Roll call please. >> Miss Dolan >> here. >> Miss >> present. >> Mrs. Mcn >> here. >> Mayor Morgan >> here. >> Mrs. >> here. >> Mr. >> Here. >> Mr. >> Here. Salute the flag. >> Maybe I 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. >> The public meeting. Council Berlin County, Union State, New Jersey, adequate notice has been given in accordance with PL 1975, chapter 231,
not annual notice or revision is in conformance with section 13 of the act. Um, I already talked to Mr. Nadleberg and I know why you're here and we're nixing that whole plan with a uh the culdeac. So, if you have neighbors here
that don't don't want to sit through this whole thing, you know, you're more than welcome to stay. if you want. Okay. Uh we have public hearing and ordinances and I'm going to uh go a little bit out of order because uh Chief Hen is here
and he can explain a lot of these with the ebikes. Uh ordinance uh 10. Can I have a motion please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> U Denise, could you uh read the title, please? Ordinance 2025-10 is an
ordinance amending chapter 257 of the code of the burrow titled vehicles and traffic. Okay. What this ordinance is is about um ebikes and scooters. Um and um what we're going to do is try
and tighten up what's going on like you can't ride on sidewalks this and that. Dan, you want to come up and uh explain a little about it? and we'll get some public comment. >> And thank you for doing this because I know we've been been going through this
for a good month or so. >> So we we want to just talk about specifically two uh 2510 which is chapter 257 revision. So um the 257 portion of this revision would be specific to the operation of these
ebikes. Um for clarification, the state has uh the state have of New Jersey has classified class one, two, and three ebikes uh for as low- speed vehicles. Uh class 3 bikes are similar to electric
dirt bikes or electric mopeds. and uh as such are required to be licensed and registered with the state of New Jersey. That leaves us with the uh the duty to enforce the class one and class two classifications of these types of bikes.
So our goal uh with the with the revision of 257 is to provide guidance not only one to reinforce some of the state statutes related to it but um also to encourage our riders to maintain a proper way of
operating these vehicles within the burrow. Uh specifically uh we're prohibiting the use of these class one and class 2s on uh sidewalks. We want to prohibit the towing, tethering or clinging of these. So you may have seen some people um sitting on
the back seats sometimes holding on to a vehicle often uh not often times but um someone may have a jump rope that they're they're uh clinging another bicycle or uh a skateboarder to it. Um
that prohibition is uh to enact that restriction. We also want to restrict the uh usage of a mobile device essentially while on the ebike. The interesting um kind of side note to that is the board
of education is putting together a video. I got a glimpse of the video and in one of the videos the kids operating the the ebike with uh the mobile phone. It's part of the the the process of that video but um even the identification of the fact that the kids are utilizing it.
Um and further we want to also restrict the usage of noiseancelling headphones, airpods, earbuds, headphones. The idea is that when we're putting these bicycles on the roadway, uh they should be acting um as such that they're watching all and hearing all the things
that are surrounding the the uh the operation of these bikes. Um probably most importantly which uh is gets to the 257 portion of the um penalties and violations the you know as part of our registration process which is another ordinance that you know we're
asking to be passed um tonight is uh to make the owner of the bicycle uh ebike and e scooter understand why they're what they have the power that they're providing often the juvenile population within uh the burough new
province. So um the purpose of this is not to um overp police these issues but yet have the residents understand um that just purchasing these bikes and handing them to their children uh
there's a lot of consequences that go along with the operation of these. So when we asked u when we're going to be asking residents to register these bicycles um or these ebikes and these e- scooters, the idea behind that registration is they're they're indicating the type of classification
they have, the wattage associated with it. Um we're not so concerned with the speed in the registration process because ideally if you're registering as a class one or a class 2 ebike, you're aware that you're limited to 19 or 20
miles an hour. Now, you may buy an ebike that can go 40, but that's not a legal ebike within the state of New Jersey, nor is it will be a legal ebike to be registered here in the Berlin province. So, um it's ideally when we started with this process back in September, I don't
think we took a very holistic approach to what we were trying to do and that's why we tabled it before those two tragedies down in the southern part of the county. Um, but with that being said, I think by encompassing the registration, by encompassing the fee structure, by encompassing the the usage
of it in our parks and recreations, and also by limiting the operation of these ebikes, we're giving um notice to the residents that we care about the safety of not only their children, the people operating them, but the people who could be involved with any serious um
interaction with these unbeknownst to them. Um, I've I've shared videos with um with many of you that, you know, many of these drivers that get involved with some of these crashes never saw the ebike because they weren't there when they looked left and then suddenly they appear because of the um ability for
these these types of devices to move very quickly without sound. >> Well, I think uh the other portion is that we're working with the board of ed and for an education process. We're not looking to jam people up, but you know what? There's been too many incidents in
a lot of closed schools even in town here. Um, >> and we've had we've had ebike involved crashes in this town also. So, luckily we haven't had anything super serious. >> U, but we have >> we have had um we have had motorists who
have struck uh ebike users within the burrow. And to your point, Mayor, the education campaign, we had a meeting last week to kind of kick that education campaign off to really craft a very strong message uh on social media, on
paper, and through um any opportunity that we can to get the word out to the bureau on what the plan is to implement this. Um what the plan is to move forward with our education campaign and then move into a warning phase and then
move into a citation phase. I don't envision that citation phase to be happening anytime soon. Ideally um because of the length of this approval process and you know the potential for a lot of these ebikes to move into people's garages for the next three
months. um our probably target goal is going to be uh more so along the enforcement and education campaign in the early springtime, but we'll we'll do like a little kickoff, you know, preh holiday. Hey, if you're going to buy one of these, make sure you know what you're buying and start there. Uh but ideally,
uh the biggest education push >> chief, how does our ordinance compare to neighboring towns or >> so >> what what you've seen across the state? Yeah, I so the this is a a sincerely um local issue that we're finding. So um
the Union County Chiefs of Police Association has is attempting to sponsor doing a a countywide a countywide um that's the culprit. >> No, we're good. Don't touch it.
>> Freeze. The chief's association is attempting to put together a countywide video. Um the unfortunate part of those things is that throughout the county we're seeing varying enforcement issues. >> Um many towns don't have um local ordinances related to these yet. Um
they're probably in the discovery phase right now. Uh our neighbors to to the uh East Summit have created an ordinance. their their goal of their ordinance was really to prohibit most of this usage within their downtown. Uh that's probably where they were seeing the
biggest concern for the motoring public. Um I'm not aware that Berkeley Heights has one in place yet. So um yeah, I mean certainly statewide, you know, will we see will we likely see further restrictions by the state? I think that
um it's been proposed that the assembly will probably tackle this in the springtime. Um but until that time, you know, that could mean, you know, some of these might these ordinances might change, but for now, they'll they'll be uh in place. >> Sounds good. Okay, I'll open up any any
questions. >> I just wanted to say thank you for for working on this. I know that uh you know we were looking at it back in September and instead of just pushing it through we tabled it so that you could be more thoughtful and comprehensive with this. Um we all know that it's super important
and you know we've seen what has happened and what can happen and um you know just putting the time and thought into it super important >> and to that point I also want to you know part of public safety we've discussed this ordinance going back into
the summertime and you know I I I hate to have reactionary policies but the um it's I don't know if it's the law change itself in 2024 before um or if it's just a proliferation of these within this
community, but we're clearly seeing an issue that we need to react to. Um and I I certainly, you know, our traffic unit takes micromobility very seriously and we we talk about pedestrian access, safe routes to school, people walking, people
biking. We, you know, we I think as a community do a really good job focusing on those issues. And um this is one of those issues that I think not only should we be telling everybody where they're supposed to be um which they should be in the roadway um but we're
also putting some responsibility on them to to hold hold themselves accountable for it because the safety of the pedestrians and the safety of the vehicles pulling out of driveways is um being compromised by the operation of these. In fact, uh,
all the mayors I talked to, this subject comes up all the time and every all of them are saying, I wish the state would just come up with one one uh, policy to go to so everybody abides by the same
rules. But like you said, it takes a long time to get passage to get a law passed. So you we're we're lucky that they come up with something in the spring. >> Yeah. So, >> so I'm sorry, Chief, you mentioned um education would be coming next. So, the
board of ed is working on something. Do we have the timing on when that anticipate seeing that? >> Yeah, the board of ed the board of ed video was uh more of a generic type of video. Uh we initially tried to um you know, foster a relationship there to do
something with their population. And I think um they were seeing some issues locally and the school moved on um an opportunity to create that video ahead. I I don't know if it's been put out publicly. I've just seen the maybe I've seen the draft of it. >> Um but in it it's it talks about general
bike safety, crossing crosswalks, ebike safety. Uh it doesn't address any of the things that we talk about here. It certainly doesn't address the classifications of the nitty-gritty of the ebike stuff. So, you know, we have um our goal probably with a video
campaign is probably to bring in we have, you know, a lot of kids that um interact with the police department um in a very friendly manner and work within our youthmies that want to, you know, pitch in the way they can. So, we want to give them the opportunity to participate in these in this video creation that we'll probably put
together. >> Okay, good. >> We're getting better and better at it. Um as you can see in some of our Facebook stuff. So, >> and that's also for outside of the school as well, right? So for like younger adults who are not in the education system, they'll also >> So that's only I mean that's just one component. The school is one component, but
>> yeah, we'll utilize our every social media outlet that we have. >> We will um we'll create leave behinds with the registration. So when you register and we send you your decal, you'll get the burrow ordinance, the kind of quick hit, you know, quick facts on the rules. Um the intention is to
when you sign up for the registration that the um the person will acknowledge the fact that they have looked at the burrow ordinance and how we link that still is has to be created but we'll want to create that in the um registration process. So you know every
single one of those and then ideally we'll do blitzes like you know whether we're at Starbucks or whether we're at a a school event. Um if how we're going to do that we haven't really nailed down. But ideally, any anytime we can see part of the population that we're really
targeting, and that targeting right now is that juvenile population, uh we certainly want to be able to try to get in front of them and incentivize them and their parents to get um themselves registered so that they know what they got. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay. At this time, anyone uh from
council have any questions about this ordinance and this ordinance only? >> Not from council. >> Nothing from council. >> Huh? >> Not from council. Not from council. >> Yeah. So, any public comments on this ordinance? This ordinance only?
>> Yes, Steve. >> Need your name and address. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mayor. Steve Carellis, 35 Sycamore Avenue in Berkeley Heights. Uh, I'll only do this introduction once because I'll probably be up for the other ordinances on this subject. Um, I head the state chapter of the National Motors Association and more recently I'm
the vice chair of Berkeley Heights Complete and Green Streets Committee and I can tell we've been dealing with this issue too and and I think in the Berkeley Heights is is has its mobility issues as you've recognized all um municipalities have um but early
indications seem to indicate that Berkeley will probably take a a different approach than um what I'm seeing here in New Providence but That's still to be determined. We don't have an ordinance yet. There are plans, I understand, to to do that. Um, regarding
the operation, the ordinance we're talking about on operations, the only thing I was I I was here when it was tabled and thought, you know, you had your, you know, it's your choices what you want to do and and okay, that was handled well. Um the you know clearly
these laws are applicable to um residents and non-residents alike and I was going to come here hoping that there would be an education outreach on the change in law for residents and and the chief talked about that and you'd expect that had to happen. Um but I'm going to raise the question how do you uh plan to
handle non-residents? Um you know like perhaps police do an on the spot education when a reserve violation that is unique to the burrow happens. something like that. I want to raise that issue because all these towns are going to have these different >> That's why I said that's why we need a
state law and so everybody conforms to the same law but right now that's at least six months out. >> I understand how I follow and I'll bring something up on that later when we with regarding the registration. Um and then
just the um the other point I wanted to make is uh the the um the provision for allowing the police to confiscate any electronic device uh electric transportation device being operated in violation of the ordinance. Now I I
noted no provision uh in the ordinance for getting the device back. So I'd ask will will that be possible in general or under certain circumstances? you know, I >> hopefully it won't happen, but >> we don't want to be, you know, ownorous
about this thing. We did talk about the uh out of town, right, Dan? And we we said we'd probably give them a warning and say bone up on the rules when you're when you're in here. But >> yeah, so um
that's always a challenge, right? Because this is a burough ordinance, not a state statute. Um, a burrow ordinance that we have here in the Burough View Province is that you're not allowed to park on the street from 2 to 5 a.m., right? So, how do we do that? We sign each entrance within the bur province, >> right?
>> Uh, certainly we could put a a sign underneath that sign that indicates likes to be operated on the roadway. I think that would be the um the goal of probably the first way to alert somebody entering the town that there is an ebike
ordinance in effect with I don't heavy lift to do that. Uh unfortunately, you know, signs become lightweight, but it is a way to notify, >> right? >> And that was the key point, too, that that the sidewalk issue. If if you talk about the whole >> probably the most important thing we're
talking about from an adult standpoint, >> um you know, we're not going to be enforcing laws with adults. And then to just to answer your question about um >> the confiscation, >> the confiscation, we have no desire to own these things. >> Um we have limited space to hold them.
Uh the idea behind them is the the confiscation is to take custody of them and then immediately return them. If you have a registered we know the owner is >> the the pro I'm not talking about it because it's part of the registration ordinance but I that goes to len to you know forbid inspect that kind of stuff.
This is its own provision under the violations law for confiscation which many municipalities and states allow it. I was just asking can you get it back? That that was it. >> Yes, we still live. >> We don't want Yes. >> Even if they do on the sidewalk in the >> Thank you, Steve.
>> Uh, anyone else? >> See? Yeah. Brian. >> Uh, Brian Gardner, 25 Milwood Avenue. Um, I'm asking this only just because it came up for my wife uh a couple nights ago, but there any provision for uh lights or reflectors
being required on the bike uh for for use after dark uh because she had a a close encounter um for you know they didn't have reflectors or anything like that. So, our our current ordinance does not
um the I don't want to speak to something. I don't know whether or not there's a you know a statute requiring the manufacturing of these types of things that require them to have them. >> Um we I can't say that it shouldn't be part of the ordinance at this point.
It's not part of this particular ordinance. >> Okay. >> To have in place. >> And I I wouldn't want to hold this up over that, but maybe it's something we can look at in the future. >> Well, we can always amend the ordinance at a later date. Okay. The >> that's a good good point though. >> So the only concern related to that is
it it has the it may put an undue burden on the police department to begin inspecting these. Now I it's if I recall all the verbiage in the uh registration process it says they inspect. Um I I I
don't have the resources to inspect all of these bicycles. Um, so the behind somebody who may make a complaint that this is taking place or that that yellow bike that we may confiscate is in not in violation. We would have the ability to inspect that at that point under the
ordinance. Um, so by putting it in there, it kind of forces our hand to have to do that. And I just don't know if we have the resources to do that, especially at the onset of registration process. >> Thank you. >> I can address that.
>> Okay. Um, >> yeah, you know, operation, if someone's going to operate, let's say, at least an ebike at night, um, you really do need a light and for going forward to be seen
and the uh, it's covered. That aspect is required for bicycles under state law. And the way the ebike uh statute is written, what applies to bicycles applies to them. So, they must have it. Now, the issue is if you're going to
enforce something for someone's safety to make sure they understand if they're riding at night and they don't have it, that's when you go into enforcement. If they don't happen to have it during the day, maybe they never ride at night. Doesn't matter. So, it's it's covered. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. The way I look at it, the these
these are motor vehicles. They should held under the same statute. >> Yeah. Um >> so >> I think just to clarify, my name is Tanner Tulle, 15 Clinton Avenue. Um I believe that um all that is required for class one and class 2 ebikes are what is
required for bicycles. What's required is reflecting, front reflector, back reflector, and a bell. So no lights are required. I don't believe that changes at night. Um I don't think you would have to take a light and a reflector on and off. So I just want to make that
point also that if that's uh what's being for a bike that's what's a class one and class chief you'll get to that. >> So I think I think that could be added. >> Okay, great. >> Yeah. Just just for that point um I think part of especially the leave behind stuff we would wind up putting that state statute that indicates that.
>> We just have to do some research and get the exact statute. Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing no one, I declare the hearing closed. >> Roll call, please.
>> Hold on. >> Are you all taking comments on the changes to 143 and 147 as well? >> No, just on this. Yes, >> I >> Mrs. Mcnite. >> Yes, >> Mrs.
>> Yes, >> Mr. >> Yes, >> Mr. >> Hi. >> Okay. Uh, let's see. Let's go to uh 14. Can I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Um, is your entitle, Denise? Ordinance 2025-14 is an ordinance amending chapter 147 of the code of the bureau of new providence entitled fees and licenses. >> What this is is uh the uh registration
this and the next one. So we want to uh >> so this so this particular one I I don't I don't know the procedure of how you do this but uh 147 is less impactful than which is uh 2514
than um than 15 2515 which is establishing the ebike registration. So you need 2515, right? And for and 2514 is really just updating the fee ordinance. So probably more important to talk about is 15
because if >> So when we do uh we have do one at a time. So I need a motion for 15. >> Second. >> Second. >> Please read the title. >> Ordinance 2025-15 is an ordinance
amending the code of the borrowing providence establishing 143 and titled electric scooter and electric bicycle registry. >> Okay, Danny, if you could go through both of them, that would save us some time. >> Yeah. So, >> this one is just codifying that first.
>> Yeah. So, 143 really is uh we had a very outdated um bicycle ordinance that um is being repealed as part of a bigger package that you'll do this tonight. Um so the creation of chapter 143 is very similar to the bicycle ordinance that
exists currently on the burrow ordinance books um except it shifts the registration from bicycles to ebikes and e- scooters. Uh essentially um as I previously kind of touched upon, we will um burrow residents will be required to
uh register a class one or class 2 ebike. Um, ideally we would um have this person go through our burrow website. Uh, if you've registered a a gotten a leaf permit or register your dog or cat, the license process would look very
similar to that. You'd fill out a couple questions. Ideally, uh the questions that we would be looking um outside of the ownership information would be, you know, what's the make, model, and color of this ebike, the classification, so whether it's a class one or class two, we obviously wouldn't allow a class
three to register because that needs to be registered with the state of New Jersey. Um and then we would ask the owner to provide us the wattage. And one particular thing uh that we wanted to just also capture was the battery type
if they have the ability. Um there's varying different types of battery technology that are out there, some safer than others. Um and we just want the the idea behind this is that the owner is really doing their due diligence to understand what they're inputting into the system and what
they've purchased. Right? So once we capture that information, there will be a specific question to ask, will the primary operator of this be a juvenile? And uh that would be a yes or no. And then um the last portion of the registration process would be um
advising the owner if they the owner of the uh the reg the registered owner that they've been made aware of what the burough ordinances are related to this. The fee structure on it is $20 for the sake of um not to be a money maker uh at
all. I I think at um probably in the beginning this will not generate any revenue. it'll actually probably lose money. It'll cost more money for us to actually do it than to do it um than to make money on this. But, you know, from the cost perspective of what these bikes
um what they're available to the public, I I I don't believe that the cost of the registration is an impediment to um getting the bike into the system. Um considering that, you know, can you find an ebike on, you know, on Amazon or, you know, on a secondhand marketer for $100
or $200? You certainly can. Um, but generally these run between $400 and $500 and can be $15, $1,600 at a reputable bike um outlet. So, anybody who's willing to spend $400 or $500 on an ebike, I don't think um should be
concern I don't want to say be concerned, that's probably improper use, but shouldn't have um should be less concerned about paying $20 for a registration and more about um that registration process providing them real good insight into what they're
doing and what they what they are uh being held accountable to by by the residents of this town. I know. I like the part about the battery because the fire department is very concerned about these batteries and
same with the you know what what you you see what's happened especially in the cities you know that apartment complexes go up and it doesn't take much you can't put those things out. So >> certainly that certainly >> yeah certainly the newer technology does
prevent some of this um these fires but um you know we can't police all of these things. So ideally again we're asking the registrant to understand what they're registering >> right and the other ordinance says codifying the the uh
>> it's essentially codifying the $20 um to to put into the system for them to collect $20 on it. >> Anybody else council on question? I will and I just I before you ask I just want to add one more thing. So ideally from the registration process once you submit that registration process we would
provide you that decal. It'll be a high viz decal. The idea behind that high viz decal is it's supposed to limit your interaction with us so we see it right away. We don't need to know that the bike's not registered. Um so we can move obviously there's not an operation issue, right? Um, and then with that
regist with that registration decal, we'll also provide another format of like a like a frequently asked questions. Here's the ordinances. Um, here is what certain types of bike look like. Be aware of what you're purchasing, right? Or what you've purchased.
>> Go ahead. Yeah, that was going to be my question is um on the the form that's going to be filled out for registration, will there be a link to the ordinances uh that are relevant to you're asking them to document that yes, they've read
the ordinances? >> I Yeah. So, ideally, like how you can't how you can't say, you know, you can't sign off on something until you click that terms of service, right? On a normal website, >> the idea behind is you can't hit the submit button until you've clicked on that, >> you know. 143 257.
>> Okay, good. That just >> And maybe it'll just link you back to the burrow website. That's probably the easiest way to do it. >> But I think once you've also registered, that'll come with your registration decal. We'll put it in print, too. >> Okay. Perfect. >> And then uh does it need to be renewed at all?
>> No, it's in perpetuity. So once you do it once, >> lifetime. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you. >> Anyone else? No. Okay. At this time, public hearing on these two ordinances.
Raise your hand. Yes, sir. >> Hello again. Um, again, Tanner Tulle, 15 Clinton Avenue. Um, so I would ask the council and police chief here to consider tableabling this or voting no for this registration. Um, I know it
seems a little counterintuitive. I support pretty much everything that was in the first ordinance. Um getting bikes off the sidewalks, reducing those interactions I think is ideal. Um I would like to state that the um state legislature look state legislature
looked at um registration for class one and class 2 at the beginning of 2024. a lot of um advocates and interest groups for cyclists. Um NJ bike walk, tri-state transportation campaigns that came out against this. Um really their point was
that registration isn't necessarily going to make things safer. Um, I think the way this program is set up, now that I've heard a little more details, I'm a little less hesitant to um say it's a it's a bad idea, but um I just worry it could be a deterrent for anyone who's
interested in an ebike, especially an adult. That's just one more thing that they have to do. Um, and I am just hesitant to create another barrier for someone who might want to get rid of their car because this isn't going to be a popular thing to say, but the most
dangerous thing on our roads are cars and vehicles. I know. Um, so um it it and I worry it could be difficult for the police to enforce. Um, it's just one more thing. So I I'm a little I was
ready to come out very strongly and say this is an you know all the all the um changing in how they need to operate on the road is good but this is bad you know not ideal but um I'm a little less now but I just think um this is really about safety for our kids. That's kind
of what this whole focus is. That's what who a lot of this is for. So, I think even having a registration for anyone under the age of 16 or 18 might be an ideal because um if there's an adult who is a fully grown has a fully formed
brain and knows how to operate something, I'm not sure providing this and creating another barrier for them to get out of their car onto a bike is ideal. So, thank you. >> Thank you. I think the primary primary uh thing about this ordinance and the
registration is education. You know, you have you're mandated to go get it and at that time you'll be given a pamphlet. You'll be given all the information and it also will let us know what kind of ebike is in like a garage
if it if it's a low propensity battery or or whatever. So, >> um, >> I would I would also make a comment that because it's one and done. It's not like the pet licenses where we're paying every year. >> This is just, uh, probably just
administrative fees in general just to and plus from the public safety aspect. It was just a way for the police to have a good way to interact with the person on the ebike versus just >> it's it's the no it's the opening for a conversation. It's the opening for them
to read the ordinances. It's, you know, and it's, you know, people get, you know, leaf permits and cat licenses. >> I agree with Tanner. I think if this was every single year, >> it's a it's a softer >> blow. One and done.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, I I agree. I think it is a it is a motor vehicle, right? It's it's um some it has an electric motor and it's on the streets and it's you know expected to follow the traffic laws that
cars are expected to follow. And so I think it's super important um that we're, you know, the chief is doing the right thing and like addressing how to operate the vehicle for the juveniles that are using it, but also putting in a
measure that will theoretically uh enforce the owner, the parent uh to get familiar with the ordinance because at the end of the day, you know, they will likely be responsible for paying
the fine if if their child violates the ordinance. So, I think they need to understand what they're signing up for um with the operation of this um of this uh ebike. And so, it's it's handling the registration is good to see who has
actually been registered, but by being registered, it means that the legal guardian of that person has read and understands the ordinance as well. So, I think that's actually a good idea. >> Great. Anyone else?
>> Yes, Steve. >> Steve, excuse me, Steve Kles again. 35 Sycamore Avenue, Berkeley Heights. Um, great segue from the from the gentleman talking about the u uh trend in legislation there. I was at the hearing that he talked about so I know the reaction that he he was he was talking
about. Probably the bigger problem there was the requirement for insurance to be you know for the hold insurance which it includes personal injury protection liability and uninsured motorists which there isn't a product for yet. So that that that made it difficult otherwise it
was a straightforward registration for you know with the MVC for eight bucks but it's annually but it's renewed. So >> yeah, >> to your point, but um I was I was I just wanted to be it sounds like from the nods you're aware of that legislation
and there's a there's a uh another bill that just was introduced as as this lame duck session is starting that does the same thing only it has a um an education component to the registration process kind of like was described here. Um but it still has the insurance so who knows where that's going to go. And I was
wondering, it begs the question, um, why, you know, assuming you didn't know about it, why you didn't wait to find out what happens during lame duck, but I I guess since you do, you decided you wanted to just take the initiative and and get this going. >> They won't even be voting on this. They'll wait for the new assembly to get
in. So, >> well, like I said, a lot of strange stuff happens in lame duck, and I'm going to be watching it. So, um, but the, um, more specific now to your, uh, with your document, um, I just noticed that there's no date following the
ordinance adoption and publication to allow for, um, registration compliance because I I presume a process that I heard about needs to be put in place for registration and time to comply before enforcement starts. That if it's not specified, it's probably informally
>> discussed that we're going to wait till almost the spring. any anybody else get be getting warnings. >> I heard that. >> You know, we're not here to >> Yeah. >> to harass people. We just want to educate people. That's all. >> This these are the things I look for in legislation because these are the
realities, right? But I I understand you guys good faith here. Um the uh and regarding provision 143 uh-6 in the registration ordinance uh the part where police officers may inspect the electric conveyances, determine if the tags there or if it's in proper mechanical
condition. Uh what I want to ask is what happens if the user isn't a New Providence resident. Um this section doesn't include mention of registration applicability to borrow residents only. So I'm presuming like once an officer learns that the user isn't from a borrow
that should be the end of it and and and you know then but the questions you raise how far will that determination go? Will answering a residency question be enough? Will identification be required especially for a minor who may not have one? Things to think about. And
the last point is um under that proper mechanical condition provision um will a non-resident be subjected to that forbidden by police to use the conveyance until fixed and >> imagine if there is something that's not safe on the bike you're not going to let
him out of town or not you know can >> you don't Yeah. Of course I know you don't want it. >> Yeah. Um, so, you know, understand I think that the the culture of what we're trying to accomplish here is not to be
the uh bike police, right? Um, I think by by all means, yes, an ordinance does give us um if the if we we can't visibly see a registration decal, gives us the opportunity to stop somebody to see if that device was registered. If um I
think, you know, I think many of us here in this room probably can attest that, you know, our police department really does a a good job of trying to connect with the community and in the sense that when we are let's say from the juvenile standpoint when um the juveniles
identifying themselves as living at XYZ street and their parents answer this you know we can certainly give them a call um release the individual on the scene and let them know that the parents at the time um not unlikely we would do any other type of juvenile right um
interacting with who is passing through, going to work, utilizing one of these things, it could become um an issue of um if the officer is looking to see if that vehicle, that bike's been registered um by not seeing that and stopping that person and asking them,
>> they do have to provide identification to show if they said, "Hey, I live in Summit. I live in Chadam. I live, you know, someplace else I'm riding from." Um it's I hate to use the word catch and release, but it's like, "Okay, you you don't comply. You don't have to comply. You're not a resident. You you just go about your way unless there was an
operation issue related to how they're operating. >> Right. Of course. Answer your questions. >> Yeah. Well, it's it's um what's nice about me being the non-resident, I can ask the non-resident questions and and and it's like they are they are technical and you hope for you know you
know good faith and all that but you know there are you have to raise the questions to have the public discussion you know that that shows how you're going to operate because it's it's a I mean a non-resident issue if there are as I talked about in the priority what we'll
have as issues so just wanted to raise them full disclosure Thank you, Steve. >> Anyone else? >> Hi, Donna. >> Hi, Donna Zay in 54 Brookside. Uh, just a question. As someone who registered
her children's bicycles a couple of decades ago and got the little decal, um I I appreciate that this isn't a annual thing, but at some point um the bikes that you do register are going to go off the road. Is there a followup some like
every other year you have to register but not pay a fee or something like that just to so you don't have a database of outdated bicycles? that that was my only question because when I got rid of my kids bicycles, I peeled off my little
cow. >> I don't believe so. Um I I I don't know how the collection portion of maybe Denise can answer that of how long that would be databased or how it's databased. Um but for our purposes um
you know it's I don't see the value personally of asking somebody to come back two years from now and say hey I want to just even from that fee tell you I still have this um >> it's not a motor vehicle it's a onetime investment it's like a bicycle from the perspective of how the previous
ordinance was written >> um >> it's more of a question of is any part of this to have an idea of what's on the road? No, no. >> Okay. >> No, it's really just a the main focus of is education is that you're registering
to as I said to that you understand what you purchase and what you how you're going to operate this within the Okay. >> There there is there is u verbiage to if you sell your bike to someone else they have to register it. So you have to actually notify that it's been sold or the new person has to
register in their own name and address. So there is that within the ordinance >> within the burrow. >> Yes. So if a transferred owner a transfer ownership isn't in the previous bicycle ordinance if you know I sold it to my neighbor your neighbor would still
be responsible for re-registering that under their information rather than >> and if they they sold to somebody out of town you wouldn't have to do that >> right >> I just like to keep my databases clean so you are
>> anyone else seeing no I declare public hearing closed. Can I have a roll call for 15, please? >> Yes. >> Ma, >> I >> Okay. Okay. Roll call for
14 please. >> Miss. >> Yes. >> Miss. >> I. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. All right. >> Okay, >> Chief. Thank you. >> Appreciate all the work that you really
put into 16 >> 16 >> 16. >> Oh, yeah. >> Parks and wreck. >> Okay. Can I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. >> So, so the summary of 191 is actually a
lot simpler. It's really just articulating the prohibition of these usage on um areas not specifically designed uh to be utilized in our parks and recreation space. One particular ad um I believe in that ordinance was to
add the turf in there on a lot of these fields because um we don't want some of these uh wheels with the torque that they have to then tear up turf uh specifically. So, we added that language in there, but um it was really just following uh the executive order that
the county issued um after the incidences in the other jurisdictions within the county that limited and we added it to our ordinance just to have that same um impact. >> Just a quick question, Dan. >> Kid rides their bike, ebike, scooter to uh Oakwood Park, parks it in the parking
lot. All good. >> Yep. But not around the track, not around the playground, not on the field, >> not up on the, you know, the baseball field and, you know, riding through the Yep. riding it through the the uh, you know, the groomed wooded areas that, you know, the trails and stuff like that.
>> That's That's an interesting point, though, because they're expensive bikes and we're we're going to need to look into places to put them >> for people that are parks. Lock them up. Right. Right. >> Right. I I wouldn't want to leave my >> That's not his problem.
>> No, I'm just >> Sometimes I go That's >> my I'll pull back on my limit. >> He just enforces it. >> Yeah. Sometimes they take jackets. >> Yeah. I think I um I think Alan Swanson um has told me that ebikes don't fit in
typical bike racks. I don't know if that's true or >> Well, maybe we could just put a U-shaped. >> It depends. A typical bike rack, the wheel the wheel width is for like a mountain bike. The ebike he drives has a much fatter wheel. >> Yeah. So,
>> but something to think about. Not for Dan. >> Certainly. >> Thank you. >> Anyone uh want to comment on ordinance 16? Seeing no one. Uh roll please. >> Miss Dolan. >> Yes. >> Miss. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Mc.
>> Yes. >> Mrs. Joffrey. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kogan. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Hi. >> Okay. I'm glad you did that first. >> Yeah, I don't want to keep Dan all night either. >> I think you're good, right?
>> You're welcome to >> for what? >> You can. >> Sure. >> Okay. Uh, ordinance uh 08. Can I have a motion please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Please read the title. Ordinance
2025-8 is an ordinance of the Bur Providence, County of Union, State of New Jersey, creating chapter 116, planting, growing, and containment of bamboo for the code of the burrow. >> Uh, as everybody knows, if they've been
watching the council meetings that bamboo is an invasive species and it's very difficult to get rid of and it just grows everywhere once it starts. So, my understanding is council came up
that you're going to eliminate the 30-day remediation >> process. Yes. And the rest is going to stay. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, anybody on council have something to say about it besides that? No. Anybody
from the public have a comment? Seeing none, I declare that public comment closed. Uh, roll call, please. Yes. >> I >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Hi.
>> Okay. Ordinance 12. I have a motion, please. >> So moved. Second. >> Please read the title. >> Ordinance 2025-12 is an ordinance adopting a revision and codification of the ordinances of the B
of New Proidence County. What this ordinance does is consolidate a couple ordinances into one to make it a lot more efficient. >> Okay. Anybody uh have a comment from the public?
>> Seeing none. Uh roll call, please. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Miss, >> I. >> Mrs. Mcn. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kogan. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kiski. >> Hi. >> Okay. Ordinance 13. complete. Uh motion please. >> So move
>> second. >> Okay. What this ordinance is is Oh, please read the title. >> Ordinance 2025-13 is an ordinance to adopt chapter 13 of the code of the bure entitled assessor municipal. >> What we're doing is on this is just
cleaning up some of our ordinances and making them more clear and u efficient. Anybody uh wish to address council on this? Seeing no one, I declare uh public hearing closed. Uh roll call, please.
>> Mr. >> Yes. >> Ma, >> I >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> I. >> Okay. I need approval of minutes of October 28th, please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> Yes. >> No. So be it. Okay. We have a correspondence board of adjustment for 87 Commonwealth. Uh a grant letter kids recreation trust fund and
uh we're we've been awarded $20,000 for the trust fund and 3,000 for greening Union County program. Union County Board of Commissioners, uh, emergency special meeting and emergency funds for the, uh,
issuance of the SNAP, uh, what is that? $5 million for the, uh, SNAP program. Hopefully, they won't have to use it because it looks like they're going to settle the shutdown. Um, Township of Chadam establishment of
flood hazard areas. And hey, we've already done this uh number of times. Um fire department reinstating membership of Michael Piana and uh we welcome Chief
Piana back into the fold. Um he is definitely a uh cherished member. Uh board of adjustment for uh 25 Madison Avenue. Any comments? Seeing none,
I have uh let's go to council business. Uh Diane, community activities. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh resolution 2025-275 is a salary resolution. We're just approving. It's to approve the hiring of
two additional basketball coaches. That's it. >> Okay. >> Engineering. Alex, >> thank you. It's a long list, so bear with me. I woke up in >> got the lion share >> in Miami this morning >> going away. >> Yeah, Florida was much nicer. All right.
Resolution 2025-276. Resolution approving requisition R25 02163 for Montana Construction Corp. in amount not to exceed $2,600 $2,600 $2,61360
for emergency storm drain repair traffic control cost. So, this is uh approving uh additional charges from the PO uh for traffic control during some of the emergency repair work. Resolution 277, resolution approving requisition R25
02164 for Montana Construction Corp, Inc. in amount not to exceed $4,723 for storm sewer cleanout Springfield Avenue BC-BID-2313. So this is for approving a payment for
cleaning and televising 229 ft of 12-in pipe, storm sewer pipe. So that was partially collapsed and marked for replacement. All right. Resolution 278, uh, resolution approving requisition R2502236
from Montana Construction in the amount not to exceed $128,000 for storm drain improvement on 4th Street BC-BI bid 23-13. So, this approves storm drain lining for
the from Fourth Street to the outfall. So some of the work that includes it's to jet jet back and to camera equipment to cut and remove any and all root balls protruding laterals. Uh perform approximately 700 linear foot of cleaning and TV inspection of the drain.
Uh furnish and install 250 linear feet of 12 in uh liner at the catch basin on Fourth Street to the manhole on Third Street. and furnish and install 470 linear feet of 15inch liner from um uh
MH is uh >> manhole >> manhole. Okay, different nomenclature that I'm used to uh uh from the manhole to the third street outfall. So all of this work is scheduled for November 17th. Um, resolution 279, resolution
appointing Eric Delizio as part-time electrical subcode official and electrical inspector for the Burough of New Providence, County of Union and State of New Jersey. Uh, so this is just for Eric as a part-time electrical inspector starting November 12th. Resolution 280, resolution approving
progress payment number two for grade construction amount of $99,879 66 cents for the community pool bridge replacement project. So this is payment number two, progress payment number two for grade construction to the replacement of the pool bridge.
Resolution 281, resolution approving contract with the Environmental Design, Inc. for asbesus monitoring at the Old Burough Hall building an amount not to exceed $33,339 Bergen County Co-op BC-RFP-25001.
So, this approves the monitoring of some of the remediation work at Old Borough Hall as part of the police department renovation project. So we all know police uh department's going to move in there temporarily uh while construction is happening. So this is just uh for um
all the remediation work that needs to take place to comply with federal, state, and local regulations for the project. Resolution 282 resolution appro approving contract with Lilage Corporation for asbestous abatement at Old Burough Hall building in the amount
not to exceed $173,500. Bergen County Co-op BC RFQ-22-013 just as it reads. Um, this is to test and remove the hazardous material that might come up. I think they've assessed it. We walked it through. Um, so um,
yeah, that's it. >> Yeah. A couple things. Want to thank you guys for really keeping up with the storm water. Like I've said to everybody, this is a long-term plan. this, you know, you only have x amount of dollars to do so much. So, we're
trying to hit the a lot of these hot spots to take care of this. So, but in every every budget year, we're going to be putting money aside and take care of more and more as we go along. And for the uh the remediation at the old
burough hall, this has to get done. um if we ever rent that building again or if we use it again, we're going to have to take the asbestous out anyway. So, um thank you. Okay. Uh finance, Lisa.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Uh resolution 2025-283 is a resolution of the Bureau of New Providence authorizing the purchase of electricity supply services for public use on an online auction website. Uh what we're doing here is granting
authority for our burough administrator to execute an electricity contract on behalf of the bureau. Uh a couple of um things that need to be achieved. Uh a price of 0899
or less for a 12-month term. Uh for per kilowatt, right? That's kilowatt. Yeah. 0.08817 08817 per kilowatt or less for an 18month term 0.0901
kilowatt or less for a 24-month term. So this is uh you do this every year, right? You every few years I recall going going out to auction usually usually fare pretty well. So hopefully we get the same result this year. Um
2025-284 is a resolution providing for the insertion of any special item of revenue in the 2025 budget pursuant of NJSA4A 4-87 chapter 159 PL1948-2025
Greening Union County Grant. This is inserting $3,000 into the 2025 budget for the Greening Union County grant for tree replacement. Resolution 2025-285 is a resolution providing for the
insertion of any special item of revenue in the 2025 budget pursuant of NJSA4A 4-87 chapter 159 PL1948-2025 Kids Recreation Trust Fund Grant. Um, as we were saying before, this is inserting
$20,000 into the 2025 budget for the Kids Recreation Trust Fund grant. Uh, we're going to be using the money for various recreation supplies like swings, chains, tennis nets, straps, locks for supply bins, etc.
2025-286 is a resolution authorizing the payment of the attached bills payable list in the amount of 8,468,886 $885.98 actually. Um significant items include our November tax levy for the board of
ed 7,52,826. Um, our progress payment to professional property appraisers, we're doing a reval 323,436. Uh, Horizon Healthcare for our November healthcare 144,124.
The libraries november appropriation was 104,957 and DO contracting uh progress payment for the pool bridge 99,879. Uh resolution 2025-287 is a transfer resolution. This is
approving the transfer of funds within budget accounts. That's very common this time of year. The New Jersey local budget law only allows these transfers in November and December. 2025-288 is a resolution refunding or applying
overpayment of taxes to certain property owners. Um there were five uh properties where there were uh refund of d where we're refunding duplicate tax payments. >> Okay. Personnel Alex.
>> Thank you, mayor. Uh so just one item authorizing to hire deputy tax assessor. So I believe it's 5 to 10 hours a week more or less just to help within the office. >> Okay. Public safety. Uh we have a raffle application RA 1248
and it was properly prepared and reviewed. Resolution uh 289 appointing Edgardo Aguilar as a probationary officer starting on January
1st. and uh resolution 290 authorizing sale of uh property no longer needed for public use. And you can uh look at it on the on the website
and some of the things are pretty cool. Auction performed by GV deals which includes a 2010 Jeep Liberty and a 2006 Acura TL. Couldn't do that when my mouth hang.
All right. Public works. Matt. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Resolution 291 is a resolution approving requisition R2502188 for PCS PCS Pump and Process Inc. an amount not to exceed $262,990
for replacement of sewer plant automation system through our North Jersey wastewater co-op B-471. So this is a as you can see by the amount uh critical automation system at our wastewater treatment plant. Uh this system actually is running on Windows 98
which really isn't even supported anymore. Um, anytime anything breaks down, our wastewater treatment plant um, director fixes it himself basically. Uh, we've been setting money aside for from for years through our capital budgets for this and so I'm glad to see that
we're finally taking care of it. Um, >> just comment on that. It I know people raise their eyes when they hear Windows and DOSs. It's very common for old systems to work on that platform. I have many that are. And I think for plant operators, when you're used to something
that works, you're just willing to keep making it work than to try something new. But this is definitely a great improvement. >> Yeah. Yeah. Uh it's going to take about four to five months to to upgrade for that. Uh resolution 292 is a resolution approving requisition R2502189
for WW Granger, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $9,620.31 for emergency replacement of variable frequency drive for low lift pump number two at the wastewater feeding plant through the New Jersey state contract 19 fleet 00566.
So this is a replacement for our pump two which um we actually did replace earlier in the year and uh it failed. Uh it's still under warranty, but when you repurchase through warranty process can take months. So it's a very critical
pump and with the rainy season coming, we're going to replace it. Uh and uh through our wastewater treatment plant, you know, Tony always does a great job of making sure when he needs spare parts, we have spare parts available. So this will also be a good opportunity for him to to replace this pump and have it
when the new one comes in as a spare. >> Yeah. Yeah. One more comment. V VFD drives. What do they mean? >> VFD, >> variable frequency drive. >> I knew that. >> So, but what does that do? >> No. >> I knew I was going to be testing. >> Also, also very common for them to fail. It's just a speed controller. So, it it
adjusts how much power is needed to pump based on the demand. Interesting. But very common failure point too. >> That's enough of engineering. >> Okay. Okay. Resolution 293 is a resolution employing uh Julian Holzer
Cardiggina as third plant operator in the wastewater treatment plant of the Burough of New Providence. And I apologize if I butchered your name. Uh this is a hiring uh for our third plant operator in our wastewater treatment plant. The start date is November 17th.
Um this was a a position that we had approved back in I believe September. shared services. >> Yeah, you might as well. I mean, you're on a roll. >> Okay. Resolution 294 is a resolution approving shared services agreement for the wastewater operations and
maintenance between the Bureau of New Providence and the city of Summit. So, this is our shared services agreement that we have with Summit. This is actually um a great shared services um opportunity that we have with them. We've had this opport uh this arrangement since 2011.
Uh our wastewater treatment operators um are shared with Summit. They do inspections for Summit. They replace their equipment if needed, etc. So, um this is just re-establishing that shared service agreement. It's a two-year
agreement. Runs from January 2026 through December 31st of 2028 with an option for a two-year renewal. Uh either party may terminate within 90 days notice. Okay. Burn the deck.
>> Oh, good news, right? >> Always good news. >> Yeah. >> Uh so just a few things. Uh the cool bridge demolition of the old cool bridge happened last week. Uh great construction completed work on the abupments and this week they are looking to complete inspection of the abupments
and prep the abupments for the and pour the concrete. Um, soon after that I there's a waiting period I think three to five days for the concrete to harden and then they'll they'll lift the span up and put it in the middle and
then we'll work from there. Uh, S Street Bridge, we're getting closer. I have no timeline. They did pave on Friday. I know that they've been doing some punch list items and they are finishing they're waiting for inspections I believe and then we should have that
open and leaf collection deadline to purchase leaves is this Wednesday November 12th um there's only one collection left on each side of town but residents are able to get their own through go back sorry the burrow is closed
tomorrow for Veterans Day and we are also closed on Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after >> on the abutments. B, I wasn't here. Uh, it seems more cosmetic, not as drastic as we thought. >> Um, there some some of the issues that came with the abutments came from
demolishing the old, >> right? That's what it looked like from the photos. Yeah. >> Uh, but for the most part, very little work. >> Thank you. >> And I was going to say the opposite. I I looked at it as a wow. >> Yeah. Well, I just from the picture. Yeah. >> So, did they I haven't been down there.
Have they lifted it in place yet or no? >> No, that's what she >> Oh, they have to get the abupments in first. >> Okay. >> I thought maybe they could just plop it. I don't know. They have to fix it and then wait for it to cure for three to five days and then >> she'll send us the thing.
>> Any issues or concerns of anybody using the um temporary bridge? I haven't been over there. >> No. The only thing I will share with you is uh New Proidence High School has a home football game Friday night. I did already speak to um the about making sure that the size cleaned up and so
that we can maximize the amount of parking spots. >> Just a big game. >> A big game. >> It's a little game. >> Yeah. >> And let's congratulate the They're undefeated. >> God bless him. Having a great year.
>> Okay. Um I only have a couple things. Uh one Chief you had your inspection with the uh police chiefs. It looks like they're they're recommending our seventh accreditation. Congratulations. I know
it's not an easy process. And uh like I say, you guys do a hell of a job. You really do. Um like Bernardet said, it's Veterans Day. I want to thank all the veterans
for supporting our country. Um, you know, that's a great sacrifice going into the service, not only for them, but their families. So, um, I'm looking forward to going down and going to their brunch tomorrow and and talking with
them, and they're just a great bunch of guys and women. So, uh, it's like a a heartfelt thanks. All right Kathleen. Uh actually all operations are normal.
Um but I also wanted to acknowledge I believe the girls volleyball team >> Yeah. >> is still progressing in uh the postseason >> playoffs, right? >> Yeah. Any other sports that I missed? I think all the other ones are >> unfortunately
>> soccer team. Soccer team lost. >> The soccer team boys. >> The boys soccer team. Awesome. >> But you know what I have to say? you look at a small town like ours, a group one school, and what we achieved year after year after year, it it's just
amazing. >> So, and a lot has to do with the parents supporting the uh our our students. So, we want to thank them and the board of education for providing all the facilities and programs for them. Okay,
Diane. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I actually have several things and you know I always say go to the source for new us and sign up for alerts on notify me. Um, community activities
to give some details. Tuesday, November 11th, which is tomorrow is Veterans Day. Uh, we are celebrating with all veterans and inviting all residents to join us in saying thank you at the Dorso Senior Center tomorrow at 11:00. Doors open at
10:15 and the event will feature a ceremony at 11:11 a.m. music by the CoverGirls, refreshments, and a presentation about Persing and Eisenhower by John Lanza. Um, on Thursday, November 13th, the PBA
and the recreation department are offering a free women's self-defense class in the municipal gym at 7:00. Please register. Registration is free and it is open via community CA pass. If you have any questions, call the uh recck department. The annual holiday
walk will take place on Friday, November 28th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. That is the day after Thanksgiving. Santa will arrive at 6 p.m. and a drone light show will which was a fan favorite will take place at 6:30 p.m. with synchronized
music at NP Fuel. Um, it is brought to you by New Providence Business Group and the bureau. Small Business Saturday is all day on Saturday, November 29th. Please uh support our local businesses so we
can uh so they can keep bringing us amazing experiences like the holiday walk. Small B, Small Business Saturday is a national initiative to support local businesses and we all know we have amazing businesses in our bureau and we
like to try to support them every time we can. Um, Night of a Thousand Stars, please save the date. That is going to happen on Friday, December 5th at 7 p.m. There are a few new things coming this year. Families can pick up ornaments for
free at local businesses, take them home to decorate, and then bring them back to the event again. That is Friday, December 5th at 7 p.m. Um, the second new addition is that there will be a free family group family/group photos at
the event and attendees will receive an immediate digital copy that can be used to make holiday cards or whatever you want. >> And there'll be hot chocolate. >> Yeah. There will be free hot chalk, hot cocoa, hot cocoa, popcorn, and amazing
entertainment. Don't forget about the entertainment. >> Uh, winter catalog for the wreck will be out next week and classes begin in January um on the burough website. And I'm going to tout this again. Um we as council and um mayor and council
are are thrilled that our rec department and our bureau um continually go out for grants that are very beneficial to us. Um the $20,000 and the $3,000 that kids uh kids recreation trust fund and a greening union county. We go out with
these every year um and plant trees all over the burrow and and upgrade uh different recreation areas. So kudos to our department, kudos to um to the bureau for always keeping the best interests at hand or on mind. Um and
lastly, everybody talked about board of ed stuff. Oh, the other thing in addition to all of our sports, fall play is 11:21, which is this uh Friday, and 11:22 Saturday. you can um go to the website and look uh at um and look for
all the details. And today is a happy 250th birthday to the US Marines >> um as part of our Ref 250. Give you a little fun facts. November 10th, 1775
was the date that the Continental Congress established the Continental Marines. And the core celebrate celebrations include um traditions like a military ball and cake cutting. So that's awesome. And also don't forget
to apply for council advisory committees. Yeah. >> So, no, sorry, I'll take your thumb. >> Uh, so beautifification committee has been busy um securing donations and sponsorships
for um lighting up Centennial Park. They have been successful. They did raise sufficient dollars. Uh they are still taking donations though because there's always ongoing projects that they're looking to do. So, that was uh that was a success. And as Diane said, I just
want to encourage everyone if you have anything to offer, if you want to volunteer, we do have a couple of volunteer committees um that are looking for volunteers. So, please um go ahead and fill out the application. And if
you're on a committee already, you do need to also reapply. Just remember to do that. >> That's it. >> Maybe. >> No, next. next week. Library next week. Stay tuned. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, so affordable
housing. So, if you recall at the last meeting, I had mentioned um that we had some challengers to our affordable housing plan. Um, we did have our first mediation session this last Friday. Uh, during that time, we presented um some
alternative ideas to the judge and the court master. Um, from there we're going to go back and put some more detail behind that and go back for another mediation session I believe at the beginning of December. So stay tuned for that. Um, one reminder also that I
mentioned at last meeting um, tomorrow is the mindful generation. So this is the second in the series um, talking about how we can help kids be kids a little longer. a conversation on reclaiming
childhood um regardless of um digital screens, managing household screen times, strategies for delaying smartphones, alternative devices, and live demos. Um so, tomorrow is K through 5. So, that's I have one in that age
range. It is from 7 to 8:30. It is at the media center. And then on the 13th, um I believe is the next grade level. Um, so I think that includes middle school and high school. So please stay tuned for that. It's a great program to
go to and I look forward to it. Yes, 113 is grades six through 12. So great program. I went to the first one and I'm looking forward to these this next one as well. And that's it for me. >> Okay, Alex. >> Uh, everything's normal. Just uh
November is no shave November. Prostate and colon cancer awareness. I'm not doing the beard for fashion statement. So for the men out there, please go check it out. >> So the only thing I wanted to mention was the planning board meeting on
December 9th where we'll pick up Toll Brothers application. So I just wanted to just remind everybody of that. Other than that, I >> Okay. >> Okay. Uh at this time we have public comments.
Anybody wishing to address council come up give their name and address. My name is John Kaine, 54 Midale Drive. Um I the sustainability committee was here on August 12th and we proposed a pilot composting
program >> and it was approved by council and so I'm just trying I'm coming here just to get an update um because I want to get the high school students re-engaged in this. So >> so those RFQS are still out going out in
process um with the rest of the ones for the uh reorg meeting in January. So all of it gets approved at the same time. >> So but I don't have a time frame. >> So they're going out now. We'll have it back before in mid December and will be
approved in January. >> So six months later. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Seeing no one Jim, who >> Oh, you hit back there, Jim.
>> I don't know how many how much time I have because I guess it's only your comments, right? Uh my name is Jimaloo. I live at 136 Southgate Road and I have concerns about the high density uh project in the town and it's been going on for a while, right? So, I have a
couple comments. Some of them might be questions. Um the first one is about the property two projects up uh near Mountain Avenue 575 Mountain Avenue and 70 Ryder Way. Um I have worked there for
five years at the peak of the corporate activities 20 years ago and I am 23 year resident on Saskate Road. Um, I heard there was a culde-sac proposal uh and that I heard it was canceled. So,
can you verify for me whether or not the culdeac proposal is still on the table? >> Yeah, we're we're uh it looks like it's dead right now. >> Meaning it's not going to have a culde-sac there. Okay, great. because I would be against it anyway because
that's a >> Yeah, we've gotten numerous comments from numerous people, >> right, >> that they they're not for it >> and with the over with what's going on up there, we may have to change
direction. What's very frustrating to me is that we've gone through rounds one, two, three, and now we're in round four. the court has approved one, two, and three years ago.
>> Now we're in there. We're in uh four >> and they would everybody's challenging >> uh three and two. And I said, "This makes no sense. This is already court approved." Well, doesn't matter. and
they keep changing the goalpost and it's hard to, you know, plan when you have all plans in place, all court approved, and they turn around and say, "Nah, forget it. We're going to start back from the beginning." So, you know, it
it's extremely frustrating. >> Yeah. >> And we're far from not the only town. And every time you go against the the the >> uh court and thank you, >> you lose.
>> Yeah. Thank you, mayor and council for working hard on it. And this will link to a couple other questions I'm going to have. Anyway, so um the cult itself, the reason I'm against it is because that segment of Southgate itself, it's a public assets that's owned by the town,
owned by us as a taxpayers. So if if we put a cow sect there that effectively put that segment of the road as to to the use of the private developers there. So we're giving up a public asset there if we do put a cer there as proposed. So
so that's why I'm against it. Um the reason why right too is of course we need that part to distribute the traffic and prevent uh the traffic jam. So um but so it's good to hear uh that proposal is off the table at least for now. My second question is uh what are
the rules regulations in place to prevent developers from building let's say six or seven floors of buildings in town and I learned that there is a ordinance local ordinance on building height. So my question is how is the
building height measured especially for buildings that's built on a huge slope right? So, so we're talking about the property along Floral, uh, we're talking about the property, you know, at 70 rider. These properties have huge
slopes. So, so my question again, how do we measure the building height? >> It's all done by ordinance and it's going it's done by original grade. You know, a lot of the in other towns, a lot of people, they'll the builders will
come increase the grade, you know, with with piles of dirt. No, no, no. We have the topographical uh um maps, so we know exactly where the original grade is and how high they can go with these things. So,
>> yeah. So, yeah. again. So, >> can you go to the building department? They can give you all the information you want on that spec specific ordinance. >> Thank you. I will definitely study more to it because again, >> um >> you should come to the planning board meeting because that's exactly what
we're going through now. >> Yeah. Yeah, I do go I do go there multiple but because there are multiple projects. Yeah. >> So I think this is commonality that I would like to understand more and I just hope that our town do not give up the again give in on the auditence. We need
to hold it so that we don't have you know buildings that's going to be extremely high or also uh I believe the developers are using this to develop as many units they can on that building uh in those buildings right >> the best we can with it.
Thank you. And my next question is since we have so many many projects, do we have rules in place that um if the town um let's say any member or direct relative
on the planning board or any council members here, if they have personal interest in any of these projects, >> do they have the obligation to disclose? >> No. In fact, every year we have to do that. We we uh fill out a foreign
disclosure form. So, none of us are involved in any of that. >> Okay. So, that includes >> That's a good question. I I think people have to understand it. >> Anybody on these boards have to fill out a disclosure form to the state and I think they're due every
year by April 30th, right? >> Yeah. Let us know. >> What's that? >> Denise just lets us know when they're due. >> All right. >> So, no, that's a good question. >> Thank you. Yeah. I hope none of uh um my members here are realtor or developers that's going to have a personal interest
in this project. So thank you for answering that. Um does so regarding the Mont Laurel law that was enacted in 1970s was there any deadline attached to it saying when the town need to meet those
um requirements? Oh, well they're they're they're precise >> right now. >> You you have to show good faith effort that you're >> which we are because we are putting into this development project. >> But what I'm what I'm tell is saying is
that they keep moving the goalpost. So they're trying to move up all all this building, you know. So, we're we're trying to be as responsible as we can without going to litigation
because every time any town goes to litigation, they lose. It cost them a fortune. But you know what? Sometimes you just have to do it. >> Yeah. Yeah. I understand. Yeah. Because we are basically we are forced to approve the conversion of these commercial properties to residential.
But I hope that we also have leverage to not let the developers jam in as many units in those uh properties as possible because we still have time. As long as we're showing good face, >> I think we don't have to approve each property to be, you know, so high
density. So that's >> so Jim and we've gone through a couple of different rounds and uh we have been in full compliance with all the rounds to ensure that we don't go to litigation and we don't receive what's called builder's remedy. So then they would have the ability to really come in and
build anywhere. So we have always been responsible to our obligation. We have fulfilled our obligation and we always do it with the in the best interest of the town at heart to minimize the impact on our residents and we'll continue to do that. Honestly, I was born and raised
here. I can't believe what what what's being imposed on on the on the communities. And it's not only here, it's all over the state. And uh what bothers me is that cities like Jersey City, all Hudson County, a lot of Essex
County, even Montlair, suburban community, right? They're exempt. >> Yeah. >> Why? They're building a lot of the these affordable units in those towns and they don't they don't uh they don't include them and it it just doesn't make any
sense to me. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Those are all my all my questions and comments. Thank you. Just for your information though on the website um new.us US under government uh affordable housing under departments there is a whole bunch of information
and there's a 2025 fourth round housing element and fair share plan gives you the history and all the different steps that we've all been mentioning. >> Thank you. >> Thanks Jenn. >> Anyone else? >> Yes sir. >> We have to repeat ourselves if we agree
with >> and we all agree with you too. >> We agree with you as well. 163 rider. >> Oh, yeah. >> Actually, uh Bob Gregory actually uh lives next door to me and uh he asked me
to give you this. >> What is it? >> Just how he feels about uh >> I've spoken to Mr. Gregory a number of times about dead trees. >> Yes, >> there's a lot going on. So, um Benjamin
Cadmus 163 rider. Um I would not like that uh culde-sac and I agree about the height ordinance because if you look out my front all you see is trees and it's very nice and quiet and peaceful and I
don't see any buildings right now. Now, I know I'll probably see something uh but uh having the condos on my side, we don't get a lot of sun to begin with because of the tree height, but uh with condos there, uh that's not going to
work for me either. So, >> I understand completely the uh you should come to the planning board meeting. >> I definitely will. Uh that that'll probably be in January for that site, 70 Ryder. Um
the applicant is very uh knows very well about the buffers with the trees and everything else. So and we are too. So the problem is they they want to change a lot of the driveway configurations and
things like that. So >> sidewalks. >> Well, yeah. I'm I'm a big stickler for the sidewalks. I think we'll get the sidewalks in, but >> All right. Well, thank you for your time. >> Okay. >> Anyone else?
>> Yes, sir. >> My name is Scott Sofali. I'm at 191 Riderway. Um, I guess I have a slightly different opinion about the culde-sac. I I have a I'm a 30-year resident in Providence and um, you know, I heard about it at last at the planning board meeting. I was I was thought it was a
great idea. So, I'll just read my statement. I don't know. Sounds like it's dead, but I would duly noted, I guess. So, at the pling board meeting on Tuesday, October 21st, the creation of a culde-sac at the intersection of Ryderway and Southgate, which by the way is right where my house is, um was
mentioned as a possible solution to the increased traffic created by the planned construction of two major housing projects at the top. We've talked about that, right? Um, I fully support the creation of the culde-sac at the intersection um to alleviate the increased traffic flows um created by
probably 500 to a,000 vehicles parking at these two facilities. Um I firmly believe the creation of a culde-sac in this location serves the best interest of the vast majority of residents living in the Murray Hill section of New Providence. on a daily basis. It would effectively direct hundreds of vehicles
from the proposed new facilities to use Mountain Avenue instead of flowing down the hill using the current residential communities within Murray Hill as a cutthrough. I think any objections would only benefit 13 or 14 homes on Ryder Way and would just serve to push the traffic
problem further down Southgate Road to the rest of Murray Hill. Safety and quality of life for the vast majority of residents of Murray Hill section would best would be best served by the creation of this culde-sac. In addition, any future development on the Bell Labs campus only strengthens the argument and
importance of the culde-sac as traffic could potentially use Southgate as a cutthrough. So, you know, who knows what's going to happen with Bell Labs, but then all those people are probably going to cut through, too. So, it just seemed to make a hell of a lot of sense, but if it's dead right now, it's dead. But
>> I uh I don't disagree with you. Uh, totally. And but you know what? The way they're going to reconfigure all these driveways, all that traffic's going to go there anyway. They're going to come out, they're going to come out of
Southgate, make a right, and then make another left, and make another right down to Southgate. So, you know, I we're going to see what we can do to make it as safe as possible. Union County is also going to reconfigure all the lights up there. So,
>> because it could end up putting a traffic light there instead of a culde-sac at some point. That that'd be great. You know, just I just I think I think it's >> No, I understand what you're saying. >> Anyway, thank you for the time. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else wish you to address
council? Seeing no one, I declare the public hearing closed. I need a motion for 1 through 22, please. So moved. >> Second. Second. All
>> in favor? Roll call. >> Yes. >> I >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kogan. >> Yes. >> Mr. >> Hi. >> Can I have a motion for agreement, please? >> So moved.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> Yes. >> No. So do you. Thank you, bro. Have a good Veterans Day. And you know what? Thank you for good comments tonight. >> Happy Thanksgiving >> and happy Thank Yeah, it's going to be Thanksgiving.