7 o'clock September 17th, 2025. Five. I call tonight's meeting to order. Roll call. >> Bennett. >> Leosa >> here. Mey >> here. >> Sasso >> here. >> Skiara >> here. >> WKI >> present. >> Matthews >> here.
>> Please rise and join us in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Let me do it different. Adequate notices meetings been provided by the annual schedule of regular meetings. Herefore adopted and posted on public bulletin board at the municipal building emailed to the Herald News, the record the Gazette and all persons who've requested the mailing as such since this uh November 19, 2024.
Before we begin, I want to extend our condolences and sympathies to the Bennett family. Um, Councilman Bennett's wife, Tony, um, she was a wonderful lady. Um, she will be missed. Unfortunately, she
passed away last weekend. And our, uh, hearts and sympathies go out to the family. We also lost two other kind of burrow family members. Uh, Ken Sylvestri, who's been a fireman for
50ome years. 72, I >> 73 years. And obviously Ken was also on many committees as well as different uh civic organizations. Uh and we also lost Norm Kowalsski who was a burough
employee and our hearts and condolences go back out to the Sylvestri family as well as the Kowalsski family. Okay. Approval of the minutes. We have the regular meeting of September
3rd, 2005. Have a motion. So moved. >> Motion by Gutki. Second by Mey. Any discussion? >> Roll call. >> Orteki. >> Yes. >> Skiara. >> Yes. >> Sasso. >> Yes. >> Mey. >> Yes. >> Leosa abstain.
>> Matthews. >> Yes. Public comment. Now open the remaining to the public. Anyone desires to be heard, please raise your hand to be recognized, come forward to the microphone and state your name for the record. Seeing no one, I entertain a motion to close the public portion of the meeting.
So moved. Um motion by WKI, second by Skier. All in favor? >> I. Motion carries. >> Adoption of ordinances. We have none this evening. Old business. Dominic. >> Joe. The trees on Lafayette haven't
haven't been planted yet. What's holding them up? Uh We were waiting until midepptember to mark them out, which we have at this point. And they'll be replanted during the fall plant, >> but they're dead. >> Correct. >> I was speaking to one of our former uh
shade tree person and they told me don't plant them because they're not going to grow. So, I mean, why take so long to plant them? I don't understand why it takes so long. >> As in like the original planting during the summer or >> Well, these No, the one the one that the the contract for in Lafayette Avenue
with the improvement. Why didn't the why didn't they plant that? They've been sitting there for three weeks, four weeks already without being planted. They're over they're over top of the grates and that's it. That's different than the regular planting. This is the contractor who's doing Lafayette improvement.
Who's responsible? I mean, is Boswell overseeing this project? >> No, that's a that's phase three. >> That's the streetscape uh project. Boswell's overseeing it. I mean, the I know that Boswell has let them know that that they
have to be replaced. Um, you know, they I don't know what the time frame the expected time frame needs to be for them to replace them. Um, at at this time of year, they're going to be dormant anyway. >> Yeah, but it's been that way all in the
summertime that that heat spell. Nobody add water to the bags or anything, you know. >> I know. And that's why they have to replace them. They're going to replace the ones out of there. >> Yes. The the ones that have died will be replaced. Okay. >> At their cost, not our cost. >> All right.
>> And they will be responsible as a maintenance bond for them to maintain them for the next two years. So, um or there will be once the project is closed out. So, you know, so that's that's what we have to hold over over them.
>> Okay. Because I mean, it's silly. That's just a waste. That's all I have. Frank and Marie. >> So, backing tacking on to Dominic's question. So, these trees are >> once they're planted, they're going to be shade trees. And then there are
properties that also have other shade trees on them, right? >> And there are questions from other property owners about those other shade trees. So, a property now will have potentially two
and three shade trees or more. Um, who do we direct those property owners to that may have questions? Because there's a little bit of a gray area, right? The new trees are >> the new trees are being planted as as
part of a contract with with the engineer overseeing it. any existing trees if there are issues with them in terms of their condition whatever can be addressed to the shade tree commission. >> Okay. So, >> and and the shade tree commission will
assume responsibilities for these trees once the two-year maintenance bond for that the that the contractor on the new trees once that expires then the the uh um shade tree commission will oversee
those as well. There's two different projects. One >> No, I understand that. But >> yeah, but that's if it's a long lap a you're going to call the uh the burrow or they're going to contact it's going through the contractor. >> Okay. Thank you. >> If it's on by your house, that would be
shade tree commission. >> No, but along Lafayette Avenue there are properties that have shade trees also. So is there um any latitude? Can a property owner say I don't want three trees that I have to take care of? So can they say that? that I mean is there any latitude on that
>> the property don't have to take care of the shade trees the what the the street trees are the responsibility of the uh um Hawthorne Shade Tree Commission um in for the case of new trees it's after the after the expiration of the maintenance
bond >> listen we love the canopy don't get me wrong but these are the questions that you know are being asked and I would you know just want to have some information >> okay >> okay thank Reena, >> I don't know if this is an old or a new
um it's a based on the minutes. Um Michael, any um it was about the fair share housing that we've been sued in the site. Do we have any like timeline on like briefing schedule or anything? >> You want to talk about that later? >> I actually was going to give a report on it.
>> I'll defer there. Thank you, >> Michael. Not tonight. Joe. >> Yes, sir. I was informed two meetings ago that North 13th was going to be part of the paving project, North 13.
I've seen no work, no prep work, no markouts, no nothing. >> The contractor only began work I think last week, right, Joe? And and so and they are starting on the other side of town. So they will get there but it it will
>> we're positive North 13th 13 is going to be paved. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. That is all. The resident keeps asking and she sees that work is being done other areas in the town and is curious that she hasn't seen anything
and I will text her tonight. It's 100%. That's my microphone. It's messed up. >> Yeah. >> She was doing that last night. It was doing it last night too. >> Yeah. I mean, the contractor can't work everywhere at once. And they they've chosen to start on the other side of town.
>> As long as I can give her a 100% north 13th is being paved. Thank you. Wires hanging. Any update? >> To my report. >> I defer. Abandoned bank on Lincoln A. >> To my report. >> I defer. Nothing else.
>> Was that new business? >> Yes, sir. Only one. >> Okay. should make Dom happy. Baseball softball parking lot. I now see B&B is parking their trucks there. Their their employees cars and PSEG is parking there. We have anyone else we're going
to let park there. >> Is that at Wagfield? >> Yeah. >> The overflow. >> The overflow wag lot. >> There's right now 10 PSEG trucks parked overnight there. We gave permission for PSCG to park there for for the gas as
for the gas line work they're doing in that area of town >> and B&B. >> You've complained about them parking there in the past. >> They're parking overnight or they're just >> they're par they they can't all fit in the truck. So they follow the truck. The
truck parks. They go get breakfast. They come back. They go into the garbage truck and they go around town and leave their cars behind. I don't know, you know, I don't know what the the problem is with that, but uh we can, you know, if if there are issues being created, we will certainly
address that with B&B. >> I'm just has administration given them permission. >> They're just doing it. I >> I believe I I'll talk to Bill. Bill may have h have talked to them, but I but I will find out about permission. I don't see an issue with it as long as there's
not a problem. So if they haven't been com given permission they >> so if I want to go on a trip and I want to park there >> our contract >> okay just ask >> but but we have allowed people who are going on trips to park in some of our lots um organizations
>> going down that rabbit hole >> we have done that >> okay no further questions >> the pool park a lot >> I just it's our lot I just don't think it's commuter lot and John Bullo was always firm about the fact that We just don't let anybody just park in our lots
and and >> it's not commuter parking. It's not company parking. It's not >> business parking. It's our lot. So, when there's soccer and there's all those PSC and G trucks, where do the parents park?
>> I mean, there's there's all the regular um wag parking and this is the overflow. if if there gets to be an issue. >> My point is it's I guess it's okay in my eyes when it's not a sports season. It's a sports season.
>> I will have we will I will we'll follow up to see if it's creating a problem for the people for the during the sports season. If it is, we'll have to figure out an alternative. >> Thank you, >> Michael. >> No new Raina.
>> Not tonight. Marie, >> not tonight. >> Nope. >> I'll keep it a perfect record. Then we'll turn to the administrative agenda presented by Mayor Lane. >> Thank you, Mr. President. This morning, I ordered the flags
lowered to half staff until Monday morning on our public buildings in honor of three esteemed members of our Horththornne family who passed away this past weekend. Tony Bennett, Councilman Bruce Bennett's wife, Ken Sylvestri,
life member, firefighter in the Burrow of Fort, and Norman Kowalsski, former Burrow employee. Tony Bennett was was was the beloved wife of Councilman Bruce Bennett. I was
honored to know Tony over 25 years. To know Tony was to love her. Her smile lit up the room, her class, and her supportive love of Bruce, their wonderful family, and the burrow of Horththornne was paramount. She will be
sadly missed. Our deepest condolences to Bruce, their children, their spouses, their grandchildren, and the entire Bennett family. Ken Sylvestri, a lifelong resident of the burrow, and a member of the Horththornne Fire Department for over 70
years, where he held many positions. He was also a past member of the Horththornne Board of Adjustment, New Jersey State Trooper, and the Alcohol Beverage Control Senior Inspector. Ken was part of a fabric of Horththornne and is and is his family
and he will be missed. Our condolences to the Sylvester family on their loss. Norman Kowolski was a past member of the Horththornne planning board and after his retirement, he was part of of a part-time employee for the recycling
center. His son Jeff, one of our DPW employees, preceded him. our condolences to his daughter Karen and to the Kowalsski family. The Burrow family is saddened by these recent losses. We send our deepest condolence and I ask that
you please keep Tony, Kenny, and Norman and their families in your thoughts and prayers. Now, some business of the burrow. Business owners on zoning, building, and fire prevention officers have been
alerted to illegal items pertaining pertaining to stores sold in some of our storefronts. The bureau recently conducted an investigation into a local business found to be selling illegal and non-compliant items. Following a
thorough review, approximate enforce appropriate enforcement action was then taken to ensure the health and safety of our community members and visitors. This business has been located has relocated out of town.
While the Burrow of Horththornne is committed to supporting and value valuing our local businesses, public safety must remain a top priority. We encourage all our business owners to continue their positive contributions to our community by ensuring that all
products and services offered are lawful and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Our goal is not to discourage business growth, but rather than to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for
everyone who lives, works, and shops in Horththornne. By working together, we can protect both the integrity of our local economy and the willingness of our residents and visitors. Residents, please be aware that is
illegal to have a basement or attic apartment. Our inspectors are out enforcing the law. The there have been numerous re recent complaints to our building department and zoning office regarding apartments and basement and
atticss throughout the burrow. Please be aware that a finished attic or a finished require a finished or basement require certain permits. Apartments in either space are illegal. If you have a finished basement or a finished attic
and you received appropriate permits, then there is no need for you to be concerned. If you did not, then I ask you to voluntarily get in touch with our building department. We are here to assist you, not to discourage you, and I certainly
don't want anyone to get fined. Regarding the empty valley bank building on l on Lincoln Avenue between Harristown Road and Loretta Avenue and Frail Lawn, I have made a call to Kurt Paluso, Frail Lawn's Burough Manager,
and he said that he he said they have been issuing summones to the property owner and if the owner doesn't follow through and clean up the bank property, then Frail Lawn will take the reigns and clean up the property. Do you need assistance paying your home
utility bills? Residents, there is a free community event being held at the Pake Boys and Girls Club on October 1st. I will have details in my Friday letter and you can also look at our website under news for more details.
Also, passport services will no longer be available through the through the county here in Horththornne after October 1st. For more information, you can call the county clerk at 973-225-3690. I will have a flyer in my Friday letter.
This weekend, we have a couple of events, the annual fishing derby and our first fall bird walk. Details are will be on our website. On Monday, we started a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs September 15th to
October 15th with the raising of the Hispanic Heritage Flag. Please join us on Saturday, October 4th to celebrate at 1 p.m. at the Burough Banshell Grounds. Please mark your calendars for the 16th annual Hawthorne Day on Saturday,
September 27th. It's being held at noon and the end will and the end after the fireworks which began which begin after dark. I hope to see everyone there. That concludes my report. I'll turn it over to our attorney, Michael Pasqual.
>> Thank you, mayor. Um, I do want to echo the com comments by you and the council president. Sunday was rough. All of us learned of Tony's death. All of us learned of Kenny's death. And then we learned of Norman's. Uh, it was a rough
cut day. Tony was just dynamo. It's hard to believe the power that resided in that tiny little body, but she Oh my god. And if you're ever drinking with her, man, it was a workout. She's she was tough and she uh she fought a great
fight for a couple of years and she's wonderful. Um, and Kenny, we're a community of volunteers, but he's the gold standard. He really was the gold standard of all volunteers in our community. Whether it was the fire department, St. Anony's church, the
zoning board, you couldn't do anything in this town without touching something that Kenny was a part of. And uh he really would set a standard none of us will match. And uh condolences to all three families. Uh onto more mundane
things like affordable housing. Um we did have two challenges filed as to our affordable housing housing element of fair share plan. One was filed by fair share housing corporation. Um I read through the entirety of it
including a report of David Kinsey. Um it's largely an academic exercise taking issue with some of the methodologies we employed. I don't frankly understand what they are looking to gain because Hawthorne remains a fully developed
community and we unlike other towns took the active step of identifying properties likely to redevelop and did redevelopment studies which other towns are far behind us in this regard. So uh
we are prepared to address theirs. The other challenge was by Dukean development. They are the contract purchasers or owners. That's not entirely clear of one Washington Avenue, the former pan chemical site. We as a community, as a burrow, decided it's
time to redevelop that property and generously afforded a density to that property unlike any property we've ever done uh before. We really looked at trying to work with a developer to allow a
developer to make a hard property because it is a contaminated property. Bring it back on to the ratable base. They want a density uh comparable to that which you would see in Manhattan and a six-story
building in 81 units to an acre which is lunacy. We agreed we would work with them to get a development comparable to that which Jerry Bum brought us at 204 Wagro and fairly he did a nice job with it. And
after we did a lot of back and forth there, we got a product that we can live with. We're willing to do that with people, but we're not going to give away the store. And so we will hold the firm line. On October 1st, we have our first uh settlement conference. that's
conducted by a retired judge named Steven Hanssbury. He sat in Morris County for years. Judge Broen, unfortunately, is not continuing at this point. He's very practical-minded guy, Judge Broen, but he had a little health
setback of recent times, so he's taken a breather. Uh Christine Kafone is our special well not special master anymore but she will continue to be in the role of the person trying to work with us to bring compliance. So October 1st is the
first date. I'm in touch constantly with John Sabbo. Sent him a couple of memos this morning to try to make sure we're on the same page as we uh fight this fight. Trust me, we will continue to fight against overdevelopment and
continue to work with people who want to bring something positive to the community. Um, other than that, I want to report one thing that happened last night which was great. I went to the um state of the courts dinner in P County and Judge Filco, our assignment judge,
spoke of all the different things that are going on in the county courts, including our struggles to move cases because we don't have enough judges. But the one division that shined was the municipal court division. And the leader of the municipal courts in this county,
the whole county is John Miola. The municipal courts in Pay County had 416,000 cases filed in its 16 towns last year. They closed out 460,000,
a 116% rate. They closed out more cases than they took in by a wide margin, wider than the state average by a long shot. So, uh, we have a fantastic court group
between our judge, Johnola, our prosecutor, Ellswith, uh, Cusus, and our court administrator, Norah Corey. We have a phenomenal team here, and all of you should be very proud of the work John has done countywide, uh, because he
has achieved great things uh, in the time he's been the presiding municipal court judge. So, kudos to our friend John. He has done a great job and again all of Hawthorne should be very proud of his work. That concludes my report. Mayor, >> thank you. And now I'll turn it over to
our engineer Joe Burn. >> Thank you, Mayor. The uh 2024 25 road program uh that covers 4th Avenue, Ethel, and at Frederick Florence. Um concrete work and road restoration on
4th Avenue between Van Winkle Avenue to Utter Avenue has been completed. The contractor expects to complete work along 4th Avenue this week and will then move on to Ethel uh followed by Florence. Uh the 2024 25 local aid uh project uh
covering uh Hawthorne, Westerville, Northwatch on Grand View. Uh concrete work along Hawthorne Avenue south of uh Sylvester to Diamond Bridge has been completed and all concrete work along the eastern side of Hawthorne Avenue has
been completed. The contractor plans to come back next week and finish the western half of Hawthorne Avenue near Central. uh the Lafayette uh Lafayette Streetscape phase 3 project. Uh the contractor came back today uh to begin
finishing work uh with PSENG scheduled to perform their inspections this Friday. Delivery of the light fixtures has been delayed to October by the supplier due to a component being out of stock. Um and installation of the lights will
occur immediately upon receipt of the same. The trees to be removed and replaced have been assessed and have been marked out and will be replanted in the coming weeks. Uh the PSENG gas main service work uh today PSENG has installed and backfilled
all of Hawthorne Avenue from Diamond Bridge to Washington A. The Wagner Place trench has been milled and backfilled and their crew has begun work on the Keith uh Keith Court gas man. The Hawthorne hockey rink improvements. Uh
the contractor submitted their payment request for work. The manufacturer's delivery of materials was missing uh some materials specifically related to the mounting of the scorekeepers table. Uh however, we're due to receive that this Friday and it will be promptly
installed. Uh the Gothal Hill Road emergency water main replacement project. Approximately 75% of the water man has been installed with completion of the main work expected by the end of the week. Uh the main will then be tested and put into
service at which point Delerica will return to transfer services to the new main and decommission the existing water man. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Joe. And now we'll turn it over to our administrator, Eric Mau.
>> Uh thank you, mayor. Um first uh notes on several of the resolutions on the agenda. R 151 is for renewal of cyber security items for the um police department and municipal networks uh provided through our contracted IT
support firm of Pasc Data. R 152 authorizes the bureau to join the North Jersey Wastewater Cooperative Pricing System in order to take advantage of large group pricing for items used by our DPW. Uh the first item purchased will be new grinders for a main sewer
pump station for which a resolution will be submitted at an upcoming meeting. Um resolution R1 153 authorizes purchase of a vehicle for the fire department as funded in the 2025 budget. And R1 154 awards a tree planting contract to SCJ
Lawn Care, the low bidder on the project. Although we have never used them before, um I've checked references and they have a number of planning contracts for various municipalities in north and uh central New Jersey from which they have received excellent references. I'll be setting up a meeting
with the uh that company, the Sha Commission, and our arborist within the next week to see that the project gets kicked off. Right. The Ridgewood Council has provide has approved the 10-year shared service agreement to buy water from us, uh which this council approved
previously. We are in the process of rebuilding with the new rates under that agreement. The this agreement is important. We have received well over a million dollars in revenue this year. Although there will be some credits due to them based on the new rates which will apply to payment for the rest of
the year. The revenue receive will be critical to helping us pay for the debt service on our PAS treatment system. Um even though there will be a step down in red Rididgewood's water use in 2026 and then 2027 as they complete their own PAS
treatment system the agreement has minimum purchases required so that no matter what they they do they still have to purchase water from us and on which we um use some of the revenue to pay for our PAS treatment system. Um, all
information required by the Morris County GIF has been provided to them for our the 2026 renewal of our property liability and workers compensation insurance. We won't actually know our payment amount for next year until the GIF adopts its budget in November. Uh
Dave Vazar, our insurance broker, is still waiting on a response from health insurance funds on alternative coverage and rates as compared to the New Jersey state health benefits fund on the health benefits for our employees. Um I've requested a meeting of the IT committee
to review the purchase of computer equipment uh to replace items that soon will no longer be supported by manufacturers andor are unable to run the latest software. Um the these items have been budgeted, but before we proceed with the purchase, I would um
like a review with the IT committee. Um with five-year contracts about to expire, Jen Scully, DPW, and I have begun work on an RFP for acceptance of our recycling materials and on bid specs for our contracts for collection, hauling of garbage, recycling, yard
waste, and leaves. Uh we are considering some of the issues we've had um with with our haulers as as we uh prepare those specs to um try to deal with those going forward. Um DPW Director Bill Hafler and I will be meeting tomorrow
with Frank Rossi of Boswell regarding the status um of actions required under our storm water permit to ensure we are under compliance. Uh, Bill and I will also be meeting next week with Superintendent Mcdanelli of the Hawthorne Schools regarding the
maintenance provisions under our hockey rink um, agreement. Um, and we want to ensure that we're all on the same page uh, moving forward. Um budget preparation materials for 2026 will be distributed to um departments within the
next several days um and due in uh by early o by end of October and we will have um departmental hearings public hearings before the administration in November um as we prepare um to
the next administrator and whoever is elected mayor will will have information for uh um for preparing uh next year's budget. And finally, my condolences to Bruce and his family and the families of Kenny Sylvester and and Norman Kow
Kowalsski, all members of our extended Hawthorne Burough family. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Eric. Joe, a question for you. Uh PS is coming back this Friday to do the inspections on Lafayette Avenue for the for the boxes. >> Yes, that's correct.
>> Okay. If everything passes, what's going to happen? When is the black top going to be re removed and concrete put down so that the residents there and the business owners, you know, don't don't have uh any any uh any any more
problems? >> I was going to ask tonight, but they framed it out today. >> Okay. >> All right. So, they're gonna >> Are they going to wait till after before they pour? They're going to wait till after the inspection apron. >> Yes. The PSCG has to do the inspection
of the conduits and everything. So, they'll wait to do the pouring until after the inspection. >> Okay. >> All right. And then the electricians are going to going to then mount all the equipment and start pulling wire and getting things hooked up. >> Correct. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. President. We'll
answer any questions that the uh council may have. >> Any questions for administration? Dominic, start your way. >> I'm okay. Marie, >> I'm okay. Marina. >> Um, question. Mayor, you said the passports are no longer going to be here. The countyy's not coming.
>> No, after October 1st, >> but what's the reason? >> They didn't uh they didn't they didn't give a reason that I know of. I can find out what the reason is, but >> yeah, because that was such a great benefit because I've used it in the past knowing >> of coming here to do the passport
renewals. So, >> I'll I'll find I'll call tomorrow. >> Okay. that question. Um, wait, let me look at my note. Um, the RF pot, the request for information for the budget, um, for the recycling
and garbage and yard waste. Um, are you thinking about changing how many times we pick up the garbage or anything like that? Are you doing the same services? >> We're doing the same service. We're we're going to try to address some of the issues that uh have >> early in the morning and the in the
plugs. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> 6 o00. >> Okay. >> All right. Thanks. >> Uh thank you, Council President. Um I also would like to know why the county
decided to discontinue the passport service. if it has to do with maybe not a lot of activity, maybe they could decide that, you know, when we have inquiries, they can do it. So, but it is a nice service and we like to see >> it's a great service and from what I
could see when when they're here, uh there's people that continue to come in and and get it, >> then then I'm really curious. So, uh yeah, we like to >> I'll find out when I I'll I'll copy the council. >> Appreciate it. Um the second question I
have is for Joe on the No, not not Mr. Not Councilman WKI um our engineer. Joe, when they uh they was replacing the water man on Gal Road, uh we were concerned because it was a low flow and
it's 6 in. Did they did they yet find anything in the piece that's been replaced? >> Not that I've been made aware of. Is anybody inquired about that? Because I know that was a big question we had. >> Yeah, as as I understand it, they won't
rem this the old pipe is still is in use. So, we haven't taken out the old pipe yet. We have they have to finish >> they put just put the new pipe in. >> They have to get finish putting the new pipe in, test it, have that operational before they they do any anything with the old pipes. Okay. >> So, no, they wouldn't. It would be
premature for that. But I would love to know. >> If we knew, then we probably would have no service up at the um upper end of the >> No, no. I I didn't know where it was, but thank you for clearing. But I'm hoping that when we do the conversion over, we investigate to see why there
was a low flow um with within that pipe. I know it was smaller and it's going to a larger circumference of 8 in opposed to six, but you know, it the flow was just low. So, >> I'll make a note that once the uh pipe's being decommissioned that it's examined
and the root cause of the issue is determined. >> I appreciate it. If you can just share that with the council, that would be great. Thank you. That's all I have. >> Joe, >> I'm sorry if I missed it. If I could just ask, mayor, I didn't hear you mention the wires hanging. You said you were going to give in your
>> Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. Um I t I spoke with Verizon and I spoke with uh Optimum. Uh they uh one of the things is what we said last last uh last meeting. They have the loops and everything that are up higher. They have the the big the big
loops that are just hanging the wires that are around the poles. Most of that is ver is uh optimum. Uh and the lady that I talked to said that uh they'll get uh they'll get to it when they get to it because they're they're out there.
They don't have enough people. They're out there servicing the new customers or existing customers. Uh and and you know, it's it's the same answer that I got like maybe months ago. >> All right. It just it doesn't look good
for our community. I didn't know if we could just go have our DPW go along and just chop them off. >> Doesn't stop you. >> Huh? >> Doesn't stop you. I mean, I ripped out trees. >> Yeah. All right. I'm not going to do that. All right. The
next one is uh I read an article today about the county is announcing shared service for fuel bulk fuel at their areas. Have they presented anything to administration? Is that something you would consider? >> I I don't know of anything right now. I haven't heard anything. If it's
convenient and if it's uh you know then we >> it says in the article that Prospect Park, West Milford and Ringwood already enjoy utilizing the county's bulk purchase of fuel. It was either uh at cost plus 10% or at
cost plus 15%. So, if I could ask administration to look into it, if it's, you know, because if we'd have to fuel up in, >> I don't know, West Milford, it doesn't make sense. >> But if it was fuel up in Prospect Park, it might be something that we we could
enjoy. >> Find out. >> All right. Thank you. That's it. >> Okay. Anything else, Mayor? >> That concludes the report from administration. Mr. President, >> have a motion to record the administrative agenda. So move second. >> Second >> motion by scar, second by WKI. All in
favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. Introduction of ordinances. We have none this evening. Resolutions. Consent agenda. Agenda 150-25 to 154-25. 150-25 is the Horththornday bandell
artists. 151-25 is the contract renewal for Pasak HPD and burrow licensing and support. R152-25s is to join the NJWCPS cooperative purchasing network. R153-25
is a purchase of a vehicle for the Horththornne Fire Department for Gentil Gentilini Motors. R1 154-25 is award of contract for the fall tree planting services to SJC lawn care. Have a motion. >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Motion by Scar. Second by Leosa. >> Question. >> Questions. I just want to confirm with Michael. I can't vote no on the Hawthorne Fire Department vehicle. >> I just want to confirm. I can't vote no. >> You can't vote no. You can't vote yes. You can't vote anything.
>> I saw what you did though. >> Roll call. >> Leosa. >> Yes. Me? >> Yes. >> Sasso? >> Yes. >> Skiara? >> Yes. abstain on 153-25. Yes. On all others. >> Matthews. >> Yes.
>> Motion carries. >> Reports of special counsel committees. Joe. >> Uh I have Oh, the only thing I have is tomorrow is the board of health meeting. Um with family members still in the hospital, I am not going to be able to make it. If anyone is interested in
attending, I do apologize, council president, but uh I got to think family first. >> Not an issue. Thank you, >> Michael. Um, I'll just briefly mention a reminder about the Hispanic Heritage event on October 4th from 1 to 5:00 pm
down at the Banshell. Um, we'll have food, uh, music, and fun for the kiddies and family. So, come on down and I'll share more of the next meeting right before our event. That's it. >> Raina, >> um, just want to thank everyone for coming out to the farmers market and the
green fair last weekend. and we had a great day unlike the weekend before that it poured. Um so I just want to thank everyone who came out and supported us. Second is um we're going to do help the haworth be defeat litter. This event was supposed to happen in June but it rained
both days. So we've moved it to Sunday October 5th and it were all worked out because um we've added the girl scouts that are going to be out there with us at the 8 acre woods. So it's the commission, the green team, the
Hawthorne Rotary Club in the Burough of Hawthorne. So we'll be meeting at 10:00 at 8 Acre Woods and then we'll be out throughout the town. So come on down. The first 20 people will get a grabber. Thanks. >> What date was that? >> October 5, Sundays,
>> Marie. >> Thank you. The um Hawthorne Ambulance Corps would like to thank everyone who participated in their fish and chips fundraiser. I have to tell you, it was outstanding. They act they cooked every single order fresh for you. It was way more than what
I um would have thought. It was fantastic. They are also letting everyone know that November 1 will be their beef steak held at the um Boys and Girls Club. Tickets will be available this coming week, $75 each. You may um
get them from their uh website, haworthms.org. Kirstson or Jackie will be able to provide you with your tickets. Um, moving on, the Horththorn Rotary Club's fantastic Ta taste of Horththornne is
this year October 7th. You may obtain tickets through um online. There's a little discount of $55 from the $60 at the door or in person at Diamond Liquors Manny or Angela at Columbia Bank for
$50. So, you are motivated to obtain your tickets a variety of way. Taste of Horththornne is always a fantastic event and that is the only fundraiser that the Rotary Club does to uh fund their scholarship program. So I um encourage
you to go um if you enjoy it. It's a great event. And last but not least, Michael's words are always the most eloquent. I say ditto to you on the um sympathies certainly to Bruce Bennett
and his family on the loss, the great loss. Though she be little, she be fierce Tony Bennett and certainly Kenny Sylvestri, the professional volunteer of our town and the Kowalsski family. Um my sympathies to all of them. Big loss this
week. That concludes my report. >> And what was the date on the uh taste the fourth one? October 7th. >> Thank you. >> Malusos, >> you selling tickets. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Well, you were >> Dominic. You get it from me.
>> Okay. Uh, I had a couple things. Last night, the planning board met and approved an alteration of Diamond Liquors that will include a second floor for residential apartments, two of them, and a new
facelift. Um so just keeping you informed. Uh Chamber of Commerce obviously as Anna said the uh Taste of Horththornne is the week of October 7th. The following week
will be restaurant week. So if you liked what you tasted at Taste of Horththornne, come and support the restaurants that are displaying there. >> 23. Yep. >> There'll be flyers up for that uh in the coming days. And finally, the fishing
derby, which is the highlight of the year in town, uh will be from 8:30 to 11 this Saturday. Prizes are awarded in three categories. Uh >> most fish caught, heaviest fish, and longest fish, and there'll be uh three
age groups for that. Um it's always the highlight of the year. >> Frank Matthews weighs a fish. >> I will weigh and measure any fish you catch. >> Little guppies don't count. Yeah, I know. >> Yeah, they've tried though. Uh, and that's all I have.
Correspondence. We have C1, a new firefighter applicant, Gabriella Scanel to tower two. Have a motion. >> So move second. >> Motion by Millie. Second by Sasso. Any discussion? >> Roll call.
>> WKI. >> Abstain on the uh new fire. >> Skiara. >> Yes. Sasso, >> yes. >> Mey, >> yes. >> Leosa, >> yes. >> Matthews, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Bills. Have a motion to approve the bills and forward them to the treasurer
for payment. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Skira. Second by Leosa. Any discussion on them? >> Roll call. >> Leosa. >> Uh, yes. Mey, >> yes. >> Sasso, yes. >> Skiara, >> yes.
>> Abstain on the fire department. Yes. On all others. >> Matthews, >> yes. Motion carries. >> Public comment. I now open the meeting to the public. If anyone desires to be heard, please raise your hand and be recognized. Come forward to the microphone. State your name for the record. Reminder, there is a fiveminut rule.
>> Now it is. >> Ronald Vogal 16 Horizon Terrace. >> I'm glad you guys brought up trees because I'm going to show you something. This happened two weeks ago when we had that decent rain. This is a 40 foot pear
tree that I have in my yard. I have five of them. Okay, as you can see, there's no roots. You know why there's no roots? Because the water washed the roots out. And this is what happened. I have two 80 foot oak trees in my yard. I have five
more of these. How many trees? And God forbid something happens to me because I sit in my great room where I sit and them trees are right there. If they fall on my house, what do I do? Where do I get relief? I've been coming here for two years. I got f facts, not fiction.
This this right here is where it all started. And this derived from your building department. The engineer that owns this company deemed that these were insufficient. You've seen this before. When am I going to find some relief?
Mayor, I pay 16,000 in taxes. I got people living like 14 people living in one house down the street. There's 40 50 30 cars on that street. I come home at a decent hour, 10:00, 10:30, and they're all they're hanging out. I don't know
these people. What What What do I got to do to find relief in this town? because I've I've given you you're the only one that's got that folder. I have I have all that
paperwork ready to go. Where am I going to find my town to be responsible for what they did? This this guy next door to me, matter of fact, that first one I showed you, this is the
second uh set of plants. They mimic this one. So these would be unacceptable and and on his uh landscaping permit which he needed a building permit because when you demolish, repair or change a 4ft
wall, you need a construction permit. He did get one. He got a landscapers permit. Somebody up there ain't doing their job. >> Okay. Can I respond? >> Can you look into that? I >> Frank, let me respond, please. is Ron as
I mentioned to you at the last meeting also meetings before that those permits and all of that was issued long before I was ever wait let me finish long before I was ever elected so I had nothing to
do with that at all so with that uh I I don't know it it went to the board of adjust I'm sorry it went to the construction board of appeals okay the uh there they didn't really do a ruling on it,
>> right? You know why? >> Well, yeah, I know why. The the in the inspector who was there apparently either got lost or got tied in traffic and was late. >> Well, no. Mr. Pale told me he was on vacation. What is it? >> No, >> that I don't think he said that.
>> He did. He did. >> Well, and the other thing, too, is you're complaining about the neighbors down the street and and other places in your area. The best thing is is when you have when you feel there's something going on, you got enough on my plate. >> Call the police. Then don't if you if
you're not going to call the police and there the people are out there, then don't complain to us. >> I can't bring that to the attention. >> You can, but but we're not going to do anything because it's after the fact. >> Call if you're you got to call the police as soon as whatever is happening
in your block that you want. >> Do you want to talk or you want me to talk, sir? >> Okay. again. Here we go. >> No, it by both of us talking, nothing's going to get accomplished. If you have a problem, call the police. It doesn't do you any good to call me the next morning
cuz everything is over. You got to call the police whenever you think something is going on at that time. >> Okay. Let me ask you this, mayor. Do you remember when you called me at my house and told me that my neighbor did everything by the book? Do you remember that? >> Yeah.
>> Okay. The book that you were reading apparently is the same one I'm reading. You have code code uh things. You have res requirements. You have code officials. The court official Peter asked him, he asked him if he's going to sign off on
this. He said, "I'm not signing off. I ain't got no." So, you know what? My wife is dying in a chair. You think I'm going to go back and tell her that story? Of course not. I don't want to fall down and read this plan because of some crazy stuff that's going on here
that implicates my property. If you come and take a look, mayor, you will see that this application that this guy did is not the right type of installation. First of all, when he changed the contour of the property from a 45 to a
90, ask your engineer what they got to do. Nothing was done. Nothing. You know, I'm I'm trying to do this the most logical way. And yes, you were just becoming mayor and you remember when uh Mr. Goldberg introduced
me at the Brownstone to you? >> Yes. >> I enlightened you right then. I showed you pictures on my phone. Mr. Goldberg said, "Oh my god." And same thing with Frank. I would I go to vote. I said, "I want to show you something." Everybody's an educated man here. What is so hard to
see that somebody upstairs didn't do their diligence and it created this problem on my property? >> The only thing I can answer to that is when I took office, >> pastor, is that what I'm >> No, I didn't I didn't even say that. What I don't put words in my mouth,
please. When I when I took office, I hired a new construction official and a new building sub code official. I don't know what happened before that because that was un that was not under my power at that time.
>> You're right. He came there three times. Three times when it was raining and saw what kind of effect that had and he said, "Oh, that's runoff." But as you can see, it's slowly taken my property to 208. It was a fatality three years ago. I got
a stream that if you put a boat in it, you can go right down to 208. Why? And anybody give me credence for the facts, not fiction. I don't make this stuff up. Mayor, I don't come here because I I like to. It's because I need to. I bought a house in this town thinking I'm
going to have equity in the house and it's worth it's going to be worth more down the road. I'm going backwards. Mr. Polly said he's got a lot of money tied up in that house. The money that I put in that house was 160 grand when I moved here. It created more tax abatement for
use and I keep it. I kept it park property and I do have almost an acre. I'm about that short of an acre. So when I gave you that paperwork, >> well now you mentioned the paperwork, you you're referencing a zoning ordinance that was revised for major development in
2024. This is not for a single family residence. >> One of those papers there, it says it. >> I'm reading it to you, sir. >> This is a single residence or you know >> this is for major development. you don't qualify for major development. The
highlighted sections that you have talks about additional imperous surfaces that are added. Impervious surfaces weren't added other than the 4 inch top of the top of the wood wall. The third section you have highlighted says new imperous surfaces shall not cause adverse
drainage. You're you're you're trying to apply an argument that doesn't work. Now, the whole purpose of the revision of this ordinance 2349-24 was to increase the amount of coverage that would need to be contained to be greater than what the revised EPA number
was. >> That was the whole purpose of this ordinance. >> Did I? >> And let me finish. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> You can't unring a bell. Do you agree? >> So, let me ask. >> No, let me finish. >> Do you agree that you cannot unring a bell?
The mayor is in charge of the employee that sits up there. He's not in charge of his license or his qualifications. The state is. So, if he didn't do something right, it's the state of New Jersey that needs to be >> plain. >> Well, then take it to the state of New
Jersey. The point is that person's dead. He took his own life. He's gone. There's if if a mistake was made or a permit was not issued that you think should be, there's no way to go back in time and have that done. So, at this point, you
say, "All right, is it worse than it was before as far as the slopage?" >> Every time it rains, >> there was a 45 degree angle from your backdoor neighbor to your property. Water flows downhill, >> right? >> It's was still going to run and it still
does run from his property to Not like this, Frank. Not like this. >> I understand, but it's the same water coming from the upper property to your lower property. Now, if you were to put a wall up, it's going to slow down the stream velocity, and it may even contain
some of it up on the upper lawn if it sits and absorbs. Now, I can guarantee you in the last six or seven years, your tree canopy has gotten larger. Try and plant grass seed underneath the shade tree. It doesn't work. >> The water washes everything out, Frank. >> But I know that. But if your tree canopy
grows, it's also got to do that too. So time has not been your friend. And the wall that you're saying should have a permit to be reduced if it's not over 4 foot. It was too high. You are absolutely right. But then the homeowner went and lowered it by two courses and
now it's like 3 foot eight. >> 3 foot2 inches. >> 3 foot2. >> You don't need above. It's still above their legal. >> No, it is not. Four foot is the limit. >> Three anything over well right foot. Anything over >> 4 foot is anything that need that needs a structural permit. I know what I'm talking about. I'm an architect.
>> All right. So then he tells me that he's going to do the job. I got a picture of a truck that's parked with a towel over its name and he's got a back horny yard. That's not the owner. That's a contract. >> So he's got a plain landscaper permit to re and I'll show you the
>> you can't go back and undo what what the permit that you said he needed. anybody if say if I want to put another apartment another house on my property >> now you're mixing apples and oranges that's a whole different permit it's a whole second >> get the plans get an architect get a surveyor
>> Mr. This didn't happen. This will not happen. >> I I hate to say this, but I don't think you're going to get resolve here. And >> you guys are telling me you'll never have relief for me. >> We don't do that. We write laws and provide money. >> You guys are not liable for letting that guy do that.
>> We are not. So I would suggest if you think there's going to be another level, go to that level >> because you can come here every meeting and and I don't want to be not nice >> in this hardened. I came to this town 14
years ago. I had a harmonious relationship with this guy. We worked with each other. I gave stuff to his kids. He said to me, I'm going to put a pool in. To this date, he doesn't have no pool. He did that to increase the length of his property so he can make his like the home better homes and
gardens. Look at his property. >> Oh, I don't doubt that. And you're gonna say, and I'll show you pictures before and after. I've had him here before, >> Mr. Voga. I I don't doubt that that he increased his usable footprint by making it more level, but if anything, that
took less velocity and water away from you. >> In my head, you guys give more credence to Mr. Looper than Mr. That's what I see. And sooner or later, we're going to all come to a war. And then when we come to that war, what what
I produce is fact, not fiction. >> This is fiction. It doesn't apply. It does not apply to your property. >> It doesn't. >> No, it does not. >> I gave you three other pieces there. I >> Yeah, it says impervious coverage. It says impervious coverage. >> It's not impervious coverage.
>> That says >> grass is pvious. Listen, any water that gets sent over to your my neighbor the neighbor's property is liable. >> Okay. >> No, that you're incorrect. If you change your property and make change >> and you make more water go over,
>> he did. >> He did not make more water. The same water is going over. >> Come on. I mean, >> a 90 slows it down. Mr. B, I think we got to go circles. If you think that you need to go to a next level, go there now. >> Yeah. I have to make one comment if I
may. every meeting you come here and by the end of your speech you make threats. And I said to the council president two meetings ago, I don't appreciate the threats. I'm starting to feel that the threats are becoming a little bit more
than just plain threats at the podium. So I would appreciate because I'm going to take it to the next level when you come here and you threaten us. >> I did not. >> You need to take action. Please take action. Please take this as my final warning before I ask the council
president to take action against you. >> I have to go on another route. Then have a nice day. >> You told them that it's not in our realm to have this. >> That's it. >> Does anyone else wish to be heard? >> Seeing no one, I entertain a motion to
close the public portion of the meeting. >> Motion by WKEI, second by Skier. All in favor? >> Motion carries. Our next meeting is October 1st, 2025 at 7 PM. Have a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> Motion by WKEI, second by Skier. All in
favor? >> I. >> Motion carries.