Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the public meeting of the New Milford Mayor Council. At this time, I would ask everyone to please rise for a moment of silent prayer and warm reflection as we think about the passing of former Governor Dakota. And we are
also thinking about the tragic loss of life in Minneapolis. And we hope that as Americans that we can come together and do better. Please salute the flag 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. Before we start, the fire exits behind you into the main parking lot. It's my left, your right. into the main hallway.
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 violence 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 Milford have caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and
place thereof posted in the Burough Hall. Notices have been sent to the record in the Ridgewood News. The mission of this governing body is to provide essential services through the establishment and implementation of public policy that will safeguard the infrastructure. Provide fair, honest, courteous and professional services,
establish a sense of trust and accomplishment between all residents and through research and proven 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 imposed
by state mandates, economic conditions, and prevailing attitudes about taxation. At this time, I would ask the clerk to please call the role. >> Councilwoman Sandrew >> here. Councilman Sim >> here. Councilwoman Duffy >> here. >> Councilman Rodsky >> here.
>> Council President Seymour >> here. >> Councilwoman D here. >> Mayor Bino >> here. And first thing on the agenda tonight is Muslim Heritage Month. So I have a proclamation office of the mayor proclamation. Whereas the Burough of the Milford is
proud to recognize the contributions of Muslim community and declare the month of January as Muslim heritage month. And whereas Muslims are the world's second largest religious group practicing the Islamic faith with 1.9 billion followers representing approximately 25% of the
world's population. There are about 3.45 million Muslims in the United States from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The Muslim community represents 1.1% of the population of the United States. And whereas Muslims first arrived in North America along with enslaved Africans whose historians
estimate 30% were Muslim. Their Islamic beliefs and practices contributed in numerous ways to the founding of our nation, including courageous and dedicated military service in every major war, including the American Revolutionary War. And whereas Muslims
have made significant contributions throughout history, including notable achievements in philosophy, mathematics, chemistry, physics, astronomy, medicine, music, architecture, literature, and the arts. Their philanthropy, humanitarianism, civic responsibility,
and culture helped to enrich the United States socially, economically, and historically. And whereas there are nearly 300,000 Muslim Americans in New Jersey, representing one of the largest Muslim American communities in the United States. The contributions help fortify and strengthen the economy and
diversity of the people in our state and our local communities. Whereas the Burough of New Milford supports the right of all its residents and calls upon our community to eliminate prejudice and bigotry everywhere. We celebrate the great diversity of all of our citizens and extend the promise of
our country to all. And now therefore, I, Mayor Michael J. Petrino, do hereby recognize the month of January as Muslim Heritage Month. Moving on to appointments. May I get a motion to appoint Gerard Smithson, planning board regular, Peter Torpy,
planning board alternate one, Michael Mcanti, planning board alternate 2, Linda Karruchi, Senior Center Advisory Board, Anita Anita Paso Quinn, Senior Center Advisory Board, Jonathan Davis, Environmental and Energy Commission, alternate one. Angelica Gil Welling, the
Milford Municipal Alliance and Public Events. >> Second. >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Okay, at this time we are going to we need to hold a public hearing on our green acres application which you'll see on that board has to do with our tennis
courts. And I'm going to turn it over to our burl. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh as part of the application process, uh it's a requirement that we present the concept plan at a public meeting and talk about the environmental impact of the project and take all comments from the public.
So the project name and location is the Kennedy Tennis Courts Improvements and it's located where the existing tennis courts are uh behind the B wall. Um it's officially known as block 301 block two. Um and what's being proposed is to
construct a full depth repair to the existing tennis courts. The existing fence is going to be remain and be repaired. We're going to have a new concrete curve installed. um and new netting to be replaced,
striping to the existing court and proposed improvements to the uh lights as well, new light fixtures. Uh the existing basketball court is going to remain and be protected. The environmental impact, there's a few things that they want us
to um speak on. It says to discuss the short-term and long-term project impacts. The short-term impact of the proposed improvement is the construction phase, the long-term impact is enhanced resources for recreational use. Before I continue, I just want to point out that the entire um concept plan and
environmental impact statement is posted on from our website. It's been posted for the past month if anybody has any other questions or want to look at it more in depth. We have to identify adjacent environmental features that may be affected by the proposal. And uh due to the scope of the work that's taking
place in an already disturbed property, there's not a significant impact on the existing environmental features of the site, we have to list any permits required for the project. Um and so far the only one that we know of is the state of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Watershed and
Land Management Flood Hazard Area Individual Permit. As part of that permit, the natural heritage data request form will be submitted to the NJTP's Office of Natural Land Management to confirm any potential impacts. We also have to talk about alternatives
to the proposed action. There are no alternative sites that were identified for the proposed project as it is specific to the needs of the Kennedy Field Tennis Court area. and mitigating measures. Um, describe any mitigating measures that will be undertaken to mitigate the adverse impacts. The bureau
will work to ensure that any impacts adverse to the project site environment are avoided wherever possible. The distances will be limited to only what has been identified in scope of the project. And at this point, I think we supposed to open to the public to see if they
have any comments or questions. >> All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? >> Ladies and gentlemen, the public, if anyone has any questions or comments regarding this Greenacres application, we welcome you to come up to the podium. Seeing that no member wishes to comment on this application at this time, I
would ask for a motion to close the public. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? I >> post we're good. Okay. So, we're going to move on to unfinished business. Making a motion for the approval of the minutes of the January 5th, 2026 reorganization
meeting. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> I one abstension. All right. We're going to be introducing a number of ordinances. So just bear with us.
The first ordinance is 2026 col01. And when the clerk has the opportunity, I'd ask her to please read the ordinance. >> Yes. An ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a financial agreement for payments in due of taxes pursuant to NJSA4A
calling 20-1 except for the redevelopment of block 501 lots 9 and 10. Purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the Burough and Milford to execute a financial agreement between the burrow and 814 river urban renewal LLC for the payment in le of taxes on
block 501 lots 9 and 10 as shown on the tax map of the buril 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 the date of completion of the project. Make it a motion to introduce this ordinance on its first reading. >> Second. >> Make it a roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Sandy, yes. Councilman Zer, >> yes.
>> Councilman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Groski, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. >> The public hearing for this ordinance will be at our February 23rd meeting. The next one is ordinance 2026 col02.
And when the clerk has the opportunity, I would ask you to please read the ordinance. >> An ordinance amending chapter 2 of the revised general ordinances of the bur 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 loved ones or to celebrate milestones while contributing to the beautifification of New North's parks and public spaces. I get a motion to introduce this ordinance on its first reading. So move
>> second. I get a roll call, please. >> Councilman Sam, >> yes. >> Councilman Zer, >> yes. >> Council Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Gra, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilman Grant, >> yes. Public hearing for this ordinance will
also be at our February 23rd meeting. Okay. The next one is 2026 col03. When the clerk has the opportunity, I'd ask you to please read the ordinance. an ordinance amending chapter 7 of the revised general ordinances of the
bargain to Milford entitled traffic to amend section 7-10.1 entitled left-hand turn coalitions. Purpose of this ordinance is to prohibit left-hand turns from Newbridge Road and River Road in and out of the driveway of 1150 river. 1150 River Road is the Delta
gas station on the corner of Newbridge and River. >> Yes. Yes. >> May I get a motion to introduce this ordinance on it expression? >> Second. >> Yes. >> All in favor? May, please.
>> Councilman Sandus, >> yes. Councilman, >> yes. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosson, >> yes. >> Council President Seymore, >> yes. >> Councilman Grant, >> yes. >> Public hearing for this ordinance will also be at our February 23rd meeting.
Next ordinance is 2026 col04. And when the clerk has the opportunity, ask her to please read the ordinance. capital ordinance to appropriate the sum of $50,000 for the undertaking of the French burial ground headstone restoration project in buying for the
burough of New Milford 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 bur. Purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate $25,000 from the county of
Bergen open space recreation flood plane protection farmland and historic preservation grant and $25,000 from the burough of New Milford's open space trust fund to undertake the restoration of headstones in the historic French cemetery. May I get a motion to
introduce this ordinance on its first? Second. >> May I get a roll call vote, please? >> Council, >> yes. Councilman Zandra, >> yes. Counciloman Duffy. Mayor, may I make a comment? >> Absolutely. >> As the liaison to the historic uh
preservation commission, um I just want to say this is a wonderful commitment uh that the bro is making uh towards the restoration of this uh most important um identifying
uh area of our town. We are the birthplace of Burton County and the proof is in that cemetery. So, uh we are dedicated to preserve it uh for historians and our residents and I I
vote yes. >> Councilman Ross, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Council, >> yes. And it's great timing because we are in the 255th anniversary for our country.
The public hearing for this ordinance will be also be on February 23rd. Okay. The next one is 2026 col05. When the clerk has the opportunity, I ask you to please read your >> bond ordinance to authorize the improvement of various roads involved
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, this is uh paving of roads and curbs. So, let's see who gets lucky. So, it's East Woodland Road from Boulevard to Pacific Street, Lumen Drive from Boulevard to East Woodland Road, Grieve Drive from Boulevard to Pleasant
Drive, Bridge Street from Boulevard to Pleasant Drive, and Pleasant Drive from Bridge Street to East Woodland Road. May I get a motion to introduce this ordinance on its first reading? >> Motion second. >> Make a roll call, please. Counciloman, >> yes. Councilman, >> yes. Councilwoman Duffy,
>> yes. >> Council Grosky, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Grant, >> yes. >> Public hearing for this ordinance will be at our February 23rd meeting. >> Next ordinance up tonight is 2026 06. And when the clerk has the
opportunity, I'd ask you to please read the ordinance. bond ordinance to authorize the improvement of various roads in vine for Bland Wilford 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. Once again,
this is road road resurfacing, uh, curve, sidewalks, drainage improvements. Clinton Avenue from River Road to the dead end, Hugenot Drive the entire length, Arlington Road from River Lane to Wesley Lane, and the entire length of Gel Street. May I get a motion to
introduce this ordinance on its first? >> Motion. Second. >> Get a roll call, please. >> Councilman Sanders, >> yes. >> Councilman Ter, >> yes. >> Council Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Crosky, yes. Council President Seymour. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Grant. >> Yes. >> Public hearing for this ordinance will
be at our February 23rd meeting. >> Uh the next one is 2026 col07. When the clerk has the opportunity and ask please read the ordinance. Capital Ordinance of the Barb Milford in the county of Bergen, 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 the new tax and finance computer system. What I do know is I believe we are I think the last town in Bergen County that is using the old system and it's antiquated and no longer supported by technology.
Make a motion to introduce this ordinance on the first reading. >> Councilwoman Sus. >> Yes. Well, Councilman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Ross, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Counciloman Grant, >> yes. >> Who wants to guess when the public
hearings? >> There we go. >> And you'll all be back. >> We're together. >> 2026, col 08. When the clerk has the opportunity, I ask her, please read the ordinance. bond ordinance to authorize the replacement of sanitary sewer lines
on portions of Pine Avenue and use road in 94 for Burough New 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 anticipation of You should accept such bonds. >> Okay. Purpose of this ordinance is the replacement of sanitary sewer lines on Pine Avenue from Fton Street past the
dead end and Hughes Road from the dead end past the intersection of Borheis Avenue in by and for the burrow. Uh the work shall include manhole improvements, roadway reservicing, and all work materials necessary
for the suitable completion of the project. May get a motion to introduce this ordinance on its first reading. Motion >> second. >> Make it a roll, please. >> Councilwoman Samus, >> yes. >> Councilman Zer, >> yes. >> Councilman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Grosky, >> yes.
>> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman, >> yes. >> Public hearing will be Billy Jones. I council starting piano man back to Okay, last one. 2026 col09. The clerk has the opportunity and ask please read
the ordinance. >> An ordinance to amend the revised general ordinances of the barbford entitled salary adopted as ordinance 91 col1 and amended annually by ordinance up to and including 2025 col05. Purpose
of this ordinance is to establish salary ranges for all full-time and part-time positions. So basically it's the ranges. So I'll give you two examples. Violations clerk 40,000 to 50,000 tax assessor part-time 20,000 to 40,000
library personnel could be anywhere from 25,000 to 81,000 um certified technical assistant 40,000 to 65,000 part-time CFO 30,000 to 40,000
give you maybe one more building sub code official part-time 12,000 to 22,000 making a motion Introduce this ordinance on its first reading. >> Someone said, >> Councilman S, >> yes. >> Council McDonald, >> yes.
>> Councilman Duffy, >> yes. >> Councilman Rossky, >> yes. >> Council President Seymour, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Rick, >> yes. >> I have here that long promise. Okay, moving on. Item number one is a
budget committee update. Councilman Gratzky. Thank you, Mayor. Uh we've uh had to budget requests uh that have been submitted uh to the budget committee and we've met with individual departments to review the requests and uh the budget
committee is in process of preparing recommendation to the governing body uh in anticipation of the budget introduction uh in March. So we're working on it. Any questions for council Grosky about
the budget committee? >> Mayor, if I could if I could just add that uh I just want to thank all of our agencies in particular directors who've taken the time to not only meet with us but prepare in anticipation of meeting with us um their absolute needs and
priorities. It's very helpful to our committee to have that degree of clarity. Yeah, I mean I don't think it's any secret that every town struggles with their budget every year. It's getting harder and harder and our department heads know that as well, so they are working with us as well. So, we're happy
about that. >> Okay. Item number two is affordable housing update 4010. >> Mr. Shadine, >> thank you, mayor. Um, so, uh, I think, well, I don't think I know the council
knows, but so the public bill is there's a constitutional mandate in New Jersey to provide affordable housing uh, throughout the state. That was a decision by from the Supreme Court in the 70s called Mount Laurel. Um, if you Google it, you can read it. It's a long case to read. There's actually a couple
of them. Uh, Mount Laurel one, two, it might even be a three if I my memory serves me correctly. Um as a result of that uh legislation, something was created called the Council on Affordable Housing, which ultimately was dissolved. Uh and now we have what in New Jersey um
the legislature created a new uh version of the Council on affordable Housing. It's called the program. Uh and the program now is overseeing the affordable housing requirements in every municipality throughout the state. So um
and what that means for New Milford is that we had to uh prepare a uh housing element and plan um which was submitted to the program and they have a judge uh who is a retired judge who is adjudicating this and try trying to get
parties to to resolve. A lot of towns have resolved their situations because they don't want to be uh subjected to what they call builder's remedies lawsuits and get what what they call immunity from that. Um we know for we've been fighting with the program because as we are trying very uh
fighting is a long term. We've been trying to resolve it with the program. We've made what I believe is a fair proposal uh to the to the uh the objectors because what happens is the program is just an entity deciding or making a recommendation um uh to the
court ultimately because the court will approve it. But there are people that are objecting. There are there are developers uh who want to develop certain piece of property in New Milford has to be included in our fair share plan. Um as well as uh what's um do I
not have any Christine fair share housing council? Thank you. Uh is uh is this self-appointed body basically it's a non for not forprofit that is declared that they are the entity that's going to protect the cost of affordable housing
in New Jersey. So they've objected to our plan. So and that happens in every town. Every town that has a plan pretty much had got an objection from fair share housing. I think they objected to over 500 of them across the state. So ultimately um we are now in a situation
where we've put forth the town's proposal. Uh fair share and some others have objected to it but this retired judge is going to make a decision of material recommendation which will then go to one of the two Mount Royal judges for Bergen County. uh Greg Kavano and
Lena Papo Corsten and whichever judge gets it is going to have to review what the burrows submitted, what the other side has submitted and decide what which one they think is the appropriate uh uh pathway to proceed forward. Um, I'm
really not comfortable saying a whole lot more about that uh publicly because there is litigation technically pending now and there is the potential for further litigation um if uh things don't go the way in my opinion if they go the
burough's way my sense is the other sides will try to litigate this uh and we'll we'll wind up we're going to wind up defending it. Uh in addition to all this going on, just everyone knows the burrow has also uh joined part of what I I call the consortium. Uh it's the LLRP
coalition. Um which stands for America >> local leaders for responsible planning. >> Thank you. Uh which is a coalition of nearly 40 uh municipalities in New Jersey. um a number of them burn county, a number of them in other counties um that are seeking uh some clarity if you
would from the courts on these constitutional mandates and the new program which doesn't really have a whole lot of language in it about how we get due process uh at the end of the day and and what I mean by that is how the municipality and how the residents taxpayers of the municipality get due
process uh in the whole concept of affordable housing. So with that, I just so everyone knows, I've advised the council not to discuss this publicly with anyone because of the litigation that's pending and because of the potential for further litigation because anything that we say up here could be
not me personally, I don't have the vote, but everyone who has a vote up here, uh, anything that they say can be used against them later on if there's a lawsuit. So I just want to make sure that everyone knows that in advance. um that people are going to come come up to speak about these issues tonight. Now, don't don't feel that the council is not
responding to you because they don't want to. Trust me, they want to, but I've counseledled them as my job to protect them and you not to do that. >> I want to point out that everything that's been filed on behalf of the burrow and by the objectors post.
>> Yes. >> Keep checking that site. Everyone's aware of it, right? The page. And of course, it's nothing to stop members of the public from voicing their opinions. >> No, no, no. We're going to welcome comments and opinion. We can't answer a
direct question, but at the end when we open, more than welcome to come up and let us know how you feel. >> And more specifically, if you're looking on the bureau's website, it's under resources and then under affordable housing. And there's a combination of statements made by the bureau and also
hyperlinks to various filings by both parties. and I periodically put updates when it's legally appropriate to them. >> Okay. >> Or we can hold the comments till February.
>> Okay. I'm You have to comment on all of these >> everything. >> Okay. Next thing is schedule updates. >> Come back on the 20th. >> Schedule updates. Saturday, uh, January 31st is the annual comedy night fundraiser sponsored by the New Milford
Fire Department. Uh, doors will open at 6 p.m. The comedy show begins at 8:00. It will take place at New Milford Fire Department Company 1 on Center Street. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. They have great comedians and terrific food. So, if you're looking for
a night out, I recommend it. >> Yes. It's always cold that night, but it's warm inside. Okay. On Sunday, February 15th is the burrow's annual Crescent Moonlighting. It is sponsored by the Nilford Public Events Committee. It'll take place at 6:30 p.m. on the
Burough Hall lawn. And this will also be uh one of our food collection events. So, if you do stop by, all we ask is that you bring a can or two of a non-p perishable item. and uh our local food pantry will be very grateful. On Sunday, March 15th is annual Bergen
County St. Patrick's Day parade sponsored by County Bergen and Bergenfield. It takes the flag raising ceremonies at 1 p.m. The parade starts at 2 p.m. Takes place on Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. And the reason why we're promoting this is our police
chief, Ryan Clancy, was named grand marshal of the parade. So, we will all be there. and you know to take over Burgdale that day. So, >> were there any other events? >> That's at 3:30.
>> Is there any other events that I failed to mention that are upcoming? >> Well, I'll mention something. >> So, yes. Right. So, yeah. Your report will save your report. Excellent. >> Okay. Item number four is the administrator's report. Thank you,
mayor. >> You're welcome. >> Most of my report is an engineering update. Some of the things we talked about, um, we're preparing bid documents for the NJ dot uh, review for the roadway approval project for the Eastwood Road, Reef Drive, Bridge Street, and Intersecting Roadways
project. We're also preparing the documents for the Bird County CDBG um for their review for the Clinton Avenue, Even Road, Arlington Road, and Yell Street improvements. The engineer is preparing a project schedule, location map, and list of required
permits for the Kennedy complex tennis courts for the green acres application. Um, the engineers prepared a mid- project punch list for the contractor to complete on the main street approvement project and the mill and PA main street is going to be done in the spring. The
ADA renovation of the two bathrooms on the first floor of Burough Hall has been completed. Weapons are open for use and documentation is being prepared for submission to uh CDBG for grant reimbursement. Construction is underway on the French
restoration project. Uh I have to say like this is a a a big thing for me because that project's like one of the first things I ever talked about back in like 2000 was the engineer at the time. So the fact that we're able to move forward with it is really uh important.
The concrete's been poured for the original limits and we're the engineer has submitted a minor technical modification application to the NJD for the proposed extended limits of the project and we are awaiting their comments. Other than that, I think the only other thing I have to report is
that the next meeting of the mayor council is our work session which is scheduled for Monday, February 9th at 7 p.m. >> Any questions for the administrator? Okay, now we're going to move on to council committee reports. We're going
to start with council grant. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, I don't have a lot of specifics to report, but all my leaison are moving along and addressing the projects that they've undertaken. The arts committee has selected a date for its next major event, which will be
on May 30th and Saturday, May 30th and after uh Memorial Day and will be held at the YMCA in Hilford. and stay tuned. It's going to be really interesting. I think you'll enjoy it. I hope you all come out. The library continues to work
on a variety of things including the strategic plan for the next few years which is almost completed. It's the first time to my knowledge that the library is undertaking such a plan and that's thanks to our library director Stephanie Olra who's has been there for a year as of this month and it's doing a
fabulous job. Also, the local history room, which was um agreed to or proposed a number of years ago, finally will be undertaken this year, will be completed hopefully by the end of the
spring and we will have a grand opening and dedication of it in the fall. So perhaps you want to come. and considering that it's the 250th year of the United States and um but that New
Orle is a birthplace of Brooklyn County. This is a major event and we're very excited about it. As I've mentioned before, it's going to be named after Tina Deluchia who was a history teacher, a council woman, a lawyer, and a member of the library board of trustees for many, many years.
Um >> and an allaround great person. Oh god, my girl and I still terribly um you know we both shared a really passion that most people don't share and that's for grammar and the English language and um
the the minutes from those years are perfect. Um, but after many discussion, I think she's one of the very few people with whom I can discuss whether or not you should use something called an Oxford College, which I'm sure most people have never ever heard of, but we found
so dedicated to her. Um, the senior center has so many activities going on. I can't even begin to wisdom from all their activities during the week from you know exercise programs and a wide variety of
programs from uh chair yoga to um Zumba name it plus bingo plus trips to the theater and to and elsewhere they it's a hustling bustling little building almost always full and someday it would be nice
if we could have a bigger building but that remains to be seen since we have so little developable land and you can go over it in the parents for affordable houses and we have but we have a lot of activities if you haven't checked it out yet and you're old enough check it out
it's worth getting involved our director Ben Sullivan is phenomenal and she among other things she's a former rocket and she just celebrated participated in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the rockets and uh one her mother was
also a rocket as a matter of fact and I participate in her Broadway dance class on Thursday morning. If you haven't tried it out, it's a lot of fun and you don't have to have a left foot and a right foot. Two left feet are acceptable with your right feet, whichever you prefer. So that's important this
evening. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council President Seymour. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, as Councilman Grosski mentioned, the bulk of our time has been spent on the budget committee meeting with department heads and we're working towards another fiscally responsible budget to propose to this
governing body. Uh, and we should have that in working order in time for our March presentation. Um, and again, I thank all the agencies for being as prepared as they've been and coming to our meetings fully prepared with a detailed list of what their needs are, not just their wants. Our flood advisory
committee has already started to work uh mayor on new ideas not only for uh to improve the bureau's status visa va CRS rating but also to information share and raise more awareness not only in the flood zone but throughout our entire
community as to ways the community can work better together to mitigate that risk. Uh the municipal alliance has met and is already proposing a tentative date of Sunday, March 8th for this year's Black
Balloon Day. For those of you who don't know, Black Balloon Day is an annual event that is held in memory of those we've lost to addiction and overdose. So that's a tenative date, Mayor. Correct. And I would also just like to compliment
our DPW in particular for doing a fantastic job this weekend during this storm. Uh they did a tremendous job. Our police also did a tremendous job keeping everybody safe. And I thank our residents in our community for being so cooperative and staying off the roads so that our first responders could do their
job. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Counc. >> Thank you, Mayor. As Matt said, we're uh continually working on the budget. Um the desk police department back in December they had a contest uh they
sponsored it along with Jay and Katherine the 194 realy loopwell banker for Christmas tree light designs on the houses and I'm pleased to announce uh the first place winner is 305 graphic
boulevard family 1100 boulevard to looney family second place and third place is 263 briefly brief uh the acquis Okay. Uh there were over 600 responses and votes to this request. Uh it was a
very big success going forward. Uh they'll be sponsoring an America 250 decorating contest in June. uh in conjunction with the 250 uh year celebrations on July 4th and the theme is to show your patriotism for America's
250th birthday. Uh they're also planning to uh have a Halloween contest and also a Christmas contest again next year. So uh that's what the the uh residents have to look forward to designing their
houses and prizes. So, uh, going from there, uh, we'll see how things go. That's my report from be cool going down the streets and very lights everywhere. >> Councilwoman D,
>> I will be decorating, by the way. Just saying. Um, >> council people are not allowed to win decorating contests, just so you know. >> Can't help it. Um, she could decorate for our house. She could. >> Yes.
>> Um, thank you, mayor. Uh I uh let's see my leazons have met um and they are progressing along in this new year. Uh the fire department, the mayor mentioned their fundraiser on the 31st.
Uh the board of health has met. Um, one thing I thought was interesting, just like sometimes in when you're reporting on leaison, you're reporting numbers and percentages, but in the year um to in
last year's report, you know, they're all all around report, the board of health uh reported that CO was down to 296 cases where in
21 it was 1,813 cases in town. So, we've come a long way. So, just think about that. Um, also, uh, under fire, our fire official, Alan Silverman,
uh, filed his yearly report for inspections. Um, and his overall, uh, collection of state and local fees was, uh, $15,06.
And he inspected um just state inspections 57 regular inspections of local businesses 1333 multiple dwelling inspe inspections
224 no I'm sorry 2,245 units. So when you say what does the fire inspector do, he's all over the place and he's very strict and uh we
appreciate him very much. So the the big one is the historic preservation commission. Um just to announce they met uh the Nancy Veroni is our chair and she remains that for this year. We thank
Nancy for her service. and her hard work. Um, we have put together the web 250 committee and we're announcing tonight our first event uh in the
celebration of the 250th anniversary of our American Revolution. There will be on April 18th, which by the way is also the anniversary of the incorporation of in which
happened over a hundred years ago. also the um day that Paul revered >> yes his fellow's poem was the 18th father's day 18th of April in 7
and so on that day on on the bur line there will be a liberty tree planted it will be an American elm and more information will follow with times And there will be uh some music provided
from a local surprise. So that's my reporting. >> Sorry, Councilman. Thank you, Mayor. Well, let's start with the big one, the DPW. Uh they did an outstanding job. Uh
again, uh this is their third time that we've got snow pond and this was a big one. Uh it's my understanding that they were out till 2:00 a.m. uh yesterday morning uh taking care of all the B properties and and the roads. Uh some of
the crew stayed behind and we did get another short busting between four and five and they were able to resalt the roads uh and then continued working on the borrow properties. But again, uh, outstanding job like they always do. Uh, they're just fabulous. They they the roads are looking great. I My road my
trip down here tonight was a piece of cake. Um, public events, as the mayor said, uh, uh, February 15th on front lawn at 6:30 Sunday, we'll celebrating, uh, the crescent moonlighting.
Um, and we did have a town hall appearance by the mayor at that public events meeting last week. and uh he he brought to our attention some thoughts he has going forward. This year will be 25 years since 9/11
and a different type of ceremony uh going forward uh to be held out here at the burough hall. uh still in discussion with it uh including the firemen, police, um maybe some choir from the from the high school if possible, bad
piper um and some guest speakers. So that's still that's still in the works. Uh planning board met last Tuesday. We had a reorg uh John Dcasta remains as the chair. Jeffrey Forester remains as the vice chair and presently there aren't any applications in front of us.
um recreation. Uh unfortunately, I was unable to attend the meeting due to personal reasons. That concludes my report. Thank you, Councilwoman Sanders. >> Thank you, Mayor. I'm happy to share that the mayor's wellness uh campaign
committee uh submitted the healthy towns application. So, that application was submitted last week. Is the annual report for all the activities that were uh posted over 2025. And uh the mayor's wellness campaign is
currently in you know the new chairperson. Kelly Grio was the former chair. She submitted the the application and uh she is moving on to her life is getting busier. So she has to step down
as chair. So we thank her for her great work and wish her well on her next endeavors. And there's an opening anyone who's interested in helping out with that great program. The green team uh had an opportunity uh
to do some information sharing. Uh the Sakus environmental coordinator Kimberly McCclary had heard about our home energy assessment outreach program and our canvasing that we had had done in November. So, we had a Zoom meeting with
them and they are going to um they were very appreciative of our experience and our success with that program. We uh the green team volunteers reached 200 homes in that two days with 78
inperson interactions. And uh the computer analytics show us that 81 users viewed the website 117 times between November uh 1st and January 7th. So it was a very
successful outreach program. So and if people are interested to hear to learn more about the home energy efficiency program, they can go to the community website. It's uh listed underneath the green team tab under committees and it's
also on the front page of the burough website on announcements, but you have to scroll all the way down to the bottom. It's the last it's the last announcement. But if you're looking for ways to improve your home energy efficiency, uh there's something in
there for everyone. And let's see, the environmental commission has been working on a community energy plan. Uh they hired a consultant to help them uh finish the
plan and and make it presentable. So the first draft has is has been has landed in my inbox. The uh it's 78 pages long. going to have some homework to do and the environmental commission will be meeting the first Tuesday of February
and we'll be reviewing this uh this document and uh I expect that shortly after you all will be receiving copies when it's when it's appropriate. There will be a public hearing public information session about the community
energy plan. So invite any other we'll keep people updated on the dates and times on that and might be quick. >> Excellent. >> Mayor, I have something to add. My apologies for forgetting about the rent lessoning board. It's a very important board and we apologize to the members
for omitting it earlier but we met it only meets four times excuse me four times a year and we the first time have first time in a long time have a full board in the le was three tenants two
homeowners and we celebrated that by our our um bar with the board attorney. So it was a worthwhile And there's no application support for this. >> Thank you.
>> Um, historic Newbridge Landing did not meet in January. I did attend a Bergen County uh, mayor's breakfast. The speakers were county executive Jim Tedesco. Basically was talking about um, opportunities for shared services between local communities and Burton
County. We do a lot with them already and he's always coming up with new things to uh, for people to get involved in. and the other speaker was Robert Laauo who's the director of the Bergen County Utilities Authority. Uh they were explaining to us about the infrastructure changes and upgrades that
they will be making over the course of the next few years. Uh they landed a huge federal grant which is good for all of us. So a lot of the improvements they will be doing will not burden our taxpayers or taxpayers in Burton County. Some of it will but the big bulk of it
will not. So it's very interesting to see what they're doing. And it's funny because I want say not funny but county utilities authority um if anyone doesn't know they they handle wastewater from all our communities. So one of the big things on their mind also is affordable
housing. As the numbers go up in all the towns and more housing is built they have you know they're dealing with the flow from all the towns. So they are on top of um their improvements going forward and they're projecting out 15 20
years of uh capacity and OEM OEM we met actually Saturday afternoon at 3:00 uh we had a another pretore meeting uh with uh there was a member of the police department there as well. you
know, they were talking about our employees that were going to be on um and all the resources that we were going to have available for the storm Saturday night into Sunday into Monday. So, it went well. Is there anything else that anyone forgot to bring up? Okay,
everyone had had a chance to look at the resolutions. Is there any that need to be pulled for further vote and or discussion? >> If not, I'd like to make a motion to over to the public. >> Motion. Second. >> All in favor? >> I. Any oppos? Ladies and gentlemen, the
public, if anyone has any questions or comments regarding the good and welfare of Reverend Milford, we invite you to come up to the podium. Just give us your name and we'll give you five minutes to tell us what you want to tell us. >> And uh speak into the microphone so we have it on recording. Surprise,
surprise. >> Lori Barton, I appreciate the comment. this. Okay, good. >> Yeah, >> I appreciate the uh comments from the burough attorney concerning um the fact that there is ongoing litigation and
that the comments made uh by the council, you won't be able to really comment very much, but I still think it's important that there are certain things on the public record. Um, I think we can all agree that having commercial businesses are vital to the
health of New Milford, both economically and socially. These are businesses, the ones currently, especially at Brookchester right now where we have very few in town to begin with. These are businesses that are owned by our neighbors. They're
providing needed services for our current residents in nearby apartments, for the town as a whole, for the apartments, the 160 apartments that are about to be built on the adjacent property. These businesses also are providing jobs
for the Milford residents. Now, there's nowhere I think we can all agree there's nowhere for these businesses to relocate to if they're torn down. There's we don't have places for them. It's not like they can just easily go
someplace else and start over. That's not going to be a possibility. These are mom and pop stores and we're going to lose them forever. Businesses that have been here for a very long time. Additionally, if those businesses are gone and we're building
lots and lots of new apartments there, I think we can also all agree that New Orle doesn't have the current infrastructure to support more apartments. Again, we're going to have 160 right next door. Our roads, our schools, we we do not have the ability
with what we have to accommodate that kind of development. Um, and we know that the apartments to be built on the old shop right lot are going to be a major impact already. I can't imagine what it would be with far more than that. Now, I I know that we
can't talk about specifics due to the ongoing litigation, but I'm wondering if there's anything we as a community can do to help you, our mayor and council, in fighting this. If there is, you have to let us know
what we can do. whether it's emails, whether it's calls, what can we do, if there's anything we can do to help you in fighting this. Um, I appreciate that you're united with us in trying to prevent this from happening and I think
that the community wants to help and we want to know if there's anything we can do. What I would say to that is we are hopefully in the future we we would have the um builders come to a special meeting of the mayor and council so they
present plans to the public at that meeting having public and your comments and being a part of the dialogue and conversation with them I think would be a tremendous help. >> Is there anything we can do prior to that point because that that's saying
that there's already decisions made. Is there anything we can do in the meantime? Uh getting in touch with legislators with anything like that or not really? >> Yes. >> So you you you absolutely can get in
touch with legislators. That's your constitutional right to do that. Uh just like it is to come speak at this meeting and let your these are your legislators locally, right? To let them know what how you feel and and and what the what the sort of what's the term zeitgeist? I
think I I'm always get that term wrong of the public. So, what your feelings are, what your temperature is, if you would. Um, as far as I just want to make sure that we're we're all saying on this, so we're on the same page when you say um that decisions have already been made. No decisions will have been made.
I what the mayor was referencing was the developers have they already have plans. They already have ideas of what they want to do. All right. So, so they and they've submitted that I believe they're on the website, right, Christine and May? believe that plans are on the website right now. So it so if you have
particular feelings about that, it's your right as a member of the public to come to the meeting and voice your opinion about about those plans and about how you think they will affect new Mford. as far as you want. >> As as far as um
getting in touch with legislators, obviously our district 38 representation. Um I would think the governor as well. We have a new governor now. Is there anyone else that we should be in touch with?
>> It's a New Jersey. These are New Jersey specific issues, right? So, so governor let senator assembly people uh I mean you can certainly talk to the county level people as well but I don't know how much impact they're going to have because it's these are state laws.
>> Is there anybody from the um the program or the fair share housing people that we should be in touch with. >> That's that's up to you. >> Okay. program probably wouldn't wouldn't wouldn't entertain it because that's like a legislative thing between it's it's like an internal mechanism created
by the courts. Um fair share housing council is like I said a not for profofit. >> Okay. But there's um website you can go >> they have a website so you can go on and find out how to get in touch with them. Okay. Thank you. >> It's an interesting website >> that it is mayor.
We both want >> All you have to do is give us your name. >> My name's Richard Sabowski. I've been a resident here since 78. And all I want to know is affordable housing. I just we have a number of affordable housing
right now. What is the goal by these people? What number do they want us to have? I mean, aren't we We're doing the 160 units over at um Shopright. Aren't there so many of them? >> 20 20% of those are affordable units.
>> Okay. But I mean, as far as the do do they have a number in mind? They do. And how short are we? >> Oh, it's it is laid out on the website. I don't want to speak about that specific. >> No. Okay. No, I'll look at the website.
>> We're not sure. >> I mean, >> it's like reasonable potential. >> Okay. >> But I'll look at the website then. >> I think I think John this this particular round I think we're supposed to come up with an additional 80 units,
I think, correct >> for this one round. >> Correct. >> But that's only a portion of what they say we have to do. 80 affordable units, not 80 units. >> 80 affordable. So 80 is 20% >> of the amount of units you have to go to. >> Okay. >> Capture that.
>> All right. No, look at the website. But thank you for your answers. >> Thank you. >> So you need 500 400 units >> in order to make 80 affordable >> and when you complete them your obligation goes up. >> Yeah. I think that's what
I don't think is not they have some >> aort. >> Well, what depends which Brookchester you're discussing? Brookchester apartments >> the little city itself. So they don't count. >> Correct.
>> They were built before 1980. So they do not count. I was building before 1980. What about the nest? >> Katherine Zadroga. I've been a resident of New Milford since Katherine Zroga,
as in Zroga Act 911. Um, I've been a resident since 1959. Yeah, I gave my age away. Listen, this town has been a small town,
a good town. You want to bring in 161 units for what? For what? The schools are going to be out of control. That's more taxes for everybody else. You have to add on to the police
department, the fire department, more trucks. I mean, that's a lot on the people's taxes. We have to fight this. We had the governor in here for Green Acres. We could get the governor in here again to
fight for us. I know you can't answer any questions. We're ready. The son the sons own half of Brookchester. Is that correct? >> Yeah. >> I don't know if it's exactly half or
>> I I didn't know I >> You have no idea because I know I had heard the sister sold Milford estates and Milford estates. No, >> it's family. I don't see I don't know how >> I think Mr. Brunetti senior would be rolling in his grave. He would not want
this. Did >> anyone have a meeting when he was here? >> 2017. >> I No, >> he was. >> But I really think we should keep this a small. It's a small quaint lovely town.
By adding all that in here, you're going to be bringing in a lot of good, but a lot of bad. Just like Lorie said, the apartment, the stores that are there, they've been there forever.
They're ours. I don't know what more I can say, but hopefully we can bring in the governor and she could help us. Hopefully. We just have to get our proposal together.
That's it. Sorry. There are affordable units at the nest. >> I'm sorry. >> The nest does include affordable. >> It does. >> How many units are in the nest? >> Two. >> Round two. That's part of our round two. >> But can't they force Brookchester
apartments to become affordable apartments? Can't they take a section of that? I mean, it's a revolving door there. There's a lot of empty apartments. Can't they do that there? >> New Milford. New Milford is one of the maybe the original rent control town, right? The the case on rent control,
Brunetti versus New Milford, I think, right? Or New Milford versus Brunetti. >> And and and that case, which really established rent control in New Jersey, um you have a really good rent leveling board, your rent control ordinance, very well done. Um because it was like the first one and and I can say that that
doesn't help us at all when it comes to affordable housing issue that we have that we're dealing with. as much as you would you 35% of of the of the residences in New Milo for our rentals and they you get no credits really for for any of that. >> Is there a way to change that by law?
>> That would be something the legislator would legislature would have to take up. >> Part of the reason why we joined the LRP. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sorry. >> Thank you for coming and expressing your thoughts and opinions. That does make a huge difference.
>> And spelling my last name. already my last name. >> Would anyone else like to come forward? >> I will. >> I have I have an easy question for you. I think >> uh I'm Kathy Palumbo. I live on River
Lane. Um and the DPW did a great job. I can't tell you this one guy, he saw me out there shoveling, took pity on me, went really slow and scooped out the bottom of my driveway for me. And considering my age, you don't know how much I appreciated that. Um, I'm totally
against this Brunetti thing and I was a teacher in town for 20 odd years and the impact on the schools if this goes through is going to be especially poor Berkeley where I was a teacher. We've already expanded
Berkeley. Berkeley is full to the brim. Where you going to put the kids that come with any kind of expansion of apartments? And don't tell me there won't be any children. I live down by not not going to be any children there either.
>> No. >> What's the question? >> The question is how can we stop this? I mean it's it's just it doesn't seem feasible for this town and the impact it's going to have on every other aspect of our lives on the children's education. Um I like I said when
Canterbury was going up don't worry there will be no children. Have you seen the expansion Berkeley school had put on for all the children all the new children that we got from there and from other developments? And it just seems the south end of town is getting the
brunt of a lot of this stuff recently. And as a member of the south end of town, I kind of like am very upset about it. No. Soon soon there'll be building in the woods down at the end of our block. >> I know. I know. Thank God every day.
>> Thank God. >> Thank God. My other question is only the thing about that 03 the uh no left turns into the delta. Are you talking about what new gonna
>> Oh, I object to that. I was I How dangerous is that gonna be? >> Oh, I thought there was no >> Oh, I thought there was no
>> All right. So, we do. So, so when do we come to that? or we don't have a date for the >> February 23rd. No >> joke. >> No. When um when we have the opportunity to schedule that, we will let everyone know. >> I would like it on full keyboard.
I get all my information. Any else? Sandra Khack, K A H A K. I ditto owe the three ladies and the gentlemen. Um, not looking forward to this. Um, but I do want to say something regarding the lefthand turns. I don't know how all
this goes. I'm not part of of what goes on in town. But as far as left-hand turns go, the streets when you're going from Delta, you're going through the traffic light, you're passing Delta on the right hand side going towards the Hackinack Bridge going
over the river. Those two or three side streets on our right as we're getting to the river, I don't think there should be lefthand turns from those streets out. should not make a left hand turn on any of those streets. >> No, I mean from the side streets going
on to New Bridge >> should not be able to make lefthand turns to come back towards Delford. >> That's dangerous. That's very dangerous. You know, when you have the people that do it coming home at rush hour, cuz I see them all the time, they make the illegal left-hand turn cuz the signs are
there, but they'll do it anyway cuz they don't want to wait to go through the traffic and the U-turn to go up into town. You were last. >> But to coming out of those streets to make a left-hand turn is >> interesting. >> Ridiculous street. You can't make a left on going towards rear bridge. Coming out
is like Tina. >> Is it? >> No. The side streets, the three side streets. >> Is that Yeah, that's >> you shouldn't make you should not be able to make left. That's no control.
>> Yeah, that's not >> We will um we will let our traffic officer know that this came up and we'll have to >> Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. Um, Ted Fringen, um, I'm just wondering if they with all
this building going through, are the developers going to put any money in towards the infrastructure, the schools, the police, any of that, or is that all going to come down to us? Well,
so that's a really broad question, but I I'll I'll answer it in the best way that I can, which is that initially when they put their plans in um there are tons of permit fees I mean that you get from the construction. I
mean, we're not talking about someone putting on a bedroom on their house. These are significant construction pockets. So, you're going to get a lot of permit fees from the construction. Um, but ultimately to so to your question about what they're giving, you know, to the town, there are certain
things that we can negotiate. There are certain things we're not allowed to negotiate in terms of of of what can be done or not be done when they when they put their plans forward. Um, but the value of the properties is going to increase tremendously. And that happens
every time. And when that happens that the rate of value, if you would have in the taxes that the town will receive for those properties are going to go up a lot. So will it cover everything that any potential new expense whether it's police, you know, uh infrastructure,
schools, I can't tell you dollar for dollar. I don't have an an accounting degree. Uh that's why I went to law school. You like like divide by three. That's what I always tell everybody. Um it's a lawyer joke. Um but that there's no there's no like direct payment if you
would to the town uh as a result of the construction. >> Okay. Nothing the town can do. Say that you know we need so much. I mean they're going to put all these apartments up and be collecting all this rent and we're going to I'm going to fix the income.
I'm going to be well you have to pay for more schools. You have to pay for more police, more fire and this and that. It just doesn't seem fair that they're going to they put two big projects up if they do it. And then they're talking about doing the other one down the block
that was there where Curtis was or something. They're talking about that too. Now all of a sudden you're going to add all these other things. You're going to you're going to be pushing us all out of town. It's going to get to the point where it's like it's ridiculous that they can build all these houses like all
put all these apartments up. They came in and said we're going to put 25 houses in here. You say, "Okay, that's one thing." But they're tearing us all down. And even the parking now, they don't have enough parking for their existing apartments. They're all parking in those lots. So when they tear that all down
and put it there, where are all these people going to park? So it's just something that we were just just been wondering about. >> Well, if they want the building, let them absorb all the taxes, not us.
Let them pay the taxes. Raise their taxes. It's not ours. I think you >> can just keep it quiet from this. No, that was just just thinking like, you know, looking at what's going to
come down the road. Like, should I plan on staying this town that I've been in here for years or is it going to be well, we're going to have to stop moving or looking to move and get out of the town if it's going to be, you know, pushing it's going to push people out of
the town and then people coming in to buy are going to look say, well, there's no restaurants, there's no stores, there's nothing here. It's going to I think it's going to have an adverse effect on the town. I mean, you have Main Street, that's it with a couple restaurants there and that that would be
it. If they take all this stuff out here and you know, if they were saying, "Oh, we're going to build apartments above and you're going to keep all the stores." Okay. Well, at least you have something. But, um, just wonder. But my main thing was who's
going to take the brunt of the improvements for everything? and my daughter works at Berkeley. She said, you know, they they're jammed, there's no no room for other kids. And then they're going to put even if it's one kid for half of those apartments,
that's, you know, 10 and some odd kids you're going to add to that school and then the middle school and the high school, it's all going to go up. >> Any other public comment? If not, I may ask for a motion to close the motion. Second, all in favor.
>> Any opposed? >> I get a motion to adopt resolution 2026 column 65 and 2026 col 81. >> Motion second. All >> in favor? Any opposed? Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to be going into close session. When we come out of close
session, this board will take no action. Before we leave you, we just want to say stay warm this week. We're going to be, you know, 12 to 15 degrees for most of the week. So, check on others. Maybe not
>> maybe some snow. >> I get a motion to go into close. >> I need a break. >> We're going to go