regular council meeting of December --------- 16th, 2025 to order at 8:02 p.m. Um, Mr. Steve Berios, Mr. Berios, Mr. Berios, could you please come and
lead us in the pledge of allegiance? Please come to the microphone. >> That's right, Mr. Mario. 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. >> City clerk, can you please read the statement regarding the Open Public Meetings Act? >> You have no new messages.
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 10th, 2025, 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. The regular I'm sorry copy of this notice is and has been available. Okay. Proper notes haven't been given. The municipal clerk is
directed to include the statement in the minutes of this meeting. >> May I have a roll call? >> Councilwoman David >> present. >> Councilman Rosenw >> present. >> Councilman Wilson >> present. >> Council President Wasadski
>> here. Absent with prior notice are Councilman Toayer and Mayor Michael Wilds. Also present is city manager Robert S. Hoffman, Deputy City Manager John Burkner and city attorney Bill Belly. Okay, thank you. So we have two
presentations tonight and the first one is a resolution congratulating Congregation Avatar on its 130th anniversary and recogni recognizing its contributions to the city of Anglewood. So um
so back in 1895, eight Jewish residents met in the home of Jacob Resnik with the hope of forming a minion, a quorum needed for communal prayer during the high holiday days. Each contributed $10 to the purchase of
a safer Torah, the sacred scroll of Jewish law. The Torah cost $130. With eight with $80 in hand, they purchased a scroll and promised to pay the balance within 90 days. At the same time, the child of an Edgewater merchant
passed away. Like Englewood, Edgewater did not yet have a Jewish cemetery. Members of the Anglewood group reached out to the Jewish congregation in Patterson, which generously permitted the child to be buried in the cemeter cemetery at no cost. In gratitude, the
merchant presented a $100 check to the Anglewood group on the very day the note for the Torah was due. The safe for Torah was paid in full. Without a synagogue building, the founding members first held service in one another's homes. As the community grew, they
rented space on Armory Street, later on Jury Avenue, where many Jewish families lived. By 1911, Avatra had grown to 50 families and purchased a small property at 33 Humphrey Street, where its first synagogue was erected. As as the
congregation continued to expand, an old church building on Anglewood Avenue was acquired and served as the home of Avatra until around 1960. In 1958, the congregation purchased the estate of Baroness Castle Van Dornne at 240 Broad
Avenue. The move was celebrated with a march through the streets of Anglewood as the Cifray Torah were carried to their new home. A moment that symbolized both continuity and growth. The Jewish community in Anglewood traces traces its
roots to that gathering in 1895. And this year we proudly celebrate 130 years. Much of this history is rooted in Anglewood's third and fourth wards where generations of families built their lives and their community. In 1960,
under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Swift, it became clear that Jewish education was essential to the future of the community. Mariah School was founded and was first housed at Alva Torah on Broad Avenue. Both institutions have
since grown and expanded, continuing to serve new generations. My own family have have been members of Avatara for over 30 years. I have celebrated most of my family's major milestones there and I am proud to have served as a former
board member. Like so many families, our story is intertwined with this congregation. I would also like to acknowledge Rabbi Pupco for his spiritual leadership and for the warmth, wisdom, and guidance he brings to Ava Torah and to our broader community. I extend my sincere
appreciation as well to the dedicated members of the board whose commitment and volunteer service sustain the congregation and carry this legacy forward. For 130 years, Ava Torah has been integral to the development, character, and spirit of the city of
Anglewood. It is truly my honor to now read the following resolution resolution. So, okay, before I read it, actually, I'm just going to ask for a motion to introduce resolution 317. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Okay. Resolution congratulating Congregation Avatara on its 130th anniversary and recognizing its contributions to the city of Anglewood. Whereas Congregation Avatara was established in 1895, making
it one of the oldest and most enduring religious institutions in Bergen County and for 130 years, it has served as a spiritual home and community center for thousands of individuals and families in Anglewood and beyond. Whereas from its
early beginnings as a small congregation of immigrant families to its present status as a thriving and dynamic center of Jewish life, Congregation Ava Torah has remained steadfast in its mission to inspire faith, learning, service, and
unity among its members and neighbors. And whereas under the spiritual leadership of RA Rabbi Caim Pupkco, Rabbi Schmal Golden Ameritus and the distinguished rabbis who preceded them and through the vision and dedication of its lay leaders and vol and volunteers,
the congregation has continued to flourish offering worship, education, social programs and outreach that enrich the lives of its members and strengthen the broader Anglewood community. And whereas Congregation Avatara has been a strong partner with the city of
Anglewood supporting community initiatives, charitable causes, and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents and reflect the congregation's deep commitment to service. And whereas the synagogue's programs have long extended beyond its
walls, providing support to those in need, engaging youth and families in service and nurturing future generations in values of kindness, justice, and responsibility. Whereas as it celebrates 130 years of
continuous service, Congregation Abat stands as a pillar of stability, faith, and generosity, reflecting both a proud heritage and a deep commitment to Anglewood's future. Now therefore, be it resolved that the city council of the
city of Engle Angel would hereby congratulates Congregation Avatara on the joyous occasion of its 130th anniversary. recognizes its extraordinary record of spiritual, educational, and civic leadership and
extends its sincere appreciation for the congregation's enduring contributions to the social and cultural fabric of Englewood and be of further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Congregation Avatara in celebration of this milestone
anniversary with be best wishes for continued growth, prosperity, and service in the years ahead. Um, I'm going to open this up to any comments from the governing body. >> Thank you, Council President. Congratulations. Uh, just to bring home
how influential Abato is, not just in Anglewood. So, I was in Washington DC over the weekend and we went to a kosher restaurant Saturday night after the Sabbath had ended. They said, "Oh, where you from?" Anglewood. The first thing the uh the host said, "Oh, Avatara,
Yugenot Street." I mean, there was a knee-jerk reaction from 200 miles away with who knows how many synagogues in between 30 years ago when we're moving uh down from Boston said, "Oh, we're going to New York." Everyone said, "Go
to Anglewood Avatara." It was just for and okay. And we did. And and it's been a great decision. And even um and just to show the generosity of spirit um about uh 22 23 years ago now when you
know we we walked to the synagogue on Sabbath. So you know mile and a half it's kind of cold out. So uh so some of the people in the community a bit more north were like maybe we should have a cold weather uh service cold weather minion
to you know you think they'd be jealous and fight it and you can't do this it's going to break up the community it was could not be the exact opposite Rabbi Golden was this is wonderful this is going to grow the community whatever helps we all want to be here to serve
God and could not have been more supportive and guess what Abatra has just grown exponentially since then. So the more they help others and the more they give away, the more that comes to to them. And I could not be happier with their success, for the growth of the
synagogue. You know, when when I go, I'll be there this Shabas, God willing. Um it's just the most vibrant, exciting place. Sometimes we gather there for for sorrowful reasons like earlier this week, but mostly for joyous occasions. And I just hope we go from strength to
strength. and congratulations. >> Okay. All right. Can I have a roll call, please? >> Councilwoman David, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosenwide, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilson, >> congratulations. And yes, >> Council President Wasadski,
>> yes. Um, so just to go through what we're going to just do now, I'm going to ask that um the the the actual resolution is out being framed right now. So we're going to just take one of those over there and we're going to pretend that it's our resolution. And I'll I'll bring over the frame
resolution to Avatar once it's once it's ready. Um if I'm going to ask that the the governing body and the um members of Avatara, rabbi, board members come up. We're going to take a photo and then after that we're going to um do a
presentation uh for our volunteer coaches and after that we're going to have we'll have a few minutes for refreshments. Um there are kosher cupcakes. The cake is not kosher but they are kosher cupcakes in the back and then after that we'll take a few minute
break. So So I'm just going to ask if everybody from Avatara and the governing body can come down. We'll take a picture and then we'll uh talk about the volunteers. Um do we have to pass the resolution for the volunteers again? >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Where's the resolution? Okay. And now we have a resolution honoring the volunteer coach co coaches working with youth. Um this is resolution 318. Could I have a motion that this resolution be introduced? >> I make a motion. Council president.
>> Second. >> Second. >> Okay. Resolution honoring volunteer coaches working with youth. Whereas the city of Anglewood recognizes that youth sports and recreation programs play a vital role in the physical, social, and emotional development of young people. And whereas these programs could not
succeed without the dedication and commitment of volunteer coaches who give their time, energy, and expertise to support Angled's youth. And whereas volunteer coaches serve not only as instructors in athletic skills, but also as mentors, role models, and positive
influences, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, respect, and perseverance. And whereas Ang volunteer coaches selflessly dedicate evenings and weekends to lead teams in sports such as soccer, baseball, hockey, football, track, softball, and cheer. And whereas
these individuals exemplify the spirit of community service that strengthens the city of Anglewood and contributes to a supportive inclusive environment where all children can thrive. And now therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and the city council of the city of Anglewood hereby express your deepest
gratitude and appreciation to all volunteer coaches for their outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to Anglewood's youth. And be it further resolved that this resolution be presented in recognition of their commitment to building character, confidence, and community through youth
sports and recreation. So, um, any discussion? We'll we'll we'll we'll discuss down when we're down there giving out the, uh, resolutions. Um, can I have a roll call, please, Yansy? >> Councilwoman David?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Rosenwag? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson? >> Absolutely. Yes. >> Council President Wasatski. >> Yes. Um, okay. And last now last council meeting we we uh honored the volunteers
from um track and from junior football and from cheer. And the room isn't big enough to accommodate all our recreational volunteers. So that's why we divided it into two council meetings. So tonight we're going to be recognizing our softball coaches,
baseball coaches, our soccer coaches, and our hockey New Jersey coaches, and our Angu Little League. Okay. So, I'm going to ask everybody from the governing body to come down. song. Tonight, we're pleased to continue
recognizing the dedicated volunteers who make Anglewood's recreation programs possible. Our so softball, baseball, hockey, soccer, and little league programs thrive because of coaches and parent volunteers who generously give their time, energy, and commitment to
our kids. On behalf of the city council and our community, thank you for the positive impact you make and for helping us create a fun, supportive, and successful season for our young athletes. At this time, when I call your name, please come to the front front and
remain at the front so that afterwards we can take a group photo. We're gonna do the first five. Okay. Softball coaches. Margaret King. >> Yeah. You can take the stickers off. >> Congratulations.
>> And Mary Tapia. Congratulations. >> Congratulations >> baseball coaches. So Steve Berios, I put you on the list. Ste Steve is extraordinary.
You come up, Steve. Steve is an extraordinary baseball coach. She's really kept um the Raiders base Raiders baseball alive in Anglewood. And I can talk from personal experience because my son who's in high school has been playing with the Raiders
right in the spring and in the fall. See, Steve, you didn't know we were going to call you out. Surprised you. >> Hey, James Banks. Raonea. Oh yeah, take the next five. Take the
next five. >> Yeah, you should take all the one. Yeah. >> Hi. >> Congratulations. Thank you for your assistance. Miguel Castro, Senior. Okay. Yeah.
Ernie Ramos >> Manny Suero. Congratulations. >> Lzandro Olio Part: 2
meeting. I'm going to ask everybody to please take their seats. >> Okay, if everybody could please take their seats, we're restarting the meeting. Um, I'm just going to ask Mr. Hoffman. He wanted just to make a couple of
comments. >> Thank you, Council President. While we're all here, I would like everybody to um hear a little story about one of our unsung heroes in Inglewood. And that unsung hero is Ken Katz, who is our ice
rink director. Ken has been, as you heard before, has been a longtime Inglewood resident and um one one of the one of the the people that just makes things happen. But in 2024,
I was sent a video. In February of 2024, I was sent a video of people skating at the rink. Now, with an ice rink, you would expect people to skate. So, what made this different is this was a group of blind hockey players, hockey skaters.
And it was started by um Ken. somebody came and approached Ken who had uh who was blind who had grown up in Inglewood and wanted to continue to skate. Ken made arrangements so that they could have ice time to skate and then it's grown and it's been under the radar. But
in February of 2024, there was a blind hockey tournament that was here and it's because of the power of Yes. because Ken made the made the effort to make sure
that people that had a disability would have time to play to have rink time. So, we received this wonderful video of a hockey tournament. And the reason I'm bringing it up is because, you know, I thought it was going to be local. I thought it was just people from the
metropolitan area. But once the word went out that there was going to be a hockey tournament, we had people that came in from Canada, from England, from the Netherlands, from California, from Chicago, from Florida. We had people that came and played in this hockey
tournament. So we had it was open to all ages. So it was men and women. It was it was teenagers. And it was just one of the most moving things that I had ever seen. And so now still under the radar, we have this group that plays at our
rink and nobody knows about it. But it's because Ken Katz had had the courage to say yes. You can always come up with more reasons not to do something than to do something, but he said yes. And because of that, we rece we have people
that came in from all over the world to play at our rink in McKay Park. And we had people that sent us beautiful notes just thanking thanking us for letting their their family member play and have a wonderful time. That never would have
been possible if it wasn't for Ken and if it wasn't for our rink. So, I would like you to join me in giving Ken a round of applause. So, thank you, Council President, because this is this is one of the things that we need to celebrate about
Inglewood, the power to say yes and the power to accommodate people and the power to expand joy and happiness. So, thank you. And thank you, Ken. Thank you. Okay. So, now we have six ordinances for
um public hearing. >> Oh, sorry. We have a resolution 319. I didn't see that. Approval of minutes. Do you have a list of the uh minutes, Yansy, that um that I'm going to think I I think I found it. Okay, I
found it. So, now we have um I need a motion to introduce resolution 319, which is accepting the minutes. Let me just read the dates. Regular meeting, November 12th, and November 25th. Special meeting November 12th, 24th, and 25th, 2025. Close session, November
12th, 24th, and 25th, 2025. And Yansancy, anybody who who wasn't at that meetings, just just put them as an abstain. Thanks. Can I have a motion that resolution 319 be introduced? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion?
Can I have a roll call, please? Councilwoman David, >> I abstain. >> Councilman Rosens, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilson, >> yes. >> Council President Wasatski, >> yes. Okay. So, now we have six ordinances that are that we have public
hearings for this evening. And the first one is going to be ordinance 2540 which is an ordin ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 250 the land use code of the city of Anglewood to permit retail sale of cannabis products within
certain zones. Okay. So this is the zoning part of the cannabis ordinance. So if you have if you have comments regarding the zone um that's what we'll be speaking about. I'm now declaring that the public hearing on this
ordinance is now open. Anyone who desires to be heard or to ask questions concerning this ordinance will be heard at this time. Please state your name and and there's three minutes to speak.
>> Yes. And if you're not from Anglewood and you speak um then state your address, please. If you're from Anglewood, just state your name. >> Thank you. Hi, my name is Diane Jansen. I'm from Anglewood. I live in Ward 2,
District 4. I'm off Jones Road and I'm speaking on behalf of uh where cannabis will be allowed. Um people are unaware of the traffic patterns surrounding Jones Road and the route 4 exits to and
from Anglewood. You would not believe the issues we already have in our area of War 2 District 4 and W 2 District 3 with transient traffic, illegal drug deals, firearms, burglaries, robberies,
etc. dispensaries on Route 4 East and Route 4 West, both to the east of the Jones Road exit, will exacerbate the issues that we have had and have been fighting against for over 30 years in
this part of Anglewood. I would also like to add that in Fort Lee, they have uh an Ascend dispensary. Their Ascend dispensary is on a highway near Lynwood Plaza. They basically have
a full-time police officer there giving tickets for people elite making illegal turns for going through stops uh red lights and the like. And a lot of it has I've been a resident. I grew up in Fort
Le. I know the traffic patterns. I know the back patterns off Jones Road from uh when you're in Fort Lee, if you're taking uh Route 4 East to let's say go to a a dispensary that's east of the Jones Road exit, you would come back
through Jones Road and Main Street in Fort Lee and then go back to uh back north on Jones Road. And I'm also a student uh or I should say a a young
person at the time of the 1960s where Flat Rock was heavily affected uh by the 60s crowd and families did not want to go to Flat Rock at that time because of the smoking of the cannabis
and the like in the park and uh other things that were happening that were not good in that park. So, we're going to need somebody also watching the park so that it remains a family uh type of an environment. And I could go on and on
about traffic patterns and things that happen. I have personally witnessed uh white powdery substances being exchanged uh in a car and tasted in front of my home. I cannot say that that was cocaine, but uh it was a white powdery
substance as the police would say. I've seen firearms, two cars backto back opening their trunks, exchanging firearms. Uh, this has all been reported to the police at the time. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Hi. >> My name is Jason Arian. I am not from the town of Englewood. Uh, I grew up uh in New Jersey. I am a currently a cannabis operator. >> What What is your address, please? Where you live? >> Uh I I I reside in
>> No, he's he's not from Englewood. >> No, I'm not from Englewood. That's what I stated. >> Oh, what city are you from? Where do you live? What city? >> I grew up in Scott Plains and I currently live in Manhattan. >> Manhattan. Okay, that's fine. >> Um just by background, I'm founder of a
company called Fresh Direct, which I ran for 20 years. was an online food business and in 2018 I transitioned to running one of the large public cannabis companies uh and opened up uh many stores in the state of New Jersey. Uh what I wanted to share with the council
uh is just a few things. Um I've opened up in the town of Maplewood under the apothecarium. I currently run a store in the town of Rosel in the town center. Uh it's my personal experience that uh opening up stores in the centers of
towns is much better ultimately for the town and building the community than it is to have um on highways. I have run into in my career a lot of uh fears around crime, loitering, smoking and other things that people have around the perception of cannabis. Um my experience
in the stores that I have run is we have not had one single incident uh ever in our store or in the town. Uh and while we had a lot of resistance initially in the town, we have a huge amount of support. And regarding the ordinance, I do believe ultimately a cannabis store
uh when it's run right by the right people can actually build uh a community, can bring a lot of jobs, um and can actually bring more to the community. Um, we currently have close to $200,000 that we're paying to the town of Roselle in tax revenue. Um, and
when you put it onto a highway, uh, you limit competition. You don't actually, uh, bring economics to the town itself. Um, and so I I just am saying this to have the board consider, uh, if you do pass the ordinance that having and allowing competition in the town can
actually be beneficial. And I'm very happy to be a contact to talk to our local police department and your local police department on the actual experience because I think the perception versus the reality uh is quite different. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Good evening. Uh Amy Sa, I actually wanted to take this moment to >> Do we need to know where >> shed a little light on the Zoom? >> Sorry. What what what town do you >> Anglewood? You said you said not to say it if I if we >> Oh, okay.
>> Okay. Um, so as the current zoning ordinance reads, >> I've been doing my due diligence for a couple of weeks and there is no viable property off of the route for where it's facing, how the verbiage is basically
dictated on it. So, I would like to propose if there may be a consideration of doing a different overlay of possibly doing it. Um, I found some properties on Grand that are close to Route 4 and also some properties past Dean where you have
the space, there's no schools, you know, I ran all the logistics. I also am a lency and I do have my real estate license. So, I just wanted to propose if this is something of um a partnership that you're looking for, it might be a
little um I know you said you worked with a planner, but it might be smart to just kind of reconsider because as the zoning stands, I don't see how anybody would come in and open a dispensary. So, I just wanted to share that. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> You're welcome. >> Okay. Okay, I'm now going to close the public hearing for this ordinance. Can I have a motion that ordinance 2540 be adopted? >> So move.
>> Could I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Um, Chief Gley. Thank you. Can you can you um are you able to address uh the concerns that
Miss Jansen um brought in terms of traffic patterns with a dispensary on the highway? Yes, I can do that. Forgive me if you want to talk to you or address the council. So, uh legitimate concerns. Um
so, you know, just by a little background, I um I've been involved in some of the conversations over the past few years. Um I spoke with the cannabis uh committee that we met with that met years ago just as as you know, this was just a beginning conversation about
having different places around town. So regardless, you know, the the council decided that we'll be doing it in this designated areas as it applies to that area. So again, legitimate concerns, but I've had a chance to look at uh several different areas uh different dispensaries are located in uh some
downtown areas, other ones that are located on highways. Um I've I've looked at chance to look at some manufacturing sites as well. Um I felt feel very comfortable with how they're run. Uh, I think the state regulations are, you know, they're they're in place for a reason and the place I've seen are seem
to be run very efficiently and they don't seem to be very intrusive or impactful on some of the outside areas. Um, as far as the traffic areas impacting us on Route 4, again, that's a concern. I had a chance to look at the one on Route 17, for example, in Rochelle Park. Um, initially they did
have some traffic issues and it required some officers out there. That was also kind of a different time when it it was more uh more people were attending or coming to the dispensaries was newer to the area. Uh the people I've spoken to in the business don't seem that we'll have that same issue. That being said,
it seems like the zoning for it will account for the traffic coming into the properties. The numbers I heard anecdotally were that the transaction average is about seven minutes for a transaction, someone coming in and coming out of the business. Again, that's just anecdotal information I had,
but uh when I saw the one dispensary, that seemed to be consistent with that. People coming in and coming out and not having a backup on the highway. Um so, if there were issues, we could address them. Obviously, your area over by Jones Road. Again, um I don't see it being a
major issue, but I also understand that if there were concerns as far as parking, traffic, and air foot traffic going to the, you know, if there was a dispenser in that area, that's something I feel we could very easily address. >> Okay. Thank you. Um >> Oh, and I'm sorry, one more thing. I I
did have a chance to speak with the chief from Fort Le about their dispensary, and he reported to me that they have not had any traffic issues. Uh they have two dispensaries now and they haven't had any issues over there traffic. Fort does have traffic issues but I he said they haven't had issues as
a result of their dispensaries operating in their city. >> Thank you. That's very helpful. Okay. Um any discussions or comments from the governing body? >> Oh chief. Um we have some questions for you.
>> Okay. Councilman Wilson. Thank you. Sorry about that. >> Thank you, Council President. Um, thank you, Chief, for your uh your assessment of our possible future. Um, can you
identify or have records that show that there's crime associated with the dispensaries? >> I don't have any of that data for you. Uh, I could do some research for you and get back to you, though. >> Okay. I I would definitely like to see
that because because this is new. Um it's only natural for people to fear uh the future if you will. And so as you being our safety net for security and um for life limit
situations, do you ascertain as um if we pass this ordinance to be a harm or a danger for our city and our residents? So, I do not uh like I said, I don't
have any data to back that up, but I know from conversations I I've had with chiefs in those towns that have the dispensaries that the security measures in place are robust as mandated by the state. Uh to the point where some of them had officers in the dispensaries as
a precautionary measure initially to the point now where they've had to cancel those details because the officers simply aren't needed on the premises. uh between security measures, cameras, there's a lot of deterrence in place. Um but those chiefs I've spoken with have
not seen any uh significant increase in in crime as a result of those dispensaries being there. >> Okay. And and thank you for that. And and what I am vigorously against is if in fact we institute something like this that it creates overtime on our already
overburdened um overtime for for our officers. And so most dispensaries have their own security where we don't have to send our own PD into these dispensaries. Is that correct? >> Some of they have levels of security and
some of them will hire officers uh at like an extra duty rate. So it's not a a charge to our citizens and it's not depleting our ability to patrol the city. >> Okay. I just wanted that to be um clarified. I wanted the public to hear it from you that it would not take away
from security from our city. So, um, thank you, council president. >> And and I I just add I think if you read in in the ordinance itself, um, there is a section where the the the the store the cannabis dispensary has to
provide security or have have to pay for the for the police. So, it's not going to cost us or interfere with the operation of the city of Anglewood. >> I I understand that, Council President, but what I wanted to do is pull that out for the residents that weren't aware. >> Okay.
>> I don't have the package. So, thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other questions for the chief? Okay. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Yansancy, could I have a roll call, please? >> Councilwoman David? >> Yes. Councilman Rosen.
>> Yes. Councilman Wilson. >> Yes. >> Council President Wasotsski. >> Yes. Now we have ordinance 2541. This is an ordinance of the city council of the city of Anglewood, Bergen County, New Jersey, amending chapter 250 concerning cannabis of the code of the city of
Anglewood. I'm now going to declare that the public hearing on this ordinance is now open. Anyone who desires to be heard or to ask questions concerning this ordinance will be heard at this time. >> Uh yes, Diane Jansen.
I would like to say we voted to have cannabis legalized in the state of New Jersey. We never voted to have cannabis
in the city of Anglewood. And since all of you do not live in my area and you do not know the traffic patterns and you just voted without hearing what was said that we
currently have issues that are going to be exacerbated, I would like to suggest that we open retail in the center of Anglewood where everything can be watched. Thank you. Okay. >> Thank you. Any other comments?
Hello council. How are you? I'm Oscar Hernandez. Um I live currently live in Total, New Jersey. Um I kind of just wanted to reiterate that as 25 years of law enforcement as a safety issue. I do believe that um putting it in the center
of town is more safe efficient. You're in the we put it on Route 4. We've had a lot throughout the years and maybe you guys want to ask for the reports. How many um armed robberies we've had on Route 4 at the gas stations? How many incidents have we've had? You're you're
allowing it to be too easy for someone to come into a cabin and um commit a crime. If you put it in the center of town, there's more eyes on it. There's more eyes on it. It's a deterrent. Um, I can't I can't even like remember how
many crimes major crimes we've had at at stores and in the city of Englewood in the center of town. I'm sure we've had a couple, but nothing that um would raise awareness or, you know, alarm. I do believe that if you put it in the center
of town, it's going to be a lot safer, not only for the business, but for the citizens of Englewood. And I do agree that if you put it into the center of town, it is going to bring more revenue into the town. If you put it onto roof four, they're going to come, they're going to spend
money inside the the the establishment and leave. If you put it inside, you know, they might stop by and have a something to eat in the center of town, might stop by and buy something in center of town. You're bringing actually more business into Englewood, not only more business to a cannabis business.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Good evening council. My name is Darne Cassinathan and I live in Jersey City. Um I am the co-founder and president of Joy Leaf Dispensary which is located in Roselle, New Jersey and we are we've
been open for 24 months. So I am an operating entity and I'm proud to say that we're actually the number one dispensary in the state of New Jersey and was given that award. why we were given that award because of the community work that we do where we invite people into our store to really
learn about to learn about cannabis. And what that does is it destigmatizes the plant. Believe it or not, I'm an educator and an entrepreneur in the cannabis space. Before cannabis, I'm actually a CPA and I grew up in a South Asian immigrant home that taught me about education. And when I found
cannabis, it actually helped heal my body. There's four reasons why people come into our store. one to help them sleep. Two because they have a medical condition, three because they want to relax after a very long day. And four, some people just want to have a good time. And so those are the four reasons.
And those are the people that we meet. And how we help people is to help them understand safe and responsible use. We change that whole narrative when you walk into our store. I would like to invite each of you into our store at 7-Eleven East 1st Avenue. And I would
like to show you what we do differently compared to other dispensaries. The best compliment we get when people walk out of our store is I can't believe this is weed. So part of your um your apprehension of safety, I understand it. I had this conversation with our council
and it's an important discussion to have. Um, but what's really important is the relationship you have with the operators you bring in because great operators understand how to run a business and also invite a community in to have the right conversation. So, if
you would love to come and I would love to host you at Joy Leaf and I thank you for your time and what you're doing for this community. It's really important because it takes leadership um to invite cannabis into your communities and to do it in a safe and responsible way. Thank
you. Uh Pete Anelen Anglewood. Um uh my my training and background is in um uh engineering and data analysis. Uh very extreme in-depth data analysis. Uh
but looking at uh possible locations for this facility, uh some things glaringly come out. Uh, one is if you put it in the center of the city where there are traffic controls, there's a lot more cameras, there's a lot more people, there's a lot
more obstacles for people to escape if they're committing a crime. If you put this facility on Route 4, anyone who has ideas of create of uh committing a crime to rob the facility
has the ability to in 10 seconds they can drive onto Route 4 and then within 30 seconds they can be a half a mile or more away already getting off at another exit.
completely unobstructed. There are no traffic controls on Route 4. And if you want to go 150 miles an hour, you probably could. I've seen people drive 80, 90 miles an hour all the time. So if that's the case, you can
be a Pamis and if there's no traffic, I guess you could be in Paramis in a matter of four or five minutes. So you really need to think carefully and hard. Do you want to put in place a facility which is an exposure
to possible crimes and they are they also are they have the inability the the city and the police force have is is unable to adequately patrol roof or be able to
you know uh chase anyone who commits the crime. How do you apprehend somebody who's gone in a matter of 30 seconds? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Kelly Wyman.
I'm from um Edgewater, New Jersey. So, I just wanted to speak to very similar things to some of the other people in the audience today in terms of the selection of your zoning and the along directly off of Route 4. when we're talking about >> I just this this ordinance
is is not about the zoning. This this ordinance >> this one is about placement in general like >> no this ordinance is is putting is about putting in um >> let me I'll speak to the the location selection of some of the things that happen in there. We don't have to talk to speak directly to the zoning, but in
the fact is that when you're asking for this the selections, >> it's okay if >> that's fine. >> If you're looking for selection of property, I just want to kind of echo what everyone's saying is there's very limited places off of Route 4. And so when we're talking about you want certain security measures, you want to
make sure there's guards, you want to make sure the traffic flow for public safety is right, all of the things that you're putting in the requirements for a safe business to operate in your community. it makes it very challenging if the locations don't allow for that and real estate selection doesn't allow for that. And so one of the things that I want you to think about with the all
the um the things that you really want in terms of your safety first is the real estate selection. So when you're asking for someone to have appropriate parking, when you're asking for them to have uh six foot fences that are behind the property to secure it, this means you have to have the appropriate real
estate to do that. And so again, when we're talking about site selection, all these options that you want, it's very important that you think about where these are going to be placed because there isn't on route four, you know, it's one way each way. People can try to speed or come off and even trying to get
on and off that when there's heavy traffic can be very dangerous. So I want you to think about the requirements that you have that you want for these businesses and that pairing that with appropriate selection of property based on the things you're asking for because I think they're conflicting at this time. So that's what I wanted to say.
>> Okay. Thank you. Okay. So I'm now going to close the public hearing for this ordinance. Okay. Um you know I I I just want to make I'm going to I want to ask the chief a
question, but I'm going to I'm I'm going to make a comment first, but you can come up chief in the meantime. Um, I too went to be, you know, this this is
I too went to visit multiple cannabis different classes of cannabis uh facilities before even entertaining this. and um and and I asked a lot of questions
and I I spoke to police chiefs in communities, city managers, people who operated the the dispensaries in when it was recreation and um
if I if If the feedback I was getting that this was going to be is going to increase crime, I would never have entertained this. And in fact, if you think that this is going to increase crime, I'm not going to even entertain I wouldn't even entertain it in the center
of my town. Okay? If this if you if if that's the thought that cannabis increases crime, then I wouldn't want it here. And and you know, we put in we put in on page seven of 20 in this ordinance. So, it's
ordinance 2541. I'm directing everyone to page seven to to section 13. Class 5 retail dispensary, any retail facility. A shall contain video equipment to record all persons as they enter and
leave the facility and as they shop within the facility. The video equipment must also record all vehicles in their parking areas. And in fact, what I was told by the people who were operating recreational dispensaries were that these feeds went right to the state.
That's what they told me. But we put that in our ordinance. B. Armed private security guards or uniformed Angler police officers must be present on the dispensary premises at every entry and exit at all times when the facility is
open for business. I'm going to read that one more time. Armed private security guards or uniformed Anglewood police officers must be present on the dispensary premises at every entry and exit at all times when the facility is open for business. The
city of England shall be reimbured for the course cost course cost of the uniform angle police officers at the contractor rate specified in the police contract. And this we put in despite the fact that we were told that there are dispensaries now that are getting rid of
their security because there is you're shaking your head head. Yes. There are dispensaries that told us they're getting rid of their security because they don't need it because they're not having crime. So again, if you think that this is going to bring crime into our community, I don't want it in my
community. I don't want it on Route 4 and I don't want it in the and I certainly don't want it in the center of my town. But that's not what we're being told. That's not the research that we did. And we put this in our ordinance to protect the residents of the city of Anglewood and Chief, you said you went
to dispensaries. Did you have conversations with police chiefs? What What did you learn? >> I've had conversations with several chiefs that this has not increased crime in those areas. Um, and that is confirmed that at least one of them has
removed the security details, their officers from from their dispensary because they were no longer needed. Uh, I suspect that if we contacted the state or the CRC, they could very easily give us any reported crimes that happened either within a dispensary or on the property. I suspect they take that very
seriously and would be documented if they were having crimes occur on those properties. So perhaps that's something we could look into if we need to. >> Okay. And you know and and my feeling my personal feeling is you know we we my my feeling is you you
start it and you see what happens. So before we we start expanding it and I understand that people want to expand it we we have to see how how it works in in a smaller area first and you know I think I think the council is
being very very conservative here and intentionally so and we're being very careful. We're we're we're dotting our eyes. We're crossing our tees. And um any other comments from any members of the governing body? Go ahead.
Chief, while I have you here, so cannabis is not legal in the city of New Jersey. Do you think at this moment in time there's even as one gram of cannabis somewhere within the confines of the city at this moment
in time? >> And do you think five years ago before it's legal in the state of New Jersey, we might have found if we searched every square inch of anger, we might have found some cannabis in town. Yeah. So it's here and now it's legal. Someone
can buy it in Fort Lee and bring it to Anglewood. Someone can call up Fort Lee and have it delivered to Anglewood. And and I think this ordinance is is clearly going to decrease uh crime. Um you know uh I'm old enough I remember uh the
movie The Untouchables. So 100 years ago uh alcohol was illegal in this country. Um so you had bootleggers and Al Capone and shooting up and the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. When was the last time we've had bootleggers
shooting up the town? Have Have we had that lately? Because it's legal. If you wanted if you want some vodka, you you you go to one of the many alcohol store uh package stores in town and uh and and buy it and you put your $12 down or $20
down, whatever brand you want. Um and um I've been serving on the SID the past three years and and we don't publicize it, but but there is unfortunately crime um on Palisad Avenue and you know
typically uh someone grabs a high-end uh um like Eve Sant Le handbag like a purse, you know, I'm surprised some of those can go for many thousands of dollars.
grabs a couple, jumps into a car, and and they're gone in in two minutes also, and they're probably in New York City in in about seven minutes. And and the clerks are instructed not to fight them. You know, we don't want someone getting hurt for a $2,500 bag. Um so that that's
a big problem in town, and we we can't have police every 50 feet to prevent that. Um so there's crime there's crime on Main Street as well, unfortunately. Um, from what I've learned from, uh, cannabis, the, um, the most expensive
product is the like the vat of oil, which is usually kept in a safe in the back. So, that's going to be a very tough, uh, grab and run. So, maybe someone will, you know, usually things are behind uh um glass there. So, it's not going to be
very easy to to do a robbery and where you're going to get 50 bucks of gummies or something like that. It's probably not worth the risk with all the video equipment. We have jewelry stores in town. We've had major robberies of them over the years. Um, there's always going to be crime, but I think it's probably
going to be less in a cannabis shop. I think we have a ton of stores on Route 4. We have gas stations on Route 4. We have restaurants on Route 4. Um, uh, and, uh, housing supply on Route 4. It's very well can handle the stress of of of
a of a different store. uh being there. I don't think that's an issue. And if it's, you know, we want to dip our toe in it, it might be you come back 101 15 years, we do have a store on on Main Street, uh on Palisade Avenue that that might maybe one on Hudson. Who knows? Uh
but I think um you got to we got to learn a little bit about it as a community. We voted it down back in 2021 when it first became legal because we wanted to get some experience in it. And now we've seen what other cities have done, some of their pitfalls, some of
the things they've done correctly. So now we're going to start small. And if we wrote an ordinance that makes it impossible to put something on Route 4, um, and we'll go back and modify it. You know, this is not, you know, you know, chiseled in stone for the ages. We'll
we'll fix it up so we can get something on Route 4 if if it's if it's an unwieldy ordinance. Uh but right now we need to get started on this. Um you know, we need the revenue. Um it's happening anyway and we'd be kind of silly to just kind of let it pass us by.
Uh thank you very much, >> Councilwoman David. >> Hi. Um has the location been identified on both sides of Route 4? Like you know like where it is on you. So, so, so the way it would work is that um once we
pass it, we would get applications >> and and there's a process and and actually the councils we're we're going to decide I who we give it to or how we give it. So if if somebody is in is in
point A and then somebody comes out and wants point B and it's very close to it, we can decide no, we want something else in point C. You know, I think yeah, I have one comment, but I'm going to
wait. Council Wilson go. >> Thank you. Um, to be transparent, when this came in front of us, I voted no. I voted no. And I voted no. Um, and I have to admit, I
don't know what I don't know. And so as I started to do some research and visit some cannabis places and got informed and as we all said that it's here already uh it's being delivered to people's mailboxes and in Englewood
already. And so my thing is that we had a stringent rules and regulations if in fact that we're moving forward. And for anyone feeling unsafe or uncomfortable with this,
I for one made sure that a lot of this stuff was pertinent because everyone up here, their primary um concern is the resident's safety. So for someone thinking that we're not
thinking about the safety of our residents, that's our paramount thought process here. And for those who are saying that, yeah, we need to do it in the um center of town, that may be we may get to that point, but you know, if if we're putting our child on the on the
bicycle, we don't take off the training wheels right away. Doesn't mean that we're not going to be in the city of town and like um Ken said in a while, but we have to have a stringent guidelines so we make sure this thing doesn't go off the rails.
>> Thank you, Chief. You can sit down and y uh uh city clerk, can I have a a roll call, please? >> We didn't do a motion in second. >> Oh. Oh, boy. I messed up here. Okay. I need a motion to introduce ordinance. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Can I have a roll call, please?
>> Councilwoman David, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosenw, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilson, >> yes. >> Council President Waski, >> yes. Now we have ordinance 2552, an ordinance amending chapter 212 of the city of Anglewood municipal code entitled fire prevention code to
regulate e-mobility devices, electric vehicles, and lithium ion batteries. The public hearing on this ordinance is now open. Anyone who desires to be heard or to ask questions will be heard at this time. I'm now going to close a public hearing for this ordinance. Could I have a
motion that ordinance 2552 be adopted? >> Make a motion. Can I have a second? So move. >> Any discussion? >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Councilwoman David? >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosenwag? >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson? >> Yes. >> Council President Waski?
>> Yes. Now we have ordinance 2553 amending chapter 212 of the code of the city of Anglewood to amend section 21217 fire safety permits and fees. The public hearing on this ordinance is now open. Anyone who wishes to be heard will be heard at this time.
I'm now going to close the public hearing for this ordinance. Can I have a motion that ordinance 2553 be adopted? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Councilwoman David, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosenwide, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilson,
>> yes. >> Council President Waski, >> yes. Now we have ordinance 2554 amending chapter 8 of the Anglewood City Code entitled green team. Anyone The public hearing on this ordinance is now open. Anyone who desires to be heard will be heard at this time.
I'm now going to close a public hearing for this ordinance. Can I have a motion that ordinance 2554 be adopted? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman David, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosenw, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilson,
>> yes. >> Council, Council President Waski, >> yes. Now I have ordinance 2555 amending chapter 2532 of the city city of anglewood code regarding metered parking in the city of angle New Jersey. The public hearing on this ordinance is now open. Anyone who desires to be heard
will be heard at this time. Hi Diane Jansen. Um is this about the new metered parking? I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to look at it. >> It's it's actually about um it was specific areas that had to be modified
from the original. So, so what happened was when we put in when they made the uh original ordinance, they in they included areas that were not being in enforced. And so all of a sudden, kiosks
went up in areas where people never had it was never enforced, for example, on um on Angle Street. Um, so because I know Councilman Rosenw got a a bunch of many residents saying we never had parking in front of the apartment
building across from Trudeau Hall and all of a sudden there are kiosks. And so this ordinance fixed that by by removing the the areas that we historically never had enforced in a long time. It rem it removes those areas. That's what this
ordinance does. >> Okay. So it's not about the meters overall. >> No. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. I'm now going to close a public hearing for this ordinance. Can I have a motion that ordinance 2555 be adopted? >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman David, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosen, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilson, >> yes. >> Council President Waski, >> yes. Okay. Now we have a resolution
non-consent agenda resolution 320 to award professional services contract to architectura as architects for the community center project. Can I have a motion? >> Can I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion?
Can I have a roll call? Yansy. >> Councilwoman David. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosenwig. >> Yes. >> Councilman Wilson. >> Yes. Council President Wasavski. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, now we have public comment on the consent agenda items. But before we do that, are there um I'm
going to ask that we pull resolution 343, which is a resolution recognizing the city clerk for 10 years of service to the city of Anglewood. We'll do that separate if that's all right. Okay. Anything else that anybody wants uh pulled separate?
Okay, I'm now going to declare that the um open the meeting for public comments on the consent agenda resolution. Members of the public are requested to state their name and before speaking and are reminded to speak on consent agenda resolutions number 321 through 342
only. Hi, I'd like to speak on the res uh the resolution giving uh tax breaks to veterans. I don't know that everybody knows about this and I think that we really disabled veterans that is and I
this was the first time I had seen that and I was so surprised to see someone listed as a disabled veteran but I was very happy that they can uh take uh get benefits uh because of their disability.
Um, and I think that's listed as Lamar Thomas here. And I don't know how many other disabled veterans we have in town, but all of them should be taking advantage of not paying taxes, uh, property taxes. Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. I'm now going to close the public comment section on the consent agenda. Can I have a motion to approve resolutions number 321 through 342? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion by the governing body?
>> City clerk, can I have a roll call, please? >> Councilwoman David, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosenwide, >> yes. >> Councilman Wilson, >> yes. >> Council President Waski, >> yes. Can I have a motion for resolution
recognizing as the city clerk for 10 years of service to the city of Anglewood? >> Some motions. Second. Okay. So, we have a beautiful resolution for OUR SO, I'm I'm going to I'm going to read
it. City of Anglewood resolution recognizing the city clerk for 10 years of service to the city of Anglewood. It's hard to read. >> Whereas the city of Angler recognizes the vital role of the city clerk in ensuring transparent, efficient, and lawful municipal government. And whereas
the city clerk serves as a cornerstone of public trust and civic engagement. And whereas Wazermis has faithfully served the city of Anglewood as city clerk for 10 years providing exemplary leadership, professionalism, and dedication in the administration of municipal records, elections,
ordinances, resolutions, and public meetings. And whereas throughout this decade of service, Yansy Wizeris has de demonstrated an unwavering commitment to accuracy, integrity, accessibility, and protection of records, ensuring that the residents of Anglewood receive timely
information and responsive service. And whereas ENC Wizeris has worked collaboratively with the mayor and city council, city manager, municipal departments, boards, commissions, and the public, contributing significantly to the effective operation of city government, and the preservation of
Anglewood's institutional history. And whereas the city of Anglewood is grateful for the professionalism, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership that Yansy Wermis brings to the office of the city clerk, reflecting the highest standards of public service. Now therefore be it resolved that the
mayor and city council of the city of Anglewood, New Jersey to hereby recognize and honor Yansancy Wizeris for 10 years of dedicated and distinguished service as city clerk and be further resolved that the city of Anglewood expresses its sincere apprec appreciation for Yansy Wazer's
commitment to good governance public service and the residents of Anglewood and extends best wishes for continued success in the years ahead. And I guess we're I guess we'll vote for it and then and then we're going to ask someone from the someone from the public
to take our picture after we vote for it. So uh >> can I have a roll call, please? >> Uh Councilwoman David. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosenwag. >> Well, before I vote, I just want to uh you know, congratulate uh Yansy on this
uh on your 10 years of service. Um, I've been on the council on and off for for many years. Um, you know, and I I help recruit Lauren, who the city clerk's office is named for, and you know, and you're just, you know, just been a tremendous asset to the city. Again,
it's a very un unsung position in the sense that, you know, um there's some jobs like, you know, I'm a football fan like offensive lineman we you only hear about when someone doesn't do it well and and um and you know, you do it so
well so often, really all the time and and keep us compliant so all the work we do here um can really get translated to to the people. And so, thank you for your dedication. And you know, there's never a time I call you where you don't
answer and and and are ready. So I don't I don't I'm not sure when you sleep or or you have a you know, a voodoo doll that sleeps so you can stay up 247 to help out the city. So um it's greatly appreciated uh your dedication and and congratulations and I hope this is just
the first of many commendations to come. Yes, >> Councilman Wilson. >> I I'd just like to say that over my tenure here um however short it is is that you've been a rock, a steady person
to call and for information and you're you always have uh the information ready for me. So, thank you for that. Thank you for what you do. And my assessment is you're the heartbeat of this Adas up here and you keep things running smoothly. So I for one definitely
appreciate what you do and it doesn't go unnoticed and this is a small token of our appreciation. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you, Council President Wasatski. >> Yes.
>> Why don't we come down? Yeah. Really? I'll take it. Molly, I'll take it. Molly, I'll take it. >> I'll take it. I'll take it. All right. One, two, three. Stay right there.
You got more. You got more. Turn the All right. Okay. Now we have resolution 344 approve payment of bills and claims whereas the chief financial officer has certified and submitted a consolidated bill and claims list for payment as well as
consolidated list of prepaid items. The prepaid items include emergency payments wire transfers and regularly scheduled monthly payments that are paid between bills and claimless dates. And whereas all bills and claims was herewith have been encumbered in sufficient funds are available for payment. And whereas the required s signatures have all been
obtained on each voucher on the attached list. Now therefore be it resolved by the city of by the council of the city of Angler that the bills and claims on the submitted list are hereby approved for payment in the total amount of 7,932,161.73. Motion by
>> so moved. >> Second. >> Great. Any discussion from the governing body? Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman David, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosenwig, >> yes. Councilman Wilson. >> Yes. >> Council President Wasatski.
>> Yes. Now we have communication from the governing body and city manager. Um we're going to start with Councilwoman David. >> I've been getting calls and not many complaints long as the garbage is picked up and I return phone calls. And um and
there have been some also um complaints with um um the third board residents with commercial trucks and everything like that, but we're on it, Miss Charmaine Francis. But other than that, um no complaints. Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you, Councilman Rosenstein. >> Uh thank you. Good evening, everyone. Um, you know, so uh it's the last meeting of the year. I just wanted to congratulate our council president. I hope it's the last meeting of the year. So
>> we we may we may >> we might have to have an emergency meeting. >> Uh but certainly the last public meeting of the year. Um want to congratulate the council president on a extremely productive year. Uh we got so tremendous number of things done uh and things that
really going to improve the city uh for for many years to come. Uh so uh it's it was very exciting to be part of the council this year. Um and uh and just as we get to the end of the year, I hope everyone is uh has a happy and healthy
holiday season and a happy new year and we can all return safe in 2026 for another healthy, productive year. I hope and I hope everyone stays well. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilman Wilson. Thank you, Council President. Uh, first
giving honor to God. Without him, it wouldn't be possible for me to be here. Um, we had some ups and downs this year. Um, we had some disagreements on Adis. We definitely had disagreements within our city residents. And
I I just want to say thank you to the community for keeping us on our toes. It's your efforts and your concerns that have us agreeing, disagreeing, and moving in a certain direction to
hopefully please our residents. So, as much as we do here, we still need your help. This thing doesn't move. We don't get to move the needle unless we have participation from you guys. And I I can tell you I I get phone calls and emails
maybe from one person 10 times a week and it may appear to be um annoying but somewhere in there there's a good information. So I encourage you to not give up on us. It's a process. It's not
always a swift process. And I think as this council up here, we're working to move forward together. um to cross lines that will hopefully um better our city. And so I say thank you
for the commitments to my colleagues for this past year. Um it's been a lot of work, a lot of meetings, a lot of closed sessions, a lot of Zooms. Uh and it's not always easy and our our families suffer. So,
I say all that to say, um, continue to stick in there with us, continue to deliberate with us and give us your concerns. Um, and and everything may not go your way. Uh, I I don't want you to
go away because something didn't go your way. I need you to come back and continue to work with us until we can get it right. So for those of you that are celebrating the holiday, I wish you safe travels. I wish you a happy holiday
and be merry and be blessed. Thank you, council president. Thank you. Um, good evening everybody. I want to thank my colleagues on the council. Uh, we had a really very productive year and I and I enjoyed working with all of you. I want
to thank the community uh because you know for just so many things but the truth is and I always say if we don't hear from the community we don't on many things that we do we we we don't know to do them. So when when you tell us that you know that there's a problem on this
street or a problem at that with with that intersection or um a problem you know that affects quality of life then we're able to to um to help come up with some kind of solution or to make sure you know that
our that that the city comes up with a solution. And a lot of the improvements that that you see around town is because we heard from our residents and we listen to our residents. Communication is so important. And um so thank you to the to our to my colleagues. Thank you
to the community. I want to wish everybody a joyful holiday season and a healthy and a happy new year. And we'll see everybody back in 2026. Thank you, Council President, and good evening, everyone. I'd like to take this
opportunity to compliment the uh mayor, the mayor and council for for the work that they did in 2025. Uh their long-term perspective and their willingness to discuss ideas and then to fund those ideas that are important are going to benefit the residents and
businesses in our our city for years to come. So, thank you very much to the council for for doing that. We're going to have a public hearing on Denning Park at our January 5th meeting. And that uh that's going to be because the Greenacres program made some made some
updates to their website on on uh November 11th, right before we went to the League of Municipalities. So, we'll we'll hold the public hearing then. Congratulations to the council and to our city on the hiring of an architect to help go to the next step for our
community center and to help us come up with a plan that we'll be able to go out and um look for grant funding for. So, uh this this is something that's wonderful. Congratulations to Yansy on 10 years of service to our city. Also, congratulations to Katherine Melendez
for 10 years of service to our to our city. She's one of the people that helps make everything move so smoothly. And thank you to the fire department and to our governing body here for uh the renaming of Lieutenant William Steer Way, which occurred on Friday the 12th.
Mayor Wilds is not able to be with us tonight, but he asked that I pass along his good wishes for a joyous holiday. And to paraphrase the mayor, whether you worship on a Friday, a Saturday, or a Sunday, may you have peace in your heart and goodwill towards all. And then on
behalf of our city staff and myself, I want to wish all of our residents a very happy and healthy holiday season. And thank you for for all of the good wishes that you've you've conveyed to us. Thank you, Council President. >> Thank you. I'm now going to open the meeting to the public. Speakers are
asked to step up to the microphone and give their names and address and have three their names and have three minutes to speak. That's the right >> Charmaine Francis. I'm an Englewood resident, so I don't need to give my address. Um,
I hear what you guys are saying when you say tell us, contact us, don't give up on us. But I have sent Mr. Hoffman and you copied Lisa about a hazard on my block, the food truck that I'm still
talking about almost two years later. It's still there. The extension cord that he has from the truck to his home with a mat over it is a hazard. It's still there. Nothing is done. Bob does
not respond to my emails because I guess I'm a pain in the you know what. I'm going to continue to be so because my taxes are really high and I pay them. So that qualifies me to be a pain in the you know what. So this sounds great.
Come to us. Don't give up on us. But when I don't get a response, what am I supposed to do? I I don't get a response. or I will get a response, a partial response through my ward representative,
but that's not I'm not I'm not addressing her. I'm just copying her. So, nothing is done. At least on Cambridge Avenue, I do not see anything done. I've been complaining about this to no avail. Secondly, I'd like to address this lovely newsletter that I
got in my mailbox. It says, "Our Englewood." Last I checked, Inglewood had four awards. This is from Lisa and Ken. I don't see
our Englewood in just two words. So, this right here doesn't represent anything that you said about unity, about us coming together. This looks quite separate to me. And I would like to know when the food
truck hazard will be addressed because my 88y old neighbor h I have to cross her because the mat is still there. Nothing is done. >> Oh, I'll tell you. I emailed it.
>> I actually sent pictures along with it. It's 263 Cambridge Avenue. I sent pictures to the council like pictures of the map, pictures, pictures of the hazard. Nothing has changed almost two years now. So,
>> I've given up. >> Thank you. >> Hi, Diane Jansen. Um, I did want to say we do differ on cannabis. Um, I'm for a dry town,
which means no cannabis. I I wish it had been put to a vote in the town to see what the people feel, but since you as elected officials do not believe it's a danger,
that it's going to increase problems. My suggestion is that it be visible in the center of town so that we all can see it. so that we're all subjected to it. Now, that's an may
be viewed as a negative term, but since you do not and the police chief does not feel it's a problem, let's go for it. Um, the other thing is on Route 4, thank goodness the Jones Road Bridge is in
operation, but there are two stop signs on the exits uh for the uh the Jones Road Bridge coming off of Route 4. And people do not stop at those stop signs. Now, I know this might not this might be
state related, but we really need those stop signs big and blinking because I don't see people ever stopping and I'm constantly beeping at them as I come off of Ridgeland Terrace so that I'm assured
that they're not going to hit me. So, that I would like to suggest. The other thing that I would like to mention, people in town are very upset about the taking of people here
that are considered were taken because of immigration. We don't know if they committed crimes. We don't know if they didn't commit crimes, but we know it's happening here and people are
just very disturbed. So Saturday there were reports, there were videos of things happening. That was Saturday morning. 4:00 we hear about the shootings at Brown University.
Today I learned that one of you has indirectly could have had somebody that was there that you knew that could have been shot. Then the next morning, I did not hear of it as I'm giving Hanukkah wishes and I
hear about Australia and what happened during the Hanukkah celebration. We are all one. I don't care how much someone was hurt. Everyone is hurting
and we need to come together more fully like this woman just mentioned. Our anglewood is for everyone. >> Thank you. Good evening and to Sean Chowdery uh Totto New Jersey. Uh good evening uh to
council president Wasowski, members of the city council, city manager Hoffman, city clerk weros, department heads, members of the city staff, and members of the Anglewood cliff uh Ingwood, sorry, Anglewood community. Uh for those of who do not know me, my name is Dashan
Chowy and over the past year I've had the privilege of working closely with city manager Hoffman, our wonderful city clerk Yansancy Wazermas, the city clerk's office um and the city uh departments assisting on a number of operational administrative task and policy related matters that support the
city's day-to-day functions. While much of that work happens behind the scenes has given me a deep appreciation of how this organization operates and the professionalism of the people who serve this community. I wanted to take a moment this evening not for any particular agenda item, nothing that's
really going on in this city, but to express my sincere gratitude. Over the course of my career in local government, I've seen the system at its best and at times I've seen how challenging it can be. What this city has done for me professionally and personally has genuinely restored my faith in what
local government can and should be. I was at a very difficult place last year. And the first person that reached out to me when I was a municipal manager in another municipality was city manager Bob Hoffman. And I wanted to quit local government and not work anymore. But it was him that really believed in me and
brought me here. And because of him, um, I'm proud to say that I will become or I am currently serving and will be sworn in officially with my contract renewed as the BA of Anglewood Cliffs. And City Manager Hoffman, thank you for your
leadership, your integrity, and for believing in people. You lead with calm, fairness, and professionalism, and that culture truly permeates through this organization. One thing you've often said that has stayed with me and will stay with me is that mentorship is a two-way street and that we learn from
one another regardless of uh title or tenure. I've experienced that firsthand here and I'm deeply grateful for your trust, your guidance, and your willingness to invest in people like myself. As I begin in the new year, as I said, he will be swearing me in in Anglewood
Cliffs in January. It's a responsibility that I take very seriously. The lessons, standards, and values I've learned here in Englewood will continue to guide how I serve there and wherever public service takes me. To city clerk Yansy Wermas, congratulations, and thank you
for your steady guidance, your institutional knowledge, and for always being a source of clarity and support. Your professionalism, consistency, and respect for the process are truly foundational to this organization. I mean, in fact, in Anglewood Cliffs, they say that I I write like someone, and
it's because I got that skill set from Yansy. To Mayor Wild, Council President Wasowski, and the entire city council, thank you for your confidence, your openness, and your leadership. The respect that you show for staff. Oh,
>> no. No, >> the the >> You can't You can't >> I'm almost done. >> Let me Let me get out of public session. I can't we we can't make an exception or we've always been making exceptions. >> Thank you to everyone. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Well, that was beautiful. I'm now going to close the public session. Um so, Councilman Rosen wanted to say something. >> Yeah. Uh thank you, Council President. Uh there's just a question about um you
know, the newsletter. Um, so as part of a program for the city, uh, each each, uh, uh, the mayor and each council person is is given a stipen to use, uh, how they see fit. Um, I know, uh, C, uh,
Councilwoman David and and Wilson ran a wonderful program over the summer, your, uh, your summer get together, >> and that was extremely wellreceived. Um and uh the council president and I, you know, we wanted to send out some information uh to the whole city in in a
newsletter and um and I I think it was very wellreceived and I'm glad we were able to get that information out to people. And if you look inside, we had uh news and information and photos from happenings all over the city. And I think it is our Anglewood because we all
are in in this together no matter who writes any one piece. So, I'm I'm glad uh it was very well received and I thank you for the positive feedback on that and and sorry to interrupt the meeting. >> That's okay. Thank you. Um Mr. Hoffman,
um so what are we going to do about the cord that's across the sidewalk on on Cambridge Avenue? >> Uh there's several things and you know um there this is a frustrating issue. The food truck does not have a commercial license plate on it. So, it
has a regular light regular license plate. It was given incorrectly by the Commission of Motor Vehicles, and the city has been in contact with with them about that. There has been violations or notices that have been issued. Uh, this has been something that's been in in
court and it it is it is frustrating. Um, and we will have property maintenance out there again. But this is um this is an issue some of somebody parking what should have commercial plates on it on on a street and they don't have they don't have the right
plates on it. And um you know this is this is this is an issue that we've been um we've been in contact with the the commission of motor vehicles but we haven't gotten an answer back on it. And you know the court the court shouldn't
be there. There's the the homeowner has put a a mat over the top to to try and avoid a trip and fall hazard. But, you know, it's um there there are there are three issues that are involved here. It's the wrong type of plate there. They
haven't used the food truck as as a food truck, so it hasn't been it hasn't been inspected. And then um you know there's there's the court and the um basically the the the flaunting of our public of our um you know
of our property maintenance laws. So >> So can our property maintenance staff go out there and take care of that cord tomorrow? >> They've they've been out there. So we will we will we will send them out again and they'll be this they'll be in court again. But I I don't have an answer of when when that will be.
>> Okay. And um All right. And if the court is at again, what what should a resident do? Should she call the police? Should she call the city manager? >> She should it should go it should go to property maintenance. But the you know the qu the question is um the court has been gone for a while and then it then
it comes back. So it's just we we >> I know what some other homeowners would do. >> We have to have attention to detail. We're not we're not we're not advocating anything anything of you know of of the sort. This is um you know this is not Chicago in the 1920s. But yes, we'll
we'll take care of it. >> Did Did I hear Did I hear you say that the inspection sticker is expired? >> No, they have um they they don't have a commercial license the license plate on it. >> So they Yeah. Yeah. But what I'm saying
is there's um they the food truck hasn't been inspected by the health department. and it hasn't been used recently as a food truck. So, >> sell food there. >> Does it move or is >> is everything up to date? >> I don't know the answer to that. >> Yeah, because if not, we need to have PD
on that to see if there's violations. If in fact that they're moving, if there's inspection sticker, if there's insurance registration. Yeah, we've we've gone we've gone through that um you know at least once once before with all with with five different departments, but it's the
problem is it's it's sitting on the street and it should be in their driveway. >> Okay. And then um the stop signs off of Route 4 by Jones Road, can we just have the police department take a look at that tomorrow? >> Y >> thank you. I think that that pretty much
covers all the issues. So, um, can I can I have all in favor of adjourning? >> I need a motion and a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Happy New Year.