Not really. Is it bur? Yeah. Let's call this meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. We're going to start with the flag. >> 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. >> We're going to jump right into the sunshine law notice tonight. The moment of silent flesh will be pushed to bit of the burrow. Um, sunshine law notice. In accordance with the provisions of the
open public meetings act, public meetings may be held in person or by means of communication equipment to include streaming services and other online meeting platform. This meeting is being held in person and through the zoom meeting platform being broadcast from Burough Hall, 748 River, New
Jersey. Public participation for this regular council meeting of April 13, 2026 is available by call and phone number or through web conference Zoom. Members of the public will be on mute until it's time for questions or comments which will be announced. At that time the public has the opportunity to question or comment by phone or
through Zoom by the raise hand button will be called on at the appropriate time. Notice of this meeting was included in a schedule of meetings which was adopted by resolution number 2026-13 and sent to the Asbury Park Press in the Two River Times on January 12th, 2026 posted on the burough website Bolton
board and municipal building and has remained continuously posted as required under the statute. With adequate notice having been given, the bur clerk is directed to include the statement in the midst of this meeting. Allison B, please have a roll call. >> Council member Paul >> here, she's on Zoom
>> here. Griffin >> here. >> Here, Miy. Olsson >> here. We >> have administrator, attorney and chief McGovern engineer, DPW director forky and parks director.
>> Uh thank you, Allison. Uh right off the bat, we have our annual Arbor Day proclamation. Uh whereas in 1872, J. fairly warning proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. And
whereas the holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. And whereas Arbor Day is now observed through the nation and the world. And whereas trees can reduce the erosion of our precious top soil by wind and water, lower our heel and cooling costs,
moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our burrow increase property values, enhance the economic
vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. And whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. Now, therefore, I, Josh Halpern, mayor of the Burough of Fed, do hereby proclaim April 24th, 2026 as Arbor Day in the Burough
of Fairman. And I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. And be it further proclaimed and I urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to gladen the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. When Allison uh
refresh my memory, I believe that uh by using this proclamation, there's a benefit um to the burrow >> as part of our certification >> towards our certification every year. So, this is uh something that we uh are very happy to do every single year. Um
I'm assuming we're going to get this up on the website on the 24th. So, >> great. Uh we're going to jump right in since we're talking about shade trees. We have our 2025 shade tree commission annual report. We have members uh of the shade tree commission here. And
>> hi, whatever. >> You're welcome to come on up, Joe. >> That's okay. >> How you doing? >> Good. How are you? Welcome back. >> Thanks. All right. So, um,
my apologies for not making like a nice presentation like I noticed the other commissions did. >> Yeah. Um, so my name is Jill Sullivan. I am the new chairperson of the Shade Tree
Commission. Um I am um going to talk about our 2025 accomplishments um which we were led by Chris Larson who has since um resigned and um actually Chris McCabe also resigned from uh the commission last year. So we welcome two
new members um Daryl Golden and Mike Olsen to the 2026 Shade Street Commission. Um I the mission statement is here. I don't really feel like that's necessary for me for for me to read in its full effect,
but basically um you know the mission of the shade tree could be summed up as uh we are here to preserve and protect and expand our urban forest for all the benefits that you know you just mentioned in the proclamation of Arbor Day. Um I think that our largest
accomplishment for 2025 was definitely the community forestry management plan update. Uh this was a requirement that we needed to do because our previous plan had expired. Um and there were new requirements
um set forth by the um urban New Jersey urban and community forestry. Um so we were able to secure a grant that uh we used to update the plan. We had engaged with uh Bill Brash who had written our previous plan actually um and through
the course of the year he attended our meetings. We kind of talked about our priorities um and then he um produced the plan with obviously our input. Um with that we came up with basically five uh implementation elements which if you
look at what those were are kind of outlined in what our accomplishments were throughout the year. But just um and I'll just touch on those briefly, but the five are um training ed and education, which I'll touch on in a minute. Um looking at the tree ordinance, which I'll also touch on in a
minute. Um managing the tree resource that is our canopy. um basically increasing the canopy, caring for what we have, um protecting what we have, and then um working with the DPW to kind of
prioritize the um priority one removals and prunings as outlined by Arbor, um which was our tree inventory software. Um, community outreach is another priority and then um, uh, disaster planning,
which sounds like horrific, but that is part of it as well, meaning more so like kind of like watching for watching for pests to kind of make sure that nothing's going to swoop in and address, you know, to damage our canopy. So, if we identify something like that, taking
proactive action. Um, so those are kind of like the five pillars of what this plan outlined. Um so just going a little bit further um you know another accomplishment which kind of ties into this is that we continued with our
resident tree buying program. Uh we planted our our residents planted over 100 trees um on their private property in 2025. We just completed our spring buying um order taking period and in
this we had our best session yet with like over 90 trees ordered for the spring 2026 um tree planting tree uh resident tree buying uh uh spring plan. Um, you know, with the
success of this, one thing that we are, um, beginning to talk about is continuing this partnership with Fernbrook to perhaps engage with them in some sort of, um, ability to offer memorial tree plantings. Um, so that
that's something that we're looking into. And then also perhaps um a residential tree request program which um some of other burrows and towns around here do that. And what that would look like basically is if a resident um
requested a tree we within the shade tree budget we would be able to perhaps plant a tree on their property. So it's kind of like a little bit we do this in a smaller way now where we reach out and contact a resident if we see a
opportunity on somebody's property to plant a tree. So this would also allow a resident to kind of like make a request to us. So it would be a two-way street. So that's also something that we're looking into to kind of expand the tree planting within the community. Um,
community engagement, as I mentioned, is um is part of our go forward plan and also something that we did in 2025. Uh, we participated in love where you live day. Um, handing out educational materials, saplings, and we last year demonstrated the proper way to mulch
your tree, which if you don't know is not a volcano, it's a donut. So, keep keep your eyes open as mulch is invading our space right now as we speak. Um, I've already told a few of my neighbors, move it away. Um, so we'll continue
again this year, of course, with participating um in Love Where You Live Day and have um some new and engaging um demonstrations there. Uh we'll continue to um participate with Sickles and Nwood on Arbor Day. Um continuing our poster
contest for Nwood, which this year is going to have a little bit of a 250th twist to it. Um and then having the cickle students have the opportunity at the library. Um our social media grew by 22% in 2025. This is absolutely a area
for opportunity and growth I think in 2026. Um and we'll continue to look as that for that to be a way that we could um continue education and engagement with the community. Um and then it rolls
into training and development. Um, so we've maintained our Tree City USA and our New Jersey urban and community forestry accreditations in 2025. Obviously, we want to continue to do that this year. Um, our CEUs,
we earned 14 and a half CEUs this year versus the required eight. I think we've already surpassed what we need to do in 2026 with um the participation of the community in the um the event that we
had which um had Bill Brash as a presenter to teach the correct way to prune. So we intend to kind of move forward with more of those type of opportunities. Um and if you're not aware, um CEUs can be earned by any resident attending one of those
programs, not just uh shade tree commission members. So we are we are well on our way. Um and then you know requests for the burrow this year uh the tree ordinance review we are going to be as planned looking at ways that we could
improve that. Um mainly focusing on tree protection and storm water management. So we will work with um our council leaison to come up with what our recommendations would be there so that she could present it to the burrow uh to
and to the to for review. Um, our planting plan, we are starting to create an a actual plan that will be housed in ArborPro so that when there are specific um needs to put tree in the ground um we
will have an immediate recommendation. So, as that plan develops um we obviously be looking to the council to approve those plans and to support those. Um and then planting programs. Again, um I we spoke about this already.
Uh just as we kind of develop the more solidify our plan for a memorial tree buying program or um this resident request program, we would obviously present it to you and look for your support and suggestions on that. Um and then in terms of budget requests um most
of our budget is goes to our um licensed tree expert and um the rest of the operating budget um covers the cost of training and engagement um the tree inventory software and planting projects and um we will not have any additional
requests for 2026 in terms of dietary needs. So that is it. Can I answer any questions? >> Sure. Um, thank you so much Jo. I want to compliment you. You're doing a wonderful job. You have doing a wonderful job and I know Bonnie for
Civia is here and I don't know if anyone else she commission general over but it was it's wonderful work really appreciate what you're doing. Um, I had two questions for I know the community forest management plan got updated and the last time I was leazing for this
commission I recall correct me if I'm wrong that the state also offers funding once once the that plan is updated that then you might qualify for tree planting grants. Does that still the case?
>> Yes. So that was a requirement and then the tree inventory was also a requirement in or in order to be eligible for tree planting grants. So that would be something that we would we would look to undertake >> to Yes. And then you know also I would say within that is you know the
mitigation of um invasives as well is also another opportunity for granting. Yeah. >> Great. Yeah. That's great. And would your current budget provide you with what you need in order to have someone put that application together? Um, you know, we did we used Sherry when
we did the tree inventory. Um, when we did the the green um, what's it called? The green communities grant. Um, Christine Chris actually worked on that together based off of, you know, what Sherry had done. And I think that that
might be something that we might be able to, you know, keep within the commission. Um, if we had, you know, a volunteer and able to do that. Um, I I I think that, you know, in looking at it and even like reviewing what Sherry did
personally, it there grants if they come from the state from from this portion are pretty similar and it's not that difficult. I think like we have a pretty good formula at this point in time. So hopefully we would not need to request that. >> Great. >> Yeah. >> Um but do so if necessary just Yeah.
because more trees and grant money to fund it simply. >> Right. And I mean and the good news there is that with the matching requirement because the commission is and I mean everybody is volunteers. We almost can meet that matching requirement. Yes. With with ours. my
second question and I'll be done there. Um, does the commission have an eye on our street trees so that when they expire, which happens, power lines and storms and they age out and other things
can occur. But do you have sort of our street trees on your radar in terms of how to plan and look for opportunities where we might be losing some of our street tree and >> Yes. So the planting plan as we I mean in this it's in it's in its baby stages
right now. Um would be street trees would be a part of that. So as we look for opportunities within the parks you know fairs being one of them um maybe Marter Park has an aging tree population. There are definitely areas along street trees that are on our radar
too that we would we would look you know to put in an opportunity for like you know a tree could go here. I mean there's also a focus on what we could do in areas like the business district where really you know if you look at the heat map that is a huge
>> you know you know if where we can that would be a spot that we would want to focus some planting as well. That's fine. >> Yeah. >> Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. >> I just have one one question. I know Nick uses Arbor Pro. Do you access that
also? >> Yes. >> Where he keeps the inventory of the trees and I've been with him a couple times and he just pulls all this stuff up. It's amazing. Yeah. Trees that are, >> as you would say, in declining condition or whatever. So, that's a resource that you use.
>> Yes. Yeah. We the burrow has 10 um accounts >> and the shade tree has two of those. Two of our 10. Yeah. >> Call it a tree magician. >> He's just a magician. >> Magician.
>> I had a question about the cherry trees on fairy land. I believe they're aren't they anything else? >> Yes. >> Is there a plan for that? >> Time to get on. I can give a pause before we get into our answer just I don't know if anybody saw um we planted
cherry trees today pond over passing >> it's really really awesome so there there's a long-term plan obviously we want them to be a part of fair road I'll let Jill know um if she has anything to add there
>> yes so um yes what we yes there there is there is a beginnings of a plan I think what's h like the the cherry trees that are aging out along the natural area. Um, we need to kind of collaborate with the natural area people and the
environmental commission and kind of like all work together to come up with what a plan should be for those trees because that is not going to be something that we could do quickly. Um, you know, I've we've talked about maybe
um removing a few of them and planting like replanting right now. So, you kind of have like this staggering effect. We've talked about pushing there's a lot of invasives right behind it like maybe pushing like removing those and pushing the fence back. So, planting behind the
ch the current cherry trees. There's a lot of like ideas that have been out here. Um there's no solid plan. Um, we also realize that this is going to be a little bit of something that we have to look at from a PR perspective to educate
the burrow and the residents about why we would potentially be mo like removing seemingly this big gorgeous old tree. Um, which at you know very >> Yes. Yes. It would be. Yes. So um you
know um that's on the radar. Um to add to what Josh was saying about the planting of the cherry trees, um what we had hoped to do is kind of like expand the visual of what those cherry trees do on Fair
Haven Road. So when the road when the Fair Haven Road project needed to replace trees, they asked us if planting those cherry trees would be a good idea. and it kind of like took our, you know, one-off plan of planting trees here and
there and like exploded it to have 12 trees planted all at once. So, it was a great opportunity for us to kind of like move forward on that initiative of kind of continuing, you know, the cherry tree lane in Fair Haven, um, like quicker than we had hoped. So, we'll continue to
look for other spots to be able to plant those and maybe even, you know, as I had mentioned, like a a resident tree request, that could be an opportunity also there for someone along that road to kind of >> I think I saw mulch like a donut. I thought I saw him, but now I'm going to check on the
>> I was like, sh Yeah, I told Sher I was going to go out and take pictures when I walk my dog tomorrow to make sure that it was planted correctly and the tree flare was out. And so, >> I appreciate your thoughtful planning. >> Oh, yeah. I think there are certain areas where it's helpful to get a landscape architect or an arborist or
you know the right team of professionals can help you come up with a plan. It's >> very challenging. >> Yes. >> Um I I feel for you in this position. So if you that requires resources beyond what you know at some point if it becomes a priority and there are
resources needed. >> Yeah. I think he'd want to come ask for that because it deserves it's deserving of the right kind of attention. >> He loves it when I the girl. >> Yeah, I can tell. >> Sure. >> Thank you.
>> Wait, can I Hi, guys. It's Michael. >> Hi, Michael. >> Hi. I'm really sorry I'm not there. I really wanted to support uh Shade Tree. You did a great job. Thank you for all you do. Again, I'm really sorry I'm not there, but you did a great job in the report. So, Thanks.
>> That's all I have to say. >> So, thank you. Um, the deer mitigation, um, uh, I think in the past the shade tree commission has supported dealing with the deer and I encourage you to keep pressing that publicly and it's a
it's a PR battle. I think everybody's on board. Um, um, so keep keep doing that as you see an opportunity if the Sha Street Commission still agrees. I yeah, I think like um you know the outreach on education on on what that means and and
why is in my opinion um critically important. >> Yeah. >> Um so >> keep up the good advice. >> All right. >> Thank you, Joe. Sure. Congrats on your new role. >> Oh, thanks. >> All right. Next up, we have the 2025
Environmental Commission annual report. >> Hello. >> Hi. >> How are you? >> Good. Good evening everyone. Um, all right. Great Alison, thank you. So, I have a presentation. Um, you want to just
scroll up a little bit else or There you go. Perfect. >> Um, okay. So, um, thank you all for having me. I am going to present the 2025 annual report. Um I'm going to be starting with just
talking about the commission members and the staff and then um reading our revised mission again that was changed last year and then I'll be talking about the achievements from 2025 and then moving on to our 2026 goals and objectives.
Okay. So uh in May of 2025, Sean Bailey was our former um chair. He stepped down because he moved out of town. Um we were grateful for all the work he did and for his leadership. Um and then I uh was appointed to take over in June. Um we
have Jesse Murray as our vice chair, Jonathan Peters, Gary Patterson, Anna Anton, Susan Globus who's here with me today. Um Bill Dorner and John Palenetti. Our liaison last year was Councilman Labrera and Christy Larson is
our secretary. The mission of the environmental commission um is to advocate for conservation, enhancement, sustainable management of fair havens, natural resources, providing informed recommendations to the government body and guidance to residents on preserving
open space, protecting ecosystems, and fostering a healthy environment. So, we focus on educating, facilitating, and motivating. In 2025, our accomplishments include the environmental resource inventory which was completed and distributed, our
sustainable Jersey application award that was um our certification was renewed and we received the collaboration award, the different collaborative outreach with schools and community groups and our education events for Fair Haven residents and
neighbors. So, I'll begin with the first one which was our um such an a big feat on our for our commission and I don't know if you guys have seen the printed version. It is spectacular. It is um a beautiful
piece of work. The environmental resource inventory is required by the state and it needs to be completed every 10 years. So, this was um a major undertaking. It includes um beautiful photos. If you notice, all the photos
prior in the presentation are taken from here and many of them are from Susan as well. Um, but it includes all of our physical ge um geography, our history, our natural um resources and our aspects
of our culture as well. It is available online uh on our burough website through a link on the environmental um uh the environmental commission page. We also provided printed out copies. The burough office has one, right? Allison's
got one right there. Excellent. So, anybody that wants to have access to it can. We did donate one to the library. The Fair Haven Library has one and we are donating to the Sickles and Milwood Library as well too because this is an important resource for students want to learn more about where they live.
There's some fantastic maps, historical images. Um it really is a fantastic resource for anybody that wants to learn more about Fair Haven. I do want to give credit to um Susan, Anna, and Jesse for their work on this. They they worked
tireously editing um and compiling all the information. And thank you to all the commissions and committees that uh we asked for their input and they were great providing those resources as well. And you know, Sean, um, while he's not
here, he was instrumental in helping to get this all together as well, too. So, we want to make sure we give them all credit. Moving on to our next big um feat was a sustainable jersey uh certification. This application must be renewed every
three years or should be if you want to continue in the program. Um we were very relieved um and excited to have been awarded the silver certification which is the highest certification you can get with 365 points. Um this was an
incredible accomplishment all hands on deck. Uh we had incredible help from the environmental commission but I have to also thank the green team. They were instrumental in in doing this and providing some of the actions and um writing the actions. Christy Larson and
the Shade Tree Commission were also they provided maybe a third or a quarter of the points that we were awarded. So was phenomenal. And then all the burrow commissions um Nick and Chris and um even Chief McGovern, everybody um was
open and accessible to helping out us out because um sustainability is not just environmentally focused, green minded, but it includes walkability of downtown. It includes um are we having access for our senior residents um what
wreck is doing for different ages. So it it encompasses all the aspects of sustainability of of having a vibrant community and so um this was definitely a team effort and we're very proud to have been awarded this recognition. Um furthermore, we were awarded the
collaboration award for um the work with the estuary programs um which included the historic association, the art community, um the fair haven business district and the green team. And so all these different groups working together
and providing some phenomenal community events celebrating local artists and local culture. Um and so that was a a great opportunity and this is from the event Chris and um York and Councilwoman Deelli were there to help celebrate with
that um down in Atlantic City in November. So that was a great thing also. So for the next three years we can breathe a little bit lighter here. Um and then moving on to our schools and community outreach and collaboration. So, for those that
aren't familiar, the green team is a subset or um of the environmental commission. We work very there's a lot of uh res uh volunteers that are on both parts and um we work very closely together. Some things that we do have been doing for the past three four years
is working with Cickle School and the PTA um helping to create Earth Day events. Um, for the past few years, we've been planting a native plant garden along the fence at Cickle School with the the kindergarteners and the first graders. So, you can see Bonnet
Torivia, Robin O'Neal up there um, helping teach the importance of native plants and getting the kids to actually create a garden that they can see and take care of every day. Uh, we work very closely with the Nwood Green team with
uh, Jenny Ambiel. We help create their monarch way station, help weed it. In fact, I think um Robin and Bonnie will be doing that this week with them. And the burrow has a rain garden that we put in that the environmental commission helped put in at Nolwood four or five
years ago that we still helped to maintain and make sure that it's it's working properly. This was a really cool thing that happened this past year with some with our funds. We helped to donate uh to the Fair Haven Library. We donated 21 books
that are based on sustainability um environment for adults all the way to preschoolers. Um this was extremely uh the felt met with gratitude from Fair Haven Library. And this is another
example of collaboration too because we ordered the books from River Road Books. So, we used an in-house local business shop um and they we were able to donate these books to the Fair Haven Library and we're actually going to be doing the story time with them next week as well
too. Um and it's great. So, there's we have adding to the to the environmental library in our own town. Um we work very closely with Rumson Environmental Commission. We have a great relationship with them and this is our third year doing the fall and spring
sports swap um which uh Mayor Halpern was at this past one and it is very well attended um many people from the community look forward to it. It's all free. It's all just trying to eliminate um landfills uh and and perfectly good
sporting equipment going to waste and giving it another chance for for local um athletes. So that is great. And then um with relationship to the bureau, we meet regularly with the DPW. Um this past year we we've met with the burrow
and talked about living shorelines and some of the and living and shoreline grants and the possibilities uh for 21 Fairhood Road and at the end of Dormundy Park. We've met with Burough Administrator, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Navascink River Municipalities Committee, and
Clean Ocean Action in terms of when the Fourth Creek contamination was happening, trying to undercover what's going on, how we can educate residents about pet waste and other things that they can do to help relieve that. Um, and so that's something that is ongoing that we're going to continue to to do
moving forward. Uh moving on to community education, we every year we host the with a collaboration of the green team um love where you live day. Last year was our fourth annual love where you live day in
McCarter Park in April. It was very well attended. It was a cooler, blistery day, but it was still um a great event. We invite all the commissions and committees and groups and different things that highlight our town and and how to get involved for volunteers with
some of the great stuff going on as well as some municipality groups, environmental um organizations as well. So people can come and learn more um as a learning um and be educated about the environment. We also participate in the rally for the Two Rivers Eco Fest at
Victory Park that Rumson Environmental Commission hosts with Clean Ocean Action. We've done this for six years. The past six years, we've always had a table um there as well. So, moving on to our 2026 goals and objectives.
So this year the environmental commission has agreed to focus at one of our principal um objectives is going to be to work on our municipal water story to gain understanding of our local water infrastructure including storm water,
drinking water, river health and that includes our fourth creek tributaries, our Marter ponds and Schwanker ponds. um to mapping this out uh creating this resource and this understanding for for local residents, but also to help identify and prioritize local water
challenges and where the environmental commission can help educate people um give best practices to even the burrow or residents to help alleviate some of these issues. As we know, storm water is a big issue um in our town and river
health especially with with you know recently and with last year how we can keep residents informed and understand about what to do in the event of or how to how to help out with that. So that is one of our priorities. It is also a priority action for sustainable jerseys.
So that will help us for the you know thinking ahead to the next three years that can give us um 20 up to 25 points for our application. The second priority is to increase um our education for the burrow for
residents and for neighbors. We had our Rucker storm water presentation by Dr. Abrupta um this past February February that was in collaboration with the DPW and part of our storm water um compliance for the new regulations. So we hope to continue to collaborate with
other groups in the bureau and provide educational resources for Fair Haven and neighbors. And that was very well attended by people from Redbank, Mammoth Beach, um different local municipalities as well. Uh we also have our fifth annual Levely Live Day coming up on
Sunday, April 26th at the community center from 1 to 4. So all commissions and committees are invited to attend. It's a great day. Bonnie and Robin are hosting it again. Um we're chairing the event and uh it should be a wonderful to
highlight the new community center and just also why we live where we live. And then our other goal is to continue to add resources and maps to our website, increase our social media presence as well. And then the final goal for this year is
to help streamline communication with fair haven groups um including the DPW and the burough as well. Uh we understand that there are two commissions, the shade tree commission and the environmental commission and uh there's a lot of other committees and volunteer groups and efforts and if we
can collaborate or have a method for having uh getting all together and our ideas together that can help streamline when when working with DPW or the bureau on these larger projects um so that we're all in momentum together in
cohesiveness. um I think that can help um just ease and facilitate but also help achieve some of our goals as well at a quicker more efficient way. So we're regular communicating with the DPW and and B administrator. We also this
coming I'm sorry I said Thursday but it's this Wednesday we have at our EC meeting we have representatives coming from um many of the groups that were invited to start this conversation and >> yes committees commission so we have the
shade tree garden um garden club nav river third street trail um wreck committee is coming uh >> natural area will be there Yes. And so and Nick will be there um as well
from DPW just to start uh this conversation. >> Do you call Nick an environmental magician? >> I think we established >> I think he's a magician and I Yeah. And I think he's an envir, you know, supporter. So great.
>> Well done. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um questions. >> Thank you. That's amazing. Great job. >> Thanks. >> I have a question. Yes. >> Can I please have a hard copy of the RRI? >> Yes. Okay. So, um we are waiting. I know the budget hasn't been approved yet, but we are going to be ordering more copies
of the RRI. And my my hope was to have them to give one to each one of you. Um so, that hasn't >> we we won't >> Well, I have one out to loan for the Rumson Environmental Commission. Councilman extra
>> the environmental commission did borrow one cuz they loved it too. Um but I will be having my hope is that every every council person will have access to >> library now. >> It is in the library and there's one in the burrow office.
>> Will you give one to our page? >> Yes, that would be great. >> Perfect. >> Yes, I would love to. And then we hope to give one to DPW as well. Um and just I I think it's just a great it's a great guide. >> Um and and so it's I have to say it is a
living um document. So we hope we will be updating our version online you as things add to it, you know. >> Yeah, I have a copy and it's spectacular. That's really learning about it. >> I mean the photos are fantastic too and
I I have to give credit to to the you know the environmental commission for doing such a fantastic job. >> Different I think >> Susan. Yeah. Susan, Anna, Jesse. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. John Peters helped with some of the maps. I mean, it was a very great
collaborative effort. So, >> thank you, Kelly. Thank you to the whole commission. While we have you here, we do have on the agenda tonight the green seal business program. Um for those of you up on the desk and you know maybe you even want to give um a little bit of
background on what the program is um it's a program that is currently being used correct but I don't believe that it's been approved by a governing body. Um I'll go out before say I'm not in favor of it but it's up to the members
of this body to determine whether they think it's something that should be continued. So, >> so um the green business recognition program is an action on the sustainable Jersey um list of actions. So, when we were first applying for our sustainable
Jersey um application, this was I think back in 2021, our second rendition, uh we were trying to get from bronze to silver and we're looking for ways to support that and also um for ways to support and recognize local businesses. So, as I mentioned earlier,
sustainability is not just about um your carbon footprint and not just about the number of trees you have, but also do you have a vibrant downtown? Are you supporting your businesses? Do they feel that support as well? Um we do and did have a a lot of eco-minded businesses in
town that we are lucky to have. Um and we saw this action and we said this would be a great way to show a little bit support and highlight their efforts on social media, you know, um to help them out a little bit as well too. Um and and recognize for their doing their
part to help our our health of our community. Um it is a voluntary checklist. The checklist is provided by Sustainable Jersey in their in their action plan. Um, and it's a list of 40
or so actions that um, these businesses can fill out going from do you turn off your lights at night to uh, do you use paper not use reusable bags, right? And this was before the single-use plastic
bag ban to um, do you use environmentally friendly cleaning materials? Different things like that. It was a criteria. Many of these businesses are already doing that, right? Um because saving energy, saving money costs is very important to some of
these local small home business owners. Um we have had success with um presenting this out to people and they've gotten the the application back to us, no problem. If you walk into Canyon Pass, you'll see their their
application and their certification framed right by their uh register. They're very proud of this recognition. This past Small Business Saturday, we gave out decals and stickers to the businesses, including, you know, the spa
at um the Fair Haven Spa, Natural Elements, you know, nail salon, the places Third and Lennox, all that um are proud of this recognition and and that are helping us, right? They're they're partners in this. Um Susan Globus from
the Environmental Commission uh was asked to be invited to the Fair Haven and Business Association's picnic, end of the year picnic in June um with Carolyn Ferguson, who's the uh president of that. >> No,
>> secretary. Secretary, sorry, I apologize. >> Um and she did a presentation which was again like stating that it's voluntary. anybody that can come and we received um a handful of emails with people that were interested in in being taking part
of this program. Um we were used it as our application to help us get to silver certification which we needed you know the 365 points. Um and we hope to continue it because if we are, you know,
in our vision, our eyes see that the private sector is a really big part of this community and um in order to help with keeping our community healthy and safe for the environment and for residents that we ask for them to be collaborators with us in a partnership
and and I think those efforts should, you know, recognize and I feel like that support goes a long way for small business owners as Thank you. Thank you, Kelly. Um, >> I fully support the Greensfield business
program. I think it's voluntary. I think that if our business owners want to participate, they should be able to, but they don't have to. So, just want to put my two. >> So, I was sent a link when this program
came up. Um, I know it sounds innocuous on the surface. Um, two things that screamed out to me immediately. Um, businesses that become identified as green businesses or offer green products and services increasingly enjoy marketing advantages.
Um, that's uh verbatim from the website. Business actions ultimately influence public policy. Businesses and social enterprises can be change agents for healthy growth and revitalization. They can influence government to remove obstacles, create incentives and provide
support to create an economic environment that is restorative, equitable and sustainable. So on the first point, my biggest problem with the marketing advantages um is that us as a government, we got to be very careful about picking winners
amongst private businesses. Um you what's green enough? If you're basing it on green products, who are we to set the standard and say that this business gets the seal of recognition versus this business? In essence, at the end of the day, our um residents are the ones that
should be picking the winners and losers when it comes to business. Uh there are organizations out there that do this um that give green seals of recognition. They're not part of government. It can be a voluntary type thing if business wants to do that. Um, and I would have no problem with that with them
displaying in the window. The end of the day though, the environmental commission is an advisory committee. In my opinion, it shouldn't be giving seals of recognition to businesses um within our downtown. Uh, as far as the businesses influencing policy, um, there's somewhat
of an ideological tone there that that I that I hear when I read that. Um, positioning businesses as change agents for broader societal transformation. um you know they the uh I don't think these types of government programs
should be casually um adopting this type of framing. Um the business's role is not to lobby or reshape public policy coming from the government back to the government. So um from my standpoint uh even if we agree with the sustainability
goals which in many cases when I looked at the site a lot you know you mentioned 40 goals maybe 34 of them I do agree with that are good things um the phrasing that we're seeing ends up blurring the lines between the voluntary action and the policy influence um which
I feel feels top down or preachy to business owners and to residents and the ones that don't participate I don't think should have to feel as if they're doing something wrong by not participating. So it's again it's it's just a difference in philosophy and I don't judge you for thinking this is a
great program. In some ways it is. Um I just don't think it should be coming from the money system. >> So the link that I was given that um talks about why the program is important and the um it shows you the 40
>> you know components of it that it's judged on. It it basically gives you some uh reasons why the program is influential, why it should be um uh used by by a municipality from that website. Yes. >> Those the two clauses that I read are
from that website. >> Can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> Has this program been presented to the business community? >> Yes. And in fact, Susan and Karen, do you want to speak to that? >> Yes. I think I think you're quoting from a state website and that information was
nothing we sent out. >> Well, the the link was given to me directly. I'll find the link for you while you guys were talking and I'll I'll share it with you as well exactly what it is. >> But yes, so this has been uh sent out via email. Carolyn as secretary sent it
out to all the business district uh businesses in the business district and um Susan presented it at their annual picnic as well saying that it's a voluntary uh program to be incorporated of it. Many of you guys are also doing it
anyway but just as a recognition program. Um, this started, you know, from the green team and I know there's always a little blurry lines on the green team as not a governmental, right? >> It's got >> Well, but it doesn't it doesn't it's not
the >> resolution a sub, >> right? It is, but it's a subcommittee. It's not, you know, policym and I think that you're saying, you know, and so we highlight them on the green team social media, which is not does not represent
government. That's the flaws we were able to put on our Instagram that it's not representative of the government um of the burough. >> Understand that a little bit later after the >> Well, actually, I'd like to understand it myself. actually anything that if
they're representing themselves and I'll let let Andrew you know just pine on this for a minute. If they are representing themselves on social media as a fair haven entity team is a fair haven entity they're representing they can't have a disclaimer on there said this doesn't represent that use the burrow of fair haven okay
>> that's that if any social media page is for a government agency is part of the burrow okay >> um so >> so I all right so >> and also it also disco it's also open to open public records as well >> sure we can talk about this later but >> yeah I just want to update it comes from
the link that Kelly sent me. It's sustainable.com. >> It's from the actual program itself, >> green business recognation recognition program. And can you just say it's the exact same phrase that I just read? >> Yeah. But but just just to just to clear
so we have a record, the green team is a burrow entity. It is a burrow subcommittee of the environmental commission. So it's not its own non-governmental group. Just just so just so we're clear. >> Sure. It just it's not uh standard to the sunshine law and to the uh
>> correct and there's other unique things right that are not sub and so we don't need quorum we don't need to have a secretary or b person present right there's other things like that we can have a little bit more is more >> but it's still agreeing to >> but still >> right okay but um okay
>> any committee >> right I I understand I think the the reason and going back is said we were able to put that on and we could talk offline but yeah I don't want to get >> Am I way in here? >> Were you about to say that we were able
to get points because I think we were important. >> The only thing I'd say is we have three years now to figure out how to replace those points and I I'll be the first one if I can help replace the points because I I seem to be the driving leader here that I'm uncomfortable with the program. >> Let's sit down and discuss it and find
ways to replace them. Now, can I wait here? Sure. >> I'm not uncomfortable with this program. I supported it when we soft launched it back when I was still on the green team. So, this has been around. We've been talking about this for at least four years. And there was we actually had a
couple businesses wanting to do it four years ago. I understand your uncomfortableness with some of the wording, Josh, but I don't think any of those words are on our application in terms of changing policy and all of that. Why this is coming now in front of
the the government is that or the governing body is that it came up in an environmental commission meeting because one of the promises is that they will get extra marketing and that's why ultimately it came in front of that's why you're finding out about it now but this has been in place for a long time
now I disagree in some ways because I think overall we need to be supporting our businesses more and this is a really nice way to support our businesses and because the green team is a burough entity which I do agree With that, I think it's important that the administration and the governing body
get behind this initiative because it's not we're not I know some of the things that you were uncomfortable with, Josh, was like permeable paving or something. I think that was one of the ones that stood out, but we're not requiring that they do it, but if they are, that is a sustainable green action that can count
towards it. So, there's no downside to having any of those on there. Um, so I I absolutely support this. I think that it's a benefit and I know I bring up Long Branch a lot, but we do it in Long Branch. There's definitely no issue. In fact, we actually support it by having
business um green ribbon cutings specifically for the businesses that support it. So, I also remember you saying something about it being unfair to the businesses who don't participate, but everyone has the option to participate. And mostly, again, some of
these are so basic, like turning off your lights. Pretty much every there's five things on there that probably almost every business does. So, it's not alienating any businesses who are doing it or who who don't do it because everyone is pretty it's open to
everyone. So, I support it and I and I I would love the burrow and the administration and the governing body to get behind it to put even more emphasis behind it. So, that's where I stand. So, I'd love it to come to a vote and not die here.
>> The the only thing I do want to bring up based on what um you just said, council, is if we had a program that was just from the government that judged businesses based on the cleanliness of their kitchens and it was voluntary and
certain businesses decided they wanted to participate and other businesses decided they didn't want to participate. And the ones that participate got this A, this, you know, this excellent rating. And the other businesses, I mean, they can have a beautiful kitchen, but if you don't see the A on their
door, you think, well, that business does not have an excellent kitchen. They're not clean like the other businesses. So, I think there is a negative connotation if you don't participate as if you're not doing what's right for the environment. And I personally think that it's exclusionary. I don't think it's the role of a
municipal government to be again to be picking winners and losers from a marketing perspective. It says it on the sustainable Jersey site. They're writing. Um that's just not what our role is here. Our our role is to facilitate the right infrastructure, the
right setting for these businesses to um to to uh flourish and and gain business the way that they want to gain business. It's not the way we mean that they have to use this product or this surface or so on and so forth. So,
>> so a lot of my comments have been said, I'll try to frame it up. Um, for me, it hinges on what are the what's the question you're trying to to answer and if it's do I support environmental stuff? Absolutely. I quit using plastic bags 20 years ago because it was stupid.
Fill my pockets. Um, so that's a clear yes. where I have a problem. The other the the other question alternative question is is should the government play a role in this kind of of um marketing or branding?
>> Um and when you think about that there's two parts for me. Does it discriminate? And I I do think it punishes the ones that choose not to participate. And the second is the limiting principle. So where where does it end? Is it clean kitchens? Is it people that this is to
support yellow hats making things up? Um, and so I struggle with I love the concept. I don't like us doing it. Um, I'd much rather have a private or a nonprofit or external entity.
>> Yeah. That give the stamp. I would love that. I really would love that. I I hesitate with us unintentionally punishing somebody who doesn't want to do it for whatever reason. They may not be aware of it. They they
may disagree with some parts of it. They may not have the the financing to do it. Um if it's a sidewalk that's turning off lights, that should work in their favor. So that's that's my hangup. Is it is it our goal? And I don't think it is, even
though I love the idea. Can I ask you a question? Michael, you said get more marketing. What are you talking about there? >> Not get more marketing. Kelly, can you speak to that or Susan what it specifically says because that is one of
the benefits to being part of this. It would be not get more marketing, but have increased exposure. Right. >> Right. Recognition. Right. And I think a lot of small businesses would love more free recognition for things
that they're doing. Could it be coming just from the environmental commission? So, whoever is into the environmental commission could see it through that uh lane instead of the whole governing body. Another question, isn't this coming from New Jersey state? Isn't this
a state program? >> It it is a state program. I mean, and um it's a but it's sustainable Jersey is a state program that's voluntary as well, too. Yeah. >> Right. And so by us having that sustainable Jersey certification, not only is that a nod and a, you know,
feather in our cap for for other municipalities, but it also accesses or opens the door for funding, for grant opportunities, uh, for training and education resources as well, too. >> So the resolution that formed the green team was specifically to pursue.
Yes. And I think that has to do with the green team's ability to work with partners and to implement programs that they think are suited to the community. I don't see our role as marketing. So when you say get more marketing, that's not the role of government.
>> It was just a recognition saying new business. So, all we did was put a post on our our social media saying, uh, you know, here's our new businesses in the green business recognition program. If you're interested in, email
us. Uh, we send emails out to all the businesses. And then just as Fair Haven Business Shop Saturday, we thought it'd be great just to give them a a decal or a sticker saying Fair Haven green business sale. And when you presented it to all the businesses, was there any backlash or
were there anyone upset? >> Do you want to speak to that? >> I'll just talk for >> sure. >> Uh at the time I was um Carolyn Ferguson. I was the secretary of the fair business association at that time. Uh it was presented at our annual
barbecue to the businesses that attended. So this is of the Fair Haven Business Association. So as you know um probably half the businesses in town are members of the business association but there is no other group that represents
a bigger set of the businesses. So uh at our annual barbecue it uh Susan came and spoke with our business members uh people uh I thought took it very well. A number of businesses decided to participate. it was present as something
that was very simple. Um, and then we followed up by sending email out to all of our members. Uh, we keep the mayor and Chris and our lies and copied on all FHBA emails. So, you guys were copied on that. So, last I think July email went
out to all uh business association members uh sharing the application with them, telling them about the program. Um, from what I observed, it was very well accepted. Uh, people thought it was a nice thing. Some people chose to get
involved. That was the first year they were hearing about it. Uh, people that didn't, uh, get involved that year, I think, thought about doing it next year, and I would put our business on that list. Like, we were busy at the time and couldn't get to it, but we were looking
forward to doing it this year. So, I think people took it to be a very positive thing. Um, in general, we have a few businesses that really do extraordinary things in the name of the environment. I'll just use one example. Boxwood Gardens Splars, they haven't
sold healing balloons in like 30 years because they think it's bad for the environment. Like, that's remarkable. They could be making a lot more money. Um, so the idea that some of these businesses could get some recognition, help form a relationship uh with their residents who also have the same values,
um, I think was viewed as very positive. So that's a great example. So acne cells healing balloons I assume and are they they don't get to qualify for the stick. So it starts to lead. >> No painful because there's 40 checklists and you can do five or eight. That's a
criteria and it could be do I recycle? Acme does a fantastic job of recycling the plastic. I bring all my plastic bags, all the dry cleaning, the newspaper, everything. And they do a phenomenal job of that. So you don't have to do every single thing there, but it should be recognized that
>> and we're not telling them >> the seal the recognition because I think for me what happens is I there in a way I identify with some of Josh's concerns because if if if the idea is somehow that like our central office that's
staffed by taxpaying taxpayers by the staff that work in central office that help to make our government function. if they're going to be doing marketing for green seal stuff. I I I don't think that's appropriate. I think the seal
itself is >> we we self-funded the seal. We didn't do we paid >> for that's that's the profit level of acknowledgement that customers and residents or non that they can look at that themselves and appreciate her not
appreciated, you know. But I I don't think it's appropriate that we should put our staff on marketing green seal businesses >> and and that and that's where you >> so the the concern it's not they're not anti-environment concerns. >> There's about scope process and
neutrality. That's where I'm coming from from a government. >> So like >> there's plenty of towns including ours that do tree planting, storm water education, which you mentioned tonight is something that we want to do more of. um recycling drives without needing to
create these official seals. I that's that's where it comes from from my standpoint. Again, I just don't think we should be picking winners and losers at the end of the day. That's not that's not the business we're in. And quite truthly, like I hear you. Oh, well, Acme did a few of these and they did a few of
these. I think that's also confusing to customers at the end of the day. I I I don't I don't even see a clear set of concise guidelines and I don't want to argue the merits of the program. That's not what I'm getting into because that'll um you know conflict with what my messaging is here at the end of the
day. I I just I don't think this is something that a a town government gets involved in, especially when there's a private market for it. There's so many companies that give these seals of recognition for for green activities. we can educate our residents without doing
this to the private businesses. I I I don't see the benefit of this for the burough area. >> And so I mean are are we hung up on the seal if if that's it? We just we just saw like a sticker would be just a a nice way to be like hey thank you but and a and a certification but we this is
a green business recognition program. It doesn't say anything that they are sealed that they have to be physically it could be a private you know but can are we able to even just hey highlight community partners just like we highlighted everything that I worked with with the schools and the community groups can we also highlight some
private members sectors that are also doing some stuff >> there's like >> are you not allowed >> right it's private would the would the environmental commission be open to researching some of the third party entities out there and recommending maybe we have a consistent for our town something like a better business bureau
which is not the government right it's a it's a organization people can put their sticker up and say you know I've met this criteria >> I think that's just adding more work on our plate that I honestly I don't think it's worth the merit I think it's just trying to say thank you natural elements
nail salon you really your values are really important and you're providing an alternative that's healthier for people patrons and the environment or thank you boxwoods you're really helping our river friendly town by not having the helium balloons that go into our river. I think
it's more of just highlighting community members just like we'd be like, "Thank you, Shade Tree, for giving and donating and working with our, you know, third graders on Arbor Day and helping them plant the trees." and you know are we as a green team you know and maybe not
coming just from the environmental commission but step down to the green are we able to highlight some of these community partners and and groups including the private sector >> I mean from what I'm hearing you're kind of saying no because not you Kelly but
our government were saying no because we don't want to say we're supporting green businesses like if we were truly a governing body >> but you're saying that we don't want to say we prioritize green business. >> I don't want to punish a business that
decides for whatever reason not to do this, >> but they're not being I I think we differ in the punishing. >> Can I just finish? Sorry. >> I'm sorry. Let me just finish real quick. Tracy, I want to go back to you because you're saying we're not in the business of marketing and I personally
think we should be in the business of marketing more of our businesses and supporting our business district. And also, we are in the business of marketing because I'm not trying to bring it up, but like we market the garden club, we market the farmers market. So, we're not consistent about
it. If we were consistent, I might agree, but we're not. So, >> mayor, I just want Mayor, if I may be heard. >> Yes. >> Um, a lot of good ideas being thrown out by, you know, everyone here. Obviously, there's a lot of legal work that needs
to go into this before there's any decision or it goes to a vote. Um, I have an understanding. I need a better understanding. I would ask Kelly if you can provide me with some information. Um, I'll give you my email address. >> Sure. >> And then, uh, we table this and then we
can make an educated decision. uh because there are some concerns but there's also I I see you know both sides or all three sides you know >> and maybe we can communicate um with Chris as well in the next before the next meeting and maybe there's a
something we can come up with like I'll set up an email with all of us >> okay sound good >> yeah thank you >> and let's end on a positive note you guys are fantastic that comes out of your commission you know for five years I've seen it and it
just keeps going up and up in a good way. So, thank you for everything you guys do. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> All right, Kelly, I'll send you back. >> Okay. Uh, next up we have paving at the concession stand. Chris,
>> Nick, you're up. >> So, uh, just a little background before Nick gives his presentation. This goes back to uh governing body meeting we had back in July where we were displaced over at bsentennial hall. Um it was a follow-up from an engineering meeting um that the engineering committee at that
time in 2025 did a walk through of a lot of the walkways and uh the the permeable services over at Perry Haven Fields. Um there are some issues with some areas that have deteriorated as far as some trip hazards that have occurred um on some of the walkways. And so Nick had
some recommendations. Some of these recommendations even go back to when the tennis courts were um renovated probably about five six years ago. Um at the time we didn't have the funding for it. Um so they were tabled. Um again Nick has some concerns about the current condition
that they're in. So he put together a uh revised version of um scope of work for fair haven fields based off of the feedback that the governing body gave us during that workshop. But I believe Rich was also involved in that as well um when we had those meetings. So this is
just an update going back to the July 2025 meeting um with the feedback and uh you know see what the governing body wants to do at this point. So I'll turn over to Nick. He'll get into the engineering aspect of it and then uh we'll answer any questions that you have. >> Yeah, good evening. Um obviously DPW had
a very unique privilege of living at the concession stand for over a year and a half. So we were able to publicly or just observe the public use of the fields there from all the RFH to the recck department to no wood all the different uses that were happening at uh
at the fair haven fields there. Um like Chris had mentioned in 2018 the tennis courts were uh refurbished uh and at that time there was some initial discussion about uh extending the path to the the tennis courts and around the
tennis courts. Um but uh for funding purposes that that scope got cut back and stone dust was just uh kind of laid out and the existing path wasn't uh that leads to the concession stand was not uh renovated or fixed. Um, so yeah,
engineering DPW was asked to review the ADA requirements and the circulation around the concession area and obviously the the large oak trees that are uh closest to the parking lot. The roots have um have have pushed up the the
pavement area and I myself have tripped multiple times going in and out of the concession stand there. And uh obviously with all the pedestrian traffic and all the kids and everybody there, it's something that we felt uh needs to have a a solution to. And uh we reviewed the
existing conditions and we've been monitoring it and it's only getting worse. Um you know, we took a look at different options. Last year we were talking about combining this project with some other paving projects in in town and going out to bid with it. Um
and that never really continued on. it kind of stalled. Um, and like Kristen had mentioned, we met with the engineering DPW committees. We walked the different sites. Uh, we we kind of cut back some of those trail areas and kind of took a
look at the the the concession stand area, the garage, um, the area that goes down to the uh to the tennis courts and also to like the fair haven baseball areas. And the focus is is to the is on the highest pedestrian traffic areas.
There's some uh you know tripping hazards there. There's some drainage concerns there. And um you know we reached out to um you know various different uh um contractors and we ended up uh passing a resolution the governing
body in March 2025 with the Mammoth Ocean um uh schools educational services commission. It's a it's a co-op. Um and they had uh one of the one of the members of the co-op was Fior Paving. Uh
we met with Fur Paving and uh got an updated or a quote back in in June 2025 uh which outlined or took a look at the the areas that we were going to concentrate on. Uh and the areas that we were going to concentrate on was the concrete area adjacent to the to the
concession stand, the walkway that leads from the parking lot to the concession stand. um the the the paths that lead from the stairs down to courts 2, three, and 2, three, and four, and five, and then also the area that leads down to
Fair Haven Baseball. Um, and based on the co-oping pricing, um, and the the the the actual linear dimensions of the walkway, either 10 foot or 6 foot. 6T for the for the for the walkways to the tennis court and 10T towards the
concession stand. and the main area towards the uh the Fair Haven Fields baseball area. Um you know, we came out with a a unit cost for those different alternatives and a total cost and um I think that that quote was included in
your packets and I think might have been some pictures or other council people might have visited the site and and taken a look at for at the existing conditions themselves. I have a couple questions. >> Sure. >> First, >> go ahead.
>> Um, my first question is on the back page the area I pretty much from our I was there with you when we first walked the area and talked about DJ I believe was there too. >> Chris, you were there, right? >> Yep. Yep.
So I I I know where all the areas are on the first page, but the back page of 160 foot by 10 foot and I assume 25 by six is another walkway. What areas do they represent? >> So if you're um at the Fair Haven Fields
parking lot, there is a a depressed curb with the two posts. So from there down to FH1 is the is 160 ft by 10 foot wide area and then you have a little short walk 25 ft that goes to court one. So
that that's like there's like a little fork there. So that's the the area closest to like the gentry >> and both areas now they're under um stone dust. >> So the the the sidewalk kind of curtails
and stops right there. So the the intent was to kind of continue that hightra area to the tennis court and down to like the first um the first intersection there of FH1 where the baseball field is. >> That's just using asphalt.
>> That's using asphalt. Yeah. You know, we looked at other alternatives of you know concrete or it was just too expensive. the asphalt uh seem to be the most economical and efficient to satisfy the needs of drainage and you know safe pedestrian access and uh circulation.
>> So and and I have to thank Councilwoman Paul for this. We were talking about this today and then I met with administrator York. Some of the numbers on here really don't add up. We we
looked at um the amount of um black top 3 in thick to cover a certain amount of square footage and the number we have is with 54.
>> Yeah. So >> 54 uh square feet. >> Yes. It's roughly between 54 and 55 square feet. Um we just did a quick you know cursory calculation here and just on the one page here you know is looking at about uh between these three jobs
here is about 1950 square ft. Um so the calculation said that we would need probably about 54 tons um based off of the 55 square foot calculation for 3in thick black top. However, the quote that Fury has here is recommending 68 tons.
that's what they're pricing out on the quote. Um so it's pricing out roughly 14 more tons than um than what we calculated it at. So I was wondering if you had any update why they might whether that's a mistake on their end or why they would have said that we need 14
more tons of black top the average >> total of 87 tons and they are they are producing 110 >> correct. Yeah I was just going off the one page. Yeah, we just did a quick calculation on the front page. We didn't even go further than that, but but that
is a great point. >> Yeah. So, I forwarded to Chris. This is a copy of the uh the pricing associated with the the co-op. So, the pricing also includes um you know, has to do with the square footages. So, obviously economy of scale. If you have a larger paving
project like for a school where it's huge area, there's a savings that smaller smaller areas have um you know more handwork and other things involved but also includes the prevailing wage rates, the fringe benefits, the payroll taxes, all that in part of the the the
unit cost for the different items. So this is all the co-op pricing associated with it. >> So I saw the the quantity question. >> Yeah, that's the bigger question >> is the question. So there's some unknowns there with regard to the uh you know once they rip out the concrete um
you know how much thickness they're going to need what what the the base layer is there. So there's a little bit of of extra estimates. I did an estimate as well and you have to convert the square footage to square yards and then you know convert that into tons. So there's, you know, there's a, you know,
there's a >> and even if you do rip out the concrete, you're going to have subgroup in here, which means we shouldn't be it shouldn't be in here. Presumably, there's subgroup, perhaps not under the house pole.
But their their quote calls for DGA after they remove the concrete and maybe some of it gets disturbed, but I assume they keep what's there, tamp it down, and not bill us. But also there's absolutely no need for an additional 30 tons. That's presuming even >> this is just a this is this is not a
lump sum you know proposal. This is just an estimate. So obviously you know the the work would get measured out and we get the tickets and take a look at it. So whatever they use is what we're going to pay for. Um it's kind of this is just kind of a you know a budgetary number that we were establishing to you know
you know move forward with the project. I think the number should be accurate because I'm not comfortable with 120 tons of asphalt. I'm not comfortable $30,000. I think actually it's such an important part of fair given I would like to see some thoughtful design
altered maybe even an option for porous concrete material some kind in certain areas. I'd rather almost do less than make it nicer than just choose the cheapest material and put it everywhere. >> Yeah, we can we can investigate that. Again, that that was a direction that we
had gotten from the engineering and the DPW meeting was to to take a look and address the ADA tripping hazards. Um, obviously, we're also looking at the the the oak trees there. We got a quote to do some air spading uh of those oak trees and we're looking to do some
improvements in that vicinity where those oaks are. There's so much pedestrian traffic and and back and forth that that soil is so compacted that those trees are in decline. So, we got a quote from our tree vendor to do some air spading there and then we're looking to uh you know maybe look at
some other alternative treatments so that either plantings or some kind of ground cover there because it's a maintenance issue with the acorns and it's just a dust bowl during you know you know during all the events. >> Yeah. So people Yeah.
>> human nature. >> Well, we just saw the the insurance video on and and I'm really concerned about the black top in the concession area. >> Yeah, I've been I've been we've been talking about it for years and yeah,
>> you know, we can we can discuss all the other options, but I think in terms of liability, especially before Fair Haven Day, everybody's out there after dark. I think we need to fix it. >> Yeah, like I said, I personally tripped and, you know, almost took a header
there. So, I we live there, we've seen it. It's bad. to the >> Are there any temporary fixes for the the parts where there are issues? I just worry about having so much asphalts. I I just like in terms of pvious to to um
Councilman Cole's point, did we do any research on more pvious surfaces? And I know that they can be more expensive, but and they maybe need to be more maintained more often, but I'd love to see that analysis, some kind of comparison.
Look, we didn't necessarily look at it for for that because generally speaking, that water that hits the the the concession stand pavement area, sheet flows into the grass area then has a chance to infiltrate before it hits the storm drains. So, you know, porous pavement is usually used in a parking
lot scenario where you have a large parking lot and you know going directly into a storm drainage system and then shooting out to the river. Here the the concession stand doesn't have any downspouts. So basically the water runs off the roof, hits the concrete or asphalt and and then discharges into the
grass area. Um we did take a look at decreasing the footprint of the imper of the impervious coverage. So the the trail or the the walkway was going to be cut back and that was something that the DPW engineering site visit we discussed and we looked at. >> But weren't you just saying that we were
going to extend the pathway more towards the tennis courts? Would that have any impact? the we are going to put pavement back in those areas, but the area that's around the concession stand is wider than necessary. So, we're going to cut that back. The area that's around the
concession area, the concrete area and the pavement area that's that's, >> you know, where people congregate in in in that wide area there. >> So, and that's proposed to be asphalt in this. >> That's correct. We looked at concrete as a as an option, but it was uh you know,
it's a possibility just additional cost. So >> what was the difference just out of curiosity? >> I don't have that in front of me. >> So I just want to point out that the two areas and this was like a year and a half ago or whatever it was a year ago.
I don't remember it exactly as it was. The two areas where we were looking to extend the permeable surface. Did I say that correctly? Um, one one is when you're looking at the stand from the parking lot
>> down to the left, >> there's an area that we've put we we've refilled with the stone dust. We've um >> there was some erosion there that's been a constant upkeep. Yeah. >> I I That's the 160 by 10 and 25 by6.
>> Yeah. So, it's down here >> as you head to FH1. as you head to the baseball field in the tennis court. >> I I I want to say I want to say in 5 years it's either two or three times that we've redone the area. It's obvious that there's some sort of drainage issue
that keeps on and to me it's the same issue from a tripping hazard standpoint. We're we obviously know there's an issue there. We got to fix it one way or the other. I'm just pointing that out and I think that that needs to be a quick fix. The other issue was also around the
tennis courts was a safety issue as well from the standpoint of the stone dust. The tennis players are stepping on the stone dust and then they're dragging it onto the tennis court. And obviously now you have tennis players playing tennis with stone dust on the ground where they
can slip, bone ankle, whatever it is. That was the idea. Now, um I spoke to Council Nicole today. she thought there might be some other uh solution to that that might be a little bit less invasive down there. I'm I'm open to hear that and see if there's a solution on the
other one though like let maybe there's a solution for that as well. I do think though we need positive intervention and as um bro council president K said I think we need it quickly. You know the time's ticking you know we got to get this done. >> I want to agree with you about that area
you just identified. Um on the east side of the tennis courts or sorry the west side of the tennis courts there's a similar one on the east side as you >> fenced in area like there's like a uh is that the sprinkler system over there? >> Irrigation system. Yeah. >> And there's stone dust. And then the
other one is when you leave the parking lot you you you enter the park towards the concession stand. You pass through the concrete area. You hit asphalt and it is it's like a stew. So no wonder you have to and I think those things need to
be addressed immediately. Um there's almost eight and and and if we can agree on those I mean I think the solution that's that's like maintenance and repair for safety concerns. The other things that are in here I think need a
little bit more design attention or at least some thoughtfulness. I our residents when we spend this kind of money because $30,000 is that's a lot of money for Fair Haven. I think in my experience, what I hear from residents is if you're going to do something and you got to spend the money, please just
make it nice. Don't don't just to do the one thing because it's the cheapest. Please just make it nice. And and I think that's fair. They don't want anything advanced. They want us to take the time to do it lawfully and do it nice. So, I think it's almost $18,000 in asphalt for the work around the tennis
courts. and if we can hold off on that and consider maybe trying some lowcost options even if it's just um a tread or a threshold. I don't want to get into the you know lingo shot I can think and >> these are the same conversations that we
had back in 2018. That's why basically the scope kind of just stalled at that point in time and uh the decision was made just to see what happens. And >> can I make the recommendation next DPW committee meeting? Nick sounded like he wanted to go back from the snack stand
at the beginning of his uh talk today. Maybe we maybe we go back to the snack stand. We go there, we look at it fresh, >> come back with some recommendations to to the council and but we but we act on them. >> Yeah. >> Everyone good with that? getting done by meeting Jim.
>> How long does this something like this take? Like, and when would you do it? >> I'd have to talk to the contractor. It depends on their availability and stuff, but generally speaking, it's not a huge job. Um, but it depends on the availability of of them because it's through the co-op.
>> Cements budget, right? Already. >> Yeah, we would use capital. Is is can we pick the is this like alloc art or if we do less they'll raise the prices? >> No, this is all this pricing was based on the co-op the co-op pricing. So >> we can do one.
>> Yeah, we can we can >> volume doesn't decrease. >> We'll play machine rental. >> I I don't know where that $2500 >> right there. >> Yeah. So obviously um
>> I can follow up with him, but the way they explain it to me is this this type of work >> an extra $2500. >> It involves smaller equipment that's than usually done for parking lots and stuff. So it's not like getting the huge milling machine or the huge paving machines out and you just your your
limited disturbance then increases. It's smaller type equipment that they don't necessarily have. It's specialized. This this this trail work is kind of specialized. It's It's almost like, you know, you know, driveway work or, you know, something that's that's really surgical. >> Well, what would you guys say? A two-day
job? >> Uh, I would leave that to the contractor. I I don't know for sure. It depends. But yeah, it's not a not a extensive time frame. >> Is that a co-op press machine rental?
>> I could I could check. I don't know. >> Yeah. Obvious obviously anything we put on there we have we have our QPA review >> Nick I have a question does only asphalt and concrete fall under the co-op or
could say permeable pavers like the interlocking systems >> um you know generally speaking this is kind of a meat and potatoes kind of co-op where it's all the typical pavements striping
>> yeah it doesn't necessarily involve um >> you know some of the some of the the other alternatives. Um this is again this is this is more >> you know kind of come into a school do a project and you know fix what was there and not necessarily redesign or
re-engineer something. It's more of a maintenance type of uh co-op. >> Yeah. Mostly most of it striping crack film repair and aging. Is that correct? >> And I know that these that would be a lot more expensive especially if it was out of the co-op. So I get that >> it would have to it would have to be
designed. It it starts to kind of switch from more of operation and maintenance thing to more of an engineering project with design, you know, bid specs and going out to bid. It kind of switches switches lanes there. >> Project. Yeah. Um I have a question
about the track around the whole area. Is that when we were talking about near the tennis courts, near the Fenston area, there was some point where I think DJ brought up that some of that would be paved. Is any of the actual asphalt
track being paved? >> Not the asphalt, I'm sorry, the um the the dust. it it's just the stone dust that goes from the from the stairs to the tennis courts in that bowl area and then the the stone dust that goes from the parking lot to basically to the
first fork to FH1 to that baseball area. Those are the those are the only areas you know initially um there was the discussion about some other areas to be paved but no those are not included. Those would remain stone dust. >> Okay. because he had mentioned I think that they were um wearing thin or not
wearing thin but maybe um degrading there but I guess that's not part of this project. >> No, obviously you know anything you construct or install requires maintenance and then there's uh you know overall you know observation and and and followup required with those areas.
>> Okay. >> Well, we have a meeting on Thursday so >> yeah we can sit down and take a look at that again. It would be great. Next time we come to council, maybe we could bring um us like plan. I know there's a lot of conversation around where and what and if it just all
>> Yeah. Again, we we had talked about this for multiple years. I have all the plans and drawings here that we reviewed. Obviously, you're not part of the engineering. >> Yeah. This was kind of thrown in I think last minute because we were trying to see, you know, where we're going with this. So, obviously uh
>> um we can follow up with that. Nick, my kids always say that be jokes to death. Would you call yourself a paving magician? >> I would call myself a dad of three boys that drives us anything. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Nick.
>> Next up, proposed fees for street closings. Uh Chris, do you want to give a preamble to what we're discussing here? So just to give you an idea the um there was a discussion um been probably
the last month on um whether or not the um bureau should discuss adding a proposed fee for street closing um let me talk about I think the proposed fee. So, there is discussion for block parties. Uh, should we assess a $50 street closing fee? Obviously, for the
uh work that's involved in it and then for a any type of larger groups, it' be a $300 fee uh for street closings. Um, and then we would add that to our ordinance. Do you want to talk a little bit more about it? >> What do we do for things park?
>> So, right now we do a fee and I have DJ DJ here. >> Oh, he stepped down for a minute. Um, right now we do assess fees. Matter of fact, um there's another uh thing that we are looking on um you know that uh about other groups that use our parks too that are assessed fees like
preschool groups and groups like that that have been assessed fees in the past. So um you know they have been assessed fees when they're making money on it. Um they get $50 fee for that. Um and then also you know or they have 10% of their cost per child or cost per
tuition. Um so um we have that DJ put some some uh notes together for me of what the cost would be for what now like uh for different groups that end up using it. Um so we have that and right now we don't have any fees for the roads. So the um conversation came up whether or not we should have fees for
the roads and continue that because obviously there's uh work that's involved in that as well. So, >> for me to elaborate, my my standing, if we're going to do this, any any dates approved for anything now should be
grandfathered under no cost because they're they've already been approved. Um my concern and the reason that I think I'm in favor of this is um right now
pretty much any business entity whether they be a national chain or a local chain can now ask us to close a road down. We have nothing in our ordinance that charlie for that road clos at all and we have to be consistent across across the board.
If we allow it for a block party um for nonprofit forprofit um we have to offer it to the other ones. So not having anything on the on the books exposes us. I could give an example. Um, we could have honestly
McDonald's can come in and say they want to close down the street the third Wednesday of, you know, every other month. >> They they can do that and they can have the street and we wouldn't be able to charge them a single penny for the street because
>> to there's nothing under the law that entitles a national chain to come in and say, "We're going to use your street. All we have to do is pay you $300." Look, they don't they don't have to pay us $300. That's what I'm saying. They can they can they can apply for a permit
from us to get approved to do it. And what is our rationale for not approving that permit? >> It it doesn't serve the public health safety or welfare in the community. I don't want to I don't want to prematurely get into this. I'm not sure why we're talking about it. That just sounded so out there. I mean, I'd be I
guess I'll refer to our attorney. >> What What if it was Acne? And what acne wanted to do was >> what if acne wanted to close down Foreman Street every single month because they wanted to sell their products there. >> Well, we'd have to decide as a government. We think that that serves
the public's house. >> How would we pick and choose winners and losers based on that situation? >> Well, I that's what that's what leadership is about. We make decisions that are based on we're making a decision for consistency.
>> So, do you have a post fee schedule? So the so um so when the mayor um was having a discussion with me, the proposed fee would be for $300 for any group um the business group, any any group that's going to be making some type of selling commerce or anything on
there. And then $50 for a group that's going to have a block party there that's not selling it. So if uh you know the mayor decides he wants to shut down Buttonwood, have a uh whole block party there, you'd have to pay $50 to shut it down. I have a question about so we don't
currently charge for applications for events right on any of our properties any bur property is that correct >> like we don't have an event application from what I understand event >> fee oh sorry an application >> did you have a
>> police right >> an application >> no but this is separate so I'm asking because the reason I ask is when someone applies so if there's a a business or someone that's applying and They are getting multiple dates throughout the year. Do they fill out one application
or they fill out multiple applications? >> Michael, let me fill out one. >> I think Rich just went to go see if DJ's available because it would it would help if because I'm sure he's the one that receives all the applications. >> The reason I'm asking that is because I, you know, I try to do a little bit of
research on some of the other municipalities around and there's not a real consistent rule of thumb. Some charge for things, some don't charge for things. Some charge $50 for an application, some charge $100 to use a park versus a street. So, there is no
consistency. But I wonder if a way around this is more we charge for the application of use instead of the actual street closure. Because to me, I do think $300 is a bit steep. We don't want to hinder things
that are benefiting our municipality from coming in. But Josh, I agree with you that we have to be consistent about this because if we say yes to someone and not and know where what is that standard? What what's our standard line then? So I agree that we need to be consistent. I just wonder if I kind of
feel like 300 might be steep and when someone puts an application, maybe it would be more efficient to just have an application fee. But that's >> and just Michael, I'm I'm hearing you and I'm more than open. That's why we're having the discussion to I'm not sure I
agree with the application fee as I do the per use fee, but I'm also open to changing the face. If 300 is too steep and the governing body has an appetite for 100, it' be 100. If it's an appetite for 150, maybe it's $50 for everyone. I don't know what it is, but that's this
is about getting the conversation going. I just I just wanted to say just just there's a question before and just in case anybody has if DJ's back in the room. DJ if you can just come up for a second. >> Can you just give us an idea what's the cost now for using fields? Um what are we paying now?
>> In what capacity? >> So, so if you had a you know a camp that wanted to use a field or you had a uh sports organization want to use a field or you had a um you know a preschool want to use a you know what's generally the two charging rubrics that we use here in town? >> Yeah. So if it's a camp or program
clinic, something like that, um it's a greater either 10% per registration fee or $10 per participant and that's by borrow ordinance. Then the other use would be $50 per use up to two hours. Those are the two different uses. >> Then what happens if it exceeds two hours? Is it another $50 or is it a
>> they're permitted for just for the two hours? >> Just for two hours. That's all you can do. Is is this like I'm trying to understand because I remember looking at this once before thinking it's >> so this would be like for an example um uh tribe lacrosse adult lacrosse league
um they rent the fields on Sundays for about eight nine weeks in the spring um on one of the lower fields for two hours on a Sunday and so they pay $50 per use >> this bar >> currently. So in that scenario, they
would if we were to initiate this for everyone, there would be a if it was to stay consistent and it would then be a $50 per use, although fair day is already approved for this year. >> So it wouldn't be for this year, but for future years for two hours,
>> for future uses, right? It would there is an event fee as well. If there was and it goes by number of expected attendees as also by ordinance. So, what would that >> they would pay the maximum, which I'm I'm not sure what it is off the top of my head, but I think it it might be in
the $500 range. I would have to check the the ordinance on that, but I believe 7 750 and above would be that range. >> So, the foundation of charity that is a not for profit that puts on an event that benefits the resident, the town, but charge. >> Exactly. So off that point, would there
be a way to not charge nonprofits 501c3s as well as I don't think we should be charging people that want to throw a block party in our town. >> I don't foresee that being a beneficial idea for our governing body. But I do
see where you're coming from. So if Netflix is our neighbor coming in and they want to shut down a street, I do think we should charge forprofit organizations such as Netflix or preschools or uh camp. >> I So in in in theory, I agree with you
that there should be a separate um fee for both. Is it legal? >> Not a problem. >> I know a lot of times you say you can't distinguish or you know what I mean. Well, if it's a nonfor-profit versus a for-profit business, there would be a, you know, somebody be able to
distinguish between the two. However, you know, waving the fees completely, you know, we have to look at it as it's still not a burrowun committee or or business or, >> you know, like $25, $10 fee,
>> but we but what you have to look at is the the use of public resources in order to whether it's setting up codes and things of that nature. These are all things that I know you might think it's not, you know, from the average person, they might think it's nominal, but then
when you're setting up things, does that open them does that open up the bro to liability for anything that might go wrong with setting up a cone or or if you know it's not properly set up? You know, there's the all these things that, you know, have to be weighed in order to determine whether you can in fact wave
something for one and not wave it for another. And now I'm talking about the nonprofit versus the for-profit businesses. >> So what's the chief? Can you take us through the I assume it's a question for chief. What's the procedure right now? Like say for a block party.
>> Uh they they they do the application sign off on it and then the road department actually drops all the barricaded where they set it up themselves. Correct. >> If they request Yeah. If they request >> if they request it. is do you provide any additional resour you know resources
not for block party >> not but you're aware of you you know you're obviously >> you understand and you're aware of the situation that there are there's a block party where there are people that are >> engaging in you said if they ask for them >> how do they block the road off if they
don't >> I was going to say >> well we're just hoping no one drives the free >> so they put the >> no there's a question on web. But yeah, they request cones and >> something something is dropped off.
>> That's what I was asking. >> Our street has like a stub lane. We've never had football party, but there is a section at the end of the range where there's no cross, you know, >> right? >> Between the pocket park and pony. >> Yeah. theoretically. >> Listen, I I don't personally, you know,
>> I so so if if the body thinks 300 per use is too high, I'm fine with that. I al but I also don't think it's that much of a burden on an entire uh block of residents that if they want to shut down a street for a period of time which is
also you know not convenient for some other residents in those situations for them to donate a very nominal fee to the burrow for some of the time that they're putting towards it $50 I don't think is that much uh you know as far as shutting down the street when it's not a block party when it's something else whether
it be I think we got to find about if we can diff differentiate between not forprofit and forprofit. Um if we can I think that might drive some of the numbers in different directions, >> right? >> Um maybe we need that information before we go to the next step. >> Absolutely. I mean, you know, and one
thing to add on that, mayor, is that we have an opportunity to look at this as, you know, the all the people that have applied for and have received permission to, you know, close down the block or operate um, you know, Foundation of Fair Haven or uh, Fair Haven Farmers Market.
They're all grandfathered in for this year, the 20th, 1986. So, the this is all going forward. So, let's take a look at it. you know look at a fee structure that you know works for pe you know works for the governing body and we make a determination one thing I will say
though is you know the block party is it's a huge inconvenience to other people >> well that's why yes >> to get everybody to agree and sign off >> I have a question so do we
>> it's a form right I saw it don't live on a They don't have to sign. It's just everybody >> just I I believe that we we actually technically vote on them as part of the consent agend. Is that correct? >> Yeah. Correct. >> So, we're technically approving the
block parties. Um again, I I don't think $50 is a lot to ask a res an entire neighborhood if they want to shut down an entire street. It helps to pay for some of the uh very minimized labor to drop off some stuff and pick it up. um
as well as our staff preparing uh you know the agenda and stuff like that. So I I don't think that's a big deal. I think we need to find out whether we can differentiate. That's a big question. And then um if you can get me that answer, maybe I'll even socialize to a few of you before the next meeting. Get
some feedback and >> well you Yeah, that's what I'm >> Absolutely. >> That's maybe we'll socialize have a better workshop that's a little bit more um set up before we go forward to an introduction or something.
>> Mayor, that sounds good. Can I ask though? So, can we also include all that information that DJ told us? Because knowing that, I'm just wondering historically why we charge so much or such a difference with like parks and we didn't in the original ordinance charge
for street closures. >> Councilwoman, yeah, that makes a good point as far as this would be an ordinance amendment. Uh we'd have to probably take a look at the entire ordinance uh to make sure the times as well. I we want to be consistent and
across the board and maybe there is um a methodology to why we're doing one and not the other and we can get to the root of that. But that's that's why we're having the discussion. >> Sounds good. >> Last point, just in my research, when I was looking at the different municipalities, a lot of them actually
don't. And it's not huge that we do this, but a lot of the block parties actually don't come in front of the council. So the bigger events do, but the block parties don't. So while we're evaluating this, maybe that's just something to look at why block parties have to come in front of us because the
PD sees it and usually like most of the administrations would approve it. So just a thought while we're evaluating this whole concept. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's all in the consent chat. I >> I think from a liability standpoint, it should continue to be on there.
Plus, >> you're closing a road. >> Yeah. Exactly. Um, next up we have public comment on agenda items only. Please observe a threem minute time limit. Please state your name and address. Uh, for the record, please. Yeah, three minute time.
Anyone in the public agenda items only? >> Fergus Columbia. Um I think you're already there but just on this issue of the closing the street the fees I would encourage you to really do analysis of borrow facilities parks streets um we
know that in the national area people can apply for license some cases they're paying per head >> and in some cases that's become very burdensome on the people uh >> where they groups that want to take a walk in the
natural area have an organized walk, right? >> Um, yeah, there there's not a majority. >> They applied for a license, right? >> No, not >> right. So, what was Fix and Sprouse? >> That's a a private company. Uh,
>> yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's an organization that must have an organized walk. >> So, they a camp would pay per head, >> right? >> Yeah. That's what we're talking about where it's either the greater 10% or $10 per registration for holdings. It'd be
good to look at that while >> let's let's make sure we're consistent with that too as part of that conversation. >> Yep. >> Yeah. We were already looking into that as well. >> Yeah. And just like what is the purpose of the fee, you know, is it offsetting some expense >> and those think you just want it to not
feel punitive, you know, like >> we're not looking to be punitive. I think I think we're looking to be consistent >> truthfully, maybe a little revenue to offset some of the costs that we're incurring. And I will say maybe a little defensive which I brought up just to maybe prevent someone from just doing it
just to do it. >> Maybe not. Maybe it will. >> Look, McDonald's already tried to get into fair, but they shut up. >> Uh, anyone else? Public comment. >> Allison, >> no one want their hand up.
>> Thank you. We're going to move on to approval of minutes March 23rd, 2026. regular meeting. Do I have a motion to approve? >> Not yet. >> Go to the burl. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Alison, may I please have a roll call?
>> Council members Cole. >> Yes. >> Missy, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh new business consent agenda resolutions 202693 through 2026 uh 100. Uh before I ask for
a motion, does anyone want to separate anything? >> I just have a question. >> If it requires separation, I'll defer to you. >> Okay. >> Um does the interlocal agreement regarding the tennis courts have um is there a set aside for shared maintenance
costs? >> Yes. And if so, what is that? So all all shared maintenance costs are shared 50/50 >> and that and that's what was in the previous the the only um there were only minor changes to the uh air local service agreement. U the previous one that was in effect for was it uh 10
years um talked about construction with the tennis courts. Obviously we're not constructing any new ones. So we took that out. Um also they wanted to have it clearer as far as what months they're actually using it. So we clearly defined what months they do use it. Um as opposed the last one was a little vague.
this one, the last one was 10 years. They asked if it's going to be five years. I will say the school did ask if the burrow would take on a higher cost sharing. Uh, and I said that was not a negotiable. I said the governing body would not be open to that. So, we left it the same at the same 50/50 cost
sharing for maintenance that we had in the past. So, other than those couple two things that I mentioned, everything has remained the same. >> One follow-up question if I may. Um, is the maintenance asset be based on annual regular maintenance or does it does it extend to things that might come up on
their own? >> So, they actually provide they actually provide a lot of the maintenance to it. Um, they send a lot of their staff over and do the maintenance as well. So, that's that's coordinated with uh with Bob Romano and DJ can talk a little bit about as far as some of the different maintenance tasks that we have over there. Do you just want to elaborate?
>> Yeah, so seasonally different things come up u whether it's the end of the year when we take down the nets. So we try to reduce some of the cracking that will happen with the freezing and unfreezing through like the December through early March period. So RF will come and they'll pick down the nets. They'll store them at their facility
over there at RFH and then they'll put them back up. Uh we also deal with the pine needles there with those trees, leaves, things like that. So when we see those things, we'll communicate with RFH and bottom line, we'll send one of the crew members over to make sure that those get cleaned up. Um that's
typically late September in through the end of December or so. Um and then seasonally just some other things that that might come up. Um but they've been super responsible. >> And if for some reason we had to bring in outside contractors to do the crack repairs, we would split that 5050.
>> Might this extend to some sort of threshold between the Stone Dust and the tennis courts? >> You were talking about improvements. improvements would and if we were doing an improvement that would have to be negotiated because we did not put improvements in there. This is strictly to maintenance.
>> Thank you. >> Michael, were you about to say something? >> Yeah, I don't need to separate, but I just wanted to make a comment that I'm really happy that we're addressing Schwanker's Pond. So, I'm happy it's happening. >> Uh, everyone else good. Anyone have a
motion? I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda items 2026-093 through 100. >> Second. >> Alison, may I please have a roll >> poll? Cole, >> yes. Dei, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Hi.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Uh, thank you. Uh, moving along. Department reports. February 2026, Police Department. March 2026, Municipal Clerk Dog License Police Department. Motion to accept as presented with
possibly a thank you. >> Motion to accept with a hearty thank you. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Anyone opposed? >> Thank you. Um next up, if you don't mind, I'm going to ask you all to rise.
Um I waited to this part of the meeting. Um I think for good reason, for the good of the burrow. Uh on March 28th, uh we lost Ruth Blazer. She passed. um you know reading her or obituary I wasn't
even uh aware of um you know just what a spectacular life that she lived and um you know al although uh you know she she was constantly calling and and obviously a huge part of these meetings um and you
know a lot to say about the things that we did. I just, you know, well, we wouldn't all wish for one more call. She was just such a great contributor to the burrow and everything we did and her commitment to wanting to make this a better community is something that um I
think we should all aspire to uh in our lives. So, I want to remember Ruth with a moment of silence. If you please join me. >> Thank you. That I'm going to open up the good of the burrow. Please stand and identify yourself by clearly stating your name
and address for the record. Please observe the time limit for three minutes. Further uh Paul Fergus Colonial Court Fairfield Natural Area is having their volunteer days this coming weekend 181
19th 10 to 3 all >> 10 to one >> 10 to one I'm sorry 10 to one. Thank you. uh meeting uh near the cell tower. Um it's a good time, good way to interact with your neighbors. Just encourage everyone to participate. Thank you.
>> I'm assuming we're sending that out to that. >> Can I add to that? >> Sure. >> Um so, uh our commissions earlier today with Fred Prince, the Barber day and the planting of new trees. So, next Sunday, which is the second day of your
volunteer work in uh the natural area, at 1:00 when you're done, the liberty tree is going to receive its plaque. It's been already planted in burden fields. So, I would welcome everybody either coming from the natural area or
just join us at 1:00 as we unveil the tree and commemorate the 250th of the Sons of Liberty. something >> Sunday. >> Sunday. >> Anyone? Anyone else go to the burrow of the
public? >> Allison, anyone online? >> No. >> Mayor, I just have one. >> Yes. >> I'll go and then you go. >> You're perfect. >> Um, in my role as lean to the planning board, I just want to report to the council. For those you may not know, the
survey was um circulated widely, participated in widely, and I'm really happy and excited to say we received over 600 completed surveys from a community of of you know, 20, call it 2,200 folks that a third of which are
under the age of 18. So, I mean, that's a really healthy, no matter how you look at it, 10 to 15% response rate. That's astonishing and and I'm looking at Rich who's nodding and with both have experience in community participation some planning work and that is an
extraordinary level of participation. So um and that's not the only opportunity residents will have to engage on the topic of the master plan. They um at lift day um there'll be an opportunity to engage and I'll be at the table. I know the consultants will be at the
table and other members of the planning board if they're able. So, um, just wanted to put the good news out there. I think we have a broad base of public participation to investor. >> Can we just cut a little bit? I think it's 2200 household. >> 2,200.
>> I was sold for Oh, sorry. You're right. 6,000 6,000 residents. Yeah, you're right. Thank you. >> You're also here before I turn over to Chris. I'm just gonna mention to everyone that father
time is undefeated. Tomorrow Chris has completed another trip. >> Happiest of birthday. >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Um so just to add on our tree topic since it is Arbor Day. Um, I just wanted to
mention um last week I had a um uh attended a JCPNL meeting and I had an opportunity to talk to our JCPNL government rep and had a discussion about the trees we've been trying to get planted at so it's dear to the mayor's heart trees been trying to get replanted back at the um substation. Um, I did
mention to him that we have our tree planting program and I said since it's been difficulty for you to mobilize a crew out here to do it, um, maybe it might be a tradeoff that we can get them plant and you can reimburse us for the cost. So, uh, we sent him the cost of
four cherry trees to keep the cherry tree theme. Um, I think they're roughly pretty inexpensive in the end. Um, if he can get approved by the higherups, we might go that route. So, we may see four new cherry trees uh, finally replace it. So that'll be a nice way to get those planted and I hope it happens. So um
they got our trees after all. >> Nice work. >> You know the other side of may get our trees. Yes. >> Great. Uh with no one else having anything. We are going to move to executive session tonight. We haven't
had one of these in a while. What I used to say no thorough business formal action. >> No formal action will be taken. Um, we're going to move to executive session at 9:07 p.m. Do I have a motion to
journal? >> All in favor? >> I. >> Anyone opposed? >> Thank you. >> Does Michael know? >> I know. Hey uh and we are back at uh 10:04 p.m.
Uh do I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> So move second. >> All in favor. Anyone opposed? >> Nice area.