have every time every gear. >> So far so good. >> All right. >> Now we can start the attorneys here, you know. >> Yeah. >> It's what he paid for. >> Keeps us out of trouble. >> Sir, >> no. Right on time.
>> Oh, you're right on time. I'm confident when you say you're late. >> Yeah, >> you're not early or late, >> right? >> All right. Good evening everybody. In compliance with the open public's meeting law, notification of this meeting has been sent to official
newspapers and other publications circulated in the bureau of Japan and notice posted on the bulletin board at Burough Hall. Please be reminded that all of our meetings are video recorded and posted to our website. So, the fire exits are at the main doors where you entered this evening and at the rear of
the council chambers. Uh, roll call, please. >> Mayor Gallagher >> here. Council here. >> Councilman Boyce here. >> Councilwoman here. >> Councilman Guil here. Councilman >> here. Please rise and join me. flag. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Would you please remain standing as Councilman Yu leads us in prayer this evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Just a brief
announcement before we uh pray. Um, it is with sadness that I announce the passing of John Raldi, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle to many nieces and nephews and a friend to all. John passed away on
January 8th, 2026 at the age of 66. John was a lifelong Pascac Valley resident, born in Westwood, later living in Rivervale and Old Tapan. Answering the call to serve, John dedicated many years of his life serving as a
firefighter for the Old Pan and River fire departments where he proudly served as fire chief. He was known for his bravery, leadership, humor, and compassion. John believed deeply in serving others
both on and off duty. His legacy lives on through the lives that he saved, the firefighters he mentored, and the love he shared with his family and friends. Will you please bow your heads? Heavenly Father, thank you for the
calling you've placed in our lives to serve you and to serve others. It is an honor, not a burden, to work with your kingdom. Remind us daily that you that we are your servant first and that everything we do is for your glory, not
our own. Use us as you will for as long as you will to shine the light of Christ in every place you will lead us in Jesus' name. Amen. >> Amen. Okay. Okay, I will entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public. >> So move.
>> Second. All >> in favor? >> I. >> Would anyone from the public like to be heard this evening on a non-aggenda item? >> Yes. >> Hello, young man. >> How are you? >> Name and address for the record. Um Tim
Malik 16ber drive. >> You can sit down. >> Make yourself comfortable. >> Um my name is Timal. I'm a life scout in Ultipan Troop 132. Um and I'm here for permission to start my Eagle Scout project. Um, I went to Councilman Boyce
last spring and he suggested working with the environmental committee or the veterans committee, which is when I decided to do a project for the veterans due to their long-lasting positive impact and the extra recognition to people who often don't get enough. And I decided on a monument dedicated to the
veterans with the Purple Heart, something Oaks Park currently doesn't have. Um, I have their plans and a few pictures here just to help better explain what I have. I don't know how how well you can see. Uh you could just hold them up and just hold it up. We can all >> you can explain what we're kind of
looking at. >> So right now these are the current plans for New Oaks Park. >> And working with Mr. Boyce, we decided that right here in this little divot would be a good place for my project. >> I created a little picture. It's nothing
special at all, but >> it would look something like this if you were to place it into that spot. >> Okay. It is. >> Is that on the Is that on the sunrise side? That's just it. It's on the other side by the other monuments. >> The other monument. Yes. Yeah. Which
being redone, correct? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Fine. >> So, this would be um a slightly raised red granite platform with a plaque on it that looks something like this. This is what we were planning. This is what the plaque would
look like. Um, it will be surrounded by stone pavers and a semicircle of red mulch and bushes for privacy along with a way to like transition from the old monuments into the new monuments.
Um, after speaking with Cootch Monument, I was able to get a discount on the this monument, which originally was around 2,000, but I brought it down to around 800, I believe. Um, with my extra supplies, I estimate the cost to be
$1,000, but I've already started fundraising because eventually I'm going to need it anyway. And I've been able to make 650 so far. >> What are you doing for fundraising? >> Um, I did a fundraiser where I sold pumpkins, which I got for free based out of my where my uncle works.
>> And I also did um a bake sale. >> There you go. >> That's what I was getting at. >> Little guy. >> So, basically, I did I got it all for free and I made I made 650. It was one weekend where there was a first and
second grade, third and fourth grade soccer tournament at Stone Point. Um, and although it was not all of the entire $1,000, I feel like I'll be able to make more or offset the cost >> when it comes time to start. >> Um, >> thank you. >> Yeah.
>> Will there be names written on it? >> Um, we decided that there would not be enough space cuz otherwise it would just look like a list. >> Okay. But we feel like it would be enough to be able to recognize everyone. >> Okay. Do we have that many purple hearts? And
>> um I'm not sure. But I also think that if we don't have enough, like let's say we we have too few, it would look like unfilled. >> Sure. >> And if we were to combine from other towns, let's say the the valley, >> it would become too much. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So it's kind of a generic, correct me if
I'm wrong, it's kind of a generic. It's it's in recognition for uh the Purple Heart recipients. Yeah. >> However many we may or may not have. It just it's a plaque that says, you know, I hate to say it this way, they didn't give the ultimate sacrifice, but they gave
>> they gave a big sacrifice and they served. Um so, no, I I like it. Uh Bill, in regards to the new monument layout, >> um >> have you talked about how this fits in and >> Yeah, actually that was very important.
the um so the old monument we all know where the old monument is the the wall from the old monument the back stop wall kind of serpentines and continues around so it's placed right between the two kind of as a hinge pin if you will
>> and it's on access from a walkway coming in so it's a very prominent location and um what I like about it is it's a permanent fixture so this is an Eagle Scout project that'll endure generations I think that's great. >> Okay.
>> You put a lot of thought into it. >> Your timeline >> um >> start to finish out. >> Yeah. Um with approval, I hope to start this spring, which is around when I think the new time or the new monuments will start going in as well.
>> Um once I start once I get everything, it shouldn't take more than a few weeks providing no weather issues. >> All right. Well, that sounds great. >> Probably going to happen. Can you >> maybe not everybody knows, can you tell us what the Purple Heart is all about? Why do people get it?
>> Um, yeah. So, for veterans that were wounded or killed in action, um, that's they received that medal and I thought I learned that Ultan didn't have a monument to that and I thought that it would be important to have that due to
the fact that it's such a >> I mean, like we said, it's not the ultimate sacrifice. In some cases, it is, but >> big deal. Yeah, it's a big deal. >> Exactly. It's I thought it was a big deal and the fact that we didn't have it, I thought we we needed it. >> That's great. >> Nice job. >> Yeah.
>> So, you're going to be putting the monument together yourself? >> Um, so like I said, I I have a place called uh Kachcha Monument. I forget the the town it's in, but they they said they would create it for me. I just have to go and get it. So, it's a right now
it's a stone which it's a stone. I know it's hard to see, but it's a stone that looks like this. And the plaque that this plaque will be placed on this on the stone >> and then what they'll do that and then I bring it here and install it.
>> You'll do all the labor. >> Yeah. So, you'll Exactly. You you'll get it into the into the monument park there and >> whatever little landscaping as you mentioned earlier, you'll you'll oversee that. >> Well, if you need help, I'm sure we could find you some help. >> Yeah. How far away is Ammano Place about? Any Bill, do you know where it is? >> What town?
>> Uh, okay. >> So, do you need a truck to go get it? >> Uh, probably. >> Okay. So, >> uh, my name's on the website. You could find my I I'll be glad to go do that with you. If you need a truck with a liftgate >> and a pallet jack, I have that available. >> Thank you. >> I'm not available in May, but I'm
available in April. >> Okay. >> Probably. >> Yeah. >> Or somebody will be one of us. We can figure it out between. >> Sure. >> All right. Thank you. Yeah. >> Uh any other uh comments on it? >> Well, last one would be that I spoke with Andy and Dan just last week and
they indicated that they uh they want to start the the new >> park so extension. So that dubtales well with his schedule. >> Okay. >> Great idea. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So why don't you make a motion that uh
Bill that as our scout liaison to uh give this young man authority to move forward? Yes, of course. I'd like to make a motion that we um provide the guidance and um support
Tim Muller's Eagle Scout project. Um >> I assume Councilman Marty's going to second that. >> I will second that >> as a veteran. Okay. Uh any further discussion? >> Let's just have a roll call just for >> Councilman Baki. >> Yes. >> Councilman Boyce. >> Yes.
>> Councilwoman Costello. >> Yes. >> Councilman Guan. Yes. Councilman Martin. >> Absolutely. Yes. >> Yes. Good luck. >> Thank you. >> Nice job. >> Anybody else from the public likes to be heard? >> Looks like it. >> Got one more.
>> Yep. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Eden Gallow. I'm also a life scout with Troop 132 here in Old Deep. Um, I'm here tonight to share my Eagle Scout project proposal, a plan to enhance our town's parks by planting native trees and shrubs and installing birdhouses
throughout the different Old Tapan parks. This project focuses on supporting our local ecosystem and making our parks even more enjoyable for everyone. By adding trees and shrubs that provide natural food sources for birds, we'll be able
to sustain local wildlife year round. The birdhouses will offer safe nesting spaces, encouraging more species to thrive there. Beyond the environmental benefits, this project will bring beauty and life to our parks, places like Stone Point,
Oaks, Bonabel, and Stan. It's a simple, lasting way to make our community greener, healthier, and more connected to nature. I'm excited to lead this project and involve volunteers from the community to make it happen. Sounds like another brilliant idea. I'm
going to defer to our environmental chair now. Again, >> I can I can speak a little bit. >> Council voices our environmental bill. >> Yeah, you guys are really doing all my favorite projects. So, um >> I know that we've had a little bit of a challenge getting together. Um but I we
do have an environmental commission meeting tomorrow. >> Okay. >> If you're interested and able to come. Uh we I also uh preliminarily identified a few different places with the environmental commissioner Dave Keel uh where that would your project would be
really suitable. Um there's a space behind the library. We were thinking about creating a native garden or a native plant showcase. >> They want to do butterfly garden >> which would be native and that's so um if you'd like to come to the meeting
tomorrow we can talk about it there. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm trying to picture planting trees at Bonabel, but I'm not getting it in my head. So, >> tell me tell me about that. >> They're gonna he's going to have to deal with Andy for any plantings, but the may
want to go to the library. They really want to put that back part >> and they really want to do something there. >> It's pretty big spot. Me, Councilman Boyce and I walked it a couple years ago and uh when we had other ideas >> interested in a butterfly garden, but
something like this Yeah. >> Maybe they could expand it to bees and butterflies. >> Birds, bees, and butterflies. I >> was trying to bring that up. >> And books. >> All right. So, we'll work with you on that, too. Birds, bees, butterflies, and books. >> Where are you going to get the trees?
>> Um, that's still I would have to know exactly what trees are native. So, that would probably influence where I'd get them from. >> I know that council >> sounds like Councilman Boyce is a guy. I have uh we can connect resources in some nurseries with native plants. There's
>> it's a bit of a hike, but when my son welded his Eagle Scout project, we went to um the end of Long Island. >> Yeah, I'm not doing that. >> They have No, there's there's a really great nursery there that's that's only one of the
>> one of a few nurseries that provide native plants for all of the parks in New York City. Uh it's called Long Island Natives and I have a pretty good in there. So maybe we could get some discounts on things. >> Okay. >> And if not, talk to the young that young man right there. He'll get you a good deal. >> Yeah.
>> Good. So, what do we need? Uh, Bill, what do you think we need? I I mean, it's um it's a great plan. I guess we have to discuss trees and birdhouses and other things like that. Do we need this young man to go tomorrow night if hopefully uh to the environmental
commission, draw up some sort of a little bit more of a of a plan? >> Uh are you on a tight timeline? Yeah. >> Do we need to tell you yes tonight, but maybe yes with conditions or um just like to understand >> you have a year or so to get it done?
>> Uh yeah. >> Right. Before before you're 18, >> right now how old are you now? >> 17. So >> all right. So we got to get that going with your birthday. >> No, no. 16. 16. I'm sorry. Sorry. >> Wait. >> Maybe you want to go home. >> It's 21. >> So what I'd like to see if if possible
with your guidance is is work with the environmental commission. I work with Councilman Boyce who's our liaison to the environmental commission landscape architect himself professionally uh and come up with a plan what trees to Councilman Bagi you know Bill's a tree guy
>> what are we going to put in Bonabel maybe no trees maybe it's just you know birdhouses or so uh butterfly gardens uh behind the library so if we can just come up with a a rough plan I I think it's a go we just probably want to just understand a little bit more
>> so if you're able to attend tomorrow Um, and then come back uh just kind of when you're ready, when you're close to being ready and said, "Hey, this is what we want to do." And I'm sure this gentleman here will say, you know, I consulted you and said, "Yeah, I'm all good with it."
So, if we can take that timeline there, that would work. >> You agree? >> I'm in. >> We meet frequently here. So, uh, first and third Mondays. So, >> I'm going to say we don't really need any action tonight. No, >> we'll defer this, but love the plan. Um,
anything that we can give back to the town, you know, uh, in our open space, uh, environmentally, let's keep the birds and the bugs and all that here. Uh, as a farmer, he needs he needs plants pollinator. >> Just having two Eagle candidates is >> it's amazing.
>> Makes me happy. >> Yeah, it's great. >> So, no, we look forward to >> I was in 132, but I never made it to Eagle. >> So, bring some of that stuff back. uh work with Councilman Voice and I think it's another another brilliant idea. >> Yes, sounds good. >> Thanks for coming in. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Anybody else from the public like to be heard on a non-aggenda item? Yes, sir. >> Just name and address for the record. Uh my name is uh Paul Medil. I'm at Nine Watchman Court and um I just hear I have
a I guess a complaint about this ordinance for the snow removal. >> Um I've been in town a long time. My family's been in town 1956 and um I know this is something that was was
before was 20 more than 20 years ago was was was discussed and argued about and uh at that time it was decided that fairness because majority of houses in town don't even
have sidewalks that the town is going to take care of this. And now, you know, you've changed this. And this is kind of a burden on the major minority of the house house owners that have sidewalks just because of the
timing. I mean, the town made decisions decades ago that didn't want sidewalks because of the rural atmosphere, which is nice. And now all of a sudden, you know, I'm stuck
with clearing snow off sidewalks and, you know, incurring a cost if I can't do it. Increased cost. I just don't find that to be fair. If this is something that needs to be done, you know, why am, you know,
people that don't have sidewalks are basically getting a free ride on this, you I mean, if the if the goal is the for the safety of the children, then that's that's admirable. Although I grew up here and went to school and nobody seemed to be concerned back then
when you walked in the street, but be that as it may. Um, you know, the burden is not being evenly distributed to all all the citizens of the town. It's it's being lumped onto the people who just
happen to have sidewalks because of the timing. I don't think that sidewalks have been put in any houses since the 60s or maybe the 70s maybe. You know, houses that are being built now don't even have sidewalks. So, you know, where
are we in the fairness with this? >> Well, there are a lot more sidewalks in town of late. Uh old depend road, I think, is most >> Yeah, the main roads, but I mean, still building housing developments sidewalks. Well, a thousand developments have sidewalks is my understand
sidewalks which is the newest one. >> I mean >> there houses built on Leonard in the old that the old property that had the monuments on behind the old old Borough Hall because I've been here long. I remember this. And you built the houses
and all of Blender Drive has sidewalks and those houses those two houses don't have sidewalks. They weren't required to put them in. So, you know, it's it's just I thought this was a settled deal when when they made the decision the town was going to
take care of the fairness issue. >> If I could and just so you know, I I was on the council when we had this discussion. >> Yeah, I know. Cuz long time >> Yeah. A long time ago >> and it was in the early 2000s we had this discussion and actually I I argued
against it. I was not in favor of uh Councilman Kramer, I believe, also argued against it. We were we two of us were not in favor of having you know maybe some 85 year old lady who lives on a dead end but happens to be a sidewalk and we're going to make her clean her
sidewalk. So for that reason I wasn't in favor of it. But when you say the town was going to pay for it that's not true. >> What the town was going to do the sidewalks around the schools right >> or close to the schools not everything.
um in the interim that since that time I mean it's 20 years later at least things have changed that I think I'm not sure if we're the only one where there was only two towns that did not have this ordinance not that that's a reason to do it but
you're right when we were kids I grew up here too we walked in the street you're right but we didn't have electric scooters >> right >> we didn't have people on their phones while they were driving we didn't have that then it was a lot simpler And I think with the way our
we have a lot more walkers now >> than we've ever had. Even on my street where not many kids walk. There's a lot of people walking. >> I I I mean in general, but I mean as far as kids walking to school, I can count them on one hand walking past my house and >> even right but spreading it putting the
burden on certain people that the other people don't have sidewalks. What what do we what you want to what would you suggest? Well, I mean, the system of the town taking care of the sidewalks around the schools. I mean, then everybody is is pitching in through their taxes to
support this noble cause. But if you're just pushing it on to the people that have the sidewalks around the schools, then how is this evenly distributed? >> Well, it's everyone's sidewalk, not just around a school. Everyone has this ordinance. Everyone who has a sidewalk.
>> Yeah, I know. But I mean the concern is around the school that that that the town was actually clearing. Now I I you know I don't know where else that you know I know there's sidewalks in some of the all alan road some of the older neighborhoods down that way but
and I don't know if they were being done I you know but I know they were being done around Latchman and the bird and all those places >> and you know we're being asked to take on whatever
responsibility and it's going to be financial if you can't do it self that the rest of the people in town is not being asked to to contribute to this. You know, it it's like an okay, maybe it
helps the Budtown budget by not having to have the BPW do this anymore. But now it's on my budget by myself, you know, I mean, when the other people around in these in these neighborhoods that just happen to have the sidewalks because they came from an era where
there sidewalks being put in, >> right? And also the the house you were talking about behind the old burl hall >> that didn't put sidewalks in. >> Right. >> At the time the the thinking changed in the town or maybe we have an ordinance. I'm not sure. >> Um it's you were required to a put in a
sidewalk or b contribute to the sidewalk fund the same amount of money that would have cost for a sidewalk. Am I correct? >> That's correct. >> Right. Okay. So that's what those people did there. They contri instead of putting a sidewalk in, they contributed X amount of dollars to the sidewalk fund so we can put them in ourselves or we
can repair other sidewalks, etc., etc. And sidewalks on Altapan Road. I wasn't a big fan of it, but now I am >> after seeing how people drive. >> Pretty nutty. And we did all one side of Alt Pan Road and we had a half a room
full here of people coming in to talk about it. And I thought they were going to be upset and they wanted to know why we didn't do the other side. I was very surprised and so we did the other side mostly with grant money if I might allude to that. >> The reason we considered it as the council was because of all the
additional pedestrians on the street. There are many many more walkers. I noticed there's >> dog walkers at all time of day. >> That's good. But my my my complaint is that the burden of this isn't like being evenly shared. >> Did you buy the house with a walkway in front of it when you
>> My parents bought the house new in 1956? >> Right. And you know, I grew up here. I went to school here. I moved out when I got married. And then when my mother, my father passed away, my mother got old. I came back and you know, taking care of her and then she passed away. And now I'm in the house. So, you know, we've
been basically the family's been here since the 50s, >> right? >> And it always had >> it always had a sidewalk because at that time they were built putting in sidewalks, you know, in the houses. And then somewhere in the late60s that whole thing was given up and they stopped putting in sidewalks in most of these
developments because from what I understand you know it spoiled the rural atmosphere. So >> since I'm not familiar with your home does your sidewalk connect with other sidewalks adjacent to it >> streets by latchman going to >> on a corner as well. >> So people walk down the sidewalk cross
on your continue along your sidewalk and continue to >> they use your sidewalk right >> when they can >> occasionally. And otherwise they're on a corner in the road. >> Traffic in this area. You know, you got occasional people out there walking the dog or whatever issue.
>> Two or three kids going exactly what it was. >> That's not a big thing to do anymore. You know, walk slip and fall. But >> so, >> uh, you know, it's it's it is connected because the whole neighborhood has sidewalks. if I may. Um,
>> I mean, this this not to be nitpicking, but this whole uh Leonard Drive thing, it's like, okay, they put money into the into the sidewalk thing, but that doesn't take care of the sidewalk in front of their house. That >> That's a That's a fair point. You're >> So now they don't have to take care of the sidewalk because they bought their way out of it basically.
>> Well, no, the builder did that. >> Well, yeah. Okay. But >> the thinking was changed at that time. >> So So if I may, so to Ron's point, um, needing sidewalks, right? Right. And I was with you when we first put sidewalks into Old Tapan Road. I was against it. I
live off of Ultipan Road, >> but I I run, right? And and I run in the street and I've noticed in the past like 10, 15 years, the traffic, there's more cars. They drive faster. It's more dangerous to even run on the street now in Old Japan. So sidewalks I feel are
definitely necessary. Number one. Uh number two, in terms of spreading cost, um you know, we're still a very neighborly town, right? So if if for some reason you can't do your sidewalk and like you know my neighborhood you know culde-sac when my neighbors got
older and they couldn't do their driveway for example I would snowplow their driveway for 5 years up to 10 years cuz it's our culde-sac right we're neighbors and they need help so I'm sure if you ever need help if you're sick one day maybe your neighbors would chip in and help you with your sidewalk and
driveway that would be one and two I think if if necessary I think the town could help >> in certain instances discussed last March, I believe this went through last March, kind of the end of last year's snow season, >> that if this created a hardship, and I
know we mentioned the scouts and and other things. If there's if there's a hardship here, we want to know about it and we don't want any residents to have a hardship doing this. But if there's no if it's just I don't think the town because I live on a corner of Charles
and and Irving and I don't think the town I'm closer to the schools have put a shovel on my sidewalks in ever. I've been there 28 years now. I don't remember ever the DPW, you know, shoveling. Now many sometimes it went un
troubled you know especially the corner >> side around with snowblowers and they you know they were doing it they thought they were doing it >> they the DPW has been doing your uh with a snowb blower up until last year. >> Yeah. >> I'm I'm not sure of that. I've had
>> I don't Okay, if you say so. But I'm not sure. I mean, you know, they they weren't around. It wasn't a very snowy year last year, but they were around a few times. And then, you know, other other years they were around whenever it snowed, you know, >> and I don't know, 20 years now. >> And what's your address again? >> Nine. >> Latchman.
>> Latchman. >> Yeah. If I can make a point as well that it's a long it's a pretty good stretch. It goes across down the bird, you know, and around a corner there. And uh >> it's a lot of exercise. >> It's extra work. >> How do you um do your driveway now?
Well, I have a snowblower, but it's it's an old snowblower. I'm trying to, you know, nurse it along. >> And do you do your driveway or does somebody else do >> I'm doing it now, but you know, I'm getting to the age where it isn't going to be too much longer. Gotcha. >> And I, you know, I plan on trying to stay in town and uh my mother made it my
mother and father made it to their their their demise and I'm trying to do it myself. But uh >> I want to attorney had just a comment. >> There's also a liability issue. Not only for the homeowner, but if the burrow does not have an ordinance requiring
snow to be removed within a certain period of time, I can guarantee you that the burrow would be brought in on a lawsuit if somebody were to slip and fall in front of your house on your sidewalk because there's ice or it's not shoveled. It happens all the time and lawyers are happy to file lawsuits over
that. So, the town is avoiding litigation by an issue for the last 20 years that this has been going on. I mean, how many lawsuits have you had? It's a latigious society now. And I'm just going to say growing and growing and growing.
>> Um, >> well, I just, you know, I >> we have not had a lawsuit, but the spectre of that >> is always out there. >> And it's I mean, for me, it goes when this all stemmed, it's more than just lawsuits. I mean, on Central A, people
were not doing their uh sidewalks, right? We had kids walking and people doing 40, 50 miles an hour. And at the end of the day, that's what we're worried about, right? Is we don't want a kid getting hit or killed. >> I'm not saying that, you know, and
decisions were made about sidewalks years and years ago. >> Yeah. I mean, >> and you know, most towns have pretty much universal sidewalk coverage and this >> not so much. That's
like, okay, I'm me and the people who have sidewalks are stuck with this. and everybody else is not, you know. So, you know, if we're all contributing to the town's safety of the children and the people that are walking, you know, there
should be a better way of divvying up the cost of everybody basically contributing to this instead of just just the people who happen to have sidewalks. >> Yeah. There there are a lot of services in town um that all residents don't take part in.
>> Yeah. and that is kind of spread out evenly where, you know, we're meeting over the next five Thursday nights, you know, pulling our municipal budget together. And there are a lot of there are a lot of uh initiatives that we do uh around senior programs around children and you know, in the wreck
programs and you know those are those are our golf course those are those are spread out amongst all of our taxpayers uh to keep old depend what it is. a safe community, open parks and spaces and things like that, green spaces. Um, so
this falls into just because some residents don't happen to have a sidewalk. Um, and you do there's other there's other >> This is the way it's been covered for the last 20 something years. >> Well, what happened 20 I can't comment on what happened 20 years ago. this council last last year early last year
uh with our with advice from our attorney said that uh it it is it is strongly recommended uh that uh old Japan and how it's how it has grown over the over the past several years and is much more walkers you heard some of those comments here and that it was
necessary to implement such an ordinance and that is what we did last um um last March we had a public comment section um I know you said you didn't know about it And I >> think we had a room full of people too, you know, requesting that. >> I wasn't aware that was going on. >> So that's uh that's how we got to this
point. So if it truly creates uh a hardship, I'd like to take this offline and let's let's address that with uh you know, social services or seniors or or uh with scouts or something like that that would you know maybe there's some something that we can >> that would be done. How how
>> I'm sorry. >> How would that be done? I don't know the answer to that right now, but I can promise you that I would look into that and if he needed assistance um or any other resident needed some assistance that way, we would we would do our best to find a a good solution to it. >> We have we have other resources that can
>> Yeah. >> fireman boy scouts. >> Have you ever been involved with the senior group in town? The seniors >> we're starting a service with through the seniors >> and we've helped people with smoke alarms. uh you know they can't change
the batteries or something. So there are things that can be done. So if it if it if if we need to look into that further, we I promise you we'll look into it. So you have my contact information. >> Contact email and all that. Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Anybody else from the public like to be heard on a non-aggenda item? >> Motion to close. >> Hold on. Second. All >> in favor? >> I. >> Okay. >> All right. My next order of business tonight is I have some um I have some appointments to the planning board. I
will uh explain them a little bit. We have a um all of our members of the planning board are very talented in their in their own ways. A lot of expertise there. But um one of our full members uh Nikki Lulutus
uh has a potential conflict uh on on the planning board night. she accepted a uh she's a civil engineer and uh she's a civil engineer and um I believe that she's was hired by a local town to help on their planning board as as a
professional. Um we're going to try not to lose her. So, uh the thinking was to um make uh Nikki a alternate number four. Uh she remains on the planning board as an alternate member and basically promote if you will uh the
other members. So, um, my appointments tonight are Vicken Bedian for a 4-year unexpired term ending on 123127. Michael Aarian, alternate number one, uh, 2-year unexpired term ending 123126. John Kramer, alternate number two,
2-year unexpired term ending 123127. Sam Petraelli, alternate number three, a 2-year unexpired term ending 123127. and Nikki Lulutas, alternate number four, two-year unexpired term ending 123127. All right, we have a board appointment,
local assistance board for Councilman Yu. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'd like to make the recommendation that we appoint Kimberly Yonanoay to the local assistant board for an unexpired 4-year term ending December 31st, 2028.
>> Second second on that. Any discussion on this appointment? Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Councilman Bagi? Yes. >> Councilman Boyce? >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Costello? >> Yes. >> Councilman Guan? >> Yes. >> Councilman Marty? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right. We have uh a staff
appointment tonight. Uh Councilman Bangi. >> Uh yes. We have one staff appointment for our alternate municipal prosecutor, Adam Bole, Esquire. >> Second. >> Any discussion on Adam Bole Esquire? Um
yes um Anna maybe is there a reason what happened to our other >> he is he is still there the other is still there but he could not make it so we have this one as an alternate to the alternate >> so it's like a double secret probation >> to the alter
>> okay that's fine thank you >> okay any more uh discussion >> need a roll >> call please Marty yes Yes. >> All right. Moving to our consent resolution that is for council president Ben. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This uh consent
resolution be resolved that the following resolutions placed on the agenda by consent require no discussion and the same having been having been previously reviewed by each council person be and are hereby adopted in their entirety by the mayor and the council of the burrow of Ultipan. Bills
and claims release cash bonds and escrow. Confirm alternate municipal prosecutor appointment. >> Second. Any discussion on our consent resolution? Seeing none, roll call poll, please. >> Council, >> yes. Councilman, >> yes. Counciloman,
>> yes. >> Yes. Councilman, >> yes. >> Councilman, >> yes. Okay, let's move on to our council committee reports. Uh probably our our first thorough reports of 2026. We'll start with Councilman Guan. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. A couple of short
reports. uh one being my first uh fire department report. Uh there as uh Councilman Yu had uh said the uh fire department went to the funeral of Altapan firefighter John Raldi. He was also the exchief of the Rivervale Fire
Department and uh the fire department performed the last call ceremony at the uh funeral. Uh I was supposed to meet with uh the fire chief that night, but uh obviously the funeral took precedence. So the chief and I will meet uh when he comes back from I think he's
on vacation uh this week and we will meet next week uh with his report for January uh month to date. Uh there have been 14 calls for service uh that includes 107 man hours. A couple of highlights uh one was uh in Rivervale a
commercial electric vehicle I think it was an Amazon truck hit a power pole uh and the fire burned for about 5 hours. Uh there was combustible material uh in that vehicle. Uh we supported uh the Rivervale Fire Department uh and
Hillsdale as well uh supported. Uh the other was a fire at uh bystate. It was a roof fire uh that gained access via the 43 tower uh and it was a rooftop uh fire at HVAC on the roof caught fire and we were
supported by Rivervale and Northvvil uh to report that all apparatuses are in service finance department uh there was an open position uh I approved uh giving an offer uh I don't know if it's official or not or what the status is
there but >> offer was sent for position specifically tax collector, right? Uh and this this person has skills in other areas and can help in the finance department when other people are out. So, she has uh
many different uh skills. So, hopefully there'll be a positive outcome uh for that. Uh and that's the end of my report. >> Thank you, Councilman. Uh Councilman Yu. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Report of the DBW. Myself along with the committee will be
looking to schedule interviews in the next couple of days to fill our open road form and position within the department. I am hoping that we will be able to report appoint the new foreman in next meeting report from the local assistance board.
I'd like to welcome and thank Kimberly Yanoa for joining our local assistance board. Kim has been involved with social services in town in the past and she'll be a great addition to the board in serving our residents.
Seniors, uh Anna and I have been floating around the idea of perhaps hiring a senior director to help the board with their tasks. We all know that they've been quite busy. Um, we're looking this we're looking to do this uh
to accomplish this in no cost of the bureau because we'll be seeking a grant for it. And that concludes my report. Mr. Mayor, >> I still have a question. >> Yeah. >> Um, that I I think that might be a good idea for the seniors. Um, did I hear
that um you're gonna get a grant, but did I hear that Gloria was going to help them with a stipen or >> Gloria's gonna >> Did I hear Gloria was going to take that job? Somebody told me that. >> Well, I I don't know. >> I'm pretty sure we'll offer their job to other people. >> Okay. I didn't know.
>> It would be part-time. it would be part-time uh hoping to get a grant to cover the cost for not just this year but uh coming years. It's a it's a senior wellness grant. >> Oh, good. >> So hopefully we can get that and
it will be great for them because Laura can help them, you know, set up other things and >> and just coordinating things. It might be helpful. Yeah, >> it's a lot. And you know when you met with them, you met with Marlene and Joan last time. They're always busy. They're always busy. >> Yeah, they're always and they're all
over the place. >> So, they could use that. >> I love their energy. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh Councilman Marty. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh pretty brief. Uh schools. The uh board of education received approval from the Department of
Education uh regarding the expansion to TBD. Um, so I was notified that they will, um, the superintendent and the board secretary will be presenting a courtesy review to the planning board at next month's meeting um, I believe the
week of the 9th. Um, board of health, the next book club meeting is on uh, February 24th. They had to move the date uh because of uh, some scheduling conflicts that will be held at the uh, Ulta Pan Public Library. Uh, they're not
confirmed yet. I I'm told that the book looks like it's going to be food intelligence by Julia Bellow and Kevin Hall. Uh also with the board of health uh the uh date for the health fair has been set to March 7th. Uh March 7th,
mark your calendars and they are looking for local business owners who would like to sponsor and participate. Ron uh EMS >> Yeah, EMS. Um looking forward to the budget meeting uh later on this week
with them. I plan on uh going over that hopefully tomorrow with them. Um I saw the preliminary and also the ambulance order is still pending. Um they are working with um they're working out the design and build out uh to allow
um they need to meet specifications for the ambulance to actually fit in that part of the uh building cuz it's a little lower than um the other side. Um and with that style of ambulance, well actually with all styles of ambulance um
there are different metrics that have to be met. Um, so the chassis are actually a little taller than they were 20 years ago, 25 years ago. So they're working out the specs on that. So I am told that um there was a meeting with the vendor
uh today and Horton, who's the company who builds them out. So I'm sure I'll get a call tomorrow and I'll have more on that. So that's my that's my report. >> Great. Thank you. >> Just a question, Mr. Mayor. >> Sure. When does how long has that ambulance
been planned? >> Well, when do we finish budget season? Last year. >> All right. When has the price actually I I know they update their pricing every year, don't they? >> It's it's it's not there's not going to be an increase in pricing. >> Okay. >> They they've assured me that there's not
an increase in pricing and they're actually looking for money from Ford to actually help drive the cost down a little bit. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Uh, thanks. Okay. >> You're welcome. >> Councilman Boyce.
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, well, you can see what the Boy Scouts are doing. They're doing great. I appreciate that effort on their part. They saved you guys. >> Um, the the golf course, we had a very extensive budget meeting last week. Uh
they're trying to hold their prices as much as possible and they're targeting a pretty big um year coming up. The bunkers are finally done if not close to done. They put the sand in. So
you see it's all more pile of sugar in the park. >> Mine was gone. >> They had the uh sod trucks installed. So they installed sod just in time for it to be snowed on. Um, >> I saw that truck going by my house six o'clock in the morning the other day. Yeah. >> Yeah. So that's that's good. Um,
so I think that they're pretty much finished. The planning board, we saw 93 Old Tapan Road application last week. Um, and they're going back to the drawing board to flush out more solutions uh because the planning board was not ecstatic about their
application. So they have a little more work to do. and the environmental commission is meeting tomorrow and uh one of the Boy Scouts will be there presenting their project. >> That's great. >> Okay, that concludes my report. >> Thank you, sir. Uh Councilwoman
Costello. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um I had the pleasure of attending the my first library board meeting last week. Um majority of the discussion was preparing for the budget meeting here. So, uh we'll hear about about that soon. um they've had over a
30% increase in year-over-year in circulation. So last year 2024 was 56,000 2025 was almost 74,000 >> increase in circulation. So with that, >> I always amazed by that number
>> huge and so with that comes a lot of discussion about uh you know enhancing uh employment and services and books. Um and so they have a lot to discuss and get through and we'll hear about that during the budget meetings. One of the new programs that they talked about um
that I think is fantastic is they started a homework help program. It's Monday through Friday after school for a few hours where uh 7th, 8th grade, and high school students can volunteer for service hours and provide homework help
to grades 1 through 8. So, it's been fully signed up. You have to register on the on the library website, but I think it's fantastic use of the library after school. and also um they do have they're looking for volunteers to help with ESL
tutors after school as well. Um recreation. So, um right now indoor soccer and basketball are off to a great start mid-season and baseball, softball registration is open now already if you
believe it or not. And that will close in on February 6th. So they February 6th got >> Yeah, they right. So it's uh it'll be here before you know it. And then that season begins right after the school comes back from spring break which is um
around uh the mid middle of April, third week of April around that start. And then we have um already uh sign up will be open for summer camp serendipity. Registration for that opens February 1st. It begins on June 29th and that
goes on for four weeks. And then we're looking for some enhancements to that program. One being it's we're going to extend the program to seventh grade. Previously, it ended after at first sixth graders, but there's been such a demand for those two grade levels. We
just they decided to expand it to extend it. And then um also looking at some other enhancements, maybe partnering with um Wood Cliff Lake um doing some uh day trips and stuff like that. So more to come on that.
>> Yeah. >> Anything else? >> No. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Uh Council President, >> thank you. Uh police report for December highlights. A total of 952 calls for service
were performed by our police officers. 98 motor vehicle stops there uh which equated to 38 motor vehicle summones. 108 radar details were completed. 79 traffic enforcement details were completed. Eight security awareness
cards were provided to residents. Six firearm ID cards and permit applications were received. officers responded and investigated 12 motor vehicle accidents. I think 11 of them happened the other day when it was snowing. Um
there was one criminal warrant for a traffic warrant. It was uh which made into an arrest criminal arrest third and fourth fourthderee crimes. There was two of those. Five traffic details were completed for outside contractors
meaning uh Violia and PSEG. The total was uh $1,775. Um 480 $4,885 in permit and report fees were turned over to the burough treasurer.
Um just another highlight, the community initiative program that they have. Officers attended the tree lighting for the Ultipan tree lighting ceremony. Officers participated in the PBA toy drive, which you know happens every year. And police officer uh Feet was
honored by the PBA 233 for an apprehension award when he assisted with a burglary in progress and located one of the suspects. I believe that was in North Bale, but he uh captured ran somebody down and uh made a good stop.
In our uh our detective bureau, there was three uh instances of fraud. And it just says fraud in general. What fraud really means is um bad checks. >> Scamming. Yeah. >> Scam. Uh credit card scams.
>> Uh scamming older people uh out of their money and it's reported to the police. >> It's happening more and more. Everyone knows how that happens. And just be careful when you answer your phone or what you say to people. Uh, so that's all I have except except
for the um there was a burglary today. I can't really talk about it because it's still under investigation, but there is burglaries going on again in our area in the local towns um Glenrock for for sure quite a few and getting close to Altapan
and in the Pesc Valley and Northern Valley area there have been uh breakins mostly stealing key fobs and then stealing the car. Uh but otherwise it's it's it's not you know be diligent. You should be diligent. Uh when this comes
to more light I'll be able to report on it best better next meeting but right now I can't say too much about it until the investigation is complete. Uh the other thing is we are going to be uh there's a contract being offered to
our officer in charge. Brian completed that. Uh we're going to we're hoping to have a police chief uh by title in soon as soon as we can. Uh I can't tell I can't give you a date because I don't know just yet. Things have to be worked out. We are
going to be we need to hire two um two more sergeants uh excuse me two more patrolman patrol people and I think we have nine applications right now. Applications are now closed. Is that right Anna? Yeah, the application will close on the 18th. And so we're going to
interview as soon as uh as soon as the PD has that, they usually interview and get us down to four. >> And as soon as that happens, then my committee will interview those people and we'll we'll have two hires. >> Great. >> Bring that back to the whole council. >> And I will bring that back to the whole council for discussion, you know, as
usual. Um things that we need we need to keep in we need to keep in the back of our minds is right now we have uh we have an officer in charge and we have and then we have sergeants and we have a couple and we have patrolman. We need we need to talk about our committee is
going to talk about um possible promotions or putting people in place to assist our potential new chief and that's the plan going forward. So, well, a lot of things going to happen in the next month and I'll have a better report
for you next time. That's all I have. >> Okay. >> Unless somebody has a question. >> All right. Uh, couple things for uh myself tonight. Uh, I was invited by Dr. Deiao from uh the local schools. I I don't know if this is the official name,
but I was invited to their career advancement day. um not sure that's what it's called, but that's what it seemed like um yesterday at uh both at TBD school and CDW where the teachers uh came in dressed down, relaxed, and they
uh they learned some tricks and uh and traits to uh um updated learning, you know, initiatives and things like that. So that was uh so I sat I sat in a couple of those for a couple of minutes and just observed I had a chance to uh
speak with with the superintendent on what's going on in town, how it's affecting the schools, how housing development is affecting the town, therefore the schools. And we had a we had a good we had a good uh conversation uh just about what's uh what's going on
to schools um special needs programs uh state regulations that are you know trickled down. So it was a good open conversation that we had. Uh I did have a um a sneak peek at the uh at the plans for uh TBW. Uh they uh she did confirm
that they uh I think we're on the February 11th or so uh planning board and she um wanted to um um uh show me the plans. Uh again, it was a good conversation. Um I reminded uh jokingly
that every time the school raises their budget uh we get blamed. So I uh we had a chuckle over that. It's just that uh it's true. we uh uh folks, you know, we're we're good partners though uh with the schools and and and the burrow. Uh I
attended the um Pasc Valley Mayor's meeting last week and uh topic of discussion was really uh an update. Uh, Councilman Yu went down to Trenton last week and I don't know if he wants to add anything, but uh um you know, we're in
federal court right now ourselves and I think 28ish other municipalities challenging uh challenging the state of New Jersey on the um affordable housing mandates and and timing and and requirements and things like that. So my
understanding is that uh it was somewhat optimistic uh that that the hearings and that some sort of initial decision would be coming down by February 1st um on on next steps there. Um, tomorrow morning
I'll be attending the uh Greater Pasc Valley Chamber of Commerce uh annual mayor's breakfast where mayors from uh uh Old Japan and nine other municipalities uh down towards Oridel will get together. We'll have a nice breakfast and we'll talk about um um
what we've done collectively in 2025 for our respective towns, what we have planned for 2026 and um uh things like things like that. So, that's that's always a that's always a a nice annual event there. Um,
and we touched on uh firefighter Raldi already. So, that is the end of my report. Moving on to old business. Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, action on the minutes. >> Council President, >> got it. Action on the minutes. Regular
meeting November 17th, 2025. Close meeting December 1st, 2025. Regular and executive meetings December 1st, 2025. Special meeting December 18th, 2025. Closed meeting December 30th, 2025. And special meeting December 30th, 2025.
Do I have a second? >> Second. Okay. Uh, do we have any discussion on any of these six meetings? Jean got it all right in the minutes. >> Okay. >> I'm sure you do. >> Lot of minutes. >> All right. Um, roll call then, please.
>> Council, >> yes. >> Council Boyce, >> yes. >> Council, yes. >> Council Mcuan, >> yes. >> Council Marty, >> abstaining from December 1st dates. Uh, yes. Everything else. >> Councilman, you >> abstain at the special on the special
meeting December 18th. And yes to everything else. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, do we have any old business tonight? I'd like to preemptively discuss the Oaks Park House. >> All right. I >> wasn't even think I wasn't even thinking of it. >> Oh, it was sure.
>> Uh, sure you were. >> Uh, so we met on site, uh, the DPW director and myself. We took spot elevations in the frigid cold temperatures. >> Made a sketch plan, forwarded to Tom Scrabble, our engineer. He took that
sketch plan and created a actual site plan. and myself, Scrabble, the architect, and Anna and the DPW will be meeting tomorrow at 9:15. Everybody's welcome to discuss uh the bidding
process and any anything we can think of about the site plan at that time. >> We're moving along. >> Moving along. >> Awesome. Thanks for helping, Bill. >> Welcome. Anything else on our old business? >> All right, new business. Um, first order of business will be uh park
and arbor waiver request and pro administrator Aarilla. >> Do you want to brief or you've kind of said what everything was on here? >> You guys um if you look at chapter 100 building
construction it says no rental shall be less than 30 days. This is where the gray area is. This room isn't a rental. so he can explain exactly what >> Sure. >> Thank you for seeing me tonight. I appreciate it. Mr. Mayor and council members.
>> Uh David Hornblast, 165 Lyman Place, Angler, New Jersey. >> Uh I'm part of Park and Arbor. Uh we have a uh wide array of amenities at the project and we've, you know, we're just about stabilized on the project right
now. We've uh taken in many residents that have sold houses in Altapan, moved in and one of our uh amenities that we think is a good offering is what we call a guest suite. The guest suite was on our initial planning board meeting. It
was in the plans. Uh essentially it is someone who moved in for example from Multipan had a 4,000t house move into a one-bedroom apartment. Maybe it's a little bit maybe they're a little bit older. uh their kid or grandkid wants to come back and visit, they don't have
room in their apartment. So, we offer as an amenity a guest suite. The guest suite is essentially uh single room with a bed with a bathroom, a small refrigerator. It's it's basically I don't want to call it a hotel room cuz it's not a hotel room, but it's just if you think of what the room looks like,
that's essentially what it is. Um we do not market this to anyone outside of our tenant base. So the only people that can use it are people that have leases and insurance with us and all they do is they reserve it and we we
charge a small fee because we clean it up after them and it's an amenity for them. So >> Oh, so it's not permanent. >> No, no, it's usually I understand one maybe two nights. >> I was going to ask if there's a length of stay. >> We don't have a limit on it, but again
it's it's for tenants that are in. Could you maybe >> uh we could I mean I think our longest stay was someone came in for the holiday. >> Did you have a 30-day >> 30 days? >> 30-day. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And uh once we opened up, we were told
about uh well actually we're requesting a waiver from section 100-14. >> How often is it used? Uh so I think it's been used it's been uh reserved 10 times by a total of seven
tenants. >> It's just one it's just one >> it's one room. >> Yeah. >> One room. >> But you're here presenting to us what um just maybe bring me up to date. Um why why why can't you do this? >> It was in the app it was in our planning
board approvals here because our ordinance there's there's an ordinance that prohibits short-term rentals. >> Okay. That's and it was to us later on we opened up. >> All right, that's that's fine. I just need to know. >> So the the intent of the ordinance I assume is >> exactly that for like an Airbnb type
situation. So >> let me present the uh situation possible situation. If I live there >> and I I say someone's my cousin, they're coming to visit me for 5 days. Maybe, you know, maybe I know them, maybe I
don't know them. Maybe I rent it through something else. I collect cash for that. they stay with me. U they're in a separate room so I don't need to see them. What prevents a situation like that? >> Again, um >> a tenant is signing an addendum to their
to their lease. >> So they're responsible for them. We're not we're not signing it for anyone else. It's for that potent so that that tenant would be responsible. >> But you know, in our experience, it's never been outside people. It's always been friends and family that have just come to visit. My only concern is this
doesn't seem like I mean you you made the somebody made the analogy of like renting out the community room for a birthday party. >> To me, it's no different than having an option in somebody's lease agreement to rent this room. It doesn't seem to be
consistent with what the town ordinance would would be trying to manage of short-term rentals, meaning having transient people, you know, just rent a a VBO or something for for a week. >> So, could this be handled through the
rental agreement just as an option to utilize this room for a fee? >> That's what it is. >> That's exactly what it is. >> So, then I guess this is a question. >> I'm just reading through it. It's >> um >> Do you do this at any other property? >> We've started to roll it out at other properties. Yes.
>> David, what is uh you you live in Park and Arbor? >> No. >> Oh, I thought Okay. So, you're representing that. >> Doesn't this seem like it almost seems like a hotel kind of situation? Doesn't the health department have to get involved if if you have new tenants there every other day?
>> I don't think so. Well, the whole issue came up because there, you know, for every tenant that they have when they have a rollover, they get a seal. So, it's always done. So, that's how this issue kind of came up. Um, but it it's it's supposedly just
an an amenity to the people who live there. >> Uh, it's not really a hotel for them for anyone to just go. >> Did you resolution? >> I did not. So, it's not really a rental. No, >> you know what I mean? They're not No one's paying you. >> It's an addendum to your to your living
space. >> Yeah. I think because there's a fee, but the fee is just a cleanup. >> We have to clean up our >> Yeah. So, it doesn't conflict. It doesn't conflict with the ordinance. I It's not really rental. >> It's It's a gray area. That's why even the construction official just felt the
code for that felt get a waiver so that it just in case. >> I agree. Okay. >> But with this waiver, you're not going to start renting it out, >> right? >> It's the same thing. We don't want We don't want people coming into the building. >> It's just a hassle for you guys. Yeah. Um how long is a typical lease? Like a
year >> typically? Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. That's what it is. Okay. >> So, yeah. In order to get access to this, >> you have to you have to have a current lease. >> Yes. >> You're signing off on I read I think I read in here you have to be 25 years or older. >> You're liable for it >> to um damage.
>> You have to have rental insurance >> damages or accidents or liability or >> you're on the look for it. >> No more than two occupants. Um yeah, I mean I get I get what it is. It's someone coming in for a wedding and >> like you said they downsized and >> the experience has been tenants that
have moved in from bigger places and >> their sister or their kid whatever is come back >> or a husband and wife have a fight. >> Well, >> yeah, I was going to ask if I >> We haven't had that yet, but that >> again. >> Yeah, spot for me if uh >> they have to get together within 30
days. >> On-site therapist. So, does somebody have to make a motion to >> I would The only thing I ask is is are we comfortable with the 30 days or does that not matter? I >> doesn't matter to me. >> Doesn't matter. >> Okay. So, >> as long as there's an ending to it, >> 30 days, it's it's no more. So, I I
don't see an issue with it. It's uh I did not get a chance to read the planning board resolution. Uh just came up here. Uh we can we can look at that if it's in there. I don't know if it went into I don't think even think it's in >> it was it was discussed discussed okay
but it's not part of the >> it's not a unit it's not part of the testimony I don't recall that >> becomes an issue we'll be back here again sitting all here talking >> shovel the sidewalk >> was yeah >> no I did I did have an unrelated question the the sidewalks in front of
park and arbor are not clean and the kids were walking in Altapan Road. >> Well, I don't know if that's the sidewalk on Altapan Road >> like in like let's say across from like Dunkin Donuts, >> right? I don't know if that's >> Yeah, that was my question. >> Park and Arbor or that's >> that's us.
>> No, I think it's >> I think it's a commercial. >> Park and Arbor has a commercial. >> Please. >> Somebody has to. >> Yeah. >> All right, we'll talk. >> You're not talking about the ice, are you? >> Ice. >> We had an issue. >> We had an issue. The sprinkler went on. >> Oh, the sprinkler went the other
morning. The other morning I went by and it was ice like crazy at 6:30 in the morning. >> Today had a sprinkle ice >> one time. >> It was not the snow. It was ice. >> It was blown out. >> Sprint. >> And it was water everywhere. >> There's a phone call. We did not.
>> It was a skating rink out there. >> Old pan road was a mess. Yeah. >> All right. Does anyone else have any comment? I I >> I have no problem. >> I don't see an issue with this and you control it. Um, as I just asked our attorney, we we'll we'll vote on it. We'll if we pass a waiver, and if it
doesn't work, we'll we waiver. So, um, anybody want to >> make a motion we grant the waiver? >> Second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? All right. Let's have a roll call. >> Councilman, yes. >> Councilman, yes. >> Councilwoman, yes. Councilman, >> yes.
>> Councilman Marty, >> yes. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. Have a good You want your agreement back? Thank you. I hear >> since I can't fill it out. So, >> all right. Good. All right. Moving on.
Um, >> mayor. >> Yes, sir. >> Quickly under new business. >> Yes. Um, I'd like to remind the residents, help our firefighters, help you by shoveling 5T around your nearest hydrant after a significant snowstorm to ensure the firefighters get water onto
the fire as quickly as possible. >> Thank you. >> I promise to get that through. >> Okay. And like you mentioned, I did uh go down to Trenton at to federal court with Mayor Gasali. He pretty much u said
it all. Um, I don't know if anybody knows Judge Cur Cures, but he was the one that um he eliminated the voting line on New Jerseyy's ballot um last year. So, he's
not afraid to tackle difficult uh issues. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Uh moving on to ordinance 1288-26 for Councilman Gu. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh this is ordinance uh the first reading of
ordinance number 1288-26 to amend the sewer service charges. Uh as you know from time to time we need to revisit uh the service uh sewer uh charges. Remember the sewer charges are very separate from our taxes. They are
in a different budget. Uh therefore we need to from time to time look at those charges to see if we can u if we balance you know the costs versus the revenue coming in. So uh this would be the first reading uh of those of amending those charges.
>> Okay. Can you just read it? >> Yeah, please. >> Okay. So ordinance 128826 the first reading to amend the sewer service charges resolution. Whereas an ordinance entitled an ordinance amending chapter 198 sanitary sewers of the code of the burough of Altapan to clarify provisions
relating to sewer service charges was introduced at a meeting at the mayor and council held on the 20th day of January 2026. Now therefore be it resolved by the mayor and council of the burough of Alapan County of Bergen, state of New Jersey that ordinance number 128826 be and the same is here hereby adopted
on the first reading. And be it resolved that the said ordinance number 128826 will be further considered for final passage at a meeting of the said mayor and council to be held on the 2nd day of February 2026 at 7:30 in the evening or as soon thereafter as the matter can be
reached in the council chambers at Burough Hall 227 Ultipan Roaden New Jersey at which time and place all persons who may be interested will be given an opportunity to be heard regarding ordinance number 128826. >> Second. >> Okay. Any further discussion on this?
>> This is all due to the BCUA charges, right? Going up. >> Yeah, correct. >> In its entirety, >> pretty much. So, it's not we're we're raising it. Bergen County raised it, so we have to collect more. >> Yep. Correct. >> Yep. >> Usually how it works.
>> ECUA. Yeah. >> Uh, roll call, please. >> Councilman Bagi, >> yes. >> Councilman Boyce, >> yes. >> Council, yes. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Councilman Marty, >> yes. Councilman. >> Yes. All right. I have I have two other items real brief. Um I know our uh fire
captain uh I know I know you referenced the uh uh Amazon truck in Rivervale and that created all sorts of hazmat type stuff. >> Um so uh I think our fire marshall as well was involved. um Evan Cudson of uh
drafting or modeling an ordinance around uh hazmat incidences where we we can bill for and recoup um our services, our equipment, our supplies, etc., etc., etc. They uh this this one particular
Amazon truck, I'm told, they're made out of plastic now with like all these crazy batteries in there, these lithium batteries. And they actually called Bergen County Hazmat and Bergen County Hazmat says you got to like soak this thing in water for like 28 days. We're
not touching it. We're not authorized to do this. And they proposed to Riverbell just just leave it at the corner there for 28 days and then maybe we'll get involved. And like no. So they called this uh carding company I guess out of Rockland County that basically brought a
40yard dumpster. They picked this thing up. what was left of it after it melted with but with the batteries they fill it with water they cart it away and it sits in the corner of somewhere up in Rockland County's yard there for 28 days and then they can whatever they do with
it I'm not an expert on this kind of stuff but it it it does these types of incidences these EV cars that we're starting to see more and more of in in town I think it's it um if you had a chance to review that and do you have any comments on drafting such an
ordinance Uh I do in fact I just drafted uh and another town that I represent adopted an ordinance not on this but on uh fire department using for example if a hose gets ruined at a fire scene or whatever things but they conditioned it upon there being uh insurance okay
>> that would pay for it. So you may want to consider that but I could certainly use >> I'm sure Amazon has uh you know but yes if we if we can model it around that and then I guess a fire or has been incident is really no different what what's what equipment may may or may not be lost
what supplies may or may not be used. So if we can uh if you're in favor maybe you can bring that up for next meeting or the meeting after. >> Yeah. >> All right. So anyone any other comment on that? >> No I just think it's great. >> Yeah. Better for the environment, those batteries.
>> Yeah. But it's But it's Yeah. >> It's scary though. They don't go out. >> I'm kidding. >> They They do not go out. They burn under water. >> Yeah. That's why they put them 28 days. >> And if you have to water it as extensively as you have to, like nine times the amount of water, I think I read somewhere.
>> Uhhuh. >> And all that water is carrying pollutants into your local streams. Does this ordinance then cover some remediation of the toxins in the soil adjacent to the fire >> or is there >> there the EPA regulations uh are very
strict on that. They're responsible for it no matter what. >> Interesting to find out if they're actually there. So somebody would have to >> Yeah, I don't know that that it's been tested, but I'm sure that under federal law they're going to be as the pollutant they're going to be responsible for. >> Can you guys just put water on those as
a target? be copious amounts as they say. >> Nothing. >> No, just water. Yeah, >> water. >> Wow. >> Okay. All right. So, uh we'll we'll bring something up for review next meeting or we meeting after. I don't think it's such a priority right now. Uh the other thing is I don't think there's
anything we need to do tonight with this, but uh one of his I guess uh exgovernor Murphy's one of his final acts. I know you forward be I couldn't find a link for some reason, but I I read about it anyway. Eat >> I guess it's new ebike legislation. uh still falls under titles 39.
>> Yes. So I don't know if there's anything we need to do anyway, but I guess as we get comfortable with the new rules and regs. If we have to do something uh that's right for old Japan, we'll do something that's right for Japan. But uh I guess there are new rules and regs
tightening up uh um >> there should be these ebikes, >> right? >> But I'm sorry, Miss You said it falls under title 39. >> Yes. So then Okay. I there may there may be some things that municipalities can do. I have not read the legislation yet. You just signed it. >> Okay.
>> So, uh I I will be looking at it and bring it back. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Um I'll make a mo uh entertain a motion to open a meeting to the public again. >> So move second. >> Second. >> Anybody from the public like to be heard? >> Motion to close. >> Second. All in favor?
>> I uh entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor. We're journal three procedures.