I pledge algiance 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.
>> Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mayor Mleja, >> here. >> Council President Conan, >> here. >> Councilman K, >> present. >> Councilman Denza, >> present. >> Councilman Dino, >> here. Councilman Dodie >> here. >> Councilman Griggs >> here. >> Administer >> here. >> Attorney Christini >> here.
>> Okay, >> we have a pillar tonight and uh welld deserved. And it was interesting when I was reading through all the stuff. I started at my current job in August of of u 87, the same time that you started.
38 years is an awful long time. And I've I'm sure you've seen a lot of things come and go. And you know, that's the that's the purpose of the pillars, you know, is to is to recognize people that are behind the scenes just getting it
done year after year after year. Um I'm always happy when you see, you know, one of the fire department make it because there's a lot of guys there and they they put out constantly and all the time. And we'll, you know, over time, I'm sure we're going to work our way
around to all the all the deserving guys. But guess what? Your turn today. So come on up, ready. Whereas the governing body of the Burough of Middle Sex recognizes that in order for a community to thrive and
succeed, they must rely on the service and support of its residents. And whereas the wisdom, history, commitment, and passion that so many of our residents exhibit and extend to their neighbors and the burrow make them the pillars of our community. And whereas it
is in the spirit that Mayor Miklichek would like to honor and recognize individuals throughout the community who have made exceptional contributions to the burrow of Middle Sex. And whereas William Wkelman has consistently demonstrated praiseworthy service and unprecedented commitment to the burrow and its residents by being an
irreplaceable asset to the fire department and the community as a whole. Whereas William Wkelman has served as a member of the Middle Sex Fire Department since August of 1987 when he joined the Pierce Fire Company number three fire
station. And whereas William Wkelman has volunteered in the burrow as an active firefighter for over 38 years and has dedicated numerous hours helping and protecting the community with unwavering courage, leadership, and sacrifice. And whereas William linkman has served in
various capacities while working in the fire department, holding the position of engineer in 1989, lieutenant in 1990, captain in 1991 and 1992, vice president of the Pierce Fire Company number three in 2000, and since
2001 until present, he has served as president of the Pierce Fire Company number three. Currently, he holds the title of Lieutenant of Pierce Fire Company number three. Since his appointment in 2024, with every position, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, bravery, and has
made a significant impact on the burrow and its residents. Whereas, William Wkelman has devoted his life to ensuring the safety of others through volunteer service, which is the backbone of the community, ensuring the future of Middle Sex, therefore allowing the burrow to
thrive and succeed. Now therefore, Jack Mcichic, mayor of the Burough of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, along with the Middle Sex Burough Council, and on behalf of the residents of Middle Sex, we wish to thank you, Wink, William Wkelman, for all of your dedication,
sacrifice, and labor to our community. Um, a fix this day, the 25th of November. Congrats. >> Congratulations. I'm not one for speeches, but I'd like to thank the mayor and council for the award, all the members of the Middle Sex
Fire Department, especially my family that gives so much to and someone that got me involved, Jack Costa. So, I'd like to thank everybody for
coming out and supporting me and hope more years to come. >> Here we like to come up and get a picture. And also after that, let's get a picture of all the all the firemen up here with with with Mike. So, this might take a couple minutes,
but we got plenty of time. I'll take the first Yeah, please. >> You should give her a cookie. >> You should give him cookies. you. >> What are you hiding over there? >> I figure there's enough people. They
don't need any >> scoot down. >> Here you go. Bring everybody down. >> Don't give them to me. I don't want >> you front center. Keep going. Big
Hey guys, make sure you get in there. sir. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. coming. We do appreciate it. And also have a happy Thanksgiving and hopefully you guys have no falls this weekend. That's what we want to do.
>> Hopefully, let's let's hope for the best. >> I thought I saw some uh some good good uh good results >> as always. How much? You halfway through. Yeah, I wake up though. I have got that
blue. I hope you get more out of it than I got out of it. >> My eyes, >> huh? >> You see it? >> Yeah, I feel like I said to people here. >> I mean, maybe I'm wrong.
I don't know. >> I understand why. >> I just waiting a second for Mr. Kevin to come back. the business the business aspect. You you had a good feel. >> Do you see if you can get a There he is.
>> All right. >> You got to do the right thing. I get it. >> Okay. Moving on. We have uh no appointments, no proclamations. We have uh ordinance for public hearing and final adoption.
Ordinance 215825 and ordinance repealing ordinance number 214425 and amending chapters 427,42056 42057 and 42059 of the burough land use ordinance of the municipal code of the burrow of middle sex to define
contractor storage yard and to include contractor storage yard as permitted conditional use in the IND industrial district and the high heavy industrial district and amend the conditions required for contractor storage yard as a conditional use. >> Okay. I'd like to have a motion to for
the to open up the public hearing. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor? >> All right. Anyone wishing to step up. >> Okay. I like a motion to close motion >> the public hearing. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. And let's go with a motion to
approve. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All right. >> Question. >> Go ahead. >> Number four. on uh page nine. When this resolution was first brought
up, we discussed eliminating the one contractor per yard. >> Hang on. >> And everybody said yes. And it's still in there. >> Hang on. Let me get to the right page here. >> Page nine.
>> Yeah. Number four. >> Number four. We're going to change that to allow >> subway >> them to have more than one contractor in the yard. >> If you look on Lincoln Boulevard where you have that big parking lot. >> Mhm.
>> There's multiple contractors in there. Look on Mountain Avenue where you have multiple you have multiple >> contractors now. >> Yeah, it feels right. >> It's not actually my >> hang on. I mean
>> it's an actual so we might not be able to amend. We might at the table then come back. >> So what do we do at this point? Do we table it or do we approve it and then amend it right away? >> Uh that's a few. Um, yeah. I mean, I would say that you could approve it and
just amend it. Yeah. Yeah, we've done that before. I I would say that we wouldn't enforce the offensive the offending provision. >> Can we do that the next >> You can't do the next meeting because unless you do a special meeting uh because year is up, but just I wouldn't I would not enforce that. >> Yes. >> January Joe.
>> Yeah. I'd like to have it right the second meeting. >> Yeah. I would just you know I mean the the substantive parts of the of the ordinance I think you could proceed with besides that clause, right? Um I may have >> I don't have any problem with any of it but but that we had discussed that. >> It's a good catch. That's fair.
>> We did discuss it. >> Yeah, we discussed it. >> I'm just trying to find my I would just put it through. We'll just let our people know. >> So we're going to approve it and it is held in I think that's >> we'll introduce it for amendment next week. >> You could do it your first meeting in
>> in January. >> January and just don't enforce that. >> Okay. You have the ability to for a short period of time to hold. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Not infinity. >> All right. Any but any other discussion on this item?
>> Call the role, please. >> Council President Cunningham. >> Yes. >> Councilman K. >> Yes. >> Councilman Denza? >> Yes. >> Councilman Dino? >> Yes. >> Councilman Dodie? >> Yes. >> Councilman Griggs? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um,
I kind of missed one right at the at the beginning of the meeting because we did have the pillar. Um, we're just going to stop here for one one minute because I would like to have a moment of silence for actually Jimmy Matula. Thank you. I know of nothing worse for
for a parent than that. Okay. Um so we are up to the mayor. Oh, approval of minutes, please. >> Approval of the October 28th, 2025 regular and executive meeting minutes. >> Need a motion to approve. >> Second. >> Second.
>> All right. All in favor? >> Okay. All right. Let's go to the mayor's report. Okay, a few things are going on. Uh, one of the things on the lighter side is um if anyone had a chance to go by Victor
Cra Park, the Christmas decorations are up. They're lit. They look dynamite. Um, I know uh the DPW's been busy moving them around um finishing up because they do have them in front of uh the the the park and stuff like that. So, that'll be
coming somewhere down the road. I did get a chance to go to the League of Municipalities. I I managed to sneak out of work and I got down there for the day. It was actually pretty encouraging. I'm sorry, Claire. I was a day late. I couldn't make get down there. I thought I I saw the pictures. I think it's
absolutely awesome the the recognition that you guys got from that as rookie of the year. Uh couldn't be more pleased. I did actually meet uh several of our several of our vendors. I also um met
the Hoffman Corporation, which are the these are the guys that bought the Ferris Brothers building. They're going to do a good job over there. They're they're very nice. They want to do the right thing for our town. That's always uh that's always a plus. Um during a
during the period, we did have actually a I I would like to call it a budget meeting, but it really wasn't a budget meeting. It was basically uh I met with the administrators, the CFO, the council president, and myself, and we basically
set out our stall of here's here's the budget process. Here's how we go through it. And we just want to make sure we didn't miss any of the bases. And this way, everyone can be involved as it goes along. As as you guys all know, I'm a big one on the budget because that's
what drives our whole year. So, as the process is going through, we expect to be very communicative so we can we can just get that out there that everyone knows what's what's going on. Um, one of the other things is I did have an opportunity to go down to the senior
center for the recreation and the police. They actually had that craft fair that they had uh that was really well attended. It was a lot of fun that that the people were there. Some of those projects, I have to say, they're probably going to be about five years before they actually get them done, but
that's okay. It it it it turned out it was it was very well attended and it was it it was really well done. I mean, I got to hand it to the to the ladies. They know how to they know how to run an event. They did a a tremendous job. Um,
don't forget next week we have the town hall. That's there's going to be no action taken. Just so everyone's clear, there's no action taken at that meeting. This is a chance. It's going to be a SWAT analysis similar to what we did last year. It's going to be a chance for everyone to speak up, talk about what we like, what we don't like. And then, you
know, obviously we have to bring it back. And it's things that we'll we'll think about and talk about, but we also know that what we want to do is, you know, we got to work within our budget constraints, which as Caroline well knows, I'm big on making sure that we we
stay within our budget lines there for sure. Um, you know, one of the other things being that we this is a meeting that's a little bit late in in the month of November, we don't have an earlier meeting. I would like to uh just say thank you to all the veterans that are
out there. It's something that it's easy to get glossed by and just have it disappear on us, but for all of you you veterans that are out there, and I know of at least one up here. Two I know two up here. Thank you for your service.
All right, one last item I have on here. And we do have a lot of good things happening. You're going to hear a bunch out of the guys here and and the guys on uh on the council. We're getting a lot done and we're and I couldn't be more pleased about that. But one of the
things that that sticks out today is that if you look at when we get down to the ordinance regarding the transfers, you're going to see a significant transfer to health coverage. And I have to say if there's any one
single item that's driven by the state that's going to make it very difficult for us to maintain the type of budget that we had last year, it's going to be health coverage. 36% increase. They're out of their minds that we have to suck
up and find a way to do that. I mean, it's getting to the point where it's untenable. You know, you know, everyone sort of glosses over it now all of a sudden. you know, some of the some of the higherups in the state, oh, this is a big problem. It's been a big problem. They they
instead of talking about it until and holding it off as a real issue until after the election, they should have done it all along instead of just hanging us hanging all these municipalities out to dry. I mean, the transfer I and I don't have in front of
me. I do, but I it was 125,000. Think about that. It was 125,000. we got to transfer just to make up for the shortfall that that that the health coverage is going to is going to prevent is being uh pushed our way. And that's
despite the fact it's going up 36% despite the fact that we had everybody go to the difference card and everything else. It's almost going to push us into trying to look at it again, which we're probably going to have to do, but I
mean, it's just it's it's unfortunate and everyone should be calling Trenton and making a big stink about it because it is a big stink. And, you know, it's okay for them to talk about it, but it's us that have to pay for it, you know. And I'm not talking about the council. I'm talking about the residents. And
that's that's all I have to that's my little tirade on that. Um, that's my report for today. Council President, >> thanks, Mayor. Uh, I know Wink left, but I wanted to congratulate uh, Bill Winklman,
uh, our our next pillar. Um, his dedication to responding to almost all fire calls. I I think some of us know that, some don't, is a true testament to who Wink is and um, he exemplifies all of our volunteer firefighters. I know
most left. But uh I wanted to thank him again. I wanted to extend on behalf of the mayor and council our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Middle Sex High School senior James Matsulla. Uh the community is is
devastated by his loss, especially many many of our uh current Blue Jays as well as many of our recent graduates from high school, including both of my kids. Um, Middle Sex Bureau needs to support
the Matulla family and uh, we will with whatever they need. Uh, our 2026 reorganization meeting, uh, the mayor did confirm that it will be Tuesday, January the 6th at 7 p.m. Uh, congratulations to both Shannon
Quinn and Jennifer Clark who won council seats back on November the 4th. I look forward to working with both of the council women. Congratulations to our environmental commission led by chairwoman Claire Leavourne. Sorry I missed that Claire down in Atlantic City, but um for being honored as the
mayor said, the 2025 sustainable Jersey Rookie of the Year um which you were showcased last week. So thank you again. Uh thank you mayor for organizing another town hall uh backtoback years that's scheduled for December 3rd. It's
literally next week from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. here. Uh, I also wanted to thank Councilman KS for reinvigorating and refocusing the film commission into what it is now. Um, your hard work has definitely paid off. Job well done. You stuck with it, changed it a bunch of
times, and I think it's it's in a good spot now. So, thank you. And, um, lastly, the Friends of the Middle Sex is hosting another event, another program, a guitar concert with Vic Leonard. That'll be this Sunday at 3 p.m. in the community room. Um, happy Thanksgiving
and all. And uh that's it. >> Okay, Councilman Carr. >> Yes. Um thank you again like the council president said, I'll jump off with the the film. We went down to the AC. Um thank you for everyone for your your support, your constant and creative
support when it comes to seeing the ability of what the film industry is bringing to New Jersey. It's a constant boom. I went down with um the civilian part of the commission which is Mr. Jonathan Beal and Mr. Joseph Damas and we drove down and we saw a few people
there quickly briefly. We're like grabbed in free American bags like see you later alligators cuz our classes all started at the same time. But I was very happy to see Middle Sex represented very well by our by who we are in a lot of places and the the accomplishments of
the environmental commission is tremendous and I would have gladly celebrated with all you've done if we're working on other things as well and we're spread out and doing good. So the film commission is is bringing millions of dollars. Jersey is starting to rival
um Illinois and Georgia in competition for ratable opportunities for our local economy to boost itself. It has taken a lot of conversation beyond what we see here and a lot of conversation with the help of the council president and the mayor as well figuring out how to handle
this. I believe the held up or the we met with um New Jersey Foam Ready Commission which is involved with people who are all across our community um different mayor they have their own commission. So they led this they led this class. We we are there we are on
the brink of a straightaway of somebody calling up saying hey we need to get this done. We're going to come film here and then it brings you can put your um personal home. There's going to be um once we're up and running, there will be submission forms to where you if you're interested in risking your home out, you
your address, everything's private and personal. Um you don't you don't have to worry nobody they just take pictures of your house and they'll submit it in the catalog. So what we're building and using their platform is a catalog of Middle Sex. So restaurants, park games,
anything and everything that you think makes Middle Sex unique can be put into this catalog. So, anybody across the world who's filming and they say Victor Carl Park or they say Mountain View High School or whatever it is, they have pictures of it. That is now in the
catalog for anybody to get to if they want to come in and film. Um, we have, I think, pretty open communication with that and it's exciting. I'm very excited over it because it'll be pretty awesome if they film ET3 here. I will gladly
stand in the background and pretend to be long there. There is um another big shout out. I received two phone calls. I want to make sure that we know this. Miss for the seniors department. U Melissa has received two phone calls to me complimenting her leadership with the
seniors and everything they do for them and the staff. Um I think I made you the administrators aware of one, but there's definitely two and it was well said. Um arts and oh wait, let me read her thing. She said, um, here are some talking points for the senior report. Medicare
open enrollment ends on December 7th. Any last minute questions, please call the senior center to schedule an appointment. Net's vets breakfast will be held west of veterans for us for us veterans will be held on December 11th at the American Legion. One-time
location change. We will be hosting a loneliness around the holidays present. Oh, we will be hosting a loneliness around the holidays presentation by the 60 plus department of mental health, Raritton Bay, YMCA 125. Go love on
people, everybody at 1 p.m. Um, arts and culture switching. Um, thank you Hardikach for and the other rest of the crew for working like they're are consistently working and getting everything done. And I know that there are some great plans
for 2026. For the board of education as the liaison, I can say that communication from this side is still hasn't changed and it is what it is. And I'm hoping next year we will have better communication with the board of education. Somehow I think that will happen to the best of the ability, but I
don't know how. But I will I will do the best to make sure that that bridge state remains open and most of our taxpayers understand what the hell's going on with their tax dollars from every angle that they can. Um side note, I ran into the Montana people as I told the mayor and
council president. Um I know that they mentioned a few there's headaches. So if you have headaches, please reach out to these administrators um involving Montana. like if there if there's holes that aren't filled in, if you're curious about what's happening with your pipes, if any of that mumbo jumbo's going on,
sorry Bobby to jump in, but I just saw them today and I talked to him. And so springtime is what I was what I was told, but good luck dealing with that and that brings. So springtime for Montana and all the way
until then. >> Great. >> I'm I'm done. I'm done. Okay. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desenza. >> Yes. Uh I too attended the League of Municipalities with the rest of the council and um
Claire, I'm sorry I couldn't make it. We we were on a vacation. We didn't come home until late Tuesday night. Otherwise, I would have been um but in reference to the Hoffman uh company coming into town. Interesting to
find out that they lived next door to Chief Benson, the Hoffman family before you moved in. So they were Middle Sex family coming back to Middle Sex. They're located in Newark now and this will be their
headquarters and we're very excited to have a nice raidable in town. Um, another point just comes to mind. Can we get Montana to remove the no parking
signs that are all outdated? >> Oh, no. All over on all the sides. >> Still on Senica Avenue. A bunch of them >> when they were doing Yeah, they were all over the place. Okay. >> Now, I'm talking about the ones on most of the side streets that are part of the
water thing. They're all all the dates are outdated. >> So, you say the dates expired? >> Yeah, they all expired. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And some of them are on stakes on at the curb line. >> Um, as far as u the recreation
department, uh, over 40 children and their parents came to the rec center on November 7th to see animals and from Eyes of the Wild sponsored by Clean Communities. Uh, yoga mini holiday session is
starting tonight for the next four weeks. And the biggest event is the winter wonderland is on December 7th. Please everybody mark it down. We have tw uh 10 craft community business tables, six food trucks.
Um we have any wood for the bonfire? >> Any wood for the bonfire? Okay. And it's 2:30 to 6:30. Please try to be there. And I think that's all I have. >> Okay. Council Dino. Yes, I too was at
the league of municipalities and I did attend a bunch breakfast with Blair administrator and deputy administrator. A little bit about the sustainable Jersey award. This is not like something easily done. So, uh first time bronze certificate we had 245 books and able to
get points you have to establish a mandatory green theme which Claire has done. You have to implement two of 15 priority actions which are not easy to do. She has to deal with the council sometimes and sometimes her things don't go through. Um, also she has to complete
actions in six of 17 categories and have a total of at least 150 points. Middle sex has 245 only 105 points shy of certificate. So she did a great job. You go around town everywhere you see
her everywhere. You see her on she's by herself. You see her tree farm. >> You see her Sunday morning wherever you see her car at the library. She's always doing something. So she's a wonderful person and we're lucky to have all I have to say about that.
Um as far as public works talking about the Mountain View Park. So we're in the top lot now. They removed all the equipment and all the material in that area is ready for the playground there. Uh they brought in 100 tons of stone, 40 tons of
3/4 clean stone, preparation of rubber surface. As far as the playground area, the playgrounds were all there. Also at the league, we met with one of the contractors who's going to be doing the rubber, what do they call any? Rubber >> rubber surface.
>> The rubber surface. We had hoped to get it done, but he said, "Don't rush it because it'll be a 20-year warranty. You'll you'll lose the warranty. It may last 5 years." We have to get through the winter without that rubber surface. It'll be much better. >> Yeah.
right now. So, we're more than likely seems like That was beautiful. It It does look nice. >> No. Stick a little sign on there and
maybe give him a suggestion to go to the park at the back of Victor Crown. Send them over there. >> You know, and you know what you're dealing with is the basic. Do you want it fast or do you want it right? >> So, let's get it right. >> So, we talked about the decorations uh
all the decorations that installed on the poles in the streetscape. Next week they're going to be installing that panel tree. How tall is that? Lady 20 something >> 22 foot tree. If you ever go through Brook Lake downtown by the train station, that big tree that's there,
it's going to be similar to that. >> I'm waiting on that to finish it up on leaf cleanup and winter preparation during >> right now. And uh cycle was closed at 27, 28, 29. So, tomorrow's your day to
get there if you need to get there. If not, they won't open again until Tuesday next week. That's all I have. >> Okay. I just want to add one thing real quick. You know, when we start talking about the Christmas decorations and I know people sit there, well, you know,
you're always crying poor mouth and it was use it to lose it money with the with the streetscape grant. So, this is all this was all done on someone else's dime. So, it was it was a way for us to
finish up using what funds that we had left over because, you know, just the way the streetscape worked out, a couple of things changed and we might have a little money left over and allowed us to do, you know, get some decorations, liven up the town a little bit.
So, so what are you telling us now with streetscape 2? There's gonna be a 50ft tree. >> No, I'm just kidding. All right. Well, thank you. >> But thanks. >> That's all right. That Well, this is what we should be doing. We should be
looking at ways to maximize our return for anything that we're getting, especially in grant money. Um, moving down the line, Mr. Dodie >> Lenny, Monday, right? They're being lit. You're going to start lighting this stuff.
>> Yeah. I mean, I started >> definitely by the end of the week. This way, somebody asks. >> Okay. Yeah. Who would have thought? Yeah. >> Okay. Second thing, I like the turkeys that are telling you to eat pizza. I
noticed that today. I know. I noticed that today. That was funny. >> Just like you had to get something in there for Thanksgiving. It was great. Okay. I have all three of my reports to give you tonight. Let's start with the fire department. 50
calls to service in October. Luckily, no structure fires. That's a good thing. They had a cooking fire, mulch fire, five motor vehicle accidents with injuries, three with no injuries,
five gas leaks naturally this time of the year. Everybody check your heaters. Make sure everything's working properly. This is the time of the year. They I can't stress it enough. Um you know, especially people have been running them, but now they'll be really
cranking, so just be careful with them. Uh they had one unauthorized burning and two authorized control burnings. Uh for the month, a couple highlights that the chief sent over was um homeowner in Glengary Road reported
their microwave. That was the the fire. They got there, they removed the power and it managed to be out. On uh 19th, the police department was dispatched for a separate incident and they were met
with smoke at the front door. The uh fire department was dispatched. They went in, there was burnt food on a stove top. They secured the stove, ventilated the home, cleared the scene. A few minutes later on October 24th,
police department requested MFD to the scene of Glengarry Road for an animal rescue. They found a deer stuck in a fence. They had take the fence apart so that the deer could get out and it
survived and it took off. Just it was that's got to be the most bizarre one I saw in the sheet this week this month. Um October 30th they responded to an overturned motor vehicle on the property
of 245 Mountain Avenue. Uh it struck a struck a stop sign ball and overturned. Uh the driver was already was able to exit and with the help of the MFD was turned over to Bound Brook EMS. The
vehicle's power was secured. All fire units were cleared from scene in just over an hour. the 30th. They responded to Raron Avenue for an overturn motor vehicle due to striking a utility pole. When they got there, the pole was split in two and suspended in the air by
wires. The occupants of the vehicles were able to free themselves prior to emergency services arriving. Uh PSEG arrived on the scene and took care of the wires and the poles. Uh they attended the fire prevention day
at all Middle Sex Burough schools on Tuesday, October 7th. They hosted a fire drill for the students and went over fire safety procedures if a fire were to happen at home or school. They attended their second live burn at the Somerville Burrow Fire Training Tower on October
15th from 18:30 to 21:30 hours. Also, they will be supervising the bonfire on the winter wonderland. And the following weekend is Santa, I believe, is what they have decided on. We'll be going around.
>> Yeah, it's two weekends after that. It's the 20th. You're correct. So, make sure you're at home with your kids if you have kids. And Santa will be around and be giving out um candy canes to everybody. Okay. I have the court
report. October 25 tickets and complaints, uh 210 tickets, for 16 parking violations, 194 moving violations, three DWIs, 10 criminal complaints, six local
ordinance violations, zero health tickets issued, 31 zoning issued. Um for October 25 court, they had three court sessions, one in person, two virtual, 220 defendants, 264 cases
deposed of this month, 16 DWI deposed. The total monies was 33,26598. Burrows is 16,12950. And the backlog has been going down. It's gone over down a couple hundred cases.
>> We're down to what? 9004. It was like around 1,100 when it first started. So I they're doing extra nights at least one a month. Correct, Chief? >> Court. >> Yeah.
So hopefully that helps and they can get caught back up because that's been the big thing. Okay. The final thing is I have have our illustrious police department. Thank god the chief's here if I have any questions.
um calls to service 1691 14 adult arrests, two DWIS, 209 summones, 43 radar, 40 motor vehicle crashes. For the National Incident Based Reporting System, there were 14 crimes
and seven of those were cleared during that month, which is 50%. which is really good because I follow that online the whole statistics for the country. It's very interesting to go through that and see
what what is cleared. If I can find the detectives, but I had the page folded. Sorry about that. Okay. And they make it tiny again. Don't they know how old I am? I can't see. Okay. Uh, they're working on there was a
weapons offense, possession of heroin, there was three burglary burglary trespassings, three thefts, a violation of court order contempt, three of those, a missing person, a death investigations, and they're doing background firearms permitting. There
was 28 background checks. Um, I know they're on social media doing checking stuff. So, the detectives are behind the scenes constantly working on these cases. Some of this stuff is years old and they're I know they don't give up on them. And I know they were do
did your food drive for replenish? I didn't get the report on what you guys that much issues with social That was unprecedented. >> Usually,
>> yeah, usually by this time I get the poundage and it's something crazy. So, I hopefully it was another really successful year for you guys. >> Okay. Uh, >> yep. Yeah, that's basically all I have. I'd like to say happy Thanksgiving to everybody,
>> you know, but I just couldn't get over the I saw it today. The pizza. It was great. >> Okay. Yes. Uh for the health uh vaccination vouchers expected to start early next year so everyone can set out
clinic will be able to choose their own uh time and uh to some extent event of their choice. The board of health is closing out the first year working with Somerset County. Just want to say something great. Everybody on the board is so happy that
we have made that move. So that's been very beneficial. Um board of health meetings third Thursday of the month in the community room 6:30 J commissions we we had no meeting this month so I don't really have any changes for that maybe
the second Thursday of the month in this room at 7 p.m. zoning no major changes but they they did put out a reminder that if you have a rental unit that you do have to register for that and that's that's
yearly. Um the new Planet Fitness is coming along well in Middle Sex Crossing. Uh they you know the owners reached out to us and we're looking forward to having that as part of the community. Dunkin Donuts at the end of town. Uh remodeled recently and and looks great.
Uh they've been, you know, uh really neatening things up over there. It was it wasn't the best for a while, but they uh they've done a nice job improving the the property and sign. So that's good. I I was also one of the ones that went
to the League of Municipalities and it it definitely was a good experience going down there. I learned a lot of useful info. Um I also, you know, it was great just being able to represent Burl at the event. I also was able to meet the new member
Hoffman and it sounds like they're going to be great addition to the town. It's it's nice to have, you know, a reasonable size company moving in again. And uh just lastly, congratulations again to Quinn and talk on their election to council. Looking forward to
working with them next year and hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving. >> All right. Thank you. >> I I I'd like to make a comment about the uh code enforcer. From what I've heard from the court, they're actually
starting to process the tickets he's writing. And I guess he's not making friends, which is a good thing. You know, I hate to put it that way, but >> well, that's >> you got to you got to be careful because I was told by somebody that was handed a ticket. He was called by his neighbor
and then he turned around and wrote the person that called violations. So, be careful what you wish for with him because he's not playing favorites with anybody. And that's what we actually asked him to do when we hired him. I notice council did to to enforce
our codes and I just wanted to make that >> No, that's good. >> I forgot to mention that for the court because I was told his cases are starting to come in and he's actually there and >> you know it's it's working >> which is good actually. That was one of the items that was on our on that came out at the town hall last year. Yes.
>> And it's one of the things that we're able to act on. Um, >> I know he works with police and DPW both because I've gotten emails about it and he's been fantastic. >> All right, I'm going to I'm Before we go to the administrators, I'm going to I'm
going to finish off with a little quick public service announcement because the weather is starting to get cold and every year I get a ton of calls, I didn't know. Nobody told me. You got to get the cars off the street
or you're going to get a ticket. That's as simple as it goes. I mean, pay attention. You're now dually warned because every year someone tells me and it's always the people that have been in town for 30 years that are telling me we never had that happen before. And I can
guarantee you that the police department on the especially the first couple of snows for the year. And I know I'm not speaking out of turn here, Chief. You guys are out there to to to make sure that they're they're following the rules. So now they know.
>> What about our Sorry, what what about the seniors? I know we got a few calls last where we had disabled seniors that weren't able to get them out there nor knew who to really call. Is there anything that we can do, your advent can do to help them? >> They they >> just call here and they can
>> call here senior services or actually senior service is the best way to go. Or if you're having a real a genuine issue, >> call the police department and I can't guarantee they'll be able to help them or whatever, but at the at the end, they're going to make sure they're safe. >> We would just ask that everybody plan
ahead. It's one of the notes I wanted to bring up from my report. Uh the other side is as neighbors, we should just be looking out for one another. If you have elderly neighbors, reach out to them. I have elderly neighbors. I I help them out. Um remind them, help them. It's not just the car on the snow covered street. It could be their garbage, their
recycling. It's just a good thing to kind of start looking out for one another, especially uh during the winter months when um the elderly are are inside more than they're outside. Okay, Chief, I have a couple things I just want to uh
report on for the administrator's report. Lenny's going to assist me with them. I'm going to start with Daisy Park, the Army Corps of Engineers. Uh Daisy Park was on Drake Avenue. It was block 278, lot 60 and 62. It was sold to the Army Corps real estate division. Uh
the remaining balance owed for that park property is approximately $19,700 um from the partial payment partial payments that were made. The same time they purchased the lot next door from the burrow was lot 278, I'm sorry, block 278, lot 52 for $231,000.
Um there have been delays in receiving final payment. We were hoping to get that um in 2025. Apparently the Army Corp pays D and then D has to pay the burrow. Uh, so there's a little bit of red tape involved in in
collection. So, uh, Lenny's been actively following up this. We're hoping to receive payments before the end of the year. I think it would be helpful. >> Sure. >> Mountain View Park update. Len, you want to give Mountain View Park update on the bathrooms and the park playground? >> Yeah, I know. U So, we at the bur are responsible for
the top lock to some of that material that was part of the branch and all that project. done. So, we removed all that material out of there. That's why we had to put the G out of cleaning. The fence was also repaired too as well. That
fence is not going to replace that. But some of the areas I think we had some concerns, but I mean it looks phenomenal. Um the back to my uh here's here. He knows my struggle
with it too as well. Um the work order. We're wait so that crane companies can come place over and we're still and it's falling on PSG right now
between myself. We had been following up I don't know if they're weekly a real day. So, um, we're really trying to stay on top because I was trying to push this thing to get done by the winter wondering
for so the uh, next winter wonderland. Obviously, we said already, but it's going to be December 7th from 2:30 to 5:30. The mission is free. That's important to know. We ask the public to join us there for the tree lighting, food trucks, vendors, bonfire,
performances by local groups, music, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. As far as the holiday decorations, I know it was touched on, but I think it's important to point out that that new streetscape project from Fourth Street to Washington a really cleaned up that
area. It really looks nice. Um, all decorated. Uh the DPW is still in the process of cleaning up uh properties, the Burough properties, but uh they've also managed to start decorating or in process of Burough Hall, the police department, Victor Coral Park, and Mountain Park. So things should really
look um wonderful for uh the holiday season. We did have our crafting connections, the police department, uh with our community, um you know, focused towards our senior citizens. It was the 14th. We had about 60 people that showed and we
did that along with the um senior services. So we had uh had lunch, made crafts and disc discussed concerns with our seniors. Um it was just nice day. It was a nice afternoon. I appreciate coming mayor and Lenny um for uh for coming and spending a few minutes with
with everybody. It was a a really nice afternoon. On November 14th, Lenny and I met with Found Brook administrator Jasmine McCoy, their police chief Jason Gonado and EMS director Mike Lapatovski, started dialogue and they were exploring
different shared services opportunities for the future. In some cases, um it might be a smart way to streamline some operations uh and control long-term costs. We want to investigate ways to follow uh allow us municipality to consolidate resources, improve each
other's delivery of services. So, um, you know, we just wanted to kind of open the open the door and have some dialogue where our intention is to meet with our neighbors in Denellan and and surrounding counts. So, you might be able to find some other ways. We do have um
a shared service with with Dunellen at this point. Um, and just to touch on the league and I know everyone kind of kind of touched on it and Claire, congratulations. That was a wonderful lunchon. It was nice to be there. was very proud of Middle Sex and I was happy to be there uh standing with you celebrating. But uh you know some of the
the work that gets done at the league was was the the other side of it, right? The the business side and so um we have the jetack truck we spent about $422,000 for that we shared with Danellen um as a shared service. Um so both towns get to use it. It's a brand new truck. We
received delivery beginning of the year and it had some warranty issues um some repairs that needed to be made and we couldn't use it. So it got sent back and and I think Glenny was told virtually it was going to take months to return. He made a plan with Parsa to help as a stop gap to make sure we had a sewer
emergency. Um but you know he spent a few minutes we spent a few minutes with the owner of the of Jetack and uh before Lenny left he managed to have him turn that that uh repair in a week. So, we should be getting that truck back much much sooner and that's important especially if there's flooding or other
issues in town with the sewers which is a which is a regular uh issue or problem. Uh GIS mapping storm drains and outfalls. If I miss anything Lenny please let me know. But uh on the 17th Lenny met with Collier uh engineering regarding GIS mapping for all our storm
drains and outfalls. Before the end of 2026 the D is requiring the geographic information systems. It's a It's a way to visualize and analyze data on a map by layering different types of geographic information. Uh we recently process a purchase order for $120,000
for the cost of the mapping. It should be completed before 2026. Correct. >> Uh I think that's it. December 3rd, 7 and between 700 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. is our town hall meeting. Uh I want to congratulate Bill Wkelman on receiving this color. Bill did look really nice
tonight. And uh as far as snow covered streets, uh with with the weather coming, um it's important to make sure that the roads are passable, that they can be cleaned, that we can get emergency vehicles up and down, and that's the main reason why we make sure we enforce that. We want to make sure that we can we can get emergency
services where they need to go um when the snow. >> Okay. Thank you guys. Um, moving down. Let's, uh, go to the privilege of the floor. Uh, I'd like a motion to open. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor?
>> All right. Anyone wishing to to say anything, step on up. >> Oh, the mic's on that side. >> Yeah, they moved it. That's cuz the camera. >> So, we can get them on camera. H on camera that way.
>> How you doing guys? Mike Schneider, 440 High Street, Middle Sex, New Jersey. And mayor and council also know that I'm with the uh uh town's environmental commission as vice chair. Uh I've lived in town for about 40 years and uh brought up two boys who moved out of
town, but they're doing very well. Um, Claire has done a fantastic job uh over the past two years and uh one thing I want to mention is that volunteerism is very fragile sometimes. And um for her to receive this award I
think means means a lot to her and and the commission. But uh as you know, Claire goes around, we go around, I I go around when I can just to see what the environmental if there's any environmental issues with
uh within our community because we want to address those as soon as possible. And uh one of my little ventures with my dogs, they wanted to go for a ride, so I appeased them. I went down what I call the u um South Lincoln Boulevard extension. You know, where the curve
goes around, but you go straight. Nobody goes down there because there's only a few residents who live down there plus a few businesses. And uh the devast devastation I saw was unbelievable. Um Army Corps of Engineers probably
clearcut at least 30 acres of land. Um we didn't see this on the mapping. We just saw a uh um a pump station and this is a wetland
totally destroyed a whole ecosystem. It's so disheartening and I think what we need to do is to get them to impose on them to get some type of plans for any type of uh replanting um
restoration. Uh there was no need if this is supposed to be a retention basin. I mean it was clear-cut. You has anybody been up there? >> I saw the pictures that you you >> I put them on. Yeah. I haven't seen anything like that since I used to be up
I I was in Washington state and they don't even clear cut like that lumber anymore. It looked like they're going to put it in an Amazon uh h uh uh warehouse. The amount of property that they that was devastated there is unbelievable. They're not only took out took out all
those trees, they also took out all the roots. The um Army Corps of Engineer made up their master plan about 50 years ago. It's antiquated. It has to be fixed. They've changed it as we've gone along.
But now they're in our town. And as they went from Bound Brook up, we're getting to more pieces of property, putting up walls and in in different BMS burming areas. My understanding is that this is
a a water retention basin, but I'm talking this isn't a little thing like behind the the chicken place or in front of the chicken place. This is acres and acres of property. They just clearcut it. Um, Claire can tell you the importance of
the trees. I mean, I'm not really a tree hugger, but when I see something like this, it's happening in our town, we have to address it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Claire. Lavren, 809 Grand View. It's I just have questions about um
negotiating. So for C2 and H contract for the Army Corps, I don't know who negotiated, but why there's no trees being planted on that for that. So this was probably negotiated in 2023. Who does the negotiations? >> So I just want to touch base. Um so I'm
in a lot of those meetings. I am in the process for any future projects for them to FYI. Um there really is no negotiation. they get all their approvals from PP right so all those sort of levy there is
retention funds I've seen very similar to especially when it comes to retention it's not I get Mike's concerns >> but if you take a look at like options options where that is right that whole development >> what's behind you
>> we have the retention bond >> is there any trees in that retention >> no there won't be >> but but if you're breaking up that property each each one of us should have two trees in our front Correct. But when they come in with their project and that ley system that is going along that end
so the detention pond is once they do their drainage and everything yes they'll be good to go but they're willing to give back money for 100%. >> Okay. >> So I'm working on that now >> because I didn't realize all >> right. So I I go to all these meetings
and there's nothing about retention ponds in there at all. And I've seen it um you know once they took it down which is where my concern was fencing um that the chief talked about too as well on the last meeting but because all of this area is going to be wide open right they're not allowing planting once the
levy's up so there's a lot of guidelines and and they're not even completed yet so they still have to go to mountain park after this next phase but I'm working on hopefully getting some sort of funding back to the burl to be able to
any shade tree commission, environmental something. >> We're running out of places to plant stuff. >> Correct. But to my understanding, when the Army Corp does this project, it is a federal project. They purchase the credits from um B and they spend millions of dollars to
be able to cut down all >> Yes. And they're being remediated in Bridgewater. So we're not Middle Sex Burrow is not getting the benefit of clean air. So it'll go somewhere else. Yes, that was my understanding. But in the future, I would like to get some sort of funding back so we can plan
elsewhere. >> So when are negotiations going to happen for the phase by Mountain View Park soccer fields >> though? Once this project is complete, I'll let you know. But yeah, they've already begun this next phase. >> I'm getting a lot of questions at meetings and like I I feel like I I
attend everything and I'm not >> We haven't even talked about that. There were three different layouts that were talked about on where it was going to go, what they were going to get back kind of sort of. >> Um, so once this project is towards the end,
then yes, we'll get there. I'll keep you in the mix if you like. >> Yes. >> I'll bring you in. >> Yeah. >> Um, into that meeting now that I've brought Matt in. So, yeah, I have a meeting with them every two weeks. >> Okay. Monday. >> So, they are willing
And retention ponds can have more than turf grass in there. So there's Chris O'Ber from Ruckers has been converting in Hillsboro a lot of the retention ponds and putting in native plants. >> I'm not an engineer. >> Well, I know usually when they come in and do a retention pond,
>> right, >> there's no trees whatsoever. They come in all their drainage >> and then which is why there's no trees in the back. >> Right. >> So when you say native plants, sorry, I mean what do you mean by native plants? If they can't put a tree or like shrubs, >> they're they're mostly like grasses and
flowers that have longer roots that can absorb and clean the water, >> grass, that type of thing. >> No, that's not native, but like uh that's invasive actually. So that's why it could be like a little blue stem is a grass. It's planted outside by the
library. It has very long roots, absorbs the water, cleans the water as it slowly filtrates into the ground. >> Okay. >> So there's turf grass. turf grass that's that deep. Native plant roots are like foots feet deep. >> Okay. That >> Yeah. So, I'm also just wondering so
like by the So, was there a negotiation because I overheard something when they're taking out the trees by Mountain View Park that we're getting an extra soccer field? >> So, like how how's the public being notified of this kind of negotiating? >> It's not finalized yet. >> All right. >> There's three layouts right now for
Mountain Park, right? So, there's nothing. Very good. >> They wanted to have it next to the building. So, >> okay. No, I just I just think I just think because like where they're doing the work now, most of the town is not aware of what's going on, but once they start working at Mountain View Park,
there's going to be >> everyone will know. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. Well, that's >> and I go to all the meetings, but the next one's on the same as town hall. So, all right. Thank you. >> Is this information disseminated through the park improvement committee at all for like the Mountain View
subcommittees? Like I don't know would that be help beneficial as well? >> I don't think we have much say but we have much say >> no just information. I mean like if there's information to be passed there's information >> are they are they giving you written information or not much really?
>> Not until they make decisions. >> Not until they're done >> till you get the final >> and then this is what's going to happen. Okay. >> Uh >> so you could pass along to them. >> Okay. >> Mr. Policvage. >> Dave Policvage 240 Hazwood. Um, I just
wanted to follow up on what was just asked about by the environmental commission members. So, the burrow, you know, I was over there the other day. >> You have to see it to believe it. >> Did the nobody from the burrow they did the the Army Corps just went to D and
just said, "We're going to do this." And nobody from the burrow knew about this. Right. So we knew all >> but you didn't know the extent. >> I didn't. You are correct. >> Okay. I I want just want to make a
suggestion because a couple of of you have commented about and and not just tonight. I've heard it in the past that the Greenberg Flood Commission is not really uh forthcoming all the time with um information. Um, and I know you guys
all have are leazison to different things and you're very busy with stuff, but some of the other towns that I've covered over the years, um, these external entities like the the county's solid waste advisory committee or whatever that meet like, you know, four
times a year, three times a year, and it's tough for you guys to actually go to the meetings. But they've they've often you know some of these other towns twice a year they'll have a list of all these entities on an agenda like maybe February and August like twice a year and that will just prod whoever the
leazison is to maybe check in with that entity in advance of the discussion and say what's been going on because again if they don't come to you with all this information maybe a couple times a year you guys have got to go to them and I I
know you guys are busy, you got a lot of things to do. But if you knew that it was going to be on agenda, say February and you know, August or whatever, two times a year, whoever was the leazison with that would know the month before, maybe I better check in and see what's going on over there because I think the same thing came up a year ago with the
Pond Avenue when they were going to put that paint recycling thing in. Everybody was like, "Wow, this this came on us." They had to have discussed discussed it at their meetings at least in passing. So maybe we just didn't monitor it, you know, close enough. And again, I know
you guys are monitoring dozens of things, but if you put it on the agenda twice a year, it's a little bit of a reminder to jog, you know, let's just go check in or go on a website or whatever. >> All right. Okay. Thanks a lot. >> Anything else? Anybody else?
All right. Seeing nobody uh stepping up, I'd like a motion to close. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Okay. Uh before Kelsey goes rattling down the the agenda resolution items, I just want to let everyone know there is going to be there
is an agenda amendment to resolution 313-2025. It's going to reflect the date change from 123131 to 123130, which was a a typo. And uh I appreciate Mr. Polvich pointing that one out. I do
appreciate the the the phone call on that. Uh Kelsey, you ready? >> Resolution 309205 authorizing the mayor to execute the community solar municipality service agreement with solar simplified. Resolution 310 2025, a resolution creating and implementing a
long long range plan to assess drainage issues. Resolution 311 2025, acceptance of standing reports. Resolution 312 2022 authorizing the mayor to execute the renewal contract with gov pilot for the clerk's department licensing software effective January 1, 2026 through
December 31, 2028. Resolution 313 2025 authorizing the mayor to execute the employment agreement between the Bureau of Middle Sex and Chief of Police Matthew Gist. Resolution 314 2025 authorizing added tax lean for the cleanup costs incurred from violations
of the property maintenance code for block 273 lot 20 resolution 315205 appointing Renos to be clerk effective November 26 2025 resolution 316 2025 Governor's Council on Substance Use
Disorder Alliance to Prevent Substance Use Disorder Resolution 317 2025 2025 sewer billing waved Appeals for block 161, lot 5.01, resolution 318, 2022, authorizing the sale of a 2015 Falcon
asphalt trailer to the burrow of Manville in the amount of $5,000. Resolution 319 2025 permitting the consumption of alcoholic beverages for the winter wonderland festival to be held at Mountain View Park on Sunday def December 7th 2025 between 2:30 p.m. and
6:30 p.m. Resolution 32025 2025. Oops. Approving the approving the reimbursement of $45 to Raising Kane's Chicken Fingers for overpayment on a temporary board of health license. Resolution 321-2025
approving change order one decreasing the total amount of the contract for the 2024 NJ dot state aid project first street second street and senica a by $3,120.54 resolution 3225
authorizing the purchase of a new fire apparatus for the fire department under source well contract E1 113021 RVG1 contract resolution 323 3, 2025, authorizing the transfer of funds for
the 2025 operating budget and 2025 swimm pool budget. Resolution 3242025 authorizing the treasurer to cancel all outstanding checks from the trust account dated prior to December 31, 2024 totaling $750.68.
Resolution 325 2025 special items of revenue and appropriation. Resolution 326 2025 authorizing the release of developer esco inspection fees balance. Resolution 3272025 authorizing the treasurer to cancel all outstanding checks from the current
operating account dated prior to December 31, 2024 totaling $8,195.72. Resolution 328205 authorizing the treasur to cancel all outstanding checks from the annual trust account dated prior to December 31, 2024
totaling $40. Resolution 329205 authorizing the tech the treasurer to cancel all outstanding checks from the payroll account dated prior to December 31 2024 totaling $1,900 $934.7 never ends. Resolution 330 2025
recording of a tax sale certificate. Resolution 3312025 authorizing the release of developer escrow inspection fees balance. Resolution 332 20225 reimbursement of late fee for a dog license in the amount of $10 to Jennifer
Mietta due to duplicate license. Resolution 333 2025 appointing EB Solutions LLC DBA as the difference card to provide HR services for the Middle Sex Bureau for 2026. Resolution 334 20225 authorizing the mayor to execute
the annual account service agreement between EB employee solutions LLC and Middle Sex Bureau effective January 1, 2026. Resolution 335 2025 authorizing a siphon of $5,000 for Sally Lynch of the Department of Public Works for additional duties related to
administration. Resolution 336205 authorizing a stipen of $5,000 to Robin Scythe of the Middle Sex Bureau Police Department for an for additional duties related to administration. Resolution 337205 authorizing the tax collector to issue a tax title lean redemption for block 13
lot 5. >> Okay. Does anyone need to pull any of these? >> 21. Five. >> The Which resolution? >> 329. Joe >> 329. The one for the payroll checks. >> Yes.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> Anyone else? >> Sure. Would you say number? >> 5 313. The chief's contract >> 313. Yeah. >> And you're 313. Okay. These two. >> All right. Um, I'd like a motion to approve everything except for those two.
>> Motion. >> Second. >> All right. Any additional discussion? >> The fire truck, that's for the crash truck, right, Caroline? Okay. Just making sure that was the one that they speced. Okay. >> Figured you're here. You can answer that quick.
>> All right. Call the role, please. >> All righty. >> Council President Conan. >> Yes. >> Councilman K? Yes. >> Councilman Denza? >> Yes. >> Councilman Dino? >> Yes. >> Councilman Dodie? Yes. >> Councilman Griggs. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh let's go back to resolution 313
2025. I need a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. Okay. Uh you wanted this pulled? >> No, I just wanted to read a quick statement just to the constituents as a councilman real fast for the preparation of it. >> Sure. >> Go. As a councilman, I pritori uh prioritize transparency and honesty. And
in this case, I honestly have not given a thorough consideration of all matters that affects our constituents involving this this um contract. Unfortunately, I was not actively involved to the negotiation process for the contract, which is from an injury and for other reasons I could not leave, could not
attend, which leads me to abstain from this vote, but I I do trust my colleagues. But my trust alone and I appreciate their hard work and investigation but reliance on their assessments is not enough for my voting power for my constituents because my absence during the discussions means I did not have the opportunity to ask
critical questions or fully understand the implications of this contract which is a huge contract. I believe that every decision should be made with an informed considerate for the taxpayers's interest and without that I've given without me fully and honestly giving my full attention to it. I cannot in good
conscience support it at this time in regards of making a yes or no vote, but I do highly respect and love our chief. His efforts have made us top 10 safety within our things and to take on even more for administrator truly shows that
the investment I believe is worth it. But at this concept and from this role, from this perspective of the councilman, this is where I came for this decision. >> Okay. Thank you. Anybody else? Nope. Call the roll, please. >> Council President Conahan, >> yes. >> Councilman K,
>> abstain. >> Councilman Denza, >> absolutely. Yes. >> Councilman Dino, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Great, >> yes. >> Okay, motion passes. Thank you, Chief.
Uh resolution 329 uh authorizing the treasurer to cancel outstanding checks from the payroll account dated prior to December 31, 2024 totaling 193407. >> Just a question on that. Mayor, >> wait. >> Okay, >> I need a motion. >> Second. >> Second.
>> Okay, Carolyn, if they're payroll, how do we not pay people? >> We paid people and they never catch the checks. So the checks aren't anymore because >> do we know who they are for? >> We do and we can try to get contact with them.
>> That's okay. I I I worry about payroll. >> Yeah, about payroll. I you know the other incidental stuff. >> There's only so many times you can ask Carolyn. I get it. Believe me. >> Okay. Um anyone else? >> Call the role, please.
>> Council President Conahan. >> Yes. Councilman K. >> Yes. >> Councilman Denza. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dodie. >> Yes. >> Councilman Griggs. >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh non-consent agenda. >> Resolution 338 2025. Pay all claims. >> Motion. >> Motion. Second.
>> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Call the role, please. >> Council President Conahan. Yes. >> Councilman K. Yes. >> Councilman Denza. Yes. >> Councilman Dino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dodie. Yes. >> Councilman Griggs. Okay, we do have an agenda workshop item
tonight. Ebikes and ecooters. Um, at this point I'm not 100% sure who's going to drive the discussion. Is it you, Chief? >> I can. >> Okay. So, you all have a copy of a of a sample and this is just a draft. It's just
something to consider um something to look at. I think um we because of the popular popularity of ebikes and e- scooters. They're they're popping up everywhere. And with the cold cooler weather now, it's probably a good time to start thinking about what we would
want to see this ordinance look like. Again, this is a sample. It's a draft. Um it could uh we can we can make some some changes to it. Um if you have any input, we we used several different towns. You had put together the same thing. The most important part here to
think about is how do we protect public safety? How do we define the rules of the road with um ebikes and e scooters? They fall into a regulatory gray area between a traditional motor vehicle and a a bicycle, traditional bicycle and a motor vehicle. So um you know, we want
to manage our public spaces in a safe way. We want to make sure that um you know people are safe walking sidewalks. Some of these bicycles are capable of reaching speeds um of over 28 miles an hour, which could be very dangerous if you're a senior citizen or a very young
child or just someone who's, you know, not paying attention um walking on a sidewalk. So, some of the stuff that's going to be important, I think, to to move these vehicles off the sidewalk and onto the street. Anybody who's under a certain age and on a tricycle wouldn't fall under that category. Um, but if you
had some time to to look at this, I can answer questions for you. But basically, this just puts something where like again, like I said before, there's there's there's there wasn't a lot of regulation from the state when these things came out and they're getting, you know, holidays coming. I'm expecting more uh and more as time went by and
some of them are moving pretty quick. We had to put uh information out to our police officers just so they were understood because the the gray area of speeds and uh and and use some of the model ordinances from other towns who were having much bigger problems. Uh
I've gotten several complaints about people walking and and enjoying our parks. And yes, some of these are um recreational type vehicles and you know, we want people to use our parks, but the complaints I'm getting is that the young folks or people out there using these
higher speed electric bicycles are um traveling really closely. They're they're uh pulling wheelies and driving down the center of our roads. We've had more than one occasion, it's been twice, where 50, 60, 70 young people wearing
face coverings um are traveling down our roads blocking every lane of traffic and uh you know there's there's not a lot of you know you can't get out and stop them. They're refusing to pull over. It's not just us. It was it's been it went through Bridgewater. It went from Bound. It went through Middle Sex Denell
all the way down to like scotch plants. And so the the investigations that were done to identify people after is a lot of work involved in it. So I think we just need some some regulations that are going to have a little bit more bite to them um so we can uh we can keep our our
streets and our sidewalks. >> Okay. I I I do have a question here. Um, I I guess it's not necessarily a question as much as a comment because I I you know, Christmas is coming up and a lot of people are looking at this, but I think a lot of people and I did not
realize and I just want to make sure that this is true. If you're on an ebike that goes greater than 28 miles an hour, it's it's considered a motorcycle, isn't it? >> It needs to be registered insured. You need you need licensing for it. So, yes, they can,
>> right? And so it needs to be registered, insured, and the whole nine yards. So someone thinking they're doing their kid a favor by getting him a ebike, the best one out there that does 35 miles an hour, he may be setting himself up for quite a hefty fine if you know if he if he gets caught.
>> And some of them are low speed, you know, some of them are 20, you know, 20 miles an hour with a with an assist. And some of them are scooters that go very slow. But some of the stuff we've seen has gone very quickly. >> There's been a few quick ones that I've seen go buzzing down uh Beachwood for sure. Part of that was educating our police officers when this came out, but
the state was promoting the use of of electric vehicles and as an alternate uh mode of transportation. So, um it's kind of two forces kind of pushing against one another, but there wasn't a lot of regulatory >> in your ideal world, what are you looking for the council to do? I
>> I I'd like to to review this. I I I thought it'd be nice to have a discussion about it and and maybe if you want to provide feedback. Um we put some important points in here. some of the things about um burrow and parks. Um other places have done that we put in here that they they should not be
permitted in parks and and again you know that it's how the um what the council sees most fitting. Um we can give you our recommendations but it's going to be you know yours to decide as far as you know the most important here is that
no person can drive in a reckless or careless manner. There was a a woman who contacted me and said she was walking through Victor Gold Park and the kids were were literally like run trying to do wheelies towards her as close as they can and then when she told them to knock it off they were um less than respectful
towards her. So you know she she called us case by case. >> It's it's been the wild west back there. It's behind my house and I've gone out there and they're like in going insane and they come around onto Ayola to cross
Melrose and that they never even slow down at the stop streets. One of them is literally going to get flattened. >> I don't think it's it's the the scooter itself. It's just what they're doing. Yes. >> Yeah. And you know, I've walked down Willow and they're coming down there
doing wheelies and crap. Well, it's getting out of control >> specific prohibition operation prohibitions that we put here. And that's what I just asked that you look and review and um we can continue this this conversation as we move forward and kind of this could be a live document till we decide to put it in play, but I
think it's important to get something. >> All right. Good. Actually, I was going to make a comment, too. Go ahead, Joe. >> I see one thing that's missing, and that's the golf carts. We don't see many of them in this town in Middle Sex, but I notice down the
shore and they're allowed wherever there. I that's Yeah, South Planefield has it, but not in in >> this proposal. You don't have anything about the the electric golf carts. I think they're seen as a low speed vehicle and that is
there's a section >> I meant maybe maybe I missed >> scooter tricycle >> LSP is LS >> that's south that's what they're modeling it off of >> but it's not in the >> in this one >> but you know what >> oh I'm tracking it's just
>> yeah this is just to start this is for us to start and so I could see that you know you can use them wherever it's under 35 miles an hour. >> I could see some people, >> yeah, >> especially some seniors might want to take it down to pick up,
>> you know, on Lincoln Boulevard or something or to the supermarket. The other thing I noticed in South Planefield's ordinance that I really liked, I think it was in South Plainfield anyway, one of the ordinance that if you get a second or third
violation, we confiscate the bike. Okay. I like that too, Joe. Um, >> the other we we saw a couple of weeks
ago going down 28. Kid on on a on a motorized bike had to be doing 40 miles an hour. >> Going faster than 28 >> standing up on a seat, one foot on the seat and one foot on the on the handlebar. >> Yeah. >> Going like this down 28.
>> Had to be doing 40 miles an hour. >> That's impressive. But verify we apply. >> Well, no helmet. >> We've had accidents with juveniles that we've addressed. Um we've issued multiple sums to um to to some who are
adults and juveniles who are act driving erratically, dangerously, recklessly. Golf cars are not our streets. So, we can put that in here specifically. Well, >> you see, South Planefield has it in this >> and I know they're they're allowed on
on any wherever the speed limit is under 30 or 35 or less they're allowed by state. >> I don't know if that's a golf that's another vehicle. >> No. Yeah. >> Look on the look at the uh South Planefield. They have a picture of it and everything
>> because they are down. >> You planning on buying a golf cart, Joe? Is that what that this is all about? >> If we could put in a pitch and put maybe >> Lenny, can we do that in the dump? >> But uh ju just so you know, I mean, it's
a it's a much larger park. Moreno Park. They got a big sign there. Forget it. Not no ebikes, no no nothing. One other comment >> just um item D at u no low speed electric scooter any
other private property within the burough being used for an event sponsored by the burrow just thinking out of the box there could be a parade that >> you know the kids want to do something and >> they would be all together. I don't know
that that's >> if it's control if it's part of a a burrow >> parade parade, you know, the little league parade or something like that and you had a bunch of these kids that would within reason going 10 miles an hour,
you know, as part of the parade. I wouldn't want to limit that if they >> put something with permission. But there are concerns if if there are other children who are not involved and there's motor vehicles and there's >> if they're going over you know I mean it would have to be controlled at 10 miles
an hour five mile you know but I could see them participating in something like the little league parade. >> Well yeah at this at this point what I would say is that everyone take a take a read of the material that you have and send your suggestions uh to the
administrator and let's go from there. Mayor, has everybody because I I've read this a couple times. Has everybody read the proposal, not South Planefield, but what's come from? >> Yeah. >> So, I I think it's got 95% there's a couple things that Joe brought up I agree with. >> I I think you know
>> I think >> I I think we could move forward. What I'm asking is asking Chris if we have consensus to ask Chris to create the ordinance. >> I'd take a look at I can try that >> because it's not in ordinance form Chris right now. >> Yeah, I'll take a look at it. Unfortunately, it's not in my packet uh
for whatever reason. Uh so I haven't even distributed it, but I intend to review it and we'll um gladly give feedback. >> Yeah, because it's got everything there. Chris can look at it. Maybe we can we can introduce it in December. >> All right. >> Um >> well, let's just stop. >> Yeah. >> Consensus to move forward.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> One, two, three, four, >> five. All right. There you go. Can it can we make a quick because I know we've >> I mean um about routes because I know some residents have like sent information about designating like ways
or Google map routes or something like that that these kids can use or whatever. But a a long time ago we did talk about the very long process overhaul of Union bringing it back down to two lanes in certain areas because we're only Middle Sex is only like that.
If we can get an EV lane, biking lane, pedestrian lane, I know it's an huge undertaking. We've talked about it since Marsha's been here and it's been but if we got started now I think we would be ahead of this EV issue. We can even possibly set a model of how it can
incorporate within um modern transportation that's going to happen. I know it's money. It's always we've always talked about it being money, but somebody's going to get hit like like just on the foot trail going near Hazlewood. One of them almost took
out Ziki. Zicki ran across the field. That's my little four-year-old. Bike's coming. He doesn't see it. He almost gets clipped. And I'm like, "How the the bike, right?" Like, common sense. You're going to deal with kids being kids at all points. But on the serious part, being in a road where I've seen your
officer chase those bikes blaring the horn like 60, 70 cops going down Union, what would that look like? Is that possible? And I know that's a hard more detailed conversation, but I think it would be safe enough. >> Okay. Yeah, I agree with you. That's a
DOT thing. >> Good question. It's a DOT thing. It's an engineer. We have to do a study app, but there's >> Well, either that, but there's a lot of these e studies that if you're willing to look at, consider electronic vehicles
or of some type that maybe we can get them to fund it. >> We'll see. I mean, listen, we don't if you don't ask, you don't get. So, let's see where we go. Okay. Anything else on this uh agenda workshop item? >> Okay. Let's let's move on. I'd like to
have a motion to open for the privilege of the floor on the agenda workshop item. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> All right. Anyone want to step up? >> Don't forget your name and address. >> Vincenti 608 Clinton. Uh quickly touch on your point, Joe. Uh I've done a lot
of research on low- speed vehicles. I I don't I entertained by golf once. Uh right now there's nothing nothing in the books and middle sex wise. Uh it it would have to only be on 25 mph residential lining 25 mph street. Uh the council would have to pass something to
allow them on 35 mph streets. Um to touch on the ebikes, uh ebikes and parks is already on the books. Uh the parks ordinance already prohibits any bikes, motor vehicles, literally anything besides like a baby carriage from being on the parks. I
don't know if it's I haven't seen the sample ordinance. Uh but working with Melissa and working with Wreck have kicked kids off like whipping down. I' I've seen some of these bikes. They're really impressive. They go like 40 miles an hour. I'm like >> I don't know. I mean Jeremiah, you might have seen it. I had I had to kick the
kid. I don't know. You might have been focused. It might have been later in the day, so you weren't there, but uh they're not allowed in the parks. Um I don't know if it's in Is it in the ordinance? >> Uh yes, the proposed >> Yes. >> I don't know if that's redundant. And is
there is there an age in the ordinance like a minimum age? >> No. >> As far as far as who can ride them? >> There's a spec. It specifies if you're under 17 and on a tricycle, you can be on a sidewalk. All
right. So, the only reason I I comment on that is because a lot I've seen a lot of other ordinances in other towns uh go almost too far on it. Uh you can get a moped license in the state of New Jersey at 15. I think 15 is more of a reasonable age that aligns with the I mean, would you rather have a kid not
have a uh an ebike but then go on a highowered moped with a state license? I mean, it's just something you could consider in it. Uh, I think that's all my points. Joe, if you want to split the cost on a go-kart, I'll split it with you. >> Thank you.
>> Yeah, there you go. >> Claire Leavone, 809 Grand View. Um, this is the second time I've heard of I guess it was the previous burough administrator brought up dropping 28 down to two lanes. Um, and actually there is no safe way to get a bicycle
from one side of town to the other. Like I have to ride on the sidewalk. So, I think we'll get a a good taste of that when the Army Corps does shut that road down to two lanes to do their their, you know, the wall. That might be a good time to reconsider. >> Yeah. >> Dropping it down and leaving it that
way. >> Forget it. >> I said that out loud. >> There you go. >> Bruce Sanders, 10 Venice Avenue. Uh, couple points. First thing, your hat looked like you were getting ready to
go, Mr. Kins, to on your go-kart. I was I I figured it's parked outside. You're ready to go. >> Having a go-kart. >> Second thing is the state of New Jersey have any guidelines on ebikes yet somewhere that we can utilize? We've dug
into the state on ebikes. I just wondered that's a thought. >> They just classify them, right? That's the only thing Matt >> regulate. They tell you the sizes, how big some of the drills down. >> I guess they just define them by category. >> Define them by class. That's it.
>> Yeah. I would think it would be >> not saying >> no or these rules. >> The other thing I was thinking of like the KISS method, keep it simple, stupid, >> abide by the laws of the road. >> That's it. >> That's it. The only other caveat that I
would have on that, especially when these bikes can go 30 mph and you're a driver, you don't expect a bike to come across your path lighting. And I don't know if you can make that a regulation for especially if you're on a road like
28. If it's a back road, you're looking for kids, but you're on 28 two-lane, you're not going to think of an ebike, especially if they're darting out or anything like that. So, >> you might catch a light, you know, and I don't know if that's just a thought, but
I would say if you're not abiding by the rules of the road, you get pulled over and you get a ticket just like anybody else would do. Those ebikes should not be on a sidewalk at all. That should be number one in the ordinance. >> Well, this will this will help us,
Bruce. >> Yeah. >> Provide the teeth when summons is available for >> Yeah, I know. The big the bigger problem right now is even Matt said at the parks. >> Yeah. >> You've had multiple multiple >> carrying through the park
>> almost like a dirt bike. >> Okay. But one point on that I could see them coming up the road on any roads in the park. >> They should be allowed to ride biting by the 15 mph speed limit kind of thing.
>> But any kind of walkway Victor Crawl has that walkway. They should not be allowed. That should be >> ground. >> That's what he proposed. Yeah. >> But right now they're they're on the walkways. They're going through the soccer field. They're going through the all the soccer fields. They're on the tennis courts.
>> Yeah. >> Really? >> Right. Because they fit. They feel it's just like a regular bike. Yeah. >> That they can go anywhere. And it's just And the the real problem with them is that they they don't have a tend they have a tendency to ride very close to
the parked cars. So if you're in a car pulling out, you almost can't see them >> until you move far enough out that they're going to run into your door. >> Yeah. >> Also down at the docks of Victor Crow, Lenny, I think you had to clean this up, but they were doing burnouts
>> on the dots and you could see they were powerashing down there, there's they're covered in black streaks. >> Yeah. I provided Chief with the guy riding on the handlebars at 28. So ju the point is is they're not abiding by it's the kiss.
>> If they're not abiding by the rules of the road ticket. >> Well, and I agree because you know it's I mean it's it's unfortunate but it's all fun and gains until it isn't fun and gains. And that's what's that's what's going to happen. >> Somebody's gonna get
>> Okay. Uh anyone else? If they catch them. >> Yeah, but they're not considered motor vehicles. >> Someone if they're over 28 miles an hour, they are >> like the small ones are. >> Yeah, the little ones. No. All right. Uh
any other any other things on this? >> Okay. Motion to close. >> Second. >> Second. All in favor? >> Okay. We have an executive session tonight. Uh we're going over a few things. Action probably not right. >> Not by my victory.
>> Okay. There will be no action taken. Our next regular meeting is December 16th. There is a uh town hall next week on the 3. Um take us through a resolution, please. >> Resolution 339, 2025, executive session.
>> All right. Can I have a motion? >> Second. >> Uh roll call. >> Council President Conahan. >> Yes. >> Councilman K. >> Yes. Councilman Denza. Councilman Dino. Yes. >> Councilman Dodie. >> Yes. >> Councilman Griggs. >> Yes. >> Okay, guys. Two minutes and we're going to kick this in gear because we got a
few items on here. Uh, everybody have a wonderful Thanksgiving. >> See you later, Vincent.