WEBVTT METADATA Video-Count: 1 Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=HG3Jjp_TJOU NOTE MEETING SECTIONS: Part 1 (Video ID: HG3Jjp_TJOU): - 00:00:04: Pedestrian Safety Winners, Reports, and Property Acquisition - 00:05:35: BOE Leaison and Committee Reports Continue - 00:07:30: Short Hills Train Station and Memorial Day Parade - 00:09:56: Road Project Updates and Parking Pilot Programs - 00:13:45: Public Comment 1 - Charles Van Bamera - 00:17:58: Public Comment 2 - Anonymous - 00:19:34: Committee Response to Public Comments and Resolutions - 00:25:05: Condemning the Fer Building and New Ordinances - 00:33:48: Fire Damaged Building Discussion and Belleville Fire - 00:40:42: Public Comment 3 - Charles Van Bamera - Follow Up - 00:43:18: Public Comment 4 - Wanket Bala - 00:45:03: Committee Responds to Public Comments - Action Items Part: 1 1 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:20.960 You want to come across? >> So, uh, the pedestrian safety advisory board does an annual poster cont. And, uh, we'd like to congratulate three winners this year. And the K2 winner is 2 00:00:20.960 --> 00:00:53.760 Ana Malhotra from Deerfield Elementary School, grade two. Boris Roberts from Washington School. Aantica Dut is our Milurn Middle School grade seven winner. And not here tonight, but our high school grade 11 winner is Annabelle 3 00:00:53.760 --> 00:01:39.920 Cavos. Hold back here close. Excellent. Thank you all very much. Um, so walk, bike, and roll. want to just say a message to the community about how important it is uh to use green and 4 00:01:39.920 --> 00:01:55.680 alternate modes of transportation to get to school and safe. >> Um it's really important and it helps the environment and yourself and it helps you stay fit and it keeps the environment. Um like she said like using bikes and 5 00:01:55.680 --> 00:02:38.400 walking to school is much more like environmentally safe for the environment. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Move on to reports. I'm going to start the friend of the library's annual book sale concluded yesterday. 6 00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:54.400 Spoed yesterday. I was amazed at what a great variety of books were offered as well as what a great value it was. All the books you could fit in a bag for only $10. If you missed it this year, make sure to check it out next year. Over the weekend, I met with a group of 7 00:02:54.400 --> 00:03:09.840 concerned older residents to hear their complaints about traffic and speeding related issues in their neighborhood, especially around middle school drop off pickup times. We're working with the police department to step up enforcement in the area and are looking to improve viability with radar based speed signs 8 00:03:09.840 --> 00:03:24.720 as well as collecting traffic data. exactly where to come on that in the future. >> The next two township committee meetings on June 2nd and June 16th will be held on the second floor of the Mild Public Library as the Ed Center will be in use 9 00:03:24.720 --> 00:03:41.760 both of those days as polling locations. Additionally, we have two ordinances on the agenda tonight related to the acquisition of 368 Essex Street, so known as the Palm Salon. This property is strategically valuable to the township as it gives us a contiguous block with the rimback lot that we 10 00:03:41.760 --> 00:03:57.200 already own. There are a variety of potential municipal purposes this property could serve, including but not limited to additional parking serving as an alternative site for the nine main street dump housing project or a potential future municipal building. We 11 00:03:57.200 --> 00:04:13.439 will discuss this further at ordinance introduction, but I just wanted to state this upfront as I expect come up during the public comment. We will not be making any comments tonight about any potential settlement negotiations that may or may not be taking place with RPM and/or Fairshare Housing with regards to 12 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:29.040 the Nine Main Street project. The public should rest assured this administration will make the terms of any potential settlement agreement public prior to any official action being taken. Stler, over to you with request. 13 00:04:29.040 --> 00:04:46.160 >> Thank you, Mayor. All right. uh recreation committee pool resurfacing and ADA ramp insulation project is now complete. The pool opens on May 23rd and is warm as it is outside. Everyone's going to take full advantage of that. Uh for Milo registration still open, that date is 14 00:04:46.160 --> 00:05:03.360 June 7th. The second annual part three breakfast scramble tournament is sold out. It will be held Saturday, June 13th. Special improvement district uh girls night out is well underway. The event's going to be downtown June 4th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event will feature local vendor sales, promotions, 15 00:05:03.360 --> 00:05:18.639 events, live music, free child care from Pop Blossom Studio and Genius Gems, free swag bags, and more. Follow Explore Milburn Short Hills on Instagram or visit the website for more information. And as well as uh I'm sure everybody's 16 00:05:18.639 --> 00:05:35.840 heard that our director Steve Brillo has resigned and we'll be moving on at the end of the month. And listen, he's become not only a great asset to the town, but a friend as well. So, we wish wish him well. Wish him well. Uh, finance committee, no updates tonight. 17 00:05:35.840 --> 00:05:52.000 Uh, BOE, uh, board of education leaison. Uh, Milburn athletics, proud to celebrate the class of 2026 student athletes. Uh, we had a number of people sign on signing day, which was May 6. Uh just a few uh of the notables of Derek 18 00:05:52.000 --> 00:06:09.120 Arduino is going to Holy Family University for baseball. Isabelle Lou uh state champion in golf is going to Princeton University. Anna Stitzka for lacrosse is going to Villanova University. Tom C, another golfer is 19 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:23.919 going to rinse their Poly Techch Institute, RPI, great school. Uh Drew Gilbert's going to Bodine Bodine College for tennis and then Julian O'Neal's going to Drew University local uh for soccer and Anukica Nordberg's going to 20 00:06:23.919 --> 00:06:41.039 Mbury College uh for track and field. So congratulations to all those guys. It's a great progress. Um then the Milbour Short Hill Art Advisory Committee uh wants to invite the community to view the 2026 scholarship winners exhibit on display at the Milbour Public Free 21 00:06:41.039 --> 00:06:57.280 Public Library from May 3rd through May 24th. My daughter was actually a winner of that as well way back when. Uh it's 20 years of partnership with Milbourne High School and the U AAC to honor the 15 AP and top honor students. Uh those 22 00:06:57.280 --> 00:07:13.360 talented students will be selected by a art professional and a jury of their peers and go from there. Encourage you to stop by and support it. Joint facilities no update. Open space tax plan fund. We have the arborina project we voted. It's in front of us today. Affordable housing on the part of 23 00:07:13.360 --> 00:07:31.120 council. >> All right. Cohen I don't have any reports tonight. >> Deputy Mayor Costco. >> Thank you. Mayor, no report. always a report. Good evening everyone. Um couple of brief things. Uh we will be 24 00:07:31.120 --> 00:07:45.440 holding a short hills train station pedestrian safety information session and so that'll be the second one we're hosting and also an in-person meeting of the uh pedestrian safety advisory board uh within the next month or so. So keep 25 00:07:45.440 --> 00:08:02.639 an eye out on that. Um the uh there's an RFP out uh for the flood mitigation advisory committee. Uh and work continues to be uh ongoing there. Um the cultural diversity committee will be holding a cultural craft showcase on Saturday, June 20th from 1 to 4 at the 26 00:08:02.639 --> 00:08:19.440 Barrett Community Center. Experience hands-on demonstrations, learn new skills, be inspired by local traditions from our community. If you're interested in demonstrating your craft, fill out the form on the tax website. The long-term strategic planning committee is setting the goal for a strategic plan to be completed by year 27 00:08:19.440 --> 00:08:36.080 end and we'll be meeting this week. Um 250th committee um and around town that Memorial Day parade will be taking place on Monday, May 25th, which is Memorial Day, um at starting at 11:00 a.m. And we 28 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:52.480 encourage the community to come out and decorate in red, white, and blue. Um, on Saturday, May 30th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. um, Milbour 1780, Revolutionary History Comes Alive. Keller Park will 29 00:08:52.480 --> 00:09:09.120 turn into a reenactment ground. Experience history coming alive, Battle of Springfield Day. Join us in celebrating um, by stepping back into June 1780 when present day Milbour played a critical role in our nation's quest for independence. We welcome the third New Jersey regiment, Jersey Blues, 30 00:09:09.120 --> 00:09:26.320 for a day of demonstrations, interactive activities for all ages. Meet Continental Army soldiers, civilian camp followers, learn about daily life during the Revolutionary War, more soldiers, demonstrations, interact interactive activities of all for all ages. Um, and 31 00:09:26.320 --> 00:09:42.560 we are looking for volunteers as well. So, please sign up on the township website. And there will be activities every hour roughly between 10 and uh 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Uh registration for the 2026 Melbourne Junior Police Academy closes this Friday, the uh May 32 00:09:42.560 --> 00:09:56.880 22nd. Um and I also viewed the art advisory uh artwork uh just the other day, which is absolutely amazing. That's the end of my report. >> Thank you, uh business administrator McDonald. 33 00:09:56.880 --> 00:10:13.839 >> Thank you, Mayor. Um just uh one uh followup to um the speeding concerns in the Nwood area. Um in addition, the police department will be looking at traffic counts, but also uh we'll be speaking with the middle school as well 34 00:10:13.839 --> 00:10:30.800 to hopefully have them put out some additional messaging uh to uh uh have parents slow down as they are driving kids to school. So, um just a collaborative effort there to try to to try to work on some solutions. Um the um 35 00:10:30.800 --> 00:10:45.440 just a reminder to residents, we started our our uh road projects that were uh sort of a phase two from 2025. Uh kind of spread out all throughout town, but right now they're just doing cirk work, drainage work, all the sort of uh 36 00:10:45.440 --> 00:11:01.920 pre-work before milling and paving. Uh milling and paving will not take place until after uh school lets out. I know there's some concerns of uh of road closures. Um certainly one of the trickier areas that we're going to be dealing with is South Terrace that's getting mil and paved at some point over 37 00:11:01.920 --> 00:11:17.360 the summer, but I just wanted to let everybody know that uh that notice went out today as well with a little bit more detailed information on the on the township's projects. We're currently working on the 2026 roads as well. Uh that will be done sometime in the fall. 38 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:35.760 Um and uh PSCG continues their work uh up on Jefferson and in that area for gas main replacement. Uh that work will then spread, you know, go down to Chattam Road and the in the Glenwood area by the school over the summer. Um you know, 39 00:11:35.760 --> 00:11:51.200 unfortunately, you know, when the weather warms, that also means there's a lot of work being done in town, which is a good thing, but also I understand it can be disruptive. Um but uh we're doing our best to make sure that it's uh it's uh communicated by both PSAG and whoever 40 00:11:51.200 --> 00:12:07.440 else is going to work the township. Uh we just appreciate everybody's patience as we continue to do that work. So >> Alex, can you give an update on the parking pilot angle parking? >> Oh yeah, sure. Um yeah, so we are um uh kind of wrapping it up the uh angled 41 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:24.480 parking pilot. We're going to pivot to um reverse angled parking as our next pilot uh there at Whittingham um and uh and Lacawana. So we we plan on doing that after Memorial Day. Uh we get through the holiday weekend. Um we need 42 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:40.000 to sort of redraw the lines, grind out the old lines, repaint them. Um so it is a little bit of a effort transition-wise but we want to sort of evaluate and see uh how a reverse angled solution there will work. Once we're done with that that pilot uh will the township 43 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:55.440 committee of of uh how it all went both the angled and the reverse angled and uh make a decision as to what that project will look like. Um when we uh you know look to create that bump out at Whittingham and the shorter crossing pedestrian safety there. What will the 44 00:12:55.440 --> 00:13:15.360 parking be I think is the question. Attorney. >> Thank you, Mayor. Just a brief update on uh affordable housing. Um the court has scheduled a forefront compliance hearing for June 8th. Um however um and again a 45 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:30.160 compliance hearing would be so the contract could have immunity uh from the for the entire fourth round. Um Fairchure Housing Center uh drafted a letter asking for a German um as the mayor alluded to um as far as a 46 00:13:30.160 --> 00:13:45.519 settlement with RPM in progress. I think there's been an adjournment to see where we are on that issue. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Public comment. When invited to speak to offer your comments, please 47 00:13:45.519 --> 00:14:01.839 come to the lecture. Clearly state your name and whether you are a Milurn resident and or property or business owner. Please do not provide your full address. Seeing as our meetings are recorded and readily available to the public to facilitate an orderly meeting and to permit all to be heard. Speakers shall limit their comments to one three 48 00:14:01.839 --> 00:14:43.760 minute session will be prompted when there is 30 seconds remaining. A reminder not a time for dialogue or to debate a matter and this is a time during our business meeting for the public to offer comments. Now open the public comment period. Good evening. Charles Van resident of 49 00:14:43.760 --> 00:15:01.199 Hills. Uh I'd like an update if you can on uh two projects that I have an interest in. One is the shared salt dome. The second is the turf field uh project. I coached softball, wreck softball in town uh for many years as my 50 00:15:01.199 --> 00:15:17.040 girls were growing up. I can't count the number of times we had unplayable conditions and we had cancelled practices and cancelled uh games uh even though it hadn't rained for a day or two. So I have an interest in 51 00:15:17.040 --> 00:15:32.639 that. I'd like to see that go through. Um then I have a comment on Andy says on the setback infringement. I have to tell you for for over 50 years I've been building the findings and 52 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:51.839 uh never once did I have an issue with improper setback or placing uh uh refineries or structures or foundations in the wrong locations. And that was before uh you know satellite uh uh 53 00:15:51.839 --> 00:16:06.320 positioning uh that was in the old days of transits and and you know uh I just can't understand unless it was a a deliberate land grab how somebody would would have a setback violation. 54 00:16:06.320 --> 00:16:22.160 The last issue um regarding the short hills train uh station safety. I've been taking my daughter uh to the train in the morning or the 7:30 train and I notice so many people coming from the 55 00:16:22.160 --> 00:16:37.440 Glenwood section particularly over by school walking along uh sidewalk until they get to the new construction. Some of them walk along Cordon North area. Some of them cross the street and walk through the parking spaces. They 56 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:53.920 everybody continues. It's a free-for-all and everybody continues there. There's no sidewalk on the train station side of the tracks. I did notice that the platform extends to the corner of Woodland and and Chadam, but there's no 57 00:16:53.920 --> 00:17:09.839 stairs there, that there's a crosswalk there. So, and maybe it's not our property, maybe it's up to New Jersey Transit, but I would really recommend that you put stairs there and allow the pedestrians who have crossed the street there in the crosswalk to not walk along 58 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:26.640 through the parking spaces, but let them go up to the platform that already exists and even better, extend the platform to the other side of the new uh woodland project and let them cross the street, you know, a block earlier and extend the 59 00:17:26.640 --> 00:17:57.840 platform It's much safer with them walking along the platform than it is in the street. So, we're talking about safety there. That would be my recommendation. And a few people can recommend that. Thank you. >> Good evening. Go next. Okay. Um 60 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:13.760 Cyber 25 year resident I only have one comment avenue is county road I believe right is it a county I don't know so talk about free-for-all so if you want to cross the street where she Marco 61 00:18:13.760 --> 00:18:30.080 is coming from the post office side press the button the lights go on the light changes on the corner in here and those cars take off 62 00:18:30.080 --> 00:18:47.360 as fast as you could possibly drive a car and you're looking like are they going to stop or are they not going to stop? Generally don't stop. So my recommendation comment make Milburn Avenue from that section right there 15 63 00:18:47.360 --> 00:19:04.480 miles an hour speed limit and that will slow down. I mean why not? That's a summit, Maplewood, these other towns. Nobody's skiing through those towns. They're driving nicely through anyway. 64 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:34.720 That's why >> have anyone online? >> No. >> Right. I now close the public comment period starting. Thank you for your participation. No responsib people be appearing before the planning 65 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:50.720 board tomorrow night to talk about the step back issue. I obviously have no idea what what the um what they're going to say or what will come out of it, but I would suggest that you have nothing else to do tomorrow night. You might want to attend. 66 00:19:50.720 --> 00:20:06.720 Deputy Mayor Costa. >> Uh, no comment. Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, Snudo. >> Jess, thank you for your comments and we'll go we'll look into it. >> Um, the turf project is progressing. Uh, the 67 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:22.160 engineers, I understand, they're working on a new submission to NJP. Um, we actually got some good news for the NJP. Uh, we thought we were going to have to do some underground water storage. Uh, and turns out we're not going to have to do that. So, it's going to potentially 68 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:40.559 save a million dollars. So, that's a really welcome development. Um, but that project is moving forward. Um, as far as the train station platform, I think the new transit owns that. 69 00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:55.600 >> Yeah, they own the platform. >> Yeah, that's that's what I thought. Um, Mr. cyber. Um, you know, the thing about speed limits are we change it to 15 miles an hour, people are still going to go the speed they're going. Now, we're 70 00:20:55.600 --> 00:21:11.039 in New Jersey where unfortunately it seems like speed limits are taken more as a suggestion um than than as a law. Um, so I mean, I think people just need to to slow down and be courteous. Um, I also don't know if it's fair to say that there's no speeding in, you know, 71 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:25.840 Maplewood or Summit. Um, I don't know. I've been to those places and sometimes the cars go pretty fast there, too. I think this is not a problem. It's unique to us. Um, but residents just need to uh be more courteous. Um, that's all I 72 00:21:25.840 --> 00:21:41.200 have. Um, just down. >> Thank you, mayor. Yeah, just a comment on the shared salt dome. Um, that was sort of just a u a discussion as everyone knows, we have a very good relationship between our DPW Springfield and and Milbour. That was the discussion 73 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:58.880 at one point um that uh they were looking into. Uh it is not moving forward but it is not a dead conversation. If they find another place to potentially put us alto we will certainly be involved in that conversation and and always appreciate 74 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:14.240 our relationship with Springfield. um you know just um on on the on the Glenwood area you know obviously one of the things that we are discussing in the short house train station is how you funnel people to the places that you want them to cross not necessarily 75 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:30.400 creating places new places for them to cross. Um one of the challenges is the embankment itself and the retaining wall that it would take to have a sidewalk on that side. uh the cost of that um and you know even putting in stairs that people you know can can get up to that 76 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:45.919 platform. I think part of the idea is making sure that people one walk on the sidewalk. I'm not I don't understand the concept of of walking in the parkingly spaces or on the other side of the street. >> But yeah, but I mean but to a degree if 77 00:22:45.919 --> 00:23:02.559 we're going to fix every maybe the behavior needs to change not necessarily we need to create the infrastructure to adapt to the behavior. So that's the only thing I would say about that and and certainly you know these comments can come up when we have that additional meeting. >> We can certainly look at putting up some 78 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:20.080 type of sign park >> but the platform extends that >> um >> no response may >> consent agenda resolutions. The township committee will now consider consent agenda resolutions. Are there any 79 00:23:20.080 --> 00:23:35.679 comments from the committee in regards to any items listed on the consent agenda? May I have a motion to approve resolution 26-142 resolution 26-147 which are listed on the consent agenda? Motion. >> I have a second. >> Second. 80 00:23:35.679 --> 00:23:51.120 >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Cohen, >> yes. >> Mr. Posro, >> yes. >> Mr. Trudo, >> yes. >> Mr. Stler, >> mayor. Second, Mandy. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. Resolution 26-148 affirming the recommendation of the Open 81 00:23:51.120 --> 00:24:08.000 Space Trust Fund Advisory Committee to utilize open space funds towards or arburetum projects. Are there any comments from the committee? >> Mayor, I'm going to step out on this one. >> Okay. I'm I'm on for the folks in the audience. I'm on the arboritum board. 82 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:28.240 I'm on on the open space board and also on this. I feel more comfortable stepping out. Thank you. Thank you. >> Are there any comments from the committee regards to the resolution? >> No. All right. I have a motion to 83 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:44.960 approve resolution 26-148. >> Motion. >> Have a second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Colin, >> yes. >> Mr. Cl has introduced himself. Mr. Cerudo? >> Yes. >> Mr. Stler? >> Mayor second? >> Yes. Yes. Thank you, 84 00:24:44.960 --> 00:25:05.919 >> Mr. Costco. If you can hear us, come back. >> All right. Resolution 26-149 authorizing the planning board to undertake a preliminary investigation to determine whether block 702 lots 8 and 9 85 00:25:05.919 --> 00:25:22.559 constitute an area in need of redevelopment whether such area should be designated as a condemnation redevelopment area pursuant to the local redevelopment housing laws. So this resolution is the first step in a process to condemn the Fer building that sits over top of the river. This 86 00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:37.919 building has been vacant for years and many residents have described it as a blight on our downtown. Flood mitigation advisory committee has also made the determination that removing this building would be a necessary step in a multi-part process to help reduce flooding of our downtown. Currently, if 87 00:25:37.919 --> 00:25:53.200 a foreign object such as a car for instance gets stuck under this building, it'd be very difficult for us to remove it during a storm and it would inhibit water flow and make flooding worse. For many years, residents have asked for action to be taken on this building. And we finally have a TC that has the 88 00:25:53.200 --> 00:26:09.440 courage to take the necessary and proper action. And tonight, we are taking the first step in that process. Just for the sake of clarification, I know there was some speculation online that this might be an area in need of redevelopment for housing. That's not the intended purpose. Uh we're simply looking to 89 00:26:09.440 --> 00:26:23.840 condemn the building and figure out what we want to do with that area. Um, are there any comments from the committee in regards to resolution 26-149? >> I I have a question. You keep saying the building, but it's actually isn't it two buildings? 90 00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:40.960 >> It is two buildings. So, um, we had we had heard that the buildings might be for sale, which sort of brought this to our attention and it's also been something that uh I think has been a long-standing complaint for a while. Um, so the area needed redevelopment we're 91 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:55.520 proposing would encompass both buildings. um you know it's unclear whether you could even take down one building without affecting the other so it makes sense to look at that area holistically um and so that's why both 92 00:26:55.520 --> 00:27:10.799 >> so I'm going to vote against this um if there was to say if there if there was a rumor that uh the uh there was a possibility that those buildings be sold then let the free market you know he if he has the opportunity to sell them let let him sell them I don't know if that's 93 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:25.919 true or if that was a a bluffing strategy. To me, this seems like the beginning of a bailout of a landlord that has an asset. That's not really not really something he wants to keep. And I don't think that the township should be responsible for bail for bailing him 94 00:27:25.919 --> 00:27:43.440 out. So, um, if you can sell it, let him sell it. >> There any other comments from members? >> All right. May I have a motion to approve resolution 26-149? >> Motion. >> I have a second. >> Second. Roll call vote, please. 95 00:27:43.440 --> 00:27:58.480 >> Mr. Cohen, >> no. >> Mr. Cosbro, >> yes. >> Mr. Cerudo, >> yes. >> Mr. Stler, >> yes. >> Mayor Sakandandy, >> yes. >> All right. Ordinances. 96 00:27:58.480 --> 00:28:15.720 I would like to present an ordinance of ordinance number 2752-26 bond ordinance providing for the acquisition certainly real property by in the county of Milbour in the county of Essex state of New Jersey appropriating 1,750,000 97 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:32.159 therefore and authorizing for the issuance of $1,650,000 bonds or notes of the township to finance part of the costs thereof. This bond or ordinance is necessary to fund the purchase of 36 street. As I stated during my reports, the site is 98 00:28:32.159 --> 00:28:47.279 strategically valuable to the town and its acquisition to be used for a variety of municipal purposes. I move that this ordinance be taken up and passed on first reading and that the township clerk be authorized. Have the ordinance posted in accordance with law on the Milbour Township public notices page and 99 00:28:47.279 --> 00:29:02.559 for hearing and final passage on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 at the Milbour Library, second floor located at 200 Glenn Avenue. May I have a second, please? >> Second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Colin, >> yes. 100 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:18.799 >> Mr. Costro, >> yes. >> Mr. Sterudo, >> yes. >> Mr. Stler. >> Mayor, secondy. >> Yes. >> All right. I'd like to present an ordinance entitled Ordinance number 2753-26. Ordinance of the township committee of the township of Milbourne, County of 101 00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:36.000 Essex, state of New Jersey, authorizing a purchase and sale agreement. Polymer Enterprises for the purchase of property within the township identified as block 1212, lot 24 and commonly known by the street address 368 Essex Street. This 102 00:29:36.000 --> 00:29:51.919 ordinance is to approve the purchase and sale agreement for 368 Essex Street, which is also known as the Palms Lawn. As I stated previously, the site could serve a number of potential municipal uses, including but not limited to serving as a potential alternative site for the disastrous nine main street dump 103 00:29:51.919 --> 00:30:08.640 housing project, but was recklessly voiced upon us by prior administrations. I move that this ordinance be taken up and passed on first reading and that the township clerk be authorized to have the ordinance posted in accordance with law on the Milbourne Township public notices page and for hearing and final passage 104 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:25.039 on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 at the Melbourne Library, second floor located 200 Glenn Avenue in Milbour. May I have a second, please? >> Second. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Colin, >> yes. >> Mr. Costro, >> yes. >> Mr. Cerudo, 105 00:30:25.039 --> 00:30:41.520 >> yes. Mr. Stler. >> Mayor Sakamandi. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. Ordinance 2749-26. Deputy Mayor Costco scheduled sponsor. Thank you, Mayor. I present for consideration an ordinance 106 00:30:41.520 --> 00:31:00.720 entitled ordinance number 2749-26 a capital ordinance providing for various parking utility improvements in and for the township of Milbour County of Essex State of New Jersey and appropriating $200,000 therefore from the parking capital improvement fund to 107 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:19.200 pay for the cost. Tonight is the time set for the public hearing and final passage is advertised in accordance with the law. >> Declare the hearing open. Anyone online? >> No. 108 00:31:19.200 --> 00:31:34.000 I move that this public hearing be closed and the ordinance be adopted on final reading and that the township clerk be directed to post the ordinance by title on the Dillurn Township notices page as passed on final reading in 109 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:51.679 accordance with law. Second the motion roll call vote please. >> Mr. Colin >> yes >> Mr. Costco. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cerudo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stoler. >> Yes. >> Mayor Secondman. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Ordinance 2750-26 is scheduled to sponsor. 110 00:31:51.679 --> 00:32:09.519 >> Yes. I present for consideration an ordinance entitled ordinance number 2750-26 capital ordinance providing for various capital improvements in and for the township of Milbour County of Essex State of New Jersey and appropriating1,765,000 therefore from the capital improvement 111 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:25.919 fund to pay for the cost thereof. Tonight is the time set for the public hearing and final passage as advertised in accordance with law. >> Clear the hearing open. >> Anyone online? >> No. >> I move that the public hearing be closed and the ordinance be adopted on final 112 00:32:25.919 --> 00:32:42.399 reading and that the township clerk be directed to post the ordinance by title on a township public notices page as passed on final reading in accordance with law. >> Second. >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Coleman, >> yes. >> Mr. Cosro, >> yes. >> Mr. Cerudo? >> Yes. Mr. Stler, 113 00:32:42.399 --> 00:32:59.360 >> mayor secondy. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Ordinance 2751-26 Stler scheduled sponsor. I present for consideration ordinance entitled ordinance number 2751-26 bond ordinance providing for various road improvements by and in the township 114 00:32:59.360 --> 00:33:16.159 of Milbourne in the county of Essex State of New Jersey appropriating $1 million therefore and authorizing issuance of $952,380 of bonds or notes of the township to advance part of the cost thereof. Tonight is the time set for the public 115 00:33:16.159 --> 00:33:32.960 hearing and final passage as advertised in accordance with law. >> I declare the hearing open. >> We have anyone online? >> No. >> I move that this public hearing be closed and ordinance be adopted on final reading of the township clerk be directed to post ordinance by title on 116 00:33:32.960 --> 00:33:48.960 the Milber Township public notices page as passed on final reading in accordance with law. >> I second the motion. Roll call vote please. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Crossro. Yes, >> Mr. Seruto. >> Yes, >> Mr. >> Mayor. Second. >> Yes. Thank you. 117 00:33:48.960 --> 00:34:06.480 >> Great. We have Noble business damage building safety. >> Yeah. And committee, deputy mayor jump as well. But, uh, you know, I think it, uh, we're all aware of, um, the major 118 00:34:06.480 --> 00:34:22.960 fire that took place in Belleville, uh, a short while ago. Um and uh we also have properties within our township uh that are in um difficult conditions uh currently. So, I wanted to just bring to 119 00:34:22.960 --> 00:34:38.800 the township committee for discussion. I believe that deputy mayor as well on um you know strengthening some of our regulations in particular uh on when um these incidents take place. uh the Swift 120 00:34:38.800 --> 00:34:54.560 um demolition and the um public safety um uh after afterwards designating an officer um you know such as the construction 121 00:34:54.560 --> 00:35:12.560 official um to u to make decisions with regard to some of these properties and their current condition. Deputy Mayor Cos. >> I'm unaware of this. I don't know what 122 00:35:12.560 --> 00:35:27.599 you're talking. >> Thank you. >> Anyways, what does the township committee think of it? >> So, I had heard of this from one of the members of the zoning board. Uh they were explaining how in some other towns 123 00:35:27.599 --> 00:35:43.920 if there was a building that was damaged by fire and was deemed to be dangerous that uh the town could require them to take it down within a certain period of time and if they didn't the township would take it down and then build the bill the owner put a lean on the property. I think one of the challenges 124 00:35:43.920 --> 00:35:58.880 with this is you know let's say you have a fire oftentimes there's insurance claims involved. the insurance company's going to want to do an investigation. Uh depending on the circumstances of the fire, the fire department may be doing an investigation. So, uh well, I think 125 00:35:58.880 --> 00:36:14.640 it would be good to look and see what other towns are doing with regards to, you know, ordinances to accomplish taking down these dangerous buildings. Um we'd have to figure out what the appropriate amount of time is uh to 126 00:36:14.640 --> 00:36:30.079 allow for any necessary investigations. Also we could have you know circumstances where building is damaged but maybe salvageable. Um you know in what case what's the criteria used to determine whether the building should 127 00:36:30.079 --> 00:36:46.000 come down or not. Uh so I think we're going to need to get some more information to be able to put something together if that's the direction they really want to go. >> Yeah I I tend to agree. I just need more information. I'm sure we have some type of process in place. I think the big 128 00:36:46.000 --> 00:37:04.240 deal not to the tra the tragedy in uh in Belleville was the electricity was kept on or something after the building was damaged or something. So I would like to know what our current process is and investigation maybe fire department whoever safety officer whoever it is but 129 00:37:04.240 --> 00:37:20.000 anything for safety. >> Is this commercial only or is this residential as well? What >> I think uh I think it could be both. And so what Alex, can you explain what our experience was of that fire? You know, where one 130 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:35.520 pass away. >> Yeah. I mean, I think in several instances in the township, um we've had, you know, where we had one on on Old Tors Road, we had one on Norwood, uh which both resulted in a fatality. Um they do take time to go through that 131 00:37:35.520 --> 00:37:50.320 investigation, investigation, prosecutor's office, you know, investigation. Um and then um whether the owner is you know determining whe you know to take down the house or not. 132 00:37:50.320 --> 00:38:07.440 I think there is a degree of of expediency that is needed at times when it comes to this. Um and in in in those instances um it it does drag on a little bit. And so I think I think there's an ability and 133 00:38:07.440 --> 00:38:23.839 and I think to Mr. Stler's uh point. Let's figure out let's see what we have in place and and and whether it's something that exists and how long that takes so that we can compare it to um you know other uh towns and and whether there's a faster process or a quicker 134 00:38:23.839 --> 00:38:39.680 process. Um but the few that we've had that have resulted in a severely damaged structure that would be considered condemned or um unfit for habitation you usually involved a a fatality or or or insurance claim. And so, um, it does 135 00:38:39.680 --> 00:38:56.560 take a while. I think some of it too is the rebuilding back and how how quickly can you get them to, you know, repair it or build it back. And and I wouldn't limit it just to fire damage. It could be, you know, car damage, uh, hurricane damage, things like that, uh, that could 136 00:38:56.560 --> 00:39:14.480 help ex expedite how how fast these things happen. So, um, but those those took a while because they both result in a totality. But the one at 517 Milbert Avenue, that was torn down immediately, but it took forever to rebuild. And so, um, those are the three that 137 00:39:14.480 --> 00:39:30.560 come to mind immediately. One thing we might want to look into is I know when there's new construction, you have to put the fence around. Um, so maybe one of the things we could look at is, you know, if there's a a fire and a damaged 138 00:39:30.560 --> 00:39:47.760 building, it could be dangerous. We don't want kids going in there. So maybe we have a fencing requirement uh while you know investigations are ongoing just so it's not lefto maybe that's something to look into as well. >> Um but sounds like you know we want to 139 00:39:47.760 --> 00:40:02.240 get more information. >> Yeah we have more information. I mean the the other one that comes not even closer to our town is the uh closer our town is Chris's Hot Dogs in South Orange. You see that fire um right there on the corner across from Caddy Corner 140 00:40:02.240 --> 00:40:18.640 Dunkin Donuts. uh Chris's uh whatever, but that entire building caught blaze and uh they they've boarded it up, but >> Oh, the D there's a D. Yeah, >> that diner. Yeah, >> by the Yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about. >> But, you know, if there's a danger, 141 00:40:18.640 --> 00:40:33.119 absolutely, we should understand what it is. We never want to subject anybody that >> I guess if we could have the fire, we could have our fire chief take the lead up, the fire prevention team investigation take the lead. That's it 142 00:40:33.119 --> 00:40:48.800 for me. >> Go next >> public second public comment. This public comment period is to allow for final comments from the community to speak to offer your comments. Please come to the lecture and clearly state your name whether you are a Melbourne 143 00:40:48.800 --> 00:41:05.680 resident and business or property owner. Please do not provide your full address meetings are recorded and are readily available to the public. A reminder that in order to help facilitate an early meeting and remain to be heard, speakers shall limit their comments to one three minute session and I'll open the public 144 00:41:05.680 --> 00:41:20.400 comment period. >> Uh Charles Banara, 30 res. Um I'm sorry. I'm not going to let this one go. Um, I recommend that you pull up 145 00:41:20.400 --> 00:41:36.800 uh near the on Chattam Road around 7:25 in the morning and observe what goes on because it's a free flow and I understand New Jersey Transit on this platform. The platform doesn't need to 146 00:41:36.800 --> 00:41:53.520 be extended. It already goes down that far. All you need is a set of stairs to let the people come up from the crosswalk up to the already existing platform. Uh perhaps that also is New Jersey Transit property, but there's 147 00:41:53.520 --> 00:42:07.920 nothing wrong with the township recommending or asking New Jersey Transit provide a set of steps there to facilitate the pedestrians that are already there to just go up the steps onto the platform where they're safer 148 00:42:07.920 --> 00:42:24.400 and good off the road. So, I never had this idea until I witnessed it firsthand every morning. And as I look at it, it makes perfect sense. So I just recommend that you each go take a look at it, too. And hopefully it'll make perfect sense 149 00:42:24.400 --> 00:42:46.079 for you. Thank I wanted to say congratulations to the township committee for taking actions tonight on new building also Palm Salon. Um, ever since I've come to these meetings about six, seven years ago, 150 00:42:46.079 --> 00:43:01.920 people have been talking about it in the community. It's definitely been since Ida particularly, um, such a topic after the car got stuck under the bridge and the fountain just gushed and ruined the downtown. So, I really think it's a long 151 00:43:01.920 --> 00:43:32.240 time coming and I'm so glad that you guys had the uh, whatever you've had to do this. It's really, really great news for our town. Thank you very much. >> Have anyone online? >> Hi everyone, my name is Wanket Bala. I 152 00:43:32.240 --> 00:43:49.280 just wanted to let you know that uh I support the ordinance for pedestrian safety especially with the school students who are crossing between high school uh middle school as well as elementary school close to the downtown area. 153 00:43:49.280 --> 00:44:07.200 So I would like to second the amendment as whatever has been raised regarding the speed limits and the controls associated with it. And uh the second aspect is that I had raised the issue with uh the township regarding the water 154 00:44:07.200 --> 00:44:23.359 runoff that comes from East Hot onto Old Short Hills. But I was kind of told that this is like a county road and I need to contact Essex County personnel. But of course like uh if a government official 155 00:44:23.359 --> 00:44:39.359 I wanted to know what is the process and the procedure to approach this and uh why as a resident of Melbourne and Short Hills I'm being asked to contact the county as compared to going through the township and the township raises it 156 00:44:39.359 --> 00:45:03.040 through the committee to the county. Thank you. else online. >> No, I have now closed public comment period. >> Sure. >> Uh so uh Mr. Bambber, you know, I'm 157 00:45:03.040 --> 00:45:19.119 walking the uh train tracks with the uh New Jersey Transit guys. I I went through that ch train station for eight years, then the current train station, Milburn, as well for the last five or six. So, I understand exactly what you're talking about. There's not a 158 00:45:19.119 --> 00:45:36.800 sidewalk there, which is also an issue because you're parking right on it and then you're walking up and down. I know exactly what you're saying. I will mention it to him. And also mentioning the disrepair of the of the track of the actual platform, the lack of some ADA uh on Milburn as well as the lack of 159 00:45:36.800 --> 00:45:53.599 uh lack of maintenance on the other facility and such. So, I'll take care of that with you. Uh Jean, thank you for for your kind words on the footer building in Palm Salon. And then Venat, um you know, we we re originally met with Sanjieve uh when I went over to 160 00:45:53.599 --> 00:46:08.640 Essex County and met with the executives. Uh this is something that could definitely be brought up to Sanjie to the county engineer. Uh you know, and they could measure. I guess it's a county road. Why can't they measure it and give us some type of feedback of uh 161 00:46:08.640 --> 00:46:27.440 that water flow? So, uh, I think you could call me or Jamie's gone over there, uh, and one of us will get you in touch with Sanjie and we can move it forward. >> Any else from the committee? >> All right. Uh, Mr. McDonald. 162 00:46:27.440 --> 00:46:42.880 >> Uh, yeah, I would just suggest that, uh, I'll work with Mr. Bala on on that uh, and coordinated with the county. Just, you know, it is a county road. it is going to be their decision whether they're going to put rolled asphalt to block the water uh in that area. Um I 163 00:46:42.880 --> 00:46:59.480 think he had told I would just be quite frank um this has not been a uh um a front of mind thing but we can I can certainly have a a conversation with Mr. All right. If you need help, let me know, >> too. 164 00:47:02.640 --> 00:47:10.560 Nothing further, man. Thank you. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Motion. Second the motion.