We're live. >> I'd like to officially call this work session meeting of the mayor council to order. At this time, I'd ask everyone to please rise for a moment of silent prayer and our reflection as we think of our military and our overseas personnel. >> Please salute the flag. I pledge aliance
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. >> Thank you. Please note the fire exits behind you in the main hallway and to my
right, your left, into the courtroom. The New Jersey open public meetings law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and attend any meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with this act, the mayor and council of the Burough of the Milford have caused notice of this meeting to be
published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted in the Burough Hall and the Burough website and notices have been sent to the record in the Richard News. That's the new line. The mission of this governing body is to provide essential services through the establishment implementation of public policy that will safeguard
infrastructure, provide fair, honest, courteous and professional services, establish a sense of trust and accomplishment between all residents and through research and prudent planning seek to minimize risks while improving our services. We are sensitive to the needs and satisfaction of our taxpayers while realizing that this governing body
cannot be all things to all people within the revenue constraints posed by state mandates, economic conditions, and prevailing attitudes about taxation. At this time, I ask the clerk to please call the role. >> Councilman San >> here. >> Councilman Zer.
>> Councilman Duffy >> here. >> Councilman Gratzky >> here. >> Council President Seymour >> here. >> Councilman Grant >> here. >> Mayor Patrino. >> Okay, I'm going to start off with a couple of proclamations. Office of the Mayor Proclamation Shri
Mataji Namala Devi. Whereas mental health and inner peace are essential foundations for a thriving resilient and compassionate community. And whereas Shri Mataji Namali Devi was born in Chinwandra, India in 1923 and from an early age demonstrated extraordinary
wisdom, compassion and spiritual depth that inspired all who encountered her. And whereas during India's struggle for independence, she worked in close association with Mahatma Gandhi, dedicating her life to the realization of his vision of universal peace, human dignity, and unity among nations. And
whereas guided by her profound commitment to world peace, the advancement of women, and the attainment of self-realization, Shri Mahachi founded Sahayi Yoga, a worldwide meditation movement that promotes inner transformation, holistic well-being, and a heightened awareness of one's
connection to a higher universal power. And whereas Shri Matahi Namala Devi has been twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and has received numerous international honors in recognition of her humanitarian and spiritual contributions. And whereas the United Nation recognizes the benefits of
meditation to reduce stress, improve health, foster harmony, and bring inner peace. whereas friends, family, colleagues, and practitioners across the state of New Jersey, throughout the United States, and around the world gather on the 21st day of March, 2026 to commemor commemorate her remarkable
legacy and celebrate her 103rd birth anniversary. And whereas the state of New Jersey acknowledges the importance of promoting wellness practices that enhance the quality of life for its residents and citizens in the state of New Jersey and encourage all citizens irrespective of their beliefs to observe
this day by engaging in meditation and wellness practices that promote peace, self-realization and bring harmony within our communities. Now therefore I Michael Patrino mayor of the burough of the Milford do to hereby proclaim March 21st 2026 as Shri Mataji Namala Devi Day
in the Milford and invite all residents irrespective of their beliefs to observe this day by engaging in meditation and wellness practices that promote peace, self-realization and bring harmony within our community. >> Yes. Okay.
Office of the Mayor Proclamation. Whereas Women's History Month was first observed in 1981 and is now recognized worldwide to celebrate women's achievement and empowerment. And whereas throughout our history, despite hardship, exclusion, and discrimination, women have strived and sacrificed for
the equity and equality in communities across our country and have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our nation and our local communities in countless recorded and unrecorded ways. Whereas American women have played and continue to play a critical role in economic, cultural, social, and business environments in
every sphere of life. And whereas American women have played a unique role throughout the history by providing the majority of the volunteer labor force. And whereas American women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions. And whereas American women
have always served to defend our freedom and our country courageously in the military, at home, and abroad. Whereas American women serve as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and in all capacities that work to protect life, property, health, and safety of residents and communities
across our nation. Whereas American women have been leaders not only in securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also have contributed significantly to all other major movements to create a more fair, equal, and just society for all. Whereas this Women's History Month, as we
reflect on the achievements of American women across centuries and pay tribute to the pioneers who have paved the way, let us recommmit to the fight to help realize deeply American vision of a more equal society and carry forward a mission of ensuring daughters, our daughters have the same opportunities as
our sons. Now therefore, I, Michael J. Petrino, mayor of the Bur of the Milford, hereby proclaim March 2026 Women's History Month and urge all residents and businesses to appropriately honor the significant contributions, achievements, and impact women have had and continue to make on
our great country and our community. Okay. Is Women's History Month associated with a certain color? Does anyone know? >> I don't think so. Well, if someone would like to find that out, I will will illuminate the gazebo for Women's History Month.
>> Okay. Make it a motion to appoint Matthew Aoyo to fire department company number two. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? No. Congratulations, Matthew. Thank you for uh coming aboard and uh be safe.
Under unfinished business, may I get a motion for the approval of the minutes for the February 9th, 2026 work session meeting? >> Motion. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Okay. We have a long list of ordinance
adoptions tonight. So, here we go. The first one is 2026 col01 and when the clerk has the opportunity I answer please read the ordinance. >> An ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a financial agreement for payments in lie of taxes pursuant to
NJSA4A 20-1 at SEC for the redevelopment of block 501 plots 9 and 10. Purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the Burilford to execute a financial agreement between the burrow and 814 River Road Urban Renewal LLC for the
payment and move of taxes on block 501 lots 9 and 10 as shown on the tax map of the Burough New Milford in connection with the redevelopment of said property for 160 residential units including 32 low and moderate income affordable housing units plus 12,500t
of retail space for a 30-year period from completion of the project. Make it a motion to open to the public for a public hearing on Mr. Harris. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Ladies and gentlemen, the public, if anyone has any questions or comments on this ordinance, now is your opportunity.
>> You could say it. You just just say your name. >> Oh, Harry Middle. >> Yep. Hello, Carrie. >> It's okay if I read. >> Is it about this ordinance? >> Oh, I'm sorry. It's only about this ordinance. >> At the end, I'm going to open up to the
public for anything you want to talk about. Okay. Make a motion to close to the public. >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Make it a motion to adopt this ordinance on its final reading. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Making a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Sanen,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Gratzky, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. I'm just going to like stop him here for now. All right.
Yes. The next one up is 2026 col02. And when the clerk has the opportunity, I'd ask her to please read the ordinance. >> An ordinance amending chapter 2 of the revised general ordinances of the bard of New Milford entitled administration to add article 11 entitled memorial
bench and tree dedication program. Purpose of this ordinance is to establish a program to provide new Milford residents, families, and community groups a way to honor their loved ones or celebrate milestones while contributing to the beautifification of the Milford's parks and public spaces.
Make it a motion to open to the public for a public hearing on this ordinance. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Ladies and gentlemen of the public, if anyone has any questions or comments regarding this ordinance, now is the opportunity. Seeing that no member of the public wishes to comment at this time, I'd ask
for a motion to close to the public. All >> in favor. >> Any opposed? Making a motion to adopt this ordinance on its final reading. >> Second. >> Make a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Sanen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Grosky, >> yes.
>> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. >> It's going to be a really good program. >> Also, and I'm sorry, Z isn't here. Yes. Spearhead. Yeah, you guys spearheaded it. >> Yes. Thank you.
The next one is 2026 col03. And when the clerk has the opportunity, I ask him to please read the ordinance. >> An ordinance amending chapter 7 of the revised journal ordinances of the barbford entitled traffic to amend section 7-10.1
entitled left-hand turn prohibitions. The purpose of this ordinance is to prohibit left-hand turns from Newbridge Road onto River Road into and out of the driveway of 1150 River Road. 1150 River Road is the Delta gas station across from the funeral home. Make a motion to open to the public for a public hearing
on this ordinance. >> Second. >> All in favor? Any opposed? Ladies and gentlemen of the public. If anyone has any questions or comments regarding this ordinance, this is your opportunity. Seeing no member of the public wishes to comment on this ordinance at this time, I ask for a motion to close the public.
Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Make a motion to adopt this ordinance on its final reading. Motion. >> May I get a roll call, please? >> Councilman Sanus, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Grosky, >> yes.
>> Council President Seymour, yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. Okay. 2026 col04. And the clerk has the opportunity to ask you to please read the ordinance. capital ordinance to appropriate the sum of $50,000 for the undertaking of the French buring ground
headstone restoration project in by and for the bur of New Mulford in the county of Bergen state of New Jersey and providing that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from a county grant and from the open space trust fund of the borrow of this ordinance is to
appropriate 25,000 from a county of Bergen open space recreation flood plane protection farmland and historic preservation grant and 25,000 from the B of New Milford's open space trust fund to undertake the restoration of headstones in the historic French Hugen
Mount Cemetery. Make a motion to open to the public. >> Second. >> Anyone from the public have any questions or comments on this ordinance? Okay. At this time, I ask for a motion to close the public. >> Motion second. >> All in favor?
>> Any opposed? Make a motion to adopt this ordinance on it final reading. Move. >> Second. >> Make it a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Sanus, >> yes. >> Councilman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Grosky, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant,
>> yes. >> Another good one. >> Okay. 2026 col05. When the clerk has the opportunity, ask please read the ordinance. bond ordinance to authorize the improvement of various roads in by and for Bergman Milford in the county of Bergen State of New Jersey to
appropriate the sum of $425,000 to pay the cost thereof to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds.
>> Okay. And the roads are East Woodland Road from Boulevard to Pacific Street, Lumen Drive from Boulevard to East Woodland Road, Grieve Drive from Boulevard to Pleasant Drive, Ridge Street from Boulevard to Pleasant Drive, Pleasant Drive from Ridge Street to East Woodland Road. Um, and this will include
roadway resurfacing, reconstruction, curb, sidewalk and drainage improvements where necessary, all work materials and uh will be suitable therefore and it just says appropriations 425,000. making it a motion to open to the public for a public hearing on this ordinance. So
move. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Ladies and gentlemen, the public, if anyone has any questions or comments on this ordinance, now is the time. Seeing that no member of the public wishes to comment at this time, I get a motion to close the public. >> Second. >> All in favor?
>> I. >> Any opposed? >> May I get a motion to adopt this ordinance on spinal? >> Motion. >> Second. >> May I get a roll call, please? >> Councilman San. >> Yes. Councilwoman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Gra, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. >> Okay. 2026 col06. Take it away. bond ordinance to authorize the improvement of various roads in by and for the bur of New Milford in the county of Bergen state of New Jersey to appropriate the sum of
$245,000 to pay the cost thereof to appropriate a federal grant to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds.
The streets are Clinton Avenue from River Road to the Dead End, Hugenot Drive the entire length, Arlington Road from River Lane to Wesley Lane, Yale Street the entire length, um resurfacing, reconstruction, curb, sidewalk and drainage improvements were
necessary, and this did get a $135,157 grant >> from community development. >> From community development >> and the prior one was from the DOT >> DOT. Make it a motion to open to the public for a public hearing on this ordinance. Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Ladies and gentlemen of the
public, if anyone has a question or comments, now is the opportunity. >> May I get a motion to close to the public? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Make a motion to adopt this ordinance on its final reading. >> Motion. >> Second. >> May I get a roll call, please?
>> Councilwoman Sanus, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Duffy, >> yes. >> Council Grosky, >> yes. >> Council President Seyor, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. It's been a busy month. >> Yeah. >> Record remember the last meeting was
snowed out, right? So, >> yeah. >> Okay. 2026 col07. >> Ready? >> Go ahead. Capital Ordinance of the Burton New Milford in the county of Bergen, state of New Jersey, authorizing
the acquisition and implementation of new finance and tax computer systems in, by, and for the burrow, appropriating therefore the sum of $53,000, and providing that such sum so appropriated shall be raised from the capital improvement fund of the burrow.
>> Purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate 53,000 from the burough's capital improvement fund to acquire and implement a new tax and finance computer system. It doesn't say here, but it's because we have the most antiquated system right now. Sorry. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Make it a motion to open to the public for a public hearing on this ordinance. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Ladies and gentlemen, the public. >> Seeing that no one has any comments at this time, I would ask for a motion to close to the public. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed?
>> May I get a motion to adopt this ordinance on its final reading? >> Motion. >> Second. >> May I get a roll call, please? Councilman Sam Musen, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Gratzky, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. >> What is the name of the new system?
>> Edmonds. >> Edmonds. There we go. >> I hear about it every day. >> Okay. 2026 col08 >> on ordinance to authorize the replacement of sanitary sewer lines on portions of Pine Avenue and used road in
mine for Bergen Milford in the county of Bergen state of New Jersey to appropriate the sum of $490,000 to pay the cost thereof to appropriate a federal grant to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to
provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in antic anticipation of the issuance of such bonds. >> Okay. Purpose of this ordinance is the replacement of sanitary sewer lines on Pine Avenue from Fulton Street past to the dead end and Hughes Road from the
dead end past the intersection with Vorhees Avenue in by for the burrow. Set improvement shall include manhole improvements, roadway reservicing, and all work materials necessary. The grant we received for this was $365,395
and that was from >> Cong. It was a congressional >> No, that was the DCA. >> It's federal. So, yes. Okay. >> Make it a motion to open to the public for a public hearing on this ordinance. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Ladies and gentlemen, the public, if anyone has any questions or comments on
this ordinance? >> No. Okay. Making a motion to close to the public. Second. >> All in favor? I >> get a motion to adopt this ordinance on its final reading. >> Motion. >> Second. >> May I get a roll call, please? >> Councilwoman Samusen?
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Duffy? >> Yes. >> Councilman Grosky? >> Yes. >> Council President Seymour? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Grant? >> There will be a lot of work going on in Northford. >> Yes. >> Last one. 2026 col09.
>> Yes. An ordinance to amend the revised journal ordinances of the Bur New Milford entitled salary adopted adopted as ordinance 9101 and amended annually by ordinance up to and including 2025 colon 5. This is our yearly uh
housekeeping. Yes. >> Purpose of this ordinance is to establish salary ranges for all full and part-time positions. Give me a number 1 to 10. >> Three. >> Three. So an example would be 1 2 3 deputy b administrator the range is
40,000 to 50,000 Randy give me a number six tax collector/treasurer the range is 50,000 to 101,000 we'll do one more give me a number oh >> pick a different
>> library director 50,000 to 120,000 that's just the range So, may I get a motion to open to the public for a public hearing on this ordinance? >> Motion. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Okay. I'm gonna take that as a no. So, may I get a motion to close to the
public? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I may get a motion to adopt this ordinance on its final reading. So, move. >> Second. >> Make it a roll call, please. >> Councilman San, >> yes. >> Councilman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Gratzky, yes.
>> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. And just for fun, the clean communities coordinator, the range is $500 to $1,000. >> What number is that? >> That's like 27.
>> Okay, >> we're going to move on to a couple of ordinance introductions. The first one being 2026 col 10. And I would ask the clerk to read, please read the ordinance. an ordinance amending chapter 10 of the revised general
ordinances of the Barb and Milford entitled building and housing to add there to section 10-12 requirements for the issuance of certificates of occupancy. Okay. The purpose of this ordinance is to ensure that all municipal fines levied against the property are paid
prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Make it a motion to introduce this ordinance on its first reading. >> Second. May I get a roll call, please? >> Yes. Councilwoman Sanus, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Grosky, >> yes.
>> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> this is something we should have had in place years ago. >> Yes. >> The hearing is on. >> Yep. The uh hearing for this ordinance, the public hearing is uh March 23rd in
the courtroom. >> Okay. The next order is 2026 col 11. You would please read the ordinance. >> An ordinance to amend chapter 8 of the revised general ordinances of the bur of New Milford entitled parking and parking lots to add there to section 8.8 parking
of electric vehicles. >> Purpose of this ordinance is to reserve parking at publicly accessible electric vehicle supply service equipment parking spaces for the parking and charging of electric vehicles only. Making a motion to introduce this ordinance on its first reading. Second.
>> All in favor? I make a roll call, please. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Sanus, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Gratzky, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. >> Public hearing for this ordinance will be at the same date, our March 23rd
meeting in the courtroom. Okay. 2026 col 12 >> an ordinance to amend chapter 10 of the revised general ordinances of the Barb Milford entitled building and housing thereby amending section 10-1.3
fees regarding fees for leadbased paint inspection for residential rental dwellings. Purpose of this ordinance is to establish fees for lead based paint inspection for residential rental residential and rental dwellings pursuant to NJSA 527D-437.16.
>> So this is the finance state. >> These sections are required by the state. Yes. >> Make it a motion to uh introduce this ordinance on its first reading. So >> make a roll call, please. >> Counciloman Sanuse. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Duffy. Yes. >> Councilman Grosky. >> Yes. >> Council President Seymour. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Grant. >> Yes. >> Public hearing for this ordinance will be at our March 23rd meeting. >> Last one. 2026 col 13.
>> Yes. An ordinance amending chapter 7 of the revised general ordinances of the Burban and Milford entitled traffic thereby amending section 7-3.6 Six, parking prohibited certain hours for street cleaning and snow removal.
>> Purpose of this ordinance is to add a provision for the removal of vehicles on certain streets during certain hours for the purpose of snow removal. Make it a motion to introduce this ordinance on its first reading. Motion. >> May I get a roll call, please? >> Yes. Councilman Sanen,
>> yes. >> Councilman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Gratzky, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Counciloman, yes. public hearing for this ordinance will also be at our March 23rd meeting. Okay,
we are done with ordinances with Okay, moving on to item number one is affordable housing and my name's next to it. Um, I just want to reiterate, I'm pretty sure everyone knows by now because of social media that the organization that we are in, um, Local
Leaders for Responsible Development, our emergency petition was denied by Supreme Court Justice Alto at the Supreme Court. So, that is uh not going to happen. I've heard from the local leaders and
they are still regrouping to figure out what they're going to do next. One of the things they're talking about is actually starting a nonprofit organization to counteract fair share and to actually help and work with communities with similar issues. Don't know where that's going yet, but I will
certainly keep everyone posted on that cuz that's uh it's exciting. >> But that's another thing. >> Yeah. >> So, but unfortunate, but >> shine the light of truth. >> It's excellent, >> justice, and fairness. American
come running through the door. >> Yeah. >> So, item number two is our uh budget update. Council Grosski. >> Hey, mayor. Uh the budget committee continues to work diligently on the municipal budget.
We're still waiting several outstanding figures and are scheduling follow-up meetings with department heads to identify additional costs saving measures. Uh like many municipalities across the state are borrowers facing significant financial challenges, most notably escalating health insurance,
utility and watershed and wastewater treatment costs coupled with reductions in federal and state aid program funding. Uh we remain committed to delivering a fiscally responsible budget that protects public safety and essential services while preserving the
burrow's integrity and long-term financial stability. That's it at this point. >> Well said. >> I just want to go back to number one. John, was there anything you wanted to add to that since you've been in contact with our legal team >> as far as as far as the lawsuit and the
>> Yeah. Supreme Court thing. And >> I mean they they they really did everything possible to try to um bring this to the attention of the court and get the court to give it what I would consider the appropriate difference that I think it deserves considering the
impact that it's having on the municipalities in New Jersey. The problem is that the courts just don't want to entertain. They're just they're just being very differential to the legislature on this and saying that, you know, it's constitutional, so we're not going to we're not going to touch it, basically. Uh and I was I think I along
with all the other lawyers that were monitoring this and sort of you know working on it you know from afar a little bit with Mike Collins who was the lead attorney that it was I was a little disappointed that the Supreme Court wouldn't take this up. I mean it's a long shot always with the appellet courts but I I felt like that that this
is an issue of significant importance because New Jersey has a very unique setup with Mount Wall. So, >> but it is what it and we sort of got what we got. Like I mean, you know, it's it's it's that time to go back to our leg legislators and see if they'll do something.
>> And this is the only state in the union that has this these restrictions. >> Why do you think the Supreme Court might serve? They didn't really give a a detailed opinion and they actually they don't have to really to do it was um you know
it it they consider it first individually like Alo considers it like individually justice Leto and then he renders his opinion um and you know that it just dies in it tracks there. My guess my guess is that it's the same reason you know um Judge Kitchie did at
the at the district court level which is that they didn't really want to deal with the nuts and bolts. I hate to say cuz it's really a mess. Uh and it's really a messy process. Um you know, it's it's um we're not going to get a lot of difference in New Jersey because
this is a Supreme Court created concept. Um the legislature, I think they tried to fix it, but as we've seen how it's played out, it's not really the fix that they intended. I don't think >> if they did get um the written decision, if if we can get it forward to us, I'd
like to put that on our website cuz I didn't receive it. They we were told it was coming, but I maybe What happened? >> See if I got it. >> Yeah. Okay. Schedule updates. Busy times coming again.
Okay. On Friday, March 13th is the empty bowls event sponsored by the New Milford High School. It is from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the New Milford High School cafeteria. It is always such a >> one of my favorites. One of my favorites. >> All proceeds go to the New Milford food
pantry. Yes, they do a great job. The students do a great job building and and Mrs. Finesia 5 to eight. >> Mrs. Finesia does a terrific job running it and it gets bigger and bigger every year.
>> Yeah, because on my fourth time back, the soups are run out like so I know more people are showing up. On Sunday, March 15th is the annual Burton County St. Patrick's Day parade sponsored by Bergen County and the municipality of Bergenfield. The flag raising is at 1 p.m. The parade starts
at 2 p.m. Uh, it is on Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. And as I've mentioned before, Chief Brian Clancy was named the Grand Marshall. On Saturday, March 21st is New Milford's free rabies clinic sponsored by the New Milford Health Department. It'll take place between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
at the New Milford DPW. Um, dogs and cats. And I have a note that says something about the burough website. Is that where you can get a license from the burough website or can you get a license at the >> um you can get the license I'm drawing the blank at the moment.
>> I think you can only get the license at the bur but not at the event. Right. >> You used to be able to get both there. I don't know that you can get the license there. >> Okay. >> But the form is on um >> the burrow. Right. There you go. >> Okay. >> And so is the flyer for the >> on Saturday March 18 March 28th is New
Milford High School pancake breakfast. um sponsored by the New Milford High School athletic boosters. It'll be from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the New Milford High School cafeteria. Also on the 28th is the annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by Milford Recreation. It'll be at 10:00 a.m. at
Nightsfield and there is no rain date for that. On Saturday, April 18th is America's 250th anniversary kickoff sponsored by the New Milford Rev 250 committee, New Milford Historic Preservation Commission, New Milford Environmental
Commission, New Milford Shade Tree. So, the first event is America the Beautiful Litter Cleanup, and that will take place at 8:30 a.m. Um, everyone will meet at the Burrow Hall Gazebo. At 11:00 a.m. is the Liberty Tree planting, also on the
Burrow Hall lawn. And at that event, people will also be able to sign up to get their tree seedlings for the Arbor Day celebration. So, we're not going to have the seedlings in person this time. We're going to actually place an order and get them for anyone who wants them.
So, a lot going on on the 18th. On Sunday the 19th, uh, is Billino sponsored by Friends of the New Milford Public Library and Friends of Oral Public Library. It'll take place at 1 p.m. at the New Milford Public Library and refreshments will be served.
>> Thank you. The basket raffle that was from 18th to 20 um just I think it is a raffle and some of the baskets are fabulous. >> Not really a raffle. >> It's I'm sorry I wrong word is a spring basket bonanza. Not a raffle. >> A spring basket bonanza.
>> Bonanza. Yes. We have 10 fabulous baskets. Um and so I hope everybody will come and um participate. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All the funds going to support these the library. >> Excellent.
>> Okay. Next is the administrative report. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, this first item I I brought up I think at our public meeting in January and it is now in effect. Pursuant to New Jersey Public Law 2025 chapter 72, the burrow is
transitioning the publication of all legal and public notices from the newspaper to the burough's official website which is www.newilfordnj.gov. And as of March 1st, the bureau is required to make the complete text of all legal notices public acly accessible
on its official website free of charge. Website publication supersedes newspaper publication. All notices must be available on the web page for at least one week from the date of the initial posting. In addition, the bar is required to maintain an archive of all
legal notices for at least one year after the notice was removed from the current legal notices web page. So, you'll notice on the homepage of the burough website on the if you scroll down past the little buttons, there's a big uh note that says public notices. If you click on that, it brings you to our
page and all of the current ones are there. So tonight's introduc uh adoption of the ordinances and introduction of the new ordinances those notices will be posted on that page. Other things that we've already posted earlier in the year have already been moved to the archive
page which is easily accessible from that first page. >> Right. And hence the change in the open public meeting >> act that I read. >> Yes. >> We had a burough website. >> Um we we met this week with public service to discuss the continuation of their gas main replacement project. This
phase of the project covers over five miles of roadway on on about 20 different streets and it's set to begin in late April or early May. Additional information will be posted on the burough website and individual notification will be made to all of the affected homeowners. So, it's two parts.
It's first is the replacement of the main, but then the more labor intense, time intense part is the connection to all the homes that it affects. >> Is that something we could also put on the website so people could see the streets? Not exactly the dates because it gets confusing when Yes. >> because I know they have changed. They
they were going to do one section first and they swapped it. Yeah. >> So, it's confusing. So, if we could put that up there, too. >> Will there be traffic rerouted? >> Oh, yes. >> Can we um Well, I have a request because you said that the um people who are
locally affected like in that on those directions. Well, the police department is very good about posting those the electronic signs for different differently affected and the we could talk to them about also posting the closure if there's any closures >> using the switch the 911 Swiss the Swiss
the text messaging it would be >> the text messaging is possible we don't like to use the phone the actual phone call unless it's an emergency but the texting and the email >> messaging I think would be really helpful for people because not everyone >> especially on the first you know before the first day because this will be
ongoing so it's not going to be a surprise. >> It's just really helpful when you're driving around town to know to be able to plan ahead. >> Yes, that's why I want to put on the website as well.
>> Okay. And uh only other thing I have is that the next meeting of the mayor counts is a public session that's scheduled for March 23rd at 7:00 p.m. >> Is there any questions for the administrator? Okay. uh resolutions. Everyone has had a
chance to look at them. Are there any that need to be pulled for further discussion and or vote? That's a no. Okay. Make a motion to open to the public for public comment about anything. >> Motion. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Any opposed? >> Miss first. Where should I sit? >> Wherever you can sit if you want. >> Do you mind if I read? >> No. >> Okay. >> You have to memorize that whole thing.
>> Yeah. Right. I'm I'm not used to reading my I'm I'm a teacher, so I usually just talk important things to talk about tonight. Okay. Good evening, Mayor Patrino and Milford Council. My name is Carrie Hiddle. I live on Windsor Road here in New Milford. I am a lifelong resident
and I've been a homeowner and taxpayer here for 18 years. My family has a long history of service to this community. This is the first time, my first time, speaking at a mayor council meeting, and I'm coming to you with a sense of urgency uh regarding potential interactions we may have with
Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I've been keeping a very close eye on ICE activity in Northern New Jersey for several months now. We may not be at Defcon 1 the way Minneapolis has been, but I suspect it is only a matter of time before we are as there has been a
significant uptick in disturbing ICE activity in our surrounding communities. After all, we are a blue sanctuary state and it is obvious that those are the places being targeted. This is of great concern to me because as we have all witnessed, ICE has made it abundantly
clear that they have no intention of following the rule of law or granting due process to any individual as our constitution mandates. This should alarm every American citizen for the denial of rights to even one citizen is a threat to the rights of every one of us. And truthfully, even if
we never reach the level of chaos and bloodshed Minneapolis has, many of us do not wish to live in a police state. I don't want even one of my neighbors to live in terror or have their family ripped apart or be thrown into a concentration camp or god forbid murdered.
There seems to be some general confusion regarding the wording of the US Constitution. I'd like to remind us all that the Constitution guarantees due process for all people in the United States. People, not citizens. Visiting
the US, you have a right to due process. In the process of getting citizenship, you have a right to due process. Working temporarily in the United States, going to school as an international student, here from overseas, receiving life-saving surgery or medical care, you
have a right to due process. Here without documentation, yes, even you have a right to due process. And let's not forget that living in the US without documentation is merely a misdemeanor. And for everyone up in arms about the criminal aliens running
rampant on the streets, we have a system to determine if someone is a criminal or not. And that system is due process. Citizens by birth, are being disappeared. Children, even infants, are being imprisoned in what appears to be
literal concentration camps. Prisoners are being denied their medicine and proper medical care. People exercising their First Amendment rights to free speech are being laid labeled domestic terrorists. That would be me right now. People posing zero threat to ICE agents
are being shot in cold blood in the streets. This is no longer America. We have let down and turned our backs on the rest of the world. We used to be respected, admired, and depended upon. But now our government is public en enemy number one to both
American citizens and countries around the world. Sadly, the highest echelons of our government are no longer protecting us. Therefore, we have to protect us. We have to keep each other safe. So, what can we do? I'm sure you're
aware municipalities all around New Jersey have been passing resolutions that limit the abilities of ICE agents to terrorize their communities with lawless abandon. I am not just asking, but expecting that we do the same. That means that the Milford Police Department will not act in concert with or support
ICE in their actions in town. It means ICE cannot enter sensitive areas such as schools, healthcare centers, churches, or courts. It means they cannot entrap people. It means they must have a properly filled out signed judicial warrant to detain any individual or to
enter non-public areas. These are just a few suggestions. Our surrounding municipalities have either drawn up resolutions already or are in the process of doing so and there is no reason not to not collaborate on the language being used in those resolutions. I have read some of them
and there are important points included that we should be looking at. For instance, we would want to protect our local facilities and tax money from being used by ICE. Our federal government may have taken many rights away from us, but we can reinstate them within the borders of our town. And perhaps some of these things are already
policy, but it would behoove us to put it all in writing so that there are no questions about how we operate here in Milford and in what ways ICE cannot. In this town, we are good people who care about and for each other. We don't feed each other to the wolves and we
definitely do not have the luxury of taking a seat at the back of the class hoping no one will notice us. Silence is complicity. While I realize things seem quiet now, I fear they will not stay that way. And I will not stand silently and watch my community be torn apart. I expect us to
do right by our neighbors. I expect our governing body to protect and serve its residents. I expect to be prepared for this impending state of emergency, whether it visits us or not. Just the way we prepare for hurricanes and floods, I implore you to pass a strong resolution that fortifies our community
in New Milford from agents who intend to force a regime of hatred and fear. I will leave you with a quote I recently heard by Nadia Morsey, the director of Make the Road New Jersey. If the only way out is through, the only way through is together. Thank you for your time and
taking this matter serious. >> Thank you. Thank you. Can we can we keep that? You guys have a talk with that? Yeah, I'd like to keep that. >> I would like us to actually consider this at some point this evening at our
next meeting. I think there's some very valid points. Again, I think it's important that we um face reality and make a plan to deal with it. That was just a statement. >> That wasn't the motion at this point. What I'd like to do is discuss it rather
than make a motion. >> Okay. >> And I don't know that we can add it to the agenda tonight, but I'd like it on the agenda for next time. >> I don't think tonight. I said I don't think tonight. >> No, I think tonight I said before I would like to discuss it.
Okay. Any other member of the public? >> Please state your name for the record. >> Lori Barton. Um, I came here to ask a question about something else totally, but um, after listening to Carrie, um, I have to make a couple of comments.
Every day we seem to get closer to 1930s Germany in this country and we can't afford to stand by and let others and wait for others to take the lead. Um I know we've all heard that that poem
you know first they came for and um we're all familiar with um the quote if not us then who if not now then when uh it's been used by John Lewis by Ronald Reagan. Um
we I can't improve on those words but I feel strongly about them. um it's call to action and I think that what Carrie said it it is something I feel strongly about as well. So I hope you will keep those words in mind and at your next
meeting I hope you do have a very vibrant discussion on this because I feel strongly that we here in New Guilford uh we need to protect the constitutional rights of everybody the way the constitution says um not just
legal residents but to all people in the United States it's now I'm going to ask my question. Uh, and it's a question that might need to be answered by our burden possibly. Um,
there's a lot of concern right now with the uh the form properties that are subject to that conservation easement. And you know, at the time that was done, everybody said, you know, they're going to remain remain farmland in perpetuity. And I hope that's true. Um but now that
one of the properties is for sale, it's being advertised as you know possible um future development pending town approval and I'm thinking you probably wouldn't approve it. Plus my question is if a
developer purchases that property and they propose highdensity residential um units and they say we're going to do 20% affordable housing. Does that then make that entire project inherently beneficial? And does it negate the
conservation of easement? >> Well, I'm not attorney, but I'm going to say that the easement is not held by the bur of the milford. It's held by the county and the state. >> Okay. >> We we don't have control whether it is enforced or
changed. We are looking into that, but that's not that's not on us. So that listing that says town approval, don't be confused. That's not us saying, "Oh, yeah. No, no more." >> It's It's the farm. It's uh Is it six?
What is it? I don't know the address off the top of my head. >> So when my question is >> when we did this when we did this, the point of it was it was to be farmland in perpetuity forever. Right. >> That was the agreement between the original farm owners and the neighbor
and the whole thing we put together with Green Acres and for each county >> and the county, right? >> If it's Green Acres Encumbered, >> is that what you're telling? Green Acres makes it. If it's if it's if they got Green Acres money, it's in order for
them to undo it from Green Acres, they have to buy it back from the state and it's at a multitude that is so prohibitive that unless the person that owns this farm is uh you know uh Elon Musk or somebody of that ilk, uh they're
not going to be able to afford it. I mean it's like it's like at the mo we we we we had to do that we had to do that PSC had to buy I mean somebody like an entity like PSG they had to buy property when I was the ver the tax attorney in TC that was green acres encumbered and
PSNG paid the town either 10 or 15 to one whatever the whatever the value of it so it's like it's it's a real it's really ownorous to do that >> we also have to come up with >> and we're not doing it I don't want to speak for the council I would not be counseling
to >> we also have to come up with other land >> to you. No, you can buy it or you can exchange. It doesn't have to be you can you can buy it back cuz they'll buy something somewhere else with the green. >> The other thing that makes it more complicated is that >> the ement runs through two properties.
Those properties were co-joined to get that easement. So I don't know whoever is thinking of buying this should do their homework and talk to green acres >> concerned with the idea that it seems as soon as you you know soon as it's inherently beneficial all bets seem to be off and I didn't want that to happen
in this case. I I >> that's planning zoning standard and whether it's inherently beneficial that's not I don't think that's going to apply to something that's been encumbered by green acres like that's a wholly different issue if it's parkland
or or farmland like that to get it out of that status that designation that's a different process you don't get to just like go before make an application saying we want this removed like they have to go to the state to do it >> okay thank you >> we're not sure but we're we're confident
in town right now about that. >> Oh yeah. I I would imagine >> the wording of the ad was um >> also not by us. >> I I understand that that you know people saw that and with what's happened already with with the Shopright property and what's happening with the book Jess
property like you know here we go again and they don't want it. So I think this will be reassuring. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Any other comments from the public? >> Yeah. Um, >> just state your name. >> Uh, Phil Sherman. I lived in town for u 10 years.
>> Bill Sherman. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> And um I just want to secondary what uh caring said um you know even more than just reaffirming what the laws are in writing. I'd love
to see them enforced. Right. That means if we find um ICE violating the law here, enforce it. If we find police by way of the law, the sanctuary state law enforcement, specifically the masks, uh
I'm pretty sure you're not allowed to just point guns at people, not identify yourself and wear a mask. So, I'd like to see that law enforcement at this. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anything else?
Make it a motion to close to the public. >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Okay. May I get a motion to adopt resolutions 2026 col 88 to 2026
col 98? >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we are we are going to be going into close session. When we adjourn from close, this governing body will take no action. So, thank you. Have a good night. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Enjoy the snow melting. We can see curbs again. >> Yes.