05-04-2026 - Township of Hamilton Committee Meeting

like to bring the Monday, May 4th, 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.
>> We have a moment of silence for private
reflection.
Thank you. Start off. We have a
proclamation for the Oakrest men's swim
team.
Anywoman Thompson.
Everybody come up.
>> Hi guys.
>> Just like come behind you.
All right. So, let y'all know that I am
also
Falcon alumni.
>> Okay.
>> Oh, thank you so much.
in case people want to take pictures.
Okay. Did I say I was a Oak? Let me just
say that again. Proud, proud, proud. Um
whereas the Oakrest boys swim team is
comprised of residents of the township
of Hamilton and surrounding communities
who compete in the South Jersey Group C
final. And whereas at on February 11th,
2026, the Oakrest boys swim team
defeated Cynica 92-78
in the finals of the 2026
NJSIA
South Group C tournament at Gloucester
County Institute of Technology, bringing
home the championship title. They
previously made it to the finals the
past three years, but were unable to
bring it home until this year. Now,
therefore, we, the Township Committee of
the Township of Hamilton, County of
Atlantic, state of New Jersey, on this
day, May 4th, 2026, do hereby recognize
the Oakrest boys swim team players. I'm
going to say you all your names. Forgive
me or just whisper real quick if I say
your name wrong. Tell me right now on
the spot. Abdalah Hussein,
Andrew Nelson,
Chase Anetta,
Connor Bald,
Phillip Pavoski,
Ga Gavin, Gavin Cesar,
Joseph Papa,
Carl McNeel,
Luca
Yaserino,
Nola
Papavoski,
Owen
>> Cesari,
>> Sarzinski.
>> Very good.
Perry Cop.
Wait, IS HE HERE? COME ON, HONEY. You're
missing the picture. Is this you, Perry
Cop?
>> This is that.
Okay. Ryan Sanford,
Sam Ruda, Sean
Ladra,
I said it right. Okay. Sean McDall,
Vincent Tasier,
McNeel,
Zack Gazi.
You got to say it, honey. You say it.
>> Gromin.
>> Yes. Gazen. Beautiful. Beautiful.
Beautiful you guys. Coaches Mitch
Freedom,
Tom.
Oh, coach, help me.
>> Rabel,
>> Rael, Julie Wright, and Colleen.
Colleen, no. Colleen, Kaen
Jucket. Yes. in honor of their
remarkable accomplishment. This
achievement is not only a credit to
their hard work and dedication, but it
is credit to the support they have
received from their families, friends,
coaches, and teammates. We congratulate
the Oakrest boys swim team for winning
the 2026 NJSIA
South Group C tournament and wish them
the best of luck for many YEARS TO COME.
THERE YOU GO, COACH.
>> UH, so as the proclamation said, first
of all, thank you very much to everyone
for uh noticing us and uh put in the
hard work that we put forth uh all
season. Um as it said, we had tried
three separate times, made it to the
finals and finally making it over that
hump. uh just meant a lot to us as a
team and to the coaching staff and and
to Oakrest and I guess the surrounding
community, which I didn't realize until
now. But uh uh thank you very much for
for everything.
You can you can stand and take a couple
more pictures.
All right. You handsome group of fellas
here.
>> Look at me. I'm taking the mic. Help
me, Ken.
>> I got you.
Good job, guys. Good job. Good job. Good
job.
>> Yeah.
>> Like, I guess when he tells you Couple
years ago, I did the Oakrest wrestling
team.
>> You're all welcome to stay. You know,
you can stay.
>> You don't have to stay.
Okay, moving along.
Addition, deletion of late agenda items
to be considered for action tonight.
>> Exactly.
Uh we have deletions 13A executive
session PBA contract negotiations
personnel.
>> I hear a motion.
>> So move second.
>> Have a motion to second. All those in
favor.
>> Against have it
early public comment.
>> No one signed up there.
>> No one signed up.
Uh, moving on. 3A, resolution
authorizing local examination of the
municipal budget.
>> So moved.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion in a second. Roll call
vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Withers,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Pati,
>> yes. All yes.
3B resolution authorizing the 2026
municipal budget to be read by title
only.
>> Motion
>> second.
>> Have a motion to second. Roll call vote,
please.
>> Yes. I'm sorry. Whereas NJSA4A
4-8 provides that the budget be read by
title only at the time of public hearing
if a resolution is passed by not less
than a majority of the full governing
body. Providing that at least one week
prior to the date of hearing, a complete
copy of the approved budget as
advertised has been posted in the
municipal building and copies have been
made available by the clerk to persons
requesting them. And whereas these two
conditions have been met, now therefore
be it resolved by the governing body of
the township of Hamilton that the 2026
budget shall be read by title only.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patali,
>> yes.
>> Yes.
>> 3C. Public hearing on the 2026
municipal budget.
>> Motion.
>> Second. I have a motion and a second.
>> All in favor to open up to the public.
>> I
>> against open to the public.
>> Motion to close.
>> Second. I have a motion in a second. All
those in favor? I
>> against eyes have it.
So this
resolution.
>> Yes, mayor.
You want any does anybody want any
background on this? We Okay. Everybody
understand what we're doing?
>> So,
do I already have a motion?
>> Second.
>> Motion a second. Roll call vote, please.
Please.
>> This resolution is to amend 2026 to
include an additional 200,000 of fund
balance as revenue to offset offset the
purchase and upfit of two police cars
and one administrative vehicle. By
paying cash for these vehicles, the
township won't pay interest on
depreciating assets
if they were otherwise bonded. The
township has been awarded these three
grants since the budget was introduced.
They are being added at this time as
well instead of doing chapter 159's
after adoption.
>> So I'm going to I'm going to take the
lead on the small resolution.
>> All right. So this is a a resolution to
amend the 2026 budget. Whereas the local
municipal budget for the year 2026 was
approved on the 16th day of March 2026.
And whereas the public hearing on said
budget has been held and as advertised
and whereas it is desired to amend set
approved budget. Now therefore be it
resolved by the township committee of
the township of Hamilton County of
Atlantic that the following amendments
to the approved to the approved budget
of 2026 be made.
The current fund anticipated revenues
surplus anticipated Total surplus
anticipated from $4,150,000
to $4,350,000.
Total surplus anticipated $4,150,000
to $4,350,000.
I'm just going to read this all the way
down. Miscellaneous revenues section F
special items with prior written consent
of the director of LGS public and
private revenues offset with
appropriations.
Uh basically we're adding the grants
adding uh local recreation improvement
grant of $66,200.
The NJ DOT grant for MSP per road for
$184,818.
Um, the sustained traffic enforcement
program grant adding $8,400.
Uh, total section F special items with
prior written consent of the director of
LGS. Public and private revenues offset
with appropriations
1,96,610.50.
Uh 22 2,256,000
28
$2,256,00028.50
private revenues offset with
appropriations. Total miscellaneous
revenues 7,485,493.50
50
to $7,944,000
911.50
Subtitle general revenues items 1 2 3
and 41 12 million
$35,000493.50
to $12,494,000
91150.
Six, amount to be raised by taxes for
support of municipal budget, local tax
for municipal purposes, including
reserve for uncollected taxes from 21
million 27,270.73
to 21,27,270.73.
Total general revenues
33,62,776423
to 33,522,823
anticipated appropriations
um general appropriations a operations
excluded from calfs public and private
programs offset by revenues
local recreation improvement grant
six uh $66,200
NJ do DOT MISP per road grant 184,818
sustained traffic enforcement program 8
$8,400
sustained I'm sorry total public and
private programs offset by revenues from
1,999,81382
to2 million2 $259,23182.
Total appropriations excluded from calfs
2,37,669.32
2,567,87.32
C capital improvements purchase of
vehicles
adding an additional 200,000 total
capital improvement total capital
improvements excluded from caps from
$100,000 to $300,000.
H2 total general appropriations for
municipal purposes excluded from
caps4,428,00093982
to 4,888,35782.
Oh, general total general appropriations
excluded from calfs 4 million same thing
4,428,00093982.
So four 4,888,35782
sub subtotal general appropriations
items H1 and O 31,582,2182
3241,63682
reserve fund collected taxes from
$1,480,545
$54141
to1,480,00054541.
Total general appropriations
$33,62,66423
to $33,522.
And I'm sorry, $33,522.
Let me try this one more time.
33,522,182203.
Sorry.
Be it further resolved that two
certified copies of this re resolution
be filled forth be filed forth with in
the office of the director of local
government services for his
certification to the local municipal
budget. So amended.
It is hereby certified that all
additions and map and this amendment are
correct.
I'm
>> not reading it again.
>> You think the swim team would catch on
to that?
>> Yes. Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken?
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Chief?
>> Yes.
>> Miss Thompson?
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon?
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Patali?
>> Yes.
>> Move on. Resolution adopting
2026 budget as amended.
>> So move.
>> 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 Pati,
>> yes.
>> All yes.
>> Discussions. We have none.
Public hearing. Adoption of ordinances.
Thanks for coming.
Public hearing ordinance 2032-2026,
an ordinance of the Township of Hamilton
County of Atlantic, state of New Jersey,
amending chapter 137 titled canvasers,
peddlers, and solicitors.
>> Motion second.
>> Uh this is a public hearing.
>> Anybody from the public wish to speak?
Motion to close.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion and a second. All those
in favor?
>> I against.
>> Uh any questions, comments?
>> I just wanted to thank Ken for uh
cleaning this up. There was a few
changes we had made. The one was 900
p.m. changed to sunset
and um added the plate number that I
asked for on the vehicle. I know some of
the some of the people, you know, if
they go to communities, they park their
car, but I brought this up because, you
know, living in rural, some come down
the driveway and it kind of gets you a
little, you know, you see the making the
model, but if you got the plate, you
know, you no, you know, no go around
that. So, I just want to say thank you.
appreciate for you cleaning up and I
know you added stuff with the uh police
um chief I think was
>> that's correct committee man we also
added uh also the ID as well so I've
been working with this old administrator
uh for having IDs
>> IDs that's the other thing yes
>> the background check and working with
the chief police
uh review applications as well we also
included regarding
repeated offenders who go against
the opportunity.
>> Perfect. Yeah, I don't I don't have
anything against canvasers and peddlers
doing their job, but you know, we just
got to keep the residents, you know,
safe and, you know, make sure these
people are doing what they're supposed
to be doing. So, thank you again.
Appreciate it.
>> Um, I also wanted to add, um, uh, Mr.
Solicitor, I think we were saying it
before that they can put up any kind of
signage to say that they don't want any
solicitors. So, I wanted to let our
constituents know that. So when I was
saying it before kind of jokingly, you
can write up something a piece of paper
sticking in your window or something
like that. That's still appropriate if
they don't want anyone, you know,
harassing them or, you know, knocking on
their door.
>> Many women, that's correct. That was
previously in the code, but that was
highlighted as well. Uh that any
resident here
concise sign on the property. Usually we
suggest putting those listing and no
trespassing signs up. are obviously
available var means but that should be
part of any issues or resolve any issues
we have
as part of the code if those violations
are happening obviously bring it
committee or through the township
administrators
process
>> thank you so much Mr. solicitor
>> and uh a list of the approved solicitors
are on the clerk's page of the of our
website um when they are approved and
when they expire. If anybody ever has a
question about that, you can go on our
website and you can find that
information. Um so we have a motion and
a second roll call vote, please.
>> Did we motion already?
>> Yes.
>> Okay,
>> Mr. Aken.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Cheek.
>> Yes. Miss Thompson.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon.
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Patawi.
>> Yes.
>> Oh, yes.
>> Okay. Introduction of ordinances.
6A. Introduction of ordinance and
ordinance amending chapter 60 officers
and employees.
Article bunch of numbers of the code of
township of Hamilton to create the
position of municipal enforcement
officer and establish the
qualifications, powers and duties.
Actually, that's 26. Article 26. Look at
that. I can figure it out. Big boy.
>> Um Brett, you want to give us a little
background?
>> Yeah. So this is basically amending our
code to update the municipal enforcement
officers job duties and basically take
all the job duties from this where the
zoning officers mentioned in the code
and consolidating it over to the
municipal enforcement officers position.
>> Correct. I work with administrator on
this. The reason of putting this into
the township code as well as with
creation of this new position that the
ordinance is going to come just after
this deletes out the position of zoning
officer. We didn't want to have to go
revamp the entire course where zoning
officer. So at this point moving forward
any reference zoning also will be
synonymous with policy.
Very good.
>> Do I hear a motion?
>> Motion.
>> I have a motion in a second.
Any other questions or comments?
>> Have a roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken.
>> Yes.
>> Mr. Cheek.
>> Yes.
>> Miss. Thompson.
>> Yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon.
>> Yes. Mayor Pati.
>> Yes.
>> Oh, yes.
>> 6B. Introduction of ordinance ordinance
amending exhibit A of article 11,
chapter 66 of the code of 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 municipal enforcement
officer, administrative enforcement
officer and cove deputy day manager.
>> Brett,
>> as discussed at the last meeting,
desires to add the position of municipal
enforcement officer, administrative
enforcement officer that will oversee
the entire operation and a deputy day
manager at those summer operations.
I hear a motion. Motion second. Have
>> a motion in a second. Any questions or
comments?
>> Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Pat,
>> yes.
>> All yes.
>> 6 C. Introduction of ordinance and
ordinance amending article one of
chapter 301 subsection 3 regarding
parking restrictions on certain streets
of the code of the township of Hamilton
to allow for a temporary suspension of
parking enforcement for certain events.
Brett,
>> this allows the township committee or
the township administrator, chief of
police to
for certain events to lift the the
parking restrictions on um on various
roads roads in the township. Um
there's a road that has no parking
restriction. Um gives the committee
authority to lift that restriction for
the special.
>> Very good.
>> So, you mean like Park Road?
>> Could be Park Road. It could be It could
be any road that um I'm not sure if
Parson's Road is no parking, but
Carson's Road was no parking. You could
allow parking on Parson's Road.
administrators.
>> I have a question. Why does it cost
13,800?
>> That was a That was a That's a typo.
>> A typo.
>> Okay.
>> Yeah.
>> Do I have a motion?
>> I have motion. Uh, one more question.
Would this be for public events or
private and or public?
>> Could be either.
>> Either
>> could be either. It's up to the It would
be up to the township committee to to
allow parking on
>> Okay. We have a problem on Old River
Road now.
>> Or so this is just for special events.
>> Special events. Okay.
>> Make a motion.
>> A motion.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion to second. Roll call
vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken. Yes,
>> Mr. Cheek.
>> Yes,
>> Miss Thompson.
>> Yes,
>> Dr. Witherspoon.
>> Yes.
>> Mayor Patel.
>> Yes.
>> Bid contract change orders award
a non-fair and open contract to M
excavating Manohawk in New Jersey in the
amount not to exceed $30,623.
Uh this is for
stormwater pipe replacement on
Clarkstown Road.
Second. I
>> have a motion to second. Any questions
or comments?
>> Is this in addition to what we did about
six months ago?
>> Yeah,
>> this is another pipe crossing down
further on River Road. Apparently, the
end of the pipe is broken and it's
washing up the hill. There's a fairly
steep incline where it outfalls and you
have to go in and escape the hill and
add stone and new pipe.
>> Okay.
>> Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Patali,
>> yes. Oh yes.
>> 7B resolution to award secondyear
extension RFP 2024-02
to Extra Duty Solutions Shelton,
Connecticut for Police Offduty Detail
Management System in the amount of 8%
administrative fee charged to customers.
>> Motion
>> second.
>> Motion to second. Any questions or
comments?
Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patali,
>> yes.
>> 7C, approve intergovernmental services
agreement between Township of Hamilton
Police Department, Atlantic County
Prosecutor's Office and County of
Atlantic.
>> So moved.
>> Second.
>> Hey, any questions, comments?
>> Motion.
>> Questions, comments? question.
>> Um, I just wanted to know how does the
agreement work with the
intergovernmental services agreement
between the township of Hamilton
Township Police Department, the Atlanta
County Prosecutor Office and the county.
So basically this allows our police
department to share resources with the
prosecutor's office uh and reciprocate
those resources for you know things that
township needs from the prosecutor's
office in addition to what they've
already provided us in the past. Um it
also allows prosecutor's office to
reimburse over time that's expended on
the township
to cover those costs.
This is for special operations.
>> Yes.
>> Right. Because when I was in at ACPD, we
had a
officer that came from our department to
the prosecutor's office. So something
similar.
>> Yes.
>> To that.
>> Absolutely.
>> And you said they'll reimburse, I guess,
for the overtime.
>> Yeah. So, if this uh again, if the
officer that we're sending over to
assist uh does incur overtime, then the
prosecutor's office will pay that over
time.
>> Okay. Thank you so much.
>> Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon, yes.
>> Mayor Patel,
>> yes.
>> Sent agenda. I'm going to go ahead and
pull B right now.
because this does have to have a roll
call vote. So, resolution providing for
the combination of certain issues and
determining the form and other details
of offering $1,995,000
general general obligation bonds.
>> So, you'll pull on this?
>> Yes.
>> Okay,
>> we'll do that. We'll do this one right
now. Oh, just
>> go ahead and do it now.
>> Okay. Pull in 8B. Is that
>> Yes, that's 8.
>> Okay.
>> So, Brett, can we get a little
background here, please?
>> Sure. This is uh basically this is six
bonds that we're going to
combine and we're seeking authorization
to sell
uh at a future bond sale. Um,
it's pretty much it. It's
consolidating our debt more or less what
we're doing.
Do
>> I have a motion?
>> I have a question. Oh, I'm sorry.
>> Second.
>> Yeah.
>> How many?
>> Second.
>> Motion a second. Question, comments.
>> This is just consolidating. This isn't
adding to it. Correct.
>> Correct. This is bonds.
>> Just consolidating.
>> So, we have we have ordinances that
support all the bonds we have here.
consolidating.
So,
>> thank you.
>> And you said it was six.
>> Yes, there's six here.
>> Okay.
>> Any other questions or comments?
>> Roll call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Withers,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patel,
>> yes.
>> All yes.
>> So, now we go back to consent agenda.
And a motion for
8 and 8 C
one two.
>> You mean AC 8 AC one two. Okay.
>> Yes.
>> I'll second it.
>> Are you going to do D?
>> Just doing C.
>> C and D.
>> Okay.
>> I have a motion and a second for C and
D. All those in favor? I
>> against that.
>> Moving on to personnel resolution to
appoint Cove staff for the 2026 season.
Can we go ahead and do all of them at
once?
>> Do them all as listed. Resolution.
>> Okay. Do I hear a resolution
to appoint co- staff for the 2026 season
June 20th through September 7th, 2026 as
listed?
>> So moved. Second.
>> I have a motion in a second. Roll call
vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patel,
>> yes.
>> All yes.
>> Very good.
Moving on to approvals, minutes, regular
meeting minutes of April 20th, 2026.
>> So move.
>> Second.
>> Have a motion and a second. All those in
favor? I
>> I against minutes. Executive session
meeting minutes of April 20th, 2026.
>> So move.
>> Second. I have a motion to second. Roll
call vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Withers,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patali,
>> yes. All yes.
>> Bills. Billless total 3,954,42829.
>> Motion.
>> Second.
>> I have a motion in a second. Roll call
vote, please.
>> Mr. Aken,
>> yes.
>> Mr. Cheek,
>> yes.
>> Miss Thompson,
>> yes.
>> Dr. Witherspoon,
>> yes.
>> Mayor Patel,
>> yes.
>> Reports, Mr. Administrator. So, I just
wanted to thank Carol Wright for
getting all these
uh people ready to go for the summer.
Her last day is uh May 31st
and uh you know, looking to get a deputy
day manager down at the food for
additional supervision. Um, we had quite
a few returning life guards and bad guys
checkers from last year, but it looks
like we have a pretty good team from
this summer. So, Carol put all together
before she us
>> So, we're working with the with our
vendor right now. um to try to figure
out
regarding the ADA requirements that we
put and we're going to get the
equipment. The question now is the soft
surface we can do without the soft
surface on the beach there. Just put
down mulch
public works is working
back together and get it.
>> Anything else? Mr. Solicitor,
>> Mr. engineer. Nothing to report. All
right, township committee members.
>> Um,
deputy mayor, let's start with you.
>> I'm going to stick with our
professionals and nothing to report.
>> That's a good one.
>> All right. Um, Committee Woman Thompson.
>> Okay, I need to report.
Um,
so far this has been a wonderfilled
month. I attended the 10th anniversary
of the Recovery Center of America
Lighthouse on May 1st, which is located
right here in Ma Landon. This place is
very dedicated to supporting people in
recovery. My time there was a powerful
reminder that recovery is real. Second
chances matter and um hope can change
everything. I want to thank um their new
CEO, Becky Bailey, who's right here. She
came to attend our township meeting and
to, you know, listen to us and and um
see what she can, you know, bring in and
be informed about, which I appreciate
you being here. I appreciate everything
you do over there at the uh RCA. And um
I appreciate they uh they g they took me
on a tour and um everything was very
nice and clean. Everybody was
professional. It was great hospitality
and um I I really appreciate what you
what you guys are doing for the
community. Um it was a great pleasure to
meet with uh Father March at the St.
Vincent Depal Parish here in Maize
Landon. Myself and uh Dr. Dr. Thma
Witherspoon were there to help discuss
with them about supporting the Reeves
across America for our veterans.
Um, next I was so excited to attend the
Hamilton elite basketball banquet
committee woman Dr. Thema Witherspoon
and I celebrated with our Hamilton youth
on their great basketball year as they
received trophies and honors for their
accomplishments.
Uh I would like to congratulate the
Oakrest High School academic team who
recently completed uh competed in the
nest annual brain brawl. You represented
Oakrest and the township very well by
clinching second place and bringing home
the silver.
In addition, a shout out to our police
officers, Jesus Cardona Jr. on his
swearing in as a full-time police
officer and officer William Mang
Mangano. Am I saying that right? Chief
Mangano
on his swearing in as a SLO
class 2 police officer. Um
I along with the mayor and committee
woman Dr. as I was who had uh on May 3rd
had the great honor to attend the
celebration of St. John
Zion Church for their centennial
celebration of a 100red years from 1926
to 2026 present. They're located at 689
to 6892 Su Avenue and Mispa, New Jersey.
And the reverend there is uh Reverend
Jacqueline Hills. So that's my report.
>> Very good. Dr.
>> Yes. Um,
of course, as committee Thompson said, I
Committee woman Thompson said, I was at
Hamilton Elite. I was at Reese across
America. The Reese across America date
will be December the 19th, uh, 2026. Uh,
there's been some discussion. and they
com uh created a committee because they
wanted to do some work over at Lincoln
Cemetery.
Um one first sergeant u Gina can't think
of her last name right now but she is
interested in cleaning some of the
grave the um
>> headstones. Thank you. The headstones
and you can't just use any type of
solution to clean the headstones. has to
be certain solutions. So, she's been in
touch with the um people that own the
cemetery. It's changed numerous times
and so that was a part of that trying to
raise funds for that along with funds
for the reefs across America which has
been very successful. This will be the
fourth year um that is going to be done
here in Hamilton Township. So, I'm very
happy to be a part of that. And yes, I
was at St. John's on yesterday was a
very nice event. I want to report that
the Atlantic County League of
Municipalities
will not be having any more meetings
until August the 14th and the next one
will be a breakfast. It will be held at
Smithville in at 10:00. Anyone that's
interested in going to that. Also, the
Atlantic County Township Officials
meeting will be Friday night. I plan to
attend. It's going to be at Villa
Bazalaris.
>> Oh, I did it right.
>> Uh that's going to be this Friday at um
6:00. Uh that is a very good
organization um to um be to participate
with on the western end on things that
are happening on that end. And so I do
enjoy being a part of that. I want to
say um I know that there's going to be
the um sustainable green October fest
coming up and I really have never missed
um going to this. I really enjoyed is a
very organized event. Uh but however, I
will not be able to attend that event.
Uh I don't know if any of you knew uh
Miss Rita Mack, she and her husband
owned a McDonald's in Atlantic City. uh
they retired last year. She passed
suddenly and her funeral is on the 9th.
So I have to attend that funeral and I
will not be able to attend that um
event. But I know that it's going to be
a fantastic event because it always is
uh the and I'm going to let the mayor
talk about the cleaning part and all
that that they're going to be doing. But
I just wanted to say why I wouldn't be
at that event. So, we I'm just asking
every although she was not a Hamilton
Township
resident,
um they done a whole lot for the entire
region. They gave back millions of
dollars to various um organizations and
sponsored kids in college, hired
children. They just done so much in our
community. So, I just ask you to keep
the Mac family in your prayers.
Okay, I'm gonna piggy back on that. I
too apologize will not be able to attend
the Oakfest. I'll be at my niece's
graduation in Florida. So, I apologize.
And I did not take Spirit. I did book
with Spirit. Well, wait. I did book with
Spirit and they changed me twice and I
was like, I'm done. Let me try Allegent.
So, fingers crossed. I do my thoughts
speaking to that are with Spirit
employees and everybody involved with
that. It's really it's hard. It's really
a shame what happened, you know, and I
and I hope I hope that it really doesn't
affect us that much here in this, you
know, area with the, you know, airport
there. It's just I really I really feel,
you know, it's a shame, but my thoughts
are with them, the employees and
everybody involved with that. Um,
so I attended the second first Friday,
um, May 1st on downtown Street, Maze
Landing. Um, it was great. Uh, packed
again, different vendors, sidewalk
vendors, a lot of movement and stuff. It
seems like that, you know, that main
street is is flourishing now. It seems
like the businesses all get together and
they're, you know, there. It's just it's
really nice to see them all come
together and bring that first Friday,
you know, there and have vendors. It's
it's absolutely awesome. Um again, the
issues I have are with um
the traffic moving through there. You
need to have it they say calming calming
the traffic. I know we had talked about
uh maybe some striping, talking about a
crosswalk because when you're there and
the cars drive by, I know we have that,
you know, sign, that digital sign, but
still the people, they just move through
that. So, it's very, you have to be very
careful when you're walking around
there, you know, and then you get the
cars parked on one spot and they try to,
you know, go through the cars. It's I
know what they're, you know, they're
looking to do, but it's it could be
tricky. So, just you got to be careful,
but it's great. Um, second thing, I took
a walk around my old SA ground
underhill. Um, I used to play uh
football and baseball there and uh the
facilities look great. Public works,
awesome job. Uh, the fields, the grass,
the playground, it's all great. Uh, you
know, it's been a while since I've been
back there, so I decided to take a peek
back there. Um,
the one thing I did have to ask is the
softball field. I guess I can the
softball field all the way in the back.
Remember the air strip that is called
that airirst strip. Is that Do you allow
Are we allowed parking back there? Is
that our area to park overflow?
Okay. I wasn't sure. I drove by there
and see the opening. It's been a long
time since I've been down the airirst
strip, but I was like, "Okay, I guess
they park here." So, that's good. Um,
another note, I just want to thank the A
Wish uh foundation for setting up the
fundraiser for uh Nyrie's fund, a senior
from Oakrest. His family's going through
a rough time. Uh, I stopped over there,
made a donation, and talked to the
family and Nyrie and, uh,
it was it was a very nice venue for the
family to help them out. Um, and I do
want to give props to Aila, uh, for
everything she does with her nonprofit,
for our community. She does a lot with
uh, what she's got and, you know, it's
for our our township residents and and
it's great to, you know, see her doing
stuff like that. I think her, you know,
her her wish is really growing. Um, and
the only last thing I had, all you Star
Wars fans out there, May the fourth be
with you as always. So, and I'll close
with that.
Very good.
Um,
like, uh, Dr. Witherspoon and
communitywoman Thompson said, uh, we
attended St. Sean Amy Zion Church their
uh 100y year anniversary. Had the
pleasure of reading the proclamation and
uh it was great walking in there and
just seeing everybody that I knew. Um it
really is a big town but it's a small
town. Um and uh 100 years there and I
and I must say uh that was probably the
the best church choir I think I've ever
heard. He was visiting that
>> they were vis I was I was upset to hear
that they weren't there all the time
because I probably would have went a lot
more. You almost got me into church a
lot more. Um but they were visiting but
they were it was it was absolutely
amazing. They they really could sing and
I actually there's this woman down to
the left of me and I could hear her
sing.
>> Did you hear me?
>> Yes, I heard you.
>> We all heard you.
>> Um but that was that was very nice and
uh it was very well attended. A lot of
people there. It was really great. And
uh Oakfest is Saturday, May 9th, 10 a.m.
at Oakrest. The road cleanup is at 8:00
a.m. Meet at the intersection of
Atlantic and Babcock. Uh probably be
there for take a walk
down Babcock probably for about an hour,
hour and a half, get everything all
cleaned up there and then go to go to
Oakfest and have a good time. So please
come out. A lot of vendors, food trucks,
um a lot of neat things. Um shredding
township in uh residents only. Please uh
come shred up whatever you need
shredded. And uh we hope to see you
there. Um and really that's it for me.
>> Mayor, let me ask you a question about
the shredding. Um, like when you bring
papers to shred, you just they shred
them and then they keep all like they
take the trash for you.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. Yes.
>> You don't have to bring an extra bag to
hold your own stuff. Okay.
>> Thank you.
>> Nope. They'll take it. They'll shred it
up
>> and uh
>> dispose it.
>> And dispose of it properly.
>> Properly. Yes.
>> How's that?
>> That's good.
>> So, I hope to see everybody there on
Saturday. And
Reagan, I'll see you later. Probably got
to watch the Flyers game. And Maddie, I
miss you and I love you and I hope to
see you soon and open it up to the
public.
>> Motion to close public because the
flyers are getting ready.
>> I have a motion.
>> Second.
>> Have a second. All those in favor?
>> I against.
>> So I hear a motion to close.
>> So move.
>> Second.
>> A motion to second. All those in favor?
I against.