Good evening. Welcome to the February 17th, 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, the fire sign exits are above the doors and please exit calmly. Chief Mara, 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 uh just a moment for
all of our troops abroad and at home. Thank you. This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the open public meetings law and adequately noticed pursuant to NJSA 104-10. This meeting on February 17, 2026 was
noticed to the record and the Ridgewood News on January 12th, 2026, right? And published, still catching those fives and sixes. Published in said newspapers, posted on the bulletin board 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? Mayor Depal, >> present. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Argenzia >> here. >> Councilman Ellis >> here.
>> Council President Rice >> here. >> Councilman Timberman >> here. >> Councilwoman Sers >> here. All those. >> Thank you. Um, all members are present, so there's no need to excuse anybody. Proclamations and citations. There are are none this evening. Um, I would like
to make the following appointments to the Environmental Commission. I would like to appoint How do you know there's no sandwiches? Okay, we should go back. Okay, we're going to test the sound again. Um, I would like the following appointment to the environmental commission, a student
liaison from the high school, Matteline Kim. Um, I would also like to make some appointments to the library board of trustees. Janet Bosow as a regular member for a 5-year term expiring 12312030. John Tamino as a regular meeting for a
5-year term expiring 12312030. Richard Hodgejman as a regular member for a 5-year term expiring 20 12312030. Christopher Johnson as a regular member for a five-year term expiring 12312030.
Kevin Leeds as a regular member for a 5-year term expiring 12312029. May I have a motion to confirm these five appointments? So >> move second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Arenzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis,
>> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. Thank you. Next, we have a very special swearing in ceremony for our junior lieutenant, Zavier Xavier.
>> I used to know a Zavier, sorry, and it's spelled the same way. Xavier um Chavez um who is being sworn in as the Emerson Fire Department Junior Lieutenant for the year 2026. Do you
want to join me up here? Do you want your wife to come up and hold the Bible since you're doing it by yourself? Jessica, come on up and hold the Bible. Maybe bring the kids. It's fine. You're getting a special because I couldn't do this for all the other fire.
Please let me stand up. Let's do this. Stand over here. Stand over here. Back up a little. Come over here. Heart. Left hand on the Bible. Right hand up. Okay, you ready? I state your name.
>> I, David Chavez, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the same. and will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God.
>> So help me God. I stitch me. >> I am David Chavez >> do solemnly swear >> do solemn solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties >> of Junior Lieutenant
>> of Junior Lieutenant >> of the Burrow of Emerson Volunteer Fire Department >> of the Burrow of Emerson Volunteer Fire Department. >> According to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my abilities. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> CONGRATULATIONS, LIEUTENANT.
YOU GET THE fire down for a photo. >> Oh, I thought I actually thought we moved that. Sorry. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> All right. Let's sign this and then let's have the department come up.
You want the department? >> So she will ask she copies it. >> How do you want to do it? >> All right. Why did the whole fire department come up? >> Come on down.
Yeah, you guys have guy. >> Yeah, you are. >> Say your name. We now have a fully constituted fire service board. Congratulations to all of our new officers. Stay safe and best of
luck this year. Would the Emerson Fire Department ladies auxiliary officers please come up? Let's see. Would you like your husband to hold the Bible for all of you? >> Joe, you wanted to hold the Bible.
If you want Xavier next to you or >> I'll stand in the middle and then I can hold this from whoever's doing the and then whoever comes in I say too many words on. So we're going to hold the Bible with Joe. Janine
and could you come stand on this side with you ladies? I'm going to hold it out like this so that if I talk too fast, you guys can see a cheat sheet on the paper. You're going to come a little closer. >> All right. And why don't we do like the cops did and you put your hand on the Bible and everybody put your left hand
on her back. >> Yeah. Travel. And your your hand's going to go on the Bible. Okay. >> Could you bring it in a little bit? >> And I'm going to go like this. So that >> I forgot we're to both short. Oh, maybe >> left hand red.
>> Left hand on the black. >> No, I just can't. >> We'll just do it easy. I'll do it slow. >> I state your name. do solemnly swear >> domly swear >> that I will support the Constitution
>> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> the state of New Jersey >> and that I will bear true faith >> I will bear true >> and allegiance >> allegiance >> to the same to the
>> and to the government established >> to the government established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state and safe >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> I state your name >> I
>> do to solemnly swear >> that I will faithfully >> I will faithfully impartially >> impartially >> and justly >> andly >> perform the duties >> perform the duties >> of state your office >> of the burrow of Emerson
>> volunteer fire department ladies auxiliary according to the best of my ability. >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations, ladies. >> All right, let's you know what?
Come on down. >> You want to stand next to your wife? We'll keep our older older together. All right. All right. Can someone take a photo, Ronnie? >> Can someone take a photo? >> I know.
>> Thank you very much. Congratulations, ladies. Have a Sure. >> Yeah, cuz it's your bill. >> How is it? I want to do DPW. >> Wrestling. >> Wrestling. >> Wrestling. >> It wasn't his father.
>> I know. I live. >> No. I got >> Christopher Johnson. I'm going to swear you. >> All right. I'm good with the swearing. right now. >> Okay, before everyone leaves, we have a
good portion of burrow residents here. At our last meeting, we introduced Michael Carelli, our new burrow administrator. Unfortunately, his mic was not working. As you know, we have technical difficulties and I just want everyone to say hello to our new burough administrator. >> Thank you, ma'am.
>> Okay, good. So, these are our vol the bulk of our volunteers that are the bravest and keep us safe. >> Okay, we're going to continue with the agenda. >> Did she Excuse me? >> Oh, I thought you said excuse me. May I
have a motion to approve the special meeting minutes of October 13, 2025? >> So move. >> Second >> and a roll call. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Arzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice,
>> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Ser, >> yes. You got the elevator for him, >> Dennis. Perry. >> Dennis. Perry's right behind you with the elevator. Perry. Uh, roll call, please.
>> It passes. Okay. May I have a motion to approve the close session meeting minutes of October 13, 2025, which are not for release to the public at this time? >> No. >> Weird closed. You said October.
>> It is 25. It is 25. >> Yeah, it's written. >> That date got >> I got 26. Yes, >> we didn't have October 20. We didn't have >> October 13, 2025 special meeting and
October which is approved October 13, 2025 close session meetings that which have not been approved yet. >> So moved. >> Thank you. And a second. >> Second. >> And a roll call. >> Counciloman Telino. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Arenzia. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Ellis. >> Yes. >> Council President Rice. Yes. >> Counciloman Timberman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sy. >> Yes. >> 6. >> Okay. May I have a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 3rd, 2026?
>> So move. >> Second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Ardenzia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman, >> yes.
>> That passes 6. Thank you. May I have a motion to approve the close session meeting minutes of February 3rd, 2026? So move >> for not for release at this time. So moved by Ashley. Second. >> Did we get a second?
>> Second. >> Second by Ashley Sers. And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Ardania, >> yes. >> Counciloman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Ray, >> yes. >> Counciloman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. here.
>> Very good. Okay. The next item is correspondence. All correspondence is available in the burough clerk's office during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. And it just looks right now like there are a couple of public notices that are on the
correspondence. Financial business, may I have a motion to adopt resolution number 77-26 to approve the February 17, 2026 bills list? Go for it. >> Second. >> And a roll call, please.
>> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Arzia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. >> Counciloman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes 6. >> Very good. And unfinished business. There is no unfinished business to
discuss this evening. We will now move on to uh new business. Uh Michael, would you please elaborate on the new business that we have to discuss? >> Thank you, mayor. Uh so the grants committee of the governing body met last week uh as an introductory call with our grants manager Alexa Reid of Bruno
Associates. Uh so we just wanted the committee wanted to bring forth some recommendations to the governing body and to you know workshop a few ideas. So the first item is the uh Bergen County Open Space Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund is soliciting
applications for this year's funding round. Uh, as you may know, we have an outstanding application for FY2024 and FY2025, both for the improvements to Acriman Park project. Um, I did speak to the director of the trust fund. Um, you
cannot, as you may know, you cannot phase projects uh in the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund. You can repurpose projects, but I was told for this year's uh program, we cannot uh fund acriman funds unless it's a new feature within
the project. So, the first item for discussion uh was to workshop some ideas for the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund and then I do have some other grants that I'll go through in a minute, but I figured, you know, it'd be a good opportunity. The grants committee discussed and uh you know, we're looking
for some feedback. Does anybody have any ideas on either how to add a new asset to Acriman Park or do you want to go back and start on um Rosengart Park? What is your pleasure?
>> Well, previously we were looking at new playground equipment and kind of leveling the surface area for Acriment Park. So, as well as putting a mister,
>> right? Did that We were also considering like a gazebo. Was that part was the gazebo part of the original or is that something we like a shaded picnic area? >> I know that the mister was >> um but that's something that we could look at. >> So, let's look at that, Michael. Um just
for everyone's uh clarification, uh we're trying to make that into a userfriendly park for smaller children. And we were thinking like even a permitting process to allow residents to host a birthday party there >> like an open public space >> that we could permit and uh have
children's birthday party so that it has a mister and um >> basketball courts >> basketball courts. It has the new equipment and maybe some tables with a gazebo for shade. Right. >> Correct. Yes. >> So I think the gazebo would be a nice addition if it's not part of that. Um
otherwise we could go back to the uh drawing board. Does everyone agree with that? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> I think Rosenart will require a lot because it's plugged there. There's a bug problem. Like I think if we could focus our attention to Acriman and make that really come to fruition.
>> Fine with me. >> Start on one one park at a time and make one perfect and then move to the next one. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Michael, >> thank you, Mayor. Uh so the next few items, the grants manager uh discussed with the grants committee, several
upcoming opportunities. Uh on tonight's agenda, we have the confirming resolution for the NJDCA FY2026 local recreation improvement fund. We are applying for $75,000 for Acriman Park as the match for Bergen County. That would leave us with only a local match of
about $4,500 for the project. So we're looking to get it mostly fully funded. Uh so that's already been submitted and is on tonight's agenda to be confirmed. We have uh again we just discussed the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund. We have the NJCAA local efficiency
achievement program which is otherwise known as the LEAP the LEAP grant excuse me uh which is meant for new shared service agreements and associated capital expenditures to effectuate set agreements. So I did speak to Perry of
the DPW. Uh we we've come to uh a recommendation to replace the fuel tank at the DPW facility uh that is currently used by the board of education and the burrow. I think originally the intent was to split the cost with the board of ed um but we are going to see if we
could submit a grant to get at least most of it funded. Um the LEAP grant funds up to $350,000 for capital costs. Uh so you know we're looking for feedback from the governing body but that's the recommendation uh for that project.
>> I think that's a good use of the grant. Um does everyone agree or does anyone have any other idea? >> Okay. Uh thank you. And then the last two programs are through our federal and local state legislators. Uh it's that
time of year again where uh the congressional earmark appropriations are being accepted through our our state senator Booker, Senator Kim, and Congressman Gothheimr. Uh so we are seeking uh some ideas for the submissions. Last year we did submit for
the fire department elevator project. We submitted for the burrow hall reconstruction and we also submitted for the west end drainage project. Um so we are looking for some feedback there. And then we did discuss on the local level, the state of New Jersey through your
local legislature uh Senator Shapezy does accept appropriation requests uh to be included in the state budget similar to the federal program. Um so we were looking for feedback through that program as well. We have never applied for that in the past. Um so we're trying
different avenues to get funding. Um so we are soliciting feedback for those programs as well. And both of those are due in late spring. Correct. >> Right. >> So, we have time to discuss in committee and then bring the ideas back. But if you have any ideas of what you would
like to um uh apply for um if you speak to Michael about it and then he'll bring it back to the committee and then we'll bring it back to the governing body for a final decision before we apply. Thank you. >> I think we have some time. >> Thank you. That's all I have. >> Very good. Um the next item on the
agenda is introduc adoption of ordinances. There are no ordinances to adopt this evening. The next item is introduction of ordinances. The uh 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 March 3rd, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be addressed in the council chambers of the Burough Hall, One Municipal Place, Emerson, New Jersey, and
published in the record. Beginning March 1st, 2026, all ordinances will be noticed on the bureau's website on the public notices page as required by PL2025, chapter 22 and are on file in the office
of the municipal clerk. Miss D. Simone, please read the title of ordinance 1712-26. 1712-26, an ordinance amending burrow code to include a new zone district, the RC overlay zone.
>> May I have a motion to introduce ordinance 1712-26 on first reading? >> Second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Argentia,
>> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. Counciloman Timberman. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Sire. >> Yes. >> Passes 01. >> Very good. And would you please read the title of ordinance 1713-26?
>> Uh yes. Ordinance um 1713-26 and ordinance amending borrow code to include a new affordable housing and development fee ordinance. >> May I have a motion to introduce ordinance 1713-26 on first reading? >> So moved.
Second. >> And a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Oenzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Ray, >> yes. >> Councilman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Sers, >> yes.
>> That passes to zero. >> Okay. And Miss D. Simone, would you please read the title of ordinance 174-26? Um, ordinance 1714-26, an ordinance to revise the required affordable set aside in the multif
family residential affordable housing overlay zone. >> May I have a motion to introduce ordinance number 1714-26 on first reading? >> So move second and a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Arjenzia,
>> yes. >> Counciloman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes. Councilwoman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Syers, >> yes. >> Passes 60. >> Okay. And I just for the public, I just wanted to um let them know that those ordinances are all in order to
affectuate the burrow's affordable housing obligations for round four. And is there any elaboration that's needed on any of those or should we wait for the second reading if necessary? Okay. All right. Very good. Let's move on to
reports. I'll read mine. Tonight, the burrow hold our second welcome Ramadan crescent moonlighting. And did you reprint that new information? >> Oh, okay. Yeah. Uh, we got new information at the actual reading. So, I wanted to uh make it known to everyone
this evening. Uh, welcome Ramadan crescent moonlighting ceremony. It was a very nice occasion with a great turnout of residents who came to celebrate the start of Ramadan as a community. I want to thank everyone who helped and participated. Um the community is uh
hosting a food drive to benefit the Center for Food Action, which is a local nonprofit organization. Uh donations can be collected at the Emerson Public Library. If you're going down the library, bring a dry good or a can um
throughout the month of Ramadan. and help the Edmonson Muslim community host the food drive. Um the new senior center ADA doors project is underway and will be completed within the next two months. Our burough engineer is working closely
with the contractor and will provide us with an installation date once it becomes available. Maybe he has an update later. >> I was going to talk about that. >> Okay, I'm going to that's all I'm going to say. I'll leave the suspense for you. Um 2026 commuter parking permits for our
uh parking on Emerson Plaza East are available now at the police headquarters Monday through Friday 8:30 to 7:30. The resident fee is $250. No knock registration forms are available on the website and they are also in the 2026 garbage and recycling
newsletter. There is a $5 fee for the decal unless you are over the age of 65. Um, it does not pertain to nonprofit, charitable, religious, or political groups. Um, but if you are on the registry, it prohibits licensed
solicitors from knocking on your door for a 5-year period. Please display the decal on your door. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the police department. I saw a very active thread on Facebook that there were two gentlemen in town that people
were worried about after hours. If you have this no knock decal, we encourage it. That way, they cannot even come to your door and knock. Once they see the decal, they are given uh notice from the police when they register to to knock on doors that if they see a decal, they
cannot knock on the door. So, you save yourself a big headache if you get one of these decals. Um they're only $5 for the cost of the decal to cover the cost of the decal, and they could help you out so you don't have any nuisance calls at your front door. Um, the next senior
meeting is this Thursday, March 12th at 12 noon. It's not this Thursday, is next month, March 12th at 12 noon. New members are always welcome. If you are 55 or over interested in learning more about our
senior club, uh, please visit emersonj.gov/ceniors or attend their next meeting to see what it's all about. They offer fun events, day trips, and plenty of social activities on a regular basis. I also happen to know they're having a St. Patrick's party. So, if you're
interested, please join them. Uh, as it relates to our seniors, there is a bus that is available for 55 and up and those with special needs. It runs Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Please call Samantha at Burough Hall to book a ride. Uh the Burton County Utilities
Authority Household Hazardous Waste Collection of 20 26 will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rain or Shine and Munaki. More details on our website and the bcua.org uh uh website. Mark your calendars and
get your unwanted papers ready. We will be having our mobile shredding day in collaboration with the BCUA on Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 am to 1 p.m. at Burough Hall. It's one of the biggest events we hold each year. This year's
Arbor Day ceremony will be on April 25th at 10:00 a.m. Uh, the burrow through the Sha Tree Commission will once again plant one tree in memory of Emerson residents who have passed away since January of 2025.
If you would like your loved one to be remembered at this year's Arbor Day ceremony, please contact the Burrow clerk um in Burough Hall and add their name to the list. The state of New Jersey has announced the 2025 property tax relief programs for eligible New
Jerseyians. There is a single streamline application to apply for the senior freeze, Anchor, and State New Jersey programs. The deadline to file is November 2nd, 2026. Some of you that applied may have already received State
New Jersey checks last week. Um, if you need any help with anything, please call Lauren at 2011-2626086 in the tax office. Um, as always, I encourage residents to sign up to receive emergency notifications and other burrow information about events
through our RAVE alert system. If you need help navigating that system, please call Triestessa or Sam in the burough clerk's office and they will help you out. Um, our military banner program is open for 2026. The bureau has made this program available to our residents who
would like to honor their family members who currently live or have resided in the past in Emerson. The banners are displayed for Memorial Day through Veterans Day. They're stored at the DPW during the winter months. They are rehung every year as long as they are in
good shape. Um, this is a way of saying thank you to the men and women of our great United States military. Sponsorship is $200 per banner and is tax deductible. Please place your order by April 30th in order to have them
displayed by Memorial Day. Um, our next meeting of the governing body is uh Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:30 p.m. Uh, Mr. Carelli, do you have a report for us this evening? >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, just wanted to highlight that I met with the burrow
engineer last week to discuss ongoing projects within the burrow. uh and look forward to working with Dave and his team in the future. I did meet with Perry at the salt bin last week with our uh architect architectural consultant. Uh we are looking into several measures
including but not limited to replacing the entire building. Uh cutting off the building and building a new soft in of itself and also repairing the structure. Um the consensus seemed to be that regardless of what we do in the future, it needs to be repaired immediately. Uh
so we are going to work with the consultants to get that fixed as soon as possible. Uh and I thank Perry for his work uh as part of that. Um I do have a meeting scheduled for Thursday with KC signing KC sign and awnings, excuse me, uh later this week to discuss the
digital sign project and where we currently stand. So we are looking forward to that and moving that forward. And I just wanted to thank Lauren, our CFO, and uh the finance committee for all their hard work on the 2026 municipal budget. Uh for those of you that aren't aware, we have a budget
hearing on March 3rd, 2026, at which point uh the proposed budget will be presented to the governing body. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Carelli. Um that brings us to our burough engineer, Dave Atkinson. Dave, do you have a report for us this evening? >> Uh sure. I have a couple brief things to
update the uh governing body on. Uh as the mayor had mentioned, um we have grant funds for the senior center doors. Uh we did have a pre-construction meeting uh last week with the contractor as well as with Bergen County to kick that project off. Um based on initial
communications with them, we're looking around midappril uh for the doors to arrive and get installed uh over at that facility. So um we're working currently with the contractor on chop join reviews and the whole process to move everything
along uh smoothly in a timely fashion. So, um, other things to update, um, we're plugging away related to the two drainage study projects, uh, Vivian and Dorchester. Um, we have completed the analysis of
all the existing system. Um, we're going to sit down, go through that and come up with some, uh, proposed solutions to that and then look to present that to, uh, to you guys at an upcoming meeting. Um, as it relates to the westside drainage study, um, all the field data
has been collected. We're in the process of analyzing uh the existing system over there um to come up with some ideas of where the issues are. I mean, we have a general idea, but want to see in the models where everything is. So, uh more to come on that in the future. >> Okay, good.
>> And that's all I have to update. >> Thank you. Um Mike, I forgot there is one uh a CBDG grant that we applied for for our seniors for transportation. Um, I think we were awarded 7,500 and I forgot at our last meeting last Thursday they asked me if they could start using
that money. I think there's a window of January to September. Could you follow up and let Genevieve, the president of the um, seniors know um, how they go about um, accessing those funds, whether they just submit it and Lauren reimburses or what the process is for
them. >> Thank you. >> I forgot about that. So, um, just remembered. Thank you. Um, okay. So 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 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 comments from the public? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Okay, we're open to the public.
>> Seeing no hands, may I have a motion to close the meeting to general comments from the public? Second. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay, that carries. >> Mayor, I apologize. I have a few reports.
>> I'm sorry. I have a few reports. >> The council report. >> Sorry. So, we're going to go back um in in the meeting to reports. I apologize. Um do I have to have a motion to go backwards? >> It kind of went out of order. So, I
would make a motion to >> to accept the fact that there two motions. >> I know what they are already. Can I have a motion to accept the fact that I went out of order? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And a second. >> Second. Okay. All in favor? >> And now, can I have a motion to go back
to the regularly scheduled order? >> So, move to the part you missed >> to what I missed. >> Yes. >> Correct. All right. I'm sorry. >> All in favor? I. Councilwoman uh Chelina, would you please give us our report? >> Okay, so for the DPW, uh Perry uh just
reported our last snowstorm averaged about 14 in give or take. Uh street parking was much better this snowstorm. Um and they only had to contact the police department to have two vehicles moved. Uh one plow truck sustained uh
damage to one of the wheels from hitting a curb. And then just the residents, a set of keys were found in the cardboard recycling bin on Friday. If you are missing them, the DPW has them. Um, no reports for evac environmental. Um,
community garden applications will go live early in March. Um, a fundraiser for a fence around a proposed honeybee area will be coming um up as well. Earth me Earth Month activities will include DPW trucks and more. community
garden opening day. Um and then new uh new city florist dad and me flower arrangement fundraiser um which will come closer to Father's Day. >> Cool. >> What was the other fundraiser that you mentioned first? >> Um a fundraiser to I guess build a fence
around um the proposed honeybee area. >> Oh, the honey bees. Okay. I don't know if there's been much talked about. >> I don't know that they've been talked about yet either, but the environmental commission is going to with conjunction with a beekeeper that lives in town and who is a member of the environmental
commission will be putting honeybees. Um what are they called? Uh >> hives. >> Hives um in Centennial Park. >> Yes. >> Yes. He's going to maintain them. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Cool. >> Uh >> what? And then
>> I think that we have to figure out about either giving away or selling the honey. I know they're waiting for um some feedback from us. Um I just haven't had the time to review everything yet. And I want there's a um when I was down at the league in November, there's a a beekeeper association of New Jersey and
I have to reach out to them and ask them what they recommend because I'm don't want to reinvent the wheel. I'm sure there's a proper way to do it. >> Okay. So we'll have more on that. And my last report um from fire department um
sorry trying to read this. Uh the fire department responded to 20 calls for service so far this year um including activated fire alarms, gas leaks, electrical emergency motor vehicle accidents, and a structure fire. Um the department provided mutual aid on two occasions during the month of January.
one being a chimney fire that extended into the home. Uh during the significant snowstorm that brought more snow to our area than we have seen past 10 years, dedicated department members stood by at the firehouse, ready to respond to any emergencies, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of emergency
services. Just as the storm system subsided and members were being released to return home, we immediately requested to assist Harrington Park with their chimney fire. Our members responded without hesitation. uh department members contributed a total of 366 and a
half hours during January 2026. These hours encompass emergency response, training, equipment maintenance, mutual aid operations, and community engagement activities. January's activity reflects the continued dedication and professionalism of our department members. The willingness of our
personnel to stand ready during severe weather conditions and respond to mutual aid requests exemplifies the commitment of our firefighters have to serving not only Emerson but our neighboring communities as well. And should you have any questions regarding any of these reports or require additional information, please
reach out. >> Excellent. Thank you. I'm sorry I forgot the council reports. Councilwoman, no report. Councilwoman Councilman Ellis, >> she said it best. >> She said it best. >> Yes. >> Uh, Councilman Timberman, do you have a report?
>> I do not have a report. >> Councilwoman Sanger, >> I do not. >> Council President, >> I have a few dates. Okay. Um, for wreck, I have a few dates that you should write down, um, if you're interested. Uh, the fourth and fifth grade social is planned
for April 10th. Um, Emerson day is planned for June 13th. The rain date of June 14th. Um, and then looking, you know, really into the future, Fall Fest is October 18th.
>> Okay. Could could um whoever's the Emerson Chamber of Commerce let them know that that's the date for the uh so that they don't have a uh either have the car show in the morning and do a full day in Emerson with the car show for the Emerson Chamber of Commerce or
let them are you ch Yeah, but I've been on the chain of emails. I see them they're discussing. >> All right. So, would you let them know that that date has already been set so that we either don't conflict or that they coincide with us so that we have a nice day in Emerson. Got it. an and October 18th is set in stone because I
will I will let the bank know about the um hot air balloon. >> Yeah. So, >> okay. Yeah. All right. >> Um for board of ed, the next board of ed meeting is February 23rd. Um and uh on a different note, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. So, I wish all of my
Christians and Catholics happy Lenton a blessed Lenton season. Let's be done. >> Easy fast. >> Easy fast. It feels like it was just Christmas. I guess because the snow's on the ground still by now. >> We should be seeing bunny rabbits at this point. We're not. >> Okay. And I do apologize to the council.
That seat was empty for a couple of months and I was excited to get to the administrator's report since we had one and I apologize. That's all it was. Um so now we will go back to our regularly scheduled agenda. We've done the uh opened and closed for the public. Um we
will now do resolutions listed on consent agenda. They are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion of the council with 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 resolution 78-26 and 90-26. So move second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilomano, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Arenzia, >> yes. Councilman Ellis,
>> yes. >> Council President Ray, >> yes. >> Counciloman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman S. >> Yes. >> And that should have been 78-26 through 90-26. Okay. And that is approved.
Uh, next item is closed executive session. Uh, members of the public may stay on YouTube while we go to close session. May I have a motion to go into closed executive session to discuss matters exempt from the public pursuant
to NJSA 104-1 at SEC and adequately noticed by resolution 91-26. >> So move second. >> Roll call, please. >> Counciloman Chelino, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Orenzia, >> yes. >> Councilman Ellis, >> yes. >> Council President Rice, >> yes.
>> Counciloman Timberman, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Sers, >> yes. >> Very good. Okay. Um, yes. Uh, she's going to come to close with us. Um, do we need Dave for close session for any items? Dave, thank you for coming.
>> Okay, let's go over to the back room. Are we still uh flowers? Great. >> May I have a motion to reconvene? So move >> second. >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Okay, we're reconvened. Is there any other business to discuss this
evening? Hearing no business to discuss, may I have a motion to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. >> So, second. >> All in favor? >> We are adjourned. Thank you for joining us this evening.