10-20-2025 - Township of Hamilton Committee Meeting

I'd like to call the meeting to the
Township of Hamilton Committee to order.
Monday, October 20th, 2025. Please stand
for the flag salute
to the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all.
Adequate notice of this meeting has been
provided pursuant to the New Jersey open
public meetings law by posting a notice
of this meeting on the bulletin board in
the municipal building and by
transmitting notice of this meeting to
the press of Atlantic City, the Star
Ledger and the Atlantic County Record on
January the 8th, 2025. Mr. Cheek
>> here.
>> Dr. Nelson here.
>> Mr. Patali here.
>> Dr. Witherspoon here.
>> Mayor Shanker
>> here.
>> Could we have a moment of silence for
private reflection?
Thank you. Uh, first we have a
proclamation for Chief Sam Brown's
retirement.
are dead.
>> Good evening.
>> State my name. Uh, Deputy Mayor Carl
Pati.
>> Okay. So, we're here to to recognize Mr.
Sam Brun. Chief Sam Brun. I guess you're
Chief for Life, right? We can call you
Chief for Life. Gotcha. Whereas Greg Sam
Bron has been a resident of Maze Landing
for 27 years, graduated from Stockton
University in 1995 with a Bachelor of
Arts in criminal justice and was hired
by the Township of Hamilton Police
Department in 1997.
Whereas Greg Samron was assigned to
various units over his 28 years
including patrol officer, afterchool
resource officer, patrol officer,
officer in charge, patrol sergeant, K-9
supervisor, lieutenant, patrol division
and professional standards. Whereas in
2019, Greg Sam Brun
achieved the rank of chief of police.
Whereas Greg Sam Brun was also the
Township of Hamilton emergency
management coordinator and had oversight
of all township fire departments.
Whereas Greg Sam Brun has received
numerous certificates for professional
training in multiple areas including
municipal finance from Ruckers
University, certification from the New
Jersey State Chiefs Command and
Leadership Academy,
Police Executive Institute and
certification from New Jersey State
Chiefs and Command and Leadership
Academy, West Point Command and
Leadership School. He also continued to
further his education and received a
master of administr administrative
science from Fairley Dickinson
University in 2012.
Whereas during his career, Chief Sam
Brun has received multiple awards
including the gallantry star and law
enforcement officer of the year in 2010.
Now therefore, be a proclaimed that we,
the Township Committee of the Township
of Hamilton, County of Atlantic, State
of New Jersey, on this day, October
20th, 2025, recognize Greg Samron in
honor of his devotion to the residents
of the Township of Hamilton. We take
this opportunity to express our
heartfelt appreciation for a job very
well done. And we hereby offer to Chief
CM Bruns
on his retirement and our best wishes to
him for continued success, happiness,
and good health in the years to come.
Absolutely.
>> I'm going to keep it brief. Um, first of
all, I want to thank the committee for
for recognizing me tonight. I'd like to
thank my family for being here. Um,
if it wasn't for them, I couldn't have
gotten through this last 27 years. So, I
started my career out in Avalon. Um, and
I came there. I was there for like six
months and I found my home in Hamilton
Township or the Township of Hamilton.
And I've been here ever since. Um,
there's probably only one person in this
room that probably loves Hamilton
Township more than me, and it's that man
right there, Jack Percy.
>> Um,
right.
>> Yeah. But listen, it's been an honor to
serve the the citizens of this township
for the last 27 plus years. Um, it's
meant a lot to me and just because I'm
retired doesn't mean that I'm going to
stop fighting the demons in the township
because I'll always do that. And uh, so
you might see me in a different
capacity, I guess you would say. But uh,
thank you all for coming. I'm very
humbled and uh, thank you again.
I know you do.
Okay.
All right. Additions, deletions, late
agenda items to be considered for action
tonight. The additions we have is 6B,
resolution to authorize extension of
shared services agreement for solid
waste collection services with the
Atlantic County Utilities Authority for
a period of 2 months November 1st to
2025 through December 31st of 2025.
6 C resolution to authorize the
extension of interlocal services
agreement for waste solid waste
collection services with the Hamilton
Township Board of Education for the
period of 2 months November 1st 2025
through December 31st 2025.
6D resolution authorizing the execution
of SE shared services between the
township of Hamilton and Atlantic County
for the use of three highway digital
messaging boards and three speed FA
feedback signs for a period of 1126
through 123130
and authorizing the MA mayor to sign the
same. There is one change 6A to is to
read resolution authorizing acceptance
of a proposal from Remington Vernick for
survey services to create and update GIS
and asbuilt storm water system mapping
and the remainder of the storm water
assets for the New Jersey DP MS4
compliance amount not to exceed $50,000.
>> So moved.
>> Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second. Any
questions, comments? Hearing none. All
those in favor signify by saying I. I.
>> All those opposed. The eyes have it.
Uh, number two, early public comment on
agenda items excluding items listed for
public hearings.
>> We have no one signed up. Mayor,
>> no one signed up. Okay.
Uh, discussions. Formal action may be
taken.
Excuse me. Resolution acknowledging
completion of best practices inventory.
Brad, if you'd like to uh give us a
little update on this, please.
>> So, this best practices is part of the
checklist for the state of New Jersey
every year that we have to complete. Uh
this is in order to get our annual state
aid
>> from uh state. And uh this year we got
39 out of 44,
>> okay,
>> off of the list,
which is uh pretty good. We let at the
uh minimum is 32. So, we did better than
we did last year.
>> Um, every year it seems like we're
getting a little bit better.
>> Good.
>> But the the most important thing is we
will get our state aid. So,
just need committee's authorization. All
right. Thank you. Anybody have any
questions,
discussion?
No. Do we need to pass a resolution for
this?
>> Yes, mayor. There is a resolution.
>> Okay.
committee. What's your pleasure?
>> So move.
>> Second. We have
>> a motion. We have a second. Any
questions or concerns? Hearing none. All
those in favor signify by saying I. I.
>> All those opposed. Eyes have it. Uh B is
a payto-run program. We're going to
change the payout dates. Uh Brett, if
you'd like to uh elaborate on that a
little bit, please. So, the fire chiefs,
we had a ESAB meeting a couple weeks
ago, and the fire chiefs requested that
the payout for the pay per run, their
annual payout be changed. Um, so they
receive it in late November for the
holidays would be almost like a
Christmas tree fund for the
firefighters.
Okay.
>> Same amount, nothing's going to change.
It's going to be just a different date
they actually receive their checks.
All right. Any
questions?
>> Question.
>> Yes.
>> Um, number five. Should that go before
we do three B,
the actual ordinance?
>> Well, we'll introduce the ordinance
later in the meeting.
>> Okay. But I thought Okay. I was under
the impression that the paid to run
program
was in reference to
B
>> 3B. It is. We're just discussing. So 3B
is just the discussion and um we moved
the introduction down to down to 5A.
>> Okay. So it's just was a discussion,
>> right? Yes.
>> Okay. Sorry. Thank you.
>> Are you going to pay out uh for the
month of December after December or so
they can close out the books cleanly or
are you going to hold that till next
year?
>> Because you're you're cutting the check
in November, right?
>> This would be for next year, right?
>> Correct. So we slid the scale. You'll
see in the the ordinance for 25 we went
from January 1st till the end of
September. So there's a 9 month. So
moving forward will always be annual the
year but we accounted for that shorter
period through 2025. So that's in the
ordinance that counts for that as well.
>> Okay. Going to do a cruel on that. Okay.
Okay. So, we will bring this up later in
the meeting and unless anybody has any
more comments, questions,
we'll move on to see assistant taxes
assessor position. Um, we we our deputy
tax assessor is no longer with us. So, a
few months ago, our deputy tax assessor
left. He took another position. Uh,
we've advertised for the for his
replacement twice. We haven't received
any applicants. The tax assessor asked
if we could change the position to an
assistant, which would not require the
certification,
>> right?
>> Um, we would remove the deputy position,
replace it with the assistant, and
advertise the applicable salary, which
would be less than what we're paying the
deputy.
>> Okay.
Very good.
Anybody have any questions?
>> Is this I just had one question. Is this
something that is already standard in
the
um
personnel? You know,
>> so that's what we're we're looking for
permission to amend the salary ordinance
to
>> Right. That's what I meant to say. You
want to amend the salary ordinance. So
is this amending it?
>> This is just authorizing our solicitor
to prepare an amended ordinance to be
introduced at the next meeting.
>> Okay. because it didn't say that
>> there's the
need to be voted on.
>> So, this doesn't need to be voted on.
>> No, nothing. This is just one for
discussion.
>> Okay. Gotcha.
>> We just want to make sure everybody's on
board with this. Okay. So, we'll we'll
bring it back as an ordinance.
>> Uh any comments? Everybody? Okay.
>> I'm okay.
>> All right.
Uh so we'll move on to um number four,
public hearing, adoption of ordinances.
Ordinance 2116/2025,
an ordinance authorizing the sale of
lots 1 through 8 in block 318, which is
a total of.459 459 acres on Fulton
Avenue as shown on the tax map of the
township of Hamilton and granting to the
owner or owners of said real property
contiguous to the right the same the
right of to prior refusal to purchase
such land in the township of Hamilton
County of Atlantic and state of New
Jersey. This is a public hearing. Is
there anyone here that'd like to speak?
Motion to close the public. We have
>> a motion to close the public portion. We
have a second.
>> Second.
>> Any questions?
>> Hearing none. All those in favor signify
by saying I.
>> All those opposed. The eyes have it.
Um the chair will
>> motion to adopt ordinance 2116 TAC 2025.
>> Thank you.
>> Second. A
>> motion. We have a second.
>> Are there any questions, comments?
Rita, could we do a roll call vote,
please?
>> Mr. Chief, yes.
>> Dr. Nelson,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Patali, yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Shanker,
>> yes.
>> Oh, yes. And adopted.
>> Thank you. B. Ordinance 2117-2025.
An ordinance authorizing the sale of
lots 15 through 20 and 27- 33 in block
318, which is a total of.91 acres on
Mobile and Trenton avenues.
uh as shown on the tax map of the
township of Hamilton granting the to the
owner or owners of said real property
contiguous to the same the right of
right of prior refusal to purchase such
land in the township of Hamilton County
of Atlantic state of New Jersey. This is
a public hearing. Is there anyone in the
public like to speak?
>> Motion to close. Second.
>> Got a motion motion and motion and
second to close the public portion. Any
questions, concerns?
Hearing none. All those in favor signify
by saying I.
>> All those opposed. The eyes have it.
>> Motion to adopt ordinance 2117 tax 2025.
>> Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second. Are
there any questions, concerns?
>> Hearing none. Rita, could we do a roll
call vote, please?
>> Mr. Chief,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Nelson,
>> yes.
>> Mr.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon?
>> Yes. Yes. Mayor Shanker.
>> Yes.
>> All yes. And adopted.
>> C. Ordinance 2118-2025,
an ordinance authorizing the sale of
lots 36 through 37
in block 318
uh 51 acres on Trenton and Market as
shown on the tax map of the Township of
Hamilton and granting to the owners or
owners of said real property contiguous
to the same right to prior refusal to
purchase such land in the Township of
Hamilton, County of Atlantic, State of
New person.
This is a public hearing. Is there
anybody in the public like to speak?
>> Motion to close public.
>> Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second. Any
questions, concerns? Hearing none. All
those in favor signify by saying I. I.
>> All those opposed. The eyes have it.
>> Motion to adopt ordinance 2118 TAC 2025.
>> Second.
>> Thank you. We have a motion. We have a
second. There are any questions,
concerns?
Hearing none. Rita, can we get a roll
call vote, please?
>> Mr. Chief,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Nelson,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Patali,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Shanker,
>> yes.
>> All yes and adopted.
>> Thank you.
Okay. So, we're going back to number
five, which is introduction of
ordinance. Public hearing will be held
on November 10th, 2025. This is
ordinance 2119-2025
uh which is has to do with the payto-run
program we spoke of earlier. An
ordinance of the township of Hamilton
County of Atlantic and the state of New
Jersey amending chapter 32 article one
titled pay-per-un program of the code of
the township of Hamilton. And basically
like we said earlier it's just moving
the dates of when payments go out so we
can get it out before the end of the
year.
Motion to introduce ordinance 2119 TAC
2025.
>> Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second. Or
are any questions?
>> I I have a question with filling out the
year for pay as far as the December 31st
year ending. You mentioned something. I
didn't follow that.
>> So the 2025 the way the ordinance reads
now goes from January 1st to obviously
December 31st. By sliding the scale back
we slid it back to uh the end of
September. So that leaves 2025 with a
shortened nine-month period rather than
the full year. Uh so we spoke with uh
the CFO to make sure we accounted for
that nine month shorten abated period.
We put that in the uh ordinance. So that
was addressed as well. So 2025 it won't
be the full 12 month.
>> It'll be the nine months from there on.
It'll be
>> from October until Sep moving forward.
>> Any other questions? Rita, could we do a
roll call vote, please?
>> Mr. Yes.
>> Dr. Nelson.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Patali.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspan.
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Shanker.
>> Yes.
>> Oh, yes. And introduced.
>> Thank you.
Uh let's move on to 6A
resolution authorizing to ex the accept
acceptance of proposal from Remington
and Verning for SL survey services to
create and update GIS asbuilt storm
water system mapping of the remaining
stormwater assets for the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection
MS4 compliance amount not to exceed
$50,000.
So move.
>> Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second. Are
there any questions,
>> comments?
>> Hearing none. Rita, roll call vote,
please.
>> Mr. Chief,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Nelson,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Dr. Withers, yes. Mayor Shanker,
>> yes.
>> Yes.
>> Uh, consent agenda number seven. We have
items A through G.
>> Addition.
>> Oh, I lied.
6B.
>> Yeah, look at that.
All right, let's start over again. Let's
go back to six and we're going to go
with 6B. Resolution to authorize
extension of shared services agreement
for solid waste collection services with
Atlantic County Utilities Authority for
the period of two months November 1st,
2025 through December 31st, 2025.
>> So move.
>> Second.
>> A motion. We have a second. Any
questions, comments? Read a roll call
vote, please.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Nelson,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Patali, yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon, yes.
>> Mayor Shanker,
>> yes.
>> All yes and carried.
>> 6 C is a resolution to authorize the
extension of the interlocal services
agreement for solid waste collection
services with Hamilton Township Board of
Education for the period of two months,
November 1, 2025 through December 31st,
2025.
>> So move
Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second. Any
questions? Any comments?
Hearing none. Rita, could we do a roll
call vote, please?
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Nelson,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Patali,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon, yes.
>> Mayor Shanker,
>> yes.
>> Oh, yes. And carries.
>> 6D. Resolution authorizing execution of
shared shared shared services agreement.
Say that four times fast. between
Township of Hamilton and Atlantic County
for the use of three highway digital
messaging boards and three speed
feedback signs for the period of 1126
through the period of to 123130
and authorizing mayor to sign the same.
So second a motion. We have a second.
>> Questions or concerns.
Hearing none. All u read. Let's do a
roll call, please.
>> Mr. Cheek.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Nelson.
>> Yes.
>> Tally.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon?
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Shanker?
>> Yes.
>> All yes. And carried.
>> Okay. So now we move back to seven in
the highly anticipated consent agenda.
Items A through G.
So moved
items A through G.
>> Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second. Are
there any questions, concerns?
Hearing none. All those in favor signify
by saying I.
>> I.
>> All those opposed. The eyes have it.
We're going to move the number eight
personnel resolutioning appointing
acting lieutenant Christopher Rizzo as a
Hamilton Township Municipal Alliance
member for grant 2025 through 2026
effective 10 2025 to 6:30 2026.
>> So move
second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second.
Uh any questions, concerns?
Read a roll call vote, please. Mr. Chef,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Nelson,
>> abstain.
>> Mr. Patali,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Shanker,
>> yes.
>> Four, yes. One abstension. Motion
carries.
>> Uh, we'll move to number nine for
approvals. A is the minutes. Regular
minute meeting minutes from October 6,
2025.
>> So moved.
>> Second.
>> A motion. We have a second. Any
questions, comments?
>> Hearing none. All those in favor signify
by saying I. I. All those opposed. The
eyes have it.
B. Minutes for executive session meeting
minutes of October 6, 2025.
>> So moved.
>> Second. We
>> a motion. We have a second. Questions,
concerns.
>> Rita, can we have a roll call vote,
please?
>> Mr. Chef,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Nelson,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Patali,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Shanker,
>> yes.
>> Oh, yes. And carry.
>> Thank you. C bills. Bill is total
5,382,68523.
>> So moved.
>> Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second. Any
questions, concerns?
>> Rita, please.
>> Mr. Cheek.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Nelson.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Patali. Yes.
>> Dr. Withersp. Mayor Shanker.
>> Yes.
>> All yes.
>> Uh number 10. Let's go to reports. Mr.
Administrator.
>> So, uh, going back to 6A, we awarded a
contract to Remington and Vernick for
the stormwater mapping. This is
something that had to be done through
the D this year, our annual storm order
report. Uh, should be noted that we have
a $25,000 grant that we're using to
offset the cost of this. It's only for
25.
It is due by the end of the year. So,
that's all I have.
>> Very good. Thank you, Mr. Solicitor.
>> Nothing to report at this time, Mayor.
Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mr. Engineer.
>> Nothing to add to my written report,
mad.
>> Thank you. Township committee members.
Dr. Witherspoon.
>> Yes. I would like to report that I
attended the Atlantic County League of
Municipalities
meeting that was at uh Smithfield on
Friday, uh the 17th, and Dr. Gunther was
there and given all of the updates on
ACIT
and um where they were with it. It was
really um really really good to see and
um it was a very good report. They they
will not be having any meetings in
November due to the League of
Municipalities Conference. Uh they won't
meet again until January. That is my
report.
>> Okay. Thank you,
>> Deputy Mayor.
Um attended the uh we gave out some
candy at the trunk or treat at the H
school on Saturday. It was amazing how
many kids showed up there. Um weather
was great. I'm sure that helped it. So,
uh, coming up, we got the, uh, Halloween
parade on the 30th of the month. So,
please plan ahead. There's going to be
traffic issues. We know this year after
a year, everybody. So, think ahead.
Figure out how you're going to get
through town. Um, and actually, don't
even figure out how to get through town.
Just come to the parade and have a good
time. Hopefully, we have some good
weather. And, uh, Halloween, of course,
please be careful out there. kids
walking around getting their candy and
um that's really all I have. Mayor.
>> Okay,
>> Reagan, I'll see you soon. Maddie, I
miss you and I love you and I hope to
see you soon.
>> Very good. Thank you.
>> Manique,
>> I echo Deputy Mayor Pat's remarks. Also,
I've been out of town. I really don't
have anything to add, but just everyone,
please remember election day. We are
Americans and we have the right to vote.
So, please get out and vote. That's all
I had. Good.
>> Dr. Nelson.
>> Thanks, Mayor. Um, went to the trunk or
treat and we did pass out a lot of
candy. I don't know what the count was,
but there was lots of kids. Um, and, uh,
continues to grow every single year. So,
fire department was out there, EMS was
out there, police department was out
there, PAL was out there, MUA was out
there. So, it was great, uh, turnout. We
had a lot of trunks. And then also this
Saturday is the fall fest and also the
spook tech
haunted hallways which is the first time
we're putting it on. It's a program that
um Dr. Dr. Zto brought down from his
schools in Lacy or Burke up in Berkeley
area. I think from Lacy, but it's a huge
hit up there and we're looking to bring
it down here and it um it's a good
source of funds for the school to do
things with grants that typically aren't
um achievable through the normal um tax
burden. And that's all I have.
>> Very good. Thank you. Uh I also attended
the trunk or treat. didn't attend. I was
giving out candy, which is quite fun for
little kids that just get the biggest
kick out of it. My favorite part is the
parents who have children who really
can't make up their own minds yet. So,
they help them get the pec bar they
like. So, it's a lot of fun. Um, I got
to be honest with you, probably more
than we had last year and the year
before. It seems to grow every year and
it's good. It's a good way that kids can
dress up, have a good time, and and be
safe. I appreciate and want to thank all
those who were involved um because it
takes a lot of work to put these things
on.
Uh like it's been mentioned before, Fall
Fest is Friday or excuse me, this
Saturday and the Halloween parade is
coming up and I got to tell you, I have
people that I work with that are talking
to me about our Halloween parade and
they don't live here. So, it is the
biggest event I think this town holds
every year and I'm looking forward to it
just like every year. and and um you
know, like uh Committeeman Patali said,
be come early because traffic's going to
be crazy and it's going to be hard to
get in and and um you know, everybody
needs to do their part to stay safe and
have a good time. So, um with that, I'll
open it up to the public. If anybody in
the public has something to say, come on
up.
Harry Rogers, 1069 Morningside Drive.
Uh, two issues. Uh, on number 6A
on the back, the change says not to
exceed $50,000.
>> You said $60,000. on the on the fir
front of the page, it says 62, and I'm
sure it's amended to 50, but what you
said was 60.
>> Rita,
>> I don't remember what you said, but the
resolution is for 50.
>> It's for 50. I read it from this paper,
so I'm pretty sure I read it 50, but
>> Okay, good. I I hope you did.
>> If it isn't,
>> um,
past couple meetings, you talked about
hiring a new inspe building inspector.
Um,
is it my understanding that he knocks
off at 2:00 in the afternoon? Is that
true?
No.
What What are his hours?
>> Yeah.
>> 7 to three.
>> I mean, Hamilton Township has a
reputation going back a long way of
being a tough place to get anything
built.
Is that really um conducive to people
building and that we're looking to bring
into the township to uh it's good
because
>> it's good because it helps with the it
helps builders who start at seven. So um
his earlier hours are he can meet
contractors out on jobs on his way in.
He stops him on his way in if he has to.
He's he's in the office by 7. Does this
individual also have a city truck?
>> Yes.
>> Had that been the practice in the past
to give the building inspector a city
vehicle?
>> They're on call. So they they've been
offered a city vehicle.
>> Had it been the practice in the past to
give to to give the uh building
inspector a city vehicle or or did they
just charge mileage?
>> It's offered to it's offered to them.
>> Did the previous building inspectors
charge mileage?
>> Um the previous building inspector lived
around the corner. So
Well, this vehicle is traveling back and
forth, I believe, to Tom's River every
day.
>> Fork River.
Okay. Sorry. Probably just
as far.
Um,
nobody available around town to in the
vicinity. I mean, see seemed a long way
to go and have to provide the
transportation to boot. That's that
seemed that seemed a little extreme to
me.
So, I don't want to get into um the
gentleman's personal life, but he is
>> good to hear. Thank you.
>> Anyone else in the public like to speak?
>> Move to close public.
>> Second.
>> We have a motion. We have a second.
>> All those in favor?
>> I.
>> All those opposed? Eyes have it. Uh
we'll move to adjournment. So moved.
>> Second. We
>> have a motion. We have a second. Any
questions? Any comments? Hearing none.
All those in favor signify by saying I.
>> All those opposed, eyes have it.