I'll call a meeting to order please. >> Miss Dolan here. Miss Felisa >> present. Mrs. Mcnite >> here. Mayor Morgan >> here. >> Mrs. Joffrey >> present. >> Mr. Kogan >> here. >> Mr. Kamisky >> I am here. >> Let's 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. >> This meeting council promis county of New Jersey adequate notice has been
given in accordance with PL 1975 chapter 231 that admiral notice or revision was made in conformance with section 13 of the act. Um, can I have a motion for
Oh, please read the title. >> Resolution 2025-295 is a resolution appointing Michael Carino to sergeant in the police department of the Burough of New Providence. >> Have a motion. >> So move. >> Second.
>> Uh, roll, please. >> Miss Dolan, >> here. >> Miss Plesca. >> I. Uh, Mrs. Mcnite. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Joffrey. Yes, Mr. Kogan. >> Yes, >> Mr. Kamisky. >> Hi. >> That's exactly right. >> I love it.
>> I knew it. uniform. >> We We all volunteer. >> We all volunteer. >> We all volunteer >> to hold to hold the baby. I'd like your babysitting. I'm Michael Carino. I Michael Carly. >> Do solemnly swear
>> do solemnly swear >> that I will support >> that I will support >> the Constitution >> in the Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> of the Constitution >> and the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> of the state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the same
>> and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established >> and to the governments established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and this state >> and this state >> under the authority >> under the authority >> of the people >> of the people that I will faithfully >> and that I will faithfully >> impartially >> impartially
>> and justly perform >> and justly perform >> all the duties >> all the duties >> of police sergeant >> of police sergeant >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability Oh, that's Congratulations.
Congrats. >> Tell your wife I can promise you every one of us up here wish wish we could still our kids were still asking us to be home. So >> it's happened before. >> It's a blessing. Enjoy it. and
>> his swear >> that I will support >> I will support the >> Constitution >> of the United States >> of the United States >> and the Constitution >> the Constitution >> of the State of New Jersey >> state of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith >> I will bear true faith
>> and allegiance to the same >> allegiance and to the governments established >> to the government established >> in the United States >> in the United States >> and in this state >> and the state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> and I will faithfully >> faithfully
>> and partially >> and justly perform >> and just perform >> all the duties >> all the duties of police officers >> police officer >> according to the best >> according to the best of my >> congratulations Congratulations. Congrats.
>> Just sign it. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Okay, at this time we have a presentation by the diversity committee with the uh high school students unity day recap.
Good, good evening and thank you so much for having us. I'm Audrey. >> I'm Lillian. >> I'm Angelie. >> And I'm Fatima. >> And we're all we're all students from New Providence High School and UCBTS
Magnus Schools. and we're the youth volunteers that help lead the Unity Day, our town's an annual celebration of diversity and community. We're very excited to be here tonight to share what we're planning for Unity Day 2026. We also want to take a moment to
appreciate our amazing council at New Province High School students and teachers and community organizations that make this event possible. To us, unity is about breaking down the walls that separate us. At school, it's
very easy for all of us to live in our own little bubbles. Um, sticking to people who look like us and think like us. But true unity means stepping outside of those bubbles. See, seeing each other for who we really are and connecting beyond these surface differences.
We're involved in unity because I've seen firsthand how small acts such as listening and understanding can create a ripple effect in our community and we all have a part to play and tearing down the invisible barriers that keep us apart. That's why we're involved in
Unity Day because we want to help create a district community where no one's left out and where our differences become our strength rather than a barrier. Okay. >> Um, so Unity Day has evolved throughout
the years. We we began >> sorry >> is this is this good? >> Okay. So, Unity Unity Day has uh has evolved throughout the years. We began in 2019 where where uh with this NJ
sharing network we and hosted by the diversity committee we um we performed an event. By 2021, Unity Day was taken over by students from the New Proidence High School and the UCBTS uh magnet schools. At that point, our progress has
grown exponentially. While in 2019 we had an estimated attendance of 75 people, just last year in 2025 we had over 300 people. More organizations of New Providence and surrounding towns have also began
participating in and opening up more opportunities not only for the organizations themselves but also for the participants. As Unity Day steadily evolved, so has the togetherness of the entire community. The purpose of the event is to unite our
community. We want to introduce people of all ages to different backgrounds by having those people speak about their own experiences firsthand. We also want to create a space of community and belonging with booths, food, arts, and music. Some details from our last year's
event. It was held on Prodent High School gym on a Saturday, specifically June 7th. It lasted around 2 hours from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and we had over 300 people attend. Some event highlights of last year, we had around 20 different
booths including some New Province High School clubs, the Japanese club, the Spanish honor society, the diversity club, and the French club. Of course, we know you music is the universal language. And so we also had a concert with keys to success. There was
also food at many of the booths, passport booth trackers to motivate children, and at the end we had prizes. Uh last year we partnered with key success, the New Providence diversity committee, the United Methodist Church, and the New Providence Unity Project.
And as you can see, those are some pictures from last year's event. There are a couple pictures of our setup in the New Province High School gym. There are some pictures of booths that were held specifically by the clubs in New Private High School. There's the
Japanese club and the Spanish honor society on there. And in the middle, we have Sunnil and our high our um high school principal, Mr. Henry. Looking to the future of Unity Fair and
our Unity Fair 2026 event, we'd like to establish this as an annual New Providence community event to celebrate the diversity in our town. Last year, several New Providence high school clubs participated in the event, and this year, we're looking forward to even more teacher and student involvement. To do
this, we need the sponsorship of the New Providence Diversity Committee. Being sponsored by the committee and having the support of the New Providence High School will allow us to engage the community in our event through media announcements and school announcements. We appreciate the council's continued support this year and we're so excited
to work with you to make this Unity Fair even better. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I have to tell you, I am so impressed by how you ladies organizing this. It has really grown into an event. Uh Sunil
where she >> we started this actually the first one was actually in 2015 I think and it's just a small group and it's just expanded. Chanda you you do an amazing job chairing the committee now and um
it's just it's abs absolutely incredible. you know, New Providence demographics have changed uh incredibly over the years that I I I was born and raised here. And you know
what the transformation that uh has taken place is is unbelievable. And we all learn from each other. That's what it's all about. I'll say a small story. I've I'm a member of the uh Packet Club.
Pirate Club was started by a group of Italian immigrants that uh worked in the green houses. Most of them came from uh I think Benavvento, Italy. But back then nobody really wanted they were they were
discriminated upon. They weren't allowed to join a fire department. They weren't allowed to do this that and the other thing. And they were Catholic. That was that was another thing. So, but over the years in their charter, they were so
wise that they never said you had to be Italian to belong to that club because they knew and they wanted that everybody intermar, intermix, and be, you know,
just a reflection of the community. So, that's a little history from back then and how how far we've come and to see students like you take everything to the next level is very heartwarming for me.
I mean, we're all Americans and we better start acting like it and show each other respect and civility. And I think I don't know how we've gotten to this place now in in this country, but I certainly hope we get back to the
civility and the respect that we all deserve. So I congratulate you and what you're doing here and know, you know, we're put on on earth and you what you sometimes you think, well, why am I here? You're here to make a difference.
And I will say you're making a difference. Thank you. Any other comments? >> Yeah. Um yes. Uh so I can't really add much to what uh Mayor Al said except that it's been my pleasure to work with
all of you this year as the um you know primary liaison for the diversity committee and you are just so totally on top of what you're doing. You collaborate really well. you have great ideas and I look forward to many
exciting things uh in the 2026 Unity gang. Thank you so much for all your effort. >> Question for you guys. You guys are all juniors >> sophomores. So you guys did this as freshman. >> You're going to do it next year. I'm assuming you got to bring some of the your younger friends up to pass the
torch because you guys done a phenomenal job. But so I thank you. >> And by the way, you do have our full support. So don't worry about that. and next year's diversity committee, right? We have Kathleen had brought in, you know, some more some some more group of
people who didn't sign up for our committee unfortunately this year. So, next year's committee will be larger and uh with a larger committee comes a lot more help and a lot more opportunity and ideas. So, look looking forward to even better. >> Yeah. And I think this is a huge success story in the fact that a council
advisory committee is uh exists to advise council and to try things out and then you know have a different group take it and run it right. So that's what we've done with this event over the years having been a liazison it's it's amazing that
the kids no offense you guys are kids we're a little jealous of that. Um the kids are now taking it and running it and the the adults are just like, "Okay, sounds good. Sounds good. Sounds good." So again, kudos to you. It's such a success story for our council advisory
committees, such a success story for you, and I can't wait to see what you guys bring next year. >> And we're all here to support you and help you. >> I I want I can't let it go without giving my two cents as well. Um I just want to thank you as well. Um, like Councilwoman Blisa said, you know, the point of the advisory committees is to
advise council. And one thing we've always wanted on council and always supported on council, is understanding, educating, celebrating, and appreciating each other. And I think this event over the last couple of years, which you guys have taken to the total next level,
exemplifies that. And I'm very proud of everything that you guys have done, and I can't wait to see what you're doing next year. And as an attendee of the event, I know you had pictures, but the I mean, you know, the event itself, it was great. You had I mean, like you said, everything from uh booths, some
education, music, the m that the entertainment was just phenomenal. Um, so it was just entertaining and it was fun and you know, kudos to you. Thank you. >> The food was good, too. We had really good food, too. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Chandu. Yes. I know you're a big influence, positive influence. So, thank you. >> Sure. >> Even though you're not the primary, you can still go down. You got to be in here.
>> I was on for years. I think it's only like two years on this year was the was on this year and I wasn't on it one other year. So, >> you were on it when I was out of the last seven years, I've been on it five years. Five out of seven.
>> Okay. I need approval of minutes for November 10th. >> So, move. >> Second. All >> in favor? >> No. So, be it. We have correspondence from Diane Harvey about tree maintenance and concerns. Uh
it's a resident who lives by Oakland Park and she wants some trees cut down, but um Patrick Ralph and Keith went over there and explained that the trees are are they're they're in good shape and we don't take down live trees. Okay. Uh
Robert Gregory about the cultite. That's a dead issue. So we'll leave that go. Um >> ask why why is it a dead issue? uh because of the way the uh new uh facilities up there are going to be so
and it's not going to work out. Okay. Um Union County Commissioners notice of a meeting cancellation Laura Seitzki u about the uh super fund act that we are sending a concurrence letter for on
the fire department. the electional officers for November 13th. Um, you guys are all welcome to go >> December 10th. >> December 10th. >> Oh, yeah. >> Correspondence came in on the 13th. >> Oh, okay.
uh board of adjustment uh uh public hearing for 17 homes oval uh New Jersey DO uh municipal grant uh letter and we got $419,674.
That's a pretty good hole. >> That is big road. Big road. uh PSNG uh the gas system mo moni modernization program
uh uh Gregory Kingsboro for ordinance about uh no gas leaf blowers. Um you know they tried that in the in surrounding uh municipalities. It never worked out. They had to they had to
resend the ordinance go back to the gas powered and now it's all all everybody what what happens is that and they're always having to charge the batteries they use them all day. The other thing is to buy all this new
equipment they pass all that charges off to the uh to the consumer. So, >> yep. >> Um, we looked at this previously a couple years ago and it just never made sense. Uh, New Jersey border, uh, a
merger with Monu Companies. Uh, any comments? >> Okay, let's go to council business administration. >> Oh, okay. Sorry. Um, so resolution 2025-296.
Uh this is a resolution authorizing an amendment to the annual contract with GovPilot LLC for licensing software and this is just adding the additional module to our contract to allow for the registration of ebikes which is in the new ordinance.
>> Yes, I saw that I looked at the document actually has the whole contract and says it's adding what was the incremental increase? >> 3,000 for the year. >> Perfect. Thank you. That's a that's an ongoing every annual cost, right?
>> Yeah, we paid 40,000 now. So, it's 4343. Okay. >> Advisory Committee Diane. >> Thank you, Mayor. Resolution 2025-297 is a resolution approving the request of the Rev 250 committee to participate in community events during the calendar
year of 2026. So, we are seeking permission to uh basically um couple different events. Our really exciting signature event will be on April 18th, which is Reverend Caldwell Day. Um which I can tell you at Nauseium
about this event, but basically we're creating and we're basically hoping that this event um has longevity, meaning it it gets passed on and continues every year. It's basically an entire community event to give back to EMS, fire
department, uh, Lions Clubs, eyeglasses, New Providence Library, all these different um organizations and the troops um will be the center point. Um it's we're really excited about it. Um to walk in the Memorial Day parade, uh to have an oldtime baseball game in the
summer, um to uh have a presence at Pioneer Day in the fall. Um, we're also requesting permission to um use the logo, the logo that we had created, which I know we had talked about it at one point and everybody saw it. It's out
there um for uh with the historical society, uh the library, also the school district, um and the businesses. Um, so basically including but not limited to those. Um,
the other things we also have a huge lantern project that we're really excited about. Um, I don't know if anybody's noticed on the grounds of the Saltbox Museum, there are 13 lanterns. So, and that basically 13
>> represents the 13 original colonies. Um, it is called the Liberty Tree if you have ever been to Walt Disney World. Um, I'm I've never Well, actually I've been to uh Walt Disneyland, but I can't tell you verbatim if it's there. But in Walt Disney World, they have in America, they
have these 13 lanterns symbolizing the 13 original colonies. They're hanging from the tree. So, we hope that it's an organic type of um movement. So, we're also requesting to purchase 13 lanterns for um hopefully we're going to figure
out where to put it on in Veterans Park, but um Presbyterian Church has actually uh approached us to have lanterns there. So, they'll purchase lanterns and put it there. So, we're also hoping that uh people residents will actually purchase lanterns and either put them in their
trees or on their steps. So, it's just and actually really fun fact and exciting uh other towns in the area have actually approached our historical society and uh talked about it too. So, hopefully it's it's like a Union County
thing. So, really exciting. Um there's other information if you have any questions about it, but uh we're really excited about um going forward. The commemorative mugs are also limited uh for sale um and there's a lot more. So, we're really excited.
>> Can I ask a question? I'm sorry. Are you It's about um you know, July 4th, obviously, is the big day, right? Um >> is there something special aside from our normal fireworks we have on the 3 or
is there one day of the year that's going to be focused on Rev 250 in particular? So the whole concept of America 250 is that it's not just one day or one specific period. It's well it it is a period but it's a very long
period. So Paul Riverir's ride actually already happened in you know last year. So last year was the 250th anniversary of that. So it's a going forward. Um, one of the things that in New Providence we've decided or we've we've thrown around is that July 4th is not going to
be our centerfold because there are so many other celebrations around the country that we don't want to have something that's minimized and we are also trying to focus on things that are very specific to New Providence. So, if we could, you know, kind of possibly
even come up with a heritage day to talk about our heritage, talking about diversity, talking about, you know, uh 250th anniversary, but we we're been around for over 300 years, right? So, it's more of a New Providence centric. Um we're also hoping to have some social
media posts about New Providence. So, Reverend Caldwell actually um if you know the burrow seal, the burrow, the Union County seal, which is kind of bloody, it depicts Reverend Caldwell's wife being shot by the British soldiers.
Um Reverend Caldwell was in Union. He settled in New Providence, gathered all of his 13 children back into New Providence in Adam Shopping Center actually, and he his youngest child. There is a journal entry that um we found that said something about his dad
collecting contraband and then driving it over in the dark of night or you know on the weekend or whatever it was um to the general in Morristown which would be Washington. >> You are the perfect person for the historical society. >> I it's so exciting. It's like think
about it. And then actually we had a meeting last night which was really cool and they're you know um Nick Schultz and uh well John wasn't there John Sponower and and Maria and they're talking about well I did this re research and I and they're talking about all these different connections. So, we'll we're
hopefully going to have some social media posts throughout the year about all these really cool connections to our history because Union County is actually one of the most um there were the most uh skirmishes, wars, uh not wars, but
battles in Union County, but we don't do a really good job with >> uh pro uh you know, just publicizing that, sharing it, talking about it. Um but we do and actually the library is going to uh come up with a a flyer um a
calendar kind of thing >> and Stacy's amazing. So we have all these great um talks and you know book clubs and different things scheduled. So a lot of a lot a lot a lot of exciting things. >> So the the this resolution is approving
specific events for next year. Mhm. >> The committee is still meeting and still coming up with ideas and things that may also come in next year that we'll also review and approve hopefully as well. >> And your enthusiasm and knowledge is like really brings a smile and a warmth
to me and and I hope you do consider staying on that committee. >> She's going to she doesn't have choice. >> Um but going backwards one second, summer specific um and New Providence specific, we are going to be recreating baseball games. So, New Providence has a
vast history of baseball. Um, I think they were the New Providence Crescent. Um, and they would play against Summit. They would play against other things. So, we're bringing back the boys of summer. Um, we're going to be having that. We're going to get them like oldie time costumes and we're going to be
recreating that uniforms that same Oh, sorry. Uniform costumes, but but not in wool. Yeah. We're going to be recreating that. So, our our summer is really bringing back that New Providence baseball heritage. >> Start warming up now or what?
>> Yeah, just get ready. Get ready, guys. Um, so there's so much exciting stuff and again, I agree with you. Diane uh brings such enthusiasm and the the whole committee to sit through their meetings. They they the amount of research and detail, they're exciting to listen to.
>> So, so Al, you've been here the longest. Was that the most detailed resolution I ever read? >> Yes. >> Sorry. >> But I think uh you know whatever you guys need, we'll uh we'll support. >> It's going to be a it's a it's a big
deal. >> Remember the bsentennial and >> it was that extra. >> Well, Maria was talking about the bsentennial last year because you know all the research and talking about getting floats. So, you know, if if
Rev250 D/Historical Society has a float, then maybe like fire department and the police and you know, like have really cool elaborate floats. >> I made one of those floats with the Cub Scouts, >> a Saturn five rocket. >> There you go. >> They broke it up into decades and things
like that. Pretty cool. >> It's going to be a cool parade next year. >> Yeah, for sure. >> Good things coming up indeed. >> Yeah. So, basically just trying to make it New Providence, too. Thank you. >> Okay. Affordable housing. >> Okay. Taking all of the wind out of the
sails. Resolution 2025-298 is a resolution opposing Senate Bill 4736 allowing religious and nonprofit organizations to convert certain non-residential property to inclusionary
developments with affordable housing. Um so this resolution is being done in many surrounding areas. Um I believe it came to us from the League of Municipalities. Um and this bill aims to make it easier for religious organizations and
taxexempt nonprofit organizations in New Jersey to convert their non-residential properties into inclusionary housing developments including affordable housing units. Um, so this applies to
property owned by religious or taxexempt nonprofit organizations, including non-residential buildings. Municipal planning boards must permit full or partial conversions of these properties into inclusionary developments, which
are developments that include affordable housing. these projects become permitted uses and do not require a use variance provided they meet the bill's criteria. Um the big one of the many problems with
this is that this um Senate bill preempts local zoning um and planning regulations effectively overriding local ordinances in certain situations. Um so it really
creates problem for local municipalities. It opens up um religious and taxexempt organizations to come in and without regard to local zoning and local regulations to get involved in
building these inclusionary items. Um there's a lot of problems with this and I'm happy that we are participating in opposing this. I don't know what it's going to do. Um, but we are making our our opinions heard. >> So, does this mean that um one of our
local churches could use their parking lot basically to go ahead and build? >> Yeah. >> You know, they would have to probably uh do the whole lot >> or the whole property. >> The whole property. >> They would have to do the whole property. >> And the problem is they're whittling
away from home rule. >> Y >> there is no in the state of New Jersey. home rule is at the window >> and they put so many regulations in that and then you don't have any control over anything >> and you try and get things done and and
you can't get them done. I it this is a nightmare. >> Mhm. Well, so for example, like if a 501c3, which is a not for-p profofit, um like in our house, for example, had an acre of property in a neighborhood, they could just take that housing off and put
in what seven units or something there, whatever. >> So on a residential street, anything can be put in. >> Yep. >> And >> and we've worked so hard to create >> to have good zoning and good ordinances. And what's scary now is at least in our
dascese, they are evaluating all the churches. So I know locally they're looking at all the churches in the towns and they're talking about consolidation. They're talking about all different things. So there can be a lot of problems from this. So we have to keep our eyes open. Do we know like how did this come up? I
mean, is there some lawsuit happening somewhere where somebody wants to do it and they don't want to do Trenton, right? >> Fair share of housing got to somebody to propose it and it had to go before committee. So, it it's a nightmare.
>> Democrats in Trenton, right? What's that? >> It's in Trenton. It's in transm. >> So, >> yeah, it's being the sponsorship is um definitely not in our area and I think they're trying to push it through.
>> Okay, let's uh community activities >> back to something good. >> Yeah, it's nice to sandwich your bad with our good. >> Um, thank you, mayor. Resolution 2025299
is a resolution accepting the proposal of Hire Groul and Associates to develop a community energy plan for the Burrow of New Providence. Um this is approving the proposal for the development of the community energy pan plan. If you remember uh we approved and received a
$10,000 grant for this purpose. Um the first step that uh which we've already done was getting feedback from the public employees of the burrow mayor and council and business owners um anybody who completed the survey. And now the survey results um will provide hire and
associates with information that they need to create a plan for the burrow and open the opportunity for us to apply for much larger grants that can be used to implement some of the things um in our community environmental plan. Um, for example, purchase low energy heating and
cooling, EV charging stations, solar, etc., etc. So, like it's already in motion. We're really excited about that. And if memory serves me right, this is a non-matching grant that we received and we're looking for additional non-mansion non-matching grants, which is more
beneficial to the to the town. Any questions? Resolution 2025300 is a resolution approving requisition R2502351 for Cindy Fowlish Designs LLC and an amount not to exceed $9,551.76
for lobby furniture in the community activities department. Um basically we're approving furniture um etc. and I believe um paint and and designs for the lobby area in the front
entrance of the wreck. So that's been um in the works and a thought for a very long time. Uh when I was teaching at the wreck, people sitting there and hanging out and like kids waiting for classes or parents waiting for their kids. So this
is a very exciting upgrade to that area. >> Okay, let's go. Engineering. >> Thank you, mayor. Resolution 301 resolution authorizing return of escrow and a performance guarantee to South Street Commons. So this is returning some money an escrow for the development
of South Street Commons. Uh resolution 302 resolution accepting the proposal of Kier's engineering design inc for the environmental engineering services related to Oakwood Park playground improvements as required by the NJD green acres program. So this uh
allows uh collers to oversee uh some soil samples that have to be taken out. Uh NJAP found um they believe there's something called the historic fill uh in that area. So this is like one of the boxes we have to check to prove that the
soil is clean in order to proceed with the improvements at uh Oakwood Park playground. Uh, resolution 303, resolution accepting a grant from hazardous discharge site remediation fund public entity program through the New Jersey Economic Development
Authority and NJT. Uh, so we've been awarded a grant of up to $40,000 uh $40,73 from the discharge site remediation fund, municipal grant fund. That's what I just read. Um, the grant uh is applied
through the NGA DAP as part of the site cleanup at the Ping Wang property that we've talked about for several years. Resolution 304, resolution approving requisition R2502339 for the FOIA Trinity Electric LLC in the
amount not to exceed $15,950 for emergency repair of heaters in the gym and recreation area. Um, as some of you know, the boiler in um in in this area in the wreck area went down. So,
this approves um uh temporary heaters in various locations. Um and I think the burough engineer will then decide how to proceed um whether we need a new boiler, central boiler, or just do these little heaters throughout the property.
>> Okay. Finance, please. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh resolution 2025305 is the resolution authorizing the payment of the attached bills payable list. The amount is 3,748,7385. Some of the more significant items were
um our fourth quarter county tax to the county of union for 3,156,657. fourth quarter open space uh to the county of Union for 150,657. Our October solid waste uh fee for
suburban disposal $49,83. Um design and development of the police department to the misel musel musel group >> 39,800.
Uh we have our October waste disposal to the Union County Utilities for 20,916. We have a supplemental assessment 220 to the Garden State Municipal Insurance 15,960
and uh interest on our um go bonds, general obligation bonds uh from for May 5th, 2012. that was when the for that bond um and that's payable to the depository trust for 13,47.
Resolution 2025-306 is a resolution authorizing the second amendment to the contract with professional property appraisers for the municipalwide reval of all real property. This is just amending the original contract to change the
effective date of the new assessments from the 2026 tax year to the 2027 tax year. Um, this was just a result of the project being started a little bit later than had been anticipated. So, it's getting pushed over into 2027.
Um, resolution 2025-307 is a resolution refunding or applying overpayment of taxes to two different uh, property owners. So, this was just a refund of duplicate tax payments. 2025-308
is a resolution providing for the insertion of any special items of revenue in the 2025 budget pursuant of NJSA4A 4-87 chapter 159 PL1948
National Opioid Settlement 2025 still getting a little bit of money from that opioid um remediation that was $7160 60 cents to pay for Samsung. >> I know. Uh resolution 2025-309
is the resolution providing for the insertion of any special item of revenue in the 2025 budget pursuant of NJSA4A-87 Chapter 159 PL1948 New Jersey Department of Transportation Municipal Aid Program. This refers back
to the correspondence that Al was talking about before inserting $419,674 into the budget to be used for Union Avenue improvements. So, people will be happy with that. I know they've been asking about Union Avenue. So, here we
go. Um, resolution 2025-310 is a transfer resolution. This is approving the transfer of funds within the budget accounts uh which is very common at this time of year. The New Jersey local budget law only allows
these transfers in November and December. Resolution 2025-311 is resolution requesting permission to authorize the establishment of a declaration by writer for donations,
accepting of bequests and gifts pursuant to NJSA4-39 and required by NJSA 485-29. Um, a dedication by writer is a legal process that allows a local government
to create a special trust fund for revenue that cannot be accurately estimated in advance, such as donations. This will enable the bureau to accept donations for specific purposes. And really the um the reason for this
resolution is just to help clean up with some of the accounting and to just to be able to create um a clean audit for those dollars that may come in for for as donations. >> For example, if somebody wanted to
donate to the America 250 fund for special flowers or something or you know lanterns, you know, >> there you go. So now we have a resolution for that >> so we can track those dollars. There you go. >> And do it the right way. >> Um resolution 2025-17
is a bond ordinance appropriating 200,000 obligations for need uh not needed for the original purposes in order to provide for the renovation of burrowowned grass fields in and by the bureau of new providence in the county of union. So, this is
reappropriating money from bond ordinance 201706 that's no longer necessary for Grove Terrace field renovations and the Ping Wang remediations uh for recreational purposes to allow for the remediation of grass fields in
the burrow. It's just basically taking funds that are no longer needed, you know, in column A, moving them over to column B and uh replenishing our grass fields in town. >> Okay. Thank you, mayor. Um, there's an
introduction of ordinance 2025-18, which is an ordinance of the Bureau of New Providence authorizing the sale of property known as block 185, lot 23.01, no longer needed for public use. Um, so
this ordinance is approving the sale of 705 Central Avenue to the Summit Speech School for the nominal price of $1. Because the sale is for nominal consideration under NJSA4A12-21, the deed must include a revisionary
reversionary I'm sorry, reversionary clause. So if the summit speech school which is a nonprofit uh for education or treatment of persons with developmental disabil disabilities stops using the properties that property
for the required purpose the ownership reverts back to the burrow. So if we sell it to them and then they don't use it anymore it reverts back to the burrow. So that's just the introduction of that ordinance. So, it's just a quick question. Now, I get, you know, this is
a 50-year lease or what was it? >> 50 years. >> 50-y year lease. We got about 18 years left on it. Um, you know, really makes makes sense from a from a, you know, financial perspective, right, for the bureau. Um,
my concern is this the reversionary clause. So, so this is the introduction, right? So, we we're going to see the actual contract, right? We'll have some input on that before we finalize that, right? So that we'll have to introduce that as an ordinance as well. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. I just I just I just want to make sure again to me like the re the revolution the reversionary clause, you know, we really want to make sure that we we we look at that, right? Um and and that's as tight as we can get, you know. >> Yeah, that that
>> Yeah, I get it. I get it. I just reading the document and whatnot. I was just, you know, to me is a little vague and I know it's not the contract, right? So, I just want to make sure that we button that down, right? You know, and and you know, there could be a lot of reasons for not using the property. Uh,
but there's verbiage in there t in terms of using it for its required purpose, right? That I kind of want to make sure we tighten that up. And >> you mean the summit speech school using it for it required purpose? >> Yeah. Does that resolution we talked about earlier with uh the nonprofits and religious organizations, can Summit
Speech School go out? >> They are nonprofit. >> Uh Paul, can they make a deal with a developer and say >> I don't think >> well litigation passes, but there's there's certain conditions that they have to
meet and I'd have to go back over those conditions. Um, but if the bill passed and they met the conditions, um, but I don't I I think that would be a problem to I don't see how
>> unless they say that they're still using it for their intended purposes, but they're just going to be one of the many units to many has to be that purpose. >> Okay? We can't sell it to a developer and say we're still using it for
>> a school for disabilities. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Just a thought. >> No, it's a good one. >> Good question. >> Very good question. >> Okay. Uh where are we? Personnel. >> Personnel. Oh, legal and regulatory
>> personnel. Yeah. >> No, we passed. We did that. That was my personel. >> Oh, you just >> Thanks. Uh, resolution 2025312, resolution appointing Timothy O'Connor. I have to stop. My my boss's name is Timothy Okconor.
So, I'm appointing him. Uh, resolution appointing Timothy Okconor as part-time deputy tax assessor for the Bureau of New Providence. So, this approves hiring Tim Oconor as a deputy tax collector through June 30th, 2026 while Brian is on medical leave. Tim is currently the
assessor in summit and will work several hours a week in the office after 5:00 pm and remotely as needed. So this is >> a real good find by uh we're lucky by Bernardet was able to find uh Tim and um
definitely while uh there's a void there now and uh we need to fill it. So thank you for that. Okay, we have a uh limousine application from Summit Taxi. It was uh properly prepared and reviewed. Um the next
resolutions are all steps for the police department. Uh 313 is Lindsay North and she is being appointed as a permanent uh employee patrols officer step nine. And I can't
believe it's been a year already. >> Okay. Um 314 is Christian Celely Gomez uh to step one. 315 is Andrew Lynch to step one. 316 is
uh Jeff Brutder. The step two. 317 is Carmine Boslei to step three. 318 is Greg Miller um to step four and 319 is Mike Gillamini to step eight
and all these are in compliance with the uh uh labor agreement. >> Okay. Public works. >> Thanks, Mr. Mayor. You know, I just go through all the the list of all those, you know, police officers and just like what a great group of police officers we
have and, you know, get to know them. luckily, you know, being on council and they're all just great people. We're lucky to have those guys and gals. Uh, public works, uh, resolution 320 is a resolution. So, these are all steps, uh,
in our public works as well. Uh, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, and 325. So, uh, 321 Oh, froze up on me. 320 is uh advancing Christopher Neoth to
step D in public works. 321 is Jose Hernandez Saraveia to step D. 322 is Michael Keenan to max step. Uh 323 is Douglas Wy to step C. 324 is advancing
Jo Joseph Pasqual to assistant PLA plant operator step G. Uh so you just mentioned for for for Joe uh he's completed the 45 hour advanced collection system course which is important. This allows him to take the
uh C2 licensing exam uh and he passed. So thank you and congratulations to him. Um he um is acquiring C2 and S1 licenses which meets the criteria to specified in his union contract to fill this assistant
plant operator position. So, this is an important role in our town. As you know, we have a great group over there. Um, no 325 is null Santiago, uh, second plant operator, uh, in our public works.
Um, he's got now going to attend 180 hour course, introduction to wastewater operations, uh, which will make him eligible to test his S1 and C1 licenses. So these guys are putting in the hours on top of their hours, right, to get
their specific licenses. Um, so thank you to these guys for that. Um, and 326 is a resolution approving a requisition R2502376 for Sun General Contracting, Inc., an amount not to exceed $40,000 for some
sidewalk maintenance. Uh, this is sidewalk maintenance that's uh going to be done on Chamlin and Gails Drive. Okay. Um, let's go to committee reports. Um, before I start and I wasn't here that
one meeting, but we had a resident, longtime resident here, n county and he passed away and I wanted to bring him up because he was always there for this town when there was a need.
Um, you know, I remember in 1996 that we had that three-foot snowstorm. >> He did the he he had the contract to snowplow the Meadowlands. Well, after he
got done with the Meadowlands, he came to New Providence and cleaned out the whole center of town. Never charged us, you know. He was just that type of guy. Um he was he was actually very
instrumental in creating Centennial Park. He started he actually started it with making the the rock wall with the uh with the sign on it and he he donated all the material for the pergola there
and just a great guy always willing to help and um you know he will be missed. I haven't seen him. Did his company also do the turf field at the high school? >> They excavated. >> His company actually, you know, all the
concrete waterways, >> the aprons. >> Yeah. >> He did that, I think, in 1972. >> You can't find a crack in those things. And Jimmy CO told me years ago that the biggest mistake he and the council made
was not spending a million dollars more and completing that whole project throughout the burough. So >> because now that we can't >> now we can't. >> Yeah, you can't do it. So >> could do a lot more back then. >> Yeah. So you know, can we just end have
a moment of silence? >> Great idea. Thank you. Besides that, I just uh want everybody to uh be aware that it's they picked up by they're pick finishing up the leaves and >> but there's still a lot of leaves out
there. It's wet. It's slippery. Just be careful out there in the roads starting to ice up a little. So, um just want everybody to be careful and be safe out there. Um besides that, operations normal.
Okay. Uh Diane. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um so, uh communications, of course, I'm going to tell you go to notify me. I actually had uh deleted some messages from my home phone because I never
listen to my home phone. But yeah, they're are great messages. Thank you for always uh looking at that and the burrow constantly reviews it and constantly updates what we're going to send out there. So, thank you. Um our uh
council advis 250 because I'm on that bandwagon right now. Um so, our council advisory committees and other pages. Um, thank you to our PIO for the attention, making the website better all the time. Um, our Rev250 page, we're const we're
we're adding a couple little things. Um, and that will be a landing page for uh events going forward. So, thank you. Um, and we're excited to work with that. Community activities. Uh, this Friday, December 5th, is our annual Night of a
Thousand Star community treelighting. And again, this is another event that was started with the council advisory committee and has been moved um basically to the burrow who constantly our community activities constantly um adds changes, makes it better, more
inclusive, just bigger. Um there are few it's same great event. Um however, a couple new additions. Uh families can pick up ornaments at five local businesses. NP Fuel, Elephante, Bronswagger Jewelers, Prestige Diner,
and Toronto Orthodontics. Uh, you have a couple more days, take them home, decorate them, then bring them back to the event to hang on the tree or drop it off at one of those five businesses and they'll bring it to the event. Um, the second addition is there will there will
be a free family or group photo event. So attendees can receive an immediate digital copy that can be used to make holiday cards, post on social media, or just, you know, hang on your refrigerator if you still have kind that kind of refrigerator or just enjoy. Um,
and as always, there will be free hot cocoa, popcorn, and our amazing entertainment. Uh, photos begin at 7 or 6:30, excuse me, and the event begins at 7:00. So, always a great event. And I believe our high school also sends some
performers to perform. So near and dear to my heart. Um registration for winter youth and adult classes is now open. Classes begin in January. Um there are many triedand-true favorites, but there are two new things this season. a free
open gym on Tuesdays for kids grades 5 to 8 and speed uh speed and agility in indoor speed and agility class and adult uh offerings still include pickle ball, yoga, and men's pickup basketball. Um I
talked about the energy uh plan grant. Uh we had a great I don't think we were here since then. We had a great Veterans Day celebration. We had an amazing women's self-defense class um from the PBA and the recreation department. If you see it uh going forward, definitely
go to it. Fantastic. And they have taken notes and have a couple little tweaks for the next one. Um the holiday walk was on the 28th. Again, thank you to our volunteers, our volunteer fire department, our volunteer EMS, our police, our DPW. Um great events. Um fun
time is had by all. Everybody was safe. Matt and I always talk about that. um small businesses. Small Business Saturday was on November 29th, but please, I know I always say this, but please support our local businesses. We have so many great businesses that um
you know, holiday shopping is now, so please support them. Um I talked about our Rev 250. I talked about um was there we talked about the mug sale and other events for the historical society. Um, I don't think there's anything else for
historical society. If I forget something, let me know. Um, our businesses are actually having a new holiday storefront cons uh contest. So, uh, the businesses are decorating their storefronts and visitors can vote for
the store that they feel is best dressed. Voting now through December 14th. Um, there obviously this is a new help shine a light on our local businesses. this holiday season. See how I said that in? >> Um, so they're basically doing that. You
can, uh, vote as often as you like. So, you know, buy often, vote often, and it's open to anybody, customers, residents, visitors. which is a really fun thing like the business community, the DID, um the BPA, they're always trying to create and and we talked about
this over the past year, uh revital not revitalizing because it's it's just reinventing and bringing back our hometown feel to a different level, to a better level or an an expanded level. So, um that's continuing to happen. They've done a really great job. More
things coming. Um >> Diane going back two seconds to uh Friday. There's two other organizations that are going to be there Friday that we um want to get out there. Um link will be there. So um leading initiative and neighborhood change which is our
resource pantry which is based out in the Methodist church. Um they will be there collecting non-p perishable items and the CSA community service association will also be there as well collecting donations. So before you come, dig deep. Bring some donations for our
local resource pantry and the CSA. Uh both organizations who help more and more people, big groups of people. I'm getting more. So >> I think Elephante Music's going to be playing too, which is always a a big hit.
>> Yes, it is. >> Um uh two more things. The American Legion Cookie Walk is on um the drop off is 12:12. They always need cookies and I believe the walk is 12:13. I don't have all the details, but it's there early.
>> And then talk very early. Um and then you know just just one final little plug for our council advisory committees. So back in 2023, um we created our Comcast franchise uh renewal and we fin um we we
we did our work. It was like April 23. We asked for people to work on the committee. We had a small committee. We uh which involved everybody, the library, the school district, um the burrow, and and people from our town. Uh we created an ordinance. It was
introduced in February 27. Uh we had a public hearing and passed and adopted the ordinance on March 12th. And true to governmental form, it's finally been approved by uh the government. um the franchise agreement was adopted or was
uh was approved and so now all of those pieces that were in the ordinance um will finally get done. We're getting some money. We can work on TB35, etc., etc. So, exciting news. Um, I know there were a couple little hiccups with not with the borrow and not with our
committee, but that's just another example of a council advisory committee that was formed, did its work, and now it's disbanded >> because we just and again, I know I keep saying thank you to those people, but thank you to that committee. That was a great committee to work on.
>> Okay, ma'am. >> Thank you. So, the Christmas walk, you know, was fun. I I I really really thoroughly enjoy that. I do want to thank u you know the MP business community, you know, Don uh our marching band who I can listen to those guys play
any night of the week. They're awesome. Um you know, I kind of felt weird. I don't my kids don't go anymore, but I brought my 5-year-old dog and she enjoyed it just as much >> and had a nice little jacket on. >> It's a fun event. Um
planning board meetings. Next week we have a special meeting on Monday, uh 64 South Street, which is uh the South Street Market. >> Yep. >> Interesting. >> So, um they're looking to uh clean up the front. They're going to
separate into two u businesses, right? The South Street Market and one business. And then I not sure is it coffee shop or health food place or something. Okay. >> Did they sell? >> No, the South Street Market staying. No. Yeah, but there there's new owners.
>> Okay. New owners. So >> still going to be there, but there's >> planning board has to approve the the the use, right? So now having two uses at one property. U so that that'll be on Monday. >> Make sure they straighten the sign. >> They're actually sign will be going away. They'll be putting in a new
there's a new sign going in, monumental signings, new new fronts, a whole new front of the store. So, >> uh, Tuesday's regular planning board meeting, Toll Brothers is back on the agenda. Uh, they do have some changes. I just got them today. I haven't looked at
them to their to their plans. So, if you're still interested in what's going on, the Toll Brothers, please show up uh for Tuesday's meeting as well. Um, that's all I had. >> Okay, >> um, operations normal, mayor.
>> Okay, indeed. Thank you, mayor. Um, I really just have one thing. Um, so over the last couple of meetings, I've been talking about the mindful generation presentation, uh, that's being run in part by Debbie Merrick and a new
organization and the high school. Uh, so tomorrow is the last of that series. Um, it's kind of like, okay, now that we've learned all this, what do we do with it? How do we use it? How do we implement it? And this is for all grades K through 12 parents. um you know, how do we help
our kids in this digital age? Um it starts at seven o'clock. It's at the um media center at the library at at the high school. Um so I highly highly recommend it. I've been to two of them so far and I'll definitely be there tomorrow night as well. Um it starts a
little bit earlier for younger kids. They're going to be giving some smart device alternatives which we definitely need in my house. So I hope they have some good ideas. >> Um other than that, operations normal. Alex, >> all good. Operations.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Um, beautifification committee. I just wanted to thank them for for lighting up the park. It looks great >> and they got it done in time for the holiday walk and the tree lighting uh next this Friday. It's this Friday. >> Um, so yeah, they do they do a lot of
work trying and and getting businesses. So, uh, the park was lit up with generous, uh, sponsorships and donations from our local businesses. So, there is a sign there of some of our larger donors. So, as Diane said, please utilize our our local businesses. They
do a lot for us. Uh, things that we might not even know about, like lighting up the park and and things like that. So, shop local and use your local businesses for for your services for sure. Um, I missed the library board
meeting. So, next week I will I will uh report on there's the fire department Santa. >> When's that? >> That's a good question. >> Pick photos with Santa. >> No, actually the fire department has a
>> The fire department has a um mailbox for letters for Santa, which is awesome. And when is the Santa delivers? >> 13th. >> 13th. I believe there are still I believe there are still some slots available. Just go on to their website
and sign up if you >> I know because people always ask me about that. >> Thank you. I I learned so much at these meetings, right? My my to-do list of all things I have to do >> because I don't show up. that calendar. >> All right.
>> Okay. >> That's it. >> Uh before I say anything else, I see Kate's here. >> Yeah, I will. >> Bernardet. Um Alex and I are going to meet with you and who else? Is there somebody else?
>> I think Rich, right? >> Rich. Okay. We're just trying to find time. It's a tough time of year, but um we uh we we got a couple things working, so we'll get in touch with you.
>> Okay. Um we're in the >> I didn't forget. >> Thank you, mayor. I just have a few things. U first I just want to send a special thank you to the county of Union for keeping the Payic Bridge project on time and actually um finishing up two months ahead of schedule. So, thank you.
Um that bridge is really instrumental to our downtown businesses and keeping the traffic flowing. So um really important. Uh the pool bridge replacement project is complete and open for foot traffic. There are barriers there to keep any cars or trucks off of the bridge until
um as long as possible. Um just so the cement can continue to cure and not crack. And um as Matt had said before, the sidewalk replacement project is well underway. Um, somehow we got to the end of the contractor's list last this year.
I don't know. We're usually so good at being at the beginning. Um, so they're going to be finishing up um certain sections this uh this week, weather permitting, and then um we hope to be on the beginning of their list for the spring um for some sections that need to be replaced in front of Burough Hall.
That's all I have. >> Okay. I'll tell you I with all the complaints you would get about the bridge. I mean two months ahead of time. I mean they they did do a good job and I know it was
a uh it was a hardship on a lot of people. >> Yeah. I I would just say that one thing they didn't do a good job is publicizing that they were on time and ahead of schedule. You know, it's a tough it's it's tough when originally they said they'd be done by January, right? And
but >> you know, as people see the project progress, it's like when is it done? When is it done? But >> can I ask something about the um intersection of uh River Road and Central? They had that temporary >> It's gone. >> I understand it's gone, but is there any
thought about >> Morris County? >> In fact, it's not that River Road isn't even a county road. So, it's the uh Chattam Township that is gonna have to pay for it. I know when we put the one
in at at Maple and Central back then, and how long ago was that? Five, six years ago. >> That cost us $250,000. So, I I got I got to figure it's $300,000 to put a light in.
>> They literally the day they removed it, they had a >> Yeah, there was an accident there. So, I mean, no like rumors from Morris County or Chadam that they're going to consider doing that. >> No. >> No. Okay. >> I know the residents are are asking for
it, but you know, it's >> that's a tough intersection. It really is. >> If you're coming from Berke the Berkeley Heights side, >> Yeah. >> coming down, you can't see anything. >> So, >> it's easier at night because you see the lights.
>> Yeah. You bet be better off with a four-way stop theory. Really? Okay, >> that would be easier. Just put a four-way stop. >> I I I know they did put a flashing stop sign in solar one, but
>> you know, it needs more than that. So, >> look, >> that's it for that, right? >> Yeah. >> We're moving on. >> They are. >> Okay. At this time, we have public comments. Anybody wishing to address council, raise your hand, give your name and address.
>> Yeah, Alex. >> Evening, mayor, council. Alexander Pereira, 92 Pineway, New Providence. Um, just wanted to make a couple quick uh remarks. Uh, as we've all seen, everything nationally and locally has become more and more partisan the last
couple years as uh things have gone by. and it risking sounding like a line from my big fat Greek wedding. The word politics itself comes from politica, a Greek word, u which means the affairs of the city. Um and it's it's a national phenomenon. It's no by no means unique
to New Providence, but we've we've strayed very far from uh that meeting across the board nationally. Um, in the last five or so years of of elections, our local in our local politica, we have we've moved from the issues that most impact our town. Um, and who's most equipped to handle those issues to
partisan appeals to more flashy things. Um, that really don't have much bearing on the day-to-day of what happens to our residents, our local businesses, and our burrow. Our amazing little town, dare I say the greatest in our entire state, uh, was first settled over 300 years
ago. Um, and well, not quite as old as it says right behind the mayor. We were first incorporated in 1899 as our own burrow, 126 years ago. At that point, in 1899 was the the last time there was any fundamental re-evaluation of our
burrow's form of government. To put that in perspective, when New Providence's form of government was established, there were no zippers. It's 1913. Sliced bread 28. FM radios 33. Shopping carts 36. Or even microwaves, 1945. And we're not the same town we were in
1899. As Mayor Al Wisley said earlier when with talking about the Unity Day diversity committee uh presentation at the beginning of tonight meeting, there was there's been a tremendous amount of change, incredible positive change in our town, even in the last 82 years since the Packet Club was founded. Um
now in the towns that surround us, nearly all of them have taken the opportunity in that time uh provided to municipalities by the Faulner Act to empower voters and residents to take a deep dive into the form of government and see if there's more appropriate or uh apt options, changes or forms
available. Uh Summit operates under a special charter from 1987. Berkeley Heights did a charter study commission in 2005 uh and then had a new form in '07. Westfield has a charter from ' 67. Planefield 68, a new one in 2013, another one in 2018. Um, I could I could
go on at length. Clark, Hillside, Livingston, Morristown, Mountainside, um, Springfield, Milbour, all have had different changes. Um, every town actually in Union County other than Fanwood, Roselle, and Union Township have newer forms than we do. Um, and I mean these comments with absolutely no
disrespect to New Providence. Um, indeed quite the opposite. Uh we've always been proudly on the cutting edge of progressive governance for the 24 years I have been here. And from my love of history, I know for a far longer time than that. The League of Municipalities calls us, as you guys all well know, the
poster child for um shared services, the special special master for the third round of affordable housing said that our burough's plan was one of the best they ever seen. We have absolutely amazing burrow employees. it shout out to the I think nearly half a million dollars worth of grants that were
mentioned tonight. So given all this um I'm asking the council to consider and look a little more into uh an ordinance that would under the authority of the Falner Act put a question on the ballot next year in 2026 to create a charter study commission. Milbour just did it
this year. Redbank did it recently. Like I said, Springfield did it in 2012. Planefield in 2013. It's a relatively common thing that's gone on. um and in order to study the charter of the bureau, look at the options that are available. This would not be any kind of quick fix quote unquote to anything and
nor should it be. Um like I said, if it would put on the ballot, it's an opportunity for residents to get more involved, more engaged with the issues that affect our town, how our government works, and what options there are to organize the town around what that does. Um for example, there's 88
municipalities in the state that currently hold nonpartisan elections. Um that's just one of many options. a charter study commission could consider um and then put before the residents. To reiterate, after an ordinance, if considered by the council, everything's in the hand of the voters. Um any
discussion, research, proposals, they're grassroots. They're led by the community through the meetings the Charter Study Commission um holds. As we enter into our nation's 250th anniversary, uh, an endeavor of this kind really, I think, exemplifies the kind of informed
representative republic that our founders and two and a half centuries worth of our countrymen and women have fought for. Um, be happy to speak to any of you guys uh, either now or later on any more of this. Uh, as I think pretty much all of you guys know, I'm a little bit of a history nerd. I'm a little bit
of a local government nerd. So, I've been I've been seeing this >> far from the tree, huh? But as as always, thank you all for everything you guys all do, both burough employees and the council and mayor for the tremendous work. I consider myself one of the luckiest people alive for
getting to have grown up in this amazing town. Um, but just again is my my love of history, love of government. I figured that was uh something to throw at you guys. See there any thoughts? So, thank you all and uh happy late Thanksgiving. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Anyone else? Hello, Amrizo Valley 191 Riderway. Um, I just had a question about the culdeac on Southgate. Um, I had attended the October planning board meeting and it sounded like the developer when they were talking about it just talked about
it as if it was part of their plan. And I'm just wondering what happened between that meeting and the last council meeting and and tonight where it's basically been, you know, deemed dead. And and who made that decision?
>> The traffic flow. All your neighbors up brought up the point that they would just go up and come all the way around again and it's just going to be another quagmine. Can we I just want to just clear up for
>> um for legal purposes, right? I guess you know is it not dead, right? I know like you know Al made the comment like it's dead. It's dead. It's dead in terms of the fact that moving forward right now with plans hasn't happened, right? And I think to Al's point, there's been
a lot of discussion about traffic. Um and there's more activity now of terms of that what we know now of the planning that's happening up there. uh not only at the um uh the Southgate property but but um
>> with Noia >> Nokia coming and also you know the ex expansion of um Lantern Hill, right? So a little bit more stuff going on in that area. So I think we're at the stage right now where the next step is to go
out to bid, right? get get some plans and go out to bid and we'd have to approve that and we haven't done that part of it yet. So, it's not dead in terms of we haven't killed it if you will from a legal perspective. It's it's what we've approved right now to this point, correct me if I'm wrong, is that
our our engineer has been approved to design and consult to get prepared for the bid. Is that correct? Well, that that the the one thing the county is going to uh reconfigure all of Mountain Avenue.
So, we're not sure where they're going to put the traffic lights, >> right? >> So, I can't put a culde-sac in if if they're going to change the traffic flow and all the traffic lights. So, um,
>> I think it's fair to say we've I know Kier's designed the culde-sac. I think you've seen it Emory. Um, >> but I think it's too much unknown from Noia site. So, we kind of have to wait to see what they do before we make it. >> I mean, I was all for it. And then, yeah, >> when they they they're going to re
reconfigure everything. >> It would be responsible for me to go do it and then we'd have to rip it out. It makes no sense. So that's where we're at. >> I think we have to see what happens with Nokia before we could actually
>> Okay. Because like you know in years past when we've had discussions, you know, Mr. Mayor, you had always said keep the traffic on the main roads. Okay. Don't put them on on the side roads on the in through the neighborhoods. And by not having a culde-sac there, you are putting the
traffic on Southgate. >> I understand all the way. But they're going to be going out rider and coming down by your house anyway. And if if you put the culus out there, all the people are going to go up, make a right
on the mountain, then make another right on onto uh onto Ryder and then come down that way. So, you know, >> I I I I kind of disagree with that. I mean, I I think like if you're going to go out, you're just going to go on mountain. Why would you come down Ryder
to Southgate? >> Because you can get to the the uh the shopping center down there right down south. People do it now. People in those residents all down there when they see our board and all that, they used to go
down Southgate. >> So, right now, >> I understand what you're saying. I was all for it. I responsible I can't do it now because there's too many unknowns up there. >> Okay. It just seemed like there's just like
I don't probably maybe eight or 10 homes on Ryder Way that would be affected >> by this as opposed to all the people all the residents living in on on Southgate and in Murray Hill area that would benefit from having a saw.
>> You saw the plans, right? No planning board meeting that whole section there's two driveways going up to Ryder. >> It's a >> they would go out to Ryder and just go down south. >> It's a very dimminimous impact right now to to the property that that we have
plans for that we know of right from that we saw at the planning board. >> Um and and just like Al said, you know, the Noia property and and then you know the expansion of Lantern Hill. I think those are the unknowns right now that we just I think it's probably a better idea
to just wait and see instead of putting something in because of the minimal impact that that one property is going to have to see what what the plans look like for the rest of the properties before we go move any f move forward with any additional uh bids for that you know project.
>> Okay. Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Thanks. That's okay. Thank you, mayor, for proactively letting me know about the connect. I'll look forward to getting that scheduled. >> Yeah, it's just us trying to get our schedules together.
>> No problem. I'll be ready when you are and we'll follow up if I don't hear from you. Um, I'm here to ask specifically with the budget that was approved for the work on Fourth Street, um, and work having kicked off on November 17th and then stopping within a couple of days. I
requested an update from the, um, team, Bernardet, Carmen, and Keith, I believe, is on the email that kind of runs the project regarding what was observed, what was worked on, and, um, what comes next. But I haven't received a reply. So, I'm here on behalf of the residents in that area to find out what's going
on. >> Want to answer? >> You want to? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I I know we talked to Montana and they they ran into a snag, but >> so the original plan was to um line the
pipe that ran through your yard through the easement um so that we didn't have to take down the trees.