February 13, 2025, Special Meeting

allowed. Mr. Katzen said no. Mr. Cavalier asked if there is going to be any additional lighting. Mr. Katzen answered that only if the Board wanted as a condition. James Jackson (1 Ashley Road) asked how far Mr. Katzen lives from the closest facility. Mr. Katzen answered that he lives 25 minutes from the nearest facility. Upon completion of Mr. Katzen answering questions, public questioning was closed and Mr. Katzen’s testimony was concluded. Break 9:39-9:50PM Upon return from break, a confirmation of a quorum was announced by Vice-Chairperson Scott and Mr. Fisher. PRESENTATION Mr. Sullivan presented Lt. Brad Squires of the West Orange Police Department on the record. He was sworn under oath. Lt. Squires is a member of the Mental Health Association Co Response Program where when a mental health calls comes in, they are answered with an officer at on scene assists and the follow up is done with the Mental Health Association afterwards. Lt. Squires said that this program is grant funded and has received approximately 543 calls in the previous calendar year. In response to Lt. Squires’ answers, Mr. Dolan accused him of reading from a script. Mr. Fisher said that Lt. Squires is allowed to use notes. Lt. Squires continued his testimony, stating that this program is mainly for descalation with notice and sometimes mandatory arrests for certain experiences especially if a weapon is involved. Lt. Squires said that this program is based out of the Washington Street Substation. BOARD QUESTIONS Mr. Schwarzbaum asked if people experiencing alcohol and drug issues are being sent to hospitals. Mr. Schwarzbaum asked for the stats of 543 with the amount of senior citizens. Lt. Squires said that he does not have any information on seniors Mrs. A. Weiss asked why he thinks that the community is concerned with threats from services that this site might offer. Lt. Squires said that the reason is most likely because mental health does not discriminate. OBJECTOR’S COUNSEL QUESTIONING Mr Dolan aksed Lt. Squires for the breakdown of statistics. Lt. Squires said that he does not have but that he can provide. Mr. Dolan asked if Lt. Squires is being compensated for this testimony. Lt. Squires said no. Mr. Dolan asked for the number of juvenile calls this organization handles. Lt. Squires said that he believes the amounts is approximately 12%. Mr. Dolan asked for the number of

Lt. Squires said no. Mr. Dolan asked for the number of juvenile calls this organization handles. Lt. Squires said that he believes the amounts is approximately 12%. Mr. Dolan asked for the number of dimensia cases that the Mental Health Association Co Response Program deal with. Lt. Squires said that he is unsure but can find out for sure. PROFESSIONALS’ QUESTIONS Mr. Wheatle Williams asked for clarification of the program name. PUBLIC QUESTIONS Jared Levine (10 Tulip Lane) asked for the number of calls received mental health and drug related. Lt. Squires said that they only keep track of the mental health calls through the program. Andy Kessler (29 Mountain Avenue)