[0:00] responders who protect our neighborhoods. Mr. Mayor.

[0:03] » Yeah, I also like that the community lost uh

[0:07] uh since our last meeting Alan Hattman who had lived in Rockaway Township and

[0:10] White Meadow Lake 55 years. Um he was a planning board attorney for over 10

[0:15] years and he served in various uh volunteer type capacity positions within

[0:20] the Township. He's also our health director Peter Tabbot's stepfather. So,

[0:25] um he we lost him since last meeting. So, I

[0:27] wanted to add that.

[0:30] » And if I could just >> Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[0:32] » Yeah, uh and also uh Mayor uh Mrs. Hattman uh Phyllis was our

[0:36] planning administrator who also was a very uh

[0:39] wonderful component to Rockaway Township preservation of um our planning and

[0:43] zoning and helping applicants as well as uh

[0:46] the Township's and attorneys on their applications, too.

[0:49] Thank you.

[0:57] » Clerk, please take the roll.

[1:00] » Councilwoman Salzberg. >> Here.

[1:02] » Councilwoman Wojtecki. >> Here.

[1:04] » Councilwoman Friedlander. >> Here.

[1:07] » Councilwoman Ryak. >> Here.

[1:09] » Councilwoman Frayday. >> [snorts]

[1:11] » Councilwoman Quinn. >> Here.

[1:13] » Councilwoman Kelly. >> Here.

[1:15] » Council Vice President Sackett. >> Here.

[1:19] » Council President Morrison. >> Here.

[1:21] » Adequate notice of this meeting was provided to the Daily Record, the

[1:24] official newspapers for the Township of Rockaway. Notice was posted on the

[1:27] official bulletin boards of Rockaway Township, Township website, and notice

[1:30] was filed in the office of the Township Clerk.

[1:34] Approval of the minutes for the July 14th Township Council meeting. Can I

[1:38] have a motion? >> So moved.

[1:39] » Second. >> Clerk, please take the roll.

[1:44] » Councilwoman Salzberg. >> Yes.

[1:47] » Councilwoman Wojtecki. >> Yes.

[1:49] » Councilwoman Friedlander. >> Yes.

[1:52] » Councilwoman Ryak. >> Yes.

[1:54] » Councilwoman Quinn. >> Yes.

[1:56] » Councilwoman Kelly. >> No.

[1:58] » Council Vice President Sackett. >> Yes.

[2:01] » Council President Morrison. >> Yes.

[2:03] Seven yes is one no, motion carries. >> Mr. Morrison, just uh one quick request.

[2:07] Could you please provide um the reason to the public as well as myself

[2:12] why we canceled the August 11th uh 2026 and August 25th council meeting.

[2:17] » Uh we didn't cancel the August 11th, we postponed it to today for scheduling

[2:21] conflicts. >> And we're canceling the August 25th

[2:24] meeting for what reason? >> That's been on the agenda for over a

[2:26] month now. >> What's the reason for the cancellation?

[2:29] » Mr. Kelly, it's irrelevant. >> Thank you.

[2:33] » Uh before opening the public portion of the meeting, I want to remind everyone

[2:36] of the rules that apply to anyone who wants to address the council.

[2:39] Any member of the public wishing to address the council will have 3 minutes

[2:42] to do so. While an extension of time may be requested, it should not be assumed

[2:47] that an extension of time will be granted.

[2:49] While addressing the council, members of the public may not address or

[2:53] question any individual council member.

[2:57] If anyone addressing the council violates these rules or conducts

[2:59] themselves inappropriately, their speaking opportunity will be terminated

[3:03] and they will be instructed to return to their seat. A refusal to comply will

[3:06] result in removal from the room. Members of the public in attendance may not make

[3:10] comments from the audience without recognition by the chair. Persons doing

[3:14] so will be subject to removal from the room.

[3:16] As Council President, I have tremendous respect for my fellow council members

[3:19] and the public who take time and effort to attend council meetings. These rules

[3:23] are necessary to protect and respect but also to permit the council to do its

[3:27] business in an orderly and professional manner.

[3:29] When I call your name, please approach the microphone, state your name and

[3:33] address for the record, and you will have 3 minutes.

[3:37] Dan Trillo.

[3:43] » Uh Dan Trillo, 53 Megan's Road. I just want to bring to you guys'

[3:47] attention back in February, uh my daughter was on Green Pond Road,

[3:51] stopped behind a school bus waiting for kids to get on or off.

[3:55] She was then rear-ended by another school bus.

[3:58] Uh she was 8 months pregnant. My granddaughter was on the on the car,

[4:02] excuse me. She's 1 and 1/2. And uh totaled her car.

[4:08] Driver of the bus was 81 years old. Okay? Wasn't given a ticket, nothing.

[4:13] So uh everybody's telling me sue, sue, sue, sue. But

[4:17] we have insurance. We assume Rockaway has insurance.

[4:21] And uh so things were filed.

[4:24] So um they submitted it to Rockaway. Rockaway refused it because they said

[4:28] they have immunity because of they are public entity.

[4:32] So now my daughter had to She was okay,

[4:36] nobody got hurt. She was okay um now she has to pay a $500 deductible.

[4:41] She has to pay the rental fee for the car out of her pocket. And she also has

[4:45] to pay she paid 2,500 to get into a new car.

[4:50] If we would have contacted a lawyer, it would have probably been another three

[4:53] grand. So we're sitting

[4:56] legally doing something right, getting rear-ended,

[5:00] totaling her car, she's out a couple grand.

[5:04] And Rockaway, we've contacted them twice and both times they

[5:08] just said the immunity thing just takes precedence, so

[5:12] just wanted you guys to know that. I think it's kind of sad that you know,

[5:16] you're resident, you pay taxes. She lives here, she bought a home here.

[5:20] I have lived here since '92. And uh it's just sad that this has to

[5:24] happen. So just wanted to get my point across.

[5:27] » Just to clarify, is that a I'm sorry. Is I don't know if you answered

[5:30] [clears throat] it now. Is that a town or is that a Board of Ed?

[5:32] » It's Board of Ed. >> Okay.

[5:34] » Yeah, but we tried the Board of Ed, so I just

[5:36] figured I'd come here and let you guys know.

[5:39] » Okay. >> I know nothing's going to happen.

[5:41] » No, no, I just want to >> I just wanted to bring it because I

[5:43] think it's silly law. >> Okay.

[5:46] » You know, to to somebody that did

[5:48] » Right. >> put out of pocket like that.

[5:50] » Council President, would it be too much if we were to ask maybe administration

[5:54] that maybe could guide him with contacts to the school in order to assist

[5:57] » that it's not a council matter and I think the gentleman's already addressed

[6:01] that. Gina Fico.

[6:12] » Gina Fico, 2 U Place. I wanted to start off by saying a few

[6:17] days ago I had a

[6:19] reminder of just how amazing Rockaway Township is when it comes to crime. I

[6:25] was driving through not planning on a really rough neighborhood in New Jersey

[6:31] and you know, feeling really anxious and just hoping that I would make it home

[6:35] safe. And it just made me think about how

[6:38] fortunate living here almost 30 years I am to be able to live in such a safe

[6:43] community. However, we know that no town is completely immune from crime and from

[6:49] some really horrible occurrences happening. That's why I stand today

[6:53] before the council to um support Flock cameras. I know this has

[6:59] been a matter that's been up for debate in many councils across New Jersey and I

[7:04] definitely see people's concerns about privacy.

[7:09] However, after doing my research, I feel that the pros

[7:14] outweigh the cons. Uh this is amazing technology that has

[7:19] assisted with technology, which we all know can be very useful to help police

[7:25] officers solve crimes faster, to help locate missing people and you know,

[7:32] people that are in these vehicles that are up to no good in the area. While

[7:36] privacy remains a concern, I think that we need to really look and educate the

[7:41] public on those. So, you know, I understand people are concerned. Maybe

[7:46] we can like hold an info session. You know, I'm a big believer in that to

[7:50] educate people on flock cameras, but I just wanted to share a few statistics

[7:57] that I came across. Um they assisted in over a million

[8:01] criminal incidents and investigations, and they helped locate um 10,000 people

[8:07] approximately a year. So, that's about 27 per day. They help with efficiency.

[8:13] You all know that human error is a thing. So, what these technologies do is

[8:18] allow to kind of work through the cracks of what people might miss. And they also

[8:23] help us determine if people see these big cameras, they're less likely, you

[8:29] know, to do something really bad in the area. So, I just wanted to, you know,

[8:34] bring that up today. I'm not trying to change anybody's mind or say that this

[8:38] is, you know, the best idea ever. There's definitely, you know, situations

[8:43] we have to look into, but when it's all is said and done, there's a lot of

[8:46] benefits. And I just want you to think about what we can do to keep this town

[8:51] amazing and safe for more time to come. Thank you.

[8:55] » Thank you.

[8:59] Gary Del Greco.

[9:08] » Hi, my name's Gary Del Greco, 18 Edith Drive.

[9:12] I'm here tonight just to inform everybody of Red, White, and Blue. This

[9:16] is our 29th year to honor first responders. I know many

[9:21] of you have attended, so and I hardly get time to talk to any of

[9:25] you because I'm running back and forth while it's going on. But this year it's

[9:29] September 20th, and you're all welcome to attend at

[9:33] Faith Family Fellowship. And

[9:37] it's just that we honor all the responders. We give them a

[9:41] breakfast. The special speaker this year is Dan

[9:45] Sunshine, which is his real name. That's what he told me.

[9:50] But he's a retired police officer from New Jersey. I live in Tennessee now.

[9:54] He'll come up. He'll be our guest speaker.

[9:56] And we'll have a lunch and afterwards, which is supplied by all the restaurants

[10:01] around this area. They give us a their main dish they're noted for. And then we

[10:06] we have a fellowship hall with you know, you come, you eat, and we give a gift to

[10:11] all the responders. So, just

[10:15] telling you to please come if you can. >> What time is it at?

[10:18] » What time is it at? It starts at 9:00 with breakfast. It goes through till

[10:22] whenever everybody goes through. >> Okay.

[10:25] Thanks, Mr. President. I just Gary and his wife duty run this for years. I've

[10:28] been to many of them and it's really inspirational how they recognize, you

[10:33] know, EMS, fire, police, everybody. And I think the first responders that attend

[10:37] are very appreciative of what you do. So, thank you.

[10:40] » Thanks, Mr. Director. Dana Tabaddor.

[10:45] » [clears throat]

[10:55] [clears throat]

[10:58] » With the meeting being canceled uh next week, I was wondering if I can get an

[11:02] extra minute possibly. >> Uh no. Everybody has three minutes.

[11:07] » Dana Tabaddor, 31 Omaha Avenue. I would like to know what is the revenue

[11:12] for Rockaway Township has received for the cannabis businesses operating in the

[11:16] Township. When these dispensaries were discussed,

[11:19] one of the primary benefits presented to the public was additional tax revenue.

[11:23] I'd like to know what the tax revenue has been collected from the Township.

[11:27] The amount that was collected current year-to-date. Where the revenue appears

[11:31] in the municipal budget, is this money dedicated for a purpose? How is this

[11:36] money benefiting the Rockaway Township taxpayers and residents? Has any of this

[11:41] information been made available for the public and where can I find it? My

[11:45] second concern involves the language used in the Township Council meeting

[11:49] minutes. Meeting minutes are official government records. They should

[11:52] objectively document the actions taken, the subjects discussed, and significant

[11:58] events that occurred. They should not include subjective descriptions of

[12:01] persons' attitudes, emotions, or behavior. For example, I saw language in

[12:05] the Township minutes stating that the exchange became contentious. That's an

[12:09] interpretation and this is not a soap opera. It does not tell the public what

[12:13] was actually said or objectively occurred. One person may consider the

[12:17] the discussion contentious, while another person may view it as a

[12:21] legitimate disagreement. I've also seen the council refuse to correct minutes if

[12:26] the correction has not been sent in advance. I'm asking that you review um

[12:31] for future minutes to ensure that these minutes uh

[12:34] become factual, impartial, and consistent. I'm also asking that the

[12:37] existing minutes that contains subjective characterization be reviewed

[12:41] and amended correctly through the formal process.

[12:45] Lastly, I'd like to address what occurred when a young person in our

[12:47] community recently came before this council to give a presentation. She took

[12:51] responsibility seriously. I understand prior to the meeting she made two trips

[12:55] to town hall to test everything in advance. She brought her own laptop. She

[12:59] purchased a special cable so she could connect to the Township's audio visual

[13:03] system and project her presentation for the screen for the council and the the

[13:07] public to see. During these tests, everything worked properly, but the

[13:10] night of the presentation it did not. The Township clerk made no effort to

[13:14] assist her and she was left to scramble. Mr. Morrison did eventually try to help.

[13:19] Thank you. If you review the archive footage, some

[13:22] of the other council members can be seen laughing and joking behind her. I'm not

[13:26] saying that the council members were speaking about her, but imagine her

[13:30] stress while hearing you guys laughing.

[13:33] Eventually, an unknown member of the audience fixed the problem, which he

[13:36] deserves much credit. I do understand that technology can fail.

[13:40] The issue is that when it failed, the township clerk should have made a

[13:42] reasonable effort to help, whether by checking the connection, contacting

[13:46] someone who could assist, to help identify another way for the

[13:50] presentation to be displayed. From memory, during the budget meeting, I

[13:53] believe we pay someone extra for these meetings to help with our equipment.

[13:57] Again, the township and its officials have a responsibility to make reasonable

[14:00] efforts to ensure members of the public can participate meaningfully in public

[14:04] meetings. That responsibility is important

[14:12] » Aaron DeCourt.

[14:16] » Yeah. >> If I could just respond to that tax

[14:20] revenue for the cannabis for quickly.

[14:23] » Okay. >> Um, I don't have the exact revenue that

[14:27] we collected in 2025. However, we do anticipate that revenue

[14:32] in the 2026 budget is included in the in the um in the revenue portion of the

[14:36] budget. I can come back to you with figures at the next meeting. Um,

[14:41] that money that comes in goes into the general fund to help offset taxes.

[14:45] That's its sole purpose. >> Okay.

[14:47] Thank you.

[14:53] » Right. That's that's the revenue we're speaking on. We collect 2% of the

[14:57] » So, it's a ratable plus 2%. >> It's it's the Yes, it's their it's their

[15:00] revenue and we receive 2% of that revenue and it goes into the town's

[15:03] general fund. It's anticipated as a revenue in our budget and it's used to

[15:07] offset the taxes. >> Good.

[15:09] Okay. I'm sorry. >> Mr. DeCourt.

[15:15] » It's nice to get an answer, so that's good. Uh, Aaron DeCourt, 16 Algonquin.

[15:20] Uh, I'm just here uh real quick. Again, I got another notice that our tax are

[15:25] taxes are yet again being reassessed. I've lived in the town for 19 years. My

[15:31] taxes have gone up more in the last five reassessments than they did in the first

[15:35] 14 years I lived here. And I've also been put on notice that

[15:39] I'm one of the 25% that's going to have them come to my house to make sure that

[15:43] they're assessing properly. I understand that the council is the one

[15:47] that votes for reassessment, and we seem to be voting for or you guys seem to be

[15:51] voting for reassessment every year. And I don't really quite get it. Um, just

[15:56] talking to other town councils and town council members,

[16:00] our taxes, um, in New Jersey are based on our assessed value. Um, I know that

[16:06] this council has voted not to increase how much, um, the percentage is based on

[16:12] the town, but that doesn't affect the county, that doesn't affect, um, the

[16:17] schools. So, um, it's just a comment, and I don't really understand how we

[16:23] keep being reassessed year after year after year, where in the past you might

[16:27] go through a reassessment once every five years. So, that's that's all I've

[16:32] got. >> Thanks. Miss Palmieri, the council does

[16:36] not set assessments. >> The council

[16:41] The council does not know. The assessor >> Right.

[16:44] » will Um, and as she said that the, um, the assessments are are The assessor

[16:48] sets it, but our um, our tax rate goes down as a result of those assessments

[16:53] going up, but as you said, we can't control the school and the county.

[16:56] » So, who who decides that we're going to be reassessed year after year?

[17:01] » The council will discern determine whether we're going to hire a

[17:04] reassessment firm to come in every year. And it's the intention of the

[17:08] administration to take a pause in 2027. >> Yeah, that was a That was a decent part

[17:14] of our budget meeting is we spoke out against assessments like the constant

[17:18] assessments. So You know, we Yeah, we certainly don't

[17:23] Listen, everybody here lives in town. You know what I mean? So, no, the

[17:26] council does not set that and we we did speak out about that as a concern

[17:31] during the budget meeting. >> So, the our tax assessor is the one who

[17:35] decides whether or not we're going to be assessed every year.

[17:38] » She doesn't decide it, but we She works with our the assessment company as they

[17:42] go from house to house assessing 25% of the town at a each year. But, it's the

[17:47] » [laughter] >> it's the council who decides whether

[17:49] we're going to keep this reassessment program rolling. But, like I said, we're

[17:52] going to take a pause in 2027 for the 2028 tax year.

[17:57] » That's what we voted on. >> And and uh Council President, we we did

[18:01] vote on that primarily because of the cost of the service, not so much to stop

[18:05] the assessment. >> I would rather not

[18:07] » Sure, of course not. >> put words what you think the reason is.

[18:10] Everybody votes >> four-year cycle.

[18:12] » Mr. Kelly, you're out of order. >> 25% of the increase

[18:14] » you're out of order. >> We did it We didn't do it anymore

[18:17] » you're out of order. >> Yeah. Yeah.

[18:19] » Mr. Kelly, you're out of order. >> Just be honest to her.

[18:21] » Mr. Kelly.

[18:25] To to suppose that you know what everybody is thinking, and again, I know

[18:28] you think you're the smartest guy in the room, but it's just

[18:31] It's just not the case. >> You don't need to make me that smartest

[18:33] guy, but you're actually your comments >> Kelly.

[18:36] Just simple. Stop. >> You don't even own a home to tax. What

[18:40] are you talking about? >> All right. So, just for the record, and

[18:43] I'm I know you know this, being a landlord is uh

[18:46] if you pay rent >> went up 12,000 this year.

[18:49] » Well, you have how many properties? >> What's the difference?

[18:51] » Well, is it a conflict of interest for you to vote on uh

[18:54] » No, not at all. >> What do you mean, what's the difference?

[18:56] Mr. Kelly, you're out of order. >> no, no. It's not about taxes. Everybody

[18:58] benefits from that. >> Mr. Kelly, stop.

[19:00] First of all, you made the insinuation with Mary last year that renters don't

[19:04] pay taxes. That's completely false. Part of the rent goes to taxes.

[19:09] » You don't pay taxes. Mr. Kelly. >> taxes.

[19:11] » Mr. Kelly. You're out of order.

[19:14] » You're wrong. >> Mr. Kelly.

[19:16] You're out of order. >> You're wrong.

[19:17] » Stop trying to be a smart guy. >> Trying to be right when you're wrong.

[19:20] » So, anybody who has ever rented knows that on your tax returns you claim a

[19:26] portion for property taxes, right? Renters do not get off scot-free without

[19:32] paying rent. And you should know that and I'm I'm a little shocked that you

[19:37] » My My renters pay taxes. >> Moving on, Dave Broderick.

[19:40] » They don't pay taxes. I pay the taxes. Okay.

[19:44] » To the public, I I apologize. This is not the way to conduct this

[19:47] » I apologize for giving false information.

[19:49] » You're out of order. To the public, I do apologize. This is

[19:53] not how a council member should be conducting themselves. Mr. Broderick.

[19:56] » Okay. I'm sorry. Go ahead. Um yeah, [clears throat] hi.

[20:00] I'm David Broderick. I live at 10 Barrett Place and I'm a retired

[20:05] lawyer and law professor. And I'm here to discuss the threat to

[20:09] our constitutional rights posed by the widespread use of surveillance

[20:13] technology such as flock cameras and automatic license plate readers.

[20:18] 250 years ago, the founding fathers fought a war to free us from British

[20:22] rule. One of their major complaints against

[20:24] British rule was that the British authorities claimed the right to search

[20:27] the colonists' homes and vessels without obtaining a warrant from a neutral judge

[20:32] after demonstrating that the person targeted by the search had probably

[20:36] committed a crime, a standard known as probable cause.

[20:40] 12 years after independence, the states adopted the Constitution and the Bill of

[20:44] Rights, including the Fourth Amendment, which

[20:46] protects us all against unreasonable searches and in general establishes a

[20:50] constitutional right to privacy. Courts have interpreted the Fourth

[20:55] Amendment to require that before performing a search, the authorities

[20:58] obtain a judicial warrant after demonstrating probable cause.

[21:03] Courts Courts have also interpreted the Fourth Amendment in a way that

[21:06] accommodates the challenges raised by modern technology.

[21:10] For example, before the police may place a GPS tracking device on a person's car,

[21:15] they need to obtain a judicial warrant after demonstrating probable cause.

[21:19] However, at present, there's a gaping hole in the protection afforded by the

[21:23] Fourth Amendment. That is, police and other law

[21:26] enforcement authorities may request from private businesses, which maintain flock

[21:30] cameras or ALPRs, copies of footage and data targeting specific individuals

[21:37] without the need to obtain a judicial warrant.

[21:40] So, the police can target any individual for any reason whatsoever and track

[21:44] their movements in the same manner as placing a GPS device in their car, but

[21:49] without having to go before a judge to justify their actions.

[21:53] We are truly living in 1984. >> [snorts]

[21:58] » It's hoped that the courts or the state legislatures will close this gap and

[22:02] will require police departments to obtain judicial warrants

[22:06] before they access the data. However, if and when this will occur is uncertain.

[22:10] But in the meantime, you, as the governing body of our town, can take a

[22:14] simple step that will protect the civil liberties of our residents by requiring

[22:18] that the Rockaway Township Police Department obtain a judicial warrant

[22:22] prior to accessing footage or data from any private businesses which utilize

[22:27] these devices. This is a basic safeguard which provide

[22:30] a measure of protection of our basic constitutional rights to be safe from

[22:34] unreasonable searches and the rights to privacy.

[22:38] Uh I would personally be very happy to assist you and our town's legal counsel

[22:42] in drafting such an ordinance if there is interest in doing so. Thank you.

[22:46] » Thank you. >> Can I respond to

[22:48] » No, you may not.

[22:51] Um Is there anybody from the public that

[22:54] didn't not sign the sheet as Coleman?

[22:59] You don't have to run. >> Take your time.

[23:01] » Well, I know it's like everyone wants get out of here. Emily Coleman, 18 Lake

[23:04] Shore Drive. Um, I just wanted to invite the council over to our library. If you

[23:10] haven't seen the mural that was painted in the stairway and the beautiful mural

[23:15] that is behind the resource desk. And um, a very dear friend of mine who's a

[23:20] fabulous artist did it. His name is Carmelo and I hope that you'll go check

[23:25] it out and support the library. And if anybody has any other um, areas that

[23:30] could use some fun paintings, um, just let me know cuz it's really fabulous.

[23:36] Has anybody seen it? Has anybody been over there?

[23:39] » I have. I I go in there every week. >> Did you see the mural? Yeah, so check it

[23:42] out. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[23:46] Anybody else in the public wish to speak?

[23:50] Okay. Uh, ordinances for adoption.

[23:56] 026-25 Ordinance providing for municipal

[23:59] building ADA improvements and restoration in and by the Township of

[24:02] Rockaway in the County of Morris, New Jersey and appropriating $86,132.81

[24:08] therefore constituting proceeds of a Community Development Block Grant from

[24:12] Morris County. Motion. >> Second.

[24:15] » Anybody from the council wish to speak on this ordinance?

[24:18] » Uh, um, with the public first or the council?

[24:22] » Is there anybody from the council that wishes to speak on this ordinance?

[24:25] Um, No, I just think that maybe we can

[24:28] provide a little bit information about the ordinance.

[24:30] » Mr. Kelly, the public is more than able to ask for any clarification.

[24:34] » You're not allowed to give a >> Mr. Kelly,

[24:36] » a little just >> Mr. Kelly, clarification.

[24:38] Mr. Kelly, you're out of order. You are not running this meeting, Mr. Kelly.

[24:42] » Okay. >> You are not running this meeting.

[24:43] » the floor, sir. >> You do not.

[24:46] Anybody from the public wish to speak on this ordinance alone?

[24:51] Okay, clerk, please take the roll. >> Council member Salberg.

[24:54] » Yes. >> Council member Wojtowicz.

[24:56] » Yes. >> Council member Freeland?

[24:59] » Yes. >> Council member Royack?

[25:01] » Yes. >> Council member Quinn?

[25:03] » Yes. >> Council member Kelly?

[25:05] » Yes. >> Council Vice President Sackett?

[25:08] » Yes. >> Council President Morrison?

[25:10] » Yes. Eight yeses, motion passes. 026-26

[25:15] an ordinance amending chapter chapter 54 entitled land use and development of the

[25:19] code of the Township of Rockaway adopting the new zoning map and

[25:22] relocating specific ordinance sections. >> Can I have a motion?

[25:25] » Motion. >> Motion. Second.

[25:27] » You guys got it. Anybody from the council wish to speak

[25:30] on this ordinance? >> Uh Council President, again, I just

[25:33] asked if you can add some clarity to the members of the public who are unaware

[25:36] what this ordinance is. >> Okay. Anybody else from the council has

[25:39] any comments? It's not a no, Mr. Kelly. It's a

[25:43] affirmation that the public is grown up and should they wish for further

[25:48] information, they have the opportunity to do so.

[25:51] Anybody from the public have any comments about this ordinance

[25:54] along? Clerk, please take the roll.

[25:58] » Council member Sackett? >> Yes.

[26:00] » Council member Wojtowicz? >> Yes.

[26:02] » Council member Freeland? >> Yes.

[26:04] » Council member Royack? >> Yes.

[26:06] » Council member Quinn? >> Yes.

[26:08] » Council member Kelly? >> Yes.

[26:10] » Council Vice President Sackett? >> Yes.

[26:13] » Council President Morrison? >> Yes. Eight yeses, motion carries.

[26:17] Consent agenda. Council President, can we remove R-26-127 just for separate

[26:22] vote and discussion? We just got new information today on the DAS.

[26:25] » Uh just go ahead and make the motion. >> Well, we don't require a motion on that

[26:29] and I know you're going to vote no on it, so that's why

[26:31] » Would you like to make a motion to remove it? Please do so.

[26:33] » I'm asking you to >> Mr. and I Mr.

[26:34] » Mr. Is it required to make a motion to

[26:36] remove it from the agenda?

[26:41] » Yeah. >> You you serve the whole entire council.

[26:43] » what is the hold up? If you look at precedents, every meeting we've had, if

[26:46] you want to remove something, make a motion to remove it.

[26:49] » Just because you've been doing it wrong all along doesn't mean we have to

[26:51] continue that. >> I'm going to give you 5 seconds to make

[26:54] your motion. >> I'm going to make a motion.

[26:54] » I'm going to let you make the motion or I'm going to move on.

[26:56] » I make the unnecessary motion to remove R-26-127 for further discussion in a

[27:00] separate vote because I'm voting no against it.

[27:03] » I will second it. Okay. Clerk, please take the roll. Just follow procedure,

[27:07] man. >> It's not a procedure that's required.

[27:09] » Again, you're not the smart guy in the room.

[27:11] » Neither are you. >> Council member Salberg.

[27:13] » Yes. >> Council member Voytovich.

[27:16] » Yes. >> Council member Freelander.

[27:18] » Yes. >> Council member Royer.

[27:20] » Yes. >> Council member Quinn.

[27:23] » Yes. >> Council member Kelly.

[27:25] » Yes. >> Council Vice President Sackett.

[27:28] » No. >> Council President Morrison.

[27:30] » Yes. Seven yeses, one no, motion carries.

[27:33] » So let's Did we get Did we get this email yesterday?

[27:36] » We did. >> Okay. Cuz you said today.

[27:38] » No, I know. I said on the dais today. >> I know. We got it. We did.

[27:40] » Well, it's on the dais today. It doesn't mean you didn't get it yesterday.

[27:43] » Email. >> Okay.

[27:46] But John, I said I didn't get it on the dais today.

[27:48] » You're sorry. >> So let's move forward with R-26-128,

[27:52] R-26-129, and R-26-130. Can I have a motion?

[27:56] » So moved. >> Second.

[27:57] » Clerk, please take the roll.

[28:00] » Council member Salberg. >> Yes.

[28:02] » Council member Voytovich. >> Yes.

[28:04] » Council member Freelander. >> Yes.

[28:06] » Council member Royer. >> Yes.

[28:08] » Council member uh Council member Quinn.

[28:11] » Yes. >> Council member Kelly.

[28:13] » Yes. >> Council Vice President Sackett.

[28:15] » Yes. >> Council President Morrison.

[28:17] » Yes. Eight yeses, motion carries. >> Okay.

[28:21] Uh Mr. Kelly, go ahead. 3 minutes. >> Um so we have this ordinance here

[28:25] regarding the cannabis that's going on. And it's somewhat confusing because it

[28:29] has reference to 16 Green Pond Road. However, I believe the subject matter is

[28:33] 701 Ford Road. Is that correct?

[28:37] Anybody? So uh Mrs. Ferrante

[28:44] So well, Mr. Ferrante, I have a couple of questions that you can answer them

[28:47] all in one shot if that's okay.

[28:54] Just ask your questions. What are we doing here?

[28:57] » Just ask your question. >> All right, I want my time that's

[28:59] reclaimed up for all that, all right? So,

[29:02] Mrs. Fronte, if you recall, we had Steven's Trucking Repair that was

[29:07] an illegal operation that was over at 701 Green Pond Road. That was also built

[29:12] with a structure inside the well fields that are there.

[29:14] Currently on this property I'm sorry, 701 Ford Road.

[29:19] We also have numerous um tree companies that are in the back of

[29:25] those this building. We have a solid waste debris collection agency

[29:30] that's there. We have

[29:33] motor and freight companies that are independent from the building that are

[29:36] there. These are all uses that I don't see any

[29:39] COs or approvals for, but yet we're doing an approval for another business

[29:45] without making sure that the other areas of this structure and use is compliant.

[29:51] Um one other concern I have is that it does say that provided a complete lease

[29:55] agreement. However, I don't see exhibit A that was included as it's mentioned in

[29:58] this lease agreement um for this establishment.

[30:03] So, before we go any further, shouldn't we make sure that this use and

[30:07] location is compliant before we add an additional use and approve it to this

[30:12] council tonight? Mr. Perrone?

[30:16] » I I don't make I don't make policy decisions for

[30:20] I do know what happened here relative to the state that's on this notice.

[30:27] » Yeah.

[30:32] » David Novack. And this letter is is is not significant

[30:37] at this point because it's a letter that goes to the state, not to the council.

[30:42] All right, this is just a this is just a letter that tells the state that the

[30:45] that the application is compliant with our zoning ordinances, basically.

[30:51] » So, it's a typo that doesn't substantially change the

[30:54] » that where I think they took it this >> The point is is the typo doesn't change

[30:59] the substance of the ordinance or anything else.

[31:01] » is >> is the regarding.

[31:04] » The typo is Pine Kush Rockaway Township LLC.

[31:09] » It's interesting >> Pond Road. What happened What happened

[31:12] was when I when I saw the typo today, I

[31:16] called >> You didn't get it yesterday? Hang on a

[31:18] second. Mr. Mr. Mr. Sackett, didn't he get it yesterday?

[31:22] Hang on a second. Everybody stop. Mr. Perone

[31:26] Mr. Perone Interesting. None of these guys either.

[31:29] Stop. Mr. Kelly, stop. We're We're done. You're looking for something that's not

[31:33] there. >> I am. You're not answering because it

[31:36] doesn't comply with what we're voting on tonight on

[31:38] R 26-127. >> No, I I do not have a complete lease to

[31:41] review. >> You don't know the total amount of money

[31:43] for the lease agreement that's there. >> I understand what you're saying that we

[31:47] have

[31:51] Mr. Kelly, you're out of order. I understand your concern that the

[31:55] entire administration and legal department that we employ, you know

[31:59] better than them. Okay, I understand that you feel that. However,

[32:02] » How does that imply that, Mr. Perone? I'm questioning about illegal uses that

[32:05] are on that property. >> on. Is there anybody else in the council

[32:07] there to discuss this? Anybody else?

[32:10] » And you're all going to vote in favor of it without knowing any information.

[32:12] » Mr. Kelly, you don't know more than everybody. You have a whole

[32:14] administration here >> I'm not asking questions. I get answers,

[32:17] Mr. Morrison. And you're not allowing me to ask about a typo. No, I'm not talking

[32:21] about a typo. I'm talking about the illegal uses on this property.

[32:23] » You know what? You got this the same time everybody else did.

[32:27] So, it's not >> What's that unbelievable, Mr.

[32:29] » Mr. Kelly, Mr. Kelly Stop.

[32:32] » I said illegal usage. >> Mr. Shalberg

[32:35] » Okay. Mr. Kelly, Stop. You don't interrupt

[32:38] him. Mr. >> Didn't I just interrupt him?

[32:42] » Good God, man. Anybody else from the council wish to speak?

[32:45] » Yeah, just one thing. This resolution's only we're voting on it to let the state

[32:50] know that it's compliant with the current ordinance, right? If this

[32:53] business wants to open up, its business still going to have to go through

[32:58] all the permitting and everything else, correct?

[33:00] » Well, but yeah, they have to get >> That's not 100%.

[33:02] » Mr. Kelly. >> It's not accurate.

[33:03] » And and just and they have to get licensing [clears throat]

[33:06] » Right. >> that specific location.

[33:09] » Right. >> Okay.

[33:09] » But Mr. Perone, Mr. Kelly, it's not your time. It's a follow-up question. Be

[33:13] quiet. >> Don't give me that look like that.

[33:16] » That's all you want to say? >> Jesus Christ.

[33:18] » Be quiet. >> There's a separate letter that is sent

[33:22] by our planner to the state to advise the state that there that that

[33:27] particular zone would allows for that use. That's basically what this letter

[33:32] says. I think Dave took the

[33:35] the letter basically it's a form letter with a different ray on it and he he did

[33:40] the letter quickly because he got back in town recently. And then today he

[33:45] today he did correct it. And I and I I'm looking for it and I

[33:48] found it on my email and I'll send it to everybody

[33:52] so that you have it, but it's not relevant to your vote

[33:54] » I know. >> because this is a separate

[33:56] » everybody knows that. We're not voting on the letter.

[33:58] » Mr. Kelly, you're out of order. It's not your time.

[34:04] Clerk, please take the roll.

[34:13] » Council member Shalberg. >> Yes.

[34:17] » Council member Voytovich. >> Yes.

[34:20] » Council member Freelander. >> Yes.

[34:22] » Council member Ryak. >> Yes.

[34:25] » Council member Quinn. >> Yes.

[34:28] » Council member Kelly. >> Uh no.

[34:32] » Council Vice President Sackett. >> Yes.

[34:36] » Council President Marson. >> Yes, seven yes, zero no, motion carries.

[34:40] Um and again, before we move on to the public

[34:45] » Here we go. >> It's

[34:46] I wish and he's not going to be able to go 3 minutes. I'll even give myself 3

[34:50] minutes. He will not be able to go 3 minutes, I

[34:53] promise you, without breaking in, okay? And this is what I want to project out

[34:57] there. This is not how

[35:00] the council and township should be run. All right, it's a collaboration.

[35:05] Right? Eight of the nine council members

[35:09] collaborate all the time. Right? We talk, we have adult

[35:13] discussions, right? We don't break into each other's conversation. We also

[35:17] understand that we aren't the experts. Right?

[35:21] Mr. Kelly thinks he's the expert, right? Because he happens to do a couple septic

[35:25] systems, doesn't make him an expert on septic systems, right? Even things like

[35:29] he makes the comment that renters don't pay taxes. It's completely false.

[35:35] Right? So, rent is based on the amount of property taxes, guys. Please.

[35:41] Your rent is based on what the property taxes are. When I file my taxes, I get

[35:45] to put in whatever percentage of my rent is income tax uh property tax.

[35:49] All right? Talking about, you know, uh a marijuana

[35:53] growing operation. We have a excellent administration

[35:58] that crosses their t's and dots their i's.

[36:01] Right? We have excellent legal representation who goes over all of this

[36:06] before the council gets it. Right?

[36:09] But, Mr. Kelly thinks he's an expert. Right? He's not an expert. None of us

[36:15] are experts. Right? We were

[36:18] part-time council people. All right? It's a collaboration, people.

[36:23] It's embarrassing. Right? To everybody else who's really

[36:27] trying to do what they're supposed to do. I sincerely

[36:30] apologize. Coming to a council meeting should not

[36:33] be confrontational. Yet, it is.

[36:36] Council members should not be threatened. Yet, we are.

[36:40] Okay? We're just trying to do the best we can for the town. Thank you.

[36:48] Okay.

[36:51] Uh Shade Tree Commission. Um this is a mayoral appointment. Does not require a

[36:56] vote.

[37:03] All right. Um Aaron DeCourt

[37:07] Beverly Ferrand John Mauer

[37:10] Linda Zekert Ryan Faros

[37:14] Emily Coleman Susan Royak

[37:18] Uh Again, mayoral appointment doesn't

[37:21] require a >> Yeah. So, everybody good stand. I We had

[37:24] a great meeting Lisa and I with the library board. Um and one of the things

[37:29] they talked about and asked about was re- reigniting the Shade Tree

[37:33] Commission. Right? They They identified Yeah. These These people

[37:39] actually identified want to be part of it. So, we really appreciate that. And

[37:42] Councilman Royak wants to be part of it. So, I'm looking forward to your

[37:46] contributions. So, thank you. Thank you all for volunteering. THANK YOU.

[37:51] » [applause]

[37:58] » OKAY. UH DIOGO Cassano full membership Fire

[38:02] Company number five Jordan Nigro full membership Fire Company number four

[38:08] I'd like to make the motion. Can I have a second?

[38:12] » That's like eight. >> The whole crew.

[38:14] » Clerk, please take the roll. >> [laughter]

[38:17] » Councilman [clears throat] Salberg >> Yes.

[38:19] » Councilman Voytovich >> Yes.

[38:21] » Councilman Freelander >> Yes.

[38:23] » Councilman [clears throat] Royak >> Council member Quinn?

[38:26] » Yes. >> Council member Kelly?

[38:28] » Yes. >> Council Vice President Sackett?

[38:32] » Yes. >> Council President Larson?

[38:34] » Yes. Eight yeses, motion carries. Congratulations.

[38:37] » Council President, we passed new business.

[38:41] » It's all new business. >> Oh, we didn't get We're still on.

[38:44] » Yeah, we're still on. >> Yep, that's all part of new business.

[38:47] » We're still on. >> All right. I'm sorry if you feel

[38:50] slighted. We haven't gotten to that yet. Um

[38:54] Is there any new business from the council? I do.

[38:56] Three minutes. >> could just pass that along to everybody

[38:58] there. >> Council President, I just want to make

[39:01] awareness to the members of the public. Um in November of 2023 into December

[39:08] one of my properties that I had uh as I was tearing down and doing a demo, I

[39:13] actually found uh a late 1700, early 1800 log cabin inside

[39:19] the structure that I have there. Um we've had numerous amount of

[39:24] uh historians, some local historians, uh out of state, Pennsylvania, um but

[39:30] from Virginia down DC area. I've had people from New York, uh Columbia

[39:34] University. Everybody that was really involved where

[39:37] this was actually potentially constructed pre

[39:41] the incorporation of Rockaway Township in 1844.

[39:44] Um it looks like it appears like there was a residency, there was a second

[39:47] story on the inside. And the dolls that you see were actually

[39:51] dolls that were embedded in the wall that was a false wall built in front of

[39:56] that window. That window was not exposed inside the house. Again, this was really

[39:59] just the kitchen area of of the the larger ranch that was there.

[40:03] So, um unfortunately, I had uh succumbed to a pretty heavy injury at the time on

[40:08] site. Um

[40:10] some emergency surgery and and fixed a lot of things that were broken on me.

[40:14] And a couple of delays, but it's getting to the point where it's time to come

[40:19] down. Um

[40:21] so I wanted to give the public there's some documentation in the far corner

[40:26] down there of these pictures for everybody to see. I don't know if Bob,

[40:29] can you zoom in on that by chance? Just so that the public can see it on

[40:33] the video.

[40:36] » It Send them the attachment. I'm sure we could also put it in the uh

[40:40] » Uh well, that here's the problem now and this is what's disappointing and I'm

[40:43] going to mention it. I did reach out to the to the administration with the mayor

[40:47] and Joe, unfortunately, you were not willing to put it on our website or our

[40:50] social media Facebook. I have the emails following that. And even sadder than

[40:54] that, Mr. Freelander, we had a conversations when you were ill when I

[40:58] talked to you in the hospital on this issue where uh two of the

[41:03] historic uh volunteers refused to even put in the minutes of the meeting when

[41:08] it was discussed and do anything about it. So I've never had any of the

[41:11] township approach me, though I've reached out to them to document the

[41:15] history, some explore or even potentially save it

[41:19] with moving it over the Ford Fairlane property or whatever the case may be. So

[41:22] that was sad that I believe politics politics got a little bit in the way on

[41:26] this one. Um and I did try to keep and preserve it

[41:29] and dismantled it by hand once I found the

[41:32] area here for people to enjoy it. So um because of the lack of interest of this

[41:37] administration, um however, other people did enjoy it.

[41:40] I'm going to give it another 2 weeks and hopefully

[41:43] uh more people will come before I take it down by the holidays that are coming.

[41:47] So again, um anybody that wishes to come and inspect it and see it, please reach

[41:52] out to me. 973-886-8417 is my cell. You can Google my name.

[41:57] There is a story of this. It also made it six pages in Weird New Jersey. Um so

[42:02] it was an interesting thing um where other people thought it was

[42:06] interesting outside of our administration. Anybody else on the

[42:09] council I new business?

[42:13] Okay, uh council reports. I'm sorry, did you have something, Jack?

[42:16] » Yes, I did. >> For new business?

[42:19] » For new business, on the clarifying statement that was made about the

[42:24] cannabis facility

[42:26] » You're out of order. >> and lease agreement.

[42:29] » We're we're past that at this point. We're already past

[42:31] » in our package. Just so everybody >> today is not in the package.

[42:34] » Stop. You do not have to >> A one is, but not a two.

[42:37] » Kelly, you're out of order. >> Can't miss it.

[42:39] » [clears throat] >> Yeah.

[42:41] » So, I understand it's in the package. It's not on the agenda, Mr. Kelly. Just

[42:44] correct. You're out of order. He's got it right there. It was in the

[42:48] packet. You could have seen it if you wanted to.

[42:50] » Mayor. >> Mr. Kelly.

[42:52] » Read the amount for me. >> You're out of order.

[42:53] » It's right here. >> Mr. Quinn.

[42:55] Nothing. If you want to see it, you could see the

[42:58] same papers that everybody else has. >> I have it. Just Show me where the rent

[43:00] is. What page is it? >> you don't. Okay, moving on to reports.

[43:04] Uh

[43:07] Why not? Mr. Kelly, you have 3 minutes. >> Uh hold on.

[43:10] » One second. >> Yes.

[43:12] » Um um two things. One, uh we had a a phenomenal employee that

[43:17] just retired on August 1st, Kevin Miller. Uh Kevin Miller was a

[43:21] dial-a-ride operator. And Kevin Miller

[43:24] was by far one of the most dedicated employees serving his passengers, uh the

[43:29] senior citizens of Rockaway Township. Not only did he do it while he was on

[43:32] the clock, he did it even outside of that.

[43:34] And uh I just [clears throat] wish him the best on his retirement. He's got a

[43:37] wonderful son, also named Kevin Miller, who's a police officer in town, who's a

[43:41] mirror image of his dad, just a wonderful person.

[43:44] Um I had a concern. We had a discussion last time about uh new business and

[43:48] third party. And I want to read a section here

[43:52] uh from an email on the 19th of June. And it's to sworn personnel. To all

[43:56] personnel, please be advised that the safety and security of our Rockaway

[43:59] Township community is a prior priority for us as Rockaway Township

[44:03] police officers. Therefore, at the unwillingness to fulfill overtime

[44:06] shifts, all third party will be suspended indefinitely.

[44:10] I have a police chief who wrote this to the personnel that's there threatening

[44:13] retaliation financially against these sworn police officers below chief and

[44:18] down. This is a problem.

[44:20] We already lost this township through you guys uh one particular time with a

[44:25] retaliation against Greg Alberts, sergeant, which ended up costing us

[44:28] what, Mr. Pron, 400 grand? For attorney fees and everything else

[44:31] that was there? So, I make a motion

[44:35] that we create an investigatory committee, an HOC committee to

[44:38] investigate this statement that's made of a retaliation against police officers

[44:42] by our chief of police to create a a committee.

[44:46] I would want you on the committee. I would like Mr. Witovich on the committee

[44:49] and myself. I'll even allow you to be chair.

[44:51] Can I get a second for that motion? >> It's not in our jurisdiction to do that.

[44:54] We have a human resources department. >> I am asking I have a motion on the

[44:58] floor. >> We can do it.

[44:59] » You're doing you're making a motion to investigate Mr. Sackett.

[45:02] » Is there a second for Mr. Kelly? >> I got something.

[45:06] » What? You're interrupting me. I have the floor.

[45:07] » something? >> Go ahead. You I have the floor.

[45:09] » a personnel matter. >> That's what I'm saying.

[45:11] » someone accusing someone in public without a rights notice.

[45:16] » Yeah. >> A personnel violation.

[45:17] » Yeah, but he doesn't care. >> Well,

[45:19] » I'm reading a public record. >> my I'm submitting to you

[45:23] this this conversation should end right now.

[45:26] » I agree. >> My second thing that I want to let

[45:29] everybody know uh tax quarter had just come up for the third quarter with our

[45:33] new tax amount. And everybody is going to the tax

[45:37] collector. They are nice people. They are not the ones that increased your

[45:41] taxes. It was the fiscally incompetent eight people to the left of me that

[45:45] increased your taxes. They didn't work with the school boards. They had

[45:48] opportunities to make additional cuts to minimize any expenses that were

[45:51] increased on your end. So, don't blame anybody else.

[45:55] Blame these people next to me to the left. I voted no on all that stuff. They

[45:59] don't care cuz they get paid. Each one of these people get paid 10 grand. I

[46:02] think the council president gets a little bit more. They don't care about

[46:04] any increases. And the council president isn't paying taxes even to complain

[46:07] about. So, remember that everybody. It's not a lie. It's those people eight votes

[46:12] yes to increase your amount of money along with the school.

[46:15] I'm done. >> All right. Again,

[46:18] folks, I'm sorry that this is turning into a electioneering.

[46:22] » It's not. >> But, it's patently false. It's extremely

[46:27] false. Um

[46:29] everybody on the council, again, worked very well together

[46:34] uh with the uh with the budget. Um I went through the the entire minutes of

[46:41] the budget. And just just to show that it's not one self-proclaimed man

[46:47] standing against all. Uh there were 46 motions made by Mr.

[46:52] Kelly that day. Uh

[46:54] » All over the taxes, right? Plus three maybe to increase?

[46:56] » 46 motions were made. 23 of them passed

[47:01] with the agreement of the rest of the council.

[47:04] With the rest of the eight of us incompetent council, as he says. So, 23

[47:10] of them passed. Uh 20 failed.

[47:13] And three were withdrawn.

[47:17] Okay? >> What were the ones that passed? Council

[47:19] President. >> Uh

[47:20] » And how much were they for the request for reduction?

[47:23] » Well, again, it's irrelevant. >> how much it was. It's not irrelevant.

[47:26] » Because you can again >> voted against.

[47:28] » Mr. Kelly.

[47:31] It's irrelevant. Mr. Kelly. >> overtime for police.

[47:34] » Mr. Kelly. >> 110%.

[47:36] » Mr. Kelly, you're out of order. >> Be quiet. Be truthful.

[47:41] » Okay. So, if we're going to bring up the reduction that

[47:44] » Guys, please.

[47:46] » the motion that Mr. Kelly made to reduce police overtime.

[47:50] Okay? It's a budget that is afforded to the police department when necessary to

[47:57] extend overtime to the officers when situation warrants, right? Now,

[48:03] the other thinking is is well, let's say we didn't have the overtime and we just

[48:07] hired another officer. Well, we don't always need another

[48:10] officer. Never mind that another officer with benefits and pension and all that

[48:14] kind of stuff is more expensive than having a reserve for overtime.

[48:19] When we approve overtime, it doesn't mean that we're going to use it,

[48:23] right? It's there should our extremely competent police force,

[48:30] the chief and captains down, should our very competent police

[48:34] department feel the need to have overtime, more police on duty for

[48:38] whatever reason it may be, that's what it's there for.

[48:42] Okay? It doesn't get spent immediately. There's a lot of things that we approve

[48:47] in the budget, okay, that aren't used. That money comes back into the general

[48:52] fund. All right? So, it's a narrative, right? He's trying to start to run for

[48:56] election next year. It's a narrative that he's putting out that the rest of

[49:00] the council is wasteful. We are not. We are cautious,

[49:04] right? When years ago,

[49:08] all right? Again, years ago, you know, when there was a different council,

[49:12] you know, they took millions of dollars out of the budget. We lowered Mr. Kelly,

[49:16] you're out of order. But, you lowered it at the expense and

[49:20] the danger of the town. >> You have no proof

[49:22] » Mr. Kelly, >> otherwise. You're lying.

[49:25] » Kelly, >> You are factually lying to the council.

[49:27] » you're out of order. If you can't sit there and be quiet,

[49:30] » be honest, >> Mr. Kelly, Mr. Morrison, be quiet.

[49:34] » Be honest. >> Folks, it's there for anybody to read. I

[49:37] I apologize that this keeps happening, all right? I really do. It it's shameful

[49:44] that this council, some of which have been on

[49:47] here, how many years you guys been on? >> A lot.

[49:50] » That's a shame. >> A lot. Yeah, that's scary. Mr. Kelly.

[49:54] Yeah. All right, moving on.

[49:58] Mr. Rutovich, can you >> [snorts]

[50:01] » take us back in the >> last last meeting I proposed or

[50:05] asked the administration to maybe reduce the uh

[50:09] the uh front setback and I just want to update the public that they've been

[50:13] doing their diligence. It just looks like we're moving forward and hopefully

[50:15] within the next meeting or maybe two we'll we'll have something to be to vote

[50:20] on. So, I appreciate that. Uh we had another National Night Out. Uh the

[50:24] captain might correct me. I think it was the third one, which was start in

[50:28] Rockaway Township, right? Uh you know, every year we're improving. I think it's

[50:32] good. Some of the other municipalities have been

[50:35] doing them for decades. So, a lot of people go to the other municipalities,

[50:39] but I think uh the Rockaway Township Police Department's doing a good job and

[50:42] it's getting better every year. Uh I would also like to address the you

[50:46] know the concern there's a lot of I think misinformation on social media

[50:50] when it comes to the ALPRs and the uh flock cameras.

[50:54] Uh I don't know if uh people are aware that you know, these these uh

[50:59] automated automated automated license plate readers that officers use are

[51:04] regulated by the New Jersey attorney general guidelines. And when you talk

[51:08] about the retention of the information, when the officers could access the

[51:11] information, that's all uh guided by the guideline and there's

[51:15] an audit system that the department has to comply with. You know, when

[51:20] when someone does access it illegally, officers have been charged criminally,

[51:24] fired. So, I think the the benefit of of that technology outweighs the the

[51:29] concern. I mean, there's you know,

[51:32] abducted killed kids have been have been found because of this

[51:36] technology. We have solved uh serious crimes, you know, stopped terrorist

[51:40] attacks. So, so this technology uh is really good. And especially in New

[51:45] Jersey, you know, I know somebody mentioned the fourth amendment, things

[51:48] like that, but in New Jersey, under the New Jersey constitution, the officers

[51:53] have to comply, they have to take a lot more steps to access some of that

[51:56] information. So, it's not just available out there just for anybody. I don't see

[52:00] officers abusing it. It's been used for over 15 years.

[52:05] And and, you know, and again, it's it's extremely beneficial to uh

[52:09] to our police department and also to the public, to the community. So, that's all

[52:13] I have. Thank you.

[52:18] » [snorts] >> Thank you.

[52:21] Um yes, I also attended the National Night Out, which was very nice um to

[52:26] support the Rockville Township Police. Um I went to the Board of Adjustment

[52:30] meeting on the 12th. Uh sorry, I was on Board of Adjustment. Sorry, Board of

[52:34] Education meeting on the 12th. Um they talked about the no cell phone policy

[52:39] for the schools in the 2026-2027 year. That's something new. And the

[52:45] superintendent also um is encouraging people to go on his coffee house chats

[52:50] to ask questions about um anything they like anything they want to

[52:54] about the Board of Ed. Um

[52:58] and I also wanted to thank Lisa Palmieri um for her help when I send my emails

[53:04] with town issues that I'm having with res- I really appreciate your help.

[53:08] Thank you very much. Um [clears throat]

[53:10] I think that's it. Thank you.

[53:14] » Councilman McOwen.

[53:17] » Thank you. Um first, uh

[53:21] I'd like to ask administration um

[53:24] that big gas tank that we have down at the senior building, I had sent an email

[53:28] for an update on what when the screening would be going in and uh cuz I'm getting

[53:35] complaints from residents. I'm also wanting to know when that tank is going

[53:40] to be operational. I have not heard back yet.

[53:45] And the senior building, the staircase has one handrail going

[53:51] down on the right side. If you're coming up, there is no handrail on those

[53:57] staircase from the lower level. Should have a handrail seeing I can only

[54:03] utilize one arm if I use those stairs.

[54:07] Um the other thing is there is a steep hill.

[54:11] There's no fence and or rail

[54:16] to prevent kids or seniors from falling down that hill.

[54:21] Um something that we need to really look at.

[54:26] Football and cheerleading rally is September 4th.

[54:30] Hopefully I'll see everybody there. And um seeing this our last meeting for

[54:35] this this month, um September will be in full pledge for sports. Thank you.

[54:45] » Councilman Frelander. >> Yes, thank you.

[54:48] Uh couple of quick notes. Uh the library met uh we met at Hibernia.

[54:55] If you're going to be interested in seeing a painted

[55:00] building, that's going to be going soon and the

[55:04] bids are out, right? Um cuz we have a grant for that. Got

[55:09] Thank the administration and the library board for for pushing

[55:13] that. Uh historical society, we've been having

[55:16] open house on Sundays uh for August. We did uh Saturdays in

[55:22] July and that's going well. We only got a couple left. And the building is that

[55:27] is going to be shut down again because we did get a lot of great money and then

[55:32] they got to go to the next phase and do the floors and everything else. So

[55:36] that's shut down because obviously you can you can't have people in there when

[55:40] they're they're working on the floors. Uh substance abuse uh

[55:44] uh we had a they had a fundraiser at the Orange Ferry uh

[55:49] and uh by the mall. Uh went well.

[55:52] Uh they're talking about uh the bingo fundraiser again.

[55:56] Uh which is in the planning stages. And uh

[56:01] let's see what else uh with them but and that's that that's it as far as that

[56:06] goes. Um

[56:08] everything else is uh pretty quiet. That's it. Thank you.

[56:13] » Councilman Salberg. >> Uh yes, no report on uh the county

[56:16] commissioners uh but the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, the

[56:20] MCMUA, uh recently um announced the recipients of their uh 2026 waste

[56:26] reduction and recycling grant recipients. Happy to say Rockaway

[56:29] Township uh was one of the recipients. We're going to be receiving funds uh for

[56:34] improvement to our curbside recycling trucks. So, that was just recently

[56:37] announced, which is nice. Uh open space trust fund uh applications

[56:41] did finally come in, so we're going to be meeting mid-September to start

[56:44] evaluating uh recipients uh of the funds for this year.

[56:49] » Um next year. >> Uh for next year, yes. Well, for for

[56:51] 2026. Uh so for um

[56:54] final thing uh for anyone that might be interested um in October, there's going

[56:58] to be a benefit uh 5K down at 66 Ford Road, the Big Hearted 5K.

[57:04] Um more information, it is posted. If anyone wants to um find out about it, uh

[57:08] you could see it uh at www.4hcm.org. And again, it's to uh benefit the HCMA.

[57:15] Um it's nice and flat, it's nice and easy, so hope you can attend. Thank you.

[57:20] » Thank you. Council Vice President.

[57:22] » Uh Councilman Salberg, will you be participating in that, Breeze?

[57:26] » Okay. Okay. >> I won't say how long it's going to take

[57:28] me, but I will. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. Uh thank you,

[57:30] Council President. Um I guess I'll go back to July. Couple of

[57:35] things. We had the Whiteman Lake Festival weekend and the parade, which

[57:38] was a a great, well-attended weekend. I also attended, um,

[57:43] the Marcella Community Club versus Sponsors Picnic and Pig Roast. Very well

[57:47] attended, as well. Rained a little bit that day.

[57:49] And, uh, Mr. Kelly was there. It was a nice, uh, good spread over there. They

[57:53] did a great job. >> He took some stuff in a plastic bag

[57:56] back, too. >> Hey,

[57:57] » Mom has to eat. >> Um, I attended the National Night Out in

[58:02] Rockaway. It was, I think, second or third one, like Councilman said, and

[58:05] it's growing every year. So, it was great. After that, I stopped by Our

[58:09] Neighbors in Rockaway Borough. It's it's a say hi to the mayor and check them

[58:13] out. And, um, they've been doing it for a long time. So, um, it's nice to always

[58:18] see our other communities and see what's going on. Take some you know, tips back

[58:22] for us and everything. And, um,

[58:26] you know, since I was one of the eight that, uh, is raising our taxes, I just

[58:31] want to talk briefly about the budget. Because I made quite a bit of motions

[58:36] that day to cut our taxes. I also I also cut

[58:41] our council raises. I cut those all out. >> Hey, I cut them $300 a person.

[58:46] » up my salary. Mr. Kelly, it's not >> You actually She did give up her salary.

[58:50] » Mr. Kelly, it's not your time. >> Mr. Kelly, that is not true.

[58:53] » I don't get to talk. >> Mr. Kelly, can you just be quiet?

[58:55] » You gave your salary to a different department. Yeah, we're still paying it.

[58:58] The taxpayers are still paying it. >> The salary's going to

[59:00] » Mr. Kelly, but they're still paying it. >> I mean,

[59:04] » zero salary. I'm saying you can take zero dollars.

[59:06] » I know, we're the >> That would save the taxpayers.

[59:08] » Don't let him tell you that. >> are still paying. So, um, we did save

[59:13] quite a bit of money that day. We worked, you know, all eight of the

[59:16] members did work very well that day at the budget meeting. Um, that's all I

[59:20] got. Thank you. >> Thanks.

[59:27] » Uh, I'm going to be quick. Uh it's the kids are going back to school

[59:31] uh last week of August, which is earlier than I ever remember it

[59:35] um being really, really early.

[59:38] Um some of us have kids that are heading

[59:41] off to college for the first time. Um that happened really fast. Uh

[59:48] so uh I got two heading off to college um and I know that

[59:53] Council Vice President's daughter got picked up by a D1 soccer team. Uh

[59:56] congrats. So uh >> [applause]

[1:00:02] » I'm going to put a bid in for uh NIL.

[1:00:06] » We're already working with some people, but thank you.

[1:00:08] » But uh it's uh it was I was talking to Mr. Sackett. It was a really cool story,

[1:00:12] you know, so she went up uh from what a D3 to a D1.

[1:00:16] » D1. She uh she came play for Rockway Township Wreck

[1:00:20] through the ranks, Rockway Township Wreck, and then we moved on after

[1:00:23] travel, played for a few club teams, and played for Rutgers-Newark last year,

[1:00:28] Division III, started half the season in goal, and now she's at Division I Seton

[1:00:33] Hall. Exactly your dad, so >> She does.

[1:00:36] » That's it. Well, he's a good coach. >> Hopefully we'll uh

[1:00:39] » Thank you. >> Hopefully she'll be in here to uh talk

[1:00:41] about her national championship. So uh

[1:00:45] that's it. Just be safe, guys, you know, uh people are going to be out there

[1:00:48] again, buses will be out on the road. Um it's going to it's here before you

[1:00:52] know it, so just be careful. >> [snorts]

[1:00:56] » Anybody from the administration have a report?

[1:00:58] » Yeah, I'll I'll go through. I'm going to go through some things. But I just want

[1:01:01] to first address I'm not going to get into personnel items. There's a lot of

[1:01:03] campaigning going on tonight in general. >> It's all true. It's all truth, John.

[1:01:07] » the Our police officers for third-party work

[1:01:13] get paid time and a half of the highest pay scale, not of their base pay. So a

[1:01:19] first-year officer is getting paid of what an officer at the top of their pay

[1:01:22] scale is getting. So, I'm going to ask Council member Wojtowicz because I think

[1:01:26] he's the only one that's in law enforcement. He's been in law

[1:01:29] enforcement for over 30 years. When you were younger in law enforcement, if you

[1:01:33] had an opportunity to make your base rate

[1:01:37] and a half to work overtime in the town to protect

[1:01:41] and serve the community, or you had an opportunity to get third-party work and

[1:01:45] make [clears throat] time and a half of the highest base

[1:01:48] rate, which one would you pick? >> Two of duty job, that third-party.

[1:01:51] » And and does So, if you have overtime work that's not getting filled,

[1:01:57] » [snorts] >> does that hurt public safety?

[1:01:59] » Absolutely. I mean, I think that's the administration's, you know, the

[1:02:02] leadership's position to, right? They got to respond to

[1:02:05] » Would you be upset the chief took away your

[1:02:06] » Mr. Kelly, it's not your time. >> Would you be upset of that?

[1:02:09] » Mr. Kelly, can you control yourself? >> I'm asking him a question like the mayor

[1:02:12] did. >> And it's not your time.

[1:02:14] » Yeah. >> So, you got your time.

[1:02:17] Um we got a letter uh one of the attorneys that works for our planning

[1:02:20] board uh is closing her office, so she sent a very complimentary letter um

[1:02:24] talking about our zoning officer Shelly Kahn, our clerk uh Aaron Murray, um

[1:02:29] bunch of people on the planning board, zoning board, just that very

[1:02:33] complimentary things to talk about how she worked with them over the years and

[1:02:37] how great they've been to her. So, we wish her luck. Um

[1:02:42] got a nice letter on our fire director Mr. Heitzelmann uh from a member of the

[1:02:48] uh Fox Hills community as president of the Ruesch Building at Fox Hills

[1:02:51] complex. On behalf of all our residents, I want to thank you and all the

[1:02:54] volunteers for your quick response Wednesday in the 12th. The volunteers

[1:02:57] are truly admired by all of us for the time and effort they give to Rockaway

[1:03:01] Township. Please convey my thanks to them.

[1:03:04] Um talked about Adam already covered the

[1:03:07] grant. Um I want to mention that um September is ovarian cancer awareness

[1:03:13] month. Ovarian cancer is one one the deadliest cancers impacting women, yet

[1:03:17] it remains one of the most underfunded and least understood. Over 21,000 women

[1:03:21] in the United States will be diagnosed this year and 12,450 will lose their

[1:03:26] lives, a staggering 64% mortality rate. More than 75% of women are diagnosed at

[1:03:31] advanced stages due to vague symptoms and lack of reliable early detection

[1:03:36] tests. The 5-year survival rate remains below 50% and tragically that number has

[1:03:40] not significantly improved in decades. This disease has no standard of care, is

[1:03:45] chronic and carries an 85% recurrence rate. Many women with um

[1:03:50] LGSC lose their ability to have biological children with no time or

[1:03:55] guidance to preserve fertility. Ovarian cancer steals dreams. To increase

[1:03:59] awareness in September um we're going to hopefully participate in

[1:04:03] illuminating our municipal building in teal and we'll post useful links in our

[1:04:07] social media platforms. Together as a community, we hope to shine a light on

[1:04:12] the gravely overlooked disease and give hope to women and families who need it

[1:04:15] the most. >> Thank you, mayor.

[1:04:21] » And that's all I have for tonight. As I've been doing historically,

[1:04:26] all the department heads will be posting a report on Facebook for to share with

[1:04:29] everybody for August reports. >> Thank you.

[1:04:33] Anybody else in administration have a report?

[1:04:37] Make a motion to adjourn by consensus. All in favor?

[1:04:39] » Aye. >> Meeting adjourned.

August 18, 2026 Rockaway Township Council Meeting

Agenda

Transcript