This meeting is called to order in accordance with the open public meeting act. Notice of this meeting was provided to the home use tribune the star ledger the Highland Park Planet on January 8th 2025 and was posted on Borrow Hall
website at www.hbar.com hbar.com and on the bulletin board of borrow 221 South 5th Avenue in Highland Park, New Jersey and has remained continuously posted as required by law. My exits are
to my right and left of council chambers. Mr. Could you lead us in the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible
with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call. >> Mayor Foster >> here. Council member Jordan >> here. >> Council member Hail >> here. Council member Hirs >> here. >> Council President Kimhan >> here. >> Council member Panic >> here.
>> Council member Vargas here. >> Attorney Rena >> here. >> Administrator Hera >> here. >> Um approval of minutes. May I have a motion to approve minutes as distributed October 21st, 2025 regular meeting?
>> Second. >> Roll call. Council member George. Yes. >> Council member H. >> Yes. >> Council member Hir. >> Yes. >> Council President Krohan. >> Yes. >> Council member Ponic. >> Yes. >> Council member Hard. >> Yes. >> Reports.
>> Um I'm going to start off with Council Member George. >> Uh thank you, Mayor. Uh first of all, we wish everybody in Highland Park State peaceful and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday. I'm thankful for all of the accomplishments
that the mayor, council, and administration have been able to implement in Highland Park this past year, which has not been the easiest time to navigate. With regard as the police department, uh the food drive this morning was very successful. Pictures are going up on the department
uh website. Uh the department filled one of the large SUV patrol vehicles full food full of food for distribution. And we thank all of those who donated, especially uh the commercial establishments. Thanksgiving is a
special time, but also a night for more caution. This celebration can get out of hand and cause more accidents or serious injury. So this year, the Highland Park Police Department is joining with South Planefield and Piscatoway Police Departments to conduct the goal zero
campaign with the uh goal of having zero deaths, zero injuries, and zero crashes over the Thanksgiving evening holiday. These departments are fully committed and fully staffed uh with uh officers
will be liaisoning with each other and keeping in communication during the holiday night to monitor traffic, observe driving for any possible unsafe operations across borders and have an increased presence on the streets throughout this continuous area of
Highland Park, South Planefield, and Ciscato. to thank you Lieutenant Soden for uh coordinating that effort and um these three departments are the ones committed under in Middle Sex County under the uh uh the state's goal of having the
program uh established. The department also stepped up its presence and enforcement at Magnolia and South to see if we can reduce traffic pressure and complaints as well as violations at that intersection and it was very successful.
Chief Abrams and Lieutenant Soden are evaluating the results of the program for possible further recommendations for traffic management. With regard to the Highland Park Library, as many of us know and participated, the library ran the one
book program featuring the Heaven and Earth grocery store through November. The events were very successful, attracted big crowds every night from the group readings to discussions to the music of the times and culture and the collaging EP episode. Special thanks to
senior librarian Natalie Lavine who show who came up with the idea along with the rest of the staff but also shouldered the organization for the event and the cooperation of library and burough volunteers with the schedule. Note,
however, looking at the schedule this evening tomorrow, a good movie was um proposed for the 1:00 special on Wednesday of the um How to Train Your Drag Dragon, the new movie, but the library also plans to close early for
the holiday tomorrow and will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving. So, please check schedule uh for the afternoon. with regard to the safe walking and cycling committee. At Monday's meeting, we discussed the budget and planning for the coming year and we reviewed some of
the programs we ran this year, including the bike rate rodeo. Lieutenant Snowden filled us in on a lot of the developments um out of keep Middle Sex Walking uh which with which is also working on guidelines for ebikes. I
believe they have a program which we're going to try and uh get to see if we can't run them at some of the um events and possibly online uh with regard to heats for both uh parents and and for the community. And that's my report,
Mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Pson. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. My name is Jason Selnic and I chair the uh Health and Human Services Committee and I have a brief report for uh tonight. First, with winter upon us,
I just wanted to encourage everyone who hasn't yet to get their annual flu and COVID shots so we can all be as healthy as possible this holiday season. Second, I want to thank the Human Relations Commission alongside the Highland Park Library for all their hard work in putting together the highly successful
series of events and programming around the Heaven and Earth grocery store. Uh third, I just wanted to thank the staff from Irving and Bartle schools uh here in town for taking the children out for the Veterans Day parade. Um it was a bitterly cold day that day. Uh but the
staff and children brought a lot of warmth for the veterans that who we were honoring that day. I guess it was pretty special. We were starting to gather from the start of the parade, the initial ceremony portion um up by the Doughboy statue and it was like a couple blocks away like the entire Bartle school was
just out and you can hear the kids just pouring just a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. So that was really sweet to see them all out. Um next up I just wanted to say that the need for food assistance is only increasing increasing. We have wonderful partners in the Highland Park Food Pantry and HP
goods food organizations to help provide food to those in need. just want to encourage everyone in town who can um to support them so they can continue to support our neighbors. Uh donation information to both organizations can be found on the burough website hpb.com.
And lastly, I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. That was all for tonight. Thank you, council member Vargas. >> Thank you, mayor. Good evening. My name is Moises Vargas and I am the council lean for the Austin Recreation Department and their respective
commissions. Um the arts commission the arts commission has been incredibly active this fall. They successfully hosted the annual scarecrows in downtown contest. Um it will be seen sign workshop as part of their learn and create series took place um last Sunday
and the grand tiny opening of the bor's first little art gallery which is really adorable. Um, this opening marks the state of the prototype initiative that will include two permanent installations. One in front of Mason Street Park on Maran Avenue and another one near Irving School on Blueidge
Avenue. These miniature galleries function much like the familiar little free libraries that you see around town. They will provide spaces where community members can exchange small works of art. Um, so I encourage everyone to please visit the flagship tiny gallery located
on River Road by the Resist Cultural Center. It's really charming um and a remarkable addition to our town. I got to see it. It was it was really cute. Um, upcoming events for the arts commission as part of the learn and create too will include coffee and ink
workshop coming up on Thursday, December 4 at 6:30 at the Highland Park Public Library. Draw yourself as a superhero on Monday, December 9th at 6:30m at the races cultural center on Maran, excuse me, on River Road. Please remember to
pre-register for these events. Um they do have they do keep a waiting list um if you don't get to um get on there the first time and they'll get they'll contact you if they have space available. The links are available on the arts commission's social media pages or you can email ACHPro.com
for more information. Additionally, they are very busy with the upcoming annual poetry festival which will take place on December 7th between 4 and 900 p.m. It will feature dozens of spoken word artists from across the region. And all are welcome. Please come out, enjoy your
evening and support um this initiative. It will be taking place at um at KOS. The historical commission historical commission just recently hosted this past Monday wonderful Lapi Lifeways program um in honor of indigenous history um month. It was really really
great. Um the event was led by Carla Messenger a respected Len Lape educator. She brought eight tables of interactive exhibits in featuring artifacts and cultural items from her work and she also shared her children's
book when the shadow bush blooms um and she read it to the families and children in attendance. Additionally, the historical commission has purchased one of the books and will donate it to the Highland Park Library. All the participants learned about history, culture and the traditions of the Lafi
people on whose ancestral land we stand today. The event was really well attended and we're grateful to the arts commission um and the community for coming out to support um this event in Labi. The word thank you is Wanishi. So
Wanishi to Miss Carla for sharing her knowledge and helping to keep the LAN the LAP history and traditions alive for present and future generations and to the historical commission for organizing such a meaningful program. Stay tuned to the oral page for photos of the event.
We will be posting them there. Um lastly, thank you to the recreation community center and the team down there for organizing a very meaningful Veterans Day parade. Um which was yes, it was very cold. Um but there were a lot of people came out and I will echo
what um Councilman um said. Um it was really great to see the younger kids there and cheering cheering the veterans on. Um and it was a really really good event. So, we appreciate that you took the time to um organize that. And that
concludes my report. Happy Thanksgiving. Council member Hail. >> Thank you very much, Madam Mayor. My name is Matt Hail and I chair the economic development committee. First of all, say happy Thanksgiving to everybody. There's a lot to be thankful for. And just briefly, I wanted to say thank you for everybody who turned out
for the recent elections. We had a great turnout in Highland Park. Um and I feel certainly appreciate being sent back to the council for another three years. So, thank you very much. Um on tonight's agenda is a public hearing um on our redevelopment plan uh for for Wraid. And
I just wanted to remind people uh a couple things that the goal of this plan is to um expand the various options for businesses that are allowed at at Wraid. Um these include healthcare, daycare, and entertainment options that are currently not allowed. Um the goal is to try and help the property owner get a
strong stable tenant in the building and we believe these options will help them do that. Um it's not a a typical agreement in that it doesn't include any financial incentives like pilots or other tax strategies. Um but it does include working with the property owner to allow access from the right a parking
lot to the new South Avenue plaza. So um that's up for tonight. Um, speaking of the South Avenue Plaza, on December 15th from 6:30 to 8:30m at the community center, we're holding a community meeting about the South Avenue Public Plaza. After many years of planning and countless meetings with permitting
officials at the state and county level, numerous stakeholders and advisory group meetings, as well as some fun public walking tours, we're excited to be able to show some visions and plans for the new home at the farmers market, but also really a new home uh new park for all of um Prim Park's community events and
programs and a great place to hang out. It's been a long time coming and it's still a long time away. Um it's becoming a reality. Um, but the community meeting will be able to see some renderings and pictures of the new Third Avenue Plaza. It's very exciting stuff. So, December 15th from 6:30 to 8:30. Um, it's going
to be awesome. Uh, the end of the year is always a very, very busy time for Main Street High Park and this year's no exception. Um, I I hope everyone has noticed that the snowflakes are up. Um, which is always, I think, the kickoff of the holiday season. Um, not as early as
some of the grocery stores, but um, certainly a kickoff. Um, they look great. Uh, one of the main reasons that Highland Park uh, does uh, all of the events and all of the things that they do at the end of the year is this can be a particularly difficult time for many businesses and anything we can do to
drive traffic to those businesses at the end of the year is certainly helpful. One way of doing that is purchasing an HP digital gift card for local businesses. Details can be found at main streethp.org. Um, so before you go to the events that I'm about to talk to, pick up an HP
Bucks digital card um, and shop local. Okay, so here are the events. November 29th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. is our annual tree lighting event, music, vendors, food trucks, and all kinds of kids activities. Plus, the highlight of the year is a visit from the best Santa in all of New Jersey, likely the only
one with a lot of green. Thanks, Phil. Um there's also a gingerbread house contest um on the 29th and again, details at main streethp.org. The fund continues on Sunday, November 30th, and again on December 13th from 4
to 8 for Night Owl Markets. Um these are are great events to stock up and on augment your local purchases with all kinds of holiday gifts, arts and crafts. Again, music, fun, and kid activities. And then on December 14th from 1 to 5:00 p.m., we have our annual Monora Light.
This is a great opportunity to come and eat as many sufanote as you as you want. Um and because it's Hanukkah, a time of miracles, I've been told that these amazing donuts miraculously do not increase your waistline or raise your cholesterol. Don't big on. So come and bring the entire family for lighting of
the town Monora and kids games again and activities. That's again December 14th from 1 to 5:00 pm. So with all these happy and thankful notes, um I'm going to end on a on a somewhat of a sad one. Highland Park lost an amazing resident a
short time ago. Carrie Glass was an instrumental part of the Highland Park Temple for over 40 years and Carrie was a good friend of mine. I'll always remember the way that Carrie would raise one eyebrow and slightly purse his lips into a smile whenever I tried to claim that I was too busy to do something with
him or for the temple. Never critical or chastising, but always letting me know that he knew the difference between being too busy and not wanting to was often enough to make you find the time. Mayor has a similar look. Carrie did everything at the temple from
leading services to teaching others to do it, creating study groups, running med men's club events, and too often almost single-handedly polishing all of the tourist silver for high holidays. Carrie was a prostthesis and orthodontist. During his career, he gave
hundreds, if not thousands of people, the ability to walk or hold a glass. Carrie had a reputation for never being satisfied until all the glitches and tweaks, the new arm, the new leg went away. He taught people to walk. He taught people how to hold that cup of
water. Carrie retired and he was looking for forward playing a lot of rounds of really bad golf. And then October 7th happened almost immediately. Carrie knew that with the coming war there would be soldiers and civilians who we sadly need
new arms and legs. He also knew that while Israel is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world, they remained way behind the curve when it comes to prosthetics. There was little attention, needed less professional training in the arts and craft of giving people new arms and
legs. So Carrie became determined to change that. He began what would be an almost 18month long-distance battle with the infamous Israeli bureaucracy, which sometimes make the American bureaucracy look as efficient as Amazon. But he succeeded. In August of this year, Kerry
traveled to Tel Aviv and began setting up the first professional prosthetic and orthotics program in Israel. He had interviewed and chosen the first class of the program and everything seemed to be off and running. And then Carrie got sick. He spent some time in a Tel Aviv
hospital but was well enough to come home to Highland Park right before the high holidays. Mainly because he wanted to see his beloved wife Hillary and his daughters Rebecca and Yona, but also for his chemical family. Never made it. Shortly after getting off the plane, Carrie was taken to JFK Medical Center
where every single effort was made to get it better. He seemed to get better and then not and finally Carrie passed away on November 6. He is irreplaceable and he will be missed. There is a fund that's been set up with the adisrael foundation which can be found at
d-enil.org or sent to the deisrael foundation at 1416 East 7th Street 2 Brooklyn New York 111230. donation should clearly say PTOP
masters program in memory of Carrie class. If you didn't catch that, please reach out to me, Highland Park Temple, and we'll make sure it gets to the right place. We'll miss you, Carrie. Thank you, madam. And in the light of our Highland Park treasure that is no longer with us, may
we take a moment of silence. >> Thank you, Mr. Glass, for all you contribute to this. >> Council member Hers. >> Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Councilman H, for that tribute. Sorry to
um uh my name is Matthew Hirs. I chair the public works and utilities committee. Uh I hope everyone is well. It feels like a long time since we've been here. Uh we haven't met much uh and there's a lot to do as C mentioned. Uh we had holidays, we had, you know, October and November difficult months
and uh so it's good to see uh folks here. And I want to specifically call out members of the Environmental Commission and Trail Crew uh for being here for a resolution that that we're going to meet in a bit. But uh let me just get get to some uh some regular business first. Um just uh well,
speaking of the Environmental Commission, uh the uh the commission will hold its regular meeting on uh next Wednesday, December 3rd at 8:00 PM on Zoom. Uh please go to www.hpbro.com for information. I feel extra precious since the chair and vice chair and
members of the environmental are watching me say this. This is good. I like I like that. Uh if I mess it up, let me know. Uh the uh yeah, I know the shade tree advisory committee uh which which I'm also the on meets uh on
Wednesday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m. also on Zoom. And again, you can find that link in the calendar section of www.hpro.com. Just a few items. I don't I'm not going to bel labor this one, but tonight is uh is the second reading of our um uh of
our ordinance on bamboo plants and curtailing the uh the growth thereof. Uh we talked a little bit about uh the invasiveness and the destruction that bamboo uh when left unattended to uh can
cause and uh so I'm really excited uh to also join our surrounding municipalities uh in this effort. It really is a regional uh or these things always work better on a regional scale rather than just individual towns working a lot. So thank you to Aaron and my council for
for crafting and my council colleagues for supporting uh just um last week was the um uh so a lot of us were were at the league municipalities uh conference in Atlantic City last week. That's an annual conference uh hosted by the statewide uh New Jersey
State League of Municipalities. And it's that's a basically a membership advocacy organization that represents the the needs, the many needs of municipalities, whether it's infrastructure needs, policy needs, equipment needs, uh you know, so we go
we we go and look at the the latest and greatest technology um particularly when it comes to things that that that I'm like like road paving and garbage pickup. Um but uh one of the things that is always exciting for us is that it's an opportunity to really showcase our work as a burrow to talk about, you
know, some of the innovations that we do here at the local level with other towns and also to learn from other towns on their innovations. And one of the one one of our favorite events is the sustainable Jersey uh annual lunchon because Highland Park has a really strong track record. We have a um uh we
have a a very strong and activated green team uh that works very very hard on on these sustainable action. Sustainable sustainable Jersey is a statewide institute that provides municipal guidance on environmental sustainability stewardship things that we can do day-to-day to improve our environmental
practices. Um so things that we just kind of incorporate into our into our work. So we were reertified this year at the silver level at the ser silver level. Um, as you can imagine, uh, there is one more tier that we are eager to to to get to, uh, gold and, um, working
really closely with, uh, sustainable Highland Park, but also with our admin team, Terry Fair, Jacob Kalahan, and Foster. Um, a lot of this work is done in the administrative um, uh, realm. So whether it comes to uh purchasing procurement, these are the type these
are other. So it's not just outward environmental practices. It's really the way that we operate that can promote economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and so forth. So this is a really it's always it's a it's a great certification because there's always a goal to chase and there's always there's
always better to do. So we are working toward gold uh and then we can finally dethrone Woodbridge Township which is the gold standard in sustainability. But, uh, they're the only ones. We're we're we're we're close second. Uh, so I I was excited. I was excited about that.
Uh, just a quick update on a lot of folks have it's felt like a while since we've reported out about this, but uh, Woodward Avenue obviously is, uh, still under construction. Um, and hopefully, uh, folks who traverse that roadway daily like I do have kind of gotten used to the contours and the new and the new
way. Uh, and just a reminder that this is a water man replacement uh, work that's going to take about four months. Uh, and this, uh, stems from Bulker to the Edison border. And you may have noticed that the there were some lane shifts. Um, from what I've noticed and
from what I hear from our public safety, the tenant said, and you can correct me if I'm if I'm wrong, but it seems like it's it's been pretty pretty smooth over there. Uh, uh, I'm sure that there have been, uh, individual incidents, but, uh, please take note of the lane shifts
there. Please watch your sight lines. Uh, particularly during the morning. Uh Irving school is right there and there are very few crosswalks on Wood River Avenue as you know so folks often don't have a place to cross the street except at 11th and sixth uh and then way further up. So you do see a lot of mid
midblock crossings there. So please please please be mindful of that. Uh this um after the after the replacement of this main work, the project's going to transition into roadway reconstruction uh in 2026. And this will include new
curbs, sidewalks, storm water drainage, and repaving of the project area. So, a lot of exciting things uh going on on Woodbridge Avenue. And that's just the road stuff. I mean, if you've been hearing each other from the listen constant hail on the work of the neighborhood preservation program, uh
there's a lot of activity and energy being focused along the Virgin Avenue. And so, it's it's it's an exciting time. I just wanted to um thank uh you thank Councilwoman Vargas uh and and the organizers of the Hen
Park Arts Commission poetry festival. Um I somehow ended up being one of the judges at this thing. Uh I'm really excited about that. I'm a English major and I'm going to I'm going to put it to good use here. Um uh and I am joining Nicole Gonzalez who's a Middle Sex
County profess professor and former arts commission member Karen Jazarsski who's the children's librarian at heart public library and Francisco Gonzalez who's the director and co-founder of race cultural center for so um I'll be serving with
some very very um seasoned and um probably well-versed um um folks in the poetry and arts. So, uh, please bear with me, but that's on, uh, December 6 7th. That that's I'm sorry I had that written down. That's, um, that's
December 7th at uh, so thanks for having me. Uh, that is, uh, my report, mayor. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council President. >> Sure. Thank you, Mayor. Um, good evening everyone. My name is Stephanie Kim Choan
and I chair uh finance. I want to briefly zoom out to the state level. Uh recent reportings show that New Jersey is seeing stronger than expected um income and sales tax collection so
far this fiscal year. So that's encouraging uh for the overall economic picture. um as we think about state aid and the border environment that we're currently operating in. And for us in in Highland
Park, that means we will continue to approach our budget with cautious responsibility, doing our best to protect taxpayers while still investing in the services, infrastructure, and
programs that our residents rely on. From the finance committee perspective, I want to highlight a few key items on tonight's agenda um that speak directly to that budget stewardship.
Uh first item is our lead service line inventory payment. This continues our state mandate work to identify and verify lead service lines in our water system, keeping us compliant and
protecting public health. Municipal Alliance strategic plan, bringing in grant dollars instead of relying solely on local uh property taxes. The PSG energy efficiency partnership. This
positions us to reduce long-term energy costs through uh efficiently upgrades again leveraging external programs and incentives. Lastly is our bill list which is often
on there and budget transfers. you know, paying, which is very small and part of um one of the many things that we do, but paying our obligations on time and making internal transfers so we can close out um the year cleanly without
new spending. And since we're heading into the holiday season, I want to close with um a reflection on uh something that's uh part of our community values. And so this is a time when many of us
slow down, reflect on what we're grateful for and think about how we can support neighbors who may be having a tougher year. If you're able, if you're able to give this season, consider choosing one or
two local organizations such as our food pantry that was mentioned multiple times here uh tonight or other community nonprofits. Also, thank you to my colleagues, our staff, and all of our residents for
everything you do for Highland Park. Uh, I hope everyone has a safe, peaceful, and very happy Thanksgiving. And that's my report. Our administrator report. >> Thank you, Merrick. I just wanted one clarification and my I thank
Councilwoman Hail for mentioning our community meeting on South Third Avenue Plaza. Um, I just wanted to the date was correct. Monday, December 15th, 6:30 to 8:30, but we're actually going to be in this room in council chambers, not at the community center. Just wanted to
make sure folks knew where to go. >> My apologies. >> No worries. But thank you. We usually do meet there, but we had a scheduling conflict. So, we'll be meeting in here and pleased to host our design team, Arterial, to kind of show off the final uh concept plan that all I have. Thank
you. We're >> returning to sport. Thank you, mayor. Uh, good evening everyone. Uh, so first I just want to go through my my standard the public portions coming up and just sort of explain to everyone what that process looks like. Uh, members of the public are given three different opportunities
to speak on the agenda. The first one uh is uh for three minutes and it is on any item on the agenda. So any resolution, any ordinance on first reading. At the end of the agenda, you'll notice a second se uh section for public participation that grants you another opportunity to come in and address the
council on any subject that you would like, whether it's on the agenda or not. Uh and then tonight, uh we have two ordinances on second reading, so you'll be given an opportunity to speak on every one of those ordinances. Um they're not back and forth, and I just don't want to put forward have an
expectation that it's a it's a backward conversation. You'll have your time. you'll be able to go address the council with whatever your thoughts were uh and then we would ask that you sit and then allow the next person to come up and do the same. Uh secondly, as we talk about the ordinances that are on second reading and as was mentioned earlier, we
have uh the ordinance uh which specifically addresses bamboo and there were a couple questions after the last meeting about uh the authority of the municipality to pass such a resolution or excuse me an ordinance and I just wanted to address that for for the public. Um, so municipalities in New
Jersey are empowered uh what's called police powers uh granted by the state and that gives them the ability to adopt an ordinance that protects the public's health, safety, and the general welfare. The state then expands a little bit further and specifically has statutes that allow us to regulate uh vegetative
uh nuisances on private properties. Bamboo as many of you are familiar with um is once it's established in the ground sort of goes wherever it wants to go. So what happens is that it doesn't really respect the boundaries that we put arbitrarily saying that this is my
property versus your property. Uh it doesn't respect utility lines. It doesn't respect fences. It doesn't respect foundations and it can damage those items. Because of that, under these statutes, many uh many municipalities, Highland Park included, have taken the action of uh adding
restrictions into their ordinance that prevent the spread of bamboo from one established property to the next. And that is the intention of this ordinance. Um I hope that that kind of clarifies I don't want to give you all a full law school class here, but I hope that sort of clarifies where the municipality's
ability to to enact this ordinance comes from. Uh and just to close, I just want to wish everyone a a happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays. Thank you. Uh now it's time for my report and I have been reporting since this year well actually since last year the update
that's coming on upperaritin from the do but I reached back out to them because we reached out to them in late summer to see if we're going to be on time with the updates that they promised that they were going to do such as the road diet, the painting and traffic signals and
what have you. And they told me, "Yeah, it's going to happen." Well, here it is. They said the fall. We're in the fall. We're in November. Almost looking at December and still nothing. So, we did another followup to see what is the update. When are we going to see activities on the Avenue? And I just
want to report out again that we promise we'll see something next month. I will be staying on top of them to make sure that upper road diet and calming devices that that will go in place. So I will keep you posted as soon as I have more
information to share. I will share hopefully we'll see some activities done as it pertains to traffic common on upper rarity. Just want to keep you in the loop. Yesterday I attended the senior's
um lunchon and they had their Thanksgiving lunchon at the community center. It was a lot of fun. Um lot of dancing, a lot of merrynt, a lot of good food. So look out on Facebook, you'll see a lot of pictures and videos from the event yesterday. It was spectacular
and they were very happy and I was happy to be there to celebrate Thanksgiving with them. Speaking of seniors, this year makes it our 23rd year of celebrating our senior prom. We started this many many years ago and this year
we celebrated 23 years and with that we were featured in the League of Municipality magazine. It's reminding me because council member Hurst spoke about the league and it reminded me that yes, we are prominently featured in the magazine for having this
event and other towns are looking forward to copy the idea because they think it's such a great idea that great knowledge seniors including something special for them and I was really proud to see that featured in the magazine. Last but not least, I just want to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
And as my council president says, we are all grateful and we have gratitude. And if we have that we can provide for others, please do so, especially in this season. Thank you. Okay. And now it's time for public
participation. 21 minutes total, three minutes per speaker, limited to items on this agenda. Comments from members of the public attending in person will be heard first followed by those on Zoom. You wish to speak, please come to the
microphone and state your name and address. Anyone on Zoom? >> Sorry. >> Yes, we have four uh attendees on Zoom but no hands up. >> Okay, seeing none, may I have a motion to close public participation? >> So move second.
>> Roll call. >> Council member Doris. Sorry. Um, >> hold on. >> Go ahead. >> I do want to speak. >> Is it on the agenda? >> It's on the agenda. Yes. >> I'll withdraw the motion.
>> Okay. Can I have a motion to withdraw the the >> Yeah, my apologies. >> One second. >> No worries. >> Motion. >> So move. >> Second. Oh, was first was seconding. Thank you. Please address the uh address. >> All right. So um thank you so much and
thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. Um I just wanted to talk regarding um bamboo and first I do have an esteem of opposition. Um I was uh listening to >> pick up the mic turn the microphone to you. Thank you.
>> Yes. So can you hear me? >> Yes. Okay. So I was uh listening to what um the board of lawyers was saying and I understand that maybe restrictions are necessary uh to contain um I would like to see those restrictions to be um very
qualified rather than um generalized to no planting of bamboo. So I have prepared an statement that I'm going to go ahead and read. So, thank you again for the opportunity to do so. Um, so the
uh so I I do want um I do want to say that um this ordinance represents a significant um overreach and as I was saying before I do believe that is a necessary an invent in invention of
privacy and it needs uh the it needs to be qualified. It needs to have some way of allowing the residents to be able to plant for religious reasons but also for crafting reasons because that's why I really plant the bamboo on my property because I enjoy
for planting or for gardening. So the proposed regulations which dictates what residents can plant and how they must contain existing flora on their own property land sets um a really bad precedent. Um, furthermore, I would like
to say that just calling bamboo an invasive uh species is really something that is only with a lack of comp with really with lack of cultural competence because it's very much appreciated in a lot of cultures where is even considered
a secret plant. So I would also would like to bring to your attention the the mer use of words colonate invasive. Yes, I agree that it it grows vigorous in a very vigorous way but it doesn't
necessarily um means that that is not beneficial because it has many beneficial purposes which I would like to highlight for the all of you. Okay. So some of the positive uses of bamboo in gardening and natural screening and
privacy erosion control. Uh the vis system actually um permits sustainable uh build as a sustainable building material. Um it uh improves uh when the drop when the leaf drops on the floor it creates a rich and min mineral mulch
that is beneficial for people that garden and is also cultural and culinary. It has cultural and culinary value for many residents including my family. Bamboo shoots are valued culinary ingredients and the plan itself
is essential for cultural practices and traditional offering than just mental purposes. Okay. So again, thank you so much. And I do want you to consider uh rather than having a broad um ordinance
to qualify the ordinance to allow the residents that do plan BU for the reason that I stated before to have the space to do so. Thank you. >> May I have your name and address, please? >> Uh yes. Um Jessine Danielle.
>> Thank you. You're welcome. Anyone else? Okay. >> Uh, no hands up, mayor. Okay. Now, it's time to close our public participation. And a motion to close public participation. So, move.
>> Council member Thor. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hir. >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Chan. >> Yes. >> Council member Pelli. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes. Laura, could you clarify that the it's
it states that it's if the bamboo is going onto somebody's property? That's what where our major concern is. >> Yes. And just just to clarify, so uh for the for the individuals who already have bamboo planted, the ordinance doesn't require you to remove your bamboo immediately. It only would take action
against bamboo that currently is in existence if that bamboo is found to have been encroaching into the properties that are next to yours. uh it you and what we would encourage and part of what the ordinance says is that if you're going to have it there, you should take the preemptive steps to ensure that that it doesn't go it's a
barrier that can go around the fence line or around the area that you planted bamboo to prevent the root system from spreading out into the other properties. Uh it does not immediately require the removal of bamboo unless that happens for new planting. Uh that's a different scenario altogether. If the bamboo is
not currently planted and the ordinances have to pass, no new bamboo can be planted in ground. It doesn't stop you from planting it in planters and things along those lines. It doesn't stop you from using it for aesthetic reasons. It just prevents you from planting new growth bamboo into your your property at that. Is that clarified?
>> Yes. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Now, we're going to move on to ordinance read second reading. Um, cler, can you please report on ordinance number 25-2117? >> Ordinance adopting the redevelopment
plan entitled 330 334 Avenue redevelopment plan pursuant to NJSA4A 12A-1 has been duly advertised for consideration of passage on final reading by title and affidavit of
publication are on file. >> Okay. And now it's time for a public hearing on this ordinance. If you wish to speak on this ordinance, please come up to the microphone and announce yourselves name and address. Anyone on Zoom? If you're interested in
speaking on this, please raise your hand. Anyone on Zoom? >> No. >> See none, may I have a motion to close public participation on ordinance number 25- 2117? So move. Second.
Roll call. Council member George, >> yes. >> Council member Hail, >> yes. >> Council member Hurst, >> yes. >> Council President Kim Johan, >> yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council member Vargas, >> yes. >> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance
number 252117? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hirs. >> Yes. >> Council President Ken Johan. >> Yes. >> Council member Panic. >> Yes. Council member Vargas. >> Yes.
>> Ordinance. Clerk, can you please report on ordinance number 2118? >> Ordinance amending chapter 303 of the Burough Island Park code entitled property maintenance to include article 5 titled bamboo plants has been newly advertised for consideration of passage
on final reading by title and affidavit of publication or on file. And now it's time for public hearing. Anyone wish to to speak on this or may do so at this time. Come to your microphone, address yourself. Anyone on Zoom, please do so by raising up your
hands. >> No hands up. >> Okay. Seeing none, may I have a motion to close public hearing on 25118? >> So move. >> Council member George. Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hirs.
>> Yes. >> Council President Kim Johan. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes. >> May I have a motion to adopt ordinance number 25-2118? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call.
>> Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hurt. >> Yes. And I just want to thank you for the feedback. this week. Obviously, we'll monitor this moving forward, but um this is an important ordinance that really protects our properties and
protects the um uh the protects our assets from from you know what what we see with bamboo is often adjacent properties really being damaged by by by unckempt bamboo. So, this is a this is a good guard rail and I I I'm specifically addressing your your your
comments. This is a good guardrail. uh and we will monitor its progress as we as as move forward but but appreciate your your speaking. So that's it. Yes. Thank you. And I want to thank the environmental commission as well for
investigating this and uh rising to the top. >> Council President Kim Choans. >> Yes. >> Council member Pony. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes. >> And now we move to our consent agenda. I ask a member of the council if there's
any items on the consent agenda they would like to pull for a separate reading. >> U with mayor's permission. I'd like to remove item 128 the resolution proceeds for separate reading and consideration.
>> Second in favor. >> I Okay. May I have a motion to adopt the following consent agenda agenda items 12 A to 12 M with a minus of 12H
so >> second roll call. >> Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hirs. >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Johan. >> Yes. >> Council member Pelonic. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes.
>> And now I'm going to ask Council Member George to uh report on 12H. Uh, thank you, mayor. Um, like to um thank the members of the environmental commission, the Meadows Trail. I'm sorry. >> Council member, could you please speak more into the microphone?
>> I'm sorry. Thank you. Like to thank the members of the environmental commission, the Meadows Trail uh group that are here. Uh I know you all enjoy your company sometimes. Uh I've enjoyed the meetings over the
last 10 12 years uh meeting with you and also working with Steve um talk tonight about his about the platform. I remember working on that is sort of stretching the rules to get patches out there shall we say um but u I'd like to read the
resolution which has been prepared with the help of Meadows Trail and Environmental whereas Steve Barnes has been a longtime resident of Highland Park and whereas Steve Barnes served in the New Jersey Department of Labor helping disabled
people find jobs and whereas Steve Barnes was a committed environmental and work for the Rawway River Watershed Association and the Meadows Land Association doing mitigation work and educating the public on invasive species
and improving the native environment. And whereas Steve Barnes was appointed to the Highland Park Environmental Commission in 2007. Whereas at one of Steve's first meetings of the environmental commission, he learned about a grant which the Burough
Highland Park had received from the National Trails Grant Program for $4,000 for a 4,000 for a four-year duration for the management of the Meadows Trail and which had only six months to go before it ended. Steve found that none of the
money had been spent and that no construction had occurred. Steve took over the project, recruited volunteers, which became the Neto's trail team. In those six months, he built two boardwalks, a sign board, widened the trails to new trail standards, and
submitted the required final report on time. And whereas over the years, Steve Barnes led the Meadows trail volunteers in creating additional trails. And with the second national trails, the whole trail was widened. Removal of invasives
was continued and Steve designed the observation deck which he and the volunteers constructed. And whereas under Steve's leadership, an additional three grants were obtained to improve the meadows and Steve negotiated use of an old John Deere vehicle from Middle
Sex County, which helped get construction materials and equipment in and out of the meadows. And whereas due to poor health, Steve stopped working in the meadows but continued devoting his time as an advisor
on new construction and removal of invasives in 2013. And whereas under Steve's leadership, dedication and knowledge, he had recruited a fine second generation of volunteers which are carrying on his work with Craig
Ambrose taking over the lead. Now therefore, be it resolved by the mayor and council of the burough Highland Park, county of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, that seed Barnes be hereby least recognized for his dedication to the
preservation of the Meadows and the Meadows Trail as a scenic sanctuary and learning place for residents of Highland Park, for his years of service and organizing and obtaining funding for the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the Meadows Trail and his service on the
Highland Park Environmental Commission and that the mayor and council of the Burrow Highland Park hereby designate the Meadows Trail as the Steve Barnes Meadows Trail in recognition of his service. I should
>> another Highland Park treasure, but an environmentalist Highland Park treasure that gives us all a place to sit and reflect, especially as we walk through the middle, which I often enjoy doing. And it's a little oasis in an oasis of family park. It's it's a nice place to
get away when you want to drink and away from the maddening crowd. So, thank you the medals crew for all that you do and thanks Steve for pushing through. All righty. And now we're going to um Oh,
got all excited. We have a motion to approve the >> motion. So, move second. >> Council member Council Member George. I I think just as a quick side note that um one thing that Steve knew uh and
Meadows Trail knows is that the Meadows Trail is one of the first legacy landfill reclamation projects in New Jersey. >> Yes. >> Council member Hails. >> Enthusiastic. Yes. >> Council member Hurst. >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Johan. >> Yes.
>> Council member Christic. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes. >> Okay. Resolution requiring a separate reading. May I have a motion to adopt resolution 1125-255 resolution to approve budget transfer?
>> Second roll call. >> Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hurst. >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Johan. >> Yes. >> Council member Ponic. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes. And now we have a municipal alliance um
appointee and it's Baric Pekk uh resident member. May I have a motion to confirm? >> So move second. >> Roll call. Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hir. >> Yes. >> Council President Khan.
>> Yes. >> Council member Dellic. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes. And now it's time for a second of public participation subject to conclude at 9:00 p.m. Comments from members of the public attending in person will be heard first followed by those on Zoom. Anything can
comment on anything at this time. >> Anyone on Zoom? >> No hands up. Mayor, thanks. >> Seeing none, may I have a motion to close public participation? >> Roll call. >> Council member. >> Yes. Yes. Council member Hill. >> Yes.
>> Council member Hir. >> Yes. >> President. >> Yes. Council member Vali. >> Yes. >> Council member. >> Yes. >> And may I have a motion to adjurnn and happy Thanksgiving everyone? >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. >> Happy Thanksgiving. See you. December second.