This meeting is called to order in accordance with the open public meeting act. Notice of this meeting was provided to the home news tribune, the star ledger and the Highland Park Planet on January 7th, 2026 and was posted on Burough Hall website at www.hpbarro.com
hpbarro.com and on the borrow bulletin board at 221 South Fifth Avenue, Highland Park, New Jersey, and has remained continuously voted as required by law. fire exit are to my right and left of council chambers. And chief, can 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.
>> Welcome Mayor Foster here. >> Council member George here. Council member Hill >> here. >> Council member Hurst >> here. >> Council President Kim Johan >> here. >> Council member Pani >> here. >> Council member Vargas >> here. Pro attorney Renault >> here. >> Administrator >> here. >> Uh and now we move to approval of
minutes. Uh motion to approve minutes for April 14th, 2026 regular session. >> So move. >> Second. >> Roco. >> Council member George. >> State. >> Council member Hill. >> Yes. >> Council member Hurst. >> Yes. Council President Kim Johan.
>> Yes. >> Council member Panic. >> Yes. >> Council member Bart. >> Yes. >> And now we move to council report. Council member Vargas. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everybody. My name is Vargas and I serve as the council leazison for arts and
recreation. Um I would like to begin by thanking the human relations commission for organizing this year's Caribbean heritage month um flag racing and I felt very represented. So, it's always wonderful to see the many cultures and traditions that make up our community recognized and um celebrated. So, thank
you. Um and thanks to all the volunteers um who took part in that. Okay. Now, exciting coming up um for the historical commission. It's his first community history open mic. They've been working so hard in this for months already. Um this one um is titled a fireside chat
with the Highland Park Fire Department and it will feature fire chief Norman Shammy and retired firefighter Carl March. Um the program is being made possible through the hard work of the historical commission's chairs and volunteers and support from the coral
staff and we're very grateful for the grant that they received from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. That's going to take place on Thursday, June 25th at 6:30 at the Highland Heart Public Library.
Community members are invited to attend. Um, and you're encouraged to share stories, memories, and experiences related to the fire department, its history, any significant events that have impacted our community. Um, so please join us then. The Arts Commission is going to be holding its monthly
meeting this Thursday, June 11th, at 6:30 here at Bor Hall. As with all commission meetings, the public is welcome to attend. Whether you would like to share ideas, provide feedback or learn more about the projects um or if you want to join um the commissions,
we'd be happy to have you um in on the meeting. And thank you, Mayor Coster, for bringing this to my attention tonight. I have this energy savings kit which PSG donated um to the zone 16 center. You can find these. that some
16th cent is located on Benner Street and they're going to be distributing them along with their weekly grocery distribution, but you can stop by just to pick one up. Um it includes the efficient flow shower head, an advanced power strip, and an efficient um three
at least three efficient faucet heads. There are limited quantities um and they're available first come first serve, but you can for more information, please call the team center at 7227122277. And finally, don't forget to join us on July 2nd for the annual fireworks in the
park celebration. It's also a great event um and a great way to celebrate the summer season with friends and neighbors. Um food vendors, any food vendors interested in participating, please contact the Highland Park Community Center at 7228190052 um and sign up. We'd love to have you
there. And don't forget, >> All right, that's my report for tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you. Council member Hail. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. My name is Matt Hail and I chair the Economic Development Committee. Uh just two quick notes on the consent agenda for for your
attention. Um one is a resolution to put out an RFP um to repurpose the General Tire sign up at 70 Woodbridge Avenue. Um we're excited that this is a an opportunity to take a a repurpose sign and turn it into something great. So,
we're looking for proposals or will be looking for proposals for that. And then also um uh moving steps ahead on the Third Avenue Plaza. Um we're moving that to the planning board um for consistency. That'll be happening uh uh later this week. And so two good things
moving ahead. Um but the big news is that the World Cup is coming. The World Cup is coming. And I don't mean just in New Jersey. I mean right here in Highland Park on Sunday, June 28th and again on Sunday, July 19th, that's the finals. The Burrow and Main Street Highland Park are hosting World Cup
watch parties. farmers market plot at T12 Riden Avenue which just of course is where the farmer market is running every Friday from 11 to 4. So that's also important. But back to the World Cup at the events on June 28th and July 19th,
we have a TV the size of a truck or at least on a truck um that will be set up from about 2 to 6 p.m. to come out and watch the games. The games run from 3:00 to 5:00, but you know with a thing called stoppage time that's kind of weird and so it comes late in the day. Um, so come out for the whole time.
We're going to have concessions available, some games for the kids. So bring a beach chair or park lounger or maybe even a sofa, but come with a loud voice and ready to cheer on your team. Throughout the World Cup, many of our businesses are also hosting World Cup watch parties and promotional events. So please look for the posters and windows
and flyers in the windows for details. Um, and and believe me, watching soccer is way more exciting than total strangers who yell and screaming for their favorite teams that you've never heard of. So, it's really really exciting. Um, and and we're we're um on the finals though on World Cup finals
day, which is July 19th, just in case you forgot. Um, is another great opportunity to take advantage of deals and specials because it's also restaurant week. You know, actually, I think I'm going to call it restaurant almost a month because it runs from July 9th to July 19th. Highland Park
restaurants are going to be running special promotional deals that in uh that entire time. So, uh, we over overlapped, um, uh, the last day of restaurant week with World Cup finals on July 19th. So, a lot going on. Great
opportunities to ink, to eat, to drink, to shop, to cheer, to celebrate this summer. The biggest exporting the biggest sporting event on the planet happening right here in Highland Park. >> So, I got Thank you, >> Council Member.
>> Thank you, man. That is really exciting. Hey everybody, I'm Matthew Hers. I chair the public works and public safety committee. Um I don't think I can uh I don't think what I'm about to report is going to be nearly as exciting, a lot of words uh but important stuff.
So no, thank you. That's really exciting. Um just a few things to report. We had a few meetings since the last time we met and just a couple things on the agenda today. I just want to point to uh Sustainable Highland Park which is under the public board's portfolio of its monthly meeting on May 27th. Much of the
discussion focused on reviewing recent programs and volunteer efforts, including updates and lessons learned from the very successful repair cafe. We are planning another one in the fall, so please stay tuned for that. Uh there's been a lot of demand. Uh and so we're bringing it back. Uh as well as the um
uh the we also discussed the spring clean and green weekend. Thank you to all who participated in that. It was a really successful event and I think attracted a lot of uh new faces. Also, uh rain garden maintenance is ongoing. Thank you to Mark Leco and your group uh and winter seed sewing projects
conducted by the sustainable island park and weters cooperative extension. So there's a lot going on. Uh we also discussed an event that's happening tonight that uh obviously you cannot attend because you're here but uh uh it is worth mentioning though that the um
uh uh park library is collaborating with sustainable park on an educational event uh led by Rucker's master gardener Sutar. uh the highlights uh and it emphasizes how native plants can improve storm water management, support pollinators, and enhance local
biodiversity. I do just want to note that normally we keep Tuesdays off the calendar except for council meetings, but this was the library schedule and they're very busy, too. So, I just wanted to thank them for for uh for hosting. Um
see, just move through. The next sustainable Highland Park meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 24th. Uh it's a hybrid format uh in Burough Hall and online. If you'd come in person, it's right across the hall at the Hashi Burn conference room. Uh looking ahead,
just a couple of upcoming events for your calendar. Uh Sustainable Highland Park um will host its native plants. Um I'm sorry, not community cleanup. Our next community cleanup is Saturday, June 21st from 9 to 11:00 a.m. Uh we're going to meet at South Third Municipal Parking
Lot. Uh volunteers are invited to keep uh Highland Park clean and beautiful and supplies will be provided. So you can come empty-handed and leave fulfilled. Uh sustainable Highland Park's monthly meeting. I mentioned it's June 24th. Uh and then just to the uh the
environmental commission uh met on June 3rd and we reviewed two development related applications. uh as well as then we discussed uh potential revisions to the burough's leaf blower ordinance, community solar opportunities, upcoming cleanup initiatives, budget matters, and
a Rucker's oral history project uh focused on documenting the history and significance of the Highland Park Meadows, which is really uh exciting. Uh so more to report on that as we get uh closer to manifesting that idea. Uh we
are also reminding I'm also uh uh as public works lead as on uh got to also remind folks uh that bulk waste collection is available by appointment on Wednesdays uh during April, May, June now and September and October. Uh residents can schedule up to two
collections per household each year by contacting the Department of Public Works. Uh, acceptable items include furniture, mattresses, box springsings, certain plumbing fixtures, carpeting that is properly bundled, and limited amounts of homeowner generated re renovation materials. Items such as
concrete, roofing materials, hazardous waste, dirt, and automotive parts are not accepted. Uh, we also encourage you to consider donating reusable items whenever you can to reduce waste and extend the life of local landfills. uh or bring that bring bring that busted
item back to the repair c back to the repair cafe uh in the fall. Um just uh finally before I move over to some agenda items um the shade tree advisory committee uh which is related to something about the report is looking for volunteers. Um we really need
volunteers to help keep Highland Park foliated uh and and and um uh strengthen our tree canopy. We have an amazing shade tree advisory committee. uh our tree planting strategies are really volunteer-led and then work closely with
with with with the burough and the leazison and the administration. Uh so you really do have you know he can have a strong influence over how the burrow um promotes it and designs and street planting strategy. So, it really is grassroots
unlike a lot of other towns and it's a real opportunity to really take pride in um planting a lot of trees and I think we've seen that recently we had about hundred uh go up around town and it really is an effort to strengthen our canopy for generations to come. They say
that the the best time to plant a tree is yesterday. The next best time to plant a tree is today. Um just a few things uh on the agenda. Item 10A um on the consent agenda is um I'm sorry on on on the ordinance section is the first
reading of an ordinance that increases funding for the Burough Safe Routts to school project by more than $76,000 in additional in addition in additional DOT grant funding. Uh total project budget will increase to approximately 922,000.
It will support pedestrian safety, intersection improvements, ADA accessibility upgrades in your schools and along key walking routes. It is going to get much safer uh to walk around Highland Park neighborhoods in the next few years. Um so we're really excited about this. And then just item
110 on the consent agenda, uh the community forestry master uh master master the the grow council will consider and hopefully pass a resolution authorizing part to apply for a $25,000 stewardship grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's urban and community forestry program.
The grant will help support uh professional tree care services and advance the goals of the burough's community forestry master plan. The application was recommended by the shade tree advisory committee as part of an ongoing effort to maintain a healthy and safe sustainable tree canopy throughout
town. The grant requires a 25% local match which can be provided through inind services or cash contri contributions. Uh and then finally I just wanted to to to close on this one. Thank you uh because Highland Park is so filled with
talent, musical talent, artistic talent, talent talent. Thank you to the Highland Park Highland Park resident musicians Sheila Shukla and Jerry Rosenthal for organizing the annual Sheila and Jerry Pride Jam at Pinos. The community celebration featured talented performers from the LGBTQIA plus community along
with a wonderful group of allies and supporters event cate celebrated inclusion, creativity, and community live music with proceeds helping support the exhibitions of visiting performers. Uh, it was really it's a really great event and there's just so much great
quality entertainment happening in Highland Park. It's our best kept secret. So, please check out loud music when you can. >> Council member George. >> Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. I'm George and I serve as liazison to the public safety committee
at the park library. I first just like to say briefly as Councilwoman Vargas mentioned, congratulations to the Caribbean community for the month and the flag raising. Unfortunately, I was stuck in traffic um and arrived here just before the meeting. Uh but this
community to me uh is fascinating. uh when I teach there, I've come to see the real sense of community and unity, understanding, and identity in many of the Caribbean islands where where I've taught. Uh on
tonight's agenda, um as council marsh mentioned, we have the funding ordinance u and that council support I I hope will be there. Uh there was so much work put into this over the years. If you notice, some of the dates in the ordinance go back to 2016. We've been trying uh uh to
deal with some of the complications of federal funding uh which have been a problem but administration um and the revitalized SWAT committee. I've put a lot of work into this. It's coming to fruition uh with that grant as
councilman said we should have a safer community, a walkable community uh for pedestrians and students. Um, Councilman uh, Hill, we should have a really walkable community for re redevelopment and boots on the ground is the same. We
hear all the time and that's the way it is. I'm looking forward to that. We'd like to thank uh, for the input from uh, uh, Flack, sorry, Keith Milton, Shan, and Tris Sanchez and all the members over the years. Um, Chief Abrams has
shared a link which just came out from NJMBC regarding the new ebike regulations. Uh, people they go into effect in July. They are quite uh overreaching over use of ebikes,
control of ebikes, insurance helmets uh and so on. Uh there's this link to the MJ MJMVC is a very short summary. actually have it here as well. We're going to uh post the link um on the website on the police
website as uh police department's website as well. Uh it's at www.nj.govmdc/vehicle topics ebikes. It's a very short summary of the very complex laws. Everybody, especially parents um whose children are
are using ebikes and commuters who use ebikes, strongly recommended to take a new one. The police department is also sponsoring a new driver program entitled distracted driver awareness from 12 to 2
this Sunday, July 14th. And it is a hands-on program uh at part of the community center to educate new drivers, young drivers, and anybody else who's interested in avoiding problems with distracted driving. Um, and then we'll
be at Donaldson Park to actually show what's involved, what distracted driving looks like, how it's caused, and a representative traffic stop for a ticket for distracted driving so that um our new drivers especially are um aware of
what can happen, how it happens, and and the safety as well that the police wrap around that. Um, it's a complicated link. I will make it available to everybody on supply. We'll make sure it's up on the It is in fact on the police website. Um, as Councilman Hurst
noted, there is a joint program at the library tonight. Um, unfortunately we may not be able to make it unless we move through it. It starts at 7:30. Uh, excellent program, good cooperative pro uh partners with sustainable and uh,
Ruters. Um, and for all of us try trying to survive the post deer influ floods. Uh, they should have a lot of information for us on plantings that may actually work and stay around for a while. Uh, in addition, the library is now rolling out a program called Mango
Lang languages which is similar to the commercial languages. It has 70 languages available that you can download and move and learn including American signing which I found very interesting. Uh the pro program is free.
It's free again. It's mango languaging and it's on the borough website. There is another program as well available for a different kind of literacy. It's computer literacy. Uh Northstar digital literacy program is available. Um it's
on the library website again. It is um uh www.tiny url.comhpppl northstar Highland Park Public Library Library Northstar. And finally, uh just
a note, can't avoid uh asking for money. The library isn't uh doing their fundraising. Uh for anybody who's uh interested in a contribution, please go to the website. You'll see a down a download spot for link for PayPal or
printable form or accept mail or even uh uh inperson donations. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Council Member Postel. >> Thank you, Mayor. My name is Jason Stelnic. I chair the Health and Human Services Committee. Uh just a brief report for tonight. First, just wanted
to thank all the burough staff, the Harry and the public works and community center teams, as well as Pauline from the human relations commission for another successful Caribbean American heritage flag raising that we held just about uh less than two hours ago. Was
lovely and nice turnout. So, thank you everyone for making that happen. Uh next up, we have our uh other two annual flag raisings coming up. Uh on Wednesday, June 17th, we'll be holding the Junth flag raising. And on Tuesday, June 23rd,
we'll be holding the Pride flag raising. Um all three of the flag raisings are at 5:30 and will be held outside of the parking lot at the community center. So, please mark your calendars and hope to see you there for these last two. And lastly, I just wanted to mention that
the next board of health meeting uh is this Thursday, June 11th at 7 PM and will be held over Google Meet. You can access the link at the bureau's website hb.com. And that is my entire report for tonight.
>> Thank you. Um and now we go on to council council president Kim Choan report. Uh good evening everyone. My name is Stephanie Kim Choan and I chair five. Before I begin my report tonight, first I want to wish everyone a early
happy Junth and also recognize Pride Month. Highland Park is at its best when everyone is seen, respected, and safe. Second, um many of us saw saw the report about the Israel flag being down inside
Giddy's captured on surveillance video. Um I know it struck a nerve with um many in our community and also just wanted to note that um you know as far as myself and the community
that um you know bias and intimidation uh is not tolerated in Highland Park. And I'm grateful to our police department for taking these matters seriously. And
please always uh report such matters. Now from a finance perspective, tonight's agenda uh safe roots to school as Councilman Hirs uh mentioned additional uh DOT funding for our safe
roots to school. And regarding the tax and finance administration, we're voting on an extension of the grace period for the third quarter taxes. Also, congratulations to our neighbors in New Brunswick on the announcement
that a former vacant bank building is slated to transform into a public art gallery opening in 2027. We've partnered with the Bronx with um many art initiatives in the past um such
as joint programming, shared artist opportunities that bring people to both downtowns. So looking forward to building that rel uh that partnership with them and thank you. That's my >> Thank you. Administrator report.
>> Good evening, madame mayor. I don't have a report. >> Attorney's report. >> Uh nothing from me now. Moving right along. Mayor's report. Okay. I hope many of you who are attending
tonight's meeting and those who watching at home will join us next week as Highland Park celebrates Junth. On Wednesday, June 17th, the borough will host its annual Junth flag raising ceremony. The event will take place at
5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the community center at 220 South 6th Avenue. We're honored to welcome Bruce Morgan, president of the New Brunswick area branch of the NAACP as our keynote
speaker. Mr. Morgan has earned statewide and national recognition for his leadership and service. He currently served as the first vice president of New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP
and as regional to representative of to the NAACP and national res to the national resource committee. Through that hard work, he helped to shape policies that have impact across our nation. The program also includes
remark from me and from Pauline Devonish, chair of the human relations commission. I encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate free freedom history and reflect on the continuing
journey towards equity and justice. We look forward to seeing you there. One of one of the things that I love most about Highland Park is our community and its remarkable ability to attract, nurture, and to inspire
talented individuals. People who not only excel in their profession, but also make meaningful contribution to our community and around. Two recent examples remind me of that
tradition. First, recently I recently learned of the past and of a longtime Highland Park resident, Geriel Pumper. Jerry Pumper. Professor Pomper was a highly respected scholar of
the American presidential politics and was described by historian Alan Lichman as the dean of American political science. As a beloved Rutgers professor, he
authored and co-authored 22 books and received a lifetime achievement award for from the American politics politics and political science association. Beyond his academics accomplishment, he
served here in Highland Park as Highland on the Highland Park Board of Education and as a member of the of the appointed special advocate of Middle Sex County Courts. His contribution to education,
scholarship, and civil service has left a lasting legacy here in Highland Park. And at this time I would like to pause for a moment of silence in remembrance of Jerry. And now we move on. Jerry will be greatly missed. But now we move on to
celebrate another extraordinary Highland Parker. Early this month, I learned of that Andrew Dalton, a recent Highland Park High School graduate, was named resident
assistant at Satan Hall University, Student Leadership Award. many in our community. We we're laughing because uh Professor Hess >> in my classes fantastic. >> Really? >> Okay.
>> Uh I lost my spot. Many in our community know Andrew through his work on the Mayor Tina's Vary Council. In that role, he helped to raise hundreds of dollars to support the Highland Park first aid squad. Andrew
has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to service. We encourage him on his welldeserved recognition and wish him to continued success in all that lies ahead.
These two stories through different lens and through different generation reminds us of the extraordinary residents that we have here in Highland Park and who call Highland Park their home. Uh, a very somber note,
I would also like to give recognition that June is gun violence awareness month. Karen Karen Caner, Highland Park resident and president of the Brady, New Jersey, recently shared information highlighting the importance of firearm
storage. Regardless of one's views on broader policy issues, safe storage is a common sense respon and a responsible approach that all of us should share. New Jersey,
the New Jersey Bradley bill recommends that all firearms must be unloaded and locked in a secure container and the ammunition's removed before storage. smart common sense thing to do. According to data available, firearm
purchases in New Jersey have increased significantly since COVID 19 pandemic. At the same time, too many households that have children, firearms are not securely stored. The national statistics
show that many school shootings gain access shoot shooters gain access to firearms in their homes and from their homes. that that firearms were not securely stored and put away. We also know that firearm and su is a
great factor in suicide and it could be prevented by people securing and putting away firearms and making sure that we have less of these tragedies. Most remarkable of all related to
firearm and death remains the leading cause for children death here in the United States. This facts reminds us that secure firearm storage is not only about protecting gun owners. It's about protecting families. It's about
protecting children. And it's about preventing tragedy before they occur. During gun violence awareness month, I encourage all firearm owners to review their gun safety practices, ensure that firearms are stored properly and
securely. And now I just want to give a quick update on Woodbridge Avenue. We all have been living with this now for about nine months with construction on Woodbridge Avenue. The construction will continue until approximately I want to say
October, November of this year. So we have much more. If you've driven on Woodbridge Avenue, you see that they're now putting the new lines, the water lines. So that's going to continue to happen. So bear with us as they work through and you have been patients to
continue. We need we need need your patience to continue as they work through fixing the the water lines and improving Woodbridge Avenue the Woodbridge Avenue corridor. Thank you. And that's my report. And now it's time for public
participation. 21 minutes total, 3 minutes limited to items on this agenda. Comments from the those attending in person will be heard first, followed by those attending on Zoom. Anyone wishes to speak, please
come up to the microphone and announce yourself. >> Anyone on Zoom? >> Mayor, we have one attendee on Zoom, but your hand is not up. >> Okay, seeing none, may I have a motion to close public participation? >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call.
>> Council member George, >> yes. >> Council member Hail, >> yes. >> Council member Hirs, >> yes. >> Council President Kim Johan, >> yes. >> Council member Piston, >> yes. >> Council member Hortons, >> yes. Clerk, please report an ordinance of introduction. Ordinance number 26-2130.
Uh capital ordinance amending capital ordinance number 17-1937 to increase the appropriation by 76,1516. An additional funding by the department of transportation for the safe routes to school grant has been introduced by the
finance committee for consideration of passage on first reading by May. I have a motion to approve ordinance number 26-2130 on introduction authorizing publication as required by law to set up public
hearing for June 23rd, 2026. So move second. >> Roll call. >> Council member George. >> Yes. Council member Hail, >> yes. >> Council member Hirs, >> yes. >> Council President Kim Johan, >> yes. >> Council member Stalin, >> yes. >> Council member Vargas, >> yes. >> Now I move to the consent agenda. May I
ask any council member is there anything that they would like to have pulled for a separate reading on this consent agenda? >> No, ma'am. >> No, mayor. >> Okay. Um, see, may I have a motion to adopt the following consent agenda 11 A
through 11P? So move. >> Second. Council member Dor. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hir. >> Yes. Council >> Council President Kin Choan. Yes. >> Council member Pani. >> Yes. >> Council member Morgus. >> Yes.
>> Resolution requiring a separate reading. May I have a motion? May I have a motion to adopt following resolution 6-26-160 chapter 85 resolution request change title change title text for the amount
appropriation pursued by NJSA 40-4-85 NPP >> second council member George >> yes >> council member Hail >> yes >> council member Hir yes >> council president Kim Johan Yes. >> Council member Pistonic. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes.
>> May I have a motion to adopt resolution 6-26-161, chapter 85, resolution to request a change in title text, the amount of appropriation pursuant under NJSA48-4-85, the arts and history.
>> So move. >> Second. >> Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. Yes. >> Council member Hurst. >> Yes. >> President Kimch. >> Yes. >> Council member Piston. >> Yes. >> Council member Warren. >> Yes. >> Okay. Now I move on to appointment
to council on agent Valerie Whiteman. Uh reconation advisory council Abby Stern Cardell. May I have a motion to confirm? >> Second. >> Council member George. good um additions
to our volunteers, both well known and very very yes. >> Council member Hail, >> yes. >> Council member Hirs, >> yes, I think. >> Council President Kencha, >> yes. >> Council member, >> thank you. Volunteers, yes.
>> Council member Vargas, >> yes. >> And now it's time for the second public participation. Three minutes per speaker on any top topic subject to conclude at 900 PM. Comments from those attending in person will be heard first, followed by
those on Zoom. As you come up, please announce yourself name and address. Hi. Um, I was commenting that that the garbage from um, Blackburn has going been going down,
but it's what I found in the garbage outside my neighbor's house that was disturbing. Um, so there's children. Well, they're not children. They're bringing Naron. I got several of
these. Naron is for um Stronger Drugs and they're coming to the um the parties on Friday nights. Um after we saw some 12 year olds out there. Um I
have a video of the 12-year-olds outside in the street with their parents. Um the music is only is only drum solos and shouting and um
also they're wrapping um the marijuana with these leaves from the quick check um to get a different kind of high. This comes from Brooklyn and it's also April 20th. Um there was the big
party at Anja and they were in front of my church on Fox Street and when we came out there three individuals smoking out there and they dropped their they dropped their their items from Ana. I guess Ana is a
little cheaper so they go over there. And so I found at least two of these Naron things. Also, the music is loud. I have more people um from Labakan
and from Hilton Street. Um they have little children. They go past 10:00. They don't clean up. They drop all their stuff on the neighbors lawns and um and beyond. So, it's all this is all Highland Park. Um,
so I wanted to you to hear how loud they are after 10. This is my backyard. It's just B. It's just drum concerts and um >> 30 seconds. >> Okay. And I should get back to the the video of the children. I didn't send you
guys the video of the children outside the drum solos um at night in the street um with their parents, I guess. But um here. >> Okay. It just it just weird to me.
>> Okay. Um, the last thing I have. So, it it's getting worse and we need to we need to stop. >> Okay. Well, I just want to play the video, which is not cooperating.
Um, my neighbors said they were coming, but they'll probably come after. But we can't have people taking naron outside our windows and the smell. And even though it's not a school night,
these children are very little. Okay. Do you want the neighbor signatures? >> I don't think it's funny. >> You can give the the the sheets to the clerk. I don't want your garbage. >> Okay. Okay. This isn't garbage. This is my neighbor. >> Go to the clerk. >> Okay. >> The garbage.
>> Okay. I thought she was always >> I need somebody to speak to Blackburn because they're taking advantage and they're going way beyond what we agreed to.
>> I can't provide you. >> Okay, I will. But could somebody please talk to them that it's not fair and it's not fair that they're interfering with And I hadn't picked up an art pan with my hands. Oh, that's quite a time limit to stick
to. It hardly gives somebody time to explain the situation. My name is Ken Goodman. I've had a few communications with board by uh letter. I know this 3 minutes is a big deal here. So, I'm going to try to be succinct. >> You speak into the microphone.
>> Do I have to speak directly into it or does it pick up from here? >> It doesn't. You can barely hear you. >> The pickup's not very good. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Can you hear me now? >> A little bit better. >> Okay. My name is Ken Goodman. I live at 12 North Fifth Avenue and I've had a few communications with the board and the
attorney, Mr. Renown here. And uh basically I just have to take first of all for the public who might be interested uh explained that I was an attorney once well I'm semi-retired now and uh while representing somebody in Highland Park who was charged with a
code violation they came to me and said that they had already been fined by the code enforcement office and they had a complaint in municipal court which you know I assumed it must be a mistake. I mean, you know, besides the code itself, there's sort of double jeopardy concerns
about being punished twice for the same topic, same violation. So, I went to the uh municipal council meeting and the code enforcement officer was in he was a nice guy, was friendly with him, he was straightforward and he told, you know, he basically indicated he was very
uncomfortable with the whole thing, but this was a new procedure that was instituted. At that time, my client, you know, didn't want to spend I think you're an attorney, Mr. George, the money and the uh, you know, time necessary to go to Superior Court to
challenge. So, they died. So, then recently, like I said, I'm se semi-retired. People come to me with questions. And it turns out that people that had not shoveled their snow in a timely fashion had been called in the code enforcement office. And at least in
the one instance I'm aware about on the amount of fine, we're fined $150 by the code enforcement office without any notice to appear in court without anything. And uh well, first of all, the questions is was there a resolution of the council that allows the code
enforcement office to impose? I mean, I've searched, you know, the code the code's online and I go through the resolutions, but I cannot see anything that where this procedure was changed. code. The code as I read it says that violations of the code are
complained in municipal court and you don't get fined until the judgment. Is there a resolution to change that? >> Does anybody you want to explain the the procedure here? >> It's comment. So I I don't want to go back and forth. So you have three minutes once you >> Yes. We just want to explain how we we
do our process and regarding questions that come in. >> Well, I can give you the remaining because I don't want to take part of your three minutes. So >> well, by the way, It's an ordinance. It wouldn't be a resolution to change. It would be an ordinance. >> Was there an ordinance to change it? >> No, that's not what I was referring to.
Our attorney was saying about what the process is for the council that we we we get all the comments and then we >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah. No, that's So, Mary, I think you and I were going in the same direction yet. We're not It's not a back and forth. So, if you give us your comments, we'll respond again. >> You will? Okay. Secondly, who sets the
amount of this fine? I mean, my understanding is that people were told that, you know, it's $150 fine. If they didn't like it, they could appeal to the bureau administrator here. And, you know, there's nothing in the code that allows a bureaucrat to self-define.
And, uh, and the third question was, you know, uh, I mean, you're you're entitled to a a hearing on it if you contest your obviously, but there was never a notice of court appearance. So, is there an official form that's given to these
people that explains what's going on? Because the people I've talked to have, you know, felt like it was a shakeddown. I mean, you call in, you're told by a bure bureaucrat that this is the fine. You're not given a court appearance and you're told you can
appeal to the bureau administrator and it looks like just everything's not transparent. That's clear. And it's not, you know, uh, it doesn't engender confidence confidence. >> So, if I just may finish, I do think
that the citizens would like when they get a notice of violation to have the option to wave a tri, you know, a court appearance to plead guilty to a standard fine like is done with speeding tickets, parking tickets where you get a notice
to appear in court. But there's a standard fine that has legal basis, has been adopted democratically, and you know what it is, and it's transparent, and you can choose, just pay the fine, and it's all legal. You wave the court
appearance, and you know, but you if you dispute your guilt or you think the fine is unfair, you can go to court. I think people would like that. What people don't like is just being called in in in a basis that has no legal authority told
by a bureaucrat that they've determined this is the fine with no criteria for it and uh they feel like it's a shakeddown. So it's a question of good governance here. Are you going to be transparent? Is there going to be a legal framework for this kind of procedure or we just
going to do what we want? Because I feel like people right now think you're just doing what you want if it gets money. >> Thank you. Uh, hi Mary Baut on Madison A. Um, following up on what the other resident mentioned about the issues, ongoing issues behind the pot shop, uh, near
Cary Park. Um, you were asked on April 28th, you know, what do you do to take into consideration when you do a pot shop renewal? Uh the answer was essentially we have an internal process. We have several folks review the renewal, but probably the most important first and foremost is they get their state license renewal. Uh that's the
process we rely heavily on in terms of our decision quotes. Um just so you understand, the state does not know how badly residents are suffering, but you do. Uh it is your job to fix local problems. Uh it is not the state government's job to fix these problems
in this neighborhood. You have the local responsibility to stop the littering, stop the noise, stop the drug use that you invited into Highland Park and that you were cautioned against. Things are clearly escalating in this neighborhood uh where you placed a recreational drug
facility and what appears to be a nightclub operation on weekends. The music is consistently past 10 p.m. and now drug users who need Narcan are situated in this neighborhood as well. Just a reminder that nlloxxone is used to temporarily reser reserve excuse me
reverse the effects of heroin oxycontton hydrocodone morphine coding and fentinyl. These are serious drugs. A few questions. Please write them down if needed as we would very much like answers tonight. Elsie, number one, what
exactly do you plan to do about the ongoing problems at this pot shop and the apparent escalation of drug use there? Matt Hail, would you please tell this resident and all the residents listening why you put
a recreational drug facility right into this neighborhood directly next to people's homes? Matt Hail, since April 28th when I suggested that you do so, how many times have you ever gone to this neighborhood
after a weekend of events at the pot shop and helped clean up all the marijuana litter? Matt Hail, would you be willing to host a neighborhood meeting with the residents of Hilton Street, Carcy, Labacan regarding these ongoing issues
of this pot shop? There's four questions. One for you, Elsie. Three for you. Matt Hill. Thank you so much. If you could answer them at the appropriate time in this meeting. >> Thank you so much. >> Anyone? Sorry.
>> Uh we still have one attendee on Zoom. >> There's none. May I have a motion to close public participation? >> Second. Welcome. >> Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hirsh. >> Yes. >> Council President Kinchan.
>> Yes. >> Council member Pistani. >> Yes. >> Council member Vargas. >> Yes. >> Um regarding the the after 10:00 music. Chief, can you come up and um I I did hear about this
earlier and I asked you to look into it and see if any officers was called to respond. Can you please come up any findings that you may have on uh I believe it was June 5th we had a noise complaint call um >> closer on June 5th we had a noise
complaint call um the officer was dispatched there got there a little after 11 and when he got there there was no noise at that time so there's no enforcement action um if they call when there's noise going on and our cops hear it, they can usually we start off with a warning. Um, and then from there they go
to enforcement address. >> I'm sorry, we can't hear what's being said at all. I'm sorry. >> On June 5th, we got a call about a a concert or something at that address. Um, our officer responded. By the time the officer got there, the party that whatever it was was over. So, there was
no loud noise at the time the officer got there. I think he finally got there at 11:15. Um, so since there was nothing happening there, there's no one forcing matching to take. There's, you know, nobody to speak to there. There's nothing. So in the future when it's happening at 10:00,
10:01, 10:05, call us. I looked into this one that that the most recent, I guess it was a a video or something that was going around. So I looked into that one. Um, I don't know if there's been others. I don't know if there's been other concerts or other parties. >> Every weekend >> calls. Can you please not wait for
residents to have to call in? Did you send a patrol at, you know, 10:15? >> This is not a I'm sorry. He's he's giving his presentation. This is not a back and forth. The public participation is over. The public participation has ended. >> Okay. But he's he's brought >> Ma'am, the public participation has
ended. The chief is going to give his response. >> All right. But he's >> ma'am, the public participation has ended. The chief is giving his response. >> I'm trying to say that I >> work out problems here. >> I'm trying to say this is not a back and forth. the >> public converation is over.
>> The chief is going to give his response. >> Oh my gosh. But Rick, hopefully you get our point. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> I'm answering the question that the mayor asked me. That's the information that I have that I was prepared to speak on. Um so that that's what we're doing.
That the way the meeting works, that's how it is. Mayor told me what she wants me to talk about. I come up give her the answer to that. That was the one incident that we were talking about. So, we'll go from there. Okay. >> And chief, let me just ask you, don't we
do patrol around the entire town? >> We do. >> Yeah, we're we're all over the town. Um we other places in town, have concerts, have parties, have things like that. We don't station officers in front of any of
those places waiting for them to violate the law. We wait till there's an impact and then we have a protocol we go through on how we process those things. So the best I can say is when there is a problem, please call us. We will dispatch an officer to that location.
They'll get there as fast as they can. Once they get there, they will determine based on their observations because that's what any charges have to be based on the officer's observations, not on video, not on what they heard. It has to be on their observations. And if they can determine that there's a problem, then they would address it. whatever is
appropriate, whether it's a warning, whether it's a summon, whether it's whatever. So, the best I can tell you is please, when you have a problem with a noise ordinance, if there's something going on in the neighborhood, please call us and we will respond to your
call. >> Thank you, Chief. >> Um, the other question that um we I want to just follow back up a little bit more about nightclub and possibly violation that there might be a nightclub or some kind
of function. And I think that we need to we will be looking into this a little bit closer and possibly reach out to our code enforcement to see if there's any violation. By turn, you want to speak a little bit about what we can do. >> Sure. So, so, uh, and kind of along the
lines of where everyone was going tonight, um, the municipality under its ordinances has has broad powers, um, to to ensure and protect health, safety, and general welfare. So, whether it is the snow removal or noise violations, ordinances, littering, trash, and things
like that, those all have to go through the proper channels. are not really things that um I'm hesitant to to always respond to hypotheticals or um I saw this and what are we going to do? There's a process that we have to go through. So, as it pertains to the
nightclub, for example, um that was first brought to my attention today. Uh mayor, we had I I thought a very good conversation about what the the next steps were. Um and and we'll continue to look into it to see what violations, if any, exist in the ordinance, and we'll deal with them appropriately. It's the same process that we go through whether
it's snow or anything like that. Um these are all clearly outlined in the code. Uh we have those enforcement officers who are designed to enforce those and they'll go ahead and they'll do that. >> Okay. >> I think that's it. Um
>> if I could respond. Yes, council member here. >> So, I just want to reiterate both what the attorney and police officer police chief said is that there are rules and there are ordinances that we have that are are you have to let us know. You can't you can't come to a council
meeting 4 days later and say that this is what's going on. If there is if it's a 10:01 and they're being loud and they're being noisy, call the police. Police will send somebody out. And if they're it's still going on, they can issue violations. they can issue uh enforcement mechanisms. I mean, I think
that the the the difficulty is that this particular business is one that you don't like. You don't like what they sell. You don't like what they do. It's a business. It is a legal business that is in the town. And if they're violating
litter ordinances, if they're violating um uh noise ordinances, report that through the channels, through the police. That's the best mechanism to get these things to stop. So I'd be and your your last question is for a meeting. If you would like to me to have a meeting
with you, I'm happy to have a meeting with you. Happy to have you yell, scream, whatever you want to say. I'll sit down with you. There's no problem with that. So I think those are your questions. >> Yeah. What about the other two questions I asked you specifically? >> The public participation is over. Yeah.
>> Thank you for not answering specifically the questions. >> I >> You did not. I I suggested you write them down in case you needed to know what they were. >> Anything else for return? >> No. >> All righty. May I have a motion to
adjurnn? >> So move. >> Roll call. >> Council member George. >> Yes. >> Council member Hail. >> Yes. >> Council member Hir. >> Yes. >> Council President Kim Johan. >> Yes. >> Council member Stanic. >> Yes. >> Council member Roy.
>> Okay. All righty. Next meeting, June 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Have a good one.