I'd like to call this meeting to order, June 2nd, 2026. Can I get a roll call, please? >> Commissioner Taylor. >> Here. >> Vice Mayor Cott. >> Here. >> Commissioner Renallo. >> Present. >> Commissioner Koskinen. >> Here. >> Mayor Dixon. >> Here. Please rise with me while we Pastor Brian Robinson leads us in
invocation and salute to the flag. >> Would you pray with me? Gracious and loving God, we pause at the beginning of this meeting to acknowledge your presence and to seek your wisdom. We thank you for the privilege of living in a city where citizens can come together to govern themselves and shape
their future. We ask for your richest blessings upon the mayor, the city commission, and all city staff. Grant them discerning minds, listening hearts, and the courage to make decisions to promote justice, equity, and the well-being of every resident. Help them to be good stewards of the
resources entrusted to them and guide their conversations so that they are marked by respect, empathy, and collaboration. And may all of us who love this city work together for justice for everyone who is part of our community, whether from the wealthiest and most popular to
those who are often forgotten. We offer this prayer with grateful hearts, trusting in your continued guidance and grace. In your holy and gracious name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. [clears throat] >> Please rise and salute to the flag. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> This meeting is being conducted in accordance with the open public meetings
act of 1975, was advertised, posted, and made available to the public as required by statute. The municipal clerk is directed to include a statement in the minutes of this meeting. Madam Clerk, are there any changes to the agenda? >> There are none, Mayor.
>> At this time, we have come to the public comment section on agenda items only. If you would like to make comments on agenda items only, please go to the podium, state your name and address, and your concerns. Please limit your comments to approximately 5
minutes. Seeing no one approach the podium, I will close public comments on agenda items only. Madam Clerk, let's move to the bills. >> Yes, we just need a motion to approve the bill list. >> I'd like to make a motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Taylor. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott. >> Yes.
>> Commissioner Cosgrove. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Renella. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon. >> Yes. >> Let's move to reports of commissioners. Commissioner Taylor. >> So, I just wanted to thank the men and women men and women of the police, fire, and EMS, and emergency management for uh
going above and beyond their regular duties uh to make the little things happen for the city. Um The officers are still a little short-staffed, but that's
getting better. Um fire department is extremely short-staffed. Um EMS is building back. Um We should keep in mind that they're doing a very
tough job that a lot of people do not want to do. And they're people just like we are. They have families, they have children, and they're just out trying to do their
job and provide for their families. And I thank them for what they are doing and have been doing and will continue to do. >> Is that it for right now? >> All right, Commissioner Ronello. >> Um I'd like to start by highlighting some
of our upcoming events. While not all of these are city-sponsored events, they're wonderful opportunities happening in our community and I want to make sure that everyone is aware of them. First, the Millville Market kicks off this Thursday. Hosted by Kumari of Kumari's Garden, the
market will feature more than 20 vendors every Thursday from June 4th through October uh from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The market is going to take place on Buck Street. There was a small hiccup with the original site plan, which ultimately helped bring even more
attention to the event, so that was wonderful. Uh the market will still be held on Buck Street, but instead of being located on the left side of the street, it'll now be located on the right side of the street. Right in the parking lot directly behind the Captain Buck statue. It's a great opportunity to enjoy a
local market, support vendors, and also patronize businesses right there on High Street. Positive foot traffic benefits everyone and this is a chance to be a part of bringing that energy and activity into our downtown. We also have our annual fishing
tournament this Saturday, June 6th at Corson Park, sponsored by Millville Recreation and the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. The forecast looks absolutely beautiful. Temperatures about 90° they're saying. So, it's a great way to get these kids off the electronic
devices and start the morning outdoors. Make sure you bring your fishing pole and we will have bait available right on site. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Fishing starts at 10:00 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. Awards will be presented for both the biggest fish and the most
fish caught in three different age categories. Also taking place on Saturday, June 6th is Hope Day. And that's going to begin at noon at 102 West Foundry, the large field at the corner of Dock and Foundry. This event is sponsored by local
churches, businesses, and community members who are coming together to celebrate our community and share a message of hope. The event will feature family-friendly entertainment, groceries, giveaways, and access to community services.
And finally, just a last-minute reminder, today is New Jersey primary election day. If you haven't voted yet, polls are open till 8:00, so there's still time to make your voice heard. Some updates from our parks department. Our parks depart Our parks department has been working incredibly hard
maintaining our parks, cutting grass, cleaning and preparing Course and Park for this weekend's fishing tournament, and continuing their efforts to improve the lighting on our Sternberg light poles. Those are the black decorative lamp posts you see throughout downtown and Buck Park.
Most people walk or drive past light poles without giving them much thought, but I've been jokingly called the light bulb lady because I know how much work goes into keeping them operational. Over the last 2 years, we've had multiple poles taken out by vehicles.
Replacing just one pole can cost about $14,000, not including the electrical work involved. So, when one pole goes out, it often creates a domino effect that impacts several others. So, I just want to take a moment to thank our parks department for not
putting me in a rowboat and sending me down the river every time I ask them to prioritize this. Uh residents and businesses uh all over tell me how much they appreciate the brighter, better lighting downtown, uh but I'm not the one out there fixing busted globes and light bulbs, upgrading
fixtures to LEDs, or trying to think outside the box when it comes to preventing tampering and vandalism. It's Ed, it's Butchie, it's the entire parks department team working behind the scenes to make those improvements happen. Uh their work often goes unnoticed, but
it makes a real difference in our city, so I want to publicly thank them for their dedication and hard work. On the administrative side, Sam Cruz has been working closely with our business administrator, Mr. Bitterman, to get the elevator at City Hall repaired and back in operation. Uh Sam and Brooke have also been doing a
tremendous amount of work coordinating city events. We recently held our Memorial Day Parade, and despite having to adjust the route because of the bridge construction, everything went pretty smoothly. Uh their planning and coordination and as well as uh uh Sergeant Stagnik uh helped make that
event a success. In addition, they have been working diligently to collect and process information for our Veterans Wall of Honor. That brings me to a well-deserved shout-out to CNS Signs. Barry has been updating the Wall of Honor at an incredible pace. In one recent example,
a list of veterans' names were submitted on Friday, and they had already been added on Monday. Just last week, we were in the fourth column. We're in the sixth column right now. So, every time you go over that bridge, take a look. Uh we're proud to recognize and honor the men and women from Millville who have served our country, and Barry's responsiveness
helps ensure that those veterans receive the recognition they deserve. So, thank you, Barry, for your hard work and dedication to this important project. We have the 4th of July just around the corner. We want this to be a true community celebration, and we are encouraging local organizations,
businesses, families, and residents to get involved with our 4th of July parade as we celebrate America's 250. Participants can register vehicles, floats, walking groups, or other creative entries to be a part of the parade. Break out your best red, white, and blue, show your patriotic spirit,
and please, let's help celebrate the milestone while showing Millville that our city's really special. Uh lastly, last Friday, we officially announced our Hometown Heroes Banner Program and shared a mock-up of what those banners are going to look like. This program allows anyone to sponsor
a banner honoring a veteran or an active duty service member. To participate, applicants simply need to submit an application, a $125 sponsorship fee, and a high-resolution photograph of the service member to be featured on the banner.
The banners are going to measure 30 by 60, and they'll be displayed on all the silver poles along High Street. Because we only have space for 36 banners, participation is available on a first come, first serve basis. We've already received a strong response
with several people stopping by this week to submit applications, photographs, and payment. If you're interested in participating, please, I encourage you not to wait as the available pole locations are limited and they're going to fill quickly. If you would like to sponsor a banner,
please contact Sam Cruz for an application and additional information. And if you have any questions about the banner program, any upcoming events, or you just like to report a concern, please contact the recreation department 856-825-7000,
extension 7394. Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Renallo. Commissioner Cossabone. >> Okay, you were very, very busy there, Commissioner Renallo. Good. And so has the street cleaning up. You're fixing up, we're cleaning up. Streets
and roads for this May. Uh, let's see. They had 69 tires collected, 421 electronics collected, 292 street sweeping tickets are issued since the street sweeper is back in operation. There were 6,375
bags of loose leaves collected, 268 and 1/2 tons of brush was collected. They have been very, very busy. There's been a lot of brushes and tree limbs out there. Permanent patch was completed on Porreca Drive, Entrance to Canal Street boat
ramp was graded. They're going to start their first round of grass cutting will be starting shortly. And as of this morning, the brush crew was at White Marsh Estates working towards Laurel Lake where they will finish up. Our next
brush collection won't be until September. Residents may put that brush out to the curb the last 2 weeks of August for September's collection. I'd like to congratulate Randy Quay who is the head of our fleet department. He completed his certified public works
management. This certification is an absolute accomplishment for the city of Millville and the streets and roads department. So, congratulations to Randy. A lot of work done by 11 men who would do a fabulous job in that streets
department. Water Department, he has some upgrades going on right now. The biggest thing he said they're working on well number four for redevelopment. That's scheduled for to reinstall to start this Wednesday and should take about a week and a half.
This job is being done by A.C. Schultze and the cost is $41,000, which is out paid out of their budget. Well number four is our biggest well at the airport and vital during summer demands and to ensure we are at capacity
to supply water to the residents and commercial accounts. Once they're back online for well four, they look to get well number one at the airport redeveloped. Pleasant Drive water service replacement project, they should be starting that
shortly. That had to be went out on bid and that's going to be awarded to Perna. Then again, that we're going to do that upgrade for the water pipes before they start the paving. And right now they are working on West Kimball Avenue main
upgrade. This project is being done in house by the water utility department and consists of about 450 ft of new 6-in water mains and new services to four or five properties in the street and a fire hydrant at the end of the road. And that's about that it. They have some
other future ones in progress. Also, I'd like to give a shout out to Pete Schaefer who is the supervisor of the water department. He took a test and passed his T2. So, good things for those two guys. Thank you. >> That's it. >> Thank you, Commissioner Pasquale. >> Thank you. >> Vice Mayor Cobb.
>> Yeah, most of our departments are working behind the scenes helping out all the other departments with our finance, our payroll, tax collection, water sewer collection, and just to um
give a shout out to we hired or have interns or part-time 32 backfill positions since we took office. So, I just wanted to give a shout out to that. Clerk's office added and these are just backfilled. This isn't even growing. But, we have a new employee in Clerk's office, two in construction,
four in EMS, one's full-time and three per diems. We have a new person in finance. Parks have four new employees over that time. Personnel, we have a new personnel director who's doing amazing work. 10
new police officers, which is huge, right? That's getting us close. >> to go >> Three in the tax collector's office just alone because a lot of movement from within city. And then we have an intern helping out the engineering department. That's That's exciting, too. And then a new
project, me and Commissioner Taylor were talking about this probably a year now. Partnering with the schools. And we have two from Mills Senior High School and three from CC Tech that are coming on in a part-time basis to help us to try to
bridge that gap between the schools and the city and a lot of talent in the schools. And the more talent we can keep in Millville, the better Millville is going to do. So, I want to give a shout-out to all them. Um we also have all those projects that you've been talking about. We have um our administrator working on
trying to put that all together, right? Put all that together. Um and there's some good things coming along, too, that the public's going to be able to see. A lot more transparency, can see where projects are going, and I'm really excited about that uh down the road. So,
besides that, I'd like to uh make a motion to receive and file the tax collector's report for the month of April. Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Taylor. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Catlett. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Cosaboom. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Romanello. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon. >> Yes.
Thank you, Vice Mayor Catlett. Um we've taken a major step forward in transparency and communication with the uh citizens of the city, and that's the website. Um we have three interns from Millville High School who are going to
be collaborating with a couple other uh people that work at City Hall. We're excited to see where this website's going. Um the main goal of the website is to communicate with the citizens better with what all of the departments are
doing, what the government is doing, and also things that are happening in the city. Uh very excited about the direction of this. Very excited it's going to If you look at our old website, it's um it's a little bit outdated and a little confusing. As you go along with the website, what happens a lot of times is
uh things just get added and they end up all over the place. So, that's going to get corrected. It's going to be more user-friendly and more transparent for the citizens to see exactly what each department's doing and what your government's doing, as well. So, that's
just started moving along. Uh some grand openings happening. Um more than any We're going to start I'm going to start mentioning grand openings that are happening in the city for businesses. So, we're very happy when businesses come to the city. More than Ink on High Street. Um, they're on the first block of High Street, and they will be having
a grand opening on June 12th at 5:00 p.m. So, come on out and support a new business in the city. Um, very quickly just want to say that uh myself and uh Mayor Cott were lucky enough to be on on the television and uh
talk about the budget. So, that's another way that we're going to be giving information to the citizens. Trying to be transparent, tell the the the people of the city what's going on, what's happening. And uh this was about the budget that we spoke about, and we did our very best. We are not well, Vice
Mayor has a background in economics, is it, Vice Mayor? >> Mathematics. >> Mathematics. So, he's probably a little bit better with numbers than I am, but uh we went through it and uh did our best to explain to the citizens of the city what the budget looked like. Facade
grants are continuing with UEZ funds. If you would like to apply for facade grant uh and you are in a UEZ area and a UEZ certified business, please contact our UEZ coordinator, which is Sam Cruz. And do you have a number off the top of your
head? Sam Cruz, I know you had it. >> I have it. I got the extension. Hang on, it just went right out of my head. >> I know. It's a cell phone number. It No, I'm just >> 856-825-7000, extension 7394. >> Thank you very much, Commis- Commissioner Rinella. Um
tomorrow, June 3rd at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall Chambers, we will be reviewing uh our CDBG action plan. The CDBG funds are used to develop the community in many ways. So, if you are we get about $270,000 in grants um to do things for
the community. And there's certain areas they can be used at. If you want to see what that grant does and you want public input on to how that grant is spent, you can come to the chamber halls tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. and you can have a say and listen to how those grants are spent.
You can also find the plan on the city website. Um public comment will be accepted on the grant until June 5th. Um some engineering upgrades upgrades I mean some engineering updates the Ireland Avenue force main upgrade is
finishing they're finishing a punch list and paving of Ireland Avenue will be done in just a couple weeks. 14th Street has completed the drainage improvements and paving I believe should be done today. And last thing on my list is the
Riverfront Renaissance Center. Our engineering department is working with a contractor to address the leaks in the roof and as always engineering kind of overlaps with Carol and Mersa so I don't mean to steal their thunder on any of these things but I kind of see these things maybe a little before they see them completed so they'll probably
mention them again once they're complete. So you get to hear it twice. And that commissioners uh is the end of my report. All right. Madam Clerk, let's move to regular business.
>> Ordinances for first reading an ordinance amending the municipal code chapter 56 sewer and water. >> Make a motion. >> Second the motion. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Cossaboon? >> Yes.
>> Commissioner Ranallo? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon? >> Yes. >> Resolutions. Resolution item number one, resolution authorizing tax and utility adjustments. >> Yes. This is the monthly report of any adjustments that have been made made refunds things
such as like that for water and sewer. I'd like to make a motion. >> Second the motion. >> Roll Roll please. >> Commissioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott? >> Yes. >> Missioner Costanzo? >> Yes. >> Missioner Renella? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number two, resolution authorizing water and sewer termination.
>> Yes, so after 60 days of the water and sewer can be terminated. However, this is 6-month old list. So, if this isn't something that we just decided to do, this is actually given a 4-month grace period. So, I'd like to make a motion. >> Second the motion.
>> Roll call, please. >> Missioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott? >> Yes. >> Missioner Costanzo? >> Yes. >> Missioner Renella? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number three, resolution appointing alternate member three to the zoning board, Gregory Hennes. >> Uh this is uh Greg Hennes is someone
who's been in the community for many, many, many years in many different ways. Um he contacted me a couple months ago, wanted to find ways where he could give back to the community. I guess everybody gets to the age where they start thinking about giving back to the community. Some are
younger than others, some are older than others, but he's gotten to that point where he wants to start giving back. And I told him this would be a perfect with his experience and uh what he's done through his life, this would be a perfect way to do that. So, uh with that, can we get a motion? >> I'd like to make a motion.
>> I'll second it. >> Roll call, please. >> Missioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott? >> Yes. >> Missioner Costanzo? >> Yes. >> Missioner Renella? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number four, resolution authorizing the city of Melville to sponsor Cut International Short Film Festival.
>> This is a a event that we have sponsored for the past 5 years. I have not attended this in the past, but it's something that I'd like to go to and evaluate if this is something the city would like to continue. Um it is something that uh
brings people downtown and is something that I would like to see continue and I'd be a part of, you know, anything that brings people to the downtown area um is a good thing and I think uh
this is one of those things that uh hopefully be growing. And as always, we can evaluate this as the years go along. If it's not something that uh is growing and is bringing the thing, you know, the uh the people to the city, um it's something that we can evaluate in the
future for sure, but I think it's something that um has been growing and is uh something that can be continued and evaluated in future. And we get a motion? >> I'd like to make a motion. >> I'll second it. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Taylor?
>> No. >> Vice Mayor Scott? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kosabone? >> No. >> Commissioner Rinallo? >> No. >> Mayor Dixon? >> Yes. >> So, does not pass. Resolution item number five,
resolution to to designate Ovivo as the sole source supplier of the grit removal equipment at the Millville wastewater treatment plant. >> Make a motion. >> Second the motion. >> Commissioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Scott? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kosabone? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Rinallo?
>> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number six, resolution of support for the advancement of the Third Street and Wheaton Avenue traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements project. >> I'd like to make a motion. >> I'll second it. >> Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Scott? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Kosabone? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Rinallo? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number seven, resolution authorizing amendment number one to professional services contract with AECOM Technical Services Inc.
>> I'd like to make a motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Casaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Rinella? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dickson? >> Yes. >> Resolution item number eight, resolution authorizing discharge of mortgage 422
Ireland Avenue. >> This was a mortgage that was paid off and that's why we're discharging it. >> I'd like to make a motion. >> Second the motion. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Casaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Rinella? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dickson?
>> Yes. >> New business, new business item number one, motion to approve special event on public lands, off-road timekeeping motorcycle event, August 30th, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. >> I'd like to make the motion. >> I'll second it. >> Roll call, please.
>> Commissioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Casaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Rinella? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dickson? >> Yes. >> New business item number two, motion to change location of the Millville Market from Buck Park to the Buck Park parking lot.
>> I believe you did a great job explaining all that. How was that? Right, left? >> All right. >> Uh I'd like to make a motion. >> I'll second the motion. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Taylor? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Casaboon? >> Yes. >> Commissioner Rinella? >> Yes. >> Mayor Dickson?
>> Yes. >> We've now reached the public comment portion of our meeting. Anyone who would like to address the commission, please go to the podium, state your name and address, and your concerns. Please limit your comments to approximately 5 minutes. >> Good evening Good evening, everyone. Uh
my name is Darius Smith. Uh address Second Street, Millville. So, um I wanted to frame this as a public space quality of life issue that crosses multiple departments. Millville is investing in UEZ revital- revitalization, cameras, parks, trails, downtown improvements, and public
safety. I support that, but my question is simple. Can the residents use these spaces safely, cleanly, and comfortably? Right now, in parts of Center City, downtown retail corridors, vacant lots, parks, trails, and some nightlife areas, residents are still dealing with public
drinking, loitering, open-air drug activity, prostitution, illegal dirt bikes, ATVs, reckless e-bikes, trash, broken lights, vagrancy, gambling, etc. Um in Center City specifically, the issue is not just crime, it is the pattern of broken blinds, trash in front of houses,
um people congregating on corners, gambling in public, again drinking, loitering, nuisance activity. Um that sends the message that, you know, the standards aren't being enforced. Um regarding downtown, that has a design problem as well. If someone buys something from a store and has to walk
several blocks before finding a trash can, many people are going to litter. If it's a vacant lot I'm sorry, if if a vacant lot, retail entrance, or corner is dominated by nuisance activity, normal residents will avoid it. If the walking trail is dark, the lights are out, or people feel
unsafe, then that trail exists on paper, but is functionally unusable. Also, I want to raise a uh specific a specific concern about um licensed premises safety in regards to recent, you know, shootings, um fights, um you know, and calls for, you know, uh things
like that as well. So, this is like an amalgamation of, you know, a bunch of issues that um that I've been noticing. So, my asks are specific for the public safety department. Um I'm asking for an enforcement plan for repeating nuisance
areas, including open-air drug activity, prostitution, public drinking, gambling, um the ATVs, e-bikes, um etc. Now, as far as the licensed establishments, uh particularly the ones that serve alcohol, I'm asking whether the city has a formal review process, um you know,
that happens after shootings, a serious fight, um you know, disorderly conduct, um etc. Um maybe this process should include, you know, security plans, mandated um ID checks, um you know, ABC licensing or review, you know, when appropriate. Um for the parks and public
property, I'm asking that the walking trail be treated as a major city asset instead of an afterthought, you know, fix the broken lights, inspect the access points, and make it safe for families and residents to use. Now, for public works and code enforcement,
asking for more trash cans in walkable areas, routine cleanup, lighting check, vacant lot enforcement, and follow up on repeat nuisance properties. So, um and then I have a few other concerns as well that were brought up by some of my Facebook followers. They
wanted to know specifically regarding, I guess it's the public works, is to fix the sewer and main on Buckinghye to confirm that there are no private water wells, cesspools, or septic tanks in the area. And then, um as far as Sharp Street, there have been a few comments regarding
potholes and things like that making the road, you know, not particularly the easiest to drive. So, is there a plan to rectify that? And with that, I'll yield my time. >> Thank you, David. Thank you, Mr. >> Hello, my name is Kent Haley, 801 Cedar Street, Millville. Just wanted to make a comment. Memorial
Day parade, thank you to the commissioners for sponsoring it, I'm assuming sponsoring it. And to Mayor Dixon and Commissioner Cott, both presentations were wonderful and they meant a lot. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right, seeing no one at the podium,
I will close the public comment portion of the meeting, and we will close with commissioner final statements. Commissioner Taylor. >> So, Mr. Smith, uh um as far as the [snorts] bar problems, we
are working on that. Um I know that uh the chief and the lieutenant of the detective division, Lieutenant Ayers, have been working on those problems, and they're going to be talking to the ABC. Not just the uh one bar, but uh
possibly all of them and are reevaluating those. Uh we're going to also work with uh Mayor Dixon and his department um to see uh where we can go with with it on his end of it. Um the uh I've noted the other problems that
you've brought up. Um you talked to me the other day about the vagrancy problem and stuff like that. Um we are working on that. Um it's a slow process. It's not a speedy process uh just because of the way
that it has to be done. You kind of have to do it in a kind matter. It's not as easy as people think it is. Um Commissioner Cott and Commissioner Renello with uh a very large contingent of services people have been uh
evaluating, identifying, and going out to the different sites. It just takes a little bit of time. Um but we are working on that as well. Um Uh we it public safety is very important.
Um one of the reasons why I voted for uh no for the um the film festival uh donation or support is because if I need things done in public safety, um
I cannot in good conscience dole out money for certain things or for anything, rather, until public safety is up to the standards that I want them to be up to,
that the people and the citizens expect them to be up to, and I just feel that uh every little bit at this point in time with the tax raise and everything that we have, that every little bit that we need to
keep uh we need to think long and hard about before we just start giving it out. Um and public safety to me comes first. Um we have officers [clears throat] that we need to hire. We have
desperate need of firefighters and EMTs at the firehouse, some restructuring, and it is all coming to a standstill at this point uh because of budget budget issues,
and I am not going to uh overlook that. So, that's one of the reasons why I voted no for the uh the film festival uh support. And I That's all I have right now.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Chavis. Commissioner Renelles. >> Um yeah, [clears throat] uh Mr. Haley, first I just want to say uh thank you for your kind words to us about the Memorial Day parade. I thought it went pretty well. I was a little nervous uh how that new uh route was going to go, but it went
pretty good. And it felt good for us to all be out there walking, and uh it was a proud moment. Um Mr. Smith, you um were talking about the walking trail, as well as the trash cans. Um
the trash cans, I could give you a great example. Um I was in Bach Park today, uh just giving kudos to our clean team, cuz they were out there pressure washing uh under the gazebo, all of the benches, and it's looking pretty pretty good right now.
Um and I witnessed somebody walk over and throw a paper away right next to the trash can. Um I don't know if putting 99 trash cans in one little area is really going to change is going to change that mentality. Um
I think pride really is is really what's going to change it. It's more of a mentality uh than it is uh trash cans. If there's a specific trash can that you're you're I would be glad to talk to you in a couple minutes afterwards, but um in reference to the walking trail, the walking trail is closed. Uh it has
been closed to the public for a little over 2 years now. Um our engineering department since we came in has been working really hard uh to figure out what needs to be done. Um and to be blunt with you, it's a funding issue, but we can't even put funding
towards this issue until we figure out a plan uh on fixing it. Uh you can't just throw money at a problem without a plan. So uh collectively our engineering team, our business administrator Samantha Cruz, uh everybody's getting together and trying to figure out a long-term
solution to bring this walking trail back. Uh um Vice Mayor Cotton and I were out there walking it about 2 weeks ago, uh and it's still such a beautiful trail. It really is. Um and you know, once once that work is repaired to it, I I think
we'll all be happy to see it back open again. Um so, thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Rinallo. Uh Commissioner Cassab. >> Okay. Uh I did fail to mention uh on the ordinance that we passed, we're
increasing our tapping fees. That is a profit for the city of Melbourne. We have been way, way, way behind on what we are charging. So, we are going to be upping this. This is no cost to the resident. This is all for workers who
come in here and they use our water. They fill up their tanks. Their trucks are full of water and we're charging like $5 for 1,000 gallons. Well, we're not doing that any longer. We're going to be competitive with the other cities and towns around us. So, that's a big
thing for the city of Millville. Um Mr. Smith, I would like to speak with you afterwards. Um I need to probably for Bucking High, I need to talk with the sewer department, the engineering, and the roads department as to is this
what is actually the issue issue. So, I will do that. Um as for Sharp Street, that's a county road. That is not our district, so you can get in touch with them. Um other than that, I agree with uh Commissioner Renallo, the trash cans it doesn't matter how many trash cans are
out there if it's called you're right, pride. We have to start taking pride in our city. We are no longer a dumping ground. We need to start looking out for our city. We need to improve it. And it starts a little bit at a time. So, if you see see
a piece of trash, pick it up. If you have brush in front of your curb, clean it up. It makes it look so much nicer. Adopt a road, exactly. Chris Finch will give you everything you need to adopt a road. Adopt a sewer
drain and clean that drainage system out so the water can drain out. And if you do if you need that, 825-7000 and get the streets department and we'll be glad to help you. Take pride. Take pride in Millville. We can do this. We can fix Millville.
A little bit at a time. >> Thank you, too. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner Casabone. Vice Mayor Clark. >> Uh yeah, first uh I don't want to go back too far, but I I I did make a mistake a couple meetings ago. On May 4th, uh I forgot to give a shout out to the Hope
Center. Um They had 150 people that day. Uh they brought in mobile units, they brought in complete care. They gave services to so many people that day. Um
and somehow I forgot to mention that and I I do apologize. I'm surprised Donna didn't come and smack me upside the head, but luckily she's such a nice person she didn't do it. Uh but what a fabulous event uh for people that was in need. It wasn't just for homeless, it's for anybody that
couldn't afford something. Um they had probably 20 different vendors offering help. So, I want to correct that wrong by not giving that proper shout out back in May 4th. Um Olympic Day. We also participated in Olympic Day. Once again, that's an honor
every year to watch those kids walk down High Street to Broad and then just the friendly competition and the the glow in their eyes of just that they had they had a good time and then watching some of the commissioners act like kids. Um three of
us may or may not have a finger puppet on um representing Yeah, your speech was really good. Um except well, really wasn't. I'll give it one out of five. Go Jets. Um but um >> [laughter] >> it's just fun watching those kids be
kids and and letting us be kids for the day. Um Memorial Day is an honor for me. Um it was an honor to put the flags on the cemetery. My father's buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. He is a vet and I got to place
a flag on that and watch 20 people out there that day and barely say a word. Uh it was very somber event. We walked around, did what we had to do, honor those who are no longer with us. And uh
just a great reminder of where we came from and where we're going. And then to follow it up by the Memorial Day parade. Um what a great honor that was. Uh my good friend Samantha Cruz came to me and asked me to be the keynote speaker that
day and uh it wasn't easy. Um I normally don't like doing that on Memorial Day because I'm a living veteran and it's hard to pay homage to those who are no longer here, right? Because that day is about
them. Um but that was a well-attended day for the rain and for what it was and the and the change of plans, so uh that's that will stay with me for a while. That was a good event. Um couple other things I just want to mention. We
talked about Week in the Third. We sort of skipped over a little bit today. That's a calming thing that's going to cost the citizens no money. They are grants. I don't know if we said that. I just want to put that out. We have High Street coming as well. That's going to do some calming for the the traffic there. That will also be at no cost.
Um we did talk about it at the work session. I just wanted to mention again uh today. Uh the walking trail. So, we did walk that. Um I know it's not open to the public, but we do a monthly service where we try to help people
struggling with homelessness. And we we we had probably 10 different services there. Um we go to any encampments we can find or that's been told to us. Um our parks and rec is pretty good at knowing where
they're at cuz they get a lot of phone calls as well as our uh police department. So, we lean on them and the Hope Center. So, those three departments give us, you know, the locations. And we hit them. We go there with services not to just
move them along, but actually to provide long-lasting help. Um we've helped uh five or six people in the two times we went there. Most of them the first time we went and they're still following up on services, right? Cuz if we don't follow up, they're just going to be right back where they're at and that
doesn't help anybody. So, we've been trying to take more of approach to to walk with them, treat them with dignity and respect and try to get them the help they need. Um, but the walking trail is a treasure to me and I would love to see that that is
a huge deal for Millville when that was up and running. Um, I would love to see that back, but it does take takes time and money, a lot of money that we're trying to figure out, but don't give up on us with the walking trail. Um, the Millville market,
uh, that's Thursday. That is a positive thing for the city. Um, and a little negativity made it more positive and that's what I love about the city. Uh, right? Sometimes, uh, sometimes good things come out of, you know,
little twists and turns. So, if you want the city to be better, Mission Millville gives you a lot of events going on. And, uh, I'm a little upset about Tanner. He didn't want to come to the microphone today, which is weird for him. Um, but
the historical society, the parks and rec, there's a lot of great, great events going on in Millville. And the more we can start seeing people come out to them, the positive drives out the negative. And I think that goes to what Darius was talking about. The the I know
he talked about trash cans, but I see what he's talking about, right? We have to it's one part of a whole machine that we have to fix. It's that mentality and culture. Uh, we have to get people down walking High Street, enjoying themselves,
feeling safe about being there, which, uh, Commissioner Taylor's been working on. We're trying to have improvements coming on at High Street, but we need people to come out to these events and we need more events. And I know it got shot down today, but that was my reasoning for voting on that and we will
we were going to evaluate and we still will for next year. Um any positive coming is is a win for the city. And I truly believe that. Um and sometimes things have to be reevaluated and looked at again, but uh
yeah, I I'm excited about some of the things coming down and I hope we continue to move and make Millville better and make people feel safer. And that's a big problem. If you don't feel safe, you're not going to go to these events, so we're working with you, Daris, and what we're trying to make things happen, so
keep them coming, now. We want to hear you, right? Because uh you're not afraid to tell us and and we want to know, so okay, we appreciate it. And we appreciate anybody that comes up to that microphone with an idea, suggestion, you know, or or something that they see we can do better, so.
>> Thank you, Vice Mayor. Um not to duplicate what anybody said, I'm just going to jump to the last thing on my list here. Um our solicitor just got back from vacation, so it's good to have you back, uh Mr. DeMichele. >> It's great to be back. >> He looks better, doesn't he?
>> He does. He looks rested and uh you know, you were in uh the Netherlands, was it? >> Scandinavia. >> Scandinavia, even better. Even better. So, it's good to have you back, but when you were away as uh Mr. uh Smith alluded to,
was there was a shooting um on High Street. And I I want to speak with you after um I told you I want to talk to you after. One of the things I want to talk about is I do believe the commission has the authority and the power to deal with
these things directly rather than pawning it off on the ABC. I do believe very strongly if we have the power to do something and we choose not to act, then we are culpable. If we feel like pawning it off on someone else to do the dirty work, then
you can come up to that podium and blame us every time. But I'm going to be speaking with a solicitor after to see what our authority is in this situation. I do believe through my research that we have the direct authority to review and call hearings to these bar owners and have
them answer for their lack of security and we can close them down and we can uh uh have a hearing and ask them to do things to mitigate the issues. So, like I said, if we have the power to do something we choose not
to act, then absolutely come up to that podium and call us out. I I believe we should use everything at at our disposal that we have in the law to help control this town. And it's time that we as a commission stopped I bring this up. I've brought
this up three, four, five times in the past 2 weeks. And I'm a little disappointed at the the uh I'm a little disappointed that this hasn't uh caught on with the rest of commission, but we absolutely have the the authority as a commission to call a hearing.
And I think that's something we should do. All right, it's within our power, it's within our authority and that's why we're sitting up here is to make things better in our city better in the city and if we choose not to do that, then shame on us. And that's all I have. Um
can I get a motion to adjourn the meeting? >> I'll like to make a motion. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Commissioner Taylor. >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor Cott. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Costaboolis. >> Yes. >> Commissioner Renello. >> Yes. >> Mayor Dixon. >> Yes. With that, we are adjourned.