Budget Meeting No. 4 — Packet

1 136-26 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE This Settlement Agreement and General Release (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into this 18th day of May 2026 between the Township of West Orange (hereinafter referred to as “Township”) and George Hesse hereinafter referred to as (“Hesse”) (collectively, the “Parties,” each a “Party”). WHEREAS, Hesse has been an employee with the Township from the period of June 4, 2001- February 1, 2026; WHEREAS, a calculation of Hesse’s accumulated accrued leave time balances and ending pensionable rate have been provided to support a total payment of $85,741.80; WHEREAS, outside legal counsel has reviewed all documentation, including time sheets and accrual balances, and has verified the figures that support the total payment amount, and has provided a written opinion in support thereof; WHEREAS, on May 7, 2026, a Step 2 Grievance was filed from the Fire SOA FMBA Local 228 on behalf of Hesse, WHEREAS, on May 7, 2026, Hesse submitted a Notice of Tort Claim; WHEREAS, the Parties wish to resolve all disputes, including Hesse’s May 7 Grievance, and the Notice of Tort Claim which may have arisen out of or in relation to the processing of payment of Hesse’s accrued earned and unused paid leave and Hesse’s employment with the Township to date; and WHEREAS, the Parties wish to memorialize in the Agreement all the terms and conditions of Hesse’s employment separation payout and desire to resolve all outstanding issues with respect to this matter; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the promises and mutual covenants set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows: COVENANTS AND TERMS OF AGREEMENT 1. TOWNSHIP TO PROCESS PAYMENT a. The Township agrees to process payment to Hesse for all his accrued earned and unused paid leave time without further delay in the amount of $ 85,741.80. b. In consideration of the Township’s decision to process payment without further delay to Hesse, Hesse agrees to withdraw both his Notice of Tort Claim and; the Grievance and ensures that the SOA FMBA Local 228 dismisses all Grievances attached to this matter. c. Hesse agrees to waive any and all claims to back pay, benefits, and any and all other monetary claims including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees with respect to his employment with the Township to date with the sole exception of the payment pursuant to