##VIDEO ID:GtSTSNEhWbU## e hi hi all right uh open Board of Health meeting Susan sure our open Board of Health meeting this evening has three events we had two dog bites and one cat bite they were all owner related everything's been closed out and that's the end of that report awesome this is a public meeting does anyone from the public have anything they'd like to say in reference to the Board of Health meeting seeing none can I get a motion to close second second uh any comments all in favor I I can I get a motion to adjourn the Board of Health meeting second all in favor I I right we have a quick presentation toight you thank you um as you are aware this evening is um Claire Buy's last meeting sorry and uh it's also mayor Schmid and Mr we uh Council East as well however we wanted to present Claire with something extra special uh for 24 years of service so Claire if you would come up please um Senator Beach is not able was not able to be here but senator [Applause] [Music] [Music] [Applause] so again Senator Beach was not able to be here and he Express his sincere gratefulness but the Senate and general assembly have created some joint legislative resolution by Senator Beach assemblyman Greenwald and assembly woman lampin where is The Honorable Claire buy a highly esteemed member of her Community will be recognized by her colleagues on the maple Shake Township Council on December 12th 2024 as she concludes a remarkable tenure that has spaned over 23 years and whereas the Senate and general assembly of the state of New Jersey are pleased to salute CLA VY and commend her immeasurable contribution in furtherance of a robust and prosperous toship for all whereas CLA VY has served with distinction on the Maple Shade toship Council since 2001 and she has demonstrated exemp leadership as both mayor Deputy Mayor and appreciated for her steadfast efforts on the maple shap Board of Education and for her invaluable work with the PTA youth local sports organizations and and whereas by repeatedly applying her knowledge and experience to the benefit of her fellow residents CLA VY has earned the abiding respect and admiration of all who know of her many accomplishments whereas the strength and prosperity of the state of New Jersey depend in great measure upon industri of citizens exemplified by CL Bing who utiliz their unique skills and Tal enance our communities and improve the quality of life for our neighbors and whereas through her inspired and effective governance governance CLA GOP has exhibited an uncommon measure of public spiritedness and in doing so she has established a standard of Excellence towards which others might strive for now therefore that this legislator hereby commends CLA vuli pays tribute to her Sterling record of public service and extends sincere best wishes for continued happiness all the days of her life and being further resolved that a Dy authenticated copy of this resolution signed by the Senate President and the assembly speaker and attested by Senate secretary and the assembly C be transmitted to The Honorable CL V signed by Nicholas guari president of the Senate and Craig coff speaker of the general assembly congratulations [Applause] speech speech everything I in [Laughter] my you can save it for that a crazy almost 24 years I can't say I enjoyed every minute but I've enjoyed the majority of them I've met a lot of nice people made a lot of friends made some enemies but that comes with the drop so thank you all supporting me voting for [Applause] me all right now of course with that one let me follow that ordinances second reading and public hearing ordinance number 20 24-20 an ordinance to amend chapter 95 fire prevention of the township code to add article four open air burning and recreational fires uh this is an open public meeting does anyone from the public have anything they'd like to mention in reference to that seeing none can I get a motion to close so second comments all in favor I can I get a motion to adopt resolution or excuse me ordinance 2024 D20 so moved second comments roll call please Ty Mr Kaufman yes Miss noon yes Mrs VY yes Mr W approved mayor schmi approved ordinance 2024 d211 an ordinance of the township of Maple Shade County of brington New Jersey amending chapter 200 of the Maple Shade Township Code entitled water regarding fees again this is an open public meeting does anyone from the public have anything they'd like to say excuse me saying reference to this ordinance seeing none can I get a motion to close so make second comments all in favor I I can I get a motion for adoption of ordinance 202 24-21 second comments roll call please Ty Mr coffin yes M noon yes Mrs wpby yes Mr whis approved mayor schmi approved this is the public portion of this meeting for the consent agenda items is there anyone from the public wishing to speak to Council in reference to the consent agenda items seeing none can I get a motion to close second all in favor I the consent agenda I'm going to do it for the first time in block form because there is a ton of them so we're going to do resolution or excuse me yeah resolution number 2024 R-1 196 through 2024 - [Music] r-28 can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda so me second any comments roll call please SAR Mr Coffman yes M noon yes Mrs VY yes Mr whis approved Nish approved uh approval of expenditure list okay current fund Bill 2,862 57463 Utility Fund is $321,100 General Capital fund is $329,990 68 utility Capital fund $885 14.34 our trust fund is $276 111 and our grant fund is $16,999 I have had the opportunity to review the bill list as presented and recommend payment when funds are available make a motion to approve the expenditure list second comments roll call please Terry Mr Coffman yes Miss Mo yes Mrs VY yes Mr whis approve mayor schmi approved as this is a public meeting this is the public portion of the meeting does anyone have anything they'd like to speak to councel in reference to nice seeing none can I get a motion to close so second all in favor I I move on to staff and professional comments let start with our two stairs and two stairs councilwoman no well I can't say enough about Claire Nelson and Steve I've learned a lot uh since coming on and thanks to Claire Nelson and they have uh helped in the learning curve which is quite Monumental when you you come onto this side of the dis without their guidance to help you understand how municipality does work it's just there are no words to describe how I feel thankful to both of you and also to Steve because he stepped up and it was a lot for him to learn in a short amount of time thank you so it's just there is so much involved that you can't really understand it until you're on this side but the amount of years and I've said it to to everyone I mean because every one here has done many things you know you've been on the school boards you've been with msba through your own businesses and everything else that you've done in your lives to put all of that together and give all of yourselves is just really unbelievable thank you thank you you Council MC Coffman thank you mayor uh I just want to thank uh Nelson Steve and especially Claire um I just want to make a comment about a a a quote that Claire gave me many many years ago somebody called her a politician and she said to me Chuck I'm not a politician I'm a public servant and she's always been that way be it on the school board which I served time on the school board with her and of course here on Council Claire has always been the public servant looking out for the township that she's lived in and that she's Lov so Claire it's hard to see you go thank you um Nelson and Steve uh Nelson especially you helped me when I came on learn what was entailed for this job which um as Sandy said is not easy it's complicated all the things you think you can do you find out that you can and uh all the rules and regulations that are there are uh are there and you have to abide by them so it's it's it's difficult so also I want to thank you for your leadership and helping me through Steve uh I know you came up I'm the new guy here that's the new guy and uh you grab the mayor thing and and rhyme with it so uh I do want to thank you for that and uh I'm sorry to see all you guys go but uh good luck whatever your future endeavors are finally it is the holiday season I want to tell everybody to please have a safe and happy holiday season and uh and enjoy with your family and friends thank you sir Claire put you on the hot spot again mhm I'm just waving to my grandchildren out there you're allow that's okay okay all right well to start off I'd like to send my condolences um to all those who have lost a loved one recently or have suffered a tragedy um especially the families of uh Gus geisenheimer Ed goffy Mary Cate and Christopher Ron what a terrible time to have a loss and uh I hope all our heart heart thoughts and prayers are with them during this time uh as this is my last official meeting I'd like to say a few words about my 24 years serving on Council how I got here my involvement in our town throughout my life community service is not new a new thing to me I have been involved with volunteer organizations since my children started kindergarten first it was PTA from when it was number four school now Yokum through Stein to and ending at the high school 1984 was the first year of the new program of six-year-old t-ball and that was the beginning of the many stages of baseball I would be involved in I volunteered as coach scor keeper secretary and publicity director for Maple Shade little leag at that time we had our local weekly newspaper the progress press where the writeups for each game would appear probably many of your moms have those writeups of your memory books along with your individual team pictures I know I do as my son's interest grew so did mine I was involved in the Resurgence of the Maple Shade wrestling program and served as board member and treasurer for three years and then moved on when my son started wrestling in high school and then became an avid fan of the Maple Shade high school wrestling team because of my PTA involvement at Yokum school I was asked to apply for an opening on the school board I was appointed in 1988 and served both as president and vice president during my 10 years I did not seek re-election in 1998 then two years later I was asked to run for Township Council that was a hard decision to make having served on the school board and being responsible for the education of the children of Maple Shade was a huge responsibility but to be be responsible for a whole town was a very daunting task it took a lot of thought before I could commit to making the run and the long journey to where we are now began back then our reorganizations were held on January 1st and were always well attended by employees professionals friends and family I learned that the reason the employees would attend was because under the former form of government that is when they would find out if they still had their jobs since they would make yearly appointments to the EMP employees well I'll talk about a stressful holiday I served with the leadership of five Township managers of the five I played a part in the selection of four of them George was a hard act to follow but two of the four were home runs Susan being part of the two thank you Susan for all your hard work and dedication to this town you've brought about a fresh new way of thinking and have provided a wonderful environment for staff and residents alike I'd also like to acknowledge all the employees both past and present and thank them for their friendship courtesy and most of all their commitment to their jobs and the residents and businesses in town I have occupied this Das with the total of 12 males and in 2018 I was lucky enough to have Sandy noones elected to bring the female representation to two and looking back I can think of four other women who were members namely Janine jender Teresa Pini Rose young and I believe Charlotte muscatelli Who was appointed to fill a vacancy but I'm not sure for who I'm sure do Dugan would know and could correct me if I'm wrong but I'm happy that another woman Heather will be added to the deis I hope the incoming council members take their oath seriously and revie review what their duties are under the fauler act that guides our form of government if you haven't already read it I suggest you look into it and it may not be what you envisioned your term in office to be promises are sometimes promises that cannot be kept it's hard putting the memories of 24 years down on paper to list them all would be quite lengthy and maybe not quite accurate As Time tends to soften the clarity of events and perhaps it is better to be remembered for what you brought to the position you held and not to toot your own horn I will leave my legacy to history but there are two ideas that I brought to council that are often forgotten I was the one who suggested that the skate Paro be put a fellowship field and that the open space on Colin Lane be used for Passive recreation no Fields no organized Sports just an area where all residents can go and enjoy and also it is not a dog park it's a park with a walking Track it drives me nuts when I hear it go to the dog park some memories are quite clear and there is no way to soften them most of my runs for election were hard fought and nasty this past election although I was not a candidate was just as bad as my first in 2000 the only difference is there was no social media back then keyboard Warriors posting misinformation and then not accepting facts when they are presented just makes the lies somehow facts how absurd is that I quote author Tad Williams when he said we tell lies when we are afraid afraid of what we don't know afraid of what others will think afraid of what will be found out about us but every time we tell a lie the thing that we fear grows stronger be truthful and you have nothing to fear I extend my congratulations to the incoming council members Heather John and Andrew I hope you have much success in your term of office you have been elected to represent all the people of Maple Shade and I hope you will continue to add on to all that has been accomplished throughout the years I will not be attending reorganization meeting having lost my husband Anthony on January 4th 2018 our reorganization day that year really impacted me and still does a happy occasion turn tragic is not one easily relived that is why I'm making my statement this evening every s every year since attending that meeting has been very tough but I won't be a stranger I'll sure I'm sure I'll be in the audience in the future I really don't know how to close I just want to say that it was an honor to serve that I met a lot of nice people and made some good friends I'm proud that I made a contribution of my time in love to my hometown now it's time to enjoy my retirement happy Holidays happy healthy 2025 I hope it's a successful year for everyone thank you no okay that puts all the pressure on me and I ready I know uh everyone that listens to these is used to me having a long- winded ending and this will be no different I kept it eight pages only Kitty only it's been an absolute honor to represent the township of Maple Shade over the last 12 years I've devoted every minute that it is is called for and or demanded to perform the duties of the position of councilman Deputy Mayor and mayor to serve this community this is my final council meeting I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the TR trust and support you've given me throughout this journey it's been rewarding to work with this Council all our devoted staff members Township departments and especially our very special Township manager Susan Danson I want to say a special thank you to each and every employee and the department head for their determination to make Maple Shade the pardon me the best they can be the police EMS fire department Department of Public Works water department Township administration building department tax offices zoning office finance office Recreation Department business and economic development commission Municipal Court land use boards and the professionals and volunteers that work for those boards and all the residents and businesses business owners who volunteer their time on various Township organizations I would just like to thank each and everyone for everything they do for Maple Shade Eileen fahe whatever is in your future I wish you the very best and thank thank you for all your support to this Council and all you've given to Maple shave working with Susan has been one of the highlights of my time on Council her knowledge and understanding as Township manager and her strength and tenacity have helped reshape Maple Shade into the strong community that it is today and I seriously mean that serving the communion this community we're serving communion mine does that mean mine that doesn't include that's what I must have have think serving this community that I was born and raised in and I've lived in my entire life is very gratifying to have had the opportunity to give back and help it make the great town that it is I wish the new council members along with our colleagues great success in continuing to move Maple shave forward I want to take this time to wish take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and happy healthy New Year and happy holidays to everyone I want to thank Steve for this year as mayor it's been a pleasure to be his Deputy Mayor he has done an outstanding job in my opinion and everyone else that I talked to and especially on this Council um it's certainly not easy and you did a fine job thank you so I expect to hear great speech from how good my deputy mayor was that too right um and without it being said without my wife Linda supporting everything I do do or did and every time I go out to the door she'd say where are you going now uh and I would run out during the day to look at things U that needed to be looked at for the meetings that I was going to attend um it's I've enjoyed it I am relieved that it is over and Linda I love you and thank you and that's all I have that's it huh that's it yeah that's like all right now buddy of M I was talking to before the meeting he said don't you go get an emotional I think I [Laughter] CRI tful four years has moved by very quickly I was going to keep this super short but I need do need to say a few things it began for me at the start of the pandemic it was phone calls texts and zoom meetings nothing in person the day I was first sworn in was both my birthday and the day after losing my hero my father to co I want to say that the staff that works for this Township has consistently worked hard and has exceeded all Expectations by putting in the effort to make a meaningful difference in this community each department has stepped up improving efficiency and being mindful of the budget expectations for that department so for that I want to thank each and every employee of maple shap Township our departments are better today than just four years ago for both the residents and the taxpayers of Maple Shade every one of them from the police EMS fire to DPW to all our tax offices Recreation Municipal Court zoning and planning construction and enforcement our finance department the bedc community fairs and our clerk who have just hit it out of the park thank you the land use boards and the volunteers who work to keep Maple Shade moving forward want I thank you also our professionals have been such a pleasure to work with this group of Engineers lawyers planners and everything else that we as a town rely on are fantastic resource and all your insights and help I want to thank all you also uh each one of you Eileen I know you're leaving us this year I'm sorry to see that happen and now I just touched my keyboard and we got issues I apologize um you're leaving us this year after so many years as our solicitor um thank you good luck in your endeavors um I've never talked to an attorney as much as I did this year and it was always wasn't always on good but it was uh it was always pleasurable you definitely know what you're doing and I appreciate appr it our manager Susan and her assistant Karen have always been there to help me with my questions and concerns even the petty ones the township is so fortunate to have a such to have such a talented educated and experienced manager Susan thank you for being a strong and supportive leader our residents have been involved in Township issues and concerns the good with the not so good many of you I've had the pleasure of speaking with and I've learned from each of you thank you to the residents my friends and fellow council members it's been an honor to work alongside of each of you and I appreciate your dedication to this town as Claire Nelson and I are moving on to the next chapters of Life Sandy and Chuck will continue to serve this community I want to thank each and every one of you lastly but most important to me I want to thank my wife Lisa and my family the last four years has not been fun and games by any stretch in the imagination Lisa you've always been my sounding board and a voice for and my voice of reason and as most of you know I'm one that usually needs to think before I speak because politically correct is not my middle name So Lisa thank you and I love you if I've missed anyone I do sincerely apologize I don't believe I have but if I do I do apologize if I did I do apologize I want to wish happy holidays to everybody please be safe I'm done let's get moving on it's all Hill's fault Le all G to hold in uh all right where are we at now um operations I think old bus old business operations so um obviously tonight's meeting is a little different than what everybody is normal we we've kind of strayed away and my report will be no different so I need to do something with the TV screen and if you would all just turn around and look at the TV screen oh we have a we have a special guest knowing that our three council members are leaving obviously and we have Eileen not going to be here we thought it was very important that their families were here and that is why you see the rose filled but this is Eileen's daughter from California and uh we wanted to make sure that we sent off Eileen as well so shouldn't she move back to New Jersey you should move to California not that we want to get rid of you but nobody wants to stay here so I we wanted to make sure that she was part of this as well I these people love to make people cry there so my report I will have just a little bit um but it will be a little bit different I won't take up much time but uh 2024 has been a year of many accomplishments for us our infrastructure improvements roads repaved Park improvements new and improved services and programs addition of staff and I'm proud to say $1.5 million plus in grant money this year was secured all while the world has felt a little uncertain for all of us our municipality has continued to move forward looking ahead to the Future and building a foundation for Progress Heather John and Andrew we are looking forward to continuing that progress with you I'm not going to focus on what we've accomplished over the past year instead though it's about the operations of this municipality as a whole it's about the people who sit to my left the department heads that are here this evening it's about the staff that is here this evening and of course it's about the people to my right the ones that we've worked hand inand with the individuals who work tirelessly every day to ensure this town runs smoothly it's about the commitments and sacrifices that each one of them has made both individually and collectively now some may say that's what they get paid to do and that's right that is what they get paid to do and there are certainly those who are saying they are counting the days until some of our current team members are no longer here we get that but the reality is that each of these individuals has chosen to dedicate themselves to public service and to the betterment of this community and that commitment cannot and will not be taken away from any one of them it's my privilege to sit amongst each and every single one of you you are my friends and family and I am honored to call you that it's my privilege to have sat next to you all as well I acknowledge and celebrate your dedication and your unwavering commitment to this community you are the unsung heroes whose hard work and commitment ensure that our mun municipality runs smoothly and meets the needs of the people we serve so now to Eileen Claire Nelson and Steve the remainder of my report is about you your F don't worry I'm not roasting you I was going to but I figured there just some things that need to stay as inside jokes so we'll just leave it that way your fam friends and colleagues were invited here this evening so that they too can celebrate with us might it is with great respect and gratitude that I get to speak about the dedication passion and responsibility that has embodied your work serving in public office is not just a position it is a commitment to the people the community and the future Eileen for the past 20 plus years as Township solicitor you have played a critical and multiac multifaceted role in our municipal government serving as our primary legal adviser this position has been essential for ensuring that the township operates within the boundaries of the law while navigating the complexities of legal Regulatory and policy matters your expertise has provided invaluable support not only for our elected officials but our Township staff and me especially helping us make informed decisions that are legally sound and in the best interest of the community for that I thank you you have been an essential partner that has ensured the township operated within the legal framework mitigating risk and providing sound legal guidance through your support you have ensured that decisions made are not only fair and just but also legally defensible ultimately contributing to the smooth functioning and success of the success of the municipality your commitment to the community has made you a key figure in our effective operations we are honored to not only consider you a colleague but our friend thank you Claire Nelson and Steve at the heart of your commitment has been an unwavering dedication to serve you have not been merely decision makers or policy Shapers you have been a bridge between government and the people you have been the voice of the community ensuring that every concern every need and every aspiration is heard and addressed whe whether it is ensuring Public Safety improving education or creating opportunities for economic growth Your Role has been vital in creating a community that works for everyone now this is not to say that at times things haven't been challenging because God knows they have been it is required long hours constant engagement with the public and deep understanding of the diverse needs of our changing town it's required a willingness to listen to truly listen to the concerns of every resident and to respond with thoughtful and informed Solutions it's demanded courage not just to make tough decisions but to stand by those decisions even when they have been unpopular you've had to balance competing interests collaborate with other leaders and prioritize the collective good over personal or partisan gain this takes not only knowledge but also Integrity what has set you all apart has been your unwavering commitment to make a difference you have been driven by a belief that you can contribute to positive change your efforts have often been unseen and uncelebrated but we know you have worked tirelessly day in and day out to ensure the growth and prosperity of Maple Shade that you are leaving with us you have possessed empathy not as distant figures but as neighbors friends and Advocates you've understood that each decision you've made has had profound impact on the lives of the people you serve you've put the needs of the entire Community First and tirelessly worked to build a better future for all yours has been a calling that demanded sacrifice and selflessness and for that we are grateful to each of you your commitment is not gone unnoticed your hard work your dedication your willingness to serve are deeply appreciated you've embodied the very essence of leadership and public service thank you for your unwavering commitment to each of us and to this community and for your ongoing efforts to make Maple Shade a better place one decision at a time we thank you for your service we are a team but more importantly we're family rooted in mutual respect trust and a genuine care for one another tonight we celebrate the four of you and our successes together and we pledge to continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of Maple Shade so thank you very much and if you would the four of you please stand we have some small gifts for you you come up I mean you as well come out come on oh yeah [Applause] ien we're going to start with you no but I owe you what pretty so this is Award of recognition presented to eile K esire in heartfelt appreciation for your dedicated service and exceptional contributions as the township attorney to the township of lle shade your unwavering commitment to the community and your professional guidance have been invaluable in fostering the growth and success of our Township with gratitude and AD admiration to coun of n Shan December 12 [Applause] 2022 I just want to say thank you it's been 23 years being Claire slipped in at the same time yeah it's been an honor I I have to be year going to press my Lu and go for but to the incoming council members you don't need give you have good fortune one you must have great supporters that's why you're elected two you have got a staff I've worked in a lot of towns this staff is there for you they'll answer questions for you your professionals too I see sitting out there there's here for so like s he coming up here like on the other side of the dasas is a little different but everybody's rooting for you so go for it I wish you the best of love and to the community as a whole thank you for having me and happy trails day next Claire and Steve I need yours to read so sorry I'll give it to you so we're giving each council member as well an A word of recognition presented to the council member in recognition of your years of dedicated service to the township of Maple Shade your leadership and commitment as a member of the township Council has made a meaningful impact on our community with deep appreciation and gratitude December 12th coun [Applause] and we will have a small little party because you know we eat around here ready to go back obviously we call it the Christmas 15 so yes please come back it'll be in the senior center when the meeting is over leave it very nice didn't expect this she lied to me she always Li she lies to get what she needs and that's what makes her a great manager gets us to do what she needs all right um anything for site plan sir uh I have nothing fantastic um new business no just Merry Christmas and happy New Year and uh yeah we pressed on and we look forward to it but thank you very much for for your support thank you no need to go back into close correct no sir fantastic can I get a motion to adjourn until the next Township Council reward meeting which is scheduled for January 6 2025 at 6 p.m. made second all in favor I I thank you everyone for coming tonight every really means a lot thank you thank you wow what a Carol oh I got to wait thank you for coming all the way from California yeah wave to the camera thank you for having me Merry Christmas absolutely well she sure doesn't look like the little girl I remember that's it thanks Caroline thank you Mom said she'll call you later okay Mama my family this really