Good. Good evening everybody. Welcome. This is November 13, 2025. Uh we are at the mayor and council meeting Burough of Allenale. Linda, will you please call the meeting to order and read the public meetings act announcement. >> In compliance with the open public meetings act, the notice requirements
have been satisfied. The meeting dates for the year are confirmed at the annual meeting are posted on the public bulletin board in the municipal building and on the burough website. published in the record within the first 10 days of the new year and copies are sent to the Ridgewood News and Star Ledger.
>> Councilman Yakarino >> here. >> Councilman Oul >> here. >> Councilwoman Homeman >> here. >> Councilwoman Lovaso >> here. >> Councilman Delawio >> here. >> Councilman Okonnell >> here. >> Mayor Wzinski >> here.
Please rise to the flag of the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> We have a few presentations at the top of your meeting and some proclamations.
And these are always the fun part of our mayor and council meetings. First, I'd like to read a proclamation on Veterans Day. A proclamation of gratitude for United States veterans. Whereas Veterans Day is
a day of solemn observance set aside to honor the brave men and women of the United States armed forces who have served and sacrificed in defense of the fundamental freedoms we hold dear. And whereas the Burough of Allenville is immensely proud to recognize and honor
the dedicated service of our veterans who have courageously protected our nation from past conflicts to present day engagements, ensuring our security, liberty, and way of life. Whereas the Burough of Allenale acknowledges the profound importance of
supporting and thanking our veterans for their unwavering commitment and contributions to the preservation of peace and protection of our rights and freedoms both at home and abroad. And whereas the veterans of Allenale represent the finest qualities of
patriotism, selflessness, and resilience. And their service has indelibly shaped the history of our great nation and our local community. And whereas the Burough of Allenale in keeping with this commitment to honor our vet invites all residents to join in recognizing and reflecting in the
sacrifices of those who have served as well as the ongoing contributions of the veterans to honor our community and country. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Amy Wzinski, the mayor of Allenale, County of Bergen, do officially proclaim November 11th, 2025
as Veterans Day in Allenale, New Jersey, and encourage all residents to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, reflections, and heartfelt expressions, gratitude to our veterans, their families, and all those who have served in the armed forces of the United States.
We actually I was actually with um two veterans today, myself and councilwoman Lois Solo. Um Aldo Reccom Commission um dedicated a big huge flag to Brookside School. So we got to go and see some um of our our forces. Actually, one of them came up to me and said he was the one
that was responsible for providing all the trucks in our Oh, and our chief gentleman was there for he escorted me there actually. Um, and he uh wanted to make sure that I called him for next year so he could bring all of us for Memorial Day. So that was kind of fun.
Okay, next. Actually, I'm going to move the agenda around a little bit. Um, we are going to have Girl Scout presentation. Sinan um was uh did an amazing project in Allenale. Um, those who know me know that I have an obsess
obsession obsession with the ugly blue barrels in our all over our town and I want every single one of them removed and [laughter] they're really ugly and they have they're just gross. And uh she made the most beautiful um surroundings for uh
garbages and especially with our new concession stand at Crestwood Lake and the colors that match the red barn. just really brought together that whole space and all the other areas that you did it. And when I say they're high quality, oh my gosh, these things are such high
quality. So, um, I'd love you to come up and tell us a little bit about your projects. >> So, for those of you who don't know me, I'm a voice from groups 59 and 93 of Howale and US.
So over the past two or so years, I've been working with this town on my Google project uh which um as mentioned before was uh to build these 15 wooden trash can things. So place or surround the
blue ones that have been being used of now. Um so going into this I really did not like have any experience with this sort of stuff like um the whole like woodworking and everything like I had very minimal experience so I had to do
like a lot of research and stuff. So I kind of started out with just kind of um learning how to use like the tools learning um the types of materials I need to use like how like pressure treated and everything. Uh, and I also
made a like made my own design for the trash cans. I based it on like this uh one trash can. It's near Brookside and it was like the only one that kind of was like one of the wooden ones starting out back like two years ago. Um, oh
right. And I like started I started this um project like back in like 2024 when I like emailed Mayor Winsky and um we kind of worked together to find out if a project at the time needed to be done and that's how we came to this
conclusion. Um so after I made the whole designs and finished the research project I went and started uh gathering materials. So this this mostly involved like the most important part was looking for like the lumber and stuff and I
ended up getting it from Chin Brothers and later on also Home Depot and I worked from worked with Mr. Buck from Brothers to um order the wood and kind of decide how um what the shipments were time they would be um and again we got
them in batches. So I also gathered um the tools for drills uh and tors um trash bags that sort of stuff for the work sessions.
And during this time I ended up borrowing tools uh from my scout masters as well Mr. Chu and Murphy. They were very gracious. They left me a lot of drills. Well, during so afterwards was the work
session. So this was definitely the hardest work project. Um my project spanned across eight group sessions total like March to June >> and um some of them I would work for like nine or 10 hours a day. Um but it
was a great experience to learn how to like meet um a lot of scout volunteers as well as their parent volunteers who also showed up and really supported me in the project. And I do have a couple of pictures of the um
volunteers. So here is like some of these kids. This is my dad. um and some other people and yeah like come closer. >> Yeah. Yeah. So you can see
>> these are the finished projects. So nice. >> Oh come closer. We want to see. >> It's so great. >> It's so great that you had other people learn how to use the tools also which is a great skill. >> Didn't work with this either. So I had
to like I had to teach them as well. That's kind of really what you know the epitome of these projects right you're supposed to learn the leadership >> the leadership behind it and >> it's a really good experience I say >> good >> and it's useful
>> useful >> see when you go to college you're going to be able to hang your own things >> that's good >> I could make my own trash Cool. >> So, I have I have a lot of people to
thank for the project. I want to thank um the town like Mayor Winski, Mr. Okonnell, Minister for like working with me and supporting me through this project and allowing me this opportunity to learn like leadership and all these
skills. And I also want to thank my scout masters, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Murphy, Miss Aspen, and M. Susan Oxton um for guiding me throughout this project and supporting me the entire way uh because I could not have done it without them.
And I also couldn't have done it without the help of um all of these volunteers who um saved up their time um to come and help me with my project. And like especially my family um like my mom and my dad um they helped me a lot with this
um and uh they put in a lot of their um time and effort into this and I want to thank them for that. Um so in the end uh I I think I have about 180 hours uh for this project and if you combine all of
the individual hours from all the volunteers that uh that adds to about 520 hours. So, it was a pretty fancy project. Well done. I'm really proud of that. Mary, if I can add, I think one of the scout masters told me that she actually
baked cookies and sold cookies as a fundraiser for this project. So, she won't pat herself on the back. So, I have to She did it. >> Want to say um you know, you're just an extraordinary young lady. leadership that you've shown through this has been
unbelievable. I've talked to your mother many times. She's so proud of you and you can tell you come from great parents. I mean, this is something that everybody all over Allenale is going to see and get to, you know, use throughout the years. And it's something that was useful. It's something that added beautiful aesthetics. It's something that, you know, we all need garbage cans, right? And you learned a you all
learned a learned a new skill and uh and then you were able to um show your your leadership down to some of the other people that were working with you. So I just want to thank you so much. You know this is definitely a wonderful project for thanks for using
for your project. Um we're going to skip to our best practice. >> The fun stuff. >> The fun. [laughter] Yeah. Little fun. Then we'll go back to >> Okay. Uh so the 2025 best practices inventory has been completed. Um the
inventory is required every year by the state of New Jersey and its purpose is to assess each municipality's compliance with various laws and evaluate implementation of fiscal and operational best practices. It's also used by the DCA to determine areas that may need
attention in certain municipalities which are generally underscored survey questions. It's um more just forformational purposes. Our answers to the scored questions determine if we will receive our full final aid payment.
Uh this year's inventory consisted of 70 questions in total. 51 were scored and 19 were unscored and we scored uh the bureau scored 37 this year and a score of 35 and greater assures full payment of aid. So the bureau will be getting
our full portion of energy tax receipts. Uh the only two topics that scored us a zero included electric vehicle charging stations as well as lead paint inspections, but lead paint inspections have been on I want to say four or five
years continuously because it's something new being introduced into the burrows. But we should be scoring on them next year because in 2026 we will begin implementing in the building department um doing lead paint inspections. So we'll be able to scratch that one off the list. Um but otherwise
everything else was in compliance and the burough was in good shape. That's it. >> Thank you very much. And how how was that this year done? >> Um it was >> very easy best practice. Not so >> Yeah. Yeah. It it was it was not bad at all actually because a lot of times, you
know, they'll ask for supplemental information, put together a spreadsheet, tally stuff out. There was none of that this year. It was a breeze. I think I got it done in just a few days. >> Yeah. >> Well, thank you for doing that. Okay, next we have a proclamation. Boy, would you guys want to come a little
closer? You're so far. I'll talk for the um honoring the 90 90th anniversary of the Allenale Barring Thr. This is a long whereas 2025 marks the 90th anniversary
of the Allenale Bar and Grow tracing its history back to 1935 where it's had its humble beginnings as a neighborhood tavern located in the old Allenale Hotel owned by Mike and Ma Ma Ko. And whereas even in its humble
beginnings at the Allentown Hotel, the establishment was known for its great food and generous portions at bargain prices. And whereas in 1947, Lud Connelly, a widow and devoted mother of five daughters, purchased 67 West
Allenell Avenue, its present site, leaving behind her management of the restaurant and tavern of the Allenale Hotel. and with her vision, perseverance, and spirit opened the Allenale Bar and Grill. And whereas Ma Connelly not only carried the Allenale
Hotel's liquor license with her, but also carried the strength of character that would establish one of Allenale's most enduring family-owned businesses. and her entrepreneurial courage and dedication created a gathering place that has thrived for generations,
becoming a landmark institution deeply woven into the fabric of the Allenale community. And whereas this milestone celebrates both the history of the Connelly and the Kunish families and the countless residents, visitors, and friends who
have shared memories with within its walls. Those walls were tough. [laughter] Whereas this milestone celebrates both the sorry. Whereas um the second whereas the family second generation Mike and
Bobby Kunish instilled many life lessons in their children. None more so than a restaurant success is measured by its impact on the community. They took great pride in knowing that Chris, Craig, and Katie
would carry forward this with Kenny forever in their hearts. Whereas the fourth generation of family, Chris Kunes, Craig Kunish, and Katie O'heenian together with their spouses Jeanie, Denise, and Pete have proudly
carried on the tradition of past generations through both the Allen Baring Grill and the Ma Baring Grill in so much that the AB&G is now memorialized on the new Allen mural. And whereas Chris, Craig, and Katie continued to live by their parents'
teachings and by Ma Connelly's original goal set 90 years ago to provide good food and plenty of it along with generous drinks at reasonable prices for their guests. And whereas the Kunish family was recently awarded the 2025 New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality
Association Restaurant Tour of the Year Award. A high honor bestowed upon a restaurant owner or operator who exemplifies outstanding leadership, business success, and contributions to both the hospitality industry and the community. And whereas the patrons, guests, and
staff of the Allen Baring Grill and the Ma Boring Grill are all considered family. And we are proud to bring everyone together to celebrate this extraordinary anniversary honoring Ma Conn Ma Connelly's legacy and recognize the role in the Allen Delor that it's
played in shaping the social and cultural life of our town. Whereas preserving, honoring, and sharing our burough's history is a vital responsibility of this governing body, ensuring that future generations appreciate the contribution and leaders
like Lud Connelly and the Punish family who have helped define Allenale. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Amy Wzinski, the mayor of the Burough of Allen, along with the council, do hereby recognize and celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Alden Boring Grill and the remarkable vision of its
founder, Ma Conway. And be it further proclaimed that November 13, 2025 shall lay shall be a day to honor this legacy with deep gratitude to the Connelly and Tunis families for their lasting contributions to the history, character, and spirit of Amadale.
We want a picture with you people. [laughter] >> So she did and it was supposed to be here today by 11 a.m. >> and it didn't come. She was very obsessive. She did, but she's wait she's blue signs.
>> She was really upset over it. She contacted Amazon and then they had said it was going to come like 3:15 >> and it didn't come and then it just kept pushing it and then they said Friday. Oh my. >> She was really dyed to make sure >> your population was so long. So much to
say you're gonna get a longer a bigger one of these. >> Yeah. picture. Oh, sorry. >> Just didn't come in time. [clears throat] >> Amazon cancelled it. >> What happened? >> Yeah, >> they kept pushing and pushing.
>> Yeah, I was supposed to be here by 11 a.m. >> Thank you. [laughter] [laughter] I think Christmas [laughter] >> I have to say out loud. Genie get in the picture and
slide over so you get the burrow sign in the middle. >> Yeah. >> You all know each other. Get close. >> There we go. One, two, three. One, two.
>> Great. Thank you. very [laughter] >> I mean she was like um kind of back in your seats. Uh I want to thank mayor and council for this really awesome award. We we have to keep
in mind that Kunish family like we have the fun part now we celebrate we had the bar you know certain but the mayor and council and and what you people do for this town um is is incredible and I think it all started back with Mayor
Barrett Mayor White now Mayor Amy um the countless hours time energy and effort that you guys did this town to maintain what you know my kids are fifth generation as we've seen a lot and what you do,
like I said, for the town of Allenale is commendable and very much appreciated. So, thank you very much. >> Um, next we have approval of minutes October 9th and October 23rd, 2025. Do I have a motion? So move. >> Second, please.
>> Second. >> Councilman Yakarino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oul. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Hman. >> I will abstain on the October 9th and 3rd.
>> Councilwoman Lovolo. >> Yes. >> Coun Councilman Delawio. >> Yes. On the 23rd. I abstain on the 9th. >> Councilman Okonnell. Yes. >> All right. >> Um, Councilwoman Livolo.
>> Yeah. >> October [clears throat] 9th. >> Yeah. Stay from the N. >> Nothing to do with that. >> All right. Next, we have agenda review. We actually have a a short agenda, our consent agenda. Um we have approval of
an interlocal uh court agreement that we do uh for years now with hopocus and we are actually have another authorization to go out to bid um for snow plowing going out and we have our uh approval our best list approval of
this a billable and we also have thanks for getting this on Linda the um Bergen County Community Development block grant uh for uh ADO senior housing AHI. So with that, I would like to open the
meeting um on agenda items only. Anybody from the public like to come up and speak on anything the agenda? Not seeing anybody. Um do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second, please.
>> Second. >> Councilman Yakarino. >> 25241. Yes. On the back. >> Councilman Oul. >> Yes. Councilwoman Hman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Lois Solo, >> yes. >> Councilman Delawio, >> yes. >> Councilman Okonnell,
>> yes. >> To keep it short, we are going to be attending meeting, which I actually believe is Monday. So, we'll be attending the ARC meeting. Looking forward to attending that again. And thank you to ARC for accommodating this holding conference next week. So, I'll keep it at that. I'm also working with
Mark Valdez to update the burrow's contact list with the key players of ARC that we use for field closure notifications and other uh notifications that accord. So Mark and I are working on that. One of the things I'd like to close on and theition tradition of fun
this evening is a fun fact about Allenale which I discovered yesterday. >> Oh yeah. >> So we know what Crestwood Lake is today and it's a man-made lake. But what was it before it was a lake? Was there a light fall?
>> Before >> no family owned this before. >> I don't think >> I did not know that either. >> I don't think that's true. like a not like a whole [clears throat] [laughter]
>> fact check this guy [laughter] before coming becoming the beloved community lake and recreation area that it is today lake started out as a sand and gravel pit quarry in the 1920s the choir was transformed into a swimming picnic park for residents
>> that all right >> the recorders [laughter] You know what? We're not going to argue with you on the days. >> Why do we buy [laughter] >> tool? Are you done? >> Yes.
>> Tool. >> Uh, thank you, mayor. Uh, our additional offer has gone out to, uh, candidate for walks. >> Yeah. >> Uh, he's currently in the background phase. uh support being on board or sponsor. We are currently working on
developing ordinances and programs to address ebikes should be hot topic. It's better fun than physical electronic speed signs have been installed around town east crescent
and uh the crosswalk photo enforcement aka the safety sticks will be coming soon. we've been put in the queue for installation. Uh in case you don't recall, they're automatic traffic enforcement uh device which will be placed by two crosswalks downtown to
dissuade people from parking in the crosswalks. >> And if you do, you'll get a ticket and there's nothing you can do about it. So don't park in the crosswalk on liquor store. Where's the other [laughter] fair warning [laughter] you? They have a snack.
It's a safety issue and on Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings, there are a lot of people and a lot of cars there. Um, our stop program, student teacher officer partnership program is currently underway at the high school, teaching you these drivers about safe practices
and interactions with law enforcement. And finally, we have scheduled our next public safety committee meeting for the 12th. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. [clears throat] woman come in. >> Uh, hi. Well, you know, I was busy
thinking of what my fun fact could be. Hiler, [laughter] >> I'll have a better one. >> And I will just share this since I'm sewer and water that there are sewer systems that were built in Rome in 600 BC that are still in use today.
[laughter] >> Just saying. Anyway, um so as far as sewers, um as the public and council knows, we uh continue to have some litigations around the use of our sewer
system, uh via neighboring towns with very large, uh developments uh because it will overburden our system. So, they're continuing forward um on that
contentious situation and um as far as water uh we continue to monitor the situation of Saddle River suit against Violia. The information that I feel is probably valuable to the council as well as the
public is to the best of our understanding at this point we do know that the suit does not involve residential meters that it in fact involves large bulk meters. So I wanted to share that piece of information but
we will continue to follow that suit and see whether there is some application for them. And then also as far as VIA we have received I received a some questions from a resident just around um PAS and water contaminant treatment. And
so I've reached out to Violia and we're going to, you know, figure out, believe it or not, how maybe we can disseminate out some additional information to residents. I know that the NJ DP had sent out a PAS
questionnaire that we had posted on our Facebook and website to ask people what they know about POS and POS contamination. And so it may be really helpful to have Dolia share some information on the treatment um options
that are out there. And certainly if any resident or anybody has any questions, I'm always happy to discuss it because we spent a long time looking at PAS treatment options and understanding the cost and the efficacy and the need for that. And I would have to just add
thanks to you, we were actually ahead of the curve because we jumped on the PAS uh before now it's become more of a household name. So we had that another resident I think reached out and mentioned it and you just took a deep dive into it and that's when we um really just made the final decisions
which is why for basically all of our almost all of our wells are treated right now. >> Yeah. And I think about that like that is really the story unless it's here that a resident had reached out with some confusion about hey I heard
Allenville was on this list which it turned out it wasn't Allenville that it was even on the list but I was like wait what areas anyway and so we did begin this journey so I think as a message to residents that we do take very seriously
questions that they bring forward and it's helpful Y thank you very much >> I'm sorry I did just want to say Cena unbelievable job that you've done and
just for to see how appreciative you are to me that is the icing on the cake obviously from somebody that's hardworking is intelligent and to be appreciative of the opportunity that you have to work with people and learn from
other people. It's just such a great example to other young people and adults as a whole because all the kids that you had doing those 500 hours, they're seeing that this is how they're going to do it. And the trickle down effect of
people doing things kindly, nicely, effectively is huge. So, thank you for being a wonderful example. >> Thank you. No, you want to love me solo. >> What' she say? [laughter] >> Uh, but also, you know, it's funny. We
had the ABG here tonight and no matter where you are in the world, you say you're from Allenale, New Jersey. If people know New Jersey and if they know this area, they're like, "Oh, the Allenale Bar and Grill." I mean, it literally is what Allenale is known for. But now also will be known for our beautiful, absolutely beautiful barbec.
[laughter] And I remember being at Crestwood when the first ones went in, right? And your mom was there taking photos of them. They really are photo worthy. >> And remember we were like struggling with the color of the concession stand and we're like should it be white, should it be blue? And we wanted a
little we were think we wanted to match the red barn but we thought it would be weird to do it red. So when we did it white and then the red was it we're just like this was it. That was our answer was perfect. Yep. For sure. >> Um so also one of my council people up here called this my betterment outfit
today. I hope he fell down today. >> He did. >> I know. I was >> We wish the senator the the best of luck and hopefully he heals quick. >> Um yeah, >> so um and I've never worn a sweatshirt
before, but I felt like today >> I did think that till I till I saw the writing at first. I was like, >> what a [laughter] Yeah, could be a new look. Um all right, so finance. Thank you, Allison, for once again doing an amazing job with everything that you did to get us
>> compliant and in line. Um I'm not sure when our next finance meeting is. I think it's two weeks, but I'm not sure. >> Yeah, we pushed it back. I I forget. >> But as our um [snorts] as our wonderful um burough,
what do I do? admin and [laughter] CFO >> administrator administrator put in an email recently our budget remains very solid at this time with no areas of concern identified and then with the implementation of a few
procedural adjustments in key areas we are in the strong financial position so yay us yay Alison thank you um land use will be meeting again in two weeks I reported at the last council meeting um about our October land use meeting. But
until that report, um Mike Leatah, our property maintenance officer, would like to remind residents to have the trees on their properties inspected by a licensed arborist or other tree care specialist for dead or unhealthy trees. Residents will be held accountable for dead trees
falling in roads, rivers, or on neighboring properties. Now, if the tree is along the road, that doesn't necessarily mean it's a burrow tree. But if you think that the tree along the road is not your responsibility, but is a burrow tree, please read out reach out
to Michael clarify that for you. Um, there's some green team events happening on Saturday. There's a pumpkin and mum collection at Rosslers. So, if you're done with your pumpkins now, you're ready to move on to your Christmas decorating as some people are. Um, you
can drop them off at Roslers. Um, if I had that time somewhere, I thought Michael was going to be here. So, I think it's here. It is um 9 to 2 at Ross Mums and Pumpkin. He's
also still collecting holiday lights. So, if you have if you started your Christmas decorating, you notice that you have bulbs out and you want to get rid of your lights, they're also collecting that box. Here at Burough Hall in the parking lot, they'll be collecting styrofoam reusable bags,
all of these things and going to be dropping them off later. Um, and and food collection also. In addition to this, we will be collecting warm jackets, coats, and sweatshirts.
Um, we're pairing with former mayor Vince Sper who every Saturday goes down to Patterson and donates these items to the homeless men and women in Patterson. So, they're looking for very large warm
coats and sweatshirts and hats and gloves are always appreciated and you can bring those to either collection place this weekend. And that's about it. >> Thank you very much. Wait. So they can either be brought here or to Rosler to clothing him. Yeah.
>> And um and look for the green team volunteers. They'll be collecting that also as well. That >> and then um here the collection is 10 to noon. >> All right. We'll post that too on our website. Yeah. Facebook.
>> Councilman Delissio. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh I'll be I'll be brief. We uh we had our last meeting was before October 23rd. So I had a pretty good uh pretty good size report back then, but I'll just give some brief and our superintendent Andy Bubliero can uh
can give his his report as well. I know the DPW is hard at work. They're prepping for winter coming. I know we had some salt delivered. Uh and thankfully we voted tonight to uh put the bid out for the snowmen. We're uh good to go hit the roads
hopefully once we get our pigs back. Um I know the guys have been busy picking up the bag leaves. Uh we had a lot of drop offs. Uh it's been pretty windy lately so I know a lot of branches. You guys picking up a lot of debris in the roads and trying to keep everything safe and clean. Uh and I know uh to uh
superintendent of Googlier's hard work and communication with the county DPW, right? They came and they cleaned out our catch basins which helped with some of these nice heavy rainstorms we get occasionally to open up the roads that typically flood. So, thank you for doing
that. And on the bright side, right, we have a new carpenter in town. So, next time next time the Brookside Bridge or something, we need repairs. >> Next project. >> So, [laughter] yeah. So, that's all I have, mayor. And like I said, superintendent will fill in
any. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Councelo. Thank you, mayor. Uh, let me just say a fun fact with San. Uh, every phone call, uh, email or text I got, it will always say, "Sorry to bother you." [laughter] And it was never
a bother. It was my pleasure pleasure and privilege. Um, on to the next project. Thank you for everybody's responses. Sorry, Chief. I didn't put birds. I put tree houses. You're not getting a treehouse. But the Girl Scouts, uh, they're working on their
bronze star. uh already reached out to uh mice and Jim Stout. So, we got the ball rolling a couple places I sent everybody. I think we're going to eliminate some off the list, but uh I will send that out as we walk it and see where they're going to go. And uh Jim
already said we'll do garden hose and tie rope around it so when they move it won't cut into the tree branch. And so, uh we got the ball >> doing that, right? That's true. >> Yeah, the dr can't be doing that. We're just going to see where trees they're going to put it on. >> Sure.
>> So, there's about 14 birdouses in uh several locations. So, we'll keep you posted. >> Excellent. >> How does that fit in with our fair share houses? >> ADU. >> It depends on how rich the bird is. [laughter] >> All right. Off to our staff report and
we'll just go right down the line. Our CFO and burough administrator, Alison Altano. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, okay. So for finance, we've begun working on the 2026 budget already. Uh my requests for budget reviews have been distributed to each department head and I'm just
waiting for their submissions. Uh most larger budget items are already known such as pension, health insurance, you know, the basics. Uh unfortunately for 2026, the largest increase is health insurance, which has increased 35% this
year. Um, unfortunately, we don't have any flexibility when it comes to the cost for retiree health insurance, but we do anticipate some savings on the active employee side due to the implementation of the difference park program, which offers lower premium
costs to the bureau and employees who wish to participate in it. And I would like to thank the mayor and council for approving this program. Um, all of the employees who have decided to take advantage of it have really expressed their appreciation for having the ability to save some money on their
premiums. Um, as Councilwoman Lova Solo stated, overall 2025 has been a very successful year. All departments have made a conscious effort to remain fiscally responsible and it's a very encouraging position to be in as we move
into 2026. So, it's always good. Um, in the coming month, we're going to be having our second cell tower bid opening. So, this is in hopes to obtain additional tenants on our cell tower and increase the revenue um that we're already uh generating from it in the
upcoming year. And finally, we have officially launched the credit card payments for the building department. I know last time that I was at a meeting, I stated that we were going to be doing it. So, it's officially set up. So applicants who submit uh permit applications will now receive an email
once their application has been reviewed and inside the email will give you the option to either pay by credit card or electronic check or you still have the option to still come in person and make payments by check. >> So um I think a lot of people have actually already seen that we've been
doing that. Such >> a great service to offer. >> Definitely much more convenient. So uh that's about it going into the end of the year. It's it's a lot of budget and a lot of numbers. our our wonderful clerk. >> Thank you, mayor. I would like to extend
my sincere gratitude to all district board workers and superboard workers for their dedication and hard work on election day. Your commitment to arriving as early as 5:00 a.m. to prepare and open the polls by 6:00 a.m. ensures that the community's election
process runs smoothly. It is a long and demanding day and your efforts are truly appreciated. I would also like to thank the minor board workers for generously giving their time to support this important civic duty and the residents of Allenale for their patience and
cooperation throughout the day. A special thank you goes to my assistants in the clerk's office, Amanda Richards and Dy Blitzer for their invaluable help and support. I am also grateful for DPW Superintendent Andy Agliierro and Lieutenant Lieutenant Todd Griffith and
Detective Chris Rosado uh of the Allenale Police Department for their assistance at the close of election night. Finally, thank you to the Allenale Fire Department for the use of their space for District 1. Your support helped make the evening run seamlessly.
Your teamwork and dedication made the entire process efficient and successful. Thank you for your outstanding service to our community. And that's it. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Busy time of year for police department. We're preparing for numerous public holiday gatherings and budgeting for upcoming years for the upcoming year. Thank you to our residents for an uneventful Halloween. I gather [laughter] ensuring public safety on Halloween is a
challenge. An all-in effort by everyone involved, especially parents, is the only way we can enjoy a safe environment year after year for our children. Word of thanks to our public works staff for their response during October 30th rain and windstorm. Allan oversee the brunt
of the weather that day and without the collaboration and hard work of our DPW, the police department's job would have been much more. >> Superintendent Andy. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, so fall sports have pretty much come to an end. Um, we
just purchased a set of new turf blankets for the soccer fields. So, um, Tyler's happy, so we'll start. Um, we're in the process of finishing winterizing Preston Lake and all their spots in the Turo that need to be winterized. Um, as
uh, Councilman Delissio said, the bag programs in full swing. Um, people can drop them off on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the dump uh, from 4:00 to 7:00 on Wednesday and Saturdays from 9:00 to 3 if they get missed or if they
don't have mountain time. Um my this Saturday, November 15th is National Recycling Day. Um spitting that all the recycling stuff Saturday. Um >> that was planned. [laughter] >> Budget for 2026. And lastly, there's
some new technology. Unless you can see the new modern >> council council [laughter] might be as as the mayor knows a busy couple of weeks. Unfortunately, a lot of it still remains on the litigation or
quasi litigation side. Um working with the the chief on several departmental matters. Uh we still are trying to put the uh the final uh uh eyes dotted and te crossed on the PBA contract. a couple of new issues raised this evening by uh the attorney for the PBA. We'll try to
resolve those tomorrow. Um we've also got uh an issue pending on a return to duty matter involving uh the police department and we're working with all concerned on trying to get that done. Uh I'll call those in a quasi litigation context. But then more directly uh in terms of litigation, we talked about
this before uh what I'll call our well 17 litigation. We're anticipating the uh the reply of the plaintiffs tomorrow uh and then oral argument will be set by the court sometime uh during the two weeks after that. So uh we probably will have some decision on that or some
guidance the court where the year is out. Uh and then with respect to our Avalon litigation uh as I advised the the committee tonight um we have a revised briefing schedule. So our briefing the appelllet division is due now in mid January. Uh and and I think that gives us some more flexibility
given everything else going on uh to try to resolve you know some of those issues. Uh and then working as the mayor knows from our daily uh multiple phone calls and emails every day uh working with special counsel and mayor and are in here on the majorization between our
affordable housing litigation, Saddle River sewer matters uh and the uh the Avalon litigation. Uh all of those seem to be inextricably intertwined unfortunately. Uh so it really does take a team effort to try to coordinate all those activities which relate to each
other. That's it. >> Thank you. And then I'll just parlay my report into that too. The fair share housing continues to be a grueling demand taking significant time and energy. Um our team has already taken um participated multiple meetings with the judge judicator fairshare housing our
experts. Uh we have another meeting tomorrow with um Rey and our other lawy our other attorney. Um, so they're uh complex and you know there's a lot of a lot of back and forth, but we ma we remain steadfast in protecting the character and interest of our community
um while trying to you know while complying to our our state mandates and uh it it's a process and these people, you know, they're also very tired because they have 400 or so other municipalities that they're deal dealing with and it's it's a lot of back and
forth and it it gets very contentious at times, but we're trying to stay positive and work out a um a deal that's encouraging for everybody. Uh we have our fourth fourth town hall of the year coming up on December 2nd. These are very popular forums for our residents.
As you see, this actually is a lot of people for our council meetings. Usually there's none. So, uh but we do pack them in for the townhouse town hall. So, they're um just a little bit more casual. People don't have to go on the record and state their name. So, they tend to uh just want to come and ask
questions. So, uh, in our spirit of being transparent, we are having our fourth one on 7 o'clock December 2nd at the Canadia Center. Um, actually there will be a QR code in our next news newsletter if anybody wants to uh give us any topics ahead of time so we're um
prepared. Uh, also in the newsletter and I encourage everybody to sign up for the newsletter. There's so much good information in there. Uh is a letter to residents regarding my meeting with uh Bishop Michael Separino. And I think everybody will find that very interesting. We also have the holiday
walk coming up on December 5th and uh lots of interesting new um items to decorate the town and some residents and myself will be helping with. So I'll be sending an email out. So we got some garland and lights and wreaths that we got to fluff up. So, we're going to gather at the community center and we're
going to put all all hands on and uh decorate the town for the holidays. Um, we met with actually Boy Scouts uh Bill Thomas and Bill Murphy uh today. We talked about opportunities to meet um with the with these young men and women and uh talk about their civic duty. So,
uh thank you for that conversation uh today. It was it was excellent. And uh congratul congratulations to Councilman Matt Oul and Tyler Tyler [clears throat] Yakino on their successful bid for council again and willing to serve.
>> Yay. And with that is there any unfinished finished business or new business? Then I'd like to open the meeting up to the public on any matters. Anybody from the public wish to come up and speak?
Anyone else? >> Hello. State your name and your >> um two things. First of all, Liz, you mentioned that you got a letter from a resident regarding the PAS issue. I'm just curious, is this a new resident that you got it from? because I mean
we've been dealing with this and you have been so out in front of it for over 10 years that you know maybe it's because of what's going on with well 17 and the absolute ludicrousness of how this is all being handled. Um, so I
didn't know if this was a new person that wasn't aware that we've been so out ahead of it, but it was just uh I'm not sure you can answer that question, but I just was shocked that there was somebody but that didn't know how much we have actually done for PEOS.
>> Yeah, I I thank you so much for recognizing the amount of effort that the entire council has put forward and the community as a whole. Um this particular question really was around more understanding what types of like we
have temporary treatment in um for four out of the five wells that are within the Allenville border. and theirs was asking about how the future permanent um treatments would uh operate and could
there be better choices, different choices and from my perspective, I felt that it was good to bring in Violia because they have been very open and really um forward thinking in getting the temporary treatment in immediately.
And so I I I feel that it's good to kind of hand the question forward and we'll just have to see what the best forum is to share because you know they Violia has committed to ensure that we remove
POS from and other contaminants from the water and so having questions about how what you know there's different types of granular activated carbon there's resin so Um I think yeah so yes thank you so much. >> No no no and yeah I mean that was that
was the entire reason we wound up selling the system and and having so been so lucky really to have the pay us the amount of money they did number one and number two have a company that's actually handling the PAS issue for us.
So I think there's no knowing where we were there's no way we could have continued the way we were. So anyway, I I just appreciate that. And then number two, I know the Kunish family has already left, but I just wanted to say on the record how blessed we are now on
wheel to have the ABG. You know, Suzanne, you're right. You know, I was on a plane um traveling from Europe and there was somebody that wasn't even from New Jersey and they knew the ABG. So, you always hear a story. >> Yeah. I mean, it was it was just fantastic. And they're they give so much
back to the community. It means so much to us between Kunishfield and and the town. And uh they're just amazing people, amazing family. And we really are um blessed to have. So, I just wanted to put that on the record as well. And thank you so much. Nice to
meet you. >> And congratulations. >> I thought we were known for our sand gravel. >> [laughter] >> Anybody else from the public wish to speak on any matters? I hate to complain again. The thing is coming.
>> [laughter] >> We have new speakers coming. >> We are working. >> So, so did you. >> So, Walter, we have Walter. Walter. [laughter] >> Good hat and bad. >> Did you catch the part about the part? I want to bring something to your attention that you we have no control
over the pain in my butt. I have gone to them numerous times talking them about their shrubs and trees. And you may or may not know
>> the trees along Crescent, not the new center. Trees along Crescent are the veil's territory. When they put them in, I talked to them
about it and I found this out and the deer pres I assume was the anti rubbing the bark on the tree. I went to the bell and asked them if
they would be willing to pay for the >> tree guard. >> Yeah, the part >> Yeah, the tree guard. >> Yeah. And I said, I would be more than glad to purchase them and put them on the trees if they would be reimbursement. And their answer to that
was no. It's a corporate thing, you know, and you know how they function. So I it's I know I'm wasting my time talking to you about it because you have nothing to do with it. >> Well, I could put a email and I I have a
conversation with the manager there probably at least once a month. So I could certainly ask ask them to do the rock. I'd be happy to. >> I don't know if you see it. I' got pictures.
>> Yeah. >> The park is shrouded. >> Sure. I'll I'll be happy to do that. >> Walter. Thank you, Walter. Anybody else for the public wish to speak? Not seeing anyone. Motion to adjurnn. >> All in favor?