Good evening and welcome to the January January 27th, 2026 Oldbridge Township Council meeting. Please rise for a pledge of allegiance. Please remain standing for a moment of silence and for our prayer. I pledge algiance to the
flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. As customary in this chamber, we stand 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. A moment of silence. [snorts] Our 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. And grant that we have a good conscience and soul
at peace with thee and with one another. Amen. >> Amen. Please be seated. Wolf. Council President. >> Yes. >> Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama >> here. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Merwin. President >> Councilman Pasciddi >> here. >> Councilman Rosolei >> here. >> Councilman Von Stettton >> here. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell >> here. >> And council president Sohar >> here. >> This meeting is being held in conformance with the open public
meetings act. Notice has been given to the official new 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 held on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 7:30m.
>> Thank you very much. Welcome everyone to the meeting. Um, as far as public hearing H1 >> for our public hearing for the performance guarantee release Oak Tree Plaza, EOM538 Route 34 LLC. Um, there
have been asked to carry to the February 3rd meeting and no further noticing would be required. If I could, Madam President, reason why the attorney for the applicant uh >> was away his his flight was canceled, so he couldn't get back in time for the hearing. >> Okay. >> All right. [clears throat] Thank you
very much. Next will be our bill list. Mr. Depal. >> Bill list as of January 27th, 2026. Accounts payable January 27th, 2026. 15,963,460.54 payroll January 2nd 20261,341,4965
payroll overtime January 2nd 2002617,261.31 [clears throat] payroll January 16th 20261,247,969 $957 and payroll overtime January 16th 2026 $66,1220.
That is all. Madam President, >> thank you. Do we have a breakdown of the overtime Anna, please? >> Yes. Uh for the overtime for the January 2nd payroll. The uptick that you see there is from the December 14th snowstorm. >> Uh I apologize. I do not have the police
breakdown. I forgot to add it to my binder. I'll send that to you via email. Um, and then for the January 16th overtime, uh, we also had an uptick there from the December 27th snowstorm. I think this is going to be a trend this
winter. Um, and then for the January 16th over police overtime, it was $24,297.87. Deduct grants, $4,764.38. deduct ETO $1,988.19 for a total of $17,545.30
and we currently have one officer on injured on duty. Thank you. >> Thank you. Do I have a motion to accept the bill list? >> Second. >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Dealama. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. Councilman Merwin. >> Councilman Pascitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vonstettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belly. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar.
>> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Next will be H1 ordinance fixing the salaries of certain officers and employees of the township of Oldbridge for calendar year 2026.
>> Motion to the public. >> Yes. I need a motion to open to the public. >> Move it. >> Moved by who was Dr. Dr. Greenberg. Belly. Who second? >> Okay. Mr. Asatuli.
Okay. We're now open to the All in favor. >> Any opposed? We're now open to the public for comment on this ordinance only. Anyone from the public wish to be heard on H1? Seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion to close public.
>> Move it. >> Council Councilman Deama, second by Councilman Rosolei. >> All in favor? >> Any opposed? We're now closed to public comment. >> Okay, now I'll go to my left. Is there anyone from council?
>> And how about on the right? Okay. So, see no hands. I'll ask for a motion. >> Move it. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Council but second by Councilman Bonstettton. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Abstain. >> Councilman Peskitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohar.
>> Yes. >> Next will be our consent agenda. I'd like a motion in a second and then I'll go out for separations. Move it. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by councilman Dealama. Councilman Asatulli. Any items
for separation? >> No, thank you. >> Council, >> no thank you. >> Councilman Desai, any items for separation? >> You want to separate Kieran? >> Councilman Merwin and
>> C1 and C2. Okay. Councilman Pasitti. >> No separations. Thank you, >> Councilman Rosie. >> C9. >> C9. Councilman Von Stettton. >> No separations. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell.
>> No separations. Thank you. >> And council president Sohar. >> No, I have not. Thank you. >> Okay. >> So, we'll vote on the balance >> the balance of the consent agenda with the removal of C1, C2, and C9. Roll call. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes.
>> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. Councilman Desai, >> yes. >> Councilman Merwin, >> yes. >> Councilman Pasitti, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Bellai, >> yes.
>> Council President Sohart, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Next will be C1. Councilman Merwin, [snorts] >> turn your microphone. >> Can you turn? Thank you. >> What is this license for? >> The license is for them to run um
car car events at their location. >> It's on. >> It's on a problem with them or what? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Can you reiterate? >> Yes. So, the resolution allows for the annual license for Raceway Park to do a
certain number of like a drag drag racing events, right? >> Some >> they can operate as a race as a as a raceway as a park, right? >> And and then have and have events that are that basically are non-drag races,
right? where like they would have the mutter events uh other type of uh events that might require the uh if it's a large event they have to get the license for for a mass a gathering event those type of things. So so it can operate generally because the the statute I mean
the ordinance requires them to to obtain an annual sort of like an operation permit. This does not um preclude them from coming before us for a uh mask. >> Correct. They would still have to do
that. Correct. Right. They they they work together. >> Each individual. >> Correct. Or event. Yep. >> All right. That's it. Thank you. >> Do I have a motion? [clears throat] >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Pasitti.
>> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. Councilman Desai, >> yes. >> Councilman Merwin, >> yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman Von Staten, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Bellai, >> yes.
>> And Council President Sohar, >> yes. >> Nine yeses. >> Okay. C2, Miss Councilman Marwin. I I I should have removed three and four, but or at least three, but um since we've passed that, this is move.
So, this is just we're we're getting out of the state health benefit package. >> Yes. Correct. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Um so, last year, uh I think midsummer, the state announced a 36 and a half% increase for the uh public
employees come 2026. Uh every May and June we go out to market uh to see if there's cheaper option options but just as good for our um employees and uh we were able to get into a HIF which is a health insurance fund in late October.
Uh we were working with them for the last couple of months and uh made the decision to switch over. We'll see about a 4% decrease. So again, maybe not as much of a decrease as we would have liked, but it's giving us the opportunity to go into something that's a little bit more stable. There's a lot
of uncertainty around the state health benefits in the coming year that uh uh if certain legislations get passed, we could have been locked in it for five years with uncertainty of what increases would be. So uh we were able to get get into this Hif. This Hif is a three-year
uh um contract with a yearly option to opt out. Um, so we will once again go out to market in May and June and see if there's something better out there. Uh, but this, uh, will go into effect April 1st and law requires that we give the state 60 days notice via resolution. So,
this is what this resolution is for. >> Would this prelude us going back if this didn't work out or anything? >> No, it doesn't. >> No. Good. Thank you. >> Okay. Do I have Do I have a motion? >> One second. Anna, you said 4% decrease. I didn't hear you.
>> Sorry. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Move it. >> Moved by Councilman Rosolei. Second by Councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin.
>> Attorney. Do I have I am a retiree. >> Can I vote on it? >> Well, it doesn't affect >> this one. This one we can, right? Okay. Well, it's not unique to you. I [clears throat] mean, the question becomes, you think you could be
objective, right? Because you're not the only >> one. Very good. Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosie, >> yes. >> Councilman Von Staten, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes.
>> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. And thank you Anna for all you do researching and and trying to find us what's good for the you know for the employees beyond good and what's also try to be cost effective. So my hats off to you. Thank you very much for all that
research. >> Okay. Next. >> Yep. All right. So next is discussion. >> C9. I'm sorry. >> I have no questions. Council P wanted to vote on it separately. I have no questions on it. >> Okay. Councilman Rzulli. So, do I you
have no >> No, you can move it. >> Okay. So, you're moving it. >> Yes. >> Moved by Councilman Rzolei. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Second by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pascitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosi. >> No. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes.
>> Eight yeses, one no. >> Okay. Why don't we do the administrative reports and then we'll go on to discussion. Okay. Report of the township clerk. >> I have no report. Council president. >> Report of the township attorney. >> Nothing new to report, Madam President. Thank you. >> Administrative report.
>> Thank you. Um number one public hearing. Tyown Road Park Natural Soccer Field. The township of bridge is seeking seeking funding through the state of New Jersey. Greenacres program for the construction of the Tytown Park Road uh Tytown Road Park natural soccer fields located at 526 Tytown Road in Old
Bridge. The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing to learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plan on February 24, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please visit orbridgeidge.com/pros.
2026 uh curbside Christmas tree collection. The Department of Public Works will be collecting Christmas trees until the end of January. Please, please visit oldbridge.com/recycling for the full schedule. This pickup is for real trees only. Please remove all decorations, tinsel, lights, and
treeands before placing the tree at the curb. And I do have two uh quick additions, really more updates. At our last council meeting, we had a resident um I believe her name was Sabrina, come up and speak about the guardrail at Stratford. Um, so the following day she
sent me an email um, with some additional information and I was able to um, contact the DOT and they were quick in getting back to us um, and put us in touch with their community relations uh, department. They've asked that we send
them over uh, everything that Sabrina had given us, but also uh, a history of that area that has seen accidents in the past. The police department was very quick in getting me all those reports. We sent that over to them. They seem very receptive. Uh they're reviewing the
history of the reports. There are certain gu guidelines and things like that that they have to review to see if it warrants the guard rail there. But I did want to give the residents an update that uh the DOT is working on this. Senator Henry's office is also uh part of this with with our office as well. So
um our township engineer is included in all of this. So that if there's anything we can do to assist in their decision, we will. But I will keep you all posted as we get more information. So I was in contact with the DOT uh even today uh sending them all the police reports that we received. So and then just the one
additional thing um I'd like to take a moment to just thank our police department dispatcher dispatchers, fire and EMS who spent um the storm uh making sure that our community stayed safe. Um, I also would like to thank and acknowledge our public works department as well as our parks crew for all their
hard work for the last 48 hours in counting. Um, this was a tough storm. I don't think we've seen a storm this big probably in 10 years almost to the day. Um, but we um did everything we could. Uh we got a lot of uh compliments from both people that live in Old Bridge and
also people that work in Old Bridge but don't necessarily live here who compared our town to where they live and uh got some really good feedback and I understand that obviously it's not perfect. Uh I did want to ask our public works director to to just come up very briefly um to give you some information
on our operation when it comes to snow plowing. Um so Casey >> [clears throat] >> Hello, council. Um, very impromptu. I have handwritten notes. So, uh, first I would just like to thank the public works staff, uh, parks and recck staff,
police, fire, first aid, dispatchers, um, council and administration, and the residents. Um, this was a tremendous storm. You know, it's it's not the biggest we've ever seen, but like Anna had mentioned, it's the biggest storm we've seen in about 10 years. and everybody played a part to keep the
residents safe in Oldbridge. So, I truly appreciate that. Um, I don't think everybody understands how big Old Bridge is. So, it's 42 square miles, but when when you uh calculate all the roads, that's 172 miles of roadway.
When you do lane miles, that's 344 miles of roadway. And unfortunately, it's not up and down once and you're done. So, uh, it's on average four passes per road per plowing session. So, that's 688
miles of roadway. Um, in this storm, trucks were up and down the roads probably a dozen times, if not more. So, when you calculate the miles, it's a tremendous undertaking. In addition to that, has 167 culde-sacs and 147
deadends. So, it's a really a monumental task. All this work was accomplished by 25 public works employees, seven recreation employees working on the road, and one perdeium uh snowplower who uh works for Old Bridge and utilizes a township truck. In addition to that, we
had 33 outside pieces of equipment and trucks. So, it totals 70 pieces of equipment that cleared the roadways in Old Bridge. And um the township, we we have priorities. your main arteries getting into neighborhoods, Ferry Road,
which is probably the most important in town with the hospital. So, we we work on those roads first, then we branch into the neighborhoods, the the main arteries, then the side streets, and then we finish with the culde-sacs and the dead ends. Um the residents were phenomenal. They moved their cars and, you know, really helped us out. We got a
couple thumbs up, you know, from as we passed by. The kids really en enjoy seeing the big trucks and um you know wi with the amount of snow we got, the amount of personnel that that cleared the streets. We were off yesterday. We were still in a state of emergency
yesterday and um I I don't know if you know I would have risked getting sent to kids to school, but you know, my kids wouldn't be happy to hear that. Um we had a delayed opening this morning. Um we worked with the board of education. we were in constant communication with them and um we we got all the kids you
know safe to school today and uh that's really important to everybody. Um you know I I just can't stress enough how much work was put into you know keeping the town open. We prepare for the 12-in storm just like we do for the 3-in storm. We make sure every piece of
equipment is ready out there. Uh you know we were fortunate we we had an abundance of salt. So we're salting the roadways. We had an additional 400 tons get delivered today. We have a thousand tons on order. So, our salt salt dome will be filled back up for the next storm that they're they're talking
about. And um that's about it. You know, we we constantly work. We're we're always looking for new techniques and um we we try to learn from every storm. We learned a couple things this storm and uh you know, if we need to implement them next time, we will. >> Anybody has any questions, I'll try to
answer them. >> Anybody? >> Perfect. >> Thank you so much, Casey. Um, it's nice to have it in perspective of what you did. Thank you. >> So, that completes your report, Anna? >> Yes. Thank you. >> Does anyone have any questions or
comments for Anna? >> Okay, seeing none, I'll ask for a motion to move her report. >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli, second by um Councilman Asatuli. All in favor? I >> any opposed?
Motion carries. Thank you very much. Okay, next we'll go into discussion. The first one is ordinance discussing chapter 30 section 8 limitations on transfers and issuance of new licenses.
Mr. Pesketti. >> Yeah. Okay. We had this on the uh agenda a few months back uh and in the We had uh Steve Makis go out and survey some
businesses and he came back with uh no no one um expressed um positive or negative. It was kind of neutral. Um [clears throat] the the gist of it is
we're limited by the state on the quantity of liquor licenses we can have in Oldbridgeidge. We're currently at our maximum. Um when this ordinance was um drafted, uh the thought was they didn't want to
have another South Amboy where there was a bar on every corner. So they uh implemented um you know distance dist you know what I mean right? >> Um but what what's happening now is that
when you transfer um a liquor license if some someone comes in and want to open up a business like we just had one um six or eight months ago. uh [clears throat] some folks wanted to open up a Indian restaurant and they bought a liquor
license but they were restricted because it was a packaged goods um store within the restriction. So what I was asking
um the attorney is if we could just remove the restriction So people will be free to transfer their license and not worry about um how far away they are to another establishment.
>> I'll take questions if anybody has questions. >> Does anybody else have any? Anybody on my left have a question? >> I don't have a question. just and I think what what I look at this as folks in the past with an assumption of being
within a certain radius they couldn't open right I think the the Indian restaurant that is that is coming on Ferry Road and and Route 9 is a good example of how the two businesses came together there was mutual agreement of
signoff and we allowed it to go I mean I think I think that's what we should do maybe if you look at it the 2,000 ft is 2,000 ft is pretty far. Um maybe looking to shorten that so it's not 2,000. Maybe we cut it in half to a th00and and put
in there that if a business within x amount of feet is is another liquor store and they have the the right of first refusal and as long as they're okay with that, they sign they sign an agreement or whatever it is and and they're able to do so. But I think a lot
of these folks have bought liquor licenses with an assumption that they have this I don't want to say protection, but protection that someone can't open just directly next door. And I think that if we we just completely throw that out the window, we're
actually going to wind up probably potentially devaluing those liquor licenses. Right. I I actually looked today. There was a liquor license for sale. I think it was 350,000 or $399,000 or something along those lines by allowing folks like that
liquor license may not be as valuable going forward. So I think just allowing another entity to just say, "Hey, I'm okay with it." Just like we did with Vingo and I forget the name of the the restaurant going in where Friendly's was. I mean, I think that's that's a good compromise for all the businesses
that are involved. I mean, like I said, maybe the 2,000 ft we look at it a little bit differently and say it should be, you know, a,000 or 1500, whatever that might be. But I think getting rid of it completely, I think it's I think it does a disservice to the folks that currently have it.
>> Anyone else? >> Yes. The um I mean, we could wind up with liquor stores right next to each other. Um the uh just throwing it out is is not a
good uh thing. But maybe we put in there, you know, a broad C versus a D versus, you know, um because they are different. A liquor store. I don't know why we would have a problem with a liquor store being next to a restaurant,
you know, but uh two bars right next to each other might be a problem. and and you know we want to um and like he says the the value would definitely plummet and uh we have pretty good price on a liquor license in this town so
it's not a bad thing but um we want to be we want to be attracting businesses but somebody that bought a liquor license shame on them if they didn't check you know our our current rules. It's, you know, it's like every time they the
we got we're they're always coming to us to bail them out. They made a deal. Um, it's just like building. I you know, we're always they're always coming to us to bail them out after they've made a deal and and I'm not that. So, it's
mine. Anyone else on the left have something? It's kind of like you make a deal and then kind of like you buy a house, right? And they say you can't build behind it. You bought it and we turn around you can, right? You bought the
house, right? Is that what you're trying to say? Like someone has a liquor license and they under the impression that you can't, no one can get one within 2,000 ft, right? And you want to change that and say you can open it close by. Is that kind of what you're saying? Yeah. I don't know how much that would
go over the people that originally bought it, how they would feel. That would be something for discussion. I think it's my opinion. >> Okay. I'm just going to my thoughts and this is just my thoughts is depending upon the size of the of the
establishment too. Now, if it's a a liquor store, a mom and pop, and then byite comes and puts themselves very close by, it um really unless you're very loyal, it it's going to be difficult for the small business, you
know, to to continue on. They can't compete with a big chain like that. That's my, you know, that's my thoughts on it. Um, I I think like you're saying we can change some of the restrictions, but I do think we still have to keep in mind that there are small a lot of small
businesses in town and that's like their, you know, their bread and butter if we have all these big chains come in that may not be good to be close to each other. So maybe we could think about, you know, some modifications, but I don't know about completely, you know,
eliminating. President, if I could [clears throat] just um some of the practical uh problems with the ordinance, the way it was drafted um is how you measure 2,000 ft. It gets really convoluted. And and
then working with Nicole and and Kate um you know, it's if you read it, you're like, okay, well, you know, you have to cut and do all these things. So one of the suggestions I would say is that it may be when you measure the distance as a crowfly or
something more direct pre present right presently it's I mean it's convoluted and we have to try to you know divine what you know how you get from here to there. The other thing is just the 2,000 ft. Again, I wasn't around when that that happened, but I think the the
genesis is that is um typically you would see stuff like this these type of limitations um based upon distance for uh also for gas stations. It's also not unusual and and courts have have determined that to the extent that there's a reasonable amount of distance
between uh the different types of uses. Uh it's it's a it's permissible and it's a way to another way to control zoning and and how you and how your town develops. And then I would note that one of the paragraphs again talks about distances next to private schools or
churches or synagogues, other places of worship, right? Uh a lot of times you see this with um you know pornography stores that those types of limitations were implemented as well. Um so uh and I think um I know at least there's the
2,000 ft was reported in decision and that involved gas stations had to do with Exxon stations back in the day. So that may be where that came from. I don't know. I mean obviously I was around. So, so, so, so courts have found that these types of spatial restrictions are are okay as long as they're
reasonable. And I and I would think that um based upon the comments, the the thing to think about is you could reduce that and maybe you're comparing apples to apples, right? Like you said, a plenary retail distribution license location with a plenary retail
distribution license location, right? I mean obviously the as uh u [clears throat] was discussed in the last situation we had with um councilman the palm was talking about you know we had a had a basically liquor store with a restaurant
right I mean so the there's somewhat competition because some restaurants can have takeout but it's not the same license so so the thought would be is um if you want to reduce this the the the feat maybe it's linear feet uh and then so and then the way you measure it. And
then also I would I would suggest that um what you may do is license the license versus you know the multiple licenses or multiple licenses. Um but you know the last meeting there is an out and and they could show special
reasons and it worked. Actually we had two hearings right we had actually had two hearings uh and both of them worked the process. Um, so in and of itself, I don't necessarily it's a bad thing, but I think what you could do is you can reduce the uh the length um compare
license to licenses and and I would and I think keeping the um you know proximity to to schools, churches, synagogues, place of worship is probably a good thing. And then there's also provision in here talking about uh the surveillance system being installed. That's paragraph F. You should probably
want to keep that as well. So, so if you're in agreement, maybe if you could take a motion, I can take a crack at amending it and putting in some of those restrictions and then for you guys to take a look at and consider. >> Okay. Is that okay?
>> All right. [clears throat] >> I'll move it. >> Move. >> Move by Councilman Asatuli. Second by Council um Councilman Von Staten. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. Yes. >> Councilman Deal. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. Councilman Merwin,
>> we're voting to have the attorney. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg Bella, >> and Council President Sohar. Nine yeses.
>> Next. >> Next is chapter 42 of the township code nepotism as it refers to elected officials and employees. Mr. Uh, Rosie. >> Thank you, Council President. So, I want to keep it in place for the elected
officials and uh I know Mark, similar to what we discussed, we added for the um spouses and family members and repeal it on the civilian employees along with the police department. I think um civilians are not doing the hiring. The police department, we have testing, we have background checks, we have
psychologicals, they go to the police academy. Whether or not you have a relative that's he or she who is currently on the job as a police officer, they don't go represent their child or relative in a police academy. He or she has to go pass on their own. So to me, this ordinance was put in
place and it really impacted the police department in a negative way. I think we should want to have that legacy hire and in fact I believe we should be incentivizing locals to be hired here. I think there's nothing better than having a a local uh young man or woman being a
cop in this in this town. And so I would like to repeal it for the police and our civilian employees, but we maintain it for the elected officials. >> Anyone wish to be heard on this, Mr. Merwin? >> Yes. [clears throat] Um I I couldn't agree more. Um,
just in in the in the uh amount of time that I've been around, this is just a small list of of families that have represented this town and worked in this town. Just on the police department, the Spanolas, we had three
of them. So, father was a sergeant, the son was a lieutenant, and the daughter was a detective. In Napoli, we had two of them. one was deputy chief and the son the last the son just retired as a lieutenant and to show that it's a
family thing he also had a son in East Brunswick who was a captaini father was a detective the son did a patrolman cabon the father was a lieutenant son was a patrolman he may have gotten a sergeant I'm not sure
and we had two sets of millers not related Um, you had uh Joe Miller who retired as a lieutenant and his two sons retired as betroman or they're about to one is retired, the other's about to retire.
Then he had the other Charlie Miller the senior is the detective and his son just retired as a detective. How his father was a dispatcher. He he's currently a sergeant. The vocurts one was chief the other one was chief.
Moers. We had three of them. The oldest one was a lieutenant retired. The other one was a lieutenant retired and the third one, the youngest one was a captain and he retired. Um Greenway father was a detective. The
son retired as a lieutenant. They all served this community 25 years or better and and they did it with honor. And um and right now this ordinance would prevent this this family uh legend you know
keeping the uh the family and it's listen electricians kids become electricians doctor's kids become doctors you know and police officers kids ought to be able to come become police officers and uh so
that that's it. One else on my left. >> Just um maybe for Anna or the mayor question. All hiring goes through both of you. Correct. >> Yes. >> So
taking this aside the anti-epotism. So would it be obviously something that we need to look at is again just like we talked about with the liquor license. Should the administration and the the mayor sign off on a police officer's
brother or a lieutenant son becoming a police officer? Like since they're they're talking about the police, would that be a fair assessment? Because yes, should they have gotten through the process and they have taken the tests, the the correct psychologicals and all
of that and let's just say one of them came home from the military and qualifies that way. Wouldn't it be advantageous for for you all to make that decision not by ordinance, right? Allow you to make the decision of what's best for this township, right? In the
position you're in is to make the the decisions that would benefit this town most directly, right? So maybe if everything is going through you all like do we need it or do we need it with the
caveat or at the or can be waved at the direction of the administration. >> So when it comes to uh police officer hirings that is uh handled by Mayor Walker she is the the party that signs off on their employment after they go through the whole process that you indicated the interviews with the chief
and all those things. Um, when it comes to the rest of the township employees, um, Mayor Walker and I do do the second interview and ultimately make that final decision and those are signed off by me. Um, I mean, I see what you're saying. The concern I may have is that I might
want to bring up is if this is extended to all departments now, >> you know, the other employees don't have the testing and things like that, right? So, we just need to be, you know, mindful of that for the other departments. Well, which is why I look at it from allowing you all because obviously from
a public safety and police perspective, there are so many restrictions, but there wouldn't be for anything else. And Casey, I don't want to pick on you. I apologize. >> One of Casey's children wanted to be public works. Maybe that's not the best look or maybe that's not the best thing for for the
town, right? Because you you know, a father and and their child. But maybe one of Casey's daughters wants to run the TV studio in the future. Who knows? >> Um, separation of of power there. And
should you all seem that it's that it's deems like, hey, this is the most qualified person for this job that that the administration would allow it, right? Not not totally get rid of it. Just put it in where it's at at the the behest of the administration andor mayor
to sign off on it. I don't think it's a good idea. Um, you can't sit and say the police could have nepotism, but no one else can. Supposing Casey's children wanted to go on to public works. It's not you can't you can't do >> No, I'm not saying that, mayor. I'm
saying that it would we would put the decision making on administration and yourself. So, if you if you felt that there is no conflict, then it wouldn't be anything. Currently, Old Bridge residents get extra points for um when
they want to come on. We have quite a few. We've just hired a bunch of Old Bridge residents. >> Yeah, but this they're they're related to folks. >> Well, you were I there were some kind of Oh, no. I'm about I'm specifically
speaking about like the should a relative, right? Doesn't have to be could be a niece or nephew, right? because as defined in here, if you were to sign off on it and the administration, whomever that administration is signs off on it, then you know, you've already done your due
diligence. I can't sit up here and say what's what's the right hiring tactic for or public works or parks and wrecks or anything else. I'm not looking at resumes, but really putting it on the administration to make that decision. Not abolishing this, just putting caveats in there that the administration
can can make that choice. Can I speak? >> No. Yeah, go ahead. >> So, a couple things. Um, the one the the one thing you have to guard against and actually you know the discussion what happened back in 2018 some things just you know and Mr. Mur
was here Mr. Zulli was here Greenberg was Bellite was here and Mayor Walker was on council and council president Sohart. So I I think the uh to your point uh council you have to guard against um
arbitrariness, right? So so so the given the reason why with respect to the the police department and it's not council uh mayor Walker uniquely it's because it's the mayor because the mayor and our form of
government is the appropriate authority. the appropriate authority ultimately makes the final decision regarding hiring the police department. Uh and then and then with respect to administration that falls under the business administrator again under the Faulner. Um again and look I went back
and looked at the minutes from we had the discussion before. I I think you're if you're going to have a an anti-epism ordinance I think you either have one or you don't. Um just so that because otherwise by definition it's arbitrary, right? So you have some departments that
applies to, some departments that you don't apply to. Um now obviously you go through the interview process. Um you know um there there again there's there's certain things that that you look for and and ultimately you're right. I think any municipality should
be looking to hire the best candidate, right? Uh and consider the recommendations that they have. Um so I I think uh that that's what you I think if you reserve out as um you had you know you're referencing I think it would allow for certain amount of not say even
it's intentionally but arbitrariness right whereas if notwithstanding there being an anti-epotism ordinance that the administration would somehow say what you in this instance it wouldn't apply and then I don't know that that would be fair either to this administration or future administrations. I think it's
it's either you have it. Um, you know, and and recognizing um how it applies or or you don't. Um the concern about carving out certain departments, you know, who makes that decision like why public works versus parks department versus, you know, any
other department. I don't want I don't know how you do that. And I think by definition that becomes um an arbitrary decision making process. Now to the extent that you want to council member Zulli had mentioned about it still being applying to elect officials that's
probably an easier case right where to the extent that someone's an elected official then their relatives would not be able to be hired while they while they you know have public office. Yeah that I think that's an easy decision or easier decision I
should say but you know and going back this was gosh first adopted back in 2014. Uh, so it's been 12 years now, right? I'm getting old. So, [clears throat] um, you know, I guess the question is, were the concerns
that were relevant back then still relevant now? I mean, I don't know. And that's what look at. And then I guess the other question becomes with respect to the police department, has there been a or the township as a whole, has this ordinance, I think the thing to look to
consider, has it prevented the township from hiring qualified um employees? I think that's something that you know, you would all have to consider. Um I mean, you know, like I said, at the time, you know, there was questions back and forth. As a matter of
fact, look, there was actually a vote to form a subcommittee to to change it. It was it passed, but I don't think a subcommittee was ever formed, you know, to take a look at it. So, >> comm I I think we should trust our process. We can't whatever occurred years ago. I
wasn't here. I don't know what went on. Quite frankly, I really don't care. I I live in the present. Just to paint a broad stroke, we have a process in place. We should trust the process. You know, my thing is to repeal it. we're keeping in place for the elected officials because I think everybody would agree elected officials are the ones that tend to get engaged in
nepotism, not the employees, not family members. So that's how that's my stand on this. >> First of all, I'm sorry. Go right ahead. No, it's >> the the police department and and and
the reason the police department is probably the most prominent is that there's a testing procedure. They take it they take a written test, they take a physical test, they take a psychological test, and you know, and then there's a list that's compiled and it's presented.
you know, I think the chief of police and the mayor um and the business administrator um and go from there. Maybe we test for all positions so that
you know no matter whether you're um hiring a truck driver for the for the uh the road department, we have a testing procedure in place. It takes away from the uh
the the you know the nepotism problem. I mean, we've had it where we had a police officer there was his brother was applying for a an administrative position and they told him they couldn't give him the administrative position
because his brother was a police officer. Totally different departments and it just didn't make sense and and that's some of the things that uh we've come across in a year. So, >> all right.
>> Anyone else? No, they are. Okay. Biscetti. Yeah. Um [clears throat] um for the attorney, um does this does this have anything to do with um appointing family members to boards? So let's say my son or my daughter wants to
volunteer on the library board. Uh if this gets enacted, they would be disallowed because they're a relative. So, so again we had discussion current as currently constructed it doesn't apply to appointed positions it's
employment right if in fact if in fact um you wanted to extend it to appointed positions we can do that that's a different issue but the but the other point would be is obviously presently if that were to occur you wouldn't be able to vote right on the appointment
>> yeah that's understood >> so so right now that this Again, this the the the focus of when this was drafted was for employment purposes, >> right? Employees, >> right? Employees. I mean, that's if you look at the the section says employment
prohibitions and it deals with employment and and the relationship with respect to employment, not not with respect to appointments, right? We can extend it to that. >> No, that's that's not my that's not where I'm going. >> But uh so that it's not it's not doesn't
deal with that. This doesn't deal with that situation our current >> right. It only deals with employees. >> Right. >> Thank you. [snorts] >> Yes. First of all, there is a difference between public and private employees as
far as legacy. Um so there are many people follow in their father's footstep whe or um whether it's a son or daughter in the police, the fire department. Um, so I I totally understand that. I just
don't feel unless the chief of police is standing in front of me telling me there's a problem and that this is what he wants and this is what he wants to revisit, I don't see where the issue I have not heard from any other policeman that this is an issue. And so until that
happens, I respect our chief of police um Tom Mantanga very much. chiefanga until he presents that there this is what he is interested in having done and that it's important to him or the department um then that's something
we'll we'll visit then if not I I would wait till that happens >> um Mark one question you said this was in 12 years ago correct >> yes >> okay it hasn't been brought up in 12 years right >> uh no it was brought up back in actually
2018. >> Okay. >> So, I've been on council for two years. Where's this Has anyone brought it up? I haven't seen anything from I don't know. I know Mr. uh Councilman Zeli's bringing it up. Has it been brought up? Has it
been anyone? I haven't heard anything. That's what I'm saying. Cuz if the residents are talking or anyone that needs any help or the police absolutely but nothing's come to my attention and I don't think anyone else anyone over here has come. So where is it coming from?
>> It's coming from me. I don't need to have Roselli. >> Well, you said Rosolei. >> I said Roselli. >> Well, I'm answer question. I don't need a res. >> One second. One second. Well, you had the floor. Give me one second. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. So, go ahead. >> Mo request. Councilman Rosolei to add as
a discussion. >> Councilman Rosie added requested that be added to to the agenda as a discussion. >> It was only for Mark. That's all I'm asking because I haven't heard it personally myself. >> Yes. Have you? >> This is No, this request came from
council member. >> That's all I want to know. That's it. All right. Good. Thank you. >> So, I just want to clarify this. You need proactive. So, taking proactive approach to this is not a good thing. According to you, vice president, you need to be told by the chief of police or a cop
to to for to to make yourself feel comfortable with this. So, I want to hear all the information first. It's not that I'm not considering it. I did not say that. I prefer to hear from the chief of the police what his opinion of
this is and then I gather all the information from more than one source and it may not end there and then I make a decision. Till then, I can't decide to do this. And I would like to also say when this thing of nepotism is coming
on, I'll tell you there will be no one in my family ever applying for a job in Albridge. First of all, but second of all, I do want to know, does this extend to working at the board of ed? Are we going to go that far, too?
>> You can go wherever you want to go. >> Okay. Well, this is what I'm saying. I'm where with it. So, >> so who are you attacking now at the board of ed? >> I'm not attacking anyone. So, who are you referencing to? Why are you bringing the board event to this? No, council president. She's bringing the board of I want to know why you're bringing the
board of ed into this. >> So, >> I don't know why you're so angry. >> I'm not angry. Why are you bringing the board of ed to this? >> I'm saying it's part of the town and I would like to say does it extend to there also? What is the limits? What are the ramifications? What are we doing?
So, if you I would want you to speak as much as you want. >> Right. I don't know why I can't say my opinion. Well, you didn't see there was no issue with putting the mayor's husband on the MUA. That was okay. We found a gray area for that. Now, you bring up the board. >> There's not a gray area.
>> First off, number one, I I'm trying to do a proactive thing for the good of the police department, civilian employees, and the residents. Okay? There's nothing wrong with taking a proactive approach. I don't I don't know never heard that you need to hear from a police chief, a cop, a lieutenant, a captain, a
sergeant, a resident about taking any proactive approach. We should be incentivizing local people to want to come and hire. You don't incentivize if someone is being told he or she can't become a cop because their family members a cop, they're not going to apply for the position.
There's enough there's enough things in place to guard against nepotism. I think you should trust your process that was set up and we move forward with it, not living in the past. >> Can I just answer the question? Actually, as originally drafted, it did
not include the school board. >> Anyone else? >> Well, right. I mean, I think that's ultimately becomes because we don't school board members elected. That's why they're excluded. They have their own jurisdiction really. It's a matter of, you know, the board's
that you can necessarily have some input on. >> We should we should make it all boards now. MUA, board of ed do everything. >> Wanted to speak. Did you Mr. >> No, no. I just, you know, I think there's I think to Vice President Bell's point, she
probably would want to hear from the police chief and folks like that. This has come up. So is it possible can let's table this allow folks the opportunity to have the conversations with whomever they they have and should in the future this needs to come back up it comes back
up as a discussion item and we we discuss it again I think at this point I think there is counterarguments that that probably weigh on both sides but I think to to council vice president's point you know if the precipice is the police department let's have a
conversation with the head of the police department and some of those policemen that are there and see what their thoughts are and their thought process surrounding this. And the one thing I would ask I um and I don't know if we can get this information or not. Is there a way that we could look to see if there were
multitudes of folks applying in the past number of years that are that have been turned away because of that? Like what Mr. Murwin brought up, that's the first I'm hearing about someone being turned away because their brother was a police officer. Is there multiple situations
like that that we should address? >> Not that not that I know of in the last two and a half years or so that I've been in my >> Yeah, I haven't heard anything in my time, but we don't get involved in hiring. >> We did have an employee fired a number
of years ago over the nepotism warnings. >> So, just have to say one thing before we go. One thing, one thing. I have to say one thing. The residents and the people that work here, we need to ask them as well. The taxpayers are everything. They're first, everybody else goes la
second. We need to find out from them what's important to them. I'm not a dictator or an authoritarian. I want to ask questions of what's important to the town. And what's important to them is important to us. And if it's in our scope of work and our power, that's what we do to assist.
>> That's my opinion as a councilman. I haven't heard anything, but if I did, I promise you we'd address it accordingly. That's Thank you. >> I just want to say we have had no shortage of qualified candidates applying for the police department.
>> All right. I think everyone has given their concerns. My concern again is just the communication component with the police department. I think over the last few years since Chief Montagna's already been over that he's been here, we have
really come very far in opening up our line of communication. We can he's accessible. He will come here. He will discuss things with us. We have a I feel we have a good relationship. We don't micromanage. We want to hear. We
respect. And I think that's all. We're not saying no. We're just saying let's let's do this together because right now in this time frame like you said let's not go back because back is back. But right now I really do feel that we are
on a good page with everyone and I want to keep it that way. That's all we want. We want this to work the right way for the right reasons and that's fine. I respect bringing stuff up. That's fine. But let's talk to the, you know, let's get to the source here and let's speak
with them and let them tell us how they're feeling. This way there's no, you know, no undercurrent, no problem. We have really come a very long way. And I don't want to lose that. I really don't. I think we all have good intentions. So let's just let's just try
to get this, you know, done, but in a way that works for everybody, administration included. >> Okay. So, what is your recommendation? >> We want to um wait and have a conversation, table it.
>> Ultimately, that's a council's decision. Uh you know, I think um certainly >> it's obvious we have a lot of >> Right. Correct. More It's all over the place. More information is always better. Um and perhaps to the extent that if somebody wants to formalize some
type of motion regarding um um as as was discussed um the the initial motion could be to to the extent at this point is not to move forward with any amendments but rather uh engage in conversation with uh administrative um
department heads and [clears throat] managers. I don't know that you should just limit to the police department. I know that's the topic of discussion, but since it's going to apply across the board, it may benefit administration and council to know what other department heads think as well because ultimately it affects them.
So, um, [clears throat] >> does anybody want to make a motion to table? >> Second. >> Motion by council vice president Dr. Greenberg. Second by council dama. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. Yes.
Councilman Dealama, >> yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Merwin, >> yes. >> Councilman Pasitti, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman Von Staten, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg Bell. And Council President Sohar,
>> yes. >> Okay. Next will be public comment on [clears throat] any subject matter for a maximum period of three minutes. Motion. Yep. I need a motion to open to the public. >> Second move
>> by Dr. Greenberg Belli, second by Councilman Bonstatton. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Open to public. The p 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 items in the on the consent
agenda. In accordance with NJSA 10 col4-12A and the old 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 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, no addresses. >> Good evening. >> Hi. Um, my name is Lorraine Kelly and um, I
would like to talk to you guys about how to protect Old Bridge residents during these trying times. Based on the chaotic and violent tactics being used by ICE in Minneapolis, I would like to propose that the town council develops a plan to
address a possible ice surge in bridge. We need a plan to ensure that people are safe and if they are taken that they have the ability to speak to lawyers and family members so that plans can be made for children and other people that depend on them. Two people have been killed and numer numerous citizens have
been abducted, abducted and brutalized. People who are in the wrong place at the wrong time have been sprayed with tear gas, pepper spray, and other irritants. This included peaceful protesters, observers, and even people just trying to get home from a basketball game. I
wanted to mention some of the problems ICE has caused in Minneapolis that I am concerned could happen in Old Bridge if we are not prepared. ISIS has broken into homes of citizens without obtaining warrants looking for previous residents, leaving the doors unable to be locked
and people being unable to secure their homes. ISIS abducted people from their homes and cars, leaving children unattended and not allowing the people to call someone to take care of the children. Schools have reported children never picked up because parents were taken and were not given the opportunity
to tell anyone. ICE has stopped drivers in the middle of roads, sometimes smashing their windows, and I actually heard the police chief explaining this, and taking them and leaving their cars and personal items, sometimes including children and pets, in the middle of the road. Many of these
practices are illegal and are creating major time-consuming problems for the local police departments. The number of 911 calls related to these activities has surged, causing problems telling the diff causing problems telling the difference between ICE activities and
crimes and other emergencies. Local police have to clean up the mess that ICE is making, including moving the abandoned cars, cleaning up the glass, taking possession of personal items, restoring traffic, and obtaining care for deserted children and pets. Calls regarding missing people must be investigated because information is not
given about the people that are taken. So they don't know if the person is missing or in ICE custody. I know you're concerned with police overtime and presently this is costing Minneapolis about three million a week in overtime as they have to cancel days off and vacations to cover extra work time. As a
side note, Minneapolis police confiscated 900 guns last year without ever firing a shot. They are appalled at the chaotic and violent tactics of the ICE officers who wear masks, refuse to identify themselves and treat
the residents with complete disrespect and ignore their constitutional rights. Our old police department force is a does a great job in our town. They treat everyone respectfully and they legally carry out their responsibilities and duties. I we need a plan to make sure
that if they come into our town and unlawfully terrorize the residents and cause chaos that we are prepared to require them to follow at your time ma'am obtain warrants and respect residents constitutional rights. Thank you. [applause] Good evening council Nina Joitz.
Tonight, I want to respectfully address a comment made by a council member on the council's role to resoning decisions. It was stated the council does not participate in resoning, but I feel it's important for us to remember on several occasions right here in the council chambers, the council enacted zoning changes. We've seen it with the
old bridge redevelopment plan, the redevelopment of the former Englishtown Raceway Park, Lawrence Harbor redevelopment plan. Most recently, the council even reversed a zoning board adjustment approval for mixed race building on Route 34. While it's true the council doesn't defer most of their
zoning decisions to the zoning board, it would be misleading to say that the council is never involved. In addition, I'd like to ask everyone on the council and the community here for a moment of silence for Renee Good and Alex Perti,
both who tragically lost their lives this month after being fatally shot during demonstrations related to ICE activity in Minnesota. Let's take this time to understand their memory and show respect, equal respect for all those who have been killed.
It's vital that we remember the names and recognize the deep impact that's of the loss that has had on our nation and honoring them is an and acknowledging the injustice. We have reaffirmed the commitment to justice and empathy for all. Today, as everybody may know, marks
International Holocaust Remembrance Day. I personally honor the memory of the nearly 200 members of my family who were murdered by the Nazis. Their story serves as a powerful reminder to the devastating consequences of hatred and intolerance. Let us all stand together
against hate and and intolerance in every form of injustice. As we remember the victims, all the victims of World War II and all wars, let's recommmit all of ourselves to building communities rooted in compassion,
understanding, and peace. Lastly, with Black Month history approaching, I respectfully ask the mayor and the or or the business administrator share any information on the initiatives planned for this town to celebrate and honor the rich history of our community. Thank you
again for allowing me to speak and exercise my First Amendment rights tonight. Thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening. Hi, my name is Rashmi Khan Pa and I sincerely thank you council for
giving me an opportunity to speak here tonight. Uh, I would like to express sorry I would like to express my concerns about the proposed warehouse by HB warehousing LLC in lot 9.
I'm a part of residential community that borders this lot. As I understand this whole area where our homes are built was classified as industrial zone but builder was granted
special permission to build residences in this industrial zone. There are hundreds of families living in this neighborhood now. Good thing that town realized this and correctly reszone this area from industrial [clears throat]
to residential zone which is uh I appreciate that but lot nine which is behind our backyards is still zoned as industrial. I'm asking the council to reszone lot 9
to match surrounding residential zoning. I also noticed this. My backyard is about 40 feet deep touching the lot nine fans. Out of 40t last 25 ft are classified as
conservation area which I am not allowed to use even though it is part of my property and I pay property tax on it. Right? So in reality, I only have about 15 ft of usable backyard space before lot 9
starts. So when I see the map for lot 9, I don't see any area classified as conservation. And lot 9 is much much larger than my property obviously. So this doesn't seem to make any sense
to me at least that in my small property I'm giving up 25 ft for conservation but there is a large industrial lot sitting right behind me has no conservation bordering me. So all I am saying that we
are a community with growing families with young children and senior citizen like me. I request the council to establish meaningful buffers between our homes and lot 9 to prevent industrial expansion into residential
neighborhoods. Thank you for listening to me. Appreciate it. >> Excuse me, sir. Can you just see Linda so that we can get the spelling of your name and and your address? We want to make sure we spell it correctly. >> Sure. Minutes, please. >> Thank you very much. Is there anyone else who wishes to be
heard this evening? >> Uh, hi, my name is Anit Modi and uh I really thank uh Councilman Darren uh regarding uh all councilman should listen to the you know citizen of township as well as the citizen of the resident of this uh tax uh taxpayer I
mean uh city. Uh I have the concern regarding the old bridge water parks redevelopment plan too. Uh I believe this redevelopment plan approved uh I would say maybe a 10 years ago when there was no uh residential you know uh
residential building nearby that you know development. Uh the main issue I'm having it right now is the neighborhood incompatibility. when uh the waterworks redevelopment plan was you know approved by either a zoning member or either a council member
I have no idea about it there was no residential building so yes I mean I'm this is fine yeah you can approve it but now we have a 255 single family homes thousand more plant so that is a clear line of like you know neighborhood
incompatibility uh so what do I need it from the councilman I mean as a councilman council woman you already have a some kind of a right to, you know, criticize the zoning. You can reszone it. You can ask them a question. You can ask them
about all those uh buffering questions. Uh that's what I needed from you. If you can re-evaluate that re redevelopment plan again based on the neighborhood incompatibility that I would appreciate it. And uh uh last week uh not a last
week but few weeks ago, I mean uh uh Councilman Tony mentioned it, right? This is uh someone's personal property and they have a build a you know they have a right to build anything they want it again my only take is I mean they can build anything but you can as you as a
councilman council woman can criticize it and can make sure it like you know it is compatible with the you know township overall master planning it is compatible with the neighborhood that's what my take is. Thank you. Good evening.
>> Good evening. Uh my name is Hollybot. Uh I I live at in Obridge. Um I want to begin with a brief uh story about uh John Wayne and a movie crew. In 1954, a film was shot near St. George, Utah,
about 137 miles downwind of a nuclear test site. Of the 220 casts and crew crew members, 91 or 41% later developed cancer and 46 died. Scientists confirmed these numbers were far beyond normal
expectation. And in 1980, Congress acknowledged that the government knew the risk behind um but failed to uh protect the public. This the film name was The Conqueror. They were later dubbed the forgotten guinea pigs. Uh I
share this because it reminds us why land use decisions matter not just leg uh legally but historically. Government inaction in the face of environmental risk always seems reasonable at the time until it doesn't. Here in Oldbridge we
now face a similar moment of responsibility. Um, after the recent lot line adjustment, um, lot 9 now sits directly besides residential land that this council reszone to R5 in 2024 and next to a
super fund site with 33 capwells. Yet, it remains zoned as industrial warehouse development use. Um, we have contacted the EPA and the NJ and we're told their authority is limited. Uh that
means that responsibility falls squarely on you, the legislative body. Um I want to address a few points that were raised previously. Um some have raised concerns about lawsuits, but New Jersey law is clear. Zoning is is a legislative
function entitled for to deference when based on public welfare and sound planning. Uh reasonable reasonzoning ties to community protection uh is lawful. Um I want al to also uh
reference uh the decorum. Um I agree. Uh but also respect should also matter. Um residents were laughed at due to their accents and the way they spoke uh during the zoning meeting. Um I'm I'm sure you
weren't you weren't in the room so you didn't hear it but those professionals were not conducting themselves via decorum either. Okay. Um, finally, I want to say this respectfully, but honestly, the lack of engagement from the mayor and Senator Owen Henry on this
issue has been disheartening and eye opening. Um, the function of uh their office is to the betterment of Oldbridge. Um, and um, we haven't seen um or heard from them about our concerns
and I hope that changes. Uh I want to emphasize this is not about targeting a property owner. This is about consistency and protecting families. Uh if you wait until harm is harm occurs, uh it will be too late. So please don't let old bridge become another case
study. >> Thank you. >> Could you just leave your your name with our public works director also your name and >> is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard? Good evening. >> Good evening. Um, okay. Three minutes is
I'll try my best because I have a lot to say. But, um, I'm Preston. Um, just in case I don't finish and any of you want to reach out to me after, my email is P R S T. Pengmail.com
and my phone number is +16469398996. Um, don't do this at home. Do not share your info like that. But I I don't care. I'm sorry. Um, I Okay, I I wrote it out. So dear each and every individual in this room and slash dear each and every
individual who's watching. Hello, how are you? Um hope you're well. Um please excuse me if you'd like to excuse me. Maybe I'm like a broken record. Um maybe some individuals are tired of hearing me speak. And if that's the case, that's valid. I respect you and your tiredness.
Genuinely, please excuse me if you like. Um, that being said, I personally believe that not giving up is the right thing to do and continuing to speak up is a right thing to do. And so, I stand here today to say that over 65 days have passed since Mortimer Wartman, a Rucker
student, was last seen, and Mortimer Wartman is still missing. And I I stand here with a suggestion. If each and every individual would approve, including each and every family member, including each and every one of you, and on and on and so on. How about we do
like, I don't know, maybe like a 5K here in Obridgeidge, New Jersey for Mortimer Wartman and his family. Or if not a 5K, maybe like a benefit concert with local artists or I don't know, a paint and sip. I don't know. Um I don't know anything, but um just throwing some
ideas out there. Um, this could be an opportunity not only to raise awareness for an endangered individual and this could be an opportunity not only to support a family. This could be an opportunity for runners and slash or walkers of Oidge to be supported for um
owners and slash or workers of local businesses in Oldridge to be supported. I know that 5K can like help businesses out. So, uh, and yeah, and on and on and so on. Like lots of people could be supported by this, not just Mortimer Wartman and his family. And if wet and
snow are obstacles, then I could an indoor gathering of some sort work. I don't know. I don't know anything for real. Um, sorry. Um, oh yeah, and I'll just use the remainder of my time to just say thank you to each and every one of you. Like each and every one of you
does so much in public, but also behind the scenes. And if um a firefighter is watching, thank you. If a teacher is here in the room, thank you. Thank you police officers. Thank you custodians. Thank you to each and every individual who cleared the snow. Like that that was
so nice of you. And y'all did a great job. Thank you. Thank you food service workers. Um thank you medical workers. Thank you everyone in Oldbridgeidge. Bye all the best. Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard?
Seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion to close public. >> Second motion by Councilman Asatuli, second by Councilman Dealama. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Public comment portion closed. Okay.
>> Now we'll go to council comments, please. >> Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. First of all, to all the residents that spoke today, your voice always matters. Always. Thank you for coming to speak. Good evening, mayor, council,
colleagues, and residents. I want to take a moment tonight to speak to everyone about why we are here and who we serve and what the local government actually does. As council members, our number one priority is who is the people we represent. Our neighbors, our
families, and the residents who put trust in us. Our job is not to go on fishing expeditions or try to find someone guilty of something. That is not who we are. That's not American. Our job is to listen to the residents and deliver
results for the residents. Our priorities are clear and they have not changed. First, fiscal responsibility because every dollar we spend belongs to every dollar we spend belongs to the taxpayer. Second is public safety.
Making our police, fire, and first responders have the tools they to keep to keep our community safe. Third is infrastructure, maintaining our roads, buildings, services, and our services so our town continues to function and grow.
And fourth, keeping taxes low because families in Obridge and seniors are already stretched thin. And finally, listening to our residents and making their lives better when it is within our scope and our authority. That
is our job. When government focuses on these priorities, real things get done. We saw that during the recent snowstorm. Our DPW, emergency services, and town employees worked long, hard hours, often behind
the scenes, to keep the roads clear and keep our residents safe. Ladies and gentlemen, that didn't happen by accident. It happened because of the dedication and teamwork of this administration. And I'm so thankful for you. To everyone who stepped up, thank
you and God bless you. Another powerful example of local government working the way it should. Recently, a family of three, a single mother and her children were facing eviction and the very real possibility of being homeless in this
town. Through our our municipal alliance who I am closely working with now and local resources, we were able to step in, provide assistance, secure housing so that a family was not left without a home.
That is what public local service looks like. We continue to support the things our residents care about. Our animal shelter and pet adoption, new businesses that strengthen our local economy, and initiatives that improve the quality of our life across our town. That is not
about, you know, politics or personal agendas. It's about showing up and listening. listen to the residents and doing it the right and work the right way. That is what our residents expect from us and
that is exactly what I will continue to deliver. That I promise you and I thank you all for speaking tonight. Thank you, >> Councilman De Palama. >> Thank you, Kate. Um, so just a couple
quick things. So, um, obviously a resident spoke on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. So, just I think we all should really take the time to remember the millions that died. Um, and that probably the most horrific part of our history. Um, something that I
think each and every one of us wish that would have never happened and we pray that it'll never happen again. So or shouldn't be I know we we always set aside singular days for these remembrances but these things are items
that we need to look at and think about all the time. The things the atrocities of the past should be looked at learned from so that they do never happen again. Um, on a lighter note, uh, congratulations to High School. And I know Call, I'm stealing some of your
thunder, but I did have this written down. Um, on the GMC Championship wins in wrestling. So, it's the first time in Oldbridge High School history that they won and the first time since 1992 when
Madison Central won that. So, it's been quite a long run with without it. And hopefully this continues a trend um going forward. I know we have a lot of good wrestlers coming up through through the ranks whe you know very young kids. Um my daughter um works the wrestling at
Sandberg so I know that there's a lot of great kids coming up and hopefully we replenish the ranks in the high school. And finally just everyone please stay safe in this weather and also please check on any friends, family or neighbors that may need help in this
time. The weather itself, the snow was bad. This cold is even worse. That I went out yesterday to chop ice and and break up some snow because I get let next to no sun in front of my house. That stuff has just gotten heavier and heavier and icier and icier. So, if you
do see an elderly neighbor or friend or family that is struggling, please make sure that you attempt to get out there and help them if you're able to. Thank you, >> Councilman Desai. My my kudos to the public works
department and all employee. They work tirelessly day and night to clean the 130 plus mile roads of the old bridge. And I think we are not done. We are still expecting another storm this
weekend. And I hope that will be less than current one because I see in my development we have piles of the snow. Snow plow people says there is no place to put the snow.
So one more time it is I congratulate to all the public works department staff who had worked so diligently to clean the road and make citizens life easier to move around in that
neighborhood. Thank you. I wish everybody try to stay safe over the coming weekend. Try not to go and travel in the bad weather. Even today
before I was leaving my home, my daughter's course the roads are icy. So take care. So I would request everyone try to limit your traveling in this bad
weather. Thank you. Good night. Councilman Merwin, >> we can't please everybody. The road department did one hell of a job with the amount of snow that was put down and uh
there's nothing but bad mouthing. They did a great job. Um people have to understand when you have that much snow, the plows are going to keep coming around. They're going to keep putting plow wash into your driveway.
>> Yeah, >> that is just part of the the uh the system. But they did a hell of a job opening up the roads and uh they should be well commended. Matter of fact, give him a raise. And uh that that that is it. Thank you,
Case. You did a hell of a job. Thank you, >> Councilman Pasitti. Yes, I want to thank the residents uh for coming up and speaking. Uh always support your right to speak. Um that's for sure. Uh
the council definitely has the authority to reszone properties. Absolutely. U that's one of our functions. Uh however uh the point I was trying to make last time was that if you have a private property and you go and try to reszone
that private property may be faced with legal action from that property owner. That was the only point I was trying to make. Thank you. Have a good night. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Thank you. Uh just want to remind people
um obviously your freedom of speech but I'm also going to respond to it. New Jersey spent seven over $7 billion on our sanctuary state programs by iconing school districts Obridge one of them to 1996 levels. So there's plenty of money been invested in their sanctuary state
policy by Phil Murphy. And I think also it should be it should also apply to a lot of elected officials throughout New Jersey who are trying to incite violence on officers involved with this. U we're going to come up and bring that up. We've had this conversation before in the past here. You know, we have people
make comments there. People mow our lawns, clean our homes, and watch our children. I mean, if you think it's good to exploit migrant labor, then come up and lecture on how ICE is bad, how the officers are bad. The reality is public
safety comes first. You know, I don't hear anybody protested for Lake and Riley. I I mean, I can go I can go on the list of names. We had uh women that been killed throughout this country by illegals and Rachel Morren, Molly Tibbitz, Lincoln Raleigh, who's the most
recent. So, I think every life does matter. uh we shouldn't be putting party ideology ahead of public safety or identity politics. It's all relevant. It's all about keeping one another safe in the community. But there has been seven over $7 billion why the Ober
school district is not getting funded which increased your taxes. So I think we need priorities on the state level and not inciting violence. With that said, thank you >> Councilman Von Staten. >> Thank you. Uh, first I want to thank
public works, police, dispatch, fire, EMS for getting our roads clear and keeping everyone safe during this uh, challenging storm. Um, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there's a possibility of another storm coming this weekend. Um, I just have a preparation,
be prepared, be safe um, for W six. Uh, some of the develments I ask if you move your cars into your driveways so that the plows can get through easier. Um, I noticed it in a couple of the major roads in there that there were a lot of cars parked in the streets and the plows can't get through fully. So, please uh
consider that um before the storm starts. Um, as I said in the last meeting, I'm going to use my time to recognize the great things happening in our town and the great people that do those things. Uh, I look on social media um where I'm allowed to be, but if there is something you would like me to highlight, please get in touch with me
and I will try to mention it in my comments. Um, I want to thank everyone who filled out surveys for the Tytown soccer field improvement grant application. Uh, Parks and Rex received over 800 surveys. That makes a huge difference and that really means a lot
to the town and I know for the soccer club it really means a lot as well. Um, last weekend I went to the uh South Oldbridge Fire Department's installation of officers dinner. Um, I want to thank them for inviting me and also thank you to the Cheesequake Fire Department for inviting me to their installation of
officers dinner the week before. Um, when they got to the point of the presentation we're talking about members with years of service, I was astounded to hear that one member, one volunteer member has served for 70 years. Uh, that [applause] yeah, that gentleman's name is Joseph Zaf and I want to thank him for his service to our community and for
as many years he has served. Uh, seven years. I I can't even believe that. Um, I also want to congratulate one of our Oldbridge High School students, Dylan Weiss, who last weekend performed in the Central Jersey Music Educators Association Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
concerts. Um, as someone who's a musician myself, that is a huge accomp accomplishment and I wish them the best of luck. Uh, if he auditions for All State, I haven't talked to him, so I'm not sure if he will, but if he does, best of luck to him. Um, I also want to congratulate the High School wrestling
team and also the High School girls indoor track team for winning GMC championships. Uh, best of luck to you guys in sectionals and state championships uh, moving forward. And the last announcement I have is for the um, High School PTSA is looking for donations for their Tricky Tray. Uh,
please email OBHS PTSA tricky tray@gmail.com for more information. Um, just want to close by saying thank you to all the all of you who spoke and um for the residents of W 6. If you guys have any issues, please email or Facebook message me and I will do my
best to either resolve it or get someone that can resolve it. Thanks and be safe. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. First of all, I want to say all life is precious. It's terrible. Good night, NJ.
Sorry to see you go. Anyway, I do want to say all life is precious and it is a tragedy to see anyone get killed, especially when you think of the 12-year-old girl Joshua Larry and when she was killed. You imagine what her
mother lives for the rest of her life. Lake and Riley, Rachel Warren, we can go on. But not only them, all the drugs that were pouring into this country, killing a 100,000 people a year. That's unbelievable. How about all the trafficking of children and human
trafficking? This is just wrong. So, I feel bad for every life that is lost. But not only that, we have to recognize that ICE is not the problem. And if people don't, you're laughing. That's really sad to me because the problem is
this. You just chose to laugh. I did not laugh where you spoke. But the problem is this, that there are people demonizing them when they're doing their job trying to be safe. When you go out and protest in that manner, peaceful
protesting is one thing. Disruption is another thing. But really, this stems from a big problem. Law enforcement should work together. And when local police are told they cannot work with ICE, think of this. If
they arrested someone locally in here in Old Bridge and we had them in our police station, then you can call the federal agents and they could come and get them. Everyone's safe. Even that family of that person
who was in jail is safe. No one has to go to their house. No one has to look at them. the the agents aren't their lives aren't put in risk and our police department is not put in risk, but they are told they cannot work together. That is the most insane thing. That is like
telling the Army they can't work with the Marines and they can't work with the Navy or the Air Force. That is where all this is breaking down. And to demonize people, the reason why they have masks on because they've been doxed, their families are at risk. So, it's all right
for people that are protesting that they aren't peaceful. I've watched them. They aren't peaceful and they're can wear a mask, but people that wanted to are just doing their job working for the federal government. Could you imagine if our police department was doing
investigation and we went there and we tell don't do that, don't do that. So, there are ways to do things, but there are are really sensible ways. And when you're calling also when you mentioned today's the Holocaust remembrance, when you're calling these people Nazis, that
just shows ignorance to me. That is despicable. It is heart- rendering to me knowing what went on in World War II with all the people that were slaughtered there. These people have a choice to go home to their countries of
origin. They when you were there this when they Jewish people they weren't allowed even to leave the country they took their businesses they took their homes and then they slaughtered them okay so it has no comparison with the
Holocaust and when you use that word and call these people Nazis and fascists it just shows your ignorance so please stop even as far as elected officials to say that do you think that is an intelligent igent way to deal with a problem that's
affecting everybody. So, it affects everyone and just as it's been explained financially how it affects everybody. So, no one's talking about in Minnesota the fraud that's gone on there, billions and billions of dollars saying for
falsehoods going on. When you put a population of illegal, it also affects illegal votings. And if you think that's not happening, then you're foolish. I believe in law and order and civil law and order. There has to be a respect for
everybody. And I do not like anyone getting hurt. I don't like anyone putting themselves in harm's way. And unfortunately, this has happened and it's got to stop. But you can't go around calling people that are doing their job that work for the federal
government, the state or local government Nazis when they're doing their job protecting communities. And that is what I have to say about that. And it's unfortunate I didn't even think I'd have to bring it up, but you have to look at everything as a whole.
I just want to say please stay warm and safe. If you see that a neighbor h needs help, please reach out. make sure especially for elderly people or disabled please reach out to them. I want to thank everyone in the town for
all the efforts you're doing. Um I can't imagine when I'm in my house I think of you out there doing what you have to do in this in this weather. Um obviously I care about all the poor animals that are out there. This is unbelievable at this time but um you
know hopefully we're this weekend we're not hit by it too bad. But I just want everyone to take a pause and really think of everything how everything is connected and works together and we can if we all work together we can make this world a beautiful place and that is what
I my dream is for everyone to do instead of demonizing once once another and this demonic behavior has got to stop. So thank you so much and see you in a few next week.
Council Vice President Sohar, >> I forgot one for one other thing I say because because um council von Stanton reminded me we did go to the um fireman installation and can you believe it's 100 years since Cheesequake Firehouse been there. That's another milestone in
this town. So if that's going on for a hundred years, there's a lot of good things that go on in Old Bridge. And that's what I want to concentrate on making Oldbridge better and continue on a good direction. Thank you. >> Let me let me fix that council president so hard. >> I think maybe sometimes it might be
good, you know. >> I just But anyway, at the end of the day again, um, thank you all for coming tonight out in the cold weather to come and tell us how you feel. and it's important and it isn't ignored but sometimes you know we have to
disseminate the information first and hopefully can help you know come to resolution for resident concerns and again we have to keep the dialogue open um I it's it's hard for me because we talk we try to we listen whether you
know you agree disagree we listen and then people walk out on us when we're talking well that doesn't really make it for a positive I don't think that's you know that's positive. I really don't. But at the end of the day, everyone does as they see fit. But thank you again,
everyone from town, administration, right on down, Anna. The hours spent here were unbelievable. And at the end of the day, you really do write by the residents. So, thank you all so much. And everybody just stay safe and warm and and have a good evening. I'd like to
ask motion to close. >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Merwin. Roll call. Councilman Astatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deama. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Nine S's.