02/26/26 Council Meeting

I reply
to the flag
of America to the stands one nation
with
all
the follow order. Um
uh this meeting has been properly
advertised posting to the public law on
section 5 chapter 231
and in compliance with open public
meetings act of the state of the
community. Adequate notice of this
meeting of the A Harbor City common
council was provided in the following
manner. Advanced written notice of this
meeting is posted on the A Harbor City
building. Advanced written notice of
this meeting is posted on the A Harbor
City website and advanced written notice
of this meeting was sent to the Hamilton
Gazette and the press. Vocal
>> Mayor Jetti
>> here.
>> Doby
>> Galloway
>> here.
>> Hessie
Kenir
>> here
too.
>> Yes. Here I'm here.
>> Okay. Ortiz
>> here. Sen
>> here.
>> Timbers
>> here. right
>> here.
>> Okay. Uh with that, we'll open public
comment. Uh this will be on agenda items
only, excluding items listed for public
hearing.
>> Is there anyone for public comment?
Motion to close public comment.
Okay.
>> Second.
>> Public comment is now closed. Uh moving
on to approve the minutes, the February
12th, 2026 council meeting minutes. Um
go by vote.
This motion first motion first
>> motion second
motion first and second
>> I got
>> okay
>> um so I guess by the eyes having
>> yes
>> are any nos any nays no having having
heard none uh the minutes are approved
uh next we move on to the mayor's
report. Mayor, do you have a report?
>> I do [clears throat] a couple dates uh
to keep in mind in the near future.
Tuesday, March 7 17th, there'll be a
wellness screening here at city hall.
They'll be screening blood pressure
diabetes risk assessment, glucose, and
cancer screening resources and
education. This is sponsored by
Atlanticare and the mayor's wellness
campaign. So, more information is on
Facebook and also at city hall. The
cleanup far away, but not I guess not
too far. May 2nd, Saturday, May 2nd.
And just to let everyone know, the Egg
Harbor um city community school boys and
girls won the um intramural
championships and basketball. They'll be
here in March, one of the March meetings
for certificates. So, the important
thing, I guess it's kind of important.
Um, I received a call from New Jersey
American Water and they are painting the
water tower and they asked my opinion as
to what we would like to see on it. We
have two choices. So, I didn't want to
make the decision myself. Thought I'd
bring it to everyone else. So, these are
our choices. It's going to say New
Jersey American Water. We have the
choice of either putting our seal on it
with New Jersey American water or just
um New Jersey American water and a
Carver City. No seal
just their seal. So discuss discuss
>> I think that the words a Carver City
should be on the water tower.
>> Oh yeah, they're on every other tower.
>> Yeah.
>> Well, you're not going to get the seal.
That's
where the tower has. It just has the
usually it just has the
>> I'm a Cedar Creek pirates. That's the
only two choices.
>> How big would the seal be? Lisa,
>> how big
would the seal be?
>> As big as whatever the American water
is. I mean, you could see it from far
away.
>> It'll be big.
>> Proportional to the water tower.
>> I think I agree with Scott. It should be
a Carver City.
>> Yeah, we were actually up in
Pennsylvania almost into New York
>> two weeks ago and it they had a
>> American water Pennsylvania American
water and it had the town name. So
everywhere you go it has the town name.
You don't really see every because we
look for them when we go because my
husband works for New Jersey for New
Jersey. So whenever you see them we
point them out and it we really you see
the name of the town usually. So, is
there anybody else who does not agree
with that? Are we all in agreement with
that?
>> I believe so.
>> What color is this?
>> Usually, they I have no idea.
>> They didn't have any problems in other
towns with the color of the water
towers. That's they're too dark. It
heats up the water. It's they have to
use more chemicals to keep cleaning.
>> Let's make it white. That's what they
usually are.
>> They usually are white. And then the
lettering blue, right? Whatever.
Whatever the anchor or the New Jersey
American water lo
the letters will probably match that.
>> Yeah, that's what I
>> color that keeps the birds away.
>> Yeah, really.
>> All right, that's all I have. Thank you.
That's cool.
>> Thank you, mayor. Moving on to number
seven, council committee of chair
reports. I'm going start to my right.
Councilwoman Heis, do you have a report?
>> Um, just licensed in Did we hear back
from animal control? Jody,
>> he said he was trying to get a hold of
his boss. So, soon as I can tell him
information, but I did reach out to him
today.
>> Other than that,
>> we're just trying to figure out how much
it would be for um the dog um
>> census
to see what that is to see if
that's the way we want to go to um start
with the licensing.
>> And there's a couple other things we're
looking into, but we haven't
>> I do have more information. I haven't
shared it yet.
>> Yeah. that with um with me once we get
back together with her and the committee
then I'll have the report but other than
that I have nothing.
>> Thank you. Um Councilman send
>> I I don't have anything to
>> Okay, Councilman Ortiz.
>> Yeah, there was a meeting for the school
board that was uh Tuesday, but they
canled it due to the snow. Um they moved
it till today, but due to having a
meeting tonight, I wasn't able to make
it. It's at 7 o'clock. It's about the
school. So, uh, I'll I'll get her that.
>> Okay. Uh, Councilman Dojo,
>> uh, no report.
>> Okay. Um, I don't have a report for land
use. However, um, we did have a land use
meeting and, uh, Ryan will address it,
uh, when he gives his engineers report.
Uh, Councilwoman Galloway, do you have a
report?
>> Yes, I have several.
Safety Committee meeting will be 10:00
a.m. Thursday, March 12th here at city
hall. And we'll set up a Zoom for
>> I can't get Zoom in my house. I say that
all the time. Really? I do don't have
the power for the Wi-Fi. Plus, on a
Thursday, I cannot meet on a Thursday.
>> Can you get it on your phone?
>> I can't meet on a Thursday. I'm working
>> at 10:00 a.m.
>> Um, okay. After minor rei revisions, the
DP has accepted our community forestry
management plan which has been posted on
sustainable EHC uh on our new website uh
under forestry. There are several
documents listed there you can go check
out. Um, we have ordinance on tonight uh
revisions uh requested by the D
regarding the tree ordinance uh which
will require a permit to remove a tree
on private property and a onetoone
replacement on site or offsite. The
green team will be working on a tier 2
heat island mitigation plan. It's a
followup to the heat island assessment
we did. It'll get us more points for
sustainable Jersey, which we're if we
count off our points, we're probably
eligible for a um gold star in climate
readiness. And that's really difficult
to get, but we've been really busy over
the last couple years, so real proud of
that. Um we're currently setting up our
spring environmental series. Uh they're
still up in the air as far as dates and
programs, but our third annual Arbor Day
celebration will be held 3 to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, April 17th at Peace Pil Park.
We'll have a tree planting
demonstration, a backyard tree giveaway.
Members of the public have requested
small flowering trees and fruit trees,
which will be great for the pollinators.
Um we'll also have our annual tree photo
contest with cash prizes. We will start
taking um photos on our website that
it's been posted to the website and
it'll be announced in the the March 1
newsletter. So we should start getting
some submissions after that. And I had a
request of the ordinance committee to if
it's on the ordinance
to if we could look at our sign
ordinance and uh I I'm sure that the
acme sign is no longer compliant and I'd
love to see it come down. I think it
presents a bad image from the city. It's
we're known for that time.
the African
>> antique.
>> Antique. It's oversized.
>> Does mark.
>> It's like a landmark.
>> Yeah.
>> So, that's all I have.
>> The The only thing I'd like to say about
the sign is that if it was ever sold
again or if the company that presently
owns it wants to use it, if you take
that down, you will never get it back
again from
>> That's why it's been sitting there as
it's there. I think the ordinance could
>> it's not it's not really in our
ordinance setting requirements in
ordinances and that is definitely
oversized. do we have pre-existing
nonconforming information
>> put out to continue to use it once you
take it down
>> you can't put it back
>> and that's why it's been standing like
that the same thing with the parking lot
because once that parking lot would get
disturbed they would not get the same
footage back with their property
>> right once you disturb that impervious
>> I really like to see all our sign all
our signs complied but that one really
sticks out like a sore thumb so
Okay.
>> I had a question. So, there's going to
be a permit for you're going to a city
resident is going to re be required to
have a permit for taking down a tree on
their private property.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. Could the permit be denied?
>> Yes. Sure.
>> So, I would like to take down a tree on
my private property and I could be told,
"No, you can't take that tree down."
>> Yes.
>> Really? [laughter]
>> We've had this discussion many times. I
have to agree with this.
>> D require
>> We had to put it in there.
>> That tree on my property needs to come
down. It's coming down. You can find
them. the original Scott the original
ordinance that the council passed didn't
have that and he flagged it when we sent
them the ordinance because they require
us to send it. So what would be what
would
um
what would be say the criteria for a
tree being denied coming down
>> in perfect
>> okay
you got the ordinance in your your
packet
I'm sorry. Uh you can wait for public
comment at the end of your meeting.
>> It's a question.
>> Um the ordinance was in your packet
has all the requirements.
>> Yes. Okay.
>> Okay.
Any questions on that issue?
>> All right. Councilman Right, you have a
report. Uh, no. But I did last meeting
to ask for a presentation to be put on
the agenda, but I see it's not on here
again. Um, I don't know what happened
with that. But, uh, I told the, uh,
skateboarder parker not to show up.
>> I told I told you that was going to be
when the insurance guy was here, which
>> I reply because I was stuck in Tampa, so
I never
>> So the insurance
>> I saw what she wrote, but I never got a
chance to reply back.
>> He's coming March 12th.
>> Okay. So we can
>> So we can put it on agenda for March
12th. presentation. He can respond to
council's discussion of council's
questions about
>> No, I should have said
>> what do we want to put on? We already
had
>> what are we putting on? That's I didn't
and I was told not to put it on because
they haven't met with insurance yet
because that's what they want to say.
>> Yeah. So, the insurance guy is going to
come on. when we had our meeting and
correct me if I'm wrong,
you said that we would have to present
it to council and have another
presentation
with that with the goddess actually to
bring it to city council.
>> No, I said that you have to present it
to council because the discussion has to
be what location it is and all the
details presentation.
>> I didn't mean and if I misspoke Mason,
I'm I'm incorrect, but I I didn't think
we needed another presentation. We know
what they want to do,
>> right? You guys just need to decide on
the location. You need to decide on the
size. You need to decide if it's
actually going to be, you know,
>> okay,
>> built by all that and the escrow, the
escrow as well. So,
>> so basically details.
>> So, basically March basically what
you're telling is March 12th when he
comes and makes his presentation, we can
vote on it then to get this going.
>> He's coming to the to the safety
committee meeting to talk about
insurance issues. So the discuss it then
but no but I sent I said I sent the
committee it's not the safety committee
has nothing to do with the safety
>> committ it's he's coming to the 12th
>> I'm confused
>> at the last meeting Nette said she
wanted to meet with
>> she can yeah
>> she can she can meet with John Dino at
the safety committee meeting but that's
apart and separate from he's coming to
council
>> yeah that's what I thought
>> to answer council's question okay John
but there will not be mason won't be a
presentation there needs to be the
details else.
The presentation part was mainly for his
want to he he wanted to present
right no
>> he just want Tanner he just wants to
answer any questions insurance questions
>> okay
>> because that's the biggest I guess what
if right now
>> with the whole park
>> right
>> and that's why I thought because with
him making the presentation and then I
think his name is Jason that runs the AC
skate was going to be here to be able to
answer any questions that he had because
of the parks that
>> he can, but we don't need another
presentation.
>> I just called it a present. I mean,
>> John or whatever his name is is doing a
presentation.
>> No, John is John is coming here to
answer any questions about the skate
park. Okay. Council has right council
have.
>> All right.
>> And then council members can decide to
bring it up for a vote and site to vote
whenever they want. Is that a council
meeting day as well? Yes. Yeah. 7
o'clock on the 12th.
Good. All right. That work.
We have uh two council members online in
case they'd like to give a report. Uh
council president, do you have a report?
>> Uh no specific report. I refer to the
administrator uh because there was some
activity with the redevelopment
committee this past week and I was going
to make a little announcement about
that.
>> Thank you. Uh Councilwoman Hesset, do
you have a report?
>> Um I have nothing for the Rotary but uh
the code committee. I just wanted to let
everyone know we had three applicants
and the interviews will be taking place
Wednesday, March 4th. Um, that's all I
have. The rest I'm sure our
administrator will fill in. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Uh, so moving on to the uh
chief of police report, Chief Allen.
>> Uh, congratulations on your uh movement
and your go.
>> Thank you. Man, that's pretty unsol. I'm
trying to figure out if you got a job
that nobody wanted. I'm trying to figure
that out
>> over there.
>> I think the only thing that matters is
that I wanted it.
>> Okay, cool. That's cool.
>> But some numbers for you. Um,
one thing that I should preface this
with, we have not been as busy in the
last week. We have three officers on who
are injured right now. um two very
seriously, one not so much, but he is
out also. He just
um so well not. So So yes, so our our
police family is growing, but some
numbers for you. Um since we last met on
the 12th, we've had three reports fraud
fraud, one report of a sexual assault,
one two simple assault, one stole motor
vehicle, one theft. We've had 13 motor
vehicle accidents, two pedestrian stops,
33 traffic stops, plus 34 summones
issued. We've had one DUI arrest, total
of three arrests they total, nine
business alarms from the volto alarm, 47
crime prevention activities, six
domestics, 21 EMS incidents, seven
homes, 275 recheck, six public service
calls. Um, we were out and about during
the storm and lots of people got stuck.
We had folks who thought they need to be
out in their Nissan Ultimus like 10
inches of clearance in 16 in of snow.
So, um, we were busy, uh, as were our
public works guys. So, uh, yeah, that
was that. So, going to these arrests
that we've had, the three that we did
had, they were pretty unra. One of the
arrests, um,
one of the things that our officers do,
and officer would a fan has to drop a
regular routine traffic stop. Um, in
that traffic stop, he found a gentleman.
It was a can of Pixelat. In that can of
Pixel Flat, we had heroin, cocaine,
methamphetamine,
um I forget what else we had, but um
quantities that were uh worthy of a
distribution charge. Um but you know, so
you know, these are the kinds of things
that the officer finding. That gentleman
also decided to flee and officers. So
you know who has a aggravated assault
police officer um obstructing a
resisting charge as well. So you know
these are the things that happen on a
regular routine.
Um but our officer okay some stuff. Um
[clears throat] another one we had a an
a gentleman who was driving um under
influence who had somehow circumvented
his interlock. Um so that's I've never
seen that. I've never seen anybody be
able to circumvent an interlock device.
And for you, those of you who don't know
what an interlock is, if you've had
previous DUIs, you have to have this
interlock on your vehicle in order to
start it in order to drive. And you have
to blow into it in order to make sure
that you are not above or that you are
not uh above. I don't even know if you
can have any.
>> Oh, you can't have any. So,
>> yeah, we tried it at the foot pose.
times never anyone like them. It's
awesome.
>> But um you know so we have our officers
doing some some pretty amazing work
finding these these different things
that are going on. Um so yeah that's
about all that I have for now. Um next
week is going to be exciting. one of our
favorite pictures to be a crossw
um so we will be doing that maybe our
local school will have that on their
YouTube page so far that's all I have
any questions
>> thank you chief thanks
>> uh moving on to number nine CFO report
>> I don't Thanks.
>> Thank you. Uh, our city clerk,
>> nothing.
>> Thank you. City attorney report Orlando.
>> Nothing to report.
>> Thank you. Our administrative report,
Jerry,
>> thank you. Um, so regarding the storm,
we worked 25 hours straight and we took
a small break for eight hours and then
we worked another eight hours to try to
let as much snow cleared as possible. I
know that there's a lot of conversation
about burying cars and all of that, but
it really is very difficult for us to
fly with 300 cars on the road. Um, and
then the next day, everyone trying to
dig out, throw the snow back into the
trees, but we deal with it. The cost was
21,000 for labor and sulk alone during
the storm. Uh, we had two no injury
truck accidents. um two of the chief's
13 for us. Uh we had an accident on um
Moss Mill and Hamburg when uh it was
snowing real heavy and people were not
supposed to be on the road except us.
And then we had a parked car on the
north side of one of the streets right
near a sign that says no parking and the
road is covered with snow. So, we'll
deal with that. We appreciate the
officer's help and all of that. And um
our young men were very appreciative of
the fact how they were treated. So, I
appreciate that very much from them. But
um dozens of trees went down mostly in
the wooded areas adjacent to our paved
roadways and I think we had three or
four down wires. The entire storm we
basically had no electricity at our DPW
location. uh we had uh
what looked like 25% power. So when you
turn the lights on, the heater turns off
and when you turn the lights off, the
heater turns on. So we dealt with that
the whole time. It's very difficult to
repair equipment when you don't have
rights. So it was a tough storm. Uh we
made it through and we'll continue
whether Monday and Tuesday brings us
anymore. We just deal with it as it
comes. Um for the finance and
redevelopment committee as the council
president mentioned, we had a great
meeting last Friday with Dr. Horton
regarding Egg Harbor City North and they
are working with our city attorney to
prepare for you. Uh things progressed
really well and really quickly. So
that's a great update for us. Uh, we did
receive an update from Atlantic Motion
Pictures and while Pinelands continues
to drag their feet, he is ready to go
and we're probably going to have, if
Pinelands gets their act together,
some movie studio motion picture
activity this summer, which would be
great. The next meeting, I think, is
March 16th for the finance and
redevelopment committee. We have a
developer from Hamilton that's coming as
well as our redeveloper at the um at the
land show for the soul for commission s
items. We don't have anything else other
than
they've added. No,
>> thank you Jared. You guys did a great
job.
>> Thank you.
>> Um uh Ryan, our engineer report is next.
>> Sure. So, I'll walk over some of the
more active stuff. Buffalo Avenue will
get started as soon as the snow melts
and starts to come up. Um the lake and
campground, we um updated the the
restroom renovations. Um there's a
couple things that that need to be added
and tweaked. So, we're waiting to get
approval to be able to advertise that
project. Uh that's that's the
bathrooming portion of the ADA uh
funding that we got to do with a link on
that. We determine that portion of the
permits. We're just trying to do that
now. Uh for the utility upgrades, we
completed all of our survey despite the
snow. Um yeah, those guys did not have
fun. Um but we are doing the base plans
now. We had already started on the
design. We already have a revised
application into electric service
application. Um we've been working with
New Jersey American Water and we
confirmed that their master permit will
actually cover. Um, so we will not need
a separate water me extension permit,
but we still have to prepare the
documentation because they have to.
>> Yeah. So that's county offic
um city hall ADA stuff. U
pre-construction meeting. So we're just
waiting for the lead times to line up.
So once we have sales, I can certainly
get out. But we have vendors coming to
take measurements and stuff like that.
>> Yeah. Somebody was supposed to be here
today or
>> I I think we've already processed the
other nons.
measuring.
>> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Yeah. I'm sure they all their vendors
are coming out and they are sure
um subdivision uh solo working on um
getting the conditions addressed. So
there's a conditional approval which
will be by the office uh before we can
circulate that signature and get filed.
Uh the high bank project we are trying
to address all DP's comments get the
documents back up there for review and
approval to go out to bid for that
project. Um, recap. This has been here
for a long time. It's two plus million
dollars worth of storm water replacement
and road reconstruction uh along about 8
to 10 blocks of Beethoven. Um, and then
a stretch uh to Argo Street. So, it's
it's a significant portion uh and it's
money you guys are will be entitled to
every year until it runs out in the next
couple years. So, we're trying to get
that as quickly as we can.
>> Ryan, I heard you say Beethoven and I
don't mean to interrupt you.
>> Yes. Um, is that where all the American
word um stuff is?
>> So, some of it is where their work
happened and they actually reconfigured
their project a little bit. They their
extents didn't originally include that
once they heard that we were going to
come through the storm water and the
cost of that service. They rep
prioritized and they did some of the
work in the area that we're in.
>> Okay, good.
>> So that they won't have to do paving
there and they'll be the restoration.
>> Right. And don't forget the sidewalk
next to the uh Moravian church that that
starts to be replaced too. That is has
black top on it.
>> Yes. Any anywhere where they go and do a
temporary restoration
um that they're just moving along and
trying to provide a hard surface until
they get back a final restoration come
back.
So yeah, that's never I get that concern
a lot. That's never the finished
product. Yeah.
>> No, no, I know. I just thought we were
switching and we were gonna do the work
and we just don't want to overlook that
sidewalk either.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. They um they
keep a tally of everything that's going
on. We monitor it as part of a street
opening permit that they have to get for
the project. So make sure it's healthy
here. Fact we um we were trying to
schedule a walking with Jerry and our
chief inspector uh and American
Waterfalls to to sort of stretch out
what the limits were going to be for the
restoration and then it's so whenever
that melts we get back out there and
as soon as you get there. There you go.
>> B 60. That's something 60 and snow.
>> All right. Um see a improvements. You
guys just approve us on that. Um we
can't really survey the site but in the
front because that would be the precise
evidence because it's being
improvements. Um so again there's just
no mount for the outside editor. Um the
back side of the sheet rack field that
package um the initial package is ready
for submission. Um, we have site surveys
scheduled, but we are going to just
submit the conceptual plan and try to
verify that we're not going to do
webination and do all that nonsense. So,
we're trying to get as much out of the
way as quickly as we can. Okay.
>> And then we'll search back with the
survey and provide there have to be like
a small component. Okay.
>> So, we'll we'll figure all that out. I
want to get sort of the wild card stuff.
Yes. When I do
>> you got all that in writing, fill up.
>> Sounds good. Um, and then I have it
under the master plan examination, but
it was uh the the point that Carl made
earlier. Um, we referred to the planning
board uh that we didn't believe that the
thousand foot separation between fast
food restaurants um is needed anymore.
So, I made a brief presentation to the
planning board um about what that
requirement was and when it dates back
to and all that. Um and the board found
that uh removing that requirement would
be consistent with the city's master. So
uh you now have the authority to remove
that that section from you.
>> They'll they'll they'll give us a
resolution.
>> Yeah. Well, they'll right they'll
they'll pass the resolution at our our
next meeting, but essentially you need
that permission
to to amend the land.
>> So they'll pass that and they'll run the
ordinance,
>> right? Yeah. The next meeting will be
March. I think they're meeting after our
next meeting.
>> Yeah, it'll be the the second March
meeting because the the plan board
meeting is March 7th.
>> So, if you want to move it along, I
mean, we can do first reading for the
ordinance if you want and then you'll
have the approval if the if the
>> if the uh land use for whatever reason,
I'll shoot it down.
>> Let's just table it. Yeah. Yeah. We
table that or not.
>> That's a good idea.
That's all they don't have that
>> and you don't have that to
>> that's it for me. So, just one one other
question, Ryan. I didn't I don't believe
I saw the final plans for the restroom,
but the urinal still in there, right?
Remember we talked about that?
>> We that that was one of their visions
was I
>> No,
>> no, that was my vision. Remember? I was
envisioning something very bad happening
in there.
>> So, we we added the aerobact and the
epoxy floors. We talked about
the slope. You're the slope,
>> right? So the water that
>> very rather than overlay the whole
concrete the best thing you can do is
use to build the floor. Oh then you can
sort of pitch it out and it actually
floor is amazing old.
>> We do it at a we do it at the group home
for rolling fabric.
>> They works great.
>> Yeah. It gives you better traction. It's
easy to clean and it gives you the
ability to adjust the level and deal
with most.
>> Can't wait. Thank you.
>> Yeah. Thank you question.
The 400,000 that was from uh NJDCA that
was for the improvements to the
campground and then the 400,000 that was
for the uh for city hall. Was that all
the same or was it 800,000 that was
awarded?
>> It's the same program in two consecutive
fiscal years.
>> So, and the um the one at the bottom,
the senior center ADA improvements is
the third fiscal year of that funding.
Mhm.
>> U unfortunately the first one is the
least far along because it requires a
finance permit and 18 plus months going
around circle with that. Um the other
two are feeling much better. I mean the
one we already awarded to the
contractors about start and then the
senior center um we expect to be able to
start that in months
operation.
>> Any more questions for Ryan?
>> All right. Thank you Ryan. Of course. So
moving on to item number 14. This is our
first resolution of the night. It's an
amendment to the lake area management
agreement.
>> Roll call.
>> Second.
>> Roll call.
>> Doy.
>> Yes.
>> Galloway.
>> Yes.
>> Psy.
>> Yes.
>> Kirner.
>> Yes. Sorry.
>> Ortiz.
>> Yes.
>> Sen.
>> Yes.
>> Timbers.
>> Yes. Right.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. Resolution passes. Um, uh, item
15, resolution establishing and adopting
a complete and green streets policy. Uh,
do we have a motion?
>> Motion.
>> Second.
Okay. Roll call.
>> Doby,
>> yes.
>> Galloway,
>> yes.
>> Heist,
>> yes.
>> Hessie,
>> yes.
>> Kenir,
>> yes.
>> Ortiz,
>> yes.
>> Sen,
>> I have a question.
Can I ask a question? Yes.
what we're voting for right now. Does it
include the requirement to have a permit
to take a tree down on your private
property?
>> That's not
the
>> Okay. Yes.
>> All right. [clears throat]
>> So, yes. All right. Everyone's
>> timbers.
Yeah.
>> Timbers.
>> Yes. Yes. Okay.
Um the resolution passes.
Um number 16 resolution refund
commercial certificate of occupancy fee.
Uh inspection is not required. Um do we
have a motion?
>> Motion.
>> Second.
>> Okay. Uh roll call.
>> I have a question. I I have a question.
Could
Jerry, could you explain this to me? If
it's a CCO as opposed to a CO, do we
um why why do they not need a CCO
for this?
>> It's a It's the same use, but there's an
interruption in the use. So, it's a
warehouse that stored furniture, new
furniture, and then it it didn't for a
long time, and now that same individual,
the owner of the warehouse is storing
furniture, new furniture in the
warehouse. So, there's an interruption.
said the only thing according to DCA the
only thing that's required of buyer
inspections
um because the use did not change and
there was just a space or a period of
time when there was no um there was no
storage.
>> Can can I just ask Ryan something? Is a
CCO
supposed to be just continued use of
basically the same for the same reason?
So this this is not um I know I know
what you're thinking. This is a
commercial certificate of
a continuation of use um for residential
structures. There's different co
classification based on whether it's new
construction or a building that was no
longer habitated or building rented uh
when renovations are completed. So this
this is none of the that's that's
usually where you're going to turn CC
>> but this is the same initials but it's
none of those different
>> okay and and I just know where we're
where in our fees it basically says for
uh certification of continued occupancy
and then slashcommercial
and it's 175 for that
>> BCA has flagged that Kim Oh, they flag
that.
>> They flag that the commercial part.
>> Isn't that fe being changed then?
>> No, it's a separate one separate
that has to but that'll be at a
subsequent meeting.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay.
Uh do we have a motion?
>> We had a motion in a second.
>> Okay. Uh then roll call.
>> Dovy.
>> Yes.
>> Galloway. Yes. Heist.
>> Yes.
>> Hess.
>> Yes.
Ort
Timbers.
>> Yes. Right.
>> Yes.
>> Our next item resolution authorized
roadway solicitation a Harper City Fire
Department May 15, 2026 and August 28th,
2026.
Any questions?
>> All right. Do we have
>> I gota I got And this is for the coin
drop that they can sit out there and
collect, right?
>> I guess every year and I still never
really got an answer. How come they
could do it but we can't as an
organization as a crusader sit out there
and play?
>> I know they answered the question. I
don't I don't remember where it was.
>> I think before they said the fire
department right the training board
>> I mean there's organizations that sit at
other other towns that do it and I'm
sure they don't have no training. I
don't know what training we need.
>> Well the county they do it where they're
at. and somebody that got program so we
can get the training that way we can
>> in addition to that these are county
roads and stapers who allow fire
departments to do it they don't allow
like youth groups
>> it's in their because there's a big
packet they have to fill out you have to
explain
>> and
>> another I don't think we allow on city
streets per our ordinance like like you
couldn't do it on St. Louis Avenue you
know
>> right that's what I was going to say
like why didn't we do it on St. It was
in addition to training, they stopped
letting them do it because the state
high like the intersection of you got
the state highway and
>> I just I got a question because I see it
all the time like manders youth program
sits out there and they collect on you
know route 40 route 50 and all that
stuff and that's why I'm trying to
>> I mean we fville does it out there in
their main streets I mean it's like and
then a car city can't do it that's why
I'm just kind of
>> main street a county road
>> I know I I mean, what's Route 50 and
>> county and
staged? But I mean, we fill
out a packet and
>> Well, that's what I'm saying. Like, I I
would kind of would like to know. I
mean,
>> fire department fills out the
>> They make a decent amount of money. I
mean, it's not like you're going to have
the kids out there. You're going to have
adults out there, but, you know, to be
able to raise money for these kids.
>> I know we got the answer before. I just
don't remember the exact wording, but we
can get it again.
>> All right. If you could please.
>> Um, me, I have a question on that. Do
they pay the um non um nonprofit
licensing fee when they do that?
>> Pay it.
>> Is it there? Is that does that fall
under the licensing fee? You know how
they do not
change.
>> Okay. Uh we still need a motion.
>> I make second.
>> Second.
>> Uh we'll just take a vote.
>> All in favor? All right.
>> All right.
>> Are they Are there any nays?
Hearing none. Uh, the resolution passes.
Uh, number 18, resolution authorized
roadway solicit Oh, solicitation Aver
city ladies auxiliary April 24th, 2026
and September 18th, 2026. Are there any
questions?
>> I'll make a move. All right. Second.
>> Second.
>> Okay. I guess we just want to come to a
vote as well. All
>> in favor? I
>> I
ns hearing none the resolution passes.
Uh next item is an ordinance number 19
introduce ordinance. Ordinance number 4,
2026 abolishing the ordinance opting
into the Garden State CPACE program to
facilitate and finance CPACE projects
adopted on September 11th, 2025.
>> Motion.
>> Is there a second?
>> Second.
>> All right. Um this would be a roll call.
>> Um this is an ordinance. So you're
introducing Oh,
>> we're just introducing
>> and that be advertised in the
>> Okay. Going to advertise notice of
introduction in the Hammond Gazette
March 4th, 2026 for a public hearing on
March 12th, 2026.
>> Are you going to advertise this?
>> I will at this point March 1st. Well,
today's
>> I have Yeah, I will.
>> All right. So, moving on to number 20.
This is introduced ordinance ordinance 5
2026 amending chapter 235 streets and
sidewalks streets and sidewalks article
7 titled tree removal and replacement
>> oh
>> so this is the ordinance that has to
deal with
>> the uh
>> tree
that this is the one where you have to
get a
>> this is to introduce it
>> yeah correct we'll have to introduce
I'll make the second
>> second. All right. And this be uh the
advertised notice of introduction in the
Hamilton Gazette on March 4th, 2026 for
a public hearing on March 12th, 2026.
>> Do we have an introduction?
>> Yeah.
>> Make a motion.
>> Thank you.
>> All right. No, we don't have to vote.
>> Let it do by acclamation.
>> Yeah.
>> All in favor?
>> I
>> All right. Moving on to 21. This is uh
another ordinance introduction.
Ordinance number 6, 2026, amending
chapter 216 of the city code title
rental property registration.
uh advertised notice of introduction
Henry Gazette on March 4th, 2025 for a
public hearing on March 12th, 2026.
>> Motion to introduce
>> second.
>> Second.
>> Okay. Uh and then
>> somebody explain please.
>> Yeah.
>> So yeah, go ahead.
>> Um yeah, DCA um requires that uh smoke
detectors be inspected by a fire uh
inspection, not by code anymore. and
your ordinance had it as expected by
code. So, we're just amending the or the
code and the ordinance to comply with
state law
and we're adding a fee for uh fire
inspector authorization
>> and me with this one. You're not
>> we're just saying what you say.
>> We're just introduc.
>> All right. Um, next we have 22, uh, the
bill list. Uh, do we have a motion?
>> Make that motion.
>> Second.
Okay. Uh, are there any
questions? Hearing none. Bro,
>> yes.
>> Galloway,
>> yes.
>> Heist,
>> yes.
>> Pessie,
>> yes.
>> Kainer,
>> yes.
>> Ortiz,
>> yes. S,
>> yes.
>> Timbers,
>> yes. Right.
>> Yes.
>> Uh, item 23, public comment. Sir, sir,
did you want to make a comment?
>> It's not a comment. It's just a
question. How much will the bees remove
the tree will be
when you take down a tree? And if
there's a storm and there's like trees
and your property done, you still
haven't full perman.
>> No, that that would be done by the
>> No, not if it's in your yard.
>> So, the permit fee sir is Do you want me
to answer?
>> Yes. The permit the permit fee is $25
and if a tree goes down for instance
that we just had the blizzard then you
don't need a permit to remove that tree.
>> Okay.
>> Also, I wanted to thank you personally.
I seen you plowing.
>> No, that wasn't me.
>> Yeah. Thank you. I appreciate that. I
appreciate that.
>> Knew that they was Ray then.
>> No, it was me. You're right.
Ray doesn't do anything. just so
it was
appreh
>> Yeah. I I appreciate that. I'm in San
Francisco.
>> Yeah. No, I saw
>> Yeah. Thanks.
>> You're welcome.
>> Okay. I don't see any.
>> Can I ask a question in regards to the
lake? What is that about? Um, it's a
management agreement between Renault
Winery and the city. They're going to
run the lake because quite frankly, I've
been doing it for 18 years as a
volunteer
>> and I just can't I mean, can't do it
anymore.
>> I think it'll be a great
>> It's going to be better. It's going to
move the lake to the next step. We can
only do so much as as a
>> There going to be a liquor license
involved in that
>> eventually.
>> Eventually. Yeah.
>> Eventually.
>> Why you have one?
>> They're resurfing it. Do you have one
you want to sell?
>> I do. [laughter]
>> I told them to put a
looking for one. They know it's going to
take a year or so to get that together.
>> Well, did we have guidance and
direction?
>> I sent them all the information.
>> One of them.
>> No, there's more in the town. I've sent
them all the ones that are
>> um the other question was is that the
millions going to be part of the
agreements?
>> Yes. Okay,
>> that's it.
>> All right, that's all I have.
>> Is there any any more public comment? If
not, a motion to close public comment.
>> Make a motion. Second. Second.
>> Public comment is now closed. Moving on
to mayor and council comments. Mayor, do
you have anything?
>> I just have one quick comment because I
feel like um the tree ordinance really
wasn't explained enough because we do
have new council people here. But my
interpretation and somebody correct me
if I'm wrong. We were we were mandate
that it was a mandate that we put those
items in that um ordinance because we
were getting charged how much Nette if
we didn't do it.
>> We wouldn't get our uh MS4 permit
>> and we'd be fined by not having certain
items
>> about the fine
>> certain items.
>> The fine is between five and 25,000
based on what they want.
>> Yes. So, no one here that I know of
except for maybe maybe one person, no
name, wants to do have people, you know,
not do what they want on their personal
property. And we've we had a big heated
debate over that few months ago. And,
you know, I feel like if it's your
personal property, you should be able to
do whatever you want to do with it.
>> But unfortunately,
unfortunately, but you're going to pay a
$25 Well, permit.
>> So, you're not going to be able to take
a tree down that's in perfect living
condition.
>> Right. Right. Right.
>> So, unfortunately
to replace that tree. So, if you take a
tree down on your property, you have to
replace that tree.
>> What's the point of taking it down?
>> Well, exactly. You don't have to replace
it in the same exact spot.
>> Either on your state of New Jersey. Like
every entire state,
>> every town you can take a tree down on
your property and go. I got Okay. You
replace a tree on your property. Most of
these lots are 100 by 150. You put a
pool in your backyard. You take your
trees down. Where are you going to put
the tree?
>> You don't have to replace them on your
property. You have to take the tree
down. You can replace it someplace that
if I take down a 200 foot tree on my
property,
>> you got to replace it back.
>> Can I plant seedling in its place or do
I have to
hear his question again? what we're
planting on the street every 10 size.
>> If you take a large tree down,
>> yes,
>> it's a one to one replacement. So you
can put a you can put a two to two and a
half inch tree similar to the trees that
we put in the street of new trees that
>> but not what he's talking about a big
gigantic
>> right
>> tree of the arous like I need this like
I need anything else. So, so, so because
I missed the question. So,
>> 200 foot tree. He said
>> 200 foot tree,
>> right? Which is going to cost you 20
grand to get rid of first. Go ahead.
>> And if you take it down, you know, put
tree down.
>> What? What kind of other tree? That's
what he's getting at tree.
>> No, he means to with a 200 foot.
>> He had to put it back a 200 foot tree.
He has to put down He has to put back a
tree that's on our approved list.
>> That's what he's asking.
>> Yeah. So, we have an approved list. The
appendix A. It's in the ordinance.
>> Two two and a half inch.
>> The general populace doesn't really know
what that is.
regular.
>> Are you done?
>> So, um, we're going to do our comments
in reverse order. So, um, Councilwoman
Hessie, do you have a comment?
Uh, all I wanted to say is
congratulations u, councilwoman men
timbers on your promotion as a public
defender.
>> Thank you.
>> That's all I have.
>> Okay, Council President Kenir,
>> uh, I just had to turn the air
conditioner on. I'm sorry. Um, no
comment.
>> Right.
>> Thank you. I was left. It was I just
left Tampa. It was 33 30 degrees
yesterday in Clear Water in Tampa.
[clears throat]
>> It was cool here down there. And then it
is here.
>> It was It was 80 in Titusville today.
>> I don't even know where that
>> go to see the Phillies.
>> I went to but the games were away.
>> Okay.
>> All the home
>> near Port Canaveral.
>> Yeah. The farther south we went, it was
warm.
>> It was 80 like 90 degrees Friday,
Saturday, Sunday. The last two days that
three days that we got stuck there, it
was 40, 30, and 50.
>> Uh, Councilman Wright, do you have any
comment?
>> No.
>> Uh, Counciloman,
>> uh, just if you have anything for the
newsletter, please get it to me ASAP.
Um, I always publish on 6:00 a.m. on the
first of the month and then a day or two
later, I'll see all these flyers come
out.
So
>> I gave you the 17th one. You have it.
It's on Facebook.
>> Yeah, I have yours,
>> but like and people in the community,
churches have things going on and things
like that. Please get me get them to me
so I can include them.
>> Thank you, Councilman Do.
>> I just want to thank the uh public works
staff, Gary, the police department,
everybody else that responded to the
storm the other day. They did a great
job under very difficult circumstances.
Appreciate it.
>> Councilman Ortiz,
>> I would like to second that as well. You
guys did an amazing job.
>> Thank you.
>> This is the first of three years, by the
way. The pattern is three years, then
there's a lull, and then there's three
years, and this is the frozen.
>> Yikes.
>> Get ready. Get ready.
>> Councilman sent Um, I'd like to extend
my congratulations on
you all. And I third
>> kudos to I appreciate
>> Jerry and your
thank you.
>> Congratulations
members. And Jackie, do you have a date
on the radio clinic? Saturday, March,
Saturday, May the 28th.
>> See, I don't have that flyer. [laughter]
Dr.
Yeah, it's gonna information tomorrow.
>> We doing that at DPW again.
>> Good. Good reason to clean up.
>> Thank you.
>> What time will that be? Because that's
when the Easter egg hunt is. Same same
time. Same day.
>> 28th.
>> Participate.
>> No kids come to this place.
>> Okay. It's Yeah. Well, the parents
>> I believe so.
>> Thanks.
Only thing I want to say is uh two
nights ago I had a a neighbor he he
passed away in in his home.
>> Uh I'm not really sure of the the cause.
Um but it was to me and my family is is
a little disconcerning because we had
just uh spoken to him the the night
before and didn't find out that he died.
So with that, I know we all don't we
hear it, but we don't all um follow it.
Um no one owes us another day. So um
keep that in mind. Tell your loved ones
you love them.
>> And um that's it. So uh with that um
there a motion to adjourn. I make a
motion second.
>> All right.
feel