Brother, I don't see the TV being on and all. We're good. >> Okay, it's 700 p.m. I call tonight's council meeting to order. Roll call. >> Bennett >> here.
>> Leosa here. Mey >> here. >> Sasso here. Skiara >> here. >> WKI >> here. >> Matthews >> here. >> Please rise and join us in the pledge of >> allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by the annual schedule of regular meetings. Herefore, adopted and posted on the public bulletin board at the municipal building. posted on the
official burough website and emailed to the Herald News, the record in the gazette and all persons who've requested the mailing of such since november 17, 2025. >> Approval of the minutes. Have approval of the minutes for the regular meeting of May 20th 26. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> Motion by WKI, second by Sierra. Any comments? >> Roll call. >> WKI. >> Yes. >> Skiara, >> yes. >> Sasso, abstain. >> Mey, >> yes. Leosa, >> yes. >> Bennett, >> yes. >> Matthews, >> yes.
>> Motion carried. >> Public comment. I now open the meeting to the public. If anyone desires to be heard on agenda items, come forward to the micro and state your name. >> Seeing no one, I entertain a motion to close public portion of the meeting. >> So move. >> Motion by Wii, second by Bennett.
>> Oh, I didn't get in. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. We now have a presentation for the 2026 annual June environmental program. Horth Environmental Commissioner Raina Leosa will take it from here.
>> Is she a commissioner? >> Well, I'll give her >> Good evening everyone. Everyone can hear me. >> Great. If I could just have Mary come up with me. >> Oh, actually just going to put him right here. >> He's there. >> It's okay.
>> He wanted to be a point. Come on. Hey Mary. >> So we're doing a little bit different um this year for the annual June environmental program. We're changing the format. Um we will be doing our u recognition of our student here as well
as our green business for 2026. And um with this program has been going on since 1988 where it's really a partnership with the Horththornne school systems and the board of ed and and us the burrow. and it's really recognizing the students, teachers, and all the great
environmental programs that and science programs, STEM that goes on in the schools. Um, this year we're doing a little bit different. We're going to recognize that person here at council. And we expanded the program to citizens and green businesses in 2010. And we
have criteria for the green business um that we go through and the commission and green team we decide um what is the best fit for uh our green business for Hawthorne. Um so I do want to recognize we were at the board of ed Mary and I
unfortunately the mayor had an EMT call so couldn't make it. We want to recognize Andrea Napano >> Andrea Npalitano. Um she was a Lincoln Middle School um STEM teacher and we honored her for her time and effort at
Cell Restoration and volunteers um at Lincoln Middle School. She coordinated that. She stayed with us the last several years and the kids did the tattoos and the games and we just couldn't appreciate her enough. And the other teacher that we recognized at the
bordered um is Teresa Der Manimo. Um she was the library um media specialist at Hawthorne High School. huge supporter of environmental commission. She had a library crew and um several years ago her kids made uh a dress out of um old
SAT booklets and discarded books. It was the upcycle refashion dress and is actually still in the library. And so we wanted to recognize her and um and wish her all the best in her retirement. So tonight what I would like to do is um
we would like to recognize Emma Realage. Wait, hold on. Reg. How do you say? >> You need the mayor to help you. >> I had so much practice and I knew I was
going to mess up regal. >> If Emma could come up. Um the school is so proud. Um, she has been selected to the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment hosted in partnership with the Sysmodian Sis Smithian National Zoo
and Conservation Biological Institute, the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment on an interactive program that provides high achieving high school students with an interest in the environment, conservation, sustainability, and related fields with
a unique experience exploring careers in areas. Emma will be representing Hawthorne High School selected students highly engaged in all 50 states and around the world. During the summit, Emmy Emma will gain in the trenches
knowledge through hands-on research and site visits such as water sample testing and behind the scenes zoo access while learning directly from industry leaders, international conservation experts, and Washington insiders. Um, we just really
want to honor uh Emma coming down. >> What was her last name? >> Rick. >> Rick Leavage. >> Rick. >> Okay, good. >> I couldn't I couldn't pass that up.
>> I know. Now we know. >> So, we're just honored and proud that you're representing town of Hawthorne and the Hawthorne High School as she embarks on this once in a-lifetime experience. and we look forward to hearing about your experience next year. Um, so mayor, if you can come up.
>> Um, but it is at George Madison University, so she's going to go and for a week and um, I'll turn the floor if you want to say anything more. >> I'm just really excited for this experience and I thank you so much for recognizing me for this award. Thank you
so much. >> Um, I need a photo. to hook you up. Okay. You're the only woman in New Jersey that doesn't have a phone. >> Holly, can you take the photo cuz I am going to be doing a press release um in
the papers. >> She's a junior. Hey, Bruce. >> Public safety. Are you gonna say something? Well, I can say a little something. >> Go ahead. >> And then you follow up anything that I miss. Good. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you so much.
>> All right. So the um 2026 uh green business is going to go to structural um they've been created by Peter Emmens in 1976. Structural preservation systems LLC has
been performing the restoration of concrete structures. The company opened an office in New Jersey in 1983 and moved to Horththornne in 2005 and which has been a proud community member for the last 21 years. structure embodies the message think
locally act globally as the Hawthorne specific office has partaken in many community events with its build program as well as completing restoration projects throughout the country in regards to thinking locally. Structural has partnered with the township annually
to perform both the restoration of the community garden as well as various trail cleanups throughout the years. Structure also hosts an annual blood drive in which both company employees and community members attend to support others in need. Structure frequently
utilizes local businesses for company outings, in-house events, and recently renovated our office. Through the renovation of our office on a structure, they're on Utter. They utilize Fifth Avenue landscaping to create green areas
in front of our property, which the paved areas pitch towards acting as a rain garden. Structural renovation also included the installation of motion sensor energy efficient light fixtures in 120th Avenue building to reduce the electronic draw. And I just really want
to welcome um Tony Ferrer who's the regional administrative manager and Eric Larson, division manager to come on up for your award. Okay. And I would like to have Tony and and and Eric speak about a case study
that they shared with me as well. So >> So before I hand it over to Eric, I just want to say thank you to the Hawthorne Environmental Commission for this recognition. On behalf of everyone at structural, we are honored to be recognized as a green business in our community. We believe that being
environmentally responsible is not only good for the planet, but also as an important part of being a good neighbor and a community partner. We are grateful for the work the commission does to promote sustainability throughout Hawthorne and we are proud to play a small part in those efforts. Thank you again for the recognition. We truly
appreciate it. I'll hand it over to Eric now. >> Thank you everyone. Thank you board. We appreciate it. I'm going to talk a little bit just quickly about a case study that we did on Eisenhower barracks which is part of the West Point University. So the work we did at Eisenhower Barracks along with Lean
Sherman as well as Bradley Barracks involved the restoration. So instead of knocking down historical landmarks, the company performed restoration of these buildings. The reason we bring this up as a green initiative was because the amount of CO produced from the restoration opposed to knocking down and
rebuilding was drastically less. And on top of that, the case study as well as the work performed had lead initiatives, meaning it was to use local businesses to the West Point area to reduce carbon footprint, local concrete manufacturing plants, as well as low VOCC coatings and
waterproofings on the structure itself to once again prevent as much emissions as possible into the environment. structural itself has also worked on projects throughout the country in which they've done research towards the restoration such as the World Trade Center uh condo buildings and garages of
the effects of being able to restore and preserve for communities opposed to knocking down and building buildings. Thank you so much again. had to chirp a little. >> I got one. should have gone with a tic tac.
>> Thank you, Reena. Um, the adoption of ordinances. We have none tonight. All business. Joe will start your way. >> Mike, >> no old business. Bruce. >> Um, yeah, just uh update on the pan
chemical site. The heavy equipment has been removed, but there's still one or two piles of rubble left there. So, that's the latest status as of this morning. Okay, Anna Marie, >> just wondered if we had an update on
Franklin Field, >> the improvements that we >> Okay, they have it in my report. >> Under your report? >> I have it in my report. >> No problem. Thank you. >> And um if I may, uh Councilman Bennett, the uh on the pan chemical site, I'm
working with uh Michael. We had a meeting just a little while ago about reaching out to the LSRP and the developer and trying to find out what's going on there. Okay, good. Look forward to hearing your schedule. >> Uh Dominic.
>> Dominic, I have nothing. How about new business? >> My Oh, new. Yeah. Michael, any any update? This is old business on Diamond Bridge. I'm sorry. Old business. I have really no update. We have uh gotten
everything set so that there will be scheduled court dates. I don't know if they're on the books yet or not, but the matters will be tried here before Judge Miola. >> Oh, good. >> And uh we're going to line up and try all of them uh that were originally sent
to Prospect Park and then we're going to try all the ones that we issued as well. Um, we took a brief moratorum on the issuance of tickets to get dispatched scheduled and then we go back to ticket writing because the situation there is
of course not getting better and Mr. Spoiler doesn't do anything to voluntarily comply. So, we will keep prosecuting and prosecuting and prosecuting. >> Thank you. Ironically, I was covering a race in Bealsville, Pennsylvania last
night. And who do I run into but his former nextdoor neighbor who was was asking >> was asking about, you know, why it's taking so long and why it's getting worse. And I told him that's the court
system. We're doing whatever we can and it's just got to take place. But he's a very happy camper that he's moved. Yeah, he has a string of ex neighbors who uh many of whom moved out of the neighborhood because of him. He somehow doesn't believe that to be a true
statement, but I know that to be true from having spoken to a number of them. So, >> I'm sorry, Michael. I'm sure the residents are concerned. We know that we had to send this out of the town for a very specific reason. Is that no longer on the table? Because that's certainly
our prayer. I know. >> We believe that there's no reason why the cases cannot be tried here. >> Wonderful. Thank you. >> I have no new. >> You have no new. >> I'm good. Thank you. >> Not tonight.
>> Nope. >> Joe, >> not tonight. >> Okay, we're moving on. Turn to administrative agenda presented by Mayor Lane. >> Thank you, Mr. President. Um, we have uh a reappoint and and an and an
appointment uh tonight for advice and consent. >> Uh well, can I have a motion for Chris Deella? A motion to approve. >> So move. >> Motion by Bennett, second by Sasso.
Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Bennett, >> yes. >> Leosa, >> yes. >> Mey, >> yes. >> Sasso, >> yes. >> Skiara, >> yes. WKI >> H. >> Yes. >> Matthews. >> Yes. >> Motion carries.
>> And can I have a uh motion to record for deployment of Gary Montroy as our housing code official? >> So move. >> Motion by WKI. >> Second. >> Second by Leosa. Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> MKI. >> Yes. >> Skiara. >> Yes. >> Sasso.
>> Yes. Mey >> abstain. >> Leosa. >> Yes. >> Bennett. >> Yes. >> Matthews. Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to wish Cora Vandenberg a happy 104th birthday
today. Today's her birthday. I remember going there when she was uh when her when she reached a hund and I gave her a proclamation in her home and uh this very uh very touching because she goes back a long long way in the burrow of
Horththornne with her entire family and Ka enjoy your day today uh and stay healthy. Uh the enforcement on Fairview Avenue has been updated and there is more enforcement now than there has been in
the past for the trucks coming down Fairview A. I would like to thank our neighbors nor North Hilden Police Department for stopping the trucks in their community and issuing summones to the trucks and the drivers so that they do not continue into Horththornne by
going down a hill. The collaboration of both departments is helping our community and our neighbors for their safety. I'd like to share a report by officer in charge Captain Joe Carr regarding Fairview Avenue.
Following the tragic fatal motor vehicle crash on on Fairview A last year, the Horththornne Police Department has continued to take proactive steps to address traffic safety concerns in the area. Since that incident, additional traffic control measures have been
implemented, including the installation of new signage. These improvements were made to enhance traffic control and to increase driver awareness throughout the corridor. From an enforcement perspective, the police department has conducted numerous targeted traffic
enforcement detail focused on commercial trucks and overweight trucks violation. These enforcement efforts occurred at various times throughout the day with a particular emphasis on the morning rush hour period when commercial vehicles
actively is most prevalent. In April, officers conducted 29 dedicated enforcement details in that area followed by 33 additional details in May. These enforcement initiatives resulted in
enforcement action being taken against violate violators through the issuance of summons and warnings. In addition to these dedicated enforcement details, officers assigned to the west west patrol zone have been directed to
monitor truck traffic as part of their regular patrol responsibilities throughout the entire west side of the burrow. As a result of these ongoing efforts, officers have reported a noticeable reduction in the frequency of overweight trucks utilizing the area.
The traffic bureau has also provided guidance and training to patrol officers regarding commercial motor vehicle enforcement, ensuing that officers are fairly are fair with both applicable state statutes and local bureau
ordinances that can be utilized to address truck related violations. The Hawthorne Police Department remains committed to monitoring conditions in the area and utilizing the combination of engineering, education, and enforcement measures to promote the safety of all the motorists and
residents. Now that the summer months are here, I just want to remind everyone of your just a couple of things regarding air conditioners. Plug in air conditioner units directly into the dedicated wall
outlet. Avoid using extension cords if possible. Keep area clean and do not store combustible materials per ha paper products, books, anything that can be easily burned or catch fire close to the air conditioning unit. Examine wiring.
Check for frayed wires or loose connections. And if you smell any type of burning, shut off the unit immediately and call the fire department. Also, please ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly by testing units.
It this is easily done by pushing the test button on the unit. I want to thank Valley Health for hosting a free familyfriendly health fair at our library last Saturday, June 6th, as part of the mayor's wellness c uh program.
We we are so thankful that over 300 people were able to attend and get information on their health from the doctors and nurses from Valley. At the request of many of our residents, we will be we will partner once again with Valley Health in the fall to bring
another fair to the residents. Congratulations to our seniors at Horththornne High School, Hawthorne Christian Academy, and P County Technical Institute who are graduating. We are all very proud of you and wish you the best in the future endeavors.
Beginning Friday, the pool will be open full-time on weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The first hour is adult swim and on weekends 11 to 8 8:00 p.m. The Horththornne Fire Department ladies auxiliary are doing a fundraiser. Let's
turn Hawthorne red, white, and blue. Order orders are due by June 25th. So you can call 973-670382 for details and these are flags regarding the cars parking in the pool parking lot. Cars have been ticketed and
there and cars have been towed. The burrow offices will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observation of Junth. Junth known as Junth was officially recognized as a federal holiday by President Biden in 2021. The state of New Jersey
observes Junth as an official state and public holiday. And that concludes my report and I'll turn it over to Michael, our our uh attorney. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh much of what I was going to speak about has already been spoken of to spoil the matter. I have
nothing to report on affordable housing because guess what? We concluded and got our certificate that we are immune from liability for any builder's remedy lawsuits for the next 10 years. Um, good news for those who were following. You
know that we uh passed a resolution opposing a Senate bill that would have created a new category of affordable housing uh for which would allow nonprofits
and uh religious organizations to build affordable housing. uh one story higher than the zones permit at densities from 39 units to an acre on up. Just a an insanely un uh
thoughtout bill. The good news is it has not made it way to the agenda for the exterm that ends uh the next couple of weeks. So, good news there and everybody will continue to oppose that kind of
legislation which is reckless. Um, Banshell. But first of all, before I get to the Banshell, I don't know you're going to speak about this Joe. I know you will, but I I just want everybody to know Joe will speak about the St. Anony's feast. I just want to talk about Joe because Joe
>> We talk about him all the time. >> Yeah, I know. And it's time somebody says something good about him. So Joe shows up at the St. Anony's feast every single morning, 8:00. He makes breakfast for everyone who's
there. He cooks all the food that we're going to serve that night. He then works in the kitchen until 11:00 or midnight every night. He works takes off from work the whole week and works four 16-hour days. It's amazing to watch.
It's my privilege to be his uh second in command because the hours he puts in as a volunteer in this town. Uh forgetting about the other work he does as a volunteer. What he does at the church is amazing. Um we raise an awful lot of
money. We serve 5,000 people a night and it's all Joe. So you all should recognize him for the outstanding work he does. So thank you Joe. >> Thank you. Um it really is well done. Um July 11th, big day, opening day at the
band show. We have a patriotic themed music presentation, food trucks, and courtesy of our good friend Dominic Millie, council member and shadow member of the committee. It looks like we're going to have some afterhour
entertainment as well. will be lighting up the skies with a laser show that will also honor our 250th anniversary in this country. So, it's a big night. We're really looking forward to ringing in the
cesa centennial and celebrating 250 years in this great nation with again a band that will be performing American classic standards and patriotic themed music followed by a laser light show. Uh
because we did hear from Frank Riley, by the way, Dominic. Um trying to get drones or fireworks is absolutely impossible for the 11th, but the laser show is going to be awesome. So, we look forward to that. We have a full
schedule. I told Lee Sloopmaker, who will be celebrating a milestone birthday uh between now and our next meeting along with uh well, Bruce's got a birthday coming up, too. Um but uh we will be posting the official schedule
for the band shell tomorrow so that everybody will be able to see the schedule of events. Basically though after the concert on July 11th every Sunday there'll be a different show all the way to the end of August. So be
there. Thank you. That concludes my report. Mayor, >> there was a number of people on Facebook looking for the schedule and someone seems to posted something. So, I don't know where they got that from if you didn't release it, whether it's old or or not. >> They may have made their own up. I don't know. >> No, it was it was your normal flyer. So,
I have a feeling it might be an old one. >> It could be, but we're going to get the official one out >> on the Burough Banshell site and the Burough website. >> We will have it on the burrow website. We will have it on the Banshell site, and we will get it out everywhere. We will uh also print copies for
distribution at the library, at some of the local delies, uh restaurants. I usually go around and uh put stacks of them in different places um where people can pick them up. That'll be in my Friday letter. >> Can I may I also make a suggestion? Uh
we have a relationship with tap into uh put a press release out for it. >> We will. >> Okay, >> that concludes my report. Mayor, >> I'll turn it over to P10K, our engineer. >> Thank you, mayor, and good to see everybody on the council. Um I'll give a
brief report from Joe that the um regard to the 202425 local aid uh road program which is Hawthorne and a half a Westervelt north watch Grand View. Uh as you're aware uh there's a we found a gas man underneath the guide rail and North
Watches Wong Avenue. Uh public service has logged that in and their engineering uh department is working on that uh relocating that gas man. Paving along Westervelt um is scheduled to begin after school ends which is shortly and
we're scheduling a date with a contractor to have them start work. The galvanized service line removal phase 4 project is completed with the accept of some restoration of driveways and sidewalks at certain properties. uh the public service gas and service
line project. Um they're planning their uh paving the timeline or the paving operations to finalize the the project. Um the full width of Keith Court will be paved using u uh the credit because we traded streets with them as you're
aware. Uh it'll hopefully be paved this summer to complete the local aid project. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Peter. And now I'll turn it over to our administrator, Vince Cerso. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, first up, uh, regarding Franklin Field, uh, Bill
Hafler, our DPW director, will be starting SAD replacement on, uh, June 25th. Um, so next week we're going to start replacing the SAD as a uh, a measure to get the field ready. Uh we've met with the recreation sports leaders
and developed a plan to avoid using the field before the start of football. Um so we're going to try real hard to get uh the grass in good shape for the football season to start. Um, I've also started soliciting some concept designs
for potential turnover to a synthetic turf field and we met with one company this past week, myself, the mayor, DPW, and uh, head of recreation. Uh, the preservation program. I met with the community this past week and we're
moving forward with the new pavilion uh, project at the library. We also made some selections and amenities such as benches and tables to accompany the pavilion area. Uh the pavilion itself is currently in the manufacturing stage and
site preparation should start sometime uh within the next couple weeks or midsummer. Jennifer and I met with the uh VA agency regarding our GIF renewals for our insurance for our liability. Um, we completed inventory of our facilities
and equipment as well as the staffing um getting ready for our new policy. Uh, as you know, our labor contracts all expire at the end of this year, and I've started early negotiations with the unions, myself and the mayor, uh, which
includes the PBA just this past week, and we've been in contact with the white collar and DPW union labor negotiations representative as well, trying to get a head start on working to get them settled by the end of the year prior to their expiration.
And last but not least, um today I was just telling the mayor we had a um pretty significant water main issue at uh the corner the intersection of Florence and Second Avenue. I know Councilman Mey was there as well as the
mayor stopped there today. Um, I've all the years that I've been in this business, most of the time you see uh those type of things dealt with as emergency work and there, you know, it's done with a contractor um, you know,
coming in and charging emergency rates to get that done. And I have to say the entire project from start to finish was all inhouse. Our DPW, our water department, they did everything. Um they had all all their new equipment out there that we you guys have given them.
Um the new excavator, another new truck was out there and um you know as as Dominic was there, he he knows they uh they did a really good job. So kudos to them and and Doug and uh I'm sorry, Dave and uh and Bill. They did a really good
job and it's it's great to see that a municipality can save a lot of money doing something like that. So, it's it's all it's all good and that's my environment party. >> Thank you. Now, we'll answer any questions the council may have. >> Questions? Joe, we'll start your way.
>> Just one. Uh, is there a plan I know I brought this up in the past for the trees in the beautifification of downtown area. They're now touching the wires and I'm just concerned that as Blunt's going to come in and because they're touching the wires,
do something horror. Yeah, we I've we had a meeting with Kevin Alberta um and I asked him to go down Lafayette Avenue to look at all the trees that were planted uh and come back with a report.
He did that and he also did the last No, this is the first the the first phase of trees. They were straight up trees as opposed to trees that blossomed. And those especially if you look uh by if you look
especially by the movie theater. >> That's what I'm getting at. >> Those were those were two times ago. >> The new ones are right here. >> That's what I'm getting at. >> Okay. He went down Lafayette Avenue all the way to when the project started and put
down the trees that were trees and the trees that were bushes, not trees because and he also took some major pictures with regard to vehicles parked at the curb legally and the branches are
right into the vehicle or into a car or into a truck, a van or whatever. So, we're going to be meeting with Boswell to find out what's going on and uh have it corrected. Uh take the the the bushes out because there's there's
not one stalk coming up and then it it it blossoms out. It's many different stalks coming up and the leaves are on it. Uh and and it's it's it's not right. It's going to we're going to have a problem with it uh very very soon if not
now because of the ones that were planned last year and the year before that. So that's already been worked on Joe and we we have a report and we're going to be meeting with Boswell uh B Joe Burns on vacation as soon as he comes back on Monday. Then we're going
to meet and and go over everything and, you know, get the contractor back here because there's a lot of them where the the the water bags are empty. The contractor is supposed to fill them. He's not or they're not. And the trees are dying and it we're not going to
tolerate it. I held back Boswell's bills. We're not paying them until the project is correct. >> All right, you're on it. I got nothing else, >> Mike. Thank you. Um, couple things. First, I want to thank Vinnie for at least giving us a nice update on the the
issue that we had and also kudos. Excellent job by our DPW uh the whole the whole kitten kaboodleoodle. Thank you so much. Great job. Um couple other things, Michael, let me ask you on this bill that is pending on this rel now is that anybody
that is, you know, has a religious group can now claim this if the bill goes through? I mean, obviously >> it's it's not just religious, it's nonprofits, >> but just a nonprofit. >> Yeah. It's >> it's and oddly, they're allowed to build
80% market rate, 20% affordable, which, you know, begs a question, how is a nonprofit making profit to begin with? So, there's so many flaws with this bill. It's really hopeful that our
people in Trenton thought to to say this goes too far. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And >> let's hope that it >> I hope that it does. This this one this is not the kind of bill where you know you could fix this little thing here and that thing there. This one you take a
sledgehammer to not a scapula. There is a um a a property development in Belleville that had nonprofit and they've been doing it for 5 years. It's not complete yet. So, it's it's a mess.
It's a mess. So, let's just hope that this doesn't go through. Thank um the other thing um the pool park. Uh Mayor, thank you for giving us an update. I want to share with you something that was told to me over the weekend. a resident of Hedges
um shared what his what the problem is. He goes, "There's two issues. The the the overflow from the gym, they're taking residence parking spaces." So, a resident said, "I park in the pool
parking lot to 9:00 and then I go bring my car back because then it's empty enough to go." And they also told me that transfer people that taking the trains, they don't want to pay you the commuter parking. True. >> So they're parking there, too. So I don't know if there's anything we can do
cuz it is private property. But I want to at least give you that information that that's what's going on that it's the overflow from the gym. They're taking, you know, residents from hedges parking spaces. They have nowhere to go. And then also commuters are also taken
out so they don't have to pay for you know the small fee we charge for out of town is or you know even people in town it's ridiculous but um that's some of the things little more information and I don't know if you can do anything about it but at least there it is. Well, we I
believe we can we can contact the owner of the property and tell them that uh if there's cars parked uh in the in his lot or their lot uh that is not uh their residence or someone visiting one of their stores or
the gym. Uh they should be a we should be able to give them tickets under under him under the owner, >> right? Um or I don't know how he code if he has signs that say, you know, tenant parking only. >> Well, doesn't he have planning board
approval for x amount of parking spaces? >> He he does. He he he's >> No, no, no. For the residents, not the gym. >> No, >> no, it's all combined. >> It's all combined. >> All combined. >> Yeah. There was there was more people using the gym than I guess they >> they anticipated. They thought
>> we may want to implement a resident sticker to differentiate the two parkers. If you go down there like 8:00, 9:00, you can't there's not not a not a parking space to be had, >> right? >> And you know, I will I will I'll I'll
talk to the own to the owners, >> right? I'm just making you aware because it's going to be a shame that a resident of Hawthorne that rents out of Hedges cannot park in in his space uses the pool parking lot >> temporarily and then has to leave there
and know he has to move the car when it becomes available. I It's disappointing that you know and let's see if uh if the you know the owner of the property was willing to do something with it cuz it's disappointing for >> I'm sure he will. Mayor, I'll give you
one more misuse of the property. I spoke to somebody this weekend who is a patient at the PT place next to the gym. A Hawthorne resident uh that goes to the PT facility can't find parking over there, so they park over in the pool parking lot. I said,
"Well, you might not want to do that." She goes, "But there is no place to park to go to PT." So throw that on the list of So maybe like Ann Marie said, uh maybe we need to think about a Horththornne resident sticker or something.
>> Well, that would hedge your sticker. >> Yeah, that would be on the property owner, but also those tenants can have >> going to PT there, >> right? >> And they can't find parking in the facility for the PT area. So >> John had originally said, "Well, we want
to make sure we try to don't give people from Horththorn the ticket if, you know, they're using it inadvertently for sleepover or somebody, you know, doing their driveway. It's not as simple and cut and dry as saying it's just a hedges problem now, >> right? Well, the hedges can attack it
from two different avenues. Perhaps residents of Hedges can have a parking sticker in their car. And then um Hedges may want to consider having designated parking spots for each business that's there so that anybody going to the PT place, there's three spots with signs in
front of I have a tenant that asked that. So anybody visiting that business, there's spots open and anybody else that's not visiting that business will get towed. So, um I think if we talk to the property owner, have a meeting of the
minds, we can be helpful in giving some suggestions because obviously it's spilling over to the town now and we don't want to hurt anybody that lives here. >> No, you don't you don't really want people crossing the street, too. >> No, of course not. It's very busy. Very busy. So, >> that's the biggest crossing. >> But as a property owner, he's got a
couple different avenues in which he can address his issue. >> Yep. >> Right. If I could just add, Michael and Dominic, I promised you at the feast I would not bring up the pool parking lot and I didn't >> just as another alternative, if there is
like an overflow and they need to use the pool parking lot because the residents don't have, do you think maybe we should possibly entertain about renting spaces in the pool parking lot and designated? Well, it's just that you you do have the intersection. and you're going to have to do a crosswalk or
something. But >> the problem that could arise from that is what about the people who are going to the pool? >> Well, that's in the summer. So, >> well, yeah. >> Well, then yeah, you do the fire department. But I'm just saying
it sounds like the businesses there are taking more spaces than when they thought. So now, I mean, do they need to do a parking garage? I don't think the gym anticipated this many people signing up for that gym >> and they were undersized for parking on
the original application. They didn't count on them as the need in the parking calcs. >> So, we knew they were short to begin with. >> Well, maybe they need to think about some alternatives. Like I know about the designation, but I mean >> the problem is one for the property
owner to solve, not for us to solve. Right. >> Um the only thing we can do is make sure that we don't become the solution to his problem by saying go park across the street. We can't allow that. Um it is
not only used for the pool, but it's a safety issue. So the issue has to be you need to fix your problem because it's now becoming our problem. And that's the that's it. And if he has to find a way to create more parking, if he has to
find a way to designate, as Anna said, um, designate spaces for certain businesses, there are ways to solve it. Um, it's going to cost him some money, but he needs to do it. So, >> I agree 100% with you, Michael. >> Okay,
>> good. Thank you. >> Any other questions for administration? Um Pete, I I know you're you're not the person, but um I just want to make sure that um we addressed all the concerns that we had two weeks ago about the sidewalks and the assessments.
>> I was going to ask Vinnie the same question because Joe wasn't here. >> Okay. Well, I'll go to Vince then. Um because I know that one of the residents um the one who kept saying her emails were not getting through, well, they were being blocked by Boswell. And so
actually Boswell had to talk to their IT people. So some of the emails were getting blocked to Boswell, especially the one resident. >> Did anyone get back to us and say that we didn't have a meeting with the engineer like we had asked for that to
occur? >> No, not that I'm aware of. I mean, we've um we had Chris Casey on some of the cases um as well as Joe. everything that uh that person that came here and that they wrote the thing, they've all been followed up on.
>> Um and as I as of right now, I think there's solutions to every one of them. But, you know, of course, we'll get continued calls. >> Make sure we address them. You know, even if they didn't like your answer, at least we did give them an answer. >> Well, there there when Chris Casey went out there, there was a number of
sidewalks that he said there's actually nothing wrong with them. >> Okay. Well, that's great then because that's what the people were concerned >> and that uh >> okay I know some had some spalling or the aggregate was starting to get exposed or in a perfect world >> well there was there was there was one when the lady was here that you know all
the >> excuse me all of the um cement is like worn down the rocks that are in the cement aggregate there's nothing wrong with them they're they're flush with the with the sidewalk there's no tripping
hazard at all And um you know, so I mean I went out there and looked at at it and Chris Casey went out and he told the lady basically the same thing I did that there's no there's no reason for that. The apron that's different, but the sidewalk, no.
>> Okay, great. Now, I just wanted to make sure know cuz I was working with some of the residents, but there was an issue with the email. >> I'm getting blocked. Thanks, >> Bruce. >> No, Marie. >> Just a um clarification, please. And Pete, it's probably unfair to you
because you're not here all the time. Maybe um mayor or or Vinnie will have the answer. The road work that's happening on Waguar Road. I don't believe that's the town, but would you have any information on that? And >> public service is putting in a new gas man. >> That's what I heard.
>> And and they're they're they're going down Wagawa Road. I think the most most of the main is in but uh then I assume that they're going to come back and start the laterals into the homes or into the businesses. >> It's been painful for the residents and
traffic is horrendous. So do do they I'm sure they notified the town, right, that this was happen. >> They have they notified the town. They notified the police department for cars to be there to block traffic. They try to have one lane open at a time. Sometimes it's difficult, but they they're they're doing their best. I I
think what compounds it is that our town or PS&G is doing a gas line. Fairlon is doing a water line on River Road and then River Street is being repaved. So they're written that up. >> So you're right there in that triangle. It It's a T where you can't
>> I actually took 208 today because I sat in traffic forever. So to get to Route 20, it's it I don't know who planned this, but it's the perfect trifecta of water,
gas, paving, so it's bad. >> I blame the state. >> Um, and it's just a hard for everybody. Do we have any idea when it will end? I know the answer, but I just have to ask for anybody listening. >> I know the answer. I don't know.
>> I know. I know. And it's not us. But residents, if you're listening, it's not us. So sorry. >> We >> What the heck? >> So So for the >> I'm going to be quiet. >> Could I just jump on this?
>> It's your turn. >> Well, I asked. >> It's his turn. >> So, uh, mayor, the question either you or Vinnie might know the answer. Um, how much advanced notice does public service give us? because someone whispered in my ear. It's like you get like a day or two
notice like what this no >> no it's sometimes. >> So we knew about >> about two weeks sometimes. >> Yeah. Sometimes even >> okay that we knew about >> on the type of project >> now and um in its infinite wisdom the
county decided to close Ray Avenue. It is a county road. Um >> what happened there? >> Yeah. So please share. No, they they notified us of the original date and the day that the day the day that the was of
the original date it rained so they canled it. Now they they did it here this last week. They put a sign I call it a sandwich board in front of the ray house saying that it's going to be closed, but they never notified us. So I
called the administrator of the county and spoke with him and he said, "Didn't we notify you?" I said, "To me to my knowledge, not the second time. The first time you did, but not the second time." >> Right. >> So that's where I >> all the confusion came in.
>> No, I I I it's nothing on Hawthorne. Nothing on you on the administration at all. I just don't understand. have art in a park and they have a huge beautiful park that they have to now take up one of the roads and I'm struggling to
understand that >> there was no need to take the road. >> Yeah. This this you could have just put that this has never happened before. Correct. In one of the first time ever we all were like had >> a a stage uh at least the last time they had it. It was on the other side of the Ray
House on that long stretch of of park. >> That makes sense to me. And they had they had a stage they had the stage there too and they didn't close any streets. >> It makes no sense. Um maybe I if you think this is this would work call them and say do we really need to cut down
cut off the street when you have such a big beautiful park to put >> we'll definitely try to make sure that doesn't happen again next year. >> That would be the only thing because it it's their road. I understand but I mean it's our community. So thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Anything else? >> No thank you. I'm good.
>> No I'm fine. Okay. Uh, Reena mentioned mine. So, any other things you want to bring up? >> That's that's the report on administration. >> Could I have a motion to record the administrative move? >> Motion by Sierra, second by WKEI. All in favor? I.
>> Motion carries. Introduction of ordinances. We have none for this evening. Resolutions. We have consent agenda R90-26 through R94-26. R90-26 is a liquor license renewals for 2026 2027 term. R91-26 is authorize a
grant application and contract for the 2027 NJ dot local aid for first a grand and North 17th Street. R92-26 is professional services contract with Millennium Services Grant Writers. R93-26 is a disabled veteran tax
exemption. R94-26 is another disabled veteran tax exemption. You have a motion. >> Motion by Millie, second by uh BKI. Any discussion? >> No. >> Roll call. >> Bennett. >> Yes. >> Leosa,
>> yes. Mey, >> yes. >> Sasso, >> I recuse abstain from R9026 and yes on all others. >> Skiara, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Matthews, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Courts of special council committees.
Joe, we'll start your way. >> I only have one committee to report on. It's not really even a a true committee. It's the St. Anony's feast. It was a huge huge success. The pounds and pounds of ziti and sausage and eggplant and and
I cannot thank enough. I'm going to start with Chris Debella, the fire inspector. We had a gas leak in the kitchen. Chris came in with his detector, identified where the gas leak was. We were able to uh secure the gas leak and the feast continued. Then I
want to go to let me start with Dominic Mey. Amazing Dominic. You wowed me even with your Macaloo chef jacket on at 100°. You worked tirelessly.
>> Animeie, >> I can't thank you enough. It was a pleasure working with you Saturday night. You made it so enjoyable and very talented, I might add. >> And then lastly, I can't thank Michael Pasqual, the sue chef of sue chefs,
>> with his Fred Flintstone apron. You were amazing and I can't thank you enough. Thank you all for coming and supporting the St. Anony's feast. Thank you. >> Thank Thank you. Um, I will also offer
congratulations to Councilman WKI, Councilwoman uh Sasso, and Councilman Mey, as well as our burough attorney Michael Wasqual, as well as all the volunteers that helped out at St. Anony's. Job well done. I did indulge in quite a few meals this uh last week. Um,
also I'd like to congratulate all the Hawthorne graduates from all the schools. um Hispanic Heritage uh committee. We are having a watch party for the uh USA
Australia down at Pagra on Friday. Party starts at 2:00. Game starts at 3. There'll be a discount buffet if you so uh so choose to have it. Uh also you can order off the menu and a cash bar. Uh but uh Robert's been great to work with
and he's been a pleasure and uh very very helpful for us to pull off this event. Um let's see what else we have. We had a public safety meeting. Uh Dominic Mill, you know, was hard at work behind the uh behind the stove and the
grill >> is prove it. So, uh, myself and Councilman Bennett did attend, um, and it was very, very nice to get some updates from our police department about some of the things that they have going on. First of all, um, one thing they
shared from from the end of May to from January to the end of May, they had 3,700 summones issued and 208 arrest. Um they also talked about their preparation um with the additional um expectations
of manpower needed because the 250th anniversary, the watch parties that are in town for the FIFA Cup um uh July 4th and things like that and how they plan to manage and and have the manpower for that. And I was very impressed with
this. They also talked about the Fair View Avenue like the mayor did. Um they uh quite a bit of a decrease in our overloaded uh overweight truck traffic. Um and it just goes to show you with um
it's just not a sign because we realize that people don't read signs as though we much the best of intentions but with better signs and better enforcement uh we're we're getting to where we need to be. So great job by them also and administration. And I think that
concludes my report. Yes, it does. Thank you. >> Um just thanking everyone who came out tonight for the annual June environment program. We'll be getting a press release out. Um we're actually going to be working on getting the green fair which is September 13th at the farmers
market. Um so we'll be working on that. Thanks. I just to add to uh Mike's report, the most eye-opening statistic I found at the meeting was between January 1st and
as he said May 31st, the police department answered a total of 17,367 calls. So if you wonder what your tax dollars are doing in terms of protection for the
community, there's your answer. Yeah, >> absolutely. Marie, >> I only have the board of ed this evening and they would like to wish all of their middle school graduates which took place this evening and tomorrow night is the high school graduation. They wish them
all the best in their future endeavors and they know they're going to continue to make Horththornne proud. Um and to all the students that are just going from year to year, they want to wish them the best summer and uh they look forward to seeing them back again in September. And also to remind all the
residents that you don't necessarily have to go if you don't have a graduate. Both um graduations are live stream on Horththornne Public Schools YouTube page. And I of course concur and reiterate those wonderful um wishes to all the graduates and students. And of
course, I have to thank Chief Joe WKI and uh Mike Pasqual. They were wonderful leaders in the kitchen and I had a great time. It was really my honor to be able to um fill in for wonderful friends and I'm in next year, coach, if you want me.
>> That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dominic. >> As usual, we talked about the DPW guys. They did a great job. Everybody had a job to do. Nobody runs around, you know, like their chicken head cut off. Everybody had a great job to do and they
did it. And no overtime to the burrow, nothing. And that's the normal job. And the pipe was 100 years old and they they they fixed it. That's all I can say. They did a great job. And they deserve all the credit that they don't get all the time. Thank you.
>> Okay. Well, let's put this thing. >> My reports. The planning board meeting last evening was cancelled, but the chamber of commerce wants everyone to come celebrate 80 years of music with the Horththornne Cabillos. 80 years. Uh it'll be the Hawthornne
Cabillos and the alumni corps. I've been asked to hold up their flyer. It's Saturday, June 20th at the Horththornne High School Field from 5 to 8. Flavio Romeo will be the MC. There's food available for purchase and
I hope Lisa got that. And the next one is Chamber of Commerce. It's their market starts uh June 21st and the car show will be on August 16th. And there's multiple events on here for Find the Bee, the craft show, classic car show,
the green fair as Raina mentioned, another craft show in the Halloween dog costume. So come on down until October 25th and that's all I have to report on correspondence. We have none but we have bills. Have a motion to approve the
bills and forward them to the treasurer for payment. >> So move. >> Motion by >> not me. >> Skier. Second by me. >> Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Wii. >> Abstain on the fire department. Yes. On all others. >> Skiara. >> Yes.
>> Sassa. >> Yes. Mey. Yes. >> Leosa. >> Yes. >> Bennett. >> Yes. >> Matthews. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Public comment. Now open the meeting to the public. Anyone desires to be heard? Come forward to state your names for the record.
>> Well, Mike, you do everything here tonight. You know, taking pictures, do this, vegetables, cooking, >> making omelets. Rocky Robert is my name. Um, Street 19 Van Winkle. Uh, I just want to
say I'm very impressed with all the work that uh we've heard about tonight. Um, especially the work that's being done to make our streets safer. Um, I heard the mayor, I think it was, mention the tragic fatality that took place on Fair
View. Yeah, that was about a year ago, the 13th, I think. >> I just want to say there was a person there. It was Johnny Azar. I wanted to say his name here in front of us all. I don't know whether there's a a lawsuit involved that we can't say his name, >> but then I just want to say it was
Johnny Azar whose life was lost there. And we've we've seen his family here uh sharing their grief. I'm sure it's not over yet. No. >> Um so I'm I I know that the town shares that sense that it was tragic and we really do grieve with them. So that's why I'm here.
>> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else wish heard Kathy Sarapin 148 North? I just have a stupid question, but uh last weekend I asked the guy at pool, you know, that walks around with walk around the pool and I said, "Is the pool open next Friday because the kids
don't have school?" No, I'm running to 10 minute dissertation by the pool going to be open on Friday. So, just want to make sure. Is the pool really open on Friday? >> Aler, I believe so. >> Believe so, too. >> That's who we're going to have to call.
Yeah, I think it is open Friday. >> Some of our teachers were still going to have work to do and blah blah blah. They don't come. They're not the lifeguards. >> No, because it opened usually the day after school after graduation. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Enjoy your pool day.
>> Seeing no one else, I entertain a motion to close the public portion of second. >> Motion by Scar, second by WKI. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. Our next council meeting is Wednesday, July 8th at 2026 at 7 p.m. Have a motion to adjurnn. So moved.
>> Motion by WKI, second by Scara. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. We're journal.