48:06The council approved a request for a two-increment stipend totaling $10,000 each for inspections concerning the Franklin Court and Gorga projects. The first $5,000 increment is to be issued after the completion of the plan review, with the second $5,000 issued upon project completion, anticipated in 2026 due to the project’s extensive nature. This stipend is designated to be funded through revenues generated by the building department, thus not impacting the budget or taxpayer expenses.

18:11The discussion also touched upon the status of permit fees for these projects, which had not yet been paid, though a solid foundation for inspections was in place. While a partial permit was issued for Franklin Court, Gorga’s main permit was still under review. The council emphasized the importance of timely inspections to avoid third-party inspections that could potentially increase costs and reduce township control over the process. Concerns were also raised regarding the need to address parking issues on Van Hamburg Road, where dump trucks have been obstructing sight lines and causing traffic problems. The police department is already aware of these issues and is addressing them.

01:04:13The capability of the building department to handle the workload was affirmed, and the council discussed structuring stipend payments based on the number of units involved in the Franklin Court and Gorga projects. There was a consensus on the need for clarity regarding how these stipends would be processed and whether the salary ordinance required revision to accommodate the payment structure. The council suggested amending the ordinance to ensure a fair distribution of the $10,000 stipend among the 52 units.

Additionally, the council introduced Ordinance Number 25-15, which amends the salary ordinance for 2025 to include special stipends for sub-code officials linked to the Franklin Court and Gorga projects. The motion to introduce and pass the ordinance at first reading received unanimous support from council members.

01:06:18In another financial matter, the council addressed the restoration of energy taxes to municipalities, highlighting significant revenue losses over recent years. In 2024, the township received $74,424 for energy taxes, down from $37,220 in 2023, with no revenue recorded for 2025. The municipal manager emphasized the importance of adopting a resolution to address these tax issues, especially in light of rising electricity costs.

28:52The council also addressed public safety concerns, particularly regarding children riding bicycles without helmets. A council member shared a personal experience to underscore the gravity of the issue, emphasizing that helmets can save lives. This message was reinforced with a plea to parents to ensure their children wear helmets, citing the risks of head injuries.

A council member expressed hope that it could create a more festive atmosphere than the solemn tone of the recent Memorial Day events.

Finally, the council discussed appointing a municipal representative to the Bergen County Community Development Regional Committee for the years 2024-2025. A consensus was reached on appointing a member and a designated alternate to fulfill this role.

40:52The council also heard from a resident who raised concerns about the absence of council members at the annual Memorial Day service for departed fire department members, prompting a suggestion for better communication with the fire department to ensure council members receive invitations in the future.