Okay, I'll go to mean to order. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Learner >> here. >> Miss Dolan >> here. >> Mrs. Jeffrey >> here. >> Mayor Morgan >> here. >> Mr. Kamisky >> here. >> Mrs. Mcnite >> here. >> Mr. Gardner >> here. Let's move to
the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> The public meeting B council B County state of New Jersey. Adequate notice has
been given in accordance with PL1 1975 chapter 231 and annual notice or revision was made in section 13 of the act. Um why don't we start off with uh
the mental health first. Can we get an ordinance to have children come and do the pledge of allegiance with us? >> That was awesome. >> Thank you so much for that. No, we'll do the >> proclamation and then we'll do reports.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. Whereas mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being at every stage of life. And whereas one or two people will experience a mental health challenge in
their lifetime. Reminded us all that this is not someone else's issue. It touches all of us. And whereas all individuals experience stress and challenges and seeking help should be met with a with compassion,
understanding, and support. Whereas prevention, early identification, and early intervention significantly improve outcomes for individuals and strengthen families and communities. And whereas there are proven tools and
resources that empower people to care for their mental health, build resil resilience, and support one another. And whereas recovery is possible and with the right support, individuals can lead in full, meaningful, and productive
lives. And whereas stigma and barriers to to care continue to prevent too many people from seeking help they deserve. And whereas mental health is shared is a shared responsibility and communities thrive
when schools, families, businesses, healthc care providers and local leaders work together to support well-being. Now therefore we are members of the community of Muni County, Berkeley Heights, Vanwood, Madison, Providence,
Scotch Plains, Summit, Westfield, Morris County, [clears throat] Chattam, Long Hill, Floren Park, Madison, Mund, Mum Township, Essex County, Livingston to hereby proclaim May 2026 is mental
health awareness month and our respective communities. Together we stand united in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversation, promoting across to care and support. We proudly support the
ongoing work of New Jersey Cross Town Mental Health Coalition whose collaboration across communities reflect the power of partnership of promoting mental health awareness, education, and advocacy.
Through shared initiatives such as paint the town brain green campaign, we visibly demonstrate our collective commitment to reducing stigma and support those impacted by mental health challenges. We also call upon residents,
organizations, schools, businesses to check in with one another, start conversations, and seek help when needed, and to help build communities where mental mental health is prioritized and supported. Together, we can create communities where it is safe
to speak, safe to struggle, and safe to heal. I will say that I just want to say I'm um um started this a few years ago, But I also started something called the Crosstown Mental Health Coalition and has grown
from New Providence into 14 towns. And I have to say that this event um is probably one of my favorite like being able to see what these children were able to create artistically, but more importantly, I think the messages that they were able to bring to life like
really blew me away. So, I can't wait for you to see some of these works of art that these kids have created. Um, and then before I do that, I also wanted to tell you a couple things. We also do in high school a graphic arts contest. And these become the business posters
where we paint the town green. So we ask them to come up with a design. And so we pick three winners every year. So they are also um the high school does a similar thing, but there's graphic arts. So if anybody wants to see them, they're all over town. So any of the towns that
you or businesses that you walk into, >> you can sing these as well. >> Amazing. and accent prints them for free for us every the last few years which has been great. And then the other thing that I wanted to share is for the winners, we have one in each of the
grades, we have a really cool LED drawing board as a gift and it's a reminder that your thoughts and your feelings and words matter and your creativity and kindness and message make a difference to your community. So this gives you ideas of how to use the board like to share encouraging message to
others to write positive reminders to express feelings through words or drawings, practice gratitude and support yourself and your family with kindness. So there gives you some ideas on the board like you matter or it's okay to ask for help or be proud of yourself. So
there's a bunch of messages on here. So I thought it was it's like a beautiful little thing and one person I actually opened the box and tried it out. So, if you get that one, I'm sorry I didn't put it back in the box very well. Um, but thank you guys. It is just a joy to see your work. So, I can't wait for Nate
toward you all. Let's start with the first grade in that order. >> Okay. So for first grade we have AAR [applause] [applause] with the mayor. Okay. There you go. Wow. [applause]
>> Okay. Second grade we have Maya Nana. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. >> Take a picture. >> [applause] >> Okay, third grade. [applause] [applause] [applause] Okay. Fourth grade.
[applause] I'll change the poster for the for the bag. >> So, fourth grade had So many amazing entries. We have two honorable mentions. We have Zabent. [applause] [applause]
Okay. And also honorable mention fourth grade Vana Shabar. [applause] Okay. Fifth grade. Kamachi Kanapan. >> [applause] [applause] [clears throat] [applause] >> Okay. And sixth grade Daniela Siguso.
[applause] [applause] And one honorable mention for sixth grade, UA. [applause] >> [applause] >> That was like a good blend of students from Roberts and it looks like we had three from Roberts,
three from the three honorable mentions for one big picture. Come in. >> Yeah. To be honest, >> don't you guys can someone send me one of these?
Can I ask a question? Can we get a picture with all of these kids for social media and those not okay with it? That's totally fine. I get that. One more round of applause. [applause] >> [applause] >> So we we are going to try to get this
the school to hang up the posters. >> So if you want to take them home, you can hang it first and then get it back. >> You should work. I was ask [applause]
>> I just want to take a second to thank Debbie Merritt for all the amazing work that she's been doing. Um, like she mentioned and like the mayor mentioned, five years ago, we started this committee with Councilwoman Mcnite, myself and Debbie Mayor an idea of
putting out some ribbons, some green ribbons around in Providence only. Five years later, we um are part of a 14 town coalition led by Debbie Merrick in three counties. We now have 50 locations. I'm getting 50 location uh that we have
painted green. Uh we are absolutely everywhere. We have great programs just like this at the elementary and the high school. Uh we had uh stuff at the senior center. So we're all over and it's only getting bigger and better from here. So I thank you all for having your children participate. >> And there are two events coming up this
weekend. There's a suicide prevention training on Saturday and then there's a um movement. It's it's a walk and a movement um walk and bloom on Saturday. That was going to be last week but it rained. So join us down at Centennial
Park at 11 o'clock. We'll take a little stroll through town. We'll get everything painted green and then come back to Centennial Park for a gang session with Rose Whip and then we'll have community conversation over coffee and bagels afterwards. So it'll be very nice and every attendant is going to get
a flower. It was supposed to be for Mother's Day, but you get a flower anyway. So come join us. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] >> I don't think so. Just mom's helping moms ask
>> anybody from mom's helping moms here. >> One thing I would like to say, you all should be very proud of your children, >> you know. They learn everything a lot probably most from the parents and the parents in
this town are just great. So thank you for giving us your kids and and making us all proud. Thank you so much. [applause] property owners. >> Thank you so much. Great job everyone.
Wow, that took you out. >> Okay. >> Can't force him to say. >> No. Last month, we had a u a contest, essay contest for uh for children who wrote
about what I like about my hometown. And there were uh let's see, one, two, three, four, five. Each of those students will receive a $10 gift card from to Starbucks >> for participating.
All of them are great. Can I I just wanted to they were great and there was a there was a theme and most of them talked about I just wanted to to mention uh public safety, our library.
Uh one said far too many good things. Uh our town square where they can shop and talk. >> Lincoln field where the kids can play and uh run and play ball. are good schools, safety, uh, and being part of the teams. These are all pretty cool
themes throughout all the essays. And my most fun, best quote of the entire essays of all of them was, "The experience as a resident can have with local government and services can rarely be anything less
than fantastic." >> Wow. >> That was that was >> that was an impressive quote. >> Excellent. >> So, they were really cool. So, thank you for the for those that participated in that. >> Well, let me read off the the winners. >> Misha Dley,
Tomas Ferrer, Rebecca Fornath, Jose Lopez, and Gwen Zebo. >> Good for them. >> And good for them. And you know, you're right because I remember [applause] years ago, and Bill, you'll remember
this, too. When we were graduating high school, we all said, "I can't wait to get out of this pod town. There's nothing to do." >> You go, you go off to school and you all come back and say, "What a great town I grew up in."
>> Right? And we all feel that way. You go to class reunions, too. And it's it's amazing. And you did, Denise. Right. So, we all uh it's just amazing what this town pro uh
provides and you really don't realize it until you're gone. So, okay, let's go on to approval of minutes. April 28th. Motion, please. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Yes. Yes. >> No. So, be it. We have correspondence uh
from Sarah Aens and uh looking for an update with with this with the attorney and I know you're working on that, Billy. Um, New Jersey American Water uh acquisition of Gordon's Corner
um for the uh that's Mammoth County. Uh board of adjustment 31 Commonwealth and another one for 141 Maple. Any uh any comments? Seeing none, we'll
go to council business. Nine, administration. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, resolution 2026-164 is a resolution amending language on prior resolutions for the appointment of burough professionals to be consistent
with the New Jersey pay-to-play law. Uh, so we're basically just correcting a typo that we found on a prior resolution. >> Okay. Advisory board. Um, Okay. Resolution 2026-165,
a resolution approving request of the new Providence Sustainability Advisory Committee to sponsor community educational uh sessions during the calendar year 2026. Uh this is just to uh seeking approval to host community education sess sessions free of charge.
Uh examples of the I naturalist home composting, native planting and rain barrel use. That's it. >> I just real quick add vera that if we if we could potentially think about recording some of those and putting them
up on the maybe the recreation website or something. >> Uh the I naturalist u application, you know, was way over my head uh to be honest, but it looked really really interesting and and fun. And um you know
I would love to have something that I can go back to and try and learn it a little bit more if I could to be honest. >> So we were given like a small tutorial about just sort of the scope of I naturalist. It basically uses your phone and I'm sure there's like a there might be some sort of you know no pun on my
name a learner's curve to it but you take your phone with an app and you can identify you know uh aggressive species of plants or non-native plants and a coordination throughout the town to find out where these uh these species of
plants are growing and to help remediate and help um some of our natural foliage uh thrive. for like something to put on the website like if they weren't there or whatever. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think education >> I think they'd be really interesting to have for someone to look at maybe maybe
I don't know just spitballing. >> Yeah. Makes sense. Avasive species not aggressive. They might be aggressive also. >> Okay. Community activities. >> Oh, we skipped affordable housing. >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. That's okay.
>> We do community activities. We'll go back to affordable housing. >> Okay. How's that? >> Sounds great. >> That's good. >> All right. Resolution 167 is a resolution authorizing agreement between the Bureau of New Providence and Garden State Fireworks, Inc. for Independence Day Fireworks exhibition in an amount
not to exceed $16,500. This is for the July 3rd fireworks celebration. Uh I want I do want to thank Garden State for maintaining our price of 16,5. As you know, everything's getting more and more
expensive every year, but uh we have such a great relationship. Our burough administrator, Bernardet Kakar, is such a shrewd negotiator. She was able to keep it the same. Uh so I want to thank them. Uh literally my favorite u celebration and uh holiday, the 4th of
July, and especially as we have come up on our 250, I think it'll be uh it's just as important. Resolution 168 is a resolution approving requisition R2601133 for FOSIA Trinity Electric LLC and
amount not to exceed $13,250 for installation of circuit for tennis court cameras. So, we're going to add uh some cameras down at the Tur tennis and pickle ball courts for safety and security.
>> Yep. >> Yep. >> Go ahead. back to me. Um, okay. Resolution 2026-166 is a resolution of the Bureau of New Providence, County of Union, State of New Jersey, endorsing the amended
housing element and fair share plan. Um, so this resolution formally endorses the amended fourth round housing element and fair share plan which outlines how the burrow will meet its affordable housing obligations under the amended New Jersey
Fair Housing Act. The plan was developed by the burough's planner, approved by the planning board, and filed with the court. Although multiple legal challenges were filed, most were resolved through a mediation agreement with the Fair Share Housing Center and
others which was ultimately approved by the court. So this is really just some houseworking to just finalize on this. Um just as an aside, I was speaking with a couple of people in passing and um I know very often residents will ask me what it is that they could do or what
you know, everybody just kind of feels helpless against this. Um so if there's something that they could do and you know talking amongst us you know it was agreed that we should encourage people to reach out to the legislators just write them letters just explain to them how it is that you feel I'm not really
sure how that is going to help but um really the only places this is going to get solved is down in Trenton. So um you know anything that we can do to encourage people to just get out there and write write letters. I know we've done that before in the past but it can't hurt to do it again. Um, so I was
just actually trying to look up email addresses for our local legislators. Um, so I would just recommend people go on to NJEG.state.nj. us and you can find who specifically you want to write letters to.
>> And on our website and they're also all listed on our website. So I encourage everybody to write letters because we have to be able to do something. We have to just keep trying. >> Try try. It might get worse before it gets better, too.
>> It could get worse before it gets better. After reading that last resolution last time, >> um we just got >> Yeah. Yep. There you go. >> Okay. Uh Matt, engineering construction. >> Okay. Thank you. Resol resolution 169 is
a resolution accepting a proposal of Ker's engineering design for additional design fees related to the NJ dot FY2024 Maple Street improvement project. Uh this is uh payment for the revisions that were done for the Maple Street. Uh
I explained uh in in my last committee meeting how um Mountain Avenue and Maple Street, they had made some some changes based on some feedback that they received from the local residents. Okay. Resolution 170 is a resolution
approving requisition R2601109 for Cric LLC in an amount not to exceed $14,944 data wiring at the municipal annex. Uh this is for actually the next few uh
resolutions are all related to the old burrow hall which we're retrofitting for our police department as they move over there uh during the construction of the new police uh building. Uh this was the wiring for all the phone data and data
lines. Resolution 171 is a res resolution approving requisition R2600867 for FOIA Trinity Electrics LLC in an amount not to exceed $47,840 for installation of a generator at the
municipal annex which is that what we're calling it now the municipal annex [laughter] >> differentiate again >> sounds fancy >> okay resolution 172 is a resolution approving requisition R2600868
for RA Dylan Suns in an amount not to exceed $2,640 for boiler maintenance at the municipal annex. Uh we have to we had so we when we had to do the remediation of the asbestous we had to take down uh rip out
some electrical take out some plumbing uh ripped out the floors some of the ceilings etc. So these are these are the resolutions um putting that back together. So, this is the boiler. They'll have to pressurize and put it back together. Uh, resolution 173 is a resolution approving requisition
R2601138 for woodland builders in an amount not to exceed $44,19643 for carpentry, drywall, painting, and related work at the municipal annex. Resolution 174 is a resolution approving
requisition R2601144 for floors by Marlin LLC in an amount not to exceed 37,46.65 65 for flooring installation at the municipal annex. And 175 is a resolution approving the
requisition R2601137 for Continental Fire and Safety Services doing business as Mafres Security Group in an amount not to exceed $29,391.70 for security camera installation at the municipal annex.
Uh resolution 176 is a resolution approving requisition R2601129 for FOIA Trinity Electric LLC in an amount not to exceed $50,360.50 for electrical work at the municipal
annex. So all these resolutions will hopefully get that building nice and beautiful so our police department can move in timely in the month of August I believe. >> Okay. Finance Lisa. >> Thank you mayor. Resolution 2026-177,
resolution providing for the insertion of any special item of revenue in the 2026 budget pursuant of NJSA 4A 4-87 chapter 159 PL 1948 the national opioid
settlement. And this is our um our annual uh or our next I should say grant funding for $82910. Um it's to be used for opioid remediation. Uh resolution 2026-178.
It's a resolution authorizing payment of the attached bills payable list. The amount 9,424,564.33. Some of the more significant items were 7,52826 uh to the new Providence Board of Education for the May school tax levy,
$1 million for the Union County Improvement Authority. That is for the uh police department construction. We have $417,259 to Garden State Municipal Insurance Fund. This is payment two of two. Uh we
have 168,720 going to Horizon Healthcare for our May ins uh health insurance and then we have 119,967 to the library for their May appropriation.
Next we have resolution 2026-179. It's a resolution of the Bureau of New Providence authorizing the purchase of natural gas supply services for public use on an online auction website. Um, so this does allow our burough
administrator to enter into a contract on behalf of the bureau providing that the auction achieves a price of uh 85730 per therm or less for a 12 month term. A
price of 87736 per therm or less for an 18month term. or a price of.86240 per therm or less for 24month term. Um
and then we have a price of86520 per therm or less for a 36-month term. So when is that auction bernardet? >> Tomorrow morning. Okay. >> Good luck. >> Good luck. >> Good luck. Save us some more money. >> Yes.
>> Okay. have resolution 180. It's appointing uh Nicholas Abuso as a permanent employee. Uh and he will start at step nine according to the uh police uh salary guide. I can't believe it's been a year
already. >> Wow. >> Uh he he he's outstanding. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um we have ordinance 04. What this ordinance is is um
the uh supplementing the uh traffic and what this will do is it's kind of complicated. One side of Park Place going into Oak Park's uh no parking on one side.
Trouble is on Saturdays when we have recycling that we can't the county won't let us go out on P Street anymore. It's been blocked off. So when you d drop drop off your recycling, you have to go back
around and you can't have parking on both sides of uh Park Place because traffic's going to be coming in and out. So it'll be a uh eliminating parking on that that one side for [clears throat]
uh what is it every sat every Saturday of recycling from uh 6 to 2. >> It's every Saturday. Every Saturday. >> Every other Saturday. >> Well, it's every Saturday or >> huh? >> The ordinance is every Saturday. >> Every Saturday. >> Sometimes they have to change the day
>> depending on weather or holidays. So, just consistently Saturday. >> Yeah. Okay. That sounds sounds good to me. kind just I just want to clarify. So the S street we used to be able to we used to during
uh recycle days right which are the first and third Saturday of every month. We used to be able to go down, we would go down to the recycle detox PPW yard, drop off whatever recycling or garbage we had, and we were able to exit on this
egg. >> Since the bridge has been constructed, that's been closed. That's now curb, no entrance, no exit from that. So now anybody that drops off has to come back up place. So you go down park place, come back up park place.
existing is no parking on one side of the street. >> We are proposing an ordinance to prevent parking on the other side of the street >> on Saturdays only from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. >> Correct. >> Okay. And that's to prevent or to allow
for cars to now come in and out. It's a very thin road, narrow road, not thin. It's a narrow road. >> Uh it is heavily used for parking for games on the weekends. Um and we are going to have a new playground down there which is going to also uh
>> tie up a lot of space. >> It's gonna it's going to encourage a a lot more cars. Uh we've expanded the parking on the other side off of is it Rosner? >> Rosner place. >> Um I should know I live there,
>> but I want to make sure I got it right. Um, and we are with the with the new playground also expanding the walkway or cleaning up the walkway from that parking to the to the around the park
into the to the new playground. Um, >> the park place is going to be closed when construction starts in the playground. >> Um, yeah, that's a good question. I don't think so because the you have to bring the DPW trucks
>> only way they can get in be closed to traffic local public >> that's right because you wouldn't be able to drop all the recycling down park place if that's the case but then again on Saturdays the construction wouldn't be shouldn't be going on >> you never know >> there'll be trucks and stuff there's
only six there's six spaces there currently and those six spaces will most likely be used up with with trucks and and equipment >> equipment >> anyway Uh, I just want to make sure that we we clear what's going on, right? And I think, you know,
we won't really know the full impact of the new park until when it's completed. And we'll talk a little about that, but you know, August, September, however long it's going to take for that be completed. >> So, no parking on parks on parks. So, we're encouraging residents to on Saturdays. >> On Saturdays. Okay. Saturday. So, and
that's it's only for a couple hours, but are we encouraging everybody to park down at that the bigger lot? >> That's what that's what I'm trying to on the left >> and then walk just walk up to the playground. >> Right. Right. >> So, when does this go into effect? Do we know? >> After we read twice.
>> Twice. >> Oh, this is the first reading. >> This is the first >> and then there's a period after that, right? >> 20 days after 20 days after. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. I just want to make
sure we're all clear. >> Public works. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh resolution 2026181 is a resolution advancing Joseph Esqual to step H assistant plant operator license C-1S-1
with black seal in the public works department of the Burough of New Providence. This is advancing Joe to assistant plant operator. Um resolution 2026-182. It's a resolution advancing Diego Franco to step H, second plank plant operator
in the public works department of the Burough of New Providence. This is advancing Diego to second plant operator. Um, resolution 2026183. This is a resolution advancing Noel Santiago to a second plant operator, step F, in the public works department
of the Bureau of New Providence. Resolution 2026-184. This is advancing. This is a resolution advancing Mike GMLA to step E in the public works department of the Bon Providence. Resolution 2026-185.
This is a resolution advancing, Forgive me if I get this wrong, Ali Dennis Kur Cordur Corduru >> Ali to step I in the public works department of the Bureau of New
Providence. And that that's it for me. That looks pretty good. Okay. Let's go to >> committee reports. >> Yeah, I'm just uh I have to bring my computer screen down.
Okay, committee reports. Uh I had a busy uh weekend. First, I want to uh to congratulate Maria Duca for getting the Shirro award. Uh the county uh
recognize her for her immense talent in a lot of different areas. She is incredible. Um I also want to uh congratulate Doug Sullivan. He uh he got a big award from the state for sustainability
>> sustainable hero. Sustainable and um you know those who've been working at this from the very inception of this committee he's incredible um want to congratulate um Rich Fadiv
and um and Mike uh Zor they got to read the scouts this week and um they did uh their projects was one was the storage uh cabinet here and then worked on
Hooper Park and we appreciate their uh their um their commitment to scouting and to the town which is great. Uh I went to uh the Qriket Club's holy uh celebration. It was great.
Getting to read some of this stuff. Good people. Really good people. Um, but oh, I want to congratulate Diane Biski. The county uh gave her a nice uh award for all her uh all her um work on the uh
municipal uh committee and I'll tell you and everything that she's done. She's so she was involved in PTAs, council woman, she was she was into everything. So, we really want to give her a a big shout out.
Okay, we had a meeting with the storm order uh rise MP. I think we uh got a lot off our chest about how and why things work with the uh emergency management coordinator and how that
works. A lot of things are dictated by state, but uh you know, we're going to try and open up communication a lot better with them. So, like you know, there's a lot of things that we can do, a lot of things that take a lot of time,
and this is a a infrastructure need that is going to take years. But we're finding a lot of interesting things with illegal pipes, broken pipes, pipes under patios. Um, we
found that a a pipe clogged over by under the Maple Street uh covert and uh Problem is it's not it's not orders, it's transit. So somehow we're going to have to get a hold of TR transit and get permission because we don't want the
same tobacco we had up at the railroad tracks with the paving. >> So um I think that's all I have. Alan, >> he took some of my stuff, but I'll I'll add a little bit to it. So yes, uh with with the sustainability committee, we
did want to thank uh Douglas Sullivan for everything he does. And um I just want to read something. So um Douglas Sullivan did not set out to lead a sustainability movement. He just wanted to help with an emissions inventory.
More than a decade later, the environmental engineer from New Providence has been named the sustainability hero by sustainable Jersey. The statewide certification program that has partnered with the bureau throughout its green journey. The recognition honors Sullivan's sustained leadership and guiding New Providence
environmental initiatives and his role in achieving silver certification earlier this year. So, big shout out to him. Uh, also we just had our free cycle which I think was amazing. Turned out great. You know, most of the town was there. I
got some good stuff. I gave some good stuff. Time I dropped it off, turned around, it was gone already. And looking forward to the next one. And that's pretty much all I have. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh, the diversity committee met last night. Um, most of
the discussion was related to supporting the upcoming Unity Day happening [clears throat] on June 6th at the New Providence High School. Uh the diversity committee will have a table and we will be using that table to recruit more volunteers. Um the
diversity committee is looking to be able to support uh additional activities throughout the year and it always helps to have more hands um on the team. Um the municipal alliance met uh the night
after the awards ceremony and most of that discussion was focused on the upcoming every 15 minutes production which is going to take place on May 27th. There's a lot of moving parts to that production. And of course, Diane Velisa
was there because that's one of her major roles is to um handle the makeup for all of the students and others that are involved. Uh so I'm excited. It'll be my first time um walking around uh and learning how that how the sausage is
made in that production. So, um, historical society had intended to have their annual craft fair last Saturday and that was another thing that was postponed. So, it's, excuse me, it's happening this Saturday, uh, May 16th
from 9 to 3. And the garden club will also be hosting their annual plant sale then. Uh and then the only other thing I wanted to say with respect to the storm water task force is that uh just confirming that we are having um a town hall on June 4th. It'll be here in this
room uh starting at 7 p.m. And um we are working with Collers on ensuring that we uh have all the answers to the questions that we expect uh to hear. And I think that's going to be a great opportunity
for the public to come as well and ask anything that they um would like at that at that event. So, uh that's all I have there mayor. >> Okay. Indeed. >> Thank you, mayor. Um again, basically I've been working on mental health this
month along with um with Brian. Um as we mentioned before, our event was also rained out on Saturday uh for a rain that didn't even happen. So, um, but it's good because now more people, everybody was busy with graduations last weekend and stuff. So, now everybody can
attend. Uh, so again, I'm just going to get it words right this time. It is move, breathe, and bloom. Um, so it's just a nice time to just take a break, just appreciate our town, appreciate each other, learn how to do some quang,
get a flower, and have some coffee and bagels and community time with our friends. Um, there's a lot of mental health stuff going on in and around New Providence. So, anybody who's interested, you can look at the Facebook page, New Jersey Cross Town Mental
Health Coalition, uh, doing many great things and many more great things to come. U, we did have a board of health meeting. Um, wasn't too we didn't have too much going on, but that was last week. >> Fastest meeting I've ever been to. >> Very fast meeting. They're very efficient. Um and then um I guess May
the 1st we did have mental health kickoff. Uh Brian was there, Lisa was there, Al was there, I was there, and um it was just again great community working with great people and very excited to be on this committee. So other than that, operations normal. >> Okay. >> Short and sweet.
>> Okay. So [clears throat] be before the town hall and I guess um the meeting that you had with with uh MP Rise, uh we met with our engineers just to talk through uh
some history and uh projects that have gone on in the past and and things like that just just to get ready and prepare. Uh, and I just wanted to mention we took a little tour, Councilwoman Bowen and Jeff Roy and
myself, uh, with our engineers. Um, we went to I didn't know what a covert was. I don't know what a, uh, dams and I mean these bars and you I mean there's so much terminology that we're using and again
I'm an accountant so um, if there's no numbers on it, I'm not interested. But um but the the tour was fascinating. Um and you know, we went over off of Division Avenue and we looked at how the water runs down Division Avenue from Summit and then it comes into this
covert, if that's the right term, and then goes through a a pipe under the tracks and then comes back around. Then we have a dam behind Central A. And and this dam was was wild. I mean, it was just almost like a big long football
field. And when we were standing in the woods, you know, the engineer was showing us that the dam was like 10 feet high, right? So where we were, the dam up there is 10 feet high. And so visualizing that and with all the water coming down and how that kind of holds it back. He's like, if it's raining in a
really bad storm where we're standing now, we're completely underwater. And it's like, wow. You know, just get a really amazing appreciation for that. Uh, and I just mentioned it because and then we also went to um Ashwood and Pine Way and we looked at some of the runoff and some of the storms that had done a
lot of damage and over there and and you know the the work that had to be put into you know making sure that that runoff would get to the river quickly and easily and uh and that was really really neat. Uh very eye opening um I we didn't get to do the whole thing that I
was hoping to get to to everything. Uh, but I did suggest maybe we go back to the drawing board and and maybe get a video tour, something that we can use and put up on our website, uh, once we get our storm water stuff, you know, uh, more up to speed. But, uh, fascinating.
It was, I mean, it was really, really fascinating. And, and I actually do, like I said, want to get some videos if we could, you know, maybe the engineers can do that or if they could. Um, it would be way worth it for the residents to see. Uh because you don't you don't really you know it's like you flush your
toilet and you don't care. You don't know where it goes, right? But there's a whole wastewater treatment plant that does a lot of stuff with that. You know, >> Brian toured that for like four hours. >> That's a great tour. >> But um I just want to mention it and it was a lot of fun and and you know there's a lot of stuff that happens there. >> Um it was actually very fascinating to
see all the amazing mitigation that the town has had for years and years and years and years and years. So you know we talked about storm water. It's not like it's anything new. We've been doing this has been going on since the 60s >> and we have amazing structures in place
and it was uh very impressive to see. >> Well, the storms are just getting worse and worse. >> That's true. But we should be very we should be very appreciative for what we have because it would be way worse if we didn't have that. >> So, sorry. >> Sure. Um in terms of recreation, just
want to give some updates here. Um uh what's today? The 12th. So tomorrow is the senior health fair at the Dorso Center from 9:30 to 12. Uh all residents 55 and over that's me are invited to attend the senior health fair feature a
variety of local service providers medical professionals offering balance podiatry dental chiropractic screenings. Uh, additional services include wound assessments by the Atlantic Health, Reiki sessions, access to physical
therapists and pharmacists, and more. Uh, that's pretty amazing. So, you can call the Dorso Center if you uh need a ride, you need bus transportation to the health fair. Uh, you can also uh email our public health nurse, Jenna Randa, uh, or give her, all her information is
on our website if you have any questions. Uh, just also want to mention on 5:25 we have our Memorial Day parade. It kicks off at 10:00 a.m. uh join our veterans mayor council for a special memorial service at Veterans Park at 9:00 a.m.
That's actually very very special. Um, and after the parade at the American Legion for refreshments, very, very delicious hot dog. Uh, also want to mention the Bardfield uh renovation is completed. I actually drove by it yesterday. It does look
fantastic. Uh so that field is going to be closed for about a month, six weeks for that uh grass to take. And then Oakwood Park, like we talked about the playground, uh you saw the press release, if you haven't, check us on the website, that's construction to begin in
July. And uh summer camp for adults registration is open. So come and join the fun wreck. And I do want to say I did see a basketball camp for adults. It was like an intense
basketball workout that's being Yeah. Um >> Oh man, what's his name? Um he was he went to used to coach for New Providence. He's running it. I'm blanking on his name right now. Um he's the head coach at >> Srausa. >> Srausa. Thank you very much. Um I almost
thought about it for about 10 seconds. I was going to go do that. that I love basketball. I played adult basketball league for many years, but I haven't played in a long time, so I decided not to. But it's actually a pretty cool uh camp. So, there's some adult uh camps out there. So, go take a look at the
website. >> I love it. Summer camper kit for for adults. I think I need that. >> Uh well, we're go backwards instead of forwards, right? I love it. Um so, America 250 met last night. Um they're still continuing to raise a awareness of
250. All the donations that were raised during Reverend Codwell Day were delivered. Um an a special big thank you to Nick Schultz who delivered all the donations to the troops. From what I understand he it was hours away and he
brought it per brought it down there personally. Um yep. So we continue to collect uh letters for the troops. Uh there's three mailboxes in town. one at Old Glory, one at Jersey Joe's, and one at Enfield Bule. So, if it uh strikes
you, write a letter to the troop to a troop and uh and put it in in the mailbox. They're also going to have the mailboxes at special events in town. Uh for instance, on May 17th at the library, Maria will be doing the talk on Carl Schultz, who apparently, I didn't
realize, is the mineral water king. >> Yes. >> Um interesting. Um, and he was the creator of the homes in Murray Hill. >> So that should probably be very interesting. So that's May 17th. >> That's actually why it's called Murray Hill because he worked in Murray Hill in
the city and his home was at the top and he had >> You're giving away Maria's talk. [laughter] >> If you want to learn more, >> if you want to learn more, go to the library. >> Very [laughter] good. >> Um, the committee created an oldtime newsletter. I think I brought it to one of the meetings before. Um, it's being
distributed by by the schools now. So, that's going to be quarterly and it's going to be all kinds of history of New Providence. So, I think that'll be a nice addition especially for the kids for the parents to share with their kids to learn a little bit more about New Providence. Um, the baseball game is
coming along again June 27th at Miller Field. They're still looking for volunteers and players. So, if softball's your thing, right, you have a baseball player. >> We're going to play for sure. I want to I want to play. >> Yeah. So, don't fall >> on. Please sign up on the community
pass. Uh we need players and we need volunteers. [laughter] >> But we have we have to play the Reds. >> The Reds. They'll take it easy on you. Don't worry. >> Practice. >> You and Paul Miller. >> So, um Matt mentioned the health fair
tomorrow at uh Dorso. I also wanted to mention uh the you know we call it the Dorso Center. We call it older adults. They call it they call themselves the New Providence Senior Citizens. So I, you know, whatever you want to call yourself. So every month they put out
this extensive newsletter. So if you have not signed up for uh the Dorso Center senior citizens, um anyone over 55, which definitely includes me, um qualifies. And you know, when you think of like the senior citizen center, I
think that people get a little, you know, that's not I'm not old enough yet, but um I think Naen said it this way. It's not your grandparents senior citizens club anymore, right? Like it's hip and it's fun. And they literally have multiple events and programs every
single day. For instance, um tomorrow is the health fair. They have book clubs. They have trips and events. They go to, you know, they go out for lunch. They're going to uh the Riverlady cruise um in in a couple it's over the summer. They
have Italian classes. They have book club. They have arts and crafts. They do service projects. They make sandwiches for uh the OOLP ministry. They have health and fitness classes. So, all kinds of different yoga, uh balance and conditioning. They play cards. They play
games. Um >> they go every Friday. >> Yeah. So, just a lot a lot of stuff going on there. Um, so it might be worth uh worth your while to to check it out if you're home and and available and over 55.
>> There you go. >> I've been member for years. >> Yeah. Don't don't date yourself. [laughter] Um, that's that's all I got. >> Okay, Brian. >> Alrighty. Um, start start with the less fun stuff and then move on to maybe the
the more at least uplifting stuff. Um, you know, just to to tack on to to what Nadine was saying, you know, from from a communication standpoint, there's a there's a particular bill in the state senate right now that we really want to get the word out about. Um, and that that that we really want to encourage
people to to to have their eyes on. It's called S1836. Um, and the the the the very rough summary that we have is that it allows for it basically overrides our local ordinances. And if I'm getting any of this wrong, please jump in. You know, it
overrides our local ordinances and it allows a much higher density per acre and it allows much taller buildings than our zoning allows. Um, so you know, this is one where we definitely would encourage the public to get informed and make your voice heard.
>> This is only for not for profofits and houses of course >> in certain circumstances. Yeah, you're right. Not and that's that's a good point. It's not like townwide, but it's still, you know, it's one of those things that it could still be problematic for religious institutions the right to build, you know, up to, you know, 50 units per
>> Yeah. and and adjacent properties or something if I remember correctly. Um, so again, I I would encourage the public to get educated on the bill, you know, learn about it, you know, and and and and if you think it's right, if if you think it's wrong for New Providence, this is a great opportunity to make your voice heard on that. So, I strongly
strongly encourage people to to pay attention to it. It's a good example of something that, you know, that that that the state is looking at that may not be right for New Providence. Um, all righty. Uh, let's see what Okay, so mental health. Um, just just to to add
on to to what Nen was saying. Um it it's it's been a really great month, you know, and and there's a really serious purpose behind it, which is, you know, that understanding that it's okay not to be okay, you know, and and just, you know, the benefit of five minutes, you know, we did that that that little reset at the at the kickoff event on on the
1st and it's just, you know, even giving yourself permission to have that one moment of peace and calm and to breathe, you know, just makes such a difference. You know, there there's a lot of stuff coming at us in this world. Um so just taking that moment uh so please do come out uh this weekend and take advantage
of all the resources available to you. Um last but not least for me uh board of education the next uh meeting is Thursday May 28th. They are doing a and and it's noteworthy you know one because board meetings are always fun but uh they're doing a board annual goals
update um specifically around balance classroom technology integration by gradeband. They're going to be presenting, my understanding is that they're going to be presenting a plan and then they're going to be announcing some parent feedback and listening sessions. So, I definitely would encourage parents uh to to dig into
that. Um, and then just very very quickly, I want to give a big shout out to the AWR theater company. They had a triumphal run of Shrek the M Junior the musical. Um, you know, ju just like today with with kids saluting the flag, if you want your faith in humanity
restored, go see an elementary school play. Um and and it's it's there were so many I mean there were had to be like 50 kids involved but the the fleet of parents behind the scenes that helped make that happen. The burough the excuse me the the district administration the
principal support you know uh there's just so much that goes into making something like that happen and it was really fantastic and I went on Saturday and the gym was air conditioned so that's a whole lot of things coming together all at once. So that's it. That's all I have.
I do have one other thing. Uh Friday afternoon, uh Bill Vnaui and uh Dan Nelson are getting awarded uh their bravery. I I guess they get medals
or certificates or plaques or but the the 200 club in Union County, they recognize firefighters, police officers, EMS that go above and beyond and show bravery. And Billy and uh Dan saved
those people that uh behind Ratcliffe Drive in in the creeks in the Soulbrook. And uh I don't know how they did it, but you know, truly amazing. And like I've always said, I trust my family,
everybody with our uh first responders. So, God bless them. Bernardet, you're up. >> Thank you, Mayor Morgan. Um the annual audit has been completed. I know everybody here in this building is very
happy to see them go. Uh the burough auditors are from um WCOTs and our independent registered municipal accountants who ensure legal and regulatory compliance for the bureau. They review our internal controls. They verify financial accuracy and submit
required audit reports to the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. So in the next few weeks, they'll be compiling their report for you. um and they will be um sharing their findings, any any recommendations um moving forward. Um and you guys will have the
opportunity to read through and sign off on the audit. Um as a reminder, bulk cleanup begins first week in June in zone 3. Um all material for disposal should be placed curbside
no later than 2:00 a.m. on the Monday of your week. Please don't start putting your stuff out now. Nobody wants to be looking at all of that stuff. Um but most importantly, please check the calendar on page 13 for items that are um able to be disposed of during bulk
week and how you can dispose of them. And um the last thing on my uh list for tonight is next week is National Public Works Week. Um this year's theme is rooted in service powered by community and it acknowledges the roots of service
run deep in public service and public works. Some uh some works like paving and plowing are highly visible while other public work contributions ma like maintaining storm water and sewer systems are sometimes hidden from view. Together, these efforts form the foundation of thriving communities,
reminding us that every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people in our burrow. [snorts] I would like to thank our public works employees for all that they do for our community. They are truly second to none. That's all I have.
>> Thank you. Okay. At this time, we have public comments. Anybody wishing to address council, please come up, give their name and address. Seeing no one, I declare the public hearings closed and I need a motion for items 1 through 23, please.
>> So moved. >> I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Learner, >> I. >> Miss Dolan? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Jeffrey? >> Yes. >> Mr. Kaminsky? >> I. >> Mrs. Mcnite? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gardner? >> Yes. >> Okay. I have a motion for adjournment,
please. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> No. So be it. Okay.