--------- Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Hackinack High School auditorium for the 2025 city of Hackinack Reorganization meeting. Please take this time now to acknowledge the emergency exits on either side of the stage and directly behind you.
After the meeting, we invite all guests to join in the cafeteria located one floor below for light refreshments. Now, here's your host of the evening, city clerk, Deborah Carlson. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to call this July 1st, 2025 reorganization
meeting of the Hackasack City Council to order. This meeting has been held in accordance to the Sunshine Law, known as having published according to law with a copy on file in the city clerk's office and a copy posted on the bulletin board in city hall. The police honor United States of America and to the
stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. God bless America. Okay, please remain standing for the national anthem which will be sung by Timothy Fisher. Oh, say
can you see by the dawn early light, what so proudly we held at the twilight
last gleaming, who's brought stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight.
Or the ramp parts we watched were so gallently streaming. And the rockets red glare,
the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star spangled Ber yet? Or the land of the free
and the home of the brave. Hey, please remain standing while the color guard retires. Okay, please be seated.
Okay, we're going to have the invocation by Father Thomas P. Quinn from Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Almighty God and Father, with gratitude we assemble this evening for the installation of our new mayor and city council. As you are the origin of all
that is good and sustain us in all we do, we ask you to be with us as you make Foreest amia concencia. Manosenos. Amen. Almighty God bless bless this gathering
today. Bless the city council, the mayor, the city workers, the police departments, all the people of Hackinac. Please help us remember what the Talmuda taught us that when someone is being appointed to any sort of position. It's
not only a trust of people. It's also the trust of God because God is with them and God is with you giving you the power to do what you have to do. Almighty God, Haken is a tremendously blessed and diverse city. It is said
that Rabbi Manneer of blessed memory told Mayor David Dinkens in 1991. He told them may become a day that we would not look at each other and see the differences but instead we're going to see whatever unites us together. We are
one people created by one God for one purpose to make this world a better place. Almighty God, please bless the city council, the mayor, and everyone here today. And that this moment should bring tremendous blessing to everyone, to the city council, and to all of you.
And let us say, amen. Reverend Dr. Baptist Church. Might we might hold on to your prayer. Gracious God, in this time and space
that we live in today when the political scene is in disarray, we give you glory and praise that you are with us. God, today we pray for this council that is coming in today to be sworn in. We pray, oh God, that you
would continue to keep your hands on them, God, as they seek to be a group of people for the people. We pray, oh God, that you would continue to lead them and guide them as they do what only you can do through them, and that is to lead
with justice and equity, love and compassion. Most of all, God, we thank you that the tables have turned today. And we give you glory that in this and through this we will see a united and a new hackin sack. We give you glory today
that you have given us the strength to bind together to choose a new group of people who have the people's heart in mind. And we thank you today that what we will see from this the fruit that will come of it will be something that we will be able to give you the glory
and praise for from this day forward. keep us all and we give you praise today. In the perfect name of Christ we pray. Amen. Okay. The next thing on the agenda is the election results which I will read
to the honorable city council. After cancel the votes, I do hereby issue the following statements of determination of the results of the municipal election. in the city of Hackinack, county of Bergen, state of New Jersey, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for the purpose of
electing five members of the city council. Cassian Gaines, 2821 votes. Agatha Tumi, 287 votes. Philip Carroll, 2784 votes. Sonia Clark Collins, 2783
votes. Roberto Diaz, 2770 votes. I further certify that the aforementioned were elected members of the city council to take effect on this first day of July 2025 for a term of four years. Okay. And with that, we're going to have
the oath of office administered to Councilman Cassine Gaines. Um, he'll be sworn in by Daniel Corolla. They want to hear it. Don't want anyone to contest it. I I Cassim Gaines dolely swear do solemnly swear that I will support the
Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same that I will bear truth, faith, and allegiance to the same and to the governments established in
the United States and to the governments established in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority of the under the authority of the people. I will faithfully and that I will faithfully impartially and justly perform and justly perform all the duties of
councilmen. According to the best of my abilities. So help me God. The next to be sworn in is Councilwoman Agatha Tumi. She's going to Born in by James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive
Uh before I give the oath office, I wanted to say it's one it's wonderful to join you all here tonight in Hackinack as we welcome a fresher breath air leadership to the city council. This is an exciting new chapter for our
county seat and my administration looks forward to building a strong partnership with the new mayor and council. Together we can and we will deliver real results for the people of Hackinack and Bergen County. I'm looking forward to
welcoming you all to the groundbreaking of 133 River Street, a transformative project that will bring the new bus terminal, workforce housing, and veteran housing right here in Pam uh Bergen Hackin. You can tell where I live.
Not not only that, but that property will now contribute money to the city of Hackinack because I'm proud to administer the oath of office to council me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me me member Agathy Agatha A Tumi a member of
the Hackinack unitites team Agatha is a true public servant who served nearly 40 years as Hackinac director of human services helping families connecting people to resources and building lasting partners partnerships across the community here in Hackinack. She's remained active on
the planning board with local civic organizations and through her efforts fought for food fought against food insecurity. And she brings private sector experience as a longtime small business owner of Delford Flores Flores
Flowers and Gifts and a fixture in the Hackinack community. Hackinack is lucky to have a council member with a Agatha's experience, heart, and record of getting things done. Agatha, it's my honor to be able to swear you in tonight.
You're going to raise your right hand. Place your left hand on the Bible. There you are. I state your name. I, Agatha Tumi, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I
will support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey that I will bear true faith and allegiance that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same to the
same and to the governments established and to the governments established in the United States in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully impartially impartially and
justly and justly perform all the duties perform all the duties of councilwoman of councilwoman according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations councilwoman. Good to meet you.
Next is Councilman Roberto Diaz. Mr. Diaz will be sworn in by Mayor Hector. Just want to say briefly, congratulations, Councilman. To all of the officials elected, congratulations. Greetings to all the dignitaries, all of
the officials, everyone in the community, and all staff here. including Deborah. It is an honor to swear you in, Roberto. I was told by your good friend, Jose Vargas, that history was made when you were elected. I believe you become the first ever uh elected individual of
Dominican descent to become a council member. If I may, Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. I, brother, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support that I will support the
Constitution the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution of the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey and that I will bear true faith I will bear true faith and allegiance and allegiance to the same to the same and to the government to the
government established established in the United States in the United States and in the state and in the state under the authority the authority of the people of the people and that I will faithfully and that I will faithfully impartially impartially and justly and justly perform all of the duties perform
all the duties of councilmen of councilmen according to the best of my abilities according to the best of my abilities so help me God so help me God ladies and gentlemen And next is Councilman Philip Carol. Mr. Carol will be by Ryan.
Please repeat after me. I state your name. I, Philip Carol, do solemnly swear who solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the State of New Jersey that I
will bear true faith and allegiance I will bear true faith and allegiance do the same do the same and to the government to the government established in the United States established in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I will faithfully I will
faithfully impartially impartially and justly and justly perform all the duties perform all the duties of counsel of counsel according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God. Next is Sonia Clark Collins. She will be
sworn in by Ready? Ready. It's showtime, dear. I state your name. I, Sonia Clark, do solemnly swear. Dolely swear that I'll support the Constitution of the United States. that
I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith that will bear true faith and allegiance and allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments established and to the governments established in the
United States in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people that will faithfully that will faithfully impartially impartially and justly and justly perform all the duties perform all the duties of councilwoman of
councilwoman according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations Okay, I'll say uh take a Bible. Okay, a quick a few few words uh equity comments of the uh our
county executive. Uh at the state level, same deal. We'll be working to ensure that the people of Hackasac have the quality of life that they deserve. It's a It's a team effort. It's a new chapter here in Hackinack. They're ready. It seems like they're ready to
go. Ready and willing to go. So, the state, the county, the federal government, we're all here to ensure that you get what you deserve, the piece of the American pie, so to speak, and and you we all become a part of that American dream. So, thank you for allowing me to say a few words here
tonight, and let's get the show on the road here. Right. Okay, now that everyone has been sworn in, we're going to do um first roll call. Council member Tumi. Council member Clark Collins. Hi. Council member
Carol. Hi. Council member Diaz. Hi. That was me. That was my hi. Council member Gains here. Hi. Okay. We are
now going to open the meeting for nominations for the office of mayor. Um, we need um we need to do a roll call for that. So, I need a motion to open. I'll make a motion.
And I need a second. I second. Council member Tubing. I. Council member Clark Collins. I. Council member Carol. Hi. Council member Diaz. I. Council member Gains. I.
Okay. We are now open for nominations. Do we have a nomination for mayor? I nominate Cassin Gaines for mayor of Hackinson. I need a second. I guess I finally got one, but
Council Member Tumi I. Council member Clark Collins I. Council member Carol. Hi. Council member Diaz. Hi. Council member Gaines. I Okay. Um, any other nominations for
mayor? Okay. Hearing none, I'd like to close the nominations for mayor. Need a motion. I'll second. I'll second. Council member Tumi. I. Council member
Clark Collins. I. Council member Carol I. Council member Diaz I. Council member Gaines I. Okay. So now I'm going to have the roll call vote for the um election of council member Gaines as mayor. I need a motion.
Anybody? A motion. I'll offer. I need a second. I'll offer. Second. Council member Tumi. I, Council Member Cares, I, Council Member Carroll, I, Council Member Diaz, I, Council Member
Gains, I Okay, the oath of office will be administered to. Oh, I'm sorry. Motion is carried and um, Cassin Games is now there. Council
member Gaines will be sworn in by Maron Towns III and Marland Towns Jr. All right, let's get this show on the All right. I, Cassim Gaines, I, Cassim Gains, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear thou
will support the Constitution That I will support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith That I will bear true faith and
allegiance to and allegiance to the same the same and to the government and to the government established in the United States established in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority under the authority of the people of the people and and that
I will faithfully that I will faithfully impartially impartially and justly and justly perform all duties of mayor perform all duties of mayor according to the best of my ability. according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So
help me God. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say anything, but I I'm going to. Um, as much as my term was a historic moment, when they ever say the first, you hope you're not the last.
We now have the mayor, Cassim G. I have some rearranging to do. Oh, this now belongs to you. You will now preside the rest of the reading. Okay. All right. Resolution 324-25.
Uh, if the clerk can please read the read the resolution. Sure. Thank you. Resolution 324-25. This is a resolution appointing the deputy mayor. Whereas the county of the city of the council of the city of Hackinack believe it is appropriate to
appoint a deputy mayor to serve as the council's representative in matters when the mayor is absent or has conflict and shall preside over any city council meetings when the mayor is absent or has a conflict. Excuse me. Whereas there shall be no additional compensation paid for
performing the duties and responsibilities of this position. Now therefore, be it resolved by the city council of the city of Hackinac that Agatha Tubi Tumi be and hereby is appointed deputy mayor of the city of Hackinack effective immediately. We need a motion.
All second. Council member Tumi I. Council member Clark Collins I. Council member Carol I. Council member Diaz I. Mayor Gates I. Deputy Mayor Tumi will be sworn in by
Jack Ziza, former Hacker. Repeat after me. I, Agatha Tumi, I, Agatha Tumi, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States and
the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. that I will bear true faith and allegiance And I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments established in the United States and to
the government established in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I will faithfully and I will faithfully impartially and partially and justly and justly perform
all of the duties of deputy mayor. Perform all the duties of deputy mayor according to the best of my ability. according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God. I'm going to say just two words.
Number one, congratulations to all of our fine council people, our newly elected mayor, our newly elected deputy mayor. Thanks to the people of Hackinac, we will see a better future. And I'd like to just say um to Agatha,
she has served Hackinac as a full-time 40-year career person serving all of us and serving all of the folks in Bergen County. She's deserves to be here and she will do a great job as they all will for all of us. God
bless you all. Okay, we have um some business to tend to. I'm going to ask our city clerk to help us move through that business and then I will take it back over at the appropriate time. Thank you.
Just fell down. Try this again. Okay. Resolution 325-25 is a resolution qualifying professional service providers and authorizing the mayor to execute contracts with such qualified professionals. We need a
motion. A second. Deputy Mayor Tumi. Hi. Council member Clark Collins. Hi. Council member Carol. Hi. Council member Diaz. Hi, Mayor D. I
resolution 326-25 is a resolution appointing the city attorney. Need a motion. Second. Deputy Mayor Tumi. Hi. Council member Clark. Hi. Council member Carol. Hi.
Council member Diaz. Hi. Mayor Gates. Hi. Resolution 327-25 is a resolution awarding professional service contract to Elizabeth Esquire to serve as the city's municipal
prosecutor. All second. Deputy Mayor Tumi. I council member Clark Collins. Hi. Council member Carol. Hi. Council member Diaz. Hi. Mayor
Gates. Hi. Resolution 328 is a resolution appointing the public defender. We need a motion. Second. Second. Deputy Mayor Juming. Hi. Council member
Clark Collins. Hi. Council member Carol. Hi. Council member Diaz. Hi. Mayor Gates. Hi. Resolution 329-25 is a resolution authorizing the appointment of library board leaison
Mayor Cassin Gains. We need a motion. Second. Deputy Mayor Tumi. Hi. Council member Clark. Hi. Council member Carol. Hi. Council member Diaz. Hi. Mayor Gates. Hi.
Resolution 330-25 is a resolution authorizing the appointment of planning board class one mayor Cassin Gains and class two member deputy mayor Agatha need a motion deputy mayor Tumi
council member Clark council member Carol council member Diaz hi Mayor Gi Resolution 331 is a resolution authorizing the appointment of Councilwoman Sonia Clark Collins as leaison to the recreation
board. Need a motion. Second, Deputy Mayor Tumi. Hi, Council Member Clark Collins. Hi, Council Member Carol. Hi, Council Member Diaz. Mayor Gates, I
resolution 325-25. is a resolution authorizing the appointment of Councilman Roberto Diaz as liaison to the condominium cooperative and multi-unit rental buildings advisory board. Need a motion. Second,
Deputy Mayor Tumi. Hi, Council Member Clark Collins. Hi, Council Member Carol. Hi, Council Member Diaz. Hi, Mayor Gates. Hi. That's all we have. Mayor. All right. Thank you. First, I realized there was an important
piece of business that we did not do. I believe that Deputy Mayor Tumi and I have different name plates. Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to tell you. No, it's it's okay. But we we have these nice limited edition. Here we go. You can trade these over.
The These are the limited edition. Um All right. Just change it over. Great. Perfect. All right. So, um, before we open it up to the public, my understanding is that there are some dignitaries here who may have some, um, proclamations and things. And
so, anyone who would like to step forward, uh, please feel free. There must be something big going on. The whole the whole uh commissioner board is here tonight. And just so you know, it's not a it's not a quorum because we're not
conducting business. So, so really um let's take a few. We have some common uh letters of accommodation for everybody here. Um I'll give them to Commissioner Tanelli. He'll call out the names because he's better looking than me. But uh seriously, we're so proud of
uh all the work that went into making Hackinack what it is and what you're going to move it forward to. Uh from the commissioner standpoint, you're going to make our lives a lot easier. We're going to have a partner. We're going to move this city forward. We're going to move the county forward.
Similar to what the county executive said, we this is a team. We are a team up here and there's a new team in Hackinac. And the team doesn't work unless everyone works together. And congratulations to everybody that's here. Congratulations to everyone that
helped get these individuals elected because you're very, very important. Congratulations to Kenny because I can't miss seeing him right in the front. But on a serious note, this is going to be great for Hackinack. Four years of working together, things are going to
get done. We're so proud to be a part of it and we can't wait to get to work. So, thank you. We're going to call it the uh if everyone could come up and we'll give you uh certificates of uh accommodation so we can take your pictures. Cassin Gaines.
Mayor Gains, excuse me. I gotta get used to that. That's a good one. Agatha Tumi, Deputy Mayor Tanelli didn't have his glasses. That's why I'm doing this. Phil Carol
Roberto Diaz. And last but not least, Sonia Clark Collins. Thank you. All right. Thank you so much. Mayor, if I may. Yes. Thank you, County Executive. I'm John Hogan, your Bergen County Clerk,
and I'm joined by my deputy for at least a decade, Steve Chung, my only deputy. In Bergen County, we run fair, open, and
honest elections. And anyone who is eligible to vote has the opportunity to vote in Bergen County. and don't let anyone tell you anything else. I was heartbroken when I heard a member of a governing body saying that elections are
crooked. Nothing's done right in Bergen County. The result of this election proved that the right thing happens in Bergen County. And I was very upset when the prior governing body decided not to have early voting.
So I opened my office for the old form of early voting, vote by mail in person a Sunday before the election. We got it done. We elected them. Now it's time to go to work. Thank you everyone. Thank you.
Thank you. I get a chance to uh come up a second time to be able to present the certificate of accommodations to all five of the new council members. But as I said before, um, one of the things about this election was that the city of
Hackinack wanted change and the city of Hackinack got change and Hackinack United brought that change about and will bring that change about as far as Yeah. No, they deserve the applause. Absolutely.
This is about working together. Hackinac is the county seat of the largest county in the state of New Jersey. A million people, larger than five states in the nation and District of Columbia. It should it should hold
its place with the 20 other towns in this c in this state as the county seat. And we will Yeah. No, we will working together make that happen so
that you as Hackinack City residents are as proud of Hackinack and as proud as Bergen County as we are as elected officials for Hackinack and Bergen County. So, thank you for what you have
done to bring change to this city and allow us to start a new era between the county of Bergen and the city of Hackinack working together. Thank you all. I came bearing gifts. Uh my name is Cole
Tui. Um, Congressman Godheimer's deputy district director. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to be here tonight, but he asked he stuck down in DC with votes. He asked me to stand in hisstead. He had flags flown over the capital for the new electeds here in Hackinack on behalf of them.
And I'm here to present him on his behalf. And I know if he were here, he would say congratulations to all the newly elected officials tonight. And we look forward to working with you. Congratulations. Thank you very much. All right. And before we open it up to the public, can we just One more round
of applause for all of our elected officials and dignitaries who are here today. Thank you. If you are an elected official, former elected official, dignitar, if you could just stand and be recognized. Thank you. Okay,
I need a motion to open it to the public, please. I'll second. Okay, Councilman Carol offered. Councilman Councilwoman Clark Collins seconded. All in favor? I.
Any opposed? All right. How am I doing, Deb? Doing okay. Just checking. Okay. Just checking. All right. Okay. So, um we have a podium set up over here. We are going to ask um because there are a lot of people here, we're going to ask that
you uh keep your comments brief. Um but we thank you for anyone who would like to come forward. The microphone is there. Thank you. Uh good evening. Michael Wild, mayor of the city of Englewood. just here uh to
congratulate the newly minted mayor, deputy mayor and governing body. Um they say that change is infectious and I looked up that Hackinack's official nickname is the city of motion.
Uh but it was recently marked by the nickname by the downtown the sack. I want you to understand that somebody this last week came forward and said that we should follow suit and call Englewood the wood.
So I am going to go off the record mayor one day with you privately and see if we can affect some other change. All I can say is we are two of the three great cities of this county. We will
have your back. We wish you Godspeed and a lot of love to you, your family. May you serve these wonderful residents noly as you came into office as well. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Jennifer Harris, lifelong
resident of Hackinack, parent, teacher, advocate for children with special needs, um, and president of the Hackinack Board of Education. As as a lifelong resident, I'm proud to see genuine individuals who have made and will continue to make a positive
impact on our community represented here tonight. I wouldn't be a true Comet if I didn't shout out class of 2003 and all Hackinack alumni here in this as as president of the Hackinack Board
of Education. I'm excited to be in a room filled with people who are committed to uplifting our city, especially by investing in its future in educating our students. I speak on behalf of the Hackis Bo board of
education when I say we look forward in beginning what will be the best collaboration our city will ever see working together to support all of our members in the community. Congratulations. Stay focused.
Thank you. Leila Amir Hamza, trustee, Hackinac Board of Education, a 25-y year resident here in Hackinack. I really just want to echo President Harris's comments and congratulate all five of you. Um, I am so very proud to not only be a resident
of Hackinac, um, but and look forward to working with you, uh, to improve our schools, our community, and, um, I hope that everyone can really soak in the moment tonight, looking around the entire auditorium, seeing so many people here in our diverse city. Um, I am
really proud to be a resident of Packinac and and and wish you all the very best. Congratulations. Kenneth Martin, five generations here in Hackasack. My grandmothers and on both side of the
family, grandfathers and all would be very proud to see you guys up there. It's not a fluke that you having this ceremony here. The reason why because we will be working together very closely. There's a lot of things
that we will be doing together and um bringing the city of Hackinack and the school board together. We will collaborate with you. We will um bring uh new things as such as a new school
that uh we really indeed need. We'll be asking for your help with a lot of things and we know you're there. We know you there for us and we're going to be there for you. So, good luck. Congratulations and we'll see you next
month at the meeting. Cassim T, you did it. All right. Debt Carolyn and all of you guys, you came together. You took them over the line. you made it happen. The town stuck
together and finally and then Casim, I also want to thank your family because as you know you guys, your whole family has always pitched in to help with what the town needs and I think you know what I mean. So, I really appreciate you guys
and good luck everybody. I'm Rosetta Gains. I'm the grandma. Whenever he calls me, he says, "Grandma, this is a proclamation from my church." In honor of the appointment of Mayor Conine Gaines, grandson of Elder Rosetta
Gaines, beloved member of the Capitol Presbyterian Church of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Today we gather in reverent celebration to acknowledge a moment of great significance in the life of our broader community. Whereas Mayor
Casim Gaines has been appointed to serve with distinction as the mayor of Hackinack, New Jersey, taken on a sacred trust to lead with wisdom, justice, and humility. Whereas while he may not be a member of
our congregation, he is forever connected to this household of faith through his family lineage, being the cherished grandson of Elder Rosetta Gaines, a faithful matriarch whose devotion, dignity, and spiritual
strength has been a cornerstone of Capitol Presbyterian Church. Whereas the values that have shaped Mayor Gaines includes perseverance, honor, and service that he deeply rooted in his faith and example of his
grandmother whose life continues to bear fruit in the lives of her children and her grandchildren. Therefore, capital Presbyterian is proclaimed to lift its voice in recognition and joy, honoring
disappointment with pride and prayer. May the God who guided Moses through the wilderness, stood with Joshua in the face of battle, and anointed David to lead with a shepherd's heart, walk with
Mayor Gains in each step of his way. May his decision be rooted in wisdom that seeks the common good. His leadership marked by integrity that uplifts the most vulnerable. And his
legacy plants seed of hope and usher and lasting transformation not only for today but for generations to come. Given this day,
Given this first day of July and the year of our Lord 2025, we speak with this blessing aloud in the name of Jesus Christ. We sincerely respect and abideth faith on behalf of
the session and members of Capitol Presbyterian Church, Reverend Martha White and P and Elder Clerk of session, James Casease. Congratulations, sweetheart. Just just under three minutes. You see
where I get it from? Uh, how do I follow that? Um, I was going to write my comments out because I tend to ramble, but um Sorry, can you give your name? I'm sorry. Anthony Z is a Maple Hill Drive Hackin Sack. Um,
I had to negotiate with a toddler um to go to bed and it really gave me perspective tonight because that's what this is all about. That's why we're all here, right? family, friends, uh neighbors, community. Um, and for so long, for the past 10 or more years,
we've been told that the uh state of this community can be measured by the number of buildings that are going up. But the reality is that's in no way what matters. What matters are the lives of the people in those buildings. what
matters are the lives of the residents of this town, the people who um day in and day out are doing the very mundane things that are part of being a community. And I'm so happy that tonight
we get to celebrate a council that is going to look at this city not as a collection of places but as a community of people. And I am um just so proud um
to say that this is my new city council. Um and just before I go um I do want to personally congratulate a man that I've known for a quarter of a century now. Um and who I've worked alongside for almost two
decades this year. Um Mayor Cassin Gaines. Um, I don't know if that's ever going to get normal for me. Um, so, um, I am just so proud of you, Case. I'm I'm so proud of everything that you've accomplished. You really are, um, the
kind of person that, despite me being two years older than you, I can look up to um, as a role model. So, um, you know, congratulations tonight. Um, and I'm going to move because I know you're itching to use that gavl on me for the first time. So, uh, thank you.
Good evening everyone. As your chief of police and Hackinack Comet, I want to extend my congratulations to Mayor Gaines, Deputy Mayor Tumi, Council Member Carol, Council Member Clark Collins, and Council Member Diaz on your successful election to the city council.
Your victories represent the trust and confidence our community has placed in your leadership. Today marks an important moment for our city. Time to turn the page and work together as one team, one family. The challenges we face
require all of us, elected officials, law enforcement, and community members to unite with a shared vision of our city's future. As we move forward, we as the police department are committed to working alongside this council to prioritize what matters most.
Strengthening our community trust through meaningful conversation and partnership, caring for our dedicated employees who serve this community every day by embracing wellness and enhancing public safety and efficiency. The work ahead won't always
be easy, but I'm confident that together we can build a safer, stronger, and more connected community. I look forward to collaborating with each of you in the months and years ahead. Congratulations once again, and thank you for your commitment to serving this great city of
Hackinack. Thank you. Good evening. I'm Anthony De Persia, president of Hackinac PBA Local 9A. On behalf of Hackinac PBA Local 9A, I want to extend our sincere congratulations to each and every one of you. Your victory reflects the will of the people and we
look forward to working together in the best interest of our city. We hope this new chapter brings a spirit brings a renewed spirit of collaboration. Our officers take great pride in serving Hackinac with integrity and professionalism, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of
every resident. I'm going to keep it short. We are optimistic that mutual respect and shared purpose will define our relationship moving forward. Once again, congratulations and we look forward to we look forward to building a better Hackinack. Thank you and congratulations to each and every one of
you. Jason Som Hackinac, Mayor Gaines, I know you're itching to use that gavvel, but please give give me give me a minute to congratulate you. One of the one of Just a minute, Sonia. I promise. One of one of the things that I had the honor of doing in my life
along with Debbie Kilingettis, another former council woman, was to be in the room and help announce you as the ticket that was going to run to take back our city. I will tell you I will tell you it was an honor for me.
But but where it really hit me was was earlier today at 12:00 when so many employees came up and were listening to your comments and were smiling and we're excited to see the city turn the page and create this new chapter. When you
look at the former mayor and council and all the elected officials in this room who have said on more than one occasion that they're excited to work with you, it's absolutely true. And I will tell you that there is nothing that I have done up until this point that makes me
prouder than helping to get you all elected. And I wish you the best of luck. I want to see a city where it's where you can be proud again to be a Hackinack Comet, where you can be proud to bleed blue and gold. And I know each and every one of you do it. Whether you were born in this city, whether you're
from the city, or whether you moved here, you will all do a terrific job. And we can't wait to see what you bring to our city next. Thank you so much. Good evening, Manel Silos Santos. Hakansa have been my home for the last
43 years. and been working for many elected official in this city. So tonight we celebrating here that we have a council to represent all the best inhabit.
I I want to congratulate you and I know you had to deliver it for this area. You represent the bests of this area. Thank you so much. Hi, good evening everybody. Uh can you
hear me? If I knew I was going to speak, I would have dressed a little bit better. But anyway, congratulations to everybody uh just awesome for Hackin Sack. I'm prouder than ever uh for my city of Hackin Sack. And
I think I might stay here a little bit longer, but anyway, I'm going to keep this short. I just want to say my name is Jennifer Osborne and I've been a resident. I first came to Hackinack when my parents came here from Jamaica brought us in 1973.
I met Sonia when we ran track for Hackinack High School around 1977. Can I say that? Sonia around approximately around 1977 I met Sonia. Sh I have to come on girl. Uh we look
good for our age. Around 1977 or so I met Sonia. I was a skinny little shy girl from Jamaica. We ran track. We left track practices after being coached by the honorable
Edwin Church. And and Charlene Scott who was our gym teacher at the middle school. I'm a gradu proud graduate of Jackson Avenue Elementary School, Hackinack Middle School, and Hackinack High School, class
of 1981. But I met Sonia in around 1977 or so after, and we've been friends since then. I'll tell you about Sonia. I don't know about a lot of the people here, but I'll tell you about Sonia. Her character marks faithfulness, advocacy,
kindness. Most of all, Sonia advocacy. It's she is somebody that's awesomely trustworthy. I've been through ups and downs and Sonia has always been there for my family through it all. We've been
friends for probably almost 50 years now and we continue to be friends because of her character, kindness, advocacy. I used to go to the store with Sonia and Sonia used to always stand up for herself in the store. customer
service and I like please Sonia let's go and she was like this is not good Jennifer this is not good quality no may I speak to the uh your manager please so I see this was a making of Sonia to not
only stand up for her self she advocated for herself first and now she's here to advocate for you guys so congratulations You have the best person here. I know everybody here is good and they're the
best here, but I only can speak for my friend. She is kind and she advocates and she is faithful. Thank you for listening to me. Good evening. Amy Bullock, first vice president of the Bergen County NAACP and
proud resident of the Wood. I am joined tonight by our president, Courtney Johnson Suffern. Please stand. And our Eboard member, Dr. Ross. I am here to extend congratulations to
the Hackinack Unites team. We had the privilege and the honor of collaborating with Dr. Ross and John Hogan on getting early voting in Hackinack. When it was brought to our attention that there were some obstacles, we advocated for
accessibility and accountability. I want to wish the Hackinacki Knights team congratulations. You are an example of leadership who put the people first.
I want to congratulate the residents of Hackinack for making your voice heard by exercising your right to vote. And I encourage everyone to go out and tell someone that every vote counts. Thank you.
Good evening. Timothy Hoffman, Anderson Street, lifelong resident of Hackinack and a proud Comet. Mayor Gaines and members of the city council, congratulations and thank you for bringing us this moment of unity for this city. This feels like Hackinack.
It's been a long time coming. We look forward to your leadership and very different approach to governing where city employees are supported and the whole city may benefit through the collaboration that everybody's talking about tonight. We're going to see it through. We are on to a new and very
exciting chapter in Hackinack's history history and we thank you all for stepping up to serve and we wish you the best over the next four years. We know you're great people who love Hackinack and are going to bring us all together. Thank you.
Before sorry before the next speaker before Mr. King sorry Mr. King was my teacher once upon a time ago so I get to stop him now just for a moment. So, I was just about to say that we're just we're gonna pause just for a very brief recess, just for a moment. So, don't disappear just for a moment. So, just
stay right where you are. Um, we'll be right back in just a moment. Thank you. It'll just be a moment. Thank you for your patience. All right. All right. So, sorry. Thank you so much. Thank you for your patience. All right. Mr. King, I believe
you are up. Sure. Did it go back on? Oh, here we go. Uh, Senzo King, Hackinack, lifelong resident, former graduate of the best class at Hackinasack 1991. There you go. From then on, the high school just went
straight up and skyrocketed. Um, first of all, I'd like to congratulate all the members of the city council. Congratulations on doing a great job and sticking to your message. And with that message being unite and as you can see here tonight, there is a whole walks of
lives all here for one cause and that is to follow your slogan hackinac united and we want to be united. That's number one. Number two, I also want to congratulate Councilman Diaz as being uh one of the first Dominicans here on as I
my family is one of the first Dominican families here in Hackinack when we first came back in 19 well they originally came in 1977 75 where there were only like five six Dominican families here and we all knew each other now to have you represent us
Felicides and welcome from La Romana. to where I don't know where your family's from. We're very welcome. And finally, Mr. Gains. For those of you who don't know, I was his history teacher. Uh, Mr. Gaines, the lessons that I
taught, and you probably remember, just remember back then there was no bullying or what I did, but just remember now hopefully the lessons that I told you, I prepared you with a lot of thick thick skin. And just remember that we are here
to serve and whatever you need, we are here also. And I'm also happy that our former graduates that I see here from Mr. Marlon Town's here. I I just it makes me so happy to see when we see our
former students come back and take place of the new people that you are the new blood. You are the future. You are that's going to move what move us forward because honestly it's I look at it now I'm that old that I the mayor was
my former student. Good lord. And what's sad is I still got kids in elementary school. Oh man. But thank you so much. And also I also want to honor our f the county freeholders
Mr. M. Thank you so much. Another fellow Dominican here who happens to be actually we actually are relatives that I just found out. So we come from like you know La Romano region to here in Hackinack. Here we are one family. That's what we remember. One family for
one cause to move us forward and congratulations again. Good evening. Mark McCart, president of the Hackinack Junior Soccer Association, and the brains of the outfit, our vice president, Mabel Bonita. Good evening, everybody. I'm here to
represent HJSA, but also the largest the largest soccer club in Hackinack, Royals FC, as a Hackinack alumni, class of 2004. Um, I have two daughters in also high
school. Um, and a mom in the in the This takes me back. So, being a mom, I was a student. Now I'm a mom. Now I'm part of the community. Greatly involved. I'm here. We're here to represent the kids. I am
so looking forward to collaborate with you guys. The kids have been waiting for this and you know what I mean. They are excited to have the field back, touch the ball, train and be with the community. And I am here for you guys,
ready to collaborate and just have this program as big as it can possibly be. Thank you so much. I am looking forward to this. And it's not going to be a battle anymore. It's going to be unity. Congratulations. It is so nice. This is
a great night for the city of Hackinack. We are so looking forward to working with the mayor and council that have integrity, that actually care, that grew up in this city, that understand this city and listens to this city and the
people in it. We are, you have no idea how ecstatic we are. Congratulations and thank you all. Good evening everyone. My name is Abel George as the uh campus director of Eastwick College in Hackinack. I've been
uh employed in Hackinack for 20 years. Um I'm a resident of Litfairy. So right down the street. Uh it's my distinct honor to extend heartfelt congratulations to our newly elected mayor Gaines, Deputy Mayor Tumi, and the council. I also want to convey the warm
congratulations from Tom Eastwick himself. Your dedication to and commitment to public service and the future of Hackinack is commendable. I've only heard a lot of stories, but I'm looking forward to getting to know you. We at East College, we're located right on More Street. Um, and we're incredibly
excited to work alongside each of you. We believe that a strong partnership between our educational institution and the city's leadership is crucial for fostering growth, innovation, and prosperity in Hackinac. We look forward to collaborating with you on initiatives that will not only advance education,
but also contribute to the overall well-being and betterment of our community. May God bless your efforts and guide you in all your endeavors as you serve the great city of Hagenac. Here's to productive and successful term. We are eager to see the positive impact of your leadership on on our
city. Congratulations to the Hackinag Unit's new leadership. Good evening everyone. My name is Emily Limma. I'm a resident here at Hackinac and former student of Mayor Gaines. Um I'll first like to congratulate all five
councilmen, especially Mr. Gaines. We went from bullying you in the classroom about the elections and saying how you always pop up on our Instagram feed to actually becoming mayor. Um I behalf of us students we are very very
proud of you and of what you've become. Hackinack is in great hands. Hackinack not only is getting a new mayor but also a leader and hope. I'm very proud of you and congratulations mayor and council. I'm Mark Stein. I've been very fortunate. I have lived in
this community as of today 78 years. I have to tell you now I've sat where you sat where you're sitting now. I now am vice president of the board of education
and we look from you to you a lot of shared services I know that we can provide the city and I know the city can provide to us. So we look forward to a long and collaborative working
relationship. Thank you. Good evening everyone. Um congratulations. Thank you. Congratulations mayor, deputy mayor and council members. Um, mine is a little more personal. Um, I just wanted
to take a moment to recognize somebody incredibly special, my sister. Many of you know her as our newly elected deputy mayor, but to me, she's so much more. She came to this country as a 9-year-old immigrant, not speaking
a word of English. And yet through sheer determination, strength and heart, she has grown into a respected leader in the very city we grew up in, Hackinack. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. As the welfare director of
Hackinack, she has dedicated her life to helping others, always putting their needs before her own, always leading with compassion and integrity. She never needed a spotlight, just a chance to serve. To me, she's not just my sister.
She's my second mother. She practically raised me. And everything I am today is because of the example she set. Her honesty, work ethic, and the deep respect people have for her is something you can't teach. It's who she is at her
core. I want to wish her and the entire council the best four years ahead. Hackinac is so lucky to have her as deputy mayor and I am even luckier to call her my sister. Good evening. Uh my name is Andrea Oats
Parchment. I'm a I am a lifelong resident of Hackinack. I will not say how many years, but I am a lifelong president and I am going to be short because I know our conversations will be ongoing as we unite together. But I want
to say to Mayor Gaines and the entire Hackinack City Council, congratulations and our students said it best. Uh what I feel is hope for moving forward and I look forward to working with you. Did I
give my title to I'm Hackin Sack resident and I'm also acting superintendent of Hackasack Public Schools. So you know that I am very proud especially to have our mayor a teacher. We are so so very proud. I text him. I sound like a mom.
I'm so so proud of you. Um, and you're such a role model to our staff and to our students and I really look forward to this new journey that we are going to have with you and I'm just so excited.
Thank you. Mayor, deputy mayor, city council, congratulations. My name is John Peters. I'm the executive director of the Main Street Business Alliance. And on behalf of the Main Street Business Alliance and our hundreds of member businesses, we congratulate you all
tonight. We celebrate this new chapter and we reaffirm our commitment to working together towards a strong, prosperous and united city where the local businesses and the community grow hand in hand. We wish you great success in this new phase of leadership. Good
luck, God bless. We look forward to working with you. Hi, my name is Christine Laval aka Tina. to everyone. I want to congratulate my cousin, the mayor, and his regime. I've been a lifelong member of Hackinac.
Actually, this year is 1970 alumni's 55th um celebrating our 55th years, you know, graduating. And also, um, I'm just really proud of
that of you and, um, happy Sonia for you and all of the others. And, um, wishing and hoping for a very prosperous and healthy, happy, and um, what do you call
it? Just um, that we all are united together. Thank you. Good evening, mayor, council members. On behalf of I'm Mike, sorry, I'm Mike Melpy. I actually used to have your job a long time ago.
I want to congratulate all of you on your election. The people of Hackinac spoke loudly on election day. They want the city to go in a different direction and we're very excited to support you in doing that. If there's anything that I can do, I'm always willing to help you
guys and I know the rest of the community is behind you as well. So, best of luck to you and hope for all the best. Hi, Karen Sasso. I too used to have your job. Um, I'd just like to offer congratulations to all of you. I'm not a
comet, but I did raise three comets. with the help of this community that we call the city of Hackinack. And like uh former mayor Melie, I offer myself uh in any way that I might be helpful.
Should the need arise, we're both here for you guys. And Mayor Gaines, if you'll indulge me, I'll never give up my home. It may not be a Paris or Rome, but I will never give up my home. Thank you. Um, good evening everyone. My name is
Carmen Moro. As a friendly Dickinson University, he's such a great leader, a great professor and a great human being. Congratulation professor and congratulation everyone. It's just a pleasure for me to be here and all the
best for you and for your colleagues. Thank you. Hi, my name is Cheryl Bullock. Hannah, I just had to come up here and be quick and say thank you. Thank you. Thank you for all your hard work. I grew up with Cassin's mom, Bernie. I grew up around the corner and grew up with Sonia Clark.
And I just see all the hard work everybody wants to put in. My family's been in Hackinack and the surrounding communities for over 200 years and so I'm just excited uh to tears. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Good evening. My name is Darling Bod. I just want to extend my grat congratulations to the new position as a mayor and as city council. Tonight I heard about hope and prosperity
which that's what I voted for you. I came here seven years ago from Jersey City, not to this country but um you gave me hope for this city. I saw a lot of um perspective in this city. I saw a
lot of a lot of potentials that the city of Hackinack can bring to the new generation and to also to care for our loved one, our elderly, pregnant women and children. They're the ones that will
move forward to our city, but also to the men and women and educators that are behind in working every single day doing the best they can to protect the public. As a public health official myself, not
from Bergen County or the city, I thank you so much because after many many research, we know that public health leads to a better leadership and to have wonderful leaders that can that we can
eventually learn from you guys. Thank you so much. Thank you, Ever Gornto Jr. Um, Mayor Kanes, Deputy Mayors, City Council, I want to say congratulations. I've heard other speakers say that they had your job. I
do have your job for the city of Garfield, the third city of Bergen County. Um, I want to congratulate your entire team on a well-deserved victory. Um when my team, my deputy mayor Kevin Kaine, he'll speak after me and three
other uh candidates ran. We were fortunate enough to get three of the five of us in. So we have the majority. I'm now the mayor. He's the deputy mayor. And um you know, a lot of the things parallel between Hacksac and Garfield. I I believe you wanted to stop
the overdevelopment, the pilots. We've had that in Garfield. I mean, one specific builder, I'm not going to mention their name. I'm sure you know, um, seven pilots to one builder and you're talking 100 build 100
apartment buildings, 100 apartments in each building. So, that's an excessive and we're also instituting a ton of quality of life uh, initiatives for our city. Again, I just want to wish you nothing but the best of luck and uh I
look forward to speaking with the entire staff whenever we can get together. Good luck. Congratulations. Uh Kevin Kane, deputy mayor of Garfield, New Jersey. Um it's it's always awkward going after the same person in the same city with you because you're just
basically repeating everything that they said. Anyway, um so on behalf of the city of Garfield, which is the third city in Bergen County, I wanted to congratulate you all on the election. Uh the people of Hackinack is have asked for change, transparency, and leadership. And you guys actually
listen. So congratulations. Um stepping into public service is not easy. It takes courage, patience, and the ability to smile while getting roasted in the comment section on Facebook non-stop. So a lot of credit is due. Um, and as Mayor Garnto said, you
know, we ran on a lot of the same campaign promises and ideas as um as Hackinack, and we're excited to work with you on shared goals like safety, smart development, and figuring out how to stop all the luxury buildings and pilot programs from popping up all over like weeds.
Now, finally, Hackinack has the sack and Anglewood has the wood and Garfield, all we seem to have is traffic. We're the third largest city in Bergen County and still have no nickname. We're basically like the third wheel in
a Bergen County love triangle that is just hoping that someone invites us to the party. So, if anyone has a nickname for us, please see me after the meeting. But all seriousness, um, wishing you a great term and if you need anything,
we're just one awkward group text message away, so feel free and good luck. Hi everyone, I'm Alexis Collins. I'm the daughter of Sonia Clark Collins. Thank you.
Um, I want to say congratulations to the entire city council. Um, I was also a former student of Mr. Gaines, Mayor Gaines. Um, and I just want to say especially to my mommy, I love you so much. I'm really proud of you. Um,
you're my inspiration. So, um, you know, and she's so passionate about the city and the community. She always, um, talks to me about the different changes that she wants to make. So you guys are in great hands and again I love you so much and congratulations again to you guys
and I'm wishing you guys the best of luck. Thank you. Uh peace everybody. Tony Jackson Hackinack resident for um my life and a teacher in the Hackinack schools. Uh, I just had a couple things I want to say
because so many people said everything so well and so eloquently. Um, in the midst of what feels to me and many like a scary anxietyfilled four years politically on a larger scale. Um, it is
exciting to have a hopefilled four years starting today and Um, and also to see all of the excitement, to see this turnout, um, as a teacher, to know that our students are
seeing the excitement, the energy, the engagement, the civic engagement. This is what we need them to see because this is what we need them to become. So, everybody, please keep this up. Um, and then just lastly, uh, I I know that
we have a former Parker parent, um, uh, on the council. I know that we have a former Parker student. Um, so it would be I would be remiss if I didn't pass on words from uh, our recently passed and transitioned principal, Lillian K.
Whitaker, in saying congratulations and thank you for committing to do your personal best for all of us. Thank you. My name is Hernando Rivera. I am a councilman in Bergenville, New Jersey.
I want to express something that happened like around 13 14 years ago since I have been a councilman in Bergenfield, New Jersey. And I see unity to be together is the key to have
success and to work for the community. This night also I want to congratulate the family, the friends, girlfriends, wives, niece,
cousins, grandpas, grandmas of all of you. Without them, you cannot be sitting there. They have been the rock stars for you there supporting you guys.
And now your mission if as I know you decide to accept that that mission is not defraud all of them they are going to watching you and the community of Hakina is going to watching
you guys and I know because I feel the heart of one of you that you are trying to do the best for the community. Mayor Gains, the Purity, Tommy, Carl,
Clark Hollings, and especially my good friend Roberto Diaz. When we were professors together at Ferley Dickinson University, we also teach some history, some math,
and we talk about that. And you were asking me things, how do you do this? How do you do this in your town? In your town, do this. I am here to say not only to Roberto, all of you. If my experience can help you in something, he has my phone
number. Send me a text and anything that I can do, I can guide you, I will be there for you guys. God give you the wisdom that you continue giving the best for this community. And don't forget what the
professor says to you, mayor. He was the history professor to you. And you know the history of this town. Don't repeat that history and keep Hakensa going forward. God bless you everyone.
Good evening, uh, mayor, council. My name is Domingo Alonte. I'm also a councilman in Bergenfield, New Jersey. I'm also a Dominican. So, in Bergen County, Dominicans are taking, you know, the seats of being a council or mayor.
Um, I heard all night long, unity, that's the key. I just want to finish with this uh quote. As elected official, you can do things that they cannot do. They can do things that you cannot do.
Together, you can do big things. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Laurana and I call Hagensa my second home. I had 23 years working in Hackinack and I remember when I had the opportunity to
start working in Hackinack for the county. I work for the uh child department here in Hackinack and up to this day I always say thank you God every night to the person who g me the opportunity to work in Hackinack
in this position was another position where I've been working here and give me the opportunity to bring food to my table for my children being a a widow in those day and tonight
I hear a lot of time the word hope and I saw in this row over here a lot of hope and I see in that row over here a lot of hope in this row over here there
is people who was the general counsel of the Dominican Republic that come to see Roberto Seren and that corner was the Dominican cons general council of Toronto right there to come to see you,
Roberto. And over here you can see another councilman that is Dominican. They come to see you, Roberto. And we all come over here to see all of you. But I'm more proud of CA
unity of inclusion and keep it like that as a teamwork because you know what, Hackinack is the city of Bergen County and Bergen County is one of the biggest county and richest
county in the United state and in the United States today a day. We need unity and we need inclusions and we need resiliences and we need to keep together because we
all are immigrant and we all are immigrant descendant including the president of the United States. Hello council. My name is Greg Leioce. I'm the artistic director for the Hackinack Performing Arts Center. Go
Hackpack. I'm also working tonight, so I'm taking the photos of all the people that speak, so I got to make sure I take care of that. Um I I I just wanted to say a couple of things regarding um tonight and something that's really appropriate
and fitting that I want to make sure that we acknowledge. First of all, I'm the graduating class of 1990. I'm the father of Cozette, graduating class of 2020. I'm the uh the son of Peggy and
George Leos, class of 61, and the grandson of George Celerol, class of 1917. Any 17s in the h 197s? I'll let my grandfather know. Um,
the what I wanted to make sure everybody understands that the rest of the state, every other town, every other city in the state of New Jersey does not get it. They have no idea what it is to be a Comet and to grow up and be raised in a
community of this much diversity and this much cultural um um mixture. uh they don't understand why our city is not burning down and why it's just thrived for so long. And you all of you sitting up on this stage epitomizes why
that is. So we see it in you citizens coming together and actually making our city even better. And we hope to work together with that because that this is what they don't understand but when they see you they will understand it that
this is why Hackinack thrives. Um, but importantly, I wanted to make sure we acknowledge how fitting it is for you, Mr. Gaines, to have this honor take place in this very room and on this very stage and on these very boards that you
performed on when you were a child here at Hackinack High School. and this very stage that you have inspired for decades thousands of students including my daughter as the director of
the theater program here at Hackinack High School right here in this very room and that your theater company Hackinack Theater Company has also tread the boards on this very stage. It's all fitting and appropriate that this happens here and it just makes this
night even that much more magical. So, thank you all for your time and thank you so much. I look forward to working with all of you. Thank you. Okay. Can Thank you everyone. Uh, can I have a Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Oh, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. You know what I mean? I didn't
know that cameraman was going to do what he did. Let me let the other cameraman get some. Um, good evening. My name is Mark Edwards. I'm your cameraman. Other I'm I'm the backup. I'm gonna call myself the backup tonight. All right. Um, I'm a personal trainer in this uh deer city.
I'm also a coach in this deer city. It's a beautiful thing to see tonight. Everybody, as they said, unity, the factor of hope. Um, but instead of seeing it, I know everybody in here more than likely can feel it,
right? And that's a big thing. I hope anyone from the neighboring towns that are here embrace this feeling and take this back with you. Hackinack is not closed off. As many have said, we are a vast diverse
community and it's very true. We stand together and when it's fake, you know it's fake. You can tell and I'm sure local comets, local families will tell you and out people if they're not part of this
unity. So, we encourage, well, I'll say I encourage you to make sure and do so because you want what's real. You want love, you want unity, you want hope, you want family. This is a representation of that.
And peace. Thank you. You get a sense of peace tonight and the feeling that I hope everybody has, especially you all being that you're representing us and I'm proud to say that you guys are representing us. I hope this feeling continues and it
doesn't die. You're appreciated. We look forward I I'm sure we all can say that from the police department all the way to anybody else. We're looking forward to what's to come. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Thank you everyone. Um,
I need a motion to close to the public. Second. All in favor? Thank you. And uh and if there is anyone um from the custodial staff who is within earshot, if there is a way to kill the air conditioning, that might be helpful for everyone as well. If there
is a way. All right. Thank you. Um okay, we are going to move to our mayor and council comments. Um Deputy Mayor Tumi. Okay, I'll keep it short.
Okay. Good evening everyone. I stand before you today with a full and grateful heart. Thank you. Thank you for believing in me and in our team Hackinac unites because of your voices, your votes, and your vision for a better
future. I have the honor of serving as your deputy mayor. This wasn't just an election. It was a statement. You made it clear that Hackinack is ready for unity. for progress and for leadership that
truly listens. To every resident who showed up, please know this win belongs to all of us. We heard your concerns. We understand the challenges and we are committed to building the hacken sack you deserve. We're here to bring people
together to move past old grudges and focus on what really matters. safer streets, honest government, responsible development, and a city that works for every neighborhood, not just a few. I would like to thank our county
executive, uh, James Tedesco, and our former mayor, John Ziza, for swearing me in tonight. I'm very honored. I would like to thank everyone here, my family, my friends, my boyfriend Doug, who have
all been beside me through this journey. And I promise, Doug, I'll start cooking dinners again soon. I would like to thank my fellow council members and the volunteers who poured their time and hearts into this
campaign. Most of all, I thank the people of Hackinac. This is just the beginning, and I promise to lead with integrity, transparency, and with your voices at the center of everything we do. Together, we are Hackin Sack Unites,
and together we will build a city where we can all be proud of. Thank you, and let's get to work. Thank you. Councilwoman Clark Collins. Can you all hear me? Good. Thank you all for coming out as we
transition into our new roles as your city council members. To say that the last few months have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. As I knocked on your doors, I enjoyed the conversations regarding our beloved city
and I want to thank you for putting your trust in us. We heard your concerns and prayerfully we will be able to address them. I want to thank the following people for helping me along this journey and sticking with me through the end.
Whether you signed a petition to get us on the ballot, put up a lawn sign, made a donation to the campaign, made phone calls, encouraged others to vote, or gave moral support, I want you to know
that I don't take your support lightly. I will do my best in my role as your city council woman to make sure that we do what's best for the residents and employees of the city of Hackinac. Special thanks goes to my children and
my entire family, my church family of St. Cyprien's Episcopal Church and to my friends and neighbors. Thank you to the members of the work group of Hackin Sack who encouraged me to run, to our campaign support team, to the volunteers
that helped us walk doortodoor and distribute our pamphlets, and a very special thanks to my partner Israel for giving up his time during this campaign to knock doors and attend the events with me. Again, thank you to the voters
who came out on that cold and rainy day of May 13th to cast your vote for the Hackin Sack Unites team. Last but not least, to my new council family. It is an honor to sit up here with you and I
look forward to working with you for the next four years. Thank you, Councilman Carol. First, I'd like to thank our clergy, Father Quinn, and the rest of the uh
pastors and priests that have been here today, wishing us well, and uh giving prayers and hoping that we have a nice four years. Thank you to all of our VIP dignitaries for coming out and saying, showing their support also. Uh it was
very important to us. So, thank you. most important, my family. Without you guys, I probably wouldn't be here for giving me the time to knock on doors with our my new family. Uh make phone calls, meet new people. I think the last
uh six months was an adventure. I think we could all say that. Uh but we we're here. Thank God for you guys. Uh for everyone that voted for us, uh it was a landslide. And uh I think we're going to do great
things in four years. So let's just uh I'm going to keep it uh short. I look forward to working with everybody for the next four years, getting Hackinack back on track, making sure the builders pay their fair share.
And let's also keep some green space for our children and stop thinking about building. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Carol. Councilman Diaz. All right. Good evening everyone.
Come on. I want to feel the law. Thank you. First, I want to extend a warm greeting to the elected officials who have joined us this evening from various cities across the great state of New Jersey and New York. Also, I would
especially like to express my gratitude to Hector Lora, the honorable mayor of the city of P, who accepted the honor of administering my oath today. I also want to take a moment to thank
the incredible people of Hackinack. You showed up. You spoke up. And you placed your trust in a new kind of leadership. One that listens, learns, and leads with heart. I am deeply honored and truly humbled by your
confidence in me. I wouldn't be here tonight without the love and example of my mother. She passed away two years ago, but her strength, wisdom, and guidance are still
with me every single day. This moment is hers as much as mine. To my amazing wife, Virginia, thank you for your patience, your support, and for tolerating all those night campaigns meetings when I say I'll
be home in 30 minutes and showed up three hours later with empanadas and excuses to my to my adult children. Paola and Roberto Jr., thank you for
always being in my corner. I'm proud of you every day. To my supportive friends, to the Hackini Unites campaign team and my fellow elector colleagues, Cassin Agata, Phil
and Sonia. We did it, guys. Thank you. Thank you for the hard work, the laughter, and the endless supply of coffees and hope. Our mission is to make Hagen a city
where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. No matter where you from, who you love, how you pray, or what your story is, inclusion, diversity, and equality aren't just
buzzwords to us. They are promises. Again, to the people of Hackinac, this is your seat, your voice, your city. I may I may be holding the mic tonight, but I promise I will always be
listening. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let's get toward Seimos Palante. Thank you. This is a a celebratory event, but I'm going to ask for everyone just to take a brief moment of silence for the five members of our Hackinack
Fire Department who lost their lives on this day in 1988. Thank you. I'm here today because of many, especially our amazing campaign campaign team and everyone who jumped in to help
by gathering your neighbors and inviting us into your living rooms and backyards. We couldn't have done this without you. Agatha, Phil, Roberto, Sonia, we'll be seeing a lot of each other over the next four years, and I look forward to doing
good work with you. I know everyone here cares passionately about Hackinack and we will always prioritize the well-being of our neighbors in this community that we love. To my family who came in from across I think four different states
today. They are also why I am here. They've always supported and encouraged me to be my best authentic self. So what I'm trying to say is if I'm not your cup of tea, blame them. I love you and I thank you for being
here today. I must also thank my amazing wife Joanna who after 23 years of knowing and loving each other still impresses me every single day. I'm excited to be on this
journey with you. Thanks to my lifelong friend Danny Corollola for swearing me in as a council person and and Marlon Towns III and Mayor Marlon Towns Jr. for swearing me in as mayor of Hackinack.
As was said in 2005, Marlon Towns Jr. became Hackinack's first black mayor. A truly historic moment. And here we are 20 years later, and I am honored to be the second. And God willing, I will be the first to hold the
seat for a full term. Roberto Diaz, as has been said, is our first Dominican-American councilman. And this is the most diverse team that has ever been elected in the history of this city. That is something that we all should
celebrate. I am incredibly honored and humbled to serve as Hackinac's mayor. We understand the immense trust you've placed in us, and now we must get to work. Recent months have shown me that our community thrives when we unite. Too many are
being priced out and for those who remain, Hackinack feels less and less like home. Our role as your city council is to restore and build upon that sense of community. You've already shared so many great ideas. I don't know how many
of you found my phone number providing but that's seriously that shows that you care as much about this community as we do and that you are willing to put in the work like we will for positive change. We ran as Hackinack unites and
that's unites. That's active. That's ongoing. That's not done. It's what we must continue to do to make progress. And together, I know we will. Our city with a small town feel has a lot of pride, heart, and really good people, new residents, and lifelong folks. We
look forward to serving the entire city, not just those who voted for us. Our job is to serve you. We will never forget that Hackinack is more than Main Street. It is also High Street and Pink Street and Kansas Street and Lewis Street and
Clay Street and all the other streets in our city. We will be at church, school, and community events, not just ribbon cutings. We will never declare mission accomplished because a growing city always has more to achieve. We will be just as concerned about developers being
able to finance their projects as our residents being able to finance homes to live here. We will listen to you, our business owners, municipal workers, seniors, students, and everyone who loves this city because we don't have a monopoly on knowledge.
We must strengthen the relationship between the city and our schools. Our kids deserve it. I'm proud to work with students. I'm so proud. Emily, if you're still here, you got me a little weepy earlier. I'm proud
to work with students in the same building I attended and I hope that my work for the city in this new capacity will encourage many of them to do the same and serve this community and they don't have to wait until they're adults to do it. They can do it right now. I anticipate that there will be many asks
of us. So, I want to close by asking a few things from you. patience, support, prayers, and your energy. Together, we will make Hackinack the envy of Bergen County. They say that
change is scary, but change is good. It's necessary, and in Hackinack, it's time. I'm excited and I know that we'll do everything to ensure Hackinack maximizes its potential. Thank you, Hackinack. And as I have tried to do my entire life, I hope I make you proud.
Thank you. And with that, with that, I need a motion to Oh, I'm so sorry. Whoa. I don't. We have benediction, which is so incredibly important. And so, I am so sorry. We have um we are going to have in this
order benediction by Father Thomas P. Quinn of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, followed by Reverend Dr. John O Page of Mount Olive Baptist Church, and then Reverend Carolyn Davis of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Thank you. We pray oh God of might, wisdom and
justice in whom all authority finds its origin and through whom all authority is rightly administered. Laws are enacted and judgment decreed. Bless with your holy spirit of council and fortitude our new mayor and city
council. this administration may be conducted in righteousness, be devoted to the common good, and be eminently useful to your people of Hackinac over whom they preside by encouraging due respect for a
virtue and by a faithful execution of the law, in justice, and mercy, appointed to guard our political welfare. May this new mayor and city council through your grace discharge the duties of their respective stations with
honesty and ability. Say administr administr Correct. Conjoined. Hacken Presidentivos. Amen. Can we please posture ourselves in a position of prayer?
Oh wise and eternal God, we are grateful for tonight. We're grateful for what our eyes have seen, what our ears have heard. We are grateful for this new chapter that is beginning in the history of our great city. Now God, we ask that
you would imbue these elected officials with wisdom. Allow no ego to be there, but allow empathy to ran rapid in their hearts. God, we pray for compassion. We pray for financial integrity. We pray
that you will cover them as they lead us and guide us in becoming the city that you would have for us. We thank you that today is the beginning and eyes have not seen and ears have not heard how great
this city and what is to come in the future. And so we thank you for all things. This we ask in your name. Amen. Amen. Before I give the benediction, I just want to say one thing. Thank you God.
Thank you God. Almighty God, as we come to you on this night of celebration, we want to thank you because we know that you have been the guide and the head. We've gotten this far because of you.
Continue to bless this council, this mayor, this deputy mayor, this council who have come together in this Hackinack city of Hackinack that is united for a new vision for Hackinac. Continue to bless them. strengthen them,
guide them, deavenly father God. And we pray that out of all things they continue to put you first because with you all things are possible. So tonight, dear father, we just thank you. We give you glory, honor, and praise for what you have done because we believe that
you also see a new vision for the city of Hackinac. So we humbly say thank you and we're grateful. Continue to surround this city, surround these council members. Heavenly Father God, we're so grateful for them and we're grateful for you. We ask these in thy son Jesus name
we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Thank you. And with that, thank you everyone for coming out. Can I have a motion to adjourn? I'll offer. Is there a second? Second.
All in favor? I. This meeting is now This meeting is now adjourned. Part: 2
All right. There's um I was waiting to see if there's anybody else downstairs, but there's not. So, we're going to start on time. I'd like to call this July 1st, 2025 reorganization meeting of the Hackinack City Council to order. This meeting is being held in accordance with the sunshine law notice having been
published according to law with a copy on file in the city clerk's office and a copy posted on the bulletin board in city hall. Like everyone to please stand for the flag salute. I pledge allegiance United States of America and to the
stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Everyone, please be seated. The next thing on the agenda is the letter to the council for the election results. Honorable City Council, after
careful canvas of the votes, I do hereby issue the following statement of determination of the results of the municipal election held in the city of Hackinack County of Bergen, state of New Jersey on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for the purposes of electing five members of the
city council. Cassine Gains 2821 votes. Agatha Tumi 287 votes. Philip Carol 2784 votes. Sonia M. Clark Collins 2783 votes. Roberto Diaz 2770 votes. I
further certified that the four mentioned were elected members of the city council to take effect on the first day of July 2025 for a term of four years. The next thing is the oaths of office for councilman. The first person up, we're doing this in alphabetical order
in case anybody wants to know, is Councilman elect Phil Carol. Okay. Do you want anybody to come up with you? They were behind me. Yes. And you're holding the Bible. I state your name. I, Philip Carroll, do
solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the State of New Jersey and that I will bear true faith and I will bear true faith and allegiance and allegiance to the same with the same and to the governments
established and to the government established in the United States in the United States and in this state and in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I will faithfully and I will fa faithfully impartially impartially and justly perform and justly perform all the duties all the duty of councilman of
councilman according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations. Okay. Thank you. The next up is Sonia Clark Collins. Whoever's get somebody else to take a picture.
Somebody hold the violent phone. Ready? I state your name. I, Sonia Clark Collins, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and
the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey. And I will bear true faith And I will bear true faith and allegiance and allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments and to the governments established in the United States established in the United States and in this state in this state under the
authority under the authority of the people of the people and that I will faithfully and I will faithfully impartially impartially and justly perform and justly perform all the duties of all the duties of Councilwoman councilwoman according to the best of my ability according to the best of my
ability. So help me God. So help me God. Oh, sorry. Wrong one. This one. Oh, that's okay. Okay. Oh, yeah. You can come up and sit. Thank you. Next up is Roberto Diaz.
Yes, I do. Ready? Put your hand on the Bible. I state your name. I, Roberto Diaz, do solemnly swear am solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the
Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey and that I will bear true faith and I will bear true faith and allegiance and allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments established onto the government established in the United States in the United States and in this state and in
this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I will faithfully and I will faithfully impartially and partially and justly perform and justly perform all the duties of all the duties councilman Councilman according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God.
Congratulations. Before you sit I need a signature and why not? Thank you. Next is Cassian Gates. I like your dress. Like your dress. Oh, thank you very much.
Ready? Yes. I state your name. I, Cassim Gaines, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the State of New Jersey. And that I will bear true faith and
allegiance and I will bear truth, faith, and allegiance to the same to the same and to the governments established and to the governments established in the United States in the United States and in the state of New Jersey and in the state of New Jersey under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I will faithfully and I will faithfully impartially and
partially and justly perform and justly perform all the duties of all the duties of Councilman councilmen according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God. I don't think you are. And the next one is Agusi.
Nobody else coming. No, they're coming. Anybody? No chance. You ready? I state your name. I, Agatha Tumi, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of the
United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey of the State of New Jersey and that I will bear true faith and allegiance and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same to the same and the governments established and the governments established in the United States in the United States and
in this state and in this state under the authority of the people under the authority of the people and that I will faithfully And I will faithfully impartially impartially and justly perform and justly perform all the duties of all the duties of councilwoman councilw woman according to the best of
my ability according to the best of my ability. So help me God. So help me God. Congratulations. And all I need from you, Agatha, before you go as a signature. Just your just your name. Everybody seated?
Now you may adjust your name plates. If you look in front of you, there's a name plate in front of you that has a missing bottom. The bottom is right there in front of you. Also, you can slide those in. Okay, now we're going to do the first um roll call poll since you all sworn in.
Council member Carol here. Council member Clark Collins here. Council member Diaz here. Council member Gaines here. Council member Tum here. Um I need a motion to open to the
public. I'll motion. Need a second. I'll second. Council member Carol. Yes. Council member Clark Collins. Yes. Council member Diaz. Yes. Council member Gaines. Yes. Council member Tumi. Yes.
Okay. Meeting is now open to the public. Um when you come up, just give me your name and you're limited to three minutes. Anybody? Doug Garafalo, 342 Anderson Street, Hackinac.
As a resident of this wonderful great city of Hackinac, it's wonderful that everyone's here. as we appreciate everything that all you do for us. We go out in the morning, come home at night, sleep well because
of all you standing here. I'm sorry you can't hear me. No. Is the the mic is on, right? Yeah. Yeah. I'm as I said, I appreciate as a resident of this city, especially the intersection of Anderson and Prospect where we live. I greatly appreciate and Agatha as well.
We greatly appreciate everything that everyone, each and every one of you and all your departments do for our city. We come home from work at night, relax, go to sleep at night knowing that we're safe. We wake up in the morning, we see
the sunshine or the clouds, we know it's daybreak, our sanitation, our recycling, everything is picked up on a timely manner well before dawn. Gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, respect all of our neighbors. They're waving. They say hi. They smile. All the police
officers, everyone in this city does a great job from the top to the bottom. All the paid employees, all the volunteers, you know, elected officials. It's been so great all these years. I was a resident years ago. I'm resident again. And when Agatha got the
invitation to be on this ticket to run for city council, I knew that she had all the support of all each and every one of you if elected and she will and the rest of these individuals. And from my heart, I appreciate all of you for what you're going to be doing the next
four years. I'm very proud of Agaza, all of you stepping forward to do this. City clerk, deputy clerk, everyone, each and every one of you. I'm looking forward to everything that's going to happen over the next four years and all of our neighbors, all the residents in our
neighborhood, everyone we speak to, people in the highrises everywhere. They're very happy and excited for all of you. So, best wishes. Thank you. Thank you. Good afternoon, Reverend Carolyn Davis. I just want to say congratulations not
only to this council, but to the city of Hackinasac. I'm very proud today. I don't know if anybody remembered watching the movie Waiting to Exhale. I think Hackasac has been waiting to exhale for a long time. And I am just overjoyed, filled with overjoy this
morning that we're looking for great things. We will be patient. We know any new regime, it takes time, but we're here for you and we're here with you and we're proud of you. Thank you. Good afternoon. Afternoon, Dr. Anita
Rivers, 259 Railroad Place. I'm a lifelong resident of Hackinack and this is truly a proud moment. If my grandmother were alive, she would be shouting hallelujah. So, let me say it for her. Hallelujah.
But I also want to salute all of the essential workers who are in this room today because I know that without your collective efforts, we would not be here today. Um, in my community, we've
experienced extreme flooding. And so, you know, this is going to be a mandate handed to our new council members to help us address this. and mitigate it as best as possible. But I thank all of you uh police, fire, uh those who collect
the trash, those who just do anything in support of the city. I thank you all so very much. God bless you. It's okay. Hi, my name is uh Stephanie Pedone. I um
I've been living in Hackinack for 35 years. Born and raised in the Bronx, but Hackinack has uh embraced me also, Agatha. And it's my very dearest friend, a little girl from Sicily comes to
Hackinac and now is sitting up here. And I couldn't be more proud of you. Um truly the American dream. Uh Phil, I don't know all of you, but Phil Carol also a lifelong friend and I wish you all the best in God's blessings and I
know that Hackinac is moving forward in such a wonderful way. God bless you in a good frame. Anybody else? Okay, seeing none, we need a motion to close public comment. A motion.
Second. Council member Carol, yes. Council member Clark Collins, yes. Council member Diaz, yes. Council member Gaines, yes. Council member Tumi, yes. Okay, now we're off to remarks from council. I
don't know how you want to start. Okay. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all so much for being here today. I'm truly honored and humbled to stand before you as I take on this new responsibility. This is not a personal milestone. It's a
shared moment and I'm incredibly grateful to share it with each of you. To everyone who made the effort to be here today, your presence means more than I can express. Thank you to my family, friends, and mentors for your unwavering support. And to the dedicated
employees, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this organization. As I step into this role, I do so with a deep respect for the responsibility it carries and with a sincere promise to lead with integrity, transparency, and
collaboration. I believe in our shared mission, and we're committed to creating an environment where every employee feels seen, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Together, we'll face challenges. Together, we'll pursue
opportunities. and together we'll move forward stronger, smarter, and more unified. Thank you again for being here today. I look forward to what we'll accomplish together. All right, I'm going to go next. Uh, I didn't write anything up. I'm just going
to make it short and sweet. Uh to our audience, our voters out there sitting in the middle, thank you. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your votes. Um I think Doug and Agatha said it. Our essential workers, our police,
especially I'm kind of like friendly with them, but uh sorry, fire department and especially our DPW workers because sometimes those guys get a little overlooked and uh we're going to make sure that they don't. They do a great job. And I want to thank Debbie and
Allison for all your support here and Vinnie Caruso here, our city manager. And to my partners here, and I hope that we have a a nice four years. Thank you. Okay, I guess I'm next. I too didn't
write anything but I just want to you know thank each and every one of you um and let you know that you are all appreciated and we are going to do our best our very best uh to you know move the city forward and uh make sure that
things are done the way they should be should be done in appropriate way. Um and also thank you for those who voted for us who's giving us an opportunity to serve you. Um I also wanted to mention that um the Fourth of July is coming up
um that celebration and we will be the at that celebration and I hope to see you there. And for those of you who will not be able to make it, I want to wish you um a safe and a happy holiday. Thank you.
So now I'm guess I'm guess we saved the best for last. What a moment. I'm just really grateful to be here with many of the people who support us from the very first day. my family, my
friends, and all of you, the city staff who keep this city running every single day. This isn't just about me. This isn't about you. This is about us all together.
I'm ready to roll up my sleeves, work with you, learn from you, and give this city the energy and care it deserves. Let's do this together. And seriously, thank you very much from the
bottom of my heart. Kasim Gaines Hackinack. Um I just wanted to uh if you know, you know. Um so um yeah, once again I just want to uh echo what everyone here said. Thanks to my friends, family, our support team, um
everyone who is sitting up here with us, Deb, Allison, Vinnie, um and the residents who put their trust in us. Um it's a real pleasure and honor to be here with everyone today. Um we want to speak directly to the incredible
individuals who keep our city running day in and day out. the folks who ensure that our residents are healthy, our streets and buildings are safe, those who process permits, manage our parks, answer every phone call and resident request with patience, and yes, even
those who collect the taxes. We want to say thank you to everyone. Um, you are the backbone of this city. We know that your work isn't easy. We know that your contributions often go unnoticed by the general public. But please know this,
your dedication and your expertise are absolutely essential to our city's success. This city council is committed to supporting you, listening to your insights, and working collaboratively
with you to make this city even better. Our goal is to best deliver for our residents, and we cannot do that without everyone in this room. We're in this together. Thank you for everything you do and thank you for spending your lunch
with us. And now the five of us up here and everyone, we have to get back to work. Thank you. Okay, we need a motion to adjourn a section of the meeting. I move that when this meeting adjourns, it adjourns to
the Hackinack High School auditorium at 7:30 p.m. tonight. We need a second. I second that. Okay. Council member Carol, yes. Council member Clark Collins, yes. Council
member Diaz, yes. Council member Gaines, yes. Council member Tumi, yes. Okay. The meeting is adjourned until 7:30 tonight.