So, >> welcome everybody who's here tonight. Welcome everybody at home who's listening in. This is the mayor and council combined work in regular session. It's March 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. Linda, will you please read the Open
Public's Meeting Act announcement and call the meeting to order? >> 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 burrow website and 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 Okonnell >> here. >> Councilman Oul >> here. >> Council President Lovaso >> here. >> Councilwoman Hman >> here.
>> Councilman Delosio >> here. >> Councilman Yakarino >> here. >> Mayor Wisinski >> here. Everybody please stand and salute the flag to the flag of the United States of America. We've got um second readings of a lot of
the ordinances and then we're introducing one ordinance and the rest is our consent agenda. So reviewing our second reading of the ordinances, we have ordinance 266 and 2607. These are both regarding um
our our snow uh removal for our fire hydrants. So one is to actually give residents a little extra time because we had so much snow this year. We realized that they couldn't really do it within the 24 hours. sort of giving a little bit more of a grace period. And the second ordinance to make sure that they
actually uh plow or shovel out at least three feet around the hydrant. Then we have ordinance 2608. So this is actually to um amend officers employees. So, we are going to actually accommodate another um worker at our
Allenale Police Station um with the uh because of the reason that we're going to Ramsey dispatch and we want to make sure that residents feel comfortable and they will have somebody at Allenale Police lobby at all hours.
Then we have um ordinance 2609. So, this is the second reading for our capital improvements. there's some capital improvements that we want to get started um on in the spring. So, that's what that ordinance is about. And then ordinance 2610
is an ordinance to amend um our property maintenance. And this is for our commercial. We want to make sure that our downtown looks after we spent all our money on um all this money on our pavers and the mural project and the um lighting. So, we want to make sure that
the awnings and the rest of the town looks uh matches all the the new improvements that we made. >> And then we have um an introduction ordinance 2611, which is an ordinance to exceed the municipal appropriations um and establish a cap bank. This is
something that's for fun that we do every year. Our consent agenda, these are matters that are considered routine, but I do like to highlight some of them to show all the work that we're doing in the council. Um, one is authorization to participate in the Bergen County law enforcement mutual aid and rapid
deployment force. This is something that helps our mutual aid with the county. Um, we've done this uh every single year. We usually do it at the reorg, but there was just a little couple of uh amendments that we wanted to make to it to keep it up to date. Um, we also have a resolution authorizing the purchase of
some athletic field materials so we could actually get working on our fields to make them great this year. And we have actually a new concession air at Crestwood Lake. So this is somebody that we haven't used in the past. So we're looking forward to introducing a new concession air in our
brand new concession stand and uh we look forward to welcoming them into Allenale. We have also um res two resolutions regarding um appraisal systems. So, we are looking to uh
purchase um 274 uh uh e uh West Allenale A, which is the Turner home. Um most people probably know that it's the home that when you come out of uh Presswood Park, we are um by law, we need to have at
least two official appraisals that are Green Acre certified. So, these are the two that we are going to be um attaining to give us those appraisals. and we really look forward to moving forward with that because I think that'll be a great addition to our town. Not only um isn't the house an isore at this point,
but preserving that space will help with the flooding issues that we have in that area, which cost the bureau a ton of money every time we have uh flooding because of the damage to the fields, but also it connects both of our parks. Um keeping open space in that area is really the best thing. And um we could
we're literally just going to make it a path in between the two parks that I think will be used by all the all of the uh residents. And and that is it. And we have two proclamations at the um end of the meeting. So we're going to go through everything and then we'll have our
proclamations at the end. So first I would like to um open the meeting for public comment on the agenda items that I just reviewed. Anybody from the public wish to have any comments on the agenda items? Agenda
items only at this point. Not seeing anybody. I will bring it back. Yep. Um and then we have our approval of minutes. We have February 19th and March 12th, I believe. Linda, are we all are we good with everybody on both of those?
>> No. >> I think they all know what they're supposed to be. >> All right. So, approval of minutes first. I'll start with February 9th. February I'm sorry, February 19th. So we'll have a motion to approve the minutes. So move >> second, please. >> Second. >> Councilman Okonnell.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Oul. >> Yes. >> Council President Lisa Solo. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Homeman. >> February 9th. Yes. 19. >> Councilman Delisio. >> Councilman Yakarino. >> Yes. >> Okay. And then next we have approval of
minutes March 12th. Do I have a motion? Second, please. >> Second. >> Thank you. >> Councilman Okonnell, >> abstain. >> Councilman Otul, >> abstain. >> Council President Lisa, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Homeman, >> abstain. >> Councilman Delisio,
>> yes. >> Councilman Yakarino, >> yes. >> Excellent. All right. So, next we have second reading of ordinance 2606. This was um to revise our maintenance standards for our fire hydrant. Linda, please read that. The following
ordinance public I'm sorry uh ordinance 26-06. The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on February 19, 2026 and posted on the bulletin board of the lobby of the municipal building and burough website. It was tabled at its second reading and
public hearing on March 12, 2026 due to lack of form. An ordinance to amend, supplement, and revise the code of the bureau of Allenale property maintenance chapter 199-12N article 5 maintenance standards.
So I'd like to open to the public ordinance 2606. Does anybody from the public have any comments? Not seeing anybody. Do I have a motion to approve 2606? So moved. Second, please. >> Second. Roll call. >> Councilman Okonnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oul.
>> Yes. Council President Lisa Solo, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Homeman, yes. >> Councilman Delisio, yes. >> Councilman Yakarino, >> yes. >> Okay. Then we have 2607 that goes hand in hand with that, which gives residents a little bit of extra time to plow out their snow uh plow out the snow with
their fire hydrants. Linda, will you please read ordinance 2607? >> The following ordinance published here with was first read by Toto Only on February 19, 2026 and posted on the public bulletin board of the lobby of the municipal building and burough website. It was tabled at its second reading in public hearing on March 12,
2020 2026 due to lack of quorum. Ordinance 26-07, an ordinance to amend, supplement, and revise the code of the burrow of Allenale, chapter 233, article 5, snow and ice removal.
>> Um, I'd like to open up to the public uh, ordinance 2607. Does anybody have any comments on this ordinance? Not seeing anybody. Like to bring back roll call, please. Motion. >> Motion. >> Motion. >> So moved. >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Councilman Okonnell. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Otul. >> Yes. >> Council President Leviso. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Hman. >> Yes. >> Councilman Delicio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Yakarina. >> Yes. >> All right. Next we have ordinance 2608. This is to amend officers and employees salary and wages um regarding the new
position that we're going to have at Alandow Police. Um Linda, please read ordinance 608. The following ordinance published herewith was first read by title only on March 12th, 2026 and posted on the bulletin board of the lobby of the municipal building and burrow website. Ordinance 26-08,
an ordinance to amend chapter 53 of the code of the burrow of Allenale officers and employees to aix to fix the salaries, wages, and compensation of the officers and employees of the burrow of Allenale for the year 2026. >> I'd like to open it up to the public.
Anybody have any comments in ordinance 2608? Not seeing anybody. I'd like to bring it down. >> Approval. >> Motion. >> Motion to approve, please. >> Second. >> Second. >> Councilman Okonnell. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Otul. >> Yes. >> Council President Levoso. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Hman. >> Yes. >> Councilman Delvisio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Yakarino. >> Yes. Now we have ordinance 2609. So this is our capital ordinance which
we are splitting in half because we'd like to get some of our spring um improvements done early. Ordinance 2609. Linda, please read. The following ordinance published here with was first read by title only on March 12, 2026 and posted on the bulletin board of the lobby of the municipal building and
burrow website. Ordinance 26-09, capital ordinance of the Burrow of Allenale and the county of Bergen, New Jersey, authorizing various public improvements and acquisitions in, by, and for the burrow, appropriating therefore the sum of $349,000,
and providing that such sum of sum so appropriated shall be raised from the capital improvement fund of the bureau. >> So, I'd like to open up ordinance 2609 to the public. Does anybody have any comment on capital ordinance 2609 for
improvements in the spring comments? Not seeing anybody. Do I have a motion to approve? >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Councilman Okonnell, >> yes. >> Councilman Otul, >> yes. >> Council President Leos, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Hman, >> yes. >> Councilman Delisio, >> yes. >> Councilman Yakino, >> yes. We have ordinance 2610. This is an an ordinance to amend our property code. This is for um buildings that might have chipped paint or mold um in our downtown
and actually in all of our residents. Linda, please read 2610. The following ordinance published here with was first read by title only on March 12, 2026 and posted on the bulletin board of the lobby of the municipal building and burough website. Ordinance 26-10, an ordinance to amend, supplement, and
revise the code of the burrow of Allenale, chapter 199, property maintenance, article 5, maintenance standards. >> I'd like to open up to the public. Ordinance 2610 regarding property maintenance, comments.
Not seeing anybody. Do I have a motion to approve 2610? So move. Second, please. >> Second. >> Councilman Okonnell. >> Yes. Councilman Otul. >> Yes. >> Council President Lisa Solo. Yes. Councilwoman H. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Home. Homeman. Yes. >> Councilman Delvicio. Yes.
>> Councilman Yakarin. >> Okay. Next, we have ordinance 2610. So, this is an ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a C bank. Um, Alison, would you like to comment on this? >> Uh, on the cap bank? Yes. So, every year
you're allowed to increase your appropriations 2.5%. In passing this ordinance, we're allowing the bureau to increase it 3.5% which is an additional 1%. So, it's standard to do it every year to allow to increase the budget for
any additional needs that we need. >> Excellent. Um, Linda, will you read ordinance 2611? Ordinance 26-11, calendar year 2026, ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank NJSA4A
4-45.14. >> Do I have a motion to approve ordinance 2611? >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Second. Councilman uh Okonnell. >> Yes. >> Sorry. Councilman Otul.
>> Yes. Council President Lisa, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Homeman, >> yes. >> Councilman Delawio, >> yes. >> Councilman Yakarino, >> yes. >> Ordinance 26-11 has been introduced upon first reading and will will be posted on the burrow website on March 27th, 2026
and will be taken up for further consideration and final passage at the meeting of the mayor and council on April 23rd, 2026 at 7 p.m. or soon thereafter. >> Thank you very much. Next we have our consent agenda. Do I have a motion to
approve the consent agenda? >> So move. >> Second, please. >> Second. >> Councilman O Connell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Otul. >> Yes. >> Council President Leviso. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Hman. >> Yes. >> Councilman Delosio. >> Yes. >> Councilman Yakarino. >> Yes. >> Excellent.
>> Okay. So before we do our council reports, I'd like to um introduce as new business resolution 121 introduction to the 2026 municipal budget. Alison, would you please comment? >> Sure. Um, so I'm pleased to report that
this year we only have a 0.9% tax impact on the average home. Uh, this year's budget, uh, all we're in a very strong financial position and had very, very minimal obstacles while preparing this year's budget. Many towns across New
Jersey are dealing with the rising health benefit costs. That was probably the only hurdle that we had which on average premiums increased from 35% to 50% which was a major impact on our budget. But um surrounding municipalities in this area are
experiencing average tax impacts of up to 16% or more. So the fact that ours is only 0.9% is uh a strong reflection of the bureau's fiscal responsibility. Um so we've definitely put a lot of work into this year's budget. We've prepared
in advance. We always project five years in advance which I think helped us to prepare for the increase that we knew we were going to get this year with just the pattern that the state health benefits is going through. Um and we've also done a new approach to this year's budget newsletter which should be
distributed within the next week or two. Um I encourage everybody to review it. we've kind of taken a different approach in the sense that outside of just explaining our budget, we've taken it a step deeper and um went into a little bit more detail to explain how the
municipal budget is actually affecting your tax bill. So, we break all that out. So, that information um I would advise everybody to to read. Um, and I want to thank Mayor Wilinski and the rest of the finance committee for their hard work this year, collaboration, and
everything that we've done in the past three years to uh get to this position and a really good. >> I would really like to thank you. Um, the 0.9% is the lowest actually out of all the Northwest Bergen communities, which is a massive accomplishment.
>> The healthc care has actually been a problem for the last couple of years and we prepared for it. So we knew that. So last year we put money aside for that so we wouldn't have a big hit this year. A lot of other municipalities their their big budget holes. They're blaming it all on the healthcare. Everybody knew this
healthcare was going to be a nightmare and nobody really prepared for it but we did. Um we also rearranged our we used to have what's called a a finance advisory committee where we actually take that financial minds of the town and kind of all come together and we
just throw out things. We try to get new ideas, thinking outside the box and we kind of uh revamped that a little bit this year. We called it the community finance engagement committee and we did actually have a lot of uh good conversations and a lot of great ideas.
>> So we pretty much explained to them what we're doing and we got rave reviews from them. Honestly, they were very they were very excited about how we were managing things, how transparent we were to the community and how we were just budgeting line by line. I mean, we go through line
by line. We tell our uh admin PL that you're, you know, ordering too many of this or ordering too many that. Like, we literally cut back on every single thing. We're very uh fiscally conservative >> and but part of that is also being transparent to the community. So, um, as Allison was saying, our newsletter this
year, I really encourage everybody to read it because we try to make it as as simple. Um, but it's a complicated it's it's trying to make something complicated simple, but we really are trying to explain to residents what we're going through and what and what they can expect. So, I'm really excited
about that going out and uh, yeah, so I'm really proud of this budget. I was going to mention also on the community finance engagement committee. Um that actually was a very good meeting. I think it went over an hour that we had that PowerPoint. We got great feedback
from the residents. Um they asked very very good questions. Um I the way that we presented it this year was instead of going through the entire budget, which is what we used to do in the past, to me it it just seems silly because unless you're working in each
department and knowing what these people need, we felt it was more beneficial to actually go through the highlights of what we've changed over the last few years. What are our big ticket items? What are our big expenses, big revenues? What are we projecting in the future? and how we actually go about doing the
budget because it's not really yearbyear. By the time we come to sit down with the budget, there's not that many big items that we get to because we do really plan in advance. And in this year's newsletter, we do have a couple of suggestions that they came in. We actually tweaked the budget based off of
some of their suggestions as well. Um, so it it it was it was a really it was a really good meeting and we got very good feedback >> and and I think it's important to note that we are keeping the infrastructure. We are improving the town. We are we're putting money into our fields. We're
putting money money into our downtown. So, we are doing things to improve the town um as well as um and this year's capital improvements because we've been able to we've taken out bonds over the past few years because we've had larger capital improvements, but this is
actually the first year that we will be funding every capital project with cash on hand because we've been able to build that up over the last few years. So, we won't be adding to our debt this year. So that's also another >> big capital project will be our our tennis courts and basketball court out
there the >> roads. Yeah >> the roads and hopefully the >> turner. So successful year. >> All right. So with that do I have a motion to approve resolution 26121. >> So moved. >> Second please. >> Homeman. >> Councilman
>> Okonnell. >> Yes. >> Councilman Oul. >> Yes. >> Council President Leviso. >> Absolutely. >> Councilwoman Hman. >> Yes. >> Councilman Delawio. >> Yes. Councilman Yakarino. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next, we have two proclamations which are actually kind of the fun part of our meeting. We don't have them all
the time, but today we have two. So, first I'd like uh Councilman Tyler Yakarino to read the proclamation for colorectal cancer awareness month. >> Surely. >> Thank you. >> Sure. Proclamation designating March 2026 as colctal cancer awareness month.
Whereas colurectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. And whereas colurectal cancer is one of the few cancers that it could be prevented with timely screening, yet one in three eligible Americans are not
up to date on their screenings. And whereas colurectal cancer is estimated to become the leading cause of cancer deaths for those aged 20 to 49 by 2030. And whereas black Americans are 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal
cancer and approximately 40% more likely to die from the disease than other groups. And whereas colurectal cancer is expected to account for 11% of cancer deaths among Hispanic men and 9% of cancer deaths among Hispanic women. And
whereas screening colonoscopy rates have not yet fully returned to prepandemic levels. And whereas the national colurectal cancer roundt has established a national goal to increase timely screening rates to 80% in every community for all eligible Americans.
And whereas observing colurectal cancer awareness month during March provides a vital opportunity to increase public awareness and offer education and the importance of early detection and screening. Now therefore, we the mayor and council of the burrow of Allenale, New Jersey, do hereby proclaim March
2026 as colctal cancer awareness month in the burrow of Allenale. So, mayor, thank you for allowing me to read this. My grandmother last year was was diagnosed with colurectal cancer and she's very timely on her colonoscopies and thanks to that she is cancer free.
We still have some challenges, but it's very important and I could uh tell you that firsthand. So, mayor, thank you for allowing me to read this. >> Absolutely. Thank you very much, J. Graham. Um, and I have a proclamation to read. Actually, I'm going to step hello
and read this for everybody. Come on, everybody. Pull closer. Go, go, go. >> Don't be shy. Get in front of the banner. >> It took a village to design the banner.
very soon. All right. Are we ready? Are we ready? >> This is a proclamation recognizing Aladd city in America. Not >> security and quality of life of our residents. remain the highest priority
for the mayor and council and police department of the bureau of Alando. And whereas a recent 2026 national report has officially ranked the burrow of Allen as one of the top 10 safest cities in the entire United States. And whereas
this achievement is a direct result of the professional excellence, tireless dedication, and proactive leadership of the Allenale Police Department headed up by Chief Mike Dele. Whereas the sense of community in
Allenale serves as a vital foundation for this safety characterized by engaged residents who look out for one another, support local law enforcement, and take pride in maintaining a vigilant and caring neighborhood environment.
And whereas the partnership between our dedicated officers and our active citizen not just a great place to live, but a true sanctuary for families and businesses alike. Whereas the Alga Police Department has
the full support of myself as mayor and the entire council and we remain proud of their dedication to law enforcement, their professionalism and their unwavering commitment to the Allenale community. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Amy Wzinski, the mayor of the
Burough of Allenale, along with the Burough Council, do hereby officially celebrate this national ranking and extend our profound gratitude to the Allenale Police Department for their unwavering service. Be it further resolved that we commend the residents
of Allenale whose commitment to the community and neighborly spirit is the heartbeat of our burrow's safety and success. Congratulations. You're getting so big. How'd you get so big? >> We're looking. I guess everyone looks
>> is the boss there. >> Thank you. >> Assembly off. Do you want to come in? >> All right. What's up? >> Come on in. >> I have a few resolutions myself. >> All right. >> Sure. And then resolutions
>> because you can hold up your All right, we're good. All right, everybody. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> I know. Oh, the name. >> Whoever whoever does not know, this is
Assembly uh Bob Hawk in our district 39 who's going to read um a proclamation as well, a resolution as well. So I first of all, you know, I I've been listening to the council and what a wonderful job your mayor council's doing keeping the
budget. Uh I come here and I'm almost with a heavy heart because I'm trying to leave you unable to do that uh for a long time. So it's remarkable what you do here and council and uh all of those things helped make what's happening here
now, what we're celebrating now a reality. So I just wanted to present point through the attention of everyone here today. Um it's a collective effort. So just but you know this is a very very uh great day.
Um I got the article that showed that you guys are one or two in in uh in a group of 10. That's a very small group nationally. I think that's absolutely outstanding. And so, uh, Senator Shapi,
Senator Mazeri, and myself, uh, thought it was worthy enough to get a resolution and bring it down. So, we'll have one for the police department and we'll have the test. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And, uh, if you allow me, I will read because it's a pretty uh, remarkable achievement. So, this comes
from the state of New Jersey, the Senate and the General Assembly, from the state house of Germany. a joint legislative resolution by Senator Shabzi, Senator Ben and Senator Jr. Whereas the Burrow of Randale has been named among the top
safest municipalities in the United States for the year 2026 according to a new report analyzing FBI crime data. And whereas the Senate and the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are
pleased to acknowledge the Burrow of Anair upon a solicitous occasion and commend all those who have contributed to its remarkable success which bears witness to their determination, their efforts and furtherance of a robust
community and a prosperous garden state. And whereas the annual report submitted by Safe Lives compare cities using per capita violent and property crime rates and those included in this year's list report an
average of 0.2 violent crimes per 10,000 people and 2.2 property crimes per 1,000 people. Well below the national average of 4.43 and 22.89. 89 respectively. And whereas
among two New Jersey municipalities who earned a spot on the top 10 list, Anvil has long been lauded for its desirable location and for its sterling reputation as an excellent area for families
living. And whereas throughout the many seasons of growth and change, Allenale has been a dive by civic-minded men and women who have shared inspired their fellow citizens through service, volunteerism and generosity
through spirit and as a result the burrow has succeeded, flourished and thrived. Whereas within all the spheres, the burough bal has created a model worthy of emulation and set a standard toward which all others might strive.
Now, therefore, it be resolved by the Senate, the general senate in the state of New Jersey, that this legislature hereby senal pays tribute to its meritorious achievement and extends sincere best wishes for continued favor in all the
days to come. And be further resolved that a duly authenticated copies of this resolution signed by the Senate President and the Senate Speaker and attested to by the Senate Secretary and the Assembly clerk be transmitted to the burrow of
>> Excellent. Thank you. >> Very nice. Perfect. Thank you so much. >> Good. >> Thank you. >> Best of luck to you. Thank you for all your hard work. >> Thank you guys. Thanks.
>> All right. Next we have our administration um council reports. Councilman um Edeto Ed. Thank you, mayor. Uh, after many attempts, we finally met with the several scouts for a gold star award.
>> Okay. >> Seemed like every time we were meeting, we had two feet of snow. >> Yeah. >> So, we finally got a meeting together. They're going to be doing birdhouses up at Crestland. I had the pleasure of former Councilman Strauss joining me up there. He's going to use the green team
to collect rubber hose to run the wire through to attach them to the trees so there's no damage to the trees. So once the Girl Scouts are done with their bird hazard, there's about seven. >> Nice. >> We'll put them up on >> Perfect.
Thank you very much. >> Phil, >> thank you, mayor. Um, as the chair of the public safety committee, it's not at all surprising that we've been named one of the safest cities in America. I have the pleasure and the honor of both of the Post Police Department, and I know
just how good they are. I've been fortunate to be involved with the hiring many of the officers and I know the character of both ethic women all top greatness of course starts with great leadership chief Dylan Lieutenant Griffith the four sergeants of course
leadership is nothing without competent engaged staff the metrics tracked paint a very impressive picture of Allenale police department serve as the front line against the violent crimes property crimes of the measure so the secrets out that our little slice of heaven, but we
can rest easy knowing that we are very well intended. So, congratulations and thank you AP for your service. In other news, Walter, on Tuesday, we will once again be hosting a Gary the T memorial blood drive. >> I'll be holding >> there is a tremendous need for blood and
we're trying to get as many people as we can to roll up their sleeves. So, to that end, the ABG has agreed to help us out again by offering a pint for a pint. We give a pint of blood and get a pine of beer or a soft drink or a glass of wine. Oh, pints of wine for you to make.
And in addition to the pint, Dr. Letia has had special challenge coins made to be handed out to >> Oh, that's super. >> So, for those unfamiliar with the challenge coin, they're a military tradition that is well, uh, the bottom line is if you have a coin and you're in the bar, restaurant, slap it down on the
table. Whoever doesn't have theirs has to buy around and drinks. So potential is there for this donation to produce way more than that one client PB&G is given. Uh blood drive will be on Tuesday the 31st from 1 to 7 community center.
Uh and as of this afternoon Dr. Latiz is 72 pints away from having collected 5,000 pints uh or 625 gallons of blood to put out to the system. So I'd love to help him put a dent into that. So please come out and do that. to be here.
>> Let's get 72 points. >> Yeah, that's great. >> All right, got back to the president. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, putting on my finance and admin chair hat. I want to
offer our condolences to a property maintenance officer, Mike Lee Matah, on the loss of his brother last week. Um, services for his brother will be Saturday in New City. Um, we want to wish a happy retirement to Linda Garop
in our construction office. She retires. Her last day will be Tuesday. Thanks to our CFO, Allison, for all that she does to keep us so fiscally responsible and conservative. We appreciate you. Look for that budget newsletter because it truly is a work of
art and transparency. It's a wonderful reading. We scheduled putting on my land use hat now. rescheduled our land use committee meeting for next week at a date that works for all and that's still being worked out as we check our schedules.
Tonight was the second reading of ordinance number 26-10 which was maintenance standards article 5. Um, we're constantly looking in addition to dealing with residential property issues, we're always looking to clarify our code in a way that makes
sense to everyone and taking getting rid of ambiguities. And that was an slightly ambiguous one or maybe too specific. It talked about addressing um flaking paint and maintenance on metal and wood, but not
like brick or other surfaces about our downtown. So we just expanded that to include all external services we can you know site people for. So that would be clarification for us. Um and then of course tonight we are pleased to salute
our Allenale Police Force. We will always back our blue and it was wonderful to celebrate all of you tonight. Um it's always an honor and thank you as always to your families that offer up so much support to all of you. Um, I want to give a shout out also to
our residents for being so apparently well behaved >> and for being such great stewards of our small town values. >> Excellent. >> Thank you very much, >> Councilwoman Coleman. >> Awesome. All right, so water and sewer,
I'll talk about that first. Uh, we are continuing Always fun to talk about water and poop. Um we are continuing negotiations with developers uh on some sewer connections that will be forced to come through
Allenale. So thank you to our burough attorney Ray Wis and our team that works on that. Um and we will obviously continue to work in the best interest of Allenale. As far as water, uh, Violia does have a rate case in front of the
board of public utilities and that is for a rate increase that would start in July of 2026. So to bring us back that we voted as a community to sell our water system to Violia in 2021,
which was a decision that was well done for Allenale because of the limitations that we had in the amount of water that we actually get out of our wells, the lead and copper rule as well as the POS
contamination and being able to actually manage our own systems. Um, however, it is super important that Allenale remembers and that we work, which we are, very hard to ensure that the BPU
recognizes that during that purchase there was a rate stabilization clause and uh, offer from Violia that in the year of 2026, our rate increases should stay at 5%. So, we have spent a
tremendous amount of time communicating with rateayer advocates, the board of public utility staff and making sure that we get that word out. Um there is a public meeting where we will have uh
ourselves, some residents as well as elected officials uh at higher levels speaking on the importance of the BPU supporting what is driven by um municipal bidding laws, a uh public
referendum and contract law. So we are hopeful that Violia will indeed be kept to a 5% rate increase here in uh Allenville. So uh the next thing well
moving on from water is to say this award is totally huge and uh from you know sitting up here on the burrow it says something so amazing about our police force and yes about our
community. But the fact is is that your presence and your desire to interact with residents to be seen is what really is a deterrent to crime in our community. So I cannot thank you enough
from the bottom of my heart living here in Allenale and I feel so completely comfortable with each and every one of you and certainly as a burrow as uh mayor and council we are just so thankful. So, I hope you feel appreciated each and every day by all of
us as well as all of the residents because just thank you so much for what you do. Great job. Excellent. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, so the DPW committee has not met since our last meeting. We do have a meeting scheduled next week. Superintendent Googlier is here, and I know he can elaborate, so
I'll keep it short. Uh the DPW has been working hard to get Crestwood up and ready for opening day. So they're working on that. Uh they're working on fields, get those ready for opening day fields. They're assessing pothole repairs and preparing for the good
season. I was handed a good bit of information today that uh there's a short section of sidewalk that's been missing on West Maple right right at the end of West Maple by Northern Highlands. That's going to get that's going to get implemented next week. So I'm pretty excited about that. So the kids don't have to walk around one section in the
street and actually can walk through school safely. So I'm happy about that. Um >> for thank you for leading that. >> Sure. And as a co-chair of the public safety, it's it's really been an honor to be with you guys and girl the last two years. Um I mean I know how hard and
dedicated how hard you work and how dedicated everybody is. Um, you know, in other portions of my life, I was president of the Holiday Observers and, you know, we do the Fourth of July and I know the dedication and time and effort goes in that you guys put in to keeping
that event safe and fun for everybody and it it's it's a lot, you know, and it's it's the little details and the caring that you guys have. I mean, I said this last year, right? So, sounds stupid, but I lost my house keys and officer Rabbino driving doing his patrol
like he always does saw a set of keys in the middle of the street. He stopped, picked them up. They brought him to the headquarters and found my Lee Memorial Lee memorial library tag and I got my keys back. I mean, >> so everybody should be a library park. >> Yeah.
>> Moral of the story, >> you know, but I mean, most people think of police as, you know, stopping crimes and everything, but it's so much more, right? I mean, you guys are visible all the time. >> I always see you guys. The kids love you guys in our town. I mean, you're everywhere. You're you're watching. You're our eyes. You're you're our heart. You're everything, you know, and
and I have an elderly father that lives with me. And, you know, unfortunately, I've had multiple times where we had to call 911 for him. And, you know, APD was always there first. You guys are always great, sincere, you know, caring, helping him get down the steps and do whatever we needed to do. So, sincerely,
thank you for everything you guys do. And that's what makes Allenale the special place it is that you guys are such a big part of that. So, thank you so much for that. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh, just a couple of quick things on Crestwood. We are pretty much set with our band lineup
early start this year. So, right now we have Floyd Pink, Pink Floyd band. We have Sky Lark, which is a recommendation from Mrs. Oul. Um, we have No Drama, which is a group of Allenale residents who um, they put on a good 70s 80s bit.
They play a lot of the Mason Jar. Midlife Crisis will be returning. I spoke with Jim Onius this week, so we will be honoring them. And of course, the late Dan Manning at that. And then, uh, community favorite Tim Gon will hopefully be returning in August. So, we really, we have new acts, we have fresh
acts, we have Allenale residents recommendations. So, we're really really excited about that. Um the concession stand cash uh concession air uh bid was accepted this evening. We are excited. We did a little little bit of due diligence on them. So they do work with
great and pool and Rididgewood and some surrounding communities. So we're really excited to welcome in concessionaire and also the revenue uh this year into the burrow which we did not have last year. Right. >> Right. So we're going to be adding $7,000 um to our revenue with Crestwood this year which is great.
>> So that's on Crestwood. I did want to add um of course with the police department, but aside with conjunction to police department, I think this meeting tonight really talked about a lot of the pillars that this town is built on. Community, finance, and of
course, public safety. Three things of which we do extraordinarily well. In my professional career, I work with a great number of municipalities. And I could say without a doubt that the thoughtfulness, the care, the expertise, especially tonight in honor of our police department and what that means to
us really is a shining example of many towns that I visit. And it's always like you're from Allenale. What a amazing force of men and women and the leadership that they have that it's not just us that we are internally appreciative, but it is also greatly
recognized. And that goes to the thanks of the chief lieutenant, the entire department who goes above and beyond every day for many, many years. And it is greatly recognized, appreciated by all of us. So, thank you all. >> Next, we have our staff reports, our CFO
and Burough administrator, Alison Alana. >> So, I'm gonna skip on the report since I already talked about the budget, but just a huge congratulations to our entire police department. It's a great achievement. Proud to be the administrator, like you said, to this
town, the reputation, all of it. So, just congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations, guys. You should all be very proud of yourselves. Thank you for your service. >> I have nothing for the circus. Thank you for all your hard work budget
and thank you for all your guidance purchasing. Um couple things compost center and recycling center will be uh closed on Saturday to 4th for the Easter holiday. Um but we will be opening the compost in
the back uh on gates starting uh Saturday. Uh to the residents, we are aware that there's potholes in town, but we are see >> um TPW has been getting the field ready uh for this year. A lot of spring
cleaning has been done. Um getting Presley Lake uh ready to open. Some issues with the aeration system we've been dealing with and obviously spring clean up. Um, that's all. >> Thank you very much for attorney Ray West.
>> Thank you, mayor. Uh, let me join in the kudos to the department. Uh, I have the pleasure at any given time of probably representing about a dozen municipalities in the county and interface a lot with police departments. And I find that uh very often through a series of edicts and orders uh there's an attempt to create what is called
community pleasing. And I think what I see in Allenale is that edicts and orders are really not needed. It's the care and concern of the members of the department and I think it chose forth on a night like tonight and actually the reality is that shows out on the street. So congratulations to all of you. Um uh
in terms of my own report uh part resolutions and ordinances on the agenda uh most of my time is spent on the newly newly designated water and poop committee. We're spending a lot of time with the Olivia's attorneys and engineers as well
as our burough engineer Mike Freland on uh the implementation of easements and uh and contract related matters. Um we also as Councilwoman Hman mentioned uh some time being spent on the uh the upcoming Golia case. Uh I frankly do not know how the mayor and some of the
council members do it. Uh big documents being prepared, being submitted, all the other work that they're doing. It it is amazing. made my life easier for sure. Um but uh that uh and and I have mentioned before that uh the the sale of the water utility um I
think assisted even right down to the budgetary aspect uh when you think about it was not only the dollars realized uh in terms of the sale itself but uh the expense avoidance that has occurred over time um to say nothing of the PIFA facility um I mean you see other
municipalities spending four five six million or more um now that expense is on Molia not the burrow and and that correlates directly to the taxpayers and what they would have to pay. Uh I think reference was made about uh the bad winter and the resultant potholes. Um
but look at some of the other towns around us who had so many situations of uh water manes popping it because of the cold weather and the contraction and things like that. >> 13 again major expense avoidance by the burrow and major savings for the uh for the taxpayers in the burrow. That takes
foresight. That takes planning. uh and uh uh I you know I think again kudos uh to the to the mayor to the council and uh to our CFO in terms of the budget. Uh and finally the other aspect that we're working on um extensively is uh sewer
related issues. As you know there's some projects that uh have been approved in our neighboring municipality Saddle River. Uh they do not have sewer infrastructure. Uh so they keep knocking at our door. uh and to the extent that we can be a good neighbor and accommodate and maybe cash and chips at
the same time uh as uh I think has been reported before uh in accommodating one project recently in Saddle River. Uh we're getting a $500,000 check. Again, no small thing and maybe that helps a little bit on budgets, too. Uh so we're involved in a discussion with the the
Toll Brothers project now. We'll see how that sorts out. Um but uh I'm sure if it does, we may have some good news to report. That's it, Mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Chief Dylan. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. You know, I always have something prepared. This ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our police
officers. Being a police officer is much more than responding to calls for service and arresting offenders. Unfortunately, by the time an arrest is made, the crime has already been committed and a statistic are created. While not while not always quantifiable
in numbers, a strong and visible police presence on our roadways, in our public spaces, in local businesses, and in our schools, plays a critical role in deterring criminal activity in our burrow. Maintaining a strong community presence,
especially with our youth, helps build positive, lasting relationships with law enforcement officers. These connections often endure over time and can serve as a moral compass when individuals are faced with making the right or wrong decision in life.
Over the past 5 years as chief, I have witnessed our officer's unwavering commitment to service and protection of Allen. With the continued support, excuse me, of our mayor and council, Burough administrator, CFO, DPW superintendent, and Burough staff, our
department has grown, is deeply valued, and is firmly ingrained in the fabric of our community. This ranking simply reinforces what we already knew to be true. The men and women of the Alda Police Department embody our core values of honor, integrity, and community.
Thank you. Um hopefully this is probably one of the last reports I will do on fair share housing because it's been I probably report for the past year but um we finally put our message out to the public. >> Uh it was took a long time to try to consolidate a year of back and forth and
strategy and all of the other um components that came into it. Um and I'm very happy with our outcome. We've got wonderful feedback from the community, but a lot of the feedback was directed towards me. And I want to say that obviously a leader, a good leader cannot
do it without an amazing team. And we did have an amazing team. We had our burough attorney. We had other attorneys um on the team. We had an expert planner, um council president Suzanne Lisolo and Councilman uh Councilwoman
Liz Hman. All all all were great assets. So the outcome that we had was a great success and a great success for Allenale and it was a team effort. So I'm really happy um with the feedback and I'm very happy with our results and uh onward
onward to that is it's worthy of an applause. >> It was it was great and I'm I'm very happy with the I'm very very happy with the uh with the feedback and if you want more information um you can read the read the uh page expert that was out there. I hope it's very clear. Um, thank
you Allison and the finance team for our excellent budget. That was something that we worked on um, consistently. It's not just we have the budget and we do it. It's throughout the whole entire year we are looking to tweak the budget, change the budget. Um, so without your expertise, Allison, we could not have
had uh, and been in the financial standing that we are in. And I'm very proud to say that we are we're also the top lowest budget of everybody in our region. So, that is something else to be very proud of. Um, the BPU uh meeting that we have coming up that councilwoman
Holman talked about and as well as our burough attorney, Ray Whisk, this is a very important meeting. Um, thank you to D39 for your support in um coming to that meeting. Uh Josh Godheimer is also going to be speaking at that meeting. This is this is big not only just for Allenale, but we're looking for policy
change. We're looking for policy change where utility companies cannot use a rate stabilization to incentivize voters. We're also looking for a policy change where when they make these deals, they can't charge other rates what payers. They have to take it out of
their profit. It's a business decision by these companies. So, we're really hoping, our little town is hoping to make a big dent. So, stay tuned because I think we're going to have some very important things to announce. Um, we had an amazing parade meeting. um this uh
this week. So, this parade where Allenale is hosting this big parade that's going to be leading into the holiday observers event on September oh maybe 19. >> Uh we have an amazing group of uh ladies that are helping. So, um we are really
looking forward to uh this parade and we are reaching out to the entire community, all of our merchants to and encourage them to have a float, walk in the parade and bring the whole community together again. So, it's going to be a wonderful event coming up. Finally, to our ALA police, the safest
city in America. This is something definitely worth celebrating. Um, this recognition belongs to our chief of police, the rest of the Ando Police Department, our first responders, and really every resident that takes pride in this town. Um, safety is built through trust,
communication, and a shared commitment to do the right thing. So I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate this achievement and announce that each one of you are going to be getting a 25 increase in your salaries. Alex is advocate.
>> Sorry, I just had to make a little pull pull back that resolution. >> You're so quiet. They're like really happening. I'd love to, but instead I will buy you a beer at the AB&G after this meeting. >> Beer only. >> Beer only.
And also remember the goal. We're find you have to give your blood. You don't have to give your >> um >> but remember the goal though is to actually not just be the safest town in America, but we have to stay that way. So like the pressure is on now. Um
seriously, in all seriousness, uh thank you all. You know how much uh we value you as a community and this mayor and council supports each and every one of you in your careers, in your growth. So uh we are very very happy. So thank you and kudos to all of you.
>> And with that I'd like to open the meeting to the public. Any anybody from the public wish to speak? Water Hamilton. Uh, I agree with everything that's happened a great deal. You're helping me.
>> But I I want to say something about to you. None none of this would have happened without you. You many people working with you. >> Thank you.
>> Public wish to come up and speak. >> Meeting adjourned. All in favor? I >> All right everybody. We'll see you at the meeting in June. What's