which is nothing. It's just Would you like to lead us to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice
for all. This is a meeting of the general council on the 12th day of November 2025. Notice the time and place of this meeting recorded on the rules board outside of the paper
and provided to any parties. Please all be recognized by the mayor during the hearing and the public comment part of the meeting. You will need to state your name. President. >> Mayor Shinfeld >> here. >> Council President Oso >> here. >> Council member Kleti
>> here. >> Council member Fox. >> Council member Maton >> here. Council member Rubo >> here. >> Council member Troy >> here. >> Okay. We have a four. Um let's move on the approval of meetings. Uh minutes
from October 7th message on council. Uh can I a motion? >> Motion. Second. >> Second. >> Council member Kleti. >> Yes. >> Council member Fox. Council member Mat. Council President Oso. >> Yes. >> Council member Ruto. >> Yes.
>> Council member Tro. >> Yes. >> Pass. Council in the meeting for October 14th. Can I make a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Council member Kleti. >> Yes. >> Council member Fox. Council member Mes. >> Yes. >> Council President Oso.
>> Yes. >> Council um Council Member Ruka. >> Yes. Council member Troy here. Yes. >> And now the special council meeting minutes from October 30th. Council motion motion. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> Second. >> Second. >> Council member Mazatan. >> Yes. >> Council President Oso. Yes. >> Council member Rico. >> Yes. >> Council member Choken. >> Yes. >> Council member Kleti. >> Yes. >> Council member Fox is absent. >> Special
is passed. Uh 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 you want to discuss what are we discussing? >> Okay. Uh let's go to professional reports. Let's start with the engineer. >> I will be very short. Thank you. We have
been pretty much just focused on getting the field project off the ground. Uh we have made some progress there. Um we had a pre-construction meeting today with the contractor. So um a lot of the groundwork and coordination is
happening right now. We were doing shop drawings which is basically any product which was changing all um and uh really just waiting
to go for that. So that's where we're at with that. Um and kind of mostly taking a little bit of the backseat for now trying to get this moving because that's the most important project right now. >> I'm sure that there are questions on the board here. MC had a soil permit file.
>> Uh was it about 3 weeks ago? >> Yeah, it's are we in the the time frame that you anticipate? >> It's typically 3 to four weeks. So last week we received comments. So they have reviewed our plan already. We received comments from last weeks. Um so right now we're making those
revisions and that be submitted back this week. >> So they're waiting on >> correct. Yeah. But we've only had the comments for a couple days. So, you know, we got right on it. We are we're making changes. I I spoke with the design team yesterday. They should be finishing probably tomorrow. Um, so as
soon as that's done, the plans will go back out to them and hopefully there we're going to ask them directly how long they need. So, so we know it's our guess. >> Is there a person we're dealing with over there? >> We have specific contact.
>> Is it normally expedited when you resubmit or not? >> Yes. Yeah. Maybe another three or four weeks. Yeah. So, shouldn't we be something in the range? Are we still on target? >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Right now, we're still, you know, as we have a question. >> Yeah. Just on the not on the fields, but the BCOS grant, the nature trail project, um, your conclusion is you filed 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 the contractor during this
calendar year, we're within that time. Um, so we should be complet. >> 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 but 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 both related to >> and so what's the maybe the VA but
what's the total sum of the money that we have to put in we the bureau. So the the grant award on the Bergen County open space was $85,01. That's a matching, right? 50% matching. >> So we're putting 85 on there. >> Well, technically, yes, if you want to
maximize, the project doesn't cost that much. The project was only,000. So essentially, you would be 40 and the other one is uh uh that one has a total volume of $50,000. So both of
those drags are not being filled in. >> So we're putting something else together. >> So we're putting in 25 on that one. You said 50, right? >> The second one, >> but it's the same project. The whole project cost is in the $80,000 range. The whole thing, right? The whole thing.
>> Okay. So that would 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.
Else okay for October we communication with a cancer walk uh in conjunction with the local respond. Thank you for coming. Well, very well for traffic control. The
respondents had 800 calls for service, uh 102 vehicle stops, 39 motor vehicle accidents, uh 15 important details. We responded to 19 parking complaints and another 19 details, 74 medical calls,
issued 41 reportings, issued nine sumances, had four adult arrests, and conducted 135 property security checks. Our detective bureau investigated 36 cases, 25 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 he's calmed down a bit. You're not
>> No, we uh to be completely honest, we never saw like a real spiking. Um we had we've had interactions most of them were selfgenerated calls that we received on u we haven't been getting many at all. >> Okay.
>> I have a question. >> Yeah. Travis you you referenced 49 accidents. >> Is there a particular intersection that you're seeing a great deal of activity when it comes to that? No. So out of those 39.
>> Yeah. So out of those 39 corrections with the only one with injuries, most of those accidents have better which is a positive. how many of our intersections that generate accidents always came from Washington Avenue there's always been
one um Post Avenue the ones that you would think would still continue but most of those accidents are you know I'm just curious what you say you know the investig all x%
that investigation doesn't stop you know don't just happen um is there what gets yeah so a lot of those are run over meaning so case investigations in October and 36 the closed case is 25
they close 25 in October Some of them may have been they came back to October of last year. It just happens to be that they closed them this October. Um they can those investigations can open and stay open. Thank you.
So from uh previous month's field of course field renovation completed with the contractor DPW will finish drainage piping exam back fill
more field began doing uh site preparation work to part of the contract destroyed the trees. The uh replanting project has
been held up until next spring roads leaf collection. New dog signs involved. They've been installed on all fields. Uh updated lighting lighting signs
where addition of the QR code scan the QR code will come off the current um wait time for the system to be reset. We'll feel sorry that question has been
solved. DVDW renovations are in progress out front. I'm sure I noticed the uh refreshing the planting bags. Very nice and the spring will start popping.
uh special the mechanic has started transitioning to snow plow uh maintenance and began with welding a brand new uh bed with one of
the bas just a reminder to all residents that large den is fixed and shrunk and not committed in the name of files. As per our poss increasing problem the past few years
or the driver has to pull the debris out at the dump and then bring it back to our yard to dispose but it continues maybe we should look into some alternative
collection. >> Have a question. >> Sure. >> I noticed the bleachers from Memorial were brought over to Beachwood. Are we is the intent to reuse them for Memorial or are we keeping them at Beachwood? And we are keeping them at Beachwood, where are they going to be placed? They're sort of like on the side right now.
>> Yes. Uh there's one that we have to get rid of. It's very unsafe. So that will be replaced by one of over there. Um, hoping at least we use a big one. The big ones over at Memorial,
I have a couple questions. >> Uh, with regards to clay, were you able to scrape any of that up and save it or >> more? >> Yes, the entire baseball field. I ran out of store trying to find places in
town story. Um I dropped the lo down in Emerson. to uh wood and up to what was it clay and I'm still going to have a soft to
figure out where we can >> they'll be able to use that >> right there a nail drag purchase you were able to use it >> yes was able to use it for >> you find that it it actually has
Yes, absolutely. >> So, it charms the >> Yeah, the material loosen it up just like the other one with the only difference that it basic clay off into the grass creating lip.
This one has a metal uh screen >> and it reduces the amount of cloud push offs on the engines to uh services. >> Okay. And and lastly, lighting is what
um what's the plan and maybe uh VA could uh add some 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, but but uh some of them you weren't able to get to and 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, um work with the 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 have wait until the new site are open which doesn't start till January. So once those are open share myself will move forward on applying for those grants to update the
lighting to more energy efficient >> right was there a cost like ever before as to how much a project like that would go to sulfur to LED so we can't just change the bolts from we have to change the entire fixture
>> yeah has to be changed it's in the range of million larger. Yeah. Okay. And to change the current bolts to same bolts, we have quotes from a vendor for $65,000. These bulbs are about to spend each,
>> but those are just the ones that don't work except for the the whole gallon of lights. It's just for the ones that work, >> right? But is that is that ever going to be realistic? A million dollars anytime soon? Even if we get imagining rent,
it's half a million dollars, >> right? >> Yeah. If you ask me right now, looking at the budget for next year and you see my report, it's it' be hard for next year. But then does it it makes sense to go for the 65,000. >> Then we have to find another way to get
uh maybe more a bucket truck or ladder or something that we can do ourselves >> cuz we have the balls. All we need is to have access to it. Maybe we find a way where we have a plywood or something on the on the grass
and drive uh the grass. >> Yeah, but I think the barrels need to be replaced as well. Some balls that includes changing. So maybe we just need it and uh have it as a capital project for the scene and change 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 amount, but when you um we'll have it on the budget as we do the budget discussion and
>> uh $65,000 just very crazy to change light,000. One question. 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 get when it's go time, right, they can never come back and say, "Hey, you guys didn't have this, this, and this." >> It's uh probably about 45% of the way there. Um
my manpower has been been an issue tomorrow off the road Thursday trying to get that complete projected start. >> So I guess you feel we're okay at this point.
>> Yeah. Thank you. Great. I think very um it's not familiar. We'll start tomorrow and work our way this way. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um the 50 plus club
will meet at Cornerstone tomorrow at 11:30. Um they changed the holiday lunch venue. Now it's scheduled for December 4th at Alpha's Restaurant at noon. Um they have a regular uh the regular senior lunch program. The lunch was held
today at St. John's. The next day is December 17th. Uh the access for all committee uh met. Um they decided their holiday dinner will be held at Domani at 6:15. On December 15th, they uh pulled
off a free fall arts and crafts workshop in pumpkin painting that was held on November 8th at the library. Um Ron Delo, the chairman of HAPA, met with parents of children who have physical and learning disabilities from Middlesdale Elementary Schools to
introduce them to HAPA. Um its goals and what they're working toward, primarily the Beachwood Park accessible playground um and invited them to attend the HAPA meetings in an effort to make Hillsdale a place where every child in a 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 Parkway ground 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 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 in memorial field. It'll be um,
something that 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 bur contact handling the matters Dan Ki and I I don't hear any complaints whatsoever. They seem to be very happy with with Dan 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. I can't recall the the reason why that hasn't occurred, but they just probably just lack ability to coordinate the schedules. Um they got an update from
Northwest Regional uh Health Corporation uh on a hoarding complaint made by a burough 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 Stony Brook from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30. It's open to all
residents. Um that's all the Yes. 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're always seem to be running
out of. Um, and they're also thinking um 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 >> too they are concerned with healthcare cost >> well as everyone else is correct well yes it impacts them just as it does every other you know they have employees
that don't very honestly that you know so that was a big conversation and I forget were you there >> or you were there but I I some yes well sometimes yes maybe sometimes you're there
>> I don't know >> but it's good because you remember something that could mention so thank you >> all right you're comfortable I will watch your floor. All right, let's start with ambulator. Uh there was a meeting
on the 21st of October. Uh 123 total emergency calls handled by Birmingham County dispatch. Hillsdale EMS answered 118 of the dispatches, so about 96% 66 answered calls by volunteers and 52
for by for DMs. They 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 Hillsdale 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 we still have two months left. So uh these guys are killing it. Um I'm going to move on to the board
event. There was a meeting on Monday, um November 10th, and let's see, we'll start with some school events. There was a home. There were collie parades at Metoberg and Anna 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 SP 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. Uh, this space approach has been keeping the project safe and organized. Um, as far as I'm so you have 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, Hillsdale Police Department was there and the district staff to review the safety and access. You'll see that on Hillsdale Avenue, the fence was moved slightly inward for
safety and accessibility. Um, on Liberty and Magnolia, the corner fence was adjusted on 11th to improve pedestrian access. And the Magnolia and Liberty fences will remain in place to separate to separate construction areas from public walkways. Um, >> so can people still can people now walk?
>> They can. It was pushed back. Yep. >> Temporarily. >> Yeah. >> And then at some point it's going to be pushed >> cuz I know that was a complaint. >> That was a complaint. Um, but yeah, >> I think the equipment is currently, >> right? And then it will all be pushed >> and then it's going to be issues.
>> We're going to have issues. 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, sorry, the interior designer that's
working with the Patterson department. We're hoping to review some design concepts for the community center tomorrow. They're excited. Um, and as um, I'm sure you also probably report, we'll need some pretty quickly in order to take advantage of that $75,000 grant that's available to us. Um, we're also
exploring the idea of 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 to 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 Hillale Dynasty featuring our local restaurants, their food, the atmosphere, the owners. You know, the idea and goal is really to collaborate with the developer as well to hopefully display this video in the
new building, maybe the lobby, common area. Um, also hand out some menus, just really just make this 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 into 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 talked about. It is very new. The initiative again will serve as welcome campaign for new residents um and also gain 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 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'll be one >> there'll be probably only one coming up
in 2026 for purposes of finance committee and the next one will be coming up 6 months after May. Maybe two actually next year. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Thank you.
>> Uh with regards to uh the recognition, uh basketball registration is now open. Um it's going to close on uh November 21st. Uh you can register for 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 and 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.
tomato. >> When is the eating part? >> It's going to be judged. >> 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 DPW started
clearing the field for the next phase of the project. Uh feedback for some I just want to talk about this for a little bit. Uh 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 with you and you guys have done the VW's been doing a great job maintaining it cuz I know that a lot of that has been falling on you, right Bar? >> 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 HPSA to do a project at Kora to add grass on the um on the uh val 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. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh starting with the fire department, October had 28 calls.
Year to 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 3:30 in the morning with mutual aid from surrounding agencies. Uh the residents were safely evacuated. However, several Hillsdale and Mutual 80 fire uh fighters sustained non-lifethreatening turns. Uh some minor injuries. They were all treated and
released the same day in 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, the equipment of the firehouse. To our knowledge, no fines or violations
are expected and a compliance report recommending additional training will probably be issued. Our business admin 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 the required third-party damage gear inspections within hours of the incident. Chief Farrell uh has initiated his own internal roos, 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 during when they were fighting that fire. Uh each cost about $5,000. We know we have two very generous donations which I'll talk about in a
second uh to cover two sets a year. The remaining four sets, $20,000, appear in tonight's agenda under resolution 25278 for approval. Uh the donations were made by BU 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 L 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 2 weeks or so. And on Beachwood 2.0, I think the only thing I'll add and and Mike can elaborate on this if you want to start his up a little more, but he's also
looking into potentially getting the New York and New Jersey trail conference um 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 have 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 administering that event. It was extremely successful. What's that? You have to check. >> Yeah. Yeah. I actually should have held this up. Mike actually showed this
recording. >> 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 a really nice gesture really.
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 increase the cost that we already had. If we did nothing we would be over 13%. >> Yeah. So this is just to work just just to cover the health issue. So we might 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 onone uh with myself uh with myself and the CFO uh to go over the first round and challenging every department uh their oping 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 the 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, you'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 uh 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 preparation for all the work. Now the work has started with the DP uh
EPW doing 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
destruction. So that's 5.8 million uh for the destruction. >> So you issue the debt. Yeah. Right. 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. have >> which would pass. Yeah, that's all that's all set to go. >> That's part of a larger. >> Yes. Consolidate the debt. >> Yeah. Yeah. The larger bond would be like somewhere around a 10 mill, right?
>> Yeah. That'suring because otherwise the bond is not economical bond. >> I do 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 about 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 spend about $44,000 on the pre-work doing the u 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 5.8 for construction, about half a million for engineering, and then the rest uh is donated. But as far as the volume goes, we're bonding 4.6 towards it. >> That's what we're doing. >> Plus the 1.2 that we had reserves towards the taxes that were increased
several years ago. >> And then the donation so that we're not going to actually have to add any. The 5.8 million is staking. >> Right. >> Right. So we uh we canled about half a million dollars of past uh capitals uh
from 21 2021 through through this year. The major ones of note just uh so you have an idea uh we cancelled uh from 2022 the 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 was 5,000 $10,000 $800. Um it all adds up to
522,000 that we gathered and moved into the reserve for future capital projects. Uh 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 the 198 balance account, >> in the there's a 400,000. We have 100 for maintenance still and 300 for beach, right?
>> And then there's a So there's 500 that we're taking every year that will we will continue to fund the death fun. >> Yeah. Well, that's also the that's also the debt service, right? >> Yeah. >> Well, I said it's the debt service plus
the om. Yeah, luckily the defeat 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 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 nobody use it would use the whole thing. >> Right. Quick question where is the
change orders? Maybe Nick, if you you want to chime in on this project this big, do you typically see change orders come through? >> Um, typically it really luckily I wouldn't say it's it's typical. 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 a recruit. So,
let's make sure that people that like to do 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 changing all kinds of stuff as we go. >> We made it very clear at the
construction call today that changes the stuff 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 wrong. Yeah. >> Right. And and with the rest of protections on time that that it's going to take to complete this project to the
burrow, will we uh include in the contract anything to protect us where this thing doesn't drift like >> Yeah. So there'll be number of days in the contract. 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, "Look, I
want bonuses for early." >> Uh so generally speaking, confirm with Nick and Mike, the thought was an honest, realistic number. Monitor closing is our best control. 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 look just hang around. >> Yeah. At the end of the day, it's in everybody's best interest to get the stuff, right? If the contractor finishes
quickly, that's less man hours, you know, it cost them less money. >> Yeah. They're floating the money. Everybody wants our contractors want to finish quickly if it's possible. Right. Um I'm also working with a mechanic. Any
before I go on any questions on >> Yeah, just to recap the total cost 6.221, >> right? Including including >> including is 622 u uh 6221. Yes.
>> Yeah. That that includes both construction and so costing the oversight and anything that was done prior to handing the spit over to the >> right the actual construction the material and the labor of the contractors is around 5.7
uh I'm working with a mechanic and a superintendent of the DPW to put together a package for mechanic shared services where Hillsdale 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 the
possible contract to be signed with the neighboring town that they are very serious to move forward with. Uh we began the process to switch to appbased 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 closed and all
that. Uh as council woman mentioned tomorrow we having a meeting with the interior interior designer who was provided to us for free at no cost by the developer. Okay. Same developer who donated to to the fire department.
>> Uh we're also working to bring in fiber optics. >> Quick quick question. The clearing center, we have until the end of the year to send out 75,000, right? >> Yeah. >> Yes. How do we extraate whatever we need for order before? Because we have like six or seven weeks in a couple weeks for
the holidays in there, right? >> We're talking about tables and chairs. Maybe if you can show us, it's it's a box. um we need some you know 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 that extension uh we'll probably file for an extension before the end of this month. >> But after that we have to put you actually have to put the order in to utilize the bonds. >> 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. You can spend 35,000 very quickly. >> Yeah. We put this right into the flag pole for $45,000. >> All right. You good?
>> All 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 u charging station. Uh we applied for the grants. We could do it ourselves. It's a matching fund. Uh but I'm also working with two companies. One called uh the green spot and one future EV inc.
Both companies are looking at the feasibility to bringing in power to the lot. Uh the challenge will be the size of the power that has to come. It has to be between 150 kow and 180. It's massive.
>> More than the lights. So they have to bring that simple, >> right? So the old charging station you brought it now chargers. >> Correct. What else? >> It's not as simple as just bring in
extension cord, >> right? >> And that's all I have to report. I can take any question if you like. >> What will the speed of the charging be? >> So this will be uh the high speed one. >> Half an hour 45 minutes. >> Okay.
>> 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 so >> 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 Supra 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 we save the same price. >> Yes. >> The price the trees the customer instead of the trees the trees went up went up three times since last year. sustained
flat is actually we are behind still and we are in a service we have we are here to provide this service we don't want to just you got cut and be able to provide then have to catch up in 202 >> 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 anyway by the time you consolidate everybody. The finance committee is meeting the week after. So if you see an ambulance outside after
that meeting Mike or you will know where the number is >> right >> 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 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 that the question by
the way. So >> we're trying to be in maybe like last year maybe even as less 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 been they're doing
phenomenal job coming through line by line. >> Yes. >> And challenging their own incentives. >> Yes. Thank you. Good. Okay, we're going to move on to ordinance ordinance. Uh for adoption ordinance 25 ordinance
of the borrow field of county, New Jersey authorizing various recreation acquisition scheme by and for the borrow appropriating there therefore thereof the sum of $500,000 and providing that such fund so appropriated shall be raised for the borrow capital
improvement fund. Can I get a motion? Motion >> second. Second. Is there discussion? Seeing none, we'll go. >> Council member Fox. Council member Mazach. Yes. Council President Oso. Yes. >> Council member Rugo.
>> Yes. >> Council member Tamu. >> Yes. >> Council member Fle. >> Yes. Um let's see. So >> open public. I'll open the meeting to the public. Does anybody have any comments on here?
I don't see anybody. Okay, we'll close it. Um, have a motion for adoption. >> Motion. >> Second. Second. >> Uh, council president Oso. >> Yes. >> Council member Rico.
>> Oh, yes. >> Council member, >> yes. >> Council member Klay. >> Yes. >> Council member Fox. Council member M. Yes. >> Okay. Now therefore adopted and Dr.
We move on to consent agenda resolutions 2526 through 25. Does anybody have anything they want to consent? See nothing. I have a motion. >> Motion >> second.
>> Second roll. >> Council member Ruko. >> Yes. >> Council member Trophy. >> Yes. Council member Kleti. >> Yes. >> Council member Fox. Council member Med. >> Yes. Council President Oz. >> Yes. Agenda has passed. It is time for a
comment. Comment that you are interested in that. Um we move on to commentary. I'm not going to comment this time of year. Um,
um, just two things. One, obviously, we're not going to see each other again as a committee council and not going to 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 with 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.
Just want to wish the residents of Hillary. >> Uh, wait. You're just Thank you. >> Um, okay. So, I just want to wish to same thing. I want to wish everybody a
happy Thanksgiving. Um, and nobody plugged the holiday lights. I mean, that's on December. It looks like it's December 3rd. >> I'm sorry. >> So, just, you know, I just want to say thank you for doing that because I know there's a lot of work for you guys, but
it's always a beautiful night for everybody. It's a great tradition. So, December 8th. >> I have it on here as a third. >> Does anyone know the website? It says >> Yeah. 88. >> Okay. >> This is a magical
>> remember gingerbread house competition. >> First point. You're going to eat them all. >> Uh yes. Um I just want to say happy Thanksgiving to everyone. It's my favorite holiday and um look 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. Um and that's it for me. >> Thank you. Uh I want to congratulate the
winning candidates and the election of Mr. Kan and Rud Rosa. Um personally I look forward to working uh with them in an honest, transparent and cooperative manner for the betterment of Hillstead. I think we all would share that uh that sentiment. I also want to take the
opportunity to acknowledge a productive conversation I recently had with Rob Stigluana who's the chairman of the Stone Food Commission regarding two resolutions that we passed tonight. uh one involved extending the concession stand contract at the pool and the other uh extending of the 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. I called Rob up. I shared I shared with him the thought that the bureau 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 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. 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. Well,
>> so we have So we have it here for the close as >> Okay. Um cuz we have nothing. I have nothing. We we will meet with the attorneys in a separate meeting. >> Yes. >> There's nothing to do,
>> right? Uh and yeah, and also just just so we know just for publicification. Um the numbers aren't certified on the yet. Um it's probably but what does that actually
they held up because it was a court case and so they're waiting until Friday they hope to have a resolution on what they're going to do with that and then all the outstand both and all the provisional ballots
will be open on that plan in this current at one time and then we should have an idea where we say large town there's another time I can think of where the difference between
>> and that is I'm sure that there are people that just start >> so you're accusing me of calling a premature election I say that I'm just going there
on election day education vote by mail ballots. The way that you fill it out, anybody out there, you get your ball, you fill it out, you put it inside, and then seal that in your envelope with your iron pack on it. Then you put it
into an algorithm and then you put that on either on either in the mail or your one of the boxes that we actually have one here in our parking lot. There were 300 ballots that were open that did not contain the vote. It had the ballot but
it didn't have the not in this 300 countywide countywide. So on election day there was a and of course we can't remember till 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 could vote provisionally 300 people that can vote provisionally. Now I assume and see between 3:00 when they did till 8:00 at night whether or not people were going
to get the votes. So, uh, I believe that the that the delay until Friday is to determine whether or not that was actually people could do that or whether or not there should be some other remedy. I don't know. I But they come to some decisions on the final disposition
of those. So, the people that weren't able to vote and were part of that 300, >> right? So, the max that I understand it's 300. Is that >> there's about half a dozen? >> Yeah. So I don't know that that's going to make difference unless I have
dramatic happens but there are still outstanding ballots that are coming which would have been today I think is the deadline. Well, the difference between candidate 2 and candidate 3 in Hilton was >> 38. >> Yeah. 38.
>> I feel confident in making my prediction now. >> It's a bridge two votes. >> So, uh but but mayor, was the board of elections tasked with contacting all 300?
I I don't know. I don't know. I think I think the court the board elections was not they were they gave information to the county to the county parties and then I guess the county parties were responsible for making phone calls for targeting municipalities
and said it's your job to go to Joe Smith and whoever um and and know that they're out there people may not even know that that was the disposition of their right now they had the
But they put the onus on the parties, not on the municipalities. >> That's right. >> And that's the missing envelope. >> That's what the >> This is why I'm not a big fan of vote by mail except circumstances. >> Did you ever vote by mail?
>> Uh when I was out of the When I was out of the country when I wasn't here. check in there. You say you didn't. >> No, that was the application. >> Okay. Okay. Um, see that is a motion to
>> motion. Second in favor. I