Remember to speak into your microphone. >> This meeting is called to order in accordance with the open public meeting act. Notice of this meeting was provided to the home tribune the star ledger and the Highland Park Planet on January 8th,
2025 and was posted on Bor Hall website at www.hpbar.com and on the bulletin board of borrow 221 South Fifth Avenue, Highland Park, New Jersey, and has remained continuously posted as required by law for our exit
to my right and left of council chambers. Amy, could you please lead us in the pledge of allegiance of its one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Roll call. >> Mayor Foster. >> Yes. >> Council member George >> here. >> Council member Hail >> here. >> Council member Hir >> here. >> Council President Kim Johan >> here. >> Council member Panic >> here. >> Council member Vargas >> here. Attorney >> here. >> Administrator >> here.
>> Okay. And now we're going to move on to honor awards and presentation. and we're going to um I acknowledge two exemplary borrow borrow volunteers that have volunteered on the arts commission for a number of years. One is John Maron
and the other is Amy Pollock and um council member Vargas, would you care to read the proclamation? >> Yes. Thank you, mayor. um very honored to read this proclamation for John and Amy who had the pleasure of working with um not just as in my role as um council
lethon for the arts um commission but also in my previous role as um the HRC chair where I was able to collaborate with them for many years. So here we go. Um whereas the governing body of the Burough of Highland Park is deeply
grateful to residents with specialized skills and talents who share their strengths with the borrow by volunteering on our different boards, commissions, and committees. And whereas over the past seven years, the Harland Park Arts Commission has benefited greatly from the leadership of two
residents who are well regarded for their artistic accomplishments. John Marin who served as chair and Amy Pollock who served as vice chair. And whereas John is a multimedia artist and author of two books of poetry, a teacher
in the Ali RU adult education program and fellow member of the Highland Park artist collective and LGBTQA art activist with LG with GLEN and a now retired school-based counselor at UNJ,
an artist and educator in K12 schools for decades. Amy is a visual artist and educator whose artists, books, and prints are held in over 50 permanent special collections such as the Brooklyn Museum, Cocker, Cooper Huitt National
Design Museum, and Getty Research Institute and others. Amy recently retired from the Mason School of Arts of Rogers University where she served as undergraduate program advisor for the art and design department for over 12 years. And whereas under John and Amy's
enthusiastic leadership, the Boro of Highland Park has embraced public art and now features large eye catching murals on a number of buildings and raid avenue on Woodbridge Avenue on a few streets and on the barrier by the walkway to Super Fresh Supermarket. And
whereas under John's and Amy's direction, the arts commission partner with other municipal arts groups in the county and the Masonville School of Arts in the annual area white windows of understanding public art initiative that places socially conscious artwork in
storefront windows and initiative which has drawn copious press coverage and public attention. And whereas under John and Amy's guidance, the Highland Park Arts Commission has grown to include a passionate group of artists and the commission regularly participates in
borrow street fairs and holds its own annual series of events which are open to the public. Now therefore, I Elsie Foster, mayor of Highland Park, do hereby thank John and Amy on behalf of the governing body for their extraordinary service on the Highland
Park Arts Commission over the past seven years and accept Satan's decision to step down from their leadership roles on the commission. We wish them both well in their retirement from volunteer leadership and hope to see them remain active artistic projects in Highland
Park for many years to come. Witness D. I set my hand on the 16th day of December 2025. I just want to say this proclamation um is very meaningful and just we could not list all the things that they do to the
to the community because it would take volumes. But we really appreciate all the time that they spend on sharing and their dedication to this community and we're excited that they're going to remain on the commission and continue to contribute in their own ways. Um yeah, I'm very excited
>> and I got my lovely postcard from the arts commission. I love it, you know, and I would encourage if we could zoom this in later. I would encourage everyone to go out and when you want to send something special. We are all into texting and
emailing anything, but you want to send something a little special, go out and get some of these postcards from the arts commission and send something that the oldfashioned way. You actually write on it and put a stamp on it. And I think it means so so much more than just a text or an email. So, thank you that you
put heart and love into sending me this postcard. I really appreciate it. Norma, would you like to step down and provide Amy with a John is not here with us tonight, but we'll present him his proclamation another time. But >> well, he's unable to be here. I just
want to say happy birthday to John. >> Photographer got All right, we got it. >> Oh, yeah. >> The kids. >> The kids. It's the journalism. Journalism. Can we take a picture with
the commission? >> I think if anybody >> I can send this to your picture. >> One, two, three. Yeah, we do. We have a We do. So, >> I didn't know I'd be normally, but um in
addition to our fabulous postcards, we also got a few extra um fun little treats for you. So our mug finance >> and wait
there definitely more than six, right? >> Yeah. Okay. >> And one more thing is way cool. We have >> we got our own Highlands Park mug. >> It is that exciting.
>> This is really nice. >> And we do have a >> So, uh, you guys are getting postcards, but mine was addressed to me. >> It was addressed to me with an official United States.
We also have a special >> Oh, I love it. >> Park t-shirt. >> My very own Highland Park t-shirt. >> I think that we should be purchasing this Highland Park t-shirt. I think
they're great. The mugs, the t-shirt, the postcards. >> Let's support our artists here in town. Okay. >> Well, thank you for the lovely gifts and um >> we really appreciate your talents and everything that you have done for our
town to make it a prettier place to live, a much more beautiful place to live in. So, thank you all for your services. >> Uh and council president. >> Yes. I just want to uh thank Amy and John who I think as like most of council
we have shift and when I first join as like the newest person on council you usually always get recreation and arts. So, I think we've all had you and watched you guys build like rebuild that
commission and um we're all so proud of like what you guys have done around town and and it's such a fun commission to be on even if you're not into arts. Like you guys just make it so welcoming to
all of the council liaison. And I wish you you and John uh nothing but the best. And um I one fond woman is a band-aid bench, right? That was the thing. And I'm like, how am I going to
as a non-art person myself come to council president and the rest say, "Hey, we need this band-aid binge and uh they're going to make it beautiful." and you guys did that and you continue to do so many other things that just make us
smile as we walk downtown and all over town. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> All righty. Well, this was a fun time. And now we go into council reports. >> Thank you everyone. >> Okay. Thank you. Have a good night.
Happy holiday. So, sorry we're one short. We were close. >> One month short. >> Tune in for more. >> Yeah. >> Congratulations. >> A little bit up in my schedule here. Okay. Now, we're going to go to approval
of minutes. May I have a motion to approve minutes from December 25th, 2025 regular meeting and December 2nd, 2025 regular meeting as distributed? >> Second. >> Ro call. >> Council member Hard. >> Yes. >> Council member Hill.
>> Yes. >> Council member Her. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. >> Council member Piston. >> Yes. >> Council member Wars. >> Um I vote yes for November 25th, but I stay for December second. And now it's time for council report and council member George.
>> Thank you mayor. Um good evening everyone. I'm Bill George. I'm the council of the office of the gross public safety agencies. Uh just focusing for a moment on the terrible news nationally, the news of the murder of people celebrating a feast of light on
the beach, of murderous students studying for finals, and the recent sad murder of world influencing talent who brought laughter and insight into so much. It's tough to focus on the reason for the season. But I looked around last
night at the crowd that filled this room on such a cold night of our friends and neighbors crowding around to hear how we're trying to create a place for town harmony, peace, assembly, and that let me know that you all make it more bearable as we do this town together.
This holiday is the one present we give each other. The police department reports. Thankfully, it's been quiet as the community activities for the year are done. Coffee and cocoa with a cop was very successful. The toy drive and food drive uh this month broke records
for the collection. You might have been watching the snowstorm over the weekend and wondered why our fire trucks were out all over town. Chief Cham Sammy reported that we answered nine calls in just three hours during the peak of the storm. But fortunately, they were just
for icing on wires which were peris close to the ground and the sidewalks. Finally, the library is also taking rest after a very busy year which saw the installation of the pergola and the seating area on North 6. And thanks to the mayor and council members and
administration who brave the call to dedicate it the other day. We also accomplished the complete repaving of the front entrance on North as well as the completion of the installation of the media room and several art shows and civic presentations there kicked off its
new purpose and dedication. Thank you, mayor. >> Thank you, Council Member Poston. >> Uh, thank you, Mayor. Just a very brief report for tonight. Uh, I'm Jason Stock. I chair the Health and Human Services Committee. Um, I just want to echo a comment from my colleague, Councilman George. Uh, you know, there was
obviously very terrible uh news over the weekend. Uh, but it was really nice to come together um on this Sunday. It was very, very frigid day and see a lot of people come out to uh like the first night theora for the first night. Hanukkah uh eat some donuts and be
together. Um I also just want to thank my boards and commissions for a what I think was a very successful year of activities and programming. Um so thank you to the board of health, the human relations commission, and the commission on universal access. Um and last but not
least, I just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday season. And that was all I have for tonight. I don't think I have to repeat my plug for uh the ordinance on food safety. food safety treat. So, please everyone vote yes and happy
holidays. Thank you, >> Council Member Vargas. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, good evening everyone. I'll reintroduce myself. My name is Vargas and I serve as a council lady of the arts and commissions. Um, I'd like to begin once again by
expressing an honor to collaborate with John Amy Pal. Um, so I was very excited and I thank everybody um who who put the work into putting this proclamation um together. Um, speaking of the arts commission, um, on Sunday, December 7,
the arts commission hosted its second annual poet festival, a project led by commission member Ariana Estumi. This event brought together a diverse group of spoken word artists and was thoughtfully and meticulously planned by commission members, each of whom played an important and vital role in success.
That strong sense of teamwork was clearly evident throughout the festival which welcomed an estimated maybe 200 attendees at Penos. Um I know um Councilman Matt Hurst was one of the judges there and you can attest how many people were there and how great it was.
Um, I'll like to extend um, sincere thanks to Penos for graciously hosting and always be um, a space where we can host such events and to every member of the arts commission for weaving together such a vibrant and meaningful event, one that is well and to become a highly
anticipated annual tradition. While winter is upon us, the recreation department is already at heart planning for summer and summer camp preparations are officially underway. Having served as a summer camp program director myself, I know firsthand how exciting
and challenging this process can be. I wish the team continued success success and I look forward to seeing what's in store for this coming summer. I'd like to also remind everyone that there will be a holiday performance at the community center tomorrow on December 17th beginning at 12:30. Performance
will feature the Edison High School dance ensemble now in its ninth year. I'm very much looking forward to attending. Stone 6 Teen Center will be holding a winter wonderland event for students K through 12 on Tuesday, December 23rd from 3 to 6 p.m. For more
information, please email the teen center director, Ashton URL at a URL.com. That's a burlpro.com. Finally, I'm happy to share that the Boro holiday dinner is back after a pandemic hiatus. This complimentary
event will take place on December 25th from 1 to 3 pm and will include food, music, fun, and holiday cheer. Guests are asked to RSVP by this Friday, December 19th, by calling the center at 732 8190052
so we can plan accordingly for all the guests. For those interested in volunteering, donating, or sponsoring anything, please contact the community center at the same number 7328190052. I'd like to wish everyone a third night, a happy third night of Hanukkah. Um,
which by the way is a little bit about six different ways. That wrong. Um, and since this is the last meaning of the year, Merry Christmas, meaning Quanza, and a happy and healthy new year. Wishing everyone good health, success, happiness, and the safety we
all very much need. Thank you. >> Council member Hail. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. I'm Matt Hill. I ch economic development committee. Um I just wanted to to um reiterate what Councilman George said. This is a we've
had some tough times. Um certainly the massacre in Australia, the shooting of Brown, and the death of Rob Reiner. Um, I was lucky enough to be able to meet him a couple times in politics in California. And I always just remember the funny guy who was able to just do
whatever was needed for the politician he was in working for. And um, it's a really sad day. But as sad as it is as all the things that are going on in the world, I just wanted to point that we've got a lot of wonderful things going on right here in Highland Park. Last night
we had um as as Phil mentioned, we had the uh a meeting about Third Avenue, building a new community center, building a new place for the entire town. We had incredible feedback from many many participants and all of it with a spirit of let's get something
done. And I really really appreciated everybody coming out. I appreciate everybody who got us to this point. Um but it was a great meeting last night. We're really really looking forward to to um the fruition of things we've been working on since before CO. Um and on
top of that, you know, we've had a wonderful tree lighting. We had a fantastic Hanukkah event. There's new Quanza paraphernalia up in the Main Street office. Um again, sort of the idea that um maybe the world is is a tough place right now, but Highland Park
is pretty special. um the way that we come together, the way that we sometimes argue, sometimes debate, but always try and move forward. And so, I just wanted to say thank you um to all of my fellow council members, to the mayor, to all of our boards and commissions um and to the residents of Island Park that um this is
a special place and um it's a light uh and sometimes a very very dark world. So, I just wanted to make sure that we recognize that that this is a we got something good going on here. Um, so, uh, just a happy holidays to everybody,
um, the rest of the way, um, and looking forward to a great new year, 2026. Lots of great things coming. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, >> Council Member Hirs. >> Thank you to my colleagues for such
heartfelt remarks. Um, and certainly I echo all of them. Um, you have a little bit to say about that, but um, just some business to tend to. Um uh quickly uh since we last met uh we've had a uh we've had a snow event which you might
have noticed uh so it did snow um Saturday into Sunday and I just wanted to talk a little bit about um taking a cue from my predecessor as chair on on public works um uh on on our snow removal protocol. Uh so just so the public is aware. Uh we began salting
roads around 11 uh p.m. uh on Saturday night before the snow before the snow began which started uh overnight. Um and we used three spreaders uh one in the triangle, one on the north side and one on the south side. Uh once the snow be started started to fall um you know uh
overnight uh crews were out plowing uh with five uh with five trucks and we had three crew members dedicated to clearing property u municipal properties. Um part of this uh initial phase was making sure that the uh main street parking lot and sidewalks were cleared and salted before
the start of their uh holiday markets. So thank you to public works for uh prioritizing uh and and and for making sure that these events can still continue, you know, even when weather is inclement uh uh and and and they went to work at the library for its 100 pm
opening. And we had to clear multiple branches that had fallen onto the roads uh due to the wet and heavy snow. Uh after the snow stopped, uh crews were out plowing and salting every road and all the burrow sidewalks were also shoveled and salted. Uh crews finished operations around 4 pm that day on
Sunday. Uh and we're back out at 6:30 on Monday, uh to check on everything to clear additional intersections to you see if there was any kind of, you know, residual slush or melt. Uh and um thanks to Mike Rosorowitz um uh and the crew at
TPW for doing an excellent job uh during the entire event. Um so uh you know and this is just always a a quick reminder that uh you know the bureau does have snow removal ordinances for for your sidewalks and private properties. Uh and
those are available on www.hpb.com. And I did want to also thank the um Highland Park Police Department for uh always uh making sure that those rules are posted. Uh and you know certainly you know um the bureau is not here to be a heavy but you know um sidewalk safety
is paramount and uh you know certainly there's a lot to be said about sidewalks. Um but uh uh first and foremost the sidewalks just need to be cleared. uh folks who who don't drive, folks who have to walk, folks who enjoy walking, strollers, um uh individuals uh
using wheelchairs, you know, it's uh you know, it's the whole spectrum of of of uh of walkers in this town that make Highland Park what it is. And so it's it is just really important uh to make sure that your walks are clear. And if you need help, um, you know, uh, always if
you're if you're able to and you're and you're out there shoveling, you can go the extra mile and get the get the house next next to you, particularly in some of these smaller lots. Um, and uh, but but the bureau does provide um, uh, volunteer and for a
list of volunteers and for fee uh, folks here in town uh, who do who who can provide those services. So if you do need that list, uh that's you can reach out to Janet uh at J Molina M O L I N Ahb.com. Uh just a few other things, Mayor. Um
since we also since we last met or since we uh last a regular council meeting, uh we had our um gas leaf blower uh uh work session discussion and I just want to thank council members for for navigating through that and providing some really
great feedback. Um the uh the task force that was assembled uh is um is a collaboration between uh sustainable Highland Park, the environmental commission and the board of health um and others and uh uh they came up with a really comprehensive plan that looks at
what other towns do to put guard rails on the operations of uh commercial gas leaf blowers. We're going to, you know, this this is a this is a worthy effort that other towns have endeavored on, but there's a lot of work to do. So, if you did tune in to that meeting, please know that the task force is going to
reconvene in January where we will take the feedback that the council provided um and see how we can move forward. Uh you know, there's the policy, but then there's the implementation and the operations and making sure that we have everything we need to have an effective program because um the program is as
good as the paper it's passed on if uh you know, if we're not if we're not in the right spot to implement. So, a lot of work to do. Um, and I just want to let the public know that that work will continue. Um, tonight we have an ordinance on second reading uh appropriating uh $800,000 for a new
garbage truck and other needed uh uh public works equipment. Uh, this cost is offset in part by a 250,000 uh grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Thank you to the admin team and council colleagues for supporting this. We need that truck. Uh, and I did want to report out on a couple
of, you know, with the change in weather, we've had some, you know, it's been fairly unseasonably cold, uh, December. Um, typically the warm weather or warm-ish weather sticks around until until, you know, after New Year's, but we have had a series of water main breaks. So, in
case you've seen crews out there doing road work, this is why. Um, and I'll just name a few. We had some uh a break at North uh North Adelaide Avenue near Lincoln A. that was a 6 inch name. Uh Cedar AB and Donaldson Street, South Fifth Avenue and Donaldson Street, and
um Middle Sex Water was out doing emergency patches uh between South Adelaide and Cedar. Um Cedar Avenue near Donaldson and South Fifth Avenue, also near Donaldson. So again, if you saw those crews out, that was what was happening. Um and by the way, my name is
Matthew Burch. I chair the public works and public utilities committee. And uh the reason why I mentioned that here is because I'm also the leazison to Sustainable Highland Park. Uh so please join us tomorrow, December 17th, uh for the Sustainable Highland Park holiday party, 7 to 9:00 p.m. at the Teen Center
right here at 600 uh Benner. Uh everyone is welcome. Uh this is going to be our regular December monthly meeting and then followed immediately by a holiday party. So please join us in person. Uh and it'll be a good time. It's a carbon-f free uh uh party, so you know,
leave it as you found it, right? That's that that that's what they say when you go camping. Uh so it'll be all reusable flatwear, silverware, um and uh uh folks are going to be making uh dishes uh bringing them. Uh so this is a u uh I'll
give I'll use the proper verbage. It's a zero waste party and all are welcome and encouraged to bring something to share. Uh, as Councilwoman Vargas mentioned, um, I was honored to be on I was honored to be a judge at the arts commission's poetry festival um, uh, on Sunday,
December 7th at Penos. Um, it was a really amazing way to spend a cozy Sunday evening. Uh, you know, just just consumed by amazing performances, poetry performances. Um, thank you so much to Arena, Sonia, Ariana, Amy, John, um, and
my fellow judges, Nikki Gonzalez, Karen Karen Joseki, sorry, Karen, uh, she's the children's librarian at the at the public library. Um uh and u uh Wanda um
uh but but you may know her as the singer of the due rights uh uh and um great judges. We took it really seriously and we were able to really discuss u some some of the works that were performed. And I got to say as a um I'm not an active artist, but I like to
think I'm a leading artist. Um, I was, you know, I I I was an English major and did write some poetry. Um, and of course what I know is nothing compared to the expert poetry that was uh, you know, um, on display at this festival, but also just the um the the
the courage it requires to stand up there and share sometimes very personal um, uh, works. So that was just a terrific event. We need more of that. We need more sharing of artistic works. We need that. We need more vulnerability where we can share with folks and and
really embrace our each other's company. Um and I think that's really what the world needs right right about now. I wanted to echo um everyone's comments on the public plaza meeting uh last night. I thought it was uh really terrific. Um
thank you Councilman Hail and Terry and the mayor and everybody for um you know leading us through that process. uh and to Arterial for uh you know clearly I think I think the biggest takeaway for me was the response and the public comments not only you know um uh you
know pleased with what was being presented to them but also an acknowledgement that that that that the consultant had taken the feedback from the public um from our from our public forums and that it's not you know it's not every day that you hear that recognition and so I thought that that
was really important that uh you know everyone's doing their job in order to make sure that this public plaza takes the shape of the needs of the community. Um the uh I I just wanted to echo the remarks on the Monura lighting which was
uh wonderful and poant in and particularly in these times. Again, thank you to the Highland Park uh Police Department for making sure uh that everyone stays safe. Um and of course the tree lighting which happened just a few days before. We had a great time and we coincided with a with a with a
holiday market. Uh, and also a shameless plug. My son's band played Steven's Attic, and this was their first their second public gig. Um, and uh, uh, they and they they burst through in the cold weather, playing all of the all the rock that I grew up with in the 90s. I feel
like I'm listening to Lithium in XM. Uh uh and that I just wanted to just part with uh just just a couple remarks as we you know embark on the as we are you know in the midst of the holiday season just to just just to remind folks to you know stay
calm you know be calm stay kind to one another uh help out a neighbor make sure that everybody has what what we need because the differences that are dividing us in this world can be catastrophic. But as Matt Hail says, you know, we have a really good thing here in Highland
Park and I think we do a lot right. As tumultuous as the world has been the last couple years, we've really seen everybody, you know, band together uh in in really inspiring ways. So, just wanted to thank everybody for that and
>> thank you, Council President Kim Choan. >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. My name is Stephanie Kim Choan and I chair the finance committee. Um tonight on the agenda, I just want to um highlight two items. Um Council Member Hirs had
already went over the sack reading for the 800,000 for the um for the garbage truck which was much needed. Um also the uh shared services that we are renewing
with um freehole township services is um it's for our IT services. Shared services is one of our um in finance one of our key objectives and just renewing that contract is also um you know
important to the finance committee as well. So, thank you um Freehold as well and also for the um repairs to the HVAC system at the police department chief.
Um thank you for waiting and um there's uh we all uh nothing's uh we always find money in the budget for our Thank you. Thank you.
And um I also want to uh wish as this is the last um council meeting for the year wishing our community a very um happy holidays. Please stay safe. Stay safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with um our
friends in the Jewish community. So thank you >> Miss Crater. >> Thanks Mayor. Just u couple minor points. I just wanted to also echo everybody's thanks for the great turnout last night for our meeting regarding
South Third Avenue. Really good feedback and um really excited to get that moving. Uh but I did want to mention we will have the slide deck and I believe the video is already on HPTV. It'll all be updated on the website tomorrow. So, if you weren't able to
attend and wanted to see what you missed, you'll have that opportunity to watch the presentation from our material and our question and answer session as well as flip through the slide deck so you can zoom in on the pictures and and um and you can absolutely continue to
give us feedback um if even if you weren't at the meeting. So, I just wanted to mention that and I just wanted to wish everybody happy holidays and I'm excited for um that as well. So, thank you, Mayor Yes, ma'am.
>> Thank you, Mary. It was It was going to kill me. I'm sorry. Rolanda Laorray, I apologize, Rolanda. She was one of She was a trouble judge. It was I was going to feel horrible because I knew I just drew a blank. So, >> I just needed to make sure we had a good night's sleep tonight. >> Yes. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you. Thank
you for >> Okay. No, Council President, >> I'm sorry. I forgot to also mention about the South Third Plaza. Yes, I'm so sorry, Councilman. Hell, you're doing it. It was awesome. And uh shout out to
Jeff Pearlman who caught that there wasn't a children's kind of area and me and Jason kind of like slapped ourselves because we're so busy focusing on other things and kind of forgot that. How can we enjoy our nice beastro cafes with our
child having a meltdown? So, thank you. And we'll kind of uh keep an eye on that. >> So, thank you. Thank you, Jeff. >> Any other council members that wish to add something? >> It's the door is wide open. Hey, I
wanted to take you up on that >> just really briefly. I just would be remiss if I just wanted to extend a heartfelt congratulations to John Mayer and Edie Pollock. I had the honor of working with them as liazison for the prior two years and it was an absolute blast. They deserve all the accolades.
They've been tremendous community members volunteered and provided a lot to our town. So I'm sorry I forgot in the initial report. Um, but please thank to the mayor's grace, I was able to have a second chance to redeem myself. So, thank you again. We really appreciate all that you've done in our town.
>> That's all. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> Going once. Going twice. >> One more. >> After the presentation to John and and to Aiden, I'd like to extend my thanks. Um, I meet with John regularly at the art collective where he's a member. Um,
I've seen him uh while he's been kind of absent lately. Um, but I do have a bone to pick with Amy because we were at Artworks in Trenton a number of years ago in an art show and she split a dip pick which is two pieces of the same
subjects by the same artist and she beat me to the other half. So, she has half on her side of the street and I have my half on the other side. I've never been able to square her with that.
>> That's a last in memory. >> Our attorney's report. >> Thank you, mayor. Um I I I don't have anything specific to report today. Uh what I will do is take a few minutes and just remind the public uh about the rules regarding public participation. There are two different opportunities
for the public to speak during this meeting. The first one comes after the mayor's report. Uh that gives the public an opportunity to speak for three minutes on any item on the agenda. That's ordinances on first reading, which uh tonight we don't have any, as well as the resolutions. There'll be a second opportunity at the end of the
agenda for the public to to speak. That's another that's another three minutes, and that will afford the public the opportunity to speak on any item not included on the agenda. Uh tonight, we have two ordinances on second reading. U the public will then be granted another opportunity to speak on each one of
those ordinances individually. And I hope that that kind of clarifies and I don't I don't have anything to add in. No. >> Oh, you missed your opportunity. >> Oh, before I forget, I'm kidding. >> We're in the mood. Why not?
>> And and now it's time for my report on on a very serious and somber note. I'm going to ask that we take a moment of silence for the massacre that occurred in Bondi Beach and also at Brown University
and for all the all the pain that we are experiencing our world. Let's take a moment to reflect Thank you. Uh, I would also like to add my thank you for all the volunteers. But this past Sunday, we had a boards and
commission, a little holiday party for all the folks that come out and volunteer year after year and weeks and weeks and nights and to make our town a better place to live in, a much more beautiful place as you see from the arts commission. but all the boards and
commission members that give so selfishly of themselves and as we see this time of year um where there's so much uncertainty and so much dysfunctionality in our world I want to take a moment to thank
the members of the food pantry because they have really stepped into play and they are really working hard to provide complete meals to families during the Thanksgiving holidays uh they they go to shutins and they provide for those who
can't come out, they provide meals to them as well. The Thanksgiving dinner was served and and as um council member Vargas reported on Christmas Day, there'll be a Christmas meal that we'll be serving. These are people who volunteer selflessly their time to give
back to our community. And we can't begin to say enough thank yous for all that you do. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And we're in the season of giving. And for those who have a little bit extra to give, there's a lot of people out there who are in a world of
hurt and a world of need. So whatever you can do, keep in mind that the food pantry and other volunteer organization may need your help. And I want to say a special thank you to the borough staff who work tirelessly to make us on this
day look really good and to keep our town working really well from snow removal, public safety, uh the borough administration, department of community services. They go above and beyond every day to make us look really good and to
keep Island Park the the the ray of light and sunshine that we all love in this town. and we talk about diversity and inclusion and there's a whole staff that works around the clock to make sure that we're seeing everyone. We're hearing everyone and make sure the voices that are acknowledged and they're
heard. So, thank you each and everyone and I will see you in January. January 6, we'll have our reorganization meeting right here in council chambers. So, see you then. And that's my brief report and everyone please stay safe.
And now we're going to move on to public comments. 21 minutes, three minutes per speaker, limited to items on the agenda. Comments from members of the public attending in person will be heard first, followed by those attending via Zoom.
Please name and address. Uh Mary Bouton, Madison Avenue. And I just wanted to uh get on the record asking the council to kindly vote no on resolution 1225 266
uh oh uh excuse me 1225265 uh regarding the renewal of a uh license for uh the recreational THC pot shop that is uh located on the Edison Highland Park border uh in the
residential neighborhood. Uh so again just for the record please vote no. And one of the reasons um for that request is the fact that um in our cannabis ordinance uh it was indicated that one of the excuses the
six council members gave for bringing in an ordinance for six pot shops to begin with was the fact that uh we would quote it would the money would be quote used annually to offset the current reliance on property taxes said additional income
um will assist the bureau in providing tax relief, including relief for senior residents that would like to remain in the bureau but face challenges due to the burden of real property taxes. Uh in communications with our finance department, um it is clear that not a
single dime has been given to this purpose. So that's the first issue. Secondly, um it's the cannabis ordinance specifically refers to relief for senior residents.
And again, the finance department has indicated there's not even a mechanism for determining who those senior residents would be. It's been four years since you put in this ordinance. So the questions are
one, when are you going to develop that or that mechanism to identify Highland Park senior residents that you say would like to remain in the bureau but face challenges due to the burden of real property taxes so that they can receive
some of these monies from the recreational THC marijuana stores that you brought in? Secondly, when would any of us, the senior residents or other taxpayers,
property taxpayers, receive any of these monies? You're going on year three to give the this one pot shop their license. Where's the money? >> 30 seconds. The other thing I'd like to say is that when I was here on August
12th referring to uh the pot shop that's right next to Carsey Park and again right next to people's homes, um I had mentioned that the application that was reviewed by the burough administrator and the council members for approval, it
said that Arie Weinberg was an owner of a business called All Colors. I only show Gail Mitler, whose son is the owner of that property, >> as the owner of that business. It was never given to me. I asked to
have information presented that would show otherwise. It has never been received since August 12th. So, I'd like to have that information. I think the public should have that information. If it exists, if it doesn't
exist, that application is false. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi, my name's Colleen Tyler, 142 North 6th Avenue. Um, tonight the council will be voting on resolution 12.C C 125265
resolution authorizing the renewal of a business license for Anja Life LLC to operate adult personal use cannabis business within the Burough Tile Park. Same thing Mary just talked about. Um, if you're looking for this resolution,
it's located in the consent agenda next to the resolution to approve record license and emergency repairs to various water name breaks. I am opposed to extending this business license. I expect that there will be no discussion
of the impact of Ana as first the first of five licensed cannabis retail stores in our community. I expect that there will be unanimous board approval of this license renewal. I expect that there will be no response
to the simple question of what is your reason for your unilateral open support of these businesses in Highland Park. Never have had an answer to that. There are so many other related questions I could ask such as why are
there no commercial pot-free zones that limit where these businesses can operate limiting their sensitive proximity to nearby schools and religious organizations? Why have you permitted them to have consumption lounges in which their
products can be consumed or smoked on site? What regulations are in place to protect citizens from secondhand smoke on the streets? How are the local taxes collected on their products used? Why do we have five
pot shops here? Who do they serve? Many decisions have been made for us by the current and previous mayors and councils that impact our lives and those of our children. According to Nora Vulco, the director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, we have a
society that tends to just look at the immediate returns without consideration of the delayed consequences. But the delayed consequences can be gigantic. As you normalize marijuana and make it more accessible, you're r increasing the
risk of young people to be exposed to marijuana to consume it regularly. these consequences are likely to be much more costly con costly economically than the reviewing revenue you're gaining. Um
I think the rest of that I'll just say in in the second opportunity there anyone on Zoom? >> I see three attendees but no hands are raised. >> Seeing none me I have a motion to close public participation.
So move second. Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hirs. >> Yes. >> Council President Kim. >> Yes. >> Council member Ponic. >> Yes. >> Council member Marget. >> Yes. >> Um
attorney. Anything you would like to add to comment on on this particular ordinance? >> No. I I I I understand the comments and I understand the concerns. I I I I disagree uh with some of the descriptions as to what the ordinance
says and does. Um but that's that's kind >> um ordinance requires second reading reading. Cler, please report an ordinance number 25-2119. on ordinance providing for the purchase of various vehicles for the department
of public works by and in the burrow of Highland Park in the county of Middle Sex State of New Jersey appropriating 800,000 thereof inclusive of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs grant in the amount of 250,000 and
authorizing the issuance of 550,000 in bonds or notes of the bureau to finance part of the cost thereof has been duly advertised for consideration of passers on final reading by title and affidavit of publication are on file.
The ordinance has also been posted and made available for public instruction. And now it's time for public hearing on this ordinance. If you would like to speak on this ordinance, please come up and speak into the microphone. If you're on Zoom, please raise your hands.
Anyone on Zoom? Okay. See none. May I have a motion to close public participation on 252119? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member Borch. >> Yes. >> Council member Hill. >> Yes. >> Council member Hir. >> Yes. >> Council President.
>> Yes. >> Council member Pan. >> Yes. >> Member. >> Yes. >> Now, may I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 252119? >> Second. Roll call. Council member George.
>> I just want to note to the public that uh we pick up another truck again some of the other items that we need. These were all studied over 10 years ago with our capital improvements and long-term growth plan. We move forward. We got some help from the Kushner grants to be
sure. Um but the most important thing is they're really fun to drive. I vote yes. >> Council member Hail, >> as long as I can drive it. Council member, >> I leave that over to the professionals. Yes,
>> as long as the automatic >> council member, >> no additional funny commentary. Yes, >> I'm glad I don't have to buy them. Yes. >> Okay. The clerk, please report to an ordinance
number 252120. >> An ordinance amending and supplementing the code of the burrow of trial park to add chapter 103 titled health regulations and licenses article one food handling establishments has been newly advertised for consideration of
passage on final reading by title and affidavit of publication there are on file. Ordinance has also been posted and made available for public inspection. And now it's time for public hearing on this ordinance. If you would like to speak, please come up to the microphone and identify yourself. Those at home,
please raise your hand. Those on Zoom, >> no hands on. Okay. Okay. Seeing none, may I have motion to close public participation on ordinance number 252120? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roco.
>> Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hurst. >> Yes. Council President Kinchuan. >> Yes. >> Council member Pani. >> Yes. >> Council member G. >> Yes. >> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 252120? >> So move.
>> Roll call. >> I'll second. >> Second. >> Okay. Roll call. >> Council member George. >> Thank you council postpone. It was a lot of work action to put this together. Thank you. Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hurst. >> Yes. >> Council president.
>> Yes. Thank you. member. >> Yes. I and I just want to say thank you to the board of health for identifying this and for bringing this health advocating to bring this to this day. Uh this is common sense health legislation and again reiterate. Yes. >> Council member.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Consent agenda resolution. May I ask any council member if they would like to pull any any item from the consent agenda for a separate vote? Okay. >> No, mayor.
>> Okay. >> Seeing none, may I have a motion to adopt the following consent agenda 12 A through 12 M. >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll 12. >> Council member Jordan. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hurst.
>> I vote yes. And I did want to acknowledge um the comments of our of our guests here today. Um and particularly on the revenue. I think that there is that that there are some things to follow up on. So while while we are steadfast in supportive for the um the retailers here in town, uh I
think moving forward as far as policy is concerned, it's it's good consideration. So thank you. Yes. >> Council President Kim Johan. >> Yes. >> Council member Piston. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> Resolution requiring a separate reading
resolution. Resolution to approve budget transfer. >> Motion to adopt. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member H. >> Yes. >> Council member Her. >> Yes. >> Council President.
>> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> And now it's time for the second public participation. Three minutes per speaker on any topic subject to conclude by 900 PM. Comments from members of the public attending in
person will be heard first, followed by those on Zoom. Coming 142 North 6th Avenue. This current process in which residents can voice their opinions without getting answers to their concerns is in contrast
to last night's open public meeting regarding the concept plan for the South Third Avenue Public Plaza. In that case, there were opportunities for true dialogue between residents and the designer. Questions were asked and noted. Answers were given. The community
was a part of the decision-making process, not outside it. There are two pot shops currently operating literally feet away from the entrance to the new plaza. We should be concerned about their impact on this public space,
thinking about it and discussing it as a community. Let's not just ignore it and hope for the best. For those who are not aware, there's a current national decision to be made about changing the status of marijuana from schedule one to a less regulated
schedule 3 status. Here are some thoughts about the impact of this change. Marijuana belongs to schedule one because raw marijuana has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Putting it in schedule three would open the door to
widespread normalization and let marijuana businesses deduct advertising, marketing, even high THC, R&D expenses at tax time that would supercharge an industry already driving rising youth addiction, mental health crisis, and ER
visits. This is from smart approaches to marijuana. The marijuana sold today is much more dangerous and addictive than ever. Often the potency of these products is as high as 99% THC. By comparison, the average potency in the 70s for these products
was around 2%. Recent studies show that people who use these high potency products have a 30% addiction rate leading to serious health problems uh including 25% risk increase of the risk of having a heart
attack 42 increase risk of having a stroke. Additionally, studies have shown that marijuana use doubles the risk of dying from heart disease. Um, in states where the drug is legalized, marijuana addiction levels
among teens aged 12 to 17 increase 25% compared to states where marijuana remains illegal. Uh, the youth uh use under uh youth under 25 is highly damaging leading to decline in brain
development and cognitive abilities. It appears we are dealing with a cannabis industry that's centered on profit over health. Let's not have Highland Park be a part of this. Let's be on the right side of this issue. Keep marijuana as a
schedule one substance and let's get rid of the shops in town. >> No hands on Zoom. See there's none. May I have a motion to close public participation? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Council member.
>> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Her. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes. Council member. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> We're going to go into executive session. 25 12-25-272.
Negotiation on LRK. Communication with the attorney. Client privilege relating to municipal operation litigation JSM versus Boro Highland Park. May I have a motion? >> So move second.
>> Roll call. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> Council member Hill. >> Yes. >> Council member Hir. >> Yes. See you in 2026. >> Council President Ken Johan. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> Council member Marcus. >> Yes. >> May have a motion to go into a second.
That's done. Note that this concludes our open public session for this evening. Thank you all for coming out. Have a safe holiday. After the council's after executive session, there will be no further meeting. Thank you.