No, I got up. I didn't look. Oh, I'm sorry. I We're going to do the pledge of allegiance and we're going to do a prayer. We don't have a quorum yet. So, but we are going to get started. No, no, no. >> No, we can't do the pledge of Oh, okay. It's up to the attorney. Okay. Sit back
down. Have a seat. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> We stand for a moment of silence. We
would wish to remember those who are fighting for our freedoms both here and abroad. For our first responders, for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and this evening for everyone who was suffering around the world. A moment of silence. >> Mr. Paski, our prayer.
>> Dear Lord, bless thy servants in the ministry of public affairs who serve you in this chamber. Give us quiet minds and hearts that we may hear your voice. Help us to know when to speak, when to be silent. Give us the strength to oppose the wrong and uphold the right. And
grant that we have a good conscience and soul at peace with thee and with one another. Amen. >> Amen. Thank you. Please be seated. >> You're tall enough to see tonight. >> Now I can see down. >> I can't count.
>> Just took your Stone. >> Okay. >> So, roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. Yes. >> Councilman De Palama is absent. Councilman Desai is absent.
>> Councilman Garcia >> here. >> Councilman Murphy is absent. Councilman Pasitti >> here. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Yes. And Councilman uh De Palama wanted me to tell you all that he is on a
business trip in Arizona and that he wishes everybody a happy and healthy Halloween. Okay. This meeting is being held in conformance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Notice has been given to the official newspapers of the township on January 14th, 2025. Has been posted in public places. Next open public
meeting of the township council will be held on Monday, November 17th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. >> Okay. Thank you. Next will be presentations. Proclamation National First Responders Day, Mayor Walker. Good
evening. Good evening. Today is National First Responders Day and what a great day because we're installing two new police officers today, too. First responders, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, 911 operators,
paramedics, and other emergency personnel, stand on the front lines of our communities, selflessly serving and protecting our citizens in times of crisis. First responders respond swiftly and courageously to emergencies, often putting their own lives at risk to
ensure the safety and well-being of others. Whether in national national disasters, accidents, medical emergencies, or public health and safety threats, it is in the public interest for the citizens of Obridge to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest in understanding of the
importance of first responder efforts in their respective communities. At a moment's notice, first responders are quick to respond to dangerous situations that threaten our cities, counties, and state. First responders undergo significant education, specialized
training, and personal sacrifice to contribute their excellence and necessary skills to the public. We recognize the integral role that first responders have in our communities and the benefits we experience thank to their hard work, commitment, sacrifice, and dedication. Now therefore, I Debbie
Walker, Mayor of the Township of Albridge, the township council, county of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim October 28th, 2025 as National First Responders Day. And I urge all citizens to join in activities, events, and ceremonies paying tribute to
our first responders to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and advancing the quality of life for all. I would just like us all to please give all our first responders a round of applause. And we have most of our police
department here. I'm so thankful for all the first responders that we have in town. They do an amazing job. And u with that, I guess we're going to install our new officer. >> Okay, >> I'm going to present. >> Be careful there, Miss Kate. Push this out so you don't trip.
>> Good evening everyone. My name is Tom Montagna and I am the chief of police here at the Elbridge Township Police Department. I want to take a moment and thank all of you for being here tonight and supporting these officers. It's a great day for the Old Bridge Police Department as we officially welcome
Officer John Gazelino, badge number 321, and Officer Casey Jacobe, badge number 322, to the OBPD family. I am I am incred I am incredibly proud and honored to be swearing in these two young officers. I wish them both long su
successful and safe careers in service to our community. With that being said, God bless the men and women of the OBPD. Let's now first bring down Officer Gazelino to the front. I I'll read a short bio and we will we
will invite his family up to be part of his John Gazelino. U badge number 321. Since 2025, John Gazalino was employed as a police officer with the Carteret Police Department. John served as a corporal with the US Marine Corp
reserves from 2011 through 2017. He holds his associates degree in criminal justice from the Middle County College. I present to you John Gazalina. Do you swear? Thou support the Constitution of the United States.
>> I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of New Jersey. >> and the Constitution New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Saints. >> I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Saints. >> And to the governments established in the United States. >> And to the government established in the United States.
>> And in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people. and I will faithfully impartially and justly perform >> And that I will faithfully and partially and justly perform >> all the duties of my position of
>> all the duties of the of my position of >> police officer from the township of Old Bridge >> police officer of the township of >> to the best of my ability >> to the best of my ability. >> So for help When you're done, go up and say hi to the
KC Jacobe, badge number 322. Casey Jacobe holds a bachelor's of science degree from Ruckers University, majoring in leadership and management and has an associates in science degree from Ocean County College. Casey previously served as a special law
enforcement officer class two with the Seaside Heights Police Department. Please please welcome Casey Jacob. handling Bible. Repeat after me. I state your name. I, Casey Jacobe, >> do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear
>> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of New Jersey >> and the Constitution of New Jersey >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same >> and to the governments established in
the United States >> and to the governments established in the United States >> and in this state >> and in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully, impartially, and justly perform >> and that I will faithfully and partially and justly perform >> all the duties of my position of
>> all the duties of my position of >> police officer for the township of Old Bridge. >> police officer for the township of Old Bridge >> to the best of my ability. >> to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> So help me God. It's like a hole in it. Get out of
Just want to take a moment and I want to thank the mayor and our business administrator and our council for their continued support. Without them and their support, none of this can happen. And I appreciate it. Thank you. You're welcome. Um,
public safety is our number one priority here in Oldbridge. Our administration, myself, and our council, we all are for law enforcement, and we want to thank you for all you do for our community. Thank you. Well, congratulations and thank you all for being here to celebrate with them.
And I'm hoping they have a a great long future here in Oldbridge and that's what we want to keep growing our police department and make Oldbridge the best place it can be. Have a good evening. Right. Let them leave.
>> Yeah. Everybody have a great night. Thank you. What's the >> 1231 2020 1 2025 through 1231 12 >> Wait, what is it? You gave me three numbers. 1 2025
>> 1231 2020 >> 2021 >> Wow. Okay. All right. Now we'll begin the body of the meeting. We're very happy. Congratulations to the officers. Next will be I'll ask for um a nomination for appointment resolution of
the township council township appointing a member to the zoning board of adjustments to fill an unexpired term 12025 through 1231 2028. >> I nominate
>> nomination by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Any other nominations hearing? None closed nominations. When I uh Well, we only have one person, so it's either yay, yay, or nay. >> Councilman Estatuli,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Daro, >> abstain. >> Abstain. Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Pasitti, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli, >> yes. >> And Council President Sohart, >> yes. >> Motion carries.
>> Next will be our bill list resolution. What the rising the payment of bills Mr. Garcia >> uh builders as of October 28, 2025. Accounts payable October 28, 2025 14,12,958.89
89 payroll October 24 20251,274,54.31 payroll overtime October 24 2025 $30,213.91 and that completes my report. Thank you. >> Have a breakdown of the overtime. Anna,
>> yes. Uh we did not have any major upticks in overtime in this last payroll. The sworn police officer overtime was $16,789.86. Deduct grants $5,600. Deduct ETO $2,54.70
for a total of $8,68516. We have one officer on light duty currently. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Do I have a motion to pay the bill list? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Okay. Moved by Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by Councilman Asetuli. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Six yeses. >> Okay. Next is public reading for second
reading H1. Ordinance amending chapter 510 of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled volunteer incentives by amending article 1 volunteer fire companies first aid squads and auxiliary police 510-3
and 510-4. I need a motion to open to the public please. >> Council vice president second. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Asatuli. All in favor? >> I. >> We're all open to the public.
>> Okay. Good evening. If anyone in the public would like to come up and be heard on this particular ordinance, please come forward now. Okay. Seeing no hands, then I'll close the public portion and go to councel. I have a motion to close the public.
>> Motion to close public. >> I have a motion. >> Second. >> Dr. Greenberg Belly. Second by uh Councilman Garcia or as Pasci. >> All in favor? >> All right. >> Now, does anyone on my left have a
question or a comment about this particular ordinance? Does anyone on my right? >> Okay. Seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Pas Giddy. Second by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg
Belli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Six yeses. >> Okay.
Next will be be our consent agenda. I'd like to ask for a motion in a second and then we'll go for separations and voting. >> Moved by uh Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Asatuli.
Um we'll go for items for separation. Councilwoman Daro, any items for separation? >> No, thank you. >> Councilman Acatuli, >> no thank you. >> for separation? >> No, thank you. >> Councilman Garcia, >> I have none. Thank you. >> Councilman Pasitti,
>> no separations. Thank you. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> No, thank you. >> Council President Sohar, >> I'm good. Thank you. >> Okay. So, a motion and a second to approve the entire consent agenda. May I have a motion? >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg
Bell. Second, please. >> Second by Councilman Asetuli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar.
>> Yes. >> Six yeses. >> And next will be reported the township clerk. So, I did have a couple items. Early voting began on Saturday, October 25th, and will continue through Sunday, November 2nd, 2025. Hours of operation
are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Old Bridge Civic Center. Election day is Tuesday, November 4th, 2025. Polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. For a list of where you vote, please visit our
website at www.olbridge.com. obridge.com/pageelections and click the link that says find your polling location by warden and district or contact the municipal clerk's office at 732721-5600 extension 22000. As a reminder, if you are located in W 2
district 3 and W 2 district 5, your polling location has changed. You no longer vote at the old bridge high school. The new polling location is James McDivet School located at one Manny Martin Way. The township is um the township is taking citizen leadership
applications for all boards and committee appointments for 2026. If you are interested in volunteering for a border committee, please visit the volunteer page on the township website located at www.olbridge.compagevolunteer obridge.com/pagev
volunteer to fill out the citizen leadership leadership form and check each board page for any open positions. The next council meeting that was originally scheduled for Monday, November 10th, 2025 has been rescheduled to Monday, November 17, 2025 at 7:30
p.m. >> Very much. Does anyone have any questions for Kate about her report? Okay, then I'll ask for a motion to accept it. Second >> motion by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by councilman Acatuli.
>> All in favor? >> Okay. >> Thank you Kate. >> Next is township attorney report. >> Another report madam present. >> Okay. And administrative report Anna. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. Fall leaf pickup began yesterday on
October 27th in WS one, two, and three and will run all week. We will begin picking up in ws four, five, and six the week of November 3rd. Paper leaf bags should be placed at the curb on Sunday evening and kept outside all week, rain or shine. Please visit orbridgeidge.com/recycling
for the full schedule. The township division of tax collection will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the fourth quarter tax collection period. The tax office will also be open between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The last day to pay taxes
without interest or penalty is November 10th, 2025. Payments received after November 10 will acrue interest back to the statutory due date of November 1st. For homeowners who are in our automatic withdrawal pay program, your taxes will be withdrawn on or about November 5th,
2025. For additional information, residents should contact the Obridge Division of Tax Collection at 732-721-560 extension 299. In 2025, the state of New Jersey created one combined application for the property tax reimbursement, senior
freeze, anchor, and stay New Jersey programs for taxpayers 65 or older or those receiving Social Security disability benefits. The deadline to file the 2024 PAS form with the state of New Jersey is October 31st, 2025.
Applications must be postmarked by October 31st, 2025. For additional additional information, residents should visit ww.w jersey.govtreasurytaxation relief or contact the state of New Jersey Division of Taxation at
18008826597. The Obridge Food Bank is accepting toiletry donations during the month of October. Donations can be dropped off at the Silver Linings front desk and at the Obridge Food Bank. For a complete list of the items needed, please visit orbridge foodbank slbridge.comfoodbank.
The John Piccolo Ice Arena open to the public on Monday, October 13, 2025 and will remain open until March 29, 2026. For more information and for the full open skating schedule, please visit orbridgeidge.com/recreation or call 732-721-56000
extension4999. And I do have one additional last minute item uh that I didn't get to add. Uh on October 23rd, I participated in a meeting with Mayor Walker and Councilman Garcia regarding the ongoing issues that we are having on Route 35 in regards to
flooding. Um so we are seeing a lot of flooding by the Margaret's Creek Industrial Drive area during substantial storms and this has been ongoing. Um the reports that I was able to to gather from the police department as well as from our office of emergency management
dated back to 2017. So this has been ongoing. So Senator Henry, Mayor Walker, Councilman Garcia and myself attended this u um teams meeting with the deputy commissioner of the DOT, Joseph Bton to make sure that they are aware of the
issue. They are actively trying to find a solution. Um and they are very much aware of it to the point that uh ahead of any big storms which probably we'll see that this Thursday with the rain that we're expecting, they've been staging crews and staff on Route 35 to
try to get ahead of it. Um there's some ongoing issues. They're not sure if um the water is not going into the bay, what's blocking the water going into the bay, but they're currently actually have been actively investigating the issue and they will be reporting back to us as to uh what can be done. So, I know
myself, Mayor Walker, um Senator Henry, and Councilman Garcia will will stay on top of this um in the coming months, and hopefully the DOT uh was very much willing to work with us, and we appreciate um their willingness to try to get a solution. We did indicate to them that we have a school nearby in
that area. So, road closures make it very difficult for us to be able to access schools, emergency services to get to where they need to go. Um so, we made all those points um very clear to them. So, and I know Councilman Garcia, I don't know if you had anything additional you might want to add from the meeting.
>> No, I just want to pretty much thank everybody involved. Senator Henry, the mayor, yourself getting involved because they've been dealing with this seven, eight years with the flooding. They paved a few years ago and from what I understood from a resident, it got worse. So, I'm glad they're looking into
it. It could only get better, I hope. You know, especially with the weather changing and the cold weather coming. It's, you know, the icing, everything else. So, I'm looking forward to finally being fixed. Hopefully, it's soon, you know, rather than later. But, you know, they they are working on it and I think they will get it done this time. So,
thank you for all your help. >> They were very receptive. They wrote back and they are investigating it and they're looking at previous storms and they're they're going to get to the bottom of it. >> Very good. Does anyone have any comments or questions for Anna? I just want to add with the ice skating arena. Please
take advantage of that if you are someone who skates. It's a great place. It's been here for so many years and really something other towns don't have. So if you you know if you uh enjoy doing ice skating, please stop by and see how nice it's been refurbished. Right, Matt?
It's it's it's a really nice place. So definitely bring the kids. Okay. I need a motion to accept Anna's report. >> Second move by council vice president Dr. Green. Second by councilman Garcia. All in favor? >> Motion carries.
>> Okay. So Yep. We're up to public comment. >> The public comment portion of our meeting is to allow the public to bring to the council's attention their concerns or comments. This section is open for any topic or items on the consent agenda. In accordance with NJSA
104-12A in the Oldbridge rules of council, the council asked the public to limit their comments to three minutes or less. Only one member of the public shall approach to speak to council at a time. The council will respect the public's time by refraining from any comment until the speaker is finished with their allocated time. Should be
further noted that the public comment portion of our meeting is not structured as a question and answer session. If a member of the public has questions they seek answers to, an appointment can be made with the corresponding department's office during regular business hours. Township clerk will regulate the time during the comment portion of our
meeting. As you approach the microphone, please state your name. No addresses. Is there anyone you going to open? Anyone in the public? Yep. We need a motion to open to the public. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second. >> Second.
>> Councilman uh Garcia. All in favor? >> Open to the public. >> We're now open to the public. Is there anyone in the public who wishes to come up and be heard this evening? Good evening. >> Good evening. Um,
hello. My name is Stella Porto. I'm a 30-year special education administrator, retiree from the New York City Department of Education, and also retired 17-year college softball coach. as an administrator. Um, I'm also an administrator of the Obridgeidge
residents manage page. I'm representing engaged residents across our township. Ashley is unable to attend tonight, so I've been asked to follow up on her behalf on the requests made of our last meeting on October 14th. We would like
to thank Councilwoman Jill Dalo for um answering our questions. These items reflected widespread community concern and we respectfully requested updates on each. One was the pilot contract transparency. We call for
all payments in lie of taxes agreements to be published online along with plain language summaries explaining their terms and public benefits. Warehouse development oversight. We submitted a formal petition opposing further warehouse development and urged
the council to halt new approvals until a full impact reveal could be shared with the public. Budget surplus allocation. We asked for a breakdown of the reported 26% budget surplus and advocated for use for the
funds to offset property tax burdens. Election season engagement. We requested that the township host public debates among candidates. We appreciated that this occurred and hope it beca becomes a consistent practice moving forward. Um regular question and answer sessions
with the residents. We propose structured reoccurring Q&A sessions with the full council and board participation allowing residents to ask direct questions and receive clear documented answers in one meeting. To date, we have not received any responses from anyone
else on the board and we would like follow-up um emails. We appreciate your attention to these matters and we look forward to your response. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Is there anyone else in the public who
wishes to be heard this evening? I find it easier to have a clipboard and read because I'm flaky. Uh my name is Nina Jacnitz. Good evening members of the Elbridge Council, the mayor, and of course the fellow residents of our town. Tonight I urge our leadership and the
majority council to meet your responsibilities to our consumer our community. For more than four years, we've waited for real progress on the energy consortium, an initiative that will provide much needed financial relief to all 70,000 or thereabouts
residents of Old Bridge, including yourselves. Yet we still see no meaningful advancement and your inaction means to the community continued faced excess uh energy costs. Mayor, what steps are you taking to move forward today? Chair and vice chair, what are we
waiting for? Every day is a delay which makes it harder for families to pay their bills and maintain the quality of life in this town. Now we're facing a more immediate crisis, the loss of SNAP benefits, food benefits. This week, nearly 8,000 on the estimated calculated federal numbers. Uh, Old Bridge
residents rely on food benefits, including a population of students who get breakfast and lunch in our schools. What is Old Bridge going to do today to help our families and children during this critical time? Why can we not? We cannot afford the vague promises to our community. We need concrete action now.
During COVID, this town relied entirely on the state and federal assistance for basic needs, public safety, food banks, road repair, and other things in public works. Going back to Hurricane Sandy, direct community support was lacking by this administration by many of the past members of this council on this council
today. The though some of you claimed to serve this town, the reality is the community has not been adequately addressed in times of need. Most recently, the town auditor confirmed a reserve of only 10 to 15% is enough to sustain our rating of A++
and protect us. So, there are funds available to help our community. Instead of starting a new entertainment amenity, let's use the surplus funds to support critical nutritional needs of our community. Residents of Old Bridge want our transparency of this board. We want
accountability, practical solutions, not personal campaigns. Thank you very much. hoodwinking and shifting responsibility. Anita, Debbie, Kevin, Tony, Mary, and Darren, will you commit to using town funds today to support our communities? Will you call for an executive session
this evening even to vote on and allocate some of the reserves for the community that's going to need it coming soon? Our community deserves leaders who act, not just talk. I urge all of you to open these accounts and provide our residents with the urgently needed money
and for food at the food banks and elsewhere. Healthy food, please. And complete the necessary work for the energy consortium. Thank you. And remember to vote. I'm running for council ward six. Thank you very much. And by the way, Kevin, Darren, everybody
else, you can't act on the talk on the day from your about about the impounding uh elections. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much. Is there anyone else in the council in the public who wishes to be heard?
>> Good evening. Let's see. >> Good evening. My name is Neil Greenspan and I'm just going to talk about W three. Um, I went through the minutes of the last four years
and Mr. Desai has been absent 21 times and God only knows how many times he's been late. I didn't even put them in. Anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. And he's been absent 22 times, including
tonight. And Ward 3 has not been represented for at least properly since Reggie Butler has passed away. I would like the people to vote for John
Riley or that we can have proper representation on the council for W three. Thank you very much. Anyone else in the audience who wishes to be heard this evening?
Seeing no hands, I will ask for a motion to close the public portion. >> Motion by Councilman Astatuli, second >> by Councilman Pasitti. >> All in favor? >> Closed.
>> Closed. Next will be council comments. >> Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. So, some good news, right? Halloween's coming up, right? Now, let me ask everybody a question. We can all relate to one thing, right? My daughter's 15, the other one's 19. They're going trick-or-treating at 15
years old. Right now, I know you're looking funny, Matt, right? You're looking at your kids as well, like, "Okay, now how many of us, let's be, let's be honest, right? At the end of the night, when they all come home, 19 year olds, 18 year olds, and the the candies like in their room, how many of
you actually sneak in, take some look at Matt, right? You do, right? I don't get the joys. I like the Reese's, the Snickers. By the time they wake up, they got pennies in there, right? So, at the end of the day, happy Halloween to everybody. really enjoy the holiday. But today, something's really important. And
today is National First Responders Day. And I want to talk about the everyday people who keep us safe. These are the moms and dads, the factory workers, the store clerks who also happen to be our police officers, our firefighters, and our EMTs. They're not
superheroes in capes. They're the same people who coach T-ball, mow their lawns, and wave hello at the grocery store. Yet when that siren goes off, they drop everything. They leave birthday parties, night shifts, or a quiet evening on a
couch couch to run into the burning homes to stop people from bleeding or talk someone back from the edge of a cliff. They do it for neighbors they know and strangers they've never they'll never meet again.
They train after work, worry about their own kids while saving hours, and go home smelling of smoke, then get up and do it all again tomorrow. To every one of you in this room or listening
on duty right now, I want to say thank you. You make this town feel like home because you make it safe. We see you. We're proud of you. And we've got your back. And a special shout out to the OEM
coordinator who gets up at 3:00 in the morning, 5 in the morning, 4 in the morning, no matter what, to run this town. Special shout out to Mike Patchau. We appreciate you and all that you do and thank you for keeping this town running the way it does. I appreciate
you. Thank you everyone. Next will be Mrs. Carol, >> I didn't realize Kate had gone. >> Yeah. >> Um, okay. Thank you. Um, okay. Yes. So, first I want to congratulate the two new police officers that were sworn in today. That's always a wonderful day
when we have um and they're so young. They they look like little kids, but um just shows my age. But um I wish them well and I wish them to stay safe and well and um I I appreciate that um that
they're going to be working for Old Bridge to keep Old Bridge safe. Um I also do want to also um recognize National First Responders Day. Um you guys are the heart of of our town and um
you are there whenever you are needed. Well, you know, all the call comes in and you guys go. So, um, happy National First Responders Day. You guys deserve it every day. Um, so for the, uh, just for the three
people that got up to speak, Stella, um, thank you for getting up to speak and thank you to um, Residents Matter Facebook page. I think you guys are a great page and um I think that your questions are good.
They're very valid and um I do have some answers. I don't know um I'd like to read them tonight and u and I'll also post them on my Facebook page um for other people to read. I'll do that in a
minute. Um Nina, um I know you you talk about the energy consortium, you know, every time. I don't know if we ever have answers for that. I don't know. I don't know what the status is. So, I'm hoping that someone does answer that question
because I know you have been asking that. So, I'm hoping that I don't have that answer. Um, and Neil, you know, I'm sorry that um you're upset. Uh, Mr. Desai has had some health issues which has prevented him from showing up to meetings but he
is present and um he does watch the meetings and uh is aware of everything that's going on. So um just wanted to speak up on his behalf. Um, so just as far as the questions, the fir I'm not going to read the whole question, but
for the pilots, um, I've discussed this at multiple meetings and it was confirmed that the financial agreements obviously are with the developers are public documents, but I'm requesting that the documents are made more easily accessible with clear labeling so we can so the residents can find them. I'm also
requesting a user a user-friendly summary be added so residents can more easily understand what the agreement actually says. It's also important for the public to attend or watch the budget presentations. Um, so this is a responsibility of of
the public to attend or watch the public the budget presentations in April and May and attend any subcommittee budget meetings to listen to our business administrator, our chief financial officer, and our department heads discuss how their specific budgets are
spent. Uh these are all public meetings where residents can ask questions. Um but I do understand the frustration of not being able to have a back and forth uh exchange at the council meetings. I
think the subcommittee we don't usually have anybody come there. So I'm assuming that if residents do come there to have and have questions that it is a little bit more of an informal setting and I expect there's a little bit more leeway with some back and forth. um as long as
it's a productive exchange. Um but that's up to I guess the council president or whoever is running that meeting. Um as far as the no more warehouses posi uh petition, I'm committed to doing uh everything I can
to fight against more warehouses coming to Old Bridge. Um I know that get that's a controversial statement, but smart growth is essential, but we have enough. So, let's focus more on community building and preserving our diminishing open space. And uh just in in case it
comes up again because it came up uh last meeting, uh the property was sold by the board of ed was an area that was never going to house a school. So, the board of ed did not need that that area that that land. and the developer of the segment warehouses after already getting
approval to build by council purchased it in order to have another entrance for the pro for the proposed warehouses. Um it didn't spark the warehouses. They were already being done. Um, as far
as the 26% surplus to offset t taxes, that's why I specifically asked the auditor uh about how much surplus we needed to maintain our double A plus bond rating and he did mention 20 I remember 20%, it could have been a
little under, but it also depended on other factors me you know demographics and he mentioned a few other factors um and it based on that response I would like to propose is a resolution that we carry no more than a 20% surplus as long
as we can still maintain a high bond rating. I understand saving for a rainy day, but at what point do we say okay the rainy day is now? And um as the So then the next uh next
question about the debates, obviously those debates already happened. You can watch them on uh the Old Bridge Township website or you can go right on to YouTube and and search them there. And I'm also open to live debates in the
future. And as far as Q&A session goes, I think an informal Q&A session would be very helpful, but not just from the council, but administration as they produce they're the ones that produce the budget that we as council members
vote on. And I'm not saying that to pass the buck at all. I'm simply saying that because they're better equipped to answer the questions and uh I would gladly be willing to attend and answer questions and would encourage my fellow
council members to participate as well. The question mentions board members as well. So I'm not sure if you're referring to board of education members there. So, um, but I can tell you that since I was a member of the board of education, I believe that there should be more unity and collaboration between
the board of ed and the town council. So, if that's what you're suggesting, I would be thrilled to participate. And so, those are the answers to my question to the questions that you asked. And, uh, I hope that uh, that helps. And, um,
I'm also open to further discussion on that. And um with that, I will uh end my council comments. Happy Halloween to everyone. Thank you, >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yeah. Hi. Yes. Thank you. And good evening all. I'll be quick. I won't be
as long. Uh first of all, I want to thank and actually congratulate the new officers that we just hired. Congratulations to them. Making sure we keep them safe. Congratulations, guys. Also, National Happy F uh first responders day. We need our first
responders. They do so much for every town, not just Obridge, throughout the throughout the country. So, they're needed and I, you know, we appreciate all they do. So, congratulations. Thank you guys for all you guys do for us. And that's all I have. Thank you, >> Councilman Pasitti.
>> No comment. Thank you, >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. There has been many lies and misinformation presented by the Democrats concerning many topics such as warehouses, taxes, pilots,
infrastructure, etc. First of all, Mrs. Daro is the only person on the status that voted to sell public land to the warehouse developer. The former board of ed sold the Mikey base approximately 88
acres and the property was sold and that's where the bus depot was. So we did not sell that land. Okay. The next thing is the Brunetti property was private land. It was not our land. They were earmarked. It had a general
development plan going back to the 1990s for 10,000 residential units. Do you understand the impact that would have had on our community for the schools, for the fire, for EMS, for the police, for the um water and sewer? That would
have been astronomical. It would have poured more than 15,000 cars in throughout our town. If the warehouses were built south of us in Manalapin, Marboro or Freehold, all we would do is get traffic going through
um Old Bridge. Actually, the state, if you look in Old Bridge, we have three lanes through Route 9 and it bottles necks into two lanes in Marble. That's why you get traffic built up in in bridge also because of all the development that's been forced on those
communities by the stam statemanded fair share housing. On top of it, I want to tell you what this developer did. No other developer has done this. The developer built a golf course using the $17 million of his money. Not only the golf course, we made sure that he put uh
mini golf in and a driving range so families can go there and enjoy it. Also, he don donated $100,000 to the shade tree commission. $100,000 fire department. He's planning on building 10,000 trees in town. But the
real this is the key point that I want everyone to realize with that property. It was 830 acres not owned by the town by the Brunetti organization. 430 acres are preserved for open space.
If residents were going to be built there, do you know how how bottlenecked that property would be? You wouldn't have any open space. So that's where people say that, oh, we're selling our land. It's not our land. It was a developer's land that when they bought
it way back in in time and in the 90s the general development plan was there. So when they talk about these things you have to know the facts. Obviously Mr. and Mrs. uh Mr. Desai Mrs. Dicaro um they have a short-term memory. They they
voted for the budget that was passed here. Not only that they voted for the ordinance and I'll tell you the ordinance number. Anyone can look it up. 2022-14 that is with segi that's their financial agreement and they have that's the pilot
program they don't even understand the pilot program pilot programs are not unique to bridge they have them in Edison East Brunswick Monroe everywhere actually it provides money to stabilize the town when you talk about public safety which is the most important thing
that's what it's for so the pilot go program is for is they still get taxes on the land. Nothing changed there just like they're getting now from the school just because the stool school messed up. And by state statute, we don't have control of the school just like we don't
have control of the budget for the m for the um middle sex county. They're separate entities. That's a state statute. So state the pilot programs are by law by state statutes. So what happens is this allows them to go to the
bank and get a more and get a lending. It it it is for the lender of this money that is stable. So you get so much money but it escalates every year and after 30 years then it reverts back where it goes to um taxed on um for the whole project
and the land. But there is money and there's money that's going to change. And you know what this t this developer is going to do with that pilot program? when you get money, it's a payment program. They're misnomer. They're in lie of taxes. They're still getting their taxes the board of ed on the land
just like they're doing today and they did before. They're getting we're going to get money and it's going to help with public safety. It's going to help to stabilize our budget in town. And not only that, we've allocate we're going to allocate certain amount of money into an open space trust fund so then we can buy
land. Right now, everyone talks about open space, but there's no money to buy this open space even if you wanted to. This is going to make an account so you can buy land. Not only that, on top of that, it's so funny they talk about um about those both sides of the mouth. Oh,
we want open space. Yet they don't go to the state and tell them that this fair share housing which is truly a misnomer is is taking up all the open space because we are dictated by the state to build so many units which is totally
absurd. They look at your land mass. They don't understand the community. They don't come here and look at the community. They look geographically at a land mass and tell you you have to build this many units. It's crazy. So for example, and I'll I'll just to make math easy. If they tell you you have to build
500 fair share housing um units, they get the builder gets to build 2,500 market value. That's 3,000 units. Do you know what that's doing to sub suburbs all over the state? That's where it is. So, you have to look at things in a
balance and understand everything with it. And I know that's a lot of information, but I also want you to know since 2020, the school rate, the municipal rate has gone up 10.75%.
Also, at the at the school rate has gone up 46.21%. While doing that, the enrollment in the school has gone down substantially. This is nonsustainable. But it's the express reason of Governor Murphy who
took away funding from our school and the board of ed who did not have a long range plan to adj to make adjustments at the same time. Listen, I'm not happy with Murphy did. Education is critical. It's very important. We're all for education, but by state statute, we
can't take this money and give it to the school when they haven't been good stewards of their their money. And so it's just absurd. It goes on and on. There's no transparency. There's no accountability at the state level. Think of this. And I said it before. You're
probably sick of hearing me saying it, but obviously I want you to think about this long and hard and understand it. When Governor Murphy took office, the budget was $ 36 billion. Today it is over 59 billion dollar.
Is any of her life's better? the taxes going up. This is absurd. Why did he take money away from our schools and then we have to make adjustments for it? But as I said, the board of ed didn't make any adjustments for it. That actually the $10 million they got from
SegMe, that money goes into capital, but there is a state provision that they could have gone to the state and said, can we use that this time to use it in the in the general budget and bring down the taxes? Not that all of us are are taxed or raised. Then think of this, and
I say this all the time, too. Every resident in this town, whether you have children in the school or not, whether they're seniors on fixed incomes, whether there's people that pay for their kids to go to proial school, you are paying you are paying school taxes.
And 60 cents out of every dollar that we pay in for taxes goes to the school. Yet, we only get 16%. with that six 16 cents with that we do the police department. It's not just salaries. It is all the equipment and technology that
they need. We pay for the department of public works. It's not just for their salaries. It is for their technology, for their machinery and everything they have to do. It is for the recck department, the senior department, all the heads of the departments that we have here. I think we do a good job. And
you know what? I don't have to say it. We've been we our auditor came here sat here so obviously they're not listening to our auditor they're not listening to our CFO when they say that we use best practices and we have an outstanding budget. So this is very frustrating to
me that this goes on and on these misconceptions but also if you listen to the bank you can listen but there's been a lot of lies there. For example we were told that we don't put money into doing our roads. That is just absurd. We put in over about a million dollars um a
year to do our roads. When they said that we use p our public property to build warehouses, they don't want hairouses. Well, I guess they wanted 10,000 residents. I can go on, but really look for yourself. It's transparent. You can see um ordinance
2022-14. So, if you have any questions, I'm always available to answer them for you. Thank you very much. Um, yes, Council President Sohar. >> All right. In closing, I'd just like to say that this is really been, you know,
as Dr. said, a silly season. But when you say about taking our and they say surplus, our fund balance, and saying we have so much left, which in reality, I'd like you guys to address that, please. But in the meantime, talk about
polarizing people. You're telling the the people who have children that we're basically holding back on money that they could have for their kids. Well, oh my god. So, do you really think it's going to be all kumbaya when you're
saying that we're holding back on the money for the schools, for the children, and for the tax relief? How about the senior village there, Cheesequake Village? How about people whose children are grown now? There's a lot to be thought about and to say once you put
that carrot out there, you've made all the all the people who have children say, "Oh my god, what are they doing? They're not going to help us." And that's the furthest thing from the truth. And that's what hurts because that is not the truth. We have worked
hard to keep the tax rate here steady and level. We really did. And we had made a commitment. And whether you believe it or not, we feel we have done what we were supposed to do, good stewards with the money. But by telling people, knocking on doors and saying the
pilots are sweethearts, okay, that the money is there and and it's not being used for the kids, what the heck is going on. So I encourage everyone, please really think seriously about what information you're given and think think
long and hard. I mean, we have we don't want this kind of oh my god, all kinds of criticism and all kinds of fighting, it's crazy. We're one town, but when you start planting those seeds that it's very hard to combat them, and that's not
bringing people together. It in my opinion, it really isn't. And I'm just I'm really am tired of that. I think we had some people here tonight that had good ideas that brought them forward. That's great. I think that's fantastic. You're a resident. How many years, Norah? Thank you. you come out and you give us some information we're trying to
disseminate. Thank you. And then we had a great with the pole workers, the early voting. There's a gentleman back there. He was what they called the greeter this time. He was great. People came in. They knew where to go. They good things. And and and residents in this town are great. All the residents. So, I just
want you please to really understand this business about money and what should be given out and how it should be given out. Please. I really ask you. That's the only thing that I'm asking. Make sure you understand what's going on
and everybody have a great holiday after that. Have a very nice Halloween. And I'd like to ask uh the mayor and the business administration only because they were mentioned several times if they please could make some clarification on this money that supposedly we have.
>> Thank you. And um I appreciate that. I know there's been a lot of talk about this surplus. I don't like that word at all and I've been in my role now for two years. I know our CFO is not a big fan of that word either. I I if I misspoke for you, Don, please correct me. Uh it's
a fund balance and when we talk about having a 20 to 25% uh fund balance, it doesn't mean that sitting in the bank right now is, you know, $19 million. It means when the school when the year ends and we are preparing for 26 budget, we are hoping
to get back the 13 million that we took from this year's fund balance. So at the end of 24, we had about 19 million plus. We said, okay, we need to stabilize the taxes and keep the tax rate lower for our residents. And we took 13 million of
that to be able to do so. So now we have six million plus in there. But emergencies come up. This past year, we have we had an issue with our our fuel pump station. That was an unexpected expense of hundred something thousand dollar not budgeted in the public works
budget. So, it's going to have to come out of our of our of that money to make up for it. There are things that will come up throughout the year that we will have to do budget transfers and things like that that are unexpected expenses, but having that helps us so that we can
address these things. the gas pumps were an issue for uh our public works department, our parks department, all of our township vehicles, police department, but also for the school, not being able to utilize the the gas pumps for their buses. And we work, I can say for myself, I work very well with David
Widel, the BA at the school, and I made sure that they were able to get a plan in place so that they could have gas and things like that. So, these are just things that if we didn't have that money, that pump station would have been down even longer. it would have affected our EMS services and our fire departments that rely on that that now
would have to go to a Wawa or another gas station to get that that fuel at a higher cost. So that's what it is. So today there's not 19 million sitting there and we're just holding on to the money. There's the money that we are going to make from our traditional
revenue this upcoming year that is now going to help us for 26. And let me tell you 26 has been the budget for 26 has been keeping me up since August when the state announced a 36.5% increase in state health benefits which is what our employees are currently in. Not that I
have not worked since med to try to get us into a private you know uh plan and things like that. There's a lot of logistics behind that but as of now we are going into this back into the state health benefits for for for 2026. And that's a 36 and a half.5%
increase that I need to look how am I going to budget without cutting services without cutting programs and still try to slowly expand our police departments and our public works and parks and engineering and continue those roadway improvements. How am I going to do that
and still keep the taxes low? That's with the fund balance. That's how that is done. Instead of 13 million, maybe we take 14 million next year, 15 million. We want to stay under that 2% cap as as much as we have. And last this year was
1.5% uh 1.58 I'm sorry and in 24 it was 1.50. So we're trying to keep that cost as minimal as we can because we are also conscious that the other half of the school increase is going to come in next year's taxes because obviously they
operate on a different uh budget schedule than we do. So I am I know we talked about you know Mr. Carol invited, you know, having conversations with the public. Any emails that I get, people will tell you I don't sleep. I answer them pretty quickly. I won't email you at 3 in the morning, but at 7 a.m. that
email is ready to be sent. You know, if you have questions, you're welcome to call my office, email me, um, and we can discuss. But I appreciate I think Councilman Daro did say this and and I think, uh, Council Vice President Greenberali brought the the point home
as well, is just educate yourself. come to our budget meetings, come to our subcommittee meetings so you can really see, you know, the pilot thing is also a mis a little bit of a a lot of misunderstandings behind what pilots are um and how they benefit the town, they
benefit development in our town. Um, but also how it benefits the greater uh uh uh community at large as well. But just so you know, in our budget, which is on our website that shows our anticipated revenue for this year, the only anticipated revenue that we had for
pilots was about $423,000. So when people think we're swimming in the money and we're getting millions and millions of dollars from these pilots, that's not the case. So, and out of the current pilots that we have, two are considered considered traditional pilots, which are from the '9s if or
early 2000 if I'm not mistaken. And uh the other one is from the hospital which is not technically a pilot. It's just a contribution that the hospital makes to the community. And two are are for our Mar Manor and Costello uh homes. So again this information it is on our
website. I we can certainly make it a little bit more visible. You're welcome to open request. We'll send whatever information that we have. Um but if you have any general questions, please attend our budget meetings next February, March, and April as we look to adopt for 26. Um, and we will continue
working. I will work with the school board as I have been with the uh, business administrator there, David Whitale, with the new superintendent that I believe was um, you know, uh, voted on tonight. I will continue to work with them, but again, we have to also think about the residents of our
town and we have to make sure that that money is available for them. So, it's not 19 million sitting in the bank today. It's the six million that was left over from 24, the 13 million that we used, and hopefully we'll make up all of that 13 million that we borrowed
essentially from our fund balance so that we could do the same again next year. Thank you. >> Thank you, Anna. We too, we have to keep in mind our employees have to be paid no matter what goes on. They have to have their health care. They have to we put into their pension which they deserve.
So, there are so many obligations to be met and that's fine. We're meeting them but we really don't have that kind of wide birth in order to take money which now how much is there what is that I don't even know in comparison to the
board of ed budget this year do you know Mrs. Mr. Carol, what it was >> the board of ed budget this year. >> Am I allowed to talk? >> I don't know. No, I don't know. I'm not on the board of ed. >> Okay. No, I didn't know if you had been to any of the meetings. No, but I do. What is it?
>> It's probably about 160 million. >> 160 million. Okay. So, it's a it's a fair. It's a big budget. >> They have to educate over 8,000. >> No. No. Listen, my children went through the system. I get it. But what I'm saying is for that minuscule really in comparison amount of money, how much was
left? >> Six million. >> I get it. But what I'm saying is for that amount of money that's left to make everyone when I see people in Acme say why can't why can't you guys you got all
that money and I'm like where okay where it's no but Anita it's a perception people feel very very passionate about that you people pulling pushing you know hearts with little kids in it I mean no
I that's wrong I'm sorry there's not that kind of money all there that we can just give it out. And I I really get upset. >> I'm sorry. Can I just add one more thing? I know it's going to sound really irrelevant, but support your local food
bank just the same way the township does. Our our employee uh Leah is our food bank coordinator and Kristen is our food bank manager. And they've been working non-stop this year to do these food drives in the community and amongst our employees. So, our employees are dropping off donations almost daily to
the senior center and food bank to bring to the food bank. Yes, they are. It's going to get a little rough over the next few months. As the food bank manager, years ago, I went through a government shutdown and I saw that increase at the food bank and what that meant, but I know that Matt and his staff is are making sure that the the
shelves are stocked. We're relying on our community partners to help us get through Thanksgiving distribution. PBA and the SOA are are huge supporters of the food bank. So, we are doing everything we can for our food bank. And I'm sorry to get on the soap box regarding the food bank, but I think it is important to to note that this
council, everyone on this council, our mayor, um our employees, everyone is is supporting of our food bank and and our staff is prepared to unfortunately see potentially an increase in in need and services over the next month. >> I hate to tell you, Matt, we did we're going to blast out an HOA day of giving,
so get ready to drive that bus. But anyway, okay. So, I will ask for a moment. >> I just Mary >> Oh, yes. >> Can I Can I just add something? >> Oh, sure. >> I know it's election season and I've been sitting here. I'm getting so upset
listening to what's been going on uh some irresponsible statements out there about our fund balance. It would be so irresponsible of us to deplete that. We had a Sandy. We had COVID. We were able to survive that. Our auditors sat right
here and told us how it was good to have a fund balance because if we didn't have it, we'd be in trouble. It even said we could even afford to have it a little more of a fund balance. How irresponsible would it be to give that money away, destabilize the town, and give it to the board ed, which would be
a drop in the bucket to their budget. It would be nothing. And it's a oneshot revenue. That's all it would be. Next year, it wouldn't be there. And then the town would be destabilized as well, and we would have to raise the taxes. So, it's not fair to the residents. As far as the pilots go, it's very upsetting to
listen to people backdoor deals. That's so upsetting. It's all public record, these pilot programs. It's it's accessible. Whenever they want to see it, they can. It It's It makes me very upset about this pilot thing. And it's a tool that municipalities have. See how
tonight we increase our police force. People want public safety. It's a way for a township to to make to get new policemen. Our public works department. Our town is growing and growing. We need new employees. We only get 16 cents on a dollar. This is such an important tool
for municipalities and people are not going to build because if they don't have a a set payment plan over 30 years that school taxes go up all the time, nobody's going to b, you know, build anything and we're going to lose revenue source and the board is getting quite a
bit of revenue stream from the Target and the shop rate and things like that. >> The school gets 60%. How much more do they need? >> All right, Mr. Pascetti, we have to stop. We have to remain. You didn't want >> I just wanted to say about the surplus. We're not hiding money under mattresses.
>> All right. >> And Moody's gave us the bond rating which enables us to borrow money at a very low rate. >> You did you want to say something? >> Yes. >> Good. >> Okay. He's getting it. >> So, I'm just getting a little antsy because I hate the word pilot because
it's not it's a misnomer. They're financial agreements and because it was referred to land taxes continue to be paid. They get paid at the assess assessment established by the tax assessor. Financial agreement allows uh
the the land taxes to be continued to be paid. And I mentioned this last time and so so the not only does the will the school continue to receive their portion of land taxes because of the fact that they're the the land that was formerly
either in the instance of the assisted living facility on 516 a dilapidated building where the assessed value was basically nothing and or where the warehousing that Segme built which was undeveloped veloped land
the assessments were relatively low because they got their approvals the land assessments increased. So what happens because the land assessments increased there's more land taxes being paid to all the taxing entities including the school board school
district again but for these type the financial agreements um that is permitted by state law these these developers will not develop you know you got to remember the the seg alone as far as the investment from the developer is
close to a billion dollars who who here is going to take a a billion dollars and I mean I been working with a developer. It's not a he's not a you know a mega corporation. It's an individual. He's risking that's all his risk because the fact that he
believes in bridge because it's an appropriate place to build and he wants to be here. The only thing people have to realize and again I mentioned before warehousing development in New Jersey was stagnant for almost 15 years and and it was it's a little interesting that
Oldbridge being where it's located fact that there were no warehouses be built a lot of that because there was no demand so obviously you know with the onset of COVID where I'm sure most of you people most of you if not all of you buy stuff
from Amazon buy stuff online now I don't never have so I can't blame me for warehouse, but that's way people shop. So, if you're going to shop that way, products need to be stored somewhere. Uh, so the it's it's a it's a supply and demand. And the whole idea of financial
agreements, again, there's no big mystery you talk about. Basically, you have the land taxes which are assessed by the assessor. They continue to be paid. On top of that, it's called a service charge. Service charge is on the improvement. And that basically is
typically based upon one of three ways. gross revenue. So, you look at the rents that that the that the uh that the uh the landlord, the property owner has and then and there's and there's a percentage of gross rents that's negotiated under the statute. It can go
from anywhere from from 10% at a minimum up to whatever number you you negotiate and or there's another it could be based upon a dollar per square foot. Again, it's negotiated and that and that and that gets increased usually over the the length of the uh financial agreement.
Under the statute, they're typically 30 years. Under certain circumstances, they be they can be ex expanded up to 35 years and or then there's a percentage under the statute of your conventional taxes and that that gets phased in over time. And again, the reason is is that
you have a developer again because we're talking about segmenting the warehouses of of an someone who basically put out over close to develop it. He's got to pay construction cost. He's got to have a construction loan. He's not generating any revenue
because takes time to build. He doesn't the the financial agreements do not kick in until a TCO is issued. The TCOs actually were just issued. So for for a number of years he's building, he's investing, he has construction loans,
there's no revenue coming back to him. And that's true for any developer. So you know when I hear, you know, again, sweetheart deals, no, there's no sweetheart deals. That's just the way business operates. And the fact that you have people who choose to come here in Oldbridge and develop significant
development, again, not every municipality has that benefit. And yeah, they're warehouses, but these are strategically located. They're there for a particular reason. the the uh engineering and planning department made sure that that not only the golf course,
there were road improvements that were required that the developer has to invest in up to another $13 million of his own dollars, right? That that had been on the township's uh master plan for years, but we're a pipe dream because to try to get
transportation to go from one side of the town to the other because nobody was building these roads. These are significant investment but for these types of projects the talent couldn't afford to do it wouldn't be able to do it. So you know it's not a negative and and and again they are negotiated. These
agreements are subject to the the the way they're they come about through state law. how you can how you can charge us through state law and but for the fact that you would have these financial agreements and it it's the incentive that allows them to develop otherwise as councilwoman
Belli and indicated you would have had close to 10 to 12,000 residential units where those warehouses are. Think about that. Think think about that, right? You talk about the school having to spend money.
Could you imagine if with that number of residential units what it would do for your school budget and then for your municipal budget and and and the comparison to the return on the investment from the town's perspective the services provided for a warehouse are typically zero zero right uh so you
know for for most municipalities you know warehouses are basically a positive because there are no services you get good return on your investment the developers typically go above ove and and beyond because you can negotiate things that you typically cannot do when
you get approvals as at the way it's typ that it's uh zoned. There are things that you can get in in these developers agreement that normally under the municipal land use law you cannot get. For example, a golf course that again was on the township's drawing board for
I don't know how many years. >> Right. So, right that that that was something the town wanted to do. They didn't have the investment because again, you know, you want open space. Well, that's o that's a form of open space because the town doesn't have that those resources and and and again, it was mentioned the fact that and and
former mayor Henry had indicated that as part of these financial agreements that a portion of those funds would be dedicated for open space acquisition so that so that you can go out and acquire that those lands. So that actually is proper planning. And I and
I'm not again because I sit here and I don't and I I I'm not trying to preach. I've sat where all these these individuals have sat. I was an elected official. I get it. And and you know, you have one of the best PL and I'm not blowing smoke because I don't say this lately. You have one of the best
planners that I've ever dealt with in the state of New Jersey. I'm not just saying that. I've dealt with a lots of planners everywhere. and and there are there are more developers who who really they're so they're resistant to come here because
of the fact that Vina you know myself I mean the first answer is usually no you can't do that so you know let let's work through the process so nobody was handed anything here nobody I can I can assure you that nobody was handed anything there were no sweetheart deals I
guarantee you you go around these municipalities if they look at the financial agreements that got I know. I know. They're like, "How did they do that?" Because other people have gotten back to me and told me that. That's reality. That is reality. So, without
these financial agreements, without this type of development, the school board would be in a worse situation than it is now. And this council again continues to to work in that way. And the only thing about the budget, you know, what municipalities can spend on it. You know, it's regulated. They just can't be
writing checks to anybody and everybody. You have a budget process. It's very what the towns can spend. You know, the the state dictates what what appropriations come for. And unless the constitution or state statute says you can spend on something, you can't do it.
So, they can't be writing checks to the school board saying, "Hey, you guys have a deficiency. We're going to write you a check." It doesn't work that way. They have a budget. They need to work on the budget. this town works on its budget and they do have a they have a budget process that's open to the public more
than again most municipalities do. So again, I facts are important, the truth's important, but there's everything's out there that that anybody in the public needs, they can get from this town. I'm sorry, but I just just need to say that
>> and this is what the residents want to hear. And and I'm glad that because you're all mad at me for saying things now that they heard a lot of this information. >> I I've said this be I've said it I've said it multiple times. It's it's a ma
it's a matter of it's a matter of clearing the the air and telling the truth because a lot of it comes back on me as a township attorney. So that's what the issue. >> Okay. >> You don't think of me right? >> All right. Before we go into that arena, let's ask for a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion.
>> Second. Motion by Councilman Asetuli, second by uh Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. Council Vice
President Dr. Greenberg. Belly. >> Yes. Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Everyone have a good evening. Motion carries. Safe home. >> 8:52.