for a moment to remember those who are protecting our freedoms both here and abroad. For our first responders, for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and for everyone suffering around the world, a moment of silence.
Our prayer, Mr. Acatuli. >> Oh Lord, bless thy servants in the ministry of public affairs who serve thee in the chamber. Give us quiet minds and hearts that we may hear thy 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.
>> Thank you. And please be seated. Good evening. >> Roll call. Councilman Asetuli >> here. >> Councilwoman Daro is absent. Councilman Dealama >> here. >> Let the record reflect Councilman Desai
is absent. Councilman Garcia is absent. Councilman Murphy >> here. >> Let the record reflect Councilman Pasci is absent. Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell here >> and council president so here. 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 November 5th, 2025 and has been posted in public places. Next open public meeting of the township council will be held on Monday on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Thank you. Okay. Good evening everyone. Welcome to the meeting. Um the first we'll do a public hearing. It's H1 performance guarantee reduction oak tree plaza EOM and oh I need new glasses. Boy 538
um >> Route 34. Word 34 LLC block 11252 lot 21.11 and application number 39-18Z. I'm changing glasses like crazy. >> Oh yeah, this is much better. Thank you
everyone. Good evening Nicole. Good evening Peter. >> Good evening. >> I'm switching glasses back and forth. I borrowed somebody who's 45. I should have known better. [laughter] Oh, 44. Sorry. Good evening. >> Good evening. Thank you, Council
President. Um, we're here tonight for uh the request for a release of a performance guarantee associated with Oak Tree Plaza. It is a mixeduse development located on New Jersey State Highway Route 34 off of it um on the south on
the southbound side of it. Um it contains a an apartment complex um along with two commercial buildings. uh the developer for uh that complex had come to the zoning board in 2018, got his approvals. He was back in front of the
zoning board in 2021 to subdivide the property and separate the commercial piece from the residential piece. He got approvals for that subdivision. He had since sold the commercial piece and then completed his development of the
residential piece um along with a landscape burm, parking lot, lighting, uh curbing, sidewalk, etc. Um he's here tonight to get that bond released. He has since sold then the residential portion of the entire development. Um
and he is here seeking to get uh released uh a performance guarantee for the project in the amount of 156,8284. Um it was 90% in the form of bond $140,47456. 10% cash portion was in the amount of
$15,6828. Um, the release would be contingent upon a maintenance bond for a two-year period. That maintenance bond would be in the I'm sorry, a maintenance bond in the amount of 15% of the original bonds in the amount of $23,41243.
And then also the posting of an inspection escrow fees to allow us to go out there at the end of the maintenance bonds to ensure that um especially the uh perimeter buffer has been established. And that uh estimate for
the escrow would be $2,500. And then also should the should the council look favorably on the release, we would then ask um that he pays all outstanding escros before anything can be on for memorialization or for release of the cash portion. Uh that is
important because I know as of today um we are in a rears on his escrow payment. I know that um Mr. Clauser is here and I'd have him introduce himself as the applicant's attorney. >> Uh good evening council. uh Peter Clauser with the firm Hobburn paper on
behalf of the developer. I wasn't the attorney for the original application or the original owner. It was the second person who ended up taking over and developing the site. I represented them back in front of the zoning board for that subdivision that uh Miss Shapiro mentioned. Um I'm in agreement with uh
uh the the findings of the ERRI report and the conditions that uh the maintenance bond would have to be posted that there would have to be additional escro provided to make sure that M Shapiro can keep doing her inspections and that um all of his back fees have to be paid. So I would just ask that the
council act favorably on the the release is recommended by your engineer. >> Okay. Well, I'm going to open it first. I think I would like to open it up to the to the Go ahead. >> Madam President, if I could um and just for the council and for the public,
Nicole, I know there was uh some contention with this uh particular site. Um if you can explain the fact that we the punch list item was produced I think some back I think over the summer I believe from for items that had to be
finished. just if you can >> council public. >> We certainly had quite a few punch lists that was created as part of this. Um Erri um our consulting engineers and they had had their inspector out there the entire time of the build. Um we had
um asked for additional plantings on the burm. We had asked them to raise the burm um slightly higher so that they could have the plantings on there and they could act as a a better buffer um to the commercial property um from the residential uh properties that are on
Sheila Court. Um they had recently removed uh over early summer removed the vegetation on that burm that was dying or uh I guess uh destroyed by deer um
and then they had replanted and we had asked them to put an irrigation system on that burm so that it could act or encourage a successful growth. We had Gary Lavalo, our conservation officer, um on site to uh suggest plantings that
would better suit um success on this burm. Um as well as there was some landscaping that was um along the western side of the property that was quite heavy. And so we suggested instead
of putting it um this heavy landscaped area up against this wooded area to then take some of those plants and relocate it. At the same time, we did do a a a thorough review of the entire residential site itself and any
deficiencies and came up with a punch list not only for the Burm area but for the entire site. And so ERRI did go out um and they did witness the planting. Gary Lvalo was out there as well. Um the irrigation system which is called a drip system is out there and it is
functioning. Um today I actually had our inspector go out and take some pictures as well because you know now it's the winter is coming upon us. The leaves are falling. Um a lot of what Mr. Lavalo had um planted out there were were green all
year round. So that sort of helped with the thickening of the buffer. Um, but there are some deciduous trees out there, so the leaves have fallen. Um, from from what I see, it's in good condition. Um, it went through the summer months and the heat and now we're in um sort of the dorm the start of the
dormant season. Um, that's why I put a heavy escrow here and a maintenance bond uh for this because um it's important that we see that it's established. there were promises that were made by the developer during the zoning board stage um who is not the developer that
constructed and so there was sort of a disconnect on what was promised at the board phase and what was being constructed out there we certainly wanted to see by this time a better growth um but it's getting there and and when I look at the burm
it's not obviously ideal probably to the homeowners that are behind there but I do see it in the path path of being successful. So, um, with that said, I have no objections tonight. Of course, we're going to open to public. Um, but I
just want the council to know that we will still be monitoring it, um, and its success. >> Again, the only thing I was remind is that these are what what being discussed are those items that were bondable.
there there are not items that are that may be associated with the development. They're not subject to bond, right? Those are those are different issues. This is just for items as part of the approval that were subject to a performance bond. Um so I just want to make sure you know that. And and if you
the new owners, you know, they they did close that was sometime I think early summer if I recall. Um and um you know, so they're in place too. So issues related to ongoing issues that are not necessarily part of the bond or even the
maintenance, you know, there's a there's a different party that that's available to address those >> and and that relationship has been okay so far. I I know that um [clears throat] there were a lot of promises being made when when the purchase was going on and
uh I know that they have recently got a good contract with somebody to come and maintain the property where I wasn't seeing that when they first started. So, you know, the burm is being cut, you know, hopefully regularly. Today, I did see it in good condition. So I know that
that contract is probably um what's key to this >> and and the commercial has a different owner and I don't leave >> commercial has a different owner and there's a boundary line and I've defined it with both owners so that they are aware what their responsibilities are as
far as maintenance. >> Thank you very much. I think that's good that everyone does understand it's related to what we're talking about one aspect and what the bond encompasses. Thank you. Okay. So, with that being said, I will now
>> second. >> Okay. Yeah, I want to open it up. I need a motion to open up to the public. >> Move it. >> Second. All in favor? Hi. >> Okay. Anyone in the public wish to come forward? Please do now.
>> My name is Court. I'm behind the property. My issue is the burm is not being kept up with. It's not being mowed. It's all overgrown. It's dead bushes. And the trees are fine. It's just they're not keeping up with the burm. I've never
seen it watered. I mean, we've been through with this builder, but now we're at the point where I'm looking. I don't know if you can tell, but it's all I've never seen grass on the burm. Never. It's always been dirt. Nothing's
grown. The trees were replaced and more trees are put in. I don't know about an irrigation system because I never see water, but it's not being mowed. It's not being maintained. And I spend a lot of money on my property. I hire landscapers. I have my lawn treated. And
it's an eyes saw. It's on top of my fence. And I've never seen it look good since it started. Since this started. And there's multiple pictures here. And that's my issue is why not just let the grass grow, maintain it, and mow it.
That's all we're asking. I just want it to look nice. I mean, I invested a lot of money in my property. I take pride in my property. I have people come over, the first thing they say is, "What is that? It's horrible." I mean, we've had
multiple problems that aren't have nothing to do with this, but at this point, this is a problem. And, you know, it should be just taken care of. I don't want to be here tonight. I don't want to be here complaining. I want to see them succeed. They're behind me.
Just be >> good. >> Good neighbors. and be considerate to the homeowners behind you who have spent money and still spend money all the time. And this is what I have to look at.
Sonia, would you notice from Thank you. >> If you can just let the let the council have a look, please. >> Anyone else? Good evening. >> Good evening everybody. I'm Alisa Teas
Wang from Six Shila Court directly behind the Burm. Um we've patiently gone through this project with all the builders. We've watched the trees die two sets of times where they've all had to been replaced because they were under
various circumstances something wrong. Um recently, maybe about four weeks ago, one of the dead trees was finally replaced. We have put in multiple complaints to this
engineering branch with no response back whatsoever. as a taxpayer here of paying over 20,000 in taxes a year, contributing toward this town that we love so much and being
a professional real estate agent of 33 years, having to look at a complete eyesore behind me. This these pictures were taken two days ago and it's never been cut. They are weeds
about 4t tall. I'm not sure that people have really gone out to look because a picture is worth a thousand words and you can say the burm looks good and it's okay. You have to be blind. We are just tired of it. We want
good neighbors. I drive by BMS on 79 Route 34 and they all look in good standings. This is ridiculous and we're just tired of it. It depreciates the value of our homes. So, we are very upset. Our homes are
over $1.2 million, thank God, at this point in time. But I know for a fact your view will deteriorate. If you have a bad view, it deteriorates the property value. I would like to submit these so that you can actually clearly see what's
going on. And I disagree with what was said that they are not in good standing. And we would like that very much. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank [clears throat] you very much. Is there anyone else who wishes to be heard? >> Good evening.
>> Good evening everyone. My name is Joseph Gabbor. I'm a local attorney here in Oldbridge. My wife and I both have businesses in Old Bridge. We love Old Bridge. I own two Sheila Court. So, I am neighbors with both Teal and Melissa. Uh I do have to concur with what they are
saying. They are not maintaining the Burm. We have spent I'll talk about myself. I have spent in excess of $400,000 on my backyard alone. And that when people go into the backyard, it's a gorgeous backyard until you look up and you see what's behind it. And that's not
that's not worthy of old bridge. It's not worthy of the prices that we paid for our homes and how much money we've invested in the homes. And it's not worthy of the taxes that we are paying that just went up substantially. So again, all we want are good neighbors. We want them. We want the
place behind. I was so happy when they said they're going to do this because it's been an eyesore for many, many years. However, having said that, it should be wellmaintained. It shouldn't be an eyesore to the people that have been there for in excess of 15 years
looking at that. So, I concur with Melissa, concur with Teal. We just want good neighbors. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard? Good evening.
>> Good evening. [clears throat] >> Um, good evening everyone. My name is Say Ali. I'm a [clears throat] excuse me, I'm a resident of U Majaponic States on the far side of Wbridge across Texas Road. >> Um, not to interrupt you or be rude, but
this is on the hearing on the bond release for the property on Route 34. Oh, I'm sorry. public portion will come later. Okay. Yeah. No, no worries. Thank Yep. Absolutely. Thank you very much. Is there anyone else who's here for this
bond release to speak? Okay. Seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion to close the public. >> Move it. >> By Councilman Dama, second by Councilman Asuli. All in favor? I >> public comment portions closed.
>> All right. Now, we'll go to council. Mr. Asatuli, you had asked. This is an absolute disaster for the residents. Full stop. They've been going through this for years. There's a checklist that needs to be taken care of. How many times we have to
tell them to do the same thing and it becomes a train wreck and again and again. It's four years if I'm not mistaken. At the end of the day, I'm not comfortable. I see these pictures, they they email us all the time. We get back to them all the time and he has a checklist that he needs to follow through. This is just my take on it.
It's an absolute disgrace. And he's right. It shouldn't be this way. It's not rocket science. You're the developer. You have a checklist. Get it done for the residents. Fix it and make it look pretty. If you see those pictures, it's a disaster. How many more times they have to come here? They're
taking time out of their day to come here again and again and again. It's a burm. It's irrigation. Make it look nice because you know what? It's not today. This is years in the making. How many more times they have to come here? How many more times they have to go through this?
It's really uncomfortable for them and it's not right. It should have been done and there's a checklist if I'm not mistaken. M Mark, there is a checklist that has to be done. Am I correct? >> Again, there was a punch list prepared by Yeah. the engineering firm ensure that they completed the the items that
were bondable. Now, I think we're talking about two different things. Uh my understanding is is that the items that they were supposed to complete, they did complete in accordance with the plan. Maintenance is not bondable. It's another issue. Um that doesn't pertain
to the bond. Um now Nicole had indicated that she reached out to the new owners about maintenance and I'm not sure if uh you said you had conversation with them on this issue. I've had conversations with them since
they've taken over and even before they've taken over how important the burm is to the residents of Sheila. I I do realize that they are cutting the grass and there is a drip system so that nobody will see it's not a traditional
like sprinkler system. They won't see the water. It's actually a drip system that's on the ground. So, um I'm not sure. I mean, I I don't know what pictures you're seeing. I I have pictures from today as well, and the grass looks cut. There does look like
there's brush up against the the bushes in the area of the trees that I would like to see cut down for sure. There's certainly higher grass area by the fencing, but I don't think that they would see that from their side, but that could be cut
down as well. Um, so there's certainly points that I could point out to the new owners, but as far as cutting the grass, as of today, I I see it. So, I mean, we don't constantly go out and look at the
grass, I would have to charge them for that. So, once they go and tell us if something's going on, we directly go to the new property owners and tell them maintain it. Now, when the new owners took over, they had a problem getting some a maintenance company to come. So,
there was an interval. Yes. Where the grass was high. So, I mean, I don't know if you want me to pass these photos to you. These were taken from this morning. >> Can I just may direct this to Peter? Maybe unusual. I mean, given that uh you
I know your client's here, uh and I understand there's a new owner, but given given the issues that we've had in the past, and I don't know the extent of the maintenance that needs to be done, is that something that your client would be willing to undertake, at least for
purposes of of taking care of the bond release? >> Yeah, the the maintenance bond will be posted, but as the the new property owner, it would may take over that responsibility. I I understand that. Again, I'm making the request on behalf of the township as a to the extent that
I know you're he's in here for a bond release. Uh obviously, it's a maintenance issue. I agree with that. Uh but what is your client as a as an additional condition for the bond release? Uh to the extent that because we'll have to go to the new owner and ask the new owner to do it, but as a
condition as an additional condition, is that something he's willing to undertake to get done? >> What exactly? That's what I'm >> I I don't >> like the direction that Nicole was just pointing out. Maybe cutting a certain area away or cutting shrubs back or something to that effect. >> I think that's the the well concern that I've heard tonight had to do with
maintenance issues relative not not as far as the completion, but uh Nicole could Nicole can certainly outline those items. She again she was out at the site. Um I don't know if you can articulate it. He has pictures, but I think
>> I mean, are there things that you could point out that you would like to see done now? >> So, there's some underbrush near the trees themselves that need to be cut down. It looks like when the landscaper comes, he might I don't know if he has a weed whacker. It's not neat and organized, and I've explained that to
the new owners. What I'm thinking, Mark, and let me know if this is okay. Um, I in the in the maintenance bonds, we have a maintenance guarantee of 23,41243 and we've certainly worked with bonding
and how hard it is and if if we need to do something and and pull from the bond, it's not an easy task. >> But for example, in the cash portion, it's 15,60828. So maybe we keep the cash portion and the balance of that then becomes um the
bond itself, right? which would be something like I don't know like short of $8,000 in bonds and leave the cash portion so that we have something readily available should the burm fail and we would have to go and do something then we would pull from that performance
guarantee or the maintenance bond that's remaining. Um I don't know if that's something that would be acceptable to um council but then also we could certainly work in the interim to have them cut a little bit better around where the trees
are. or I maintain it that way. I know that after November 15th, the grass really goes dormant for the winter season. So, when you notice the pictures that I have sent, um, you know, the the most of it is is sort of browned out at
this point. So, it's hard to tell at this point unless we hit the spring season to see what comes back and how it's going to thrive. So maybe having a little bit more cash on hand would be better um in this scenario. Just
throwing out an idea. [snorts] >> Well, I I think from I mean immediately I I think it's nothing more than doing fall cleaning, right? Right. So it's a matter of going out and look, I clean my yard all the time. I
mean going out if something needs to be trimmed back, let's trim it back. if there's if there's growth that's next to the maybe because it's a hill. I don't know. Maybe it doesn't go up the burm and cut it. I'm not sure, but if it's a matter of cleaning that out, cutting it back, um working with the the applicant,
advising the the new new homeowner, a new property owner about it being done. You're right. I it seems foolish that they that it's not done or hasn't been completed. Um, I guess the one good thing is it grew, which so that's a positive, but I think
it's a matter of maintaining what's there and doing a fall cleanout rather than just, you know, walking away and just leave it there. >> Yeah, I don't think there's any issue with that if we got direction from Nicole. Keeping cash is inconsistent with the law, >> right? >> Uh, you know, but certainly the a maintenance bond would be posted. Um,
and then yeah, if if Nicole wants to walk the property with the property owner, uh, or or the the current applicant here in order for him to be able to get his money released and he's got to go do that fall cleanout, I'll represent that. I don't see an issue with that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. At all. >> And then and then in the meantime, uh,
we'll also reach out. I'll reach out, get the contact that Nicole has with the new property owner and follow up with them as well. I understand what everybody's saying, but what's the guarantee that this is going to be maintained because it hasn't been maintained. >> So, let me if just can address. So,
there's two different issues, right? So, so, so again, that's why the issue relative to the bonding has to do with the construction of the item itself and then ensuring that number one, it's built and built according to
the plans. under the municipal land use law. Once that's occurred and the and an engineer has reviewed it and says yes, it was built and it was built according to the plan, then that's what all has to happen, right? So they they they make the recommendation to release it. Now,
unless there's something structurally wrong with the development or the thing that's being built or it wasn't built according to what the the plan was proved, if there's something missing, uh there is no real basis to deny the release of the the performance bond. Right? Again, it's to perform to do the
work maintenance and the maintenance bond that's posted really has to do with maintenance of the of the what was built or what was constructed, right? So that within the two-year period, after two years, you go back out or trees dead, you have to replace it. Is the drip
system still working? If no, it has to be replaced. That's what that maintenance bonds for. Now, in the interim, general maintenance, that would typically that falls to the property owner, right? So, the property owner is no longer the developer. Uh he sold the project. So, then it's then it's a
maintenance issue, right? Literally maintenance, cutting the grass, doing the trimming, and all that stuff. that becomes an issue relative to obviously um you know we can reach out to the property say hey make sure you maintain it cut the grass do what you're supposed to do that's not really related to the
bond that's why I had asked Mr. Clauser if his client has a condition to releasing the bond it's not required if he would go at least for now to to do those general maintenance when I say maintenance cutting back what's out there uh as an additional condition represented as client would be willing
to do that going forward really uh that is a that would be the property owner's responsibility not the developers in since the developer is no longer the property owner >> I hope they were able to do that >> before we [snorts]
>> before we approve the reduction, who's responsible for doing the work now? >> It would be the property owner. >> Who's the new property owner? Him. >> And then it's a third party. >> Just an attorney. >> Well, I don't represent the new property owner. No.
>> Well, who does? >> Well, they're necessarily need to have an attorney in order to own property. I I can't see giving a reduction with it's not being done. >> Well, I mean, I'll leave that to Mr. Rosselli, but I would caution the the council that um if you have an engineers
report that indicates that everything was built correctly, then you're obligated to release those funds. Um maintenance then goes over to your zoning department, frankly, like any other homeowner uh that doesn't maintain their property. But bonds are not for
maintenance, but for the two-year maintenance bond, which will be posted uh to provide the protection that the township is looking for. And then I think it's a reasonable request of this council for me to tell the current developer, the person that I represented um to walk the property with Nicole and
take out whatever trash needs to be taken out. and Nicole would then be in a position to sign off to Miss Hutchinson's office and say he did what he said he would do, what Peter said he would do, and you can release that money subject to all the other conditions. So, I'm very comfortable with that because Nicole's been here forever. I've worked
with her forever. I think it's a creative solution that I appreciate Mr. Rosselli brought up, but bonds are not for cutting grass. It's uh, you know, it's the responsibility of the property owner. U, I I I don't like it. I wish it looked a lot better. I wish you didn't
have to have that commentary toward me. Um, but it is what it is. The property was constructed in accordance with the engineered plans. >> You're obligated under statute to give them his money back. So if I just if I could uh Peter would it be possible um
between now and because it has to be memorialized and resolution which would be the next meeting to to get the work done so that at the next meeting we can adopt they can do the memorializing resolution so that the the uh the neighbors know that the work's done and
we can go ahead go ahead and adopt the resolution. >> You all know me. I will take that message back to the developer that that is his responsibility. I will tell him what he is supposed to do. I can't force anybody to do anything. I suspect from the time that I worked with him that he
will do that. Um, and he's got a pretty big carrot uh out there to go get that job done. So, yes, I will tell him immediately uh when when I leave here that that he's got to reach out to Nicole's office and go take care of that before anything is memorialized.
>> Okay. >> So, I don't have an issue with that at all. Appreciate that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do we have anyone any other questions? >> That just be additional condition. Thank you. I appreciate it, Miss Cloud. >> No, thanks for the idea. >> Do we have any other
anybody else with any questions as far as this it that it's all in order and that everything that was supposed to be done was done? Engineering. How do we know it? It How long has it been done?
>> June. >> Okay. So, do how do we know that this is all going to work out? They're telling us that there's no water there that's not being >> So, again, there is a there there is a irrigation system. It's a drip system.
>> Yeah. No, I I understand that. But what I'm saying is they're telling us that none of this none of this is being utilized evidently. No grass has grown. Nothing is right over there. How could this be? I I don't know. There's grass
in the photos that were taken today. So, there is grass on the burm. So, I'm not sure. And And I'm not sure if it's because it's not green now. All of it is not green. >> I'm just I'm just really very concerned about >> So, no. Again, but I understand that.
>> Well, so so because again, >> no, listen. It there's two different things. You guys don't don't conflate the issues because they'll go to court and we'll lose. I'm just telling you right now. So the the the the the
developer agreed to conditions to address the maintenance issue. Maintenance is not bondable. That is not part of the bond. Again, what was bondable is they have to build a burm has to be certain height. They have to put the land the irrigation system in.
It was a drip system was called for. There has to be so many trees planted. Um, you know, it gets seated. That's that w that that was done. It was inspected. Engineer said it was done according to the plan. It was done appropriately.
Now, the maintenance aspect of it, the bond again that that's on for after it's released will address those issues. It's like any landscaping. I mean, you know, does grass grow? Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. Right? That those are issues. Now, you
would think in the interim you have a property owner who will who will address those items, and Mr. Clauser's right. To the extent that there's a zoning issue, our zoning officer can go always always go out there and force that. Uh, at the end of the 2-year period, let's say uh
trees are dead and there's there's there's areas of the grass that haven't burned that hasn't grown. Well, that falls to the this developer under his maintenance bond to address those before that maintenance bond gets released. That that's the process that that's how
it flows. But as far as what was supposed to be constructed and what was supposed to be planted, it was inspected and they've met that requirement. >> Yes. And and I just I'll say it, you know,
and I and Mr. Roselli and I have done this before. We we've been in court on this issue before. You should not take responsibility for the behavior of the developer here. That is not on you. You are following the law uh of what you're required to do based on the information
that you got from your engineer. So I don't want anyone in this courtroom to think that you're endorsing any particular behavior or development. That is not on you. You have a responsibility under the law. As Mr. Mr. Rosselli has pointed out to you that if your engineer says it was constructed correctly, you
have to release it. I think there's a creative additional condition which we will comply with and then there is a maintenance bond that's in place and then you have a zoning system in place. It's it's just the way that it works. You shouldn't you're not to take that responsibility. It's not on you. Um you
there's a certain law. You're using someone else's money to protect it. We have to look at it from that aspect and those funds need to be returned. But I I I appreciate Mr. Roselli's explanation, [clears throat] proposed condition. Um,
and I will carry that on to the current the developer of the property, not the current owner, that he's got to go make Nicole happy in order to get his check back. >> Does anyone else have any questions? I just feel awful about this. I just do. I know you're telling me about, you know,
that it it it's all in order and everything is fine. And I look out at these residents and living in back of that. I wouldn't want to live that way. And I think it's absolutely disgusting that they have to live like that. And I I'm sorry. I am really upset about this.
I'm just so tired of I understand they put everything in. They said everything was fine. Look at the place. Did you look at the Have you seen really seen that over? >> Well, I've seen the photos that Nicole showed. This is five years of this and and now you're telling me more escrow and you're saying he's an escrow arers.
So what is the story with that? Like how does this how is this going to protect them? That's my only concern. It's just to protect the residents. That's all. I understand the law. I've sit here 15 years. I understand it. What I can't
understand is that how this got to this place for them and now here we are and they're facing this again. If he decides he's not he's not going to do everything. What what what's our recourse? What do we do for these residents? That's my my my real concern
tonight. >> That commitment that Mr. Rosselli asked be included as an additional commitment. that's not done. And if those escro rears are not paid, then is when you when you vote in favor of of following Nicole's report, that's not the end of it. We don't he doesn't come and pick up
a check tomorrow. He's got to pay those back escros. He's got to push post a maintenance bond and now he's got to u make Nicole happy from a you know a spring or or a fall cleanout section. >> I want to make the residents happy. They live there.
For >> for me, I personally have gone and visited it and if you were living there, I am convinced you would not want this in your backyard after investing in your home, investing in your backyard, which is your peace, which is your haven where
you find solitude and then to look in the backyard and see this disaster. I've been over there. It is not nice to look at. And really, they've been patient. They've been patient. This should have been the priority with the first builder. It should have been done right the first time. They shouldn't have to
be doing this horse and pony show. So, you have to understand, we represent the residents of Obridge. We understand what they're going through. This isn't something that I'm just looking at a photo in November. I I saw it during the
summer. I've seen it every season. It is not fair. It is not just. So, we're put in a situation. Yes, we're bonded by the law, but this hasn't been been right from the beginning. Whether it's the vegetation, whether it's the height of the burm, there's a reason for that
burm. When you put it behind houses, commercial development, even the apartments that are over there, they need a protection, too. And that's why this went through. We gave approval where they can go ahead and build based on these conditions. And it was supposed
to be aesthetically pleasing, and it's not. It's a disaster. You could say, "Oh, they're not mowing it correctly. Um, you know, we're seeing it at a bad time." Yes, the drip system, you're not going to see water spraying. It goes to the soil. But my understanding, even when they planted these plants from the
beginning, they put the the wrong soil in at the at the time. They put it back in after digging the holes for the trees. It is a disaster. And really, you wouldn't want to live there. and under those circumstances where they put so much time and energy into their home and
you know invest into their home and their backyard and then and then have to see that. I wouldn't want it either and I probably would have been more vocal than they would have been every day. >> And the engineer department, yes, they're they're doing their punch list. They expected the developer to do this,
but we expected it right the first time, not five years later. And it's still not right. and they're still going on under that. When through the summer you want to enjoy your backyard and like they say they have company or a function at their house uh celebration and you look at
that it it's just not right and it makes it very uncomfortable for us. >> Thank Mr. Roselli. >> If we vote this down is it against the law? >> If we vote my opinion is yes. It's not in keeping with what the law requires.
That being said, Mr. Clauser. Um, so that I mean, council, that's their decision. I gave my advice. But that being said, would it be would it be would your client be willing to do the work? We carry this until the next
meeting, have the work be >> right be completed. Uh, they don't have to renotice. Um, and then we'll continue it until the next meeting, ensure that the work gets done and then and then we continue then we can take that condition
off. >> I'd be a fool not to give him that advice. >> Um, so >> the residents to be, you know, the residents to feel that we're doing right by then, Peter, whether you know, >> I completely understand. >> Um,
sure. When's when's the next meeting? >> December 2nd. >> December second. See, see my question would have been all along because they know what the neighbors were going through. If I was developing that property, I would have said, "Are you satisfied with this?" I would have brought them into the circle of getting
this accomplished instead of waiting, going on back and forth, back and forth, attorneys coming here, engineers. I would have said, "Is this satisfactory to you?" And maybe they should have gone in their backyard and looked and said, "Oh, if I lived here, would I want to see this?" No, they wouldn't have until
it was right the way that it is. So, I that's that's my suggestion. >> And and by the way, there was never grass there. >> You've seen it. You You've been down there, too. >> It's It's There was never grass there. Okay. >> All we're saying is we understand the rule of law. We got We have our
attorney, but just it's not rocket science. Just get it done. Four years it takes to get a bur, make it look nice. It shouldn't be that complicated to be quite honest with you. I make a motion. Um, we put this off till next meeting. So, >> December secondary meeting. Yeah. We
want to we want to make sure the residents are truly represented and have a chance for the developer to make good on it. Like you said, the resident said, all they want is something nice and something that looks presentable, not
that they're embarrassed to go in their backyard and have people look over and say, "Oh my god, what is this mess?" So that was our goal. It's not to not follow the law. It's just to make sure that it protects >> No, I understand. But it's also my responsibility.
>> No, no, absolutely. Thank you. No, I I've been down this road Mr. Clauser and other people and I know where it ends up. I know the this I do know the end of the story. So I appreciate Mr. Clauser's willingness to work with the municipality. You just want to make
those residents. >> So, >> oh, it's not the first either. >> So, so the mo, so the motion is to uh to uh to uh continue it until the December 2nd meeting >> and that no further notice would be
required by the u uh applicant. >> Will the residents be notified when this is going on so they can >> December second >> be aware and and see? Yeah, I think it'll just be the interim and then when we come back on December 2nd whether activities actually the needle's been moved. >> So we have a motion by Councilman
Murphy, second by Councilman Deama. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli, >> yes. >> Councilman Dealama, >> yes. >> Councilman Murphy, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg, >> yes. >> Council President Sohar, five yeses. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Thanks everybody. I'll bring back your
your in your I'll bring back your recommendations and your counsel to to my client. And uh thank you. You have a nice Thanksgiving. >> I think it was a good, you know, balance. Have a very nice Thanksgiving. >> Thank you, Nicole. >> Okay. Next will be uh our bill list, Mr.
Dama. >> Yes. Uh bill list as of November 17, 2025. Accounts payable November 17, 2025. 4,375,121.99 payroll November 7th 20251,353,7689 and payroll overtime November 7th 2025
$48,368.19. And that is my report. >> Move it. Um, Anna, can we have a breakdown of the overtime? >> Yes. >> Yeah, Mr. Murphy, just let her do the overtime. Okay. Thank you. >> Uh, we did not have any major uptakes in
our overtime this payroll. Uh, the Swarm Police overtime was $29,278.70. Deduct grants $6,300. Deduct ETO $1,65.75. Deduct accreditation $1,862.91
for a total of $20,504. We have one officer on light duty currently. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Do I have a motion? >> Move it. >> Moved by Mr. Murphy. Second by Mr. Asetuli. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Murphy. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belly. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Five yeses. a consent agenda. I will ask for a motion in a second and then come back for separations. >> Second move by >> moved by council vice president Dr.
Greenberg Belli. Second by councilman de Palama. >> Councilman Estatuli, any items for separation? >> No, thank you. >> Councilman Dealama, >> no thank you. >> Councilman Murphy, >> no thanks. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell? >> No, thank you. >> And Council President Sohar?
>> No, I'm good. Thank you. Okay. So, we're voting on the entire consent agenda. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Council Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Murphy. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes.
>> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Five yeses. >> Report of the township clerk. >> So, I have two items. Uh, one to remind everybody of the townwide rabies clinic which is going to be held this on Saturday, December 6th from 12 to 4 in
the public works garage. Uh, there is a sign up requirement and when you bring your pets, all cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes. Just reach out to the clerk's office to uh get yourself on the list so we know how many people to expect.
And we just went through another election cycle. And I I just wanted to thank all the help that uh we had received from our fellow employees uh to make it a smooth election. And as always, the help that we get from our public works director, our parks and
recck director, our administration, our business administrator, the mayor, and the entire council. Without them, um we wouldn't be able to have such a nice smooth process. I wanted to thank everybody for that. >> Okay. Everyone did a wonderful job. Thank you all. I'll take a motion to
accept her report. >> Move it. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by councilman asuli. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Township attorney. >> Uh nothing. Miss madam president. >> Okay. [laughter] >> You said enough.
>> He's done with winded. >> Oh my. I'm good. [laughter] >> Okay. Administrative report. Just a couple items uh this evening. >> In accordance with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's community development block grant
regulations, the township of Oldbridge has prepared a substantial amendment to the fiscal years 2020 and 2025 annual action plans for its community development block grant program. The public comment period for the FY2020 and the FY2025 substantial amendment will be
held from November 7th, 2025 through December 8, 2025 for a period of no less than 30 days. Copies of the draft sus sub substantial amendment is posted on the website on the township's website at obridgeidge.com/projects and paper copies will be available by
request for inspection at the business administration office in the municipal building as well as at the front desk within the Obridgeidge public library located in the municipal complex at one plaza. Citizens have 30 days to review the document and submit comments.
Resident comments on the amendment should be submitted to myself at the Obridge Township Municipal Building with um located at onebridgeidge plaza. Comments can also be submitted via email to businessadmin.com. Al all resident comments submitted on or
before 4:30 p.m. on December 8th will be considered. We had a last um last minute addition to my report this evening. Uh today um this afternoon we were actually notified that the township of bridge has been selected to receive $799,221
in funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation's fiscal year 2026 municipal aid program for Ocean Boulevard roadway reconstruction phase one. >> Wow. This application is for reconstruction of Ocean Boulevard between Lake Avenue and the municipal
border consisting of 28 uh 28 miles and includes but is not limited to a complete removal and replacement of 20 foot wide concrete roadway slab milling and resurfacing of flexible shoulder pavement, replacement of timber guardrail, repairs to portions of
stabilized base course that exist that exist that I'm sorry that exhibits allocate alligator cracking, construction of ADA compliant curb ramps, and traffic stripping and signage. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027. So, another great
job on our engineering department um for this application and and getting us this funding. And then just finally, I just wanted to take a moment to announce our very first annual holiday in the park event at Catrell Farm Park. Uh the
Obridgeidge Township Parks of Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the public works department will be hosting its first holiday in the park event on Sunday, December 14th from 1 to 4 p.m. at Crell Farm Park. It is an outdoor event, so please come just for
the weather. It is December. Uh we will have activities, entertainment, holiday treats. Uh we will have carolers. We will obviously Santa will make an appearance so you could do pictures with Santa. Uh, and we also are going to have
a um wagon carriage ride [laughter] um throughout the park. So, you could see all of our blowup displays that we're going to have and and all the fun that will be displayed throughout the park as well. Uh, overflow parking will be at the municipal parking lot the same way that we did the Halloween event this
year and shuttle buses will be provided. This event is also being co-sponsored by the Obridgeidge Chamber of Commerce who will be holding their toys for tots drive that day. So, please bring a gently used or new toy so that we can share them with our uh families um in
need. So, we are super excited about this event. Please come out. Our Halloween event had probably close to 2,000 something people there. Uh and I think this is going to be another great event. Um and this does not take the place of our tree lighting and monura lighting. We will still be having that
on um December 16th, Tuesday, December 16th, right before the council meeting at 6:30 p.m. right here in the courtyard. all of our holiday activities are being um shifted over to our beautiful park and uh being uh put together in a much bigger event. So,
we're excited for that. >> Yeah. >> I just want to say we're so excited about this. I guess me and Anna thought about having something like this a few months ago to give to the people to have fun things to do, but we're going to also have some surprises there, too. So, please come bring your family. It's
going to be really exciting. >> Okay. Any Thank you, Anna. Anyone have any comments or questions on Anna's report? Then I'll take a motion to accept it. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman
Asuli. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you, Adam. >> 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 NJSA 10 column 4-12A and the old bridge rules of council, the council asks 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. If a member of the public has questions, they seek answers to an appointment can be
made with the corresponding department's office during regular business hours. The township clerk will regulate the time during the comment portion of our meeting. As you approach the microphone, please state your name, no addresses. >> So, I need a motion to open to public.
>> Second. >> Attempt number two. >> Move by vice president by council. All in favor? >> I. >> Good evening. Good evening. Uh so my name is Sad Ali. Um I live on the far
side of Wallbridge. I I'm here because um while we all love the town and we enjoy a relatively more safer community compared to some other townships in New Jersey lately. We have had um a lot of
crimes in our community. Um in my neighborhood, two streets down, a house down the street, late night breakins. There are a lot of unusual suspicious activity caused driving by and those criminals are not at all afraid. So,
every other house, as you know, has Ring cameras or some kind of security system. They're walking the driveway, checking the car doors, breaking in, taking belongings. Um, one of my neighbors has had an incident where they were literally trying to break the main door.
The residents were inside. They yelled at them. No reaction. They just they are not afraid of being caught or being punished or anything. But what's what's that doing to our community? I mean, as other residents also said, we're relatively
higher taxed um township. Our taxes just went up. We live here. Our children live here and we feel not safe. U I mean, I shouldn't have to worry about my car parked on my driveway that whether somebody's going to break into it. I
wake up in the night thinking when I hear something. These days I feel like, oh, somebody's breaking in or something. I check my backyard, check my cameras. So, it's it's wreaking havoc and it's just not me. A lot of my neighbors were planning to come, but the meeting got
adjourned a few times. Unfortunately, not many people could make it today. But I speak on everybody's behalf that we're really concerned. I don't know what we can do. Um maybe a police um taking a round. I I really don't know. I'm just I
just wanted to raise my concern that it has become a very annoying thing and those criminals are not afraid. >> Which development was it I missed? >> This is Metroponic States.
>> I'm the ward uh over there. I'm in charge of the ward. It's every development over there. I've got to call him to the chief and I wanted to talk to uh to Gigi U Timmy McCauley. There's a there's a lot of breakins going on. They
stole six cars last week. They broke into four houses and nothing's getting done. I'm waiting for the chief to get back to me. You could just bring that to him. That's in um It's not Maponics Hills. It's on the other side. But there's all kinds of breakins and they
want to know why nobody's taking care of it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Just talk to them. >> Thank you. >> I we we did talk to the police. I just wanted to raise it to you guys. So, I have a call in to him. I'm waiting for him to get back to me. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah. No, no, thank you.
>> Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard this evening? >> Good evening. Yeah, go ahead, sir. Just state your name, please. >> Thanks. Good evening, everybody. Uh, my name is Enrique Marcato, and I've been a resident of Old Bridge for 12 years. I'm
following up on behalf of my wife Crystal Marcato who has previously raised concerns regarding the significant price discrepancies within the township's before and afterare program options. We've been advocating our concern to you to address the financial burden placed on the beforeare families who are effectively subsidizing
about 38% of the combined program tuition for before and afterare. To support this information, I prepared spreadsheets outlining the actual hourly monthly rates for all three program options in September and October based solely on the enrollment data, total outgoing cost and billable hours
provided by your offices. These documents also reference our OPER request which was proposed that included $45,000 food budget for this school year. Since before care students do not receive food, the cost should not be factored into their tuition. On the
right side of page one of the document I provided you will see based on the district's own numbers the fair monthly fees for 5 days a week in September. They outline as it shows 260 for before care 390 for afterare and 650 for the combined program. On page two of the
document that's been provided based on the district's own numbers for October it would be 250 for before care 375 for afterare and 625 for the combined program. Currently on the left side of the document, these families are charged
340 for before care, 390 for afterare, and only 450 for the combined option, which is a 38% discount that proportionally that disproportionately impacts beforeare families. At this point, the only program that is fairly priced is just strictly the afterare
program. My wife and I have invested significant time in addressing this issue because it affects not only our famil family's finances but all before care families who have been overcharged for years. While we understand that a full analysis is underway for next year's rates, we want to share with you the factual current rates of what should
be in place each month for the school year based on the program's total monthly expenses. Now, I understand that hindsight is always 2020, so it's easy to backtrack all of the numbers and figure it out this way, but this is just to show you how grossly overcharged we've been for the beforeare program and
how undercharged the before and afterare combined rates actually are. Thank you for your time. >> Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard? My name is uh Gitani Verma and I live in Windingbrook
uh very next to Rocky Creek. It's almost uh the same development as as SD and it's just a big growing concern about the safety in our neighborhood. These breakins are happening during the day. I
have a video of a guy coming at 10:30 and stealing someone's car. And then I have videos of them coming down our street. And we live in a culde-sac. And that street has the most number of kids,
small kids playing outside. And these guys come during the day. Imagine you have children, grandchildren. Would you like to be living on the street? We pay the highest number of taxes. It's a beautiful community. Uh we're all very close-knit,
but it is scary. I mean, when are they when are they going to do something? This was they when we first moved in, there were grandparents that were taken to the basement and held.
And then after that, I heard that we got security, I mean, police coming, surveillance at night. Now we don't see that anymore. I mean, they're becoming a lot braver and more gutsier and coming down culde-sacs, not, you know, streets that
have just intersections. >> Are you in Rocky Creek? >> I'm in Winding Brook. >> Okay. Well, they like that. >> Yeah, but I mean, okay. What is your action? What's what what how are you going to proceed? What's our
next step? What's plan A, B, C? I mean, can we at least have police surveillance during the day, too, and night? >> John, can I I'm sorry, Councilman Murphy. >> I don't know if that I don't even know if that's going to help.
>> I'm going to follow up with uh Chief Monk Tagna and and patrol. >> I mean, we have so many kids. Today was freezing cold and their kids playing outside on our street. >> I love our street, but you know, it's
it's scary. >> I'm going to get um excuse me, I'm sorry. I'm Anna, the business administrator. I'm going to give you my card. Can you just shoot me an email because I'll follow up with the chief and and um patrol tomorrow and uh that way you have my contact information. You
could send me an email so I have a you know to get back to you. There are neighbors that have invested in guns. >> I mean, do I have to go out and buy one? I don't want to do that. So, please. Yeah. Okay.
So just on just on that issue, I mean obviously um Anna Anna will speak to the police chief, but you certainly don't want to disclose publicly the way it's going to be addressed, right? I mean there needs to be there be communication, but things don't want to be disclosed publicly so that the bad
guys know what's going on. So you just have to be sensitive to that as well, right? because they can easily watch these meetings on YouTube and and you always have to have the discretion in who you have discussions with. Um because unfortunately you just never
know, right? Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard? Anyone? >> No. Okay. Seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion. Oh, wait. Okay. >> Sorry, I had to walk around. My name is
Sager Kumar. I'm in the same development as my neighbor Gita. [clears throat] So I've been in old resident of Oldbridge for about over 20 years. I recently moved into this development. Hasn't even been a year. And I can
reference five in five to six incidents within a 30-day time frame. like spanning from 2:30 a.m. to even 100 p.m. people coming in like we have we have I can show you a video somebody coming to a driveway checking a car to try to open
it up. Secondly, we have videos of actually a car being taken away. We have videos of, you know, obviously suspicious activity, people roaming around. Like I've lived in Obridge for 20 years. I never I never felt like this way that I had to come here on a Monday
evening and and talk to you guys. So, it's I know I know you've followed up with the chief. I know there there's a process around it. You've shared your email, but like you got to reassure like the public a little bit more, especially being over such a safe, sound community.
>> Can I ask a question if I could? I'm sorry. Um, prior to coming tonight, did you relay this information, these videos? Have you provided that information to the police department? >> Our neighbors have. Yes, >> they have. >> I've seen four videos.
>> Yeah, I know. >> I just just want to because no one had indicated that that were those cases. >> I mean, see if if you like understood 12 past 12, 1:00 a.m., 2:00 a.m., 3:00 a.m. That's like we hear about that in all their townships. But if some if you have
to feel if you have to like think twice to just have a walk in the afternoon in your own development, right, and something might happen that's just ridiculous. >> Yeah. I I just want to make sure that the information was provided to the right. Yeah. >> Okay.
>> I feel your I feel your pain and I'm sure the police department does also. I know many incidents when they have encountered people who have done illegal things and brought them to the county and it's like a revolving door
unfortunately they're very emboldened. I know the mayor even spoke to the attorney general about this. Um because what happens is um these group of people use juveniles. I'll say juvenile like 17 18
go and get cars. So they don't get the same penalty that adults would. And it's wrong. And I I don't want anyone to live in fair. We all take public safety very seriously in this town. I know that I've had conversations with the chief and
just as the attorney said, we can't disclose like, you know, at a meeting what's going on, but we're not ignoring you. We're addressing it. I'm sure the policemen that are here today understand what's going on. And it is scary, but they're getting more and more
emboldened. You hear it on the news all the time that it's a revolving door that they catch these people and then they let them out. It's unacceptable. And uh we would like to change that. it puts the police at risk, you at risk, but um it's very very frustrating. So, we are
addressing it and there are things that are going to be done and I'm so glad that you do have um the videos and everything. I can only suggest if you have cars um if you have room in your garage, put them in the garage, lock them at night, and then, you know, have
a community watch when you do see these things, report them ASAP. and I'm very sorry that you're going through this, but we're not ignoring it up here and the and the police are not ignoring. >> I appreciate that, but it just like you said, it's like the catch 22.
>> It is. It is. It's very frustrating. And I could tell you in this town, we send them to the county when they are caught and then they let them out. It's It's unacceptable. It's unacceptable in a civil society even to conduct. >> So, doesn't that warrant like updating the laws or something like that? Like,
>> yeah, we're a municipality. We're dealing We're dealing with the state. That's the problem. >> You know, we we agree with you. We agree with you. >> Okay. >> I I just want to add our our police officers hands are tied because of the rules of the attorney general. Like
Councilwoman Greenberg said, they get arrested and then they're turned loose again. >> Well, then we escalate, right? We we shouldn't just stop at that first branch. like do what needs to be done to like reassure the security of Obridge and and the residents.
>> That's all comes down from the attorney general. >> I mean, we pay like north of $24,000 in taxes a year, right? >> I I agree. Well, these gangs, what they do is they hire juveniles because they know they're going to get out the next
day or that night. >> I know. That's that's what I'm saying. >> I mean, the thing is the governor has to change it. He has to have stronger rules. >> And I think >> they can't come up more than once. >> What needs to be
>> Oh, sorry. >> Oh, yeah. There's only someone else can come up if you want, >> but no exchange. Let's try to keep it with them talking. >> I also represent the same group. I'm from Winding Brook and I've lived in
Oldbridge. My name is Sunita Klani by the way. Sorry, I'm Sunita. And u we've lived in Oldbridge for 21 years. Um both my kids were born and brought up here. We call this home. And um in the past I
think like five years it's been like really bad. Um prior to that I we didn't see anything as bad. um you know um kids um we were allowed to play outside you know without watching because we live in a culdeac and now like it's really
really getting scary right like right now um me and my husband are out and my daughter just came back from college and immediately I had to put the security on because you know kids they don't put the security on they forget but like I'm not talking about right now we know it's
night at least in the mornings also we have to make sure when the kids are like just home, we always have to make sure that security is on, you know, because uh it's like um they just come and open the door and try opening the cars, try
opening any door that is left open, you know, like meaning unlocked. Um so it's kind of every time you have to keep an eye on the you know camera and driveway and um who is coming into the cult any contractors
anybody that we don't know who comes for mowing or it's like it's not uh easy right uh paying so much of taxes and we don't have the peace of mind that we used to have. Um just yeah just uh please um let us know you know like uh I
mean we want to see some change you know we haven't seen anything really happening so we really appreciate if >> something could change and make our lives more peaceful. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you very much.
>> Okay. Anyone else from the public wish to be heard? Okay. Seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion. Close the public. >> Move it. >> Moved by council vice pre president. Second by councilman asuli. All in favor?
>> Public comment. Portions closed. Council member comments. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. Thank you. I'm really sorry to hear what's happening to you. We all are. But I know this police department. They're aware of it and I know 100% we made them aware of things and they're on it. Can't tell you what's happening, but there's
definitely something happening for sure. Um, [snorts] I just want to say on a lighter note, um, I just want to say congratulations to the girls high school volleyball team. State champs. Come on. On Obridge, New Jersey. First time. First time in
history. I think I knocked my mic out. Woo. First time in. Look, I knocked it out. First time in history they won state champs. I was at the game. It went five sets. It was phenomenal. One, two, one. There was like 500 people there. But these girls played till the end. It was like Oprah's proud. It was so
exciting to watch them. First time in history, state champs, they got rings, parades. It was just phenomenal. >> Related to someone, right? >> Uh, you know, my daughter's John JV. Next year she's on varsity. So, yeah. But it was exciting because a lot of sports towns, a lot of stuff is good stuff is happening. And I just wanted to
say also I just wanted to thank everybody, my colleagues, my friends, my supporters, my family, Anita, Mary, Eric, everybody on this council, the administration, all of you, the cops, public safety,
everybody in town for your support. I wouldn't be able to do my job and get reelected and do it right if it wasn't for all of you. You make my job really easy. and Danny, Nicole, all you little youngans and Connor going out to Brookke hustling. We were doing it for the right
reasons. Never forget that. It always wins when you do the right thing. And I'm so thankful that I was able to win. It's not a win for me. It's a win for bridge. As I was campaigning and going around, I would ask one question and they go, "What are you going to do?" And
I turned around and said one thing. It's not what I'm going to do. It's what's important to you. And when you ask that question, just like the residents coming up, it's not about what we can do, it's what we can do for you and we appreciate it. So to the administration, thank you
for everybody on the deis, everybody at home, and to my family, my wife, my kids. I love you. I know I'm wild at times, but um this is the right thing to do. And I'm so proud to serve here for the next four years because I do believe Obridge is one of the most beautiful towns. And I've been here 21 years. And
I'm proud to call this my home for me, my family, and my future. So, God bless America, God bless Obridge, and God bless every single one of you. And I thank you, and I promise you, I will never let you down. Thank you all. God bless.
>> Councilman De Palama, >> thank you. I won't be as enthusiastic as uh Councilman Asatuli, but um congratulations to the Old B girls volleyball team on your state championship. Um also uh congratulations
to the Old Bird Marching Knights on your national championship of the US bands. [applause] It's not always going to be about sports when we're congratulating folks, but it's still about the high school. So congratulations to them. And then prior to that, we had a state championships
with the um girls soccer with winning the GNC's for the first time. So, there's a lot of stuff going on. Um I wish I could be talking about the football team, but they had one heck of a season this year. I was down at the game on Friday night down in Washington Township. Um disappointing loss, but
those kids fought to the end. And you know, congratulations to everyone in the fall seasons. Uh, also the mayor and I had the privilege last week of being at the high school for the ribbon cutting of the Albridgeidge High School Military Wall
of Honor. It was such a nice event. The Dr. Sasso did a wonderful job with with his administration as well as um wood shop creating all the the different plaques and and getting everything together. It was it was a wonderful
event with with a lot of our military that graduated the high school. Uh, I know that they are still looking for folks that may have graduated that went on to serve the country. So, if you are listening and you have not either reached out to the high school or they
have not reached out to you, please get in contact with them, they're looking to add as many as as many of the folks that went to Old Bridge. It could be Cedar Ridge and Madison as well, not just Old Bridge High School, um, that graduated and went on to serve our country. Um,
and with that, just also thank you to our veterans. We we didn't have a meeting prior to uh prior to Veterans Day. So, thank you all very much for your service. Um, also with the schools, just also a congratulations to Dr. Sasso
for being named uh the new superintendent. I'm sure each one of us up here are looking forward to to working with him in the future and getting some real collaboration between the township as well as the board of education. uh just to address one issue. So I know
the before and after care we've I've had conversations with with the residents that that came up here. So we are working on a number of solutions calculations of it. There's just a lot going on. Um when it comes I know we we're looking to get some things done
but obviously some of these things may take longer than everybody wants but we are we are working on it. Okay. that nothing that comes up here will go on our deaf go on deaf ears. We are looking to address everything that our residents
do come up and talk to us. Um, and for the residents that came up uh specifically about some of the stuff that's happening in their neighborhood, obviously we have two two officers that sit in this courtroom with us every single time we have a council meeting. They will be taking that back. I know
probably a number of us, if not have already reached out to the chief by text message or email. Uh things like that will be addressed. As our attorney said, it's kind of hard for us to come up here and say, "Well, we're going to send patrols in there three times a night or four times a night or whatever that
might be just because we can't let anyone know what's going on." But those are those concerns will be addressed. Our police department has been phenomenal in addressing any and all concerns. Uh sometimes it may not be as fast as folks would like. It's just a
matter of catching [snorts] those folks in the act. Um it's happened in my neighborhood. We were lucky enough that that that person was caught in the act. It just circumstances have to dictate us in order to be the right place in the
right time and those folks that get caught. I know our police department will do everything they can, whether it's regular patrol, anti-rime patrol, whatever that might be, to address the concerns of those residents. Okay. Um, and finally, just everyone have a wonderful and happy holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you enjoy it with your family. Thank you, >> Councilman Murphy. [clears throat] >> Uh, first of all, everybody have a happy Thanksgiving. Um, I'm finishing up my second term. My last meeting will
probably be will be December 9th, I think it is. Um, I just want to thank everybody for being so supportive of me. Um, I I've lived in over 60 66 years now and I think it's a great town. There's some
little problems here and there, but other than that, I really believe it that it's a great town. So, again, thanks for um everything and I appreciate everybody. Have a good Thanksgiving. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg.
>> Yes. First of all, I feel the pain that the people in that neighborhood, all our neighborhoods are going through when if anything, public safety is our priority, and I'm sure the police department um is focused on that um for your protection
and safety. And I hope um we do catch these criminals and they are prosecuted. I want to say also congratulations to Dr. Sasso on um becoming our next superintendent. We were look forward to working with him and most of all I wish
everyone a healthy and happy Thanksgiving and keep in mind we have a lot to be thankful for. Happy holiday. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yeah, I agree. We do have a lot to be thankful for and again not to be but we
definitely heard you this evening and your concerns that you shared with us and as residents we have an obligation to just what we did with the other residents with bonds. We're here to hopefully help and protect you. So I think that the message went out and I
think that they're pro but as Dr. Greenberg said I think they had already started doing things. Of course not everything is publicized. So hopefully we will have some, you know, some good things that happen for you over there. Definitely, we're going to try. And um I
just wanted to mention there was an international uh date event on Saturday and it's the mayor's cultural arts group and I have to tell you this committee is absolutely fantastic. They have so much enthusiasm. They made such a beautiful
event sharing all the different cultures with us and that's so important because there is so many it's so diverse in this town and that's what makes us so great and we had absolutely a great time. There was from music to dance to food
next anytime you see a cultural arts thing please try and stop by and um excuse me the best was uh Councilman Asetuli doing the electric slide. That was quite a That was quite a quite >> Mary. You were doing it too, [laughter] Mary. She was blowing me up.
>> Quite a show. But anyway, it it it was a wonderful event and that group really works ultra hard to make it, you know, make Old Bridge a great place. I want to thank everybody for coming tonight and wish you a happy and a healthy Thanksgiving. Thank you.
>> We have a motion. >> Motion. >> Motion second. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Dama. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Murphy. >> Council Vice President Dr. Felli.
>> Yes. Council Vice President. Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Meeting adjourned at 95 >> 9:54. >> 8:54 p.m. Sorry. [clears throat]