I've been going to order to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. This meeting is called pursuant to the
provisions of the openings law. This meeting of February 9, 2026 was included in a list of meetings notice sent to the query or used on January 5, 2026, posted on the vulin board at Bur Hall on the date and has remained continuously posted as required. In addition, a cop's
notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of the burough clerk. Roll call, please callus. >> Council vice president >> here. >> Councilwoman Fara >> here. >> Councilwoman Herbert >> here. Council member
>> here. >> Council President Parker >> here. Mayor >> here. We don't have any presentations tonight. Um I do have a couple of things to report. uh as police commissioner has interviewed the chief's report for
January. Uh he did they did 26 criminal investigations, nine on harassment, one shoplifting, two theft, one burglary, one simple assault, one death, five trespassing, one stalking, one contempt of court order, one counters of money, one ordinance violation, two innocent
persons. They did 10 arrests. Um there were three ATS warrants, one ACS warrant, one simple assault, one hindering, arrest, two defiant trespassings, and 26 criminal mischiefs. Uh there were 26 motor vehicle crashes.
Three were involving commercial vehicles. One crash involved um injuries and that's how active they were in January. And then I also want to um
report to the council and the town that when um when I took office on January 1st, 2023, uh you know, one of the main things that I ran on was the amount of debt that this town was on and the financial
situation of the town. Um, at that time on January 1st, 2023, we had 2.596% debt. It was 11,977,914. As of this January, uh,
three years later, our debt is at 1.739%. It is, uh, at 7% less, 8% less, 8% less, I'm sorry. and it's at 9,950,328 uh dollars. It's less than it's more
than $2 million paid off and we are still doing a very robust road program with money that is being refunded by the state of New Jersey. So, the road program hasn't stopped. We're doing a lot of work in this town. Our building programs haven't stopped and um per our
CFO debt today is at the lowest point since 2019. So, I am really proud of that. Um, council members reports, uh, Councilman Parker. >> Yeah, I don't really have that much. Um,
some things I'm working on a grant for the park. Um, Susan did one a couple years ago and so we're going back after our grant to do some more improvements in Tupper Park. Um, pretty aggressive um,
uh, things that we're asking for. So that's the first thing. The second thing is is that we are going to meet with Mike Eris and myself will be meeting with Mike Campion to go over strategic plan
for Morgan Park and for recreation because there hasn't been one and we need to have one so that moving forward everybody has the same vision and know what the vision is so that we're planning for grants or um as we are working with um um environmental
and tree gem tree commission all all of those entities need to be involved with parks because all of them touch parks. So there's got to be a collaboration of how we're going to move forward and get this done and make this a vibrant park that's usable and accessible to
everyone. Um so that's the one that's the other thing still working with on PDA contract. Um, and um, we will we will report on that as we get closer to
it. Um, and I also met with the shop owners and Stangle about the road closure, which is really, really, really unnerving and totally unfair. Um, this project was supposed to be done, it was
supposed to be an 8-week project that started in August and now it's February and there's no end in sight probably until the beginning of the summer. So, I did meet with RBE and
I met with um I I met with the entire team um uh pre uh pre-construction team and really laid it out that we need to get this done immediately. It is affecting these people's livelihoods.
It's just not fair. Um and so we are putting the the redeveloper under a little bit of pressure um to come up with some alternatives. One alternative will be is that they are putting up more detour signs to get people to single and
how do you get there? And then what we're going to do is give a list of businesses that are in single. So, we're going to look at several different things in the meantime, but that also affects what's going to happen in the summer, such as um Sip and Stroll, such
as Corning Beer Festival, such as um um some other things that they have planned. So, it's it's it's it's not a great situation, but we're going to come up with solutions to help the um the business
owners in in Stangle. So that that's that's that's the bigger thing. Um, and that's it for me for right now. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, Councilw, >> thank you. First, the next environmental
commission meeting is next Tuesday, the 17th at 7 p.m. instead of Monday, it's usual date. The next shade tree commission meeting is on Wednesday the 11th at 7 pm and um I just I just wanted to uh bring up the issue with the uh
false walks. I know most of you um have reached out to me about it at this point. I think the majority of council has spoken with me um sent emails or reached out and a lot of residents have it with as well. Um, but we are at a
point two weeks now after the snow has fallen and our crosswalks still have not been cleared. Um, and that is that is not acceptable. Um, I know very well that this snowstorm was difficult. I've been to many other towns throughout this region and you know, in many ways they
are worse off than us, but you know, we're the borrow of Fington. I'd like to for the best. We should be better than everybody else. Um, I don't want to I'm not saying this to figure out who to blame here. I simply want to acknowledge the fact that it's not done and we need
to make sure that going forward it is and ideally sooner rather than later because it's still there. Um, personally I want to, you know, just say maybe I personally should have been more forceful or persistent or on top of
this. And in some ways, I wanted uh I should have sent more emails or phone calls or whatever needed to be done to get make sure it's done, but I shouldn't need to be more forceful or persistent. Um you know, none of us had to send emails or beg for the roads to be plowed. Um sometimes, you know,
attention needs to put on certain areas. A lot of times constituents reaching out is how we find out about problems in the first place. But, you know, we all we all know about this. It's not laws. We have law very clearly in place to allow the bird to remove the snow when we need
to do it. Um property owners, you know, need to do it. I understand some leeway being given considering some circumstances that we have with our own property maintenance officer and it being such a significant storm, but if we don't enforce them two weeks on, when
when does it happen? So um I again I I apologize personally for this and uh I hope we can discuss this further at DPW. >> Have you talked to um the >> the inter
>> I'm here today. I don't know. We're all moved around. >> Yeah, you know the interim uh our interim property maintenance officer to see if he's finding people at this point for not clearing the crosswalks. No, I just saw the email that you sent and I was copied on that said Chris, make sure
this happens. But no, I did not reach out to him sometime last late last week. >> All right. Yeah, because he didn't respond to that email. He texted me either. So I >> Yeah, I was surprised about >> But I know you got it. So you just acknowledged it. I >> Yes. >> So he had it, too.
>> But it's time now. I mean, um, you know, I was I don't know if if the bid sent out anything to the property and the business owner saying this is your responsibility. Um, I asked our OEM coordinator to talk to the executive
director and add something sent out to them so they won't get fined, but it's I don't see any change. So, >> I've got a question. Um, so the some of what I'm I've seen around town
is uh not sidewalks or the corner, but the actual like street part of the crosswalk. That's the snow from the plowing is remains on it. Is that not DPW's responsibility?
the however far the DPW pushed it back, if it's even with the rest of the street is as far as they pushed it back. So, their responsibility is not to clean out like driveway areas that they plow in or you
know my sidewalk where it's plowed in or you know your sidewalk where it's plowed in. It's all responsibility. But Beth, are you talking about like because I've seen this where you there's you come down it's the end of the street there is a crosswalk right there and it's pushed
up against the crosswalk right >> so who is responsible for cleaning that I think that's the question >> it's the property owner who owns the sidewalk that is what our ordinance >> at the end of the street >> correct >> so at the end of the street is the property owner that
>> owns the sidewalk correct so that there. They have to clear the the black top that's off the sidewalk just like they would have to do their driveway. >> Well, I don't think people know that. I don't think people know that. I think that's the first pro problem. I think
the second part of that issue is is that there are seniors that that are in that predicament. And so what do they what do what do they do? I I I don't think it's a cut and dry kind of like okay, we have an ordinance. I think the pro problem is
just just exactly what you raised who is responsible for doing that and so that needs to be communicated. I'm not saying that we shouldn't do and all that but I think the the the the policy needs to be clearly
discussed so people know that this is what has to happen. This is your this is your responsibility. do it was in the newsletter article that Mike submitted at the crosswalker responsibility of the homeowners. But part of the pro I mean like a large part of this problem was that our property maintenance officer
got severely injured the day after the snow and we were not able to replace him for five business days. the whole week went by and then we got the decrease and so a lot of this stuff is just so hard um that it's you know until this coming
week when we hit the 40s but you know I don't know like with you know I mean I shoveled myself out which was very heavy snow um I don't know if you know we can engage the local boy scouts to help or one of the local churches to help with
seniors I'm talking about Tony dancing you >> well I just think that there's it's two it's a two part issue. One is how how clearly is it being communicated? Not everybody reads that newsletter. So you can't depend on that. But is it on the burrow website that says attention this
is what your responsibility is? That's one way of that's another way of communicating it. Is it in one of our newspapers that we that everybody gets around town? Is it in that? So we can depend on our reporter that's here. Hold on. Please let me finish. And and so there are ways to communicate it that
people are not aware of. And I am a firm believer communicate and overcommunicate as opposed to say we did this and just leave it at that. If if I don't if I'm not doing it that means I probably don't know about it. >> But normally Dave would have gone around you know he's really good about like
giving people like knocking on their door and saying to them this is your responsibility just so you know you know because this was an unusually large snow. We haven't had one of these in a really long time and a horrible snow with the ice and we didn't have a and so
normally Dave would hit doors and hit businesses and let them all know personally that it's their responsibility and that kind of communication is absolutely the best kind of communication >> right but in absence in lie of that I don't want to make a big deal out of this I'm just going back to to Trent
because Trent seems to be wanting to take the the burden of this and I don't think the burden is on Trent I I think I think I'm just going to say what I have to say, please. So, the point of it is is that all I'm saying is that we need to make sure since we didn't have a snow
like this for years and years and years that you have to reiterate the policy. You have to reiterate this is what your responsibilities are. You just reiterate it. It's just a simple communication. Conversely, I am still concerned about seniors and how does seniors notify the
burrow or whoever that look, I know I'm responsible for this, but I can't do this. I can't physically do this, right? You may be able to do this. I can do mine because I'm I'm I'm fit, but not every singer is fit. >> So, what do we do? and and and let's
just say a bit has some physical disabilities and or some health issues, how do we help them? That's the other part of that issue. So, I don't I just I just when people say things that it's just this is it. It's not it. You got to dig under. There's more to it. That's
all. >> Um just a note. I don't know Susan if you're able to get that through property maintenance. If you can communicate that out there. I can't remember how we learned, but we have a very large corner a lot. So, for us, it's not just this
quick shelf, right? It's like almost half a block, right? So, we've known since day one because we moved in almost in November, we had moved in and we were told very clearly, but I can't remember who it was. So, there was some sort of communication. Maybe that's something
through a welcome wagon that we let people know, but you know, we might have another six weeks of of snow and possibilities like that and just making sure people know. >> Try to break the deep. >> But Trent, can I just say this, Trent? I do not put that on you. I think that
it's it's a serendip serendipous se series of events that all just kind of like snowballed together. Yeah. >> No, but I think Tren's right that needs to be discussed at the Delaw meeting with my champion about going forward how
we're going to handle this and and what we're going to do about the fact that this by by Friday this snow should be softer to be able to maybe get that little cat thing we have out and helping clean up some of this stuff but um you know I know there's issues where the
snow is you know pretty far out from some of the streets >> and the streets have gotten very tight um you know like Panel Street is very tight right now and there are other streets like Benel that are very tight that
you know that where the snow could probably get pushed back a little bit if there weren't so many cars sitting there. Um, but we can talk we'll talk about it on Friday. And like I said, I mean, maybe Tony, you can follow up with Ally. She ever sent a message out to all the property owners that these
crosswalks and openings to their businesses are their responsibility onto the street because I know like there isn't a single opening from Corer Place. I think there's one in front of Mr. Pops. Um, and they dug out, but it's a car parking spot. So, if there's a car there, you
can't get out into the street. And then Corers is open and you have to go all the way to the end to Maple Avenue and there isn't a single business that opened up the street along there. Um you have to walk like a half of the block to get back out to the street to a car.
>> So um because nobody's shoveled out. >> So >> I think for future incidents hopefully we don't have one this big again for a long time. But um I I feel like I heard
people talking about um having shoveled and then get gotten plowed in and that's definitely an awareness thing like people need to >> not you don't shovel until the plow >> or don't expect not to get shot back.
>> No, actually that was an issue with this storm and I think I I think my biggest concern is Yeah. I didn't reach out to Chris because you said, "Hey, Chris, make sure you're you're ticketing." So, I wasn't going to pile that on top of Chris again, especially in his first
week here. Um, and also literally Dave from his hospital bed because I was speaking to him. I said I I got a call from a from a resident. I said, "So and so hasn't cleared their It was a property owner that we're very familiar with." I called Dave. I said, "Hey, well, this is before Chris was on board.
I said, "Hey, Dave, call soando. Get that thing out there." they took care of it. So, literally Dave was working for us from his hospital bed in addition to trying to get Chris on board. So, that's number one. But number two, no, actually the the issue with this storm was
different in that if you didn't get out there and shovel at 9:00 at night, everything turned to ice. So, I was out there at 9 or 10 at night, but I didn't expect my neighbors to. My other neighbor literally was, you know, everybody was doing everybody else's.
And then as the days went on, I had two um uh senior citizens reach out to me to say, "Hey, can your kid come over and help?" We had the lo we had a whole like group of boys in town running around getting paid, not getting paid to do
work. Um I asked I gave one uh senior citizen the the name of a but she did get a ticket from Chris. So Chris was out there or not a ticket, a warning letter from Chris. So, I know Chris was out there saying, "Hey, this isn't shoveled." She reached out to me and
said, "Do you know who I can call to do this?" So, I gave her the name of a landscaper that I knew worked as a subcontractor. So, I think it's a matter of I think that the one thing that I I' I'd asked EPW to do in the future is Chris
and Dave are just one person, right? DPW is all over the place and working with them and communicating with them and us regularly saying, "Okay, Mr. here's so and so 90-year-old guy, he's not doing it. How can we, you know, let's instead of instead of us getting I I think the
thing that turned me off was um the the response I got from Mike was here's the ordinance. This is what we're supposed to do, right? That's not going to work. especially in a situation like this weekend where or last two weeks ago now where everything is frozen solid for two
weeks and people were really struggling and I think instead of us recognizing that and and saying it's hey it's all on Chris now you know Dave fell off the roof of something he's broken his leg in a few places all on Chris go for it it's
not just on Chris and it's not just on a BPW it's on us as well like it it's all of us saying, "Hey, like I reached out to Mike and I said, "Hey, you missed a whole section of um of parking spots on Main Street." The next day, he had that
little cat out there and took care of it. But that cat should have been working all over town for the next week and a half. I saw the cat on Wednesday. I asked about getting that cleared up on Friday, but I haven't seen the cat since. So, I want to know, has the cat
been working for the last week on the ice? That's really something that I think people need help with. This is an unusual storm. So I think when we do have an unusual circumstance, whether it's a watering break or whether it's a big snowstorm, we need to show empathy
and say, "Okay, I know this is the ordinance and I know this is by the book." And the by the book is is frankly for the repeat offenders and for the people that are just so obnoxious that they, you know, sit in their house and they've got all the physical ability to do it and they don't. But we also need
to kind of be like, okay, let's recognize that this is unusual and how are we going to team up to go forward as opposed to we had a lot of emails and messages going back and forth going, okay, who, what, where, when, but that last step of what are we going to do? We
each did things in our own way. Small, but >> you make some really good points, Sen. And you know, and that snow was, >> you're right. I mean, I went out and I shoveled twice. I shoveled at seven inches and then I went back out when the winter mix started and it was very heavy at that point and I caught it early
>> and then the next morning >> and you didn't get up by the morning. You were >> well in the morning there was it was a coat of ice and I and my neighbors came over and >> chopped it off for me because I could I at that point after shoveling twice >> and that second one I was done and I did
the whole bottom of my driveway with what the DPW had plowed in. So, I was just I was done done. And but I know, you know, like it's not I mean what I see is really those it's those corners,
those crosswalk areas. Um but it's Monday, so I think before the DBW meeting on Friday, I'd like to see some more work done. Get that out there. >> Talk some tomorrow and see what's going on. >> People spent a lot of money on that. So I'd like to see it out there working. >> So here's what I see. It's unusual. When
things come up unusual, you learn. Now that you know better, you do better. So now what you need to do is start planning and here are the lessons learned. It just needs to be here are the lessons learned and now these are the lessons learned. This is what we're going to do about so that if it comes
again, then you have all the things. You can't just keep talking about well we should do this, we should do that. I mean, there needs to be just a concertive effort from DPW, from the police, from everybody that just console. Here's what we've learned. Now,
here's the solution for that. So, if this comes up again, this is what we do. Automatically, you have a plan. That's that's it's just called >> problem solving, decision-making, analysis. Here's the problem. Here's the analysis, and here's the backup. I did ask Brian McNal, our OEM coordinator, to
amend his message going out for these storms. That doesn't just talk about moving cars off the street, but it includes waiting till the DPW finishes cleaning up before people get frustrated that they're getting shoveled back in. It also includes the responsibility to
the crosswalks and the sidewalks. It's in there that within in this new message that 24 hours after a storm stops, sidewalks need to be cleared and that so do the crosswalks and they fall under the responsibility of the homeowner of the sidewalks. So I did tell him that
now that's going forward that's in his message going out but you know as long as people sign up for that stuff but it doesn't solve the problem right now of where this ice some of his pile three feet high um is. So, you know, I will
give Mike Campion a call tomorrow and talk to him about it about what's going on with Pat and getting some of the snow pushed back. So, uh, anything else, Trent? >> That was it, I think. >> Okay. Thank you, Beth.
>> Hi. Uh, not a ton of committee meetings. We've got a lot coming up. Um, redevelopment cardinal on the 12th, parking and traffic and uh communications aka community engagement on 18th, library board meeting coming up
the 20th. Um, I did have a an excellent uh one-on-one with Dr. Cliff Burns um for Fington Riden School District. Um, he's really excited to collaborate with council on serving the needs of our shared community. Uh, council member
Arius and I h met um over the weekend and decided um we're actually going to focus on specific districts each. Um, so I'll be the liaison to the Flemington Riden School District focusing on district policy and initiatives as well
as um the schools that our residents um are zoned to in particular. Um and uh council member Arius will be liazison to the 10 central high school and the 10 central vocational school district i.e.
Polytech. Um the FRSD board uh meeting occurred for January occurred on the 28th. Um it was a swift focus meeting standard superintendent treasurer reports and all of their committees reported um pretty uneventful. Um, and
they've introduced a a I guess somewhat recent feature where they have students from uh one of the schools come and present. Um, it was adorable. And um, they actually also recognize a teacher. Um, that's also I I believe a a regular
event. Um, and something that I I would love to start to incorporate some of our our burough communication set as well for um, burrow members of the school community. Um, and on the communications and community engagement front, our RFP
for the website has been issued and we've already received um an in an indication of interest. Um, and um I have uh crossed the streams on a couple of things with parks. Brandon and I
talked about our Ferment Flemington Friday pizza nights um in summertime uh being takeout and we're going to do them in the park. um to get more people used to using the pavilion over there. Um and
the welcome package pro project um we're actually going to be partnering with students from Polytech. Um our next meeting for that is at the 18th of February. And that's it for me tonight. >> Thank you. >> Uh agents. >> Uh yes. Um this Thursday, redevelopment
committee meetings with the mayor and I'm greatly looking forward to uh seeing the status of those two uh two spaces. Um I have put in a request to the CFO for a copy of the environmental
committee budget. I guess there was one that was issued um as a sample or request. I've also done the same for fire department. Um, and then I'm getting these time sheet requests or rather notices from Officer McN, our OEM
head. Um, that I'm just kind of getting myself up to and used to seeing. It's just a little bit of a different thing than I've seen in the past extra hours. Um, and then I think that's it. And I want to thank the mayor. That's a very nice drop in the debt and that makes me
very happy as a resident homeowner and I'm sure other homeowners as well. Um, and Beth, thank you very much for taking the lead on the school district, um, or the schools because as people who don't have kids, we've lived here for a long time, were completely in the dark and a
lot of people who don't have children or have never had children in these districts, we just were kept in the dark. So, I think that'll be helpful to a lot of the uh, older families, double income, no kids as well. Thank you so much, >> Susan. Um, thank you. Um Beth mentioned
um she has a meeting this week uh for Cardinal. I have a meeting this week for Captiva. Um and I wanted to mention I want to thank the mayor for breaking up the redevelopment committee from last year.
I think it was um not and the last two years actually. it was not realistic to have three people, you know, keeping track of four different uh redevelopment areas. Um so I think this format works
better. Um but I it it Tony reminded um us about his concerns about Liberty Village. So I would encourage um a formal redevelopment committee be formed for Liberty Village. Um uh obviously
Tony as the council president has taken the lead on that communication. I want to make sure that as that project moves forward that the planning board resolutions are followed and um and any
local um communication is um done better than I guess the um the developer has done thus far um in for example the the road closure. So, I want to encourage
that um uh a committee possibly be considered uh to be formed for that redevelopment area. Um a school meeting as um I appreciate that. I think a couple people from this council are
planning to attend that on the 11th. I'm actually registered as a parent. Um I don't think I'll be going this week but um um you might see me there but as a on the parent side um those uh meetings I've tried to attend uh talking about
the strategic meeting. Yeah, the strategic plan the last few years. >> Um the let's see um I need to remind everybody it's the beginning of the year. I failed to do this at the last meeting that you need to register your
pets. Um and the website uh the information is right on the website and under the forms tab. So please make sure you get do that. I also failed at the last meeting to mention that there is a planning board meeting um tomorrow
night. Um there are one thing on our agenda tonight just to make sure everybody's aware is the resolution for our new uh planning board secretary. So I hope that you guys will all consider supporting that. And I want to thank Carla
>> place for the for the for the substitution and and all the hard work she put in last year and kind of bailed us out um during the year. >> Carla, thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um I will say that um I have
in addition to Carla doing that short stint last year, we have been blessed in this town. I mentioned this at the planning board meeting and I want to mention this here as well. We've been blessed in this town with only two planning board secretaries in the last
20 years. Um Diane and Eileen. And um I'm looking forward to meeting Caitlyn. I think she'll be a good addition to the team. Um and on tomorrow night's agenda is a car wash that I guess uh the application for completeness started
last year um uh at the old TJF u Red Crab location. Um, I do have a question for Chris and that is, uh, can the planning board tie the liquor license
sale to the resolution of a proposed like you can't issue a permit without um without that that uh liquor license being sold and moved off property. >> Is a condition of approval in the resolution? I've never had that one
before, but probably. >> All right. We'll ask the attorney. >> Yeah, check it out. But I think you probably >> now is at their home. >> Yeah, it's not >> not >> it's not on the parcel. >> Not on that location. >> No, was it with Juicy Crab? Didn't have
it. They didn't sell it to >> So the owner put their like home address for the lency. So >> And is the home address in the B? >> I don't want I don't want to This isn't the time that I was a reporter. So we'll we'll address that >> license. So,
>> yeah, we'll address that later. Um, also on the agenda, you'll see the film ready ordinance has to be tabled again. We just are >> They're killing me. >> Yeah. Yeah, they're killing me. They're just killing me, but we'll It'll be on the agenda again
next meeting. >> Um, >> are you asking to have the >> I would like to have it a table. I didn't know if now is the time to ask. >> Yeah, that's a good time. Okay. I' I'd like to motion to to table the film. Uh >> 26 07
>> 07 um for the next meeting. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> And that's all I have for my report. >> Thank you. Um uh Brandon. >> Yes. Hello everybody. Thank you. Uh yes.
So just going off of what uh Pat said about the schools, uh I'll be uh taking uh going to the CRS meeting as well as the uh uh vocational schools meetings as well. Um I first want to speak with the superintendent because I just came back from a trip. So I just want to hear from
them first and then go off of there. Uh see any test problems they have or want me to represent for them. U moving on to parks and rec. I did talk with the council president uh and we just were having a just going off each other bouncing ideas off what we really want
to do with the park there. Uh, I know one thing I do have going on already and I've been getting a lot of uh I guess I guess support for it would be like the fun fairy trail where April 11th I think it is at 3:00 uh you know I posted on
Facebook United there's a big post big group there seemed like everybody's excited about it where fairy houses I'm just reminding everybody if anybody wants to get in on that it's April 11th I need submissions by uh what is it Um,
actually, oh yeah, before the 3rd of April, uh, Jordan picture or is that a Girl Scout thing? >> It's a Girl Scouts thing. I'm sorry. I forgot to say that again. It's a from the Girl Scouts, uh, Girl Scout Troop Leader reached out to me about this because I've been wanting to, uh, use the park a little bit more. I live on
Bonell, so I've always noticed it's been very empty. Um, so yeah, that's that. Yeah. Fair houses. They're just basically little miniature houses that you build off like uh using nature like rocks, little pieces of woods, like grass, whatever it is, you know, got to
get creative with it. Stuff that doesn't really harm uh I guess nature, you know. So, I'm really excited for that. I'm about to build mine soon. I haven't had the time. Just got back. So, trying to get back into it. >> Speaking in Europe. >> Is it really? No. I didn't know that. That's interesting. So, yeah. I'm really
interested. I'm very excited for that. So, uh, yeah, I'm also thinking about launching a once the weather gets a little bit better, the snow, uh, starts to melt a little bit. I really want to use the, uh, basketball court as, uh, use it as like a miniature like, uh, I want to do like a soccer Saturdays thing
where I have a group chat of people. Uh, I'm going to start it back up and just tell people, look, Ranger Sun, uh, Saturdays from 10 o'clock, uh, 12:00 and just get people involved with the community a little bit more. And you know, I know there's a lot of soccer programs out there, but you know, got have faith. Get a little effective. Some
people want to come out. I know. And just get to talk, you know, just get out there and use the park more. Yeah. Uh that's about it. Uh >> hopefully that hopefully they'll get this grant and we can build. >> That's we're hoping for. So just so that
you guys know and just to add on to what I was saying is that the grant is going to look at doing multi doing basketball courts fix repairing the basketball court to make it functional. >> Um doing the soccer field and putting bleachers on as well as having a
multi-purpose court that will house volleyball and pickle ball. >> Um because that's what's really needed. >> Yeah. I said that's >> Yeah. No, I mean I didn't It seemed like it was two different places.
>> Then we're going to look at the pavilion and do some things in the pavilion. So, it's a pretty aggressive um plan for for asking for money. But, um I think the bottom line is is that um
that's part of the strategic plan is here's what the vision is for this park. And I saw when Susan wrote it and then when Mike went after some some funding to get the you know all the infrastructure set up now we can start building on the infrastructure. So I'm actually excited about this grant. So
going back to what now we have a functional park that people can come to. >> I just want to make two comments. One is the infrastructure all that drained work's got to get done first because otherwise >> that's what he's working on. That's what that's what that's what the pass the
grant from the state >> I mean from the county that's what Mark Mike is using that money for is for that >> it's but it's not enough >> well I understand but we're going to start by starting we're going to start by saying so when we get well we'll get
get what we can get >> let me finish before we you know whatever we get from this grant hopefully we'll get money you know we got to get the drainage work done. Otherwise, we're going to be washing away more fields. I'm just saying that.
That's thing one. Thing two is I would I know pickle ball is the big hot thing. Our park is in a residential neighborhood. There are a lot of complaints from other municipalities about pickle ball courts and the kind of noise the ball makes coming off the
rackets and a lot of complaints. So, I would just ask y'all to look into, >> you know, >> I mean, the park the basketball court is kind of hidden. I'll be honest with you. It's not really like out there like other parks are. This one like you go inside. Some people don't even know
there >> because I just don't want to see us in the same position as some of the other municipalities that have. >> I mean, the park isn't open that long. $4,000. >> But we could you could have like you could have um you could have some timing around that as well. Like because I play
pickle ball and I know when I play down PA really loud >> two things by two things I think the things you said about the question when I talked with Mike I was under the impression that what we have got is
going to solve a great deal of the problem. You guys can confirm that in your DPW meeting tomorrow, but that's what I thought for. So, I don't know that that's as huge an issue as you're as you're presenting, but the point of it is it matters not. What we're going to do is we're going for funding so that
we can improve the parks and make it usable for all residents. That's the goal. >> I get that, Tony. I'm just saying we need to make sure the infrastructure >> You made your point. I got your point and that's why I'm saying talk to Mike tomorrow because when I talk to Mike,
>> the money that he got, the $80,000 seems to be that it's going to fix a majority of that problem. That's according to what I heard from him, unless I misunderstood. >> Okay. >> I would like to um just piggyback on that very quickly. I just want to maybe this could be done at the DPW next DPW
meeting. the $73,000 grant that I had gotten several years ago, the a a large portion of that grant is actually being resubmitted through Tony's grant or in some way, shape or form, a little little more uh focused and and uh to his
liking. And from what I understand, the money from the grant that I had gotten a couple years ago actually went toward the playground equipment. Then there was another you had called me, Marcia, and said, "Hey, what did you not get in your grant?" Right. and I said we couldn't access the the the grant was not for
passive recreation so I suggested you focus on the walking pass and rating right so that was a $40,000 grant from the county and then last year um late middle last year late or fall um
>> well yeah late late last year Mike asked put in another um grant application for the um to to the county as well and that was either 40 or $50,000 and >> I think it was 40. >> It was 40 and the application said for
playground equipment. So now I was a little confused as to what the two applications for the county went toward versus the original grant that I had uh gotten the money for. I'm don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that the money went toward the playground, but that scope
that I had had created is now kind of in another form with his grant. I need to understand where the money those that 28 the $240,000 went toward. I'm not questioning that it wasn't done right. I just like to have a little a little more detail than just a oneliner that
>> but that's what I'm saying that Mike had indicated that that was for the infrastructure. >> I understand. I just like to know what that. >> So what I said just a few minutes ago is verify with Mike that I I heard what he said to me and that was that it was to fix the infrastructure and that we could
start because he's the one who weighed in on the soccer bill and the whole bit of getting that built. Yes. So >> like piggybacking on I mean we didn't just pick this in a pie in the sky. I mean we really went back and I wanted to understand what needed to be done and what was already done. >> And I appreciate that
>> and what Mike's recommendations were. made a note. I'm going to I'll >> cut just like a little like, you know, we did uh $20,000 in in engineering fees and $40,000 in conser like that kind of breakdown. That's what I'm looking for. And how much more do we have to do? I
think that's probably a good question. >> Well, that's what Mike and that's what the three of us are meeting on exactly. So, we're meeting again, there's not been a strategic plan for the recreation and parks. >> And so, you got to start by starting. You've got to have some kind of vision
and it's got to be in writing and you've got to put on how much money it's going to cost you in the whole bit. I don't know that anybody actually really knows that. And so this is the part of this whole thing is to sit down and understand what has been done, what needs to be done, and how much it's going to cost and what can we do.
>> Yeah, >> that's the point. >> My understanding was that that drainage work was about $140,000. So I'm going to get clarity from Mike tomorrow on that. Thank you. >> Um Brendon, anything else? Um yeah, just about and then moving on to HPC uh house
gardens. Well, the house guard tour is first week in June, but they don't remind anybody else about that. >> Do you know when the tickets are going out? >> No, I don't. We meeting I think we have all the houses. >> Uh no, they have four new houses, but we
do need houses. So, um I I think yeah, we do have some >> I know they thought they were there in the first meeting. now is out. But um uh be asking the next meeting to go to leaves next week. So >> um and yeah, that's about it from me. Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um right, we're up to public comment session number one. Anybody from the public uh having anything to comment on? It's not on the well public hearing. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> How are you? >> Good. I'm Nick Ricko. I own 29
Bloomfield A, which is where Cut Hair Salon. >> If you hear about the ordinance, you need to wait till the public hearing because anything you say now won't be on the record. >> Okay. I have my tenants as well. Can I just confirm with them that that's what they wanted to comment on that specific set?
>> Yeah, you can talk now, but it won't be on the record for the public hearing. >> Uh Peach and Danielle Hardy are on >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I see them. >> So, you want us to talk during that time? That's I didn't realize that was at that part. >> It won't be part of the public hearing. and the record if you don't wait to public hearing.
>> Perfect. >> Um, okay. Anybody else in the public? I see your name and >> I just for the record. >> Yeah. >> I'm Sher Eenova. Cheryl Eenova. I live on Maple Avenue, so I'm not too far from here. Um, my husband and I have lived
here in Flemington for 38 years. Um, and all four of our kids went through Flemington Ron schools. So, the first thing I want to do is compliment you on the new system. We get texts, we get emails, and we get phone calls. It's beautiful. If there's ever a question, I
just go on the Burough website, but everything has been posted. There's no more mysteries, and that's really saved us. Yeah, it's a beautiful thing. Um, I wanted to comment on the snow removal thing there. Like, for instance, on Broad Street, there are some crosswalks
or there are some places where there's no owners. There's no businesses and what will happen there. I do see little old ladies or men with canes walking all the way down to the end by Hermit Cap and then walking in the street in order to get across. So just bear in mind that
there are places that do not have owners to be obligated to clear the snow. >> Every place has an ownership. You just have to find them. >> What about the old club glass? >> They have an owner. They >> We have to have a lean on that property. Okay. >> That was the property I was mentioning during my my council.
>> Okay. All right. Um, and I just wanted to comment on the wonderful ideas for the parks. So, like I said, we have four kids. The oldest is 36, the youngest is 28. We've been here through school
um through prek. And, um, I love the idea of the increased park functions. I just wanted to say that FYI in the late 80s, early 90s when the fairgrounds closed, we were hoping and praying that
there would be a big park with a bike path and a walk path and a skating area where the water would freeze. And that's how long we've been hoping. And instead, we get businesses. Businesses are a good thing for I understand they're they can be part of
the lifeblood for a community. They're not meeting the needs of the families. So that would be a great >> Where was the fairground? I'm >> Walmart. Where is >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. There was a racetrack. >> That was great. >> There was a racetrack. We could hear it. If the wind was blowing our way, we
could hear number two. >> And um there were rides and >> all sorts of stuff. It was huge. 4. And now it's just the 4 thing. But that was being looked into as early as that. Um, and of course we had a little movie
theater. Now we have no movie theater. So, you know, we're always, we were a big, our family was a big proponent of DIY Main Street because we've got teens who were going to go hang out on Main Street and get in trouble. So, they went into DIY, but a place like that would have been a great thing, you know, way
back when. So, thank you. Thanks. Thank you so much. Anybody else? >> Good job. >> Sure. >> Good evening. Uh my name is Rob Skank. I'm the chief of the Flemington Fire Department. Um thank you guys for having me tonight. I just wanted to touch base. I know uh last year I came in the first
council meeting. Um obviously the snowstorm uh wasn't here um for Monday's meeting on the 26th. Um just want to go over kind of what was accomplished last year. Um we responded to 254 calls. Um I
spoke to the council last year um indicating some of our goals for the year. I'm happy to say that we were able to add eight new members um I should say eight new firemen to the to the department. Um four are in firefighter one training now four are scheduled to
complete uh firefighter one training in the fall. Um so that's that's a huge uh thing for us. Obviously with the council support we've added uh three new apparatus the ladder truck the squad and the new deputy chief vehicle. So we're certainly grateful for that. Um we've
been without the deputy chief's vehicle for about 5 years now. Um so that's great to have back on board and uh between the tower ladder which was 28 years old and um the engine 492 which ultimately um we purchased it for a very
good price but uh the labor or excuse me the um expense that we poured into it ultimately we decided that was um not a worthwhile investment to continue. So so we appreciate it for that. It's definitely enhanced our capabilities. Um, both apparatus have been out and um
really assisted us this year on a number of calls. Uh, the fire department regained our 501c3 status with the assistance of um New Jerseys, uh, 7th congressional district office. Um, the county has implemented a new CAD system
and a new report management system. Um, so we've got new iPads in the trucks that helps us respond, track our responders, um, track neighboring agencies as they're responding. Um, this year moving forward, we we were possibly looking into adding that capability for
the chiefs. Um, myself and Nick, our deputy chief, who couldn't be with us tonight. >> I'm sorry, what does CAD stand for? >> Um, computer automated dispatching. This is tanking. >> So, it's it's what the dispatchers up at the county communication system use. Um,
when the phone call comes in, they can dispatch units, they can track units. Um, the mobile data terminals, the computers that you see in the police vehicles. That's they've been using these for a long time. But, uh, with the new system that the county invested in, it's it's expanded that capacity to, uh,
fire departments as well. Um, so we're we're looking to uh use that to the best of our ability here in Fullington. Um, we also integrated some training with the rescue squad and 21 Fire Township Fire Company. Um, so we've been able to grow those relationships, uh,
work a little bit more closely than we have in the past with our neighbors. Um, so we're happy with that as well. Um, let's see. Uh moving forward for this year, the goals that I have for the department, obviously with the new apparatus, uh we want to make sure that um we have all the tools that our
firefighters need. Um so we're hoping with the savings that we'll have from not having to spend that on upfitting the or excuse me, on repairing the um apparatus that we'll be able to use that for equipment that our firefighters need on scene as well as the firefighters themselves. Um it's approximately $4,500
to $5,000 to upfit a new firefighter with gear. Um that's boots, pants, jacket, helmet. Um and so uh with all these people going through fire school, we obviously like to use that savings to make sure that they're safe on scene. >> Um
>> I'm sorry. Did you sayund 45,000 >> 4500 to 5,000? >> Oh, sorry. >> I think last year um we had $20,000 in a uh capital budget for that. Um and we helped four firefighters with that
money. We offset we had to offset about a thou,000 to $2,000 with our regular funds, but >> um I would say you know roughly 4500 to 5,000 per fire. >> Um we also want to uh do more training
this year. Um that starts with our officers. Uh but also um I've coordinated SIBO training um with our new vehicles. We want to do um the emergency vehicle operations course and have that as a requirement for all of our drivers. guys headed back into the
base. >> Yes. >> The chairs. >> Yes. Yeah. Um so >> before that >> what's that? Yeah. >> All for that. >> Um so that's actually through the New Jersey Statewide Insurance Fund. Uh David Burkenbush who's our representative. I coordinate that. Uh
should be April 11th or April 18th um to have that. Um so I don't know if there's any questions for me. Okay. >> And your your new leaison. Yes. >> Was peeking in the window. fire call. Um I'd like to sit down, take a look at
what you're asking for. >> Absolutely. >> And and get granular with you so I can understand what it is. But um thank you very much for coming in and doing this. >> Helps everybody to understand what's happening. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. Um we do have our officers meeting tomorrow at 7.
Obviously, anybody's excuse me, six o'clock. >> I will be there tomorrow at 6 o'clock. And if I'm looking in the window, I'll come. >> Yep. uh second second Tuesday of every month at 6 PM we do have an officer's meeting. Um obviously our council leazison um often joins us for that but anyone c
certainly welcome if you're interested to know what we do how we operate um if there's another time that works better please always feel free to reach out um and be happy to set that up. Uh I do want to thank uh Ken our fire marshal. He does a lot for us throughout the year. He definitely goes above and
beyond um I think his roles and responsibilities here for the bureau. So I have an opportunity to thank him. Brian McN who's the OEM coordinator. Uh he does a lot of great work. Always pushing us information that we need both from the council, from the county, um from the other agencies around the
burrow. Um the clerk's office downstairs. Uh I'm sure I've given them more than a few headaches. Uh but I appreciate all that they do for us. And um last but not least, all our firemen. Uh you know, I get to sit here and talk to you guys, but they do all the hard
work. um and and that that will change. >> So so you know I just want to say this first of all thank you first and thank all your department for what they do and I don't think we thank them enough and and recognize them enough. It would be interesting would be nice to >> so that we have a list of names of who
they are. >> Yeah. >> Um just so that we can formally say thank you, right? Um and we can do that in console whatever the case may be. I mean I talked to you on an individual basis for the last couple years.
um I'm a big fan of yours, but um and I know that you know and I know you have council on a little bit, but I think what's really interesting um is that a lot of people don't really know what volunteer fire really is about
because you know I come from the city so I'm used to hate, right? Um but for volunteer I think it's a whole different ballgame and I just think it's it would be a great thing. um for you guys to just talk about what that really is,
whether it's in a news article or whatever the case may be. Here's what we do. Here's what it takes to be a volunteer fire person. Here's what we do. Here's some of the things that we face or whatever. Because I think for the community to understand
what a a a big job this really is and it's all volunteer >> is would be a great education thing. I I would encourage you guys to do that. should be a great feature for future newsletters. >> Yep. There's a spot for us. I'd be happy
to spot a spot. >> Well, I certainly appreciate it. >> When's the next newsletter due? >> The next newsletter is due um uh around um second week of March. >> No, no, it gets well earlier than that
because it has to get published the 24th of March. So, uh, probably around March 1st, I put out an email. I said, "Ken is on my dispersement list." >> He gets noticed to get and I always write to him and say, "Get me the art of the fire department." So,
>> it's usually something concerning fire safety. >> Yeah. >> You guys want to talk about something around candles at the last one? We had those two candle fires last year. >> Correct. Yeah. >> Or two fires created by candles. >> Yeah. >> You know, so I would like to see maybe something like a blur. here's this this
um newsletter is like heroes or two heroes like this is you know recognizing a few of maybe two or three who have gone above and beyond >> as part of the arts but I love the idea of that >> I mean I could put you on that directly on like I just can you email me because
I don't know if I have your email address >> yeah absolutely >> and then I can put you right on my distribution list of who who I write to submit articles for the newsletter. Sure. >> But again, I think it'd be nice to have an introduction of all guys and and and males, females and males um of all the
people who serve and then if you want to do the highlight, that's fine. But I think it's I think we would like to know who's on for council. >> Yeah, I think just just for the public to know who they are. >> Yeah, of course. >> I think it'd be cool.
>> I'll be at the meeting tomorrow. >> No, that's it. I just appreciate you guys time. Thank you. >> Anybody out from the public or online? >> Anybody up here? >> Good. >> Yeah, nobody's approval of minutes. Um, can I have a motion to approve the work
minutes of January 5th, 26? >> Is there a second? >> All in favor? >> I I don't have a consent agenda tonight. We're moving on to introduction of ordinances. Uh, ordinance 2026-04
an ordinance to repeal the existing section 234 affordable housing development fees of the code of the bureau of in its entirety and replacing it with a new section 2634 affordable housing development fees
providing comprehensive regulations for the administration of affordable housing and addressing an requirements of the fair housing act and the uniform housing affordability controls UHKC. regarding HUD and burough affordable housing fair share obligation. Christy, you just want
to like take a minute and just explain uh the statutory requirement. >> This is out of the the reforms that have come for affordable housing. We need to read >> why does it say yeah Alex chang I changed it on the
ordinance. I didn't change it on this but I sent Alex email so he knows I changed it. Did you get a chance to talk to Alex then? >> No. >> Okay. Because Alex compared this, so he's much better position to speak to that. Okay. >> I don't need to understand the ins and
outs of it. Just the general like why are we doing this? >> It sets the it sets the the the fees that can be collected for future affordable housing developments. I think that it informs them with the um the new laws, what's permissible, what's allowed, updates what is in your ordinance now with what you know the
significant overhauls that have occurred in the last 18 months. >> Okay. um you know specifically uh you know again I didn't prepare it but as I review it in preparation for this meeting I see the fees are being updated what can be collected you know so it's standardized for future developments >> well real quick when was the last time
we did an update when it was first implemented in like 2000 2002 >> that seems right I don't know the exact date but >> so it's it's worth taking a look at to me when I was reading through it >> but I was just taking a look at it this is statuto global sweeping changes on this stuff
and um this this is like the last step for us >> for you guys. Yeah, you guys other towns have >> more right >> you guys very lucky of construction tonight those who have questions about this I highly encourage you to talk to my colleague Alex Fischer who is a
expert on this speaks at the state level on this stuff um and he will answer any questions you have but basics of what I'm giving you tonight you got two weeks to do it I encourage you to do it especially if you can't sleep at night >> I maybe recommend to my fellow council
members that we create a shared um list of questions um to to send to Chris and um that way we're not peppering him six different ways. >> Not Chris, Alex. >> Alex said it's Alex is that's perfectly
fine. I would love that. Um you can also arrange to speak with he will go on about it. So it has been quite a grind. Um, Fington is, as the mayor has mentioned, I think in the past, is in much much better shape than our other towns. And most my towns are in good shape.
>> We are certified with a credit to your uh planner to >> done a good job. >> Beth has been on this for years extended period of time. Beth and I have talked about many times. Her and Alex have talked about warm. >> Beth is a mediator in addition to her
capacity as we planners. Alex talks to her daily on a lot of she's our mediator in Bridgewater, I think. Chris, I just have a quick question. Um, like I said, I looked through it and I didn't have any issues with it. I just wanted to understand is there anything related to
the last round of COA um negotiations that we, you know, we settled and and negotiated what a year ago? Is there anything related to those laws or that settlement that obligates us to this or we're just updating this because it's so
old? So I think that the the the laws have changed as what to what you're allowed to do fees that you're allowed to ask the amounts all of that right and as I understand it that is what this >> okay so it's not this is not legally obligated but it's more >> but coming bringing it into the
>> 21st century because we were so far ahead 20 years ago when we first established >> even though the ordinance repres references the UAC regulations which are updated periodically through a regulatory scheme that is included here right but They've existed for years just they're updated right
>> the changes were so significant that it was >> certainly time we introduc in introducing this in all of our towns right >> in the next week I have it on all four towns >> but I just want to make it clear the this actual ordinance is required by law we're just updating it essentially we're get it's we're we're getting rid of the
old one and putting in the new because there's so many changes it's not worth typing it all over again it's like it's we we've had this for so long it's cheaper time Yes. And just put it up. >> Alex asked me how how I felt was best to handle it. Um, but when he came into my
office to talk about it, he had already reached the conclusion. He just wanted me to agree to it. He did not want to have to go through your audience and mark it out. >> And my last question is is did Beth review this at all? >> I think Beth and Alex were very closely. >> They did work together. I just wanted to confirm. >> We've been going back and forth on this for ages.
>> Yeah, I I figured, but I just wanted that on record. Thank you. >> She is uh she's done an excellent job. Very emotion just McManus you're talking about. >> Oh yeah. I'm sorry. >> Always welcome and desire.
>> Yes. Yes. >> McManis. I I'll I'll say that from now on. I'm sorry. You're looking for a motion. >> I was looking for a motion to introduce. >> Okay. Fara will introduce. Is there an second? >> Roll call, please. >> Uh Councilman Aries. >> Yes. >> Uh Council Vice President Inglehart.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fisaro. Yes. Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. Councilman Levit. >> Yes. >> And Council President Parker. >> Yes. Next for introduction is ordinance 202605, the companion ordinance 204, an ordinance repealing existing section
2632, affordable housing procedural requirements and 2633 affirmative marketing procedures of the code of Flemington in its entirety and replacing it with a new section 2632 affordable housing procedural requirements, providing comprehensive
regulations with the administration of the affordable housing and addressing the current requirements of the Fair housing act and the uniform housing affordability controls UHAC Flemington borrows affordable housing fair share obligation. Uh anything you want to add Chris or is
it >> negative same as same Johnson for mayor and same uh treaty of the council to reach out to my colleague. >> Okay. Can I have a motion to introduce >> move second roll call please? Council. >> Yes. >> Council vice president. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Para. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Council President Clark. >> Yes. >> The next one for introduction is ord >> Oh, I'm sorry. Public hearing scheduled for March. >> February. >> I think I'll talk.
>> Oh, can we make the February? I guess you put February 23rd. Right. >> John Rocket piece through. >> Okay. I think his email said next year. >> Is it the 23rd or is it the 24th or next week? >> I think 23rd. So, February 23rd for public hearing for both of those or
maybe 24. >> Okay. Uh, ordinate 20260, an ordinance amending 7A traffic schedules to revise certain parking restrictions on Spring Street and Bloomfield Avenue, not and Avenue,
uh, and Bloomfield Avenue. Um, so this, just to explain to the council, um, was caught by, uh, Jay Troutman and Chris Corsini. This is in concert with the ordinance we're going to pass hopefully tonight, uh, ordinance 2601,
which fixes, you know, the the commercial parking, residential parking around the Union Hotel. So, when looking through the traffic schedules, it was discovered that the the no overnight parking restriction from Main Street to
Spring Street on Bloomfield Avenue was never legally adopted by the burrow. So, this puts this and codifies it into an ordinance that there will be no overnight parking between Maine and Spring on Bloomfield.
And the other thing it fixes is a typo where Spring Street, those spots we talked about for the Union Hotel, 4-hour parking until 1 in the morning, the typo, it ended up in the ordinance as two-hour parking ending at 8:00 at
night. So, this puts the longer commercial 4hour periods into the ordinance for people enjoying uh the bars and restaurants over there. Uh but we didn't want to stop the other stuff from going through. So this public hearing would be February 23rd. We'll do
the other one tonight. So can I have a motion to introduce 2026 move? >> Is there a second? >> Per second. >> Roll call, please. Council Harris, >> yes. >> Council vice president. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Pasar. >> Yes. Counciloman Harper. >> Yes.
>> Counciloman Levit. >> Yes. >> Council President Parker. >> Public hearing scheduled for February 23rd. And finally, uh, ordinance 202607 in ordinance amending chapter >> table. >> Oh, I'm sorry. It was tabled. I'm so sorry, Susan.
>> No, that's okay. Tabled, uh, >> to the next meeting >> to the next to the meeting of Well, you're going to make it. >> I'm It's not me. >> Do you think they Okay. The people I'm willing to read words and threaten are >> Yeah. Yeah. I I >> Why do you think we should What's going
on? >> It's What's going on with that? >> Yeah. Well, Marca, Marcia and I had a conversation last week. It's it they they're wording they're having trouble understanding that our the ordinance that we changed. It's they're like they're not reading what we had already
changed on the e-code and then what we had. >> Did you tell them to go to new law? >> I know. And it's Yeah. And so Marsh had called me and goes, "So really do we need to amend this?" And I'm like, "I don't even think we do." So I'm trying to figure >> That's what I thought the last time.
It's crazy. That's what I thought. >> It's crazy. >> Yeah. >> So, who's making the final decision? >> The film commission. >> The state film commission. They're the ones that have to bless it first. >> And, you know, and and frankly, like >> because they went with >> I mean like the nuance I don't want to
get into all the details, but the nuance is like, well, okay, there's a film committee, three people, but who issues the actual permit? Well, the clerk does, you know, like the like there's a paper that gets pushed through the you know, >> are they not saying that?
>> But they want her on the committee just so she can like write the actual permit. It's ridiculous. >> Oh, is that what this is about? They want her to be on the committee. I think girls the three committee >> I know
it's it's >> going to be Tuesday night third Tuesday >> that is completely antithetical >> what Mikey Cheryl is trying to do away >> red tape red tape >> well you know what she hasn't been in
there long enough to find out this is what's going on that's what I >> that's all I can say >> yeah but On a personal note, my son right now is walking the red carpet in Santa Barbara at a film festival. >> Fantastic. >> Yes, you should.
>> Okay, who's going to open this? All right. Public hearing uh ordinance 202601, an ordinance amending chapter 7 traffic and 7A traffic scheduled to revise daytime limited parking and evening residential parking on certain streets. Can I have a motion to open
ordinance 20261 to the public? move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> All right. Anybody wishing to speak on this ordinance, raise your hand if you're online or come forward to the microphone. I need your name and your address for the record.
>> And Nicko, sorry about the confusion. First time here. >> No problem. >> Uh address, my personal address or the property address? >> Property address. >> Property address is 2931 Bloomfield A. I'm the owner of that property. And then I have Peach and Danielle Hardy should
be on as well. They're probably going to want to come off mute to uh to make a comment. >> But you're going to go first. We'll get to them. >> Okay. Or you want >> I would like them to go first actually. Um they're they wanted to be here. They are the tenant. They are the tenants of uh cut hair salon if you're familiar with. >> Are they Carla?
>> Hard coffee bar which had to close during the while to talk. Yeah. You >> know if you press that >> Oh, they come in here. Okay. >> Oh, there you go. >> You got it. >> I need Okay. So, I need your name and your address for the record, please.
>> Hi. Can you hear me? >> Can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay, great. Um, my name is Danielle Hardy and the address 29 Bloomfield Avenue. >> Go ahead.
>> Okay. So, I can just I can just talk. >> All right. Sorry, I haven't I can like All right, so my husband and I wrote out like a little letter, so I'm just going to read through it. It's a little wordy. Um, and we don't have sitters tonight,
so I'm going to have him jump back in after I'm done so I can take care of the kids if that's okay with you guys. >> Of course. >> Okay, so him and Nick can clear up any like questions you might have. But here we go. So, good evening, mayor and council members. Thank you for the
opportunity to speak with us tonight. My name is Danielle Hardy. My husband Peach and I own Cut Artist and Hair Design here in Flemington. And you may also know that we've previously owned Hardy's Coffee Bar, which was right next door. Um, and had to unfortunately close
mainly due to the prolonged development construction that was happening next to our building. Um, we have also experienced notable losses on the hair studio side during the same period. But earlier on, Peach and I originally
opened Factory Fuel back in like 2014, which is now Alchemy Coffee. Together, these businesses reflect our long long-term commitment to Flemington. Um, so although we've been investing in operating in I'm sorry, altogether we
have been investing in operating businesses in and contributing to this town for about 15 years. So I'm here this evening with our landlord Nick and partner and husband Peach to respectfully request an important change to the burough's on street parking ordinance directly in front of our
building at 29 Bloomfield. Specifically, we are requesting that the current 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 2-hour parking be adjusted to 7:00 a.m. to 700 p.m. 2-hour parking. With the new
development, the added residence, and increased demand for parking downtown, this change is critical to giving us a realistic opportunity to potentially reopen Hardy's Coffee Bar, stabilize our remaining businesses, and begin recovering from the losses that both of
our businesses and our and our landlord Nick have experienced. Even with this adjustment, operating will still be challenging with the increased need for parking. But without it, continuing forward becomes nearly impossible and represents a level of stress and
financial risk that we can no longer take on. Under the current parking rules, the 2-hour limit combined with the 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. enforcement window means that our business can realistically utilize shared on street parking only between approximately 11
a.m. and 400 p.m. This severely limits customer access during early morning and late afternoon hours. which are essential to both coffee and personal service businesses. Um, through research and conversations with other business owners, it's clear
that 7 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. parking enforcement is widely used in townships and cities because it aligns with commerce business hours while still serving residents for late afternoon and overnight parking. This structure allows businesses to utilize parking from 9:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. while still ensuring turnover during the day. After 5:00 p.m., parking begins to transition towards overnight residential use. Still, oh, since vehicles are permitted to remain for up to 2 hours, which effectively is carrying um parking
availability through the 700 p.m. and into the evening. Again, this creates a balanced system that supports daytime commerce while still accommodating the residents overnight. All right, bear with me. I'm almost done. Our building is mixed use and has a limited number,
approximately 6 to eight, on street parking spaces directly in front of it. We are the only business that uses those spaces and access to them is essential. I also want to acknowledge that there is a parking lot located directly next to our building. While that is true, that
is a privately owned lot um by the developer and unfortunately without guaranteed access or protections which we do not have, we cannot rely on a privatelyowned lot to consistently service our business. What we can rely
on is the historic long-standing cooperative and collaborative relationship that we have had with the Burrow of Flemington and our ability to fairly utilize and share public on street parking through a modest and reasonable adjustment like the one that
we have requested tonight with 209 new condos and a 100 room hotel coming to Flemington combined with already limited parking and my understanding that the new condos will char will charge tenants for parking. Demand is only going to
continue to increase. Reasonable access to these on street spaces during business hours could truly make or break our ability to operate. We love Flemington. We want to continue doing business and reinvesting here. Serving residents and visitors and contributing
to a vibrant downtown. Adjusting the parking hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 2-hour limit is a modest change, but one that will have a tremendous meaningful impact by allowing our award-winning, long-standing local businesses to recover, to move forward,
and continue working alongside the burrow to build a strong downtown Flemington. Together, we respectfully ask the council to consider granting this request so that we can move forward and continue serving this community. Thank you guys for your time and your consideration and everything you're
doing for the community. Sorry that was a lot. >> Good. Thank you. >> Add anything. >> I'm going to turn the turn it over to Nick and then my husband's going to step in right now. >> Peach will be there if there are any questions. But um I'm not going to
belabor I you know everything that they said is real. Uh I actually think some of this might have been a miss as well. Right from Spring Street to uh to Broad on Bloomfield. um my property is really the only commercial property there and those spaces uh the spaces in front of
my building are dependent for them to thrive and just watching what they went through and their family went through during the redevelopment which is what it is um no looking backwards but looking forward right I really have their best interest in mind and they need those spaces to be able to to
provide for their family and that's really what it's about right and I think the ask from 7 to 7 there um just to reinforce what they said with the 2-hour grace period if it's not. I mean, those people are there till 11:00. People aren't going and and you know, having spots available to go and uh patron uh
those two properties and they've done a lot for the town. So, really hope that you'll take this under consideration and and support them and us in this. >> So, I just want to squash a rumor when when Peach is up. >> Peach and Daniel. Yes. Daniel. Okay. So when Daniel was talking and speaking
about this um in terms of the parking for the um for the >> hotel the hotel and the residence let's be very clear on the residence the resident's parking is taken care of >> and if you go the model follows that of the um enclave and
>> they're 97% full. >> Yes. >> And the only reason they're 97% because they're only 97% full in terms of occupancy. >> Sure. there is enough parking and this they don't have an issue with people it's included in their rent or whatever the case may be. So I want to squash that rumor because that gets out there
and it's just not a true rumor that it's going to be this onslaught. >> Conversely, I live right down the street from where you are. I can actually see your I could see the property. >> Okay. >> And and I do agree. I do remember when you guys were were open that I believe
you started at like 7 a.m. or something like that in the start. 7 a.m. in the morning and there was an onslaught of people coming in. I No, I I I got you. I I saw it every day. Sure. Um and it was consistent between that and the hair salon. So, I understand
what you're saying. I understand your ask. I just want you to know I understand it because I actually have witnessed it. >> Appreciate that. >> Because I live right there. >> So, I don't know that that's a that's a horrible ask. >> Thank you. >> Okay.
Um, no. I just I I mean I think Danielle spoke she's she speaks better than I do. Of course, she's she's my better half, but um I Yeah, I I there's nothing more or less that I really have to add. Um you know, I mean current in the current
moment. I mean, I think our the position is clear, but I just I wanted to be available for any questions that you may have and um the council may have. Obviously, this is a big moment for us. So, um yeah. What what Peach and Danielle won't say is that the decision here probably
dictates whether or not they're able to open doors again. Um they're probably not going to tell you that, but that's the reality that the coffee shop and and they they felt it on on the hair salon as well for sure. Um again, not reverse looking, not looking back on where we
are, we are we are today, but they really want to reopen. And if they can't have spots to, you know, have people be able to swing in and get their coffee or go get their hair done, it's going to prohibit that from happening. and and and some of you may I Nick if I could just comment some of you may have
remembered we we kind of made a I call it it's it's one of the it's if I wouldn't do it the same way for sure but we had a lot of residents that we were friends with that we we service so we kind of made it members only both for the hair studio and for residents and
gave res you know in the beginning that's not going to be the case this time because it so many people as as one of the council members said it it it did become very popular just and it did we even won awards for what we did and we
were really humbled by that and want to obviously it's been a very tough road for Danielle and I with the development I again I don't want that to be the focus I I really really want to just focus on the future um but I I think um
you know with you know of course we've always been told by by both the develop er previous mayors. Listen, just get through the pain and you'll be able to recoup. And now as we kind of think about the parking, I I it's it's my belief. I know that the parking
I I've heard many different things and I appreciate you squashing that rumor, but still with 35,000 square feet of retail underneath and with all of those businesses, there's still going to be a need for parking. And we just would like to uh you know and and we know Mike both
mics that are there. We're very uh um um what's we're very involved with our neighbors and have great relationships with them but they have driveways. The other ones park on broad so there's not really a conflict there. So this this small amount of parking just really if
you granted it would really change our our future quite frankly. And um yeah, and and we're bright and optimistic for that future and ready ready to work hard. It's just I I don't know if I can do it without it. You know, I I just now
being new parents and um some other you know, other life, you know, the loss that really we've experienced. So that's that's I I think that's all I'll say for now, but I appreciate the time to to speak. >> Are you proposing between I just want to make sure I understand this between
spring to broad, right? Just that one little strip right there. That's correct. That's what I thought. I just wanted to verify. I wouldn't need to say it. >> I think that's that's possible for me. I don't know. >> Okay. This is in discussion. Please wait until the public hearing is closed. >> Sure. Um yeah, just to reinforce that. Right. So from spring, just so we're on
the same page, and it sounds like we are, but I don't want to take that for granted. I wanted you to clarif. So, we're really just talking about the spaces that literally my property is the only one that inhabits because on broad that corner house, they had parking on the front street,
>> right? >> Thank you. >> Anything else you want to add? >> Just appreciate you taking this up for consideration. It's important to us and it's important to them. >> Thank you for coming. >> Anybody else? Thank you for coming. Anybody else from the public wishing to speak on this matter online? Raise your
hand. >> Nope. Seeing none, could I have a motion to close the public hearing to the public? So move. >> Is there a second? >> Anger will second. >> All in favor? >> The public hearing is now closed. Um so
and I have um for discussion a motion to adopt ordinance 202601. >> Is there a second? >> Well, are we adopting it before we discuss No, you have to you have to adopt and then discuss under Robert's rules. So, sorry, I'll second that.
Okay, discussion. >> Okay, >> just to be clear. >> Yes, >> we just quickly reiterate what we are doing with this ordinance, right? It is essentially >> what they're asking for is in there, right? >> What they're asking for is not the hours,
>> not all the way, but it will right now we're striking through the part that says 24 hours. >> Right now, we're allowing Right. Right now >> um >> we are providing for parking. I thought it was
8 to to 5 or 8 to six. They're saying >> it says here it says here that you know >> res 24 hours a spring to broad street. We're getting rid of that. >> Correct. We're putting back. So that
ordinance that we did it in December overrode which we didn't mean it to what we wanted it to do was just provide for residential >> overnight >> and it overrote all of the commercial. So we're putting back in all the commercial the way it was. So basically
what we were what the ordinance was going to do is put it back exactly the way it was up until December which was commercial during the day two hours. Um, okay. And still allowing residential
overnight. What um the residents and owner 29 Bloomfield is asking for is to change those hours and make them seven to seven. >> Sure. But you know, we'd have to reintroduce it. >> So it may be better to pass this
ordinance tonight >> and just keep amending it. >> Thank you, Jonathan. In forever. This is the forever thing. Um, which is fine. It means that three meetings in a row we'll be doing three different amendments. >> I know, >> which is fine with me. I have no problem with that.
>> We're going to get a Why don't you just redo it? Why didn't you keep going back and back and back and back and back? I don't have a problem with it. Why are we rushing this? >> It's not rushing. >> It is. It is. >> I don't have a problem with third order. >> Please, let's not rush. I'm tired of
rushing stuff and then we go back and clean it up and clean it up. Why don't we just do it right? Why don't we just do it right? >> We're sounding like we're doing like a film or over and over again. I I want to mention that this particular property and these particular owners um
good to thank you for coming Peach and and Danielle as well is the the exact reason why maybe three months ago when we first started talking about this, this was the property I and the businesses I was concerned about regarding this little stretch. and it
does make sense to perhaps uh um consider adjusting for this particular area and location um because of its unusual circumstances. Um I'm not opposed to changing it. Um but I I would
I would suggest we just table it uh or uh and and reintroduce it at the next >> So you do understand that right now it is illegal for residents to park I mean for commercial to park on certain streets of the town because of what was done in December. >> Okay.
>> Don't pass this ordinance. It doesn't >> hold on a minute. It's it's illegal for commercial to park on these particular streets and we kind of don't want them to anyway right now. We want them to that the commercial is, you know, and we don't want the contractors parking on
these side streets anyway. We want them to be parking in the on the the construction site. So, it might actually be a benefit. >> Okay. >> Right. Right. Or I mean, Chris, >> if you table this one, you should just do all the everything in one. >> Merge the other one we just
>> table that one at the next meeting and do one big ordinance. I don't care. Whatever you guys want. Is there a pressing need to do any of the stuff in this immediate exactly? >> My biggest concern is what was done in December, but I don't like it's fine. If you want to do a new one, it's fine.
>> Let's just do my my proposal would be let's just >> right now in front of in front of parties. They are not allowed. It's residential only right now. >> Yeah. They can't park. >> They cannot park. Their customers legally can't No, the the the salon is open. >> Yeah.
>> The salon is still open, right? Yeah, they're closed. >> Okay. >> Is is is the But that street doesn't require permit parking, does it? Like the like Broad Street does. >> No, it does not. >> What's different? >> Right. >> That's what I don't understand. People are parking there,
>> right? They're not going to get a ticket because it's not every single day peritting that that you know that that Beth and and Adrian and Tony and I all have living on drug. >> No, but a resident. Sorry. I made Bloom,
but a resident could complain that there are people taking up their spots that aren't residents. >> On Bloomfield, >> it's technically there's only two houses on Bloomfield. >> Oh, come on. >> But tenants. >> Well, no, there's there's more than that.
>> But but the tenants are listen with their neighbor. >> Yeah, they do. Right there. Is there a sign right now? >> No, I guess you have to notice >> one time during all the construction because when they re sidewalks. >> Oh, they took down the sign because of
the sidewalks. >> So, there is no signage there right now saying anything about commercial parking. >> No, the sign said, right? Didn't the sign parking >> whatever you guys want to do? >> These guys really suffered through co I
saw them. >> So, let's just move on. We table this. Let's do it all right and then come back and do it. >> It's fine though. I know we don't like just to >> It's all done. It just needs to be merged, right? >> And one as I understand one edit has to
be made based on the public. >> But are we going to agree? How are we going to agree that that we will we will cons take into consideration what they're asking for this study? >> That's just I just want to make sure we clarify that.
the two the two fixes from 20 26-6 plus the time chain. >> Yeah, I'm going to merge everything >> into that and then we'll reintroduce >> merge everything into one one >> ordinance on February. >> You have to list the other one for hearing. It's too late to
>> so just >> I'll talk. So we have to list 20 20 256 and then cancel it. I understand what you guys want. >> Call me. >> I will not. >> Poor Carla. I'm sorry for numbering too.
Like what do I do? >> Just say this. This will get tabled. You will not use this number again. >> 01. >> Whatever this one. >> Yes, this is >> as with the next one. And then there'll be a third one that'll be everything. And that's the number that will go into the
>> right. So that's good. >> 08 will be the new globe. >> Yeah, it's fine. >> It's fine. I'll get Carl and I will be >> and then we'll do the seven to seven. >> Yes. From spring. >> Yes. >> Good. We're all in agreement.
>> All right. Can I have a motion to table, please? >> Angleart will move. >> Is there a second? >> Wait. So wait a motion to table >> Susan and yes. Yeah. get wording right
motion table and definitely okay. Um okay. >> All right. We're on the regular agenda. >> Um >> you need to take them down. >> We have to close the public hearing. >> We're done.
>> Public hearing was closed for a while. Under the regular agenda resolution 2026-39 resolution approving the hiring of Caitlyn >> Howie. >> Howie. Thank you. Howie is the part-time board secretary position. Got a motion please.
>> Angelar will move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Discussion. Roll call. >> Councilman Aras. >> Yes. >> Council vice president. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Fisara. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Herbert. >> Yes. Councilman Levit. >> Yes. >> Council President Parker.
>> Yes. >> Uh resolution 2026-40, resolution recognizing Black. Have a motion, please. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Yes. >> Uh roll call, please. >> Councilman Harris, >> yes.
>> Council Vice President, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Pasaro, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Hbert, >> yes. >> Counciloman Lever, >> yes. >> And Council President Parker, >> yes. Resolution 2026-41 resolution applying third grand protecting Morgan Park. Motion please.
Move. Is >> there a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. I'm sorry. Discussion. >> Roll call, please. >> Wait, what's this for? Park 2641. >> I'm sorry. >> Brandon made the motion. 20 seconds. >> All righty. Councilman Eric.
>> Yes. >> Council vice president Angler. >> Yes. >> Council Pasaro. >> Yes. >> Council M. >> Yes. Council Levit. >> Yes. Council pass. >> Yes. >> Resolution 2026-42 authorizing the renewal of taxi licenses for 202. >> They'll probably be doing the rest of
them. I only got three so far, but the application >> you want to because I want to give them their placard and stickers. So, we should move forward with this. Okay. Can I have a motion, please? >> Is there a second? >> We'll second. >> Any discussion?
No. Roll call, please. Councilman Aries. >> Yes. >> Council vice president. >> Yes. Council member Pisaro, >> yes. Councilwoman Herbert, >> yes. >> Councilman Lev, >> yes. >> And Council President Parker, >> yes. >> We're open to public comments session number two. Anybody from the public or online wishing to speak on any matter,
please come forward, state your name and address for record, raise your hand if you're online. Seeing none, uh, payment of bills authorizing the payment of bills in the amount of $865,767.17. Can I have a motion, please? Englehart
will move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Roll call, please. Maris, >> yes. >> Councilwoman, Vice President, >> yes. >> Council Pasar, >> yes. >> Council, >> yes. Council, >> yes. >> Council President,
>> yes. >> No executive session tonight. Can I have a motion to adjourn, please? >> I'll move. >> Second. All in favor? >> I