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Okay.

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Welcome, everyone. In compliance with the Open Public Meeting's Act of New Jersey, adequate notice of this meeting was provided on January 14th and 15th, 2026, by publication in the Courier News and Echo Sentinel, by sending written notice to tap into Warren, posting on the townships website and the bulletin board and municipal building and filing with the township clerk. This meeting is broadcasted live on the townships website and can be viewed on the township app. It is also broadcasted

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live on the access channel and will be taped for re-broadcast.

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Everyone is required to comply with the policies and procedures governing access programming for the access channel.

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No mention of political affiliation or political advertising.

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Shall take place at this meeting or will be deleted from any re-broadcast.

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Our meth platforms for covering and switching to the mobile app, which was something we've discussed through the development of the app.

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is a way to promote the app.

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There are three different platforms.

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The app, our website, and channels 15 on optimum,

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or 40, or 44 on Verizon.

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So there's plenty of transparency for residents who

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are interested in watching the meeting.

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It's a lot more complicated.

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And I'm not an expert in this.

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it to set up a Facebook live broadcast, this is embedded within the app, and in the website.

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So it's much easier, it actually is simpler for both us and as well as residents to access it.

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So it is a change, and notice actually was posted on our social media at 7 o'clock tonight

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So that residents were reminded of the change and we put a notice notice out last week

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But the our meetings are very you know are very accessible for you know for for residents even though they're there it is a change

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No, I appreciate that but

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Lance put together a very good app that we spent money on is I've got a lot of positive feedback on it and

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We let it run for a little bit and it's time to move everyone towards a platform that we built so

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I think it's right time. Thank you. And I'm looking at it right now on the app and the new camera is live

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And it looks a lot better than the old camera, so perfect. Thanks Mark

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Call the order it's 710

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Committee man McCarrie. Committee man blick. Yes. Committee man Croson. W. Mayor Keon. Here. Mayor fine. Here

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Flex Luke

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to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under

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God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all.

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Okay, so we'll do reports of subcommittee, committee and McCarran, you want to start?

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I just want to recognize a local student here with us the summer league and we didn't have

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a restaurant this month to be able to view our local places, local places for us.

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So luckily we had a summer who was willing to come and I have got to see it because we

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were at an executive session but I know in the best of you all out there she has some of

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her work and we wanted to recognize her so I just want to tell you a little bit about

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summer.

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Tonight we're recognizing a young member of the Warren community who has demonstrated

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not only creativity and entrepreneurial spirit but also a wonderful commitment to using

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her talents to give back to others. Summarily is a rising eighth grader at Warren Middle

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School and just one year ago she decided to teach herself how to crochet. Her hobby quickly

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became something much bigger, and as she began to sell her crochet plush toys online,

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but what makes summer story most inspiring is that she didn't stop at building a business

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for herself.

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She took what she learned, and she shared that knowledge with her peers.

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Summer developed and taught a six-week crochet course for fellow students.

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It's a really a wonderful example of leadership sharing what you've learned to help other

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succeed summer plans to extend her work into a service project where she will be donating

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plushies to give to teens going through a mental health crisis.

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The crochet animal she has displayed tonight will be donated to the gang on pediatric emergency

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department at Gorea Children's Hospital in Morstown and we are very proud to recognize summer

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tonight and please join me in welcoming and congratulating her.

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We

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do want to bring one of your crochet things too, we could crochet animals.

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And then you want to say some stuff, right?

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Okay, so take our picture and we do that.

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Hello everyone, my name is Summer Lee and I'm 13 years old.

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I'd like to start by thanking the committee for giving me a chance to speak today.

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So I have a small business, it's called Summertime X Crochet, and I sell handmade stuffed animals.

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I can't begin to express how incredible my entrepreneurial journey has been over this past year,

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through ups and downs, delightful customers, and demanding ones.

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My road to success has been a laborious but enjoyable one.

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I now run a successful business making money, sales, and happiness straight out of my bedroom.

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Thinking back to my very first sale, it felt so surreal to finally have made my side-hustle official.

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It isn't really a business until you have people willing to bring you up, support you, and buy from you.

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Funnily enough, the thing that many parents found upon their teens for using was the thing that helped my business grow exponentially, social media, specifically Instagram.

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I have a follower base of around 300 people which is growing every day.

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Marketing through Instagram helped me build a giant community of other crocheters and

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small business owners just like me.

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But the really special thing about my small business community is that living in Warren

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gave me access to so many supportive people.

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Plus making a bit of extra money has allowed me to give back to my community.

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I'm currently creating plushies to donate to the Morris Town Pediatric ER Center.

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I can't describe how amazing the feeling of making money is.

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If you're an entrepreneur as well, you'll know exactly what I mean.

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I knew that I wanted as many people as possible to know that feeling first hand, especially young

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people like me.

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That's why I decided to start a course on how to build a business for the team at my school.

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about 10 people decided to join and learn the basics of selling, marketing,

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profiting, and more entrepreneurial topics. I'm really happy I got to give these

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people the chance to one day feel what I felt on the day of my first sale. The rush

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of giving someone something they love while earning some extra cash. I genuinely

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love being a small business owner. Summertime excursion has given me trust in

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myself, gratefulness for my warm community and elation at being able to share the feeling

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of entrepreneurship with others. I think everybody should take the time and money to support

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their local small business. Yes, they may be priced higher than brands that sell in bulk,

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but their business, the products are guaranteed to be packaged with love and care. Buying from

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the small business will make a real life human beings, not in AI's entire day. So thank

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Thank you so much for listening to my speech and have a great rest of your night.

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I'm going to go a little out of scripts since we're all up.

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Do you

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want to come up?

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Yeah.

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Do you want to speak?

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Yes.

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First, before I go through this, I want to note, did you see Susie's picture up there?

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I know.

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Susie's.

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I have one much too much in there.

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Oh, perfect.

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So, okay.

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Okay.

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So, in memory of your wife, Susie Boyce.

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whereas Susie and Blackburn boys dedicated her life to education, public service, and community leadership.

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And whereas she earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Florida State University and a Master's of Arts in teaching from Tulane University, taught English at Watching Hills Regional High School,

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that earned a Doctor of Education degree from Rutgers University and went on to teach a Montclair State University where

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She later served as chair of the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, and whereas Susie and her husband, William Boyce, settled in Warren Township in 1968 where they raised her children, Willis and Nell, and became deeply involved in the community.

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And whereas Susie served the residents of Warren Township for 19 years in the member of the Township Committee and became the Township's first female mayor in 1978, serving again as mayor in 1986.

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And whereas following her service in elected official office, she continued her commitment

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to warrant township through Historic Sites Committee and was an active member of the

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Basking Ridge chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for more than 50 years.

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And now, therefore, be proclaimed the mayor and the township committee of warrant township

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honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Susie B. Boyce, whose contributions as an educator,

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Historian, community leader, and Warren Township's first female mayor will be remembered for generations.

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Be it further proclaimed that the mayor and township committee extend their deepest condolences to her husband bill, her children Willis and Nell, and her grand children William, Sydney, Ryan, and I, thank you, Ivy.

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And be further reclaimed that this proclamation will be entered into the permanent records of warrant

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township as the last contributor to Susie B. Boyce and her extraordinary service to the community.

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And on a personal note, Susie has been a mentor to me since I came into this role.

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She was supportive and what she did to the community isn't thumbed justice in this.

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But it's so impactful.

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and I know she knew it, I know you know it, so thank you.

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Thank you all so very much.

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I'm glad that the community recognizes what I've known for 67 years as it Susie is a wonderful person without compare.

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You get it, you can keep it.

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You can put an X to the picture.

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I'll note that. I'll try anyway. So one thing from the Board of Health and Donna and

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I'm not sure if this has gone out yet on the site yet this flyer I'm sure it will if it hasn't but in any event

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Somerset County has this new program is called Passport the Parks and

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Participants will have a chance to win a free three-month membership to the Somerset YMCA

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You can participate by getting active exploring parks close to home connect with family and friends and win the chance for a three-month membership

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and how it works is you download the Parks Pass port by scanning the QR code

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which you can go to the Somerset County Parks Pass 2020-26 or you'll see it on

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our site soon and you visit a minimum of five parks in Somerset County between

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August 22nd and October 4th.

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And then you complete a survey and submit photos of participation by October 12, and you'll have an opportunity to win that three-month free membership. From the REC department, we had a concert last night, Bob Marino at the Pavilion, a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. I wasn't there, but I heard it was well attended, had over 100 residents there. Our Labor Day 5K, I'll leave that to Sean, probably to talk about earlier, but that's coming up.

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on September 5th.

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Fall 10 is this coming soon.

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Please register on Community Pass,

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which is a portal located on the town website

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under the REC Department page.

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Now, I'll leave this to Vanessa,

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but they still wanted me to plug it,

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is we are planning for the cultural day in Maureen,

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and again, leave that more for Vanessa.

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And Movie Night in August is gonna be sponsored

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by Next Home Realty,

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and we're working to extend those Movie Nights

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into the fall.

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So I'm more to come on that.

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Plans for improvements for parking,

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a doodish that soccer complex were in the works. The waterline for the water fountain at

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the Greenwood Meadows complex is being replaced. And there's ongoing discussions about

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cricket fields in Warren and I'll just tell everybody which dovetails into my next thing

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which is the adult softball league is on the one yard line coming back to Warren and having

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fields to use for the season. It's a very difficult thing because kids get the priority and rightfully

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so on our fields and we have very limited space right now with the field so we want to accommodate

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everybody in all their interests but there's certain priorities in place and so we're exploring

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what we can do with cricket but you know we're in the exploratory phase of that because we know

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there's interest. And Dan just for the Ben Salport, thanks for the Board of Ed for helping us.

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Yes very much so yes Chris Hagle everybody was involved in getting that done because I know it

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It wasn't easy, our own Jopasara from the Rec Department,

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Mark Crane.

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Thanks, everybody.

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Film ready.

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We formally were certified as Film Ready

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since our last meeting.

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If anybody's interested in having their own business

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or their home included in the location scout directory

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for potential usage in a upcoming movie or TV show,

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I can tell you how to do that.

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You can reach out to me and I'll let you know how

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to upload your stuff.

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And then finally, our intern program,

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Our inaugural intern program kicked off last month and concluded at the end of the month.

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It was really a success from what I understand.

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Even had a parent reach out to me a couple days ago who said that their son enjoyed it so

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much that he would come back next year unpaid.

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It's done.

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What's that done?

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Exactly.

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Exactly.

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We're looking forward to maybe even expanding it next year because it was a success.

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One of the things coming out of it is that one of the interns reviewed our social media

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platforms, as you know, and gave us a review of them and some constructive criticism

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and some suggestions, and over taking that under consideration and maybe we'll put some

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of those into effect, and so anyway, yeah, it was a good launch of the program the last

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month, and that's it, Mr. Mayor.

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Thanks, Dan.

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Yeah, Lance.

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I don't have too much.

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Just, you know, the participation in National Night Out a couple of weeks ago was a good one.

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I didn't DJ this one, so I got to walk around and enjoy myself.

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But that was a really good turnout.

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So, JCP and L, the issues that we've been having with them and the power outages I've been on them.

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And we finally have a meeting scheduled for the beginning of September between myself, Mark,

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and a commitment to carry, just with our rep for JCP and L, because I haven't been

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very happy with the way the outages have been treated and the after effects have happened,

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so we're going to address them in person and hopefully get somewhere with that.

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Luckily, the storm that we're just incurring tonight doesn't appear to be too bad, so hopefully

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We won't have anything fresh to report.

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What else?

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One of the rescue, I'm a secondary on the rescue squad, so I apologize if I'm stepping

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on your toes.

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All right, but one of the national night out, one of the rescue squad members was telling

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me about a particular organization in town, I'm not going to say which, but reporting many

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calls that are not emergency calls.

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and Vanessa and I are going to have a meeting with the officers at the rescue squad to discuss that among some other things and try to rectify and just want to make it clear.

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I'm not telling you not to call the rescue squad but call the rescue squad God forbid there's an emergency.

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We want to make sure that they're available for real calls and not necessarily not emergency calls.

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Let's put it that way.

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On the same note, Facebook is not the place to report emergencies.

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I saw that today, somebody posed again.

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We don't technically monitor it, but I get a text every once in a while from somebody

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saying something to the effect of a bunch of kids are driving crazily in one of the shopping

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centers and cursing and spitting and doing wheelies.

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I don't know anybody that reports to the Facebook police, because it doesn't exist.

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So if there's a problem, call the real police and emergency services, and they'll take

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care of it.

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That's all I have.

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Thanks, thanks.

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I mean, Kristen.

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I'm well.

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I am here to myself.

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I've remembered.

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I'll be brief for sake of the weather as well.

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Just a quick progress update on our road overlay program.

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It is almost wrapping up, only have a few more streets so far.

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The roads that have been milled and paved have gone without issue.

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The NJDOT Paving Project is ongoing.

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Mark, do we have an exact update on the Mountain View, the second phase of that?

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We are actually, you're taking an action tonight to approve it in a paper extension.

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We'll submit that and then I'm hoping to get it done this year,

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But we haven't been approved by the DOT yet to proceed to to the next steps, but you have an action tonight.

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We have no sense of timing on that.

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Well, once you act tonight, because it requires your approval, we'll submit it tomorrow and then

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we're hoping they'll get let us have a pre-construction meeting within a month.

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So it, but we'll put out announcements once we know what the, you know, what the paving is.

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I want we do want to get it done this fall.

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Great.

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Thank you.

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It also just like the detours are much easier in phase two than they were in phase one

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of Mountain Views.

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I'd like to thank Doug Burrow or DPW Superintendent and Chris Kaster, a township engineer, as well

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as you mark for your work on this and our residents for their flexibility sometimes with weather

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and other related issues intended, milling or paving days can get delayed, so we appreciate

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your flexibility as the work continues. And then just one other update I wanted to thank

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everybody who came out to volunteer for the trail cleanup amount war of Mr. Gilbert I see

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you. I think we had 19 people that came out that day. Yeah. Thank you Bill for all of your

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work spearheading the Open Space Committee here. And the next trail cleanup day is technically scheduled

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I believe for September 12th. Is that farm yet? November 19. September 19th got it. And that's

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It's going to be a Glenhurst.

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Glenhurst?

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Glenhurst, perfect.

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So if you're interested in joining, is there a form on line bill?

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Yes.

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Okay.

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And we'll push it out closer to the date, too, as a reminder for people.

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But thank you for everybody who came out for that, and with that mayor progress.

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Thank you.

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Deputy mayor.

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Thank you.

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So with update on the seniors, the annual picnic is set for September 9th at the Lyons

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civilian and that will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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Tickets will, tickets are being sold for $5 a person and are required.

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They will not be sold at the door, so please RSVP to Brenda Garcia and pre-purchase your

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tickets.

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Last week, the seniors enjoyed a lunch and cruise along the Atlantic Highlands over by

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I see sight and just a little bit about what we've been working on with the senior advisory

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committee as I've been attending those meetings is we really are trying to highlight and kind

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and learn trends of how to reach the seniors that are not just involved in the senior club.

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So, that's been a lot of our discussions and we've been deep diving into some data and

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reports and trying to really figure out a way to reach those who live in this town

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who are of the age 65 and over but don't necessarily belong to the senior club.

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An update on the library, the cozy, co-quite room of the children's play area will have a

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full opening ceremony in September.

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The date is yet to be determined.

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We're still waiting on some key fixtures to arrive.

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Communications with contractors has begun

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for the renovation project for the public kitchen

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in the programming room on the first floor.

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So a few meetings ago, the library advisory committee

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voted on using the remaining of the fine money

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that they currently have to update the kitchen in the library.

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And I don't know if many of the residents know.

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I didn't know that there is a kitchen in the library

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where they conduct cooking classes.

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And so they decided that a good use

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of that money would be to update that kitchen.

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It will take some time to implement,

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but it is an exciting new improvement

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to the library facilities.

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Both of the improvements were endorsed and paid

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in partnership with FLAB.

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As

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Committeeman McHary mentioned, we are

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full steam ahead with planning for

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cultural day. We are looking to have

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that held on September 27th from

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1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and we are seeking

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volunteers to come and showcase their

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culture. So the way that just to reiterate

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I know I've spoken about it a few times.

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The way that we are envisioning this event working is that it will be fully run by volunteers.

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And the cultures that are going to be represented are completely based on those of you that step up.

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So whoever steps up for whatever particular culture or

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country, that will be what will be represented on this particular day.

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So, we're still we're seeking volunteers for that.

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Donna and Marissa and I are also working on an initiative,

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which I have to get credit to my daughter,

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point it, empowered by style.

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It is a clothing drive and I have to give a huge shout out to

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688 boutique who just recently donated a tremendous amount

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of inventory to us.

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So it will be new and used clothing that we will be offering to those in need, and that is it, Mayor.

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Thank you.

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00:27:08,020 --> 00:27:16,900
All right, so for Mayor's wellness, they have been very active all year in a Levy Gable has done a very good job

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in running the organization with a lot of volunteers and kind of the theme you hear is a lot of the stuff we do that feels community-based is volunteer.

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00:27:25,720 --> 00:27:31,080
driven, so if people want to get engaged and want to see more of this, it takes volunteers.

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So last month the mayor's wellness sponsor to CPR class in this room.

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It was well attended, everyone to left with the certification.

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We're going to try to run that back a couple times for the remainder of the year.

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Bill Giller, who volunteers heavily in open space, is also offering defensive driving classes for

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00:27:54,500 --> 00:27:59,800
residents and I recently learned that he races cars, so it may be a fun defensive driving

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class. The wellness walks have continued. Deputy Mayor will be there on August 28th at

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915 at East County Park. Dogs are welcome.

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Tomorrow the 21st is the last day of our community

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back to school drive at the Warren Library. Supporting feeding hands and the food pantry

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As of Tuesday, they have over 200 pounds of items collected.

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Thanks to everyone that's generally donated already.

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And a special thanks to the Trinity Church for packing 40 personally decorated canvas bags for students.

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So if anyone has anything to donate, please, please know you can do it by tomorrow, and

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you can probably do it for eternity is just if people are in need.

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Trinity Church is helping people in our neighborhood.

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And then, I guess that's it.

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So I wanted to give a special thank you to Somerset County Business Partners, so they donated $5,000 to our June 19th FIFA Watch Party.

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I didn't want to say it until we got the check, but we got the check, so I want to say thank you to them.

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And then lastly, Mayor Jubin and myself have been, who's the Mayor of Watch Young have been focused on shared services and

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and leveraging each other to kind of magnifier message and so we've been working with the DOT to try to finish the sound wall that stops in 78 that goes through the rest of Warren and then a drainage project that more impacts watch on but we teamed up and I see a lot of benefit in working with our neighbors, which wasn't necessarily done in the past and you know two towns speaking is louder than one so we're going to continue to do that where it makes sense.

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That is all I have, so we're going to move on to presentations which Vanessa

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I'll see you're up.

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I think so.

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Tonight, we are proud to recognize three organizations and businesses that have made a lasting contribution to Warren Township community. While they serve very different purposes, faces, hair cutters, New Jersey planning officials, and Warren Auto Inc. share something important. Each has demonstrated a long standing commitment to Warren and to the people who call our community home.

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For decades, these organizations have provided more than professional services.

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00:30:49,270 --> 00:30:54,930
They have built relationships, supported local residents, shared their knowledge and expertise,

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and become familiar and trusted parts of everyday life in Warren.

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Congratulations, and thank you for being an important part of Warren Township's history and community.

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Faces, hair cutters.

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In October 1989, just a few years after graduating from Watchung Hills Regional High School,

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Lynn Killian took ownership of faces hair cutters.

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With deep local roots and experience working in other salons, including serving as lead

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00:31:29,280 --> 00:31:34,380
hair stylist at the Paper Mill Playhouse, Lynn was excited to begin this new chapter in

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Warren.

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Nearly 37 years later, Lynn's dedication to the community has made faces hair cutters so much

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more than a salon. It has become a true community institution. Faces has been there

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for countless milestones for haircuts, proms, weddings, family celebrations, and now even

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the next generation of clients. For so many, Lynn has become like family, a familiar face,

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00:32:02,020 --> 00:32:09,020
a trusted friend, and always an understanding ear to listen. Lynn has generously mentored

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many new stylists and gives back to the community by supporting fundraisers and charitable causes.

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For nearly four decades, Lynn and faces hair cutters have been a constant presence in Warren,

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00:32:21,560 --> 00:32:25,880
creating lasting relationships, one haircut, and one conversation at a time.

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Please come up.

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00:32:34,110 --> 00:32:35,410
I'm just going to thank you.

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00:32:35,570 --> 00:32:36,390
It was so nice.

364
00:32:37,510 --> 00:32:38,310
It was so nice.

365
00:32:38,350 --> 00:32:38,450
Oh.

366
00:32:38,990 --> 00:32:41,830
Yeah, I just saw it.

367
00:32:41,890 --> 00:32:42,330
Yeah, thank you.

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00:32:42,570 --> 00:32:43,390
This is amazing.

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Thank you so much.

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It's been an honor to be in the community and to be a part of Warren for almost 40 years,

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00:32:51,810 --> 00:32:55,670
and I couldn't do it without my clients who have been loyal.

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00:32:56,170 --> 00:33:03,490
I'm probably on the third generation of family members now, and it's exciting to be here.

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00:33:03,550 --> 00:33:07,810
I did not expect this. And just like a little piece of trivia,

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00:33:08,730 --> 00:33:19,070
my very best friend over here was my my model for my state board exam, all those years ago, so thanks Donna.

375
00:33:19,650 --> 00:33:20,990
Yeah, thank you.

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00:33:21,390 --> 00:33:25,350
I could probably produce them with the pin curls and the finger wheels.

377
00:33:26,070 --> 00:33:27,550
Oh my god, I wish we had that for tonight.

378
00:33:28,390 --> 00:33:30,570
Yeah, so yeah, turn on the team.

379
00:33:31,490 --> 00:33:35,350
I will, I will, I will load them to your Facebook page at 5.5.

380
00:33:35,890 --> 00:33:42,130
So thank you so much. This is really an honor. It's very exciting to be here and I plan on being here for maybe not

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00:33:42,130 --> 00:33:48,790
another 40 years but at least another 20. Oh wait, we're going to take a picture. Oh, we're going to wait for the next one. Thank you, thank you so much.

382
00:33:49,590 --> 00:33:55,050
I just did not expect that that was, was that you? Yeah, that was.

383
00:34:21,770 --> 00:34:27,530
The representatives are the other two businesses are not here but I'll still recognize them.

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00:34:31,300 --> 00:34:36,020
New Jersey planning officials, New Jersey planning officials and JPO proudly celebrates

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00:34:36,020 --> 00:34:41,440
more than 85 years of service to New Jersey's communities, including 35 years and more in township.

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00:34:42,200 --> 00:34:47,760
Founded in 1938 by volunteer citizen planners, their commitment to advancing education and

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00:34:47,760 --> 00:34:53,580
planning and zoning has grown into a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting

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00:34:53,580 --> 00:35:00,320
municipal boards, elected officials and planning professionals through education, training, and advocacy.

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00:35:01,240 --> 00:35:05,080
The organization remains unique among statewide organizations.

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as it is still a volunteer led organization. Over 40 members of Warren's planning and zoning

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00:35:12,280 --> 00:35:19,400
boards have participated in NJPO's mandatory training courses, ensuring board members are

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00:35:19,400 --> 00:35:24,900
knowledgeable, I'm sorry, are knowledgeable leading to more informed decisions and long-term

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00:35:24,900 --> 00:35:32,700
quality of life for Warren residents and property owners. The other business is Warren Otto.

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00:35:32,700 --> 00:35:39,040
So nearly four decades, Warren Otto has been a familiar and trusted presence in Warren

395
00:35:39,040 --> 00:35:39,540
Township.

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00:35:40,330 --> 00:35:47,000
The property itself has an even longer automotive history that dates back to the 1940s when

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00:35:47,000 --> 00:35:49,200
it was the morning glory service station.

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00:35:50,020 --> 00:35:54,640
Today Warren Otto continues the tradition of serving generations of local motorists from

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00:35:55,550 --> 00:35:56,740
the same location.

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00:35:56,740 --> 00:36:08,600
Under the leadership of Stephen Inglier, Warren Auto has earned a reputation as the kind of independent hands on automotive business that has become increasingly rare.

401
00:36:09,240 --> 00:36:19,740
The shop is particularly known for its expertise with SOB automobiles, attracting local customers who appreciate the specialized knowledge required to keep these vehicles on the road.

402
00:36:19,740 --> 00:36:33,940
The loyalty is reflected in the words of its customers describing Steve and Warren Auto as honest, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and fair with customers for many years and recommending the shop to their friends and neighbors.

403
00:36:34,680 --> 00:36:42,040
The greatest measure of local business is not simply the number of years it has been open but the relationship it builds along the way.

404
00:36:42,740 --> 00:36:46,920
For 37 years Warren Auto has kept families of Warren township moving.

405
00:36:47,760 --> 00:36:49,920
Thank you Mayor

406
00:36:53,600 --> 00:36:57,180
Claudia couldn't make it tonight the next.

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00:37:25,680 --> 00:37:31,640
The Township Committee is pleased to recognize September 14th through September 20th as

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00:37:31,640 --> 00:37:36,220
National Dipper Need Awareness Week which raises awareness of the challenges faced by

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00:37:36,220 --> 00:37:38,940
families who struggle to afford and adequate supply of diapers.

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00:37:39,700 --> 00:37:43,440
Dipper need can have significant impacts on the health and well-being of children and families

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00:37:43,440 --> 00:37:49,900
And we're proud to recognize the importance work of local organizations, including moms

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00:37:49,900 --> 00:37:55,720
helping moms, safe and sound summer set, and Zufall Health Center Summerville, which

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00:37:55,720 --> 00:37:58,200
provide resources and support to families in need.

414
00:37:58,800 --> 00:38:03,020
The Township Committee encourages residents to support these efforts and help ensure that

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00:38:03,020 --> 00:38:06,220
every child has access to the basic necessities needed to thrive.

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00:38:07,220 --> 00:38:11,340
Judy, who is the interim director of moms helping moms located here in Warren, is here to

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00:38:11,340 --> 00:38:11,920
say a few words.

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00:38:11,920 --> 00:38:13,040
Thank

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00:38:19,400 --> 00:38:20,300
you very much.

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00:38:20,700 --> 00:38:25,480
Mom's helping moms is a diaper bank and baby essential supply organization.

421
00:38:25,840 --> 00:38:28,580
We are on Sterling Road in Warren.

422
00:38:29,320 --> 00:38:33,720
We help families who are struggling to afford diapers.

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00:38:34,060 --> 00:38:39,780
One in two families in the United States can not afford to purchase all the diapers they need each month.

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00:38:40,500 --> 00:38:45,780
So I know those numbers are kind of surprising, but it is based on data.

425
00:38:47,020 --> 00:38:56,180
We help provide other things like car seats, pack and plays, clothing, period products, nursing supplies.

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00:38:57,100 --> 00:39:02,580
So if anyone is interested in doing a diaper drive or stopping in for a tour, we would love to show you around.

427
00:39:02,740 --> 00:39:05,440
We have a 8,000 square foot warehouse space over there.

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00:39:06,180 --> 00:39:09,220
And we thank you for recognizing our organization.

429
00:39:14,440 --> 00:39:15,120
We'll

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00:39:28,210 --> 00:39:30,530
move on to public hearings, Dan.

431
00:39:33,140 --> 00:39:38,080
Mayor, I'd like to introduce ordinance number 26-22 for adoption and second reading.

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00:39:38,780 --> 00:39:47,820
It's an ordinance authorizing an appropriation in the amount of $1,140,160 to provide funding for

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00:39:47,820 --> 00:39:50,760
dealment, nature trail, and pond improvements.

434
00:39:51,880 --> 00:39:57,300
I'll open the public hearing, I've seen nothing, I'll pull it up.

435
00:39:58,680 --> 00:40:03,800
Oh, sorry, oh my, sorry Bill, come on up, you're blind side.

436
00:40:04,300 --> 00:40:04,400
Yeah.

437
00:40:06,600 --> 00:40:08,900
Bill Gilbert's 17 foot lock drive.

438
00:40:09,440 --> 00:40:14,520
I just want to emphasize my support for this project and the ordinance and the work to be

439
00:40:14,520 --> 00:40:15,240
done at dealment.

440
00:40:15,700 --> 00:40:22,200
As most residents know, the dealment ponds popular for the annual fishing derby and as a local

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00:40:22,200 --> 00:40:28,860
fishing spot for kids, and the trails used to be quite popular, but the dealman trails are

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00:40:28,860 --> 00:40:34,080
very hard to maintain with the current drainage, and the pond needs better aeration.

443
00:40:35,000 --> 00:40:40,960
As a result, for this year, the Open Space Advisory Committee, DPW, and volunteers are focused

444
00:40:40,960 --> 00:40:46,340
on cutting to the Glenhurst, and I'm very pleased to say both of those sites now have very

445
00:40:46,340 --> 00:40:54,620
attractive hiking trails for Warren residents to enjoy with updated information and maps and so on on the website.

446
00:40:55,440 --> 00:40:59,120
Next year, at this time, I hope I can add a dealman to that list.

447
00:40:59,740 --> 00:40:59,980
Thank you.

448
00:41:00,460 --> 00:41:01,100
Thank you, Bill.

449
00:41:01,640 --> 00:41:05,120
I really do appreciate the level of effort you've done for Open Space.

450
00:41:05,680 --> 00:41:09,200
We can focus on dealman and you're taking care of the rest, so thank you.

451
00:41:14,150 --> 00:41:15,550
So just-

452
00:41:18,610 --> 00:41:26,650
I would like to relate. My family's experience was in it, with deal with trail trails. They've

453
00:41:26,650 --> 00:41:34,670
often been so muddy and with sticky mud and puddles and water that my friends have been

454
00:41:34,670 --> 00:41:45,430
unable to enjoy, get down to the pond to enjoy it. I support a providing a better surface

455
00:41:45,430 --> 00:41:49,570
for people to walk on, I mean, the ill-material workplace.

456
00:41:50,190 --> 00:41:50,990
I agree, thank you, Bill.

457
00:41:52,130 --> 00:41:53,270
And just, I'll go ahead, Mark.

458
00:41:53,470 --> 00:41:54,650
I'll talk finances, I'll go ahead.

459
00:41:54,750 --> 00:41:55,550
No, no, no.

460
00:41:56,270 --> 00:42:01,850
OK, this is a, known as a green-egre stewardship grant.

461
00:42:02,510 --> 00:42:08,050
So that limits, like, there's not, it's not necessarily

462
00:42:08,050 --> 00:42:11,790
improvements, but, you know, more of a maintenance.

463
00:42:12,170 --> 00:42:14,470
So the issues that everybody is raising

464
00:42:14,470 --> 00:42:18,390
are going to be addressed, but it's not a reconstruction project.

465
00:42:18,790 --> 00:42:24,290
The benefit of the stewardship, which is why the committee chose to go this way,

466
00:42:24,730 --> 00:42:31,270
is it's a 50% matching grant, not a, you know, otherwise it would have been, you know,

467
00:42:31,690 --> 00:42:32,630
a higher matching grant.

468
00:42:32,730 --> 00:42:37,370
We're getting more state money out of this approach than we would have gotten out of others.

469
00:42:37,970 --> 00:42:39,410
So that's actually a good point.

470
00:42:39,410 --> 00:42:46,430
So we're approving 1.1 right now of which 570,000 is a stake grant and the

471
00:42:46,430 --> 00:42:53,630
legislation that approving the funds actually has been enacted by the

472
00:42:53,630 --> 00:42:59,130
legislature and so on by the governor. So the funding once you adopt is

473
00:42:59,130 --> 00:43:05,130
actually going we still have to go through a number of steps with the you know

474
00:43:05,130 --> 00:43:07,670
but to meet all the green acres requirements,

475
00:43:08,090 --> 00:43:11,530
but funding will be locked in once you approve the order.

476
00:43:11,670 --> 00:43:12,950
No, it's fantastic, thanks Mark.

477
00:43:14,530 --> 00:43:18,110
And unfortunately Bill, I don't think it'll be next year

478
00:43:18,110 --> 00:43:20,450
given its green acres rules involved,

479
00:43:20,750 --> 00:43:22,990
but the project is underway.

480
00:43:23,210 --> 00:43:26,930
We're starting the preliminary assessment reports

481
00:43:26,930 --> 00:43:30,130
that are required are already underway by our engineers.

482
00:43:30,290 --> 00:43:32,330
Phil's learning the speed of stuff a little bit,

483
00:43:32,410 --> 00:43:33,070
I think, also.

484
00:43:33,070 --> 00:43:37,390
So, all right, so I'll close public hearing,

485
00:43:42,580 --> 00:43:44,820
discussion, roll call.

486
00:43:45,480 --> 00:43:46,220
Committee member McCarrie.

487
00:43:46,320 --> 00:43:46,460
Yes.

488
00:43:47,020 --> 00:43:47,900
Committee member McCarrie.

489
00:43:47,920 --> 00:43:48,400
Yes.

490
00:43:48,760 --> 00:43:49,620
Committee member Croson.

491
00:43:49,760 --> 00:43:49,900
Yes.

492
00:43:50,160 --> 00:43:50,940
Deputy Mayor Keon.

493
00:43:51,140 --> 00:43:51,300
Yes.

494
00:43:51,520 --> 00:43:51,820
Mayor Fine.

495
00:43:52,020 --> 00:43:52,140
Yes.

496
00:43:53,780 --> 00:43:58,600
Mayor, I make a motion to approve, or I'm sorry, I like to introduce approval of township

497
00:43:58,600 --> 00:43:59,820
committee meeting minutes.

498
00:44:00,080 --> 00:44:06,580
I make a motion to approve meeting minutes from the July 16, 2026 executive and regular township committee meetings.

499
00:44:16,200 --> 00:44:19,360
I'm going to open it up to public comments on agenda items only,

500
00:44:21,500 --> 00:44:22,880
seeing nothing, I will

501
00:44:22,880 --> 00:44:23,600
close that.

502
00:44:24,600 --> 00:44:25,380
Payment of the bills?

503
00:44:28,230 --> 00:44:35,710
Mayor, make a motion to approve resolution 2026 to 06, payment of bills, be it resolved

504
00:44:35,710 --> 00:44:40,550
the township committee of a township of Warren, county of summer state of New Jersey, the

505
00:44:40,550 --> 00:44:56,570
Chief Financial Officer B, and hereby is authorized to pay current bills in the amount of $17,362,254.58 cents, and made a part hereup, consisting of payments as follows, more in Township Board of Education, $6 million.

506
00:44:56,570 --> 00:44:56,890
$20.

507
00:44:57,630 --> 00:44:59,390
Watching Hills Regional High School,

508
00:44:59,570 --> 00:44:59,930
$2 million.

509
00:45:00,020 --> 00:45:26,120
$119.19, $767, Somerset County, $5,821,994.69, the sewer utility, $589,669.52, and township expenses, $2,832,323.37 cents. I make a motion to approve.

510
00:45:27,980 --> 00:45:32,440
discussion, roll call? Committee member McCarrie? Yes. Committee member

511
00:45:32,440 --> 00:45:37,240
Blitz? Yes. Committee member Croson? Yes. Deputy Mayor Keon? Yes. Mayor Fein? Yes.

512
00:45:38,120 --> 00:45:42,980
Any deferred business? There is none at this time there. On to the new business. Okay.

513
00:45:43,180 --> 00:45:50,300
Okay. I'd like to introduce ordinance number 26-23 for introduction and first

514
00:45:50,300 --> 00:45:58,400
reading. This is a bond ordinance providing for the acquisition of property in and by the

515
00:45:58,400 --> 00:46:05,720
township of Warren in the county of Somerset, New Jersey, appropriating 1,400,000 therefor,

516
00:46:06,260 --> 00:46:16,600
and authorizing the insurance of 1,330,000 bonds or notes of the township of finance part

517
00:46:16,600 --> 00:46:18,840
part of the cost thereof.

518
00:46:19,040 --> 00:46:25,220
I make a motion to approve ordinance number 26-23 on first reading.

519
00:46:28,680 --> 00:46:33,180
Discussion, Mark, you want to give a little more color to this one?

520
00:46:34,480 --> 00:46:35,700
This is round top?

521
00:46:36,280 --> 00:46:36,560
Okay.

522
00:46:37,280 --> 00:46:44,900
Well, the township has negotiated for the purchase of round top swim club.

523
00:46:44,900 --> 00:46:49,520
The purchase price is one million and $50,000.

524
00:46:49,920 --> 00:46:57,560
A contract is being negotiated between our attorneys and their attorneys.

525
00:46:57,720 --> 00:47:05,520
I know in speaking to their attorney, I know that they are, the contract is agreeable to both sides.

526
00:47:07,480 --> 00:47:12,560
We are not able to execute it until this ordinance is passed and that will be next month.

527
00:47:12,560 --> 00:47:22,240
but I've talked to the attorney and we're trying to get agreement to start or due diligence which will include a survey of phase one and also

528
00:47:22,240 --> 00:47:28,880
an evaluation of the facilities so we have that done as part of this process.

529
00:47:31,640 --> 00:47:41,980
This ordinance is an open space, will be open space debt so that it will be funded through at least this part of it.

530
00:47:41,980 --> 00:47:44,600
through the open space trust fund.

531
00:47:45,000 --> 00:47:45,920
Perfect. Thanks, Mark.

532
00:47:46,240 --> 00:47:52,440
Can you just clarify the difference in the $1,150,000 versus the appropriate.

533
00:47:53,160 --> 00:47:59,160
Well, we're operating an additional fund because we have to do diligence that we do accomplish.

534
00:47:59,440 --> 00:48:09,640
And in the event, we have any initial repairs and things that we have to address that will be that's provided for within the ordinance.

535
00:48:09,640 --> 00:48:15,060
Now, if we get further than that in some of the discussions you're having, then we'll

536
00:48:15,060 --> 00:48:17,560
have discussions about how that will be financed.

537
00:48:17,700 --> 00:48:17,760
Okay.

538
00:48:18,080 --> 00:48:19,060
Thank you, Mark.

539
00:48:19,400 --> 00:48:19,940
Mark, I'm sorry.

540
00:48:20,140 --> 00:48:24,960
I know, but can you confirm that we're just buying the assets, we're not buying any debt

541
00:48:24,960 --> 00:48:28,220
that they may have reliability that we're not buying the corporation around now?

542
00:48:28,220 --> 00:48:28,700
No, no, no.

543
00:48:28,840 --> 00:48:37,180
We are buying the property that is all we're purchasing and any facilities and fixtures

544
00:48:37,180 --> 00:48:48,640
that are currently in place, how they handle their corporate issues will be their responsibility.

545
00:48:49,040 --> 00:48:53,900
Now, we're not buying the entity, we're buying the property.

546
00:48:54,680 --> 00:49:04,480
And like I said, their membership did approve our offer, I believe on July 27th, yeah.

547
00:49:04,480 --> 00:49:17,240
And so that will move that forward, but we'll be, like I said, now that this is being

548
00:49:17,240 --> 00:49:26,700
introduced, I'll be authorizing the different due diligence elements so we can move this forward and get this done by the end of the year.

549
00:49:27,320 --> 00:49:27,480
Perfect.

550
00:49:28,420 --> 00:49:28,700
Thank you.

551
00:49:28,700 --> 00:49:30,240
Thank you

552
00:49:30,240 --> 00:49:33,500
Roll call committee men McCarrie. Yes

553
00:49:34,260 --> 00:49:39,200
Committing men blick. Yes committee men crossing. Yes, Deputy Mayor Keon. Yes, Mayor fine. Yes

554
00:49:41,570 --> 00:49:49,510
Public hearing for ordinance 2623 will be held on September 24th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the Suzy B boys meeting

555
00:49:50,730 --> 00:49:55,610
Mayor, I'd like to introduce ordinance number 26 stash 24 for introduction and first reading

556
00:49:55,610 --> 00:50:02,370
ordinance vacating a portion of San Road and a portion of an existing brook slash

557
00:50:02,370 --> 00:50:08,650
drainage easement to and for the benefit of the property identified as block 86.01

558
00:50:08,650 --> 00:50:15,550
lot 30-01 township of Warren, Somerset County, New Jersey, and make a motion to

559
00:50:15,550 --> 00:50:18,390
approve ordinance 26-24 on first reading.

560
00:50:19,830 --> 00:50:20,310
second.

561
00:50:25,280 --> 00:50:26,360
Committee Member Carrey.

562
00:50:26,640 --> 00:50:27,600
Committee Member Blip.

563
00:50:27,780 --> 00:50:27,940
Yes.

564
00:50:28,180 --> 00:50:28,940
Committee Member Croson.

565
00:50:29,180 --> 00:50:29,300
Yes.

566
00:50:29,560 --> 00:50:30,300
Deputy Mayor Kean.

567
00:50:30,540 --> 00:50:30,700
Yes.

568
00:50:30,920 --> 00:50:31,240
Mayor Fine.

569
00:50:31,660 --> 00:50:31,780
Yes.

570
00:50:34,300 --> 00:50:41,720
The public hearing for ordinance 2624 will be held on September 24th, 2026 at 7pm in the Suzy

571
00:50:41,720 --> 00:50:42,700
Beboys meeting room.

572
00:50:43,440 --> 00:50:49,920
Mayor, I'd like to introduce resolution number 2026-207 authorizing execution of a member

573
00:50:49,920 --> 00:50:56,120
ran of a understanding with Newville LLC and pillar care continuum and ink for development

574
00:50:56,120 --> 00:51:01,120
of an affordable housing project on the township owned sterling road property.

575
00:51:01,580 --> 00:51:05,240
I make a motion to approve Resolution 2026-207.

576
00:51:05,780 --> 00:51:06,320
Second.

577
00:51:07,080 --> 00:51:07,440
Discussion?

578
00:51:08,720 --> 00:51:09,280
Roll call.

579
00:51:09,980 --> 00:51:10,780
Committee member Kerry.

580
00:51:11,120 --> 00:51:11,240
Yes.

581
00:51:11,460 --> 00:51:12,060
Committee member Nick.

582
00:51:12,340 --> 00:51:12,580
Yes.

583
00:51:12,840 --> 00:51:13,600
Committee member Rosen.

584
00:51:13,960 --> 00:51:14,100
Yes.

585
00:51:14,400 --> 00:51:15,160
Deputy Mayor Keon.

586
00:51:15,420 --> 00:51:15,580
Yes.

587
00:51:15,840 --> 00:51:16,180
Mayor fine.

588
00:51:16,720 --> 00:51:16,860
Yes.

589
00:51:16,860 --> 00:51:30,580
Yes, Mayor would like to introduce resolution number 2026-208, supporting S-4472 requiring members of the New Jersey legislator to hold annual town hall meetings and make a motion to approve.

590
00:51:31,560 --> 00:51:32,040
Second.

591
00:51:33,260 --> 00:51:33,740
Discussion?

592
00:51:34,560 --> 00:51:35,080
Yes, Mayor.

593
00:51:35,380 --> 00:51:39,720
First of all, I'd like to recognize Brian Lee from Senator Bramneck's office who's here with us this evening.

594
00:51:39,720 --> 00:51:44,880
Senator Brahmnick is the sponsor of this bill and as we were going through the meeting

595
00:51:44,880 --> 00:51:51,480
tonight as we're you know meeting with residents and fielding their questions and discussing

596
00:51:52,320 --> 00:51:59,120
issues pertinent to the town it underscored for me the importance of a bill like this which

597
00:51:59,120 --> 00:52:04,300
would require state senators and assembly members to hold annual town hall meetings.

598
00:52:04,320 --> 00:52:08,920
If a resident has a question for local council they can come to a meeting like this.

599
00:52:08,920 --> 00:52:14,600
If a resident has a question for county commissioners, they can go to a county commission meeting.

600
00:52:15,240 --> 00:52:20,480
If a resident has a question for a member of the assembly, there are very few, if any,

601
00:52:20,560 --> 00:52:27,840
opportunities to ask that question in person and have a discussion at length on any particular

602
00:52:27,840 --> 00:52:28,260
issue.

603
00:52:28,720 --> 00:52:32,500
Senator Bramnik himself has held two town halls this year alone.

604
00:52:33,240 --> 00:52:35,240
I was fortunate enough to attend both of them.

605
00:52:35,240 --> 00:52:42,420
And there were great discussions on issues that are pertinent to residents all throughout

606
00:52:42,420 --> 00:52:43,620
the state of New Jersey.

607
00:52:43,880 --> 00:52:47,640
So I want to thank the senator for introducing this bill for Brian for being here tonight.

608
00:52:47,780 --> 00:52:52,160
I think he has copies of the legislation as well that he can leave with Donna if you have

609
00:52:52,160 --> 00:52:52,960
him at town hall.

610
00:52:53,480 --> 00:52:59,540
If you could include it in the roundup of the meeting that we send out, that would be great.

611
00:53:00,060 --> 00:53:02,760
But with that, I support the passage of the resolution.

612
00:53:10,940 --> 00:53:21,980
I'm going to introduce Resolution 2026-209, except in the Redsignation of Lieutenant Daniel

613
00:53:21,980 --> 00:53:22,440
Leason.

614
00:53:23,480 --> 00:53:27,100
I make a motion to approve Resolution 2026-209.

615
00:53:27,840 --> 00:53:28,340
Second.

616
00:53:28,900 --> 00:53:32,840
And for discussion, I'm just going to ask the chief if you want us to come up and say a few words because

617
00:53:33,960 --> 00:53:37,220
Dan's been great for the force and it's sad to see him leave, but I understand

618
00:53:38,160 --> 00:53:42,780
As I as I've told Dan he served this town for nearly 27 years. He served in every

619
00:53:44,560 --> 00:53:46,900
Every division within the police department. I told him yes

620
00:53:46,900 --> 00:53:51,220
I said, you know, we walk around a lot of people leave their footprints in their hand prints where they go

621
00:53:51,700 --> 00:53:53,260
Dan left his sole print

622
00:53:54,880 --> 00:53:56,180
Right here. He's here now with us

623
00:53:59,620 --> 00:54:03,340
But he's 27 years, he's retiring, happy, healthy.

624
00:54:03,720 --> 00:54:08,920
He's moving on to the next chapter in his life, and he will be deeply missed in the

625
00:54:08,920 --> 00:54:09,320
police department.

626
00:54:09,700 --> 00:54:10,620
So I wish him the best of luck.

627
00:54:11,000 --> 00:54:14,080
I thank him for his service, and I'd say I wish him all the luck.

628
00:54:15,700 --> 00:54:16,360
Thank you, Chief.

629
00:54:16,980 --> 00:54:17,560
Roll call.

630
00:54:18,400 --> 00:54:19,180
Committee member Kerry.

631
00:54:19,440 --> 00:54:19,580
Yes.

632
00:54:19,780 --> 00:54:20,300
Committee member Blake.

633
00:54:20,460 --> 00:54:20,620
Yes.

634
00:54:20,900 --> 00:54:21,660
Committee member Croson.

635
00:54:21,780 --> 00:54:21,920
Yes.

636
00:54:22,180 --> 00:54:22,400
Yes.

637
00:54:22,400 --> 00:54:24,200
American? Yes, they're fine. Yes.

638
00:54:27,660 --> 00:54:31,320
Mayor, I'd like to introduce consent agenda, consent agenda

639
00:54:31,320 --> 00:54:40,740
resolutions, resolutions number 2026-20, excuse me, 2026-210 through 2026-234 were submitted

640
00:54:40,740 --> 00:54:45,380
to the township committee for review and may be adopted by one motion. These resolutions are listed

641
00:54:45,380 --> 00:54:50,480
on the agenda and a complete copy is available in the township clerk's office and the township's

642
00:54:50,480 --> 00:54:58,820
website. I make a motion to approve consent agenda resolutions 2026-210 through 2026-234

643
00:55:00,060 --> 00:55:01,340
Second discussion

644
00:55:02,480 --> 00:55:03,120
Roku

645
00:55:03,120 --> 00:55:09,500
Yes, committee member blick. Yes, committee member crozen. Yes, deputy mayor keon. Yes, mayor fine. Yes

646
00:55:10,240 --> 00:55:12,960
Okay into discussion topic one

647
00:55:13,840 --> 00:55:16,900
2027 budget goals and procedures mark

648
00:55:18,840 --> 00:55:26,780
You have before you my memo that now kicks off our 2027 budget process.

649
00:55:29,300 --> 00:55:44,300
My proposal would be, and I'll take this in within a couple of pieces, is that the process with the departments and preparing a document for the committee is to be the same as we followed in past years.

650
00:55:44,300 --> 00:55:49,300
I'd like it, you know, since you just got it today, there's a lot near to digest.

651
00:55:51,200 --> 00:55:54,140
The decisions don't necessarily have to be made.

652
00:55:54,360 --> 00:56:00,980
A lot of it will be made during the course of the next six to nine months, but I'm laying

653
00:56:00,980 --> 00:56:10,000
out a lot of issues, both short-term for 2027 and long-term that you should consider as we

654
00:56:10,000 --> 00:56:13,000
go about long-term budget planning.

655
00:56:13,460 --> 00:56:17,120
I'd like you to take a look at the seven, you know, goals and objectives.

656
00:56:18,160 --> 00:56:24,920
I'd like to get, you know, a reaction to that so they can be endorsed at the 924 meeting

657
00:56:24,920 --> 00:56:30,260
because I want to get the procedural forms out to the, you know, to the departments, you

658
00:56:30,260 --> 00:56:31,220
know, about that time.

659
00:56:33,690 --> 00:56:39,270
And I know that, you know, Karen Denovik or CFO and I had meetings with both the Mayor and

660
00:56:39,270 --> 00:56:47,970
deputy mayor in May, to talk about things that we can do to start tightening up the process.

661
00:56:48,310 --> 00:57:00,430
So it's 26 was due to the building issues, at least the Tenshi committee's ability to get a lot of information.

662
00:57:01,030 --> 00:57:04,430
We found a way to get through it, and I think we worked out pretty well.

663
00:57:04,430 --> 00:57:10,050
But I would like 27 to be a little more normal than 26 was.

664
00:57:11,090 --> 00:57:11,790
Thank you, Mark.

665
00:57:11,990 --> 00:57:16,710
And I will say, so I didn't read it thoroughly because it was today.

666
00:57:16,950 --> 00:57:21,950
But I think what Mark lays out is the future, right?

667
00:57:22,090 --> 00:57:24,670
So the questions he asks are not about tomorrow.

668
00:57:25,090 --> 00:57:26,490
It's like five years from now.

669
00:57:26,550 --> 00:57:30,550
So I think this goes back to me on the vision of mission that we started.

670
00:57:31,150 --> 00:57:45,470
I think if you tie that to a mark did we should come up with a long term plan that we agree on that addresses his comments and aligns with the vision and mission that we still have to complete because I think it's important.

671
00:57:46,090 --> 00:57:57,470
We got to set the tone for the future and we haven't done that in the past and I think us five are kind of keyed in on the same vision for what Warren is going to be.

672
00:57:57,470 --> 00:58:02,270
And I think Mark's memo helps identify some of the risks that he's seen.

673
00:58:03,710 --> 00:58:09,430
So I don't know Donna that vision and mission where that is, but it would be something I'd

674
00:58:09,430 --> 00:58:10,250
like to wrap up.

675
00:58:12,730 --> 00:58:14,370
Horizon for us to get into

676
00:58:17,150 --> 00:58:18,350
that September, are you on it though?

677
00:58:18,630 --> 00:58:25,350
Yeah, so I mean, just give me your comments going forward, you know, and so that we can at

678
00:58:25,350 --> 00:58:31,350
least a week before the 924 meeting, so any adjustments that need to be made in the proposal

679
00:58:31,350 --> 00:58:43,460
that at least the goals and objectives, the memo itself just lays out some issues.

680
00:58:43,720 --> 00:58:56,040
And I know Mr. McHarrow, you had some comments that I didn't incorporate a degree within the department in structural memos.

681
00:58:56,040 --> 00:59:06,040
So there are the longer term decisions about how you deal with certain things.

682
00:59:07,160 --> 00:59:22,540
As I had said to the mayor a couple of weeks ago, there's two ultimate goals here, maintaining the lowest possible amount to be raised by taxes while still being able to run the business.

683
00:59:22,540 --> 00:59:29,540
And also keeping in mind that we have a triple a bond rating.

684
00:59:30,420 --> 00:59:35,040
And we want to make sure that both short and

685
00:59:35,040 --> 00:59:39,020
long-term decisions allow warrant to maintain that rating.

686
00:59:39,540 --> 00:59:42,940
Moody's is actually going through its annual review right now.

687
00:59:43,160 --> 00:59:46,860
Got to review their draft report today.

688
00:59:47,960 --> 00:59:53,640
And, you know, they're going to be maintaining or, you know, or AAA rating, but we've got

689
00:59:53,640 --> 00:59:58,160
a lot going on and a lot of debt that's going to, you know, that's going to be issued

690
00:59:58,160 --> 00:59:59,980
just with all the decisions you're...

691
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:29,600
So, you know, making right now. And so, we've got to make sure that we're maintaining that rating. I will say the first three paragraphs, again, I didn't read everything, but the first three talks about headwinds, affordable housing, the storms we've endured, stormwater management, right? And then a lot of first of all the community engagement, the new things we've done. And so, that's three paragraphs is like what I think the future is, right?

692
01:00:29,600 --> 01:00:33,000
it's future planning and sending money aside

693
01:00:33,000 --> 01:00:34,720
to control what we can.

694
01:00:35,140 --> 01:00:39,260
It's strategic planning and then it's community, right?

695
01:00:39,720 --> 01:00:41,460
And it reads that that's what we've done

696
01:00:42,070 --> 01:00:43,800
and it aligns with the vision

697
01:00:44,310 --> 01:00:45,860
and I think we can set it

698
01:00:46,490 --> 01:00:48,500
that Mark has a good direction moving forward.

699
01:00:49,120 --> 01:00:52,180
So I was proud of the first couple of paragraphs

700
01:00:52,180 --> 01:00:54,800
because it shows this was a year already.

701
01:00:55,480 --> 01:00:57,480
And we have been in town Hallston Super Bowl so.

702
01:00:59,600 --> 01:01:00,300
All right, thank you, Mark.

703
01:01:01,200 --> 01:01:02,240
And then Zoom.

704
01:01:03,620 --> 01:01:04,440
You want to take that?

705
01:01:04,660 --> 01:01:04,800
Sure.

706
01:01:05,180 --> 01:01:08,400
So I had asked for us to put that on discussion

707
01:01:08,400 --> 01:01:12,520
because it is time to open up the discussion of Zoom

708
01:01:12,520 --> 01:01:17,740
as we are wrapping up phase one of the AV upgrades here

709
01:01:17,740 --> 01:01:18,900
in the courtroom.

710
01:01:19,640 --> 01:01:22,020
And to be able to move that discussion forward,

711
01:01:22,560 --> 01:01:24,740
we're going to need some additional information,

712
01:01:24,740 --> 01:01:38,740
which I'm going to ask of Donna if you can please kind of go back in time and see what we had initially for that pilot that we had done a couple of years ago for a zoom when we piloted.

713
01:01:40,140 --> 01:01:52,100
For those like the rules and the procedures and how we conducted it and what you felt worked and what didn't work and how what you think we could have done better

714
01:01:52,100 --> 01:01:56,300
to kind of make it a little more seamless and also easier for residents to

715
01:01:57,420 --> 01:02:00,320
access because the whole point is for them to be able to access it otherwise

716
01:02:00,320 --> 01:02:05,420
what's the point of having it. And then I also would like to have a better

717
01:02:05,420 --> 01:02:10,920
understanding. So when Lance and I first met with the vendor we do we did

718
01:02:11,920 --> 01:02:17,660
emphasize that we wanted to have the capability to move forward with either

719
01:02:17,660 --> 01:02:20,220
or Zoom or Teams or whatever kind of platform it was.

720
01:02:21,100 --> 01:02:24,880
So we are kind of set up for it,

721
01:02:25,020 --> 01:02:27,000
but we're not fully set up for it just yet.

722
01:02:27,220 --> 01:02:29,940
So I'm sure the rest of the committee

723
01:02:29,940 --> 01:02:32,340
would like to understand moving forward,

724
01:02:32,340 --> 01:02:36,700
what needs to happen in terms of equipment and wiring

725
01:02:37,160 --> 01:02:42,420
in order to facilitate something such as a Teams

726
01:02:42,420 --> 01:02:45,520
or Zoom option for residents.

727
01:02:45,520 --> 01:02:46,080
Yes, of course.

728
01:02:46,220 --> 01:02:53,460
Part of the requirements that I gave them, meaning the vendor that just completed this,

729
01:02:53,700 --> 01:02:59,260
was that when they wire the place, it's got to be set up for streaming in both ways,

730
01:02:59,440 --> 01:03:00,740
two-way communication.

731
01:03:01,400 --> 01:03:07,140
And again, I didn't say Zoom, it's plastic is what I said, because we need to figure out

732
01:03:07,140 --> 01:03:08,720
what platform is the best for us.

733
01:03:08,720 --> 01:03:16,740
exactly but you know I haven't met with them since the project was pretty much

734
01:03:16,740 --> 01:03:22,680
completed but that was in the requirements so I you know I would ask that

735
01:03:22,680 --> 01:03:27,040
they come in here and go over that with us and just make sure that we that

736
01:03:27,040 --> 01:03:30,560
we we hit on all that but there's that's the reason why there's a TV right

737
01:03:30,560 --> 01:03:34,960
there so that when somebody comes in here and presents a PowerPoint we could

738
01:03:34,960 --> 01:03:39,040
display it up there it'll also go out over the streaming platform but I also

739
01:03:39,040 --> 01:03:43,040
want it so that if one of us is sick and can't make a meeting but you could

740
01:03:43,040 --> 01:03:46,740
still make the meeting why not be able to dial in it's like things like that

741
01:03:46,740 --> 01:03:53,540
so yeah yeah so the the reason why I had asked to have it put on discussion is

742
01:03:53,540 --> 01:03:58,560
I mean literally so that we can have this discussion and kind of you know start

743
01:03:58,560 --> 01:04:04,140
moving the ball forward now that we have phase one completed and collect the

744
01:04:04,140 --> 01:04:08,880
additional information that we need to kind of make it happen and part of that is

745
01:04:08,880 --> 01:04:14,600
understanding what what additional equipment or you know procedures and

746
01:04:14,600 --> 01:04:17,600
whatnot that we need and we also have to know what platform we're gonna

747
01:04:17,600 --> 01:04:22,540
like we have to explore whether I would be zoom or I know that you say that with

748
01:04:22,540 --> 01:04:27,580
work you use was it teams a lot that you we's Google oh Google but I know that

749
01:04:27,580 --> 01:04:31,500
we're a Microsoft shop here at the township so we can figure that out that's

750
01:04:31,500 --> 01:04:38,300
the least of it. But the important part is that my requirements were that we are set

751
01:04:38,300 --> 01:04:43,320
up to be platform agnostic so anything we decide to plug in there should work. So,

752
01:04:43,840 --> 01:04:50,220
okay. Thank you. So I'm going to open up to privilege of the floor to the public.

753
01:04:52,990 --> 01:04:54,370
Sure, come on up, Bill.

754
01:05:06,520 --> 01:05:13,680
For my 88 years of age and my perspective of many years in war and township, I would like

755
01:05:13,680 --> 01:05:19,580
to identify to you what I feel like what makes for a successful township committee and

756
01:05:19,580 --> 01:05:21,800
what makes for a failure as a township committee.

757
01:05:22,540 --> 01:05:28,520
I find that the township committee is strongest when it has five members who are all dedicated

758
01:05:28,520 --> 01:05:31,740
to being a much of their career public servants.

759
01:05:31,740 --> 01:05:39,680
If they should aim not for it to your term, but for 15, 19, 20, or 23, your term as

760
01:05:39,680 --> 01:05:44,560
Caroline Gaffa, Victorino, and Gary Drauno, and Suzy Boyce did.

761
01:05:45,500 --> 01:05:53,480
I think you should be, you should be, your position is one of becoming more knowledgeable

762
01:05:53,480 --> 01:05:54,280
about what is out.

763
01:05:54,680 --> 01:05:58,500
More knowledgeable about people, because there's no more people, because you see more people,

764
01:05:58,500 --> 01:06:05,100
I understand how more people feel about their government and by that way you will eventually

765
01:06:05,100 --> 01:06:05,380
come.

766
01:06:05,480 --> 01:06:14,540
I hope by 246 that you will be known as the strongest township government in the state of

767
01:06:14,540 --> 01:06:17,340
New Jersey and God bless you all.

768
01:06:17,680 --> 01:06:18,380
Thank you Bill.

769
01:06:25,080 --> 01:06:31,120
Rick DePinio, 11 Wilshire Road and just looking at the agenda tonight when I saw the zoom

770
01:06:31,120 --> 01:06:36,760
meeting on here that's what got me out into the rain and be careful when we all go home because I've

771
01:06:36,760 --> 01:06:41,480
been reading that there's a tree down over by Barney Road so Washington Valley might be a little

772
01:06:41,480 --> 01:06:49,480
tricky or closed so so I just wanted to commend you guys and say hey the zoom worked for a number of

773
01:06:49,480 --> 01:06:56,980
years during COVID I was probably the most well we have a new I was there I mean don't I don't have

774
01:06:56,980 --> 01:07:02,180
hands, I have your number in my phone because of it, because there were times where things

775
01:07:02,180 --> 01:07:07,420
wouldn't work exactly right. But the bottom line is, if we really want to do it as

776
01:07:07,420 --> 01:07:12,600
a town, it works and it's an excellent way for people to provide feedback at the meeting

777
01:07:12,600 --> 01:07:18,180
directly to you in a two way fashion. And I hope that we get that restarted. I know the

778
01:07:18,880 --> 01:07:22,840
changes and everything else in upgrading this room had to be done. Good to see that it's

779
01:07:22,840 --> 01:07:23,740
finally nearing an end.

780
01:07:24,500 --> 01:07:27,360
So that's one of the reasons I'm here.

781
01:07:27,440 --> 01:07:29,640
I just want to advocate the support

782
01:07:29,640 --> 01:07:31,940
of getting that done in timely fashion.

783
01:07:32,780 --> 01:07:34,540
The goals and procedures, I just,

784
01:07:34,820 --> 01:07:38,160
I have a comment every year that comes up.

785
01:07:38,840 --> 01:07:41,360
It's been like nine years now we have two municipal buildings.

786
01:07:41,880 --> 01:07:43,000
I know we're finally getting,

787
01:07:43,000 --> 01:07:45,040
I think a referendum or something in the fall.

788
01:07:45,660 --> 01:07:47,860
It would be great though if we could figure out

789
01:07:47,860 --> 01:07:50,940
what we're gonna do because that carrying that is a cost.

790
01:07:50,940 --> 01:07:57,240
an O&M cost to our town. So just the request that somebody seriously look at making some

791
01:07:57,240 --> 01:08:03,220
tough decisions as to what we're going to do with that building. So I don't know. I couldn't

792
01:08:03,220 --> 01:08:08,860
have the bridge lawn for nine years, so our town, I guess, can afford it. Lastly, I just

793
01:08:08,860 --> 01:08:13,220
wanted to say, when the tax bills came out this year, I did some calculations and number

794
01:08:13,220 --> 01:08:19,500
crunching. And if I ran it on the fiscal year with the way the numbers come out from August

795
01:08:19,500 --> 01:08:25,660
to July, not the calendar year. I came up with a number that said, wow, the increase

796
01:08:25,660 --> 01:08:33,860
for our property taxes, eight and a half percent in one year. And as I watched news 12 recently,

797
01:08:34,100 --> 01:08:39,020
I don't know how many people saw Jersey City had their residents up in arms because their

798
01:08:39,020 --> 01:08:46,920
taxes went up over 15 percent. Now, eight and a half percent is not 15 percent, but then I said,

799
01:08:46,920 --> 01:08:50,400
I got a, you know, at least look at it on an annual basis, look at the calendar basis

800
01:08:50,400 --> 01:08:54,540
because I got corrected after speaking to Mr. Crane about, well, you got to look at

801
01:08:54,540 --> 01:08:55,180
the annual rate.

802
01:08:55,260 --> 01:08:57,220
You can't look at that physical stuff.

803
01:08:57,640 --> 01:08:59,060
I mean, I still six and a half percent.

804
01:08:59,540 --> 01:09:03,820
So while I'm thinking of as our seniors and a people in town who, you know, really look

805
01:09:03,820 --> 01:09:08,280
at that and that's not a, I know we got headwinds and we got inflation in this country

806
01:09:08,280 --> 01:09:13,180
and it's really tough for people but six and a half percent and even if the average

807
01:09:13,180 --> 01:09:16,000
if you want, according to Mark, was, let me not,

808
01:09:16,640 --> 01:09:20,100
four and a half, 4.6%, I think, was the correct number.

809
01:09:20,720 --> 01:09:22,440
Whatever it is, everybody's probably gonna do

810
01:09:22,440 --> 01:09:23,500
their own number crunching.

811
01:09:23,860 --> 01:09:26,480
All I'm just asking you guys is take the budget real serious

812
01:09:26,480 --> 01:09:29,440
and let's hold the line on taxes, all right?

813
01:09:29,760 --> 01:09:30,100
Thank you.

814
01:09:30,100 --> 01:09:30,300
Thank you.

815
01:09:30,480 --> 01:09:30,740
Why are you there?

816
01:09:30,820 --> 01:09:31,800
Could I ask you a question on Zoom?

817
01:09:32,220 --> 01:09:32,360
Sure.

818
01:09:33,000 --> 01:09:35,740
So, we're gonna work through the evaluation of,

819
01:09:36,120 --> 01:09:37,820
if it works, the ease of operation.

820
01:09:38,640 --> 01:09:41,260
Is there something that you don't feel that we're accessible

821
01:09:42,160 --> 01:09:45,360
that if you had a question that you could just call us.

822
01:09:47,020 --> 01:09:52,020
So I just, I asked the question because I don't know what the outcome's going to be, right?

823
01:09:52,120 --> 01:09:57,500
We're wired now, we can do it. My question to you is you're active and involved and I know you talked to us.

824
01:09:57,560 --> 01:10:02,840
I'm just curious to zoom benefit you that much in the fact of access.

825
01:10:03,740 --> 01:10:11,020
I think there were times especially during COVID where it was beneficial and it wasn't photo bombed.

826
01:10:11,020 --> 01:10:15,620
like that time where somebody was bombing the media about that.

827
01:10:15,920 --> 01:10:20,600
Yeah, I think that was an aberration and hopefully that will be fixed or not happened again.

828
01:10:21,320 --> 01:10:25,540
But I think it was good to have the opportunity to sometimes,

829
01:10:25,940 --> 01:10:29,320
you don't know how things are going to go, especially during public comments.

830
01:10:30,200 --> 01:10:35,820
And to have that ability to then say, hey, I'd like to jump in and add to that or question that,

831
01:10:36,180 --> 01:10:37,400
there was value in that.

832
01:10:38,100 --> 01:10:44,500
And I agree with you, you guys are, most of you are very accessible, extremely accessible.

833
01:10:45,620 --> 01:10:52,040
So in that sense, I agree, I could, if I have an idea, sometimes if I have a question

834
01:10:52,040 --> 01:10:56,760
before I even come to this meeting, I think of sending you or Vanessa or somebody a question

835
01:10:56,760 --> 01:11:01,020
ahead of time, or I'll ask Mark Crane, because I don't want to waste everyone's time.

836
01:11:02,020 --> 01:11:07,300
So you know, you learn after you've been going to meetings since what, 2017, so it's

837
01:11:07,300 --> 01:11:10,060
It's kind of like, you know, it's a learning curve.

838
01:11:10,240 --> 01:11:11,440
That's a fair point, I was just curious.

839
01:11:11,480 --> 01:11:16,060
But I think there were times where when you see the direction and the way things go,

840
01:11:16,640 --> 01:11:20,920
because you can't always predict that there's an agenda, but things take turns.

841
01:11:20,920 --> 01:11:25,360
And if you didn't have that ability to have a two way, you'd miss out.

842
01:11:25,540 --> 01:11:25,660
Fair.

843
01:11:26,100 --> 01:11:26,320
Okay.

844
01:11:26,580 --> 01:11:26,840
Thank you.

845
01:11:27,020 --> 01:11:27,180
All right.

846
01:11:27,360 --> 01:11:27,620
Thank you.

847
01:11:35,310 --> 01:11:42,010
I would like to urge the committee, but special attention in the future of the off-hour house,

848
01:11:42,010 --> 01:11:46,390
or old municipal building. The Township Committee, the historic

849
01:11:46,390 --> 01:11:49,890
site committee has been doing work now for three years to define

850
01:11:49,890 --> 01:11:55,750
and defunctions for the Howard House. I think I think you can add

851
01:11:55,750 --> 01:11:59,790
you members who represent the general public can add to this by bringing

852
01:11:59,790 --> 01:12:02,710
the voice of the general public to the decision of what should be done

853
01:12:02,710 --> 01:12:05,890
with the Howard House. And I wish you would really push that

854
01:12:05,890 --> 01:12:08,250
to the top of your agenda. Thank you very much. Thank you.

855
01:12:08,250 --> 01:12:09,350
See

856
01:12:14,050 --> 01:12:16,450
nothing else I'll make a motion close