--------- Oh man. >> No, there. Oh, here it is. >> Thank you. Thank you all for coming tonight. Thank you all. Thank you. I'm glad everyone's so this is a very exciting evening and
congratulations to everyone. Uh couple of housekeeping things we need to do before the uh swearing's end. Um so I'm calling the uh regular council meeting of July 13, 2026 to order at 8:05 p.m. Please rise
for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. Um, so unfortunately we have a very sad
news to report again. at a council meeting, uh, one of our beloved, uh, Department of Public Works employees, Ernesto Ramos, Ernie Ernie Ramos Jr., uh, passed away unexpectedly. So now, please join me in a moment of silence
for Mr. Ramos. >> Thank you. City clerk, please read the statement regarding the open public meetings act. >> This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the open public meetings law. Notice of this meeting was included
in a notice sent to the record and the star ledger and advertised in said newspapers on January 12th, 2026 posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building and has remained continuously posted as the required notices under the statute. A copy of this notice is and
has been available to the public and is on file in the office of the municipal clerk. Proper notice having been given. The municipal clerk is directed to include the statement in the minutes of this meeting. >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman David >> present.
>> Councilman Tayer >> here. >> Councilman Wilson >> present. >> Councilwoman Wasadski >> here. >> Council President Roseno >> present. Also present is Mayor Michael Wilds, city manager Robert S. Hoffman,
deputy city manager John Burkner, and city attorney Bill Bailey. >> Okay, now we get to the swearing in. Okay, thank you for your patience with that. Um, Chief Greley, if you have some remarks. >> Yes, sir. Uh, good evening. Thank you,
Council President. Uh, this is one of the fun things we get to do. This is this is amazing. Um, uh, it's it's great to see everyone out here. Uh before we start, I just want to take a second. Uh I'd like to thank our our city manager, our deputy city manager, um our mayor,
and of course our council for the support we have um in doing this. They understand the importance of keep our department fully staffed. Um it means everything and I know it's not something every department can say, so it's certainly something we don't take for granted. So we appreciate that. Um so
with that, we're going to first thing we're going to do is we're going to do our promotion to sergeant. Uh Chris, I can't tell you how happy I am that we're able to do this. Um it's a huge milestone for you in your career. Um as you guys are all going to hear when you hear Chris's bio in a few minutes, he's
been a staple in our detective bureau for over 10 years. Um pretty much any major case the Anglewood City Detective Bureau has been involved in, Chris has had some hand in that. um whether it was being involved in major cases or even being the guy we would go
to to put in the box for a serious interview, he's the guy we go to. I had the privilege of working with Chris when he first started as a patrolman and then a couple years back our path crossed again when I was his boss in the bureau and I can say for certain and probably some of the the bureau bosses can uh
attest to this. if I got that two or two in the morning or three in the morning call and Chris was the other on the other end of the line like I definitely felt better about where the things were going. It was good having his his knowledge and his leadership in there. Um Chris has been guiding our department whether he realizes or not. He's been
guiding lean our department from his bureau desk for quite a while now. Guys were always going in there talking running things by him and uh now he just gets to do it out in the road and it's going to be exciting to see you work with the summer guys. Um, a lot of guys will say like being the road boss, being a sergeant is probably one of the best
spots to work in in our department. And I know Chris is going to fit in great in that position. A lot of guys are going to learn from him. Uh, Ethan, Jonathan, uh, Bobby and Joseph, you know, you guys are going to be drinking from the fire hose for a little bit, but when you come
back, that's a guy you want to watch, you know, and his trajectory of his career and how he handles himself. you watch and learn from someone like him, you guys gonna be do you're gonna do pretty good for yourselves. So with that, Chris want step up here and take your
[applause] great uh let me just say a few words. Uh, Sergeant Christopher Quirk, badge number 213, has proudly served with the Anglewood Police Department since January 2009. He is a graduate of the College of New Jersey, where he earned a
bachelor's degree in law and justice administration, and he later received a master's degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University. Before joining the Anglewood Police Department, Sergeant Quirk served for three years as a police officer with the New York City Police Department. During his career with the
Anglewood Police Department, Sergeant Cork served in the patrol bureau and has served the past 12 years as a main bureau detective. As a detective, Chris has played an integral role in nearly every major criminal investigation conducted by the bureau during that time
period. Among his many accomplishments, Sergeant Quirk was recognized by the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association for his work with the non-fatal shooting response team during 2016 and 2017. As a member of that task force, he helped navigate 12 non-fatal
shootings which ultimately leading to the arrest and prosecution of numerous offenders responsible for crimes including burglary, narcotics distribution, weapons offenses, and an home armed home invasion here in Anglewood where the residents were held
at gunpoint and robbed. In recognition of his professionalism and service, Sergeant Quirk was inducted into the New Jersey Police Honor Legion in 2021. Since 2022, he's also served as a hostage negotiator with the Bergen County Regional SWAT team, where he
continues to apply his investigative expertise and communication skills in high-risisk critical incidents. Most importantly, Sergeant Cork is a devot devoted husband and proud father of three children. Congratulations, Sergeant Quirk.
[applause] >> [applause] >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Michael Wilds, mayor of this wonderful city where the chief said that he's glad that Chris is on the other end. Um, I just want to just pause for a moment and let you know how fortunate we feel as
residents that all of the men and women in blue are all assembled no matter what day, what hour it is on the other end. and again tip my hat to the city manager to the governing body for making sure that not only we have enough officers
but that our ranks are full and that the leadership is there. I also just want to take pause as we remember shield number 228. Matt was part of the Inglewood and will always remain part of the Angwood family. um you are cut from the same
stock and as we go forward we should just take a moment as his passing was so recent. He was like a good cop bad cop. The greatest sense of humor and the confidence that really gave residents
and the rank and file the love and support that they needed when you needed it most. I wish you and your beautiful family safe tours and thank you in advance for your extraordinary service to our city. This is your wife. Okay. Hi guys. You're
having your dad's shield. You have it. Okay. Good. All right. If you don't mind, kindly place a hand on the Bible and raise the other. Repeat after me, please. I >> I Christopher Cork >> do hereby swear >> do hereby 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 >> and that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same
>> and to the government >> and to the government >> established in the United States >> established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people of the city of Anglewood. >> under the authority of the people of the city of Anglewood. >> Further, I do swear >> Further, I do swear
>> that it will faithfully >> that it will faithfully, >> impartially, and justly >> impartially and justly >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of the position of sergeant in the Angwood Police Department. >> position of sergeant in the Angwood Police Department. >> According to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] >> [applause] >> THANK YOU. >> All right. So, now we'll move on to the swearing in of our new officers. So, for those of you guys keeping track at home,
we're up to badge 286. So, I see retired 126 here. And then our active officer, uh, George Coleman's, our senior officer, 135. So, there he is. Learn a lot from that guy, too. Um, so, uh, to the families of Jonathan,
Joseph, Ethan, and Robbie, I just want you to know exactly what your loved ones went through to get to this point tonight. So these four men along with 166 other candidates began this journey with our by taking our written examination. More than 80 did not pass. Those who advanced moved on to our physical assessment where more than 30
were eliminated. And then from there about 50 advanced to our interview process which is a series of three interviews with different police personnel which led us up to this evening. So for each of our new officers, our city is making a 30 plus year multi-million dollar investment and
something responsibility we take very very seriously. You should all be incredibly proud of these four guys. They have distinguished themselves at every stage of an extremely competitive process and they've earned the opportunity to be here tonight. Jonathan, Joseph, Ethan, Robbie, you're about to begin what I believe is the
best job in the world. Over the course of your careers, you're going to see the very best and the worst that life has. the people in this room and others who couldn't be with us here or those that are no longer with us here, they're the ones that got you here tonight. And those are the ones that are going to guide you through the rest of your
career. If you approach this profession with the same integrity, humility, and work ethic that got you here tonight, you guys are going to be good to go. I promise you that. So, congratulations. And have four you guys step up here and then we'll we're going to swear you in individually. [applause]
Thanks. Yeah. Excuse me, Chief. Should we Chief, should we >> All right. We're going to have uh the council president maybe read the first bio. >> No. >> Okay. >> Thanks. Okay.
Jonathan Forest was born in Hollywood, Florida. He graduated from Hollywood Hills High School in 2015 and in 2021 enlisted into the United States Army where he served at the Fourth Infantry
Division located at Fort Carson, Colorado. He is now currently serving in the Army National Guard. Jonathan is happily married to his wife, Emory Castillo, who proudly serves actively in the United States Coast
Guard. Together they are the proud parents of two sons, Jaden, age three, and Stephen age nine months. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys photography and photo editing with passion in capturing
meaningful mo moments and preserving lasting memories through his creative lens. Jonathan looks forward to joining the Angler Police Department and he is committed to serve the community with integrity, professionalism, and dedication. While assigned to the Bergen
County Police Academy, Jonathan will be assigned temporary badge number 283. Congratulations. [applause] [applause] Thank you, Jonathan, for your service. Kindly place a hand on the Bible. Raise the other hand.
>> Pardon? >> There we go. Okay. Kindly repeat after me. I state your name. >> I, Jonathan Forest, >> do hereby swear >> do hereby 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 that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same. >> 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 >> under the authority >> of the people of the city of Englewood >> of under the people of the city of Anglewood. Further, I do swear >> Further, I do swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform
>> all the duties >> all the duties >> on the position of >> all of the position of >> police officer >> police officer >> the city of Englewood >> in the city of Englewood >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> so help me God >> so help me GOD >> CONGRATULATIONS >> [applause]
[applause] >> I'LL DO IT. I'LL DO IT. [snorts] SO, who reads next? >> Uh, the next bio, Mr. Leto. >> Who has that? >> You do. >> Pardon?
[snorts] Joseph Leto grew up in Elmwood Park with his parents and two brothers. He graduated from Elwood Park High School before enlisting the United States Marine Corps in 2021. During his five years of service, he earned the rank of sergeant. Joseph is a proud husband and
father who is excited to begin his career with the Angu Police Department. While assigned to the Bergen County Police Academy, Joseph will be assigned to temporary badge number 284. >> Thank you again for your service. >> I state your name. I, Joseph Leto,
>> do hereby swear >> do hereby swear >> that I will support the Constitution >> that I will support the Constitution >> of the United States >> 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 that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same
>> 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 >> under the authority >> of the people of the city of England >> of the people of the city of Anglewood. >> Further, I do swear >> Further, I do swear
>> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of the position >> all the duties of the position >> of police officer for the city of Angwood Police Department. >> of police officer for the city of Angwood Police Department. >> According to the best of my ability
>> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] So bio >> I do. Good evening everyone. Ethan Shoemaker Maker [clears throat] grew up in Saddlebrook with his parents and two
sisters. He attended the University of Central Florida where he obtained a BA in history in 2021. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the New Jersey Army National Guards where he completed airsult school, airborne
school, Ranger school, and a combat de deployment to Iraq in 2024. Ethan is a thirdgeneration law enforcement officer following in the footsteps of his grandfather Duke who retired as a detective with the Leonia Police
Department. His father John who retired as a police captain also with Leona Police Department. Ethan is honored to serve the community of Ingwood and is excited to begin his career in law enforcement. While assigned to Bergen
Bergen County Police Academy, Egan will be Ethan will be assigned temporary badge number 285. Thank you for your service, Ethan. [applause] [cheering] >> Yes. Thank you for your service to our nation, Ethan.
>> I state your name. I >> do hereby swear >> hereby 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 that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same
>> 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 >> under the authority >> of the people of the city of Anglewood >> of the people of the city of Anglewood. Further, I do swear >> Further, I do swear >> that I will faithfully
>> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties of >> all the duties of >> police officer >> police officer >> in the Anglewood Police Department >> in the Anglewood Police Department >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. [applause] Thank you. >> Okay. Robert Tormo grew up in New Milford with his parents and two sisters. Robbie also comes from a law enforcement family with his legendary Robert with his father.
Legendary Robert is a retired New Jersey police lieutenant. His sister Marissa is a New Jersey state trooper. After graduating from New Milford High School, Robbie attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology where he graduated with a bachelor's degree and where he also ran for division one
track and field track and field team. He is honored and excited to work for the city of Anglewood. While assigned to the Bergen County Police Academy, Robbie will be assigned temporary badge number 286. [applause] >> Thank you.
>> I state your name. I, Robert Tormmo, >> do hereby swear >> do hereby 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 that I will bear true faith
>> and allegiance to the same >> 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 >> under the authority >> of the people of the city of Englewood under the people of the city of Anglewood.
>> Further, >> further >> I do swear >> I do swear >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially >> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties >> of the position of >> of the position of >> police officer >> police officer >> city of Angwood New Jersey
>> city Angwood of New Jersey >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations. [applause] Do you want to recess for five minutes? We're going to take a picture and then recess.
>> You sent it to me. Right in the middle, Chris. [laughter] >> All right, everybody. Say cheese. Congratulations. [applause] We will take a 5m minute recess. Part: 2
Okay, we're going to resume the council meeting now. Um so, do I have a motion to approve resolution 192? Excuse me. Um >> [snorts] >> Excuse me. All right, thank you. Okay.
Sorry, we have a council meeting, too, here. So, um Uh do I have a motion to for resolution 192 to allow the SID budget to be read by title only? >> I make a motion, Council President. >> I second it.
>> Roll call. >> Oh, sorry. I need Councilwoman David. >> Yep. >> Councilwoman David? >> Yes. >> Councilman Tokayer? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Wyszatycki? >> Yes. >> Council President Rosenzweig?
>> Yes. Okay, we will now open the Oh, is Mr. Miles here? Um Oh, the the microphone's over there, so I apologize for that. Okay. Uh we will now have the public hearing open
for public comments on the SID financial year 2027 budget only. So, if you have comments about any other topic, we will have an opportunity for that uh later in the meeting. But, this is only for the SID budget.
Okay, I'll now close the public session on the SID budget. And do I have a motion for resolution 193 approving this Englewood Special Improvement District budget for fiscal year 2027. >> I >> I I make a motion. >> I second.
>> Okay. You can sort it out later. Uh roll call, please. Excuse me, I apologize. Any discussion by the uh by the council? Okay, roll call, please. >> Councilwoman David >> Councilwoman David >> Yes. >> Councilman Tokajer
>> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Wisotsky >> Yes. >> Council President Rosenzweig >> Yes. >> Uh do I have a resolution approving uh excuse me, do I have a motion approving resolution 194 accepting uh
the minutes? >> I make a motion. >> I second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman David >> Yes. >> Councilman Tokajer >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson >> I'm going to abstain.
>> Councilwoman Wisotsky >> I'm going to abstain. >> Council President Rosenzweig >> Yes. >> Okay, so we'll now have ordinance 2617 uh for a second reading and and public
hearing. Uh city clerk, will you please read ordinance 2617 by title only? >> This is an ordinance authorizing sale of land without public auction pursuant to NJSA 48:12-13 subsections B5 for 37 Armory Street.
>> The public hearing on this ordinance is now open. Anyone who desires to be heard or ask questions concerning this ordinance will be heard at this time. Hey. Miles Mr. Miles Just you can turn the mic on.
>> Hello. Okay, thank you very much. Um Diane Jansen, 589 Ridgeland Terrace, Englewood, New Jersey. Um I just want to a clarification on who the contiguous uh party is that uh this land will be sold
to. And um I think at the last meeting I heard it was Bergen Family Center. And if it is, I am in full support of that. Thank you. >> Thank you. Does anyone else from the public wish to be heard? All right, so we will close the public hearing
on ordinance 26-17. Um So, uh should we have a motion first or have Mr. Okay. So, do I have a motion that ordinance 26-17 be adopted? >> I make a motion, Council President. >> I second.
>> Okay, thank you. Um so, before we start Council discussion, uh Mr. Hoffman, if you could address Ms. Jansen's question. >> Uh yes, thank you, Council President. Uh yes, this property is going to be sold to the Bergen Family Center. It was offered to the both uh both of the
property owners that that have abutted it, and the Bergen Family Center wishes to buy it. >> Any discussion by the Council? All right, roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Councilwoman Councilwoman David? >> Yes. >> Councilman Toca?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Wozniak? >> Yes. >> Council President Rosenzweig? >> Yes. >> All right, so how do I uh do we go through this ordinance or I just go for the table? >> or should >> Okay, do I have a motion to table
ordinance 26-18? >> Yes, I move. >> Second. Uh, no discussion on table. Uh, roll call, please. >> Councilwoman David? >> Yes, tabled. >> Councilman Tokeia? >> Yes.
>> Councilman Wilson? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Wozniski? >> Yes. >> Council President Wozniski? >> Yes, so ordinance 26-18 is tabled. Uh, so we will now have the public hearing on ordinance 26-19.
City Clerk, please read the ordinance by title. >> This is an ordinance amending ordinance number 25-25 fixing the maximum annual salaries to be paid to officers and employees in the unclassified service of the City of
Englewood as of January 1, 2026. >> So, the public hearing on ordinance 26-19 is now open. Anyone who desires to be heard or ask questions concerning this ordinance will be heard at this time. >> Hi, Diane Jansen, uh, Englewood, New
Jersey. Um, I just have a question on, um, do we have a city treasurer, budget officer for 115,000 already as the maximum salary effective 1/1/2026? Thank you.
>> [snorts] >> Raymond Diaz, 408 Shining Court. Uh, my question is, uh, one, I don't know who the unclassified people are. Uh, the second is, aren't these, uh, salaries, the highest salary fixed
for I mean, don't you have, let's say you start in 5 years, the highest salary is at this mark. Do you change that highest salary at every contract? Because I'm used to once we reach that we achieve that
highest salary, then we either get COLAs or performance reviews, which will increase our salaries. And we keep increasing that top salary, it's going to get kind of expensive for everybody else to live here. Thank you. >> Stop.
Um anyone else wish to address the council? Oh. Everything's gone What? My mic My mic went into overdrive. Um All right, so I will close the public hearing on this ordinance. Do I
have a motion for ordinance 26-19 to be adopted? >> So moved. >> I'll second it. Also, Mr. Hoffman, if you can answer the questions. >> Uh certainly, there is We do have a treasurer. Um so the treasurer has been long
serving with the city. Uh then Mr. Diaz had a had a question. We We have uh 56 unclassified employees. So what this is is these are for employees that do not belong to a bargaining unit, and this is the This is the top and this is the range. So not
all employees will be receiving what's there. Um the next step is that there's a discussion with the council, and then salaries are fixed after that. >> All right, so any discussion uh amongst the council? All right, roll call, please. >> Councilwoman David?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Tokar? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wisotsky? >> Yes. >> Council President Rosenzweig? >> Yes. All right, thank you. Uh we now have an
ordinance for first reading. City Clerk, please read ordinance 26-20 by title only. >> This is an ordinance amending schedule four of section 25-11, designating the intersection of North Woodland Street and Johnson Avenue as a
four-way stop intersection. >> Do I have a motion uh that this ordinance be passed on first reading and be published once by title only in the record? >> I make a motion. >> I second. >> Um any discussion? I have some discussion.
Yay! Okay. Uh very dangerous intersection. Thank goodness. Okay. Um roll call? >> Councilwoman David? >> Yes. >> Councilman Tokayer? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson?
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Wisotsky? >> Yes. >> Council President Rosenzweig? >> Yes. >> Yes. So that uh the public hearing on this ordinance will be July 28th, 2026. Okay, thank you. So um we will now move
on to the consent agenda. So we have um I guess we're going to table 188. >> I move to table >> Two? >> I'm sorry, 188 and >> 195. >> Yes, okay. >> Yeah, I'll I'll make a motion that we table resolution
>> whoa. I first the the public comment. I'm sorry. >> No, no, first the thing >> You table that first. >> You table first. >> Okay, thank you. Uh so do I have a motion to table resolution >> 188 and 195. >> Can I do both? Okay, thank you.
Um I second that. Roll call, please. >> Uh Councilwoman David? >> Yes. >> Councilman Tokayer? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson? >> Just for clarity, what are we voting on for the tabling? >> To table Yes. >> Okay. >> Councilwoman Wosawski? >> Yes. >> Council President Rosenzweig?
>> Yes. Okay, so now we have public comment on the consent consent agenda, which is resolutions 196 through 208. All right, so I'll close the public um
comment session. Do I have a motion to approve the consent Oh, any Do any of the items Excuse me. Does anyone on the council wish to pull any of the items on the consent agenda? >> Not necessarily. >> Okay, I understand. >> Okay. >> [laughter]
>> Not necessarily a pull, Council President, but a clear explanation for number 197, please. >> Okay, so once we have the motion, I'll uh ask for that. >> Thank you. >> Councilwoman David? >> Yeah, which which one do you want pulled, Angela? >> No, I just had No, I don't want anything
pulled, but I need clarity on like um issue with renewal renewal is like kind of like going back and forth for um 205, 07, 13, 26. >> Okay, okay, so what what >> renewal, and I don't understand this part with that street address, 70 Grand.
>> Okay. >> And that's why I don't understand why it was going back and forth. I need clarity on that, please. >> That's me. >> All right, so we'll we'll get to that after So, do I have a motion uh to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay, Mr. Hoffman, can you explain uh
number 197, and also explain um or this might be more better for count uh for the city clerk, um the renewals, resendence, issuances and renewals of all the liquor [clears throat] licenses.
>> Uh, certainly I'll explain 197. So, the obsolete equipment is football jerseys. So, we're um, we're looking to auction off some of our old football jerseys. So, that's among the Those are among the items. >> I did not ask that question. I asked about people. >> No, no, that was that was the
Sorry, that was the that was the question from Kevin Wilson. Uh, sorry. Okay. >> Yeah, I wanted clarity. Thank you, city manager, for that because people sometimes get obsolete property confused with real property. Thank you, council president.
>> Okay, >> [clears throat] >> and I'll explain the liquor license. So, uh, 70 Grand LLC is the name of the business that owns an inactive liquor license. They're in the process of transferring their uh, liquor license, and so it won't be
inactive, it'll be active soon. Um, so in the process, the state's now going through all their paperwork with a fine-tooth comb, and they didn't like the way we did the resolutions back in '24, '25, so they wanted us to resend those resolutions and then redo them.
Um, and in the middle of all that, we're also renewing their license for the 2026 and 2027 year. And the next council meeting, we will have a resolution, hopefully, to finalize their transfer. >> I appreciate your answer because it look
like we send, renew, issue. >> Yeah. >> It's a lot. >> Yes. >> Okay, thank you. >> You're welcome. >> much. >> Roll call. >> Councilwoman David. >> Yes. >> Councilman Tokayer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Wysocki. >> Yes. >> Council President Rosetsky. >> Yes. >> Okay, the next agenda item is something that I put on the agenda at the request um of Assemblywoman Shama Haider who I
met with uh last week. Um so I definitely need some input from uh Mayor and Council on this. Um and uh so it it's it's complicated, so let let me explain. So um
there's a lot of concern about sales of dogs and cats in pet shops as opposed to dog breeders uh because many of those animals come from um like mass-produced
breeding operations which might have inhumane uh conditions uh and colloquially known as puppy mills. Uh so there have been a number of um municipalities that have uh banned um dog sales in
their town uh from your typical pet shop. Um I think about 170 municipalities in New Jersey have banned dog sales including uh Tenafly and Teaneck are our neighbors.
A number of states have uh banned uh dog sales including uh I've been told New York, Illinois, and California. Uh there was a bill to ban uh dog sales from puppy mills and um working its way through the assembly and
senate in New Jersey um but it it it it got pulled at the last minute last year and uh might go through this year. Uh in the meantime uh the assemblywoman has asked us to consider uh banning uh
uh dog sales in town um and her office has told me now this is an interesting statistic that there are only 17 pet shops in the state selling dogs uh that come from mass production puppy
mills. And that three of those 17 are in the city of Inglewood. Uh which I found strange uh that would be such a high percentage in in one town. Uh but that's that's what I've been told. I have not
independently corroborated that statistic. I'm not going to mention the names cuz I don't want uh I I uh um if privately I can tell you the ones that were told to me at a at a later date, but I don't want uh to to announce them out loud.
Um so uh the legislation that other cities has done, I you know, I have to be honest. I like I like the idea of promoting humane conditions. Um
that I haven't liked the uh the the potential um ordinances they ban all dog sales so don't allow for any possibility of humane dog sales, but that might not even be possible in your typical pet
store. So, that's something to look into. It also endorses that the only way dogs can be sold would be or or distributed through a town would be through an animal shelter. Uh and that's another part um I I need
to do a little look into a little bit more cuz some animal shelters have had violations themselves of inhumane conditions and hoarding of money and not spending the money on improving the lives and conditions of
the dogs. So, I'm concerned about us endorsing something that we don't necessarily have complete knowledge of. Uh they also have to look whether there's competition among shelters. Uh so I I'm putting this out here just
to first of all the assemblywoman asked me to, so I definitely want to communicate it and and certainly you can reach out to her office for for for her feelings on this. Um but I just want some feedback from the
council. Is this something we should consider going forward with? Uh should we look for for other solutions here? Also under the backdrop that this might become a state law before the end of 2026 anyway.
So uh this is truly a working a working session thing. Uh Councilwoman David, did did we did you Yeah. >> We should do a random sampling on um you know on other places because you know
banning puppies um from kids who grow up with their dogs is like their part of their thing and I grew up with a pet and I think that this would be a random sampling done in all of you know states or whatever but just saying if you can't have a puppy and I know there's a lot of
kill shelters out there also. So when these puppies become adults, I'm just scared that they're going to be like terminated. Do you understand? So I'm not comfortable with this idea right now. I just want a random and I can see something that's a random sampling done to make sure that these puppies can grow up with their you know with babies and
kids and everything like that. Do you you understand? And you can't because there's a lot of shelters out there that were inhumane to animals. I'm not comfortable. So I don't know. >> Yes, so I I think I didn't explain it
well. So obviously this would not ban dog ownership in town. Uh and the the encouragement would be for people to purchase from a licensed breeder. Uh yeah, which is again typically on uh
a large um area where um the animals are raised in very uh humane conditions um and there's some supervision. >> The shelter is not like a breeder. >> so this Excuse me, this would be I'm I'm
getting there, Councilwoman David. So, this this would not So, the the thing that'd be banned would be your typical pet shop that sells a lot of pet supplies and might have five puppies in the window cuz almost certainly those
puppies came from uh a Midwest puppy mill. Uh but certainly sales from breeders would not be banned. And then the goal would be that these pet stores that do want to distribute pets to families and if someone who can't afford
a breeder cuz breeders do tend to be pricier would wait until would go to a shelter or very frequently the shelters come to a pet store, you know, one one day to uh every quarter to do animal
distribution uh to find forever homes for those pets. So, certainly uh uh uh people would have access to get a puppy. Just it would ban the sale of puppies from presumably inhumane conditions. >> Can I Can I add?
>> Yeah. >> Um so, in the clerk's office we do license the pet shops in town and part of that is they do get inspected um by the health department. Uh additionally, they're already required by law to submit annually a list of uh where they
get their dogs from, so a breeder's list to the health department. And they do uh submit to them cuz I get requests for them. So, that there is something in place. I've never looked into detail into it, but something There is a mechanism in place currently in Inglewood for something. >> Would those Would those be public
documents that the Okay, so maybe you can distribute them to the council in the next packet. >> Yeah, we just had a public record request for them, so yes. >> You good? >> Yes. >> Thank you. And as we discussed the shelter, you know, a lot of kill shelters and places that are breeding them. >> It's not It's not related to the shelter. It is related to the pet shops
in town. >> Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. >> If Yeah, if I may um I received a phone call from several shelters through the years. One is recent as this past week where they couldn't keep up with their expenses and their
um I guess their hygiene. There was one that uh asked if the city would somehow have an extra door. I asked them to contact the city manager's office because it was a very specific utility question that they needed a certain kind
of size door. Um my advice I This is the first I'm hearing of this. I didn't hear from the assemblywoman and frankly speaking we don't want to deprive people of their rights or stop ourselves from learning more
uh from some of the um shelters in town. Um pet uh store owners, we should probably convene a hearing where we collect information and then have a more informed choice. But just to put something forward that the state couldn't see through, I think would be
unwise uh because there may be more to this issue than we realize. >> Yeah, you know, I I agree completely, which is why um >> [snorts] >> this This is the forum for it, kind of like a a working meeting and I'm I'm not we don't have we don't even have an
ordinance to to to discuss. I just wanted to get the the sense of where people are in this. This was a a fairly new issue to me and I and I I promised the assemblywoman that I'd bring it up to the council. Um but I and I I you know, even from my
end I want to get more information before we make a >> decision >> a decision that would affect the livelihood of businesses in town. Yeah. >> Sorry, just >> Okay. >> All right. >> So, I think we all share the same goal. None of us supports puppy mills or
inhumane breeding practices, and we all support the humane treatment of animals. I also recognize that there is an important distinction between irresponsible commercial breeding operations and responsibilities of
ethical breeders. There are many legitimate reasons why families seek a particular breed, whether it's for a service or guide dog, a therapy dog, allergy considerations, predictability of temperament, or other specialized needs.
My question is not about the goal. My question is whether this is an issue that is better addressed through individual municipal ordinances or through comprehensive statewide legislation. The state has the ability to establish one uniform standard that applies
consistently across New Jersey with statewide licensing, inspections, and enforcement. I think that's ultimately the most effective way to address this issue. For that reason, I would like us to consider a different approach. Rather than adopting a local ordinance, I think
Englewood could adopt a resolution that clearly states we oppose puppy mills and all inhumane breeding practices, support the humane treatment of animals, encourage responsible pet ownership and pet adoption, and urge the state of New
Jersey to continue strengthening and enforcing animal welfare laws. I believe that would allow Englewood to take a clear stand against animal cruelty while supporting a consistent statewide approach. >> All right.
Mr. Wilson. You You don't have a You don't have a dog in this fight. Sorry, I had to get that out there. Yeah. No, pun was intended there. Mr. Teitel, you're a dog owner. >> I um I would need more information, but I am
definitely not a fan of uh puppy mill. Um I find out what they do is they they get really excited when they see them in the windows and then they go in and then they buy them and then they realize after a week they can't take care of them and then they either just become lost or
sent back. So, I'm very much a fan of not puppy milling, but I want to do more research as well. >> All right, thank you for that uh um very uh good good discussion there. All right, so now we move on to bills and claims. Um
do I have a motion to approve bills and claims in the uh total of 4 million $149,817.33? Uh second. Any discussion on bills and claims? Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman David? >> Yes.
>> Councilman Teitel? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Wozniak? >> Yes. >> Council President Rosenzweig? >> Yes. All right, so now we're up to the public session. Uh so, anyone from the public
we invite you to uh step up to the the give your name and municipality, and you have 3 minutes to speak. >> Hi, Diane Jansen, Englewood, New Jersey. Again, I just wanted to thank you for tabling
uh ordinance on 515 Adele Court. Um as you know uh from the last City Council meeting, uh there were um this had come up 6 years ago. The council unanimously
uh opposed it, did not approve it, and we hope never to see this again because this land uh creates uh a buffer that we need, and it could set a preps precedents for future development, uh which we don't want to
see in buffer areas. Thank you. And I also wanted to thank uh the uh police. The Englewood police has responded to a number of issues in the area in which I live,
and all favorably. There were issues regarding uh I guess the first the first issue is businesses operating and cleaning out HVAC
trucks, debris from HVAC trucks, on our street. And then the look at those commercial vehicles were being parked overnight for weeks, some of them with flat tires. Our Englewood Police Department
took care of everything. We no longer had a We no longer have a problem and have not for a very long period of time, and we would like to thank them for being diligent. We also had cars from
New York being parked on our block for weeks. And they took care of that. And we want to thank them for that. Um I also want to comment on a lot of the action that's been taken downtown by the
Englewood Police Department. I've had the occasion uh in in doing some uh project work recently downtown uh to be there over the last several months. And it has been a pleasure not to see
double-parked cars and other things. Um so I wanted to also say my hats off to the police department. Um I'm usually the first one to complain about things. And I'd like to be the first one to congratulate them on a job well done.
Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Anyone else from the public? >> Raymond Diaz, 408 Shannon Court. Uh Shannon Court had a 3 and 1/2 day outage where a private tree fell and uh
knocked down all of the cable, three poles, all of the wiring was in the street. And I was happy to see uh Robert Hoffman who came over to at least discuss the issue about the responsibility of
who's going to clean up the mess whereas a private owner was responsible. And we clar- clarified that. Uh the service was shut off. Uh
PSE&G came and uh shut off the power. They hired another contractor to clean up the street. I did notice that they didn't take away all of the trees and the the big the whole tree, you know, the branches
and everything else with the help of DPW. They came and helped. We made sure that there were no wires or there were no live wires there, but there no wires to the owner or across the street who was affected. And DPW came and did an excellent job. So,
overall, thank you very much. I appreciate your help. Thank you. >> Thank you for those words. All right. So, I'll close the public session now. Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> All right. Everyone have a good night and tomorrow night the Englewood Night Market begins at 5:00 p.m. >> Who was the second?