Oh yeah, sorry. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our March 2nd Denellar Council meeting. Our first order of business on the agenda is a call to order and rise for the pledge of allegiance. So please join. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America to the standy for all. >> Item number two is the reading of the sunshine statement and roll call by Mrs. Lawrence Stats or municipal clerk. This meeting of the Denellan Burough Council is called pursuant to the
provisions of the open public meetings law. This meeting of March 2nd, 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 February 26, 2026 and on the public bulletin board on North Avenue on February 26, 2026 and has remained continuously posted as the required notice. Mayor Sento >> present.
>> Council President Lance >> here. >> Mrs. Albertson >> here. Mrs. Rios >> here. >> Mr. Scott >> here. >> Mr. Sigman >> here. >> And Mrs. Vandermark >> here. >> Okay. Before we move on to the next item
on our agenda, uh just two quick things. Um, first I just want to say upfront, thank you to the Department of Public Works and our emergency services for their work during the snowstorm last weekend, for the work that they did during the storm and the days afterwards. So, if we can say thank you
by a round of applause for them, I would appreciate that. Um, and in a moment of seriousness, um, I would just ask for a moment of silence for the soldiers who passed in the military conflict going on in Iran. Um, you know, let's pray for safety of our
men and women in service in our armed services in regards to how you feel about the events. Uh, we should be thinking of them and praying for them and of course for world peace and uh, freedom of tyranny wherever it is in our world. And so we just have a moment of
silence for them. Okay. Thank you. God bless our troops. Um, next up on the agenda, we have three proclamations. Uh, we have a proclamation honoring March as Women's History Month. Uh, proclamation recognizing March as Youth Art Month,
and a third one recognizing the importance of Girl Scouts to today's girls. And we're joined by special guests from the troops here today. Um, so, but first up is honoring March as women's history month. And so, I've asked that the council women uh who
represent Uh read the proclamation. >> Whereas throughout history, women have made significant contributions to the growth and strength of our bureau, county, state, nation, and the world in countless ways.
And whereas the 2026 Women's History Month theme established by the National Women's History Alliance is titled Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Substantial Future. The the theme expands our understanding
of our sustainability beyond just environmental concerns, encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership, succession and intergenerational equity.
Whereas through leadership, innovation and in January January 18, sorry, generations of women have made significant contributions in science, medicine, technology, business, politics, entrepreneurship,
labor, and arts and culture. Whereas women have been naggers securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity and in the abolition of industrial labor, civil rights and peacem
and just society for all. And whereas whether serving in elected positions across America, leading groundbreaking civil rights movements, venturing into unknown frontiers, or programming revolutionary technologies, generations of women open new doors and
had a profound and positive impact on our community. here. >> Now, therefore, VA proclaimed that Mayor Jason Epsilento and the Denellan Burough Council recognize March 2026 as Women's History Month in the Burough of Denellan
and encourage residents to join us in celebrating the many ways women past and present have shaped the world. >> Okay. Thank you. And thank you, Council Women, for your service to our community. Next up is a proclamation recognizing
youth art month and council member Sigman as a liaison to the arts commission is going to be reading that proclamation. So whereas art education contributes powerful educational benefits to all elementary, middle and secondary students including developments
developing students creative problem solving and critical thinking abilities. And whereas art education teaches sensitivity to beauty, border, and other expressive qualities and gives students a deeper understanding of multicultural values and beliefs. And whereas art
programs foster self-expression and confidence in young people, allowing them to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in meaningful ways. And whereas participation in the arts has been linked to improved academic performance, enhanced motor skills, and
higher levels of student engagement. And whereas the arts provide a foundation for lifelong appreciation and enjoyment, encouraging cultural enrichment and community engagement. And whereas the Burrow of Denellan in conjunction with the Denellan Arts Inclusion and Culture
Commission strives to provide and encourage programs that afford the public great opportunities to experience arts and culture in Denellan. Now therefore, it be of proclaimed that Mayor Jason Essento and the Denellan Burough Council recognize March 2026 as
Youth Art Month in the Burrow of Denellan and encourage residents to join us in celebrating the arts and how they inspire creativity and support a diverse and inclusive community. Okay. Thank you, Councilman. Next is a proclamation recognizing the
importance of Girl Scouts to today's Girl Scouts. Um, and we have Addison, Cassandra, Nancy, Megan, and Raina. Am I pronouncing it correct? Okay, thank you. Um, here to read the proclamation if you
ladies would mind uh joining us up front. Microphone's right there. Whereas March 12th, 2026 marks the 114th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, the largest
most impactful leadership of of programs for girls in the world and Whereas March 8 on 14th,
2026 is National Girl Scout Week and Since their beginnings, Girl Scouts has emphasized public service and civic
engagement and has fostered a sense of community in Girl Scouts and Whereas Girl Scouts works to champion the ambitions, cultivate the talents and develop the skills of girls to
confidently pursue their passions and make the world a better place. And >> whereas Girl Scouts work to champion the ambitions, cultivate the talents, and develop the skills of girls confidently pursue their
passions and make the world a better place. And Girl Scouts offers girls 21st century programming in science, technology, engineering, and math. the outdoors, entrepreneurship,
and beyond helping girls develop invaluable life skills. And whereas Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey serves over 12,000 girls in their council across central Jersey, including girls and adult volunteers in Denellum.
Now therefore, it proclaimed that Mayor Jason F. Sento and the Danellan Borro Council commend the Girl Scout Movement and Heart of New Jersey Council
for providing girls with safe, inclusive all girls space where they can hone their skills and develop leadership abilities. Great point. Do you mind joining us up here real
quick? >> We've got a lapel for you. >> Oh, the great work. And if you look at the council, you can tell the council majority women. So maybe one day you'll
be your council women maybe replacing me although I don't plan to be so you mind get a photo with you okay want to be a future council person or mayor >> I know today's society public service
and politicians are the best but you got a little while to think once you start paying taxes you'll love Great work. >> You okay with that? >> Okay. You guys are you guys walking around this way? >> This way.
You're so sweet. >> Have a good one. And please, you're welcome to stay if you want a civic lesson in local government. We, you know, always welcome to stay. >> Next on the agenda is um item number five. We have uh no, sorry, four,
approval of our regular meeting minutes. Can I have a motion and second our regular meeting minutes of our February 17th council meeting? >> Move it. Second. >> Second, Albertson. >> Any comments, additions, or edits to the meeting minutes as they currently stand? Without
hearing any roll call, please. >> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lamb, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> She said yes. Can we up a little bit? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Item number five is a presentation. Tonight's presentation will be done by Gabe Baylor, the the municipal planner and also the planner for the planning board, uh, Harbor Consultants. Uh this is on South Second Street redevelopment plan, amended Denell and downtown redevelopment plan
and on the affordable housing ordinance review um that the state requires that we are in compliance with. So Mr. Baylor, the floor is yours, sir. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Sento, Mayor Sento, members of the council. Uh Gabe Baylor with Harbor Consultants. So
tonight we're going to do a presentation regarding uh the affordable housing requirements for the burrow. This has been a long process. Uh nearly two years ago, the state uh changed its fourth round regulations, adopt new regulations
and new policies in 2024. And it's been a process with the burrow in terms of preparing an affordable housing plan. uh being challenged by the affordable housing plan by fair share housing center which they challenge every municipality's for housing plan
throughout the state going for court going back and forth and then reaching a settlement agreement in terms of providing the burrow's affordable housing requirements and producing a necessary affordable housing the state mandates as well as approving the
necessary administrative documents related to affordable housing. So tonight I'm going to go over the three doc the three land use documents as well as the administrative documents that is before the mayor council tonight to be
considered to be adopted necessary to meet the deadline of March 166. This deadline has been determined by the state that all affordable housing ordinances requirements redevelopment plans administrative documents has to be
approved by the mayor and council by May March 16th 2026 necessary for the burrow to be protected from any builder's remedy lawsuits until 2035. So this in terms of where we are there's
three ordinances land use ordinances. There's the south south second redevelopment plan. There's the amended downtown redevelopment plan and the affordable housing ordinances. These are all land use ordinances. So per the municipal land use law, it's a process
where they have to be introduced by the mayor council, go to the planning board for consistency and then back here tonight, the mayoral council be considered to be adopted. These in these ordinances were introduced on February uh 16th and they were reviewed by the
planning board on February 23rd and they were deemed consistent and as mentioned all these documents need to be approved by March 1626. So let's start talking about the south second redevelopment plan. Uh the first
process for this it was declared an area needed redevelopment in 2023 and I'll show you a map in terms of where it is located. It it directly borders Piscataway and it's a really unique redevelopment plan where a portion of the property is going to be
in a portion of the redevelopment one comprehensive redevelopment is going to be in Denellan and the other portion is Piscataway. In Denellan, there's going to be 24 market rate stacked home town homes with six affordable housing units. This was identified as the major
component, the primary component what they call realistic development potential of providing the affordable housing. So to mandate and to uh conform with the state with the affordable housing requirements, this redevelopment
plan is required to be do adopted and approved because it provides six affordable housing units which is the primary mechanism for Denellan to provide its affordable housing requirement. So just in terms of redevelopment plan,
redevelopment plan provides it's the overlying zoning. It permits the uses, the setbacks, the parking requirements, the building coverage. Also provides architectural standards, landscape, landscape and streetscape standards. And
this property is now uh is a warehouse industrial property. And the property that's shaded in red is the portion that's in Denellan. And this is the comprehensive development where you see a portion is in Denellan. The other portion is
Piscataway. Piscataway is going to be 140 town homes. And as you can see to the left is the Nell property. So this is can it in terms of site plan will be developed but there's there's a possibility be
connected to the Nell property creating one comprehensive redevelopment area. So this is the property Denellan and as mentioned it's going to be 24 uh stack town homes. These are all concept plans. This would proide pro provide some
illustration of these stack town homes and there will be six affordable housing units. So as mentioned this is the primary mechanism for the burough denellum to provide its affordable housing requirements six units and you also be eligible for a bonus credit of
one. The second mechanism is the men downtown the downtown redevelopment plan. So the leftover balance is called the unmet need. The remaining balance will be maintained or this uh the the downtown
redevelopment plan. Any future development within the downtown redevelopment plan area will now require 20% set aside. Originally was 15%. So we re we amended the downtown redevelopment plan to be consistent with the fourth round regulations and requirements
updated the language and to make sure that any future development within the downtown redevelopment plan area of Denellan provides its necessary requirements of affordable housing so the burrow can be compliant with it with it redevelopment plan. So the second
land use ordinance tonight is amending the downtown redevelopment plan to increase the affordable housing set aside from 15% which was the previous round now to 20% and and also uh update some language relates to the fourth
round uh requirements. The third land use ordinance to be consideration tonight is the affordable housing ordinance. The affordable housing ordinance established affordable housing programs and regulation administering affordable housing within the burough.
It is updated with the fourth round requirements and regulations. Uh I will be frank and honest that this template was provided by the state. Uh since that time I think probably a month maybe
three weeks ago they changed the model three different times. So there's been edits back and forth. uh our the bureau's affordable housing attorney had reviewed it and made some comments but there is a chance that this will be have to be amended again but in order to be
protected we have to make sure this is approved by the burough council uh by March 16th. So those are the three uh land use ordinances that are introduced and deemed consistent by the planning board and under consideration for the mayor
council tonight. The next documents are rel related to uh affordable housing administrative documents and these are also requirements uh to be adopted by the March 16th deadline. The first uh item is affordable housing spending
plan. This is all projections. It provides an estimate for development fees payment and lose from 2025 to 2035. The existing balance right now is 154,460. an estimate is projected 2035 is
182,240. Within this spending plan, there's countless clauses that this will be amended based on actual real world data, real world uh development fees collected. Uh so this is something that's required but will be changed
based on actual real world circumstances related to development fees. Uh the next document is the permanent marketing plan. This sets for the policies where affordable housing units be set or marketed necessary to be rented or for sale. Uh the bureau's affordable housing
administrative agent as well as consultation with the burough's municipal housing leazison manage the process and afford affirmative market related affordable housing units. The next document is the operating manual and this sets forth the policy of the
review requirements, marketing, income eligibility, ownership program, rental program and monitoring enforcement. And as with the previous document, it's administered by the admin the burough's administrative agent as well as the burough's municipal housing leazison.
The next document is affordability assistance manual and sets for the policies for affordable assisting manual such as rent payments, affordable units, emergency repairs for affordable units, down payments and closing costs for sale affordable housing units if applicable
and repairs for affordable housing units and the burough's administrative agent consultation burough's municipal housing layers on managers and those are the documents administrative documents and as a clause and mentioned several times. All of
these have to be adopted by March 16, 2022 26, I'm sorry, necessary the bureau to be protected from builder's remedy lawsuits until 2035. So these are the documents for consideration tonight for council. Any
questions? >> Thank you, Mr. Baylor. Uh is Jessica Almeida our housing attorney on Shian? >> She was supposed to be, but I think she got caught up. Yes. Is she Is she on? >> I'm here. I am here. >> Anything
>> else you want to add before we open the floor to mayor and council for questions? >> Um, no. I think Gabe Gabe got it all. Um, you know, the only one thing I will add is that in five once we adopt these, we do retain immunity for the next 10 years, but there will be what's called a
midpoint review in five years where we look to make sure that everything that we adopted is working. Okay. Thank you, Jessica. >> No problem. >> So, council, any questions for Mr. Gabe?
>> Okay. Would you arguably say we're in a better position with the affordable housing compliance and the amount of units we need to build than other towns? >> Absolutely. Absolutely. my office 10% plans and this is >> the Denellan is is in the best position
compared to other plans I'm working on. So I think it's a testament to the history of Denell and providing affordable housing and be compliant. Uh so I congratulations to the American Council for that. >> Well, thank you and I think it's a good foundation that guy right over there
gave us. So uh we're not paying for it at the end like some towns are paying for it. Um, the one thing I will just, it's a, it's an educational moment to the public because I know everybody has a concern about redevelopment and what's going on, right? You see that word builder's remedy lawsuits.
That's how the state through coordination with contractors has every municipality by the neck because if you don't do the zoning builder can come in and claim that you're not providing this opportunity and therefore your
individual zoning laws get thrown up to the courts and my personal opinions we have activist courts um you're basically throwing your zoning out the window. So what we've been doing here in Denellan has been a controlled and measured approach. A lot of towns you're seeing
are faced to actually overlaying and putting into their single family zones. We refuse to do that here in Denellan. Everything that we're doing in related to affordable housing is in blighted industrial sites that are depreciating and basically falling apart or in the downtown for mixed use around a train
station where it makes sense. Um, for those who do have concerns around de redevelopment, I can tell you long as I'm mayor, we're not pushing this into single family zoning because single family zoning, owning a house is the American dream. So, we're doing it where
it makes sense in our redevelopment plan, which is all of Route 28. You know, it's a downtown corridor. It makes sense. Um but that that foresight from past administration um that I had the privilege serving with and what we've continued with certain amendments has
given us the ability to only walk out of this with six units versus some towns have hundreds and I think one might even have like a thousand or two. So um we are best positioned to make sure that we're doing this at a sustainable growth and use it as a form of economic
development where redevelopment actually is supposed to be used not overdevelopment and highdensity housing. that just does not make sense. So, um, but it's also at the visionaries of people like Gabe who have been working with us the past several years. So, thank you for your service too, Gabe. Thank you. >> Um, I just say that as a footnote
because I don't think many people realize what we're doing on the ground here is a controlled manner compared to what other towns are being forced to do. >> Even though we're doing it, we're doing it for economic development means and other towns are being forced because they've not done it or uh the state's
just coming in heavy. And all honesty, the state's expectations are a little bit unfair if you ask me personally. But um nonetheless, we're going to do it. We're going to be in compliance and we're going to do it the way we've always done it our way. Thank you, Gabe. >> Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council. I
will open the Well, we can open the floor to the public for the each individual ordinance that we have a little bit. Okay. Okie do. So, uh, we have the three ordinances tonight, 2026-3, 2026-4, and
2026-5. Um, the young Girl Scout that is here. So, ordinances are the laws of the lands, local laws. Resolutions, which you'll hear a little later, are approving basically things for the daily operations of municipality. So, we're going to pass tonight, are going to be
the laws of the land, at least for the next 10 years under the affordable housing. Um, and tonight, it's a public hearing and adoption. And that's because we've already introduced it. So an introduction is you just read it out to the public. You provide the public the opportunity over a course of a period of time statutoily to come to the clerk's
office, go online, read the ordinance, and then come back to a council meeting such as tonight, and um be able to hear it out. Sometimes there's presentations, but it gives you the opportunity when we open up to public uh comment and questions to voice your concerns or
support or whatever you want to say about specific ordinance. That gives the opportunity for then mayor and council before they deliberate on it themselves to hear from the public. So that's what you're going to be hearing the process right now. Okay. Okie do. Can I have a motion and second to go into public
comment and question for 2026-03 in orance of the burough of Denellan in the county of Middle Sex, New Jersey adopting an amended and restated Denellan downtown redevelopment plan phase one. >> Move it. Segment. >> Second. Vanderberg. >> Okay. At this time, we'll open the floor
to the public if you have any questions or comments specifically to 2026-3, which is the amendment of the redevelopment plan to include South Second Street. Correct. Project. >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> Would you mind pushing the microphone back for him? Jeff Best, 401 Madison Avenue. Um, as I remember when we were discussing the redevelopment project for the Nell, um, several citizens voiced the concern that they did not want the
Nell to be connected into South Second Street. >> So that Thank you for bringing that up. To correct the record, Mr. Baylor, um, that will remain its emergency service and it's an exit. Yeah, it won't be directly connected like that. I mean this this is all so plans the final planning will be developed and recite
approval which is support plan but these are all cons. >> Okay. >> I I I bring that up because they were this the residents were assured that that would not happen. Um the second thing uh I have a question on this is is
this considered a spot zoning? >> My opinion no. like it's an extension of the redevelopment of the Dell project and employees you kind of see an extension of the downtown area itself uh which is by my opinion one kind of
redevelopment area redevelopment plan. So I my opinion it fits in with the redevelopment area of downtown plan as well as den which part of the downtown redevelopment >> but that this change to the voting and it the the redevelopment is specifically
for this one piece of process. >> So there's things put into place statutoily. Um God bless you. First and foremost if a property is viewed like blighted that it's clearly old warehousing and I can tell you some of the things that the cops have to deal with back there plus some of the things
we have and you would know um this is a very uh a great improvement to the area. Um the other thing is is there's a process it's called uh an area need a redevelopment study because that has to go first foremost. So basically planners
and the attorneys and engineers look at a parcel in this case it's privately owned um and they do a review and do an analysis based upon certain metrics. Does this fit an area in need of redevelopment? if so, does it fit to redevelopment plan? So, the attorneys
have been all involved on this and I can assure you, uh, Jessica, if you want to speak to it, our attorneys would not want to put us in a position. Um, so, um, so that's the process it went through and then it goes after after we do that initial, yeah, let's do the study, it goes to planning board,
planning board has to do a review, gets kicked back to us and then we designate it as an area needed redevelopment and then we develop a redevelopment plan around it to say what can actually be built there. itself. >> It's my understanding this is currently zoned as industrial, >> correct?
>> And this would this be a permitted use to that zoning >> or is this be going to be a change to the zoning? >> We're changing >> the redevelopment plan becomes the zoning for the area. It lays out all the bulk standards for the property that's in the redevelopment
plan. >> Okay, the question's been answered. Thank you. Okay, Mr. Best, thank you. Any other members of the public, please uh state your name and your residency and we're happy to answer your questions. It's not spot on.
Okay. Without hearing any from the public, uh we'll open the floor to Mayor and Council. Okay. So, we'll close the portion for discussion to mayor and councel and we'll take a roll call. >> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lamb, >> yes.
>> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> Or Mrs. Vandermark, >> yes. >> Okay. Can we have a motion and second on 2026-04 to move into public comment and question
for ordinance of the Burough Denellan in the county of Middle Sex, New Jersey adopting a redevelopment plan for block 85, lot three on the official tax maps of the burrow. >> Move it, Sigman. >> Second. Alto. >> At this time, we'll open the floor to the public to ask your questions. We just ask that you state your name and
your residency, and we're here to answer your questions. Without hearing any, we'll open the floor to the mayor and council for discussion. Okay. Thank you. Can we take a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Albertson? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bland? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios?
>> Yes. >> Mr. Scott? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman? >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Xander? >> Yes. Okay. Um, item number three, uh, can I have a motion, second to enter into public comment and question for 2026-05, an ordinance establishing affordable housing program requirements and
adopting regulations governing the administration of very low, low, and moderate income housing units. Movement Albertson >> second sigma >> public if you want if you have any questions or concerns you can state your name and your residency and we're here
to address those concerns specifically around 2026-05 I I I will say I think it's relevant because I know that property is relevant to our plan. I think it's good that we're recognizing that affordable housing is not just market rate and affordable uh rentals. It's we're doing
our first affordable housing units that are for sale, which again, as I stated earlier, is important because owning property is equity and equity is overall generational wealth and it's the American dream. So, I think this is a good opportunity for us to continue seeking opportunities for first sale
affordable housing. So, I'll just put that on record. Okay. Did we move them to the Okay. So, if we don't hear any members from the public, open it to the mayor council. >> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mrs. Albertson,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Lena, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Mrs. Rios? >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott? >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigma? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Vandermark? Yes. >> Okay. Item number eight on the agenda is
resolutions. We have resolutions 86 through 93. Uh if Mrs. D, you can read them out and give mayor council opportunity to uh ask questions if they have any. >> Resolution number 86 is to pay the bills. >> Move it. Sigman. >> Second. Vandermark.
>> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman. Yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Yes. >> Resolution number 87 is approving an affordable housing trust fund spending
plan. >> Move it. Sigment. >> Second. Vandermark. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Plan. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman. >> Yes.
>> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Yes. >> Resolution number 88 is approving an affordable housing affirmative marketing plan. Move it. Sigman >> second. Albertson. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lamp. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Vandermark. >> Yes. >> Resolution number 89 is approving an affordable housing operating manual. >> Move it. Sigman.
>> Second. Vandermark. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermarker, >> yes. >> Thank you very much.
>> Thank you, Gabe. Good work. >> Resolution number 90 is a resolution approving an affordability assistance manual. >> Move it, Sigma. >> Second, Van. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lamb. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigment. Yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Yes. >> Resolution number 91 is to hire staff for the Denellan Recreation Department spring break camp. >> Move it. Scott
>> second. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lance. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman. >> Yes. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. >> Yes. Resolution number 92 is to transfer
appropriation reserves for the 2025 operating accounts. >> Move it. Segment. >> Second. Vanir. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lamb. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman.
>> Yes. >> And Mrs. Vander? >> Yes. >> Resolution number 93 is approving a car show for the Dellan Downtown Management Organization. >> Move it. Sigma. >> Second. Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bland.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigman. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Vander. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you, Mrs. Stats. Item number eight on the agenda is uh council
reports this evening. Uh this is uh a woman. >> Okay. Um, the first one is about the fire department. During February of 2026, the fire department responded to 42 emergency incidents, 81 emergency
responses to date. Crews stood by and responded to several incidents during the recent snowstorm. Crews also assisted EMS with several calls clearing snow and assisting with lifting during the snowstorm. On Tuesday, following the
storm, crews cleared all hydrants of snow. We would like to thank those residents and business owners that clear the hydrants on or near their properties during February. On the 9th held the monthly officers meeting and department work drill. The 11th held the
demonstration of new Hurst hydraulic rescue tools. The 18th and the 22nd held a mandatory bloodborne pathogens and has come drill. On the 18th attended the county fire chief's meeting. The 22nd,
23rd, crews stood by at the firehouse during the snowstorm. The 24th, crews cleared hydrants of any remaining snow and on 25th held monthly fire company meeting. We are happy to see a number of residents to join the department over the past few months. The fire department
is still looking for new members to join our department. Membership is open to anyone 16 to 18 as a junior member and full member is open to anyone over 18. Visit our website www.danellenfdd.com
or email join dfd danellenfd.com for more information. Okay. And then the second re is about the rescue squad. February, Denellan rescue squad responded to 26 calls for service within the burrow of Denellan
and one call into into Boundbrook with a total of 927 onduty manh hours volunteered. Our members also volunteered an additional 177 offduty hours spent in training, attended meetings, work drills, and celebrations.
Highlights of the month of February. On the 2nd, members attended the Denell and Burough Council meeting. The 7th, the squad held their annual installation of officers and awards dinner. The squad wants to thank Mayor Jason Sento, Councilwoman Terry Albertson,
Councilwoman Trina Rios, Councilman Councilwoman Liz Vandenor for joining us in our celebrations. The 1st through the 8th, the first week of the month was hard for several members of the rescue squad who responded to three separate calls for CPR. Sadly, none resulted in
CPR save. A special thank you for the assistance from Denellan Police Department on all three calls. OEM on one call and the quick response of Denellan Fire Department Chaplan Dave Morgan on that same CPR call. On the 13th, members held a movie night where
they watched the movie Code Three. A great time was had by all. The 15th, members attended the viewing for Denellan firefighter Gregory Meyers. The 16th, members attended the funeral of Denell and fire fight fire Gregor Meyers. Our hearts go out to his family
and his department. On the 16th, the organization held its monthly meeting. The 17th, members attended the Burough Dunell and Burough Council meeting. And on the 18th, members attended special meeting discussing the future of the squad.
We look forward to our continued ability to serve the company of Denellan and provide emergency medical services. Yes. Um, police department. During the February 22nd blizzard, the police department issued 133 snow parking
ordinance violations and 33 vehicles were towed to ensure our roadways remained accessible for emergency vehicles and snow removal operations. We appreciate everyone's cooperation in helping keep our streets safe during the storm. Denal Public Library update.
Please take a moment to visit the library's Facebook page and website to stay informed about upcoming programs and events for residents of all ages. The library continues to offer a small food pantry and coat drive for those who need supplemental assistance within our
community. At this time, the library is still seeking applicants for a part-time bookkeeper position and a full-time director position. Please contact us at info@danolan library.org. Additionally, the front stairs of the Danellan Public
Library are currently being repaired. During this time, please use the ramp to enter the building. We appreciate your patience and apologize for the minor inconvenience. Thank you. Hey, thank you, Councilwoman. Councilwoman Albertson,
>> finance committee. Our finance team has met with our auditors and departments to review budget requests and calculate all non-departmental expenses. We expect to schedule a meeting with the finance committee in the near future. Friends of the Danellen Public Library, a women's
history presentation will take place on at the library on March 25th at 6:30 p.m. as we welcome Betsy Ross to Denellan as she shares her story with us. The open air market begins on May 3rd with our annual collaboration with
downtown Janellan management organizations spring into wellness. The market opens at 11:00 a.m. For information on being a vendor, please contact the friends of the Janom Public Library. Thank you. Thank you, Rory, at that time again. >> Yeah,
>> time flies when you're having fun. Council President, >> yes. For recreation, uh, Saturday morning basketball came to an end for the season. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Austin Clark, Darren Watts, and all our dedicated volunteer parent coaches for their time and effort in
making this program a success. Um, we are seeking parents, parent volunteers for spring open soccer, which is a low commitment program. Each grade level will meet once a week for a casual practice game. The number of volunteer
coaches will determine how many children can participate in the program. And registration for baseball softball closes next Monday, March 10th. Spots are filling up quickly, so we encourage residents to register soon to avoid missing out on another fantastic spring
season. And finally, um the Easter egg hunt is right around the corner. It's scheduled for March 29th at Columbia Park starting promptly at 1:00 p.m. This event is exclusively for children in prek through third grade and Denellan residents. Remember to bring a basket
and don't be late. Stick around after the hunt for a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. Bye. Okay. Thank you, Council President. I saw the Easter Bunny was in Danell and uh throwing snowballs around, so uh I hope nobody drops his basket of eggs in
retaliation. Um Councilman Sigman. Uh yes, I will try to get through this as quickly as that blizzard did last week. Uh so on Sunday, February 22nd, the burrow was struck by a blizzard that lasted into Monday morning, bringing
approximately 20 ines of snow. Uh the DPW crew worked tirelessly from Sunday night through Monday morning clearing and salting all burrow streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. After the storm, uh the crew widened several busy crosswalks and key intersections
throughout the burrow to improve safety and accessibility. Uh the DPW crew appreciates the police department's assistance in removing vehicles from the streets during the snowstorm and their support has greatly aided uh the plowing process and reduced the need for additional clearing where
cars had been parked. Uh the DPW crew was also grateful to Chief Scott uh for providing breakfast sandwiches on Monday morning. I believe it was uh Taylor ham egg and cheese pork roll egg and cheese.
uh cheese was mandatory and uh for the board of education uh the board met on February 24th sharing lots of important information. Uh although the construction project at Faber is roughly a week behind schedule, they are confident that they will be back on
track within the next phase and they also announced a reduction in the estimated cost of the project. uh due to the recent snow day, a calendar change is necessary uh changing April 29th to a full day of school. Uh
the discussion also covered upcoming budgetary needs uh specifically regarding rising healthcare costs, anticipated flat state aid, and various policy changes. Consequently, additional funding will be required for the next fiscal year. And while the board has the legal authority to increase their
portion of the tax levy by up to 29% uh we are maintaining an active dialogue with them to stay informed on any further developments regarding this potential increase. Uh and finally the special meeting that uh to discuss Dan Ross's contract extension uh has been
cancelled. Uh Mr. Ross has withdrawn his request for an extension and has instead submitted his resignation as superintendent effective June 30th, 2026. And that is all for me. >> Okay. Thank you. Um,
if you plan to have ask questions of the board of education or the business administrator, who I'm aware is the one who made the 29% comment, um, I'd be curious to know how much they have in surplus to maybe offset that tax burden to our residents. though maybe find that
out. Um I do recall the previous uh budget conversation they had at the earlier meeting this year. Uh their budget was described as one to be proud of with I think it was 12.7 million
for surplus for surplus. Yes. Well, I think that's the answer. Not a 29% tax increase. Thank you. Councilman Scott, >> short report tonight for buildings and grounds was already mentioned. The following the recent deep freeze, the two library steps for the blue stone
threads treads came loose. DPW blocked off the area for safety and Alex Miller has contacted the contractor to begin repairs and the contractor's been working on the foundation over the past few days and expect to be completed this week. That's my report. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> And pork roll, not Taylor. >> I I I agree with you. Taylor ham's the brand. pork rolls the meat. Um, so anyway, people lose votes on that, so we we, you know, everyone should be careful. Um, okie do. So, I just want to
say thank you to the first responders um uh to the Dell Police Department, Fire Department, and Rescue Squad um for their swift, prompt, and professional response to a resident who had called in a medical emergency during the January snowstorm. um they reached out to me um
to provide details and also provide their positive experience with the members of each department and the smooth response of all of all involved despite the harsh conditions of course in that winter storm. So uh we're truly grateful for our dedicated first responders in our community and uh you
have our gratitude but I just wanted to put that on record that the resident did reach out and sang your praises. So congratulations and God bless you for what you continue to do. Thank you. uh flashing beacons on North Avenue. Um the push button RRFBs at North Avenue in
Jackson, Prospect Avenue and Lincoln Avenue were activated on February 19th. Uh the RFB at Bound Brook Road and Sanford Avenue is having a a technical problem. Uh and that was reported uh by the New Jersey Transit rep for Denellan.
uh this pro and so it'll be worked on of course and just a note uh the project was funded through redevelopment community benefit dollars. So they were installed at no cost to the taxpayer um because we believe that developers who are building here also have a corporate
partnership and social responsibility to our community beyond just their investment. uh Washington Avenue street light project. Uh expecting PSENG uh to be back on that project soon to work on the wiring. You'll see that um at least north to the bridge they
installed. Did they do in front of St. John's? I didn't get past their Okay. Um New Jersey American Water has started working on water main replacement project on Second Street between Madison Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. Um they expect this project to take about four weeks to complete. Um, after American
Water completes the Second Street project, uh, they plan to replace the water man on Fair View Avenue, which has had three water mane breaks in the last year, uh, the project will include replacing a 1700 linear uh, foot water man that was installed in the 1950s with
an 8 in duct tile water man that services 57 residents. So, in addition to the new water man, each residential home will receive new water service. new fire hydrant will replace the old ones and of course we expect the roads will be fully paved after that work is done.
Um second street phase 2 project Madison Avenue to Washington Avenue. Uh CME is scheduling a pre-construction meeting with the contractor. Uh so this project will include the removal and replacement of severely damaged curbs and sidewalks, driveway driveways and aprons. uh minor storm drain improvements, removal and
replacement of trees, enhance shade treeing commission will appreciate the replacement of trees. Uh enhanced striping and uh milling and paving of the street and this is part of an NJ dot municipal aid grant that we got. We got funding for phase one of second street a
couple years back which has been completed that was from Middle Sex to Madison. This is phase two, Madison to Washington. And then we got a grant this past year for phase three, which is Washington to uh Jefferson. So in effect, all of Second Street will be uh
done by grants. So that's always good for the taxpayer. Okie do. Um that's it for my report this evening. And uh where are we on the agenda? Okay, no council discussions this evening. Item number nine uh 10. Department head
reports. It >> report. >> Do you ever have a report? >> You're doing a good job iting. Legal. >> No report >> as always. That's music to my ears. Clerk registar. >> No report tonight. Mayor. >> Okay. Police.
Okay. OEM. >> Yeah. >> Oh. First of all, I'd like to uh I DPW and police department again for doing emergency um protective measures in terms of clearing my streets that we
don't have other incidents. Um and also uh like to also mention the fact that the fire department and and ser in terms of standing by case there was any additional measures that we have to take for snowstorm.
Um this Saturday we uh we had a training session with our SER members on doing PDAs which are preliminary damage assessments which is something that you have to do if you try want to get reimbursement or any expenses incur
during a disaster. We declared in a state of emergency um for the snowstorm as many other municipalities have and therefore once it's declared and the governor also
declare the state in a uh in a state of emergency that basically starts the set the stage for reimbursement to the municipalities at current expenses. They also did training board or INT
which is um incident management training because these uh serve members can potentially not only do PDA and help tasks to expedite that process finding out what kind of expenses that occur but they can also serve in the capacity of
our EOC. So um we did some training on that and FEMA the most dreaded FEMA form. Nobody wants to do FEMA form but but they they learn about through those forms. Oh, today we actually officially submitted a
u a PDA for reimbursements to our town again for the fine work that the police department and DBW especially did. So, we're trying to see if we reach a threshold in the state. Okay. All the municipalities what they do um they they
do their PDAs and we reach a certain threshold in the state um then we can we may be able to get some reimbursement for that. So, that PDA was uh uh submitted successfully today and thank
you for all the cooperating departments that gave me the figures to do that. That's it. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mosley, for the work you and your team do as well. >> Rescue Squad, but now
Mayor Sento mentioned he received a letter from a patient giving a shout out to the department. Um, as the HIPPA compliance officer for the rescue squad, I will let you know I have expressed permission to absolutely share this letter with the council. So, I want to
read it into the record if you don't mind. >> Okay. >> Okay. Uh, Mayor, >> hold on one second. Legally, we're good. >> Uh, if you've got the sh >> Okay. >> Okay. I am uh Mayor Sento. I am writing you to thank the men and women of the
Denellan Police Department, First Aid Squad, Fire Department, and JFK Hospital paramedics who responded to my house on Sunday, January 25th. On that day, while removing snow during the snowstorm, I experienced a sudden flutter in my chest
followed by dizziness, sweating, and nausea. I immediately stopped what I was doing and went inside my house and asked my wife to call 911. I felt like I was going to pass out and thought I was having a heart attack. Within minutes, the Denellan police officer, Paul
Condit, arrived and began to reassure me that the first aid squad and paramedics were in route. Officer Condet brought a sense of calm to the situation as we engaged in conversation, which helped divert my attention from the symptoms I was experiencing.
The Denellan first aid squad ambulance arrived incredibly fast and the EMTs immediately began to assess my condition. They were extremely professional and carefully transported me to Somerset Hospital in less than perfect weather conditions. Well,
definitely less than perfect. The paramedics from JFK hospital also arrived quickly considering there was close to a foot of snow on the ground and paramedic Steve started an IV on me and monitored my condition during my transport to the hospital. I would also
like to mention that the Denellan Fire Department also responded and helped safely carry me out of from my house to the ambulance. I would also like to recognize and thank my neighbor Luke Healey who used his snowblower to clear a path for the first responders.
Fortunately, I did not have a heart attack, but after a second visit to the hospital later in the week and testing, it was discovered I was experiencing SVT where my heart rate was exceeding 200 beats per minute. And that condition is currently being addressed by my doctor.
Thank you for all your professionalism and compassion during a scary moment in my life. I apologize for not remembering everyone's names, but my wife and I appreciate the rapid response and compassion shown by all the first responders in the extremely challenging
weather conditions of that day. Sincerely, Rob Vintenberg. Um, I would like to personally also extend my appreciation to the fire department, to the police department as one of the EMTs that responded that day. I would not have been able to get that
patient out without the assistance of the other first responders in this town. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Best, for sharing that. That's it. Okay. Thank you. Administration DBW Chief Smith, Captain Lieutenant
Sergeant Goldman, working on the process of getting the cars off the street. It was really helpful. I mean, made a big difference on clearing the roads, to get the streets clean quicker. Um, I was on the north side and I came across six cars.
It's a big shift in December and there's probably 300 cars on the street. And also to the residents, all the residents helping out by getting the cars off the street. Very helpful. Uh lastly, Chief Make sure you put in on the two 204.
>> That's about it. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Yes, great job. All three storms with the ticketing and everything specifically the last one. It it you know, look, it sucks that we had to do that. Nobody wants to take someone's
We've been multind and and obviously officer was all over the place. He was the one that's getting a lot of cars off the street with that. So he's got tape on that. >> Oh mayor, can I say one more thing?
of course he's behind the scenes and I think he needs to be recognized and that's Billy George in terms of getting out the alerts and the warnings to the residents about parking about staying out off the street. So just wanted to recognize >> that's a good point and recognize my
failure to important to note we have our public information officer who does a very good job on communication year round but specifically during emergency situations for storms. um is continuously putting out information. So, you're right, George. Um okay, no
other departments in here. Um we're going to open the to item number 11 on the agenda, public comments. We just ask you please state your name and your residency and we're here to answer questions, listen to your concerns. Yeah, Beth again for 401 Madison. Uh, I
just want to bring up something that came up in the um schoolboard meeting. They mentioned that there is state legislation being considered uh or being voted on that would require the municipalities to share a portion of all
pilot program money with the school boards. I want to make sure the council knows about that and what possible ramifications that could have to the town's budget. >> Appreciate you bringing that up. I'm very well aware of it. I believe it's Senator Singleton's bill. Um I think
there's assembly uh I don't know it's sister bill or count partner bill. Um and I can tell you the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, the New Jersey League of Municipalities, and the New Jersey Association of Counties, both Republican, Democrat, and independent leadership oppose that bill because when
you have a pie of you have the pie, the school always gets their piece of the pie. the burrow municipality is left holding the purse string with whatever cash is left in it. We levy the taxes. We send it to the taxing districts and we're the last one to be holding on to
anything that's left over. So property owner doesn't pay their taxes, we can be short cash flow and paying our operations. Uh pilot is a statutory uh a legal statutory uh law that the state passed at toolkit for municipalities to
uh spur economic growth. And um I can tell you we oppose that. At least I do personally um because the school gets their money regardless of whatever happens. So um that bill is no good. >> With the um
surplus that the school board claims to to to have um it seems to be something that I would be opposed to as well. So thank you. >> Well, I can tell you this. We get $1.4 million in pilot revenue, right? Um we have about an 11 million budget. Okay.
And 1.3 or four, I don't want to misquote myself, but what's our how much is our health insurance raised over the past two years? >> The last four years, it's gone up 84%. >> So, our our health insurance has
increased, I think, about$1.2 million. So, think about that. You take out the 1.4 million, where we Are we making that up? >> Understood. Uh I also want to as a as a resident just say that I have complained
very often our taxes. Uh but I have noticed that in the last uh several years that property taxes for my home have gone from $16,000 a year to 14.
Thank you guys. We're trying to be very fiscally responsible with municipal budget. I know um Facebook sometimes says otherwise and they can um people can certain people can ask for
audits. We do audits annually. They're all public. We have our budgets uh reviewed by professionals and it also goes what to the local finance board and the DCA before approved. So the state has its eyes on it. So honestly any
increase in our budget is generally speaking statutoily obligations obligations or salaries. I mean it's it and salaries come with healthcare. Um and so those are usually the increases that we have.
It's not we're not buying brand new this and brand new that or capital improvement. Those are the three items that are usually what's in our budgets now that has if there has been an increase and on average we've only increased about $50 $60 per household over the last well since this
administration's been here. Um so we try but um there was a time where Burough Hall was not open part of the time because most of the employees were part-time and if you're going to have a government needs to function and operate and be open for the people. Though we have staffed our offices appropriately
where people can come in during the entire day and pay their taxes or visit the clerks or registars's office, go to the construction office. These other offices were not open all around. So I remember a time when they were only open 2 hours here, 3 hours there and nobody
was able to get to them. So um I appreciate you recognizing that. Thank you, Mr. Best. Okay. Any other members of the public, please state your name and uh your residency. And our budget will be
presented in March, so save your questions there, too. Come on. We ought to outnumber Mr. Best. He's asked like five questions tonight. >> Hi, kid. Thank you for being here. Okay. So, if there's no other comments or questions from the public, uh, we'll
motion have a motion and second for item number 12, which is a German resolution 94. >> Move it. Segment. >> Second, Vandermark. >> All in favor? I I. >> Any nays?