Good evening and welcome to the January 13, 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 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 to remember those who are protecting our freedoms both here and abroad. for our
first responders, for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice this evening, for everyone suffering around the world. A moment of silence. Our prayer, Mr. Pascetti. 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, soul at peace with thee and with one another.
Amen. >> Amen. Everyone, please be seated. >> Roll call. Council president, >> please. >> Councilman Acatuli, >> present. >> Councilman De Palama, >> here. >> Councilman Desai >> here. >> Councilman Merwin.
>> Councilman Pascetti, >> present. Councilman Rosolei >> here, >> Councilman Von Stettton >> here. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli >> here. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Okay. 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. Has been posted in public places. Next open public meeting of the township council will be held on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
>> Okay. Thank you very much. Um, we are waiting for the attorney. He should be here momentarily. Correct, Kate? >> Yes. Sometimes. >> Yes. >> Well, 516 is a long We're on 516. 516 is kind of long, but anyway, we are waiting for our attorney. So, hopefully he will
be here momentarily. All right. Well, what we can do is we can do the bill list while we're waiting. So, Eric, would you like to please do the bill list? >> Accounts payable January 13, 2026.
1,603,7418. That is all. >> Okay. >> No over. No overtime. >> No over time. >> Okay. I'm just because usually we get a break. >> That's all that Hannah. Okay. Do I have a motion?
>> Okay. >> Get to the voices. >> Yes. Deal. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai, >> yes. >> Councilman Merwin, >> yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman Vonstettton, >> yes.
>> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell, >> yes. >> And council president Sohar, >> yes. >> Nine yeses. >> Ordinance is He's not here. >> All right. So then we'll proceed. Um we are moving around a bit. We're waiting
for our attorney to be present for certain items on the um on the agenda which need to have legal advice here. So, we will be moving this around a bit just to He should be here any minute. So, we're going to move on to our
consent agenda. And I will ask for a motion and a second. And then I will ask for separations. >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. Green Belli. Second by Councilman Asatuli. Councilman Asatuli.
>> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm giving the wrong person here. Second, Councilman Vonstettton. Um, Councilman Asatuli, any items for separation? >> No, thank you. >> Councilman De Palama, >> no, thank you. >> Councilman Desai,
>> Councilman Mwin, >> Councilman Pasitti, >> no separations, thank you. >> Councilman Rosolei, >> no, thank you. >> Councilman Von Stettton, >> no. Thank you. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg Bell, >> no separations, thank you. and Council President Sohar. >> No, I'm good. Thank you.
>> Roll call on the full consent agenda. >> Slowly. >> Yep. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Vonstettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. Council President Sova, >> yes. >> Nine yeses. So, we'll have Anna do our administrative report. Good evening,
Anna. Thank you. Number one, public hearing, Tytown Road Park Natural Soccer Field. The Township of Old Bridge is seeking funding through the state of New Jersey granny green acres program for the construction of the Tytown Road Park Natural Soccer Fields located at 526
Tytown Road in Old Bridge, New Jersey. The public is encouraged to attend a public hearing and learn more about the proposal and to ask questions or provide comments on the proposed plans at the February 3rd council meeting at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please visit
orbridgeidge.com/projects. Obridge Township submitted an application in March 2025 requesting funding for the NJ DOT fiscal year 2026 transportation alternative set aside program in the amount amount of $955,619.17
for guide park pedestrian safety improvements. The proposed improvements consist of the construction of pedestrian bridge, concrete sidewalk, concrete curbing, decorative lighting, landscaping, slight road, slight roadway reconstruction, and storm water storm
water facilities along the Ge Park Drive directly off Meowan Road, County Route 516. In December of 25, the township received notification from NJ DOT of a grant award in the amount of $628,000 for the construction of the proposed
improvements. Contract design work will begin in summer of 26. NJ DOT is currently in the construction phase for their project entitled Route 9 Rockorn Lane Tashdown Road to Poor Farm Road, which includes construction of ADA
pedestrian accessibility, traffic signals, beam, guardrail, and drainage improvements. A midblock pedestrian traffic signal is currently under construction at the New Jersey on the New Jersey State Highway Route 9 adjacent to its intersection with Phillips Drive and Ellers's Lane. The
pedestrian traffic signal will only be actuated when the push button has been activated by a pedestrian. The pedestrian traffic signal will be completed and operational by July of 26. The John Piccolo Ice Arena is open to the public until March 29, 2026. For
more information and for the full open skating schedule, please over visitbridgeidge.com/recreation or call 732-721-5600 extension499. The Department of Public Works will be collecting Christmas trees all month
long. Please visit oage.comrecycling for the full schedule. As a reminder, this pickup is for real trees only. Artificial trees can be thrown in the garbage. Please remove all decorations, tinsel, lights, and tree stands before placing the tree at the curb. And I do
have just one quick thing. I would like to recognize that January 9th was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. So, I would like to take a moment and thank our police department, Chief Montagna, all of our captains, sergeants, lieutenants, everybody patrol, um, for the outstanding work
that they do to keep our town safe. So, um, we appreciate you guys, not only on January 9th, but every day. So, thank you very much. And this concludes my report. >> Hey, does anyone have any comments or questions for Anna?
Okay. I do want to mention this the soccer fields. I believe Carl you had more information too. You wanted to talk about a little bit with this. >> Yeah, I'll talk about >> Okay. Very good. It's important that everyone please try to participate. We could really use the improvements and
looking, you know, hopefully for some grant money is the best way for us. So, please look into this and and see if you can attend or you can make some comments. It would be great. I need a motion to >> council president. I'm sorry. Uh I did want to add actually you just reminded
me if you're not able to attend in person but would like to uh help us get this grant funding if you go to brbridge.com/recreation or find us on Facebook at all.com uh Facebook I believe um you will see our survey
there. So if you take our survey it's good to get public comments. Um, Greenacres likes a lot of the projects that we've done in town, but one of the big things they are pushing last year and this year for their funding is more uh public commenting on the projects that we are presenting. So, it would be
super helpful if you're not able to attend in person to just go online and take the survey for us and provide us that that feedback. So, >> yeah, that's great to support. This would be great for the kids. It really would be. So, do I have a motion to accept her report? >> Move it. Second. >> Okay.
>> Move. Moved by uh >> second >> Councilman Pasciddi, second by somebody second down here, >> Councilman Asatuli. All in favor? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Just for the record, our township attorney, Mark Garcelli, just walked in at 7:42 p.m. >> He blames the clerk for him being late. >> We'll be docking his pay. >> Okay. We're back back to the body of the
meeting. Okay. Welcome attorney. Okay. Uh next will be appointment resolution appointing a member to the Oldbridge uh housing authority unexpired term. Dates are January 13, 2026
till May 31st, 2026. I'd >> like to nominate Michael Gassi. >> Any other nominations? Hearing none. Roll call. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deama.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belly. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohar.
>> Yes. >> Nine yeses. Public hearing H1 Performance Guarantee release Oak Tree Plaza EOM538 Route 34 LLC block 11252.14
lot 21.11 application number 39-18Z Good evening Mrs. Shapiro I should have that memorized Thank you, council. Wow, I'm like sitting on the floor. Um, there was
there was a couple of times that I have been up here for this application. Uh, you know, I'm here uh with nobody next to me on either side and that's a telltale sign. Um, they're just not ready yet. Um there Councilman Asatullia, myself, Fred Kish, our assistant township engineer, and the
applicants representative um and uh the current property owners um met outside for a second time on Friday, January 9th, and uh we still didn't see any action out there. So, there was some action. It wasn't what we were looking
for. We gave them additional detail. We had met with their landscaper out there just to give them what we're looking for. And uh we are hoping that we can conclude this at the January 27th council meeting. Um so with that I ask that you table it and I believe we're
going to do it without further notice. >> Yeah, if I could um members of council, Madam President, so we are in Nicole, myself as well is in communication with the various stakeholders. I think uh one thing that we wanted to make sure was that you know there's the issue of this the walk the fall winter cleanup and as
Nicole had said that the prior owner if you recall when he first came here for the bond release had agreed to undertake that um and so then there was you know some weather issues but that being said there was some work done uh Nicole advised them that it wasn't sufficient
uh they we advised them that they have to do additional work with respect to that they've agreed to do that um in the same in the same token And um Nicole also had um addressed and spoken with the current owner regarding all the items that they
will be responsible for as the new owner um and had communications with the owner and the owner's rep and the lands their landscaper as well I believe right she was on site >> the landscape on site right >> so again my suggestion recommendation would be that we continue the uh hearing
release until the January 27 2026 meeting. Um, and without any further notice and council for the applicant has consented to sing. >> Thank you. Is there anyone who has a comment or a question about this?
>> Mr. Absolutely. >> Nicole, thank you. We did go out a few times and it just looked like the last time we were almost there. It's like she was like like okay like what happened right? It was like almost the same. I'm like that's probably why they're not here. Thank you so much. And you did a great You and Fred, great job.
>> I mean it sincerely. Thank you so much. I appreciate you. Yep. >> Okay. Very good. Well, thank you Nicole and Fred as well and all of you for for really following up on this. I think it's very important to the residents that they realize we are here for you and we will support and make sure that
we can do the best we can with this, you know, and and follow through. the season makes it a little more difficult, but um I really do appreciate all the time and consideration and I think the residents do as well. So, thank you very much. Okay, so it will be adjourned and when
is it going to be? >> January January 27th, 2026 council meeting. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay, >> next will be ordinances for first
reading. F FR1 ordinance adopting the Englishtown Raceway Park redevelopment plan and amending the township zoning map. Do I have a motion? >> Move it.
>> Roll call. >> Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. Yes. >> Councilman Von Sten. >> Yes.
>> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Um Vina, we're good for January 27th for the second reading. So public hearing set for January 27th, 2026.
FR2 ordinance amending chapter 250 of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled Oldbridge Township land development ordinance by amending 250-50 entitled accessory buildings and
structures to okay >> moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg. Belly. Second. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Pasitti. Roll call. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deama. >> Oh, no. It's first reading.
>> It's first reading. >> There's no backup in your >> There's a There's an ordinance. >> Oh, >> yeah. There's an or there's the ordinance was attached in PE. Do you don't have Okay. Okay. >> It's actually a benefit for the
residents. It's a benefit for res >> taking away restrictions. >> Absolutely. So, we have to set the public hearing for February 3rd. Is that good? >> Okay. >> That's what I thought.
>> Yes. So, so, uh, the last ordinance we adopted, we set the public hearing for January 27th, but the planning board will not meet before that. So, we're going to make that public hearing February 3rd, 2027 or 2026.
>> Okay. >> So, so now >> Councilman Desai, >> Councilman Merwin, >> yes. >> Councilman Pasitti, >> yes. Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Bonstettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes.
>> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> This public hearing will will also be set for February 3rd, 2026. And that's nine yeses. >> Because of the planning board, correct? Yes. >> Okay. Next is FR4. Mr. Merwin, do you have that one? >> Okay. Ordinance fixing the salaries of
certain officers and employees of the township of Oldbridge. Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. You're right. FR3. Ordinance amending chapter 250. No, we just did that. Okay. 250, right? >> 250 of the code of the township of Old Bridge entitled Old Brbridge Township
Land Development Ordinance by amending 250-49 entitled application of yard regulations. This is a tough group. >> Move it. >> Motion. >> Who motioned? Councilman Pasoo here.
Second. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Asetuli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosi. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Nine yeses. Public hearing set for February 3rd, 2026. >> Okay. FR4. Ordinance fixing the salaries of certain officers and employees of the
township of Oldbridge for calendar year 2026. >> Move it. >> Yes, sir. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. Was that you? Councilman Pasitti. >> Okay. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deama.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. Councilman von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohart. >> Yes.
>> Nine yeses. This one does not go to the planning board. So public hearing is set for January 27th, 2026. >> Okay. Since number eight, we already did the administrative report. Can we do the report of the township clerk? >> I have no report.
>> Okay. And report of the township attorney. >> Um, no. Nothing to the report, Madam President. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. So, next will be our discussion item. Proposed ordinance restricting appointment of governing body members and mayor and
family members to Oldbridge Municipal Utility Authority. Ordinance amending chapter 5, article 17 of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled municipal
utilities authority and specifically 5-129 entitled establishment composition membership and this was Mr. Rosolei correct? >> Yes. Thank you, Council President. I I
think it's self-explanatory based upon our the ruling of the last meeting in regards to the nepotism ordinance and recommendations by the attorney that it's a conflict to have council members on the MUA. >> Well,
can I get you? Yeah. Yeah. Well, I didn't I didn't indicate there was it was a conflict. It just it raises questions. So, if I could um you know, so after Council Member Rosie asked me to draft it the last meeting, which I did, and um I went back and looked at
some of my old memos, it looks like we actually had this discussion back in 2018, it appears, uh because we had the the issue. And uh just before we begin, I just want to start off that that um the municipal utility authority uh is governed by a different set of statutes
than uh than the uh than the township. Uh municipal municipal authorities are governed by the municipal and county uh authorities law which is found at NJSA 401 14B one at SEAC. And um
interestingly enough uh under that particular provision and that statute there's a there's a section 4014b15 talks about members and employees not to be financially interested in the system and um and reading through it. It
specifically states that um I'll read it. No member, officer or employee of a municipal authority shall have or require any interest direct or indirect in the utility system or in any property included or plan to be included in the utility system and any contract or
proposed uh contract for materials or services to be furnished to or used by the municipal authority. This is the relevant part. But neither the holding of any office or employment in the government of any county or municipality or any law of the
state nor the owning of any property within the state shall be deemed a disqualification for membership in or employment by a municipal authority and members of the governing body of a local unit may be appointed by such governing
bo body and may serve as members of a municipal authority. So again, it's per it's not mandatory. It's permissive. Uh so obviously it allows for governing body members before we get to discussion. I thought it was important that I bring to council's attention. It
allows for governing body members to be appointed by the governing body uh to serve as members of the municipal authority. Um so with that caveat I just wanted to have that uh out there um
uh out there and also it's interesting where it says that in addition to governing body members it says neither the holding uh where did I say that um uh holding of office of any office in the government uh of any municipality
um within the state is should be deemed a disqualify ification for membership uh in the uh or employment by a municipal authority. So conceivably um that would could include the mayor uh because the the mayor and m municipality is holding
elected office and could could include any other elected official potentially. So um again it's it's it's permissive. It's not mandatory. It's permissive. Uh but just so we're we're clear, the fact that council members sit on the
authority in and of itself is permitted by the statute and same would be uh if again if apparently if someone were to appoint the mayor. I'm recommending it. I'm just staying with the lawless. Though I do understand that in prior in
prior years in fact the former mayors have sat on the MUA as well as council members. So, um, but again, I think we we talked about this back in 2018 because I found a memorandum on the issue. Uh, and again, uh, Councilman Rosolei had asked to bring it up again.
>> Is that your your conclude your concluding? >> Yes. Yep. >> Okay. All right. So, I will start on my left. Does anyone have a comment to add to this discussion? Anybody on my left have a comment or a
>> Okay. Nobody >> no comments on the left. >> Okay. >> All right. And how about on my right, Mr. Pasetti? >> Yeah. I would like uh to know uh from
the lawyer um what if we um considered only having one council member on the >> again I you know so the the enabling authority the statute that deals with
the municipal utilities authority is again that's set that's the table so to speak right and then there's also another provision that states that it's the governing body of the municipality who appoints the membership. Right? So that's that's a different section.
That's 14B-4. And then and as part of that, obviously, you you had to enact an ordinance, which Old Bridge did back in the day, that that specifies that. So again, it's it's it's permissive. Uh and you can always have things that are more restrictive as a a governing body as
long as there language that that's in the statute that says that you can't be more restrictive. And there's no language in the statute that says that. >> Okay? because I remember in the past um at one time there was four council members on the MUA.
>> That was going way back, right? Different administration. But anyway, um so we could we could enact an ordinance saying that we would only allow one council member
uh to be appointed to the MUA. You could Okay. So what is your pleasure? >> I mean we now everyone has discussed right? >> Well how many how many members are on the MUA now?
>> Right. Presently there's there are two council members that didn't MUA. >> Three. >> Okay. Two. >> There's two. >> Two. >> Two. Right. >> There's two. >> The draft that I had again based on our conversation, you know, it applied uh to council, mayor, and then their family
members. But obviously, uh what it did was also it allowed current members to finish out their term, you know, so it wouldn't apply to them. It would only or and members who had been appointed it would basically be applied prospectively so that those who were appointed and
those who are sitting could finish out their term. >> Again, I I just drafted I came up with a draft based upon the discussion that we had had at at reorg. >> So, Councilman Rosie, would you consider resigning from the MUA? So we only have one member.
>> Well, how about why don't Anita Greenberg resign? You want to play this game of one? Okay. So, let me get you all honored. So, you have a nepatism ordinance that restricts people from being hired in this town. A cop's child cannot be hired as a policeman here in this town. But yet, you all sit here clap law enforcement. Now, you're going
to sit here, you're going to preach to me. How about no, council people? >> I voted no for that. >> The c the attorney said it it doesn't look good. Okay. So, you go from one from zero to one now and you selectively call me out. You should look in a mirror before you want to preach about ethics.
>> I voted no on that ordinance. By the way, >> that's all well and good. The reality is we have a nepotism ordinance in place and we're being we're selectively enforcing it. Okay. Okay. The lawyer gave his opinion. That's fine. But here's my opinion of the matter. We have people in this town, young men and
women, a a profession of a 100red years plus of honor tradition legacy hires. But in Old Bridge, New Jersey, a relatives cannot be hired as a policeman here. So now we're going to get into some matters. Oh, Mark Volei, would you resign? How about we have zero council
people there? The attorney said it it doesn't look good. Based upon that statement, I said, you know what? You're right, Mark. We'll have we'll do an ordinance where there's no council members on here. How conveniently you want to come and point at me. I was appointed not as a council member, as a
civilian. So, let's let's just clarify that. And like I said, we have a nepotism ordinance in place, but we're selectively enforcing it. >> I don't think there's any nepotism issue here. I don't know what
>> the nepotism ordinance is. We did we just put the mayor's husband on the MUA. So, it's a conflict of interest for me to be on air, but not the mayor's husband. Like, they don't have a conversation. after after executive sessions or whatnot. >> Like I said, I'm willing to come off. How about we both resign and we put we
put two people on there. Don't just say me resign. >> That was your idea. >> It was the attorney said it doesn't look good and based upon that, that's what I put the ordinance up for. >> Wasn't it was it was the concern was uh
the that Again, the statute allows for it, but there are times where there may be issues that confront the municipality and the MUA that are at odds. So, you know, that has happened and there would probably have to be recusals. Uh, but again, the statute allows for it. Um, so
the state statute, but and I just want to address the the nepotism well as as as well. And again there was we had discussion about that but if you review our anti- neepotism uh ordinance it it is does deal with employment uh not not
appointed positions and and one thing that's clear when you look at the um utilities authority laws they make a clear distinction between members of the MUA which would be you know non-employees and employees there's a
clear distinction again if you because if you look at the section of Ordinance uh statutes 40 colon 14b 15 16 17 18 you know they they clearly talk about members in in the utility authority and then 18 again talks a clear distinction
about uh pointing members to the utility authority and then the authority employing employees. So I know that Mr. Mwin had raised it at at the reorg meeting saying well aren't they an employee? No, the law doesn't support
that. The law, the utilities law clearly distinguishes between a member and an employee and they're not considered employees under the law. Our our township's anti-epotism law clearly when you read it and I've read it over and over again and as a matter of fact I
drafted it uh deals the idea was it had to do with employment. There's no provision in there that deals with appointments uh to to authorities. It talks about, you know, trying to employment uh uh opportunities for
employees and clearly uh the mayor's husband is not an employee of the MUA and he and he won't be gaining employment. And when you review it, if you review each section, uh, you'll see where the anti-peptism provisions doesn't apply either to the council members being appointed or or
again the mayor's husbands being appointed. Because if in fact a statute allows for elected officials in the state, which necessarily could include the mayor and then or council members, then you know the question is well clearly then if the state if they wanted
to prohibit family members uh they could have done that and they didn't. And if the mayor can be on it, uh it's not a far cry to say that well then if the mayor is not on it having the h the spouse on it uh presents an issue or conflict issue. And it's my opinion that
it does not and it doesn't violate our anti-Epotism law because even the provision when you look at the provision which is uh 5 col 422 or 422 the title of that provision is employment prohibitions and and it deals with all the different ways where employment is
prohibited not appointments to the various boards. >> Well with that I would say no. Does anyone else have a comment or a question? >> I really was not going to say anything initially because I think these things get out of hand and people choose to say
things for the wrong reasons. Um and without with a lot of misinformation. I would like before this goes further that you look back first of all the MUA was created by the township but you go back to years of the
MUA and think of all the councilmen that were on the MUA. Okay, if you serve honorably and you do well, it shouldn't be a problem. It's when you when things get out of line and if that person decides to do so then
when you think the mayor in fact um mayor um Russ Azerella put himself on the MUA. So a mayor was on the MUA at one point but the MUA serving on the MUA to me first of all I respect all the
employees of the MUA. I employ respect the work they do the quick response they do. I respect the employees of this township from every department, the work they do. And so I don't ostracize people
um in their positions like that. So sometimes when you have a council member on there, they are actually the liaison. So when you start accusing people things, this is very disturbing to me and you should do an analysis in other
towns. There are other MUAS, municipal utility authorities and council members serve on it. So, I just don't even understand what all the excitement is about this and all, you know, saying that there's nepatism by people that's on there. That's just ridiculous. So, I
I just wish everyone would step back, pause, think about what they're saying, and then really get the facts of the of the work instead of creating these problems when they don't even exist. Thank you. Excuse me, council president. No one accused anyone of anything. Your
the township attorney made a statement and I agree with him. So, let's not play the game. Anybody was accused of anything. You made a statement, Mark. I said I agree with you. Correct. >> There was I didn't say a word. The personal attacks came from that end over to this end. So, let's just clarify
that. You know, let's get the truth out here. Fact and fiction because I I went on base what you said. I want to clarify that. No one accused anybody of anything. But the reality is we do have a nepatism ordinance in place. Council President, I want to make amendment to
that at the next meeting. I will email you on our on our watch nepotism ordinance. >> All right. Thank you. Is there Okay. >> So I guess the question is is there that there's a draft. Is there a motion to move the
>> ordinance up for introduction? Council President, that's that's up. You know, >> we've had discussion. >> Yes, we have. >> Yeah. Right. Right. Do we have a motion? >> We have a second. >> I'll second. >> Moved by Councilman Rosolei, second by
um Councilman Merwin. Okay. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. No. >> Councilman De Palama. >> No. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti.
>> No. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> No. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> No. >> Council President Sohar. >> No. >> Motion fails. And
>> so again, and in the event that somebody asked questions, well, how come Councilman Rosie voted in? and council nether green bell I I did research on that actually back in 2018 and there's research on that issue which that that long and short of it there's not a
conflict because it's a legisl it's legislation and frequently uh you know council members have to to adopt legislation and and what the court senses is that if every time there's some type of you know issue that might
that you have to look behind it then you might not be able to pass any ordinance But anyway, that issue and I prepared a an internal memo for council. You can read that. But again, that issue was uh was researched back in 2018 and I reiterated it, but there there's no conflict or either of them voting on the
uh making on the vote on the ordinance as well. >> Council President, >> yes. >> May I? Um the attorney, um can you explain to me why there isn't a council member on the zoning board? >> Because the state statute doesn't allow
for it. And and And the the real reason the theory behind it is remember uh zoning board exists to as a quasi judicial body which is important right planning boards are there to approve plans that are that are
in compliance with the town's uh zoning ordinances right so you have or ordinances that establishes different zones bulk requirements you may seek a variance but those are bulk requirements right sideyard I don't meet that front yard I don't meet that. So, it's not the ordinance itself. What happens with a
zoning board is that uh you have an applicant who basically has an application that doesn't meet the town's ordinances, right? It's a use that's not permitted in a particular zone. There's basically six different areas, but primarily it's use variance and the governing and z so zoning boards acts as
a quasi judicial body like a court and and they have to consider uh whether or not the applicant sustains the burden of meeting the ordinance. Well, who's responsible for adopting the ordinances? Council is. So for council to sit and
judge and jury of its own ordinances creates the conflict and that's why uh members of council are not members of the zoning board. Conversely, as you know, there's a member of the planning uh member of the planning board includes a council member and the mayor because you will all adopt the ordinances. You create all that, right? And the man so
so that's part of what you do and it's in the actions are in compliance with that. So they they stand in opposite positions and that's why uh that is and some certain towns will have a joint land use board where you combine the two boards and even in that instances uh
you'll have basically under the law what happens is you may call it a joint land use board the planning board succeeds so unless you have one board and the planning board will then in that instance hear use variances but the governing body member and the mayor and mayor designate are not allowed to sit
in on any use variances again for the same ration Great. Thank you very much. Appreciate that explanation. >> Public comment, please. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to open public? >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Rosolei. Second by
Councilman Dealma. All in favor? >> Okay. 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 items on the consent agenda. In accordance with NJS8104-12A
and the Oldbridge Rules of Council, the council asked the public to limit their comments to three minutes or less. Only one member of the public shall approach to speak to council at a time. The council will respect the public's time by refraining from any comment until the speaker is finished with their allotted
time. It should be further noted that the public comment portion of our meeting is not structured as a question and answer session. A member of the public has questions they seek answers to. An appointment can be made with the corresponding department's office during regular business hours. Township clerk will regulate the time during the
comment portion of our meeting. As you approach the microphone, please state your name. No addresses. Is there anyone in the public who wishes to come up and be heard this evening? Please come forward. Good evening. >> Good evening.
>> Good evening. Um, my name is Hardikbot. I'm a Old Bridge resident. Uh, I wanted to briefly address the recent zoning board approval of the lot line adjustment for lot 6303, lot 9, and wanted to uh, and what that means going
forward. Uh historically uh this area including the existing residential neighborhood uh was zoned SD3. In 2024, this council made a policy decision to reszone the residential parcel uh zones
8 and 22 and the surrounding uh from S3 to R5. Recognizing that industrial zone was not no longer appropriate for established houses, the action was taken under your authority under 4055D62
uh which allowed the governing body to amend zoning ordinance to protect public health, safety, welfare, and to ensure compatible land use. Now with the uh lot line adjustment approved for lot nine.
Say that five times fast. Um has been uh reconfigured into a newly defined parcel. Um I respectfully submit that this creates a clear and appropriate moment for the zoning for
reszoning consideration for lot 9. uh so that this lot is evaluated under today's conditions and not historical ones. Uh leaving lot 9 as S3 while surrounding homes are R5
zoning creates a internal inconsistency uh that New Jersey law cautions against. Um zoning should be rational, consistent, and um equitable across similarly situated properties. Um
Councilman Eric Dearma and Councilman Mark Rosie have already visited the site um and have seen how close lot sits next to existing homes with little to no buffering. Um we're not asking for a
special treatment. We're just asking for the same uh protection that this council has already provided in 2024. Uh so I respectfully request that the council initiate a zoning review. uh refer the matter to the planning board and uh
consider reszoning lot 9 to either R5 open space or conservation/buffer designation that uh that resoning reflects the township township's uh evolving master plan goals for residential compatibility
and buffering and the recent lot line adjustment now warrants uh extending that same plan logic. uh to lot N. >> Excuse me, sir. That's your time. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Anyone else in the public, please come
forward. >> Hi, my name is Sabrina. Um I've been a resident at Old Bridge for the last three years. I live at Straford Apartments. Um, in particular, building one. So, directly facing Route 9 is building one and building two. There's
about 10 apartments there. And just in the 3 years that I've been living here, we've been having so many instances of the accidents directly on Route 9 going onto the property. Uh, most recently, two weeks ago, where a truck um a big trailer truck came directly on a
property, nearly hitting building one, nearly taking out all of our cars. um in the parking lot and again I've been here for just 3 years and there's been so many times where even if it comes close um you know these accidents coming close
to the lawn or directly going onto the lawn um I live in the apartment with my fiance as well as my 5-month-old and my 3-year-old um you know it's scary with how many times you know all these trucks and cars
come onto touching the lawn where my 3-year-old goes out to play, where we just go on the sidewalk and these cars, you know, could either directly hit the sidewalk eventually or even hit our buildings. I've been talking a lot with my neighbors and there's been one
neighbor who has been talking to the property managers, Ashford Apartments, since 2016, and we've just been getting brushed off non-stop. Um, so ever since this late latest accident about two weeks ago, we started doing petitions as
well as we got a news article out. So, we're just trying to find really any direction. Um, we realize this is a state highway and that it's probably going to be dealing with New Jersey Department of Transportation. Um, so I mean, we, you know, have been told and
warned how many times that they will drag their feet about this. Um, at the end of the day, we're just trying to protect ourselves. We're just trying to find something, some type of solution, whether it's a guardrail or even if, you know, I'm not a big person. I don't know anything about public transportation as
to what is the safest route. Um, we just really need support right now to try to find what that safety measure would be. Um, and again, it's, you know, I've kind of been going out and been the spokesperson about this. I recently spoke to the office of Owen Henry who
told me to come here tonight um to try to receive any report, any type of direction, literally anything. Um yeah, we're just really trying to get support. Um >> yeah. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Oh,
>> yeah. I'm I'm Anna Felz, the business administrator. I'm going to give you my card. Can you send me an email? I was aware. I was made aware of the accident when it happened and uh I'm going to be speaking to our engineering team and and our contacts of the DOT and see if there's anything that can be done. That area is
also where they're currently doing a bunch of that construction as well. So >> they'll be able to throw that in. Who knows? But uh >> yep. Yeah, that was one of the things that Senator Henry had worked on was those guardrails in the middle as well. And so
yeah, just if you could send me an email and we'll follow up and no problem. Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard? Good evening. >> Hi, my name is Nancy Zeno. Um, since the new warehouses were built down the
street, I have noticed that I moved here 5 years ago. I live right across the street, that my bed rattles when a tractor trailer comes over. At first it was weird, right? But I got used to it. Ever since the warehouse, it's more and more and more. And a tractor trailer
broke down and my neighbor down the street couldn't get to work. She was an hour late to work. It's becoming very inconvenient. And I think that there should be a restriction for uh tractor trailers on Catrell. >> Oh, we do have Where's Anna? Did she
leave? >> Yeah, there is a study being >> we're currently doing a study with a truck route analysis and it it's a process. We began it already. I think last month we awarded a contract and it's it's going to take a little but we're working on that right now. It's up
to the DOT to determine >> if because I I live on the corner if it's the hill going down but if somebody would want to come to my house to see how bad she is. Yeah, they're doing a whole study of the entire town. >> Yeah, she's she's in the process. Mrs.
Shabir, >> and I got to tell you, I'm very disappointed from the time I moved here. I leave for work, I see that big building with the lights, then I go down uh Spring Hill Road to see that there's a bank being built there. I feel like Old Bridge is it's not become like
you're taking away the trees and the residential feel of the neighborhood. And it's very sad that there's such a big change within 5 years. Besides the inconvenience of fixing the road for 3 years, thank God that's done. A little bumpy and
but that was a big inconvenience going to work, coming home from work. So that's why Trail Road's a county road and I agree with you. Um so I can talk to you if you they get your address and I'll I'll talk to you
about it. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Is there anyone else for the public portion? Hi, council. Nina Choitz, do I have to give anymore? I forgot Kate. Okay, so I wanted to deploy the zoning board for
stopping the commercial building on Pine Street. statement from several of the board members was they felt the building structure was not conducive to the community. And to the point of the gentleman in the audience, I don't want to turn my back on you folks that spoke
of um the lot nine and the uh potential for that to eventually be something else that we don't know. Um, I think that there's been a disconnect um in the with um with regard to the plans in this community for that. And
you know, there's million-dollar houses there. And I'm hoping that this council considers reszoning that that area to either residential or maybe even rural non-developable area. And that that would be really wonderful because there
was no stop of the zoning board. as they said, it was a quid proquo for the lot 9 realignment. And that of course allows them to keep um their contaminated property that is 50 years in contamination in one section while
potentially developing the other section next to the homes. And by the way, thank you uh Councilman Deama and Brazili for visiting them. That's wonderful that you did. It would be wonderful if the rest of the council would take the time and mayor and I'm sure you have before because I remember when we were
developing that was being developed that you would take the time to go back over there to see what these people are talking about cuz it's really you can see the the the stacks already from where they are and do they don't need any more of that. It'd be wonderful if you would keep it undeveloped land.
Thank you. Have a nice day. Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard? >> Good evening, mayor. Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening. >> Um, I'm >> Name, please. >> Oh, wait. Oh, I'm Preston. I've lived in
Obridgeidge for 20 years, so basically my whole life. Um, I'm sorry if this is irrelevant, but um, like uh, a student at Ruckers went missing and he was last seen on November 21, 2025. Um, I'll try to keep it quick
because I know there's only a three minute time limit, but um, his name is Mortimer Wartman. Um, if you have any information, if you know anything about Mortimer Wartman, if you know anything about Adam Zawoo, um, you can leave an anonymous tip at 7322675218.
Um, and, um, Mortimer's best friend, um, his Instagram profile is Nick_machio, um, nickeio. There's a Facebook profile as well, Bring Morty Home. And there will also be
a vigil if anyone wants to stop by Jackson Sunday, January 18th, 2026, 400 p.m. to 5:30 at Regional Day School at Jackson, 890 Tom's River Road. And um
yeah, um and oh, sorry. Um Correct. Regional day school at Jackson 890 Toms River Road, Jackson Township, NJ08527. And just want to say thank you all of you for all that you do. I feel like
people take all of you for granted. People take law enforcement for granted, teachers for granted, medical workers for granted, literally everyone who does things for the community for granted. So, I just want to say thank you so much and happy new year. All the best. >> Pleasure meeting you. Have a good
evening. >> Is there anyone else who wishes to be heard? >> Okay, seeing no hands, I'll ask for a motion to close public. >> Move it. Second. >> All in favor? >> Moved by Councilman Dealama, second by
um Councilman Rzolei. All in favor? >> Okay. Public comment. Portions closed. >> We'll move on now to council member comment. Councilman Asetuli, you're up. >> Good evening everybody. First, thank you to all the residents that came up. We appreciate it and we will address your
concerns. Um, we want to thank you. A lot of stuff going on in Oakidge, especially online, lot of conversations and fake news. I want to address a few things tonight. Yeah, I'm going to. Good evening, mayor, fellow council members, administration,
and residents of Oakridge. Tonight, I want to take a moment to remind everyone what our administration actually does and how quickly and effectively it gets done for all of us. When a resident in any ward requests something simple like a stop sign for safety, a traffic light,
an adjustment, fixing a pothole, this team right here jumps on it in two seconds. We don't delay, we listen, we act, and we deliver. As council members, men and women serving each ward, we see issues in our neighborhoods every day. We bring them straight to the
administration and they handle them with excellence. That's how we help the residents ward by ward, day in and day out. No drama, no chaos, just results. We don't need self-proclaimed advocates who stir up
unnecessary concerns just to seek validation. What we have is an incredible administration that responds to real needs and gets things done. Yet time and time again, we hear baseless claims that we are corrupt and we see it
that we're thieves, that we're not good stewards of this great town. Let me get the record straight with some facts. Okay, stands out in New Jersey for all the right reasons. We've kept municipal taxes remarkably low. Our municipal tax rate
increase has been minimal compared to others. Even as we invest in our community, we cons we're consistently ranked as one of the safest towns in the state. Back in 2016, SafeWise named us the sixth safest city in America to
raise a child, and that safety continues to be a priority. Thank you to our incredible police department. We see you. Our parks are being renovated and improved for families to enjoy. Roads are being resurfaced and upgraded thanks to the dedicated administration which
are really good stewards with with our money. When people face hardship in this town, we step up with our programs to help them get back on their feet. We support our food bank, our animal shelter, and so many other vital services. The list goes on and on. These
aren't just words, ladies and gentlemen. They're the result of countless hours put in by this council, by that mayor, and the extremely, which I watch, hardworking administration. We serve this town because we love it.
It's not for personal gain at all. I will not stand by. I'm done with fake news networks, baseless complainers trying to tear down what we've built together. We won't allow this abuse of this council. Definitely not me or any of us. We're a team. We've earned the
trust of this community through our actions, not accusations. Old bridge is a special place, ladies and gentlemen. It's safe. It's beautiful. And moving forward, let's keep working
together to make it better. Thank you. Thank you to all the residents, the administration, and everybody in this building. and God bless Oberris Township. Thank you, >> Councilman Deal.
>> Few things. So, the first thing, you know, as our BA Adafel said before and like in honor of our law enforcement appreciation that was this week, you know, thank you to the Old Verge Police Department. There are a lot of things that these folks do that are seen as
also there's a lot of things that are unseen. And I think the the most important thing is those things that folks don't see, right? Every once in a while you'll see in the summer they'll stop and buy and they're buying lemonade from a kid on Throck Morton, right?
Selling lemonade or whatever that might be. But it's not just that. They do so many things throughout this this community, right? They have events that folks don't know about because of privacy, right? They have the cops for kids. folks don't typically go to that
because it's the privacy of the families and and those children. It's those things that make this police department great. And we thank you guys and and gals that are part of that department, you know, wholeheartedly. You know, as Councilman Sulie said, we we have an
extremely safe neighborhood. We wouldn't have th that neighborhood. We wouldn't have that safe town unless if it was for those folks. So, thank you. Um, and then as we get into this weekend, it's a long weekend for Martin Luther King, we should um just recognize
why we have that day off as well as try to emulate some of those some of those qualities that Dr. King had. Thank you, >> Councilman Desai. The one thing I would like to say that our business administrator
work so politely and decisively. I had few problems in my world and when I call her I think she jump right away and she solved the problem.
Sometime it is beyond control because I think we still working on summeister road and spring hill road because it's a county road so sometime it takes time but at least I can vouch that business
administrator is there to help the people of this great township of uh I don't know how to thank you But whenever you had jump on this thing and when I get back to the people they like
the way we are working and I thank one more time and I will suggest to the public if you have any problem in your neighborhood please call Anna at
>> Yeah. Because you >> I think >> I think I mean it's we have to call the someone business administration so business administrator can direct that
question if it is belongs to police department zoning planning or road department because we cannot contact directly to any departmental
But if we as a councilman we contact business administrator and she pass on to various department. >> So I would suggest to the people if you have any problem
you can still send an email also. Again, we are approaching warmer weather, so please enjoy the upcoming good long weekend. Thank you. Good evening,
Councilman Mwin. A man and I want to thank you, too. you're you're always um right on there. Anytime we send something to you, it's taken care of right away. The road department, the police department, >> recreation, that don't matter. We have
we have great people that work for us. So, that's what we're there for. Now, in Ward One, if you have a problem, just call me. Don't call Anna. I'm sure she's got enough to do. I'll I'll get it to
her and she'll take care of it, you know. So, uh, just want to thank you and I'm hoping everybody has a, uh, great new year so far. I know I woke up for about 11 12 days, so it's been a good one for me so far. Thank you,
>> Councilman Pasci. >> Hi. Uh, okay. Yeah. Uh, it goes without saying. I mean we in my opinion we have the greatest town in the in the country and we have greatest people working in all the departments um
you know the department heads and the all the folks doing the annual labor. Um I just wanted to mention um you know I've been living in Obridge since I was five. So that was 1965.
And um I just uh I've seen it grow and and it has folks have always complained about the overdevelopment. I remember when Route 9 was two lanes,
you know, Route 18 stopped 516. So, um, you know, most of the township land is owned privately. So, you know, the number one land owner in
Oldbridge is a private owner. And we can't just go in and start reszoning private property because if we do, we'll generate lawsuits. You know,
so look, if I owned a piece of property and a developer came in and said, "Hey, I'll give you $10 million for your property." What am I going to say? No. You know, I mean, it gets pretty attractive, you know. So, that's what's going on. Farming is a difficult business and a
lot of farmers are not farming anymore. Leaves a lot of land. It's unfortunate. I mean, I like the open space, too, but we can't afford as a township to purchase all the open space. It's too expensive.
We uh we had we tried to do that like eight years ago or so to put a um you know, a fund, open space trust fund, but uh people
voted it down, so we couldn't do it. But that's all, you know, that's what it's about. It's this is a great town. People want to live here. There's a, you know, there's a big demand for land because people want to move here. It's
it's it's a great location and um it's a great town. So that's that's what happens. You know, you take with the good or the bad. So that's all I say. Thank you, >> Councilman Rosie. Hey, Donat. I just want to speak about
uh the job the policeman do. You know, I lost a few friends uh in my career, academy classmates, uh most recently, Detective Joe Seals. Really keeps things in perspective. Um for those who sometimes want to criticize law enforcement. I, you know,
I had an instructor tell me back in the academy day, don't ever expect to be given too many thank yous. And that holds true today. But when people can learn from law enforcement, when a brother or sister officer calls for help, we never say, "What party
affiliation do you belong to? What's your race? What's your sexual orientation?" We just go. And that's something people need to remember about law enforcement. You know, we're we're a big family. We always have our disagreements, but when it comes time to
do the job, it always gets done and that without hesitation. So, I will forever be an advocate for law enforcement. That's why I'm gonna I was just telling the council here, Mark Rosselli, that the uh nepotism needs to be amended. Um
things need to change regarding the hiring practices here. Law enforcement one has the test, excess and background checks, interviews, psychologicals, police academy. And now we have this new a lot of kids are going alternate route
paying for it themselves. So as people say they in they support the blue well here in Oldbridge we need to start practicing it. Um law enforcement's family members children should be able to be hired here. We should want our local young men and children working
here. It's a great thing to have police officers who grow up here. Most towns do have resident requirements. With that said, I just want to say thank everyone for coming out this evening. Thank you to all my brothers and sisters in blue. I'll always have you back and
have a great night. >> Councilman Von Staten. >> Uh, good evening. Thank you. Um, first I want to thank the residents who spoke tonight. Um, I'm sorry if I butcher your name, Mr. Bot. Um, I'd like to learn more about that because I'm, like I said, I'm new to the council, so I'm not
aware of all these yet. So, I will get in touch with Councilman Palama and get your information. So I would like to take a look, you know, better educate myself on that. Um to Sabrina, thank you. I I know Anna will definitely get in touch with you and take care of that. I know exactly what you're talking about
and um it is quite dangerous there. Do understand. Um yeah, Anina, again, thank you. You know, same with Mr. Bot about that issue. Um Miss Mito about um Anita, we'll talk to you. And uh Preston, thank you for bringing that up. Um, I I'm an
employee of Ruckers, so I understand I've heard a lot about that and I know they're still investigating and doing the best they can to find it. So, thank you for bringing that up. Um, yeah, it it is very sad. Um, and I want to thank the administration, too. In my uh very
very brief time of being councilman, uh, they have responded very quickly to questions I've had um, from residents and from myself as well. So, thank you. Um, I plan on using my council comment time to highlight events, positive news, and achievements happening in W 6 and
also townwide. Um, I ask that W 6 residents and townwide residents to email me and message me, either email me at my township address or message me on my council Facebook page with important events so that I can highlight them in my comments. Um, my email address is on the township page as of today and it's
also on my council council Facebook page. I I think it's important to raise awareness of events happening in our town so that we can support them. Uh also I want to highlight achievements from the community and show how exceptional our residents are. As Tony said, um we're the best town in the country. Um so with that being said, uh
I only have a few things. Uh St. Ambrose, they're having their uh tricky tray/gip auction on Friday, February 6th at the school. Uh they're asking for donations and sponsorships from small businesses. Uh and they ask that you donate by January 23rd. And then um I know Anna talked about the parks and
recck department with regards to the grant for Tytown Field. Um I also ask for the community support in um sending those letters and filling out the survey that was emailed to most of the residents. Um if you did not receive that email, I have the letter template and survey link on my Facebook page and
it's also on the township page as Anna said. Uh please fill out that survey and template letter and email the filled out template to Matt. Right. Correct. Uh Matt by uh January 24th. Um, again, we would greatly appreciate your support. Uh, the more letters that are sent in, the better chance we get this grant
money. And, um, those improvements are sorely needed. Uh, full disclosure, I am on the Opra Soccer Club, uh, executive board, and we've been hoping for a long time to get those improvements. And, uh, you know, some of them are, um, brand new sod fields, a paid parking lot, and
energy efficient lighting, just a few of those. Um, all of that information is on the Oldbridge Township website. and um parks and reccks is having a public hearing about it um not during a council meeting but for the rec committee on January 22nd at 7 p.m. in the civic center. Uh the last thing I just want to
say is for wart 6 I plan on being visible as your councilman. Um I plan on having meet and greets uh for the residents to speak to me and bring up any issues that they have. Um this will be communicated on my Facebook page in the near future um so I can get some plans and figure out when when this will
happen. Uh thank you. Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. Uh good evening everyone. Thank you for coming up and bringing your concerns. Good night. Good night. And so I would did want to say um first of all
we'll talk about um Catrell Road because it's public comment. We can't when you come up and speak. But I do want to tell you that it is very unfortunate when you think this town is 42 square miles. We have county roads. we have state roads. So to address the two instances, one's
on a county road and one's on a state road. So it is unfortunate that the state should put in guard rails when there is um probably when they widen it from a two-lane to a three lane and there's apartments there. You would think right away they would put on guardrails. We had to have a rally where
there's accidents on route um on Route Nine. When you think when you go to Marvel, they have a guardrail in the center of town and in the center of the road and also Sarville, but why not Old Bridge? And so we we advocated for that.
>> So hopefully that will be addressed for you because safety is very important. Obviously, you know, when you have the apartment, you know, it it they're allowing it that close to the road, they should protect the resident. Then with the county road, that is county road. In fact, when you think of a waste of
money, that road, we have an ordinance in our town that the if you pave a road, you shouldn't do um you should investigate it first. So, if there's um work that needs to be done, obviously there's emergency with the sewer line, the gas line. But with that said,
Catrell was paved by the county. So, a lot of money went into that. Then two years later, they come back and present this project, this water um this project they want to do there um with the drainage and then they dig up their own road again. And I know what you're
talking about. When I ride that road, it's the worst paved road I've ever been on. I get seasick. Literally, I've addressed it before. And actually, when they pave the road, it's done like with a mechanism should be measured out. It shouldn't be that problem. So, I'm sure
you like we'll we'll we'll address it and um it will have to be directed to the county and then obviously to the um state with u Route 9 and we'll have to revisit it. But I do have to say and unfortunately um NJ I will call her uh
she comes and she assumes that we didn't go and look at it. Maybe someone didn't see us. I have friends that live in that development. I have been there and and you we've met with them personally and for her to make obsumptions, no good is going to come when you assume
things when you don't know facts. Not only that, it's just instigating and it's wrong to um and it's it's just instigating and these assumptions are wrong. So, we all have visited and we understand the situation over over there. It's just inflammatory. But she
left cuz I don't guess she just didn't want to hear this. I happen to listen to the zoning board. It is a disgrace what she said to that zoning board. She's done it before where she's made statements, defamatory statements against volunteers that they're on the
take. That was years ago. It is unacceptable and she's going to be headed for a lawsuit, a defamation lawsuit if this continues. The last planning board meeting, luckily, luckily Mr. Sullivan, the chair of the zoning
board, put an end to it. She got up and she started asking how much money that the um the planning organization was getting for for moving this line. The they they listened to the professionals. They understood the application. And for
her to make these assumptions, she's screaming from you can hear her if you listen to it. You don't see her. At other times, she's screaming from the audience. That is not a respectable way to conduct yourself. It is not a respectable way for people to take you
seriously to spread dis disinformation and make lies and assumptions and defam inflammatory statements and that conduct is not appropriate and it will not be tolerated other than may have to be resolved through a lawsuit. That's all I
have to say. We understand your concerns. We hon want we honor you for coming up here and explaining to us in a manner that we can seek help through every department that works in this this township that wants to make things all
right. It was explained there are things we have control of and there's things that we don't and when we can help obviously we're going to help. It's for the betterment of everybody but you don't conduct yourself like that and really it's gone on too long and it's
wrong. And then there was a statement because she could listen to the state and hear me that I heard there or she listen when she's outside that I didn't understand it and I'm retired and I'm collecting unemployment. Those two things usually don't go hand in hand. So
I just want to say what's going on but at the same time they're her words not mine and her words when she came up making accus false accusations and it's wrong. I I could say a lot more and and honestly she's not the moral compass.
Thank you, >> Council President. So, >> yeah, I will just finish up also first of all by saying as far as how people are at meetings, how they're how they comport themselves. It has to go both ways. Absolutely. The board should
respect the residents who have taken the time to come and talk to them. Absolutely. However, when it comes to our professionals as well, I have professionals sitting here in the audience this evening who spend countless hours attending those
meetings. They come with all the information that they bring. It's it's not their opinion, it's the information and it's with legal advice as well. They come and they bring forward the information to the boards. I watched
those meetings of recent. I was horrified how people spoke to them, how people gestured to them. It was incredible to me that you're upset about an application understood. But you have
to realize they're doing this. This is their job. They're professionals. They're putting their credentials on the line. They're not going to play any games because they they want to, you know, make sure they do this or that. This is insanity. These people are
certified. this is who we have here. We are so proud of our professionals. We should be thankful that they do the research and take the time. Maybe we're not going to always like what we hear, but give them the respect they deserve.
They should not be treated that way at a meeting that they're leaving and people are cat calling to them. Where do we live? That's not Old Bridge. I've been to a lot of contentious meetings and many of you have sat on zoning board. You have Mr. Desai, have you Mr. Merwin?
You've all sat on boards. It's fine for the people to come up and speak. Absolutely. They have every right to. But there's a line. And now over the last last year or so. Everybody stepped over the line. It's not right. I'm not
saying board members should respect as well. They should understand a person is there because it's a moment in time for them. I saw this lady in the aisle speak. You spoke at the last meeting as well at the zoning board meeting. Did you not? Were you? Yes. So I did watch
the meeting. That's what I'm saying. I did observe and again it's fine. You got up. You got up and you spoke. Now I can't inter. This is our comment time. This is separate. I can't inter Yeah. I can't you know it's not a back and forth. But I'm just saying at the end of the day everybody please if you're
coming to a meeting that's great. You came tonight. You spoke about Stratford Arms. That was great. We now hear you. Listen we did do that guardrail. This this lady over here had me standing in Route Nine. Come on now. So, it was crazy. I'm telling you. And Senator
Henry, all of a sudden, Senator Henry says, "Oh my god, it's a breeze here." Yeah, it's a car. Okay. But anyway, we did try our best. So, you brought it to the forefront, and that's a good thing. We appreciate it. Are we saying to you, "Oh, so what's your problem here?" Huh?
Right away, everybody reacted to you. as councilman Desai said Anna whose number now is all over the world and Hamancha is going to talk to you boy but anyway now this person is somebody that jumps on everything and it's said from
everyone all the council members okay so we we don't we're not here to do any harm or to not work with you or to try to anything like that we are here to help as best we can but there are limits we have differences of opinion that's
fine you come and you tell us that's a good thing. That's a positive for us. But when I read on social media about Mary Sohor, me 48 years in this town and you're talking about me like I was some kind of what are you kidding me? My
goodness. Enough is enough. So you're rather new to town. Okay. And that's great. We welcome everybody. Get your information from a good place. If you have a problem, again, this area up here, you go on social media, you're
done. You sit in an audience and it's fine to talk to people and engage. But please always remember, get the get it from the the source because there's so many things that are twisted and manipulated that at the end of the day, I mean, I am really, this is tough. It
really, really is. And the goal only is to keep everybody together, keep everybody safe. I'm not going in the road again, but I we will we will engage. But hopefully that will be something that we can resolve. But anyway, as I said, just please everybody be aware of what you you know how it is
when you're at a meeting. These professionals as well as the members as well as the res. Everybody should have respect for each other. That's all. So hopefully we have a a good new year. Happy new year to everybody and a healthy one and take care. Thank you very much. >> Council President, can I say something?
>> Yes. Uh, so January 9th was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and I just want to say how much I appreciate our police officers as well as our chief. We just hired three new police officers last week and we're continuing to grow.
Except when I interviewed them, they look like they're 10. Everybody looks so young. But our police department is growing and they're fantastic and I just want to tell them how much you appreciate it, not just on January 9th, but every day. and thank you for always being there for us. We're we're very
lucky. We have a amazing police department and we did a great job last year. No debts on Route 9. Fantastic job. >> Yep. Thank you. >> Thank you. Yep. One other thing I forgot and the business administrator had told me it's in reference to the public
hearing. Tytown Road Park Natural Soccer Field. They are having the public is encouraged to attend the meeting but it's February 24th, 2026, not February 3rd. Okay. So, if everyone can make note of that and hopefully you can come. We would like
the support. That's a great place and it would really be nice. I mean, I know my my grandson's going to be there, too. So, but it's it's a it really could stand some work. Okay. Thank you very much. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Move it. >> Second.
>> Moved by Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Vonstaten. >> Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Deal. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton.
>> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Say yes. >> Say yes. Anita. C. >> Council President Sohart. >> Yes. >> Nine yeses. Meetings adjourned at 8:59. >> Thank you, Anita.