I pledge allegiance 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. >> Sunshine notice, madam clerk. >> Thank you, mayor. Board of Commissioners
public meeting agenda for Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. The time is 7:06. Pursuant to the requirements of the Open Public Meeting Act, chapter 231 public law 1975, notice of this meeting was published in the November 20th, 2025 issues of the Nutle Sun, the Herald
News, and the Star Ledger. A copy of this notice has been posted on the Nutley Town Hall bulletin board, and a copy is on file in the municipal clerk's office. >> Commissioner Evans here. >> Commissioner Tuji here. >> Commissioner Scarpel here.
>> Commissioner Petraco. Mayor Kelly >> present. Uh minutes. Madam clerk. >> Thank you. We have uh board of commissioner meeting minutes for December 2nd, 2025, December 16th, 2025, December 31st, 2025, and January 6,
2026. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpelli. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Petco. Hi. >> Mayor Kelly. I except for the 16th, 31st, and 6th which I was absent for. I abstain.
>> Thank you. We also have executive session minutes for July 15, 2025, September 16th, 2025, October 7th, 2025, October 21st, 2025, November 5th, 2025, December 2nd, sessions 1 and 2, 2025,
December 16th, 2025, December 31st, 2025, and January 20th, 2026. Second, >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Tucci. Hi, >> Commissioner Scarpell. Hi, >> Commissioner Petraco. Mayor Kelly's
>> I except for December 31st, which I was absent for and I abstain. >> And that's it for minutes. >> Thank you. Uh, moving on to communications. >> Thank you. Uh the mayor the mayor's office has submitted an event
application to hold the annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 25th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. along Franklin Avenue, Chestnut Street, Base A, and Center Street. Luna Wood Fire Tavern has submitted an application for an extension of premises to hold their
St. Patrick's Day parade celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2026 between 11:00 a.m. and 1000 p.m. at uh 2:23 Franklin Avenue. And the Nutley Irishamean Alliance has submitted an application for a social affair permit to hold their
St. Patrick's Day parade celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2026 between 2:00 p.m. and 700 p.m. at 44 Park Avenue. >> Move it. >> Second, >> Commissioner Evans. Hi, >> Commissioner Tuji. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Scarpell. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Petraco.
>> Hi, >> Mayor Kelly. >> Hi. And I see we have no proclamations, no reports. Moving on to bills, please. >> Thank you. Bill list for February 3rd, 2026. Public affairs, $130,263.65. Revenue and finance, 7,995,491.
Public safety, $48,763.85. Public works, $52,119.58. Parks and public property, $1,463,6244. Water and sewer utility, $143,43.92. Uh first payroll out of two, first one is Friday, January 16, 2026. Regular
payroll total 1,14,844.74. Overtime payroll total 91,432 uh.33. Total payroll 1,16,276.77. The second payroll is of Friday, January 30th, 2026. Regular payroll total
$1,13,28924. Overtime payroll total $91,738.93. Total payroll 1,528.17 for a grand total of 12,43,97.39. >> Move the bills. >> Second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpelli. Hi. >> Commissioner Petraco. Mayor Kelly. And
that's it for bills. Mayor, >> thank you. And then next we have uh public comment on agenda items only. This is public comment on agenda items only. Anyone wishing to be heard on agenda items only may approach the microphone and state their name for the record. Seeing none, uh, board commissioner
announcements. Commissioner Evans. >> Nothing for me. Thank you. >> Nothing. Mayor. Commissioner Scarpelli. >> Commissioner Petra. >> The only thing that I have to say is about the um pedestrian crosswalks. Again, Nutley is teaming up with the um
sheriff's office, the county. So, please, we will be out there in force. um from now to whenever um please people that are walking or riding bikes or these ebikes or whatever they are, please pay attention. A lot of times
people are walking through the crosswalks or not walking through the crosswalks with dark clothing at night makes it very hard. Center Street has become a very um difficult situation there with the sun glare. Um, I've been
spending some time on Center Street myself this observing of late. Um, it the sun glare is brutal. I urge all the parents of the kids who got out for lunch or breakfast or getting dropped off in that area. I've noticed a lot of
people not crossing at the crosswalks. We do have a crossing guard on the corner of Franklin and Center. Please urge everyone to cross at that traffic light in the crosswalk, especially in the mornings when that in the afternoons with the Sunlair cuz it is blinding.
Thank you, mayor. Thank you. And uh as we all know, this is uh Black History Month and it's also heart health month and so uh please be on the lookout for a variety of events that are coming up this month in February uh from the Department of Public Affairs and Health. Uh you can
find out more information online. Um we have no ordinances on introduction and we have one on a second reading and public hearing. Uh Commissioner Evans or >> Tucci. Okay.
>> Uh thank you, Mayor. This is a actually a a second public hearing. We we learned after the last meeting that there was a uh notice uh issue requiring us to reintroduce this have to re redo the public hearing. So this is actually uh
the uh monies associated with the renovations for uh the chambers. >> Okay. Anyone wishing to be heard on ordinance number 3605, an ordinance providing for the renovations of the board of commissioners, chambers, and related
services in and by the township of Nelli in the county of Escus, New Jersey, appropriating $32,000 from capital improvement fund thereof. Uh, anyone wishing to be heard, please approach microphone and state your name for the record. >> Move to close. Second. >> Commissioner Evans.
>> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpel. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Petraco. >> Mayor Kelly. >> Hi. Move the ordinance. >> Second. >> Commissioner Evans. Hi. >> Commissioner Tui. Hi. Commissioner Scarfell. Hi. Commissioner Petraco. >> Mayor Kelly. >> Abstain.
>> Uh that's it for uh ordinances. We're moving on to resolutions. Commissioner Evans. >> Thank you, Mayor. >> Uh my first resolution uh I'm very pleased to uh read it this evening. Uh it's for the appointing of uh of uh uh
D. Bartlett to the position of chief financial officer for the uh township. Um De is very experienced uh she has quite a bit of good experience that it's very valuable to the township. Uh she joined
us uh this past Monday and is already settling in quite nicely. Whereas NJSA489-14010 requires every municipality in the state of New Jersey to have a chief financial financial officer to be appointed by the director of revenue and finance. Whereas the director of revenue finance has
determined that the Andrew Bartlett uh is who is a certified municipal finance officer in the state of New Jersey has the qualifications and experience to hold the position and perform the duties of chief financial officer and and whereas the board of commissioners of township of Nutley is desirous of
supporting this re recogn recommendation and Miss Barllet has agreed to serve in the position commencing February 2nd uh 2026. Uh whereas 10-year per for 10-year purposes, Ms. Barlet's four-year term pursuant to the provisions of NJSA 489
JS140.10 will commence January 1, 2026 and will end December 31st, 2029. Now therefore, be resolved by the board of commissioners of the township of county of state of New Jersey that we do hereby appoint Miss Barl to the position of chief financial officer of the township of Nelly for the initial four-year term
commencing January 1, 2026. So move >> second. Commissioner Evans. Hi, >> Commissioner Tucci. Hi, >> Commissioner Scarpelli. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Petraco. Hi, >> Mayor Kelly. >> Hi. >> Congratulations, by the way. >> Thank you. Thank you. It is a win given
the market. Uh, whereas New Jersey statute 40 54-3.30 30 provides that war veterans who were honorably discharged from active service in a time of of war in any branch of the armed uh services of the armed forces of
the United States who have been or shall be declared by the United States uh Veterans Administration to be totally and permanently disabled connected with their wartime service and full tax exemption of their dwelling and the lot on which it is situated. Following the tax the following taxpayer
has filed an application for allowance of a full exemption with proper supporting documentation thus making the taxpayer eligible. Now therefore be resolved by the board of commissioners of township of Nelley County of state of New Jersey that Michael F. Agar will be granted full exemption from the payment
of property taxes from January 27, 2026 and all subsequent years thereafter on the property identified as blocked 501 lot 6 which is also known as 154man Avenue. So move second. >> Commissioner Arnes. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpell.
>> Hi. >> Commissioner Petrogo. >> Hi. >> Mayor Kelly. >> Hi. >> And thank you for your service. >> Whereas the township of Nelly has a need to retain the services of an attorney who specializes in land municipal land use law and policy to provide legal advice and services to the code
enforcement department in connection with the township's land use uh policies procedures uh including zoning. uh whereas NJSA481-51 AI permit it permits that uh the award of a contract uh without public bidding
and whereas the the law firm of Tulso uh 14 Village Park Road, Cedar Grove, New Jersey has submitted a proposal on the amount not to exceed $10,000 whereas the funds will be available from account 601226205 and will be certified by the chief financial officer subject to the
adoption of the 2026 uh budget. Whereas the anticipated term of this contract is for 11 months from February 3rd through uh December 31st, 2026. Whereas the firm of Oulkrievo has completed and submitted the business engine disclosure certification which certifies that they
have not made any reportable disqualifying contributions to a public or candidate committee, a political or candidate committee in the township of Nelly in the previous one year and that the contract will prohibit them from making any reportable contributions through the term of the contract. Now therefore be resolved by the board of
commissioners of the township of Mel County, New Jersey, that the mayor and the township clerk are hereby authorized to enter into a contract with the law firm of Oul Scrie as a professional service for the stated contract term at an amount not to exceed $10,000 be
further resolved that a copy of this resolution as well as the contract shall be placed on file with the clerk of the township of Nelly and a notice in accordance with local public contracts law of new state of New Jersey in the form attached to here shall be published son. So move second. >> Commissioner Evans.
>> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpell. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Petraco. Mayor Kelly. >> Hi. >> Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Tucci. >> Yes. Be resolved at board commissioners township and county of Essex, state of New Jersey. The township clerk is hereby
authorized to advertise for seal bids for surplus equipment that is no longer in use by the township. The equipment/vehicles are listed below. It's for the department of parks and public property. First one is the year 2020 Can-Am Defender. This is basically
a glorified scooter. All right. Uh with the VIN number enclosed here with 5,337 mi on it. The second is a 2012 GMC Canyon truck uh with 61,086 miles uh that has pretty much seen it today. Be
it further resolved, the above equipment is available for inspection on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Be it further resolved that the equipment is to be sold as is and where is and bids are to be received on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, 11:00 a.m. prevailing time
in the Commission Chambers, Township Hall, Long Kennedy Drive, Nelley, New Jersey, at which time they will be publicly open and read. I move the resolution. >> Second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Tui. Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpelli. >> Hi. Commissioner Petraco. >> Hi, >> Mayor Kelly.
>> Hi. >> Uh, my next resolution, prior to reading the resolution, there was a requirement um that I believe is an enhanced requirement by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This is concerning presentation of Monsenior
Owens pathway and bathroom renovations until on today, February 3rd, 2026. For program guidance, our meeting minutes should reflect the project description, which will include pathway and bathroom renovations. The improvements are intended to enhance safety,
accessibility, and overall functionality of the park while maintaining compliance with all applicable New Jersey DP uh and green acres program requirements. All work will occur entirely within the existing developed footprint of Monscior Owens Park and will not require the
acquisition of additional land or any expansion beyond the current park boundaries. The architect's estimate for said renovations is $3,98,580 uh without a match. Uh the environmental description impact include soils and geology, water resources and flood
planes, vegetation and wildlife, air quality, noise, historic and cultural resources, and public health and safety. The environmental impact analysis of the proposed actions are limited to the previously developed and actively used portions of the park, including existing
walkways and restroom facilities. As such, no significant natural resources will be adversely impacted. There will be no impacts to wetlands, flood planes, surface waters, threatened or endangered species, habitat, or forested areas. Existing trees, landscaped areas, and
vegetated buffers will be preserved, and no tree removals anticipated as part of the proposed scope. Overall environmental impacts are expected to be minimal and localized. Uh we also have a rendering uh which the architect has
delivered to us and is available for inspection by anyone uh who's willing and so inclined to come and see it. Having said that, I will now read uh the resolution. Whereas New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program provides grants
and/or loans to municipal and county governments and grants to nonprofit organizations for assistance in the acquisition, development, and stewardship of lands for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes. Whereas Township of Nutley desires to further the public interest by obtaining
funding in the amount of $398,580 in the form of a $398,580 matching grant if available a 0 loan from the state to fund the following project. Monscior Owens Park facilities improvement project at the like cost.
Whereas the state shall determine if the application is complete and in conformance with the scope and intent of the Green Acres program and notify the applicant of the amount of the funding award. Whereas the applicant is willing to use state funds in accordance with such rules, regulations, and applicable
statutes and is willing to enter into an agreement with the state for the above name project. Now therefore it be resolved by the Nutley board of commissioners one I Marl Guchi Commissioner of Parks and Public Property the Township Nutley or my successor in the in my office is hereby
authorized to A make application for such a loan and or grant b provide additional application information and furnish such documents as may be required and act as the authorized correspondent of the above named applicant. Two, the applicant agrees to provide its matching share to the
greenacres funding request if a match is required in the amount of $0. In the event that the state funds are less than the total project cost specified above, the applicant has the balance of funding necessary to complete the project. The applicant agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local
laws, rules, or regulations in its performance in the project. And five, this resolution shall take effect immediately. I therefore move the resolution. >> Second, >> Commissioner Evans. Good night, >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Scarpell. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Petraco. >> Hi,
>> Mayor Kelly. >> I have Mayor. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Uh, Commissioner Scarpelli, I see you have nothing on this evening. Is that correct? >> Mayor, >> thank you, Commissioner Petraco. >> Yes. Whereas Nicollet Auto Body Works, Inc. 177 Pate G, New Jersey, was awarded
a 2-year contract for towing services, which expires January 31st to 2026. Whereas there is a need to extend the contract with Nicolleti Auto Body Works for 90 days effective February 1st, 2026 through April 30th, 2026 with all the
terms remaining same as set forth in the original. God bless you. >> God bless you. Think >> that's the first time I ever did that. Thank you. >> Um well reading a resolution. Thank you. Um now therefore it be resolved by the
board of commissioners of the township of Nutley County of best estate in New Jersey that the contract be extended to Nicollet Autoworks Inc. for 90 days and then the mayor and town clerk are hereby authorized to enter into a sign said contract extension for the township board of commissioners. I move it
second. >> Commissioner Evans I >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Commissioner Scarpelli. Hi >> Commissioner Petco. >> Hi. >> Mayor Kelly. And this is for twin towing that um mirrors exactly what it is for
decolleti. So I'll just um move this one by number. Um oh well you know what let me read it into the record. Whereas Twin Inc. DBA twin towing 35 mil street bevel New Jersey was awarded a 2-year contract for
towing services which expired on January 31st 2026 where as there is a need to extend the contract with Twin Towing for 90 days effective February 1st 2026 and April 30th um 2026 which the terms remaining the
same set forth in the original contract now therefore be resolved by commissioners township of Nlly County state of New Jersey that that contract be extended to twintelling for 90 days and the mayor and township clerk are hereby authorized to enter into a sign said contract extension for the township
and and border commissioners. I move it second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Scarpelli. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Petrol. >> Hi, >> Mayor Kelly. >> I have Thank you. >> Thank you. And I have four on for this
evening. Uh one is a uh resolution number 2226 for the appointment of uh Raymond Redden as the municipal prosecutor. Uh therefore it be resolved by the board of commissioners of the township of Nelli County as state of New Jersey that Raymond B. Redden be appointed municipal prosecutor from the
township of Nelli effective January 1st 2025 through December 31st 2026. So moved. >> Second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpelli. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Faco. >> Hi. >> Mayor Kelly. >> Hi. Uh the next one is to appoint Joseph
Donna Tiello as the uh municipal public defender be resolved by the board of commissioners of the town of Nelli County of Essex, New Jersey at Joseph Donna Tiello be appointed municipal public defender for the township of Nelli effective January 1st, 2025 and expiring December 31st, 2026. So moved.
>> Second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpelli. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Petraco. >> Hi. >> Mayor Kelly. >> Hi. And this is to uh the next resolution I have is 2426 and this is to appoint uh
the uh town planner for the uh to work with the planning board. Uh and this is uh whereas the township of Nelli has in the need to acquire independent planning expert independent planning expert and let me start over. The town of Nelly has
a need to acquire the services of an independent planning expert to assist the Nutlely planning board as a non-fair open contract pursuant to the provisions of the New New Jersey statutes annotated title 19 uh chapter 44 alpha 20.5 whereas the planning board of Nly wishes to retain independent planning expert to
assist the board reviewing evidence submitted with respect to applications submitted and whereas sections 85.6 six of chapter 85 of the code of township empower supported to appoint such staff as it may deem necessary. Whereas Paul Ricky AICP PP of Ricky Planning 177
Mammoth Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey is willing to enable to provide such expert review of plans, applications, and other documents and matters submitted before the board to be paid a rate of $150 per hour. Whereas the anticipated term of this contract is from January 1st, 2026 through December
31st, 2026 where funds available from the applicants escrow the from applicants escrow deposit developers accounts now therefore be resolved by the board of commissioners township from Nelly County, New Jersey authorizes a contract of Ricky Planning to assist Nelly planning board with respect to
applications submitted to be further resolved. The business entity disclosure certification and determination of value will be placed on file with this resolution and be a further resolved and notice of this action shall be printed in at least on accordance with local public contract law. So moved. >> Second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi.
>> Commissioner Chui. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpell. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Petraco. >> I. >> Mayor Kelly. >> I. And the last one I have on for this evening is the resolution for uh raffle licenses. Uh this is resolution number 2726. and the following organizations
have applied and uh are eligible to receive the l the licenses. Rotary Club of Nutley license on premise 60/50 cash raffle Sunday at April 20 April 18th, 2026. Rotary Club of Nutley on premise merchandise raffle Saturday, April 18th,
2026. Nelly bevel Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Month parade Committee L uh on premise 50/50 cash raffle. Sunday, March 22nd, 2026. Nelly Beville Columbus Day Italian Heritage Month parade Committee Incorporated on premise
merchandise raffle Sunday March 22nd 2026. Nelly Irish American Alliance on premise 50/50 cash raffle Saturday March 7th 2026. Whereas the applications have been reviewed and approved by municipal clerk and the police department that therefore it be resolved by the board of commissioners township of Nelly County
state of New Jersey that they are for mentioned licenses are hereby approved by municipal clerk and is authorized to issue said licenses. I move the resolution. Second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarpelli. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Petraco. >> I. >> Mayor Kelly.
>> I. >> At this point, we'll open the meeting to the public. Anyone wishing to address the board of commissioners, uh, please approach the microphone and state your name for the record. Oh. Good evening, Nicholas Ori 35 W Street, New Jersey.
Uh just briefly why I'm here again tonight. Uh all of you are aware of the saga I've been living for the last now it's up to three and a half years. Um I was fortunate enough to go to mediation about a month and a half ago thinking
wow violent put this to sleep. Unfortunately, mediation didn't go well. Not all parties are willing to be open-minded. I don't know why there's such a power struggle. Everyone's blaming each other. Okay. No one wins. I mean, I don't win. Everyone
wins because everyone's getting paid on my dime. Mr. Bruno could attest and Mayor Kelly that mediation cost money. Cost me, I don't know, another $3,500. So during mediation the the mediator
was upset that you know everyone wasn't playing fair. They he actually directed my lawyer file motion to get back in court which we did the other day. Went to court. The judge was you know trying
to get this settled. I don't know why I'm still in this predicament on my own. I have settled with two people already. I've settled with their appraisal company and with their listing
agent. Now, personally, I think the two people the most responsible for this is the township of Nutley and the seller. Why do I say that? The seller sold me something. I paid pretty good penny for
it. It's a piece of dirt. I can't use it. He said he wasn't aware that it was a floodway. Whatever. Make a long story short. I'm trying to settle with him. He continues to blame the township of Nutley, saying that the township screwed him because the
township made him convert his two family to one family. And I keep on saying, well, it's not my problem. I didn't do that. And then the township, I don't know if I could just share this with you guys quickly.
Can I? Okay. You mind if I approach? >> I'll take it. >> Present it to the clerk, please. >> You have one more. >> He's got about 12 of them. So
I have a folder that's this thick that deals with Dave Barry who I have a lot of respect for and I you know I look him as a friend S Ferrer who also have a lot of respect for her and I I continue to say this it's very diff difficult
difficult for me to express certain feelings because Dave's daughter my daughter you know the roommates and Ruckers I first of all I know all of you Right. I cannot see why the township the commissioners who were elected by these
people won't just step up and you know help me out. If you look at just the f and I have I can't tell you how many things I have. I just want to briefly go through this. February 2nd 2022
I sent a letter to my lawyer email to my lawyer. Okay. I said, "John, I met with Dave Barry, construction official, with regard to the property located at 14 Homer. Dave, is you going to provide me a list of what I need to do in order to build on this land? I know I need to meet with the town engineer and may have
to retain my own personal engineer. Can you please relay this seller? This is 7 months before I bought this property. I met with Dave. He told me to meet with S forever. I met with S. Okay.
If you go to the next um page. Okay. In September 29th of 2022, Dave tells me Nick and Lou, I met with S and the township engineer this morning. They
will be releasing a review review letter to you guys shortly. I know you have I know you have submitted footing foundation's permits already. Can you start the rest of the permits while you're waiting for this letter? If anyone knows anything about building,
they're not going to tell me to submit my plans and issue permits unless they think this lot is buildable. If this lot was deemed unbuildable, I wouldn't be at this point. Let's go to the next one. I just gave you five real quick. Okay,
this is a report from your town engineer. Your township engineer, which I had a meet with. In the first sentence, it says, "This site is in a R1 residential one filmy zone where construction of a single
filmy dwelling is permitted. They wrote me this report. They asked me to update my plans to meet the flood elevation, which I did. I spent a few more thousand." Okay. If you go to the next page, you guys cash my checks. the building
department in order to build I must pay uh the soil conservation I don't know if you're aware of it or not service you can't get your permits unless you pay this first this goes through the township I paid it township cash my
check okay I have other ones here application I filled out township gave me a bill I paid uh the zoning certificate when I bought the land R1 buildable land. Here's
another one my permits for footing and foundation that I sent a check check 632 to the township. Another one so conservation. Okay. Add to that debazi Nick you were
approved with heer whatever this is all from your department statements. If no, if anyone here can't recognize that the township made a mistake, I'm not saying anyone did anything purposely, but they led me to believe this lot was buildable. They made me
spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and no one's accepting responsibility. All I'm asking, I did all the work here. Okay? I my lawyer wanted to sue the township and other people and he wants
to sue and settle for $700,000. I told him I don't want that. I just want to be made whole. I'm not looking to cash in. Okay? I don't care to cash in. I went to mediation. I'm asking the township
to contribute $50,000 for their mistakes to help me be whole. And you guys are fighting me. I don't get it. I'm dumbfounded. It's pennies. I will go to trial if you guys don't settle. And I will prevail. I believe.
And when I do, the township's going to have to pay. And who knows what township attorneys get. And trust me, it's going to cost their bill will be more than what I'm asking for. Can you guys just say, "Okay, Nick, maybe you're right.
Maybe we messed up." And as elected officials, you know, why not? I mean, sometimes you have to make decisions that are not going to be favorable and people are going to be upset. I I sat in that chair. I know. I've been there. I've done that. But like I told a few of you that I'm friendly with,
if I was up there, I don't care who you are, if you were my enemy, it never would have gone three and a half years. And I would have directed whoever I appoint and say, "Can we do the right thing and just put this to rest?" $50,000, your part's done. I pay off
this loan. You know, I spoke to whoever. I said, "Don't write me the check. Write it to the bank." I paid in three and a half years. I want to tell you why I paid in interest. I'm asking for your help to put this to rest.
I mean, what more? I mean, I got seven pages of a folder that's that thick from the engineering department, from day and so forth. I don't want to drag people to court. Not people I'm friendly with. Mayor, I'm helping. I'm asking someone
make a motion. >> As as we we've said previously before, we we sympathize with you. We we understand the the situation you're in and it's none of us would want to be in that situation. Uh what I can say is that we will continue to talk amongst ourselves about how the best way to
resolve this and work with our attorneys and experts uh the the best way forward for this. >> It's been three and a half years. I've come before this board several times. I've heard the same thing. Why is everyone so hesitant? I mean, everyone
shakes my hand. They embrace me. I don't know. Secretly, am I not liked? Did I do something? I mean, it has nothing to do with you personally. This is just the way the legal process works. And I'm saying that from someone who is is a lawyer by profession, and this is just
how it it drags. And I understand the frustration with the the pace of things. Uh but we're we're moving as fast as we can or as as fast as the legal process would permit us in consultation with our experts. >> I I don't Mayor with all due respect
it's it's 3 and 1/2 years. I mean you guys meet in private I mean I can't see I don't know I mean is anyone you know loyal enough as a citizen to make a motion now say listen let's end this. I
mean, you guys are finally over $50,000. I don't think anyone cares. I trust me, they're not going to come to next meeting and complain about this. And what you're doing is the right thing, right? But the, as Mr. Bruno has said before, these conversations has to
happen with us behind closed doors. It's not something we can we can just make a motion for on the the open floor right here. >> But you can legally cuz I would if I was sitting in your chair. I wouldn't think twice about it. And like I said, my was >> Mr. Orama, I appreciate all of your
comments. This is not a court of law. You are entitled to come up here and and address the the board. I have counseledled them consistently not to discuss this in this forum because this is a pending legal matter. uh to the
extent that they are going to continue to to discuss this in close session uh you know we will keep you apprised when when that information becomes public. I can tell you that this board has given you a tremendous amount of latitude, respect and difference probably more
than many boards that I'm aware of would ever extend and I think that's a testament to how much they care not only about you but about any resident. though I I know it doesn't feel like that from where you're standing, but I I can tell you that that is the the absolute truth.
So, I I'm sorry that you're not >> content with how this is playing out, but this is unfortunately how it has to play out. >> I I could just add that everyone on this board is working diligently on finding a resolution to this matter. >> Listen, I don't want to disrespect you.
I have much respect for everyone up there, okay? But what you just said, it bothers me. I mean, come on, mayor. We spoke a few times. I mean, every time I come back, it's the same thing. What What are you talking about? Anyone?
Anyone, Doc? Any opinion? Come on. I mean, I mean, Nick, I I think that they said they're working on it and hopefully the solution is right around the corner. I mean what you know I would I I would think that maybe we're getting a lot closer than you think. So just be
patient. >> Be patient. I just be patient. And what brings me here today is I was informed that I will not go to trial because Axis County you're familiar with not for another two and a half years. So I got
to continue to pay this loan. And I but again I mean doc I mean it I just don't get it. I I'm sorry. I mean I got a lot of respect for all you but I'm different.
>> Nick, we we haven't been even briefed yet on what transpired at the mediation. >> That bothers me then. >> Well, we're we'll probably be talking about it this evening, so don't be totally bothered. So once once we can sit back and discuss what occurred,
hopefully we can make we can make some decisions that uh that are right and just for everyone. >> Mr. Evans, >> I Nick I, as I said, I don't you you and I don't know one another very well. Yeah. U but I I'm not in a position
where I can comment. Period. My counsel has said keep quiet. You're referring to my department. I need to keep quiet. Well, I you know, I respect that, but you know what? You're a commissioner. You've been elected by the people, and you should voice your opinion because no disrespect to Mr. Bruno, he works for
you. You don't work for him. >> Thank you for the counseling. >> You're welcome, Al. Anything? >> Oh, did you? >> Mr. Mr. Oram, uh uh unfortunately, due to the constraints of public comment, uh
we don't have any more time for this at this time. There's no one else behind there. I hope we >> that 42 people just yield their time to me. So I got I'm going to come back the next meeting
and I I I just wish when I'm up here again, you just say, "Nick, we're not doing anything." Or can you come up with like will there be some type of solution the next weekend? Oh, optimistically we can hope for one, but uh we can't guarantee any particular
resolution. How >> many more times do you have to meet to come up with something? >> Uh Mr. Oram, there respectfully there there are no answers that you're going to be content with to these questions. I understand, you know, what it is that you're trying to accomplish.
Unfortunately, the matter is part of a pending litigation. There are many aspects of this case. I'm not going to debate the law with you. I I don't think that this is the appropriate forum and I don't think frankly that you would
appreciate that. I I understand that this is troubling situation and everybody is sympathetic to that. I I don't no one here can give you a deadline as to when they're going to have an answer because there's too many unpredictable moving parts. I can tell
you that everyone is thinking about this. Everyone is asking about it. This is not something that any single commissioner has let, you know, fall off their radar, but there are many moving parts here. And to the extent that, you know, that's an answer, that's the best
we can give you at this time. >> I don't get it. I'm still I'm dumbfounded. Nobody wants to make a motion. Purchase this land, make it a a pocket park. I don't know. I'll put
No one's going to be here 20 years. Air Force is going to be dead. So >> anyone else wishing to be heard uh this evening uh may approach the microphone and state your name for the record. Uh seeing none uh we'll close the public
comment portion and I Mr. Mr. Bruno, do we have a need for executive session this evening? >> Mayor, we do have a need to go into close session to discuss litigation as well as contract negotiations. >> Uh, I'll make a motion to go into close
executive session. >> Move it. >> Thank you. Whereas section 8 of the open public meeting act chapter 231 public law 1975 permits the exclusion of the public for meeting in certain circumstances. Whereas the public body is of the opinion that such
circumstances exist and whereas the board of commissioners of the township of Nutley in the county of Essex and state of New Jersey desires to proceed to close executive session. And now therefore be it resolved by the board of commissioners of the township of Nutley move into close executive session to discuss contract negotiations and
litigation. Be it further resolved that at the time when such dis discussions may be disclosed to the public shall be when and such disclosures may be made without adversely affecting the township of Nutley pending and or anticipated legal personnel contractual matters and other matters within the exceptions
provided for by statute. This resolution shall take effect immediately. Commissioner Evans. Hi, >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi, >> Commissioner Scarfelli. Hi, >> Commissioner Petro. Hi, >> Mayor Kelly. >> Hi. And we won't be conducting any more business this evening, but I do want to remind everyone that there is a special
election uh this th Thursday, February 5th, and that's for Governor Cheryl's former congressional seat. So, uh if you want to be heard in this election, please make sure to all lot some time sometime between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on next on this Thursday. this Thursday,
February 5th. Uh there's not going to be any business, so I entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So move it. Second. >> Commissioner Evans. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Tucci. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Scarfelli. >> Hi. >> Commissioner Petraco. >> Hi. >> Mayor Kelly. Hi. And the time is 7:49.