WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=6EPgpklRD1Q

Part: 1

1
00:00:30.720 --> 00:01:03.120
What's that? Welcome everybody. Um, if I could ask everybody before we head into our moment of silence while we have that to keep the families of uh Joanne Rajapi in in your thoughts uh and prayers. uh our

2
00:01:03.120 --> 00:01:20.960
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajapi passed away uh last week. Um and we if you knew her, you knew her as a very fierce warrior. Um not just for Union County, but for all of democracy. And she she was uh a a tough lady, a smart lady,

3
00:01:20.960 --> 00:01:37.360
always there to answer questions for everyone. And if you look at some of the things that everybody's been writing about her, that's the the uh one comment that you see throughout is that she was always there for everyone um to answer any question big or small. And Garwood

4
00:01:37.360 --> 00:01:52.640
had a special uh relationship with her. Uh she was always there for us. Uh she had sworn me in on council. I know she swore many of our council members in throughout the years. um and and she was just always a a wealth of knowledge but

5
00:01:52.640 --> 00:02:23.280
also just a very kind person and so she will be greatly missed. Um, so please keep her family in your thoughts. And if everybody would stand for a moment of silence and salute to the flag to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it

6
00:02:23.280 --> 00:02:44.160
stands, one nation under God. indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Adequate notice of this meeting was provided to the leader and advertised on November 13, 2025. Notice of this meeting has also been posted on the

7
00:02:44.160 --> 00:03:01.599
municipal website, the municipal public bulletin board, and filed in the office of the municipal clerk, informing the public of the time and place according to provisions of the open public meeting law, chapter 241, PL1975 per PL 2025 C72. All legal ads are now

8
00:03:01.599 --> 00:03:17.599
posted on our burough website under the section titled legal notices. Uh, roll call, please. Miss Kotiga. Madame Mayor, >> here. Councilwoman Anarelli >> here. >> Councilwoman Biano >> here. >> Councilwoman Noli >> here. >> Councilman Padusniaak

9
00:03:17.599 --> 00:03:33.040
>> here. >> Councilman Sera >> here. >> Council President Bodto >> here. >> And roll call of staff and professionals please. >> John Arthur, burrow administrator >> here. >> Jonathan Pry, chief of police. Adam Abramson, burrow attorney

10
00:03:33.040 --> 00:03:46.959
>> here. >> Mike Disco, burrow engineer >> here. >> Okay. Um, at this point we were going to have a proclamation to celebrate St. An's centennial anniversary. However, uh, Father Robert is, uh, a little bit

11
00:03:46.959 --> 00:04:03.439
late. Uh, so he will be here, uh, in a little bit. Um, so at this point, we'll just move along with the meeting and then when he comes, we will just take a break for that then if everybody's good with that and then we'll start with our report from our burough attorney.

12
00:04:03.439 --> 00:04:19.120
>> Nothing new. >> Thank you. report of our burough administrator. >> Hello everyone. So I have updates on a few projects tonight. Uh first the underpass pump station. Um we've approved the fix to the ladder of the pump station. Then we'll be moving on to

13
00:04:19.120 --> 00:04:35.280
fix the control panel. These were both approved already in the the bond ordinance earlier this year. Um then we'll be in good position to finish the final stages of the project next year. Resolution number 26-133 amends a prof professional services agreement with our bond attorney. Every

14
00:04:35.280 --> 00:04:51.919
10 years we go out for a bond sale and we need to pay the bond attorney for those services. So we went out for bond sale this year. Uh this resolution is required to change the not to exceed amount to include those fees for the bond sale. Resolution number 26-136 is to apply for the annual kids

15
00:04:51.919 --> 00:05:09.120
recreation trust grant. We plan to use these funds for the turf field replacement project. And speaking of the turf field replacement project, that's something else that we will have to put all the financing together for in the next couple months. Um, so we've received a total of $158,200

16
00:05:09.120 --> 00:05:26.080
in grants for that project. Uh, we're recommending we use 100,000 from the Athletic Field Trust. Then we'll need the bond for an additional $80,000 or so, but we would also have to add funds for contingencies and section 20 costs. Um, we recommend putting that bond together as soon as possible so that we

17
00:05:26.080 --> 00:05:42.080
can try to complete the project either late this fall or during the winter maybe or maybe early spring 2027 at the latest. Um, if we receive the kids recreation trust funds, we can reduce the amount spent from the athletic field trust commenurately. And that's it for my report.

18
00:05:42.080 --> 00:06:00.880
>> Okay. Thank you. Does anybody have any questions for Mr. Arthur? >> Okay. Um, thank you for that update on some of those projects. Um, and before I give some updates, uh, I actually just wanted to take a moment to thank our

19
00:06:00.880 --> 00:06:18.000
DPW, uh, for going above and beyond with these storms that we've been having. Um, they've been called out at night and weekends and clearing debris and cutting down and and removing trees and sto clearing storm drains. Um, we often give

20
00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:34.240
them a thank you during snow season, but these past couple of summers with these quick, strong storms has meant they are just as busy. So, thank you. Uh, and thank you for responding quickly to resident phone calls and concerns. Uh, I really do appreciate that. And along

21
00:06:34.240 --> 00:06:50.319
those lines, I want to encourage everyone to sign up for the adopt a drain program. Um, it seems very simple, but just clearing out the debris on top of the storm drains goes a long way to mitigating local flooding. Uh, the winds and storms have really caused a lot of

22
00:06:50.319 --> 00:07:06.720
garbage and debris to build up. And as I said, obviously our DPW does go around and clear them, but we can just help out by going in front of our houses or joining the adopted drain program and getting assigned some drains to clear. Council President Bodto bought this to the council a few years ago and we just

23
00:07:06.720 --> 00:07:22.560
really want to work on expanding it. It's a great way to volunteer that doesn't take too long. It's a just a great quick way to help out your town. So, if you would like to participate, you can reach out to our recreation director, Tyler Christie, who also helps run this program at

24
00:07:22.560 --> 00:07:39.440
recreationgarwood.org. Also, you may have noticed that some of our intersections are getting a paint job. Uh, all of the yellow boxes at the corner that are used to establish safe sight lines have been repainted and many of our pedestrian crosswalks are being

25
00:07:39.440 --> 00:07:56.560
repainted and cross-hatching added. Uh, as you may have noticed, for example, at Eastn Locust, one of the recommendations from our circulation element uh, included not only repainting crosswalks, but making them more visible with additional markings or cross-hatching.

26
00:07:56.560 --> 00:08:12.720
So, this was a recommendation we could immediately implement. So the DPW has been out there making these crosswalks more visible and as you can imagine it is a good amount of work on top of daily duty. So we just ask for your patient patience as this project is completed

27
00:08:12.720 --> 00:08:29.919
over the next few months. Uh but I just wanted residents to know that our departments are beginning to work on some of these items that came out of that planning. Moving to another topic, our summer concert series this week was unfortunately rescheduled due to the weather. However, Americana Woman will

28
00:08:29.919 --> 00:08:45.600
be performing on July 30th from 6:00 to 8:00 on the Vermela patio. Uh we also have Violet performing for the concert series on July 28th. So bring a long chair or hang out on the benches. Uh I was able to attend last week's concert with Bradford Hayes with many of the

29
00:08:45.600 --> 00:09:02.399
council members. Uh and it was just a really uh lovely relaxing way to spend the summer evening chatting with everyone and listening to some great music. So please come on out for that. Uh also as you can see on the agenda, the council will be voting to award the

30
00:09:02.399 --> 00:09:19.440
drainage study. So this was a goal we set this year as the study is the first step to really understanding what kind of true measures we can uh take to help mitigate flooding. uh through this though this project did not require competitive bidding the public works and

31
00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:35.600
finance committees along with our bur administrator evaluated various proposals over the past few months and so I'm eager to award this so we can begin moving on this project and hopefully be able to begin planning based on the results in the coming year

32
00:09:35.600 --> 00:09:51.440
and then finally I'd like to provide an update on the paperboard redevelopment project the respective attorneys continue working through and negotiating the new redevelopers agreement. We are of course looking to make sure the burrow is protected from any more delays

33
00:09:51.440 --> 00:10:08.160
in construction uh and looking to set a a a clear timeline with them. So we are hopeful the finalized agreement will come before the burough council in the near future. Um this is just another important step towards moving towards the long awaited redevelopment and um

34
00:10:08.160 --> 00:10:25.040
bringing us closer to finally seeing construction begin. So that is all for me. Uh we will move to Mr. Disco, our burough engineer. >> Good evening everybody. I apologize for the incorrect date on

35
00:10:25.040 --> 00:10:41.120
the top. I stole it from last month and I didn't change the heading. Regardless, uh NJ do DOT municipally 25 project. We received a July 9th comment letter from DOT. Not unexpected. and

36
00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:56.560
mayor, I will get that out tomorrow to them. >> Very important. >> You're tired of me bugging you, huh? >> That's all right. Um, it, you know, I'd love to show you. There's a four-page review letter and I've been doing three towns for 40 years. I think I know what

37
00:10:56.560 --> 00:11:11.680
to do. And every time there's a comment from the previous one, we incorporate it and yet they create new comments. >> So comments as silly as we don't see north arrows on the plans. We have a north arrow on every plant. They want to change the quantity for lump sums from

38
00:11:11.680 --> 00:11:28.560
job to one. Okay, that's a big change. Wow. But if you have to justify your job, have at it. So anyway, um the the the project requires plans and specifications. They've requested changes to both. I've done essentially

39
00:11:28.560 --> 00:11:44.240
all the specification changes and we'll have the cover letter out tomorrow. The plans, I'm told by my office, will be done tomorrow. So it'll go back to DOT with a anticipated bid date bid proposal form in there and we'll we'll have the

40
00:11:44.240 --> 00:11:59.519
discussion with them as how quickly we can bid it. Their review says they do not perform an in-depth review. So these are cursory comments uh comments that are advisory, but nonetheless they get a little angry when you go out to bid without addressing your comments. So

41
00:11:59.519 --> 00:12:14.240
anyway, we'll have it out to bid. The grant award is listed 249,000. It's on three street sections. Gallows Hill, Maple Street, essentially the full length, and then the west street, the uh block between Beach and Pine, kind of

42
00:12:14.240 --> 00:12:32.880
the missing link there. Um, next topic was AARP. They did have their formal announcement on June, I think it was June 24th. Um, I the the executed contract came to me within the last day or two. I forwarded it to John. Uh we

43
00:12:32.880 --> 00:12:48.639
solicited we've solicited uh quotes for the the concrete sidewalk work already. We sent that out to Raganese Midwest and Denmark three contractors. There's anybody else we want, we can do it. The quotes are due back next week. Midwest already

44
00:12:48.639 --> 00:13:04.639
reached out to me, told me it's in the mail already. They sent it. Um and the other aspect of the project will be assigned. There's just no didn't make any sense to have a contractor who does concrete work mark up a sign that we're going to get independently. So, we'll

45
00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:20.079
we'll do the contra uh concrete sidewalk. The money is supposedly being forwarded to us uh in advance of the the project. I see you do have a resolution on there for to match the fund of the grant and we'll get the quotes back and

46
00:13:20.079 --> 00:13:38.000
we'll see how favorable they are and uh I don't anticipate it's going to be a huge cost but uh you know we got 15,000 it's going to cost more than that and uh we'll see how much the in incremental cost will be. Um, and um,

47
00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:54.000
I did drop off those red shirts. So, before construction starts, I think they want to make a big deal. Everybody's got to wear the red shirt. We'll do a photo. Maybe we'll have a a golden shovel or something and, you know, we'll break ground with the contractor and we'll send everything in

48
00:13:54.000 --> 00:14:11.040
to ARP and maybe we'll get another grant next year. So, uh, under past plans, I'll I'll defer to John on that, but we we corrected some I got both versions that I did today. So, whatever whatever the the prevailing wisdom is on that, hopefully it works

49
00:14:11.040 --> 00:14:28.639
and hopefully u New Jersey Transit um is accepting of that. And then, you know, our next uh task will be uh the municipal 26 work, which we will do. We typically do the field work in the summer and then we design that over the

50
00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:44.480
fall and winter hopefully for a spring bid like we hope to do each year. So that's what I have and I I know you mentioned the drainage project. We we work that out in phases so that sometimes you can do the first phase and you you that will tailor where you want

51
00:14:44.480 --> 00:15:00.880
to go next with with the results of that. Um but yet you have the ability to be more encompassing if you desire. So, I hope that was uh we reacted to what was necessary on that. >> Yes, that's what I have.

52
00:15:00.880 --> 00:15:18.480
>> Okay. Thank you. Does anybody have any questions for Mr. Disco? >> Well, good. Okay. That was it, Mr. Disco. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. You are free to go. And I

53
00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:35.360
see Father Robert here. [laughter] Good timing. Um, thank you, Mike. What was that? >> Okay. So, um, before we move to comments for

54
00:15:35.360 --> 00:15:51.199
council, if everybody's okay, we will, uh, proceed with our proclamation for the Church of St. An's. It is their 100th anniversary coming up. Um, and so they've been celebrating all year. Uh but this weekend is the feast of St.

55
00:15:51.199 --> 00:16:25.759
Anne. So I thought this was a a really appropriate time for us to um honor them and thank them for everything that they've done for the community. Uh, so, Father Robert, if you'll join me. I'd like to read off the mayor's

56
00:16:25.759 --> 00:16:41.040
proclamation. So, whereas the Church of St. Anne in Garwin, New Jersey, proudly celebrates its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of faith, service, fellowship, and dedication to the community. And whereas

57
00:16:41.040 --> 00:16:59.199
founded in 1926, the Church of St. Anne has served as a home for generations of parishioners, providing worship, education, and compassionate outreach to countless individuals and families throughout Garwood and the surrounding communities. And whereas for a century

58
00:16:59.199 --> 00:17:14.959
the parish has fostered a strong tradition of faith, hope and charity, inspiring its members to serve others and strengthen the bonds of community through acts of kindness, stewardship and devotion. And whereas the Church of Saint Anne has

59
00:17:14.959 --> 00:17:30.480
played an integral role in the burrow of Garwood, enriching the community through its ministries, educational programs, charitable endeavors, and commitment to welcoming all who walk through their doors. And whereas this centennial milestone provides an opportunity to

60
00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:47.120
honor the vision and sacrifices of the clergy, parish leaders, and volunteers whose dedication and perseverance have sustained and strengthened the parish throughout the past 100 years. And whereas the celebration of this historic anniversary not only commemorates a

61
00:17:47.120 --> 00:18:04.400
remarkable legacy, but also affirms a continued commitment to serving future generations with the same spirit of faith, compassion, and community that has characterized the Church of St. Anne since its foundings. Now therefore, be it proclaimed on this 23rd day of July,

62
00:18:04.400 --> 00:18:20.080
2026, that I do hereby recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Church of St. man and extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to its clergy, parishioners, and all those who have contributed to its enduring mission. Be it further

63
00:18:20.080 --> 00:18:36.520
proclaimed that this centennial celebration serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the church of St. Anne and its unwavering commitment to faith, service, and community for the past century and for generations to come.

64
00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:57.360
on behalf of the church of St. Anne, thank you so much. This proclamation is a uh testament of Garwood's big heart from the mayor and all and uh to everyone. Thank you so much for this big heart. So also uh rest assured of my

65
00:18:57.360 --> 00:20:29.919
prayers for you and your family and for our community. God bless you all always. Thank you. Do you need a picture? I know one of them. >> Thank you very much. Thank you, Father and Roshi. And you are

66
00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:47.120
you're welcome to stay, but if you would like to leave, we do not take offense. [laughter] Okay, that was a really nice moment. Thank you, Father Robert, for coming tonight. uh comments from the council. Councilwoman Annarelli.

67
00:20:47.120 --> 00:21:02.320
>> Thank you, mayor. Um I just want to quickly echo the mayor's uh opening st uh statements and send the loved ones of Joan Rjapi um my condolences. She really helped to pave the way for women in New Jersey politics today and I was

68
00:21:02.320 --> 00:21:18.080
fortunate enough to have her swear me into council. Um so just wanted to say she and her family will be um in all of our thoughts and prayers. >> Thank you. Uh, Councilwoman Biano, >> no comments. >> Uh, Councilwoman Nully,

69
00:21:18.080 --> 00:21:33.679
>> no comments. >> Counciloman Badniaak, >> uh, I will echo the condolences to Jerabi's family. She also did swear me and was a a friend of my father for many years, so she she will be missed. Uh, just a brief update from REF 250. You

70
00:21:33.679 --> 00:21:50.480
all may remember the unfortunate cancellation of our reenactment event because of the revocation of the permit. But I am delighted to announce that we are planning an event for the 29th um in with assistance from a heart grant from the county, sort of a little fair at the Garland Rec Complex to celebrate if a

71
00:21:50.480 --> 00:22:06.080
little belatedly um and we're in talks with vendors, a bouncy house, a DJ, Liberty Hall staff to give some historical sort of background and talks, games, crafts, things for kids. So, put that on your calendars and more info to come. Thank you.

72
00:22:06.080 --> 00:22:21.200
>> August 29th. Yes. >> Yes. August, not July. Yeah, my mistake. >> It's that's August 29th, 4 to 8:00 p.m. Yeah. [laughter] [gasps] >> Thank you. Looking forward to it. Uh,

73
00:22:21.200 --> 00:22:37.840
Councilman Sura, >> no comments. >> And Council President Bodto. >> Thank you, Mayor. Also, condolences to um Mr. Mr. family and um just keeping her keep keeping them all in our thoughts. Thank you. >> Thank you.

74
00:22:37.840 --> 00:22:53.200
Okay. Approval of the minutes, Miss Kotiga. >> We have the minutes of the regular meeting of mayor and council held on Thursday, June 25th, 2026. Uh with a slight amendment to who made the motion

75
00:22:53.200 --> 00:23:09.120
and the second for the consent agenda. It should read as follows. A motion was made by council member Noli, seconded by council member Anarelli to adopt the consent agenda as amended. It previously stated that council member Sherega had

76
00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:25.760
seconded and he was not at the meeting. >> That has been corrected. My apologies. It was a good catch. [laughter] Okay. Can I have a motion to adopt the ex the amended regular meeting minutes? >> Some moved.

77
00:23:25.760 --> 00:23:43.280
>> Second. All in favor? Opposed? Okay. Um, communications, please. Uh, we have the June 18th, 2026 meeting minutes from the Raway Valley Sewage Authority. We also have from the County

78
00:23:43.280 --> 00:23:59.360
of Union. Um, the announcement of the 2026 Kids Recreation Trust and Green Greening Union County grants. Um, both of which you will see later on this meeting as resolutions. And from the town of Westfield, we have a notice of

79
00:23:59.360 --> 00:24:16.320
public hearing on an ordinance 2026-15 regarding 18 Stonelay Park. Terrific. Thank you. Received and filed. We will move on. We have one ordinance for introduction. Uh can you please read

80
00:24:16.320 --> 00:24:31.679
ordinance 26-17 by title only? >> Yes. uh an ordinance of the Burough of Garwood, County of Union, New Jersey, amending chapter 21 entitled vehicles in traffic, article one entitled traffic

81
00:24:31.679 --> 00:24:47.919
and parking, section 4 entitled paid parking. Okay. Do I have a motion to introduce this ordinance? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Uh roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Anarelli,

82
00:24:47.919 --> 00:25:04.559
>> I. Councilwoman Biano, >> I. >> Councilwoman Noli, >> nay. >> Councilman Padusniaak, >> nay. >> Councilman Sera, >> I. >> Council President Bodto, >> I. >> Okay, we will move to council standing

83
00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:19.520
reports. Finance, Council President Bodto, >> no report. >> Okay. Fire, Councilman Padusniaak, >> no report. >> Okay. Community development, Councilwoman Biano, >> no report. >> It's summer. public works Councilman Sera.

84
00:25:19.520 --> 00:25:36.320
>> Uh in addition to their normal duties, DPW has among other activities pruned shade trees, restripe roadways, inspected and cleaned up the sports complex for the summer programs. Um helped with the storm cleanup, including the center street uh pump house sump,

85
00:25:36.320 --> 00:25:53.120
and um as a reminder, uh August 17th we will have a bulk pickup. The deadline to submit for that is July 31st. >> Thank you. Thanks. >> Uh, police councilwoman Naldi. >> Yes, I have the chief's uh, report from June. The Garwood Police Department

86
00:25:53.120 --> 00:26:08.559
recorded 3,34 calls during the month of June 2026. These calls include 597 motor vehicle stops, 33 parking complaints, 206 fixed traffic posts, 392 building

87
00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:25.919
property checks, 29 medical assists, 84 community policing posts, 81 walking posts, 29 suspicious person or vehicles investigated, 32 criminal investigations, and 16 motor vehicle crashes

88
00:26:25.919 --> 00:26:42.640
during the month of June. June, Officer Matoss attended a firearms applicant and concealed carry permit training course. The entire department also completed its byianual firearms qualifications training. Officer Herz, who serves as our resiliency officer, successfully

89
00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:58.400
completed a peer support training course. Officer Ericson attended and completed an active shooter incident management course. As additional classes become available, all officers will have the opportunity to complete this important training. The Garwood Police Department is looking forward to hosting

90
00:26:58.400 --> 00:27:14.559
the Garwood Youth Academy. Sergeant Wright has been working diligently to ensure that attendees have an unforgettable experience while gaining insight into the daily responsibilities and challenges our officers face. With summer in full swing and road roadways becoming increasingly busy, we encourage

91
00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:30.880
everyone to stay alert, be mindful of their surroundings, and share the road safely. And that is all for the report. >> Thank you. Okay, moving on to Community Engagement. Councilwoman Annarelli. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh the Garwood Fire

92
00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:47.600
Department and Garwood Recreation hosted the annual ice cream social this past Monday. I'd like to thank the fire department for their participation and making it a very exciting event for all of the families. I'd also like to thank our rec director, Tyler Christie, for organizing the event and Mayor Blumentock, Councilwoman Bodto,

93
00:27:47.600 --> 00:28:03.679
Councilwoman Nold, all of our volunteers for their very efficient distribution of ice cream. Um, registration for our fall youth sports is now open. You can sign up for youth soccer, dance, and cheer, uh, and flag football clinics at garwoodrec.com. In addition, the dates have been

94
00:28:03.679 --> 00:28:19.360
released for fall ceramics classes. So, classes will be held on September 14th, November 11th, and December 9th at 7 p.m. Uh, adult open uh, play soccer is still taking place on Friday evenings. You can register for that at gartwoodre.com. and adult open

95
00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:36.320
basketball is taking place on Wednesday evenings. Um, no registration is required. That's all for my report. >> Thank you. Library mayor's representative, Councilwoman Naldi. >> Yes, thank you. I have uh the library director's report. Um, just a reminder that the library is closed on Saturdays

96
00:28:36.320 --> 00:28:52.720
in July and August. Those are their summer hours. Um, August events, we have August 3rd, Hope's Promise Miniature Horse at Summer Recreation. Uh you must be registered for summer wreck to attend this program. Um August 4th uh they having they're having their closing

97
00:28:52.720 --> 00:29:10.559
summer reading party. Uh uh they're going to have its delicious ice cream and the drawing of the grand prize and acknowledgement of the top readers. August 6th at noon the library director will be visiting the seniors and she will discuss all the services that the library has to offer. On August 12th and

98
00:29:10.559 --> 00:29:27.360
19th is adult game day at 1 pm. Um August 18th, kids craft at 1 pm. And August 25th from 9 to 11, the aging services kiosk uh will be there from uh the Union County Division of Aging. Uh

99
00:29:27.360 --> 00:29:43.919
to assist seniors ages 60 and older or their caregivers with information on services such as meal delivery, respit care, adult daycare, and support services for caregivers. And that's all for the library report. >> Thank you. Uh, school board liaison, council president Boda.

100
00:29:43.919 --> 00:29:59.760
>> No report, mayor. The next meeting is scheduled for August 18th. >> Okay. Uh, I have a well senior's report. Um, a big thank you to senior club member Frank Gabriel for providing a delicious lunch of sausage and peppers, as well as senior club President George

101
00:29:59.760 --> 00:30:15.440
Deers for providing Rita's water ice for a special dessert. Our next meeting is August 6 at 12:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus. And our senior director and I are busy planning the joint uh Garwood and Lions Club senior picnic uh for

102
00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:33.200
September 12th. So keep an eye out soon for details. Uh moving along to small business, Councilwoman Biano, >> no report. >> Okay. Board of Health, uh Councilman Sera, >> no report. and planning board leaison

103
00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:48.720
uh councilwoman Bianca. >> Good evening. The planning board met last night, July 22nd. During the meeting, a certificate of nonconformity was approved for the property located at 465 Second Avenue. There were no other matters concerning the council action uh

104
00:30:48.720 --> 00:31:04.080
the board action. The planning board's next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26th. Thank you. Okay. Uh Miss Kota, can you please read our officer's reports? We have the June 2026 code enforcement

105
00:31:04.080 --> 00:31:20.480
report and the June 2026 zoning code enforcement report. Do I have a motion to accept the officer's reports? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? Opposed? Okay. Moving to the public comment

106
00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:42.720
portion. Uh please uh step to the microphone, state your full name and address and please limit your comments to five minutes. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. John E. Pritchard, 410 Brarwood. I've said it before, I know, but I'll

107
00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:59.919
say it again. We need to back our police officers and firefighters and rescue squad personnel. Even though our firefighters and rescue squad personnel are all volunteers and our police officers are paid employees of the the burrow, we need to

108
00:31:59.919 --> 00:32:16.320
back them up in every way as they're they're the people you can you can depend on. You can bet on them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They're the people who have that I'll be there never fear kind of attitude that serves as well.

109
00:32:16.320 --> 00:32:30.240
Abolishing police departments, abolishing fire departments, and abolishing rescue squads is not the answer. And mark well, what I just say, ladies and gentlemen, should never be the answer. Let's back them up every day because

110
00:32:30.240 --> 00:32:48.640
they're out there for us all the way, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And we also need to back our soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, and airmen for serving our country both at home and abroad, defending our freedom.

111
00:32:48.640 --> 00:33:04.399
The freedom that we celebrated this past July 4th was the 25th 250th anniversary of our country. We need to back our soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, and airmen because we failed to do so during the

112
00:33:04.399 --> 00:33:19.600
war in Vietnam. And during that time, three of Garwood's sons lost our lives fighting for us. They loved us so every day. In a hundred ways, they told us so.

113
00:33:19.600 --> 00:33:35.360
In honesty, in affection, they told us so. They loved us so every day. In a hundred ways, they showed us so.

114
00:33:35.360 --> 00:33:49.200
With loyalty and bravery, they showed us so. They were our defenders and they kept us free. They took an oath

115
00:33:49.200 --> 00:34:17.040
to guard us and fought for liberty. They loved us so and we should know for we love them so. And lastly, we need to pressure the state

116
00:34:17.040 --> 00:34:33.599
legislature in Trenton to reopen some closed hospitals such as Muenberg because what if an attack occurs? We'll need those hospitals very very badly. We need to be prepared. So that way an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of

117
00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:50.399
cure. So we need to reopen some hospitals right now. The sooner those hospitals are reopened, the better off we all will be. Do I make myself clear? Thank you, ladies and

118
00:34:50.399 --> 00:35:19.359
gentlemen. >> Thank you, Mr. Pritchard. Is there anybody else who wishes to address the mayor and council? Hi, Laura Thompson, 320 Pine. Um, I have a couple questions. I know I missed the very beginning of the meeting today and I know you discussed what was going on

119
00:35:19.359 --> 00:35:34.320
with the underpass pump. My question to you is what has been the issue? What what needs to be fixed with that? What is our problem with the pump? I mean, the pump, if I remember correctly, is not that

120
00:35:34.320 --> 00:35:50.240
old. Um, and I don't know whether it's something that needs to be fixed or does it need to be replaced. Um, also, um, there was a question that came by us, uh, what is the, um, the percentage that

121
00:35:50.240 --> 00:36:06.960
employees in town pay for their, um, health benefits? What is their breakdown as far as that goes? Uh, another thing was, um, the storm recently apparently threw a tree in our brook. Um, I believe it was over

122
00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:23.040
in the Lidell section. I was wondering if we've retrieved that at this point yet. Um, and the audit. And I will be the first one to admit that I don't understand a lot of this. That's why I'm going to ask you, because

123
00:36:23.040 --> 00:36:38.640
it gives you opinions on this auditor's report. It gives you an unmodified opinion on a regulatory basis of accounting, then an adverse opinion on the US generally accepted accounting principles. And when I read this, I I'm

124
00:36:38.640 --> 00:36:54.000
finding it difficult to understand whether they're saying that we're doing something wrong or we're not doing something wrong. My gut says that we didn't do anything wrong, but our accounting style is not appropriate is what I'm what I'm gleaning from this,

125
00:36:54.000 --> 00:37:25.839
but I could be wrong. So, if you could interpret that for us, that would be wonderful. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else who wishes to address the mayor and council? Good evening, mayor. Ladies and gentlemen, the council Bruce Patterson, 325 Willow Avenue.

126
00:37:25.839 --> 00:37:41.839
Uh I I was at the planning board last night as you know, and I did ask some questions. I actually uh I'm following up today with uh the same questions, more or less, and I made a a copy of the questions I'm going to ask. So, if you

127
00:37:41.839 --> 00:37:59.040
don't mind, I can give you a copy of it. So, when I read it, you can you can also follow along with the bouncing ball. Uh [clears throat] the the question, what would be holding you back from allowing the public to sit on the developmental review committee to

128
00:37:59.040 --> 00:38:15.200
see what may be happening to Garwood? Uh much similar to Rosel Park now allows the residents to sit in. Uh question number two, is the standard nipple owner Garwood North Avenue Holdings LLC. Are they in discussions presently with the

129
00:38:15.200 --> 00:38:33.280
review committee? Uh question three. Since you now are aware that Garwood is over subscribed by six affordable housing units over and above what the DCA and the fair share housing directed us to have uh resulting in now having an extra potential 30 residential units

130
00:38:33.280 --> 00:38:49.359
being built which creates more density and traffic in our town. How will we reduce the number to benefit Garwood and the public? uh and for uh the paperboard presentation in the school cafeteria a few months back. It

131
00:38:49.359 --> 00:39:05.200
was brought up uh last night by me and also chair greed. But anyway, when the presentation was given u there was a pilot concern. a lot of people stood up and actually talked about uh they didn't want to see whatever was happening over at the paper

132
00:39:05.200 --> 00:39:21.040
board and the pilot and unfortunately at 9:30 then you just arbitrarily shut it down and I didn't even get to speak. This was a couple of months ago, this presentation if if people aren't aware. But anyway, I never got to speak as as you know, I normally go last. I let

133
00:39:21.040 --> 00:39:38.079
everybody go first. I'm I guess gracious. But anyway, I wrote letters after that to the Westfield leader with a lot of the issues. And right now, uh, you know, we still really don't know what's happening at the paper board. You did give a overview of what it is, but

134
00:39:38.079 --> 00:39:53.520
it was just a general overview. So anyway so did you see any of these letters I had written? And are you addressing the pilot concern uh at the paper board properly? So it doesn't end up where Vermela

135
00:39:53.520 --> 00:40:10.160
uh with their 30-year pilot really uh no money is flowing to the schools and we have major issues in the budget this year as you know. I've spoken on that before. So anyways, the these are the questions. Uh if you could answer them for public consumption. I do have other

136
00:40:10.160 --> 00:40:27.680
questions. Uh, one is, and my normal question is, how many parking tickets were given out last month? Um, as Chief Pride, this is the downtown parking tickets I'm talking about. Also, uh, the adopt a drain program. You mentioned uh, you gave credit to Councilwoman Bodto.

137
00:40:27.680 --> 00:40:44.480
However, the underlying motivation actually came from Michelle Copa for the adopted drain program. So, I guess I'll I'll give her credit, you know, from the mic. Uh, just wondering about a couple of items in the

138
00:40:44.480 --> 00:41:01.200
uh consent agenda. Uh, the professional service fees for uh Rogit McCarthy, it increased from 10,000 to I guess 30,000. What was the major issue there where we missed the section 20 cost so large? I

139
00:41:01.200 --> 00:41:18.480
mean, it tripled obviously. That's the question. $20,000 jump. I mean, did we even have it in our budget? Uh, also the audit findings. Um, Miss Bean Thompson actually talked about it a little bit. Uh, I'm just I'm just going through

140
00:41:18.480 --> 00:41:35.119
here's a couple of phrases that it talks about the audit and then it says members of the governing body have reviewed as a minimum section of the annual audit. Uh, members of the governing body have personally reviewed >> one minute audit. uh members of the governing body have familiarized

141
00:41:35.119 --> 00:41:51.839
themselves with the minimum requirements and local finance board of the audit. My my question is all of you out here did you even read the audit? I obviously misspina read the audit and she says it was you know above her comprehension. If I read it I guess I'd be scratching my

142
00:41:51.839 --> 00:42:07.280
head also. But I'm just wondering the governing body is supposed to familiarize themselves. Did they familiarize themselves? And I'm just wondering uh she did uh Miss Fina did bring up about uh the qualifications and inconsistencies. Uh just if you can give an overview about what did the audit

143
00:42:07.280 --> 00:42:24.000
find about us. A lot of it's kind of a housekeeping thing. Uh the uh resolution 26140 is the Garwood drainage study. I guess we're talking about the storm drainage and it not the sewers. Uh the $43,000. The question is what line item

144
00:42:24.000 --> 00:42:38.960
is that coming out of? Uh, I would assume it was in the budget somewhere. It can't be the sewer fees because the sewer fees are dedicated to the sewage. >> That's 5 minutes, Mr. Patterson. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Does anybody else wish to address the

145
00:42:38.960 --> 00:43:02.160
mayor and council? >> Hi, Debbie Ledger, 66 Second Avenue. Um, it's it's more of a suggestion. Last week, my son came home for a visit and somehow his parking permit for our

146
00:43:02.160 --> 00:43:17.200
neighborhood got misplaced. Wasn't visible, but he was going out in the middle of the 4hour window that you can't be more than two hours. So, I wasn't worried about it. I figured I'd pick up a permit on my way home.

147
00:43:17.200 --> 00:43:34.960
I didn't realize it was cumulative, not consecutive two hours. I don't know. He wasn't in the same spot for more than two, you know, for the two hours and they weren't consecutive. But he was there. There was no permit. I paid the tickets. It's no big deal. But it's an

148
00:43:34.960 --> 00:43:52.240
overtime parking ticket. It was glued to the center of the driver's side window windshield to the point where I had to get out the toolbox and a putty knife and use solvent to get it off the windshield.

149
00:43:52.240 --> 00:44:08.560
And then I had to have the fanwood clerk look up the ticket so that I could pay it because it was in shreds. there must be a better way to issue tickets because he couldn't drive the car until after I found the right tools and the

150
00:44:08.560 --> 00:44:24.400
right solvent to get this thing off the windshield. So, just a suggestion that there's got to be a better way to do that. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. Is there anybody else who wishes to address the mayor and council? >> Okay, seeing none, do I have a motion to

151
00:44:24.400 --> 00:44:39.280
close public comment? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? opposed. Okay. Um, Miss Ledger, um, I'll we'll talk with, uh, Chief Pridey after the meeting about that and see what we can

152
00:44:39.280 --> 00:45:00.960
come up with and in terms of how we, uh, fix the tickets. Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Um, Mr. Patterson's questions. Um, this development re review committee goes back to 2018, the last time that paper

153
00:45:00.960 --> 00:45:18.240
board was in negotiation and working on the redevelopment plan. So, as of now, there really isn't a redevelopment committee. It would be all new people. Um and we would have to assign that and we would uh however at this point there's nothing in front of the council

154
00:45:18.240 --> 00:45:34.560
or planning board as you asked with the nipple um owner standard nipple owner North Avenue Holdings has not been in any discussions with the burrow. Um and the number of affordable housing units

155
00:45:34.560 --> 00:45:49.920
um you have asked that question before and I know Mr. Balor has answered it before. I understand the answer is not to your uh liking or you just disagree, but that question really has been answered and I just do think there's a

156
00:45:49.920 --> 00:46:08.240
miscommunication and how it is um how the number of affordable units will be credited for the fourth round. But it has been you know answered several times. In terms of the paperboard presentation, uh it was

157
00:46:08.240 --> 00:46:25.040
already 9:30. We had already been there for two and a half hours and um I'm know that you are certainly here to every every meeting to ask any and all questions uh about the pilot and I have said I will just mention this my my

158
00:46:25.040 --> 00:46:41.359
views on pilots I have mentioned before um and so no problem making it public again. I do not think pilots are um one-sizefits all. I do think in the area the terms of the redevelopments in

159
00:46:41.359 --> 00:46:58.160
Garwood where we have Vermela and Paperboard the extremely large amount of cleanup necessitated a um a financial investment on the developer. And no, I do not feel bad for them, but when you

160
00:46:58.160 --> 00:47:14.880
work out the numbers, their financial investment means that they would like to have um some way of recouping that, and that is un, you know, understandable. They're in business. Uh and to be honest, I think any court would agree.

161
00:47:14.880 --> 00:47:29.920
So, it it do I think that a pilot is good for any development? No. I do think it's definitely uh per project and dependent on the land and the type of project. Um but in those two situations,

162
00:47:29.920 --> 00:47:44.880
we we were an industrial town with uh chemicals that had to be removed very far into the ground and the and the costs were it was costly and to you do use those pilots to encourage investors

163
00:47:44.880 --> 00:48:00.000
to come in and clean that land up. So that that was the the belief then. So I'm sure we will have many more discussions or I'm sure you will be up here to ask many or provide your your opinion on the pilots many more times.

164
00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:17.040
Um and that's fine. Um going to some of your questions. Did we read the audit? Uh everybody up here reads what is put in front of them and yes um I have read the audit. Um the

165
00:48:17.040 --> 00:48:33.760
drainage study it was discussed I during the budget time there there was a specific line item that it is coming out of. Um I don't remember what the name of that I that line item is Mr. Arthur. It was uh

166
00:48:33.760 --> 00:48:50.800
>> I mean it >> it's a sewer >> it's a sewer line >> and money was put in for that. >> Yeah. >> Uh it was allotted knowing that we were going to undertake that. Um parking tickets again you can ask the chief after the meeting as usual. Um the bond

167
00:48:50.800 --> 00:49:06.960
sales it wasn't we didn't miss anything. I think you're you're misunderstanding the uh what Mr. Arthur was saying with why that resolution uh is there. It's to fix the language essentially because it was a bond sale year and we don't

168
00:49:06.960 --> 00:49:22.240
normally have those. If you want to >> the extra the extra the difference between the 10 and the 30 is that the bond that's those fees to run the bond sale we have that says not to exceed >> and so

169
00:49:22.240 --> 00:49:39.520
>> this year because we had a bond sale we had to do a different resolution essentially so that money wasn't missed or anything like that. Um and so I think that was it for Mr. Patterson's questions and Miss uh

170
00:49:39.520 --> 00:49:54.559
Thompson's the underpass problem. Uh what we were Mr. Arthur was discussing was um a plan to make some improvements actually on the underpass pump. Um there's the ladder needs to be fixed so that you

171
00:49:54.559 --> 00:50:09.680
know it every uh anybody can safely access it. Uh the electrical panel is being moved um so that it is no longer uh subject to to water. We haven't had an issue with the electrical in a long

172
00:50:09.680 --> 00:50:25.119
time, but years ago there was and so this will now enable us to move it so that we do not have any sort of problem with that. Um with this weekend it was just there was a clog in the pump and that was why there was some extra water but that has been fixed. But what Mr.

173
00:50:25.119 --> 00:50:41.440
Arthur was referring to was um projects that the council had discussed uh during budget time that you know need to get done. We always look to make improvements uh and certainly improvement on the underpass pumps is is an important one.

174
00:50:41.440 --> 00:50:59.119
Um Mr. Arthur, I'm not sure if that tree that fell in the brook has been uh already taken care of. I assume you'll check on that tomorrow with DPW. >> I just noted down last. Yeah. Um, and if you want to talk about the audit, uh,

175
00:50:59.119 --> 00:51:14.800
you're correct in your leanings that we did not do anything wrong, but Mr. Arthur, you can. >> So, the the easiest way to explain this is if you if you look at any audit of a governmental agency in New Jersey, it should say that same thing about adverse because of generally account generally

176
00:51:14.800 --> 00:51:30.480
accepted accounting principles. The reason for that is we have to follow what New Jersey wants us to do for accounting. What New Jersey, the state of New Jersey wants us to do for accounting does not follow generally accepted accounting principles. So the

177
00:51:30.480 --> 00:51:46.480
auditors basically have to say generally accepted accounting principles or GAP as they call it is what the rest of the country does. New Jersey has us do something different. It's adverse because basically the state of New Jersey is not following what the rest of

178
00:51:46.480 --> 00:52:01.920
the country does. That we have no control over. It's because the state tells us to do it that way essentially. So that is in every audit I've ever seen of any governmental agency throughout the state because of that. And that question comes up all the time. I

179
00:52:01.920 --> 00:52:17.040
actually talked about it with a CFO this afternoon about how we always get that question for good reasons. So yeah. And uh our audit had no recommendations which is was good to hear. Right. Um nice clean audit. So thank you to our

180
00:52:17.040 --> 00:52:35.119
our CFO. >> Okay. We will move to our consent agenda. Does anybody have anything they wish to remove? Okay. So can I have a motion to adopt the consent agenda?

181
00:52:35.119 --> 00:52:53.520
>> So moved. Second. Uh, roll call, please. Councilwoman Anarelli, >> I. >> Councilwoman Biano, >> I. >> Councilwoman Noli, >> I. >> Councilman Padusniaak, >> I. >> Councilman Serga, >> I. >> Council President Bodto,

182
00:52:53.520 --> 00:53:09.680
>> I. >> Okay. With nothing deleted and any new business. Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Uh, the next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 7 PM in council chambers. Information from

183
00:53:09.680 --> 00:53:23.400
meetings is posted on the burough website. Do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Okay. Thank you everybody.