Good evening. I'd like to call to order the July 21st, 2026 Oldbridge Township Council meeting. Please rise for a pledge of allegiance and please remain standing for a moment of silence and for a prayer. I pledge allegiance to the
flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> As customary in this chamber, we stand for a moment for 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, please. Our prayer, Mr. Pasci. Oh Lord, bless your 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. Thank you. And please be seated. >> Roll call. Council president. >> Councilman Asatuli >> here. >> Councilman De Palama >> here. >> Councilman Desai >> here. >> Councilman Merwin
>> present. >> Councilman Pasci >> here. >> Councilman Rosie >> here. >> Councilman Vonettin >> here. Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell >> present and council president so >> present. >> This meeting is being held in conformance with the open public meetings act. Notice has been given to
the official newspapers of the township on January 8th 2026 and has been posted in public places. Next open public meeting of the township council will be held on August on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. >> Thank you very much, Kate. Welcome to
the meeting, everyone. Uh we're going to start this evening with a presentation. 2025 annual audit resolution approving governing body certification of the 2025 annual audit. Good evening. [clears throat and snorts]
And for anyone at home, this is our auditor Bob Allison and he joins for voter or CFO. >> It's on right. Okay. Um good evening. Thank you for having me here tonight. Um we completed
the audit um I guess right at the end of June, right toward the end of June. Um the audits this year actually were extended. They're not technically due until August 31st with under the old statutory deadline which was June 30th. Um, we're happy
happy to say that we have an unqualified uh opinion with with regard to the financial statements that are uh presented under New Jersey accounting principles. Um, there is an adverse opinion with regard to generally accepted accounting principles because
the state of New Jersey does not follow uh GAP so to speak. Um, so we need to put an adverse opinion. So if someone picks up this audit from and lives in New York or Pennsylvania, they'll know that they're not supposed to understand it under GAAP. They need to understand
it under New Jersey county principles. So it is a very good opinion, the best I can give you. Um, we uh we also have opinions with regard to um something called a single audit. Um, aside from auditing your financial statements, we
also need to perform special audits on grants, federal and state grants. If you receive over a million dollars of federal or state grants or federal and state grants, we need to perform specific audits on those federal grants uh certain ones and uh and and uh and
also on state grants. This year, the grants that were selected were uh still the Corona virus state and local uh recovery funds. So it was the last year that we were spending money with regard to that in 2025. Um and uh we have no findings with
regard to that. And on the state side, we we examined two grants, the New Jersey Department of Transportation Aid and Green Acres. Um and both of those uh grants were um were administered correctly and we found no problems with
them. Um, as far as the finances of the town, as I said at the at the budget hearing a few months ago, uh, we are still uh strong with regard to our uh, fund balance. We're about 22% of our of our fund of our overall budget is in
fund balance. That's a healthy number. Um, it's not overly healthy. Uh, I wouldn't I wouldn't like to see it drop too far below that. Um but you you know have 20% of your surpluses is in your or of your fund balances there which gives you um cushions for the following year.
Um it allows you to get good interest on your uh bonds because of your AAA rating which is one of the one of the big things that they look at uh is your financial stability and and and you've proven that. Um
the uh the two other operating funds that you have in town are the are the arena and recreation. That has always proven to be um a little bit of an issue in that you have some competition in the area and you do subsidize that cuz it's one of your missions to have an arena
and recreation. So that doesn't quite hold its own but it's not a real drain on the overall budget. and uh your parking operating has you know has made great comebacks from the co days um and and and your surplus there or fund
balance is is increasing um greatly over the past couple years. So you're in good shape there. Um we have no formal comments or recommendations. There were a couple of of things we just we we just discussed about you have some older
receivables, small balances which either need to be collected or or maybe written off and and older capital ordinances um that haven't had activity in a while. So, you need to look at that and see whether or not you want to continue with them or maybe cancel those or or
retool those. And so, I think that's something that you're you're looking into. And um and that's it. So appreciate uh >> Doran, would you like to add anything before I go to council? >> Um no, we're pretty good. Um some of the receivables that he mentioned, uh
they're grants. Um and we have been pursuing um submitting for reimbursement for them. Some are larger, so they take a little little bit longer to to collect. And then we are we're always reviewing the capital balances. Some of them have to do with um environmental
issues, so you know. But >> good. Well, that's a good thing. All right. Thank you. Um, I'll now open it up to the council on my left. Anyone a question or a comment for Bob? >> Anyone on my right? >> Okay. >> Oh, Dr. Greenberg. >> No, I would just like to say that I'm
very proud of this administration and appreciate your audit that, you know, once again another year goes by and we come back with a clean audit. And as we've been reading in the newspaper about other towns, I would say we have a lot to be grateful for in this town.
Having a fund balance protects the town in so many ways, the employees of the town, and uh it makes the town stronger overall for any crisis that could come about. And really that I think it's view viewed very positively when we're
reviewed by Moody and that's why we have such a high bond rating. So, we're fiscally responsible and um that's best for the town in every in every aspect. Thank you so much for your help. >> I agree. I think this was once again I
think this was done very well. It was well thought out and there's a progression here and we follow the the progression and it's kept us stable with our tax base for us for the municipality and I think that's very important and we set our goals and we're achieving the
goals without going out beyond what we can do which sometimes unfortunately happens even on a personal note where you might you know overstep a little bit trying to you know get do things and then all of a sudden what happens if there's an emergency So I think we have the forethought to
keep those contingencies there. If something should happen, we're able to function and keep the town running until you know things can settle down. So that's really I think important and I thank you Bob again for all the wisdom cuz you do help us a lot and you you
keep us grounded. Sometimes you know we want to do things that we think the town would like, the residents would like and some we can and some unfortunately have to wait but you do give us that guidance and that balance. So, thank you very much and hopefully everyone um you know that's available the audit if you want
to you know see anything in there it's all open to everybody. >> Yes, it's on the it's on the website under I believe it's finance and budget something. >> So, anybody has anything they'd like to look at from that they're more than welcome to. So, thank you again and thank you. >> We appreciate have a good evening.
>> Thank you. >> Yep. So, now I'm going to need a motion accept. >> Move it. Second. Moved >> by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bella. Seconded by Councilman Dealama. Roll call. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg. Belly. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. Nine yeses. Okay. Thank you.
Next will be public hearing P1 resolution granting application for the plenary retail consumption license renewal for Red Zebra LLC license number 129-33-00009-00003
[clears throat] for the 2026 2027 license term with conditions. Come on up. Good evening. [snorts] >> Okay. So, I just wanted to make a note that the liquor license in front of us
is the red zebra. They have um met all the requirements for renewal. Um but there have been some questions that arise. We want to be sure that the establishment is actually open. Um, is it open on a regular basis?
>> It's right now it's as of uh two weeks ago, somebody broke in. Uh, it looks like we have a buyer. U I've been opening it, you know, on the weekends like one or two days. Uh, but I'm going in for surgery tomorrow. So, it's not going to be open for a month while they
get it. S who owns it is going to get it all fixed up. So when I come back, we can get it opened and uh get it hopefully get it sold. >> So it'll be it'll remain closed for a month while >> for one month. >> Okay. So does that
>> so just if I can follow up >> can there's a echo. Can we I don't know if it's because too many microphones are on or [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's not me. Uh so actually the state brought up the issue of whether or
not the facility is open, right? Because if you're not then that's that's a question >> like you would have to shelf the license. I understand. >> Right. So so when you say you're open over the last year over the last uh permit year um what do you have what are the regular hours and and what what
evidence is there that that it has been operating within? >> Well, we've been paying sal we've been paying sales tax and payroll. So this show we're open. We've been buying liquor from the liquor companies from Fedway, Allied, Shore Point. So there there were rec there are records that we
are open. We pay the credit card machines. Um, >> right. >> We have credit card receipts. >> So when you which which could occur. So but when you say you're open, what are the hours that you're open? >> I've been doing >> Not that I want to attend. I just want to >> um I I won't tell. I won't tell.
[laughter] >> I'm I'm like a lawyer, you know. I keep my mouth shut. I learned that a long time ago. I know nothing. >> So, so what what would I mean when we say >> I've been I've been doing the weekends. So, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. >> Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sunday. >> And so, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from from what time?
>> From 6:00 in the evening till 2:00 in the morning. >> Um I don't know if anybody if you have any other follow-up questions, but sure. >> Uh for the PD, have we had any calls of service there in the last year? >> No. Yeah. >> No, we had no calls for service. That
was part of the uh >> you come. >> Good evening. >> So for my yearly report, there was no calls, but I also checked before coming in. We haven't had a call of service there since October 1st of 23. Just out of curiosity,
>> did they catch the person that broke into your place? >> I'm sorry. >> The person that broke into your place, was that person found, arrested, or anything? No, >> they did a lot of damage in there. >> Oh, yeah. There's a lot of damage. I You were >> You also He also didn't report it to us. He didn't >> I I didn't I didn't say anything. You
know, it's, you know, the problem is we have a front, you know, for sale. >> Are your security cameras working? >> I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. Your security cameras working? >> They should be working. >> Are they working? I didn't say should they be working. That's a yes or no answer. >> They're working.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Well, actually, the councilman, that was a question I was going to have. The conditions and and whether or not the digital surveillance systems continue to operate. They're supposed to be inside and outside. >> We've been keeping the music low. We
have a decimal meter because I know that was a big problem uh with with the neighbors. They were >> But I'm saying I'm talking about with respect to the surveillance system on the particular day that you that you were broken into. What day was it?
>> It it had Well, I went there on Friday, so it was broken into somewhere between Sunday that Sunday that was open till I'm sorry till uh Thursday. So, if this when the establishment's not open, is your exterior surveillance cameras?
Don't answer that. You can ask let the detective know because I don't want people to know what what if your surveillance cameras are open or not. But that's a question that I think we need to follow up on. Right. >> Yes.
>> Did I hear you say it wasn't reported? >> We did not report it. >> You did not report it. And you expect us to sit here and believe that you're open on the weekends, especially when the grass is in the parking lot where there's no cars coming in and out of
that parking lot. And I go by there, it's in my ward. I go by there 20 times a day. There's no activity. >> There's no We're >> there's no activity. >> You're open at night. >> I You don't think I go out at night? I don't go to bed till 2:00 in the morning. [clears throat]
>> There's no activity at that location. None. Zero. No. >> And you you have a burglary that caused all kinds of damage and you didn't report it to the police. >> Soul is the owner. He's he has the liquor license. He asked me not to report it. >> Well, do you have any receipts or
substantiate your claims that you're open? >> Sure, >> you do. >> I wouldn't be able to get the liquor license renewed without uh the accountant filing sales tax and ADP doing payroll. What? Yeah. One more question. What was
the reason for the delay to reporting the incident to the police? >> The burglary. >> I saw it when I got there on Friday and I I called S and he told me, "Let it go." >> Well, normally when there's a burglar,
you don't call S. You call the police department. That's why I'm asking. I understand what you're working together. >> You have to understand I don't own the place. I just work for him. So if he tells, you know, if somebody tells you don't do something, you don't do it. >> Well, normally if there's a break-in, the first instinct before you enter the
establishment is to call 911 because you never know if someone's still in there. I did I did call Tom Miller because I had called I was Tom Miller the fire chief because I asked him about wanted to put uh different types of locks on the on the push bars and he said it's
illegal cuz if some he explained to me that if somebody was inside and they couldn't get out and there was a fire it would be my fault even though he broke in. The law is a little crazy.
I'm done. Thank you. >> No, I mean I I think the concern obviously and and that was echoed by the state is is to ensure that you're a facility that's operating and um obviously from from an objective point of view unless
somebody has been there the last couple weekends who can testify to that. I mean, you you say you have records and you're right, you would have submitted that to the state. So, the state would have necessarily have seen that. I don't know if the detective has access to those records as part of your investigation or no.
>> So, which specific >> they're like the sales tax reports that they have and and those types of issues to ensure >> for my inspection, we don't go deep into it. The agency would [clears throat] Yeah. And then and then and I think one of the question is that um I don't know if as part of uh your investigation to
confirm if you were able to confirm one way or another whether or not they were operating regularly on weekends. Were you able to determine that? >> So when I did my inspection, I obviously asked him if he was opened or not because even I noticed that there wasn't much traffic. However, due to my hours
that I work, I'm not typically around to notice any nighttime activity. I did ask some patrolman that I know if they seen anything on the weekends, especially the ones that work the afternoon shift or midnights. They said no. However, I can't confirm whether they are or they
aren't open, especially after he told me that they're open on the weekends. And that's when I'm not even at work most of the time. >> And I think that's just from the council's perspective. That's sort of the quandry that we're in, right? We while we there's there may be some objective, but we have no confirmation
whether or not they're open on what weekends or unless we have an officer or someone from the township goes there regularly to to confirm whether or not they're open. >> When we amended our ordinance and we mandate we mandated the video. >> Would you like me to call on that?
>> That that's one of their >> I'm sorry. When we amended we mandated the security system into the ordinance. >> Well, that's one of their conditions, >> right? >> I just wanted to Yeah. Right. One of their conditions that's why you had asked is that they have have continued active use of the digital surveillance
system both inside bar and the exterior parking lots and that's why I didn't necessarily want >> the right >> but he can certainly alert >> detective captain. >> [clears throat]
>> Thank you, President. Um, just for the lawyer, uh, Mark, is there some is there something in our ordinance or the rules or regulations that the the facility has to be open? >> It's it's not necessarily an ordinance.
It's a it's a requirement for the license, right, from the AOC and that from right ABC. So that that's why um they had inquired with respect with the clerk's office relative they had questions. My guess is they they maybe
they saw the returns the receipts and question well how frequently are they open right if you look at prior years I don't know that that's just you know something from my perspective and questioning are they are they actually open now you know and again I think that's a question we have but as a
detective had said well there's there's some um discussion that you know officers have driven by and one of the council members had driven by but unless we put somebody out there go by every weekend and and from those from 6:00 p.m. to 6
or 6 God bless you to 2 am to confirm it. You really have no evidence necessarily to to rebut what the testimony is or certainly enough credible evidence. That would be my concern. >> Thank you question. That's what I was going to ask. Right. So if we don't have any ev
evidence, how do we stop it? >> Well, that's that's the issue, >> right? Okay. Other than we, you know, weekends, we can ask [clears throat] chief to have the police department. >> As as I said, I'm going to be going in for my knee surgery. I'm going to be out for at least 3 weeks, four months, and I
would be happy to uh let the detective know or the police department when I'm there and let them come. >> That would be appreciate that. Thank you. >> Have no problem with that at all. >> I have a question mark. Can we can we conditionally approve it based off of a number of different things and then revisit this? cuz obviously we can't say
okay you got to be open for the next 6 weeks cuz they're not. So they've already stated for at least the next month they're not going to be open. Can we conditionally approve it that after 45 days they need to show evidence of approval and then we revisit this in
October or some something that is amenable. I don't not so much necessarily coming back but I think it may be appropriate to add a condition that they they're op that they operate uh that they at least on weekends as they testified to >> right so that we have that as an
additional condition uh at least for purpose of the renewal [snorts] >> that would be another layer I don't think >> yep and should they not >> right so then >> what what is the because I know that there's a >> there's a hearing process dealing with the ABC so then Yeah, we'd have to go
through that process to the extent that they don't seek revocation of the issuance of the of the license. >> Okay. >> Because they're not meeting meeting the condition. >> What is the difference between him putting the license in his pocket and
him being open? >> Mean a pocket license? >> Yeah. I mean it's his license, their license, right? >> Well, I mean ultimately you're right. If it's a pocket life and it's not active, then you can't do anything other than it's
inactive. I don't know what that would I mean they're trying apparently to state they're trying to sell it. So, >> right. We've been trying to sell we've been trying to sell it and if it's not if from what I from what I know because I've been in the business a long time that if you keep it if you're closed
more than a year, you have to you can't you'd have to have the license shelfd. So, you can't do anything with it. has to be reported to the ABC. >> No. >> Right. But there and then there's the other issue relative this goes back to
when the town actually amended their ordinance dealing with these types of uses, right? And not permitting it. And and at the time that ordinance was adopted, this ex pre-existed it. So there's a lawsuit that ensued. the court ruled
that they the the ordinance wouldn't apply. [clears throat] But again, I don't necessarily want to share for you legal advice, but to the extent that it's not an active use could have implications in the application of that ordinance as well.
>> So what is your advice here as far as adding something a caveat? So based upon the testimony provided recognizing that the uh I'll call I know your position manager uh going for surgery. So they expect to be not operating within the
next month upon as the councilman said so within 45 days. He stated the testimony was they operate on weekends from Friday to Sunday uh from 6:00 p.m. to 2 a.m. Correct. 2 a.m. >> and that they agree as a condition that
they'll continue to operate >> at least operate under that the under that during that time in those hours. >> Okay. >> I have no problem with the uh the officers coming by checking it out to prove it. >> Yep.
>> Okay. >> Have a question. >> I'll move it as stated by the attorney. Mo moved by uh Councilman Merwin. Second by uh Councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes.
>> Councilman De Palama before. So just clarify. So are we going to we're approving this for the entirety of the year? >> Correct. >> And then not having them come back. >> Correct. >> As long as they're meeting the conditions. So, detective, we can we make sure that come the September time
frame that we have folks go in and out, you know, at random times on the weekends. >> Yes. >> Then yes, >> it's the only way to do it. >> Okay. Councilman Desai, >> no. >> No. Councilman Merwin, >> yes.
>> Councilman Pasci, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosie, >> no. >> Councilman Von Stettton, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> And council president Sohar. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Pass this way.
>> I need all three of them. >> No. >> Sign down. >> Okay. Thank you very much. We're good. >> All right. Next will be our bill list. Mr. >> De Palmer. Have a good night. >> Thank you. Have a good night all.
>> Good night. Bill list as of July 21st, 2026. Accounts payable July 21st, 2026. 11,372,62468. Payroll July 3rd 2026 1,287,26262.
Payroll overtime July 3rd 2026 $38,938.33. Payroll July 17th 20261,395,9942 and payroll overtime July 17 2026 $34,914.13. And since Anna is not here, I actually have the breakdown. >> Thank you.
So, uh, for the period of, um, July 3rd, 2026, sworn, uh, police overtime was $24,4556.50. Deduct grants deduct DTO uh, for a total of $12,9556. And for July 17th, 2026,
sworn police overtime $22,139.98, deduct grants, deduct DTO, and deduct accreditation and beach for a total of $7,1126. That is all. >> Thank you. Do I have a motion? >> Move it.
>> Second. >> Roll call. Councilman Asuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Palmer. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merlin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Bonetton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg
Bell. >> Yes. >> And council president Sohar. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Next will be ordinances for second reading. H1, Ordinance of the Township of Old Bridge, amending chapter 108 of the code of the township of Oldbridge
entitled Construction Codes Uniform by amending the 108-4 entitled fees. Before I go to council, I'd like to open it to the public. Can I have a motion? >> Move it. >> Second by Council Vice President Dr.
Greenberg Bell. Second by Councilman uh Von Stettton. All in favor? >> Any opposed? >> Public hearing now open for this ordinance. >> Okay. Is there anyone in the audience who'd like to be heard on H1? Okay. Seeing no hands, I will close the
public portion. Go to council. Does anyone on my left have a question? Yes, Mr. No. Okay. Nobody. Mr. Merwin. >> Okay. Hello Mike. Um, these are the fees,
right? >> Please one minute, Mr. Merlin. Let them come by the mic. >> Good evening. [snorts] >> Okay. These are the fees for um building
permits. These are you met with the state and they told you, "Hey, you're going to be charging this. Do we need to do this?" >> Yeah. So, um yeah. So, these fees are more in line with the uh fees that are dictated by
the state, the minimums we have to charge. There's only two minor changes from the last fee schedule. When we presented the last fee schedule to the council, um the state had already reviewed it, said everything was fine. On their second review after it was adopted, of course, they found a
problem. Minor wordage problems. They didn't >> grammatical grammatical grammatical change. One from building to racking. They wanted more clarity. So, you know, typical, hey, we're going to get you a second. I'm just I mean, you know, fees are high and I just want if we didn't
need to do it, then we >> didn't change its grammar really. >> Um to reiterate [clears throat] though, a lot of the fees didn't change. Just grammar changed and fees got moved to different locations as per the DCA's regulations. So, they change from time to time. So, to stay in accordance and
to stay in their good graces, we moved everything to where they wanted it and they wanted another change. So, >> yeah. Um, anyone on this side have a question? No. Yeah, I think when people saw it again coming up that it it was the verbiage, but people went get you
know, so it's good that you um came and explained it, but it was done and it is state drivens and the DCA. Okay. Thank you so much. >> Do I have a motion? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by uh Councilman
Asatuli. Uh I'm sorry. This is to close to the public, right? >> Yep. >> No, that was just to >> I thought we did. Oh, my god. Okay, so we'll close the public portion. >> Okay. >> And we're here council comments. Okay.
>> All in favor? >> I hear none. We're now closed to to uh public >> and we have a motion and a second, right? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Oh, I got to can't forget that. Close. >> Okay. >> Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And then we need a motion and
and a second to adopt. >> Yep. We're going to get a motion to adopt. Move it >> and a second. >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Ble. Second by >> uh Councilman Von Stettton. Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belly. >> Yes. And Council President Sohar. >> Yes. So, I'm going to go get coffee instead of water. Okay. H3. Ordinance
amending and supplementing. Oh, I mean, sorry. H2. Ordinance again. More coffee. No. Ordinance of the Township of Oldbridge, County of Middle Sex, State of New Jersey, amending chapter 5, article um 13, Department of Police of the Code of the Township of Oldbridge
and specifically 5-97, testing procedures for entrylevel officers application qualifications. And I'd like a motion to first open it to the public. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. the Greenberg Ballet. Second by Councilman
Von Stettton. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing? None. The public hearing portion is now open. >> Okay. Anyone from the public like to come up and speak about this ordinance? >> Okay. Okay. I'll take a motion to close.
My copyright by Councilman Merwin. >> Second by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Hearing none, we're now closed to the public at hearing >> and we'll open it to the council. Anybody on the left for a question?
Anybody on my right? >> Okay. Then I ask for a motion. >> Move it. >> Move it. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bella. Second by Councilman Vonstettton. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Mwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosolei. >> Yes. >> Councilman Von Stettton. >> Yes. Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Yes. H3, ordinance amending and supplementing the code of the township
of Oldbridge, chapter 250, land development and specifically 250-6 definitions to add a definition for data centers and 250-42 prohibited uses to designate data data
centers as a prohibited use in all zoning districts within the township of Oldbridge. I need a motion to open it to the public. Please second >> move by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Who seconded?
>> Councilman Councilman Dealama. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing none. We're now open to a public hearing for this ordinance. >> Anyone in the public wish to be heard on this ordinance? Make sure you write your name on the
list over there, please. >> [snorts] >> Good evening. >> Good evening. Hi, my name is Erica Bonia. I am a resident of Obridge and uh I think data centers is a concern for me
as a mom um as a resident of Obridge as a part of the state of New Jersey. There's obviously a lot of conversation around it and the reason I moved to Obridge was for the community that we currently live in. So I do have a few
questions on how you guys are going to protect us from the things we don't know. Um I can't talk for I think data centers overall is a thing that most people don't know what the complications are or what can transpire in the future.
Um, so my concerns are more along the lines of would the township, if you guys decide to vote today, um, to ban data centers overall, will there be an existing, um, or will the town plan
to amend every existing redevelopment plan to remove data centers as a permitted use as a whole? So, like things that are currently up in the air, are we going to revisit those? because I know there's a lot of warehouses that are in open use right now. What will
happen to those things? So I can address that. So um just I'm going to preface this. There's terms matter. So I think one of the discussions of people talking about a ban. So in municipal land use parliament which this falls under, there's no such
thing as a ban in the state of New Jersey. What you do is have you regulate uses as a municipality to the extent that there were to be a ban that would happen at the state level and those of you who may have come to a couple last couple meetings actually the state of New York the legislature
uh passed a moratorum which can't happen at the local level councilman um but the governor Hokll was sitting on her desk she finally signed it so that's where if there if you want to talk about a ban or moratorum that would happen at the state level so what can municipalities do They regulate
uses. So, so we, so everyone's clear. Currently, data centers, a data center is not a permitted use in any of the township zoning districts. Okay. So, so [clears throat] it's not a permitted use. So, what happens then? So, like any use that's not permitted, um, you
cannot, a municipality would not be able to preclude or stop a property owner from seeking what's called a use variance. and they go to the zoning board adjustment, they file an application and then it could try to there's a the whole balancing act that the law requires that a that a property
user have to prove in order to allow them to have a use that's not permitted. Uh that will that exists today and that will exist even if this ordinance is adopted. Okay. So so the idea that you can stop development or stop a use uh in
municipal level is virtually Impossible. I didn't say impossible, but it's you can't just do it. There's a there's a process available. >> No, I understand that. >> So then with respect to currently there are two exceptions. There's two re only two redevelopment plans where data centers are permitted use. There's one
is the seg uh uh development a redevelopment plan and and that particular development and you're right, we'd have to amend those plans to to take those uses out and I've been having discussion with the planner to affect that. But one thing we need to know is
that the segment uh have basically all their sites have their approvals. Uh and half of the the the uh five of the warehouses have been built. I think five of the eight uh and then there's a commercial center portion of it that's not part of it. Uh and and there's no
indication he certainly has not indicated that there would be a data center built in that development. I'm sorry, Mark. Just um actually I sit on the planning board for the council. The property that is technically allowed
per the redevelopment has an approved plan for a non-data centered warehouse. So should they want to come and actually build a data center in that approved, they'd have to come back through the process and get that approved by the planning board. >> Got it. >> Right. and and there's been no
indication from that redeveloper that the data center intended uh the town has a you know fairly uh open rel uh you know relationship with them and there's lots of communication. The other one is crossroads and and the crossroads redevelopment plan goes back to the
early 2000s and that was always um targeted for one of the uses as for data centers. Um and so uh that has been there for I think 2004 was initially adopted right so from 2004 till today
there's never been an application for data center. Now that being said, um there were various redevelopers over the years uh none of whom who were designated conditionally, none of whom had profered to build a data center and
most recently there was one again who was conditionally designated and there was no indication from him either that a data center would be built. uh as a matter of fact our discussions with him was that JCPNL could not even told him they couldn't get enough electricity to
the to the site in order to build the data center. Uh and that particular site there's litigation involved in that site and so we can't really amend that plan until that litigation settled. But I think the goal of the committee is that uh and the plans that have been put
forth uh under that again there were no data centers mentioned but uh a long answer to your questions ultimately yes those plans would have to be amended and while I can't speak for the council I I believe that would be the next step uh to to amend those plans knowing that the
seg redeveloper has never intended and has no approval for one or sought one and the crossroad ones while it's ultimately and it's only it's not the entire crossroads redevelopment plan was the area is a lot larger. There's certain areas where it can be built uh and the conditional redevelopment that
was designated and have been designated in the past have not profered a data center. So once the litigation is resolved uh then the then the council would be able to move forward to amend that plan as well to eliminate data centers. >> Okay. And um another question I had just
because I've been doing a lot of I just seen this around the country and it is a cons it's a big concern for me and a lot of my mom groups we are talking about this. This is a concern. Um my thing is what are we you know obviously like you said we can't ban it. We can't we can
restrict it and we can minimize these risk to our communities. But what are some of the things that we can put in place on our level on the local level that we you know I know that on the state I'm aware the state has a lot of responsibility to do on their end and
even on what we can support as the community um to go to the state level or the the county level of what we can support then that can be brought to our attention because I think that there there's a level of lack of transparency not necessarily with you guys but what
we can and cannot do and that's a concern. So just to kind of have an idea of one, what can we put in place to minimize, you know, the attraction to this area of data centers until at least
we know what are the consequences or the effects of these data centers to our communities. And the second part is what can we support and how can we support you guys to go to the counties and on the state level and write our letters if
need be because we're moms and we're not we're not going to stop here. Like if it affects our water supply, we don't know if this affects our water supply. Like you just mentioned, it takes tons of electricity to make these things happen. So what is it that you need from us and
what can we put in place to minimize these effects? So again if I could u so you're right let's start with uh and I know the governor recently signed three pieces of legislation dealing with data centers but you know the I think the interesting
point for the legislature as a governor why not just issue a mortorium that's a question where you all should contact the governor's office and state legislature and say hey let's do this why not New York did it right so now like anything else if you if it if they
can't do it in New York anymore. Where's the next logical step? Well, let's look to New Jersey. Just like people started moving out of New York, coming to New Jersey for a myriad of reasons, right? So, right. So, you would think, you would hope that the governor's looking at that saying, hm, scratch your head. So, maybe we need to start being more
proactive. Um, now, and again, this is an industry and I think you made the comment, it's evolving, right? So, so you and it's worth there's a lot of people out there trying to make a lot of money and and obviously artificial intelligence though me personally, I'm against it. never use it. There's a lot
of reasons why I don't, but that being said, I'd rather make my own decisions based upon my own research rather than some guy who's doing a fast computer program telling me what they want me to know rather than what I should know. But that's another issue. Um, but I I think what we can do locally is what we're
doing, right? Again, what we did is uh and it's something that we have to continually track because even this today what because [clears throat] I have some amendments that I had proposed based upon a comment one of the other residents brought up the last meeting about dealing with expanding the definition but you know technology is so
fast in this industry right and these guys are getting paid a lot of money to do it and and because of that that's why there really needs to be uh an interaction and a working relationship with the state and the municipalities we haven't seen it yet I represent other municipal alities and they're all in the same boat and they're concerned. Some of
them are in in like the the Pinelands area, they're in the Highlands area, but you know, the state owns a lot of land and there's nothing to preclude somebody from going state land and [clears throat] building data centers, right? Which knowing how things work, I
could imagine that's in the back of some of their mind. Hey, we have this land. It's we control it. We can get a nice land lease and make a lot of money. That's another reason why you need to contact your state legislators and the governor's office and federally a lot of and this is already happening. Uh the
federal government went out for land leases on federal installations, military bases. They went out RFP came back uh with the idea of building data centers on military installations because it's federal government, right? And we can't locally we cannot regulate
federal lands. So that's another area they're targeting. Um but what we're doing here uh we're trying to say okay what the information we have today to try to create a definition of a data center and saying hey and again they're not used now. So what we're trying to do
is give if someone were to file an application to the zoning board to give them help to basically put a layer on well what can be a data center because you know what I believe a data center to be what you believe a data center to be the applicant may not believe the data
center to be right depending on because words matter so so doing that having this in place can then basically putting uh and I'll just put you know dress on mannequin uh that that's what the ordinance is is And then and then, you know, continuing
to be diligent in seeing how how how the technology evolves and then and then continuing to update uh the the the the municipal ordinances, dealing with these types of uses and, you know, and coming and understanding how with a water system a lot because there's an MUA,
there's a lot of information that they'll probably have to put together, see what the impact is on the MUA and what that can support, maybe regulations that they can impose. And then similarly uh you know well we don't have much control over utility because the BPU controls the utility but you know the information that we got from the one
developer where it is a premier deduce JCPNL told them they couldn't even get enough electricity there. Well, maybe that's a benefit of being in the JCPNL area because they always have problems with electricity. But anyway, so that that's what we're doing, right? So, this is this is this is a step and continue to move forward,
you know, rely upon the the professionals uh relying on and continuing to educate ourselves and again public as well because you know you guys some people get invested. I don't I don't know who she the the resident the last meeting she made a good point. So, I went back I looked at
it and I expanded the definition. Right. So to the extent that you have something some information another one of my towns that's how I learned about the federal installations right one of the residents brought it up right because I mean it's impossible for everybody to know everything but the more more eyes ears that we have out there bring to bring it
to the township's attention then we can act on it. >> Um thank you for answering my question. Um, I have one more thing. Um, and it's something I read and like you said, take the time to educate myself, right? So, right now there's a lot of like about
these data centers conversations and obviously companies are smart, right? They they know that they're not a hot ticket right now amongst communities. So, I've heard there's a lot of shell companies being opening and they're opening and this is not towards you guys
in any way. This is what I've read. um they are approaching council members to sign NDAs um to not be able to share that information with their communities. Now, I can share this information with you guys. Like
this is like research I've done. Um and it's not even that the council people know that they're actually doing something until after they sign the NDAs because they promised the towns obviously reinvestment into the towns. um they're going to bring jobs and
they're going to do all these things. In reality, after the construction is done in two or three years, no other job is going to come from those things. So, just how can we put things in place for our council members? Not saying that you guys are in any way, I'm just saying
just being proactive in the conversation of how can we, you know, we obviously are here. You guys wouldn't be serving Obridge if you didn't want the best for Obridge. if someone approached someone with reinvestment opportunities is worth
listening. Um, but how can we put something in place so that that information can be communicated to the public before NDAs are signed? >> Well, so that I can I can answer that, but I don't want to talk for the council member. I will tell you this and any of
these council members will tell you. So, when when they first come on when they first come on board, you know, because I've been doing this a long time. I was a former elected official, right? I say, "Hey, you're right. You just got elected. See this piece of paper? This is your world, right? Your world was
really big. Now this is your world." So when you when you get elected official, you see I get my pen. I said, "This is you. You don't go right. You don't go left. You don't go up or down." and and and and I can assure you now look these
guys are they make their own decisions but it's been my experience and I've been here for a little bit that to the extent that any of these things come up it comes to my attention and I can assure you I can assure you that an NDA would never be signed relative
especially to not only the data center any type of site improvement just not going to happen not going to h happen on my watch and it's my responsibility to not only to the mayor to the council but to the residents. I take it personally and they'll let you know that it will not happen under my watch because again
uh you know there are there's an especially newly elected official there's a naive to some of that individuals because you're right candy looks sweet but like anything else candy looks sweet causes cavities we don't want any cavities right so so again and
it's something where I'm in regular communication with council members they have access to me 24/7 some of them take advantage of more than others Um but that's okay [laughter] and but again and I think they're they most
of them are experienced enough to know that the whole idea of a non-disclosure as a public official. Seriously now I don't and again I don't know what other towns do and I don't care what other towns do because that's always brought well this is what they do. I don't care. And and you know, and I'm saying, look,
I I act as a sheriff and and you know what? I I I'm not afraid to tell people they're wrong. I'm not the elected officials they're wrong. And if I need to ratchet it up, I'll ratchet it up because again, um that Yes. I've never heard [laughter] that.
>> Oh, I I read up on it. I was I couldn't believe what I was hearing. And it's happening in a lot of towns, a lot of counties. And you can read up on it. It's not like I'm making this up like, >> you [snorts] know, but I'm just saying that it was just an insane and it wasn't
and I don't even think it's done with ill intent in the beginning. Um, just because if you see opportunity for more jobs in your community, you're going to actually entertain maybe the the conversation, but just hearing how these things played out um after the after
they start the construction and now it's like boom, this is what's happening in these towns. and they're like, "Wait, we didn't we didn't know this was even happening." So that's why the the question. So >> thank you so much for your time. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate the
>> same thing. Is >> there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard this evening? >> Write my name down afterwards. >> [clears throat] >> We're putting our addresses now. >> You can read my handwriting. Um, I
actually want to follow up with the question, the comments that were made by the last speaker. Um I understand that you said that NDAs are not signed here in this on the day as for by the council members uh uh Mr. Rullie. However, I do
know that there was a gag order issued on the board when the former mayor Owen Henry was on the board for the school and they were negotiating the teachers contract, I don't know, 15 years ago as a result of them cancelling the health
care of retirees in the negotiation process. And so, while wait, sorry. So, while I do understand, no disrespect, and I do understand what you're talking about is a difference between a gag order and I do understand the difference between a gag order and and an NDA, but
what I'm concerned about, >> but there's no Look, this is a public hearing on the data center ordinance, right? I'm not going to let you back door stuff that's really not relevant. >> I'm not I'm not back dooring, but to your her point about a gag order, >> you have to stay on topic. I am on
topic. It's a gag order, an NDA. So, so again, Madam President, I I got it. [clears throat] So, so again, first of all, I don't know what you're talking about, but it's not relevant to the discussion. >> Yeah, let's in any agreement in any agreement that that would bind. First of
all, council member doesn't have the authority to sign a non-disclosure agreement and of themselves under the Faulner Act. Contracts, those types of agreements can only be executed by the mayor and only after council approves it. So there would need to be a there
would be a public meeting with that occur. [clears throat] That's why so to the extent that there if there ever were one, >> it would be on an agenda at a public meeting. So that's relevant and that's what we're talking about. >> Okay. Well, a gag order. >> So again, there is no gag order. That
has nothing to do with this with this ordinance. >> Can you explain the difference then sir? >> No, because I don't know what a gag order is. I really don't know what you're talking about but I can tell you with respect to the issue came out non-disclosures with respect to data centers which is a relevant topic and again will not happen but to the extent
that some council member were to bring it up if they even if they were to sign it it wouldn't be enforceable and so not only I I if the developer tried to use it the township can go and say hey you can't enforce it because it hasn't been approved because that's how it operates.
Could you explain the difference then, sir? >> No, because I don't know what you're talking about. I'm not going to get into discussion. There is no gag orders talking about an a a non-disclosure agreement and that's what the issue that was talked about. >> Okay, I understand that. But but there is two different things. And my point to
you is I'm asking you is it possible that the second a gad order could be issued without the community knowing? So again, I don't know as in my as occurs in my 38 years of experience, I don't know the legal term gag order. >> Uh but it's certainly nothing that
occurs here and and it's nothing that's applicable here because there's nothing in the ordinance that talks about gag orders. Uh nor is whatever a gag order is is not something that deals with >> it was an NDA. I guess it was an NDA for negotiating the pay the contract where
teachers lost their health. We are talking about Can I We're talking President We're talking about this ordinance. If you're not going to stick to the ordinance, we're just going to cut you off and then you'll have to sit down and that's it. >> I am I'm only asking if there's a workound that these people
>> So again, there isn't I don't know what you're talking about with the gag order. There are no gag orders. No gag orders in the ordinance and there's none contemplated. >> Okay. Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard this evening? and it's got to be relevant to the
ordinance. And when you're asked to no longer continue, please respect it. We'll respect your time, but let's This is a a public hearing and we want to deal with things that are relevant. Good evening. Uh Joe Mila Russo. I'm a
resident here. Um I just uh first off, I want to say um it's really great that this is progressing and that this ordinance is continuing. Um I think that it's a positive thing. We had uh you know uh everyone came together last month and I think that this is this is
we're in this the right direction here with this uh hopeful hopeful ban. Um I do want to bring up uh uh another town. I know uh we want to focus on Old Bridge, but you know, there are relevant things that are happening outside um in
other communities that could very much happen here. Um so in Andover, I don't know. So again, it's a public hearing on the ordinance. All right. The questions have to be about the ordinance. >> I'm getting to there. >> No, no, no. Well, again, >> what's happening in other towns has no
bearing on the ordinance. Okay. >> It absolutely does because in Andover there was a data center um and um the developer what happened was Andover actually banned it. They did a similar thing here where um they banned uh
data centers in all zoning districts. Uh which is exactly the ordinance that is happening right now that we will be vote or you sorry excuse me you guys will be voting on. Um so with all due respect I would like to finish. Thank you Mr. Rosselli. Um, so
they passed the ban. The developer then came back and is now trying to sue the township to to move forward with this um, development. So, um, what I would like to just emphasize and I I really just want to make sure that we have every single roadblock in place in the
event that something like this does happen here in Obridge. And Mr. Roselli, you are the lawyer. So, I think you can understand litigations and I hope [clears throat] that you if an event like this does happen in Obridge where the developer tries to then sneak in and run rampid and do what they would defy
the resident's wishes that you would um speak up and defend the community. And I think that's all we want to know. I think that's the question here. >> And every time the township's been challenged, I've defended the township. Look to to to know every every possible
quote unquote end around it's impossible right so so and again as I explained any landover applicant has the ability to file a use variance and if that use variance is denied they have the ability to challenge that denial that's probably
what happened there >> exactly a good question right so and and and again I would I would potentially expect if there was an applicant who came here and tried had to get a use variance that if it was denied they would probably file the appeal because they have that right. Right. So I you
cannot stop people >> I understand that what I'm asking is will you defend the residents and the community as the township put it this way >> or or will the township >> so so the board so the board's usually sued in this instance would be the zoning board. So yes the zoning board
attorney would defend the uh the board in that instance. um and as they always do when it's challenged like that's part of their responsibility and their duty to the extent that somebody were to challenge the ordinance that might happen too. Uh yes, I would defend that
the municipality to ensure that the ordinance you know meets muster which basically is it is it reasonable uh is it is it is it based upon u uh uh police powers or public health and safety and all those if you look at the the background section whereas I have all
that information and that's the basis upon which ordinance is being introduced and adopted or it's adopted. So, I mean, the reason why I'm saying this is because you mentioned earlier that, you know, we should be reaching out to the state level and the county level. And I agree with you like 110%. I think that
this is a federal thing. It's a state thing. It's an issue because there is no regulation here, right, of this AI, automation, all of this stuff. It's a beast that has gotten out of hand. Um, I'm not going to talk too much about that, but um, you know, so when you said
earlier that, you know, it's not possible for towns to stop it completely, I I take issue with that because I believe the township should be able to litigate
towards, you know, the town's wishes, right? And so these developers should be held accountable and and we shouldn't let them do what they what they want to do. Right. So um and I just had another
couple questions here. when you say um when you're referring to the properties uh potential I guess the potential properties that were um mentioned earlier for uh previous data center usage um when you say segridge that is
the central 9 logistics park right >> it's a redevelopment plan that's just a an an acronym for the name of the redevelopment plan the area which it pledge so >> okay okay but but they're one and the same is what a m is a m what what I'm asking. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Um and then you said there were eight buildings, but um I believe there were nine. So I just want to make sure will there be cuz I know there's phase one of the production and phase two. So there there obviously I think there's five that are up right now. So I want to
make sure that uh I mean I would love for there to be eight and not nine honestly personally. But um so if you could just clear that up. What will there be? How many warehouses will there be now? eight or nine. >> Well, that there's nine in the the redevelopment plan. So, the the portion
of land that is relevant to the conversation today, there is an approved warehouse development, not a data center warehouse. And as I said earlier, should they want to come back and not saying that they will cuz I know I've had conversation with the developer and he
has no desire to put a data center in there. um should they want to put one there, they have to come back through the process, go through the application again, come back in front of the board, and then it has to be approved in front of the board. >> Okay? >> Right. So, as of now, right? And I say
as of now because who knows when anything happens tomorrow, right? I mean, you could sue McDonald's multiple times for spilling hot coffee on yourself. Um but there is no approved data center. There's no application for
a data center in front of us, right? Which is a good thing because that stops any litigation from here, >> right? [clears throat] For challenging us because if you came in front and you wanted to do it, hey, you can come here. So there is nothing in front of any zoning board and nothing in front of the
planning board. The two pieces of property that uh our attorney mentioned, one of them which is the crossroads which is under litigation. So he could speak to that, but I can't speak to the other one. We app it's an approved warehouse development, not a data center. So, it is not an approved use
per the approved plans. Should they want that, they'd have to come back through the whole process. >> So, the property um I'm sorry, I'm trying to understand the land that which it sits upon, but there's no warehouse now previously um previously uh
permitted for data center usage. There is the there's a portion of the redevelopment plan and Mark correct me if I'm wrong that could potentially have had one that portion of the redevelopment plan that area has an
approved warehouse plan not a data s is that correct >> center. Okay. >> So if they want they wanted to do it which the developer said he does not >> they'd have to come back through the entire process. It would have to be a public meeting at the planning board.
They'd have to present the plans. The whole thing would have to occur again. >> Okay? >> So, it would be like a net new amended plan coming to us, which they'd have to give public notice. We It would be a planning board meeting that would have to happen and then there would be public hearings on it.
>> Okay. All right. I think that's everything. Thank you very much. Um, thank you. >> Anyone else wish to be heard this evening? Hi, Jill Daro, Old Bridge. Um, couple things I wanted to touch on. Um, and uh,
Councilman Donna, you just brought it up again with the planning board and how uh, SegMay H is approved for a certain um, certain plan. If they want to change the plan, they have to come back and go through the whole process again. And my
concern I guess is what guard rails do we have in place you know hence the ban or the moratorum that was originally suggested. What guard rails does the public have in place other than the public hearing. And often times we all
know sometimes you can get a 100 people out here and people are going to vote a certain way. They've already decided sometimes before they come in the door and you know that's just the way it works. So what guard rails are there if there is no ban or moratorum
to say that the planning board won't approve a change of plan if seg decides at some point in time in the future that they want to change their plan what guard rails are there and so that's you
know goes to the point of this ban or the moratorum which was originally suggested I'm sorry no the word moratorium or banned because >> taking that back change changing of the word >> use >> it makes it not a permitted use it makes
a difference >> well it does and I I actually think it weakens the argument >> no it doesn't weaken the argument it it is it is just what it is that's all I don't want to call something that's something that's not right I mean that's
that's that's all I it's again ban or moratorum it's not what it is it's just not a permitted use again it's currently not permitted use except in those two redevelopment areas >> except in but that's what I'm referring to. So all right so again so look to the extent that whatever safeguards there are I mean the process is currently
under mun land use law that's what that's what has to happen they have to give notice they have to come in with amended application to allow it right and and I think from that perspective is that the the 200 foot notices go out my sense is is that to the extent that were to happen uh that that that word would
travel quickly and people would know about it uh but I think uh part of the goal is to uh seek to amend those plans to exclude those uses uh from the redevelopment plans. This this doesn't apply only because in order to prohibit it in redevelopment plans, the
redevelopment plan sits on top of the existing zoning. So we'd have to go back and amend it and and in the discussions with with VINA, the idea is to go back again crossroads is different animal but again there's no indication is to amend those plans as well and to take out data
centers prohibit as permitted uses. So, um, would this >> no >> permitted use or change of wording apply to the two areas that are currently? >> No. >> Okay. And that's right. We have I think the issue
>> we had to we in order for it to apply that that we'd have to amend those plans specifically. >> Right. Right. So um even if so if say for instance he has segment um EF has a change of heart comes back says oh I want to do this uh there's a lot of
money in it um you know whatever and he comes back and they put out the public notice they do all of that everybody comes we have no we have still no guarantee how the planning board would vote >> correct
>> right and I think that's that's the crux of the problem anybody right because planning boards or zoning boards they have to hear the the evidence make a decisions that's objective no governing official no elected official can tell or alert and you should know this any
govern any member of a planning board or zoning board how to vote >> of course I'm very well aware of that but I'm just saying to to the point of this ordinance that's what I'm saying to the point of this ordinance I'm I know that we can't guarantee them how to vote
Of course, um we can't we don't know how they're going to vote, which means we are still at the beck and call of the decision of the planning board. If they to your point, Eric, >> Mr. Car, I could tell you this. Should
they come in front of the planning board to try to get a data warehouse, they have to come through me. >> I understand. >> And I'm the one and and I'm the one who just said, "Don't kick the can down the road and ban it. >> [gasps] >> I'm one vote, but I'm a powerful vote.
I'm the one who asks a ton of questions. I know and I know there are other people in this room that are on the planning board. I know what their thought processes are. I know what the thought processes are of the people that are up there today. >> Now, there's no guarantee that a new board doesn't get put in a year or two
or three from right. But >> outside of here, and as a and I know Mr. Gersburg has said that he has no desire to put a data warehouse here. And obviously Mark has a great relationship with them. I'm sure they'll be talking and I know Mark has said that the
administration is considering all of the redevelopment plans that have it, the two of them, and and re rewarding it, right? However we're going to do it. So once that's done, then [snorts] they have to go through two boards. They'd have to go through the zoning board for a use variance. Then they'd have to go
through the planning board, [gasps] right? Our zoning board is is fairly tough on a lot of things. If anyone's watched watched those meetings, right? So, they'd have to get through them. Then ultimately, they'd have to come through the planning board with me sitting on it. >> Okay. I'm just putting that thought out
there because as on this side of the day, as as a resident [clears throat] hearing this, >> uh this was the question that came to my mind as soon as when you said that. Um but anyway, okay. Just just another point uh on that because it's not something again we V and I and mayor and
BA had discussed the other leverage we have relative to SEMI is the financial agreement financial agreement's been executed and it deals with warehouses. So to the extent that he would want to change and have a pilot the town would have to agree to amend the financial
agreement to allow for that. And my sense would be is that without that applying to that, that's another leverage, additional leverage that the township has relative to that site not going forward with it if he were to again for whatever reason try to make
the change. >> Well, yeah, and that's that's that it's significant, but it's also assuming that everyone in the township is against the data center. So, you know, that's that's just an assumption,
right? Cuz we can't guarantee how we can't guarantee how anyone >> but if the ordinance gets adopted and then I think you get a sense of where people, you know, where elected officials positions are on on the on this particular issue. >> So, all right. And so, the other thing I
just wanted to say is, um, Mayor Walker, you did suggest that we send letters and, um, to our legislators. So, um, we did as, uh, as a county committee, the Democratic county committee, I'm as I'm the chair of, as you guys know, um, we did send a letter down to our
legislators. Um, we just sent it to LD the LD12 representatives. Um, we'll send a separate one probably to the governor, but we wanted to because they're the ones that actually make the laws, so we wanted to go with them first. Um, we just got a response back today. I
haven't had a time chance to really go through it. It was um you know a lot of yes, we agree with you or whatever, but no real no real solutions. But I do have to go through it with with my team. You okay? Did I say something that upset
you? I'm sorry. >> So just so polite all the time. I really app >> I'm so polite all the time. Okay, good. That's good. My mother would be proud. My mother would be proud. Um, so, um, but anyway, I just wanted to let you know that we did do that and we did get
a response. So, I do, you know, as you suggested, send sending out letters, um, is is good. So, the more letters that they get, the more that they um they hear from us, I think the better. So anyway, >> I think you need to send it to all the
legislators, not just your representatives, because like Marcus said earlier, the only way you're going to stop this is through the governor's office. That's it. >> If you want protection, that's the only way. Like Governor Hokll signed it. I think that's I think that all of you
should be focusing on the governor. >> She signed it, but she didn't write the law, right? The legislator. >> If you want them if you want a ban on them, >> we got to write the law first, right? She could she could do a band. >> Okay. Yeah. So, like I said, we sent it to >> You don't have to worry about planning
boards. >> We sent it to Right. Absolutely. I'm working all angles here. I'm doing what I can. Um so, like I said before, we sent it to our legislators and we are going to send it to the governor as well. We just wanted to do it
separately, but um as of now, we just sent it to our legislators. So, I just wanted to let you guys know that we did follow through on that. Anyway, thank you. Thank you. [applause] Okay. Is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard this evening?
>> Good evening. Katherine Whitley, Old Bridge resident, and my question is pertaining to the ordinance. Is there any current space in Oldbridge that's allowed to build something that could backdoor into
a data center? So, um again, um the use isn't permitted. So, to the extent that they were to try to do that, they'd have to come back and and get a change of use. So, they'd have to file a a an application for use variance.
>> Right. Okay. So, but if my son decided that he wanted to mine crypto in my basement, you know what? That's what I'm saying. Can a company just decide an existing company in that's currently operational or licensed? >> There's a lot of things that go on that
probably the town doesn't know because that's unfortunately how people are. You said if your son's mining crypto in your basement, >> he's not. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Right. Right. [snorts] But but so so ideally, right? Ideally, so right uh
they legally they wouldn't be able to do it. Let's put it that way, right? What what right? Because basically it's a change in in use. Let's say there's a let's say there's a warehouse, right? And then somebody starts well the warehouse was approved for warehousing and not for
what they want to try to do. So that would ne necessitate uh them obtaining a use variance. Same thing. Okay. Now, could could somebody be doing that under the cloak of darkness? I'm sure they could try because a lot of things happen and towns, you know, for instance,
people do improvements to the basement and don't pull construction permits and don't get approval and and a town usually don't find that out until they go and there's a reval. So, it's going to be happening soon. So, you guys better be ready. Uh, but that happens all the time, right? People people make improvements, they don't do what they're
supposed to do. Town finds out after the fact. uh to the extent that somebody were like as the council president said repurpose it. Could it happen? I'm sure it could. I mean it's just a matter of you know things [snorts] find out and then if it were to find out then you'd go through the process of cease and desist, closing operations, forcing them
to come in, get a use. >> Yeah. You understand my concern that there could be a business existing or operating in currently and I want to trust what you're saying and believe. >> I mean I mean the hard thing would be let's say if they're doing it right. I mean let's look at if they had the water source for the cooling that they would
need. If there's the power coming in, right, unless somebody starts running a line that comes from the warehouse out to some Yeah. Right. I mean, like people used to steal cable back in the day. Yeah. Right. But >> my only other comment to you is it is never what it is. I don't like that
saying. It's It is what it is. It is never what it is. That's why we're here. >> So, thank you so much everybody and I really hope you vote >> the right way. >> Miss Whitley. Miss Whitley, can you just please Is there anyone else in the public?
>> Before we do that, >> one minute, Dave. >> So, was that >> you had too much coffee? >> No, actually, just in case. So, so if you at your at your u place um again, a comment was raised by by resident when
we introduced it regarding the the term primary. And so I went back and I looked and uh to see if uh um what I could do with that. So if you look what I did, it's an italics. Uh what I did was broaden the definition of data center uh
such that it now includes or my my suggestion is to amend it and it wouldn't be a substantive change. We're altering the with the meaning of the ordinance. So you if you're inclined, if the council's inclined, you can adopt the amendments and adopt the ordinance as amended. So that now a data center uh
would uh shall include but not be limited to any use which is new facility which was existing. The following is all suggested. Building, structure, trailer or any portion thereof including any exa accessory and ancillary and/or auxiliary
use facility, building, structure, trailer, any portion thereof and then use primarily which is existing and I added accessarily, secondarily or incidentally uh for the storage, management and processing of the digital
electronic data. So that stays the same. And then in the second paragraph, basically I took the language from up there and included in the second paragraph so that it's just not facilities. I we include uses, building structures, trailers or any portion
thereof. And then not just primary accessory, ancillary and or auxiliary uses. Um and so we we we broadened it. So if anybody has any questions about that, [clears throat] Is there anyone else in the meeting?
>> Anyone? >> All right, then I will ask. >> No, no, no. Well, before you close, I just want to just I just want to just take a vote on on the amendment. >> Yeah, sure. Absolutely. Wait. >> No, I just wanted to say thank you real quick. Like, >> you know what? I really appreciate the
councilman because I feel like you two definitely have like uh the right mindset for being against the data centers. I appreciate that. Um the only question I have is you said you give a public notification if they were to change something. Where do we get that public notification?
>> So the u so depending on the board, right? There's a planning board, zoning board. Um there's the law requires if you're within 200 feet of of this affected property, they they get you get a mailing. Otherwise, otherwise the township
>> there's an agenda that gets listed on the township website relative to the planning board and zoning board. uh and that that's uh on the website under community development I believe and then you go you would go to planning or zoning and you'll see the agendas for the meetings. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. I'll remind you.
>> All right. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> So, you want to have a motion first? >> Do you do I don't know how you want to deal with the amendments first and then >> talk about the public first. >> Okay. You can Yeah. Go ahead.
>> Anyone else in the public? Okay. Then I'll take a motion to close by. >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Von Stettton. All in favor? >> Any any opposed? Hearing none, we're now closed public comment public hearing
portion of of for the ordinance. >> Okay. So now we're going to ask to vote on the >> let's see if there's any discussion on the on the ordinance including the proposed amendments. >> Anyone? >> Yes. I'm glad >> Mike
>> I'm glad that Mark put in the the amendment to the uh into the definition of data centers. Um listen, they've already they've already filed a lawsuit against handover. I believe they've
already filed a lawsuit against Kennallorth. And I and I and I fully expect that they're going to file a lawsuit against the township of Oldbridge. just a lot of money involved in this. They're not going to take no for an answer. My
suggestion, [snorts] you know, [clears throat] um is that maybe we get ahead a little ahead of the game for ourselves and we add um some ordinances or on the on the use of water, the use
of what what would have to be available. um like we get a committee together, get it done and and um and and go from there. But there are things we can do locally and we should do those things.
You know, we should stren straighten our own local ordinances in reference to data centers because there's data centers we may want. You know, there's financial data centers which only use a third of what um not
anymore. Well, not anymore. They're all large. They're all large, man. [clears throat] I I you know, if if if you're saying they're all large, it's not what I'm reading right now. But um
you know, but these things change. They're constantly. It's a fluid change. And >> um cell, >> anything that we could do locally, I think we should do locally. and and and uh first thing we should do is pass the the the ordinance, but you
know, I mean, like I said, they're filing lawsuits all over the place, so we'll just be another one in the line. Um at least the the the learned attorney was good enough not to use the Liga municipalities boilerplate so they don't
have to make one lawsuit. Now they got to they got to do a lot of lawsuits. So um I mean that that's my suggest that was what I wanted to do all along was was you know um [clears throat] try you know put a moratorum on it and
um you know there's goods and you know good and bad there's pro and con and [clears throat] you know we should we we should look at the pros and maybe there's something with that we would really want but um [clears throat] other than that you know um that's it
that's all I You want to look at the pros now? >> Well, you know, you have the pros, you have the cons. I mean, but I think we got to put together anything we can do locally to prevent the cons, we should be doing. We should be proactive with
that. >> So, >> yeah. >> Okay. So, [clears throat] you're looking to do more to strengthen the cons than the pros. >> So, I'm looking to do both of them. Mayor, I'm looking I think we need to put a committee together to come up with those answers.
>> We're not going to come up with those answers tonight. >> Okay. No, I just want to be clear on where your thought process is so that I >> Well, my my thought process is that we should do everything in our power to protect the township of Bulbridge. That is that is mine. That is what I want to do.
>> Yeah. No, don't listen. I'm not trying to I was just wanted clarification. You said let's look into the >> Okay, I just did. >> Okay. All right. Thank you for clarification. >> All right. >> There. Anyone else? Okay. We got a whole uh Anybody on this side? Anything else?
>> All right. Now, we'll start on the end. We'll start with Mr. Fisceti and work our way up. >> Yeah. Uh for the lawyer, Mark, uh cell towers have data centers at the bottom of them. Is this >> is this ordinance
uh affect that? Well, it it it would be well I don't need it probably doesn't meet the definition probably doesn't meet the def right definition for data center you know dealing with when you read the definition because it it's not it
wouldn't necessarily uh meet that when you read this and those types of things at the bottom of cell towers it's not it's not the same dealing with uh with how this is how this is defined Okay, Mark, for you right now, just want to be
clear. Right. Aside from SegMe and Crossroads redevelopment plans, data centers are not expressly permitted use anywhere in Obridgeidge Township. Correct. >> Right. >> That means if someone wanted to build one, they would have to apply to the zoning board for use variance. Correct. >> Okay. That process would exist whether
we passed an ordinance on this issue or not. Correct. >> That's right. >> Okay, great. So, we can't ban them. We can't we can't ban them. Have a moratorum that was recommended. Um, and I think you explained it very eloquent today. One
other question is let's say someone wants to build a data center, Mark, and they go through the zoning board and it gets approved and someone appeals it. It comes to council, right? >> Well, >> how does that work? So, so there's um
under the township's code presently is that if someone were if an applicant is granted a use variance um then an interested party which is broadly defined uh and it's only in the [clears throat] approval of a use
variance uh has uh and if someone went to a ch wanted to challenge that approval they have two options. They can go to the superior court like any application that's filed in front of the boards and or specifically with respect to a D1 use variance. There's an appeal
that comes to the council and then then council if some of you live through that uh with respect to we had that not too long ago then then there's a denovo or a new hearing in front of council to determine whether or not that grant of
the use variance was appropriate or not. >> Okay. So basically it comes back to us as council and we get to approve it or not. Correct. Pretty much >> right. If use fair is granted. >> All right. Great. So because you kind of never know what the future holds, right? As tech advances. So if someone wants to
come next month, 3 months, 6 months down the road, um at that time we got to check if it's good or not and what's in the best interest of a decision that comes to our table. Correct. At that time, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. Great. Cuz Okay. I just wanted to
make sure before I vote on it, I just wanted to be clear. You can't ban them. Can't do a moratorum. If it goes to the zoning board, no one has like there's no one that can say this is the way it is and that's just the way it is cuz I said so. It actually has to come back to us if it's denied or approved if someone
appeals it and then us as a council make a decision in what's the best interest for the residents. Correct. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Great. That I just wanted to be clear about that. All right. Thanks. >> Anyone else? Okay, I'd like to say um something. Um,
as you know, there was no application for data centers in front of the planning board or the zoning board. And the only time data centers were ever talked about in Albridge was under Mayor Phillips back going back to 2006. So, the bottom line is
>> excuse me. So, the bottom line is I appreciate the Democrats um uh chair and the council um wrote to Senator Owen Henry and uh Assemblyman Suiki and Assemblyman um Clifton, but the reality
of that and I think what the mayor was alluding to right to the governor because the governor is the one who decides this when they when you're talking about sending it to our assembly. asmblymen that and and the two
assemblymen and the senator they fight for us every day. In fact, they fight in count when down in Trenton to get money restored from the state to our schools and it fell on desier. So, at the same time you're writing for the letter about
not having data centers that there's not going to come to Old Bridge because they can't pull out the water and there's not enough electricity, I would recommend when you write that letter to the governor, ask her to restore funding to our schools also cuz that is crippling every resident in this town uh based on
their taxes. And so, I think that's what you should do too. combine it there instead of going to them when they when Owen Henry, Senator Owen Henry and Assemblyman Siki and Clipton stand on the floor doing everything that they possibly can for Albridge and for their
entire district and it falls on deaf ears because they are in the minority and they're taken over by what's going on. And then when you could also when you write to the governor besides re um send school funding back to our town no data centers please ask them to stop
with this mandate destroying our town with affordable housing which it's not affordable. Thank you. [applause] >> Okay. Everybody's good. All right. I'm just going to No, Mr. Mu. We're not going to go back and forth because this
is what's happened. No, no, mistake made that are totally false. You're the ones they're totally false and I'm going to address them. >> You can address them in your comments. >> Address them now. >> You can address them in your council comments. >> No, I can address them now while we're voting on this ordinance because it's
very >> I make a motion to pass this ordinance. >> I make a motion wait. No, we >> Let's We're getting off track here. >> Council President, I have I have one question. Oh, are we >> are we talking right now about the
amendment or the full? So, there's two different Right. So, we need to vote on the amendment and then vote on the the overall ordinance. Right. >> Yes. >> I just want to make sure I said that what we were talking about. >> Yes, that's what we're talking about. We're going to first because the amendments expand the definition. So, we
need to vote on that first and then from there proceed on voting for the ordinance. Okay. So we do need a motion for the amendment. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Moved by uh Councilman Asetuli. Second
by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. This is to approve the proposed amendments. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. the um
the amend the amendment is very good and and I applaud the attorney for putting it on, but I I I must address the October 24 October of 24 redevelopment meeting where Senator Owen Henry
appeared before the redevelopment authority advocating for data centers in the town in the crossroads project. >> And that was a long time ago. and and the mayor was present, but she she forgot about that. The planner was
present. I believe even an attorney might have been present. They've both forgot that. So Dave didn't just invent this. But all right, we got the minutes of the of the meetings. They advocated. They brought in the trade unions to
advocate it. The only thing that probably stopped it was the lawsuit. Yes. >> Okay. So, that was how many years ago? >> Okay. So, let's move on. Excuse me. If
not, you have to leave. >> Right. >> Okay. Council [clears throat] >> need to finish the roll call. >> Councilman Merwin, you voted yes on the amendments. >> Councilman Pasitti, >> no. [snorts] >> Councilman Rosolei, >> yes. >> Councilman von Stanton, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg
Belli, >> yes. >> And Council President Sohart, >> yes. on the amendments. Yes. >> Yes. On the amendments. Okay. So, now we need a motion and a second to approve the ordinance as amended. >> Second. >> Moved by Councilman Von Stettton. Second by Councilman Deal. Roll call.
Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pascitti. >> No. >> Councilman Rosolei? >> Yes. >> Councilman Vonstettton? >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell?
>> Yes. and council president so yes motion carries >> okay and please let's live in the presence this evening we did this it's voted on it's it's accomplished I think we had a lot of input from residents which is appreciated we are trying our best to get our arms
around this and we all do have to join together and we do have to talk to all the legislators not just local all of them and including the governor's office so this is that's a positive among the residents not this bickering about who said what four years ago, eight years
ago. I I was 40 at one time. Hello. I wish I still was. But at the end of the day, this has this is now. We are here in the presence this evening. So, let's work together and and move on from this. Thank you.
>> Consent agenda. >> Yeah. >> Next is going to be our consent agenda. I would like a a motion and a second and then we'll separate. >> Second. Moved by Councilman Rosolei, second by uh Councilman Vonstettton.
Items for separation. Councilman Acatuli, >> no items. Thank you, Kate. >> Councilman De Palama, >> C4, please. >> C4. Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Merwin, >> for motion. >> C4. Councilman Pascitti,
>> no separations. Thank you. >> Councilman Rosie, >> no separations. Thank you. >> Okay. Councilman Vonettton, >> no separations. Thank you. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> No separations. Thank you. >> And [clears throat] Council President Sohar. >> No separations. Thank you. >> Okay. So, we're going to take a vote on
the balance of the consent agenda. >> Y. >> Councilman Acatuli? >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealma? >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai? >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin, >> yes. >> Councilman Pasci, >> yes. >> Councilman Rosi, >> yes. >> Councilman Vonettton, >> yes.
>> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belly. >> Yes. Yes. And council president Sohar. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. Next we see for Mr. Merwin. And gentlemen, can will you please come forward? Good evening. >> Mr. Depal and Mr. >> and Mr. Depal. Yes.
>> Yes. >> Just don't call me late for dinner. [laughter and clears throat] >> Okay. >> Good evening, fellas. >> Okay. >> Good evening. >> Good evening, gentlemen. All right. Which of you gentlemen would like to start off? Mr. Depal, would you
like to go first? >> Yeah. So, just um was just looking for like what the explanation was. What are the benefits by going into um the agreement with the county because I understand that there's a lot of benefits now for the town. not only some
I I may have heard something monetarily but also from the ability to um be able to be part of the greater network so once we leave town we have full comm headquarters right >> and for the public just if you could you
know give us a little overview so that the public also understands what's transpiring here. So, currently we pay approximately $216,000 a year for maintenance on the on the towers. Um,
we have four towers and and if we go to the county system, >> his mic on me. Yeah. Okay. So, currently we pay approximately $216,000
a year for maintenance on the uh radio towers. And uh if we go to the county system, well, not the county system, it's still going to be the same radio towers, we're going to pay zero. They're going to maintain those radio towers for us.
Um there are several I can name the towns but basically if we go to through the county we get these other towns if old travels to Monroe to the uh county correction center that we also get that
coverage as we travel through those towns. So we have no breakage in in uh radio coverage. >> So the county would be maintaining the radio towers from now on. >> Yes. and and the radio towers, these are the towers that use for police, fire,
EMS, OEM, the whole the whole township. So, should we respond to Serville for for a call or other towns because our fire departments, you know, consistently go over to other towns will maintain the coverage that we need.
>> That's correct. Okay. >> Yeah. There's currently 14 [snorts] currently 14 municipalities in the uh county that is on the system would be the 15th. >> So it just expands the coverage within the county and even outside the county.
We've heard it people uh that have communic communicated all the way down to Ocean County without difficulty. >> Oh, so we would Oh, that's excellent. Cuz right now we don't have that ability today. >> No, >> we lose it at the county sometimes. Go to the county jail, we'd lose transmission.
>> Okay. So >> I'll just reiterate what you just said. If we go to the county jail, sometimes we lose communications, >> but to our headquarters. >> So then ultimately our officers may have to use their cell phones to call in. >> Correct. Okay. >> So that's what they normally do. They
normally would call on the cell phone into headquarters saying we're out at the county or uh type it into our chat via our MDT computers. >> Okay. So it's a 215 $216,000 a year savings. >> Yes. >> That's awesome. >> Yeah. That's great. Thank you guys.
Great job. >> Anyone else? >> You guys came and gave the report. >> You said four towers. >> You said four towers. The agreement only says three.
So the county came in and they did an assessment of what was needed and the one tower they they felt it was unnecessary for the the volume of uh I don't know the correct term but just say wattage or amperage of the the the surrounding where the towers are
located. They felt that those three towers were sufficient enough and we didn't need the fourth. Is there upgrade in the equipment too over time? I guess you assume you get built-in upgrades. >> I didn't Could you >> Equipment gets upgraded during the
course of time as you know as this agreement goes in say couple years from now they upgrade >> right off the bat they're going to upgrade our equipment. Our equipment is currently over 10 years old and is going to need upgrades as it is. >> So this would just save us we're estimating about a million dollars in upgrades.
>> Excellent. Thanks for your presentation and congratulations. >> And that [clears throat] million dollars, we'd have to bond for that, right? >> We would. Yes, we were current. >> So, right off the bat, we're saving $1.2 million. >> This was something we planned on last year even bonding for it in 2027. >> That's great.
>> So, who would be pay for this? >> Middle of County. >> Thank you. Well done, Mike. That's what do you think of this, Mike? [laughter] If I catch you, I wanted to do it to you on purpose. >> I saw Mike cuz he's out on the scene at
4 in the morning, 3:00, you guys. 2 in the morning. He's 2 hours sleep. The guy. >> It's a win for It's a win for emergency services to have the capabilities of going outside of our county, outside of our town, and being able to communicate. Fire departments travel to Ocean County.
Fire departments travel to Carterette. um police departments getting into chases and to use cell phones in 2026 is is kind of like archaic when we have radios that can handle the situation if we had the the towers that we're going to get. It's a definitely it's a
definite win for us. >> Well, well done, guys. Really, I appreciate Do we need a data center? It's a joke. It's a joke. I'm kidding. I'm I'm just joking. I'm just joking. I'm just joking. >> I'm joking. [clears throat] We we would be in the um on the MARS the county um
emergency response frequencies. >> Yes. So there's there's multiple multiple channels. Um we would all be on all those channels. So we'd be able EMS would be able to click over to the EMS mutual aid channels. Um
>> I mean it they would have the interoperability with all the other departments. >> Yeah. They'll be able to click their radio over to Saraveville and [clears throat] be able to talk to Saraveville. Right now, the way we do it is we ask headquarters to call Saraveville and let them know what's going on. Now we can have direct contact.
>> That's great. >> Can I just add this is such a win for the town. Not only are we having better service, they're upgrading our equipment and look at all the money we're saving. So, it's it's a big win. >> I want to thank all of you for all the hard work you did.
>> Yeah, that's it's a lot. It really is. Everybody, Anybody else have a question? >> No, I have nothing else. I'll move it. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Y. >> All right. Thank you very much, gentlemen. >> Thank you. Have a good even >> have a good evening. >> Moved by Councilman Deama. >> You second. >> Second.
>> Second. Right. Second by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Absolutely. 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 Bell. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Thank you very much. Yep. >> That's why our police department is so respected. >> Okay. Um, next will be report of the township clerk.
>> I have no report. Council President. >> Uh, nothing to report. Talked too much already. Thank you. >> Yes, I'm Anna. Tonight, in-person support for energy assistance applications. Representatives from JCPNL
will be present at the Oldbridge Administration building on Thursday, August 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to assist with applications for universal service fund and provide information on various energy bill assistance programs. Assistance is
available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call the senior center silver linings at Oldbridge at 732-721-5600 extension 66600. For universal service fund program
inquirers, you can email NJAT firstcp.com or call or visit silverlininings. Old Bridge Food Bank's National Night Out Food Drive on Tuesday, August 4th, during 2026 National Night Out. The
Obridge Food Bank will be accepting monetary contributions along with donations of non-p perishable food items and toiletries to assist families in need. Visit the food bank's tent to donate or to learn more about our services. Connect with the food bank by
visiting www.olbridge.com old brbridge.com foodbank or joining the food bank's Facebook page at Oldbridge Foodbank. Third quarter tax payment. The 2026 final 2027 preliminary tax bills will be
mailed out on or about July 20th, 2026, and the third quarter grace period has been extended until August 21st, 2026. The township division of tax collection will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the third
quarter tax collection period. The tax office will also be open on Saturday, August 8th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The last day to pay taxes without interest or penalties is August 21st, 2026. Payments received after August
21st, 2026 will acrue interest back to the statutory due date of August 1st. For homeowners who are enrolled in our automatic withdrawal program, your taxes will be withdrawn on or about August 13, 2026. For additional information, residents
should contact the Obridge Division of Tax Collection at 732721-5600 extension 2999. Also, I'd just like to talk about our America's 250th celebration that we had this weekend. I'm so happy that we picked a rain date to begin with because
unfortunately it rained on the original date on Saturday. It was held on Sunday and it was much more successful than we even anticipated. I believe we had about 3,500 people there and everybody had a well first it began at Catrell Farm. It was more for the children from um 12 to
4. We had a lot of activities and I was so surprised so many people I ran into had no idea that the farm existed over here and the house was open which so many people were so excited to get an opportunity to see the the house and then it was followed later in the evening from 7 to 10 at Menino Park. We
had various activities for the children. It was such a nice coming together of the community. Everybody came and hang out. The children were playing, the families got together. We had food trucks and then it was uh the drone show was the finale. And I'd never seen a drone show personally and I thought it
was spectacular and I think everyone had a really really wonderful time and we hoped in the future have more community events like this because it was just so successful and I think everyone had a really great time. [applause] Oh, and I just want to thank Parks and Recck for their hard work. They worked
so hard that day. I mean, I got home at midnight. I think Matt got home at midnight and they were there from early in the morning. and our also our public works for taking care of such good care of Catrell Park for us over here. >> See, he was Thomas Jefferson, too. They worked so hard.
>> I just want to say also, Senator Henry's office had also sent um a team here from the state and they helped people fill out their senior tax freezes and that was another very successful event and they're going to be having that again. So, keep your eyes out and the look for that. That was very another successful
program. >> Okay. Thank you. Does anyone have any comments or questions for the uh for the mayor on the administrative report? No. Anybody? No. Okay. Thank you very much. I think that was a lot of good information and this energy assistance
program. Seriously, if you know anyone, I'm trying to get it out to all the HOAs, all the housing because this is something too with the rates being what they are. I think people would really appreciate knowing, you know, getting a little more information and seeing whether or not they qualify for some
assistance because the rates have gone through the roof. Thank you very much. Okay, I'll take it a motion to um approve the report, please. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by um Councilman Asetuli, second by Councilman Paskitti. All in favor?
>> Any opposed? Hearing none, the administrator's report is accepted. Okay. Next will be public comment on any subject matter for a maximum period of 3 minutes. The public comment portion of our meeting is to allow the public to bring to council's attention their
concerns or comments. This section is open for any topic or items on the consent agenda. In accordance with NJSA 104-12A and the Oldbridge rules of council, the council ask the public to limit their comments to 3 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 your meeting. As you approach the microphone, please state your name, no addresses, and also make sure that you please add your name to
our sheet that we have up there next to the microphone. >> Short. >> Good evening. >> One minute, Ruth. We just need a motion to open to public. >> Yeah, just one sec. Thank you. >> Moved by uh council vice president, [clears throat] Dr. Greenber second by
Councilman De Palama. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing none. We're now open to public comment. >> Okay. Good evening. >> Good evening. I'm Ruth Queen. I've lived here 38 years. I've voted for several of you on the board. I want to just say how nice on a public hearing that we had
back and forth and people listened on the council and people listened back here. And wouldn't it be wonderful if once every 3 months say we have a town hall where we can come up and we can ask about sidewalks just general or data
centers or gay pride or anything else and have it back and forth as it was tonight during I know it was a public hearing but wouldn't it be wonderful because we're all one community whether we're Democrat, Republican, independent, black, white, whatever. Wouldn't it be
nice if occasionally we have a town hall where we could just come and we feel comfortable asking questions? And also, I'd just like to say that Catrell Park is fantastic. I bring my grandchildren there whenever they're here and I love it. We never had anything like that for years. So, thank you for that. But
please, we would love, many of us would like a town hall where we can come and ask questions and not wait to hear someone say something that doesn't make sense or doesn't agree with us. And yes, you could not agree with us, but have a civil discourse. Sorry, I'm tired.
Anyway, thank you. [applause] >> Can you just write your name on the list? You did. >> Thank you. >> Hi, Lisa Pascarelloo. Lived in Old Bridge 32 years. always been very happy with the township and things going on here and I
appreciate you all. But I do want to make a comment about the last two-year tax increases and I take your advice. I'm going to write definitely about that and everything else that we need attention to from um the governor. So,
I myself find it a hardship and I know other residents in my neighborhood that I've spoken to have very much difficulty meeting the huge tax increase. And I understand it's because the board of education has not gotten the funding
from the state. Um, but we all live here. We all, I'm sure, are getting the same increases tax rate. and about the re-evaluation that's to come. I'm curious about how will that go about
because it was my understanding, I don't know if this correct, that it would be bringing our home values to market value, which would be a tremendous increase since it hasn't been done in over 30 years. And will the tax rate drop since market value will be quite
high? That's it. I know you can't answer me, but I'm sure we're all thinking the same thing. >> Thank you. Good evening, mayor, council president, and members of the township council. Uh, my name is Greg Clemish, resident of Old Bridge. Thank you for allowing me the
opportunity to speak. I'm here because I am deeply concerned about the safety of everyone who lives on or travels along Gordon Road. The posted speed limit is 25 mph. Yet, it is common to observe vehicles traveling well in excess of that limit, particularly on the stretch
approaching my residence from Tutor Court. Excessive speeding is not an occasional occurrence. It's a daily problem. This is no longer simply a quality of life issue. It's a public safety issue. Children, pedestrians, cyclists, residents backing out of their driveways, contractors, and even wildlife are placed at unnecessary risk
by motors who disregard the speed limit. I do appreciate the efforts of the Old Bridge Police Department, but I do not believe increased traffic enforcement alone is a long-term solution. Enforcement can only be present for limited periods of time. Effective trauming uh traffic calming measures
work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Uh I respectfully request that the township seriously consider installing speed tables and radar speed display signs on Gordon Road. I also respectfully request that a township engineer evaluate Gordon Road using established traffic engineering principles and applicable uh
New Jersey traffic common guidance to determine which measures are appropriate for this location. My request my request is simply that the roadway receive a thorough objective evaluation based on the condition uh the residents experience. In addition, I request that the traffic data collection equipment
remain placed in its current location where speeding is most prevalent. So, the township obtains uh representative data rather than measure from a locations that drivers slow. Other New Jersey communities have successfully implemented speed tables while continuing to provide timely emergency
services. For that reason, I respectfully ask that these options receive genuine consideration rather than being dismissed. I will be distributing my previous letter that you received uh on uh dated June 24th along with a copy of a response that I received from the engineer on July 1st
to the residents [clears throat] on Gordon Road and we'll be collecting signatures for a petition. Once completed, I'll provide the comments and petition to the township. Uh, additionally, I intend to file an open records act uh request uh citing
for records for traffic citations issued on Gordon Road uh from April 2010 to present as well as records relating to emergency responses to Cheesequake Village. I respectfully ask council to work with the residents of Gordon Road to identify solutions that will prevent a tragedy before one occurs. I have a
9-year-old daughter. I am also here seeking not excuses but explanations as to why we cannot approve it but for reasons why we can. I welcome any member of the township council, township administration, township engineer, and law enforcement to spend just a period
of time in my driveway to observe firsthand what our residents experience. I would like to thank recently elected Councilman Mwin for reaching out since my letter was received. Previously, elected officials were made aware of this uh issue for the 16 years that I lived in Old Bridge with excuses. Thank
you. good evening. Um, Aka Zoshi. I'm a resident uh here in Old Beach Township. Um, I live at 81 Spring Hill Road. Um, so my property uh got flooding and it flooded on July 6th,
July 9th, uh July 18th, and again today. Uh so there is a huge construction site right in across uh my property. Uh I believe the contractor did not take uh proper erosion and sediment control measures. I have a catch basin uh and
there is a drainage easement that runs across my property towards the back of my property. Um because of the uh silt and sand and debris from the construction site. The uh the easement is completely blocked. Um there are
cracks in the pipe. Uh one of the small cleanout drains uh kind of burst and there is a fountain uh of water which is sediment laden. Uh a lot of silt um it's flooding my basement, my garage um and
uh my complete yard. So um I did uh talk to the township engineer. Um I appreciate their help. Um they came in the fire department uh came in as well. um they are aware of this situation but my main concern is uh every small rain
event creates a lot of flooding in my property um you know uh I have two small kids uh I'm concerned with my basement getting flooded continuously um for every drain event so what I'm asking is an expedited um review and inspection of
the drainage easement um and someone come there and um you know take the proper measures um the construction site um across the property there is a contractor Atlantics Construction um and I spoke with them um
and uh you know I filed a claim through my insurance company through I talked to their general liability insurance company as well they just denied my claims um they said uh it's it was a flooding event but uh I think there is sufficient evidence that the complete
drainage easement is blocked the water has nowhere to uh and this just floods my property as well as my neighbor's property as well. Uh there are other issues um like we get a lot of vibration when the construction work is going on. I'm concerned that my
structural uh uh it could damage the structural foundations uh and create some issues. Um yeah, so that's all I have. U I I spoke with other neighbors as well. Um you know they talked about the same thing.
Um they have issues as well. Um and you know there was uh the in front of my property was a heavily con uh wooded area around five or 6 acres of trees were cut down and all the property uh the water um from the construction site
just comes into my property and floods every time. Thank you. Oh, God help me. [clears throat] Hello again. Um, I just want to uh congratulate all the everyone here who showed up and um we're happy basically
that this uh this ordinance passed. So, thank you to the council members who who voted in uh to progress this. Um, so I just want to say, you know, um, part of this, uh, data center discussion is part
of a a a larger a larger conversation about overdevelopment and industrialization that's happening right now. Um, we I want to emphasize that not all industry is bad. you know, um
there were times when factories came into towns and brought hundreds and thousands of jobs and really transformed communities um for the better. Um but unfortunately, what we see now with industrialization, these the the real estate that they are
occupying, the amount of real estate they are occupying is not reflective of the labor force that they are contributing. Um we've seen this with the fulfillment companies that use automated technology. We see this with data centers as well. Um, so these
structures, [laughter] they're taking up a lot of space here. Um, and so I I want to say also, you know, a lot of people are I know the taxes are on everyone's mind right now. That's a big conversation. Um, you know,
we lost 5 million square ft of land here. um and it's not getting the fair amount of taxes in my opinion that it should be. This is what a pilot agreement is, right? A payment in lie of taxes. Um so everyone's getting really
hit hard here through the taxes and we know that there's several factors here, the state, the education, you can you can know you you can spend so much time, you know, picking out where where it's coming from. Um, but what I do know is um the new golf course that was just
opened uh in I guess uh in uh agreement I'll say with the the warehouse uh project. Um that land was uh preserved back in 2004 I want to say
through uh open space uh open space money right which is taxpayer contributed uh and we see now uh what happened with the golf course where if you want to step foot on the golf course you have to pay $79.99 or whatever
there's a 10% you know overage residence discount that's fine that's great whatever but we it's bad enough that we have to go to the shore and you know pay to put our toe on a sand but now we've seen land taken away from us and now we
have to pay to get on it and it doesn't really sit right with me personally um I want to I want to read someone's comment uh a resident her name is Rose next time next time I guess I would advocate for five minutes thank you
Write it down again. >> [clears throat] >> I come here tonight to both publicly thank the volunteer firefighters of South Oldbridge as well as our public works director Casey because last week the that team came to my house to help
me write my very elderly horse. he was 35. Um, here in Old Bridge, we're really lucky because we have a great vol team of volunteer firefighters at first aid squad people, EMT, Office of Emergency Management, and and other several other
departments in our town. Many don't even really know what they do besides fight fires for our fire department. Um, they do a lot and my son are extremely grateful. But it also reminded me about several months ago um that these volunteers actually came to this council
to request real incentives to uh provide long-term and um volunteers um items as well as the people incentivize the new new people for coming and it would
be really nice if this town looked into those. We give tax rebates to the veterans, disabled, and the elderly. We give tax freezes to the elderly. Excuse me. This there's no reason we can't look into this type of thing here in this
town. And I know there are other incentives like free parking or discounted daycare or as the mayor offered up a de discount on the golf course. However, the reality is that these people volunteer. They spent 3 and
1/2 hours. More than 15 people spend 3 and 1/2 hours trying to get my horse upright. And that was that was amazing. How many hours do they spend on a fire when a fire breaks out and cleaning it up and and putting it out? These are volunteers. We need to help them just
the same way they help us. And I would literally love to see this council look to find real incentives. And finally, Mr. I'm still waiting on that meeting on the energy consortium so we could get our real discounts on electricity that's been that was voted on 5 years ago by
the residents in this town. Brilliant. I'm waiting on it. Thank you. We really need those discounts. Not just of course the discounts that were offered. By the way, thank you uh President Sohar with the the it's great to see that there are discounts offered to some people in the community, but
however um a greater the greater part of the 26,000 homes or 30,000 homes would be getting a lot more money if we would pass the the energy consortium for the entire community. [clears throat] Thank you. >> Is there anyone else in the public who
wishes to be heard this evening? Good evening. >> Okay, I have my timer going. Hi, it's me, Kyler Denine. Uh, I want to start off by thanking you for the uh the drone show. I went uh and I I saw you there, council president. Um, and it was a
lovely time and I was actually really surprised by the the quality of it. I was like, we were kind of on the fence. We were like, how good is it going to be? is really good and we like that. Um, so okay. Um, so I'm watching this and I'm like this meeting and I'm getting stressed cuz I feel like everything
surrounding the data centers is getting partisan and I'm not even specifically directing it just at this council but at everybody and I know that I can't control anybody truly at the end of the day besides myself. Um, but it's ironic because I feel like there is already so
much agreement in the room overall about wanting to prevent harm to the residents. Um, so you know, I I know that this particular ordinance is is addressing prohibited uses, but um, you know, as I had spoken about at the the
last meeting, um, about the potential need for supplemental policy on top of that because I I feel like and and and again, like I said, I I do think that this needs to take place as well at the state level, but that doesn't mean that municipalities can't be addressing and putting in standards in place. And I I
think that that might have been what Councilman Merwin was hinting at um you know in terms of having something in place to be able to uh study further what else the town could do because I I I feel like we're moving in such a
direction where we already have the communication sector as a whole obviously considered critical infrastructure in this country but I don't see any path forward in which quite frankly these centers will not in some way or another be considered through critical infrastructure because a lot of people look at the AI data
centers and they think about all the you know quite frankly crappy AI generated stuff that gets put out there but we also have the automation of scientific research processes and other things that are inseparable in the way that these uh
centers are marketed toward their clients and there's so many you know considerations to take into place that you know what what happens if moratorium s or bans are overturned in New Jersey um in the same way that they
are approaching this in all these different other states. Um, I I would I would very much appreciate um after public comment if that could be addressed if anything has been looked at in terms of having some kind of supplemental policy because I think there is definitely some degree of need
for severability and this this ordinance on its own does not produce severability of the intent to uh reduce harm for um our residents. So that's all. Thank you.
Is there anyone else who wishes to be heard this evening? >> Okay, seeing no hands, I will ask for a motion to close the public. >> Move. Moved by Councilman Vonettton, second by Council President Dr. Bell.
All in favor? >> Any opposed? Hearing none public comment portion is now closed. >> We need a motion. >> I'd like No. Do we need a motion for council comments? >> No. >> No. Right. Okay. So, let's just
>> Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. First, I want to say amazing meeting to all the residents came today. Thank you. You really care about this town and it shows. And for the one lady who came up and said, she said it was back and forth. We are one community. I
want to thank you for that. It's been a long time, right? And today was simply something about Obridge business. We heard each other, spoke to each other. It was amazing. Nothing personal. It was just all about how we can make old bridge better. And I wanted to thank all of you for that today. Really from the
bottom of my heart. It's just great comment by the way, young lady. I really appreciate that. People that are tuning in um um probably at home. We had a lot of talk about data centers. And as technology continues and advances every day, conversations like data centers are, you know, they're only going to get
become more common. whether someone supports them or opposes them. It's important that we base our decision on facts, on what the law actually allows. It's also important for the public to understand that municipalities generally cannot simply impose a blanket ban or
moratorum on a lawful land use. I've heard statements suggesting otherwise, but the reality is that land use decisions must follow New Jersey law. We owe it to our residents to have an honest discussion based on the facts which we had here today. And I hope and I'm so thankful you all listened. It was
a great conversation and this is the way, you know, council kind of conducts its business and I really appreciate it. On a on a brighter note, Mayor Walker, I got to tell you, I want to congratulate everyone in this weekend's incredible celebration at Catrella Manino Park
honoring America's 250th anniversary. Mayor Walker, the drone show, I got to tell you, was the entire day was just absolutely amazing. I mean, Dan, I want to especially thank Anna, our business administrator, the entire
administration, Matt, Casey, my guy. I mean, you put it together. It was a first class event. And Debbie, there was almost 4,000 people there. I was there with my family and I just stayed there in awe. And everybody [clears throat] was happy to be in this town. And I
heard it's just I heard even business administrators from across towns all over Jersey were calling to see how Obridge pulled it off. That's something we all should be proud of. And I'm so proud to represent all of you in this town cuz Obridge is pretty amazing, man. Debbie, incredible. Really just the
residents loved it. I [snorts] wanted to share something really quickly about Memorial Day. I want to close with something that stayed with me and I want to share that with you guys. All right. On Memorial Day, our 94 year old grand marshal who
served in the Korean War said something. He said, "Old bridge is a magical place. What's there to complain about? I already fought for your freedom." That hit my heart that day because he
loves this place. I think he's been here what 61 years, Anita. Long time, right? And he was like, "What do we complain about? I love every moment." And you know what? You're allowed to complain. You're allowed to have conversations. We're allowed. That's what they fought for. Freedom. Freedom of speech. And
tonight was a great example of it. And I want to thank you for that. Those words remind us that the freedoms we enjoy came at an incredible cost. Paid for generations of brave men and women who serve this country. Let's honor Let's honor their sacrifice by appreciating this community, respecting one another
even though we may disagree, and remember that Obridge is truly a magical place. that we're all fortunate to call home. Once again, I just want to thank you all. It was really amazing. Thank you, >> Councilman De Palama.
>> Thank you, Kate. So, to reiterate, so thank you to the mayor and the administration for the celebration. A lot of positive feedback. Uh especially a lot of positive feedback on uh our very own Thomas Jefferson over there dressing up. Um [laughter] thankfully
the uh the weather weather subsided for you so you didn't have to sit in the heat in that costume but um but to thank Anna Parks and Rex Taylor Matt and everyone involved you know it's it was a great family event you know it's nice to
see you know folks congregating around the middle of town you know in two separate events in the same day right a lot of kids running around I was very very um happy when I pulled up to the end of the night, the drone show, you
know, thank the the businesses that supported us, you know, Elizabeth's, Nescow, Jersey Freeze, as well as um uh the hospital, uh for for helping us get that. So, that drone show, if I'm not mistaken, and mayor, you can correct me if I'm wrong, cost us pretty much
nothing. It was free, uh based off of those sponsors. So, you know, I think it's an absolute great thing. The first thing I was asked was how much did that cost? Um, and I did ask Anna that night and she said, "Eric, it costs next to
nothing because of the sponsors." So, um, I want to thank them for making sure that our township had a had a great event like that. And if I'm not mistaken, Matt, we have a bunch of towns asking us how did we get in front of them with the drone show instead of them. So, tell Marro,
>> all right, we won with that. But, um, thank you all again. It was an absolute great event. Um, also I want to thank public works, OEM, police, and all of our first responders. The last couple of weeks have been absolutely horrific with the rain. I thought we were going to get
hit with it again today as I was standing at um my daughter's swim meet and it decided to open a fire hose on top of us. Um there's been a lot of flooding and stuff like that around town and the quick response and I know a lot of that flooding so the flooding that has happened it's just the volume tons
of volumes that have come down 4 in an hour or 4 in over 2 hours nothing can can handle that but quick acting whether it's you know public works down trees OEM setting up uh cones you know everyone getting out there and
ensuring that that the community was safe I just want to thank you guys I think we kind of overlooked that. We expect that to happen, but um thank you guys all for all the stuff that you do behind those scenes. And then finally, just want to send a congratulations to
one of our own. So Bob DeMarco, for those who don't know, um Coach DeMarco, who Bob DeMarco Stadium is named after, he is being inducted in the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame. So, Coach Demarco coached in Bridge, coached in Madison
Central as well as Bridge High School for 33 years. He coached at Ruters. He coached football at Albridge. He coached lacrosse at Ruters. So, he's being inducted into the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame for his contribution to the lacrosse community in the state. So, I
just wanted to make sure that that we're congratulating him and honoring him because he has had an effect on so many people within this community. So I just wanted to say a congratulations to coach Demarco. [applause and cheering] >> That is all. Everyone have a wonderful
rest of the summer. >> Councilman Desai. First I want to like to offer a congratulation to township of Pbridge administration for organization
organizing America's 250th birthday on this Sunday. I specifically want to mention Anna the business administrator
Matt from recreation department and police department for their hard work and planning for such a beautiful event. It was overcrowded. We did not had a parking to get out after the show.
It took me 40 minutes to reach to the traffic light. So that shows the people were so intense and I I don't know but I my estimate that was at least more than 5
to 7,000 people. Also I would like to thank all the township employee who were involved in organizing and during the event making people comfortable for parking their car and
moving around. Also I want to recognize the sponsor who had given financial support for this big given and also I would like to thank you and
to the public of the old bridge township. There was no incidence in my opinion that I see that any even small fender bender or somebody raised the voice. So
that shows the public was there to enjoy the show and I'm sure public is looking forward this in future and if I am still a councilman I would request administration
to this organize this kind of event for the public. So public at least enjoyed the day. The weather was good and I'm looking forward
the salt water day at the beach. I think again that is a event where people are there enjoying good afternoon and best firework on the ocean. [snorts] Thank you. Have a good night to all of
you. Looking forward to see you in next event on the harbor. Thank you. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Yes. Hoping everybody's enjoying their summer.
Karen stealing my thunder here. Saltwater day is August 8th. It's the second Saturday in August. It's always the second Saturday in August. And uh they have a great day planned from 400 pm until 10 p.m.
I again and I just want to echo uh the recreation department Anna and and the guys did a great job with that drone show. I didn't get a chance to get to the daytime show but uh um [snorts] just did a great job. The only problem was
the the getting out and uh I'm sure that'll be worked on and um everybody will have the better time next time getting out. The um flooding that took place along Route 35.
I mean, Route 35 was shut down both directions and a lot of it goes to the lack of maintenance on behalf of the state DOT. There's storm drains that are completely filled with dirt and the water's got
nowhere to go. So case I don't know if you've been in touch with them. I had talked to the foreman down there. Uh you know [clears throat] evidently they got one vector for the uh the whole region here. And uh I said you
only got one. We got two in town. Three maybe. Right. >> Yeah. [laughter] So, um, you know, we're working on that. There was no complaint of floodings on the on the township roads. So, that's kudos to you, Case. That's it. Thank
you, >> Councilman Pasci. >> Yeah, kudos to uh the mayor and the administration for an awesome 250 celebration. Um, don't forget Old Bridge Day is
September 26th and that takes place right here in the municipal center. Um, I wanted to just talk about the speeding because um,
you know, Mr. Clemish makes a good point. Um, but it's not just his location. It is townwide. There's a culture issue. There's people using like Phillips Drive and Sherwood to uh
shortcuts and uh people are speeding. And before somebody gets hurt, I think we should as a council, you know, maybe have a committee meeting or something, uh set up a committee that we could talk about what can be done. I know that um a
few years back we set up uh enforcement areas where um you're forced to go to court if you're speeding on those roads. And I don't know if that's been successful or not, but there are other roads that people speed on. And um it's
it's a real serious issue townwide. Sure, it's an issue everywhere, but I think as a town council, we should make an effort to do something about it. >> Okay, that's all I have. Thank you, >> Councilman Rosie.
>> Thank you. Well, we could start by amending the ordinance so we can start installing some speed bumps. I think, you know, you can't have a cop on every corner, every street. I think speed bumps will help that. I I know I spoke Nicole about it. Maybe we should uh address it like that. Um
um I just want to get into the whole school funding formula. I know people were discussing it. I can't even tell you what the school funding formula is because they don't know what it is. The money the way the money applied statewide is just obviously it's unfair
what goes on with towns like when you see and Jersey City with billion dollar budgets. Actually Jersey City's board of ed was just referred for investigation. But the reality is I'm not going to I don't think we should be um attacking the school board. They're in a vicarious position where they have to maintain
their school. They just closed the school. I think they have done a lot of cuts. The superintendent Vinnie Sasso is doing a great job. So I, you know, I want to applaud them for working with what what little they have. And it unfortunately the state is not giving the money out evenly. I don't know the
reason why. I mean we can point the figure. You know, it's easy for me to make excuses to say it's just a political thing, but the fact is you need to contact your legislature. You need to, you know, email the uh governor cuz we do need our fair share. And I think it's it goes for all types of
funding, township funding. But as you see, businesses leave New Jersey, funding is going to hurt even more. We're in this downward spiral where we have quality businesses fleeing the state and businesses fleeing New York are bypassing New Jersey which they all
contribute to the state with the taxes. So we're losing a lot of that quality tax base. And when you have an assemblyman like uh Ravi Balor say, you know, good leave, it's not a good thing for New Jersey. You know, we can't be vilifying businesses who pay into the tax base and expect them to stay. of
course they're going to pick up and leave when we're not business friendly. So everybody, you know, everybody in Trenton needs to start using common sense and stop attacking these business. We're losing a lot of major businesses out of New Jersey and everybody's by New Jersey should be financially we should
be flourishing. We should be taking businesses from New York and it would help our school districts. You know, I think that, you know, the key to any community, maintaining your quality tax base, your property value is our public safety and our school district. And, you know, we're we're maintaining that. The school district's trying to maintain
that cuz that's what really keeps your property value. So, I'm not going to criticize the school district because their hands are tied and they know that. And I think most people do understand that. So, you need to start, you know, sending messages to all the legislators. I mean, really, and I'm not being, you
know, partisan about it. The reality is this is not a partisan issue. It's a community issue. And I just, you know, I want to thank everyone for coming tonight. We all may not agree all the time, but we know we can go back and forth and listen. And I, you know, I enjoy uh the back and forth and um enjoy the rest of your summer and uh once
again, thanks for coming. I appreciate it. >> Councilman Vun Stettton. >> Thank you. [clears throat] Uh I'll be brief. Um real quick, thank you to everybody who spoke today. Um I appreciate the back and forth as Council Member Rosie said. Um, again, want to thank Matt, Casey, everybody for their drone show. It was awesome. Um, I also
want to thank Matt and Parks and Rex for the summer camp program. Uh, I have two kids in the summer camp program and they absolutely love it. Uh, they are begging me to go like every day. Um, also I've heard great feedback from other parents about it as well. So, it's a wonderful program. You get them amazing value for
and we're probably one of the cheaper camps out of anywhere around us. Um, parks, I'm part of the parks and wreck advisory board. Uh, we haven't had a meeting yet this month. Probably next week, right? But unfortunately, I won't be there cuz I'll be away. But, um, I'm
sure Matt will fill me in. And, um, just one other ward issue. Uh, I'll be meeting with the school and PD and Anna regarding Vorhees school and the way that, um, pick up and drop off are going on cuz I had some residents uh, were having some issues with garbage being
thrown on their yards. um some other things happening which I won't mention up here publicly but um it wasn't very good. Uh so we're working with the schools to fix that and enforce some of the no parking rules that are around that area and um I hope everybody enjoys the rest of their summer and that's all
I have. Thank you >> council vice president Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes, we we should all be all bridge proud and we have a lot to be thankful for in this town. Um, I personally want to thank the um, dispatchers also
because they were totally inundated with all these storms that we're getting. Um, these torrential rains, it's just been incredible and they handled it all very well and um, it's so nice to hear that everyone enjoyed the 250th anniversary
and collectively between the recck department, the road department, the police OEM administration, I [clears throat] it was a wonderful um, event. Unfortunately, I had a family reunion and when it was Saturday, I could have gone, but Sunday I couldn't. But I got the video and it looked like a
great time. Um, the other thing that I just want to say that we've um few of us have been getting a few calls about the location on Cindy Street and Route 9 North where they're putting in the um storage unit there. Just so everyone
knows, no one voted for that from this town. It was voted down by our zoning board and the owner of the property then went and sued and went in front of a um judge and the judge gave permission to to put that unit there. No one wanted
it. And that's another thing when these things happen, it it's always amazing that people from out outside your town can make decisions on it um when they don't live here and see what's going on. But that's that's how um that went down. So, I hope um everyone enjoy is enjoying
their summer and I hope uh that you stay safe and um from these extreme heats to these rains, just be safe. All right. Thank you, >> Council President Sohar. Thank you. I just again reiterate everyone what a wonderful time and what the
administration and uh and all the departments did to make that such a really memorable occasion and I think it brought the town together. I also want to thank our attorney because he really does take the time to talk to us and to talk to the residents and I think that's
very important too. I think the exchange was very good tonight and I think we should move and look towards the future when we keep going backwards with this was said it we're not we want to make progress so let's just move forward with things and I think we did this evening.
So hopefully we can continue on, take advice from the public and become, you know, do more for everyone. Am I missing something? No. Okay. But anyway, uh, thank you all for coming this evening. It was appreciated. And anyone on the
council wants to email Kate about the speeding issues, let please do and then we'll see what we can come up with. Okay. All right. Thank you very much. Have a good evening. Motion to >> Motion. >> Move it. >> Second. Vice President Dr. Timberelli.
>> Second by Councilman Asatuli. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Merwin. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Councilman Rosi. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Bonete. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Absolutely. 10:06. >> Oh yeah.