Good evening and welcome to the March 17, 2026 Oldbridge Township Council meeting. Please stand for a pledge of allegiance. Please remain standing for a moment of silence and for our prayer. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> As customary in this chamber, we stand for a moment to remember those who are protecting our freedoms both here and
abroad, for our first responders, for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and for everyone who is suffering around the world. A moment of silence. Now a prayer. Mr. Pasitti. >> Dear Lord, bless thy servants in the
ministry of public affairs who serve you in this chamber. Give us quiet minds and hearts that we may hear your voice. Help us to know when to speak, when to be silent. Give us strength to oppose the wrong and uphold the right. Grant that we have a good conscience and soul at
peace with thee, with one another. Amen. >> Amen. Please be seated. Thank you. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli >> here. >> Councilman Deama >> here. >> Councilman Desai >> here. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> 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. Next open public meeting of the township council will be hold held on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Thank you, Kate. Thank you. And everyone, welcome to the meeting. Um,
we're going to begin with proclamations and presentations. Excuse [clears throat] me. International Women's Day proclamation. Mayor, >> good evening. First, I'd like to say I'm very proud that is mostly women run woman mayor, woman business
administrator, woman CFO, head of engineering is a woman, head of planning is a woman, township clerk is a woman, a head of HR is a woman, and our council president's a woman, and our council vice president is a woman. Did I leave anyone out?
>> Manager of our senior center woman. So, we have mostly women red town. That's why the town has run very well. >> Who runs the work? >> I have a proclamation to read. International Women's Day has been celebrated since the early 1900s, a time
period that marked a historical turning point as women around the world began to demand equal rights and opportunities to advance themselves and fully participate in all areas of life. Since the movement began, women around the world have secured the right to vote, sit on
juries, own property, and have broken glass ceilings in many fields. However, not all women enjoy this level of freedom, and the fight for equality continues to this day. Women are critical thinkers, dependable teammates, effective decision makers, and capable leaders who have had much to contribute
to the world. Today we recognize the considerable progress that has been made on the journey of inclusion and equality since International Women's Day was first celebrated 115 years ago and also acknowledge that there is still much progress to be made. The United Nations
first recognized International Women's Day on March 8th, 1975 and we continue to recognize International Women's Day on March 8th each year during Women's History Month. On this day, it is important to acknowledge that there is no history or future without women, and their story and experiences are crucial
to our communities. The township of proud to stand up and recognize the vital role that women play in our world and celebrate women everywhere. Now, therefore, I, Debbie Walker, mayor of Township of the Township Council, county of Middle Sex, state, and New Jersey to hereby proclaim March 8, 2026 as
International Women's Day in the Township of Albridge. And I strongly encourage every residents to be aware of this event and participate suitably in its observance. [applause] >> Okay. Thank you, Mayor Walker. Next will be presentation of recognition plaque to
Candied Ham Softball. Good evening. >> Thank you. Thank you, council. I have a few guests up here with us. We have Matt Mccurio, our director of parks, evacuation and social services.
Kristen Agambiandi, the senior center manager as well as the food bank manager. Leah Marquy, um the administrative assistant at the senior center as well as the food bank coordinator. Um I wanted all of them to be here today as we recognize this special organization um who has done a
lot for our township. And I will give you a little bit of a background on the organization. Uh we do have a plaque for them and I will also uh have them speak to give you a little bit more of what they're looking to to do with us this year. So founded in 2017, the Candied Ham Softball Organization embodies the
spirit of softball, social, and service. Originating from a shared love of the game and the camaraderie it fosters, they have extended over the years to compete in four weekn night divisions and Sundays. Their on the- field achievements have been highlighted by 41 division championships.
[applause] Their journey has evolved beyond the field, transforming into a vibrant men's f community focused on social activities like ball games, golf trips, and barbecues. Some key events are their Yankees opening day event, their Memorial Day barbecue competition, their
annual golf trip, and their curbside tailgate. This unique unique dynamic has fueled their desire to engage with the community through impactful service initiatives. Notable achie a achievements include raising $10,000 for K9 for warriors to support veterans with
service dogs, funding a scoreboard for the Orbridge Little League, and backing the local PBA associations through their golf outings and other events. In 2026, they proudly partnered with the Orbridge Food Bank and several linings at Obridge to provide donations and volunteer
support with upcoming events for our seniors such as the I'm sorry, for the food bank such as the Easter and Thanksgiving food drives, and also for the seniors with a trivia night, a summer barbecue and movie night. And I'm hearing there's also a Yankee game that I'm waiting for an invitation on.
>> I don't want I don't want to take a seat from one of our senior years. It's okay. Um, at Candid Ham, they celebrate the connections made through softball while committing to fellowship and community service. We thank them for their support. [applause] >> Before we um uh present them the plaque,
I would like to invite them to to say a few words. >> Mayor, Anna, Council, thank you so much for having us here today. Um, you know, for us There's some representatives here. There's actually 50 members of the Candidham softball organization and uh
actually three of us here. We met each other um through the league that's run here at at Veterans Park and has been since 2010 when I moved into the area. I didn't know anyone except for my wife who's a a lifetime uh Old Bridge resident. And uh it was a way for me to
make a connection with the community. Uh and I'm a big believer in community. And so what started out as really a softball team and and connection made through competition um which I think is is incredibly valuable for the township to continue to support has really evolved
into something that's much more uh powerful and much more um u impactful to the community. Uh and so we formed our own community and now we're looking for ways to give back. And for us, there's no better way to do that than to engage
with Matt and Kristen and Leah with all the good works that are happening here in Oldbridge to not just give uh monetarily, which we're happy to do. We're we're pretty good fundraisers. Uh but we want to give of our time as well. So, we've got some great events planned with the Silver Linings Group. We're going to help Leah with uh the food
drives for those families that are in need and and give of our time as well. and in that way give back to the community in the way that um the community has given us with the platform to be able to compete at the fields. And I'm I'm I'd be remiss if I didn't say
that. I was incredibly excited to see on the agenda today that there's going to be some money. [laughter] There's going to be some money put back into the fields. Uh because listen, I mean the fields and and the sports programs, obviously it's kids first. uh we
recognize that, but we want everyone to know that there's definitely a place for adult, men's, women's competition here uh in in town, and there's no better way to come together than than to compete and have a good time on the field. So, anyway, thank you so much for having us.
We're we're happy to be uh part of this township and we're happy to find ways to give back. Uh we have a we have a little uh gift. So, my friend Joel here is going to hand out some some hats to uh to the folks. I hope we have enough. If we don't have enough, just take a rain check. We'll we'll make sure we got you one. >> Do you want to tell how you got the
name? >> Yes, I am. >> Sure. So, my So, my business I'm actually in the candy business. Um I work for a candy broker and uh one of uh our other uh team members owned a franchise, Honey Baked Ham. So, when our
groups merged, we came up with Candied Ham. So, that's that's the origin of the group. That's how we came up with it. Yeah. >> I'd like to present you. >> Yeah. [snorts] I'd like to read the plaque. Candied Ham Softball Organization in recognition of your continued support of
the Oldbridge Food Bank and the PBA Local 127 and 127A. Your generosity and community spirit are greatly appreciated. I want to thank you so much for all you do for our community. It's really appreciated. [applause] >> I would just like to highlight on top of
everything they said, they had their first fundraiser of the year at their gala that they held, which was amazing. and they donated us a $3,000 check to the Obridge Food Bank. [applause] >> [applause] [laughter] >> Whatever.
Very nice. Well, thank you very much again for all you do. It's so appreciated. That's why Oldbridge is just such a special town. Um, next will be um approval of minutes resolution approving the reorganization meeting minutes of January 1st, 2026
and the executive session meeting minutes of December 16, 2025 and December 30th, 2025. >> Make a motion. >> Motion by Councilman Pasitti. Second by council vice president Dr. Greenberg
Belli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. Councilman [snorts] Deama, >> yes. >> Councilman Desai, >> yes. >> Councilman Merwin, >> abstain. >> Abstain. Councilman Pascitti, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman von Stettton,
>> abstain. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Bell, >> yes. >> Council President Sohar, >> yes. >> Motion carries. >> Bill list, Mr. Jama. >> Bill list as of March 17, 2026. Accounts payable March 20 March 17, 2026
14,838,370.15. Payroll March 13, 2026 1,271,89.50 and payroll overtime March 13, 2026 $94,33.32. >> Do we have a breakdown, Anna? >> Yes, thank you. The major uptick that you'll see in our overtime for this
payroll uh was the blizzard. Um that all we needed was some 65 degree weather day to really take all that snow a few days later. Um but again, our teams did a great job um working through that blizzard. So that's where you'll see the uptick. And the sworn police overtime
for this payroll was $22,37463. Deduct grants $757.91. deduct ETO $3,6920 for a total of $18,752. Their special events uh for that payroll was also the Blizzard as they were out
in full force as well as their PBA uh mini convention. And I do want to add that we did submit um to the county our re our cost for the 48 hours of the blizzard. Uh the county did meet the threshold that was required um to send
to the state. So, our numbers are at the state. It is it is being submitted to FEMA and we will find out if we'll get reimbursed. Uh just so you know, when we submit our numbers to the county, it includes us. It includes the board of eds uh cost uh fire, EMS, uh all those
entities uh will all send to me and I was uh I sent the number up to to the county to to submit. So, I will keep you posted on those reimbursements. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Do we have a motion? >> Second. Motion by council vice president Dr.
Greenberg Bell. Second by councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pascitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg
Bell. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohart. >> Yes. >> Nine yeses. >> Okay. Next is going to be um second reading ordinances. And I know everyone was here for presentations and anyone who has to leave, which I fully understand having been as busy as you guys were at one time with young ones,
we will not feel put out if you decide to to leave. So by all means, we don't want to, you know, make you feel like, oh my god, I'm here. I have to stay. Only we do. But anyway, first is [laughter] first is H1 ordinance amending chapter 250 of the code of the township of
Oldbridge entitled bridge township land development ordinance by amending 2050-50 entitled accessory buildings and structures. >> Move it. >> Can we get a motion to open to the public first, please?
>> Move it. Moved by Councilman Deama, second by Councilman Vonstettton. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? We're now open to public comment on this item only. >> Okay. Anyone in the audience wish to be
heard on H1. Okay. Seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion to close to public. >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Pasitti. All in favor? >> I. Any opposed? Hearing none. This
portion is closed to the public. >> Okay. Anyone on my left have a question? Anyone on my right? >> Nope. Okay, Mr. Marwin, >> I just was a little confused with the structure on the front lot
on a corner lot. It can be in the front. President and uh I I can chime because I know we talked about this at the planning board. So >> Okay. >> So this this does have to do with um the corner lot. So the corner lots if you have a you have both considered front.
>> So >> yeah that >> side lot is on one side that's considered your front. So because of that um the structures aren't allowed. So what this does is it allows corner lots to have like a shed or or different accessory structures. That's that's
>> Yeah. Sometimes that's a unique thing being on the corner. >> Yep. >> Okay. Any other questions? No, you're good. Okay. >> The only additional thing I would say is that [clears throat] if the structure is greater than six feet, it then has to go
back to the zoning board. >> Makes sense. And that's because of line of sight, things like that. >> You don't want something way bigger than you can't see when you pull out. Okay, that's all we need. Okay. Do I have a motion? >> Move it. Second. >> Okay. >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr.
Greenberg Bell. Second by Councilman Pascitti. Roll call. Councilman Asatulli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deal. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg
Bell. Yes. >> And council president Sohar, >> yes. >> Nine yeses. >> H2. Ordinance establishing the municipal budget appropriations limit and cap bank NJSA 40A col4-45.14
for the calendar year 2026. >> I need a motion to open to public. >> Second. >> Motion by council uh vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Dealama. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing none. This um this
is open to this item only is open to for public comment. Right. >> Anyone in the audience wish to be heard on H2. [snorts] Okay. Seeing no hands, I will ask for a motion to close public. >> Second.
>> Motion by Councilman Acatuli, second by Councilman Giddy. All in favor? I. >> Any opposed? Hearing none. This portion is closed to the public. >> Okay. Anyone on my left for a comment or a question? Anyone on my right? Okay.
Need a motion? >> Move it. Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bella. Second by Councilman Pasitti. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pascitti.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Rosi. >> Yes. Council von Councilman von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bellai. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Nine yeses. >> Ordinance for first reading FR1 ordinance amending chapter 108 of the
code of the township of Oldbridge entitled construction code uniform by amending 108-4 entitled fees. Do I have a motion? Moved by council vice president Dr.
Greenberg. Second by councilman vonettton. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatulli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> No. >> No. Councilman Rosi.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Eight yeses. One no. Public hearing set for April 28th, 2026. >> FR2, 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 of new licenses. >> Move it.
>> Moved by council vice president, Councilman Pas Pasitti, second by Councilman Bonstettton. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Councilman Pasci.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> No. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Eight yeses, one no. Public hearing set for April 7th, 2026.
>> Next will be our consent agenda. I'd like a motion in a second. And then we'll ask for separations. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by councilman acetuli. >> Councilman Acatuli. Any items for separation?
>> No. Thank you. >> Councilman Dealama. >> None. Thank you. Kate. >> Councilman Desai. >> No thanks. >> Councilman Merwin. >> No. >> Councilman Pascitti. >> No separations. Thank you. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> None. Thank you. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> None. Thank you.
>> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> No separations. Thank you. >> And Council President Sohar? >> No. >> Okay. So, we'll do a roll call for the entire consent agenda. >> Councilman Acatuli? >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama? >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai?
>> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin? >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci? >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosi? >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton? >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell? >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar? >> Yes. >> Nine yeses. Can >> I have a point of order on that?
Don't we have to motion and second and then vote? >> No, you brought up a motion to bring it forward. We motioned and seconded. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And then we open it up to anyone who wants to make a separation. Then we vote on the balance, which we had already done a motion in a second.
>> Okay. Sorry. >> No, no, that's okay. No bad questions. It's St. Patrick's Day. You might think I might have had a Irish coffin to, but not yet. Not yet. We will we will, but not yet. Okay. Next. Next is report of the township clerk.
>> I have no report. Council president. >> Okay. Township attorney report. >> No report. >> Okay. Administrative report. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> The annual the annual Middle Sex County paper shred event will be held at the Obridgeidge Municipal Complex on Sunday,
March 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Rain or shine. This event is open to all Middle Sex County residents. No businesses allowed. Visit obridgeidge.com/paper paperhred for more details or call the recycling center at 732-721-5600
extension 6107. Registration for full day summer camp will start next week. For children going into the first and second grade, the Tiny Turtles, registration begins on Tuesday, March 24th at 6 PM. For children going into the third, fourth,
or fifth grade, Great White Sharks, registration begins on Wednesday, March 25th at 6 p.m. And for children going into middle school, registration begins on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m. Registration is online only through Reces. For more information, please
visit oboge.com/fulldays summerramp or call 732-721-5600 extension4999. And I do want to add something. Um, last Wednesday night into Thursday, that would be the 18th into the 19th, we experienced some vandalism and uh in the
form of graffiti and property damage here on on our municipal complex. the township sign on Crell Road by the arena as well as the electric the electronic marquee at Cotrell and 516 were both tagged with graffiti. Uh furthermore,
our animal shelter sign that you see on 516 before um turning into the the parking lot was also damaged uh pretty badly. Police were notified immediately Thursday morning when it was discovered by our public works team and have u
begun their investigation. Anyone who has any information should contact our detective bureau at 732-721-56000 extension 30001. I know there may have been questions why the graffiti was not immediately removed. As you can see, it's a police investigation. They needed to do what
they needed to do, pictures, all those things. Uh but now that we have gone the go-ahhead from them, we will take care of the graffiti and we will work towards getting the animal shelter sign uh replaced. Thank you. >> That's awful. If anybody has any information, please bring it forward. It
would be appreciated. >> Move it. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Dealama. Second by Councilman Pasitti. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing none. The report is accepted. >> Thank you, Anna. 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 council's attention their concerns or comments. This section is open for any topic or item in the consent agenda in accordance with NJSA 10 goal and 4-12A
in the old bridge rules of council. 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 respect the public's time by refraining from any comment until the speaker is 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. Township clerk will regulate the time during the comment portion of our meeting. As you approach the microphone, please state
your name. Do not give your address. And we need a motion to enter into um public comment. >> Second. >> Who moved down there? Moved by Councilman Rosie. Second by Councilman Pasitti. >> [snorts] >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing none. We're now
open to public comment portion. Okay. My name is Deborah Phillip. Over the last few months, Oldbridge residents have seen the same kind of story again and again. A few months ago, there was that ugly incident where a township
appointee went after a local mother speaking about affordable housing and told her she should have used birth control instead of having so many children. Then there was the nepotism concerns over the mayor's husband being
nominated for the MUA. Now we have Miss Tester Verde. After the last incident, the mayor said the township would insist that appointees conduct themselves appropriately, especially when communicating with the public. So,
people have a fair question now. Why does the standard seem to have been suspended for mist? [snorts] Because this is not just about one outburst. It's about a pattern emerging of this government appointing people who seem to
think that these little titles put them above their neighbors as opposed to in service to their neighbors. That is what ties these things together. In one case, an appointee publicly bered a resident.
In this case, an appointee bered a police officer. Either way, it is the same attitude. arrogance, contempt and the sense that basic standards of decency and decorum are for other people. You cannot come up here meeting
after meeting talking about respecting respect for police, respect for public workers and respect for the community and then act like this somehow different. This is somehow different when the person involved is one of your own. As for the idea that there are
three sides to every story, what third side could possibly justify that video clip that is on Facebook as well as on Instagram. Now, as a member of the public, I'd like to know the third side. And I'm sure
everyone here as well would like to know that this isn't a string of bad luck. These are the inevitable effects of a decade of political cronyism. Oldbridge need better appointees, real vetting, and one standard for everyone. Thank
you. Is there anyone else who wishes to be heard this evening? >> Hi, I'm uh Peter Sheerer. I live in Oldbridge over 40 years. Um my basic gripe is part of what she said
is that it seems that there's less seeking skilled people for some of these jobs. In the past few years, I've had, you know, com uh contact with the building inspection with other
businesses around and uh when I had a heating installed, uh there was, you know, a lot of complaint that oh, they're going to have to go to Old Bridge uh you know, maintenance and or code to uh you know, to figure out what
to do. And there was a problem where the job was done perfectly, but instead of just explaining to the guy what how he should fill out the paperwork, they made a whole big thing out of it that he had to go down there. Uh I recently had a problem with my water meter. The
township sent out four people with a big truck. They took the whole day and they finally found where the water valve was instead of just waiting a couple of weeks until the snow melts and then they could have found the valve like in 10 minutes and done it. So four people were
with a big truck were there and then when they finally did find the water valve, they didn't have some kind of a bag that they needed. So here the administration was you know kind of the just the planning of it was like really
poor. Uh you know that's just not that that doesn't happen from good planning and good administration. Thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else in the audience? >> Good evening.
>> Hi Natalie Fisac. My pronouns are she they. Um, I figured I'd give a little reminder of what Patricia Testa Verde has done over the past few years. She should be removed from her appointed position on the Oldbridge zoning board. There are multiple police reports filed
against Patricia for physical assault on city-owned property. Um, in 2025, she threatened to call ICE, uh, a known further belligerent violence on local tree removal contractors because they were temporarily blocking her driveway.
She admitted to assuming the contractors were in the country illegally because they spoke broken English. A neighbor who overheard the incident called OBPD and after arriving to the scene, Patricia tried to intimidate the officers with her connections to Senator
Owen Henry and Anita Greenberg Belly. Uh again, nothing has been done of this. In 2024, during a township approved Pride event, she ripped the mini Pride flags from the ground and threw them out, all while screaming obsidities at
the residents. At a later town council meeting, she went on a transphobic rant in which she condemned Pride flags and hopes transgender people get mental help among other prejudice remarks. Local residents and organized a petition demanding her removal. Yet nothing was
done. In 2020, after an city council meeting, Patricia physically assaulted a resident from behind while on city property. She then spat multiple times on that resident's 16-year-old son, resulting in another police report being
filed. Over her tenure, Padrica Testa Verde's reprehensible and violent behavior has made it clear that she is incapable of conducting herself with dignity. As residents of bridge, do we trust that this person has good intentions for us and the city? Please
remove her from her position. Please, Mayor Walker and city council, step up, do your job, and take care of all residents of Old Bridge. Thank you. Thank you. Is there anyone else who
wishes to be heard this evening? Okay, seeing no hands, I will close public portion. Motion. Motion to close public. Motion by Councilman Asatuli, second by Councilman [clears throat] Von Stettton. All in favor? Any opposed? Public
comment portion is now closed. Now we'll go to council comments. Councilman Satula. >> Yep. So I was going I had a something written. So I want to start with a simple question, right? Is this really what Obridgeidge voted for? Did they vote for people digging through people's
pasts just to get them in trouble? Did they vote for rumors, smears, and attacks not just on individuals but on their families? I've seen it. Did they vote for fake stories and accusations being pushed out before anyone even knows the truth? Because I can tell you right now, that is not what
the people of Old Bridge voted for. The residents of this town voted for low taxes, fiscal responsibility, and safe neighborhoods. It may not make headlines, but it makes people's lives better, and that is my job. They voted for roads that are paved, street lights
that work, parks that are maintained, and a strong education for our children. They voted for a government that actually answers the phone, responds to emails, and helps people when they ask for it. Like, we were just at a budget meeting, and we went over line by line
with the administration, and they were starting on this budget a year before. And what a great job. So, we can spend taxpayers money appropriately. That's kind of what we do. But instead, what we're seeing more and more of politics
driven by revenge, by personal attacks, and attempts to destroy people's reputations. That kind of behavior doesn't help this town at all. Doesn't fix a road. It doesn't lower a tax bill, and it doesn't make our neighborhoods
safer. And let's remember something that used to matter in this country, in this town. People are innocent until proven guilty. We should be dealing in facts and truth, not rumors and accusations meant to take people down. The people of Obridge
deserve better than this. They deserve leaders who focus on serving the community, not settling political scores. They deserve honesty, respect, and leadership that spends its time solving problems instead of creating
them. So when does it stop? The residents of this town don't want this kind of politics and I won't stay silent while it continues. The truth matters and the people of bridge deserve to hear it.
On a more positive note, I just want to say happy St. Patrick's Day. May God continue to look over our troops here and abroad. And tonight in the World Baseball Classic, I want to wish good luck to the USA playing Venezuela and I'm looking
forward to them to bringing the trophy home. Let's go USA. Thank you so much for your time. >> Councilman De Palama, >> thank you. Just a couple things. First, I know we've had issues with JCBL in the past. We've had our JCPL represented
here last week at last council meeting. I'm all about giving kudos where it belongs. And over the past couple of weeks, we've had a a number of power outages throughout town. And JCPNL has actually done a phenomenal job over the past couple outages. We had one in my
neighborhood just yesterday morning. Um we had one this morning on uh Route 516. There was one in Serwood South um last week as well. So there's there has been a lot of bad press about them in the
past and I I think most of the folks up here can can attest that we've all kind of gone at them. I think it's time to give some credit to them because they have responded extremely well over the past uh couple of outages and I just wanted to thank them and for the residents that do experience outages,
please make sure that you report it as soon as possible. The sooner you get it in their system, the sooner they're sending trucks out. um posting it on Facebook should be the second thing you do. Please um get on to the JCPNL site re um to make sure that it's there so
they know about it and then please go about your your business if you want to um post on Facebook to let everybody else know. Um and then also just everybody um happy St. Patrick's Day if you are out and Kenny I'll be done in a minute so we can we can get everybody
moving. Um, if you are out tonight or or over the next week, please be careful driving. Take an Uber. Please do not drink and drive. And also, since our next meeting is not until after Easter, I just wanted to wish everybody a happy Easter. Please enjoy the holiday with your family. Thank you.
>> Councilman Desai >> just I think on February 24 meeting I talk about health insurance. And I don't know what's going on. I didn't get any response from anyone,
not even an attorney. So I'm still waiting for the reply what can be done and how we are going to proceed in next year. Thank you.
Good night to the people of Polish. >> Councilman Merwin. Happy St. Patty's Day everybody. I had multiple color grades on tight. and a little little prayer. May your troubles be less and your blessings be
more and nothing but happiness come through your door. Um the the uh the the regular attorney's not here tonight. So, I was I was going to talk I had I had sent a letter in reference to the
veteran housing and uh I I don't know if he was giving me a little push back or he's not understanding what I'm saying. I think we need to codify what we need to do in reference to h um
veteran housing preference in Oldbridge. Now, I know he keeps telling me that veteran prep and housing doesn't necessarily mean veterans. U that that not necessarily they would get it.
Middletown Township just opened up their veteran housing. 100% [clears throat] veterans. 100%. Matter of fact, it was so 100% it was 100% Middletown residence veteran
preference house. And so there was nobody else coming in and getting and and so I I I think the attorney thinks um what my understanding of the of the law and you know and my research on it is that we can codify what we need to do
as long as we don't supersede the uh state statute. Well that that it's all part of the state statute is is funding. >> Yeah. There's no there's a whole lot of it and but that's I want to make sure
you know we're very good at putting out press releases that hey we're doing veteran housing and we have no veterans in any of that housing and and and that's you know and and according to the attorney it wasn't from
a lack of trying but I think we need to codify it. Um, so you know, when Mark when Mark gets back, we'll I'll I'll go over with them, but it it's it's something that we should be striving for. I, you know, I think there's some
kind of disconnect in it, you know. Um, he had a couple of nice groups that they sent the advertising to, but we have Tunnel the Towers, we have Wounded Warriors, we have, you know, I I reached out to Captain Weiss, retired Captain
Weiss in the police department, who is the VFW statewide U benefit kind of guy. So he, you know, he happened to be in Washington during uh they were going around Congress and and
getting all kinds of support. So he had checked out to a couple other people. He says just give them what what we have and uh they'll get it out. But I think we need to codify it. I don't I don't think it could be willy-nilly. I think this is what they got to do, but not
limited to, you know, I mean, if they got more, then they should do it. And >> can I ask one question? Will you do you I know we we talked about this you and I um did you actually get any of the marketing that they sent in Middletown? >> Well, it's it's I I seen the press
release that it was just two days ago or something they did. >> All right. Good. Cool. All right. >> We'll get that too. >> Um that that's that's just my thing and >> you know >> and if we and if we can then we we just
you know we codify it. All right. >> Thank you. [clears throat] Pasciddi. >> Yes. Happy St. Patrick's Day everybody. Um, Old Bridge is um once again doing
the home improvement program and I want all the residents to know that if you live in Oldbridge, own your own home and your total gross annual income falls below the income limit and the income limit is it's not bad for uh
two people is $98,000. So it's not like you have to be, you know, on the poverty level to uh get this program. There's no cost to apply. Funds are provided as no interest, 0% deferred loan. There's no
monthly payment. Loan is not due payable until the sale or transfer of the title. Um, so if you need repairs in your house, like a roof, heating, electrical, windows, insulation, plumbing, and other
things, you should apply for this. You can go on the old Bridge Township website, and there'll be a link there. And, um, it doesn't cost you to apply. And it's a really good program. I wish to see a lot more people take advantage.
Um, and you can receive up to $20,000 in repair repairs and you don't have to pay it back until you sell your house. >> All right. So, that's all I want to say. Thank you, >> Councilman Rosie. >> Thank you. The council [clears throat]
is also responsible for oversight. I watched the body cam footage number of times and Patty Tester should be removed immediately from the zoning board. Her conduct targeting two members of the Oberish Police Department is unacceptable. It's on video. It's not hearsay. There's no three sides to the
story. It's video footage. It's a police body cam footage. It's evidence. And that evidence should be taken for fact. There's no hearsay there. It's on video. Telling a copy of something running down your father's leg, that's conduct I'm becoming. And if another member of any
other party did it, we wouldn't accept it. I wouldn't. It doesn't matter. You know, I for me there is no politics when involving defending a police officer. I've lived it. I've done it. I had to deal with exactly what went on at that scene and it should be
unacceptable. The fact that we have the council vice president took it upon herself to interject in it is a whole another thing. I'm told while you on the phone with the cop, did he tell you how to run your animal hospital? Because that's what's on the video. That these things should be unacceptable. When politicians get involved in law
enforcement, this is what happens. Let the cops do the job. No member, no elected official should ever interject in a police matter. We're starting to see that all over this country here in New Jersey. We just had another incident outside our county recently. These things should be unacceptable. And I want to get into the nepotism warrants.
I've been trying to repeal the nepotism warrants that prevents a cop's family member, child, DPW's family member trying to get hired here, but yet the police chief who was supposed to come last meeting was stuck in another state. His flight was delayed. We couldn't
afford him the respect to table. It was voted down, but we have a JCPNL representative walk through these doors and all of a sudden it's added to the agenda. He was allowed to speak. And it wasn't added to the agenda by the council. It was added by the mayor. The last time I checked, this is called a
council meeting. Okay. The same respect should have been given to the chief of police. But by the way, council vice president, you didn't speak to the chief because prior to me entering this room, he asked me to table it.
So, let's get that fact right. And I hear a lot of concerns about ICE. Let's hear that brings that brings headlines. How about we keep concerned how our police department's being treated out in the field? Everybody knows how I feel in general. I've had a lot of compliments over the years about my ICE speech. So,
I you know, I I bleed blue. I will always defend the blue, but here tonight, we should start defending our own police department because what went on at that scene was ridiculous and is unacceptable. And like I said, we fired a police captain over an audio tape that was
three years old. This tape hasn't aged and it's not going to continue to age. Well, >> with that said, happy St. Patrick's Day, >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Thank you. Um, I'll be brief. Uh, just want to thank the residents who spoke today. Um, thank you again to the
Candyham softball for all you've done. Um, if you need anything in W six that that's let me know. Um, I want to thank public works. I noticed a lot of potholes around obviously due to the storms and everything and was bringing my son to Sulk. I noticed some
potholes on West Greystone. I was going to email Casey, but I kind of forgot. Um went to go pick them up and they were already filled. So, um I appreciate them being very proactive in getting some of these potholes filled. Uh it's really important and uh happy thank Patrick's
Day to everyone and happy Easter. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. Yes. First of all, freedom of speech. The First Amendment grants the freedom of speech to us all, not just your freedom of speech. And you can't
pick and choose just because you don't like what other people are saying. First of all, it seems there's several words that tri is like a trigger for everyone. And it's very upsetting. But since you're bringing it up about this incident that happened on November 5th,
why now is the first question. But the second question, I'm saying you don't know the whole situation. And to say that I had something to do with it. I'm a council person. If a resident calls me and I said on the phone, I'm at work. I don't know what's going on. I But if
someone calls me, I'm going to take the call. So, second of all, I'm sure the situation, and I spoke to the code department about it, that if a tree company comes to do work at a house and there's neighbors on each side, those neighbors should be notified in case
there's damage to their property, the tree falls on, damage to their property. And also, and I'm sure you would not be calm if your driveway was blocked for over 50 minutes. You gave the time people time to take it off and they weren't there. So, it was a heat of the
moment situation. Not only that, they damaged their property and they had their equipment on their property. So, let's be civil. Calm down and take a step back and see what you would have done in that situation. This was going on for a long time. It wasn't just two
minutes. So, this is why you have to get the whole story to begin with. Then as far as the incident I you're saying instance people can make reports that aren't true and being a police officer you should know that there are reports about police officer all the time that
aren't true. So unless you get both sides of the story and from all the people involved you really don't know what's going on. And for those who have mean things to say they say it all the time on Facebook. I don't Facebook. There's been things said about me all
the time. And I'll tell you the truth, it's okay. I don't care. You know what? I have a lot to do in my life. First of all, my job, my profession, the things that I am that I'm dedicated and committed to in the town and my family. So, you can keep on talking, saying
whatever you want to say about me, it really doesn't matter. I just have to do what's right for everyone when I'm in this position. And that's what I try to do. So if you get unhinged when you see certain terms, I would say to think of yourself, maybe take yoga, maybe learn
to meditate, go for a walk in the woods. This is just ridiculous to get unhinged like this when people say certain things that you don't know anything about the situation. So that's what I'll say about that. Then I guess also I did want to say about the state.
So you talk about cost of living. Just so if everyone doesn't know, this last budget by the new governor is now over $60 billion. $60 billion. Is everyone's life get better here with all that? No. It's
terrible. What are they doing with the money at the state level? I've talked about it multiple times. They get money from lottery, online gambling now, um cannabis. It's just it's just and every gallon of gas that you buy is 50 cents but over 60
billions. So you imagine in the past eight years when from before Murphy 36 billion was the budget to now over $60 billion. So when people complain about taxes you you have to understand why where that money is going. I don't know.
So I would say on St. Patrick's Day I advise everyone to calm down enjoy the day. May you hear the sound of laughter. May you know the love of friends and family and may you share the joy of living and may your blessings never end.
Happy St. Bacher's Day everybody. >> Council President Mary Sohar. >> Point of order. I'm respond to that because I didn't mention any about any police report. I strictly mentioned to the video. So once again we're putting a spin on words. And if you watch the video, she was notified. She claimed she was
notified the night before about the tree removal. So I just want to I want to clarify that I my comments were based on the video. I didn't say anything about any police reporting about police incident. >> Well, I could speak if I'm going to be direct. My words are going to be twisted. I'm responding to it. >> Oh, yeah. You twisted my words. >> Whatever. >> Well, you guys.
>> Sure. I did. I watch the audio. It's on a audio video. Enjoy it. >> Let's just Okay. >> You'd remain calm if it was on your >> Enough enough. Okay. With with with this, I'm going to just wish everyone a
very happy St. Patrick's Day. Happy St. Joseph, by the way, too, and all the holidays that are coming up, Passover, Easter, etc. The end of the day, hopefully everyone enjoys their their holidays the way they they uh practice.
Have a good night. >> Motion to close. >> Motion to adjourn. Dr. Dr. Anita Greenberg, Bellai, second by Councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilman Asat. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Merwin. Councilman Pasitti.
>> Yes. Councilman Ros. >> Yes. >> Councilman Bonete. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg. Belly. >> Matt. >> Council President. >> Council Vice President. >> Yes. >> Yes. Council President. Motion to adjourn at 8:26 p.m.