August 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting
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1. NOTIFICATION OF MEETING
Welcome to a public meeting of the Alexandria Township Public Schools under the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975, also known as the “Sunshine Law.” The District hopes that you will find this meeting informative and instructive, and that citizens are afforded an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the District’s operation and functions. Under the Sunshine Law, the District must provide notice of all open meetings to allow citizens to attend and observe the deliberations of the District. This meeting was properly advertised according to the Open Public Meeting Act (P.L. 1975:31) in the Hunterdon Democrat on January 11, 2024, to begin at 7:00 PM at the Alexandria Middle School Media Center, 557 County Road 513, Pittstown, NJ. |
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2. ROLL CALL
April Abelman Renee Bagley Caterina Dobak Eric Joseph Marybeth Madlinger Marci Nardone Wanda Quinones Michael Small Doug Walker |
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3. FLAG SALUTE
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4. EXECUTIVE SESSION
WHEREAS the "Open Public Meetings Act" (Chapter 231 Laws of 1975) authorizes a public body to exclude the public from that portion of a meeting at which specified topics are to be discussed under circumstances where the public consideration of such topics will clearly endanger the public or where the personal privacy or guaranteed rights of individuals whose activities or affairs are to be discussed would clearly in danger of unwarranted invasion; be it RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Township of Alexandria now adjourns its public session to reconvene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following: ___Confidential Matters by Law or Court Order ____Purchase Property _X__Personnel Matters ____Invasion of Individual Privacy Employee or Student ____Investigation into Violations of Law ____Suspension, Civil Penalty or Loss of a License or Permit ____Disclosure would Impair District's Right to Receive Funding ____School/Public Security ___Collective Bargaining ___Pending, Ongoing or Anticipated Litigation And be if further RESOLVED that the matters discussed in Executive Session will be made public when confidentiality is no longer required. Motion to Enter Executive Session Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools the Alexandria Board enter Executive Session at _____ to discuss __________. |
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5. OPEN SESSION
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Alexandria Board return to Open Session at __________. |
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6. PRESENTATIONS
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7. BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT
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8. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
District Update |
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9. SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR/BOARD SECRETARY'S REPORT
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10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
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11. PUBLIC INPUT - (Agenda Items Only)
The Alexandria Township Board of Education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters. Public participation at board meetings is intended to allow individuals of the public to address the Board on issues of public concern, and is not intended as a forum for extended conversation or two-way dialogue with the Board members and/or District officials. The Board has set aside a specific section of the agenda, titled Board Discussion of Public Comments, whereby the Board can discuss the public comment topics in open session. Thus, the Board shall set aside two twenty-minute periods for public comment at each meeting. In order to permit the fair and orderly expression of such comments, public participation shall be governed by the following rules:
The Board President is responsible for maintaining a respectful environment during public participation, so that public comments can be heard and considered by the Board. The President, therefore, may interrupt or terminate any individual’s speaking privilege if the speaker’s comments are excessively loud, disruptive, obscene, or otherwise in violation of applicable law. Further, an individual may be cautioned that a personally directed statement may be slanderous or defaming and that the individual may be liable for his/her statement. Examples of unacceptable behavior that will not be permitted include, but are not limited to: naming District employees and engaging in personal attacks, racial slurs, excessive loudness, calling out, yelling, generally disruptive behavior, attempting to disrupt the meeting or inciting others to do the same. Any disregard for the rules of decorum stated above will not be tolerated and may subject the individual or group to removal from the meeting. If necessary, the board meeting will be adjourned temporarily or until the next scheduled meeting. |
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12. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
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13. OLD BUSINESS
Referendum Strauss Esmay Policy and Regulation Revisions |
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14. NEW BUSINESS
HIB Policy Presentation |
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15. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Alexandria Township Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda as follows: ROLL CALL VOTE: Abelman____Bagley____Dobak____Joseph____Madlinger____Nardone____Quinones____Small____Walker____ |
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15.A. Finance
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15.A.1) Bill List
Resolved upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Ed approve the following Bill List: July 1, 2024 - August 14, 2024 Check # A12360 - A12486 Check # B0255 Total - $ 653,564.27 |
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15.A.2) Payment Applications
Motion to approve the following Payment Applications: DC Building Systems - Pay App 22 $20,192.25 |
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15.B. Approval of Minutes
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the following meeting minutes: Meeting Minutes July 11, 2024 Executive Meeting Minutes July 11, 2024 |
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15.C. Travel and Related Expenses Reimbursed
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the attached list of requests for employee/Board Member travel in accordance with the School District Accountability Act. Only overnight stays are eligible for meal reimbursement. Mileage, meals, and lodging reimbursements shall be in accordance with NJ Statute, Code, and NJ Department of Treasury Guidelines. OMB Mileage Reimbursement Rate is $0.47. |
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15.C.1) Workshop Attendance
Motion to approve Michele Petrie to attend Exploring the New NJ ELA Standards with Brain and Evidenced Based Strategies in Foundational Skills, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension (Grades 2-8) at the Center for Literacy Development, Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ on September 26, 2024, $180.00 registration. |
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15.C.2) Motion to approve Lynette Stone to attend Exploring the New NJ ELA Standards with Brain and Evidenced Based Strategies in Foundational Skills, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension (Grades 2-8) at the Center for Literacy Development, Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ on September 26, 2024, $180.00 registration.
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15.D. Personnel
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent the Alexandria Township Board of Education approves the following: |
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15.D.1) Treasurer of School Moneys
Motion to approve Ronald Bolandi as Treasurer of School Moneys for the 2024-2025 school year, at an annual salary of $8,794. |
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15.D.2) Resignation
Motion to approve the resignation of Employee #ST243, effective July 31, 2024. |
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15.D.3) Amended Salary Information
Motion to amend the salary information for the following employees: Alessandra Johnson - 4-BA $63,085 Kelly Gallagher - 5-BA+15 (.5) $66,705, prorated Brandon Cooper - $42,983 |
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15.D.4) New Teacher Orientation
Motion to approve New Teacher Orientation stipends at $65/hour, on August 19th & 20th for the following staff members: Erika Crowl Suzanna DeSaro Melissa Flynn Kaitlin Fivek Kelly Gallagher Stacey Gallagher Alessandra Johnson Sarah Kurcin Tara Werner |
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15.D.5) Part-time Support Teacher
Motion to approve Erika Crowl as part-time Support Teacher for the 2024-25 school year at a salary of 1-MA $65,485, prorated. |
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15.D.6) Preschool Teacher
Motion to approve Sarah Kurcin as a Preschool Teacher for the 2024-25 school year at a salary of 1-BA $62,085. |
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15.D.7) Revised Resignation Date
Motion to approve the revised resignation date for Jacob Allshouse, to be effective July 31, 2024. |
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15.D.8) Leave of Absence
Motion to approve a Leave of Absence for Employee #ST019 beginning September 23, 2024, with a tentative date to return to work of November 4, 2024. |
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15.D.9) Resignation
Motion to approve Christina Stoffers as part-time School Nurse, for the 2024-25 school year. |
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15.D.10) Summer Tutoring
Motion to approve Nicole Spayd and Lauren Tasy for summer Wilson language tutoring at a rate of $65/hour for 16 hours each. |
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15.D.11) Mentor Plan
Motion to approve the 2024-2025 Mentor Plan. |
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15.D.12) Mentor Training
Motion to approve 3 hours of Mentor Training at $65/hour for the following staff members: Tanya Drake Michele Petrie Christina Salerno Nancy Evans |
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15.D.13) Teacher Mentors
Motion to approve the following staff members as Mentors for new teaching staff for the 2024-25 school year, at a rate of CE-$1,000 & CEAS - $550: Nancy Evans - mentor Kaitlin Fivek Tanya Drake - mentor Michael Haughey Michele Petrie - mentor Tara Werner Christina Salerno - mentor Sarah Kurcin |
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15.D.14) Curriculum Writing
Motion to approve Nicole Spayd for Curriculum Writing, 15 hours at $65 per hour. |
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15.D.15) Schedule B - Activity
Motion to approve the following Schedule B appointments for the 2024-2025 school year: Baseball: Matt Blazure Girls Basketball: Mike Haughey Boys Basketball: Joe Olcott Cross Country: Kyle Kowalczuk Drama Club Advisory: Stef Grossman Drama Club Advisor Assistant: Heather Fleischman Fairview Coordinator: Nicole Spayd Field Hockey: Michele Petrie Futsal: Brian Moore Graduation Coordinator: Emily Lewis Jazz Band: Reagan Ost Girls Lacrosse: Mike Haughey National Honor Society: Lindsay Hayes Peer Leaders Advisors: Jess Boyce and Lauren Tasy Play Set Design: Kelsey Nemeth Ski Club Advisor: Gretchen Savacool Soccer: Julianne Romanella Softball: Jeanne Lippincott Sports Director: Matt Blazure Student Council: Stef Grossman Volleyball: Matt Blazure Yearbook: Stef Grossman Curriculum Coordinators: Grades 5-8 ELA: Michele Petrie Grades 5-8 Math: Gretchen Savacool Grades 5-8 Sci: Julianne Romanella Grades 5-8 Soc Studies: Chris Allmer Grade K-4 ELA: Danielle Lindsay Grade K-4 Math: Tanya Drake Lunch Duty: Julianne Romanella Joe Olcott Mike Haughey Kelsey Nemeth Kaitlin Fivek Stefanie Grossmann Gretchen Savacool Matt Blazure Tracy Powlawski .5 Lisa MacKinnon .5 |
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15.D.16) Lunch Aides
Motion to approve Angelina Cirasa and Kathleen Wilcox as part-time lunch aides $18/hour, 3 hours a day. |
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15.E. Volunteer Coaches
Motion to approve Julia Cabete and Julius Hendricks as Volunteer Coaches for the 2024-25 school year, pending the completion of required documents. |
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15.F. Finance and Facilities
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15.F.1) State Grant Applications
Motion to approve application submissions for the following State Grants: IDEA - Basic - $114,216 IDEA - Preschool - $5,379 Title I - $14,625 Title II - $5,854 Title III - $1,016 Title IV - $10,000 |
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15.F.2) REAP Grant Allocation
Motion to approve the REAP Grant Allocation for the 2024-2025 school year, in the amount of $53,965. |
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15.F.3) Pre-School Education Aid Grant
BE IT RESOLVED, the Alexandria Township Board of Education is proceeding with the submission of the Pre-School Education Aid Grant and accept the award upon the subsequent approval of the NJ State Department of Education. |
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15.F.4) Toilet Room Facilities for Early Intervention, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Classrooms - 2024-2025 School Year
Motion to approve submission of the Anticipated Facility Request stating that all Kindergarten and Pre-K classrooms being used in 2024-25 have their own toilet facility. |
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15.F.5) Resolution to Appoint a Fund Commissioner
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Alexandria Township Board of Education that Michael J. McGarry, III be and is hereby appointed as FUND Commissioner to the School Health Insurance Fund to represent the Alexandria Township Board of Education. And BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Jennifer Myers be and is hereby appointed as Alternate Fund Commissioner to the School Health Insurance Fund effective August 15, 2024. |
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15.F.6) Out of District Tuition Contract
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve an amended 2024/2025 tuition contract with Clinton Township for tuition and related services for July 2024 - June 2025 for a student whose name is on file in the Business Office. The total tuition for July 2024 - June 2025 is $83,331.48. |
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15.F.7) Out of District Tuition Contract
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve an amended 2024/2025 tuition contract with Clinton Township for tuition and related services for July 2024 - June 2025 for a student whose name is on file in the Business Office. The total tuition for July 2024 - June 2025 is $96,183.09. |
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15.F.8) Itinerant Services Contract
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve a 2024/2025 Mainstream Support Program Itinerant Services contract with Mountain Lakes for September 2024 - June 2025 for a student whose name is on file in the Business Office. The total for July 2024 - June 2025 is $3,600.00. |
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15.F.9) Agreement with Hunterdon County ESC - Public School Services
Motion to approve the Agreement between Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission and ATS to provide Public School Services. |
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15.F.10) Agreement with Hunterdon County ESC - Paraprofessionals
Motion to approve the Agreement between Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission and ATS to provide Paraprofessionals to the District. |
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15.F.11) Extended School Year Transportation (ESY) 2024
Motion to approve a contract with Delaware Valley Regional High School for Special Education Joint Transportation - ESY for 2024-2025 in the amount of $15,645.00. |
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15.F.12) Spiezle Architectural Group Entrance Canopy and Signage Proposal
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve a proposal from Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc. in the amount of $24,250 for Professional Services associated with the reconstruction of entrance canopy columns and installation of a new school entrance sign. |
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15.G. Education
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15.G.1) Media Specialist Services
Motion to approve a contract with 4M Consulting, LLC for media specialist services for the 2024-25 school year for an amount not to exceed $5,000. |
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15.G.2) Agreement between the ATEA and the Alexandria Twp. BOE
Motion to approve the Agreement between the Alexandria Township Education Association and the Alexandria Township Board of Education from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027. |
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15.H. Policy and Regulation Revisions
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the 1st reading of the following policies and/or regulations: P 2417 Student Intervention and Referral Services P 2423 Bilingual and ESL Education (M) R 2423 Bilingual and ESL Education (M) |
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15.I. Policy and Regulation Revisions
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the new 1st reading of the following policy and/or regulation: 0164.6 Remote Public Board Meetings During a Declared Emergency (Abolish) to (Revised) |
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15.J. Policy and Regulation Revisions
RESOLVED upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approve the 2nd and final reading of the following policies and/or regulations: P 1140 Educational Equity Policies/Affirmative Action (M) P 1523 Comprehensive Equity Plan (M) P 1530 Equal Employment Opportunities (M) P 1530 Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint Procedure (M) P 1550 Equal Employment/Anti-Discrimination Practices (M) R 2200 Curriculum Content (M) R 2260 Equity in School and Classroom Practices (M) R 2260 Equity in School and Classroom Practices Complaint Procedure (M) P 2411 Guidance Counseling (M) P 3211 Code of Ethics (M) R 5440 Honoring Student Achievement P 5570 Sportsmanship P 5750 Equitable Educational Opportunity (M) P 5755 Equity in Educational Programs and Services (M) (Abolish) P 5841 Secret Societies P 5842 Equal Access of Student Organizations P & R 7610 Vandalism P 9323 Notification of Juvenile Offender Case Disposition Bylaw Guides 0141 Board Member Number and Term |
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16. PUBLIC INPUT
The Alexandria Township Board of Education recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters. Public participation at board meetings is intended to allow individuals of the public to address the Board on issues of public concern, and is not intended as a forum for extended conversation or two-way dialogue with the Board members and/or District officials. The Board has set aside a specific section of the agenda, titled Board Discussion of Public Comments, whereby the Board can discuss the public comment topics in open session. Thus, the Board shall set aside two twenty-minute periods for public comment at each meeting. In order to permit the fair and orderly expression of such comments, public participation shall be governed by the following rules:
The Board President is responsible for maintaining a respectful environment during public participation, so that public comments can be heard and considered by the Board. The President, therefore, may interrupt or terminate any individual’s speaking privilege if the speaker’s comments are excessively loud, disruptive, obscene, or otherwise in violation of applicable law. Further, an individual may be cautioned that a personally directed statement may be slanderous or defaming and that the individual may be liable for his/her statement. Examples of unacceptable behavior that will not be permitted include, but are not limited to: naming District employees and engaging in personal attacks, racial slurs, excessive loudness, calling out, yelling, generally disruptive behavior, attempting to disrupt the meeting or inciting others to do the same. Any disregard for the rules of decorum stated above will not be tolerated and may subject the individual or group to removal from the meeting. If necessary, the board meeting will be adjourned temporarily or until the next scheduled meeting. |
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17. BOARD DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
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18. EXECUTIVE SESSION
WHEREAS the "Open Public Meetings Act" (Chapter 231 Laws of 1975) authorizes a public body to exclude the public from that portion of a meeting at which specified topics are to be discussed under circumstances where the public consideration of such topics will clearly endanger the public or where the personal privacy or guaranteed rights of individuals whose activities or affairs are to be discussed would clearly in danger of unwarranted invasion; be it RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Township of Alexandria now adjourns its public session to reconvene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following: ___Confidential Matters by Law or Court Order ____Purchase Property _X__Personnel Matters ____Invasion of Individual Privacy Employee or Student ____Investigation into Violations of Law ____Suspension, Civil Penalty or Loss of a License or Permit ____Disclosure would Impair District's Right to Receive Funding ____School/Public Security _X__Collective Bargaining _X__Pending, Ongoing or Anticipated Litigation And be if further RESOLVED that the matters discussed in Executive Session will be made public when confidentiality is no longer required. Motion to Enter Executive Session Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools the Alexandria Board enter Executive Session at _____ to discuss __________. |
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19. OPEN SESSION
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the Alexandria Board return to Open Session at __________. |
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20. ADJOURN
Motion made by __________, seconded by __________, to adjourn the meeting at __________ . |