12 2025 meeting to order. Please stand for pledge of allegiance. Please remain standing for a moment of silence and prayer. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
standy and justice for all. >> Customary in this chamber we stand for a moment of silence to remember those who are protecting our freedoms both here and abroad. For our first responders, for those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice, and for everyone suffering all around the world. A moment of silence, please. >> Our prayer, Mr. Peskitti. Dear Lord, bless thy servants in the ministry of public affairs who serve thee in this chamber. Give us quiet
minds and hearts that we may hear your voice. Help us to know when to speak, when to be silent. Give us strength to oppose the wrong and uphold the right. Grant that we have a good conscience and soul at peace with thee and with one another. Amen.
>> Amen. Please be seated. >> Thank you. And everyone welcome to the meeting. >> Roll call. Mayor Councilman Asatuli >> here. Councilwoman Daro here. >> Councilman De Palama >> here. >> Let the record reflect Councilman Desai
is absent. Councilman Garcia >> here. >> Let the record reflect that Councilman Murphy is absent. Councilman Pasitti >> here. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli >> present. >> And council president Sohar >> here. >> This meeting is being held in
conformance with the open public meetings act. Notice has been given to the official newspapers of the township on January 14th, 2025 and has been posted in public places. Next open public meeting of the township council will be held on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
>> Okay. Thank you very much everyone. Welcome to the meeting. And we're going to be begin with something that's very enjoyable. Everybody likes. We have some nice presentations to give out tonight. Mayor Walker. Good evening. The U14 Oldbridge Thunder
have rewritten the history books, becoming the first team in Oldbridge to advance to the National League Premier 2 Division. They won that division. They earned a promotion to Premier 1. came back to claim the President's Cup state titles
and the Eastern Regional President's Cup and reached the National President's Cup final. Their historic run is nothing short of amazing and they will be forever known as one of the best teams, if not the best team in the history of Oldbridge Soccer.
Congratulations. Very nice. Since dropping their opening match in Premier 2, they have gone undefeated all the way through the national President's Cup finals, showcasing onmatch consistency, and grit. In the National Cup pool play, they didn't concede a single goal. A
testament to the discipline, teamwork, and determination. Their legacy is one of excellence, resilience, and inspiration for every soccer team that follows. It was amazing that they made it all the way to the nationals. how made to the final game. We're so proud
here in Oldbridge. I'd like now to call up Andrew Lou, their coach, to give out their certificates. >> Okay. All right. Um, >> did you want to say a few words? >> Oh, yeah, sure. Um, sorry, I lost my train of thought. problem.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> I just want to first say thank you to Mayor Walker and the council for inviting us back. We're starting to become regulars here. Um >> that's a good thing. >> Um I really want to emphasize just um the accomplishment that these girls have done. Um something has never been been
done in Obridge history, but also bringing a community together. I have never seen such an outpouring of love and support from the bridge community. A personal donation from Mayor Walker. um a local PBA 127 donated to to help finance our way into O to Tampa for for
our our national run. So um big kudos to to the the community the the you know basically you know what I'm trying to get out. Sorry. Um well without further ado I will start um calling out the names. Um first and foremost is is Dan
Cummings which unfortunately is not here. He deserves a lot of credit for what has transpired with our team, transforming them into uh the champions that they are. Uh he is coincidentally doing what he loves doing the most, coaching kids. He's over at Ge right now training our next generation of soccer
players. Um next is Janet Green. Janet has been my side from the beginning. Always keeping me in check. Um, anytime I want have these crazy ideas, she always tells me no. Uh, Rich Brennan, unfortunately, is not here. Uh, is Alicia here to accept on Oh, she's filming. Never mind. All right,
McKenzie. Mackenzie Brennan will accept on on his behalf and then we start with the players. Oh, yep. Yep. >> Read them. >> Yep. Thank you. First is Olivia Bonia, Maline Brennan,
Sophia Kimalooki, Alexa Cologne, L Dollar is not here, today. >> Y >> June Erdri, >> Presley Gonzalez. Presley is one of four Hurricanes, which is our younger team to help step up and
play with us at nationals. They did a great job. Really helped our team out. Uh, Gabriella Goodidge. Good. age green, Kaylee Kreman, Kira Leu. The next few make me feel very fortunate. My my middle daughter, Ellie
Louie. My oldest daughter, Parker Lily, with the frown on her face. Ariana Varo Montes, Madison Pedmont, Adriana Reyes, is also another hurricane player,
Sophia Redinger. Thank you, >> Eively Simi. >> Yes, I wishing her a speedy recovery. Can't wait to get you back on the field.
>> Uh Jane Salon, she's not here right now. Yep. >> Vanessa Tora. And last but not least, Lissa Upd. But she is not here today. A lot of vacations going on right now. Take a photo.
>> Oh, yeah. Yeah. So, please give these girls a great round of applause. Good job breakers on three. One, two, three. Good job. >> Once again, I want to say congratulations and I want to thank all the coaches for all their hard work and
the families for their support because without them, we would not have these girls here. I think it was an amazing thing and we're just so proud. I was following it on Facebook and I was so excited that they made it to the final game. It was amazing. Great job, girls. And we'll see you back next year. But with the You're gonna win this whole
thing. Okay. Well, thank you very much. So glad, so proud. That was a really nice moment for those ladies. Very, very nice. Okay. Next will be a presentation. It's International Overdose Awareness. And we have tonight our municipal
alliance coordinator, Rosemary Ravoli and Matt Matt Mccur from our head of recreation. Good evening. >> Good evening everybody. My name is Matt Mccurio. I'm the director of parks, recreation, social services. Uh under our umbrella is our municipal alliance. Uh our municipal alliance and our
mayor's health and wellness committee in collaboration with the overage police department. Specifically, the community policing portion are committed to to the fight against opioid and all drug and alcohol-related issues. We put on community programs and school programs for each level of schooling at Oldbridge
from kindergarten through 12th grade as well as for the community on a whole. I will now pass it along to Ro who is our municipal alliance coordinator for her to give you um some very important information. You >> good evening everyone. >> Good evening >> council.
>> Thank you mayor. Um international overdose awareness day is observed on August 31st. It is the world's largest campaign addressing overdose in our communities, remembering those lost and to recognize the loved ones that have
been left behind. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to anyone who has lost a family member or members and or a friend or friends to an overdose. If I can turn your attention to our
table that I have here, the 14 candles represent the 14 members of our community that have been reported as an overdose. And you just have to understand that sometimes overdoses happen and they're not reported to us. So, we're really not aware of how many
overdoses are being are taking place within our community. The three candles in the center, they stand for and represent the lives that we have lost. And this is to date from January to now.
Overdose, the word is very scary. But death by overdose, that is heartbreaking. Coming together to make a difference, that is promising. Working together as a community to heal and move forward. Well, that is our
community here in Oldbridge. One person's addiction and recovery can affect everyone and in their lives. Overdose has no age, no gender, no color, no prejudice. You or I can accidentally overdose on our medications
that are prescribed by our doctors. It does not only happen when people have an addiction. It can happen to anyone. But for those who are struggling and they need help, I need them to know that they are not alone. And for those families and friends who are living
alongside someone who is struggling that you care and love, you're not alone either. There are many, many resources here in our community of Oldbridge in Middle Sex in Middle Sex County and all throughout the tri-state area that can help. outside on the table when you
first came in. I had put a lot of information regarding o opioids, vaping, marijuana, alcoholism. Um, and you know, education is the best weapon in prevention and interventions throughout the year through in our schools. As Matt had said, we put a lot
of programming in the schools and in our community and we are able to sponsor a lot of different trainings, presentations, and workshops. So, if you look on the website, you'll be able to see what we have coming up. If you or someone you know is in need of help, you
can always contact me here over at the township. My name is Rosemary Rivlly and like Matt said, I am the municipal alliance coordinator. Call the main number of the township and you can reach me at extension422. I will always try to help. So, I'm going
to ask that on August 31st if you would take a moment to reflect on those who have been afflicted by overdose. Thank you. >> Thank you guys. Very important. Okay. Next will be our 2024 audit presentation.
Good evening. How are you, sir? Good evening. >> Happy to report that we complete our audit on June 30th within the statutory timelines. Um another year of having
having a clean report. Um we have uh we have our standard audit opinion which was a clean opinion. Um and then we also have um two other reports which are in the u the the report you have one is a
report on compliance and internal controls over the financial statements. Uh we found no no problems or or omissions with regard to uh compliance elements or any uh or any things within the internal control
structure of the finance department that needed any attention. Um, another report we have in there is is similar. It's an internal control compliance report, but specifically on federal and state grants. If you receive federal and state grants in excess of $750,000,
uh we are required to do a special audit on on certain grants um that are determined through a formula. Um this year, the federal grant that needed uh that needed to be reviewed was and it's the last of its kind now is the last of the COVID money. Um so we had to review
um and do uh testing of controls and compliance on the use of that money and the and with the state program um the uh the one we tested was state DOT grants specifically regard to the Throck Morton
Lane u project resurfacing project. So we looked into that in much more detail than we normally would if we were just doing the entire financial statements. Um and that and that came out well. Um the surplus is at a nice level about 26%
of the budget uh which is healthy which is what the rating agencies like to see. They like to see something uh at 20% or above and we're there. Um so we continue to have uh a steady um steady a steady picture of
our finance which is what uh we all want to see what rating agencies want to see. uh we don't have spikes and you know peaks and valleys. We're very very consistent. Uh we have the ability to take a hit if a hit comes our way which we did during CO and we took a bit of a
hit but we had enough surplus to survive and move forward and we built it up again. Uh and that's and that's the position you want to be in. You want to be able to play offense and not defense, so to speak. So I think we're in good I think we're in good shape. The finance
office is doing a a great job. We had a lot of help with them and a lot of cooperation and we appreciate the opportunity to serve you. >> Thank you, Bob. Very. Anyone else would like to add anything before I go to council?
>> Okay. Anyone from the council have a question for Mr. Allison? >> Okay. I'll start on my left. Mrs. Daro. >> Yeah. Just um real quick, you said um we have a surplus of 26%.
And anything over 20% is uh keeps us in a good rating. Is that correct? >> Well, that's one of the that's that's one element of what um rating agencies look for. And 20% is it's not set in
stone. It depends on the size of the town. smaller towns that they tend to want to see larger percentage of surplus because if you take a big hit, it's going to be the same price whether it's a big town or a small town. Um I think a
town of your size 20% is a good range. Um I think most uh um most uh double A1 is what your rating is. Most of them are over 15%. Um, so I like to advise my
clients to stay within that around that 20% range. Of course, it's going to go up or down from one year to the next a little bit, but if you kind of hope to have that amount, be good. And that and that's and that's of your budget what that is. So So if you have a budget of and I'm just going to give a round number. If you have a budget of $50
million, you would have a $10 million in surplus. That would be your 20%. and that something like that would keep us in the uh double A1 >> that well that would that would be again they look at a lot of things they just
don't look at that that's I mean if there's like it's like a star so that's one of them stability uh stability in government stability in the finance office um they look at uh the demographics of the town so they look at a lot of things so um if if the
only thing going for you was your percentage of surplus, you you would not hold that uh that that uh that rating. And if everything else was great and the surplus was a little down, you you could hold the rating. So, it's a it's an art more than a science with regard to how
the Moody's and the S&Ps look at it, but at least as a benchmark to try to >> Gotcha. So, it's stay in the lane. >> I'm sorry. So, you said stability in government, stability in finance, and what was the third thing you said? >> Demographics. They do look at whether or not you're and again I don't I don't
know how they how they determine what what they determine but if you're 50% commercial 50% residential or 95% one and 95% the other they look at that um they look at uh the average household
income. That's also something. So, uh, if you are a very very wealthy town with a low surplus, they'll look at that differently than if you have a very high surplus and you have a town of average wealth. So, it's all >> okay. It's all relative. >> All the balls are in the air when they
look at it. >> Sure. Okay. Thank you. >> Welcome. >> Anyone else on my left? Anyone on my right? Mr. Pascetti will start. I'll go. >> Mr. Allison, thank you very much for your hard work. uh that um B uh that
rating that we have at uh the double A1 that gets us the best um interest rates on our bonds. Is that correct? >> U well it gets you just about the best. I mean AAA is is is is the highest rating that there is. Very very few
towns or government entities get that because of the things I just mentioned. Um, not everyone hits everything at at the highest level, but uh but for most towns, double A1 is is is the highest you can get. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
>> Anyone else over here? Well, >> I would just like to say that um first of all, thank you. But I'm also very proud of our department heads, BA, um finance department, and also um all the heads of the department that get the information together so we can work
cohesively to get this done. And everyone in this town should be proud that we have a double A1 bond rating, that we are evaluated from an outside source. It's not just us telling you that. It's an outside source. But this works in everyone's benefit because if
we have to borrow money to do a project, the interest rate is much lower and so it helps us in any way. It helps the municipal utility authority and when they have to do projects. So we should really be proud that we filed this in a timely fashion. Uh we did it
appropriately and um having a surplus. People say, "Oh, you have a surplus. Why don't you spend it on other things?" We have, you know what, that's very foolish to say that. We've been good stewards of our money. Um, we've been accountable, transparent, and I feel that you need a
surplus because you never know in this world what is going to happen. And also that is a reflection when they look on it that we are stable um in case, god forbid, another tragedy, another virus, whatever it is that comes here um that we have those resources. And if you can
imagine that the township operates now on 16 cents out of every dollar. That's unbelievable. We have amazing police department, amazing um department of public works, the services that our recck department provides, that our senior center provides. All the
employees should be proud. It's always really easy to point fingers, but if you're ignorant to the facts, you really should have no reason to do that ever. And you should always um base anything that you say on facts instead of sometimes with reprobates go around
saying it's not even true. They post things and it's very frustrating. So we have an outside source, our auditor telling you that we are in good state here. We filed in time and we have a double one A1 bond rating. That speaks volumes and um that is what we should
concentrate on and I thank you for your efforts and I appreciate you coming here and explaining that. >> Okay. Well, thank you, Bob, for being here. Um, I think you really put it well as far as what you look for, what's looked for on the outside looking in.
And I think that we have really tried to keep things as stable as possible. And if people have questions, no one's running away. No one's afraid to speak to anyone. And any question you have is a good question. So, social media shouldn't be the answer. It should be
here in at the council. So you can contact anyone, the BA, the finance office, the mayor's office. We're all here to answer the questions and not social media. So thank you again. Like I said, you you reiterated everything was
filed on time and everything was done professionally. This is a very, very professional team. Dan, thank you, Anna, the mayor, Bob. I really feel that this is a team that knows their finances and they're ready to stand up and let you
know exactly what we're doing here in Obridge. So, thank you again for coming. Very appreciated. Anyone mayor, you have anything to add? You good? >> You have any questions? >> Yes. um actually like um our auditor to
address uh the crisis that is coming forward and as I said about the falsehoods that's that's being put out about um the board of ed may be I know in his map he said that's uh 16% our our calendar year is um January January I
know that the you're going to address that if you want him to wait till after you address it whatever's easier for you >> we're having a presentation Yeah, he doesn't mind. >> I'll stay if you want me to. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Bob. That would be Yeah, that would be good
>> once and for all. >> Okay. So, next will be our tax bill 2025 presentation. Good evening again, everyone. Uh good evening. We're having the presentation tonight because as everyone knows, uh we had estimated tax
bill. there was some confusion and um there was a large increase facing the residents and we've been inundated with phone calls and letters because we are the collector of the taxes all these entities we collect the taxes for everyone. So people think that we
control all these other entities which we don't. So tonight we're going to do an ICE presentation to explain everything to people and explain that out of all this tax is only 16 cents on a dollar. Do we have any control over whatsoever? That's all the township
control. So uh Dawn and Anna have a nice presentation and we'll have lots of questions afterwards. >> Thank you. Uh before I pass it over to Dawn um to present today's uh presentation on our tax bill, I just wanted to address something very
quickly. Um I think doing this presentation as we did last year is a good way to pull this information out that we typically also show during the budget uh presentation. I think it's good to revisit a few months later once the bills goes out and remind people exactly where their taxes go. I know
there was quite a bit of confusion this year because of the third quarter estimated tax bills. As the council knows, in June we passed a resolution to allow for an estimated tax bill to go out. The reason for that was not because our budget was passed late. We passed it
on April 8th. It was because of the late adoption of the state budget and that the fact that the t the county taxi board of taxation could not certify the tax rate. So, Dawn being precautionary and to make sure that we had the uh the
the cash coming in and then the taxes coming in went ahead and did estimated tax bills of almost 5% which I believe is a statutory max that we could do. Unfortunately, because of that, you will see in the presentation because we are breaking that down a little bit more for
you guys to understand why the fourth quarter is looking higher. we could only we could only estimate up to 5% of the previous year. And now that we know what the tax school budget, which also, by the way, we did not get until much later this year than in past years. Now that
we have those numbers, this is why it it gets adjusted. In the end, your 2025 taxes for the fourth quarter are the same. Your your your um your fourth quarter had to be adjusted to make up for the estimated of the third quarter. So, we'll be happy to address the
questions as they come along, but I wanted to clarify that because I've seen a lot of things going around the last couple of days. Our office has gotten a lot of different phone calls as well. Um, I know talking here, you know, I know we're not, you know, Monday Night Football with 100 million viewers, but
I'm hoping that the word will get out to people people and we'll continue educating our residents as they call and come by um on the right information. And we asked the public, our council, and everyone else to make sure that they're disseminating the right information. And they're not sure, they could reach out
to my office, to Dawn's office. Amenda Howell, who's our assistant tax collector, has been doing amazing breaking that down for our residents and providing that information. Yes, the taxes went up this year, but it's not our number. Our number was a fi 1.56% increase. So, we have to keep that in
mind. And tonight, we hope that this presentation will help clarify those things. Thank you. Thank you. Um, thank you again. Um, I'll start off this presentation how I ended the last one. Um, nobody likes the tax collector, but
um, don't shoot the messenger. Uh, your 2025 taxes, uh, where your taxes go. This is a slide that we do have in our budget breakdown. Um, one of the changes in this updated slide with
the final numbers, uh, the school tax percentage did go up 2%. So, it's now 60% of the overall tax bill, which is a large chunk. Um, municipal 16%, county
17, and then, you know, small amounts for the fire library and county open space. Uh this kind of comes into account when we go to the next slide and we see what each of these um taxing districts what their individual
increases are. If you see a 15% increase on county open space tax, it's only 2% of the overall. The dollar amount is not that large. If you were to see a 2% increase on the school, it's still going to be a larger dollar amount than that.
So, uh, tax rate increase from 2024 to 2025. Um, when I came here, um, in front of you, I believe at the June 3rd council meeting discussing the estimated tax bill. Um, at that time, we said the school was looking at a large increase,
but it was also uncertain because they hadn't gotten final word from the state if they were going to be allowed to do it. And that was one of my main reasons for going with the estimated tax bills was the uncertainty of what was going to happen if the state was going to allow that. They were going to make them do
something else, delay it. So C, as Anna had said, for cash flow reasons, and many towns do that, send out estimated tax bills. Uh the school tax increase for 2025 is 13.87%.
And again, that's on that 60% chunk of your overall taxes. Uh, county open space tax 11.11%, library tax 10.2, county tax 6.56, and municipal tax 1.58.
So, that has not changed from our budget presentation back in April. That was our adopted budget and tax rate and that's what the county certified uh tax rate increase breakdown. Uh you heard us say in our budget presentation for an average home in Oldbridge
assessed at 156 $157,373. Now again that's assessed value in Oldbridge. We're only assessed at about 30 I think 30 32% of market value. So when you say nobody has a home now for
150,000, this is probably a $450 $500,000 home. Um the 2024 total taxes. Now this is just using an average fire district rate. Again, depending on your fire district, it kind of varies. Um the
total tax rate increase is about 10% and like I said it varies slightly by fire district. Some are slightly under, some are a little over. But for 2024 the total taxes would be $9,51.70
in 24. In 25 it would be $9,949.91. So, that's a difference of almost $900, which is a huge increase. Um, as you could see, um, the school is the major portion of that.
Um, breaking it down a little further because obviously everybody doesn't have, you know, the average home value. Um, I put a about six different um six different assessed values here. Uh, for a home assessed at 60,000, which is
probably about your average in like Cheesequake Village, um, the taxes would be increasing by $34,245. Um, all of these slides I I don't know if we posted on on the website yet. Um
if if not uh this presentation will be posted up there tomorrow. I know we did put them up in the tax window before you know as collection started. Um as you go through um you know a home
assessed at 200,000 300,000 400,000 but you kind of get the idea. Um, one thing we get asked a lot and I just wanted to bring it up here, billing. A lot of people ask why are second and uh first and second quarter
always less than third and fourth. Now that's whether we send standard bills out where we do final billing in July or with the estimated bills. So I'm just going to quickly go through a little breakdown of that and then what you're seeing this year with the estimated tax
bills. So, with standard billing, and again, this is assuming I just used round numbers, but it's about with our percentages here. If your 2024 taxes were $10,000, and you saw a 10% increase in 2025,
your taxes for 25 would be $11,000. They'd go up $1,000. First and second quarter would have been build July of 2024. in preliminary billing. So it would be you would take the 10,000 divided by four. So that's
why you get 2500 first quarter, 2500 second quarter. When we get the final rate and tax amount, which is 11,000, you subtract out the 2500 build for first quarter, 2500 for second quarter, you're
left with 6,000. That 6,000 would be split evenly between third and fourth quarter, giving you 3,000 each quarter. Total of 11,000. Then when you go to 26, you say, everybody says, "Oh, well, why does it
go down to 2750?" Well, the 2750 is 11,000 divided by 4. So that's your preliminary tax. Now what happened this year with the estimated billing? First and second quarter are the same
2500. The estimated tax rate let's just nice round numbers 5%. So for third quarter 5% of 24's taxes would be 10,500.
You divide that by four, you get the 2625 build for third quarter. Now we get final tax rates. $11,000 is your final tax bill. It's still the same amount as if we did standard billing, but now you
take that $11,000, you subtract out 2500. 2500 and the 2625 for third quarter, you're left with 3375. So, we've been hearing a lot, oh my god, my taxes went up 28, 30, 32%.
They didn't. It still went up about that 10%. It's just fourth quarter is a larger larger hit. And then first and second quarter of next year would be the same as if we build. And then just quickly some general
information. Um the township did issue estimated tax bills for third quarter this year at the end of June. Final property tax bills are mailed out once a year and contain the four quarterly payment stubs. So even though third quarter was estimated when you do
get your final tax bill, there will be a stub for third quarter. If you paid it, it'll show paid. If you didn't pay it, it'll still show open. It'll remind you, but also remember there's there will be interest on it. Now, taxes are due February 1st, May 1st,
August 1st, and November 1st with a 10-day grace period. The tax collector's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And additionally, we're open one Saturday out of the collection period from 9 to 1. Um, one
thing we will be doing away with next quarter is the late night. Um we have only been getting especially since COVID during COVID we were closed for five tax quarters to the public and people found
other ways to pay. So we find I mean we really don't I believe she had maybe 15 to 18 people on Saturday. Um she had three people last night. Sometimes she has one, she has two. It's not really worth it. We have a dropbox in the
lobby. we have, you know, there's plenty of other ways to pay. Um, payments must be received in the tax collector's office on or before the last day of the grace period to avoid interest charges. The state of New Jersey does not allow us to acknowledge
a postmark. So, if you're mailing, just, you know, please make sure you allow enough time. Tax payment options online at our website, oldbridge.com. Uh, you could use a debit. There's no charge for that. Your bank account um
and routing number. Um if you do pay by credit card, it is a 2% charge. That's what the bank charges us. 2% doesn't seem like a lot, but if you're paying a $1,500 tax bill, it's $30. But again, most places now charge three and a
half%. So, um by mail, a check or money order only. Please don't mail cash to us at the tax window, cash or check only. We do not have credit card machines at the window. We do have a dropbox located uh right
inside um in between the two double doors in the administration building that you know access to them 24/7. So we find especially after CO I I had been asking for it for years. We put it up during CO some people they walk in they
see a line and they you know they drop it in there. But it's great for people who work late, weekends, they can just come and leave it in there. Um, also automatic withdrawal. Um, you can sign up with us to, um, take the payment out
once a quarter. It's only for the full amount that's due. We don't, you know, we can't do it monthly or special. But, um, a lot of people who used to have mortgages and have now paid it off, they seem to like that because then they don't forget, you know. And we do send
an email out about a week before letting you know on or about this date. We're going to we're going to take those taxes from you. Uh just some property tax relief programs. Um the veteran, widow of a
veteran, $250 a year. Uh senior citizen, disabled or surviving spouse, $250 a year. Uh those applications are available up in the tax assessor's office. And then three other programs through the state, the property tax
reimbursement program or senior freeze, the anchor program, and a new one this year, the state New Jersey property tax credit program. Um, for the seniors this year that are used to getting the blue book for the senior freeze, it used to be called the PTR1.
Now I believe it's called the P or something one. Um they did combine all the applications into one for the seniors. Um but and there's a link on the website um for
the website also if you just Google you know state of New Jersey property tax relief those programs come up. I believe the anchor program is going to be rolling out this week with applications from the state if you're not a senior. But
that is it. Any may have any questions? >> Thank you very much. Anyone? I'll start on the left and come to the right. Anyone on our left have a question? >> Yes, Mr. Jupalama. >> Don, I know that we're looking at it. The the school portion of the tax is
13.87 and it increased. >> But when you look at the totality of it, right, that's not the end of the increase for the new school budget. Correct. The new school budget will then bleed in an additional percentage to go up in 26 as well because of the
>> Yes. >> the highest. >> Yeah. So, the schools on a fiscal year um July 1 to June 30th. So, this is um this tax levy is based on half of the previous school year's budget and then half of this budget.
>> So, it's the percent increase from last year plus the big increase from this year. It's half of last year and half of this year's. >> Then next year will be an an additional jump. >> Yeah. >> That won't be estimated. We'll know what that jump is in January in Q1 and Q2 of
next year. >> Yeah. >> So, we won't have an estimated tax bill for Q1 of next year and Q2. >> Well, it's not estimated. It's preliminary. It'll be based on 25's tax rate.
um whatever your tax rate uh your tax amount is for 25 if you divide that before by four that'll be what your first and second quarter will show. >> Yeah. I just want to make sure that we clarify that because unfortunately since since these came out I've fielded a
number of calls. >> Yeah. >> Fortunately and unfortunately I work with a number of people that live in Oldbridge. So as we're in the office people have been coming into my office to ask me questions. So, I just wanted to make sure that we clarify for everybody that the the increase that we see, especially that large increase, it
will be there will be an additional increase as we get into next year as well for the 26 tax year because it is half the year of the school budget. >> Yeah. And I mean, also we we don't know what next year will bring for because I know last year we were sitting here talking about I believe the school had
their budget went up or their tax levy went up 9.9%. or not >> for the school year where you know it was only about 5% for >> this year I think it was >> for 24 >> 20% increase
>> 22 million or so I know it was it was it's substantial so >> it was 22 million that they had to raise in tax >> okay >> thank you Don >> anyone else on my left anyone on my
right Mr. Petti and then Mr. Thank you, Don. Uh, Don, can I just ask a question? Sure. I I do the AC, so my taxes come out on February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st. Comes
right out of my my bank account. So, my question is, and this might be petty, I don't know, but if you get a 10day grace period, why don't I get a 10-day grace period? >> We Well, we don't take it out on the first. We usually take it out. We try
and do it around the fifth of the month because a lot of people, especially seniors, they might get social security payments, you know, items dep, you know, a lot of things now are direct deposited, but back in the day, they'd get a check, they deposit, it would take a couple days to clear. We on the email
that we send out, we always say like I think this quarter was on or about August 4th. One of the reasons we don't wait till the end of the grace period is we we probably have about 650 close to 700 people signed up for it which is not
a lot overall you know with how many pe taxpayers we have in bridge but we always get some that there's some issue somebody closes a bank account and it kicks back so we try and give them we do it in the middle of the quarter too so we can notify them if it kicks if it
kicks back. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> First, Bob, I want to say thank you for coming uh spending time with us today. Really appreciate it. And with all seriousness, there's a lot of misinformation and fake news all over
social media. Do you have any idea what it does to a township and the anxiety that it gives to everybody when you have people that are even in charge putting out fake news and destroying people's lives? 60% of Americans are are anxiety because of
fake news for views. So I just want to say thank you for coming here today all of you taking the time real news the truth of how to break down the taxes how the taxes go. Thank you for the report of how the township operates because
there's so much misinformation that when people call me they're up in an uproar. They're nervous. They're scared that they can't put food on the table. Some people talk about leaving the town. It's not real. It's fake. And those that do that need to be held accountable for that. And by
coming here today, you have given town the township, in my opinion, as a councilman, relief because you told the truth. And I really, really appreciate it. And I know people in here and watching at home really appreciate it, too, cuz that's what they need. We need
the truth. And you all clarified it today. So, I really appreciate it. And thank you. Thank you all. >> Um, what just one comment? Um Anna had said before, um Amanda in the tax office has been doing I know a couple of council people have emailed or forwarded
emails of concerned residents. um she kind of really put together I don't want to say like a boilerplate template but like of spelling everything out for you of you know this was your taxes this is why kind of what we did today but she'll
take you know you live at 123 Main Street and this is this is what it is in comparison and we find once people see it that way they understand it better and a lot of times people just want to be heard I mean no one's happy about it I don't want to pay taxes is I don't
want to be. I hate when my husband tells people I'm the tax collector. I'm like, stop. >> Oh, you live in Albridge? My wife's the tax collector. I'm like, stop telling people that. >> Truthfully, this tax increase is unconscionable.
It's not just and it's totally unfair and it lands on the head of several people. First of all, starting with Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, he has taken funds away from this town without any merit. And it's very unfortunate
that when he did it starting in 2019, he did it again and again and again. And people voted for him like it's a wonderful thing. And that we're the township's responsible for it, saying that our houses are appraised more. We should pay we should they're worth more that you should pay more in your taxes.
Well, assessments have nothing to do with the with you know the t taxes that when you do an assessment that comes from the county some of the taxes come up some of them come down but it's not it's neutral first of all it's revenue neutral when you think that target came
so first of all going back to governor Murphy taking away this money then the bottom line is giving it to districts where they're failing I want every kid to have a chance in the world and but there has to be accountability And he's done it again and again. And
the same people that are complaining saying, "Oh, the town should help us and do more." We remind you, we have 16 cents out of every dollar compared to board of ed. So when that happens, the bottom line is it falls on the board of ed then. So let me tell you also, the
board of ed used to have a student population in 2015 of 8,975. Today in 2025 we have 8,021. That is a decrease of 9 thou 9 954 students. Yet
they're going up. They've made no concessions to deal with this. In fact, so I consider Governor Murphy feckless for doing this, taking this money away. If you're going to take the money away, give you a year or two and say, "I'm going to be taking the state funding
away. this is what you have to do to adjust things, work in a partnership to do that. Then the superintendent never made any concessions, was taking money based on a higher student population. So then that's why more money was taken
out. So as a result, the township gets blamed for it, which is totally ridiculous because we are the collectors of it. We're also paying for our staff to collect the money for the school. I wish they would separate it. On top of that, when we collect it, we've sent in
out in every tax bill this statement. Also, if people would read it also, could you think that you go send more money to the county between the county tax and the county open space tax that we spend in our own town now that you're spending your tax dollars going to the
county, not in your own town. And I said before, we have to pay for the police, your safety, the um department of public works and all the staff that of every head of department here, engineering, planning, finance, etc. So when this
happens, as uh Councilman Asuli said, don't listen to falsehoods that you see on Facebook. It's real easy to be a coward behind face uh a keyboard instead of getting the information, concrete information. You would think if you are
a member of the board of ed, if you are a member of the council, you would want to portray truth. Now the other thing is what happens is when we collect tax dollars, say like people don't pay their tax bill, we still have to put out the
money and pay the schools, pay all these entities even if we don't collect that m money. So that's why, you know, you need money in reserve. So this is very unfortunate that we're at this state. I say it all the time. What are the estate what is the state doing with their
money? When this governor started office, it was $ 36 billion estate budget. Now is 58.8 billion. More than $2 billion for every year that this man has been in office. As anyone's
here, life improved dramatically with $2 billion a year. Think of that. $2 billion a year. And I go back and I've said this before. I remember when the lottery came into to being. I can remember I was in grammar school. I heard my parents talk, oh that money is
going directly for the express reason to for tax relief for the board of ed. Then we got Atlantic City. It was the same thing. Then we got also gambling now online those taxes. So why isn't that money? Where is it going? I want
accountability. how we have an auditor here that came here very transparent explained anything our chief financial officer our business administrator our mayor very transparent a program telling you the facts and these are all lies we
do not look at the board of ed we do not vote on the board of ed budget go to the board of ed meeting and you look at all those members that voted to increase your taxes time and time again and another thing that's going to be very shocking And I'm sorry to tell you this.
When it goes up 10% last year, 20% that they borrowed 20 million, $23 million, do you think they're going to re um reconcile all this and our taxes are going to go down? It's not going backwards. I don't know what it's going
to take for that to happen, but also no concessions when you when you raise taxes like this, but it's all wonderful for the children. I'm for the children, too. I believe in education. I'm very educated. My family's very educated because it's important. Knowledge is
power and it helps you in your entire life and or having a skill that's important. So, this is very frustrating for us when you hear all these lies that were responsible for this. The township's responsible, the Republicans
exclusively when it's a Democrat governor that has repeatedly for years taken away state funding. And also, I'll let you know that we've had to do better in this town, too, because it's not like he's given us more state funding in this town either. But yes, he's he's pushing mandates on it. And it's really
incredible when you think of the mandate of fair share housing. What that does to a town, if that's a mandate without any money given to police, to schools, to fire, to first aid, to roads, to sewer, it's unconscionable. So, this is where
we're at. So, learn why your bill is going up. educate yourself and and really understand. Do not believe these falsehoods. And if you have any question, I'm sure they don't like to be inundated day in and day out like they have been, but I know each one of the
the staff will take the time to explain the truth for you. But most of all, read your tax bill. It's clear as day. It's in color, the diagram that they gave you. That speaks volumes. Thank you very much. And I I'm sorry because it is very frustrating when this goes on year after
year and it doesn't happen. And we have members whether it's the council or the board of ed that doesn't understand our fiscal year is different than the board of ed. The board of eds is July to July. Ours January January. So that is why it's a difference also with the tax
bill. We have to wait for them. And the ta state tax um board was very remiss not getting their budget done in time. And not only that, telling the board of ed to hurry up, get this proposal done, and then not responding to them for
months. Thank you. >> Okay. I >> Excuse me, council president. You skipped over me. I didn't get a chance to speak. I'm sorry. I >> see your hand up. >> Yeah, I did. I had my head down and you went to the right. Um, >> thank you. So, um, what I wanted to say,
I almost forgot what I was going to say, but what, uh, one of the things, and I just want to appreciate, Don, how you put, uh, on the last, uh, page the property tax relief programs. I think that's really important for uh especially our seniors and our disabled
people to know uh that or anybody that to know that we have these programs available and they are put forth by the Murphy administration and our state legislature. Um some of them are new, some of them have been around for a while. So, um you know, as much as our
administration gets bashed, they do have many things out there that are that are very good for our seniors and they want um they want to help tax relief for our for our seniors, our disabled people. Um we have the anchor program, we have the
NJ stay program, and we have the um the stay New Jersey program. right now, as was mentioned that uh you can apply for all three of those programs. You have to uh you have until October 31st to do that. And as was mentioned, as Dawn
mentioned, um you there's a blue book that you would have had mailed to you and it's the form PA-1. You were right. Um so I want to just make sure that everyone is aware. I think it is incumbent upon us to let people know
about these programs. It's extremely important that you know that you have availability to uh you have the ability to avail yourself to these programs to either get reimbursed or um or whatnot. So, um you know, I just want to uh say
that that is something that comes out of the Murphy administration and the state legislature. So, that's one thing. Um I I also want to address talking about misinformation. I I don't even know where to begin here. There was a lot of
misinformation that just came at you. And um you know to say that the school did nothing um is is is a lie. um they knew about this from 2019 and they did they have been working actively working
to to um to to educate the students while having our state aid reduced. Governor Murphy did let them know that this was a program that we that was over
seven years that they were going to be reducing that money a little bit each year. It wasn't that they just laid down the gauntlet and said, you know, figure it out. They said they were going to do it over several years. Do I agree with
what they did? No. But this is what they did. So again, truth matters and information, correct information matters. This is not something that was coming. This this excuse me, this school funding formula
was from the Cororsine administration. This is not put forth by the Murphy administration. He just enforced it. It was there when the Christy Republican administration was there. He did nothing to fix it. It was there and and and
Governor Christie put a 2% cap on how to rate you couldn't raise your tax levy by more than 2%. Which is why the the schools couldn't get to the point of meeting what the budget is. It's it's a
very very complicated uh uh process and to to say that the school because I was on the board of ed so um I take this very personally to say that the school and the board of ed and the superintendent didn't do their due
diligence is a lie is an absolute falsehood. So, if you want to talk about misinformation, you need to look in the mirror because you're spouting it yourself. And you can smile and laugh all you want. I don't care. I'm talking. Thank you. So, no, I
don't always talk, but thank you, Darren. Thank you. Thank you. You're talking over me now, so whatever. You're talking over me now. So, whatever. You got to have the last word. You have to have the last word. Yeah. You have to have the last word. Last word. Yep. Yep.
Yep. Okay. So, anyway, >> okay. I just This is but this is what I deal with. So, anyway, um I was told by uh Councilman Asatuli that I'm not allowed to speak to him. So, just so you know. Um anyway, I am just aggravated
and angry at this whole situation and uh I just I'm sorry I had to speak. Are we through or now we need it? Okay, >> it's council comments. Mr. Desai has the floor.
Don my question if he did not had a pilot revenue in this income what would have been the percentage increase instead of 1.58 municipal tax rate let's say if we don't have that whatever
the revenue pilot revenue the increase would be what 3% 4% >> no for >> for the township >> for the township >> I just give me the estimate only municipal >> because revenue
pilot revenue is used generally only for municipal purpose not for the board >> right um but the the pilot revenue in our budget right now I I don't have it in front of me
>> but but it's it's it's not much. Yeah. >> Yeah. just give us some rough number. I'm not looking exact. >> Um in 25's budgets 421,300 >> and out of >> I'm sorry, Don. Out of that number, only
two of them are actually true pilots. Um, one was for 64 $164,548 and 38,520. >> So the other ones are not true pilots by the definition. And in fact, one of
them's a contribution from the hospital >> that's similar to a pilot, but it's it's >> Yeah, they negotiated a settlement or I believe now it's um there's a statute on it. Yeah.
>> Yeah, they changed it. Originally it was a settlement with them, but um Rarin Bay Hospital pays us. >> Okay. So, according to your number >> Mhm. The pilot revenue accounted in 2025 is only 421,000.
>> Yes. >> Okay. Then I can compare the total revenue and see the number. >> Thank you. >> Okay. All right. You're good now. Okay. We're all good here. All right. I just
wanted to clean this up, finish this up by saying that as you can tell residents especially this is a very problematic situation and sometimes we have to step back and look at this and and and
understand it for what it is. Now Mr. Allison was here according to you our the way we did everything this year was in order. We filed in a timely fashion because I was sent something that said the reason why this was wrong was
because we did not file in a timely fashion. We waited too long. Now, that was sent to me from a website that's from Oldbridge. So, how does this how do we how do we answer something like that? Why would that be put out to the public
when it's blatantly a falsehood? People who come are more than welcome to come. Come and give your opinion. You're more than welcome to give your opinion. They're all sitting here. They're all waiting and listening to everyone. Why
do you have to put that out on social media? What's the point? I I just I just can't understand that at all. As far as the books are concerned, it's wonderful that those seniors are going to partake, but they but the raise
that they're looking at, this is a reimbursement program. That's not a freeze. They have to put this money out and wait to get to get the money back. You're shaking your head.
>> No, you don't. You get a rebate. You get a rebate check. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You get a check back, >> but they're not frozen. So, you have to put >> is frozen. >> No, >> the rate, but you have to put the money out and get it back.
>> Wait, >> Dawn. Dor, would you would you >> Excuse me. This is not a discussion. No, it's not a >> No, it's not an argument, Dawn. When we we fill out the forms and then don't they send us back the money? >> Yes.
>> Okay. So, what happens? We fill it out. It shows the difference of what we were paying versus what it is now, >> right? >> And then you will get a rebate, like a check, a rebate. >> Yes. We we send out the bills, you pay whatever the tax increase is,
>> right? You you pay it. Correct. When when you fill out the form, it's the difference between your base year. Some people go back to the early 90s >> and they get back thousands. Some people go back one year. >> But they do have to put it out. Now, there are people now that are telling me
it's very difficult with this increase to put that money out. They know they're going to get it back, but they don't necessarily have it. So, this is where the problem lies. It may be a good program, but it's getting to the point
now where people in Oldbridge are having a really hard time. Some of them are veterans. Some of them don't have children in the district. They're struggling. We're just trying to find a balance here. But we don't need people giving out that kind of false
information that we didn't do things properly. It's a it's a very frustrating scenario. That's not going to help this at all. Not at all. So, I'm glad you came tonight. I'm glad you you showed the slides. You explained the whole
situation and hopefully we're going to come to a better conclusion because this this is not this is not healthy for the town. It just isn't. Um I don't know what's going to be in the future, but this is not good for for the town the way this has been. So, thank you all for
coming. Mayor, do you have anything you want to add? Any I just want to thank Anna and Dawn for all their hard work putting this presentation together. Like I said earlier, we did this because of all the calls and um letters we got and some of them are heartbreaking. Some senior citizens are calling us and like
council president so said it is it's a rebate program. You do have to put the money out. You will get it back but it's a year and some people just don't have that money to put out and it's not only senior citizens that this tax increase is affecting. is affecting young families that just bought the houses and
maybe they just made the mortgage payment, not expecting this large increase. And the thing I want to make very clear, we only can control 16 cents on a dollar. There are other tax and entities in the town. The board ed has their own t their own, they make their
own taxes. The fire districts do their own. The library board is statutory. It's not controlled by us. And then we have Middle Sex County. The commissioners control that tax. The only thing we can control is our municipal tax. And I think we're doing a great job. 1.58.
Compared to other towns this size, we're doing an amazing job. And as Bob said, we're doing a great job. And I hate that we're taking the blame for this very large increase because I wouldn't do this to residents. Well, thank you very much for your pres.
>> Thank you, Bob. Have a good evening. Next will be approval of minutes. Resolution approving the regular council meeting minutes of February 24th, 2025 and the regular and executive session council meeting minutes of July 15,
2025. >> Second. >> Moved by Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Pasitti. Roll call. Councilman Asetuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg. Bellai. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. Motion carries. >> Bill list. Mr. Garcia.
>> Yes. Thank you. Uh bill list as of August 12, 2025. Accounts payable August 12, 2025, 19,463,29944. Payroll July 18, 2025 1,342,656.118. Payroll overtime July 18 2025 $59,5974
Payroll August 1st 20251,453,32.86 payroll overtime August 1st 2025 60,311.36 that completes my report. Thank you. Thank you, Anna. Can we have a breakdown on the overtime, please, for the two pay periods? >> Yes. For our July 18th pay period, um,
we did not have any major uptakes. The sworn police overtime for that payroll was $43,54.92. Deduct grants, $5,51755. Deduct ETO, $11,933.12. deduct accreditation $4,391.14 for a total of $21,663.11
which equal 330 and 1/2 hours of men and women hours for the August 1st payroll. We also did not have any major upticks in our overtime. The sworn police overtime for that time was $41,696.84
84 deduct grants $9,1558 deduct ETO $25342 for a total of $3,17784 and a total of 44 $410 men and women hours. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Anna. Do I have a motion to accept?
>> Okay, I have a question. Um please um was this um was the date when they had the rally out front? Um was that included in this? >> I believe yes it was. >> How much was for that for the overtime? >> I don't have that breakout. I can get that for you though.
>> Do you get? >> Yep. Absolutely. >> Appreciate it because I don't think the taxpayer should be send paying for that. It >> so I really want to find a breakdown. Can you get that to me and whether you want to discuss that the next meeting? >> We'll do.
>> Um, okay. So, protocol on >> what? >> She wants that separated. >> Yeah, I want to separate. How much was was cost for this rally that they had? >> Well, no, we're going to pay But then we're going to separate it out.
>> I don't know what you're trying to do. >> I wanted Yeah, I asked for Anna. >> Yeah, I'll just get your information. Okay. But you're okay with moving on. >> Um, honestly, I wanted the breakdown for this really because I don't think the taxpayers should be paying for a political rally.
And if I had a rally out there and the police were there, I certainly wouldn't ask them to to pay for it, the township, or taxpayers. Why are they paying for a political rally? >> But the overtime is for our employees, so they have to get paid. No, I want them to get paid, but I want this
address that they should not have the township. Every resident's here, whether I had a rally or someone else, you have a rally, just like when there's the carnival at churches, they have to pay for the police protection. Why do we have to pay for the police? So, I want
that separated out and send them the bill. That makes the most sense, you know? It's just it's just not right to do that. I want people protect it. But if you have to >> if you come forward and it's a rally and
you do it, you like you have to have permits if it's over a certain amount of people, then you also have to have police protection and our D um DPW worked overtime as well as our police. So I want to make sure please um let me
know um Mr. Rosselli that will that will be separated and then they'll be sent to sent a bill because I don't feel the township should pay for it. >> I don't think you can send them a bill after the fact. If they knew ahead of time, then yes. But I think the fact that they didn't know ahead of time, I
think that it would be I don't think it would be right to send them a bill. Only if they knew ahead of time, then yes. But after the fact, I don't think that it's would be right. >> How much this bill is too? Let's >> Well, I think it should be brought forward so the taxpayers know what they're
to bring it forward. How do you think that you're going to have a rally and there's going to be overtime by police. It's going to be overp by by DPW and you're not going to be responsible for it. >> That's fine. I that's fine. But it it needs to be something that is um settled
ahead of time. That's all I'm saying. >> I think it's common sense. Well, no, it's not. >> It's common sense. >> I I think if it was other shoe was on the other foot and we had a rally and there was overtime here, you would be
questioning and you would be saying something about it and it would be on Facebook and we'd be ostracized and and saying all this stuff. So, I'd like to know the overtime, as I said, and I'll repeat it again for the police and for the DPW. And I really think it has to be
presented to the public and maybe is they can come and say, "Oh, yeah. We're so happy we you paid our tax dollars for that." >> Okay. I'd love to hear. >> Well, we do. We have that in an ordinance. Is there an ordinance that says that if you have a rally that
>> there's not there should not as far as an orance there should be a level of intelligence if you are demanding and it has to be for a rally police protection and the DPW setting up road the the barrier so no one's hurt and for your
public your safety protected I feel that that it should be and it was really the campaign >> so No, we'll wait. We'll wait till we get the figure and then we'll ask the residents if they're real happy about paying for that. >> They can think. Okay. So, I need a
motion to pay the bills. >> Move it. >> Moved by Councilman Deal. Second by Councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Desai. >> Councilman Garcia. Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. Because I think that our employees should be paid, but I'd like to have a separation next meeting. Thank you. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes.
>> Eight yeses. Motion carries. >> Okay. Next will be public hearing for ordinances on second reading. H1 ordinance amending chapter 250 of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled Bridge Township Land
Development Code by amending article 12 250-107 entitled official um offtrack improvements. >> Need a motion. >> We're going to I need a motion to open to the public.
>> Moved by council by Dr. Greenberg Bell. Second by Councilman Asatuli. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. So, we are opening it up to the public. Is there anyone in the public who wishes to be heard? Everybody said
yes, I believe. >> Does anyone wish to be heard on this particular ordinance for second reading? >> Okay. Seeing no hands, motion to close. >> Motion. >> Second. Motion by Councilman Asetuli,
second by Councilman Dealama. All in favor to close. >> Any opposed? >> Hearing none. Okay, >> bring it to council. Council on my left. Any question on my right? >> I need a motion then. >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr.
Greenberg Bell. Second by councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. Councilman Desai, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Pascitti, >> abstain.
>> Abstain. Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Bell, >> yes. >> And Council President Sohar, >> yes. >> Seven yeses, one abstension. >> H2, ordinance amending the redevelopment plan for the intersection of Jake Brown Road and Highway 9 and the intersection
of White Oak Lane and Jake Brown Road. I need a motion to open to the public. Move it. Second >> motion by Dr. Greenberg Bell, second by Councilman Asetuli. All in favor to open to the public. >> Any opposed? Hearing none. >> Okay. Is there anyone in the public who
would like to be heard on H2? Seeing no hands, I will ask for a motion to close public. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Councilman Acatuli, second by Councilman Dealama. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? Hearing none.
>> Ordinances for first reading. FR1. >> Oh, wait. Oh, I'm sorry. Did I miss something? >> The vote for >> Oh, God. Yeah. Okay. I need a motion for H2 council. >> Anyone? >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. Greenbergle. Was that you, Councilman?
Oh, Councilman, I'm sorry. Garcia. >> Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pascitti.
>> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> And council president Sohar. >> Yes. >> Eight yeses. >> And next is ordinance of first reading. F FR1 ordinance accepting property to be granted to the township of Oldbridge for purposes of recreation along Trans
Oldbridge Road, block 13326, lot 1.11. Do I have a motion? >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Asetuli. Roll call. Councilman Acatuli.
>> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Bell. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Public hearing set for September 16th,
2025. Eight yeses. >> FR2. Ordinance of the Township of Old Bridge, County of Middle Sex, State of New Jersey, amending chapter 351 of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled personnel policies by amending
351-5 vacations. Do I have a motion? >> Second. >> Moved by Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Deama. Roll call. Councilman Asetu. Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. Yes. >> Councilman De Palama.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belly. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Eight yeses. Public hearing set for September 16th, 2025.
>> FR3. Ordinance of the township of Oldbridge, County of Middle Sex, approving application for financial agreement and the financial agreement with Vision of Oldbridge 3 Urban Renewal LLC.
Do I have a motion? >> The financial >> moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg. A second. >> Second. >> Second by Councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. Yes. >> Councilman De Palama.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. >> Eight yeses. Public hearing set for
September 16, 2025. >> FR4. Ordinance of the township of Oldbridge, County of Middle Sex, state of New Jersey, amending chapter 108 of the code of the township of Oldbridge entitled construction codes uniform.
Motion >> move it. >> Moved by Councilman Dealma, second by Councilman Acatuli. >> Clarification. >> Roll call. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. Councilman Desai,
>> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Pascitti, >> yes. >> Council Vice President, Dr. Greenberg, Bellai, >> abstain. >> Council President Sohar, >> yes. >> Seven yeses, one abstension. Public hearing set for September 16, 2025.
>> Next will be our consent agenda. I'd like to have a motion in a second and then we'll ask for separations. >> Move it. >> Move. Moved by uh Councilman Deama, second by Cass Councilman Acatuli. Any items for separation? Councilman
Asatuli? >> No. Thank you. >> Councilwoman Daro, no. Councilman De Palama, >> C19. >> C19. Councilman Desai, >> no. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. C4.
>> C4. Councilman Pasitti, >> uh, C19, but the P already said it. Okay. Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> No. Thank you. >> And council president Sohar. >> No. >> Okay. So, we're going to take a a roll
call for to approve the balance of the consent agenda minus C4 and C19. Councilman Acatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman Dealama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. Councilman Pasitti, >> yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli, >> yes. >> And Council President Sohar, >> yes. >> Okay. Next will be C4. Councilman Garcia.
>> Uh, yes. Thank you. Uh, the installation of the roofing at Lawrence Harour, how does that work? Do we put a request in with the town? How does who who puts the request in? Do we check these properties? Matt, >> Matt,
>> Matt, >> they can't hear you public out on the >> I'm sorry I put you on a spot. >> No, we own it. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that's a property behind Memorial School. We own um that property. Uh Casey actually took the lead on this
specific roof here, but it's the same contractor, the same state contract that we've used at everywhere from our vet from our Veterans Park building to our Camp Robin building to our ice arena now almost all of our bathroom facilities uh around the township as well. >> Okay, pretty much. I just want to thank
you. I just want to I just wanted to question how how the process worked. So, thank you again. >> No problem. And like I said, KCM Public Works took took the lead on this one. So this is for the >> Thanks, Matt. >> So this past year in our capital, we had put uh money aside for I think Matt hit
it on the head. Most of our uh buildings needed new roofs uh across most of our parks. Um and during that assessment, the arena also needed new roof. Uh not the whole arena, just the portion, the enclosed portion I believe. Um and then the little league and things like that.
So Casey um worked with the contractor and as it you know as we worked through the projects as you probably recall over the last few meetings you've been seeing different projects getting approve of roofing and this is just another part. We may have one more um uh but yeah so
it's it's nice most all of our buildings have new roofs now. >> Yep. Okay. >> Well I appreciate Thank you. And I'll move it. >> Okay. >> Second >> by Councilman Garcia. Second by Councilman Pasitti. >> Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Daro.
>> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasciddi. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belly. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sohart. >> Yes. >> Eight S's.
>> Okay. Next will be C19. Mr. Dupalama. >> Yes. So just separating just there has been I've gotten a number of phone calls, emails as well as chatter amongst the interwebs about the that pipeline that is going to be going
through the town. This is our opposition to it. Um just to make sure that folks do understand that we know that we're being this is being forced on us. We will not get any benefit from this whatsoever. is going to go through our
town through the bay into New York City. So all of this gas that they're sending through our township will will have zero um impact to any of our rates, any of our gas coming in. Everything is for New York and New York City.
>> I know Mr. Biskitti wanted to separate this as well. So I'll turn the floor to him if he has something >> on 19. Any anyone else have a thing to say? >> Yeah, that that was through the state, right? So, we we really don't even have
any or federal. So, we don't have any >> and what I was curious about is why why we don't get some sort of uh payment from from them. They're using our land and we should get some sort of payment.
So, that's it. >> All right. Anyone else have a comment? Okay. So, do I have a motion? Move. >> Okay. Moved by Mr. De Palama. Second. >> Second. Okay. >> Second by Councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilman Asatuli. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes. >> Councilman De Palama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasitti. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg. Belly. >> Abstain. >> And Council President Sohar. >> Yes.
>> Seven yeses. One abstension. >> Okay. Next will be report of the township clerk. >> I have no report. Council president. >> Okay. Township attorney. >> No report. M. >> Okay. Administrative report. Anna. >> Thank you. If you can believe it, summer's almost over. Before and
afterare registration is now open. Registration is now open for the September 2025 before and afterare program and will remain open until August 20th. This program is for children enter entering grades K through 5 at all public schools. Families can
log into their reces account during the registration window to enroll their ch their children for the 2025 2026 school year. If you have any questions or difficulties with enrollment, please email our office at afterschool@allbridge.com or call the office at
732-721-5600extension for more information. You can also visit our website at oldbridge.com/daycare. Retirement of Two Township employees. It is with much appreciation that we announce a retirement of two employees from the police department. Police officer Steven McCauley and police
officer Gregory Miller both retired effective August 1 August 1st, 2025 after 25 years of service with the Obridge Police Department. We extend our serious we extend our sincerest appreciation for their service and we wish them all the best as they begin
this welldeserved new chapter. And this concludes my report. >> Very nice. Okay. >> Can we have a motion to accept the report? >> Second. >> Moved by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by councilman dama. My apologies. Anybody have any
questions? >> Good. >> Council president tried to >> No, that's okay. Anybody question? No. Okay. So motion >> we motioned by council vice president Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by councilman deama. >> All in favor?
>> Any opposed? hearing none. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Okay. Next will be public comment on any subject matter for maximum period of 3 minutes. >> Can we get a motion to open public comment? >> Second.
>> Moved by Councilman Dealma, second by Councilwoman Daro. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Opening public comment. >> Okay. Good evening. The public comment portion of our meeting is to allow the public to bring to the council's attention their concerns or comments.
This section is open for any topic or items in the consent agenda in accordance with NJSA10 col4-12A in the Oldbridge rules of council. The council asks the public to limit their comments to three minutes or less. Only one member of the public shall approach to speak to council at a time. The council
will respect the public's time by refraining from any comment until the speaker is finished with their allotted time. Should be further noted that the public comment portion of our meeting is not structured as a question and answer period. If a member of the public has questions they seek answers to, an appointment can be made with the
corresponding department's office during regular business hours. Township clerk will regulate the time during the comment portion of our meeting. As you approach the microphone, please state your name. No addresses. >> Okay. Anyone? Good evening.
>> Good evening. My name is Lieutenant Sean Brown, Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company. I'm again I'm here again to employ the council mayor to move forward with our proposed volunteer incentives that I have submitted to the council several months ago. These proposals are a way
for the township to save potentially millions of taxpay dollars given the ever growing recruitment and retention issues we face. A small investment from the township on child care tech child care and tax credits would greatly help us recruit and retain members who the
taxpayers have already made a significant investments on. Since we have started this conversation in April, the council has yet to put pen to paper to progress any of our proposals. All we've gotten is vague promises of getting something done. At every major incident I or community events, mayor
and council remind us that they love the volunteers and if there's anything ever that we need to let them know. Now is the hour of our need. So I have to ask with those empty words or a campaign platform. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening.
>> Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Taylor McFarland. I'm the conservation program manager with the Sierra Club New Jersey chapter. I just want to extend my gratitude and thanks uh for passing the resolution to oppose Williams Transco. Um there is a so it needs state permits.
Um and right now the New Jersey D just extended the comment period and they will be having a virtual public hearing. I can send you the information for that because that's very important. Um again I really do want to extend my gratitude and thanks for the council. Thank you so much. >> Have a good evening.
Good evening. >> Good evening. I'm Greg Raone, uh the New York executive director of New York New Jersey Baykeeper. I also want to thank the council for their vote in opposition to the Nessie Pipeline. Um, you don't need me to point out the
fact that um, the township and its residents spent the last almost 20 years getting the lead out of the Slag Super Fund site along the the bay shore and then along comes this pipeline where it
the dredging would dredge up copper, um, mercury and other metals. So, um, you guys have gotten hit hit hard. You also got hit hard with the $7 million payment on that cleanup. Um, congratulations despite that hit. Um,
managing the finances as well as you have. Um, Mayor Walker's been there before meetings, after meetings for the last, I don't know, 15 years. So, uh, thank you. Um, and so, thank you all again. >> Good evening. Hi, my name is Lorraine
Kelly and I would like to say that I really enjoyed the presentation. I wanted to thank you for giving such a clear explanation of why our taxes are going up. And to tell you the truth, I wasn't planning on speaking at all tonight. But then when um Mrs. Greenberg
belly had to basically do a little campaign ad and trash Governor Murphy, it made me feel that I had to speak up. Every meeting I have come to, she has found a reason to trash our Democratic governor and our dem Democratic legislature. Now, about 45 47% of the
people in Oldbridge are Democrats. And you guys are supposed to be representing all of us. And when you have a member who every time she speaks has to trash whoever is running, if they're on the other side, it just sends a bad message.
And it also makes people angry and causes a lot of dissension. So I I would just think that maybe look and think to yourself and do I really want to keep telling people that everything that the Democrats do is bad. Everything. And and also I understand what you're saying
about the rebate. That is true. But this new stay in New Jersey plan, you can get up to $6500 back if you pay $13,000. Now, I was reading Owen Henry, Mayor Owen Henry's column in all around. And
all he did was again trash the governor, trash the legislature, and he said there was no help whatsoever in the new budget. No help. Now, shouldn't instead he and you guys be trying to get the message out? Maybe this is a hardship for you people, but here is help.
Shouldn't that be something you want to do? And shouldn't that be something Owen Henry wants to do? So, I I just would like you to turn down the temperature a little. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Hi. Good evening. Uh my name is Kathleen
McNamera. I'm from Keeport and I'm a council member there for the last five years. So, I wanted to thank you also for your opposition for the pipeline. um you know your community has super fun sites so it's a real sensitive thing and
um we opposed it twice and we can all just cross our fingers that you know the battle we win again. I mean it was only a year ago that transco turned around and said okay we're not going to do it and then obviously things change and so here we are again. So I think we all need to continue with our support. It's
really important and I think you'll have a good night. Good evening. >> Hi, good evening all. My name is Lisa Lent. I'm a resident of Oldbridge. I'm and I'm also a member of the Cheesequake Fire Department. I just wanted to come up here just to reiterate some of the
statements that Lieutenant Brown said. Um I'm not sure exactly how much research and how much effort you all put into looking into what we do and how often we respond since he initially approached all of you back in April. Um,
we are about 200 225 days into the year and I could tell you that Cheesequake, which is just one of four districts within Oldbridge, has responded to approximately 500 dispatched calls. That I mean, it's an insane amount that these
small volume of volunteers respond. They don't answer with a maybe or I'll get back to you. They get up and they respond. They give up holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, everything to represent and to protect the district um
district 2, sorry, of Oldbridge. And I just want to make sure that you are listening to Lieutenant Brown and are taking it serious. Um we do need some incentives to hold volunteers to encourage them to come out. Um as you
all spoke about, taxes are going up. people aren't sure of how they're feeding their families, doing things like that. Volunteerism is at its lowest. They don't have time um to volunteer when they're trying to pay their bills. And we really need your
help in try to creating some incentives to bring out more volunteers and to retain these volunteers. It doesn't help if we put them through school and then they leave us in a month. We want to create a system in which they stay with us and they grow and they protect
Oldbridge. They protect all of you. Um that's all I have to say. Thank you for your time. Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. I start with my name. Sometimes things change. Teresa Burns. Okay. Um, I just wanted to say that it
wasn't lost on me that when the federal government was brought up that their political affiliation was not mentioned and I really appreciate that because we should be uh remembering that we're all in this together. Uh, the board of ed was uh mentioned so I did want to just reiterate some things that they have
been losing funds for almost 10 years, a long time and that they have been making cuts. My daughter lost after school busing which affects my job, affects how um many hours I can work. I also wanted to bring up that there was a mention of
a possible meeting between town council and the board of ed because why are we losing those funds is going to be the answer and how we stop losing them and uh stabilize our taxes. Um, I don't know if that meeting ever
occurred, if people of the public can be invited, if it would just be between council leadership and board leadership, and if um, they reached out and nothing happened, would you be willing to uh, reach out and say, "We're going to discuss the taxes with you. This is the
plan. This is our agenda." Um, besides that, I also wanted to mention the politicking rally. And the only rally that I could think of that came to mind was the Pride Rally, LGBTQ plus. Um, I don't know why that became a
political issue. LGBT rights are human rights. Um, and that I again I'm not sure. I I unfortunately was not able to attend. Um, and if it's not that rally, I would like to know which rally it is. Um that's Thank you. That's it. Oh, can
I get my time back? I did want to reiterate um uh support for the volunteer uh department. I myself would be able to volunteer for the one operating squad in town and honestly there isn't anything I this sounds
selfish in it for me to really give up my hours paid to volunteer for the time. So thank you. Hi, my name is Chenise Romans and it seems that people are so concerned about taxpayers money here. Now, HOA
communities are being haggarded and harassed by township code departments and something needs to be put out about that because HOA fees are going to be elevated and that's going to affect people retention of people in Obridge
because people cannot afford to feed their families. If HOA fees have to be increased, how are people going to stay? How we what's going to happen to the middle class in Oldbridge? They're going to move out. They're not going to stay. And this is because of the code
department which have been harassing all the HOA communities and it needs to stop. I'm sorry. And something needs to be publicized about it. It's not fair. It's taxpayers that are suffering because of that.
Okay. That's all I have to say. Good evening. My name is Crystal Marcato and I've been a resident of Oldbridge for 12 years. My daughter started before care in the township schools as she entered kindergarten one year ago. When initially signing her up, I read through the ordinance stating that the rate per
month was being increased $20 per month or $200 per year for every child from 2020 to 2024. Currently for this upcoming school year, an ordinance has been passed to increase the same. For this upcoming school year, the cost of the beforeare program is $340 per month
per child offering no sibling discount. This means if you have two children in the program, you are paying $680 per month to have your children in the program for 2 hours per day. If you are in both the before and afterare programs, you pay $450 per month to have
one child watched for about 5 hours per day as opposed to the combined before and after school rate which would be $730. This rate does not make sense as a sibling discount should be equivalent to this discounted rate which is about 40%. The same rate is also paid per month
regardless of how many days school is open. this upcoming school year. In November, we are in school only 15 days. In June, only 14 days, and the highest being October at 22 days. I did some research to find out what the surrounding towns pay and found that
among eight of our neighboring towns, the average is $200 per month per child, and again, we are $340 per month per child. East Brunswick charging the most, $216 per child, but they offer a sibling
discount. If you have two children in their program, you are paying $394 per month. Again, for two children in our program, it is $680 per month. Next year, if this increase continues, we will be paying $360
per child per month or $720 per month for two children. If you have two children in the program, that is $7,200 per year, which is almost the same as property taxes on one home in town. I understand that many of these districts
outsource their programs and we keep ours inhouse through parks and recreation. I want to acknowledge I have no issues with the program and I know parks and recreation does an incredible job with the programs they run as my children have been in many of them. I just can't disregard that we as parents
are being charged an astronomical rate on top of the school tax increase we are being faced with. I ask if the town can take a hard look at how we can make this program more affordable like all of our neighboring towns for working families who rely on the program. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. >> Hi, my name is Jeff. Um this is my first time here so >> sorry your name again sir? Jeff, >> you're >> Walvski. Yeah, this is my first time here, so please bear with me. It's It's been an experience. I'm still confused
who is running the town, the board of ad or the mayor or uh the governor. I I'm confused. Okay. And so my so I heard the auditor uh he
mentioned there's a surplus of 26% which is great but I'm still confused how does that benefit the the residents since our tax is still going up right so how does it benefit us so um I have seen
my property taxes going up in 2026 by 10%. I have seen the new golf course behind right in the neighborhood, a shopping mall in the route, nine dozens of new houses and the warehouses popping up like mushrooms. Okay, but somehow I
can't find where all this extra income is coming, where is it going? And it's got to be a significant uh extra income coming in into the township, right? So meanwhile, the warehouses and new developments have brought traffic jams,
road damage, and even higher electrical bills because we are the ones who are paying for the new infrastructure, the residents. Okay. Um I know um mayor, Mr. Walk, Miss Walker
promised changes and we spoke you were in my house uh along with um council resident, right? you you we we we talked about the changes, but where are those improvements? Where are those changes? I don't know how you guys represent us.
What is the point of um electing a mayor if the mayor doesn't show us any changes in this township? So, tonight I'm asking for the full transparency. Show us the money. Tell us
it has how it's been spent and let us finally fix these problems. This problems of u taxes being going up every single year, right? Because obviously the township gets the income.
How is this income is being spent? Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Is is there anyone else in the public who wishes to be heard? Seeing no hands, I will ask for a motion to close the public portion.
>> Motion. >> Motion by Councilman Councilman Asatuli, second by Councilman Garcia. All in favor? >> Any opposed? Hearing? None. >> Close the public portion. >> Thank you, Council. >> Council member comments. Councilman
Asatuli. >> Yes. First, I'd like to say congratulations to the Obridge Soccer Club. That is a fantastic achievement. Number two, um I'd like to say a prayer for the families overdosing. Um it's uh really I didn't know there was that much in town. It's
pretty sad. Um I want to say a prayer for the families. I want to address something as your councilman. I stand here before you today with a heavy heart and a clear message. Aren't we exhausted by the relentless spread of fake news all over the place
and misinformation? Day after day, we see false stories, half-truths, outright lies flooding our screens, our conversation, our lives. This isn't just an inconvenience. This is an outright crisis in society. It's hurting our neighbors.
It's giving anxiety. It's sewing division in our community. The worry that it creates, the fear that it amplifies, it's not cool. It's destructive. And it's time to say enough is enough. Misinformation doesn't just mislead, it wounds. It fuels distrust in
our institutions, pits us against one another, and leaves too many of our people paralyzed with confusion and fear. We've all seen it. Families are torn apart, businesses harmed by rumors, individuals grappling with unnecessary stress. I see it. And it breaks my heart to see individuals in this town feeling
this way. This is not the community we want to build. We all deserve better. Our people deserve the truth, clarity, and unity. And as we can see by tonight, I just want to say thank you for the excellent, truthful presentation from the administration. Thank you again. And
as leaders, we have the responsibility to act. We can promote media literacy, encourage our community to question what they read, and seek out reliable sources. We can support local journalists who tirelessly want to report facts
and we can call out those who spread falsehoods, hold them accountable for the harm that they cause. This isn't about censorship. It's about empowering our people to think critically and reject the lies that tear our town apart. Let's commit today to build a community, and I know I love my town,
grounded in trust, where truth rises above all the noise. Let's stop the cycle of misinformation and show our people that we're listening, that we care, and we're ready to lead. And I totally believe in truth, and together we can make a difference. I
thank you all. >> Councilwoman Dara. Thanks, Kate. Um, okay. So, I'd like to just first of all, I just want to apologize for my part in any back and forth up here. Um, I got a little heated. I got a little emotional.
So I just want to apologize to the residents for that. Um so um moving on um talking about you know congratulations to um uh on our resolution to um
uh uh disapprove the pipeline. Um I am very happy about that. And um oh Crystal like I have notes all over the place. Um, so, uh, Crystal has emailed me and I've had conversations
with her. Um, and I've sent them over to, uh, our business administrator and Matt to you and I believe Eric, you've been involved with conversations. um you know and I've been back and forth with Crystal and is there um is there any way
and I know that we've talked about this and uh it's a self-sustaining program and we have to pay for you know the teachers, the insurance, the staff. Is there any way that we can do anything
about the cost of you know the uh the increasing costs? I mean, I know that that's something that we've talked about and I think Anna, you had mentioned that you were going to have uh asked uh Mr. Mccurio to look at that for next budget. You know,
>> yeah, unfortunately for this school year, it's a little too late to do that. Uh but Matt and I uh Matt was away last week. I know you and I spoke two weeks ago. I spoke with Matt, then I spoke with uh Councilman Dealma last week about this and I told him that when Matt was back from vacation this week, we
would talk about it. We in fact have a meeting on Thursday. I've been in touch with other um with Edison because theirs is closest to how ours is run, right? It's run by parks and recck department and and um through the school system. The other ones are run uh the list that
was sent. I researched them and they were run by YMCA. So, I do have a few calls out to some of the schools. Obviously, with summer break, I feel like I'm getting a lot of you know, we'll get back to you later. Uh but Matt and I are doing some research to see uh how the the the break uh the prices
compare. We do have some cost. The school doesn't pay us anything at all for running this program. I don't know if that's the case in other towns. That's why Matt and I are doing this research and I already told Matt to make sure that we have I have Crystal's information from your email. So, we'll
make sure we'll keep in touch with her as well. Um I you know I think there is a valid point to be made on the um only 15 days in November, 14 days in June and those types of thing. And I know that was a comment that Councilman Palama had also made to me last week. So these are
things we're going to look at and kind of assess per day what the cost is and see if on those certain months maybe adjustments can be made. Um so we'll be following up. Um and as I believe that the information I gave you, you relate to Crystal regarding the cost that we
have which is staffing. Uh we do uh the school does charge us for janitorial services during the time that we operate before and afterare as well as school security. So we do pay for those items as well. Um in comparison, Edison doesn't charge their the the parks and
recck department for that those things. So we're going to try to talk with the other towns and see how they're doing it. Um well I'm sorry with the other schools because it's not the town's doing it. They're doing it a lot of them through YMCA or um I forgot what the name of the what's the the
>> leading edge. Yes. Exactly. >> Yeah. So we'll we'll get more information and we'll get in touch with Crystal and see for future school years if this can be you know addressed and you know sibling discount things like that. So we'll be in touch. >> Thank you. >> No problem. >> Thank you so much Anna.
>> I appreciate it. >> Um the other thing I want to They they're not here tonight, but sorry. Um they're not here tonight, but I got and I forwarded you a couple of emails. Um and they he asked me they asked me to
bring it up tonight. Um they're uh they're upset about the the warehouse development behind they live on Aster Circle and they're upset about the development of the warehouse. They were talking about going to the
meeting. I advised them that that meeting was cancelled and moved to September 9th. He they just asked me to bring it up tonight. I've got I got like three different emails. I don't even know if I forward you all because they were all kind of the same. Um so um just to bring that up and the the residents
on Aster Circle uh have concerns and um the planning board meeting just to clarify is on September 9th now. Correct. >> Correct. It was supposed to be August 21st and was rescheduled to September 9th. Okay, very good. Yeah, they they asked me to bring it up, so I'm just
doing that. Um, next thing is um I would like to um just to address the uh the fire the the volunteer uh firefighters. Um I know you guys have been here a couple times and yes, I've talked to you when you know when we we've been out and
about. Um I absolutely do support you and I would like to make a motion to move that forward. Uh, I support the volunteer incentive, the proposal that you guys put forth, and I'd like to make a motion that we move that to uh some either discussion or first reading in
some sort of resolution. Is that the end? >> I'll I'll second the motion. >> Well, this is for public. >> So So So this is public comment to the extent you want to have something for the next meeting. That would be the appropriate time
>> to do it. Not you can't take formal action during >> council comment. >> Can I Can I make a motion to just have it be on the agenda? Can we talk about that? We certainly discussed that for >> can we discuss that? >> You can and ask that it be posted for
the next council meeting. >> So it's not a motion, right? >> Okay. So can we put Okay, council president, can we put this on the agenda for first reading next year? Either discussion or first reading. >> Well, discussion it would be the appropriate, you know, not not first
reading. Discussion. >> Discussion. Okay. Awesome. At least we're going to move it along. >> Did everyone respond to Anna? Did you get any? >> No, I did not get any responses. And in talking with Mayor Walker and Council President Sohor, one of the things that we are looking to do is to meet with the
all the fire commissioners um to see what currently is in place as incentives and see what we can do to add to that. But that was our next step is to do this meeting. But I did not hear any feedback um from the council. In fact, I reailed after the July 15th meeting. I did have
a few phone conversations with certain council people regarding it. Um, but I did not hear from everyone. So that's why it hasn't been moved. >> Email her. >> I I'm sorry. I because I approve. I like it the way it is. That's why I thought you only wanted to hear from us if we had something. I'm sorry. My bad.
>> I I think I presented the the proposal, but there was no I need to know if we want to move forward, if we want to have a formal discussion. >> Yes. You know, make it clear to the public and to Cheesequake. >> Yeah, absolutely. She was waiting for
responses and that they weren't the responses. That's all. Okay. Because Absolutely. >> Okay. Just want to make it >> some of the problems are there are four fire districts and there's they're taxed there's a fire tax out there and there's a lot that we have to as we know the taxes just went up a large amount. Our
budget is already set for this year. If you're making a motion to move something, what are you moving? I mean, >> no, it's for discussion. >> I'm for discussion. We can discuss it. We can't we can't give monetary things out without >> Yeah. And I indicated where it's coming from email um that any monetary um in
incentive that we were to do would have to take effect in 26 because obviously they were not budgeted for this year but they can certainly be discussed now but just to keep that in mind. >> Yes, for 2026. It's understood. We did want to speak with the fire companies, as she said, the different the fire
boards, which is another form of communication to try to see if we can, you know, get some more ideas and and what, you know, what we're looking at. So, I'm just, like I said, I just want to make sure everybody knows we're waiting for responses.
>> Was that the end of your >> I'm sorry. Yes, I'm done. >> Okay. Councilman De Palmer, >> I just wanted to congratulate Officer McCauley and Officer Miller on your retirements. Thank you both for your 25 years of service. Much appreciated and I
know you both will be missed. Um, as for a couple comments, so thanks everyone for coming up. Crystal, I won't address it. It was addressed already. Um, one comment, um, I'm sorry, Jeeoff, I didn't get your last name. I can get it after the meeting. But uh when it comes to how
the money is spent, transparency on taxes, so from I can only speak from the township's perspective and the municipal portion at 16 cents or the 16% of the the tax bill. Every year when we do our budget, we have three budget hearings, right? And each of those hearings, we go
line by line every dollar of what that our portion of the >> Yeah. >> Well, and everything is in there. So it's the entirety the revenue coming in plus everything. So every year we do guide we have a budget book that gets
put into the the library and we do review that pretty extensively. Like I said I can't speak for the board of education, the county, the state fire districts on how they do it only on how we do it. I could tell you that we do line by line. We know we could show you
where every dollar um that the the township spends from that 16 cents where it goes. You want to know >> well the revenue is in there as well. So the revenue coming in and then that equates >> and we could we could talk obviously um
after the fact because I'm on the planning board so I do have some knowledge on it. Um >> a lot of people complain about Yeah. >> No no no I know I know I know. Um, and
then just, you know, I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful end of summer. Hopefully everyone can get that last couple weeks in enjoying the the end of the summer before Labor Day comes. And then to all the students and teachers, uh, good luck on that dreaded first day
of school. I have a wife and two children that the countdown of I think it's 22 days or something along that lines is uh quickly approaching and the sadness in the house the level is starting to rise. So um but for all those you know I hope you all have a
wonderful start of school because by the time we we come in to the next council meeting school will be in in session. Thank you >> Councilman Desai. The statement what I'm going to make I am not I'm ashamed actually to make this
statement but this administration has forced me to make this statement. Indian community living in Oldbridge was celebrating India's independence day
a sovereign country largest democracy on the face of earth from 30 plus year since the last year of mayor at henny
last year we had a permit everything was settled and Last minute I got the phone call from administration that we cannot use the poll to raise the India flag and then
this esteem council my colleague has passed the resolution that there cannot be any plague will be flown on township pole and I think this is a direct insult of the
largest democracy on the face of earth and hundred of thousand resident from India in this New Jersey we have almost in old bridge I would say
15 to 20,000 people of our Indian descent so this year the first year after 30 year we are not going to celebrate India's Independence Day right here in front of
this building, but we are moving it to Sherville. We are going to have this event on August 16, Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
at the temple, Hindu temple on Washington Road, Parlene. So I'm still inviting citizen of the old bridge to be part of that. Please come enjoy the festivity,
enjoy the Indian food. But I'm sorry I live in this town 41 plus year and this is the first time I feel that I'm not part of this town.
I may be not discriminated directly but yes you are taking away my own right and my fellow friends of Republican party always says the
speech for speech right so where is my right so I'm asking the people of this town is this a fair in my opinion no and I'm going to make
sure people of South Asian descent of the township of Uber know that what was done under this current administration.
Thank you. And I'm sorry. I'm frustrated. Maybe I did not have a choice of word. But one more time I will say I will make sure people know who did this. Thank you,
>> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. Thank you. I want to thank everybody who showed up this past Saturday at Salt Water Day and we we actually had a great time. I met a lot of residents there and they want to thank the mayor. They want to thank Matt
because initially they were told false information again that this wasn't happening this year because they were too busy doing some I guess other stuff. So thank you mayor, thank you Anna, thank you Matt. It was a great day and the weather was perfect. So we we
actually everything went great if everything was perfect. So thank you guys. Uh, I also want to congratulate two officers who retired and joined our pension club. So, that's all I have. So, thank you guys. >> Councilman Pasitti,
>> no comment. Thank you. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli. >> Yes. >> There's a lot going on in the town as you see. Um, and a lot of times people get frustrated, but if you look around, there's a lot of good things. So, I always say if you want to seek good, you
if you seek good, you'll find it. If you want bad things, you'll find that if you seek if that's what you prefer to seek. But anyway, it was really proud tonight to see the young women that they won the Thunder um Oldbridge Girls um soccer to win that prestigious award nationals.
That's incredible. So, there's a lot going on in town all the time. So, I'd like to uh thank the cultural arts for putting together comedy night. It was a lot of fun. We had a lot of laughs. Um everything was good until the next to the last comedian. I don't think he'll
be invited back again. Um but um let's forget about that because the rest of the night was good. First night um was a great success. I want to thank you um our police, our first responders, and I hope everyone felt a sense of community and realize the work, dedication, and
investment that goes into making our community safe. As Councilman Garcia said, saltwater um day was not was phenomenal. The night was beautiful. The fireworks were great. Um so I wanted to also say um that I do still have a
concern about the paving on Catrell Road. I don't know whether you've gotten any complaints from the county, but I don't think they adjust it the laser on the asphalt machine, right? I get seasick when I go down the road. It's like a wave and I don't know whether
they're going to address that. The frustrating thing that that road was paved and we have the five-year moratorum that that's a county road. So, they paved it. So, they spent county money doing that and then they went ahead and tore it up to do the water
project. Um, and then the MUA got involved. So, really they should have done the water project first, then paved it. Now, they paved it, did the water project, and then paved it again. But whoever ran that machine, drive by it. It's It's not good. It's It's like It is
It's like you get seasick um from going on there. Um >> also, um you know, our animal shelter is very crowded. If anyone is looking for a nice pet, there's still time during the summer before you before you go back to school. Kids go back to school. It's
very busy. It's time to get their pet acclimated to your home. Um it's really sad when you go there and you think of all these beautiful animals that you know would need a home. So if you have availability in your home in your heart to you know take in a um a pet that that
would be um great. So and it is very unfortunate when we hear people come up and talk about their concerns. We take them all very seriously. Um sometimes things are timing. We have to get information for it. A lot of times you don't see everything that goes into um
your tax dollar, but um we're very big on paving roads and doing water drainage pro projects. There's, you know, you have to understand what's separated from the municipal and also the once again the board of ed. The board of ed, we collect the taxes. Yes, you're paying
high taxes, but 60% goes to the board of ed and that falls on seniors, people without children, people that pay for their kids to go to parochial school, everyone's putting um money into it and education is important, but when I say
that really there was no need to take money away, state funding from this town and also when the student population went down over 900 um students and we're and we have this increase. It it just gives you pause. You have to really
think of it that way. No one's like pointing fingers um saying anything, but it does fall on why did the governor take this money away. So, that is the problem. It and it caused caused upheaval. So, I hope um and um
everyone's reallyizing that and I hope that they enjoy um um the last few weeks of the summer. Enjoy your family and your friends and be healthy and safe. Thank you, >> Council President Sohar. >> Yes. Um, I think this evening was a
little bit of an eyeopener. People are here and they have finally started to look at these taxes and it's serious. It's very serious. But when you say who's in charge, who isn't in charge? Again, the mayor is municipal. Yes, I
was with you and and Mayor Walker. And if you look at the record over the last how many years, I know it may not seem that way, but we really on this side of the aisle, there hasn't been that kind of increase. In fact, we've been
criticized in some areas for not raising taxes more. So, I understand you want to know where the money is, and you absolutely are entitled to. You're a taxpayer, a homeowner. You have every right to. But you also should look to
the other side of the coin here. Our budget is how much and how much is the board of ed budget? It's very expensive. So you have to understand as she said 60 cents on the dollar goes there. So it's a big budget. It's going to be an
increasing budget. So that's where you have to really focus in on is the money being spent properly. I'm not saying it isn't. I'm saying you're asking those questions of us. you should be asking as well. You want accountability. Nothing wrong with that. Maybe you should make
an appointment and talk to the administration. They have a new administrator, new um you know, BA and and see what the facts are. I mean, that's important. As far as a meeting is concerned, one of the residents came up and asked and we had reached out.
Unfortunately, Anna, what that the board president was unavailable. Correct. That's what it was. >> Correct. So, it wasn't that we didn't want to. We will in the future look towards coming up with something, you know, that we can do. Unfortunately,
with this time of year, it's it's not the best. A lot of people have a lot of things going on and her availability was not there either and, you know, you need to have her there as well. So, that's why we we didn't have it done. So, hopefully that answers, you know, we
will we'll get some answers a little bit later on in the, you know, maybe September. And with Cheesequake, same thing. Now, um Anna's going to reach out to to the fire commission as well. We'll put it on for discussion and hopefully the council will give us some indication
as to what, you know, they'd like to do. Okay. So, I I can't right now. This is our it's just all a formality. If I let you, then it's like again I feel bad because it's not being disrespectful. It's just following protocol. So, and
congratulations naturally to the girls team, lady power as always and the retirees as they say in Trenton, goodbye tension, hello pension. So, God bless those boys and we will miss them. They are two really fantastic people. Okay.
So, with that, I'll say thank you and I'll ask for a motion to close. >> Motion. Second. >> Motion by Councilman Asatuli. Um, second. >> Yeah. Yeah. We're going to do an executive. So, is it >> Right. You want a motion to uh executive
session and to adjourn also. We will not be coming back into public session. >> Move it. >> Motion Dr. Greenberg Belli. Second by Councilman Asatuli. Roll call. Councilmani. >> Councilwoman Daro. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Deama. >> Yes. >> Councilman Desai. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Pasci. >> Yes. >> Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belly. Council President Soar. >> It's a resolution to exclude the public for attorney client attorney client
client privilege discussion.