Good evening everybody. How's everybody doing tonight? Y >> welcome to Allenale. >> Very nice. >> Welcome to our um combined mayor and council meeting or combined work and regular sessions. It's December 18th, 2025, 7 p.m.
>> Linda, may you please call the meeting to order and read the open public's announcement, please. >> 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 Otul >> here. >> Councilwoman Hman >> here. >> Councilwoman Lisa here.
>> Councilman Delawio here. >> Councilman Okonnell here. Mayor Winski here. Everybody, please stand to salute the flag. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> Right.
A fun meeting tonight. First, we're going to start our meeting um with a little presentation. So, um, the mayor council, myself and the council decided we we actually used to participate in something called
>> Sorry, we're going to move you right there just for this meeting. See how it feels right over there. The mic >> what he's doing tonight >> cuz you're sitting under the thing. See if the buzzing >> I know you'll be happy I hope when we're done
talking. >> So there's >> Thank you. But thank you Mike. There's something called hometown hero that um um our our state does and we participated that in the past and we thought it was like a little impersonal
so we actually wanted to start our own. So, starting next year, we are going to have a small committee and we are going to nominate somebody, a resident, a business owner, somebody that lives in Alden who's our hometown hero, somebody that shows that they have a commitment
to our town, they volunteer in our town, they've made a difference with service, and we just want to bring to light their their commitment and um have a little special celebration for them. So, we thought that this year we would just try it out
first and we decided to nominate Walter Whitmer about Walter. So, it is a true privilege to honor Walter Whitner tonight. Walter is a familiar and welcome face here at our council, but his roots in
our community and service to our country run very deep. As a proud veteran, Walter dedicated over 30 years to our local students as a biology teacher at Ramico High School, leaving a lasting impact on generations of residents. Beyond the classroom, Walter has always
been a man of action. Whether he's on the tennis court, at the bowling alley, or playing a game of pool with his buddies, he stays incredibly active. White Rosemary share shared a beautiful 60-year marriage. His daughters Leslie,
Susan, still fondly remember their family adventures traveling across the country together in their popup camper. Walter, your service in the military, your decades of teaching, and your constant engaged presence here at Burough of Allen are we are honored to
rec recognize your you here tonight. Thank you for being such a vital part of our town's story. Congratulations. Come on you guys. We're all taking a picture. >> You missed it.
>> No, I'm You can go first. >> I'm gonna miss this. Um, >> I don't think that's mine. >> Oh, Mike's gonna do it. >> And then you have >> Look, he's got his hand.
>> Oh, cute. >> There's a in the cup. >> Yeah, there's a pin in the cup. >> There's something in the cup. Look at him. Look at him. >> Turn around. We're going to take a picture There's a kid here. Yeah.
>> Welcome to every single sheet that past four years. I think he might have missed one in the past. >> We can have more residents come. >> And 37 years of teaching, you only miss the perfect attendance.
>> Wow. Thank you. All right. Now, I'm gonna come up here and take a second. >> All right. I'm going to have um agenda review. Um first we have our consent agenda. honor consent agenda is um so consent agendas are routine um items
that are enacted usually in in one motion but there's sometimes I'd like to point some items out to show the work that we've done as a bureau. Uh first I'd like to point out that we have the approval of the PBA contract number 217. This is um an agreement that reflects
months and months of really good dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to doing what is right for our officers and for our community. The result is this contract that recognizes the dedication and the professionalism of our PBA members and our officers
under the direction of Chief Mike Gillan um and and ensuring that our residents have a solid force that is 100% backed by the mayor and council. So, thank you to everyone involved. This agreement sets, I think, a really positive tone moving forward and reinforces the strong
partnership between the governing body and our police officers as we continue working together to serve in this great burrow of Allenale. So, thank you everybody involved that also have um uh authorization to approve
uh heartscape improvements for our island pocket park and also some awarding a contract to terraforms contracting for some improvements and a refreshing of our veterans park. So, that's going to be really nice. Um and that is done uh through a grant. And
that is it. Our agenda and we're not don't worry we're not um and then after that we're going to have a we're going to enact that in one motion and then we're going to be swearing in our new police officer. So first I have approval of minutes. Can I have a motion to approve December 4th,
2025? >> Second, please. >> Second. Councilman Yakarino, >> Councilman Otul, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Hman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Lovolo, >> yes. >> Councilman Devisio, >> yes. >> Councilman Okonnell,
>> abstain. >> I'd like to open the meeting up for public comment on agenda items only. Anybody from the public would like to speak on agenda items only? Not seeing anybody. I'm going to bring it back. Do I have a motion to approve the
consent agenda? >> So move. >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Welcome. >> Councilman Yakarino. 25261. Yes. >> Councilman Otul. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Homeman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Levero. >> Yes. >> Councilman Devisio. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Okonnell. >> Yes. >> Next we have our council reports. Councilman Deakarino. >> Thank you, Mayor. I'll be brief but I just want to provide a quick summation about our many highlights for the year. Um we focused on maintaining and enhancing most notably our fields and
our relationship with Downville recreation of Glitch and Sus two incredible highlights of ours along with the new concession stand at Crest Lake. So um this was definitely year to kickstart many of those capital projects. Um and also working and enhancing our partnerships as I said um
we've received a lot of great feedback with the work that we've done. as you can see uh commentary on what we can do for next year, how we can continue to improve our planning and our strategic operations. So just in some brief, but I think we really accomplished a lot of
great things this year. So it's a pleasure working with everyone here. We look forward to 2026 and which I mentioned to you all earlier. We have our first band >> booked already. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much,
>> Councilman Oul. Thank you, mayor. I actually want to keep it pretty brief because everybody's here for uh the season. I hope you hear me. Uh public safety committee has not had a meeting since our last meeting. There have been some uh some stuff going on. Um first
and foremost, we're happy about the contract. Uh to attract and retain the very best officers, which if you look around and see that we've done and appear to be welcoming another to our ranch this evening. So, uh,
congratulations. Welcome aboard. >> So, woman, >> hi. So, we've had really a very busy year when it comes to water and sewer, and I think I'd like to take the time just to say thank you to both our mayor,
who has really led um many initiatives around affordable housing, which impacts our water and sewer systems. uh in a great way and just thanking Amy to all the work you've done in the affordable housing and and uh to Rey too, thank you
so much for the leadership that you have given to our team. It hasn't been easy. It's been a lot of work, but everybody's really kept a very head and I think we put uh Allenale in the best possible place we can be given all the circumstances as we move into 2026.
>> Not over yet. Fingers crossed. >> No. And Chris, welcome to you. Can't wait for you to join the team and thanks to the council for another amazing year. >> Got it. >> Thank you, mayor. I am going to wave my
finance and land use reports until after our next meetings. Um, I just want to once again thank Walter for just being our biggest cheerleader. And for those who don't know, Walter first started coming to council meetings
because years ago there were some candidates that came up to his house, knocked on his door and started talking about things and he's like, I didn't know that. I didn't know that. I should really get to know more. So he now comes to every single council meeting. It's really wonderful to see Walter. He's
also a member of our green team and a valuable member in that. So thank you for all you do there too, Walter. Um again, it's been a year of pleasure working with all of you. Amy, as our council president said, thank you for all you've done for all of us, for the burrow of Allenale and for affordable
housing. Ray, you work alongside her with all of that going on. Still going on. It's not quite over yet. Um, but we're getting there and we're meeting our obligations. So, um, thank you. And to all of you, thank you for being here
tonight. And that's about it. Happy holidays. Happy New Year. >> Thank you. Thank you, mayor. Uh, DPW committee meets tomorrow. We had have nothing new to report other than guess you guys realize we had a little bit of snow recently. The DPW was working hard to
get that cleaned up to make sure the plan was to safe conditions report next year and just want to welcome Chris and uh look forward to your swearing in as to everybody. Happy holidays. >> Mandy.
>> Thank you, Mayor. uh still working with the Girl Scouts on their gold star with their third houses. Uh Chris, I wish you the best of luck. You got a great chief and a great uh department you're going into. Uh want to wish everybody a happy holidays and a happy new year and uh all
the best for next year. Thank you, Mayor. >> Our staff, our CFO, and administrator. >> Thank you, Mayor. I'm going to keep it short as well. I just want to give an overall thank you to everyone for another successful year. Um, we're very
fortunate to have a very strong team and I appreciate everything that everybody does. Uh, specific thank yous to the police department, DPW, and of course everybody at Bur Hall. Um, and wishing everybody happy holidays and happy new year. Thank you.
>> Our clerk and Sabina. >> Thank you, Mayor. As we come uh to close of the year, I would like to reflect on what has been a very successful year for the municipal clerk's office. Throughout the year, our department continued to serve the community with dedication,
professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. While no year is without its challenges, any mistakes made have provided valuable learning opportunities that will guide us as we move forward and continue to improve our department. I would like to extend my sincere
gratitude to the mayor, the council, and Allison Alzano for their continued support and guidance. I would also like to thank the Allenale Police Department, fire department, and the part department of public works for all their cooperation is assistance throughout the year. The teamwork and collaboration
among all departments play a vital role in ensuring the efficient and effective operations of our municipality. As we look ahead, I'm excited excited and optimistic about what 2026 will bring. I am confident that we will continue to build upon this year's successes and
strengthen our service to the community. I'd also like to welcome Chris as he begins his career with the Allenale Police Department. And congratulations, Walter. >> That's it. has been alluded to, it's been a hectic couple of weeks due the confluence, I
guess, of our sewer utility, our affordable housing, and our Avalon litigation. Uh, all of that has decided to reach a crescendo at the same time. Uh, and most of that needs to have closure uh by December 31st. So, I anticipate the next two weeks, not within the holidays, are going to be
rather busy. Uh but uh I think the direction right now uh and hopefully our partners and adversaries feel the same way uh is a good one and that we hopefully will be able to disclosure. Chris, welcome aboard and Walter. Congratulations and everyone
a merry Christmas, a happy holidays and happy new year. >> Chief Mike, >> thank you madam mayor. It's a proud moment for our department as we continue to grow and address the needs of our community. I'm thrilled to have Christopher on our team and appreciate the unwavering support of our mayor and council. The department is full of
officers and supervisors who deeply care for our town and are dedicated to serving the public. I look forward to the new year seeing the professional and personal growth of all of them. >> Excellent. >> Thank you very much. Um and my report, I would just like to thank my entire council for all your all your supports
throughout the year um in your respective committees. Um it takes teamwork to keep this burrow running. Um, I always say there's a lot going on, you know, in a little town. You all have great ideas. More importantly, you execute them and you all have the purpose in mind of making Allenale a
better place get to live for residents. So, thank you for your dedication throughout this year and I look forward to another great year next year. To our professional team, um, Allison, thank you so much for being by my side all the time. I almost wrote in here. I think I talked to you more than family. I'm
like, that probably is pretty bad. But it is probably very true. >> You're such a great asset to the burough. We're so lucky to have you. We appreciate your thoughtful decision- making, your fiscal stewardship, and your guidance. And I appreciate your guidance so much as always. >> Um, and Linda, thank you so much for your behind-the-scenes work as the
clerk. Um, your organization and knowledge and sweetness just keep everything running smoothly in the clerk's department. So, we really appreciate all you do. Um, Chief Dylan, thank you for your leadership and dedication throughout this past year. Your commitment to public safety, and
we've had lots of talks about this. Your professionalism and your collaboration with community makes us know that we're really all in safe safe hands. And I appreciate the team that you've brought up and I appreciate now that our next new member joining the Allen Health
Police team. Um, and Rey, thank you so much for navigating through all of our complex issues with confidence. somehow always keeping a sense of humor and still having enough time to go all the concerts. Um, Andy's not here. He's our DPW
supervisor. Um, but I just wanted to thank him too for his continued dedication to the burrow and continuing to learn and the hard work that he does to keep our town running on a day-to-day basis. So, um, and Walter, congratulations. And thank you to our
police department who are all here today. Our sergeants tonight. I think I saw a lieutenant somewhere today or not. So, and hi Peggy and everybody who's here. Um, next we have
first any unfish unfinished or new business. All right. Swearing in of our new officer. >> We need a motion. motion. >> I'd like to um make a motion for resolution 25-263
authorizing hiring of police officer Christopher Lofts. >> So moved. >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Councilman Yakarino, >> yes. >> Councilman Oul, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Homeman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Lovaso, yes. >> Councilman Delawia, yes. Councilman Okonnell,
>> yes. Bring your wife since the time. >> This isible now baby. >> I'm so Okay, left hand on the Bible right here.
>> Someone take it after me. I, Christopher Locks, >> I, Christopher Locks, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey
>> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same >> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments of Sabath >> in the United States and in this state >> in the United States and in this under
the authority of the people. >> under the authority of the people. >> And that I will faithfully >> And that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of a police officer >> all the duties of a police officer >> for the burrow of Allenale >> for the burrow of Allenale
>> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. All at >> push I know mine would have been babysology for like
so much. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. something else with baby. All right. Everyone together. >> Okay. I thought we were getting out of here. >> I'm sure
He said he's >> wow. >> Yeah. How about that? I do know when I work >> the one day I'm like all morning. >> Yes. One last time on anything that anybody
would like to chat about. >> Any public comments on any matters? >> Not seeing anyone. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Congratulations everybody. >> Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Happy
Hanukkah. Disney.