WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=coQfunLI9j4

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: coQfunLI9j4):
- 00:00:00: Initial Introductions and American Idol Interruption
- 00:09:04: Remembering Departed Residents and Approving Meeting Minutes
- 00:15:55: Pedestrian Safety, Green and Clean, Weeblow Scouts
- 00:19:26: Congresswoman Town Hall, Eagle Scout Recognition, Firefighter Recognition
- 00:21:40: National Public Works Week Proclamation and Recognition
- 00:23:51: Honoring Barbara Heskins Davis for Open Space Preservation
- 00:32:14: Committee Reports: Community Affairs, Farm Market, and Arts
- 00:34:56: Community Pool Updates: Painting, Testing, and Hirings
- 00:37:05: Police and Fire Department Reports: Calls, Accidents, and Accreditation
- 00:38:59: Finance and Tax Department Updates: Tax Collections, Audit
- 00:40:23: Public Works, Engineering, and Environmental Commission Reports
- 00:44:44: Utilities and Health Department Updates: Repairs, Events
- 00:47:44: Public Discussion: Energy Tax Receipts, Pool Update
- 00:51:47: Public Comment: Kirsten Wallenstein speaks about forest
- 00:55:18: Agenda Discussion: Community Pool Committee Presentation
- 01:17:49: Ordinance Hearings and Public Comments: Gas Leaf Blowers
- 01:25:05: Introduction of Ordinances, Consent Agenda, Vouchers Approval


Part: 1

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All right. The drive shower. like to Oh my god. 25 access to it. So it was an automated email from I replied to

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more money to What happened? We got American Idol. It's the final >> before 10. So that's why we recognize her. and flowers. Yeah. Oh, yeah. We We're ready. We're ready. Get up. We can

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actually bring it in. She's not going to know. Stick it over there. All right. Cool. What do we have to do? >> I love this sweatshirt. >> Yeah, >> 8 o'clock. Look at that guy's shirt.

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>> I like that. Snow her husband Bob McAdams in 2021 and her two uh brothers Dominic and Frank Elaco. She was born in Madison to Frederick and Susan Alaco, grew up in a close-knit Italian-American family with four siblings where she instilled a

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strong work work ethic and deep Catholic faith that guided her throughout her life. She married the lover life Bob McAdams in 1958 and they created a warm and loving home in Madison where they raised her daughter Donna. She was an avid

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shopper and sun worshipper. She enjoyed spending times outdoors often sunbathing in her yard. She also served many years at the Madison in the meat department where her friendly demeanor and dedication to service endeared her to her many customers and colleagues alike.

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Let us take a moment to remember Fanny Stinson, Matt Spelker, and Dolly McAdams. And let us pass our thoughts on to the family and friends that they leave behind. Thank you. Okay, I have a motion for the executive minutes of March 23rd, 2026.

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>> So moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> And a motion for the regular minutes of March 23rd, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. Any corrections or discussion? >> All in favor?

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>> I. >> Welcome all. And for all the mothers out there, I hope you had a great day yesterday. Certainly earned it. Few things going on. Few weeks ago, I

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met with Captain Longo and traffic safety officer uh Draco at the intersection of Green Avenue in Woodland. This is one of the locations. We now have a a lead pedestrian signal which basically it gives the pedestrian

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a walk signal before the uh vehicles get cycled to a green signal. So pedestrians get a head start into the intersection. Um increasing uh pedestrian safety. But one of the keys with this for it to work is you have to push the button. So make

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sure if you're crossing the street at these intersections, push the button so it will cycle. This is also at pl in place at Samson and Kings Road which has been a spot where we've been looking at and have implemented some uh pedestrian safety measures. And uh speaking of uh lead signals, one

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place there is not one, as a reminder, if you're at Waverly Place crossing Main Street by the Forum, that signal is delayed so we can we can clear out the left turn traffic coming off of Waverly Place. So please observe the uh walk signal there. And of course, anywhere

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you are in town, have respect to the vehicles and drivers. Please respect our pedestrians. A few other things going on. On uh week ago, Saturday and May 2nd, we had an annual green and clean and arbor day

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celebration. We were recognized for our 40 41st year as a tree city. This is very impressive when you consider the program has been in place for 50 years. So 41 out of the 50 years Madison's been recognized and I'm pretty sure as the first nine years we didn't know about it

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otherwise we should have been recognized. Um and my as when it came to green and clean um I took on uh Waverly Place and my wife joined me and uh so we did mulching there and she gets credit for

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on the island where it will look better because I was just burying the weeds with the mulch and she said you can't do that. You got to pull them first. So, she got on her hands and knees and pulled weeds and then I came back came through with the mulch. I want to thank our business development director, Lisa Ellis, for her leadership for the event

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and all the volunteers who came out that day. Last Monday, I hosted Weeblow Scout Pack 124th graders as they learned about local government. And as you know, as I report on these things that uh each of the uh these sessions, we take them

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through a mock council meeting and they get to pass a law for Madison. Uh and it was interesting that the uh the law they proposed was an ordinance that the mayor and council should be paid for the work they do for Madison. We are one of the few towns, we're one of five towns in

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Mars County that um do not pay or have a stipen for elected officials. I did not prompt it at all. It ca they came up with their own idea. But it was interesting. The vote was tied with three yes and three no. And the uh scout who was serving as mayor cast the

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deciding yes vote. So when it was passed four to three, the no votes did have concern about the tax implications. And while the yes votes talked about the amount of work the mayor and council do. So thank you for all your work you do the affatison as volunteers. But there was no discussion about how much we're

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going to get paid. So after that, we'll leave that for the next scout group. Um and then this past Wednesday, right here in this room, we were able to host Congresswoman Mahia's first town hall for uh uh Congressional District 11. Um so it was an honor to have Madison

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chosen as a site for her kickoff event. And then on Saturday, I attended a court of honor for uh Boy Scout Troop 25 as Ben Engel received Eagle Scout recognition. He worked with the Madison Environmental Commission in rebuilding

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boardwalk in the M MRC conservation area. He also added educational science so visitors could learn about the importance of this preserve space which we'll be talking a little bit about preserved space shortly. Um and uh worked closely with the environmental

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commission especially with chair claims. So he did uh a lot of research in order to uh not only do the boardwalk but to do the uh the signage. So, um it was great to uh go to the ceremony to give him a letter of appreciation and also

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have to cla Wickham there to congratulate him for his work all on behalf of Madison. And then just for the employees for the month of May, we have Lieutenant uh Bruce Barios and firefighter Troy Poic. Um from our u obviously two of our

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firefighters. On May 5th, the two firefighters were returning from Belleville. As you know, there was a major fire there. They were assisting with the 12 alarm fire that had been burning for several days. While traveling back to Madison on Route 78, the fire engine lost power in Irvington.

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Irvington Fire Department picked them up and brought them to the Irvington Fire Department where Bruce and Troy began trying to problem solve and after some research, they were able to figure out fix made the repair and uh brought the truck back to Madison. The firefighters

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initiatives and efforts saved the burough thousands in towing costs alone. And now I'm going to come down for a couple of proclamations and recognitions. I don't see anyone from DPW. So I'll call our liaison to DPW Tom Haren put us up.

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This is a proclamation for National Public Works Week. Whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services and our vital importance to sustain sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. And whereas the dedicated staff of

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the Madison Department of Public Works operate and maintain facilities that serve the daily needs of our residents, businesses, and visitors with skill and dedication and pride. And whereas it is in public interest for all Madison residents be aware of the importance of the public works and uh and public work

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program in our community. And whereas while some work like clearing roads and sidewalks a higher is highly visible, other public works contributions like maintaining water and sewer systems are hidden from view. And whereas the Burough of Madison is proud to

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celebrate our public works department who work in all weather conditions to keep our communities safe, clean, and functional. And one thing we should have added in this one is the fact they've stepped up to help with the community pool, which we're going to be hearing shortly. So that's a a big big support that's happening behind the scenes. Now

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therefore, I Robert H. Connley, the mayor of Burough Madison, on behalf of the government body, hereby designate the week of May 17th through May 23rd as National Public Works Week and encourage all Burough residents to recognize and appreciate the essential services by our

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public works professionals. Accepting this on behalf is Tom. If you want to say a few words. Well, thank you everybody. I don't deserve that applause, but I am the liaison and I do get to uh collaborate with them and hear about all the work that they're doing, the planning that

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they're doing. And like this proclamation says, their services go above and beyond to help keep the burrow looking great and operating behind the scenes this winter. They really stepped up moving a lot of snow, clearing our sidewalks, you know, uh working out around the clock. So, I'll make sure

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that they know how much the burough respects. Thank you, Tom. And for this next presentation, I'd like to have the former councilwoman Austria Bailey come forward. I just happen to have a baseball cap that I can wear for this next uh one

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here. >> That was once my job. >> Barbara, please come forward. This is a special recognition. As I mentioned to Austria and I mentioned to Barbara, it's it's not too often that we do a proclamation or recognition for one

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of our consulting partners. But when your consulting partner becomes a part of your family and has made her dedication to open space has made such an impact on the burrow, this is worthy of a big recognition. So before I say a few words and go to the proclamation, I'm gonna hand the microphone over to

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Austri because I like to put her on the spot. You >> did put me on the spot. So I was the council member beginning in 2002 and uh I understood that the burrow had no plan for funding open space and

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environmental protection and historic treasures. And I went to the League of Municipalities and I met the land conservancy and they said, "We've got to space plan. And so that began our relationship way back then. And Barbara,

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you know, held us to task and and Madison has done a wonderful job in preserving open space and and um saving our treasures. And so I have very much thankful to Barbara for all that you've done for us

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and up to I mean trails and everything. Every little bit we can get we're getting because of Barbara. And a quick little side story, we we have a shop owner in Madison who is uh talking about trails, lives right by Memorial Park, and he's been showing me

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pictures of the trails and all that. And just the these small things which you don't realize can happen. One, when you have an open space fund with help from Austria made that possible, but then to connect with the funders to make sure it happens. That's why we have such a

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beautiful town is the dedication and your incredible knowledge on how to do it right. And of course, we're looking forward to uh the Drew Forest very soon. So, uh cut cutting that ribbon. But we have a proclamation and then a few other surprises for you.

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Whereas Barbara Heskins Heskins Davis through her work for the Land Conservancy of New Jersey has helped protect and preserve thousands of acres of New Jerseys open spaces for future generations. And whereas Barbara is passionate about her conservation and has taught us that conservation requires

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devotion and patience. And I'll say that again, patience. But re the re rewards are great. And whereas Barbara's knowledge of available funding and grant application process have been invaluable to the bureau for many years. And whereas specifically

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Barbara has been instrumental in the burough acquisition of the MRC, the construction of various trails, preserving open space and draw to farms and the future purchase of a Drew Forest. And a quick aside on the MRC, that was extra challenging the fact that

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that property was not even in Madison. And whereas Madison greatly appreciates that Barbara has always made herself available to the administration, elected officials, and the residents when she's been working on a project. And whereas Barbara's efforts have unquestionably left an enduring mark on Madison's

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landscape. Now therefore, I, Robert H. Connley, the mayor of Burough of Madison, Barbara's favorite municipality. On behalf of the governing body, hereby thank and honor Barbara Heskins Davis for her work to preserve precious open space throughout the burrow and wish her joyful retirement

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filled with visits to see her grandkids. And before I hand you the microphone, we have uh two other things here. These this is again this is something we don't do to for too many people, but you are truly have been part of our family. So from the Rose City, of course, you have

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to have roses. And when you're sitting down with your grandchildren, you have your chair which says on the back here, Barbara Heskins Davis, champion open space, parks, trails, and the environment. >> You have to sit down, otherwise I'm

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going to cry. >> Well, like Austri said, we met um back in 2002, and it's my favorite meeting in my favorite town. We met in the municipal building right down the hall and I got excited and it it's October

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and they're thinking about um they have a ballot question. They want to pass an open space trust fund. So I get kind of big for my britches and I say, "Well, if you pass the open space trust fund, you need an open space plan and you're going to have to have that plan done in three

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months so that you qualify for green acres funding." And I could do that. So what did you know? You passed the question, of course, because Austria is behind it. And Austri calls me up on November 5th and says, "So,

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and we got the plan done and we got it into Green Acres." And I was thinking about the work that we've done together in Madison when we were driving in. The land consery um really did wonderful projects in Madison before I started. There was Green Village Road and Dodge

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Field. And one of the first projects we worked on was Libby Park, you know, and we really wanted to create a park that people could walk to when they take their children to school. We had a chess board there. Really wanted people to be able to stop and relax. But the whole

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purpose of your open space trust fund was the MRC project. And like the mayor said, it wasn't even in Madison. It was in Floren Park. So that created a whole another level. Madison doesn't go halfway when they do anything. And they

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went and they got the land from Floren Park and we put in the MRC project which required multiple years of reimbursement. And Ray Cody, your administrator, never gives up and we go back to Green Acres every year and I think you have finally gotten your full

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funding. Thanks to you >> from the state of New Jersey for the MRC project. And the Land Conservancy not only helped you preserve the MRC, we helped you write a stewardship plan so that you could take care of that conservation area. And you're always

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right at the top of your your game. And when the county came out with the trails program, our office looked at it and said, "That's really hard." And Ray calls me up and says, "Barb, we want to put in a trail grant." Can't say no to

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Ry. Certainly can't say no to Austri. And so we worked with Madison, Summer Hill Park, Memorial Park to put in really beautiful trails so that everybody could walk your trails and they're an example for all the other towns in Morris County. And now we're

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working with you on Drew Forest and we're really proud of that partnership. And I go back to David and I go back to Sandy at our office and I say, I think the Land Conservancy may want to put in a little bit more into Drew Forest. And we are. and we're really proud of that

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partnership. So, I thank you for the opportunity to work with Madison and I thank you for continuing to work with the land conservancy and I'm happy to be able to be a part of what you've created here. So, I thank you mayor and the members of the council and Ray Cody and

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Michael. It's a great team that you have here and of course Austri. Thank you. And we we do have many members of the land conservancy here. staff members. I want to thank you and this is just a transition our partnership, not the end.

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It's going to be tough to work. >> I know they're great and they they've been trained by the best. So, we look forward and for everyone watching at home and all this, not just in Madison, but when you are enjoying the green spaces in New Jersey, you know who to thank,

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>> the Land Conservancy. Thank you so much. I know. Thank you for the baseball cap, too. All right, we now move on to reports from uh committees, community affairs, Council President Forte. >> Thank you, Mayor. From the Downtown Development Commission and the Director

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of Business Development, the next meeting of the Downtown Development Commission will be held on May 21st at 7:15 p.m. in the second floor committee room at the Heartley Dodge Memorial Building. All are invited to attend. The 2026 season of the Madison Farm and Artisan Market opens on Saturday, May

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23rd. New vendors can request the information by emailing Lisa Ellis ddcrossnet.org. Bottle Hill Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd. This year, the event will feature special activities to mark the celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Information and

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applications will be available after May 15th. From the Madison Community Arts Center, every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m., seniors play Maang and Canasta. Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00 p.m. is a music open night. Music open mic night.

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Every second Wednesday, local musicians perform two songs each. All are welcome to perform or attend. Thursday to Saturday, May 14th to 16th, Work of Heart Productions presents God Spell. Sunday, May 17th at 4 p.m., Film Society of Summit is showing Holding Lat. And

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Wednesday, May 20th at 7 p.m., comedy open mic. Every third Wednesday, all are welcome to perform or attend. Wednesday, May 27th at 7 PM, show us your shorts, which is every fourth Wednesday. Local filmmakers submit and show their short films. And uh from the uh senior center,

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there is a 2026 garden tour which is going to show eight glorious gardens Sunday, June 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. which is rain or shine. The tickets are $50 in advance and they can be found at cadamceniorenter.org. And from the community pool, it's been

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another busy two weeks at the pool. Painting of the entire facility is complete. The masonry and touch-up painting of the pool were finished on Friday. So, I'm happy to report that the pool is being filled with water as we speak. This Wednesday, we expect our pool operator will come in and start up the pumps and water treatment. We have a

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number of items happening in the next few days, including special statemandated non-destructive testing of the slides. We also have a special 5-year bonding and grounding test that we'll have to perform with an annual electrical test. These test results will go to the state inspector who will then come and certify the slides. In

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addition, once the water has been treated, the health the health officer will come to inspect both the pool and the snack hut. These inspections are important steps to ensure that the facility is safe and ready for the summer. This evening, we will have a short presentation from members of the community pool advisory board. We also

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have a hearing on ordinance 2520 20226 which amends the burough code to add a section for the pool. Following on the heels of that we have R1 174-2026 which approves the code of conduct for the 2026 pool season. And finally we

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have two hiring resolutions. The first is R167-2026 which is authorizing hiring three assistant swim team coaches. And the second is R1 173-2026 which hire with which authorizes the hiring of an assistant director of

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membership and activities. The pool advisory board members will be explaining the hirings during their presentation. Most importantly, residents are reminded that pool membership rates are set to increase on May 15th. So please visit the madisonpool.org for for more information. And mayor, if

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I could just add one thing, uh we're really lucky to have this group of volunteers here tonight. They're extraordinary. I think uh in all the years that I've been volunteering for the burrow, uh this is one of the strongest groups of people, most dedicated and passionate groups I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

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So, I think we're in for a good treat from them tonight. >> Thank you. >> That's all I have. >> Public safety, Mr. Landeren. >> Thank you, Mayor. From the police department, on May 7th, members of our community policing and traffic safety bureaus attended a law enforcement day

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at the County College of Mars. The Madison Police Department and Project Pride held a bagels and brainstorming get together on May 7th. On May 26th and May 27th, the Madison Police Department will undergo its on-site accreditation assessment

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conducted by the state of New Jersey. From the fire department in April, the fire department responded to 188 emergency calls. 80 people were transported to the hospital. Since January 1st, the fire department has responded to a total of 871 calls. 381

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people have been transported to the hospital. On May 5th, the fire department was requested to be part of the Mars County task force detailed to the 12 alarm fire in Belleville. MFD did an 8-hour rotation until returning home.

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On the way home, Engine One suffered motor problems on Route 78 in Irvington. They were able to make make it to Irvington fire Irvington's fire department headquarters where they were able to fix it. We would like to thank the Irvington Fire Department for their

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assistance. On May 6th, the department once again took part in our community salute ceremony at FDU. The ceremony is for high school seniors who are going into the military when they graduate in a few weeks. On May 9th, the department

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responded to a serious vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the middle of town. All NFPA and OSHA OSHA ladder testing have been completed. In April, the fire prevention bureau conducted 68

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inspections in the burrow that included 23 home sale rental smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector inspections. Thank you, Mayor. You finance clerk, Mr. Range. Thank you, mayor. A relatively short one this evening. Uh from the tax

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department, uh they've been very busy the last uh week or so uh with second quarter tax collections. Today was the last day of the grace period. So if you uh pay your property taxes after today, um that comes with interest charged back

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to May 1st. If you have any questions about your tax payment, please contact the tax collector. And from the finance department this evening, a draft copy of the audit has been complete and the audit committee is meeting tomorrow to go over that document. Once that is

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completed, the document will be submitted to the Division of Local Government Services in Trenton. We anticipate the audit will be sent to council later this week and the governing body will formally accept accept it via resolution at the council meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17th.

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That's because of Memorial Day. Um, this resolution is required by state statute. Once completed, we'll post the audit on Rosenet. The state also requires that the chief financial officer prepare a corrective action plan after the audit is complete. The CFO anticipates

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presenting that at the next council meeting as well. All these steps help ensure that the municipality uh are being fi we are being financially responsible and transparent. That's all from finance and the tax collector tonight. Thank you. very much. Public works and engineering, Mr. Henus.

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>> Thanks, Mayor. Welcome everybody from the community. Thanks for that proclamation for the public works committee. I'm sure they're going to appreciate hearing our uh support about that for them. From the public works department on May 2nd, it was Tom

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Harland Pis's birthday and the DBW prepared for my birthday party. In addition to that, we had the Madison Green and Clean event and the DPW was essential in preparing for it, participating in the event over the course of the day and they cleaned up

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afterwards the entire green and clean events around town. Uh the Department of Public Works has continued preparing fields for every sporting event in town, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and softball, which is ongoing through the

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end of June. Uh, the DPW started planting street trees, which I'll report about from a shade tree. The DPW continues to work on getting the pool ready for the summer, which we've talked about here multiple times. Uh, their success of the pool's going to is

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essential for these people, for the DPW participating. Uh, reminder that yard waste bags are available available at the DBW garage and in the clerk's office. And twice a week, garbage pickup started last week. So check your uh

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garbage um schedule and uh the recycle recycling has stayed the same. From the MEC, uh the May 2nd townwide yard sale was hopping with customers and a huge

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community success. On May 21st, uh the MEC is hosting the Madison High School students for their day of service at the Conservation Forest at the MRC. Uh we talked about that too. Um that's at the back of the MRC. It's open to the public

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to walk through any time behind the fence. Uh students will be planting trees and removing invasives. Residents who have native tree saplings in their yards can pot them up and write to the MEC at rosenet.org to arrange a drop

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off. On June 8th at 7 PM, the MEC and the Nature of Reading Bookshop are hosting a talk for tree lovers at the Madison Community Art Center. It's inspired by two amazing books written by Canadian scientist Suzanne Samard, Finding the Mother Tree and When the

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Forest Breathes. to root Samard's work locally. Kristen Wallenstein, who is here, Kirsten Kirsten Wall, sorry, Kirsten. Kristen Wallenstein, the MEC member and stewardship leader, will talk about what our local forests need to be resilient. Then, Susan Landau, a

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guardian of Foots Pond Wood in Morristown, will talk about how to plant a pocket forest in your yard. It is easier to maintain than a meadow and supercharged with biodiversity. And one last thing, mayor from the shade tree

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uh shade tree management board uh the shade Madison's Arbor Day celebration and Tom Harland put his birthday on May 2nd. The shade tree management board and the friends uh along with the Burough's elementary school is named as a Tree City USA for the 41st

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year. Somebody said that before. Recognized with the Tree City Growth Award for the 19th year. Dr. Dr. Kathleen Coupe, the principal of Kings Road School, organized students from Kings Road, Tory J, and Central Avenue to provide music that day, songs, and

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original tree related poems. The St. Vincent's first graders supplied the grand finale by dancing around the traditional maple. And the Cub Scouts celebrated Arbor Day as well as the 250th anniversary of the nation by assisting in planting a seedling of the

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famous 500 plus year old Salem oak tree. The seedling has been planted in Cole Park and uh and the and the shade tree and the DPW started planting 90 trees around uh residents uh curs. Now they're going

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to they're going to have that done within the next two weeks. That's all. Mayor, >> thank you. And now we move on to utilities. Miss Hanahan. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, from the water department, uh, they dug and repaired two main valves in the distribution

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system. Dug and repaired three curb boxes and shut off valves to enable meter changes. And um, dug a valve box repaired for Green Avenue. Also, they reset pump the

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pump and turned on fountain at Cole Park. Marked out Morris Place, Prospect, and Seven Oak Circle for PSNG upgrades and did blower treatment uh at Wild D with service and calibration sensor

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installed. Upcoming events include a valve turning program which will which has started and will continue for two weeks. Wells B, C, and E um ha will have new chlorine sensors installed and upon completion of fiber installation to

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remaining wells, upgrade of the communication with the scattera system will be completed from the electric department. Uh standby was called to the intersection of Green Avenue and Hillside Avenue for the pole struck due to a motor vehicle accident

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in that was on 427. On May 2nd, standby was called out for an emergency mark out at Wood Woodland Road. Standby was called out to 34 Central Avenue for the loss for a loss of power. Um there was a transformer

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replaced at 24 Fairwood Road on the beginning of May. Um then on 55, standby was called out to Kings Road substation for a 12vt breaker trip. While they were out, they had a call for no power on Crescent Road and

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found that the primary wire had twisted and shorted out and they repaired the wire and power was restored. Uh the electric department has started treeine clearance and will continue to respond to calls completing markouts, street light repairs, and daily substation

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inspections and readings. Um to follow on to uh the celebration of Barbara on June 6 uh National Trails Day is taking place across the country and we will be celebrating at Memorial Park for the

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phase three trails. Thank you to Barbara and the Land Conservancy for their hard work on that. And on Friday, June 5th, uh the New Jersey torch run will take place uh with participants from our police department as well as Special Olympic athletes and we'll run through

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Madison. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. And health is >> Thanks, Mayor. For the month of April, the health department completed 14 retail food establishment inspections, nine environmental complaint inspections, uh held a consumer good lead taste lead

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testing event at the library, investigated six communicable diseases, and held 11 school immunization audits that were conducted by the actual healthcare nurse. That's it for this month, this meeting. >> All right, on to communications and

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petitions. >> None received. Mayor Right. We now on to our first of two invitations for public discussion. These are uh public comment. These are limited to our agenda discussion or our resolutions. If you want to comment on any other topic, we

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will have that a little bit later in the meeting. Uh so these are the items you may comment on in this session. Uh our community pool update and these are the resolutions you can comment on and these will also be part of the consent agenda.

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Resolution R1 163 is uh res uh calling for the restoration of energy tax receipts and increased municipal aid. Just to give a little uh quick background on that. This is not as important to Madison as is for most communities since we own the poles in

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our right away. But the way it works is um most of the poles are municipal rightways and each the utilities used to write a check to each town in New Jersey for the use of their right away for that on annual basis. Some in the state said

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we'll make it easy. We they'll write a check to the state and we'll send the money to municipalities. Then some of the states said maybe if we just keep the money and balance the budget we'll be better off. And so the money that's supposed to go to municipalities is being mostly used in Trenton. So this is

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a call to restore that. Um and this was done by leadership in both parties over the years. Resolution 164 is rejecting bids for the uh Heler Center restoration as they came in substantially over the cost estimate for the project.

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Resolution 165 approving a license raffle license application for Tory J for June 5th. Resolution 166 is appointing Adam Hosba as part-time PDM EMT at $30 an hour without benefits.

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Resolution 167 is ratifying appointments of Barracuda swim assistant coaches Alexis Lee, Leila Null, and Ian Fagenbomb for the um Madison Community Pool. Resolution

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168 is uh appointing Softi Kika to a position of substitute crossing guard at rate of $22.54 an hour. Resolution 169 is appointment of Jacella Lewis position of part-time violations

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clerk hourly rate of $25 an hour hour up to 29 hours per week. Uh resolution 170 appointing Kevin Holt to position of sidewalk sweeper uh hourly rate. We've been having struggling to fill that position so we're looking forward to get

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that back in downtown again. Resolution 171 authorizing purchase of sapling polar tool and water storage bladder for the MRC um not to exceed in by $350 and this was authorized through resolution

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250 2025 resolution 172 is awarding contract to Steuart Green of LLC for control and removal of invasive species at the MRC not to exceed 16,600 uh and also over funded through

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resolution 250 2025. Resolution 173 2026 is ratifying the appointment of Josephine Ivanovich as assistant director of membership and activities for the community pool. And resolution 174 is approving the

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community pool code of conduct that was uh code of conduct that was mentioned in the report already. Resolution 175 is authorizing purchase of seed by the environmental commission uh for the MRC uh not to exceed $500 authorized through

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resolution 250 20225. So you can comment on any of those resolutions or our discussion item. If you want to comment any of those, step up to lectern, state your name and address and town and state the resolution or agenda item you're discussing and try to keep your comments

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to three minutes, but we give you that one minute grace period and cut you off at four. >> Uh Kirsten Wallenstein for Westerly have in Madison. >> Uh and I'm commenting I forget 172 the

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MRC one. Okay. Well, we we won't hold you to the exact number. That's good. >> The sapling polar. >> Yes. >> Um anyway, good evening, mayor, council, and administration. Um, I just wanted to talk quickly about forest tonight

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because there are so many interesting resolutions on the uh agenda helping us with our conservation or um out at the forest and it's come up multiple times just you know with before I even spoke. So, I was excited to hear about Ben

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Engel who did this great boardwalk about the um prop the award for Barbara Haskins Davis who you know I thanked her because I didn't realize when I was working out there that it was partially because of her um and so many others.

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So, um, I just wanted to say that, uh, I've been thinking about how wonderful it is that Madison has its own electric utility, its own water utility, and when we think about it, our urban forests and especially the protected ones like the

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MRC and the Drew forest are in fact a utility of their own, right? Um, and a utility that gives us cooling of the air, purifying water, recharging our aquafer, mitigating flooding, absorbing

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pollution, sequestering carbon, supporting biodiversity, improving our human health, helping with education. So, it's like, wow, what a utility we have. And it's really beautiful. Um, and when it's a native

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deer fenced, actively managed forest, it's even better only in that uh the trees can regenerate. When there's a little sapling tulip tree or a maple or an oak, a deer is not going to come along. Well, sometimes they do, but not

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as often going to come along and mow that thing to the ground. So, it's amazing when I'm in the MRC and the Drew Forest just to see all these little trees everywhere that you really don't see in some of the other parks. So, it's like this sustainable utility that we

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get so much out of. Um, so really I just wanted to say how grateful I am for all the support um you know for these forests and um I'm looking forward to the next project. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone

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else wishing to comment, please step forward on these resolutions? Seeing none, I close this part of the meeting. And just a quick little side story. I I did stop by the MRC because on Saturday because I wanted to check out the work that Ben Angel had done on the boardwalk. Of course, Kirsten is

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there working hard and uh gave me a little more background on the excellent work that our Eagle Scout had done, including when Eagle Scout had said, "I've got a $100 left in my budget of money." And Kirsten said, "Well, we could use some um more fencing." And lo and behold, the next day there was the

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fencing to continue the work. So, it's a great partnership that makes it all happen. So, thank you for all your work. And we now move on to uh our agenda discussion. And I'll invite the uh pool committee to come on up. I I think this is a team effort. So, introduce yourself

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as you uh do your your part and thank you all for being here and especially for all your work getting this going. >> Good evening, Mayor Caitlyn Gabriel. Good evening, council and administration. Um we're so excited to

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present tonight all the updates um that have been occurring at the pool. Um welcome to our wonderful staff that will be with us um this summer. We have Deborah Pner. She is our pool manager um

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that is part of Laughler who is the pool management company um that the bureau has hired. Um Chris Paradiso who is the director of management and activities. Um he's also a teacher at CAS. So we're excited to have a local teacher with us.

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Um we have Josie um Evanchic um who's assistant direct director of man membership and activities. So, she was also um at one point a lifeguard. She's WSI certified um and she'll be supporting um Chris um with what he's

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doing. And then we have Leanne Leota returning and she um she's been our swim team coach for a long time and she's also a teacher and she's at KRF. So, we're very excited to have um local teachers also supporting us at the pool this summer. Um so how staffing is going

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to work this year is Laughler Pools who is um who is hired by our uh for the pool management company is in charge of our lifeguards um our pool managers our front gate staff our maintenance um and

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Deborah is our general manager who's going to be overseeing those overall operations. the burrow is going to be in charge of the swim team staff and um the WSI which is water safety instructors and um who who teaches the swim lessons

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and runs those programs. We also decided um and are so grateful that um we are adding uh the positions the bureau has hired the director and assistant director of memberships which is Chris and Josie and they're going to be

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helping us with our overall operations supporting Deborah. Um and they're also going to help improve member experience. So they'll be there um with to support members if they need help. um swim lessons in the swim team, uh private

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parties, communications, activities and programs, and supporting the pool manager. So, we really felt like this is um an awesome opportunity to also inc um support the member experience um throughout the day and help support the pool um operations as well.

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We're very excited, as everyone has mentioned, the DPW has been working really, really hard. I um live close by to the pool, so I can see that it's it's it's occurring. They've done a tremendous amount of work. Um and we've

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had a lot of facility upgrades. Um a complete refresh of painting on the um outside exterior building, benches, and a lot more areas of paint cleaned out. all there's a lot more storage that I never knew about at the pool that all everything's been taken out and cleared

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out um for storage and um organized um in their spa in the spaces and of course always the things that you don't see are probably the most important things which is electrical upgrades um so that has been done there's pressure testing of an entire system that's the entire system

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that's going on masonary work has been um of course with the spring weather we had to wait for that and that was way overdue Um so masonary work um has occurred um and then painting of the pool because of that masonary work some areas of the

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pool landscaping and a new concrete pad area has been placed poolside um so the lifeguards have a new space um uh that they'll be in so we can utilize some of those other spaces that they were um in in the last several years. So here are

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some upgrades that you're seeing. So, some of that masonary work, electrical work, and then the spot painting that had to occur on the um interior of the pool. And like it was said before, the pool was being filled today. So, we're very excited to get water in the pool and

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start getting um chemicals running through the pool. >> Good evening, Mayor and members of Bureau Council. My name is Paul Tropia. Um I am going to update you on what's new for 2026. So when our committee started our meetings uh we talked about

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what we could do to improve the pool experience and what we discussed was that we needed better visibility and communication with the community. Um, and then on top of that, we needed to make this more than just a pool, more than just a place to swim, but a place

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for our town to gather, um, forge friendships and participate in more activities than just jumping in a pool. And so, to start with, um, communication and visibility, um, special shout out to

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Michael Plesier, uh, the Burough, uh, director of communication. he got this awesome website uh built. Um hopefully you've all been on it. Um there's so much access for uh members or people who are curious about the pool to uh dive

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into, pardon the pun, um all the different things that are going on at the pool. So, we have a new website. We have an online calendar there that um mentions all the events that are that are upcoming. Uh there's enhanced Wi-Fi throughout the facility. uh new card

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access for all critical doors and entrances um and security and camera system uh with direct connection to the police department if anyone should break in uh ensuring that the pool is secure at all hours. Uh and then um as Caitlyn mentioned a professional pool operator

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who can manage the facility and the lifeguards. So, uh, also very important. And then as for activities, we're excited to announce a bunch of different things, uh, that we will be implementing this year. Um, chair yoga is one thing.

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Um, so that should be a lot of fun. Uh, we'll have cornhole tournaments, uh, root beer float days, um, a teen and pre-teen parties with DJs, uh, as well as, um, races and and like adult swim clinics and things like that. Um, we've

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also purchased a ping pong table, an outdoor ping pong table for all weather. And you could see uh myself and uh and Adam out there playing with Jay who's not in the picture. Um, so that's that's really cool. We're very excited about that. Uh, Jumbo

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Jenga, uh, volleyball net and tetherball. Uh, so there's a bunch going on there. And then also um online uh, registration for birthday parties. And we also expect to offer chair storage which is something that members have uh

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requested in the past. Um so kind of like a code check but for your uh for your chairs. So um that'll be coming up as well. So we're very excited about all the new changes in 2026 and we look forward to a great season. >> Mr. Mayor and council members, thank you

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for your time and support of the pool. My name is Jay Musafori and I just want to talk a little bit about membership and community engagement. Um, early bird membership for the pool opened on February 14th. Um, it was a little later than normal

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this year, but it was met with a strong response from both returning members and we were able to get a lot of new new joiners. Um, as you can uh see from the picture, we were out in the community. That's a picture of Paul and Anna uh out

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on a nice day or niceish day out in the community answering questions and uh and promoting the pool and things like that and the increased social media per uh performance led by Katie Zurich. Uh you

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know the the pool has a great uh page uh social media page and there's a lot of positive interaction. Um so even after the first early bird uh registration session ended there was strong interest and members are still uh rejoining and

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new members are still joining. We've also had a very strong interest in the swim team uh which is excellent and we hope to will continue to be excellent and for swim lessons uh we've there's been a strong demand for that. Um, also, uh, returning members and new members

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are very interested in the familyfriendly programming and special events that we're offering this year. Um, as I mentioned, the, uh, pool's social media, uh, team, which is really Katie, is is in high gear and is

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answering, uh, questions from, uh, returning members and people thinking of joining. And the questions are being brought to the some of the questions are being brought to the uh committee and we're discussing them and getting back to the questioner. Uh also the uh the

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town is very excited about the new uh the new vendor for the snack bar. Uh everybody knows and loves Nikki's Firehouse and are very excited for it to be running the Barracuda Cafe. Um so the

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goal of the committee and uh uh the leadership of the pool is uh that's Leler uh is to have a better experience for the members and users of the pool. We want this year to be a stark

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improvement over last year and we want everybody to say at the conclusion of a great summer say that was that was really fun and the pool really ran well. Um, so we've had even though uh membership

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uh just opened on the 14th and it's less than three months, we've had a a very positive response with to date 788 people have signed up for membership. Uh you know the pool opens opens on the

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Saturday of Memorial Day. So we expect there's going to be a lot of people joining as they can see the pool being filled and know that Memorial Day is here. Uh so we're you know and you can see there's there's just very very uh

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strong uh signups across the various different types of membership categories. Um and as I said uh the pool opens the Saturday of Memorial Day. the last discount ends uh on that day. So, if you

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know somebody who's interested in joining the pool, they should do so as soon as possible to get the discount. Thank you. >> Good evening, Mayor uh and council members. My name is Adam Wrights. Um I'm going to be talking about safety and operations. Um first, uh we Leler will

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be conducting uh deep water tests for children under the age of 13. Um I believe we have one scheduled before the pool even opens. It'll be a cold um test, but um I think it's May 20th if I recall. Uh we will have an updated code of conduct which is being voted on

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tonight. And the goal of this is to create clearer expectations for behavior so everyone's experience is positive. Um staff training uh continues to be a major priority. Uh they have already had staff orientation. We had our pool meeting at the pool last week and we

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were we were there while they were doing orientation. It was great to see all the staff um learning their way around the pool. Um technology and communication enhancements as we've talked about before uh new website um new Wi-Fi that

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reaches the whole property. Um and the security that if there's motion inside the pool when it's closed, the police will be notified right away. Um, and we also have a 10-year-old drop off privilege which will allow for flexibility for parents, um, for kids

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who have passed the deep water test. Um, as Jay mentioned, uh, we are very excited to have Firehouse take over uh, the snack shack. Um, we've gotten tremendous feedback from people. Uh they have a they are paying rent to the burrow and we actually got to walk

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through the snack shack last week and what they have done to it already in terms of cleanliness is amazing. It looks fantastic. Um they have a great menu which includes pizza. Uh they will have a gluten-free option. Um they have sandwiches, salads, dessert including

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zeppoilles and assortment of ice cream. Uh so everyone is very excited about that. Um, and lastly, we'd like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mayor Connley and the council, especially Councilman Forte for your continued support and commitment to our community. Thank you for helping preserve this

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special place so that it can continue to serve our children and future generations um for years to come. We'd also like to thank uh Madison communication director, Michael Plesier, who um has just been incredible and is so talented, as you guys know. um during

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meetings we sit down and we say we need to fix something or something needs to be changed and before it's even done before we even are done saying it he's like it's already fixed. Um so he's absolutely incredible. Um we'd also like to thank Jennifer Daly, Rachel Curry and Chris McDougall and the entire team at

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the Department of Public Works who have been absolutely incredible and working hard behind the scenes. Um they've been extraordinary. And finally, we'd like to thank uh Jim Bernett for his passion, his leadership, and his steady guidance in keeping us all organized and moving forward, which could be can be difficult

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at times for some of these people. Um, but again, we we thank you for your support. We're looking forward to a great uh season, and we're very excited about having the pool open this year and seeing all the kids there. >> Thank you.

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>> Comments and questions from the uh council. I'll just start with a couple. You know, one of to put this all in perspective in the summer pool business, you start planning for the uh next season pretty much when you open Memorial Day weekend of the previous season. We didn't know we were in the

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pool business Labor Day, let alone Memorial Day. So, the committee to uh volunteer and then the all all the support has just been mentioned uh really will make this a possibility. will make this a reality as we less than

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two weeks away from uh jumping in there. Uh I have committed to the splash contest on Memorial Day. So I am hoping that the summer weather that we saw in April will return very soon to start uh warming up that water in the pool. But uh I guess I'm going to do it no matter

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what. So uh any other other comments or questions from Bob? >> Yeah, this is just a general comment. I am very impressed and I can't get over the work that your team has done on this. Um, back when I used to go to the pools, just a place where you swam and

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then you baked in the sun. This has become a real place to go. You know, everything from the food to all the events that you can have there, the Wi-Fi, it's an amazing job and I can't thank you enough. >> Any other questions or Tom? I I would

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like to second what everybody said and what you guys said about the people who made it happen and yourselves. Obviously, you wouldn't happen without you guys, but I remember the meeting John when we found out that the pool was uh you know in a rears and falling apart

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and you were very passionate about making sure that we brought it back. Um knowing that Jim Bernett wouldn't say no to doing it all. What an undertaking. This is fantastic and you can't have, you know, a good community without

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summer activities for the adults and the youth and the seniors. And uh I'm looking forward to just continuing to hear good things and hopefully it's not something that's totally overwhelmed your lives because I know looking at this website now for the first time. Sorry I hadn't looked at it before. It's pretty comprehensive, giving so much

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information and pictures and it's enticing. It looks like a great great uh facility to make the burrow even better place. Thank you. >> Yeah. Um in honesty, I had taken a hiatus from the pool because my daughter

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sort of aged out, right? And when all this sort was happening, I thought, "Oh, yeah." I started feeling very nostalgic about it. and the new events and I see the numbers for I am not a senior yet but like there were a lot of like I love

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that the membership is so diverse um and I'm really looking forward to it. It's making me like excited for the summer you know noon on Saturday like get out of the yard and go to the pool. So thank you for all your work.

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>> Thanks Mayor. Um, just to reiterate what others have said, you guys have done an absolutely phenomenal job. I don't think we knew we were in the pool business till Thanksgiving, let alone uh Labor Day. So, you know, it's uh kudos to all of you who have

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put in lots of Tuesday nights very late uh for those weekly meetings. Um, just one quick question. You guys threw up the membership numbers 788, which is phenomenal. Glad to see that kind of hockey sticking up uh towards the end

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there. I just What is the goal? I forget what the goal was and I knew Jim would start walking as I >> So, um I think there's going to be a tremendous amount of membership um that we'll be getting over the course >> in the next 12 days. No doubt. Yeah.

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because um of the March or the May 15th deadline for another price hike, we're going to actually be reaching out to every individual member that was a member last year that hasn't yet joined this year. And the pool board has been talking to them saying, "Oh, I that's right. I got to join other." So, it's kind of an encouragement. Say, "Hey,

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you're going to save 50 bucks if you join now. Why why wait?" And so, we anticipate seeing a significant increase in membership um over the coming week. And that's what um was seen in years past. This is our first year running it. So, we're kind of learning all the different nuances of the expenses going

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out and the revenues coming in, but uh I'm I'm cautiously optimistic that uh we're going to have um very positive financial results. Um it was alluded to that we did the pressure testing. I was really sweating that one out that there was going to be a main pipe that was

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cracked, but it it wasn't. So, um so we're fingers crossed in good shape. >> What's the target? >> Oh, may I? >> Go ahead, Tom. What's the So, what is the target to get 800 members? >> Uh, it's closer to it's closer to the

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high nines on on the families. Yeah. Well, I I'll can I can send it to you. You know, we we have over 65% um subscription, but there's a lot of subscription that comes in in uh May and even in June because they're just not thinking about it's kind of it's cold,

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right? It's we were we weren't able to even do the masonry until three two weeks ago because it was 30°. So, um, but like I said, we're cautiously optimistic that we'll reach our membership goals. >> Yeah. Hard to get excited when it's 45 at night, right? >> Yep.

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>> Um, again, my my kudos don't go far, Jim. Um, my kudos to all of you for doing this. And like Melissa, I have a 24-year-old and 21-year-old twins who are well past and I'm not quite back into the head to the pool thing, but I'm sure I'll get there. Do we know two

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questions? Do we know what membership numbers were? I just it's been so long since I've joined. Are we what they used to be? I mean, I know this year's a whole different ballgame. And I think >> we we do have historic membership numbers. Um so we're able to glean from that. And um so we're setting our we're setting our sites to exceed last year's

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membership numbers. >> Um and then there was something else, but I don't remember what. So I'm just going to leave it at Thank you for everything, and I'll email if I think of anything else. >> Okay. I just want to jump in and say I work on a lot of committees. You all know I've worked on a lot of committees. This is my favorite committee. um

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they're really dedicated. They're really engaged. Um and it's meaning meaningful work that they're doing and that we're doing to to get the pool open. And uh so I really appreciate all your guys' help. John, >> I just want to go back a little bit and

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and talk about November when we realized that we had a big problem and we put out a call for help and the really awesome group of volunteers stepped forward to help us out and to get this pool open. There was a scenario and and I don't

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think this would have happened in Madison because it's such a fantastic town of fantastic people who volunteer, but there was a scenario where there was no pool this summer. And I think a lot of people said that's unacceptable here. And there is no summer in Madison without the Madison Community Pool. And

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I'm so excited that this got done. And it's it's the volunteers that are here tonight. But also I would say I think the the mayor and council uh who I have the pleasure of working with were also outstanding. You know what I've learned with this particular group is that when

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a call to for help is heard, this group steps up. So this is the second time in my short tenure on council where this has happened. The first was with the ambulance squad and where we went to full-time EMTs uh through with through the fire department and the second time

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is with the pool. and they're two things that I'm incredibly proud to have been a part of. So, many thanks to the council and the mayor and many thanks to the administration and special extra special thanks to the group of volunteers. Thank you.

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>> Well said. And uh for those that haven't signed up again, so we have uh flag raising 12 noon on uh Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Uh root beer floats for as long as they last on Sunday and the splash contest on Monday.

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So we're starting right off right in there. Diving right in. So all right. Thank you. We now move on to uh ordinance for hearing. Will the clerk please read the statement? >> The ordinance is scheduled for hearing. were introduced by title and passed on a first reading at the regular meeting of

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the council held April the 29th, 2026. They were posted and filed according to law and copies were made available to the general public requesting same. >> Okay. I call ordinances for second reading. Ask clerk to read by title. We we will

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do ordinance 22, 23, and 24 with a combined hearing because they all are related to connection fees, just different utilities. So, uh, will the clerk please read the um, ordinance by title 22, 23, and 26, I mean 24,

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slow down. >> Ordinance of the burrow of Madison amending chapter 155 of the Madison burrow code entitled sewer to update the sewer connection fee schedule. Ordinance 23 2026, Ordinance of the Bureau of Madison amending chapter 190 of the Madison

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Burough Code entitled water to update the water connection fee uh fee schedule and ordinance 24 2026 ordinance of the Bureau of Madison amending chapter 94 of the Madison Burough Code entitled electric utility to update the electric

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connection fee schedule. >> I open the hearing for ordinances 22, 23, and 24. Anyone wishing to comment, please step forward. Seeing none, I close the hearing. I have a motion for ordinance 22, which is sewer connection fees.

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>> May I move ordinance 22-2026? >> Second. >> And just a quick reminder, these three ordinances are only for new connections, do not affect current uh rate payers for any of these utilities. Any further discussion? Roll call vote, please.

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>> Mr. Landrean. >> Yes. >> Mr. Range. >> Yes. >> Mr. Harold Pudis. >> Yes. >> Miss Honan, >> yes. >> Mr. Forte, >> yes. >> Miss Cohen, >> yes. >> I declare ordinance 22-2026 adopted and finally passed and ask the clerk to publish notice there of a newspaper and file the ordinance in accordance with

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the law. Okay. I will entertain a motion for ordinance 23-2026, which is a water connection, fees. >> Mayor, I move ordinance 23-2026. >> Second council discussion. Roll call vote, please. Mr. Landrean,

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>> yes. >> Mr. Range, >> yes. >> Mr. Harold Pudis, >> yes. >> Miss Hanahan, >> yes. >> Mr. Forte, >> yes. >> Miss Cohen, >> yes. >> I declare ordinance 23-2026 adopted and finally passed and ask the clerk to publish notice thereof in the newspaper and file the ordinance in accordance with the law.

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>> And now I'll entertain a motion for ordinance 24-2026, which is the electric utility connection fees. >> May I move ordinance 24-2026? >> Second. >> Any council discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Landrean, >> yes.

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>> Mr. Range, >> yes. >> Mr. Harland Pudis, >> yes. >> Miss Monahan, >> yes. >> Mr. Forte, >> yes. >> Miss Cohen, >> yes. >> I declare ordinance 24-2026 adopted and finally passed. And I ask the clerk to publish notice there of newspaper and file the ordinance accordance with the

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law. And now, please uh read ordinance 2526 by title. An ordinance of the bureau of Madison amending chapter 137 of the burough code regarding the recreation department code of conduct and policies. Open hearing ordinance 25. Anyone wish to comment, please step

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forward. >> Seeing none, I close the hearing. >> Mayor, I move ordinance 25-2026. >> Second. >> Any council discussion mentioned in John's pool report? A roll call vote, please.

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>> Mr. Landon. >> Yes. >> Mr. Range, >> yes. >> Mr. Harland Pudis, >> yes. >> Miss Hanahan, >> yes. >> Mr. Forte, >> yes. >> Miss Cohen, >> yes. >> I declare ordinance 25-2026 adopted and finally passed. I ask the clerk to publish notice thereof newspaper and file the ordinance in accordance with

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the law. We now move on to our section of public comment. This is when you may comment on any topic. We do ask you to follow the same rules. Step up the lect turn. State your name and town. Write your name and full address on the clipboard. Try to keep your comments at three minutes, but we give you one

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minute grace and then stop you at four. Anyone wishing to comment, please step forward. >> Hi, Bridget Daly, Madison resident. Um, I'm just going to read comments from um someone who submitted comments by email but wasn't able to attend a meeting in

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person. Uh her message is as follows. My name is Christina Pendar. I am a mother of three young children and a family medicine physician. I am in support of an ordinance restricting gas leaf blowers. I think daily about the health

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of my family and that of my patients and I want to ensure that they can live the healthiest lives possible. We know that time spent outdoors improves stress, cardiovascular health, and obstetric outcomes among others. However, during

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the seasons in which my family and others spend the most time outside, gas leaf blowers are being used for the duration of the day. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, gas leaf blowers are much more than annoying. One study found that nearly all sound

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metrics emitted from gas leaf blowers exceed World Health Organization outdoor daytime standards up to 800 ft away from where they are being used. Beyond the clear implications to our auditory health, disposes,

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noise pollution has been shown to increase aggression in adults and reduce children's reading comprehension and long-term memory. Furthermore, gas powered leaf blowers are incredibly inefficient and bad for the environment. Up to 30% of the fuel utilized does

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nothing to power the device, but is essentially released unused as exhaust. Utilizing one gas leaf blower for 1 hour, is the equivalent of driving a car, 1100 miles, which is the distance from Madison to Orlando, Florida.

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Data from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2020 showed that gasoline powered lawn equipment resulted in the dispersion of almost 22,000 tons of fine particullet which have been connected to respiratory ailments, reproductive and

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mental health issues and even premature death. As we have come to realize the harmful effects on physical, mental, and environmental health of gas powered leaf blowers, towns and cities have begun restricting the use of this equipment. Madison Madison should follow the

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evidence and the example of other towns before us and prohibit the use of gas powered leaf blowers. Richard, anyone else wishing to comment, please step forward. Seeing none, I close this part of the meeting and we now move on to uh

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introduction of ordinances. Will the clerk please read the statement? >> The ordinance scheduled for first reading has a hearing date set for Wednesday, May the 27th, 2026 will be uh published on the burough website, posted on the bulletin board, and made available to members of the public

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requesting copies. >> I call up ordinance 26-2026, first reading. Ask the burough clerk to read Sedorts by title. Uh, ordinance of the Burough of Madison amending chapter 195-48 section C of the code of the Bureau of

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Madison entitled land development regarding affordable housing and vision visionary development requirements. >> Mayor, I move ordinance 26-2026. Second. >> Council discussion. >> Roll call vote, please.

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>> Mr. Landrean, >> yes. >> Mr. Range, >> yes. >> Mr. Harland Pudis, >> yes. >> Miss Hon, >> yes. >> Mr. Forte. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Right. We move on to consent agenda resolutions. Will the clerk please read the statement? >> Consent agenda resolutions will be

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enacted with a single motion. Any resolution requiring expenditure is supported by a certification of availability of funds. Any resolution requiring discussion will be removed from the consent agenda. All resolutions will be reflected in full in the minutes.

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Mayor, I move R 163 2026 through R 1752026. >> Second. >> Any that need to be pulled or any discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Landeran, >> yes. >> Mr. Range, >> yes. >> Mr. Harland Pis, >> yes.

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>> Miss Hanahan, >> yes. >> Mr. Forte, >> yes. >> Miss Cohen, >> yes. >> No unfinished business. Let me move on to approval of vouchers. Will the clerk please read the voucher totals >> from the current fund? $295,652.15. From the general capital fund,

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$929,28856 from the electric operating fund, $165,4462. From the water operating fund, $11,64451. and from the trust 157,16520. The total is1,558,7954. >> Mayor, I move the approval of the vouchers.

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>> Second. >> Any discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Landrean, >> yes. >> Mr. Range, >> yes. >> Mr. Harold Pudis, >> yes. >> Miss Hanahan, >> yes. >> Mr. Forte, >> yes. >> Miss Cohen, >> yes. Under new business, I'd like to

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announce the f following um appointment not requiring uh council confirmation. And this is to the historic preservation commission, Peter Sullivan of Park Avenue as alternate number two member for unexpired term through December 31st, 2028. And with that, I'll entertain the motion

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to adjurnn. Mayor, I move that we