7 7:00 we're we're getting back in gear. Um there are no presentations tonight. We do have a couple of amendments to the agenda. I do want to talk about that. Um we are adding three ordinances. Um
>> they're all for introduction. These are basically well actually not basically they are for this uh affordable housing mandate that we have to do. These are things that they just popped up with. Uh it's a really tight deadline for us that we're
operating under and it was nice that they gave it to us today. All right. The other thing is on the agenda workshop items the fire police restructuring that is going to be tabled for now. That will not be discussed. However, the fire
hydrant and snow removal will I appreciate the fact that you guys are here for that. Okay. So moving on let's go to appointments please. appointed Paul Wasa as a regular member of the parks improvement committee. >> Motion. Motion. Second. >> Second.
>> All right. All in favor? >> Okay. All right. No proclamations. All right. Here you go. So, >> take us through Kelsey. >> Ordinance 215926, an ordinance adopting an affordable housing ordinance and development fee ordinance in accordance
with the Fair Housing Act, uniform housing affordability controls and NJAC 5991 at SEAC. Motion to introduce. >> Motion second. >> Second. Okay. Any discussion at this point? Probably
not. So, let's uh call the role. >> Council President Conan, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Clark, >> yes. >> Councilman Desenza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Griggs, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Quinn, >> yes. >> All right. And uh this will be the the
second reading will be at the next meeting. Ordinance 216026, an ordinance repealing chapter 403 and amending chapter 317 of the municipal code of the bureau of Middle Sex to create unified enforcement mechanism for inoperable vehicles.
>> Okay. Motion to introduce. >> Second. Okay. >> Um this will also be discussed at the next meeting. Call the role, please. >> Council President Conahan, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Clark, >> no. >> Councilman Desenza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Griggs,
>> yes. Councilwoman Quinn. >> Yes. >> Okay, let's go to the next one. >> Ordinance 216126, an ordinance amending chapter 420, zoning of the ordinances of the Burough of Middle Sex to reszone block 15, lots
18, 20, and 22 as a new TH1 zone. >> Okay. Motion to introduce. >> Second. >> Okay. This is one of the three that we just pushed on right now that we need to get uh settled for um was it the 14th? >> 10th.
>> The 10th. Sorry, that was the next meeting. All right. Call the role, please. >> Council President Conan, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Clark, >> yes. >> Councilman Desenza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Griggs, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Quinn, >> yes.
>> Okay, very good. Next one. Ordinance 216226 and ordinance amending chapter 420 zoning of the ordinances of Burough Milis to create affordable housing overlay zones. >> Motion to introduce. >> Second. >> Second. >> Okay. Call the roll, please.
>> Council President Conam, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Clark, >> yes. >> Councilman Denza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Griggs, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Quinn, >> yes. >> All right, very good. Last one. Ordinance 216326, an ordinance amending provisions of chapter 420, zoning of the
code of the bureau of Middle Sex to include new article setting forth mandatory set aside requirements for residential development in the burrow of Middle Sex. >> Motion to introduce. >> Motion second. >> Second. >> Okay, hold the roll, please. >> Council President Conam, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Clark,
>> yes. >> Councilman Denza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Griggs, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Quinn, >> yes. All right, the public hearing on all of these will be at the next meeting. All right, we have no ordinances for public hearing or final
adoption. Adoption of minutes. >> Approval of the January 27, 2026 regular and executive meeting minutes. >> Motion. >> Second. Anyone have anything at this point? Okay. Uh, all in favor? >> I. >> Okay. >> All right. Very good. All right. Let's
move on to the mayor's report. I got a few things that uh I want to talk about here. just to keep everybody in the loop of some of the things that we have. Um, first thing I'd just like to congratulate uh the the police department. Kofu the cop was fabulous. I
mean, it it it gets better every year. Um, I'm surprised you managed to keep Jolene because she certainly knows how to put the tap on people. I figured someone might I'm surprised the government didn't pick her up yet. Okay. Um,
just so you guys know, the health insurance, the health insurance were going out again. The state actually came back to us and agreed to let us put in another application. We were very fortunate, I think, that we were early
on to try and apply because we've been re we were rejected at first and they came back. They must have had a ton of people that went for that. Just so you guys know, even with the change last year, with the 53% increase that they
had, our health insurance bill for 2026 is $1.1 million higher than last year. Now, if you take that in terms of what your taxes are, that's 5%
of the total tax bill. and we didn't even get started with anything else. That meant if no one got a raise, electric, everything else, that's a huge problem. That's why we're we jumped on that as quick as we could.
That's if we This could be a I wouldn't say a game changer, but it's going to certainly save us and our employees in their pocket. This is a a huge issue for us, and I got to tell you, everyone's jumping through the right hoops to get
this thing done. And uh for the record, I do appreciate that. Um just so you know, I mean, I know one of the things that I've been working on is the um is I'm trying to get some music in the park this year. I did actually um
reach out to the Legion. The Legion is amanable to anything that we want to do. Um we'll see. We'll see what we can get. I've reached out to a couple of vendors. Let's see if we can get this all donated for and then we'll be off and running. For uh March 10th, we our next pillar of
Middle Sex will be Dave Oliver. Welld deserved. He's been uh he's been around for many a year. All right, last but not least, class threes. Lot of discussion on this subject that's gone out and I'm going to go through a little
timeline. I just want to make sure I have it right. Uh Chris, you can expand after I get done. After our last meeting, the following day, which was the the Wednesday, Chris sent our
proposal to them. They had the copy with a letter saying, "Please redline it. Bring it back." Send it back to us. We did receive that last Wednesday late in the day. There were four main points that that
that we kind of had questions on and disagree with. We went back or needed some clarification. We went back by Friday afternoon. We responded today around 10:30 in the morning. We
got a response. Okay. Um the response went directly to Chris who fortunately for him we're not his only account. He was busy all day. Um he did take a quick look at it. It looks like we are going to discuss the fourth point
in executive dec uh session. Looks like three of the points are workable. I'd like to say we're going to have a definitive answer with the fourth point. I I have a little bit of what they've been talking about that I've seen. We just had a like a two second uh it's
it's going to require some rework because it's not very clear what they're asking for and it's not really super workable. I mean it's workable. It's just a matter of getting the semantics right because what we really don't need to do is to get stuck with the bill. And
I don't think it's a it's a super big issue. We should be able to work through it. And you know, one of the things that I did mention is that we after tonight, I would imagine a letter is going to go back to them from the attorney. After that, they're either going to agree or
disagree. And once we get past that, if to to expedite things on our end, if we need to have a special meeting, we will call for a special meeting. It'll probably Sorry guys, you probably won't be there because it'll be a virtual Well, you can if you show up on the
virtual, but it'll be a virtual meeting. you know, one item on the agenda, get it done, and and then we're off and running. And and basically, at that point, it's a matter of them signing off on it and sending us an uh
sending us a a down payment check so we can get moving on this. Um, did I cover it right? I think I had all the everything pretty much straightened out. >> We're good. >> Yes, we did. >> All right. And, uh, that's my report for tonight.
Council President, >> thanks. Mayor, congrats to uh the police department, especially Sergeant Arriio. Coffee with a cop. I know came already. Came up already. I thought it was the best one yet. It was uh it was the most people I've ever seen there this past Saturday. I want to commend all of our
burough staff. We had a lot of burrow volunteers as well that cleaned helped clean and cleaned up from the massive uh snow and ice storm back on the uh 25th. uh spot especially uh DPW the entire team led by Lenny did a did a tremendous
job compared to other neighboring towns which um I was in even the following day that Monday and Tuesday the Scataway Bridgewater was were nowhere clear to where we were. Um like the mayor said I'm very happy to hear that Dave Oliver
will be the first pillar this year. For those that don't know, he served as a councilman, served on the board of education. Uh he was a a longtime school teacher, a school administrator, and he was also a longtime coach, including at the high school um of several championship teams.
Thanks to OEM, Middle Sex PD, and and the American Red Cross. I know some OEM members are here for partnering on uh this past Friday night with the uh Middle Sex High School National Honor Society for the winter weather get together. So, thanks Barbin Lee. Um the
Mountain View Park upgrades. I I think many me Lenny's mentioned this, but I wanted to reiterate that they'll be finished. We'll be finished with that in the spring, >> right? >> Once the weather thaws >> if the snow melts >> if it ever melts. Yeah. But but August drive through there. Yeah. I implore
everyone. It looks great. It's not It's probably 80% done, but it looks good. Uh for DPW, Lenny's had snow removal training that's been completed. sanitation recycle safety training that's been completed. Also, bloodborne
pathogen training that's been completed. That was uh that was in person from the GIF. Um DPW also assisted the fire department uh with clearing some snow from hydrates on Route 28. Pothole repair, which has been a big one, that was all this week
uh throughout town, including Shepard, Mount A, South A, and Starlet. uh the road department uh they've been covering the entire town cleaning out all the storm drains and the and the coverts from all the snow and he's currently working on employee
evaluations as every department is. Uh they're underway and will be completed by the end of this month. So that's it mayor. Okay, Councilwoman Clark. >> So um I don't have a ton of updates. um administration. I'll defer to Lenny and
Chief when we get to that. Um I do want to commend them for all the hard work in the snow removal that they've been doing. They've really gone above and beyond. Um even our fire department, I've seen them out there shoveling out fire hydrants and stuff to make sure everyone's safe. So, great job. Um
cultural and arts committee, um they had their their last meeting in January was the reorg meeting. Their next meeting was not scheduled until after this meeting. So, I'll hope to have updates at the next meeting for them. Same for film commission. Their last meeting was reorgan January and their next meeting
is scheduled for um next week on the 19th. So, um report back then. But senior and disability services um I met with Melissa today just to touch base with her um and she's been diligently working on the budget for the coming year. But um we do want to mention that
um their tax prep is going to start for seniors on February 12th. Um and appointments are really um filling up fast for that. So that's a service that someone needs. Be sure to check in at the senior center. >> That's it. >> Yep. >> Okay. Very good. Thank you,
>> Councilman Joe Desenza. >> Well, I also want to uh congratulate DPW and the police department for a superb job. I had the misfortune to drive around some of the other towns, especially Bridgewater and Piscataway,
and uh we you did a great job, Lenny, and thank you, Chief. Um met with the library board last night. New LED lights were installed in the children's room and they look terrific. Similar lights are being
studied for the general library area. They're all LEDs. They're bright and they use about a third of the or less quarter of the energy. I'd like to see if we could do something in this building to upgrade our lighting. It should be grants should be
available for something like that. >> They they they come and go. We'll just have to see. I mean, >> but we should look we'll save the electric bill. If you look on the thing $57,000 last month, >> maybe if we do something with the lights, we can get that down. SWAC
meeting was held virtually today. Uh the county will be inspecting all municipal rolloffs for proper stickers. Want to make sure they have the proper stickers on them, the weight and all the rest of that. And I met with our CFO and the
administrators are meeting with department heads to finalize the 2026 expense budget. So far all is going well. The next step is to meet with our auditor to develop and finalize the income portion of the budget. We hope to
sit down and review this budget for adoption in the next couple of weeks. That's it. >> Okay, Councilman Dodie. >> Yeah. Um, I have just a couple of things. I haven't got my reports yet, so they usually come later in the month.
But uh police department as usual with coffee with a cop and the storm. I want to recognize the fire department also. They had your big awards dinner and they also were on standby during the uh storm. And I know you Sean, you said you
guys had to go out for one call and then right after it kind of got cleared. You had mentioned to me uh Lenny, your guys also stellar as always. Um, I'd like to The last thing I'd like to do is I got it from uh Chief Gist. He got a letter
from a woman that needed help. Officer Daniel Guerell, I got that right. He was called to a woman who is elderly, 73 years old. She had fallen in her home. She has MS for over 20 years. She had
fallen. Where she fell, she was kind of wedged between the wall. There wasn't a lot of room in that. and he was the officer that responded and she had nothing but unbelievably good things to say about him and I think most of us got
that and it was incredible and the public should know this is how they're handled. He explained to her that the body cam was on and that he didn't want to hurt her, made sure she was comfortable and went through everything step by step as he helped her get up and back on her feet and then sat her on the
bed and she wrote a beautiful letter commending him and, you know, we don't hear enough of that going on, you know, and it's not reported enough. And I just wanted to put it out there and say it was a job well done. It was nice to hear, Chief.
That's all I have. Mayor. >> Okay. Councilman Griggs. >> Yes. Hi. Um I I have a couple updates. So I was the liaison to zoning and construction. Last year I just have a few end of year updates for that. Um construction from October to December of
2025. Uh there was 141 new permits issued and updates was 33. The types of work that they had was additions. There were seven 162 alterations and five demolitions. and the sub codes building made up 52,
electric 110, plumbing 57, fire 47, and mechanical 43. Um, from the zoning department, uh, our zoning officer, uh, just wanted to stress that he's making sure no complaints go unheard, that they're following up, making sure anything that comes in is is both, you
know, noted and and the people receive adequate response. uh they've been addressing illegal occupancy uh also addressing work without permits and he also said that if you didn't pay for your rental unit in 2025 that fines were
being issued in early January. Um he also wanted to thank all the clerks and inspectors for their hard work in in the year. Uh swimming pool commission this year uh they meet the third Wednesday of the month in the community room at the library. All welcome to attend. Uh
registration for the pool starts March 1st for residents and you can get a discount until April 15th. Out of town registration starts May 1st and uh the hiring for the pool is uh starting up as well if anybody's looking for part-time work.
Um the recreation department uh the basketball and softball registration is open now. Um, and uh, they also have a line dancing program starting up on February 27th. Right now, there's a limited number of people registered, but
it takes place on Fridays, and they're looking to get more people to register for that. The summer playground, they're their hiring and registration is starting soon. Uh, applicants applications are going to be available at the end of the week. And uh they're looking for, you know, it's mostly
part-time uh six weeks and it's great for high school students. U they also wanted to let everyone remind everyone that you can get in on phase two of the hometown heroes banners. Uh the deadline for that is March 1st of this year and they also have discount movie tickets
and gift cards, but they are waiting on renewal from Reading Cinemas. Uh, the recreation department meets the second Monday of the month at the recreation center at 7 p.m. That's all I have. >> All right. Thank you. >> Shannon, >> are you there?
>> Hello. Good evening. >> Yep. >> Yep. If you haven't heard, I took a bad call last week and I like to thank the responding officers and the Middle Sex Police Department for their rapid
response to the 911 call. They arrived so fast and everyone was extremely nice during the scary time. So, I just wanted to thank them again. um they they were at my house within a couple minutes of the fall and um they
really helped out so much. So, thank you. And also last month I received orientation training with Kelsey, Chief Gist, and Lenny. And I just wanted to to say thank you for that. has been a very informative.
It was very informative and it's guiding me through the first meetings and thank you for taking this time to meet with Jed and I. And my meetings haven't met yet, but the board of health's next meeting is this Thursday at 6:30.
And also CH tree meets same night at 700 p.m. The board of education meeting is 218 and that's a Wednesday. That's their cow meeting, the committee of a whole. And then on 219, which was a Thursday,
is the regular meeting. Just wanted to point out it's usually a Tuesday and a Wednesday, but this month it's Wednesday, Thursday, and that's all I have. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Shannon, and feel better and we look forward to you coming back for sure.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. Administrator report. >> Thank you, Mayor. Following the January 25th and 26th winter storm, the burrow experienced significant snowfall accumulations of about 12 to 15 inches, topped with
freezing rain and sleet. The snowfall and subsequent plowing efforts left many of our burrows 312 fire hydrants covered in snow and ice, making them pretty much inaccessible. By the end of the week, our Department of Public Works already cleared about 210 hydrants. uh Burough
released information on our website, our NIXLE, our social media, asking the public just to make some awareness and ask the public for some assistance in clearing the remaining hydrants that are buried in snow in their neighborhoods or on their property. Throughout the weekend, our Middle Sex Fire Department
made u and many of our residents uh cleared most of the hydrants. Even the mayor had a a helpful video he put out. Thank you, mayor, for doing that to raise awareness on clearing the one in your neighborhood. is a public safety message. I just want to inform everyone that buried or snowblocked hydrants
delay emergency response times as fire apparatus can only carry a limited supply of water. Residents are reminded to always clear a three-foot radius around hydrants on or near their property to allow easy access in the event of a residential structure fire.
Clearing hydrants after heavy snowfall is critical to public safety as it allows our firefighters uh to immediately access water, saving vital seconds, especially considering a fire can double in size every 30 to 60 seconds.
Because of the recent snowstorms, the in extended cold temperatures, a significant number of potholes have developed on our burough roadways. Last week, the Department of Public Works used about six tons of asphalt to patch. Is that right, Len? >> You are correct. um repair and to repair many of the the potholes that formed
since the the cold snap. As a reminder, drivers should use caution when traveling, especially in areas where repairs are going on and report hazardous conditions to the roadway um to the burrow. Residents can report those potholes to Department of Public Works by calling 7329681603.
As far as our budget process, Caroline Benson, our CFO, Lenny and I have had several preliminary budget meetings to review submissions from the Department of Public Works, the police department, the fire department, court, tax, uh, tax collector, engineering, legal, code enforcement, construction, office of
aging, recreation. At this point, we're further along in the process compared to previous years and expect to provide preliminary budget totals to the mayor and council for review soon. We're in the process of hiring a temporary part-time zoning construction clerk to fill in it for employees on
medical leave. The part-time position will be for 25 hours a week. The job opportunity is uh posted on burough websites, message board, and push uh pushed out on social media. We'll start those interviews uh probably pretty soon, right Lyn? >> Yes, sir.
>> Performance evaluations are currently be completing for all Burough employees. All evaluations to be finalized and filed with the HR department by the end of the month. There were some upgrades to our bus stop. New Jersey Transit installed solar lighting at the Union Avenue Harris Avenue bus stop and Union Avenue bus
shelter in front of the shopping center. The new solar lighting harnesses renewable energy to efficiently illuminate the bus stops. The system is designed to provide safe, reliable lighting without relying on the power grid, reducing energy costs and a carbon footprint. So, it's a it's a nice
addition. I don't know. Do we know if they're going to do more of those, Len? >> Um, I think only the shelters were gone. So once they upgraded the other one on rack, they will. >> Okay. >> Yeah, just the two newer ones were they installed. >> And no cost. >> And last lastly, we have some good news
on a on a grant opportunity. Lenny worked with the team and applied for the grant uh last year. It was a it was up to $1.5 million. Len, do you want to talk about that a little bit? Yes. So this is the follow through grant to continue to go to phase two for the streetscape. So we're looking to
continue on from Washington AD to Lraine AB was kind of the same aesthetics that we've had. You know the pavers sidewalk decorative lighting same black one. So my goal is to continue going down that path. Um we put in for 1.5 million. We
ended up with $850,000 >> $850. They guaranteed it. >> We are good. And this is not a matching grant. This is >> We're good. Yeah, that other grant that we had in 2019 from Streetscape from the high school was a million dollar grant. Um, so 850 is going to get us
>> How far will that take us? >> Get us far. You know, hopefully I'd say Lorraine Howardish, but >> we did a lot with this last one though. We did fence, we did bushes, we did >> we did the parking lot. So there's going to be trees, shade trees. There's going to be benches. There's going to be decorative lighting. So all of that
stuff is going to be upgraded >> and and between the sidewalk and the curb, >> correct? >> It's all going to be pavers and get rid of Yeah. >> Everything's going to be uniform. I know. >> I don't get my Middle Sex Blue as often as I asked for it, but
so so it's actually great news. U Alexa spent a lot of time on it. Uh Carolyn assisted as well, too. So a lot of hard work to get this grant. You you gonna continue? >> You're gonna continue. >> I'd like to continue. Yeah. The goal is
to go from down to go to town broke and go to the stretch all the way up. >> Well, it's like anything else. I appreciate the efforts because if you don't ask, you don't get >> you are correct. >> We were pretty fortunate to receive the funding. It's going to let us move forward phase two of the streetscape.
The uh grant will fund upgrades to Route 28 like Lenny said from Washington to Lraine area area approximate um including decorative lighting, curbs, sidewalk pavers, benches and shade trees. So uh the improvements will enhance the appearance and of that corridor or area um and continue our
efforts to invest in our community in a very fiscally resp. So, >> when do you uh when do you figure they'll get around to to doing that? Probably not 2026, but 2027 the work will start. >> Once the bid packet and everything, I
would probably say 2027. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's about right. >> That's our report. >> That's your report. Okay. Well, as as you guys can see, even though it's quiet out in the world, we've been busy and
and rightfully so. Okay. Let's I'd like to open up for the privilege of the floor. Motion >> motion. >> Second. All in favor? >> Okay. Anyone wishing this. >> All right. Don't forget your name and address. >> Vincent PGI 608 Clinton. Uh meant to
bring this up for last meeting but couldn't make it. I I do have a accompanying visual for this if you guys don't mind me. >> Sure. Yeah, there should be more than enough. So, attached is a little draft.
Obviously, I can't no no no no citizen can introduce resolution. Uh, it's a draft resolution um authorizing the Middle Sex County Clerk to um put a ballot question on the November ballot.
Uh I talked to some of you privately. I just mentioned it. Uh this would basically uh ask the public. This is a non-binding question. Uh ask the public. Uh it's pretty much a confidence vote in
the uh Middle Sex Board of Education and the leadership. This could be worded in sever in different ways such as the bud focusing on the budget or it could be directed just at leadership. that resolution sample question would be directed just at leadership. Um I don't
know if something the council would entertain uh under the state statute title 19 I think section 37-1 authorizes this to uh gives 74 days. So this would something like this would have to be
done by like August mid to late August. So you want to know if we want to move ahead with this. Obviously >> I obviously this is not that specifically but something like that as a question. Obviously you know just recently there's been uh petitions going
around. This said would have really no council involvement besides authorizing this on the ballot. Um and it would be a yes no non uh advisory only non uh binding question. >> Non-binding. Right. >> Yes. So it would it would do it would give the council a feel of the will of
the people. >> Okay. All right. Well, we'll take it under consideration. Thank you. >> Make sure you give Dave a copy. I'm sure you >> Dave Polich 240 Hazlewood. Uh before I get into my couple I don't have many
questions tonight, mayor, but before I get into them, um I was interested to hear that David Oliver is going to be the next uh pillar. He was my first guidance counselor at Middle Sex High School. So if you're upset about the questions I ask,
you know, you know who >> it didn't take, right? >> You know who to blame. Okay. Um, you had um you added three ordinances to the agenda about affordable housing. Um, and I read through the one that was on the
agenda prior to tonight. It's pretty lengthy. It's 46 pages. And I guess a lot of that is what you're going to charge developers going forward to kick in toward affordable housing. There was there was like a one and a half% charge or something in there. >> All kinds of >> there's all sorts of stuff in there.
Affordability controls and stuff. Um, can and I know you mentioned this. I asked I probably asked about it several months ago, but what's our obligation again and how long do we have to provide it? >> Uh we have actually one part of it is
immediate and I believe it's either I think it's 11 units they're looking for like yesterday and then if I have it >> huh >> around three. >> Yeah, that's round three. >> Yeah. Okay. Do you know do you know the
exact numbers? I don't know. I'm saying that's that's where why >> we had I think we had 81 units. >> That's all. >> No, that's okay. We're trying to answer the question. I thought it was 11 and then I think we have in 10 years they're looking for about 80ish. >> Yeah,
>> I think it was 81 which the number sticks up. >> Yeah, I remember the number right now as you're saying it. I I think the last time I asked about it, you said something about the low 80s. Okay. How how do we intend to provide that? Is it just basically um >> basically we don't have to provide it >> right
>> developers >> we we basically if someone comes in and says hey I want to knock down these five buildings and put up one of these I mean they still have to go through we can't be a holdup in terms of you know we just don't want one or you know we have to be
we have to be able or willing to work with them in terms of variances and and uh permitting and all the rest of that to make make it happen. They're not looking for us to pay for it. They're just looking for us not to stonewall them, >> right? And if somebody comes in with a
proposal for, you know, 10 homes, two of them or whatever the percentages have to be affordable or something like that. >> But then that's why I think it's 20%. Yeah, 20%. That's what you just said. And you know, that's why a lot of these plans that are coming up, that's why, you know, there's modifications to the
master plan and we're just trying to here's areas where this these these can be directed. Okay. Yeah. So, it's it's basically guidelines for future developers to help us meet that obligation by building two here, three here,
>> right? Or or someone coming in here and we're not saying we have none of that. We there's nowhere you can go. >> Well, there there there's always play. I mean, if you have enough money, you can go anywhere. You know how that works. But, >> you know, there's, you know, someone wants to say, and this is not up up for
grabs, but say someone came in and say, "Hey, listen. I want to develop from, you know, Eller's down to two blocks, you know, and I'm going to I'm going to try and buy these buildings and do whatever." Okay. We're gonna have to work with you.
>> Okay. Um, just a couple of other questions. Um few months ago, Mr. Johnson came here, Ed Johnson came here and was pitching some a zoning change. Um I believe from what I saw read online on the agenda that the land use board was supposed to
take that up a week ago or whatever right after your last council meeting. I didn't go to the meeting. I'd forgotten about it. Um what's the status of that or did what was their determination? Um, >> did the land use board say don't do it or do it or >> they did email us Dave and they they uh
they are >> they are they recommended not >> not to do it not >> not to change the master plan which is not to do it. >> So are you guys going to change your master plan anyway or not change your master plan or are you going to have a future discussion on that? >> We'll have a workshop on it in the future.
>> Okay. Okay. Um just one last thing. I noticed on the agenda tonight that there was uh someone who was being terminated from a job here and I was just wondering are you going to re be refilling that job because I didn't see it on the you know you have a little employment tab on
your website. The chief was mentioning earlier about a different I guess the construction office that's listed on there. Um I didn't see this one listed on there. >> It's it's something very fresh Dave that it's >> just >> it's it's part of the whole budget package actually. to see where we go
with that. I mean, it's it's so tight this year. And like I said, this this $1.1 million, I mean, >> hey, listen, we could we could backfill everything, but the bottom line is is that, you know, we're going to, you know, I I told you the at the last
meeting, it's going to be a stretch just to get to 5%, but you know, if we can't get any movement on this health insurance, and that's up 5% to start with, where are we going? >> Yeah. Right. No, and that's why I as I asked in in the with the budget in mind. Um, just one. Go ahead.
>> Most likely, Dave, there will probably be at the at at a minimum there'll be probably a part-timer until we resolve where we're going. >> Okay. How do how do you guys uh plan to address this u health insurance thing? You you mentioned go out again. What
does that mean? What are you guys going to do? >> What it comes down to is that go out again involves two different things. you can look to go to something called a HIF. Now, a lot of a lot of these companies are very anxious because what
they want to know is they want to know what your experience rating is, which we went out and and we we got another experience rating done. Uh, one of the other things that we're looking for and we we our first attempt was to go to a
different classification of health insurance from the state plan. Mhm. >> Uh it was uh the 2035 I believe is what we we're in now. And then they have one they call >> high deductible. >> High high deductible.
>> Now when you go to the high deductible, it's going to work with the difference card. Same way, but it really reduces you know how much are it's like your car insurance. You know, if you put a super high deductible on it, your insurance goes down,
>> right? Um, we're we our first attempt at doing this, we were shot down. They told us they weren't going to entertain that. So, in the meantime, the the the administration went out and was trying to look at other avenues. At the same
time, they must have had a huge influx of people asking for this and a lot of pressure. And because we were one of the first ones in, they decided to let us put in a submit an application for this health insurance. And that, you know,
they played the game, too, because what they do is they give you a super short deadline to get it all done. >> But we've had meet a bunch of meetings on this. We're we're going to have it done. we're gonna we're gonna have our application in to be able to go forward
because the advantage to everybody when you do this, right? Is that it's it's basically this the state it's the same health insurance companies. Um it's it's a paperwork shuffle, but no one's going to see differences in terms
of of of what you know where the what doctors are involved and all the rest of it. It'll be the same. >> Okay. All right. Thank you very much. You're welcome. >> Good evening, Monica Townsen, 120 Barber Place. Um, I wanted to say
congratulations on the streetscape um, grant. You know, it really looks good down there and I'm looking forward to what's to come. Um, I heard you say that probably getting started in 2027. How long is the project after that? Once
they get going and they have the funding and the design, it's going to be pretty quick. They'll be able to finalize everything hopefully if they start spring 2017. >> As long as PSG puts the lights up on the money >> that Yeah, they were our delay last time. I would I would say by
Thanksgiving hopefully. >> By a lot of work really. >> Yeah. Well, kudos because it looks it already looks good and I'm looking forward to what's to come. It really I really like it. >> So by my eight years when I retire hopefully
That ain't happening. >> When they run out of light bulbs, that's what we get. >> That's it. Hopefully hopefully the whole >> All right. Well, thank you for sharing that. >> Um, I have a question on the website. I noticed that the council members terms
are not all there on the website and I'm wondering when can that be updated? >> Yeah, sure. I I that's usually a good idea. I mean, did last time I looked. Well, I knew mine was on there, but that it's been a I
don't go on there every day, I got to tell you. So, yeah, we can have them add it. That's for sure. >> It It seemed to be different for each person's bio, but like some people have and some people don't, but it would be nice to see what the terms are for. >> Yeah, we're hoping to have all the bios up pretty soon. >> Yeah,
>> we're almost there. We've been updated. >> We have >> I know you got new new new um council um person. So, and congratulations. >> We'll add it. We'll add it. It's not here. She's looking right now. >> Okay. Um, and then what is the burrow's
position? >> Oh, sure. >> I heard a horn or something. What is the burrow's position on ICE? Are we putting a statement out on the website about ICE? And how are we keeping our residents safe if ICE is to come into
this town? It's our plan to not address that at all. It's that, you know, we uphold the law. >> I mean, do you want to comment on this? >> Yeah, we we follow the um attorney general issued the immigrant trust
directive. Um we follow that to the letter there. Um it's it's pretty clear how it how it um is supposed to be followed. Uh there was an incident today in in Morris County. I uh from my state chief's association, I know there's more
guidance coming out from the attorney general that you'll see tomorrow probably with press conference and um whatever it is, we'll follow it. We want to make sure all of our residents are safe um every day. >> Chief ICE does not give you any pre-notice or >> they don't I don't think they're required to. >> I didn't hear that question.
>> Yeah, I typically doesn't give any pre-notice. >> He just wanted to know if do they get pre-notice. Okay. >> Typically they don't. >> Typically they don't. We have had one instance last summer where they did. it was a a uh office building or or a con construction
site where they had specific complaints on. Um and they were in and out. They didn't ask for any assistance from us at all. Um that's that's basically it. We just follow the trust directly. >> Okay. Um, I'm just going to say that I think we just need to be and I don't know if if it's in your purview to
actually do, but I think we just need to be aware and understanding um what's been happening in communities across the United States and even in New Jersey, we've seen ICE impacting some communities. I don't know if they've
been here yet or if they're going to come here, but we still need to want to make sure that our residents are safe and they don't fall victims to the horrific atrocities that we've been seeing with ICE in other communities. So, I just want to make that point of
saying that. >> Miss Townsen, I've had a few people call and ask me, even our coffee with a cop uh over the weekend, and uh assured them that we're here to help them. Call us if you see anything suspicious or unusual. Um, we're here to make sure that our our community and our residents have um the
security and support they deserve. >> Thank you. And I appreciate that statement. >> Okay. >> Um, there's been a letter sent out to residents about solar panels. Did you all know about this? >> Yes. Okay. >> Simply solar. >> Simply solar >> and that is >> solar simplified whatever. >> Solar.
>> Solar simplified. Sorry. >> Somebody's solar business, right? Okay. So, you all know and are aware of it and it's coming from the burrow. >> Yeah. >> Okay. just because people ask me. I just want to make sure I ask. Um and then
what is the status on the role of the business administrator, the co- um administrators in this role? and whether or not um how long are they going to be in this interim position and
when are you going to put it out for hire >> at at this plan? At this point in time, we have no plans to move forward. We're we have a lot of balls in the air at this time. Uh we're cleaning up quite a
bit. So at this point I would say a minimum of 3 to 6 months you will see no action on this. >> Um >> is the burrow going to put something on the website to acknowledge Black History Month?
>> I don't know what we've done in the past. I I'd have to look. I don't know. Well, you don't have to go back to the past. You can start now in the present and you can set a precedent today in February for Black History Month and put some some kind of statement on the
website. >> I honestly I'd have to look at it because you know once you we're usually pretty generic and we just start with you know it's January, February, March, April. I don't think we we address any
any of the other groups that that come along that way. I think we've been pretty vanilla that way. And I think we're >> you don't have to be vanilla anymore. >> You know, >> we have we have a really diverse community. So now's an opportunity to show how you can um acknowledge that
diversity in the community. Um Black History Month is every year. So whether you did it in the past or not, you can start this year. So, that's something for consideration. Um, I'll bring it back up next year if it doesn't happen this year. >> Thank you.
>> All right. And I think that's all. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else? >> All right. Seeing no one stepping forward, I make a motion to close the public portion. >> Second. >> All right. All in favor? >> I.
>> Okay. All right. Let's move on to the consent agenda. >> Resolution 63, 2022, authorizing the tax collector to issue a tax title lean redemption for block 212 lot 4. Resolution 64 2026 approving the temporary discharge approval application
at the factory lane site to be submitted by the MCUA at the request of New Fields on behalf of Bayer Crop Science, Inc. Resolution 652026, approval of the 2026 HUD funds. Resolution 66, 2022, reimbursement of dog and cat licenses
due to insufficient rabies vaccination. Resolution 67,2026, increase increasing the bid threshold to $53,000. Resolution 68, 2022, accepting accepting the termination of Lauren Pizzolei effective February 6, 2026. Resolution 69, 2026, authorizing the mayor to
execute an agreement for the green acres program. >> Okay. Does anyone need to pull any of these out? Okay, I'd like a motion to approve. >> Motion. Second. >> Okay. Any discussion, questions? Call the role, please.
>> Council President Conahan, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Clark, >> yes. >> Councilman Denza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Griggs, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Quinn, >> yes. >> Okay, let's move on to the non-consent agenda. >> Resolution 70, 2022, pay all claims.
>> I'd like a motion. Second. >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion on these items? They were in the packet. Look pretty uh pretty generic. Nope. >> Okay. Call the role. >> Council President Conahan. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Clark. >> Yes. >> Councilman Denza.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Dodie. >> Yes. >> Councilman Griggs. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Quinn. >> Yes. >> Okay. Agenda workshop items. We have two on here. One I told you we were not going to address tonight. Uh the second one, fire hydrant snow removal. Uh I
believe that was put on. Mike, you >> uh yes. >> Yeah. So um I brought the chief here, deputy chief, talk about uh the storm that happened on the 25th, 26th. Um DPW had to contribute some time to get those
hydrants dug out. We have 34 >> 12 >> 12 312 hydrants. Um, Chief Young took a crew out, I think, uh, within days of that. The issue with the fire department is we all know their their their ranks
have shrunk quite a bit. Um, I'm throwing out some loose numbers, guys, but for they have about 20 or so active firefighters that come out regularly to calls. Total we have like 50ish
53. Um, but out of the 53, we have like 20 that come out actively and respond on a regular basis. That includes digging out the fire hydrants. So over the years, the hydrants have been maintained for for
>> snowfall by the fire department. We haven't had a snowfall like this in seven or eight years, something like that. So back then, even seven years ago, eight years ago, we probably had, you know, 40 active guys, 70 total. whatever the numbers were. So now, Chief
Young had called or put out a message to all 53 members and got five roughly, right? Five to come out. They spent several hours digging out hydrants. We actually lost one of our younger firefighters at Lincoln. Uh when I say
lost, he went down, got hurt. Uh looks like might be a torn rotator cuff. I know Anony's in >> still >> ongoing. Um, so that'll be a claim on our end. Um, you know, hopefully it's not surgery, it might just be rehab, but
again, he can no longer respond and he was one of our active one of our 20 or so active responders. So, in talking to the to the fire and then in addition to that, I know Chief Young also reached out a separate day, a following day, subsequent day, and got I think there
were two of you, >> three that went out. Obviously, it was a safety issue. That's where DPW residents, everybody kind of uh pulled together and uh some of the ones on Route 28 were just impossible. They were
buried in 3 ft of snow. Um so, we talked about coming up with with a lot of other towns do. Chris has provided us with I think six. Uh the Denellan ordinance is is pretty clear-cut. um it lumps in taking care of hydrants
with sidewalks. We just don't have the the manpower to do it anymore. Folks that have volunteered know this that when you're part of a volunteer organization. >> Can't force anybody to come out. Can't force anybody to show up at a meeting. Um we've all dealt with it for years in
in different boards and committees and organizations. That includes little league, girl scouts, Boy Scouts. you just can't you can't force volunteers to come out and do anything. So, when it comes to safety, we thought it would be um obviously very prudent to
uh to roll this into and have Chris work on a new ordinance. Um so, before I open it up to more discussion, I wanted to get a little input from uh you guys. Good evening everyone. Chief Sha Young.
Uh just to kind of elaborate on some of those things. When I joined the department 24 years ago, we had about 90ome members in the department. Um we had probably 200 fire calls, 225 fire calls a year. At this point, we're down
to about 53 members on our active roster. And at any given moment, you hope to get 20 of them to a call. The problem we're having with this storm was we had people stand by. People work
the same jobs as you and I and everybody else in this room. These people are out clearing snow. Some of them are DPW workers themselves from other towns. This town, some of them are sheriff's officers. Everybody comes from a different background. They have families as well. They stood by. The snow
happened. We hadn't seen one in a long time. But what really highlighted was the fact that we just we don't have the numbers we used to. So, we could really use some help. And we got help from DPW. Thank you, Lenny. Uh the mayor, of course, he he uh initiated a video and
did some some hydrants on his street and put that out. We also posted that as well to try and get awareness out there. Basically, it's not that we can't do it. We don't want to do it. We just need a little more help. For every volunteer you have, that's a person that's going to work eight hours a day, maybe more.
They come home, they volunteer their time at any moment they walk out the door. That could be on a birthday, that could be at Christmas, that could be at any given holiday. But the real takeaway here is this was a different snow. This snow fell. There's a lot of it. It then
flash froze and it was very hard to do. We just had bodies and shovels. We went out in uh my chief's vehicle three days in a row. Three shovels, three people. That's what we had. The risk we we bear on that is when we lose a volunteer.
You can't put a price on that. The young kid that we lost, he's a 21-year-old firefighter, also runs his own business, and now he's out of work. So, we have to think on on a multi-layered kind of, you know, thought thought pattern here and think how can
we better help each other. That's with the assistance of DPW. It's with the assistance of the residents and anybody else that'll volunteer their time. So, if uh we could move forward on this, we would really appreciate it because I think it's going to be beneficial for everybody. The only way we get through
this is working together. And uh if anybody has any questions, please ask them. >> Sean, quick question. give a highlight of the calls which back then 200 in a year was a lot >> 450 something like that >> and then I think last year was uh 548
yeah we just >> yeah and this this month this last month this last January we had 58 calls of service one snow standby uh we had three different fires at least five different mutual aids that
we went to uh it was a busy month it was a real busy month plus it was a real cold want that hell a lot of snow. >> So at this pace, I know it's not every month like this, but this pace, even being, you know, on a more conservative number basis, >> you could easily get up to 700
>> if it if it stayed on its current trend. Absolutely. Absolutely. And that's 700 calls and 700 different times that 20 different guys are running out the door and girls are running out the door. >> We're on pace definitely for another 500 years. >> Let me just ask.
>> Easy. Easy. Yeah. >> Just a quick question, Lenny. You've been around a long time, obviously. >> Is it is it a matter of educating the people? Did I mean, it's been a while since we had a big storm. We know that. But, you know, a few years ago, we were having big storms. Was it always the
fire department or the people It was always the always the fire department. >> In my 28-year career, it was always I remember plowing my section, but again, you know, Sean speak, they had >> double the 100 guys. >> Yeah. They had >> Yeah. Well, no, no, I'm I'm not. >> So, they were all
>> The only reason I'm saying because when I grew up I grew up in in Franklin and where I live, we had a sidewalk, we had a mailbox, and we had a fire hydrant and we were responsible for they they all had to have access. >> Yeah. Since I've been here, mayor, yes,
they've always been out there. I mean, at this point, you know, to be quite honest, it's it boggles the mind actually that people wouldn't dig out their own fire hydrant in front of their house because who's if their house goes up, you know, I believe it was, what was
it, Biscataway? It took them a half hour to dig a house a fire hydrant out. I wouldn't want to have that happen in one of my houses going up. >> Absolutely. >> You know, so >> I I noticed, you know, this this was a a severe storm. we and it piled up high.
Do we have difficulty identifying where the hydrants were? >> So, yes and no. We have we have two ways of identifying them. We have hydrant markers, some of which we have to recapture. I've spoken to Lenny about that >> um already about getting some new
markers on some of the ones that have come off. They're made out of metal mostly. So, they stick >> Yeah. Yeah. They stick up and they break, they get warped, they come off. Whatever may happen. Maybe American Water takes them off if they come problematic for them, if they think somebody's going to walk by, hit himself
in the eye or something. Uh, the second way we have to identify them as a fire department is we have an app where we went around and GPS mark where the fire hydrants are. The problem right now is that's only in your phone. So, it's kind
of counterintuitive to drive a fire engine and look at your phone. Uh but we're working on trying to find a better way to put that into a cab system where it'll give it right off the bat. Uh with Somerset County, we have the ability to do that as long as we can get them that information. And then of course, if we
continue to put a tablet or some type of docking station within the apparatus, we would be able to put that that map automatically up in the officer seat for them to be able to see where the closest fire hydrant would be. >> Correct. And as we went out this last
storm, we we personally started Lenny and his crews started um on the east section of town. We started over in the commercial areas over the the tracks went around there. There's a couple new yard hydrants to some of the businesses
like the old absolute. Some of those had to be added. So, we made additions to what was already there. And then we're just going to continue doing that along with putting up the hydrant markers that are no longer there. Thank you. >> And just so you guys know, we have 42
uh so everyone knows, we have 4,200 uh homes, residential homes approximately. We have like 400 approximate commercial properties. So we have 4,600 properties and there's maybe like a 100 vacant lots there. So 4,600 is a pretty
fair number. I got that from the tax assessor. And you're looking at 312 hydrants. So, you're talking about 7% roughly of uh property owners that are affected, you know, with a with a hydrant on their property. >> So,
>> it's a small amount. >> So, you're looking to put an ordinance out or add to the ordinance? >> Just add to it like most other towns, including uh >> and what's the language say more or less, >> Chris? It's in our packet here. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> It's their responsibility. It's a like if you have a sidewalk and or a fire hydrant type thing.
>> I mean, that's what you can It's It's an option. Yes. It's an option. Yep. Um so the Burough Deno and they just have it's on page 140. Um it's uh in case of ice from owners it uh
so it it actually says uh remove all ice and snow from sidewalks of budding said property within 24 hours. Let me find the line here. So letter D says the owner, tenant or occupant of any lands abudding upon the public street of the burrow.
Additionally required to remove all snow and ice from the abuing sidewalks which is on or around fire hydrants and the owner intendant or occupant or property containing handicapped parking spaces. She'll also remove snow and ice from the handicap parking spaces within 24 hours
after the weather has ended. So that's that's the language. Again, there's other towns in here. Uh the Burough of Wong, >> Denellan, >> Denellan. Yes. >> I don't have Denellan in my package. >> 140. >> Um
>> and then speaking of the fire department too, Sean, you could also do for those folks that don't have the ability to because of medical needs, uh any of our senior citizens, they don't have their >> somebody stole their their shovel, whatever.
You guys would be able to obviously assist with those calls. >> Yep. >> Bruce >> afterwards. >> There's a public portion after >> No, not yet. After when we
>> um but so that would be something you could still help with for anybody that needs it. >> Yeah. record. >> Listen, we could put that on the >> or put it on the website or something like that. There's there there are ways there are ways to do it, but they would
have to contact us to let us know. >> Yeah. >> You know, the only other thing I would say with this Danella one, it says on or around. I would tend to think that that's okay language, but I I would think what's important for you guys to have is is access to from the street. It
would have you would want that wording in there. Access from the street because what if someone just digs it around? It's a middle, you know, it's six or eight feet back and you >> Yeah, that's what you want. You want to be able to just run up and put it in.
>> Okay. Um, just while we're here, is do we want to do I have a consensus that we want to move ahead with this? >> Definitely. >> Yeah. >> One, two, three, four, five. >> Yes. >> Ch. >> And and so that's six. You're going to write something up.
>> And then model, >> I would say, yeah, but I would just make sure I would include a little that it needs to have street access. >> Yeah. What about what about sidewalk access to the street? I notice we have a lot of problems and there's still a lot
of properties where the especially 28 the corners where the state has piled up four feet high and and the people don't dig it out. They can't dig it out. >> They can't Lenny's done that uh over the last two weeks. Joe, I think he's done. Right, Lenn? >> I am done.
>> He is done with the backhoe. I saw. Yep. >> There's still some It's not a It's not unfortunately because of the nature of the storm. is not something that's unique to Middle Sex because a lot of towns >> Yeah. >> You know, you go around there the the they're way worse than we are in terms of just the pile.
>> No, for that Joe though, DPW did go out and and you're right, those are up to the property, but he went out um the entire stretch. >> Yeah. >> And it took >> it's more of a line of >> 10 days to do it. >> Police do as well, right? Um the amount of accidents that were almost happening coming on to >> Yeah. Because you can't see.
>> You just can't see, you know. So, so we had a couple backhoes and pork trucks, big trucks out there. There I saw a pile behind Mountain Park. >> Um, but yeah, that's why snow some of these intersections. >> You know, Chris, you've done a bunch of these. Is there usually language about
these? Like he mentioned the corners, like if you have a corner lot. >> I haven't seen it. Honestly, that's that's a good comment. I haven't seen it. I mean, if you could think of some some way to write it, but I mean, a lot of times, you know, in in in these cases, you know, the guy dug it out, you
plowed him in, and then it froze. And and this guy's sitting there with his little plastic shovel trying to get rid of a block of ice. You know, where's he going? >> I haven't seen this in a long time. Years ago, >> it was it was it was a very difficult swarm. Wow.
>> Bruce was my number one. I'm tired of talking to Bruce, actually. And I hope next week that I know that Groundhog I made sure he didn't see a shadow so so we're good. But uh >> covered him up, right? >> It was a tough storm, you know, and it's kind of one of those things like Sean said once it stopped snowing and it
changed over to ice and then it became snow again. You know, people don't realize they see 15 in wake up in the morning of snow and they're dry, you know, >> their sidewalk. They don't realize it's packed once we push the plow off to the right. It's now we hit it again, you
know, we have to go somewhere with snow, especially the corners is we're trained. Sean's been doing it a long time as well is tighten the corners up every single time. >> Sure. >> Okay. >> Comes through. That's where all that stuff. >> All right. So guys, we we're clear on
this. We're all good. >> Uh, one thing I would ask, mayor is Sean, that you guys or before next season you guys work out. Let's come up with something for those folks to um you know contact us, contact you, you know, if it's through Burough Hall or what, however,
>> six foot high. >> Yeah. >> Um just so we have something so for next season hopefully there's not a lot of snow, but if there is, we have a plan. >> You're talking next season this season is not >> who knows. >> All right. Um I'd like a motion to open
for the privilege of the floor on the agenda workshop. >> Motion. >> Second. All in favor? I >> I >> Now Bruce, >> weatherman Bruce. >> Yes. Bruce Sanders, 10 Venice Avenue. Um, I think of keep it simple, stupid.
I've been here for decades. And I think most people at any residential would think that, hey, I got to clear this, too. It's a I'm not saying go against what you're trying to do, but I'm saying I think people forgot. I forgot there's one up the street from me. Didn't even
think of it. And I would have normally done that. So, one idea, we have a nixl. If you can come up with a verbiage that anytime you get a certain kind of snow, send out a a nixel somewhere in between
and say, "Hey, remember this is for protect your house, clear out your fire hydrant, >> sidewalks, and >> little advertising goes a long way." And it's as quick, you know, and somebody will think of it like myself now. I'm gonna look to see if mine's clear. I didn't even think of it and normally I
would. So just, you know, you don't do it every day. Just quick. >> Fair point. I mean, I think a lot of people got caught on their heels with this. They weren't expect, you know, it's been a while since we had that this big of a snow. >> We do do that. >> We did. We put one out. >> We put the nixel out. We put social
media out. >> But was was it clean the fire hydrant or was it clean the walk? It said uh please remember to clear snow and ice within 3 ft of any fire hydrant on your property. You look fired pretty uh thank you >> plane right there. >> I think we got to do a little more advertising. Maybe put it on the sign or
something like that too. Just >> uh Dave Bolvage 240 Hazwood. Uh that's what I was going to say, Mayor, is that I think this ordinance is great, but I think there has to be a heightened awareness, especially if you're doing something new. Somebody may have lived
in a house for 20 years and never had a legal responsibility to have to clean that fire hydrant. And I think it also should be presented as, you know, although this person over here may have the fire hydrant in front of their house, it's really a neighborhood responsibility because I live here, the
house next to me is the one that has the fire hydrant. So, it's technically not going to be my legal responsibility to clear that when there's a snow, but it's in my interest to make sure it is cleared. And if that person is on vacation or whatever, then you know, other people in the neighborhood should
pick up shovels or whatever and clear it and to help these guys out. But I don't and it might not be a bad idea maybe with the the tax bills that go out to stick a letter in there just so you hit the 7% of the people who have a fire hydrant so that they see that because especially some of the elderly people in
this town, they're not on social media. I mean that I mean Nixl and everything does a great job for people who are attuned to that stuff, but there's some people who don't see that, who don't know that. I talk to people all the time. You guys advertise certain initiatives a lot and there's some people who just like they have no idea.
So I think, you know, while the ordinance is a great idea, I think you're guys going to have to really have to >> Well, we'll have to hammer it home, Dave. I mean, it's it's like even this the snow one. We get the same people every year saying, "Well, when did you start that?" And the ordinance has been in place since 1965. So, but with the
fire hydrant, yeah, I think we need some re-education and some advertising and >> but I think the neighborhood responsibility aspect is a is something to hit at too because >> well, it's a good angle there. Hey, listen, this is for you, too, right? You know, >> I mean, that fire hydrant at my neighbor's house is protecting my house,
not just hers. So, >> I think it's important to point out that we did use uh to Dave's point, um maybe some of the elderly don't get it, but we did put it out on our social media platform for the Burrow, DPW, Fire Department. It's on our website. We put a Nixl out. So, the education aspect is
out there. We just have to make sure it gets to the right. >> And that video I did was across the street, was in front of my house. >> Um, >> Monica Townsen 120 Barbara Clay. I also like the idea of the ordinance. I think it's good for us to make sure that we're
all coming together as a community and clearing up the fire hydrants the best way we can. I'm just wondering what you said about the medical aspect, like if somebody's older or have medical issues, is that part of the ordinance or is that something like they have to call and
just kind of say to >> they would have to call Monica? I mean, any of the above they just can't do it >> for whatever reason, >> right? >> Um they would have to call >> and that's even for >> that's what I had asked Sean almost anything >> and Eric at the end there if they could just come up with a plan. That might not
help us this year, you know, but uh at least for next year and next winter and the winter after that. So, how does that come in? Does it come into the clerk's office? Does it go into the police station? >> You know, there's a variety there. You know, Kelsey's here certain hours. The
police department's always open. Um but we don't have a staff at the police department anymore. They're on the road all the time. >> So, we got to figure that out how that comes in. I might go into the fire department directly. >> Okay. Thank you. And is there a fine associated with this?
>> I'm not asking for or advocating for one. I'm just curious if that if you guys are thinking that for >> it's probably along the lines of a property maintenance thing, but usually those type of things. >> It's usually repeat offenders that that wind up getting uh called out for
things. >> And I know our our code, Monica, too, is uh we have we we give notice of violations for for everything first. That's that's a warning. >> Okay. >> So, warnings are issued for not every code, but almost every code uh a code
violation. So, um same with this. So, I know there's folks with sidewalk. I know in this storm there there were sidewalks that weren't cleaned. The code enforcer Matt is new. He went he did issue notice of violations and then I think it's seven days then went back if they
weren't if it wasn't fixed. There is there is a fine but it's property maintenance. I don't know the number. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> You're welcome. >> Anybody else? Okay, seeing nobody else, I'd like a motion to close. >> Motion second.
>> Second. All in favor? >> I >> Okay, guys, we are going to have an an executive session tonight. Um I would imagine at this point action will not be taken. I mean, with respect, uh it's going to be along the lines of what I talked about before. We're probably going to come up with a plan and we're
going to move forward that way, but there's not going to be a resolution on the class 3es that's going to be popping up tonight. Um, >> what did I miss something? >> No. >> Okay. All right. So, at this point, I'd like a motion to uh executive session.
You got to read it off. Don't forget. >> Resolution 71 2026, executive session. >> I like a motion. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Council President Conam. >> Yes. Councilwoman Clark, >> yes. >> Councilman Denza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Griggs, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Quinn, >> yes. >> Okay, thank you everybody. Have a nice night. Uh, next regular meeting is March 10th. Stay warm. It's hard to believe it to be like