Good evening. I'd like to call to order the April 7th, 2026 Oldbridge Township Council meeting. Please rise for a pledge of allegiance. And please remain standing for a moment of silence. I pledge algiance 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 that 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. Pasitti.
Dear Lord, bless the 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. Thank you. Amen. >> Amen. Everyone, please be seated. Good evening. >> Okay, we will we're going to begin. Yep. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli >> here. >> Councilman Deama >> here.
>> Councilman Desai is absent. >> Councilman Merwin is absent. Councilman Pasitti >> here. >> Councilman Rosolei >> here. >> Councilman Vonstettton >> here. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell >> here. Council President Sohar >> 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 January 8th, 2026 and has been posted in public places. The next open public meeting of the township council will be held on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
>> Okay. Thank you very much. Good evening everyone. And we're going to begin with budget items, the municipal budget presentation. Good evening. This evening we have our auditor with us as well, Mr. Alison.
>> Good evening everyone. I want to take a moment to sincerely thank all of our employees who work so hard on this year's budget. A special thank you to Anna for all her hard work. Dawn and Vicki preparing a responsible budget takes many, many hours of work.
All of their hard work will ensure to that we continue to provide services to our residents. It's been a tough budget season due to the very high cost increase statewide of health care and I just want to thank them so much. They start working on this budget since
August and they've worked so many hours. I just want to thank them. >> Thank you, mayor. Before we start off our presentation, I just want to thank everybody for uh being here this evening. Over the past month, we've had the opportunity to meet with you during
our budget workshops to review this year's proposed budget in detail. Today, we are here to present the final budget for cons for your consideration and adoption. This budget has been shaped by a very challenging financial environment. Rising health insurance premiums, higher utility and fuel cost,
increased pension obligations, and contractual increases have all placed added pressure on our operations. As we discussed during the uh workshop process, these factors required a thoughtful discipline and strategic approach to budget development. In
response, the administration conducted a comprehensive line by line review of all expenditures. Working collaboratively with our department directors and finance team, we identified efficiencies and made targeted reductions where appropriate, always with focusing on maintaining the high level of services
our residents rely on. Despite these challenges, we work carefully to control costs, prioritize essential services, and ensure the township continues to meet the needs of our residents in a responsible and sustainable way. Through this process, we were able to close budget gaps without compromising
performance or service delivery. This budget reflects our continued commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sound stewardship of te taxpayer resources. We appreciate the time and input provided by the council throughout this process and look forward to your continued feedback as we move toward
adoption. I would like to do uh say a special thank you to Dawn uh and Vicki for uh working with me through this budget as well as our directors, managers um as well as everybody who was involved in putting this budget together. It was really a team effort
this year. And without further ado, we'll start on our presentation. So, a little bit of the state of the township and um what we have coming up in this upcoming year. A lot of these projects you are all very aware of and and some of the things that we have been
doing. Looking ahead, our priorities remain making thoughtful investments that improve the quality of life of all of our residents. We will continue to strain public safety through hiring and retention effort efforts along with purchase the purchase of new vehicles and upgraded technology. We remain
committed to infrastructure with ongoing road paving and uh road paving and improvements to curbing and drainage systems. We've also continued to enhance our park system including the development of a fully inclusive playground at Guy Park to serve children of all abilities. And in addition, the
expansion of Amino Park will continue with new pickleball courts, a basketball court, botchi court, and a modern playground. Um, as always, we continue to u offer everything that we offer in all of our departments, and this budget is going to reflect that.
Our municipal budget goals for this year um reflect a careful balance between maintaining services today and also planning for the future. We are focused on preserving and enhancing essential municipal service despite rising costs while working to limit the tax burden on
resident through strict compliance with statutory caps. Our approach ensures a structurally balanced budget built on responsible financial management. At the same time, we are planning ahead by identifying efficiencies and cost-saving measures to s to support long-term
sustainability in 2027 and 2028. As you guys know, we worked under a strict uh budget framework and state requirement when we put the budget together. Each year, each year, our budget is shaped not only by local priorities, but also by state laws that ensure responsible and transparent
governance. State law requires municipalities to adopt an annual budget to authorize all spending and taxation. These budgets must follow strict formats and are submitted to the state for review and approval before adoption. Our budget was reviewed and approved by the
state on March 31st, 2026 following a I believe it was a week-l long review, just over a week long review. As always, oversight is provided by the Division of Local Government Services within the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. This process comes with clear fiscal
guidelines. The tax levy must align with appropriations after accounting for all non-t tax revenues and revenue projections must be based on prior year's performance. Spending cannot exceed what is budgeted and limited transfers within the cap are only allowed later in the fiscal year. Once
the budget is adopted, surplus cannot be used to increase spending. Ultimately, our responsibility is to operate within these rules with integrity, ensuring every dollar is carefully planned, justified, and in the best interest of our residents. As mayor mentioned before, this process
starts in August of 25 when a memo and budget guidelines is sent to all department heads. In September of in September of 25, these u department budget requests were submitted to finance to the finance department. In October, we start our first of several
meetings with our directors to review their requests to review current year expenditures and see what the needs are would be for the upcoming year. These meetings took place in October, uh, December and January. In February, we presented the, uh,
budget to council um, for introduction. And in, um, I'm sorry, in March, I'm sorry, on March 3rd, uh, we, uh, presented the budget for introduction. And we received our certified uh, our state aid certification on March 19,
2026, with the number remaining the same as 2025. We held our subcommittee meetings on March 11th, March 18th, and March 24th. And we are now here tonight for the public hearing and hopeful adoption of our budget.
And now I will pass it on to Don. Thank you. >> Thank you, Anna. Uh 2026 municipal budget overview. The municipal budget represents 16% of the total tax rate and is the only portion
of the tax bill that township officials can directly control. Now, this percentage has been on a downward trend in recent years. Uh, looking back at 2013, it was 21% of the total budget. It's now 16%. Obviously, last year we
had a bigger increase with the school. So, it seems like some the school and the county are getting a little bigger. we're shrinking down. This 16% covers most municipal services that are provided to the residents of uh the township of Oldbridge, including
public safety, public works, health and senior services, parks and facilities, recreation programs, and community development. The remaining portion of the tax bill, 84% funds the Old Bridge Public Schools, Old Bridge Public Library, Middle Sex County Government,
Middle Sex County Open Space Program, and four fire districts, Lawrence Harbor, Cheesequake, South Oldbridge, and Madison Park. By statute, the township collects the taxes for all these agencies, but has no control over the other agency's budgets. So, they're
voted on by their respective, you know, boards and commissions. This slide's a graphical presentation of the 2026 tax rate breakdown. Obviously, the biggest slice is the school tax at 60%.
Uh the county has now edged us out at 17%. Uh we're at 16%. And as I said, we have to collect for all these municipality uh all these other agencies and have to give them 100% of their levy whether
obviously we never collect 100%. We're at about 99.08 last year but we have to give them their share. And on this chart except for the municipal tax and the library tax all other agencies are estimated. So, we don't this is not a
depiction of what the school or the county taxes are going to be. We won't get their final rates until um May or later. 2026 municipal budget summary. The 2026 proposed municipal budget calls for
75,32,942 in expenditures. Revenues include 10,24,131 in miscellaneous revenue, 6,347,930 in state aid, 2.1 million in uniform construction code or UCC fees, 500,000
in municipal court fines and costs, 550,000 in interest on investments and deposits, 1.6 6 million in receipts from delinquent taxes and 39,641,374 as the amount to be raised by taxation.
An anticipation of 12.5 million from fund balance will be required to bring the 2026 budget into balance. This will leave 3,578,317.88 88 in cash fund balance to help with potential emergencies in 2026 and help
stabilize taxes in 2027. The proposed municipal tax rate is estimated to be 1.055 in 2026, which reflects a tax increase of 0.025 over 2025. For the average home in Oldbridge
assessed at $158,52, the proposed municipal tax increase would be $39. 2026 library budget summary. The municipal library purposes expenditure category is included as an appropriation in the municipal budget. However, since
2011, the amount is deducted from the municipal tax levy in the calculation of the amount to be raised by taxation for municipal purposes. The 2026 minimum state required funding for the Oldbridge Public Library is
$4,413,875, which reflects an increase of $355,332 over 2025. The associated tax rate is estimated to be 0.17 in 2026, which reflects an increase of 0.009 in the tax rate over
2025. For the average home in Oldbridge, assessed at $158,52. The municipal library tax increase would be $14. Under the statute, the minimum amount required by the state cannot be changed
by the municipality or by the library even if they agree to pay a lesser amount. This slide shows a breakdown of expenditures between salary and wages, other expenses, and the library appropriation from 2021 to 2026.
Other expenses is in blue, salary and wages in red and the library appropriation in green. Uh since we are a service industry, obviously labor costs are our biggest expense. Um however, our salary costs have been
stable. Uh we did settle all nine union contracts in 2025. So those are settled through um the end of 2028. And one amount that tends to fluctuate each year is grants, especially when we
get larger grants such as um the DOT grants which are a couple hundred thousand or um the past couple years the congressional funding grants those tend they can kind of you know if you look one year's higher than the other that
can yeah 2026 expenditures the salary and wages expenditure category has increased by 1,35,135. In addition to contractual increases and minimum wage increases, the 2026 budget
includes funding for one new full-time position in the police department. That's a patrol officer. The other operating expenses expenditure category has increased by $984,554. Uh the biggest increase in this category
would be health and liability insurance. As we've talked, um we did just move from state health benefits into the HIF to try and minimize some of the costs, but it's still a large chunk of the increases.
The municipal debt service expenditure category has increased by $53,595. uh the increase it's a result of the amorization of previously issued bonds and notes. Um we did have last year the uh actually at the end of 24 the um
national settlement. Um so that's included in this as well. The statutory expenditure category has increased by $312,57. Um this is mostly made up of social security and the two pension systems.
The deferred charges expenditure category has increased by $298,772. The major increase is the contribution to the arena. Um the arena had a couple good years there coming out of COVID. Um last year they had a bit of an operating
deficit. So the contribution to them increased this year by 214,000. Uh we also had an emergency appropriation of $100,000. um for the um the fuel station in 20 in
2025 for the fuel station uh down in the public works yard. The capital improvement fund expenditure category has increased by 145,000. Uh the proposed capital budget for 2026 is expected to be 4.5 million for
curbing, drainage, facility and road improvements, parks and playground improvements, replacement of equipment and vehicles for various departments and divisions. Um the 4.5 million is a little less than we've done in prior year's capital.
We'll get into more detail in the capital presentation. Um but the reason for the increase in the capital improvement fund this year we've talked in prior years we're ordered a few years back to um do a townshipwide revaluation and that's
finally coming to the point where we're going to have to hire the company to go out and do the revaluation and the assessor estimates somewhere between 3.5 and $4 million. So that'll be a separate ordinance coming soon that we'll need um
down payment for. The reserve for uncollected taxes expenditure category has increased by one 1,460,000. This is a statutory non-spending appropriation. The actual tax collection rate for 2025
was 99.08%. The projected tax rate tax collection rate for 2026 is 98.08%. We always um project that for the calculation at 1% below
uh what the actual was the previous year. This chart, it's a pie chart breaking down the CA expenditures by categories. The biggest slice is salary and wages at 39.05%. 05%. As I said, we're a service
industry. And it's important to note that employee salary and benefits comprise 61.38% of the total expenditures in the 2026 budget. So that includes not only salaries, social security, pension,
insurance. Our next biggest is operating expenses at 28.88%. And we always like to keep an eye on that debt service. it's 7.67% and the rating agencies like to see it
at 10% or below. This pie chart further breaks down expenditures by department. The largest slice is public safety showing our investment in the police department. It's at 20 little over 25% of the total
budget. Uh the next largest is insurance at 15%. Moving on to revenues, total municipal revenue, including the municipal library tax uh tax levy has increased by
5,416,577. The fund balance revenue category has been decreased by 500,000. The miscellaneous revenues category has been increased by 4,211,824. Now this miscellaneous revenues it includes interest and costs on taxes,
tower rental fees, interlocal service agreements, fees and permits, pilots, cable franchise fees, licenses, hotel tax, and state and federal grants. The state aid revenue category has not
been changed for 2026. Uh the proposed budget anticipates the same level of funding as last year. The uniform construction code fees revenue category has not been changed for 2026. The proposed budget anticipates the same level of funding as
last year. When anticipating the revenue, we look at historical trends as well as projects approved by the planning and zoning boards and the redevelopment agency. The municipal court fines and costs revenue category has been increased by
75,000. Uh the court revenues have been steadily rising each year and um you know with the police department doing um you know campaigns on um Route 9 to try and you know target speeding and enforcement and on you know connector
roads that's brought in a little additional the interest on investment and deposits has not been changed for 2026. Um, this is one revenue that I always like to go conservative on because it can change. I always go back to 2020. I
increased it and then right after we adopted the budget, COVID happened and interest rates tanked. But luckily in the first three months of the year, we kind of ha made most of our revenue. So, I think we either made it or just fell a little short. So if you look at our
actual sometimes people say like why wouldn't you go all the way up because it could go down like that. [laughter] The receipts from delinquent tax revenue category has been increased by 100,000. Uh this anticipated amount is within the
limit of the statutory formula set by the state. The amount to be raised by taxation revenue category has been increased by $995,134. This slide is a pie chart that further breaks down the revenues. Obviously, the
largest piece is the amount to be raised by taxation at just under 50%. The second largest is fund balance at 15.73 and the third is miscellaneous revenues at 12.84%.
Our fund balance analysis from 2021 to 2026. This slide shows the relationship between fund balance and surplus in the budget. Blue represents the fund balance as of January 1st of each year. Red represents
the surplus amount in the budget from fund balance. Purple represents the remaining cash balance throughout the year. And green represents the fund balance as of December 31st of each year, which then carries over to the following year. The
rating agencies pay specific attention to fund balance when reviewing the ratings. And this has been part of our long-term financial planning as reflected in our bond ratings. Amount to be raised by taxation. The blue bar reflects the municipal tax and
the red bar reflects the library tax from 2021 to 2026. >> [snorts] >> Statutory caps. Uh the cost of living cap adjustment enacted by the state requires each municipality to limit any increase in
said budget up to 2.5% which is annually set by the state unless otherwise authorized by ordinance to increase it to 3 and a.5% over the previous year's final appropriations. So for 2026, the state's automatic cap
increase was 2%. We had done uh when we introduced the budget and then adopted at the last meeting the um cap index ordinance to bring it up to the 3 and a.5%. for Old Bridge Township. The proposed final budget appropriation for 2026
is 59,378,724 which is 36,8192 below the state mandated cap base of 59,415,5432. The other cap that we have is the property tax levy cap enacted in 2010 by the state which requires each
municipality to limit the local government units amount to be raised by taxation to no more than 2% over the prior year's levy. The state allows specific exceptions for health benefits, pensions, loap for volunteers,
capital improvements, and debt service. For Old Bridge Township, the proposed municipal tax levy for 2026 is $39,641,374, which is 1,242,57866 below the state mandated property t levy cap of 40,883,95266.
With that, I'm going to turn it back over to Anna to discuss the future. >> So, over the last couple years, our potential. Thank you. Okay. Sorry about that. So over the last few years as you'll see our potential challenges remain the
same. Uh national, state and local economic conditions really drive a lot of our challenges that we face and a lot of the unknowns that we face. Um we are seeing ongoing inflation pressures uh and along with key uh val key cost I'm
sorry key cost drivers such as fuel, utilities and contracted services. Um all of these things increase uh all these increases affect everything from fleet operations to infrastructure maintenance. So we have to always keep uh an eye on those things and these are
again things that we are not able to necessarily control weather related emergencies and related costs. As you saw we had quite the winter the last two previous years. We got lucky but I guess we were due right? Um thankfully we have a healthy uh snow trust that um will
keep us afloat. uh doesn't look like we've had to utilize it this year based on our budget, but obviously winter has a second half later this year. So, we'll see what happens then. Um but as you know, we did uh uh submit to FEMA for reimbursement. Uh recently, we were
notified that FEMA um has um requested further details on the reimbursement we asked, which we take that as a good sign. So, we sent them uh information that they requested and hopefully we'll get that reimbursement back. Just so you know, when we submit to FEMA, um it was
$750,000, but that included our cost, the board of eds cost, fire departments, EMS, uh police, all of those entities uh a part of that reimbursement. Uh contractual and statutory cost increases, as Don mentioned, um those
are challenges, but also uh we are settled now until 2028 for our contract. So we do have a little bit of uh knowledge of what to look at for the next uh two more years coming up. Um so that's that's a beneficial thing for us. Uh accumulated time payouts and retirees
that's something that we have to um deal with every year. So while it is a challenge challenge, it is not an unknown. Um we you know are we've had a younger crew of people come in over the last several years and and um some of our very well-deserved employees uh are
now retiring. Uh so there are accumulate time payouts um that they are entitled to. Um so those are um increases that we see every year that while we can forecast if we have advanced notice, we can't always do that. Um as Don mentioned previously, we are due for our
municipalwide revaluation, uh this was something that was I think directed in 2017 or 18 and um this past year towards the end of 25. I met with the county tax assessor as well as our tax assessor and we have been told that
we need to get this going. We've started the process. Our tax map is at the state for final uh um approval and the next step is to put out the bid. So we'll be doing that in the coming weeks. Um so Donna mentioned that we are planning for that um challenge uh in our capital for
that cost. Um with the revaluation in the coming years you may see tax appeals. So that's also a challenge that we both see. Um that also brings a lot of unknowns for us, but we'll be as prepared as we can be. And lastly, uh new and unfunded state mandates. Um
every year things come up that the state requires new trainings mandates. I know this has been a big thing in the police department for licensing and and required trainings that they must have. Um we try to once again be prepared. We try to get creative and get grants to meet those requirements. not always
available, but um that's a challenge that we do see uh yearly. As for potential opportunities, um as you know, we continue to uh uh we have a continued emphasis on cost containment. Um that remains a top priority. We we
will evaluate expenditures throughout the year. Um, I'll be meeting with our uh big three departments. Um, the P's, as I call them, police department, public works, and parks and recreation. Um, we'll be meeting quarterly to see how their expenditures are going. Um, so
that also helps them better prepare and budget for the coming year. Um, so we'll be doing that throughout the year. Um, we're going to continue going out for compet competitive contracting for services, continue our bid process. Um we will use co-ops uh for purchasing of
goods and services as we've done in the in in previous years. Um we have started using new technology related initiatives to help us uh with different things. Um one of the things that we um started uh very slowly this year uh in public works
uh is the use of a software called Violytics to do some road assessments for potholes and different things like that. So, I think in the end that will save us money, but also will provide us good analysis of the road conditions. Um, if the software works out good and and this um program works out well,
we're going to be rolling it out to our engineering department so that they could use it during their, you know, five-year road assessment projects and things like that. Um, so I think that initiative is going to help us uh plan for the future. Um, as Don mentioned, we rely heavily on federal, state, county,
and even local grants. Um, so we will continue to do that very proactively. Uh, Millennium Strategies is our grant consultant and they are great to let us know what grants are out there. Uh, our departments also hear about grants and send them to us and say, "Hey, can we apply for this?" And we say, "Of
course." So, we'll continue doing that. As you know, the past couple years we've gotten lucky and have gotten um several congressional uh grants um state grants uh local grants as well. So, we're continue doing that to offset some of the costs that that we have, but also to
be able to expand projects. As you know, um our playgrounds, some of our park improvements, road paving projects, uh all of those are are funded through um uh some of these projects are funded through grants, whether it's CDBG, community block development grants, um
or other state or federal grants. And finally, we're continue working on additional and enhanced shared services between us, the library, the public schools, um the m middle sex county government, and other neighboring towns um to try to lower any kind of cost that
we have. We have uh we are you will see on tonight's agenda a shared service agreement between us and the school uh the board of ed regarding uh shared use of athletic facilities. um so that we are not paying for something we're using from them and vice versa. So it's a a
shared agreement between us and I think um beneficial and for both sides. So um we'll continue working on those things to be able to lower cost and um help us with upcoming projects. And with that
this concludes our budget. But before I pass it along, I would like to You have a few words that you would like to >> Sure. >> say, Mr. Alison, >> just like to say that, you know, once again, it's a sound budget. It's a tough budget year for a lot of towns in New Jersey. Uh the CO money has totally run
out. So, that money's not there anymore. Um but, uh but your budget here, you have a tax levy and a tax rate that's below 3%. So, below inflation. um you're still maintaining a surplus u or fund balance
of 20% of your budget uh which is a number which we we informally want to adhere to because the rating agencies like to see that also. So uh so we remain consistent and uh and that's good.
>> Do you have any other comments to add anyone? >> I just want to say you see all the hard work they had to do. This was a tough year. A lot of state mandates, things like that. And we have uh coming the assessment coming down the road and things like that. The Lawrence Harbor
cleanup, we had a lot of expenses. And um I think they did a very good job. And I just want to mention, I know Dawn had gone over about the library. That's out of our control. That's all by the state that increase because a lot of people will blame us. Why are you giving more money to the library? But that's completely totally out of our control.
And we only control 16% of that entire budget, which we could tell people that like a million times. I don't think they understand it, but that's we just a tiny even the county uh they're 17 plus the open space tax too is I think they're at 18% all total. Correct. And we're 16%.
So I think we're doing a good job on the amount of money that we have. >> Thank you very much. That was a very thorough as usual presentation. and we give you a lot of credit for all the time and effort that goes into this. It's not an easy job on anybody's part,
but thank you so much. And thank you, Bob, too, for all your advice and keeping us on a good path as well. We really appreciate. Thank you. Want to open it to the public? >> Can we have a motion to open to public by Councilman?
>> Second. >> Second by Dr. Greenberg Bell. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Hearing none, we're now open to public comment on the budget. >> Seeing no hands, ask for a motion. >> Sorry, Mark said it has to be public
hearing on the budget. >> Oh, no. It's public hearing on the budget. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. Okay. >> Is there anybody out there? Okay, then I'll ask for a motion to close. >> Moved by council vice president Dr.
Greenberg Belli said that we get a second. >> Councilman Satuli. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing none. >> Okay. So now I'll go to council. Anyone on my left have a question or a comment for them?
Anyone on my right? Mr. Pesetti. Yeah, I thank you so much. Um, you guys really put a lot into this. I It was a tough year. I mean, when you see healthc care over 30% increase in health care, we get we get hammered by the state
>> and uh you guys, you know, kudos to your team did a really good job. Appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you. As Don mentioned, we did go into the Metro HIF that uh kicked off on April 1st. We had a pretty good smooth transition. It was a lot of work and our
HR manager Melissa Johnson did a great job. Our our our benefits consultant Brown and Brown and Dawn at Brown and Brown is is fantastic as well. Um we'll continue going out to market every year um to make sure that we get the most competitive price that will save our residents, I mean our employees money
and also not put this kind of burden on our budget as well. So um and I do want to point out that as I mentioned earlier, we did go line by line and there were cuts made within departments. You know, positions that hadn't been filled for a few years that we realized were becoming redundant and not needed.
Nothing that would affect services. This was in collaboration with our directors. So there were cuts that were made through I I believe every single department actually um and in collaboration with them, you know. [clears throat] So, uh, when we talk about cost efficiencies, it really went
down the line and it was a collaborative effort. So, just want to point that out. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Out of curiosity, um, could you do you know or could you explain how the state um, aid is given to us? How they
decide on that number? >> Which number is that? >> The state aid number. How does the state decide what they give us? I don't know exactly how they decided it when it froze about 20 years ago.
>> The state aid hasn't changed, >> right? That's what you're asking. But state >> Yeah. So, >> yeah. Um, as far as how they particularly calculate, I do not know what their exact calculation is. Um it deals with the uh
>> but obviously since it hasn't increased you said in how long? 20 years >> right. So, so it's tied to to the energy receipts tax. >> Um, which that has changed over the years. Um, the nature of that originally
had to do with uh with with some elements which no longer exist from what I know, but they still call it that. But they have frozen that amount of money. So, if they had kept up with inflation, um, >> that number would be double at least.
>> Yeah. Um and and not just for you but for everyone around. Uh so so you do pick up the burden of their inflationary costs. Um but they don't give you inflationary increases in need. >> Yeah. You would think that would be
sensible to to at least adhere to inflation over the years when you think 20 years state aid hasn't improved in this town yet they keep on giving us more state mandates, unfunded mandates. So, it's very very frustrating. And I was wondering also for the population in
Old Bridge has increased over the 20 years. So, they're getting more state aid from all the residents in Old Bridge. Um, and it would be like astronomical to find out the amount of based on the population and household,
how much is being sent to the state and how much is coming back. It's it's very frustrating. And then they increase, you know, when you when the mayor explained that the library is based on the state decides what the library has an increase also.
>> Well, it's a formula. It's a formula that's in statute having to do with the assessed value of the town. >> Yeah. So, the library gets the money whether they need it or not. >> So, so it's kind of contradictory. They assess it on the town. So, the town increases, but the state aid stays
stable based on the town increasing. and yet the library increases. So like that's really a tax burden and very difficult for every one of our department heads and our CFO to deal with this and you being the auditor and
every head of the department how to progress you know forward with this and it's and it's very frustrating when you think I would like you know I I'll probably have to do research on this how is it compared town to town whether less money is being sent to the state from
other towns yet they're getting probably more state aid. And so it's not equitable. It's not fair when things continue, the population continues to increase in your town. Uh state mand unfanded mandates continue. But when you look back and inflation and when you
look over 20 years that they haven't increased it. That that's to me is absurd. So that's why I say often I have no idea what the state is doing with all the money that they are getting. and and it's outrageous that the burden on our
taxpayers continues and then the reflection of the um the town, you know, they're saying, "Oh, you're raising our taxes." Really, the state is raising our taxes. That's what I'm hearing. and not only from our town, from everywhere else
from the cuts they've made, not only in the board of education, but our state funding and then increasing library tax and and other things too and unfunded mandates. It's very frustrating and it's very difficult to run around, you know, to to go around this. But if people
understood this budget or even looked at this and on, you know, saw it, I think really the whole township does a phenomenal job on 16% 16 cents out of every dollar. I mean, it's it's incredible. So, I just want everyone to
understand that they can all scream, "Oh, you're raising the taxes." No, really, the state is raising the taxes. When you increase state health in insurance to the limit that they have done, it's absurd. It's it's it's and it's unconscionable. They've done nothing to correct it and all these
errors. all they do is pass it on to all the towns just keep on increasing combination increasing taxes and uh it's very frustrating um sitting up here and or when we go to budget meetings and we hear what goes on and uh we're doing a
good job and I hope people realize that and we don't want to increase taxes for anybody but when the state doesn't give us more money in 20 years when the amount of taxes that I can imagine they derive from every household in this town and every business in this town. It is
it's despicable. So I I don't know uh what the endgame is going to be, but it's not good for the whole state. Thank you for your time, your energy that you put into this and the presentation. Thank you. >> Well, I agree. I think it's totally out
of balance in terms of funding what we receive versus what we have here. And we don't 16 cents is really very small. And I think Bob, you've been in other towns, I'm sure, where you see they have a little more revenue and a little more
aid to work with than we do here. This has become very difficult. I think Dorne said shrinking, and that's the word. I mean, it it's come to the point where we really are behind the eightball as far as money is concerned. And I think we do do the right thing. And I think they
made good choices considering what was there and what we had to work with. It's become very hard. So we appreciate all your time and effort everyone puts into it. But it's going to be a tipping point here because we now give more money our money to the county than we keep here.
And where where are we going with that? I mean there's just so much we can give before. We really have a you know more difficult choices to make. So, thank you everyone and just bear in mind like Dr. Greenberg said, this is something that
we really have very little control over and it's very frustrating. It really, really is. But thank you again all of you all. The department has everyone in in town. Thanks very much. Okay, I now need a motion. There was public comment.
We just need a motion to resolution,446, $817. >> Move it. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenber. Second by council. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes.
>> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> No. >> No. Councilman Stton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg. >> Yes. >> Council President. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Thank you very much for that. >> Okay. Next we'll do >> Thank you, council. So that's equivalent to if you uh work and you have the same salary for 20 years. That's >> Yeah. Imagine never [laughter] imagine losing money. Okay. Next is
going to be our capital budget presentation. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Alison. >> Good night. >> All right, moving on to our 2026 capital improvement program. General overview. A capital improvement
program is a multi-year plan and schedule for capital projects. Uh the state requires a six-year capital improvement plan to be provided in the budget. Uh municipal infrastructure needs constant attention and maintenance. Failure to maintain
infrastructure will put your community at risk for future years. By statute, capital projects have a prospective useful life of five years or more. Capital projects may include the acquisition and/or development of land,
the acquisition of major equipment and personal property, the acquisition, construction, improvement, and/or renovations of buildings, roads, utilities, and other structures, improvements of public works, and any matter described in NJSA48
colon 2-22. Regardless of the financing sources, the annual capital budget is prepared and adopted in conjunction with the annual operating budget as we're doing today. Administrative preparation of the
capital budget includes a thorough review of each departmental project request in terms of need, justification, scheduling, cost, effect on operating budget, method of financing, and the impact on municipal debt structure. The
capital budget does not directly appropriate funds. The appropriation of funds is made part of the capital improvement section of the budget and/or by the adoption of a bond ordinance. On tonight's agenda, we also have the bond
ordinance for uh general improvements. Upon completion of a project, any unexpended balances are canceled by council resolution. We usually do this once a year in December. Capital improvement planning and budget
goals. Continue to develop a comprehensive six-year capital program on an annual basis that supports township goals and objectives for equipment, facilities, infrastructure, and technology. So, we don't just look at current year needs, but look to the
future. Uh, obviously, our plan for future years is fluid and constantly changing, but it gives us a good starting basis. It eliminates the need for considering projects on an emergency basis and helps schedule resources and equipment to ensure their maximum
utilization and efficiency. Continue to develop and implement a management system for prioritizing tracking and reporting on capital projects to ensure timely acquisition and/or completion. So administration and finance hold routine capital meetings
with our departments uh usually on a quarterly basis. We maximize utilization of grants to offset capital costs and related debt service. Um as Anna had touched upon Millennium Strategies has been
you know worth its weight and gold. Um, as far as some of the new grants that they've introduced us to, um, large grants at that, um, we've received congressional funding in, um, the past years, uh, 1.3 million for police
technology upgrades, uh, in 2025, uh, 500,000 for food um, addition to the food bank building. And we recently applied um for uh building improvements to the animal
shelter. Uh green acres funding. Um we received funding for the GE Park inclusive playground and we're applying now for Manino Park. We also received for Catrol Park in the past. Our annual DOT grants
from the state uh Nicole applies for every year. Uh this past year we got funded for Ocean Boulevard which is just under 800,000 which is in this year's operating budget. And then we also have our annual CDBG grant a community development block
grant and we use that for uh road reconstruction in eligible areas uh equipment and facility upgrades um especially at the senior center and food bank because they're always eligible. Uh ADA improvements to facilities within the complex. So last year we replaced
the flooring in the civic center and we're looking um to use this year's funding, some of it towards flooring in the senior center and we also updated the um camp camp Robin bathrooms to make them more ADA accessible.
We look to minimize the property tax impact of capital projects and related debt service through sound financial planning and balancing debt repayment schedules which we'll discuss later in the presentation. Taking a brief look back at the last
three years of capital projects. Uh we always have our annual curbing, drainage, and roads that make up about half of the capital budget each year as well as vehicle and equipment replacement. And some of our larger projects are done in phases over multiple years.
Um some of the projects just to highlight here um we had some renovations to the police side of the building um in administration records detective bureau OIC as well as um the police training room down in the
basement. Uh there's some additional funding this year to um finish with some of the furniture acquisition. uh Manino Park improvements. Uh that was largely our uh ARP funds that had to be obligated by the end of 2024
and spent by 2026. So those projects are finishing up this year. Um we also finally received our bucket truck which is utilized by multiple departments uh DPW, police and recreation.
So from our 2023 capital budget, the total authorized was 14,667,000. Uh the current balance left is 6,884,994.36. Thank you. Uh 2024 capital budget just to highlight some of the some of the
projects here. Um, we did purchase a front wheel loader that was funded 30% through a grant. Uh, New Jersey has a equipment modernization grant where you can um purchase new equipment to and then decommission some
older, less efficient grant, so we're able to utilize that for um a front wheel loader. Um, we did electric um locking doors at the bathrooms. Uh, so far we've completed Manino and Catrell. Um this helps to um alleviate re
somebody from recreation having to go at night and you know lock up the parks and everything and people can get out if they're in. They just can't get in once they're locked. Um we're also looking um to do them at Vets Park. We just need to upgrade some Wi-Fi over there in order
to get that done. Um Manino Park playground. Uh we just recently awarded a bid. I believe it was last meeting or the meeting before for um updated uh playground and also the botchi courts
and we also did uh the work started last year I believe it's completed or almost completed for uh waterworks and pine road improvements which uh utilized the local freight impact grant through New Jersey DOT
that was one of our larger grants. So for 2024 capital the total authorized was 7,ion5,000 and our current balance is 2,ion50,417.888 2025 capital um again the Manino Park pickle ball basketball and botchi courts
um that was two separate bids. The pickle ball pickle ball courts are nearing completion and then we'll be starting probably late spring on the um playground and the botchi courts. Um we also acquired a a bus for the senior
center to um replace one of our older buses. And we awarded last year a cheesequake village um Haven Drive drainage improvements and that was also partially funded through CDBG funding. Total authorized for 2025 was 6,180,000.
The current balance is 2,48,2195. Moving on to this year's 2026 capital. Um we have our as always annual curb replacement and drainage uh improvement programs at various locations under equipment for MIS fiber backbone
and MDF upgrade IT security improvements and SharePoint migration to the cloud for the police department. bodywn cameras, ballistic vests, and radio improvement and upgrades at the substation down in Lawrence Harbor.
For the Department of Public Works, a new dumpster for the recycling yard, storm water system inspection camera system, a calcium chloride tank and spray system, 12-oot plow for a garbage truck, and F550 plow and salter. under
facility improvements, police dispatch HVAC upgrade, fuel station replacement design. Um, as we discussed under the budget, the emergency last year at the fuel station, um, it's desperately in
need of upgrades. So, this is the first step of design phase and then, you know, in later capital years, we'll we'll fund the rest. administration window replacement phase one, Vets Park HVAC replacement phase
two, animal shelter electric plan panel replacements under furniture, table and chairs for public and township events. That's for our recreation department and office furniture replacements and police training room furniture to finish those
um upgrades on the police side. Under parks improvements, SAD project for township soccer fields and road improvements, our annual road resurfacing program at various locations. Under vehicles, uh for the police, uh
new patrol vehicles and for DPW, a rear loaded garbage truck and an F550 Mason dump truck. So our total project cost for 2026 is 4,430,000. We have section 20 costs of 70,000 which
includes bonding costs and can also be used for preliminary engineering and architect fees. Uh this ordinance requires a down payment of $225,300 which is provided in this budget and previous budgets through the capital
improvement fund. and it leaves us with net borrowing of 4,274,700 capital funding process. It begins with the adoption of a multi-purpose capital bond ordinance with which authorizes the project borrowings that's on tonight's meeting.
Issuance of short-term bond anticipation notes or bans. Uh these notes are limited to one-year expiration from the date of issue. So, we don't immediately borrow funds. As the projects start, we issue bans and then those bands get converted after
a few years into short-term um I'm sorry, into long-term bonds. So, this year we've been rolling these bands now, I believe, since 23 and adding on. So, in um probably August of this year, we will issue bonds.
Our annual amorization for township debt is approximately 7.6 67% of the total annual budget, which we try and keep this as flat as possible from year to year and not have large fluctuations. The township's double A1 rating from
Moody's Investor Services is the second highest rating Moody's assigns. And this high rating has an impact on the borrowing rate and financing costs, which has helped us reduce our rate, which gives us lower financing costs, which is then passed on to the
taxpayers. This slide shows our current debt amorization. It includes township issued bonds for general capital and the arena utility fund. It does not include um bans or projects authorized but debt not
issued. The current amorization schedule is 10 years. Um the amorization's important because these projects aren't one-year projects. they're, you know, they last 5, 10, 20 years. So, the costs are paid over the useful life of the of
the capital. Uh we have an informal pro policy not to borrow more than we retire and we leave enough room for additional borrowing. So, as you could see, between 26 and 27, it drops off about $2 million. So, when
we issue those bonds, it's gonna it's going to fill in there. and we'll look to issue those bonds probably August or early September of this year. This is just a graphic presentation of our outstanding debt. And as I said,
once we issue that new debt, it'll be a little little flatter next year. And tonight, we're recommending that council adopts the bond ordinance tonight so our department heads can keep moving forward with their capital projects.
Thank you very much. Very good presentation. Ladies, do either of you have anything to add. Just once again, I want to thank you them for all their hard work. They really, as you see, it was broken into two parts, the capital and the budget, and it was a lot of work. And we're
continuing to give back to the residents through our drainage and road improvements. So, we want to continue to do that and improve all our parks and try to give back to the community as much as we can despite, you know, the state aid. >> Yep. And thank you, Don, again, for putting together this presentation.
Thank you to all of our directors for coming up with these great projects and seeing them through. Uh we have a lot of things going on this year. There'll be a lot of moving parts throughout the whole town. Um so, we are excited. A lot of improvements coming to Veterans Park uh this year as well. And um hopefully
we'll be able to start moving forward uh in the coming year also with the Lawrence Harbor project as well that we had received the the grant for. So um thank you everybody and we appreciate you listening. >> Does anyone on my left have a question
or a comment? Anyone on my right? Mr. >> I just want to say Anita she brought up an amazing question. In 20 years, nothing, no state aid has increased in this town or in Jersey. And for all of
you to maintain it for 20 years and take care of the town, the roads, the parks, and not a dime more in 20 years, I am so thankful and I mean this sincerely from all of you. Work works. And when you put the work in and you care about the
residents and their money, it was amazing what we can do in a town like this. And I remember there was a former governor that said one time that taxes are your problem. Jersey is not your state. He hasn't come to Obridgeidge yet cuz if he came here he'd learn how to
manage his money a little bit more appropriately. I'm just saying. But thank you. I truly mean that. Thanks a lot. >> Truly, when you look around this town being 42 square miles, you know, everything can't be done overnight. But
you you really have a good strategy how to really break it down to the areas obviously the areas that are needed more than others and then there's always emergencies things that come up and it's the same thing with the MUA. People don't realize 42 square miles of pipe
underground water and sewer that's affected by weather conditions also and they're all pipes and they're they're really always on it trying to improve things all the time. And I find that same mentality with this town and it's very very
refreshing that we do the best with what we have to work with. Is it always perfect? No. Everyone, it's real funny for them. Everyone to always be able to criticize, but if you look around, I think we do an excellent job and compliments and it's hard work to get
everyone on page and what to do first and to prioritize. But if you look around, I I mean I drive all around um the state and when you go in other towns, not only the roads, the curbings, just the infrastructure and the parks,
like everyone thinks like we have the parks, but we're always improving on them. And sometimes there's some vandalism that goes on too. So that throws things off, but we do a good job and we have a good team maintaining them. And I just want to compliment
everyone on that. and we'll still continue to move forward and thank you very much. I think it's great and I do I always think of the capital improvement program as the people's program because this is the program that they really see and you
know it's quite shows them what's going on and what we try to do for them. um the other budget naturally. But when it comes to this, this is where they see the roads being paved, they see curbs, they see drainage, they see park improvements, all the things that make
their quality of life so so much better. And it to really put this together on the amount of money and funding that we have is truly, I think, amazing. And if they look around and they see all this going on, they're going to feel very positive. So, this definitely is is the
people's without a doubt. So, I'd like to now um ask for a motion for bond ordinance approving uh an appropriation of $4,500,000 for various improvements.
>> Do I have to read it? >> Oh, you told me no. >> Oh, >> not >> right. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Let's open it to the public. Do I have a motion? >> I >> Okay. Yep. Anybody in the public want to
be heard on this? >> Yeah. Bond bond ordinance? Yeah. No, I thought you said no. Okay. I just want to make sure. Good evening, Anna. You guys do a great
job, by the way. Thank you. Um, I do have a few questions. Um, are doesn't the census calculate into aid, both federal and state? That's first. Um, there's questions on
the bond ordinance. >> Okay. [snorts] Thank you. Okay. Is there anyone else who wishes to be heard on this particular the bond ordinance? >> Seeing none, can we have a motion to
close the public comment portion? >> Moved by I'm sorry, who made Dr. Greenberg Belly? Second by Councilman Bob Stettton. All in favor? Any opposed? >> Hearing none. We're now closed to the That's okay. >> The hearing is now closed. >> Hearing public hearing now closed. Okay.
Now, we're going to ask for a motion for the bond ordinance providing an appropriation of $4,500,000 for various improvements in and by the township of Oldbridge in the county of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, and
authorizing the issuance of 4,274,700 bonds or notes of the township for financing part of the appropriation. Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg. Second by councilman dama. >> Roll call. Councilmani.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Dama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosi. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohart. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much for the very good presentation.
>> Thank you. And we appreciate those of you who voted yes on our budget. We appreciate you guys supporting uh and ladies supporting uh our employees, our our operations. Um you know this like we mentioned already and I hate to beat a
dead horse but it was a very difficult budget and your your vote of yes is showing that you support the continued operations and all of our departments and our employees. So we appreciate it and thank you for the capital uh uh bond ordinance. Uh, we can now get started in
a few weeks. I'm sure Casey will be happy. He's got ready all his >> very excited. He's ready to go. >> So, we thank you all. Thank you. >> You're ready. Okay. >> Thank you all. [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you all of you very
much. And Miss Vicki over there. Thank you. >> Okay. We appreciate you as well. Thank you. Okay. Next will be approval of minutes resolution approving regular combined council meeting minutes of November 17,
2025, January 13, 2026. January it says here 13th. So is that wrong? >> Right. Okay. January 13. No, just as long as we have it correct. January 13,
2026. Can we do them? You saying something about November? >> No. Okay. >> All right. January 27, 2026. February 3rd, 2026, February 24th, 2026,
March 3rd, 2026, and budget subcommittee meetings of March minutes rather of March 11th, 2026. >> Second. Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by
councilman Pasitti. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman um I'm sorry. Councilman. >> Sorry. Councilman Pasci. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosie.
>> Abstain. Just abstain on November of 2025. I vote yes on the balance. >> Councilman von Stanton >> abstain on the November 2025 yes on the balance. >> Council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes.
>> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Bill list. Councilman Dealama. >> Bill list as of April 7th 2026. Accounts payable April 7th 2026 5,763,19522
payroll March 27th 20261,295,82.33 and payroll overtime March 27th 2026 $44,91027. >> Do we have a breakdown of the overtime please? >> Yes. Um we the slight uptake that you saw in the payroll overtime was due to
our buildings and grounds crew who were here doing carpet replacement in the administration building. This type of project cannot be done while employees are here due to the smell of the carpeting and all those different things. >> The glue >> and the police overtime for this payroll
was $27,9131. The duck grants $81920. Deduct ETO $3,890 90 I'm sorry $3,890.33 for a total of $23,2348. We have two officers on light duty and
one injured on duty currently. Thank you. >> Thank you. Do I have a motion? >> Move it. >> Moved by Councilman Pasci, second by Councilman Don Stettton. >> Roll call. Councilman Astatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama.
>> Yes. Councilman Pasci, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman Von Sten, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg Belli. Council President Sohar, >> yes. >> Seven. Yes. >> Next. H1, ordinance amending chapter 30
of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled alcoholic beverages by amending 30-8 entitled limitations on transfers and issuances. I'm sorry.
>> Where is new license? On the other side of the page. Hope that makes sense. Okay. Of new licenses. >> Mother of goodness. Okay. >> All righty then. Now, okay. So, [laughter] we're going to open this to
the public. >> Do we have motion to open to the public? >> Second. Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by councilman de Palama. All in favor? >> I. >> Is there anyone? >> Any opposed? Hearing none.
>> Anyone in the audience wish to be heard on this particular item H1. Seeing no hands I'll ask for a motion to close public. >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by Councilman
Dealama. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Hearing none closed. >> Okay. Anyone on my left with the council question, comment? Anyone on my right? Okay. I'd ask for a motion. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Deal. Second by
Councilman Pasitti. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman P Councilman Pascitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosi. >> No. Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes.
>> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Six yeses. One. No. >> Okay. Next is ordinances for first reading FR1 ordinance amending chapter 5 article 5 of the code of the township of bridge entitled office of the tax
assessor by including a new 5-47 entitled disabled veterans exemption. Do I have a motion? >> Move it. Moved by Councilman Pasitti. Second by Councilman Asatuli.
>> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pascitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Public hearing set for April 28th, 2026.
FR2 ordinance amending chapter 145 of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled ethics by amending 145-3 entitled definitions. >> Move it. >> Moved by Councilman Pasitti, second by
Councilman Vonettton. Roll call. Councilman Astatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pascitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vonstettton. Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Felli. >> Council President Sohart. >> Yes.
>> Public hearing set for April 28, 2026. >> Okay. Consent agenda. I'd like to ask for a motion and a second. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by Councilman Pasitti. >> Okay. Separations, please.
>> Councilman Acatuli. Any items for separation? >> No, thank you. >> Councilman Dealama, >> I have none. >> Councilman Pasitti, >> no separations. Thank you, >> Councilman Rosie. >> No separations. Thank you, >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> No separations. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Belly,
>> no separations. Thank you. >> And Council President Sohar, >> no separations. >> Okay, so roll call on the entire consent agenda. Councilman Asatulli, >> yes. >> Councilman Deal, >> yes. >> Councilman Pascetti, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton,
>> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Belly, >> yes. >> Council President Sohar, >> yes. Report of the township clerk. I have no report. Report of the township attorney. >> Nothing new to report, Madam President. Thank you. >> Administrative report. Anna.
>> Okay. Spring curbside TV collection. The Department of Public Works will conduct a TV collection this spring by appointment only. Words one, two, and three will be picked up on Tuesday, April 21st. Words four, five, and six will be picked up on Thursday, April
23rd. Residents should email recycling.com by 12 noon the day before res before before service to make an appointment. Spring leaf collection. Round one of the spring leaf collection will begin the week of April 13 in all wards. This pickup is for leaf collection and paper
bags only. Plastic bags will not be picked up. Please visit obridge.com/recycling for the complete schedule. I am going to skip number three which was originally the uh Memorial Day parade grand marshall as right before
the meeting. I heard that we had a few applications and a potential candidate already. Um but as you know we are planning for our annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony. The Obridge Township Memorial Day parade will take place on Monday, May 25th, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. It will start at Memorial
Elementary Schools on Eli Avenue and will proceed down Lawrence Parkway towards the waterfront cross over Route 35. continue around Shorland Circle and conclude at Memorial Park in front of the Lawrence Harbor Fire Company and Lawrence Harbor First aid buildings. For more information, please visit our
website at obridgeidge.com/recreation or call the parks and recreation department at 732721-566 extension499. The Obridge Township SHTry Commission invites you to an Arbor Day ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at
the Obridge Public Library. The township the township conservation officer and forester Gary Lvalo and the public works department will plant a tree during the ceremony. If you are interested in attending, please contact Danny Hollahan, shade tree commission secretary at dehalahan at
obridgeidge.com. Annual Earth celebration. The Obridgeidge Township Cultural Arts Committee will hold its third annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 1 PM to 5:00 pm at the Obridge Township Civic Center. This
event is free and will feature nature workshops, arts and crafts, food trucks, and more. For more information, please visit orbridge.com/cultural arts. National Telecom Tele telecommunicator week April 12th through the 18 2026 also
known as dispatchers or Obridge's public safety telecommunicators answer both emergency and non-emergency calls around the clock 247. They serve as the critical link between the public and emergency services connecting callers with the help they
need and guiding them through some of their most difficult moments. [snorts] Their role goes far beyond answering phones. Dispatchers enter and relay vital information, track GPS location, provide life-saving medical instructions such as CPR, and dispatch police, fire,
and EMS units via radio. At the same time, they offer calm reassurance to help stabilize distress callers while maintaining their own composure under pressure. Unlike responders in the field who can directly see a scene, dispatchers must rely on solely on what
they hear. They interpret interpret background noise noises, voices, and even silence to assess situations and help keep first responders safe. They manage high stress, high trauma incidents throughout every shift, often without closure once a call ends. As
soon as one incident concludes, they must immediately reset and prepare for the next. Without dispatchers, even the most advanced police, fire, or EMS units cannot function effectively. They are the central coordination point, the GPS of the entire public safety system,
guiding resources where they are needed most and ensuring help reaches the community efficiently and safely. We are deeply grateful for their professionalism, dedication, and resilience, and we thank them for the vital role they play in protecting and serving the residents of our of Old
Bridge every single day. Here are our behindthe-scene heroes and their years of service in Old Bridge. Rich, Richard Williams, 38 years. Margaret Atlac 33 years. Michael Matslovs 24 years. Richard Giuliano 21 years. Nicholas
Muscarelloo 21 years. Annette Hogney who's also our coordinator 18 years. Janelle Calhoun 12 years. Rachel Sack 9 years. Carol Martin four years. Ysef Castillo four years. Karina Bronco three years. Megan Crawford 2 years. Taylor
Hoserano one year. Harrison Fritz one year. Wayne Curtis, one year, Marissa Rossi, one year, and Brendan Parker, four months. As you can see, we have about, I believe, seven uh 17 uh
full-time dispatchers, and we thank them for their surveys each and every day. Thank you. >> Movement. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Bon Stettton. All in favor?
>> Any opposed? Hearing none. The administrator's report is accepted. Public comments. >> Public comment. Uh the public comment portion of our meeting is to allow the public to bring to the council's attention their concerns or comments. [cough] This section is open for any
topic or items in the consent agenda in accordance with NJSA10 col4-12A and the bridge rules of council. The council asked the public to limit their comments to three minutes or less. Only one member of the public shall approach to speak to council at a time. The council will respect the public's time by
refraining from any comment until the speaker is finished with the allotted time. It should be further noted that the public comment portion of our meeting is not scheduled as a question and answer session. If a member of the public has questions they seek answers to, an appointment can be made with the
corresponding department's office during regular business hours. Township clerk will regulate the time during the public comment portion. So, we just need a motion to enter um public comment. >> Move it. >> Moved by Councilman Dama, second by
Councilman Rosie. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Hearing none, we're now open to public comment portion. >> Okay. Anyone in the public wish to be heard? >> Good evening. >> I don't think >> you okay.
[laughter] >> Thank you. Firstly, I want to thank um all of you for voting for the budget. Those of you who did, it's fabulous budget, Anna and uh Dawn and anybody else, the department heads, anybody else had anything to do with it. Fantastic
job. I'm very proud of you. Thank you again. But I wasn't here for the beginning of the meeting, so I don't know why councilman for my ward and district is not here tonight. I don't know if he's sick or problem in the family, but if he's sick, I hope he gets
better. If there's any family problems, I hope that resolved. But I think he should have been here for this meeting. I think it's very important. Um, my district, too, has a lot of senior citizens that he represents, and I
really think he should have been here tonight. Um, I'm disappointed. Let's put it that way. Thank you very much. You could just state your name for the record, please. >> Sure. Maryannne. I've been a resident for Obridge for almost 20 years. [snorts]
>> Anyone else who wishes to be heard? It's not here. Nina Chaknoids, over the past three and a half years, I keep coming to this council with the same kind of question. Why? Um, you have a person in who works on um who's
appointed to a board who unprovokedly spit on my son. I didn't even know her name at the time. He was 15 years old and it was in these council chambers. And if I'm not mistaken, Mary, I think you were actually walking behind us that that evening. Co, I may be wrong about
that, by the way. Um, two years later, that same person on the zoning board spit on another individual in the back of this room. By the way, police reports were made on both of these situations. It was also unprovoked. The same person
showed up at public event two years ago, damaged property, verbally abused people at the the rally, and again, unprovoked. just five months ago in a recorded police conversation. They were extremely
rude to the officers, willing to call ICE on individuals who had legal residents. I again say this behavior at a minimum is unbecoming a resident and as especially a resident who's representing our town's uh board, one of our town's
boards. I'm sorry. Oh gosh. I apologize everybody. Um, I think this is really senseless and I know we can do much better. We have 70,000 residents in this town. I don't know what it takes for you guys to
actually act on this. Even Councilman Brazolei has been offended by this and of course he should be because he was an officer and he saw the behavior of this individual. Other count other councilmen said that it was alleged obviously he
didn't watch the videos both the videos in front of the the uh administrative building here from two years ago and of course the officer's conversation. I'm just wondering at what point does does the town council say uncle and say that
this behavior is unbecoming a representative on a board? When does it happen? What does that person need to do? And are you just going to wait until they do something really bad? Really, really upsetting, really, really embarrassing?
I don't know. What does it take? Because it just seems like it's [music] it just gets worse and worse and worse, and you folks have the opportunity to put an end to this right now, and you don't seem to want to do it. And I I don't know,
Councilwoman Piscetti, if somebody spit on your children, damn, I'd be up here every day screaming about it, too. Same with the Councilman Von Sten, Councilman Kleti. I always thank your name. >> Again, I would be here for every single
one of you people on that person. >> I would be here for that. It needs to stop. You guys need to make a decision. public who wishes to be heard this evening. >> Seeing no hands, I'd ask for a motion to
close public. >> Motion by Councilman Acatuli. >> Second. >> Somebody was raising their hand. Oh, >> oh, yeah, sure. >> Hi. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. My name is Bob Powet.
I've been working at Blonder Tongue Laboratories since 1989. And um we have about 40 people employed there. Now, last November 6, we filed for chapter 11
protection under the bankruptcy code in Trenton, New York, uh, New Jersey District. Um, filed for chapter 11, went through a bidding process. Stalking horse bidder won the purchase of the assets.
um a very prominent gentleman from Pennsylvania putting money back into the assets and reviving the company. [snorts] We have 40 approximate employees employed here in Oldbridge.
Um sometimes they work from home but mostly they're at one Jake Brown Road uh behind Whispering Pines. Uh I have stepped down as CEO of u of the new company and we have a
new CEO that I brought back because he uh he had quit and gone to work for a competitor while I was not CEO at that time. I was brought back in 22 to try and revive the company and we didn't we
didn't quite make it. Pretty difficult times. Um, we're looking for a new home and we know that the owner of the building is uh asking to redevelop the property. We have very good relationship
with him. Uh, it was the rent on this large building that really caused us to file. But, um, I think he's been before the town here and I think you should help them. And we're looking for a new space. It's a
very very competitive market, but we'd like to stay in Oldbridge. So, if anybody has any suggestions to uh us of where we might go, we're looking between 25 and 35,000 square ft.
And we'd like to stay on Old Bridge. Um, I plan to look at uh 410 Texas Road um as soon as uh Passover is over. Any questions for me?
>> I'm I'm going to step outside and talk to you. >> Sure. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Can we have a a motion to close now? >> Move it. >> Motion by Councilman Rosolei. Second by
Councilman Von Stettton. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Hearing none. Public comment portion is now closed. >> Council comments. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. I'm going to be very direct tonight because this just kind of needs to be
said once and for all. There's a serious there's a serious and growing problem in this town with misinformation and a large part of it is being driven by left-leaning outlets, activists, and voices that are more interested in pushing a narrative than telling the truth. We are seeing information
presented selectively, key facts left out, context ignored, and opinions being pushed as if they're established facts. And once those narratives are out there, they spread quickly, shaping how people in this town think about issues before they ever get the full picture. Let's be
honest, ladies and gentlemen, this isn't accidental. When the same type of distortion happens over and over again, it becomes a pattern. And that pattern is misleading the residents of Oldbridge. What's even more troubling is the lack of accountability. When these stories are wrong or incomplete, they're
rarely corrected in any meaningful way. Instead, the narrative just moves on and the damage is already done. And when someone speaks up and questions are pushed back, they're often dismissed, labeled, or ignored rather than engaged in an honest conversation.
That is not healthy for this town. That is not healthy for Obridge. That is not how you build trust in this community. And it certainly should not influence and it certainly should not influence how decisions are viewed or debated at the local level. Let me be clear.
This council is not here to follow a narrative. We are here to deal in facts in full context and reality. Period. If information is being shared in this community, whether it's online,
in meetings, or through an outlet, it should be meet a basic standard. It should be accurate, complete, and honest. Anything less is misleading the public. Our residents deserve better than this spin. They deserve better than
selective storytelling. And they deserve leaders who are willing to call it out when they see it. And I see it every time at this meeting. Enough is enough with the nonsense. You take clips, you post them, you don't say the stories, you come here and try to
damage this council. It's not happening. I just want to say an what an amazing job you all did. When Anita Bella, the vice president, asked a question. We haven't got increased state aid for 20 years.
The gentleman said, if you're just tuning in, we should have double the amount of state aid and we're able to do it with half of it. Amazing. And I'm proud to serve and I want to thank the administration for the job that they do. They do all this limited money, take
care of the roads, parks and wreck, keep our town safe, keep the taxes low, double A moody rating, fiscal responsibility. It's amazing and I'm so thankful for that. And the residents need to hear the truth. And that right there is the truth. So, I'm calling it
out. It's time to raise the standard, stop the misinformation, and start respecting the people of this town with one thing. And on this council, we have one thing, and it's the truth here. Full stop. I'm sorry. I'm not sorry. I had to call
it out. I'm done with this. This town doesn't deserve this and it needs to be stopped. And we got to push back cuz we want to push. We're going to push back. Enough is enough. >> Councilman De Palmer. >> Just want to thank um Anna, Dawn, and
Vicki for all the work that you guys got done with the the budget. I know a lot of folks don't understand. They see what's up here. Um they see this one presentation, they don't understand the work that goes, the long nights, the weekends that go into it. So, thank you,
the three of you, plus all of our department heads for all the work that you guys have done. I know cutting cutting some costs here and there, you know, getting rid of some of the wants and desires that we need within the departments. I mean, when I do my own budgets at work, it's tough enough to to
cut that, but cutting it here is even even worse. But so, thank you all for all the work that you guys done over the last seven or eight months at this point. Um, also, thank you to all the uh dispatchers, right? It's those folks are
always the ones with the calmst voice. They're always the first ones to get the phone call and make sure that our officers, our EMS, and fire get out there in time. So, thank you all and enjoy next week. Also, I just hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter and
Passover with your family and loved ones as well as um good luck to all of our spring athletes. Of course, high school starts. We have all of our spring sports starting within town, little league soccer, lacrosse, and all of that. as
well as any of the activity participants that we have this spring. You know, have a wonderful time and everyone start enjoy the good weather as it as it's coming. Thank you, >> Councilman Giddy has left the deas. Councilman Rosolei,
>> thank you. I'm getting uh back. The police body cam footage is factual and it was as evidence in a court of law and I'm going to go on the record again that she should resign from the from the uh zoning board. Verbally abusing police officers unacceptable. I don't care
where you live and that's a fact. And then secondly, I want to get into uh the residents out there. Um please get engaged. Email your legislators. We have a Jersey City who's crying at their 250 million in the hole. They want $150 million more aid. They're a distressed
city. They have situations in the school board. That money comes from every every municipality in the state. So, please get engaged. Email your legislators to stand up and say no to it. They get enough aid. They get they're a distressed city. Like I said, there they
have all types of uh things with their board of ed. our our board of ed has been suffering with the lack of funding and also throughout the New Jersey suburbs. So, please get engaged and message your legislature with that. With that said, thank you,
>> Councilman Bonstead. >> Thank you. Uh, I'll be quick because it's been a long meeting. So, I just want to thank the administration for the budget and I want to thank you guys for because this is my first one and thank you for answering the millions of questions that I had uh during the process. So, I really appreciate that
and you guys did a wonderful job and that's all I have and thanks. Have a great day, guys. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. Um, first of all, I'd like to say it's pretty comical that people come up here and disparage other people. Um, when when they're the queen of
disparagement, they should look in the mirror. They're constantly spreading good night. They're always spreading falsehoods. They're disparaging people and they're telling lies. But let me tell you a fact. I've been attacked approached in the in the parking lot by the same
individual and on Facebook been attacked on social social media. These people are agitators and agitators. The person she's talking about is a police officer. Yes, there's a body cam that she was very polite as offered the policeman a water. The problem is they don't know
what happened before then. So, it's the heat of a moment, but to make these comments when you don't know the whole story, really that's not good policing if you're a policeman. So, I want I want to go on to something that is really amazing.
I am so overwhelmed with happiness that the young girl from Oldbridge High School that was injured with a spinal injury during a match, a wrestling match that she the doctors didn't think she was going come through. After several
surgery, she is now walking and back to school. She is [applause] a miracle and we are all so overwhelmed with joy that this happened for Angela for for an Andrea um um Maria and it's just it's
just amazing 16 years old and she's come a long way and she's very strong in her constitution and I think that's what got her through this and with all our prayers. So that is amazing. I pray that our that our um astronauts get back to
the United States to um on April 10th safely. Their journey has been amazing if you've been following it and we pray for their safety. And then it is totally amazing to think that our military I have so much respect for them that
rescued two of our servicemen from inside Iran after that plane went down. That was the best thing that could have happened on this on this past weekend on Easter and that just brought so much joy to me also. So, God bless America and
God bless our servicemen. Thank you, >> Council President. Yes, I just want to thank again everyone for all the efforts that go into making these budgets work and to the residents who come up and appreciate, thank you so much. I mean it is it's a big job and there's a lot of
responsibility there and it's taken very seriously. So hopefully we're on to a new year and uh you know in terms of the budget and that all the projects go through and you know I just think it's it's time for us to concentrate on the
positives that are here in town and there's a lot. So everyone have a good evening. Thank you very much. I need a motion to close. >> Move it. I'm sorry. We need a motion to >> second motion. >> I did. Thank you.
>> Council vice president. >> Second by councilmani. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci away from the day still. Councilman Rosie. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg
Bella. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. were at 9:15 p.m.