Good evening. I'd like to welcome everyone to the October 14th, 2025 Oldbridge Township Council meeting. Please rise for a pledge of allegiance and please remain standing for a moment of silence. 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. As customary in this chamber, we stand for a moment to remember those who are protecting our freedoms both here and
abroad. For our first responders and for all those that are suffering around the world, a moment of silence. Mr. Peskitti, 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 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. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli >> here. >> Councilwoman Daro >> here. >> Councilman De Palama >> here. >> Councilman Desai >> here. >> Councilman Garcia >> here.
>> Councilman Murphy >> here. Councilman Pasciddi >> here. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli pres. Council President Sohor >> here. Good evening. >> Good evening. 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 14, 2024 and has been posted in public places. Next open public meeting of the township council will be held on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. >> Thank you very much everyone. Welcome to the meeting. Um, I am going to go off
topic for just one minute. I wanted to recognize someone who is here this evening that has shared our council meetings and been in this chamber coming to meetings for 20 years and she is going to be moving to Florida soon. I'd like to recognize Terry Baron. Terry has
been a volunteer in the community. She served on on many boards in our community and she also was the president of Cheesequake Village. She has been an asset to our community and to our seniors, always advocating for them and always helping you everyone she meets.
So, thank you, Terry, for coming every for coming through all the years, all the stories you could tell. But, um, hopefully you're going to have a great future in Florida with your family. But, I really, Terry, thank you so much. We all appreciate you so much. We love you.
Okay, now onward and upward. All right. >> All right. Well, we're going to miss you, Terry. Okay. Next will be our breast cancer awareness month, Mayor. [Music] Good evening. Tonight I have a
proclamation about October's breast awareness month. And I'm sure we all know someone that has suffered from this terrible disease. Whereas October 2025 is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual month-long campaign aimed at educating
people and fighting this life-threatening disease which affects one in eight women in the United States every year and 2.5 million women worldwide. And whereas during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize all those who know the anguish
of breast cancer and we redouble our efforts to improve care and bring attention to this disease. The heartache and the pain of this disease will touch too many lives of our mothers, fathers, daughters and sisters and too many families will bear these burdens. And when breast cancer is caught early,
treatments work best and survival rates increase. That is why all women and men should be familiar with the risk factors and symptoms of this disease. We encourage everyone to speak with their health care provider about the risk of breast cancer and the importance of screenings that play an essential role
in early detection. Today, more Americans are surviving breast cancer than ever before. But there is still more work to do. And thanks to the increasing knowledge in the biological and medical sciences, there is an ever growing awareness of this deadly disease. And that learning about early
detection and teaching early detection to those who we love is one of the best forms of protection. And this month, as we honor those who lost who we lost to breast cancer, let us join with the loved ones who celebrate their memory and the patients who battle this disease
every day, as well as our nation's advocates, medical researchers, and healthc care providers. And now therefore, I Debbie Walker, mayor of the township of Ulbridge, and the township council in the county of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim October 25th to be National Breast
Cancer Awareness Month and urge all residents to renew their commitment to fighting this disease, raising awareness, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. It's very important this month that we remind everybody to make sure they have their checkups because, like I said, if it's caught
early, it's much more treatable. Thank you. Okay, thank you very much, Mayor. Next, we'll have best practices. Good evening, ladies. Good evening. you can. >> Good evening, council. Uh, tonight is
our annual best practices discussion. Uh, best practices is something that the state introduced about 15 years ago. Uh, it assesses each municipality's compliance with various laws and evaluates implementation of fiscal and
operational best practices. It also identifies areas where municipalities may require further technical assistance. The 2025 best practice inventory which um is up on the deis for you to look at had a total of 70 questions among three
scoring categories. Uh the first is core competencies which addresses statutory and regulatory compliance obligations and other areas critical to sound municipal finance and operations. Uh this includes do we introduce and adopt
our budget on time is at least three years worth of budgets, financial statements, um important documents like that on the website. Um I believe we have about 20 25 years worth of financial data up
there. Um are our minutes posted on the website? Things like that. Uh best practices. This is kind of an extra credit which involves fiscal and operational practices that are of a significant benefit to municipalities
but might not apply to all municipalities or all municipalities equal. Um for these question I'm sorry for core competencies there were 37 questions at one point each for best practices uh 13
questions which are worth a half a point. And then there's unscored survey questions. There were 20 of those. Those are usually ones the state's trying to gather information. Um, sometimes they're just gathering information. Sometimes it's a new mandate that just
came out or they will be rolling out and they're just trying to gather information. So, you may see questions in future years that you're scored on. For those there was a total of 50 scored questions covering the following topics. Budget,
capital projects, emergency services, environment, ethics, financial administration, insurance remediation, opportunity zones, personnel, procurement, redevelopment, shared services, technology, transparency, and
utilities. A minimum score of 32 points was needed to receive the full final state aid payment, which for Oldbridge is about 307,000. Uh we had scored 40.5 out of a possible
43.5 points. So we are not losing any state aid, nor have we ever lost any state aid due to best practices. And Mary, you have anything to add? I just want to thank uh Dawn as well as other departments who are involved in
completing this survey and also to make sure that best practices are always followed. I think it's important this is a good tool for us to assess every year if we're doing the right things where we can improve. Um if something is on here even if it's a survey question that we may say no to like oh maybe this is
something worth looking at. Um so this is a great great tool to do that. I appreciate Dawn uh you know taking care of this survey every year and the other department heads that contribute to the answers. >> I just want to thank Dawn and our departments as well for all the hard work they put into this. As you can see
for years we always come out. We don't ever use our lose our state aid give on this topic. >> Okay. Well, then thank you ladies for the presentation and we're so glad that
you and and the council take this very seriously. It's an important tool that we need to make sure we keep on. Thank you so much. Have a good evening. Next will be approval of minutes
resolution approving regular combined council meeting minutes and executive session minutes of August 12th, 2025. Do I have a motion? >> Moved by Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by Councilman Asetuli.
>> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Dicaro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Murphy. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg.
Bella. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Resolution approving regular combined council meeting. of October 5th, 2020, October 19th. Is that 2020? Correct. Okay. November 16,
2020, December 14th, 2020, and March 9th, 2021 as to form only. So, just as some background on these minutes, um, council president, these were minutes that, um, were never adopted prior to me
becoming the clerk here. So, when we were going through our minutes to make sure everything was posted, we noticed that these had never been voted on. >> Um, I spoke to the attorney stating that even if you were not on the board at that time on the council at that time, there's the doctrine of necessity in
order to um that they you could vote on them as long as you reviewed them. >> Okay. >> Okay. Great. Do I have a motion? >> Second also. >> Thank you. Motion by Dr. Green Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second.
>> Second. >> Second by Councilman Pasci. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Murphy.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Pascitti. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohart. >> Yes. >> Nine yeses. >> Okay. Next will be uh public reading H1 for second reading. Ordinance amend. What? Oh, I'm sorry. Bill list. We got
to pay the bills. Okay, Mr. Garcia, >> you almost forgot me. >> Yeah, right. Oh my goodness. Got to pay them bills. >> Bill list as of October 14, 2025. Accounts payable October 14, 2025. 5,78,236.14.
Payroll September 26, 2025. 1,251,587.90 payroll overtime September 26 202546,722.79 payroll October 10 20251,265,27 payroll overtime October 10 2025 56,55
$56.15 and that completes my report. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Mr. Garcia. Anna, may we have a breakdown of the overtime, please? >> Yes. For the September 26th payroll, we did not have any major upticks. The swarm police overtime for that payroll
was $27,72.85. Deduct grants $6,69210. Deduct ETO 6,447 47 I'm sorry. $6,447.86 for a total of $14,562.89.
For the October 10th payroll, we saw an uptick due to uh recreation special events for Obridge Day that was held on September 20th. The swarm police overtime was $33,195. The duck grants $4,918.7.
deduct ETO for $5,67928 for a total of $22,597.65. We currently have one officer on light duty. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Do I have a motion to approve? >> Excuse me. I'd like to >> Oh, yes. Go ahead. >> Okay. This has been talked about for the
last few meetings um for the rally that the Democrats had in um July. Now, that cost the taxpayer over $3,000. And they're saying at the last meeting, it wasn't by uh the Democrats, but I have flyers that you can pass out to everyone
here that it says it was hosted by the Old Bridge Democrat Club. And the thing is that on their on their Facebook page, they said, "Come out and meet the candidates. Come out and listen to the candidates and register to vote." So to
me that is right here in their own words hosted by the Democrat Obridge Democrat club. Now obviously if I had something like that the Republicans everyone would be screaming to pay that fee. And honestly I would
pay for it because I don't expect a rally to be a political rally to be under the the prudence of the township tax dollars to pay for it. So really they they misrepresented themselves. the last council meeting when they said that
came up and said it wasn't a rally, but here it is on their own flyer and you can pass it around, post it by the Oldbridge Democrat club. So, this is very upsetting to me that you have a rally and you expect the taxpayers to pay for it. That's unacceptable.
That is unacceptable. So, I'd like to know how this is going to be resolved for the taxpayers in Albridge. I don't care if it's $50. They shouldn't have to pay anything for a rally that you're having and publicizing to come out to meet the candidates, register to vote
and hear what they have to say. So, so it's silence there tonight and I don't know why. >> You can come and see this. Come get them. >> Once again, once again, this information they already, and you know this, they
did not ask for police protection. The police took it upon themselves to do what they did. They did not ask for that. They should not be responsible. >> Excuse me. >> And it was the Democratic club, not the Democratic county committee. >> I'm not saying the Democrat still the Democrat. Then the Democrat play should
play for it. And if you decide to have >> these are private citizens that wanted to have a rally to express their first amendment right. You have no right to deny them police protection. They did not they did not ask for that police protection. >> Ask for the position.
>> They did not ask. the trail road instead of where we're supposed to be. >> So tell the truth if not >> you tell the truth. >> Tell the truth. >> Okay. >> Excuse me, officer. Okay. I'm going to say this once this evening,
>> ladies and gentlemen. >> I I don't Go ahead, Kitty. >> If you continue to interrupt and stand up and shout and do whatever you want to do, you're going to be asked to leave. If you don't leave, then we'll have the officer remove you. Okay? This is an
open public meeting. Doesn't mean that you can interrupt anyone. Doesn't mean that you can contribute with your opinions. Okay? You can do that at another time, but not during this meeting. So, fair warning to everybody. If it continues, we'll have
the officer remove you. Fair enough. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you very much. We have to respect this chamber. Whether we agree or we disagree, we can't. This chamber is a place that's supposed to be doing the people's government. Whether you agree, you disagree, you'll have a
turn to come up and speak in the portion, but we can't have people acting out on and and and not having some kind of normal conversation here. So, we're not going to start with the shouting out and standing up. That doesn't accomplish anything. This chamber should be
respected. Whether you like people, you don't like people, this is supposed to be a place where everyone is welcome and everyone has something to say but in its proper time and place. Your place will be the public portion and our place will be here and now. So I would please ask
you again as as the attorney said, if someone can't do that and be fair to the other people who came here and sat here for hours to listen, then you will have to leave. It's not right to be disruptive. You have to have respect. And we're going to try as much as we can
to get through this. And everybody, please just bear in mind, you all have an opinion and you're all entitled, but we also have to run a public meeting, pay bills, and and take care of the of the government, you know, as it runs.
Okay. Thank you. >> This bill list, are we going to what's the what's the alternative? Have we made any kind of a determination. >> No, I'm just saying she made a comment. So, is it We're going to have a motion to pay the bills.
>> Make a motion. >> Okay. >> Yes. Yes. On the bill list. >> On the bill list. >> Okay. This is Carol. Do we have a second? Second by Councilman Asetuli.
Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Murphy. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg
Belli. >> Yes. I want to pay the bills, but it's unfortunate taxpayers have to pay for a rally. Democrat rally. >> Council President Sohar. Yes. >> Nine yeses. >> Okay. Next will be a public hearing adoption of those ordinances for second
reading. It's H1 ordinance amending chapter 39 of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled animals by amending various sections. So I will need a motion to ask the public if they're public. John, we're going to do
public first and then we'll bring it out. Okay. So it was moved by Dr. Greenberg. Ally >> second >> second by >> Mr. >> Mr. Pasciddi. And now I'd like a a motion to go to public. >> Move it. >> All All in favor?
>> All in favor. Okay. So >> before before we um go ahead and actually open to the public for the adoption of the ordinance, we did have some uh nonsubstantive >> amendments, substantial changes to the
ordinance um that we need to discuss and make sure that everybody is aware. Um, all we did was add an amendment uh for the date that dog and cat licenses
get renewed and when a late fee comes into effect. So, dog and cat fees are renewed in January. After February 1st, there is a $5 late fee. Those were the only um changes
amendments to the ordinance that were brought forward prior to I'm sorry after the first reading of the ordinance. So first thing we have to do is make a motion. Yes. Motion and a second to vote on the amendments. >> Move it.
>> Dr. Greenberg Bell and >> Mr. Asetuli >> and Councilman Asetuli. >> Roll call on adoption of the amendments. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes. Councilwoman Daro, >> yes. >> Councilman Dealama, >> yes. >> Councilman Desai,
>> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> abstain. >> Abstain. Councilman Pasci, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> So now we can open.
>> Yep. Now we'll open to the public. Is there anyone who would wish to be heard on this particular ordinance H1? No. Okay. Seeing no hands, then I'll ask for a motion to close public. >> Motion. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> Okay. Now, we'll come to the council, Mr. Murphy. >> Okay. Um, I just want to ask one quick question. If you could give me a short reason. As you know, I've missed a lot of meetings because of my liver transplant. What is
the change in the uh mending the animals? What change did they make? office can give me >> if you look at the ordinance um the changes were underlined and struck through I believe is how we have it right.
>> So the changes are struck through and then the um it's bold and underline is the change and then the two that were just amended are uh bold underlined and italicized. >> Okay. And those are only two dates and
they were uh not substantive. So uh we're able to move forward with tonight's proceeding. >> Thank you. I'm okay. >> You're welcome. Anyone else on my left? No. Anyone on my right? Okay. Seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion. >> Motion.
>> Second. >> Motion by Councilman Asatuli. Second by Councilman Pasitti. Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy,
>> yes. >> Councilman Pascitti, >> yes. >> Council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> And council president Sohart. >> Yes. Nine. Yeses. >> Ordinance is for first reading. Ordinance amending chapter 510 of the code of the township of Oldbridge
entitled volunteer incentives by amending article one volunteer fire companies first aid squads and auxiliary police 510-3 and 510-4. Do I have a motion?
>> Moved by Dr. Greenberg Belli, second by Mr. Asetuli. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatulli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro, >> yes. >> Councilman Dealama, >> yes. >> Councilman Desai, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Pasitti,
>> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Bellai, >> yes. >> Council President Sohar, >> yes. >> Nine nine yeses. Public hearing set for October 28th, 2025. >> Okay. Thank you. Are we doing this discussion? >> Yes. >> All right. Next will be discussion
chapter 30-8 distances between liquor establishments. So, council president, this was um brought to our attention when we had a uh liquor license who tried to uh transfer be sold person a person to
person and there had come across this new ordinance we had and it's been brought to the attention by some council members that they would like to look at and address maybe changing the ordinance. It states that um transferred licenses can uh premises within 2,000
feet of another license premise would not be allowed without a public hearing and a public notice sent to the affected uh licenses throughout the town. Okay. Thank you very much. Does any
council person have a question on this? >> Anyone? Mr. Pascetti. >> Okay. So, um, the state, this is the way I understand it, uh, the state regulates the quantity of liquor licenses that a
town can have. Is that correct? >> Yes. Based on population, >> right? And right now, um, we're at the maximum. Can't have anymore. >> Okay. The way I understand it, this ordinance was enacted because there was
a fear that there would be too many liquor establishments. >> That was the um reasoning that the attorney had given. We we don't really know why it was instituted back in the 70s the ordinance came about.
>> Right. >> So >> way before the >> way before we probably met our max number of licenses, but nobody knows for sure where it came from and why. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So now what is your pleasure? I'd like
to move it to first reading. >> Um, well, we can make a recommendation. We we'd like to get council the rest of council's thought process on this ordinance and then maybe have it prepared for introduction at the October
28th council meeting. So, does anybody else from council have any comment on the ordinance? >> What are we what are we changing this to? So that would be the question. What are we going to strike it completely?
>> Are we going to say um maybe only like licenses because right now >> Right. Right. >> Have we gotten any input from Mr. Mackis at all and talking to any of the establishments that have that have um
>> that have this situation? I know we've had kind of two. One of them was was 2000 and then just the last one that we did which was the old friendlies >> and bingo. >> Yes, >> bingo and bingo was fine with it because it's a different business. Has >> right >> Mack has gone around and asked any of
the the other liquor establishments what their thoughts are. I would love to see and understand what the business owners believe >> betting out that's why we just wanted to bring it out there that you know we are there was people that were consider you know wanted to consider >> yeah I would be I would be hesitant in
just saying strike it completely because and there's the possibility of having two liquor stores next to each other I think having multiple >> what's wrong with that one at a time >> I just I just don't think that's a good idea that's why >> that's I just don't think that having
>> you don't believe in free Okay, >> I understand that, Mr. Biskitty. My opinion, and I've given my opinion. When you give your opinion, you'll have your time. >> Yeah, >> that's fine. >> I think that we should talk to the business owners and allow the business owners to give us their feedback >> and from there, we'll we can make a
determination of what's best for them >> because they're the ones ultimately who will either We had one owner that was okay with it because it was a restaurant versus a liquor store. >> Yeah, it was a different >> two liquor stores may have may have an issue with that. And I think that the folks that are established in this town,
we're not creating any new ones. They should have a say in what we do. >> And a lot of this has been done through the years. Like we said, it was the 70s at the time. So it is time to re-evaluate and see. We want to keep our businesses strong and we want to make sure that we have a a good pulse on them
and what which way we want to go, what direction. So, we are going to um you know do some more vetting out and anyone who has any council member who wishes to contribute, you can email to to the clerk's office your thoughts and this way we can start to make this process
work. >> Yes. >> To to Eric's point, I think it might be a good idea to talk to the business the guy that does all the business in town and all the stores and maybe get some feedback from economic development and talk to Steve because he talks to them and that might be a really good idea,
Eric. I like that. So, um, yeah, I'd like to hear more about it, actually. Thanks. >> So, then with Yes. >> Yeah. No, I just want to say I'm also in agreement with reaching out to them because, you know, that's that's their livelihood and we want to make sure that we're doing the best for our businesses. I agree with Eric.
>> They're strong and we want to keep them that way. >> Overall, also that when a business looks to it's on Okay. Uh, I also feel that a business does its due diligence because you invest so much money into opening a
business. I don't think they're going to open next to another liquor store, you know, unless there's some type of specialty they have, I don't know, in packaged goods that I'm not aware of. But I think they'll do their own due diligence and decide where they're going to do. But I think the more information
we have, the better. And it's always good, you know, good >> make an informed decision. >> Informed decision. Thank you. Right. Right now the ordinance it in the ordinance it doesn't matter whether or not it's a liquor store and a restaurant. So that rule even applies no
matter the type of license. >> So >> there's a lot of things to consider. I mean you said there's not a re there's not really >> right between between the two. So >> I will reach out to Mr. Makus then
tomorrow. >> Yeah we can get a report from him. he can get back to us. He can, you know, go and and speak with the different owners and and get a good idea of what they're feeling as well. So then we'll have a balanced picture. Okay. Right. Okay.
Thank you very much. Okay. Next will be our consent agenda. I'd like a motion and a second and then I will ask for separations. A moved by Dr. Greenberg Bell, second by Mr. uh Mr. Asetuli.
>> Any items for separation? Councilman Asatuli. >> No, thank you. >> Councilwoman Daro, >> no, thank you. >> Councilman Dealama, >> I have none. Thank you. >> Councilman Desai, >> Councilman Garcia, >> I have none. Thank you. >> Councilman Murphy,
>> no. Thank you. >> Councilman Pascitti, >> no separations. Thank you. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> No, thank you. Everything's fine. And Council President Sohar. >> Yes. I'd like to separate C18, please. >> Okay. So, we're going to have a uh
>> Right. Roll call on the balance of the consent agenda with the removal of item number C18. Councilman As Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Garcia. Yes. >> Councilman Murphy. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Nine yeses. >> Okay. C18. Um I just separated this because I wanted people to hear it. It's
a resolution expressing support of the New Jersey state legislation proposing certain benefits for volunteer first responders. Now, we've been speaking with the fire companies and, you know, so on. Uh we've had meetings Anna and I about you know them asking for you know
with welldeserved they want some more you know some more attention and some more compensation and we have been doing the best we can to try to um help with that. We also did say there was legislation that is pending and we're hoping that it would be something that
would also help the volunteers and we're all I mean I'm all on board for it. I think it's great and I think it's something that we should really push. so that we can get them everything they truly do deserve and some of it would come from the state. So Anna, you you
had researched the bills. >> Yes. So in speaking with Mayor Walker about this, um we reached out to uh Assemblyman Suiki's office who had provided Mayor Walker with a list of legislation that will be coming up um at
the state level. Given that there's an election in November, everything's kind of on hold for now. But out of those legislations um that were being proposed about uh I think it's six of them I think would have um a nice a good impact on our volunteer first responders. So we
thought it would be important to pass this resolution. A copy of this resolution will be sent to the state also provided to Assemblyman Siki and Assemblyman Clipton's office. I've also requested that when these are heard um that I can attend as their guests. So that's what I'll be doing. Um I will be
representing Obridge. I will invite our some of our fire companies, all of our fire company uh captain um I'm sorry, presidents and chiefs to attend with me if they'd like and we're going to try to fight as hard as we can at the state level. In the meantime, we are trying to do some, you know, little things locally
that we are able to do within our our perimeters. Um that's why you saw an introduction for an amended u ordinance for the volunteer incentives. But I thought it was important for us to bring recognition to these um bills that are being brought forward. Uh we already
have also Senator Henry's support on these uh should they get to the Senate. So we'll continue fighting. I was not all words when I spoke and gave my word to our volunteers to make sure that our voices heard um in Trenton. So >> Yep. And I would be remiss if I didn't also thank Mayor Walker who was also at
the meetings and she's done a lot of research as well. We really do, you know, treasure our volunteers and we are trying our best to find ways to, you know, to do things for them and I think this this if this could go through, I think this would be a really good incentive for our volunteers. So, I'll
make the motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Council President Sohar, second by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. Roll call. Councilman Asatula. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama.
>> Yes. Councilman Desai, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Councilman Pascitti, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Bellai, >> yes. >> Council President Sohar, >> yes. >> Nine yeses. >> Administrative report of the township clerk.
>> Yes, Mayor. Uh, rabies vaccination clinic. The township will hold a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on December 6th from 12:00 p.m. to 400 pm at the public works garage. There are a limited number of vaccines available and pre-registration is required. For more
information in the pre-register, please call the township clerk's office at 732-721-5600 extension 22 2200 Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 4:30 p.m. Early voting in person. Inperson early voting takes place at the Obridgeidge Civic Center
from Saturday, October 25th through Sunday, November 2nd. hours Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6 pm. Vote by mail ballots can be placed in the dropbox located at the municipal complex
right out front next to the regular mailbox or in any dropbox within the county of Middle Sex. General election for 2025. Election day is Tuesday, November 4th, 2025. Polls will open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 800 PM. For
information on your polling location, please visit www.olbridge.com/clerk or call the mun municipal clerk's office. On election day, ward two districts three and five who used to vote at the bridge high school will now vote at James McDivet Elementary School
located at one Manny Martin Way. Middle Sex County of Board of Elections is seeking pole workers for the upcoming general election. The position offers an opportunity for civic engagement while earning compensation. For more information or to sign up, please call the township clerk's office Monday
through Friday between 8:30 and 4:30 p.m. >> Oh, yes. And today was the last day to register to vote. So, anybody who got their applications in were taken care of. They're done in 8 o' 8 o'clock.
>> Okay. >> All right. Thank you very much. Does anyone have any questions about that for Kate? >> Okay, seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion to accept her report. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by um Councilman Dama. All in favor?
>> Any opposed? >> None. >> Okay. Next will be the report of the township attorney. >> None at this time. Thank you. >> Okay. And next our administrative report. Anna, >> thank you. I have a few items, so please bear with me. Fall curbs fall curbside
TV pickup 2025. The Department of Public Works will conduct a special TV pickup on Tuesday, October 21st in wards 1, 2, and 3, and on Thursday, October 23rd in wards 4, 5, and 6. To make an appointment, please email your address to recycling.com
by 12:00 noon the day before. This pickup is for TVs only and will be conducted rain or shine. More details can be found at orbridge.com/recycling. Please join us for the annual Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 2 pm at Krell Park.
There will be games, face painting, and a DJ. Overflow parking will be at the municipal parking lot and a shuttle service will be provided. For more information, please visit obridgeidge.com/recreation. The John Piccolo Ice Arena opened to the public yesterday, Monday, October 13,
2025, and will remain open until March 29th, 2026. For more information and for the full open skating schedule, please visit orbridgeidge.com/recreation or call 732-721-560 extension 4999. The Obridge Food Bank is accepting
toiletry don donations during the month of October. Donations can be dropped off at the Silver Linings front desk and at the Obridge Foodbank. For a complete list of the items needed, please visit orbridgeidge.com/foodbank. The township division of tax collection will be open Monday through Friday from
8:00 a.m. to 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 penalties is November 10th, 2025.
Payments received after November 10th will acrue interest back to the statutory due date of November 1st. For homeowners who are in who are on our automatic withdrawal 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 732-721-56000 extension 2999. In 2025, the state of New Jersey created one combined application for the
property tax reimbursement senior freeze anchor and state 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 1st, 2025. For additional information, residents should visit ww.new jersey.gov/treasury/taxation relief or contact the state of New Jersey Division of Taxation at 1
8008826597. This municipal tax sale was held on October 8, 2025 with the following results. 201 leans were sold. 200 leans were sold with a premium. One lean was sold at an interest percent and seven
leans had no biders and became an a municipal lean. A total of $1 million was collected for premium. $223,1545 was collected for taxes interest and penalty and $183,7549 cents was collected for OBMUA water and
sewer. I do have a couple more things that I didn't get a chance to put on my admin report. Um, recently I was made aware that our before and afterare program uh was doing some great things that got us some recognition nationally.
So I thought it was important to share with you all. So Young Artists is an organization that runs a national art contest for schools and for children in afterchool programs to turn their imaginations and creativity creativity into fantastic
pieces of art. Young artist Artist creates fun and engaging theme contests that are sent to educators across the US where they inspire children to draw or paint with the opportunity to have their artwork published in a book and the best artist work will become the title and
the front cover. In the 2425 school year, two of our before and afterare programs participated in the Young Artists Monster Madness drawing contest. All drawings are submitted to be published into books for participants to order. Those chosen for the front cover
win art supplies from the company, including paint sets, sketchbooks, pencil, drawing pencils, and more. Excitingly to say, two children from each program that submitted drawings for 2024 to in 2025 won the front cover.
Here are the covers of our winner. So, the first one was from Madison Park. And I do have to give a shout out to Jillian Dwire, the manager of the before and afterare program, as well as Debbie. and I believe I forget her last name, but she's the supervisor of the Madison Park
location who is the one that encouraged uh our our kids to do this and now it's starting to spread throughout the older um before and afterare programs. So, as I was saying, the first winner was um in the Madison Park school and her the
cover is from one of our uh students and Riani from Medicine Park before and after care program was published in Monsters Madness featuring Marsha the Marshmallow. [Applause]
Also included in the book is another I think probably a dozen more drawings from our Madison Park uh uh students. And then uh just a few weeks ago um which is why I you know was excited to bring this to everybody's attention.
Another one um McDavid school who saw what Medicine Park did decided they were going to join in on the fun and uh they also submitted and we won the cover on that one too. Um, so Tyler from McDivet, um, was published
in Monster Madness featuring Green King. And again, just as the other book did, uh, I believe we had actually I think for this one probably about almost 25 kids um, as drawings were were published in here.
>> Great. So this year's theme is perfect pets edition. And I was to told today that um not only these two schools, but other uh programs throughout our district are also going to be uh joining in the fund. And maybe we'll have more winners. Um so
we just wanted to send a congratulations um to to all of them. And you know, this is just to show our before and afterare program is a little bit more than just come do your homework, have a snack, and then go home. uh it really just opens up their creativity and imaginations and and we were excited to be part of this
program. So, and then to just kind of touch and highlight a little bit of this, um I've had the pleasure to be of u the business administrator of this township now for about a year and 10 months and uh it's been the fastest year
and 10 months of my life. Uh but also very exciting year. I've been very proud to share um to serve um my community as I have with the township now since 2014. I live um I've lived here since I moved to this country um in 1995. I've lived
in Old Bridge and I never left. Um so that should tell everybody something. Um but I also wanted to take a moment. It makes me so happy to see so many people in this room and I'm happy that people are here to hear their voices heard. I think it's important. Um I'm a naturalized uh citizen. I chose to
become an American citizen because of what our constitution is and all of those things are. And I'm not here to preach, but I think it's important for us to remember a few things. As we're approaching another election, it's understandable that passions and opinions are going to run high. Healthy
debate and civic engagement are vital to any democracy. But we must also take a moment to ground ourselves in what truly holds this township together, our shared commitment to community. Every day, regardless of political views of policy discussion, our township employees show
up and do the work that keeps our community running. Our police department works tirelessly to ensure our neighborhoods remain safe. Our public works crew maintain our roads and handle emergency calls. Our parks and recck department team provide programs and spaces that strain our families and
connect our residents of all ages and abilities. And let's not forget the rest of our employees and all of our other departments, our finance department, our engineering department, planning, and so on. The services they all provide do not stop because of political differences, but they often go unrecognized in the
midst of them. It's important that we remember the quality of life we enjoy here doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of dedicated public employees who care deeply about this township. When politics overshadow their contributions, we all lose sight of what
make this community strong. Let's not allow this divisiveness to diminish our appreciation for the people who serve us every day. Let's refocus on what unites us, our pride in this township, our shared values, and our commitment to working together for the good of all
residents. Thank you to all of our employees who continue to show up, work hard, and represent the very best of what this stip stand township stands for. I remind us of this every day. I hope that our residents, even in difficult times, can keep them in mind and remember how much that our our
employees do for us. And I thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak tonight. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Anna. Very, very well said. Um, does anyone have any questions or comments for Anna? >> Seeing no hands, I will ask for a motion
to accept her report. Second >> by um council vice president Dr. Greenberg Valle second by councilman deama. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Motion carries. No.
>> Okay. Next will be public comment on any subject matter for a maximum period of three minutes. >> 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 NJSA10 colon 4-12A and 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 has finished with their allotted time. Should be further noted that the public comment portion of our meeting is not structured as a question and answer session. 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. The township clerk will regulate the time during the comment portion of our meeting. >> Okay, you're good. >> Yep. As you right as you approach the mic, just state your name. No address. >> Right. Thank you. >> Okay. So, I need a motion to open to the public.
>> Move it. >> All in favor? I. >> Okay. Good evening. Okay. Good evening. >> Yes, you you can sit. Absolutely. My name is Norah Schmidz and I prepared a book for each one of you. You should
each have a book in front of you, right? Doesn't matter which political party is in charge and I'm not discussing candidates, our state or our nation. I'm directing my comments to our mayor, the atlarge council members, to the board of education, and to the commissioners of the municipal authority. You represent
65,000 residents in that number includes children, seniors, property owners, businesses, firemen, historic locations, and taxpayers. without removing one employee or touching anyone's benefits or eliminating services, teachers,
programs. There are ways to save millions of dollars in this district through the records that are available online for our district, our state, county, and entities. My office used 80 hours to accumulate and analyze the information. While I do not expect our elected officials to understand the full
complexity of the financial and legal information, our expert teams of district-wide finance people, the four accounting firms, and the eight attorneys certainly should. Your role has the responsibility of acting on behalf of all 65,000 residents. It's
time to consolidate all the administrative departments under one roof. As proven by every working home, everyone working from home during COVID, we know that the location doesn't matter anymore. You have everyone working from home and eliminate the repairs and maintenance on the locations. Is it time
to rent one of the local office buildings and let the landlords worry about the repairs and maintenance? As liquid and unrestricted assets of the Obridge MUA exceed 36 million, why can't the Obridge MUA begin a grant program of a million dollars to the school
districts or no water or sewer fees to the public buildings, the township, the schools, first aid, and firehouses? Is it time to eliminate the MUA and consolidate it back into the district? We have an example of November 1st 1985 that the township bridge township
enacted ordinance 4085 where we consolidated to the bridge MUA. Is it time to consolidate under the district or is it completely privatize our water like the surrounding areas of Manalapin? Since every cons customer is build and the district is allowing them to use our property to earn income, is it really
unreasonable to expect the Obridge MUA to give back free services to the district? Instead of creating the task of budgeting and sending invoices and writing checks back and forth to another budget, our district collects the funds and then sends the money to the Oakidge schools, to the library, to the fire
districts, and then the township sends invoices to each of these for repayments. Then the township counts it as res revenue and the entity adds it as a line item on their budgets and then they make the repayment. If the township collects the tax and pays the police payroll, why does it charge for the
police to go into a different building? In 2020 2025, there's a line of almost $2 million from one to the other. The township board of education, MUA, and all the various entities paid over $46 million in separate insurance policies. If you consolidate the insurance
policies, it would be less expensive and add to the existing policies and eliminate the overhead and the administrative costs. Sorry, ma'am, that's your turn. [Applause] Uh, my name is Michelle Schmidz and I
give my time to Nora, >> the township board of education, the MUA and all the various entities. >> Fortunately, we don't we don't uh >> Sir, >> we don't do that. >> Can she different household? >> Each person gets three minutes. If she
has something she wants to add, she can come up. >> Sure. Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Good evening. >> Hello again. Uh so look at your vendor lists and see how much you pay to each vendor. Take
your top 20 and negotiate the prices. Do not just throw up your hands and say there's nothing to do. You have a full year to figure it out. Why did uh many of our online documents stop after 2018? [Applause]
Okay, thank you very much ladies. Is there anyone else in the audience who wishes to be heard this evening? Please come forward. Good evening. >> My name is Louisiso, uh, council, mayor, clerk.
I think, uh, first I'd like to say moving out here in 2006, my children were graduates of high school, but I do have grandchildren. I enjoyed a park. Think that was a wonderful thing. Got passed. It keeps growing. It's getting better. Across the
street, you have the uh water park. I think council is, in my opinion, serving the community very well. We don't always agree on everything, but
things do get ironed out. I see. I'm happy with representation that I have from everybody up here. Um I think that this form right now here should not be used to
express anger. Uh it should be used to communicate. I think people spend way too much time thinking of things to be negative. I think uh you counsel people uh in a
positive way and I enjoy seeing everybody at places where I go and I'm happy to be here in Oldbridge. Thank you. [Applause] >> Good evening. >> Good evening. Uh my name's Ashley
Blackwell. Sorry, I messed up the mic. [Music] I'm privileged to serve as one of the administrators of Oldbridge Residents Matter, a non-political community initiative dedicated to promoting the well-being and interests of our
residents. On behalf of the concerned residents who have joined me here today, both in person and virtually, we respectfully submit the following five priorities for immediate action. These items reflect widespread community concerns and a shared commitment to
transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. Number one, make pilot contracts public and accessible. Residents have the right to review all payment in lie of taxes agreements. These documents must be published online
in full, accompanied by plain language summaries that clearly explain how each contract benefits the public and what old bridge receives in return financially, educationally, and infrastructurally. Number two, honor the warehouses
petition. A formal petition opposing further warehouse development has been submitted. We call for an immediate halt to new warehouse approvals and a public explanation of how existing warehouses benefit residents. The continued uh
destruction of our ecosystem and displacement displacement of wildlife is unacceptable. Number three, apply the reported 26% surplus to offset property taxes. If has a reported 26% budget surplus, residents
deserve to see that surplus used to reduce property tax burdens. We request a clear breakdown of how these funds are being allocated and how they would be used to support taxpayers. Number four, host candidates debates during election season. We expect the township to
facilitate facilitate public debates among candidates during election periods. These forums are essential for informed voting and must be scheduled, promoted, and accessible to all residents. Number five, schedule regular Q&A sessions with residents.
We we request structured reoccurring Q&A sessions with full participation from council and board members. These sessions must allow residents to ask direct questions and receive clear, documented answers. Partial representation will not suffice. We look
forward to your response to these five emails. I have my email attached here and respectfully request that you add this add these to the October 28th council meeting. Your timely response or lack thereof will be communicated to our Oldbridge community. I have copies for
each of you. Can I bring them up? [Applause] [Applause] Thank you very much. Anyone else wish to be heard this evening? >> Good evening. >> Is it open to talk?
>> Yes, sure. Just make sure you're turned on your mic. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Uh good evening chairman, board members and neighbors. My name is Wanka Dhara and I live at 41 Dalia Lane. So right
behind one of the warehouse uh that is being proposed. So we moved here just a year ago investing almost a million dollars in our home and we are paying almost $21,000 in property tax. Uh the reason is like because we believe old
bridge is a place for safety and family community and I have two young children. One is going to high school and another is going to elementary school. Uh there is like 533,000 square ft² warehouse uh that is being proposed to be built here
which would I see that destroy the quality of life where which is the main reason we came here after living 20 plus years in Edison. So route 9 you as you know it is already congested with frequent accidents and hundreds of
trucks are taking u making our lives already worse and waterworks road which is currently being proposed is not meant for this doctor trailers and the risk and this is risking our residents school buses and emergency vehicles is not
really acceptable behind my home currently it is green open land instead we would see like face pavement and storm water basin. Even more concerning is this property is part of the CPS Madson industry super
fund site. Okay. So the HB warehousing and affiliates they were involved in the $24 million federal settlement to clean up this cont toxic contamination here and they are disturbing the soil and paving this land raises the real risks
of flooding, runoff and exposure to dangerous materials. So families should not be the test cases for whether this land is truly safe or not to determine. We are not asking much. We are asking for no more warehouses at all in
Wbridgeidge. It is too big, too close and completely incompatible with a uh residential neighborhoods. But if board is considered going ahead with the approvals. So we want to fight as a community of all of our world bits including whatever the legal action
whatever is required. We sincerely hope you stand with us. So if it doesn't come to that and we all are relying on you on this to stop warehouses in Wbridgeidge. Thank you very much. Thank you.
[Applause] Okay. Is there anyone else? Oh, okay. Good evening. Thank you. My name is Maryannne and I've been a resident Fulbridge for about 18 years, paying taxes for 18 years. As far
as the rally or whatever you wanted to call that, um I absolutely no feel that the cops, the police officers, excuse me, should have been there. They should be paid their overtime because they deserve every penny of it. But I don't think as a taxpayer, I'm just saying
this personally. I don't think I should have to paid for that. They have to be paid. They were there. They should have been there. But I don't think it's my responsibility and as a taxpayer to be as part of that payment. And I think in good faith that whoever called the
rally, whether it was an organization, a group, a person, that they should in good faith pay that money. Thank you. >> Okay. Is there anyone else who wishes to be heard this evening? Yeah, Darraine Chevier,
I would like to commend the police department for providing police protection on a major road for a political rally to avert possible conflicts and injuries due to the contentious times we live in. I also feel that it was negligent on any
Democratic club, party or anything else's part not to request coverage to protect the residents who decided to show up for this rally. And going forward, you need to should have to have a permit to have a rally and you should have payment in in front of your rally
before you have it. Thank you. [Applause] >> Good evening. Good evening. Uh my name is Beatatrice Quest. I've been [Music] >> Hello everyone. My name is Beatatric
Quest. I've been um a proud resident of Obridge for the past almost 18 years. I moved here from the state of Minnesota and made this place um a home for myself and my children. I've raised three children. um one adult 26 year old um
who went through the Obridge High School. He went through McDivet um Carl Samberg and then Obridge High School. He was part of the Obridge um tribal soccer team. Went to Georgian um Georgian Court University. Um graduated in accounting
and now he's pursuing um how do you call it? Professional soccer. Very proud of him. uh my other two teenage children 17 and 16 year old members of this community. They all went through McDivet Madison Park and uh back to Madison
Park. They are now in Obridgeidge High School. When my children were younger um we taught them about how to take care of the environment. I'm of African descent originally. My ancestry is from West Africa. We believe that the earth is sacred and that we have to preserve
it for the next seven generations. So if my grandmother, my mother handed this earth to me, I have to preserve it for seven generations. I taught this to my children. They were part of the uh mayor, the former mayor's kiwani club.
We picked um we took care of the environment. They did a lot of things in the community and then over the years we see the destruction. The destruction it is so exploitative. It is abusive. And how what do you tell
these children? I love nature. I love everything nature. I don't know who is approving this. This is the reason why I'm here that we should honor no more warehouses. I know the whole world went back to how you call it went to online um online shopping that's why
all these warehouses are being built but what happens to the wildlife all the things that we thought these children my daughter was part of the McDavid the newspaper club these kids did a lot of things what this lady talked about right now we are teaching them to preserve the
environment and we the adults went behind and then just destroy everything what do we tell them when I drive with them on 18 on Texas road. Mommy, what's going on? Because they actually are part of an organization in Mesa County that
actually build um plant trees and we are destroying them. Has anybody are there any researchers here who are actually talking about or doing research on the um the effect of this environmental degradation on the wildlife and on ourselves? Cancer is
going up in this community. Please, I am begging you if you guys have any morals in you, please, please. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> My name is Janice Romans and I've been a
resident of Old Bridge for over 40 years. I have raised two military children who are career military in this town and I think it's deplorable that we're getting all these big warehouses that we are taken away from nature.
What's going to happen to the environment? I'm a registered nurse. What's going to happen? We're going to have an increase of cancer and an increase of lung problems in this town. It's getting worse and worse if we don't do something about these warehouses
coming. I applaud what you said and I applaud what this gentleman said. It has to stop. Please, we need to bring more things up to the public and let us discuss it. It has to stop. Thank you. >> Is there anyone else in the public who
wishes to be heard? Good evening and my name is Katherine Whitley and I would like to read the first amendment amendment to you all of the Constitution of the United States. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press or the right of the people to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. You have
awoken us. Thank you. >> Okay. Is there anyone else who wishes to be heard? Please come forward. Okay. Hello, my name is Neil Greenspan. I have been a member of this community for 25 years and I've listened to what
everybody has said. But first, I want to uh council president, mayor, council members all. Um I hear about the warehouses. If you want to stop the warehouses from
going up, start at the top. I know the council on this dis is doing everything it can to stop a lot of these and the judges are saying no you have to build them. So if you want to stop the
building of these warehouses you need to go down to Trenton and tell them to stop what they're doing. Number two, we used to have a line item
in the budget that allowed the town to buy parcels of land. That line item had a time limit. It expired.
The council put it on the docket to be voted on and the liberals voted it down. So that being said, stop arguing about the things that you
caused. Uh now I have uh since I live in war three six for Mr. decide. I have a there's a constituent in our in
your ward. Donna Hollywood is her name. She allowed me to use her name. She called you four years in a row, both by email and left you a voice message on your phone multiple times.
all four years. Not once did she get a reply back the first year. And this was just to cut a lawn. Next door to her used to be a farm. And there was no reply from you.
There was nothing. So I said that I would help her. I talked at that time. It was Mayor Owen Henry. He helped and Anita Greenberg helped as well even through this year
this summer. And you have a lot of absences. The exact number, I don't know at this point. So, can you tell me why I should vote for you if you're going to be abs an absentee councilman
and uh not answer anybody's phone calls? >> You Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else who wishes to be heard this evening? Okay. >> Dolores Gomez, I'd like to say thank you to each and every one of you. I had a
problem and I came to you guys and you were able to resolve it for me. I've had problems with this issue before. I'm a resident here 20 years. I'm a taxpayer and I think that people need to come to the council with their issues and speak to them and they can help them instead
of accusing them and name calling and doing everything else. You come to the table and you work together as a as an elected official and as a resident. Thank you. >> Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard?
>> Nope. Good evening, council. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, too, by the way. Um, but first, I wanted to say thank you everybody for coming. The town obviously knows that there are people who have issues. People have been coming here.
I've been coming to this council meeting for more than four, eight years, and I've seen a lot of complaints and I've not seen a lot of action. We complained about the trees listing after they did very bad work on the uh curbs in Ward 5, but you approved the uh the payout,
right? But that said, you know, if you want to save us taxpayer monies first, and it was really great the the the packet that that lady brought, you could start with the energy consortium. Four years ago, we voted on that. We voted for you guys to negotiate fair rates,
reasonable rates, environmentally friendly energy building in this for this town and we were going to get less would pay less money for our energy and yet four years later and this is after we got you lists, signatures and everything else and then a vote you
still haven't done it. So we're pissed. We're all pissed. There's a lot of people in this audience and I'm grateful you guys are all here. I'm not supposed to talk to the audience, but I'm just going to say we're all grateful. You guys got to do your jobs and you're not. You know, I know that finally there
supposedly there's a negotiated uh person to do it. Four years we've been waiting for this. The township actually takes advantage of this by the way, but you're not allowing the residents to and we voted for you to do that and you're
not doing your job. [Applause] Is there anyone else in the audience? >> Council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bellai. All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> No. >> Good. >> Okay. Council comment. Councilman
Asatuli. >> Yes. First I want to say thank you everybody for showing up. It's a beautiful crowd tonight. Um, I wanted to say happy anniversary to my wife. It's our 21st anniversary tomorrow. I'm kind of excited about that. Love you. Right.
Um, been here 21 years. My daughters were born here. It's kind of exciting. Um, I love this town. >> I love everything about it. And I, you know what I did recently? I asked all council people, "Why do you do your job?"
I asked Kevin, "Why why are you a councilman?" He said, "Because I want to make a difference." I asked Tony, "Why do you do it? I want to make an impact in the community." I asked Anita, "I love America and I love my town." I asked Eric, he says, "I want to make a difference in my community where I bring
my kids up." I asked Mary, she goes, "I've been doing this so long. I just love helping people and I love solving problems for my people." It's so important that a lot of times and every voice should be heard. Every single person in this room. The thing is we use
the word divisiveness and I heard I know Anna mentioned it and we mentioned it a lot. That's a divisive my take on it. It's a little divisive because we just have a difference of opinions. We all see things differently the way that we govern, the way that we do
things. But if hate fills your heart, then violence is actually justified. We're having a lot of that in society and I know it's uncomfortable for a lot of us and no one really talks about it. We shouldn't be this way.
People are getting hurt. People are actually dying. I watched something on TV today and it struck me a little bit. Josh Shapiro, I don't know if you know who he is. He's the governor of Democrat governor of
Pennsylvania. While he was sleeping with his family, they threw mort cocktails in his window. They burned it all down. Thank God him and his family got out. This is all political
and it's all about the people. I do this job and I wanted to come tonight for one reason because I truly care about helping our residents. I don't have any agenda and I don't believe everybody on this day is has an agenda. We're doing our best. Look,
fiscal responsibility. Thank you, Dawn. We're one of the safest towns in all of New Jersey. We're ranked one of the top percentage safest towns in in Jersey. Look it up to bring up your family. Fiscal responsibility. We keep the taxes
low. We hear you. They are 1.58%. Take a look at it. Take a look at the taxes. take a really hard look at it. It was sent to you in the mail. You'll see the pie chart. So, we get 16 cents on the dollar and we
just had an incredible report. Please find the truth. We have to search for the truth cuz facts are facts. And if you want to know, call us. Call Dor. Call the mayor. Call Anna. Call Anita. Email us. I promise you, we'll get I get I have a
saying. I'll get back within 24 to 48 hours real quick because your voices need to be heard. And I have to tell you this political violence, but Josh Shapiro got me today. He said his life is forever changed. And there are good people that want to run. They don't want
to do it anymore because they're worried people go after their family, call their jobs, make Facebook pages that go after their kids. It's disgusting. And I'm astounded how people come up here and talk and
then outside they're destroying people's families on social media. I see it every day. But I will tell you this. He said something great. There are good people that don't want to run anymore. But guess what he said? I'm going to continue to run. And so am I. You know
why? Cuz I believe we're worth it. I'm one of the guys that I believe America's worth it. I believe Obridgeidge is worth it. The truth is worth it. My neighbors are worth it. And so you can keep making your Facebook pages, going after elected officials, making them believe like
nothing's happening here. But we take it really serious. And we will never stop defending freedom. Because you know why? Because it's worth it. And so are all of you. Happy birthday, Charlie. Thank you for
standing up for freedom and our country. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you, Kate. Um, first of all, I'm hurt. Councilman Estatul, you didn't ask me what I how I felt. You didn't ask me. I don't believe you asked Councilman
Desai either. So, my reason is the same. I want to help people. So, just in case anybody was interested. Um um anyway, um there's a few things I got a lot to say. Um I actually did see on Facebook um for the Old Bridge residents
matter, I did see the questions. I don't know where or who I'm looking at. Yeah. Um I did see the questions and um I actually did prepare some answers, but if you're saying, you know, next meeting, I will maybe just put that off until next meeting. I'll give a little
synopsis. I don't know. It's up to you. I don't know what you want to. Yeah. Um anyway, so um I I'll I'll give a little a little uh responses, but the first thing I'd want to do is I'd like to comment on um the behavior of some of
my colle colleagues last meeting to yell and berate residents that happened last meeting. the residents of Ulbridge who came to a public council meeting to have their voice heard is I
feel completely unacceptable. And also to knowingly lie about my role in the warehouses by misleading the public into thinking that I was the catalyst for the development of the
warehouse is also unacceptable and completely disingenuous. They like to point to the fact that the developer thanked me at the golf course opening. But the reality is is I had never met the man up to that point. I
had never met him, which is evidenced in the video as he had no idea where to look when he was thanking me. I was standing right there. He was looking around. He was like, I don't know who she is. That was a campaign tactic. That was a
campaign tactic at the time used because I was running for mayor at the time. Plain and simple. You know, we're talking a lot about political stuff here tonight. So, I I normally wouldn't go this deep, but there's it's it's all over. It's over. So
anyone that believes that I alone had any control over the warehouses coming to Oldbridge because I was on the board of education when a piece of property was sold is sadly mistaken.
Anyone that believes that I had any control over the warehouse coming to Old Bridge is choosing to believe a narrative that fits in with what they want to believe in direct opposition of the truth. And that is called cognitive
dissonance. That's when you just don't want to hear the truth. What the truth is, you don't care. Doesn't fit your narrative. You're not going to believe it. People are going to perpetrate perpetuate the lie
and it's going to continue happen. We keep talking about politics, divisiveness, violence. Yeah, we need to stop it. We need to stop it. We need to be up here and we need to get along because you know what the reason that we're here is we're elected to serve the
people of Albridge. We're elected to serve all of you. We're elected to um receive your phone calls about uh trees that are leaning, excuse me, leaning over into your yard. Uh a neighbor's
tree, you know, hey, uh Councilman Daro, what can I do? You know, this is going on. Sure. Let me direct let me direct you to a place where you need to go. let me refer to our business administrator and she can you know form that out to
the proper um uh public service director that we have or wherever you know hey councilwoman um you know what's going on my street light is out hey councilwoman you know uh roads are need to be paved um you know things like that that's why
we're here none of this other nonsense matters okay so you know this that's that's what it is and you know the divisiveness I agree it needs to happen but it needs to happen on both sides. So
I'm willing to you know and I I came onto this council with the intent of doing that but unfortunately it's I'm I had a very tough time and I'm I'm you know feeling very hopeless about it. Um,
you know, I will always keep the door open though. Always keep the door open. Um, so I want to say, you know, so I did look I did I I'm not afraid of Facebook. Some people up here are afraid of Facebook. I am not afraid of Facebook. I
believe that a lot. You know, this is what we do. A lot of people are on Facebook right now. They like to go on there. They like to vent. They like to Yes, there's misinformation on there. You just, you know, they vent. They let it go. They spin it out. and and then it kind of goes away. It's it's Facebook.
But there is a group and uh Ashley uh you came up and spoke and you know you do I saw your group is new and I did see that it came out and and it's a really it's a very good group that and and you guys I think admit it very well. Um you
don't allow any nonsense. Um, I do read it and um, so I did see the questions that were there and so I do have some prepared answers and um, you know, I'm going to
just try to talk quickly and uh, so anyway, your first question, make the pilot contracts p uh, public and accessible. Okay, I'm reading the question. um make the pilot contracts public and accept
and accessible. I talked about this at the last meeting and I spoke to I asked Mr. Rosselli. He said that they are public documents and they are not but according to what Mr. Rosselli said that I understood him to
say last uh last meeting that is that if the residents want to see it they can opra it. I personally don't believe that the residents should have to op for something like that. I believe that we should put it on the um right on the
website and have it easily accessible and just like you said a summary of it. So I am in full support of doing that if the rest of the council and administration is in support of putting there as a and put a summary like this is what it means, this is what this is
about. um you know it anyway um this is what I was advised by Mr. Relli last last month if anybody wants to dispute what Mr. Rosselli said that's fine. You can do that. Um
P. Okay. And the other thing about transparency is what I would like to see is I would like to see um maybe we can do segments on the TV studio council council president and and coun other council
members have done council corner you know what's ward four things like that. What I would like to see, you know, what they can, what we can do as a group is do um, you know, municipality 101. What is a municipality? Where, how do we
generate money? Maybe segments, little segments like that. Um, coming right from our council, our mayor, our business administrator, our director of finance, whoever the department is is related to. This is how this works. I
know that there have been some already, but I would like to see something like that segments of how is our revenue spent, you know, and I know that we have these meetings here and everybody says that you can just watch the meeting and
you know, but these meetings are sometimes tough to watch as you know. So anyway, um you know, define what a pilot is. you know, nobody knows what a pilot is. You know, people are starting to learn now, but you know, things like
that. Um, I also believe in in transparency. I think that we should have um all of the people, you know, we have a lot of committees. I'm not sure so much about planning and zoning, but we have an ethics board. We have an open space committee. We have um rent
stabilization among others. I believe that we have and we have liaison to all of those committees or boards on this council. I believe that we should have on the agenda we should have a a little report, you know, has there
been a meeting? Can you talk about it? What's going on? So that we don't have to go in, residents don't have to go in and search for that information. Um anyway, uh that's just that. I know I said I would get brief, but I've never
been known to be brief. Um anyway, and as far as anything else, let's see the uh the no more warehouses. Listen, I I believe that we're done with warehouses. I understand that they're zoning their zoning uh requirements and and different
land. And again, this is something that that that the public needs to understand. There are zoning um laws and there are certain areas that are zoned for different um uh different areas, commercial,
residential, mixed, whatever. So, if it's zoned for a warehouse or a or a data center or whatever, there's not too much that can be done on a township level on a town from the township side. However, we can look at any variances
that they're coming out, you know, that they're that they're trying to have, and we can make sure that it's not a non-conforming thing that we we can make sure that it's a conforming thing. Um, I know that um there are residents over by Aster Circle that are very upset about a
warehouse that they just found out is coming right behind them. They were not told that there was a warehouse going on when they bought the house. I I don't know. I'm not blaming anybody. I don't know whose fault that was. I don't know any of you know I'm not saying anything but you know they deserve to have a
voice. Those residents deserve to have a voice and and unfortunately and as I said to them I don't know what can be done if someone comes in with an application that's conforming but that's you know I will fight for you to the
best that I can. you know, I kind I don't know that I can stop that warehouse. Um, but I will try, you know, I'm on one vote. Anyway, um, as far as the 26% I'm going to I'm going to there's a lot of mumbling on the right side of me, so I I
feel like people are getting um, a little exacerbated with what I'm saying here, but um, you know, we do need to stop building warehouses. Um, and I also think that we also need to, and I've said this before, I got some chuckles last time, we need to reduce our tax
burden on our residents. And we need to make sure that if we do have a pilot program, the SegMay pilot program has not been signed yet. Last I looked, maybe it's signed by now, I don't know. But, um, we need to, I believe that we should have a portion of that money
designated to, um, do something with our schools to help lighten that tax burden because the residents, we all get one tax bill. And it doesn't matter if it's 60% school, you know, whatever percent
municipality, it's one tax bill. and we need to work as a council and we need to do better for the residents to lighten that tax burden. Anyway, all right. Thank you. There's a lot of mumbling going on over here, so I'm sure there's
going to be a lot more a lot of push back on what I said, but you know, that's part for the course. Thank you, >> Councilman De Palama. >> Thank you. Um, so just a couple items. I know we we
have our professionals here. I know they're all looking to go home, so I'll keep my comments as short as I can. Just a few things. We have a a lot going on this weekend in town. Um as Felt spoke about the spooktacular happening on Saturday, uh we also on Saturday for
those that will be there, if you head over to Lombardi Field, there is the band competition. So, if you can go out there and uh support the Old Bridge Marching Nights, I think their show is called Back in Black if if I'm not mistaken. So, if if you're there, swing
on over, you know, you can leave your car, walk across street, grab a Dunkin Donuts, walk up to Lombardi Field, and go support the the Marching Knights. Um, also, just to touch on what what Anna brought up about the young artist. So, my daughter is actually in in that book
for McDivet. Um, so I don't know who was involved at the other school, but I know from McDivet, I just wanted to thank uh Miss Patty and Miss Debbie for for driving that. The kids loved it. My daughter actually, funny enough, she was asking me the other day, are they going to do it again this year? So, it sounds
like they are. So, I know those kids are looking forward to it. So, I want to thank not only um Miss Debbie and Miss Patty over at McDavid, but everyone who is going to help drive that forward this year for for the folks that the folks the children that are in um before and
afterare. Also, happy Diwali to all the residents that are celebrating next week. Um I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families with that. Uh, and also since I actually will not be at the next meeting due to a long-standing work
obligation, I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and and happy Halloween. It's on a Friday this year, so there's probably going to be extended trick-or-treating, so please just be out there when you're if you are driving around on Halloween, just be aware of the the ghosts and goblins that are
trying to to grab all the candy everywhere. Um, and everyone just have a wonderful and uh safe holiday weekend for that. And also just make sure everyone gets out there and vote. Whomever you're voting for, just make sure that you use your right as a resident of this state, as resident of
the town, as well as this country to get out there and vote. Thank you, >> Councilman Desai. >> Thank you. I just want to mention one thing. When our business administrator gave her
report, she talked about property tax relief program for senior. She only talk about the state program. She knowingly or unknowingly did not say that there is a
senior tax relief is also on the old township book. There's a $250 which can be paid by the Old Township to
the senior over 65. The only bad thing about that program, the income requirement very strong. You cannot have your income more than $10,000 excluding
social security. So, I believe 70% seniors will may not qualify, but it's worth looking into it. It's a $250
and you have to just pick up the phone and get the form from the tax collector office or also you can contact the finance department. They will give you information. It's a $250
for seniors over 65 with less than $10,000 income excluding social security. Thank you. I just wanted to bring out so people know there is some program from the township also.
Thanks >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. Good evening all. I just want to thank everybody for coming out tonight. I know everybody says it's this side versus that side. I say it all the time. We're here up here to help all of you. We take your questions. I tell people
all the time, I give you my email address. Email me with an issue. I don't care. I I want to hear your complaints. So, please, we have to stop all this bickering stuff, all this negativity stuff. And email your council person. I can guarantee they will get back to you
with with whatever issues it may be. We're not hiding from anybody. We come to these meetings. We are here for you guys. I know I keep saying the same thing every every two weeks. You know, it's it's insane nonsense. And I all you know, you guys know I live in Cheesequake Village. We have a few
residents here from Cheesequake Village. We have a I'm I'm going to talk a little negativity for a second. We have a certain person in the audience today who is spreading complete lies about Cheesequake Village. As a matter of fact, she's running for Ward Six Council
person. She's nothing but lies on Facebook and I tell you all the time, you have any questions, ask me. I have people here from the village. Ask them. They're here to answer. They're here to answer your questions. But when people flat out lie about the village and about
me, I take that personally because I know what we're doing there. We we're doing we're we're running a tight ship over there. So when we have somebody, but it's known of course he's always complaining about everything. Anyway, um if you have any questions, come to me.
You got that, Nina? Come to me. Ask me the questions. Don't try to abuse me on Facebook. I don't appreciate that. So, that's that's pretty much all I have. And and we have Terry here. >> Again, I know Terry's >> Terry's leaving next week.
>> She's leaving next week. And I I publicly want to say I'm gonna miss Terry. I know I'm going to see Terry tomorrow in the following day and next couple days, but I want to publicly say I'm going to miss Terry. I took over for Terry. She she led us. She got us going and we're we're doing great things in
the village and Terry was there for 20 years. So I again I want to thank Terry for her leadership. Thank you. That's all I have. >> Councilman Murphy. >> Yes. Uh, I don't know if most of you know or not, this is my uh, last year on
a council and people have been coming up to me. I'll let the people on YouTube that watch. I have about 20 people that about 20 that call me, but I get like four or five calls every week. Uh, they want to know what they're going to do when they have a problem. I said, "Well,
you call the council person." They said, "They're going to give us his phone number." I said, "I don't know. If you have a problem, call me. I've lived here for 65 years and I will get in touch with somebody to fix whatever you need. And I I consider that like I said I write it twice once a week sometimes
twice a week and talk to the people. But that's all I have to say and you know have a good day or whatever. Okay. Thank you >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Um I'd like to thank everybody for coming
out tonight. um you know part of the uh the process somebody read the uh first amendment it is it's a it's a wonderful thing that our government offers you know to protect for us uh I believe our
rights come from God and the government is to protect those rights so you know one of them is uh the freedom of speech so uh you come out here and you and you tell us what's going on Um, if you don't
want to talk, I'm sure you can email any one of the um, council people your grief or your issue. So, thank you for showing up and believing that our state deserves better.
Over the past months, we talked about what really matters. lowering the cost of living, keeping our neighborhoods safe, helping small businesses thrive, and restoring good oldfashioned common sense to government. This election isn't about party lines. It's about progress,
responsibility, and leadership that listens. It's about standing up for working families, respecting taxpayers, and protecting the values that built this great state. Now, the choice we face is clear. We can continue down a path of higher taxes,
higher costs, and less accountability. Or we can choose a new direction, a direction built on balance, fairness, and trust. We've seen what happens when government forgets who it works for. But we've also seen what happens when everyday people
get involved. Neighbors talk to neighbors, friends remind each other to vote, and families show up at the polls and say, "Enough, time. enough. It's time for a change. So, tonight I'm asking you to do one thing. Vote. Don't
assume someone else will do it. Make your plan. Bring a friend. Remind your family. Every single vote counts. And this year, it can make all the difference. Let's send the message that our voices matter, that our communities matter, and that we are ready to turn
the page and build a stronger, safer, more affordable New Jersey. Together, we could do this. Together we can make change happen. Thank you and I'll see you at the polls on election day. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli.
>> Yes. So first of all since our last meeting in September a lot of things have gone on and um the first thing was the bridge day and I would have liked to thank the recck department the DPW and for all those that made um that day so special. Um it was special for many
reasons. one, I appreciate the marching band coming um from the high school. I appreciate the ROC. I appreciate all that um Calvary Church does. And Pastor Bob Rob um also since then we had the arts and jazz festival at Catrell Park.
It was a wonderful time. For those of you who didn't go, you really missed a special evening in the park. It was beautiful. And so I want to thank the culture arts committee. Also, um I went to the Carl Samberg um for the Navarati
Rosarba dance and music and it was beautiful fair and I always enjoy going there. It's such a very so festive and seeing all the families and traditions. It's very nice. Also, um we enjoyed the Filipino American community had their um
of Old Bridge had their anniversary ball. It was wonderful and I appreciate all that they do for the community. And I want to thank the Elbridge rifle club for funding the archery program in our schools. And this past Saturday was the
firehouses that had their open houses throughout town. It was nice to go there and speak to the volunteers and I appreciate all the volunteers in town. So, as you can see, there's many positive things that go on in our town and community and and there's constantly
always something going on. So, I can I would like a word of advice. Don't waste your time on fa listening to Facebook. There's always falsehoods and lies. If you want the right answer, you can seek the right answer through research and reaching out to people. Um whether it's
um business administrator, which you'll be inundated, I don't want to do that to you. We can also direct you to get the right information, but it's really upsetting because there's agitators and instigators on that forum and it creates public alarm. And so I they even stooped
so low to say that our water quality in our town was poor. Now that's upsetting to me because it means that they are very feckless. They couldn't even go to the bridge MUA website where they where they do a report analysis all the time.
And from there you'll go to the New Jersey department um website that from the D it's drinking water u watch database. You can go there. And so I just want everyone to know that bridge water is safe regardless what they say
on social media. The water is tested hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly. So that is really no reason to cause public alarm. So they call this page the parody. That is disgusting. It's it's really
exaggerated imitation and deliberate exaggeration. It's vile and disgusting. some of the things that they've said. So, I wouldn't waste my time. People here said tonight they enjoy going outside, go for a walk, and relax in nature. And I think you'll be much
better off than spending any time. And I feel bad for people that don't have another passion, whether it's their family, their friends, a hobby, that they feel that they can be a a social media warrior. and and it just really is not fair because you're not giving out
correct information and you're getting people um very upset. So, as far as um I want to talk about the school the school, there's one reason why the taxes went up on the school board and it is because Governor Murphy reduced funding
from the school that started the catalyst and the board of ed did not make adjustments and that's a problem. So I advise everyone tonight to go at 6:30. It's the um it's a strategic planning um long range planning which they haven't had long range plan. That's
where we are. It's tomorrow night at 6:30. So maybe you would want to go there and ask them questions. So that is why the board of ed taxes have have gone up. So that's very upsetting. Also I want to just say about the rally. The rally was asked to have it in the
municipal complex where it was safer. When it was asked to go on two roadways, Catrell and 516, that's when the police had to have more presence. The DPW had to come forward and put barriers up. That's where the cost was incurred. If
it was in the mun, excuse me, in the municipal complex, there wouldn't have been any problem. And I know that it was politely asked by the police department, but it wanted to have it on the rally on the on the corners there for show. So, also I I just am going to refer um to
end with a question to the business administrator or to the engineer. Last time false at the meeting, false information was given about the Bennett House on 516. It went in the papers and they they they got proper information sent to the
newspaper saying it was not a historical house and still they reported it as a historical house which is absurd to me. But it was not a historical house. When you have a house and you put Anderson windows in it, Anderson doors, a new roof, it is no longer a historical
house. So if there's anything that the business administrator or the engineer would like to add to that because I am one for facts and telling the truth and really sometimes the truth is hard but you have to tell the truth. So everyone has a a foundation where they understand
the information specifically and it's transparent. So thank you for your time and I wish everyone good health and enjoy the fall. Um Nicole Shapiro, our township engineer and director of community development will speak on this. Her and I have spoken several times since the last
meeting and uh there was communications back and forth with the historical society last year um given to give them information and to confirm that the house was not historical, but I'll let uh Miss Shapiro continue. >> Good evening, Nicole, and thank you. I
know it's getting late. I appreciate your time. >> Thank you, council. I don't mean to interrupt during council comments. Um as uh councilwoman um Bellai had said um last meeting there was a question on the historical aspect for the Bennett House.
Um it was part of a a recent purchase I think in either 2022 at 2022 where they had purchased the property um from Madawan Garden Center. At that time, the Manowan Garden Center, if anybody recalls, had refurbished the interior of
the home, had done some exterior work, and was using it as office space. Um, a new owner had purchased it in 2022, continued the refurbishing, and then, uh, used it, uh, rented it out. Anybody can view the inside of that building. I
think the address is 39633 Highway 516, just to look at what the interior looked at like. So the the roofing was redone, the the windows were redone. Apart from that, there were two
documents that were um done. One in 1982 and I have it in front of me and so I had sent you pages after last meeting because it was said that there was a historical building in town that was
torn down. Um, this 1982 document listed a lot of buildings that um, the town looked at in 1982 and thought were historic. They had they had listed the eligibility
of those buildings in 1982. In 1982, they said that the Bennett House was not eligible to be historic. In 2006 that was reaffirmed by Richard Grub and Associates who did an archaeological study and look and a historical study of
the town looked through all the all the findings of this report and reaffirmed in 2006 that the building was not historic because of all the improvements done to the building. I I just wanted to bring that to
everybody's attention because I I think there was some sort of correlation with the demo of that building with an application in front of the zoning board and that's just not the case. The building was being rented out. The
basement floor of that building was continually getting flooded. In the older buildings, the electrical panel was down in the basement. It was getting shorted out. And then these renters were now living in a house that just didn't have power. Then you would have to have
an electrician come in, put on, from what I understand, you know, boots. Um, you use a lot of heavy gear to get down there because now they're kneedeep in water and they're trying to restore power to a resident. Once the once the basement got flooded, the sump pumps
stopped working because the electricity would go and then it became sort of a health issue. right now. Now the property owner is now a landlord trying to put make a safe situation for a tenant and it became cumbersome. That's
why the building was demoed. I there the applicant that's in front of the zoning board and and this is this is sort of a big explanation for for so late at night and I don't want to keep people but I think it's important to get some information out. our our uh review
memos that go in front of the zoning board did say we should look at the historical aspect or if there is a historical aspect to the building at that time the applicant for that zoning board application went to the historical
society and gave them the same factual information not only from this book from Richard Grubbin Associates they also cited our ordinance which lists in section um I'm Sorry. Uh section uh code section 5-147
or the local registry of historical places in Obridge Township that were deemed historical by the historical society, not state and national listing. But it's important to note this is not on state and national listing and it's not on our local listing. If there's
demo of a building in town, our our code section 250-92 for historic sites or structures says no demolition, destruction, alteration, or repair of historic sites of structures shall be undertaken in the township unless a demolition permit has been issued by the
director of the department of community development. It does not say the historical society. I then comb through the duties of the historical society. They don't they they don't have authorization to say somebody cannot demo a building. Although in good faith,
this developer and this property owner went to the historical society to give them the factual information. That factual information was reaffirmed by the historical society in a letter dated April
2024. This is a response to the developer's attorney and this is written by the president of the historical society. In response to your correspondence dated February 13, 2024, the Obridge Historical Commission did hold a review
with you and the owners at our regular commission meeting on April 1st, 2024 concerning the the property referenced above. Your client has a site application with the Obridge zoning board application number 27-2023Z
for the reference property. After a careful review of your presentation to the Obridge Historic Commission, we acknowledge that the above site does not currently appear on the National Historic and State Registry of Places. However, this site 209-69
does appear in the original Township of Oldbridge historic site survey and inventory dated 19 November 3rd, 1981 and was reaffirmed again in October 2006 to this commission. Those that sentence
is not true. It is shown in this book 100%. It is checked off as ineligible. It is then reaffirmed by Richard Grub and Associates in 2006 and it cites all the improvements that were done to the site and then reaffirms that it is not
historical. This person whether developer for a million homes or whether just one property owner was permitted to remove and de demo the plan as per our ordinance. Followed every rule, got a demo permit. There was one thing that
the historical society president mentioned at the last meeting. There is a separate site through Old Mill Road where there's a separate developer apart from this application. That developer filed the same demo permit with the
building department except that developer in that building permit application submitted a letter from the historical society and I'm going to get this date wrong. It was either 2006 or 2012 that stated um we affirm that this
building is not historic. Again, not on the state historic registry, not on the national registry, and not on the listing that's provided in Oldbridge ordinance 5- I'm sorry, one 5-147. But because the building department had
a letter that was dated, that was so outdated, they asked them, "Go back to the historical society. Can you get an updated letter?" That is not a requirement of our ordinance. That is not a requirement of the township to have a letter from the historical society.
What what I was shocked by when I was in the audience listening at last month's meeting was that Richard Puchelli was saying he had no notice in 2000 in November 2000
what's this 24 um I almost said 14 in in November 2024 I circulated the email to you you know the day after the last email I had sent him every single information that I sent you one day
after this meeting. I did I did tell him whatever you posted in your letter, you acknowledged you're not on the state historic preservation. You acknowledged you're not on the national listing and but you then affirm that this finding,
which I use all the time, says that it's historical and it's not. And I actually highlighted it and sent it to him. I also sent him again the 2006 Richard Grub findings that it wasn't historical. I never received a response from that.
Any of the information I have, whether it's this book or anything that I've said tonight is available. You don't have to I mean I I know the attorney might not like this. I don't know if I could make it I mean anybody can call me. I can I can certainly give you the
information if they want. and I could actually photocopy this entire thing and put it on our website along with Richard Grubs so that they could see it themselves. There's no I I think there was one comment even at the last meeting or or or maybe somebody showed me a screenshot
of a posting that said we're trying not to be transparent since I've been here in the last I 12 almost 12 years. This administration, this council, the mayor, the business administrator have always been forthright. If there's a
question that anybody is looking for, if they want to put in an oper request, it's 39963 highway route 516 for the historical society's letter. It is my email dated September 25th, 2025. That's what um I'm
sorry that was the that was the email that the mayor had sent to the newspaper article with the information that we've stated tonight. Um there was a email that I had sent to Richard Pucherelli that was dated November 13, 2024 that
was entitled Bennett House historical ineligibility. If anybody would like to open that request, it won't take 10 days to receive it. I have it very handy and I'm very forthcoming. Um I just want to especially when something is said that the building department is doing
something that's inaccurate. Um the director of community development, the building department is under me along with engineering planning and the zoning officer and certainly we try to follow the ordinance to its tea sometimes to a fault and I just wanted to make sure that everybody was aware of the
eligibility. I did however I was I was shocked when I saw the article today that they had posted um the the re or sort of even verbatim what was discussed at last meetings or the public comment and we had taken the time to write back
to the newspaper article. I want to say and and I believe the last name was Russell of the of the author or the um the writer of that article, but in her defense, she had published it one day before receiving our response back. So,
I'm hoping that there's going to be a retraction um especially if anybody tells her about this meeting that um and and she certainly has that email from our mayor with the response and the accurate information. So, um, I would I would hope that there would be some sort
of retraction and if anybody has any other questions, I'm here to answer. >> Thank you very much for that clarity and your due diligence. >> No problem. >> Your professionalism all the time. Thank you. >> I have to second that because that was absolutely just >> to a tea. All kidding aside, thank you
for coming up here. Staying late like you did was just perfectly explained. I really want to just in public say thank you so much. I appreciate that. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Nicole. You don't see Puchelli come back up here and correct the record, right? >> And Council President Sohar.
>> Yes. Thank you. Okay. It's been a very long night and I'm going to try to curtail my council comments because it is late and these professionals are here so long and all the TV people everything to have them be here for an inordinate amount of time. I I'm sorry about that
guys. But uh also I do want to stress the fact that there are things that happen like this Bennett house and here we have someone come up and give a full explanation before everybody jumps the gun. Oh my god, what are you destroying
the you know all these historical sites? Oh my No, that wasn't the case. So sometimes you do have to vet things out before you go to social media and just trash us to all all hell. So I I think that's something to think about. I know
there are people sitting in this audience. They send me screenshots. They're the one they post. That's fine. You have every right to go on Facebook and post. However, please think about what you know how you're saying things about people sometimes. It hurts. It really does. It hurts people's feelings
and it makes them feel that my goodness, what am I doing up here? Um, as far as the surplus is concerned, we talked, we touched on it as far as um, using it, well, there was a good a portion of it was used this year in order to stabilize
the municipal budget. Also, if you looked at the bill list tonight for two weeks, it approach two pay periods, it approached $8 million. If we were to deplete and something were to happen, any kind of a, you know,
something go wrong, a COVID, I mean, I know sometimes people think, are you being serious? But I am. If something happened and we had no surplus, how do we pay our bills? I don't think anybody in this room would deplete their entire
savings and then say, "Well, I think it's going to be no problem. Nothing's going to break. Nothing's going to go wrong. everything is going to be fine. That it's not always the case. So, we have to try to save what we can and and
be sure that if something does go wrong, like when COVID hit, we were able to pay the bills. Everyone got paid as they should. So, we try to think, okay, let's see what we can put aside so that it's reasonable and fair and that if
something goes wrong, we have the money to take care of the township for you guys as well. you don't want your services to stop. That's for sure. So, that was how I feel about the surplus ballots. That's just my opinion. I'm always kind of on the side of let's save a little bit because you never know
what's going to happen. Um the other thing is as far as what's going on in town, everything I thought there was a lot like Dr. Greenberg said, a lot of good events, a lot of positive things going on. And I sincerely hope that tonight everyone seemed to be able to listen to each other. And that's that's
a really really big thing. I think we got a lot accomplished. I think we heard from from all the residents that wanted to speak. They gave us ideas to share, thoughts on how to save money, things, you know, thoughts on what they would like to see, which is what we are here for. So, I think this was a very
positive on on the part of the residents and on the part of the council. So, everyone, thank you very much. Make sure you go out and vote and it's it's important. Thank you very much. Have a good evening. I need a motion to adjourn. Move. Moved by council vice president
Dr. Greenberg Bella. Second by councilman deama. Roll call. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Murphy. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti.
>> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. And before you leave, I just wanted to say one thing that I forgot. You got this flyer in those um in your flyers that they send. I don't we don't know why this organization where you get your
coupon sent to us. Um no one said we don't want these papers. So it's like crazy that they would do that. The only thing we don't want them to throw them in the road or the storm water drains. >> Okay. Council President Sohare. >> Nine yeses. Motion adjourned at 9:38
p.m.