03-16-2026 - Township of Hamilton Committee Meeting

like to bring the uh Monday, March 16th,
2026 Township of Hamilton committee
meeting to order.
>> Please rise 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 Star Ledger
and Atlantic County Record on January 6,
2026. Mr. Aken
>> here,
>> Mr. Cheek
>> here.
>> Miss Thompson
>> here.
>> Dr. Witherspoon here. Mayor Patali
>> here.
And we have a moment of silence for
private reflection.
Thank you. Okay, we have two
proclamations tonight. First one is for
Amy Gatau.
Okay.
So whereas Amy Elgato was raised in the
township of Hamilton where she attended
schools in Maze Landing and later
graduated from Oakrest High School in
2000 at Oakrest. Amy was student council
president and founder of the activity
carnival and powderpuff football
programs. She was a member of the
National Honor Society, a drum major of
the Oakrest Marching Nerds of I'm sorry,
ambassadors. ambassadors.
>> Sorry,
>> a Falcon TV news personality and played
Marty in Greece. Amy was a Girls
Athletic Association member, having
played softball, cheerleading, managed
wrestling, and baseball, and was one of
the first female golfers at Oakrest.
Ammy Amy is a proud recipient of the
Brian Petty Courage Award and proud
inaugural inductee of the Oakrest
Community Hall of Fame in 2024.
Whereas Amy went on to earn a bachelor
of science degree in international
business and bachelor of arts degree in
French from Widner University in 2004.
She began her professional career at
Pico Energy in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. and later held roles at
Atlanticare, Horizon Blue Cross Blue
Shield, and currently serves as vice
president of business operations for
Lincoln Financial. And whereas in 2005,
Andy was elected to the Hamilton
Township Board of Education and then to
the Hamilton Township Committee in 2007.
And at 29 years old, became the youngest
and only the third woman to hold the
office of mayor in the township's
several hundredyear history. Amy was
later elected to the board of county
commissioners three times respectively
in 2016, 2019, and 2022,
where she proudly where she was proudly
selected in 2019 to serve as the first
female to chair the board of freeholders
in its 182year history.
Whereas Amy is proud to be the daughter
of former Absagami principal and Yeah,
we just say that we're quiet.
>> Among other things,
Dr. Jerry Lynn Vernon, OS class of 75,
and Bill Gate, OS class of 72. He was a
retired union laborer, local 172, and
sister to Billy, OS class08.
Whereas Amy has been a dedicated public
servant and community leader,
participating in numerous community
service initiatives, advocating for
herself and individuals with Crohn's
disease, and was honored in 2008
as one of Atlantic City Weekly's top 40
under 40. And now therefore, we the
sworn members of Hamilton Township
Committee in Maze Landing, New Jersey,
do hereby honor Amy Elgato during
National Women's History Month in
perpetuity as established the 16th day
of March in the year of 2026.
>> And I will say she did she swore me in
my first time. She uh was pretty
>> I know I'm pretty
>> involved. Yes, you are pretty
>> pretty involved in getting me in
involved in politics. I think now she's
probably questioning that. Um since I am
a little bit rough around the edges and
uh stuff like that, but we we'll leave
that go. I think she's happy with what
she did. I hope she is. But once again,
congratulations.
>> Thank you.
>> I'm sure you have something to say.
UM WELL, first of all, thank you
township committee. Appreciate it very
much and uh very excited to be uh back
at home in uh in Maze Landing. Um so
much to say and I was trying to to think
of, you know, something like really
profound to say. Um but there's there's
a couple of thoughts that I'll say. I
mean, first of all, my journey um is not
me alone. It starts with a amazing
family. Uh many of whom are here tonight
and and many of whom were just gathered
at Tailgators. Uh we were remembering my
uncle Tony. Today's 20 years since he
passed away and uh tomorrow would have
been his 75th birthday. And we just uh
my dad's one of 12, so there's a lot of
us. Uh my mom's one of two and there's a
few of us, but um we're always very very
tight. And uh it's my family and my dear
friends uh who are like family that are
here and our community. Um that's where
it all starts. Uh a great foundation. Um
education through the Hamilton Township
School District. I see some of the
members here uh today. Um and just
really wonderful opportunities and and
mentors there to look through. And then
um Carl highlighted so many um great
memories at Oakrest that I think a lot
of us share. Um Oakrest is a very
special place. no matter what anybody
else wants to ever say about it. It's uh
it's the Falcon Nest and it's where a
lot of really beautiful things happened
and and did happen and memories were
made and like I said, lifelong friends
uh were made and and uh I I couldn't be
more proud of of that school and and to
be part of that community and then to be
able to come back and uh serve my
community. Um,
for those who don't know, what sparked
that interest was, um, uh, when I was in
eighth grade, we have Youth and
Government Day here at Hamilton
Township, and it was, uh, started by
Mayor Charlie Pritchard, and I'm sure
Jack will remember, too. Um, I shadowed
then Deputy Mayor Joe Nichols, and
Lorraine Grenice was the mayor at the
time. And I was like, man, this mayor
thing is like really cool. Like, I think
I'm going to do that one day. And that's
what I I knew I wanted to do. I knew I
wanted to come back and serve. And when
I came home from college, bought my
first house, actually said to my mom,
like, you know, what do you think I
should do? And she's like, well, you
really liked school. Why don't you run
for school board? And that's what I did.
And I see so many members of the
Hamilton Township Republican Club that
are here who really helped um nurture
that political journey, which it is a
journey and adventure. and to have
former leaders like you know Jack Percy
back there and um so many others um that
really helped again pave that path and I
learned a lot about listening to those
with the knowledge from the past and
then applying my own experiences and
thoughts and kind of letting that all
churn and come out as you know what I
what represents me. Um, and really it
was just about trying to serve my
community in the best way that I
possibly could. And it was really really
hard at times. Um, and super
um, fruitful uh, most of the time. It it
gave back a lot to me in so many ways
and and hopefully, you know, I gave to
to some people out there. And then I
moved on to the county and I see so many
of my fellow county commissioners back
there. uh Commissioner Rizley,
Commissioner Burns, our our former mayor
here, and and now uh my torch holder, uh
Commissioner Shanker, and are we I don't
know who we're calling chairman these
days, but certainly, uh we have Rizley,
and then Commissioner Parker there, and
then our clerk, uh Joe Dorado, and his
beautiful wife who is also super
supportive. Um going to the county level
is a whole different vibe. uh you know
you go from trying to fix people's
potholes and you know very tangible
local issues that you can fix to much
bigger things that take a lot more time
and a lot more um strategic planning and
it's you don't get that immediate result
but you hope that the things that you
put in motion um are going to be
fruitful at the end of the day so all I
can say is uh you just try to do um the
best that you can put your best foot
forward and uh listen to you know those
who've come for you. Um, put yourself
back into it, be true to yourself, and
um, and it'll it'll all come back to
you. And I am very much enjoying
retirement from politics. Um, enjoying
getting to be home after work and like
cook dinner and watch TV like at normal
times, like those little things. Um,
but, uh, it's it's certainly not the
end. Um, I'm sure of that, but it's nice
to have a little break and uh recharge.
And I'm just so honored to have been uh
raised in this community. I can't
actually I have to also say to the
township employees and the employees of
all the government entities that have
had the opportunity to serve like we
don't we're nothing without them. So,
I'm I'm looking at all of you guys too
and just appreciate everything that you
do to serve uh our residents and our
community members every day. So, thank
you. Thank you so much for this
distinction. Um it it truly means so
much to me and uh I look forward to
putting it next to my mug that I have of
of you and I, Mayor, with our Simpsons
mug. Yes. So, thank you so much again.
Thank you.
You look like you're
Sorry about that paparazzi
stuff.
Uh we have next proclamation
for National Women's History Month, Dr.
Jennifer Holmstrom.
>> Whereas Dr. Jennifer
Alder Alden
>> Alden help me. Holstrom, principal of
William Davies Middle School, has spent
more than two decades in education
dedicated to building strong school
communities and creating meaningful
opportunities for students, becoming the
first female principal. Let me just say
that again. The first female principal
to oversee the daily operations of
William Davies Middle School and guide
its continued growth.
Whereas Dr. Holmstrom earned two
master's degrees in one in school
counseling and the other in educational
leadership culminating in a doctorate in
educational leadership from Walden
University. Her career in education
spanning more than 25 years began
teaching at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
School complex in Atlantic City. She
later served in several roles including
guiding coun guidance counselor and vice
principal before becoming principal.
Whereas since becoming principal at
William Davies Middle School, Dr.
Homestrom has focused on transforming
the school through innovative
programming, community engagement, and
expanded opportunities for students.
Working alongside Superintendent Dr.
Zitto and a dedicated staff, Dr. Hmstrom
introduced the Red Wings program, an
initiative she brought from her previous
school to recognize students for
outstanding achievements.
Whereas Dr. Holstrom's leadership has
also been recognized beyond the
district. She was named the Philadelphia
76ers 2023 to 2024 seasons queen of the
classroom and anyone who knows her knows
she is a proud 76ers fan. Whereas Dr.
Holmstrom lives locally with her husband
Jason. She is the mother of Alex, Zoe,
and Taylor, parentheses, Anthony, and a
proud mom to her grandchildren, Emilia,
>> okay, and Colin.
>> Through her did I say that right?
>> Through her leadership, dedication to
relationships and commitment to creating
opportunities for students, Dr. Hmstrom
continues to inspire those around her
and make a lasting impact on the Davies
community. Now therefore, we I Tracy
Thompson, a sworn member of Hamilton
Township Committee in Mae Landon, New
Jersey, do hereby honor Dr. Jennifer
Alden Holmstrom during National Women's
History Month and perturu as established
the 16th day of March in the year of
2026.
Thank you so much.
Um, I wanted to just
share that when I was a kid, I used to
attend Duperson School and Mr. Davies
actually lived right on the corner
across the street from Duperson School
and when I was in 8th grade, they were
in the process of naming the school in
his honor. So, being a a student council
member at the time, I used to go down to
the corner of Farragut because they were
allowed to do things like that back then
and help him across the street and walk
up the steps with um to go to the
various uh items that we were just
celebrating him. Miss Pegelotti, Miss
Birchold, had various uh community like
celebrations for him and he was a little
bit older at the time. So every couple
steps we would stop and we would just
talk about his vision for the new school
that they were going to build and how
excited he was. And I learned a lot from
him on those several times when I kind
of walked him up the stairs. And then
Mrs. Birch told honored me uh with the
ability to sing the national anthem for
the groundbreaking of the school as
well. So coming back to Davy School and
serving as the first female principal is
truly an honor. I hope I service um Mr.
Davies well. Um I was there when there
was nothing there but ground and I
watched them put the first shovels into
the ground and it's an honor to get this
on his behalf. And I don't and I only
take this for the staff, the
administration, the students and the
school community that wanted to see a
change and needed to see a difference.
We have, if you're not aware, the Dragon
Network News. We are first in the state
for most watched and we are third in the
country. We also have a tremendous
program coming through our medical
biosciences where we're certifying
students in first aid and CPR in seventh
and eighth grade. There are many things
that we're doing, but it's not just me.
And I accept this on behalf of my staff,
my students, and the families that come
to Davies every single day. So, go
Dragons. And thank you.
YOU'RE WELCOME.
>> Thank you, Ken.
>> You got
look as
You're welcome.
>> Welcome.
>> Okay. Did we tell them that they don't
have to stay?
>> Oh, no. They have to stay.
>> You don't You don't have to stay.
>> The one that was on it has to stay.
>> Uh, guest presentations. We have none.
>> Can we say goodbye to everyone?
>> Yeah.
>> Go ahead, everybody. Go enjoy your
dinner while I wait till I eat at 9:00
tonight.
>> Stop.
>> Be careful driving.
>> Beware.
I guess we can continue with uh
so we have no guest presentations. We
have addition deletion of late agenda
items to be considered for action
tonight.
>> Keep going.
>> Additions
7M resolution to adopt notice of torque
claim form.
>> So move
>> second.
>> I have a motion and a second. All those
in favor?
>> I I against eyes have it.
>> All right, we'll move on. Early public
comment.
>> We have anybody signed up?
>> Yes, we have Reagan Ruffalo for 7L.
I don't like reading off of my phone.
I used chat GPT because I couldn't think
of anything to write and it started me
off with good evening which now I feel
like Count Dracula. Um but good evening
members of the committee and dad. Um if
you don't know my name is Reagan
Ruffalo. Um I live here in Maze Landing.
was born and raised here. And um I'm
here tonight to express my support of
the proposed resolution that's
encouraging um joint custody during a
divorce or separation of the parents.
Um, I don't really want to get too much
into my personal experience with this,
but I will say that um, if when my
parents got divorced and we started out
with 50/50 custody, uh, my life, my
sister's life, and my family and friends
lives would have been very different.
And um
sorry uh I think children benefit
greatly from having meaningful
relationships with both of their parents
and having this kind of joint custody
right off the bat would allow for more
meaningful relationships and um also you
know help keep both parents actively
involved in their child's lives. So um I
respectfully encourage that the
committee to support this resolution. Uh
thank you for your time. Thank you.
>> Thank you,
>> Christina Petain for 7L.
>> Hi, Mayor Patali,
Deputy Mayor Cheek, and members of the
committee. Thank you for giving me this
opportunity to speak to y'all. I also am
speaking on behalf of bills S20008
and A2963.
I am here to support policies that
encourage 5050 shared parenting custody
and meaningful relationships between
children and both of their parents. When
families separate, children should not
have to lose half of their family in the
process.
Beginning custody cases with a
presumption of 50/50 parenting time
helps ensure that both parents remain
active, present, and equally important
in their child's lives whenever it is
safe and appropriate. In many cases,
when one parent becomes marginalized in
a child's life, the risk of parental
alienation increases.
Parental alienation occurs when a child
is influenced intentionally or
unintentionally to reject or fear a
loving parent. What makes this so
harmful is that it places the child in
the middle of adult conflict and forces
them to choose sides in a relationship
they should never have to choose
between.
The damage to children can be
significant and longlasting.
Children who are alienated from a loving
parent often experience confusion,
guilt, anxiety, and emotional distress.
They may feel pressured to deny their
own positive memories and feelings about
that parent in order to maintain
approval from the other. Over time, this
can lead to issues with trust, identity,
and healthy relationships later in life.
Many mental health professionals have
also observed that children who lose
contact with a loving parent may
struggle with self-esteem,
depression, and feelings of of
abandonment.
A child naturally sees themselves as
part of both parents. When they are
taught to reject one parent, they may
internalize that rejection and feel as
though part of themselves is being
rejected as well.
I've seen how damaging this can be
firsthand. My fiance is a loving and
devoted father who fought fought hard to
remain involved in his children's lives.
During a custody hearing, false
allegation allegations were brought
against him. While those allegations
were being sorted out, valuable time
passed. During that time, his ex-wife
had the opportunity to influence the
children and turn them against their
father. The children were not only
turned against their father, but also
against their entire family. Loving
uncles, aunts, and their grandmother.
His mother, Anne Santilly, was
heartbroken because she was not able to
see her grandchildren.
She recently passed away without having
the chance to rebuild that relationship.
The pain of losing those years with
family members can never truly be
repaired.
This situation has now been going on for
12 years. 12 years of lost holidays,
missed birthdays, and family memory
memories that should have been shared.
And sadly, it is those who who lose the
most when an entire side of the family
is erased from their lives.
This is why shared parenting policies
matter. A starting point of equal
custody can help prevent one parent from
being pushed out of a child's life when
legal issues are being resolved. It
protects children from losing meaningful
time and connection with a loving parent
and the extended family who also loves
them.
At the same time, we recognize that not
every separated couple immediately knows
how to co-parent effectively. When one
parent is unwilling or struggling to
cooperate, courts could require
counseling or co-parenting education to
help parents learn how to communicate,
reduce conflict, and focus on the needs
of their children. Giving parents the
tools to work together can help create a
healthier environment for children and
make shared custody more successful.
Importantly, a shared custody
presumption would not remove the court's
ability to protect children. Judges
would still have the authority to make
different arrangements
when there are concerned about about
abuse, neglect, or safety. But starting
from the principle that children deserve
both parents whenever possible helps
ensure that loving parents are not
unnecessarily separated from their
children. Ultimately, this issue is not
about parents winning or losing. It is
about protecting children and preserving
the relationships that shape who they
become.
Children deserve the love, guidance, and
stability of both parents whenever it is
safe to provide it. Thank you for your
time, consideration, and support for the
children who are our future.
>> Thank you.
>> That's it.
Okay. Um
being that this was discussed, I would
like to move make a motion to move 7L up
to be voted on now.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion to second. All those in
favor? I
>> So, uh, I brought this I brought this
forward and, um,
I know it probably really doesn't mean a
whole lot, but the fact that, um, we
send a resolution up to Trenton. Um, and
we have a list of of all the places that
this is going to go to, um, it may help
in making some of these, uh, bills move
forward.
So, that being said, do I have a motion?
>> A motion. Second.
>> I have a motion in a second. Can I have
a roll call vote on this, please?
>> Mr. Aken?
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Cheek?
>> Yes.
>> Miss Thompson?
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon?
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Patali?
>> Yes. And thank you everybody for
supporting this. It means a lot to me.
And thank you Reagan and Christina and
Gary.
Think about you guys all the time.
So
now that I'm bummed out and sad
>> and it passed, so you don't have to say
let's keep going to something more
exciting.
>> Okay. Um discussion formal action may be
taken. Uh a can canvasing ordinance.
Um this was something that that was um
like last meeting or the meeting before,
I can't remember. We we approved um
uh two companies to do some
>> is it canvasing or soliciting?
>> There's canvasing, soliciting, and
pedaling.
>> Well, whatever whatever they were
approved for and some questions were
raised. So, I'm going to I'm going to
throw this over to our solicitor and he
can go over a couple things. he knows
some some questions that were brought up
and and concerns made.
>> Thank you, mayor. I appreciate it. In
front of committee uh is the current
canvasing, pedaling, soliciting,
transient vendor portion of the township
code. I know that we had it on for
discussion briefly after some
resolutions were passed. At the last
meeting, committee asked me to take a
look at what we can do to potentially
strengthen that uh part of the code. And
uh if you remember, we amended it about
two years ago to bring it up to uh speed
in terms of the canvasing. Uh but what
I'd like to put in front of you tonight
is potential ability to address some of
the issues that uh residents or or
people in Hamilton Township might have
brought to you regarding the soliciting
and the pedaling part of uh the
ordinance. And uh for the the benefit of
the the public, the difference between
canvasing, pedaling, and soliciting is
ultimately what the individuals are
going house to house to do. Canvasing is
typically going out and
givingformational
uh whether it be pamphlets or talking to
people about things that may be
happening. Um soliciting is where
they're going doortodoor and asking for
uh either selling things or or uh doing
something where they're taking orders.
Uh and pedalling is where they have
goods on them. They're going door to
door and selling things kind of there on
the spot. An example I always give are
the Boy Scouts locally that go to door
to door. If you're selling popcorn, you
have the popcorn on you. You're
pedaling. If you are taking orders,
you're soliciting. That's ultimately the
difference. I know that might be a poor
example because Boy Scouts are a
nonprofit, but you kind of get the idea
where I'm going with this. So, I know
that committee last time talked about
things like, uh, the IDs. Um, and as you
go through the code, uh, there are
specific exceptions to who does not need
to apply for a permit. A lot of those
are either by case law or by uh the
current statutes here in the state of
New Jersey. But the individuals, usually
the profit organizations that do need
permits. Uh that might be something that
we could pursue if you would like me to
look in that and draft um an ID process.
Um you see an example of that under one
of the exceptions for utility companies.
I'll use AC Electric as a utility
company that does not need to have a
permit for specific reasons. Um when
they come out, our code already does say
they have to wear their company ID or
something sufficient. maybe a logo shirt
or something that identifies who they
are. But if we have somebody going
through the permit for either soliciting
or for pedaling, that might be an option
for the township who wanted to have an
administrative process where as part of
the application they're issued. We could
also give them an ID that they're
required to wear when they're going door
todoor. So that would be an example of
something that we may do. Um, does
township committee have a position on
that or any follow-up questions?
>> Um, on the on the ID,
um, I kind of like the idea, but I also
I don't like the idea that the
township's going to be required to
create these IDs and give them out.
That's just an added um, responsibility
to, I would assume, the clerk's office
or whomever.
>> Um, that's correct. that responsibility
gets moved out to. So, I'm not sure how
much I like that idea. Um, it's going to
be a cost. It's going to it's going to
take our employees away from doing their
other responsibilities.
Um, but I'm also not really totally
against it either. You know, I think we
got to think it over.
>> Um,
>> I agree, mayor. Any any change like this
or has an administrative side to it,
there's always going to be a cost
analysis of what it would cost and the
benefits that you might get by
implementing this. So that's something
that I can work with the administrator
to report back what something like that
would entail the cost of personnel. Um
and then we can outweigh it with the
benefits and and the risk in doing so.
Um the cost for the permits I believe
currently is about $25 for the permits.
It might be something that we structure
into it as long doesn't become
overburdensome in terms of the cost but
that might be something we can present
in the future to you as well if you want
us to kind of dive into.
>> Yeah. dive into that and see what the
cost would be
>> with the ID mayor. Would it be from
their company? I mean, it shouldn't be
from the township.
>> Well,
>> it shouldn't be from the township
because everybody that works for a
company, say solar. They should have IDs
from their company.
>> That is that's something to take in
consideration some of the research that
I did. Not every company has badges or
IDs. For example, I use my law firm as a
business. I don't we don't issue company
IDs for the business. Um, so if we
didn't have something, it would be
something that the council would
provide. By providing it, it wouldn't be
an undue burden on the people that were
applying. It would also regulate what
counts as an ID. So it would be in the
township's control saying this is
somebody that's been approved. They will
all typically be regulated so that the
res township can identify and say that's
a soliciting badge. I know that that's
somebody who's been issued.
>> Okay. Thank you.
Um,
>> did you um come up with the hours that
these people will be out here? Do we
have like a start time and time?
>> So, as of right now under the code, the
hours are 9 to9. So, it's a it's
straightforward all the way through for
all three sections both canvasing,
soliciting, and uh pedling. Uh, I know
that we had a discussion regarding a lot
of the case law and the updated things
that were going on about a year or so
ago regarding canvasing that's
statutoily protected, but if the
committee wanted to do so and to change
the hours, it might be something
addressed for the forprofit individuals
that are not subject to the exemption
list, it's kind of in our code as of now
uh to make it a change for the
soliciting and then the pedaling. So,
what I could do is could carve out those
two portions of the the the code to
change the hours if you'd like to do
that as well. That's a good idea.
>> Yeah, because I think nine is too late.
I mean, even in the summertime, it's it
might, you know, I know it's a little
later, but nine is still
>> maybe a little bit too late.
>> What hours was Township Committee
thinking for the pedaling and
soliciting?
>> I mean, I think I'm just me thinking um
comfortable maybe six o'clock.
>> What about dusk?
So, a lot of times six o'clock depending
on what time of year sometimes dusk in
the winter time could be around six
o'clock. Um, we could do dusk as well.
>> Yeah, dusk is fine because at least like
if it's seven and it's still light that
would be fine. Yeah,
>> it's for when it's dark.
>> A lot of municipalities do do the dusk
for the
>> the dust.
>> Yeah.
>> Would 4:30 be too early so that they're
not knocking on the door and just like
you're eating dinner and you're getting
a call while you're in the middle of
dinner. Would 4:30 be too early?
>> The issue at 4:30 is during a summer
dust maybe later in
>> Exactly. That's why we put a time on it.
>> In my house, dinner's at 5:30 and that
that's when the telemarketers call. We
know it. You know,
>> I in a lot of the municipalities and the
codes that I've seen, dusk is usually
the consistent thing that I've seen, but
I'll defer to the township committee.
>> So, are we okay with doing 9:00 to dusk?
9:00.
>> Sure. Desk is fine.
>> I can make that adjustment.
>> The la the last uh suggestion that was
brought up was uh
>> potentially criminal background checks
for soliciting pedaling as well. Um I
did do some research or other
municipalities that do this in terms of
the application process. Typically, it's
not a blanket restriction on certain
backgrounds. What it would do is defer
that the permit prior to being given
would be sent to the township police
department to do a preliminary
investigation. The report back if they
had any concerns regarding this if the
individual looked in the record if there
was any history with the township uh to
refer back to us in terms of the
individual didn't have the character or
the moral moral turpitude as I would put
it to be going doortodoor. Um, those
would be specific concerns. If we put
that provision in there, we could
restrict permits based on that feedback.
Uh, but we would have to develop a
little bit different of an appeal
process. So, if it didn't go through,
that individual would have the right to
come back in front of Township to make
an appeal if we wanted to go that route
as well. And again, that wouldn't apply
to the exceptions in the code. It would
apply to solicitors or peddlers that are
going doortodoor.
I think that's obviously something I
think probably have to talk with Chief
Urgga about. Um see what kind of uh
issues that could cause and and make
sure we're we're not opening it
>> can of worms here that just makes it
harder, worse, whatever. But obviously
we got
>> understood
>> some time before the next meeting. We
can definitely discuss it
and go from there.
>> Very good. But I'll work with the
internal team and put something in front
of you hopefully by next meeting.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay.
>> So, can I ask one other thing? So, we
talked about um
>> is there any way we could do like a
suggest or not require in there
>> if the ID thing is a nogo? Like have
them suggest them to wear a logo shirt
if they have it something with their
logo?
>> Sure. uh committeement. What my
suggestion on that would be is in the
code we usually try to put things in the
code that are enforceable. So I think
the best place to put that acceptable
will be would be on the permanent
application.
>> So on the bottom of it suggests to put
identification or identification uh
should be worn or something that's not
mandatory but not mandatory for safety
purposes. And I can work with the
township to put language in there on the
permanent application
>> if you'd like to do that
>> because I've had them come up with
nothing. you know, they walk up with
nothing on and you ask for credentials.
They sometimes show you and you know,
they're you're like,
>> you would think that would only that
that would help them, you would think.
So, you would think they would do that
on their own.
>> So, I think that's the best way is put
it on the application.
>> The other thing that was brought up at
the last meeting was the license plate
number on the
>> application.
Add that.
>> Yes, we can add that as well. We are
already required to make the model and
the VIN number. So there should be no
the license plate license pl
>> tag number is the easiest thing to see
on a vehicle. You know you could say
this make this model this color but you
know if you get a tag number boom
something happens.
>> We can add that in there as well.
>> And the tag number I'm going to assume
Jane would be something you could easily
put on your
part of our website where you list who
has the permits. Okay.
Let me just ask a question with the tag
number. What if it's a company car and
it's not it doesn't even it's not
registered by the person. You know what
I'm saying? Like it could be
>> registered to the driver typically the
business that's going door to door
>> the individual applicants putting a copy
of their ID on file as well.
>> So the car will be registered to the
person that's doing the soliciting.
>> Not necessarily. It could be registered
to a business or a corporation as well,
but it's still in the permit. So, I'm
assuming that whatever vehicle they're
going door to door, for example, I use
my law firm as well. If they're using
one of my company cars going door to
door and they're soliciting,
>> um, it might not be registered the
individual that's going to door, but it
would be the business that they're
representing.
>> And then they would be responsible to
know who was driving that particular
car. Like we would have to be, okay, all
right.
>> Well, most of the times when these cars
come, they don't drive to each door.
They park at the end of the at the end
of the street and then they walk.
>> Well, you said they do.
>> Where I live, they'll drive up the
driveway in the woods.
>> Once you're in the woods, but where
where I live at
>> Yeah, I I got you.
>> You know, they don't
>> they've driven up.
>> They don't go from house to house at
Victoria Cross, right?
>> Or Victoria Point.
>> They park somewhere and they walk. So,
the tag really wouldn't
>> benefit you,
>> benefit me,
>> right? But on my end,
>> it would.
>> Yeah. If I had an issue with one of the
solicitors, you know, I'm looking at the
car, I got the tag number,
>> I can call or do, you know what I mean,
>> right?
>> Because they come down my my driveway.
>> That was just like the tag added on
there is just another cushion, just
another thing.
>> The purpose of the tag is just for
identification. There is a problem that
we're looking for. So, it's one piece of
information that we've identified.
>> All right.
You got your marching orders?
>> Yes, mayor. Thank you.
>> Thank you.
>> Moving on. Uh possible amendments to
animal control ordinance. Um this is
something else I brought up to our
solicitor. Um about uh our feral cat
colonies that we have. Um, I don't know
about other members of committee, but I
know Brett and I get phone calls quite
often about cat issues. Um and uh looked
into a couple of other ordinances from
other towns and uh they had
some wording in their in their
ordinances that gave the animal control
officer of the police department some
teeth on um on helping uh neighbors out
that are having issues with feral cat
colonies. So you give us a little
background.
>> Yes, mayor. Thank you. Thank you for
bringing us our attention. Hamilton
Township is not the only municipality
that's dealing with this issue of feral
cat colonies actually work on many of
these ordinances and a lot of
municipalities that that I've worked in.
Um the ordinances in front of you I I
have a sample ordinance that was drafted
that if committee wishes to move forward
this might be something we can introduce
next meeting after discussion. Uh but
what it does is it bolsters our current
code on uh cats and addresses some of
the issues that we see here in Hamilton
Township and it's kind of bifrocated in
two parts. The first part would be the
uh the animal cruelty type of side of
things and where individuals have these
feral cat colonies on their property but
they're not taking care of the cat. So
you have malnutritioned animals. They're
not getting enough food, water, care,
vaccinations, things that would provide
for unsafe or unsanitary environments.
That's part of the the part of the code
that we're adding in there and
strengthening for the animal control
officer. If these conditions or these
issues are happening, we need to be able
to go on the property, be able to
address them, the penalties for
individuals that aren't complying with
those specific provisions. The second is
the nuisance abatement. Um, a lot of
times when the township gets involved or
the township police get involved or
animal control get involved, it's
because of a phone call that the cats
are tearing up my yard, they're doing
damage or all over the place or species
all over. What do we do? And that's the
part of the code that we need to bolster
up as well. What constitutes a nuisance?
What happens and gives us power to go in
and address those circumstances? So
that's what's in front of you in terms
of uh the categories.
>> Very good. Any questions or comments?
>> We'll see that at the next meeting.
>> Yeah. So we can put on for introduction
the next
>> and 3C
excavation ordinance amendments.
Mr. Solicitor. Thank you, Mayor Jump on
this one as well. I actually thank uh
yourself, mayor, and our township
engineer, Mr. Watkins, for helping out
with this as well. Uh this was initially
brought to my attention for updating uh
the part of the code. It was outdated.
There was a lot of fill, some permit
issues in there that we needed to
address. Uh but Mr. Watkins jumped in
and said, "While we're in there, there
are other options that would make the
code cleaner, make it better, give
township more protection in terms of
road openings." uh and I I'll let him
speak to that briefly. Uh but I know
that he worked in another municipality
on doing that where it might be clear to
people that are going through the permit
uh process. Um allow us to move specific
uh provisions of the road opening to the
street section, which made more sense to
me off the bat. Um and the renamement, I
believe it's uh highway permit.
>> Roadway.
Yeah.
>> Um so that's part of the process. So,
this is on a discussion of what we'd
like to do, not only clean up the code
and update it so that it's current, but
also make it more user friendly and the
couch better. So, I'll turn it over to
the engineer.
>> Yeah, we we've come up with some ideas
of trying to make it more clear,
cleaner, um more direct. Uh the asphalt
mix design is off, so we want to include
that. um the trench restoration um
process and how to um incorporate
multiple trenches in an area that it's
already spelled out in the ordinance
than just giving the township engineer
um carb blanch of hey you should do all
this and then get an argument with them.
I'd rather have it concrete in an
ordinance and it's seen at the time of
them obtaining the permit so they're
aware of the cost that's going to
happen. Um also as a roadway occupancy
permit, it can incorporate other um
permits that you know the town has as
well as like uh you know tree clearing
permits like when you see the uh Verizon
or Atlantic City Electric going out on
the roadways clearing the trees. Um I
know the county has permits that are
required by those agency or those uh
contractors to get those tree clearing
permits on their um roadways. Um, it
kind of incorporates that when they go
out on the municipal roads, sometimes
they'll cut the tree limbs down and they
just sit there and they're not cleaning
it up. Now, they have to get a permit
through our permitting process um so
that we have something to hold to them
when we see this and say, "Hey, you
didn't come back and clean up your your
um tree limbs." So, it's there's a
couple other things. I think if we
incorporate the ordinance, we can
present it to you and u you can review
it. I think that you'll see that it is
and obviously we'll have to work with uh
Jane's office in regards to the
application a little bit changes. Um we
have uh you know samples of that as well
as checklists and we'll we'll create the
checklist for for the clerk's office. So
it's already made.
>> Very good.
>> Thank you m we're looking at township
committee's permission to be able to
start looking to this make some of the
changes that we have to make as well as
include some of these newer ideas. Mr.
Rockets put something in front of you in
the next meeting or two to take a look
at moving forward to kind of bolster
those portions of the code.
>> Everybody okay with that?
>> Yeah. Yes.
>> Thank you.
>> Mhm.
>> Okay.
>> Moving on. Public hearing adoption of
ordinances. Ordinance 2130-2026.
Ordinance amending exhibit A to article
2 of chapter 66 of the code the township
of Hamilton and the township of
Hamilton's chart of organization to
provide for the creation and amendment
of certain positions and maximum
salaries. Uh administrative enforcement
officer, municipal enforcement officer.
And I'm going to go ahead and make a
motion to withdraw this.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion and a second. Do I need
a roll call? need a roll call for the
motion for
>> um
I have a roll call, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patelli,
>> yes.
>> Mayor, just for the record, if town
should wish to proceed with something
like this or the same exact ordinance in
the future, you would have to go back
through the ordinance process, including
>> Understood.
Okay. Introduction of ordinances. We
have none. Award of bids, contracts,
change orders.
6A. Authorize engineering services to M.
Watkins Associates for professional
services required to complete the design
and construction inspections for the
2026 roadway improvement program phase 1
contract number 2026-06
not to exceed $128,000.
Motion.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion. A second.
>> Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Chief,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon?
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Patel?
>> Yes.
>> 6B.
Authorize engineering services to M.
Watkins Associates
for professional services required to
complete the design and construction
inspections for the Dennis Foreman Drive
sidewalks contract number 2026-07
not to exceed $18,000.
>> Motion second. I have a motion in a
second. Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Chief,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patel,
>> yes.
6 C resolution approving interlocal
services agreement between the township
of Hamilton and greater a Carbor school
district for the installation of banners
at various locations within the township
for the period of 6126
through 53127
and authorizing mayor to sign
>> motion
>> second
>> I have a motion in a second I don't need
a roll call on this do I give me a roll
call go for it
>> Mr. Aken.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Cheek.
>> Yes.
>> Miss Thompson.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon.
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Patel.
>> Yes.
>> Consent agenda.
>> So we
>> took L's out.
>> M's in.
>> M is in.
A motion for A through K and
7 M as well.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion and a second.
All those in favor?
>> I against. Eyes have it.
>> Woohoo. We're moving along now.
>> Don't stop.
Personnel, we have nothing.
Approvals, minutes, regular meeting
minutes of March 2nd, 2026.
>> So move.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion and a second. All those
in favor? I
>> I against eyes have it. Minute special
executive session meeting of February
24th,
2026.
>> So moved.
>> Second.
>> Have a motion in a second. Roll call
vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Withers,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patel,
>> yes.
>> Minutes. Executive session meeting
minutes of March 2nd, 2026.
>> So move.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion in a second. Roll call
vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken. Yes,
>> Mr. Cheek.
>> Yes,
>> Miss Thompson.
>> Yes,
>> Dr. Witherspoon.
>> Yes.
>> Mega Patel.
>> Yes.
>> Bills bill list total 3,264,879.39.
>> Second. I have a motion and a second.
Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patel,
>> yes.
>> Reports. Mr. Administrator,
>> I just want to uh make sure that
everyone's aware that we rolled out the
2026 Hometown Heroes program last
Monday.
>> If anyone in the public is interested in
applying for a banner or having their
banner
reinstalled on one of our roads, please
reach out to my office and check our
website for the application. That's all.
Excellent.
>> Mr. Solicitor,
>> report this time. Mayor, thank you.
>> Mr. engineer.
>> Just a quick uh announcement that we are
receiving bids on uh March 26 for
Babcock Road and the road program as
well. So, you'll see them being on the
agenda if um they come in favorable to
be voted on April 6.
>> Outstanding.
>> Very good.
>> We work fast.
>> All right,
Dr. Witherspoon.
>> Yes.
I would like to report that I went to my
first merchants association meeting and
it was held here at Hamilton um at the
township hall. It was very nice and to
meet a lot of the merchants and the
business owners and they are planning a
um Easter egg hunt on April the 4th at
the Gasill Park and that flyer is out on
social media.
As I'm saying that, I want to talk about
how nice the U police department and pal
had a wonderful egg extravaganza at head
school and I attended that along with
some of my other colleagues and it was
very nice. It was just so nice to see
the kids having so much fun and um I
enjoyed that. I went to
the Atlantic County
um officials Atlantic County Association
of Township Officials meeting and that
was held on Friday the 13th at um
Martins's in Lansville. Uh they um
elected new officers.
I'm not going to go through all of that.
Um but they have new officers and um it
was a nice wonderful meal. Um there was
the um health official came also to talk
about the birds that have passed away.
Some of them was bird flu. My question
was
were all of it birds flew were they
tested
and I didn't really get a clear answer
on that but some of them could have
starved because there were a lot of
birds and geese over at the Hamilton
Mall. It was on social media. That's why
I found that's how I found out about it.
But I didn't go over there to check. Uh
but they were had to be picked up and
done a certain way. Um also the county
clerk was there, Joe Geraldo,
and he spoke about
property fraud alert services that
everyone who has a property can call the
um clerk's office and sign up. It's a
free uh service and it stops scammers
from taking pretending like they have
your property and they were able to
catch someone that way. And so this is a
a nice uh
service to the um public especially if
you have a property or have properties
that people are not getting fake deeds
or things of that nature. That was a
very very good point that he brought
out. Of course, we know that he's done
704 weddings
and um he gave statistics on what had
happened, how many notaries, passports
and documents and so on and so forth. I
brought up the weddings because it keeps
our clerk's office very busy with the
weddings that he has performed. But
anybody's looking out to get married,
it's free. Doesn't cost anything. So
good
that was very very nice. Um also um
Commissioner Bartina Martina was there
and he spoke and as you all know that
the county Camden County pulled out of
the jail and he spoke about uh the uh
the county is coming up with a plan to
build a jail over here in extend the
jail over here in Hamilton Township.
And um so there's going to be a lot of
information that's going to come out in
in the in the near future. It's going to
cost money and for them to do for for
them to do that. So it was a very
informational um uh meeting and you got
to ask questions and I was able to ask
questions. You also talked about that
the fire departments
um were talking about the centralized um
dispatch
and we went back and forth with that.
Not confrontational, but I was not aware
that our fire department was in favor of
the centralized um
dispatch centers.
Um he stated that a lot of the
firefighters wanted it just from the
firefighter
portion of it, not the other portion,
you know. So, we was talking about it
response times and things like that. And
I'm sure we all know that our dues are
paid to belong to this. The next meeting
is going to be held on April the 10th.
It's going to be at Martins and and
Lansville.
And if you want to go, you can go. They
said, "Well, did you invite everybody?"
I said, "I'm going to reannounce it."
and they it it comes in their email, but
the township our our dues are paid for
the whole year to attend these meetings.
And it's good because it deals with the
the western end of the county, you know,
um Brut, Brut Vista, everybody out that
way. And it's kind of good to know
exactly what's going on in other uh
municipalities because sometimes we're
going through the same things and some
things are not different. But I was
still able to report um properly on
Hamilton Township. So I was really proud
about that. The Atlantic County League
of Municipalities meeting that is going
to be held on the 20th of this month
which is Friday coming and it's going to
be at Refish.
All right. So that's going to be um the
meeting starts at 6:30.
And if anyone wants to go to that,
you're more than welcome to also to
attend those. you have to go through um
Shantel and she will make sure that
you're registered or for the particular
meetings so you're able to attend those
and talk about things that are happening
inside
of the Lanny County League of
Municipalities from from everyone. So
basically that is my report.
>> Thank you
>> committee man.
>> Good. You want to shorten my
>> Can you start the five minutes?
No, I'm good. So, first I wanted to
thank Brett. Um Brett and I met and I
was able to take a tour of town hall,
meet and greet everybody, went over to
the police station. Um officer is
officer Rizzo.
>> Officer Rizzo.
>> Yeah, he did a great job showing me the
ins and outs, the dispatch room and all
that. It was pretty uh pretty wild what
they go through in there that all those
cameras and videos and all. I was I was
lost. So, it was it was wild, but he did
a great job. It was nice to finally get
to meet everybody, you know, who works
behind the scenes here in town hall
public works. I'm going to set that up
with him one of these days. I'd like to
get over there and meet and greet and
say hi to everybody over there. Um, it's
coming. We just got to get the dates.
Um, the mayor and I attended a
fundraiser for one of the community
members who lost their house in uh,
Harding Lake section to due to fire. Um,
it was nice to see a big turnout there.
had a basket auction, a 5050. Um, and it
was real nice, like I said, to see those
people in there helping helping this um
young lady out. Uh, it was funny because
the mayor actually won the 50/50,
donated it back, and he was the champ at
the end.
>> He was the greatest. Yeah. No, it was
nice. It was very nice. That was held at
the watering hole, and we had spoken to
the young lady, you know, if she needed
some help along the way, we'd be able to
help her, you know, possibly in the
rebuild. So, it was it was a nice day.
Um, I'd like to give a shout out to our
EMS, our rescue squad, uh, people, uh,
Fatima and Jonathan. Um, there was an
email that came in from a resident, um,
thanking them, uh, for their kindness. I
think he took a fall or something like
that and they stuck by their his his
side, took him where he needed to be,
made sure I guess his wife was okay. And
I just wanted to give a shout out to
them. That was uh that was very nice of
them and it makes our you know they were
warm and fuzzy and it makes our township
look good with the people that um we
hire to do that stuff. So I just wanted
to put that out publicly. Um second or
third I did attend the POW extravaganza
the the Easter egg hunt at Hess that was
great Easter Bunny. We had the Smokey
the Bear. Kids had a great time. It was
it was a nice event. A lot of kids fun
time.
um also attended the Gail Luter's PTA
basket auction. This was my first time
there and I was like blown away with how
many and how long this took. There was
like 330
baskets and it took a long time but it
was fun. It it was a great event and I'm
sure it raised a lot of money. I was
very impressed with one of the winners
who walked out of there had to be the
luckiest lady on the planet earth cuz
she won everything. and she got the
golden ticket, the 50/50 that
>> won nine baskets. She won the
>> It was absolutely crazy. Yeah.
>> And yeah, she did a Yeah, she did. She
cleaned up.
>> So, that was a great event.
>> I was a little jealous.
>> I was too when I walked down there. I
actually asked her how many uh tickets
she had bought. I was like, "For next
year."
>> Yeah.
>> But I also wanted to congratulate uh Bob
Frink and James House uh for their
appointments to the Hamilton Township
Municipal Authority. I assisted in
swearing them in. I was actually there
to hold the Bible for them. So, I was
pretty cool. So, I just want to say
congrats to them. Um, and also I did
attend the merchants association meeting
with Thelma. Uh, mayor, you were there.
It was a great great event. It's it's
nice to see how the businesses are, you
know, coming together trying to work
together with each other, you know, to
grow them. It was it was a great event.
You know, all the information bounced
around. It it was awesome and I can't
wait to attend the next one because
hopefully, like I said, you know, things
grow with them. It was it was it was
great. Um, I also attended a expressions
in black fundraiser sponsored by the
AWish and committeeman committee woman
Tracy Thompson uh who recognized uh
three of our local people uh Robert
Laws, Corey Bard, and Deborah Hani. Uh
it was a great event um to honor those,
you know, people in our uh town. So I
had a great time there. Great food,
great conversation. So it was awesome.
Um and that's my report.
>> Very good.
>> Deputy Mayor Cheek.
>> Yes.
Last Thursday we had there was the
Atlanta County Police Graduation. I
attended that and saw our two newest
officers, Michael Bole and Dalon Horsey,
get badged and whatnot. And that was
very nice. Saturday, I was at the PAL
Easter egg hunt with everyone else
that's here.
As they all say, that was a very nice
event. Next year, we should mix up the
three year olds and the eight-year-olds
and see what happens.
Today, I went to the landfill and I must
say, Mr. Day, that is looking great. I I
was drove around the landfill with all
the dirt in the retention pond starting.
The inlets are right there ready to be
installed in the uh storm piping right
there. It was very nice to see. And to
close it out, I have to say I'm about
the proudest grandfather possible right
now. When I was in high school, I was an
all-state athlete raising my two
daughters. You preach that that they
have to beat me, which they did. They
were both two-time state champions. One
played for the United States. And this
weekend, my granddaughter competed
against 22 other teams in the 4x4 relay
for the national championship, which is
pretty impressive. And then the same
granddaughter this spring will be
competing for the world championship in
competitive cheerleading.
>> Wow.
>> And I still have three more
grandchildren. So that's all I have.
>> Very good.
>> Nice.
>> Yeah. Committeewoman Thompson.
>> Okay. So, um, on March 6, I sponsored
the Expressions in Black Gala as a
fundraiser for a Wish nonprofit
organization where we honored Hamilton
Township residents, uh, Deborah Hammani
and Corey Bour for the community uh,
leadership awards and uh, Robert Laws
for the Trailblazer Award. Um, I want to
thank my colleagues, Committee Dr. Thma
Witherspoon and committee man Eric Akens
for attending and supporting because
they didn't just come and talk they also
supported you know with their wild. So I
thank you so much. Um I also attended
our PAL sponsored Easter egg hunt here
at H school. I want to thank the chief
for extending it out to the head school
so more of our residents were able to
attend. Um this was a beautiful event
and um our police officers, they did an
excellent job. Um everything was
beautiful. They were so hands-on with
the children and um I just I just had
such a beautiful time. I loved it. Uh
later on that evening, I also attended
the Hamilton Township 4th annual Gail
Luter PTA basket auction. And uh through
my participation, I won lunch with the
principal at Shainer School. So, I'm
looking forward to spending my uh lunch
break with the students, the teachers,
and staff there. Um, I also wanted to
comment because I didn't get a chance to
comment on the share custody resolution.
I just really wanted to comment on that
because I really was um heartfelt um
about that. I really um stand firmly on
chair custody um as I am a divorce
myself and went through my own issues
and I really want and I and also as a
licensed foster mother so I understand.
So I really wanted to just comment on
that. I think that was um very good of
you um Mayor Patel to put that on the
agenda. Very supportive of that
resolution. And uh that's it. Thank you
so much.
>> Thank you.
Um, yeah. Shout out to Michael Bole and
Dylan Horsey. Uh, looking forward to
them getting I I I guess they're already
at work, correct?
Yeah, they didn't didn't do anything
wrong yet. We doing good.
>> I would hope not.
>> And that horsey guy. You got to watch
that horsey kid. I'll tell you what. Um,
and let's see here. I was at the the
basket auction as well. Uh, I think I've
been there every year and uh every year
they raise more money. I did not get a
total for this year, but uh I do know
that the 50/50 that was the most that
they've raised on their 50/50. So, I'm
sure um
they've beat the last few years without
a without a doubt. I want to give a
shout out to uh a local a local student.
He goes to Cedar Creek. Uh his name is
Sllayton De Mo. He is the first Cedar
Creek wrestler to make it to the States.
uh first male wrestler to make it to the
states.
>> Um that's a really big deal. Yeah.
>> When you consider that he came in third
at the districts and then he came in
third in regions. So he really had to
battle
>> to get to where he got. Uh he's a junior
so hopefully next year he goes a little
bit further. He he lost both of his
matches. Uh I know the first match he
was he was up against the number two
seed and he got pinned in 29 seconds.
So, he's up against those guys are
they're incredible wrestlers. New Jersey
puts out some great wrestlers. So, I
just want to give a shout out to
Sllayton did a great job. Um, and to one
of his cousins, uh, Broen, better known
as Bubba Santana.
He is a bull rider. Him and his brother
are both bull riders here in from Maze
Landing, believe it or not. Um they uh
last two weeks ago uh they were down in
Fort Worth, Texas. And Bubba won the
Hoie Jr. Patriot Rodeo.
So good for him. Uh his brother uh
Keegan, he was not able to cover his
bull. Uh but his little brother Bubba
did. So shout out to them. Um the last
two years they've been out to Las Vegas
for the Nationals. Um, and they lit out
they live out there in Mispa and they do
a great job. They're uh and they're
really involved with the with the
municipality with our whole our whole
township. They're great kids. Um, let's
see what else did I have. I think really
that's pretty much it. Um, I do want to
say once again, I I uh I appreciate your
support for the 50/50 um custody and um
as uh Chris Christina was speaking, I'm
watching my daughter back there um kind
of tearing up a little bit and I almost
wanted to get up and go give her a hug.
Um, so it it means a lot to me and my
family. Uh, and I really appreciate it
and I hope that someday
things like that I I I I don't wish that
on anybody. Um,
uh, what Gary has gone Gary Santelli is
going through is is 10 times worse than
than than me and my children. And uh,
it's just a shame and I just like to see
you start out at 5050 and you're not
fighting over who gets time with their
with their kids. just starts out at 5050
and I think that's the that's the
fairest way and that's the way it should
be providing that both parents are good
parents.
>> Uh we do know that some parents are not
the best parents in the world. So um oh
one other thing I just like one more
time I'd like to say uh um
I don't know if it's congratulations or
whatever you want to say to Amy Gatau
and Dr. Jennifer Holmstrom uh for being
recognized National Women's History
Month. Uh it's nice to recognize um
women for that hometown women and uh and
they both gave a lot and I'll kind of
lean a little bit towards Amy because I
know more about Amy. Um you know, she
sat up here for quite a few years and
then moved up the ladder, went to the
county level and uh she's very
impressive what she what she did in her
her short life so far. So, I'm sure
she's going to be she she'll jump back
into the political arena again, I'm
sure, uh at some point. So, um with
that,
>> just one other thing, the grocery
outlet.
>> Oh, yes. Yeah.
>> I just wanted to mention on how well
they have served our community and it
was a corporate decision to close 35
stores and they were happen to be one of
them and um but they gave a lot from the
short time that I've seen. um to back to
the community and um gave to St. Vincent
Paul and just different organizations
and I'm I'm sorry to see that they are
leaving um no no fault of their own um
but that's another business another
ratable
>> you know so we're trying to get ratables
because
>> the budget is coming up
very soon at the next meeting right and
u me and um committee man cheeks
have already met with that, you know.
So, we're looking forward. We're trying
to do all we can. I'm sure all of you
all have got an opportunity to see the
budget as well. But it's it's tough.
It's tough. It's tough. Especially when
you're use losing ratables. So, I'm not
going to give a budget speech tonight.
We're going to save that for the next
meeting. But, I just wanted to say
something about the Grocery Outlet and
the jobs that they had done in our
community. And I'm sure I wish them well
for whatever they're going to do in the
near future.
>> Yeah, it's good. That's uh it was it was
such a it was it was a shock because I
was also at the at the merchants
association meeting and Chuck uh the
owner of uh Grocery Outlet was there and
he was talking up what he was doing,
what he had going on, everything. the
next day, literally the next day, you
we're reading in the paper that Grocery
Outlet's closing and we're, you know,
>> blown away. Just completely blown away.
Um Chuck and his team did such a great
job. He was so involved with the
merchants association, other businesses.
He allowed one of the other businesses
to come and do a display at his store,
>> another local business. Um, and it's he
uh it's it's
I sure hope he figures something else
out. I don't I don't he sell whatever he
wants here in this town because he we're
losing him and I don't even think it was
two years. It was I think it was about
18 months it was and uh it's just it's
sad. And I know I know um our economic
development director, Robert, was in
touch with him trying to trying to
figure things out, see if there's
anything that we could do to help out.
And uh it's pretty it's preliminary now.
I don't know if it's gone really gone
anywhere, but I know uh Robert will do
anything he can to try to help him out
and guide him in a direction to get him
back on his feet. Uh but it's just sad
to see another business closed. Like Dr.
Witherspoon said it's just it's it's
devastating especially somebody who gave
so much to the town. Um but back again
on a on a sad note. I can't get away
from that.
>> All right. On a good note, spring is
coming. All right, everybody. Spring is
coming. So, let's think about that and
uh we're going to go ahead and open it
up for public comment.
Don't everybody rush up at once, please.
Come on.
>> Motion to close.
>> Got a motion to close.
>> Second.
All those in favor? I
>> against eyes have it.
>> So we are now going to
>> adjourn into executive session. Do I
hear a motion?
>> Motion.
>> I have a motion, a second. All those in
favor?
>> I
hear a motion to come out of executive
session.
>> I make a motion to come out of executive
session.
>> I have a motion to second. All those in
favor?
>> Eyes have it.
>> There's no one from the public.
>> Nobody from the public. Excellent. And I
have a motion to adjurnn.
>> Motion to adjurnn. Second.
>> I have a motion and a second. All those
in favor?
Eyes have it. Thank you.