1 00:00:06,640 --> 00:00:17,080 Good evening. Welcome to the 2026 reorganization of the Township Committee. I hereby call the January 5th, 2026 reorganization meeting to order. 2 00:00:18,000 --> 00:00:25,400 Add a quick notice of this meeting of the Township Committee of the Township of Mennon was given as required by the Open Public Meetings Act as follows. 3 00:00:25,400 --> 00:00:31,160 Notice was given to the Observer Tribune and Daily Record on January 9, 2025. 4 00:00:31,780 --> 00:00:35,660 Notice was posted on the Bolton Board in the Township offices and notice was filed with 5 00:00:35,660 --> 00:00:36,480 the Township Clerk. 6 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:39,860 Well, everyone please rise and join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. 7 00:01:00,420 --> 00:01:00,980 At 8 00:01:03,410 --> 00:01:08,430 this time, I would like to invite Rabbi Ari Hirshan from the Chabad of Mettendum 9 00:01:08,430 --> 00:01:10,130 and Chester to give the invocation? 10 00:01:19,420 --> 00:01:21,700 You might feel like we're living in a world 11 00:01:21,700 --> 00:01:24,020 and a time that has gone mad. 12 00:01:24,840 --> 00:01:26,140 I'm not gonna argue with you. 13 00:01:27,780 --> 00:01:31,920 But let us turn our minds and our thoughts to the words 14 00:01:31,920 --> 00:01:34,260 of Kinsalman and Proverbs and what you can refer 15 00:01:34,260 --> 00:01:37,300 to our world as an orchard in the garden. 16 00:01:38,360 --> 00:01:41,860 Much as an orchard demands toil and attention 17 00:01:41,860 --> 00:01:46,180 and a garden commands focus and work. 18 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:53,000 We live in a world that the man such and so I ask Almighty God, 19 00:01:54,240 --> 00:01:57,600 less this committee, our mayor and deputy mayor, 20 00:01:59,160 --> 00:02:02,540 our emergency services, the police, our fire companies, 21 00:02:04,140 --> 00:02:06,840 as well as our first responders and all the officials 22 00:02:06,840 --> 00:02:10,180 administrators and functionaries that make this beautiful 23 00:02:10,180 --> 00:02:19,880 township tick. Lesson with wisdom, sagacity, fortitude, and peace to do their work and may 24 00:02:19,880 --> 00:02:27,000 we look back this time next year at this world and see something that approximates a little 25 00:02:27,000 --> 00:02:30,020 bit more of a garden of an orchard amen. 26 00:02:32,760 --> 00:02:37,080 Thank you, Rabbi. Next on the agenda we have the statement 27 00:02:37,080 --> 00:02:40,500 of determination of the Board of County canvassers. 28 00:02:40,900 --> 00:02:45,360 Statement of determination of the Board of County canvassers relative to an election held 29 00:02:45,360 --> 00:02:50,300 in the Township of Mendingham County of Morris and State of New Jersey for the election 30 00:02:50,300 --> 00:02:55,720 of certain municipal officers for the missipality on 4th day of November 2025. 31 00:02:56,620 --> 00:03:03,180 The said board does determine that at the set election, Tracy Morin and Lauren Spirig were elected 32 00:03:03,180 --> 00:03:06,160 to the office of Township Committee for the term of three years. 33 00:03:07,220 --> 00:03:12,160 At this time, I would like to ask Ms. Morene, and anyone she wishes to join her to come forward. 34 00:04:41,920 --> 00:04:48,900 It happens to prevent them, but we said that that's the vitality of our people, so I think that's the best thing to do. 35 00:05:00,970 --> 00:05:02,910 Ms. Morey, would you like to give a statement? 36 00:05:05,260 --> 00:05:06,220 Just very quickly. 37 00:05:09,500 --> 00:05:15,880 Before I begin this new role, I want to thank the four people in my life that mean the most to me. 38 00:05:15,880 --> 00:05:29,800 The first is my three kids, thank you for your patience and your hugs and the time spent on this journey with me. It's a sacrifice that all of you made to help me get elected. So thank you so much. 39 00:05:30,180 --> 00:05:41,360 So my husband, thank you for being my anchor in the wind. Thank you for being my sounding board. Thank you for putting up and taking down all the election signs. 40 00:05:41,360 --> 00:05:45,360 And thank you for being my partner in crime. 41 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:52,360 I'm deeply grateful and I'm going to carry the love of all of you with me as I serve 42 00:05:52,360 --> 00:05:53,560 Madam Township. 43 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:55,200 So thank you. 44 00:05:55,720 --> 00:06:00,120 I stay in here tonight, just for all of you deeply honored and humbled by the trust 45 00:06:00,120 --> 00:06:04,500 our neighbors have placed a need to serve on the Madam Township Committee. 46 00:06:05,200 --> 00:06:09,300 This community, it's people, it's values, it's beauty, it's history, 47 00:06:09,300 --> 00:06:15,860 is what brought many of us here, and it's what motivates me to give my best in public service. 48 00:06:16,320 --> 00:06:19,420 So I hope to make all of you proud. Thank you. 49 00:06:28,310 --> 00:06:33,390 At this time, I would like to ask Ms. Spirig and anyone she wishes to join her to come forward. 50 00:07:30,020 --> 00:07:33,320 That I wrote the court's constitution of the United States. 51 00:07:33,500 --> 00:07:35,960 That was 20 to 16 of the United States. 52 00:07:36,080 --> 00:07:38,340 And the constitution of the State of New Jersey. 53 00:07:38,520 --> 00:07:40,700 And I was 2 to 16 of the State staff. 54 00:07:41,320 --> 00:07:44,480 And then I'm aware of 2 state's allegiance to the State. 55 00:07:44,600 --> 00:07:47,160 Then I will be aware to the State and allegiance to the State. 56 00:07:47,380 --> 00:07:50,240 Into the government's establishment, the United States. 57 00:07:50,580 --> 00:07:52,840 The government's establishment, the United States. 58 00:07:53,120 --> 00:07:54,860 And in this page, and in this state. 59 00:07:55,320 --> 00:07:56,720 Under the authority of the State. 60 00:07:56,720 --> 00:07:58,040 Under the authority of the State. 61 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:08,320 I do further. I do further. I do further. I will take the place and I will trace the place and partially and just leave the forest. 62 00:08:09,820 --> 00:08:13,700 All the duties of all the duties of the office of childcare. 63 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:17,020 We often attempt to affording the bathroom. 64 00:08:17,740 --> 00:08:20,460 According to the bathroom, there I will be got. 65 00:08:20,460 --> 00:08:24,120 I don't want to talk to you. 66 00:08:35,940 --> 00:08:38,400 Ms. Spirig would you like to make a statement? 67 00:08:52,250 --> 00:08:55,790 I will save most of this for later when we're all speaking, 68 00:08:56,330 --> 00:08:59,810 but so that all these beautiful children can go home. 69 00:08:59,910 --> 00:09:01,910 I know that they want to. 70 00:09:03,110 --> 00:09:06,850 To each of my fellow committee members for the time energy 71 00:09:06,850 --> 00:09:09,530 and personal sacrifices, you each make to be here. 72 00:09:09,570 --> 00:09:11,950 Our town is so much better for it. 73 00:09:12,350 --> 00:09:14,010 To our incredible professional staff, 74 00:09:14,010 --> 00:09:20,010 you are so often the unsung heroes and we are internally grateful. So the residents that once again 75 00:09:20,010 --> 00:09:25,930 placed your trust in Tracy and me, we will always show up for you. And to my family, John, Luke, 76 00:09:26,070 --> 00:09:32,050 and Zoe, who are so supportive, but also so tired of mom being at meetings every night. 77 00:09:32,690 --> 00:09:33,850 Just three years to go. 78 00:09:58,470 --> 00:10:02,710 Next, I will call roll. Mistory. Here, Mr. Monahan. 79 00:10:02,710 --> 00:10:07,550 Yeah. Miss Maureen. Miss Spirig. Yeah. Miss Nibar. Yeah. 80 00:10:14,710 --> 00:10:16,770 May I ask for a motion for a five-minute 81 00:10:16,770 --> 00:10:21,630 recess to allow anyone who is not planning to stay for the meeting to provide time. 82 00:10:21,950 --> 00:10:25,850 Motion. Second. Second. All in favor. Hi. Hi. 83 00:10:26,910 --> 00:10:34,170 We're in a five-minute recess. Oh, everybody go to read my comments. That was not a surprise. 84 00:10:35,430 --> 00:10:38,970 I don't know, but I ain't just a little. 85 00:10:39,090 --> 00:10:40,390 Those are all, it's a little front, right? 86 00:10:40,630 --> 00:10:41,050 Yes. 87 00:10:42,130 --> 00:10:43,530 How people are selling these? 88 00:10:43,890 --> 00:10:48,250 Any seats that are open, please feel free to sit in them? 89 00:10:48,550 --> 00:10:49,450 For this one. 90 00:10:54,130 --> 00:10:57,690 At this time, I would like to open nominations for mayor. 91 00:10:57,950 --> 00:10:58,770 Is there a nomination? 92 00:10:59,790 --> 00:11:00,250 Yes. 93 00:11:03,230 --> 00:11:08,450 I am honored to nominate Sarah Nibart to continue serving as mayor of 94 00:11:08,450 --> 00:11:09,790 them township. 95 00:11:10,170 --> 00:11:15,930 Mending township operates under a weak mayor form of government a system that deliberately limits 96 00:11:15,930 --> 00:11:22,450 individual authority and places real power and collaboration consensus and shared responsibility. 97 00:11:23,310 --> 00:11:30,610 So there's no turns, what's fair or politics, it's we five, we five equals, we choose 98 00:11:30,610 --> 00:11:33,390 our leader to be first among equals. 99 00:11:33,390 --> 00:11:45,110 So no matter who is elected or chosen, as our mayor or deputy mayor, the residents are represented by five people with equal influence. 100 00:11:45,910 --> 00:11:53,950 In such a system though, effective leadership does not come from title or control it comes from preparation, from trust and from respect. 101 00:11:53,950 --> 00:11:58,690 Sarah has consistently demonstrated exactly that kind of leadership. 102 00:11:59,410 --> 00:12:05,030 As mayor, she has guided this committee with fairness, professionalism and a steady hand. 103 00:12:05,410 --> 00:12:11,110 She understands the complexities of municipal government and brings invaluable institutional knowledge 104 00:12:11,110 --> 00:12:17,570 that helps ensure decisions are thoughtful, consistent, and in the best interest of the entire township. 105 00:12:18,170 --> 00:12:23,490 Her leadership reflects respect for process, for colleagues and for the residents she serves. 106 00:12:23,490 --> 00:12:31,510 And a system where the mayor is one vote among many Sarah has let not led, not by authority, but by example. 107 00:12:31,810 --> 00:12:38,730 She has been the Communist, most compassionate, most collaborative leader on this day, as over the last few years. 108 00:12:39,170 --> 00:12:46,450 She encourages productive discussion. She fosters cooperation, and she ensures that differing viewpoints are heard and respected. 109 00:12:46,450 --> 00:12:51,730 that ability to build consensus is what makes a mayor truly effective in 110 00:12:51,730 --> 00:12:56,510 men-dum's townships in men-dum townships form a government. Her continued service 111 00:12:56,510 --> 00:13:01,190 provides stability, accountability, and confidence during a time when steady 112 00:13:01,190 --> 00:13:05,590 leadership matters more than ever. For her experience, her dedication and 113 00:13:05,590 --> 00:13:09,910 her provenability to lead strongly within a week, within a week mayor 114 00:13:09,910 --> 00:13:14,510 system, I am proud to nominate Sarah and I've art to continue serving as mayor 115 00:13:14,510 --> 00:13:15,730 of Mindum Township. 116 00:13:18,890 --> 00:13:19,810 I also have an nomination. 117 00:13:21,910 --> 00:13:23,610 I would like to nominate committee woman 118 00:13:23,610 --> 00:13:24,650 and Molly to RTA. 119 00:13:25,250 --> 00:13:27,350 I don't have, I'm sorry, Molly, 120 00:13:27,550 --> 00:13:28,510 a big speech prepared. 121 00:13:29,370 --> 00:13:33,370 But I think a lot has already been said on this topic. 122 00:13:33,950 --> 00:13:36,790 It is very true that Sarah and I 123 00:13:36,790 --> 00:13:38,310 are part is a fantastic mayor. 124 00:13:38,310 --> 00:13:41,030 I think both of these things can be true, Sarah, 125 00:13:41,050 --> 00:13:44,430 serves us very well and is so so dedicated. 126 00:13:44,430 --> 00:13:52,170 Um, Emalia's entering her 9th year, uh, without having had a leadership role on this body. 127 00:13:52,430 --> 00:13:57,750 And I think that just speaks for itself. I think both of these things can be true. 128 00:13:58,190 --> 00:14:04,430 That, uh, Emalia can and should be given the chance to step up and play a leadership role. 129 00:14:05,230 --> 00:14:09,110 And that Mayor Nibart has, has done really wonderful things for our town. 130 00:14:09,210 --> 00:14:13,750 So with that, I'd love everyone to consider voting for Emalia for mayor. 131 00:14:15,170 --> 00:14:16,850 Are there any other nominations? 132 00:14:19,170 --> 00:14:20,810 Do I have a motion to close nominations? 133 00:14:21,650 --> 00:14:21,790 Motion. 134 00:14:22,850 --> 00:14:23,130 Second. 135 00:14:24,290 --> 00:14:25,070 All those in favor? 136 00:14:25,750 --> 00:14:26,030 All right. 137 00:14:28,240 --> 00:14:30,160 Would the nominees like to give a statement? 138 00:14:34,320 --> 00:14:34,540 I don't. 139 00:14:35,880 --> 00:14:39,520 So, it's great to see such a full house this evening. 140 00:14:40,520 --> 00:14:43,980 I really wasn't going to say anything because I haven't the past few years. 141 00:14:43,980 --> 00:14:53,940 But it's my as committee woman spirit mentioned it is my ninth year on the council and it's the last year of my third term. 142 00:14:54,740 --> 00:14:58,140 So this may be my final township committee reorganization meeting. 143 00:14:59,200 --> 00:14:59,980 So I act. 144 00:15:02,160 --> 00:15:15,820 So, every January for those who come to these meetings, you know, that this is how we start off the year. Our first order of business is deciding who gets to serve in leadership positions for the year. And in our form of government, those positions are traditionally rotated. 145 00:15:17,380 --> 00:15:23,660 I am the longest serving member on the Township Committee. I was first elected in 2017 before any of my colleagues. 146 00:15:23,660 --> 00:15:30,160 And before that I have a long record of community service, I used to coach my kids in basketball 147 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:30,980 and soccer. 148 00:15:31,160 --> 00:15:36,060 I served on the board of the Westmore soccer club, the Mendium Patriots Basketball League. 149 00:15:36,420 --> 00:15:39,540 I served and still do on the board of shift in nature preserve. 150 00:15:39,900 --> 00:15:44,660 I served on the Township Recreation Committee and with the group started up the Patriots 151 00:15:44,660 --> 00:15:46,720 Race, which still continues to this day. 152 00:15:47,140 --> 00:15:49,800 I was the Chairwoman of the Rec Commission for a long time. 153 00:15:49,800 --> 00:15:59,300 I also served as the Vice Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, just to name a few things that I did before I decided I was asked to run for Township Committee. 154 00:16:00,400 --> 00:16:07,360 Despite my long record of service, I've been bypassed to serve as either the Mayor or Deputy Mayor, and I do hope that ends tonight. 155 00:16:08,660 --> 00:16:16,240 It's nothing against Sarah, absolutely not. Sarah has served well as the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, a total of six times. 156 00:16:16,240 --> 00:16:29,680 My colleague, Nick Monahan, is served as either mayor or deputy mayor five times, so they basically held on to it kind of like a monopoly and that, in my opinion, is not very democratic and I mean small D. 157 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:43,740 It's also disappointing and most importantly, it's a disservice to our community, especially to every resident who voted for me in three different elections, elections that I won very easily by hundreds of votes. 158 00:16:43,740 --> 00:16:49,500 So it's not about me, it's about all of you, all of you who supported me and is soon, they 159 00:16:49,500 --> 00:16:53,160 want I got elected to the Township Committee and I get my chance. 160 00:16:54,700 --> 00:16:58,000 And I'll also just send a close of the final point. 161 00:16:58,240 --> 00:17:02,620 I really think as was said by the Rabbi earlier, you know, we're kind of living in crazy times. 162 00:17:02,640 --> 00:17:05,080 I think people are very tired of divisiveness. 163 00:17:05,480 --> 00:17:09,820 I think they're tired of the lack of bipartisanship and I don't think it's something that 164 00:17:09,820 --> 00:17:14,700 community wants to see in our little town that we sometimes talk about being like a Norman 165 00:17:14,700 --> 00:17:19,660 Brockwell community. So whether I'm a Democrat or a public in, it doesn't really matter. 166 00:17:20,060 --> 00:17:25,420 I've lived in this community for almost 30 years. I've been a volunteer nearly that entire time 167 00:17:26,180 --> 00:17:32,680 and I should have an opportunity for leadership on the Township Committee. So I'll close by saying 168 00:17:32,680 --> 00:17:35,820 that I will still optimistically hope. 169 00:17:36,820 --> 00:17:40,840 My colleagues tonight will support me in my final year 170 00:17:40,840 --> 00:17:43,360 of my third term to serve as either the mayor 171 00:17:43,360 --> 00:17:44,380 or the deputy mayor. 172 00:17:44,620 --> 00:17:46,300 And I thank you for your consideration. 173 00:17:50,410 --> 00:17:52,270 Good meeting members, when I call your name, 174 00:17:52,450 --> 00:17:54,430 please state the individual you wish to vote 175 00:17:54,430 --> 00:17:56,530 for the position of mayor. 176 00:17:56,870 --> 00:17:57,370 Ms. Dwarthe. 177 00:17:58,650 --> 00:17:59,170 Myself. 178 00:17:59,810 --> 00:18:00,670 Mr. Monahan. 179 00:18:01,270 --> 00:18:02,270 Oh, that's Dara Niber. 180 00:18:03,070 --> 00:18:04,570 Ms. Maureen, Sarah Niber. 181 00:18:05,490 --> 00:18:15,450 Ms. Nibart, Ms. Spirig, Ms. Dwartland, motion carries, for Ms. Nibart, for the position of Mayor. 182 00:18:21,740 --> 00:18:28,380 At this time, I would like to ask Mayor Nibart to come forward for the oath of office and anyone else you wish to come forward. 183 00:18:43,800 --> 00:18:46,580 Way clear that serving an office is a family affair. 184 00:18:46,580 --> 00:18:53,960 I have a lot to balance, but I know that we have faith that true faith in Sarah and I 185 00:18:53,960 --> 00:18:59,300 are as a trusted leader for this public and public service for the town you've proven 186 00:18:59,300 --> 00:19:05,620 year after year that you lead through action by being a listener and listening to all 187 00:19:05,620 --> 00:19:06,720 voices in the community. 188 00:19:07,320 --> 00:19:12,860 So I feel confident that you will continue to serve all of us with dignity, integrity, and 189 00:19:12,860 --> 00:19:13,460 dedication. 190 00:19:13,460 --> 00:19:14,400 all 191 00:19:17,160 --> 00:19:23,540 right, you ready to repeat after me? I state your name. 192 00:19:26,290 --> 00:19:27,750 Raise your right hand. Can you do that? 193 00:19:27,930 --> 00:19:30,310 All right, I 194 00:19:32,360 --> 00:19:47,700 do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and that I will bear 195 00:19:47,700 --> 00:19:55,540 listening, faith and allegiance to the same and to the government's established in the United 196 00:19:55,540 --> 00:20:01,800 States and to the government's established and in this state under the authority of the 197 00:20:02,620 --> 00:20:03,000 people. 198 00:20:03,900 --> 00:20:14,780 I do further solemnly swear that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform all the duties 199 00:20:14,780 --> 00:20:30,460 of the Office of Township Committee, according to the best of my ability, and 200 00:20:40,440 --> 00:20:48,880 by the way, Rabbi, we all have to look up that SAT words to gas. 201 00:21:20,160 --> 00:21:21,580 Thank you everyone. 202 00:21:24,320 --> 00:21:27,440 I will now ask for nominations for the Office of Deputy Mayor. 203 00:21:27,540 --> 00:21:28,400 Are there any nominations? 204 00:21:31,930 --> 00:21:35,590 I would like to nominate Nick Monahan for the Office of Deputy Mayor. 205 00:21:36,470 --> 00:21:38,610 Second, are there any other nominations? 206 00:21:39,530 --> 00:21:42,990 I would like to nominate a mother to wear a tape for the Office of Deputy Mayor. 207 00:21:44,390 --> 00:21:45,810 Are there any other nominations? 208 00:21:48,500 --> 00:21:49,800 There are most of close nominations? 209 00:21:50,360 --> 00:21:55,060 motion. Motion. I heard a motion. A second, all in favor of closing please say aye. I 210 00:21:55,520 --> 00:22:01,180 opposed. Okay, would either candidate like to make a statement? Well, I think it 211 00:22:01,180 --> 00:22:09,980 gets set at all. I'm good. With that, I'll ask our clerks of Paul Roll. Miss Dwarthe 212 00:22:09,980 --> 00:22:18,300 team. Are we voting on? Yes. I'm going to again vote for myself. Mr. Monahan. I will also 213 00:22:18,300 --> 00:22:20,020 for myself. Ms. Marine. 214 00:22:20,520 --> 00:22:21,420 Dick Monahan, please. 215 00:22:22,660 --> 00:22:24,460 Mayor Nibart. Nick Monahan. 216 00:22:25,080 --> 00:22:25,920 Ms. Ferrig. 217 00:22:26,560 --> 00:22:27,140 Mr. Arto. 218 00:22:28,140 --> 00:22:29,700 Hey, with that, Nick Monahan. 219 00:22:30,180 --> 00:22:36,160 Please, anybody who you'd like to swear you in the Office of Deputy Mayor, congratulations. 220 00:23:29,490 --> 00:23:36,670 all of them that are here tonight that served and thank you for being served as one. 221 00:23:36,870 --> 00:23:39,970 They're not a couple of them all remain safe right from childhood. 222 00:23:40,750 --> 00:23:42,450 They're not going to play with them. 223 00:23:48,720 --> 00:23:50,560 I've stayed here today, I remember. 224 00:23:51,300 --> 00:23:54,280 The song is where people, that I was born. 225 00:23:54,700 --> 00:23:56,360 But I was born to be a part of the song. 226 00:23:56,780 --> 00:24:00,560 I've been a part of the song. 227 00:24:01,020 --> 00:24:01,260 I've been a part of the song. 228 00:24:01,260 --> 00:24:02,160 I've been a part of the song. 229 00:24:02,160 --> 00:24:02,900 I've been a part of the song. 230 00:24:03,680 --> 00:24:06,680 I'll have a fairer too, but I will have a good day. 231 00:24:06,840 --> 00:24:10,900 And I'll be there soon, so they don't fit to stop them. 232 00:24:11,100 --> 00:24:12,200 They'll be there soon. 233 00:24:12,360 --> 00:24:15,280 The United States, the United States, and in the States, 234 00:24:15,580 --> 00:24:19,060 we must come to the informer and keep them to the United States. 235 00:24:19,320 --> 00:24:20,940 And he furthers up his hair. 236 00:24:21,400 --> 00:24:22,480 He furthers up his hair. 237 00:24:22,580 --> 00:24:22,720 He furthers up his hair. 238 00:24:22,800 --> 00:24:23,360 He furthers up his hair. 239 00:24:23,360 --> 00:24:24,120 And he furthers up his hair. 240 00:24:24,280 --> 00:24:27,460 And constantly, couple more. 241 00:24:27,740 --> 00:24:28,600 He has to be informed. 242 00:24:28,800 --> 00:24:30,500 All they do is use for all the heat, 243 00:24:58,700 --> 00:25:05,840 Congratulations, Deputy Mayor. At this time, I'm going to move the address of the mayor to 244 00:25:05,840 --> 00:25:12,740 after we swear in the new first aid squad and part of Parliament officers. So first on the agenda, 245 00:25:12,900 --> 00:25:19,460 we have Madam Township First Aid Squad members. We have Captain Amory Saito. We've kind of 246 00:25:20,580 --> 00:25:27,040 Cormaster, a cell, past choir, assistant coremaster, East, Daniel Gaston, a sister coremaster, 247 00:25:27,180 --> 00:25:31,980 Wes, Eric Morales, president, Marlene Russell, treasurer, Bernadette Coneck, Secretary 248 00:25:31,980 --> 00:25:37,560 Camie Boyle's training officer, Barbara Nelson, and data steward Nancy Cain. 249 00:25:38,980 --> 00:25:45,380 Deputy Mayor, do you want to conduct a, oh sorry, yeah, I guess I've made a tip for that. 250 00:25:45,560 --> 00:25:46,820 We're going to need a couple of eyeballs. 251 00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:53,440 Where are you going? 252 00:25:55,120 --> 00:25:55,340 I don't know. 253 00:25:55,340 --> 00:25:56,620 I thought you were doing something. 254 00:25:59,730 --> 00:25:59,990 Yep, yep. 255 00:26:17,400 --> 00:26:18,040 Okay. 256 00:26:25,190 --> 00:26:25,510 Okay. 257 00:26:28,980 --> 00:26:29,620 Okay. 258 00:26:29,620 --> 00:26:34,960 to the office, but it's quite difficult, it's quite difficult, it's difficult, it's difficult, 259 00:26:34,960 --> 00:26:36,460 but it's difficult. 260 00:26:36,480 --> 00:26:37,800 So I'll read you just to see that. 261 00:26:38,660 --> 00:26:40,480 I take in it. 262 00:26:40,820 --> 00:26:41,660 I have an idea. 263 00:26:42,360 --> 00:26:43,440 You saw a week later. 264 00:26:43,600 --> 00:26:47,360 You saw this, where I had to support the contribution of the United States. 265 00:26:47,800 --> 00:26:50,000 That was the one I had to do in the United States. 266 00:26:50,440 --> 00:26:51,860 And it's not supposed to be an excuse to make a excuse. 267 00:26:52,680 --> 00:26:54,680 And I was in the United States. 268 00:26:55,140 --> 00:26:56,960 And then I was there a true day. 269 00:26:56,960 --> 00:27:00,660 I don't know the Internet, but the Internet is good for them. 270 00:27:01,500 --> 00:27:02,660 You can do whatever they need to. 271 00:27:03,220 --> 00:27:07,300 In the Internet, in the United States, in the United States, 272 00:27:07,400 --> 00:27:08,580 they end in this state. 273 00:27:08,900 --> 00:27:12,860 In the United States, under the authority of the United States. 274 00:27:12,960 --> 00:27:17,360 I do solemnly swear, on that I will say something, 275 00:27:17,360 --> 00:27:21,820 I explain the impartialry when Palestinians just leave before them. 276 00:27:25,680 --> 00:27:30,240 I have to say that any time that there are always 277 00:27:30,240 --> 00:27:32,440 according to the best of my ability, 278 00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:36,480 I have to write my name on the side of the desk. 279 00:27:36,640 --> 00:27:37,060 You have to write it. 280 00:27:45,480 --> 00:27:45,760 Okay. 281 00:27:47,040 --> 00:27:48,060 No, I'm going to be a student. 282 00:27:49,880 --> 00:27:51,700 I'm going to be 283 00:27:54,300 --> 00:27:55,980 a student. 284 00:28:04,340 --> 00:28:04,860 Okay. 285 00:28:04,860 --> 00:28:05,640 I'm going 286 00:28:13,250 --> 00:28:14,590 to be a student. 287 00:28:15,250 --> 00:28:15,270 Okay. 288 00:28:15,630 --> 00:28:16,150 Okay. 289 00:28:16,150 --> 00:28:16,210 Okay. 290 00:28:41,920 --> 00:28:48,540 So next we have the Fire Department Officers. It is my great honor as a member of the Brookside 291 00:28:48,540 --> 00:28:57,380 Engine Company to serve in our Fire Department. We have Brookside Engine Company number one officers chief 292 00:28:57,380 --> 00:29:04,600 and Township Chief John Camp, W. Chief Jeffrey Vets, Assistant Chief Eric Habersang, Lieutenant 293 00:29:04,600 --> 00:29:10,160 Warren Geiser, Chief Engineer Refuse Steinberg, and for a Rawson Engine Company number 294 00:29:10,160 --> 00:29:17,160 one, we have officers Chief Tom Montgomery, W. Chief Nicholas Potonic, second Assistant Chief 295 00:29:17,160 --> 00:29:23,660 Jeffrey Vets. I believe Chief Camp, who is going to be the Township Chiefs, would like to 296 00:29:23,660 --> 00:29:27,220 morning first and then we will be swarming in the rest of the officers together. 297 00:29:51,800 --> 00:29:52,900 I stay your name. 298 00:29:54,040 --> 00:29:59,980 Do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of 299 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:19,900 The United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in the United States and in this state under the authority of the people. 300 00:30:19,900 --> 00:30:31,880 I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform all the duties of 301 00:30:31,880 --> 00:30:39,360 the ownership by her chief according to the best of my ability so help me God, congratulations 302 00:30:39,360 --> 00:30:40,200 chief. 303 00:30:55,460 --> 00:31:01,440 The remaining officers of Brookside Engineering Company in Charleston to join me up here with 304 00:31:01,440 --> 00:31:04,740 the town should sheave to take the oath of office. 305 00:31:07,820 --> 00:31:10,200 We have the Bible. 306 00:31:11,060 --> 00:31:12,960 We can get another book. 307 00:31:14,420 --> 00:31:16,840 That's the Jewish second. 308 00:31:18,280 --> 00:31:19,540 Tracy has one. 309 00:31:22,340 --> 00:31:23,780 Tracy, how old is that Bible? 310 00:31:24,800 --> 00:31:25,900 100 years old? 311 00:31:26,180 --> 00:31:26,820 Wow, that's incredible. 312 00:31:28,720 --> 00:31:28,820 Okay. 313 00:31:30,900 --> 00:31:32,720 Okay, do you want to stand right here? 314 00:31:35,160 --> 00:31:35,440 Okay. 315 00:31:35,440 --> 00:32:07,780 So repeat after me, I state your name through solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same as the governments established in the United States. 316 00:32:08,380 --> 00:32:29,360 And in this state, into the authority that people, I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully, impartially, ingestly, reform all the duties, as officers of the Brookside and Rossent Engine companies, 317 00:32:33,650 --> 00:32:40,810 and I'm taught to fire department, according to the best of my ability, so help me God. 318 00:33:17,140 --> 00:33:17,760 Good 319 00:33:35,450 --> 00:33:41,250 evening everyone and happy new year. It is truly a pleasure to welcome you to the 320 00:33:41,250 --> 00:33:45,170 to the 2026 township and then the reorganization meeting. 321 00:33:46,490 --> 00:33:50,410 I want to begin by extending a warm welcome to everyone joining us this evening. 322 00:33:50,830 --> 00:33:56,150 Our residents, first responders, professional staff, fellow elected officials, members of the 323 00:33:56,150 --> 00:34:02,750 press and of course my husband, daughter and son who just recently left and the rest of my family. 324 00:34:03,430 --> 00:34:09,970 Seeing so many familiar faces here tonight is a reminder how deeply people care about this community 325 00:34:09,970 --> 00:34:15,770 and I don't take that for granted. I also want to sincerely thank the Township Administrator 326 00:34:15,770 --> 00:34:23,310 and CFO, Jason Gabelov, Township Clerk, Caramblet, Bellamy, Recreation Director David Guida, 327 00:34:23,830 --> 00:34:28,470 and Township Attorney John Mills. Your professionalism, expertise, and steady leadership 328 00:34:28,470 --> 00:34:32,930 to make a real difference every single day, and our town is better because of your work. 329 00:34:33,650 --> 00:34:39,890 And Rabbi Harrison, thank you as always for grounding us, for your perspective, and for reminding 330 00:34:39,890 --> 00:34:41,470 asked by service matters. 331 00:34:42,750 --> 00:34:44,910 2025 was a consequential year for minimum 332 00:34:44,910 --> 00:34:45,490 township. 333 00:34:46,170 --> 00:34:48,950 Despite continued state mandated increases and 334 00:34:48,950 --> 00:34:52,810 unfunded mandates, many of which are entirely out of the town's control. 335 00:34:53,610 --> 00:34:58,650 minimum township was once again showed what careful thoughtful stewardship looks like. 336 00:34:59,390 --> 00:35:01,550 I'm proud of share that minimum township maintain 337 00:35:01,550 --> 00:35:04,530 triple A bond rating for the seventh consecutive year. 338 00:35:05,010 --> 00:35:07,550 The highest credit rating immunizipality can receive. 339 00:35:07,550 --> 00:35:14,070 I'm also pleased to report that the 2020-25 municipal tax rate was reduced, whereas presenting 340 00:35:14,070 --> 00:35:17,830 a 4.944% decrease from 2024. 341 00:35:18,750 --> 00:35:24,510 The average property owner saw an estimated $371 reduction in the municipal portion of their 342 00:35:24,510 --> 00:35:25,270 tax bill. 343 00:35:26,110 --> 00:35:31,670 And like in 2024, every property minimum pounds should have seen a decrease in the municipal 344 00:35:31,670 --> 00:35:33,090 portion of their taxes. 345 00:35:33,090 --> 00:35:39,150 These outcomes are not are the result of the Township Committee, the five of us, who 346 00:35:39,150 --> 00:35:43,910 stayed focused on making careful decisions, expanding shared services, maintaining 347 00:35:43,910 --> 00:35:49,450 a responsible, that paid down schedule, and investing thoughtfully while continuing to support 348 00:35:49,450 --> 00:35:51,770 the services that people rely on every day. 349 00:35:52,770 --> 00:35:58,750 In 2025, the capital budget included nearly $3 million for roads, equipment, and infrastructure. 350 00:35:59,670 --> 00:36:03,630 many supported through the New Jersey Department of Transportation grants. 351 00:36:04,230 --> 00:36:08,470 There's allowed us to improve our town while being mindful to impact on taxpayers. 352 00:36:09,570 --> 00:36:14,430 We continue investing in our police department via Department for State Squad and Department of Public Works 353 00:36:14,430 --> 00:36:15,990 and of course recreation. 354 00:36:17,030 --> 00:36:20,670 And we continue caring for the land and open spaces that make them special. 355 00:36:21,530 --> 00:36:28,650 Through reinforced station efforts, trails, safety, improvements and ongoing work with our environmental commission in the Highlands. 356 00:36:28,650 --> 00:36:34,870 We have also taken steps to make sure essential services are sustainable over the long term. 357 00:36:35,550 --> 00:36:40,310 At the end of last year the township launched and solid waste and recycling utility, creating 358 00:36:40,310 --> 00:36:45,690 a more transparent and stable way to fund garbage and recycling service services. 359 00:36:46,390 --> 00:36:51,710 And now that we're in 2026, I'm pleased to share that garbage stickers are no longer required, 360 00:36:52,370 --> 00:36:55,950 simplifying the process for residents while keeping service reliable. 361 00:36:57,090 --> 00:37:02,850 I also want to take a few minutes tonight to talk clearly and honestly about affordable housing. 362 00:37:03,510 --> 00:37:08,730 If they know it's an issue that raises questions, and residents deserve straightforward answers. 363 00:37:09,730 --> 00:37:14,550 Under New Jersey law, every municipality is assigned affordable housing obligations. 364 00:37:14,550 --> 00:37:20,290 From the end of township, the court determined that we have zero present need obligations, 365 00:37:20,750 --> 00:37:25,410 meeting we're not required to rehabilitate existing, substandard housing. 366 00:37:26,210 --> 00:37:29,970 For the current planning period, 2025's through 2020. 367 00:37:30,000 --> 00:37:48,920 35. The township was assigned a perspective need obligation of 120 units. The real question for us was never whether we had a legal obligation. The question was how that obligation could realistically and responsibly be addressed in a town like ours. 368 00:37:48,920 --> 00:37:57,980 Men and Township does not have public water or sewer systems, and we're subject to significant environmental and highlands protections. 369 00:37:58,780 --> 00:38:08,140 These realities matter, and the law recognizes that housing obligations cannot be met worth supporting infrastructure simply does not exist. 370 00:38:08,780 --> 00:38:14,280 To protect the township, we entered into a mediation agreement with a fair share housing center. 371 00:38:14,280 --> 00:38:20,580 through the state's affordable housing dispute resolution program. This was not about inviting 372 00:38:20,580 --> 00:38:26,640 development. It was about giving, it was not about giving anything away. It was about protecting 373 00:38:26,640 --> 00:38:33,780 the township by resolving our obligations carefully, defensively, and transparently. Here's the 374 00:38:33,780 --> 00:38:39,060 most important takeaway from that agreement that we signed. Because the minimum township does not 375 00:38:39,060 --> 00:38:44,420 have public water or steward, the township is entitled to a generational adjustment. 376 00:38:45,200 --> 00:38:51,280 In plain English, that means affordable housing obligations are deferred, unless and until 377 00:38:51,280 --> 00:38:57,500 adequate water or sewer capacity becomes available, which, as all of you know, is unlikely. 378 00:38:58,580 --> 00:39:02,960 As part of the agreement, the fair share housing center supports the township seeking 379 00:39:02,960 --> 00:39:11,400 core approval to defer the entire remaining combined third and fourth round obligations of 243 units 380 00:39:11,400 --> 00:39:17,420 until infrastructure conditions change. This is a very meaningful and important protection for 381 00:39:17,420 --> 00:39:23,440 our community. The agreement also makes clear that the township is not opening the door to 382 00:39:23,440 --> 00:39:31,460 any widespread development. Instead, it prioritizes existing housing and very limited targeted opportunities 383 00:39:31,460 --> 00:39:40,840 One, extending affordability controls on existing homes to a five unit, or potentially five unit, 384 00:39:40,900 --> 00:39:47,080 affordable development opportunity at Alcott Manor, and three recognition of support of housing, 385 00:39:47,760 --> 00:39:49,940 one example of the Allegra Group home. 386 00:39:50,960 --> 00:39:55,020 If a developer were to propose a project to present a realistic need, 387 00:39:55,380 --> 00:40:00,580 feasible plans provide public water steward while complying with environmental and land use laws, 388 00:40:00,580 --> 00:40:03,880 The township will be required to engage in good faith. 389 00:40:04,540 --> 00:40:09,980 However, the agreement reads that the township regains the right to oppose any proposal 390 00:40:09,980 --> 00:40:13,260 that does not comply with sound planning practices. 391 00:40:13,920 --> 00:40:17,720 Any disagreement will be resolved by court, not behind closed doors. 392 00:40:18,440 --> 00:40:24,260 This agreement also requires a township wide affordable housing, set aside ordinance, meaning 393 00:40:24,260 --> 00:40:29,960 that if large or residential developments ever occur, 20% of the units must be affordable. 394 00:40:29,960 --> 00:40:32,740 which is actually state law. 395 00:40:33,160 --> 00:40:37,840 In short, disagreement confirms men and township has met its obligations. 396 00:40:38,640 --> 00:40:42,360 The first future obligations unless infrastructure exists. 397 00:40:42,940 --> 00:40:46,700 Protects the township from unrealistic development pressures 398 00:40:46,700 --> 00:40:50,700 and preserves local control and environmental safeguards. 399 00:40:51,260 --> 00:40:54,260 It was about meeting our legal obligations responsibility 400 00:40:54,260 --> 00:40:58,480 while maintaining our values and protecting the community residents called home. 401 00:40:59,560 --> 00:41:05,020 As we look ahead at 2026, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the broader historical 402 00:41:05,020 --> 00:41:06,300 moment we are entering. 403 00:41:07,120 --> 00:41:13,020 This year our nation commemorates America's 250th anniversary, a once-in-a-generation 404 00:41:13,020 --> 00:41:18,200 milestone, and there are a few places in this country, and certainly a few in New Jersey, 405 00:41:18,340 --> 00:41:22,840 more essential to that story, in Mars County, and then in Township. 406 00:41:22,840 --> 00:41:29,020 Lawrence County was a strategic heart of the American Revolution, serving as the military 407 00:41:29,020 --> 00:41:34,460 hub, a supplies center, and a place where decisions were made that shaped the outcome of 408 00:41:34,460 --> 00:41:39,980 the war, minimum budget played a meaningful role in that effort, supporting troops, providing 409 00:41:39,980 --> 00:41:45,220 resources, and serving as part of the network of communities that made independence possible. 410 00:41:45,940 --> 00:41:48,860 That history is not something that we just read about. 411 00:41:48,860 --> 00:41:54,520 It lives in our landscape, our roads, our historic homes, and our preserved open spaces. 412 00:41:55,020 --> 00:41:59,680 It's why preservation matters here, it's why planning matters here. 413 00:41:59,860 --> 00:42:05,180 And we are lucky to have such great people in the historic preservation committee. 414 00:42:05,780 --> 00:42:13,260 We take seriously our responsibility to care for this town, not just for today, but for the generations who will come after us. 415 00:42:13,260 --> 00:42:19,420 The values that shape this country, service, sacrifice, civic responsibility and community, 416 00:42:20,220 --> 00:42:24,020 are the same values that guide how we govern today in this town. 417 00:42:24,860 --> 00:42:28,920 Serving as Mayor of Madam Township continues to be one of the greatest honors in my life. 418 00:42:29,780 --> 00:42:33,720 I'm deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and I promise to continue serving 419 00:42:33,720 --> 00:42:38,980 this community with care, discipline, and heart. Alongside my four colleagues of the Township 420 00:42:38,980 --> 00:42:45,480 committee. I look forward to making 2026 a year of thoughtful decisions, strong community, and continue progress. 421 00:42:46,340 --> 00:42:49,740 Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for caring about our town. 422 00:42:50,240 --> 00:42:54,680 And thank you for making my new township the special place it is. Happy New Year. 423 00:43:03,230 --> 00:43:09,850 Next, we're going to go into our consent agenda. We have revolutions 1 through 25 on our extension agenda. 424 00:43:09,850 --> 00:43:14,710 I'm going to for 24 in our consent agenda. I'm going to ask that we pulled 425 00:43:14,710 --> 00:43:20,450 and vote separately in a men's resolution 6, 8 and 9. 426 00:43:20,990 --> 00:43:23,930 Are there any objections to that? 427 00:43:24,270 --> 00:43:24,550 I hope so. 428 00:43:25,470 --> 00:43:38,410 Okay, so our consent agenda will include resolutions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 8, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, is our motion. 429 00:43:39,150 --> 00:43:40,170 Motion, is there a second? 430 00:43:40,170 --> 00:43:42,270 There are any comments or questions. 431 00:43:45,110 --> 00:43:45,990 They're most called a question. 432 00:43:46,270 --> 00:43:47,270 Motion to call the question. 433 00:43:47,850 --> 00:43:48,090 Thank you. 434 00:43:48,150 --> 00:43:48,690 Is there a second? 435 00:43:49,570 --> 00:43:51,030 There are directions calling the question. 436 00:43:52,210 --> 00:43:53,670 Madam Clerk can call roll please. 437 00:43:54,150 --> 00:43:54,450 Ms. Dorte. 438 00:43:54,830 --> 00:43:55,210 Yes. 439 00:43:55,530 --> 00:43:56,710 Ms. Maureen. 440 00:43:57,050 --> 00:43:57,690 Mr. Monahan. 441 00:43:58,750 --> 00:43:59,330 Ms. Ferrig. 442 00:43:59,910 --> 00:44:00,530 Mayor Nibar. 443 00:44:00,910 --> 00:44:01,290 Yes. 444 00:44:01,950 --> 00:44:02,610 Wrong resolution. 445 00:44:03,850 --> 00:44:04,290 266. 446 00:44:04,310 --> 00:44:11,930 Resolution is how to continue the town to the minimum authorizing the award of a non fair and open contract for legal services for labor attorney. 447 00:44:11,930 --> 00:44:18,290 Is there a motion motion? There's that good. I'm going to ask that we amend the knock to exceed 448 00:44:18,290 --> 00:44:29,310 for a flat $10,000 instead of $15,000. Is there a second? Second. I had discussed this 449 00:44:29,310 --> 00:44:34,530 with Jason and this is more in line to what we spent last year, what we intend to spend. 450 00:44:35,110 --> 00:44:39,650 Are there any comments or questions? There are any additional points of three. 451 00:44:40,150 --> 00:44:42,530 Sir, most of the question, motion to call the question. 452 00:44:42,870 --> 00:44:45,890 Sir, second, there are any objections to calling the question. 453 00:44:46,690 --> 00:44:47,890 Madam Clerk can call roll please. 454 00:44:48,310 --> 00:44:49,050 Ms. Clark, thank you. 455 00:44:50,010 --> 00:44:50,870 Ms. Maureen? 456 00:44:51,250 --> 00:44:52,050 Yes. Mr. Monahan? 457 00:44:53,010 --> 00:44:53,750 Ms. Spirig? 458 00:44:54,090 --> 00:44:54,710 Yes. Mayor Nibar. 459 00:44:54,970 --> 00:44:55,290 Yes. 460 00:44:56,430 --> 00:44:58,170 Resolution 2568. Resolution is 100. 461 00:44:58,290 --> 00:44:59,970 We need to touch the minimum authorizing the award. 462 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:07,660 We have a non-fair and open contract for professional engineering services to French and Purella Associates, the Sermotion, motion, there are seconds. 463 00:45:09,020 --> 00:45:14,360 For my conversations with Jason, 50,000 is more reflective than 50,000. 464 00:45:14,760 --> 00:45:21,940 So that would be my amendment. So I'll move to be crease, 55,000 to 50. Is there a second? 465 00:45:22,440 --> 00:45:25,040 Second, are there any comments or questions? 466 00:45:27,550 --> 00:45:29,590 There are most of the questions, most of them are all the questions. 467 00:45:29,890 --> 00:45:30,410 There are second. 468 00:45:31,270 --> 00:45:32,550 Are there any objections to the question? 469 00:45:34,050 --> 00:45:35,350 Medical Clerk, please call roll. 470 00:45:35,650 --> 00:45:36,530 Ms. Dwarthe, I guess. 471 00:45:36,930 --> 00:45:37,410 Ms. Maureen? 472 00:45:38,130 --> 00:45:38,570 Mr. Monahan? 473 00:45:38,850 --> 00:45:39,110 Yes. 474 00:45:39,270 --> 00:45:39,930 Ms. Spirig? 475 00:45:40,330 --> 00:45:40,870 Mayor Nibar. 476 00:45:41,130 --> 00:45:41,470 Yes. 477 00:45:42,190 --> 00:45:42,590 That's the decision. 478 00:45:42,950 --> 00:45:43,330 226. 479 00:45:43,330 --> 00:45:44,010 Nine resolution. 480 00:45:44,250 --> 00:45:48,110 This is how the committee, the time to minimize any award of a non-parent open contract for a 481 00:45:48,110 --> 00:45:53,210 management and health insurance consultant, Frank Cavalli from PIA is their motion. 482 00:45:53,210 --> 00:46:02,770 motion, sir, second. This was an increase of about $10,000, and so since this was a significant increase, 483 00:46:03,070 --> 00:46:07,210 we asked Frank if we could actually spread that increase over two years instead of one, 484 00:46:07,570 --> 00:46:11,710 and so he's okay with a knot to exceed to a reflect 20,000 instead of 25. 485 00:46:14,240 --> 00:46:15,920 That's one of my motion is 486 00:46:15,920 --> 00:46:24,380 decreased 25 to 20 and the knot to exceed, sir, second. Thank you. Are there any comments or questions? 487 00:46:30,590 --> 00:46:31,870 Sir, what was the call of question? 488 00:46:32,150 --> 00:46:33,110 Motion to call the question. 489 00:46:33,590 --> 00:46:33,970 Sir, second. 490 00:46:36,270 --> 00:46:37,830 All the favor please say aye. 491 00:46:38,670 --> 00:46:39,050 Aye. 492 00:46:39,050 --> 00:46:43,130 With that, is there a motion to call the question on the ordinance as a whole or so that resolution 493 00:46:43,130 --> 00:46:43,910 as a whole? 494 00:46:44,350 --> 00:46:45,250 Motion to call the question. 495 00:46:45,630 --> 00:46:46,010 Sir, second. 496 00:46:46,790 --> 00:46:47,210 Any objections? 497 00:46:47,390 --> 00:46:48,310 Call the question. 498 00:46:49,630 --> 00:46:50,870 None of the clerk can call roll, please. 499 00:46:51,130 --> 00:46:52,090 Mr. Arte, yes. 500 00:46:52,350 --> 00:46:52,950 Ms. Maureen? 501 00:46:53,510 --> 00:46:54,070 Mr. Monahan? 502 00:46:54,650 --> 00:46:55,070 Mr. Monahan? 503 00:46:55,650 --> 00:46:59,710 Mayor Nibar, yes, actually 504 00:47:02,690 --> 00:47:06,630 we have one more resolution that was in our 505 00:47:06,630 --> 00:47:12,570 consent agenda that I call for so we'll just do it resolution 202625 to affirm the 506 00:47:12,570 --> 00:47:16,210 township of Madame Civil Rights policy or respect to all officials appointees 507 00:47:16,210 --> 00:47:20,970 employees, perspective employees, volunteers, independent contractors, amendment members 508 00:47:20,970 --> 00:47:25,030 of the public, that come in contact with municipal employees, officials and volunteers 509 00:47:25,030 --> 00:47:27,170 is their motion. Motion, there's that can't. 510 00:47:27,170 --> 00:47:29,110 So, are there any comments or questions? 511 00:47:30,270 --> 00:47:32,290 They're most of all questions. Motion to call the question. 512 00:47:32,630 --> 00:47:34,230 There's that can't. Is there any of your questions? 513 00:47:34,550 --> 00:47:35,090 Is there any of your questions? 514 00:47:36,090 --> 00:47:37,710 No, no, Perkney, call roll, please. 515 00:47:38,130 --> 00:47:41,530 Ms. Markton, yes, Ms. Mooreen. Yes. Mr. Monahan. Yes. 516 00:47:41,530 --> 00:47:43,950 Ms. Ferry. Yes, Mayor Nibar. Yes. 517 00:47:46,270 --> 00:47:47,110 Resolution 202626. 518 00:47:47,110 --> 00:47:48,630 First, there's in the township community, the township, 519 00:47:48,710 --> 00:47:51,590 the minimum point in township officials for 2026 is their motion. 520 00:47:51,850 --> 00:47:53,010 Motion, there's that can't. 521 00:47:53,010 --> 00:47:58,410 for them. These are our officials, the times of fire chief, John Kent, fire official, Christopher 522 00:47:58,410 --> 00:48:05,510 Shay, fire safety inspector, our Cooper, OEM coordinator, Evan Thomas, that the OEM coordinator 523 00:48:05,510 --> 00:48:10,050 is Sarah Nive, Martin Nicholas Woodzac, public agency compliance officer, clean community 524 00:48:10,050 --> 00:48:14,870 coordinator, Jason Gavloff, stormwater management coordinator, Dennis Keenan, and recycling 525 00:48:14,870 --> 00:48:20,590 coordinator, Kirby Johnson. Are there any comments or questions? I'll be abstaining since 526 00:48:20,590 --> 00:48:21,510 My name is listed. 527 00:48:22,270 --> 00:48:23,050 They're most of the question. 528 00:48:23,330 --> 00:48:24,130 I'm going to call the question. 529 00:48:24,450 --> 00:48:25,270 There's that gap. 530 00:48:25,670 --> 00:48:27,150 Are there any objections to all that question? 531 00:48:27,750 --> 00:48:29,050 Madam Clark, do you call it role please? 532 00:48:29,230 --> 00:48:29,650 It's Dorothy. 533 00:48:30,430 --> 00:48:31,090 Ms. Morin? 534 00:48:32,010 --> 00:48:32,630 Mr. Monahan. 535 00:48:33,390 --> 00:48:34,130 Ms. Fiery. 536 00:48:34,470 --> 00:48:34,530 Yes. 537 00:48:34,710 --> 00:48:35,550 Mayor and I, Barc. 538 00:48:37,090 --> 00:48:38,230 Resolution 2026-27. 539 00:48:38,410 --> 00:48:39,310 Resolution of the Township. 540 00:48:39,310 --> 00:48:40,470 We need the punch of the minimum. 541 00:48:40,810 --> 00:48:42,870 A point of number to the tree preservation land. 542 00:48:42,990 --> 00:48:43,250 Land. 543 00:48:44,170 --> 00:48:46,050 I believe you're supposed to abstain on that last. 544 00:48:46,110 --> 00:48:46,670 I'm sorry. 545 00:48:46,790 --> 00:48:47,810 We'll check you in my read it out. 546 00:48:47,890 --> 00:48:48,370 Oh, sorry. 547 00:48:48,550 --> 00:48:48,730 All right. 548 00:48:51,630 --> 00:48:52,030 Thank 549 00:48:54,110 --> 00:48:54,510 you. 550 00:48:54,610 --> 00:48:56,030 Resolution 2026-27. 551 00:48:56,410 --> 00:48:56,550 Resolution. 552 00:48:56,710 --> 00:48:57,590 That's how it's like many of the times. 553 00:48:57,790 --> 00:48:58,810 And then I'm appointing members. 554 00:48:59,170 --> 00:49:01,690 The tree preservation landscape committee is their motion. 555 00:49:02,490 --> 00:49:02,850 Motion. 556 00:49:03,350 --> 00:49:04,670 So I heard a motion in the second. 557 00:49:05,430 --> 00:49:06,590 Are there any comments or questions? 558 00:49:06,970 --> 00:49:09,730 I'm going to abstain on this because my son is being appointed. 559 00:49:11,030 --> 00:49:11,430 You. 560 00:49:12,230 --> 00:49:13,050 I don't have to abstain. 561 00:49:13,430 --> 00:49:13,990 Oh, all right. 562 00:49:14,770 --> 00:49:16,310 Then I guess I'll be voting for it. 563 00:49:18,610 --> 00:49:21,590 The other not may always plan by the role stone. 564 00:49:24,040 --> 00:49:25,760 Is there a motion call question? Motion. 565 00:49:26,360 --> 00:49:29,420 There is that. Okay. Is there any objections to any question? 566 00:49:30,060 --> 00:49:31,240 Monitoring call roll please. 567 00:49:31,640 --> 00:49:35,100 Mr. Arte. Yes. Miss Maureen. Yes. Mr. Monahan. Yes. 568 00:49:35,100 --> 00:49:35,220 Mr. Monahan. Yes. 569 00:49:35,220 --> 00:49:36,120 Mr. Spirig. Yes. 570 00:49:36,120 --> 00:49:37,740 Mayor Nibar. Yes. 571 00:49:39,800 --> 00:49:43,280 Resolution 202628. Resolution is how should community detention men of appointing a class 572 00:49:43,280 --> 00:49:45,140 3 member to the planning board. Is there a motion? 573 00:49:47,900 --> 00:49:54,880 I would like to nominate my thoughts, hey, there's a second, are there any other nominations? 574 00:49:57,600 --> 00:50:01,180 Yeah, I'm going to ask the attorney to abstain on this one or to vote on it. 575 00:50:03,370 --> 00:50:05,690 What kind of order it? 576 00:50:05,970 --> 00:50:09,230 Well, let me think about that. 577 00:50:10,350 --> 00:50:11,550 Are there any other nominations? 578 00:50:19,790 --> 00:50:30,390 motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. 579 00:50:37,810 --> 00:50:41,530 Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion. Motion 580 00:50:41,530 --> 00:50:42,370 There's that. 581 00:50:43,110 --> 00:50:43,290 Okay. 582 00:50:44,370 --> 00:50:45,630 Are there any comments or questions? 583 00:50:47,840 --> 00:50:48,640 There are most of the question. 584 00:50:49,380 --> 00:50:49,620 There's that. 585 00:50:50,340 --> 00:50:50,900 There you have it. 586 00:50:50,900 --> 00:50:51,000 There you have it. 587 00:50:51,300 --> 00:50:51,660 There's a question. 588 00:50:52,980 --> 00:50:53,260 No, no. 589 00:50:53,340 --> 00:50:53,360 Correct. 590 00:50:54,300 --> 00:50:55,100 Mr. Moran. 591 00:50:56,720 --> 00:50:57,040 Yes. 592 00:50:57,160 --> 00:50:57,740 Mr. Monahan. 593 00:50:58,500 --> 00:50:58,580 Yes. 594 00:50:59,580 --> 00:50:59,900 Mayor and I. 595 00:51:00,180 --> 00:51:00,560 Yes. 596 00:51:00,840 --> 00:51:02,180 Resolution 2630. 597 00:51:02,440 --> 00:51:03,200 Resolution 2630. 598 00:51:03,400 --> 00:51:03,640 Attention. 599 00:51:06,600 --> 00:51:07,000 Attention. 600 00:51:07,200 --> 00:51:07,560 There's that. 601 00:51:07,820 --> 00:51:08,040 Order. 602 00:51:09,480 --> 00:51:10,860 There are any comments or questions. 603 00:51:12,100 --> 00:51:13,980 There are most of all the questions, motion. 604 00:51:14,380 --> 00:51:14,860 Is there a second? 605 00:51:15,740 --> 00:51:16,720 Are there any objections? 606 00:51:17,040 --> 00:51:17,460 Is there a question? 607 00:51:18,700 --> 00:51:19,840 I don't park the call, please. 608 00:51:20,540 --> 00:51:21,000 Ms. Dortay? 609 00:51:21,780 --> 00:51:22,440 Ms. Morin? 610 00:51:22,940 --> 00:51:22,960 Yes. 611 00:51:23,040 --> 00:51:23,640 Mr. Monahan? 612 00:51:24,340 --> 00:51:24,960 Ms. Fiery? 613 00:51:25,300 --> 00:51:25,360 Yes. 614 00:51:25,400 --> 00:51:26,500 Mayor Nibar. Yes. 615 00:51:26,960 --> 00:51:28,260 Resolution 202631. 616 00:51:28,540 --> 00:51:29,900 Resolution of the Township Community Attention. 617 00:51:29,960 --> 00:51:32,020 None of the pointy members of the financial advisory committee. 618 00:51:32,160 --> 00:51:32,560 Is there a motion? 619 00:51:33,520 --> 00:51:34,200 There's a second. 620 00:51:34,500 --> 00:51:37,360 Is there any comments or questions? 621 00:51:38,640 --> 00:51:46,060 Do you want to say we are so lucky to have individuals listening, listed on this committee, 622 00:51:46,220 --> 00:51:51,700 volunteer there, time, finance committee is one of the committees that meets weekly or every 623 00:51:51,700 --> 00:51:56,880 two weeks that every month and I'm just so grateful to somebody who's interacted with them. 624 00:51:57,700 --> 00:51:59,640 So I just wanted us to throw that out there. 625 00:52:00,460 --> 00:52:01,780 There are any comments or questions? 626 00:52:02,880 --> 00:52:09,160 servition echo your comments I mean phenomenal for people really I mean the all of our committees are great 627 00:52:09,160 --> 00:52:12,980 You know work with these people a lot and they go through a lot and it's really 628 00:52:13,780 --> 00:52:16,800 It's a tribute to them really so definitely 629 00:52:18,520 --> 00:52:23,100 servition a call question version. There's that can't are there any objection to any question 630 00:52:24,380 --> 00:52:29,960 I don't know Parker Paul roll please. Ms. Dwarthe. Yes, Ms. Maureen. Yes, Mr. Monahan. Yes 631 00:52:30,000 --> 00:52:38,820 Mr. Speaker, Mayor, aye, bar, yes. Resolution 202632, resolution, how should committee to touch the minimum of pointing members of the historic preservation committee, is their motion motion. 632 00:52:39,100 --> 00:52:39,380 There's that. 633 00:52:39,960 --> 00:52:41,120 Second, third. 634 00:52:41,880 --> 00:52:43,260 Are there any comments or questions? 635 00:52:46,150 --> 00:52:47,230 Is there a most important question? 636 00:52:47,810 --> 00:52:48,370 Is there a second? 637 00:52:49,530 --> 00:52:49,650 Okay. 638 00:52:49,990 --> 00:52:51,210 Are there any objections to the question? 639 00:52:53,250 --> 00:52:53,650 I don't have any questions. 640 00:52:53,650 --> 00:52:54,170 I don't have any questions. 641 00:52:54,650 --> 00:52:55,490 Mr. Speaker, yes. 642 00:52:55,870 --> 00:52:57,670 Ms. Maureen, yes. Mr. Monahan. 643 00:52:58,330 --> 00:52:58,710 Yes. 644 00:52:58,710 --> 00:53:03,730 Yes, Mayor and I barp. Yes, those lesions 26, 33 rose lesions, how should I communicate the time to 645 00:53:03,730 --> 00:53:07,630 men and when he members the open space trust communities their motion. Motion. Sir second. 646 00:53:09,250 --> 00:53:10,710 Are there any comments or questions? 647 00:53:13,040 --> 00:53:13,920 There are most of all questions. 648 00:53:15,000 --> 00:53:15,240 Motion. 649 00:53:15,680 --> 00:53:15,860 Second. 650 00:53:16,600 --> 00:53:17,220 Are there any objections? 651 00:53:17,400 --> 00:53:17,760 Any questions? 652 00:53:19,560 --> 00:53:20,780 Madam person you call roll please. 653 00:53:20,960 --> 00:53:21,420 Mr. Tarte. 654 00:53:21,620 --> 00:53:22,040 Yes. 655 00:53:22,500 --> 00:53:23,220 Ms. Maureen. 656 00:53:23,620 --> 00:53:24,540 Yes. Mr. Monahan. 657 00:53:24,800 --> 00:53:25,120 Yes. 658 00:53:25,180 --> 00:53:26,180 Ms. Fierre. Yes. 659 00:53:26,180 --> 00:53:35,280 May or all appointments that will be codified, but for environmental commission, we will be 660 00:53:35,280 --> 00:53:41,700 re-appointing Heather's Procars as a regular member, and then Chris Repoucle and Marcelo 661 00:53:41,700 --> 00:53:47,180 Figurall will be the alternate members. They were previously at large, and now they'll have 662 00:53:47,180 --> 00:53:53,940 this alternate position, and then our at large appointments are Jesse Lewis, Mark Trocans, Sasha Proshka, 663 00:53:53,940 --> 00:54:03,920 Jeffrey Gangle, Philip Pepe and Kevin Duffy, and then the chairman of the Environmental Commission who really does a fantastic job is Richard Smith. 664 00:54:05,700 --> 00:54:11,040 Planning board members, I will be designating my seat on the planning board at Tracy Marine. 665 00:54:12,560 --> 00:54:16,800 And then chief Ross Johnson will be the past two officer. 666 00:54:17,600 --> 00:54:27,040 And then for the citizens of the municipality who will be serving on planning board, Michael Rohall is actually going to be taking the open regular member state. 667 00:54:27,220 --> 00:54:34,020 He was previously an alternate member number two and only Ryan is appointed to his alternate member number two seat. 668 00:54:35,540 --> 00:54:44,840 And then for finance advisory committee myself and deputy mayor Monahan will be serving on that as well as the men and east and west pollution control system advisory committee. 669 00:54:46,210 --> 00:54:51,730 With that, before we go to hearing persons present, I wanted to see if any members of the 670 00:54:51,730 --> 00:54:54,030 township committee wanted to make any additional statements. 671 00:54:54,390 --> 00:54:57,170 Before we go there, can we go back to open space? 672 00:54:57,450 --> 00:55:02,250 Because we have the planning board appointment, which is TBD and the township media appointment. 673 00:55:03,610 --> 00:55:05,950 I think we ought to make sure we just get that button up tonight. 674 00:55:06,870 --> 00:55:14,230 For the open space, so planning board will be Tracy Morene, and then you'll be the township 675 00:55:14,230 --> 00:55:15,110 committee appointment. 676 00:55:15,110 --> 00:55:20,150 Correct, so it's the same as last year, but yeah, I don't know if we need to re- vote or what 677 00:55:21,230 --> 00:55:25,670 I think those are judging me. It's the township, but are there any objections of 678 00:55:26,830 --> 00:55:30,390 Nick Monahan, the township committee appointment to the open space committee? 679 00:55:32,690 --> 00:55:37,090 I assume that that's who's going back on. Yeah, it's equals. Yeah, it's very, 680 00:55:37,310 --> 00:55:45,090 we'll see. Yeah, and then I guess the planning board will designate when I assume that'll be a 681 00:55:45,090 --> 00:55:47,790 Okay, yeah. 682 00:55:48,510 --> 00:55:48,670 Okay. 683 00:55:48,930 --> 00:55:49,070 There. 684 00:55:49,970 --> 00:55:51,290 Karen, do we need to reveal on that? 685 00:55:51,490 --> 00:55:52,410 Or those just. 686 00:55:52,530 --> 00:55:52,990 That's a mission. 687 00:55:54,250 --> 00:55:54,710 Questioning. 688 00:55:54,870 --> 00:55:55,330 Resolution. 689 00:55:55,730 --> 00:55:56,190 33. 690 00:55:57,850 --> 00:55:58,950 That's what we're looking at. 691 00:55:59,590 --> 00:56:00,050 Yeah. 692 00:56:00,650 --> 00:56:02,090 What were you looking for exactly? 693 00:56:02,270 --> 00:56:03,550 Because that we had to go. 694 00:56:03,910 --> 00:56:04,810 I think we're okay. 695 00:56:05,650 --> 00:56:07,150 I think we did, but then. 696 00:56:07,470 --> 00:56:08,770 I was going a little bit. 697 00:56:08,770 --> 00:56:08,850 Yeah. 698 00:56:08,950 --> 00:56:09,470 That's fine. 699 00:56:09,970 --> 00:56:10,070 But. 700 00:56:10,530 --> 00:56:10,710 Five. 701 00:56:11,030 --> 00:56:11,150 Five. 702 00:56:12,610 --> 00:56:13,070 Oh. 703 00:56:14,370 --> 00:56:20,330 Oh hi. Oh hi. Is there another one that you think I missed if it wasn't the open space one? 704 00:56:20,970 --> 00:56:23,490 I was questioning if it was the sewer east and west. 705 00:56:26,120 --> 00:56:28,260 I might have missed that one, but you 706 00:56:28,260 --> 00:56:34,620 made your designies. Yeah, but there was a there is a resolution about sewer east and west in here. 707 00:56:37,340 --> 00:56:46,440 I'm trying to find it. I read it. It's definitely on the digital poppy, but I 708 00:56:46,820 --> 00:56:48,180 on the words. 709 00:56:50,800 --> 00:56:51,840 All right. 710 00:56:53,100 --> 00:56:53,620 What? 711 00:56:54,780 --> 00:56:56,000 On the steward committee? 712 00:56:56,440 --> 00:56:59,820 I actually think the consensus on the part of the steward people. 713 00:57:00,780 --> 00:57:02,000 Is there a? 714 00:57:02,260 --> 00:57:02,800 Is there more? 715 00:57:05,440 --> 00:57:06,560 Is that in the consensus? 716 00:57:07,200 --> 00:57:07,460 Okay. 717 00:57:07,820 --> 00:57:08,700 So we did it. 718 00:57:10,690 --> 00:57:10,930 Okay. 719 00:57:11,130 --> 00:57:11,890 So we did it though. 720 00:57:14,880 --> 00:57:15,220 Okay. 721 00:57:15,320 --> 00:57:17,320 I think we're done. 722 00:57:17,600 --> 00:57:17,920 Okay. 723 00:57:18,180 --> 00:57:20,420 Are there any additional statements from 724 00:57:20,420 --> 00:57:23,060 the Township Committee Deputy Mayor, did you have a statement? 725 00:57:24,440 --> 00:57:30,920 I am keeping with my firm belief in limited brief government. 726 00:57:31,000 --> 00:57:33,620 I'm going to have limited brief comments. 727 00:57:34,660 --> 00:57:38,720 I really just want to thank my colleagues for their support for me to continue 728 00:57:38,720 --> 00:57:39,560 as Deputy Mayor. 729 00:57:39,980 --> 00:57:45,420 Few of my focus areas for 2026 are to improve coordination with 730 00:57:46,360 --> 00:57:49,580 and between our fire departments in the two fire companies. 731 00:57:50,220 --> 00:57:59,320 I'd like to continue working with the Historic Preservation Committee to preserve Historic Properties and Menum Township where possible and to continue the collaboration with our building department. 732 00:57:59,920 --> 00:58:04,400 I'd also like to ensure that we do that in coordination with our state and county partners. 733 00:58:05,240 --> 00:58:12,820 I'd like to work with our deputy W Superintendent to ensure that he has the resources needed to to accomplish the goals set out by and for him. 734 00:58:12,820 --> 00:58:19,080 And like every other department is obviously only so much to go around for prioritization and communication will be essential. 735 00:58:20,760 --> 00:58:26,500 Please to continue working with our finance committee to ensure a sound of responsible budget for 2026. 736 00:58:27,320 --> 00:58:37,040 I want to absolutely continue working with our open space committee and specifically to hopefully craft an acceptable solution for increasing maintenance on our touch of owned open spaces. 737 00:58:37,040 --> 00:58:44,020 And finally, I've spoken with Jason and Lauren, as well as other colleagues, about setting up 738 00:58:44,020 --> 00:58:49,680 a personnel committee consisting of two members of the Township Committee, I would propose 739 00:58:49,680 --> 00:58:54,760 myself and Lauren to work with Jason on personnel matters for the town. 740 00:58:55,060 --> 00:58:59,860 The goal is to help Jason with all the decisions and planning needs when managing our staff 741 00:58:59,860 --> 00:59:04,880 and then its workload, expect to work with Lauren to create an enabling ordinance and resolution, 742 00:59:05,540 --> 00:59:13,460 Whichever is needed and presented to this committee for ratification over the next month or so or to come. That's all I have 743 00:59:13,460 --> 00:59:14,620 Thank you 744 00:59:14,620 --> 00:59:15,780 When you have a spirit 745 00:59:15,780 --> 00:59:22,660 I will try to be brief as well. Um, thank you so much. Mayor my fellow committee members and men and township residents 746 00:59:22,660 --> 00:59:28,500 It's an incredible honor to embark on another three years serving you on the men and township committee 747 00:59:28,500 --> 00:59:30,820 Circumstance I would not have believed 748 00:59:30,820 --> 00:59:34,840 You had told me I'd be here back in 2022 for so many 749 00:59:34,880 --> 00:59:41,180 reasons. At our last meeting on December 23rd, someone remarked that we are entering season four 750 00:59:41,180 --> 00:59:46,360 of our Township Committee together. And like any good TV series, we have all evolved in our roles 751 00:59:46,360 --> 00:59:51,120 over our years together. Each year brings fresh challenges, unexpected issues, and new residents 752 00:59:51,120 --> 00:59:56,660 that we get to know. I am deeply, deeply grateful for everyone who spends their time getting to know 753 00:59:56,660 --> 00:59:59,960 the ins and outs of Township Government, Governance, and make their- 754 01:00:02,820 --> 01:00:17,580 I hear off and how much folks appreciate the balance on the current committee and I always want to reiterate that that is an intentional choice and one that comes with commitment. Everyone in this room is a busy person and how we choose to spend our time matters. 755 01:00:17,580 --> 01:00:27,700 I recently saw a meme, which is, I guess, the new old adage, that for every change you see 756 01:00:27,700 --> 01:00:32,660 happen in government, people had to spend hundreds of hours in boring meetings. 757 01:00:34,940 --> 01:00:39,560 And, you know, cynics may claim not always wrongly that government can make things worse. 758 01:00:40,080 --> 01:00:45,100 I believe we have such a unique opportunity at our local level to do better than what we see elsewhere, 759 01:00:45,100 --> 01:00:51,080 especially on the national stage. We have the power to make our community exactly what we 760 01:00:51,080 --> 01:00:55,280 want it to be, a thriving place with residents who care for it deeply and want the best for 761 01:00:55,280 --> 01:01:01,280 their families and their neighbors. As Revigerson referred to earlier, when the world around us seems 762 01:01:01,280 --> 01:01:07,980 crazy, men and township is our refuge. So my guiding principle for this new term is one that I 763 01:01:07,980 --> 01:01:15,300 often call upon assume good intents, assume that we are all looking for solutions that we 764 01:01:15,300 --> 01:01:19,980 may have different opinions and ways of getting there. We don't have to agree, but putting 765 01:01:19,980 --> 01:01:25,420 aside cynicism never makes things worse. To me, that means letting go of narrow notions 766 01:01:25,420 --> 01:01:30,300 of power, seeing what happens when collaboration and seeking solutions are the main drivers, 767 01:01:30,860 --> 01:01:34,660 combining rich institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives from our community. 768 01:01:35,820 --> 01:01:40,560 I already said my thank yous but I don't think you can thank people enough so thank 769 01:01:40,560 --> 01:01:45,720 you everyone up here all of our township committee professionals. You actually make it fun to 770 01:01:45,720 --> 01:01:51,380 sit here for many, many hours so I appreciate that very much and thank you everyone. 771 01:01:53,250 --> 01:01:53,550 Thank you everyone. 772 01:01:55,030 --> 01:02:00,090 The last three years I sat and gave a speech about red and blue and purple and let's not have 773 01:02:00,090 --> 01:02:05,290 colors and let's be nonpartisan and I promise to save you from that speech this year. 774 01:02:05,770 --> 01:02:12,190 But I do want to talk, oh, in the reason I'm not going to give the speech is I think now more than ever we are balanced. 775 01:02:12,710 --> 01:02:14,450 We do treat each other with respect. 776 01:02:14,670 --> 01:02:16,890 We do act as a collaborative group. 777 01:02:17,010 --> 01:02:20,510 We don't always agree, but we hash it out with respect for the individual. 778 01:02:21,270 --> 01:02:23,290 And I came to meetings before I was elected. 779 01:02:23,450 --> 01:02:27,190 That wasn't always the case historically on the Township Committee. 780 01:02:27,210 --> 01:02:29,150 So I'm proud of all of us for that. 781 01:02:29,590 --> 01:02:34,150 I do want to take just two minutes and talk about my vote for Mayor and Deputy Mayor. 782 01:02:34,150 --> 01:02:36,030 because we'll hear about it, I'm sure, 783 01:02:36,070 --> 01:02:40,510 and hearing persons present because I'm largely considered 784 01:02:40,510 --> 01:02:41,770 the swing vote. 785 01:02:41,790 --> 01:02:44,110 I think it's the part that people don't say out loud. 786 01:02:44,910 --> 01:02:46,330 That if you kind of meetings, 787 01:02:46,410 --> 01:02:49,370 I think very much for myself, very independent 788 01:02:49,370 --> 01:02:50,850 and go issue by issue. 789 01:02:51,590 --> 01:02:54,090 Sometimes I'm with Amolian Lawrence, 790 01:02:54,310 --> 01:02:55,490 sometimes I'm with Nick and Sarah, 791 01:02:55,750 --> 01:02:57,630 sometimes everybody's against me. 792 01:02:58,130 --> 01:03:01,870 But that's what I'm proud of, is that we take it issue by issue. 793 01:03:01,870 --> 01:03:24,550 But, you know, I sent my kids home this year because three years ago, it was pretty vitriolic and, you know, my, my character and integrity were attacked and, and I took it very personally, and that's why I take very seriously all the decisions that we, we'd make up here, but it is true that Nick and Sarah held office for a very long time, absolutely. 794 01:03:24,550 --> 01:03:36,890 but it's also true. There are taxes have remained stable. We have a triple A rating that they also won by hundreds of votes that they're also wildly popular among our residents as is Amalia. 795 01:03:37,430 --> 01:03:42,630 But I think we're in a good place and we're healthier than ever and I want to keep a good thing going I really do. 796 01:03:43,650 --> 01:03:47,610 And Amalia has key appointments and is on the planning board. 797 01:03:47,610 --> 01:03:57,530 three years ago, four years ago, I'll say with my own words that she was treated as a second class citizen here on the day as, and that's no longer, that's no longer true. 798 01:03:57,830 --> 01:04:10,370 I'm all your, you're, you're one of, you know, one of us and, and we're all equals and I just don't, I think that we've come a long way in three years and I personally didn't blindly support Nick and Sarah because of political party. 799 01:04:10,370 --> 01:04:17,690 I said come to the meetings, you'll see that I make my choices based based on the fact. 800 01:04:18,290 --> 01:04:24,730 And to that, I exercise my own vote for the leaders that I would like to see lead us as a committee. 801 01:04:24,950 --> 01:04:31,630 And we all had to write to exercise that vote and I voted unapologetically. 802 01:04:32,170 --> 01:04:35,710 I didn't vote against Somalia. I voted for Nick and Sarah. 803 01:04:35,710 --> 01:04:40,010 so I hope we can move forward in a very healthy way. 804 01:04:41,050 --> 01:04:44,870 Just a couple of things. I never expected to run for a second term. I'm not a politician. 805 01:04:44,970 --> 01:04:50,970 I have no political aspirations. I ran because I care very deeply about open space and 806 01:04:50,970 --> 01:04:56,910 preserving our legacy. And, you know, your basic, you know, keep taxes low kind of principles. 807 01:04:58,710 --> 01:05:05,010 I ran for a second term because we do have a good thing going. And I wanted to continue that. 808 01:05:05,010 --> 01:05:12,250 And I, you know, I had a fear, you know, that maybe things would be unstable or we'd take a step back. 809 01:05:12,730 --> 01:05:19,450 I think anybody, you know, we had four amazing candidates this year, I think anybody could have taken it forward. 810 01:05:19,990 --> 01:05:24,650 But I wasn't ready to finish what we all, but we five have started. 811 01:05:25,130 --> 01:05:28,610 And so just the highlight really quickly, I talked about legacy. 812 01:05:29,630 --> 01:05:36,610 There was a legacy that was created from about 2000 to 2005 that if you go back and read all the historical documents, 813 01:05:36,810 --> 01:05:43,870 I referenced some often in meetings because the legislation and the ordinances that were passed in those five years 814 01:05:44,230 --> 01:05:48,790 are why MENDEM is what it is today period in my opinion. 815 01:05:50,130 --> 01:05:54,670 It's about the trees in the open space, but it was also about how we run MENDEM. 816 01:05:54,670 --> 01:05:58,590 And if you, you know, I encourage anybody to go back and look at that. 817 01:05:59,210 --> 01:06:03,650 So, so I do care about creating that, like, you know, preserving that legacy. 818 01:06:03,810 --> 01:06:04,470 We have to change. 819 01:06:04,610 --> 01:06:05,350 We have to evolve. 820 01:06:05,550 --> 01:06:06,910 We call it smart growth or whatever. 821 01:06:07,610 --> 01:06:13,650 But every decision we make around open space, around our zoning, around our planning board, 822 01:06:13,770 --> 01:06:17,370 around our master plans, around our conservation areas, et cetera. 823 01:06:18,210 --> 01:06:21,310 It's going to take, it's going to make an impact 20 years from now. 824 01:06:21,310 --> 01:06:23,730 So I will continue to focus on those things. 825 01:06:23,730 --> 01:06:26,190 I will continue to advocate for those things. 826 01:06:26,390 --> 01:06:30,170 And I welcome debate, in terms of evolving away from those. 827 01:06:30,170 --> 01:06:33,290 But I think that we have to continue to be very vigilant 828 01:06:33,290 --> 01:06:36,130 in keeping in township what it is. 829 01:06:36,870 --> 01:06:40,090 We need to do more with what we have, DPW maintenance. 830 01:06:40,890 --> 01:06:43,670 We need to make sure every one of our DPW roles 831 01:06:43,670 --> 01:06:46,010 is filled, and all of our personnel roles are filled. 832 01:06:46,290 --> 01:06:49,890 So I'm happy that Jason and Nick and Lauren 833 01:06:49,890 --> 01:06:53,630 and others will focus on that. 834 01:06:55,790 --> 01:06:58,490 We've not raised taxes for some number of years, 835 01:06:58,550 --> 01:07:00,170 and so that's why the optimization 836 01:07:00,170 --> 01:07:03,630 and the utilization of what we have is so important. 837 01:07:04,270 --> 01:07:06,630 So I hope to bring to bear some of, 838 01:07:06,630 --> 01:07:09,330 kind of what I do incorporate America 839 01:07:09,330 --> 01:07:12,050 in terms of process optimization, work with Jason, 840 01:07:12,170 --> 01:07:16,390 and really squeeze that last bit of juice out of what we have. 841 01:07:16,490 --> 01:07:18,690 And then we have to start having the difficult conversations 842 01:07:18,690 --> 01:07:26,270 that we've started to have. But do we have more shared services? Do we need better capital planning? 843 01:07:26,970 --> 01:07:29,590 When will taxes go up? It's not if it's when? 844 01:07:30,000 --> 01:07:45,160 Is it this year? Is it next year? It's five years. Those are all the difficult conversations. I think we do need to start having this year. And I welcome, I welcome those discussions. So so with that, I look forward to the exciting 2026. 845 01:07:46,220 --> 01:07:46,960 Can you go in the dark? 846 01:07:47,980 --> 01:07:58,040 Thank you. And I always love to be the closer on these commentaries. I want to start by first of all, congratulating my colleagues, committeewoman, mori and spirit. 847 01:07:58,040 --> 01:08:02,000 and I hope them so much success in their second terms. 848 01:08:02,660 --> 01:08:06,080 I want to recognize the professionals and staff who work for our community. 849 01:08:06,460 --> 01:08:10,220 They are the ones who run the town on a day-to-day basis, not us. 850 01:08:10,560 --> 01:08:16,180 In particular, our clerk, Karen Bellamy, our Township Administrator, CFO, Jason Gabloff, 851 01:08:16,460 --> 01:08:20,140 a police chief, Frost Johnson, is not here, but I think I see Sergeant Calvett 852 01:08:20,140 --> 01:08:25,260 in the back, who else, our DPW Superintendent, David Reed, 853 01:08:25,260 --> 01:08:30,240 a recreation director, David Guida, and of course our attorney John Mills. 854 01:08:31,000 --> 01:08:35,260 I want to thank our first responders, I think they all left, but they do a fantastic 855 01:08:35,260 --> 01:08:40,580 job with the Brookside and Raulston Engine Company in all of our first aid squad. 856 01:08:41,280 --> 01:08:45,940 And then also to thank every resident who stepped up to serve on a subcommittee, whether 857 01:08:45,940 --> 01:08:51,160 you are serving for the first time or re-upping, I really appreciate all the time and effort 858 01:08:51,160 --> 01:08:53,600 and dedication that you put into all of our subcommittees. 859 01:08:53,600 --> 01:09:01,920 It's a lot and that's also how I got started. So watch out. Looking back on 2025, as mentioned, we did accomplish a lot. 860 01:09:02,340 --> 01:09:06,480 We finalized our affordable housing plan. We created the new garbage utility. 861 01:09:07,120 --> 01:09:10,640 We finally bought a new Tender truck for the Royalston Engine Company. 862 01:09:11,040 --> 01:09:15,760 We adopted a dark sky ordinance, so if we do have development in our community, 863 01:09:16,020 --> 01:09:21,940 they have to minimize light pollution. And very importantly, we voted to conform with the Highlands, 864 01:09:21,940 --> 01:09:27,960 an idea that I first proposed back in 2022 and I was thrilled when the Township Committee came 865 01:09:27,960 --> 01:09:33,160 around to the idea. This is going to help us push back against unwanted over-development 866 01:09:33,160 --> 01:09:38,300 in the future and for years to come. And one more note from last year, it really was a privilege 867 01:09:38,300 --> 01:09:44,900 and when I think back about 2025 to organize the installation of a plaque to honor our town's 868 01:09:44,900 --> 01:09:51,020 first woman mayor, Marion Wiesong, at her namesake park, Wiesong Park, and then to lead the dedication 869 01:09:51,020 --> 01:09:55,840 and ceremony. So if you haven't seen the plaque, please take a drive over there. It's right 870 01:09:55,840 --> 01:10:01,500 by the Rolston playground and having that plaque there is going to ensure that the next generation 871 01:10:01,500 --> 01:10:07,140 of kids and men don't know all about Mary and Wysong and her terrific legacy to our town. 872 01:10:08,060 --> 01:10:13,780 Looking forward to 2026 because that's the year we're now in. I think top of the list has to 873 01:10:13,780 --> 01:10:19,420 be updating our tree ordinance and getting into compliance with the state mandates. Unfortunately, 874 01:10:19,420 --> 01:10:25,460 that effort was stalled last year. I hope we're able to get it done quickly and come into compliance. 875 01:10:26,260 --> 01:10:31,320 The big update in the mandate is pretty simple. Most of the time, but not all the time, 876 01:10:31,640 --> 01:10:36,380 if you cut down a beautiful healthy living tree, you have to replace it. 877 01:10:37,080 --> 01:10:42,200 Another important project which I'm excited about is bringing to life the old police station. 878 01:10:42,680 --> 01:10:48,040 I'm excited and already working with the group of residents to transform it into a community resource 879 01:10:48,040 --> 01:10:51,220 for workshops, meetings, small events. 880 01:10:51,620 --> 01:10:53,700 Mendom TV is already moving in. 881 01:10:54,020 --> 01:10:56,340 They're building out a new studio in editing room, 882 01:10:56,620 --> 01:10:58,500 and his historic preservation committee 883 01:10:58,500 --> 01:11:01,380 has moved in much of its archives over there. 884 01:11:01,540 --> 01:11:03,040 So thrilled that we saved the building 885 01:11:03,040 --> 01:11:05,140 and looking forward to getting that going. 886 01:11:06,000 --> 01:11:07,800 And I also want to check off my to-do list 887 01:11:07,800 --> 01:11:08,700 with Township Committee. 888 01:11:08,780 --> 01:11:10,320 We talked about this a while ago, 889 01:11:10,460 --> 01:11:13,440 and it was something that we were going to move forward with, 890 01:11:13,680 --> 01:11:16,980 but to finally install welcome to Mendom Township signs, 891 01:11:16,980 --> 01:11:18,820 as you drive into our community. 892 01:11:19,260 --> 01:11:22,400 I see our Arts Council member there is clapping, 893 01:11:23,200 --> 01:11:25,760 but just about every other town around us 894 01:11:25,760 --> 01:11:27,780 and a Morse County has signs like that. 895 01:11:28,460 --> 01:11:30,340 So I hope we finally get that done. 896 01:11:30,700 --> 01:11:33,860 So in closing, as the committee one more in just said, 897 01:11:34,100 --> 01:11:37,420 I too never aspired to run for public office. 898 01:11:37,600 --> 01:11:39,980 It was definitely not on my bucket list. 899 01:11:40,280 --> 01:11:43,160 I'm sitting up here because I was asked to serve. 900 01:11:43,560 --> 01:11:44,840 And in case you didn't know, 901 01:11:44,840 --> 01:11:51,380 the Republicans asked me first before the Democrats. I finally agreed to run for office in 2017 902 01:11:51,380 --> 01:11:57,580 and had a simple goal to make a positive difference in our community and to give back to the town 903 01:11:57,580 --> 01:12:05,000 where I have lived almost 30 years, made lifelong friendships, and raised a family. I motivation 904 01:12:05,000 --> 01:12:11,080 hasn't changed. I hope to continue working for the residents of our community on behalf of all of you, 905 01:12:11,080 --> 01:12:16,940 tackling whatever problems come our way, listening to different points of view, and making 906 01:12:16,940 --> 01:12:22,900 a positive impact. And finally, God willing, I hope to continue my eight-year track record 907 01:12:22,900 --> 01:12:28,440 of never-missing a Township Committee meeting, knock-on-wood. So happy new year to everyone, 908 01:12:28,740 --> 01:12:33,780 a blessed new year, and let's hope for a very successful 2026 for Madam Township. Thank you. 909 01:12:35,120 --> 01:12:39,360 Thank you all so much, and I'm excited to continue working with each of you, 910 01:12:39,360 --> 01:12:44,780 I just want to thank again, before we open to the public, our incredible volunteers are 911 01:12:44,780 --> 01:12:51,120 to have not survived without all of our volunteers, and I'm just so deeply grateful that 912 01:12:51,120 --> 01:12:52,380 so many people have stepped up. 913 01:12:52,600 --> 01:12:56,920 We now have at large appointments to committee, so more people are serving than ever before. 914 01:12:57,380 --> 01:13:03,920 I see a lot of them in the audience and also on Zoom, so I really hope that we are able 915 01:13:03,920 --> 01:13:09,540 to see you all in person soon, but for those of you who are here in person, we are actually 916 01:13:09,540 --> 01:13:14,600 having a reception at the emergency services building after this meeting on the second floor 917 01:13:14,600 --> 01:13:19,000 in the ready room. And with that, I'll open it to hearing persons present. If anybody 918 01:13:19,000 --> 01:13:24,060 in town hall would like to speak to the public, please come up to the microphones, state your name 919 01:13:24,060 --> 01:13:26,920 and your address for the record. You'll have three minutes to speak. 920 01:13:33,000 --> 01:13:34,960 Anyone via Zoom, would you like 921 01:13:34,960 --> 01:13:36,700 speak, please raise your hand. 922 01:13:38,760 --> 01:13:41,980 I think it's on the bottom of the screen. I don't see any hands at 923 01:13:41,980 --> 01:13:43,740 the moment. It would be 924 01:13:46,180 --> 01:13:52,080 anyone else. With that, I'll ask that we close the public, is there 925 01:13:52,080 --> 01:13:57,900 motion? Motion. There's second. All of favor closing please say aye. Aye. All opposed? 926 01:13:58,720 --> 01:14:04,200 Without entertain a motion to adjourn, is there motion? Motion. There's second. All of 927 01:14:04,200 --> 01:14:09,700 of our journey, please say aye, all opposed. Have a good night. Thank you.