WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=2981h1rCtPQ Part: 1 1 00:00:33.520 --> 00:00:49.360 Good evening and welcome to the township of Clark Council meeting. It is Monday, June 1st, 7:30 p.m. Roll call, please. >> Council member Hop here. Council member Hund >> here. >> Council member Maniti >> here. >> Council member Okconor >> here. >> Council member Tol 2 00:00:49.360 --> 00:01:06.960 >> here. >> Council President Smith >> here. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. 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 3 00:01:06.960 --> 00:01:31.360 justice for all. This meeting is in compliance with the open public meetings act chapter 231 PL1975 as adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by mailing the annual schedule of meetings to the star ledger 4 00:01:31.360 --> 00:01:49.840 the leader and union county local source by posting such annual meeting schedule on the bulletin board and town hall reserved for such announcements. the official website of the township of townshipclark.com in compliance with PL 2025 chapter 72 5 00:01:49.840 --> 00:02:07.439 effective March 1st 2026 and the proper filing of said notice formal action may be taken at this meeting. >> Thank you. We're going to move on to communications from the mayor, Mayor Albanese. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, sadly we weren't able to celebrate 6 00:02:07.439 --> 00:02:24.720 Memorial Day parade and our ceremony due to inclement weather. Um, so sorry that we couldn't uh participate in that after all the uh act energy that went into getting everything together. So we'll look forward to uh the 4th of 7 00:02:24.720 --> 00:02:42.000 July and pray for good weather. And I think on that event we have a rain date. Also want to mention um thank you to the DPW for having the touch a truck event. Um several hundred kids came out to enjoy it climbing on the trucks. It's 8 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:57.840 always fun to do that especially when it's in a supervised area. So thank you to Scott McCabe and the whole DPW team for holding that team for holding that event. I'd like to now uh go over some of the items that we're going to cover 9 00:02:57.840 --> 00:03:12.480 all all the items that we're going to cover tonight. uh so that the um folks in the audience and the people at home can uh know what we're talking about. First item is related to a parking prohibition 10 00:03:12.480 --> 00:03:30.239 um on Madison Hill Road. This ordinance is having its hearing tonight. It was introduced at the last meeting and it relates to the exit at St. Agnes Church. On the east side and the west side of the exit, there will be 25 ft set aside 11 00:03:30.239 --> 00:03:45.519 where there will be no parking for safety reasons. And this ordinance will go into effect upon adoption and publication. This evening we have the introduction of an ordinance related to vehicles traffic 12 00:03:45.519 --> 00:04:02.159 section 347-65 entitled motorized bicycles and scooters. Tonight we're going to be introducing an ordinance to amend an ordinance that we put together about a year ago, a little over a year ago, related to motorized 13 00:04:02.159 --> 00:04:19.359 bicycles and scooters and to regulate ebikes. And you may recall that earlier this year, um, well, we were a little bit ahead of everything after after what we saw was happening in and around the community. And I'm glad we did that. So, 14 00:04:19.359 --> 00:04:36.479 in January of this year, Governor Murphy signed an ebike legislation uh reclassifying most ebikes as motorized bicycles and introduced um some other items of regarding 15 00:04:36.479 --> 00:04:53.520 restrictive rules. Uh, and at this point we probably have the most restrictive rules in the United States, including licenses and registration requirements, insurance, age restrictions, and helmet requirements to mention a few of the 16 00:04:53.520 --> 00:05:11.280 items. I recommend highly that um citizens of Clark uh who have ebikes, whose family members and friends have ebikes, please tell them about this ordinance so they can stay on top of it and uh do everything conduct themselves 17 00:05:11.280 --> 00:05:28.560 in a safe manner. Next, I'm going to move on to the consent agenda items. Um resolution 26-150. Tonight we'll be appointing Katie Benga as the clean communities coordinator for the township of Clark. 18 00:05:28.560 --> 00:05:45.120 Um as you may recall recently we received a clean community grant and we need a coordinator um who will keep track of the grant um and document how we use the funds. This grant is for litter abatement education and 19 00:05:45.120 --> 00:06:01.919 enforcement activities related to promoting a cleaner safer community. So Katie will be coordinating those programs. Um 26-51 resolution is ratifying an advertisement for uh new 20 00:06:01.919 --> 00:06:18.560 New Jersey DOT municipal aid program for the repavement of Westfield Avenue improvements. The engineer has um prepared plans and specifications for the grant for the municipal aid program 26152 21 00:06:18.560 --> 00:06:34.720 ratifying the advertisement and receipt of bids for fire alarms in the township municipal facilities. We want to update our fire alarm systems to enhance public safety. Um, resolution 26153 22 00:06:34.720 --> 00:06:53.479 is awarding a contract for the years 2026 and 2027 for brush and branch grinding and removal services and the award is being given to top quality in the amount um not to exceed $125,500. 23 00:06:53.680 --> 00:07:14.080 uh they were selected as the lowest responsible costeffective bidder at a range of 76 to $86,000. Resolution 26154. We're seeking uh approval from the Division of Local Government Services for insertion of an item in our budget for a special item in 24 00:07:14.080 --> 00:07:33.919 revenue for $35,526 for 2025 leaf composting. And this is based on a D grant for that amount. Uh resolution 26155 authorizes the tax collector to apply a sewer balance 25 00:07:33.919 --> 00:07:52.080 adjustment in the amount of $1,500 for one resident. And resolution 26156 authorizes the tax collector to make proper adjustments for a 100% property tax exemption for a uh for a veteran 26 00:07:52.080 --> 00:08:07.280 under the director from the directive from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. And that concludes the summary of the the agenda this evening. Great. >> Thank you, Mayor. All right. We're going to move on to ordinances, appropriations, and claims in the public 27 00:08:07.280 --> 00:08:24.879 hearing on proposed ordinances. >> No objections have been received in conjun in con connection with the proposed ordinance. Ordinance 2618, an ordinance to amend chapter 347 entitled vehicles and traffic section 34 347-25 28 00:08:24.879 --> 00:08:41.120 entitled parking prohibited at all times of the code of the township of Clark prohibiting parking on a portion of Madison Hill Road. >> Thank you. At this time, I'm going to open the meeting for the public hearing on this ordinance and this ordinance only. So, if you'd like to come up and 29 00:08:41.120 --> 00:08:58.560 speak about this ordinance or ask questions, please do so. State your name and the town you reside in. And you have 5 minutes or duration. Okay. Seeing no one like a motion to close. >> So moved. >> Thank you, Councilman Tol. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Councilman Okconor. All in 30 00:08:58.560 --> 00:09:13.120 favor? >> Any opposed? At this time, I need a motion to adopt the ordinance. Thank you, Council Member Tol and second. >> I second. I >> Thank you, Council Member Okconor. Uh, any discussion? >> Brief comments, Mr. President. Uh ladies and gentlemen, we're doing this in 31 00:09:13.120 --> 00:09:30.160 response to it's amazing that a lot of people are going to church these days, especially on Sunday. Uh but St. Agnes runs along Ryan Road, Madison Hill Road, and the even from the early morning mass of 7:30, the first mass of the day, and it goes all the way to 12. They're 32 00:09:30.160 --> 00:09:45.519 having a lot of cars parking in the front of St. Agnes all the way from bookend to bookend or what we call entrance point, exit point. And when you're exiting St. Magnus out of the facility, you go right or left, you're basically blind spotted because of the 33 00:09:45.519 --> 00:10:02.160 parked cars. So, by removing this and removing a few spaces and putting them in a no parking zone, you're making it much more safer for those who are going to be using the facility. We thank you for your support and we ask you to vote yes on this resol uh ordinance. >> Great. Thank you. Does anyone else have 34 00:10:02.160 --> 00:10:17.279 any questions? Do you want to add anything, Mayor Albanese? Self-explanatory here. Roll call, please. Council member Hoff, >> yes. Council member Hund, >> yes. >> Council member Maniti, >> yes. >> Council member Okconor, >> yes. >> Council member Tol, >> yes. >> Council President Smith, 35 00:10:17.279 --> 00:10:33.279 >> yes. >> Mot uh ordinance adopted. Next is the introduction of a proposed ordinance. Ordinance 2619, an ordinance to amend and supplement chapter 347 entitled Vehicles and Traffic Section 36 00:10:33.279 --> 00:10:48.560 347-65 entitled Motorized Bicycles and Scooters of the Code of the Township of Clark to regulate ebikes. >> Can I get a motion? >> That. >> Thank you, Council Member Okconor, and thank you, Council Member Hun. Uh, any 37 00:10:48.560 --> 00:11:05.440 discussion or anyone have questions? I think the mayor summarized it very good. So, uh, roll call, please. >> Council member Hoff, >> yes. >> Council member Huns, >> yes. >> Council member Maniti, >> yes. >> Council member Okconor, >> yes. >> Council member Tol, >> yes. >> Council President Smith, 38 00:11:05.440 --> 00:11:21.720 >> yes. >> The public hearing will be on June 15th. >> Great. Thank you. All right. Move on to payment of claims. Councilman Okconor. >> Thank you. I have reviewed the bills um and covered through May 27th, 2026 in the amount of $123,942.86. 39 00:11:22.800 --> 00:11:38.880 Thank you. Okay. Now, we're going to move to the citizens hearing on the agenda. I'll open the meeting to the public. The public comment portion of the meeting is to allow the public to bring to the council's attention their concerns or comments in accordance with NJSA 10 col4-12A 40 00:11:38.880 --> 00:11:54.240 and the code of the township of Clark. Each person addressing the council shall give their name and the town in which they reside to the clerk. A remark shall be addressed to the council as a body and shall not exceed 5 minutes in duration. At the conclusion of the statements or questions for a member of the public council president has 41 00:11:54.240 --> 00:12:18.959 discretion may choose to respond or not respond. So if anyone would like to come forward on agenda items uh please do so and you have five minutes for duration. Just state your name and the town you reside in. Thank you. >> Good evening. Dileia Collins Clark. Um, 42 00:12:18.959 --> 00:12:35.440 I'm wanted to go over some information and try to obtain some on the uh Westfield Avenue improvements. Uh, first of all, from where to where would it be from Terminal Avenue all the way down to Madison Hill Road? Where 43 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:53.120 will these improvements occur? Um, can funds be solicited from our developers that are developing along Westfield Avenue? Also, since it's a county road, will the county be approached for any type of grant for 44 00:12:53.120 --> 00:13:10.160 improvements? I was noticing today on my travels that in Westfield on Central Avenue, they have a pedestrian controlled red light in the middle of a residential area from Brandt Avenue all the way to 45 00:13:10.160 --> 00:13:24.959 Westfield Avenue. They have that one hawk light in front of Rice Bowl. >> All right, that's not on the agenda. So, I'm going to have to ask you to come up on that part. We're This is just That's not on the agenda. The traffic >> I have a question. >> Yeah, but you can come up. This is only on agenda items this part of the 46 00:13:24.959 --> 00:13:40.560 meeting. >> That's not on the agenda. The traffic light you're talking about. >> No, no. I'm asking about >> and the improvements I'm sorry on Westfield Avenue. I think it would be an improvement on Westfield Avenue to have 47 00:13:40.560 --> 00:13:56.480 a citizens controlled red light >> uh near somewhere along there because it >> once school is out there'll be less students on the road I mean on the streets but if you want people to come to town to shop on Westfield Avenue and 48 00:13:56.480 --> 00:14:13.199 to participate on Westfield Avenue how are they going to get across you know it's very hard to go from even the bagel store on what the two bagel stores on Westfield Avenue to cross. You can't cross. You have to like pray that you 49 00:14:13.199 --> 00:14:31.360 can get across and not get hit by a car. Um, I'd like to know where this improvement would be along Westfield Avenue, as I said, because a lot of this work that's going to be done will probably disturb a 50 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:47.279 lot of areas of Westfield Avenue since it's going to be from all the way from Brandt Avenue to almost Madison Hill Road and then again across from here where they're going to build on uh Westfield Avenue. Thank you. 51 00:14:47.279 --> 00:15:08.880 >> Thank you, Dia. >> Good evening, John Greavves from Clark. Um, I just had a quick question about the um the stump grinding or the branch um grinding that was going on. It's $125,000. I don't really know how that compares to 52 00:15:08.880 --> 00:15:26.959 previous years. Um I just looked briefly. I'm sure there's more information somewhere. Uh, and I saw that a previous um contract was about $40,000 in I think 2023. Um, this is $125,000. 53 00:15:26.959 --> 00:15:42.639 Um, I think what I saw is that this is for a 2-year contract, so that would still, you know, that makes sense somewhat, but that would still be about $60,000 a year versus, I think, the $40,000 a year. And I was just curious, 54 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:58.480 you know, that's that's a like a 50% increase. Uh what happened there? And >> I'll answer it when you're done if you have any other questions. >> Um I guess um you know, I I guess we had also we used to have free mulch. Are we going to not have free mulch anymore? Is that I guess this might be somewhat 55 00:15:58.480 --> 00:16:18.880 related to that. But that was another kind of concern related to that. That's it. >> Thank you. Anyone else that come up on agenda items? All right. If not, can we close this portion of the meeting? Can I get a motion? >> Thank you, Council Member Tolen. Thank you, Councilman Hun. All in favor? 56 00:16:18.880 --> 00:16:34.639 >> All right. Uh I believe Mr. Greavves on the last contract of 40,000 was just to do the grinding. Uh, and then we paid I think it was $400 per truckload to have it moved out where this contract and when we did the estimate it would have 57 00:16:34.639 --> 00:16:49.360 come to like 75,000. So this contract is 60,000 and 65,000 per year and that includes the removal of all the truckloads. I think it was 128 or 30 truckloads we averaged a year. >> What's that? 58 00:16:49.360 --> 00:17:06.160 >> 80 to 100 truckloads a year times the $400. uh that would bring it up to, you know, 80,000 or so. So, this was a much better deal and it's all included. Um, regarding Westfield, they have improvements. Mayor Albanese, do you have anything to 59 00:17:06.160 --> 00:17:43.679 answer for Dileia on some of the questions on from exactly where to where it's going and if the there's any county grants for that and if there's going to be any controlled lights on that street? Great. Thank you. 60 00:17:43.679 --> 00:17:59.919 All right. Can we move to uh the consent agenda resolutions? Uh the mayor summarized uh all three through nine uh I believe adequately. So I'd like a motion to adopt the consent agenda. >> Thank you. Council member Tol. Can I get a second? I'll 61 00:17:59.919 --> 00:18:14.320 >> second it. >> Thank you. Council member Hoff. Uh roll call, please. >> Council member Hoff. >> Yes. >> Council member Hund. >> Yes. >> Council member Maniti. >> Yes. >> Council member Okconor. >> Yes. >> Council member Tol. >> Yes. >> Council President Smith. 62 00:18:14.320 --> 00:18:30.400 >> Yes. Is there any new business on the calendar? >> No, there's not no new no new business. >> Thank you. Uh we're going to move on to public comments. At this time, I'll open the meeting to the public. The public comment portion of the meeting is to allow the public to bring to the 63 00:18:30.400 --> 00:18:46.400 council's attention, their concerns or comments. In accordance with NJSA 10 col4-12A and the code of the township of Clark, each person addressing the council shall give their name and the town in which they reside to the clerk. All remarks shall be addressed to the council as a body and shall not exceed 64 00:18:46.400 --> 00:19:05.600 five minutes or duration at the conclusion of the statements or questions for a member of the public. The council president his discretion may choose to respond or not respond. So if anyone would like to come forward on anything, please do so and just state your name in the town. >> Lorraine Wilson Clark. Um I'm here for 65 00:19:05.600 --> 00:19:22.000 the senior citizens that attend the rec center. Um, we're having a parking issue, which I know you're aware of, and I know you just passed an ordinance about those spaces by the tennis courts. I don't know what can be done, but we have some senior citizens that are going back home because they can't park 66 00:19:22.000 --> 00:19:38.720 anywhere. Um, there are senior citizens that luckily, it's not I'm not one of them, but they have canes or walkers and they can't park anywhere. And this is going on for a while now, and I know a part of it is the high school, and I know a big part, too, is the pickle ball. we've got classes going on there. 67 00:19:38.720 --> 00:19:54.240 Um, it's really become a problem and a lot of the senior citizens, I mean, nobody wanted to come and speak up, but I said, I'm going to say something. I feel bad for some of these women that they can't park far away and walk there. So, some of them, like I said, are just going home. So, I don't know what could 68 00:19:54.240 --> 00:20:10.320 be done. It's a shame that the coffee house is there. We could have used another parking lot, you know, because um, it's really gotten really bad with the parking. So, I don't know, like I said, what could be done, but I wanted to just address it to everyone because, you know, it's an issue. 69 00:20:10.320 --> 00:20:36.880 >> Okay. Do you have any other questions? >> Okay, we'll address it at the end. Great. Thank you so much, Miss Wilson. >> John Gre from Clark again. Um, so one thing I didn't get addressed was the free mulch thing. I don't know if that's is that still happening. Um, and then, 70 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:53.919 uh, I guess what I wanted to talk about again is pilots. Um, what I wanted to ask about is you guys say that when the school needs money, they can ask the town for money and they'll get money. And they just recently passed their 71 00:20:53.919 --> 00:21:10.000 school budget. their tax levy actually increased the most it's ever increased ever. Um, and the second highest increase was last year. And the highest increase before that was the year before that. So it's $1.2 million increase two 72 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:25.919 years ago, $1.4 million increase last year, $2.7 million this year. And I actually was at the school budget um presentation and they said that basically they have a discretionary like most of the stuff is pretty much they have to spend it and they only have a 73 00:21:25.919 --> 00:21:41.520 discretionary budget of about $2 million. Um and I've brought up the fact that the Walnut Hill Apartments the shortfall on that is you know $475,000 for the students that are unfunded. And I you know that's 25% of that 74 00:21:41.520 --> 00:21:58.400 discretionary budget. And basically I I kind of want to understand when is it what's the situation where they would be reasonable in asking the town for money because I know it's not everything is about the unfunded students. I know that there's healthcare costs and there's other things but what it looks like is 75 00:21:58.400 --> 00:22:13.120 that they're kind of getting squeezed from both ends. They're getting a little bit less funding and they're also having increased cost. So in general, the question is is what theoretically or or what what is the circumstance that you see the school 76 00:22:13.120 --> 00:22:44.960 getting money from the town to make up some of the difference that the pilots are, you know, um reducing in their in their their revenue from from developments. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Ilia Collins Clark. Um, at the last meeting I brought up about the projects 77 00:22:44.960 --> 00:23:01.679 along Westfield Avenue and if everything is approved in 2026, there'll be seven projects at one time that possibly could be done on Westfield Avenue, including um, and not limited to the ones across 78 00:23:01.679 --> 00:23:19.760 from this building here. What I I I understand the fair housing plan in New Jersey and the builder's remedy, but builders come into town with their traffic people and they tell us what 79 00:23:19.760 --> 00:23:35.200 they're going to do and how it's going to affect the town. I just feel that the AM property, they're dragging their feet because they want that bank building and 80 00:23:35.200 --> 00:23:51.600 I don't understand why the town can't put more pressure on them to to get moving because they're the main project in the town that's going to create the biggest traffic jam. And I know we have 81 00:23:51.600 --> 00:24:08.559 to we have the fourth round to work on and present it to the state. But I'm I'm appalled that they cannot be why do we have to have seven projects 82 00:24:08.559 --> 00:24:24.400 going on in that small area? Some of these projects were brought to the planning board years ago. the one next to the uh CVS when that gentleman came. I assume he's 83 00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:39.279 come before and the new project that probably will happen with the four homes across from Quick Check that I don't know if that'll be discussed on Thursday evening when they have the planning board meeting, but I 84 00:24:39.279 --> 00:24:57.039 mean that's demolition building next to the funeral parlor that's been demolished next to the CVS next to the land next to the CVS that's going to be developed. And then further down, the next building will be coming down or I don't even know if it's coming down or 85 00:24:57.039 --> 00:25:12.799 they're just adding to where the doctor's office. And that property needs to be kept up. They've let both of those buildings there. They've let the property pretty go to shambles. In Westfield, builders are required to put 86 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:35.039 around fencing and nonsethrough fencing. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dia. All right. Seeing no one further, I'd like a motion to close this portion. >> Thank you, Council Member Tol. Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Hun. All in favor? 87 00:25:35.039 --> 00:26:33.919 >> Any opposed? Um, Mayor Albanese, you want to First are time. Well, typically redevelopment agreements do include a schedule of construction. 88 00:26:33.919 --> 00:26:52.640 Um, that is, as I said, typical of redevelopment agreements. I'm not familiar with the redevelopment agreements for these particular properties, but uh you are generally correct. Uh in terms of how you can put additional pressure on uh a builder, uh 89 00:26:52.640 --> 00:27:08.880 it's basically an economic function and whether or not the economy are is uh sufficiently developed in a particular manner to allow the development to proceed forward. So it's it's the supply and demand of of uh the housing market 90 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:25.520 or the commercial market. Um I don't know what more to add. >> I mean in the case of >> Mayor Mayor, can you just check? Is your microphone on? >> Thank you. Oh, >> so in the case of the AM developer 91 00:27:25.520 --> 00:27:42.960 um Garden Homes, that's a national developer. They have many projects going on not only in the state of New Jersey but throughout the United States. So for them it's a matter of projects they're working on and where the opportunities are and how they manage the process. 92 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:58.080 Really not much else we can do about that. Um was there anything else you wanted to know about the development? As far as the other properties, most of those are local developers 93 00:27:58.080 --> 00:28:13.120 and it is a concentrated area because that was a blighted area and that's where the third round was. So, it probably is best for all of it to happen at once unfortunately 94 00:28:13.120 --> 00:28:29.120 because they all benefit from each other. As far as traffic studies, we do our own traffic studies. all the traffic studies that are submitted. We have a traffic um consultant who reviews all of those that information as well. 95 00:28:29.120 --> 00:28:45.919 Um >> I think that pretty much answers those questions. As far as the mulch, um we don't have a place really to store it. Uh that's really what it comes down to. Um, 96 00:28:45.919 --> 00:29:01.440 and we don't always give it away. So, it it costs us money later if we keep it. It costs us additional funding to get rid of it. I just got that message from Scott McCabe, DPW. As far as the stump grinding, it's a 97 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:16.799 combination of things. People don't a lot of the dumps. I know in Middle Sex County, they're not going to be taking grindings anymore at the Middle Sex uh county utility authority where they take the garbage. They're limiting what they 98 00:29:16.799 --> 00:29:32.399 take. It takes a longer distance to get to locations where you can dump these items once they're ground up. So that's involves gasoline and trucking things off to a further location. So I hope I 99 00:29:32.399 --> 00:29:48.559 didn't mislead you. the total bid was going to be no more than 125500 and we were under that and that covers the two years I think uh Mr. President said that uh the two amounts and that was the lowest bid but those are some of 100 00:29:48.559 --> 00:30:03.919 the things that are affecting all these dis disposals. I mean, think about it. Years ago, we used to get money. We used to get paid for recycling. Now, we have to pay to recycle, and it's really questionable about what gets really recycled in the 101 00:30:03.919 --> 00:30:17.919 end, right? Um, I don't know if you had any other questions, John. >> Um, >> is that pretty much it? >> The thing was the parking issue that, uh, Mrs. Wilson asked about at Brewer. I know we passed the 102 00:30:17.919 --> 00:30:36.159 >> That's a big dilemma right there. Um, fortunately the school year will be over soon, but at the same time then we have the camps running and we don't have our senior programs. So I think really we need to take a look at the schedule during the year on what 103 00:30:36.159 --> 00:30:53.760 days the pickle ball folks are having a tournament or what's going on there. Um, and uh look at if we can do something in the area. Um, it's not the greatest situation in the back where we have a wider area for parking, but it's not 104 00:30:53.760 --> 00:31:24.080 that easy to create additional spaces. So, it is a big dilemma. It's a nice problem to have. Glad that people are coming. So, it's great that everyone's coming to the programs. Once once we 105 00:31:24.080 --> 00:31:39.279 get the signs out and a new parking takes place, then we'll be able to really look at it and then do some more further studies because we do amend ordinances from time to time when needed. So, you got to start somewhere. So, at least we found a place and we'll 106 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:56.399 start there and we'll go from there. Um, thank you. Uh, regarding the developments on Westfield A, um, Dia, the properties across from Quick Check, they haven't even come in front of the planning board yet. So, you're talking years probably. You see how long things 107 00:31:56.399 --> 00:32:12.640 take to get the develop to go to the planning board. I bet you're looking at least a year before they start knocking it out. I guess they just bought the properties and they got to come to the planning board uh with plans for that. Um so we'll see where 108 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:28.480 that's where that leads to. Um all right. Anyone else have any questions or comments on that? Go ahead, Council Member Hoff. >> Um I did just want to um double down on what's been said regarding the parking situation over at Brewer in response to 109 00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:44.240 the ordinance um being for the board of education. Um, I do just want to add that, you know, the school is very aware that the parking is an issue. Every time they're contacted, if not on their own, they um send out messages. They send emails home to the students. They tell them where they're supposed to be 110 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:59.440 parking. They've gone so far as to have their own security officers over at the Brewer um in the morning standing there telling the kids, "You're not supposed to be here." So, it's not for lack of um attempting on their part to try to make it work. There is other spots that are 111 00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:15.279 parking um that are available which of course cause issues for the people who are over there. Um but I think it just goes to show how much usage our municipal grounds are getting from so many different groups and uh attempting to make this work. So hopefully the designated parking will make a little 112 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:30.960 bit of a dent for him. >> Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. All right, we'll move to uh Mayor Council and professional comments. Mayor Albanesey's >> just thinking about a couple of um as we're talking about the parking issue. 113 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:45.519 You know, there might be some opportunities perhaps to have programs at the library occasionally. They have an elevator. They have we have parking here during the day. So maybe sometimes Ralph can run one of his programs there during the day or 114 00:33:45.519 --> 00:34:02.799 alternatively not schedule pickle ball as we were saying during the times that he has those meetings and uh there's a concentration of seniors at this at the senior center. >> Excuse me. Uh the public comment portion 115 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:19.520 is closed so I can't not allow that interaction >> to you later about it. Um, >> anything else in closing? >> No. Uh, no. >> Okay. Think of anything, let me know. Council member Hoff, if you have anything. 116 00:34:19.520 --> 00:34:35.200 >> Well, actually, I would would like to say tomorrow's election day. People should go out and vote >> for the primaries tomorrow. >> Tomorrow's the primary. And uh I guess most people are happy that don't vote. I don't I don't I can't figure it 117 00:34:35.200 --> 00:34:52.720 out, but um it is a good idea to express your thoughts through a vote. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Council Member Huff. >> I think we're holding until next meeting. >> Okay. Yep. >> Thank you, >> Council Member Hund. >> Yeah. Just want to reiterate what the mayor stated about tomorrow's um 118 00:34:52.720 --> 00:35:09.520 election. Primaries are very poorly attend not attended is not the correct word. um the number of people that come out for them are very low. So if you are listening to it tonight, please come out and vote tomorrow. It's a good indication of if there's something wrong 119 00:35:09.520 --> 00:35:24.240 or if things are going right, but please come out and vote tomorrow and vote your own way that you wish you can. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Maniti. >> Uh thank you, Council President. I have three brief comments. Uh first, I want to congratulate the uh boys varsity 120 00:35:24.240 --> 00:35:39.760 baseball team. uh Union County champs uh 46 years in the making and uh Clark Crusaders are uh county champs and I want to congratulate each and every one of them. Uh tomorrow the girls softball team is in the third round of the state 121 00:35:39.760 --> 00:35:55.200 sectional tournament 4:00 at home. Uh come support our uh girls softball. Um May 21st, uh Thursday, May 21st, I was honored to host the spring sports awards over at ALJ. I want to congratulate all 122 00:35:55.200 --> 00:36:10.880 our varsity letter winners. Um, great job to all them. And this Wednesday, June 3rd, Grand Centurans. Um, again, I have the true honor uh to host the um senior athletic dinner. Um, this is where we bring all our senior athletes 123 00:36:10.880 --> 00:36:27.680 in to the Grand Centurans and we celebrate their accomplishments and achievements. Um, this year we're giving over I think it's 25 scholarships to our senior athletes. So, um, it's going to be a great night for us and that's this Wednesday. So, for anybody watching that hasn't responded to that, please, uh, 124 00:36:27.680 --> 00:36:43.680 respond and looking forward to see you on Wednesday. On that, thank you, Council President. >> Thank you, Council Member Okconor. >> Thank you very much. I just want to make some comments on um the introduction regarding the uh motorized bicycles. Um, the rules here are pretty strict and I 125 00:36:43.680 --> 00:36:59.200 suggest everybody read them and they're strict for safety reasons. Now, I graduated Johnson in 1983 and uh 1983 and 1984 were the the highest years of the moped, right? The moped craze came in, right? We all had mopeds and there 126 00:36:59.200 --> 00:37:14.079 were no rules, right? Everybody just had mopeds. They drove them around. It was great. Then kids started getting hit by cars. They became moped gangs. Um, you know, riding around packs of 10, 15 kids, revving our engines late at night, 127 00:37:14.079 --> 00:37:29.599 waking up neighbors. I mean, that's what kids do. And then guess what happened? You needed to have a license. You needed to have registration. You needed to have insurance, right? And you know, mopeds at the time were pretty expensive just 128 00:37:29.599 --> 00:37:47.599 as as ebikes are now. And you know, you figure you're 16 years old and you want to save for a moped or you want to save for a car. So kids started saving for cars. And then with the licensing and the and the insurance costs, they they pretty much dwindled away. And um you 129 00:37:47.599 --> 00:38:04.640 know, in today's society, we saw the height of the ebikes last year, um ebike gangs riding against traffic, no headlights against traffic, all that. So these rules are put in place for safety. And uh I still ride. had to have a 130 00:38:04.640 --> 00:38:20.320 motorcycle and yesterday was a beautiful day and I was out on my motorcycle and I almost got hit twice. One in Roway, one in Colonia. One was, you know, coming down um Lake Avenue in Roway. They had the stop sign. I had the right away. 131 00:38:20.320 --> 00:38:35.359 They looked at me and just went because they figured they could. And then one was on um in Colonia on uh Lake Avenue. again. Lady was backing out of her driveway and I don't 132 00:38:35.359 --> 00:38:51.200 know if she saw me or not, but she pulled out right in front of me. So again, you know, riding these motorized bicycles, motorcycles, you need to have high attention because at any time you're not seen. And that's why they say, you know, loud pipes saves lives. 133 00:38:51.200 --> 00:39:07.200 And, you know, there's truth to that in my opinion. U motor uh motorcycle awarenment month was just May and obviously today's June 1st. So there's a there's a big push for safety in motorcycles and in our town with this with these ebikes. So, you know, I completely support this and I I thank our police department because I know 134 00:39:07.200 --> 00:39:23.280 they had a a big part in putting this together along with the mayor, the the BA, and of course our our attorney. Um we're here to keep everybody safe. Um that's what I have for tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Tol. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um a couple 135 00:39:23.280 --> 00:39:39.680 things. June 7th, 2026. It's the last minute notice, but we're going to give it anyway. Uh, for the historical society, Florian Shant Jazz Combo. That's Florian Shant, S C H N T, Jazz Combo between 6:00 and 7:30 at the Dr. William 136 00:39:39.680 --> 00:39:56.079 Robinson Plantation. A free concert. If you like music, you like jazz music, they're having a festival at the Dr. Robinson between 6:00 and 7:30. bring a chair, bring a blanket to and join us for a wonderful evening of 137 00:39:56.079 --> 00:40:12.160 entertainment that's free. Two issues that were brought up and again Elaine ca I spoke to her before the meeting and I just want to bring this point. When you have an issue, you have a thought, hey, what about this? Bring it up. We're here to get your questions resolved. If we can't resolve it, it'll be resolved by the professionals who handle the res 138 00:40:12.160 --> 00:40:27.760 reserving of those parking spaces. We'll get it done right. We'll get it done your way. Dileia, I was thinking about what you mentioned at your time at the DAS about why don't why isn't there a pedestrian crossing with the flashing lights and stuff where the traffic has to stop. Good point. Right now, if you 139 00:40:27.760 --> 00:40:44.480 go from Brandt Avenue down to Madison Hill Road, there's a crosswalk on Madison Hill Road and Westfield Avenue right at the old barber shop or where the uh town library used to be. And then you can go put another one where the merry food town is currently or not merry food town but whatever it's called 140 00:40:44.480 --> 00:41:00.240 uh soon to be developed then or you can go down towards Brandt Avenue. So you have different locations that can be utilized. So tonight, I'm going to say to the police department and our administration, I'm going to to a formal request that our traffic bureau look up to revitalize one of the old pedestrian 141 00:41:00.240 --> 00:41:17.119 crossings with the flashers and everything else either at Masnill Road, at Joseph Street, or down at Brandt Avenue. Which is the most convenient and safe? The word's going to be safe. So I'll have something in in the mail to them, email and request because it's a 142 00:41:17.119 --> 00:41:32.880 valid point. You're bringing up a valid point. Let's get it done before all that stuff's built and then you have to run after the after the horses left the barn. They need to go and put one up after the fact about cost. Well, it could be incurred into the developer plans. Why not? So, we're talking Madison Hill Road in Westfield Avenue. 143 00:41:32.880 --> 00:41:48.240 We're talking Joseph Street in Westfield Avenue. Or we're talking Brandt Avenue. That's a little bit further down or somewhere near Cartmart, which was Ojani's. You can maybe something in that area near Bartell. That's when we were kids crossing over from that side of the town to go to Abraham Clark School. we used to cross at the end of Bartell over 144 00:41:48.240 --> 00:42:03.520 Westwood Avenue right on that curve when most cars to come flying around they don't see you but that's again I'll put a request in we want to have it's a valid point making a good suggestion let's get it done now thanks madam Mr. President, I wish everyone a happy and healthy June and we'll talk more about 145 00:42:03.520 --> 00:42:19.839 the graduates and everybody else later on. Thank you. >> Thank you, Madame Clerk. Do you have anything? >> I just want to add to what the mayor mentioned earlier. Tomorrow is primary day. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Please get out and vote. 146 00:42:19.839 --> 00:42:35.920 >> Great. Thank you, counselor. >> You have anything? >> Uh, none. Captain or director, do you have anything you want to add this evening? Um I I just look back at uh Adilia on the trying to get a flashing light or 147 00:42:35.920 --> 00:42:51.280 some type of control substance and I I look back in some archive correspondences we had with the county. We've asked about three times to put a controlled light or a traffic light at the intersection of Liberty and Westfield A and we've been turned down 148 00:42:51.280 --> 00:43:06.240 all three times. Um so we will bring it up again. uh I'll send an email over to Jim and ask him to reach out uh to the county to see what they can do, especially with all the new development coming in town. So, I think we're all in agreement that we do need some Thank 149 00:43:06.240 --> 00:43:22.839 >> uh devices. So, >> uh and that's all I have this evening. So, a motion to adjurnn. >> Thank you, Council Member Tol and Councilman Hund. And all in favor? Any opposed? All right. Thank you.