We need to turn the volume off. >> Volume off. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our May 18th council meeting. Our first order of business is a call to order and rise for the pledge of allegiance.
I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Item number two on the agenda, if you don't have an agenda, there's agenda is
right up front here on the table. Uh is a reading of the sunshine statement and roll call by Mrs. Lauren Stats, our municipal clerk. This meeting of the Denellan Burough Council is called pursuant to the provisions of the open public meetings law. This meeting of May 18th, 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 May 13, 2026 and on the public bulletin board on North Avenue on May 13, 2026 and has
remained continuously posted as the required noted. Mayor Sento >> present. >> Council President Lamb >> here. Mrs. Albertson >> here. >> Mrs. Rios >> here. >> Mr. Scott
>> here. >> Mr. Sigman >> here. >> And Mrs. Vandermark. Noted absent. >> Okay. Item number three is proclamations. We have two this evening. uh recognizing EMS week in 2026 and
recognizing National Public Works Week in 2026. Miss Emily, before we present to the rescue squad the proclamation, do you know if other members are joining? I remember. >> Okay. Well, you're a member of the rescue squad, so I will present you the
proclamation if you wouldn't mind joining us up front. Okay. Thanks out of your mind. Okay. So, this a proclamation recognizing May 17th to the 23rd as EMS week 2026.
Whereas, emergency medical services are a vital public service. And whereas the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And whereas access to
quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury. And whereas emergency medical services have grown to fill a gap by providing important out of hospital care
including preventative medicine, follow-up care and access to tele medicine. And whereas emergency medical services systems consist of first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters,
police officers, educators, administrators, prehosp nurses, emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public, and out of hospital medical care providers. And whereas the members of emergency medical services team, whether career or volunteer, like we have here in
Denellan, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their life-saving skills. And whereas the official theme of EMS week is improving outcomes together, which emphasizes the collaboration between EMS practitioners,
911 dispatchers, fire service, law enforcement, and health systems to enhance patient care, safety, and medicine, uh, community wellness. Now therefore be it proclaimed that I, Mayor Jason Felento and the Denellan Burough Council recognize May 17th through the 23rd as EMS week and Deborough Denellan
and encourage residents to join us in celebration the celebrating the many ways the Denellan Rescue Squad serves our community with courage, compassion and commitment each and every day. Congratulations. Thank you for your service. Okay. Thank you, Emily. Thank you for
your service. >> Okay. Next is recognizing National Public Works Week in 2026. And Councilman Paul Sigman has uh requested to be able to read the proclamation. So you're you're on. Thank you. Whereas public works
professionals focus on facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of Denellan. And whereas these infrastructure, facilities, and services
could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals who are engineers, managers and employees at all levels of government. and the private sector who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation's
transportation, water supply, water treatment, and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens. And whereas it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders, and
children in Denellan to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities. And whereas the year 2026 marks the 66th
annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association. And whereas the 2026 National Public Works Week theme as designated by the American Public Works Associated Association is rooted in
service powered by community highlighting how public works from the foundation of thriving communities connecting visible improvements with essential often unseen services. And now therefore be it proclaimed that Mayor Jason F. Sento and the Denellan Burough
Council recognize May 17th to May 23rd as National Public Works Weeks in the Burrow of Denellan and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our health, safety, and advancing quality of life for all. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Councilman, and thank you to our Department of Public Works led by Mr. Alex Miller. Um, next up, we have item number four on the agenda. We have Gabe Baylor, our uh our planner, municipal planner from Harbor Consultants. He's going to do a
presentation on the amended downtown redevelopment plan. Um that Gabe went to planning board for review and comment and it's coming back to us. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Good evening, Mayor and Council.
Uh Gabe Baylor with Harbor Consultants. So, as the mayor mentioned, tonight is a second reading for the proposed amendment to the re the downtown redevelopment plan. And what is being proposed is to extend the transition
area. And I'll show a map of this extension on the west side of the burrow to extend within a little bit of portions. It's only about 12 prop. It's only 12 properties affecting to expand the transition area into downtown core.
The reason behind this is we want to permit more ground floor opportunities including residential uses within the transition area by extending that. So as you can see now this is the current
transition area on the west side of the burrow. ends at Sanford Avenue. And what we are proposing is to extend the transition area 12 properties from Sanford from Middle Sex, the border of
Middle Sex to now extending past Sanford Avenue to approximately midblock between Pilaski Street and Sanford Avenue. Now, as mentioned, this is in the redevelopment plan. So if a something is
not permitted, a use is not permitted if normally you could go for a use variance. But however, this is a redevelopment plan. So the the local redevelopment housing law requires that the red redevelopment plan be amended to permit certain uses. So an application
can't go for a use variance. It has to the redevelopment plan has to be amended. So in terms of consistency which is a requirement what is the consistency of this amendment uh it's consistent with the 2023 master plan re-examination to redevelop the burough
downtown promote this the redevelopment plan to promote aesthetically pleasing and safe downtown mix of uses that's conduct conducive to best pedestrian activity and transit oriented living and working and create new mixed uses such as multif family residential uses and
affordable housing. So that is the basis of what's this proposed amended redevelopment plan. Any questions? >> And what's the planning board? >> Planning board planning board deemed it consistent with the the master plan.
I do have a question. >> Um, so just to be clear, um, you mentioned having mixed use. How is the mixed use of these buildings in the transition area going to be different
from the downtown core area? >> So the transition area permits mixed uses. Absolutely. So, ground floor retail commercial, but the transition area also permits ground floor residential. So, this area where we're
closing is residential in nature. It's not a commercial area. There's primarily residential uses. So, in terms of having like the ground for residential, this would be appropriate for this area. This isn't going within the downtown core, which is the primary business area of
Denellan. So having a ground floor residential is appropriate just within this area. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And I think maybe to address something allowing mixed use would allow the opportunity of like a neighborhood groceryer or something to be in the
area. So allow the opportunity for still commercial but encouraging residential in this area support the downtown core. Okay. Uh council before we move on. Any additional questions or comments? Okay. Thank you. I see more members of the
rescue squad showed up, but so if you want, we can uh towards the end of the meeting, renap that photo. If you want a photo, go with everybody. Okay. All good. I I'm sure you're on a call. Thankfully, we do. So, okay. Uh next up is item number five, the approval of our
meeting minutes from our regular meeting on May 4th. I have a motion and second, please move it. Sigman second. Rios, >> any comments, additions, or edits to the meeting minutes as they currently stand? Without hearing any, we'll take a roll call.
>> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lamb, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sigman, >> yes.
>> I do apologize. Guys, I forgot that I put in my notes ahead of our meeting. Before we get into um when a prominent figure in town passed away, we usually hold a moment of silence. And um I failed to remember in my notes that I I was going to ask for a moment of silence
for William Mundy, a long time a lifelong resident, owner of Lundy's funeral home, and just overall a great human being. He passed uh last week uh at the age of I believe 91. So God gave him a really good life of all right. And
so if everybody's okay, we'll just take a moment of silence and get better. Thank you. And I apologize sooner in the meeting. Okay. Item number six is the introduction of ordinances. Uh we have an introduced ordinance this ordinance
this evening 2026-16 bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements in and by the burough of Denellan in the county of Middle Sex New Jersey appropriating 2 well 2,815,000 therefore authorizing the issuance of 2,760,000
in bonds or notes of the bureau to finance part of the costs thereof. And I have a motion and second move second Rios Rios. Uh if council approves this this evening to move forward to public hearing adoption, it will be at our I
believe it'll be heard and possibly adopted at what our June 5th meeting >> first >> first sorry first meeting I apologize first. Um and it will be held in the clerk's office for review as well as online for review. Um for the public if
they're aware every year we have capital improvement program that funds the various projects that the budget sets aside cash uh funds for. So this is what this is. It's the various projects that are going on. I would say more than half of the projects, I know you hear $2.8
billion dollars, you get concerned, but more than half of that almost about I 70%. I know that's about 1.7 billion in grants. >> We'll just say more than half of $2.8 million is in grant funding. So we have
to raise the capital, put it up, and then we get that funding back. So I know 2.8 sounds like a lot. It is a lot, but we have million million over a million change in grants that will offset that bond once it comes due. So, okie do. Um,
it's introduced. Outside of my quick summary, there's no further discussion. Uh, can we have a roll motion second? We have a roll. >> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. Mr. Scott, >> abstain position in the fire department.
>> And Mr. Sigman, >> yes. Okay. Item number seven on the agenda is adoption of ordinances. So we have 2026-12 through 2026-15. I'll ask for a motion and second on
2026-12 an ordinance of the burrow of Dellan in the county of Middle Sex, New Jersey, adopting an amended and restated Dellan downtown redevelopment plan phase one. >> Move it. Segment. >> Second, Rios. At this time, I will open
the floor to the public for any comments on this uh specific 2026-12. This is the ordinance supporting what Mr. Baylor just presented. So, he is here to address any questions you may have as well. We just kindly ask that you you
can reach them if you're able to get to the mic. If not then just >> uh 805 street I just heard everything you were saying about Sanford >> back down toward middle. >> Yes. The what what we're doing there's
the downtown redevelopment plan area the transition area and we're just extending them past S for that. >> Oh okay. So what you what's it like? >> It's the redevelopment plan permits certain uses within the downtown. Oh, like community stuff like that.
>> Yeah. So, it's the zoning. >> Yeah. >> That's set for the downtown. >> Okay. All right. >> Yes. Kelly, >> whatever happened to my tree? I was 60 years. >> Miss Kelly.
>> And I understand. >> I understand. But we're not at that portion of public comment. >> Oh, wait. Okay. Thank you. So, any other public comment specifically on 2026-12? >> Okay. Any open the floor to the council without hearing any further discussion?
And we have a roll call. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lamb? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios? >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott? >> Yes. and Mr. Sigma. >> Yes. >> Can I have a motion and second on 2026-13
and ordinance to amend chapter 150 fees article 2 construction fees the burough code of the bureau of den? >> Move it. Segment >> second. Lance >> Mr. Miller, would you like to address this briefly before we open up to the uh call?
Uh this is just doing a little houseing on the uh construction piece getting some things up to date and then some things that were not that we have more compliance and our stat on that email.
>> Um the DCA they wanted to put things in our ordinance so we had to move a couple things around and just update some of the piece. >> Okay. >> Yes. Thank you. So with that, I will open the floor to the public solely on 2026-13
if you have any questions or comments on. Okay, without hearing any, we'll close it to the public on 2026-13. We'll open the floor to the council. >> Without hearing any, we'll take a roll call. >> Mrs. Mrs. Albertson,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> Can I have a motion and second on ordinance 2026-14, an ordinance to amend and supplement the
general legislation of the bureau of denial, chapter 202, section 18C? >> Move it. Second, second, Scott. >> Miller, Mr. Robertson. Anything that the council and public need to know before opening up? >> This is just an ordinance that is
amending the handicap parking ordinance. There's a new property that was added and one uh that had to be remable. So again, it just uh making it current. >> Okay. Thank you for that explanation.
Hearing that, we'll open the floor to the public for any comments or questions pertaining to 2026-14. Without hearing any, we'll close that portion to the public and we'll open the floor to the council. >> Without any further discussion, can we have a roll call, please?
>> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sigma. >> Yes. >> And I have a motion and second on 2026-15 an ordinance to amend the general legislation of the Bureau of
Denell municipal code chapter 204 parks and playground section 12 violations and penalties. >> Move it. Segment >> second. uh mayor just uh to mention there is one clerical error that is uh been corrected
in the final uh version that's been uh for public hearing there was a date that in the original public published document said July 1st it should been July 19th the nons substantive clerical
error and with that amendment the uh ordinance is is on for public hearing Thank you. And this ordinance is related to uh penalties violations related to bikes and motors. That's good. Thank you. With that, we'll open the floor to
the public solely on 2026-15 for comments and questions on 2026-15. Without hearing any, we will close the portion of the public and we'll open the floor to council for discussion. that. >> So, this is just adding the ebikes if I'm reading this correctly.
>> Uh the the purpose of this what there was an earlier ordinance that had to do with the operation to bikes on uh public parks. Uh there was an issue brought to Burough's attention with regard to enforcement specifically having to do
with juveniles property. uh this uh makes the juveniles parent authority also responsible and as of July 19th potentially those vehicles are subject to impoundment if they're not in
possession of license or legislation. So it it just modifies the violations section of I believe. >> Okay, good. Any other comments or questions from council? Without hearing any, we'll take a roll
call, please. >> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sigman, >> yes. Item number eight on the agenda is resolutions. We have resolutions 172
through 179. If Mrs. Thatch, you can read them through and give us an opportunity to discuss the way the council so choose to stand. >> Resolution number 172 is to pay the bills. Move it. Rios >> second. Sigman. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes.
>> Mrs. Lamb. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Sigman. >> Yes. Resolution 173 is increasing the public bidding threshold through local finance notice 2025-08
>> move it sigma >> second ri >> so for public's uh knowledge uh the ability to raise the threshold basically without a qualified purchasing agent you're only allowed to bid without going
out to full RFP upward of 17,500 Um, when you have a QPA, it was 44,000. In our case, it's now been raised to 53,000. So, that's that's what this resolution does. It provides the opportunity should
we need to purchase something or or raise capital for something up to that limit, we can go to without having to go down to a public bid. So, that just statute and it allows the town to do business. Um,
council, any discussion on this? Okay, >> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> Resolution number 174 is to hire summer
art camp teachers for the Dellan Arts, Inclusion, and Culture Commission summer camp. >> Move it, Rios. >> Second, Lance. Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Lamb, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott,
>> yes. >> And Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> Resolution number 175 is to award a contract for professional services to CME Associates to perform engineering services for Second Street Improvement Projects Base 2 at a cost not expected
to exceed 95,000. >> Move it and segment. Second. Rios. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes. >> Lance. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Sigma. >> Yes.
>> Resolution number 176 is awarding a contract to Bellamy and Suns for the parking lot, milling, and paving services. Move it. Rios. >> Second. Sigma. >> This is for the public library parking lot. Yes. Mrs. Albertson,
>> yes. >> Mrs. Bland, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sign, >> yes. >> Resolution number 177 is awarding a contract to Garden State Pavement
Solutions for the milling and paving of the Department of Public Works lot through Educational Services Commission of New Jersey cooperative pricing system. >> Move it. Second. >> Second. Rio >> work on this guy.
>> Mrs. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> And Mr. Sig, >> yes. >> Resolution number 178 is to hire Natalie Jimenez as part-time violations clerk in
the Denella Municipal Court. >> Move it. Segment. >> Second, Rios. And Miss Jim was highly recommended. She's bilingual. Uh she comes home again which is she working but she graduated high
school last year. She uh did a practice here with the courts uh the court uh administration that I leave her and ask her to come in. She would be helping out. uh she would be able to
open out on nights. Uh sometimes that would help with transition door and also uh another backup because one of the uh part-time members that would help out others about no longer helps.
>> Well, for the private company work, it helps secure a job out of high school. Yeah. So, at least she knows >> for law. Yeah, good for her. God bless. Okay, council, any further discussion?
>> No. >> Okay, roll call, please. >> Albertson, >> yes. >> Lance, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes. >> Mr. Sigman, >> yes. >> Resolution number 179 is appointing
pensions and benefits certifying officer and certifying supervisor for the burough of Denella. >> Move it. Sigma. >> Second, Rios. Mr. Albertson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lamb, >> yes. >> Rios, >> yes. >> Mr. Scott, >> yes.
>> Mr. S, >> yes. >> Item number nine on the agenda is consent agenda. We have items 180 through 183. Uh, council can review them and if any items that you wish to take out, let us know and then we'll uh
motion and second and vote on the other items together. Okay. Without hearing any, I'm going to assume we can move forward with a motion and second. >> Move it. Sigma. >> Second. Rios. >> Mrs. Albertson. >> Yes.
>> Lamb. >> Yes. Mrs. Rios. >> Yes. >> Mr. Scott. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Sigman. >> Yes. >> Okay. Council reports. Council out this evening. somehow areas. >> Yes, the Danella Public Library is pleased to announce that we have a new
director, Margaret Maggie Drulette, who will officially begin on May 21st. We invite everyone to stop by the library to introduce themselves, visit, and explore the many programs and services we offer. Please also follow our activities and updates on Facebook and
visit our website for upcoming events and information. If there are any programs or activities you would like to see the library host, we encourage you to share your ideas with us by email or stopping by in the library. We look forward to welcoming Maggie and continuing to serve our community.
Chanelan Police Department issued a cautionary notice to the community following a recent spike in reports of catalytic converter thefts of from vehicles. Things to look for and listen for the sound of power tools being used on a vehicle. the sound of loud
high-pitch grinding or buzzing of the angle grinder. Thieves often often strike at night where they cannot be detected. Uh great job to the police unity tour who traveled the 250 mile journey to Washington DC to the fallen
enforcement memorial. That's all. >> Thank you. >> Councilwoman Albertson. >> Yes. Um for the Dellan Arts Inclusion Culture Committee uh summer art camp details for are as follows. CLA
children's classes from 9 to 12 years old. Art camp is from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Teen art classes from 13 to 17 years old. Art camp is from 1 to 3:00 p.m. Camp registration is $120 for
children and $75 for the teen classes. Friends of the Denellan Public Library, the Open Air Market is happy to announce that we have a produce vendor starting on June 7th. Come out and visit us. We have many wonderful vendors and a lot of delicious food. Tommy Strazza will be
entertaining us with his music. Hope to see you there. And that's all I have. >> Okay. Thank you, Councilwoman. And uh kudos to the friend of the public library. The outdoor the open air market um has been done very well. We're happy to hear that there's going to be a
produce section. So, congratulations to you. I know Sharon Dale have been helping you uh with the vendor. So, shout out to her for a job well done and to the the organization for doing a really really good job. So, as always, so thank you for your service. >> Thank you. >> Council President Lance, anything to
report this evening? >> Yes. From recreation, join us next Monday, May 25th, for our annual Memorial Day parade. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a ceremony at Washington Memorial Park. If your organization is interested in
marching or participating with the float, please contact recreation director Kelly Cedar at kirad denell.com. We hope you'll join us as we come together to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Summer camp
registration is now open. Families can register through the recreation website. The camp runs from June 15th through August 14th and is open to children ages 5 to 12. This 9-week program is filled with engaging activities including field
trips, outdoor and indoor play, and water games. Spots are filling quickly. Be sure to register soon so your child doesn't miss out on summer f full of fun. And I also have something from the mayor's traffic and pedestrian task
force. Um, so in celebration of National Bike Month, MTAPs hosted MTAPS along with KMM hosted the annual bike rodeo on Thursday, May 7th at um, Faber Elementary School in collaboration with
Keep Middle Sex moving, um, the Denellan Public Schools, the Denellan Police Department. The event featured 15 vendors and welcomed over 110 community members, more than double last year's attendance. After receiving helmet fittings and bike safety checks,
participants part practiced essential riding skills, including starting and stopping, hand signaling, and weaving through obstacles. MTAPS used the rodeo as an opportunity to distribute information on current local ordinances governing ebike usage
in Denellan, as well as the upcoming New Jersey state regulations taking effect in July 2026. engaging riders and families early supports compliance and safer shared use of our streets and sidewalks. As ebike
ownership continues to grow, this season's walk to school Wednesday program saw strong participation from Faber Elementary students. A total of 107 children returned their walk to school Wednesday tickets, qualifying them for prize drawings. prizes will be
awarded with 15 children receiving free ice cream from Uncle Luigi's and five children receiving bully bucks from Faber Elementary. MTAPS wants to thank Mayor Jason Escalento for attending and supporting the bike rodeo, helping out with the
streamers um and extends gratitude to KMM, the Denellan Police Department, um Denalan public schools, Uncle Luigi, John Faber, um elementary school, and all participating vendors and volunteers. So,
>> okay. Thank you, Councilman Sigman. Uh yes, to uh celebrate the arrival of the the nicer weather, uh the DPW has installed new plants in downtown tree planters and added new hanging baskets to the decorative poles throughout
downtown. Uh they have also performed lawn maintenance at all burrow properties and parks and continued the ball field maintenance for youth sports. Uh street sweeping has continued through the burrow. Uh and the schedule, I believe, is still available online.
Uh, and the crews also completed the routine cleaning of the downtown area, all the properties and parks as well. And the new mechanic, Mike Whitmer, has begun servicing both DPW and police vehicles. >> Excuse me. And that is all for me.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Scott buildings for buildings and grounds. The DPW is continuing to work on the planters in Washington Memorial Park and they'll soon finish the planner around the welcome to Denellan sign on Washington
Avenue. Additionally, the new welcome to Denellan signs are expected to be delivered within the next week. So hopefully see those going up soon. And that's my report. Okay, short and sweet to the point. Thank you. Okay. Uh not to sound too redundant, but I just want to
again follow up on the importance and reminder of the Memorial Day parade and ceremony. Um, it's just one week away. It's a really really great parade. I don't even know I know English-wise that's not the correct sentence structure, but it's a great
parade. Um, and it's it's a great way to honor those who have served our country honorably. Um, so again, the parade will start at 10:00 a.m. uh go through North Avenue and uh we'll end at Washington Memorial Park to uh honor our veterans
and remember those who are fallen heroes. Um so um following the parade again merit allegian correct uh usually a picnic so please join us um and we hope to see you uh there and come together as a community. Second Street
phase two from Madison Avenue to Washington Avenue. Our contractor Topline Construction planted 10 new trees as part of the project this past week and has now scheduled the milling and paving of the phase of this project. milling and uh the milling is scheduled
for Tuesday, May 26, beginning at approximately 7 am, residents will not be permitted to park on the affected streets that day. While residents will still be able to access their driveways during the billing process, minor delays may occur. Paving is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27th, between 7 a.m. and
5:00 p.m. During paving operations, there will be no street parking and vehicles will not be permitted to drive on the roadway during work hours. residents are asked to park on neighboring streets during that time or we do have other public parking lots that we could possibly arrange to as well. Uh notices regarding the milling
and paving schedule have been delivered to all residencies located within the project area and of course we'll continue to send out alerts and updates via social media and our emails. The new Market Grove and South Washington Avenue Orange Street
pedestrian improvement project. Um the push button RRFBS uh our contractor again, Topline Construction, uh has installed new ADA compliant sidewalks and replaced several severely damaged sidewalk sections near the intersection. As part of the project, Topline also
planted two new trees. Uh we're a very treehappy town. The South Washington Avenue and Orange Street intersection is scheduled to be milled and paved on Wednesday, May 27th between 9:00 am and 2 PM. The final phase of the project will be the installation of push button
RFB system. CMER engineer has not yet received a construction schedule for that portion of the work yet, but of course we will advise the public when it comes. railroad app Colbert uh the Army Corps has confirmed that their model shows the downstream system will have capacity to take flows from our project
once they have completed their construction. The I bank which is a funding source for the state has requested that an engineering agreement be provided for the project and we have submitted the same to the uh CME has submitted the same to us as the bureau. Uh the engineering agreement includes a
cost proposal for the following. Final design plan and specification preparation for the revisions required to address the comments from the NJT uh and the bid project. Uh construction cost estimates and schedules, permit submission, resubmissions to obtain the NJT and freehold soil conservation
district approvals. Uh the New Jersey infrastructure uh bank application reports and submissions to assist the bureau with obtaining the funding for the project. licensed site remediation, professional services, bit based services, and construction based services. All to be said, um this
project is closer to being constructed than it has been in well a long time. So, um the light is at the end of the tunnel, I guess, as they say. And this will help the south side of town drastically with flooding measures.
And um as we've noted in the past, we had to work with the Greenberrook control control uh project to make sure now that it's been years for that project too that what we do on this one doesn't impact that project. So uh we're basically in the clearing the Ivank is
the next step. Correct. So uh Bound Brook Road Streetscape uh improvements again another grant we received for improvements to our downtown. Uh bids for the project are scheduled to be received on 521 which is in a couple days at Burrow Hall with CME
our engineer and burough clerk stats. And uh that project is the continuation of the decorative lighting from Madison Avenue all the way all the way to um Middle Sex uh border. So um continued streetscape improvements. Uh are trees a
part of that project too? >> Music to my ears. Thank you. Okay, that's it for my report this evening. Trees are important. Okay, there's no council discussion this evening. Uh item number 12 is department head reports legal.
>> Uh no report, mayor. Thank you. >> Music again to my ears. >> It'll work. >> Good job iting. >> Clerk registar. >> Yes. On May 20th, the county will start mailing out sample ballots. Early voting will start May 26th and end on May 31st.
May 26 is the deadline to apply for mail and ballot for the primary election. Early voting um begins on May 26th, which the closest closest location is JFK Library, which is 500 Host Lane in Piscatoaway. For a list of the locations, you can visit the Middle Sex
County website. And districts 1 and two are at the senior center, 216 Orange Street. Districts three and six are at the firehouse, 231 South Madison, and districts four and five are at the library, which is 100 New Market Road. That is it. >> I already got my sample.
>> Maybe they administration DBW. >> Thank you. Recreation. >> Police. >> Anything back there for fire?
>> Functioning. Good. Rescue squad. Saturday. >> Okay. So, C uh Rescue Squad's hosting a CPR class this Saturday and that's on your social media that if we wanted to share it. >> Yep. On social media 8 to 12:30. Uh
encourages the volunteers to come out. Uh I'm encouraging everyone to get CPR certified. So there's no guarant. >> Okay, thank you. Maybe we can push it out to recreation all the >> um probably our savings.
>> Okay. Well, we can work with Alex on that one, too. >> OEM I might be getting scratchs on my way home. >> Well, you're here, Gabe. Anything else from planning? >> That's nothing else from the mayor. >> Just planning. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Thank you. Okie do. Item number I didn't Did I miss anyone? Okay. Item number eight on the agenda is public comments. So, we'll open the floor to the public to share your comments, concerns. Uh microphones here if you're able to make it. If not,
Miss Kelly, I assume I know why you're here. It's your tree. >> Well, I have several questions. >> Okay. >> Number one, what happened with our roads? They were all paved, seemed beautifully. Now they're being all torn up. Second street was torn up. There was
no plan in place of parking. And then we on third street got hit bar. What was the parking plan arrangement when you're tearing up the street and people have to move their cars to get because they can't get in out of their houses?
>> What happened on that? >> Well, usually residents are able to access during certain forms of dur construction. Um, and we just request residents to park on neighboring streets. It is a public road. So, um, we just ask that they park on neighboring
areas so the road Um, you want to address that directly outside of anything you already said? >> Yeah, that second street that being constructed, mayor supported that it's going to be no paid. Uh, >> but why did we pay first and now they're tearing them up?
>> That street was >> prospect is terrible. >> Yeah. Well, we have a 5year. So now, and I'll address that question now. Okay. So, you'll see a lot on the south side of town. Um, American Water has come in and uh offered to of age in improving
our aging infrastructure underneath the roads. A lot of the roads that are over there did come up against it's crazy to say a lot of them got paid during my first term in the first two years. They are right against the our fiveyear moratorum. So they came in they invested
over $20 million to improve nearly a 100 year old infrastructure. Um I can tell you we didn't do that in every other town. did that because we're working with them and we've encouraged them over the past few years. Um, so we had a decision to make roads
that were paid four years ago. Do we not do we not improve the infrastructure that American Water is offering us or do we not? The notices that we have sent out to the public, all those roads will be repaid by New Jersey
American Water. So I know been an inconvenience the last year. Um I know it's a cause of delays. Um but it's been a it's been a short-term inconvenience for now. It will be a very long-term improvement and none of us will probably
be around um if we are recommending them. Yeah. And off that mayor, can you hear yourself? >> Yes. Kelly, the infrastructure that was being replaced was 80 year old uh bikes
that were severely falling apart. The uh Orange Street, 300 block of Orange Street just had it break last year because the infrastructure is building. Uh so American Motor came to us asking, "Hey, look, we have you got
systems that are years are older that need to be replaced. So when they come in, they not only did to replace the mains, put new fire hydrants in, put all new services to each residential home, they put larger pipes so this way you can handle the water flow out better.
Um, part of what American is also doing with they're doing uh checking to make sure that none of our residents have lead New Jersey. So they're making sure. since you know so much. What's the situation with North D here, especially
in front of the bank? My family did the merger of the first national bank of Dellan and Provident Bank in the walls downstairs right in the basement. We they couldn't use them. They're all crooked because of all the sand out
here. years ago they brought in a contract and not under our honor by mayor now another mayor and they dug out here and they couldn't reach the pipes at all but we still had to pay them $125,000 so I'm concerned about that street
because the caveman is there like I said in the basement of that bank okay that bank years ago there are walls but we can't they couldn't use them anymore because they're all crooked. What about what's our situation out
there? Mayor, do you know? I don't know. >> Well, it is a state road, so if we were needing a state call, um this is that's the honestly recalling the first time I've heard it. So, we check to our engineers who have been here over 20
years to see if there's any storm involved on it. Um any work that would need to be done, we of course need to coordinate with the state if it is their Um but back to the improvements again we have a 5year moratorum that we put in in what was it 2021
that roads can't be touched for 5 years and we also made it that when the utilities come in they also have to repave the roads 100 ft per curve. So um we understand also don't need the road we just discussed and then um then not
be held accountable for fixing. So in this case, they'll repave 100% of those roads that they touched. And again, a lot of those roads were up against the 5-year moratorum. So we just had a policy decision. We let them do the work knowing there's a year away. We lose the opportunity to have billions upon
millions of dollars of investment or do we let them do it? And we also get again because they don't give us a fiveyear forecast when they they're going to do improvements. They we give them our list about two years ahead of what we're looking to do. We pray to God that they
come and go to to do the work and they've been good good stewards doing that. Um but it's usually not reverse. We don't usually get their flag tests. So um it will be repaid. I apologize for the inconvenience. >> No, no, thank you mayor. I do appreciate
all you you do you know I do. >> But I do get concerned about some issues of course. Sorry. Off of that what mayor was talking about um that that the roads both mostly on the south side of town it's about three and a half miles we're
going to get paid after we request them to wait the schools out because otherwise it been a disaster try to fill and pave those streets while schools are possible. >> All right, one more question.
>> All yours. I'm high about trees >> because uh I just I know I'll get the truth from you. People get angry when a tree falls on their property. Now the people across the street from me, their whole garage was destroyed. On board
street, a guy put up a brand new machete that was destroyed. Their insurance companies do reimburse them, but the town does not help them with the deductible. You have a $1,000 deductible. making a left for a jam tree falls on the couch.
That's what I've been told. I don't know what you know because people I from my understanding with insurance when a tree does fall it's mapped to God. So I think that's how insurance it my neighbor's tree came into my I shouldn't say that but I had a situation where a neighbor
tree came into my property and it was basic use it. Um, we have well over $200,000 worth. It's about that number of trees that need to either be maintained or taken down. And in our budget, we try
every year we try to do as much as we can, but with constraints, we're always finding ourselves going around 50 or $75,000. So, we're chipping away year-over-year. The list is off. We've been more proactive in years past. Um I can say
your tree specifically I believe rich trees service this was actually when we spoke last year we said we have to wait till the new budget year so we can appropriate it. So our budget just was approved so they start moving now money gets there. So rich tree service was in
the neighborhood and it will be canled in this next round in the spring. during this time period. >> One further question. >> Yes. >> Our our insurance used to be in the burrow years ago with different companies, but then finally they went in
and join the municipal government at county level. Do we still have it that way? >> No. So, >> no. >> No. Uh, no. We are the Yeah, it's it's a very it's a very comp complex thing. So, we are in the state healthcare benefits plan LG local government.
>> Okay. Um last year in May, so happy anniversary really. Um the govern the state government stated the state healthcare commissioner came out and said that it was in a death survival. Uh for several years, it's been going up by
it was 12%, 22%, 36%, 36%. Had we stayed in it this year, we would have been well over 80% over the past three years. Um so we did a claims review. We looked at our claims. I we were able to get out of the state healthcare benefits which would have been again another almost
half another increase. Um and so we were able to when I say this save $300,000 it wasn't that we save actual dollars in the sense of it's in the budget. We were able to save us from having $300,000
increase by switching plans. So we are in effect out of the state healthcare plan. We're in the New Jersey uh solutions um which is basically joint health insurance of a bunch of municipalities who qualified few towns in New Jersey that qualified. Um so we're able to get
out of state healthcare plan. I can tell you um I'm the president of New Jersey Conference of Mayors. I've been negotiating directly with the state government in my role and the various unions. Um I I don't know the path in which the state healthcare benefits
program is really going. So that's why we got out. Um so Final question. >> Yes, >> this is personal on top. As you know, I served on several committees on the county level on the
great David Cramer mayor of Miltown and he used to say being mayor of a small town is tough. So that's why I always respect you and council members because small towns are tougher. So he
said when he was mayor of Middletown, he got maybe 50 phone calls per week from the town. He couldn't even go to church. And I think at that time he was making about 15 20,000. When he became director of Middle Sex County, he went to like
35,000 and was lucky. He got two phone calls a week. So I want to know when you're going to run for higher up. >> Well, Miss Charlie I very much enjoy being mayor of my >> because we need good people at at higher
level. Now tell me about my trade. What's going to happen? >> I just told you you're going to get going to come down. >> I know you tell me all about it, but when is it going to happen? Seven years I've been asking. >> Well, I can tell you since we've had the conversation last year, we put in we were waiting for this budget process to
be it's approved. Bridge history service was in your neighborhood and it should be coming down in the next round which Mr. Miller. I don't know the direct timeline. What would you say to that? >> Well, I thank Mr. Miller. He's always very gracious. >> Uh mayor, I would say probably
your phone number >> because he destroy the shed, but I didn't put into that. It was $900 to get it removed. >> Keep falling from the property, breaking the railings and everything else. >> Way the insurance. >> Thanks, Mr. Miller. I'm sure you'll get
it done. So, mayor, >> I'll address your last question though. >> The rumor in town is that I'm not seeking re-election. >> I plan to be here for a little while longer if you guys will have. Okay. >> But we did from Dell, right? >> I know. Many many,
>> you know. Yeah, we had assembly men for the first time. >> I forget what year it was and he was elected to uh state off. >> Yeah. >> And we also had Brett Butler here. He had the house, the old Bay's house, and he went on to run state government from
Denelli. >> Miss Kelly, I I could listen to you all day, and I think you need to re re uh rejuvenate the historical society personally, but uh thank you. It's good. It's always good to see you. So, thank you. >> Um any other members of the public?
We're here to listen to you. Yes. >> Um optimum the network. >> Yes. the only ones in town and did they not install the fiber last year? >> They are not the only ones in town.
>> Okay. >> Um they were up until a couple years ago. >> Okay. >> We were able to get Comcast Xfinity for both cable and internet. I believe they they have fiber. >> Yes, I believe they have fiber. We also were able to get foss
only for internet. they're moving away from the cable side of things and we gave approval uh four years ago for an independent chain which would be more affordable for residents who do need that portability service called plant network. So they're approved for when
they build a capital vehicle to come out our way. So currently we have optimum comcast and um fi for internet the other two comals for cable and then plant network.
last year didn't optimum I think they had other stuff >> no that was context in terms of optimum for fiber I think you have to directly request it and I I don't want to be disqued I think you have to directly
request the fiber >> yeah but every time I say um our area doesn't have property is that true >> for we have to clarify But I I believe
Comcastinity put in for >> that was Tom Cassfinity that was in >> I know residents have five so I don't know if you necessarily you have to directly request it. We need to look into it for you. So if you wouldn't mind giving Mr. Miller your contact or I can
give you my business card if you hang out a little longer. We'll we'll figure that out for you. Okay. >> I of course. Could you also say your name of addressing party or how you have
>> and uh we were one of the towns that brought into a new investigation set. So >> well into an investigation. >> Yeah favor unfair and rates and uh
service equality. So they have a a quality action plan. They have quality. So any other members of the public? We're here to hear your concerns, answer any questions. I love this is robust. Thank you. I'm serious. baseball
members of the public either in person or virtually. Okay, thank you. We will close that portion of the meeting of the public comment before we adjourn. And so it is on record for the members who did join us from the den rescue
proclamation honoring May 23rd. It's EMS week. Thanking you for your service and wishing you well. So um I know the your members are here. So if you want we can come on up get a photo on record for you folks and uh why don't the entire council join in. There you go.
Yeah. >> You don't No, I did. All right. Ready? One, two, three. Okay. Ready. Last one. Wonderful. I just said to my uncle.
Okay. Thank you, Rescue Squad. So, without any further ado, can I have a motion and second on 184 to adjurnn? And before we do that, June 1st, 7 p.m. is our next council meeting. So, >> move it. Rios >> second. Who is the motion? >> Who's the motion?
>> Rios. Lance. >> All in favor? >> I. Any