NORTH HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DECEMBER 19, 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 gave thanks for Committeeman O’Donnell and Committeeman Kocubinski’ s service to North Hanover as elected officials. He thanked them for their commitment. He asked for prayers for the new Committee and a peaceful transition. He asked for protections for our Town, State and Country.


ROLL CALL: Mayor DeBaecke

Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Committeeman Doyle

Committeeman Forsyth

Committeeman Kocubinski


Absent: None


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”.


VACANT LAND ANAYLSIS REPORT – MR. BENEDETTI, PP, AICP

Mr. Benedetti noted the vacant land analysis was completed. He noted 23 units were generated and the allocation given by the DCA was 28. Attorney Roselli noted it would not be cost effective to argue for 5 units. There was a general consensus to accept the DCA’s numbers. This would have to be accepted by January 31st. Mr. Benedetti noted extra credits could be earned on a municipal sponsored project. Attorney Roselli inquired if the credits would be applied to the prospective need. Mr. Benedetti confirmed this.


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: Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth


REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE

Clerk Picariello noted the Burlington County reorganization meeting will be held January 7th and if anyone wishes to attend they should notify her so that she may RSVP.


ENGINEER’S REPORT

Engineer Hirsh reported that the contractor for the FY20 parks project submitted a price to install benches and solar powered lighting in the gazebo. He noted there was funding left to accomplish this. Committeeman Forsyth inquired about the base of the gazebo and concerns regarding wildlife. Engineer Hirsh noted that the specifications were altered to reflect the budget. Engineer Hirsh indicated when he has extra funding in a grant, he will address with concrete or asphalt around the base. He stated the contracts for the FY24 LRIG project have been submitted and he is awaiting the contractor’s signature. He also noted he met with the contractor for the replacement of the Municipal Building doors and that the lead time was 10-12 weeks.




DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024

  1. Tax Collector

  2. Construction, Zoning & Mobile Homes

  3. North Hanover Court

  4. Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company

  5. Fire Official

  6. Police Department

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle


X

X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell



X




Mayor DeBaecke

X


X





MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle





X


Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski

X


X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell



X




Mayor DeBaecke


X

X





COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle





X


Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski

X


X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell



X




Mayor DeBaecke


X

X





BILLS AND CLAIMS FOR APPROVAL

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski

X


X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell



X




Mayor DeBaecke


X

X





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.


2024-185 Resolution Supporting Amendment of the Fair Share Housing Act (FHA) As Proposed by the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys (NJILGA)

RESOLUTION 2024-185

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AMENDMENT OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT (FHA) AS PROPOSED BY THE NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ATTORNEYS (NJILGA)


WHEREAS, the current standards embodied in the New Jersey Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) impose overwhelming burdens on municipalities as demonstrated by the fact that the Act calls for the imposition of a statewide affordable housing obligation of 84,690 just for Round 4 on municipalities that only issued 99,956 Certificates of Occupancy in the 2010-2020 period used to establish prospective need obligations for Round 4; and


WHEREAS, the imposition of excessive obligations does not create the realistic opportunity for the construction of more housing; and


WHEREAS, the imposition of excessive obligations disincentivizes municipalities to voluntarily comply – an overarching goal of all three branches of government; forces municipalities to overdevelop, thereby turning our Garden State into the garden apartment state; and spikes the obligations on taxpayers as municipal governments are left no choice but to commit to expensive compliance techniques in order to try to ameliorate the concerns of their communities with overdevelopment; and


WHEREAS, even handed justice requires that the obligations imposed by our laws must be realistic in order to justify imposing an obligation of constitutional dimension on municipalities to create a realistic opportunity for affordable housing; and


WHEREAS, the overwhelming impact of our current laws can be easily addressed merely by redefining the manner in which the regional need is calculated to be faithful to a principle embodied in the FHA despite its many changes over almost 40 years; and


WHEREAS, more specifically, the FHA has consistently defined the prospective need to include “a projection of housing needs based on development and growth which is reasonably likely to occur in a region or a municipality, as the case may be, as a result of actual determination of public and private entities” N.J.S.A.52:27D-304 (j); and


WHEREAS, the determination of the number of new units adjusted to remove tear down/rebuilds represents a far more solid foundation to project “development and growth which is reasonably likely to occur” than any other standard; and


WHEREAS, traditional 20 percent inclusionary zoning – the counterpart to exclusionary zoning-will only create a realistic opportunity for affordable housing if there is a sufficient market for the four market units needed to subsidize the fifth affordable unit; and


WHEREAS, the demand for market housing is essential to determining the creation of a realistic opportunity for affordable housing; and


WHEREAS a system that requires the construction of affordable housing in tandem with market housing ensures that as this state grows, it will grow with affordable housing without spawning the overdevelopment and spike in taxes that has led to an exodus of citizens leaving our state; and


WHEREAS, a standard that ensures that as our state grows it grows with a commensurate number of affordable housing units will put the doctrine on a trajectory that will avoid the doctrine from crumbling under its own weight by forcing municipalities to try to address overwhelming obligations; and


WHEREAS, fortunately, the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys has expressed its support for Legislation that defines the prospective need based upon “development and growth which is reasonably likely to occur”; and


WHEREAS, the redefinition of the affordable housing obligations of municipalities is not remarkable, but is rather a step in the continuous evolution of the doctrine since its inception in Mount Laurel I after which the obligation has been redefined multiple times; and


WHEREAS, our Supreme Court has emphasized that the issue of affordable housing is best left for the Legislature in that courts are ill equipped to deal with these issues and hence pledge to show great deference to the pronouncements of the Legislature; and

WHEREAS, this pledge for deference bodes well for any redefinition of the obligation-particularly one rooted in reality and designed to ensure that as municipalities grow with market housing, they grow with affordable housing; and


WHEREAS, for the above reasons, the Township Committee of Township of North Hanover has determined that North Hanover Township’s prospective need, and the prospective need for all New Jersey municipalities for the fourth round and all future rounds of affordable housing obligations, should be calculated using NJILGA’s proposed CO-based methodology rather than the current FHA methodology based on “household change,” and that NJILGA’s proposed FHA amendment should be enacted by the New Jersey legislature as soon as possible;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, in the County of Burlington, and State of New Jersey, that the New Jersey legislature is hereby requested to enact the amendment to the Fair Housing Act that has been recommended by the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys and is attached hereto; and


AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township Clerk of North Hanover Township is also hereby directed to send a copy of this signed, dated Resolution within five (5) days after its adoption, to the Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senator and Assembly Representatives for North Hanover Township, and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski


X

X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor DeBaecke



X





2024-186 Resolution Appointing Recreation Advisory Committee Member

RESOLUTION 2024-186

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 – Rachel Kolenda, unexpired term ending December 31, 2026.


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

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski


X

X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor DeBaecke



X





2024-187 Resolution Amending and Supplementing the Manual of Rules and Regulations for the Township of North Hanover Police Department

Deputy Mayor O’Donnell asked for Resolution 2024-187 to be moved to the non-consent

agenda as Committeeman Doyle had an amendment.


2024-188 Resolution Supporting New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 81 and Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 58

RESOLUTION 2024-188

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION SUPPORTING NEW JERSEY SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 81 AND ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLTUION NO. 58


WHEREAS, The New Jersey State Constitution grants a property tax deduction to honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances veterans; and


WHEREAS, the voters of the State last approved an increase in the amount of the deduction in 1999 from $50 to $250; and


WHEREAS, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 81 and Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 58 were introduced in the 221st Legislature proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years; and


WHEREAS, local governments will realize annual net revenue gains from statutorily-mandated

reimbursements from the State equal to 102 percent of the amount of the veterans’ property

tax deduction; and


WHEREAS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) carries the voice of New Jersey’s veterans and has played a vital role in virtually every significant piece of veterans’ legislation passed in the 20th and 21st centuries to include the 2019 amendment to New Jersey’s Constitution granting the $250.00 property tax deduction to include all honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances veterans, not just wartime veterans; and


WHEREAS, the VFW considers this legislation a priority to allow our lower income veterans and veterans transitioning from military service back into civilian life a chance at the American dream of home ownership; and


NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT , the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, does hereby stand with the VFW to ensure veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country; AND do hereby support the passage of Concurrent Resolutions 58 and 81to be placed on the ballet for approval by the voters of the State of New Jersey.

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski


X

X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor DeBaecke



X





2024-189 Resolution Amending Resolution 2024-44 entitled “Appointment of Part-Time Police Officer”

RESOLUTION 2024-189

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLTUION 2024-44 ENTITLED “APPOINTMENT OF PART-TIME POLICE OFFICERS”


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 Township Salary Ordinance provides for the rate of Compensation, Salary, or Wages of Certain Officers, Appointees and Employees of said Township.


NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for their respective terms, as follows:

Part-Time Police Officer ~ Shawn Kohn

Effective Date of Employment: 05/03/2024


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named position will be compensated as per the Bargaining Agreement, Salary Ordinance and Salary Resolution at a rate of $18.00 per hour and contingent upon successful completion of physiological evaluation.

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski


X

X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor DeBaecke



X





2024-190 Resolution Amending Resolution 2024-78 entitled “Appointment of Part-Time Police Officer:

RESOLUTION 2024-190

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2024-78 ENTITLED “APPOINTMENT OF PART-TIME POLICE OFFICER”


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 Township Salary Ordinance provides for the rate of Compensation, Salary, or Wages of Certain Officers, Appointees and Employees of said Township.


NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Officers, Appointees, and Employees are hereby appointed for their respective terms, as follows:

Part-Time Police Officer ~ Devon Duff

Effective Date of Employment: 08/05/2024


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the above-named position will be compensated as per the Bargaining Agreement, Salary Ordinance and Salary Resolution at a rate of $18.00 per hour and contingent upon successful completion of physiological evaluation.

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski


X

X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor DeBaecke



X





NON-CONSENT AGENDA

2024-187 Resolution Amending and Supplementing the Manual of Rules and Regulations for the Township of North Hanover Police Department

RESOLUTION 2024-187

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING THE MANUAL OF RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT


WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover has adopted a Manual of Rules and Regulations for the Township of North Hanover Police Department; and


WHEREAS, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:14-118 and Rule 1:1.2 of the Manual, the Township may by Resolution amend or revoke any of the rules, regulations, or procedures previously adopted, and


WHEREAS, the Township Committee desires to adopt the Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.) numbered and entitled as follows:


Number Entitled

59 (AMENDED) Corporal Position Promotion Policy


NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, that the above changes to the Manual of Rules and Regulations for the Township of North Hanover Police Department here hereby adopted.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in the event that any portion of this resolution is determined to be invalid, such determination shall not affect he remaining portions of the resolution, which are hereby declared to be severable.

*****************

AS AMENDED: adding military service to policy

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle


X

X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell



X




Mayor DeBaecke

X


X





2024-191 Resolution Authorizing Budget Transfers for the 2024 Budget

RESOLUTION 2024-191

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BUDGET TRANSFERS FOR THE 2024 BUDGET


WHEREAS N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58 states: "Should it become necessary, during the last 2 months of the fiscal year, to expend for any of the purposes specified in the budget an amount in excess of the respective sums appropriated therefor and there shall be an excess in any appropriations over and above the amount deemed to be necessary to fulfill the purpose of such appropriation, the governing body may, by resolution setting forth the facts, adopted by not less than 2/3 vote of the full membership thereof, transfer the amount of such excess to those appropriations deemed to be insufficient"; and

WHEREAS the Chief Financial Officer has recommended that the attached list of transfers, being in compliance with N.J.S.A. 40A:4-58, be made.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, (not less than 2/3 of the full membership concurring affirmatively) that the 2024 budget transfers be made a permanent part of this resolution, are hereby made and approved

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor DeBaecke


X

X




2024-192 Resolution Authorizing Pay Estimate No. One to Earle Asphalt Company in Connection with the NJDOT FY 23 Ivy Lane/Stewart Road Improvement Project

RESOLUTION 2024-192

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON


A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAY ESTIMATE NO. ONE TO EARLE ASPHALT COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH THE NJDOT FY 2023 IVY LANE/STEWART ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT


WHEREAS, the Township of North Hanover’s Engineers, Environmental Resolutions, Inc., has reviewed the Earle Asphalt Company. Payment Certificate No. 1, representing payment in the total amount of $147,035.86, for the Ivy Lane/Stewart Road Improvement Project; and


WHEREAS, the Township's Engineer has determined that the condition of the improvement is satisfactory; and


WHEREAS, it is the recommendation of the Township’s Engineer that the Township of North Hanover authorize the release the payment on voucher in the total amount of $147,035.86 to Arawak Paving Company; and


WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Township Committee to approve the release of the payment on voucher in the amount referenced herein, in accordance with the Township Engineer’s recommendations.


NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, that the Township authorizes the payment in the total amount of $147,035.86 to Earle Asphalt Company.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution shall be provided to the Finance Director and the Township Engineer for their information and attention.

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle

X


X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski


X

X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell



X




Mayor DeBaecke



X





2024-193 Resolution Authorizing Meritorious Awards to an Employee of the Township of North Hanover

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle

X


X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell


X

X




Mayor DeBaecke



X





2024-194 Resolution Authorizing Meritorious Awards to an Employee of the Township of North Hanover

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor DeBaecke


X

X





2024-195 Resolution Approving Memorandum of Agreement By and Between North Hanover Police Association and Township of North Hanover Regarding Settlement of Collective Bargaining Agreement

RESOLUTION 2024-195

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER

COUNTY OF BURLINGTON

RESOLUTION APPROVING MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN NORTH HANOVER POLICE ASSOCIATION – FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE 140 AND TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HANOVER REGARDING SETTLEMENT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT


WHEREAS, on or about September 6, 2018, the North Hanover Township Police Association – Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 140 (“FOP”) and Township of North Hanover (“Township”) entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement effective January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019 (hereinafter “CBA”); and

WHEREAS, the Township and FOP revised the terms and conditions of the CBA by Memorandum of Agreement executed by the parties on December 6, 2018 and April 12, 2019 (the “2018-2019 Agreement”) and through a Memorandum of Agreement effective January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024 (the “2020 Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, the negotiations committees of the Township and FOP have agreed to terms set forth in a Memorandum of Agreement establishing certain revisions to the CBA, as previously amended by the 2018-2019 Agreement and the 2020 Agreement, that will the parties to settle the CBA for the term January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Memorandum of Agreement was duly ratified and executed by the FOP on December 23, 2024; and


WHEREAS, the Township Committee desires to approve and ratify the Memorandum of Agreement on behalf of the Township.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Committee of the Township of North Hanover, County of Burlington, State of New Jersey, does hereby approve and ratify the Memorandum of Agreement by and between the Township of North Hanover and North Hanover Township Police Association – Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 140 and the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the Township Committee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution and fully executed agreement be transmitted to the North Hanover Township Police Association – Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 130 and Chief Financial Officer.

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle



X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell

X


X




Mayor DeBaecke


X

X





DISCUSSION


TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE “COMMENTS”

Committeeman Kocubinski noted the tree lighting was well organized and attended. He noted Alexandra stated she would be willing to stay on Recreation Advisory Committee for a short term to assist the new members. There was a general consensus to re-appoint and await Alexandra’s decision to resign at a later date. Committeeman Kocubinski, as well, as the entire Township Committee expressed deep appreciation for her services. . Committeeman Kocubinski noted during his 24 years as an elected official, he was most thankful for this governing body. He stated the only thing that remains the same, is that everything changes. He also gave some material for the LIFE VACs that he received at the NJLM conference. He felt emergency services could benefit using this item.


Committeeman Forsyth noted the tree lighting was great. He noted Santa would be coming around on Saturday. He thanked Deputy Mayor O’Donnell and Committeeman Kocubinski for their service to North Hanover, as elected officials. He noted he always appreciated their knowledge.


Committeeman Doyle apologized for missing the tree lighting, as he had other obligations. He stated he truly appreciated the work done together with this Township Committee. He noted it was a great bi-partisan relationship that other government entities should learn from. He stated he learned a lot from Deputy Mayor O’Donnell and Committeeman Kocubinski. He expressed his gratitude to both of them.


Deputy Mayor O’Donnell echoed everyone’s sentiments and expressed he was grateful to have worked with this governing body. He noted we cannot change the world but we can make a difference. His advise to the in-coming Committeemen was to be willing to learn and keep and to keep open mind. He noted it was a pleasure learning everything involved and the people he worked with.


Mayor DeBaecke noted working with Committeeman Kocubinski and Deputy Mayor O’Donnell was a pleasure and he was glad they all became friends. He wished them well and thanked them for their nine years of services. He stated the tree lighting was tremendous. He was looking forward to Santa visiting. He wished everyone happy holidays.


PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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


Mayor DeBaecke opened the meeting to the public.


Mr. Voorhees stated he really enjoyed the bi-partisan relationship of the Township Committee. He stated other governments should learn from this Committee and thanked them for that. He thanked Committeeman Kocubinski and Deputy Mayor O’Donnell for their hard work.


MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENT

Proposed By: Committeeman Doyle

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth


EXECUTIVE SESSION RESOLUTION

2024-196 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 Redevelopment Contract Matter, Potential Litigation Matter, Contract Matter, Personnel and Litigation matters

RESOLUTION 2024-196

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 Redevelopment Contract 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.

COMMITTEE

MOTION

2ND

AYES

NAYS

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Committeeman Doyle

X


X




Committeeman Forsyth



X




Committeeman Kocubinski



X




Deputy Mayor O’Donnell


X

X




Mayor DeBaecke



X





MOTION TO ADJOURN TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION 8:01 pm

Proposed By: Committeeman Doyle

Seconded By: Committeeman Forsyth


Respectively submitted,



_______________________

Mary Picariello, RMC/CMR/CTC

Township Clerk