Right. Yeah. Okay. Good evening everyone. So, we're going to continue on. We're going to go right to uh our work session with the city manager. I know we have a special night tonight. So, uh I'm going to jump in. We're going to go right to these proclamations. Here's a proclamation for a second. So,
got a microphone up there, Ally? Probably don't need one. So, good evening everyone. Thanks for coming by tonight to our council the whole meeting. We have a special night. I know some of you were here for that tonight. Um tonight we're here to honor
um our police, our women police from past years going back to the late 1940s when they started here in Hackinack. So, uh, a while back, good friend of ours, uh, who's here tonight, John Chisulo had
mentioned this to Albert Dib about, uh, his mom was a What would you actually What was her actual title, John? Special police. They were like meter mates. These are the ladies you saw in the vehicles, the three- wheeled vehicles driving around town. School
traffic police. School traffic police was their official title. But they were all over town back in the day. I remember that when I was little. So, I'm going to read the proclamation first, and I'm going to show all these beautiful plaques, the way they're set up. And uh I want to thank the uh
clerk staff for the wonderful job they did with these pictures and putting these all together. And I want to also thank Mr. Chisulo for the stuff he sent me as well. So, it reads, "Whereas beginning in the late 40s, the Hacksac Police Department began appointing and training civilian women special police
officers who did not carry weapons but had police powers. Their duties included checking parking meters, crossing school children, and helping keep order in the city movie theaters and retail stores. And whereas in the summer of 55, the Hackasack Police Department traffic bureau started training these women to
use three- wheeled motorcycles for meter enforcement and supervision of city parking areas. And whereas based on information available at the time, this was the first time women officers undertook such training in the state of New Jersey.
And whereas Betty Chazulo, Betty Denise were among the first such women to be trained with many to follow, including Pauline Mattion, Susan De Vincenses, Gertude Awanise, Marian Dapoli, Josephine Leightton, Katherine Thurchock, and Margaret Cuff.
And whereas these uniformed women officers performed a variety of duties, including meter enforcement, lot attendance, protecting property, school duties, and reuniting lost children with their parents. All the while demonstrating bravery, compassion, and professionalism. And all while most also
worked other jobs such as Betty Denise as a seamstress by trade, who made the uniforms that were worn by these women. And whereas these uniform women officers were also providers for their families and role models for the community, especially for young women who would see expanded horizons in the field of law
enforcement and beyond. Now, therefore, I, John P. Leos, Jr., mayor of the city of Hackasac with all the members of this city council and on behalf of the entire Hackasac community in recognition for their contributions to these trail blazing officers express our sincere
gratitude and admiration. So uh this is a great thing. It's a great thing you know these ladies are no longer probably I don't think any of them are with us anymore. Uh but uh it's a great way to honor them and uh it's also great for the families that are here tonight to
see them uh receive these honors. So I'm going to show you I guess how best to walk these around. You're seeing on the screen is all different pictures. Some more I know John, you gave me some. We were able to acquire some more. This is
This is the one for because it had the picture. Yeah. So, this is the one John of your mom with that little boy in that picture is John Chazulo. So, it's a great shot from years ago. And these are going to be hung somewhere's in city hall at a place to be determined later.
Do you guys figure where we're putting these? Yeah, we already have the pictures. These are these are there. Oh, these are for you. Oh my goodness. So, these are for you. So John, you want to come up first? I really appreciate it. I'd like to
thank everyone on the city council. It's been a long long time dream of mine to get my mom honored and the women that were my half moms because they really took care of me. Uh my mom was divorced so I ran the streets and these women
were they took care of me. So it was my honor to do this for them and you know it's it's important to me to get this home and I'm very proud. Thank you. Thank you guys. [Applause]
My mother's wearing my grandmother's badge. Okay. These are my grandmother's original hats. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you. Okay. The other one is
here for Betty. Denise, how are you, sir? Good. How are you? It's good to see you. This is the first time you see Especially this is our last night, our last our last council. So this is a special
night. We want to make sure that's his sister. [Applause] Thank you very much. You're welcome. You're very welcome. This one go those
grandmother's original hats. And there's another picture which will stay here shows our motorcycle police officers along with the women police officers. All right. With their names all listed here. So this will stay.
All right. [Applause] Yeah. Come on up here. Let's get the pictures. Come on, squatchch over. You have room for everybody. Get in trouble.
Thanks. Thank you. Thank you, sir. You're very welcome. Thank you. Pleasure. My my mom was wearing my grandmother's. It's amazing, huh? Wow. 101, huh?
And you should be nice. Grandmother and my grandmother were sisters. Oh, I didn't know that. That's pretty cool. All Italians, huh? Wow. South they had the form on Taylor
Avenue. That's where 80 came to. Wow. All righty. All right. So, you want to take a quick intermission so I can clear out. So, we're going to take a uh for those who don't want to stay for the council
the whole meeting. Feel free to stay, but you're also welcome to leave. It's no problem. We're just going to take a two or three minute break. break. That's the break. Yeah. I'll turn it back over to our city manager.
Uh, next up is a commemorative street naming uh regarding uh James JT Taylor way which will be parted a part of street. Oh, you can't My mic won't turn on.
Jerry's reaching. Oh, there it goes. It just went on. Sorry about that. Um, next up is a discussion. It's regarding a a commemorative street naming of a portion of Clay Street which will be named James JT Taylor Way from Cooling the Gang um
who is a uh who grew up in Hackinack on Clay Street. Um, and uh that's scheduled to be uh put I don't know if you're going to read that resolution or not, mayor, or up to you.
Yeah. Well, we're going to vote on it tonight. So, Mhm. Okay. Yeah, we'll speak to it. All right. Uh lastly is presentation regarding uh project management from Ryan Wester, our
private uh project manager concerning the combined sewer and construction project company. Okay. Good evening everybody. Good evening. Um that's just the uh the list of ongoing
things. I'll go into more detail uh with the slides. Uh firehouse engine 2, the repairs to the apparatus floor. Uh we had a pre-construction meeting. Uh we're just waiting on the contracts from the contractor to be signed and then have
the city sign. Uh in addition uh excuse me in addition to engine two um the at firehouse headquarters we got uh 90% plans for the oil water separator that'll be installed uh in the near
future that is in in addition to all the remediation work we're doing um at the headquarters. That includes the oil water separator, um an oil recovery unit, and then a new floor. Uh East County Pump Station, uh the pump
replacement, we have a proposal from Rapid Pump, which was utilizing uh the Pake Valley Sewage Commission Co-op. That'll be on at the next meeting for approval. So, we'll get working on uh ordering the new pumps. There's quite a long lead time on that, but uh you know,
we're making progress. uh Johnson Park Sports Complex. Uh the contract site contractor has been out uh doing some conduit for relocating electrical line. Uh they're going to be doing the relocating of the sewer main
and then uh regrading the RCA that's on site. So that work is ongoing. Uh Fini Park, uh fields 8, 9, and 10. Uh the notice to proceed will be going out uh it's going to be dated uh July 7th uh after the July 4th festivities at
Fishini Park and that week the contractor will mobilize and that work will uh continue until March of next year. We'll be ready ready to go for the spring. Uh roads and traffic uh lot a uh the work is nearing complete out there. All
the concrete work has been completed. Uh paving and striping has been completed on the area I'll say north of Seattown. Um and then the remainder which would be south of Seattown and the entrance off of Atlantic Street into the garage will
be uh milled and paved uh tomorrow and then Thursday. So that project will be wrapping up in the next couple weeks. uh the paving program. I received uh the plans from Neglia uh this afternoon for Kennedy Street and the CDBG roads for
review. Uh for Kennedy Street, those plans have to go back to DOT for approval and uh by the end of the week, we should have the plans for the city funded roads and th those worlds will be complete uh this summer.
for the DOT fiscal year state aid programs. Uh we've decided to submit for local transportation project fund. Uh the county recently did a evaluation of all culvert crossings over the Kohsbrook
and three of them need attention. Uh Hamilton Place, West Anderson, and then Lookout A. Uh so we submitted um for the state aid for 2026 the replacement of those bridges. Uh the the approximate cost. The Hamilton is the picture in the
center as you can see it's seen better days. Uh that one is about 1.1 million. Lookout is about 65,000 and West Anderson is around 100K. And those are um non-matching for that. In addition, um last fiscal
year 24 for the LTPF, uh Hackinstack submitted a plan for uh pedestrian safety plan. Uh and we did, uh receive approximately $641,000 for that plan. And that's going to
include uh safety improvements on Fairmount Avenue to include um speed humps, curb bumpouts, uh improved crosswalks and signage, and uh mill and pave. Uh and then again, just our usual public
service announcement about any street lighted street light outages. Uh feel free to call the city if you see any, but you could also report it at the link uh on the screen. And um any PSG gas work, there's a link there to check if
your road is being torn up anytime soon. Um and again, maintain our healthy sewers. And uh that's all I have. Any questions? All right. Thank you, Ryan. Any question? Yes, Ryan. Real quick, um I
know uh Annette and Mr. Smith are here regarding the PSCG, the lighting survey for Prospect Avenue. Yes. Um, I reached out. I haven't heard back from PSCG, but we signed, you know, the service agreement. So, it's just a matter of them installing the improvements. Okay.
So, all right. Couple weeks. I'll let you know that. If I hear anything, I'll I'll let you know. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, before we go to uh public, I'm just going to read the letter from uh Derek Doc Taylor from Hackac High School
class of 1979 about uh JT Taylor. Sorry. So, This is the letter we received um from JT Taylor's uh high school friend Derek Doc Taylor and it's on behalf of the family members of Mr. James JT Taylor the voice of cool
in the gang. Um I respectfully submit this letter to request the renaming of Clay Street to be James JT Taylor way and our father's passing. JT came to Hackinack at the age of nine with our mother and 10 siblings. Oh, that was his brother. I didn't even
realize it. He joined the church choir and his talents were immediately praised in the neighborhood. At 13, he formed his own band and made his first appearance at the Apollo Theater. As a track star in high school, he took advantage of a scholarship at Norfolk State University to further his
education, but his passion drew him back to music. JT began performing with several brands, ultimately was asked to join Cool in the Gang, a premier jazz band at the time. JT's voice and unique sound made an im immediate impact on the group with two number one hit Ladies
Night and Too Hot on their first record release with JT in 1979. This initial success led to a series of top 10 and number one hits as well as gold and platinum albums. By 1988, Taylor left Cooling the Gang to pursue a solo career, releasing four solo albums.
He was reunited on occasion with Cool and the Gang for several concerts over the years in a tour in the late 90s and early 2000s. JT along with Cooling the Gang was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in the performing arts category in two 2015. His skillful songwriting has gained JT entrance into
the prestigious songwriters hall of fame in 2018. And in 2024, JT once again reunited with Cool and the Gang for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. JT grew up on Clay Street, found his footing as a young boy with big dreams. In recognition of his
success, we respectfully ask the city of Hackinack to rename the street James JT Taylor way. What a celebration it will be. So, uh it's great to, you know, see a hometown kid made good. I mean, here he is. He's in the Songwriter Hall of
Fames, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's uh you know, that's every performer's dream is to to reach that goal. and uh tried to a couple times to get him to play in the hack pack, but we just couldn't get it done. But that would have been a great celebration. You know, that would have been sold out. But uh
moving forward, we're going to pass that resolution tonight and look forward to the day when that happens. So I just wanted to get that on the record what that was about. So with that, I need a motion to open to the public. Please offer. Second. All in favor? I I none
oppose. So anyone from the public, please come forward. You'll get three minutes. Anybody? Here's Mr. Smith. Good evening, Marty Smith, Prospect Avenue. Um, one question I have is pertaining to
the request we made for crosswalks to be installed on Anderson Street at Union because it's a dangerous intersection. Has the city decided whether or not to move forward on that or not? Yeah, with that we do have the uh
federal tap grant that's going to cover that area on Anderson Street from I think from that location up to the railroad tracks. So, we'll make intersection improvements when we Okay. Thank you for that. Thank you. You're welcome. Um, since this is probably the
last night I'll be able to address you in your official capacities, um, I just have a couple of comments to make. I think that the city under your stewardship for the last eight years has, uh, done some really terrific
things. I think that the city of Hackinac has become a very vibrant city under your leadership. Uh the program of the buildings going up around the city have worked out very
well. All of the city buildings are are blending in very well regardless of where they're located whether it's on Johnson Avenue, Anderson Street, Main Street, Fchini Park. All of these buildings have added a modern look to
the city and not to mention the funds that they are bringing in currently. I think that Main Street uh has become a very attractive area to do business in. I think all the
businesses are doing well. I think towns around Bergen County I have been in have many stores that are vacant and I don't think we have one on Main Street that is vacant. Anderson Street also is looking
much better with the new building that was just put up. The improvements that you've made in our parks, in our athletic fields, uh also have added to the city's uh
growth and uh to its betterment. So um also the street system we have improved upon with repaving new traffic safety devices have also helped our citizens here in Hackinac.
So with that I want to thank you for all the work you've done and wish you the best of luck in the years ahead and in your what I might call retirement. So thank you very much for everything you've done. I'll take that.
Thank you. Thank you. Next, please. Paul Nichols Hackac. This will probably be my record quickest time ever speaking because I'm just I just want to say thank you all for your service. And John, thanks a lot. And um
everything that's going on, I don't know about that, but we don't agree a lot on a lot of things. We don't agree on a lot of things, but yeah, I you you've always uh treated me really good, nice and um I've always respect all you guys. So, thank you very much for your service.
Appreciate it. That's it. Thanks. Thank you, Paul. Marlene, how are you? I'm good, thank you. Good. Hi, city council members. Um good evening, Marlene Somerville. Um Berry Street resident. So, I just want to take a moment personally to say, not
because I ran with you guys on your campaign, right? Aside, I'm probably the only person who ran in a campaign that doesn't necessarily have a social media account. Oh, I'm just going to say none of that nonsense is not the reason why I'm here. Would like to honestly say on
behalf of all of you guys on the city council, not just the members that are sitting there, but the lawyer, you know, Vincent and both for Deborah and Allison in the last 12 years, you guys have done a phenomenal job of making sure that Hackin Sack right was revitalized to a
thriving community. And no matter what people will say, everybody has their own opinion. they are all entitled to it, right? And I make no judgment on it. We can pretend, right, that nothing was accomplished under the Labor administration. That is so not true. Like the gentleman just said, Main
Street is absolutely vibrant. I actually took my husband and Father's Day to the Whiskey Priest just to check it out because it opened. I mean, it is absolutely phenomenal. The buildings fit in with the environment. They are, you know, not overly crowded. There is no
such thing as too much of anything. Anybody knows that in order for you to be a thriving economy, right, you kind of sort of need congestion because congestion mean people are coming in, people are there and those people are actually paying revenue into the city and that is what a thriving city is,
right? That's why New York is one of the most expensive places for you to be congestion. So beyond that, the parks, right? I live by Carver Park. Carver Park, the job that you have done there with the courts, right? redoing the courts, putting in the splash park for
the kids, the revitalization of Sty Park where we go as a family to, you know, to walk go in the conservatory that's on the back. And again, the streets, the road uh John, you still promised me before you leave and I hope you get it done tonight that Berry Street finish
the paving. I'm waiting. Right. I don't know if it's on the list, but but all of those accomplishments, right? So again, people can say what they want to say. People can pretend that, you know, something is wrong and things are not thriving and things are not better.
Again, you're entitled to your opinion. I make no judgment. But we can all see, we all have eyes and we fully understand, right, what reality is. And the reality is that you guys should be commended. You guys should be praised. And no matter what anybody says when you
leave here, that is something that no one can take away from you guys. You guys will go down in the books for what you guys have done for Hackin Sack. So again from those citizens that again live in reality base on earth one and not on earth two. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you Marlene. Appreciate it. Thank you so much folks. Uh I'm a longtime Hackinack resident and uh I remember what it was and I remember
what you guys made it. You made it a destination location. I can't believe my eyes some days when I just look around, I take a ride through the city. I live up on Prospect Avenue uh
at the Sherbrook. But echoing with these folks before me said, "Thank you very much for a job well done." Thank you, sir. Appreciate that. Good evening. My name is Mike Allegreta.
Uh I'd like to uh thank the mayor and council for the last 12 years. Uh what you guys have put together. Um a lot of a lot of towns throughout this country try to uh redevelop to try to bring in businesses and with a lot of failure. Um
putting a a program together as as you guys did. you've had a vision. Um, and and it happened. I mean, you drive Hackin Sack and you look at these new buildings and I agree they they blend in. They look good. There's uh not just
the residential but the commercial uh on the on the ground floors. Uh just tonight me and my wife went to Pliables. Who would have figured that a pliable big company would come into the city of Hackinack and and a lot of other towns, a lot of other businesses?
um to see that you're building developers spending hundreds of millions of dollars a lot smarter than you know than you know the uh the the the you know the the average uh well I shouldn't
say that but to spend this kind of money in Hackinack and not stopping that that means something okay you've started a train that train is going and you almost don't want to stop and I hope that the new regime doesn't doesn't stop it. Um
there will be a time where maybe there's enough development and and these multi-millionaires who are spending money in Hackinack, they'll put the brakes on it. Um I I am so comfortable when I drive Main Street
and see the uh new businesses, restaurants, um and and even different type of people that are are moving around the city. It's it's a wonderful thing. Uh, you know, I love the city. We try to, you know, spend our dinners and
and do as much in the city as as we can. Uh, the parks that are getting developed. Um, the infrastructure, which was critical to this mayor and council, uh, over the years, it's gotten better. You, you know, where Hackinack is,
you're not going to fix all the problems. It's, you know, virtually impossible. But you, you've made it better. Um, as I said, Main Street just a, you know, good-looking place. And, you know, what what you've put in place, it's, you know, I believe Hackinac is a
better place because of what this mayor and council has done over these last 12 years. You're not going to make everyone happy, as you know, but you guys did a great job and we're fortunate to have you. So uh the allegoras we thank you
very much for your uh time and uh like person said now you can relax. You guys did a lot you know and and look back you guys left a legacy in Hackinack because there are many cities throughout the
country that put a pilot together and they failed. You guys did not fail. Congratulations. Thank you Mike. Thank you. Anyone else in the public? Hey. Hey. Hello.
So, my name is Sharon Mossington Lee and I'm a proud Juic and I'm coming from the um Caribbean American um thing that they had by one Bergen County Plaza. But I also want to say thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you guys for opening
your arms and embracing the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey Bergen County Chapter. We are Every time I pass by the park, I beam with joy for my one love way. So I thank you so very much. That was a great day. Thank you. Thank you,
[Applause] Mayor Council Ed Cabra Kaplan. Edward just to I mean look I'm I'm going to echo everything everybody said. You guys done a phenomenal job. Um just want to say thank you for making uh Kaplan a
much safer street. How's it working out? It's working out perfectly fine. That left turn was installed too by the way. So Vinnie, thank you. Um it's a shame that you know you guys started this and hopefully you know we could have continued further and make all of Hackitsack safe. But one thing I will
say, I'll walk out of here today and because of you guys, it's I can say I'm a Hackinack resident and people will respect that. Yep. So, you know, uh good luck in your in the next journey. All of you guys stay safe. Thank you, sir. And thank you. Appreciate it. Thanks, Ed.
And Mr. Gabra, the uh the striping is being worked on. So, that's Well, that's somebody said that the other day. I can't see the speed bump. So, that's what I was going to say, but I didn't want Just working on that. We're working. Don't steal my thunder. I know. I was going to tell you that.
All right. Anyone else in the public before we close? Okay. Motion to close. Offer. Second. All in favor? I. None opposed. So, uh, with that, we're going to come back at 8:00 and start the next meeting and, uh, take care of all the city business and
then we'll have another public session after that. So, see everybody about 20 25 minutes. Thank you. Do you need a motion to close the executive and the cap? Okay. Need a motion. Do the executive. See, do you have anything? Uh, yes. Well, I'm fixing
my tie here. Oh, I'm sorry. Um, you know, I figured I figure the last meeting, you know, I should put on a tie maybe. Um, even even when it's under put that in the minutes that you wore a tie. Yeah, I would I would appreciate that. Let the record. So reflect. Um, as
usual, we did have a closed executive session. Um, I believe the only case we talked about in any detail was the ongoing uh case involving uh Mr. V M V M V M V M V M V M V M V M V M V M Victor Vasquez versus the city of Hackinack. So that's all I have. Okay. Okay. I need
a motion. Need a motion. Offer. Second. Roll call. Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Krino. Hi. Council member Carol. I, Mayor Leos, I need a motion to close the cow. Motion to close the cow. Offer. Second. Roll call.
Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Castrino. Hi. Council member is absent. Council member Carol. Hi. Mayor Ross. Hi. Okay. Everybody please rise for the flag. Oh, what do you got? We need Oh, you have to read your thing. Yeah. Okay.
I know you want this meeting to be done fast. Give me a minute. This meeting is being held in accordance with the open public meeting act NJSA10 col4-6 notice of which was sent to the record in the star ledger and was posted on the
municipal bulletin board. Now you need to do roll call. Roll call please. Council member von Rudenberg here. Deputy Mayor Castrino here. Council member Bagley is absent. Council member Carol here. Mayor Lross here. Now would everybody please rise for the flag
salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Okay. So, we have a few uh proclamations and presentations to make today. It's ready. It's in the box. Yes. So, Mr. Tony, please come forward.
[Applause] How are you, sir? So, I have a have a little plaque here for you on it. So who in this room knows
this is a good thing. So whereas Anthony Tony Mosia has dedicated 50 50 years of service to the city of Hackinac, beginning as acting superintendent of schools in 1975, significantly contributing to the
education of students in the city and the well-being of the community and whereout throughout his tenure, Mr. Marcia has served in a variety of roles including acting superintendent, superintendent, library trustee, Rotarian, demonstrating exceptional
leadership commitment and a deep passion for public service. And whereas Mr. Marcelia has made countless contributions to the city, advancing the interest of the public, fostering collaborations, and working tirelessly to improve the lives of all residents. And whereas Mr. Marsegi has been a
champion for education, the arts, and the Johnson Public Library, showing unwavering dedication to ensuring that the needs and concerns of the community were heard and addressed. And whereas Mr. Marcelia's leadership, wisdom, and vision have had a lasting impact on the city of Hackinack and Johnson public
library, leaving an enduring legacy of service that will continue to benefit future generations. And whereas the community, students, and city officials alike have deep deeply valued Mr. Margia's expertise, insight, and exemplary conduct, making them a
model of public service and civic responsibility. Now, therefore, I, John P. Lebros, Jr., mayor of the city of Hackac, along with members of the city council, do hereby recognize and honor Anthony Marcia for his 50 years of dedicated service and express his deep
gratitude for his unwavering commitment and leadership over the decades. Congratulations, sir. [Applause]
question. Would you like to take it? Uh, I'm truly truly honored. Um, you know, Hackinac, I was thinking this morning. Uh, I came here as a 20 year old 71 years ago. Uh, and little did I
know at the time that Hackinack would be more than just a place to live. It became my home in many ways, uh, in a special way. It became my vocation, my avocation, and where I made a whole bunch of lifelong friends. So, it's, you know, I have I've gotten so much more
from Hackinack than um than I've given, but uh it's been a pleasure. And I I want to just uh give a shout out to our great library. Um we uh [Music] I I I just call our Johnson Public
Library the uh you know, the the crown jewel of Hackinack. And it's the it's the one place where everybody is welcome. my future, my soontobe daughter-in-law, my granddaughter-in-law sent me an article recently that pointed
out that library is our our bastions of democracy where everybody is welcome and no greater thing can be said about our library. So I I'm very proud to be have been a part of that and under the leadership of our current board
president Chrissy ISO and our great library director Tara Cooper is going to continue to flourish. So thank you so much. It's been wonderful. You're welcome. So at this time I see some uh library uh
I see our director. I see uh the head of the board. Would you guys like to come up and say a few words for Tony? How are you? Hello everyone. My name is Christie Ozo. I'm the president of the library board. This is our director, Tara Koopa. Tara
Cooper and Cindy Ortiz, another one of our trustees. Tony, congratulations. Thank you for everything you've done for the city and the library. We recently dedicated the art gallery at the library in Tony's honor. It's now the Tony Barglia Art
Gallery and we have a new artist every single month. And when Tony left the board at the end of last year, we couldn't let him go. So, we talked him into being the head to helping us start the Johnson Public Library Foundation,
and that will continue Tony's legacy and allow us to have a building that is fitting of our community and the services that our great staff provides. So, thank you, Tony. [Applause]
Um, everything that Christie said. And Tony, I want to thank you so much for the opportunity to work in such an amazing place. I tell people all the time, the best date I've ever been on in my life was a coffee date with Tony at the Coach House Diner when he asked me if I wanted to work at the library. Um
the uh the staff adore you. Uh the public uh you've done so much for the community, our students. um uh all your work through the Rotary, we can even mention that you do the Rotary does so much good in Hackinack and you've been such a leader in that organization as
well and everything that you've done um for the library and we just can't thank you enough and um I I I'm excited to continue to work with you uh through the foundation and we just can't I there's nothing else I could say. I feel like I'm going to cry. So, thank thank you
for everything and thank you to the mayor and council for recognizing him in this way. I think it's really fitting and and awesome and we just can't wait to see what else you come up with Tony because you're I think what like 29 30 years you know we have we have some time
with you still. So thank you. No thank you so much. Thank you Mar. Anyone else out there like to say a few words uh about Tony? I know there's some family and friends here. If not we're going to move on with business.
Okay. So again, Tony, 50 years, that's an amazing amazing time. A lot of, you know, like you said, the Hackin Sack has given back to you and but what you've given to the community is uh invaluable. It's unbelievable. So we appreciate what
you've done for the city, especially the library and all your service, other services that you have done. Guy makes the best broccoli rob with garlic I've ever had. Just so you know, that's a little extra added point. We get to have it. Uh Mr. Marasani is here tonight. a couple weeks before Christmas on a
Friday. We always have pizza at his house. Tony's is always there and Tony Tony always brings the broccoli Rob. So, it's a special night. So, uh thank you all for coming tonight to honor Tony. I think it's a great thing and uh glad to have you here. Thanks again,
Mayor. Can I May I have the microphone? We have one more proclamation here tonight. You don't think that I could in any way be quiet on this last night of our office together. Uh John is not only my mayor, my neighbor, my friend, my
partner in executing the vision we both had for the city of Hackinack over the last 12 years. And I'm feel proud and honored to be considered your partner along with the rest of the council here tonight. And we should all be extremely proud of the legacy that this council
leaves behind. So now with your proclamation, whereas John P. Lebr Jr. was first elected in 2009 as a councilman. In 2013 and again in 2017, John was voted by
city council as mayor. And in 2021, Deb, you left one off. John is a dedicated public servant and longtime resident whose passion is the driving force behind the transformation of our city.
And whereas Mayor Leos had a vision to bring life back into downtown Hackitsac. And this started with the quality of life initiative as well as changing Main Street into a two-way street again and the development of many new residential buildings. And whereas John's love of
coaching kids had always brought him enjoyment in his life and learning to never write off a child and treat everyone fairly is something he continued as mayor to the children of Hackinack, including a new recreation center and improvements to the many city
parks. Whereas in addition to his public service, John works as a safety specialist at Hackinac University Medical Center. Whereas beyond his professional endeavors, John takes immense pride in his family. He is married to Debbie Nissant is the proud
father of Justin and his wife Christy and Christopher and his wife Tara. John is also the proud grandfather of two granddaughters and four grandsons. So now therefore, I Kathleen Canestrino, deputy mayor of the city of Hackinack, may be the last time I say that, right?
Along with the members of the city council, do hereby thank John P. LeBron Jr. for all his years of dedicated service to the city of Hackinack. Thank you, John. Thank you. You have to say you have to say something.
Thank you. So, that was unexpected. I had no idea that was coming. Uh, thank you, Kathleen. That was awesome. Um, the vision was not just mine. Kathy and I uh I can remember exactly when it really started and it was actually uh in
um what do you call it? What's what's his name's restaurant? Casual Banner. Benny. Benny's. You think I would know I eat there enough. So we're eating and Amal, God bless his soul, was with us at
the time and uh I was a council person. Uh, Kathleen had missed out by a little bit on getting elected to the council. It was very close. 37 votes. 37 votes. And um I was pushing Main Street because I
remembered how Main Street was. And uh might have been Amal or Kathy, I can't remember who, but said it'll never be able to change Main Street. And I kind of got a little poed and actually kind of hit hit the table and said that it could be done and we're going to do it.
and uh we moved forward and went full steam ahead and we did it. So, it's a great thing and uh appreciate that and I'm really honored to for the plaque and resolution. Thank you so much. And uh Tony, we got plaques. [Laughter]
You got room on your wall. So, anyway, thank you so much for that council. Always been a pleasure working with all you guys and uh through the years. It's been uh an unbelievable ride. So, With that, let's take care of some business and then we'll have some public
comment and uh we'll move forward. All right. So, took care of that. So, I need a motion for the approval of the minutes for the cow executive and regular meeting of May 20th, 2025 and the cow
executive and regular meeting of June 3rd, 2025. Was everybody here, clerk? I think so. Mhm. Okay. Yeah, they've both been read. Offer. Second. All in favor? I I. None opposed.
And with that, we'll go to the city manager's report. Thank you, mayor. The city is working with PSEG to improve the lighting on Prospect Avenue. New lights have been ordered and should be installed in the near future after they did a survey regarding the uh the the lights on
Prospect. Hackinack will be hosting a townwide shred event Saturday, June 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Johnson Park. The splash pads will be open 7 days a week now from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Uh
or I'm sorry, that that will begin on June 30th, uh about a week away. The city will be celebrating July 4th beginning at 400 pm at Fashini Park with food trucks, family games, and activities. A performance by
Filet of Soul, followed by Gucci fireworks. The annual Fourth of July Police versus Fire Department softball game will take place at 10:00 a.m. Please join us for a fun-filled day. The Hackasack Police Department Unified
Neighborhood Intervention Team will be hosting a community meeting tomorrow at 6 PM in the Civic Center. This is your opportunity to share concerns, ask questions, and engage directly with our officers and leadership. New Jersey is requiring lead safe
inspections for rental units. Landlords with pre978 rental properties located in the city are required to have inspections completed by July 22nd. Landlords can use any company of their choosing as long as compliance is
obtained. Please reach out to our building department should you have any questions. That's it. Mayor, thank you. So, moving on with new business. Oh, yes. Jim, you're up. Okay. At this time, the uh Is this on?
that on. Okay. Okay. There we go. Okay. At this time, this calls for the uh the public hearing on the uh on the 2025 budget. The uh the budget was introduced at the May 20th meeting. Uh at the last meeting, I did the uh presentation of
the budget and uh just quickly um I'm just going to describe it. Um budget this year is 132,391,326.94. and includes a uh which by the way is a spending increase of 1.4 million over
last year. Uh the tax levy the municipal tax levy is 92,11,61 which is an increase to the tax levy of $700,000 or.74%. Um the budget's been posted on the city website. Copies have been available in
the clerk's office and at this point now any uh members of the public have any questions they can come up and ask. Okay. So can open up to the public. Anybody who'd like to speak to the budget? I need a motion. Need a motion to open. Offer the public. Sorry. Anybody from the public who would like
to come forward speak to the budget? And I'm seeing no one. So I need a motion to close. Offer. Second. All in favor? I. None opposed. Okay. And that part's over. Moving on,
Deb. Resolution 298-25 is a resolution for final adoption of ordinance number 32-2025, an ordinance authorizing financial agreement with Essex1 Urban Renewal Company LLC, an urban renewal entity
authorized pursuant to the long-term tax exemption law NJSA4A 20-1 at SEC for the development of a mixeduse apartment project upon block 66 lots 26 27 28 29 30 38 41 43 45 and 48.
This ordinance has been published according to law and now calls for a public hearing. Okay. Need a motion to open to the public. Offer. Second. Roll call, please. Council member von Rutenber. Hi. Deputy Mayor Castrino. Hi. Council member Bagley is absent. Council member Carol. I. Mayor Lross. I.
Anyone from the public would like to speak to this ordinance, please come forward. Seeing no members of the public. Motion to close. Offer. Second. All in favor? I. I. None opposed. Need a motion to adopt the ordinance, please. Offer.
Second. Roll call. Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Catrino. Hi. Council member Tagley is absent. Council member Carol. No. Mayor Leos. Hi. Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Hackinack County of Bergen
State of New Jersey that ordinance number 32-2025 has passed his second and final reading and is hereby adopted. Thank you. Resolution 299-25. This is a resolution for final adoption of ordinance number 33-2025,
an ordinance authorizing financial agreement with the Sapphire Urban Renewal LLC, an urban renewal entity authorized pursuant to the long-term exemption law NJSA48 20-1X for the development of a mixeduse
apartment project upon block 11214, lots, two, and three, formerly known as block 302, lots 2, and 27, which 132 148 Main Street. This ordinance as it published according to law and now calls for a public hearing. Need a motion to
open to the public, please. Second. All in favor? I. I. None opposed. Anyone from the public who'd like to speak to this ordinance and this ordinance only, please come forward. Seeing no members from the public, motion to close. Offer. Second. Roll
call. Council member von Rudenberg. I. Deputy Mayor Constrino. I. Council Bagley is absent. Council member Carol. No. Well, this is to close to the public. Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. That's okay. Council Mayor Leth. Hi.
Motion to adopt. Yes. Offer. Second. Roll call. Council member von Rutenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Castino. Hi. Council member Bagley is absent. Council member Carol. No. Mayor Leos. Hi. be resolved by the city council of the city of
Hackinac County, Bergen, state of New Jersey, that ordinance number 33-2025 has passed the second and final reading and is hereby adopted. Thank you. So resolution 300-25. Okay. This is a resolution for final
adoption of ordinance number 36-2025, an ordinance to establish a new chapter 33 of the code of the city of Hackinac, project labor agreements for certain public construction contracts within the city of Hackinack. This ordinance has been published according to law and now
calls for a public hearing. Okay. See a motion to open to the public. Affirm. Second. Uh, roll call, please. Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Kudo. Hi. Council member Magley is absent. Council member Carol, hi. Mayor Leos,
hi. So, anybody from the public would like to speak to this? I see we have some union members here. I actually have some questions. So, if you have a leader from from your group who would like to come forward, appreciate it. We just have a couple questions here. How are you, sir? Good evening. My name
is Mike. come from the brick layers union. I'm the business agent for uh Burton County. Thank you for coming up, Mike. Appreciate it. So, our our CFO had raised some concerns and which raised some concerns with us on on the effect of the uh the program on some possible
funding. So, I know deputy mayor, you have a question, I have a question. So, well, I think for the public, if you could explain some of the real benefits as we've seen, but I think the public would like to hear some of this as well during the public hearing of us doing this. Absolutely. Especially about the apprenticeships because that's something
we've been working and hoping for for a very long time in town. Absolutely. And the use of our Hackinack residents to do some of this. I think there's a lot of like misconception for people who aren't in the trades regarding this topic. I know it's touchy. I just want to make it clear it's it's for public work. So this
is, you know, tax dollars. This is not private work. Um, basically the the biggest thing that a project labor agreement does is it employs people in this area and in return it has like a really good economic return because the
people that are going to be working on these projects are the people that live here and they're going to be spending that money on these stores at this supermarket at this restaurant. Um, and to touch upon the apprenticeship too, the trades is um is is kind of slowly like losing its its footing because a
lot of the boomers sent their kids to college and it's kind of been like an undesired path to go. So, there's a lot of opportunity for young individuals who don't necessarily go to school. Um, again, project labor agreements are aimed to get people from this area. Um, I can't tell you how many jobs I go by
and I see trucks from Indiana, Kentucky, and these are people who have don't have Hackinack's best interest in mind. They're here just for a paycheck and then they're out of here. Um, a lot of times too, uh, prevailing uh, project labor agreements, they they kind of keep
the contractor responsible. Um, just because it's prevailing rate doesn't necessarily mean that these contractors pay the right wage and we dictate that wage. So, um, in terms of money, uh, like public work is is it's a set rate dictated by us. So, it's not going to
change like the budget whether or not it's prevailing uh prevailing rate or project labor agreement. That same budget I mean that same rate has to be paid. Um and I see a lot of these contractors who are taking advantage of you know people that are immigrants and um ultimately just drives down our wage.
So really again the main thing is just to uh get people who live in these areas to help contribute to building a lot of these buildings and you know spend the money they make in this area. Okay. You have any question? Yeah I'd like to
Hey Steve would it be out of line to call the CFO up just so we could address some of his questions? You can public this is a public hearing right? I just want to make sure because he is you have you know members of the public have the right to speak um if they wish but you
know it's a hearing so if you have information that you need to understand in a public forum you can certainly call up anybody you wish all right so I don't and you may not even be able to answer him but Jim Mitch just bring up some of the uh concerns you had
so I know one of your concerns was were concerned about funding ing on certain projects, especially I bank for the sewer work and and stuff of that nature. So, yeah, one of the concerns I had was that a lot of our contracts that are $5 million plus are the sewer separation
contracts that don't necessarily have uh the trades, you know, uh plumbers, carpenters, that kind of thing, you know. So is there do is there such a thing as an apprenticeship program for a project like a source separation
again I mean each each trade is different like you said it's not something like that kind of work really won't benefit yeah and my question was that in the ordinance there is no mechanism for making any kind of an exception
Like for example, it has to have an apprenticeship, you know. So when we put bidspec out, if a if a company if there is no apprenticeship uh program out there, then I my fear is that companies aren't going to bid because they can't
comply. I understand. Yeah. So a lot of that work is is um done by what's called the heavy highway laborers. In this area, it would be local 472. So they do have a certified ship program for that. Again, I don't want to say 100%, but
more than likely those are the guys you always see working on the bridges, the guys who do water breaks. Um, usually it's Fletcher Kramer, Sanzari, all good union companies that employ heavy. Okay. And and what happens if they if they
can't staff themselves with 100% Hackinack residents? What happens then? Well, I mean, yeah, I'm not going to lie to you. It's never going to be 100% just because again just the numbers aren't there for any town.
you know the original goal is to get Hackinack res and then I would say after that goal has been fulfilled um if you can't get obviously 100% which is unlikely you would stay within Bergen County which is very more likely see and and that was my concern is that uh there
are goals in the ordinance very very noble worthy goals but the ordinance is so stringent you know it's so black and white that my fear is that if you're a losing losing bidder, right? That what's
going to happen is and and the enforcement mechanism produces a lot of documentation and a lot of publicly available documentation as per the ordinance must be available within 3 days that and and all of the enforcement is on is on the
city the apprentice. So, if we're not 100% enforcing the ordinance and we can't because the numbers aren't there, uh, then that opens us up to a liability and that's my fear. I mean, see, what what I had asked for
was that the ordinance go back and shore up some of these deficiencies. I just go back to your last remark as far as you're concerned to employ 100% residents. I mean, That's the goal of project labor agreement. So I mean even
if you were to employ let's just say an arbitrary number of 25%. It's still better than getting a contractor from outside the area. Oh yeah. So you're winning either way. But if the ordinance said strive for 100% and it doesn't it says 100%. Let me just let me just
clarify that that's not correct. Um the apprenticeship program is 100%. of that and and 20% of the laborer hours required are supposed to be performed by Hackinack residents who are participating in the apprenticeship program. I guess the question that maybe
and again I'm not trying to direct this read the whole clause because you're you're reading parts of it and you read require that 20% of the labor hours required shall be performed by city of Hackinack residents who are participating in the apprenticeship program and that 100% of the apprentices
shall be city of Hackinack residents. Okay. So, so that's not 100% that's 20% of the hours have to be done by apprentices and 100% of the apprentices have to be That's right. But that's not 100% of the workforce. I guess% I guess the question that needs to be said 100%
of the apprentices have to be make sure. Right. Yeah. So, so I guess the question is that would be useful for this council would be, you know, how do we obtain those apprentices, right? If we do not have an apprenticeship program, how will the apprenticeship program work to be
able to obtain the Hackinack residence to participate in the apprenticeship program? Like how how do the trades go about developing this apprenticeship program? Because this this this exists in lots of places. We do a lot um a lot
of job fairs. I go to a lot of high schools. We try to recruit people from, you know, let's just say youth happen. Um we would we would uh we put um career fairs where we have like a mobile trailer and we try to entice them to
come. Uh we're always trying to get younger guys involved in the trades. So again, yes, you're not going to you don't know how many people live in this in this town each trade, but you're always out there trying to like get younger kids that are involved, you
know, through high school, try to get them to join the union. So you're always aiming to to employ people from this from this town. But again, can it always be 100%? No. That's when you would want to stay within the Bergen County sector. Gotcha. Yeah. And that and that's that's
my problem with the language of the ordinance. Yeah. Now, in 336 though, it does say that, you know, um and it talks about apprenticeship utilization goals. You know, there is a reference to a contractor not being subject to enforcement actions for violations of
this provision if the contractor can demonstrate it made good faith efforts to comply with the section. So, that may be what you're talking about in terms of being able to, you know, if there's a good faith and you can't do it. I mean, you might be familiar with this provision more than I am. I'm not
certainly an expert on this, but it may be something. Yeah, we we the contractors usually will send us um a form we sign basically stating that we are going to do everything on our power to employ um not only 100%
uh residents but we aim to uh employ uh females um um a lot of the uh Latino community. So we do we do try to do that. And should they be willing to work with
you? Do you also work with the schools like the Hackinack High School like to to to participate with them in perhaps providing guidance there if the high if the high school was interested? Well, a lot of the schools now and they've kind of phased out like um let's just say wood shop. We're trying
we're trying to like incorporate um apprentichip programs like in the high school and get them at that like you know age between 14 and 18 years old. Um again for the kids that maybe don't want to go to college it kind of opens up their eyes because it's like ingrained
into your head from a young age that it's not really a desirable thing to do. Um so it's it's a working it's a working effort. We're really trying to, you know, break that misconception and it's not going to happen overnight. But, um,
I could just tell you like a lot of the private work going on in Hackinack right now. I mean, right down the street over here, um, I'm not going to say names, but there's a contractor I've been following for a long time. He's notorious for, you know, paying bad wages. You know, we have like certain
rules, water on the job, to work like a gentleman, a gentle woman. You know, there's no reason that they're indebted to somebody and that's that's what's happening a lot in the private sector and even sector public sector. So I I don't see like I mean to me it's
kind of like want to do a project to you know make the community better. Well, like I said, mayor, my my issue is just that I think the language opens us up to uh enforcement issues, which opens
us up to uh liability. So, that's and I understand that, Jim. But I see uh we do have two members of the newly elected council here. So, obviously, this is like an in between thing. I think you see a little bit of predicament we're in here, but this is a good in our opinion a very good uh opportunity for Hack
Young Hackinac residents to uh get in this apprentice uh program. Um so if we pass this, we're going to be passing it on to you and you can tune this up however you need to. you can amend it, do what you need to do with it
with the I would say with the recommendations of our CFO to make sure that there's no dangers and any the financial worries he had with this with the I bank for sewers and sewer separation and things of that sort. So, we're good with that. I mean, also, you
know, to the new to the new members, too. Just one second, then we'll let it's an open it's a public welcome to anyone's welcome to speak. This is not your public session. something we've been working towards for a while and it would be a shame to pass this up as an initiative that easily you could change
you know as you choose but to not have it it's something that we really as you can tell from us went back and forth with should we just leave it and wait for you folks to try and pick it back up but it's something that took time so we hate to miss this opportunity I think especially for our young folks and it's
something we wanted to try and get something like this in town for a while and now we have partners that are looking to do that and I think it's important but no and um you know Agatha is here as well as you referenced um we are folks that certainly uh want to
collaborate with the schools as we have said I know that this council has had a relationship with the schools as well um one of the things that I'm I'm very proud to report is that Hackinack High School and Hackinack public schools are not schools that have been reducing their trades programs. We actually have
a very robust trades program. Um, not just wood shop, we have a robust auto shop at the high school. We have a metal shop, we have um a very robust program and the kids actually compete a number of things and I won't go on and on, but just to say it's something that we're
very proud of. Um, so do you think this would be complimentary to that? I guess that's I I think if there's a relationship, I certainly think that the schools would be a part of trying to help um support this program. Um especially if the goal is to have 100 or
again going back to what Jim was saying, is it a goal or is it a mandate to have 100% Hackinac residents? Um that's that's the thing you can tune up with, right? And so what I just want to say is I think in theory um you know I have no we have no issue with this being
something that we inherit. Um I understand that we'll have to work with Jim and with folks to just perhaps needle with it a little bit. Um but there is no opposition to the contours of having a program that is going to
support Hackinack residents working on some of these projects and also um as was said here having our kids have options beyond college and um knowing that they can do admirable uh well-paying work and work with dignity. So, thank you. It's a good thing. Thank
you. Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you for your help. We appreciate it. So, anyone else from the public need to speak? [Applause] Hi, good evening. So, I can say to the um the mayor elect team, right? I serve
on the Bergen County African-American Advisory Council, and this contract came up as part of our, you know, general conversation about what we can do for, you know, the African-Americans and people of color within the community.
There was one question and uh Cassim, we did reach out to Jimmy Montisano and the principal of the middle school, right, about putting the programs together to move this labor agreement to have them actually come out. I think it's the commissioner of labor. I forgot the gentleman's name that was there. He came
in for uh present. The only issue we had was we did not have a list of the trades. So, we did not know what the list was from start to finish. What traits were available from the from these guys? what was available, what the apprenticeship was, whether or not there was going to be any reimbursement for
the students that wanted to do part of, you know, the apprenticeship for those families that could not afford. So, there was a whole other list of questions that we had as part of the African-American advisory council as to what would go into the labor agreement. So, if you guys do champion this and pick it up, right? That's part of the
issue. Some of the kids in school, you have to pay for these. Are we going to be able to get grant funding? Are you guys going to be able to put something together? Whatever the opportunity is to be able to make that these move forward to that. But I did have a conversation right when I was a board member and also
on the council with Jimmy and with the principal of the middle school to see whether or not this is something they could champion and move forward. So you guys can kind of pick that up and you start here have that conversation on figuring out how that process work.
Thank you. Okay. Anyone else in the public? Seeing none, motion to close to the public. Offer. Second. Roll call. Council member von Rudenberg. I. Dr. Mayor Conrino. Hi. Council member Paci is absent. Council
member Carol. Hi. Mayor Leos. I need a motion to adopt this ordinance. Offer. Second. Roll call. Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Castrino. I. Council member Pagley is absent. Council member Carol. Hi. Mayor Leos. Hi. be resolved by the city council of the city
of Hackinasac County of Bergen and the state of New Jersey that ordinance number 36-2025 has passed it second and final reading and is hereby adopted. Thank you. Okay, let's go to 301-25.
Resolution 301-25 is a resolution to amend calendar year 2025 approved budget. Need a motion? Offer. Second. All in favor? Hi. Hi. I I think you should do a voice vote on this one. You need a vote on this one? I would do a voice vote.
Need a voice vote. You got it. Roll call. Council member Vonberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Constrino. Hi. Council member Bagley is absent. Council member Carol. Hi. Mayor Lross. I resolution 302-25. It's a resolution authorizing a 2025
municipal budget adoption. Need a motion. Offer. Second. Roll call. Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Constrino. Hi. Council member Bagley is absent. Council member Carol. Hi. Mayor Leos. Hi. Resolution 303-25.
It's a resolution authorizing tax refunds for state board judgments, duplicate payments, and paid in error. Need a motion, please. Offer. Second. All in favor? I. I. None opposed. 304-25.
It's a resolution awarding change order number one which is the final to Jag Paving Corp for Polifly Park drainage improvement project. Need a motion. Please offer. Second. All in favor? I I hearing none opposed.
Resolution 305-25. It's a resolution awarding change order number one which is final to New Prince Concrete Construction Company for the Prospect Avenue pedestrian safety improvement project. Need a motion, please. offer. Second. All in favor? I I
hearing none opposed. 306-25. It's a resolution awarding contract for the LSRP engineering services to suburban engineers for Fini Park Preliminary Perimeter Air Monitoring. Need a motion. Second.
All in favor? I call. You want roll call? Go. Roll call. Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Canestrino. Hi. Council member Bagley is absent. Council member Carol stay. Mayor Leos I.
Resolution 307-25. It's a resolution authorizing payments due to professionals from delinquent escrow accounts. Need a motion. Offer. Second. All in favor. You want roll call again? Roll call. Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Constrino.
Hi. Council member is absent. Council member Carol. No. Mayor Lross I 308-25. It's a resolution authorizing payment of bills. Need a motion to pay the bills. Offer. Second. Roll call. Council member
von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Constrino. Hi. Council member Pagley is absent. Council member Carol. I may I abstain. Okay. Anybody have any conflicts besides Mr. Carol? Councilman Carol has 318-25.
Sorry. 318-25 is going to be pulled to vote on separate. Anybody else have a conflict? No, that's it. No, that's it. So, on with the consent agenda. The following items are considered to be
routine in nature and will be enacted in one motion. Any items requiring expenditure are supported by a certification of availability of funds. Any item requiring discussion will be removed from the consent agenda and consent agenda items will be reflected in full in the minutes including any exceptions and/or additions. Resolution
309-25 is a resolution authorizing renewal of liquor licenses for the 202526 license term. Resolution 310-25 is a resolution commemoratively renaming a portion of Clay Street to James JT Taylor Way.
Resolution 311-25 is a resolution authorizing the settlement of litigation entitled Cole versus City of Hackinack at AL pending in the Superior Court of New Jersey. Docket number BRL5855-22. Resolution 312-25 is a resolution of the
city of Hackinack endorsing a fourth round housing element and fair share plan. Resolution 313-25 is a resolution approving a fourth round affordable housing trust fund spending plan and requesting program and court approval for the spending plan. Resolution 314-25
is a resolution authorizing approval to submit a grant application and execute a grant contract with the New Jersey DOT municipal aid program fiscal year 2026 for Hamilton Place, West Anderson Street, and Lookout Avenue Covert Crossings over Koh'sbrook improvement
project. Resolution 315-25 is a resolution authorizing ambulance reimbursement. Resolution 316-25 is a resolution authorizing refund of una uno un unallocated cash. Resolution 317-25 is a resolution authorizing a recreation
refund. Resolution 319-25 is a resolution authorizing adoption of agreement between the city of Hackinac and the Hackinac Unformed Fire Officers Association AF local 3172 AF CIO CLC for
the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2027. Resolution 320-25 is a resolution authorizing adoption of agreement between the city of Hackinac and the Hackinac Professional Firefighters IIAF Local 2081 AFL CIO CLC
for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2027. Resolution 321-25 is a resolution authorizing a CDB grant agreement change of scope from CO 19 fire company 5 HVAC
air purification to COVID 19 fire company 5 and civic center air purification replacement resolution 322-25 is a resolution authorizing law firms to represent the interests of one or more individual defendants in ongoing
litigation and resolution 323-25 Five is a resolution approving agreement with RFB urban renewal LLC with respect to the maintenance of city infrastructure on the record site. Okay, thank you. So we need a motion on that. Need a motion for the consent agenda as it was just
read. Offer second. All in favor? I I none opposed. Now we need to do 318-25. Resolution 31825 is a resolution authorizing appointment of special law enforcement officers class 2. Need a motion, please. Offer. Second.
Roll call. Council member von Rudenberg. Hi. Deputy Mayor Kistrino. I. Council member Bagley is absent. Council member Carol stayain. Mayor Abra. I. Okay. So with that, need a motion to open to the public.
Offer. Second. All in favor? I. I none oppose. Anybody from the public who'd like to get up and speak, please come forward. And you will have three minutes. [Music] Good evening, Mayor Council. City Manager clerks. Doug Gafal,
Anderson Street. This is for city manager Vincent. Back in February, March, I was here asking for assistance with the four-way stop at Henderson at Prospect lighted stop sign somewhat on the other side of the hill. Just want to know if there's any progress because
it's not getting any better that intersection. Yeah. No, I know. Um we're in the process of I'm working with traffic on that. We will get it done. Um it's just we want to put the flashing signs there and they've been ordered and
they're on back order. Allie's laughing because we've been going back and forth with this. Um evidently there's a huge demand for those type of signs right now. Um but we are on it. They've been ordered and as soon as they come in they'll be installed. Good. And also just the police were there. I think this
la past weekend at some point over the weekend they were strategically placed where the people wouldn't see them and sure enough zoop right around. Oh yeah. So it's good that at least the police are monitoring that intersection as well. So we as residents there appreciate it because it's we just aside
from car accident, god forbid there's a fatality. So we appreciate it. Understood. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you on that. Vince, are they going to do something? We have a situation on Clarendon with the new stop signs. Those trees on that one guy's property is going to have to I don't know how we
don't make them take them down. They're they're they're in the line of sight of the of the of the stop sign. Yeah. Yeah. You actually we had to put a stop sign in the middle of the street on the ground. Otherwise, you wouldn't see a stop sign. So, we we have to address
that. We're going to have to knock on the door and say, "Hey, we got a problem here." So, that's got to get done. It's dangerous because if by chance that stop sign gets knocked over and nobody sees it and the next person comes through, we can power right into somebody. All right.
Any other members of the public? Oh, I'm sorry, I just want to say peace and blessings to everyone. And I had to come here on your last night. I remember when you guys first came in office how elated we were in the community in the city of
Hackinack and somewhat we still are but we just things just happened. So I want to congratulate you on whatever you do going forward and hope to see you at city council meetings. I have a bunch of thank yous I want to give out. I want to thank Franco for coming over and putting
up my handicap sign. Oh my god, it looks I mean I my sign and my street painting. It looks beautiful. He did a nice job. But guess what? Now my electric chair that comes down my steps for outside doesn't work. So now I got to get a new one. So my sons and my brothers and all of them bought my aunt down for the
Junth celebration uh manually manpower old school way. So I wanted to thank him. Uh I wanted to thank um Jerry for being there and supporting us. I don't know if I saw any other pe any of you guys there because I was getting the uh
fashion show ready. So I was inside the building. So I don't know if any of y'all come. No, I wasn't there. I was away this weekend. Okay. I know you and Leo came last year. Um, I want to thank thank Press. I especially want to thank Steve. Steve had deaf in the family that
week, so he had to leave on Thursday. I think he got back on Saturday. He was tired as hell, but he pushed everything through. He did a good job. The parade was lovely. I don't know if any of y'all were there for the parade. Jerry, I know you were there, so thank you for your
support. Um, I want to thank Hackinac High School band. They led the parade. Mr. Abraham, he had our jazz band there when I did my um fashion show, which was wonderful. And um JT Tail Away, I don't
have a a a program, but what did you say about that? So, the deal with that is uh stop her time, Frank. Thank you. So, we all know who JT Taylor is. That's my cousin. So, I know who he is. Yeah. So, um I can't think of his
brother's name. Derek. Derek. Derek. Derek wrote us he wrote me actually wrote me an email about uh naming um Clay Clay Street. I'm thinking Kohl's. It's Clay Street. Um JT Taylor way and
uh we passed a resolution tonight that's going to do just that. uh the next next council will have the honor of uh unveiling that sign, but I'm sure we can probably make it. I'd love to see him. I haven't seen him in a long time, but to have a uh hall of fame, rock and roll
hall of famer, songwriter, hall of famer. Um he's one of two what I consider from Mara era great musicians from the city of Hackinack and singers that are out there today. And uh yeah,
it's nice to have our hometown kids do well. Yes, it is. So, it's going to he's going to be honored with that. Definitely. Yep. And this is probably not going to be for you. This is probably going to be for you, Kasim. I have a couple of community complaints about the parking that's going to be for I know that was tabled, right? Huh?
What' you say? Oh, yeah. It's going to be it's going to be it's going to be on your shoulder. It comes with the turf, dude. So, what hap what's happening is a lot of apartments, not a lot. I don't know how many. I know the one on Berry and um Park Street. I think they're starting to charge tenants for parking.
So, what they're doing, they're parking on the street. I also got a complaint from a person coming in this tonight and I said, "I'll let you I'll give you the update." They gave me the phone number. They just left. So, they said people from 2:30, which is the apartment building, instead of them parking in the in the lot, they're also parking on the
street. So, what I'm what I told them, I said their registration address has to match. If it doesn't match, I don't think they're going to be able to get a sticker. I'm not sure how it's going to go with the housing authority, isn't it? Yes. And they have a parking lot, but some people have more than two cars. I
guess they're parking charging to park at the housing authority now. No, no, not at the park. Not at the housing in the private apartment on I think that's Berry and Park Street. So, some of the residents in that area told me that was that's what was going on. So, you know,
I'm just mentioning Cine. So, that's going to be a future We can look at we can hand the ball off. Yeah. Have to pass that buck. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Next person please. Good evening everyone. Good evening ma'am. How are you? I'm Helen Russia
McFaten. Um, I'm here to address the um parking also on High Street. Uh, we did receive um a letter and they said that we would
um get a parking sticker for that residential area. Now on the on the uh letter that we received from you where it says um they want to let me see I want to share my concern regarding restriction that
listed on the letter we received about the parking permits. The limitation on the late hours are not what we need. It is not just an overnight parking issue. It is all day long and every day.
So this proposal would be to issue parking permit that do not allow for parking at non-resident for more than two hours because I mean where they park we have to switch over from side
to clean and then they'll bring their car and leave it there three and four days until it's time for them to move in and it's not great because we don't have driveways there and we are trying to let everybody park on that street. All the
resident that park on that street. Like she was saying, some people live in the apartment building. They don't want to pay the extra stall up there. They'll come and park there on on High Street that the school parks there. The hospital parks there. So, we here. They
did give us today to come back to the meeting. So, I'm here. So, could you give your information to the city manager? Because if the hours are wrong, we might have, you know, could have made a mistake there. Yeah. Oh, we did. Okay. Yeah. Because we had
other questions. Yeah. Thank you so much. Thank you. You're welcome. Anyone else from the public? Walking slower now. Yeah. a lot slower than a lot slower than the 12 years ago when
you guys took over. But I want to uh start by uh thanking you for honoring Tony Marcelia and also at the last minute mentioning the Rotary Club and also his dedicated years of service uh to his church, Holy Trinity Church in Hackinac, where he's been a member for
so long and we're grateful for that. And we're grateful for what you guys have done over the last 12 years. In John's case, 16 and uh in Cherry's case, it was four, but everybody contributed. Stephanie eight, I guess, you know, Steve forever. But uh it's a great
council. You've done a lot of things that a lot of people are very, very grateful for. Uh it really is everything that meets the eye. Some of the stuff doesn't meet the eye, like infrastructure, and you should be commended for all of that. Everything doesn't always work out. There are some things maybe you should have done
better. There are complaints from the community that obviously uh people were not happy with and we have a new administration to take your place and it's time to pass the baton. Uh but you should be proud of what you've accomplished. I think all in all you guys have done an outstanding job. Uh I
wish Casim and company I hate to say company because I know you all have names. Whoa. And I am falling over. If Casim if the new administration doesn't do well, the city doesn't do well, we don't do well. So, we know they're going to be very
successful and they're going to carry on a lot of the projects that you've already established and where they see newer opportunities, they'll be able to break new ground. So, thank you very much for everything you've done. I really appreciate having been working with you over all these years. And uh thanks for everything. Thank you. And I
found one other thing, too. I could have learned a lot more about the city if I had followed around a little bit more frequently, you know, to see what's happening. Thanks again. Thank you. Thanks, Pete. Sir,
how's it going? Mayor and Council William Smith, 808 Main Street, City of Hackin Sack. Yes, I appreciate everything what you guys did over in in the new over the years. John, you knew my father when he was alive. He's not here tonight. Uh, unfortunately, he
passed away last year. Sorry to hear that. I didn't Thank you. And, uh, you know, he was up in uh, in Hackinac Meridian Health at the time when he was uh, going for X-rays. I just wanted to say thank you for helping my father out when he was in time of need and he wasn't here. So, um I just want to say
thank you for everything that you guys did. Thank you in the city. So, um there's comes kinds of concerns that I'm uh concerned about in the and you know, maybe you can bring it up into the in the next uh you know, new new people here that are coming up for there. But I
would like to make a request. My dad was a retired New York City firefighter and I would like to have um the name Main Street from Vita Margarita all the way up to Route 4 after named
after my father William J. Smith and I would I don't know how I can go about that but that I would like to do that in his honor because he was always participative here in the meetings and stuff like that. So, I don't know how I
can go about it to try to rename the street after his name because Engine Five was there numerous times when he had uh problems with his diabetes, went into diabetic coma. Engine 5 always responded. Officers from Hacksac Police
Department always had a black and white respond to my house to take care of them, you know, take care of my father and stuff like that. So, and from for my mother, my mother has um I really don't want to get into it, but she's got a medical condition, but if you could put
two and two together, um it would be we in something for her that she can remember if when the time that she decides to leave the earth, you know, and uh I have uh a 24-hour care
person in in my house taking care of my mom when I'm out, you know, handling my business with uh my security business and stuff. So, um how how do I go about that? But I would really like give your name and information to Okay. the deputy
clerk and go from there. Yeah. And uh you know it it's been uh it's been it's been pretty good and stuff. So, and hopefully that the you know the new council comes in and this will be one of those like I said before a handoff. We can start with getting the information.
We have to hand it off. Absolutely. Yeah. So anyway, I just want to say congratulations to all you guys that that you know that put the city together, keep everything going. So and hope to see you, John. Hopefully see you at the, you know, in the meeting that's on the other side. Yep. And hopefully it
can continue. So be safe, brother. We'll see. Take care. Thank you. Make sure you give her the information, though. You got it. Sure. On the bottom. Okay. Definitely. Thank you, Miss Cooper. Hi.
Hi. Um, I just want to add to what I was saying about Mr. Marcia before before I start because I was so caught off guard. Um, uh, I should have been better prepared, but I I just want to add, Tony, that you were such a mentor to me and I really appreciate all of your help over the years. So, thank you just so much. It's
been a it was really a pleasure working with you and I'm excited to continue to work with you. Um, but I I don't mean to put words in your mouth, but Chris Christie and I really just wanted to thank uh Stephanie for being such a great liaison to the library board and for being so supportive, attending so
many of our programs with your beautiful family and just I'm really going to miss working with you and of of course you too, John. Leos, the boss, I call him. So, um, I wish you I wish you uh continued happiness and uh whatever is beyond this for you. And I don't know
you want to add anything? John and Stephanie both served on the library board and we appreciate that very much and the council's support of the library and we wish you all well and we welcome the new council as well. So, thank you and good luck. Thank you guys. Appreciate it. Thank you.
Okay, I don't see anybody else getting off so I think I can uh Oh, I'm in trouble now. Would you write a book? I need more paper. [Laughter]
Okay. First of all, I want to thank all of you for this microphone. I want to thank all of you. Wait, you need to state your name for the record, please. I'm Debbie Le and I live at 18 Brook Street. Okay. I'm going to address my husband with this speech, but different
parts will apply to the different council members, too. So know it also applies to you. 45 years ago, we chose to purchase a house in Hackinack because of its diversity and how the school system offered so much more to students compared to what other towns did. About 10 years later, we started to hear talk
about rebuilding Main Street. Instead though, we saw the blight on Main Street grow. Its properties devalued year after year. People didn't feel safe walking Main Street at night. Anglewoods, Montlair's, and other towns main streets were flourishing, but not ours. And it wasn't until that mayor left and the
rotating mayors were elected that the movement started re um towards rebuilding Main Street. I thank them for that. Your first test as mayor came quickly. Some of your supporters said you needed to clean city hall and fire people just because they were on the
other side. You refused and lost their support. But this is one of the things I'm most proud of you for. You showed dignity and the ability to do what is right, even if doing so made things difficult for you. From the beginning, you and the council were devoted to the development of Main Street. You joined
in with the county's initiative to reduce and try to eliminate the homelessness in our city. And you stopped other towns from bringing their homelessness to our main street and leaving them there. You returned Main Street back to into a two-way street, which you know I was totally against,
but today I can admit that you were right and my thinking proved to be wrong. Little by little, the developers became interested in Hackinack, and the transformation of Main Street has been tremendous and probably what you will be most remembered for. Main Street is now safe. It's alive and vibrant, a sharp
contrast to what it was. Separating the sewers is another huge accomplishment. And again, we heard for years about how is much needed, but never attempted because it was so expensive. Your use of pilot money and grants has allowed the sewers to have been separated in many areas without a tremendous tax burden to
the residents and I can only hope this will continue until complete. Other accomplishments are the new recreation center big or beautiful enjoyed daily by so many u major renovations to all the parks. I was going to list them but I wouldn't have the time. Um the community garden gets
bigger and better each year. I remember joking about the Jonie Mitchell song Big Yellow Taxi when she sings they paved paradise and put up a parking lot. You and your council did the opposite. You tore down a parking lot and you put up the Atlantic Street park. How awesome is that? Every year many city events occur
there and even those who originally posed it now have admitted its worth. A lot of effort has been put into water abatement and hopefully that will be continued by the new council. the $33 million deficit you found from prior administrations for unpaid tax bills. Go
ahead. Has been paid during your tenure and you now leave the city surplus money instead. Kathy, I know you played a huge part in getting this done. So, thank you. I hope the new administration has someone as talented as you are in that area. You and your various council members were able to accomplish all the
above and so much more. You made choices based on what you believed was right for the city and refused to answer to any political power people. When you were first elected, I remember telling you not to get a big head just because you're the mayor. I said, "The title alone means nothing. It's what you do
with the position that matters." And as I stand here, I hope I don't cry. Your role as mayor of Hackinack will soon be ending. And I can unequivocally unequivocally say although you lost this election, you can and should hold your head high. Not because you were mayor
for 12 years, but because what you did for Hackinack during that time. You have filled the position as mayor with dignity and respect. And I couldn't be prouder of you than I am right now. This goes to anybody who had a part in this. To the new mayor and council, I wish you
success in all you do that will benefit the city. And I hope when your time is up, you will also be able to hold your head high. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That was unexpected. Thank you.
By the way, what's her dinner? [Laughter] Are you leaving or speaking? Ma'am, I'm leaving. All right. See you later. It's my next door neighbor. I could talk to her like that. I'll speak to you later. Okay. If that's it, I'm going to make a
motion. I just want to say because this is Oh, that's right. You're probably my last time sitting standing sitting sitting up here standing up here and I definitely was not gonna, you know, call her for going over time. Um, but just to say thank you for the opportunity to serve. It's been a privilege. You've
been some of the finest uh public officials I've had the chance to work with. So, just want to say thank you. Thank you to the clerk. Thank you to everyone up here. Thank you to the city manager. So, thank you, Steve. Appreciate it. Yep. Going to miss you, but we'll still play golf together. So,
anytime. Yep. So, motion to close to the public. Offer. Second. All in favor? I. None opposed. So Stephanie, you're up. Sure. So, of course, when I have a long speech to give, I have a little bit of a cold, so sorry for my my voice, but um I
can't believe we're here. It's our last meeting. I just want to start by congratulating Mr. Marcia and our mayor on their recognition tonight. Um I had the honor of working alongside both of you and you're both perfect examples of what a gentleman should be and your dedication to the city is unwavering. Um
Mr. Mr. Mercia, the only wish I had was that my my children had the honor of going to school under your leadership. Um I wish they could have been part of that, but I'm glad that you're retired and and on your way to bigger and better things. Um someone recently asked me if you could do it all over again, would
you? And I paused and I really had to think about it. Um my youngest child was just under two years old when I first took office and I used to, you know, go around with a stroller and we were campaigning and it was, you know, she's nine now. Um, I thought about all the time away from my
family, not just the missed games and school events or not being there for bedtime. That's the hard part. But the hardest part is the times when your name is dragged through the mud and then your children ask you, you know, questions and you they come home hurt and confused. That's the part that no one sees. But then I thought about the
condition of the city eight years ago and I look at what it is now and I'm reminded what these last eight years were actually about. And just look what has been accomplished in these eight years. the new Eminem building, Sty Park, Carver Park, Splash Pads, the community garden, Hackpack, Atlantic
Street Park, flood control mechanisms, including the uh sewer separation, continuing redevelopment, which continues to bring in new business, new residence in addition to revenue into the city, a new home for a building department, the approval and securing of brands for Fini Park site improvements,
Johnson Park improvements, Main Street two-way conversions, streetscapes on Main Street, handicap accessible ramp citywide, Anderson Street improvements, successful agreement with the hospital to bring in more revenue, breaking ground on the D dome project, one of the first municipally owned indoor
multisport facilities, paying off 30 million tax appeals left by the previous administration, and successfully negotiating a new flight path with the FAA at Teter. Of course, not all of these are just me. Most of them are from John and Kathy who are here before me, but I had the privilege of coming in and
um seeing those things come to fruition or beginning those new projects. Um, eight years is a short time. It's a long time when you're up here, but it's a short time to have all those projects completed or began. And I challenge anyone else to find a municipality that's accomplished even half of that in
that amount of time because it's it's a lot. Um, to the deputy mayor, um, mayor and Leo, I know he's not here. I have never met three people more dedicated to a mission than the three of you. Your love for this city is only matched by your love for your families, and I know how much you cherish your grandchildren.
And still there were so many times you were asked to put Hackinack first and you did. When I started this journey, the three of you were already well on your way to transforming this city. We believed in the same mission for Hackinack. That's how I came to be on the team. And that vision went beyond how the city looked. It started with a
simple but powerful question. Why not our city? Why not our residents? We were adamant that our residents deserve the best of the best. The best main street, the best roads, the best parks, the best opportunities. When I moved here in 2007, that was one of the things I was so confused about. This was a beautiful
city. It had so much to offer, but it was blighted and there was so much more we could do. And I remember just looking around at other towns where my friends and family lived and saying, "We deserve that, too. We deserve that main street. We deserve nice roads. And here it is. We we have it now." Um, and it's because of the two of you starting starting
everything. Um, we might we may not have always agreed. We've cast different votes, but I can say with 100% certainty, every vote we cast was what we truly believed was best for our residents. No one ever told us how to vote. There were no influences or favors we were we were
owing anyone. We made our decisions based on what we believed was right for Hackinack and its residents. To our city employees, our police department, fire department, DPW technology, building, finance, health, recreation, and library staff, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering commitment for the work you do day in and day out to keep the city
running safe and thriving. To our business owners, thank you for believing in Hackinack. Thank you for choosing the city as a place to build your dreams, establish your livelihoods, and serve our community. Your investment in our city has helped shaped its growth and success. to our administr administrative
team, especially Deb, Allison, Vinnie, Jim, Frank, Leo, Dela, and our city attorney, Steve. I can't forget Ted and Jackie either. But so many late nights, last minute changes, intense conversations. You've shown up time and again, and you've gone gone above and beyond for all of us. We thank you for
everything, and I'll always cherish our laughs and our our good talks. Um, it was a great team. You know, everyone was like family here. To my library board family, some of some of who aren't here tonight. I've never met a more dedicated board. For anyone who thinks all library
board does is discuss books, you're wrong. Um, the Johnson Public Library Board is one of the most innovative, passionate, and genuinely kind group of trustees I've ever worked with. It was an honor to be there when our current director, Tower, was hired. Since then, the library has blossomed with exciting new initiatives, programs, and community
events. And that is thanks to this board. Your commitment to not only literacy, but equity and inclusion, education, and innovation has truly made Johnson Public Library a cornerstone of this city's progress. John and Kathy, as a Hackinack resident, I'm devastated that you won't be serving another term
to finish what you started. But as your friend and your work daughter, I'm also so happy for you both. You have dedicated your lives to the city. Now, it's time to dedicate time to yourselves, to your family, and maybe even pick up some new hobbies. I love you both. You deserve all the rest and relaxation in this next chapter. To my
family, thank you for your patience, your love, and your endless support. Eight years is a long time, and I'm so proud that you've been part of this experience. To Evan, Ben, and Gigi, you were raised watching what hard work, dedication, and public service looks like. And I already see those values in each of you, in your community service,
in your compassion for others, and how hard you work in school and sports. You make me proud every single day. And to my parents, mother-in-law for being there to cook dinners, ensure the kids were bathed before bed and help out with homework on meeting nights. To my husband, Eric, thank you for always being there, for waiting up for me after
late meetings, sometimes with a glass of wine if it was a really exciting one, and always with an open heart to listen. And lastly, to our residents, thank you. Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for showing up to our meetings, for sharing your stories, for voicing your concerns. And to all
our volunteers, board members, coaches, advocates, thank you for your time and effort. They don't go unnoticed and we appreciate you. I believe Hackmanac is stronger today because of the hard work over the past 12 years and I will always be proud to have played a part in that alongside our residents, business
owners, employees and my fellow council members. So in conclusion, yes, these past eight years were worth it and I would do it again with you two in a heartbeat. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause]
Well, folks, I guess you're in for a lot of revisiting of of some of the last 12 years, but I I'll try and be as brief as I can as I talk through some of the things that I think this whole council should be very very proud of. Um, of course, Main
Street, Main Street never looked better. Um, you know, when when we first started this initiative, John and I, I mean, you know, we worked very closely with the homeless shelter with, thank God for Julia Orlando, Mike Moraga, uh, we put the quality of life initiative in place and, you know, Main Street had to go
through a real cleanup before we could even think about development and all of those things. Again, took a lot of a lot of hard work and some blood, sweat, and tears, but we got it started and then it took off and it and it it was like fire that couldn't really stop. Um, thanks to
the alliance for keeping the downtown as pretty as it is. Um, they do a wonderful job. They're very committed folks and they they take care of our flowers and they they make sure the streets are clean and they work well with the businesses and they're providing lots of entertainment and fun things and reasons
for people to want to come to to downtown Hackinack and and um they're a very important part of of what's going on. Uh, some of the downtown the two-way conversion. Uh, remember that day, John? We stood in the middle of the street back toback because we have some cute pictures of that. But you know, it was a
major accomplishment. It was something that really I I pushed so hard. It was something my husband Amal wanted so desperately and he didn't live to see it. We did it and just shortly after he passed away and certainly we spoke about him that day and in memory of him. It was something that he really believed we
needed to do to have this downtown return to the vibrant downtown that it currently is. The Hackpack, I mean, what can I say? The performing arts center. I mean, you know, that was a a a wonderful turnaround. We received the historic preservation award from the county for
that. Uh if many of you don't know that the they're the original chandeliers that were there. Uh we had to have one fabricated because we need we were one short, but you know, we tried to restore it in the best way in the most lovingly way we could. And it's here for everyone to enjoy. Um
we've brought a lot of new folks into the downtown. Yes, there's new buildings. Yes, there's people that are loving it. Uh we certainly John and I and and uh some of the Marlene and some of our new uh folks that ran with us in this last election. We made visits to
many of them and spent mornings with some of the new residents who just loved Hackinack. I don't think we met one person that wasn't boasting about how happy they were here and how they enjoyed being part of Hackinack and feeling part of a family having parks and and many of them that came from
Jersey City and Hoboken and were saying I'm not walking shouldertosh shoulder and you know I'm really enjoying being in Hackinack and very very very much and and it's helping us you know in 2024 of course I have to talk numbers because that's who I am in 2024 we saw you know
$10 million in revenue coming from the downtown and that went right to the bottom line, folks. So, that's that's what's helping us try to keep our taxes as as clean and as close to normal as we possibly can. And if we do nothing else, contracts that are in place right now, and I'm saying this to to our new folks
that are coming in, you know, if if with those contracts just execute that in five years that 10 million will be at least 19 million. So, you know, they're all set in place. everything strategically planned and that revenue is great because that's what we need in
the city to stabilize and to control our finances. Um, city finances again, they've never been better. Uh, CFO sitting here, you know, our our S&P rating is a double A1, which means we're only one step below a AAA,
right, Jim? So, we're really really close. And, you know, 12 years ago, believe it or not, we were we were pretty close to bankruptcy. I mean, we only had one million $1.4 million in surplus and we were $30 million in tax appealed in a drawer. All of those that
$30 million is entirely paid off and our $1.4 million of surplus is up to 20 21.8 million I think Jim. Yes. And which is pretty much what the the the state of New Jersey and what the people that rate us financially are looking for. Having
surplus, that's what's stabilizing the taxes. That's when we're in an emergency situation, when things happen when COVID hit, you know, we have the ability to keep things in an even keel. We don't have to transfer, you know, sporadically to our residents. And we're very very
proud of that. Um, when we came into office, we saw in from 2004 to 2014, you saw years where where the city taxes, we can only talk about the city, that's all we can control, they were as high as 12 and a half percent increases, some years 10%, 6%. So we came in and we set a
target of never going over four and trying to never go over two, you know, and in the last number of years we had three years with zero increase in city tax levy. None. Zero because COVID hit and we had a couple of years still under four. And this year we're back down to
less than 1% increase on the city side, 7%. And we're proud of that as a council. We're proud of the city and the employees who make that happen, work together with the C CFO and suck it in and cut expenditures when they need to to make things work for our residents.
And that's what's important that everyone understands and and really works well together. Um, what what what have we accomplished that you can take a look at? Look at the Eminem Recreation Building for our kids. I mean, it's it's gorgeous. Uh, parks. I
think we made changes to last count 10 different parks have had fairly significant improvements in the last number of years. We've paved 179 streets. Um and we're continuing to do more. The sewer work, nobody wants to do se sewer work because you can't see it and you can't really appreciate it, but
it's important. And you know, you look at, you know, weather changes and other towns that have had significant flooding. Yes, we still we still have work to do and we're passing that torch on to the new council, but you know, it's a major improvement. And h how you know it's improved. Yes, in a terrible
storm, you're going to see some flooding on River Street, but guess what? It's gone in hours. That shows that it's working. It used to take days where it would be flooded before it would recede. So, these are the things that that we as a council, we saw that vision. we knew
they were important and and things that we're I think all need to be very very proud of the legacy that that we're leaving behind. Um, thanks to everyone again, all of our council members, attorneys, clerks, employees, CFO, Albert, our redevelopment director,
planning board, uh, finance committee, budget committees, all the many things, my tanic airport that I go to quarterly for the city, you know, thanks to all the folks and all the pleasure that I've derived from it. And I know it's been a lot of work like Stephanie said, but it really brought me joy and I really
enjoyed doing it for the city and I wish the new council well. I love this city and all I hope for is that you show your love for it as much as we have and I'm offering up. I'm here if you ever want someone or need some help or have
questions or things you just want to ask historically. I'm here to help you. and um I look forward to the next number of years and hopefully seeing the good work in the city continue. Thank you folks. Thank you,
Mr. Carol. Yes. Uh this past Sunday, our city held our Junth celebration at Carver Park. And I'd like to thank our recreation department and the Elevate Hackasack Group along with our DPW and many others
for putting on a fantastic event. I'd like to point out that our New Jersey senators Gordon uh Johnson and Benji Wimbley and the president of the NAACP took um time out of their busy schedules
to also attend this great event. Tonight is my last meeting as your city councilman. I'd like you to know as a liflong resident of this great city of Hackinac, I have been deeply committed to its growth, improvement through my
extensive service in education, community involvement, and local governance. I continue to live by the values of service, community, and education that have defined my career. I will continue focusing on making Hackasack a better place for all residents and I will
continue to fight for the community that has supported me throughout my life, striving to create opportunities for the city's future while honoring its past. In closing, let's remember that school is out and there'll be many more
children playing, riding bikes, and walking in the streets. Be careful while driving. I would like I would like to thank everyone for attending this meeting physically and remotely. Take care, get home safe, and God bless.
Thank you, Jeff. So, this is it, huh? This is it. So, let me start out by saying it's been an honor and a privilege to serve both as a councilman and the mayor of this great
city of Hackinack. So, this all started back in 2008. Kathy Leon and I and others became involved in local politics. As usual, there were several issues going on in this city, hot issues, and we decided to get involved in what would turn into us running for
the city council in May of 2009. Unfortunately, I was the only one from our ticket to get a seat on the council, and it was a very close election. Like you said, 37 votes. Those four years served as a time of learning, not just for me, but for Kathy
at that time as well. Kathy, I believe, attended every single council meeting except for when she was on vacation. So, I served my four years and I must say, owe so much to the people who supported me during those four years. It wasn't easy, especially Kathy and Leo. Kathy,
like I said, made almost every meeting for four years and Leo made quite a few. So, anyway, the four years were over and we had decided to give it another go in 2013. This time, we swept. We were elated. Much like Hackin Sack United, I'm sure
is elated right now. Politics is a crazy game and you never know really what's going to happen. I want to wish the new council the best of luck and success over the next four years. The only advice I could possibly give you is watch out for those occasional curve balls because they come out of nowhere.
All right. I want to thank all of our employees that have been with us for the last 12 years, especially Debbie Allison, the rest of the staff in the clerk's office, Al Dib, who bought into our dream of rebuilding our downtown. He has
been a true professional. He's our historian, and we owe Albert a great deal of gratitude and thanks for what he's done. A special thanks to Vincent Caruso, who has navigated the ship for the last four plus years.
A special thanks to the late great Ted Aaronburgg who we all loved and he loved Hackinack like he had lived here all his life. Special thanks to probably the best CFO in Jersey, Mr. Jim Mangan. Guy is amazing. Um, also the building
department, our zoning board, our zoning officer, Bridget. Great people. Special thanks to fire department, our police department, our DPW, our sanitation department, as well as our recck department, finance department, tax department, the staff in the manager's
office, our parking utility staff, our health department, and our municipal court. And we've also had so many great professionals along the way, too many to mention, but there are some that deserve to be recognized this evening. Our city attorney, Mr. Steve Kimman, our
redevelopment attorneys, Brian Nelson and Mike Hanley. without a doubt, hands down the best at what they do. Joe Mecca and from Negla Engineering, Greg Poll Polliniac from our planning board. Special thanks to a great planning board. They have done a great
job for the city through our time on the council. I want to thank the Main Street Alliance, especially Jerry Lombardo, Brian Aamean, and the late great Ed Decker, along with all the other alliance members. And speaking of Ed Decker, Ed was an intricral part of getting the Hackpack up and running and
is responsible for the Pack the House series, which today still brings in highlevel talent to perform in what I feel is the best little concert venue around. I want to thank our director of the Hackpack, Greg Leosi, who has been an intricral part of the events that happen in our theater.
I need to recognize and thank Vision Media, Paul Swabinsky and his son, Phil, have been a great resource for us through our years. There's so many people to thank and if I missed a department or professional, please accept our thanks and gratitude. And of course, I want to thank not just the city council, but anyone who's
served with us since 2013. Jerry, it's been a long strange trip, and as we all know, things happen for a reason, and I thank you for your time and your work on this city council. We appreciate it, especially with Fini Park. I wish you nothing but good health and happiness in the future. Staff, it's
been an honor and a privilege working with you. It's been fun watching you grow from a shy young girl pushing that stretcher or stretcher stroller. A little slip there. The shy young mom into a force to be reckoned with. I know you're moving on from our city, but you
we know you will never forget Hackinack. And best of luck. And I'm sure we're here from you because that is who you are. So Leo, you're not here, but I'm going to talk to you anyway. Leo, I will miss your sense of humor, your passion for soccer, your love of family, but what I
will miss most of all is how whenever you got a call from us, you were there in an instant. When our dear friend Amal became ill, you were there for your good friend. Your loyalty and help to Amal and Kathy was always steadfast and always there. And we owe you a big thank
you for that. Kathy, what can I say? I've learned so much from you over the years. I can honestly say I've received one of the best educations a person could ever have. You know, you know, when two people who work together who think alike, well, it made it a little bit easier.
Yes, we've had our moments and sometimes they not agree, but at the end of the day, what it always came down to was that we thought what was best for the city. You have been a rock through some very hard times. Losing Amal was a very hard time, but with the help of family and friends, you got through it. I know Amal
has been watching and he's given me permission to drive you up and down Main Street when we leave certain meetings because that's my wife I drive my wife up and down Main Street. She goes crazy. But uh yeah, I take Kathy for drives on on Main Street on the way home because that's what we do. That don't know
wherever we were when we were coming home I would say can we just take a drive down Main Street? Yeah. And you know it brought back again. He he was born and raised was lived in Akitac his whole life and it was really the love of his life. So thank you for remembering
John. Oh you're welcome. So we taking you up and down Main Street so we could see all the progress that was going on. You and I will never forget all the battles, the wins and the losses, the hard times, the fun times, but most of all we'll never forget how we brought
this downtown back to life. Someday your grandchildren will be driving their kids down Main Street and they will say, "Grandma did this." And I hope the same for my grandkids as well. So, so for you and I, this is not goodbye, but what's next? We are both busy bodies
who won't sit around for too long. So, I'm looking forward to what the future brings. For now, though, it's time for some needed time off. So, enjoy Lavallet and your family. Well, the only thing left to talk about now is my experience. So, in my opening, I said that it's been
an honor and a privilege to serve the city for the last 16 years. And I truly mean that. I am living proof of the age-old lesson of if you want something and you set your goals and priorities, anything can be achieved. I come from humble stock and have been a blueco
collar worker for most of my life. I owe so much to so many. We worked hard and from that I learned the importance of having a good work ethic. I am proud of my blueco collar heritage and would not trade it for the world. That's why we're so happy to see these blueco collar workers, union guys here
tonight. That said, you could probably count on one hand how many blueco collar workers go on to become a mayor. I learned early that if you don't step forward, you will go nowhere. If you do not do not ask the question, the answer will always be no. And the key to
winning was to work harder than the other guy. The lessons instilled in me by others is the reason for any success I have achieved. So I am not only honored and privileged but I am proud of what I've been able to do. But the pride isn't just for me but for all the people who helped me along
the way. So to all of them I say look what we have done. God has blessed me with a good wife, two successful sons, six wonderful grandkids and to them I say thank you for understanding and allowing me to take on this challenge. You know for everything you win there's
something lost. When you enter into adventure like this, you do it knowing you were going to miss certain things. A dance recital, a ball game, wrestling match, a school play, or someone's first band concert. Well, I'm happy to say I won't
be missing as many of these, and it is time to catch up for lost time. Lost time with my wife, lost time with my kids and my grandkids, and my lost time with friends. And last, but not least, I want to thank the citizens of our great city. Thank you for allowing myself and
the city council to navigate the ship for the last 12 years. It was a good run and a lot of great things have been accomplished. I'm looking forward to still driving up and down Main Street as I am sure there are more great things to come to Hackinack. God bless all of you and it's been a blast being part of
this. Thank you. [Applause] So and with that need a motion to close this meeting. offer second. Let's do roll call.
I I I So, I wish everybody thanks for coming tonight. All of you supporters, everybody that's here, um have a safe trip home and we'll see you all soon. Thank you. See me on Main