Good evening and welcome to the Township of Clark Council meeting. It's Monday, May 18th, 7:30 p.m. Roll call, please. >> Council member Hoff, >> here. >> Council member Hund >> here. >> Council member Maserella, >> here. >> Council member Mini is absent. Council member Okconor
>> here. >> Council member Tol >> here. >> Council President Smith >> here. Can you please stand for the pledge of allegiance and in a moment of silence? 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. This meeting is in compliance with the open public meetings act as adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by mailing the annual schedule of meetings to the star ledger, 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, hourclark.com, in compliance with public laws of 2025, chapter 72, effective March 1st, 2026, and the proper filing of said notice.
Formal action may be taken at this meeting. >> Great. Thank you. Can I get a motion to suspend the regular order of business? >> Moved. >> Thank you, Council Member Tol and seconding Council Member Hund. All in favor? >> Any opposed? All right. We're going to call up uh who's coming Captain Akaboo
or is Mayor Albanesey's and uh police director Powen. Good evening, Mayor Angel Albanese, Business Administrator Jim Olrich, Council President Bill Smith, Council Members, Councelor Clerk Edie Merkel, distinguished guests, family and friends, and community members.
On behalf of the Clark Police Department in the Township of Clark, we welcome you to the swearing in of our newest officers and our annual awards ceremony as we recognize excellence, dedication, and teamwork within our ranks. Tonight,
we honor the values that defined our service and the individuals who exemplify them. Thank you for joining us in this celebration. And before we begin, this past week was National Police Week. In uh 1962,
President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week. National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers and their families who have lost their lives
in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. We welcome to we we will continue to keep all the officers who lost their lives on duty and their families in our prayers. So our first officer is officer Patrick
Thompson. I would like to welcome uh Patrick Thompson and his family to the front. You're still you're still employ you're still working correct on So, Officer Patrick Thompson was hired through the Intergovernmental Transfer Program. Patrick joined the United
States Army in January of 2015, where he was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Patrick was deployed to Iraq in 2017, Qatar in 2019, and Syria in 2024. Patrick started his law enforcement
career when he was hired by the Burlington County Sheriff's Department in 2021 and worked as a sheriff's officer until transferring to the Clark Police Department in January of 2026. Patrick and his wife were married in 2023 and will be
expecting a baby in June of 2026, which is next month. So, congratulations on that as well. Patrick loves to work out, watch sports, and he loves to travel with his wife. During his service in the United States Army, Patrick received a Bronze Star, a
United States Army accommodation with a C device, three United States Army Achievement Medals, and he completed 27 airborne jumps, which makes him Army Airborne qualified and air assault
qualified. Last but not least, he received a United States Army Combat Infantry Badge. Mayor Albanese. Good evening, everyone. Um, at this time, I'd like to um
congratulate you for joining the department first of all, and we're going to do the oath of office. And um do this here. >> Okay. Mhm. Okay. Going to raise your right hand, put your left hand on the Bible,
and repeat after me. I state your name. >> I, Patrick Thompson, >> do solemnly swear >> Do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I'll support the Constitution of the United States >> and the State of New Jersey >> and the State of New Jersey. >> That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same
>> that I'll bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States. and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state >> and and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and I'll faithfully >> impartially and justly perform
>> impartially and justly perform >> all the duties of the office of police officer >> all the duties of the office of police officer >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> for the township of Clark >> for the township of Clark >> so help me God >> so help me God
>> congratulations And um here take a picture. All right. I would like to welcome police officer Joseph Greenbush and family to the front. Yeah, the whole family can join. >> Come on this side.
Police Officer Joseph Greenbush is a lifelong Clark resident and graduated Arthur L. Johnson High School in 2021. Joseph won the Brian Piccolo Award which is a scholarship in recognition for high school senior student athletes of Italian heritage presented by the Clark
Unigo in 2021. As well, he excelled in baseball and football. After graduating Arthur Johnson High School, Joseph enrolled in the Union County College. Joseph started his law enforcement career with the Union County Sheriff's Department, attending the John H.
Stanler Police Academy in July of 2025. Joseph was hired by the Clark Police Department in May of 26. Joseph likes to play softball. He likes to work out, hike, and golf. Joseph likes to spend time with his dog, Miller, who is Rhdesian Ridgeback. Congratulations.
Thank you. Good to see you again. All right, we're going to switch sides. All right. Yeah, we're going in the middle. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um, I, Joseph Greenbush, >> I, Joseph Greenbush,
>> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the State of New Jersey >> and the State of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same
>> and to the governments established in the United States >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially and justly perform
>> impartially and justly perform >> all the duties of the office of police officer >> all the duties of the office of police officer >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> for the township of Clark >> for the township of Clark >> so help me God
>> so help me God Yeah. In front. This is mine. I would like to welcome police officer Yaya Koulibali and family to the front. >> That's a lot of us. >> Yeah. No, absolutely.
Absolutely. Police Officer Yaya Kulibali began his law enforcement career in 2021 with the Essis County Corrections before transitioning to the Irvington Police Department as a patrolman where he later served in the crime suppression unit focusing on proactive
enforcement and helping with search warrant operations. From February 2025 to April 30th of 2026, he served with the B bureau of Garwood as a patrolman and a community policing bike officer.
In July of 2025, he became a member of the Union County Emergency Response Team participating in high-risk operations. Officer Koulibali is a certified dispatcher and holds a CIT certification, which is stands for crisis intervention training. Originally
from Mali, he is fluent in French, Bambara, Malinki, and English, allowing him to connect with diverse communities. A proud father of a 12-year-old daughter, he is newly married to his partner of eight years and enjoys soccer, travel, and time with his
family. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Come on over here. Come closer so we can hear what's going on. Okay. So, you're going to put your left hand on here. Raise your right hand. You want to go on this side.
Stay in the middle. All right, repeat after me. I Yaya Kulibali >> I Yay Kulibali >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the state of New Jersey >> and in the state of New Jersey
>> that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> that what that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and to the government established and in the United States >> and in this state >> and in state >> under the authority of the people
>> under the authority of the people >> and that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the office of police officer >> all the duty of the >> office of office of police officer
>> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> for the township of Clark >> for the township of Clark >> so help me God >> so help me God >> congratulations awesome the a picture.
Do you want to come up? Congratulations to all three officers. Have a safe and successful career. Now, before we jump into our uh award ceremony, please help me in welcoming police director Patrick J. Grady for a few words.
Good evening everyone. Uh I'm police director Patrick Grady and I'm honored to be here tonight with all of you uh to recognize some of the outstanding work performed by our police officers this past year
and also to welcome the three newest officers to our for our to our department. Congratulations guys. Before I continue, I'd also like to thank Mayor Albanesey's business administrator Jim Olrich to my to my right and the members of town council for your continued uh
professionalism and support of our police department. We appreciate it. I also want to welcome all the police officers that are lining these walls tonight along with your families. And to all our military veterans that are in the room tonight, thank you for
your service. Often this podium occ is occupied by voices pointing out what they believe is wrong with this town, this police department, sometimes even me. That comes with public service
and we respect the right of the people to speak their minds. But tonight, it's my turn to speak and tonight is about something far more important. Tonight's about recognizing the good,
the sacrifice, and the commitment of the police officers who truly make us safe and make Clark stronger. Tonight is about professionalism, courage, compassion,
commitment to service. Every officer you'll see recognized here tonight earned that distinction through their actions. Not through words, not through headlines, not through politics, but
through long hours of work, difficult decisions, and a willingness every day to stand between order and chaos when this community needs them the most. Listen, there's a lot of noise surrounding policing today. I don't
think that's I don't think that's a secret. All right? It's just it's just fact. And Clark has adored it share of it. Headlines, criticism, political agendas, but none of that changes the mission of
this department. Certainly doesn't change my commitment, and I know it doesn't change the commitment of these officers here tonight. What continues to define this profession is not the noise surrounding it, but the
resilience of the men and women who continue to show up every single day. Despite it, police officers do not have the luxury of hesitating when someone dials 911. They they do not get to decide
whether a situation is politically convenient before stepping in to help someone that's in a crisis uh to confront danger or protect the victim. They answer the call regardless
and that deserves respect. Also want to be clear about something. This department will never allow outside noise, shifting political winds, or fear of criticism to deter us from performing the job professionally
and proactively and ethically the way we always have done it. This department will continue to do the job, excuse me, the right way. We'll continue to support good police work as we're doing tonight. and we will always continue to stand
behind the officers who serve this community honorably. Now, don't confuse this. This does not mean we reject accountability. In fact, true professionalism demands accountability.
But police officers, I'm actually going to speak to all you should never allow fear of criticism, politics, or public pressure to create hesitation in moments that require courage,
sound judgment, and decisive action. In just a few more moments, you will see how the officers being recognized tonight have put those principles into practice through their actions
for professionalism and service to this community. Men and women in this room have chosen a profession just like I did 25 years in this profession before coming back. I'm very well aware of what they go through. are very well aware what these
families sitting here have to go through. They've chosen a profession that asks very much of them. Missed holidays, been there. Miss time with family, been there. Missing your kids sporting
events, right? Also add to that exposure to dangerous situations all the time. Stress of the job is real. Criticism,
all that most people could never fully understand. Yet, despite all that, they continue moving forward. They continue serving. Tonight, we recognize not only what they accomplished,
and there's some good stories you're about to hear, but we recognize the character it takes to keep doing this job with pride and integrity. Thank you and uh God bless. Thank you, Director Grady. Now, I um
welcome Mayor Angel to say a few words. Thank you, Captain Akaboo. Um welcome everyone. Good evening. As was mentioned earlier by our officer in charge, Captain Akaboo, last week was police week, May 10th through the 16th. And
it's really, as he mentioned, a time of re remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for our law enforcement. So, it's it's really quite wonderful that we're having the awards ceremony this evening. It's also a tribute to those, as he mentioned, who made the ultimate
sacrifice. Let's we not forget our fallen hero patrolman William Wat who was a United States Vietnam veteran served the Clark Township Police Department for three years when he was killed in the line of duty at age 24.
Uh and that was on Sunday July 4th in 1971. We have a monument outside to his honor and each year he is remembered on July 4th uh with a ceremony in front of this building. So, if you want to take a moment to show appreciation to the police who organized that event, that's
something that you might want to consider attending. So, tonight we've sworn in three new officers, and now we're going to be honoring our police, the award ceremony. So, let's continue with that. But before we do, one one important thing. Sorry.
Um, we do want to issue a proclamation um to the police for police week. If you want to come on up, uh, Director Grady and Mike, come up and uh,
I'll read the proclamation. There we go. Whereas the dedicated men and women of law enforcement faithfully serve and protect our communities with courage, honor, and professionalism. Whereas the police officers work tirelessly to preserve public safety,
uphold the rule of law, protect individual rights, and respond to emergencies and acts of violence with unwavering commitment. Whereas the law enforcement officers often place themselves in danger to
safeguard the lives of property and others. And as we honor and remember those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and we recognize the enduring strength and sacrifice of their families and fellow officers. And
whereas the National Police Week provides an opportunity for citizens to express gratitude and appreciation for the service and dedication of law enforcement professionals across our nation. And whereas fostering cooperation, trust, and respect between
law enforcement agencies, the communities they serve, um, remains essential to ensuring safe and strong communities. Now therefore, I, Mayor Angel Albaneseise, do hereby recognize May 10th through the 16th,
2026 as National Police Week and encourage all residents to recognize the invaluable contributions of our law enforcement officers of the township of Clark to honor those who have given their lives in the line of duty.
>> Thank you. Yes. Let's take a picture with the population. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, uh, Mayor Angel Hley, and thank you, Director Grady. So tonight we gather not only to
celebrate the bravery, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our officers, but also to reflect on the crucial role they play in safeguarding our communities. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all the family members present here tonight. Your support and
sacrifices are the bedrock upon which our officers stand strong. We understand the unique challenges that come with supporting law enforcement officer and your unwavering encourage encouragement is invaluable. So, as we proceed with tonight's ceremony, let us celebrate the
achievements of these remarkable men and women that are lined up against the wall. Through their actions, they set a powerful example for us all and inspire the next generation of law enforcement officers. So, case number 24-16896,
life-saving award goes to Sergeant Andrew Maderos and police officer Brendan Jacobe. If you want to wake your man up to the front for their coordinated efforts on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, and after being
dispatched to Harrison Street for an ambulance request involving a choking victim who was found unresponsive, the sergeant and officer immediately initiated CPR and deployed the likevac device actions that contributed to the victim's successful transport to the
hospital where she made a full recovery. Their quick response and effective use of the lifeac device directly contributed to saving a life. Thank you. Congratulations again. Case number 25106.
Life- saving award goes to police officers Ronnie Taborta, Michael D'Angelo, and Cassandra Kenny, and dispatchers Charlene Hadley. If you could make your way up to the front for their outstanding life-saving
actions on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, when dispatched to Garside Place for an unresponsive 37year-old male, dispatcher Hadley swiftly gathered and relayed critical information to responding officers and instructed the family to begin CPR. are prior to their
arrival. Upon reaching the scene, officers Taborta, D'Angelo, and Kenny immediately removed the victim from the bed, initiated highquality CPR, and delivered two shocks with the AED. The victim was subsequently transported to the hospital where he made a successful
recovery. Their rapid response, coordinated efforts, and decisive use of a life-saving measures directly contributed to saving a life and reflect the higher standards of professionalism and service. Thank you. Case number 2510882.
Exceptional service award goes to Sergeant Pedro Alivera, police officers Giovanina Prrisco, and Tariq Ricks. Can you please uh make your way up? for their extraordinary bra extraordinary bravery on Monday, May 12th, 2025
when dispatched to the Garden State Parkway southbound at mile marker 136 over6 for a motor vehicle accident involving an overturned burning vehicle. Without hesitation and at great personal risk, the officers pulled the trapped
occupant from the wreckage just moments before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Their swift, selfish, their swift, selfish, and courageous actions exemplify the highest standards of duty in public service. Officers Prrisco and
Rick sustained minor injuries from their from abrasions and smoke inhilation and were transported to the hospital for medical evaluation. These heroic actions received national and local media attention and the Union County 200 Club honored each officer
with the prestigious valor award at their annual lunchon this past Friday, May 15th. Congratulations So, this incident was a flash flood response uh back in July 14th of 2025. And uh the platoon award goes to Sergeant Michael Hernandez, police
officers Matus Pasdan, Brandon McKenna, Brandon Jacobe, Steve Alman, Michael Mazoula, Timothy Luzowski, and Matteo Beto along with dispatchers Jennifer Katone, Thomas Bazinski, and Joseph Gribbon. If you guys could make your way
up, please for their exemplary service on Monday, July 14th, 2025, during a severe flash flood emergency, officers and dispatchers are commended for their outstanding professionalism, coordination, and steadfast commitment
to public safety. Confronted with rapidly deteriorating road conditions and evolving hazards, they demonstrated exceptional teamwork and unwavering resolve. Their notable actions included the successful evacuation of
stranded motorists, the implementation of critical road closures under dangerous conditions, and the sustained maintenance of essential operations despite significant strain and personal risk. Their collect their collective efforts directly safeguarded lives and
upheld the highest standards of service. Thank you. Case number 2517415, life-saving award. Sergeant Christopher Tuio, Detectives Brian Seuss, Bruce McDonald, and Joshua Weber, police
officers Ronnie Taborta, Brandon Pittz, and Nick Curls. You guys could make your way up, please. In recognition of their exemplary teamwork and decisive life-saving actions on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025,
officers were dispatched to Georgian Drive for an ambulance request involving an unresponsive 77 77year-old female drowning victim. Upon arrival, they immediately initiated high-quality CPR, resulting in the victim regaining a pulse. She was transported to the
hospital. Their swift response, professionalism, and dedication directly contributed to saving a life. Thank you. I just got to go. Case 2518015 life-saving award goes to police officer
Steve Alman. And I believe he couldn't make it uh here with us tonight. So in recognition of his exemplary actions on Tuesday, July 29th, 2024, Officer Alman was was dispatched to Central Avenue and School Street for a
serious motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle. The motorcyclist had suffered sustain had sustained and suffered life-threatening lacerations. Officer Alman immediately applied a tourniquet providing critical hemorrhage control. His swift response, decisive
actions, and effective use of the life-saving measures directly contributed to saving the victim's life. Case number 25 1 9146. Exceptional service award goes to Sergeant Christopher Tuio, police officers Ronnie Taborta and Nick Curros. And platoon
award goes to Detective Daniel Joy, police officer Brandon Pittz, and dispatcher Charlene Hadley. If you guys can make it to the front, please. In recognition of their extraordinary courage and selfless service on Monday, August 11th, 2025,
officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting an active house fire at Blake Drive. Upon learning that a resident might still be inside, they entered the smoke filled home without hesitation, demonstrating exceptional bravery in the
face of extreme danger. Working swiftly and in coordinated effort, the officers conducted a thorough search to locate the missing resident and ensure all occupants were accounted for. Their valor, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to protecting life exemplifies the highest ideals of
public service. Thank you. All right. Case number 2521 2222. Exceptional service award goes to Sergeant Christopher Tuio, Detectives Brian Seuss, Daniel Joy, Joshua Weber,
and Mark Detour. Police officer Ronnie Taborta. Honorable service medal award goes to Sergeant Michael Chachio, police officers Brandon Pittz, Michael D'Angelo, and Nick Curros, and platoon award goes to dispatcher Charlene Hadley.
Please come up, please. In recognition of their exceptional professionalism, restraint, and courage, on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, officers and detectives responded to 301 Central Avenue, the Jersey Mike for a
suicidal male armed with a large butcher knife. Officers and detectives demonstrated extraordinary emotional intelligence, tactical awareness, and unwavering composure. Their patience and professionalism prevented panic, reduced tension, and ensure the safety of all
present throughout the extended standoff. Through nearly an hour of sustained communication led by Detective Weber and Sergeant Tucho, the subject ultimately surrendered without injury. Detectives Brian Seuss, Mark Detour, and Daniel Joy
then placed themselves in harm's way to safely disarm and restrain the individual, effectively neutralizing the threat. Thank you very much. Congratulations. I'll just go right And last but not least, but not least, I would like to call on President
Christopher Sans of the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution to present three awards to Sergeant Pedro Olivera, Police Officer Giovanina uh Prrisco, and Police Officer Tariq Ricks.
Can you please come up to the podium? I'm Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army retired Christopher Sans, president of the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. And before I uh present the award, let me tell you a little bit about the
society, why I'm dressed the way I am. Uh I live in Cranford, but I do have some ties to Clark. I am a member of the American Legion. I am the service
officer. And last week, uh I was at Shopright when they donated $5,000. I met Mayor Albaneseise and I talked to her about uh a program that the S has this year of planting liberty trees and
she agreed to uh plant a liberty tree. So you'll see us again in town and we'll be helping Clark celebrate America's 250th birthday here and we look forward to that and thank you mayor. And I also met the chief. We had talked before. We
were going to try and have a separate ceremony or should I come to this ceremony. I was sick a little earlier in the year. And when I saw the chief, he said, "Just come. Come tonight and take part in this." So, I'm in a uniform. This is the uniform of the Third New
Jersey Infantry. General Washington had a blue coat with buff trim. The third New Jersey reversed it. This is a buff coat with blue trim. They did it to honor General Washington. This is the 1776 uniform. The unit was
stood up uh the Continental Congress authorized it 11th January. The New Jersey Provincial Congress funded it in early February and the first officers uh Lieutenant Colonel Elias Dayton from Elizabeth Town was the commander. This
is the rank of a lieutenant colonel. So I would be res representing Elias Dayton, commander of the third New Jersey. When they wore this uniform, they were called the Jersey Grays. When the French joined the war, General Washington wanted all the infantry in
the same uniform. They had to retire this. They put on the blue uniform and they along with the rest of the New Jersey Infantry were called the Jersey Blues. The S was formed in 1889. The first chapter was here in Elizabeth Town, New
Jersey. Many of the first members were former military and the military loves to present medals. So the S loves to present medals. We present medals to ROC, junior ROC cadets, good citizenship
medals to people who do things, volunteer in the community or elected officials. But we also present medals to first responders, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and we have special medals, a heroic action,
and a life-saving medal. And I kind of feel bad because I didn't realize there were so many life-saving actions in town. I saw uh your uh incident on TV and in the local paper. Uh so I feel badly. I don't mean
to slight anybody, but I happen to see this one. So, we are going to present the Sons of the American Revolution Life-Saving Award tonight. The National Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Giovana Presco,
Pedro Olivivera, and Terry Ricks has been awarded the life-saving award in recognition of saving a human life under emergency conditions. New Jersey Society, signed by myself,
18 May 2026. Congratul You go up in front now. Thank you. Thank you, Chief and Mayor, for allowing me to come here and be part of this ceremony. Thank you, President Sans.
So, I want to thank Mayor Angel Albanesey's, the council, all the family, friends, uh, who continue to support us. Um, and that concludes our ceremony and, uh, wish you guys all a well night and God bless you. If you could just remain seated for
another minute or two, we just have uh two short little uh commemoration and a recognition and then we'll let you leave. Thank you. >> Coming up, right? >> Good evening again. Um we are going to
issue a proclamation to our first responders. Um this is first responder week, EMS week. And Mike, thank you for coming tonight. And I see you have do you have others who want to come up? >> Yeah. Come on up. Everyone from the
squad that's here. Um Mike is the president um of the squad. Vice President Charlie Poisick. Am I saying it correctly? Okay. And we have Captain Katie Sheldon also who's part of the squad among others,
but these are the leaders and uh you might recognize that name, Sheldon. Yes, that's Lorie Sheldon's daughter. So, runs in the family often, right? And assistant captain Michael Howski. Does anyone want to come up? Do you want to
come up, Susan? No. Okay. All right. All right. >> Guess it's just me, mayor. >> Okay. >> Whereas emergency medical services is a vital public service. And whereas emergency medical service teams are
ready to provide life-saving care to those in need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And whereas access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rates of those who experience sudden illness or injury. And
whereas emergency medical services has grown to fill a gap by providing important out of hospital care including preventive preventative medicine, follow-up care and access to tele medicine. Whereas the emergency medical
services system consists of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, as we know tonight from what we've heard, police officers, educators, administrators, prehosp nurses,
emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and other out of hospital medical care providers. And whereas the members of our emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of
hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their life-saving skills, as well as training the community and how to assist in these life-saving skills. Whereas, it's appropriate to recognize the value and
accomplishments of the emergency medical services providers by designating emergency medical services week in the township of Clark. Now therefore, I, Mayor Angel Albanese, do hereby recognize on this May 17th to May 23rd,
2026 as Emergency Medical Services Week and encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor of the EMS profession and the essential service providers
um service it provides, specifically the Clark Volunteer Emergency Squad. Thank you. >> So, thank you everyone. Uh we actually came with some of our oldest uh members um because if it wasn't for them um
>> experienced I wouldn't be here myself. So, uh thank you to them to you uh Mayor Albanese to uh the council uh to the business administrator. without your support um you know we wouldn't be where we are. We're very grateful. Uh it does
certainly doesn't go unnoticed and we're happy to do what we do and we're here for the community. So >> thank you. >> Thank you. Are you going to take the pictures and Mike thanked Jim uh Olrich as well, our business administrator who was also
alo a member of the squad and uh is a big supporter of the squad. So we appreciate that as well. Um we have one more proclamation to make and this is um kind of emotional I guess or but we're
we're very happy for her. But our clerk Edie Merkel is going to be retiring in the next few weeks and tonight we want to honor her with a proclamation. Edie, will you come up here, please? >> Oh, you were a baby when you first came
here. So was I. Um, so Ed's been here for 24 years and I think what's most important about, you know, you've come so far, you didn't you were a music major, correct? In college or >> No, no, no. Public administration and
business. >> Okay. Yeah. But um >> my kids were music majors. >> Oh, okay. I must be thinking of that. but um you know she took on the challenge and uh we really appreciate everything you've done to organize our
clerk staff and I think one real sign of leadership is how you've really brought together a new team. We have Nicole Christine here and uh and had you know you had your >> Gina's just brand new. Um, you know, it
says a lot about how you can easily turn everything over to these in individuals uh who are have taken the classes, hope to pass the test and do a great job and carry on all the great work that you've done. >> And I actually want to ask all the
members of council because really the clerk's office, they work for the council. So being a past president, being a member of council, um it's invaluable the work that the clerk's office does. Thank you. >> Um and you know, even now the transition, we've gone through some not
role plays, they've actually, you know, taken over meetings and that's been very important and and really wonderful. So, you know, we've been here a long time together. We have what about 120 years here of experience on council. >> Yeah. So, um,
you know, let let me read the proclamation and, um, and then we'll I'll give you a big hug and say how much we're going to miss you. Everyone can say a few words if they like. So whereas Edith Merkel began her distinguished career in public
service on June 1st, 2002 as a keyboarding clerk one, that civil service title gets in there, demonstrating from the outset a strong work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence. And whereas she holds a degree in public administration and
business management, which has contributed to her expertise, leadership, and effectiveness in municipal government. And whereas she is de of devoted wife and loving mother of three, three, mother-in-law of two and
grandmother of three. Whereas through perseverance and professional growth, she advanced to the position of assistant municipal clerk in 2005 following her successful completion of the registered municipal clerk RMC
certification in April 2005. And whereas in 2007 2007 she was appointed municipal clerk, a role in which she faithfully served with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the
residents and governing body of the municipality. And whereas throughout her tenure, Edith has a trusted been a trusted steward of municipal records, a knowledgeable adviser on local government processes, and a vital link
between the public and municipal officials. And whereas her years of service have been marked by diligence, leadership, and a deep commitment to transparency and effective governance leaving a lasting impact on the community she has
served. And whereas after more than two decades of exemplary service, Edith L. Merkel will retire on June 1st, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism
and dedication that will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. Now therefore, be it proclaimed that the mayor Angel Albaneseise and the township council of Township of Clark hereby extend their sincere gratitude and
appreciation to Edith L. Merkel for her 24 years of outstanding service and congratulate her on her well-earned retirement and be further proclaimed that we wish
Edith Edie I'll call you Edie continued health, happiness and success in your future endeavors. Who knows what career you never know. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. My family surprised me. They're here. I'm so happy. And my friends from town hall are here. And I love my council. Um it has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Clark. this
council and previous members of council for the past 24 years. I've also had the privilege of working with two great mayors and administrators who have worked tirelessly to make Clark one of the best places to live in New Jersey. My training for this position started
when I was a teenager. My interest in local government came from my mentor who was a clerk, a business administrator, the director of the division of local government services, my dad.
Discussions around the dinner table sparked my interest in public service. He loved what he did, which made a big influence had a big influence on my decision to pursue a degree in public administration and business management.
During my college experience, he took me to state panel discussions presented by local government leaders and Governor Burns state of the state address. I had a front row seat to learn about government operations. When I started working here in 2002,
Clark was an average town with great potential. The Bonac Corso and Albanesey's administrations with business administrator John Lasa and later Jim Olrich and the support of council have greatly improved the quality of life for all residents.
I'm happy to have watched the progress unfold and to do my part in the background. The residents who have lived here for many years have seen the positive changes. The more recent residents made a wise choice to move to such a vibrant
community. Mayor Albanese is continuing to provide the level of services all residents enjoy and is working toward further progress with each department doing their part to make Clark the best it can be. I believe in the power of team. I've had
the privilege of working with amazing, hard-working, dedicated women. Terry and Dawn were with me for many years and I can't thank them enough. The new team, Nicole, Christina, and Gina, bring a fresh technology forward approach.
They're doing a great job and will continue to support the council and the residents. In closing, I would like to thank my husband, Jack, who's he's getting ready to be with me full-time.
Our family our family, Joy, Pervine, and Ellis who are here, John, Tabitha, Philip, and Ellie, who are in South Carolina, Robert and Erin. So, just one correction. I have I'm a mother-in-law to three, not two, and my sisters and brothers-in-law,
Maria and Billy and Joan and Frank, for their support over the years, especially during all the late nights and long election days. Now it's time for some fun. Spending time with our grandchildren who light up our life. Our granddaughter Ellie just said, and I
quote, "Nana, next time you come to South Carolina, you can stay as long as you want." Here we come. Ellie, thank you all. Thank you again, Mayor and Council. Have the whole gang come up. Yeah.
>> How about all your family? Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Get in front. You got to get in the front. >> All right. See if you're there. I'll be here in between. >> Don't worry. You look like a Johnny.
Ladies, we're all right. We got a meeting. Can I get a motion to resume the regular order of business? Thank you, Councilman Tol. Can I get a second? >> Thank you, Councilman Maserella. All in favor? Any opposed? I will move to communications from the mayor and reports of township officers. Mayor
Albanesey's Oh, one last thing. Mayor Albanese is again, if you didn't hear me, the ALJ boys varsity team was just crowned the county baseball champs. They def they defeated Union Catholic about a minute or two ago. So, congratulation. And tomorrow night, the
ALJ girls varsity softball team is playing for the county championship. Okay, Mayor Albanesey's all yours. >> Thank you. Um just going to mention a couple of things that have been going on around town. Um
as the uh representative from the uh Sons of the American Revolution, Christopher Sans, who was here this evening, mentioned, um last week we were at ShopRight accepting their um they were honored by Shopright and presented with a $5,000 donation. It was great to
see all the friends and family members, employees of Shopright, and most important, the many veterans from Clark and other communities, including uh Christopher Sans, uh who came out to join in the celebration. So, thank you to Shopright for recognizing the great
activities and programs our American Legion here in Clark does for our community. Also, I want to mention, so I I met um Christopher and he said that what the Sons of the American Revolution are doing is giving out 250 elm well trees.
It could be an elm tree, but it's based on the history of an elm tree up in Massachusetts in Boston, Massachusetts. But um when you think of them giving that many trees to the all all of the United States um it's I guess no surprise because we have so much history
in New Jersey and on the um east coast that we will be one of the towns accepting one of the trees. So I'd like to thank him for that. On that note, uh we hope to see you at the Memorial Day parade. Um the parade kicks off at 9:00
a.m. U maybe you're participating with an organization. I'd like to thank all the organizations that will be marching in the parade and I hope we get good weather. Uh the parade will start at Denman Avenue and continue to the front of ALJ High School where we have our
monuments honoring those who gave their life to our country. And last year, if you remember, we added and upgraded some of the monuments. And we thank everyone who contributed to that. And one of the biggest contributors was the um the
American Legion of Clark. And right now we have the permanent QR codes. If you want to learn or if you're taking a walk, stop by, check out the QR code, and learn about the different um
veterans or uh those who passed um their history, how they got involved in the military. If you are an u a veteran, please contact the American Legion if you're not already involved. They want to reach out to everyone um
all of our veterans in town. Uh this Wednesday, we'll be welcoming uh a new business to the community, Performance Physical Therapy, located at 1445 Raran Road. And they'll be celebrating their grand opening at 5:30 this Wednesday. if you want to stop by, everyone's invited
to stop by and check out the new business in town. Uh, also in the weeks coming up to the 4th of July, there'll be many programs at the library celebrating our country's 250th anniversary. So, you might want to check those programs out. If you are
homebound, some of the programs are shown on YouTube, so you can still check out some of the programs that way as well. Um, just want to mention most of the members of council, I think there were two that couldn't make it, uh, were all
at the ALJ Clark alumni um, awards dinner and also student um, scholarship ceremony. It was amazing to read the history and background of all the ALJ honores which was reflected in
the tap. And then uh there were so many people there from near and afar uh all across the country brought their friends with them and so many people came out to honor all of those alumni members. It was a it was a great event and the
alumni organization did appreciate the attendance of the council as well. Um so we thank them for that. Reminders, don't forget sign up for click camp and sign up to join the pool. At this time I'd like to Mr. president go over some items
in the agenda uh to cover that. >> That'd be great. Thank you. >> Uh tonight we're going to adopt uh we're having a hearing and an adoption hopefully of um a parking regulations at the Clark Municipal Building where we're going to have 20 p uh spaces set aside.
Uh and there's limited three-hour parking for those spaces for different activities that are going on. um because right now we have the students parking there and other individuals parking there all day. So we want to um we hope the council adopts that uh this evening.
Second, we have a capital ordinance which we introduced. Tonight's the hearing for that and we're appropriating $125,000 for uh bulletproof vest for our police officers. Um, Department of Public Works getting a new piece of equipment, a tink
claw, which will be attached to the loader. And for our fire department, we need some new personnel uh, personal protective equipment as well. This evening, we'll be introducing an ordinance prohibiting parking on a
portion of Madison Hill Road. This is basically prohibiting parking 25 ft before and 25 ft I'll say east and west of the exit driveway at um St. Agnes
Church for safety reasons. Okay. Um resolutions. Uh tonight we are our first resolution 26134
is to um appoint Nicole Castelluchcci as acting municipal clerk for the period June 1st 26 to June 1st 27. So we hope we encourage the council to support that resolution.
In addition, uh we have 26135 and this was related to um a bid that was for for a piece of land that was for sale on the corner of Broadway and Grand Street. There were two two pieces of property and we have received the bids
for those properties. Um one was for 25,000, the other for 35,000 and we'll be moving ahead with that as well. We have a resolution authorizing uh leaf disposal. Uh we had a contract with a
responsible bidder, Frank Galbreth and Sun Excavation. We want to continue that contract at 54,500 with a slight increase related to fuel costs increases. Resolution 26137 authorizes the award of
a contract to Enterprise Fleet Management through Sourcewell, which is a national co-op. And that contract um uh is one that we are continuing for our fleet leasing and related management services for all of
our municipal vehicles. Uh the initial period of this would be one year from the date of award with an option to have continue the contract period which is permitted of up to five years for that type of contract. Resolution uh number
138 authorized the sale of a piece of fire equipment that were no longer is no longer needed for public use. It's a 1999 American LaFrance LTI Midmount Tower Ladder and we are selling it to
East Providence, Rhode Island, where it will have its new home for a total of $25,000. At this time of uh Oh, this one is for um adding an additional bank account um for our grant fund. So, previously we had our grant fund and current fund
combined. We want to separate our grant fund and um in order to do that we need a resolution from the council to amend our cash management plan which we passed earlier in the year which outlines all the all the bank accounts that the township has.
Resolution 26140 um is okay this is a grant for the clean communities. So each year around this time of year in April, we uh the awards are made for the recycling u uh
materials that we gather and this year we're getting $36,766.73. We need the council to accept the award of that grant. Resolution 26141 um is for the insertion of revenue in
the budget for the year 2026 in the sum of $15,000 for a grant from Union County and this will go towards the Dr. William Robinson House. So, we need council to authorize that as well. Resolution 26142
um authorizes a um grant application for D for a DOT grant for roads for Sweet Brier Drive roadway. That is the road that's been selected for the application of the grant. Um the tax collector has certified the
su sewer utility accounts and they require an adjustment um to the records that were um created from the uh we use the water company information to create these um records. And there needs to be an adjustment of $19,347.30
uh decrease on one account and $140 increase on another. Resolution 26144 is related to the tax collector. We're issuing a refund for a duplicate payment of $250. The next resolution is also a refund but
also a transfer. We have a um refund for let's see $3,4149. And then the second refund for $6,3773 will be applied partially to the sewer, $281.65.
Uh redemption of a lean, $77,2.80, and then a refund for the balance of $1,6446. We did have a tax appeal that we have settled. It went to the state courts and we are going to be issuing a credit
which covers years 2020 21 23 24 and 25 and that total credit is $40,351.75. We went out to bid for brush and branch grinding services and uh we were not happy with satisfied with the bids. So
we are rejecting the bids um that we received and we'll be soliciting new bids for that service. Uh this is next item is a resolution opposing New Jersey Senate Bill S1 1786
which would permit accessory dwelling units to be constructed on properties and the law calls for municipalities with a population density of less than 9,000 per persons per square mile to
permit the development of such accessory dwelling units. and we oppose this and hope to um send a message to the state uh legislature to oppose this uh resolution that they're proposing. Uh we
feel this really takes away from our municipalities. Um they have no alternative if the state starts to mandate what we have to build and not build or permit. Um and um we would like to preempt that. um local land use
authority and we can discuss that further if anyone has questions on that. Uh later on we'll be going into executive session to discuss uh litigation matters including Matt Platkin versus Clark Township and disciplinary hearings
for several of the officers. That concludes my report. >> Great. Thank you, Mayor. Council member Huff, >> thank you very much. Um, the Clark Library is sharing for April the library
had a total of 7,671 visitors and recorded 14,975 website and social media visits. Um, bear with me. I'm not going to read every single thing, but coming up you can find on their Facebook page and on their website all of the things that are
going on. They have Unearth Story that's coming up, which is a summer reading challenge for all ages. So you can participate and earn raffle tickets for prizes. Um, so you can get more information on how to do that, but also because of the 250th anniversary of
America, there are a ton of uh events and a series of historical programs that are taking place specifically in June. They're doing the Skyler Sisters and the Hamilton musical on June 2nd, the American Revolution at Liberty Hall June 8th, The American Revolution in Elizabeth and Vicinity June 16th, and a
patriotic concert that is taking place on June 23rd. Lastly, they have the children's summer reading kickoff, which is going to um start celebrating it on June 25th, and they have programming for the teens, cooking, crocheting, things like that. And they are offering a free
beginner ESL class. So, they're being offered on Saturdays through July 11th to help uh for anyone at no cost. So, um thank you to the library for all the programs that they've been putting together. And, uh that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Council Member Hund.
>> Thank you, Council President. I have the Clark Police Department monthly report for April 2026. We saw a total of 1,946 calls, 634 which came in via 911 for services, including but not limited to
123 ambulance requests, 63 alarm calls, 39 fire department responses, 61 motor vehicle accidents, 27 shoplifting and theft, 14 fraud and identity thefts. There was a total of 22 adult arrests,
including but not limited to two for warrants, nine for shoplifting, and one DUI. The Youth Bureau handled a total of 26 cases, including but not limited to two for shoplifting, and two for criminal mischief. That concludes my report.
>> Thank you, Council Member Maserella. >> Yes. Thank you, Council President. Uh, this is my DPW report for this evening. May 17th to the 23rd is National Public Works Week. Public Works will be hosting
a Touch a Truck program on um Thursday, May 21st from 3 to 7:00 p.m. Please, if you do come, no flip flops or open toe shoes because you'll be going in the in the uh trucks and all of that. We don't
want to have an injury. Okay. Electronic drop off will be May 30th. 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 100 p.m. in the DPW yard behind this building and Clark resident ID will be required. Um, just
make a note of it. As I said um last month, mulch is no longer available. We don't have the means to uh to produce any mulch because we don't have the room to do it. Um, so make a note of that. Spring cleanup is complete. Please
follow our grass policy. Pickup on is on Tuesday. Grass clippings only. Must be in biodegradable bags. Branch pickup begins May 25th. Branches should only be placed on roadside after May 17th.
Branches should be no longer than 4t long. No plastic bags in the leaf bags, please. They are not permitted. where we recycle the grass clippings and it clogs our grinder. For example,
um do not put mulch mulch bags or fertilizer bags that go in they they go in the garbage. Just make a note of that. Bulky. Please place your items curbside separate from household garbage. Please check our site
www.ourclock.com ourclock.com to see what uh acceptable items are and electronics will not be permitted to be in your bulky waste. Appliance and metal pickup appointments required the week
before your scheduled pickup. We pick up every Monday. You can schedule an appointment online. Refrigerators and freezers must have the doors removed by law before putting them out. DPW is
making available outside the gate 16in wood pieces free for the taking. When the bin is empty, we will replenish it as it becomes available. No log splitters or chainsaws, please. June 3 is Union County will be hosting a paper
shredding event at the DPW facility from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is for sensitive documents only. No coupons or junk mail will be accepted. No plastic bags. Please visit www.ucnj.org
org for rules and regul regulations on this event and any other services uh or schedules uh please go to our site dpwourclark.com. Thank you. That's the extent of my report. >> Great. Thank you, Council Member
Okconor. >> Thank you very much. On the finance committee, the township continues to be able to meet its current obligations. Thank you uh BA Oric and your team from the Clark Volunteer Emergency Squad. The recent squad activity squad worked with its members on continuing education
opportunities that are online as well as many that are offered free to EMTs. Call volume. April had 119 calls with six mutual aid calls. This does not include any calls that were dispatched and canceled on. Total hours responding to calls is approximately 782 man hours.
This does not include any hours the members are on duty but not on calls. Year-to- date call volume is 501 calls as of April 30th. membership. The squad is seeking individuals with unique skills to serve on our various committees as associate members. Areas
we seek support in include finance, fundraising, building and grounds, and social media. Anyone interested can email the squad at www.ourclock.org. In addition, the SWAG is also accepting individuals over the age of 18 that are interested in joining as drivers. Free
CPR and driver training will be provided. Please find an application at www.arclark.org. or with regard to service to the community. The squad hosted three blood drives in April. EMS week will be celebrated the week of May 17th through the 23rd, which you saw tonight. We had
the proclamation and um looking uh to host an open house that will include CPR demonstrations and basic first aid skills in June. Respectfully submitted, Lori Sheldon, trustee, I also have the fire report from Councilman Menetti, who
you see is not here tonight. Councilman Menetti's son is actually part of the ALJ baseball team that just won the county championship. So Jim, congratulations to you and your family and your son. And uh you know, there's always another council meeting, but there's only one Union County
tournament. So great job in making the choice to see your son um get one of his dreams of becoming the Union County Champions. Uh with that, the fire report. In the month of April, Clark Fire Department responded to 41 calls, bringing the total for the year to 176
incidents included, but are not limited to four for fire related, four for hazardous conditions, eight for service and goods intent called, 21 related to false alarms, and four special incidences. And again, I would like to thank all the members of the Clark Fire
Department for their dedication, not only during this standby period, but for the countless hours they continually give to the residents safety. Uh, their commitment, professionalism, and willingness to serve the community always are greatly appreciated. The full fire department report is available in
the clerk's office. And that concludes the report submitted by Jimmy Manetti. Thank you. >> Thank you, council member Tol. >> Thank you, Mr. President. from the environmental commission. The environmental commission was supposed to meet this Wednesday. They've canceled their meeting because of members are
doing other things, but they will be in session in a month from now. So, the other issue that's the chairman's asked me to bring to your attention, we've had an issue with the reservoir and the construction that's going on with the dredging where you're getting a lot of dust from the trucks coming in and
going. It is a construction site. It is a work in progress. But the residents are calling the council members which we have no jurisdiction over. We're asking you then we give you Ed Oman's phone number. Mr. Oman is 908-5274000.
He's the Union County manager and he oversees the contractors that are handling the reservoir and the reservoir cleanup and dredging. So if you do have any questions, we ask you 908-5274000 is Ed Oman's direct line and then he can send out his people to the various
contractors and tell them, hey, get this sweeping truck, the water truck, the whole operation that's going on right now. So we ask you to please call Ed Oakman and have him then work with our administration to get things done correctly. It is a construction site. We gives them a little bit of leeway, but
we know that it's a big mess on this. Okay, we got one other thing. Here we go. Oh, this goes to security and from the historical celebrating the 250th anniversary of the great nation we live in. On June 7th from 6:00 to 7:30,
there's a free concert to be displayed on the lawn of the Dr. Robinson Plantation. If you're available, bring a lawn chair or blanket depending on the weather. The weather's been so crazy. It's hot, it's cold, it's hot, it's cold. One day it's 90, the next day it's 50, 50, 60. So, if you're available, please come out between 6:00 and 7:30
and June the 7th on the lawn of the Dr. Robinson Plantation. They're having the Florian Shanks jazz combo. We'll be out producing and giving some free, remember these words, free entertainment. Nothing wrong with that. Madison Road to Dr.
William Robinson Plantation, a landmark for the state of New Jersey. That's all I've got tonight, Madam President. Mr. M, Mr. President, thank you. >> Thank you. uh from the pool and recreation department. On Monday, a week from now, May 25th, is the annual
Memorial Day parade. Kicks off at 9:00 am on the corner of Fton A and Westfield A. Uh the parade ends at ALJ High School with a short ceremony. Appreciate if you are in town, please line the streets. Uh come on out and support this great event. And it's going to be extra
special this year because it's our 250th birthday. Uh registration for the summer rec camp is ongoing. Uh, sign up early. If you have any questions, you can always stop by the recreation department. Uh, Somerset Patriots Night uh, and Clark night is Friday, June
12th. Uh, for ticket information, you can call or stop by the recreation office and ask for uh, Ralph or Emily. And regarding the Clark Community Clark community pool, it opens on Memorial Day weekend. The forecast doesn't look
great, but hopefully that'll change. Uh if you want to register for the 2026 season, please do so now. Uh the last senior citizen meeting will be uh take place this th I'm sorry, next Thursday, June 4th, and then they will continue
again in September. And for our Clark senior citizens, our birthday breakfast for birthdays from January 1st through June 30th will be held at the Grand Centurans on June 5th. Uh, mayor, do you know what time that is? It's usually
8:30, correct? 8:30 a.m. And then looking ahead to July 4th, there'll be extra special fireworks and entertainment for our 250th anniversary, and more information will be forthcoming. Uh, and that's all I have for my reports. So, now we can move on to ordinances, appropriations, and
claims. >> Thank you, Mr. President. For the record, no objections have been received in connection with the proposed ordinances. Ordinance 26-16 is an ordinance to amend chapter 347, section 347-60
of the code of the township of Clark regulating parking entitled municipal property and board of education property to add a new section 347-60A5 to permit three-hour parking on a portion of the parking lot at the municipal building.
>> Right. Thank you. At this time, I will open the meeting for this ordinance to open a public hearing for this ordinance. If anyone would like to come forward, you have five minutes of duration just on this ordinance. You'll have time later on for res u resolution
items and anything else. >> Good evening. Good evening, Julia Collins, Clark. I'd like to know where this uh parking will be for three hours at the municipal building and rec center because it's very hard to find parking there during the week because of
students from ALJ parking and also um people using the courts there and a lot of seniors have to park further away on certain days when we have events. Where is this parking going to be? We we'll
we'll uh answer it in a second. We'll see if anyone else has to come forward. >> Okay. And are there going to be any regulations for the students? Because I was there one day and I'd say there are about 15 20 cars from students at the high school, I would assume. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Dia. Does anyone else want to come up on this ordinance? Uh I'm going to close it and then we'll um we'll answer your questions. I'd like a motion to close the public hearing. >> So move.
>> Thank you, Councilman Okconor. And thank you, Council Member Hun. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Uh before I direct a motion, the parking is going to be there's 20 spots uh in front of the tennis or pickle ball courts along uh
>> starting as you come into the driveway, make that first left. Starting there going straight up the marked parking spots. Um pretty much starting at the beginning of the driveway. >> Okay, great. And there's 20 spots, I believe, and they're just the three-hour parking. The high school students have
their own spots they're supposed to park in, and if they're not parking uh legally, then the police will take care of uh any problems. Correct. >> Correct. >> All right. Thank you. Uh at this time, I'd like a motion to adopt the ordinance. So moved. >> Thank you, Council Member Tolk. Can I get a second?
>> I'll second it. >> Thank you, Council Member Hoff. Anyone have any questions or discussion? >> Yes, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen, as I said last month, I went to a function in town for the Russian Orthodox Easter Festival at a friend's house over in the third ward. Of course,
it's always the third ward, but went there and I was got an earful from the resident who's a senior citizen who's was having a problem parking for the senior meetings because of all the other cars being there. And this is what I'm trying to say. This you have an idea, you have a suggestion. We heard you loud
and clear and we then turn it over to the experts who've come up with a hopefully a solution that's going to work to resolve the problem. But when you have something, it doesn't fall on deaf ears. It's Clark. We take care of our own. We take care of you. So, Mrs. D, thank you for saying what you had to
say. I sat and listened to it and now we're going to make it work so your issue is resolved. We make sure it all works for everybody, not just the kids who are using the spaces because they got their license. That's the problem we had back in the 80s7s. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I vote yes on this.
>> Thank you. Anybody else have any questions for the BA? If not, um, roll call, please. >> Council member Hoff, >> yes. >> Council member Hund, >> yes. >> Council member Maserella, >> yes. >> Council member Okconor, >> yes. >> Council member Tol, >> yes. >> Council President Smith,
>> yes. >> Ordinance adopted. Next is ordinance 26-17, capital ordinance of the township of Clark in the county of Union, New Jersey, authorizing the making of various acquisitions in, by, and for the township,
appropriating therefore the sum of $125,000, and providing that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from capital surplus of the township. >> Thank you. At this time, I will open up the public hearing on this ordinance. If anyone would like to come forward on
this ordinance and this ordinance only, please do so. You have 5 minutes or duration. Right. See no one like a motion to close the public hearing. >> Thank you, Council Member Okconor. I get a second. >> Second. >> Thank you, Council Member Tol. All in favor? >> I.
>> Any opposed? At this time, I need a motion to adopt the ordinance. >> Yes, I'll move it. >> Thank you, Council Member Maserell. I get a second. >> Thank you, Council Member Tol. Is there any questions or discussion? Jim, do you have anything to add? Um, no. The mayor went through the details of this sufficiently.
>> Great. Thank you. All right. Uh, roll call, please. >> Council member Hoff, >> yes. Council member Hund, >> yes. >> Council member Maserella, >> yes. >> Council member Okconor, >> yes. >> Council member Tol, >> yes. >> Council President Smith, >> yes. >> Ordinance adopted.
>> When you're ready, we can move to introduction of proposed ordinance. >> We have one ordinance for introduction 26-18. an ordinance to amend chapter 347 entitled vehicles and traffic section 347-25 entitled parking prohibited at all times
of the code of the township of Clark prohibiting parking on a portion of Madison Hill Road. >> I get a motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Tol. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Council Member Okconor. Uh, any discussion? So, this is the exit
leaving St. Agnes's property and it'll be 25 ft on both sides of the curb. I believe there'll be a sign and a curb will be painted yellow. >> Um yes, Mr. President, if I may. Sunday morning you go to church St. Agnes. I'm in the first mass. I leave at 7:30 about
8:15. I'm leaving. The mass has ended. When you come out, there's a line of cars right up to the curb. If I pull out and you got somebody who's on in a hurry to get somewhere, they can t-bone me and I'm It's a serious accident. We've had near misses there because people are one
driving past the speed speed limit. They're doing their own thing, thinking nobody's on the road, but the church fills up in the front. People should be parking in the back, but they don't. So, the issue is how do we resolve an issue? That's a safety. And of course, myself trying to pull out.
I'm going I have to only go right now. You can't go left because you're pulling your car out and people are not. So, now you're removing the threat of those cars and a little bit of an inconvenience, but let's make this town safe. Thank you, Mr. President. >> Great. Thank you. Uh, roll call, please. >> Council member Hoff,
>> yes. Council member Hund, >> yes. >> Council member Maserella, >> yes. >> Council member Okconor, >> yes. >> Council member Tol, >> yes. >> Council President Smith, >> yes. >> Public hearing on this ordinance is June 1st. >> Okay. Payment of claims. Council van Okconor.
>> Thanks. I have reviewed the current and capital expenditures received and encumbered through May 11th, 2026 in the amount of $198,22826 cents. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. Okay. Now, we're going to move on to the citizens hearing on the agenda. This is where you'll be able
to come up and speak about or ask questions on any of the agenda items. 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 NJS104-12A and the code of the township of Clark. Each person addressing the council
should 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 5 minutes in duration. At the conclusion of the statements or questions from a member of the public, the council president at his or her discretion may choose to respond or not respond. So, if
anyone would like to come forward on any of the agenda items, please do so. And you have five minutes. >> Nancy Taskis Clark on the uh it's item number 18 on here. I don't know what an accessory dwelling unit is, so I'd like
to have that explained. Thank you. >> Thank you, Nancy. Anyone else on agenda items? Okay, seeing no one, I'd like a motion to close this portion. Some move. >> Thank you, Councilman Okconor, and thank
you, Councilman Hun. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Uh Jim or mayor, you want to just address what the accessory dwelling units are? >> I'll take it. So, as the mayor said that they are putting in a require, well, they're looking to, you know, change the
zoning for municipalities of less than 9,000 people per mile or square mile and give them permission to put additional units within their property. So, an accessory house um above a garage and
having apartments, but that totally does away with all of our zoning requirements. So what we are asking is that they don't do that and let us keep our zoning as is. So it takes away our ability to control what um goes onto the
properties and as we've heard numerous times and everything cuz being on the planning board, everybody is up in up in arms about the size of the houses that are being put on these properties. this will just add to it and we'll have additional issues with additional um
people being able to live on those properties, park on the streets, use the services. Um so we that's why we're against it, you know. >> Right. Sounds like a nightmare. All right.
Uh we'll move on to Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. We can move on to consent agenda resolutions. The the following items items 134 through 149 are considered routine and non-controversial items by the township council and will be enacted upon by one
motion. There will be no separate vote on these items unless a council member so requests in which event the event the item will be removed from the consent agenda to be discussed and voted on following the approval of the remaining items listed on the consent agenda. And
the mayor did a great job explaining them. >> Yes. So we can uh adopt them all together. >> Yes. >> I need a motion to adopt the consent agenda. Thank you. Councilman Tol. Can I get a second? >> I'll second it. >> Thank you. Councilman Maserella. Uh roll
call, please. >> Council member Hoff. >> Yes. >> Council member Hund. >> Yes. >> Council member Maserella? >> Yes. >> Council member Okconor? >> Yes. >> Council member Tol. >> Yes. >> Council President Smith. >> Yes. >> Okay. There's no standalone resolutions.
Uh, is there any new business on the calendar? >> There is no new business. >> Okay. At this time, we're going to move to the public comment portion of the meeting. I'll open a 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 NJSA10 col 4-12A and acced 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 five minutes in duration. At the
conclusion of the statements or questions from a member of the public, the council president his her discretion may choose to respond or not response. If anyone would like to come forward, you have five minutes of duration. Council President, members of council, mayor,
>> can you just state your name for the I was that was my next line. >> Oh, thank you. Sorry. >> That's all right. I'm Joe Farrell of Janice Drive. I've been a resident of Clark for 55 years this summer. It's absolutely amazing. I was a young man when I came
here and having been involved with the community for many decades and having raised our two children who are educated in the Clark school system and Ron to get advanced degrees including a Ruters
MBA with a 40 which is fabulous for our family. Uh as they moved out we stayed here because we love this town. We love its people. We know what it's like after those many years. We feel very secure. We feel very protected.
But things have changed a little bit in our backyards, if you will. And it's the resi project that's now taking place. Um current over the past um I've been doing some chemo treatments and
radiation for a medical issue and uh I'm on heavy doses of penicellin and with my spleen removed I'm subject to infection. So I got to watch myself. So with what's going on in our backyard and I'll describe it. I don't venture out there.
I don't even lift the um things from the grill or from uh the furniture there because I don't know what the dust has created in our backyard on our window sills uh going in fact I think even to the sopets of the homes and getting into
the atticss of the home. It is that severe. Um the noise is ever never ending. In fact, Friday at 3:05 a.m., I was awakened by a truck sound going down behind my property. Uh, it was a truck,
construction truck going down, kind of marshalling down towards the end of the resi, waiting at 7:00 for the rest of the gang to open up to fill their trucks to cart it out wherever they're carting it out to. This morning at 4:30, I was
awoken to the same thing. And at 5:30 a.m., the same thing. Uh, this time I observed six trucks going down there to Marshall. And wait, they turned off their engines, thank goodness. But the sound of those trucks on those pebbles
or rocks or whatever, still creates quite a noise even though the windows are closed and the air conditioning is on. So, the noise is ever uh constant. Uh the trucks are filled with sludge from the resi. Now the sludge from the
resi, as you can see as you cross Maritan Road, it's it there's quite a bit of dirt to go to be filled and to be carted out. But as those trucks leave my backyard view, if you will, they're
dropping sludge on the roadway. With the warmer weather, that sludge dries. As those trucks go over, it creates dust. Where's that dust go? It goes on their property, of course, but it goes onto my lawn, into my home, and into uh uh my uh
my patio area. I certainly want to thank the mayor and Councilman Okconor uh who stopped at my home on Sunday to uh visit with Jerry and I, my neighbor, and to go over what our issues are and to see firsthand what
was happening and to see that construction site. Um so they observe that firsthand. Uh I'm concerned for myself and other residents um of that dust. Uh, I wonder if there's
any air quality studies that have been done uh as to what we may be breathing in. If there's any, I'd like to know about it. If there's any forthcoming, we would like to certainly know about it because I got to certainly watch myself.
We all remember 911 when people were told that air quality was safe. I just want to know that that air quality is safe for us. I want to thank the Clark police. Uh they responded uh to me at 5:30 in the
morning after I called them. And in fact, when they transferred me to the county, the guy told me this morning, the dispatcher, "What are you talking about? That's not our project. That's not our park." I said, "Well, I don't want to argue with you, but it is a park
under construction because there's no address that I can give them. I can give them my neighbor up on the corner of Janice and and Madison Hill Road. I can give them the number of St. Agnes, but I can't give them the number of the project. There's got to be a number out there. So, they're kind of wishy-washy
with where are we responding to. >> Just want to let you know you have about 30 seconds. >> I'm sorry. Um, what I would like to see is a a meeting of the council people and the county to get here in the chambers to talk about some of these issues that we're facing. not only us, Madison Hill
Road, Rainbow Drive, etc. Uh, some of the things I'd like to see is a a burm, a landscape burm put up similar to what they have at Shearing Plow in Kennallorth and other sites to screen. Um, what I was told by the county, it's a
construction project with all the warts involved. It's more like a turn p turnpike road widening project because of the dust created. I hope we don't have to contact Edman uh each one of us because I don't know how fruitful that's
going to be. Um but I'm just concerned about the quality of life occurring in the township. Clark, thank you so much for your time. Mayor Jim, you've been great. Pat, you've been great as well. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Farrell.
Good evening. Jerry Kovatch, Henei Drive. Um, I'm going to kind of repeat some of the things Joe said, but we are like in ground zero there. And I appreciate the mayor and Patrick coming out. Brian, you made an effort to get me in touch with
somebody, but that is not going to go anywhere. Listen, we're a community here, and you guys I we need you your your voices to be heard to Union County. Otherwise, we're going to have to take this and take it another notch. And we need you, mayor, you, Patrick, all of
you to make sure that we are in safe hands. I've lived there for 33 years. It was beautiful back there. It was unbelievable what they came in and they've done. 300 trees down in in a week. 300 trees. Bam. Bam. Bam. That's
all I heard all day long. Now we get dust and dirt and people that are just run up up up up and down making havoc with noise and everything having people coming like Joe said at at 4:00 in the morning and you know the car police did
respond when I called once they had they had people walking back there with kids with kids playing on the trucks and what liability is that the kid falls off the truck you know they're going to sue and I said to the guy, "That's private property back there." He goes, "There's
no trespassing signs." So he said to telling me, "Leave him alone. Let him play up there. Let them fall." Guess what happens? They sue Union County, but the in the news it's going to be Clark. It's not going to be Union County. Somebody drowns on that reservoir and
tips a canoe. It's not going to be done in Union County. It's done in Clark. It happened in Clark. So, I need you the your support and as much help. I know it's not your responsibility. I've been told it's been Union County's responsibility, but you have the
opportunity to help us. And I I really appreciate Jim. You've you've been a a pleasure to help me with every he calls me every other day. And and Patrick, you've been stepped up. Brian, I I I kind of disappointed. You know, just
giving me a name doesn't help, you know, and you're a you're a figure in this town. You've been here a long time. A little bit of help would help from everybody would help. So, with that said, if as Joe said, if we could get a a meeting with the union union paving
with CME here, I just want the updated plans. What's going on? What's done because what's done is done. We're not going to go back. what's going to be done, is there going to be a burm put up? And just a little idea of what we got. As you mayor said the other day
when she was at the house, we've got 666 days to go. So, we need to make some decisions on this. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Uh Daniel Fuches, Clark, New Jersey. Uh first of all, I want to uh congratulate Edy on your uh upcoming retirement. I've
gotten to know you a little bit during these meetings and we've emailed. You've always been very kind to me and obviously by the reception today. >> Well missed. >> Um I also want to congratulate the new officers and all the heroic uh stories. I mean, that was I mean, that was it was
actually really it was a really great day. I'm glad I came. It's definitely past my bedtime, but it's been uh it was it was it was really nice to see all that. Um the reason why was I wanted to come here today, I guess it is on the agenda, I didn't even realize, but the officers who are on the payroll still, I
know there's a recent NJ.com article and we're at like 3 million bucks. And you know, I just think as I've said at a prior meeting that the police department has been a point of pride in this town over the last few years, but this is sort of overshadowing it. Um, and I'm
hoping we can hoping we can get them dismissed. There's no reason why they should have a job in this town. We know what they did. It's been so long. I can't believe how much money they've been able to receive over all these years. And frankly, if you see all the hard work from our police department, and I don't speak for them, but I can
only imagine how they might feel doing the job that they're supposed to do while there are others not doing the job and getting paid pretty well. So, I hope in the executive meeting it's something productive and uh you know, we really we really get uh some good headway and
hopefully get them dismissed. Um but that's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening. Dileia Collins Clark. I attended the planning board meeting uh the first week of the month regarding planning. Um there was a proposal
regarding four properties on Westfield Avenue from the now demolished funeral home to the building office building next to four res four homes on Westfield Avenue. I just want to know when this
all this development happens where are the people that want to travel down Westfield Avenue going to go? because I'm out every day up and down around the town and certain times of the day you cannot even pull out from a
parking space on Westfield Avenue. Um I've counted the amount of properties and constructions. There'll be five apartments going up and also with the uh
daycare center going in replacing the funeral parlor and possibly the non-comdemnation of the property next to the f prior funeral home and the office building. Is
there any way to find out when these projects are going to start? The mayor alluded to an issue regarding the AC ammp property ACME food town merit that it's still in negotiations regarding
parts of the property and there was mentioned that the uh developer was looking into other properties and that's a question that I have and take a ride on a if you're here
during the week around between 11 and four, try to get down Westfield Avenue. I mean, I know it's a 25 mph zone. Nobody can go over 25 miles. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Good evening, council. Uh Glenn Fogerty. I've been in Clark Clark resident for uh going on 26 years now. Uh went to grade school in town here too. Uh I'm very sympathetic with the situation over by
St. Agnes. I used to play back in there in the woods there and build forts on recess time and to see the mess. >> Mr. Fogerty >> it's making you just >> Yeah. Sorry. See the mess that the >> Yeah. Just talk into the microphone and address us. >> I was kind of giving my kudos.
>> I understand. gentleman over here. Uh to see the mess that's being made there is uh whatever the town can do to push back on the county on this. Uh I don't know what the options are, but uh let's do them. Uh, Memorial Day is coming up and
it should be a time in which we're called to honor and mourn our fallen military personnel, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, also the Coast Guard and merchant marine as there were quite a few losses in there over the years as well uh that have died in the service of
this great country. What Memorial Day should not be is an opportun opportunity for partisan electioneering uh particularly by this group known as Stronger Clark. I've seen them in past years lined up like ducks in a row with
their Stronger Clark t-shirts. And to me that is disrespectful to be doing electioneering on Memorial Day which should be solemn memorial to our fallen military members and our veterans in indirectly our veterans that
are still serving today. I mean, one of their their perennial candidates uh in his narcissistic quest to be mayor on the council was even seen several years ago fiddling around with his cell phone during the anthem and God Bless America.
You know, it's really all about Mike Schulman over and over again. It's not about Clark. It's not about America. It's about Mike Schulman. It's about Mr. Greavves. Another guy who's not here tonight because he cares so much about
this town. Uh Mr. Gri's not here again. Uh I call him the invisible man. I think HG Wells wrote a novel about him because he's never here. He wants to be mayor, but he's never here. Uh, I also have to question the patriotism of some of the
people in Stronger Clark because I have seen them fully supporting people like Zoran Mandami and Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tab and it's really appalling to me whose family were longtime Democrats to see people like Senator Chris Murphy
from Connecticut cheering on Iranian ships that made it through the blockade with the comment awesome. Furthermore, with the radical positions that stronger Clark takes all the time on pretty much everything and as a proud
supporter of our brave allies in Israel, which is why I'm wearing this shirt tonight, friends of the Israeli Defense Forces, and I'm also a partial Czech Jewish heritage from my greatg grandmother. When is Stronger Clark, particularly Mr. Schulman and Mr. Greavves and whoever
else is their leaders now going to call out the rising anti-semitism in the Democrat party. M Senator Federman has done so bravely and wellspoken. So has Joshimer up from Bergen County. He's
called it out. When I see stronger Clark's back and forth on social media, it is as radical as one can imagine. And it's really disgraceful. And you know, I fully expect they'll
show up on Memorial Day with their t-shirts. Never mind that, you know, you have another Stronger Clark person here getting up claiming to praise our police department. Well, Stronger Clark have been the ones behind Matthew
Platkins lawsuit defaming our very diverse police department. And our police department is far more diverse than the all-white rich liberal candidates put forth by stronger Clark year after year. I don't know why they came to this town. They could easily go
to Marxist Montlair or Maplewood where they'd fit in well. But no, they want to come here with hyphenated names, claiming fake ethnic diversity. >> You have 30 seconds. Let's give you a time. >> And and uh just bashing our police department over and over again when
they're the least diverse people of all. But again, stronger Clark, don't pull your little sham again on Memorial Day. Honor our veterans, not yourselves. Thank you. Good night.
>> Thank you. Right. Seeing no one else coming forward like a motion to close this portion. >> Motion. >> Thank you, Council Member Hoff. I get a second. >> I'll second that. >> Thank you, Councilman Hun. All in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose?
Um Jim, you want to take the uh reservoir? I know you reached out uh to them. I know you've been communicating with the residents. >> Yeah, so we've had numerous conversations. I mean, they did start with the water truck. Um, it's on site every day. You know, one of the bigger
issues, as I explained to, you know, everybody who calls, I mean, no matter who it is, um, they're taking about a 100 truckloads a day out of there, right? So, they they need to queue up some trucks so they're ready at 7:00 in the morning. Um, they are using the
street sweepers. I heard today that it seems like a couple of them are not using water as it dries. So, I'm going to talk to the county about that. Um the mayor was talking to me about some additional um silt fencing uh on going
between the properties to, you know, potential hopefully keep some of the dust from going over. Um you know, the you know, it's it's also a catch 22. If we we slow down the number of trucks, it's the longer it's going to take. So, we're trying to get this um project done
as soon as possible. So, I will again follow up with the county and I got I got your contact information. So, you know, I'll get back to both of you also. Um you know, after these discussions. So, I told um Rick at the county today actually, he just wanted to see how
things were going. and I said, you know, I'll we'll have a meeting tonight and um I'll get back to him with, you know, any other comments instead of peppering them on and off. Um you know, just get a consolidated list. So, um again, county
has been great, you know, commenting, responding. Um so, you know, it it really is they're using two different trucking companies uh to do this. And each load is, you know, depending on traffic, anywhere from an hour to two hours away. And, you
know, it's just a constant process of trying to get it out. Um, you know, I've looked at the police reports that were there and I went over them with um OIC Akaboo this morning and in each instance, you know, they um, you know,
this morning there was another call that you know, took a little bit of precedence, but you know, they've um, spoken to the residents, they've spoken to who's ever there. Um but you know when you have you know somewhere in the neighborhood of you know 50 individual 40 to 50 individual trucks you know just
trying to get the information out to everybody is is difficult at best. The other thing that um I was asked also is to see if we could close it off so we keep the trespasses away. uh the trespasses were local residents so to say um that were walking back there and
um were just interested in what was going on. But as soon as the police um met with them, they left and they they understood. So, you know, it's it's a big project. You know, there's a lot of interest there. Um you know, I I so it's
you know, we're trying to manage it the best we can and it's a project that we don't have 100% of the control over. I mean, the biggest issue that I'm hearing any other council members is the starting at 3:00, 4 in the morning hearing trucks. Um, I know when I go to
work sometimes at 6:30 in the morning as I'm coming to the light at Madison Hill Road on Raritin, I already see trucks coming out fully loaded. >> Yeah. >> So, it's before Yeah. >> No, they shouldn't be. >> I did this morning. By the way, >> there were two trucks there maybe 6:45.
I left my house 6:30, 6:45. So, it was a few minutes earlier than the 7 o'clock, but if there's anything we could do to really prevent them from starting before 7. >> Yeah, they shouldn't be starting before 7. That's >> Yeah, Councilman Okconor. >> Yeah. Again, it was great meeting with some of you guys over the weekend. I appreciate it. I thank you very much for
coming out tonight. Um, some of the frustration we've heard is um, and I think Mr. Farrell said it well. Let's not look back. Let's look forward. And I think it's not understanding where the project is. like we had the meeting, they said what they were going to do,
and then where are we? What's next? And I think, you know, um asking for a meeting with the with the with the council and the county, with you guys. We're going to see what we can do. Can't make any promises. Again, it's not our project, but as your council person, I'm the person that's going to help you uh
be a voice to the county through the mayor and through the BA, and that's what we're going to do. Um, uh, again, great words about the mayor and the BA tonight with regard to being responsive, but again, just unknowing is is a little
bit unsettling, right? And how long is it going to take? We know 666 days, but how many days as of today? Are we on track? Are we off track? These are the kind of questions that they're looking for. And um you know um you know one of
the things that was mentioned to me that I don't think was mentioned tonight was hey at the end of the day put a chain across the sidewalk so people can't drive back there and see what's going on. Something simple like that. Something simple like a no trespassing sign we talked about. But I think a
chain would be helpful just to kind of tell people hey you can't come in here. So, what you didn't see the no trespassing sign, but sure enough, you saw a s you saw either a orange uh gate across or you saw a chain across that said, "Hey, don't come back here." I
know they have cones on one side, but they have nothing on the other. Simple things like that. But again, the key is information, you guys. And again, um Angel and I were there, the mayor and I were there this weekend. We got to speak to some of you at your homes, but obviously the communication needs to
continue. I left my cards at everybody's doors. Please feel free to call. But more importantly, let's keep the dialogue going, right? The more you talk to me, the more I know. The more I could talk to the town, the more the town could talk to the county. Um, so, you know, we're in this together. You know, listen, I drive Madison Hill Road
myself. It's a mess, right? It's dirt. I got a call from somebody on Madison Hill Road who says, "Pat, the sweet sweep, the street sweeper's coming, but it's just pushing dirt. That's all it's doing. It's creating dust." So, again, it's not just your problem. is our problem and that's what we're here for to try to help you guys solve our
problems. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else on the reservoir up here? >> I just want to say thank you very much for coming out tonight and for meeting with us yesterday. Um, I just want to put some of this in perspective because
as Jim said, they're trying to take a hundred truckloads a day. That's that's amazing. And obviously if things were going smoothly and we didn't have all the bad weather we had earlier this year, I think it would be a little bit more calmed down, but they must be under the gun. I mean, you don't have to be a
rocket scientist to figure that out to try and cut corners because they have contracts they have to meet. Otherwise, there's probably penalties in those contracts. And just so the citizens understand, it's a hundred acres.
100 acres of the reservoir is 100 acres. That's that's overwhelming, isn't it? It's it's enormous. So, just want to keep that in perspective and we will talk to the county. I think it's better if we have one organized list that comes. You know, Jim's taking notes. I'm taking notes. We have different
questions and ideas about what we can do. We want to be reasonable and at least get the update. That's the minimum. you know, we we have to get we can get the plans to look at what the final remind ourselves what is that final project going to look like because
we saw the CME project being presented but it was changed after that. So what is the final we want to know what that is we want everyone to know and uh we we can certainly get that information very easily. So um that's that's pretty much all I have to
say about it. We will work on it. It is painful. Um, you know, when you think about, okay, let's take, you know, drain the reservoir and clean it out. It doesn't, you don't imagine what it's going to be like, right? Couldn't have imagined this. So, we will work on this. Thank
you. >> Great. Thank you. Uh, and just one other comment. I want to address uh Miss Collins comments on the traffic in town. Uh to be blunt, it's only going to get worse. Still you um the state has
mandated affordable housing on us in four rounds. Uh we're still finishing up round two. We got to do round three and we just submitted everything for round four. And there's going to be a lot of development in the master plans that we've updated over the years.
Unfortunately, we didn't want to do them, but our hands were tied and we've um come to some settlements and agreements with the state to minimize uh the amount of affordable housing. But unfortunately, that's what this state is about right now. Uh we are lucky, if you
want to cons call it lucky on the amount of housing going up compared to surrounding towns, but unfortunately our hands are kind of tied. Anything else you want to add, mayor or business administrator? Okay. Anyone else? There's going to be a lot of traffic.
Going to be more traffic. >> The people buy the property. They're going to develop the property. It's part of the master plan. We did overlay zones. We did all type of zoning and that's what the planning board's for. So, anyhow, we can beat that. >> Just to be clear, we can't stagger the buildings, right? So, the zone is
indicated as the affordable um downtown village zone for and that's where the affordable housing needs to be. So if someone puts together four lots and another four lots right next to it, we have no control over that, you know, and again it goes to the planning board, but
the density and all of the other um requirements already been established. >> All right. Great. Thank you. All right. At this time, we're going to move to 19. Do you want to read that, Madam Clerk? >> Sure. So, uh, executive resolution to go into executive session to conduct
discussions regarding litigation, Matthew J. Platkin versus Clark Township, docket number 18026, an update on disciplinary hearings for Pedro Mtos, Joseph Testin, and Vincent Cancina. >> Okay, I got a motion to go into
executive session. Thank you, Councilman Hoff, and second, Councilman Hun. All in favor? Hi. >> All right, it's 9:45 p.m. Uh, we'll be back shortly. Need a motion to resume the meeting. >> Thank you, Councilman Tol. Second. Thank
you, Councilman Hun. All in favor? >> Any oppose? All right, let the time read 10:09 p.m. Okay, now we're going to move to Mayor Council professional comments. Mayor Albanese, do you have anything? >> This is a great evening this tonight.
Um, seeing our officers receive awards and uh it's pretty much it. I just want to say to Edie, going to miss you, Edie, and uh thank you so much for everything over
the years and I wish you the best. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Um I'm going to miss everybody, but I'm going to pop in from time to time. >> Yeah. I mean, to me, I look at you and I see, oh, you have a whole new life ahead of you. >> Exactly. And I wish you the best. Thank
you. Thank you, >> Council Member Hoff. Okay, I'm going to power through very quickly. I want to say thank you to for to director Grady for the perfect speech tonight and for the safety talk that he did with the mayor and most of us um over at Woodrest and the flyer that he gave on the safety
talk is available on our Facebook page. I thought it was super helpful and had some messages asking for it to be spread far and wide. So, that's what I'm doing. Um the great presentation led by Captain Akaboo tonight. Um it was a huge to me a huge congratulations to these officers. um a great end to National Police Week
and with the recognition of all the outstanding examples of heroism which quite frankly um I think most of the town doesn't even know that occurs every single day and you know literally it's it's their job. So I just think it's absolutely phenomenal and uh thank them for keeping our town safe and honorable and skilled hands. Um I want to double
down on what the mayor said earlier about the ALJ Hall of Fame um that we most of us was able to attend uh with coach Schaef and and Donna and the entire board. If you want to be inspired or motivated, looking at the 2026 inductees was incredible. Uh between them and the fantastic uh scholarship
recipients of all of these high school seniors going off and doing great things. It's literal proof in person the Clark School District and uh the greatness that goes through it and uh I'm confident that the tradition will continue. uh as a board of ed leaison I
do just want to say that um after the unfortunate incident at the at ALJ resulting in a lockdown and then the shelter in place I want to thank um Mr. Granty Mrs. Aloe vera and the administration for their plentiful communication during something that is
just shameful that it's occurring. Um but at the same time when something bad happens I say look to the helpers and I want to thank them for their very swift and organized actions in getting school back um into normal rhythm uh as as
quickly as they did. Um as a DPW wife, DPW week is next week. So thank you to them for all that you do. Um, super congrats to the ALJ baseball team. 40 years I think since they won. Um, and good luck to girls softball who is doing the same thing I think tomorrow. And um,
I did want to say to Edy in my short time here, your legacy clearly is cemented um, your class depth of experience and institutional knowledge has clearly been invaluable. So, thank you so much for helping me out um, quite frankly the moment I met you and you
will certainly be missed. So, thank you very very much. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That's all. Thank you, >> Councilman Hunt. >> Thank you, Council President. Um Edie, congratulations on your retirement. Um a new part of your your life is going to start with Jack and the rest of the
family. Like you your granddaughter said, you can stay as long as you want. >> Exactly. >> Don't have to come back to New Jersey if you don't want to. So, congratulations on that. And thank you for over the past 12 years for always being there to assist me in my questions that I have and there was plenty of them. Pleasure.
Thank you very much for your knowledge that you shared with me. So, enjoy your retirement, both of you. It's going to be fantastic for you. Congratulations to the newly hired police officers that were honored tonight by being introduced to the town. Um, special shout out to
Joe Greenbush. U congratulations. He's a a local man. I was going to call him kid, but he's a man. Um, I've known him since he was a little boy. So, uh, great to see someone grow through the town, be do everything in town, do some wonderful things in sports, and then become a
police officer in town. Um, all the officers that received their awards tonight. Um, just spectacular. It's extremely impressive to see the dedication that all the officers and the dispatchers show
to our community to make sure we're safe and put their lives on the line to make sure our lives are safe. Um the same with the uh medical squad. Congratulations to the proclamation that we had tonight and for all their services that they do on that.
Congratulations to the baseball team. That's fantastic. Good luck to the girls tomorrow night. And I believe lacrosse is also having a good success. The girls lacrosse won their um league. So sports
at ALJ this past year has done extremely well from the winter through the spring. So congratulations to them all. And that's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Maserella. >> Yes. Thank you, Council President. uh to all of the officers that that received
uh the awards, congratulations. Um it shows how dedicated you are not only to the passing uh uh individuals that come through our community, but our residents and uh we all owe you a debt of gratitude for your
service. uh you're are true heroes and um to the new three new police officers, good luck. Um and I'm sure you'll come into the fold quite nicely. And finally to Edy, um you have been a true friend
um and um confidant uh through the years. Um, you have treated myself and Teresa as family and your professionalism was outstanding. And most importantly, you
were able to separate that friendship to your position as clerk and keep whatever you do in the clerk's office to yourself. and um you allow me to keep my
uh whatever I do on council and you've maintained that professionalism and that separation and that really is a testament to your integrity and um I wish you and Jack the very best
>> uh in your years retirement >> like Teresa and I I'm very very happy for you and um I'm sure you'll your retirement with Jack will be very fruitful and rewarding. Thank you again, Edie.
>> Thank you so much, Frank. Thank you. >> Yes, that's all I have. >> Hey, Council Member Okconor. >> Thank you very much. Uh what a tremendous celebrations tonight with the police department. Uh some people may say it's their job. Many people, including myself, will say it's their
calling, right? to run into danger when everyone else is running away to save people's lives. That takes a lot to do. That's not a job. That's a calling. So, thank you to all the police officers for that as well as all the volunteers who do do that. Um
uh congratulations to LJ baseball uh Union County Champs for the first time. And again, congratulations to Councilman Menetti's son who's an integral part of the team. So, um, from what I understand, uh, the county championship is just the start of it, right? We got
states coming up, right? >> So, good luck with the in states and, uh, let's not count our chicks before they hatch, but, uh, let's hope they can do well there, and I'm sure they will. And, uh, good luck to the girls tomorrow. Um, we spoke I spoke earlier before to resident Ji Drive. I'm not
going to repeat them myself, but again, you know, um we're going to work together to get through this and help you guys um with some of the issues you're having. And again, it's it's our town and we want to make it great for everybody. Um,
thank you to the mayor, uh, Pat Grady, and, uh, council, um, Smith and Council, Councilwoman Hoff for coming to the Woodrest to talk about the, um, the safety issues. Again, um, Jess was kind enough to put out the flyer that police
had regarding, um, what all residents can do to stay safe, specifically with regard to um, phone scams and and different kind of scams. Uh, now to the last thing. Edy. I'm going to miss Edie a lot. You know,
um, I like to think I have a special relationship with Edie, but I'm sure everybody here does because that's what Edy does, right? She makes you feel like you're special. So, so thank you for that. Now, you know, just thinking back about, you know, my time here with Edie, you know, so when we first started, you
know, our council meetings were taped. There was a guy would come in here with a big camera and he'd roll it up and down. Of course, it wasn't in here. It was a different chambers. So Ed's seen us go from tape to live. >> Then she had to adapt to COVID, >> right? The changes we had during CO, >> right?
>> And then, you know, obviously this was built, right? And we moved here and John Las's name is is on the wall dedicated to him, >> who of course is is Ed's dad. and um you know Edie has treated the residents,
she's treated the council as her family. She really has. You know, I can just go on and on about, you know, about how great she is or, you know, you might start thinking, you know, um when I talk about her, it's like her hyperbole, right? But but it truly is. I mean, I don't I don't think I've ever
called and asked for anything where Edie said, "I can't get that. Don't worry, we'll figure it out. And you know, EDI is really I don't know the right how do you say it? Not Edie works for us, right? Edies Edie works for the council. Right.
>> Right. And and you know, talk about teamwork, you know? I mean, it's it's just phenomenal. I'm going to go on and on. I'm sure I don't sound at all um professional, but I can't be because, you know, she's such a great person, you
know, and u she's done so much for the town and I have such respect for her and I wish her nothing but the best in a retirement. Jack is here, her husband. Jack's a great guy, too. And I know they're going to have a great life together. Uh rest of life together, I should say. So, thank you.
>> Thank you so much, Pat. Thank you. >> Okay, Councilman Tol. >> Thank you, Mr. President, I'm going to do this with the history. The first council meeting or township meeting for the township of Clark after it broke from railway was on April the 11th, 1864.
The first clerk of the township of Clark was Leonard Dunn. Mr. Dunn served in a yearly capacity capacity with renomination every year. He served for a number of years in a farming community that they worked out of the local schoolhouse, the one room schoolhouse like Little House on the Prairie, that
television show. That type of setting for the kids in the schoolhouse and the church Sunday services is how Clark started. I when I first met Edie Merkel, Lasa Merkel and Jack, I met Jack through other means, but I'm just trying to say this, Edie, you served the people with
honor, distinction, and everyone's honoring your dad, but I always saw your mom at the Cranford Library. >> I don't, you know, where you got your wonderfulness from her. She was such a great lady. And your dad, again, your dad always yelled at me. So, it's just like it was what it was. You've left
your mark on the the generation for the time you've served. You'll continue on doing other wonderful things, but the township of Clark is a better place because of your efforts. You are the backbone or the secretary or the you run the meetings that run the town that run
the community that does that and it's because of you and we appreciate everything you've serviced. Nicole, we welcome you and I'll throw my two cents. You've never seen Clark. The one thing I said to you was welcome to Clark. You don't understand. You hear about it until you actually every day the election the election process. Uh, I can
go through another story, but we're not going to do that tonight. Gonna finish up a couple other thoughts. Our prayers are with you and nothing. Good health, Jack. Good health to all >> you. Uh, you and I back friends, car friends for years, and we wish you all the best in your retirement. to those we
lost Ralph Demarzo to his brother John and Dolores Donu Maria Bet Clark's own Salvet and Angela Bet again residents of the town who not just gave of themselves
but their left their children to continue the legacy of service and giving of the community. I'm going to leave it at that because it's a long it's been a long meeting. It's a long night. I said, you know, I could keep continue talking and work till 11 o'clock tonight. I don't think so. But uh guys, I got yelled at tonight. Let's
make sure that doesn't happen again. But have a good night. See you Memorial Day parade. Be a part of Clark history. Make it an event by being involved and being a service to remember those who've come before us, those who went off to foreign lands and did not come home. We must never forget. And to Bill Duffy, who's
said he's not going to be here this year. Thank you for bringing those soldiers who lost their lives to the newer generations with their biographies. Thanks, Bill. >> Yay. Mr. Lor, you have anything?
>> Um, well, first I have something from Jim Metti. Uh, it's he starts with, "Can you please read this for me?" Oh, wait. Sorry. Go past that. Um, he's sorry that he could not attend tonight's meeting. However, he'd like to extend his sincere
thank you to Edie for her dedicated service as the township clerk. Um, you have been an important part of the township and your contributions, professionalism, hard work, and commitment to the residents have been truly appreciated. Although we are sorry
to see you go, we are grateful for your time and dedication to the council and our community. I wish you nothing but continued success, happiness, and good health as you begin this next chapter of your life. Thanks again for everything and best wishes for the future, Jimmy
Manetti. Um, so that was from Jimmy. So from me, um, Edy, you know, uh, congratulations on your welldeserved, uh, retirement after 24 years of being here. And, you know, it's outstanding service to to the township of Clark. I
remember when you first started and I was on council and even back then, it was clear how dedicated you were, you know, organized and dependable. And it was all shown even during the affordable housing process when you know Jeff
Serenian came and said who's your clerk because these are the best files I've ever seen in my life. So you know to to to hear from someone like that who's been dealing with affordable housing for all these years. It was um it was obvious you know over the years you've been essential to you know everything
that we've been doing here ensuring that the municipality ran correctly you know got on top of it you know hunted me down when I needed to you know get things done um you know the respect that you earned you know between the attorneys the elected officials your staff
residents you know you even heard residents here tonight saying about your work I mean all I can say is thank you for your service and dedication to the community and you know best wishes for you know a healthy and uh fulfilling retirement with your family down in
South Carolina. However, just remember 3:00 on the 2nd I'm going to 3:00 a.m. I'm going to call you just so it makes you feel good now that you don't have to wake up for the primary. >> Thank you Jim. >> Thanks. >> Thank you counselor.
>> Uh Mr. Council President, although I've had a short time with you as your attorney since the beginning of this year, uh I would like to thank Edie for all of her help and assistance in the last few months. I I truly appreciate it. Um I've had the opportunity to
witness this firsthand, which was a comment that was made by the mayor, and that is uh the guidance and training that you have given to Nicole and the sharing of your knowledge. Uh, I think that that is the most, as the mayor
said, the most telling example of of who you are. Uh, and I think that's going to be something like your legacy that will continue through Nicole and hopefully after Nicole leaves with the next clerk. So, personally, thank you very much for
all your help and and good wishes to you and your husband. >> Thank you, Albert, very much. >> All right, I'm going to go and then I'll let you wrap it up. All right. I just uh want to congratulate the new police officers. Uh the officers received the awards. The ALJ boys varsity baseball
team. Uh if anyone's around tomorrow night, I believe the game is 6:30 p.m. at KA. I believe that was it. So Kane University will be the uh softball county tournament. Uh Edie, I'm not going to reurgitate everything everyone said because obviously you can see how
much you've meant to all of us, how much you've helped us, how you treated this town. Um you you work this town like you live this town your whole life and that's just tremendous. Um you've been a great help to me. It was been a joy working with you. You made my life and
job very easy up here. Uh we've had some trying times the last few years. Uh and we got through it uh with no issues. So I I just want to commend you on your work ethic. Um and I I just hope uh you know you're family to us. You're going to go hang out with your other family,
but don't forget us. come back whenever you want. We'd love to see you. And with further ado, I'll let you wrap up before I close the meeting. >> Okay. Thank you all very much. Those are such kind words. Mayor, Jim, all of council. It's truly been a pleasure
working for all of you. I remember years ago going to uh Union County Clerk's meetings and they would all be complaining about their towns and they would get to me and I'd say, "I love where I work." And that was the truth.
You know, they I had nothing bad to say about Clark. Clark is truly my second home. And uh I will miss every one of you. I really will. And you know, I won't miss the stress. I won't miss the
long hours or getting up at 3:15 to be at an election. But uh I will pop in from time to time. And I've made lifelong friends in Clark. So I just so said to them if we live into our 80s I expect you to still be my friend. So thank you. Thank you. I appreciate all
your kindness. Thank you so much all of you. >> Thank you again. So it's my great privilege and honor for the last time to close a meeting that you or the clerk. So thank you very much Edie. Motion to adjourn. >> Uh that's going to be all council. Can
we do entire council even though Jimmy M is not here? All right. Uh, now I have to do Pat O' Conor first and second Councilman Tol. All in favor? Best of luck in your retirement.