I don't know. >> It's just >> okay. Let's call this meeting to order. >> Everybody, please rise for the pledge of allegiance. Would you like to lead us 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. >> This is a meeting of the Hillsdale Borrow Council on this 12th day of November 2025. Notice of the time and
place of this meeting has been provided to the Rididgewood News and the Bergen Record. The copy was posted on the bulletin board outside of this meeting room and provided to any interested parties. Please silence all cell phones. Please wait to be recognized by the mayor during the public hearing and the public comment part of the meeting. You
will need to state your name and town of presidents for the record. Will the clerk please read the role? >> Mayor Shinfel >> here. >> Council President Oso >> here. >> Council member Kleti >> here. >> Council member Fox. Council member Masachong here. Council member Rico here. >> Council member Trophy >> here.
>> Okay, we have a quorum. Um, let's move on to the approval of meetings. Uh, council minutes from October 7th. Councilwoman Mazuch absent. Uh, can I get a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Cler, please read the role. >> Council member Kleti.
>> Yes. >> Council member Fox. Council member Mazan. Council President Oso. Yes. Council member Rico. Yes. >> Council member Trophy. Yes. >> Those minutes pass. Council minute meetings from October 14th. Can I get a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Cler, please read the role.
>> Council member Kleti. >> Yes. >> Council member Fox. Council member Meion. >> Yes. >> Council President Oso. >> Yes. >> Council um Council Member Rico. >> Yes. >> Council member Chrom. Yes. >> The minutes pass. And now the special council meeting minutes from October
30th. Councilman Fox absent. Will the clerk please read a motion? Motion. Motion >> second. >> Second. >> Second. Uh, will the clerk please read the role? >> Council member Mazachan. >> Yes. >> Council President Oso. Yes. >> Council member Ruko. >> Yes. >> Council member Tokenu. >> Yes. >> Council member Kleti.
>> Yes. >> Council member Fox is absent. >> The special minutes. Uh, special council minute meetings passed. Um, initial public comment period 3 minutes. Items on the agenda only. Does anybody wish to be recognized?
Seeing no one, we will move on to discussion. Um, do we want to discuss now or do you want to discuss >> what are we discussing?
>> I just want to discuss the uh >> Okay. >> Okay. Uh, let's go to the professional reports. Let's start with the engineer. >> I will be very short and I thank the mayor. Uh we have been pretty much just
focused on getting the memorial field project off the ground. Uh we have made some progress there that I'm sure the DPW started some of the demo work. Um we had a pre-construction meeting today with this contractor. So um a lot of the
ground work and coordination is happening right now. We're doing shop drawings which is basically any products that we specified and let's switch viewing those changes making sure it all makes sense. Um and uh really we're just waiting for that application just permit
to go full speed ahead. So that's that's where we're at with that. Um and kind of most of the other things have taken a little bit of a backseat for now. Just trying to get this moving because that's the most important project right now. >> Okay. I'm sure that there are questions up on the board here. >> Yeah. Nick, when was that soil permit
file? >> Um about three weeks ago. >> Yeah. Is are we in the time frame that you anticipate? typically three to four weeks. So last week we received comments. So that they have reviewed our plan already. We received comments from the SE last week that required plan
revisions. Um so right now we're making those revisions and that will be sub back this week. >> So they're waiting on us. >> Correct. Yeah. But we've only had the the comments for a couple days. So you know we got right on it. We are we're making changes. I spoke with the design team yesterday that they should be
finishing probably tomorrow. Um, so as soon as that's done, the plans will go back out to them and hopefully from there we're going to ask them directly how long that they need. So, so we know it's not a guess. >> Is there a person that you're dealing with over there? It's just we have a
specific contact going back and forth. >> Is it normally expedited when you resubmit or not? >> Yes. Yeah, it's not going to be another three or four weeks. >> Yes. It should only be something in the range of one to two. >> Okay. Are we still on target then?
Where's >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, right now we're still, you know, moving as we go. >> Okay. >> Does anybody else have any questions? >> Yeah. Just a question on the not on the fields, but the BCOS grant, the nature trail project.
>> Um, your conclusion is you file for an extension requested which was granted until the end of 2025. We already have the grant, right? >> Right. >> Okay. So this is an extension to actually perform under the grant like they they expect us to perform by the end of 2025.
>> Yeah. So since the contract is already awarded to a contractor during this calendar year, we're within that time range. >> Um so and we we the project should be completed in a week. >> That was my it's not going to be initial in terms of time. >> Okay. Thank you. And then right
underneath that there's a CDBG grant uh where you say that construction is current underway. should be completed by the end of November. Are we So, we're on target for that then as well. That's the ADA. >> Yeah. So, this is the same project. We we have those two grants are combined
into one project. Both of them are related to the nature project. >> And so, what's the maybe the BA, but what's the total sum of the money that we have to put in? We the burrow. >> So, the the grant award on the Bergen County Open Space was $85,01.
That's a matching grant, 50% matching. So, we're putting an 85 on that. >> Well, technically, yes, if you wanted to maximize the grant, but the project doesn't cost that much. But the project was only I forget the exact number like 80,000 something like that. So, essentially, you will be
>> 40 say 40 >> and the other one is uh uh that one is a total funding of $50,000. So, both those grants are not being fully utilized. We can >> So, we're trying to put something else together. >> So, we're putting in 25 on that one. You said 50, right?
But but it's the same project. The whole project cost is in the $80,000 range. >> The whole thing. >> The whole thing. >> Okay. >> So that will be split amongst those two grants and then there will be remaining funding that can be utilized for something else. >> Okay. So So our total cost will be half of that amount.
>> Correct. Yeah. It's in the $40,000. >> Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Thanks. >> Right. Okay. Chief Wood for October for community policing we
did the pink a cancer walk uh in conjunction with the police department took place at shop. Thank you for coming very well for traffic control. responded to that. We had 800 calls for service, uh 10200 motor vehicle stops, 39 motor
vehicle accidents, uh 15 selected enforcement details. We responded to 19 parking complaints and conducted 19 parking enforcement details, 74 medical calls, issued 41 warnings, issued nine summones. We had four adult arrests and
conducted 135 property security checks. Our detective bureau investigated 36 cases, 25 of them closed, and generated four criminal complaints out of those 25 closed cases. And our fires investigation unit investigated 15 applicants.
>> Questions? >> I have a question. Um, are you still getting or are you getting calls for the ebikes? I feel like it's calmed down a bit. You're not. >> No, we uh to be completely honest, we never saw like a real spike in >> um we had we've had interactions. Most
of them were selfgenerated calls that we received on eBay. Um we haven't made any at all. >> I have a question. >> Yeah, you you referenced 39 accidents. >> Is there a particular intersection that
you're seeing a great deal of >> activity when it comes to that? >> No. The >> or just So out of those 39, >> yeah, I want to have so out of those 39 crashes we went to, there's only one with injuries. Most of those accidents are fenders, which is a which is a
positive. We have our intersections that generate accidents always, you know, come back and Washington Avenue's always been one. Um, Patterson Hills Avenue, Pascale Avenue, the ones that you would think would still continue, but most of
those accents are, you know, better thankfully. more questions. I'm just curious when you say, you know, you investigate and solve X percentage, obviously that investigation doesn't stop, you
know, it's not it doesn't just happen in a month. Um, excuse me. Is there any reporting on previous ones? What gets what gets solved? Yeah. So a lot of those are runovers meaning so
case investigations in October in 36 the closed cases 25 of them they closed 25 in October. Some of them may have been some of them may get back to October of last year. It just happens to be that they closed them this October. Um they they can those investigations
can open and stay open for a very long time. >> Travis who's going to dress up as Santa Claus. some good. >> Anyone else? Thank you. >> Peterson.
>> Good evening. So from uh previous month, Centennial Field for field renovation has been completed with the contractor. DBW will finish the drainage piping in. We just have to back fill it more at
field. We began doing uh site preparation work to be part of the contractor started trees. The uh replanting project has
been held off until next spring. Roads lead collection that's in full swing. We do have signs. They've all they've been installed in our own fields. Um updated lighting lightning signs
they've been ordered. They're addition of the QR codes. You can scan the QR code. It'll come off the current um wait time for the system to be set up.
Roll field sign was requested has been installed. DPW renovations are in progress out front. I'm sure everybody noticed the uh refreshing of the planting beds.
Very nice with the springs to see everything start popping. Uh special events has started transitioning to snowplow uh maintenance and We began with
welding in a brand new uh bed with one of the mason dumps all around you saw. And then just a reminder to all the residents that large branches, sticks and shrubs are not permitted in any of the leaf piles
as per our leaf dump. Any piles contain these nonmitted items will not be collected till they've been removed. This has become increasing problem the past few years causing lots of rejected where the drivers having to pull the
debris out at the dump and then bringing it back to our yard to dispose of if it continues. I don't know maybe we should look into some alternative options for leaf collection.
>> I have a question. >> Sure. I noticed the bleachers from Memorial brought over to Beachwood. Are we is the intent to reuse them for Memorial or are we keeping them at Beachwood? And if we are keeping them at Beachwood, where are they going to be placed? Because they're sort of like on the side right now.
>> Yes. Uh there's one that we have to get rid of. It's just it's very unsafe. So replaced by one of the bleachers over there. Um hoping at least we use the big one of the big ones over at Memorial.
There's another smaller one that we can >> put back at memorial or maybe shuffle to another field. >> Barry, I have a couple questions. Go ahead. >> Uh, with regards to clay at Centennial, were you able to scrape any of that up and save it or
>> memorial? Yeah. >> Yes. The entire baseball field. I ran out of room. Still trying to find places in town to store it. Um, I dropped the load off down in Emerson. I dropped the load off
Westwood to loads of clay and I'm still going to have a softball field to uh figure out where we can >> or >> they'll be able to use that. Right.
>> That's a lot of play, a lot of money, >> right? There was a nail drag purchase this year. Were you able to use it? Yes, he was able to use it for >> Do you find that it it actually has value? >> Yes, absolutely. >> So, it turns the
>> Yeah. the material >> loosens it up just like the other one, >> but the only difference that it makes is the present drag that we had that breaks on the back that tends to push the clay off into the grass
creating a lip. This one has a metal uh screen >> and it reduces the amount of clay that gets pushed off to create clips on the edges into services. >> Okay. And and lastly, lighting it,
right? Um what's the plan? I mean, maybe uh VA could uh add something put on this too. What's the plan for the light? We talked about the bulbs up there and you were able to change a couple of them, I think, >> but but some of them you weren't able to get to. It was cost prohibitive to bring
in a truck or engage a vendor to do it. And then there was talk about doing some sort of, you know, work with utility, try to get some, you know, value back, you know, with energy efficiency, right? >> Yes. >> So, like where do we stand on that? Like
what? Uh we're going to wait until the new cycle grants are open which doesn't start till January. So once those are open uh the administrator and myself will move forward on applying for those grants to
update the lighting to more energy efficient. >> Right. Was was there a cost like ever put forth as to how much a project like that would to from go to sulfur to LED? So we can't just change the bolts from regular to we have to change the entire >> the whole fixture.
>> Yeah. >> Has to be changed. It's in the range of a million dollars. >> Oh, to do a project with that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And to change the current bulbs to same bolts. We have quotes from a vendor for $65,000.
These bulbs are about to spare each. >> Right. But those are just the ones that don't work. It's not for the the whole gallon of lights. It's just for the ones that aren't >> the ones that don't work. Yeah. Right. >> Right. But is that is that ever going to be realistic? A million dollars anytime
soon? >> Even if we get imagining grant it's half a million dollars, >> right? >> If you ask me right now, looking at the budget for next year and you see my report, it's it'll be hard for next year. >> But then does it it makes sense to go for the 65,000? Then we would have to
find another way to get uh maybe borrow a bucket truck or a ladder or something that we can do ourselves >> cuz we have the bulbs. All we need is to have access to it. Maybe we find a way where we have a
plywood or something on on the grass and drive that. >> Yeah. But I think the ballots need to be replaced too. >> Some ballots. Yes. that includes uh changing that. So maybe we just eat it and uh have it as a capital project for
the scene and change them all because I do get almost weekly complaints that there's no lights there. >> There's there's no lights, right? It's it's I don't know about you and not a place that it's a good environment to play in when it's dimly lit, right? Okay. >> Yeah. Um we'll have it on the budget as
we do the budget discussion and um $65,000. Okay. just kind of, you know, very crazy to change light bulbs,000 miles. It's >> bonkers. Anyone else? Yes.
>> Yeah, that might be a joint response uh from Nick or Barry, but um in terms of the preconstruction work that we're responsible for doing, what we agreed to do, right? >> How are we doing in terms of being on track with that so that when we when
it's go time, right? they can never come back and say, "Hey, you guys didn't have this, this, and this completed yet." >> It's uh probably about 45% of the way there. Um my manpower has been been an issue. Tomorrow I'm pulling a beef crew off the
road to Thursday, Friday to try to get that completed for Monday. I believe was a projected start date for the company to commit permits as long as they have. >> So I guess Nick, you feel we're okay at
this point? >> Yeah. Thank you. >> No. Okay. Great. Thank you all three for your reports. Great. Um if you want to stay, you can certainly stay. We won't hold you if you decide you want to go. Um it's time for committee reports.
We'll start at the at the far end and work our way this way. Councilman. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um the 50 plus club will meet at Cornerstone tomorrow at 11:30. Um they changed the holiday lunch date and venue. Now it's scheduled for
December 4th at Alba's restaurant at noon. Um they have a regular uh regular senior lunch program. The lunch was held today at St. John's. The next day is December 17th. The access for all committee met. Um
they decided their holiday dinner will be held at Domani at 6:15 on December 15. They uh pulled off a free fall arts and crafts workshop with pumpkin painting that was held on November 8th at the library. Um Ron Miller, the
chairman of the Hatha, met with parents of children who have physical and learning disabilities from the Hillsdale Elementary Schools to introduce them to HA um its goals and what they're working toward, primarily the Beachwood Park accessible playground. Um and invited
them to attend the HA meetings in an effort to make Hillsdale a place where every child and family feels welcome, supported, and able to participate. They'll continue to stay in touch with Dan Ki, our rec director, to move the Beachwood Park playground project forward. However, both I and the rec
director have told them about the budgetary constraints that we face for next year. Um, so I think they're understanding, but it's also um, you know, the feelings are that a lot of work and money is going into other
recreational opportunities and they're somewhat being neglected, but they're very very thankful for what's going on at Memorial Field. it'll be um something that the the bureau isn't necessarily paying for, but there's going to be an accessible playground there. Um
the board of health met October 21st. Their next meeting is November 18th. Um up they uh at their meeting they updated their membership on the municipal alliance relationship. The burough contact handling the matter is Dan Ki and I I don't hear any complaints
whatsoever. They seem to be very happy with for Dan and whatever he's doing there. Um they discussed their experience at the Hillsdale Fall Festival that we held back in September. Um they're asking that the clerk, and I think she's already done it, uh she's included a monthly agenda package for on
budgetary information that would allow them to see where they are in terms of their budget. They're still pursuing the goal of having emergency services personnel attend a one of their meetings. Uh I can't recall the the reason why that hasn't occurred, but they just probably just lack of ability
to coordinate the schedules. Um they got an update from Northwest Regional uh Health Corporation uh on a hoarding complaint made by a burrow resident and what the burrow is doing to address it. And finally, they uh they are having a free drive-thru rabies clinic tomorrow
at Stonybrook from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30. It's open to all the residents. Um, that's all. >> The pets. >> The pets. >> Yes. Yes. >> Unless you really feel that you want a >> shot.
>> Yes. Uh, the library um board met on um October 20th. Um, by this time the um roof replacement had been complete. um they had hosted a mini golf event on
it was October 10th and 11th and by the it was hosted by the library foundation and they grossed approximately $9,400 with that event. However, the net result is not available yet. Um um they also wanted me to make sure to
remind people to make people aware that the library does provide um notary services to residents if that's needed. Um they talked about you know summary you know in in the youth participation over the summer in the reading program had
increased uh they said 56% so they were very you know excited about that. Um digital circulation has increased tremendously. Um they're up to about 20% now of people exclusively using their
card for digital content only. Um um what else? They for for the future they're thinking of installing some sort of a shipping container or some sort of a storage shed. Um this is to declutter
some items that are in the library and of course to provide much needed storage that they always seem to be running out of. Um, and they're also thinking of installing some sort of a cloth shading system over the patio. Um,
but those are for future, you know, these were discussions about future um, things that they would like to do at the library. Um financially the library is sound and um you know we concluded the meeting with discussion surrounding the
preparation of the budget which you know was in process at the time and um basically that's it >> I will add to that they are concerned with the healthcare costs >> well as everyone else >> as everyone else right
>> well yes it impacts them just as it does every other you know they have employees at the very obviously that you know so that was a big conversation and I forget were you there? >> I was there. >> Oh, you were there. >> I was sitting next to you. I made such an impact. >> Yes. Yes. >> That's great.
>> Sometimes. Yes. Maybe sometimes you >> maybe I wasn't with the same. I'm not really sure. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> But it's good because you remember something that you didn't mention. So, thank you Master Chan. >> All right. Get comfortable on lots of
report. All right, let's start with ambulance. Uh there was a meeting on the 21st of October. Uh 123 total emergency calls handled by Bergen County dispatch. Hillsdale EMS answered 118 of the
dispatches. So about 96% 66 answered calls by volunteers and 52 for by PDMs. It responded to mutual aid 21 times for about 18% of the calls. And just a small sampling of the types of calls they had for the month of October.
They had about 14 um motor vehicle collision patients. Um one structure fire which consisted of about 11 patients, seven community standbys, two entrapments, and 25 uh fall victims. Um, as of today, the Hillso Volunteer
Ambulance Service has been dispatched 923 times this year, missing only about 34 of those calls, which is an impressive 96% response rate. This is a major improvement since the introduction of our combo service model, uh, which has
been greatly strengthened. And just to put it into perspective, uh last year the agency had responded to about 514 total calls, which means we're already at 173% of last year's call volume. So we are and that we still have two months left. So um these guys are killing it.
Um I'm going to move on to the board of ed. There was a meeting on Monday um November 10th and let's see, we'll start with some school events. There was a Halloween. There were tolerant parades at Metoborg and Anal Blanch on the 31st. Both events were big success and have
become a wonderful tradition that celebrates school spirit. As far as financial update, the Hillsdale Public School District once again earned double A rating from the S&P showing that the district remains in a strong financial financial shape. Um the final bond
offering for the referendum project will take place on November 13th. And then as far as the George White project, uh, abatement work. Phase one, which focused on the multi-purpose room was completed on schedule, phase two
will cover the main three-story structure that includes the classrooms and offices. It will begin once the site work and temporary utility connections are in place. Phase three will focus on the boiler room, which is scheduled for the spring of 2026.
Um, this phase approach has been keeping the project safe and organized. Um, as far as I'm sure you've noticed the construction fencing fencing was installed around the site on the 6th of November, there was an on-site meeting followed um with the contractor, construction manager, Hillso Police
Department was there and the district staff to review the safety and access. You'll see that on Hills Avenue, the fence was moved slightly inward for safety and accessibility. Um on Liberty and Magnolia, the corner fence was adjusted on the 11th to improve pedestrian access and the Magnolia and
Liberty fences will remain in place to separate to separate the construction areas from public walkways. Um >> so can people still can people now walk on Hill? >> They can. It was pushed back. Y >> temporarily. Yeah. >> And then at some point it's going to be pushed >> because I know that was a complaint.
>> That was a complaint. Um but yeah, >> I I think that the the equipment is coming at the end of this week, >> right? and then it will all be pushed >> and then it's going to be we're gonna have issues. >> We're going to have issues, right? >> Go ahead. >> Uh, okay. This is a community center
committee update. Uh, the last time we met was on October 10th. Since then, we've reached out to the interior designer working with the builders um, I'm sorry, the interior designer that's working with the Patterson Apartments. We're hoping to review some design concepts for the community center
tomorrow. Very excited. Um, and as um I'm sure you'll also probably report, we'll need to move pretty quickly in order to take advantage of that $75,000 grant that's available to us. Um, we're also exploring the idea potentially hopefully of adding a Hillsdale inspired mural, either painted or wallpaper to
enhance the space. We really want to make it feel like Hillsdale. Um, we've identified a hallway wall for this project and of course we present it to council for approval before moving forward with the installation. We just want again bring some of the Hillsdale into the space. Um, so that's your
update on community center. Hope I'm very excited for tomorrow. Um, and then one last committee update. It's for the economic uh development committee. So there was a meeting on October 24th and with the opening of the new residential building this spring. We
have an exciting opportunity to support Hillsdale's local businesses, especially our restaurants, and help them connect with the new residents. So, we discussed the uh idea of creating a short sizzle reel that really highlights Hillsdale's dining scene featuring our local
restaurants, their food, the atmosphere of the owners. You know, the idea, the goal is really to collaborate with the developer as well to hopefully display this video in the new building, maybe in the lobby, common area. Um, also hand out some menus, just really just make
those new residents feel at home. Um, we also plan on hopefully featuring this video at the community center. You know, there's going to be some display screens there. Um, and just really making sure that our new residents will see our local dining spots. Um, and eventually
this can also, you know, evolve onto something even bigger. We're talking about a taste of Hillsdale and really just um, utilizing and celebrating our community. Um, so that's something that we've talked about. It is very new. The initiative again will serve as welcome campaign for new residents um and also a
business development opportunity for our restaurant community. Um additionally we have a local res resident sorry with photography and video production experience that's expressed interest in supporting this project. So we are looking to work with this person
potentially and that's it question. Um you mentioned that the school is going to be issuing their final trunch of a bond in November. November 15th. >> Do you know when the first interest payment will be due? >> I don't, but I can get that for you.
>> Usually it's 6 months if I remember my finance. So, >> okay. >> So, there will be one >> there'll be probably only one coming up in 2026 for purposes of the finance committee. Then the next one will be coming up six months after that. May
maybe two actually next year. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Council President. >> Yes. >> Would you like to give your reports, please? >> Yes. Uh with regards to uh the recognition, uh basketball registration
is now open. Um it's going to close on November 21st. You can register community pass. Uh there's a lot of uh positions that have been taken already. I mean, there's some seats available in some of the age groups. So, if you're interested, you got to go ahead and do
that. Um the winter brochure is going to be released on November 19th. Uh it's going to have programs and special events for the late fall and winter. It's kind of like a slower season. Um so you'll get things like the holiday lighting date which is December 8th. Uh
at it's going to be held at Veterans Park at 6:45. Uh as part of the winter brochure, you're going to be able to register for a gingerbread house competition uh for the first 20 registrants >> to make them read them. to make them. No, not to eat them.
>> When is the eating part? >> It's gonna be judged. >> You got talk to your mind. >> It's going to be judged. It's going to be judged and there will be prizes. Uh the Halloween parade was a big success. Uh there were three there were 300 goodie bags that were given out to the
attendees and it was it was very well attended. Uh we discussed the groundbreaking for memorial the memorial project that was also well attended and uh Barry uh discussed the BPW started clearing the field for the next phase of
the project. Uh feedback first I just want to talk about this for a little bit. The feedback for Centennial and the project that we did on the soccer field keep getting positive reviews for that. I think it's held up well. I think it's been draining very well. Uh, I think the kids are enjoying it and it's uh they
they ran a little tournament a couple of weekends ago and it was a big hit the field and you guys have done the BWS have been doing a great job maintaining it because I know that a lot of that has been falling on you, right Pat? >> Yes. >> And um, you know, and then uh Barry
touched upon this as well. There was a joint project between uh the burrow and the HBSA to do a project at Kora to add grass on the um on the uh foul territory. Uh that's been completed and that additional drainage was added uh to
get that field up to the next level and hopefully that will play very well next year. And that's it. >> Any questions? >> Council Kleti. >> Thank you, mayor. Starting with the fire department, October had 28 calls. If you
date, that's 288 verse about 203 calls in the same period in the prior year. As we are all aware, one of those calls stood out amongst the rest, which was on October 21st. There was a houseire that both our Hillsdale Fire Department and Police Department responded to at around
3:30 in the morning uh with mutual aid from surrounding agencies. Uh the residents were safely evacuated. However, several Hillsdale and Mutual aid fire uh fighters sustained non-lifethreatening burns uh some minor injuries. They were all treated and released the same day at local
hospitals. Uh following the incident, a public employee, occupational safety and health compliance officer conducted a full review of the fire department, the records, equipment, and the firehouse. To our knowledge, no fines or violations
are expected and a compliance report recommending additional training will probably be issued. Our business administrator, Mike, participated in the review and confirmed that the fire department followed proper procedures. He also commended the department for its thorough post incident documentation and
for securing required third-party damage gear inspections within hours of the incident. Chief Farrell uh has initiated his own internal root cause corrective action and risk mitigation uh steps or procedures and that's consistent with what we would expect of any uh best
practices for any safety driven organization. Six sets of turnout gear were damaged dur when they were fighting that fire. Uh each cost about $5,000. Uh we know we have two very generous donations which I'll talk about in a second uh to cover
two sets of gear. The remaining four sets, $20,000, appear in tonight's agenda under resolution 25278 for approval. Uh the donations were made by B&E Real Estate and by March Developments. Both are involved in the Patterson Street redevelopment and we
thank them for their partnership and community support. Moving to the environmental commission, uh real slight touch on uh Beachwood 1.0 and 2.0 0 grants because Nick covered most of it in his update, but 1.0 the
boardwalk portion should be finished within a week or two and they're doing the concrete work for the ADA entrances, excuse me, entrances in two weeks or so. And on Beachwood 2.0, O the only thing I'll add and and Mike can elaborate on this if he wants during his update a
little more but he's also looking into potentially getting the New York and New Jersey trail conference uh involved or at least some options that we can look at to help out with that project uh specifically the trail the tree planting the shade tree planting a few weeks not a few weeks a
month ago uh we discussed the fall tree uh tree planting and the goal was completing the project by the end of November and early December Unfortunately, uh we received final quotes for the 26 trees and plantings that were significantly over budget. Uh therefore, the planting has been
deferred. Our BA along uh with our uh DPW superintendent are working on a plan to increase funding without increasing property taxes, and that could mean multiple options, including increasing permit fees uh or increasing tree
ordinance violation penalties, but it's something we probably will need to discuss at some point. Finally, the downtown cleanup occurred on September, excuse me, Saturday, November 1st at Veterans Park. It was a huge success. We had over 70 attendees. And we want to thank the environmental commission. We
want to thank the honor society at PD High School, the local Girl Scouts, and the DPW Ducky for their help administering that event. It was extremely successful. That's it. >> Questions? >> You have to check your hand. >> Yeah. Yeah. I actually should have held
this up. Mike actually showed this to me before. >> It's not even a big check. >> This is this is the second donation that we received today uh out of the two. So very nice to see that we're partnering in the community with developers who care. It's really nice job. >> They're really doing a great job.
>> Yeah. >> Ba Gali. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh we are working on the 2026 budget. You're hearing a lot about the budget and the main issue for next year is the 36% increase for the
health insurance. That alone is about 9% tax increase if we do nothing just to cover for the 36% uh health insurance >> on top of the the anticipated cost that we already had. If we did nothing, we would be somewhere over 13% of that.
>> Yeah. So, this is just to work. That's just to cover the health. So, Mike, in real dollars, it's $800,000. >> Yeah. So, we've been meeting uh the last couple days and tomorrow with u the department heads one-on-one uh with uh
with myself and the CFO uh to go over the first round and challenging every department uh their operating budget uh and we're challenging it to be flat and so far they've been really really amazingly uh you know good with this um
the salaries and the contracts we can't we can't control. I'll touch on Memorial Field. Uh you heard we had the pre-construction meeting this morning uh this at noon. Uh the work will be between 7:00 a.m. and
3:30 p.m. That's actually the ordinance at 7:00 a.m. But for the next 5 months or so, uh you'll the neighbors around the area, they'll see the construction, they'll hear the sounds between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. which happen to be the union work schedule. uh they have to
be there. Um and the work will start as soon as the permit is received from the county. The field as you heard has been cleaned and prepped. Uh you will start to see trucks and equipment moved in next week uh on Monday uh in in
preparation for all the work. Now that work has started with the DP uh DPW during all the clearing. The funding is in place. Uh as you know we borrowed 4.6 6 million and took out half a million for the down payment from the
capital reserve fund and 700,000 from the field improvement fund for the construction. So that's 5.8 million uh for the construction. >> You didn't issue the debt. Yeah. You said you borrowed already >> the 4.6 million >> that's borrowed already.
>> Well, we don't have the money, but we have access to the money. >> Okay. >> Yeah. We won't borrow it until we need it, so we don't pay interest on it. >> Right. Y got it. >> But we passed. Yeah, that's all that's all set to go. >> But that's part of a larger bond.
>> Consolidate the debt, >> right? Consolidated. >> Yeah. Yeah. The larger bond would be like somewhere around 10 million 10 million, right? >> Yeah. Because he's going to take the short-term debt that's maturing in because otherwise the bond it's not economical to issue the bond. Quick, >> I did have some questions from council
members uh on the actual cost of the project. All the documents that we've been working on since March, since we started on this focused on the construction cost, the engineering cost is typically runs at 10% of the actual project. Uh that was never part of the
construction cost. We focus, you know, solely on on the construction cost. We spent about $44,000 on the pre-work doing the uh uh the environmental and the surveys. Uh we spent already 248,000 for the design of
of the field that came out from the field improvement fund. Uh tonight you have resolution number 25274 for the engineering inspections and oversight during the construction for $198,000.
These funds were taken from the capital accounts that we canled and we moved money over. And there is one resolution that talks about all the cancel or uh projects capital projects. So the total cost uh including engineering
uh is 6.2 to1 million. So 6.2 million. But if we were to really include uh all if someone says if we were to build this field from scratch, how much would this cost? uh say we don't have the donation for the playgrounds, we don't have uh
the additional funds coming in. It's around $70 million. We're talking about half a million for the playground. Uh 6.2 uh including engineering. Uh we will have to do some work in the fieldhouse uh in the range of $50,000.
Uh so it's 5.8 for construction, about half a million for engineering, and then the rest uh is donated. But as far as the bonding goes, we're bonding 4.6 towards it. >> That's all we're doing. >> Plus the 1.2 that we had reserved for from the taxes that were increased
several years ago. >> And then we're getting the donation. So we're not going to actually have to >> add any the 5.8 million is sticking. >> Right. >> Right. So we uh we canled about half a million dollars of past uh capitals uh
from 21 uh 2021 through through this year. The major ones of note just uh so you have an idea uh we cancelled from 2022 road program we had leftover money of uh $195,000
uh we had uh 71,000 from the Magnolia construction uh from 2023 uh and then from 2024 we had 134,000 and then in between there are $5,000$10,000 $800
um it all adds up to $520 22,000 that we gathered and moved into the reserve for future capital projects. So the CFO did really good work on this. We went through this uh for a few days and cleaned that up.
>> So So Mike, after after the 198 is used, we'll still have a balance out account of 300,000 >> in the reserve. There's a oh 400,000 we have 100 for maintenance still and 300 for beachwood. >> Right.
>> And then there's a so there's 500 that we're taking every year that we will we will continue to fund the that fund. >> Yeah. Well that's also the debt that's also the debt service on the bond. Right. >> Yeah. Well, I said it's the debt service plus
field maintenance, right? >> Part luckily the the DPW have been doing a lot of the maintenance themselves. They're more specialized with the with the mechanics with the with the chemicals. We've been hiring
a contractor. But as far as uh cutting, we bought a machine for $8,000 and probably saved us $50,000. Um, so we're doing so that 100,000 is there, but I don't think we'll use it. We'll use the whole thing. >> Right. Quick question with regards to
change orders. And maybe Nick if you you want to chime in on this. A project this big. Do you typically see change orders come through? >> Um, typically it really depends honestly. I wouldn't say it's it's typical one way or the other. I think if the plans are really
tight and you put a lot of thought into a lot of the things that maybe could happen, >> that minimizes the, you know, the um the chance of that. I I will also say that in this project specifically, we have communicated to them many times that change orders are probably not likely to
be approved. So, let's make sure that we keep all that like to things that are only, you know, things that nobody could predict type stuff, right? So, but but everybody's on the same page when it comes to this that that we're not going down the road of changing all kinds of stuff as we go.
>> We made it very clear at the pre-construction call today that change orders number one, they have to be approved before they even think about it. >> Right. >> Um and like you said, the budget is so tight that we don't have much room. >> Yeah. >> Right. And and with regards to protections on time that it's going to
take to complete this project, does a burrow will we uh include in the contract anything to protect us where this thing doesn't drift like >> Yeah. So there'll be a number of days in the contract to complete the bond >> the contract Mike is right
a requisite or allowable number of days. >> Okay. And uh I I've considered options such as uh penalties for late, you know, which might be in some construction contracts.
Of course, if you do that, then a smart contractor comes back and says, "Well, then I want bonuses for early." >> Uh so, generally speaking, and confirm with Nick and Mike, the thought was an honest, realistic number.
monitored closely is our best control and I felt like we were all on the same page. >> That's that's correct. And this contractor, I can tell you from dealing with them, they're eager to start and finish. >> They don't want to just, you know, just hang around. >> Yeah. At the end of the day, it's in
everybody's best interest to get done quickly, right? If the contractor finishes quickly, that's less manhour, you know, it cost them less money. >> Yeah. And they're flowing the money. Everybody always contractors want to finish quickly >> if it's possible. Right. Um
I'm also working with a mechanic. Any before I go on any any questions on >> Yeah, just to recap the total cost 6.221 million, >> right? >> Added including the soft engineering is 622. Uh
6221. Yes. >> Yeah. that that includes both construction and soft cost the oversight and anything that was done prior to handing this bit over to the >> right >> the actual construction the material and the labor of the contractors is around
5.7 >> right still on target there >> you know uh I'm working with a mechanic and a superintendent of the DPW to put together a package for mechanic shared services where will be the lead agency and provide
mechanic services to neighboring towns for revenue generation. I will have more on this at the next meeting and a possible contract to be signed with the neighboring town that they're very serious to move forward with. Uh we began the process to switch to app-based
construction inspection and dog licenses. Uh it will be active on January 1st. We will have plenty of time for full instructions and links sent out and posted before we go live with this. Uh the community center uh is at the
stage now where they're going through the checklist and making sure the colors match and the doors you close and all that. Uh as council woman uh Melissa mentioned tomorrow we having a meeting with the inter interior designer who was
provided to us for free at no cost by the developer. again, same developer who donated to the fire department. >> Uh we're also working to bring in fiber optics. >> Quick quick question center. >> We have until the end of the year to spend that 75,000,
>> right? >> Yes. >> How do we expedite whatever we need to order before because we have what six or seven weeks and a couple weeks worth of holidays in there, right? >> Yeah. We're talking about tables and chairs. Maybe few pictures. It's it's a box. uh we need some
you know like the plans and things like that. So we can get that very you know quickly. If we are stuck for whatever reason and we need to get an extension uh we'll probably file for an extension before the end of this month. >> But how does that work? You have to put you actually have to put the order in to
utilize funds. >> Yeah. >> Right. Okay. >> Once we have the PO in then the funds have to be set aside. >> Right. And we have basically five week five six weeks to do that. Right. less than you can spend 75,000 very quickly. >> Yeah. >> We put these prices
>> the flag hold for $45,000. >> All right. You good? >> Oh, good. >> Okay. Uh we're also working to bringing in fiber optic network connection to the firehouse and the ambulance from this building. Lastly, uh the EV charging station project. We're trying to bring
in uh four spots at the west parking lot to um to have a um charging station. Uh we applied for the grants. We could do it ourselves. It's matching funds. Uh but I'm also working with two companies.
One called uh Greenspot and one Future EV Inc. both companies are looking at the feasibility to bringing in power to the lot. Uh the challenge would be the size of the power that that has to come. It has to
be between 150 kilowatt and 180 kilowatt. It's massive >> just more than drop it from the lights. So they'd have to bring that simple >> significantly. Right. So the for the old charging stations you could have brought it from the light but now the new >> speed chargers that >> correct
>> we're going to have to find resource. >> It's not as simple as just like we said bringing accession cord >> right. And that's all I have to report. I can take any questions if you like. >> What will the speed of the charging be? >> So this will be uh the highspeed one.
>> So be like half an hour and 45 minutes. >> Okay. >> It takes you to 80%. >> Yeah. >> I have a question. Um when you were speaking before about the budget preparation and um you said that you know you're expecting such high um
increases in the healthcare and in other areas. But I think that uh you said that the instruction that was given out to the departments were that they should you know come in flat. Um I'm just wondering why instructions wouldn't be
given that they should be coming in at 10. They should be cutting their cost 10% or some number 15 20 meaning start out not flat start out underneath because we already know the situation that we're in. I'm just
>> Yeah. So >> asking >> the prices went up. >> Yeah. >> And they keep going up. So being flat is actually being ahead. Uh you know for you know for me to tell them don't spend as much as you spent last year the prices are not the same. So when he was
so when a super goes out and uh and buys equipment it it's it's a different price. It's already higher price. So by saying flat we're actually ahead of it. We're already getting less if we stay at the same price. >> So we're already >> the prices the trees the councilman you
said about the trees the trees went up went up three times since last year. So staying flat is actually we are behind still and we are in a service. We are we are here to provide a service. We don't want to just cut cut and then be able to
provide then have to catch up in 2026. Oh, you're in an early uh stage of the budget preparation at this point anyway. So, you're not, you know, you're going to collect all of the data and ultimately you're going to have to look at it. And there >> I mean, I doubt that you're going to be
expecting to be giving out a, you know, >> 13, 14, 15% tax increase. I I really doubt that's going to happen. So, therefore, something else is going to have to give ultimately, right? So that's it's too early for you to but I
was just you know wondering like the answer to that question regarding you know why why they're coming in flat rather than cutting but you may end up there anyway >> by the time you consolidate everybody >> the finance committee is meeting
>> the week after the convention so if you see an ambulance outside after that meeting Mike collab, you will know where the number is. >> Well, >> that goes to the uh discussion also. For
example, the band show, >> why don't we spend $400,000 for the band show? And I told the crew, if this was your money, your own money, >> yes, you pay taxes, but if this was your own money, would would you spend $400,000 on the roof? The answer is no.
So, let's hold off until we have money or we find a different system that's cheaper. So the 13 40% is out of the question by the way. So >> we're trying to be maybe like last year maybe even flat with last year >> even with a with a higher insurance
cost. >> Right. Right. Of course >> it's a lot of work and the CFOs and the department has I mean they're doing phenomenal job going through line by line. >> Yeah. >> And challenging their own spending. >> Yes.
>> Thank you. You're welcome. Are >> we good? Okay, we're going to move on to ordinance. Ordinance >> uh for adoption ordinance 2525, capital ordinance of the borrow of Hillsdale in the county of Bergen, New Jersey, authorizing various recreation
improvements and acquisitions in, by, and for the burrow, appropriating there therefore thereof the sum of $500,000 and providing that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from the burrow's capital improvement fund. Can I get a motion? >> Motion.
>> Second. Second. Is there discussion? Seeing none, will the clerk please read the role? >> Council member Fox, Council Member Mazachan, >> yes. >> Council President Oso, yes. >> Council member Rico, >> yes. >> Council member Chinu, >> yes. >> Council member Klay, >> yes.
>> Uh 2525 has passed. Um let's see. So that's >> open public. >> I'll open the meeting to the public >> for 2525. Yeah. Does anybody Does anybody have any >> comments on here? I don't see anybody. Okay. Can we'll close it. Um, can I get
a motion for adoption? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Uh, please. >> Council President Oso. >> Yes. >> Council member Ruko. >> Oh, yes. >> Council member.
>> Yes. >> Council member Kleti. >> Yes. >> Council member Fox. Absent. Council member Matthew Ch. >> Yes. Okay. Now for therefore be it resolved that this ordinance is adopted and the burrow is authorized to advertise the same according to law. We will move on to consent agenda resolutions 256
through 25280. Does anybody have anything they want to move to consent? Seeing nothing. Can I get a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Will the clerk please read the role? >> Council member Rico. >> Yes. >> Council member Chroy.
>> Yes. Yes. Council member Kleti. >> Yes. >> Council member Fox. Council member Mesich. >> Yes. Council President Oso. >> Yes. The consent agenda has passed. It is time for the public to be able to comment. >> I'm not going to go through it all. There's nobody from the public unless any of you three wish to comment. Seeing
that you aren't interested in that, um, we will move on to council commentaries. Um, >> I'm not going to comment at this time. Let's start at the other end here. Um, Council,
>> um, just two things. One, obviously, we're not going to see each other again as a mayor and council and not be able to address the public until after the first holiday. So, happy Thanksgiving to everyone up here as well as in the community. >> Second, I just wanted to thank the first
responders again. Um, you know, we had a a real brush work reality there back in October and it makes you realize how uh all of our first responders are risking their lives no matter what the call is. So, we thank them. >> Thank you.
>> President, >> just want to wish the residents of Hillsdale a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Councilwoman skip. >> All right. Well, then if you can't if you can't handle being out of order, I'll go right to the show.
>> Um, okay. So, I just want to wish every same thing. I want to wish everybody a happy delicious Thanksgiving. Um, and nobody plugged the holiday lights. I mean, that's on December. It looks like it's on December 3rd. >> No, no, I do. Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. So
just, you know, I just want to say thank you for doing that because I know it's a lot of work for you guys, but it's always a beautiful night for everybody. It's a great tradition and ours. So >> December 8th, >> I have it on here as a third, >> but you might be right. >> Does anyone know on the website? It says
the >> eth was changed. >> December 8th. >> Okay. >> And I've been told I'm not allowed to give out nine chocolate. I'm too generous. Let's get some magical night. >> We ran out too quick. Now we're getting
the professional ones to come do it. >> G remember gingerbread house competition. >> First one. >> I'll bring my >> You're going to eat them all >> now. Councilwoman Jim. >> Uh yes. Um I just want to say happy Thanksgiving to everyone. It's my
favorite holiday and looking forward to seeing everyone in December. Um and those will be my last two meetings in December. So, I'm kind of looking forward to that in a certain way, too. Um, and that's it for me.
>> Thank you. Uh, I want to congratulate the winning candidates and the election, Mr. Kamp and Mr. D. Roza. Um, personally, I look forward to working uh with them in an honest, transparent, and cooperative manner for the betterment of Hilltown. I think we all would share that uh that sentiment. I also want to
take the opportunity to acknowledge um productive conversation I recently had with Rob Stigluana who's the chairman of the Stony Brook Pool Commission regarding two resolutions that we passed tonight. Um one involved extending the concession stand contract at the pool and the other uh extending a lease
contract with the Stony Brook Swim Club. Neither multi-year agreement contained a renewal escalation clause that accounted for annual inflation. I found that a little unusual. So I called Rob up. shed shared with him the thoughts that the burrow really can't afford uh over the
long term to ignore economic realities especially since we ourselves are made to increase our appropriations on account of inflation. He understood readily um and um you know he he has this sort of same background as I do in the financial services industry. He recognized the problem and said that he
would raise the matter with his fellow commissioners for application in future agreements. Nothing nothing you know to deal with now. and I want to thank him for being so honest and open with me in that conversation. And lastly, um I want to wish all the residents a very happy
Thanksgiving and safe travels if they can travel at all this at the airport. Uh visiting any relatives or friends or family. Uh uh we've gone through a tough time in the last couple of weeks with air travel, so hopefully it'll get a little better. That's all.
>> Okay. Okay. Well, can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> So, we have So, we have it here for the closed as a >> we're not going into close today. >> Okay. Uh because we have nothing have nothing. So, we will meet with the attorneys in a separate meeting.
>> Yes. But it doesn't make sense to go out of order. >> Has nothing to do >> right. Um and yeah, and also just just so we know just for for the public identification, um the numbers aren't certified on the elections yet. Um it's probably a
formality, but until we know, we don't know. So what date is that actually? >> Um Friday, they're going to get the numbers in, but but I don't even know that that's the certification date. They they held up because there was a court case that was open on what's called
naked ballots. And so they're waiting until Friday and they're hopefully going to have a resolution on what they're going to do with that. And then all the outstanding vote by mail ballots and all the provisional ballots will be opened
on that Friday, this coming Friday at one time and then we should have an idea of where we stand. There's a large difference between second and third place in this town. There's another town I can think of where the difference between second and third place is two votes
>> and that is going to Yeah, I'm sure that there are people that just aren't sleeping. >> So, you're accusing me of calling a premature election. >> I wouldn't say that. I'm just I'm just I was asked what what exactly the official >> What was the What was the court case?
>> There was a a court case that was decided on election day. >> Naked. All right. So, vote by mail. Not that we All right. We're going to get a little education here on this vote by mail ballots. The way that you fill it out, anybody who's out there who filled one out, you get your ballot and you
fill it out. You put it inside an inner envelope and then you seal that inner envelope and it's got a hang tag on it. Then you put it into an outer envelope and then you put that either envelope either in the mail or through one of the boxes that we actually have one here in
our parking lot. There were 300 ballots that were opened that did not contain the inner envelope. It had the ballot, but it didn't have the inner envelope. >> Not in this town. >> 300 countywide. >> County wide. 300. Not in Hills. 300 countywide. So on election day, there
was a because of course we can't believe it until the last minute. uh the court decided that anybody who had a naked ballot and they handed out the list to the parties, the county parties and said they can vote provisionally, 300 people that can vote
provisionally. Now, I assume and then it's a mad rush to see between 3:00 when they did it till 8:00 at night whether or not people were going to get them to the polls. So, uh, I believe that the that the delay until Friday is to determine whether or not that was
actually adequate and the people could do that or whether or not there should be some other remedy. I don't know. I I but they're going to come to some decision on the final disposition of those the people that weren't able to vote provisionally and were part of that 300.
>> Right. So, the max that did I understand it's 300 is >> there. There there are about half a dozen in those. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So I don't know that that's going to make a difference unless something dramatic happens. But there are still outstanding vote by mail ballots that would normally come in because you have
them until which would have been today I think is the deadline for them. >> Well the difference between candidate two and candidate three in hell >> 38 38 37 >> I feel confident in making my prediction now. I don't know if you should >> it's a bridge too. >> It is a it is a a large it is a large
number as I said there are other towns where >> two two votes. >> So, um but but Friday will we should have a very clear picture as to where things stand. >> Mayor, was the board of elections tasked with contacting all 300?
>> I I don't know. I don't know. I think I think there's a ruling of the court. No, no, no. The board of elections was not. They were they gave the information to the counties to the county parties and then I guess the county parties were responsible for making phone calls or talking to municipalities
and saying it's your job to go reach Joe Smith and whomever um and and know that they're out there with naked ballots and people may not even know that that that was the disposition of their vote by mail ballot but not that they had you know the voting by mail was or
provisionally was was an option >> but they put the onus on the parties not on municipalities. >> That's correct. >> Correct. >> And that's why they were missing an envelope and they were missing the intercept. That's what the mistake was. >> This is why I'm not a big fan of vote by
mail except in certain circumstances. >> Did you ever vote by mail? >> Um >> I know that they gave you that check in your for >> when I was out of the country, but I wasn't here. >> But aren't you still receiving them that that darn check that you put in there? Did you you say you didn't, but you're still >> No, that was the application.
>> Okay. I don't know. Okay. Okay. Um, seeing that case, can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion. >> Second. Those in favor? >> See you all December 2nd at 7 p.m. Thank you. >> Have a happy