Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to our March 16th the Delenboroough Council meeting. Uh, our first order of business is a call to order and the rise for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America and to the stand. >> Our second item on the agenda is the reading of the sunshine statement. Roll call by mun uh municipal clerk Mrs. Lauren Stats. >> This meeting of the Denellan Burough Council is called pursuant to the provisions of the open public meetings
law. This meeting of March 16, 2026 was included in a list of meetings that was advertised in the courier on January 8th, 2026 and as a teleconference was noticed on the official Denellan website on March 13, 2026 and on the public
bulletin board on North Avenue on March 13, 2026 and has remained continuously posted as the required notice. >> Mayor Sento >> present. Council President Lamb >> here. >> Mrs. Albertson
>> here. >> Mrs. Rios >> here. >> Mr. Scott >> here. >> Mr. Sigman >> here. >> And Mrs. Vandermark >> here. >> Okay. Now that we have a quorum officially, um, next item on the agenda is proclamations. We have a proclamation
honoring the 80th anniversary of the Tri Burrow Memorial DFW Auxiliary 5479. And we have four members here this evening that I'm going to kindly ask that they join me up front. Um, I will read the proclamation because I heard that you wanted to pass that up, but I
will gladly read it for you. >> Would you like us right across? We'll do this. facing our guests in the audience. How about that? And I do have lapels for each of you. >> Thank you for your service
to our veterans. >> So honoring the 80th anniversary of the trial memorial VFW auxiliary 5479. Whereas Tribe Burough Memorial VFW Post 5479 was established on January 27th,
1946 at 201 Prospect Avenue, followed shortly thereafter by the establishment of the Tri Burrow Memorial VFW auxiliary 5479 on March 24th, 1946. And whereas Marian Shields served as the
first auxiliary president leading 34 members. And whereas today the Trib Memorial VFW Auxiliary 5479 continues its proud tradition of service under the leadership of President Susan Horos. Right. >> Yes. >> Oh, perfect. And its 59 members who meet
on the second Wednesday of each month and remain deeply committed to supporting veterans and their families through volunteerism, fundraising, and patriotic programs. And whereas the first VFW auxiliary was originally established on September 14th, 1914 in
Pittsburgh with Margaret Armstrong, serving as its first national president and has grown to become one of the nation's oldest veteran service organizations dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. And whereas the organization was originally known as the ladies
auxiliary of the veterans of foreign wars of the United States and was founded to assist returning soldiers from World War I through the hospital work and community service and in 2015 officially became the VFW auxiliary to reflect a more inclusive membership
welcoming all spouses and eligible relatives. And whereas on March 24th, 2026, the Trib Memorial VFW Auxiliary 5479 proudly celebrates the 80th anniversary of its founding, marking eight decades
of dedication to honoring and supporting the men and women who serve our nation. Now therefore, be it proclaim that I, Mayor Jason F. Sento and the Denellan Burough Council recognize and congratulate Tribe Burough Memorial VFW auxiliary 5479 on the occasion of its
80th anniversary and commend its members for their decades of service, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to veterans and their families uh dated March 16th underneath my signature. So, congratulations and God bless you.
You mind if we get a photo? >> We're doing karaoke. So, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the town for your service to our community and our veterans. And I think, you know, with what's going on in the world with the war in Iran, I think it's important now that we recognize organizations like the VFW and American
Legion and the contributions you give to the community as well. Well, most importantly, our veterans, especially those we know now will be returning home for more. So, we wish them well. We pray for them and God bless them. But thank you and God bless you for the work you do on our returning men and women. So
thank you again. >> Anybody want to say a few words? >> Um >> karaoke you say? Um >> okay. I moved here uh with my family, my husband and my two daughters in June of
1997 after my husband had completed with us 20 years of active duty Navy service. We uh were both from Staten Island. Don't hold us again with us. >> We love Staten Island. And uh um yeah,
but Jersey has really become our home because we've been here longer than of course we were on Staten Island, born and raised. Uh we got to travel to a lot of different countries, meet a lot of different um a lot of different people, have a lot of different memories, but Danellen for
right now has been home since 97. And we are so proud to be part of the the VFW and helping and serving. and we see how much the town does do for all of its residents and we we truly appreciate that. So, thank you very much.
He's not. Um before we move forward and speaking about volunteerism and those who have um dedicated their time to our municipality, um I am going to ask and I should have done this up front, but a moment of silence for Chris Mueller. Um
so it is deep sadness that I have to share the passing of Chris Mueller, a dedicated member of the Denellan Office of Emergency Management and a founding and active member of the Denellan search team. Um so I've asked uh before we have a moment of silence for Mr. Mosley, our co our OEM coordinator, to share a few
words about him and then we'll just have a few moments of silence. >> Okay. First of all, I'm wearing which was part of our first uniform. This was given at the first graduation. Um I'm wearing my C um sweatshirt today. Okay.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chris Mueller, a dedicated member of the Denelling Office of Emergency Management and a founding member and active participant of the Denelling SERT team standing for community emergency response team. Chris
served as Denell's OEM's local search and rescue SAR um coordinator and worked closely with the organization as a liaison and adjunct search instructor. He brought extensive experience in
incident management and inland ground search and rescue consistently going above and beyond in service to the community. By the way, Chris would jump at the jump at the paperwork to do a the incident action plan. And I could tell
you that in terms of emergency management, a lot of folks don't like to do that, those FEMA forms, but he would just jump at it. Um, and this one more thing, too. The way I met Chris was kind of unusual. I was talking I was in the parking lot Skinner Plaza and somehow I
saw him and we started to talk about C and next thing I know he's a member. So Chris represented the young OEM and SER with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment that far exceeded expectations. He set the standard for
what a ser provider should be and his impact will be felt for years to come. We honor his service, dedication, and the legacy legacy he leaves behind. Christopher would really be deeply missed.
>> Thank you. Uh flags have been lowered to half mass. Next on the agenda is item number. >> Move it. Segment. >> Second. Rios. >> Any comments, additions, or edits to the meeting minutes as they currently stand? policy.
>> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark, >> yes. >> Next up, item number five, introduction of ordinances. We are introduced orders
of 2026-06 in ordinance to amend chapter 150 the fees article 2 construction fees of the burrow. >> Move it. >> A motion in a second. Please >> move it. Sigman >> second. Rios >> for those in the public who might not
regularly listen in. Introduce ordinances or just that introduce you find the ordinance at Burough Hall in the clerk's office or online. At the next meeting it will be publicly heard. amended, adopted or resent voted down.
Um but uh public has 10 date statutoily 10 days to be able to review before. So no discussion this evening. Um, I can say that this is construction fees. Several of the fees we're bringing up to what should be near some of our
municipalities that are comp um and also increasing our connection fee uh for is it sewer utility >> sewing connecting fee >> for new builds. >> Yeah, for new builds. Um such as when a project goes up, they'll have to pay
significantly more to connect. So that was >> all right. I'll take Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman,
>> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark, >> yes. >> Okay. Item number six on the agenda is resolutions. We have resolutions 95 through 106. Mrs. St. M give us an opportunity to discuss.
>> Resolution number 95 is to pay the bills. Move it. Rios. >> Second. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Yes.
>> Resolution number 96 is to accept the resignation of Gregory Stalker as mechanic. >> Move it. Segment. >> Second. Rios. We'll speak on this one. I am saddened to see that uh Mr. Stalker will be moving on from now. He was an
exceptional exceptional like many of our employees. Um an exceptional employee panic. Um you know when you worker uh but uh they'll be missed. You can find a
better opportunity elsewhere. You can never be grudge somebody's time to think uh better for themselves and the family. But we want to thank him for his service. We wish him well and if it doesn't work out there there's space to come back.
You can accept your report that might >> I'll take a role. Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark, >> yes.
Resolution number 97 is to authorize CME Associates to prepare the fiscal year 2025 recycling tonnage grant application. >> Move it, Sigman. >> Second. Rio, >> Mr. Miller, could you just address this for council members who might not be familiar with this because they're they're new worker.
>> Yes, Mayor. Uh each year um CB uh works through the burrow put together uh information that is needed for the tons grant for many years and the funds for the
grant goes towards their service and then whatever else they probably >> it's always a year behind right >> correct >> I'll Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Resolution number 98 is to amend resolution from February 2nd, 2026, number 72, awarding a contract to Wells
Fargo for the clerk's office and police department copier machines. >> Move it. Rios >> second. Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lamb. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Sigma. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Resolution number 99 is the renewal of the membership in the Central Jersey Joint Insurance Fund. >> Move it. Sigma. >> Second. Rios. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Lance. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. Yes, >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes, >> Mr. Sigman. >> Yes, >> and Mrs. Vandermark. >> Resolution number 100 is to amend resolution from March 2nd, number 91, hiring staff for the Denellan Recreation
Department spring break camp. >> Move it. Rios >> second. Sigment. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes.
>> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Resolution number 101 is authorizing the continued employment of the chief of police. >> Move it. Rios >> Rios Vantmark. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios.
>> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigment. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark? >> Yes. Resolution number 102 is to hire spring break uh spring tennis, sorry, coaching staff for the recreation department. >> Move it, Sigman.
>> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. Resolution 103 is authorizing the municipal clerk to administer all temporary retail food establishment
permits for the open air market from May 3rd, 2026 to October 18th, 2026. >> Move it, Sigma. >> Vanderber, >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes,
she abs. >> Yes. Okay. >> Well, hold on. is the open air market. >> Yes. Uh Councilwoman Albertson should probably abstain. >> Okay. Abstain. >> Mrs. Albert, I'm sorry. Mrs. Lance,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Resolution number 104 is to award a contract to Topline Construction for the South Washington Avenue and New Market
Road Improvements Project. Second, Rios. >> So, for the public, um these are the rapid beacon lights that you see popping up in certain locations in town with higher volume of pedestrian crossing and of course vehicular. Um we received
$170,000 grant a couple years back um for these rapid beacon lights at the intersection of New Marketing Grove and Orange and South Washington going into Columbia Park. clearly two areas that have um a significant amount of traffic
that we want to have visibility for residents to be able to cross safely. Um so that's what this is. We're approving the contract that was bidded out. Um and I believe we had 170,000 I said again in grants, but the project came in at 177. >> Okay.
>> So um close enough. So that means they'll be almost funded entirely by grants. So that's good news. That's what this is. Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman,
>> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark, >> yes. >> Resolution number 105 is payment to alloy 5 architecture for services related to the contract for architectural services dated November 7, 2022.
>> Second. Sigman. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios >> abstain due to my position on the fire department. >> Mr. Scott, >> abstain position in the fire department. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark,
>> yes. >> Resolution number 106 is to approve an emergency temporary budget for 2026. >> Move it. Sigman. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios,
>> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. this vendor market. >> Item number uh seven on the agenda is consent agenda. We have resolutions 107 through 117. If council could review
them and uh let us know if there's any specific resolution you want to pull and discuss and then um we can discuss them and vote by consent agenda on the other ones. I would like to pull 117. >> Um
1111. Okay. Can I have a motion on second on the consent agenda 107 through 116 with the exception of 111 and of course 117 >> move it segment
>> Mrs. Albertson >> yes >> Mrs. Lamb >> yes >> Mrs. Rios >> yes >> Mr. Scott >> yes >> Mr. Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. We'll start with the resolution 111. Councilwoman Rios. >> Uh yes. Is this continuous of the one
that we've already done? >> So each year they've had to reapply. So they their time ran out December and I believe that there were five people who were in their account and so far only two have the two night and they'll be
good until the end of this year. >> Okay. And they're exempt from payment. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> As per the grief. >> Okay. >> Yep. They had to do everything else. They went through a background test and everything. >> Okay. um and give them a no
and they have placards that they carry around and also a place card for their car. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman. Any other discussion on this item 111? >> Well, yeah, because um and just for the public knowledge too, if there are any
other solicitors from any other companies coming to the door, what should um residents do? >> Call the non-emergency line. 732-9683000 extension0 or call Burough Hall if it's during uh business operations. Um, believe me, I've called that line
multiple times and cops have come and they've cited them. Um, we have one group that is a continuous offender, Verizon, and um, >> yeah. >> Yeah. No, I know. They called me today. They asked me how I had internet. I said
I put two rocks together on a wire. So, I'm happy with my current provider. But nonetheless, um, so yes, you you call the non-emergency line and, uh, report them and, uh, you know, and so just everyone's aware, a lot of the people who do knock on your door, they're being directed by higherups to do it, like a
regional manager. So, um, I know it's annoying, but maybe just give them a little bit of a courtesy or respects because they're just doing what they're told. And that's what I always say. Like, I understand you're being told, you're doing what you're being told by your boss, but it still doesn't make it right. Um, but still call the appropriate authorities, especially if
they get off your porch and they continue to go down the neighborhood. Um, and you can always check our website. Every person that has a solicitor's license is on there. Uh, you'll also find the no solicitation application that you can sign up and then you come and collect it at Burough Hall and it you can post it right on your door. It says no sol no soliciting
per ordinance, whatever number it is. Right. >> So, um, I think thank you for bringing that for those in the public to be aware. Uh so uh along with that if there is a company that continuously uh violates
this does that have any effect on any future uh applications? >> Yes. And they will I think upward of is it $5,000 citation? >> Okay. >> And 30 days in jail when they get before judge house. >> I know it goes pretty heavy. It might be. I mean
>> no my question is if a company continues to do this will they'll be denied? There's there's a process. Yeah. >> And we have a system we look into, right? If they have any violations and if there's any they do background checks. Sorry, that's your job. >> Um, they have to on the application they
have to say if they were denied by any other town, all the other towns that they work for as well. >> Yeah. >> Is that an application? >> So, understood. Thank you. >> Background. >> Yeah. Per individual, they have to do it. >> So, not just entity the entity and then
their employees have to do it. But that's why it's an issue when they violate it is because it can just be random. We're not aware of the random person walking up to a resident's home. So >> the police are given a copy so they know what they look like who are supposed to be solicited solicited as well.
>> It was pretty interesting when they >> Yeah, I do enjoy telling them, "Oh, you know whose house you're at, right?" >> Yeah. >> Um and I do sign that. Uh but uh no I think cond officer condid had about 13 of them in one day. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. So yeah so they are being cited folks. It's just uh it's a see see something say something scenario you know. Okay. >> Okay. We'll take a roll. Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Oh. Can I have a motion and second on
111? Move it. Segment. >> Second. Rios. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lamb. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. Yes, >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes, >> Mr. Sigman. >> Yes, >> okay. So, resolution 117 um I wanted to
bring to directly to the uh council's attention and the public. Um every year, uh Congress uh does a federal community project funding. Um and it comes through our congressional reps in terms of our house representative Bonnie Watson Bowman's office
or US senators Andy Kim and Cy Booker. We're going to do a trilogy and we're trying to apply through each one so we can maybe get guarantee of funding. Um, and this year we're putting forward uh funding for the renovation and modernization of the Arnold A. Schwarz Memorial Library. Um, we passed some
projects through and they uh congressional reps felt like this one was a good one to do. Um, I know the library is very happy and um, so just for the public too, you know, every time we try to do renovations or improvements, we do seek grants first so it doesn't impact the taxpayer directly.
That's that's our main goal. Um, so, uh, we can go upward of 2.5 million and we're going to try to go for 2.5 million. Um, so that's what this resolution is. I mean, Councilwoman Rios, who's very involved with the library, I know this is something that uh you've been advocating for for many,
many years. Um, so I don't know if you have a few words to say, you know, before we we approve it or not. >> Nope. We didn't even hesitate on this. So, >> okay. So, if you're a praying person like I, Pastor
Chaplain, um let's uh let's throw some prayers up there and hope that uh Congress sends us some money on this. So, okay. >> Okie dokie. Let's do a roll call. >> Motion. >> Move it. >> Thank you. >> Second, Rios.
>> M's so excited. I'm ignoring protocols, huh? >> Mr. Albert, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Mr. Rio, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mr. Vander. >> Okay. Okie do. Item number eight on the
agenda is council reports. Councilwoman Vandermark of second street following the water main work. Park is also videoing the main of second street at the fire report
on March 6 at 9:54. The fire department was dispatched to 324 street for a possible advisor. Chief stop arrival. Most was visible from the second floor and attic. The second alarm was immediately transmitted regarding mutual
aid department evacuating the department. While beginning fire bented from the acting three and truck four quickly arrived on scene and began an interior attack on the fire. Fire conditions quickly
deteriorated and food removed from the structure and a defensive attack was initiated using elevated massive screen and rail nozzles. continued to fight the fire for several hours, ultimately rising
additional useful aid to the siege. Over 75 firefighters fought the fire for the 8hour group were present. The fire was ultimately extinguished and all fire needed clear while repacking all the holding equipment at 6 a.m. occupants
were left at that house unit following the fire and were assisted by the New Jersey American Breast Club through OEF. There were no injuries reported to occupants of firefight although several kittens were unable to be rescued. The origin and cause of the fire was
estimated by the municip county fire and marshall's office completed the accidental was original in the first floor electrical room. They are unable to rule out the electrical as your original members who are assigned by the
following unit. Green fire, New Market fire, Middle Fire, South Plain Hill fire, Harwood fire, river fire, the duck fire, home marshall fire, Milton fire, they're down rescue squad, they're now
middle county fire coordinators and middle town fire marsh office. And then there's there's going to be a fundraiser for the fire department on Sunday. I have the most theater in his
plane fire and rescue is the cartoon March 22nd at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:00 of $15 for $10, but cash, but please come and support the development.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um and just to note again, thank you to our emergency services and those who responded to that bad fire on Front Street. Um we thank you for your service. God bless you. We're happy that nobody was hurt that we're aware of in the fire. And I know the community is pulling together to
support the families in need. But um if we can give a round of applause to our local emergency services as well as our mutual aid, I think that's warranted. >> Councilwoman Rios. >> Yes. Uh the police department on February for February 2026, the Denomin
Police Department reports the following statistics. 1,389 CAD entries, 22 total arrests, 438 motor vehicle tickets including parking violations, 12 uh DWI
arrests, 197 motor vehicle stops, and 15 motor vehicle crashes. We'd like to thank the police department for their continued hard work, dedication, and commitment to keeping our community safe. The Danellum Public Library. The library has some great programs coming
up this week. Tomorrow at 3:30, please join us for St. Patrick's Day slime. And then come back later in the evening at 5:15 p.m. for Twilight Story Time. On Thursday, there'll be a musical story time for the little ones at 10:30. And at 3:30, we will be having gaming day
for the older kids 6th grade and up. The library is still currently searching for a full a new full-time library director and is offering a competitive salary. In addition, the library is also looking for a part-time bookkeeper. If you are interested, please inquire at the
library or send your resume to director library.org. As always, please check out the library's Facebook page and website to stay uptodate on additional programs and events. If there is a special program you would like to see or an activity you would like at the library
to an activity you would like the library to host, please let us know. We are always looking for suggestions from our community and that's all. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman Albertson. >> Yes. Uh finance committee. I met with
the burrow and administration and finance team last week. The finance team is putting together their budget proposal letter for the finance committee and we will be working on a date to meet this week. Friends of the Janellen Public Library, a women's
history presentation at the library on March 25th at 6:30m. We will welcome Betsy Ross to Janellen to share her story with us. The open air market begins on May 3rd with our annual collaboration with downtown Denellan management organization Spring into
Wellness. The market opens at 11:00 a.m. For information for being a vendor, please contact the friends of the Janelan Public Library. And that's all I have today. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Council President Lance. >> All right. For recreation, um the Easter
egg hunt is right around the corner. Join us at Columbia Park on Sunday, March 29th for the Easter egg hunt, which will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. This event is exclusively for children in preK through third grade who are residents of Denellan. Be sure to bring
a basket and don't arrive late. After the hunt, stay for a special photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. Spring Tennis is back for children aged 6 to 17. Participants will develop skills in strategy and tactics, athletic
movement, proper technique, mental and emotional aspect of the game and sportsmanship. Sessions will be held on Mondays or Saturdays starting April 27th. And this is the final call for registration for our new spring break
camp. Denellum Recreation is excited to introduce this new spring break camp, which is designed to offer families a safe, structured, and engaging child care option during the school break. This camp will feature the same trusted staff and quality program programming as
our popular summer camp, including age appropriate games, crafts, and recreational activities. The program aims to support all families by providing a practical, flexible, and enjoyable choice during spring break. And that's all for me.
>> Okay. Thank you, Councilman Sigman. >> Uh, yes, the DPW crew has been keeping busy with routine maintenance and cleaning the downtown area as well as all the burrow properties and parks. Uh, now that the snow has melted, they've been sweeping the downtown streets and other roads to clear out winter debris,
which still remains a priority. Uh the crew also stepped up uh during a weather event and emergency on March 5th and 6th. Uh so the crew members monitored the Brooks before and after the minor flooding on March 5th. Uh two members were deployed that evening to respond
directly to the high water levels. Uh on the night of March 6th, the DPW was on scene from 11:30 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. where two members uh managed traffic barricades and worked to keep the catch basins clear of debris, which was critical in preventing flooding from the
significant volume of water used to extinguish the fire. Uh, and on Sunday, March 8th, two crew members returned to the 300 block of Front Street at 7:00 a.m. where they cleaned three blocks that were heavily impacted by debris, including several clogged catch basin
lids. Uh, on Monday, uh, March 9th, the team jetted the catch basins and storm sewers in that area to clear out any remaining material and prevent future clogs. Uh, finally, the crew shifted focus towards the warmer months, cleaning the parks and preparing the ball fields for the upcoming spring
sports season. And for the board of education, they will be meeting tomorrow night at Lincoln Middle School beginning at 7 p.m. with student recognitions beginning at 7:30 p.m. and followed by their public session. Tomorrow night's meeting will primarily
focus on the tenative budget presentation uh which is a critical step in understanding how the district plans to navigate the challenges. We've discussed uh specifically the rising health care costs, flat state aid, the unfunded uh mandates, as well as how
they intend to manage the potential 29% tax increase. And that is all for me. >> Okay. Thank you, Councilman. That's tomorrow night. >> Yes. >> Okay. Councilman Scott. >> For buildings and grounds, the library
step repair is now complete. Contractor rebuilt the foundation, installed new blue stone treads on each step, and repaired several areas of plaster on the ADA ramp wall. The DBW is scheduled to complete the planter near the welcome to Denellan sign on Washington A this spring. And the burrow is also expecting
delivery of the new welcome to Denellan signs to replace the old ones this spring as well. And that's my report. >> Okay, thank you. Um, just to follow up, New Jersey.com had an article today that Denellan State aid is increasing by 6%
for school funding, although our municipal aid funding for the town stays flat at $600,000 for the past how many years, but and we faced the same inflation in our costs. But just something to keep in mind. Um, I think it was like $1.2 million. So maybe that
helps offset that 2.5 mil that you're talking about that they're under. That would definitely help. Okay, just putting it out there as you're the leaison. Okie do. Thank you. Um, so my updates for this evening is New Jersey American Water. Um, they completed their
Second Street water main project last week and are now beginning their work on Fair View Avenue. Uh, doing the same. Uh, this phase will include um replacing the water man uh well, sorry, the next phase will also include replacing the water manes along 300 block of Orange
Street. Uh so of course the bureau is going to coordinate uh the schedule of this work and we'll provide advanced notice to residents and uh once the timeline is finalized and we do that through our various outlets and alerts and our message from the mayor but also we deliver letters to each door um of
the residents that are being impacted. Um, I will say I know it's been an inconvenience at time with American Water in Denellan over the last several years, but as a reminder, they spent well over $20 million in town. Uh, they're not doing that everywhere.
There's reasons why they're doing it. It's mainly because we're less bureaucratic than other towns. Um, but um, so the point is is it's a lot of infrastructure improvements that they're putting in dollars into our community. Um, and these are pipes that are well
over 80 years old. And um, most likely the next time they have to be replaced, well, sad to say, none of us are going to be here. So, um, even me. So, um, it's, uh, it's a good thing that they're doing it. They are going to repave all the roads afterwards. Um, which will
lead us to about 80% of our municipal roads to be paved. So, um, it's a shortterm inconvenience for a long-term gain. Um, I apologize for the inconvenience, but sometimes you just got to, you know, have the inconvenience
for the better good of society. Washington Avenue street light project. Um, our contractor double BMS um, in coordination with PSCG has completed the installation of decorative street lights and I believe they're on tonight, right? So, as you go past, uh, South Washington
Avenue and North Washington Avenue by St. John's in the park. Um, you'll get to see the lights are operational and they'll be nice. Um, and the next phase will include planting trees and restoring areas that were disturbed during construction.
Remind me of when the decorative lighting from Madison to Middle Sex is occurring. That's in this year's capital. >> Oh, design standards through CME because of the ingress, egress of some parking lots. Um, and then we we're going to be doing from Jackson all the way to
Planefield. Again, all through grants that we got. So, you know, we're improving the town as quickly as we possibly can and most of it's going to be funded through grants. Um, Second Street phase 2 project, that's Madison A to Washington Avenue. Uh, this NJ dot
project, uh, for which the burough received $496,000 in funding, has a total cost of about 667,000. Um, in the coming weeks, work will include removing a a tree that is interfering with storm water system and repairing that system. Additional work
will include curb and apron restoration. Um, please note that the driveway apron that there will be driveway uh apron restoration. Uh, the contractor will work on one side of the street at a time. Uh, the contractor will coordinate with residents and provide notice regarding the schedule for reopening
their driveways. Uh during this work, residents will be temporarily unable to drive in and out of their driveways for up to three days. And that's mainly because you got concrete drying. Um South Washington Avenue and Orange Street and New Market Road and Grove Street RFB project. Um as we discussed,
uh we approved topline construction for this installation at South Washington Avenue and Orange Street and New Market Road and Grove Street intersections. Uh this project will also include some sidewalk additions and restoration. Uh the next step is for our engineer CME to send uh the bid award to the NJ DOT for
review. Hopefully that's not where things go to die. And the burrow will set up a pre-construction meeting with Topline Construction. Uh CME expects Topline to jump right into the project. Uh and they already will be working and they because they've already working with the burrow.
Um our engineer expects the project to be completed uh before the New Jersey American Water Pavves New Market Road and Grocery, which is by summer. So, that's good news. Um, South Washington Avenue and New Market Road traffic light. I know this has been a topic for
a couple years now. We finally got the county because that's a county intersection to move on it. Um, so Lucas Lucasanka, who's our engineer, our main engineer, and Alex Miller, a business administrator, and I met with uh the Middle Sex County Engineering Department, uh earlier this year to dis
uh to discuss our request to ad adjust the traffic signal timing to improve pedestrian uh safety. Um all part sorry, I I screw I mixed this project up. I'll get to that one in a second. All parties agreed that the safest solution to implement a full pedestrian uh phase at
the intersection. So by the train station and the Nell project, what's going to happen is is when a resident or pedestrian walks up and presses the button, all sides go red. So residents can cross at all intersections. Um so uh
that will help with uh that intersection because we know that's playing Frogger over there. Um so under this plan, like I said, the red light will cycle will stop traffic in all directions, allow pedestrians to cross. Uh c uh the county engineers will present this recommendation to the county commissioners. uh who must adopt an
ordinance uh prohibiting right turns on red at the intersection. Um so, you know, hopefully this could be a nice pilot for us to maybe uh view this at other intersections in town like Washington and North and maybe Madison and North. Um but Rome wasn't built in
the day and we'll see how this one goes. Um I I earlier mentioned I mixed this up with the new market road and walnut street traffic light that we've been advocating for the past several years. We've made progress. the county wants to move on it with an overall new market
road uh revamp I guess you can say and restoration. Um but uh that's going to be a bit of a process because it requires easements and having to fund some easements and other capital bonding we're going to have to do. So while that's in the pipeline it's still a few
more years away a little further than we would like but you're dealing with multi-jurisdictional county and two townships Denell and Piscataway. So, it's it's going to be a little while, but it is in the pipeline to happen. So, there we are on that one.
And PSEG street light uh LED upgrades. Uh following the burrow's request to assess our street lights, the burrow is partnering with PSENG to upgrade street lights from older green head models to energy efficient LED lights. And you'll note they'll be much brighter. PSEG
uh has begun these upgrades uh at burrow intersections along North Avenue, including all street lights, not just the decorative ones, um on South Washington Avenue and at the train station. And then after this process, we see how well lit the intersection are. Uh we'll see what
needs to be filled in in between. So, um we understand that people have a concern about how dark it could be walking at night. Um so, this is phase one. We'll see how well these at the intersections light up and then we'll see where we need to fill in in between. So that is it on my report this evening. Let's
throw it over to departments. Hey it, how's iting over there? >> Okay, good. Legal. >> No report. >> Music to mine. Yours uh clerk and registar. Um, just the deadline for political party changes for the 2026
primary election is April 6, which is 55 days prior to the election. >> Okay. >> And we're getting closer to the primary, which is Lauren does a great job handling elections, but just be up at like 3:00 in the morning. Um, OEM CS
PA which is preliminary damage assessment for emergency prevented measures. Snow comes under a special category again emergency prevented measures and um for snow removal. Uh we haven't heard anything about whether or not we've been approved for any
reimbursement. I heard that we had reached our thresholds, but of course you have to wait for President uh Trump to uh allow a presidential decoration so we can get reimburseed. Um just a little bit to mention about OEM and the uh the
fire. Again, thank you for our first responders. OEM established a reception center at the senior center in order to get the actually was 15 individuals out of the cold and to be processed by the American Red Cross. And with some
pressure that was applied to the owner or the owner representative, we were able and and another partner called 1800 board up which actually boarded up the house. We were able to extend the stay at the Hampton Inn for those 15
individuals until Wednesday. Okay. Our um our search team was uh charged with um making contacts to the victims and ascertaining their clothing needs as well as the toiletries which were then
passed on to uh the Carol Fund. Uh I also wanted to say this too because uh uh in terms of getting the individuals over to the senior center. We we got some assistance from the rescue squad and we really appreciate that because not everybody had the means to go over
you know it was they could have walked some maybe some had children and plus it was very cold. Um tomorrow we'll be meeting with uh with Kelly to uh put together IAP for the Easter egg hunt. Uh it's very important
that every event that we have some sort of AP because people think it's a lot of fun but they never think about the hazards that can happen. For example, you know that terrorists are now using their vehicle for you know to uh to ram
individuals. So we we take all those in consideration. I don't think we're going to have any of that, but it's always safe. Better be safe than sorry. Um, this I just wanted to report out or the CERT monthly activities. For the current reporting period, the Denellan Community
Emergency Response Team Cir has logged a combined total of 317.5 hours of activation and training. During this month, Denell and sir conducted a training session in coordination with the Middle Sex County Office of Emergency Management to prepare team
members to perform preliminary damage assessment. So, we're trying to have a f force multiplier in the event that the team is deployed during a storm or other severe weather incident. At this time, three members are actively completing their SER basic training
course and are scheduled to graduate in midappril, further strengthening the team's operational capability. At the end of the month, Danell will be conducting a joint training exercise with the Denellan rescue squad. This
training is intended to familiarize SER members with rescue squad equipment and operations to ensure effective and coordinated uh support during emergency activation. Additionally, I already mentioned
additionally Dell is planning to support the Denellan Recreational Department with Easter egg hunt scheduled in March. That's my report. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mosley. Rescue. Okay. Police.
>> Okay. Administration DBW and all the above. >> Yeah. And you and I met over there Scott you guys fire department did a great job. hours of dumping water on there. Uh, you
know, how to talk to you guys and saving arrest squad police department getting there right away. Help make sure people had arrest squad set up over there. Great job. Uh, can't say enough. OEM see and uh Joe Cumins walking up and down
trying to find people. So, uh, great teamwork. It was great to see, you know, it's such a terrible thing that went on, but you know, great work for all you guys. Thank you so much. >> It's a reminder that those apparatuses
situations like this. >> Okay. No other. >> All right. So, we are on to there's no council discussion for this evening. Um, item number 11 is public comments. Uh, we ask that if you're from the public
and you have any comments or questions or shared concerns, microphones here. We're here to listen to them. We ask that you just state your name and your residency and we're here. Well, you're smiling, so I thought maybe you had some
>> Everybody's good. Anybody virtually? Here's your chance. Not just on Facebook. Okay, you know where to see us next time. April 6. Um, okie do. Uh, without hearing any
comments or questions from the public, we'll close that portion of the meeting. Uh, item number 12 on the agenda is resolution 118 for an adjournment. Uh, but before we do that, I'd like to remind everybody that April 6 at 7 p.m. both here in the chambers and virtually,
you could join us. It's also the date in which we'll be doing our full bud budget presentation and introduction. So you can learn about how uh we're doing our best to be fiscally responsible and still deliver quality services. Um so with that, can I have a motion and
second on 118 adjournment? >> Move it segment. Second, Scott. >> It was Scott. Uh all in favor? >> I. >> Any naysay? We want the