Conan >> here. >> Councilman K. >> Councilman Denza >> present. >> Councilman Dino >> here. >> Councilman Dodie >> here. >> Councilman Griggs >> here. >> Administrator Place >> here. >> And attorney Flynn >> here. >> All right.
It's good to see a bunch of handsome guys sitting up here in the front row. Um, as you might notice, a lot of you guys have your hands up there, you know. Um, we're very proud of what you guys are able to accomplish this year. You guys
have been on a roll for the last few years. That's a testament to you guys and the coaches cuz you know it it's not easy for it all to come together. It's very easy for it to fall apart, but for all to come together and stay together
takes a lot of effort. It takes a lot of compromises. It takes a lot of understanding. And it takes a lot of just belief in that the common good. If we all pitch in and do the right thing, good things will happen for us. Well, guess what? Good
things happen for you guys. Um, I want to keep my end of it very short tonight because I know there's a couple of guys up here that know most of you guys. And I think it's it it's it's important for them and it's important for the town to
have these guys recognize you for the fine efforts that you guys have done. So at this point I'm going to turn it over to Council President Kahan who's got to put on his glasses. All right. Thank you, Mayor. Welcome. Welcome everyone. Uh we're going to kick
it off with U Jeremiah. Come on up. Not here. Okay. Vote for one. You got to leave, right? >> Uh, no more. >> Two for two. >> Lucas.
>> London. >> Not here. >> Pirates. What do you guys [Applause] Sean? I know Sean stay up here.
We're going to, you know, make sure the parents and the coaches get the pictures that they want to have. >> Deon not here. You see him blue next there. Marcus. All right, Jake. Anthony,
Hey. Oh, come on. Dylan, not here. >> Danny, either All right, ladies and gentlemen. I just want to say thank you to mayor and all the councilmen here uh for um
doing this for us. Um it means a lot. Uh took a lot of hard work from these guys. Um a lot of effort, a lot of time. Um beat a lot of good teams along the way. Couple in the top 20. Um you know, made this county semifinal for group one,
which is pretty impressive. Had a 23 and five record. um you know and ultimately led to 2025 state championship. So thank you guys so much they put up a lot a lot of time on their end a lot of banquetss we have and
fundraisers and barbecues and things along those lines. So thank you guys for all the support you did. And uh last one to the community um it's really been amazing. The support we get is awesome. whether it's the DW getting the field ready or the fire trucks uh leading us
in after week one. So, thank you everybody. Get some pictures of family members. If you guys want to come up here and have one big happy family with the team, there come up around. So take your time, get the pictures that
you need, you want to leave the rock. >> Yeah. Parents, you guys want you guys all the individuals that you want. Parents, you want to get up there with your kids. Get someone to take some pictures here. I knew that
[Laughter] there was I'd like to >> everybody here. Everybody here ready. >> I don't see anybody number one right there. All right, fellas. Couple minutes to
clear out. Make sure you take your stand there. If you say 2 minutes, you stay over. >> Thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations. When when I started the little kids when we went to this My last 197
>> I think they worked on Andy Noodle's house And they forgot to turn the water back on. >> Oops. >> All right, we good. >> Everyone ready? All right, we're going to get back back in gear here. All right, we have an ordinance for
introduction. >> An ordinance amending the Lincoln Boulevard redevelopment plan to provide minimum park sizes. >> I need a motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I I be roll call. >> It's going to be roll call. This is uh
not the it's a roll call, please. >> Council President Conahan. >> Yes. >> Councilman Clark is not here. Councilman Denza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dino, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Griggs, >> yes. >> All right. This will be good to get that there and get kick some uh redevelopment in gear. Awareness for public hearing
and final adoption. >> Find ordinance providing various capital improvements and the acquisition of various capital equipment appropriating $2,592,500. Therefore, and for authorizing the issuance of $1,980,000
bonds and notes to finance a portion of the cost thereof authorized in and by the burrow of Middle Sex in the county of Middle Sex, New Jersey. >> Okay. Could I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. All right. I'd like to open this for uh the public hearing. Uh all in favor? >> I.
>> All right. Anyone have any questions? Step up. All right. Not having anybody uh step up. I'd like a motion to close. >> Motion second. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. >> All right. I'd like a motion to approve. >> Motion.
>> Second. >> All right. Any discussion? Uh, the only thing I'd like to say, Carolyn, thank you very much, Michael. I know it was a lot of work getting this thing put together. I think it's uh a pretty comprehensive plan with also an eye on frugality, and I do appreciate that.
Okay. Anyone else? All right. Call the role, please. Council President Cunningham, yes. >> Councilman Denza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dino, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Grace, >> yes. >> Okay, motion pass. All right, we have adoption of minutes.
>> Approval of the July 15, 2025 regular and executive meeting minutes. >> Motion second. >> Any amendments? >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Okay. We're up to the mayor's report. I got a few things I'd just like
to to go over. Um, I think out there there's a general consensus and a lot of concerns about the taxes and the way they change and everything. I think a lot of the people got the answers that they were looking for. Uh, there was a referral made to go
talk to Dawn. You know, Dawn Gutel, she's done a very good job and she's able to use the comps and everything else to explain why the changes were what they were. Um, the bad part is for some people the taxes went up. The good part is that if your taxes went up, that means your
house is worth a lot more money relative to even the prior year or the year before. Okay. One of the things that we've done during the course of the summer, we've been trying to get it done, but the weather wasn't cooperating, is uh we went out and we did some water sampling. Uh, we did it at the at the where it
comes in from Piscataway. We did it after it would join um after the Ambrose Brook uh where HKIA and all those guys are after Bland Avenue and then we did one in right pretty close to the dam. The
results are in um not bad I have to say. Uh I'm trying to get it into layman's terms because I don't I don't understand everything that was there. I mean it seemed like a lot of the levels were low. I think we're actually maybe in pretty good shape.
Lenny is working on getting the the report put into a and and Bobby also, sorry Bobby, I didn't mean to cut you out of that, but I mean we've been working on trying to get what does this mean in terms of being able to fish, swim, drink, etc.,
etc. But I think the the what we've seen that the numbers were pretty good, especially in the the heavy metals. I mean, they were pretty low. So, but that's just me. I'd rather have someone that that knows what they're looking at be able to give us a more concise
report. Class three specials. All right. There's been a dialogue and a couple of emails going back and forth with the the board of education. Uh we've made them another offer because we're trying to put this to bed. We want to get the
class three specials in in the schools. I did hear back from Roberta. She had a quick question. Um, which I know got some people dander up, including my own, but I think at the end of the day, I think they're finally
going to be able to move forward with this and get this thing moving along. Uh, it's it is going to require a minimal what I consider to be a minimal down payment on their side to be able to move this process forward. So, we're hoping that that that gets bottomed off.
It'll be up to the legal beagles for you guys to finish the the rest of the stuff, but I in in in basically in principle it'll be it'll be done. Thank goodness. All right. Um, if you guys had a chance to get over to National Night Out, I think it was one of the best ones ever.
A lot of lot of people are over there. Uh, I expect next year is going to be even better just because, you know, that's the way Jolene works. Every year is an improvement. Um, it's amazing how many people contributed, you know, just in general. I can't name them all, but a
lot of our our significant uh, you know, uh, companies in town have contributed and and they there's a lot of chskies there that they're giving out to the people. It was great and they have a they have a very good turnout. All right,
we have on here on the we have Matthew Dillingham coming on board full-time. Matthew has actually been pretty diligent and been out and about in the town going after people who are not cutting their grass and we're trying to take care of
basically it was what the chief used to call the broken window syndrome where people just don't fix their things and you know nothing happens so they don't bother fixing things. So, there's been there's been quite a few um areas that
have been addressed and this is this I'm just going to throw this out to everybody. What we we see a lot of things and we try and pick up on but you know a majority of these things and not the majority but some of the items if it's bothering you and like some guy has a nice front yard and he's got a jungle
in the backyard where he's storing stuff that's causing new issues on your property. And this is more for those of of the people out there in TV land. Um, call up call up, let them know and and they'll go and check it out. And if
there's a problem with with the code or the zoning or whatever, they're they're going to be notified. They'll get an ov, which is a notice of violation. They'll get a short amount of time to fix it. And if they don't, they're going to get a fine and then it'll it'll be prosecuted. Um
those around town, New Jersey American Waters is hitting it hard. They're going they're going to virtually do almost the whole town. They're trying to see who has lead pipes and who doesn't. That's what they're at. They're trying to get in houses. They were down Beachwood already um to find out whether you have
lead or copper. And then they're going to make a plan after that to to remediate it. They are working with Lenny cuz the last thing they want to do is chop up a street that we just had paved. So, they're they're they're trying to make sure that they take care of that. Um, last thing I have on here
is the recycling cans. They're almost all out. And some people are are a little have a little bit of angst about these these cans, but I have to say in my garage I have three garbage cans and two smaller garbage cans and cardboard,
all of it. And I was like, there's no way that this is all going to fit in that 92 95gallon thing. It fit like a dream. You know, there wasn't a ton of leftover room, but I was figuring I was going to have to go to the recycling center. Nothing. It all fit in there.
And I was like, if you know, to me, I have my, you know, I have the kids home for the summer, so they're generating tons of plastic and bottles and all kinds of nonsense. I mean, if somebody's filling one of those up and and is and and is way short, there's there's there
must be a story to be told about that. That's all I have to say on that one because that I I think that that can as itself is quite reasonable. And if they're not all out and believe it or not, it's not just Middle Sex. This is rolling out total countywide, which is
why it's, you know, they're getting around, they're fixing up some of the little things that are missing, but it it'll get done in due in due time. And I mean, we've had we've had worse rollouts in terms of these things coming, but at least we're getting there. Um, that's
all I have at this point. >> Michael, thanks, Mayor. Um, wanted to congratulate the team again. I'm glad that they came in. Um, I wanted to congratulate our police department and um, for hosting another successful
National Night Out, especially Jolene. Um, I think uh it it is our biggest event by far. Um, I I I think based on just some of the guys I was talking to there, some of the patrolman that there were at least 2,000 people and that was at 6:30. So,
it could easily get past that. But, um, biggest event based on attendance. I wanted to also congratulate Andy Castaldo Jr. He's actually just um I spoke to him about a week ago. He's taking life membership with the fire department. He's a member of Parker. Uh
30 year 34 year member of Parker and he has held every leadership position in the fire department including fire chief for the burrow. Um I just want to again thank Andy for all his years of service. Um I am sure that uh Councilman Dod will
lead into this for the >> I'll be missed. >> Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. The food truck festival. So, the fire department is going to they just figured they just worked on securing a date. It's Saturday, September the 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 700 p.m. in Mountain View Park
where the carnival was held up in the front end. Uh, this is a fundraiser for our all volunteer fire department. Um, this one event is going to obviously they're they're they're trying to attempt to fill the massive fundraising void from the carnival with the
cancellation of the carnival. I think it's going to take a couple of these events to to to meet their fundraising needs. But this is a great start. Uh the reason I'm bringing it up, the more people that go is the more more more money they make. Again, they're all volunteer. We have four houses in town.
>> Um so I think there'll be a fee. I know there'll be a fee coming in because it's the same vendor that runs the Southbound Brook Festival >> and it's four or five bucks to get in and then if you want to buy food or uh drinks or if you want to buy gifts and
chachki stuff like everything that cost um and then the fire department ends up making a cut of that. So I really hope we get a big uh a lot of folks that go. I want to also congratulate and welcome Matthew. He's not here Dillingham. He's our full-time first time ever full-time
director of zoning and code. He's effective September the 2nd. He's part-time since May. May Mayor I think >> joined him back in May. >> Um and then uh also lastly just a congratulations to the cadets and the OEM cadet program. Um I know it's it's
flourishing and I just want to thank all all involved. It's been a big boom the last couple of years, our cadetses. So that's it, Mayor. >> That's it. >> Okay. Jeremiah's not here. Councilman Joe.
Well, we have uh youth soccer will start on September 13th and so far they have 185 kids registered. >> Wow. >> It's a nice turnout. They added prek clinic this year and they're utilizing cook and habit for the games and
practice. Ball basketball clinic registration is open. The clinic will be on Wednesday starting on September 17th. Um, as far as the pool, there's a meeting
tomorrow night. I unfortunately could not make the last one, but I understand the painting is coming along. They have uh the uh base coat on and uh the gray. And now they're going to start with the blue
stripe that goes through it. Uh and please mark down for uh date uh yeah October October 28th
council meeting that the pool commission will come in and give us a review of their 2025 results and their plan of action more 2026. >> Good. >> That's all I have.
>> All right. Thank you, Bobby. >> Yeah. Um I only have a DW report tonight. I missed I was away for my environmental. Um so as far as the storm clean up, the flood planning did a breakdown. He had 10 employees, 80 man hours, $20,000
charge. uh was you that um equipment used two tobacco, three garbage trucks, four 10 ton uh dump trucks, 65 tons of eliminated materials at a cost of $5,800 to come. We talked about recycling cans.
Um all the veterans, that was the problem. The veterans that were on the list, they weren't on the tax cap. So that's what the company that was giving the cans out with the addresses. They didn't have the address to the veterans was their tax exempt. So, that's straightened out. There's still some stagards. There's not many more. I would
say maybe 30 or 40 more that are missing cans, but we're close. Um, as Mountain View Park, um, the swing set, all that stuff is gone. The pickle ball porch torn out. The pad basically for the bathroom is set.
They're working on some drainage now. And uh they're waiting for a permit from a work order from PSNG to turn the power off so they can lift the building over the wires and set it to crania. Uh we talked about American water
um crosswalks and and around the schools have all been painted and uh they did a demo with a paper because we talked about our DBW paving possibly again. Um they demoed a paper. They did some spots around the furrow garage where there was always weeds by the neighbor yards. They
cleaned it all out and guys did a good job. I mean, they >> got to practice. >> 130 tons of black top. They did they paved the parking lot there. There's always mud always pulling the cars out on the main road there. So, for the residents, it's better. It's clean. It looks good. So, they did a good job. I
mean, for the first time. A lot of those guys never paid before. >> It's good. Glad to have that back going again. That's what we want. >> Yeah. So, we'll see. It's a costly endeavor to get back into it, but something to think about down the road. >> Well, it's it's it's costly, but it's a
lot less than >> Yeah. >> You know, I mean I mean, if you think about it, we have 53 miles of roads and we're we're able to we're not getting even a half mile of road a year. So, you know, unless you unless you plan on being around for 108 years or 106 years
to see it all completely done, >> that's all I >> Okay, Kevin. >> Yeah, Mayor. I have a few things cuz um where do I want to start? I want to start with the OEM. I'd like to say I saw Jack Costa tonight and he's
recovering. >> He did indicate to me that he's stay he's going to stay on as a director there which is good because he's been there for oh my god I think since the place opened it seems like. Uh, also the cadetses, it was great to see that they
had their graduation and Barbara just does a phenomenal job. I don't know how she gets them in the door, but she does. And that particular group is getting larger and larger by the day there. >> It's just incredible what they do. >> The fire department um come out on
September 20th to their food truck festival. There will be an entrance fee. They were talking about it last night. They weren't quite sure, but it's a few dollars to get in. You go ahead and uh come in and they'll have the area fenced and everything. They're going to have I
know the police are given a couple of police officers, I believe, to be there to walk around, make sure nobody gets crazy. Um they're going to have areas that are emergency exits in case something happens that there'll be a fireman there so they can open an area
the fence up to let people out just so people understand that it's not going to you're not going to be one way in one way out if an emergency happens. Um, I want to say that they did a phenomenal job on the during the storm
cuz Ken put this on the report and they had 30 swiftwater rescues over that night on the 14th between the hours of even said when it was. So those guys literally were not stopping the whole time.
From 1744, you know, 5:44 to 3:00 in the morning, they did 30 swiftwater rescues during that storm. So, and I got to say they had great partners, police, fire, OEM,
the county was here. I know the rescue squad was out with them. It was just an incredible team effort on a very bad night. >> Yeah. And they used the community room and they set up. >> It was it was just everybody working together, you know, not fighting like
usually happens. Um I can give you the rest of this report here to make it easy. I can get back to the page. Okay. They had because of the the storm in July,
they had 101 calls to service. They had 28 no fire unintentional act activations to 30 swift rotor, four fires. They did uh four vehicle accidents with injuries, two without. Uh
some of the highlights he said there was during the month there was on July 22nd and then again on July 26th there was oven fires in two homes in Middle Sex, one on Lincoln Boulevard, one on Princeton Drive. They got them under control within uh you know 10 minutes.
Um they also went up on July 4th. They did mutual aid to Warren Township. They were up there for a structure fire and they were operated up there under just under two hours. Um, everybody knows what happened on the uh 14th. They
responded to 44 calls total that night. 30 of them being Swiftwater res. Uh July 22nd, they found at Senica on Senica Avenue, 420 Senica Avenue, a shed and fence were on fire. Um Lincoln res
responded immediately. They got had it under control in about five minutes and chief what you put on the back here. Um they had it stand by they they were standby for Bound Brook during their affair. So there was, you know, we were
doing mutual aid with them and they attended the summer playground July 7th and the police youth academy on July 9th to explain what the fire department does, fire safety in the home and to give a tour of a fire engine.
That is the fire department. Um, let's see. Let's move on to the uh court July. Uh 231 tickets, 15 parking, 216 moving,
nine DWIs, 13 local ordin ordinance violations, four health tickets issued, which means that's a good job they're doing at the new our new health department, obviously. 13 zoning issued by the new
zoning officer who is not even full-time yet. So, I know Matthew's been putting some time in. They did uh four total court sessions, two in person, two virtual, 281 defendants, 101 cases deposed
that month. 90 WIS were deposed. Uh money is collected 2831943. R portion 1320996. And the mayor asked this question and she's going to be putting it on here. As of August 11th when she sent me the
email back when I asked, there are 1637 active cases. From that 1,040 are in backlog combined criminal and traffic. So they got to get working on this extra they may need two extra
nights to get this going. >> Okay. And these are only the cases that are court mandatory or defendants who have pled not guilty to come to court. >> Mhm. So that doesn't include all the people that just are saying, "Okay, >> they mail it in and got."
>> So, okay, the police report I have two months to tell you because the other one got here just afterwards. In June, there was 2422 calls to service in July 1790.
vacation adult arrest in June 21, July 13th. DWI arrests 14 in June, five in July, summones, 333 in June, 230 in July, and some of this
is also due to manpower issues that I know you got the email today and I think you got it also, Council President. He's got people hurt FMLA. They're vacations. So, he's juggling people around to do the best he can to
fill the stuff. So, uh radar summons is 41 40 in in July. Um the National Incident Based Reporting System, they had eight in June, they
cleared two, and in July they had a great month. They had nine and they cleared six of those reportable incidents. So, it was really good. Um, I have just a couple of other small things about them. There was a burglary on
August 13th at Marger. They've already apprehended an adult and a juvenile in it and found some of the stolen property. So, they were on top of it and really, you know, jumped on it quick.
There was also a few months ago a motorcycle theft on liquor boulevard. Two individuals were just arrested and charged in that working with I think been touching had the same thing. So they were working in conjunction with
them just to let people know that you don't always see what's going on but this is continually. One last thing is one of our officers was walking in to pick up coffee TJ and he was going into
7-Eleven and a gentleman came over and wanted to say thank you to the police department. He was struggling with addiction and a manic state months ago. The three officers that showed up, Officer Devenzo, Officer Rodriguez, and
Officer Dulan, they went diffused the system, calmed him down, got him help, and he's in a program, and he says these three officers saved his life. So, this is the kind of police officers that we have in this town. And
it's good to know that this goes on. >> Okay. >> That is our police department. >> Yes, they are. >> And that's what I have for you. >> That's it. Yes, sir. >> I got one other one for you. This just came in today. You >> might want to read that. Uh, dear May, Mayor Michek and Burough
Council members, on behalf of myself, the Denellan Burough Council, and the residents of Denellan, I would like to thank you in the Middle Sex Public Library for opening the community room as a multi- agency resource center on July 28th and July 29th for all those
affected by the flooding from the July 14th storm. I know several Denellan residents attended and I am grateful they had the opportunity to meet directly with a variety of key organizations and access additional resources to assist with their needs
during the recovery process. Denelling is fortunate to have incredible neighbors who come together in times of crisis to ensure that no one is left behind. Thank you again for your generosity and leadership. Jason Silanto, mayor Burrow of Denellan. And
along those lines, from what I was told by Jack and everyone at the OEM, the Red Cross was fantastic and came here. >> Yeah. >> And really did a great job. Uh happened to be their liaison. And I'm not always right there, but trust me, they let me
know what's going on. And you did a phenomenal job and they said it was a great partnership and you were definitely welcome here anytime. Well, after you guys are done with your reports, I'd like to say something on the public portion. >> Okay, >> that's all I have, mayor. Sorry it was
long today. >> No, that's okay. >> All right, Ken. >> Yeah, good evening. U first as far as our new zoning officer goes. Uh I'm glad everybody was on board with selecting him at our recommendation. Uh he seems to be doing an excellent job and glad to
have him on full time. So, >> including you, Michael. Thank you. Um, as far as National Night Out tonight, uh, it was nice to see a lot of community businesses there and that was a great turnout, probably more than last year. The weather was great for us, so that's that was a big plus. Also,
um, this one, the uh the the shade tree committee, I I have nothing to report, but they do meet the second Thursday of every month in this room at uh 7 p.m. if anybody's interested in attending. Uh as far as board of health, the meetings are on the third Thursday, which is this
week, at 6:30 in the community room at uh the library. Uh recently they had an issue with restrooms at one of the businesses. A couple residents were complaining and I was glad when I reached out to them, they got the inspector over there within like two days and corrected the situation right
away. So that was that was good. They were doing that. Uh, also this year they've had, you know, uh, in the past when we're with Middle Sex County, they they almost never got any, you know, conditionals from anybody. Um, you know, not that it's necessarily a good thing, but at least we know they're doing their
job because they're getting some conditionals and they're following up, you know, that the the inspectors are following up and, you know, the visitors are complying making changes so they they meet the code. You know, they're not all just passing initially. >> No rubber stamp. >> That's a good thing. Yeah. Um the the
recycle cans. Uh I think they most of the residents are happy. They like that they can purchase a second can if they need to and uh you know they fit a lot of stuff in there. So that that's that's good. Definitely been hearing a lot about the Hometown Heroes banners at my store. Um so thanks Bobby for getting
involved in that and everyone else. Uh people seem to like them and I think they're a great addition to our town that to have and uh as uh uh also just just happy to see we're getting new businesses in the old Acme uh that it's actually being revived and
we got some new pizzeria in town. It's good to see people investing in our town and making making moves. So it's good. Uh that's all I had. Thank you. >> Yeah, the rhythm of spice you're talking about. Yeah, it's good. Actually, I went there. I tried it. I was my son liked to go to when it was
Romanos. We waited like four years from the opening back up, but they're open. It's good. >> Administrator, the place. >> Thank you, Mayor, members of the council. Good evening, everyone. Uh, the Army Corps is continuing to conduct
environmental investigations and survey activities related to the former Middle Sex sampling plant site. Ground investigations are underway on both public and private properties. The new data collected will be used to confirm aerial survey results. The Army Corps
maintains that the investigation of a particular site does not mean that it is that particular location is contaminated. This is more about information and checking data and mapping to make sure it's accurate. Uh the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Blue Acres
office has reached out to Middle Sex regarding recent local flooding, including the major storm event on July 14th. DP will be hosting an in-personformational event for interested homeowners impacted by flooding who may wish to consider the
Blueacres voluntary buyout program. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th. It'll be from 5:30 to 7:30 at the North Planefield Public Library, which is on which is at 6 Rockview Avenue in North Planefield. We've already put information about this on
the burough website. As Councilman Cino mentioned earlier, work is well underway to the improvements to Mountain View Park. And um I also wanted to note that during construction, vehicular access to the rear portion of the park is going to be
restricted. Um as noted earlier, Matthew Dillingham will begin working full-time as our zoning and code enforcement officer on Tuesday, September 2nd. Um the bureau has also hired a part-time qualified purchasing agent, Jennifer Merced.
Resolutions this evening include approval of the memorandum of agreement breached with the US WC local 255 white collar unit on a new four-year contract, approval to formally receive as revenue the green acres program grant in the amount of
$76,000 which is earmarked for Victor Crow Park and permission for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in Mountain View Park on Saturday, September 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the fire department's food truck fundraising
event. There is no agenda workshop scheduled this evening. In an executive session, the bur will be discussed litigation involving New Jersey American Water. Um the bureau's personnel policy, personnel matters involving the clerk's office and the fire department and a fire
department public safety. >> Okay, very good. Uh before we open up for the public portion, I just want to say there's going to be a couple little agenda changes tonight. Actually, there's just amendments to resolutions.
Uh resolution 234205. Uh where it says block/lot 285-28, it's actually 255-28. That was that one. And on resolution 214205,
um, we got these kind of late, but you know, with the the way volunteerism and stuff like that, this is for the fire department. I want we're adding four items, which is number nine, accepting the junior firefighter application to Melia Chman. Number 10, approving Al
Kenny Craney. I guess Al Craney as a driver for truck 24 and utility 18. accepting the resignation of Brian Oliver from the Lincoln Hose and the and the Middle Sex Fire Department and accepting the resignation of Matt Gold from Beachwood
Heights Fire Hose Company and the Middle Sex Fire Department effective August 12th, 2025. So those changes are are included in uh the resolutions for tonight. Okay. Uh I'd like a motion to open up for privilege of the floor.
>> Second. >> Second. All in favor? Hi. >> Okay, now's your chance. >> Good evening. My name is Steve Choppy. I am a representative or actually I am your disaster coordinator for Middle Sex
Burrow. I am a member of the American Red Cross. I have a prior law enforcement and um emergency management career. Where I come into the picture in your town is on the 14th, as everybody
knows, that was a game changer for the town. Um it was a rainstorm that turned into a flood and a flood that turns into raging rivers. the devastation that was done in your town and other towns around
you um will probably come back. I don't want to say it's not, but I want to start by saying that I was glad that I got here early tonight because I saw what Middle Sex Burrow actually is and I
saw I came up to support your national night out because Jack invited me. I came. I looked at your residence. I'm looking at what you did tonight for the football team. And the thing is is that this town itself runs itself. And the
mayor and council should be happy that you're here because sitting behind this and making the decision you did made my job easier in the Red Cross because you had it all together. I want to thank you very much for the team. And there's so
many faces, there's so many hands, and there's so many people to name that I can't. But your fire department, your police department, your emergency medical services, your road department, and then it comes to your emergency management. That night
where that night I did not work personally here, I was in Denelli because I didn't make it here because I couldn't the floods. Everything was washed out. from that day on up until the 27th and
28th when you guys allowed us to me for and your laboratory staff allowed it the Red Cross to host what we call as a mark which is multi- agency resource center. We brought in resources to the residents
of your town and others that needed it. Did we get everybody? Absolutely not. But in the future, we know where we basically need to fine-tune things. And I have to tell you
that I'm proud that I'm part of your town and I'm I represent Red Cross for your town because as you mentioned, I always will be here. And the thing is, I am a phone call away. Mayor, I know you stopped by and probably others stopped
by the mart when it was in service because you met my executive director, Kim. >> I can't thank you enough and the residents of this town because it's the residents who help each other and then it's a town that helps the residents and
you guys shine. You do. And I'm proud of I'm proud to be here and I'm proud to thank you personally because I was coming up for the for tonight's basically national night out and then I found out you had a council meeting and
I wanted to personally come in and thank you guys for a job well done. >> Thank you. >> You guys did a phenomenal job when when you were here. It was amazing the services that you offered. I I it was it was like being at
my grandmother's house. Everyone's food pushing and and everything else. But thank you very much. Anyone else? [Music] >> Hello there. My name is Rich Thomas 109
Green Avenue. Uh in resolution number 25 regarding suburban consulting fee, that's $15,700. Is that included in the $50,000 that we
already appropriated to them or is it additional? >> I believe it's additional because it's a it's it's a different project that they're working on for this Is that not you? >> Yes.
>> The other one is Victor Croll. >> Victor Crow. The 50 is Victor Crow, >> right? >> They're both for Victor Crow. >> They're both for Victor. >> Oh, I thought it was >> based on what I read, Joe. Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. Michael, do you have maybe more you can
>> for Victor Cra is not part of $50,000 appropriated for the um for the kids to work on the master plan. to other money that we have that we committed to the green acres and you have to have a matching amounted to your
acceptance grand. >> So we're spending 65. >> So it's part of our matching funds to the separate from the money allocated to the consult. >> It's a separate project. >> Yeah. Well, it's it's coming from the
grant. So it is a having this preliminary assessment report is a requirement of the grant that we receive. So of the $72,000 grant we're going to receive 15,700 is going to go for them to do this report which is part of the requirement to do the process. So
the original 50,000 is for suburban consultants to do a master plan for the park. The grant is to then start working on doing the things that we decide from the master plan. And we do have to put up as much as the grant. The town will have to put up $76,000
to match the grant. And we have two years. So there's 50,000 that we put in this year's capital budget and the plan to put the remainder in next year's capital budget. We are further along to match the plan and know that the budget shake out.
>> Okay. Thank you, Carol. the um I I was very encouraged with the water report regarding the uh the lake or the duck pond at at Victor Pearl Park
because that really is a centerpiece of any development that's going to take place there. And I think it's important that we uh really keep a breast of any polluters uh uh downstream and that we continue
with these uh reports. Uh it's been much too long that the no fishing signs have been up. >> Exactly. And that's what that's where we're trying to get to because the the that's why we did it in those three spots cuz we you know there's always the
the conversation that hey by the way oh it's coming from Piscatoaway. Hey by the way it's coming from Bland Avenue. Hey by the way you if you do it in those three spots at least you'll it'll at least point you in the right direction. So if it was coming from Piscataway then
you'd say hey guys up the stream you this is your problem. you're you're creating an issue for us. I mean, it it's not the answer. And like I said, I I think it's, you know, and Bobby when he saw it, he thought it was encouraging. What we really want to get is we want the layman's terms. We want
someone to explain to us what exactly does this mean? You know, does it mean we can go swimming in it? Does it mean we can go fishing in it? doesn't mean, you know, we think it does, but we want someone to say that because all it is right now, it's a a pretty comprehensive
list of, you know, all these minerals and, you know, everything's like less than 0.002% less than 0.001% of magnesium, less than I mean whether how relevant that is, I have no idea. I want someone to tell us, >> right? I have it too, Rich. We have it.
I mean, I I can share it with you. >> It might not help. I mean my but but at least you can have it and look through it. >> Yeah, we're going to put it out there for sure. >> Yeah, it would be nice to in terms present it at the next bridge park and Jack I wouldn't worry about anyone going
swimming. >> Not when it's a foot deep at any rate. >> Okay. Thank you're welcome. to answer. I said a couple of quick questions mayor uh to the place touched on it earlier
that the Army Corps has been in town I guess checking properties. Did you guys know anything about this that they were going to be here ahead of time? I saw on Facebook and I believe everything on Facebook. people they expressed some surprise that this was going on that they were getting knocked on the door
for some reason. >> I you know I' I'd have to tell you Dave that I that I knew exactly what they were doing. No, I mean we've we're usually typically after a storm. There's a lot of people that call directly to the Army Corps of Engineers and what
they're saying is, "Hey, I got water over here. I never had water before. Why is what are you guys doing?" I mean, we've had I I have a you know, I believe I have an apartment complex right now who's going back and forth trying to say
that they heard we're not doing anything over here till 2027, which is not true because they're still they it it it's just a very complex project and you know it it it keeps changing. So why when they come down and start asking questions, I don't know cuz there's
always work going on here. They're always doing something and you know a lot of times I think maybe it's just that the supervisor is in the area and he says I'm going to go across the street and and talk to somebody but did I know anything formally me personally? No. >> No. Are you talking about the flood wall
project? >> Yeah. >> Um I'm talking about it was supposedly >> Yeah. The Arms Corps is also involved in ongoing ongoing for a couple years now >> for their clean up.
>> Oh, the the mapping. >> Yeah, they took they took I remember I asked I remember I I stumbled upon this online two years ago buried in the document that they had done in an aerial survey. I remember asking Mr. Adam at the time because he was mayor. He said, "I didn't hear anything about this.
David was talking to us, but I saw a report on Facebook. Someone was claiming that somebody came knocking on their door a week ago saying that they wanted to look at their property to back up or verify what they got the air. And the woman was kind of surprised. It's like I
didn't know anybody was going to be coming from the army to knock on my door to check for radiation. They wanted wanted to fill out some type of release to get be okay to do certain things. You guys didn't Did you guys get any notification? >> I I did not I didn't see any
notifications. I mean, I know they've done aerial mapping, but as far as as them coming around and what they're doing with it, no. I mean, to be quite honest, it's a question we can ask because we're trying to get a a meeting together with the Army Corps of Engineers to go over the,
you know, some of the flooding issues. That's what I thought you were referring to. Sorry about that. >> I know the I know the flood wall. I just had one other question. Um earlier you introduced an ordinance reducing the minimum apartment sizes on the
redevelopment zone. Um is that a step that you're taking to try to entice redevelopment there to make Yes. make it more desirable? >> Yes. Yes. I I I mean
I think I think we went a bridge too far as far as being unaccommodating for for building and that became because it became such a a problem for us when we were down there by the Lincoln statue and there was such a negative
>> feeling because they were having problems in Bound Brook with the with the parking everything to slow the works down they changed the ordinance a little bit that you would have to think twice be before you did it. But that I think they went the apartment sizes were almost too big. So now they're trying to
reduce them to entice people to come, you know, especially in in line of the fact that we have to be amanable whether for low-income housing requirement that requires us to have I think what 83 units or something like that in the next
10 years. So >> what's that number like 14? No, 14 now. >> Yeah, 14 immediate. >> Yeah, 14 immediate, but with like 83 in within the next 10 years. >> Um, just one. So, okay. So, you think by
reducing these apartment sizes that maybe perhaps >> the apartment sizes were almost 50% or triple what what most of them around us were. >> Okay. Um, well, one last question. one that
>> sure you probably saw that I stumbled on that >> church 277 Boulevard has these plans or stated plans that they'd like to put some type of religious facility over there if they ever got the money
together. Um, my one question is if they were able to do that, I know for miles that ever happened, would that take that property off the tax? They put some religious facility there. >> If it qualified as a as a church, I would say yes. I mean, it would have to
be reszoned. I mean, there's a whole >> I know I know that I'm saying generally >> in theory. Yes. Right. All right. Thanks. [Applause] >> Anybody else? Yes. How you guys doing?
>> Good. >> For this time 40 years. Um, >> your name >> name and address. >> Michaelino. Uh, 109 Green Lawn Middle. >> Okay. >> Right across. So, I was uh talking to a couple guys.
Uh, there's one guy last year recommended I come here. Uh my neighbor is like I got like pictures here for everybody. Um I called the uh place maybe like a month or something ago. I get voicemail voicemail voicemail
message. Uh so I was busy got three kids you know work everything like that. So um like got house clean up tried to at least like call last year. Tyler took a while getting things done. maybe two months
both got cleaned up. Um, but like the whole time I've lived in this house, maybe the last seven or eight years, I can never clean up his outside all day. Every night grilling for the kids playing outside when it rains smell
wind blows smell nasty like you know it's got something new about it. No. >> And you're at 109. >> Yeah. >> And which house is this? >> 113.
>> Can I get you guys? >> Do you want to read those? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I got one for everybody. >> 113 green lawn. And And basically, you need you want it checked out. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> There's the front of his house.
>> We got a newer set. Unfortunately, going off. the house right >> so the right side of you >> got it
>> I see where you're going >> like that for how >> long cleaned up and uh >> well the code is pretty specific about this You guys got someone new. >> Pardon me. >> Happy you guys got somebody new.
>> Yeah, >> timing is good. Timing is >> talking to Jeremiah couple days ago. >> Jeremiah. >> Jeremiah. And um, you know, kind of, you know, steered me in the right direction.
>> Well, you're here. So, and uh, Michael's right there. And we got the pictures right here. >> So, I would imagine that it'll Oh, you know what? You gave me your name, but you rattled it off quick. What was it? >> Michael Deino. D I M I N O.
>> D I M >> I N O. >> All right. How about a phone? >> 98 40560. >> You know what? Give us a few days to check it out. Someone will give you a call. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Thanks. >> All right. Anybody else? going out. >> Nothing. You guys are sitting there in the back. Okay. All right. Motion to close. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Second. All right. All in favor? >> I.
>> Okay. So, >> Kelsey, take a big breath. >> Kelsey, big breath. You're up. >> Resolution 2142025, acceptance of standing reports. Resolution 215 2025, Middle Sex County Board of Taxation Taxation Judgement on 2025 appeals. 216
2025 accepting and adopting the Central Jersey Municipal Joint Insurance Fund 2025 incentive program. Resolution 217 2025 renewal of junkyard licenses for 2025 2026 for the Bureau of Middle Sex. Resolution 218 2025 authorizing the tax
collector to issue a tax title lean redemption for block 239 lot 33. Resolution 219 2025 approving the mayor to execute the MCUA temporary discharge approval application from the pumping services site to the MCUA central
treatment plant via the burough's wastewater collection system and MCUA Middle Sex meter chamber effective August 1st 2025 through July 31st 2026. Resolution 220 2025 authorizing the tax
collector to refund a 2024 sewer payment to block 126 lot 7.01 01 resolution 2212025 cancelling off 2026 taxes for block 110 lot 4. Resolution 2225 acknowledging the change in status for
certain properties under the veteran tax deductions for block 14 lot 12. Resolution 223 2022 authorizing the tax collector to wave third and fourth 2025 and 1 and 226 taxes for block 12 lot 3.
Resolution 224 2025 2025 sewer billing waved appeals. Resolution 225 2025 authorizing the tax collector to wave third and fourth 2025 and 1st and 2nd 2026 taxes for block 47
lot 8.01 resolution 226 2025 appointing Renos as the shade tree secretary with a siphon of $2745 effective September 2nd 2025. Resolution 2272025 authorizing the tax collectors to wave third and fourth 2025 and 1st
and 2nd 2026 taxes for block 16703 lot 12. Resolution 228 2022 approving the memorandum of agreement reached with the USWE local 225. Resolution 229 2025 permitting the consumption of alcoholic beverages for
the Middle Sex Fire Department's food truck event to be held at Mountain View Park on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Resolution 230, 2022, hiring David McCles as a school crossing guard effective immediately. Resolution
2312025, special items of revenue and appropriation, drive sober or get pulled over grant. Resolution 232 20225, special items of revenue and appropriation, NJ Green Acres Grant Program. Resolution 233205, special items of
revenue and appropriation, Municipal Court Alcohol Education Rehabilitation and Enforcement Fund. Resolution 234, 2022, hiring of Matthew Dillingham of Planefield, New Jersey as the full-time director of zoning and code enforcement at an annual salary of $80,000 effective
September 2nd, 2025. Resolution 235, 2022. hiring of Jennifer Mercedes of New of Planefield, New Jersey as the qualified purchasing agent for the Bureau of Middle Sex at the annual siphon of $6,000 effective September 2nd, 2025. Resolution 236, 2025,
authorizing an increase in the bid threshold soon to NJSA4A1-3. Resolution 237 2025 accepting Linda Chismar's retirement effective September 1, 2025. Resolution 238205 approving the proposal from Suburban Consulting Engineers in an amount not to exceed
$15,700 for professional engineering consulting services for the Green Acres Preliminary Assessment Report. Resolution 239, 2025. Hiring of Juliana Lopez of Middle Sex, New Jersey as the playroup coordinator for the recreation department at an
hourly rate of $20 effective August 25th, 2025 pending a satisfactory physical and background check. Resolution 240 2025 authorizing the release of developer or escrow in escrow inspection fees balances and/or performance and safety bond balances.
>> Okay, got it all out there. Very good. But anyway, uh does anyone need to pull any of these? >> No. >> No. All right. Very good. I'd like a motion to approve these >> with with your changes. Oh, with as amended with the changes to resolution
214 and uh hang on doesn't want to come apart. 214 and 224 the typo and the additional for the fire department. All right. So, do I have a
motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All right. Discussion. >> All right. We're good. Roll call, please. Council President Conahan. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desenza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dino, >> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Greg, >> yes.
>> Okay, let's move on to the non-consent agenda. >> Resolution 241, 2022, pay all claims. >> Motion second. >> Second. All right. Um, roll call, please. >> Council President Kia, >> yes. >> Councilman Denza, >> yes. >> Councilman Dino,
>> yes. >> Councilman Dodie, >> yes. >> Councilman Greg, >> yes. Okay, we had no workshop item here tonight. Uh we have the next we have a resolution to go into executive session. >> Resolution 242 2025. Executive session.
>> Motion second. >> Roll call. >> Council President Conahan. >> Yes. >> Councilman Denza. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dino. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dodie. Yes. >> Councilman Greg. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um we're going to stop for for five minutes ministers. Is there any action to be taken?
Not on my two items. >> I don't think so. No, I don't think there's no action to be taken um at this point.