Good evening. Welcome to the June 9th, 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. The meetings are also available 24/7 on
YouTube. For those of you present in case of a fire, please follow the fire exit signs and exit calmly. Mr. Corelli, would you please lead us in the pledge of allegiance? >> I aliance 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. >> I would ask you to remain standing for just a moment for all of the troops here and abroad that keep us safe for the
last 250 years. Thank you. This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the open public's meeting law and adequately noticed pursuant to NJSA 104-10. This meeting of June 9th, 2026 was
noticed to the record and the Rididgewood News on January 12th, 2026. It was published in said newspapers, posted on the bureau's website and on the bulletin board and in the municipal building and has remained continuously posted as required under the statute.
Miss D. Simone, would you please call the roll call of the governing body? >> Present. >> Councilwoman Chino here. >> Councilwoman Argenzia is uh running late. Uh Councilman Ellis >> here. >> Council President Bryce >> here. >> Councilman Timberman >> here.
>> Councilwoman Syers >> here. Thank you. Um, may I have a motion to excuse Councilwoman Argenzia until she arrives? I understand she's at a school event this evening. So move. >> Second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Counciloman Tino, >> yes.
>> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Councilman Grace, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes. >> Thank you. Proclamations and citations, there are none this evening. Appointments and resignations, there are none this evening. Minutes for approval.
May I have a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 19th, 2026? >> Second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Ray, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes 5. >> Very good. May I have a motion to approve the close session meeting minutes of May 19th, 2026, which are not ready for release to the public at this time? So move second. And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Chelino,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Grace, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Sers, >> yes. >> Ses uh correspondents, we have one really cute letter from our mayor for the day, Cameron Trass, and I'm going to read it
cuz it was so cute. Dear Mayor Danielle, thank you for all the things we did when I was mayor for the day. I loved learning about the history of Emerson. One of my favorite parts was checking out the police station and the firetruck ride. I also enjoyed the pizza and the chips. I enjoyed all the sodas. The
meeting was really fun. Thank you for the business cards and homework passes. I handed them out already. Thank you for the gavvel and the name plate. It means a lot. I'm so happy we picked the day that we honored Yoshi. I love dogs, so that was perfect. That was the funnest
day and I won't forget it. Thank you so much for setting that all up. It was an awesome day and I had a great time from Mayor Cameron Tra. I thought that was classic. Cameron, we enjoyed having you little mayor. Uh the next it should Oh, we
don't have to do that, I guess. May I have a motion? Well, next item is financial business. We have some bond ordinances. May I have an a motion to approve resolution 1666-26, resolution combining several authorizations of bonds into a single
issue and prescribing the details and bond form thereof for $6,655,000 for general improvement bonds dated July 15, 2026. >> So and a roll call, please. Councilwoman
Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Counciloman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes by. >> Very good. Um, may I have a motion to approve resolution 167-26
authorizing the publication, printing, and distribution of a notice of sale and the publication of a summary notice of sale and prescribing the forms thereof for $6,655,000 in general improvement bonds dated July
15, 2026, approving the preparation distribution ution and execution of a preliminary and a final official statement for such bonds undertaking to provide continuing disclosure of financial
information con covenanting to comply with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended designating such bonds as qualified taxexempt obligations for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986. 6 as amended and authorizing various matters in connection with electronic bidding for the bonds. Can I get a a motion and a second on that? >> And a second. >> Second
>> from Ashley. And a roll call, please. >> Councilino, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. It >> passes 5 zero. >> Okay. The next item is unfinished
business. There is no unfinished business to discuss this evening. The next item is new business. Uh road opening ordinance amendment. Uh Mr. Carelli, would you like to speak on this topic? >> Thank you, mayor. Uh so the burough attorney and I have uh been looking at
an ordinance amendment that was brought to our attention uh mid last year. Uh so we have our road opening ordinance uh chapter 248. Uh we did take a look at several uh inconsistent uh code sections. We are uh basically
memorializing and uh clarifying certain sections including uh but not limited to the $200 application fee and deposit schedule. uh while also clarifying administrative responsibilities, emergency work requirements, restoration
standards including uh any restoration of a trench or series of openings more than 15 linear feet shall include restoration in accordance with applicable engineering de details including a curb to curb for the length of the opening. So that's something that
we're looking to do. Uh we also designated the superintendent of public works as the primary enforcement authority. Um while also uh strengthening the verbiage about emergency street opening procedures by
requiring permit applications to be submitted within 24 hours of the street opening to the DPW and also to notify the police department of such emergency. Um otherwise there's no uh ma no other
major uh amendments proposed and uh if there's no questions or objections we would have the ordinance introduction for the June 23rd meeting. >> We already have a similar one on the books that doesn't have all of it with it. Is there an issue that we needed more teeth than the current one?
>> Yeah, we basically rewrote the ordinance. >> Okay. >> Uh made it a little uh stronger. >> Okay. >> For the borrow. just really applying to Miss Colle's best practices portions. >> Okay. >> So, thank you. >> Um the next item is liquor license
renewal request from Jack Fricky LLC. Triessa, do you have a report on this? >> Uh yes. So, just to um give some background on it. So the reason for tonight's discussion um is that due to the um amended uh ABC laws from 2024
uh Jack Friy Inc. which is a plenary retail consumption liquor license um has been inactive since April 1st 2007. It's facing permanent expiration on August 1st, 2026. So that's in just a couple months from now. uh Bill Fricky
um who owns the uh license um submitted a request in writing asking that the governing body consider his license for a one-year extension as is permitted under the law. Um so just a little more background on it. The basically what
what when the law was updated in 2024, all of the inactive consumption licenses in the state of New Jersey were put into groups they called quartortiles. So they were grouped into four different groups based on when the license became inactive. So Mr. Frickie's license um is
in the second quartile which the expiration is this August as I mentioned. Um formerly before this law changed an an inactive license was able to be petitioned to the ABC and then the
municipality would then approve it. That step has been removed now. So the um the ABC has given full authority to the municipalities to extend an inactive license but only for one additional year. So we are at
the point now where Mr. Fricky is asking the governing body to consider giving him that one-year extension. Um the ABC also advises that the um license should be um actively used. So if if the
inactive license is able to be activated either by the current owner or he's able to transfer it to another owner, that new owner would then also have to activate the license. Otherwise, it will expire on August 1st. And and it and if a deal is made and we
approve that um and then that deal falls through, is there another chance to extend it again? I don't believe so. He would have a year basically the licensing year is from July 1st through June 30th. So it would extend him for one year from 2026
through 2027 to have the opportunity to pursue those options. >> After that it expires. >> Okay. >> So >> are you talking on the record or just >> I'm just talking to you. >> Oh, okay. I didn't know if you wanted everyone to hear cuz you're talking real low. >> Oh, sorry. >> You don't have a mic.
after after the year it expires. >> Okay, >> that's correct. >> So, Mr. Fricky is here. Um, do we want to permit him to speak in on his behalf to see why he needs the extension and what he thinks um may happen in the next year
in order for us >> that you'd have to you'd have to make a motion to take to to not this there's no public portion to this to new business. So, if you want to make a motion to suspend the regular order, if he wants to say something, I would ask him first if he wants.
>> Right. Well, that's what I was going to do. >> Yeah. >> Would you like to say anything on your behalf? >> Well, we're not going to vote on it. If you want to wait until public portion, otherwise, you have to listen to our reports and whatnot. Otherwise, I could ask for a motion to suspend the order of
the meeting. >> So, we'll just wait for you for public portion. >> Yeah. Cuz I don't think we're going to vote on it tonight, but it's just bringing before us. It's new business to me. >> Okay. All right. So, I appreciate your waiting, Bill. All right. So, um, does anyone have any comments on it though
while we're on the topic right now? >> So, can I ask for one clarification? >> Mhm. >> When when we when or if we grant an extension for the one year, there's supposed to be a plan to use the license already or you're granting them the year
to find a way to use the license? Well, the guidance says that the municipality, so this is straight out of the advisory note, a municipality may consider and balance certain factors that demonstrate whether the lency has taken significant steps to activate the license.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> Anyone else? >> All right. So, we'll put a pin in it and then if Mr. Fricky would like to speak during public uh comment, um we could revisit this. Okay.
Um the next order of business is adoption of ordinances. There are no ordinances to adopt. Um the next item is introduction of ordinances. Miss D. Simone will announce by number and title the following ordinances. Upon approval, these ordinances will be further
considered at a public hearing to be held on June 23rd, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. or soon thereafter as the matter can be addressed in the council chambers of the burrow hall, one municipal place, Emerson, New Jersey. As of March 1st,
2026, all ordinances are noticed on the burrow's website on the public notices page as required by PL2025 chapter 72 and are on file in the office of the municipal clerk. Miss D. Simone, would you please read the title of ordinance 1722-26?
>> An ordinance to amend the borrow code to include a new affordable housing and development fee ordinance. May I have a motion to introduce ordinance 1722-26 on first reading? >> Second. >> And a roll call, please.
>> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes 5. >> Okay. Thank you. That brings us to reports. Um, I have a very short report.
I just want to thank everyone that came to our annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony. The rain did force us indoors. We had a short period of time where we got to lay the wreaths outdoor and it ended up being a really beautiful ceremony. Uh regardless,
um we are having a 250th patriotic homefront decorating contest which began on May 22nd. Residents have until June 22nd to enter. For more information on the contest, please view
the list of current contestants and to enter your home, you may go to www.mersonj.gov/250. You could also call Burough Hall and Triestessa and Sam will help you and guide you. Um there is a $250 gift card uh one winner and then commendations for
the other uh people that join the contest. And uh we're looking for red, white, and blue flags, whatever patriotic theme that you'd like to decorate your home in celebration of uh this year's 250th celebration anniversary.
Um the next senior meeting is this June 11th on Thursday at 12:00 noon. New members are always welcome and I encourage our seniors to join this vibrant group. They are very active with many social events and fun activities
planned. this Saturday, June 13th, on your calendars for Emerson's 250th anniversary parade, summer kickoff, and fireworks extravaganza. The Emerson Recreation Commission has planned another great event with
activities scheduled throughout the day. The rain date will be Sunday, June 14th, but I'm crossing my fingers, it doesn't look like that's an issue this year at all. Um, it may be warm, though. Uh, so the parade will start at the high
school. It will travel up Main Street and then make a left on Thomas and end at the field um where the rec commission hopefully will have started cooking. The beer garden will open at 2:00. There's on social media there is a timeline list
of events, but you want to start lining up on the streets for the parade. Um, we have different uh departments from the town. We have some of our recreation leagues. Uh children if they've decorated their bicycles or their trikes or whatever and their um scooters are
able to join in. If you have any questions on the parade or you would like to participate, please call either myself, a council member or uh Burough Hall, Triestessa and Sam and they could guide you accordingly. We're looking forward to a really fun, safe hometown
celebration starting almost all day long at 12:30. 1:00 and uh we hope to see you there. Um if every if people don't know this, our fireworks are usually absolutely spectacular because our fireworks vendor
actually lives in town and goes over the top every year and does really really special fireworks for us and we appreciate that you. But um please come down, join us, say hello, find a governing body member, introduce
yourself. This is our day to get together in the family town and for everyone to get together and have a good time amongst ourselves and just enjoy each other's company. Um, the next regular meeting of the governing body will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd at
7:30 p.m. Uh, Mr. Carelli, do you have a report for us this evening? >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, as an update, the burrow's new digital sign is currently scheduled for installation during the week of June 15, 2026. Okay.
>> According to the project manager from Casey Signs and Awnings, uh the contractor is planning uh to complete the excavation and installation of the new pole and uh concrete work uh that week. Following the pole installation, approximately one week will be required
uh for the concrete foundation to fully cure before the sign itself can be installed the week thereafter, at which point the sign uh will be turned on and the governing B and the uh burough staff, excuse me, uh will be trained on the new system to you know maintain the
sign. So, we're looking forward to that. Uh there will be some traffic and parking disruptions as part of the project. So, we are working with the police department on that. Um, I have been working with the burough engineer on the cost estimate and scope of work for the burrow's uh FY2027
municipal aid grant through the NJ DOT which consists of the resurfacing of Main Street from Glenwood Avenue to Old Hook Road. Uh, the project scope uh includes uh begins, excuse me, at Glenwood Avenue due to the portion of
Main Street being paved not too long in the past. Uh we will have a resolution on the June 23rd, 2026 agenda to memorialize the burrow's grant application. Uh in addition, we are working with the burough engineers office and the DPW on the 2026 road
resurfacing program and hope to have final candidates in the near future. Uh the burough engineer will be providing a proposal for the for the governing body for engineering and construction management and inspection services uh for the June 23rd council meeting in
order to kickstart the bid specifications and final design process for the senior center ADA door improvements project. Uh the contractor is returning tomorrow, June 10th, 2026 for the uh installation of the carpet
and other remaining punch list items. Um so we're looking forward to that project being complete. Uh furthermore, I am working with the parks and playgrounds committee and the burrows contractor for the anticipated upgrades to Acriman Park. Uh we have received final cost estimates from the
contractor and will be working to schedule a meeting to review and decide a path forward for the project. To date, excuse me, the burrow has $159,227 in grant funding from the Bergen County
Open Space Trust Fund with a required local match of 75,000 from the FY2025 Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund grant for the project. As you may know, the burrow submitted for a local match amount of 75,000 to the New Jersey
Department of Community Affairs L-Rigg program, but unfortunately was ultimately denied. Uh we are working with the committee uh to begin the project in a phased manner while also seeking additional grant funding and or donations for the remaining local match.
And as a reminder, we did submit for grant funding uh for the additional project components such as the pavilion and turf play area which would be completed at a later date. And lastly, I did want to thank the DPW for their
assistance with the thunder thunderstorm over the weekend and all of the uh tree trees that have uh fallen within the rightway. So, thank you to the DPW. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um Ashley Mike, do you have anything extra
on um the uh town day that I forgot? Any information you want that's timely? >> No, they've been promoting the calendar and like you said, right from the uh parade, we're going to go right into the opening of events for kids, the beer
garden, the grills open at three and then we go from there. >> Okay, great. Um, does anyone have anything else to report that's timely that's going to happen before our next meeting? No. All right, good. Um, so we're done drawing anything and Triesta already gave. Do you have anything extra? No.
>> Okay. Um, so we will move on to public comment. Uh, 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 to 3 minutes. In consideration of all whom you wish to
speak, please keep your comments brief and concise. May I have a motion to open the meeting uh to public comment? >> So move. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> Okay, we are open to the public. Would you like to address the
Yes, good evening. Um, my name is William Pricky and I don't want to take any more of your time. I appreciate everyone being here on a holiday almost and uh I just want to say my my family has had this license. Yes, it has been inactive since 2007 and we've always
hoped to do something with it. However, the there hasn't really been any uh ideal locations to open up to try to reopen up a facility and we're always hoping that the project over here would
be finished by now. However, it hasn't been finished. So, we were just hoping for another year to see what happens. Until then, I appreciate your time though. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, uh, Bill, for your comments. I have a question.
>> John, probably you could answer this. Um, >> uh, in the event that his license expires, >> if is that something that Emerson loses entirely and we can never get another license back or >> That's correct.
>> Correct. >> Okay. Uh motion to close the public portion. So >> move second. >> And all in favor? >> All right, we are closed to the public. And that brings us to resolutions on consent. Uh these are considered routine
and will be enacted by one motion of the council and one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member requests an item be removed for consideration. May I have a motion to approve consent agenda resolutions
168-26 through 181-26? >> So move >> um do you have did you get that? >> I didn't get the second. >> Who got the second? >> Ashley. >> You had Ashley. >> Ashley. Megan. >> Megan and Ashley. Yes. >> Ashley Sers. Okay. And a roll call,
please. >> Councilwoman Gelino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Ellis. >> Yes. >> Council President Rice. >> Yes. >> Councilman Timberman. Yes. >> Council 11. >> Yes. 5 Z. >> Okay. That brings us to closed executive session to discuss matters exempt from
the public pursuant to NJSA 104-1 at SEAC and adequately noticed by resolution 182-26. May I have a motion? We are now going into close session. Members of the public may remain on YouTube until we return at which time formal action may
be taken. May I have a motion to go into closed? >> So move second. And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Bryce, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes.
>> Passes 5-0. Very good. >> May I have a motion to reconvene? >> Second. All in favor? >> Okay, we are reconvened. Do we have any further business to discuss? Hearing no business, may I have a motion
to adjourn at 8:42 p.m. So move second. >> All in favor? >> Okay, we are adjourned. Thank you for joining us. We will see you at the parade in town day on Saturday, June 13th.