NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DECEMBER 5, 2024, 7:00 P.M.

VIA CONFERENCE CALL: Dial In: 1-888-482-9769; Access Code 4493305#

OR

IN PERSON

CALL TO ORDER Mayor DeBaecke called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

FLAG SALUTE: Led by Mayor DeBaecke followed by a moment of silence

INVOCATION: Mr. Wayne Voorhees asked for everyone to look upon those that are less fortunate during the holiday season. He offered prayers for those that are ill. He asked for blessings for North Hanover, State of New Jersey and our Country.

ROLL CALL: Mayor DeBaecke

Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Committeeman Forsyth

Committeeman Kocubinski

Absent: Committeeman Doyle

Also Present: Township Clerk Mary Picariello and Township Attorney Roselli

SUNSHINE STATEMENT: “The provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act have been met. Notice of this meeting has been transmitted by email to the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Trenton Times as well as given to those having requested same and posted on the Township bulletin board located in the foyer of the municipal building”.

PUBLIC COMMENT AS IT RELATES TO AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor DeBaecke opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments this evening.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Kocubinski

REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

There was no correspondence this evening.

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Engineer Hirsh noted everything was being worked on with regard to the NJDEP stormwater compliance. He stated the new gazebo was set to be installed tomorrow. He reported that the construction of the FY24 Local Recreation Improvement Grant project would begin in the Spring. He noted the replacement of the Municipal Building doors project was awaiting the bonds and insurance documents. He stated the FY23 NJDOT project had a few punch list items left, but otherwise was complete. He noted the FY24 NJDOT project will be processed for final payment. He stated the Township was awarded $190,000 for the FY25 NJDOT grant application. He noted he would submit a proposal for the engineering.

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

• November 7, 2024 – Regular Meeting

• November 7, 2024 – Executive Session

BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

CONSENT AGENDA DEFINED:

All Resolutions listed on today’s consent agenda are to be considered as one vote by Township Committee and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no discussion of these items. If discussion is desired, that item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately.

2024-177 Resolution of the Township of North Hanover Adopting the 2024 County Hazard Mitigation Plan

RESOLUTION 2024-177

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER ADOPTING THE 2024 COUNTY HAZARD MITIGAION PLAN

WHEREAS, the North Hanover Township Committee recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and property within North Hanover Township; and

WHEREAS, North Hanover Township has prepared a multi-hazard mitigation plan, hereby known as the 2024 Burlington County Hazard Mitigation Plan in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Burlington County Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies mitigation goals and actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property in North Hanover Township from the impacts of future hazards and disasters; and

WHEREAS, adoption by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover demonstrates their commitment to hazard mitigation and achieving the goals outlined in the 2024 Burlington County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY North Hanover Township, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, that

:

Section 1. the North Hanover Township Committee hereby adopts the 2024 Burlington County Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan, approved by the community, may be edited or amended after submission for review, but will not require the community to re-adopt any further iterations. This

only applies to this specific plan and does not absolve the community from updating the plan in 5 years.

NON-CONSENT AGENDA

2024-178 Resolution Approving Participation with the State of New Jersey Safe and Secure Communities Program Administered by the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General

RESOLUTION 2024-178

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION APPROVING PARTICIPATION WITH THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY SAFE AND SECURE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY, OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

WHEREAS, the North Hanover Township Committee wishes to apply for funding for a project under the Safe and Secure Communities Grant Program 25-0326 for the period of May 18, 2025 through May 17, 2026; and

WHEREAS, the Committee of North Hanover Township has reviewed the accompanying application and has approved said request; and

WHEREAS. the project is a joint effort between the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General and North Hanover Township for the purpose described in the application.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Township Committee of North Hanover Township that

1. As a matter of public policy North Hanover Township wishes to participate to the fullest extent possible with the Department of Law and Public Safety.

2. The Grant is to be in the amount of $22,575.00, to which the Township of North Hanover shall make a match of $109,621.52 for a total project cost of $132,196.52

3. The New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Office of the Attorney General shall be responsible for the receipt and review of the applications for said funds.

4. The Township of North Hanover is hereby authorized to accept and does accept the sub award of the grant funds; and

5. The Township of North Hanover accepts the grant funds for the specific purpose described in the Grant Application

2024-179 Resolution Approving Mobile Home License Renewals

RESOLUTION 2024-179

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION APPROVING MOBILE HOME LICENSE RENEWALS

WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 4-040 of the Revised General Ordinance of the Township, the Township Committee has the authority to either issue a mobile home license or issue the license on conditions or deny the license; and

WHEREAS, the Mobile Home Inspector has checked the applications and ascertained that the requirements of Chapter 4-040 have been met;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, that in accordance with Chapter 4-040 and based upon the Mobile Home Inspector’s certification, the governing body authorizes the following Mobile Home Parks and Mobile Homes Outside Mobile Home Parks to be issued a Mobile Home License Renewal for the year 2025.

Parks: South’s Mobile Home (52), Spartan Village (221), Deep Well Terrace (46), Hanover Village (99), California Village (129), Wagon Wheel Estates (41), Townsend (9), Wiggins (3), Blueberry Estates (19)

Mobile Homes Outside Parks: Ronald Miller (1), Mr. & Mrs. Fred Vitale (1), Dr. Youg Sup Sim (2), Ronnie L. Miller (1), Ferdinand Bruzesse (1), Else Turner (1) , James Mochera (2)

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Mobile Home Inspector for his/her files.

Mayor DeBaecke noted he was pleased that community members were stepping up for the

Recreation Advisory Committee as participation is vital to the children’s programs. He noted he

had some concerns over two of the appointments and was hoping it was not politically

motivated. He noted Resolution 2024-180 was a recent candidate for election. He stated her

spouse did a lot of campaigning. He noted this spouse had verbally threatened his life and

wanted him to be terminated. He noted he would be voting no on this Resolution because he felt

it was not needed on the Advisory Committee.

2024-180 Resolution Appointing Recreation Advisory Committee Member

RESOLUTION 2024-180

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

APPOINTMENT RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. Title 40 and Title 40A provide for the Appointment of Certain Officers, Appointees, and Employees to be appointed in Township Positions to carry out the lawful duties and responsibilities of the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Recreation Advisory Committee has vacancies created by resignations of individuals or by term expirations; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the North Hanover Township Committee to fill the vacancies

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for their respective terms, as follows: RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Karen Dauphars, for an unexpired term ending December 31, 2025.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

2024-181 Resolution Appointing Recreation Advisory Committee Member

RESOLUTION 2024-181

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

APPOINTMENT RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. Title 40 and Title 40A provide for the Appointment of Certain Officers, Appointees, and Employees to be appointed in Township Positions to carry out the lawful duties and responsibilities of the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Recreation Advisory Committee has vacancies created by resignations of individuals or by term expirations; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the North Hanover Township Committee to fill the vacancies

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for their respective terms, as follows: RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Joseph Loftus, for an unexpired term ending December 31, 2025.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

2024-182 Resolution Appointing Recreation Advisory Committee Member

RESOLUTION 2024-182

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

APPOINTMENT RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. Title 40 and Title 40A provide for the Appointment of Certain Officers, Appointees, and Employees to be appointed in Township Positions to carry out the lawful duties and responsibilities of the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Recreation Advisory Committee has vacancies created by resignations of individuals or by term expirations; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the North Hanover Township Committee to fill the vacancies

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for their respective terms, as follows: RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Louis DeLorenzo, term expiring December 31, 2027.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

2024-183 Resolution Appointing Recreation Advisory Committee Member

RESOLUTION 2024-183

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

APPOINTMENT RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. Title 40 and Title 40A provide for the Appointment of Certain Officers, Appointees, and Employees to be appointed in Township Positions to carry out the lawful duties and responsibilities of the Township; and

WHEREAS, the Recreation Advisory Committee has vacancies created by resignations of individuals or by term expirations; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the North Hanover Township Committee to fill the vacancies

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for their respective terms, as follows: RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Ronald J. Smith, term expiring December 31, 2027.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.

DISCUSSION

There were no discussion items this evening.

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Committeeman Kocubinski stated the Tree Lighting would be held tomorrow night at 7pm. He noted several Recreation Advisory Committee members terms were expiring and they were not looking for re-appointment. He noted they deserve a special thank you for their service to the Community. He is requesting a letter of appreciation be sent to those that have served. He stated the contributions of these members is greatly appreciated. He noted they deserve recognition for their volunteerism. He noted North Hanover was fortunate to have new members. This would ensure that the various programs can continue for the children. He noted it was encouraging that there will be a full Committee next year. He also referenced an October 31^st letter, to the Township Committee, from the Chief of Police. He noted a police chief is about emergency services, leadership and the way a Township runs. He stated those items are critically important. The Chief and other officers make a commitment to the Community. We make sure we cooperate and financially support.

Mayor DeBaecke noted the tree lighting is a fun event. He stated he would be in attendance and a special guest would be attending. He noted Assemblyman Sauickie will be coming.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Questions, comments or statements from members of the public in attendance.

Mayor DeBaecke opened the meeting to the public. There were no public comments this evening.

MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth

EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2024-184 Authorizing a Closed Session Meeting to discuss the following matter(s) pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 and N.J.S.A. 10:4-12; Police Department Personnel Matters, Contract Matters, Personnel and Litigation matters

RESOLUTION 2024-184

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

AUTHORIZING A CLOSED SESSION MEETING

WHEREAS, the Open Public Meetings Act, P.L. 1975, Chapter 231 and P.L. 2001, C. 404, permits the exclusion of the public from a meeting in certain circumstances; and

WHEREAS, the Township Committee of North Hanover Township wishes to go into a closed Executive Session and is of the opinion that such circumstances presently exist which should not be discussed in public, and

WHEREAS. the Open Public Meetings Act pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 and N.J.S.A. 10:4-12 permits the Township Committee to discuss certain matter(s) in private, and in this case for the purpose of the Township Committee to discuss contract negotiations, litigation and personnel matters in this regard.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by Township Committee of North Hanover Township that it will go into an Executive Session for the purpose of the Township Committee to discuss Police Department Personnel Matter, Contract Matters, Litigation and Personnel matters.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of such discussion may be revealed at such time as the matter(s) are resolved and/or a contract(s) is signed and/or the negotiations are formally settled. Interested parties may contact the Township Clerk anytime during normal business hours for periodic updates as to the availability in this regard.

MOTION TO ADJOURN TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION 7:26 pm

Proposed By: Mayor DeBaecke

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth

Respectively submitted,

_______________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk