Okay, according to mean to order. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Learner, >> here. >> Miss Dolan here. >> Mrs. Jeffrey >> here. >> Mayor Morgan >> here. >> Mr. Kamisky >> here. >> Mrs. Mcnite >> here. Mr. Gardner >> here. >> The flagg
of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. It's a public reading bill. Council General, Union State, New Jersey. Adequate notice has been given in accordance with PL 1975.
Chapter 231 annual notice of revision was made to conform to section 13 of the act. Well, tonight this is this is a great night because we're going to be honoring uh Chris Wazinski for his uh accomplishment
winning gold medalist in Special Olympics. So, And did you get into this or >> you can see this is pretty long. So they made the print big for me. Whereas a broad problem proudly
recognizes residents whose dedication, perseverance, sport sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence inspire our community and exemplify the very best of our hometown. And whereas new province
resident Christopher Wazinski earned the distinguished honor of representing Special Olympics team New Jersey in the traditional 505 flag football D2 division at the 220 2026 Special
Olympics USA games held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, competing against the nation's finest athletes. And whereas Christopher and his teammates demonstrated exceptional athleticism, teamwork, and determination through the
tournament, completing an undercoeted championship run while proudly representing the state of New Jersey. And whereas during pool play, team New Jersey earned victories over Michigan,
Idaho, and Indiana, securing the top side, top seed in this division and advancing to the gold medal rank. And whereas the medal rank, team New Jersey continued its remarkable performance by
defeating Nebraska. They got big. We had pizza >> in the semifinal before advancing the gold medal championship game. And whereas team New Jersey concluded its unforgettable tournament by defeating Special Olympics Michigan in the gold
medal championship, capturing the traditional 505 flag football national championship and earning gold medal at the 2026 Special Olympics US Games. And whereas Christopher's outstanding
achievement reflects countless hours of training, dedication, perseverance, and teamwork while serving as an exceptional ambassador for the Burough New Providence in the state of New Jersey and the Special Olympics movement. And
whereas on the mission of Special Olympics is providing a year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities promoting inclusion, confidence, friendship, and opportunity
through the transformative power of this sport. And whereas Christopher's accomplishments inspire residents of all ages by demonstrating that determination, courage, teamwork, and perseverance can
overcome obstacles that lead to extraordinary success. Reminding us that true champions are measured not only by victories, but by character, sportsmanship, and the example they set for others. Whereas the Burlington
Province extends a sincere appreciation to Christopher's family, coaches, teammates, volunteers, and supporters whose encouragement and commitment help make this remarkable national championship possible. Now therefore it
be proclaimed at the mayor and burough council of throwing providence to hereby proudly recognize and congratulate Christopher Wazinski a special Olympics team New Jersey flag football gold medalist for his outstanding achievement
and representing the team New Jersey at the 2026 special Olympics competing an undefeated tournament winning traditional 50 on five flag fly football D2 gold medal and bringing
great pride, honor, and distinction to the Burlin Province in the state of New Jersey. I'm getting to the last page. This is the worst proclamation ever.
He further proclaimed that the Burlington Province applauds Christopher for exemplifying perseverance, courage, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and encourages all residents to celebrate his accomplishments while surrounding the mission of Special Olympics and
creating a more inclusive world through the power of sports. Congratulations Anyone want to come up? have a wide >> angle or
so off center. Thank you. >> Senator um had a proclamation made for the state of New Jersey. I know Nancy initiated it. So, Go ahead.
>> I will. Thank you. I I had the fortune the good fortune of representing district uh burough of New Providence for 17 years in as a member of district 21. So, and I know Susie Klein very well from my years of exercising in the pool
with her. So when I heard about this great accomplishment, I contacted Senator Brandic and asked that they get a resolution from the state on behalf of both the Senate and the Assembly of the State of New Jersey commending you for what you've accomplished. I'm not going
to read everything that Al may have just read, but I will also acknowledge not only do you have great athletic practice, but to acknowledge your academic achievements as well that I have learned that you are a student at the 12 plus program at the Cal School. Am I pronouncing that properly?
>> Yes. >> And where you've earned certificates in home improvement and horiculture from the county college of Morris. that you've also competed on the new Providence High School boys swim team and accredited Special Olympics for giving you the confidence to compete at
that level and that you have achievements not just in uh football but in swimming, basketball and bowling. So, you're quite an accomplished athlete. So, again, I have a certificate here, a resolution from the state of New Jersey with all the bells and whistles and
certificates. I told Susie that she's got to uh frame this and put it up on her wall and then to commend you and the final words are for your hard work and perseverance that he established a model worthy of emulation and set a standard
toward which others might strive. And it is altogether proper and fitting for the members of the legislature to pause in their deliberations to acknowledge Christopher and to praise him as an individual of strong character and boundless fortitude and that the
legislature hereby commends and congratulates Christopher Wisinski pays tribute to his meritorious record of commitment and achievement and extends sincere best wishes for continued success in all of your future endeavors.
So on behalf of congratulations. >> Yeah, the parents are true. That's awesome. >> Yeah, >> that's wonderful. >> You Oh, is it ice cream?
>> Hey guys, the rest is just regular business. You don't have to stay if you don't want to. >> Fascinating. >> It's going to be a page turner. What a great >> That is awesome. >> And I get to party.
It's probably just It's probably in the fridge. >> Is that good custard in inside? >> Okay. Approval minutes of June 23rd. Motion, please. >> So move. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> No. So be it. Okay. We have some
correspondents. Vivian Rand about about a local restaurant with Team Spirit. >> Um, Irrigation Association of New Jersey enforcement of landscape license
licensing law. Michael Leblond, um, he has a problem with the, uh, Jersey Central Power and Light. He actually lives in Berkeley Heights. Uh state New Jersey Board of Public
Utilities uh suspending increases for uh raising rates for water service Mike about the community pool bridge. I know he's talking about ponding on the bridges on the edges, but that that job's not complete yet. >> Correct.
>> Correct. So, we haven't paid them until it's completely finished. >> Okay. >> Can I just I I want It was a very long uh action line and it had a lot of things in there. I just want to make a couple things clear. Um you know first and foremost uh the
bridge project wasn't a project that was completed um because we wanted to do it right. It was a project that was completed because we had to do it. Um you if you remember and you can probably talk more about the details, but we had a couple storms that did some damage to
some of our pedestrian bridges, right? I think we even lost one. we do. >> Um, and our engineers when they reviewed our bridges and saw micro cracks and things of that nature, uh, it it's now in our hands for public safety reasons to make sure that uh, if they need to be
replaced that they're going to be replaced. So, this project was was a necessity, okay? It wasn't it wasn't just, you know, something that we did because we wanted to do it. Um, so that being said, um, there were some ups and downs with this because of
timing because it related to the pool, right? And we couldn't install the bridge because the timing of it would have corresponded with the actual pool opening and the pool having to use it and put some chemicals in the water and things of that nature. So, so the logistics were difficult for this
particular bridge uh, as well. So, um, you know, our professional engineers, our our burrow engineer, our burough planners, you know, they they've have been in contact with the construction company and and the bridge uh work throughout the entire project.
Um, I saw it. I I texted Bernardet literally. I walked over the bridge and I saw it. I took a picture. I texted Bernardet. I said, "Hey, this kind of looks funny." And her response to me immediately within minutes was, "Um, yep. We've noticed those concerns. engineers have noted that it's on a
punch list and it will be co it'll be uh coordinated with our construction officials and they won't get their final payment until that punch list is completed. So, you know, I just wanted to just make sure that you know when I when I read this is, you know, it wasn't a necessity, right? It wasn't a waste of
taxpayer money and and and our job, right? Number one is public safety. Uh so, you know, that was a safety concern. So, we had to replace it. They referenced an article in in the TAP that also said the bridge was $400 to $800,000. And that's what the article
said and that was prior to that was the coordination phase where we were just trying to figure out how much it was going to cost and that was the estimate around 400 to $800,000 and Kier's actually um you know put the bid specs together and we got I think five maybe
five bids on that and it came in under $300,000. So, so it actually uh was almost half of what we originally thought. So, it turned out to be, you know, less than we wanted it to be. At the same time, it was a very important bridge that that needed to be replaced.
So, I just wanted to put that out there and let everybody know that, you know, that's those are is important for us when it comes to public safety and and you know, we do make sure that we're spending taxpayer money. Um, and that again, you know, we hire professionals
like Collers, you know, to to to help us with preparing bid packages, to help us with uh reviewing the construction companies that we're going to be working with and and we've talked about this a lot when it comes to uh government work.
Unfortunately, you know, we just can't pick any bid that we want, right? We have to look at, you know, what's a reasonable bid and where is it in the ballpark of what we expect it to be. And unfortunately, we got to take the lowest one, right? And sometimes that means, you know, there's logistic issues or
timing issues or or or >> You're exactly right. In fact, it probably won't even be completed till the fall because, you know, people need to use it for pool use. So, um, yeah,
there was a lot of factors going into that. >> So, again, I just wanted I mean, it was a really long action line. I don't know what the response was to it, but I wanted to like kind of offer a little bit more details there. >> Okay. Uh, we have a planning board notice for uh, Buffalo Wild Wings Go. It's a takeout Buffalo Wild Wings.
There'll be a couple seating in there, but it was approved by the planning board uh, last week. Uh, Berkeley Heights ordinance introduction. Uh another one uh in fact we have three in a row from Berkeley Heights and we have
a board of adjustment for 30 uh Fairmont Road and city summit and ordinance final ordinance reading. Any comments? Seeing none, we'll go to council business administration nine.
>> Thank you mayor. Uh resolution 2026-241 is a resolution awarding contract government strategy group for operational review services for 2026. Uh so at the last meeting uh we had mentioned that we had received a um
grant to move forward with this. Um the bureau received two qualified uh statements in response to the request for qualifications for operational review services. The submissions were received from government strategy group
GSG and from the matrix consulting group. Both firms demonstrated the professional qualifications, organizational capacity, and technical expertise necessary to successfully complete the bureau's operational review. Each firm presented experienced
project teams with expertise in municipal administration, finance, public works, public safety, human resources, planning, and organizational analysis. After reviewing both submissions against the evaluation criteria established in the RFQ, I
recommend that the bureau award the contract to Government Strategy Group GSG. GSG's proposal distinguished itself through its extensive New Jersey municipal expertise, specialized experience conducting management
enhancement reviews, comprehensive statewide benchmarking resources, and unique familiarity with the bureau's operations and organizational structure. So collectively, these qualifications position GSG to deliver the greatest
overall value to the bureau by providing practical datadriven recommendations that are tailored to New Providence's operational needs and long-term strategic plans. >> I do have a just a quick question. >> Sure. >> The grant does that cover 100% of the
services or do we cover >> put in for that grant cover 75% of it. is on the burrow. >> Yeah. Okay. >> 7525. >> Is there a timeline? >> A year. >> So, we have to use the grant within a year. >> Mhm. >> All right. And do we have a timeline
when they're going to get started? >> Tomorrow. >> That's nice and fast. >> That's pretty quick. >> It's about take a year. >> They'd say July 15. July 15th, I think. >> Yeah. It's it's about a six-month uh uh uh from from beginning of the project to
uh complete. >> Yeah. So well within the scope, well within everything um that we were looking for and um definitely will be continuously reviewed by the bureau administrator, the CFO and all the
vested parties. So it'll definitely be reviewed thoroughly. >> Okay, you're still up affordable housing. >> Let's go. Let's go. Affordable housing. Um, resolution 2026-242 is a resolution authorizing execution of
an amended mediation agreement resolving challenges to the burough's housing element and fair share plan. Um, so for those of you who have been watching along, we've been talking about our affordable housing plan for quite a while. Uh, we had had some challengers.
So, this resolution kind of uh lays that to rest. It updates a previous a previously approved affordable housing mediation agreement to reflect changed circumstances while continuing to resolve key legal challenges to New
Providence's fourth round affordable housing plan. So executing the amended agreement is intended to support the bureau's efforts to achieve compliance with New Jerseys affordable housing requirements. So again, this is all part of what we need to do to get past the
fourth round. Uh the rest of the resolutions are also related to that. So resolution 2026-243 is a resolution of the bureau of new providence referring to the planning board of the bureau, amendments to the bureau's housing element and fair share
plan for consideration and adoption. So the rehabilitation program manual is a bureau's rule book for operating its affordable housing rehabilitation program. It explains how the municipality will identify, approve, fund, monitor, and document repairs to
existing homes occupied by low and moderate income households. Uh so again, if you've been following along, everything we do with affordable housing, we're really tied into the planning board. Resolution 2026-244 is a resolution of the Bureau of New
Providence adopting manuals for the administration of affordable housing. So, the affordable the affordability assistance manual explains how the bureau will provide financial assistance to make affordable housing units accessible to incomequalified households
while ensuring compliance with the state's affordable housing regulations and protecting the municipalities affordable housing credits. Resolution 2026-245 is a resolution authorizing agreement between the Bureau of New Providence and
CGP andHLLC for affordable housing administrative agent general services. So this resolution approves the renewal of the professional services agreement between the Bureau of New Providence and CGPNHLC
for the provision of professional affordable housing consulting services. The agreement is effective August 1st, 2026 through July 31st, 2027 and may be terminated by either party within 30 days written notice. Um, so also how
we've been talking all along about there are so many factors that go into affordable housing, how people are chosen, how they move in, all the requirements and such. These resolutions kind of lay that map out on how we're going to do that going forward. Um, and is very important. We have an outside um
administrative agent that does that because the amount of paperwork that's involved with each and every one of these applications is very very extensive. Okay. Okay. And last but not least, um, resolution 2026-246 is
the, uh, resolution amending contract term for Susan Grul of Hire, Grul, and Associates for professional planning services related to affordable housing. So this is approving the extension of the agreement with ha hire grl and
associates through December 31st 2026 due to ongoing affordable housing planning needs associated with the fourth round settlement. They will continue to provide professional planning services at an hourly rate not to exceed $190 per hour. So, we had
planned on this being done by the end of the first quarter, but unfortunately, as more roadblocks were encountered, we had to extend, extend, extend since they are really our go-to experts in this plan at this point, uh, we're going to stay with them through the fruition of the plan.
So, hopefully it'll be done sooner rather than later. >> Okay, Matt, community activities. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Resolution 247 is a resolution approving requisition R2601514 for Ben Schaefer Recreation, Inc. in the
amount not to exceed $44,793.68 for park benches for Centennial Park. Uh we'll be using ESJ Co-op. Uh so we're going to be putting 24 benches, replacing 24 benches in Centennial Park. Uh the current benches
out there apparently are 25 years old and uh we use a park now at our summer series and and a lot of other functions throughout the year. So this would be a very nice upgrade. >> Can't believe it's 25 years already. >> Yeah,
>> time flies. >> Resolution 248 is a resolution approving requisition R2601505 for Ben Schaefer Recreation, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $14,580 for patio and driveway replacement related to Oakwood Park playground
project. Same co-op. We are um we actually ran into a problem when we were uh excavating and the sprinkler system happened to be under the playground park. So we are moving that around uh in ter as well as uh some of
the retaining walls for some of the um walkways from the from the park to the shack. >> Might as well keep going. Engineering. >> Okay, engineering. We here we have an ordinance. Ordinance 2026-06 uh is an ordinance of the Bureau of New
Providence, County of Union, State of New Jersey, amending chapter 310 of the code entitled zoning. So just what we're doing here um we are amending our our zoning code to do a few things. First is
we are amending it to uh change the definition uh for data center uh and we're going to repeal it and replace it with a new data center uh definition. I am not going to read the whole definition. You can see the ordinance. It's very long. Uh we're also
going to uh add a definition for data center micro mini which will also uh has a definition there you can read in the ordinance. Uh and lastly, we're going to be amending article 4 section 310
entitled TB1 TBI 1 technology and business innovation zone 1 and section 31038 entitled TBI 2 technology and business innovation zone 2. We are amending to remove data center as a
permitted use. Um, this ordinance will maintain the burrow's commitment to protecting the character of the community and ensuring that future development remains consistent with the master plan and the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and businesses.
Okay. Resolution 249 is a resolution authorizing the execution of final design federal aid modification agreement for the 2018 safe routes to school grant. So, the New Jersey Department of Transportation um actually
has notified us on June 25th that the Federal Highway Administration authorized the funding of $275,31745 for our final design costs associated with the federal aid program project. This is our safe route to school project
from 2018. Uh eight years ago we started this project. So um we've had many meetings um designing working with residents. Uh just to give you an idea of since it's
been so long, this project scope incorporates uh projects uh around three distinct areas where we'll be uh adding new sidewalks, curbs, and ADA improvements. Um
as well to provide continuous accessible routes between our various schools in the neighborhoods and community facilities specifically as follows. South Street between Oakwood Drive and Woodland Road, Laurel Drive and Brookside Drive. So, this is our Safe Rest to School funding grant. Uh we're
we're way down the road on this. We finally got approval to spend the funds to to to start the projects. Okay. Resolution 250 is an approval to submit a grant application and execute a grant contract with the New Jersey Department
of Transportation for Central Avenue uh improvements. So here we're looking to apply to NJTO municipal aid funding for $697,45920 for improvements to Central Avenue from South Street to Maple Street approximately 66 miles focusing on
roadway preservation, safety upgrades, and um all work outside of the New Jersey Transit Right of Way. We learned our lesson there. >> Yes. Resolution 251 is a resolution accepting
the proposer proposal of Kier's engineering and design for professional services related to the DPW building replacement project. So um if you don't if you don't remember we
passed last year we were moving forward with replacing our DPW building. Our DPW building is as old as or older than our mayor I think. Uh you used to run around in those buildings when you were a child apparently. But uh no our our joke our
>> older than me >> our buildings are very old. Uh the DPW is very old dilapidated. Uh so we approved actually replacing it um and we went forward with a um uh what's it called when you bring in the building? Uh prefab, right? So we
had we had approved a prefab building there. Uh unfortunately as we got further along with with the company there were a lot of add-ons u and that price tag got too high. So we pulled we pulled it back. Uh we are we are engaging um kers now to to move forward
with um the due diligence of all the work that we've done to date to try to get us to a place where we want to be which is a new building uh within the same parameters of what we've already reviewed and approved uh in in our previous years.
Okay. Resolution 252 is a resolution approving wreck R2601596 for RA Dill and Suns in an amount not to exceed $2,06 for additional boiler work at the mun municipal annex. So the annex across the
street uh we just needed some additional boiler work to be to be finished up over there. Annex is coming along very nicely. Uh, I think we talked about um our our police will be moving over there uh in August. Resolution 253 is a resolution
authorizing agreement between the Burough of New Providence and Train North Jersey for HVAC upgrades to the municipal building uh in an amount not to exceed $1,27,560. Yes, that is $1 million. We are actually um going to upgrade our HVAC system here
in the building. Um we it's going to be an addition to the to current boiler system. Is that correct? >> It'll be an replacement of >> a replacement of the entire I thought some of the building was staying or is there's a separate part on the on the on the >> every everybody else has roof units.
>> This will add uh air conditioning to our gymnasium which is very very needed. um this this uh train um uh contract right now we're we're reviewing uh whether we can uh utilize a
program where we can fund it at zero interest over five years. We're hoping to do that. We're asking the state to take a look at it. Uh if we can do that, that's what we're obviously going to do. If we cannot do that, then uh we will you go into our capital budget and we'll be using capital funds for it. prevent
lack of heat like you guys had this winter. >> Yeah, that was not fun. >> Yeah. Resolution 254 is a resolution approving contract with Northeast Roof Maintenance for repairs to the library roof not to exceed $35,940
uh using our Bergen County co-op. Uh towards the end of last year, I believe we had we had some leaks in the library building. They put some temporary fixes on it. uh we are going to repair those uh fixes a little bit more permanently.
Uh resolution 255 is a resolution approving a contract with CRT Contracting and Codings Inc. for roof coding and repairs to the EMS building in an amount not to exceed 53,225.45. This is also part of our Bergen County co-op. Uh this is going to address uh
deteriorating roof conditions on our EMS building. Um, this is this is a permanent uh coding that'll I believe we get a 20-year um we're going to be getting a 20-year warranty on. That's all I have. >> Can I ask a question about one of the
resolutions? >> Sure. >> Um just going back to um 249 about the safe routes to school. Um so we had a session here was maybe over a year ago. I don't remember exact date.
um where we had the neighbors on specifically Laurel Drive and Brookside come and look at the schematics and I know there was a lot of concern about what the plan was showing. Um and then since then
there really hasn't been any word about what the engineering group was doing with those with that feedback from the residents. So this final design uh activity is that is there going to be an attempt
to try to address some of the concerns that the residents brought up or are they just moving ahead with what had been originally presented? >> No, they they always try to take into consideration um the feedback that they receive at those pick meetings. >> Um sometimes they can incorporate it and
sometimes they can't. So, um, I haven't I haven't heard from I haven't seen new plans since then. Okay. >> Um, so >> the money that we're receiving in in this resolution is just for the final design phase. It's not for the construction of. So, there's another $430,000
set aside for the construction. >> Um, but as we work through this, you'll you'll see more. >> Okay. Okay. Because I'm gonna get questions. >> Yeah. Yeah. I appreciate that. >> You know, somebody >> one or two people. >> Yeah. Yeah. It just brings it back up to >> Yeah. Thank you.
>> Okay. Lisa, you're up. >> Thank you very >> uh resolution 256 forever >> is a resolution providing for the insertion of any special item of revenue in the 2026 budget pursuant of NJSA 4A4-87
chapter 159 PL1948. It's the National Opioid Settlement. Uh this is one of several um settlements that we get from them. it. This one is for $49962. It does have very specific uh uses of how we can um how we can use those
funds. Uh resolution 257 is a resolution providing for the insertion of any special item of revenue in the 2026 budget pursuant of NJSA 484-87
chapter 159 PL1948. This is a recycling tonnage grant. Uh we'll be inserting $22,65.7 into the budget as part of the recycling tonnage grant. Um so these funds, you know, as as it sounds, are restricted
and must be used to support our recycling programs. things like recycling pickup, uh, collection, recycling education, enforcement, and even, uh, program administration and staffing at the recycling center. So,
uh, 22,000, that's nice, nice amount to offset our everinccreasing recycling costs every year. Um, resolution 258 is a resolution authorizing for the payment of the attached bills payable list. The
amount is 5,362,559. The most significant item on here is for the New Providence Board of Education. That is the June tax levy for $4,86,484. We have the July appropriation for the library of 119,967.
Uh we have to F uh FOIA Trinity Electric 56,567 for energy efficient upgrades at the annex. Uh Woodland Builders 44,193 for annex upgrades and 37,46
to Marlin Dilva for replaced flooring throughout the annex. This is all in um to to ready the building for uh the the police department moving over uh resolution 259
uh Shaun Holdings u versus Burrow of New Providence. They're at block 170 lot 3.01 otherwise known as 165 South Street. Uh the docket number is 0000304-2026 and 008796-2026.
This uh is a resolution that's going to be settling pending tax appeals with uh 165 South Street and it's going to be reducing the property properties assessments for 2025 and 2026. It
establishes the terms for the refunds and the fee adjustments and authorizes the burough officials to finalize that agreement. >> Okay. Personnel. >> Thank you, mayor. Resolution 2026-260
is a resolution appointing Timothy O' Conor as part-time tax tax assessor for the Bureau of New Providence. Um, so we are officially appointing Timothy as part-time assessor through June 30th of 2030. And this appointment is done by
state statute. Uh, so we welcome him officially. He's been here for a while, but this makes it all official. Uh, next we are introducing ordinance 2026-07 which is an ordinance fixing the minimum and maximum rates of compensation for
certain offices and positions of employment established and maintained in and for the Bureau of New Providence. So, New Jersey statutes mandate that municipal governing bodies must fix and determine municipal compensations by
ordinance. So, this ordinance is being amended. Um, so we can include the position of deputy chief of police. So that's really the only amendment. >> Okay. We have ordinance uh 08 introduction
um chapter uh 257 and the ordinance is intended to improve traffic management, public safety by formally establishing restricted parking for police vehicles at the municipal center. uh maintaining accurate parking
regulations throughout the burrow and ensuring burrow traffic code reflects current operational needs and prior roadway changes. Um 261 is one that I hate to read.
>> It's the retirement of uh Dan Hen. didn't seem that long ago. In 2000 when I swore Dannon as a uh patrol officer, he's he's been a great chief, good friend. Uh always handled things the
right way. Um I wish him all the luck in the world. As a mayor, I hate to see him go. as a friend. I'm happy that he he he's found a nice job that um I I'm getting a little choked up. You
know, you get really close to some people that you work with all the time and you know, I'm going to miss him dearly. Thank God he lives in town and I'll be able to see him and you know, I know a friendship like that that just
doesn't walk away. So, uh, we wish him and his family all the best and thank him so much for all the services that he's given to this community. Can I just can I just give a quick little story? I I may have told you this before. I just
think it's worth repeating. Um, I met Dan uh 18 years ago. My son, a little over 18 years ago, my son was a baby and he had slipped and split his lip open and I had called 911 and my wife was going to get food. So, I was by
myself handling four children and and uh I was very scared and nervous and and you know, Dan showed up right away, patrolling Dan, right? And >> uh he was awesome. Uh he and he remembers it too because he throws it back in my face. The only thing I kept saying was, "My wife's going to kill me.
My wife's going to kill me." And uh but no Dan was um he was professional, he was very courteous, he was very calm. Uh and and something I I do want to add, I I have had many many experiences with with our NP police um you know, over the
last 21 years just, you know, in in in stressful times and situations when when things happen and and they're the first on the scene that they're just really really fantastic. And um and that wasn't even the best part, right? So, you know, my son had to go to the hospital. He had to get plastic surgery. Um, it was
traumatizing, right? And and the next day there's a knock on the door and there's a policeman standing out there. And I'm like, uhoh, what what did we do? And I open the door and it was Dan. And he says, "Hey, Mr. Kamisky, how you doing? I just wanted to check in on Devon and see how he's doing."
>> And I was just like, "Wow." You know, this what a what a great guy, you know, who I didn't grow up in a place that um police acted that way, you know. So, uh, I saw Dan at pickup at Saltbrook and I went right up to him and, uh, we've
been pretty good friends ever since. And he's just a great guy. I'm going to miss him, too. >> You would be surprised how many times police officers go back the next day just to see how everything is. Not only them, the rescue squad does the same thing.
>> How's everybody doing? This and that. This is things you don't get in cities, >> you know? You get that in a in a small community like this. Agreed. >> So there's a lot to be said about a small community. >> For sure.
>> Okay. Um so since he's retiring, we always anybody who retires in good standing, we always let them have their service revolver. >> Okay. I don't think it's a revolver anymore.
Okay. Um, next one is appointing Don Stratenovic as chief and that will start on August 1st. Um, you know, Don, he he's been been here
long time, done a great job for us, and um, wish him well. And I told him that today when I saw him, I'm not as bad as Stan says. >> Don't believe what he's told. Okay. Um,
resolution 264 is appointing Mario Suarez as a class 3 special enforcement officer and he'll be going to Our Lady of Peace. Okay. U 265 is a contract between
authorizing contract between the Brun of Providence and RA Mobile Safety SR 911. And thank God for that. that worked out really well in this past storm. Uh, ordinance
09 is an ordinance uh that formally recognizes deputy chief position within the police department command structure in support of a department leadership, administration, and operational needs.
Next, we have some raffle applications. New Providence High School RA 1265 um and two for our house uh 1263 and BA
135. Oh, that's bingo. So, uh all applications are properly prepared to review and you're good to go. >> Okay. Public works on. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh resolution 266. It's a resolution approving requisition
R2601560 for Chiffano Construction Corp. in the amount not to exceed $477,116.73 for 2026 road paving uh Morris County Co-op number 6A. Uh this is just approving the annual paving of 12 burrow roads and sections of the pool parking
lot. Uh resolution 267. It's a resolution approving requisition R2601575 for Foley machinery in the amount not to exceed $3,100 for weekly bulldozer rental for flume cleanup. And this is uh
just like it says approval for the rental bulldozer to clean up additional storm water related tasks. >> Okay, we'll go to committee reports. I guess the first thing we should report on is a storm. Everybody's up restored.
Uh I know it was very frustrating to to many. Um there's a a lot of a lot of rumors out there what was going on. Um a lot of trees fell. So it happens in suburban areas. Thank
God we didn't get the heavy rains with it >> because with that kind of storm and all the debris falling would have clogged up the sewers. And uh we are fortunate in that fact. The other fortunate thing is that happened on the 3rd of July and all
our police officers were in town. >> So uh that that was that was >> all forunate with all the live wires down. Absolutely. >> The uh >> 10 minutes was like >> Yeah, it was tough. I was holding down the tent with the cake. I felt like Mary
Poppins, you know. But um that was tough. That was a tough one. In the morning, there was a 20% chance of rain and maybe a shower. So, we committed to the fireworks. Once those fireworks are loaded,
>> you can't cancel them. Those are highly explosive uh rockets and you have to shoot them off. So, unfortunately, the weather didn't conform to what we needed to do, but um >> the rainbow was nice, though. >> Yeah. What's that?
>> The rainbow was really nice and the sky was beautiful. >> Yeah, I was looking for my pot of gold, but I couldn't find it. It >> was probably hiding under one of those trees that fell. >> Um, I have to say I when when it first came,
I ran over to John Cigarillo. Uh, he was in the fire chief's truck across the across the way. I gotta tell you, he he took the proper steps in the proper order. There is a sequence of
what you have to follow. And um thank God nobody got injured. I don't know how that didn't happen. If anybody saw some of the houses, you were the recipient of one built where the tree went right into the house, destroyed the house. Um it it
was truly scary. Um, but you know, I have to give my I I keep saying this. Everyone at the rescue squad, fire department or police department, I would trust any anyone in
my family with with their training and their their expertise and how they handle things. And I know, you know, doing this a long time that they do take the proper steps in the proper order.
and that it's very important. Um other people imagine management personnel, you know, it's it's really you have the generators out there for the traffic lights. You have all the barricades and cones up. People
forget you have to clean up after DPW is still out there trying to clean everything up. There's actually uh uh wind is coming through. We had some pretty pretty good wind tonight and branches keep falling. So, they're still
out there working hard. And um I know Jess, you were there at the cooling center and and uh and charging center down at the Dorso Center. Spent hours upon hours down there volunteering their time. So, there there's a lot of moving
parts to all this. Thank God. Thank God it wasn't we uh we didn't have every range and some pumps didn't didn't we didn't need the sump pumps but um I know like Floren Park they got they got
jam Mars down all up in Mars County and it was scary just sitting there watching Joe Murphy's cake which we got to thank him for and um and that thing came out of nowhere Oh yeah.
>> So I mean >> we had to hide in NP Fuel garage for >> good 45 minutes like 60 people >> and there was there were a lot of people. >> So >> we had the F3 guys there. They were ready to protect. >> But you had cake. >> Yeah, we had cake. Lots of cake. >> That was good. A lot of us
>> actually they were blowing up beach balls for the kids. >> I found a beach ball in my backyard >> up on the top of Livingston Avenue. >> Wow. >> That's how that's how >> how crazy it was. Um, >> the wind took it. >> Yeah, just unbelievable.
>> That's crazy. >> Um, okay. Um, had a lot of heroes. I want to thank neighbors out there helping other neighbors. You know, I heard a lot a lot of lot of heartwarming stories out there. Uh, people checking
on their their elderly neighbors, things like that. I know there was a lot of misconceptions um out there. Oh, there's a guy sitting there not doing anything. He's waiting for this. Well, I know the one on Commonwealth. He was sitting there, sitting there,
sitting there at the one end. He couldn't leave because it was a live wire. And if they if they uh disconnected that wire, about 200 houses would have been uh would have been without power. So, he had to sit there.
There's some big trees. I mean big. Um, but you know, like I said, we always get through these things. Been through enough of them, that's for sure. Um, the other day we had a storm order meeting.
Uh, little update. You saw the bulldozer that that we're renting. Uh, cleaned out the flume. Um, there's a lot of debris in there, but clean that out. Got rid of that. Uh you'll see uh you may see collus walking
around with vests. They're mapping out the storm water system. So don't be alarmed. They they'll have a identification. They'll have the vest, the whole thing. So they're going to be out. Um we ask people before the storm
clean out at the roadways so that debris doesn't get into storm sewers. was still trying to work with transit to get the uh that one storm drain opened up. We we had an a little birdie told us that they went in and cleaned it and we checked it
out and now they didn't. >> So, uh we'll keep on. But, um if everybody does their part, if they go and look at their storm drain every once in a while, make sure it's clear of debris, that would be a big help. A
really big help. I know. I personally went around like a three square block radius and cleaned up all of the storm drains. Anything that was like right after the storm, anything that could have gotten to our system. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I clean mine out by my house. You
know, it's if everybody does a little uh it works. A lot of problems are with the landscapers. They go and cut lawns and stuff and then they blow all the grass and everything into the storm drain, which is a a no no. But um we're
getting in it. I know Ralph was talking if it wasn't for this storm, he would have been uh cleaning out all the brooks. So um we're getting there. We're getting it. It's going to be a long process. So uh that's all I have. Alan.
>> Okay. So our Thank you, mayor. Our next uh sustainability meeting is next week, but um the last one we uh we had some discussions about our community energy plan and the bureau's receptiveness to um do to use a solar developer to see what opportunities may exist for
installation of solar on municipal buildings and some thoughts on some educational forms on composting and electric power equipment. Um I actually was unable to attend the last board of health meeting but I thank
you Naen for for that but I did get some updates. Um she can touch on that a little bit further but you know we touched on items regarding you animal control and board of health inspections. They also touched on the ordinance to prohibit pet shops in town selling puppy
mill dogs. I know now you have a new puppy. You got a rescue. That's great. >> Rescue. >> Yeah. Rescue. >> Rescue. >> Yeah. rescue. Um, some of the zoning laws in town make it hard for for someone to open a store in town without that ordinance. Uh, stated in over 20 years, we have not had a complaint about
puppy mills, but it's good to have that ordinance. Um, we also discussed how uh chickens are illegal in New Providence. And despite that one, >> and there are three residents in town that do uh do own chickens >> at least.
>> Yeah. Um, and yeah, that's that's pretty much it. >> So, I I just want to really jump quickly. So, number one, chickens are illegal and and if you you shouldn't have them. Um, there's a reason for that. People don't people there's a lot of health reasons related to that. Okay.
And you can ask our board of health, but I do want to point out, you mentioned puppy mills and and them addressing that. That came through a action line request. >> Okay. someone asking us to take a look at this and and prepare an ordinance preventing, you know, our uh pet stores
from selling selling puppies because they come from puppy mills, right? We kicking it to our board of health. This is a board of health, you know, issue that they can, you know, it's it's it's really under their purview and it's it's under their um jurisdiction, if you will, right, to write an ordinance on that. But I just wanted to mention that
um it came through an action line, right? So, we talk about action lines a lot and you know sometimes u you know there's something that we're just not thinking about. Uh and you know this is a perfect opportunity for us to address an issue that somebody had seen in the world that we thought was beneficial for
our residents here. So we're asking our board of health to take a look at that. So thank you for that. >> Action demands action. Then we took action. >> That's it for me. >> Tedling. >> Thank you mayor. Um just a little addition with respect to the storm water
uh that we should be everybody in uh every resident in New Providence should be getting their next quarterly newsletter coming through. Um and I encourage you uh to read it before you recycle it. Uh there's a lot of really good information in this quarter's
newsletter about a program we're starting called Adopt a Drain. Um the mayor was just talking about this and it's a way of creating awareness and it's obviously it's not mandatory but it's a way of getting uh residents to um
take some notice of the storm drains in their street and maybe claiming one of their own and and just maintaining it. You know, just when there's storms, go out there before beforehand and make sure that they're uh cleared out. Um,
and I also just wanted to thank the mayor actually u for all of your communication during this past week, 10 days, however long, feels like a year. But, um, I I think that I mean, not everybody has Facebook, but I think the way that you were communicating it was
getting around to the public and people were were recognizing that. And I think that's so important in a situation like this that you know residents are hearing from uh the people in charge. Um so thanks for doing that. I also wanted to acknowledge
Bernardet um for her efforts um basically 247. She had no power for the the bulk of of the time and she was here and coordinating everything. Um and that shows her devotion to the town as well. So just wanted to acknowledge that
>> she is truly amazing. Yes, she is. That's it for me. >> I didn't hear her complain at all. >> She's too tired. >> She's too tired to complain. >> Thank you, mayor. Um, just to wrap up a little bit more on the board of health. Um, so with the chickens, so stay tuned.
There will be um some kind of ordinance coming out. So, we did talk about it. Uh, we're waiting to hear back really from our building department um to get get that aspect. So, stay tuned for chickens. Um the other thing is um every time I go to these meetings and I think
you've seen it too, the Westfield Board of Health, what an amazing shared service we have with them. Um so we have the Westfield Board of Health oversee all the different aspects. Uh like Alan mentioned, um animal control, they inspect all the restaurants, they do all
of that. They're they're really on top of it. And I think our restaurant standard is is very good and that's amazing for our residents. But our um health director Megan Avalone has such a passion for what she does. Particularly
she's working with the women infant children group. So wick wick just opened a new center in summit and she was very very pivotal in having that come about. So in the past I think there were wick centers that were in Elizabeth and
planefield etc. Way too far. >> And where? >> Way too far. >> Way too far. And a lot of the people who utilize those resources, they would have to take buses or trains with their babies and tow um to go to these places
to get the services. Megan really pushed hard and she got a center to open in Summit at the Summit Community Center. This marks such a great improvement to our local residents. At last count, we have at least 40 participants in New
Providence to the WIC program. This is an amazing benefit to them. Excuse me. And she was pivotal in making sure that that happened. Um there is a um a flyer on our burrow website. Uh we're trying to get that out to as many people as possible. We've sent that to our
resource pantries. We've sent that to our our food banks. We want to get the word out to as many residents as possible that this service is out there. So, we'll we'll try to put the flyer on the video, but it's on the burrow website, share that information far and wide with residents because that's an
amazing progress. Um, so again, every time I go to those meetings, I have, you know, renewed faith about what a great board of health we have. Um, other than that, um, I think you're going to talk about the baseball game. >> Sure. >> Okay. Um, one other thing since last meeting, we had a meeting at the Dorso
Center um with um, uh, Councilwoman Dolan and the mayor and myself. And, uh, for those of you who don't remember, we have this committee for the sheer purpose of ensuring that all of our residents, our senior residents, etc., everybody is up to date on what's going
on in the burrow, everybody is informed on what's going on, and every voice is heard. I end every one of those meetings with, okay, here comes the most important part. We want to hear from you. We want your questions. We want your input. We want your feedback. So, we were very lucky to go there on the 21stish.
It seems so long ago. Uh but it was at the end of June and we went uh we'll be doing that again in September. We go quarterly to both Lantern Hill and to the Dorso Center. So, again, just trying to reach as many residents as possible just to make sure that every voice is heard. That seems to be our theme of the
night. every voice is heard and um everybody's thoughts matter and action will follow from that. So other than that, that's it for me. >> I think the seniors like the that part. Is it time to play bingo yet? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Or when we bring cookies. Yeah.
One or the other. >> Okay. So, back to the storm. Um I did want to also say thank you to the mayor. He is a he's really a true pioneer. Um he was out there every day all day uh
providing multiple updates through his Facebook and Instagram. If you don't follow him on Facebook or Instagram, I highly recommend it. Um not only for updates on storm activity, but you also get to see him in his top hat when we have uh holidays and things of that nature.
>> Um but uh they were they were really really good. Um and I think they went over everybody in my neighborhood anyway. Um you know, always wanted to know what was going on. And I was getting a lot of text messages. I I live off of Commonwealth. We were out six days, right? Five days. Um I can't even
count. >> But um it was a major it was a major section that was out. Multiple telephone polls down, live wires. Um you know, at the end of the day, a lot of misinformation like you said, people were why can't they do anything there? And this person said that the wires
aren't aren't hot, but they were hot. You know, they were hot for all the way until the till they weren't, you know, at the end. Um, so not everybody always has all the right information, right? So, um, if you're unsure, call call the burrow. Uh, you know, our OEM, uh,
coordinator, our police chief, our burough administrator, you know, they're the ones that have the information. Uh, they know exactly, you know, what's going on, uh, in the burrow. Um, try not to get fooled by information you're getting from your, you know, neighbor that had a conversation with someone who
had a conversation with someone, okay? because you know it was a bad storm and it was a lot of people in a bad spot and a lot of people were getting frustrated but at the end of the day you know information is important and when you have it you feel a little bit better about yourself about your situation um and of course you know we didn't have
answers either right we were tr you know the answers were we didn't a lot of times we didn't have answers but you know it's also good to know that you don't have answers right um and I do want to point out a lot of people were questioning whether or not you know why can't we just have them go do this and and we have no control over that you
know the mayor our OEM coordinator, they can't call the utility company and say, "Get a guy over there and shut that down and cut that tree." Right? They that's not how it works. You know, the the utility company has a plan and their plan is to get the most people that they can up and running as soon as possible.
So, if there's a a neighborhood with 110 homes and a neighborhood with 80 homes, they're going to get the 110 homes up, unless of course there's a emergency situation where wires are somebody get hurt. >> The other thing, there is a pecking order. medical facilities, nursing homes, things like that, they they get turned on first,
>> right? So, I the reason why I say that is, you know, at the end of the day, I you know, I'm frustrated. We were all frustrated. I mean, I know that the timing wasn't great, right? The length of time that it took to get everything up and running and and and cleaned up. And we're not happy with that. >> A heat wave. >> Yeah. We're not happy with that. Um and
and to be honest, um you know, one should be happy with that, right? We pay a lot of money for our utilities. they they keep going up every year and and we expect that our utility companies are going to, you know, be able to turn things like this around a lot faster. Uh this was a pretty pretty weird storm
because it wasn't like a rainy like you said. It wasn't like raining and it wasn't anticipated. It was just freaky little thing and it didn't just affect New Providence. It affected a lot of towns throughout the state. So, uh but that again doesn't necessarily mean we weren't, you know, we weren't, you know, happy, right? We were very frustrated
with with how long it took as well. Do we even know what they classified it as? Like a micro burst or something, they think. >> Yeah. >> They never say it's a tornado because spend the insurance companies have to pay. >> Um,
you know, I I just wanted to thank our police and our DPW. You know, our um like like I said, there's two polls. were down in Commonwealth and I I actually was coming back from the fireworks and I just wanted to say hi to the police officer that was there within minutes, you know, when that when that
fell. I saw him on the way in and then I I stopped to say hi on the way back. Um and then the next morning I got up and I went out to, you know, check out the town and and get some coffee and he was still there. It was 14 hours. He sitting in his car for 14 hours making sure no
one crossed, you know, him to to to, you know, potentially step on a live wire. I mean, and and that wasn't just the only one. It was constant for five days, right? They were on their shifts sitting in their cars for for that extended period of time. I can't imagine how fun
that must have been. Um, and to see our DPW out there, uh, you know, cleaning up right away, um, is heartwarming because like you said, you know, these guys, they just they do a lot of >> still out there. >> Yeah. And they're and you know, they take it serious and they work hard. Um,
I did want to say, you know, it was, uh, it was an interesting five day. I was talking to one of my neighbors. I said, uh, you know, over those days as I was walking around, I had more conversations with neighbors that I haven't had conversations with in in a long time. You know, you just wave
hi as they drive by here and there. So, um, you know, one of the one of the positive things that came out of it is I I literally had dozens of conversations with with some of my neighbors on my block that um, you know, talking about their children or their grandchildren
or, you know, their house or their jobs or retirements. news. That was a I enjoyed that. Um, that's just me. I like to talk, I guess. I don't know. >> Okay. >> Um, I actually happened to uh I had a cameo in one of your videos actually.
>> Um, >> over there when we when they turned it on. >> Yeah. I just had I went over to give some water. I brought some waters. I didn't realize that there were like 25 people or else I probably could have brought a couple cases of water. Um, you know, talking to them, the these utility guys were from Georgia and from
Kentucky. They drove 20 hours uh from Georgia, 11 hours from Kentucky in these trucks. I mean, I said to them, you know, I drive 12 hours to go pick up my daughter at the University of South Carolina in a really nice SUV and it's miserable. I can't imagine driving 20 hours in those big trucks. It was
horrible. But they were really nice guys and and uh you know I know they you know they're part of a crew that you know travel the country and and do those things and and um and they were really really good guys. So >> I want to thank them you know for for doing that.
>> Uh okay so that was enough on the store. All right so uh planning wise we just wanted to mention a few things. Uh we talked about MP Mountain Developers which is uh the Lindy property up on Ryderway. they've and they've u put in their application. I just wanted to just
remind everybody that's at 297 age restricted units. 59 of those units will be affordable. Um so that's that's up on uh like I said, Mountain Avenue and Ryder Way. Uh so that application is in and being reviewed. So don't be
alarmed if you start seeing some action up there in the near future. That's been approved by the planning court. Um, like you mentioned earlier, we just uh reviewed Buffalo Wild Wings Go. So, I just don't want to get anybody's hopes up. It's not Buffalo Wild Wings, right?
There's no sports bars, there's no TVs. Uh, it's a go, which means they're basically u preparing wings. Everything's going to be in a takeout package. So, uh, like you said, there's a couple of tables if you want to eat there. They don't have plates. They're going to give you some utensils, I guess, some plastic stuff to eat if you
would like. >> Use your fingers, >> wings. Um, >> you can eat wings with that plate. >> Is it going to be in a box? Be in a box. It's gonna be in a box. >> As long as they have napkins. I think >> napkins. >> Uh, that's actually going to be I think
the timeline on that was um like October. So that's going to happen really rather quickly. >> Uh what else? Um and and just yeah if I didn't mention where that was that was the old Max Gymnasium next gym gym over by U Adams
Shopping Center um Adam's Clothing and uh Belleriva uh the planning board meeting next meeting is going to be July 21st. We're going to be approving the housing elements and that we just heard uh tonight. So if you have any questions on
that, you can you can show up at the uh the plan board meeting there. Uh that's it for for for planning. Um just engineering. Just wanted to mention a couple things real quick. The uh
you you had mentioned the outfall inspections. So the outfall inspections are completed. You mentioned mapping which is going to be getting beginning, right? They're going to be mapping all the inlets, manholes, swailes, things of that nature. Um there's two projects. I just want to make sure, you know, we
have a time, everyone has a kind of timeline of how this going to work, but there's um Union Avenue improvements and then there's the Maple Street um improvements. Um Maple Street is uh well, Union Avenue is going to be early
fall in uh this in 2027 and Maple Street will be most likely early spring. So, just keep you guys get an idea of when those projects will start. Um there's a lot of there's a lot of time involved in in the projects and we're at the phase right now with almost both projects
where we can move forward um once we go out to bid and do all that stuff but we can't do both projects at once so we're going to stage those right >> 27 you said >> yes >> early ways ways >> yeah so um
>> that's it and then we talked about the HAC and and the DPW building and that's all I Okay, Lisa. >> Thank you. Um, I know that we've talked as you know, we've said all we could say about the storm, but uh just one final
thing was just to to thank and acknowledge uh the volunteers, which are the EMS and our fire department. Um, you know, and they don't have they don't have to be there. They're they're volunteering. Um, they're not getting paid for it. Um, but they put their
safety also on the line. and um the the safety of the residents is their is their main concern. So I just wanted a a quick thank you to them. Um so we talked a lot about the oldtime baseball game
and it happened. It was on June 27th. Um so for just a quick little recap, uh it was to replicate um an oldtime baseball game. So back late 1800s, early 1900s, New Providence had a baseball team called the
Crescents. So we had um a group of volunteers, Allen, Matt. >> How's your back feel, Matt? >> Several others that uh dawned the oldtime baseball uniform with the hat. >> Yeah, it was cool.
>> And the hat. It was very cool. And played the New Providence Reds. >> Um I think we can take them next time. You guys did phenomenal. Um, and it was just so much fun. >> It was, we had such a great turnout. We, Naen, and I were selling cracker jacks
and popcorn and everyone just had so much fun. Um, the weather held out. It was, it was a great day. So hopefully we, you know, may is there, you know, tradition in the future? Maybe. I hope so. Maybe an annual game. I think that would be >> coming back. I think it's going to come
back. >> I just hope Maggie's okay because Maggie hurt herself. Yeah. >> Uh yeah, she's fun. >> Yeah. >> Um Home Miller had a blast. >> He's the baseball coach that the field's named after and he was my one of my gym
teachers. So I go out with him. He goes, "You don't think I'm throwing that first pitch." >> That was nice. >> So that's all thanks to the America 250 committee, uh Maria Duca, Diane Pereira, and that whole crew. They put a lot of
work into that and >> yeah Kathy Bber it it showed um it was just a really fabulous event. So >> actually can I just interject at that one point then the next day on after the well after that on the 4th of July we forgot to mention that there was a
reading oh there you go. So, um, America to continue America 250, you know, besides the storm on the third, uh, we'd want to thank Joe Murphy for for baking us a 400 pound, uh, birthday cake. That was amazing. Um,
hopefully everybody got a piece of that. And um then on the 4th of July, America 250 committee did a reading of the Declaration of Independence right here in in Centennial Park, which was very
well attended. So it was, you know, what a I mean just a lot of homage and um acknowledging of our 250th uh events will continue through the year. So you know, stay stay tuned and we'll keep everybody posted.
That's it. >> You know, it was good to hear hear it. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Because uh >> you you really, >> you know, you hear it when you're younger in school and this and that, but then when you hear it when you're older and you you really taste it, you know,
it's really, it's really amazing. >> All those founding fathers, they put their lives on the line. >> They knew what they were talking about >> for for principle. Yeah. >> So, >> Brian, you're up. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I don't have anything nearly as fun as that to
report. Um, although I will certainly echo the the the the massive gratitude to to all the first responders, DBW, you know, when when we were standing there in uh NP Fuel waiting for the storm to pass, you could just, you know, that they were just going back and forth up and down taking care of all all the
things that needed taken care of. So, um, you know, it's a it's it's it's a great it's a great set of folks that we have here doing that work and and we wouldn't be the burrow that we are without them. Um, uh, okay. Uh, committee reports. Uh, communications committee is doing a lot of work behind the scene. We're doing some data
gathering. Um, looking at continuous improvement opportunities. Um, so stay tuned hopefully for some fun stuff in in the next month or two with that. Um, mental health committee is taking a month off for a mental health break. >> Mental health. Um um but we are we will
be back. What's that? >> Very true. >> So we we will be back uh the the 3rd Wednesday of August and uh looking uh to to uh do some events hopefully in September for suicide prevention month. So um if you're interested, please uh uh
join us for that. And then um just a quick update, I actually just got this about an hour ago, so I apologize. haven't had chance to email you, but NPTV um the the burough team did an assessment on on the equipment. It is dead dead as a doornail. Um so, uh they're working on a plan for
replacement. Um but luckily, we did uh secure the the funds, the the burough staff did secure the funds from Comcast. Uh so, uh more to come on that relatively soon. >> Um uh and that is all I have. >> Good.
>> Thanks. Thank you, mayor. Um, resolution 2026 266 on tonight's agenda approves the 2026 municipal paving. We'll be working with the paving company to schedule the milling and paving of 12 roads and entrance to and exit of the pool parking lot. These streets are
currently listed on the website already under the community tab for the of the homepage under 2026 paving projects. As we get more details regarding the dates from the contractor, we will be posting it on the website and affected residents will receive notification flyers in
their homes. Um, this summer, the summer newsletter was received at the municipal center today. So, um, it should be in mailboxes within the week, I hope. Um, and just a reminder that the MP Biz in conjunction with MP wreck are extending the annual concert series into a music
series this summer with live concerts, line dancing, pop-up magic shows, and free treats while they last. Each Thursday in Centennial Park beginning at 7. This week, Blue Soul will be playing classic blues and R&B, weather permitting. Last week was cancelled
because of the weather. Um July 23 we have Nikki Brier, a country rock uh band and three weeks of country line dancing lessons. So if you don't know how to do it, they'll teach you. If you do know how to do it, come out. And don't forget to join us for National Night Out on
Tuesday, August 4th from 68 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Centennial Park. bring the whole family for an evening of community fun appreciation as we come together to meet and thank police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and all those who serve and protect our community. It's also a great opportunity
to connect with the local businesses and organizations that help keep our town thriving. Special performance that night is by Squad 5. That's all I have. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Public comments. Anybody wishing to address council?
Yes, >> Alan Swanson, 47 Overh Hill Road. Wasn't planning on speaking again, but um since we're in the middle of July, I thought I would just remind everyone this is plastic free July. And uh the reason I bring it up is that
at on August 1st, there is um an a law that is going into effect in New Jersey. uh the skip the stuff law and um one of the issues with these like like the the the ban on uh uh straws, you know, that
took place, one of the big problems is the education. >> And of course, uh you know, my wife and I actually go out to lunch just about every single day. And um it's it's really it's a hit or miss on the the whether or not you're going to get a a
plastic straw or not because you're not supposed to unless you ask for it. So what the skip the stuff is doing is basically uh when you order food uh that you're going to pick up or to have delivered, you need to specify if you want the um
>> single-use plastic uh utensils. Um you can if that's basically for the carry outs and the pickup going into the uh establishment, you're not really permitted to give the people the the um
plastic utensils uh unless they ask for it. And if you have a a facility that has seating for 10 and uh weight staff, you're not permitted to use the uh plastic. you you really need to provide
um reusable um uh plastic I won't say plastic wear utensils um let me see if there's anything else full service residents uh the restaurants can ask you uh if you
want if you need to have the um um single-use uh utensils um but anyway that goes into effect on 81 on and u so I'm just here to to remind everybody that that is a change. Um, I'm told by
the restaurants that I know quite a few of the owners of the restaurants that this one should be a little bit easier to implement because they're POS systems, their systems for ordering. Actually, uh, when people order online, there's a spot where they check off that
they um they they want to have the um utensils and if they don't check off, the default decision is you don't get the utensils. And of course, I'll tell you that the the the places where they do some catering or they get orders for
a large order are saying, you know, if I don't just automatically send along those utensils and I'm send out service for 50 and I haven't sent out the utensils, I bet I'm going to get in trouble with that person in the future.
So, it it's going to be an adventure. Um but it's absolutely essential that this kind of action be taken really across the nation because the the plastic issue is no you know we
keep talking about recycling recycling recycling you know less than 10% of the the plastic ever produced ever since the 50s when it started uh has been recycled. So, it just it
just doesn't happen. And and the the the the bottles that you have, the plastic bottles, not only are they not recycled, the few that are go to make lesser things, they're downcycled, basically.
So, anybody that's telling you that, oh, we're making our our uh plastic bottles out of recycled material, isn't telling you the truth or perhaps have 1% in there. It's just not it's it's just an area that's got so much misinformation
and disinformation and greenwashing, which is the manufacturers telling you that they're doing all kinds of great things with this stuff when they're not. Um, so anyway, since this was uh plastic free month, um I thought I'd give you that update. >> Awesome.
>> Thank you. Appreciate it. And in the Tall Oak section of New Providence, we definitely get to feel these storms when they come in. So we we had wires in front of our driveway in front of our driveway for >> named.
I I tell I tell people basically we've only had one tree come through our our house um uh in in a similar storm actually. Um, and uh, so I tell people, you know, when you live in Tall Oaks, you're going to have one of these on your your house at some point.
>> Actually, you weren't the last this time. So, >> no, we did. I We were fine. And after Sandy, we got a whole house generator and we finally you finally used it actually for four days. So, we were sitting there looking and we didn't even
lose the the the cable wire from Verizon didn't get severed when the tree when the pole next door went down. So, we actually had cable and and uh uh internet and everything the whole time. So, we couldn't get out of the house because we had wires blocking the bottom
of the driveway. But, uh so anyway, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm Ben Deeta from 20 Klein Boulevard. I'm better known as Ben Franklin on Facebook.
>> And there's a story. You can meet me outside and I'll explain to you how the stage name came. Anyway, uh first I want to thank you, mayor, because I I know you were very visible during the storm, as every other storm that we've had here. I think we're very proactive in our town, but I think us as residents
can do a little bit more. And I'm wondering, can we create a committee? I'd be willing to be a part of it to address maybe how to be more proactive as residents, what we could look out for if we see like trees and twined in lines
or poles that are >> you can go right to the action line or if you see problems with the electric and you can call Jersey Central, >> right? But I'm one person. I will I will do it. >> Believe me,
>> I will do it. But I'm I'm hoping that as a community we could help lessen the severity of some of these storms. >> Understand it's you know what I have a poll at my house now. What was it back in 2006? I had the rep with me and
showed him that pole said it's all rotted down the bottom and Comcast has a some some kind of machine up there and there's a transformer and there's what they did they came over and stuck a steel uh
>> rod in the ground and and lagged it to the >> That was the fix. Yeah. >> Yeah. But yeah, if and the best thing to do is call Jersey Central because >> I've done it. >> I've done it since I've moved. And you know what? They believe it or not,
before a storm, they do respond quicker. >> Yeah. >> To it, but I think the problem is I think a lot of times we're so reactive in the midst of the storm. Like we didn't anticipate this, but there were tree cutters out pruning the week prior. >> Yeah. >> They were on my block. They were on Klein.
>> Yeah. >> And you do see them in the spring. They'll go out and like you do see them on the major roadways and they do like pruning operations. But I think they can't Yeah. They can't hit every single >> the misconception in the community if you see on some of the the forums it's like oh well it's every five years they
come out. No it's not every five years but I think we could do better work around the line since we're not we can't do anything to bury it unless New Jersey you know >> board of utilities is not gonna not going to tell us to bury it. I get that.
But >> but we could we could definitely I think work even as residents like I don't have any >> any trees on I don't have lines on my side but the residents that do you know like you said call the action line. I think maybe we need to >> make this more visible to the community.
>> Maybe we can work on something on the website where people can report it. We do have a new OEM coordinator and I can bring it up with him about doing a campaign for the public so that um you know in the news newsletter that goes home to every mailbox there could be something in there about it >> and then then maybe we can send a whole
list over to Jersey Central. >> Aren't we mapping all the trees in the right in the >> Well, we have that. >> Yeah. Yeah. So my that would definitely be a great first step. >> That's only on burrow property is my understanding >> which is which is the power lines. anything that's going to be affecting a
power line. >> OEM is a great idea. >> Oh yeah, but let let us work on that. It's a good idea. >> Sure. And like I said, you know, that probably other residents like myself >> name and address of Bernardet so we can uh we can uh get back to you. >> It's Ben Franklin.
>> Okay. You can't forget the electric not at home. But yeah, it's funny because uh I was up on Klein Boulevard and uh just when I got up there, they were uh turning on the power. >> I think the whole neighborhood was
there. >> But the the fact was we did have a live wire. >> Yeah, they did. >> And Berkeley Heights. So it was on the Berkeley Heights side. It was >> Berkeley Heights police were coming and going, but people weren't aware. They were going past the caution. You look caution, but I said maybe put something
a sign live wire. Oh, we don't have that. So dangerous. >> Yeah. >> Wow. >> You know, it's funny because when I was up there, they had the barricades out and I parked, you know, and uh I'm walking up and people are going around
the barricades. I'm like, "What are you doing?" >> Yeah. Yeah. >> But but you got to you got to he got to work Sunday night. Sunday night 8:00 he's on Facebook. Klein is back in power. >> Nobody ever accused me of being smart.
Thank you so much. >> Of course. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Oh, thank you, man. >> Anyone else? >> Seeing no one, I declare the public comments close. Uh let's go to formal action through 34.
Can I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Learner, >> yes. >> Miss Dolan, >> yes. >> Mrs. Joffrey, >> yes. >> Mr. Kamisky, >> I. Mrs. Mcnite. >> Yes. Mr. Gardner. >> Yes.
>> Motion for a journ. >> So moved. >> Second. All >> in favor? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> No. So be it. >> Thank you. >> Uh thank you all for coming tonight and uh be safe out there because I know there's still still limbs coming down. So
>> it's going to be a hot one tomorrow. >> Next two days. >> Hot hot hot. >> Go check out the community pool. That that's the one thing that scares me is whenever you get real hot days like that, you get these storms.