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was important for the tax office to set up a special meeting to notify these communities what was going to happen and allow the residents to ask questions.

Mayor Reina stated he responded to Ms. Esmer’s letter to set up a meeting with Tax Assessor, Ms. Nagle-Rowe, to address concerns and assured her that the meeting would take place shortly. Ms. Esmer asked if they could hold off until the market turns around and Councilman Martin stated they were already behind the deadline and this would be the best time since the economy was so slow. Mr. Kafton agreed it should have been done across the board and assured her the township would work together with the residents and Tax Assessor’s office.

Councilman Martin stated the Council left their salaries the same and didn't take an increase and that the Council voted to increase the Mayor's salary after they compared it to neighboring towns. Councilwoman Updegrave thanked her for coming forward as a spokesperson and she agreed they should have been notified. Mr. Martin stated the Council invites their comments and looked forward to working with everyone.

JOHN DELATUSH - (OWNS) 109 DAISY COURT AND RESIDES AT 155 BROADWAY, FREEHOLD, NJ): He spoke of a letter he received and a conversation with Ms. Nagle-Rowe and that he never questioned his tax increase because he thought everyone was increased but later learned 60 Acres and a couple other communities were singled out. He made a number of calls and found some areas were over assessed and many large homes were assessed less. He felt if residents won appeals the town would have to come up with the money and that was why communities like 60 acres was increased. He felt this has come at the worse time and suggested they raise everyone's tax a little so everyone is paying their fair share. He spoke of individuals that have made major improvements to their homes and others that haven't done anything and asked them to consider something that's fair.

ALEX WAGNER-1003 POPPEY PLACE: She felt the tax increase was an assault and stated her taxes went up $1,000. Council President Kafton explained how the senior communities banded together to protest their assessment and fought for their communities and agreed it should have been fair across the town.

STEPHANIE BROWN-310 SO. NEW PROSPECT RD.: She congratulated Mayor Reina on his appointment. She then spoke of the adoption bill because, as an adoptee, she has been trying for years to get her personal background and asked them to do what they could to pass the bill. She then thanked Ann Marie Eden for coming to her aid when she had a medical episode at the Senior Center.

DAN GROSS-18 POINTE CIRCLE: He was pleased to see the Mayor present at the meetings since his appointment. He stated another town put money in the budget each year which is given to the Tax Assessor which in turn keeps the property taxes down and asked the Council to take that same approach and get more involved.

RICHARD EGAN-24 OVERLOOK DR.: He asked Mr. Kafton about the letter he stated he sent regarding the low flying planes insinuating he did it for political gain.

KATHY MUELLER-500 BEGONIA CT: She thanked Council for setting up meetings for the residents to question their assessments and how Paul Mayerowitz began the process because he questioned his taxes along with his neighbors and the ball began to roll at that point. She then discussed “Going Green” and the possibility of having a energy fair to inform the public on ways to save energy and apply for various grants. Mr. Kafton agreed and was looking into it. Mayor Reina stated he had already been in contact with the County and they are getting a plan together for Jackson.

LINDA SELZNICK-61 BALTUSROL DR.: She stated the holiday lighting was beautiful. She then stated Mr. Raftery treated members of Westlake very poorly and they weren't assessed equally across the board regardless if home improvements were made or not or whether or not you had a golf course view. She stated Westlake is very active in the community and if there was enough interest from the public, Westlake could organize another meeting to discuss the assessments. She wished everyone a happy holiday.