You can check out 50 items. >> All right. In accordance with the open public meeting act, state law, be advised and notice this meeting was made as required by law. This meeting will take place library 7 p.m. June 2nd, 2026. Meeting
details in the draft agenda are also posted on our township website. We're going to skip that. Uh roll call, please. >> I have one, too. to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it
stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all >> here. >> Mr. Cra will be absent. Mr. Ceruda >> here. >> Mr. Stolen >> present. Mayor Sen >> here. I have a motion to approve the
agenda. So move >> and clerk. All those in favor? >> I have a motion to approve the May 5th, 2026 Township Committee regular meeting minutes. >> Motion. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I.
>> I have a motion to approve the May 5th, 2026 special township committee meeting minutes. >> May I have a second? >> Second. All those in favor. >> All right. Reports. I'll start. This Friday, June 5th, marks the 12th
National Gun Violence Awareness Day. On behalf of this township committee, I want to take a moment to recognize it, honor the memory of all victims and survivors of gun violence. And to encourage every firearm owner in Gilbert Shore Hills, follow all applicable state and federal safe storage laws. Gun
violence is a serious issue and loss of life it causes is tragic. recognize that this administration noticed a steady increase in proclamation requests coming from groups outside of Milberg. In response, this administration set a clear policy. Township committee
considers proclamation requests only from nonprofit organizations headquartered here in Milberg. We've applied this policy consistently all year every request and will continue to do so. There's also a broader principle behind it. Our job is to govern Milbert,
its infrastructure, its finances, its services, its community, not to issue formal positions on national policy debates that drive many of these requests. Those questions are better addressed at the state and federal level where the authority to act on them actually sits
on this issue. In fact, that's exactly what's happening. Thanks to coordination with committeeman Stler, Assemblywoman Rosie Begoli indicated that she would be issuing a proclamation on behalf of the entire 27th legislative district which includes Milbour. That's the appropriate
level for it closer to the law makingaking power that governs firearms in the first place. And we're glad to see it recognized there. Please note that on June 6 that the June 16th TC meeting will be held in the library due to the ED center being in use for the special referendum election.
The township committee would like to share with the Milbourne community that the township is hosting a Junth celebration in partnership with the Black Americans of Milurn and Short Hills. The celebration will be on Sunday, June 14th from 3 to 4:30 p.m. located at the Taylor Park Community
Center gymnasium. All are welcome and invited to attend. The theme for this year's Junth celebration will be the legacy of George Washington Carver and we will have a few speakers to speak about his legacy in Junth. Additionally, the township and fams are collecting
jars of peanut butter leading up to the celebration and on the day of you may see collection boxes around town. There is one available now in town hall and one in the Bower Community Center to receive donations. The peanut butter collection is an act of community service for the holiday in honor of
George Washington Carver and the collected peanut butter will be donated to the interfaith food pantries of the oranges. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a day together in celebration of Junth and the memory of historical figures like George Washington Carver.
Tonight we'll be having the final read of two ordinances related to the purchase of 368 Essex Street, also known as the Palm Salon. As stated in a prior meeting, this property is strategically valuable to the township as it gives us a continuous block with the rimback lot that we already own. There are a variety
of potential municipal purposes for this prop that there are variety of potential purposes this property could serve, including but not limited to additional parking, serving as an alternate site for nine Main Street housing project or a potential future municipal building. 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 fair share housing with regards to the Nine Main Street project. The public should rest assured that this administration will make the terms of any potential settlement agreement public prior to any
official action being taken. Speaking of fair share housing, our round four affordable housing final compliance hearing has been adjourned until July 8th. This past Sunday night, the Papermill Playhouse had its opening night of Westside Story. Ryan Stler and I were in attendance, and I must say it
was a terrific performance. If you like the theater, I highly recommend seeing the show. I believe it's the last show of their season this year. I also want to take a moment to recognize last week's Memorial Day parade. Despite weather conditions that led me many neighboring towns to cancel their
observances, Milbour carried on its tradition and turned out and forced to honor the men and women who gave their lives and service to this country. My thanks to everyone who came out, to all those who participated, and to the organizers who made it happen. It was a proud day for this community. And
finally, I want to close my reports tonight by addressing something serious that occurred in our community over the past several days. something I find not just troubling but deeply offensive to the values we hold as a township. A number of lawn signs have been vandalized and overnight a large banner
was slashed and destroyed. These were political signs, the kind of speech our constitution explicitly protects. Whoever did this didn't just commit a crime. They attempted to silence their neighbors. The police chief has been made aware of the situation and we have been assured the department will be
vigilant in protecting the rights of all residents to engage in free political discretion. I don't know who is responsible, but I'll say this to whomever did it. This is not what Milg stands for. Our community has always been a place where people can disagree vigorously and
passionately at times, yet still respect each other's right to be heard. When someone resorts to disruption and intimidation rather than argument, it tells you one thing. They're afraid. Afraid of an open conversation. Afraid of what happens when neighbors get to
speak freely and make up their own minds. That's not the Milford way. I am calling on every member of this township committee to join me tonight on the record in unequivocally condemning this vandalism. Political speech is sacred in this country. It doesn't matter what
side of any issue you're on. There's no justification for this. There's no acceptable excuse. And I think our residents deserve to hear clearly and unequivocally where each member of this township committee stands on the sanctity of free political expression in this township.
Uh I will now turn it over to you pretty >> okay first. Okay first of all I will you know certainly go on record there's no no reason no to allow uh vandalism to any political sign
be that ruining it in some way or or stealing it off of a property owner's uh lawn. there's no excuse for that regardless of the of the uh opinion that it's expressing. Um and while I do thank the
mayor for his uh remarks on on gun the importance of gun safety, I would like to say that I am disappointed that we will not be doing the the proclamation as we had for the last few years. I'm glad to hear that Assemblywoman the goalie is doing that for for this 27th
district as a whole. But I think that's something that we should be doing here in Milbour. I guess this decision was made somewhat unilaterally as I was not a part of it. But in any event, we all can all agree is the importance of of gun safety. >> Thank you.
>> Good evening, Stellar. >> Thanks. Um, let's see. Let's begin. Recreation committee. Uh, last call for four mileer registration. The four mileer is this Sunday, June 7th at Euro Park. Second annual part three breakfast scramble is tomorrow. It's sold out and
will be held on Saturday, June 13th. Fall program registration is open. You can sign up for fall programs through the community pass. Special improvement district girls night outs well underway. The event's going to be downtown on June 4th, couple days from 5:00 pm to 8:00
p.m. The event features local vendor sales promotions events like one of our signature events. So, everybody can show up and you don't have to be a a girl to show up. All all are welcome. It's going to be a fun event. Uh I decided to give a little update on the financial committee on the finance committee. I
haven't done that in a couple meetings. annual audit. A 2000 the township's 2025 annual audit has been completed and it's currently in final review with our auditors PKF Oconor and Davies. Uh we expect to receive the final report shortly and plan to bring it to the
governing body for certification in July. Investments non-operating funds continue to be actively invested in accordance with state investment guidelines. We're currently seeing between 3.5 to 3.8% through a mix of cash management fund investments and high yield savings accounts. Big thanks
to Matt Clarissy. Our tax certification, the 2026 municipal budget's been adopted. We're still waiting a final tax rate certification from the state and Essex County Board of Taxation. Uh they must receive and process the certified budget and then the tax levy information
from all tax and entities will be levied and that's going to be expected mid July as well. garbage and recycling contracts. Uh staff are currently working on the bid specifications for the township's garbage and recycling contracts, which are among the township's largest service contracts, the most expensive. We are developing
detailed specifications with several uh service alternatives to provide flexibility and allow a thorough evaluation of our current services. Be moving on to the board of education leaison gave a a substantive update last time won't go there. joint facilities.
Uh the joint fields project with the township and board of ed is still being reviewed by the D. The project engineer has received some preliminary comments back from the D which is amazing to me because they approved the uh 160 units
on aquifer in about a half hour. So go figure. Um so we hope to hear more soon if um from the D as a as as to the fields u open space tax advisory uh committee which I chair uh we met on
Tuesday May 12th consider the two applications submitted by the core of harsh arbururto as you know we're going through with the arboritum uh the next meeting is June 29th at 8:00m via zoom if you want to subject uh submit a project just go to the website on the
township website you can find the form to do that. Uh pride flag raising uh is tomorrow uh is June 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in front of town hall. Uh please join if you're able to. It should be always a good event.
Obviously, I condemn vandalization, vandalizing anything across our town, uh whether it's a sign, a house, whatever it is. Uh so happy to jump jump on that. And then uh you know let's all say a prayer for one of our police officers who who was injured on Sunday in a
police chase. Um they they were it was quite a quite an affair and about 15 police cars all responded and cars went off the road at B at Springfield and Misel and uh one of our cops uh they
were tracking the I guess the uh the curbs down and uh he followed him off the roof of a garage and uh hurt his his hill pretty bad. So let's keep him in our prayers. affordable housing on the board of council. >> Good evening, Cerudo.
>> Good evening, everyone. Um, first I will say that I join you, mayor, in condemning uh this vandalism and uh and committed to protecting the first amendment rights of all residents. Uh, as I always like to say, red, white, or blue, we love you, right? We're all
under one flag. Um, and it's unacceptable. So, let me start on that. On a much brighter note, Mr. McDonald and I met with the Army Corps of Engineers and the NJ. Uh, I join you, Committeeman Ster. I hope that the NJT uh works swiftly on the fields. Uh, but
we did meet regarding flood mitigation and we've also met in touch with our state legislators regarding engineering and concept plans. Um the pedestrian safety advisory board will be scheduling a meeting uh later this month uh to discuss uh well an open session for the
community to comment on pedestrian safety matters. Uh regarding 250th committee uh thank you very much to uh everybody who was part of uh our spectacular uh reenactment in Taylor Park. Uh it made the press. It uh was an
incredibly uh exciting and educating uh day of education and community and thanks so much to all those involved. Um I do want to announce that we will be having a bike uh trike and stroller parade uh on Saturday July 4th. So in the morning uh if you are interested in
participating uh we will be have a parade and contest. Um there is a lecture tomorrow evening uh 7 p.m. uh uh and it is on Zoom. Uh Maxine Lori taking sides in the revolutionary the
revolutionary New Jersey patriots loyalists and those in between you want to learn about all of that. Um, the cultural diversity committee is hosting a craft showcase on Saturday, June 20th, uh, at the Barrett Community Center 1 to 4 p.m. Um, the long-term
strategic planning committee met uh, and is, uh, uh, conducting subject matter meetings and research. Uh, Wednesday, July 29th, 7 p.m., mark your calendar. Uh, there will be a community presentation here at the library. Um Tom Wright will be the speaker
from the regional planning uh association. Um and on um Wednesday, June 17th at 700 p.m. uh excuse me at Wednesday, June 6:17 at 6 p.m. there will be the
unveiling of the mural for the 250th committee at the Bout Community Center. Um which is very exciting. And we ask our residents to remain vigilant and protect themselves from crime burglaries. The Melbourne Police Department does continue to hold home security assessment assessments and you
can sign up on the township website. And it's been great seeing uh the community policing unit out and about town. If you see something, say something. I think Mr. Stroll shared some fun photos with uh with the new bicycles which are amazing. Um and thank you uh very much
to everybody who participated in the Memorial Day parade as well. Save the date of course for Saturday, July 4th for the culmination of all of our festivities. Uh stay home. You could always go to the shore on the 5th or on the third. Uh I certainly would. So
my report administrator, >> thank you, Mayor. Just a few brief reports just to um add on to committee installers pride pride flag raising that will be at the at town
hall located at 375 Milbour Avenue. uh the flag pole there. Uh again at June 3rd at 5:30m. Uh just an announcement that um uh a few uh one of the projects that has been sort of out uh there for a while in the Ter Park entrance will be
uh we'll be receiving bids on Friday of this week. So we're hopeful that we will have a successful bid. revamped it, changed the name of the project, reduced the number of pages in the bitspec, did some value engineering to get it down to a project that is probably in the, you know, $500,000
range as opposed to what was coming in, which was around $800 to $850,000 for that project. So, we're hopeful that we'll be successful in that uh >> get this done. >> Get it done. Um the uh township will be starting summer
hours uh uh for town hall and non-essential offices uh after school ends uh the week of June 22nd. So that uh that will change our hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Friday being 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It'll be posted it'll
be out on our channels as well as uh posted at town hall. Uh lastly, um last night, um the townships changed the angled parking to reverse angled parking uh by uh Oscars and the GM Marco
in that area between Lacawana and Holmes. Uh the uh configuration that haded 13 parking spaces, the angle parking was 14 parking spaces. Um it is uh set up much like parallel parking. you pull up and you back in rather than
having to back in and straighten out. So, it's one movement, you know, you pull up and then you back into the parking space. Just going to keep re-emphasizing that you back into the parking space. Um because uh we've already had a few people uh parking head
in somehow. Um I'm not sure how but >> um you know I think that this trial period will be again for several weeks. We just want to take a look at it and see how it operates. Um but today was day one, you know, so some of that is to
be expected. That was not necessarily expected. Um but we encourage everybody to continue to let us let us know um what your thoughts are on it. Uh at let us know at milberttw.org. We received plenty of uh good um and um
constructive feedback from the first trial. So we just like the same with this. That's it. >> Uh no reports. >> Public comment. When invited to speak to offer your comments, please come to the lectern. State your name, whether you're
a Milford resident, and are properly witness. Please do not provide your full address seeing as our meetings are recorded and are readily available to the public. To help facilitate an orderly meeting, we need to permit all to be heard. Speakers shall limit their comments to one three minute set. You'll
be prompted when there is 30 seconds remaining. A reminder, this is not time for dialogue or debate matter. This is a time during our business meeting for the public. I will now open the public Phil Kers resident. Um I want to say
first that uh I noticed a sticker covering part of one of the yes no lawn signs near us. And I was thinking first thing I thought was I hope this is the only place it is because I think that's you know about the worst thing that can happen. I agree with the mayor totally
that whatever side you're on, whoever strong you feel about something, I mean, you can you can yell in an argument maybe or something like that, but don't deface something. Don't pull up signs for something. So, sad to hear that there was more than just what happens. Uh we also want to speak on an issue
that has come up from time to time and I think the mayor touched on in a certain way tonight and that is uh how far the township committee should reach into larger issues or reach out to township issues. And uh my personal feeling is we
may want to believe that our issues here in this room are limited to potholes and playing fields to the borders of our township. But I feel nothing could be further from the truth. We all know that governmental decisions made far from us have cut off
funds for the flood mitigation we solely need. That other circumstances have significantly raised the cost of filling our gas tanks. that unfortunate international events have heightened acts of anti-semitism in our neighborhoods and we see the construction of massive
data centers in other areas increasing the cost of electricity in ours. So I would say that note our concerns here in this room and for our township committee are not in any way limited to the local. That is an illusion.
raising or not raising the Israeli flag, the Black Lives Matter flag, the pride flag, recognizing the importance of gun safety, or how immigrants are treated in our own or neighboring towns or even across the country are not local issues,
but decisive acts that resound beyond and then into our community. They originate universally, touch us, and then rebound out into the world at large. after leaving their mark.
The words and actions emanating from our national capital, which I have spoken of previously, including those targeting journalists, especially women and those of color, have rained down on us. And our umbrellas of disregard don't protect
our children or our levels of stability from the puddles of verbal poison that collect around us. We may not be able to directly control many of the issues beyond our potholes and our playing fields, but failure to
even acknowledge them leaves us powerless to affect them in any way. It takes us out of the game altogether. Thank you. >> Good evening. My name is Phil section. Um, I want to incorporate by reference
my heads up memo the questions Andy Judas have sent to you. First, I want to give a shout out to last Saturday's encount. Um, I had a picture taken with the an actor who portrayed Elias Dam. Elias Den
is the father of Jonathan Den who's the high school I graduate 50 years ago was named after. That was a pretty neat thing to have my picture with my wife, especially with my wife's family and relatives that Bunker Hill. Um, and part of the packet I sent to you
was a template for a stability resolution. I hope that you do consider it next month that ties into what we're talking about the vandalism first speech and just being civil to each other. Um, I'm glad that the mayor addressed I am
wearing orange because typically the first meeting in June is a wear orange announcement and I was the first candidate to get certified and I now understand the policy but I think that maybe that policy should have been put on our website so we understand it. Um,
I hope that tomorrow you can maybe post on the township website or various other forums about the u flag raising for the gay pride and my son, my son-in-law, they're gay and I support that and I want the community to know that. But
just tonight, we learned it by coming to this meeting. Um, I'm shocked that there's no discussion about what occurred at either new business or old business at the city meeting last Thursday where there was a
presentation by our mayor explained about hospital restructuring. I think community really should hear what those terms are. So that ties into we just heard before everyone's commitment to the first amendment. I'm kind of shocked about it considering
that explore has announced this township committee has filed various motions to center bar my access to the courts. So I'm trying to find balance the consistency of what you just said. Um one of the things I did send to you I
wish Mr. Attorney um Ter was here was depleting the order in the brief that was filed in the Trump versus IRS case and the brief was filed by various retired federal judges took on reopening cases
and brought it upon court and the arguments in there used in our round three case. I don't have really the time to go in there but I think you should look at that later on tonight. you are going to approve. I endorse approving the purchase of the property, but please
have as part of record the appraisal because I made an open request for it showing the reason justice of that price because the assessment value was only about I'll come back later and talk about that. My name is
Good evening. My name is uh Pastor Aisha Marble from Mount Zion in church and I wanted to just stop by and say thank you to the mayor and to the entire council particularly Jamie uh for inviting me to offer the invitation and the closing prayer for the Memorial
Day parade. It was a meaningful honor to stand in front of the entire Milar community, but particularly next to a 100year-old citizen who I had the pleasure of speaking to for quite a while. What a joy to be with them and to
reflect on the gratitude that he has for 97 of his years um spending quality time here in the community. Um uh I also continue to appreciate the many opportunities to participate in cultural and civic opportunities. Um I've had the
pleasure most recently to participate in a performance of Tavern uh at Paper Bell Playhouse as well as Union Performing Arts Center where I played Nicholas Parcel. Uh and I was I understand that I was a great
um intoxicated inebriated white man. Doesn't get any better than that. So, and so I it's just a joy to uh be a part of a community that welcomes everyone in some way, shape or form. Uh
this experience reminds me that the arts brings people together. It is a universal language and that is exactly what we do at uh Mount Zion. We have blues and blessings, we have poetry and praise and of course our infamous Jesus and jazz. And then finally, I just want
to say thank you for the Junth BAMS is hosting a peanut butter fund. So, if you've seen some boxes around the city, we're collecting uh peanut butter so that we can partake and support the interfaith um um uh work that's being
done in the oranges by to cook and we celebrate the opportunity to give back. So, if you have any jars of peanut butter, we welcome you to share. And then finally, I want to say thank you for the thoughtful consideration of designation of the Mount Zion Church uh to become a historically preserved
edifice. Such recognition honors not only the building but the generations of faith and worship and the people who came there. Thank you first for erecting the building in 1888 and then the church in 1902 and now you did it the first time and we're going to try to do it the
next time. We're trying to uh recreate the space, reimagine it so that the community can embrace it. We can um come together as a community with you. I appreciate you. Thank you so much. Have a great evening. >> Good evening. I'm Bill Mccclure, owner
of the Mil Shop. I'm here hopefully near my fleet. Um, apparently there's a variance that needs to be made or taken care of in order to have grooming in my store. But the competition in the area with big box stores, mobile pet supplies
that come around, pet smart pet supplies plus it's difficult. As of May 22nd last month, I've been doing this for 54 years. I'm hoping there's a way you guys can help you figure out how to
get a variance, get it through swiftly um to help out the situation. I think it would help the community. I know it help the joining businesses and uh it's important to me that you follow through this and let me know what you can do. That's really all I have to say. Thank
you. Good evening, Beth Zaw, Milbour resident. Uh, I wanted to start by commending uh commenting on the discussion uh on your May 19th meeting uh regarding the area need of redevelopment and the condemnation of the futter site buildings. Um I just
want to encourage you to revisit the 2021 downtown vision plan that I had taken part in. Um that study further reference back to the 2020 um Milbour downtown hydraulic study which was about the flood and mitigation that happened in our downtown um that was undertaken.
Uh and that is where we first recommended or the documentation first recommended that the township look to acquire the property um to allow for extending the span of the Milbourne Avenue bridge. So I'm excited to see that that is advancing. Um the downtown
vision plan adi en envisions a new public environment along both banks of the the river um between Milbourne AB and Essex Street creating a downtown riverwalk. Uh this would provide for a better connection between our downtown core and has potential to extend up as
far north as the paper mill to attract native plants, bird species, and allow for a walkway that could um accept flooding, could be like floodable intentionally um so that it could be could be used as passive recreation. Um the plan even went so far as to
include a section like a side version as you look at it on the plan architectural section um including how pathways could be constructed on it. Um so I just wanted to recommend that the committee consider that as you continue to weigh your future options. And separately I
wanted to just uh indicate my disappointment uh in the the choice not to issue the gun violence awareness proclamation. Um I I came in a little late. It sounded like Jeff Bel mentioned something. I'll go back and listen um if he did address it in some way. Um but
just to reiterate and underscore, there have been 13 school shootings since January 1st of this year, the most recent uh in US on May 18th. Um I'm a parent of three school age children here in town. Um and I continue to want to see my community advocate for common
sense guns laws, gun laws to keep not only our children but all of us safe as well. Thank you. 32 years unannounced a day. Uh I just want to say thank you very much to the committee because now finally there are all locked doors. I
sent an email and something got done. Finally, the state of New Jersey did absolutely nothing. Somehow, some way, uh, a number of people in the apartment building where I live are very, very happy, including two, uh, school
teachers. And it took, you'll learn the folks here to get it done. Talk about safety, doors locked. That includes the apartment buildings and every place else. There was a gentleman, an older gentleman that was sleeping in
the basement downstairs, but no one could do anything because the management company really did not take any interest. So that's why I kept on bringing this up. But these are little things that can make a difference and I
thank the committee for taking some action. I don't know how it was done, but it was done. As far as vandalism, I think vandalism is a very very bad thing. And obviously I've been involved in politics 1958
was always emerging and then after that so I've been around politics for a while and as far as Republicans and Democrats uh I my professor college he was a staunch
Republican and I was a registered Democrat. did not make any difference. We had tea together and we worked out our differences and he listened to me. I listened to him and we went our ways and I voted Republican charged and I don't think he had a party Democrat but still
I learned things from him and it's a good idea to listen to your people in the parties as far as whether you have five people or seven people you folks are doing a great job as it is in my
opinion. I hold your opinions. Thank you very much. >> Anyone? >> No. >> Public comment. >> All right. You want to start? >> Uh, sure. Uh, I would say, um, thank you
very much, Reverend Marvel. Um and uh so glad uh they've been able to get so involved and thank you very much. Um Mr. Kersh uh I would uh I would um I would say that I think uh
it's better to approach some of the uh the players where the issues lie. Um and uh you know I think um I was happy to see Assemblywoman Boli take on this particular issue. Um you know
legislatively we have uh uh no jurisdiction on on some of these items um that are on the national level. Um and so u I would say it's best to direct to our proper representatives. Um
Mr. Chrome. I'm happy to hear that enforcement uh as to and um uh thank for for your comments. Um I would say I know there are a number of challenges with the uh riverw walk recommendation
uh and the way that the river does channel. Uh but certainly uh you know was a discussion. I remember when it first came up, I sat at sessions. Um, right now it just it is very difficult because we're trying to get the water to
move uh quickly. Um, swiftly through. Um, but uh certainly appreciate the the praise on the fire building. Certainly big work they did. And I will drop off some jars of peanut
butter. Thank you, Colin. First of all, I would like to uh thank Mr. Pur for his comments and I agree. I think it's important for us to get on the record for issues that affect us whether we have the power to change them
or not. That's just also a way for us to understand the way that people feel in town. And it's also then having that knowledge will help us to to communicate with our legislators or commerce people or whoever to to say that the township
committee went on record for saying this. It's supported by the people of the town. And I think that just adds a lot a lot more weight than just, you know, ignoring it. Um, and as for the Futter building, I think I explained my feelings about that last time. I'm I'm I
I'm in agreement about buying one of the possibly buying one of the flood buildings, but not both. I think that certainly for the flood mitigation issues, that's that may or may not be helped by the the first flood building over the river and we need to look at
that, but I see no reason to purchase the the second one. And so I just wanted to make that clear. Good evening, Stellar. Sure. Uh, Pastor Marbel, what a beautiful
invocation and closing statements. Thank you so much. Just bring a light of sunshine to every event. Thank you so much. I don't know if I want to go here, but I will. Mr. Fel, there's obviously a difference between assessed value and appraised value. So, you know, you just have to understand from a business
standpoint, those two are never going to overlap. and we'll go through that and hope to be able to get you to information you need to understand and put those two pieces together. Obviously, you don't have all the information, but you will. And I think that was your point. Uh, and then to the other point, I think everybody in this
room supports supports uh, as you said, the gay population. I think actually one of our CC committees is gay. So, uh, there's never been any I don't know why that comes up, but I don't think there's any doubt that anybody on this day does not
support the gay community. Um, Bill Mccclure, uh, great to see you again. Uh, whatever we can do within within within our power, I think we should do to save small businesses are the heartbeat of our town. Uh, that it really resonates with me when you talk
about that. So, I think we should look at the variance required and what we have to do to get there if we can. I tell you, I'll do everything in my ability to try to get us there. Uh I just don't know all of the moving pieces right now. But thank you for coming out
that civic purchase. That helps. Um did I mention the difference between assessed value and appraised value? >> I know the difference. >> Um um Al Carling, thank you for those kind words. And and listen, this is the beautiful thing about this day and and
and going across party lines and not having a worry about party to get things done. You know, Miss Z talked about getting that butter building and we've done that. Uh there's times that I've seen where we haven't acted in the best interests of all interested parties and it just great to see us all going that
extra mile and doing that. And I've read that vision plan a number of times uh you know uh and and and I'm all for a river walk. I'm all for flood having that flood place. So this is the success that we're experiencing now as a township and really getting to the meat
of it. And and that being said to to Mr. Kersh, my personal stance on gun on gun violence, I I really don't want to go down this, but I'm all for all for that. However, that Rosie Begali, I spoke to her. She's doing the uh she represents
our district at on the legislature. She's doing it. she's putting it together and she's just very instrumental and I don't think we spend enough time with our legislators legislators and actually help them get our points across. As for local issues,
um there's what 35% Democrat, 35 or no, it's actually less than that. It's like 25 and 50 unaffiliated. So, uh, for a township committee to go on record on anything,
uh, that's not about fixing a pothole, uh, or the quality of municipal services for small businesses and doing things that actually help this town. You know, that's how government in America works is we have different pieces. We're not in Congress. We don't make laws. Uh uh
that being said, I think everybody should have that relationship with their uh with their elected officials and and make those points. But I certainly understand your point. >> Okay, my turn. Um Mr. Kirch, I appreciate you denouncing
said earlier it's always troubling that happens. Uh also you brought up a number of national issues. You know, this township committee is really focused on what we can do locally. Uh what's within our power to do uh and that's why, you know,
as I articulated at the beginning of the meeting, um you know, we decided not to issue proclamations for outside groups. Uh the policy that we have this year is that for proclamations uh they need to
be requested by nonprofit organizations. Uh they're headquartered in town otherwise you know it just opens up Pandora's box. We get all sorts of requests and if you start doing some then you have to pick and choose and you have to justify that and uh you know
that just sort of takes us into an area that we probably should be going into as a township committee. Again we were elected to serve the municipality and the residents of the municipality. Um and I think the way that we handled the
um gun violence issue by making the statements that I made and uh you know Mr. are working with Assemblywoman Begoli and having her put out the uh proclamation on behalf of the entire legislative district. That's the appropriate way to handle something like
this. Um, of course, you know, you're welcome in your three minutes to say whatever you want to say. Does anyone else? Uh but I don't think it's the job of the township committee to be making public proclamations on on
national political issues uh when our job is to be focused here on the group. Mr. Feld um you know the SID discussions once we have all of the information we need we will discuss in public what any
potential restructuring is going to look like. Uh I went to the sit meeting uh last week and I gave a little bit of preview of some of the things that we are considering. Um you know we're looking at trying to uh work with the
business community and you know have a commitment to our businesses uh that is is unwavering and we want to set our sit up for success for the next five years. Um you know right now with the departure
of Mr. Pillo who, you know, left for uh financial reasons. Um, as he stated, he was he was offered a lot more money somewhere else. We couldn't pass that up. Uh, so we're sad to see him go, but this is really an opportunity for us to take a look and reflect on the past five
years and plan for the next five years and figure out, you know, if a restructuring is necessary. So hopefully more discussions uh on that in the future. Pastor Marabel, thank you so much. I uh for coming out and doing the invitation
on Memorial Day. That was really fantastic. I appreciate that. Um and uh you know, we do really love how you've uh become so involved in the community. That's really great. And uh we're delighted to be able to help you guys out with the self designation of the
historical district tonight. Um Mr. the floor. Um, you know, as far as the variance or change of use, um, depending on what the variance would be, I think, yeah, I think it would have to go to the
planning board, uh, to request a variance. And there's certain criteria required for variance relief. Um, you know, obviously, if you wanted a permanent change in zoning, that's a lot more involved and a lot more complicated. um you know when
we have zoning we have to consider the the needs of the entire community and what's best for the entire community and not just you know one individual person or business. Uh so those are the things that we consider when we deal with zoning. We have a zoning code examination subcommittee that looks at
these things and the planning board also makes recommendations. So um I think the proper venue for you would be to to go through the planning board process. uh we wanted to get a variance there. Um Miss Saul uh appreciate you bringing up
the 2021 downtown vision plan. Um I'm delighted that we are moving forward on amending the clutter building. Something that I have personally wanted to do for the past three years and we finally have a township committee that has the courage to go and take the necessary
step and proceed with that condemnation. So we're doing the area need of redevelopment with confirmation powers that will go through the process and hopefully at the end of it we will u you know have condemned one or both of buildings u you know we have to see what
we want there but I definitely think that's a step in the right direction and we'll certainly don't have flooding um and uh I also think the long-term strategic planning committee will take a look at the 2021 downtown vision plan amongst all the other things they're looking at and they can look at what you
know good aspects uh of that plan entailed and and see if they can weave it into their longer term strategic plans. um because I think it's unfortunate you know we had this plan that came out uh during the height of COVID and there were sort of other
priorities at the time and you know it's sort of been left on the shelf but is something that I think the long-term strategic planning comm um Mr. Carlin, I appreciate your appreciation for us. It's always nice when someone comes and says something
positive about us as committee. Um, that's certainly rare. It seems like most people uh come with complaints, but it's always great to hear uh from people that are happy with something. Uh, with that, I will turn it over to
you. It's administrator. um not anything to respond to but just a additional comment that um and hopeful that he was uh helpful in this as well Mr. Carlin, but we have a part-time code enforcement officer by the name of Joseé Neas. So, for those that uh uh haven't
um reminded their landscapers that the leaf blower restriction is in place at this time, uh Jose is out there in the evenings and on Saturdays. So, uh enforcing this uh this restriction as well. So, just a reminder to
All right. Anything from council? >> Uh, nothing from me unless the committee members have any questions. >> All right. Consent agenda resolutions. Township committee will now consider consent agenda resolutions. Are there any comments from the committee in
regards to any items listed on the consent agenda? Seeing none, I have a motion to approve resolution 26151 through resolution 26156. Motion requested on the consum second. >> All right. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Cohen,
>> yes. >> Mr. Sudo, >> yes. >> Mr. Stler, >> a s. >> Yes. All right. Ordinances scheduled to sponsor ordinance 2754-26. I would like to present ordinance entitled ordinance number 2754-26.
Ordinance designating the Mount Zion Church or Church Street as a historic landmark pursuant to the historic preservation ordinance township of Milberg. A little background, the Mount Zion Church has expressed the desire to selfdesate themselves as a historic
landmark. This church has a rich rich history in town and we are delighted that they have chosen to self designate. This ordinance will effectuate that designation. 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 Milbour Township public notices page for hearing and final passage of Tuesday, July 14th, 2026. The Milbour Education Center located at 434 Milurn Avenue. I have a second, please. >> Second.
>> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Cohen, >> yes. >> Mr. Serio, >> yes. Mr. emphatic. Yes. >> Mayor, >> yes. All right. Ordinance 2755-26 Cohen, your scheduled response.
>> Yes. I would like to present an ordinance entitled ordinance number 2755-26. Ordinance designating bridges associated with the Morrison Essex main Delaware Lacawana and Western Railroad as a thematic historic district pursuant to
the historic preservation ordinance of the township of Milbour. We talked about this through new and old whatnot. The main reason for this is some of these bridges are in disrepair and we want to make sure that when they are repaired by
New Jersey Transit that suitable materials are used in that in that repair. Uh, 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 on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at the Milbour Education Center located at 434 Milurn Avenue, Milbour. I'll >> second the motion to roll, please. >> Mr. Cohen, yes. Mr.
>> Yes. Mr. forward that handing. >> Yes. All right. Ordinance 2748-26 for scheduled sponsor. >> I present for consideration an ordinance entitled ordinance number 2748-26
ordinance amending and supplementing the township of Milber development regulations and zoning ordinance. Tonight is the time set for the public hearing and final passage as noticed in accordance with law. Did you plan? >> My name is Jeff Feld. Um I listened to
the planning board um consistency hearing and the explanation given by planner at that time and it seemed that the impetus for this amending resolution were regulations that be issued by the
DP on Friday. It's been announced by our governor and DP that there's going to be a one-year moratorum. So, I don't know maybe we get input from our council or from our planner if we adopt this
ordinance today. Could we be voided by state redemption amended regulations or we come back? I don't know what happened because the based on the presentation was to respond to regulations that were
going to come in effect in July. Governor on Friday says there's going to be a one-year run from there. If the purpose is saying that that um reser projects, you know, they
haven't come to the planning board yet, but you know, they subject to this, but what the governor just said, they not subject to what you're passing today. and I just maybe get equipment council or um or a planner maybe the next
meeting of what occurred on Friday afternoon >> yeah I would just said part of this ordinance is really more about >> you respond I was going to respond is question. >> Okay. So, I move that the public hearing
be closed and the ordinance be adopted on final reading and the township cler directed to post the ordinance by title on the move township public notices page as passed on final reading in accordance with law. The impetus for this for for this uh ordinance was really the
buildings that the houses that need to be raised as part of that FEMA project which would then change their whether they complied with the height requirements by elevating those houses. It uh it raises them above above what is currently allowed. That's the
impetition. Therefore, we don't want to hold this up. >> Uh so in that case, a motion has been made. I will second the motion unless there's any other comments from the committee. Call vote. Sure. >> Call vote, please. >> Mr. Cohen, >> yes. >> Mr. Sto, >> yes.
>> Mr. Stler, >> affirmative. Mayor Sacramento, >> yes. All right. Ordinance 2752-26. I present for consideration an ordinance entitled ordinance number 2752-26 bond ordinance providing for the
acquisition of certain real property by and in the township of Milberg the county of Essex state of New Jersey appropriating 1 bill750,000 therefore and authorizing the issuance of 1 bill650,000 bonds or notes of the township to
finance part the costs thereof this bond ordinance is necessary to fund the purchase of 368 Essex Street, otherwise known as the Palm Salon. As I stated previously, the site strategically valuable to the town. Its acquisition could be used for a variety of real estate purposes. Tonight is the time set
public hearing and final passage as noticed in accordance with law. I declare the hearing open. >> On my no. >> All right. I move that this public hearing be closed and the ordinance be adopted on final reading and the township clerk be directed to post the
ordinance by title on the Milurn Township public notices page and as passed on final reading in accordance with law. May I have a second? >> Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. Cohen, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stoler. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> All right. I present for consideration an ordinance entitled ordinance number 2753-26 ordinance of the township committee the township of Melbourne County of Essex state of New Jersey authorizing the purchase and sale agreement for 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 ordinance for the actual purchase of 668
street is the time set for the public hearing and final passage. As notice as noticed in accordance with law, I declare the hearing open Jeffrey Feld. Um I support the sale but I just want to make sure that their record is there show the fairness and
reasonleness of the of the price. I mean the only thing I I made an opener request for the appraisal or somebody saying on the record that you received an appraisal and said the fair market value is this price. The reason I say that is that when we look at what was 22
weeks willow the acquisition of the parking lot at paper mill there was a little bonus or premium to pay. I don't know we had that here. This is part of due diligence but I tell the audience please look at the sales agreement
the contract was negotiated by McMan and Scotland understand that also there's an additional certification that's attached to it applying to going forward what you need to disclose in sales as to flood mitigation I'm just saying that as a public notice that's a very good
contract that we're looking about the certification but I think you need to record those are the color division opinions that came out in two weeks that you have to be able to say today we are basing our fairness and reasonableness based on settlement that you have like an appraisal. We retain our appraiser
and they say the value is X. Anyone online? >> No sir. >> All right. I move this public hearing be closed and the ordinance be adopted on final reading and the township clerk be directed to post ordinance by title of the Milurn Township public notices page
as passed on final reading ordinance with law. I have a second please. Second. >> Are there any comments from the committee? >> So, right. I think uh this is a great move. >> Yeah. And I would not I would not make the vote without having all the
information. It'd be absolutely be very very difficult to do it. We have all the information. We've done the work. >> Great work. >> I agree with Stiller on that. Um we have
we have all the information we need to make educated decision. Uh so in that case we will have a local vote please. >> Mr. Cohen. >> Yes. >> Mr. Sio. >> Yes. >> Mr. Stoler. >> Mayor Saki. >> Yes. All right. We have no old business
and we have no new business. So we go on to second public comment. This public comment period is allow for final comments from the community. invited to speak and welcome your please come state your name whether you are resident your property or business owner please
do not provide your full address seeings are recorded and are readily available to the public reminder that in order to help facilitate meeting permit all to be heard speakers shall limit their comments to one per session now open the public's comment period
resident. Um I just last meeting someone from the uh from the audience brought up the uh pedestrian crossing by the post office, you know, and was talking about uh the fact that there
don't don't seem to be those kinds of problems in Maplewood. I assume he's talking about Maplewood Village which is totally unlike Melbourne um or in some I do have cross there and and there have
been times when I was not exactly sure I was going to make it all the way across but it seems to me that the only way poss considering that this is this is a time when you know there is a
straight shot from the main street light to the light at Wyoming. Nothing in between. Some people are in crosswalks. Um and that is still part of a more heavily
foot trafficked area, probably at the end of the really heavily foot trafficked area in the in downtown. Seems to me that the absolute only way you're going to be able to keep people truly safe there is a
traffic light. That's the only thing that will slow traffic down from Main Street on because they just see it as a straight dot and Milburn Avenue in ways to our detriment is a key link
between two heavily trafficked roads and not that far from 224. So we have a lot of traffic that just kind of uses that as a passageway. I think the initial design to make the one way uh part was in part to facilitate the rapid transit
of traffic from one end to the other end. And the only way I think that it gets slowed that slowed down and people can safely cross there and with UPS store there's a whole lot more crossing
there is with traffic. >> Hi, good evening. Gene Pastnac president. Um I wanted to just say that I really agree with the point of view of staying in the local lane and not going beyond. And I think the results have shown themselves in terms of what you
have been able to accomplish today. First, the fields project at the high school that's been at least 10 years that I've heard about it is getting done and with no tax increase because we are using the monies already collected from taxpayers to do something that's been
requested by thousands of families over the past decade. The round three affordable housing negotiation looks to be moving in a much better direction with respect to nine main street or familiarly referred to as the dump project. uh round four
negotiations went very smoothly and did not overburden the community with high density housing in places already overburdened. The town hall redevelopment is well underway and properly focused on to get the best outcome. Uh the footer building that we talked about tonight is finally
being condemned that's been talked about for so many years. Real estate purchases are being done in keeping with forwardlooking planning related to round three and four and beyond. Uh, the Taylor Park Gateway project is also getting done finally and was
highlighted in the downtown visions project that got sheld after taxpayers funded a consultancy firm for hundreds of thousands of dollars to complete it, including also lots of time by employees, volunteers, etc. Finding finally putting that plan to work for
township residents, businesses, and visitors is really commendable. Similarly, the Short Hills train station project is finally getting underway for pedestrian safety and other pedestrian safety issues are getting resolved, including that craziness that was happening in front of the 85 Woodland
construction project. And thanks to listening to people who brought it to your attention, my forehead is here today. Assuring efficiency and adherence to township ordinances and resolutions by township committees and boards, reducing the risk to the township of lawsuits and other actions that come as
a result of not adhering to those laws and rules. Being inclusive and ensuring our committees represent all facets and demographics of our community by encouraging and including residents with relevant backgrounds from all parts of town, all political backgrounds, all
demographics that are appointed to our boards and have been sitting on our committees and commissions. It's really a big change and I think it makes a big difference to our community. Taking an aggressive approach with establishing regular dialogue and holding accountable our county and state legislators and
elected officials will ensure Milbour gets its fair share of tax dollars, grants, and attention from various departments such as county roads and engineering. By appointing appropriately experienced volunteers serving on such committees as flood mitigation, we're getting practical solutions that can
become real. And finally, u creating new committees that are responsive to the community's changing and wellness. Thank you. Anyone? >> Um, I don't have a lot to say, but um, just wanted to make a comment. I think
>> everything that Jean just spoke of, I'm literally going to hijack her statement because I totally agree with it and it was very articulately stated and I really thank this committee sitting in front of me um for everything you've done and I I'm really happy with the way
the township government is going. I am very much in support of keeping out I'm sorry I feel like I'm going to sit like this but um I feel like um keeping national politics out of our township is so critical
because just being on two boards okay as a little minion I have to say that it's a lot of work and every single person on here who has done many boards before they've sat at this table and is on multiple committees I am blown away and
I'm super grateful for all the commitment that you've done. It's a lot of work and one of the reasons why I think keeping local politics out of this I mean not local you know state level and federal level politics because it sh all your valuable time and you guys are
so stretched thin which is another reason why I really support the nonpartisan you know style council going to seven people so you can actually split out your time a little bit less. Um, so I just want to thank you and um
and I I'm gonna save my little riff complaint. I'll send it in the email because I just want to keep this really positive and I'm very grateful. Thank you. >> Anyone else from the audience? >> Good evening, Jerry President. Um, I just wanted to echo what the prior two
speakers said and also wanted to highlight one very fantastic thing that's changed since I first started attending meetings four years ago. Um, I think a lot of people don't really recall, but four years ago there was a epidemic of car thefts and home
burglaries. Um, we in 2023 had about oh was it 46 car thefts that year. Um, and now we're looking at singledigit car thefts. Um, so you know, having served on the charter study commission and interviewing 18 former TC members, we're
cognizant that each of you puts in 20 to 25 hours a week. And as the mayor said earlier, there's a limited bandwidth to get all of these things. So if it means, you know, we have law crime in our community because we don't have one or two proclamations, well, you know, I'll take that all day long. So thank you for
all the work that you've been doing. Um, I know you all put in a lot of time and um, just keep up the great work. Milk is a very place to live. I was I was in New York several times last week. the plays giant a few other
things called angels and several of the people I was next to uh they said when I mentioned where I was from great place and so forth and they mentioned the playhouse of course a
great place and so people know Mil great place to live to be you folks are making that happen as far as uh parking I got here a little bit late part reason there was some illegal parking right by the os
couldn't make the turn. So it was parking illegally there. So you know see the there a couple of illegal uh cars there. So it's a little bit more difficult to go out making that turn
over there. So there's a new traffic pattern there as of today. So it's not as easy to make the turn uh going past post office. right hand turn to make coming back here. Um, as far as New Jersey transit,
that's an issue as you know, occasionally. I think that the township should really focus on see what can be done to make things easier for commuters and for seniors. Going up those steps sometimes is not the easiest thing. I
mean, you might know that at times. So whatever can be done and science may still have some problems explaining why u translate or when it will become or if it's going to be coming and what's going to be happening there. Uh I almost missed the show last week. I did get to
see Giant just in time. But I did make it because one train just didn't make it but I got there in the playoffs very very important as I said. Uh can't buy because of taxes.
single and a little bit old, elderly, whatever. And because of the tax situation and seniors and so forth, it is not a good situation. Obviously, that's on a a level for um state. So,
that affects people staying here. Unfortunately, I'd love to stay in Milbury, but no, I can't. I'm going to rent because I have to pick up and go depending on what tax situation. It's all about taxes. I've been paying taxes
here for 32 years and I've been supporting the businesses here, doctors, lawyers, you know, opticians and so forth. So, I understand what's important here, including the playhouse.
Go see Westside Sto. >> We're now closed public comment. Period. I will begin with the responses. Miss Frank, uh, regarding the pedestrian crossings, um, recent planning board meeting, we actually discussed there's two crosswalks that we're going to
remove that exist between Wyoming and uh, where Essex. The reason for that is increase safety. >> Um, yeah. So, in front of the Annie says building, there's a a crosswalk. Uh
there's another crosswalk adjacent to it. Uh we're going to remove those two crosswalks. Uh our experts concluded that'll help increase pedestrian safety quite a bit. Um we also had discussed uh in prior years, you know, a townwide
traffic study or doing a larger traffic study and um we've got some quotes on this and I think we concluded that we wanted to wait until the NES building came online before we can really do a comprehensive traffic study. following downtown and potentially the rest of the
town. Um, and you know, that building is being finished up and then once it comes online, we'll revisit that. Um, so I think we're going to need to take a holistic approach and a holistic look at what the traffic patterns look like. You know, now that we're going to have 300
extra parking spaces and, you know, I don't know how many extra cars are going to be a result of that building coming online. um you know, we're probably going to need to take a look at how to optimize safety, traffic flow, etc. So, I think all those things will uh come in
a few due times. Uh Miss Pastnac, um appreciate you highlighting all of the accomplishments that we have made. Um I will say we can neither confirm nor deny any round three negotiations that may or may not be taking place. Um made
reference to negotiations and I just out there that we will neither confirm nor deny negotiations may or may not be taking place. But I will say if we were to have negotiations and they were taking place, we were successful in
them. Whatever we come up with, hypothetically, we will make sure the township is fully aware of any potential settlement agreement prior to town committee taking any action. and purely
um I also appreciate you, you know, you talking about the accomplishments. I think that that shows that when you have the right leadership, positive change will come and things will get done. Uh I will say that this is the most productive township committee I think we
have seen in in our history. Um you know, probably going back decades. Uh we we've got a great group of five up here right now. uh we're all working together uh to move the town forward. I think that's really great. Um
let's see. Uh Miss Best, I I agree. You know, I think we get a lot of stuff done because we do focus on local issues. We have a focus on what is important to our residents. you know, making proclamations about about national
issues might make people feel good in the moment, but I think that's less productive than actually making positive changes uh that people in the community. So that's why this administration has always focused on local issues and put
them ahead of our house. U Dr. Hung agreed with you crimes down my calculations at least since the start of end of my term. crime down by about 80%. Um there's probably a number of factors for that, but uh it means that
you know we have worked hard to instill a culture of accountability uh throughout the township. Um and and that applies to all of our veterans, our police department, etc. Our police have been doing a terrific job over the past
couple years reducing crime and uh we owe them a lot of thanks uh for all the hard work that they put in. Um, Mr. Carlin, um, regarding NJ Transit, we've had meetings with NJ Transit and, uh, we will continue to do so. I know Mr. Stler
and I have have had meetings and, uh, I believe Mr. Stler, you at some point plan to have them come, uh, on site when the weather's a little bit better and we've already perfect that. Um, with regards to taxes, no one likes taxes, but I'd like to
point out compared to other towns around us, we've had the lowest some of the lowest tax increases year-over-year. Um, in fact, I I think we are even doing better than the rate of inflation. uh with regards to our tax increases over the past five years. Uh we have really
good fiscal discipline here in town and uh the leadership is uh very cognizant of the fact that the fiscal discipline is important. That's why we have a AAA uh credit rating. Um and you know kudos to our professional staff, our CFO, our
business administrator um and and us on the township committee for maintaining that. That's all I have. Uh installer over here. >> Sure. I'll go. Um Miss Frank, I I agree completely with
you. It's like an F1 race between between the Main Street and u and Lawana or down past Luana to the Wells Fargo or to the Chase Bank. I think we should look at that and we should do the the study. Um and I've been almost mowed
down plenty of times since May. um you know plenty of times in summit where that uh the Greek restaurant going across there by the train station it's crazy. Um so from that standpoint I agree we should look at that. Uh I'll take a little umbrage with with pastor
and uh Miss Fes and uh and such in that you know you left out the professionalism the civility the competence the accountability that this deis has brought in the last two and a half plus years and I think that's what's really I'm really really proud of
in addition to the crime reduction by 80% in addition to the collaboration with the paper mill to do their renovation and really make that the jewel of our town. uh and the reduction in vacancies down to 2%. It's crazy how
much we've done in so little time. But it's a real collaboration by everyone on this day. So big thanks to everyone on what we're doing. It would be a dereliction of duty uh for us not to do the work and we've all rolled up our sleeves. We've done the work. I'm on eight committees. It's exhausting. Um
and and from that standpoint, no machine has their thumb on our forehead and everyone knows what that means. We're not doing this for any party. We're doing this for the benefit of all residents. And I just want to thank you guys all for coming out because I see these faces week and month after month, sometimes by monthly. It's just good to
see the support and I appreciate everyone here. Thank you. >> Comment. >> Yeah. So, I'll thank everyone for their positive comments. Mr. Carlin talked about taxes. I hope that you're taking advantage of the three tax programs. the
senior cit the state New Jersey the anchor and the senior citizen freeze assuming you're eligible for them. I hope you're taking advantage of them. It certainly doesn't cover your your your entire tax. Well, I know you rent anyway, but nonetheless, whatever it
whatever it covers, I hope you're taking advantage. Um, I'd like to let everybody in on a little secret with the proclamations. They're written by the organization that is pushing them. So if we had done one tonight for gun safety, it's a standard proclamation as far as
the amount of time that it takes takes time to read it. So maybe that's five minutes and it takes time to present it and that's another five minutes. It's hardly the kind of thing while while Mr. Stler is talking about how hard we work, that's not something that's going to make a difference one way or another.
And I think getting us on the record for the things that are important that do affect the town, whether we have the opportunity, the ability to change them or not, is critical so that the people that do have uh the the ability to change it are well aware that it's
important to us that they get changed. >> Right. I just want I forgot to mention uh we had New Jersey Transit on site here in Melbourne, Short Hills. We walk the platforms. We're putting a list of of wants and musthaves together and we
will send that over to the power set at New Jersey Transit. Uh and it's encompassing all of the things that Mr. Carlin said as well as uh platforms in disrepair. It's more technology. It's more integrating uh the the marketing
and the campaigns that are at the train stations on both sides because we don't control that marketing, etc. yet we're responsible for some of the other cleanliness and such. And you know, when you walk under the underpass at Short Hills, it smells like piss. I mean, what the hell's going on? Let's fix that
first and foremost. So, uh, you know, a lot of those. >> Uh, so going through all that and just making it, you know, that, you know, the what we expect and what what we expect for our town.
>> Just want to add, you know, while Mr. Cohen is correct that you know in many cases when organizations ask us to do proclamations they write the proclamations you know there in lies partisan you have these outside organizations that may or may not you
know have the best interests uh in their their statements may or may not be accurate you know it's time to look at them look the veracity of them and you know if you start doing these proclamations from outside groups it opens the floodgates and next thing you
know, instead of it taking five minutes, you're being inundated with requests. I know that I've had a lot of requests this year for proclamations. Um, and you know, we we have the policy. The the majority of the township committee has agreed on the policy. Uh, and that's the
one we're sticking with. Um, so I just wanted to uh make that point uh that it's not just about one particular proclamation or another. It's about, you know, you don't want to open the floodgates down that slippery slope. Um, over to you.
>> Yes. Um, Miss Frank, uh, I would agree. You know, I sit on the pedestrian safety advisory committee. Um, and, uh, you know, the whole design of Main Street, I think you
brought up the point, right, about reasoning for one way, right? uh and through history it was not always a one-way street and you know I'm willing to be the first to say and it was prior it was studied prior on the tension committee but I'm the first to say hey let's reopen the conversation for
two-way traffic study um it was originally done with Essex Street but you know without spending unnecessary dollars but but to you know I certainly am a proponent of slowing down you know moving from three lanes to two lanes of traffic um we've seen that uh with the
pilot program um near between Lacawana and Home Street. Um but uh you know certainly um the townway traffic study once the developments are in order is I think necessary. Um
I don't think we need three lanes of traffic uh on a downtown street. Um and I think that's a big part of the problem. And I think it's sort of there's the pentup uh of of the light timings. All of a sudden, you know, it's
a free-for-all because of where lights are or aren't. So, it's a cultural thing to start, right? Obviously, our own residents and those who are continuously visiting. Um there's also new cars that are on the street every day, right? And
we can regulate that through lights and signage. So, I'm all on board is what I'm trying to say. Um uh let's see. Um very happy to hear about meetings with New Jersey Transit. You know, I'm proud
to be part of this puzzle. You know, uh obviously something changed in January and uh I'm proud to be sitting up here and working with this team. And um you know, one of the biggest things is I think we there's a lot of attention to detail, right? And that's one thing I
love to focus on asking uh the right questions. And I mean, you've heard tonight and and throughout last couple of months, meeting with the professionals and the leaders in the subject areas, right, which maybe hasn't always been done uh and how critical it is to be uh communicating with elected
officials at all levels, having conversations, right? Because the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Uh and long-term thinking. Um so I'm really proud of long-term strategic planning committee. We're looking to streamline processes and streamline operations. I
think that's one of the biggest things making things user friendly and making things make sense um from attached government standpoint. So, thank you very much uh team and thank you very much uh for the positive comments tonight. Um and constructive comments.
Um let's see. Um I'd just say one more thing just if any every if anybody is interested in getting involved with art, email or email the township clerk. Um
and that is it from me. have a wonderful evening. >> Thank you, mayor. Just uh one uh followup in relation to the crossing at Whittingham on Milurn
Avenue. So, right now there is currently a temporary bumpout set up which reduces the traffic from three lanes to two lanes obviously with reverse angle parking also put in there. Um, what I will say is that the Milbourne Police Department conducted a detail of cops in
the crosswalk at Whittingham and Milbourne Avenue um, a few about a week and a half ago and in that detail and having observed it a little bit myself, um, they were a they pulled over 14 individuals. Now, I will tell you that
that is significant better than what it was when that was three lanes and we did that maybe it was four or five years ago. So, I think while a traffic signal may seem like a reasonable solution there, I think we
just also have to be cautious that you're not cons continuing to back up traffic when you have two signals so close together. and maybe dissolution that creates a shorter crossing which will have a rapid uh uh rectangular
flashing beacon one of those R RBs um so that and it will be it would be pushed out when the bump bump out is constructed permanently um so it's close to close to the crossing I think that would be you know uh it seems as of right now on the surface the solution is
working um I think people are finding it safer to cross not everybody might like the parking at times, but I think people are very happy with >> uh motion to adjourn. >> Second, everyone. Thank you.