Ready. >> Call the meeting to order roll, please. >> Mr. Learner, >> here. >> Mr. Olen, >> here. >> Mrs. Joffrey >> here. >> Mayor Morgan >> here. >> Mr. Kamisky >> here. >> Mrs. Mcnite >> here. >> Mr. Gardner >> here. 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. It's a public meeting for council parents county union state of New Jersey adequate notice has been given in accordance with PM1975 chapter
231 that annual notice of revision was made in conformance with section 13 of the act. Uh before we go on, I just want to recognize that it's uh women's month and June, what was it? March 8th was
International Women's Month. >> Women's Day. >> Women's Day. >> Women's Day. And then we have a lot of women especially in leadership in uh in the bureau here and as you can see three 33 here and uh
up here and then Bernardet and we go on and on and um you know women do us very proud in this town and have been a great contribution to this country and
Sometimes I think a little uh uh female common sense has straightened a lot of things up in this world. >> So >> sometimes >> so at that rate I don't know how many uh full-time women women we have. >> I believe that's 36.
>> 36. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> You had that number in the holster. >> I did. How did you know that? >> I looked into it. I did a little research. I don't know if that counts our two women police officers as well, but >> it does. It does. >> It does. >> 36.
>> Okay. I need approval of minutes for February 24th, please. >> So move. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I So be it. >> Okay. We have correspondence. Uh, Cydia Summit introducing uh zoning
ordinances. Chan Township, same thing. City of Summit uh planning board adoption of the fourth round housing element uh board of adjustment for Crescent Drive Berkeley Heights zoning ordinance.
You could see that the state's pushing all this stuff and we're all we're all bound by it. And that's it. >> Any comments? >> Seeing none. >> Um let's go to administration.
Thank you, mayor. Um, so we'll start with resolution 2026-094 is a resolution authorizing an agreement between the Burrow of New Providence and the County of Union regarding road closures and overhead banners on county
roads for community events. Um, so whenever we do an event that is on a county road or impacts a county road, uh, we have to pass these resolutions. It'll then go to the county commissioners meeting, uh, where hopefully it will be passed so we can proceed. Um, the events this year is the
Memorial Day parade, um, the 3rd of July firework event, and um, the uh, night um, after Thanksgiving, the winter holiday walk. Um the overhead banner is for our mental health advocacy and
education committees celebrating of mental health awareness month. Uh so we are hoping to have that up throughout the month of May. That'll be hung down by the pool. Uh so that's that resolution. Then resolution 2026-095
is a resolution authorizing the Bureau of New Providence to apply to the NJ Department of Community Affairs Management Enhancement Review Program Grant. Um, so, uh, before changing administrations, uh, then Governor
Murphy passed $ 1.5 million appropriation in the FY2026 state budget for management enhancement reviews by the DCA, which is the Department of Consumer Affairs. Municipal-based government units may be
awarded a maximum grant of $100,000 to contract with management enhancement review consultants to conduct local government unit efficiency reviews and to make recommendations to streamline operations and to reduce cost. Um so as
you know we always uh try our hardest um to be very fiscally conservative and tight with our budget. So, it makes sense to have a set of outside eyes um help us scrub things down to make sure we're getting every ounce of those pennies out in our operations. Um so,
we'll be putting in for that grant and hopefully we'll get that and we can do a nice study. >> Okay. Might as well keep going with affordable housing. >> Um well, at this Are we going to bring Susan up at this point? >> You can. >> Okay. Um so the next set of items that
we're going to be talking about is regarding affordable housing this evening. Um there are three resolutions, there are two ordinances, and this is the next step in the process that we're going through to get our fourth round
compliance. Um so Susan Gru is here this evening. She is our burough planner. Um she has been so kind to put together a presentation that really overlays how we got here today. what happened before, how we got here, how we got to our number. Um, if you recall, we were
given given a number by the state of 201 uh that we were able to fulfill through some very careful planning. So, the following presentation, I think this is a great time for Susan to come up. She'll give us a presentation um on everything that was discussed and then I'll go through the resolutions and the ordinances.
>> Okay. So, thank you so much Susan for joining us. This is a very ownorous topic um and it's got many many layers to it. similar to an onion. Um, so the more you peel, the more there is. >> And I I don't mean to have my back to the public, but
>> the more you cry, >> I think you cry. >> We tried to put together a PowerPoint that was relatively simple, but at the same time, you know, didn't make your head explode, but at the same time kind of gave you some of the fundamentals.
And I have to say that a lot of you have know a lot about affordable housing. Whether you liked it or not, you kind of got caught >> in having to learn. So, particularly Matt, the mayor, and Naen.
>> Um, so I'll try to be I'll try to be concise and more than happy to answer any questions that anybody has to >> Excuse me. S Susan, can you like move the microphone over? >> Yeah, sure. >> That's it. >> Does that help? I I would assume so.
Yeah. Can you Thank you. >> Perfect. Good. Okay. Great. >> Okay. So, we'll start with what is affordable housing? And affordable housing deals with a range of household
um incomes. It's really broken down. Let me just say one thing. New Jersey, as we all know, is very regulatory and loves regulations. And the more regulations, the better according to the state. So
affordable housing is regulated to death in New Jersey. Um, so there are three income classifications, moderate, low, and very low. And the next slide I'll get into what is that how does that
translate but um it's not public housing it's not section 8 housing it is oftent times housing that is provided for um teachers police tradesmen and working
families and so you know both in the public and private sector. So there have been studies to show who lives in affordable housing. So it is not the often times the misperception of who lives in affordable housing.
>> Thank you for that because most of the time when I'm talking about affordable housing, people automatically think that housing projects right >> are going up, right? >> And when I have to explain the nuances of like what you know inclusionary and affordable housing means, it's really
Thank you very much for you know clarifying. >> Sure. And what I wanted to do was how does that translate? so that people can actually understand what that means. There are different housing regions in the state and because of the different
housing regions, they're different incomes. Obviously, in South Jersey, it's a little different than up here. So, you're in housing region two. Um, and I just kind of want to go into what is moderate income. Moderate income
affordable housing is 50 to 80% of median income for the region and that translates to a fourperson household $103,000 as a as an income and that's the top end
but that's still quite good. Um, low income is 30 to 50% of median income, which is approximately 64,000 for a fourperson household. And it's classified by the number of people in
the household. So, one pe person, two people, whatever. >> So, it's not four incomes. >> No. No. Um, and very low is below 30% of median and that's $ 38,000.
So even at the very low income, that's you know a nice a nice enough um a nice enough income. So just so that everybody has an understanding um particularly the public of what how
that translates, what does that mean? moderate, low, very low. >> Um, so that's one. And what does it mean to be in the fourth round housing? What does that
mean? Um, there have this has been going on since 1987. We have been doing this for years and the courts have been doing this for years. And there was the first round, there was the second round, and those
two rounds are now called the prior round, 1987 to 1999. There was a third round that was 1999 to 2025. And then we're now in the fourth round,
which is 2025 to 2035. And moving forward, it's supposed to be every 10 years. So this plan that is now, this affordable housing plan is intended to address the next 10 years.
Okay. Um what does that mean in terms of translation? And I know probably people are going to say, well, how did these numbers come about? And all I can say is if I try to explain that to you, your head will
explode. And it's not worth I I hate to say it, but it's it's very very complicated. And I would argue that some of the numbers um are absurd. um that the projections at the state
level that they projected to then take it from the state level down to the county, the regional level and then down to the municipal level is way over projected.
>> Okay. But the point being is the courts have agreed, the legislature agreed to these numbers and that's what it is. Okay. Um, your your prior round number
was 135 units and you receive, by the way, the bureau has been extremely um, good in addressing its affordable housing obligation and actually
implementing. and you are in my opinion one of the models in the state in terms of how you've done it in terms of actually doing it and as we go through this and anyone that looks at your
housing plan can see that you've actually implemented you actually have a lot of affordable housing in your burrow which is very good in my opinion. Um, so
you had 135 units in your prior round. Your obligation in your third round, which was 1999 to 2025, was 316 units. And you had a
um a courtapproved plan in both of those in both of those rounds that the court basically said, Burrow of New Providence, you've done what you needed to do. You satisfied
your obligation. So therefore, you are immune from builder's remedy lawsuits. No builder can come in and say, "You didn't do what you were supposed to do." And by the way, affordable housing, this goes to the court, is a constitutional
obligation in New Jersey. It has been deemed to be that. It has been reinforced in I don't know how many court cases, you know, that hopefully the public understands that. Um, it's hard, but
>> it is what it is. Um the fourth round um you received a number of 201 units of affordable housing that was required to be addressed. That's over
and above what you had in the prior rounds. Okay? And the court um ordered that. The court approved it. You said yes, you understand what the number is and you will address
So you also there is a what's called a rehab obligation or a present need obligation which is a statistical number where they look at overcrowding and certain census data and say that you
have deteriorated units that are occupied by um low and moderate income households. And you have to provide for those. You have to come up with a rehabilitation
plan generally to address those deficient units to bring them up to code. Okay. So that's another piece. You had a 20 unit obligation that was assigned to you in the fourth round.
>> That isn't cumulative. Whatever it was in the fourth round, that's what it was. So the 20 units So what have you what is the what was the time frame in terms of what's
happened? You had a obligation to adopt a housing emblem element and fair share plan prior to June 30th of 2025. the planning board that is a planning
board document that's part of the master plan that was adopted in June on June 19th 2025 and it basically laid out how what your obligation was and how you were going to address it.
There also was as I say there's a lot of regulatory stuff here. Um there was an August 31st deadline of last year where any objector could file an objection and
aren't you lucky you received five objections to the plan because obviously everybody wants to come to New Providence. Okay. Um, so between August and December of last year, there was there was quite a
bit of activity in terms of mediation with Fairshare Housing Center, which is an a statewide advocacy group that that advocates for affordable housing and basically is involved in all these cases. There were the objections
and then there is what's called the program. It's called the affordable housing dispute resolution program. Quite a quite a mouthful. And and basically the state legislature in their
wisdom set this program up that is um that included retired judges and court mediators or court they're called court adjudicators now. They had to change the
what it was called earlier. and you're you would sit down and mediate the objections and then these retired judges would with the court adjudicator determine whether they could settle things and ultimately
recommend to the judge, the visage judge, whether they thought that the municipality had met their obligation, their constitutional obligation. And as I said here, as we said here, um
January last what two months ago, you signed a settlement agreement or mediation agreement um with the program and they recommended to the judge that you receive a certificate of
compliance. Um, and that would mean that the court, as you had before, the court would basically say, you have addressed your constitutional obligation and you are
not subject to builder's remedy lawsuits and your plan and your implementing ordinances and such would remain in effect for 10 years. Okay? So, that's how it's supposed to work. You're now in the middle of going
to the judge. Okay. I don't know. Nobody knows exactly how this next step is going to happen. It hasn't happened yet. The date for supposedly the date to have
everything done is March 15. However, you are one of the only municipalities that I'm aware of that has an extension on that. um to April 15th that you have to have all of your operating
implementing ordinances resolutions in place and adopted by that date. So how are you going to address the prospective need of 201? Um there were a number of considerations
in this mediation. One is your standard reszoning which is what's called inclusionary zoning where 20% of the units total units are affordable
and by the way these are deed restricted units 30 years deed restricted so and I'll get into the details but there were two sites that um were considered and proposed
One is St. Andrew's Church and that has been they've been working on that for a number of years I would say. Um the other is Nokia Bell Lab site. I think Nokia Bell Labs I think everybody recognized that something was going to
happen on that site and I'll get into the details. Extension of controls. There's a provision in the I'll say the affordable housing laws that permits
um municipalities to take credit for extending the controls on deed restricted units. So um there are three one of which is Elizabeth Barabash Manor where the controls were going to expire
and so to make sure that they continue to be affordable there's an opportunity to extend through certain mechanisms to extend those controls and you can take credit for those. You can also, this is like doing your taxes, okay? You try to
you try to maximize whatever you have, okay? And one of them is their bonus credits that you can take. Um, and there were a number of bonus credits that could be taken. 50. Okay. There were
caps on how many. And then the last was additional me measures that were over and above and those was those were an expansion of the existing
affordable housing overlay to Lantern Hill that site on Mountain Avenue that had not been developed. >> That's what that is. So and then just in terms of other mechanisms again you
continue the rehabilitation program that you have you have to address and adopt an affirmative marketing program. These are all what has to be done as part of this adopt an updated development fee
ordinance that goes to like the spending plan adoption of an amended spending plan. You take your money because you do have a development fee ordinance which permits you to get money
from development that doesn't provide for affordable housing and put a certain percentage into your trust fund which is set up specifically to target. You can only use that money
to promote affordable housing. Okay. So these are the mechanisms. So St. Andrews they've been busy trying to provide they wanted to construct on the portion of their property really behind the
church. The church would still remain an affordable housing project. They wanted to reszone the site and it would result in 24 affordable housing units while maintaining the existing church. It would be 100% affordable. Okay. And they
are busy working with professionals not only for site prep but also to put a package together financially so it works. So the everybody felt comfortable with that and felt that it was
definitely a realistic project. Um so and then the Nokia site um that's a large site um what is proposed to permit up to 500
units of which a hundred would be affordable. Again, 20% would be affordable of which up to 23 could be age restricted. Okay, tried to
include that in. And then there are nonresidential uses that would be permitted in the zone like hotel and retail um uses. So that was another component of reszoning. Whoops.
What happened there? Okay. Um, the other was expanding the overlay district to include the Lantern Hill site um at Southgate and Mountain. Okay. It
has an approve on it. Has not been constructed and they were willing to have an overlay on that. So that that was an option that permits them to do a residential development at 14 units to
the acre that would result in 69 affordable units if they chose that option. They don't have to. They can use they can do the underlying zoning. Again, what we have here is the ordinance that you are looking to
introduce that um um affordable housing development fee ordinance. It's collapsed into one. Um that is really mostly a model that DCA
gave. there were some options and we worked on that and um that's by ordinance and it aligns pretty much with your current um ordinance affordable housing and
development fee ordinance. We use that as well. And the next steps, the next steps are what actions you need to take as the governing body as well as the planning
board. The planning board has to amend the housing plan. Again, that's a master plan based upon the mediation that occurred um during that process. So, um that was
one. You have to adopt a updated affirmative marketing plan and spending plan. These are resolution. You have the ordinance um as ordinances have to there has to be a consistency review at the planning board.
Um and then once that occurs all of it is packaged together and submitted to the court and then we don't know what happens. Okay. I have
to tell you that it my understanding is each judge in each visage is doing may be doing a little different. One may be having a fair one court may have a fairness hearing where there has to be
testimony to show that it meets there are certain standards. >> There's a case that requires certain standards. So there may be but at the same time I hear that some of the judges aren't doing that that they say it's
already gone through the process so why do we have to do that? Don't know. You know, we're in an area now where there hasn't been any history as such. I think Bill, you would agree with that, right?
>> And ultimately, what you want is you want to receive a compliance certification from the court and immunity from future builder remedy lawsuits. That's your ultimate goal. So, for 10 years, you're protected. You move
on. what you have, you implement what you have. Um, and there you are. You can worry about other things. You can deal with all the other things you have in the burrow. Okay. And you have plenty of other things to worry about.
>> Oh, yeah. >> To me, too, we get to control where it goes. >> And you get You're absolutely correct. >> And we're also we're also able to help calculate the density where we want it. Yes. >> Right. So, those are two really big
things that kind of this helps, you know, at the end of the day, right? >> I think you raise a really, really good point. And so, for purposes of the ordinances, the draft ordinances that would reszone both Nokia and also St.
Andrews. There are definite um standards in there as you would have in your zoning ordinance for other zones, you know, in terms of height, setback, buffer, um those types of things. It's exactly
what you're talking about. You're in control of that. And as long as they're not what's called costgenerative, that's a term of art, and also that they're not unrealistic or unreasonable,
then you're in control. Good point. They when we had a last planning board meeting and we went uh with the toll brothers, we went through a ton of things that we have in the
ordinances that we weren't aware of like age restricted. I always thought it was 62, but the federal law says 55 or 62 and they took advantage of this 55. So we
have to change the ordinance to 62 to what it was. The whole idea of the age restricted was to keep the kids out of the schools where 60% of your tax uh
bill goes. We don't want to overcrowd the schools. That's why we were so adamant, well I was anyway about the 62. But there were there were other things like road west, a lot of different
things and I know you incorporated those those uh those ideas into the ordinances. So, thank you for that. >> Yeah, to the extent we could, mayor, as we've talked about, we did, for example, we clarified the definition of age
restricted. We clarified that um if it's going to be town houses, um you had to have a driveway, an 18 foot um driveway. um we had other types of those um
standards that came up during that toll application which was quite enlightening on one level. Um and and so we took advantage of that and certainly the planning board was very good with with
identifying those. Um and you know one of the things that I would say some towns don't like it but um one of the things one of the provisions in the new ordinance is it is very clear in the
model ordinance is that affordable must be integrated into the development. So even if it's 20% those units have to be integrated >> um into the development and that was a
sticking point for quite a while with toll >> the original Toll Brothers um plan >> did not >> it was completely segregated >> did not and and and the planning board was very adamant and very good and I
have to acknowledge they were really good they kept on that and ultimately Toll did >> integrate but that's something that really is very important and some towns
don't care they really don't um this planning board was really adamant about that they did a great job >> you shouldn't be able you shouldn't be able to distinguish the difference between a market rate versus an affordable unit >> no
and so there are a lot of provisions in this new ordinance that may be very overly regulatory, but I think part of it is because they've seen what's happened >> and they want to make sure that it
doesn't happen. >> Exactly. Exactly. So um so are there parts of that or of the um development development ordinance that affordable housing ordinance that maybe is
overkill? Yeah, probably. But you know there are a lot of good pieces to it as well. So um that is one of the ordinances. The other are the zone reszoning ordinances for both St. Andrews and Noia.
The remaining of these are resolutions. >> Do we anticipate there's going to be a fifth round, maybe a sixth round? Is there an end in sight? >> No. No. >> I mean, we only have a finite amount of land to build on. >> Absolutely.
>> Absolutely. >> Start building on the sky. I I they this round this round they seem to be much more focused on redevelopment which they should. New Jersey is built
out. So there were certain incentives built into bonuses. Um, for example, if you used an existing site, you could and redevelop an existing site. Well, so for example, you got
bonuses for Nokia. >> Um, because that was an existing site >> that was developed. >> So there are certain incentives that were built in to these to this round.
Um, who knows what's going to happen. moving forward after 10 years. >> Can I talk real quick about uh Montel? I don't know if you prepared, but Montail kind of led the charge for a bunch of towns to say, "We're fighting this, right? We're not going to do it."
>> Yes, >> they lost. >> They lost. They lost at the federal at the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Supreme Court said, "No way. You're not We're not hearing this." You know, it's funny because and I've been saying this for for a couple of
years. Everybody said, "Why don't you fight them? Why don't you?" It's courtmandated. You have no options. And you saw it went through Milbour and they fought, they appealed, they lost, they appealed again, they lost, they appealed again,
they lost. Then uh this group of 30 towns and they were bothering me. Well, why don't you join? Why don't you join? because it's a waste of money. I'm not spending money on something that's going nowhere and it's not fair to the
residents here. You know, you have to know when to hold them and know when to fold them and >> heard that somewhere. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But that the same opinions come down. You have to do it and and then if it
goes to court and you lose the appeal, you you you're losing all your rights. They're going to put in whatever they want, >> wherever they want. >> And this way, at least we have >> some sort of control >> of architectural standards, >> densities. Y
>> I mean, what we did with Toll Brothers was unbelievable. We actually they they gave up 23 units. They lowered it a whole whole story. Um >> and they didn't touch the affordable units either. >> No. The number. I mean and they changed all
the architecture. >> Oh yeah. >> So I mean we we >> you know you just have to >> persistent >> and you know this is what we want here and you know they got it. It took what
seven meetings but we got it. >> Stick to the princip to your >> it's you just have to be >> common sense and reasonable and deal with people. So um I'm not going to spend uh taxpayer dollars just to lose.
You know, if I'm going to do it, I'm in a good shop. So, but I think uh it's something to point out because I don't see this changing. And maybe you can answer this because I've let us legislators and Trenton and everything
else, but the state's looking to put in 480,000 I think uh affordable units and they're spreading it throughout the throughout the state except where they're building most of them is in the
cities in Hudson County, Essex County, and they're all exempt. I don't know why those units aren't put in to the the number as a whole. And where does Mont
Clair get off being exempt? That's a suburban town. So, nobody can give me that answer. >> Nope. Nobody can give you that answer because
>> because because and it's interesting you know there used to be as some of you may remember there was a growth share methodology and that was if you grow then you have to provide affordable
housing and that addressed the issue that you're talking about mayor it because of all the development and redevelopment that was occurring for example example in Hudson County, the courts determined that it was not it was
inconsistent with the legislation and therefore they threw it out >> the RCA >> and the RCAs as well 2008 they threw RCA name the town but all 21 the mayors of Union County met with the governor when
this all started and you know Sometimes I have a big mouth and I address the issue and Mayor Mon says, "You know, I could see this being a problem all over the county. I have so much redevelopment
I need. I'll take all of theirs." >> Yes. >> He said, "That's not the intent of the legislation." And I'm like, "Okay." But >> regional contribution, for those of you that regional contribution agreements where you could transfer a certain
percentage of your affordable housing to certain receiving communities and pay for that and >> we never did that. >> I know. I know you never did it. A lot of communities did it. you know, a lot of the urban areas loved it because, as
you say, mayor, they needed that money to do what they needed to do with their with their constituents. So, it's an interesting there's a lot of history that is it's amazing, you know, what goes on. Um, I will say that as much as
many of the urban centers or communities don't have um didn't get an obligation, they still are providing affordable housing. >> And many of them, many of the Hudson
County communities, Newark, um, they still are, but they don't have the they're not under the regulatory piece of this. makes no sense. >> No, it doesn't. Yeah. And and they're not being counted in what the state is saying is the need, the affordable
housing need in the state. They're not counting these very large towns, municipalities, cities who are creating them. >> And they're saying there's a void when there's actually not. >> I, as I started when I said, I think you
could argue that there's some flaws in what they did. Um, >> I think I could argue that >> but but we but it is what it is. I guess that's the thing. And you are addressing
it and you're being very realistic and you're being very what would I say cost efficient >> prudent >> and prudent. Yes. >> Can I ask two questions a little closer to home? Um the fir the first is is
mostly for for mayor and Mr. Kaminsky. you two are on the planning board. You you were you were there for all the Toll Brothers stuff and there was all these things that came up and you've touched on a lot of them like well the intent of the ordinance was this but the ordinance doesn't say that. Uh you know the architectural stuff was one that was that mayor you were particularly strong
on and and we we ended up getting but do you feel that the new ordinance covers all of those kind of loopholes that Tol was trying to get through? >> I I think I think it covers it the best we can. Okay. without getting ourselves
in trouble, you know, because yeah, they they can appeal even the ordinances that it's it's not constitutional. So, I think Susan did a really good job with that, >> going as far as we can with what we we can do, you know.
>> Okay, fair enough. And then the second question is just hypothetically. Don't don't get too worried, but hypothetically if it was the will of the council to reject one of these four, what would happen? >> Reject one of the four.
>> Yeah. To to vote it down. >> Yeah. >> The the resolutions of the ordinances. So >> two resolutions. >> Yeah. Three. >> I resolutions. say that um from a planning perspective, your attorney probably could give you a legal, but um
my sense is you'd be back in front of the court and you would leave it open for the objectors, okay, >> that were around and still are lurking. >> They're still there. >> Yeah, tend to agree with that. >> Could I ask a few questions as well?
>> Absolutely. >> Thank you so much. This has been really helpful. It's been a while since we've revisited this, so it's it's helpful to see. Um, the age restriction, the ordinance then says that our age restriction is defined as 55, I'm sorry,
62. >> 62. >> The proposed ordinance, >> proposed ordinance >> defines it now as only 62, >> right? So, was that taken into account in the Nokia number of age restricted? It says there were
>> 23 >> 23 age restricted. That's going to be 62. >> That's what the definition. That's why it's all part of that package. >> Okay. Okay. They've reviewed it. >> Okay. Um the next one was the 69 units
for the Lantern Hill. >> Um the other three categories add up to 2011 which satisfies the obligation. Why are we including >> the 69 in this round and does that
prevent us from using it in the next round? >> Very good question. I'd be surprised if somebody didn't raise that. The numbers don't add up to a point. Um there was in the mediation session
there was a very strong opinion particularly out of fair share >> that this site as an overlay only should be considered as additional affirmative measures
over and above the 201. Um there was a sense across the board that it strengthened I'll use that term um the position of
the burrow in terms of the five objectors that this assisted. Okay. And so the sense was why not >> really. Um >> but you can't use it again in the fifth
round if they come back if it's not been developed. It doesn't >> you can't say we had 69 extra. We'd like to apply those to >> Well, it's already in the fourth round. So >> Well, I know. That's why I'm asking >> if you hit the 2011, >> right? >> Hypothetically
u and that's not developed. potentially could be put back um in in the fifth round. >> Maybe >> maybe >> we don't know. >> There's some legal obligations in terms of opening up the round which is one of the objectors that we have which is one of the reasons why we don't want that
objector to to move forward, right? Because it opens up our entire third round really >> third and fourth and whatever. Well, the fact is the legislature may change and you know they may vote in
something else and 10 years is a long time. >> So we have to cover ourselves for now. >> Okay. And my last question is about the rehabilitation >> yes >> units. um what is happening with that
because there's no explanation of how that's going to be accomplished. >> No, you already have a rehabilitation program and you work um you have that. You don't have to you have to just provide an opportunity and funding for that which you do under
your spending plan. You just have to provide um and market it but you don't have to pull people in. If nobody comes and asks for rehabilitate, you know, asks for a rehabilitation of of a site, you don't have to do anything. You've
established a program. You've affirmatively marketed it and that's it. >> Okay? >> So, it's just an opportunity to upgrade >> units. >> Okay. >> Already over the years, >> but there's no requirement. You just have to have a plan that allows it to
happen if indeed somebody asks for it to be happen. Is there a formula for like depreciation that like figures out which units need to be re rehabilitated? >> There's there's a very specific you they change the criteria. They keep changing
their criteria but it's basically under the census data overcrowding. Um there are two two other factors and then they come up with this number for each town and the number a lot of times
is nowhere near accurate but you can't they came up with a number of 20 supposedly technically there are 20 units somewhere in New Providence that are deficient and
occupied by affordable households. I in most instances that those numbers are so they're paper they're on paper they don't mean anything. >> You can't use it for cosmetic you have
to use it for major systems um pretty much. So a roof needs replacing whatever they're restrictions on those too. you have to pay back the the loan or they it's forgiven. There's
a whole bunch of of stuff dealing with those as well. You just don't get the money and then that's it. Anyone else have any questions? When I do this, I'll open it up to the public for this subject and this subject only.
Seeing no one, I declare the uh hearing closed. Thank you, Susan. >> Oh, thank you. And and you really know it's it's amazing how much all of you know about affordable housing and I really commend you for that because it's
not an easy subject. Um and some of you could come and teach at Ruters with that. >> I tell you what, every time I turn around, there's something new. So >> absolutely. So we'll see what the next step is. Yeah. >> Just don't know.
>> So I mean we have to cover ourselves for right now. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you all. Greatly appreciate it. And I believe we will be putting this presentation up on the burough website. So um if anybody needs to see it again in more detail or anybody on the video
needs to see it, this would be on the website. >> Okay. >> Okay. Well, with all of that said, >> as you were saying, >> as I was saying, um, now we're going to go into the actual resolutions and ordinances that were just discussed. So,
resolution 2026-096 is a resolution of the Bureau of New Providence committing to the adoption of implementing ordinances for the satisfaction of fourth round affordable housing obligations. So this just basically says that we will do all the
steps we need to do. So this resolution commits us to adopting ordinances needed to satisfy the bureau's fourth round affordable housing obligations. The submitted plan was challenged by several developers and the fair share housing
center. Through the state's affordable housing dispute resolution program, the bureau reached an agreement with the fair share housing center and some challengers, namely VW Murray Hill LLC
and Toll NJ1 LLC have withdrawn their objections. So, two objectors withdrew. However, the challenges from New Providence Mountain Developers LLC and 2100 New Providence LLC remain ongoing.
So, under the agreement, the bureau will introduce required zoning and related ordinances tonight. We will send them to the planning board for their review on March the 17th, 2026. and we will adopt the implementing ordinances and
resolutions at the council meeting on March 24th. So in two weeks. The next resolution is resolution 2026-097 which is a resolution of the bureau of new providence county of union state of
New Jersey adopting the affirmative marketing plan for the burrow of new providence. So, this resolution adopting an affirmative marketing plan to ensure that all affordable housing units are actively and fairly marketed to very
low, low, and moderate income households as required under the New Jerseys uniform housing affordability controls. The plan applies to all affordable housing units in the burrow, including those from prior housing rounds, the
current fair share plan, future developments, and rehabilitated rental units that become vacant. Its goal is to ensure equal housing opportunities, and to reach households that are least likely to apply for affordable housing.
Um, so there's quite an extensive list of where this marketing occurs. Again, with the goal to get the word out to as many people as possible. Okay. Um, the last of the resolutions,
oops, I'm just going to go to the paper. Okay. The last of the resolutions is about our spending plan. So 2026-098 is a resolution of the um Bureau of New Providence, County of Union, State of New Jersey, adopting the affordable
housing trust fund spending plan for the bureau. So, the affordable housing spending plan outlines how funds from the affordable housing trust fund are allocated to create, rehabilitate, or maintain affordable housing, usually to
meet legal obligations for low and moderate income households. It details the use of developer fees, grants, and other revenue for projects like but not limited to new construction, rehabilitation, and in some case down
payment assistance. So, those are the three resolutions. So, now I'll introduce the two ordinances. Um, ordinance 2026-01 is an ordinance of the Bureau of New Providence, County of Union, State of New Jersey, amending our zoning
ordinance. So, this ordinance amends the burough's zoning code to support the development of affordable housing in accordance with the burough's housing element and fair share plan and a January 27th, 2026 mediation agreement
related to the affordable housing dispute resolution program. It expands and updates the affordable housing overlay, the AHO district, allowing multifamily and townhouse development on several specific properties with
required affordable housing set aides, so at least 20% affordable units. We are creating two new zoning districts. The first one is St. Andrews Church affordable housing district, which permits residential development while
maintaining the church, allows up to 27 units with 24 being affordable. It creates the Nokia affordable housing district, which allows a large mixeduse redevelopment. This includes housing, town houses,
retail, hotel, offices, restaurants, open space with up to 500 residential units, including 100 affordable units. It establishes density limits, building
heights, setbacks, parking standards, buffers, landscaping, and design requirements for these districts. It updates definitions, zoning map references, residential design standards, parking dimensions, electric
vehicle charging standards, and other technical zoning provisions. It requires that affordable units comply with state council on affordable housing, the COA, and the hu the U-Hack rules, including income distribution and minimum 30-year
affordability controls. So, that was a lot said, but I didn't want to leave anything out. I was afraid want to make sure we include everything there. And the second ordinance is ordinance 2026-02 is an ordinance of the Burrow of New
Providence, County of Union, State of New Jersey, amending the code of the bureau by repealing and replacing chapter 275 housing in its entirety. So, this ordinance repeals and replaces chapter 275 housing of the Bureau of New
Providence Code to update the bureau's affordable housing regulations in accordance with recent amendments of the New Jersey Fair Housing Act signed in 2024 and new state regulations adopted by the New Jersey Department of
Community Affairs and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. The new chapter establishes updated rules for how the bureau will meet its constitutional obligation to provide affordable housing for very low, low,
and moderate income households. Um, so again, as Susan had uh mentioned and as we just went through, this is what we are required to do to move forward to hopefully get our compliance with round four and move past this. We
don't know what comes next, but we are doing our best. Take a drink of water. >> Yeah, I think I'm going to. >> And ju just to make sure that I'm crystal clear, all this goes the way that we we hope and everything passes and the court locks it in, the two other challengers go away.
>> Well, we hope so. >> I mean, they they could still they could still >> or apply, put in an application, right? Nothing prevent them from doing that. and try and get try and get um you know
some some uh you know what do you call it? >> I think that's a Billy question. >> They could make an application that they would require variance relief. >> There would be variance relief >> if the plan was approved
>> by the courts. >> The objectors that satisfied should take care of that. >> Okay. which allows us to to deny such application >> and we that's not like we wouldn't be we wouldn't have a necessary obligation to approve that variance in that case. >> That's right. >> Okay. >> All right.
>> Okay. Now you're up community activities. >> Thank you. Resolution 99 is a salary resolution for our recreation. This is uh just hiring new staff for our baseball program and our youth adult classes at an hourly rate. Uh,
Resolution 100 is a resolution approving requisition R2600542 for Ben Schaefer Recreation, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $9,12361 for Serenity Spot and additional gate for Oakwood Park Playground Project
using the ESCJ co-op. This is uh additional uh accessory pieces for the Oakwood Park playground. Um, this the grant funding will be used to to uh cover this.
Resolution 101 is a resolution approving requisition R260562 for advanced athletic services in an amount not to exceed 12,300 for BD field repairs. Now, BD Bard Field was the field that we were
giving um over off of Central A. So, that the field has been pretty beaten up actually. Uh so uh it's actually can get a little dangerous if there's too many divots and things of that nature. So uh what we're proposing is to basically
uh recede the entire field, airate the entire field, um you know, and and level it out. And so once we do that, we'll have to close the field for a couple months. So most likely, if we're lucky, we'll get it'll get open back in uh in the fall. Okay. >> You might as well keep going.
Engineering Uh, resolution 102 is a resolution requesting an extension to the construction contract award deadline for the NJ DOT fiscal year 2024 municipal aid grant program. This is for our Maple Street improvement project. Uh, this is requesting an extension from
April to October. We would like to incorporate the Maple Street project with our safe roots to school project as well. Resolution 103 is a resolution approving change order number one for Lilich Corporation
for asbestous abatement of the old Burough Hall in an amount not to exceed $13,900 using the Bergen County co-op. This is a change order and as you know as you rip apart old buildings new problems arise.
This is additional asbestous that they found unfortunately in the attic. Resolution 104 is a resolution approving requisition R2600481 for innovative fire technologies in an amount not to exceed $17,919
for replacement of fire alarm system at the Barabash Manor. So we're going to be replacing the entire fire alarm system there and we'll be use utilizing affordable housing funding as we were talking about earlier today. Resolution 105 is a resolution approving
requisition R2600533 for Rainer Group, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $4,456 for elevation of the HVAC system at the Dorso Center. So, in the last flood, our
HVAC system as well as the um next resolution with kitchen exhaust were underwater and once it went underwater, it needed to be remediated and that cost the barrel some funds. So, we're proposing to lift these up. So, if there's any more flooding there, we
won't have to worry about that. And that's the next resolution 106, which is a resolution approving requisition R2600544 for EVI, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,950 for elevation of the kitchen exhaust equipment at the Dorso Center. And both
of these um we received multiple bids and these are the lower bids. >> Okay, >> finance Lisa. >> Thank you, mayor. Um we have resolution 107 which is a transfer to appropriation reserves resolution. This is uh typical
this time of year before we go ahead and approve and pass the budget for 2026. Uh we're moving money from the 2025 budget lines to OE for snow removal. Um, resolution 108 is a trust fund transfer
resolution. Again, moving or transferring money from 2025 OE snow removal account to the storm recovery trust fund. So, we did spend a little bit more money with uh snow removal this year, unfortunately.
Hopefully, we're done with that. >> Yeah, don't say that out loud. Uh resolution 109 is a resolution authorizing payment of the attached bills payable list. The amount is 3,373,995.19. Some of the more significant items included our March uh school tax levy to
the board of education that was $1,513,490. Um, we had a bond principal payment to the depository trust for 950,000. Um, we had two interest payments uh on
the general obligation bonds 2019 and 2015. One was 66,500, the other 56,700. March healthc care for 168,720 that went to Horizon Healthcare. Uh the
uh police department renovation, the architect is Misel. >> Musual. >> That's a tough one on the tongue. 158,400. Um the March appropriation for our
library was 119,967 against no removal for Woodland Builders 56,502. Our February garbage fee for suburban disposal was $49,083.
We had uh the annual Microsoft licenses to Doc's electronics 37,254. Our February recycling was 34,420 and our electricity for January 30,47.
>> Okay. Uh resolution 110 uh approving proposal from Axon Enterprise uh not to exceed $228,480.85. This is a uh five-year agreement for body cameras for the police. But the
good thing about this is that these new body cameras will act can actually translate. What is it? at 26 different languages. >> So, police officer goes up to a car and
somebody's speaking Spanish or Greek or or whatever, >> the patrol officer will know exactly what that person's saying. That is very >> You don't need a translator. >> So, I said, "Can't I get one in court?" >> And it's two-way,
>> correct? So, >> yeah. Okay. Uh resolution 111 is authorizing uh the department of providence to apply to Congress Kane's office uh community project funding grant for portable
radios and that's for a total amount of $245,000 to replace 47 portable radios. We have RAP RAP applications all from uh
OOLP Church RA 1256 1257 1258 and they've all been properly uh prepared and reviewed. Okay. Public works. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh resolution 112. This is a resolution authorizing the Burough of New Providence to apply for
Congressman Keane's FY2027 community project funding grant for Department of Public Works facility. And this is uh seeking permission to request up to a million dollars to go towards the demolition and construction of the new DPW facility. >> Awesome.
>> Great. Okay. Um reports first. Matt, I want to congratulate you. Got the good scout award this year. >> I know Stacy M got got one retired uh sergeant Chad Wilson
>> Link Link >> Link >> kids are incredible, aren't they? >> They really are. >> They really are. >> Scouts. >> Deborah Dabney. Barbara Barbara >> Barbara Dabney >> Davney I know she was like the chairman
for uh Cub Scouts at Roberts Roberts and so combined. So >> is anybody else >> Nimtt and Mim and Morning. >> Yeah >> with the cricket club and uh >> I'll tell you it was a great evening. Great evening
>> and Rick Anderson he said historical society. >> Yeah I don't know how he does that. He's all over the place. He is. >> He's great. >> He is great. >> All right. Okay. Uh I just want to bring up uh one thing about the police
department because Danny always uh always gives us a year in report and I just give a couple numbers here. The police department handled calls for service 3,115.
No. Was it 24,818 calls for service? That's a lot of calls. They made 3,115 motor vehicle stops. Issued 2649
traffic sentences from those 25 or DWI arrests. Officers conduct conducted 2674 traffic details. responded to 380 motor vehicle crashes, including 262
with no injuries, 62 with 42 hit and runs, 47 hit and runs, and five pedestrian related. The officers issued over,32 parking summons. Other essential tasks
they responded to 874 medical calls, 37 mental emergency calls, 211 fire related calls, 39 lockouts, and 102 animal related calls,
5412 property and area checks, and 2954 school facility checks. So they do a lot of work over the years. You also had an emergency management uh
uh meeting and talked with our new uh emergency management uh coordinator John Sarello and he talked to us about the snowtorms this and that and the future of uh some of the things that the fire department needs. So besides that we'll
go to Allan um Not really too much to discuss. Um sustainability committee, you know, we talked about recycle. Um April is going to be a plant and seed exchange. So that'll be advertised. The uh we had our lottery for the community garden and
overwhelmingly get a lot of subscribers to that. Um we're also finding out about our composting program. the board of health. Uh we talked about uh fee structure for violations and that's
pretty much it. >> Thank you, >> Ken. >> Thank you, mayor. Yeah, the only thing I wanted to mention is that we had our first meeting of the newly reconstituted diversity committee uh last night uh with our new co-chairs and it was really
well attended. I think we had what 12 or 13 people on the call. It was it was really great. Um and just laying the framework. Okay, what night do we always want to meet? Like what kinds of u you know who can be secretary? Stuff like that was going on. But they also talked
about what they want to uh set as their goals uh going forward. So I think it was a really great start for the team and um you know Matt and I were both there and we're we're very excited. >> Dean, >> very good. Not much more to say. other.
I think I've said enough. Um, but right before this call, uh, right before this meeting, I was on our periodic call with mental health advocacy and education cross town group and they they're such an excited group to to get this going. Uh, we're looking to add a couple more
towns. Uh, they were happy to hear about our banner progress and uh, stay tuned because a lot of good stuff to come. >> But other than that, operations normal. >> All right. Thank you, Matt. So, and thank you for mentioning the police, by the way. Um, I actually had an emergency
yesterday. Um, my daughter passed out in the middle of the kitchen and I had to call 911 and luckily for me, I watched a lot of The Pit over the last couple of weeks, so I was really prepared. >> You were ready. >> Actually, >> I don't want to laugh at it, but
>> no, she was dehydrated. Um, and and so she just got lighted and fell. But long story, Lindsay Officer and and officer Kevin Gutas. They were there in seconds and and uh professional, you know, got her comfortable, got the oxygen out, you
know, EMS came. It wasn't our guys, it was Union County. Um our guys were obviously tied up, but I I just wanted to reiterate what you say all the time. You know, I trust these guys with my life and obviously, you know, it's it was comforting to know and have them
there so quickly and and so professional and prepared. So, >> how's she doing now? Thank for that. >> And she's she's great. She got an IV and and uh she actually has Turns out she had the flu. So, we're on time with flu. So, >> I thought you cooked.
>> Dang. >> Yeah. I almost took a header down the stairs trying to get down her fast enough to catch her because she's fainting and I almost literally >> terrible. >> Be got to be more uh calm. I'm usually very calm. But anyway, um
uh planning board, we have a planning board meeting next week. It's just going to be uh approving reviewing these ordinances and sending them back for for final approval. And then where we also are reviewing the resolution for Toll Brothers. So, uh that should be fun.
Other than that, operations normal. Uh so just to keep everyone up to date with um our budget, we did receive draft number three and um going to hopefully meet uh sometime next week to review that and hopefully by that time we will
have our state aid numbers because we don't have those numbers yet. Um we're anticipating like I said the end by the end of this week. Um hopefully after that we will I will we will get the budget out to to everybody here and the
plan is for the budget to be presented on March 24th. Okay. So that's that. And then America 250 met yesterday and they again u talk about an excited >> another excited group >> excited group with a million things
going on. Um, so the calendar just keeps going and going there. You know, if you haven't, this is on the website. Um, it is the calendar of events for the entire year. Um, if you haven't looked at it, you've already missed some things. Like we were saying,
um, some of the upcoming events that, you know, that are going to be great. Um they had the Gilded Age of Carl Schultz at the library, but it was so popular and well attended they're going to be doing it again on May 17th.
Um of course we are getting ready for uh Reverend Codwell Day on April 18th and that's going to go from 10:00 to 1:00. And basically what that day is going to be, it's a day of giving and service.
Um, we are going to have donation sites all through town at different businesses, at different uh locations, the libraries, some of the schools, um, at Link, at OOLP, >> and and and and a list of things that
you can donate. So everything from um you know aluminum cans at the fire department to clothing at the New Providence athletic boosters at the high school, eyeglasses at the Lions for the New Providence Lions, um food at link.
So, the list goes on and on and we're going to put out a map and we're going to star all the areas where the donation sites are and exactly what we're looking to collect and we will hopefully get that out to you guys to the public very
soon. But please keep that day open um April 18th for Reverend Codwell Day. And also, if you haven't seen, there is a uh a display at the library for Reverend Codwell and the history behind that. We do I am not a history person. And so
they start talking about but obviously there's deep roots in um New Providence pertaining to and I think the historical society could probably speak to that better than I can but deep roots in New Providence pertaining to uh the revolution the revolutionary war and
Reverend Codwell and all the supplies that he gathered and that's why there's the link between um collecting donations and Reverend Codwell. So stay tuned for a little bit more history on that. I'll bring it at the next meeting. Uh the the historical society does want to come and
present to council um a list of all the things they're doing. So hopefully if we can't get them at the this next meeting, I think we we talked about that, but hopefully maybe the first meeting in April before Reverend Cogwell Day. >> Right before >> Yeah, right before. The library is also doing a million things. And I just
wanted to kind of share this. this I don't even know if you could see it, but they're they're so Stacy is so creative and you know she's amazing. She's amazing for this town. Um so she they found a way to incorporate America 250 and the reading dragon and um the summer
reading and they're going to it's g it's be called read white and blue and the colors are going to be red, white and blue and you still have the little dragon. I don't know if you could see them, but um and then there's like little stars in the dragon for the 13 stars on on the flag. Just so creative
and ex, you know, so exciting. Uh so stay tuned for that as well. >> Um I believe that's all I have. >> Thank you, mayor. Um and just to pick up on what Councilwoman Mcnite was saying, it just go to a historical society meeting and you will learn so much
history about New Providence and and the area. It's absolutely fantastic. Um, from uh my seat, still need to get a communications meeting on the book. Uh, so hopefully we can get that going soon. Um, the if you missed the last board of
education meeting, you missed the best one of the year because it's when they do the curriculum and it's just absolutely fantastic. Uh, they they they they did this one thing where they had students from the high school music program compose a a piece of music like right there on the spot. um as and then
they they played it. Uh so it's just just fantastic. Um let's see. Uh a couple updates from the county commissioner meetings. Um the Union County Vocational Technical School uh was honored for all of the fantastic work uh that they do and it really they
do have many amazing and impressive programs. Um and then they highlighted a couple of resources at the county level that I didn't know about. There is a Union County family clinic where you can get free vaccines. um and other services. That's available at ucnj.org/cl
clinic. Um the 2026 recycling uh county recycling program is starting up in May and uh April. Uh ucnj.orgrecycling. And to continue a theme, um the Union County directory is now fully digitized.
So all the people and the services, you know, park information, fees, all of that stuff is now all fully available up on their website. And you guessed it, ucnj.orgdirectory. Um, so check that out for more information. And I Oh, um, the next
mental health ad a& committee meeting is, uh, next Wednesday, so a week from tomorrow, the 18th, in the Lincoln room. So, uh, please show up. Um, as as council Joffrey mentioned, um, there's a lot going on, es and there there's there's a definite need for for people
to help us out with all the stuff that are that we're planning, especially for May and September. And that concludes my report. >> Have a good day. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, just a few things. Uh, train station parking permits are
now available for 2627. residents can go online um and get their permit and out of town uh permits will be available on March 19th. Uh the price is the same as last year. Um grass and brush collection will begin
burrowwide on Monday, April 6th, and it goes right through December 7th. So, I'm sure if your yard looks like mine, there's lots of >> Oh, there's lots >> lots of lots waiting for the curb. And um lastly, the Westfield Health Department is going to be a lead testing
doing a lead testing day here at the burrow where you can bring in consumer products if you're concerned if they have lead in them or not. Um it'll be held on March 30th from 1 to 3 in the Lincoln room. That's all I have. Okay. At this time, we have public
hearing. Anybody wishing to address council, give your name and address. Good evening, Rich Cuomo 26 Bradford Street. Um, so I'm here on behalf of Rise New Providence to raise a specific topic related to the budget. Um, we're
looking to make an explicit request regarding the budget and ensuring that there's an allocation related to our flooding and infrastructure problem that we've talked about historically. So obviously we understand it's still being developed. Sounds like third version. So that's good. Hopefully there's already
some money in there. But we do believe an allocation for flooding mitigation should be reflected proactively in both the short and long-term budgets. It's really imperative the council takes this seriously and at a minimum designates a million dollars which is the same amount
that was spent last year right to for the deerfield flume as well as the work that was done on Bradford third and fourth. Um, ideally even more would be allocated given the severity of the problem around town, but we'll start small. We're asking for the million dollars. Uh, to further break down the
request, we're looking for two explicit line items. first in terms of the short-term operating budget, right? A defined allocation for practical controllable work such as drainage, maintenance, and monitoring, um data collection, and then repairs and targeted mitigation for some of those
areas that like I mentioned, Deerfield and and Bradford, but extending that to some of the other hot spots around town. Um second, in terms of the long-term capital budget, it's really time that we start having a recurring line item be put in the budget where we start to build up a reserve over time. so we can
address some of those larger scale infrastructure problems. Right? Obviously, as we've talked about, there's going to be some shorter term things that can be done. And then also, we're going to have probably some massive work with from an infrastructure perspective that it would be just really beneficial to start getting that in the
line item explicitly now so we can start building it up over time. Um, again, as we publicly stated, right, we're not expecting every flooding hotspot to be addressed this year. We know this is going to take time, but having the explicit line item in the budget is a
step towards, you know, showing the council's commitment to improving this in the future. Um, and to ground why this matters, we have a couple residents are going to come up, share their stories, talk about flooding around their houses and how it impacts them. So, thank you.
>> Thanks, Rich. Young 25 Delaw. >> Good evening, mayor. Good evening, council. Um, my name is Calvin Young. I live on Delick Lane in New Providence. I wanted to bring up the storm water issue that
impacts my property as well as a number of my neighbors properties, some of who are here tonight. So, we have that short preview of the spring weather. So, that's kind of a reminder that the thunderstorms and, you know, the the rainstorms will be coming again this spring, fall, uh, summer, and then into
the fall. So, we wanted to bring up these issues again just to continue the conversation on about what can be done to fix those issues. I was here in the C council meeting in October where I described the rainwater from the street overflow overwhelming
the municipal sewer system in my area causing a backflow and flooding my area during those periods of heavy rain. Once the municipal storm sewer system becomes overwhelmed, the water collects in my area and then runs into my garage and then it impacts my neighbors. Similarly,
where it flows in the garage good 18 to 18 to 24 inches of water. So, it it does damage equipment in the garage. I've lost power equipment and things like that. And then as well as the cleanup where there's the silt and everything,
>> it just gets into all the garage. >> Yeah. >> So, it it it becomes a a real big problem and then drying it out so you don't get mold problems and all those other issues that come along with water damage.
Uh so once it it floods into the garage so these it's caused property damage and loss of equipment and all those efforts to clean it. Uh I have talked to the building department in town about the issue and they have come out to scope
the storm sewer out in my immediate area. But however, I've hired a engineer at my own expense to evaluate the storm sewer system and all the the gradient and elevation in in my area. And in his
professional opinion, we shouldn't have water issues in that area due to the elevation. But it's because it's mainly because of the way the storm sewers running through the property that it backs up and rises up and collects in
that that backyard area that impacts all the houses. Uh and he he thinks that there there might be an issue further down the line in this in the storm sewer system. So he has been con in contact with the
building department to sort either scope out or investigate those other areas further down the line where there may be blockages or similar issues that have been addressed in other parts of the town where there was due to aging infrastructure that that that essentially the pipes have collapsed or
there's blockages in some in some form uh just impeding the flow of water down. Uh so as a supporter of the rise NP initiative to work collaboratively with the burrow I would like to ask the a couple questions whether my area between Delwick and
Hixon are on the town's official storm water hotspot map to to be addressed at some point. >> I think it is right. Yeah >> it is. Okay. >> There there were how many spots?
There were like about 10 spots that were hot spots. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Um, in terms of communication with the burrow, where can residents like myself receive updates and collaborate with the town to improve the safety and quality
of life in the town? >> Well, the first thing I asked the residents to had a problem right after the storm was write Congressman Kane's office. Nobody did it. And now now we're asking for it and now
all of a sudden we got them. I've already talked to Congressman Kane's office they we won't get money from the federal government if it gets approved for at least two years. That's the way the federal government works. We made a commitment that we will
have a line item in the budget every single year just like we do with the paving. All right? It doesn't come close to a million dollars a year. But whatever we can afford to do, that's what we're going to do. Uh, you know,
the budget process is an exhausting thing as Brian and Lisa could tell you >> and it's going to be a tough year this year. >> Uh, we we haven't even got our state funding yet and and I'm standing uh
the budget address today. There's a lot of issues. the states aren't in good shape >> and uh we'll have to see how the numbers come out. Uh I know the board of education even though they have their
separate thing, I mean it's all the same tax dollars and I know they have to provide now for preschool uh special ed and a lot of different things. So, I'm not gonna I can't give you a commitment on how much money we can put me put in
the budget, but we did make a a commitment that we will, you know, it's going to be an ongoing process. It'll be a permanent uh um landmark in the budget. So, we'll
do what we can do. We're going to the hotspots first to see what we can do. Um, the only reason is we were able to spend a million dollars last year was because we had we had money put aside,
>> you know, but that money was exhausted last year. >> Yeah, I remember you mentioned the deer field. They had to do that twice. >> Field and where Kate is down by her. There were some problems, but like I
said, just one day of scoping, it's $7,000. So, you can understand how that uh multiplies out going through all the lines. But, uh you are one of the hot spots and if they come upon something,
we'll fix it. So, um >> how much area do they cover with that 7,000? >> Depends on what they find. Yeah, like uh we lost a camera in one. >> So, you know, it it you can't give a
specific number because you don't know what you're going to find. So, we're just trying to do the common sense thing and take care of the problem areas first and then over the years expand out. >> Yeah. Similar to what Rich was
mentioning that we do recognize that it is going to it's not going to be a overnight solution, but it's it will take time, but it's it's good that you you're committed to addressing the problem over time. Uh and just to build
on what Mayor Moren said, next meeting, right, we'll have those numbers. Um >> hopefully, we don't know yet. >> Hopefully, in in theory, by the next meeting, we should know what those numbers are, but right now, they are in the plan. As the mayor said, it's not it's not a million, but it is a substantial set aside for for the coming
year for for work. So, >> and that'll be in the budget that we're going to see at the next council meeting. Is that correct? Yeah. >> So, that's available to the public. >> Yeah. That that that's what I'm saying by but in theory dep barring unforeseen circumstances by next meeting that
should be a publicly available number. >> And when we get that, I mean, we can we said we talked to Kate and Rich when something firm comes up and we will let them know and get it back. They can bring it back to you guys where we're
going. But right now, we we don't know anything because we don't know the budget numbers, but you do have our commitment. We know the the hot spots and we're going to try and uh remedy them first. >> So, >> yeah. And in within that process, if it
it would be helpful if the town the building department had to speak with my town my engineer if he can help in any way. >> Well, I can't go by what your engineer says. I got to go by what mine does. >> Yeah. If they, you know, if they need to
connect. >> But what what you're talking about is us going on your private property and we're really not allowed to do that. I don't know if you have an easement in the back or or whatever. >> There's an easement there, but it's the
water's coming up from the town's own s the storm sewer lines onto my property. >> I can't change physics. If the river backs up, salt work backs up and the storm sewer, there's nowhere it goes. I have the same problem at my house. So, >> yeah.
As far as the river elevations, he he checked the elevation of where the river is and it's a good I'm situated a good 10 ft. >> Oh, I know. >> above the river. So, it shouldn't be a river issue. >> It is if it backs up because there's
nowhere for the water to go. If the if the river's up here over the 10 foot level and it's at that salt works all filled, the water can't push into the river because it's already full. That's see that's where our
problem lies and we can't go into the river and clean it out. D already told us we can't go in there. So that's why we're trying to get this grant from Congressman Kane's office. We had one in
like three, four years ago and Congress knocked it out at the last the last moment. And that's why we're getting more and more towns involved because the more towns you get involved, the the better chance you're going to get the grant.
>> I see. Okay. >> It it it's a very frustrating process. When I was a kid, you could swim across the P River. You could probably walk across again. >> Yeah. >> So, >> but I understand your frustration. I
feel for you. I get it myself and I'm not happy about it. But, you know, I can't change the law of physics and I can't change the law of the D and the federal government. In fact, we were told the only one that can bypass uh D
is the Army Corps of Engineers. So hopefully they can come up with a solution. >> I see. Okay. >> I appreciate the council's attention to these concerns and your ongoing commitment to addressing the storm water
challenges impacting our community. I'm hopeful. >> We we honor we want to take care of this. It's a matter of money and it's a matter of getting, you know, being able to take care of the problem that I mean our engineer even said the problem is
living and there's nowhere for the water to go because they do what they call a heck analysis. They also see what happens here, what happens downstream to other
towns. So it's a big involved process. >> I see. Okay. Thank you for your time. >> Oh, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Evening, mayor and council members. Nice to see some new faces I haven't been in
front of before. Sarah Erin's 99 Crest Road. Um, so I'm speaking tonight as both a resident and one of the identifying identified flood spot, well, I should say flooding hotspot areas in support of Ryen NP's effort to work
collaboratively with the bureau on storm water solutions. So over the past four and a half years, our neighborhood has experienced significant flooding. My next door neighbor, who you will hear from tonight, has had water inside their
home multiple times. In my case, the municipal storm water culvert that runs directly alongside my house sustained significant structural damage during Hurricane Ida, which most of you know already, and it's continued to deteriorate since.
The fencing and retaining structure within the drainage easement are now compromised and leaning into the channel. During intense storms, water exits the culvert forcibly and debris moves quickly through that corridor. In
its current condition, the damaged infrastructure, creates a risk of obstruction, which could worsen flooding in the next major rain event or storm. This is not just about one property. It reflects a broader issue.
So, aging storm water infrastructure that needs consistent inspection, maintenance, and transparent communication with residents. So, Ryzen P has been respectfully asking for a clear identification of flooding
hotspots, public updates on what infrastructure is being evaluated, a structured plan for maintenance and capital improvements, and better communication before and after severe weather events as well. So,
we understand that infrastructure improvements take time and funding. What residents are asking for right now is just visibility and collaboration. We um I would also like to ask the following and it's similar to what Calvin was talking about, but is my area
specifically the Maple Street uh and Crest Road culvert corridor on the town's official hotspot list? >> I think it is. >> Okay, that's great. Um and what can residents
>> send us hot spots. >> I mean, you know, we know where the hot spots are. >> Is it not? >> I think I said, >> I don't have I don't have the list in front of me. >> Okay. >> Well, that was one of the things we
asked for is you guys to give us the hotspots. >> Okay. So, >> I understand the burrow had engineers doing mapping effort. Is that correct? >> Mapping efforts. I know we have an
engineer that's out there looking at this problem. >> Okay. >> The the camera you mean right? >> Uh well scoping is one aspect of what's needed for sure. But I think there was more just um an evaluation or study being done to identify exactly and map
out where the hot spots are. >> And I thought there was actual >> we've known for years. I can I just >> it's just when the problem is >> can I just real quick so >> identifying the hot spots was was to get
our engineer to go and look at immediately right to just look immediately to determine if there's anything that could be done as soon as possible which was done I believe that was kind of been accomplished they you know reviewed everything I I know what you're what you're asking for is there's
been deterioration it sounds like in your section over that covert area and in terms of that and maybe that wasn't looked at and and I don't know what the engineer looked at. I haven't seen any reports if you will but uh I think the whole concept was let's look at the hot spots. Let's have our engineer go look
at those based on the flooding and what we had you know with with the rainstorms and whatnot. Um and then from there, and you can talk more about this, but from there it was more of developing a plan. So address what we can immediately and
then start developing a plan for those specific hotspots, right? What's more priority? What can we do that's might take six months, a year or whatever. And I think that's kind of where you guys are at right now. >> Well, right now when with the snow and everything else, you really can't scope.
So, like I we explained to Rich and Kate, this isn't going to happen start until the spring because they can't do it with frozen stuff and things like that. But the the DPW has been in the
concrete cover piece. They've been out cleaning them out. They did that last fall. >> Which part of the concrete cover culvert? Where do you know? >> I know. down by uh Dale's Drive or or
behind there and then up along uh the community pool, places like that. >> I would invite everyone to come and look at the culver concrete culvert next to my house. It's a giant mess. >> Okay. And to to that point, I think,
>> you know, I I don't know I don't know the list of hotspots. I never looked or saw to be honest, but um because that committee is working on that. But um we did say right if there's additional hotspots let us know right you guys you guys are eyes and ears on the ground so if it's not identified and you you feel
like there's a hot spot let us know and and I think we should definitely have our engineers go out and take a look. >> Yeah I think we'd be more than happy to and I can't speak for Kate because I haven't obviously Kate and Rich I haven't been in all the meetings and they're certainly leading the effort from a rise of NP standpoint but I think
the group is more than willing to provide that information data. I think it's just a level of transparency and communication that's consistently being looked for to collaborate with the town. >> Um >> I will say that I you know I've been to your house like several times and yeah
it's it's definitely you can see the deterioration like in front of your eyes >> even since October though it's gotten much worse. >> Okay. I've seen it before October. So >> yeah, but I appreciate that. Thank you.
Um, so we all just want the same thing. Um, generally when it comes down to it, safer homes, protected property, and a proactive approach before the next storm and not after. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else?
Um, good evening. I'm also with MP Rise. Um, my name is Nikki Witchend. I live at 105 Crest Road. Um and um when my husband uh Rob who's sitting back there um and I purchased our home back in 2024 um we were aware that it was in a flood
zone and we accepted that risk but we did not accept as what we were living with today. Um our first major flood came with hurricane Ida and since then we have flooded two more times in 2024 and 2025 and they were significant floods not just garage floods. Um these
are these are not isolated weather events. This is a pattern and it's getting worse. Um, each flood brought significant water into our home. We estimate these repair floods have reduced our home's value significantly, even against the price we originally paid knowing we were in a flood zone.
Additionally, we applied to the Blue Acres program and were quickly denied. After our most recent flood, our home developed a persistent musty odor. Professional air quality testing confirmed elevated levels of as asparagus.
It's a type of mold. Um, remediation >> jealous. >> Yeah, thank you. Yes, remediation. >> Remediation will cost approximately $55,000. The cost our flood insurance is denied because post flood mold is not covered
is not a covered loss. On top of that, we have spent $8,000 on engineering surveys, face another $4,000 for remediation plan and construction costs that may exceed 20 $25,000. We know the town expanded drainage in
the culvert near our home and I live next door to Sarah. Um from one pipe to three in about 2,000. That expansion is no longer adequate. Uh we're doing everything homeowners can do, but we can't fix infrastructure.
We're asking the town to evaluate drainage capacity and flow in the area and share a clear plan and timeline. I have three specific questions the council tonight. I think Sarah asked for one of them is if we're in the hot spot and I'm still not clear if that answer
is a yes or not. Um um and then um and the the status of the two action line requests we submitted last year regarding the storm drain estimates on our property and runoff of maple. We haven't heard anything. Um and
what can residents expect from the town in terms of a clear pan plan and timeline and ongoing communication? I think we've talked about that a couple times tonight. Um I'm not asking for sympathy. Um, we're asking for accountability, communication of which we've heard nothing from, um, and the
infrastructure investment this neighborhood deserves. >> Well, for one, the communication. We sat down with Kate Rich. >> How do you spell? >> Ready? It's W I C H T E N D A H L.
>> Thank you. >> I wish I could tell I'm not an engineer. An engineer is going to have to go out there. There's supposed to be retention basins that were put in decades ago that was supposed to take care of that. It
was a federal project. It wasn't a a local project. So, we I think we've asked our colleagues to take a look at it and see if we can't get something going over there. >> That was back in July, right? That we
put in those two action uh action line items, but and we myself, forget about MP Rise for a moment, have heard nothing. >> I don't know. We were taking care of the flume and and over by Kate's house. >> We got to take a look. We'll take
>> somebody somebody came by. They looked at something and then we haven't heard anything since. >> I just wrote a note to look up your action line. I want to take a look. >> Okay. >> I'm curious. How do you actually get on like the hot spot is when somebody submits a letter and then it's automatically >> Good question. I don't know.
>> That's what we said. Send us uh people. Kate said that she was uh uh has a whole group and they were going to send the hotspots. >> We did on February 5th. Kate Gallock, 31 West Third Street. Listen, I think what
we're witnessing here is a convergence of lack of communication from the burrow to the residents for months. We sat down on January 29th. It was an excellent meeting. I was Rich and I were completely revitalized by
this work and excited. We sent a recap expressing what we heard, asked for confirmation. We did not hear back. We still followed up on February 5th with our full hotspot list. All the roads, what we know. We asked for reconciliation for that list. We put a
deadline, a suggested deadline of two full weeks, February 19th. We have not even received a single reply to that email. We continue to come. This is why we're here. It's all meant to say, listen, we aren't getting anything we need outside of this forum. So,
unfortunately, we have to come here and share our story and try to get some answers with you all. >> Wait a minute. Bernardet sent you a thing about us, the town's all getting together and you send in the letters
that we requested by everybody to send to Kane's office. >> And I sent it out within two hours of receipt of the email. >> But you say we're not communicating. You got a communication. But we're we're missing the connection between what does
>> we Rich didn't we explain that no work was going to be done until the spring? >> With all due respect, Rich and I are on the same page about everything and I'm standing right here. >> Okay. Did we not say that nothing was
going to be done until the spring? >> No, that wasn't what I heard in the meeting. >> That's what was said because the pipes freeze. There's a whole lot of different things going on and the cameras can't even get into the pipes. >> We talked about using this time to
understand what the hot spots are so we can at least tell the people these are the hot spots. You're on the list and then Bernardet was going to let us know when they the storm water committee which we've not heard about since October 11th was going to get back together and they were going to talk and
they were going to make a plan and there were going to be communications. I don't even know if the stormwater committee has gotten together since that time. >> No, >> I'm seeing shaken hands. >> And I also explained that we don't know how much money we can put into it because we don't have our budget numbers
yet. >> That's fine. We're not we're not holding you to that. We're going to come here next week and or whenever it happens and listen to the presentation. >> Listen to what I'm saying. >> I am >> I we explained that nothing's going to happen until the spring. We h we don't
we don't even know how much money we can put into their hand >> and respectfully nothing happening till the spring in the ground. If you want to say that it can't happen, you can't put a scope and a pipe in in winter. I I don't know those that information. I believe it to be a little shaky, but I'm
not an engineer just like yourself. But much should be happening between now and spring to coordinate our efforts because spring is here. The easements at at the Salt Brook Museum and heading down have been full since Friday morning. They
have not emptied. I go every single morning and if we get another storm, you're talking about the whole town. You're talking about OOLP all the way around. So, what are we doing to coordinate how we will manage this stuff together? This is a huge issue. talk
about a hot topic and everyone wants to have their little piece of it when things are going well, but we're here right now because we are on the cusp of things not going well. We're on the cusp of potential tragedies like we've seen in in neighboring towns. All we've asked
for since October or August 12th, whenever that first meeting is that I stood up here, is open communication and we can't something a little more proactive. get a response to an email after we sat down with you all in a room and shared m much goodwill.
>> So, we will continue to be here every meeting with the next hot spots that we have on our list until we can reconcile the list. We can understand that they're on your list. And what do we say, Brenda? I said this in the meeting. Even if you say they're on the list, we won't know what first which one will be first
until approximately April or May. Well, that is communication and that's something we can use to tell the town you're here. But you sent us the keen letter. I had it out in seconds to 100 people in my group. Whether they did it or not, I can't control. But it was out quick and
we did it. And I did that even when I have had no reply from anybody here. >> Well, I'll tell you what. I'll tell you what. You will get a reply. Okay? And I want to get this solved more than anybody. Mhm.
>> But you know what? Nothing's going to be happening until we get the budget done, see what kind of money we have, and what we can do in these hot spots. That's just reality. And you know, I
don't want to sound like I'm just blowing it off because I'm not. Josephine called last year and needed her uh she said, "Oh, it's all there's a bunch of garbage there." I personally went down there and run for hours.
>> Mayor, this is not an attack on you. >> But you know what? >> Can I just interject and I'm sorry to to cut you off because I think what you're asking for is some kind of documentation of what we know to be true and some kind
of idea of what steps need to be taken. Maybe not even the sequence of the steps, but what steps need to be taken. And then once we know what sequence we need, then we can figure out what we can pay for. >> Yeah. Much like the affordable housing
presentation that happened today was a great example of >> No, but the presentation, the education of the information, for instance, when Bernardet told us how a budget gets approved. It's like how a bill becomes a law. You know, imagine the little infographic that you watch when you're in fourth grade or whatever. like we're
looking we're looking for education so that we can be there with you so that we can get ahead of it. For instance, the donation program. Let's add um flooding recovery and remediation items like fans and shopbacks and stuff to that. There is so much that can be done so that when
we have an event, which it's here, it's coming, it's literally still in the easement, we are prepared as people, as a community to be resilient, to come together while we map everything out. That feels like a very simple ask, >> you know, and and a a plan
hypothetically could be like a multi-year document. So, spring of 26, >> you know, establish a budget, establish a list of hot spots, you know, uh >> pick off the little ones. >> Yeah. Create create a 2026 execution
schedule some >> and we're happy. We've offered to become a committee like sustainability, like diversity to do all the leg work and the thinking that we can do and say, "Okay, now you tell us what can actually happen, but to give you a starting point." I understand what you're saying and I understand what you're saying, but
you have to understand we have to hire the engineers. We have to do all these things. It's just not you you just can't go in and say, "Oh, this is what we're going to do X, Y, and Z right away. >> There has to be a plan."
>> And the thing is, this happened in July. >> I know. >> I know. And then we just we just got through >> feet of snow. >> So yeah, I mean I don't think they're asking >> they they we we took care of that. We spent a quarter of three4ers of a
million dollars just trying to get it. And it it's not going to happen overnight. And I keep trying to explain and it's real good to get up here and say boom boom boom. I'm a realist. I'm a common sense type guy. I know what
it takes just to get approvals from DP. It can take years. >> You know, we don't know. We don't >> I I've told you this. >> No, no, no. You've told us in broad strokes, we're looking for an action plan. A sometimes it's called a workback
plan. So, we want to accomplish this. Well, that's going to take us 18 months to even be able. That's all. You've been talking to Carmen. >> Yeah. >> Carmen's our engineer. >> Yeah. >> Has he talked to you about these things? >> We haven't spoken since problems, right?
>> Yeah. >> Now, you you got to give us a chance in the spring and the money that we can appropriate to take care of these problems. >> Okay. And and if if anyone else here is understanding because there's we're we're I can agree to disagree. We're
we're we're at a we're at a brick wall and I I it's unfortunate but I do think others here >> it's not a brick wall. >> No, it's a between you and I of what communication looks like. Clear, transparent, detailed communication and what action looks like. They're two
different things. >> See, I you're right. We're in a different page because I have to deal with the reality. You're dealing with it emotionally >> and I can't. >> No. It's okay. It's okay, guys. Guys, it's
okay. It's okay. >> You You have to Hey, listen. >> Emotionally, >> what goes on out there? >> Uh, no. No, sir. I don't know what you mean. Um, >> but uh, >> you know what? You can boom me. I'm doing the best I can with the money we
have to take take care of all your problems. >> Be better. Be better organized. So listen, this is the point in um my public relations training um where you step away because things will um have already escalated to the point of an
uncomfortable quality. You don't let me speak or many people speak. I'm stepping away now because that's the responsible thing to do and I will be the I will be the adult that does that. So listen >> um appreciate the dialogue here very
much. Um appreciate the eye contact. appreciate the head nods. We will continue to show up. Our town needs it. Um and we will continue to navigate these conversations and I appreciate your time as always. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Good evening.
>> Todd Salomon, 15 Delawick Lane in the Proidence. >> Um yeah. Good evening, Mayor. Good evening council. >> Can you just pull the microphone? Sure. You don't have to stoop. >> Okay. Um yeah, so we we've lived at 15 Delwick Lane since 2010. Um we've
experienced many different flooding issues over the years. Uh it's I think primarily due to the you know, as Calvin mentioned, the poor uh storm sewer drainage system because that backs up like our our house and three others are kind of the lowest spot on the street.
So all of the rain that comes onto Delwick and from Devon, it just funnels into there. Um, and then just a comment in terms of local flow patterns. So the street behind us is Hixon. And so we talk to like uh dads of my friend who
live on on H a dad of my friend who lives on Hixon. So when we get the flooding, they don't see an issue, right? So it's they don't see the flooding back there. So I can appreciate that. you know, your I think you mentioned your town engineer has reports saying that the drainage to the river is
an issue, but I think what we see there's no flooding on Hixon, but we have massive flooding where we are. So, I think it would be nice to know, this is a suggestion, is you know, what is a local issue that might be resolved more readily where it would be nice to also
know what what scope requires like D approval versus >> town approval. Ne approval. the scoping needs it. >> No, they don't need D approval. >> So, I think that I mean I think from my perspective just you know how big of a
job requires D approval versus if it's something smaller that might get mitigated, you know, without having to go to that extent because that could speed up the time frames. You know, a lot of times we we we found that builders put in these pipes
without permitance. And if there's no easement and it's not not town, we're not even supposed to touch it. And people have done this over the years without permits or anything else. So, I
don't know if if that's what's happening in your case. A lot of times when they build years ago, they would just build a swale in the back of the houses and uh the water is supposed to go in the swale and then drain.
>> Like over where you live, they don't call that no pond road for nothing. >> Yeah. Well, I learned it used to be it used to be be a pond. Uh so just to elaborate a little on what you mentioned there with the builders. So I believe the storm sewer is probably like a town uh installation, right? I don't think a
builder would have put the storm sewer in, right? That so we have a storm sewer that collects at the bottom of our street, runs in back to Hixon. All right. And so I learned this after we moved in, but our house Calvin, our neighbor Tom is here, and the Bach is to
the right of us. Um, we all have an elaborate underground drainage system that was put in pri I'm not sure exactly when, but prior to when we moved in. So all of our drainage connects into this underground system which connects into this storm sewer pipe that's running
from Delwick in the back to Hixon. So when you know when we get all that water accumulation it could be IDA it could be a big thunderstorm like that stuff just backs up and like you know Tom like his garage just floods immensely. We've had flooding because like all of our sump
pumps and our uh storm our uh gutter downspouts go into the drainage system. So when that backs up, there's nowhere for the water to go. And so we've, you know, we've put in a lot of expense to do like I we had to do a mold remediation our in our our basement. So we put in a French drain. We now have a
sump pump. But like when that thing backs up, my sump pump is going to act as a billagege pump and overflow. And I'm just going to hope that at some point like it doesn't just creep up all the way to the house and then flood everything again. But it's I mean it's a serious issue. Um, so we we have tried
to do as many home improvements we can to our house to waterproof it. We've done many mold remediations. My wife and my kids have had mold exposure, so they've been treated for mold exposure. So, um, yeah. So, I would I would just, you know, appreciate, you know, more information about the permitting process, what what's, you know, the
scope, and if you could, you mentioned that you had a town engineer that had a report about, you know, like I don't know if that's public information or public record, but I think that would be useful to share with the community. >> I'd like to see what what You had a contractor put in that system?
No, there's a underground system that predates when we moved in and it's on it's you know you see certain pipes and stuff uh that are there's an easement u but like if you look at the survey I don't know who put that in but I mean I from talking to a prior neighbor >> um I think when um our neighbor Kathy
Dylan used to live there somebody um had come in and with a back hole ho to connect everything but like if that still if the storm sewer like my one of my neighbors in the back like I've seen him out there trying to clear off there's a covered for the storm sewer. Like I'm afraid he something happens, he gets sucked into that thing because, you
know, the water's like this high in his backyard. I mean, it's it's dangerous. Um, so I don't know who put it in because it predates us. >> You know what? That that may be one of the first places we look to scope. Maybe there's a a blockage in there or something. You know, that a blockage is
pretty easy to fix. They get a jetack in there or whatever and and blow it out. I don't I don't personally I don't think it's a blockage because you see the street like our street right at right at this corner right by Calvin and Tom's house. It floods and it's it's deep and
it's wide and it's big and so that's basically the storm sewer can't handle that water. >> You know, a collapsed pipe then you it just >> I think they they I think they scoped it and from you know what Calvin had mentioned I think that it looked pretty clear, right?
>> Or penetrations from like from roots or further. >> They can see down to Hixon. >> Yeah, >> but I don't know why the storm s go to Hixon when the river's the other way. Why it wouldn't go that I know they go down Pine Way.
>> It goes down from my area. It goes down between one pipe that runs between our houses. >> Okay. >> And then it kind of legs downhal. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, I appreciate you.
>> That's good information. >> I give it to the engineer. >> I just want to clear one I think Kate said, you know, the water's sitting right now in the in the, you know, >> the cement coververts, right? >> You know, this is all that snow. We got
a lot of snow, right? It's melting. Where's it go? Goes down to the river, right? The river is pretty high right now because all that, it's not just New Providence. It's every town, right? So, all that's going to one spot and it's kind of being pressurized, right? And
pushed back. So until that can get lower, we're going to see that still sitting in the culverts, right? We've been saying for a long time that's the problem, right? The river is one of the problems. Sorry, not the only problem. One of the biggest problems is the river. And unfortunately, you know, we
there's nothing we're allowed to do right now. Like if we can put money in a budget and say let's go, you know, dredge that thing and make it better for New Providence, we'd, you know, love to do it. But >> I think what we heard from our engineer when we started talking about all this is we can't do that. number one because we're not allowed to affect our
downstream neighbors, right? And uh our upstream neighbors aren't allowed to do anything that's going to affect us. So, there's a lot more to it than just, you know, uh cleaning out coverts and cementing, you know, re reseementing coververts and
things of that nature. But if there are collapsed pipes, if there if there are undersized pipes, those are things that I'm not sure there's much we can do right now, >> right? You can't rip up the town and and put in bigger pipes, right? Uh that's I don't even what that would cost hundreds
of millions of dollars. I don't know. But, you know, maybe there's something that we can get or look into from the state for something to that effect. But um if there are in your area specifically undersized pipes and if that's the case um you know again I
don't even know if ripping that up and replacing it with larger pipes to fix your area is allowed right it might not even be allowed to do that because it'll affect somebody else right and maybe it'll affect somebody else down the down the road. So >> we should we should know that we should
like document >> yeah this should be knowable. Yeah, just so that we know what we're dealing with. I think that's >> kind of what they're asking for. >> I'm I'm a chemical engineer. I don't claim to be a civil engineer, but we study flow and pipes. So, I think it would be prudent or or useful for the
town engineer to look at the flow network and say, okay, like Hixon's not flooding right now, so presumably the water flowing through the pipes on Hixon is not having an issue getting away, right? Because you're not, you know, at least this is what our my friend's dad's telling us. So I think it would be
useful for them to kind of look at the whole system and see okay like you know this is where you have a serious bottleneck like we see every time we get a big rain at the at the bottom of our street and um you know because it like you're right if you can't do anything in the river stuff's going to back up but
there could be local bottlenecks right when you get like you know so I I you know I don't want to blame every I don't want to blame >> but I yeah so I like when I hear everything's the river's fault and getting it to the river you know I'm not sure I I would completely agree you Based on what we've seen over 16 years,
>> we try to a crush pipe that gates. Hopefully that'll take care of it. >> Your problem, right? Have you had a problem since? >> No. >> No. >> Yeah. So, the
>> but once again, you know, you get uh six, seven inches of rain in an hour, nothing's going to you're an engineer. you understand nothing's going to help that. So, we are the best system in the
world, but it's going to back up. >> I think our takeaway, it sounds like, is we got to we got to make sure that we understand what the hot spots that we've identified are. We got to post that up so you guys know what we have identified as the hot spots. And if you are another hot spot or you believe you are one that's not on that list, then then give
us the information on it. Right. Let's start with that. Right. >> We'll put on the website. That was my question. Where are we posting the hotspots? >> Yeah. >> So that everybody can >> Yeah, it would have to be on the website. >> And then you can do like a little form for submitting additional information. >> There is one that's the action lines. They're already
>> I was going to actually go there. I was so so so one identifying posting up hot spots, right? >> Um and and then two, you know, I think Nikki might have mentioned how do how do you communicate or if there's an issue? I think using the action lines is is
important. I'm going to go look for her action lines from October. Unfortunately, you know, it depends on how you put in an action line, how we whether or not it's something that all of the burrow mayor council see. Some people might just directly send it to
somebody individually. I would I would highly suggest if there's action lines related to any of any of the flooding issues, send them to the mayor and council so that we all get them >> everybody has them and then we can see if it's been actioned or responded to at the same time.
>> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> And Tate, I apologize if it seemed like I was getting hot. >> You know, Bernardet and I have been working diligently on this try. I've been meeting with, you know, talking to the congressman's office. I've been
talking to the other mayors involved and Bernardet's been uh talking to Collers. We've been talking to She talks to the administrators all the time. We're frustrated. I mean, really frustrated. We know that
there's problems and we're doing our best to try and uh get it get it solved. And you It it's so frustrating dealing with the feds. It's unbelievable. The only in the
state, you know, they're just saying you can't touch anything. It's it's it's extremely frustrating. The only thing we they pretty much said we could do is take a uh front end loader and and scoop out the the
concrete covers. The natural stuff they said we can't even touch. >> So, >> and if there's growth and And any growth within the culvert, for example, shrubbery and trees, we can't touch it. They won't let us touch that. >> If there's like silt in the middle of
the sawbrook down by the river, but there's like a little weed or something. They're saying, "Oh, no. That that's a natural island." Come on. Are you kidding? >> When did that change? >> That's like a >> Oh, they change. D regulations change
all the time. >> Yeah, we >> I think we talked about Earlier earlier in in the process here we talked about if there's coververts cemented coververts that >> we can go in and clean out we can do that. However the the DP did
>> again I'm just >> I thought they did that in the fall and cleaned out or >> they used to do it twice a year. >> Yeah. Now it hasn't been done in years and there's trees down. That's part of what Sarah was saying that there's
treason blocking. >> Yep. Those are things we need to identify and and >> All right. Well, I'll talk to Ralph. >> You mentioned my name that I called last year. I haven't sent the but I don't want to be in charge of that
that tunnel. >> Okay. >> I have what I do is I actually run there every time I know I'm working next week. I'm not check >> about it, right?
>> I had those pipes put in. >> Yeah. No, I know. >> Okay. I'll uh I'll talk to Ralph. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Anyone else? >> I appreciate that. >> Yeah, no problem. and Kate, you and I
will sit down and have a conversation and I I apologize. >> I think we'll have a joint conversation. Three of us probably. >> What's that? >> I think the three of us could be better. >> That's fine. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Appreciate it. >> Anybody else? >> Okay. Anybody else wishing to address council? >> Seeing no one, I declare the public comments close. I need a motion for items 1 through 22.
>> So moved. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Learner, >> I. >> Miss Dolan, >> yes. >> Mrs. Jeffoffrey, >> yes. >> Mr. Kamisky. Hi. >> Mrs. Mcnite. >> Yes. >> Mr. Gardner, I Okay, I have a motion for
a >> second. All >> in favor? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> No. So big.