WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=IBLlHyc6oOQ

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: IBLlHyc6oOQ):
- 00:00:07: Meeting Start, Pledge, Memorials, and Roll Call
- 00:02:26: Awareness Month, Proclamations, Minutes Approval Votes
- 00:03:32: Municipal Budget 2026 Presentation Begins
- 00:06:03: Tax Calculation, Accomplishments, Future Considerations
- 00:09:58: Finance Committee Goals, Revenue, Budget Breakdown
- 00:12:28: Increased Revenue, Police/Fire Budget, Tax Rate
- 00:15:59: Tax Rate Calculation, Tax Summary, Capital Plan
- 00:20:15: Capital Plan Details, Auditor's Report Highlights
- 00:24:24: Budget Ready, Resolution Approvals, Public Comment
- 00:26:22: Motion to Close Public Comment on the Budget
- 00:26:39: Budget Adoption Vote and Council Commendations
- 00:28:31: Mayor's Meetings, Healthcare Costs, New Business
- 00:29:56: 250th Anniversary Celebration and Decorating Contest
- 00:31:51: Ordinance 1717-26, Public Hearing, Adoption Vote
- 00:33:16: Bond Ordinance 1718-26, Public Hearing, Adoption Vote
- 00:34:36: Parking Ordinance 1719-26, Public Hearing, Adoption Vote
- 00:35:54: Ordinances 1720-26 & 1721-26, Introduction Vote
- 00:37:48: Council Reports, Arbor Day, Taxes, Senior Center
- 00:41:20: ADA Doors, Fire Department Grant, Capital Plan
- 00:43:11: Congressman Outreach, Public Comment Opening/Closing
- 00:44:15: Resolution Approval Vote, Closed Executive Session
- 00:45:33: Reconvene, Adjournment, Meeting End


Part: 1

1
00:00:07.120 --> 00:00:22.880
We're live. >> Good evening. Welcome to the May 5th, 2026 meeting of the Emerson governing body. This meeting is being videotaped and may be viewed on your local public access channel, either 36 or 77.

2
00:00:22.880 --> 00:00:41.680
The meetings are also available 247 on YouTube. For those of you present in case of a fire, please follow the fire exit signs above the doors and exit calmly. Council President, would you please lead us in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

3
00:00:41.680 --> 00:00:58.079
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I would ask you to remain standing for just a moment in memory of Emerson resident Laurelyn

4
00:00:58.079 --> 00:01:14.040
Amarel and also in memory of Tim Kenny. Tim is a longtime resident of Emerson and a former burrow employee as a records clerk in our police department. They will both be missed.

5
00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:37.520
Thank you. So, we're good. >> This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the open public meetings law and adequately noticed pursuant to NJSA 104-10. The meeting of May 5th, 2026 was noticed

6
00:01:37.520 --> 00:01:54.000
to the record in the Ridgewood News on January 12th, 2026, published in said newspapers, posted on the burrow's website and on the bulletin board in the municipal building, and has remained continuously posted as required under the statute. Miss D. Simone, would

7
00:01:54.000 --> 00:02:10.160
you please call the roll call of the governing body? >> Mayor Depala, >> present. >> Councilwoman Tino is absent this evening. Councilwoman Argenzia, >> here. Councilman Ellis >> present. >> Council President Rice >> present. >> Councilman Timberman >> here. >> Councilwoman Syers >> here.

8
00:02:10.160 --> 00:02:26.879
>> Okay. May I have a motion to excuse Councilwoman Chelino from this evening's meeting? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Arzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Sers, >> yes. S is 5.

9
00:02:26.879 --> 00:02:42.080
>> Okay. There's a lot of awareness this month. We have mental health awareness, skin cancer awareness, national nurses week, of which we have two on our council. Yay for them. Armed Forces Day, and we also want to recognize that it is

10
00:02:42.080 --> 00:02:56.720
also teacher appreciation week. Thank you everyone for your unwavering dedication. Um, all proclamations are posted on the burrow's website. Appointments and resignations, there are none this evening. May I have a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes

11
00:02:56.720 --> 00:03:15.840
of April 21st, 2026? >> Second. Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Arnzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes by zero. >> Very good. May I have a motion to approve the close session meeting

12
00:03:15.840 --> 00:03:32.400
minutes of April 21st, 2026, which are not for release to the public at this time? >> So move second. And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Arzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Alex, >> yes. >> Council President Bryce, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers,

13
00:03:32.400 --> 00:04:21.919
>> yes. >> Passes 5-0. >> Okay. Thank you. Financial business. Mr. Carelli, would you please begin your presentation on our 2026 municipal budget? Mhm. Okay. Thank you, mayor. Thank you, council. Uh, so this is something new

14
00:04:21.919 --> 00:04:37.840
that we're doing this year. It's our uh finance and budget presentation for the battle of Emerson. Um, so, uh, again, this is a PowerPoint presentation that is available for the residents both on the website and on our YouTube channel as well as on our local access

15
00:04:37.840 --> 00:04:54.880
television. Um, so if there's any questions as I go through the PowerPoint, uh, please don't hesitate to stop me. And we also have our CFO and our editor Gary here today, um, that will touch on a few things as well. Um, so thank you. Uh, so for the first

16
00:04:54.880 --> 00:05:10.320
slide, uh, bear with me technology here. Um, so just want to thank the mayor council for all the work in the finance committee for putting together the budget throughout the year. It's a very long process that takes a lot of work with

17
00:05:10.320 --> 00:05:28.560
our CFO and our uh you know just want to thank the mayor council for their attention on the budget. The next slide uh we just wanted to highlight all of our department heads and all of our professionals again for

18
00:05:28.560 --> 00:05:44.800
all of the work that they do for the budget. Um, for those that may not know in the public, you know, the budget process starts in the early fall, if not the late summer where we work with our department heads to put together requests and all of the capital requests

19
00:05:44.800 --> 00:06:03.039
and, you know, go through that throughout the winter to present the budget to the finance committee at some point in the early winter. So, we just want to thank all of our department heads and professionals for all of the good work that they do. The next slide talks about how taxes are

20
00:06:03.039 --> 00:06:19.280
calculated. Uh so for those residents that don't know, uh you have a municipal tax levy which consists of state aid, revenue, grants and surplus. And we have our net valuation which is our annual uh assessed value. So that's what the

21
00:06:19.280 --> 00:06:41.039
properties are with. We also talk about as uh as part of the budget process how to keep taxes stable. Uh ways to do that are increasing revenues through short service agreements or other means. We also could reduce the budget appropriations or in

22
00:06:41.039 --> 00:06:58.960
other words expenditures. We can look at surplus. However, this governing body is in a position to at a later time in this presentation. We have a very good anticipated surplus. we're not using as much as we have in the past. So, it's a

23
00:06:58.960 --> 00:07:15.960
very good practice to have and we could increase state aid through the legislature, but unfortunately, uh, as you may all know that our state aid has been cut over the years. Uh, so we're trying to find ways to make up for that. Um,

24
00:07:17.599 --> 00:07:33.039
thank you. Uh, the next slide talks about some of the major accomplishments in the battle of Emerson. Uh so we have the city pump station replacement project. Uh we have the Avenue pump station replacement project. We successfully completed the basketball

25
00:07:33.039 --> 00:07:49.280
courts at AC Park. Was a great accomplishment. Uh as we do every year we have our 2020 we have our 2025 annual road resurfacing program. So as you can see we've uh completed many many roads and uh the next go you know what's to

26
00:07:49.280 --> 00:08:04.000
come. Uh we've completed our weather inventory phase one with our engineer and we are comp with our uh tier storm water mapping and infrastructure that we have to do every year. And these are

27
00:08:04.000 --> 00:08:20.879
just a few accomplishments with all of our department heads. I could talk for the next 20 minutes about the library and the DPW and the fire department and the first aid squad and all of their accomplishments. um you know that they do every year. So

28
00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:38.000
we appreciate all that they do for us. The next slide talks about uh what are some of our future considerations that we have to consider not only in this budget but in future budgets. So it's things like our road resurfacing program

29
00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:54.560
which is included in capital this year and will be hopefully used thereafter. Uh we're looking at a park phase 2 improvements project which consists of the installation of a pavilion turf and swing sets. So that's something that we're going to have to have a local

30
00:08:54.560 --> 00:09:10.640
match for at some point uh that we're going to have to fund in a future capital budget. We have ADA ramp replacements. We have our DPW fuel tank replacement project which we're seeking grant funding for right now. We have a less than phase one dage improvement

31
00:09:10.640 --> 00:09:25.760
project which we have fully covered by a grant from the state of New Jersey but at some point we will be back to address other aspects of the project including um covert replacement. So that's something that we're going to have to consider in the future. Uh we are

32
00:09:25.760 --> 00:09:42.320
working on our connect road street skate project. So, we are in what's called a phase one, but we also have additional phases that we may want to consider and also may want to seek grant funding for at some point in the future. And we have other upgrades to our senior center, our

33
00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:58.399
sports fields, our open space areas, uh perhaps to the council chambers with a upgrades and uh we tend to document scanning. we're trying to modernize and uh make our office more efficient for the future in terms of digitizing

34
00:09:58.399 --> 00:10:15.279
documents. So those are just some things to consider for the future and there's many more uh that may come up uh thereafter. Some of the goals uh that the finance committee and the governing body have for the year are keeping affordable, keeping residents informed through

35
00:10:15.279 --> 00:10:32.320
increased communication. Uh we're looking at keeping safe, investing in public safety and infrastructure, and also of course upgrading our open space areas and our parks. Um we want to keep all of our parks in good shape for our children and parents to enjoy um among

36
00:10:32.320 --> 00:10:49.480
all of our visitors. So the 2026 municipal budget uh again consists of the assessed valuation, the revenue, state aid, fund balance or otherwise known as surplus and our tax levy.

37
00:10:50.800 --> 00:11:07.600
The next slide uh discusses and showcases what our assessed value or our net valuation of the bar is which is a key factor in our municipal budget. Um, so as you can see, we have 59 vacant properties. We have 2,300 residential

38
00:11:07.600 --> 00:11:22.160
properties, but what's most important is we have 76 exempt properties. So those 76 exempt properties, which equals a total assessment of 126 million are not paying into the taxes. Those are exempt

39
00:11:22.160 --> 00:11:38.160
properties. Those are nonprofits or um, you know, other types of exempt properties. Uh, so we just wanted to highlight that. uh and that plays a key factor in our budget. Um you know uh that uh level seems to be steady over

40
00:11:38.160 --> 00:11:54.880
the fast over the past few years but you know on occasion it could increase and it does affect our budget. Um and the next slide is just a chart of uh that spreadsheet which shows that most of the assessed value is residential properties

41
00:11:54.880 --> 00:12:12.959
that we're looking at and all of this is managed by our tax assessor. uh who looks at this stuff. The next slide uh talks about our notable revenue results. So we did have very good revenue results in Emerson. We

42
00:12:12.959 --> 00:12:28.399
had uh we had increased revenues for interest on cost and taxes, interest on investments. Our cell tower revenue was up. We had increased revenue with our sewer service fees and our municipal court fines or otherwise known as

43
00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:45.440
tickets or penalties was also up with our anticipated revenue. So overall we had a very good uh revenue result where some of the neighboring municipalities in the area the region are facing revenue issues and challenges that are very hard to overcome. So I think

44
00:12:45.440 --> 00:13:04.480
Emerson is in a good position with our revenues this year. uh the budget. So what goes into the budget? We have our police and fire department, our public safety, our DPW. Uh we have funding for construction, code enforcement, our for recreation, uh

45
00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:24.079
garbage and recycling which consists of a very large amount of our budget and open space projects and just general administration of the barrel. The next few slides uh get into our appropriations or otherwise known as our

46
00:13:24.079 --> 00:13:40.639
expenses. Um so this section talks about our salary and wages which as you can see is um is steady. Uh we saw a decrease in what we call our general services due to uh a decrease of 65,000

47
00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:56.399
in the administration line due to the shared service agreement for their administrator services. So that was a good savings that we saw in this year's budget. Um we saw you know little increases in finance and revenues just due to cost of living adjustments or

48
00:13:56.399 --> 00:14:13.120
union increases or you know contractual increases rather. Um so looking at the next slide um our police department and public safety budgets are up about 205,000 due to our contractual obligations um

49
00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:27.519
which is a very good number compared to our neighbors who could be seeing upwards of $500 to $750,000 increases um due to collective bargaining agreements that were voted on by this governing body uh you know using

50
00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:48.160
fiscal accountability and whatnot. The next slide is just a chart of what goes into the salary wages. So, as you saw through the budget process, our public safety makes up 65% of our salary budget for the borrow. Um, so we just want to highlight that and um for the

51
00:14:48.160 --> 00:15:08.720
residents to see the next few slides uh look at our operating expenses. Um, So the next few slides go line by line with all of our operating expenses. I'm not going to go through it line by line here tonight. Um we've done that before.

52
00:15:08.720 --> 00:15:24.880
Uh for the residents, it is posted to the website already and this presentation will be posted as well. But as you can see through to the end of the slides, our total appropriations is only

53
00:15:24.880 --> 00:15:42.000
38% which is a great number. Um municipalities that I work with are looking at 4 to 5% appropriation increases, you know, upwards from there. Um, and going to talk about our cap compliance, but for the public and for

54
00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:59.120
those of you that may not know, we can only raise the budget by a certain percentage um, and have to be cap compliant. So, we're in a very good position in terms of our appropriations. So, just want to highlight that. The next line talks about how your tax

55
00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:16.240
rate is calculated. So your tax rate is your municipal tax levy divided by the net valuation taxable times by 100. So our tax rate for this year is 1.067. Um as compared to last year was 0.998.

56
00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:38.480
Um so the next uh looks at our 2026 municipal tax summary. Um, so it looks at our 2026 proposed budget of 16.9 million. We have a proposed tax le of 13 million with a surplus anticipated of 1.39 million. And

57
00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:55.920
again, I'll go over that in a minute. Um, overall, you're looking at an average residential municipal tax increase of $84. That's on the bare end only. Um, but that number does not account for the school increase or for the county increase. And I just wanted

58
00:16:55.920 --> 00:17:12.240
to highlight that uh some of our colleagues in the area uh within Jersey recently conducted a poll of what everyone's tax increases were and uh most municipalities are looking at a 400 to 500 maybe to $700

59
00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:27.679
municipal only increase for their tax for their taxes for the community. So I think ended up in a really good position due to many things including changing our health benefit structure for our employees where we saved significantly

60
00:17:27.679 --> 00:17:44.160
within prior budgets and you know looking at overall expenditures and processes that we have internally um so we ended up at $84 for the bar and again doesn't include the school and then the next slide I like to

61
00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:59.360
include >> I have a question on that. Would you say it's $84 or 80? >> $8427. >> It's about what? $7 a month. >> Correct. >> Sorry, couldn't hear that when I was communicating.

62
00:17:59.360 --> 00:18:14.960
>> Uh the next slide is uh the famous dollar bill that I like to include in all of the presentations that I do. Um so this just showcases that the school makes up 60% of your tax bill. So your tax bill is made up 60% by the school

63
00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:33.360
and only 28% of it is made up by the borrow. So that $84 is about 28% of your anticipated tax bill for the year or an average total tax of $16,144. So again, uh the school makes up most of that. The county comes in at about 9%

64
00:18:33.360 --> 00:18:49.760
and our library statuto appropriation uh comes in at about 1.3%. Um, so that's just something that we like to highlight. And then moving into our capital plan. Our capital plan is on for introduction

65
00:18:49.760 --> 00:19:06.559
at tonight. I'm sorry, is on for adoption at tonight's meeting. Uh, so some of the projects that we have included are the replacement of the DPW roof that uh has been leaking for some time and damaging uh some of our equipment on the inside of the building.

66
00:19:06.559 --> 00:19:24.000
We have our DPW salt bin repair project where we're going to be either repairing or replacing the salt bin. Uh that's to be determined. Um we have our annual resurfacing program at 450,000 that we're looking to do. We do have some candidates in mind that we're going

67
00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:40.720
to be finalizing with the B engineer in the near future. We have records uh digitization within the clerk's office and the construction office. We have our annual aotment to our parks and open space. Um, we have a purchase of a drone

68
00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:58.080
and police utility vehicle for the police department for safety reasons and for upgrading our equipment within the police department. And for the fire department, we have our trunk paging devices and PPE or otherwise known as personal protective equipment. uh again

69
00:19:58.080 --> 00:20:15.600
for the fire department and for the DPW, we're looking uh to replace a landscape trailer um that is in disrepair. So all our capital plan or the net debt comes in at 736,000 uh where we're funding a down payment or

70
00:20:15.600 --> 00:20:33.720
otherwise known as fully funding 345,000 for the capital plan. Um, so that does it for me and I'm going to hand it off to our editor Gary who has a few things to talk about for tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Michael, for that VERY

71
00:20:34.640 --> 00:20:50.640
As said, that will be on our website. It also will be um playing on YouTube if you would like to uh watch it again. And if you would like a hard copy of it to review, please contact our burough clerk, Michael. If anybody has questions

72
00:20:50.640 --> 00:21:08.880
about your presentation, um, your direct line is 2011-2625077, correct? >> Yeah. >> Very good. I concur with everything you said. Uh, that you give you a couple uh highlights. Um,

73
00:21:08.880 --> 00:21:24.640
and I've been through this before, I think. Uh, every one set of three years, the division local government services selects your municipal budget to review. the other two years it's a self exam they call it this year was your lucky year you were group one so it was

74
00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:40.400
subject to the division's review and uh Lauren is breathing again uh they uh they were asking questions and why things are decreasing now which I don't understand any business you're trying to cut cost but they found a lot of questions they asked but we got through

75
00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:57.039
them all um so they did give approval to adopt the budget unless you want to amend it tonight but I don't think that's in the cards um with respect to the two caps that you were under the appropriation cap. Uh that one uh you're below that. So you could have spent more money if you wanted. And then with the

76
00:21:57.039 --> 00:22:13.919
tax le $900,000 of cap banking going forward, which means you could assess taxpayers another $900,000. So you're well below both caps. Uh as was stated, you have a 1.9 tax increase

77
00:22:13.919 --> 00:22:30.080
or $84. Um so after the public hearing on the budget, uh you were given permission to adopt. Um I do have the audit tonight. Uh you received it in draft yesterday. Uh we were waiting on your payroll companies internal control

78
00:22:30.080 --> 00:22:46.559
report. Uh so we couldn't give you a final uh that they delivered yesterday afternoon and we handed the clerk uh the final copies uh which you're not going to act on tonight. you're going to act on it two weeks from tonight. Uh but it

79
00:22:46.559 --> 00:23:02.960
didn't change from what we submitted other than the date on the opinions. Okay. And I mean I might as well just go over it quick. There's no other recommendations. We had one last year in the 24 audit and it's been uh remediated. So your CFO did a wonderful

80
00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:19.360
job and um ended up with no recommendations. Um and then secondly the fund balance um it did come back pretty good from what you appropriated last year 1 million 641 uh so the fund balance was 3 million

81
00:23:19.360 --> 00:23:34.320
4349 versus the 3562 what's important about this and I don't know you know how much you discussed it but we are looking towards a bonding uh coming up this year uh because you're

82
00:23:34.320 --> 00:23:50.559
going to drop off on your 2013 13 on issue last in his current budget. So now we have a little bit service component budget. Uh so the fact that you've kept your surplus steady uh over the past 3 years you have the

83
00:23:50.559 --> 00:24:07.440
highest tax collection rate in 25 which was 98.81. Uh you 98% but now this is the highest. Uh so there's a lot of good things that the rating agencies standard of course have to digest

84
00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:24.559
a plus and we hope you're going to maintain that the next level is a tripa and that's a difficult thing to attain. Um but hopefully we can sustain the plus cuz of all these positive things that are happening in the uh the budget. Uh

85
00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:41.279
but other than that, uh the budget's ready to go. After your public hearing, uh you can proceed to adopt. Does anyone have any questions? >> Does anyone have any questions for Gary? No, I I don't think there's a lot to

86
00:24:41.279 --> 00:24:57.760
comment on right now other than good job. of it. Lauren has uh done yman's work to quote an old colleague and uh she continually reminds us about our bond rating being important and reminding us that we will be bonding

87
00:24:57.760 --> 00:25:14.720
this year and that was important to do a lot of the tasks that took place in the budget and the audit. So I want to thank Lauren very much for all of our hard work as well as you Gary and Michael Carelli and our department heads. Um, at this point, um, I will, uh, make a

88
00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:33.760
motion to open to the public for No. No. Oh, before we open to the public, uh, may I have a motion to approve resolution 135-26, approval of waving of reading in full of the 2026 municipal budget.

89
00:25:33.760 --> 00:25:49.200
Second roll call, please. >> Councilman Ardenia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. Pass is 5-0. >> Okay. And may I have a motion to open the meeting for comments from the public

90
00:25:49.200 --> 00:26:06.000
on the 2026 municipal budget and only the 2026 municipal budget? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Members of the public are uh welcome to speak on the 2026 municipal budget by coming to the podium

91
00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:22.400
and stating your name for the record. I see no hands. So, may I have a motion to roll? She talked enough at all the budget meetings. Um, with seeing nobody in the public other than our auditor and our CFO, um,

92
00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:39.279
may I have a motion to close uh comments from the from the public on the budget? >> Second. >> Uh, and all in favor? >> Okay, we are closed. Um, may I have a motion now? Where are we? May I have a motion to approve resolution number

93
00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:55.120
136-26, adoption of the 2026 municipal budget? >> So move. >> Second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Argenzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Bryce, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman,

94
00:26:55.120 --> 00:27:11.520
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> 5 Z. >> Thank you. Before we move on, I want to commend our staff and our finance committee for working with the rest of the council to manage our uh rising expenses while maintaining exceptional service standards our community

95
00:27:11.520 --> 00:27:28.559
deserves. Um, especially I want to thank Lauren as I did before. Um, and of course Gary Higgins from PKF O'Coor Davies, Michael Carelli, who was new to our budgeting this year, but jumped right in in uh after we had several meetings and I think it all worked out

96
00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:44.080
very well for um the burrow and for our taxpayers this year. Council, do you have a uh comment? >> I just wanted to say around the whole state, you guys mentioned that this has been a tough year to budget for school boards, for municipalities. Um, but I

97
00:27:44.080 --> 00:28:00.320
think Emerson put ourselves in a good spot financially years ago to prepare for these moments and going forward to be in a good position, to keep the budget stable, to keep our spending in line, and to still accomplish a lot of things. Um, a lot of the things we

98
00:28:00.320 --> 00:28:15.200
accomplished last year aren't pretty. They're not visible. A lot of infrastructure projects, which we'll continue to do. Uh, but at the same time, this year, we're going to start doing parks and more things that people will be able to see around town. Um, so we've been able to do that while keeping

99
00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:31.600
the taxes very stable and I feel confident we'll be able to do that going forward. >> And I will say that um, when I attend my mayor's meetings, we have been the envy of all the mayors of the Pascat Valley um, coming in way under $100 as an increase for our municipality. A lot of

100
00:28:31.600 --> 00:28:47.919
them are also did not think out of the box as we did as it related to health care costs and um we're grateful that we worked so hard in order to get those costs down because part of that is what was able to keep this budget somewhat uh as stable as we have. Um does anybody

101
00:28:47.919 --> 00:29:06.120
have any other comments? No. Okay, then we'll move on. Um we are now going on to unfinished business. There is no unfinished business this evening. new business. Um, so this Fourth of July, we celebrate

102
00:29:07.360 --> 00:29:24.480
>> what? >> Oh, I didn't. I'm sorry. >> That's because I got so carried away with chatting. >> Yeah, we took a roll call. >> Yeah, Triesta says we did. Were you guys chatty? >> Just over.

103
00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:41.039
I I checked it off. So, we I I took a look. >> She has a camera. First, I second. >> Oh, yeah. I heard I heard. >> Yeah. Yes, >> I have it past 5. Yeah. Yeah. >> And we're really excited. >> Now, you're right. >> I have been known to skip pieces in my

104
00:29:41.039 --> 00:29:56.320
script here, but I didn't tonight. So, cuz this is the most important thing we do every year is pass the budget. >> No, we forget it. Okay. Okay. Um, so there is no unfinished business this evening to discuss. Um but this year under new business we're going to

105
00:29:56.320 --> 00:30:11.520
discuss um the 4th of July we celebrate 250 years of independence as the United States of America. And to honor this occasion um some of us were thinking that a great idea would be to decorate the whole town including everybody's

106
00:30:11.520 --> 00:30:27.520
homes. So, I am proposing that we have a house decorating contest which will be open to all residents in Emerson um and businesses and we encourage everyone to participate. Um we will be dressing up all of our burrow buildings. We've

107
00:30:27.520 --> 00:30:44.880
ordered flags with the 250 years on it and what we be decorating our streets and our burrow buildings. Um does anyone have any objection to this? Do you like the idea? Um hopefully there'll be some red, white, and blue lights instead of Christmas lights during the summer. Uh

108
00:30:44.880 --> 00:31:01.039
and I think it would be a really festive way to commemorate our 250 years. I'm not going to even try to say it's a quint something. Um a couple of uh I heard it a couple of days ago and I'm not going to try to say that, but it is 250 years in the land of the free and

109
00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:17.039
the home of the brave. And I think making Emerson as patriotic as possible as people pass through is a great way to celebrate. Um, so can should we do a motion on that to start a contest or should we just do a consensus? What do you think? >> Do consensus.

110
00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:34.080
>> Consensus to go ahead with the Okay. All right. Um, you can start decorating as soon as Memorial Day and I think that we will um fine-tune this and award closer to the July 4th holiday weekend um who the winner is. And the winner will

111
00:31:34.080 --> 00:31:51.039
receive uh a $250 uh gift card which will be donated. I see Lauren making a face. Where are you getting the $250? It will be donated. Not in the budget. That tax dollars. Um so, uh get out your red, white, and blue

112
00:31:51.039 --> 00:32:08.159
and um let's get ready to celebrate um our country's 250th anniversary. Um adoption of ordinances. Uh, this is the second reading and public hearing of ordinance number 1717-26.

113
00:32:08.159 --> 00:32:24.000
Miss D. Simone, would you please read the title of this ordinance? Capital Ordinance of the Bureau of Emerson in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, authorizing the making of various public improvements and acquisitions in, by, and for the burrow, appropriating

114
00:32:24.000 --> 00:32:43.200
therefore the sum of $318,875, and providing that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from the burrow's capital improvement fund. >> May I have a motion to open the meeting for public comment on this and this ordinance only? >> Moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I.

115
00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:59.840
>> No one's opposed. We are open on this ordinance and this ordinance only. Seeing no hands, may I have a motion to close the public portion on this ordinance? Second. >> All in favor? >> Okay. Uh, may I have a motion to adopt

116
00:32:59.840 --> 00:33:16.399
ordinance number 1717-26 on second reading? >> Second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilomania, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes.

117
00:33:16.399 --> 00:33:33.039
>> Passes 5-0. >> And we have a bond ordinance. This is the second reading and public hearing of ordinance number 1718-26. Miss D. Simone, would you please read the title of this ordinance? bond ordinance to authorize the making of various public improvements in by and

118
00:33:33.039 --> 00:33:48.640
for the borrow of Emerson in the county of Bergen, state of New Jersey, to appropriate the sum of $775,000 to pay the cost thereof to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance to finance such

119
00:33:48.640 --> 00:34:04.240
appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issu is issuance of such bonds. May I have a motion to open the meeting for public comment on this and this ordinance only? So move. >> Second. >> All in favor?

120
00:34:04.240 --> 00:34:21.280
>> Okay. We are open to the public. Seeing no hands, may I have a motion to close the meeting to the public? >> So move. >> Second. >> Okay. Uh seeing no h seeing no comments, may I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 1718-26

121
00:34:21.280 --> 00:34:36.720
on second reading? Second. >> And a roll call, please. Councilwoman Argenzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. Passes 50.

122
00:34:36.720 --> 00:34:51.679
>> Okay. And we have another ordinance. This is the second reading and public hearing of ordinance number 1719-26. Miss D. Simone, would you please read the title of this ordinance? An ordinance to amend chapter 274-34

123
00:34:51.679 --> 00:35:07.599
municipal parking lots Kenneth Street Emerson Volunteer Ambulance Corps parking lot to retitle a new section in connection with the Locust Avenue parking lot and add diagram as new schedule D. May I have a motion to open the meeting for public comment on this

124
00:35:07.599 --> 00:35:23.520
and this ordinance only? So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> I didn't hear anyone down there. I I >> Okay. Um, seeing no hands, may I have a motion to close this portion of the meeting of public comment on this ordinance?

125
00:35:23.520 --> 00:35:39.599
>> So, moved. Second. >> All in favor? >> Okay. Um, may I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 1719-26 on second reading? So, move >> second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Adrenia,

126
00:35:39.599 --> 00:35:54.640
>> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Councilman Price, >> yes. Counciloman Timberman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes 5-0. >> Very good. The next item on the agenda is introduction of ordinances. Miss D. Simone will announce by number and title

127
00:35:54.640 --> 00:36:09.680
the following ordinances. Upon approval, these ordinances will be further considered at a public hearing to be held on May 19th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be addressed in the council chambers of the

128
00:36:09.680 --> 00:36:25.599
burrow hall, one municipal place, Emerson, New Jersey. As of March 1st, 2026, all ordinances will be noticed on the burrow's website on the public notices page as required under PL 2025,

129
00:36:25.599 --> 00:36:42.880
chapter 72, and they are on file in the office of the municipal clerk. Miss D. Simone, would you please read the title of ordinance 1720-26? An ordinance amending the salary ranges for certain employees of the Burrow of Emerson. May I have a motion to

130
00:36:42.880 --> 00:36:59.119
introduce ordinance number 1720-26 on first reading? >> Second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Argenzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers,

131
00:36:59.119 --> 00:37:16.800
>> yes. >> Passes 5. >> Okay. Miss Dimma, would you please read the title of ordinance 1718-26? >> I'm sorry, that's It should be 1721. 721-26. >> Um, an ordinance to amend chapter 132-3

132
00:37:16.800 --> 00:37:32.800
construction codes uniform fees. >> May I have a motion to introduce ordinance 1721-26 on first reading? >> So move second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Argenzia, >> yes. >> Council Palace, >> yes. >> Council President Bryce, >> yes.

133
00:37:32.800 --> 00:37:48.720
>> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes 5. >> Okay. Um that brings us to the next uh uh part of our agenda which is reports. Um I'll start and then Mr. Carelli you

134
00:37:48.720 --> 00:38:04.800
could jump. Uh unless anybody has anything timely, let me know and I'll let you give it um a report. Um I want to thank the Shade Tree Commission, excuse me, especially Karen Arenzia for putting together a lovely Arbor Day ceremony. Though the weather did not

135
00:38:04.800 --> 00:38:21.280
cooperate, it was still a very moving tribute and to the loved ones that of of those that were in attendance. Um, and I do thank Sha Tree very much for continuing with this um commemoration every year. Uh, the second quarter property taxes are now due. The deadline

136
00:38:21.280 --> 00:38:37.520
to pay without penalty is Monday, May 11th. The new automatic ADA compliant doors are being installed or actually are installed, Perry told me, um at the senior center this week. Uh the both the front and side doors are being replaced

137
00:38:37.520 --> 00:38:52.800
and the work has been completed as of today. Correct. Yeah, I think so. Um although there are no keys, they took the keys when they left. So I think the senior center is closed until tomorrow. The next senior meeting is Thursday, May

138
00:38:52.800 --> 00:39:08.000
14th at 12:00 noon. Our free shredding day will be Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the municipal place side of Burough Hall. American Legion Post 269 and the mayor and council will be holding our annual Memorial Day

139
00:39:08.000 --> 00:39:24.720
ceremony on Monday, May 25th at Monument Park across from the Wano School. A flyer with details will soon be posted. June 13th will be the Emerson Summer Kickoff and Fireworks. The Emerson Recreation Commission is busy planning

140
00:39:24.720 --> 00:39:40.640
another great event with activities scheduled throughout the day. Please be on the lookout for their flyer coming out. The rain date will be June 14th. uh on our website and social media. We will have uh details coming for our

141
00:39:40.640 --> 00:39:57.520
summer concert series that kicks off in the middle of July. On Wednesdays, uh the senior bus is available to residents age 55 and up. Please call uh Samantha at extension1201 to book a ride. Um, there's also a

142
00:39:57.520 --> 00:40:14.240
senior van uh service through the county which goes a little bit further out of the Emerson coverage area. If you need a ride further than anything contiguous to Emerson, please call 20113685955 to learn more about the county services.

143
00:40:14.240 --> 00:40:31.280
Um, our next meeting of the governing body will take place on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:30 p.m. I believe that we will have a very small mayor with us that day. um as we do our uh mayor for the day program. Um I spoke to his mom today and

144
00:40:31.280 --> 00:40:48.400
he's very excited. So please tune in to see who that little tiny mayor will be this year. >> And um I'd like to wish all of the mothers 8:00. >> We did last meeting. >> Uh we talked about the last meeting.

145
00:40:48.400 --> 00:41:04.560
>> Okay. They're saying that we switched the meeting to 8:00 >> because of the Milano concert. It hasn't been noticed yet, but please check the burough website on the start date of the meeting. Um, we'll have to check with our little mayor and make sure that's not past his bedtime. Um, but um, that

146
00:41:04.560 --> 00:41:20.000
might be rescheduled to do that. But, um, please make sure that you note whatever time the meeting is starting on May 19th, either 7:30 or 8:00. It will be on social media as well as the website. And I would like to wish all the mothers a very happy Mother's Day

147
00:41:20.000 --> 00:41:35.520
this upcoming weekend. Mr. Carelli. Thank you, mayor. Uh, short report tonight. Uh, please be advised that, uh, the installation of the new ADA accessible doors at the senior center is currently in progress. Uh, as of this afternoon, as the mayor mentioned, the

148
00:41:35.520 --> 00:41:50.640
doors have been installed. Uh, and the DPW has been receiving training on the new locking mechanisms. However, uh the Bose contractor is is expected to return tomorrow, May 6th, to complete to complete the installation of the side

149
00:41:50.640 --> 00:42:05.520
doors as well as to finish the molding trim around all doors and complete the painting. >> He had a true update on the doors. >> Thank you. Sorry about that. Uh, and then just wanted to highlight uh that the burrow uh is pleased to share that

150
00:42:05.520 --> 00:42:21.280
Senator Andy Kim has selected our fire department elevator installation project to move forward through the congressionally directed spending program in the amount of $500,000. Uh this marks an important initial step

151
00:42:21.280 --> 00:42:38.880
in what will be a long uh bureaucratic process extending into next year and thereafter uh at which point we will know whether or not we get the funding but it's a a good initial first step uh which is promising. Um so we will continue to advocate uh for our federal

152
00:42:38.880 --> 00:42:54.480
funding submissions. Uh we do have other submissions in process. uh Senator Booker and Congressman Gottheimr did not uh announce their selections yet. So, we are in the running for some of our other projects and we'll keep you updated with

153
00:42:54.480 --> 00:43:11.680
that. And um just wanted to highlight again uh with our capital plan uh and its adoption tonight. uh we'll be working with the department heads to implement their respective projects and equipment purchases and uh thank you know would like to thank Lauren for her

154
00:43:11.680 --> 00:43:28.400
work on that and uh that's all I have. Thank you. >> Okay. I also want to thank Congressman Gottheimr's office for sending someone today um to do outreach in our community. one of our residents did come in and take that opportunity um to speak with her and we appreciate him uh making

155
00:43:28.400 --> 00:43:44.480
it accessible uh to our residents, making himself and his office accessible to our residents. Um the next order of business is public comment. Members of the public are welcome to speak on any topic by coming to the podium and stating your name for the record in the interest of time. Speakers are limited

156
00:43:44.480 --> 00:44:00.000
to three minutes in consideration of all who may wish to speak. Please keep your comments brief and concise. May I have a motion to open the meeting to general comments from the public? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> Okay, we are open to the public. Seeing

157
00:44:00.000 --> 00:44:15.040
no one in the audience, may I have a motion to close the meeting to general comments from the public? >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Okay. All no one's opposed. So we'll move on. Uh

158
00:44:15.040 --> 00:44:30.880
resolutions on consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion of the council and one roll call vote. Uh there will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member requests an item be removed for considerate

159
00:44:30.880 --> 00:44:46.640
consideration. May I have a motion to approve consent agenda resolutions 137-26 through47-26? So move second. And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Argenzia, >> yes.

160
00:44:46.640 --> 00:45:02.800
>> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Sers, >> yes. >> This is 5. >> All right. We are now going to go into closed executive session. May have a motion to go into session to discuss matters except from the public pursuant

161
00:45:02.800 --> 00:45:19.359
to NJSA 104-1 at SEC and adequately noticed by resolution 148-26. So, >> second. And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Ardenzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes.

162
00:45:19.359 --> 00:45:33.760
>> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. Question 5. >> Okay. Members of the public may remain on YouTube while we are in close session and uh while we are in then when we return to open session at which time

163
00:45:33.760 --> 00:45:55.599
formal action may phrasing. May I have a motion to reconvene? So move. >> So do we have any other business? >> No more business to discuss. May I have a motion to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.? >> So move.

164
00:45:55.599 --> 00:46:09.040
>> Second. Uh, thank you for roll call, please. >> Oh, no. No roll call. Oh, that's right. Uh, all in favor? >> I Okay, throw me off my game. Uh thank you for joining.