Heat. Heat. I am making this announcement and this meeting is being held in accordance with public law 1975 chapter 231. An adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a notice sent to the store ledger ledger local source and posted in the
main lobby of the municipal building and on the municipal website. Accordingly, the notice requirements of the open public meetings act have been satisfied in regards to this meeting. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance 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. >> Roll call. >> Mayor Carlo here. Councilman Bole >> here. >> Councilman Finestella
>> here. >> Councilwoman Gerardo Perno here. Councilman Waro >> here. >> Councilman Scurice >> here. >> And Councilman Piper is excused. >> Okay. I'd like a motion to approve the minutes of April 1st, 2026 and the executive session of April 1st, 2026.
>> Motion. >> Motion made by Councilman Finestrella, seconded by Councilman Bole. Roll call. >> Councilman Bole. Yes. >> Councilman Finestella. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Jer Perno. >> Yes. Councilman Mororrow, >> yes. >> Councilman Scuris, >> yes. >> Councilman Piper is excused. Motion
passes. >> Okay. Tonight, it is my pleasure to recognize a truly outstanding group of young athletes who have represented the Burrow of Kennaworth with pride, determination, and teamwork. We are here to honor the Kennaware 7th grade girls
travel basketball team on an incredible achievement being named the 2026 Jersey Basketball League league champions. This accomplishment reflects not only their talent on the court but also their discipline, sportsmanship, and
commitment to one another as a team. It is also a testament to the dedication of their coaches Dan Orlando and Vinnie Silva and the strong support of their families and our community. At this time, I would like to invite the girls, the team members to come up so I can
present certificates of excellence to you all. Very proud of you. as you can. Isabelle Juliana. Hope Cinderella and I know you guys have
an awesome job. Everybody look at me. Sorry. Congratulations. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Uh, finance report. Councilman Marorrow. >> Oh, thank you, Mayor. Uh, a few items to
recap from tonight's agenda. Uh, resolution number 26112 authorizes a move to a new health insurance plan, which is projected to save taxpayers approximately $300,000 this year. Resolution 26113 awards a contract for
this year's firework display, which will feature an extended show in celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary. Resolution 26115 awards a contract for water filling stations. This is going to be funded through the Union County Capital Program Grant. Resolution 26116
authorizes repairs to a traffic signal that was damaged in an auto accident. However, those costs will be reimbursed by the responsible insurance carrier. Uh, and in addition on the agenda, we have several ordinances tonight that relate to town finances. Ordinance 20268
establishes new fees for the fire inspections. 20269 updates fees for the recreational summer camp program and ordinance 202610 revises construction fee codes. And as a reminder, our next meeting on May 6 will
include the budget hearing and adoption of the 2026 municipal budget. This budget will be the lowest tax increase from our municipality in the last five years. So, we're anxious to get that voted on. And that's all for tonight, mayor. >> Thank you, council. >> Department of Public Works, Councilman Bole.
>> Thank you. >> Uh, DPW collected and disposed of 204 tons of municipal solid waste for a total cost of $16,850. Collected and disposed of 27 tons of coingled recyclables for a total cost of
$2,32. On Friday, April 17th, the GPW will have two bolt dumpsters available for free bolt drop off at the Kennorth GPW yard. And Friday, May 8th, will be the next bolt pickup date for homes in the
Tuesday, Friday sanitation routes west of South 20th Street and west of the schools. And as weather allows, they've been sending out crews to make pothole repairs. That's all I have. >> Thank you, Councilman Department of Public Safety. Councilman Finestrella.
>> Uh thank you, Mayor. Uh I gave the monthly report at the last meeting. There's not much to say except for the sad news uh that was recently transpired on Saturday evening at the Chick-fil-A. My uh deepest condolences go out to the
families, especially the one that departed. Um, on a lesser note, a good friend of mine that I know from Little League, uh, is a crossing guard, and I found out today that he was accidentally struck from behind and was doing well.
And, uh, I mean, weather is nice, really nice. Uh, we don't expect this kind of weather like this, but everybody's got to be, uh, you know, cognizance of their surroundings when they're driving. And, uh, you know, just pay attention.
That's all I'd say. >> Thank you, Councilman. Planning and zoning. Councilman Scarice. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, construction report for the month of 2026. Total receipts 166,243.
Breaking down. Building fees $123,483. Trust fees 32,280. We have 4280. Door opening fees 500. trailer storage fees 50300
s mediation um new applications 200 uh 214 north 15th street they're trying to make one family and two family their application deemed uh new documents are in our professional hands
cell tower placement uh 20 to 60 south 31st street at construction permit is issued Uh before we basically mer property, sharing property uh submitted major subdivision in four more lots.
This front half of the 30 acres in review our planner engineer and attorney decomp complete 415 Lafayette Gazebo back in complete plan board. Now that the uh weather is better, we're happy to see uh
more residents filing permits uh for zoning. March applications submitted 17 many for fences, new business and a couple home additions as of today in April. Um, four more applications for fences and additions.
Building construction permits. Uh, March application process 35. April applications processed as of 4:15 today. 12 applications. Code enforcement. March and April total. Seven complaints.
Majority of all are property maintenance violation. Four issued in April. So far, three have been issued and another three. That's all I have to report.
>> Thank you, Councilman. Recreation and fire. Councilman Piper's excused. I believe Council has his report. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh during the month of March, the fire department responded to 38 calls. Uh during these incidents, the fire department traveled 123 miles,
utilized 155 manh hours. Uh no rescue squad number reports at this time of this report. During the month of March, the fire department rescue squad completed 181 hours of training. Additional manhour utilized during the
month include the following. Administrative 259 hours, stipen 1,364 hours. Building maintenance 11 hours. Vehicle maintenance 12 hours. Rescue squad administrative 27 hours. Total
cost for the month were 38. Total miles traveled 123 and total manh hours 2009. And that's all I have. Mayor, >> thank you. Councilman Health, Education, and Welfare. Councilwoman Gardano Perno.
>> Thank you, Mayor. For the health department, my meeting is or their meeting is tomorrow night at 7 o'clock. So, I'll have a report at the next council meeting. However, I just wanted to let everybody know the anticipated food truck festival that was going to be
sponsored by the Rotary has been cancelled. Uh we couldn't get enough food truck truck vendors to participate, but um possibly look at something in the fall, but I wanted everyone to know that that has been cancelled. social
services. On Sunday, April 19th, there will be a pizza pulooa at the VFW. You could call there for details. Uh Tuesday the 21st, there's the next AmRev meeting at 7:00 at the senior center. Friday,
April 24th, there will be an Arbor Day tree planting ceremony at Rarely. for the library. Um, we have on the 18th, this Saturday, Wrestlemania celebration for children from 5 to 12 years old at
11:30. Please call for registration. Um, there's limited space. There's tween craft on Friday, May 8th for ages 10 to 16 from 3 to 4:00. Also, registration required. Thursday, April 30th, there
will be a familyfriendly, and I'm going to try to pronounce this, Taikosa Japanese Drum Festival program from 7 to 7:45 p.m. And of course, there are tons of events every day for from toddlers to
adults. So, please um go on the website, call the library. They're really rocking and rolling over there. for the board of education rarely welcomes print the new principal Vincent Kukaro who comes to us from Montgomery as the assistant
principal um very well-rounded already has been shadowing and and coming to events at the school to get acclimated so we're excited to have him join the faculty um at what I call our
Kennallorth campus um the tennis and pickle ball court renovation is underway. And I want everyone to know that is paid for by grant money. The senior voter registration day for all our seniors
will be Monday, May 4th from 10 to 100 p.m. And on Friday, April 24th, there's a middle school career fair. If anyone is interested in participating
and um sharing their occupation with the middle schoolers, fifth, sixth, and seventh grade or sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, um please reach out to Kim Bino. She's organizing it. I'm sure there is a spot or two left and the kids
will be really excited um to hear what's going on with different occupations and open up their ideas of what um avenues they could take. And uh tonight we have a wonderful guest, Superintendent Davies
will be speaking on the school budget and any other issues I'm sure during the public session. and I'm really excited that he took time out of his busy schedule to come and share everything that's going on at the board of ed. Um
so that'll be at the um open public meeting that that's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Burrow Engineer. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh just a couple of updates. Uh Monroe Avenue, uh they're
starting the concrete work uh supposedly this week. That usually means next week, but they're going to be starting the concrete work first. Uh, seeing how that goes, they'll probably wait after their schools out to actually do the repaving. Uh, cuz that's runs right in front of the school. So, it probably makes sense
to wait anyway. I think by the time they get done with the prep work, they're going to be close to the end of the school anyway. Um, respect to the walking path we talked about last meeting that runs from Roosevelt to the boulevard. Uh I did check with Ken and he verified that there was never any
money allocated towards that last year. Uh so the recommendation is to put that into this year's capital budget. Um if that's approved then we can we can put that out to bid this year. But um there was no money ever ever put towards that.
>> There was a disconnect there for sure. Do you have the specs and everything that we need for the electric for the boulevard, the conduit? Can you send that to me? because I've been speaking with PSCG and I'm going to send that to them so we can get this all taken care of.
>> Yeah, that was going to be my next thing. So, I've been talking to them and I think I kind of flushed out their concerns and I think we can remedy it. Uh, one they don't they said they don't want to put all the time into it because we don't without uh like a deposit or or
purchase order because they're afraid they're going to put time into it and it's going to be wasted. I said, "Look, we'll do the heavy lifting. Just give us the specs. We'll do the drawings. We'll lay it out. All we need them. >> Do we have the the layout of >> Well, we have the layout, but we need >> That's what I need. If you could send
that to me. Can you email that? What that to me? >> We did not lay out any of the conduit or electrical because that's what we don't know. >> Okay. >> Right. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And then secondly, they told me that, you know, this is again this is one of their concerns that if we u they agree to this and we lay it
out and they agree to it and then like 6 months from now, a year from now, we change our mind, we change the layout, um I said, well, if we do that, then that's on us, right? I mean, that's our problem, not their problem. We lay it out, they agree to it, we decide to
change it, then that's that's something we do. It's not on them. I don't even understand why we're having a conversation about changing it anyway. Is that >> they don't know? They're saying what if, right? I said it's there's nothing to change. We're putting in four polls in a block. >> I would like to send this to the person.
>> Yeah, I'll send you the layout. It's not a problem because I I'm getting more cooperation I think there. >> Yeah. But I had that conversation with them this morning. They were supposed to take that back to that to their whatever uh department. But um you know that was again I don't think those are really a
concern on their part. I think we could, you know, we could do the work, put together the drawings, and if the thing changes, it changes. I told it's not likely. It's not going to change. There's not much that can change. >> I just want to get what we need from them taken care of so we can move forward. Okay. >> Okay. Yeah, I can say that. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> That's all I have. >> Tony, do you do you have a date on when they're going to do the restriping of the parking lot behind the senior center? >> Not yet. We're just waiting for the weather like we're in the weather now to get better. So, we're going to have to set >> good for a couple of weeks, you know. Yeah. Well, it it's been going up and
down. We want to make sure it was going to be set. So, uh, we were planning on trying to do that within the next week or so. >> Tony, anybody investigate on who owns those monstrous potholes entering Acme where the train tracks are?
>> I I don't believe it's Burough. I think it's on. >> It's actually owned by Yeah. >> the railroad and the county is negotiating that takeover. But I don't know because there's
um you know obviously Acme or whoever built that center put that exit there. So I think they must be responsible for it. You know >> same same person who owns the car wash property, right? >> I think so. I think that's who needs to
fix it. They paved that exit, right? They put that exit in. >> Yeah. As far as we know, that's not Burough's property. We're not going to take responsibility for that. >> It's a really significant pothole. >> It is. >> While we're on that area, I don't know
if I missed something on a meeting, but Market Street was nice to drive on for like 3 weeks, you know, the whole thing up the tread, >> right? >> They went back in and did more. That was the gas company. >> Yeah. >> Um that >> didn't when public service
>> decided to repave it last year, uh gas company couldn't give us their schedule and it was pretty bad. I mean, it had to be done. So, we told public service, just pave it cuz we we we don't we didn't really know what gas the gas company was going to do. Of course, right after we paved it, they said they
got to run their mains down. They're going to redo they're just they're going to redo the whole thing again. Yeah. Curb to curb. it's going to be redone. Uh they knew that. I told them we weren't giving them permits, so we got that in writing, which they did. Uh cuz we don't they don't trust them anymore. Uh yeah. So they they'll have to repave with the whole thing. Curve to curve.
Yeah. I know it's annoying, but it it is what it is. >> I got a couple questions. Is there a list of the streets? People approach me like, "How come my street wasn't paved? It was on the list." I never seen this list. Is there a list somewhere? Yeah,
we kind of >> tell them where it is in here or >> Yeah, if you send me Send me Send Send me the uh the street. We kind of >> I'm thinking of North 12 Street. >> North 12 I think is one of the >> years. >> That might be one of the priorities.
I'll I'll let you know. We do have um we usually project out like 3 years or so. >> I mean just tell them look we we have a system roads are prioritized based on condition, volume of traffic, things like that. I mean, we have a limited money every year. We only pave
>> one, two, maybe three at the most per year. So, um, I'll let I can let you know where that was. >> If there was a list, like I said, you're >> Yeah, sure. >> Yeah, absolutely. I think that is one of the ones that we look at. >> Do you guys determine the list or you have to wait?
>> No, we we usually evaluate. We talk to DPW. Um input we get from the council on roads. Um residents calling and we just kind of keep a list. Um we look at them. We evaluate and we come up with the priority. But fortunately we're limited,
right? How many we can do? We can do a year. Um you know, we only get so much state aid. They only go so far. >> Uh the other question is water courses. Now having uh been summer and other people there's a water course which is
dry most of the time to the rain. They're really the body line. We'll say from 14th Street heading west all the way down all they all run towards the creek place on street obvious drugs. You've been there. What can we do in response? Can we you need something like
an ordinance or something to tell people that they blocked it? They got unlocked. I know the EPA says you can't block it. >> So you guys need some questions. I know you've been there and there's multiple and if people aren't aware of it I think we they need to know that hey you got a water course here we can't block it just
like hey I don't think they're aware of it that you see it as a low spot and they might want to just you know I know in my ass house too they brought in your shed out and >> yeah we've done that in the past we've sent notices certain areas that were a problem like Wilshshire years ago people
were dumping grass and everything in we sent a notice to all the residents along there just saying hey you can't be doing that um it's also a D violation. Um there are these water courses or swailes that um we've had problems with people
filling over the years. Uh people do do it. Some people do it unknowingly. Some people do it intentionally. There's a couple locations where people got multiple violations. They fix it 6 months a year later, a year later they do it again. And then you give them another violation, they fix it, they and
they do it again. So I I you know I don't with these repeated violations I don't know what you do about it. I mean you know it's I I don't have the ability to write summons. I don't have the enforcement power. It's got to be the enforcement officer that does it. But when there is one we I prefer it to the enforcement officer. But I don't like I
said I don't know what you do with the the the repeated offenders. Like what do you do? I mean that's I mean this will court issue. You maybe they got to up the penalties you know. Um you know I don't know if like a $200 fine is going to give somebody an incent you know an incentive not to do it again. Maybe if
you find them $2,000 instead of $200, maybe they'll think twice about doing it again. But, you know, that's not my not my department. I don't tell this court how to got to do their job. So, but it is a problem. I mean, it's a problem with people doing it. Some people do it
once, you tell them no, they don't do it again. There are people who do it repeatedly. Um, they just keep giving them a violation. Uh, but then they wait, they then they do it again and you give them another violation. Um there's probably a couple of locations which has gone on two three times. So um again
that's out of my area, you know, I know that's more on on the enforcement side, but again I don't I don't I don't know what you do with these repeated offenders. >> Is it better um say pipe it? They had ice and they covered it. That would suffice. It's just I think it's best
just to leave it kind of open. >> No, you can't you can't pipe it because these are like low spots usually sit between the properties. The water has to flow naturally into it. If you put a pipe, then it just blocks it. So, these have to stay clear because there just it's a it's a natural water, but our
ordinance specifically says you cannot grade your property that blocks the flow of water. So, it's it's a it's a clear violation of the ordinance if you block a water course. >> Um whether it's a regulated, not regulated, you you it's the ordinance says you cannot create your property in
a way that would block a water course. It's a clear violation. It's not that's not even an issue whether it's a violation or not. All >> right. So, I guess we'll have to some more teeth especially. I didn't realize there's repeated matters. >> There were some. Yeah. I mean, there you know, we have run across that where people have done it done it repeatedly.
Um just like I'm sure there's still people dumping grass over on you know um Brasser and Sherwood. You know, you a lot of it I think stopped but uh sure not everybody did it. But but um letters can be done. I mean, we can do that. Send them the long anywhere there's a
water course, we can send it to the residents and just inform them that this is not allowed. It's a violation of the ordinance and it's just uh you know, it's a bad idea. >> Um I was just Anthony remember cuz one
flash was five bathrooms, >> right? That's one of the repeated offenses. >> I I Yeah, at least twice that I know. >> So you don't know the status. I know we got a fine probably got fined. >> I don't know what the fine was, but
yeah, I'm sure I'm sure he got pulled into municipal court. So, >> yeah, as far as I know. I don't I don't know what the outcome was. >> It sounds like >> I mean might be deter could be notified,
right? >> Some of them I think >> some of them aren't regulated. So, some of whom D doesn't have jurisdiction. Um, some of them you do, some of them they're not in the D jurisdiction. They're not going to respond. It is not, they don't have jurisdiction over
>> at D, Department of Environmental Protection. Yeah. It's with the state. It's a state level. Yeah. Um, right. If it's a regulated course, D would get involved. If it's not, then it's got to be done on a local level. >> All right. No problem. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you, Barl CFO. Thank you, mayor. Um, as uh Finance Chair Mororrow mentioned, we have the public hearing on the budget next next meeting, which is May 6th. Uh, and we will be uh starting to move on capital.
We're waiting for a couple of grant awards. So hopefully in two weeks we might know some of those numbers and revisit with the departments and meet with the committee to talk about setting up some times. And uh just uh on a personal note next week if you need me
going to have a very sporadic schedule. So best way to contact me next week would be by text message if you don't mind please. And that's all I have. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh quick question for you. Uh Superintendent Davis is going to be here to talk about the school budget. Any word on the county and what?
>> No, the county will not announce anything. >> Yeah. >> Until after they adopt their budget. It's a policy they've had >> and I even have the administrator working in Rosel Park and I still can't get to know. So, >> yeah. Uh, are they also uh early May that they have to release?
>> I believe they're going to be adopting their first meeting in May. Okay. >> So, all right. We'll wait. Soon as I hear, I'll let you know. >> All right. Well, we don't adopt till May 6, so maybe they'll do it before us. >> Thanks, Kevin. Okay, burrow attorney. >> Thank you, mayor.
I guess just a few things to to update on. Uh I had indicated at the last meeting that I was going to be prepared for an RB ordinance update tonight. I unfortunately am not. I will be for the
next meeting. Um, I have a couple of items I think that I can discuss uh in open session uh provided that I'm not asking any pointed questions. Uh, just to kind of give you an update. Um, the
property that was adjacent to Burough Hall uh did go for sheriff sale. We tried feverishly to try to find a contact person that we could talk to before it went to sheriff.
>> We couldn't apparently there were no living heirs. Uh we even hired an investigator. Uh we turned up like but with property was acquired by an individual that is interested in potentially selling it. uh we have
retained the services of an appraiser uh who was in a process of going out and uh appraising the property. As you know, under the public buildings and land law, we can't pay more than fair market value and obviously that's going to be the
benchmark. Um so, uh we're in the process of proceeding in that regard. Um, we did have a number of surplus properties that the burough was interested in getting rid of at the end of coolage. Uh, we do have we have
gotten to contact people. Uh, Tony's office helped us. Uh, the letters are prepared. I'm reading them tomorrow and sending them out uh to see who's interested in acquiring it and then we'll put into motion the process. As I
had indicated to you earlier, uh the cost uh it is cost that uh cranford the joining. >> Yeah. >> I'm not sure why doing those complete. >> Uh the cranford board of ed uh has uh
the joining property because these are at the burough limits. >> Uh if they're interested in acquiring the property, we don't have to go through the whole rigomearrow that we did previously. uh if they're not interested and the private property owners are interested then we have to go
through a public uh bidding process. Um there is uh one tax foreclosure that we are in the process of filing the complaint this week. Um I had sent out a letter to the little league regarding the parking of vehicles
and easement. >> Uh it was received. They've already corrected the parking issue. Uh but there does seem to be a dumpster still within the easement area. So we're waiting for them to give us clarity. We haven't been contacted from them yet.
And uh if you recall, Greg had spoken to us a couple months ago about uh an adjacent property owner encroaching a property uh that is used by the D. The letter went out to them. Not
>> DPW. You mean DPW? >> DPW. >> What did I say? >> D. >> I I knew what you meant, but I want to make sure. >> Uh said the DPW. So, that letter went out. We're waiting for their receipt. >> Okay. >> Uh, so those are uh items that we've
made some progress on and I will have something for you on the RV or this next one. >> Thank you. >> The one next to the church on the street. We'll be looking at that one, too. >> The Yeah, the property next to um we have the I I'll get you the address.
>> There's a there's a there's it's a burrowowned piece of property. The church doesn't want it. It would be nice to um >> Is this the full lot that's on 10th Street? >> No, it's on eight. It would be It's a great location for a community garden.
>> Community garden there. >> Okay. >> What is it that you're thinking about doing? >> Community garden. >> I think this came to the finance committee. We wanted to sell the property to make money and offset taxes. Um so, we should talk about that. I mean, if that's what you want to do, um,
you know, I'm not opposed to that, but it's it's really just sitting there. So, >> it's not a buildable lot. >> It's not a buildable piece of property. >> We've had other properties in town built on similar size lots like on Quinton. So, that's why it will be desirable to
sell it so we can offset some tax increases. >> All right, I'm okay with that. Yeah, we should talk. I mean cuz there seem to be options for >> there was one conforming lot which we were asked to look at and that was uh something that I was getting an update
tomorrow. I thought it was like 208 10th Street or 210 8th Street. Just let me know what the property is about. It is a street. So it might >> I can I I'll look it up by >> you. You want to proceed with
pursuing a sale. >> Well, I think the finance committee did, but if the whole council has to vote on that, we should read. >> Let's try and sell it. If you can't, then it's real hard. >> Yeah. Someone wants to give us >> Yeah. I think after the small house went up on Quinton that was on a smaller lot than normal,
>> it was like, okay, this is possible. Is it really? I thought it was really smaller than that. >> There's no depth or Yeah, but there's depth there. So, this one there's no depth or width. >> I don't remember specifics. >> I don't know. We'd have to find out.
>> Yeah, that was think what it was a comparable size to that of the lot. >> Yeah, it's pretty thin. It's like 40 instead of 30 foot. >> Well, listen, if it could be sold, >> someone had approached me. >> I don't guarantee they'll depend on the
woman there. interest. >> Like I said, >> other people are following the various for taxpayers to try to sell some of these other small generate revenue. >> I'll talk to Laura about that and take the next
>> do something then our conscience is clear that we tried. >> Okay, >> fair enough. >> And that that's my report. >> Okay. Thank you, uh, Burough Administrator. >> Thank you, mayor. The safety committee
met on April 9th. The safety committee, uh, reviewed the first quarter claims, identifying trends and injuries and vehicle incidences. Uh, departments provided safety updates, including required and recommended training initiatives, and began coordinating planning for the street fair with a focus on traffic control, emergency
access, and overall event safety. Also, the burrow was recognized with the GIF safety incentive program bronze award. We should be receiving a check from them. Ken Uh, let's see. The bureau submitted a 300,000 New Jersey DCA LEAP grant application to fund the purchase of a
new sewer truck for the DPW. This investment would reduce reliance on outside contractors, improve response times, and lower long-term operating costs. The equipment will enhance infrastructure maintenance and operational efficiency. Next up, I have uh an award announcement. The burrow has been
awarded 65,700 through the New Jersey DCA local recreation improvement grant. This project includes ADA accessible playground upgrades, safety surfacing, shade structures, and various other improvements.
Currently, the bureau is transitioning from state health benefits and we're going to be hosting twoformational sessions for employees and retirees regarding the health benefits transition. sessions will be offered both in person and virtually to maximize accessibility and participation.
Uh the New Jersey financial disclosure statements are due. Uh the process you have to have your financial disclosures filed before the end of the month. So if you haven't done it, please do it. Truck and traffic enforcement initiative. So we had some traffic concerns on residential streets that
were reviewed in coordination with the police chief following recent complaints. A targeted outreach letter was issued to affected businesses reminding them of truck route restrictions and advising of enforcement. Um, a field review was conducted with the superintendent. Additional signage will be installed to
supplement existing controls. This proactive approach is intended to reduce violations while supporting ongoing enforcement efforts. And one final thing, I will be out on vacation next week, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to recognize administrative professionals day and
express my sincere appreciation to our burough staff. Their work is the backbone of our daily operations, keeping everything organized, responsive, and running smoothly, often behind the scenes, and always with professionalism and care. Thank you for your dedication, your patience, and the pride you take in serving the community.
It does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated. >> Thank you. That's all I have, Mayor. Okay. I'd like to take a moment to recognize uh National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. This is a time when communities across the country pause to honor the brave men and women
of the fire service who made make made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are especially mindful of the dedication and courage it takes to serve in this role. We are grateful for the members of our own Kennallorth Volunteer Fire Department who continue that
tradition of service every single day. So I'd like to read a proclamation. National Fallen Fire Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend May 2nd to the 3rd 2026. Whereas the United States honors the
service and sacrifice of firefighters during the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend uh in Maryland at the National Fallen Fallen Firefighters Memorial. This national observance organized by the
National Fallen Fire Fallen Firefighters Foundation brings together families, fellow firefighters and communities from across the country to honor those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and to recognize their courage, dedication, and
selfless service. The memorial weekend serves not as only at a time as a time of remembrance, including the National Full Fighters Candlelight Service and Memorial Service, but also as a moment for our nation to reflect on the inherent risks firefighters face each
day in pro protecting lives, property, and the safety of their communities. Here in the bureau of Kennaworth, we are especially proud to recognize and express our deep gratit gratification gratitude, sorry, for the members of the Kennallorth Volunteer Fire Department
whose commitment to service exemplifies the very best of public safety. These individuals willingly give of their time, respond without hesitation in moments of emergency, and place the well-being of others above their own. The members of the Kennaworth Volunteer
Fire Department not only respond to fires and emergencies, but also serve as trusted members of the community, educating residents, supporting the public events, and standing ready at all times to protect the burrow with professionalism, courage, and compassion. It is both fitting and
necessary that we pause to honor those firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty while al also recognizing and thanks thanking those who continue to serve with dedication and bravery. Now therefore, it be it proclaimed that I, the mayor of the bureau of Kennorth, County of Union,
state of New Jersey, do hereby recognize May 2nd to the 3rd, 2026 as National Fallen Fighters Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in the Burrow of Kennaworth. We have plain that all residents are encouraged to join in remembering the fallen supporting their
families and recognizing the service and sacrifice of firefighters both locally and across the nation. I here unto set my hand and cause the seal of the burrow of Kennorth on this 15th day of April, 2026. just everyone.
>> Oh, sure. >> All right, guys. Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. This evening I also have a proclamation recognizing autism acceptance month here in the bureau of Kennaware. Throughout the month of April, Burrow Hall has been illuminated
in blue as a visible show of support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. This recognition reflects our community's ongoing commitment to inclusion, understanding, and ensuring that all residents feel seen, valued, and supported.
Bear of Kennaworth proudly recognizes April as autism acceptance month, a time to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for all individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Autism and is is an essential part of the diversity of the human experience.
Individuals on the autism spectrum enrich our community as students, professionals, artists, neighbors, and friends who deserve to be seen, valued, and respected for who they are. For many families, true acceptance is reflected not only through words, but through
visible actions that demonstrate community support. Public displays of awareness can serve as meaningful reminders that individuals with autism and their families are welcomed, supported, and included. The bureau recognizes the important advocacy and
outreach work of whole spectrum autism, whose mission centers on spreading understanding, fostering inclusion, and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. and for those who love and care for them. Kennorth is proud of its continued commitment to accessibility,
community engagement, and inclusive public spaces and recognizes autism acceptance month as a reflection of these shared values. I therefore, Mayor Linda Carloage, on behalf of the Burough Council and the residents of the Bureau of Kennorth, do
hereby proclaim April 2026 as autism acceptance month and the bureau of Kennaworth and encourage all residents to join in promoting acceptance, understanding, and respect this month throughout the year. In recognition recognition of autism acceptance month,
burrow hole will be illuminated in a in blue as a visible symbol of unity, awareness, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. In witness whereof, I, Mayor Linda Carloich, have here unto sign my name officially and cause the seal of
the burrow of Kennaworth to be affixed this 15th day of April. I believe we have Sherry here from whole spectrum. I'd like to present the seal. Thank you very much. Mayor.
>> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Thanks, Next for council consideration is the consent agenda consisting of resolutions 26-11 through 26-116. >> Sir, a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> Motion second.
>> Motion made by Councilwoman Gardano Pacero, second by Councilman Bole. Roll call. >> Councilman Bole. Councilman Finistella, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Gerard Down Personno, >> yes. >> Councilman Mororrow, >> yes. >> Councilman Scuris, >> yes. >> Councilman Piper is excused. Motion passes.
>> Next, we have public hearing for ordinance 20268, an ordinance of the Bureau of Kennorth, County of Union, State of New Jersey, amending chapter 94-7 of the Burough Code entitled residential inspection fees to be entitled inspection fees and establishing commercial fire inspection fees the municipal code of the bureau of
kennelware. This ordinance updates the Bureau of Kennar's fire inspection fee structure by combining residential and commercial inspection inspection fees into one section of Burough code. It establishes a detailed fee schedule for both residential
and commercial properties and requires commercial fire inspections be before issuing a certificate of occupancy or approving tenant changes. Is there a motion to open the floor for public comment on this ordinance? >> Motion. >> Second. Motion made by Councilman Scarice, seconded by Councilwoman
Gardano Piserno. All in favor? >> I. >> Does anyone have anything to say on this ordinance and this ordinance only, please come forward and state your name and address? Okay, seeing no one, is there a motion to close the floor for public comment on this ordinance?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Councilman Scarice, seconded by Councilwoman Gardano Facero. All in favor? >> I. >> Is there a motion to approve this ordinance for adoption? Motion second. >> Motion made by Councilman Morrow. Seconded by Councilman Finestella. Roll
call. >> Councilman Bole. Yes. >> Councilman Finestella. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Gerard Downo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Warro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Scesice. >> Yes. >> Councilman Piper is excused. Motion passes. >> Next up is public hearing and adoption for 2026-09. An ordinance amending
chapter 91 fees and licenses article 3 recreation program section six fees for participation in programs of the municipal code of the burough of Kennorth. The purpose, sorry, did it again. Sorry. The purpose of this ordinance is to amend
the fee schedule in chapter 91, article 3, recreation programs. Specifically, it updates the part participation fees for the burough summer camp program. Is there a motion to open the floor for public comment on this ordinance only? >> Motion second.
>> Motion made by Councilman Morrow, seconded by Councilman Scurice. All in favor? Hi. >> Does anyone have anything to say on this ordinance and this ordinance only? Please come forward. State your name and address. Okay, seeing no one, is there a motion to close the floor for public
comment on this ordinance only? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Councilman Fen Estrella, seconded by Councilwoman Gardano Pasarno. All in favor? >> I. >> Is there a motion to approve this ordinance for adoption? >> Motion second. >> Motion made by Councilman Morrow,
seconded by Councilman Finn Estrella. Roll call. Councilman Bole. >> Councilman Finistella. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Jana Perno. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mororrow. >> Yes. >> Councilman Scurice. >> Yes. >> Councilman Piper is excused. Motion passes. Next up for public hearing and
adoption is ordinance 2026-11 ordinance amending and supplementing chapter 91 fees and licenses article one fees generally section 1.3 uniform construction code fees of the municipal code of the burough of Kennorth. The purpose of this ordinance 2026-11
is to update and update and amend the uniform construction code fee schedule contained to chapter 91. Is there a motion to open the floor for public comment on this ordinance? >> Motion. >> Motion made by Councilman Scare, seconded by Councilman Bole. All in favor?
>> I. >> Does anyone have anything to say on this ordinance? Please step forward and state your name and address. Okay, seeing no one, I'd like a motion to close the floor for public comment on this ordinance. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Councilwoman Grodano
Perno, seconded by Councilman Venestro. All in favor? >> I. >> Is there a motion to approve this ordinance for adoption? >> Motion. Second. >> Motion made by Councilwoman Gardano Perno. Seconded by Councilman Morrow. Roll call. >> Councilman Bole. Yes. >> Councilman Finestrella. Yes.
>> Councilwoman Gardano Perno. Yes. >> Councilman Morrow. >> Yes. >> Councilman Scarice. >> Yes. Councilman Piper is excused. Motion passes. Next up for introduction is Ordinance 2026-12 amending chapter 190 vehicles and traffic article 3 operation of vehicles and schedule 7 and schedule
8 relating to truck restrictions and municipal vehicle exemp exemptions to the municipal code of the bureau of count. This ordinance updates count traffic code to clarify truck restrictions and formally exempt municipal vehicles such as public works and emergency vehicles from performing
official duties. It also strengthens rules on truck routes, signage requirements, and enforcement to ensure consistency with state law. Is there a motion to approve ordinance 2026-12 on introduction? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Councilman Scarice,
seconded by Councilman Morrow. Roll call. >> Councilman Bole. Councilman Finistella. >> Yes. >> Councilman Jeran Perno. >> Yes. >> Councilman Morrow. >> Yes. >> Councilman Scurice. >> Yes. >> Councilman Piper is excused. The ordin ordinance 2026-12 will be scheduled for public hearing and
adoption at the May 15, 2026 council meeting at 6 pm. >> Okay. At this time, I'd like a motion to open the floor to the public. >> Motion second. >> Motion made by Councilwoman Gioano Perno, seconded by Councilman Scarice. All in favor? >> Does anyone have anything to say for the
good and well-being of Kennaworth? Please come forward and state your name and address. Joe Losen also 10 Penrook Drive. I'm here to reiterate the previous comments made about Five Epic Drive.
It happens to be my neighborhood to my backyard. About 3 years ago, maybe three and a half years ago, they moved in and right away did some improvements in the backyard and filled in what I call the Eastwood. We've been getting
ridiculous amounts of flood water ever since they've filled in that east and we've complained. It was an uh was a violation notice sent to them but again I guess
he's a chronic offender and I'm I'm talking about like 8 in 10 inches of water in my back. Ridiculous. >> My shed is gone. It's sunk. It's water
damaged. The contents in my shed have been affected. My yard looks like, you know, that portion of the backyard looks terrible where it used to be, you know, nice grass. I've complained about it. I've spoken to a couple of uh couple of
you guys. I know I spoke to I believe you on the phone mayor >> and I actually had uh Tony out to my side to my house. He had >> numerous conversations with >> the burrow uh building inspector, the previous
construction official and um problem never got solved. This is going on three and a half years. My major concern right now is the house is for sale. Five Epic Drive is for sale. I don't think that the the people that lived in
the house were the owners. They're the ones that caused this issue, but the owner of the house, I don't know if they're aware of this situation. But when this house gets sold, am I then to start complaining about the people that bought this house,
saying, "Hey, you're, you know, my yard is flooding because of what you've done in your, you know, what the previous owners have done in your backyard." >> Yeah. >> What protects me? >> Yeah. I think the problem and well one of the problems that contribute to this is that there's a lot of property cuz
I've looked at this on Google Earth like not just these people but there's a lot of people that have infringed on this where this water easement is supposed to go >> 100%. >> So honestly you you'll have to wait and you'll have to come up. Okay.
>> But I'm there 30 I don't think 35 or 36 years. Never once, not once did we ever get any water until they did get. >> All right. So, we'll have to send code enforcement out again. >> They do. They filled it in. >> The backyard is separated by
>> by whatever you want to call it. >> He took over that portion as his yard. He filled it in with dirt. He put a pool in. >> Yeah. >> Um put a shed up. Well, you know, he's got numerous infractions back there. I see. >> I don't care about any of the
infractions. I just don't want my yard to fall. >> Yeah, I know about the infractions. I didn't know about your yard. >> Listen, every time it's about to rain, every time the rain is in forecast, the anxiety is like it's ridiculous. >> Yeah. I mean, he even looks like there's
a shed on here. There's concrete. >> It's a concrete shed. >> Yeah. >> It's a pool. And even even more so, he raised the backyard property >> at least 8 in. And >> and if you go down two houses on your
side of the street and the other, they have the same thing. Concrete right up to the property line or right over into where this wall swell would be. They have pools there. There's there's a lot there's a there's actually here's another one. I'm counting
>> three one two four properties that have the exact same on your block the exact same problem. So, it's like all contributes. I know it happened when this, but everyone that infringes on that creates a flooding problem.
>> As long as my problem gets fixed, I'm happy. Um, again, my biggest concern is the house is for sale right now. >> What What protection do I have now? >> Right. I understand exactly what you're saying. It looks like somebody else has put a pool in as well. Or is that covered? >> There's four right there.
>> One, two, three. >> I count five. tone >> have to go through insp >> there looks like right here that looks like someone was actually building another one compel someone say to break this up to restore these we hear from
Tony I I don't know is this a reported e >> so there's there's this kind of we talking about for a while with these ements there's an ement that shows what we're talking about going back to like 193 or That's not the
>> Yeah, it doesn't say what it just says drainage ement. Um evidence was given to the borrow. It could have just been for the neighbors to respect that drainage. So, um they know hopefully knowing not to approach
it. Um but we didn't see any dedication to the bar to anybody. It just shows up on the bottom left. Once it's on the bottom left, it's there. was supposed to but irrespective of the easement ordinance specific specifically says you
can't water your car >> I mean it looks like I don't see how anyone purchased these per got permits for all this building >> there are we did look at all the other encroachments there are other encroachments as you go down >> I don't think any of them are causing a problem even though yeah technically
there are encroachments but we haven't had any complaints downstream of this property so everything that's going on seems to be working and whatever goes is going on downstream of their property doesn't affect them. What's affecting them specifically is the person right behind
>> because he blocked it. So everything runs to the center right to the property. >> So I So I have two questions about the first is through aerial photographs we determine when the blockage occurred. >> It was when he put the pool. So he applied >> and how long was that? >> Three years. Three years.
>> Three years. Three years. >> Okay. and and and he got a permit from the town to permit going >> permit but the pool not to fill. Okay. So the pool was supposed to leave the pool set back the pool itself is almost approaching. He filled it with gravel.
So he brought this gravel around his pool. When he did that he filled it in and blocked it. >> Yeah. I can see it. >> He did take it out the first time. He take it out once the first time but he said he tried to put a French drain or something which did not work. Yeah, I
listen, I tried to be a good neighbor. I knocked on his door. I asked him respectfully, hey, you know, you can't do this. You're you're flooding my yard and it didn't go well. Um, so then that's what prompted me to come and and make the town aware of the situation.
So, did we do a notice of violation and endure it? >> I think we need to give another violation. >> Is this an above ground pool? Yeah. So it can come down. >> What's that? >> It's an above ground pool, so it can come down.
>> It's not the pool itself. >> No, I'm saying and then to be able to remediate what was done. >> He can remediate it without taking. It's just a matter of taking out the the gravel. He has a fence. He put his fence in. >> He just is annoying. I mean, it can be
done. The fool doesn't have to move. the shed. There's a shed right on the shed block. It's all the film. There are a lot of approaches up and down. None of them are causing a problem like they're there. They probably been
there all the time. Um we never had a complaint about any of those other properties. This is the one that's causing the problem. when he excavated for the pool and for the shed, he took all that dirt and put it in the swell and put it in the swell
and also raised his property. So, mayor, I think that we ought to have our uh Anthony go out and issue a notice of violation if it's appropriate, >> right? >> That's the >> I'll reach out to >> that's that's what our authorities
>> It's happened already, right? It's going to have to happen again. >> Dig it out. we can find them for not. Um, and as much as you may not like the next suggestion, uh, I can tell you that you have a right as a private property owner to sue your
neighbor if he takes action that directs water onto your property. Um, and if it's damaging the contents of your shed and your shed and ruining your lawn, uh, I I think that you could take that step and you could seek injunctive relief to
get the court to compel to remove it. uh and uh I don't know if I were in your shoes that I would be waiting for the municipal court process to give you the remedy particularly since you know the
property is under threat of being sold. uh just from a generic legal strategic standpoint, they would have to acknowledge and and reveal to anybody that was buying the property that they were being sued,
>> right, >> for a condition on the property. And if they want to sell the property, they're going to do what's necessary to resolve that litigation. So, it may cost you a few bucks, but it's probably the more quick way for you to get some type of
new leation property. So, somebody bought a property to find that violation. >> It depends on the real estate attorney, right? Some real estate attorneys don't do an open demand to find out pending notice is a violation and you know,
they're not >> asking for a representation from the property owner to that extent. But I, you know, I, if I were in your shoes, I would be trying to do a shotgun approach. And >> yeah, listen, I I've been patient.
I've been keeping her as calm as I possibly can. And with the house going up for sale, it's just right away. I'm like, wait a second. I can't I can't give this guy any more time because you're running out of the I don't want to go after them. It's
not there, you know. But, uh, I don't I don't care about the other violations. I just care about >> I understand. I'm going to reach out to our zoning officer tomorrow morning and ask him to send him notice of violation.
>> I'll call my lawyer in the morning. >> Yeah, I I think that's >> Anthony just either we need uh raise. I'm not sure what the fine is, but obviously it's not enough to help people to do the right
thing. So maybe we need an ordinance to especially if it's been repeated if you got a violation is that within our jurisdiction authority to I would happy to give me a call so I can take a look at what the ordinance is
that we're talking about and see how the penalties go. Usually a penalty like that should be assessed on a daily basis. >> Right. >> Right. So, >> right, >> theoretically that that could be enough. Um,
but I think that you're best to relieve what we've done in this area. >> But maybe Paul who's knows a little bit about realy when you when you sell a house, you have to have a house inspection. Would this fail inspection or no? >> House inspection is based on the house.
You don't have to have one, but that will come back to a survey. Now, if the survey comes out and there's something already pre-existing, we'll see a pre-existing survey. The problem here also is that they can do when you guys apply for a CL. In order
for me to get a CL, they just changed it. In order to get a CL, you have to close out all your openness. Now, it's a possibility maybe you can put an asterisk by that specific model. said they can't get a CL until they rectify this problem. That's I don't know if we can do that. That'd be something that
would have to be followed up uh from you guys. I think that would be the best case scenario protect him from this hospital being sold. >> We don't we don't have certificate of occupancy >> for fire >> for that's for uh rental properties not
for >> right that's the certificate of occupancy for the fire is for rental properties not for private sale for sale as well. So, >> okay. Has that changed then? Right. Did that change? >> It's always been the rental property is fairly new. >> Okay.
>> The the sale perhaps has been >> Okay. Long time. >> Okay. >> So, I don't know if it's possible. >> I think it was when I bought my house. >> Zoning can work with fire prevention and keep that CO from going out if there's a
problem. We have to be very careful on something like that. I mean that you're affecting title of property without adjudication. I don't know. >> There's a way to do something but violations know about
>> and and and pursue it. I mean take it through court have the fine imposed. >> You already been to court. >> Well, but we don't know what happened in court. >> No, Anthony didn't know. Supposed to get back to >> Right. So let's look at that and we'll
ask you know if it was like why we have to look at it and make sure obviously we need to make sure it's a proper issue of those violations. I'll be happy to talk to Anthony about try to figure that out. >> Yeah, but it shouldn't be like that. I know there's definitely like every day in violation is another fine.
>> We'll take a look. >> We don't have that. We should >> Okay. Thank you. >> What was the address, sir? Five Eping Drive. >> E P I N G. It's >> close to
>> Carl. Hi, my name is Alice. No, 10 Penrook Drive. I just want to go on record saying that um this problem had began in May of 2023. I sent the town video
footage of all of this flooding. Not just one, maybe four. So you guys have all the information. >> Did you send it to? >> I sent it to Wanda. >> To who? >> Wanda Galdi building. >> Building department. >> Send it to
>> Well, I sent it to her. They told me she would send it to Co. I've emailed her since then. I have every email and every video that I sent to her. >> I followed up because nothing ever got done. I never heard from anyone. I didn't actually reach out to Anthony
myself. I spoke to him about this assured me that things would be better if I spoke to the neighbor, did that nothing happened. Fast forward to February, I believe, of 2024 where I finally said, "I think I've been patient enough. What is happening?" And
then they received a violation, which I had to get an OSHA form. Is that what it's called? OSHA form. >> So, get a copy of it. Oprah called Oprah for got an Oprah form, came to town hall, got a copy of it. So, they did receive a violation notice in February
of 2024. Finally, um the violations were clearly listed there. Whether they I can tell you right now, they didn't fix anything. The notice came. I don't know what happened after that. I don't I don't see anybody
paying a fine since 24 to now. And the problem didn't get fixed. It only got worse. The neighbor directly next to me, who's been there since the original owner, they've been there since 1950, whatever. Their yard clearly, and I
showed this to Anthony, and you could see where the easement, swale, whatever way you want to call it, is clearly not impeded at all. Not even this fence. And the neighbor behind them also respected the easement and did not put their fence
in it. And there's a nice waterway. My neighbor, not my house, my house, respect the waterway. They never repeated on it. They came in, filled it in, and that's when I started playing. It has nothing. And I want to go on record saying has nothing to do with it. I know there are multiple violations up and down the block. I know everyone on
the block from 46 where my grandmother lives since 1955 all the way up to 10 where I am. And they've had some issues but not what's happening to me right now. And it's a direct reflection of what this person did.
>> Okay. Well, we're we're going to send uh send zoning officer. My other question is I feel like the onus is now on me to rectify the problem and not the town. Now I have to go and hire a lawyer and pay. >> I didn't do this. I'm the victim here.
Why do I have to pay? >> Well, the town didn't do what I >> understood. Why did the town enforce the issues that I've been talking about for 3 years? >> All they could do is issue the notice of violations. >> We did that four times over. >> That's all we can do. >> So >> So you give the violation I'm sorry.
that you give the violation, but you don't follow up to make sure someone actually did what you told them to do because I know I got a violation for a tree and I was told if you don't have it down in 10 days, you will be fined severely. So, I come up with five grand and get the tree down >> and I don't know what happened. That's what we're going to do to see what
happened with the notice of violation. So, I I can't answer your question because I don't know what happened. But >> following through what is supposed to happen once someone gets a violation on the bottom clearly >> it gives them a period of time to fix it
and if they don't they should take it in court and try for >> but we don't know what the disposition was. >> Okay, we'll follow up with you. >> I'll follow up with you, Joe. >> Thank you.
>> We just have to >> I I'm very sorry. I I you can sense my frustration with this course. I understand it. Of course, >> it's been torture. >> No, I I understand. >> These people are not very cooperative. They don't care. We beg them. We asked
them. We were nice. We were more than generous. We were understand everything you can imagine. If you ever saw and watch, they have the videos. You guys have sent them twice. I'm not sending them out. If you saw the videos, you can understand why I'm upset. I I
>> it's unacceptable. >> The the alternative that you have to the township exhausting its process is to hire an attorney and sue them for the damages associated with directing the order. I was I went through the same
stuff on my own property in a town where I was a town attorney and I had to deal with this stuff. So I understand. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I think we got to find out. I don't want to if he's not getting fined every day.
>> He should be. >> He should be. I've seen that before, but >> we have to find out what happened. >> We got to put it in. >> We don't know what to trial and and then maybe the burrow lost for some reason that I'm not aware of. >> We'll have to find out the details. Yes.
>> Okay. >> Anyone else from the public wishing to speak? Hi, good evening. Uh Jeremy Davies, superintendent of Kennal Public Schools. >> I want to first thank the mayor and council members uh for turning uh for what is turning into a strong
partnership between the school district and the burrow. Uh we are mutually communicating and collaborating and this partnership is having a positive impact on the youth of Kennallorth and I appreciate that. Uh in recent months, the school district has worked with the chief uh police at the KPD on bike and
ebike safety. We're engaging with the AmRev 250 committee, planting a tree for next week's Arbor Day uh in honor of David Brley. Uh partnering to host the bicycle parade on May 16th. We're planning a meaningful 25th community commemoration of September 11th for this
coming fall. And at our most recent board of education meeting on Monday, we reinforced our ongoing partnership with the burrow via approvals of our annual Fourth of July fireworks display, the fire department's carnival, Rex summer camp, and the street fair and car show.
Uh so thank you for your partnership. I think it's strong. >> Um I'm here tonight to invite you uh to April 29th, our 700 p.m. annual school budget hearing at David Gley. uh and also to speak to you about the dilemma facing school districts across our state
specifically in Kennelorth. The dilemma is on one hand the right to a public education is foundational pillar of the American experience becoming an educated citizen and informed United States citizen is patriotic and it is our responsibility
to ensure that right on the other hand it's deeply embedded in our American experience to protest taxes. Uh the genesis of our freedom is based on an anti-ax tea party up in Boston. No one likes paying taxes. It's in our DNA. Please know that I take that very
seriously. My role as superintendent provide a safe school environment with robust educational programs for our students balanced with a commitment to the taxpayers of Kennorth and be mindful of the district's impact on those taxpayers. This dilemma is getting more and more
challenging every year. I'm sure you've followed the financials of the school district in recent years. As expenses have skyrocketed, state aid has plummeted. The 2% tax levy cap that the district must maintain is not able to sustain our district program. In last
year's budget cycle, we shed nine staffing positions, including one administrative position, thus reducing our administrative team from 13 to 12, while also losing some key positions across our schools. I want to share some concrete numbers
about this year's school budget. State aid did increase for Kennorth public schools this year by $19,310. While that's not a lot, our state aid didn't go down again. So, we were thankful.
Unfortunately, that slight $19,310 increase in state aid is not able to keep up with the projected 22% rise in health benefits costs. I'm sure you're familiar with these kinds of rises. Also, skyrocketing utility costs and
special education mandates. So, if you've tuned in to the board of education meeting last month in March, you know that the projected tax levy for the 2627 school budget is 3.36%. In real dollars, this is $26.77
for the average assessed home in Kennallorth or about $17 per month. We're able to maintain programming while keeping the tax levy this low because we're depleting our reserves. This dynamic is not sustainable.
Thus, the dilemma that we have. How do we support a school district and provide the youth of Kennallorth a strong education while honoring and respecting the taxpayers? At our annual budget hearing in two weeks, April 29th, 7 p.m., Board of
Education will take action on what I find to be a solution that honors the concepts of our country that our country was founded on, taxation with representation. The board of education will vote to move the annual schoolboard election from November back to April
where it used to be. Why is the board considering this action? Well, in 2023, the state of New Jersey changed the school budget voting law. What has changed is that the public can now vote on items that exceed the
tax levy cap via a second question. In other words, if the school district needs to go above the tax levy cap with adjustments in order to maintain low class sizes or to maintain specific programming, the voters, assuming the board votes for this, the voters will
now have an opportunity to make their voices heard. This would be for next April 2020. So instead of the district being forced to either cut programming and staff or raise their taxes, now the citizens of Kennallorth would be able to have the
opportunity to determine that outcome. I find this to be a very American way of moving forward for our community. I wanted to you to hear about this proposal from me directly so there was no miscommunication. In the spirit of open dialogue and collaboration, if you
have further curiosity or questions about our school budget or the proposal to move to an April school board election, please come to the board of education's annual budget hearing on April 29th at 7 p.m. or please feel free to um council members or anyone in the public to reach out to my office
directly and we can have a conversation. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Can I have you repeat the part about I'm sorry, something got lost. Sure. Um because I see it as a raising expense if you have to move the election from when we're all going to do it to now a special uh election or standard off of
the regular cycle. So what was it that the town folk get out of that? You said that we get a uh our voices heard in the budget process. Is that what it was? >> Yes. >> Can you explain that because the budget process is in April and if we're electing in April, that person won't start until the following year. uh you'd
be voting on a question or two, >> a question about the budget. So, for example, um let's say >> um because of rising costs, we have to reduce uh our staff by another five individuals. We have to unfortunately
reduce five teachers. That will cause class sizes to rise, for example. So, this would be communicated to the community ahead of time. Do we want those five teachers jobs to be eliminated or do we want to raise the
tax levy by x amount of dollars in order to preserve those positions in order to preserve um class size? So the town's people would be made aware of the the question in advance. Um the April vote
is healthy in some regards because it enables the school's budget question to be a sole focus. In November, yes, there's an election already happening. However, there's a lot of distractions often uh whether it's national politics,
state politics, local politics. Uh often times school questions get buried. uh whereas in April this would be a sole focus so the community could focus on that question and make an informed decision about their school budget. So they would come out to a vote uh on some day in April um and they would be asked
to respond to a question yay or nay regarding this question. Let's say it's um I'll use a number $250,000 increase in this tax levy uh cap. Do you want this yay or nay? Um, if it gets voted yay, we then move forward
with keeping those positions in place and our class sizes remain stable. If it's voted down, we move forward with reel eliminating those positions. So each each April there'll be a question that the taxpayers will be voting on rather than um the district making that
uh decision or having to to decide whether we you know come up with some sort of number to present or we reduce our staff. >> Understood. So it's the it's the ballot question not the election. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> Thank you for the question.
>> Thank you. >> I have a question. Um, what are the hours? Same as normal, like 8:8 or something. >> Uh, the election. >> Yeah, but you have your neighbor. >> Yeah, I mean that's that's run by the it's dictated by the county. Um, so it
would be the same as any any election. Okay. >> And on that uh off topic on this, you mentioned the Arbor Day tree planting. Do you know what time? >> 11:30. Arbor Day tree planning is at 11:30. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. on the Arbor Day. That that
little tiny tree out in front of Harding. Was that also an Arbor Day? Uh >> was that planted today? >> I No, that it's been there for years. It grows like an inch every year. >> Oh, that little one. I Yes. >> No. I forgot what that was. >> I hope in 20 years it's huge. I look forward to seeing what you plant this time.
>> Oak this year. Sturdy oak for David Burley. >> Awesome. >> I want to thank you for coming. It's the first time that I could ever remember >> um not just the superintendent but anybody from the board of ed coming and
presenting and offering open dialogue and explaining it um in much more detail than I could have. So thank you for doing that. >> You're welcome. There'll be much more detail uh on April 29th as well. A whole presentation um with slides and and
handouts and such. But yes, I wanted to just you hear from the horse's mouth and I don't want there to be any miscommunications and I know you get a lot of questions from community members and I wanted you to be equipped with the information. So >> that's great. >> If you have any further questions after this, please feel free to reach out.
>> Thank you. Would like to see municipal government do that too vote? >> Uh it'll be >> right on the item. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you very much, chair. >> Anyone else from the public wishing to
speak? >> Okay, seeing no one, I'd like a motion to close the floor for public discussion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Councilman Bole, seconded by Councilman Finestrella. Is there any other general business that council would like to discuss? >> Mayor, if I could just make a quick correction.
>> Yes. Um, for ordinance 2026-12, the public hearing and adoption is for May 6, not May 15th as I previously stated. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And before our next meeting, um, >> May 2nd,
>> that's right, >> Kentucky Derby is I can't even read my own hand. >> Kentucky Derby. >> Kentucky Derby. And everybody enjoy that day. And then May 5th is Cinco de Mayo. And I don't know if the US uh May 1st May Day or May
>> Mayday. That's right. May >> I don't anything in April besides today was >> day. Arbor Day. >> Fact day. >> April 24th. Arbor Day. >> And yes, theft day. >> My birthday Sunday. >> Pat's birthday. Pat Bole's birthday.
That's a That's a holiday word. >> Yeah. Your wife wasn't on. >> Okay. Okay. If there's nothing else to be brought before the council, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion >> second. >> Motion made by Councilman uh Moro, seconded by Councilomano Perno.
>> All in favor? >> Good night, everyone. >> Good night. Thank you. >> Thank you. Heat. Heat.