Public Meeting of Egg Harbor Township Committee 07/1/26

either technical reasons or topics they
may may properly be may occur. This
meeting will be televised on EHTV
channel 97 and posted on a township's
website. Pursuant to a Carper Township
code, public comment is subject to
established rules of procedure including
a fivem minute time limit recognition by
the mayor and standards of the quorum.
Comments shall be directed to the
governing body. Thank you. Could
everybody please stand for the pledge of
allegiance?
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the
republic for it stands one nation under
God indivisibley and justice for all
please
castano
>> here
>> yes
>> Patrick Ireland
>> here [music] Ellis and Laura here
>> we're going start tonight with uh
somebody special. A local resident is
now in East Le New Jersey and class of
2024.
>> Could you please read?
>> Yes. Kylie Jean Wright, Miss New Jersey,
2026. Kylie Gene Wright of Egg Harbor
Township was crowned Miss New Jersey
2026 after earning the title of Miss
Cumberland County. A dedicated student
pursuing a degree in business
administration, Kylie plans to transfer
Stockton University will where she will
use her Miss New Jersey organization in
kind scholarship to complete her
bachelor's degree. In addition to this
opportunity, she earned more than
$26,000 in scholarships through the
competition.
Outside of the classroom, Kylie serves
as an instructor and manager at Americ
Studio. She is a secondderee black belt,
former collegiate wrestler, and
certified sexual violence and domestic
violence advocate committed to
empowering others through education and
self-defense.
Kylie is the East Coast [music]
chapter president of TAK Defense, a
national organization dedicated to
equipping women with practical
self-defense skills and personal safety
education. Through her leadership, she
has raised more than $10,000 for the
organization and has led seminars for
students, community organizations, and
women throughout the region. As Miss New
Jersey 2026, Kylie is committed to
expanding the reach of TAK defense
across the East Coast while advocating
for women's safety, confidence, and
empowerment. She is passionate about
using her platform to inspire others to
build resilience, develop leadership
skills, and create safer communities.
[music] Congratulations,
>> four years.
>> Kylie, [clears throat] could you tell us
when the patron is coming up? We can all
root for you.
So, the Miss American pageant
competition will be weekend.
>> That's wonderful.
>> Awesome. Awesome.
>> Your resume is outstanding.
This entire country would be proud to
have you as Miss America. So, but we're
incredibly proud that you're Miss New
Jersey and you're EHD home girl. There's
nothing better than that. So,
CONGRATULATIONS.
[applause]
[clears throat] Do you want to tell us
anything else before you
>> tell a bit about your platform or
anything like that before you go?
>> Yeah.
>> So, like I said, my community service
initiative is called take defense
organization that's dedicated to our
army with the knowledge of safety
awareness and practical self training.
all over the east coast and I I hold a
natural role in the organization so that
we can make expense the number one
self-development organization for women.
>> That's awesome. That's awesome.
>> [clears throat]
[laughter]
>> I can teach you quick.
>> Yes. Uh oh. [laughter]
>> Y
>> I can actually teach you guys real
quick. Um most common type women and
stab. So if you don't put your hand out
and then grab your wrist, you're going
to notice there's four babies on one
side on the other. The only thing you
have to remember is go against the
thumb. Don't hit yourself in the face.
You just go ahead and grab. It's that
easy. It's that simple. And that's the
thing. simple tactical self-defense that
you can recall in a very high adrenaline
[music]
stress situation.
>> You want to demonstrate on the chief?
Come on, Chief. You [laughter]
>> Come on, Chief. You
>> Thank you. And I love
>> Good job.
>> We wish you all the best.
Good. Good.
>> We got some cool people here.
>> Chief, could you come and give us an
update of vaping?
>> Oh, you come down now. Huh? [laughter]
You
[clears throat]
>> My apologies. You know, normally I will
wear the uniform. I just I don't know.
Frank has his privilege. It's pretty hot
out, [laughter]
>> but I did want to listen. If she wins
meets America, we got to bring her on as
a mega potential police officer.
>> I [laughter] think so.
>> Absolutely.
>> I think so.
>> Um, so, uh, yes, Committ Castellano, you
had asked about the update on the the
vapes, uh, the initiative that we're
doing and we've taken on. So, we did an
inspection. Um, we did I think you had
provided us a list, Mr. Freriedman um
all of all the establishments in town
that it looks like it's about 39.
However, I just noticed there are some
duplicates on this list and that have to
do with they've changed business names
and things like that. So, our detective
year did go out and they did an
inspection of all the uh businesses that
pedal uh or sell bait products. And as
suspected, we had talked about this.
It's not the Wawwa. It's not the chains
that were in violation. It's the mom
[music] and pop locations. Um so we
Sorry. So our detective bureau
identified eight loc town that are
selling um illegal vapes and they were
warned provided the uh material for uh
education and they are given probably 30
days to correct and then we're going to
go back and do unannounced inspections
and if they're in violation they're
going to get charged. um uh consistent
with the I think it's 2C charge or
a 2A charge 2A. So um did you want me to
identify the retailers that are in
violation? I
>> think we're I think we're fine.
>> Yeah, I don't think we need
>> but I I did want to thank you.
>> I mean part of me does want to call them
out because
>> whatever you feel is right.
>> Um no, I think they got a warning so
they didn't get some. Um, so I think
it's uh this is this is the harsh
warning. So uh the one is vape zone 2601
Fire Road, Garden State Fuel 78
Blackhorse Pike, uh Proac Mini Mark 806
Blackhorse Pike, so 2164 Ocean Heights
Avenue, Circle K 30,0001 Ocean Heights
Avenue, Roland 6100 Blackhorse Pike, EHD
Tobacco 6
uh 6105 West Jersey Avenue and the
Senokco 6501 Delila Road. And if you you
notice the locations are spread out
around town which makes them easily
accessible to any of the juveniles
anywhere in the township. And you know
this is so hopefully this is the start
of stop to be having these types of
products available to to kids. And you
know what, kids are smart. Those that
are trying to uh purchase these products
know the location by them. So if we can
put that to bed by holding these
establishments
accountable and we start citing them,
either they're going to comply, if they
comply, the word's going to get out,
can't buy an EHT, and hopefully that'll
reduce some of the uh exposure to our
youth and or if they don't comply,
eventually we'll put them out of
business.
So that's where we're at.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. Thank you, Chief.
Excellent work on
>> you. Give us an update. Then after the
next round,
>> we will. Yeah, we'll uh we'll report
again once we do those follow-up
inspections and then we'll just continue
um hitting these stores and doing the
inspections and it, you know, it's
hopefully it'll be a better routine
going forward.
>> So, Chief, how about the neighbor
communities? Is there any on this too?
>> Um I I mean I know it's starting to
trend but I can't say that uh I I think
other agencies have started reaching out
to us be u the initiative that we're
taking. So I don't think it's it's not
prevalent just yet as far as doing the
inspections and ensuring um but
>> we're going to set the trends. Right.
So, and we we kind of remember this kind
of the idea kind of originated after
hearing about what Elizabeth, the city
of of Elizabeth did. Um, but they
they had a much larger um problem up
there and um but and you had the videos
that uh I think I'd sent you those
videos and so hopefully we I mean eight
is manageable and I think we can we can
correct it.
So, all right.
>> While you're here, before you go,
>> I should have asked you about this, but
uh um we're going into a heat wave. I
don't know if it started today or not,
but cooling center is going to be at the
library from what I understand.
>> Is there anything else that's taken
place regarding this?
>> I mean, in our town really the only
cooling center is the library. I know
sometimes again if if let's just say for
example that overflowing we do we will
um use the community center um but
that's on a um kind of an overflow
type thought and we so that's not
necessarily a designated cooling center
unless the library fails or is closed
which could occur over the weekend and
then we have to take obviously uh
consider the community center. We'll
have that or at least on the police
website.
>> We can.
>> Okay.
>> We don't have it, but we can
>> and we can put it on ours.
>> Yeah.
>> And [snorts] we can all like share it.
So,
>> okay.
>> All right. Thank you.
>> Thank you,
>> Chief. I Sorry. You know, I should have
called you before the meeting on this.
All right. Maybe the next meeting. Can
we talk about uh ebikes?
>> Be sure.
>> Okay. We'll get it for the next meeting,
but the law goes into effect. Correct.
>> It's I don't have the material in front
of
>> I know you do, but
>> I mean on the 15th
>> on the 15th this way, right? This way
you can
>> It's bad. The other night on Zion Road,
all black
rolling down the side lane and I'll tell
you, I'm not blind. It's tough to see
this kid. and he was flying down the
shoulder and he didn't have any device
at all on that bike that would indicate
that it's a bike solid black
dress. [clears throat] It's a it's going
to be another
educate enforcement
um and keep uh kind of pounding the
message. Um, I mean, the the
crash that we had two weeks ago that
involved an ebike, that ebike operator
was completely um at fault and
everything he was doing was illegal in
violation of the traffic code. So, but
um we don't get there until, you know,
we starts
>> starts. Yeah.
>> Pounding the message.
>> Yeah.
>> So,
>> so yeah. So, in the next meeting, if you
give an update, then we'll put out
whatever [clears throat] we need to put
out.
>> All right.
>> Okay.
>> We'll do.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> We have an ordinance for public hearing,
ordinance number 14. Mr. Friedman.
>> Thank you, Mayor.
Ordinance 14 is an ordinance amending
chapter 64 the coup of the township
harbor entitled alcohol and beverages
specifically subsection
64-3D
titled licenses. The purpose of this
ordinance is to reduce the number of
available plenerary retail consumption
licenses. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Is there anyone in the public
that would like to address ordinance
number 14?
Seeing none, can I have a motion to
close the public portion? Make a motion.
Second.
>> Roll call, please.
>> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Ireland,
>> yes.
>> Ellis,
>> yes.
>> Yes.
>> I have a motion to adopt ordinance
number 14.
>> Motion. Second.
>> Roll call, please.
>> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Ireland.
>> Yes.
>> Alice, yes. Emperor,
>> yes. Ordinance number 15, Mr. Freeman.
>> Okay. Ordinance 15 is an ordinance to
amend the code of the township of Big
Harbor, chapter 213, section 35.
entitled control for movement of traffic
and parking of vehicles on public and
private property specifically section
213-35A.
The purpose of this ordinance is to
establish enforcable parking regulations
at the township a carpet township
community center. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Is there anyone in the public
that would like to address ordinance
number 15?
I have a motion to close the public
portion.
>> So moved. I'll second.
>> Roll call, please.
>> Yeah.
>> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Ireland.
>> Yes.
>> Alice,
>> yes.
>> And yes. Can I have a motion to adopt
ordinance number 15?
>> Motion. Second.
>> Roll call, please.
>> Yes.
>> Watson.
>> Yes.
>> Ireland.
>> And Burmer.
>> Yes.
>> We have no ordinances for introduction.
We have a resolution and consent
calendar. Resolution 276 and including
286.
Does anybody have any questions on any
of that? If not, can I have a motion?
>> Make a motion.
>> Second.
>> Roll call, please.
>> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Ireland,
>> yes.
>> Ellis, yes.
>> And Farmer,
>> yes.
>> Resolution 287.
Can I have a motion to adopt that is my
agreement?
>> Motion.
>> Uh, roll call, please. Asalano.
>> Yes.
>> Yes. I think it's a great improvement as
same with us. We're ahead of everybody
with these trash automation. It's worked
like a success and this will work like a
success for our people and save the guys
on the back of that truck.
[clears throat]
Yes.
>> Yes.
>> We have resolution 288 authorizing pay
of all bills. Can I have a motion to pay
the bills?
>> I make a motion. Second.
>> Roll call, please.
>> Yes.
>> Hudson,
>> yes.
>> Ireland,
>> yes.
>> Alice, yes.
>> Furmer,
>> yes.
>> We have a supplemental agenda
which we'll pull in now, which has been
discussed in work session. A resolution
290 through 292.
Does anybody have any questions or can I
have a motion on this?
>> Thank you.
>> Have a second, please.
>> Roll call.
>> That's you do it.
>> All in favor of this one. All in favor?
>> I
>> I
got approvals. Now, [clears throat] can
I have a motion to approve the June
17th, 2026 Township Committee meeting
minutes? I make a motion.
Second. All
>> in favor? I.
>> Can I have a motion to approve the June
17th, 2026 Township Committee executive
close session meeting minutes?
>> Second.
>> All in favor?
>> I.
>> Can I have a motion to approve the
payroll for the month of June in the
amount of 1,629,962?
>> Motion.
Second.
>> All in favor? Hi.
>> Is there anyone in the public that would
like to address the governing body on
any issues? If so, please come on down.
Chief,
>> Chief of Police,
>> I'll be quick. [laughter]
>> [clears throat]
>> you, as you know, we try to partner a
lot of our um people in the um groups
and things like that. So the Atlanta
County SPCA veterinarian clinic is
holding a free microchipping tomorrow.
Um, and the the reason behind it is
because, you know, with the fireworks
upon us and that, you know, it's a way
to try to hopefully curb those animals
that um, you know, end up scawning from
their homes because of the fireworks.
So, it's really, I mean, we have a
valuable uh, partner in the community
who's there that to uh, help care for
our um, pets. And so those that are
obviously uh you know it's free and
those that might need a free uh service
uh encourage SPCA
clinic tomorrow which is 3:34 Stanville
Road between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to
have your pets microchip for free.
>> That's really nice.
>> That's very nice. Good job.
>> That's good. Thank you. You're
>> welcome. Thank you. [clears throat]
your name for the record.
>> Good evening, Ted committee. My name is
Anthony Kaleno. I live at 5 Daisy Drive
in town. Um
I have a couple of questions regarding
the overdevelopment that I'm I'm
observing in the community. It appears
that there's going to be about 1,200 new
units um that are either in development
or will be approved.
uh given what the uh US census says that
there's 1.86
uh children per household. So if there's
1,200 units are built that'll be an
additional 2,232
uh children coming into the school
district. So I'm asking um what has the
demographic
study indicated will be the impact on
the community regarding the school,
regarding the community services such as
police department, fire department,
[music] DPW, etc.
>> Well, it will put a burden on all of it.
There's no doubt about it. Um some of
that is senior developing which helps
with the school, but it still is a full
day run for the trash truck. It's extra
police officers.
It's school issues.
>> I'm sorry.
>> But no, it's it's it's definitely
anytime you increase your popularity,
your town is, you're going to have
financial effects from it,
>> right? But was a demographic study done
to indicate what that impact will be.
[clears throat] the studies that are
done
in regards to taking all the new things
right now. A lot of this, some of these
were approved years ago, I mean 20 years
ago and they're just getting built now.
Um there are studies that are done and
there's uh they go to a review committee
and they have an idea of what this
effect is going to be and we we let the
schools so they have an idea what's
coming because usually it's a few years
out that we get this before all these
buildings are done.
My understanding is also that there um
is a [music] lot of the developers have
received tax abatements for these
developments
>> on houses.
>> Not on houses.
>> Not on this type of home. No.
>> Good to hear. And has there been any
consideration for increasing commercial
uh enterprises?
>> Always.
>> Has there been any
>> development plans? We have we have
boards that are in place. We have an
economic development committee that
works with different um commercial
establishments. Our goal is to bring in
as much useful commercial that we can
that does not affect other areas because
things can only go in the zone that they
are allowed to be in.
>> And uh lastly, um has there been a cost
analysis for all the development uh that
the township is committed to regarding
town engineer legal fees and etc?
I would think that Tom I would say
that's done at budget time. Every year
we know what's coming up and what kind
of work is involved with a housing
development.
So I think we have a pretty good idea.
Every year we do it in the budget
process. We know what's coming our way.
Um and we adjust for it there.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Never hesitate to come and
ask questions. Mayor, I might add to
that last point that developers normally
cover the costs of the uh legal fees as
well as the engineering fees that are
incurred by the township. U so that's
not it doesn't come out of township
coffers. It comes out of developers that
is coming in correct. Thank you.
[laughter]
>> My name is Moren Light. live at 11
Kingsley Drive in EHD. Uh I I caught
what you said about some of these
developments were approved 20 years ago.
Why did it take so long? And I asked
that because you know 20 years people
might have moved and now new people are
there and now there's a new house coming
into their backyard basically. So why
why so long?
>> A lot of it. Do you want to take that?
>> Go ahead. uh the PY homes, the ones
along Westcot Drive, huge development
um at the Lyla Road, P Westcot Drive,
that was a development that was approved
and uh the application process started
around 2010.
Uh they did get their approvals back
then uh for in Nexus of a thousand
homes. uh because of the moratorum
passed by the state on the permit
extension act, they were able to extend
the time for keeping their development
approvals alive. That went on for years
and years. Uh development changed hands.
They came back to the table said we're
ready to start building them. Uh and uh
the township negotiated with them and
that got them to be a substantial
production. Still 600. still a lot of
housing, no doubt about it, but it's
better than the thousand plus that they
were looking to bring in. So that is the
explanation as to why it
>> came back for approval. Was that like a
whole new process? So people knew
>> No, it's really kind of picking up where
they left off. I mean, they already got
their approvals, but they normally when
you get your approvals from the planning
board, you have so much time in order to
start building. But because of the
state's permanent extension act, they
were able to extend that further and
further for a couple more years. Couple
more years and now finally it's
>> I thought you said it came under new
ownership for something new development
back.
>> But just because the ownership of the
property might change doesn't mean that
they lose their approvals. That happens
quite often.
>> That's too bad.
>> Yeah. I mean, you get a developer to put
in an application, they'll get their
approvals and then they'll flip the
project to somebody else to build it.
So, with all this new development, I
don't know how how much of our public
service work is involved in that because
I'll tell you, my neighborhood is
starting to look like a campyard. There
are mattresses, there are toilets, there
are sofas that have been out on the
street for two months. And I think
that's unacceptable.
>> What do you call our public works
department? If there are things
>> is that King Kingsley Baltimore.
>> Okay. Thank you.
>> You know, it's a big township. They
should get it,
>> but they'll get it when I call
>> pick up once a month usually in
different areas. Every town has a
different and you can go on our website
and you can find that. They can find
that.
>> Um,
>> and that's usually picked up within a
month. I'm surprised it
>> and most people are not supposed to put
it out the week that it's happening.
>> Yeah. They never do it, but they're
>> okay. Okay. Yeah, they announced it. So,
we like to get it when it's fresh out
there and get it off the street, but
I'll call on Kingsley
and mattresses. They got to go.
>> So, getting back to the what I said, are
our public works people uh tied up with
all this new development? I mean, could
that be a reason why it's taking so
long? Because I've seen this around, not
just my street. I've seen it on uh
English Creek. and all the different
neighborhoods. I mean, a lot of times
bulk will go by and nothing there the
next day they put something out. They're
not coming back until the next month.
The town's too big.
>> I get that. But I personally have
something out there that's been over two
months.
>> And I would just ask everybody if there
is something like that, call our call
us. Call our office. Feel free to call
us and we can or call the public works
department and say, "I put this out
there in April. It's still there. Can
you please come get it?"
>> Okay. You want to give me the number on
Kingsley or you don't want
>> Excuse me. Do you want to give me your
house number?
>> 11.
>> Yeah. I mean, thing is we pick up a lot
of trash and we never miss trash. So,
the bulk is might be a hiccup there.
>> Thank you. And make sure I get the
number in private. [laughter]
>> No, I I think we just need a better way
of communicating to the residents
because I found out a couple years ago
I'm the first month first week of the
month and a lot of residents don't know
what week they are.
we could put something out to let the
residents know when bulk pickup is and
you know hopefully they'll understand
and wait until that week you know
>> right
>> thank you
>> if I could mayor just
>> yes
>> two points that may be may be helpful I
remember we had talked a while back that
uh it might be worth inventorying some
of the older developments because
perhaps their permits have expired
whether at the Pinelands level or the
local level. Um and that might be a a
worthwhile endeavor because in fact if
that is the case that's helpful to us
and I think the other thing is is you
know keeping um keeping track of the the
cost to our services of these
developments help strengthens our
argument to get a break. So that may be
another thing that's that's to our
advantage that will would help us.
>> Absolutely.
>> Anybody else? Mrs.
>> Kingsley. Ma'am.
>> Kingsley. Ma'am,
>> we have a convenience location at
Publix. If you can take something there,
they'll take it because man, okay, just
say there's things that that we do that
the public don't realize. The one I got
the other day was the Eco Soil. They
line up their shovel in Eco Soil every
day. Um the the convenience center is
there. They're very helpful. They pull
in. They may check your address and show
you where to put it or they'll even help
you.
>> Okay. [clears throat] But in this case,
they can pick up the bulk.
>> Yeah.
>> Coming out.
>> Good evening everyone. My name is Erica
Rasman. I am a principal officer and
secretary charger of teams local 331 and
we represent your public works clerks
and communications employees. I'm also a
lifelong resident along with my family.
We've lived over 35 years. So I can tell
you firsthand these employees do do
great work around the clock all year
long. I want to put one simple question
in front of you tonight. Why is it that
every other township employee, including
administration, receive their pay as of
January 1st and even our own
communications members are getting retro
pay, but the wrestling people in this
same contract are being told that they
won't. We have one contract as a team's
group here in Egg Harbor Township.
It is it should be across the board.
That's not a complicated principle and I
don't think anyone in this room would
want to be on the wrong side of it.
We've been at the table since the end of
2025, beginning of 2026, trying to get a
fair contract done, fair wages, and
language that protects our members. And
until mid June, which was just around
the corner, retropay was on the table
heard during negotiations with the
committee.
It was agreed to be okay. Then
a week ago, a couple of days ago, the
last proposal pulled retro payback and
it is the town and it and this is a
township that is sitting on a surplus.
The most recent email we received gave
us an ultimatum accept the March wage
proposal with retro and take the or take
the June proposal without retro.
And I'm going to add in there. We have
also given counters during negotiations
and our counters have seemed to be not
entertained.
[clears throat]
That's not bargaining. Bargaining is
give and take. Both sides making
conscious uh concessions everyone can
live with. What we got instead is a
moving target. administration has been
hiring new people at rates higher than
current employees, doing the same work,
and also combining positions that were
two separate job titles just months ago.
All without notifying the union.
I also have to raise something harder to
say out loud. Our members have been
taunted by administration. One employee
was told, and I'm quoting, "I want to
see a rat outside." Oh yeah? you can't
strike.
That is how a township representative
should be speaking to the people who
keep this township running. People are
talking about leaving, not just over
wages, but over how they're treated when
they speak when they're spoken to, when
they speak up. That should concern this
committee because these are longtime
employees and they live here, too.
So here's what I'm asking and I'm asking
you for the group as the head. Direct
your negotiations to restore retro hire
union the same received and [music] to
come back to the table in good faith on
wages and language. Keep the people
who've given this township years of work
years of their lives working here. Thank
you for your time and attention and we
want to get done as soon as possible.
THANK YOU.
YOU KNOW, WE CAN'T DISCUSS just so you I
can't publicly we cannot discuss labor
negotiations. So, uh we highly value our
employees. Every single one of us up
here does and we want to get this done
too. So, Abby before and I know that Tom
and John know our our desires with this
um that we get this done. All right. But
thank you. Mrs. Justice, it's your turn.
[laughter]
I like you guys, but I don't like being
here. [laughter]
>> Sorry.
>> Good. I'm glad because this is this is
not fun stuff for me. Me is about what
was just mentioned. Everybody else that
went before mentioned really valid
points. um especially the two first uh
people who shared uh you know my
concerns are in line with a lot of what
they've shared. Um I hope to bring a
little bit of of hope here tonight
because I've discovered a document that
was written by us 20 years ago also just
like these developments that have
applied 20 years ago. But this document
is called the livable community plan.
And uh there were people part of this
effort that are here tonight. At least I
saw your name on attending meetings that
there were well let me tell you it was a
vision team that was created the HT
visioning team. Our planning board chair
was there also and they met 10 times
held four major public meetings and
discussed average history. They also
discuss potential failures and
weaknesses. And two of the failures I'd
like to bring forward at least tonight
because I don't know what the status is
on these two well not necessarily fail.
I don't know if they were failures or
weaknesses. The counties um to get the
counties to fund stuff Atlantic County
[music] to fund road. Also, they were
very concerned at that time, 20 years
ago, about losing the township
historical identity.
One of the quotes in that vein was that
there was no one center of the township.
And I can tell you, I do not believe
that to be true. I think historically
that's not so. I believe most towns have
a main street and I have a main street
probably 300 feet from my house that I
believe was intended to be the center of
town, but God had it designed
differently. He had it in the shape of a
basin. And I think that was picked up on
real quickly too because I've done a lot
of research and I found a document from
1973
that talks about uh sewage for Atlantic
County and how Edgar Township at that
time was very sparsely populated. It
might have had five 6,000 people in it,
something like that. But they saw the
basin in which I live. They saw that
basin and they continued to honor the
basin. As a matter of fact, they decided
to direct the sewage the e efficacy or
whatever the water is once the excrement
is cleaned out into grally run which
would then make its west and circle
around south and end up in my backyard.
Just saying that the the way that God
designed this and everybody saw it in
the beginning that this, you know,
looked like a great place to live. We
had 17 streets south of me planned.
They're all vacated now. I don't know if
that's the right word, but they're
bigger streets. They're paper streets.
Chad, big drive, Lafayette, Gulam,
Ryder, Temple, Vanderbilt. Somebody went
to school that we're naming these
streets. Um, Bates and Dogwood are both
on there and both are in pieces now
because they're horizontally in
alignment with the basement the
basement. So we got pieces of Ivans and
Bates and Dogwood. There's a North South
street Samuel Cotton that got abandoned.
So, you know, there's we have some
history here. Me and my neighbors, we
really have a lot of history here, I
think. And um the Pinelands talks a
great deal about history in a state of
New Jersey. A great deal. They're all
about retaining character in history.
I'm reading their stuff too.
Comprehensive management plan that they
put out and and their you know 10 20
years back too. But um I am telling you
our solutions I believe they start
playing their game. All we got to do is
call out the stuff they already have
written down those in those documents
and say this is us. You got to stop. You
got to start with us now. Cuz I'm
telling you that's what my gut tells me.
got my eyes red and it's got to it's
it's an approach I don't think we've
tried. I'm willing to get on whatever
team to start talking to whoever. Not
that I really like talking at all, but
they need to know this stuff. They're
killing us. some of the some of the
weaknesses that were mentioned by the
EHD visioning team said um I well I'll
just tell you at least some weaknesses
that there were three non-ontiguous
parts DHT I don't know exactly where
they begin or where they end I I do I
know on the basic um and then they went
on to say that children
don't have neighborhood schools they
don't have sidewalks to ride their bikes
on to go see their friends and go to to
the park and all that kind of stuff.
They they were getting stiffed. They got
no walk signs to school to [music]
friends to play. And the challenge a
challenge that was excuse me was
mentioned in there was mandatory high
growth designated by the plyman.
They may designate they but it's time
for us to fight us jointly. every room
I'm talking to gentleman back there has
got already got the numbers you also can
get numbers on save we've got the
ability to click on each one of the like
I don't know well over 10 12
is okay [laughter]
make sure you're okay [laughter]
there's a lot of information out there
justice you said something that
>> that you brought up and you've learned
so much history of Ed Harbor township. I
have
>> we have a historical society.
>> I know
>> that you should be a member of
>> well
>> the value that you can bring to them
with just the maps the things that
you've looked up this is a separate
issue alto together I know that I
understand that
>> but it's that is something that I think
is a great value to the township and
you've got knowledge that some people
don't have
>> so I will gladly go with you over there
one day and have a conversation with
them
>> cuz I think I think you would enjoy
that. They really do.
>> And the streets are named off with
>> for Colonel McKe.
>> He owned all that property.
>> Yes.
>> That's the history of it. Like Laura
said,
>> yes.
>> And that's and that's a shame they've
been vacated or whatever has happened to
him, but that was all his area there
along the Key City,
>> the railroad and everything else.
>> I can tell you this, Mr. Castellano and
I supposed to have a meeting this
morning with Pine Lance that got
cancelled. Uh so um not that we're
surprised, but it's you know what we're
going to keep on them and we will have
that meeting and we all look back and
all the things that you've brought up
and everybody has brought up because we
all live here too.
>> Some of us have lived here a long time
where it went from 8,000 people to
50,000 people. So a lot of us have lived
through all this
>> and what's gone over the years. But I
think keeping the pressure up is number
one. um and backing facts to each and
everything that everybody keeps saying
because we're all saying the same
things.
>> Legally there's things we can do.
Legally there's things we can't do. Um
but I think what we have to do is keep
putting pressure on them. Um and make
them realize that South Jersey down does
exist and what we say matters and
there's a great cost to every single
person in this room for the mandated
development that we have and the cost is
huge
>> and people come here because they want
space. So I think that's one thing that
that's our obligation to do as much as
we possibly can and I think I can speak
for each and every one of us that we
take this as a mission and we've heard
it we've heard from you for a while now
>> and you've got very good at what
bringing in information to us but that's
what I'm going to say to you tonight
because we you there's nothing we can do
about this tonight. I'm sure Peter will
be able to talk more than but the
highlands was done after us and I'm sure
there's improvements done to the
highlands that they never did for us.
>> So when you read up on these things we
didn't want to buy lands. I was here
then we didn't want them.
[clears throat] Okay. I mean we've had
it meant that was minimum of 5 acres.
Now there's 50 by 100 foot lot.
>> No.
>> Okay. It should have never been allowed
because the pilings roof. Okay. So when
we all went up there to protest the
highlands, there was bust loads of us.
Some in this room probably went with us.
I think Pete went with us and they were
happy to see us until they realized we
were from the Highlands area. Then they
we must have had some kind of disease.
They wouldn't stop talking to us. But
the but you got to look at the
Highlands. It's in North Jersey and
they're doing something a lot different
than they do to us.
That's interesting. I I wasn't aware of
that. I'm just
>> the Highlands. After hearing from a
number of people, including us, I
testified uh before the Senate
Environment Committee. And and I said,
"Whatever you do, folks, do not adopt a
system that forces a town to grow
without compensating it for the
infrastructure that comes that growth."
And when I ticked off some of the
numbers associated with the growth, the
schools, um the costs, there were gasps
in the room. So they did not adopt force
growth. They allow for more growth in
zones to accommodate if those towns want
to grow, but they do not force
an area to grow. That was the key
difference. And what we're hoping, I
don't want to get ahead of myself, so
I'll talk a little bit when when my time
comes. What we're hoping to do is get a
break from this growth zone that we're
in right now, cuz it's it's time.
>> And I can't tell you chapter and verse
right now, but I found quotes in their
own documents that say the growth places
should be in areas that are already able
to handle the growth that's coming their
way. We ain't that. They just saw that
they saw who had the land. It was us
township and township.
>> There's a map of Hangover Township.
There's plenty of property and water
around us
and they don't care.
>> But it's not that I'm making the I read
it anyway that we already have the roads
in place. We already have the the
variance taken care of. We have a county
that's from Atlantic County is like
listening to this cuz Atlantic County
isn't helping us here. I don't know
where state of New Jersey is helping us
here.
That's just my gut. I mean, I haven't
done all my research on it. I think
they've got they've got us out there to
dry on our own. And I think if we fight
back with their own words, we might be
able to win. That's what I believe.
Can I just say one thing? One last thing
because I know the last time I was here,
I told y'all I'm failing.
And I just want to clarify that
statement.
I even wrote this so that I don't have
to like have it in my brain. But since I
learned of the looming threat to my
doicile,
my home,
and to my neighbors, many of which are
well, all the mammals around me, some of
them are human,
many of them are deers and creatures and
all that kind of stuff. But all my
neighbors, which would include but not
be limited to birds and tibians and
frogs and all that kind of stuff. I've
developed this acute where a awareness
of inescapable stress that continually
surrounds my soul. And I believe in
almighty creator that has powered record
steps that have landed us jointly
together in this place. I'm including
Atlantic County. I'm [music] including
homelands. Everybody's here. We're all
in this together. Great ideas have been
shared especially from this liable
community plan over these decades and
great failures unfortunately have also
taken place. But I implore every element
of this governmental body, Bay Harbor
Township governmental body here and on
other boards and in whatever capacity to
rally around the residents. We need you.
We need you.
Can't fight this all on our own. We can
I want everybody else to know you can
ride straight to the Pelands if you
want. You can use the the you know the
number identifier and the one that I
don't like. If you want I can give you
that because in a side because I got
that in my brain somewhere. But I'm just
saying we've got lots of avenues
collectively that if we join together I
think we can make the stop and we can
get a township what it used to be like a
little bit back again.
And that's that's probably it. Okay.
>> You're right. We all join together. We
all have different ideas, different
thoughts, um, and things that we can do.
And listen, we never give up the fight.
>> That's right.
>> So, we're going to keep on going.
>> Yes.
>> And we'll keep everybody a breath of
what's what's happening and what's going
on and what,
>> you know, and you talk to your
legislators, too.
>> I kind of been down that route. I I will
tell you I'm somewhat des I'm
disappointed in the legislator that used
to be a planner here even kind of active
in that fashion today because I've had
conversations and not heard back after
the sixth time I gave up. That's just my
truth. Thank you. Stay cool. Stay cool.
Anybody else
sing?
[laughter]
>> One more time. Add
[clears throat]
>> good evening govern body um mayor and uh
everybody else in the room as well.
[music] My name is Abby Ortiz, president
of Teams Local 331. And I just wanted to
say [music] and I would be remiss if I
didn't come up and say it. I would have
definitely a difficult time going to
sleep this evening if I didn't come up
and say hello. That being said, I also
would like to say that Teachers Local
301 is committed
to get contract.
We are committed to move forward in the
right direction. We're committed and the
people that [music] are standing behind
me to the left of me right of me who
work in this township who doing
excellent who's having issues with
whatever is out there in front of her
will get done and get picked up because
the township [music] does excellent work
and we know this already because it's
been mentioned before also they and I
want to [music] tell them especially
that we're committed to move forward in
the right direction whatever direction
that is forward but in the right
direction so that everybody can come
back and say [music] guess But we've got
to get done, but it's going to take some
movement and it's going to take the
governing body to help us during these
times. And and I'm asking for that help,
right? And [music] of course, our
membership may be shy in coming out and
speaking because maybe that they don't
want any ramifications after this. And
sometimes that happens. I'm just saying
maybe that's why they're not speaking.
But I'm saying to [music] you as you
instructed me as my principal officer,
my boss for lack of a better term,
right,
has said we will get something done,
right? So we're here to tell you and the
people around us who are part of this
membership and part of this township who
are most of them if not all of them
residents here, we will definitely
continue to move forward in the right
direction.
>> [clears throat]
>> We were bargaining in good faith.
Definitely. Okay.
>> Awesome.
>> Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Have a nice holiday.
>> Anybody else?
Say none. Can I have a motion for public
portion?
>> All right.
>> Um, all in favor? [clears throat]
>> I
got to put my glasses back on. I can't
see now. [laughter] Sorry.
[clears throat] I can't even pretend to.
That's the problem. I reports Mr.
Ireland.
>> Awesome. So, thank you for coming to the
redevelopment advisory committee. I
think that would be good for me. Um, the
other thing is I want to say thank you
to everybody else that came out to our
graduation. That was nice graduation
that we had. Everybody showed up so that
was great. Um, everything hit the mark.
The the police were perfect. Everything
was amazing. So, thanks chief.
>> Um,
I think it was like 535 I think kids
>> graduated. What was the number for the
scholarships? Was it 19?
>> Almost 20 million. almost $20 million
that our kids got um for scholarships.
So, that was just truly amazing. But
that's all I have and other than just
have a good Fourth of July, be safe, and
don't do bad things. [laughter]
>> Very good.
>> Fireworks.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Yes, I I want to echo
uh Patrick's sentiment. Creation was
fantastic. It It's one of those things
in town, you know, Croatian uh National
Night Out. It's one of those really
special things that we have. Um and and
it it went very very well. Um and I also
want to wish everyone a happy Fourth of
July. Um just two things I wanted to
just touch on. Um uh I really appreciate
the chief's report tonight on vapes. Now
how that came about just to bring
everyone back up to speed. Um during the
fall we had um advocates visit us and
they were with Atlantic Prevention
Resources and they help um students and
school districts and towns uh deal with
various addiction issues. And they came
to us to speak to us about the
prevalence of fruit and flavored vapes
which happened to be illegal in the
state of New [music] Jersey. however,
are still being sold. Now, the issue
with those, and they're illegal for
everyone, not just for children. They're
illegal for everyone to have. The reason
is is because it's been found that those
flavored vapes tend to get young people
addicted to vaping, which then just sets
the stage [music] things to come after
that. So they approached us um and we
[music] decided that we wanted to do
something about it and we met internally
and we came up with a plan and we're
executing now on that plan. So I want to
ask I want to thank everyone thank you
mayor um Mr. Freriedman does of course
chief um for implementing this plan and
uh I'm I'm very happy to see that we're
taking steps on this and like I said
earlier I think that will be the model
for the c for the entire county to adopt
the practices we're using here in EHT to
get get these things out of the hands of
kids. All right. So, just switching
gears. Um, uh, I reported last, [music]
uh, last time, you know, we're we're
moving forward as quickly as we can to
address the pylons issues. We've already
we've met with our legislative
delegation, all three. Um, and we've
also met with representatives from the
governor's office, one of whom was from
Burlington. We got it. We talked about
pilots. Um, from there we had a meeting
set actually for today with those same
representatives, a few others from the
governor's office and the pylons uh
commission. Um, but that c got
postponed. Um, we're not certain why.
Uh, I have a feeling that the Trenton uh
folks were probably tied up with with
their budget because I know they had a
very late night passing their budget
last night. So, that could be the reason
why. But, uh, we're hoping it's just a
short postponement and that we're going
to get back on track, uh, meeting with
those folks. Uh, you know, I I I can't
guarantee uh that we're going to have
any fast immediate results, but we're in
the right place talking to the right
people to try to get the right things
done, and that's to get some relief from
the forced growth in the Piland's growth
zone in a Harper Township. So, thank you
all very much and have again have a
great Fourth of July holiday.
>> Hey, can I just add one thing to what
you said regarding the vaping? The group
from the high school rebel were the
first ones that came in. These were the
kids from the high school that came in
and talked about
>> um the peer pressure to be going in the
bathrooms, kids are leaving and just
they're the ones that you know were
incredible spokes people for the their
peers and the ones younger than them.
They were wonderful. So, I just wanted
to add to what you said because those
kids were creating.
>> Mr. Watson,
>> just echo what was said about the
graduation. The biggest event in this
town handled very well. Uh, the weather
cooperated. Uh, and everybody enjoyed
their time graduating from our great
high school. Um, just to remind the
public, it's July 4th, okay? Everybody
likes fireworks. For the longest time,
they're legal in New Jersey. Now,
they're not. You can buy them anywhere.
You just think of safety for the
fireworks. You don't need our fire
department out. Somebody was a little
bit careless. Fireworks, lot of rockets
or anything else. And also one thing too
with pyro technics and explosions don't
well they'll hurt your eyes and that's
one thing that's passed through all the
time. They worry about the fire. But if
you look at that burn on that the
fireworks, you could do something to
your eyes, too. So wish everybody a
happy and safe 4th of July. We have a
lot to be thankful for in this country
and uh spread it fairly and safely. And
there was one other thing that your
notes are great. I don't know. Um again,
good luck with the Pineelands. This is
not a brand new story that we've been
dealing with for the last 21 years. Um
we we got to get them to think logically
and do what's right in this town and
also be able to help us with some
issues. I mean, we all see the traffic.
It's not just us. I I was raised in
Summers Point on a couple dying is a
bike pool now. You can't get down it
backs all the way up in Lynwood and
that's the state in New Jersey has to
come down and climb these state lights
on state highway. So everybody's getting
it in this area and we [music] just hope
we can control a bit and make them think
logically on some of the property
doesn't be you have to be forced
growth with small lots and sizes to test
our public works and our community. Um
you know we we didn't have so here for
when I moved out here. Now we have it's
thing we have had sewer in this township
for 40 years or more and it's getting to
be an old system. So that's we got to
fix it. So I mean Pete, good luck. I
hope you have some results because this
is not new. They're trying to deal with
the pine lines and they haven't
listened. And that trip to North Jersey
when the Highlands was starting up. Um I
don't know what they did differently,
but they haven't done nice to us. And
the problem is we have a lot of
property. You can drive to town and I'm
all over town. There's plenty of
property sale signs up. Bacon Rand
English Creek Avenue is literally acres
of property, okay? And it's not going to
be commercial. The man broke up, brought
up commercial. There's not a high demand
for commercial because people buy online
and Amazon comes rolling with the
trucker. So, the thing is we got to
think what to do with some of this area.
And when they do it, they can't force
growth into it. They got to do it and
space it out. I live on five acres and
that's what I was told they had to have
in those days when as now you see it,
you know, to get a permit to do anything
with a smaller lot and special just roof
frontage, at least 100 and a quarter
roof frontage. So, you know, uh Pete, I
compliment you. I hope you get results
and I hope you really show them what
they've done and what they got to do to
help us.
And everybody's included, including
Trenton and the camp. I mean, our
infrastructure with with with the roads
today, it's not good. And it's not all
us. We don't pay for street lights or
traffic signals. The county needs to do
what the state has to do.
>> All right. I went off the tangent, but
that was it. [laughter]
>> Well, you know what? Squeaky wheel gets
the oil, and that's what we're going to
keep being the squeaky wheel. So,
hopefully Trenton will listen. Maybe if
they don't, we're going to keep
squeaking at them. So Galloway's in the
pine lines and look at Galloway now if
you've ever been out the Galloway where
new shopping center new going there. If
they don't think that's going to mess up
Jimmy Lee's road between uh I want to
say up to Route 9 by Steven Country
Club. They're dreaming. They're
dreaming.
So you know you got to make them do
what's right to help the whole
community. Mr.
Chief, the um communication
police did a great job for your
graduation. It was a lot of people. Uh
you would think it would take you 15, 20
minutes just to get out of the parking
lot. The officers did a great job with
people in and out. The communication
department was right there on on scene.
They had the campus. They didn't let me
in cuz it was hot. You had the air
condition, but they gave us water. So,
great job, G. And that's what I was
saying. And to follow up on my Father's
Day thing, don't you know I got another
tie. [laughter]
For those who don't know about Father's
Day, I was telling folks, don't give me
no tie. I got a hundred ties. And I was
telling them how I give my mother's big
present.
Dad, under the shirt, a handkerchief or
tie. Don't you know I got a tie?
[laughter]
>> Summer breeze.
>> But you look great. You
>> always look good. So that's
>> You got to represent it.
>> Yes, you do. Yes, you do. Well, I just
want to echo sentiments on graduation
chief. The law enforcement, the
coordination in the school was great. Uh
communication there was very good
getting in and out. was actually
amazing.
>> Yeah.
>> Um they have that down to a science now.
So just want to commend you all and the
fire departments that were there. We had
two of our trucks there. Bart and
Bargain Town were there. Um our EMS were
there. Everybody was there on site. So
it was a great event. You know, when we
do events here, we do them all. But it
takes a lot of work. So I just want to
thank everybody for what they've done.
They did a great job. I also want to uh
wish Miss New Jersey all the best. I'm
going to tell you if that's our
representative, I'm so incredibly proud
of her. One strong woman. And I just
think she's going to go far, that young
woman. And she's from here in EHT.
Um, and other than echoing Paul and
being safe with fireworks and be careful
if you have a a neighbor or a dog um for
fireworks, you know, they're kind of
dogs really bad. And so what chief said
about the SPCA having the microchipping
tomorrow from 9 to 12 you said or 9 to1
tell Nancy Beiel who uh runs the SPCA
that thank you very much and please if
you know anyone who has enabled that's
escaped in the past they can go get it
for free tomorrow. Um it's important
>> and please check on your neighbors
during the next few days. Please check
on your neighbors, your elderly
neighbors, your sick neighbors that
might need a little air in their house
if they don't have air conditioning.
just make sure that they're okay and
know that they can come to the library
and get some relief for a few hours,
read a book for a little bit and just
cool down. So, let's get through the
next couple days. I wish everybody a
very happy fourth and my question to you
is do we have a need for a close
session?
>> You do.
>> Okay, Mr. Freeman.
>> I defer my time to deputy hipster for
administration.
>> Absolutely. So, we have legal who's
jumping to commit there and
administration. You guys
>> Mark I think is gonna like go Mark.
Uh yes uh thank you mayor uh for
allowing me to uh speak at this time. Uh
you know the key word that I've been
hearing a lot around town and in these
meetings is overdevelopment and uh but
as uh Mr. Hudson's pointed out this is
not a new story. An Harper Township has
been under pressures for as long as I
can remember. I'm a resident here in the
township for more than 40 years. I put
three kids through the HD high schools.
They've gone on to college. I'm very
proud of them.
Um it's not like the uh township has not
been dealing with this uh over these
years and dealing with it as best as
they can. Um and some people just uh do
not necessarily have the historical
perspective of uh at Harper Township
unless you've been a resident for 40
years. And I've been sitting up on this
governing body for 30 years, I'm proud
to say. And during those time, what
we've seen is we've telands. We didn't
want to come into Pineland's compliance.
And we fought a lawsuit that went up to
the appellet division. So the the
governing body at the time saw that
there was problems in AARP potential
coming into compliance with Thailand
regulations because of the overgrowth
development that it was going to uh put
on our infrastructure, put on our social
social services, put on our essential
services
and we lost that fight.
Um we also had at one time passed an
ordinance for impact fees. impact fees
were when a new developer want to come
in and build a 200 lot subdivision.
Guess what the township the governing
body at the time in their wisdom said?
Well, okay, fine. If you're going to do
that, that's going to require us to get
traffic lights, expanded intersections,
more police, more fire, all these
services. We need more money. We're
going to impose an impact fee at the
developer new home buyer to help defay
the cost of the residents that live
here.
and we lost that lawsuit, but it wasn't
from lack of trying. It wasn't a lack of
I mean, I wasn't doing any handling it,
but I'm not going to blame it on the
attorney.
Nevertheless, the result is something
that we've had to deal with. Um, the
township has taken action over the years
to try to curtail or slow down
development. Uh, I've just had off a
couple off the top of my head. We passed
tree clearing ordinances so that you
couldn't clear cut properties of older
forest street and and denued the land.
Um we passed recreation fees that we've
insurers.
There's not any of the when when we
argued this case up to the New Jersey
Supreme Court because we were fought by
the South Jersey Builders League when I
fought three or four lawsuits with them.
Superior Court, Appallet Division.
Uh, and we won that case that we impose
a recreation fee because we feel it's
just as important to build your houses,
build your developments, that you
provide playgrounds for the people who
are going to residence there. Uh, we
also passed ordinances that were
drainage basins or detention basins
instead of uh the normal 2-year
bonding requirements on that. We've
imposed nose costs on to developers for
the benefit of the residents of those
developments. Builders league challenged
that. We won that lawsuit. Um that's
we're probably one of the only
municipalities in the state that I'm
aware of that has that. Uh we passed
pilot programs that uh basically
encourage commercial development to come
into the township in lie of building
houses or at least to offset the taxes
that we could collect from commercial
development that we could offset what
the residents would otherwise have to
pay. And the tax rate for a full service
community of Egg Harbor Township is
competitive. I hold it up against any
other town in Atlantic County. So I as a
resident am proud of what these the
governing body the governing body that
served here over the years has
accomplished uh because it's a juggling
act. It's a juggling act because outside
sources designate us as a growth area
and the grants us to take this growth.
They're mandating that we take this
growth and at the same time we have to
comply with environmental regulations.
We have to comply with uh uh affordable
housing regulations,
mandates imposed upon us and no
financial help or assistance for our
roadways, our police, essential
services,
tax relief to the residents. That's not
forthcoming. That's the legislation in
New Jersey says leave it to them to
figure it out. And this governing body
year after year has to juggle with
figuring it out.
So if you think that we're suddenly in a
a growth spurt for overdevelopment, I
could point out to three, five years in
a row where the building department is
issuing 500 building permits a year, 700
building permits a year, subdivisions
that are coming in of 250 houses, 350
thou houses. So what I'm saying is it's
not anything [music] new. It's something
we have to contend with. I see this
governing body meets the challenge by
hiring more people, hiring ambulance
services. How do we cut fees? It's a
constant struggle. So um do not for a
moment think that administration, your
current administration, your current
attorney or the other professionals or
this governing body, each and every one
of them are not well-meaning and
thinking about you and your uh best
interests and that that is a spirit of
is necessary when dealing with the chief
of police when he's asking for his
budgetary uh requirements or when the
unions are asking for theirs, it does
require compromise. It does require good
faith negotiations.
Um, and the people that I've dealt with
over the 30 years, I think they are
well-meaning. So, uh, mayor, thank you
for giving me the opportunity to perhaps
add some context, some history that some
people, I think, uh, will help them to
understand what you have to deal with
and what you've been going through. and
not to be, you know, to give sympathy,
but to let the public know
the government is working with you for
your best interest or what they think
will be in your best interest. Thank
you, Mayor. Thank you, John.
>> Mr. Hitchner,
you may solicitor Freeman touched on a
lot of the topics that I just wanted to
address. Much little talking points.
I wanted to compliment Miss on her
festive holiday attire for the 4th of
July. She came out in the red, white,
and blue and and I had noticed that
[music]
um Deputy Mayor Ellis had directed me a
talking time with Mice and that got
deferred [music] into a meeting with Mr.
Heyman, where we were able to discuss
concepts such as the master plan and how
the affordable housing element of the
master plan creates a zoning map, which
is kind of the rules for property
ownership and what you can do on those
properties. And the state oversees that
affordable housing element and it makes
us hit certain standards. And the state
that oversees the and forces the growth
on us is the same state that writes the
school budget funding formulas. So when
we start to have these discussions, I
believe the other gentleman was asking
about school funding. uh this is really
not a local issue and to the extent in
[music] which Egg Harbor Township cannot
cannibalize each other and work together
to address the problems, it's very nice
to see you and committee man Castellano
putting in the effort. Um the second
topic I wanted to discuss was employee
training. Uh I recently had the
opportunity to sit in the privilege to
sit in on interviews for police persons
and my question to the officers was what
is it that EHT is doing right? What what
is it that we are doing better than
anybody else? What is it that you liked
about working here? And almost uniformly
the response was we are well trained. We
we know that the people to the left and
the right of us know what they're doing
and and in that spirit um we have what
called a safety committee separate from
from the police centers and it's all the
different department heads along with
our insurance company and we evaluate
policy, we evaluate training, we look at
the recent workman's comp claims and do
assessments. ments as to what type of
training might be needed in the next 6
months. And the statewide insurance fund
awarded us an award for best safety
program for 2025.
And that is because the of the
competence of the department heads that
are in that safety committee and our
willingness to make sure that we are
writing good policy, executing that
policy through appropriate training. So
out of all the members in statewide, we
were we were given the award in 2025 for
excelling in that arena. And I just
wanted to let everybody know that.
>> Thank you.
>> All righty.
>> As you said, we have
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Yes.
>> Resolution 289
authorizing [clears throat] council
executive session to discuss matters
which may involve personnel and or legal
matters. Whereas the open public
meetings at the exclusion of the public
from the meeting in certain
circumstances and whereas this public
body is of the opinion that such
circumstances presently exist. Whereas a
township committee may need to enter
into closed [music] executive session at
one or more times during this meeting to
discuss matters permitted under law
including but not limited to the
following legal matters caring inc
litigation anticipated disclosure one
year and neighbor negotiations
anticipated disclosure one year. Whereas
minutes of said closed executive session
will be kept once the matter involving
the confidentiality of the above no
longer requires that confidentiality and
the minutes shall be made available to
the public in accordance to all. Now
therefore be it resolved by the township
committee the township [music] of Bay
Harbor County of state of New Jersey
that the public be excluded from this
meeting during such portions of the
meeting [music] as the governing body
deemed necessary to discuss the matters
above. I still struggle with that.
>> And will we be taking any action? Yes.