I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Can I have a motion to approve the
minutes of February 19th, 2026, the regular session? >> Moved. >> Second. Anyone second? >> I'll second. >> Are there any discussion? Hearing none. Can I have a uh is every is it are the
minutes approved? We don't need a roll call for that, right? Yeah. >> Just just approve. >> All in favor? I >> I opposed. Minutes are approved. >> We have close session router. >> Yes. We also have uh Can I have a motion to >> No, we just
>> move both of them. >> No, we don't vote on the closed >> initial. >> So, they get routed and we initial them our approval. >> Okay. All right. So, we don't do anything. >> Nope. >> Okay. Township council reports. Um I
don't know who's turn who anybody want to go first. How about you Ruana? You know. >> Sure. Thank you, Council President Guyger. As we welcome spring, I want to wish everyone a happy holy, a celebration of colored renewal and triumph of light over darkness. And may
this season bring joy, healing, and hope to every family in Bridgewater. And just moments ago, um, Councilman Kersh and I just joined an interfaith gathering at the Alfala Center. We had a delicious Ramadan efar that brought neighbors, not
just from Bridgewater, but across New Jersey. A lot of elected officials came by and friends um and we came together with uh people of all faiths uh across all traditions. And uh last month, February actually offered powerful
reminders of who Bridgewater is as a community. Just the day before that big snowstorm on Sunday and Saturday, a bunch of uh Bridgewater residents and I volunteered with Feeding Hands, we met with families who drove up to Feeding Hands who rely on our support. Their
needs are growing and they urgently requested for some corporate donations. So if you work for big companies um so that you know ask for donations so they can continue serving our communities uh the youth council will be going there in April as well to continue serving. So if
you want to volunteer please uh sign up and uh I was also invited uh in the celebration of Lunar New Year's uh last month uh by law enforcement to the OCA AsianPacific American Advocates Lunar New Year celebration. I joined Mayor Sam
Joshi from Edison as well as NJIT President uh Tik Lim. Um I'm also on the board at NJIT. So it's really nice to meet him and his wife again. Uh the event did affirm how essential our communication with our law enforcement
representation and collaboration really are to public safety and uh to every resident. And in Bridgewater, we also had really nice celebrations. the center for uh cultural and creative exchange brought families together at our very
own Bridgewater Commons for the Lunar New Year celebration. Um also on February 21st, Somerset County celebrated International Mother Language Day in Franklin. Um it reminds of a history of how important language and
identity and freedom are and Bridgewater has so many residents that speak dozens of language from every corner of the world. So it was a very nice celebration there. And then this week we had on March 3rd as some of us uh here um attended we had the planning board
meeting and I really enjoyed working with our planning board as well as everyone that was present here. We focused on responsible development. We asked questions that put safety and our communities first and uh we reviewed the application with a lot of thoughtful
questions. So uh that's all for today. Thank you, Councilman Ring. >> Uh, thank you. Um, trying to remember the snowstorms, but prior to our most recent large snowstorm, uh, as a member of the local
emergency management council participated in uh, several pre-storm uh, calls that uh, our office of emergency management author uh, organized to make sure the town was prepared for our most recent storm. Uh,
for some reason, I guess the big storm seemed to like Sunday this year. Um, but, uh, thank not only the office of emergency management, um, public works obviously, and all of our first responders, uh, police, fire, and EMS that were out and about in that storm,
uh, taking care of the township and its residents. So, uh, once again, thank you to them for this most recent storm. Um, and that's my report. >> Thank you. Um, I just want to acknowledge our police department. They
earned uh reacredititation for the fourth time. Uh, this represents a commitment to high standards. So, congratulations to Usually they're Yeah, there you are. Congratulations again. Um, >> in a different seat. >> Yeah. >> And one man down. >> So, I want to thank
>> thrown them out. >> I want to thank our Department of Public Works um for all their hard hard work this winter so far. and let's hope they don't we don't have any more snow. Um I also want to acknowledge the um Bridgewater Raritton High School boys
and girls swim teams. Uh both the boys and the girls won the state championship this year and I know I used to swim next to them sometimes at the Y. They're really something. Um we're still working on um committee appointments. I have submitted some names for some committees
to Mr. Papis who's going to be going over them with the mayor. So hopefully we will have some of those appointments done in two weeks. I do want to extend condolences um on behalf of the township of Bridgewater to the families and friends of our service members who have
been killed in the most um recent uh war action, whatever you want to call it. Um I did have an opportunity to tour the Somerset Ritan Valley Sewer Authority, the SRVSA for three hours. It's amazing. It's all I can say. Um, I I will tell you what I
learned. What I learned is it's a very complex system and I'm very glad the people who are running it are the people who are running it, right? You agree with that? Yeah. Um, and the fun fact, the fun history fact, um, there are
former slaves and Revolutionary War heroes and tradition has it that there are also British soldiers buried in Bridgewater. Um, Prince Rogers Cemetery off of Foothill Road near the Prince Rogers baseball complex uh has the
former slaves and at the Balmer family burial plot uh ground which is in the middle of the road of Middle Road in Martinsville is where the soldiers are buried. I thought that was extremely interesting >> development. >> Yeah. Okay, Councilman Kersh.
>> Thank you, Madam President. So, I have a few short hits and then and then one issue I'd like to go into at somewhat greater depth. Um, a couple of these things were already mentioned. The Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at the mall sponsored by the CCCE group. So, I was there on the 21st. Uh, just
preceding that, I was at the um the uh annual uh celebratory lunch uh for the Washington Campground Association, as was our council president. Uh Kevin Storms, a Bridgewater resident, has taken the lead on reinvigorating that organization and I've joined their board
of trustees. Uh they manage the campground. They are particularly responsible uh for the July 4th uh event um uh that occurs each and every year and certainly in 2026 that'll be a special anniversary for the country. In
2027 it'll be a particularly special anniversary for that site. Uh on the 26th I attended the animal shelter board. uh expressed my appreciation to them uh on behalf of our township, the important work that those board members do and that the animal shelter provides.
I stated um that you know in many ways Bridgewater is an extraordinary community. Um and one of the ways that we show that is is how we treat uh treat our animals. um you know we don't simply do uh you know the minimum that we're required which is uh animal control but
we really do take um uh a meaningful uh and heartfelt approach. Uh on the 28th it's attended Chinese Lunar New Year at the senior center. I want to particularly uh call that out as a um partnership between the township and the uh Bridgewater Chinese American
Association and acknowledge uh in particular two Bridgewater residents who take the lead with that organization uh Henry Wang and Lucy Lee. Uh and I was also earlier uh earlier this evening uh as was mentioned by Councilwoman Isla at
the um uh interfaith Ramadan uh ear uh celebration at Alfala. The place I wanted to dive a little deeper was on the 26, a week ago, Thursday, I attended uh Congressman Tom Kaine's uh salt
summit. Uh salt is um um uh state and local taxes. Um it's not just, you know, the stuff you put on food. Um it was a round table discussion of elected officials, real estate, uh and tax professionals. Uh and what I found most most important about this session and
the topic in general is its connection to affordability. I know every politician, local, state, national, anywhere else uh keeps talking affordability. It seems to be the new buzzword. Certainly isn't a buzzword for any of us who've been here here for a few years. Um it's something that we
live and breathe every day. But the reality is that municipalities can only cut corners so far. Uh the impacts uh there are impacts when you fail to properly fund items such as our roads as our group inherited when we came in in 2020. There had been a a a failure uh to
properly fund our roads and we took over a road system that was in very poor condition. And same thing with the sewer utility which was in fiscal and physical distress. Um you can't cut corners on your energy costs. Uh you can't use 75% of necessary amount of road salt. Um and
then of course we had the rampant inflation during the years particularly 2021 where it was 7% 2022 it was 6.5% and then 3.4% in 2023. Um so there is a need for a fundamental game change uh in what what many of us call the the total
cost of ownership. Uh and there is also a a need for a game change to continue to attract jobs to New Jersey and to this area in particular. You know we love it. We call it home. But those who are making financial decisions and need to attract workers, uh this this environment that we're in can be a
challenge uh for people wanting to come and settle uh into New Jersey and that's an important uh you know important concern for the local real estate market. So as I noted salt state and local taxes uh there is is now a
fundamental change. Uh the limit was raised from $10,000 to $40,000 for incomes under 500,000 retroactive to 2025. The average residential tax bill in Bridgewater Township is over $13,000.
Of course, the lion share of that is the school district. 67.6 18.5 is the county, 12.5 decided within this body, and then 1.4 other. But at the end of the day, it's $13,000 coming out of everyone's uh the average person's pocket. The income necessary to support
the average home uh could easily have a state income tax bill in the vicinity of 11 to$14,000 or more. Uh mortgage interest potentially of $15,000 or more. You add in a little bit of charitable giving and it's easy to see that even the average Bridgewater resident may be
looking to itemize $44,000 or more. uh and now that they are getting uh the full benefit or you know up to $40,000 of benefit uh on salt uh that will put real dollars back into people's pockets. Uh so if people are able to deduct an
incremental you know maybe $12,000 or more uh that would be savings of somewhere in the vicinity of $2500 to $3,000 that's $250 a month. Um, so again, when people are talking about affordability, this action taken by Congress and the president is putting real money back into people's pocket.
This was enabled by HR1, which was signed on July 4th, 2025. Bears noting that a couple days earlier by a vote of 51 to 50. The Senate approved it uh in New Jersey. Uh, our two senators, Booker and Kim, voted no. Uh, on July 3rd, it
was passed by the House. This was July 3rd 25. Roll call numbered 190 approved by a vote of 218 to 214. In the case of New Jersey, three yes votes uh by Congress members uh Kaine, Smith, and Van Drew. The other nine, including our
current governor, all voted no. Uh I highlight that because it is critically important, I believe, for everyone to remember who your friends and who your foes are in this affordability fight. Uh, in the case of Bridgewater, Bridgewater Township, the board of education, and Somerset County, I urge everybody to see what's going on and
who's fighting for you, who is providing necessary services at a price that is reasonable and affordable. Uh, Trenton, unfortunately, is best known for high taxes and most recently the stunning and epic failure to account for pending energy needs that we're all feeling each
and every day. And of course, Washington is what Washington is. I don't need to go any further there. Uh the the bottom line for me personally is I'm very proud to have worked with Congressman Kaine uh for this positive change. He and I have been speaking about this for the last couple of years. Glad to be a part of
his uh uh summit about two weeks ago on behalf of Bridgewater. Uh and I'm just uh you know happy to be part of positive change both for Bridgewater and our nation. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Bucko. >> Thank you very much. Um
uh first um uh on uh this past uh Friday, the 27th, uh we did receive a draft of the 2026 budget from uh the administration. Uh, I'd like to thank uh the mayor and uh uh administrator Papis
uh deputy administrators um our interim CFO and and everyone who uh made that happen uh to get uh the hard work that uh I know went into that um done and uh
on time. And um subsequent to that, the finance committee met with the administration this past Tuesday to begin the uh discussions over the budget. And um I I think we can we can
all characterize it as a work in progress and um as we move forward uh it will it will come together I think uh um in a in a in a good way. Um, also, uh, I
was also, uh, had the privilege to attend the year of the horse performance, uh, at the mall that was put on by the Center for Cultural and Creative Exchange, uh, last Saturday. Uh, this week is Read Across America. On Wednesday, I had the
uh, privilege to read to a class at Adamsville School. Uh I read to them uh Vote for Our Future by Margaret McNamera uh which um explains why uh many schools close on the first Tuesday after the
first Monday of every November. Um Adamsville is a polling place in Bridgewater. It does not close but the gymnasium is closed off so that it can become a polling place for uh the residents in the finder area of town. Uh
also uh March is women's history month and uh I would just like to recognize the uh former council women uh going back to 1948 uh who have served Bridgewwater uh with uh honor and distinction. Um hopefully I don't uh
mess up names too badly. Uh Christine Henderson Rose, Patricia Flannry, Susan Grill, Louisia uh Watrell, and Carolyn Auger. And uh that is my report. I just want to add to that um that we
also have uh Bridgewater has has now has a female municipal court judge, Judge Katherine House, and we have two women on the council, and we're very proud to be women on the council. So, I'm very proud to have a a female judge. Um Mr. Papis, you want to give the report for
the mayor? >> Sure. Thank you very much. Um a few things. Obviously, uh uh this is March. We have the new issue of the newsletter. I know there are copies in the table in the back. Encourage folks to to avail themselves to it. Uh I too want to thank
the Department of Public Works for the work that they did in responding to the snow event. Um any uh complaints or issues that were received or were addressed as quickly as possible and um hope that um we won't see snow for a
while. Um speaking of snow, and I know that there's going to be discussion about ordinance change. Um the mayor will be uh at some point in the near future proposing some other amendment dealing with fire hydrants. Uh he was contacted by the fire chiefs from the
volunteer fire companies and uh is going to be working with Mr. Corsini to try to put something together that could address that. The um remaining two things that I just want to mention is the office of constituent
relations has uh seen fit to propose a slight change to the phone system. So when people call uh they can more readily get to the office of constituent relations to seek assistance uh for that is their mission. Uh the last thing I
want to mention is uh the environmental commission met and uh uh we're very pleased to say that uh Mr. Jeffrey Fouse who is here tonight was selected as chair and uh the administration people of Bridgewater thank you for that
willingness to serve again Mr. Fouse. That's all that I have. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh we do not have any proclamations or presentations. The meeting will now well uh can I have a motion to open the meeting to the public? >> Moved. >> Second. I'll second. Um members of the
public wishing to address the council on any matter will have three matters to speak which may be extended in the discretion of the council president. An additional minute will be allotted for responses to comments from the deis. >> Council president if I may me just make one comment before we start. I think
we've changed the system a little bit now. Instead of having the sign-in sheet on the podium, it's on the table so that you can sign uh while someone else is actually speaking. >> What a nice change. Was that your idea? >> Um I may have had some input into it.
>> Well, good. Good. Good. That's a good idea. >> Just so people know, the signin sheet is not on the podium. It's on the table to the side. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. I figured it was >> Mr. Patel. because it's coming right afterwards.
Okay. >> Creates the >> Okay. >> Yeah. You can sign and then you can speak next. Um, also I've just been advised by council and it really makes sense. There are there's public hearing on a series of ordinances relating to
affordable housing. uh it's on the agenda A, B, C, and D. So if anyone wants to speak on that, they can do it during the public session because it it follows right immediately afterwards. And I do have some comments about that
as well. I'm sorry, Mr. Patel. >> Manish Patel, 41 Schaefer Road. Um thank you again. It's been a while since I've been here. Uh but u obviously a lot going on around us. Uh um Councilman Kersh um if you do happen to talk to
Congressman Kaine again as a constituent, I'd love to see him or have him return a call or have a town hall in the future so he can actually talk to the constituents. So since you seem to have a direct line to him, it'd be nice to see that. Anyone here who might have a direct line to him, that'd be great.
Um and also as far as the salt tax uh cap goes, uh if you recall, that happened under 45 and uh 47. uh if it changes, it's like congratulating the arsonist for putting out the fire, just as a note. Uh and uh you know, what I
really came to talk about was uh uh again related to issues that uh our congressman could help us with, but more so I I really trust and look towards our township council here um and mayor to provide some guidance, some feedback. Obviously, not here, but in the future.
Uh you know, I'm a son of an immigrant. Uh I've been here 50 some odd years and uh I remember when I was naturalized and got my citizenship uh the days leading up to that you know I'm like studying things that clearly I didn't need to study for the citizenship test but just
to be prepared right um and here I am now uh in 2026 walking around with a passport card uh because of things called like the Kavanaaugh stop right if you're not familiar with that uh anyone who is of a certain complexion job
description or potentially heard speaking a certain language can be stopped. Wow. That's what a Kavanaaugh stop is. So whether I'm overreacting or not, based on the things I've seen happen in other parts of the country, I am seriously concerned about things that
could happen in our very ethnically diverse township of Bridgewwater, which I love. Right. You talked about the multicultural or multiffaith celebration uh for Ramadan. Uh we talked about the Chinese New Year. Uh, Councilwoman Isla mentioned Holi. I mean, that's three
different cultures all in one council session, right? Mentioned. That's our town. That's the town I love. I love our school because of that. I love the people around me because of that. I have people from all over the world um that I talk to. And here I am, like I said, walking around with my passport card
because of things like the Kavanaaugh stop. I don't see it getting better, but I know that our township hopefully has our back uh and has the backs of our police officers who are going to be put in a very difficulti position potentially when this thing starts rolling in here. Uh the reason I say it
may roll in here is because uh under the lack of uh vigilance from our congressman, uh the township of Roxbury has just sold off a piece of uh a warehouse property to turn it into a detention center. um which means they're going to have to fill it up. How are they going to fill it up? They're going
to look to places like Bridgewater potentially to go and fill it up. What is our township going to do? Again, you guys need to huddle about it. Obviously, convene with the mayor as well and figure out what the statement is going to be uh in terms of things that we're
going to do to back up our citizenry citizenry because we have Home Depot here. We've heard stories about Home Depot. Uh we have people working on houses here, on roofs here, all kinds of things. the weather is going to get warmer. There's going to be a lot of people working outdoors. Are those people targets because of the Kavanaaugh
stop rule and other things and other policies? So, while we're trying to congratulate uh Congressman Kaine uh for certain actions, um like I said, arsonist put out the fire type of uh congratulations. Um we have real issues
that are a concern to me now. I can't believe I'm even here talking about this because I'd rather talk about how we bring jobs into Bridgewwater. >> Um Mr. Patel, I just I do want you to know that um uh and I maybe I'll defer to Councilman Bucko, but Councilman Bucko is working um on an ordinance and
he has spoken to the mayor about it. We're all very concerned about it. I also want to acknowledge the chief of police um has circulated what our regulations are with respect to ICE and I do have or what their regulations are
with respect to ICE and I do have copies of some information that's been put out by Governor Mikey Cheryl about it if anyone in the public wants to review it. this is the current state um of the situation as far as as state laws are
concerned and as far as local compliances um with ICE and again I don't know if Councilman Bucko wants to comment and then of course you have a minute to respond to anything we've said. >> I don't have anything to respond to. I
just want to uh say that um you know again hopefully there is more thought given to this and consideration and vigilance about what will happen or may happen. Um cuz I'm concerned right I mean I have a kid too. Uh and then lastly uh unrelated slightly lighter
note I do appreciate the effort put through by put forth by obviously public works in our police department considering the absolutely crazy storms we had. Uh I really want to give a shout out to the school buses. I mean, my kids are gone college and working. Uh, but
you know, they have a really difficult job getting through our streets. Um, and I may write to you guys about a potential suggestion or two based on other townships I've heard of where people who leave their cars on the street should get ticketed. >> I think council Kersh is looking at that
as well. He's concerned about that. Yeah. >> I really feel bad for the school bus drivers more than anyone. And of course, the plow guys can't do that. Part of the challenges with that is coming up with a plan that is >> reasonable as to where they put cars. Some people can put them on loans, some
can't. We need to there there's some logistical stuff there, but it's something we're thinking of. >> Thank you. >> Well, I if I could just address that, I think there are two open questions, but if I could just address, you know, the one about the park cars, as I think you know, I I live in your same or similar
neighborhood. Um uh so you know I do know the challenges of relatively narrow streets especially when snow piles up and people are not parking in their driveways and their garages. Um, I want to credit the Office of Constituent Relations in advance of this second
massive storm um put out um communications, including a um uh a a photo, a diagram uh kind of illustrating how if with a little bit of creativity, you can put three cars in a two-car driveway, um if you're so inclined. Um,
and I personally noticed that for this second storm, a lot more people heated that, which made it much easier for our plows to do their thing. >> Plus snow to shovel in your driveway, too. >> What's that? >> Plus snow to shovel. >> Correct. If you you just have to get the snow off the car, right? And you can use
the the the tarp trick. I saw a few people do that. >> Madame President, if I could just make one statement, there was referencing M. Patel made reference to the police department. Uh, Chief Mitsac has really done a very good job in issuing a a very
clearly written spelled out um parameters of what the police department >> right here. If anybody wants to look at it, here it is >> and and what uh they would be expected to do under some of the scenarios that you've mentioned. Uh they have very clear guidelines from the state attorney
general's office. And so uh from our perspective, there's no question as to how they would handle any such uh scenario. But we are working on it. We're we're well aware of the problem. >> Okay.
>> Good evening. My name is Richie Abadia and I have a pigeon coupe at 713 East Main Street, Bridgewater. And uh I've been there since 1996, 30 years ago. And then uh the pigeon
coop it's since 2011 and somebody complained for uh animal shelter. They always come like 10 15 years they keep coming every year but the lady called the zoning officer on me for uh Mr. Kevin uh and then uh he wants me to move
them and then you know I have a proof that uh there is no diseases. Pigeon have no diseases and they are my pets. I had them for 15 years. I cannot get rid of them. I belong to Central Jersey Variety Pitching Club. We make shows. We
take uh pigeon to the shows and then >> Sure. Can you move the microphone a little bit because we you're also going out on the internet. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> So, uh I belong to Central Jersey Variety Pigeon Club and uh to national National Pigeon Association and then uh
you know these pigeons are from important uh bloodline. I had them for uh 15 years. They are homing pigeons. They come like for from 500 miles. They eat from your hand. They spread no disease. They are very friendly pets and
very healthy. I would like uh to keep them. I don't want to no summons no like not move them from there. Is there an I just are you asking us to help help you? So, and what what so what
is the exact ask >> to help me? Yeah. >> To help you >> like mediation between me and like zoning officer, he wants me to move them. >> Okay. >> But I never had problems before. Like long time ago, never had any pro any issues.
>> Okay. I think Mr. Pap is >> This is the first I've heard of this. Um and I will look into it and if you if you put in your uh on that sheet contact information, we'll I'll look into it. Thank you. >> Do you have a card to give him?
>> Is there anyone else? >> I think >> you I don't know if you've already signed. Okay, great. Thank you. Deletoura. >> Yes, Del. >> My name is Angela Deivan. I live at 32 Upper Drive in Wang, New Jersey. I'm
here to speak to you. on behalf of my son Peter Deventura who on March 5th of a year ago was in a horrific accident in here in Bridgewater. Um he was meant to be with me tonight but he's suffering from a
migraine and so he's at home and I'm speaking on his behalf. I have uh what I want to tell you about is that he received a letter from the office of emergency management asking for reimbursement for the expenses of
employees, volunteers, um cars and trucks and etc that were involved in that accident. Um and he I'm going to read you what his response is.
He wrote this letter to the Office of Emergency Management. I'm writing regarding your request for reimbursement for all related employee and volunteer costs associated with my accident on March 5th, 2025. Let me first assure you that I'm
unendingly grateful for all your efforts to save me that night. Truly, if it were not for the immediate and heroic actions of officer Noah Alat and the other first responders, I would not be here to write this letter to you.
Having said that, I find it necessary to clarify my situation. About a year before this accident, I suffered a pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, resulting from a severe infection. It required surgery and 14 days in the
hospital, plus more than 30 days with a a chest tube inserted through my lung, my ribs. The chest tube made it barely possible to sit, stand, walk, or lie down because of constant pain. Once the chest tube was removed, I had to even
relearn how to stand up straight. The recovery took 6 to 10 months before I could start back to work on barely a part-time basis. I'm self-employed glazier and general carpenter. My work requires physical strength and dexterity.
Barely two months later on March 5th, 2025, this accident occurred. Again, I spent a week in the hospital with a severely broken arm, which required two stainless steel plates to realign, a seriously swollen right hand, three
cracked ribs, severe back pain from whiplash, and a mild concussion. Aside from various other swellings, cuts and bruises, but thank God and Noah a lot, I was alive and thank all of you others as well. I mention again that I'm a
self-employed glazier and general carpenter. My work requires physical strength and dexterity. The right arm, hand, ribs, back, and the rest are all necessary. Recovery from my injuries took several months, both physical and emotional. I would be lying if I were to
downplay the mental or emotional aspect of having these two adversities happen to me one after the other. During my monthsl long recovery, I received literally hundreds of letters from hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, and your request, which
remained in a pile as I struggled to get my life back. I did not intend to ignore them. I just wasn't capable of dealing with them at the time. However, because I did not respond to your letter in a timely fashion, you now require that I
answer this in court. The court date is March 25th. The crux of the problem is this. I'm self-employed. I earn about $25 an hour when I'm able to work, but because of these two catastrophic misfortunes, I have only been able to work
sporadically. As a result, I've been forced to use up all my savings and entirely wipe out my investments in order to support my wife and myself for the past two years. You are requiring that I reimburse
$15,25.82. Unfortunately, I do not have the money to reimburse your employees and volunteers. I ask you to reconsider your request. Perhaps you can reduce it to a reasonable amount that I can pay off monthly. I'm a highly skilled worker.
Perhaps I can work for your municipality at a reduced rate in order to allow you to recoup your expenses. Perhaps you can envision another solution. I would gladly discuss any options. >> Um Mrs. Delivan is he this he's got a
summon to appear in the municipal court. >> Yes. Uh on March 25th. >> Okay. So two things. One, he can probably appear by Zoom. >> Yes, he will be doing. >> Okay. So he doesn't have to physically appear. Is that would that work for him? >> Yes, he can do that.
>> Okay. Yes. >> Secondly, um I would say that I'm very familiar with the with the court and with the prosecutor, with the judge. Um I would be extremely surprised if they would not be willing to work with him within the confines of the law to the
extent that they are able to. And I never practiced that. I never I never appeared in court on that kind of thing. So I don't know in particular. Maybe you do. Um I mean you know something about it. I don't know what discretion the courts have. I do know that they
typically do try to work with people in terms of payment plans. Uh, I have no idea how much discretion the judge or the prosecutor has in terms of whatever the particular ordinances are in and of themselves maybe. Do you do you have
anything to add to that? >> I'm just going to suggest what I would recommend is that he reach out to the prosecutor beforehand, have a conversation. You know, they can meet, have a discussion, potentially work something out where when it comes to a Zoom call, it's we're going to dismiss
this. we've worked out something, you know, um I think council has something further. >> We we've discussed the matter internally and I think that um the department administrator administrator may have some thoughts. Um we're examining the matter, the uh the uh invoice sent by Sergeant Edwards as well as the
correspondent sent and I think we'll have some more on this in the future, but the administrator may also have some thoughts. >> Yeah, thank you Mr. Corsini. Uh I'm very familiar with this matter. U there's not a lot that I think would be appropriate for me to discuss here publicly. Uh certainly I'm familiar. Uh it's a very
there's a lot to this even beyond what uh you spoke about today and I can understand why you wouldn't. So uh we're aware of it. Um we uh Mr. Corsini, Chief Mitsac, Lieutenant Edwards and I met on this a couple of days ago and uh we will
be uh addressing this. The court municipal court appearance is a separate matter. We have no direct involvement in that. uh and um your son will have to, you know, appear or work
something out uh through that process. >> He he intends to appear. Um I I just want to mention a couple of things though on the request for reimbursement. Um that seemed to me questionable and I I would like you to respond to it if you
have the the ability to do so. Um, for example, the the Bridgewater Police Department total subtotal um of cost for reimbursement was $4,3721. However,
they multiplied it by 200%. So now it's $8,742. >> Is that because of it was it wasn't paid on time? >> No. >> No. Well, this is in the original letter. >> I It's I think that is something better. As Mr. Corini said, looking at this and
we'll have more information. Um, none of us up here can address any, you know, specific charges or costs. That's not determined by any of us. Um, so I I I would suggest, you know, if they're
going to have more to say, give them a few days or some time to look at it. Um, but I don't think any of us can specifically answer any questions related to specific charges. >> I understand. Is there someone that we should be contacting? Then
>> I would I received a letter. I think someone sent me an email just yesterday and most of what you shared uh was contained. >> It is the same letter >> contained in the letter and uh my uh reaction to that was meeting with Mr. Corsini getting his guidance, Chief Mitsac. And I think that's all I can say
at the moment. >> Should I follow up with someone? Should we should Pete be talking to someone? >> I I think you the advice that you got about him pursuing the municipal court matter and maybe contacting the prosecutor. I'll let Mr. Corsini speak to that. And as far as the letter that I
received, uh I can't give you a time frame at the moment. >> He's represented by council on the municipal court matter, um as I'm aware by Mr. Mitzner. Um, Councilman Ring is correct. There'll be discussions that could be had at the time of the of the ma of the uh hearing in this matter, but
I think that we are reviewing it. We are aware of it. Um, and we uh may have more to say on in the future. >> Yes, if there's some way that um that we can work something out that's reasonable. But I mean, he's not in a
position to pay that money, so it's a hardship. I I've appeared in that municipal court many many times and I can tell you that they're the people there are extremely reasonable. They they do what they can and they they're
very sympathetic to circumstances that are understandable. Um but again, we can't I can't speak for the judge. I can't speak for the prosecutor. I can't speak for anyone in the court. I can just tell you my own experience with with the same people has been very
productive. And would you agree? >> Yeah%. Absolutely. >> Yeah. But I will say this, thank you very much for bringing it before the council. Um, we were all aware of the incident. I wasn't aware that it was your son until you mentioned the particular incident. And um, we hope he
continues to recover. >> Thank you. And um, >> we there might are there other people that want to speak today? Okay. I just would ask you to limit your comments if you can because there is another Just wanted to mention that if there's any possibility to wave any of
this, would that be considered? >> I I don't know what the again I don't know what what rights the municipal courts have. >> It's the request >> that's not going to be resolved here tonight. That that that won't be resolved here tonight. >> If if there if there is any ability to
do that, that's not to be resolved here tonight. >> Yeah, it's certainly on our radar screen. Uh do not lose heart. We will look at this matter in great detail and there will be more to be said on it. So, >> thank you. >> Sure. >> Mr. Petrosa, did you sign in yet? >> All right. Thank you.
>> My voice already. >> That's okay. >> Oh, yeah. Go ahead. >> Hi, good evening, council members, neighbors, and residents. Bridgewater is a commu community that prides itself on looking out for one another. But currently buried in our municipal code
is a provision that is fundament fundamentally unjust and runs contrary to the values of this community. Chapter 40 of our code, the hazardous substance ordinance, was originally designed for environmental safety, but on May 23rd,
2024, it was weaponized under under the leadership of tax king Mayor Mench, the council voted 4 to1 to impose a rule that if you cannot pay a cleanup bill within 45 days, you face up to six
months in jail. I cast a lone dissenting vote. Let that sink in. Six months in jail, not for committing a crime, not for intentional misconduct, but for being unable to pay a bill. The human
cost of this ordinance now has a name, Peter Dela Ventura. On March 5th, 2025, Peter nearly lost his life in a horrific accident. We saw the very best of Bridgewater that day when Officer Noah Elat bravely pulled Peter from a burning
wreck. That is the Bridgewater we love. But what followed is a Bridgewater we should fear. While Peter was in agony, recovering from injuries that kept him out of work and exhausted his savings, the township didn't send him a get well
card. They sent him a bill for over $15,000. They charged him for the vol volunteer time of heroes who don't even draw a paycheck from this town. And because Peter, a man who has spent months in
medical treatment without receiving a paycheck, cannot produce $15,000 in 45 days, this township is holding a sixmonth jail sentence over his head. Since when did we start jailing people
for being victims of an accident? Anyone can have a car accident. In fact, statistically speaking, most people will. If you live in New Jersey, you will have three to four accidents in your lifetime. That means every single
person in this room is one patch of black ice or one mechanical failure away from a $15,000 debt or a prison cell. Under this ordinance, if your vehicle spills gasoline or oil in an accident,
even if it is purely accidental, you can be charged thousands of dollars in cleanup costs. And if you cannot pay within 45 days, you can face jail time. That should concern every resident of Bridgewater Township. Who's the next
name tied to this ordinance's human cost? It could be yours. to the three new members of this governing body. You were elected to bring change. You have the power to fix this. This isn't a Republican issue or a Democrat issue.
It's a Bridgewater issue. I voted no on this ordinance change back then. But Bridgewater needs you to take the action needed now. Now is the time to deliver the change you promised. Revoke the enforcement provisions of
section 40-6. Let's stop this unfair money grab by tax king Mayor Mench. >> I'm just going to ask you not to refer in a derogatory manner to >> it's not it's my political free speech ma'am. I can refer to him however I want
but thank you. Let's stop threatening our residents with jail for the crime of being in a car accident. Let's stand for a bridge order that values people over the unjust billing policies of tax king Mayor Mench. Thank you
>> comment from the day. >> I think we will >> council president. >> We will look into it. I go ahead. Uh, I think that Chief Mitzk uh, in the back may want to come up and perhaps refute the absolutely ludicrous statement made by former Councilman Proso about the imprisonment uh, the potential to be
imprisoned under this ordinance, which Councilman Proso knows is ludicrous. Do you want to speak on this, John? >> Uh, good evening. Um, >> nothing like putting you on the spot, huh? >> Yeah, absolutely. Um,
obviously there's he's not going to jail um for this. It was a ordinance from I understand was to recoup money for the like the first aids and fire departments that have to come out
uh at night to clean up these uh crashes. Um, without getting into the case, he caused the crash. Um, and that's that's all I can say. He he was
at fault for the crash and that's why he was issued the ordinance violation. I can't get anything to anything else. He's not going to jail. And just for the benefit um of our newer council members,
when this was discussed, this is this is not something done just in Bridgewater. You know, our Somerset County, the hazmat team comes out, they send this is done in other towns and counties and even state level um where certain things
happen and and there are costs associated. So, >> and and I can just say I mean I think maybe I'm the only one on the deis that has appeared in municipal court like maybe like hundreds of times. Um it's
very people don't they don't the judges and and our judge in particular does not send people to jail lightly. I mean you really have to I mean drunk driving. Yes. I mean there are some things you're going to go to jail for. But what you're you probably know you're you're in our
our court all the time. >> Um they try to show as much respect and and give as much deference as they can within the bounds of what is fair and reasonable taking into consideration the protection of all of the residents >> and and for this is normally covered by
insurance. Just like if you were driving down the highway, you lose control and you hit the pole, >> you responsible for paying for the pole you knock down. And normally that goes through the insurance >> the car insurance. I Yeah. Okay. >> And and Madam President, the two things that I I was not expecting to discuss
this tonight, so I didn't necessarily prepare my research. Um but the two things that I recall was that very point, which is um an expense like this often can be uh recouped through insurance. Uh and then the second is
that when there is an expense whether it's 10,000 15,000 whatever that number is uh if it is not borne um you know by by an individual it's borne by the rest of the town. Um and I if I recall properly the the the reason for for that
ordinance uh was uh to acknowledge that when there are instances where a specific expense uh has can be tied to a specific circumstance uh that we we recoup it. Otherwise we're asking each and every one of our residents to pay a
portion. Um now again people might have a difference of opinion on who should be responsible but on on that day and at that time with that ordinance we decided that it should be borne by the individual uh who who who was responsible for for for the incident.
>> Chief safe to say that we're not looking to collect penalties or send people to jail. They're there to help drive compliance >> versus this is not a jailable offense. >> Thank you. You have Yes, you have a minute.
>> Just for the record, uh, council members, uh, the statute does the ordinance provide in 40-6, and I quote, "Any person that who fails to reimburse the township of Bridgewater within the time period is subject to a fine of not
less than $50 nor more than $100 per day or by imprisonment for a period period of not more than six months or both." Now the the chief and I respect the chief very much certainly has an opinion and that's wonderful but end of the day this is going to go before the courts
and the prosecutor and the judge is entitled to impose whatever fine that they feel fair and just under the circumstances. The provision of this ordinance allows people to be placed in jail for not paying this money back in time. This ordinance in this township
allows that. You have the power if you feel it's unfair. You have the power to change it. And you think you should change it because it's not right. I mean, who who here wants to see Peter be placed in jail? Nobody does. But the ordinance shouldn't state that then. Let's take that out. Let's clean that
up. So, thank you. As dozens of ordinances in our code book, Philippe, many of which you voted for. >> Is is that not a disorderly uh person's >> standard provision? and ex- council member Padroso I'm sure if we look back voted for many ordinances that include that provision there are probably dozens
in the code book doesn't mean that it's exercised >> and I I'm I'm just worried I don't want Mrs. Stella Vanour thinking that her son is going to go to jail. I mean, >> whose fault is that? >> It's again, I've been in this. I've been in our municipal court. I have appeared in
front of our judge many, many times. They don't put anybody in jail unless it's really, really serious. >> You should apologize to her, Philip. >> Listen, the ordinance, >> you should apologize to her. the ordinance should have sentencing
provisions that are fair and just for for what's being addressed here. Okay? And in this particular case, they're not not there are times where perhaps having a provision where it states people can go to jail is fair. There are times like that. And certainly we see that all over our code in municipal
courts. But to put someone in jail because they didn't pay a bill, that's just wrong. It's wrong. You believe. Is there anyone else? >> Have you by any chance signed in? >> As soon as I'm done, I'm going to be one minute. >> Okay.
>> Uh, good evening. I'm Jeff Fouse, 6 Forest View Drive in Martinsville. I was on the zoning board for nearly 15 years. I was >> Oh, hello, Mr. Fouse. I'm probably not your f most favorite person. >> I got to go on my first vacation. I eat dinner with my kids on Tuesday nights. Thank you as an entity for your support
of our land use boards. It's so important. But there are unsung heroes in our administration building that I want to just recognize very quickly. Nancy Propes. She keeps the planning board, zoning board running. >> She's amazing. She's an amazing woman. She has a tough job. She deals with 50
lawyers any given day. Um planners, engineers, plumbers, electricians. It's crazy what she keeps together. She's amazing. Without her, these boards wouldn't run. Katherine Serod sitting right there. Another amazing woman. Amazing individual. Cares about our town. learn from the best, Scarlett
Doyle, who I think is the best planner in the United States. Um, but just thank you for your support of the entities. Keep them going. It looks like you appointed great people. So, I am a fan of what you're doing. Keep putting people that care about our community, care about trees, care about pushing back against development. People want to
live here. That's a great thing. I think it's reflective of you and me, our voters, our taxpayers, our kids, our children, our schools. They want to be here. But we have to be smart about our development. It has to be metered. It has to be deliberate and it has to be slow and it has to make sense because
more traffic just causes more problems, causes the situation that we just heard about that's heartbreaking that I wish I could do something to help him. Nonetheless, the second issue is um as Mr. Papis was kind enough to point out. Uh I'm going to be chairman of the environmental commission this year. We're going to meet for members of the
public that want to join us the first Thursday of each month. I look forward to working with you and working with members of the public on any environmental concerns that come up and thank you for your service. >> When where are you going to meet? >> Right now we're meeting next door. >> Oh, in the room next door,
but we're going to get up. I'm going to work with Suzanne. And Suzanne, I should have thanked you also. Thank you very much. You're amazing. Of I forgot probably 10 other people, but you're amazing. Thank you for keeping the meeting. For anyone that doesn't know, Suzanne keeps YouTube going. She keeps the website going. I think she's got a
hamster and a crank wheel back there. She does a lot with very little. She's trying to conserve tax dollars all while being amazing. Thank you. Uh so 6 p.m. first Thursday of each month um next door. I think that's called the 102 amb.
>> And if it changes, Suzanne will put it on the website. And thank you all. Good night. >> Thank you for your graciousness. >> Anyone else wishing to address the council? Can I have >> none? I make a motion to close public comment. >> Second.
>> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Okay. Um and I'm just I I'm just going to ask I assume since I indicated earlier that anyone that wanted to speak on 10 A, B, C, or D, um
>> we still have to have the hearing. >> Yeah. Okay. But I'm assum Well, okay. Let's we'll I I'll I'll I'll allow it to be open in case anyone does want to speak on it. Okay. So, moving on to the uh public hearing and final action
ordinances. These are ordinances that were introduced two weeks ago. Uh I will read each one individually. Uh well, I'm going to read a comment uh in general about these ordinances before we we read them. Uh this is from
Mr. Savo, uh, one of the township attorneys, and his explanation of these ordinances, I think is is a good thing for the public to know. What he says is the township is required to adopt these ordinances in order to meet the March 15, 2026 compliance deadline. The
failure to meet this deadline will result in the township losing immunity from exclusionary zoning and builder remedy um, suits. So that's the basic understanding of why these ordinances were introduced two weeks ago and why they are um going to be voted on
tonight. So with respect to the first ordinance, an ordinance adopting an affordable housing ordinance and development fee ordinance in accordance with the fair housing act uniform housing affordability controls and NJAC 599-1
at sack. Can I have a motion to approve? No, we need a motion to open. >> Okay. Comment. >> Can I have a motion for open public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> I'll second. Does anyone want to comment on this? >> Seeing no one, I move to close public
comment and move for final action. >> Second. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Councilman Bucko? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Isla? >> Yes. >> Councilman Kersh? >> Yes. Councilman Ring.
>> Yes. >> Council President Gger. >> Yes. Moving on to V. An ordinance of the Township of Bridgewater amending section 126-309. uh uh period 3 period 1 of the Bridgewater Township Code RMDU-26
multifamily residential zone allowing for a Bridgewater uh township tax map. I think I allowing for a multifamily residential development on the property known as block 400 lot 7.06 06 on the Bridgewater
Township tax map and located at 520 Route 22 East including affordable housing pursuant to the provisions of the Fair Housing Act and the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls. Can I have a motion to open this for public discussion? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Second. >> Is there anyone wishes to address the public on this? >> Do an I. All in favor? >> Oh. All in favor? >> I >> I >> Mr. Petroso. >> Hi, good evening. Philippe Petroso 5 Bridgewater. Just very briefly, um,
affordable housing has a tremendous impact on our township. Uh, it it impacts traffic congestion. Uh, the the actual building of affordable housing and the way it's built impacts the character of our neighborhood and uh, uh, residential properties typically
also increase our property values, increase our property taxes. Sorry, correction. uh when I was a member of this governing body, I had proposed a sort of an out of out of-box solution. I had asked the uh the tax king mayor Mench to consider um that the
Bridgewater Township would self build our affordable housing and then either later on sell it off or do something with that investment to limit the number of units being built. That idea is not novel. I can't take credit for inventing that idea. There are many municipalities
in this state that have done just that very successfully. By doing that, the municipality can limit the number of units that are built and reducing greatly the load of affordable housing in Bridgewater Township and the the load of not affordable housing, the load of
just mass dense housing in the township. I I counted for example in the three ordinances that this governing body is considering now that there are that there are pardon me if my math is wrong but I just try to add this up that there are 608 total units uh that are going to
be uh built potentially built under this these proposals 141 of which are affordable. Uh under under my uh proposed uh idea only 141 units be built total and the township would then own
and build the affordable housing. Now, I don't know whether or not that idea is financially feasible or not. End of the day, it's it's an accounting and mathematical uh process that the town should go through to figure out whether or not the the investment would pay off
at the end. Would the net be a benefit to the taxpayer? However, my my issue was been when I sat on on your seats was that the administration never completed that exercise. even though I I had asked for those numbers uh on the record, uh those numbers were never produced to me.
So, I don't know whether or not it would be uh financially uh smart for the township uh to engage in in that. I know it would be a a great thing for the town to limit mass dense housing projects and that would benefit our community.
Whether or not my idea would have a financial benefit, I don't know because I never I never got the numbers. Point point being that I'm going to conclude is that I I would ask you uh especially the new members on this governing body who come in here with fresh ideas and fresh perspectives. I would ask you to
uh hold off on voting on this tonight and ask the administration and make that same demand to the administration to produce for you uh those numbers to see whether or not uh that would be something something that would be feasible and will be in the best interest of Bridgewater Township. Thank
you, >> Madam President. And Mr. Pos, if you want to stay there, I think we can do this right here, right now. >> Yeah. >> So, um, what what do you believe to be the cost per square foot construction in New Jersey today? Would it be fair to say that number is probably at least
$200 to $250? >> I don't know. I'm not the answer is yes. >> Don't Please don't cut me off. If you ask me a question, please give me the courtesy of answering. I don't I don't know the answer of how much it costs to build. I'm not in that field. I'm not an expert. That's why I
believe the proper thing to do, the prudent thing to do would be to have the administration run the numbers and then come back to the governing body. Maybe at the end of the day, maybe the numbers don't make sense. Maybe what's proposed now is the best solution. At the very
least, we explore it. That's all I >> Well, and personally, I have explored it and I believe that you're looking at a minimum outlay of at least $100 million plus land acquisition cost, plus utilities. And the way you get there is at a co a construction cost of at least
$200 to $250 per foot. Units that are going to be at least 1,000 square ft. And I'm talking about the 400 units, by the way. I'm not talking about these 100 and whatever units. I'm looking at the full the full scope, the 400 and whatever units. If you do that math and you you kind of work it out, we're talking about an investment that would
be necessary in excess of hund00 million. So that's why I came to the conclusion. And I can't speak for anybody else and I can't speak for administration, but I came to the conclusion that that was not a viable proposal. >> President, can I just >> Yes. Go ahead.
>> Um, >> could you perhaps reread that paragraph from uh attorney Savo uh so that maybe Mr. Proso could understand why his idea is ludicrous based upon uh the attorney's letter.
The township is required to adopt these ordinances in order to meet the March 15, 2026 compliance deadline. >> March 15th. Okay. So, we can't table this. >> Yeah. The failure to meet this deadline will result in the township losing immunity from exclusionary zoning and
builder remedy suits. And and I was going to comment. Well, first of all, I I wanted to just ask you a question, Councilman um Kersh. My understanding is that it was our obligation to build over 400 units. >> Correct. So so so my little math um was
at 400 units. This is only a portion of them. Um you know, and just for the record so that we're all clear to I the numbers I've used is $250 per square foot construction at least a,000 square feet of a unit. Some of them may be even bigger than that. and the 400 units I
come to $100 million plus land acquisition costs plus potentially utility costs and and and and other things. So um you know while while you know certainly creativity um should be u acknowledged um just even the back of
the envelope math that that I was able to do stated we do not have $100 million. I don't think we would be able to find somebody who would fund $100 million. Um, and that and that's why I I don't believe that's an effective solution. And that's why I was instead
comfortable going with the um uh complex uh negotiated plan that we've come up with to meet our obligation, which I might add is state imposed. I >> mean, I don't believe I don't believe a good responsible government-based
decisions based on back of the envelope math. >> Well, and I don't and I don't believe >> me off again. Well, and you've cut me you've cut me off as well. I don't believe that a sitting council person can come up with ridiculous suggestions without even having done his own math. >> So, I guess we're even.
>> Other towns have done it. Councilman Kers, it's not ridiculous. I think >> Did you want to Did you want to some of that back math council? >> Yes. Katherine Sarmat is here, our town planner. So, >> thank you. I just wanted to I'm I'm sorry to interrupt the conversation, but I wanted to answer some of the questions
and kind of talk about the process that got us to this point because I think it's important to understand why these ordinances were the ones that were decided upon in light of the process, in light of the cost of building, in light of the opportunities and options that the township had to fulfill its obligation. So, one thing is that the
the township of Bridgewater has been proactive in meeting its affordable housing obligations through the years, through the decades, which is why the township walked into the fourth round with about 200 credits, almost half of its obligation already taken care of.
And so, the the option you're discussing or have offered to the council was explored. The township looked actually at any township owned properties or properties adjacent to township owned properties that could potentially be acquired and looked at what those what
could be yielded on those properties and what the cost would look like actually with financial input not from back of the envelope from actual financial experts. Um a 60 unit project for example was up to 20 to $30 million. I can't remember the actual that's why I'm
saying 20 to 30. I know it sounds like a large range, but that was just for 60 units. The interesting thing about um 100% affordable projects is not that in most cases, municipalities don't actually build it themselves unless they have a housing authority.
And in even those cases, the municipality is not the landlord, not the builder. Um there are groups um companies that build just 100% affordable housing. They do a capital raise. um they utilize federal home loan grants for underwriting. They utilize
low-income housing tax credits. Um and the quality of their application always decides if the if those projects will move forward. The township did ex in all we had monthly by monthly meetings while this process was ongoing is about a year-long process
that the township had less than that as it came to the final discussions before June. The township had nine different property owners show interest um in building affordable housing and being in the in the housing element. Some with with units up to 700 units on those
properties. The township went through um different options in considering all of those nine interested property owners. Also looking at township solutions that included 100% affordable. At the end of the day, in order to do a 100%
affordable project, in addition to the financials that have to work, Fairshare Housing Center, which was the main advocacy group that was settling and, you know, the township came to a mediation agreement with, requires that those projects be funded and occupied in most cases within two years. That those
projects, if you do not have a developer um uh associated with the project or commitments, construction schedules, performs, etc. by June 30th included with your housing element that you had to bond. The municipality would have to bond for the total amount of that project. And in most cases, whether or
not you had that information, Fairshair Housing Center and the the law basically stipulates that the municipality would have to uh adopt a resolution for intent to bond if they couldn't raise all that. So, if the project didn't work out financially because they couldn't get the capital raise, the town should be on
the hook to bond for $60 million to end up paying for it out of their pocket, which could be an in a huge huge increase on the residential taxpayers that would have to fund that that bond. Um, and so I just wanted to kind of clear the air that that those things were all explored. Maybe they weren't
explored in public, but um the township professionals, including Darlene Green, who's the affordable housing prof planner for the township, myself, um Alex Fischer, we went through these exercises um with Bill Savo as well to walk through. So, it's not it wasn't explored, it just wasn't explored
publicly. I guess it was one of the options that we really did look deeply into. And um at the end of the day um the township ended up choosing um at least two of the properties that are on tonight for the ordinances are former office buildings. And so the
differential I guess the delta between the traffic increases and you know the increase in development. These are not green field sites. They are office buildings, occupied office buildings that will then just see a delta in some cases even a lower traffic volume. So, um, the township was very, very
strategic in how it looked at what sites are good options, you know, not green field sites, redevelopment of office buildings that are going to be a stranded asset very soon and will still produce um, you know, tax tax ratables as multif family developments with with
um, market rate units in them as well. So, I hope that that answers some of the questions. Um, and I I do agree with Mr. Councilman Ring's reiteration. The March 15th deadline cannot be emphasized enough. It is the state law. There are far and few uh municipalities that are
exceed that are getting extensions to that. It is incredibly truncated deadline, but it is incredibly important as every single court order that's been issued states that if you don't get this checklist of items done, including the adoption of these ordinances, you will
lose your certification and you will consider taking your immunity from you. And immunity is the whole reason why participation is kind of necessary. Um because once you lose immunity, the builders get to decide how they build in your town and you lose control as the township. You you lose your zoning
powers if you lose immunity. >> Thank you very much. Is there anyone else that would like to speak on this subject? >> No. No. For the record that certainly I I appreciate your um very detailed explanation and that was that was very nice. Um, I wish I had gotten that that
explanation earlier on. Uh, perhaps you guys can get better luck getting communication from the administration than I did when I was on the council. Um, I will I'll follow up. I'll send a freedom of information accord. >> Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. >> Actually, I have a question I have to
ask for Miss Miss Sarmad. Um, have you interacted with members of of the council either past or present um on um uh planning matters? >> I have. >> Okay. >> Affordable housing less so because um Darlene Green couldn't make it this evening.
>> Okay. >> So I >> just but just in general you you've interacted with with members past and and and present and you you maintain open communications. Your the way to get a hold of you and talk about planning matters is a relative open door. Correct. Correct.
>> Okay. I think it's important that that be noted and I I I know Katherine, you and I have spoken many times uh on affordable housing, on a wide range of other things. Um I I acknowledge your subject matter expertise, how valuable it is. Uh and I know that, you know, in
in my time in in in office. I I I regularly consult with you. I know that we engaged uh in in conversations uh you know, last spring regarding the plan, how we got to the plan. I I know I I took full advantage of the open door
policy that you have and you know I I think that was afforded and available to every council member. Correct. I >> I was just going to say I remember vividly sitting in the conference room uh looking at the nine different and when you talked about some of the office buildings, I
supported one of them because that office building had a pre-existing traffic light already on the highway. Like when you talk about traffic, like things like that were it was down to that level of detail that was being discussed with council members that uh
chose to go to those meetings. >> Every councilman was including former council member was briefed on this were briefed on this last year. >> I was just for the record since I'm obviously everybody's commenting on >> 30 seconds. >> Me? >> Okay. >> I w I was briefed on certain matters of
affordable housing. However, I was never ever uh I never received a report back from the administration as to any any um feasibility of self-owning and self-building affordable housing projects that that I never received. Did
I have discussions about affordable housing? Sure. But I never got anything back regarding my particular request. >> Well, we also have to go to the record and see which date um the the what I call $100 million solution was proposed. If I recall, it might have even been the
night that we were under the sword of having to pass it that night. Yeah, >> I I believe that that was >> it was it was near the >> It was like June 25th, June 26, something in that range. It was literally the night that we had we were >> under the sword to approve it and then
the $und00 million idea came out. That's how that's how I remember it. Perhaps somebody can go back to the record and confirm it. You >> should let us know if you can prove that it's earlier. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else that wants to comment?
Otherwise, I'm going to move uh to close public hearing and move for final action. >> I have a second. >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> Roll call. >> Roll. >> Oh, cuz Well, don't we have to close public? >> No, we're voting to close public and
approve it at one to vote. >> Okay, so we're doing it all at once. >> Yeah. >> All right. if any discussion. >> I I I would just like to um say um that this uh uh proposal is is going to uh be
for rental units and I believe all the other the other uh two that are before us are for rental units also. Um and that is uh that is fine. uh right um rental properties are uh an important um
in the inventory of of housing. Um, I I I would like to see us have more um affordable housing where uh that that is purchasable by um um interested and and
qualified individuals so that um they they have the the chance at ownership and uh long-term um uh long-term roots in able to be put down into Bridgewater. Um, >> don't disagree with you at all,
Councilman Bucko. I will say that when we were going through this process and all the different builders that had come in with different proposals, one of the things that um, Darlene, our affordable housing planner, who couldn't be here tonight, actually said one of the things
was the package, if you will, that we put together, it was favorable to us because we had components from all the different areas. Um, so that I don't want to speak for her, but I interpreted that we needed a good blend.
>> That's something that the courts like, >> uh, or the fair share housing. Okay. >> You're not taking one >> one >> or you're offering different opportunities for different people. I got it. >> And again, I don't want to speak for her, but I interpreted that that was a positive thing.
>> But I agree with you. I'd rather see ownership and people invested in the community. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And I believe that if they that that lasts for 30 years and if they stay beyond the 30 years, we still continue to get the credit for them. >> Yeah, >> potentially.
>> Yeah. Nice. Okay. Does that apply to the rentals, too? If somebody's renting at an affordable and it's year 30, I guess they could still stay. >> It would be the owner. >> What's the owner of the unit? The >> owner. Yeah. George Collins has over >> most if not all rental deed restrictions
and I think the law now states it that the unit even if 30 years comes up that person doesn't get evicted it stays until that person is either leaves or is no longer income qualified. Um so even if it goes to year 37 that person can stay in that unit because that's what
the law states. There is also an opportunity to extend rental units. Um >> we're still in the >> Yeah, that's really nice. That's good. when when you when the comment was made that we already had 200 units, that's because of some of the work that is done
>> even though we're talking about round four. You know, it's almost like we're going to start doing stuff to get us in a better position for round five, >> right? And we have been Bridgewater has been incredibly compliant with the law despite the fact that there are not everyone agrees on on affordable housing
and the need for it and so on and so forth. But regardless of that, the compliance level has been very very >> high. I don't disagree on the need for it. I think we might disagree on how it's administered. >> Fair enough. Fair enough. Okay. Can we have a roll call? Councilman Bucko? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Isla?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Kersh? >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring? >> Yes. >> Council President Ger? >> Yes. >> Okay. Moving on to C. An ordinance of the township of Bridgewater amending section 126 of the Bridgewater Township Code to add section 126-321.9
entitled AH-2 affordable housing zone allowing for a multifamily residential development on property known as block 711 lot 7 on the Bridgewater Township tax map and located at 1400 Frontier Road
including affordable housing pursuant to the provisions of the fair housing Housing act and the uniform housing affordability controls. Can I have a motion to open this for public discussion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Is there any anyone uh in the public wishing to address this? Mr. Fouse. No,
Mr. um >> yes. question. Um, how do we put together lists for people to apply for the affordable housing? Do Bridgewater residents get a first look
see so to speak or is that open to the public anywhere? >> Whoever you want to answer that >> I think Mr. >> I can answer that. >> Katherine, >> the the township has a um what's called an administrative agent. It's actually required by law and it requires that the
developers in the township both have the same administrative agent. That administrative agent has to there's a whole rental procedures manual and a for sale ownership manual for how they take in applications. So when there are units available, they have to affirmatively marketing them. They have to put them on
their websites. They have to put them wherever. Um they have to hold open houses, things like that. Um, anybody who wants to get put on a waiting list applies with the administrative agent. They get put on a list with their needs.
Like they need a two-bedroom unit. They're income qualified for a moderate income. And then as units become available, they get contacted to go see that unit to see if it meets their needs. And then they can decide if they want to, you know, accept the the rental contract for that or the >> So, how do they get in touch with the
administrator? How does someone get in touch with Bridgewwater's administrative agent? >> Bridgewwater Township's administrative agent should have one a website and two um I think we have there should be some marketing materials um throughout at like the library and there's a link on
the website. Um so that should take them to to their to their website which should have an application or an inquiry form that they can then contact the administrative agent who handles all the intake of applicants. So just to to clarify,
Bridgewater residents don't get a leg up at all. >> So um br the way affordable housing works is that for the most part uh all of the counties are divided up into regions and so um Somerset County is included with Middle Sex and one other
county in the region and Hunter in region three. So anybody that is a resident of Hunter in Somerset or Middle Sex County has has regional preference to units here. >> Regional >> regional preference. So >> different from when I was on the
Bridgewater uh affordable housing board. Um then if you were Bridgewater, you could get to the top of the list. Then we maintained an ongoing active list. >> Yes. And now um this this system or even the law no longer allows um municipal
preference. Um it's has to be regional preference. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah, thank you for that question. I I didn't know that. >> Glad to have that. And I believe we have uh on the agenda resolutions approving um uh much of the
process for uh publicizing and uh um the operating man >> operating. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's coming up. >> Seeing no one else, I move to close public comment and move for final action subject to any comments. I'll >> second. Madam President, just by way of
emphasis, this particular project is age restricted. Oh, this uh number C. Yep. >> Letter C. >> Yeah, thank you. Letter C. Letter C. All right. Can we have a roll call? >> Councilman Bucko, >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes.
>> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Ger, >> yes. All right, moving on to D. Uh, an ordinance of the Township of Bridgewater amending section 126 of the Bridgewater Township Code to add section 126-321.8
8 entitled AH1 affordable housing zone allowing for a multifamily residential development on property known as block 170 lot 4.02 on the Bridgewater Township tax map and located at 250 Route 28 including affordable housing pursuant to
the provisions of the Fair Housing Act and the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls. Can I have a um for public discussion? Second. Is there anyone anyone wishing to address this issue?
Can I have a motion to close? See >> looking at me? You want me to say anything? Sure. I'm going to make a motion to close public comment and move for final action subject to any comments. >> Well, you're my best motion person. >> Can I have a second?
>> Um, I will just one comment. This is also uh uh Katherine spoke about this is one of the office buildings of a repurpose. >> Oh, that's nice. >> So, >> yeah, that's that's cool. That's neat. Um any other comments?
>> This is the one that's between uh US >> 22 and 28. >> Yeah, >> there's two office buildings there now. One will stay, one goes. >> Correct. >> I think they both go. >> They both go. Okay. Okay,
>> Madam President, just the one comment I'll make. Um, you know, I don't want to comment on each and every proposal. I I'm simply going to say that what what we have was a was a um a complex negotiation
um and uh a you know, a lot of um um flexibility to come up with the best plan uh for for for the community. Um, you know, e each one may not be perfect, but the sum does meet the need that we
have to satisfy our affordable housing obligation. >> Thank you. Can we have a roll call? Councilman Bucko, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Ger, >> yes.
Okay. Uh, number 11, introduction of ordinances. I well an ordinance a an ordinance of the township of Bridgewater amending chapter 182 of the township code to define responsibility to remove snow and ice from parking lot areas and sidewalk
servicing multifamily residential apartment complexes. I'm just going to comment I think that um most of the members of the council only received a a final uh proposal with respect to this ordinance uh later today. Um, and in in
the context of that, I think there may be a motion to table it until the um or postpone it till the next council meeting. >> Do we want to discuss it? It's >> up to you. >> Does anybody want to discuss it? Do you want to table it? >> You is that is that accurate, Councilman
Bucko? >> Uh, yes. >> You okay with that? >> Yeah. >> We we corresponded and I think you corresponded with John later in the day. I just want to make sure that's your expectations. >> Um, yes. Um uh >> I would suggest then not to interrupt you councilman but those who once they've had a chance to digest the updated version which I think good work
was done between you and John today I would suggest that council council members who have questions on that could reach out to you in the in the next week or so >> because it is updated for those who have read different versions. I I yeah, I I I agree with that. And um um you know,
thank you to um um to John uh for um the work on this to to um um smooth over some of the rough edges. Um as you said, we we were working on it uh
up up through uh today. So the final uh draft was not um uh available until later this afternoon. And and given that I I believe it would be uh uh prudent to um table this until uh next meeting for
introduction. And if there's any any comments or questions um uh from from other council members, uh please >> please get them to me so that uh if there are any any changes we we do need to make, we can get those incorporated.
>> Do you want those comments now or >> um it's actually I'd leave that up to council president if she wants to continue discussion on this. It's a good solid draft. So, >> yeah, I think everybody needs time to to
look at it and digest it. Can I have a second to the motion? >> Well, you're looking for a motion to table. Correct. >> I don't think I technically made it. >> Probably table this one because this one is is different enough where I think we would just reintroduce it. >> Okay. In that case, a motion to table 11A.
>> Second. >> Right. And just a just brief discussion. I think that the that the the area that's that that needs additional focus and I should say that good work has already happened. So, you know, you know, we're not at square one. We're far past square one, but the area that I
think is particularly needs attention um is is the fine structure um so that we we meet the balance um uh to encourage the behavior. Uh the behavior that we want is that these multi-dwelling units
uh take care of their responsibility. We do not want them to simply pay a fine and as a cost of doing business essentially make us the contractor that removes their snow. Um we do not want to be in the business of removing
residential snow. Um, so I think we just need to come up with a mechanism that is uh sufficient to make sure that multi- uh multi-unit uh owners do the right thing. >> I don't even know if we have the
resources to remove their snow, but that's I I will share my comments via email. >> Do I have a second on the motion? >> You have a second. >> Okay. Uh do we need a roll call? Yeah.
Okay. All in favor? >> I >> I >> opposed. Okay. So, the motion is tabled. Okay. Resolutions. Uh, okay. Authorizing the reduction of taxes due to approved state tax appeals and refund of overpayment for property located at 2145
Gilbride Road. Just in case anyone is wondering, it's uh $2,400. Um, and I do want to say for the record that >> $247. >> Well, yes, I am a rounder. I am definitely around it. Um, and I do want
to say just for the record, we have very very few tax appeals. Uh, uh, this is the first one I've seen. Yes. So, we have very few of them. Um, but this was one of one of the, uh, rare ones. Anyway, um, can I have we can do a roll call on this, right? Can I have a motion
to approve this resolution? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> All in favor? You need You need a roll call. Do >> a roll call. >> Councilman Bucko, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes.
>> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Gger. >> Yes. Okay. I'm going to read B, C, D, E, and F. We can do this by consent. And again, this kind of goes back to this. This is we are required to do this in
order to comply with the law. A resolution adopting the Township of Bridgewater 2026 affordable housing trust fund spending plan. A resolution adopting an affirmative marketing plan for the Bridgewater Township Housing Affordable Housing Program. A resolution
adopting an affordable housing operating manual. A resolution adopting an operating manual for the administration of the Bridgewater Township Housing Rehabilitation Program. And a resolution adopting an affordability affordability assistance manual for the Bridgewater
Township Housing Affordable Housing Program. Um, can I have a motion to accept these resolutions? I'll >> move them on consent. >> Second. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? Can we have a Can we Do we need a roll call if it's consent? Yeah. Okay, we
need a roll call. Councilman Bucko, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Nla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Gger, >> yes. >> Okay. Uh G. Authorizing release of the performance guarantee in the amount of
$77,700, acceptance of the site improvements for the LCS Development LLC, block 7-Eleven, lot 13, 901 Frontier Road. Um, for people who are wondering, this is the Delaney Assisted Living on Frontier Road. Um, and this is just a matter of
law. After a certain amount of time, you have to release the um the bond is my understanding. Did I get that right? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, can I have a motion to accept the resolution? >> I'll make the motion. >> Second.
>> Second. >> Need a roll call for this? >> Councilman, there any discussion? >> Okay. Roll call. >> Councilman Bucko. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Nisla. >> Yes. >> Councilman Kersh. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ring. >> Yes. >> Council President Ger. >> Yes.
>> H. Notification of applications for the 2026 Somerset County Community Development Block Grant by the following nonprofits with intended projects within Bridgewater Township, the Adult Daycare Center of Somerset County, the Ark of
Somerset County, Cassa Shaw Homesharing, Inc., the Shimon and Sarah Burnbound Jewish Community Center, Visions and Pathways, and Youth Consultation Services. Can I have a motion to approve? So moved. >> I have a second.
>> Second. >> Brief discussion. Um this comes up every year. I don't remember the decision. I am a member of the board of uh home sharing. Uh I'm the vice chair this year. I don't recall if um Mr. Corsine, I don't remember remember if just
disclosing that is sufficient or if it is uh more prudent for me to abstain. >> As I told council and ring as well and his elks, uh that discretion that is a discretion at your your call, Mr. Well, presuming that there'll be at least four, not at least, there'll be
four affirmative votes just in the in the in the interest of being as safe as possible. I will abstain uh not because I don't support all these, but just because I am a member of the board of one of them. >> And I have a comment too. Um I am a
member of a board that contributes a foundation that contributes to Kasa Shaw. We don't contribute a lot, but just to for full disclosure, I assume it's not a conflict. worthy organization. >> Okay. Um and just so the public is aware of it, um CASA Shaw supports youth in
foster care and their families. Um home sharing. They match folks who need affordable housing together with homeowners who have space in their homes and need an uh and need additional income. It's a sort of a a a nonprofit
way of doing a long-term rentals. Um, I think everybody knows what the Jewish Community Center is. I think everybody knows what Visions and Pathways does. And I think Youth Consultation Services is self-explanatory. So, do I have a motion? I have a motion already. Yep.
So, all I need is a roll call. >> Councilman Bucko? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Isla? >> Yes. >> Councilman Kersh? >> I'll abstain. >> Councilman Ring? >> Yes. >> Council President Ger? >> Yes. >> Uh, resolution authorizing uh appropriation reserves transfers. Can I
have a motion to approve? >> So moved. I have a second. >> What do you have as the motion? >> A motion. >> Oh, I'm asking Juliana who you capture >> you. >> Me. Okay. Because I heard other people say it. So, >> yeah. So, I'll second.
>> Okay. Um, and I think maybe Mr. Papish, you want to give a brief explanation of this? >> Sure. This is a budget transfer for the 2025 budget. Uh the uh state permits municipalities to approve budget
transfers through the first quarter of the year uh after the uh budget year in question. And this does not change the bottom line of the total budget. This just transfers funds from one account to another as we
get uh invoices for the end of the year. There sometimes needs to be some adjustments to ensure that we can fund everything that needs to be funded. Okay, I think I already have the motion. It's just a matter of roll call >> and just the briefest of discussion, Madame President. So, street lights, I
know that's one area where we're spending money. Just um you know, confirmation that we are responsible uh for uh the cost for each and every street light. It's not a um it's not optional. Uh we don't have the choice to
pay 75% of the bill. We pay 100% of the bill. Uh and that is a matter of public safety. Thank you. >> Councilman Bucko, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Gger,
>> yes. >> Moving on to J. Award of second-year renewal option for the dumpster rental and disposal of municipal refues at various locations to active disposal, Inc. 10 Pis Avenue, Bridgewater, New Jersey
08807 for the period of April 1st, 2026 through March 31st, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $34,160. Can I have a motion to approve this resolution? >> So moved.
>> Can I have a second? >> I'll second it with a comment just for our new council members. I remember last year when we did this, I don't remember the specific numbers, but this went out to bid and it was almost I want to say like twice this number, the next lowest bidder. So locking it in for a second
year is >> a good thing. >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you. >> Roll call. Councilman Bucko, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Geger,
>> yes. K. Award of contract to A-Ray LLC, 107 Bluebird Drive, number 1D, Hillsboro 08844 to provide information technology services for the period of January 1st,
2026 to April 30th, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $56,400. Can I have a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> We have a question. Go ahead. >> Is this Mr. Papis is this labor
equipment or both? >> This is primarily um labor and this is for one quarter. We are finalizing an RFP. We are going to u issue an RFP and uh this firm and other firms are
expressing an interest in submitting a proposal for IT services for the remainder of the year. >> Okay. >> Happy to hear. We're not dissatisfied with this firm, but >> No, I just if it's primarily labor and it's for 4 months at 56
and you say to yourself that's 165,000 in lawyers numbers with rounding um a year and could we hire someone for less than 165? The reality is how you've
analyzed this is this is combined for police and the rest of the municipality. >> Oh, so this is where we had two people. >> Yeah. And Okay. And I changed my comment >> and I think that the reality is uh having staff you would need in excess of
one person. >> I agreed. I didn't realize it was including police. Yeah. >> So I resent my comment >> actually. Thank you for that. I was going to ask the same thing. So, your question, it's a good question. Um, >> roll call. Councilman Bucko,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Gger, >> yes. L authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Somerset Hills Tennis Association LLC 128 Van Clee Road,
Somerset, New Jersey, to provide tennis and pickle ball instruction for both youth and adult programs for 2026 in an amount not to exceed 60,000 to be paid from the recreation trust fund established specifically for registration fees collected from programs at no expense to the township.
Can I have a motion to >> move? >> I have a second. I'll second. >> All right. It's my understanding that this will most likely not cost the town anything that the >> cost us anything. >> Correct. The we enter into a contract. People that sign up pay a fee to
participate. The fees cover it, but we still have to enter into the agreement. >> We have to approve it. Okay. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Bucko, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes. >> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Ger, >> yes. M. Authorizing an additional
350,000 to RJM Landscape and Design LLC of 821 Parsonage Hill Drive, Branchburg, New Jersey 08876 for snow removal services for the total contract amount not to exceed 560,000
total for the 2025 2026 winter season. Can I have a motion to approve the resolution? certainly not happy to do it, but we do have to pay the bill for all this snow this year. So, um it's rough. Yeah. And
it's I mean it's it impacts us, but uh we obviously need to do it. So, I'll move it. >> Second. Can I have I'll second it. Um is there any discussion? I think we all know what this is for. This is >> I've said my comments. You know, >> the winter was what the winter was.
>> Well, we certainly hope it is in the past. Yeah. Council Councilman Buck, >> I just had one question. How many um uh how many plows does the uh the contract with the uh
the vendor call for? >> It it really is dependent upon the need. >> Okay. >> Depends upon the storm. I think uh the last storm I want to say there were 42 plows and depends upon what's needed >> when when the RFP goes out you're
bidding per hour >> for a driver and a plow and then based upon the weather forecast how much snow timing public works determines how many plows >> because obviously a 2-in snows storm is
very different than >> 20inch storm. Yeah, absolutely. And we also have learned now that snow when it's 20° and stays 20° for two weeks is much different than snow when it warms back up fairly quickly. >> I also actually learned something else today about snow in the town and that is
that the rock salt we put on the road we cannot put on sidewalks. >> Why is that? >> Breaks down the concrete in the sidewalks. So it actually accelerates the deterioration of the sidewalks. So,
we have to stock two different salts. >> Oh, god. Whatever. >> Better living through chemistry. >> What's that? >> Better living through chemistry. >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Councilman Buckco, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Isla, >> yes.
>> Councilman Kersh, >> yes. >> Councilman Ring, >> yes. >> Council President Ger, >> yes. >> Moving on to 13. Is there any any areas of discussion anyone wants to bring up? >> Move to adjourn. Second. >> Don't close second.
>> I >> All in favor? >> I >> meeting is adjourned. What's