarter
[1:17:28] 5,000 and up are actually less
[1:17:31] expensive. Um, and the largest
[1:17:34] difference between what you would pay
[1:17:37] under New Jersey American Hobo is for a
[1:17:39] user of 2,000 gallons. All the other
[1:17:42] users in that lower category, the
[1:17:44] difference is less, but the largest is
[1:17:46] that roughly $11 a month. But if you add
[1:17:47] up the number of users is based on 24
[1:17:51] data in each of those categories times
[1:17:53] the difference in cost it adds up to
[1:17:55] $10,100 for the whole which is easily
[1:17:58] absorbed through our so if we want to
[1:18:01] for example make an adjustment for sewer
[1:18:03] rate
[1:18:05] it's it would be something we could use
[1:18:07] the and and in the September 11th and
[1:18:10] the May presentation there was some
[1:18:11] discussion this something that the
[1:18:13] bureau could dedicate some of that
[1:18:14] million dollars of debt relief savings
[1:18:17] boards adjusting it to make sure that doesn't happen for for those few
[1:18:22] >> also our understanding that I I don't
[1:18:23] think you could I think it was all or
[1:18:26] nothing with the rates so you couldn't
[1:18:28] >> I don't think you could they could
[1:18:30] change the rate for one class
[1:18:33] >> right I mean I think because you're working on a regional tariff I
[1:18:37] mean the whole idea was to make sure
[1:18:39] that you know we're essentially paying
[1:18:41] the same rates as Princeton Township and
[1:18:43] all the other counties around us
[1:18:45] >> which are less for all but a few. And
[1:18:48] again, the only reason that we have
[1:18:49] anybody that would be paying more is
[1:18:51] because we've been subsidizing rates for
[1:18:53] low volume users and charging more to
[1:18:55] our higher volume users. We have that's
[1:18:59] the way we do. But the interesting thing
[1:19:02] about it is so this this threshold of 0
[1:19:05] to 2,000 gallons
[1:19:08] a fixed rate for our sewer rates. The
[1:19:11] fixed rate is everything up to 10,000
[1:19:13] gallons. So, the thing is, if you're
[1:19:16] using 2,000 gallons of water per
[1:19:18] quarter, you're paying the same amount
[1:19:20] for your sewer. It's about $92 as as
[1:19:23] somebody who's using 8,000 or 10,000
[1:19:25] gallons. Um, and that's actually
[1:19:27] something that we, you know, would have
[1:19:31] to change. I mean, if we kept the
[1:19:33] system, we would really have to
[1:19:34] harmonize that because I think people,
[1:19:36] in other words, you can offset, you can
[1:19:39] adjust the rate structure within our
[1:19:40] super charges and and that $10,000 and
[1:19:44] suddenly you have a fairer system. It's
[1:19:46] just that honestly the water system
[1:19:48] rates have been always the thing that we
[1:19:49] were focusing all our attention on
[1:19:50] because the sewer collection system and
[1:19:52] the economics of it were always strong.
[1:19:55] or not, we weren't having trouble
[1:19:57] carrying it financially. Um, but so does
[1:20:01] flexibility. Um I think keep amongst
[1:20:05] many other excellent points that you've
[1:20:07] made and often make in the course of
[1:20:10] just you being you um the the keell uh
[1:20:14] pieces is interesting um and u part of
[1:20:19] that you know and again without
[1:20:20] prejudicing the discussions that we had
[1:20:22] to get to this contract and I think I'd
[1:20:24] like to get a little bit more support
[1:20:26] maybe with a follow-up answer from the
[1:20:28] other attorneys that worked on this. Um
[1:20:30] but one was a function of um the type of
[1:20:35] work that they would need to do. Um if
[1:20:38] uh for example uh us insisting on an
[1:20:41] immediate reservoir replacement that may
[1:20:43] not be necessary if they are able to
[1:20:45] serve the burrow predominantly through
[1:20:47] water through their interconnection. And
[1:20:49] uh the list that we have of what the
[1:20:52] burrow will do if we maintain ownership
[1:20:54] is based on how we'll run the the
[1:20:57] system. Um and we went back and forth
[1:21:00] about you know attempting to you know
[1:21:03] impose that on them and ultimately
[1:21:05] settle on that mechanism uh where they
[1:21:07] would study it interestingly after
[1:21:10] closing um and and come up with their
[1:21:14] own plan. Um it's also um and again I'll
[1:21:18] want some more backup from this from our
[1:21:21] professionals because we have you know
[1:21:22] it's been a year or so since we looked
[1:21:24] at this particular parts of the contract
[1:21:26] but um their obligations kind of have to
[1:21:29] be looked at in in conjunction with the regulatory scheme that governs them
[1:21:33] as a as a public utility and the whip of
[1:21:36] process. So some of the items
[1:21:39] um that they uh
[1:21:44] would consider doing as capital repairs
[1:21:47] that might uh not satisfy us locally. um
[1:21:52] additionally wouldn't satisfy BPU for
[1:21:54] them ever being getting approval for
[1:21:56] doing the work or perhaps getting uh um
[1:21:59] you know the way that a public utility
[1:22:01] makes money is by doing work and uh
[1:22:04] frankly getting a rate of return for
[1:22:05] that uh that they've spread across the
[1:22:07] state of New Jersey. So they wouldn't
[1:22:10] economically um be incentivized to do
[1:22:13] something that will not count as far as
[1:22:16] the state is concerned as a as a capital
[1:22:19] repair that you know passes muster. So
[1:22:23] that's it's it's a little just but but
[1:22:26] what you're saying is is important
[1:22:28] because if you look at like a base rate
[1:22:30] filing or actually if you look at the um
[1:22:34] foundation filings that go with their um
[1:22:36] distribution system improvement charge
[1:22:38] which is a has to do with capital
[1:22:40] investment they actually have to
[1:22:42] document and account for all the capital
[1:22:44] work that they've done up to that point
[1:22:46] and do all the math on how that should
[1:22:48] be distributed. Um the other thing is uh
[1:22:51] and I'll just mention out of that let's
[1:22:54] say $7 million there are certain
[1:22:55] elements of it that are really
[1:22:57] mandatory. One is the lead service line
[1:22:59] replacement. So that has to happen by
[1:23:01] July 31st. I'm sorry July 22nd of 2031.
[1:23:06] Everybody has to do that. We would have
[1:23:08] to do it. They would have to do it. Um
[1:23:10] our estimate of the cost to us if you
[1:23:12] were just to break that out was about
[1:23:15] 1.2 million. But um a big part of that
[1:23:19] is actually replacing the both the
[1:23:22] publicly owned uh lead boost and the
[1:23:25] services along Broad Street which are
[1:23:27] all connected to the Broad Street main.
[1:23:30] And so in our capital uh plan I mean
[1:23:33] it's 4.8 million total for Broad Street.
[1:23:36] Basically you're not going to replace
[1:23:37] the lead service lines without replacing
[1:23:39] the main and the valves and everything
[1:23:40] else it's attached to because it's all
[1:23:42] ancient. And so they would I mean just
[1:23:46] out of necessity they would replace
[1:23:48] those mains which is one of our top
[1:23:50] priority projects. But to Ryan's point
[1:23:53] um we would put in an 8 in man which
[1:23:56] would be a direct replacement white for what we have. Um if you New
[1:24:00] Jersey American were to buy a place they
[1:24:02] may have for other reasons having to do
[1:24:04] with such a larger diameter man. So the
[1:24:06] point is we're not in a position to
[1:24:09] mandate the actual specifications for
[1:24:11] the things that are done. Um, another
[1:24:13] thing is that um, they are perhaps more
[1:24:17] strictly held accountable by the D for
[1:24:19] other regulatory things than a small
[1:24:21] system like bars. So, for example, if
[1:24:23] you've had a lot of unaccounted for
[1:24:25] water from leakage from ms, um, they
[1:24:28] have to address that. It's not something
[1:24:30] they can just look the other way. It's
[1:24:32] also a source of loss of revenue for
[1:24:33] them because water is going into the
[1:24:35] ground. So there are things economically
[1:24:37] that are drivers toward uh fixing a lot
[1:24:41] of the main and and again on our list of
[1:24:43] priority projects also replacing for
[1:24:45] example valves that we are having
[1:24:47] trouble opening and closing whenever we
[1:24:48] have to make repair. So in terms of
[1:24:50] their daily operations and the practical
[1:24:52] aspects of running a system they would
[1:24:54] really have to do that stuff. They have
[1:24:56] to make sure that the fire hyens are
[1:24:58] operational and that any ones that are,
[1:25:01] you know, have a potential for freezing
[1:25:03] are replaced and and those are
[1:25:05] requirements that they have. There's
[1:25:06] rules, I'm sure, somewhere in terms of,
[1:25:08] you know, at maintaining adequate fire
[1:25:10] protection and pressure. So there
[1:25:12] there's a lot of stuff that's baked in
[1:25:14] there in the regulatory side and I can't
[1:25:16] attest to all of it because I'm an
[1:25:18] expert on this, but I spent a little
[1:25:19] time looking at it that they would have
[1:25:21] to do. There things that we have to do.
[1:25:23] Um but uh and again the point about the
[1:25:26] reservoir I mean if if we were going to
[1:25:29] replace a reservoir we'd probably
[1:25:30] replace it with a 300,000gallon tank.
[1:25:33] They were going to replace the reservoir
[1:25:35] it might be a larger tank or they might
[1:25:37] decide that in fact they don't really
[1:25:38] need it because they have a 1 and a half
[1:25:40] million gallon tank in corner. So there
[1:25:43] are when they say they're going to do a
[1:25:46] comprehensive analysis engineering
[1:25:48] analysis of the system
[1:25:51] um I think that's that's what that's
[1:25:53] about is how does the bureau are
[1:25:57] currently our water system fit into
[1:25:59] their system and and what are the
[1:26:02] investments they would make. So again,
[1:26:03] you know, there may be things that
[1:26:04] they're going to do differently uh from
[1:26:06] what we would do if we were simply
[1:26:09] trying to maintain and preserve our
[1:26:11] isolated.
[1:26:13] Let me just one more thing like you. I'm not a utilities attorney. We do have
[1:26:18] one, especially we're in this. So I
[1:26:19] think a lot of what you've asked, we
[1:26:22] we're here trying to answer it. I think
[1:26:24] some of the stuff will connect with our
[1:26:26] regular outside counsel and special
[1:26:28] outside counsel.
[1:26:29] I think some of the things particularly
[1:26:32] on the the capital things the
[1:26:34] enforcement um how that works with the
[1:26:36] regulatory scheme because we really in
[1:26:39] my mind can't just look at the contract
[1:26:40] in itself outside of of the BPU and
[1:26:43] regulation and the the whip stuff but
[1:26:46] we'll task our people with you know
[1:26:48] getting uh some better understanding uh
[1:26:52] for you and we'll get you an answer on
[1:26:54] that and perhaps it' be a good thing to
[1:26:55] put out as a you know we do get
[1:26:57] questions from time to time that make it
[1:26:58] into frequently asked questions. I don't
[1:27:00] know if this is yet frequently, but it's
[1:27:01] a good one to be asked once. So, I think
[1:27:03] they can make the list even without
[1:27:06] asked a second time. Um, but that might
[1:27:08] be the beyond, you know, the ability of
[1:27:11] us as lay people to answer the point.
[1:27:13] Might be we might be at that. Um, but we
[1:27:15] have um you know, special outside
[1:27:18] counsel who did this and negotiated for
[1:27:20] us and we'll task them with
[1:27:23] >> providing more information.
[1:27:24] >> Right.
[1:27:24] >> Yeah. And this isn't just a simple
[1:27:26] contract between two parties. It's a
[1:27:27] contract really with
[1:27:29] >> three parties
[1:27:30] >> or four even. You mean you have the DCA
[1:27:32] as well, right? You have the BPU. It's
[1:27:34] extremely complicated uh situation where
[1:27:38] you're under the jurisdiction of the BPU
[1:27:40] and DCA but most of the BPU forever. So,
[1:27:45] it's not like the BPU walks away. This
[1:27:47] is absolutely under the jurisdiction for
[1:27:50] all time. And it's it's not a simple,
[1:27:53] you know, we're just selling it to some
[1:27:55] private organization. It's it's much heavier than that. Much much more
[1:28:00] significant than that.
[1:28:01] >> And NJT never walks away either.
[1:28:04] >> No, absolutely not. So, but uh yeah, I
[1:28:07] mean these issues were all I mean we
[1:28:09] don't have to get into all the specifics
[1:28:10] now because we can can do it in a in a
[1:28:13] way that hopefully
[1:28:15] >> answers everybody's questions in a multi
[1:28:18] way. Excellent questions and comments
[1:28:20] there and um I've got your contact
[1:28:23] information I think but we'll as we have
[1:28:24] the answer we'll let you know directly
[1:28:26] and then get it out because that's I
[1:28:27] think of general interest um as well.
[1:28:30] Thanks.
[1:28:32] >> Um
[1:28:35] online please you want to push the
[1:28:37] raised hand button that will be the good
[1:28:38] time for that.
[1:28:41] Um seeing none I'll take a motion to
[1:28:42] close the first of our two public
[1:28:44] comment. Oh, okay.
[1:28:51] » Hi, Tom Man 59 North Greenwood. Um, just
[1:28:55] a comment and then a question. I was
[1:28:57] actually really disappointed when I got
[1:28:59] the mailing from or I don't know if it
[1:29:00] was the door hanger or the email from
[1:29:03] New J's American Water with the
[1:29:05] endorsement of the council members.
[1:29:08] >> I think that was I'm not saying it was
[1:29:10] illegal, but I think it was really
[1:29:11] inappropriate. Um it's a complicated
[1:29:14] situation because your um
[1:29:17] well-intentioned and good idea about how
[1:29:19] to fix the system happens to align with
[1:29:22] the large corporations. And so that's a
[1:29:25] legitimate position to have. But I think
[1:29:27] it's really
[1:29:29] would have been a lot better if we
[1:29:31] didn't the citizens of this bureau
[1:29:33] didn't see you what looks like shilling
[1:29:35] for the corporation. So I think on that
[1:29:37] level it was inappropriate and again I
[1:29:39] wish you hadn't done it. And on another
[1:29:41] level, it also seems to be problematic
[1:29:44] that as political people with brands in
[1:29:48] the community, you were essentially
[1:29:50] getting advertising as by New Jersey
[1:29:53] American Water, you had they they sent
[1:29:56] your name to everybody in the bureau as
[1:29:58] people who are, you know, working the
[1:30:01] problem. And that's, you know, a good
[1:30:02] thing to be working the problem. But I
[1:30:04] don't think it's a really good idea to
[1:30:06] have a large corporation,
[1:30:09] you know, sort of um supporting your
[1:30:13] sort of political brand. So I think I
[1:30:15] would urge the bur to think really
[1:30:19] carefully about doing that sort of
[1:30:21] thing. It was a really bad look from my my perspective. And so then the
[1:30:27] follow question is when did you those
[1:30:30] burough council members that signed on
[1:30:32] to this who agree to this? When and
[1:30:35] could you sort of just take we take us a
[1:30:37] bit behind the scenes how you came to
[1:30:39] whatever arrangement you came to with
[1:30:42] New Jersey American Water to get your
[1:30:43] names on those pieces of paper and when
[1:30:46] did that happen and was it their idea or
[1:30:49] was it your idea? Did you say to New
[1:30:51] Jersey American Water, you know, it
[1:30:53] would be a really good idea if we had
[1:30:55] our names on this brochure, or did they
[1:30:57] come to you and say, you know, it would
[1:31:00] be a really good idea if you did this it
[1:31:02] just I just have the feeling that this
[1:31:05] relationship
[1:31:07] has gone from strictly business to one
[1:31:10] of sort of partnership and advocacy in a
[1:31:13] way that um will be best to sort of at
[1:31:15] least keep under keep under wraps. So, I guess I'll just say um
[1:31:21] it is the right and duty of everyone in
[1:31:25] this community, including and especially
[1:31:27] those elected officials to advocate for
[1:31:30] what they think is best.
[1:31:31] >> Agreed. And I thought your letter today,
[1:31:33] the letter that I thought was perfect.
[1:31:36] >> And and
[1:31:37] >> but there's the other thing that the
[1:31:38] other guys paid for that's not your
[1:31:40] that's not it's not entirely your
[1:31:43] advocacy. It is also New Jersey American
[1:31:46] Waters advocacy.
[1:31:47] >> You're you're correct. And they they pay
[1:31:50] for that and they disclose and who paid
[1:31:52] for that and
[1:31:54] >> and they well okay
[1:31:56] >> and I I'll I'll say anyone who's asked
[1:31:58] me if I support this I'll tell them that
[1:32:01] I do
[1:32:01] >> including them
[1:32:04] and um I'm happy to help anyone who
[1:32:06] would like to know my position um hear
[1:32:09] what it is. I don't let anyone else
[1:32:11] speak to that point.
[1:32:12] >> I just do briefly Tom. Um so from my
[1:32:16] perspective I was careful not to engage
[1:32:20] in anything.
[1:32:22] Basically that that endorsement was
[1:32:24] something that came in very late in the
[1:32:26] game and I really wanted to make sure
[1:32:27] that we got at least through that
[1:32:28] September 11 presentation
[1:32:31] uh if I was going to take a public
[1:32:33] position on you know yes or no at all. I
[1:32:35] mean, I've spent so much time digging
[1:32:38] into the facts, trying to do the
[1:32:39] analysis, trying to present everything
[1:32:41] that we know. I didn't want to even
[1:32:43] offer an opinion on I mean, people may
[1:32:45] think that I have just because of how
[1:32:49] the presentations are, but but I have.
[1:32:51] Um, but at some point, I think it is
[1:32:55] important,
[1:32:57] at least for us on the water committee,
[1:32:59] to say this is what we think is best for
[1:33:02] the community. And as you say, there are
[1:33:03] different ways of doing that. Um, and I
[1:33:06] was asked if I would agree to, you know,
[1:33:09] an endorsement or, you know,
[1:33:11] >> by whom were you asked,
[1:33:12] >> pardon?
[1:33:13] >> Oh, American. No, they wanted to know if
[1:33:15] I would add my name to the list of
[1:33:17] people that endorsed it. And I thought
[1:33:18] about it very carefully. Um, and I I
[1:33:22] said I would only be willing to do that
[1:33:24] after the September 11 presentation
[1:33:27] because I didn't want anything to, you
[1:33:29] know, cloud that. And I and I I kind of
[1:33:31] struggle with it because I, you know,
[1:33:36] I I like to just speak for myself. I
[1:33:39] don't like to have anybody else. As far
[1:33:40] as my brand, I don't think of myself as
[1:33:42] having a brand. And whatever it is, my
[1:33:44] brand's over in two months because I'm
[1:33:46] not in office anymore. But I and I
[1:33:48] understand your discomfort with it. And
[1:33:50] I I thought about it. I struggled with
[1:33:52] it a little. And then I just thought,
[1:33:53] you know, at some point I have to say,
[1:33:56] what do I think is best for the
[1:33:57] community? and this was just another
[1:33:58] vehicle for doing that. That's the way I
[1:34:00] thought about it. Um, and so, uh, I
[1:34:04] wrote an endorsement. They the actual
[1:34:06] endorsement that they put, I think,
[1:34:07] somewhere on their their social media,
[1:34:10] which I don't have, was something that I
[1:34:11] wrote. It wasn't something that they
[1:34:14] told me to say. It's what I believe. Um,
[1:34:17] and um, that that was the decision I
[1:34:20] made. That's that's that's the best
[1:34:22] explanation I can give you. It was very
[1:34:23] blatantly gay.
[1:34:25] >> All right. Well, I just just expressing
[1:34:27] a level of discomfort at it. And again,
[1:34:29] I don't you any of the decisions we've
[1:34:31] made and really this is really about the
[1:34:33] process and about what I feel is the
[1:34:36] inappropriate sort of
[1:34:37] >> I mean American they're they're a big
[1:34:39] company. They're going to do okay. I
[1:34:41] don't think they need to help so much.
[1:34:43] Okay. Thank you.
[1:34:43] >> Can I just say one one thing? It it you
[1:34:46] know I understand the concerns raised
[1:34:48] but it's very important that it was it
[1:34:50] it's not it was not a council
[1:34:52] endorsement.
[1:34:53] >> That's right.
[1:34:53] >> Absolutely not. It was not a necessarily
[1:34:55] going to say members of the council that
[1:34:57] may be endorsing
[1:34:58] >> right and they right but
[1:35:00] >> yeah mayor too I endorse them
[1:35:02] >> right but it's import I mean all I'm
[1:35:03] saying is it's very important that they
[1:35:05] don't lose their first amendment rights
[1:35:07] either so if if if they want to
[1:35:10] >> do they being the council or the
[1:35:11] >> individuals the individual it's it was
[1:35:14] not a council endorsement it's it's the
[1:35:16] individuals that are that made those
[1:35:20] decisions to to be part of that
[1:35:22] endorsement and they spoke as members of
[1:35:25] the community, not on behalf of council.
[1:35:28] >> They were identified as council members
[1:35:30] for what it's worth. And we all knew
[1:35:32] they're council,
[1:35:32] >> right? And that's exactly right. You
[1:35:34] can't and I'm just, you know, it's not
[1:35:36] splitting hairs. It's it's a really
[1:35:38] important um legal distinction. That's
[1:35:41] >> And just to add, I mean, for what I
[1:35:44] mean, we we always sought your counsel.
[1:35:49] >> Yes. That's Yes. And we had a lot of
[1:35:51] discussion with a lot of people, you
[1:35:53] know. What are the guardrails legal and
[1:35:55] otherwise and making sure that we stay
[1:35:57] >> and there are a lot of guards
[1:35:59] >> and there are a lot of guard rails on
[1:36:01] right advocacy you know the council
[1:36:03] cannot
[1:36:05] >> advocate you know as a as a as a body
[1:36:08] >> right
[1:36:08] >> u because it adopted an ordinance
[1:36:11] >> that that has the ballot question it's
[1:36:14] just it it's it's not what council is
[1:36:17] supposed to do. However, and and we
[1:36:19] looked at a lot of other communities and
[1:36:21] talked to a lot of lawyers and and
[1:36:22] really did look at this issue very
[1:36:25] carefully and um you know the council
[1:36:29] members are not just uh sitting there
[1:36:31] saying you have to do this because it's
[1:36:34] they're in they're acting in their
[1:36:35] individual capacities and they're they
[1:36:38] are supporting their positions with with
[1:36:41] factual information. So they're not
[1:36:43] trying to mislead people and I mean you
[1:36:45] may have an opinion about that. People
[1:36:46] may have an opinion about that, but
[1:36:48] they're they're within the confines of
[1:36:49] law. And again, this was vetted by many
[1:36:53] people.
[1:36:55] >> Mayor, if I may, and I'm brand new to
[1:36:57] this, so bear with me, but but having
[1:37:00] been involved in other referendums and
[1:37:02] other
[1:37:04] loces,
[1:37:06] it's absolutely correct in that it was
[1:37:09] not a council endorsement. I mean, I
[1:37:11] haven't seen seen the documents, but
[1:37:13] you'd have to pass a resolution. you'd
[1:37:14] have to go through the whole process.
[1:37:16] So, while I respect the the question and
[1:37:18] I understand the the certainly
[1:37:20] understand his concern, you you have you
[1:37:23] don't vacate your first amendment rights
[1:37:26] by sitting up there.
[1:37:28] Uh, I know there's obviously a different
[1:37:31] maybe a difference of opinion, but I I
[1:37:34] really do agree that that uh the very
[1:37:37] fact that you put your name as a
[1:37:39] councilman or mayor or council person uh
[1:37:42] does does not mean that this is a
[1:37:44] council decision or council endorsement
[1:37:46] in any way. I don't think any court
[1:37:48] would say so.
[1:37:57] Got uh one person online. I will uh
[1:38:04] spawn over
[1:38:21] » unmute and turn your video on and
[1:38:22] identify yourself. I believe we can
[1:38:25] hear you here in the in the courtroom.
[1:38:29] >> You can
[1:38:36] we'll have a second bullet comment if
[1:38:39] you want to try then just uh
[1:38:42] we've
[1:38:44] promoted you.
[1:38:46] >> Shoot. Okay. Sorry. Uh,
[1:38:51] >> oh, sorry. Do you want me to wait? Do
[1:38:54] you want me to wait?
[1:38:55] >> No, no, no. I just we you had to turn
[1:38:57] your camera or unmuted yourself, so
[1:38:59] you're you're
[1:38:59] >> I was trying. I was trying. It just
[1:39:01] didn't for whatever reasons it wasn't
[1:39:03] doing it. Um, I just wanted to I just
[1:39:06] Thank you um for letting me uh join. And
[1:39:10] I just wanted to address the last point
[1:39:13] which was that um I think I think it's
[1:39:17] important to take into account the
[1:39:20] particular
[1:39:22] um community that we live in which is
[1:39:25] quite small as we know. So there in
[1:39:30] terms of
[1:39:33] council members promoting the sale,
[1:39:36] um, borrow residents have seen them
[1:39:40] doing this um, over and over and over
[1:39:42] again. Okay. So I don't think we can
[1:39:45] just dismiss this. I think a credential
[1:39:48] sort of assessment would say that yes,
[1:39:52] our council is absolutely promoting this
[1:39:54] sale and they're doing it in a lot of
[1:39:57] different ways. They're using American
[1:39:59] water um publicity that borrow residents
[1:40:03] are paying for actually because we
[1:40:06] currently get some what some of our
[1:40:07] water from American water. So whether or
[1:40:09] not we want to be paying for these
[1:40:12] advertisements, we are paying for it.
[1:40:14] Which is goes to the point of, you know,
[1:40:17] when we go into this system of American
[1:40:20] water, we pay for their
[1:40:24] um, you know, trying to buy another
[1:40:28] community's water system. So I think we
[1:40:31] need to recognize that that needs to be
[1:40:33] noted that this is not just a simple
[1:40:35] like there are residents here who are
[1:40:39] talking about just being residents. They
[1:40:41] are council members. Everybody in this
[1:40:44] 1900 less or more town knows who council
[1:40:49] members are and they see quite clearly
[1:40:51] that they're promoting this sale. So,
[1:40:54] you know, you
[1:40:56] this is this is not something that we
[1:40:59] can just brush over. This is a thing
[1:41:02] that is a problem. And I that's what I
[1:41:06] have to say about that. So, thank you
[1:41:08] for letting me do.
[1:41:11] >> Thank you. Um, one thing I'll just note,
[1:41:14] you know, because we did
[1:41:16] talk to him and check with our uh expert
[1:41:18] on this. Um, hold on. Let me uh figure
[1:41:21] out how to
[1:41:24] bring you back. Um
[1:41:27] sorry, hard to be the mayor and the Zoom
[1:41:31] uh artisan uh at the same time. So,
[1:41:34] apologies. Um one um you know, one note
[1:41:38] um New Jersey American has never and we
[1:41:41] checked um recovered any funds that they
[1:41:45] spent on um advertising for referendum.
[1:41:48] uh they've never asked BPU for it.
[1:41:50] They've never been approved for it. Um
[1:41:52] it is true that their just like with
[1:41:54] capital repairs, their mechanism is to
[1:41:57] um uh seek what they call recovery. Um
[1:42:02] and to have uh the board of public
[1:42:05] utilities allow them to be paid back
[1:42:07] from the rateayers. Um that is one that
[1:42:09] they have never um either through lack
[1:42:12] of being permitted to or never asking.
[1:42:14] Uh I guess I didn't ask them that much,
[1:42:15] but they have never uh so for example,
[1:42:18] South Orange um or these other
[1:42:20] communities where they have spend their
[1:42:22] shareholders money for um advocacy um
[1:42:24] that has never been um returned uh to
[1:42:28] them uh from BPU uh as as rateayers. Uh
[1:42:31] we we we checked into that. Um um and
[1:42:35] again, I I
[1:42:37] may not it's okay to not like what some
[1:42:40] members of council or myself are saying.
[1:42:41] Um, I certainly recognize that.
[1:42:43] >> No, I I I think I I I excuse me. I just
[1:42:46] want to clarify that what I'm what I'm
[1:42:48] what my what my issue is is that in the
[1:42:51] last comment, you know, commentary, it
[1:42:53] was that our council is not as council
[1:42:57] officials promoting the sale and they
[1:43:00] absolutely are. Everybody knows they
[1:43:02] are. So, I mean, can we just not pretend
[1:43:06] that this isn't happening? They they
[1:43:08] are. Our council officials are promoting
[1:43:11] some of them are promoting this sale and
[1:43:14] they're going and talking to to
[1:43:16] businesses. They're going and talking to
[1:43:18] residents. They're going and they're
[1:43:20] going and talking to them to tell them
[1:43:22] to vote yes on this sale. I don't know
[1:43:26] legally what that means, but I don't
[1:43:28] like it. Okay. So, that's all I can tell
[1:43:31] you.
[1:43:32] >> Thank you. I'm going to take the
[1:43:33] opportunity to ask the attorneys that
[1:43:36] have given us advice on that to just
[1:43:38] confirm once again uh that that is uh
[1:43:43] 100% u permissible for elected officials
[1:43:47] to do.
[1:43:48] >> Not only do I do I think it's
[1:43:51] permissible, I think there's a certain
[1:43:53] obligation under your positions to voice
[1:43:57] your your position on this. This is
[1:44:01] >> not not to advocate. They can voice
[1:44:04] their position.
[1:44:06] >> They cannot advocate and that is what
[1:44:08] they've been doing.
[1:44:10] >> They have been advocating
[1:44:12] >> publicly and unpublicly. They've been
[1:44:14] doing it and let's just be honest about
[1:44:17] this.
[1:44:18] >> Okay,
[1:44:19] >> let's just be honest about it.
[1:44:22] >> Um, thank you. I've muted you. Um um I
[1:44:25] will be totally honest with it that yes
[1:44:28] I am advocating for the sale. There are
[1:44:31] members that this up to them
[1:44:32] individually whether they are or not. It
[1:44:35] is both under our um requirements
[1:44:40] ethically um and right to do so. And
[1:44:43] I'll be honest with you, you may not
[1:44:45] like it. You don't like what I have to
[1:44:46] say about the sale. I'm going to
[1:44:48] continue to do that. Um that is what I
[1:44:50] feel my job is as the mayor. If there's
[1:44:53] something that I think is the uh best
[1:44:55] thing for the burrow, that is what I'm
[1:44:57] going to do. I will not use burrow funds
[1:45:00] to do so. The case law on it is very
[1:45:03] specific. That is the line. Other towns
[1:45:06] um have done that. If you would have
[1:45:08] gone to a presentation in South Orange,
[1:45:10] it would have ended saying, "Please vote
[1:45:11] yes." We're not doing that here.
[1:45:16] Um again, if there's anything else our
[1:45:18] attorneys like to add, I want to be
[1:45:19] clear. It's I'm not hiding that I'm
[1:45:21] advocating for the sale. I'm just
[1:45:23] >> You are using your role as mayor
[1:45:26] >> to promote this.
[1:45:30] >> I'm advocating for it, too.
[1:45:32] >> Thank you. I'm Again, I I'm No one's No
[1:45:36] one is denying that. I I think you you
[1:45:38] seem to think that that makes it
[1:45:39] unethical or illegal. Uh the advice that
[1:45:41] we're getting it is it does not.
[1:45:42] >> Yeah, I do. I do. And I think all of the
[1:45:45] other I think all of the other council
[1:45:47] members doing this is also unethical.
[1:45:51] >> And
[1:45:52] We need to look at that. You know there
[1:45:55] I don't see why you think you can act in
[1:45:57] an autocratic way. I don't see why you
[1:45:59] think you can do that. Why do you think
[1:46:01] you can do that?
[1:46:03] >> Answer me with that please.
[1:46:06] >> Well let me start and then um I much
[1:46:09] appreciate your time here. um um one um
[1:46:12] the advice we've received from our legal
[1:46:14] professionals um and that's based on a
[1:46:16] Supreme Court case um in New Jersey that
[1:46:19] says it's not just our right but it is
[1:46:20] our duty to advocate for for such a
[1:46:22] thing. So that that is what I base it on
[1:46:24] for me and I I see I'm sorry that the
[1:46:26] room can't see you rolling your eyes but
[1:46:28] that is the advice we receive and uh the
[1:46:30] guidance we've gotten from the New
[1:46:31] Jersey Supreme Court. Um I I would if
[1:46:33] you have something to the contrary um I please um
[1:46:37] >> we didn't elect you we didn't elect you
[1:46:39] to act in an autocratic fashion and
[1:46:42] that's what you've been doing since you
[1:46:44] started the whipa process that's what
[1:46:46] you've been doing you're not listening
[1:46:48] to residents you are not listening you
[1:46:51] are not working with us okay
[1:46:55] >> that's a fact that is a fact
[1:46:57] >> I will thank you and and again encourage
[1:46:59] you and your group to please send me the
[1:47:02] us the slides that we've asked for from
[1:47:03] your presentation and give us some dates
[1:47:05] for the
[1:47:06] >> We had a meeting. We had a meeting. You
[1:47:07] were there.
[1:47:10] >> Thank you.
[1:47:12] >> And I'm also happy to to speak for
[1:47:14] myself as an elected official. I and I'm
[1:47:18] speaking for myself.
[1:47:20] I think it is my obligation. I to to be
[1:47:25] transparent
[1:47:27] with voters of what I think you elected
[1:47:31] me to do this job and it would be I
[1:47:34] think a der election of my duty to say
[1:47:36] I'm just neutral. You guys can do
[1:47:38] whatever you want. It's such a
[1:47:39] complicated situation. I don't expect
[1:47:42] you to sit through the hours of meetings
[1:47:44] that I've sat through to learn
[1:47:46] everything about this. I think it's my
[1:47:48] duty to synthesize that and say to you
[1:47:50] here's what I have decided based on the
[1:47:54] financial situation based on all this
[1:47:56] the the the possible viable scenarios
[1:48:00] and and I'm asked constantly well what
[1:48:02] do you think and so for me to not answer
[1:48:06] that I think is
[1:48:08] an an odd position to take as an elected
[1:48:11] official that that I'm just leaving it
[1:48:13] up to you and as much as I would like to
[1:48:15] follow you all into the voting booth I
[1:48:17] cannot at the end of the day, you get to
[1:48:19] make your own vote,
[1:48:20] >> right?
[1:48:20] >> So, it's it's not an autocratic thing.
[1:48:22] It's it's my my duty as the person you
[1:48:26] elected to represent you to make these
[1:48:28] decisions for myself and to let you know
[1:48:32] how I came to my decision. I mean, Mayor
[1:48:35] Kennedy's administration focused a lot
[1:48:38] on transparency.
[1:48:40] That timer has gone off every public
[1:48:42] session we've ever had, and we've never
[1:48:44] stopped it.
[1:48:45] Not one time. One time. I mean, so so
[1:48:49] for us to say we're not listening to
[1:48:50] people. Uh I I schedule I don't know how
[1:48:53] many coffee talks. No one comes.
[1:48:57] >> No one comes to them. I'm happy to talk
[1:48:59] to everyone. So I'm left to have to post
[1:49:01] on the only place that I think people
[1:49:03] are paying attention, which is Facebook.
[1:49:05] >> Y
[1:49:05] >> we can talk about Facebook, but for
[1:49:07] whatever reason, that is our community
[1:49:09] forum.
[1:49:11] And it has not been a pretty place
[1:49:14] lately, but it's the only place I feel
[1:49:16] like I can get a conver or you know put
[1:49:19] facts out to people who aren't who thank
[1:49:21] you the people who come here to this
[1:49:23] meeting. But unfortunately that's the
[1:49:25] reality. So that that's what we're left
[1:49:28] with and then Facebook becomes a place
[1:49:30] that gets very contentious. So,
[1:49:33] I I I'm I'm feeling frustrated because I feel like we've done everything we can
[1:49:38] to get people's uh attention, to get all
[1:49:41] the information out there. We've asked
[1:49:44] countless times to meet with people of
[1:49:46] every way, shape, and form, and and here
[1:49:48] we are. So, once again, it's up to every
[1:49:51] individual voter. Uh, I just think it's
[1:49:54] my obligation as your council person to
[1:49:56] let you know everything that I know and
[1:49:58] what has uh informed my decision.
[1:50:03] >> I'll just add I think it's curious to
[1:50:05] suggest that we're acting autocratically
[1:50:08] with respect to a referendum.
[1:50:11] That's all I'm going to say.
[1:50:13] >> Um Ethan um you're next. You want to
[1:50:16] unmute yourself and and speak?
[1:50:20] >> Yes, absolutely. I uh can you guys hear
[1:50:22] me?
[1:50:23] >> Yes.
[1:50:24] >> Um I just felt like I had to just give a
[1:50:26] little bit of a a counterbalance to
[1:50:28] whatever this I think
[1:50:30] >> a public well state your full full name.
[1:50:32] We don't
[1:50:33] >> Sure. Sure. Ethan Unic um Rhett Burough
[1:50:36] resident. Um yeah, I just felt like I
[1:50:38] had to just sort of put a little bit of
[1:50:40] a um a balancing perspective on this on
[1:50:44] this kind of line of questioning which
[1:50:46] to me seems pretty absurd. I I don't
[1:50:48] understand at any level of government
[1:50:49] why someone would have the expectation
[1:50:51] that uh a policy maker uh or or elected
[1:50:55] representative, a public servant
[1:50:57] shouldn't have an opinion and voice that
[1:50:58] opinion on on policy. You don't expect
[1:51:01] that at a county level, at a state
[1:51:03] level, at a federal level. And um these
[1:51:05] criticisms don't feel to me constructive
[1:51:08] because what's the alternative? I mean,
[1:51:09] what are you guys supposed to do? Just,
[1:51:11] you know, keep your keep your mouth shut
[1:51:13] and say nothing? I mean, you're you're
[1:51:15] working for free. your elected
[1:51:17] representatives. So, I uh just want to
[1:51:20] voice my my displeasure, my
[1:51:21] disappointment at that at that line of
[1:51:23] criticism because I just don't see it to
[1:51:25] be a constructive one. Uh I see you guys
[1:51:28] working a ton of hours uh volunteering
[1:51:30] your time away from your your families
[1:51:32] and as as Sher said, you know, always
[1:51:35] maintaining decorum in these council
[1:51:37] meetings even when things get heated.
[1:51:39] So, um I I just have to make that public
[1:51:43] comment and voice my approval of what
[1:51:45] you guys do and uh the heavy um burden
[1:51:49] that you have of of weighing these
[1:51:51] decisions and then coming out with
[1:51:52] informed uh public opinions on them. So,
[1:51:55] thank you.
[1:51:57] >> I think next um when we get back in, we
[1:52:00] can we can circle back. Um there's still
[1:52:02] one more person online. Um um EK, I'm
[1:52:06] going to promote you. He'll be next. And
[1:52:08] Ethan, I will try to
[1:52:11] >> demote you back to an attendee.
[1:52:15] >> Thank you.
[1:52:25] » Try that again.
[1:52:29] Um, EK online, you should get a um There
[1:52:32] we go.
[1:52:42] If you want to turn your camera on and
[1:52:44] unmute yourself, you are
[1:52:47] the time to do that.
[1:53:03] » Sorry, EK. We don't know your full name,
[1:53:04] but uh you you're been promoted to a
[1:53:07] panelist. We can at least see that
[1:53:08] you're online and um if you unmute
[1:53:10] yourself and turn your camera on, we
[1:53:11] should be able to hear you. Uh Ed Hall,
[1:53:19] » he's saying, "Sorry, I'm having
[1:53:20] technical issues."
[1:53:21] >> Okay.
[1:53:22] >> All right. Uh no worries. Um we'll we'll
[1:53:25] there's another opportunity. Um we can
[1:53:28] try you again uh later. Um if you'd
[1:53:30] like. Um, I do the chat is way around
[1:53:34] the room. I do see that you're having
[1:53:36] some technical problems. All right. Um,
[1:53:38] thank you. Um, I don't see anyone else
[1:53:40] online. Uh, Keith, if you have a follow,
[1:53:42] you feel free to come up.
[1:53:52] » Still in the same place I did.
[1:53:55] So I think and I'm going to try to
[1:53:59] reframe the first amendment question of
[1:54:01] the issue right is
[1:54:03] um that
[1:54:05] justice Brand I said right in democracy
[1:54:08] the most important job is that of
[1:54:09] citizen I would very much expect and I
[1:54:11] would hope and I could want my council
[1:54:13] to make known their views. I think
[1:54:18] Facebook for all of its limitations has
[1:54:20] been incredibly valuable around this and
[1:54:22] other issues, right? Like I would like
[1:54:25] to know and not everyone can make the
[1:54:27] these meetings. So so knowing your
[1:54:29] positions is incredibly valuable. Um I
[1:54:32] think the as I understood sort of the
[1:54:35] concern which I also shared is that when
[1:54:40] a position is sponsored and the
[1:54:44] advertisement of that position is
[1:54:47] sponsored um in connection with that of
[1:54:52] an elected official as opposed to right
[1:54:54] I'm not saying that anyone of you can go
[1:54:58] on Facebook and state your position
[1:55:01] That's exactly where I would want it. A
[1:55:04] letter to my house like Mayor Kenny did.
[1:55:07] Highly appropriate whether I agree,
[1:55:09] disagree, content neutral comes to my
[1:55:10] house. Perfect. Not an issue. It's when
[1:55:15] a corporation that has a vested interest
[1:55:19] on an issue that is subject to elect
[1:55:25] then has the name of individuals on the
[1:55:27] council some of whom are up for election
[1:55:31] is then sent to my house or hung on my
[1:55:34] door then has a different connotation
[1:55:38] than simply the post on Facebook or the
[1:55:41] letter right because at that point then
[1:55:43] you then that marry the two which are
[1:55:46] otherwise obvious alignment issues. So I
[1:55:49] think the concern is is whether it may
[1:55:52] be legal right is different than the
[1:55:57] impression or the feeling it leaves
[1:56:00] among residents. So as I understood it
[1:56:03] the concern is while maybe technically
[1:56:05] legal as many things are technically
[1:56:09] legal doesn't at the end of the day
[1:56:14] that it leaves the residents feeling
[1:56:16] comfortable. And here in the burrow, I
[1:56:21] think the goal and the hope is that our
[1:56:23] elected officials aren't simply doing
[1:56:26] what is at the bare minimum legal, but
[1:56:29] are actually striving for a higher
[1:56:31] standard. So, I'm not saying I'm not
[1:56:35] speaking to the legality. I'm just
[1:56:36] simply trying to reframe the issue. I'm
[1:56:40] not talking about autocracy. on. I'm
[1:56:42] simply saying is I want to know your
[1:56:43] opinions. I think it's appropriate. I
[1:56:45] think just the issue as I see it here
[1:56:48] was that the attachment between the
[1:56:50] corporation and the individuals
[1:56:52] particularly when they have some of the
[1:56:54] individuals because they're not saying
[1:56:55] Joe Schmo is supporting, right? They're
[1:56:57] not saying, you know, Keith Hubby is
[1:56:59] supporting or not or opposing. What
[1:57:01] they're saying is that the elected
[1:57:03] officials and tying that to the
[1:57:05] corporation that's back in the um
[1:57:09] leafleting and election. So, but again I
[1:57:12] may be mistaken.
[1:57:16] » Thank you very much for that.
[1:57:19] But it's not about the right of the
[1:57:20] council to speak.
[1:57:21] >> Sorry.
[1:57:25] I'm I'm not interrupting you because I
[1:57:27] don't want you to speak and there are
[1:57:28] people watching online that won't be
[1:57:30] able to hear you and and I I want to
[1:57:32] >> maintain some type of organization for
[1:57:34] the meeting in the room.
[1:57:35] >> So anyway, I appreciate your clarity on
[1:57:37] the issues. I appreciate you letting me
[1:57:38] know. I'm just simply how do you need
[1:57:40] New Jersey American water that's helping
[1:57:42] understood
[1:57:48] and uh
[1:57:50] do one last check
[1:57:53] online. I'm
[1:57:56] not
[1:57:58] uh seeing anyone. Okay, EK, your hand is
[1:58:01] still up. If you could lower it and
[1:58:03] raise it again if you'd like to be
[1:58:04] recognized. You want to give this
[1:58:05] another try?
[1:58:07] Okay, we will give it another go.
[1:58:14] » I'm so sorry. Can you hear me now?
[1:58:16] >> We can. Can't see you though. If you
[1:58:18] could try your your camera, that'd be
[1:58:20] >> gonna try it. But I
[1:58:23] Let me see if it if it lets me do this
[1:58:24] here. Oh, okay. Great.
[1:58:27] >> Just your name and uh please uh make
[1:58:29] your question.
[1:58:31] >> Um my name is Alyssa Cap. Um I'm I'm
[1:58:34] just with a quick clarification
[1:58:36] question. Um I appreciate the
[1:58:38] clarification earlier that the um any
[1:58:40] arrays of rates would require the uh BPU
[1:58:44] to um to approve that. Um but does that
[1:58:47] include things like fees, delivery fees,
[1:58:50] service fees, things like that? Is that
[1:58:52] something that the BPU would still have
[1:58:54] full jurisdiction over or is this
[1:58:56] something that the uh private company
[1:58:58] could decide to change or add new fees
[1:59:00] or anything like that? I understand that it we have to be kind of discreet
[1:59:04] about the um the language that we're
[1:59:06] using and I know that rates has been
[1:59:08] used specifically here and I'm curious
[1:59:10] as to why that is. Uh thank you very
[1:59:12] much.
[1:59:13] >> That's a that's an excellent question.
[1:59:15] Um I'll do my best uh to start and let
[1:59:19] as I always do other people correct me
[1:59:21] when I stumble um or or pick up. So, we
[1:59:24] use the word rate usually pretty
[1:59:25] generically uh to mean everything that
[1:59:29] someone would pay to a regulated um uh
[1:59:33] entity like New Jersey American. So, in
[1:59:35] this case
[1:59:36] >> or us Yes. Uh it has multiple
[1:59:39] components. Our rate is not simple
[1:59:41] because it's tiered, but it's really
[1:59:43] just a a base fee and um amount of
[1:59:46] water. Uh regulated public utilities do
[1:59:49] it differently where there are lots of
[1:59:51] things that all add up to a number. So,
[1:59:53] example, um the example I use, I guess
[1:59:56] just myself personally, you know, I use
[1:59:57] 12,000 gallons of water. um based if you
[2:00:01] add up all of those fees which when I
[2:00:04] say rate that's what I mean which is a
[2:00:06] base rate plus the lead service fee plus
[2:00:09] um several other fees whether those are
[2:00:12] also rates but they make up one thing
[2:00:14] that I refer to as as a rate that would
[2:00:17] come out to $781
[2:00:20] I believe for um as if you go to the
[2:00:24] schedule with the or tariff which is
[2:00:26] where these rates are filed and after
[2:00:29] that they're approved by the board of
[2:00:30] public utilities. It is a document that
[2:00:32] lists these things. Um what they all are
[2:00:35] um and uh my understanding is that no um
[2:00:39] uh the company can't just change them.
[2:00:42] They have to go through a process with
[2:00:45] the state and the board of public
[2:00:46] utilities to if they are going to change
[2:00:48] to request them um and have them then
[2:00:50] published in this document called a
[2:00:52] tariff and then that becomes the rate
[2:00:56] that is is paid. So the the the numbers
[2:00:59] that I use um or when I say rate I I
[2:01:03] mean all of those things added together
[2:01:06] some of them are big like the thing for
[2:01:07] the water component and some of them are
[2:01:09] really kind of small like lead service I
[2:01:11] think for that person it's like $40 a
[2:01:13] year or something like that. Um and uh
[2:01:16] but they all go into what I consider a
[2:01:18] rate and what I refer to it and I think
[2:01:20] what the burrow does it includes all of
[2:01:22] those things. Right.
[2:01:23] >> Can I just say thank you for paying the
[2:01:25] cat tax?
[2:01:26] >> Yeah I
[2:01:27] very cute Chinese
[2:01:30] adorable. Um, and just I'm sort of
[2:01:32] saying the same thing, but in other
[2:01:33] words, so if you look at that the
[2:01:35] tariff, which is the big document that
[2:01:37] has all of the rates in it. So there's a
[2:01:39] whole series of rate schedules, right?
[2:01:42] And as as Ryan said, so that the rates
[2:01:44] are kind of broken up into two car
[2:01:46] categories. There are fixed fees or
[2:01:48] rates that you pay per month, for
[2:01:51] example, in New Jersey American or per
[2:01:53] quarter in the bureau. And then you have
[2:01:54] what we call volumetric rates are the
[2:01:56] ones that actually based on how much
[2:01:58] water you use. So those things together
[2:01:59] determine your bill. So each one of
[2:02:02] those components for example with New
[2:02:04] Jersey American is on a separate rate
[2:02:07] schedule in the tariff. Um and they're
[2:02:09] all called out for example in the
[2:02:11] contract. So lead service line
[2:02:12] replacement charge is on its own rate
[2:02:15] schedule. Um the distribution system
[2:02:18] improvement charge is on its own rate
[2:02:20] schedule. So each time um New Jersey
[2:02:23] America or any other utility wants to
[2:02:25] change those rates, they have to file uh
[2:02:28] they they file a BPU and they specify,
[2:02:30] you know, these particular rate
[2:02:32] schedules are going to be changed by
[2:02:34] this much. They literally give them what
[2:02:35] the numbers would be for each case. Um
[2:02:38] and some of those things that the
[2:02:39] fundamental ones change about every two
[2:02:41] years and what's called a base rate
[2:02:42] filing which consider rate. There are
[2:02:45] other rates that are sometimes revised
[2:02:47] uh as much as every six months like the
[2:02:49] lead service line one, excuse me, but
[2:02:52] you can actually go up or down because
[2:02:54] it's literally based on how much money
[2:02:55] they spent in the last six months on
[2:02:57] replacing land service lines. And so
[2:02:59] they do this cold file and says this is
[2:03:00] what we spent. This is how many
[2:03:02] customers we have and this is how we're
[2:03:03] charging to. So um but all those things
[2:03:07] individually have to be approved by the
[2:03:08] BPU and they're all called out in rate
[2:03:10] schedules. The ter is great fun to read.
[2:03:13] It's about 125 page long. Um, but it's
[2:03:16] all there. Um, but that's that's the
[2:03:18] question. So, and and every single one
[2:03:20] of them is regulated by the BPU and it
[2:03:22] has to be approved. Um, yeah. One, just
[2:03:27] for those who do go digging into that
[2:03:28] tariff, one thing that confused many of
[2:03:30] us early on and and we thought almost
[2:03:32] was a mistake is that for the most
[2:03:35] almost entirely I want to say it's it's
[2:03:36] 1A which is the the the rates that will
[2:03:39] be charged to the burrow with the
[2:03:42] exception of um fire hydrant fees. Um
[2:03:46] what we will be paying for fire hydrants
[2:03:48] is on a different schedule and it's much
[2:03:49] lower than that schedule suggests. Um,
[2:03:53] we have a we're on a different schedule
[2:03:54] that's that's that's lower for that.
[2:03:57] >> Basically, we would be paying the same
[2:03:59] rates for most things that in
[2:04:03] whole township and would pay, but they
[2:04:06] actually put us on a different rate
[2:04:08] schedule, but the fire monthly fire
[2:04:10] hydrant fees, which is way lower, which
[2:04:11] is actually the same one for and Carver
[2:04:13] City. I get it confused, but we're on
[2:04:16] that same one. So, that's basically
[2:04:17] baked into the contract, and that's it's
[2:04:19] a it's I think $15 a month instead of
[2:04:21] 60. So it's a big difference. Um but
[2:04:24] again that's what's called out of the
[2:04:27] contract is these are the rate schedules
[2:04:29] that apply. So in the future any changes
[2:04:32] are applied to those rate schedules. Um
[2:04:35] that's what BPU one of the things that
[2:04:37] BPU reviewed in the contract when they
[2:04:39] looked at all the rate schedules that
[2:04:41] were applied to us and made a
[2:04:42] determination as to whether that was
[2:04:44] movement.
[2:04:47] » Thank you. Thank you.
[2:04:49] >> Thank you. I appreciate the
[2:04:50] clarification.
[2:04:55] Please come.
[2:04:57] >> My name
[2:05:00] Kishman. I live at 59 North Cleveland
[2:05:02] Avenue.
[2:05:04] And I want to make a comment about how
[2:05:07] everybody has um worked on this issue. I
[2:05:12] feel like
[2:05:14] there's been a whole lot of work done on
[2:05:16] this issue. One thing that I was very
[2:05:19] cognizant of was how when David Waldman
[2:05:22] came up to speak on Sunday, he was very appreciative of all the work that
[2:05:29] the council has done. I nearly went over
[2:05:33] those to give great respect and thanks
[2:05:36] for what you've done.
[2:05:39] And I feel that David and Han and the
[2:05:42] water committee have done a ton of work
[2:05:46] and they've done it because they care
[2:05:48] about this town.
[2:05:51] There was not one word of thanks that
[2:05:53] will come has come from you or the
[2:05:55] council in recognizing that they are
[2:05:59] working as you are for the love of this
[2:06:02] town. There's been no thanks. So, I want
[2:06:05] to say thank you very, very much. And
[2:06:09] I'm sorry that when we all come and try
[2:06:12] to contribute to the council, we're all
[2:06:15] treated as if we're sort of interfering
[2:06:18] and making a little bit of trouble for
[2:06:20] you. You do you do you do look as if you
[2:06:22] care, but it I feel like we all feel
[2:06:25] like we're mostly in your way. Um, but I
[2:06:29] thank you for the work you do.
[2:06:33] >> Thank you.
[2:06:35] address that.
[2:06:37] Okay. Um, anyone else in person or
[2:06:43] seeing none, happy to uh seek a motion
[2:06:46] to close the first of two public comment
[2:06:47] sections.
[2:06:48] >> I'll motion.
[2:06:50] >> All in favor? I
[2:06:53] >> uh next item on our agenda is minutes
[2:06:56] from our September 4th meeting. Uh both
[2:06:59] regular and executive session.
[2:07:03] I'll take a motion for for both if I
[2:07:08] move.
[2:07:08] >> Will I have a second?
[2:07:09] >> I'll second.
[2:07:11] >> All in favor?
[2:07:15] » Uh next I've got our consent agenda.
[2:07:18] Item 11, resolutions 2025
[2:07:22] 107 to 110. Um,
[2:07:26] couple of uh quick items here. Um, and
[2:07:29] then we'll just wait till everyone uh
[2:07:31] files out and then we'll uh continue our
[2:07:33] business once it's uh fin to here. Um,
[2:07:40] we've got a appointment of our new
[2:07:42] attorney, Mr. side here. Um uh a
[2:07:44] settlement of a peculiar um small piece
[2:07:49] of litigation uh that we dealt with uh
[2:07:51] in executive session. Um final payment
[2:07:54] to close out a road project on Park
[2:07:56] Avenue uh and the hiring of public works
[2:07:58] uh personnel. Um Jared, anything you
[2:08:00] want to add to those or does anyone have
[2:08:02] a question, comment or something like
[2:08:04] pulled out?
[2:08:07] » Seeing
[2:08:09] I'll motion to move all board forward.
[2:08:11] Do I have a second?
[2:08:12] >> Second.
[2:08:13] >> I will receive roll call.
[2:08:15] >> Mr. Fuller.
[2:08:16] >> Yes.
[2:08:16] >> Miss F?
[2:08:17] >> Yes.
[2:08:17] >> Mr. Matthew?
[2:08:18] >> Yes.
[2:08:18] >> Steeler?
[2:08:19] >> Yes.
[2:08:19] >> Miss Weaver's joining us.
[2:08:21] >> Yes.
[2:08:22] >> Welcome.
[2:08:23] >> Thank you.
[2:08:25] >> Congratulations.
[2:08:29] » Next, I will take a motion to approve
[2:08:32] our uh bill list and plans for payment.
[2:08:36] >> I'll move.
[2:08:36] >> Oh, sorry.
[2:08:38] >> All right. That was Deb first, Chris
[2:08:39] second.
[2:08:44] Mr. Culler. Yes. Miss Hook. Yeah. Mr.
[2:08:46] Mackey.
[2:08:46] >> Yes.
[2:08:47] >> Miss Steeler.
[2:08:48] >> Yes.
[2:08:48] >> Miss Weaver. Yes.
[2:08:49] >> Miss Millennials.
[2:08:50] >> Yes.
[2:08:51] >> Uh next we've got a proclamation. I
[2:08:53] believe it was in our packet. Um uh
[2:08:56] rather than read it though, if you could
[2:08:58] I have the invitation we could just give
[2:08:59] everyone the run gown. This is our
[2:09:01] formal thanking the volunteers and
[2:09:03] organization and and for the event
[2:09:05] that's coming up. But since you have the
[2:09:06] details, maybe we could just quickly
[2:09:08] >> Yes. Yes. I had quick. Um, so the unity
[2:09:12] comm community unity is was formerly
[2:09:13] known as women's space communities of
[2:09:16] blight has been moved to October 27th.
[2:09:18] It used to be held in December. It's
[2:09:20] moved to October to coincide with
[2:09:22] domestic violence awareness month. It
[2:09:24] will be Monday, October 27th. Um, and I put one of these flyers in the back so
[2:09:31] folks can take a picture with their
[2:09:32] phone. And we will also be sharing the
[2:09:34] information out via the burough email
[2:09:36] um, and on social media. Um, the
[2:09:39] official burrow lighting will be at 6:15
[2:09:42] p.m., which is about an hour later than
[2:09:44] usual because it will be lighter and so
[2:09:46] we need to wait until laterers and it
[2:09:48] will be dark enough for us to light
[2:09:50] candles. Um, and um there are if if you
[2:09:54] would like to light um in front of your
[2:09:56] home, which would be absolutely
[2:09:58] wonderful. Um the kits are now 12. It's
[2:10:00] a $12 donation to Unity. Um they can be
[2:10:04] picked up at Dandelion Wishes on West
[2:10:06] Broad and Hopewood or at Pennington
[2:10:08] Quality Market as well as many other
[2:10:10] locations throughout Mercer County. And
[2:10:12] um
[2:10:14] >> thank you. Um next we'll do our council
[2:10:17] liaison reports. Um got to get better at
[2:10:20] not surprising people and that that
[2:10:22] seems to be punishing Anthony with going
[2:10:23] first time. So apologies. I will
[2:10:29] » the late of my audience out on
[2:10:33] always do it during
[2:10:35] >> they do it every time.
[2:10:38] >> Yeah. So the the health update for this
[2:10:40] month so on 10th of September we had the
[2:10:42] annual joint meeting for the local
[2:10:44] boards of health right here in Bar Hall.
[2:10:46] um hosted by Gary Dorsy our health
[2:10:48] officer and the two presenters were
[2:10:50] Mackenzie Cobalt who's the executive
[2:10:51] director for public health in Merca
[2:10:53] County and our old friend Sean Jackson
[2:10:56] talking about and work on lead which is
[2:11:00] still a major issue in homes
[2:11:01] particularly in Trenton.
[2:11:03] Um the actual board of health itself
[2:11:06] last met in July. The next and final
[2:11:09] meeting of the year is October 29th. So
[2:11:12] no major updates right now to share with
[2:11:14] everyone
[2:11:15] except for these three things. So um the
[2:11:20] memorandum of understanding with capital
[2:11:22] health for health education services
[2:11:23] have been finalized and that was
[2:11:25] discussed today in terms of what that
[2:11:26] will look like. Um,
[2:11:30] I'm not even sure whether to mention
[2:11:31] this one about planning, but uh I've
[2:11:33] been made aware of a potential
[2:11:36] opportunity for us which is from the New
[2:11:38] Jersey chapter of the American Planning
[2:11:40] Association. They have some funding to
[2:11:43] help make public health a major part of
[2:11:46] the uh the master plan. So they are
[2:11:49] putting together a model master plan of
[2:11:51] public health element that we can use
[2:11:53] and next year uh up to six communities
[2:11:56] will be selected for a grant between 50
[2:11:58] and $100,000 to adopt public health
[2:12:01] master plan. So that may be an
[2:12:03] opportunity for us to look at. Um, and
[2:12:06] then finally on health matters, there
[2:12:09] will be a vote and vax vaccination
[2:12:11] clinic right here in Burough Hall on
[2:12:13] election day 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. This
[2:12:16] year is for the flu vaccine only, not
[2:12:18] for co and uh anybody who wants to take
[2:12:21] advantage, you can bring their insurance
[2:12:22] card or not residency.
[2:12:26] >> That's it.
[2:12:26] >> Thank you. I think
[2:12:30] >> um the green team we are upholding our you know we have it uh three times a
[2:12:36] year. The potluck the next um zero waste
[2:12:38] potluck will be Sunday October 19th from
[2:12:41] 5 to 7 and um all are welcome. Um there
[2:12:44] will be an RSVP link that goes out in
[2:12:47] the burrow email and is also on the
[2:12:49] green team website. We're encouraging
[2:12:51] people to use that RSVP link um because
[2:12:54] there is a prize drawing again at this
[2:12:56] that is um funded by the sustainable
[2:12:58] Jersey grant. Again, um our sustainable
[2:13:02] Jersey grant by the way is almost
[2:13:04] complete. Um we're going to be printing
[2:13:06] some educational compost brochures which
[2:13:08] Mercer County Master Gardeners have have
[2:13:10] put together. Um, and we're going to use
[2:13:12] the balance of our funding to purchase
[2:13:14] native plants that will be planted in
[2:13:16] Burough Park by green team volunteers.
[2:13:18] Um, working with Marian Labos who's, you
[2:13:20] know, got a good command of what's going
[2:13:22] on in the park there in terms of
[2:13:24] planting. Um, on Thursday, October 23rd
[2:13:28] at 6:00 p.m. at the train station will
[2:13:30] be the Hopewell Valley Green Team's
[2:13:32] annual green gathering. Um, that is for
[2:13:35] local environmental activists as well as
[2:13:38] local community leaders. Um, everyone up
[2:13:40] here should have gotten an invitation.
[2:13:42] Um, and um, so the RSVPs are to Joanne
[2:13:46] Held and the two topics are energy
[2:13:48] planning and also recycling the next big
[2:13:51] steps. Um, the green team will be at the
[2:13:54] farmers market this Sunday from 9 to 1,
[2:13:56] collecting hard to recycle items. And
[2:13:58] next month, November 9th, will be our
[2:14:00] last um appearance at the farmers market
[2:14:02] for the season. And our next meeting
[2:14:05] will be Wednesday, November 5th at 700
[2:14:07] p.m. at the Hope Public Library. and we
[2:14:09] always welcome his volunteers
[2:14:11] and open space did not be good. Thank
[2:14:14] you.
[2:14:16] >> Hi. Okay. Um so Jerry probably has to
[2:14:19] say in his notes as well, but the
[2:14:20] building committee is excited to
[2:14:22] announce that the uh burough hall has
[2:14:25] started to get little facelift. Um Alan
[2:14:28] and his team were able to do some um
[2:14:30] power washing and get the uh rear area
[2:14:33] of the uni painted. So, it's looking
[2:14:36] really good along with the flowers that
[2:14:38] were planted. Um, personnel was
[2:14:42] mentioned that uh we have the laborer
[2:14:44] that's going to start on the 27th. I'm
[2:14:47] very happy to get more help out for Alan
[2:14:49] and his team. Um, the library has a lot
[2:14:52] going on as always. Um, their survey is
[2:14:55] out and there are it's broken up into
[2:14:57] different age groups. So, we encourage
[2:14:59] you to go to the library website um or
[2:15:01] send your kids or your neighbors to um
[2:15:05] let them provide feedback as to what
[2:15:07] they uh envision the library to be in
[2:15:09] the future. They want to hear from
[2:15:11] everyone. So, we urge as many people to
[2:15:13] go as possible. Um they also have really
[2:15:15] cool event coming up called the Colonial
[2:15:17] Taverns Libation and Liberty event. It's
[2:15:20] going to be held at the Hope Theater on
[2:15:22] October 22nd. Um it's free as is
[2:15:26] everything that the library does. Um
[2:15:28] we're going to be serving um some drinks
[2:15:31] and food that are typical of colonial
[2:15:33] times. Um that's all I have should be
[2:15:37] done
[2:15:39] like
[2:15:52] » I know.
[2:15:55] fire department made 38 calls last
[2:15:58] month. EMS made 58 calls and Jerry, just
[2:16:03] a heads up, the old topic of getting our
[2:16:06] DPW guys certified as firefighters came
[2:16:09] up again. I thought we'd forgotten about
[2:16:11] that, but um I think the new young guy
[2:16:14] now, they're they're really interested
[2:16:16] in that. So I'm just Anybody have a
[2:16:18] heads up if they're interested in that?
[2:16:21] Um
[2:16:22] >> the DPW guys are interested or
[2:16:24] >> No,
[2:16:26] activating. It's a thing.
[2:16:28] >> It's a challenging time management
[2:16:31] challenge.
[2:16:32] >> Yeah. But I'm just like, you know, um
[2:16:35] EDC couldn't make quorum, so they didn't
[2:16:38] meet, but I went to uh Princeton
[2:16:43] Chamber of Commerce kickoff event for
[2:16:45] the Independent Business Association
[2:16:48] meeting and it was a networking event
[2:16:52] for small businesses, but I got to talk
[2:16:54] to Anthony Caribelli Jr. who's the
[2:16:57] director of Mercer County Economic
[2:17:00] Development Department. Um and really
[2:17:04] nice guy uh basically said that he has
[2:17:07] out of all the municipalities in Mercer
[2:17:10] County has spent the least amount of
[2:17:11] time here. So was really open to us
[2:17:14] doing some um events and it it
[2:17:19] corresponds nicely with this survey that
[2:17:22] we're doing with businesses to figure
[2:17:23] out how we can help them bring some free
[2:17:26] programming to them. So
[2:17:28] >> try to move that forward. It's hard when
[2:17:30] there's no meeting, but I might have a
[2:17:32] little subcommittee. So,
[2:17:35] >> um, senior advisory
[2:17:38] board, they had their annual picnic last
[2:17:40] month. Did you go to that, Brian?
[2:17:43] >> Thank you for highlighting my
[2:17:47] >> So, unfortunately, the burrow had it was on September 11th, which was like
[2:17:52] >> Yeah. Um, but the AAP safe drivers class
[2:17:56] is um October 28th. I don't know what
[2:18:01] qualify for that, but it might be might
[2:18:02] be my turn to go to that. Uh, and
[2:18:04] lastly, Shade Tree Committee, the
[2:18:07] celebration tree program is up and
[2:18:10] running. We're going to have a big
[2:18:11] launch, I think, in the spring. And,
[2:18:14] um, I'm going to I'm hesitated saying
[2:18:17] this, but it's such a cool idea that I'm
[2:18:19] going to say it anyways. You know that
[2:18:20] huge asht tree on Broad Street right
[2:18:22] across from Mercer unfortunately died
[2:18:25] which is a huge bummer.
[2:18:26] >> I mean it looked
[2:18:27] >> I know I know but they did all that
[2:18:29] work.
[2:18:31] >> Well no one knows why. Um
[2:18:32] >> but it seemed to happen abruptly.
[2:18:34] >> Yeah I I
[2:18:35] >> and I couldn't imagine it still you know
[2:18:37] >> I know
[2:18:39] >> but that's got to come down because it's
[2:18:41] actually very dangerous now. But my idea
[2:18:44] was and I talked to Bill Glemer who said
[2:18:46] it was possible. Whoever cuts it down,
[2:18:48] which is we haven't figured this out
[2:18:49] yet, to save a huge crosssection cuz I
[2:18:52] think it's like the oldest tree in the
[2:18:54] burrow.
[2:18:56] >> What?
[2:18:57] >> Make a
[2:18:57] >> No, no, not
[2:19:00] to the school and they can actually like
[2:19:02] mark the history of hope on the rings or
[2:19:05] something.
[2:19:06] >> No, you can do you go to
[2:19:07] dendocronologist and they'll figure all
[2:19:08] that out.
[2:19:10] >> Dendocrinologist.
[2:19:11] >> See, this is why do we even give that
[2:19:14] word? No, it's a great
[2:19:16] >> All right, I'm following up with and and
[2:19:19] furthermore, we talked about what else
[2:19:21] to do with that wood, and it turns out
[2:19:22] that our newest member of the Jade
[2:19:24] community, so Sonia Cotton's husband,
[2:19:28] has been studying natural playground
[2:19:31] design.
[2:19:33] >> So, he got really excited that we could
[2:19:35] use this
[2:19:37] immense amount of wood to build some
[2:19:39] kind of natural playground somewhere.
[2:19:40] So, anyway, so stay tuned.
[2:19:41] >> A lot of things to think about. That ash
[2:19:43] is it's it's ours to we
[2:19:53] » know it's on there on their property.
[2:19:55] >> Beautiful,
[2:19:56] >> right? It's on there.
[2:19:56] >> It's not a shade tree. It's just a tree.
[2:19:58] It's just it's
[2:20:00] >> it really it really and I kept kept
[2:20:02] wondering why it was still alive if it
[2:20:04] was an ashy unless they were treating
[2:20:06] it,
[2:20:06] >> right?
[2:20:08] We have one about that diameter. Not
[2:20:10] beautiful, but um
[2:20:11] >> yeah. Oh,
[2:20:13] >> so Jerry, that thing's going to be hard
[2:20:14] to take down. So, we're gonna have to
[2:20:15] >> clo.
[2:20:18] So, Sonia's gonna talk to the woman
[2:20:20] because I guess that's a rental house.
[2:20:23] >> So, what do you think we're This is an
[2:20:25] interesting time.
[2:20:30] » No one's bad at trees or
[2:20:34] >> Okay, I'm done.
[2:20:37] Uh David
[2:20:40] um water. So um my thanks to
[2:20:46] committee members, our professionals,
[2:20:48] Richie, Christine, everyone who helped
[2:20:51] with the FAQ,
[2:20:54] not only preparing it, distributing it,
[2:20:58] stuffing envelopes. I did some but only
[2:21:00] a fraction. Um but we wanted
[2:21:03] >> 120. Pardon? We did 120
[2:21:06] >> ideally
[2:21:07] blocked me in the building. She left at
[2:21:09] the other day and said, "All right, I'm
[2:21:10] going to find you here in the morning or
[2:21:11] what?" I said, "No, but I heard for a
[2:21:13] couple hours and now I know when we do
[2:21:15] those public notifications how much of a
[2:21:17] bear it really is that stuff under the
[2:21:21] arc." But anyway, thank you so much. Um,
[2:21:24] I'll just say it's a living document.
[2:21:25] We're already um working on additions to
[2:21:29] it. Had some more questions come up. So,
[2:21:31] the online version, I don't think we're
[2:21:32] going to keep mailing them, but I think
[2:21:35] to get them out there, let everybody
[2:21:36] know that there are updates available uh
[2:21:38] as they come available. Um, and uh well,
[2:21:44] I guess we had our September 11th
[2:21:46] presentation, right, which was uh and
[2:21:48] again, thanks to everyone who helped and
[2:21:50] thanks to everyone who attended um you
[2:21:53] know, to take the time together. It was
[2:21:54] long with both, you know, four hours.
[2:21:57] So, not everybody sat through the whole
[2:21:58] thing, but um we didn't have to. Um
[2:22:01] anyway, very appreciative. Um it's it's good to be in a community where
[2:22:07] people are paying attention and are
[2:22:08] willing to invest that kind of time. So,
[2:22:11] thank you. um and
[2:22:15] planning for it. I'm going to let you
[2:22:17] talk about it if you want. Sure. Okay.
[2:22:19] But I'll but other than that on water um
[2:22:30] » um so today we they did the cops and
[2:22:32] cross dogs thing today. Correct. Um I
[2:22:36] was unable to attend unfortunately but
[2:22:38] I'm happy to um work with the Humble
[2:22:41] Township Police Department to make it
[2:22:43] happen. And this is essentially when a
[2:22:45] plane closed officer goes out and
[2:22:46] attempts to cross the street. There's
[2:22:49] other officers waiting around. So if
[2:22:50] there's any sort of violation, the other
[2:22:52] officers will pull over the driver and
[2:22:54] either give them a warning or a ticket.
[2:22:56] Um so I'm excited to hear the results of
[2:22:58] that. I know they had aimed to be there
[2:23:00] at rush hour in the morning but had some
[2:23:03] staffing interest and got there a little
[2:23:05] bit later. Um, and this will be an
[2:23:07] ongoing thing. So, we will probably do
[2:23:09] some announcement like, hey, this week
[2:23:11] it's happening, but you know, it's it's
[2:23:14] not we're never trying to get obviously
[2:23:17] um we want it to be an education
[2:23:19] experience to learn. There's some laws
[2:23:21] that maybe we don't even know or we
[2:23:23] forget, but it is just being mindful of
[2:23:26] the pedestrians. roads have many users
[2:23:28] and everyone has a right to use the
[2:23:30] road. Um we are having our kickoff
[2:23:34] meeting with the with um WSP the
[2:23:37] engineers that we selected the design
[2:23:39] assistance portion of our safe routes to
[2:23:40] school grant in a couple of weeks.
[2:23:42] Actually ran into one of their members
[2:23:44] just out and about and they are very
[2:23:46] excited to work with us. So I'm looking
[2:23:48] forward to that. Um, we Jerry and I met
[2:23:51] with the Delaware Valley Regional
[2:23:52] Planning Commission to talk about
[2:23:54] implementing our complete and green
[2:23:56] streets policy, which is a bit of a
[2:23:57] heavy lift for smaller municipalities
[2:23:59] like ourselves. And uh, the DBRPC sort
[2:24:02] of floated the idea of potentially
[2:24:05] helping us with that. We don't know the
[2:24:06] details of that yet, but we're not the
[2:24:09] only municipality struggling with this.
[2:24:11] So, they're kind of thinking that, you
[2:24:12] know, this is a good idea to reach out
[2:24:14] to us and we might even be like a sort
[2:24:16] of pilot for this project. So, um, Yeah,
[2:24:19] looking forward to getting more
[2:24:20] information about that as well. And I
[2:24:23] think that's it.
[2:24:24] >> Always the child that brings the apple
[2:24:26] to class.
[2:24:29] >> Yeah, I mean projects are wonderful and
[2:24:32] stepping up to be part of one is a good
[2:24:34] thing.
[2:24:34] >> Well, I think it's it's a lot of
[2:24:36] municipalities have engineering and
[2:24:37] planning in house. Obviously, we don't
[2:24:40] have that. We don't have that many
[2:24:41] full-time employees. So, if we can get
[2:24:43] assistance from our metropolitan
[2:24:45] planning organization, that would be
[2:24:47] hugely helpful. And it might also be
[2:24:48] helpful for others.
[2:24:50] >> Well, exactly. It helps. It's helpful to
[2:24:51] others to go through the motions and
[2:24:52] show how it's done.
[2:24:55] >> Okay. Um
[2:24:58] updates for me. Uh earlier last month,
[2:25:01] um uh the Needle Creek Township hosted a
[2:25:05] agricultural breakfast um about some of
[2:25:07] the challenges to farming in our
[2:25:09] community. appreciate the the egg
[2:25:11] commissioner um and uh uh Jeff Bird who
[2:25:16] was the assessor of Union Township but
[2:25:17] uh I believe leads the egg efforts in
[2:25:19] Mercer County for organizing that. I
[2:25:22] really want to thank everyone who came
[2:25:24] um and participated and especially the
[2:25:26] first responders who helped um put
[2:25:28] together um the special event that we
[2:25:32] had here on September 11th. I encourage
[2:25:34] everyone who has a chance to um maybe
[2:25:38] not this evening after this meeting
[2:25:39] because it's late but um in Burough Hall
[2:25:41] uh for the next almost a year we will be
[2:25:44] hosting a um section of the World Trade
[2:25:46] Center um uh and I really want to thank
[2:25:50] uh there our first responder community
[2:25:53] uh particularly valley emergency
[2:25:55] services um uh for organizing and and
[2:25:59] honoring us with uh having the the um
[2:26:02] display
[2:26:04] here uh this year um
[2:26:07] uh meetings. Uh Jared and I met with
[2:26:09] several potential business um owners or
[2:26:13] sug um uh for town. Um again, if you're
[2:26:17] thinking about opening a business,
[2:26:18] there's lots of resources. I heard some
[2:26:20] things tonight, including the Mercer
[2:26:21] County Economic Development Center led
[2:26:24] by Anthony Cari Jr. uh downtown Hopewell
[2:26:28] um would be a great place to connect
[2:26:29] with or reach out to your administrator
[2:26:31] who need help with uh you know a zoning
[2:26:33] or sort of question like that. I'm happy
[2:26:35] to try to to meet and and see to get you
[2:26:38] in the right direction um to to help
[2:26:40] choose hope for your business. Uh last
[2:26:43] month's uh coffee uh with the mayor was
[2:26:46] outside for the first time right on
[2:26:47] Broad Street. Thought that was was neat.
[2:26:49] Um this month it's actually getting
[2:26:51] moved from the 2nd to 3rd um Saturday.
[2:26:54] So, it's going to be on the 18th,
[2:26:56] weather permitting, likely outside uh at
[2:26:58] Burough Park, but check the website for
[2:27:00] that where that will be. Uh have a cup
[2:27:02] of coffee and and you know, state of
[2:27:04] mind. Um I want to thank downtown
[2:27:06] Hopewell and all our businesses who were
[2:27:08] responsible for the beautiful uh
[2:27:11] newformational and art display uh that
[2:27:14] is adjacent to or posually thanks to the
[2:27:17] Copel pharmacy. Uh it is a beautiful use
[2:27:20] of uh that storefront um and a great way
[2:27:23] to see what businesses um are in Hope
[2:27:26] for Burough. Just adjacent to that, I
[2:27:28] want to thank the Arts Council again for
[2:27:29] their kind of art in the windows project
[2:27:32] at the former Brothers Mill there. So
[2:27:33] just really neat um artistic
[2:27:35] presentations there. Also again want to
[2:27:37] thank the Arts Council for their work.
[2:27:39] Uh time seems to go very quickly and
[2:27:42] slowly, but if it was last week or two
[2:27:44] weeks ago, I don't even remember now for
[2:27:46] our um tour to art um in uh hope in and
[2:27:50] around Hope. I just want to thank the
[2:27:52] arts council and give a shout out to
[2:27:53] their upcoming pumpkin carve at Wolsey
[2:27:56] Park. Check them out. They do a lot of
[2:27:57] great things for our community uh and the area. Uh mentioned coffee will
[2:28:02] be on the 18th uh and not this Saturday.
[2:28:05] I'll again thank our water committee and
[2:28:07] professionals and everyone who attended
[2:28:08] the September 11th water meeting.
[2:28:11] Reminder that the video from that
[2:28:12] meeting, the May meeting, the other
[2:28:15] public meetings, it's about 14 hours of
[2:28:16] video content up on the website as long
[2:28:19] as well as the contract information on
[2:28:21] the possible water sale. Um again, next
[2:28:25] week, the 14th, that's Tuesday, that is
[2:28:28] the last day to register vote. Please
[2:28:29] check to see that you're registered. If
[2:28:31] you haven't voted in a while, you may
[2:28:33] have been purged. So, please double
[2:28:34] check and make sure you're registered.
[2:28:36] Um,
[2:28:38] continue to work possibly on a joint
[2:28:40] project for flooding and storm water for
[2:28:42] the lower Milstone watershed working
[2:28:44] group. They're meeting next week. This
[2:28:46] is the hope to get a grant fund to look
[2:28:48] at the entire watershed region of this
[2:28:51] particular water. We're kind of at the
[2:28:52] end um but the joint project of the
[2:28:54] municipalities in our area to try to do
[2:28:56] regional a regional approach to to storm
[2:28:58] water and flooding. Um
[2:29:02] uh the water committee has a a meeting
[2:29:04] not this week but the week after uh with
[2:29:07] representatives from IBank. Uh that's
[2:29:09] the one of the groups that has funding
[2:29:11] uh and loans for for water and sewer
[2:29:14] infrastructure. Uh it's not really
[2:29:16] anything that seems to have changed, but
[2:29:17] we do meet with them regularly to see
[2:29:19] what's available and see what we can get
[2:29:21] for for water um and sewer. And our next
[2:29:24] meeting with them, I believe, is on the 27th. Uh there is a Veterans Day
[2:29:28] ceremony on the 8th at Wy Park. Um I
[2:29:31] think we sent the information out. If if
[2:29:33] you didn't get it, members council, let
[2:29:35] me know and I'll make sure you get it.
[2:29:36] Uh it's a great event.
[2:29:39] >> I think so.
[2:29:40] >> Was it an actual fly?
[2:29:42] >> Handout.
[2:29:45] >> Thank you. I was uh I only saw it
[2:29:47] electronically so I wasn't even seeing
[2:29:48] it. That's that's way better than I
[2:29:49] could have imagined. So thank you uh
[2:29:51] Reggie for for doing that. But it's a
[2:29:52] great event and actually I will not be
[2:29:54] able to be there this year. So much
[2:29:55] appreciated if um any of you would be
[2:29:58] able to attend. Um uh if you do if you
[2:30:01] are planning to attend, let me know and
[2:30:02] I'll make sure that um you're let me say
[2:30:05] giving a seat is not the right word, but
[2:30:06] they usually do a ceremony and if
[2:30:08] there's someone from the burrow there,
[2:30:08] they like to have you participate um in
[2:30:10] the the wreath ceremony.
[2:30:12] >> Um uh as Christa did, I want to thank
[2:30:14] Coco County Police Department for the
[2:30:16] extra enforcement in that special event
[2:30:17] today, the cops from the crosswalk. um
[2:30:20] and particular for some continued
[2:30:22] efforts on an event that might be coming
[2:30:24] to town. Uh and uh there's a particular
[2:30:26] neighborhood in town that has uh um made
[2:30:28] some requests about a quality of life
[2:30:30] issue. Um and I don't have resolution
[2:30:32] for it, but I do want to thank our
[2:30:33] police chief at Hope Township Police
[2:30:36] Department for being attentive to them
[2:30:38] and to us when things like that come up.
[2:30:40] Um quite again uh Dev said personnel and
[2:30:44] the buildings committee were very busy
[2:30:45] this month. Uh they're thinking about
[2:30:46] the update. Um and there was a at least
[2:30:49] one uh valley municipal alliance meeting
[2:30:51] this month. Finally uh next Friday is
[2:30:54] the annual mayor's breakfast from the
[2:30:57] municipal alliance. Um the honores this
[2:30:59] year is the thrive uh PTO which is a um
[2:31:03] one of the parents groups just is a
[2:31:05] district-wide parent group for for
[2:31:07] special needs families. Welldeserved and
[2:31:09] phenomenal work that those folks do.
[2:31:11] Excited that they're being honored. Uh
[2:31:13] but the three mayors uh will be at the
[2:31:15] Hopewell Golf Course. It's not uh I
[2:31:18] think it's a free event. So, if you go
[2:31:19] to the Musical Alliance website, you can
[2:31:21] uh sign up for tickets and have a
[2:31:24] usually long uh but lovely breakfast and
[2:31:27] find out what's happening uh in in our
[2:31:30] so thanks everyone for your updates. Uh
[2:31:32] what's that? Okay, Kristen. Yeah, go for
[2:31:35] it.
[2:31:35] >> Real quick, um this is still TBD, but
[2:31:38] North Greenwood is not going to be
[2:31:40] repaved until the spring. So, we will be
[2:31:42] moving forward with the traffic coming
[2:31:44] project before repaving. We just don't
[2:31:46] have an exact timeline yet because we
[2:31:48] need to organize that. That's
[2:31:50] >> okay. Um Sherry, if we've got um
[2:31:54] anything you want to highlight from your
[2:31:55] report or um add for the good of Sure.
[2:31:58] floor is yours. Thank you, Mayor. Um
[2:32:02] now, you all have my detailed written
[2:32:04] report which provides updates on
[2:32:06] approximately 20 items. I obviously
[2:32:08] won't go through all of them, but for
[2:32:10] the sake of the public, I'll touch on a
[2:32:11] few of the key ones. Also, I'll touch on
[2:32:14] a few of them that have had updates
[2:32:15] since I submitted this to you all on
[2:32:17] Friday. First, with respect to the
[2:32:19] railroad station. The final payment was
[2:32:22] on the bill list for tonight, but I have
[2:32:24] been holding that check because there
[2:32:26] have been some outstanding issues. I
[2:32:28] wanted it to be on the bill list in the
[2:32:30] event those issues were completed in a
[2:32:31] week or two, so we didn't have to wait
[2:32:33] another two or three weeks to process
[2:32:35] the check. That being said, um, a couple
[2:32:38] days ago I received final approval from
[2:32:40] the architect that that project is
[2:32:42] complete and all the punch list items
[2:32:43] have been completed. So, I'll be
[2:32:45] releasing that check and that project is
[2:32:47] now finished.
[2:32:51] » Next, gutter repairs on the library.
[2:32:54] Since writing the report that I
[2:32:56] submitted to you, I received a quote
[2:32:58] from a gutter repair company. I spoke
[2:33:00] with the CFO prior to our meeting
[2:33:02] tonight and there may be funds available
[2:33:03] to move forward with this um by the end
[2:33:06] of this calendar year. I know this had
[2:33:08] been initially a planned item for 2026,
[2:33:12] but based on the quote what needs to be
[2:33:13] done and potential for transfers and
[2:33:15] monies in various parts of the budget,
[2:33:17] there's an opportunity to get this
[2:33:19] complete and get this moving. I'll
[2:33:21] confirm that with DPW in the next day or
[2:33:24] so. I want to make sure they don't have
[2:33:25] any pending projects that I'm not aware
[2:33:27] of that will take up some of the funds
[2:33:29] that I might be thinking of. So, there's
[2:33:31] an opportunity and I'll confirm that in
[2:33:32] the next couple of days. On the grease
[2:33:35] trap inspections, they have begun. It's
[2:33:37] been a mix of education and enforcement.
[2:33:40] Um, so far it's going well. Business
[2:33:42] owners have been receptive to our
[2:33:43] inspector that's been going out there.
[2:33:45] Uh, the site visits have been going well
[2:33:47] and there's been some compliance and of
[2:33:49] course some enforcement when necessary.
[2:33:51] But I don't know if you've heard any. I
[2:33:53] have not heard any complaints yet from
[2:33:54] anybody who's been visited by the
[2:33:56] inspector who knows a lot about police
[2:33:59] traps.
[2:34:02] Um, safe routes to school, the council
[2:34:04] woman mentioned that's moving forward.
[2:34:06] The state has scheduled our kickoff
[2:34:07] meeting in the next week or two. We're
[2:34:10] going to be having that here in the
[2:34:11] municipal building. So, the
[2:34:12] representatives from the state
[2:34:13] government will be coming here with the
[2:34:15] consultant that we chose to help move
[2:34:18] this project forward. And then um
[2:34:20] finally, well actually not finally, let
[2:34:22] me take that back. Uh councilwoman
[2:34:24] mentioned the pillars and the facelift
[2:34:26] out front. I did get confirmation that
[2:34:28] work on repairing the pillars will begin
[2:34:31] on the 15th of this month, which is
[2:34:34] >> two days. So, you know, that's moving
[2:34:37] forward. I'm pretty excited about that.
[2:34:39] And then finally, um, I mentioned in my
[2:34:41] report, there was a motor vehicle
[2:34:43] accident, a pedestrian versus vehicle
[2:34:46] that occurred over on Greenwood and
[2:34:48] Broad as a result of what the police
[2:34:52] department mentioned to me. They
[2:34:53] thought, although not the cause of the
[2:34:54] accident, they did make a note that the
[2:34:56] lights over there were a little lighter
[2:34:58] than they would have liked. They're
[2:34:59] rooted at BSCG. Um, have the contract
[2:35:01] ready to go and they're going to move
[2:35:03] forward placing those lights um, based
[2:35:05] on the police department's
[2:35:06] recommendation.
[2:35:08] with that I
[2:35:09] >> Oh, the pedestrian did not have serious
[2:35:12] injuries. That's correct. Yeah, sorry
[2:35:16] in my notes
[2:35:18] thankfully.
[2:35:19] >> Yeah.
[2:35:21] >> And that is all I was going to touch on
[2:35:24] that changed since I submitted their
[2:35:26] report. As always, if you have any
[2:35:28] questions, I'm open to answering them
[2:35:30] now or in the future.
[2:35:32] >> Thank you. Um next um you know we have
[2:35:36] our second uh public comment session
[2:35:38] that
[2:35:40] the reports triggers some uh some
[2:35:42] thoughts for folks. So uh you're here in
[2:35:44] person please come up to the front. If
[2:35:45] you're on the online push the raise hand
[2:35:48] button happy to recognize you and ask
[2:35:50] questions or or uh make a comment for
[2:35:53] the second time we try to limit it
[2:35:55] though I don't think we've ever actually
[2:35:56] limited uh to to three minutes. Um seeing none uh in person or online, I
[2:36:04] will take a motion to close the second
[2:36:06] public um comment section.
[2:36:09] >> Moved. I'll second.
[2:36:10] >> All in favor.
[2:36:13] Now I will hold on. Just I think our
[2:36:17] Zoom camera thought that we wanted to uh
[2:36:20] end this as well. So that just shut
[2:36:22] itself off prematurely. But you'll uh
[2:36:24] hopefully hear um our uh motion to
[2:36:26] adjurnn, which I will entertain now. Um
[2:36:29] uh do I have uh Heidi then Deb for a
[2:36:32] second? All in favor? All right. Thank
[2:36:34] you again. Uh and our next meeting is in
[2:36:37] November.