everybody's attention there I like to call this meeting to order there we go i' like to call this meeting to order it's 6:01 this is a regular meeting of the township of Washington accordance with the requirements of the New Jersey statutes regarding open public meetings notice this meeting was legally advertised in the South Jersey Times as well as post on the bulletin board in the municipal building fire exits are located through the double doors to the left and right please silence all mobile devices this meeting is being videotaped anybody who does not wish to be seen on television may be excused this will be shown on Channel 9 every week Sunday at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at 700 p.m. Friday at 10 p.m. and Saturday at 10: p.m. and we'll continue until the next meeting this meeting is also being live streamed please stand for the pledge of Allegiance United States of America rep for it stands Nation indivisible liy and justice for all roll call Mr deell here Mr delpia here Mr Bennett here Mr Brown here Mr yuris presid Mayor Burns here Mr Russo here Mr right here okay now we're going to move on the [Music] [Music] presentations yeah we'll do Steve first [Music] here here that's for [Music] Steve sorry just trying to get this all worked out everybody here as we celebrate Jewish American history Heritage Month it's important to recognize the significant contributions of the Jewish Community to our nation's Rich tapestry from arts and literature to science of business Jewish Americans have left an incredible mark on our society today we also extend our gratitude to the leaders of our local synagogues for their dedication to fostering understanding and unity among our residents as I read the proclam proclamation let us come together to celebrate and honor the Heritage and achievements of Jewish Americans this Proclamation proclaims may as Jewish American Heritage Month in Washington Township whereas the rich and diverse tapestry of American culture is woven from the contributions of many religions and backgrounds each adding their unique threads to the fabric of our society and whereas Jewish Americans have played a vital role in shaping the history culture and values of the United States contributing their talents intelligence and spirit to the betterment of our nation and whereas Jewish American Heritage Month provides an opport Unity to honor and celebrate the achievements traditions and Legacy of Jewish Americans recognizing their profound impact on every aspect of American life and whereas throughout the course of history Jewish Americans have demonstrated resilience courage and perseverance in the face of adversity embodying the principles of freedom justice and equality upon which our nation was founded and whereas Washington Township is proud to embrace and celebrate the culture diversity and Heritage of its residents FAL fing inclusive and welcoming Community where all individuals are valued and respected and whereas proclaiming may as Jewish American Heritage Month Washington Township reaffirms its commitment to honoring the contributions achievements of Jewish Americans and promoting understanding understanding tolerance and appreciation among all citizens now therefore I Lori Burns as mayor of washingt Township and on behalf of the 2024 Washington Township Council to hereby proclaim the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in Washington Township and encourage all residents to join in Comm commemorating the rich Heritage and enduring leg enduring Legacy of Jewish Americans sorry you can come over here yeah absolutely I'm sorry so thank you so much mayor Burns I really appreciate it um so as the largest congregation in gler County uh we really do appreciate the support we receive from the township specifically the police force has kept us safe we feel a a big part of the community we always feel very welcome in not just the Jewish aspects but also the all the aspects of the community and we really feel like a part of it so thank you very much and we really appreciate everything you guys do appreciate you fa [Music] yeah M the midle the m it in tuck it in okay yep we have two more Kate Dr Kate here Peter at me said why you look at me when he said here I don't understand what's your [Music] point I'm just saying like look at his hair and he has nice teeth too man nice teeth when I get as we recognize may as mental health awareness month it's our crucial it is crucial to recognize the significance of mental well-being in our community today I'm honored to present this Proclamation an acknowledgement of mental health awareness month to Dr Kate deepo Torres and to reaffirm our commitment to promoting mental health Wellness for all this Proclamation recognizes may as mental wealth Mental Health Awareness Month in Washington Township whereas mental health is an integral part of overwhel Wellness affecting individuals families and communities alike and whereas mental health conditions affect millions of Americans regardless of age gender race or socioeconomic status and can have profound impact on individuals families and communities and whereas mental health awareness provid provides an opportunity to raise awareness promote understanding and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues encourage open dialog support and access to resources for all individuals and whereas Washington Township recognizes the importance of addressing mental health needs fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered and seek help access access to services and live fulfilling lives and whereas by proclaiming may as mental health awareness month Washington Township reaffirms its commitment to promoting mental health education and support to working collaboratively with Community Partners to enhance Mental Health Services and re and resources for all residents now therefore I Lori J Burns as mayor of Washington Township and on behalf of the 2024 Washington Township council do hereby proclaim the month of May as mental health awareness month in washingt Township and encourage all residents to join in raising awareness supporting those affected by Mental Health conditions and promoting mental Wellness for all thank you Dr Kate to Stephano Tes for all your work in bringing awareness melt of Health in our community want come around yeah that's fine um good evening members of council distinguished guests and fellow community members I'm deeply honored and humbled to stand before you today as we celebrate the recognition of the Artemis Center for guidance by our esteemed count Town Council this Proclamation is not just a testament to the work we've accomplished since our founding in 2013 but also a reflection of the unwavering support that we have received from our community 11 years ago we embarked on a mission to provide accessible highquality counselling services to our community it has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs and today we are open as we open our second location in town and our third in Gloucester County I am proud of how far we have come our practice has provided a safe space for individuals and families to seek help and support and we have seen countless lives transformed as we look to the future we are committed to expanding our reach and continuing to provide vital services to those in need as we accept this Proclamation let it serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the transformative power of compassion and understanding let us continue to break down the barriers of stigma and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all thank you once again for this honor [Music] get I'll get in over there one we have one more this one's a little bit more fun well I just want to say that the reason we violin player because I thought he was bringing the horse I'm very upset that he didn't bring the horse but unfortunately the horse had to travel to get to where it's going a saddle something you brought us hats we'll take the hats ladies and gentlemen I'm thrilled to recognize an an exciting moment for our community this week and our very own Washington Township residents Mike and Chris milum will witness their horse Uncle heavy compete in the prestigious pregnant Stakes it's a testament to their dedication and passion for horse racing let's rally behind Uncle heavy as he races for Glory carrying the spirit of our Township with him now let me read the proclamation in honor of this remarkable achievement whereas the esteemed horse Uncle heavy owned by Wasington Township residents Mike and Chris milum has achieved a remarkable feat by qualifying for the prestigious pregant stakes and whereas Pennsylvania Trader trainer Robert Reed a Breeders Cup juvenile Phillies winner in 2020 prepares Uncle heavy who was bred by his sister-in-law Barbara Reed from Michael mym embodying dedication and expertise in the field of horse racing and whereas with names like pioneer of the Nile St Baler Ballard how do you say it he can't even say it in harland's holiday closed in his P pedigree Uncle heavy has reasonable prospects of stretching his stanina to one and a qu miles demonstrating extraordinary potential in the realm of horse racing and whereas Uncle H's participation in the pris stakes bring great pride and honor to to the community of Washington Township and whereas Uncle Heavy's Journey to the pness stakes serves as an inspiration to all reminding us that with determination and hard work any goal can be achieved now therefore I Lori J Burns as mayor of washingt jimp and on behalf of the 2024 washingt jimp council do hereby recognize and commend Uncle heavy for his outstanding Acom accomplishment in qualifying for the preist stakes we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mike and Chris milm for their dedication as well as to trainer Robert Reed for his expertise and guidance we wish Uncle heavy the best of luck in his upcoming race this covers this covers the the the Belmont too okay okay thank thank you uh Council and mayor um so the backstory of Uncle heavy uh our original trainer was named Mark Reed he was a heavyweight wrestler at West ORD High School all his nieces and nephew call him Uncle heavy we bought a horse and we thought Uncle heavy would be a great name for a horse so we named him Uncle Heavy He's exceeded all of our expectations uh you'll see the stories on NBC you know he's running against horses that are all cost 500,000 millions of dollars Uncle heavy was a discount at $112,000 uh so you know we're we're playing with the old proverbial house money at this point we're just blessed to be in this race and we're we're thankful to have the whole Township behind us and all of the area all the tri the tri-state area has really been uh great it's been an awful uh cool Journey it's really cool to watch him get a full police escort from Northeast Philadelphia all the way down to Baltimore that's really neat so you know we thank the whole community and uh if you're at your TVs at 7:00 on Saturday we certainly will take your uh your wishes and go try to make some money on [Applause] [Music] them put the Hat on put hat on Chris you want to s a hat for picture you know no influence on anything unfortunately I don't think where parks at parks [Music] yeah all right everybody I'm done talking for the night lost triple see if anybody wants to leave yeah I better get my autograph on this too what's that we'll give everybody a minute to leave if they want to exit [Music] all right moving on to the billis can I get a motion approve the bill list for May 15 2024 motion Mr President just want to talk about that one bill and have it held for now until uh ba Russo gets a satisfactory correction to the problem the uh printer bill for Council room okay okay all right so we're going to hold that one bill but can I get a motion for the rest of the bill list motion to pay the bill list with the exception of that particular Bill okay a second roll call Mr JZ yes Mr Bennett yes Mr Brown yes Mr delpia yes Mr deell yes minutes can I get a motion to approve the regular minutes from April 2024 motion second call please Mr JZ yes Mr Bennett yes Mr Brown yes Mr Delia yes Mr debella yes moving on Orin 00424 ordinance of the township of Washington County of Gloucester in the state of New Jersey amending chapter 285 of article Cannabis used by by repealing and replacing section 285-3429 can I get a motion to introduce ordinance 4-24 motion second second call question can you explain what that is to the audience yes Mr R uh so under cre of the Cannabis regulatory enforcement I for what the rest of the acon acronym is um the township is allowed to uh charge transfer tax for cannabis related businesses within the town of 1% or 2% uh when the township first allowed can cannabis businesses in uh within the township they there was no process for the collection of those those revenues so this puts in place a a process for the collection and the enforcement of the the the transfer taxes that is akin to the U real property taxes so the taxes would be due uh quarterly at the same time as the uh real property taxes if they're not paid within the 10day grace period Then they would be a lean on the property same as tax uh real estate taxes uh and also the Cannabis related businesses would have to Pro provide proof uh through a um certified financials on an annual basis to verify that the amounts are accurate did I also read in there that there was a reduction in some zones from three licenses to two that's not in this ordinance that's being introduced tonight that I I believe that's a separate ordinance that may be considered at a future date okay any other questions see moving on resolutions the following resolutions are by consent agenda only roll call ohot roll call please Mr jorz yes Mr Bennett yes Mr Brown yes Mr delpia yes Mr debella yes moving on resolutions the following resolutions are by consent agenda only and require vote for all listed each one must be read by title if any member of the council wishes to have one removed and heard separately they need to indicate prior to the reading of the titles anyone right separate 154 yes so I I want to take out resolution 154 and do that one separately [Music] okay M clerk please read [Music] it resolution 154 2024 resolution awarding a contract for solid waste and recycling collection beginning August 1st 2024 and ending July 31st 2027 so uh council president I would like to make a couple comments on this please um so our trash bid was is this is probably the biggest contract we've ever had award in Washington Township um three years ago when we went out to bid we've only had one bidder so we really didn't have many options and um you know we want competition to be able to get the best price so this process started probably 10 or 12 months ago um to get out to bid um I want to recognize Joe Russo who has been on us since the day he walked in the door um he has been modifying the bid package constantly to make sure that it fits people to bid our work um without competition um many other towns were looking at 70 to 162% increase on their trash bids um last year our trash was 3.8 million so at a 70% increase we would have been just under 6.5 million for trash at 162% we would have been just under 10 million a year in trash uh um by doing what we did and staying on top of it um we were able to get an average value of $5.1 million a year for the next three years which is an increase of about just just under 34% um this shows you what teamwork could do we have a great group inside this building and some of the people along with our Township Engineers was Joe Russo our CFO KET babage babage bage um Jim Walker and Ernie derazio so just shows you know if you take something um serious and and you work on it you can get good results and you do have a good team uh nothing gets done with one person so having all the right people pulling in the right place um this was a good win for us so great job to everybody out there so thank you thank you Al pres Madam CL please read the other resolutions I need have a motion just vot that one separately okay you need to get a motion for motion to approve what is it r154 yes I'll make that motion second roll call Mr yuris yes Mr Bennett yes Mr Brown yes Mr delpia yes Mr deell yes now moving on please read the rest of the resolutions please our right resolution 141 resolution approving the use of the Bunker Hill Presbyterian Church of the old Stonehouse Village by Bunker Hill Presbyterian Church resolution 142 resolution of the township of Washington authorizing INR foreclosure of tax sale certificates for various properties within the township of Washington Gloucester County resolution 143 resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a shared service agreement with the county of Gloucester to provide family entertainment resolution 144 resolution approving the 2024 5 fireworks display and awarding a contract to sha for fireworks resolution 145 resolution to authorize the submission of a Grant application and execute a grant contract with the county of Gloucester and Community Development block grant program for the proposed White Birch Road improvements phase two resolution 146 resolution authorizing the tangible Washington to execute closing documents and disperse funds for the purchase of block 8515 lot 9 from Fred Smith Orchard's Inc resolution 147 resolution authorizing refund of tax overpayments resolution 148 resolution cancelling taxes for Thomas D'Or block 82.8 Lot 8 55 burelli Boulevard a totally disabled veteran resolution 149 resolution authorizing the application to the New Jersey clean energy program Community energy planning grant program resolution 150 resolution awarding a bid to South State Inc for 20123 Washington Township Road Pro program project 0818 T440 resolution1 resolution accepting a guarantee and escr from Raising Canes restaurants LLC 5241 Route 42 block 11.09 lot 7.1 project 0818 p545 resolution 152 resolution accepting a guarantee and escrow from Flor and Court Outlets of America Inc 591 Route 42 block 195 Lot 23 project 0818 p551 can I get a motion approve resolutions oh there you resolution 153 resolution approving the release of a maintenance bond for Bunker Hill Plaza Associates LLC three Plaza Drive Su New Jersey block 8.13 Lots 8.1 project 0818 p453 DOI can I get a motion approve resolutions 14124 to 15324 motion second roll call Mr YZ yes Mr Bennett yes Mr Brown yes Mr delpia yes Mr debella yes all right move on the old business new business reports we'll start with councilman Jack yurkus uh thank you um number one I wanted to thank the people who uh work on our environmental committees uh they do a tireless job last month uh was such we had great activity at the Washington Lake Park uh so again I want to thank those uh who participated in handing out tree seedlings and the milk pod units for the baby uh model marks um thank you um and I think it was well attended uh last year we didn't have the mil pods this year we did so I know the committee is very active in overseeing some Acquisitions that are currently in progress here in town for more open space and uh for the activity up there at grenlock Lake Park so thank you um for the veterans Advisory Board Memorial Day is less than two weeks away it is the 27th it'll be held at 11:00 in the morning right behind the police station at Atkinson Memorial Park uh anyone who's in town I would recommend highly that they attend this Memorial uh it lasts no more than an hour and a half and I think it's the least we can all do to pay respects to those who never came home and they sacrific their lives for our freedom here uh tonight um that's all I have tonight thank you thank you councilman Council Bennett a couple things here um uh do remember that before of July parade will be coming up and we are looking for businesses to participate in the parade so we want to way to make you present in the town you're important uh to the town to the residents and also way economically to give people an idea that you're out there so we recommend that businesses do become some part of um of the parade and they can get an application on our web or come to the municipal building um also um as I was saying is that uh Pat and his group are doing a great job on slowing down the people in town we need people again as usual to make sure that they're not speeding follow the speed limit whether you're residential or whether you're um out on the county road or on the state and remember that the blinking uh light the blinking speed doesn't even recommend it the the speed so again also now that more kids are out on the street with bikes walking it's important also to make sure that um that uh that people are being aware of that and and their driving and being aware of that and also making sure kids are wearing helmets even with these um these new electric bikes I see a lot of kids going around with no helmet on they should have a helmet and that's it all right thank you Council Brown yes um I along with council president Del barell and the mayor attended Super Saturday um it was a great event unfortunately we had it postponed for the last two years because of the weather um so so we did have a nice turnout um want to thank Lisa Collins the park rangers and uh those vendors who attended and helped make it a success this year and a thank you to the fire department specifically Chief dogus who uh entertained uh councilman Del barell and the mayor and I in a 100 foot ride in their aerial apparatus it's a nice view of the event from up there you know at least I know I was afraid of heights um but they um the police department was was all represented so was the fire department and the emland squad um it was really nice for the volunteers to come out and uh dedicate their Saturday and show off the apparatus that they take great pride in um you know handling calls for the township um so looking forward to next year uh May 28th the library will be uh hosting a book discussion with a local author by the name of ganell uh he will be discussing his book um what what if anything is out there dealing with extraterrestrial encounters it will be Tuesday March 28th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. there is a flyer on the front desk uh you can also take a look at the uh Library website and finally um this is law enforcement week and the police today specifically is Police Officers Memorial Day um shout out to our local police department Chief gersc and all the officers who uh do a fine job in protecting our town and uh we remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty thank you thank you counc mayor Burns yes um I just want to touch base on the trash as well uh when I got in office back in December it was apparent that that was one of our biggest situations um in and and challenges I should say because of the percentages that it possibly could have gone up if we didn't get some help um in talking it over with Joe him and I thought it was best to um consult a trash consultant that help us rebid and go out and and and touch base with a lot of different people that were able to bid on the contract to get us the best deal that we possibly can so I also besides everybody else that Council uh vice president at delpia um already thanked I want to thank the trash consultant as well for helping us um that was was uh uh Wayne defo he helped us uh helped Joe work out the bids and stuff also um we opened fitlife the gym the 24-hour 247 gym that's behind Village Pub um it's a great little gym that you know is open 24 hours you get fob access when they're closed um he is he offers discounts to First Responders so if you're looking for a new gym or you have odd hours or work Shi work um and stuff like that uh go visit him uh at uh fitlife behind Village Pub and you know let him know that you're a first responder and and he's you know was willing to work with everybody on the memberships and also Super Saturday was great I'm so glad that the weather cooperated that we were able to go back CU that's one of my favorite events that we've had for a very very long time so it was good to see it back um and hopefully now that you know the weather and we brought it back that you know maybe more vendors and things like that businesses will be able to come up and maybe we can kind of put one together for the full time sure um so other than that I want to thank everybody involved with that all the uh All That Jazz performed the uh the marching band was there they were great um and just thanks to parks and R for beautiful you know event nice job that's all thank you mayor ba Russo Mr Wright no reports Council vice president um I really don't really have anything just want to say happy memoral day to everybody and um coffee with a cop is on uh May 18th at AC harber Road uh Duncan donut so come out say hi to our local enforce uh law enforcement thank them for the great job they're doing thank you can I can I add one thing sure all right um so uh coming up on Memorial Day uh the veteran flag so I the last couple years I've been coordinating to get people to come out put flags on both be United 47 also real press so this Friday at 4:30 at Beth we're going to place the flags on uh veterans grades and what's great about veteran which I'll give a shout out to Rick Hess who helped get um markers put down so we can make it a lot easier uh especially at B to be able to get the flags down so anybody who do want to come out uh my postings on the the web page or on Facebook um come out we need your help mainly I'll need your help more on the 24th at Hillcrest because that'll take us about um to do that so again and again it's an honor to come out and put flags on uh military veterans and I appreciate anybody's help they can thank you thank you I just have a couple things as well so super Saturday was a success thank you to Lisa and Nick and all the public works we did have a good time up there Don I could see that you were kind of like me we were we not big Heights guys we also saw a duet with Jaden Jackson and Luigi which was pretty awesome yeah if anybody I posted that online so it's pretty cool to see those two guys working together that was pretty awesome uh National Police Week we did have one of our best this cover of the magazine here the gersick family so if you didn't get it I know chief shak's head back there if you haven't gotten one Chief will sign it uh just see him after the meeting he'll personally sign one for you uh but this really was a great article and chief congratulations to you your family and Gina uh National Nurses Week and teachers week is also this month so we we appreciate the nurses and all our teachers we will be doing a proclamation I believe next meeting for them as well yes yes yes yes so we will be doing that congratulations to M work and and his family for the rick zammer Awards Matt is a high school teacher he was amazing first time I met him he's got an amazing story he's got three million followers so if you get a chance follow Matt and find out what he's up to he's just just a great guy we had the battle of the badges sorry Chief the fire department did win so uh I apologize to that and just talking a little bit more about Wasington Township being open for business Raising Canes was on our was on our resolution so was Floor and Decor so things are changing on the blackr bike I know you see a lot of things that what's happening with the Black Horse Pike things just take time I know Maxine's shaking her head over I see you Maxine but I promise you that things are happening it just takes some time and there there's a lot of work that goes behind it we do meet every Tuesday we do have the right people in the meeting and we do try to move businesses forward and what we try to do is we try to bring them in so they don't spend a lot of time and money we try to get these projects fast-tracked and we really do want the people know that Washington Township is open for business we we really mean that so if anybody's interested please let us know if you have somebody that wants to open a business let us you we'll we'll make it work that's all I have one one more thing yes yes is that for many years I would travel 42 and never really look at the signs and you do see a sign that says Washington Township Atlantic City Williamstown so we are on the map for economics purposes so it is a good thing that people see that we're there we're just not a blip on the uh atantic City Expressway it's actually on 295 too is it on 295 it is on 295 but but it's very very important that that we're noticed now we're move on to public participation please file the public deorum posted which has been attached to the public agenda and limit your comments to 5 minutes once you've completed your comments or questions please take a seat and I will ask if any member of the governing body or their designate wishes to address your comments or questions asked by the person who just spoke can I get a motion open to the public move second all in favor we're now open to the public anybody like to speak yes I just Tok mayor dad was in the township for a long time work my grandfa yeah and he's passed everything to me so I'm a little bit scared I'm a new business owner watching the township um and I have two buildings that heed yeah well listen we we'll talk to you afterwards please give some information to me but um I I called uh mayor's office because I knew that my dad knew some of people and who things like that and um and I was so touched that you were willing to come out and you don't know she doesn't really know me I know she new mayor and such I think my dad knew the previous mayor yeah but just the fact that you would come out and and my dad was a Vietnam vet appreciate his service I have a a huge passion for veterans yeah always have all my whole family my Grandad was in the Battle Golds my dad was in um Vietnam the T offensive and I worked with both the township U black 21 Township um American Legion as well as GL American Legion they actually had a meeting at at my house the other day that's awesome so um I I guess why I'm here is I want to thank all you people and I also want to say that you know I um I would like to be active in watching the township however I can however I can um help you I have a degree in engineering and I know a lot about techn work for Apple yeah so you guys having technical problems you can we're putting you to work absolutely after this meeting I'm coming right to you afterwards you know and actually I was I said the mayor that uh your your audience feedbacks a little bit on the video so maybe I can don't tell council president right after the meeting we're coming right to you he's going to have you don't leave after the meeting you be sorry you gave me your number anyway thank you very much thank you so much and appreciate your family service and if you can hang around after a meeting I want to talk to you about something thank you sir good evening my name is Vince jackob balski I live in col Nea States normally I don't come to these meetings and it's not because I don't care it's just I don't have the time but I'm here now and I have a few things I'd like to bring up please number one before they built the super w at Five Points they re-rooted blackb barnesboro road to match up with Ronald Lane now it's my understanding that Ronald lanane is actually a private road owned by McDonald's the All State Insurance Agency and the nursery school so technically unless you're patronizing one of those businesses you're not supposed to use it but a lot of people do to avoid the traffic nightmare at the Five Points intersection so I would like to suggest that Township take ownership of that road and impove improve it so that the traveling public could use it next thing every so often I run a street sweeper from my development the only thing that thing is good for is making the streets dirtier than they were it doesn't clean anything up it just spreads all the dirt all over the place now before they repaved Trapper Road last year it was really deteriorated so it come down Traer Road and make a U-turn right in front of my house and it would leave a mess Stones those little bow that fall off the trees and then I have to go out and clean it up and I'd complain to the Department of Public Works and they didn't care and like after he would come when the street sweep would come back on Saddle BG Drive I'd get the driver's attention I point you look at the mesh made he just go like that he didn't care he doesn't care what kind of job that thing does so I understand it has to be operated for the Department of storm water management or something like that that's what I was told so uh as far as I'm concerned as long as they just keep the sewer inlets clean yeah there's not going to be a problem with storm water because the only time there's anything along the curb is like in the fall when there's leaves so I would like to suggest that they stop running that thing because it only makes a streets dirtier and it's a total waste of time and money next thing I live about one/ tenth of a mile as the crow flies from Martino carder's petting zoo and I can live with the crazy animal noises that I hear but for like the past least 3 weeks I'm seeing these white rabbits now normally you'd see the brown rabbits because they're wild but white rabbits are domesticated so evidently they're coming from his petting zoo about a week ago a resident across the street called Gloucester County Animal Control and I went over and I spoke to the Animal control officer I said are you here for those white rabbits she said yeah but she says I can't catch them they're too fast and it's my and she was telling me that they're starting to mate and a woman that walks a dog through the development was telling me that they're having babies underneath the deck of the house across the street from my house now if all these little rabbits did was hop around and eat the grass I wouldn't care but they get in your yard and they dig dig dig dig dig dig dig and they make a mess so like somebody needs to do something about this petting zoo because you know he's causing a real mess uh one other thing uh I work forp for 33 and a half years I'm a public transportation Advocate uh every so often I take the 408 bus to Philadelphia and across from the old Wawa at Five Points at Ronald Lane there used to be a bus stop on either side of the street when he discontinued to stop where the Burger King and the new super waah was at and he want people to walk across route four 41 Hill Road to use the bus stop there but that's a dangerous intersection so I think the township should have New Jersey Transit but the bus stop back at Blackwood barnesboro and Egg Harbor Road and one last point this route 463 bus goes through uh Washington Township I like to call the the bus to nowhere because it goes from nowhere to nowhere and it hardly carries anybody but it turns off a her Phil Cross Key Road onto fry Mill Road but down the road you have an apartment complex here you got the heart house you have Rothman Institute you have the virtual Health Center I'd like to suggest that the bus start going down there and turn through the virtual Health Center and then come back before it goes down frisell Road and that's all I have to say thank you great ideas thank you so much for your time thank you anybody else like to speak one come up here Pastor so we can hear you come up here sorry come just put your name on the record in your information you out me a pastor by the way I have spasmic spasmic dysphonia can you tell but on behalf of the congregation at bunal Presbyterian Church which is now and has been at uh 3 30 Green Tree Road since 1985 uh I want to express sincere thanks to you councilman delbello uh for uh taking our our problem under advisement and and uh uh finishing uh finishing a longstanding problem using uh the old uh bunel preser church at Old Stonehouse Village for one day a year uh for and universary worship thank you so much thank you Pastor thank you for all you do how you doing uh John suvin 39 side book drive hello everybody again uh this is in reference to the open space issue again uh sorry bring this up again but it's been like N9 months um so no need to Echo what Vince said about the rabbits because they're a nuisance uh the question I have is I know um and we were told this before that it's it's out of your hands into the courts at this point my question is whoever is the solicitor or lawyer representing the township are they representing the residents that are involved in the situation or is it a representation of the township because of a suit is there any advisement being given to the solicitor SL whoever it may be um do they know the ins and out what the issues are with this whole debacle that's going on um and reason I'm saying that is because we were told that it's you know we need to figure out what the initial intent was for this land and if you look when Mr mcclusky handed all you that big pamphlet it clearly shows back when it was first being built it's open space to be seated that's what it says not say open space to be sold to build a farm to do whatever to destroy what's already there it says open space to be seated when people purchased this land they paid premiums for their Lots people who bought houses after that paid good amount of money knowing that that space according to the survey shows open space okay the re and the other reason I'm saying this is because if you you see what happened with regarding this uh individual before the commercial property that was built on Selena Road there was many objections to this via petitions and hundreds of residents in that area Selena Road Selena Hills Colts Neck and the township said NOP sorry you know my I know was was there ever a traffic study done on Selena Road regarding this commercial property on a residential property so I can speak to a little bit about this so there's actually two different boards the the board that that handles this would be the zoning board it's a standalone board so it actually doesn't involve council at all Council doesn't get Bing those issues those issues go before the zoning board and that that board actually makes that decision so I was at that meeting from what I was told and what I saw they did had they did present all that that's usually what they ask for they ask for the traffic counts they ask how it's going to impact that road uh you can open all that information I'm still believe you can still do that and you can get some of that information but it doesn't actually have anything to do with Council okay qu was the was the um ultimate decision council's council's decision to award him that property no it nothing council at all it's only it it it it goes directly to the zoning board so they'll come in they'll make the application they'll they'll pay their fees they'll post their escros and it goes directly to them council is not has nothing to do with that at all okay I was misunderstood with that so I just I it would it would think you would come here but no it goes to the zoning board it is a standalone board and they do make that decision independently of council or any other influences for clarification are you talking about the uh open space or the business on it's but it's no it's all tied into the same individual it's all encompassing because I was C like just these because of the open space other issues because of what happened with that I'm curious as what's going to happen with this right okay and I know it was zoning but it's kind of weird it like you would think that if they did a traffic report on this road there's cops on that road every single day cuz there's Speeders there's people who drive like maniacs and Zoning Board goes you know what it's a good idea let's put a commercial business on a residential property that's I mean your kids can't ride their bike down there no like that doesn't make sense to me you know what I mean so go ahead well the Z board is a separate entity who has legal ability to do variances which we do not and again so they're the ones who make the determination my my as being a representative on the zoning board in the past it is very imperative just as you come here is to go to the zoning board and and and and tell of your opinion of what's going on and I usually uh advise people that we're within I think 200 ft of that location so yeah it is a tough situation where uh we don't have control over that and again but again at the same time um you know we want people to be able to reach out and and to talk to the different departments or or the zoning and and give their opinion because they have open sessions just like we do okay I mean like I said I was mis not informed but I but like it's it's just an all- compassing thing like you know like he was saying with the with the animals now you know when he was out there talking to me he wants to put another Farm out there he can't control rabbits in his property how's he you know is it going to be is z is going to be involved with and and I'm sure it probably is if if he's going to put another entrance off Egg Harbor Road yes so that that would go to zoning and to answer your first question so there was a change in solicitors so the first solicitor that was that was here before Mr Wright is actually handling that so I don't think Mr Wright has any information on this correct I I don't at this time other than that um I do know an order to show cause was filed by I believe the property owner and that's being an answer is being filed on behalf of the township shortly other than that procedurally that's all I know I do not know any of the S who was the previous am I sure it was uh it was solicitor uh Munch Matthew Munch so it made more sense for for uh Mr Munch to finish this because he'd already started and then when Mr Wright had taken over so I'll try to get some updates from him where we're at and give you some information when when we're not giving a lot of information because when anything goes in the suit there's not a lot that we can say right it it's it's going through the courts and we don't have that information available but as we're allowed to release it to you I promise you we'll release it there's nothing we're trying to hold back from you it's just that we don't have the information and just like we were saying with the businesses in town sometimes these court cases just drag on and on I Maxine could tell you about an issue that she's dealing with and it seems sometimes like months and then years right so I think the issue that you're having is it's this issue and then this issue and this it's all stemming from from from what seems to be one issue but as we get some information I definitely will share it no and I I completely understand you I've emailed you guys and you you responded to me and I appreciate that too I just don't want this to like you know the one day I could look out there and he's just cutting down all the trees like what the Hellen you know what I mean and then I bring the zoning guy out there and he has no clue what's going on the zoning manager soly we just as concerned about it you the legal process I get that but okay so other question and I'm done I know pass my time like if if I mean if this is awarded to him is there any legal r or is there any legally that we can do as residents that we like I said like the solicitor is not and I'm sure that he can or because I don't want to know the information regarding the lawsuit or whatever I know you can't tell me that but I mean is is the the solicitor he able to reach out to the residents and be like hey what's your concerns here like you know is this something I can bring to the judge to say Hey listen this is the concerns of these residents you know it's supposed to be this whatever and you know we haven't I know you can't give us the information but at least hear us out I mean we're here coming to tell you guys you've been dealing with us for 9 months I apologize for that yeah no no no no tot totally understand so what I'll do is and you have my word I'll make that call tomorrow I'll ask him if he can give me some information if he can even speak to you and kind of give you any updates that he has and and we're not going to forget about you so you're it's not falling on De ears trust me it just seems like the process takes forever and it really just it's just the way it's the way that that a lot of this goes unfortunately but I will reach out to him tomorrow I will get you some information and uh if you could just give your information to Barb over here and and uh I'll reach out to you just give her your number and I'll reach out to you tomorrow appreciate your time thank you anybody else please yeah yes we just we need your name we just need your name for the record Brandy I [Music] okay Brandy I'm sorry I I need your last name and your address for the record long long okay okay 200 [Music] feet yeah and I me justs yeah [Music] [Music] everyone's sure absolutely well just so you know I live on s road as well right so I'm your neighbor and I do I do live there so I understand what you're saying so I can address the issue first with what's happening with Deli Drive Deli drive we were told it's going to happen in 2025 we're talking about the light and and that deadly intersection so I think that's that's where we can start with that as far as everything else that's happening in the in the area the police have have more presence I mean you you can see any day that the any given day anytime the police are out there they're pulling people over because let's be honest Selena road is is a cut through right it's a cut through Road it's always been a cut through road so we are monitoring that and the police have a list of of streets that are like that that's on there and we'll continue to monitor this and we'll try to if if if we see an issue we'll we'll try to address it but we want you to continue to be engaged with us let us know what's happening I do live on s road but I don't live you know I don't live on Longbow I don't live where where exactly where where you live so keep you know keep keep communication I think I left your message today correct yeah you have my direct number now you can call me you can text me it's literally 24 hours you can do that and we'll continue to have this conversation and we see an issue trust me I I have young children like yours so I'm very concerned with it myself sure no no I I absolutely want no no you're not insulting no I I I understand so again we have a zoning officer we we we can't engage so here's what we're going to do if there's an issue we have a zoning office you can always go to the zoning office you can always put those complaints in there they'll come out and check them out to see if they're if they're Justified and and they'll make a determination at that point whether that whether the person could have this or not have this but again I understand what you're saying it sounds like it's fluff but it's not we don't have anything right now that we can do until something happens right so and I mean that in the fact that if we see an increase in Speeders like we did Chief made sure that we had the police officers out there if we see a problem we can look in in the speed humps there are things that we can do and we can try to address that if we see that issue and that's why your engagement with us is important no no I I think I get again our Engineers here today we can have I see him taking notes so we can we can have this conversation with him as well I have your number and you have my direct number and we we'll engage him as well and see what what he thinks so we have the right people we have a great team here so we'll we'll work on on on those ISS isues we we won't we won't forget about you I know some residents think that it just takes some of the stuff just takes time right so but we but we will address [Music] it no I understand listen somebody hit my mailbox the other day I mean and and they obviously came around that Ben really too fast and and we've we talked I've talked to Chief a couple of times about that and there there's unfortunately there's not much you can do it's just a dangerous curve fortunately you know couple years ago going back somebody lost their life there right so it's just the way that they come around that bend so my son don't let them near the mailbox but I mean again you know somebody came by didn't stop they took the mailbox out and kept going so I I know what you're saying I am I am your neighbor and I I do have the same concerns that you have and and just to let you know that I'm probably one the councilman I'm so concerned about Speeders and Pat will tell you that I live off of alter and you know it's gotten better so if Pat needs to do is to enforce more of the of the speeder of having more police out there we're going to do it because again people are getting getting out of hand and they don't understand they don't respect the speed limit and they need need to do that and then you know what couple tickets coming their way is going to start slowing some people down yeah yeah well you wouldn't see that I'm walking my dog sometimes and I I would yell at a car too so don't so don't feel like you're the only one that's concerned it is concern thank you Bry so my name's Martino card 122 Selena Road I do think the police department is doing a great job I hate the Speeders myself I've offered them to park in my parking lot one of my construction workers was hit a few months ago my trash cans were hit as well as far as having three crosses this is the United States of America if I want out three crosses in my front yard that I pay tax is on I have the right to do so and they will stay there and there's no zoning that says you can't have crosses in your front yard so as far as my crosses save your breath uh as far as the rabbits they're not mine we have a rescue Sanctuary that we did for children from chop as many of you know we filed for the permits we're registered with the state people around this town who buy animals for their children and then realize they can't take care of them or they think it's fun for the first five minutes and then they say oh it's too much they dump them on our property we have been fighting this for a long time we don't have rabbits and cages all of our animals that we have rescued that are part of our Zoo have homes that her graded a by the state so for the rabbits uh you can thank your fellow neighbors for buying them for their grandkids on Easter and then bringing them to us and praying that we would be their adop so they're not our rabbits um as far as the property behind my land that I own that I pay $40,000 a year in taxes on I received a letter from this board telling me that I'm trespassing when I go on it yet all the neighbors summer which are here let their kids climb across that property hang on our fence tantalize my dogs and eventually Lord willing I hope it doesn't happen one of them may get bit and then who's going to be responsible because that property that that Anthony took from me that I paid taxes on for a year is zoned pr1 not open space so who's responsible for those kids running around because as of yesterday they were still there so I quickly ordered signs that said no trespassing dogs you've been warned I sent it to the mayor I don't know what else to do it's not zoned public space Google it on your computers is Zone pr1 who's responsible for these neighbors that have encroached on this property that was not paid by Orleans taxes for multiple years who's responsible for these trees that are falling down who's responsible for these kids running around cuz while I'm trying to make the world a better place this is just wasting my time and when I hear about people talking about rabbits I don't want the damn rabbits I want my my radishes my tomatoes my Peppers my cucumbers that the rabbits keep eating so tell your fellow neighbors to get the rabbits off my property I don't want them either but that's not my problem I don't care we have Jersey rabbits we have Jersey foxes we have Jersey Hawks we have Jersey raccoons I don't care about the tiny things you're bitching about little things let's focus on big things that are going to make this town better that property was a dump it had been vacant for 10 years with propane tanks and and all kinds of these illegal crap and junk that I paid thousands of dollars to remove of junk to make Township the Premier Community that it's supposed to be mind you not to Pat myself in the back CU I don't deserve it but I have also granted a lot of wishes for a lot of terminal kids in the last three years on that property at 122 Selena Road 122 Selena Road has become a safe haven for a lot of people and I do give this board a lot of credit even though I don't like a lot of them and a lot of them have been a thorn to my side but doesn't matter at the end of the day we've done a lot of good and that's what we should go to bed at night and think about is the good that we've done so for rabbits I'm sorry silly rabbit I don't really care what I care about is the Speeders yes you're right and that's why I've told Pat Park your cars on all those properties Park them hide them put guns on those property the one that the the speed traffic that's fine I don't care about that but when you break my stones and you take me away from things that matter for frivolous stuff that's when my blood pressure goes up as it should we all have families and guess what you know what's what really strikes me funny is that we all know what cancer is like because it's affected each and every one of us let's focus on what matters not frivolous nonsense but I will go back to the land behind my property you have sent me letters signed by uh uh um what's her name tax office with an S siet Sonia something Sheila Sheila all caps stay off you you are trespassing I called yesterday zoning and I was told well we we can't do anything about that so why do you have the right to send me a no trespassing letter when I paid the taxes for a year but yet the neighbors can just come up and climb on our fences and all that nonsense these are things I don't want answers for now but you need to think about you collected my money for a year I bought it legally I didn't do anything in the middle of the night I didn't he hand anybody a brown paper bag I didn't do any of those illegal things in fact if I could quote your your past solicitor after due diligence and deep consideration we believe that is the best interest of the township that's what you wrote and then Anthony took it upon himself to to it upside down and say no so now we're waiting for a quick when did I take it upon myself turn it upside down because I think you're Miss you're misu well I read the letter you guys sent me you guys you said I said it you did I sent a letter personally it was from the township signed by started by you signed by you well hold on hold on hold on we're we're get we're getting out of here first of all we do I'm not getting out of anywhere I'm just telling you I haven't been coming here but yet for months they come and they about dumb stuff so finally I had enough I thought I should come and make my voice ear here here here's what we can we can take from this you know you do a lot of good things but they're residents and they have concerns and they're allowed to come here and address them they are and even if I didn't do good things it doesn't matter I still shouldn't be bullied I shouldn't have kids hang over my fence I shouldn't but they're kids right so let's let's say kids are kids right okay so then don't send me a letter that says you should not be all that property you're trespassing when you say when you you want me to go get it CU I'll get no when you say we first of all we're we're a Township okay so there's there's different departments here Department let me let me rephrase Sheila from tax department sent me a letter all caps you are trespassing stay off the property but when I called the mayor who I think is doing a great job and I said hey what do I do about this I don't care if those neighbors who's have free backyards for the last 20 years and put address us don't don't don't address them address you the counil okay I'll address you all right I'll address you there are neighbors that have free backyards and piles of trees and sheds hold on and I said if I'm not allowed on there cuz I'm trespassing even though I paid the taxes why are they allowed and the zoning officer two days ago said well we don't get involved in that but you send me a letter that says I'm trespassing so pick and choose your battles or either play the same rules can you can you yes right yeah Mr Walker's out there so Mr C cardier my understanding is that you filed the lawsuit over the ownership of that land only after they took back what I've been paying taxes on you filed the lawsuit in that lawsuit the ownership of the land is going to be be addressed while that lawsuit is ongoing this board is not going to discuss or sit and go back and forth with you and argue the merits of it I'm not trying to yes you are no I'm not you sent me a letter so I I think your five minutes are up in addition uh so I can call my wife outside and go watch the baby let her come we don't we don't listen listen we don't need that but we this is an open public for meeting where anyone could could discuss anything that that's bothering them right so I know you but three crosses bother you don't look at it again that's well let's not use word but that's let's let's listen let's not let's not go that way but let's let's understand listen we're not going to we're not going to do this we're not going to do this we're not going to have this at this meeting anyone is welcome to come to this meeting and discuss anything that that's important to them you may not like it I may not agree you may not agree but there's no law that says you can't have three crosses on your property no there there there's not but she's addressing an issue that she has we may or may not you know so you know what you'll never understand ignorance no it's not about understanding ignorance fine I said my piece it is what it is you want to let people just isan about things that are my job my job and I God bless you you have a hard job God bless you and and I appreciate and anyone is welcome to come to this meeting anytime and discuss anything that's affecting anyone whether you like it or not it's not going to stop ever anyone else like to speak I you don't have you don't have to address it and anything that you like to come to this meeting and speak is always welcome he's welcome to come and speak you may or may not agree with what he's saying he's welcome to come and speak I just want to the I to totally understand this is in court and we can't discuss it so it's not that we're avoiding the issue we can't discuss it that's the way it works anyone who who understands who's been in business or who's in government understands we can't discuss it we are here to listen to what you have to say though we're taking all notes everyone up here was writing down we you and I actually didn't speak today but but I did call you back we just kind of missed each other and and and the meeting but we're here to listen to anybody just like Mr Martino is welcome to come and he's allowed to speak on what he thinks he's not allowed to rate people he's not allowed to holler and scream he can get a best actor award for his performance but that's not what this meeting is about this meeting is about people coming and addressing things that may or may not be relevant to them it's important to them it's not about cancer patients it's not not about children this is about what's important to the residents that's why we're here that's why we're here every single meeting that's why we're here to address your issues and we're not going to have that kind of behavior if you come please come address and he's allowed to address just as much anybody else want to speak Vince Jackowski col neck one thing I forgot to bring up I'll see the police out on Selena road trying to cat Speeders the other day I saw one on herel road trying to catch Speeders speed limits 30 m hour soon as I turn on hille road I set the crews for 30 they're not going to get me yeah but I see them out looking for Speeders but it's a rare occasion and I mean a rare occasion when I see a police officer drive through Colts Neck they never come through now I don't believe there's a crime problem in Colts Neck but it' be nice if the police you know drove through once in a while sometimes you see people you know driving ATVs through there and golf carts and stuff like that and and there's no police around to stop this nonsense so it' be real nice if the police could drive through we'll have that conversation with Chief yeah the chief will be the chief is already taking notes don't worry thank you anyone else can I get a motion to close the public motion second all in favor I the next council meeting will is scheduled for May 29 2024 6 p.m. can I get a motion to adjourn motion second all in favor this meeting is adjourned