didn't want us to assume any responsibility. I saw you should have discussion with >> Okay. >> I tell them you told me to call. >> Good evening everyone. Welcome to the township council meeting of August 12th, 2025.
This is a regular meeting of the council of the township of Montclair. It's being broadcast live on channel 34. It's streaming live on Montclair TV 34 YouTube channel. It's available on demand and can and will be rebroadcast.
Sunshine statement. This meeting is called pursuant to the provisions of the open public's meeting act. This meeting was included in the revised annual notice of the meeting schedule as set forth in resolution R-25-038 adopted by the township council at the
regular meeting of February 25th, 2025, advertised to the official newspaper on March 6, 2025, posted on the bulletin boards outside of the Montlair Municipal Building and has remained continuously posted. In addition, a copy of the
revised annual notice is and has been available to the public and is on file in the office of our municipal clerk. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. 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. >> Madame clerk, will you please do the roll call? >> Deputy Mayor Anderson,
>> here. Councelor Birmingham, >> here. >> Councelor Damato >> here. >> Councelor Laughman >> here. Councelor Toller, >> good evening. Present. >> Councelor Williams absent. Mayor Baskerville >> present. >> Um at this point in time, um do we have
any We're going to um do the approval of the minutes. Uh the minutes from the July 22nd, 2025th meeting and August 2025th. Uh, does anyone have any changes that
they would like to um have considered before we vote on them? >> I only just wanted to make sure that I think in the August one uh the previous one where we had the uh the pesticide thing that there was huge chunks of text
that were added in and if that could be cleared. You had there were a lot of amendments in it that look kind of complicated as long as we're all confident. I don't remember it as we were doing it. >> Okay. >> So, was that not included? Because I thought when they when we repeated when
we did it, >> it's in the minutes. Nicely done. It's in the minutes. Nicely done. I just want, you know, I'm asking the deputy mayor if she's >> Okay. >> I didn't see any issues. >> Okay. >> Okay. Good. Thank you. That's all. >> Okay. Um, I'd like to make a motion,
please, that we accept the um minutes from the July 22nd, 2025 meeting and August 1st, 2025. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Any abstensions?
>> Okay. Um, and so at this point in time, we are going to um go into the executive session. And the purpose of the executive session is to uh discuss um
litigation and personnel >> also interviewing. >> Yeah. The um personnel matters um also include interviewing for our uh attorney position. As you remember from the last meeting, we began the process then and
we're going to continue it now. We are expecting that this meeting will probably start as close to 700 p.m. as we can can make it. Um there is everybody that's the thought, right? Yes. Okay. Good. So motion to adjourn
for executive session and we look forward to you returning um at around 7 p.m. Thank you. Second. All in favor? I Sorry. All right, you're live. >> Thank you. I'd like to make a motion,
please, that we exit the executive session. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> All opposed? Any abstensions? Okay. Um, tonight we are very fortunate to to have with us a team from PSENG and
they're going to do a presentation on the electrical substation. Um, if you all would come forward at this time please. >> Good evening. No, I'm gonna I'm just gonna say some remarks and pass it off. Pass it off. So,
>> no. Alan, do you need a mic? No. No. We're good. Um, can you hear me? >> Yes. >> Okay, great. Uh, good evening. Um first we just just want to say thank you mayor and council members um for accepting our invitation or extending the invitation
for us to come talk to you about um this very critical project that we are looking to embark on uh which is to upgrade the current substation in Montlair which services um this lovely community as well as some of your our neighbor our neighboring uh residents in
Bloomfield, West Orange and Glenn Ridge. Uh we look at this as a critical lynch pin for our um reli for our effort to reliability. Um and I'm going to pass it off to my colleague Alan who can get into the more nitty-gritty details of why we need to upgrade this very
important station. And also have some colleagues from uh from the company who can answer some questions um that can cover a variety variety of topics. Now we have limited time. I'm going to stop yapping and pass it off to the expert here. I'm going to turn it over to my colleague Alan.
>> Thank you. Good evening, mayor and council members. The Montlair substation, originally built in 1925, continues to operate with some of its original equipment as in and is in need of a substantial upgrade. It
currently supplies power to approximately 10,000 customers and as you see on the map on the right, it spans all four wards in Montlair. It includes 21 substations, five emergency facilities, 38 places of worship, and multiple township facilities in the
Montlair area. Given its age and condition, the probability of equipment failure over the next several years has been assessed up to 52%. At a century old, the substation no longer meets regulatory codes, making a
full replacement essential to ensure reliable service for both its residents and its businesses alike. In recent years, residents and businesses within the service area of the existing Montlair substation have experienced prolonged unplanned power outages. These
disruptions can be directly linked to failure of the aging equipment at the substation. A new Montlair substation will enhance local electric reliability and significantly reduce the supply interruptions caused by the aging
equipment. In addition, it will strengthen PSCG's capacity to meet the growing electrical demands of Montlair and Essis County as well as supporting future economic development and rising energy needs. Constructing a new
facility is critical to maintaining safe, adequate, and reliable service for Montlair and surrounding communities. Furthermore, equipment failure or supply line disruptions at the Montlair substation during high demand periods
could result in unintentional feeder outages and widespread power loss. Such outages pose a serious risk to health, welfare, and safety as well as security of thousands of residents and businesses. PSEG will host multiple
public outreach meetings, one for the entire town and another specifically for residents living near the affected area. Dates and times for these meetings are still being finalized and will be communicated once they are confirmed. So, as you see here, and I stated
earlier, the red bold line is the approximate extent of the service area that is fed off of the Montlair substation at the corner at at Valley in Portland. Um, and then I'll pull up another
On the right is the existing PSENG substation. Uh, and on the right is the aerial is a well front shot of the station itself. The building that exists to date that's 100 years old.
Any questions? >> So, what's the plan? >> The the plan is to procure property across the street at the corner of Portland and Valley. Sorry, sorry, my fault. Um, the plan is to procure property at the corner of pro of
Portland and Valley to construct the new Montlair substation. >> Question. Thanks. Yes sir. >> Um if this project if we approve it um how long would the project take to from start to end for you know completion because my concern are the residents in
the area traffic being stopped on Valley Road. Um while I I understand it's over 100red years old now. Um I'm just curious how long do you think something like this would take to erect from beginning to end? So for construction, we average about 16 to 18 months of
construction at which point PSEG will do everything in our power to limit the amount of disruptions to the residents and of Montlair. >> When you say disruption, you mean like would we lose power while this is happening? >> No, the existing station will remain in
service during the con during the construction of the new station. Uh so that so residents will not lose power during the construction. Um once the station is fully constructed then the circuits will be cut over to the new station and which can be done with
minimal loss to to residents for residents. >> And one other question I'm sorry you've done these type of projects in other municipalities. >> That is correct. >> And the benefits and the the pros and the cons if you can just share a few. The pros are definitely being
considering that we are going towards electrifying everything in our lives, cars, everything your house sc you know gas we speak gas ranges and stoves are now electric. The new station will be able to accommodate future load
growth as well as ensure that the existing residents have reli have ability for reliable and resilient system >> for them to use. >> Do you want to hear about all the dates we lost power in the fourth war? I can
give you the date. Okay. >> Can you please um tell us in a little more detail about what properties you will need in order to make this happen? You said you know the corner of valley and some you weren't very specific in terms of what properties you will need.
>> So it's I can circle here. I'll zoom in. So, it would be the property the properties directly behind your current police precinct and several adjacent properties that I believe are
or open lots on the screen as you see. >> Oh, thank you. Thank you. >> That's on the police station side. >> This is the police station. So, we'll we'll need to purchase parking um lots that are currently used
for parking >> and the adj and several adjacent lots. >> Okay. >> To build the station. >> Deputy mayor. >> Um I I mean I to me it's this is something that is very needed. I addressing aging infrastructure proactively is something that I think is
really important. I guess I want to I would like to know um if you could provide a little bit more information about you know um and maybe you could draw upon um other experiences how the community outreach and input um would occur and if you could be a little bit
like can we be a little bit clearer about you know what um input would be sought by residents like what are the some of the things that residents can provide input on that that can be adjusted in the plan. So, at the public outreach meetings, um that's when the
best opportunity for them to provide input. It would be uh items that they desire, whether it be a greenery, uh murals on the perimeter wall, anything that you know, things that they would like to see so that the station can blend in and
blend in with the surrounding area of Portland Place. >> Any public space that you'd like the community to know about at this time? any areas that will be used for public space in this or not at this time? >> Uh I think that's it's a little too
early to to determine that. But um just to kind of put a finer point on um on Allen's comments around community input. Um we don't want to come in as the um big bad utility per se. We want to be partners and we know that partnership
requires engagement. So, which is why we are more than willing to do those um community outreach meetings, but also from the community perspective, they get to tell us what kind of in input on what this is going to look like. They're going to have to look at this every day. So, we want to really do that in a in an
earnest way to get not not only just buy in, but also uh make them feel like they're part of the process to a certain degree. Councelor Lochman, you know, just to be perfectly clear and that the public knows and perfectly clear,
Monontlair has no choice in this. You are going to put a substation there, right? There's no other alternative sites that you've looked at. This is the place that will maximize the benefit to the town. So, I I just want the public
to know that this is not We can negotiate what it looks like. We can negotiate how much we we earn. We um you pay us for this, but this is going to happen, right? >> I I'd like to
>> So, is this a need? Yes, absolutely. >> I'm not asking this a need. I'm saying that public service is going to come in here and they're going to build a substation. There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. >> I wouldn't I wouldn't I wouldn't phrase it like that. Like I said, I I like I my my comments around concert and
partnership are true. Um, yes, this is a need, but again, we rather do it with a willing partner as opposed to an adverse an adverse partner partnership. >> I'm not saying that we're not willing. I'm just saying that the public needs to know that this will happen and therefore they need to come to community meetings
to, you know, give input into what it will look like. >> But it's going to happen. >> Councelor Birmingham. Thank you, Mayor. Um, can I just ask you, it's going to increase capacity. How much bigger than the existing
building there will it be? Ultimately, >> currently we're still working through the design. So, we don't have I don't have that specific information for you. >> Do you happen to have any examples? I know that, you know, that was builtund, you know, years ago as you said, and
it's very blocky and it's very, you know, no window, nothing, no facade or like, you know, minimal. Do you have any examples of ones that you've built recently? any pictures that you might have? >> Unfortunately, not here. >> Um, but we do have other stations that have been completed.
>> Yeah. If if that's something um that the council will be interested, I can send over a packet that kind of outlines some of the more recent stations that we've done in Orange, Norc, East Orange, um, and even um, Hoboken. Uh, so again, those stations, each of them have a
unique design. Again, with the community partnership, the community gets to be a part of that process. Um but at the end of the day um they are things that we're proud of because they still provide reliable energy but also they are landmarks of the community with that from that input. But I can share
something if you're interested >> and ultimately it's just more reliable electricity is what the ultimate benefit is. >> Correct. >> Yes. Council Damato, >> just on that that point of what it might look like from what I recall and we did see, you know, uh we did know about the
possibility of this some time ago and and um but it wasn't certain. Uh but I as I recall like the practices now would be that you would have a perimeter around the thing so it's set back. It's not going to be on the street. the structure is not on the street and that
you just need to be able to have a perimeter where there's setback and it can be planted within that perimeter with with you know some trees and s such right >> the building itself or >> yes the building itself is not built to the to the lot fabric right okay and
then the question that uh what I don't know is you then do not need the previous building at all correct >> as of right now there are no plans for the existing Monontlair substation once the new one is in service, >> but it wouldn't normally be the case
that you would that you would still need that other building. >> There could be a chance. >> Okay. >> Um but as of right now, it's not I can't definitively answer that question. >> Oh, good. Thanks, >> Mayor. >> Yes, councelor Toller. >> Right. Um so, thank you. I'm sorry you don't have any pictures to share with
us, but maybe you can walk us through a verbal visual. Um what would the height look like? Uh what type of materials would be used to cover? Is that the right word? >> Yes. >> What kind of height are we talking about? On the corn? It's on the corner, correct?
>> Yes. Yes. The the height of the building, it's a two-story building, so approximately 30 ft in height. >> Okay. >> Um it it will be set back so that it's not directly on the property line. Uh and then there will be other additional
electrical equipment surrounding that building >> and that will be covered or >> those remain covered. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Cuz I'm worried about sunlight, people losing sunlight. >> Understood. Yeah. Understood. Yeah. The the the material of the building and the wall. um we will work with the community
and and the residents and the administration to align with what is desired and again fitting into the aesthetics and the character of the community. >> Thank you. Yeah, I I think that that's very important to stress and I think that um councelor Lochman was going
there and I hope that everyone is listening because if my understanding is correct, you're saying that the community can participate in the design and so at this point in time if you start telling us a lot of things that are already in place that might sound
like it's in contrary to the fact that the community will be able to come and help even with regards to the open space. I know at one point in time when um you were very kind and we went through this we talked about you know the need for some open space and so
there's a lot of options but I think it is important that everybody come out and be a part of this and so when it starts to get developed you will be there they don't we can they showed us uh a lot of different ways that this can look it doesn't have to look like this clunky
little square box there so please come out and get involved with this. >> Yes. >> Oh, I'm sorry, Deputy Mayor. >> That's okay. Um, so just to be clear, um, is there a risk in putting this
project off um for an extended period of time? I mean, I I mean, there is a it's it's a very old station. And I know that you're doing a similar out um uh initiatives in surrounding towns to help make the um uh electrical service more
resilient and reliable. >> So I'm I sure Allan has a very a great answer and detailed answer, but I we look at it from the perspective of if uh you replace every part in your car except for
um these stations. We are we're upgrading stations and surrounding communities again to enhance reliability. So if one part's not working, it compromises the entire integrity of the whole network. So we're not I'm not I wouldn't say something's going to fail tomorrow, but again, if
we're upgrading all these stations in these other towns, there has to be some type of uniformity um and also just some some uh continuity around what loads can be carried to again increase reliability. Our goal through all these efforts is to keep the power flowing,
keep the lights on, no pun intended. Um, so again, we're just trying to keep continuity within our infrastructure. >> That's perfect. >> Just wondering about the noise is would it be like a I'm just trying I'm sorry. I'm I'm no engineer, so I'm just
wondering, you know, if this happens and goes across the street, would this be any kind of noise that acoustics would be bouncing off of people's homes or vibrations of any kind? So during innately during construction there is >> I mean after it's up and running.
>> Oh after after construction. No there there will be veryable noise. Uh I think the most what might be the loudest sound that could possibly be heard is standing right in front of it of course is when the fans turn on for a transformer but across the street that sound is is is not very audible.
>> Okay at all. >> Yes. Councelor Lman just one more question. Are are you going to tell us what the um current the data is on current failure rates or um brown outs, blackouts, whatever, so that we have an
idea how this will improve. When we see the data when we this is built, we'll see this is the improvement. So just to give us some comfort that there is indeed a a benefit to this. >> Unfortunately, I don't have those exact data at the moment. It does take
unfortunately internal the stakeholders time to compile it to give it an actual fruitful response to that question. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um but I I just to answer that part that that question in part partially um the station is going to enhance reliability.
Um as as Montlair continues to grow and be the economic provider that it is to this to this county as businesses come, they're going to need energy. Um, so again, we can work to get the data uh that you're that you're seeking. Um but
again this is definitely going to be an be the added value but >> yes >> but if you if you could get for us um examples of substations that have gone into resident specifically residential
neighborhoods that would be really helpful because I know I was just looking some up and there are parts of towns that are industrial and we don't really have anything like that here. So if that if you could get us what you find what you consider to be really nice
examples of placed in residential neighborhoods. >> Absolutely. Thank you. >> May I think that's a great question but I know when we heard from them early when we heard from them earlier a few months ago how many I mean how far away do you have to be to transfer the old to the new? Because this isn't something
that we can just for example drop in the middle of Nish of Nishaw Wayne or Edgemont Park because the current transformer is on Valley Road. So how far would you need to be or how close do you need to be from moving those wires? >> Yeah.
>> So ideally the new new stations not just Montlair the new stations are as close as possible to the existing station. Um if hypothetically there's opportunity to purchase properties nearby um that that's perfect perfect case. Um the
closer the further we get from our stations the more difficult it becomes and the more impact it does have on the town and the residents. Uh the reason being is the existing station will still serve as a connection point from the old
equipment to the new and the further we get get away from that the more routing whether it be underground or overhead in any specific town um will need be needed to make that connection. >> Okay. And you can definitely get us some drawings and as councelor Birmingham
stated she'd like to see some in what they look like in residential areas. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> No. No. Okay. Thank you so very much for coming. >> Thank you so much. Thank you very much.
>> Um at this point in time, we're going to move to the public comment portion of our meeting. Agenda items. >> Did we vote on that? >> We voted on it. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's on the open.
>> That's what I'm asking. Did we vote on that? >> Well, we need to at least get I saw it was written there. >> Okay. I saw that it was written there. I am just asking if we ever had that discussion and voted on it as a team. Um
we we did notice um in here that this would be two minutes. I'm a little concerned because the last resolution that I was able to see that this council voted on on September 24th 24 said that we were going to do three minutes and that we were going to do everybody that
wanted to speak. So we're now trying to move to something different. So I just have to make sure that that is the will of this body because we have not voted on that and we don't have another resolution. So, um, should we do this by
resolution? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Is that okay with the council? >> You have any problem with >> Okay. Yeah. It's not that. So, um, this council has been trying to move to a more efficient way to do the public
comment and we are trying to move towards a twominut public comment and many of the council members have recommended that we do a um two minutes for agenda items only at the beginning and um at the end of the meeting another
opportunity for people to have public comment uh at that time. So um it's the will of this body by majority. Hm. >> Mayor. >> Yes. >> Uh never mind. I'm sorry. I apologize. I apologize.
>> No, I mean if if you if you want to say say something, it's it's fine. >> Introduce it because there is a new process in which >> so we're working on a new process. The idea is that we would be centering what the business that we're working on every
night. So the first round of comments are about what's on the agenda which allows make sure that people get in a word about what we're going to work on. So everybody can focus on that and then after that everybody can say what they want. But
under this I under this s system people would have to specify what they're talking about. So, as long as everybody understands that that you're going to need that, you should indicate which item on the agenda you'd like to speak about in this first round. So, if
there's anybody, you know, if if you know, if you're here to talk about something that we're actually going to do tonight, >> I this is how I personally feel again for tonight because this is public comment and it doesn't it it's not very
clear that it's agenda items only. And I just think we have a lot to get through because we're only meeting once a month. >> I think we personally I think we should just let everybody speak. I agree >> now and then next we can try but right
for now we should let everybody speak in >> I agree wholeheartedly and I was surprised to see that this was change without there being a resolution because normally this council tries to do things by resolution which means that seven members will discuss it and agree on
something. This was discussed among a a subcommittee but we never got there. So I think for tonight we should um move towards the two minutes and we should let you come and speak. Uh there will be one public comment and it's starting
now. So please if you have not gotten the number will you get a number and then move forward. Um then as we take any further action we will take it by resolution and a vote by this council. The first does anyone have a number? Did
we give out numbers? Oh, please. Hi. Welcome. Thank you, >> wonderful mayor and council people. My name is Penny Patnod. I reside at 73 Essex Avenue here in Montlair. I am the organizer for the Montlair townwide garage sale. This is the third annual
year that I've done that. And I have come to ask if the council and the mayor would consider for this one event to please wave the uh the garage. Um, I'm sorry to please wave the fee that one
needs in order to have a garage andor yard sale at their property. We do this um to profit or to support the human needs food pantry. All of the money, the registration, all of the funds go directly to the human needs food pantry.
The first year that I did do this, we did it in May. um about 25% of the people registered and they paid for the actual permits and they did not receive the permits. So I am asking if we could please eliminate or wave the permits for
the garage sale to profit the human needs food pantry which is also 501c organization. I'm going to um ask our attorney Mr. Tantuski please if you would um opine on that. I know we've had some conversations and I know it was my
thought that uh we couldn't do that because if we did that now we would have to wave quite a few others. But I'd like to get a legal opinion on this matter. And I also found out that as much as I wanted to assist you with that because I'm an elected official here, I can't do
that either. So it's not that I'm not understanding and I really would like for all of us to be able to help um you know with your fundraiser, but let's get a legal opinion. I can appreciate your concern. I I would have to review the ordinance that would govern whether or not the governing body
can in fact wave that fee as the mayor noted may have other implications. What I can promise you is that I'll review it and we can have a discussion about your recommendation or your proposal unless the best we could do at this point in time. Anyway, >> thank you. I appreciate the consideration. >> Excuse me. When is this councelor Birmingham? >> Thank you, mayor. Sorry. When is the
garage sale? >> September 20th. >> Okay. >> Which is a Saturday from 9:00 to 5:00 at various residents in town. >> Okay. Thank you. Sure. Any other >> Thank you and thank you so much for what you're doing. >> Thank you so much. >> Next guest, please.
>> Hello. Good evening. >> Good evening, >> mayor, respected committee. My name is Mr. Arshid. I lived on Church Street for the last 47 years by the circle. The war used to be the war accountant. Um,
I can proudly say that for the last 27 years with the restaurant owning, nobody ever walked out of my restaurant hungry. Whether they left their wallet home or they had no money or they were homeless people. I still feed the homeless people. I address the homeless people, but we lived with homeless people. We
had Jewels for the last 30 years. Tommy, I'm sure you guys are familiar with those names. He passed away. Freddy who's still around. They are peaceful people. But lately since after the pandemic of Corona, we were hit with big waves of different levels of homeless
people. Some of them mentally need some help. Some of them financially, some of them customer being chased away from church streets. Last month I called the police when when the a girl was walking up to the store counting her money. Some one
homeless people walked into her, scared her. I called the police, solved it. Last week, one of my tenants comes home at two o'clock in the morning. Homeless people sleeping in the in the in the hallway between the two doors. He chased him with a knife.
Few days ago, week ago, Bob Budhurst, he's a professor at Montre University and Rutker. He was punched in the face in front of Starbucks Valley Road upper Mon. These are things are getting out of control. It's a thickening bomb that something dramatic will happen and then
we're going to feel sorry that we didn't do anything about it. I'm not saying we need to live without homeless people, but we need to do something to control the homeless people a little bit. We invested millions of dollars in downtown to improve the business to
bring in new customers, but the homeless people are hurting everybody. I have tenants who moved out because of I cannot control the homeless people from going inside the hallway and smoking and sleeping and doing other things that whether I don't want to talk
about it right now. I clean their messes from peeing to other things and it's gone out of control and something will happen something dramatically will happen when somebody's chased by a knife and somebody being hit in the face 80 years old professor very humble very lovely person he used to play NBA in Tel
Aviv in 1970s and his picture is still in the hall of fame in Tel Aviv to be punished by in the face by somebody he was hurt I went to his house he was crying he lost his wife two three years ago he said I was not hurt. He not
physically, but he was hurt emotionally at this age to be to be insulted and attacked by somebody. We need to do something about it, please. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next guest, please.
>> Good afternoon. >> Good evening. >> My name is Safy Dilby. Uh, I own a convenience store in our neighborhood, 88 Church Street, and I'm here because of the safety. I became a serious concern. Unhoused individual regularly gather around my business. They come inside and outside. We're I'm bigging on
exactly what he said. Uh, we are in the same neighborhood. We are on the same street. They come around our business. They come inside. They steal from our store. They go outside. They harass customers. They chase customers outside the store every single day. They come,
they ask me for money, and if they say no, they attack them, they do stuff, and then when we call the cops, the cops come and tell us they cannot do anything about it. Their hands are tied. And I'm with them. I I do the same thing that this gentleman just said, I help them. I
feed them. I take care of them. But there's a line that I cannot really do more than that. They come in and I tell them, "You guys respect us. You come, you come into the store, not a problem. We feed you. We take care of you. Just show us some respect. We're here because
we have I have workers that stop working for me because they're scared. They're scared of their life. >> I can't hire young people anymore because anytime a young girl or a young kid comes work for me for the summer, they're like, "We can't handle this." They come, they intimidate them, they ask them for money, they tell them, "If
they don't this, I'm going to" and they start spitting on them or something like this. And I come and what am I going to do? How I can't handle everyone? respectfully I tell them please leave the property and when they don't when I call the cops cops cannot do anything
cops come and they actually talk to the cops and talk back to the cops and they tell them hey listen guys what are you going to do you can't even take you know what take us in so if we can't do anything and the cops can't do anything please guys someone has to do something I've tried to talk
to other people and everybody told me I have to come here I have to come here and I have to talk to you guys I'm not saying eliminate I'm saying take them away. I'm just saying try to help them because they need help and I'm helping as much as I can. But some individuals
needs mental help and if I can do something about it, you guys let us know. We can we can be there for them too. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next guest, please. Good evening, council. My name is Rosie
Harrison from 50 Greenwood Avenue. I'm quite sure everybody here knows me throughout the town. Recently, we had a flood in our building. We were all displaced for seven days.
I appreciate Mayor Baskerville, Dedra Mallaloy who's always by our side and Miss Tala who's always there for us also and plenty of our town's people that don't even live or reside where we
live at. I'm tired of going to work not knowing whether I'm going to be able to come back home. My mental health is starting to fail really badly. not knowing what is going on in this building. We've been here since 2018
letting everybody know what is it going to take for someone to come and help us. That's all we're asking for. We're just asking for help. Mr. Williams, we haven't seen you anywhere. You've ghosted us so badly,
not even to come out and speak to anyone. You may only see the four of us here. But those four people that are here and that's always here. We're concerned about where we live at. Rents are high. We're not there because we just want to stay there. We're there
because that's what we could afford and we wanted to be decent. There's no reason that every day we have to worry about what's next or whether we're going to be able to come back into our home. Being out of our home displaced for 7
days was ridiculous. And thank God that I did not have to go and stay where the rest of my neighbors stayed. From my understanding, the place was despicable. But nobody we're going we're just going to start now having slum lords in
Montlair. This is unbelievable to me that really that building is turning into a place where is being deemed slum lords that are running it. We get a slap on the wrist from the town. The building gets a slap on the wrist. They band-aid
a gunshot wound. Okay. We don't need band-aids anymore. We need you, Mr. Williams, to find something, some type of ordinance, something for people that are doing low in living in lowincome housing. We're working people. We're
working people. 99.9% of the people that live in my building get up and go to work every day. We're just not there saying, "Oh, we want this building to fall apart." It's been falling apart. And I'm not just blaming you. We have past people that overlooked us also. Our
council pass council overlooked us. But we want this time step up, speak up, stand up for us also. We greatly appreciate that. >> Thank you, Councelor Williams. Yes, please.
>> Thank you. I I appreciate everything that you're saying and I was out of the country when there were two earthquakes, there was a fire and there was a flood. So, I was out of the country. That's why I wasn't ghosting you. I wasn't in the
country. Okay. As to the concerns here, when I came back to the country, I was in 205 and I was speaking with code enforcement about what was going on and I was following up. Did I speak to you directly personally? No. I'm a So I I'll
tell you something. All the constituents here, I will meet with anyone when at any time when someone wants to uh meet with me. I met with someone for two hours on Church Street just this past Saturday. I am available. Anybody who wants to reach out to me, reach out to
me. I will come. I will come to 50 Greenwood. I have no problem doing that. But to stand up here and act like I don't care or you know you're reaching out to me I'm not responding. That's not that's not that's not accurate. So just so we're clear. I hear everything you're
saying. If you want to if you want to meet if you want to meet more than glad to meet with you. I'll I'll meet with you this weekend. No no problem. You you let me know the time. >> We appreciate that. But this isn't our first time being here either. >> This isn't our first time being here. So this isn't the first time that we've
came and spoke. And we want you to reach out to us, too. You have our email address. You have our email address. >> Just so you're you're I just want everybody to understand how the government here works. We're legislators
and as you pointed out, ordinances are how we can most uh how we can best help folks, right? Put uh things in place through ordinances. And then you have uh departments in town that deal with enforcements like the gentleman uh came
up here and said, "Hey, you know, we need help." Okay. So, what can we do? Ordinances. What can immediately help them? Police. Okay. What can immediately help you? Code enforcement. Okay. So, that's kind of how this is structured. An ordinance and stuff like that, that's
going to take time. Okay. And you know, this is something that has been spoken about. And me alone, I cannot do an ordinance. I need collectively all my colleagues, all my colleagues here to chime in and everybody needs to vote on it. I cannot no one on here can get
anything done by themselves. >> That's right. >> Okay. All se the majority of us have to vote on something. And with that said, I uh Anyway, I I appreciate your comments. >> Let me know. I'm there. >> We will.
>> Thank you. Next guest, please. I'm actually I think I was number six. >> Number five. >> Okay. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Ria Tomkins. Been here numerous times. I live at 50 Greenwood Avenue first and
foremost. Um again, Dr. Bas Mayor Baskville, Councilman Toller, De Malloy, they have been our rock as my sister did say. Um came out. I know um Miss Tola had something to do, but she
was constantly in charge in in contact with me. We had something come out, you know, so we knew what our rights were. All right, >> Mr. Williams, I heard what you said. Okay, thank you for responding this
time, but like you did just say something. It takes everybody to get involved up here. So right there, that's tells me everything I need to know. Okay? Because the only two up there that have gotten involved is this one and
this one. So you said it yourself. You can't do it by yourself. But it's you and it's you and it's you and it's you and you and you and and you and none of y'all. None of y'all. We haven't heard nothing. We have people who live
in town who got in contact with us. Anna Grossman, the people from across the street. What can we do? Do We had people ask us, "Do y'all need place to stay?" All right. That place that they had our tenants in was despicable. Despicable.
And then on top of everything else, we still don't even know what's going on for us who fortunate did not have to stay there. Okay? We're supposed to get some type of displacement credit. Okay, we understand that they paid for this despicable hotel and they gave them $100
a day at least in gift cards for food. Well, what about us? We had to still eat. We We had to find some place to stay. No one is even getting back in contact with us regarding management. I've sent two emails. I got my sister and I got the same generic email. Oh,
someone will get back to you. Next thing you know, we'll be getting something saying, "Oh, you're going to get evicted because you haven't paid your August rent." We haven't paid our August rent because we don't know what our August rent is. All right? So, we are tired. We need help. This was just the icing on
the cake with the boiler blowing. All right? There's been so many fines, so many things. What else is going to break in there? All right. So, don't stop now because we're in there. Don't don't stop. come back because something else is going to break. That basement still
is not fixed. We have a community room. We still can't use that. Why? And no one's telling the tenants anything. And no, I don't need to just have crumbs and be happy because they threw a little bit of something at us. No, I pay rent. It's
not a welfare building. Okay? So, stop saying that and stop thinking that. And for the people who live in the town who say, "Oh, you should just be happy that they put you somewhere." No. So, I just want to say thank you. And again, to the three of you, thank you so
much. >> Counselor Toller. Um, so I just wanted to before Well, hold on, Noah. I just wanted to put on the record uh for the residents that, you know, I'm truly happy to hear that everyone has returned to their homes.
I'm, you know, I was definitely saddened to learn of the the circumstances for displacement. Um, I just want to offer my sincere apologies to the residents of Union Gardens, um, for this administration's failure to do better by you. Okay? I've
been advocating for Union Gardens in my committee meetings and I've gotten nowhere. So, as Councelor Williams said, it takes all of us to create an ordinance and make something better happen for the residents. That's what we need to do. So again, I'm going to not only apologize for me, I'm apologizing
for the full administration because you all deserve better. When you come here meeting after meeting and express what your issues are, your concerns, your complaints is falling on deaf ears. I know it. I've tried it and I've gotten nowhere by myself. Councelor Williams was out of the
country. That's why I stepped in because I knew he wasn't here. Okay? So, I was trying to help my fellow colleague. He and I have talked about these issues and hopefully going forward this administration we can come up with a plan. There are too many code violations against Union Gardens for this
administration to continue to turn a deaf ear an eye. It's that simple. >> We have to work together and do something. >> Thank you. Next guest, please. >> Noah, >> I'm going to turn it this way if that's okay. >> It's fine. Good evening.
>> Good evening. My name is Noah Gail. I have been a resident of this beloved town of Montlair Township, New Jersey since Friday, June 24th, 2005 for over 20 years.
So I am here to speak tonight about So I know this it's not fair that all of the that mountai and this pool are staying open until after Labor Day but Essex is not
why is that? Essex it's not fair that two out of only two out of the three pools get to stay open until Labor Day. What if people don't live near mountain side in this way and have to commute because they live on the other end of
Montlair, the other side of Montlair? I think that Essex should get extended to Labor Day as well. Also, I think I I'm here to speak about another issue. Now, I heard people talk
about utility and housing earlier tonight. I'm very sorry to hear what happened on Greenwood Avenue. It's so sad. I I'm trust me I know it's very sad but I am here to say look I know it's complicated right now because there is 11
million deficit in the public schools which is unfair. It's not very good. It's disgusting how that no one knew about. It's disgusting that no one knew that the public did not know about the
11 the not 11 the 11 million deficit that was going on in the school system. Apparently the board of ed knew about it. The business administrator at the time knew about it who had just resigned, but the public didn't know
about it. It's despicable again and disgusting. The public deserves better. The public deserves to know the truth. Thank you. Also, one more thing, lower taxes, property and municipal taxes. I'm
tired of having to give up my Tuesday nights at home eating dinner to come to these town council meetings because no one this town council refuses to lower the property taxes and the municipal taxes. Our taxes keep going up in Monair
each year and I want to be able to afford to live in Montlair and be a homeowner the rest of my life, perhaps raise the next few generations here. Thank you. >> Thank you, Noah. Next guest, please. Good evening, Mayor Baskville and council members.
>> Good evening. >> I'm Jeffrey Robert Grayson and I'm a lifelong resident of Monontlair. I have two points to make tonight. My first point is that we are all aware that the living conditions at Union Gardens have taken a turn for the worse. what was described as a plumbing malfunction, but
in reality should be described as as the repercussions of gross negligence that has temporarily led to residents being displaced. This is the latest in a series of events dating back over a decade where residents have come forward and
complained that things are not right here and we need help. It troubles my spirit to see people down to their last resort in the responsible party start fingerpointing and blameshifting and nothing of substance gets done. You can't continue to place
band-aids on gunshot wounds and expect the bleeding to stop. Don't these residents matter to you? Don't their lives matter to you? I'll say the quiet part out loud because it seems that you would rather see this building demolished so that something
can be built that fits Monontlair's master plan and accommodate the residents that you really want. >> This brings me to my second point. The residents of Southoun have been advocating for the reopening of Firehouse 3 so that we have a unit
capable of rapid response in Southoun and the estate section of the third ward. Unfortunately, those safety concerns aren't shared by the council as a whole. Those same members will gladly approve millions of dollars to facilitate
projects in other parts of town, then bask in glory when the recipient stepped forward to say thank you. This past week, Assemblywoman Gil along with state and local officials presented the fire department with $200,000 in funding towards restoring Firehouse 3.
>> Oh, yeah. You would think that this this gift would help ease some of the financial concerns, but the roots of the opposition run deeper than fiscal. Councelor Toller and Mayor Baskville, the South End community thanks you for your efforts in securing this funding.
We do recognize that you fight an uphill battle dealing with your colleagues and that battle also has roots that run deeper than fiscal. The fourth ward gets treated like some unwanted stepchild in a test tube baby for the effects of gent gentrification.
All the while, we are ground zero for the flawed fourthround housing element and fair share plan recently submitted by Janice Tally. One year into your terms, the five against two council majority is collectively failing Monontlair's African-American community.
If this doesn't change by the end of your term, that failure will become part of your legacy. Do you hear our voices? Does our safety matter to you? >> Do our lives matter to you? Thank you.
>> Thank you. I just like to correct the record, please. While I certainly, you know, would be honored if I was if I had the wherewithal to go out and get this money. 100% that was councelor Toller here. She took the initiative. She went
after that money and her and Assemblywoman Alexon Kolasos Gil, our governor Murphy. I'm I'm grateful to you all for for what you did. So, thank you. Thank you. >> And vote for Mikey Cheryl this November. >> I just want to say that um seeking
appropriations from our elected officials is standard practice. It's not done in Trenton, but it's also done in Washington. and state and federal budgets have often have unspent funds which are allocated to those who simply request them. If anyone has concerns about our legislators
asking for appropriated funds, I recommend addressing those issues with our elected state representatives. Additionally, organizations such as the library, MFME, Monontlair film have also received appropriated from funds from Assemblywoman Gil along with other entities.
Um, I don't see any objections to the other agencies that have received funding. Um, I just wanted to put that out there, you know, because I know there's some stuff in the newspaper about process, procedure, and can you do it, can't you do it? The answer is yes,
and I did it. So, I just wanted to clear that up for everyone. Thank you. Well, I'd just like to also let everyone know while we're doing this that our um deputy mayor Susin Anderson, she went after some money for the Crawford Cruz Post and along with um Senator uh McKon,
John McKon was able to get a very large amount of money um to help that nonprofit group also. So, I am so grateful that um people are taking the initiative and MLA needs all the money that we can get. We all know that. So, thank you so much, Deputy Mayor, as
well. >> Next guest, please. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Uh my name is Jeremy Poitana. I'm a resident, business owner, and the director of Downtown Montlair, nonprofit organization. Uh I'm here to clear up just a couple of things that's been
trending today from the Montlair local. Our friend Matt Gados has put out wherever he went. Uh that side uh about the Church Street Live music concert uh series that's uh and the dispute that's been stirred up by one business fresco de Franco uh claiming that it hurts
their business. Um they went as far as sending the township a tort notice claim demanding that free music for the community uh to be stopped or dictated by their wishes. Um let's be clear uh that this is not the opinion of the
downtown Montlair. Uh, in fact, the businesses surrounding the area of Church Street Live Music, 17 businesses to be exact, has signed a petition in support of Church Street Live, and we have over 925 online signatures from other businesses and residents uh,
backing it as well. One voice should not outweigh the voice of an entire community. In the article, uh, Abby Shake Shaw, uh, the director of the bid, uh, is trying to make it sound like the events, uh,
that all events, uh, have to go through them. Uh, in that article, he states, which confuses the public, uh, but that's simply not true. Uh, there is no code, there's no ordinance, there's no law that a business that is in the downtown has to go through the bid to
hold any events in downtown. um they do not have jurisdiction, but they act like they do. I just wanted to make that clear to the public that is watching. Uh in the article, it also states with no affiliation at all uh that the Wellmons David Goofa also commented that there has always been complaints about music
on Church Street and said, and I quote, "That's why we moved the music to the plaza." Uh but the music on Church Street uh in in the past was always ran uh by Joanne Smalls uh who when then
worked at the bid. Uh everyone knows that not the Wilmont or Gova. So I'm not sure why he said that. Um but if he or the bid has those receipts, I would love to see them and I'm sure that the public would like to see those too. I just wanted to clear that up and those and and with that uh request. But it was a
nice little plug on their concert series though. Um, now I know I'm the newbie in town. Uh, and let me, uh, not ramble so some can understand me. I'm here for the community, not my pockets. Uh, I'm not trying to get away with things. I'm here
to stand up for what's right. All right. The person that's trying to shut me down, uh, is used to getting his way. Uh, and now he's upset that he's not this time. Uh, I'm not here to bully anyone. That is not me. But I'm also not here to be bullied. I will continue to stand up for what's right. no matter who
is on the other side of the table. Um, for whatever reason or whatever try what I'm trying to do or bring to this town or for our community, uh, the bullying obviously we we need to stop. I'm not afraid to speak up and I'm not going anywhere. And those smug looks uh,
everyone can see those. Miss Anderson. May I? >> Thank you. Next guest, please. I can't take this. >> Good evening. My name is Dave Herren. >> Good evening, >> Mayor. >> Good evening, >> council.
>> And I would like to start off by simply saying as a council, you guys collectively have let the residents of 50 Greenwood down.
What's wrong with you? No, I understand people going on vacation being out of the country. That's not the issue. These re residents have been coming to this council, the prior
council for years. So, please don't say I wasn't here. The conditions they live under, none of you would want to live under those. I am ashamed of you. I'm ashamed that you would allow this to
happen while you look for excuses. These are ve very, very nice people that want to live in this community. How dare shame on you. Now, I would like to especially thank
our mayor. I have no words for our fourth ward council woman. She went out and found money to help this community. You should all be bending over backwards to say thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Councelor Toller, I don't know where you get the strength to continue fighting against people who don't have the best interest of Monontlair. And don't look at me with those looks. You
don't. We need that fire station opened. Period. Now, I like to handle things in a different way. You guys tonight are going to give $15 million so people can
go skate. Skate. You don't think a fire department is a worthy cause? You don't think that's something we really should have? How about this? Don't give them 15
million. Give them 14 and devote the other million to the fire station. And we need to stop calling the people who work for the Monontlair Fire Department firefighters. They're not. They do rescue.
They do >> emergency services. There was a guy Bloomfield Avenue Sokco dealer gas station had a heart attack. The person had to run across the street to the fire department because it took too long EMS to get
there. And they helped that man. Our fire department do rescues at car accidents, extractions. If you fall off your roof or get caught up in some craziness, they're the ones that come and get you off that roof. So, we need
to be more proactive with what we do and stop doing the foolishness. And since everybody's always so concerned about numbers, 1,54 is the number to keep in mind. That's
how many more days you guys got. >> Thank you. Next guest, please. >> Good evening, madame mayor, council. I've been in this town 27 years and I saw generations. I'm at Byon Peta 82 Street.
Uh we used to see kids coming with the bicycles, buy ice cream, buy falafles, buy drinks, safe and happy. Since co till now it's been downtown Newark and downtown Las Vegas
and Los Angeles. Uh right now, right now, if you go to the park in front of the board of education, there's two metal benches there, right? You see at least 50 of them or crazy or drugs or drunk and
fighting all night long. I have I pay uh sidewalk cafe permit for three months to put tables outside for people to enjoy themselves and eat. They be they've been solicited by
homeless people every 5 seconds. I call the police department every day at least eight times and they come. What's their answer? The ordinance of this town. We can't do nothing. There is no power. You talk I talked to the chief himself and I know him since
he was a cop and very nice man, very honest man. They have no power to do anything or to remove anybody. It's no good for Montlair. I don't remember Montlair from 27 years like that. It's no good for business. We're losing
business. We're losing customers. Kids are afraid to ride their bikes. Two days ago, I had an incident. A a teenager, she was coming out of my store and one of the homeless faced her and he wanted money from her. Because she didn't give
him money, he took off his pants and showed her the front and back. Is that appropriate in >> Monontlair? M >> it's it's not appropriate and all I need just please your help you want to help them that's fine with me as long away
from my business and as long away from the nice people as long away from teenagers and kids why they supposed to see that in Monontlair I understand in Newark I understand that but not in Monontlair >> nowhere church street wasn't like that
for a long time nowhere >> and it's becoming very bad all I'm asking Please, we need help. Thank you. >> What's your name? I'm sorry, I didn't get >> Jerry. >> Jerry. >> Next guest, please. >> 82.
>> Number 11. >> Uh, good evening. My name is Sarah Avery. I'm just a little concerned because it seems like the manager isn't listening to public comment. and I think it would uh be a good idea if he did. Um the 2006 redevelopment plan for Elm
Street new and mission area references affordable housing 32 times. And in the 20 years since this plan was drafted, 14 affordable housing units in the plan area have been lost and one unit has been built.
At the July 21st planning board meeting, the planner repeatedly professed unfamiliarity with the 2006 plan and subsequent amendment, claiming, "This is all prior to my time." But the planner was appointed to the planning board in 2002 and served as vice chair from
August 2005 to September 2010 when she replaced Karen Kadis. How can the planner claim the 2006 plan is before her time? Ordinance 07-16 to adopt the plan had a first reading March
2007, then tabled at the April meeting when it was reintroduced in September. Carrie Africk questioned how the ordinance could be up for a second reading. Township attorney Alan Tremulac claimed that a public hearing had already been held. But when I operate a
copy of the ' 07-16 ordinance, I was told it does not exist. Are you sleeping, Carmel? Is this too boring for you? Mr. Trembleac was strangely silent during the July 21st planning board discussion of whether there were any
amendments to the plan. Town council meeting minutes dated February 2008 clearly document attorney Tremulac's explanation of the revisions to the plan. There have never been any movement on this plan until now. Yet it is all
hustle and bustle for the many other redevelopment plans that came along in the meantime. All of which minimize the objectives of the 2006 plan to provide affordable housing, which is what the community needs. Both Trembleac and the
planner are experts on this plan, yet both deliberately withheld the facts under questioning by planning board members and the public while under oath. Mr. Marks, you have claimed that based on your experience, you find the planner
to be responsive and accommodating. Try telling that to the thousands of former residents who were forced to move. You have been here 120 days hired to work for the community, not to protect the planner. Furthermore, affordable housing has never been litigated in Monontlair.
So, it is not possible to relitigate. But I promise you, affordable housing in Montlair will be litigated. Next, next guest, please. Good evening, Mayor Council. Um, I I wish Mr. Marks that you had heard Mr.
Heron and um Mr. Grayson speak about the firehouse. I um but I I will try. It's hard to follow them. Um, and a big thank you and congratulations to Councilwoman Toller on securing 200K for station three from the state budget. Um, the
majority of the council has approved. Please, will you give us your name for the record? I know we know who you are. >> Lyn Stockhammer and I live on Forest Street in Monontlair. >> Thank you so much. um at least 10 million between the road works, the ice rink, the pave, Wong Plaza Park,
complete street ordinance, library repairs, and and that's fine. However, we still require about 600K of repairs to the historic South End Firehouse, and that's not forthcoming. Historically, the Harrison Avenue
firehouse in the third ward has served as a polling place since 1913. So, it's unsettling that Third Wall Council Council Williams did not set show up to accept the And I understand that may have been one of the days now that I'm learning that you were away, but I didn't know that. Um, and the second
thing I want to talk to about if I have time has to do with the third ward specifically on Glenidge Avenue. um to to sh to accept this appropriation um you must understand how important it is councelor Williams to preserve the
town's assets and in particular and everyone in particular assets that are important to the African-American community councilwoman Bur Birmingham as you've suggested if it's so easy to organize a volunteer or hybrid fire department then
why how come Glenn Ridge doesn't have one instead takes from Montlair's we've been providing fire services to Glenidge since 1990. So any analysis of the cost of the fire department that doesn't include the population
and properties of Glenn Ridge is sorely lacking. And Councilwoman Lochman, it's shameful that I feel you don't view the funding for station three as an important, impactful investment in the undisturbed, underfunded, exploited
south end of town. This is a story that keeps being repeated and repeated. I'm only in Monontlair for about I don't know 20 or 25 years. Um but this is I don't I don't go back that far. Now this
firehouse which was from 1913, we're talking about over a hundred years. We're talking about a complete change in our infrastructure and in cars and in people. And we're talking about a response time and lives critically different. And once again, it's in the
underserved, underfunded, exploited south end of town. Um, do I have any time? 12 seconds. Um, I think I'll come back, but I hope that the council members and the mayor who read about the extreme safety issue going on on Glenidge Avenue um at Forest Street with
the opening of Marimoto talk about that another time. It has not improved. They've simply shifted things off the sidewalk into the street. Thank you very much for letting us know. Next guest, please. Good evening, Mayor and Council. My name
is Dear Dre Mallaloy, Monontlair resident. First thing I will say is it's very disheartening to continue to hear business owners and residents of Montlair approach the council and municipality regarding the homelessness issue. It's my understanding and correct
me if I'm wrong that a resolution was passed last month for someone to work through family promise to address homelessness in Monontlair. The previous council had a team of people who did a study.
Uh I myself along with others have come up to this podium and spoken about the continuum of care and have had subsequent meetings with folks about how that process works. It was my understanding that the township was
addressing that. It does not take months for this to happen. It's been studied for a couple of years now. The other thing I'm going to say is I'm going to address you, Mr. Williams. Um, everybody's entitled to a vacation. Each
of you is entitled to a private life. However, I take offense to how you spoke to the woman who came up here, uh, Rosie, to talk about her personal condition and her housing circumstance. Your tone was condescending and you were
somewhat chastising from my observation. You know, this has been going on for quite some time, but for the fact that you were away when the earthquakes were happening and etc., you have had more than enough
opportunities to reach out to this community to see what is happening with them. When there's a situation in a municipality that you were elected to govern, you're supposed to be proactive
and reach out. So this is why it appears as though you don't care. Now furthermore, with regard to what the municipality can do, you talked about an ordinance. Yes, there's an ordinance. There's there's several things the municipality can do. What I don't
understand is why the municipality hasn't looked into receiverhip. The first thing I'll say is because nobody on this day is is familiar with that process or procedure. Receiverhip of occupied buildings in New Jersey. In New Jersey, municipalities
can initiate the receiverhip process for occupied buildings under certain conditions primarily aimed at addressing neglect or hazardous properties and ensuring tenant safety. Here's a breakdown. Grounds for receiverhip. A
municipality can pursue this. Housing code violations. We won't go into that. You talked about code enforcement. I did an Oprah request and I got back zero violations on the boiler and I did a time frame in which
something should have been coming back, an inspection, a fine, etc. The last thing I'll say is repeated code violations. This has been going on for 13 years. So, with all due respect, govern Thank you.
Thank you. Next guest, please. Tony Martin, 41 North Fullerton. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Uh, so I'm here uh spur of the moment because I heard you discussing changes
to the public comment rules. Um, so I'm uncomfortable with anything that diminishes the public comment. I would like to say that tonight, while anybody might debate the tone of certain
remarks or veering into the personal things like that uh that I personally do not endorse. What I endorse is people telling you
as much and as often as they can what you need to know. Guys, this is what democracy looks like. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> I know you have personal lives. I know you don't want to be here till midnight. I get all that. But you, that's your
job. You signed up for it and it's your job. >> That's right. >> Please do not restrict public comment further. If you put all of us at who come here to speak to you at the end of the meeting,
you will miss the rich variety and seriousness of the issues that pervade this community. That's all. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Um, councelor Lachchman, please. So, with respect to our agenda, we were
supposed to try to um change up what we were going to do tonight. And first of all, you have to recognize that we were elected to do the business of governing. The business of governing for the most part when you look at the agenda takes place when you're looking at ordinances
and resolutions. So, what we hoped to do was have to have two public comments. The first one dealing with comments by the public on the ordinances and the resolutions that we as a governing body wanted to get through and you know
sometimes that's sidelined by the length of public comment. It hasn't been so much today but another you've been here many of you have been here when we've had three hours of public comments. Then you get to the resolutions and the ordinances and we're tired and we're we're not maybe not making the best
decisions. So what we wanted to do was shift around the agenda so that the business of the town would get done first with public comment on the agenda items and then at the end of it we'd have a general public comment when everybody could say what they liked and
that was the point here to try to help us get through the business of governing and to hear from the public on two separate um times on the agenda. So, that's what we hope to do. And for some reason, it didn't get done today, but that's what we're working towards. We
have a committee, a small committee of Susan, the mayor, and myself that worked out this agenda plan. And perhaps the next go round it'll work. I don't know. >> In order for uh anything to be codified by vote here, we need to have a
seven member vote. While some of our subcommittees discuss certain things and move something forward, the full complement of seven members will discuss this, the pros and the cons, and we may
actually learn something from listening to one another. I appreciate it when people from the uh community come forward and share with us. So until we have a resolution passed on that, we are working under the resolution that we voted on when we came in in September
2424, which is for the three minutes and for one public comment. If the will of the uh majority of the seven member team up here decides to go in another direction, then you will all be aware of that and then you can look up the resolution. But right now, we're working
on the resolution that's in place. Next guest, please. >> Good evening, council. >> Good evening. >> My name is Maggie Gerolamin. I'm at 65 Portland Place. I know you've been here since 5:00. Okay.
>> So, I appreciate the time and the effort um that you all put in. Um, I'm founder of Portland Place Neighborhood Association. Some of you have been to our block parties and I I appreciate you coming and seeing what kind of neighborhood we
have. We're an historic neighborhood. The average house on our block is about 125 years old. I've been there for 35 years. The block did not look the way it looks now. Our houses were pretty
dilapidated, not in good shape, and we managed to fix them up and have a wonderful neighborhood. Um, thank you for the questions that many of you asked to the uh PSAG delegates, people who
were here. I was a little disappointed in their presentation. I was expecting more information. Um, so I can report back to my Portland Place members. Um, but thank you for the questions you
asked about the noise and about the height. Um, many times in these kinds of presentations we we kind of hear the best and then it kind of starts to trickle down. Um, we began in 2015 when
Staller um wanted to overdevelop the the Leech property. I was a little um disappointed that the presenter did not um show us exactly what what the property actually was.
He talked about the police parking lot. Does that include the police building itself, which is a historic building? >> Um does that include the leech property? >> It does not include the lot.
>> Yeah. just the parking lots. That space is not much bigger than the space on Valley Road. When you actually look at the the size of the lot, it really isn't that much bigger. Um I hear rumors that the police department's going to be
moving. Uh the police say no, other people say yes. Um, but I just want to let you know, oh, and right now the leech property is a terrible eyes sore, as is a lot of the property that has been bought. Um, I just want to let you
know that we are available to you, the residents of Portland Place, are available to any and all of you for any questions, for any insight about the neighborhood, um, for any questions you might have about parking and traffic,
etc. Um, I'm available. Um, and the members are available. I just want to say how sorry I am and how much pain I feel the residents of 50 Greenwood. Um, every meeting I come to, someone from
Greenwood Avenue is here talking about the conditions. Um, it is disgraceful and I'm sorry, but thank you council. Good night. >> Thank you. Uh, next guest, please.
>> Is that it, Mr. Pan? >> More. >> Oh, okay. >> Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening. >> Uh, my name is Ernest Goldman. I'm the Montlair Center bid president. Uh, this is Shake Shaw. >> Hi, I'm the executive director of Montlair Center Bid. I just want to make
a quick comment um about you know downtown Montlair. I I've reached out to uh downtown Montlair a bunch of times and I actually just spoke with him outside. Um he doesn't want anything to do with us and we've tried I actually asked him to come tomorrow to our exec meeting and sit down and talk to the exec team and he doesn't want anything
to do with us. Um I don't know where the hostilities come from but I've tried everything I can with him and there's nothing I can I can force him to do at this point. Um, I've reached out, a lot of people have reached out, uh, Franco from Church Street, Church Street, and, uh, they're very pissed off about the
amplification, and I've asked him, "What can we do about that?" Doesn't want doesn't want to do anything. So, I my hands are tied at this point. I know Obby has a few things to say. >> Yeah. Thank you, and good evening. So, as many of you know, this has been going on for quite some time. We've been
dealing with this hostility for over a year at this point. I've never spoken to this gentleman besides one time in March. my life. So, I don't know him and I take it hard that someone could have such animists if they've never had a chance to speak with anyone or get to
know them. Regardless, our stakeholders are upset, especially the ones on Church Street Tree. Church Street Tree is one of the most populous spaces in the community. People come there from all the walks around Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania for the incredible features there, the businesses, and the delicious
treats you get. Many many people signed a petition saying that they wanted music on Church Street. Many of those same individuals have now emailed you or been their emails have been forwarded to you saying otherwise. They've learned about what's actually going on, what's been going on.
And it just needs to be put into a better place. We This needs to start deescalating and stop taking up so much of everyone's time. It's music on Church Street. It's not, you know, people's living situation. It's not energy efficiency or utilities or whatnot. And it's not to take away from any of the
great activities, but there are more important things that everyone here is dealing with than having music in Church Street. So, please, we've already try to submit proposals for a noise ordinance and an ordinance to codify the bid's role that's been there for two decades
almost of anything going on downtown that's going to be in spaces of the public. We're involved in to support and partner with. And that's what we're going to do. Support and partner with it. We did that for the French shopping day with the French Leance. We did that with AAPI for both the Lunar New Year and the Dvali celebration. We do it with
jazz, pride, film. So again, we're here to be a part of the community, work with everyone. You've gotten the emails, you've gotten the communication. I know many of you want this to be put to the side so you can focus on the great work you're doing. I know we're together we can do something to make this community better for everyone and welcoming for
everyone cuz it's been welcoming to me and it's been a privilege to be here and I take this job very seriously. Appreciate all of your time. Thank you. And I hope we really can get to a resolution quickly because our stakeholders are asking and they're all gi galvanized. So let's show them that, you know, we're all listening. Thank
you. >> Thank you very much. >> Appreciate it. Thank you, >> Mr. May. There's no more speaker. >> Thank you. Okay. Next on the agenda is pending ordinances on the second reading. And we will um start with um Council Damato, please, for pending
ordinance 0-25-27. Uh pending ordinance 0-25-27 ordinance to amend chapter 341 waters article 5 section F permits required inspection and approval and I so move
>> second. >> I'm going to open the public hearing without objection. Um, is there anyone who's present who wishes to be heard um on the proposed ordinance pending ordinance 0-25-27? Council, anyone up here wish to be heard
on that? >> I just have a question. Um, I know that Mike, when we read this the first time, we were going to find creative ways to reach out to homeowners so they're aware of this. Just want to know where we are with that because what happens is when these ordinance get passed on the 21st
day, Dr. Code enforcement will go out for this, but I think it's just fair to ensure that the residents are aware. What What did you come up with, sir? >> Good evening. So, I think our best option to come up with is once you guys do approve it, I am going to sit down with our communications director, Matt,
and come up with a way to put out an email blast, put it on all our social media accounts, and go from there. being as we just build for water, you're not most people aren't going to see a bill for another two to three months. So to have it wait that long for the communication to go out, I think it would, you know, by that point it'd be a
little too late. So it' be easier to do it right away once you passed it. >> Okay. Um, if you can just look into the cost and you don't have to tell me now. I know the water bell just went out, but there are a lot of residents that on are not on our social media pages and you know, we have to be mindful of that because
email blast and social media pages don't work for the entire community. So, um I don't know if we can drop another water bill without the bill. I don't know. Just look into the cost and let's figure out another creative way to reach those residents that aren't following our town pages.
>> Okay. I mean I based on information we got last year that probably cost us around 10,000 to email that. >> That's ridiculous. Lisa John Dr. Johnson doesn't have any funds that she can assist with. You can talk to her later. Thank you. >> No problem. >> Anyone else wish to be heard?
Council Williams. >> No. >> Okay. Madame Clerk. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councelor Birmingham. Yes. >> Councelor Damato. >> Yes. >> Councelor Lachman. >> Yes. >> Councelor Toller. >> Yes. >> Councelor Williams. >> Yes. >> Mayor Baskerville.
>> Yes. >> Thank you. Um Council Birmingham, will you please do the next um ordinance on second reading? >> Um this is pending ordinance 025-28. Um
this is right. This is the ordinance to amend chapter 269 sewer article 15 section O permits and rules and I so move second. Are there any members of the public who
wish would wish to be heard on the ordinance 0-2528 council? Madame clerk please. Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. >> Councelor Lochman,
>> Councelor Toller, >> yes. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes. >> Mayor Baskerville, >> yes. >> Councelor Lachchman. Uh, I move ordinance 02-25-29, which is an ordinance to amend section
347 zoning of the code of the township of Montlair, New Jersey, which is the definition of basement, story, and accessory dwelling unit. So moved. >> Second.
I'm going to open up the public hearing on this ordinance. Is there anyone from the public that wishes to be heard? Good evening, Mr. Scott. >> Okay. Good evening, Mayor and Council. In regards to the uh ADU uh ordinance, and I've known it, I've heard it's gone
back and forth between the planning board and the council. Uh and and I I just want to have a better understanding the new definition for the I guess it's the the width of a a
particular ADU or the depth of an ADU. Uh but at the end of the day, it still can only be 800 square ft. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, uh, you know, you can make it 40t wide, 20 feet deep, but you know, all kind of strange configurations
depending on the lot size and setbacks and all that kind of crazy stuff, you're still at a point of 800 square ft. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, I believe one of the recommendations uh in the uh housing element was to increase the uh square
footage of the ADU. Uh and also I think there were some other recommendations to come up with uh some standard formats that uh residents could use so they didn't have to get into a lot of design uh concerns with architects and things like that. just like some cookie cutter
type uh scenarios that could be uh used that that that to really uh speed up the process for ADUs because over the last 10 years and you can correct me if I'm wrong maybe we've done maybe a dozen ADUs and if that's not going to be the
silver bullet if we can only come up with 10 ADUs in 10 years or whatever the case might be. So maybe some additional consider considerations for some more flexibility uh of ADUs. It should be something that maybe the council and the planning board can take a look at again. Okay. Thank
you. >> Thank you, Mrs. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else from the public wish to be heard on that ordinance? >> Council. >> Yes, sir. Uh councelor Damato. I would just say I agree with Mr. Scott that you know the flexibility I I'm not exactly
sure what he meant about providing um you know cookie cutter stuff you know standardization cuz we're not holding that back are we? In other words, there's nothing in the ordinance that >> that would >> I'm just curious what you meant by that
second comment about making it easier to have standardized design or you know >> I I believe maybe at least two years ago uh the GAP put on a major presentation at the women's club on on Union Street and they brought in five or six architects that basically gave different
designs based on square footage right for ADUs and those are kind some examples that can be used as standards uh that people could use. Yeah. In addition to adding more to that. >> But what's the suggestion that we would have those on file and make them
available to people? >> That that would be something to consider. >> Yeah. To cut through like red tape and stuff, you'd have standards like pre >> board of adjustment. It's all very clear. Yeah. Yeah. That's a good idea >> because I mean 800 square f feet or 500
whatever the different scenarios are you can only you know move it around but so much. Okay. >> But there was just to be clear there was a compromise that was reached on extending the length. I was for getting rid of it because there are weird lots where it might make sense to go to 40 ft
or more but we can do that again at a later time. >> Okay. Well, it's it's something to go back and take another look at. >> It's more an administrative thing than it is a ordinance thing to have these standard ADUs.
>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Scott. >> Anyone else from the public wish to be heard on this pending ordinance? >> Which ordinance is this? >> This is the ordinance uh 0-25 ADU.
>> 29 ADU. >> That's you. Thank you. >> Good evening everybody. >> Good evening. >> Frank, we're back. >> Um, you know how I feel about a adus and I
sent you the the latest information. I would just um ask you to >> really challenge the planning board to really get their act together. You
know, I'm sorry, but you guys are like really not spending enough time on what you're supposed to spend time on, which is the execution of land use. The council does the policy.
You guys translate it into an action plan. The planning board is spending way too much time. And the zoning board's guilty, too. They just did the same thing on Union Street where they interpreted policy.
So that's my speech on that for tonight. What I did want to point out about this ordinance is that I actually think there's going to be a benefit coming out of it. One, I'm going to benefit hugely. I mean, this is going to
be financially good for me. So I I have to tell you I'm biased. Two, it's going to be great for the people in the steep slope areas. They are going to get to build carriage houses. They're going to get to build
twotory ADUs and the rest of the town can't. And the reason why is because the planning board didn't do their job. They didn't understand what they were dealing with. They put on their blinders
and they didn't look at the big land use picture. So they don't even realize that if I was a wealthy homeowner in this town in the RORO
zone, the large zone, if I lived up on the hill on Highland, I would be turning in permits as quickly as I can. I would be hiring architects as quickly as I can to get something on
the books because what you're going to see is 1920 21 22 foot tall structures, twotory structures and all because of this amendment to the
ordinance of 40 feet which the planning board gave that much thought about. really you need to get some new planning board members and quickly. Thank you very much for your time. >> Thank you. Are there any other members
of the public who wish to be heard on this particular ordinance? Council, >> Madame Clerk, >> Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yep. >> Councelor Lachman,
>> yes. >> Councelor Toller, >> no. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes. Mayor Baskerville. >> Yes. Moving on to the next pending ordinance, please. Um, Deputy Mayor.
Okay. Pending ordinance 02530, an ordinance opting into the Garden State CPACE program to facilitate the financing of CPACE projects. And I so move. >> Second.
>> Okay. Mayor, I I have um >> I'm going to um open up the public hearing >> public hearing >> without objections on this particular ordinance. Are there members of the public that wish to be heard? Members of the council, Deputy Mayor,
you wish to >> I did. I just have to I I'm just going to um make a motion for one um correction. There's a correction that needs to be made. Okay. >> To this ordinance. uh should be non-s substantive in um on
page two section one subsection D where it currently says the township clerk is designated as the authorized officer >> for purposes of executing and delivering the various agreements. Um I'd like it
to uh I would propose that it read um to just reflect the actual department that put this forward. Um, it should read, "An employee of the Department of Planning and Community Development shall be designated and the rest is fine."
>> Question. Is that okay to do or when this paperwork comes in, does it have to be dates stamped or something in the clerk's office? I'm just asking a question because if it doesn't, then we can go ahead with it. I didn't know how the paperwork process works. >> Okay,
council members, anyone else? Did you move that? Oh, yes. I make a motion to amend. >> Second. >> Madame Clerk, please. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. >> Councelor Lachman, >> yes.
>> Councelor Fer, >> yes. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes. >> Mayor Baskerville, >> yes. Thank you. Um, Councelor Williams, would you please do pending ordinance 02531? >> Certainly, Dr. Mayor. >> Excuse me, Mayor. >> Um, the ordinance was amended. Would you
like >> I'm so sorry. Um, >> yes. Can I make a motion to >> Can I second? >> Thank you. Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. >> Councelor Lachman, >> yes. >> Councelor Toller, >> yes. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes.
>> Mayor Baskerville, >> yes. Thank you. Now, councelor Williams, >> an ordinance to amend section 327, vehicles and traffics of the code of the township of Monontlair, New Jersey, multi-way stop at Washington
Avenue/willowdale A and Gates A and Clinton A. I so move. >> Second. At this point in time, I'm going to open the hearing on this ordinance. Um, without objection, are there any members
of our public who wish to be heard on this? >> Members of the council. >> Yes. Councelor Toller, >> I just want to say to the residents of Washington Avenue, I hope you're watching and listening tonight. Um, thank them for all their many emails and
questions and concerns and hopefully um, this will alleviate some of the traffic issues that they were experiencing down there. That's all. Any other members of the council? >> Madame Clerk, please. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes.
>> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. >> Councelor Lman, yes. Councelor Toller, >> yes. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes. >> Mayor Baskerville, >> yes. Um, Councelor Toller, please. The next pending ordinance. >> Sure. Uh pending ordinance number
025-32, an ordinance to amend section 327, vehicles and traffic of the code of the township of Mount Cleair, New Jersey. Parking prohibited at all times Woodland Avenue. I still move. Second >> going to open the public hearing on this
pending ordinance. the members from the um general public who wish to be heard on this, please come forward at this time. Members of the council, >> yep, just again want to thank the residents
on Pearson Place. Again, I'd like to thank the manager Austin Ashley, our engineer, Mr. Nberto, who came out on site to actually see the issues here at this particular intersection. Uh, I saw one of the members, one of the residents daughters just leave. So hopefully she
can let her mom know work will be happening soon. So I just wanted to thank those residents for bringing this to my attention and thank our staff for coming out on site to assess it. >> Great. Any other council members and deputy mayor? >> Yes, just really quickly just again for
um anyone who um isn't up to speed on this. Um this was uh something that was um according to councelor Toller was um something that the residents of this street um wanted. Um our new complete streets director Laura Torchio opined
also that this is um this would be a good idea because it's a sighteline um danger issue. So um I'm in favor of passing this. >> Madame clerk, roll call, please. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson. >> Yes. >> Council Birmingham. Yes. >> Councelor Damato.
>> Yes. >> Councelor Laughman. >> Yes. >> Councelor Toller. >> Yes. >> Councelor Williams. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mayor Baskerville. >> Yes. Thank you. Um Council Damato, will you please do pending ordinance 02533?
>> Uh I move 02533 fully funded capital ordinance providing for various parking utility capital improvements in and by the township of Montlair in the county of Essex. uh New Jersey and appropriating the sum of $250,000 from the parking utility
capital improvement fund uh for the cost thereof. >> Second. Are there members of the public who wish to be heard on this pending ordinance? If so, now is your chance. Please come forward. Uh, William Scott again, uh, 23 Cedar
Avenue. Uh, the capital improvement, will this help the, uh, parking utility fix all the broken meters that you can't put coins in, and if you don't park, you have to park somewhere else and get a ticket. >> Manny's here. >> Says, yes,
>> Manny's here. He can perhaps answer that question for you. >> That is a plan. Yes. >> Okay. We definitely need this. >> Any other members of the public who wish to be heard on this? Members of the council? >> Madame Clerk.
>> Deputy Mayor Anderson? >> Yes. >> Councelor Birmingham? >> Yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. >> Councelor Lochman, >> yes. >> Councelor Toller, >> yes. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes. >> Mayor Baskerville, >> yes. Moving on to pending ordinance 02534.
Councelor Birmingham, please. Um 02534. This is fully funded capital ordinance providing for various sewer utility capital improvements in and by the township of Montlair in the county of Essex, New Jersey, and appropriating the sum of $2 million from the sewer utility capital improvement fund for the cost
thereof. And I so move. Second. Are there members of the public who wish to be heard on this pending ordinance? If so, please come down. >> Members of the council. >> Yes. I just have one question. >> Council toler. >> The enhancements of the sewer utility
system and this will benefit every resident in town. Is that correct, Michael? >> Yes, that is the plan. >> But it sounds like a butt there. >> There's no butt. Plan is to continue moving forward and lining sewer lines.
And like I said stated previously, uh we would like to upgrade our sky top lift station. What sits down off of Alexander Avenue has not been upgraded since it was built in, I believe it was the early 1980s. Uh the bottom of the wet well is starting to crumble a little bit. So that could become an environmental
issue. So we want to take care of it now before it does. Um we also want to continue lining every year. That is a big thing for us. It's less impact on the residents, less callouts for us. It saves us on overtime. It saves residents on, you know, sewage in their basement. So, it's really >> Yeah, we had that problem, didn't we? >> Well, that that storm didn't help us.
So, there's nothing I can do about that. But, if I can eliminate everything, but the bad weather issues, I would I'm hoping to do that. >> So, let me ask you something for and this is not assume the people that had the p the problem with their basement with PCs and other things. Does your department then let other departments at
205 know that this is an issue? because, you know, I know it was rectified with code enforcement, but you know, some of the residents stated that they got a violation and I'm like, why did they get a violation for a dumpster not being covered, but they had to clean their basement out? So, I'm just wondering, do you guys kind of like, hey, this is an
issue. >> So, we do inform other people, other departments, but in terms of like I can't get involved in code violations and telling >> No, no, not asking you to get involved. Just making other appropriate departments aware that residents had an issue. It was something brought on by
nothing of their own. It was a township >> problem. Um they had to get dumpsters clean out their basement, people in hazmat suits, but then they got a violation. >> So we we notify the appropriate departments, the manager's office. Um sometimes we have to notify the clerk's office if we have major issues, but we
don't go through every department and notify them. >> Okay. Well, it was a warning. It wasn't a violation, but >> most of the time if they explain I think they explain what's going on. >> Yeah, the residents stated that they did. And like I said, it was just a a warning, but I'm just wondering for the future, you know, how communication
works here if if something like that should happen. You don't have to answer that now. It has nothing to do with this ordinance, but I just wanted to ask that question. >> Okay. And and yes, uh our plan is to continue lining every year. Um it it it's saves us a lot of time and money, so it's worth it.
>> Thank you, Michael. Don't leave, though. I mean, you can go sit down, but don't leave the chamber. I'm >> I'm not leaving yet. I got plenty more. >> Thank you. Um any other council members? Madame Clerk, please. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, yes. Councelor Laughman, yes.
>> Councelor Toller, >> yes. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes. >> Mayor Baskerville, >> yes. Moving on to our um is this the final pending ordinance for this evening? 02535. Uh Councelor Lochman, please.
I move ordinance 0-25-35, which is a fully funded capital ordinance providing for various water utility capital improvements in and by the township of Montlair in the county of Essex, New Jersey, and appropriate appropriating the sum of $3 million from
the water utility capital improvement fund for the cost thereof. Second. At this point in time, if there are any members of the public, please who'd like to be heard on this, please come down. Members of the council, please, anyone wish to be heard on this pending
ordinance? >> Yes, mayor. >> Deputy Mayor. >> Uh, Mr. Prima Vera, could you please just um remind us uh which pump stations and well improvements um this money is going to be going to?
So, this money is going to be going to we have our Glenfield well um and our Lraine well which will probably need some electrical upgrades in terms of um not electrical for the rain well more Glenfield well the drives are getting a little older and they are in a costic environment so they break down quicker
so we'll be purchasing two new drives for the Glenfield well once it shuts off this season um the pump stations is watch pump station and Grove Street pump station uh you guys just passed two p purchase two drives for those pump stations, but there are two other drives
in WHunga pump station that will need to be replaced at some point and another drive in the Grove Street pump station that will need to be replaced. So, those are our big things. Those are electronics that we that run the pumps. They are the brains of the operation. And then that money can also be used towards any sort of piping upgrades or
building upgrades we may need that may present themselves. You know, a lot of the some of the infrastructure, especially in the Grove Street pump station, Mr. Tomato and some of you guys all witnessed in that basement that discharge header is in rough shape and is going to need some tender loving care at some point. So that is something we
are looking to design and move forward hopefully in the next couple years. Um but with other things pending like lead service lines and things of that nature. We are kind of focusing on that right now. >> Council Lman. >> So So any update on the Nishuain well opening?
>> That would be from you guys. You tell me what to do with that. That is >> I believe we're going to have a discussion about that, a community meeting about that to move forward, but until, >> you know, I >> poke the bees nest, so to speak.
>> Uh, you know, that's I know that's a hot button issue for certain people in the third and fourth ward. Again, I see it as a sustainability thing, not a I know it was in the past it was sold as selling more water, but I think this is something look look at what uh Patterson's dealing with, right? relying on old infrastructure from a reservoir.
If you can have sustainability in town to survive if this old infrastructure breaks to get through that without having to rely on anybody else, I think that goes a long way for the township. Right. I mean, my job here is to ensure that our residents have water. And if that infrastructure that's delivering us
that water fails, some sustainability in town goes a long way. >> Thank you. Um, Madam Clerk. Oh. >> Oh, I just Is this a facilities and infrastructure matter? >> Yeah, I think so. Yeah. I do have a question though. >> I I was under the assumption that that
that header that manifold was being replaced this winter. >> No, not this winter. We we I want to move we want to move forward with the design, but again, we have the pending lead service line replacement, right? 2031's going faster than freight train. Um you have to meet your standard for water quality accountability act of
replacing a certain amount of water man a year. So that's 1150 of your system. For Monontlair, it's around 3,000 ft. um you know we have so many things that we need to meet to be in compliance that if we can roll it into a smaller job at some point and do it that earlier
I would like to but yes definitely in the next couple years that is something we're going to look at >> and the and the storage tank is is our upright >> yes that's the above ground storage that's ground level storage tank that's called a ground level one sits on the ground um that one was built preWorld
War II it's 1931 1930 uh it's steel riveted tank. >> Which one? Where is it? >> That that sits up in actually it's actually technically partially in seed roof, >> right? The one that the So this is but this is a holding operation repairs on that tank. >> So that
>> that tank will be replaced. >> That tank at some point is going to have to be replaced. Um, what we want to do with the money we're looking at for this is actually go to our low service reservoir because once you address start attacking that high service tank is what that's the name of it, the tank that sits up in Cedar Grove,
>> we need to ensure that we have enough storage from that. We want to add an extension on that low service reservoir to actually put a pump in to help the high service area while that tank is offline because if you have an issue in the high service area without the tank, we're going to be in trouble essentially. So we want to we want to
ensure that we have enough storage to do this project correctly and you know have as minimal impact on the residents as possible. >> By the way, >> the mayor of Patterson had a great line today. He said, "Now is not a time for
fingerpointing." And I was thinking, "Yes, it is." But >> any other council members? Madam Clerk, roll call, please. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councelor Birmingham. Yes. >> Councelor Damato. >> Yes. >> Councelor Laughman. >> Yes. >> Councelor Toller. >> Yes.
>> Councelor Williams. >> Yes. >> Mayor Baskerville. >> Yes. Okay. Moving on to new business ordinances. Is that you? Um Councelor Williams. >> Thank you. >> Excuse me, Mayor >> if I may. Um, I defer to the township
attorney, but it's my understanding that prior to the introduction of any bond ordinance, a supplemental debt statement needs to be filed with the municipal clerk. No such statement was filed before you proceed with reading if you
want to discuss it. But I caution you on introduction. >> I agree if that's the case. If it has not been filed in this representation of the clerk, then >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> So, what do we do? Can we What happens and who's supposed to do what?
>> I guess there's no point in reading it because you can't do J. >> Okay. So, who who's supposed to file this? Is that the town manager or >> All right. >> We're going to move on to um new business ordinance. Um
JK L. >> We just go. >> Okay. So, now we're going to go to new business resolutions. And I will please ask our um manager, Mr. Marks, if you can go through the resolutions for us, please.
>> What else? >> What do we have? We have something else. >> We have item. >> Bond ordinance. >> Canceling of >> So, we can cancel, but we can't bring it in. >> Two different bond ordinance. Three
different, right? Three. >> You might as well do it all. >> Madame clerk, is it your opinion that we can do the others? We just can't do that first one because they all look like they're dealing with bond or >> any bond ordinance. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. And so,
we're going to move on and I'm going to ask our manager, manager um Marks, please, if you would do the new business resolution. >> You know what? Um, can I take a uh 5 minute break cuz I would like we're going to adjourn for 5 minutes and then
we will uh come right back to the meeting. Thank you. Please stay with us. Welcome back everyone. Thank you for your patience. We're going to go to new business ordinances. And uh who was
doing new business ordinance J? Was that you, Councelor Williams? >> Probably. >> Can we go back to you again then, please? And take take two. Wait, we're doing J. >> Yes. >> Bond ordinance. Yeah, this is take two.
>> Quick. >> Bond ordinance providing for various or uh capital improvements by the township of Monontlair appropriating the aggregate amount of 10,240,000. Therefore, and authorizing the issuance of 9,750,000
bonds or notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof. And you so move. >> I so move. >> Second. >> Discussion. Councel. Councelor Lachman. >> Yeah. I just have a question. So this
authorizes us to issue bonds. We're not issuing the bonds yet. Is that true? Well, presumably if the the if the authorization is given when it is time to proceed with uh making certain purchases or repairs or moving forward
with uh road resurfacing, we will need to go out to to market to actually bond. >> Yeah. Because I'm looking at, for example, Mountainside Park and Pool. I don't know what's going on with the pool there. and yet we're issuing a $2
million plus and I think some of it was for that pickle ball ball um court change. But I'm just curious about what plans for the pool are out there. >> So um if I could defer to uh Austin Ashley if I may. Um this was gone over
in the finance committee. >> Um it actually should my my apologies. It should have been brought up in the infrastructure facilities and infrastructure committee as well. But um Mr. Ashley. >> So this Yeah, this would be for the refurbishment of that the pool at
Mountain Side. What is this song? >> So this would be for the refurbishment. >> Oh, thank you. >> This would be for the refurbishment of the Mountainside Pool, which we'll not be doing this year, but it is to allocate the money. All the all three pools are in basically the same
condition. Yeah. >> And in order to um bring them up to serviceable condition, the uh it would need to be done. >> Okay. So, this is for both the pickle ball and the pool, but we don't write yet know what's going to be done at Mountainside Pool.
>> Correct. >> Because I someone came to me today and said, "What on earth we spending this amount of money for Mountainside Pool?" As far as he was concerned, everything there was fine. So he said, "What on earth are you going to be doing there?" >> Well, a lot for for the pools themselves when we got into Nishuain um and we get
got into the reconstruction of that >> the gutters themselves were in very poor condition. >> Okay. These are things that someone using the pool could not see. >> Right. Okay. Thank you. >> And just to Nishuain did get the re their refurbishment a few couple of years ago, right? >> Correct.
>> Yes. Okay. And it's also, just to be clear, it is a whole complex and there would be other, you know, work that's not just the pools themselves. >> I'm in the council meeting you. Okay. >> I'm sorry. Did you say a pickle ball court's going at Mountain Side? >> No, no pickle ball. >> Oh, okay. Cuz I thought I sat through
that the last time. So, okay. >> Spoke about it. >> They didn't want it. >> Okay. Just double checking. >> And then >> before you go, since we're here Birmingham, >> thank you. Thank you. Um can you just
talk a little bit about some of the other things that we're replacing, particularly the um the trucks because >> do you need do you need that? Yeah. Just um so that people know like where we are. I the the one truck the sewer that
clears the storm drains. Um I know that that that's broken that's broken and really impairs the ability to clear >> Yes. >> storm drains. Yeah, there's a vital piece of equipment that we rely on to clear our storm water system. Um the council has um I thank the council for
their leadership for the the mapping that we're doing currently um with uh the negatively engineering which is identifying a lot of catch basins that need repair andor cleaning. So this truck will allow us to clean out those catch basins and also jet those lines.
So, if you've ever looked, and I don't know why you would, unless your catch basin is full, some of those catch basins can be extremely deep, up to 25 ft. Um, the shallower catch basins we've been doing by hand, which is tedious and and labor intensive. Um, this is a a
needed piece of equipment, and once we get this back into operation, we'll be able to mitigate some of the surface flooding that we're currently experiencing. >> And do you have a sense of when the mapping will be finished? Uh the mapping is on track. I don't want to
within the next few months. We we we're currently working through some problem areas. Some lines where we're trying to trace. They go through odd places. We still find lines that um either were not on the map or um forgotten about. So
we're currently going through those. Um so that's what we're doing now with Negle Engineering. I believe they have about twothirds of the town complete. Um but once we finish the first run, then we'll go back and do some of the um more
uh traffic intensive areas because they need help blocking roads, that stuff. >> Okay. And then as well, you're we're replacing three garbage packing trucks. >> Yes. Yeah. >> And I think we discussed that there are going to be tippers on those so that for
the safety of the workers. >> Yes. Currently, we have no tippers on the on the on the rears of our um recycling and garbage trucks. If you're not familiar, the these are the machines that on the back of the truck that lift the cans. >> So, if you ride around town, you notice
there's a lot of cans that are oversized that have the metal bar. Those are designed to be lifted with the machines that we're going to be um getting with these trucks. And that that will do a number of things. Um but most importantly that will reduce our
workman's comp issues. >> So will residents need to get new garbage cans? >> Yeah, that's what I was guessing. Ray asked >> they won't need to. Um but it's something we're looking into is the possibility um for moving to a system like that. >> Yeah. >> But that's that's much further down the line
>> cuz we have 35 gallons. >> Yeah. 35 gallons current. >> I think it needs to be increased but because Yeah. It just makes sense. Mhm. >> And I have a question on another item, but if you're still talking about um >> garbage trucks, council Birmingham, >> I'm done with the garbage trucks. Thank
you. >> Thanks. Um >> councelor Toller. >> Sure. Thank you. Item H, it says construction of a salt shed uh for the township. Do we know where this salt shed is going to be? >> Yes, that would be that would be replacing the current salt shed. Our current salt shed has about a capacity
of about 1300 tons, which gets us through roughly three storms depending. And as the weather has changed, we're we're not getting as many plowable storms, which >> increases the amount of salt that we need to use. >> Um, >> but where what location? Where
>> that's Oh, that'll be at >> at DCS at the yard. Okay. >> We're looking to make that a larger um salt shed, but the condition of the existing salt shed is also very poor. >> Okay. Okay. So, do like you said, we're not getting snow like we used to, and I see that we're paying Angels and Shoger
a lot of money. Um, would this help offset that? >> Well, the uh not for the salt shed, but the the uh the large snow plow purchases is our intention is to replace those outside contractors because once we have the equipment that we can take over
those uh areas of town, we intend to do that. A thing to note about the the outside contractors is we only pay for them when and if we need them. >> No, I know. I I see the bills, but I'm like, it didn't even snow. You could take a broom and move that snow. >> But okay. Thank you.
>> Excuse me, mayor. >> Yes, deputy mayor. >> Just two questions about uh item F, the various capital and and playground improvements for Nishuain Park. Mhm. >> Um I know that it says that there the plans and specs are on file, but can you
just say a little bit about what? >> So this is for the all-inclusive playground. This is with the um the uh reconstruction of the playground there. That is if you remember we there was a discussion as to whether or not to use it's a >> what makes it all inclusive is it's a
unitary surface. So there's a um option between the cork product and the board in place rubber product. >> Um we will be bidding out that project with both as an al as an added alternative. Um great so we can get a
apples to apples comparison from there. >> Okay. And >> and sorry I have one more. >> No, I wanted him to finish answering about an issue. >> I'm sorry. >> It's not all inclusive. It's all access. >> All access. We met with some individuals with families with disabilities and this
amount of money is probably we talked about the restrooms. We talked about the pool having a lift >> for people with wheelchairs, but our restrooms don't have access for people with wheelchair. So, um I just wanted you to elaborate some more since councelor Anderson had more questions, but
you want to talk about it? >> Sure. I mean, so we have Yes, we did discuss making alterations to the bathrooms. um that would not be a part of that right that that particular grant, but that is something that we're looking to to uh improve. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Okay. And um uh I'm sorry, I have to put on my glasses again. I um $500,000 appropriation for the traffic calming improvements. >> Mhm. >> U I'm glad to see that. Um I I assume but and I assume that you're going to be
coordinating with the complete streets director and Right. And >> Oh, correct. Yeah, absolutely. >> Great. Thank you. I just have one question, >> councelor Lachman. >> So, um, in many of these ordinances, it says that, um, what does it say? It says that
as more specifically described in the plans and or specifications on file in the township offices. So, if someone wants to see those specifications or plans, can they just go to a township office or do they need to file an OPRA request? I believe the easiest way would
be file an Oprah request. >> You think the easiest way is file an Opra request? >> I would think so. Madam >> Madam clerk, >> can you >> if if there are I can tell you in the past if there are um records filed with
respect to these bond ordinances where there's like lists of improvements if they're filed in my office I just if in this instance they are not >> but in the past when they have been filed in my office I just make them available to the public. It's much easier.
>> Thank you. Um that was you. I'm sorry. I didn't >> No, no. I I mean, just to to councelor Lockman's point, I would love for us to be able to get to a point where um you know, these specs and everything could just be publicly available on online or, you know, I mean, I know it's it's not
>> well, for these for the purposes for these capital ordinances, we like I have specifications for trucks. I have, you know, but for larger projects, the like parks and those things that gets done further down the line. Um, so we're not going to have the complete uh plans at this very moment.
>> Got it. Okay. All right. But when they're when they're available. >> Oh, absolutely. Yeah. >> Excellent. >> Council. Yes, Council Damato. >> And there's uh a certain amount of money, I believe, under a million dollars for
the roof of this building. So, there's several roofs that we're looking Yeah. The roofing situation is is not great. So, we, if you remember, we've um authorized the roofs for two of the buildings at DCS. Yep. At the last
meeting. The third roof needs to be done as well. So, that's part of that million and a half in there. That the roof at 205 also needs to be watertight. Um, so there's a there's a bunch of of different facilities >> and the the 205 rep I mean it's really a
repair more than an improvement. Uh, >> yeah is uh is the smallest is is not a bigger part of that. >> Yeah, I would say that's true. Yes. >> Yeah. >> And also in that improvements things
like elevators um Yeah. But but again and this will conclusively because people have asked you know that you know we had water intrusion problems and this is an old building but this is just an in this is proof that that this is being
dealt with and dealt with decisively. Correct. >> Correct. >> Good. >> Councelor Toller. >> Yes. I heard you say a roof at DCS. Is that part of that whole remediation renovation that's happening or is this just replacing the roof and then we still have to remediate and fix DCS? I
know there was some issues. Um >> there's the remediation problem uh problem. There's the immediation project that's ongoing. That's for the old gas tanks from the police garages. That's ongoing. Um this will uh be the second
phase of the roof replacement at DCS, but included in that are the facades that need to be uh replaced because of the water damage. So it's an all-incclusive. We we intend to be >> Don't use my word now. >> Oh, sorry.
>> All right. No, I'm just asking because I I didn't know if DCS was going to have to move after this remediation or anything going to Okay. >> Thank you. Madame Clerk, would you please do roll call? >> Thank you.
>> Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. >> Councelor Lachman, yes. >> Councelor Toller, >> yes. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes. >> Mayor Baskerville, >> yes. >> Councelor Toller, would you please do
new business ordinance 02424? >> Sure. Thank you. >> Uh, ordinance of the township of Mont Clair Clare cancelling the obligations authorized but not issued under bond ordinance number 024-24.
Um, this is for Okay, I move >> second council discussion. We're good. >> Do we just want to explain? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. This is so we have two ordinances back to back
>> that involve Clary Anderson. One is to withdraw an earlier that earlier authorization that was done u uh in the last week of the previous council. Uh the stakeholders we've been engaging with you know pretty intensively
understand what this is about. The second one will be a new authorization um to capitalize the new utility. Um and and there's lots going on. We could go into it, but I would just say
that we're replacing something that was theoretical with something that's real. So, we're replacing a theoretical larger number with a real smaller number. And that and that both the stakeholders in the arena and the taxpayers and everybody else should be happy about
that. and I am happy and thank you. >> Great. >> Thank you very much. Anyone else? Madame Clerk, >> Deputy Mayor Anderson? >> Yes. >> Councelor Birmingham? >> Yes. >> Councelor Damato? >> Yes. >> Councelor Lauman? >> Yes. >> Councelor Toller?
>> Yes. >> Councelor Williams? >> Yes. >> Mayor Baskerville? >> Yes. Councelor Damato, please. >> Uh, new business ordinance bond uh ordinance. Do I have to read the >> Actually, it's um LA
>> L Yeah. >> L A bond ordinance um providing various capital improvements. >> Uh here >> what's this one? >> I just see L. We have a LA.
>> May I? >> Yes, sir. Thank you. Um Mr. So in the updated um agenda for this evening, there is item LA which should be considered before item L. So LA is a resolution requesting approval of an
emergency appropriation pursuant to NJSA 484-48 under 3% limitation uh requires the approval before the bond ordinance approval. So, in order to affffect effectuate the $1 million capital ordinance for Clary Anderson, we need to
provide a 5% down payment. So, this 5% down payment is actually coming from not from the town, but from the newly created Clary Anderson utility. So, that's what this resolution does. that appropriates it it declares an emergency in the Clary Anderson utility to
appropriate uh the 5% down payment for the $1 million um capital ordinance. >> Okay. >> And so moved on this one and again thank you. >> Any discussion? Thank you manager Marks for explaining
that. Madame Clerk, >> Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. Councelor Laughman, >> yes. >> Councelor Toller, >> yes. >> Councelor Williams, >> yes. >> Mayor Baskerville, >> yes. Um and uh Councelor Damato, since
you put so much time and effort into this, will you please do um L the bond ordinance? >> L is uh bond ordinance providing various capital improvements to Clary Anderson Arena by Township of Montlair. Clary
Anderson Arena Utility uh appropriating the aggregate amount of $1 million therefore and authorizing the issuance of $952,000 bonds or notes of the township to finance part of the cost thereof. And I so move
>> second council members. >> Madame Clerk, please. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. Councelor Lachman. Yes. Councelor Toller. >> Yes. >> Councelor Williams. Yes. >> Mayor Baskerville.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Now we're going to move on to the new business um resolutions. Manager Marks. >> So item number one is a resolution authorizing change order number one to the contract with Spanel Companies for
the 2025 sanitary sewer rehabilitation project which was bid 24-25. Number one, sorry. >> Number one, under the new business resolutions. >> Should I move on to the next or >> um I just please
>> Well, you want me to wait for my questions afterwards or >> Oh, no. You have a question here. You can go now. Right. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Um I'm just wondering I thought we paid Neglia almost a half a million dollars to map the sewer system and now we're paying a new firm
or what did Neglia do for that money? I thought it was this type of work, but >> so this is for sanitary sore. Neglia does the storm sore. Um we do not use neglia engineering as one of our engineering firms. >> Okay. >> So what this is is this was found when
we were going through this project. All of our maps called that line on Grove Street an 8 in line. So when this was bid, this was bid to be lined as an 8 in sorane, not a 15 in. But when they cleaned and cambered it, they found it to be a 15-inch sorane. So what Spanel offered was they were going to subtract
the cost at $31 a foot from the cost of what it takes to do a 15-in, which I believe is $68 a foot. Um, so this would actually save us $161,000 around if we did this. >> Right. So I I did the math and this is what I was talking to you about in the
hallway. Um, you know, if we take the the $31 and times it by the square footage, >> it gives us 161.885. And then if you take the 68 and time it by 522, it gives you 355102. >> Yes. >> Which brings you to the 193, right?
>> Yes. >> And where are we subtracting? Are we subtracting? >> So, we are subtracting the 161885 from the 355102. The 355102 is what it would cost us at normal rate to line this uh 5,000 ft of pipe.
>> Okay. And so we're paying again what's the number? >> So we would it with their deduction we would be paying the 193,217.70 for them to do this. Um through their cleaning and camaring they did find a section on this pipe that needs to be
excavated and repaired. And they're also found a couple other weak points. A lot of sore manes are made of terracotta clay. Uh they're in 3 to 5ft sections that shift a lot over time. And this liner will reinforce the pipe and create a new pipe. With the earthquakes we're getting and everything else that seems
to be happening more often, this will help reinforce the pipe and stabilize it. And also with us lining the entire area around that 15 in that >> everything goes into that line essentially we're not really >> helping the entire area by not, you know, dealing with the line that's on
Gro Street. Yeah, I'm I'm still confused and maybe we should table this one because I feel like this is addition and not subtraction. I'm not understanding. >> Well, you you are add So you are adding the 193,000 to the total cost of the job. So the total cost of the job is going from Sorry, I don't have that
number directly. Let me pull the memo up. >> I know, but still. So, it's going from >> $937,000 and uh 800 $937,819 to $1,167,000
$36. So, we are adding to the job, but again, we are saving by them subtracting the cost of the 8 inch liner that they bid on. So, they are subtracting that cost. So, the 15-in would cost us more if we were to do it in another job. >> And mayor, >> yes. Just again this is this change
order was is because of things that were not originally anticipate I mean this is >> so again our maps our maps that we have we have antiquated maps uh we only took over stores in 2008 so we don't have very accurate maps um but it it called it an 8 in on our maps so it was bid out
to be lined as an 8 in main when they went so what they do is they do an initial clean and cameraing process >> before they line it to ensure that they can put the liner through it >> when they lined it they found it to be a 15-inch main Right. So, I know this is just for now,
but perhaps your memo to Mr. Marks could just be a breaking down a little more Sesame Street form because the way I'm interpreting it looks like we're not saving any money. >> Okay. >> Okay. And if you say that we are and >> we're saving $161,000,
but >> Okay. >> So, it's on the last This is here. >> Yeah. On the change order form. I >> right >> I I see that >> it's wastewater management so I feels
pretty important. Thank you for >> Thank you very much. Any other council members? >> Madame clerk. Will you do roll call, please? >> I thought the manager was going through them and then you do a consent agenda. >> Oh, okay. So, we're gonna go through all
of them and then at the end we'll vote them. Okay, that's fine. Thank you. I like that suggestion. Manager Marks, please. >> Item number two is a resolution awarding the fair and open contract for purchase and delivery of fire hydrants, fire hydrant extension, breakaway kits, and
megalug retainer glands. >> Question. Sorry, councelor Tola. >> Yep. The resolution doesn't have an amount on it. Is that okay? >> In the blue packet. I see. >> Thank you,
>> mayor. But it's also uh a sole bidder, which is, you know, it is what it is. But we should note when we pass resolutions, we're only one. We only have one bidder. >> Have what? I'm sorry. >> Only a sole one bidder for the job. Okay.
>> We should always be trying to get, you know, several biders. They note it. They note it down. >> No, no. I understand. It's not about the bidding. It's about the language in the resolution. So we see and this amount is now 400,000 not the 3 94. We just round it up.
>> Glad that that was at the recommendation of the QPA. You could do the 394. That's fine. Um >> I had a question about that for Mr. Marks, but I didn't mean to cut you off. >> No, that's fine. And the the the sole bidder, the reason for the sole bid is Cormain is the sole distributor in the state of New Jersey for these fire hydrants. So especially when you're
operating utility, you don't want to have multiple fire hydrants with multiple different parts. So you're running around trying to ensure you have the right part. you're putting in the right hydrant. It makes our guys more well-rounded and working on these hydrants. They can get them back in service faster for the fire department. Public safety, you know, big deal. So,
that's why we only get one bid because corn mine is the only supplier of these fire hydrants in the state of New Jersey. >> So, I Mr. Marks, I think I emailed you on bidding rounding up. Did you get that email? >> I'm sure it's in my inbox. I apologize for not seeing.
>> That's okay. is you know when the total on the old agenda is 394955 but the new resolution says 4,000 that's almost >> almost that if you want to go with the 394 955 that's fine you can >> balances would be when it's time to submit payment cuz
>> I I believe the philosophy behind that is that the um either Joe Monzo or Lorie Finger um the the temporary uh chief financial officers when they are um signing off on the certification of funds are rounding up to either a allow
for if there's a change order or a contingency or b um it uh it's encumbering additional funds and if unspent and not not a uh could attest to this but I my understanding is um if it's encumbered and not spent it just
helps us with generating surplus >> right no I I get all of that I'm just asking when it's time to actually mail the payment off who will be the person that says we didn't spend 400,000. We spent 394455.
>> Well, for this particular contract, it's actually being awarded by the QPA as an open-ended contract. So, there is no incumbrance right now. There is no certification of funds. So, essentially, it is unit pricing because there's a price list and it authorizes to say
whether you know the department decides they need one hydrant or 100. It depends on the need and they will be ordered and encumbered um and requisitioned as they're ordered up to a total not to exceed of $400,000. So we
may end up paying a dollar, we may end up paying $400,000. >> Okay. >> Depending on the need. So at the moment there is no incumbrance of funds. >> It'll be a blanket purchase order. >> Um actually probably it's it'll be a standard purchase order as they order. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you,
>> manager. >> Item number three is a resolution authorizing award of a fair and open contract to Gentilini Motors to purchase police vehicle in accordance with New Jersey State Cooperative Contract 21-fleet-1485 and 17-fleet-582.
Uh, this is $70,91243 for a Chevy Tahoe. We we we already I I sent you the email about this. I I I think that um I don't I don't see the need and I could be
totally wrong here for a $70,000 vehicle. Uh, I think Ford has a model of Ford interceptor that they make specifically for police departments that I believe we approved or in the bills list there's two Ford interceptors that
we're paying for and they're roughly like $45,000. So, I mean >> I would I would defer since the chief is here. I would defer to the chief or deputy chief. >> Maybe this is all suited out with everything in it. >> Yeah. Hm.
>> Maybe this is suited out with some stuff in it. I don't know. >> Uh the only thing I can say with that, the vehicle's multi-purpose. It's not just used for uh one unit. It's going to be used to transport ammo. It's going to be used for the range. It's going to be
used for the honor guard. Many times the honor guard is working funerals. We have to transport a lot of people to different events. It's going to be also swapped out with the SWAT SWAT team if we have to get large groups back and forth. So that's the vehicle that we looked at that we felt fit our needs and
and that's the one we went with. >> Does have an extra row seating. >> I know three it can accommodate the flag >> cuz I just saw in here that it's replacing a Crown Vic. >> No, the Crown Vic's going because >> in that's just in there because we're getting rid of the Crown Vic and this
vehicle will be in our fleet. But no, it's a multi-purpose vehicle. It's not just used for one uh operation. Is there any way that and I I get the three rows of seating and I'm sorry I'm taking so much time on this. Is there any way that
there's another vehicle that isn't as expensive? >> There may be, but the problem is when we get the when we start looking for cars this late in the year, it's hard to find cars. So, when the money is approved early in the year, we have we could shop around a little better. But right now,
we're late in the year. We've researched all year long. This one fit our needs. And I don't know how much different we're going to find anything because it is like like the deputy chief said with the flag pulls with the honor guard with with the many uses. It does fit the needs and the wear and tear from the
range with the ammo with the equipment on the smaller vehicles shows up pretty quickly. So we'd like to have stronger vehicles for those those reasons. I'm not sure if that's good enough. I'm just >> I I mean I I'm I'm probably going to
>> You could vote no. I understand. >> Vote no on this. Um but everybody else can do what they want that I think you guys are doing a great job anyway. So >> Okay. >> Sorry. >> Now, let me just say this. Next year we're hoping to go to Enterprise. Uh myself, Lieutenant Bardy, Mr. Marks,
we're trying to change over the whole fleet on Enterprise, and that should help us out quite a bit in the future. But this year, we're in the transition of of the two. But that should help out. >> Also understand that the number on that vehicle is due to the upfitting. We won't have that charge at
>> already upfitted with lights. >> Okay. So that's that's important. Okay. >> Yeah. It's not outfitted the same as a patrol vehicle. Less equipment is going to be in this vehicle as well with the lighting and everything. So I know your memo mentioned the extra cost, but the extra cost, it'll be minimal from outfitting an actual patrol vehicle.
>> All right. So it'll have all the lights and the computer equipment and everything in there. Okay. All right. That's That's different. All right. Thank Thanks for that. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch ch chief, don't don't don't go anywhere. >> Okay, >> so item number four is a resolution to purchase an electric Mustang for the police department community service unit
from Neielen Ford of Marstown, which was bid number 25-17 for 49,267. This will be your >> This will be your first electric car. >> Yeah. And now this will be for the community policing unit. And we've said, you know, years ago, we have no issues
turned over to electric. We need the infrastructure for it. But that is not a primary vehicle on the street like the patrol vehicles. It but we could start transition to some of the admin vehicles like the community policing vehicle where we could charge it and take our time. So that's why we went with that vehicle first. Thanks,
>> Council Williams. I'll keep it very brief. Um, just one thing with the EVs, just because a couple of us have EVs up there, they >> you just have to treat them a little bit differently. You can't charge them to 100% each time and and stuff like that
because it wears down the battery and and stuff like that. So anyway, just hope that you know somebody's doing >> Okay, thank you. Next item is a resolution awarding a fair and open contract to East Coast Emergency Lighting, Inc. for outfitting
of police patrol vehicles in accordance with New Jersey State Co-op contract pricing for $12,781.94. Next item is a resolution to renew contract current contract R-23-237 with motor works for maintenance of
police vehicles. not to exceed $75,000. >> Yes, council has a typo in the header. >> It's fire instead of police. So, >> I don't know if this is what you're asking, but is this I'm a little
confused. Is this for fire department vehicles or police vehicles? >> Police vehicles. >> It's for It's for police vehicles. >> Okay. >> Correct. So the resolution >> so if the resolution to um heading could be changed from fire to police. >> I have a comment to make about motor
works and I hear from my constituents who and I live around there. There's a problem with them parking on the sidewalk, parking all over the place. So that facility is really not geared up to have a lot of cars waiting around overnight to be worked on. And
especially when you're thinking these are police vehicles that are d that are blocking the sidewalk and being problematic and driving the residents nuts. >> We we cover that with them uh from time to time when they get a little overzealous, but uh for the most part they're very cooperative and they move
things back. But uh there's a lot of things moving around up there. Like you said, they're very busy and uh for the most part we send them a car, we get it back the next day. >> Okay. I mean, that's not how it looks from a resident walking by. It looks like they have tons of cars parked on the sidewalk.
>> Yeah, they're actually, if you look, >> there's a little lot >> on the sidewalk. They're close to the sidewalk. >> Okay. >> All right. >> They work with us. They know we'll come down there and uh we stick Manny on them, too. >> Okay. I'm just speaking for my constituents who live around there.
>> Thank you. >> All right. >> You asking for a friend? >> Yes. asking for. >> Next item is a resolution authorizing refund of escrow account balances. >> Yes. >> Next item is resolution cancelling
contract with AB contracting LLC for Monontlair Health Department renovations. >> I'm just curious, do we know what work was done, if any? I mean, I know this is cancelling, but I'm just really curious. Health departments had a lot of renovations. So
>> I don't believe any actual work was performed. >> Nothing at all. Okay. >> That's my understanding. There was res renovations. Essentially what happened was there was an issue with the stoppage and starting the funding. It changed the timeline for the renovations of it and it ultimately resulted in changing that
and inability to proceed with that which is the reason for cancing the contract. >> Thank you. Item number nine is a resolution authorizing water transmission contract with the Burrow of Glen Ridge. >> Yeah, I just have one question. Do we
know what the 2024 rate was? >> And do we know this amount will cover our cost? I'm just >> Yeah, >> it will. >> That was discussed at length in the finance >> committee. So, Michael, that's good. They said yes.
Item number 10 is a resolution requesting approval of item of revenue and appropriations pursuant to NJSA48 colon 4-87. >> Yes, I have a question. I'm sorry. Go ahead, Councelor Williams. >> Councelor Williams and then councelor
Toller. >> I'm sorry. Are we Is this for which one is this for? >> Item number 10. >> Oh, no. Not 10. I don't have anything. >> No, I don't have anything for 10. Okay. For 11. Item number 11 is a resolution authorizing award of a fair and open
contract to SJC Lawn Care, Inc. for 2025 tree planting bid 25-07. Council Williams, sir. >> My my only thing with this is I I think we should hold off planting trees and
until we get something in place that where the owner accepts responsibility and the and the fact that ultimately this tree is going to grow huge and mess up the sidewalks and they're going to be responsible for it. And I think that the
owner should also I I don't know how trees are normally planted, whether you identify an area and then do it that way, but the owner should ask the town, hey, please plant a tree, >> right? And instead of us doing it
because I I don't think the tree that was planted in front of my house, I they promised me, hey, you can pick the tree and stuff and they just planted it and and left. Well, we worked on a a letter to go out to the residents of the of the the areas we intend because we have a
list of people who have requested trees in the past. So, we intend to put that letter out with basically exactly that saying we have these different types of trees, but you have to understand that, you know, trees do grow and they do they can raise your sidewalk. There's some areas, the commercial districts, where
we have tree pits that we're we're going to be filling um but most of these and also some in the parks. So we we won't be planting on residential properties without sending a letter to them first and explaining it to them. >> But I I think a little bit beyond the
letter we I mean that's us telling them but they need I think we need something in place where they acknowledge >> Yes. Assume responsibility and Yes. And opt in. Yeah. >> Right. >> Sign sign it.
>> I had a question. >> Yes. Councelor Toller. Sure. >> And then Doc, come on up. >> Okay. Hi, >> D. >> Yeah. So, on page 25, I thought we discussed this a while back that one of these species listed is not native because uh number four and are we
changing that particular bush? It's not a tree. >> Oh, I think that's for >> Yeah, I mean because we need to specify what we're planning and um number four is not a native, >> right? So, these are just what we've changed it to is a a unit price. So this
we're not going to be bidding. We're not going to be purchasing that total. It they the contractor has agreed to provide those trees at those prices. So it's now it's a not to exceed. So we can just not purchase those trees cuz there are going to be some non-native trees
because it's just a availability um issue. >> Wait a minute. Um okay. Yeah, we don't need to purchase number four because it's not a native tree. But I thought this is what this was all about. environmental and native plants. But now you're saying
>> depending on the availability of the trees, it's it's there are going to be some that will not be native. >> And we don't really know where they're going to go yet either. Correct. Like we got them in tomorrow. >> No. So what when we send a letter out, one of the things that will be on there
will be what their preferred tree is. They could also suggest a tree that they would like and if we can get that tree um and it meets our criteria, that's that's a that's a possibility as well. >> I'm kind of with councelor Williams on this. We might want to just hold off until
our arborist can get us a report on trees planted currently. I've asked for it and >> we provided that. >> Yeah, he gave me 1% but I think he can do better. He said he didn't have a full report. So, I'm a little hesitant to >> Well, I would we can hold off, but I would would suggest approving this so we
at least have the ability to um purchase those trees once we make a determination. >> Um >> may I have a question? Is this the fall >> amount 50 trees? >> Oh, no. Well, so we went to not to exceed. So the unit price with the
$50,000 we anticipate about 150. >> 150. Oh, I see. So this is just the >> this is their their bids for >> Yeah. For per price per per tree for type >> for 10 trees that because it's put down there and it's really 35 bucks to fill a
gator bag. >> Yeah. >> It's what I pay for a haircut. >> That's actually more I don't have to pay that for a haircut. Okay. Uh so okay but we'll talk later about some of the tree pits in the commercial district of uptown.
>> So go ahead. >> Okay. Well so the tree pits um the tree grant is going to pay to expand the tree pits. >> Um but also one of the deliverables for the tree grant is that we have to plant a minimum of 100 additional trees. So we
have to plant a 100 trees this year to stay within the deliverables for the tree grant. So all the trees are going to be paid for out of that grant. So just so you know. >> Excellent. >> Yeah. >> Sorry, councelor Birmingham and then councelor Williams.
>> Well, Dr. Johnson has a list. You have a list in your office of people who have requested trees. Correct. >> Yeah, it's about 60 people so far. >> Okay. So those are the people who have priority. >> Yes. >> That are not the municipal spaces or the
commercial, but those people have priority. they can get a letter that explains and um what is the because I see here that they agreed to when we voted this down last time they agreed to extend the pricing for us.
What is the um like optimal time to be planting for you? Like what? >> Late fall, November, December. Okay. And we have a warranty on the trees too. >> You have a warranty? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Nice. Just one more question since you're >> Excellent.
>> Uh Dr. Jay, >> can I can I only request a tree to be planted on the curb by my property? >> Yes. >> I can't like my neighbor needs a tree, but I can't say this tree should be go there. >> Yeah. I'm just wondering they because
they don't know. >> I know. Just ask. >> Well, well, the other thing too is you could request a tree, but the arborist has to come and review it and make sure that it's appropriate. So, not everybody's going to get the exact tree that they want depending on the size
>> um you know of the the strip, but we'll do our best. >> Council Williams, >> this probably should take this offline, but what's the process for planting your own trees on the public right away?
>> Yeah. Um, we discourage that because we well I mean if you would if you'd like to you contact the arborist so we could check to make sure that the trees is acceptable for the location. Um, but uh we prefer that you'd run it through the
arborist first. Okay. Uh just one point on the uh resolution was brought up to me that there's not to exceed 70 trees. If we could strike that in there was supposed to be removed. >> Okay, you found it.
>> So you want >> not shall not exceed >> to exceed 70 trees. There shouldn't be a tree. >> So take that whole thing out. >> So just take out the first sentence.
Now take take out shall not exceed 70 trees. >> There be resol um so it'll be the third now therefore be resolved the third bullet point maximum trees in this open-ended contract shall not exceed 70. >> So that should just be struck. >> Yes.
>> Mhm. >> Please. Item number 12 is a resolution authorized the purchase of a Huber SC 10009 combination sewer truck from Huber Corporation under the npp.gov cooperative purchasing program.
>> So this is for the sewer truck. >> Deputy mayor I'm sorry. What were you saying Mr. Ashley? >> Yes. This is for the stor the storm sewer truck. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> The jetpack. >> So, we got to buy the truck and Okay. >> H >> We're buying the truck and then they can
clean the sewer. But I thought we just bought another truck. No. >> No. >> For the jet. No. >> Okay. >> No. >> All right. >> Item number 13 is a resolution authorizing the renewal of a fair and open contract to Angels Landscape Contract uh contractors and Suburban
Sidewalks, Inc. and Shoger Property Services, Inc. for the township snow rem uh snow plowing and removal services which was bid number 24-09. >> Yeah. I just have a question. >> I'm sorry. >> No, go ahead.
>> Um on the memo from Mr. actually to you. It says this original contract was awarded on August 13th, 2024, but um they were given several contracts. So, we're just using because
I I have dates from 813, 2024, 10:24, 23, 11:14,22. Um >> where are they? >> You'd have to look for them online. They're not >> But they're not in this. Okay. >> Right. So, I'm just making sure that we're working from the the most recent
and current original contract because there's three out there, three different dates. >> We rebid this at the at the uh it was the end of their contract term because the way that they were doing them was doing them yearly. >> We're asking that it not be yearly, that
it for the rest of the term. Um, so this was rebid on uh 2025. I'm sorry, this is a tree bid. Um, I don't have it in front of me. This was rebid last year. So, we're looking to award for the remainder of the contract.
>> Okay. And how do we negotiate with them? Cuz we just have to take whatever number they give us. >> It's bid out. >> It's bid out. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Item number 14 is a resolution authorizing fireworks to be displayed
during the St. Sebastian Society Festival. Okay. >> Fireworks. No, I'm just kidding. I'm kidding. I'm just kidding. >> I have a question. So, I did clarify that they this is something that they they do um every year, I guess. But I guess I
wanted to know um what kind of notification I don't know if anybody can answer this, but what kind of notification they send to the neighbor the residents who live around there. >> Um >> probably none. >> Well, no, because I don't know. >> Probably none.
>> Well, I mean I do. >> Yeah. >> They put the flyers all around and the people are no now get ready. >> I know some people get upset because their pets are, you know, start picking up. >> That's true. Good point. >> Yeah, they do.
>> Manager. >> Item number 15 is a resolution appointing members to the rent control board. >> Yep. I we had a discussion about this and um I don't believe an employee should be on our
committee commission but I see there's a memo here from our deputy manager to the mayor and council. Would you like without using the person's name just um >> as a matter of fact I concur with we had discussions ourselves and I thought I believe
>> I mean I thought there was going to be someone else that was >> I did too. I did too. Yes. I I thought so. And it's someone that the rent control board actually wants. >> Well, there are two positions. Oh, >> right. There was one that's um full-time, and I think that's the person
you're talking about. And here, uh this person was going to be a an alternate, which means she would not be seated unless there was an absence of a regular member. And another thing that concerns me is that she was a resident long
before she became an employee. And if there's anything that comes across that she may have had access to, she can always recuse herself if she's seated at that particular meeting. >> So what is the suggestion for agenda
item number 15? >> Uh is this let me read this again. I'm sorry. One suggestion, we should go back and see if there were other people that volunteered for this board. So, we're going to withdraw this going through that list in the volunteer information
forms. Uh I guess there'll be two that we received. >> No, there were a couple more. >> Okay. So, um we're going to withdraw agenda item number 15 for the night and bring this up at the next meeting. >> Yes.
>> Thank you, manager. Item number 16 is a resolution authorizing the extension and amendment of the professional services agreement with Clary Jacobe Alfiero and Jacobs LLC to continue providing services as
interim township attorney. Item number 17 is a resolution authorizing the cancellation of the contract with Byron Electric for the installation of electric vehicles, EV charging stations at the south end lot and municipal lot.
It is what it is. Item number 18 is a resolution authorizing the award of a fair and open contract for the installation of a dualport electrical vehicle charging station at 205 Claremont Avenue pursuant to a New Jersey state contract 23- fleet-68466.
>> I just have a question. So we cancelled I'm sorry we canceled the last one and we're going to issue this one. Do we know what assurance we have that we qualify for these? I mean, I know it's grant money, but we we had it before and it was taken away. So,
>> um I'm sorry. What was your question? >> How do we know that we qualify? You know, what assurance do we have that the town qualifies for this? >> So, so we still have the BPU funds. Um PSCG still has their funds. Um >> and we'll be fine. So, we canled the
Brian Electric contract because we didn't we weren't in the footprint for the um for the uh elective pay, but with Linkwell, it's a lot cheaper. It's like half the cost. So, I researched and I found another company that still is on
the state contract that can do the installation at both the um township site, I'm sorry, the the town hall site and the south end site. >> Okay. So, then it's really costing us 10,000 because we have these rebates. It's costing us zero dollars because I have grant money to cover all of it.
>> Excellent. Thank you. >> So, it would have cost us an additional 30,000 around per site if we went with Ryan Electric because we didn't qualify for the direct pay incentives. Um, but then I found another alternative. >> I just Good luck. >> So, we're getting a new electric vehicle
for the police station. Where is the charger for them? >> I don't know. Oh, I think they're going to be going to um one of the decks, the Crescent deck, and charging it there because it's not far. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes.
>> Um I just want to say thank you because I know, you know, that was a big topic of discussion and I know it fell through, but I really commend you for >> Yes. >> researching and actually getting us a better deal. Um because we're not really
hearing much of that lately. Um, and I really hope that this goes through. Do we have a sense of the timeline now if we approve tonight? >> Uh, I'm not sure the exact timeline, but it it seems like it should be soon. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Yeah, I I just have a technical question. I'm sorry.
>> Yes. >> What do you when you use the thing? Is it like a like how do we how it get turned on and turned off >> or is it just free? Is it just you? For municipal vehicles, there'll be a code
so that we can charge it, but then it also be open to the public >> and then the public. But it'll be you can just go charge your car there >> for a fee. Yeah. >> For a fee. So it has a fee thing built in our vehicles. >> Okay. I get it. I get it. Wonderful. >> Yeah. It's it's in line with what is
being charged normally. >> And >> just a quick and and again I thank you very much for this. I know that there's another similar resolution for um the south end location. >> Yeah. 24. So I apologize they're not together.
>> No, no, no. It's okay. Um no apologies. Um and just uh just and in terms of um the public, how how are people going to be informed that these resources are available? >> We could have it on our website. There's also tons of apps um that let you know
where the chargers are. I'm like pointing at you like you know where it is. >> Mr. Mr. Marks also knows where they are. So, so it it will be um out there. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate your work.
Item number 19 is a resolution authorizing renewal of alcoholic beverage plenary retail distribution license number 0713-44-00008-04 Husen ABC Holdings LLC for a term ending June 30, 2026.
Item number 20 is a resolution reappointing a member of the zoning board of adjustment. Item number 21 is a resolution appointing members to the arts advisory committee. Item number 22 is a resolution appointing members to the complete
streets oversight board. Um I would like to propose an amendment to this. Um if it's okay. Is that okay? Um I think we've discussed that um we would
appoint two members of the governing body as it says up to three members. And then the third spot um will we will not appoint one particular person because then in meetings we can have people
rotating the like the ward counselor if there's a issue for your ward you can attend the meeting. Um so I would propose to remove councelor Lachman which I previous I have previously
discussed this with her so I'm not springing this on her. I would propose to remove councelor Lochman from this list if that >> here >> that's my proposal >> and >> that was already discussed so people knew that she knows all right
>> and again this is so we can have we don't have quorum and we can rotate um the attendance of whatever ward counselor wants to attend for um a project that's being discussed in their word
>> um attorney Ernie Tesky, is that substantive? >> That's a resolution. >> Oh, so we can do whatever we want with it. >> I'm >> Is that correct? >> Anything you want. >> Can I just make >> I'm I'm sorry. I'm I I really apologize.
I I completely missed this, but the prior resolution, >> right, >> um the arts advisory, um it's >> one of the members her the full name is um Su Yun Nagarian. So, can that just be added to her name? >> Yeah. Hold on.
>> N A J A R I A N. >> N A A J A R I A N. Okay. >> We will reach out to her. The name is listed as she filled out her application, but we will reach out to her. >> Please do. Thank you. >> Okay.
So, on the uh item 22, there was a motion to amend. Was there a second? >> Second. Okay. Item 23, uh, resolution for vegetative waste removal and disposal services base
bid part B supplemental curbside collection. >> Um, is this a price increase that we're paying now compared to >> Is this a price? It seems like a 20% increase from what we used to pay. >> I don't know. I mean, I know it goes out
to bid, but get brief. This is for the supplemental trucking. So, this is an as needed basis. Um the the $1,800 a day is the current rate where we're blunt what that we are paying. >> No, I was just concerned about the price increase. It seems like what they're
quoting you for what it will be 1,800. It wasn't 1,800 in the past. So, I'm just saying they seem to have went up. >> Oh, no. It was 1,800 in the past. >> Yeah. I thought it was um >> yeah, the price was in 2024 was a little
different, but >> again, we're this is more for um we're aiming to eliminate the service, but it is is one of our backup uh vendors. So, when we are in a pinch, this is >> When do we use them? >> For leaf collection, it's in the past
it's been pretty regular. So, about 3 months that we use them. Um we're looking to rearrange some of the staffing to take on more of that to eliminate um their service, but it's it would be vital for us to keep this ability and flexibility.
>> Yeah, cuz yeah, this is about $9.95 more than what we were paying. But yeah, let's figure out how we can eliminate that. >> I'm working on that with the solid waste supervisor. >> Thank you. >> Question for it's also it's a fiveyear pricing, right? Yes. For 5 years
>> with no escalation. Correct. Yeah. Thank you. >> So, um can you just explain a little bit then? It says here um for a term of 5 years, but if we don't need them, do we only call them
when we need them? Yes. Okay. So, so we because we've talked about the possibility of um in some towns you will actually make an appointment, you know, like if you bag your leaves, >> you can make an appointment and and so we we could still move towards that.
>> Yes. Yeah. >> Um Okay. >> Yeah. This gives us a lot of flexibility with the service. >> Okay. Thank you. Item number 24 is a resolution authorizing the award of a fair and open contract for the installation of a dualport electric vehicle charging station in the south end parking lot
pursuant to New Jersey state contract 23- fleet-68466. >> We already did that. Next item is 25 resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the state of New Jersey for the New Jersey UCF green
communities grant for tree inventory and community forestry management plan development. Item 26 is a resolution requesting approval of emergency appropriations NJSA 40 48 colon 4-48 under 3%
limitation. Yes. Um, councelor Toller, please. >> Sure. So, this is to clean up the asbestos and etc. Um, I did have a resident that had asbestos tested from work being done across the street from her home. How does that work for
residents? If we, the township, are issuing permits and they're doing the work and asbestos is flying. The resident actually went and had it tested. So I'm just curious is there any thing that we the township should do or can do and how do we notify that home
that had the asbestos that's just circling in you know in the air. >> So that's not regard that's not regarding this specific. No, no. I'm saying that we're being proactive here, but I'm just asking how does this work for residents, >> not this particular resolution. I mean
just overall and maybe that's another discussion for offline >> that um I will have I don't want to answer on the fly and give you the wrong information. So that's something that I'll have to consult with either construction code or or um code enforcement about that. Um, asbestous
obviously is highly regulated and there are protocols for it. There are licensed contractors by the state of New Jersey. Um, that you can't just have any old contractor, you know, removing, you know, asbestous. So, they have to be licensed and know how to remove and treat asbestous. So, um, I will find out
that answer and get back to you. Is that acceptable? >> And in the meantime, I'll leave this report with you tonight. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Next item is 27 resolution authorizing emergency uh purchase pursuant to NJSA
40 uh 48 col 11-6 to repair and remediate asbestous and other conditions flagged at police headquarters by the New Jersey Department of Health New Jersey Department of Health um POS public employees occupational safety um
and health Yes. >> Next item is 28. Resolution authorizing a non-fair and open professional services contract with RC Architects for design and renovations for the Montlair Senior Citizen Health and Wellness Center.
>> There's no certification of funds on this one. Yes, sir. >> I believe in the supplemental packet there was a >> packet there is >> a certification of funds. >> Yes. Y
>> okay and then um >> so >> item 29 is the >> wait I >> I'm sorry >> just really quick um with respect to item number 28 so um I know that
um the space will the the the intent will be to partly use the space for um you know like digital education type of uh programs classes
in the senior citizen center >> that's not um that is 28 I'm sorry >> I'm I'm I'm on 28 >> different >> so I just want to make sure that um I I don't maybe this isn't part of this um the scope of work here, but um I just
want to point out that we will probably need to address like the um the um internet connection and things like that that will make the space, you know, function. >> We will go through a public planning process uh with stakeholders to make sure that the site is appropriate for
senior citizens including those with u who are maybe mobility impaired or mobility issues. um and include amenities uh such as uh you know free internet or or Wi-Fi in the in the space >> and again this the funding the proposed
funding is from grant funds that need to be expended by next March right >> correct >> um this is a nonfair and open so can I just ask how this firm RSC was selected are you familiar with them >> I I am familiar with them I've used them
in previous employees they are the before I got here. Uh Montlair was using them for an assessment of the police department building. They also did the um the planning and design of the uh roof replacement at the Department of Community Services. Um I find them to be
reasonable and accommodating. They're considered to be like a a municipal uh architectural firm. So >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> They have reasonable prices and and they're >> Anderson. >> Yeah. And then Clary Anderson, >> correct? And if I may, this uh for
people listening at home, especially some of our seniors, you know, this is about making a senior wellness center here and there is a discussion going on with these stakeholders and you know who have had who have been on a very long
journey to try to have a place and uh this like Clary Anderson which has the same thing. It's like what I've said about the bond ordinances that we had. We're trading something theoretical and big. Well, we're trading something
theoretical and big for something real that's the same size in a different location and it will happen fast and it will happen well and I'm I'm really looking forward to it. So there'll be there'll have to be some discussion about that. But I I I think we've really
made the right choice there. And I want to thank the manager for coming up with an excellent a creative solution and executing it uh uh well and very quickly. So thanks. >> I' I'd like to um also thank the manager
for this um suggestion, but I'm a little bit concerned. Did you go back and have a further discussion with the seniors? Because it seemed to me at the time that we met with the seniors, we gave them an opportunity to come back to us with some other thoughts and ideas. And then when
we're moving very rapidly, um, as council demato acknowledged, we're moving quickly and we're putting money in place to them. it must seem like there's not an opportunity for them to come back to the table and give us things cuz we're putting things in
motion. So, I'm just um trying to figure out for me that doesn't feel good to me. It sort of feels like we told them they can do something and then we're going ahead rapidly. So, what is your thought? And how do we um mend something if if if
we've offended someone or or led them in the wrong direction thinking that they could come back and give us some thoughts, which they did give us a list of things. I just want to know how this plays out with integrity on our part. So I did reach out to um the senior
group that and lapel I didn't >> um so and I invited them to see the space and and lapel specifically uh declined but uh we will be going through a uh open public process for the design
of the proposed center. Um they are more than welcome to participate. will be soliciting stakeholder input and involvement and participation. So I I'm really hoping that they will participate in the as we uh start the process.
>> But so just so we're clear because I'm also I haven't really had the contact that other people have had is I mean >> is there a reason we have to do it so quickly? I'm just curious if if there's
a grant that has to be used. >> So, it's because we have grant funding that we want. >> There's a $200,000 federal grant that expires in March of 2026. So, it could be used for health related uh purposes um for construction or
rehabilitation of a health related center or department. So um given the you know there weren't u many or any other ideas percolating on um how to use the money uh without letting expire. So
uh that was the one idea we could we could also repurpose. We had budgeted um this year approximately $125,000 for um the uh lease payments of the proposed center that was originally supposed to
be in the Mills building that can be repurposed for um this as well if we go over 200,000. Um and then there was additional funding in the this year's budget, $60,000 for furniture. So, it's a pretty robust budget um that's already
budgeted for and we won't have to either bond or raise I don't think we will have to I will make sure that we were we are on time and under budget. So, we will not have to raise additional funds from either you know borrowing or
bonding or notes or next year's budget >> and and just the the space is where the recreation department currently is. proposed spaces where the recreation department is. I also >> Yes. >> Okay. And is that all taken care of
that? >> So, um Michelle Camarada and I went over to Department of Community Services to meet with Austin a week or two ago to actually see comparably sized space in the Department of Community Services. I don't want to speak for Michelle
Camarada, but she was very um pleased with the the size and shape of the office space that was available over there. So, I mean, she seemed pleased upon initial, you know, um inspection of the you know, the premises and the site.
It will make things easier to to transition Department of Recreation to um the Department of Community Services campus and then free up space here. There's also I mean this is more centrally located. There's a there's
established public parking you know here. I've talked to uh Manny Germano from the parking utility about dedicating uh parking spaces for um the senior citizen like visitors to the senior citizen center uh right outside
here. um which I think we have, you know, enough to accommodate. Um as well as making the rear entrance to the municipal building ADA accessible with the handicap ramp ramp and entrance. So I'm I'm cautiously optimistic. I I hate
overselling and I I try to underpromise and overd deliver, so I don't want to oversell this, but I'm I'm cautiously optimistic that this could be a good thing. If I can ask, would it So, our next meeting is on September 9th,
would it would it be putting that March deadline in jeopardy if we >> I mean, every week that you lose putting it in jeopardy. So I understand but I think it's I empathize and and you know
understand what what my colleagues are saying it you know if it does feel rushed for people >> um I don't I don't want to you know be looking like a steamroller here like so people should speak up if they think
that this is a is too rushed we can talk about it. Well, I was just curious um you know how long they would actually be there spending that kind of money. That was one of my questions. But if we're looking for a new home alto together,
does it make sense to spend that kind of money? I I think I've thought about this a fair amount. I think it's a positive thing that this, you know, so no building is forever and all buildings get get renovated and get, you know, full gut
renos over a certain period of time, some longer than others, you know, but having a new program when you go into it, you want to have flexibility and so having a space and we're so if this was money that was our
own money that we were having to raise from taxpayers, I think that that would be a very good question because it would feel like, you know, maybe we're putting good money, good money after bad, but it's not. It's money that's already budgeted that we've set aside that's, you know,
long gone and then there's a grant. There's a perishing grant. So, it's a separate, it's a different kind of situation. And this space would give us the ability to test the theories that we have about what a senior center could
look like because it would be relatively flexible. And you know, you just don't know what you're going to want to use. And so I do think that I mean, you know, there are trade-offs and I understand if people find that, you know, subpar or
something like that. But I I personally and 100% honestly think it's an excellent solution. I'm almost jealous. I didn't come up with it. I think it's really really good. But I but I empathize if it feels like this is rushing the process and if it doesn't
jeopardize it, if we were to wait, that's not unreasonable. I'm just trying to be reasonable here. >> I don't I don't think that for me it's not not um so much that it's rushed. Yes, it it is. But for me, I really would like to um get the okay and the
blessing or at least the acknowledgment from the seniors who have been involved in this forever that that they understand and that this will meet their needs. Because if we had not given them an opportunity to come back and bring us
some suggestions, which they did, and then it looks like, unless I'm and if I'm wrong, let me know. Maybe you went and you looked at the other things that they suggested or talk to them about that. I just think that we should have the opportunity just to say acknowledge, you know, thank you for this and and why
we don't want to go that way and why we need to move on that or something. I don't like the idea of just okay, well, you know, you guys send us something. we're moving ahead in this direction and there's no communication. Um, sometimes maybe I overcommunicate things, but
that's just, you know, me cuz I I would feel better that way. You know, I'm a senior. I could be in that. I've been in that group for years, you know, and so I'm just trying to imagine how I would feel sitting there and people are telling us, okay, you know, we can't do
this plan. And so, but and we and your idea was great. and people sat up and he said, "But if in the meantime you all get some thoughts and ideas, you can come back and bring them to us and then when they come to us, it's like boom, the door is closed." That's the part
that doesn't feel really great for me. I I think it's a wonderful plan and we may end up in the same place, but I think we should really give them an opportunity to >> so I would I'm gonna um abstain on the vote here if if it moves ahead and just
because it's not what I am proud of and I have to vote my conscience. >> So can I just ask this says that we the vote would be to authorize you to execute a contract. So within just thinking about it if within the next
week or two cuz we're not meeting again for almost another month right so and we have a deadline for the grant so within a week or two we can so there you would have authorization if if it was discussed with the senior group and they
for whatever reason you know whatever if if people there are some people that there's an absolute reason that shouldn't proceed you can just not execute the contract right? Or like does this bind you to executing the contract? >> It it doesn't bind. I would because time
is of the essence, I would give them a notice to proceed. I I spoke with the architects actually this afternoon on a variety of issues including Clary Anderson, but um I would give them a notice to proceed tomorrow. They would want they would start their internal like mobilizing, right? So if
we were to cancel the contract in two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, there may be some quests incurred for their mobilization. >> You know, it wouldn't be the entire amount, but I don't know. Probably be a few thousand if we if we had to cancel,
>> but yeah. So, if I may, um >> I'm Yes, I'm sorry, deputy. Um so I I was one of the people that had the discuss you know we were uh some of us were in the meeting and I I am very mindful of
in you know these these advocates who have been um you know pushing for a space of their own which I think you know I would like to support and um that's not changing and you know it's but I think this this idea came about
because you know knowing that we as a council came in and um walked into a situation where we are discovering all of these, you know, really um a myriad of like facilities and infrastructure um uh priorities um but also
understanding that this is something that um you know uh this group has worked for for a very long time. And so um I you know my preference would be and I and I do think that this I see this as sort of a temporary you know space
>> um so that they can start you know implementing some of the problem the the um the programs that they've been wanting to do um while also continuing the dialogue. I I I would prefer to um at least invite um you know try to have
um a follow-up meeting um to the one that we had like about a week and a half ago and just you know make sure that you know everybody is able to to be heard. But ju again just because we we don't want
to to be dragging and then we miss out the the project needs to be completed by March >> completed by March. Okay. So so that is like this if you're talking about construction. So, um >> I think and I also think that
potentially the architect coming in and having some ideas to show the seniors could help them potentially because right now if they're looking at you know a recreation room and you know that potentially that might help
>> to to that that they could start to visualize this if if th this cost the soft cost for the for the architect is covered by the grant. >> Um I would prefer I would prefer because
the um it could be my preference and recommendation would be to use municipal funds for the soft costs and the constru because the the $200,000 grant is for construction or rehabilitation to use
those funds for the the actual construction the hard costs the construction and and renovation. Madame Clerk. >> Oh, did we move this and I mean agenda, but I think this one
>> I'm going to take that out of the consent >> consent agenda. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's what I was going to ask her. If you can pull this from the consent agenda. >> Well, everything else is going to be on the consent agenda. >> Okay. Is that it? Was it there was something else that you someone had
given me that was an extra something. >> Oh, there's the um >> um Yeah. And I don't know where my paper is. I'm sorry. Thank you. >> No, no, that's not I mean that's not up for >> upstairs.
this um resolution authorizing the township to enter into a settlement agree agreement in connection with tax sale certification number 21-00009. >> Manager Marks, >> would you like me to expand on that?
>> Thank you, Mr. Attorney Tuski. This is a a walk-on resolution authorizing the approval of a settlement agreement between Fundality and JP Morgan Chase Bank. This is a matter that involved a tax sale certificate and subsequent foreclosure action. There were issues
with tax notices to a subdivided property. Um, this resulted in a a lawsuit fund versus JP Morgan Chase Bank, case number SWC-f662-24. The settlement would be twofold. There's a portion of funds in the amount of
$828,000. $828,961 93 representing the principal and premium amounts uh for that tax sale. That's just an amount that's sitting for the public's knowledge. This is already represented to the to the council.
That's an amount that's sitting in uh a fund collecting interest that will be refunded to the uh uh lean holder here fundality. There's also another portion for the settlement. Um there was an exposure of the lean amount inund
approximately $160,000 collecting interest daily and acrewing. The exposure to the town was that along with obvious litigation costs. The recommendation in the resolution would approve a $54,74.36 payment to fund fundality uh with regard
who is the lean holder. Essentially the three parties fundality the lean holder JP Morgan Chase Bank and Monontlair are splitting the baby three ways in order to get this matter resolved which we think uh limits the exposure to the town and potential uh cost down the line
should this matter have been litigated further. Thank you. Um and so that's going to become um resolution number I guess 30, right? >> Yes. And for the council's benefit, we did receive an email with the certification of funds. So that is in
order as well just uh it's not reflected in the resolution, but will be updated and sent to the clerk uh tomorrow morning. >> Thank you. >> If it's approved. >> Yes, sir. >> Also move that off the consent agenda to vote. So this one, the bills list and
the lab of the senior center. Could we just pull those off agenda? >> So both of those individual. >> So that is um 28, 29, and 30.
>> Oh, which ones are you taking off? 28, 29, and 30. >> Huh? >> Rent control board. >> Rent control board. >> What number is that, please? >> Sure. um number 15 >> at this time. Um we're going to remove
15, 28, 29, and 30. Does anybody else have anything else we should remove, please? >> No, but since >> we're removing the bills, I do have some questions, but should I wait until we bring this bill list back? >> Why are we removing the control?
>> The rent control, >> mayor. Item 30 on the on the revised agenda was was regarding deer control. It was a May I may I read item 30. >> So it's not 30. >> Okay. So this is not 30. >> That should be 31.
>> 31. Okay. I'm sorry. Thank you. >> I don't even see 30 then. Do we get 30 in the new box? Okay. Thank you. So this is 31. >> We're not moving the deer. Thank you. The deer can stay put. public service
>> 28 29 31 and 15. >> Should I read 30? >> Yes, please. >> So item 30 is a resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant funding from of grant funding from the NJD community-based deer management grant
program to perform a deer population survey. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, at this time we're going to vote on um the new business resolutions that were just presented to us as a
consent agenda. We're going to vote on all of the resolutions except for 28, 29, 31, and 15. >> Madam Cler, I >> I move. >> Oh, I move. Thank you. Second.
>> Thank you, >> Deputy Mayor Anderson. Yes. >> Council Birmingham. >> Yes. >> Councelor Damato. >> Yes. >> Councelor Lachman. >> Yes. >> Councelor Toller. >> Yes. >> Councelor Williams. >> Yes. >> Mayor Baskerville.
>> Yes. >> Roll call on number 15. Madam clerk, please. >> Uh, mayor. >> Resolution appointing the members to the rent control board. >> Yes, madame mayor. I have a record that that one was tabled to September 9. >> Okay.
>> Which one? >> The rent control board. Then we're going to go to number 28. >> Roll call, please. >> At the senior center. >> Do I have a movement, mayor, for item
28? Is there a movement? >> So moved. >> Somebody second, please. >> Second. Okay. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson, >> can I sorry, I just want to So,
um, Mr. Marks, the plan would be that you could mo just if this if this passes that you could mobilize the architects given our time limit. If within a week we hear this is absolutely something
that is rejected, you could stop and we could stop this contract. Do we need to put into the contract? This contract can be >> cancelled by the township at any time for any reason. >> Do we need to >> That's a great idea >> that you would put into the contract
there. Okay. >> Okay then. Thank you. And along with the clause, the m the the um the termination clause, I would like to ask that a meeting. Oh, >> I'm sorry. Along with the termination
clause, I would like to um ask that a follow-up meeting be scheduled with the members of the collective that we spoke >> after we vote on it and put money in place to move forward with what we do. Can I can I
>> Madam Clerk, were you in the middle of doing a roll call? Please continue. Thank you. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councelor Birmingham. >> Yes. >> Councelor Damato. >> Yes. >> Councelor Lochman. >> Yes. >> Councelor Toller. >> What are we voting on? I've got lost.
This is the resolution authorizing a non-fair and open professional service contract with RSC architects for design and renovations of the Monontlair senior citizen health center across in the center. >> Yes. >> Councelor Williams. >> Yes.
>> Mayor Baskerville. >> I'm going to um abstain for the reasons set forth. >> Thank you. Number 29, please. The bill list. Okay. Does anybody have any discussion
on the bill list? >> I do, but councelor >> Councelor Williams, you pulled it from the list, right? >> I'm sorry. >> You can go. >> Councelor Toller, I mean, councelor Lachman, >> did you? So I uh move the build list resolution
which reads whereas invoices against the township of Montlair in favor of the following persons for the amounts set opposite their respective names have been received duly audited and found correct. Now therefore, be it resolved by the council of the township of Monontlair in the county of Essex that
said invoices be and they are hereby ordered paid and that checks be drawn by the finance department to the order of such persons for the amounts respectively and hereafter stated on the schedule attached here to and made a part hereof. This is council meeting
August 12th, 2025 and the total amount is 3,763,57066. >> Second discussion. Councelor Toller, please. >> Yep. >> Hi. >> Hello. >> How are you? Um I just have a question
on um I have several questions, but let's start with the first one. um page. Turn my stuff all the way. There's a res there's a bill on here about residents picking up leaf bags that we have a
service here. Um I guess this is page I don't know what page this is. >> Page four, but when you pull it off the staple is there. page four and it's um
vendor 14 406. >> Mhm. >> Where are these leaf bags that residents can pick up? I've never known anything about that. >> But do the residents know that? >> Okay. >> Not really. >> Yeah. No, I didn't think so. >> I mean, I think probably I would get I
would eliminate this service. I think it's >> Yeah, this is this is a waste of money. Um >> Yeah, >> cuz I I go to Home Depot. just saying I don't think many residents know about this. Um >> I'm going to defer to Austin on in
>> and while he's coming up there's uh on page three >> I love the free >> I see Marchello's painting for the health department do we know how much money's been budgeted for the health department for all the renovations and improvements there cuz we don't know.
Um, a bulk of the health department renovations were funded under the infrastructure grants. So, you have voted on a resolution today to cancel a contractor AB contracting. Okay. >> That was to continue that project. That's some of the money that's being freed up that's being considered for the
senior center. >> Okay. >> Because it was infrastructure money specifically to develop local public health. >> All right. And then my last one is on page six. Um, acuity. I don't know if there was a resolution for this. Did we Did we approve a
resolution? Because we spent6,000 already. We've panning 14402. Back in June, we paid $2,42.50. I don't know. Is there a resolution for Acuity Consulting Services? I don't recall seeing one. Um, I will look into
that and we can get back to you in the morning because I either there was a resolution and or it was awarded as a window contract under the authority delegated to the EPA. >> Okay. Please let me know. >> Councelor Toller, aren't they the group that manages some of the affordable
housing? >> Yeah, but we would still have to approve a resolution to pay them to do the work. And I don't recall seeing one. Yes, that's correct. >> We do. >> Okay. Okay. But again, if it was awarded as a window contract within that that threshold of money,
>> then the delegation to the QPA, the annual delegation to the QPA to award those contract precludes the need for other resolutions. >> Okay. And then there's custom care services. It says park maintenance services for three years. It's $9,700. I just want to make sure they're not
using pesticides cuz we did do a whole passing of something. Yes, that's just for that's for trimming and and um and uh mowing the lawns. >> So, they don't do any kind of pesticides. >> And how many bags do we get? You said six pallets for leaf bags.
>> I don't have the total number for on hand. It's just continuing uh ongoing purchase. Each household gets two sets of bags for free. >> And then after that, there is a $5 charge. >> All right. Thank you. >> I love the bags. Thank you. Wonderful
bags. You getting rid of them? I'm getting rid of them. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? Uh >> n >> so or the manager. So we are now seeing
PS the different lines of the PSSE and G bills are showing up that that's not a normal thing is it to have all these different to have them broken down like this in the bill list. I don't remember seeing this before. Are these accurate now? These are these
are all accurate. Like >> so I'm going to defer to the manager and the deputy manager to >> feel like we spend a lot of time with PSE and you these days. >> We do. >> Yes, we do. Uh I asked Miss Tassy to
come up also. I had recently asked for all open 24 and 25 uh outstandings. Uh PSCG for some reason and N you can help me
breaks out their their statements in collectives. Is that right? >> If if if the counselor's question uh I what I'm hearing is a two-part question. So vendor number 5027
is DCS. That's a 55 average 55page bill. >> I don't know. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Somebody had a question. Oh, Eric, I'm sorry. >> That's a good answer. That's good. That's good. >> Yes. So, it's a 55page bill that goes through um street lighting.
>> So, each of the street lights has their own account. So, that's why the page that's why it's like 55 pages. And each little account may have three street lights or four street lights or 10 street lights. So the what you have in
front of you is the bill for um November of 2024, January of 2025, February of 2025, March of 2025, May of 2025, and July of 2025.
fire. The fire department is vendor number 3062. And what you have there is bills for January of 2025, March of 2025,
May of 2025, and July of 2025. 8517 is police and you have 11 of 2024,
three of 2025, I'm sorry, yes, three of 2025, four of 2025, and five of 2025. Vendor number 8077 is the animal shelter. That is April, May, and July of
this year. and 8537 is recreation and that is May and June of this year. >> Great. Thanks so much. That >> You're welcome. >> And still each department pays their own bill. I didn't mean to cut you off.
Sorry. Or is it one person processing all of the public service bills? in in when I started in March of 2024, one of the first assignments that I received was to just to keep the bills
current as the consulting company that manager Leola had employed went through discovery of why we were at such a high total balance on one account. So since since I started in March of 2025,
I've been taking responsibility for keeping these bills current. >> Previously, the bills had been prepared by the admins of the respective departments >> excluding um DCS and recreation, which
are the two highest dollar amounts. Um and and we can decide the manager will give guidance on who how he wants the bills to continue to stay up to date. >> Okay.
>> And do you go ahead >> I know we've been talking about this because it's quite complicated, but could you get us I see I appreciate what you just went through. Can you get us a total townwide of how much we've spent
on utilities in 2024 if that's possible? And then as of now in 2025, >> yes, this what you have in front of you is the first payments that we'll be making to PSENG for most of the accounts
in 2025. the former CFO wanted to do some testing to make sure that the money was properly applied because one of the theories of why we got into such a mess before was that the money wasn't being properly applied. So, we did do some
testing to make sure that the where the checks we wrote were going to the accounts we said and then I think there was a feeling of comfort in terms of paying what we owed. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you, Councelor Lochman.
>> Hi. I have a question for you. Will there be a separation for the utility bill for Clary Anderson so that we >> that's in the recreation now? And I understand what you're saying with them becoming a utility. Yeah. >> Um,
let me just check what else is on the because there was a lot of discussion about how to accurately and efficiently receive billing from PSENG and one of the things was to have
fewer accounts but that does you just since the street lights have their own accounts it didn't seem feasible or it didn't feel like it would elim eliminate any mistakes or misunderstandings to go in that direction, but separating it out
so that the it comes from the utilities um funding. I can see what you're saying there. Let me see what else is on the account that >> especially because I thought the the pool and the clarion may have been on the same circuit or whatever you call it. >> So, we'd have to separate the pool from
the um the ice skating ring. >> Let's let's see how many accounts are on there. Okay. >> Thank you. So you're saying 2024 total spend and recreation um bills. Okay.
>> So a little bit of history PSMJ as somebody who's watched this process over the last 10 years in in different towns um prior to about 2016 2017
PSEG build like you get a bill for your house. There's a meter, there's a bill. Each account is different and they they build them individually. So if you were a large organization, you were getting a stack of a 100 bills which somebody somewhere had to accumulate and pay.
2016 2017 PSEG migrated their billing to this concept that they called collective billing to say there's a master account and within that master account their language they term locations. Um, so
205 is a location. 219 is a location. If there's multiple meters in 205, there's multiple locations. Locations become tied to meters. Um, and let's not even get into the fact when they introduce third party billing.
So the collectives here for Monontlair, having done it in another town, we migrated to a single collective. We are the township and under that collective there were over a 100 accounts which monitored all the meters. Once in a while we would go out and do an
inventory of all the meters saying do they belong to us? If we ever had a new bill come out outside of the collective. It got circulated to all the department say is it actually one of ours? Did somebody swap out a meter, which happened because you have wells, you you
change meters um or it belongs to somebody else and it was erroneously built. Single bill, you get a single amount due per month. You pay the bill. Um, PSENG applies payments
according to a systemic algorithm that they determine whatever their oldest outstanding balance is and that's how they apply their payment. If you track them monthtomonth, the oldest outstanding balance changes every month.
Um, if you track location by location, the idea of a single collective with every single location allow for better tracking. We would take it and again this is not a Monontlair. We would take that and within internally if this location is Clary Anderson, if this
location is your sewer department, you charge it out budgetarily because PSENG, frankly speaking, doesn't care. They don't care where it's charged budgetarily. They would just want the bill paid. Mhm. >> Um so that that's honestly my recommendation for here. Um it is a work
in progress trying to get them to get to that point. Um but that's that's the current effort. >> Thank you so very much. Um anyone else? >> Okay. >> Wait, I just have to ask
>> the far healthcare. We have We have a $2,600 bill for ferret healthcare under the Is that a normal f far ferret bill per month? >> I know, but it's like ferret. >> I we will be more than happy to consult with the animal shelter and get back to
you. >> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Roll call, please. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson. >> Yes. >> Councelor Birmingham, >> yes. >> Councelor Damato, >> yes. >> Councelor Lauman, >> yes. >> Councelor Toller, >> yes. Councelor Williams >> abstain.
>> Mayor Baskerville. >> Yes. >> Is that it? >> No. >> Which ones didn't we do? >> Let's see here. >> Oh, 20 >> 31.
>> Yeah. >> Roll call, please. On 31. >> Can I have a movement in a second, please? >> Um, move. >> All right. Thank you. Deputy Mayor Anderson. >> Oh, yes. >> Councelor Birmingham. >> Yes.
>> Councelor Damato. >> Yes. >> Councelor Lachman. >> Yes. >> Councelor Toller. >> Yes. >> Councelor Williams. >> Abstain. >> Mayor Baskerville. >> Yes. >> A motion to objourn.
We had committee report manager report. >> Oh, not after 11:00. That was the other part of the discussion. Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. Well, we we can, but I don't think they'll get
what we need to get. Yeah, because she Yeah. A motion to adjurnn. There was a second. Um, roll call, please. >> Deputy Mayor Anderson. >> Yeah. Yes. >> Councelor Birmingham. >> Yes.
>> Councelor Damato. >> Yes. >> Councelor Lochman. >> Uh, yes. >> This is a good time. Folks want to stay, right? >> Councelor Williams. >> Yes. Mayor Baskerville. >> Yes. Thank you. Have a good evening, everyone.