[0:03] transferred over to the other thing. Carl, do you have

[0:10] » 10:00 call to order with Township Clerk? Please read the statement.

[0:20] » Regular meeting was provided to the public

[0:24] 22nd, 2026.

[0:28] would open and say 104-7.

[0:34] » So the pledge pledge

[0:39] allegiance to the flag of the United States.

[0:52] » Roll call, please. here.

[0:57] » Here

[1:06] » mayor comments. >> He didn't leave me anything.

[1:09] » No, nothing to you. Okay. And uh public comments.

[1:17] This will be for current agenda items only. Limited three minutes per person.

[1:21] And do I have a motion to open it to the public? Motion second.

[1:26] » Second. >> Uh, all in favor?

[1:28] » I. >> Any opposed?

[1:31] Open to public. Anybody from the public?

[1:36] » Seeing none, we have a motion to close it to public.

[1:41] » Second. >> All in favor?

[1:43] » I

[1:46] review of the bills list.

[2:01] I have a question might not have the answer for me, but if you can find out.

[2:06] I saw there was another planter on this build trip.

[2:12] » Hey, >> and it's $889.

[2:17] I've seen the other one. So, it's all the same price.

[2:22] So, I was wondering if this is taken out of beautifification.

[2:27] » Do you have a number on the >> I don't I don't $800 something dollars.

[2:34] » Yeah, I would have to look into that. I don't know that offhand, but I will uh

[2:37] I'll find out. >> Thanks. Yeah, just want to know what

[2:40] » found it. So you're looking at a this looks like

[2:46] from last year number says 25-01125 town center garden planner.

[2:55] » There so the check is 66339 for $855.81.

[3:02] » How much is it for? $855 >> because I saw a whole bunch last year on

[3:08] there. And then why is this here? Because it didn't look like we got

[3:11] anything new. >> I don't think we did because this is

[3:15] saying 25 is the PO. So I don't know if it was something that they were waiting

[3:20] to come in. I'll have to look though. And I'll

[3:23] » And then just what account it's being charged to. Okay. Curious because I

[3:27] believe it should come out of beautififications and not out of the you

[3:31] know general fund. Okay.

[3:34] » But thank you for doing that. >> Yes.

[3:40] » I have two. The first is um 66371.

[3:47] » Okay. Um and it's software and support $18,000.

[3:53] Just wondering what that is. >> That's for the DPW. It's their um uh

[3:59] their their software that they have to help

[4:03] with the um the um >> storm draining.

[4:07] » Yes. Yes. Thank you. >> So that's the software that they use and

[4:11] that's how much it is. >> Okay. Thank you. And then

[4:14] » Carl, just so you know, the state had a mandate that you had to wall the storm

[4:18] drains once or twice a year or something like that,

[4:20] » right? >> Required to have this software in order

[4:22] to do it. >> Okay. So it was my point was it was

[4:25] another unfunded mandate premisy. >> Yeah. Do this but we're not going to pay

[4:30] for it. >> Yep.

[4:31] » Um then secondly I saw it's our retainer for our attorney and I just have a

[4:39] question about it. >> Which number is that one?

[4:41] » Oh sorry 66317 township attorney retainer 6,250.

[4:47] » Oh yeah. Um, we got this memorandum about the um, pickle ball situation.

[4:55] Does that um, is that a retainer cover the cost of the memorandum or is that a

[5:02] separate? >> Usually I I don't do that.

[5:04] » Okay. But it's still the same firm. >> Oh. Oh, yeah. Yeah. It's Yeah, it's so

[5:10] like letters and memorandums are covered by your retainer.

[5:14] » Okay. Um legal is different. So there's a

[5:18] retainer like that covers those things that covers the meeting but then there's

[5:22] like litigation that's separate. >> Yes.

[5:24] » So this memorandum then was paid for through this retain.

[5:28] » Yeah. >> Okay.

[5:29] » I don't even think I build for that yet. >> That's just what I was just curious

[5:32] about how that was paid for. Thank you. >> No problem.

[5:39] » Any other? >> No.

[5:41] » Are you okay? Good.

[5:46] » Okay. Mine were just a couple comments. It looks like a lot of tires and repairs

[5:52] for DPW equipment. Anything to report any accidents that occurred on the job

[5:58] or is it normal wear and tear? It's >> some of it is some of it. Um I know that

[6:04] uh there were a couple of accidents but not with the DPW trucks.

[6:11] » Uhhuh. So if anything's being repaired, it's for the DPW personally. That's

[6:18] » wear and tear. >> All normal, you say? Yes. Wear and tear.

[6:21] » Yes. >> And we go to different vendors or it's

[6:23] always the same one or >> It depends on what equipment they're

[6:27] looking for, you know, like certain vehicles take

[6:32] only like they can only get certain parts from a different vendor. So, it

[6:38] depends on what parts they're looking for will depend on which vendor. And if

[6:43] it's over a certain amount of money, they need to get several quotes unless

[6:46] it's a co-op, >> right?

[6:50] Okay. Then the other one was on 66472.

[6:57] That's for 744,000 to the MUA.

[7:02] So is that is is that a a sewage bill that the the MUA is collecting from the

[7:09] people are using it and we're just the the method of paying the uh or is this

[7:15] have to do with water? This is 66472.

[7:20] It says sewer usage fees 20 26.

[7:27] So Pat on MUA I guess collect some money from the

[7:30] » that's that's the way I was you know I didn't want to jump in on Tina's um but

[7:35] essentially when there is an agreement that's arranged between the township and

[7:40] the MUA that we use um the address and the uh and the followup and everything

[7:51] uh when these when the use when the checks come in for payment it's then

[7:56] sent out, you know, uh, money's received and then

[8:02] » we're just a intermediary process >> with a flow through.

[8:05] » Okay. >> Yeah. That's the that's the uh service

[8:08] agreement that I always >> complain about because what happens is

[8:12] the MUA will tax the the rate the rate payer. They collect the money, then they

[8:19] give it to the township. Then the township has to send it to Skuma instead

[8:24] of right a direct interface between the local MUA and Skuma, which is the

[8:28] county. But that that's the the way that that agreement was

[8:32] » like that lost letter for four months. Nobody knew where it was.

[8:34] » Exactly. Yes. >> Bill, can I say one more thing about the

[8:39] wear and tear? So, um, it's normal wear and tear plus it was six tires per truck

[8:45] for the 550s. So that's why you're seeing that. So I

[8:48] guess they're updating all their vehicles and stuff before the weather

[8:51] comes in. >> Okay.

[8:52] » And they needed to replace the tires. >> Okay.

[8:56] » Thank you. And on uh 66454,

[9:05] » a legal piece. And it says for Legends Redevelopment.

[9:09] Is this Is this out of escrow? >> It should be out of escrow. I've got to

[9:13] find that.

[9:23] 65 66 4 54 >> 66

[9:28] Hold on.

[9:35] » 54. Okay. Um >> where? Let me see.

[9:40] » That's with Matt's. Yeah, that would be Yeah, then Yeah, that was Yeah, that's

[9:43] with um Legendary. >> Yeah, that would be um that would be um

[9:48] Matt Jessup. >> So, that's actually

[9:52] is paying that. >> That's correct.

[9:54] » Okay.

[9:57] » And uh >> Yep.

[10:05] » Okay. That Yeah, the two were couples. >> Okay. We just want to make sure it

[10:10] wasn't coming out of our pocket even though we're paying it.

[10:16] That's it for me for any question any others on the uh bills list?

[10:21] » No. >> Consent agenda.

[10:24] » We have uh one, two, three, four, five, six, seven,

[10:30] nine. Oh, cow.

[10:37] 22 uh resolutions going from 26 233 to 26 254.

[10:46] And uh if anybody on the council wants to pull any of those out to have a

[10:51] separate discussion, just let me know before we vote on all them.

[11:18] Most

[11:25] self-explanatory, non-confrontational

[11:31] must go.

[11:42] I guess we'll pull out uh oh separate discussion 26254

[11:46] which is authorizing the award of bid for the AV project township council

[11:52] chambers. The motion and consent for resolutions 26233

[11:58] to 26 253. >> Right. Correct.

[12:04] I'll make that motion. Okay. Do we have a second?

[12:07] » Second it. And I guess we need a roll call on that.

[12:12] Roll call vote, please. >> Yes.

[12:16] » Yes. >> Council member Zudo.

[12:18] » Yes. >> Council president.

[12:22] » Yes. >> Have a motion to discuss resolution

[12:27] 26254.

[12:31] » Second. >> Second. All

[12:34] » in favor? I. So 26254 deals with uh improving what we've been

[12:41] talking about for every meeting which is the sound system, the AV system or the

[12:46] chambers. Correct, Tina? >> Yes.

[12:48] » And if you could just tell us a little bit about what we're getting, are we

[12:53] guaranteed that the people are going to like it? Are we going to

[12:56] » hope so >> charge $1,000 to reverse the screen and

[12:59] when we could do it? You know what what's it all about? We we went through

[13:02] we went to bid once and there was a lot of fatal errors so we had to go back out

[13:07] to bid. This was the second bid. Um we had three companies come in. One was way

[13:13] over bid and the other one didn't have all the proper paperwork and all they

[13:20] didn't meet all the specs and everything. So that was fatal. So, this

[13:23] other company, Commercial Technology Contractors, had everything that we put

[13:29] in our bid specs for here. >> Uhhuh.

[13:32] » Um, and so they were and they're under our our budget that you guys approved in

[13:37] the capital budget. So, we're going to move forward with them. That also

[13:41] includes a maintenance fee. So, if we do have any issues, we have a maintenance

[13:45] fee with them for two years. Um, so they can, you know, once it's up and running,

[13:51] if something is incorrect or it's not working, they'll come back out and

[13:56] either replace it or fix it. >> So, can you tell us what was in that bit

[14:01] with TVs and cameras and >> Yes.

[14:04] » Okay. >> microphones. And

[14:06] » were we going to have a camera that's going to be on the people speaking now

[14:10] rather than behind them looking at their head?

[14:14] » I believe there was. I would have to go back and look at that

[14:18] » cameras that they put in. Are they going to be able to, you know, see the entire

[14:21] table? >> Yes.

[14:23] » Yeah, >> that was one of the

[14:24] » Yeah, that was one of the things that we asked.

[14:26] » I think the clerk, too. >> Let's see. May,

[14:31] » but I It's all new wiring. >> Yes. All new wiring. Speakers are all

[14:36] new, you know, because a lot of that static we think is coming from the old

[14:40] wiring and old speakers. Microphones are going to be replaced. the TVs were

[14:45] getting a couple of bigger TVs. Um, and everything was supposed to go right into

[14:51] like being able to record what needs to be recorded and it was also um good for

[14:58] the courts because the courts needed certain things that they needed for like

[15:04] um you know for any kind of trial and everything. So our uh administrator was

[15:09] also included in in the sex for that. Did the vendor offer an explanation of

[15:17] how it would work or was it just in writing and and bid fit spec or

[15:22] » they they explain like what they've done on other jobs and everything. Um they

[15:28] also came in and they did look I was I showed probably at least five or six

[15:34] different companies, you know, they came in to look. They

[15:38] asked questions. They looked at all our old equipment that we had. And you know,

[15:43] with the new equipment, they, you know, they explained it. Um, I can give you

[15:48] guys, which I don't have on me right now, but I can send you the whole packet

[15:53] if you want to see the whole packet. >> Yeah. We just don't want to spend money

[15:56] and then still have people complaining, you know, because right now we got dead

[16:00] spots. You can't see somebody speaking. Obviously, the microphones go out often.

[16:05] I know over at the board of ed when I was on there, they went out and bought

[16:08] some very expensive microphones. They're expensive, the multi-directional ones. I

[16:13] don't even think they're using them right now. So, might be something for

[16:16] Carl to ask them if they're not using them. And we can.

[16:19] » Who knows? They're >> They're Oh, never.

[16:23] » It's not a bad idea. >> Yeah, they're in their closet.

[16:26] » Yeah. >> Um

[16:28] » the Oh, >> I'm sorry. Go ahead.

[16:29] » Oh, no. I'm just The maintenance of um the two-year ma um

[16:36] maintenance fee $15,000. What does that maintenance include? Is it something

[16:42] they'll come out but we have to pay for the part or

[16:45] » No, it's all included. >> Meaning

[16:49] » meaning them coming out and if they have to replace a part or if they can't fix

[16:52] it, it's included in the maintenance fee.

[16:54] » Parts and labor. >> Sometimes you wonder just calling them

[16:58] to fix it may be less than paying this maintenance fee if they could come out

[17:03] for two years and everything's fine, you know. Also is there a guar a

[17:08] warranty period >> within that

[17:11] » that normally would pick up you know and then the uh then the guar then the uh

[17:18] the maintenance would come after that. Yeah, I don't know off hand.

[17:23] » It's possible. >> They make money as long

[17:27] » because they're usually a manufacturer's equipment warranty minimum of one year

[17:32] and then when they roll it together they're combining their labor knowing

[17:36] that the parts are covered and then year two if something breaks then you have to

[17:41] pay for the parts. >> Um

[17:43] » might be worth getting a little details on that. Might be able to save a couple

[17:47] bucks. It's uh is it something that's scheduled to to work to start? If we

[17:52] approve this, >> if you approve it, we would go ahead and

[17:55] we would move forward with getting it uh scheduled to start.

[18:01] » If you want to think about it, we got to table it. If you want to wait for more

[18:04] information, >> do we have a time

[18:07] » as to when this would actually be done? >> No.

[18:12] » So, if we approve it tonight, we don't know when they would actually be

[18:16] installed. Yeah, I have to schedule it. >> Yeah. I mean, we have this room gets

[18:21] used by >> Yeah. A lot of people.

[18:22] » A lot of people. We have court twice a month.

[18:25] » Yeah. >> You know, we have MUA. We have So, they

[18:27] have to get in here when we can get them in here.

[18:33] » Yeah. >> So, I have a motion to table it until

[18:38] the next time. >> Well, to get more information, if you

[18:41] want to look at the maintenance agreement,

[18:43] » this this was a bid. you know, this this went out and they have to follow the bid

[18:48] specs. So, you really >> Yeah, you really can't cancel it if they

[18:52] were at the bid >> because the maintenance the maintenance

[18:55] was part of the bid. >> Okie dokie.

[18:57] » You're the maintenance fee was part of the bid.

[19:01] » So, they were >> because we wanted to make sure

[19:03] » you're worried. we can

[19:07] » these this company, you know, >> so if it's part of the bid,

[19:12] » they submitted everything they needed for,

[19:14] » you'd have to take you'd have to go back out to business without the um

[19:18] maintenance. >> Yeah. You can't take that out without

[19:21] rebidding it. >> Yeah. The way it was done,

[19:25] » we already went out twice to bid. >> Yeah. So if I believe if

[19:29] » we just have to go with this that no other option

[19:33] » we had three other biders and >> yeah the other the other option is is

[19:36] you basically would kill the that bid you have to go back out to bid.

[19:43] » Okay earlier so we could I mean if it's a go

[19:49] there's nothing we can do about it then.

[19:54] » Am I right? >> Yeah. just on process and procedure. The

[19:57] question was can we get information before it gets to this point in future

[20:03] bids there may for example there's a discussion on something that DPW is

[20:10] interested in buying right for the top of the cars and everything that's a

[20:15] discussion item and it's it should be in my opinion a discussion not here it is

[20:21] and let's go for it because we really don't know much about it and the person

[20:26] that wants it might be able to use it here.

[20:30] This these are legitimate questions. We've had some questions on uh

[20:34] maintenance in the past when the elevator situation came up and it was a

[20:38] $75,000 payment or whatever and then the answer was very expensive to fix

[20:43] » an elevator and we didn't have a maintenance agreement but if we did it

[20:47] would just involve the company to come out and then time and materials after

[20:52] that. So that maintenance agreement was more of a response agreement than not

[20:57] covering the cost of doing the work. There are different types of maintenance

[21:00] agreements. So uh >> So if you're asking to look at every bid

[21:06] before we go out to bid, is that what you're asking?

[21:09] » Not every bid. I guess it would be a uh if it's brought up or uh

[21:15] » Yeah, we should know in advance because we don't have an opportunity. You're

[21:19] asking us to vote on it, but we This is the first I've heard of, you know,

[21:24] specifics, pricing

[21:29] » when our QPA puts bids out. >> No, I get the process.

[21:33] » Time frame. I know. If you want to look at certain bids, you have you have to

[21:38] let us know because there >> Yeah, but we didn't even know this

[21:41] existed yet. >> Well, you knew we were going out for bid

[21:44] » eventually. No, >> we we we voted

[21:48] » to reject all bids before. So at that point in time, we were told it was going

[21:52] out to bid again. >> I think it was two months ago. I think

[21:56] we voted to reject all bids. >> Yes.

[21:58] » Y >> because I asked about I said I see we

[22:02] have to reject all bids for the AV project. Are we still moving forward

[22:06] with it? And at that point in time, I think the mayor said, yes, we are going

[22:09] out to bid again. It's not dead. It's just that they had all the bids that

[22:13] came in were fatal. >> Right.

[22:16] Well, we wouldn't have known. You're right. Checked, but we don't have any

[22:22] specific information about each one of the bids.

[22:25] » If you asked for the the bid specs at that point, I would have sent them to

[22:29] you. Nobody Nobody asked for them. >> I guess I wasn't sure of the complete

[22:35] process, but now we can talk about it. >> We do the bids the same way all the

[22:39] time. If you want the bids >> Yeah, but I didn't know the process. I'm

[22:43] sorry. bid specs. I will send them to you. But what I'm saying is you can't

[22:48] wait from meeting to meeting to discuss all the bids because there's a process

[22:54] with our QPA. >> Yeah. But what about before it comes to

[22:58] us here? >> So that these are the bids and this

[23:02] these are the terms. So we could just look at it. That's all

[23:05] » on the internet. >> Yes.

[23:06] » On the website. They're public bids. >> I advertise. And you advertise them on

[23:11] the town's website, >> sir.

[23:13] » Okay. So, that's where all the bids are on the town's website

[23:17] » as they come in >> and through bid and so on.

[23:20] » So, we'll have to just watch the website to see what bids are coming in.

[23:23] » Well, you can't see them coming in because they're sealed bids.

[23:26] » So, what happens is a a bid a bid goes out. There's specifications in the bid

[23:31] as to what's in it and and that's what the people respond

[23:36] to and they say, "Okay, I can do A for $5, whatever." And it goes down the

[23:42] line. They total that up. That's their number. Company A, B, and C does that.

[23:47] It goes back to the the the uh town, the QPA. They review it. They do a

[23:52] recommendation based upon either experience or based upon um some other

[23:58] criteria and then they do recommendations and usually that's what

[24:02] you see. um is a recommendation as you saw in this resolution what the bid was

[24:08] why they recommending the the administration is recommending

[24:13] v vendor A over vendor C or D based upon maybe some problems that they've had in

[24:18] the future or um some maybe some entity gave a better

[24:24] price. >> Okay, but how would I know all because

[24:29] this is the first I mean Bill had questions about it. We all have

[24:32] questions about it. How does >> No, you just asked you just asked about

[24:35] the bid. So, all the bids go out. >> It's a raw document that says this is

[24:41] what we're looking for. These are the specifications. If you're interested,

[24:45] please give us how much you would charge us and then they give that and then

[24:50] that's reviewed. >> And that's another big do a big document

[24:54] that if you go on the if you go on a um a bid, there's spaces and they put the

[25:00] numbers in. Um, do the do is that posted up there, the response or is just the

[25:05] bid? >> Just the bid. The bid the results can't

[25:09] be posted. >> The results can't be

[25:10] » until after they're open. They are posted after they're open. I don't know

[25:13] if they're posted on our website, but they are.

[25:15] » Yeah, I don't post them. a lot of municipalities do post the results on

[25:18] their >> So, I guess if you see a bid and you're

[25:21] interested in it, um once once they're opened and reviewed and the

[25:25] recommendation is given, um I I guess I would contact the um the administrator

[25:32] or maybe at one of the meetings when that specific resolution to approve

[25:38] a bid, you know, that information can be supplied with with the packet.

[25:43] » Yeah, maybe that should be the process then. I

[25:46] » so we would have had those details. I mean, we get our

[25:50] a few days before the meeting at least we could read the details.

[25:54] » But the problem is is once we tell our QPA we're going out for bid for whatever

[26:00] and he draws up the specs, we have a certain amount of time to post it and

[26:05] allow people to respond to it. Once the response is up and done after that time

[26:11] and he opens that bid, we we can't change the specs unless you totally just

[26:18] deny it or like don't approve it at a meeting and then we have to rego out

[26:23] back out to bid on something. >> Okay. So, maybe give us the packet.

[26:28] Maybe we'll see something that's not right in it, but we'll know what we're

[26:31] voting on. And if something, you know, if it has to go out to bed, it's again,

[26:36] it does. >> You emailed me and asked me for it. I

[26:39] would have sent it to you. I, you know, that's why I give you your packet so

[26:43] early. >> Here's a possible here's a possible

[26:47] solution. >> Friday works over the weekend.

[26:50] » I don't see every bid either. It depends on what bid it is. some bids um our

[26:55] engineer sends out, some our QPA sends out, you know, I

[27:01] » So, Marcy, >> as much as I can.

[27:03] » When I read this, the recommendation for this contract um of 107,000, that's the

[27:10] recommendation of the QPA to go with that bid over the other two

[27:15] » when the bids come in. >> Yeah. Whichever bid is the lowest, most

[27:20] advantageous, and meets the bid criter, that's the one that wins the bid.

[27:27] » Yeah. >> If the QPA sees something wrong with the

[27:29] bid that's was sent in, then that bid fails.

[27:33] » Yeah. I mean, that makes sense. I'm just curious who makes that final

[27:37] determination because we vote on it, but the resolution was drawn up

[27:41] » on um your expertise from your QPA. So the QPA makes the recommend. Yeah.

[27:47] » Okay. And that that makes sense. But what I think Sandy is asking is when we

[27:52] get these bids in there, >> it's already complete when when

[27:59] » All right, that's fine. >> This res the bid is done.

[28:03] » Yes. But once when the QPA is making that determination of which one to go

[28:08] with, we don't see the bids that the QPA is

[28:12] making the determination on. Nope. He doesn't see them until the bid opening

[28:17] day. >> Yeah.

[28:18] » At the time the bids can be open. >> And then he reviews it and then he comes

[28:23] back with a conclusion saying, "Okay, this this company is fatal. They didn't

[28:27] have everything. This company had everything but they were way over your

[28:31] budget." >> Yeah.

[28:32] » And then but this company had everything. Had all the correct people,

[28:37] everything. And then the price. >> And we're just curious about the

[28:40] process. >> We have to trust our professional. And

[28:43] the other thing is is you have you have to go at the lowest.

[28:45] » We don't want to I want to know what I'm voting on. So maybe

[28:48] » what is the actual work being done >> when you do this? If you say, "Oh,

[28:53] they're going to vote tonight on this. Let me give them as much information."

[28:56] Not that we're going to vote it down, but we'll know what's going on and what

[29:00] it includes just so we're more informed.

[29:04] It's not to say yes, we want something, no, we'll pull it pull it, but to be

[29:09] educated on what we're voting. So when you see a resolution,

[29:13] » all the bids that you know that are on, I'll I'll give them to you. That's not a

[29:18] problem. I never asked. >> All right. Well, I didn't know the

[29:22] process. Now I know. And that's how we can determine processes.

[29:26] » So just when you see that, supply as much information as you can, so we're

[29:30] educated. Okay. >> Somebody from the public asked me about

[29:33] it. I shove my shoulders. I don't know. But oh, you voted on it.

[29:37] » You just let me know, Sandy. I I will send it out to you. Like I said, you get

[29:42] your packets early if you want anything. Anything.

[29:46] » Yeah. But what happens is it's over the weekend. Um

[29:50] so >> laptop home. I I

[29:53] » don't want to bother you on a weekend. >> If I can do it, I'll do it.

[29:56] » Okay. >> No problem.

[29:58] » All right. Thank you. >> Question for Peter.

[30:02] » We had the consent agenda. >> Yes.

[30:04] » I did not pull out 26 246. have a separate 246.

[30:11] » Yes. Motion. >> Yep.

[30:13] » Oh, is that um >> device?

[30:16] » Yeah, we wanted to talk about that. >> So, do a motion to reconsider resolution

[30:20] 26246. >> Okay. Motion to reconsider resolution

[30:24] 2624. >> One thing at a time

[30:29] 654 that was bid for the AD um Yes, that's in the courtroom.

[30:36] » I'll make the motion. We have a second for 20 second.

[30:43] » Motion approved. And we have roll call. Roll call.

[30:46] » Council member Canino. >> Yes.

[30:49] » Council member Ols. >> Yes.

[30:50] » Council member Rudo. >> All right.

[30:53] » Council member Sparta. >> Yes.

[30:56] » Council President Higgins. >> Yes.

[30:57] » Motion carries. >> Okay. make a resolution to for

[31:05] » make resolution 26246. >> Have a separate discussion on that. Do

[31:10] we have a uh >> motion to rec?

[31:13] » Second. >> First motion.

[31:16] » All in favor? >> I I

[31:18] » I'm sorry. Who made the motion? >> I'll motion to reconsider.

[31:22] » Okay. Thank you. So 26246, Tina,

[31:28] and and I don't know how this happened, but it's kind of an answer to our last

[31:34] question. I received a an email from the department that was ordering this, which

[31:40] was in my opinion a great idea because wanted me to know what was what was in

[31:46] the resolution because it was important to that department. And and what

[31:50] resolution 246 is is a new product from Massachusetts and it's a device that

[31:57] sits on the top of a vehicle and then all the software reads the signs, reads

[32:03] the roads, reads the guard rails and maps your whole town as you drive around

[32:08] and it gives you the option of planning for future needs. You might have a

[32:13] pothole, you might have a fence down. So, it's a lot to it, right? And it's a

[32:18] company in Massachusetts that has has a patent on it. It's their product. And I

[32:22] believe the cost of the device on the roof is like $24,000 or so. And then

[32:27] there's a twoyear two year 13 $15,000 cost to it. So something like this is

[32:36] out of the ordinary should have discussion. It should probably have the

[32:40] department head here to explain why it was important to him and uh what it can

[32:46] do for the town. It's unique and the paperwork that was attached that's in

[32:51] our paperwork as well shows that uh they continue they will own it. If it breaks

[32:58] they give us one immediately to replace the hardware but it's theirs and we're

[33:03] actually signing their agreement. You know when they do business with us they

[33:07] sign ours. So, it went through our purchasing director, but it's a very

[33:11] unique thing that is different from everything else. It's not anything the

[33:15] town's ever done before. Could be significant. And uh, you know, I I

[33:20] forgot to pull it out because it I would like to just table that to get somebody

[33:26] here to tell us the real value and what it can do for us over time. might have a

[33:31] significant advantage of being able to plan for road development and fences and

[33:36] potholes and you name it or trees or overhanging uh lines could show all of

[33:42] that just by simply driving the car down the street and it captures all that

[33:47] information. Pretty cool. I It's something that's uh really nice. Like to

[33:53] know a little bit more about it. That's all.

[33:56] » That's why I pulled it out. >> I would make a motion to table this. I'd

[34:00] like to see a little demonstration on it or look online. Yeah, maybe I can see a

[34:06] demo. >> Do we have a second?

[34:10] » Second. >> I'll second it.

[34:13] » Second. >> Roll call vote, please.

[34:16] » Sorry, what was it for? To table. >> It was for tableabling that.

[34:19] » Who made the motion? >> I did.

[34:22] » Sandy did. Carl second.

[34:27] » Council member Canino. This is the table, right?

[34:30] » Yes. >> Yes.

[34:31] » Council member Ols. >> Yes.

[34:33] » Council member Rudo. >> Yeah, I'll go along.

[34:37] » I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. >> Yes.

[34:40] » Council member Sparta. >> Yes.

[34:42] » Council President Higgins. >> Yes.

[34:44] » Motion carries.

[34:51] » Introduction number nine. Introduction of ordinances.

[34:56] Ordinance 2617, an ordinance amending 50-9 fees and escos at a Vernon Township

[35:04] administrative code. May I have a motion to introduce ordinance

[35:09] » 2617? >> Excuse me.

[35:12] » Yes, sir. Before we introduce it, um, at a previous meeting, the the gazebo was

[35:20] the title or not, the name for the gazebo was changed to the Vietnam

[35:26] Veterans Memorial Pavilion. >> Is it possible that we could

[35:32] change the title the uh the comment on this to that so we vote on it rather

[35:38] than have to make decisions later on?

[35:46] any that we did vote to name it the Vietnam veterans.

[35:50] » Isn't this an ordinance for fees? >> Yeah, this is for

[35:54] » fees and escros. >> So, does does it have anything to do

[35:57] with a gazebo? >> Well, yeah. It's that's the name of the

[36:01] facility. >> Yeah. So, maybe he went instead of use

[36:05] of community gazebo, he you might want the name of the gazebo spelled out.

[36:10] » Yeah. Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Okay. >> This has nothing to do with the name.

[36:14] This is an ordinance for the police to use the gazebo.

[36:18] » If you want to vote to change the name of the gazebo, that's

[36:21] » We already did. >> We did. So, he's just saying replace it.

[36:24] » Change the name that you named it different. That has nothing to do with

[36:28] this ordinance. This is for the fees to use gazebo.

[36:33] » Why can't we change it now? Because it's only going to come back. Why don't we

[36:37] just do it one shot and get done be done with it?

[36:40] » Have any this ordinance is can you vote on this first and then vote to change?

[36:46] » But he's not he's not asking to change the name of the gazebo. What he's asking

[36:50] is a set of use of community gazebo have as use as a Vietnam veterans. That's

[36:56] what he's asking. >> That's he wants it referred to.

[36:59] » Well, no, this is >> that's the name of it. No, let

[37:03] the title for this is inappropriate, okay? Because we changed that name, but

[37:12] it was just came out to community gazebo. We don't have a community

[37:17] gazebo. We have a Vietnam veterans memorial

[37:21] pavilion. I >> I understand I understand what you're

[37:23] saying. >> Yeah, it just wants to change the name

[37:25] there. >> That's it. from Kazebo

[37:29] to what the formal name is as it reads >> in the code and on the ordinance

[37:35] » resolution to name the >> gazebo

[37:38] » gazebo >> change the wording of this ordinance we

[37:42] just have to amend the the ordinance as introduced

[37:45] » it would be administrative >> right

[37:47] » right >> so you would just it would be a motion

[37:49] to amend uh the use of community gazo to the use of the Vietnam veterans Memorial

[37:56] Pavilion. >> Pavilion.

[37:58] » Yeah. >> Um, just question. We don't currently

[38:01] charge people to use the gazebo. >> You don't haven't had a yet.

[38:06] » Oh, dog. I'm sorry. >> I got If we didn't have this in place

[38:12] and if someone was not renting out the gazebo, then they would be able to go up

[38:17] and use it without paying for it. Right. So essentially what you're doing is is

[38:21] you're not allowing people to use it >> for like

[38:25] » unless they pay for it. But but people can probably go up there and sit, but if

[38:28] they're going to have a party, >> but if you're going to have

[38:32] » you're not going to an order where the recreation department eats keep order

[38:38] and you have two different venues that want to use it

[38:42] at the same time, this is going to keep order.

[38:46] And also if somebody's going to use it for

[38:49] » a party or party or something. >> But that's where I get confused because

[38:52] if I take for instance I grew up by way onto state park. If you wanted to have a

[38:58] your birthday party down there, you would just go to the gazebo and have

[39:03] your >> Yeah. And but how do you enforce it?

[39:06] Because people can just walk up and go to the gazebo if they're not renting it.

[39:10] If someone wants >> more for like events.

[39:13] » Yeah. So, or events >> like people will probably go there and

[39:16] have their lunch, maybe walk down there. >> I just feel like this would be

[39:20] » calendar. I mean, >> and what what you don't want is you

[39:23] don't want big groups down there because then you're going to have

[39:26] » I no I totally stand from having big groups down there.

[39:30] » I I guess it would have to be the the people who enforce the ordinances with

[39:34] police and or uh employees. >> Yes.

[39:38] » Lots of questions about this. I have a lot of questions also. I don't know if

[39:43] you want to discuss it now. >> Well, no, normally we don't. That's why

[39:46] I I wanted to do this before just to change to find out if we could change

[39:51] the name as the next this will be the introduction and then the the uh at the

[39:59] next meeting when we vote on it is when you would normally uh have may comment

[40:04] on it. >> I I just I don't understand how we would

[40:07] really enforce this. Well, it's the same thing when people want to use the park.

[40:12] Um, Michelle in recreation has a schedule

[40:17] » and they go through her, they go through the recreation department. It's It just

[40:21] keeps order. >> I know. I just It seems kind of

[40:27] This idea I just think is a little bit I'd like to see it more fleshed out,

[40:32] more detailed before I vote on it. It's like $100 for residents, $200 for

[40:38] non-residents. You need to have someone enforcing that

[40:42] pretty thoroughly. And where do you draw the line between a family going there to

[40:47] have a barbecue and someone using it for an actual event that we could charge

[40:53] them? >> No, I I understand that, but how would

[40:57] you how would people understand when they have to apply and when they don't?

[41:01] It just >> That's our ordinance. I I I don't know.

[41:04] » I know. I'm I'm more so just know I don't

[41:09] » But Tina, I have a question about the liability.

[41:13] So I know like in the lake communities for their clubhouse, if somebody wants

[41:18] to rent it, they have to show up with their own insurance.

[41:23] » So that's and that's the same thing. If somebody uses our um senior center,

[41:28] » they have to have their own insurance. >> They what? They have to have their own

[41:32] insurance also if they use our senior center.

[41:35] » So for the gazebo they'd have to And what about alcohol use and all and

[41:40] enforcing some of the stuff? That's where my

[41:43] » alcohol use and no alcohol use at the park.

[41:47] » But is somebody going to monitor it? Enforce it. I mean, we can make all the

[41:51] rules we want, but if they're not enforced,

[41:54] » well, nobody's going to be standing guard for the party

[41:58] » unless you want to adjust the um add money to the budget. You could hire

[42:02] full-time people. You could enforce you can enforce everything. You just need

[42:06] the money. Unfortunately, what what we do and most municipalities do the the

[42:11] police enforce ordinances, but it's usually

[42:14] » based it's it's reactive instead of proactive. So, someone someone will be

[42:20] at the park and complain that there's a bunch of hooligans, if I can use that

[42:24] word, hooligans, you know, creating mayhem there. They'll call the police.

[42:29] The police will go down there. They'll say, "What are you doing?" They'll have

[42:32] barbecue pits in the pavilion. There's probably going to be scorch marks up on

[42:36] the top of it. The police will issue them a violation under this ordinance

[42:40] because they didn't get a permit. >> And unfortunately, that's how you do it.

[42:44] If you wanted someone down there all the time, you'd have to get hire someone and

[42:49] then that would be cost prohibitive. So, it's really a reactive

[42:53] » pay for in with the fee. But anyway, my concern is the liability. That's all. If

[42:59] something happens, they're drinking, somebody gets hurt, something, anything.

[43:04] I'm just concerned about the liability. And that's part of why you you want this

[43:08] fee because when they have to pay the fee, usually there's a form that they

[43:11] fill out as what they can't do and they hold the the municipality harmless. Oh,

[43:17] a deposit. Get it back at the end. Maybe something like that.

[43:23] They have to leave a deposit. >> Well, they're paying to rent it,

[43:27] » right? But you can pay to rent it, but also hold on to a deposit. And if they

[43:33] check out, it's clean, nothing's broken, they get their deposit back.

[43:37] » They do that, too. >> I mean, that is a normal thing. I mean,

[43:40] you rent a Airbnb, anything, a you paying a deposit, but you get it back

[43:47] and then that's you'll make you more likely to follow the rules. Um,

[43:54] and >> irrespective of the gazebo world war,

[43:59] um, what are we naming it? I'm sorry, Pat.

[44:02] » Pavilion. >> Pavilion.

[44:03] » Usually you do both, >> right? The fee the fee would be for any

[44:06] administrative costs and the deposit would be given back as long as if the

[44:11] rules are that take out the garbage if they can't leave burning um

[44:15] » no scorch on the top like you just told me. That will happen and hooligans and

[44:20] all of that. >> It could happen.

[44:22] » Could happen. So maybe that's an idea. Just saying.

[44:28] You want do we have a motion to change the uh wording for on number three on

[44:35] 26-17 ordinance >> use of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

[44:40] Pavilion instead of saying use of community gazebo. I'll make that motion.

[44:45] I have a second. >> I'll second it.

[44:48] » Wasn't pavilion though. It was Can you repeat it? Um Council Member Rudo,

[44:53] » sorry. What is the name of the >> Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pavilion?

[45:01] » Okay, thank you.

[45:08] » That a roll call or uh it'll be a roll call. Roll call.

[45:13] » Council member Canino? >> Yes.

[45:15] » Council member Ols. >> Yes.

[45:17] » Council member Rudo. >> Yes.

[45:19] » Council member Sp. >> Yes.

[45:21] » President Higgins. >> Yes. Motion carries.

[45:25] » Okay. Now we'll go back to the actual ordinance itself.

[45:29] And do we have a motion to approve ordinance 26 17

[45:33] » introduce >> with the changes?

[45:38] » So moved >> as an introduction.

[45:40] » Yeah. Introduction ordinance is 2617. >> I'll make that motion.

[45:44] » I moved it. Oh, >> sir. Second.

[45:47] » Mr. Rudo. >> Roll call. Council

[45:50] » member Canino. >> No. Council member Ols.

[45:54] » Well, if we make some changes, I mean, we're still going to charge that, but if

[45:59] anybody want to change it to require a deposit or something like that,

[46:04] » just for introduction. >> Yes.

[46:06] » Well, >> make sure.

[46:08] » All right. So, no. >> My vote is no.

[46:13] » Council member Rudo, >> yes.

[46:17] » Council member Sparta, >> yes.

[46:19] » Council President Higgins, >> yes. Motion carries.

[46:24] » Ordinance 2618, an ordinance amending chapter 99, vehicles and traffic of the

[46:31] Vernon Township Administrative Cove. This is for introduction. May I have a

[46:37] motion to introduce 26-8?

[46:42] So moved. Have a second.

[46:47] Second.

[46:51] Roll call. >> Member

[46:53] » Canino. >> Yes.

[46:55] » Yes. Member. >> Yes.

[46:59] » Yes. >> Yes.

[47:01] » Motion carries. >> The public's turn. Public comment.

[47:06] Please note public comments are limited to five minutes per person. Anyone

[47:10] wishing to speak, state their name for the record.

[47:14] » Do we have a motion to open it to the public? Five minutes.

[47:18] moved. >> Second.

[47:21] » All in favor? >> I oppose.

[47:24] » Open to public. Gary, state your name, please.

[47:27] » My name is Christy Gary and I live in Vernon. I'm just uh speaking because I

[47:33] was going around talking to different people while I was uh getting people to

[47:38] sign my petition. I've been quite successful and I was listening to their

[47:42] voices. They're very unhappy with the taxes. They are unhappy with the new

[47:47] apartments that have been built and that are continuing to be built.

[47:54] They want to Vernon to rem remain rural and they don't like the appearance of

[47:59] these apartments either. They feel like they don't fit in into our rural

[48:03] community. And uh

[48:07] I just want to say too that after a petition went around and signed and was

[48:13] signed against a pilot program by thousands of Vernon citizens, the town's

[48:20] lawyer looked for a loophole and found one which negated the petition

[48:25] and silenced the voice of the people. If our elected officials cared about what

[48:31] was in the best interest of the people, they would have honored that petition.

[48:37] I'm speaking for voices of the people in town.

[48:42] This is just one of the reasons why we believe we want to change our present

[48:45] form of government. We want the town to be ruled in a fair, equitable way, which

[48:51] is always in the best interests of the people and not just in the best

[48:56] interests of those who govern us.

[49:01] I am part of a group of concerned citizens and I am very proud that I and

[49:06] others are trying to write the wrongs of those in power in spite of criticism

[49:11] from those who are doing nothing to improve matters. Our main interest and

[49:17] goal is that the people of Vernon get treated fairly and equitably

[49:24] and that their voices are heard. We intend to get our petition put on the

[49:29] ballot and to give the citizens of Vernon a choice on how we will move

[49:34] forward in the future. We also believe that justice is on our side and with

[49:39] your help, citizens of Vernon, we will prevail. One final thought is we must

[49:47] stop dividing ourselves and we need to stand together in this town.

[49:53] » Thank you. >> Thank you.

[49:57] » Anyone else?

[50:01] Seeing no one coming forward. Have a motion to close the post.

[50:05] » Moved. Second. >> All in favor? Drive

[50:12] » council comments. >> Start with Carl at the end, work our way

[50:16] up. >> So, I am extremely concerned with a

[50:22] development that I heard about this past week in regards to the pickle ball court

[50:28] that we discussed at our last meeting. So, at our last meeting, the mayor

[50:33] mentioned um constructing a pickle ball court near the pump track that was built

[50:38] years ago, and he discussed paying for it with a bond, and it was vetted by the

[50:45] council, and it was pretty obvious that the council was not really comfortable

[50:49] with the idea and wanted to explore other things that could be done with

[50:54] that money. Um, I have an email in front of me that I requested that was sent to

[51:00] me from our mayor to the town engineer dated the 12th of um, I'm sorry, the 20

[51:08] sorry, yeah, the 12th of July. Thank Corey, please proceed with the pickle

[51:13] ball courts possibility, a multi-use court as well as a resting shade area.

[51:18] Michelle can head this up with you on details or whatever she feels would be

[51:23] in Vernon's best interest. I would like to break ground as soon as possible.

[51:29] Then after a memorandum was sent, there's another email sent on the 22nd

[51:35] of um of July. Hi, I don't think the question was can the mayor just build it

[51:41] without council approval. The council will need to approve and award the bid

[51:46] or contract. The question, if I'm not mistaken, was can we use the money from

[51:51] the pump track or open space? Unless this request came from someone else

[51:56] else. If this can be cleaned up, removing the mayor from just building it

[52:00] without council approval would be more sufficient. Thanks.

[52:05] » That's from the mayor. >> Wow.

[52:08] » And that was sent to the BA. So, what are we doing? We as a council

[52:15] expressed that we're not comfortable with it when we discussed it during his

[52:19] mayor's comments. Then after that, he's directing the engineer to proceed with

[52:25] the pickle ball courts. And then after a memorandum was sent telling him, yes,

[52:30] you can use that bond money for the pickle ball courts, he follows up by

[52:34] saying the council will need to approve the bidder contract. So now we spent

[52:39] money on the engineer and I found out it's in the retainer to do the

[52:44] memorandum, but we're spending money on the pickle ball court already when the

[52:50] council expressed we're not comfortable and he acknowledges that we would have

[52:55] to approve the contract. What is this? This is a mess and we're spending money.

[53:02] That's what I'm really mad about is that we're spending money with the engineer

[53:08] on these pickle ball courts that we express we're not comfortable with. We

[53:12] haven't discussed other ways to use that bond money. We could pay down other

[53:17] bonds with it. We could look into other projects. There are million things that

[53:22] we could do if we can use that money for a pickle ball court.

[53:26] Why is he making that determination on his own and then expecting us to be

[53:31] dragged along with it? I'm really mad about that. And this is a recurring

[53:36] pattern. It's the same thing that happened with the trash compactor. It's

[53:40] kind of the same thing that happened with Burger Road. He's spending money

[53:46] that we technically have a say over whether or not he can spend. We have to

[53:51] do something to prevent this from happening over and over and over again.

[53:56] There are options that we can explore. Voting on purchase orders, voting on the

[54:00] bills list. There are so many things that we could do to prevent him from

[54:05] continuing to do this because it's unacceptable.

[54:09] We did not want that money being spent on that project. We would have to vote

[54:15] to approve the contract and he's already spending money on it. That's not okay.

[54:22] Very annoyed by it.

[54:27] » Mr. Azuro, I have no comment.

[54:33] » Um, well, I'm in agreement with Carl. I mean, this is how we go through the

[54:37] money. You say you got to control the money. Our job is the money.

[54:42] A lot of things we want to change, do, oh, well, you can't do it. That's the

[54:46] mayor's job. Well, the money is our job. So, we really have to be conscientious

[54:51] of how that money is going to be spent. And Carl's 100% right. He's spending

[54:57] money on doing a title search on somebody else's property. He's spending

[55:03] money on this pickle ball that, you know, it might no one might vote for

[55:08] it to go through. And there's been other instances.

[55:14] So, we really need to re in the spending. And that's one way to do it.

[55:19] Not spend all this money and then it comes to vote. No. So you something has

[55:24] to be done about that. It's taxpayers money and it's being dwindled away.

[55:29] Though I do agree with Carl and I would think most of you guys would probably

[55:34] agree with the same thing. Um but then on a different note, I think we um I'm

[55:40] throwing this out there. You may all say, "No, this is a bad idea." But I

[55:45] think at every meeting going forward, we should take just a few minutes out to

[55:50] discuss what we're going to do to try to save money, reduce spending so we don't

[55:55] have a big tax hike come budget time. We talk about the

[56:01] budget only during budget time. We need to start preparing for that next budget.

[56:06] And I think as a group, we should open it up for discussion just a few minutes

[56:11] at every council meeting. Maybe Patty's come up with something. Maybe Tina's

[56:15] come up with a money-saving idea and it needs to be discussed. So, we're

[56:21] not just doing it a few days before the budget's due. We're working now to

[56:26] reduce the budget for 2027. That's just a thought.

[56:31] » Good point. >> So, maybe chew on that and see what we

[56:34] can do with that. subcommittee council president. You can get to your council

[56:39] the creative subcommittee and then bring those savings ideas that

[56:44] » yeah I know Patty as a new CFO announced to all of us that she's going to start

[56:49] her budget process in September you know her first time. So, the timing for that

[56:54] would be uh >> pretty. We should like looking at the

[56:59] car leases. There's a lot of things we can look at.

[57:02] » Um and purchase orders is a great idea also. We should be doing that.

[57:07] » Still, I don't go time, Sandy. >> No, no, I'm done.

[57:12] » There's a lot of things I think we could do in adjusting the code, adjusting ways

[57:16] that we approve these purchases that would help prevent situations like this

[57:22] from coming again. I think doing a subcommittee would be a really good way

[57:26] to discuss those ideas and to make proposals as to what we can change

[57:32] because I mean I can think of three or four things off the top of my head that

[57:37] we could do to prevent situations like this from happening again. It it just

[57:41] makes me sick that like it's such a perversion of the way things are

[57:47] supposed to be done. We I remember you, Pat, Sandy, myself, we all were not

[57:52] comfortable with this idea and we wanted to explore other ideas

[57:57] and yet we're already spending money on this pickle ball court. I just feel like

[58:02] this is not something that we can let keep happening. It's like banging my

[58:06] head on a wall. >> Okay. So, do we have a motion to form a

[58:10] subcommittee? >> You just as the council president, you

[58:13] can just form it. You mean ask for volunteers and you can point that?

[58:18] » Yeah, without voting on >> I would like to be on it at that.

[58:21] » Yeah, you would. Sandy interested >> possibly. Possibly.

[58:27] » Okay, >> Brad, any interest?

[58:29] » I know some people that would be interested in joining.

[58:32] » Well, it's the subcommittee is a subcommittee of the council, so you

[58:36] can't have it's only open to the five of you.

[58:40] » Oh, okay. All right. Let me think about it. Okay.

[58:44] » You know, I'll talk whether I'm on a committee or not

[58:47] » about it. >> Think about it.

[58:48] » Okay. Good.

[58:53] » Okay. And your comments or is over to Brad.

[58:57] » Um, kind of building on what Sandy said, too. I I think I think when Patty was

[59:03] hired, I could be mistaken. It might have been when Dell was here. I did ask

[59:07] if we could kind of get a year to date on the budget so that way we knew where

[59:11] we were going forward and also as we get close to the end of the year as to

[59:16] what's encumbered. A lot of times you encumber the health and benefits and

[59:19] stuff like that at a quarter and so on and so forth. That way at least we can

[59:23] have some sort of idea where we're at with um surplus and what we're looking

[59:28] at for the following year. So uh we are twothirds of the way through the year

[59:34] already. you know, we haven't had any type of update as to where we're at.

[59:38] Granted, we've only had a budget for >> three months,

[59:42] » four months. Yeah. >> Is May, right?

[59:43] » Yeah. >> Yeah. So, um if there's some way we can

[59:46] kind of and you know, it's something I think we should be receiving

[59:51] um monthly uh as to where we're at and then

[59:56] that way if we see anything that's glaring, we can bring it up during a

[59:59] meeting and discuss it at that point. Then,

[1:00:01] » are you talking about the admins report? There's admin's report that shows the

[1:00:06] line items and then what's been encumbered and what's left.

[1:00:09] » Yeah, >> something like that.

[1:00:11] » Yeah. >> So, Tina, like know the admins report.

[1:00:13] That's probably the easiest way to do it. Most definitely.

[1:00:15] » And that would give us an idea too as to what what line items we have potential

[1:00:21] under budget in and what potential line items are under or have been underfunded

[1:00:27] where transfers are going to happen >> because we're getting actually to the

[1:00:30] time of year where we're going to start seeing a lot of transfers. And it's nice

[1:00:33] to know ahead of time where they potentially could be coming from and

[1:00:36] where they're going to. >> Okay. I'll talk to her tomorrow. She was

[1:00:41] out today. >> Okay. Thank you.

[1:00:48] Anything else, Bren? Okay. >> I can't believe

[1:00:54] » one to address Gary on the petition. I was in favor of the petition to to go

[1:01:01] forward and sign it until until it became a still a nonpartisan form of

[1:01:07] government. And as I'm full belief that the right way to do it is have the

[1:01:11] council run the town on elected mayor with the way it is. However, a

[1:01:17] nonpartisan just favors a few people. It doesn't favor the majority. This is a

[1:01:22] majority town and one of the uh one of the two political parties. there should

[1:01:27] be uh primaries this in June and it's a way to do it. It's the way it's done in

[1:01:33] the county and there's no reason it shouldn't be done here. So that's my

[1:01:36] that's why I didn't sign it and I hope there's not enough petitioners and I

[1:01:39] hope there's a petition next year to turn it over but make it a partisan form

[1:01:43] of government. >> Secondly, the uh lot of lot of

[1:01:49] discussion taking place on what's going to be developed in town, what plans

[1:01:53] there are. It's been on Facebook and all the buildings that are going to go up

[1:01:57] along Main Street. Well, there's a there's a lot of panic and a lot of

[1:02:02] conjecture because the company that bought that land also put up a couple of

[1:02:08] buildings or is putting up one and has put up another behind us. They're not

[1:02:11] renting them out in any fashion that probably making them very happy. There's

[1:02:16] a lot of risk and uh they're finding out what type of town Vernon is, whether

[1:02:22] they're interested in renting uh for $3,000 a month a one and a halfbedroom

[1:02:27] apartment or onebedroom with a den and it doesn't seem to be going very well.

[1:02:32] So plans change. No panic. It can be commercial properties as well as

[1:02:38] residential. Nothing's been brought to the land use board that's been approved.

[1:02:42] So there's nothing to panic about. And let's see where uh let's see where we go

[1:02:46] with this. Let's And next is uh pickle ball. Our attorney made a ruling

[1:02:55] on the pickle ball on the amount of money that could be spent from the funds

[1:03:00] that are available very clear on his decision and uh it it really limits the

[1:03:06] amount of money that could be spent even if we wanted to spend it. So, I can say

[1:03:12] pretty clearly that I'll never vote for the pickle ball court there because

[1:03:16] it'll be one pickle and no ball because that's how much money will be left. It's

[1:03:20] really just 30% of the money is available and uh but to the town, to

[1:03:26] everybody in town, there is money available. We can pay off a bond with

[1:03:30] it. We can use some of it for recreation. So, we're all ears. If there

[1:03:34] are other ideas, please, you know, submit your ideas,

[1:03:38] call in, email, send us an email, give us some there's opportunity that we

[1:03:43] might be able to do some things. There's a law laundry list of different uh

[1:03:46] things that can be done for the benefit of the town at different locations as

[1:03:51] well. >> And the last comment is last week there

[1:03:55] was a board of education meeting and it was supposed to be on Thursday at

[1:03:59] Lounsbury, then it was changed to Glenn Meadow. It

[1:04:03] was probably the biggest vote that could have been taken ever in Vernon.

[1:04:09] » And uh I think eight people were there. Mr. Cino was there. I was there. Sandy

[1:04:14] was there. And two of us spoke about the subject. And the subject was to indebt

[1:04:19] the taxpayers of Vernon for a bond of $75 million plus interest which totaled

[1:04:27] $102 million to be repaid over 20 years. And my calculations are that the tax

[1:04:34] burden on the average home in Vernon is $500 and some dollars between five and

[1:04:40] $550. Multiply 550 times 20 years and you'll

[1:04:45] come up to around $13,000. Biggest tax increase that would ever be

[1:04:51] uh shown to the public on the on the average tax and nobody showed up. And

[1:04:57] the the discussion on the board of ed was we have two ways of doing this.

[1:05:02] three ways. One, just don't do it and vote it down. The second was do a

[1:05:06] referendum and allow the town's people to vote. And they knew it would fail. So

[1:05:10] the third was to take advantage of a new law that was put in before Governor

[1:05:14] Murphy left which allows them in this town to use a contract in one of the

[1:05:22] Abbott district towns like Pay Patterson Cland County towns that signed up for

[1:05:28] this special program called the CIA program construction critical

[1:05:32] infrastructure agency from the state and borrow the money from the state. So, in

[1:05:38] fact, the town would be taking all of our schools, leasing them to the state,

[1:05:43] and then get them back whenever we pay off this 20-year debt. And uh and the

[1:05:48] town that we use to use their contract, they get a percentage as well. So, if

[1:05:54] it's a 4% bond, we'll probably paying 5% because the town that has a contract is

[1:06:00] going to make some money. Could be the worst thing to ever happen. And people

[1:06:03] are here, they're concerned, they listen to taxes. nothing bigger than this. And

[1:06:08] it was to be used for capital improvements. Well, you can't you could

[1:06:13] build a high school for $70 million. And they're looking to replace roofs,

[1:06:18] boilers, you name it. They don't even have the list of what they want to spend

[1:06:21] it on. They just want the money to say we can do it. And uh it's time for the

[1:06:27] residents of the town to speak up now because this vote was taken and passed

[1:06:33] and the monies will could conceivably start flowing to them next April. And if

[1:06:38] that happens, your taxes are going to go up on average over $500 just from that

[1:06:44] one vote, plus the normal increases. So time to get involved.

[1:06:50] And uh I'm personally looking into any way I can stop it, but it's not our

[1:06:55] vote, it's their vote. And that's the end of my comments. Thank you.

[1:07:01] » May I have a motion to adjourn the meeting?

[1:07:03] » Some moved. >> Second.

[1:07:05] » Second. >> All in favor?

[1:07:07] » I meeting

[1:07:18] have a good one. Thank you.

Vernon Township Council 8 10 2026

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