We're good. Okay. Good evening everybody. Compliance with the open public meeting law. Notification of this meeting and consent to our official newspapers and other publications circulated in the Burough Ball Japan and notice posted on the bulletin board at Burough Hall.
Please be reminded that all of our meetings are video recorded and added to our website within the next couple of days. And please note the fire exits are at the rear of the council chambers and to my left, your right, uh the doors that you entered in in today. Uh roll
call, please. >> Mayor Gallagher >> here. >> Councilman Banaki >> here. >> Council Boyce >> here. >> Council woman >> here. >> Council here. >> Councilman Marti >> here. >> And Councilman Y
>> here. Okay. Would you please rise and join me to pursue to our flag? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Okay. Our uh first order of business this evening is uh I have a couple of appointments for our board of health. Our first one being an unexpired four-year term ending on 123126. Um,
Sarat Singh for that unexpired four-year term. Uh, next is Andrew Batterina, alternate number one, unexpired 2-year term ending 123126. And Rachel Park, alternate number two,
unexpired 2-year term ending 123125. I don't think there's any action needed on those as they're my appointments. Correct. Okay, moving on to our consent resolution for council president voice. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Be resolved that the following resolutions placed on the
agenda by consent require no discussion of the same hereby previously reviewed by each council person be and are hereby adopted in their entirety by the mayor and council of the burough of old Japan. Bills and claims release cash bonds and escrow transfer 2025 budget
appropriations. >> Second. Any discussion on our consent resolution? Seeing none, roll call, please. >> Counciloman, >> yes. >> Counciloman Boyce, >> yes. >> Council Council Castella, >> yes. >> Councilman Guantan, >> yes.
>> Councilman Martine, >> yes. >> Councilman Yu, >> yes. Okay. Next, uh, under new business, um, written down as fleet manager. So earlier this year uh we had some
conversations about um worn out equipment sourcing new product uh parts um for really for our our fleet if you will. That's that's golf course uh equipment that's uh police vehicles
that could be fallen to fire department vehicles, EMS vehicles, building department vehicles, etc., etc., etc. And there was some conversation on whether this position um was needed. We um uh a former council person was kind
of their business um before before leaving the council and uh he would do a lot of that stuff for her for us because it was it was his business. Now that he has moved on, um we just need to know if if we need to replace that again. We we
spoke about this in the spring. Uh, I asked for it to be brought up again later in the year, which is where we are right now. So, if the council felt that this position was needed, we could certainly add this to our budget discussions for our budget for 2026.
So, I know Ron, I want I don't want to put you on the spot, but I know that you uh uh had some feelings from a police standpoint. Uh, Councilman, you I don't know from a from a DPW construction standpoint if you have any comments there, but uh really just a conversation
on what direction we should take on this. >> I I think um it doesn't if we hire I I would be in favor of hiring someone for the position. Does it have to be who we had in the past? No. But I think if you talk
to our police chief and if you talk to Andy especially Andy's more right Jen I mean that's your department right? Isn't he more uh buying and selling more like when stuff goes bad he can he needs to sell it it can get sold it was previously and we made money doing it.
>> Yes. He did most of the work. >> Right. You need body work done like the like the first aid needs every two weeks. Um >> I don't drive it anymore. There's a three, you know, you know, there was a body shop that wanted x amount of dollars and our previous councilman found a body shop in Emerson
to do it for like a third of that and things like that. It it wouldn't pay if this person isn't going to save us his his or her salary in that in that part of the business. You know, if he's if he's uh if he's not
we're going to pay him 20,000 is not going to save us 20,000. Well, why why bother? We can go back to where we were years ago. >> So that's exactly how I feel. >> Now there are other like online you know you can do this stuff online now. >> You can't be someone to do it. >> Sure.
>> Or someone to take the time to do it. >> Are there like people that are procurement for municipalities? >> I'm sorry. Are there certain people that are is there a course for procuring stuff for municipalities? >> We have a license procure purchasing
agent. The thing is, >> of course, we had to name one. >> That's right. >> But the thing is with what we had before, it was the knowledge that they had of all the parts of where to get it and what to do with it. >> Our previous guy, don't call that guy,
call this guy in in Pennsylvania. He's got and it usually worked. >> So, it's not something you can study in a book. It's kind of like >> even buying and leasing. >> 150 years of experience doing something. >> Are we going to buy or lease the police cars? There's reasons to do both. and our and our previous person knew exactly
why we should do >> whichever one we did. >> So, speaking let's just talk parts right now, right? We have a mechanic who's very good. >> Well, I only know the one, but he's very good. If we need a part, he tells us what we need. >> Are they Is he not Is he not finding the
parts that he needs right now? Is there Is there an issue there? >> That's That's more Jim's >> No, they'll always find the part. >> That's what I'm saying. >> He'll always find the part. Okay. Do they get the best price all the time? I don't know. >> Yeah, but I mean now then we'll go into like an ROI and what we have to pay somebody.
>> I mean, if somebody really had the time, they could search the internet, make a bunch of phone calls, and find the lowest price. >> I suppose that's what Ron is is assuming this this um fleet manager would do. Um >> but the big purchases like you know buy
an ambulance you know which >> sales >> what was the engine that that guy told us not the 5.3 liter whatever always had the head gaskets going bad it would have don't ever buy a truck with that engine we didn't know that you know things like that >> for for the my for my businesses that I
help manage we broke we use brokers so we have brokers that buy sell procure >> and we pay them a commission Yeah, it's great idea. >> It's almost like a grant writer. >> Yeah, but I would imagine that would cost you a lot more than what this would
>> I would agree. >> It's based upon the savings. So, if you're demonstrated savings, so if you're buying like an ambulance for instance, they go they manage the entire process and they demonstrate the savings of using them versus not using them and
it's a percentage of that. depends on the activity, the volume of activity and the value exactly of savings, but I've never had a full-time fleet manager. >> So, so I think we ended this conversation with a little disagreement on how much this person might be worth
to the burrow >> to save. Yeah. >> You in my mind, it it was more like a stipend up to maybe even $5,000 a year. And that would be that would go to maybe even the mechanic, the DPW, since that person would know the most about the
cars that he's dealing with. Anything more than that, I don't see it being cost effective for the bureau that to hire. >> I don't disagree. >> Was the amount he was >> there was no amount really. >> There there wasn't. It was huge.
>> It was like 15,000. >> It was like 40, >> was it? >> No, there was no way it was 40. That was the number that Bill, there was no way it was. >> It was 1520. >> It was 12 at first. >> 12. Was it 12? 12. >> It was 12. You're right. 12.
>> I mean, speaking about a piece of a piece of uh machinery that we gave to the fire department because we had no one to sell. >> It was useless. It was It was rotted. >> I have seen him sell useless things for a lot of money. >> I don't know about that. So, do you
think that the the 12,000 range would be valuable to the >> to the town that he would save more than that >> on a on a big purchase it would pay one to make that one purchase? >> Yeah. >> Well, on a big purchase we I think on firet trucks and ambulance contract we're using the uh
>> the consortium >> the Houston Galveston Galveston and those are all negotiated. uh >> most of the purchases that he's made. >> I think it's more if if um if I remember correctly, it's it's offloading old equipment.
>> Uh I think it should be the the mechanic's responsibility to source that part. I mean, if you need an air filter for for a truck, it's >> could use that person as a consultant for like have some kind of a consultant
fee for if we want to sell like that piece of machinery. Okay. Well, you know, >> well, that goes back to what >> kind of Councilwoman Castella said, and that's I this was mentioned a few meetings ago when we talked about this is pay him or who or her, whoever it is,
a percentage of the savings >> or a percentage of the sales. >> Yeah. >> Well, now you're talking a much bigger number. >> That's a huge number. >> Yeah. We don't want to do that. >> Well, no. I'm saying if he sells a slit caterer from the golf course that is been sitting in the barn for 12 years
>> for $1,000 and you give him 20% of it or something or 10% of it, it helps >> because otherwise it was just sitting in the buck >> and we always we always covered all the costs like the eBay costs and all that stuff that was always covered. So it
doesn't come out of pocket. >> I think what we would need first is I think we need a job description. Okay. I think that would help on is this person going to source our future fire trucks and ambulances? I think not. I think from
past years they're going to unload some stuff that's just been sitting in the barn as you said, you know, at the golf course for 12 years. >> Uh maybe they're going to source, maybe they're going to help find that mechanic to do some weird stuff that needs or body work that needs to be
done. But I think we have to start with a job description. We were given one, mayor. >> We were. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I don't Okay, I stand corrected. I don't remember seeing it. >> Can we go back to the the grant writers? We used to give them a percentage and then now we're fixed.
>> Oh, the fixed totally is better. >> Now, why why is that? >> We used to pay them like 20 was it 20%. >> It was for instance and and Tom, you could maybe jump in here. DOT grant. We we'd send it out to grant what were
they called? Capital >> capital alternative >> capital alternatives, right? We they were our grant professionals. They got 10% of every They got 10% of everything. There was like the DOT grant. We're going to get it anyway. >> But they got it for us. >> I could have got it with a keystroke, but they got it. So, we had to pay them
the and and it got to be a lot of money. >> We're paying Bruno like 40 grand >> 30 grand. >> And the service is better. They find us more grants. >> Well, because Yeah. It's not per grand. It's per >> No, no, he's talking about the service, not the money.
>> Well, that's capital C capital alternatives, although they were good. >> Yeah, they were. >> They didn't come to us with grants. They didn't >> They just got a piece of any grant that we >> Yeah. Anything that we Hey, hey, we're looking for build a bridge. Can you go find us a grant? >> Food is slightly different than >> Yeah. >> a variable pay to this person versus a
fixed statement. >> When they came out with their 30 grand, I was like, "Wow, that's cheap." Said, "There is a job." >> I thought it was cheap representative. >> Okay. >> All right. How do we want to move forward with this? Who has the job description? >> Um, I could set resend it out. Yeah. >> Yeah. Resend it out and we'll talk about the budget.
>> That's what I thought. Budget time's coming up sooner than you think. >> I will stand by what I said. Anything more than five grand, it's I don't see it worth. >> Yeah. I I don't disagree. But look, >> so if we >> I think each department has to like come to us with their needs,
>> average needs. They're average how this person could help their department. >> Right. That's a good point. You know, I'll go to the police chief and you go to Andy and >> Andy already sent something out. >> Oh, yeah. I saw that. Yeah. >> I think the high school uses a company
that >> auctions off old equipment >> and they pay, you know. Okay. >> I'd love to know who that is. >> Yeah, we can find that. >> Well, what kind of equipment do they auction off? Not vehicles and Well, maybe some vehicles. >> Yeah, they have pickups and and RMDs. >> They got lawnmowers and they got
>> Yeah. All kind of stuff. >> Not much different than a DPW. So a lot of this stuff that we have to sell it gets put on a website. Correct. >> Sure. Sure. >> Jen, you there's a website because I I also we we right >> there's municipal >> a lot of towns are using whatever it is.
>> I'm not sure about how the law is written, but I thought we were required to use that those services. >> No, no, no. Because our previous councilman sold stuff on eBay for us and it was all it was all right. It was all good. It was all above board. And
>> all right, let's uh we saw the fire truck. >> Let's pull our department heads who would utilize such a person. Um we'll look at the um uh job description again. And uh Donna, if you can get us the uh what the high school is doing. I'm sure
it's not it's the New Valley Regional is doing there. And uh maybe that's worth a phone call to see if they can provide us any >> Maybe we should start with >> Maybe. >> There you go. Yeah, >> it might be grant money for that. >> Maybe not. >> Okay.
>> Anything else on this or we'll just table this till uh budget discussions. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Moving on to old business. Uh our best practices inventory for Councilman Quant. >> Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh we've
received our best practices uh inventory score. Is that right, Anna? >> Anna. Yep. >> Yes. Okay. Um, but I'd like to to read exactly what that is. Uh, so the the 20 it's our annual this is the 2025 best
practice inventory. It assesses each municipality's compliance with various laws and evaluates implementation of fiscal and operations best practices. Inventory answers uh provide taxpayers and additional means of evaluating their municipalities performance. The
inventory also identifies areas where municipalities may require further technical assistance. Uh furthering this objective, the best practice inventory contains an unscored survey section soliciting information of a variety of topics. Uh the best practices inventory features
new and repeat questions on the following topics. ethics, personnel, cyber security, uh, lead remediation, budget, shared service, financial administration, capital projects, transparency, environment, procurement, recycling, solid waste, utilities, and special improvement district. Uh, we
received a score of 41.5. Uh, I guess if you had a score between 0 and 23, there'd be aid payment withheld. Between 24 and 27, 50% gets withheld. 28 to 31 25%. Anything over 32 and ours is
well over 32. Uh there is no aid withholding. That would be my report. >> What's the highest you can get? >> 42.5. >> 43.51 41.5. >> Pretty good. >> Where did we miss those two points? >> Passing grades when I went to school.
>> Still the electric vehicle. >> Yes. >> We lost.5 and two questions for that. I noticed that >> there was a weird question that our bond council didn't understand why they even asked that because they weren't you, you know, how when you do the serial bonds, you have to go out and get all this perspective and everything. It's like $50,000 in the process.
>> Yeah. >> They asked if we did it on bondpation notes. I called the bond counseling thing. Yeah. Why they want to do that? So expensive. Doesn't make sense. We do it anyway. So he said, "Oh, there's a cost. Hope I hope you don't need that point." Which we did one point for that. >> Yeah. >> And then it was just like some other. >> Okay. Good job.
>> Thank you. Very well. Thank you. Okay. Um uh moving on to our proposed ebike ordinance uh for Councilman Bagi. >> Um well, >> maybe defer. >> Yeah, I well I wasn't at last meeting
and I know it was discussed, but what I heard was that it was there's a state mandate coming out. So, we were going to hold up until that came out. Am I right? >> I was at Is that what happened last meeting? >> I think there were supposed to be changes in the state mandate. There's a state ordinance. >> State ordinance. State law.
>> State law. Title three >> within title. Yeah, I know. Title three, >> right? And it covers uh all of these vehicles. They're different classes of them. All limitations. There are very limited things a municipality can do. What about the only thing you can do is
allow uh ebikes on trails that they would otherw would not otherwise be allowed on. >> Okay. >> So like closed trails, you can say no, they can go on them, >> right? Um, >> other can we restrict them >> more than the state says
>> private well private property is private property but um >> no >> I mean they're on sidewalks they're >> that can be >> they're not a pay you know they're driving on the left side of the street >> enforced by the police that's that's a violation of title 39 >> okay >> and that's what we >> it is a hazard
>> and besides title 39 I did talk to a police chief about >> and I've seen this myself uh kids uh riding from from Starbucks north on the sidewalk right outside you know Starbucks and on by state all the way up to the I don't know who's at the end the chocolate people whatever all the way
quickly yelling you know and so he said and it's mostly between school letting out and 5:00 course probably not anymore it'll probably be between school letting out and 4:30 right now he said he'll try to have an officer there if that's possible >> so can private so so let's say the shopping center
>> you could it's title 39 Correct me if I'm wrong. It's called quasi public. >> So it's >> if you're invited on, you can enforce it, >> right? >> No, we need to the the private property
owner has to ask us to enforce title 39 property. >> You'd have to be invited there by the property owner. Well, that's what he said. Um that's that's what the police chief said. As long as you're as long as you're requested by the property owner to come up, then you can enforce like people are parking the fires on a byst state. you have nothing to say about it
unless unless the owners of Bystate ask you to come and enforce that. >> Um so yeah, he's going to send an offic he you don't really need permission to send an officer there. Maybe officer is going to get coffee and sees this kid riding up and down. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Just give him a good talking to
>> and do the schools have any comments on >> I'm not the school person. I have not heard yet. >> Are they allowed? >> It's a matter of time that this >> I can I can just add my personal experience. of the schools um communicated policies
uh recently. >> Okay. >> And um you actually see the kids walking the bikes now on school property. >> Just to add to that, the police department sent two officers to the lower schools and they had an assembly for the kids and they kind of went over everything and
>> you know both of my boys came home and they were >> Yeah. >> they were telling me about it. So I think that that's that's a good thing. >> Exactly. Um you Brian in title 39 are helmets in title that's all that's my that's what I would say but yeah okay >> 17 or under you must wear helmets
>> okay >> and strapped to your head not just flop >> and they have to be certified yeah same >> that's my biggest issue is make sure you have a good okay >> so is it your recommendation that buran is not going to have a standalone ordinance on ebikes
>> it would not be enforceable in my opinion >> okay okay check That one, can I ask just a point of curiosity? When ebikes go to schools, where do they where do they store them during the day when they're in class? >> The bike rack. >> Bike rack. You know, a bike rack. They
just lock them up on the bike rack. >> Okay. >> It's open. They're not You don't have to lock them up. >> No, not lock them up. >> They just lay them around. Okay. >> It's on the bike rack. >> Same time. >> Okay. >> Uh um good. Well, thank you for that information from both the police side
and and the legal side. So, we know where we stand. Uh, okay. >> Old business. >> Old business. >> Oak's house. Oh, please. Anybody? >> Oak's house. >> We are very close to being able to go back to bid. We have a bid package that
just has to be make sure that it's okay because we're going to have alternates, >> right? >> And uh then we can go out. >> Okay. Do we have to >> Right. We're helping spring. >> Okay. Do we have to get the okay from Green Acres or are they I mean are they
part and party part are they part of this? >> Okay. >> All right. I just want to >> I want to keep it on the radar. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> We might need to talk about air bud for a little bit. >> Yeah. I want to keep it on the front burner because we got to one one thing our engineers here as well and I'll just
jump in about that. We notice that the bid doesn't have any any indication of what to do with the site. There's no site plan. There's an architectural plan, but there's no corresponding site plan. So, we kind of have to make one of those. And I know Tom probably when he comes up will
discuss a little bit of that. >> That's all. >> Okay. >> Okay. Uh I will entertain a motion to open the meeting to the public. >> So move. >> Okay. >> All in favor? >> I would anybody from the public like to come up tonight and be heard on any
subject matter? Sir, you're first. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Is that mic? Yes, it is. >> You need it? >> Okay, good. >> Name an address for the record. >> I will. My name is Joe Cerillo. I live at Six Lake View Drive, Alapan. Been a
resident of Alapan for 30 years. The purpose of this uh and I thank the board for uh inviting me, but you did invite me. >> I I know I did. >> I I appreciate >> and I and I told them all you you're probably coming, >> right? >> Thank you. And you also responded to my email, which is really nice.
>> Okay. Anyway, that being said, uh the purpose of the the conversation today tonight is to the concept of a dog park dash run type for our dogs. Now, Old Japan has basically a lot of many
obviously one family homes. There's also seven or eight condos in town associations and we're not allowed to have fence in areas and so forth on just a common area maintenance situation. And that being said, again, I we have a dog.
I have a dog and and where I am in Lake View is 120 units. I guarantee there's 40, 50, 60 dogs, okay? And you know, we walk our dogs and so forth. And you know, we we pick up after the dog obviously for good reasons. But having a
dog park, I think, is a tremendous enhancement to the town itself. Okay. the value of the properties the the uh magnet of buyers looking at Altapan might be another reason why they would select Altapan as one of their residents
or or their main residents. So that's an important factor also for the dog itself. And we all know so socialization is so important to life, humans and dogs. When dogs go to a dog park, they're going to have other dogs and situation. You might have a big dog and
small dogs. Many towns, Westwood has it and their dog park, I'll tell you right now, is the worst park I've ever been in with my dog. It's dirt on the surface. Okay? And basically the I read on this that the best surface for a dog park and I'm not I'm asking permission or for the
town to consider putting in a dog park. However, that being said, the best surface for a dog park is either grass, natural grass or wood chips or mulch. And we're fortunate in this town we have
a lot of mulch because we give it away for nothing. That'd be a great use of it, you know. But beyond that, Astro turf would obviously with synthetic turf would cost more money obviously. Uh my suggestion and it's not for me to save
suggestion. I think the best place would be where the um stone park where the uh pickle ball courts are beyond that away from the road Westwood. >> I looked lot of trees. Take a few trees. >> Lot of trees.
>> Lot of trees. I know that's it's a slope. I know. I agree. But construct construction people could do great things. I cannot I'm not that's not my field. But that being said, >> if if we that's only a suggestion, okay?
But having a dog park would be tremendous asset to the town. Again, back to that and it'll serve the people that live in condos that don't have the ability. And I said Westwood once again has dirt. And I I my pup was 6 months old. I brought him there. I take him
shower him, bathe him. is his PS are loaded with dirt, you know, so we're trying to avoid that. Uh other than that, uh you know, other than I think the asset value and I think it'll be a great attraction for the town, you know, it's a great town. We offer great services. I met two gentlemen out here
tonight. They're here that probably speak a little while. Uh they love the town. Why great services. We we have to commend the board of Japan. But what you what you accomplish, okay? I mean, the services in this town are the best. I
have relatives in the area and Norwood, Harrington Park, and North Bay, and they marvel. They marvel at our recreation areas and so forth. I blew a lot of smoke at you guys because there's a reason. I mean, I mean, personally, I I really feel it's a great asset for the
>> Okay. Well, I invited you back tonight, later in the year, and you heard us talk about our fleet manager. So, we're going to soon be heading into our budget season. So, we'll have to get some sort of concept plan and costs and things like that. And um but this council unless they have questions now, I
welcome they do. Um but you know, it would be something that we will consider as we prepare our municipal budget for 2026. >> I I just have a couple points. >> Yeah, it's probably not that bad of a spot what you said. I did go look at it specifically way back when you requested. I went like the next day I
happened to be there. I had to go look what this guy said. Um, risk manager, >> would he would our risk manager be okay with, you know, somebody gets bit or somebody whatever? >> We got ahead of that. Okay. Uh, I had uh had Anna reach out to Jeff uh joint
insurance fund and as long as it's clearly marked >> Yeah, I saw the email. >> Yeah. So, you know, I thought maybe we'd get some push back there. Uh, which we did not. Correct me if I'm wrong. I think the only push back you might get is, you know, the fact that sometimes
and all the you people don't clean up and that means >> sometimes you have so >> I can answer that. >> Walk around Oakville. >> Hang on a second. I ran I ran soccer. I ran soccer for 20 years. >> We had that problem in Lake View with one or two residents. We addressed it
and it ended. Okay. And they were >> Yeah, but we have a This is public. >> They were putting the dog poop down the sewer drain lake. Okay. >> Was it purposely done or without knowledge? >> Out of sight, out of mind. >> Right. So, I don't know that. But we we
saw the person do it and we approached him and it stopped. I mean, you know, look, I I I I walked my dog quite a bit and believe me, and in Lake View, we don't have one problem with people. We have one problem in the past couple of years when one resident complained about
another not picking up the poop. That ended. Okay. We have none in town. And we have a our road is a half a mile each way. So it's one mile strip back and forth in and out inress and egress. And we don't have one problem with that cuz a good dog owner, believe me, I have a
bag in my pocket. I have paper paper towels in my pocket and I pick up. That's what we do. >> So I Yeah. I asked my uh my wife cuz she goes to the dog different dog parks all the time and she says that >> every dog park that she's ever been to actually has they provide
>> disposable bags and stuff. I mean you can't make it any easier, you know. I just wouldn't put a trash bin there. >> We provide them at at both parks. >> Yeah. >> And you have to have signs on the on the gate the fencing around it stating >> you must pick up violation whatever. Yeah,
>> I think it's a great idea. So when I ran soccer for 20 years, um we use Stone Point Park for the two soccer fields. In every fall season, I would say three to four times there has been dog poop on the soccer fields that I actually would
have to clean up because obviously kids falling and onto. So I don't know if this solves that problem. I I'm sure it still exists. I don't mind soccer anymore. I don't I'm not sure if the dog park solves the problem where now the dogs are isolated to the park where now you can clean up just on that park or
are we inviting more dogs because of the park and then there'll be more frisbee playing on Stone Point and then more poop on I don't know. Right. So I >> I can't comment on the on the ballparks, but I can comment on the on the on the dog the dog park, meaning owners would
bring the dog there. Yeah. And I guarantee you, I shouldn't say I guarantee you. I know what I would do, and I think a typical dog owner would do the same. Pick up their their dog. >> I believe they would do that. >> Well, >> and I guess we would have the right. It
doesn't I don't know what it entails. Putting fencing, mulch, >> both of those things. It's >> split it between. >> That's really all you need. So my point is if it did get out of hand and we found a health issue, if you will, then we have the right to close it down. >> Absolutely.
>> So >> or or finding violators. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Again, it's a matter of >> putting police there. >> You know, >> we find everybody. >> They're usually self policed, right? I was going to say, but we have you >> Joe actually said
>> deputize you as the police. >> I'm sorry. >> You were going to go stand there and police, right? Monitor. >> You volunteered. You volunteered. >> Well, I wanted I wanted at one time maybe a police. We have all kinds of signs. 25 miles per hour
>> and we're putting in our third speed bump. We have six speed bumps, seat speed tables or bumps by the end of this week because we have 25 miles per hour. And you know, I mean, I walk the dog, other people, they have some kids there out in the street with their little scooters and so forth.
>> Mhm. >> God forbid, you know. >> So, so dog parks kind of align with my uh profession. Um, I'm sure that our engineer between my our engineer and myself, we can go and draw a diagram of a of a dog park and maybe we could even
uh apply for some grants for it. >> Oh, yeah. We could look once we know >> once we have a schematic design. >> We should look to do that before budget season. >> Maybe we could go meet down at some point this week at some point. >> And if you'd consider being on the jury
to judge the designs, that would be great. I appreciate we deputize you person for that but I plan to give my assistance experience with as mayor Gallagher said it's very important we uh >> I missed a budget for this year my background is in county when he told me
that I said come on give me a great 25 is done back in '94 but now's the time to do it and greatly appreciate it just I think appreciate >> it I love the idea >> okay well definitely a topic as we head into January >> I found
meeting very interesting. I'm going to stay a while. I was going to leave. >> You're welcome to hang out. So exciting. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Uh sir, please. >> Keep an address for the record. Sure. >> Uh Ryan Seagull, 20 Country Squire. >> Um so first off, I just want to thank
you guys for um you know, approving the uh the road closure on Country Squire and the surrounding roads on Halloween. Amazing. Um parents I was talking to just walking with my kids, they loved that it was closed. They felt safe. >> What was the name again? Ryan. Ryan 20 Country Squire >> last name again.
>> Seagull. >> Seagull. >> Okay. >> Um yeah, it was it was fantastic. So, thank you all for that. I truly appreciate it. Um the officers there amazing. The roads blocked. Amazing. It was fantastic. >> Awesome. >> Um best Halloween I'd say.
>> All right. I I think a big part of that was I'm sorry to interrupt you, but it was uh restricting parking on the road, right? >> That was huge, too. >> Yeah. I mean, kids were pretty much allowed to run around across the street, which >> there were no blind spots for anybody to hide out. And
>> yeah, I talked to the chief about that just the other day. He said it kind of >> that helped out a lot. >> Yeah, I'm I'm on the corner of Country Square and Arrowhead, so it was I mean, yeah, it even blocked off Arrowhead, too, which I was surprised about, which not complaining. Um, but yeah, no, it was fantastic. >> So, the the concern we had were the
residents, right? Not being able Were there any complaints about the residents coming in and out? Remember I saw cars coming in and out and I just assumed they they lived on one of the strong street >> biggest complaint was UPS and Amazon. >> Oh yeah I heard I heard there was one complaint about it did not think of that
stop in the >> in the streets right >> well >> we have to consider that >> I don't think the police allowed one of them to go into the street so they parked on the end of country square and walked all the way down the block to make their delivery. >> Okay.
>> All right. That's like you said, first go. We might have to think that through next year. >> Yeah. I mean, for two weeks notice, I think you guys did fantastic. >> Okay. >> Um my other uh my other question is actually I was I had emailed Ann about this. I think it was back in May. Um so, as I said, I live on Country Squire. I
have three kids. I walk one of them is to school right now, but I walk one of them to school every single morning to TBD. Um Ro the crossing guard. She's amazing. I love her. She gets >> She's the one on her. >> I'm sorry. She's the one on Heric Drive >> on CBD Street.
>> Correct. Yeah. On on on Heric and um and Washington. >> I know who she is. >> Um >> but my issue is I guess the cars coming from Old Tapan Road who go around all the cars in line to turn onto her just zoom through. >> The flashing lights are great. I don't
know if they're bright enough. They're we the leaves were covering parts of the the crossing sign in May. So we we had it trimmed down which is fantastic. Um, but they just they zoom through whether they're I mean I've seen some that are on the phone. I almost got hit three or four times last year. I mean there's
something has to be done. It's it's so dangerous. The cars coming from Westwood A towards Herrick. Totally fine because usually they're either a going straight down or making the right hand turn to the school. It's the cars that are going straight and not making the left towards
I guess it's from Altapan towards >> going. Yeah. They go they go in the shoulder. They can't see the crossing guard. >> Yeah. >> Um >> that county road. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I mean, the lights are great, but I don't know if there's the the 25 m
hour sign isn't doing anything. I know Pan Road has like the actual 25 mile per hour blinking light that's constantly on, whereas the crossing the crosswalk sign only blinks when you press it. She's been making my son press it every single time to get him used to it, which is wonderful, but it's not him I'm
worried about. It's the other cars going to >> Sure. It's been brought up again. You'll discuss with the chief. >> I will discuss with the police chief tomorrow morning. >> I called the police too uh last year and they said to come here. >> Yeah. And and it's fine. And I know they sent you here. Um the the the issue is at that time
sometimes the the patrol is needed a lot of places at that time of morning like between I want to say between 7:30 and 8:15 maybe one of the crossing guards was sick didn't come in. patrolman has to go. There's only three or two. So in a
then the other patrolman's got a heart attack call or some call emergency medical call somewhere and then everybody's >> sure. So >> I don't know if there was like maybe like one of my suggestion was just parking a car in that shoulder. So I I know I know cars need to get past. I get that cuz it's it's such a
>> I sat there once actually a couple it was like just last week I had to get I was going to Westwood >> and I made that left and I said, "Oh, I made the left and I had and I was in my truck. I couldn't go around and >> go around." Yeah. >> I probably waited 15 minutes. >> No, I I get it. And people >> There's not a lot of room to go around.
There is. But >> you can, but it's tight. >> Yeah. And they they go right in the shoulder. Really, it's not even the issue of the cars going around. It's just that they're going through. Yeah. They're speeding through. And you know, my son, he's short and if we're crossing
back up to um crossing from Heric across to Washington A, >> right? >> Yeah. Sorry. Um you just you the cars can't see you. It's impossible because the line of cars there are just blocking your field of sight. >> What if we put up a sign? I think you're
going to say the same thing. Right at the beginning of where people start speeding, it says slow children. >> Yeah. So the the crosswalk has like that little stop sign that like people are supposed to stop at the crosswalk. >> They don't. >> I'm saying between the turn between Altapan Road and the school road right
where people the the traffic ends or the beginning depending on how you look at it. Put a sign adjacent in the shoulder that says, you know, when schools act >> I think without and police is going to tell me tomorrow morning. I'm telling you he's going to say without a physical barrier
>> they're going and they're driving through. Yeah. I So, so one person that did almost hit me. She was on her phone. >> Um, >> more patrol. >> I mean, it's >> Yeah, there's a patrolman now in front of CDW. I don't know why, but every morning he's actually
>> Anthony. Yeah, I know. >> I think it needs a sign and patrol. >> Well, I know it's a county road and I I don't I'm familiar with the intersection, but uh I'm asking you more if it's physically able to be done. It's a county road. It's in a school district. It's a safety problem. Is
there a turning lane that could be installed there coming from Ultipan Road and left onto Heric allowing people to get past? >> I don't know if you have the width. That's I don't know if we have the width either. >> Yeah, I don't think you have the width of the turning lane. I think the county
would if requested put in I don't know if there's a crosswalk sign there. >> It is. Yes. It's brand new. It's It's only a couple months. >> An advanced crosswalk sign. >> That's what I'm trying to say. >> Yeah. >> Could you do that? What about a speed hump? >> Yeah.
>> On a county road though. >> No. >> Yeah. >> Not on a 35 mph road. >> I do not want to hit bump. No. >> A speed bump. >> No. Not >> No, there there was it was a a rumble. They rumbled it. >> What about a rumble strips right before? >> That ain't going to slow people down.
>> Yeah. But then they're they're rumbling all the time. You can't turn them on and off. >> Yeah. If you live if you live there, you might >> love that. >> Listen to that. You'll be in your next meeting. >> This is like 20 minutes of >> Okay. Um, we're going to start with the police. Um, >> yeah,
>> I see what they say there. And >> I appreciate it. >> People have to slow down. They have to stay off their phones. >> Pay attention. >> This is a really >> current day problem that's not getting any. >> And then add the ebikes. If there's ebikes going back and forth, which I'm sure there are. I don't know
for sure, but >> I've not I've not seen one of those yet. At least not by TBD. >> Yeah. Do >> they put leaves in the street there, too? >> Yeah. like everywhere >> probably. >> Well, yeah. >> That makes it more challenging. >> All the leaves come out of this blow out of Astra Court, too. >> I mean, it really is it's just like a 25
foot span where the car right where cars make the left onto Heric that they're just they're going through the crosswalk there. >> That's that's just that one tiny area. Just one direction. >> What percent of the um parents do you think go down south on on Washington
make that left on Eric? I'd say most because so the days that I don't walk if it's pouring out the the side so making a left out of Arrowhead onto Washington the line is not long at
all. The line on from uh Ultan Road is way back >> past Davenport. >> Yeah, past Oh yeah, way past Davenport past Sundon. >> Yeah. >> Um >> it almost goes to >> almost shows road. Not quite but almost. I know it would be almost impossible, but it would solve the problem if we
only allow parents to come north on Washington and make the right into Heric, not that left. >> It's hard. Yeah, remember when my kids were little, I remember my wife drop them off at C uh TBD and then we had one in CW just go around drop and come home.
It was like one round trip. There was no other way to get to TBD. >> It's a tough layout. >> You couldn't drop them off on Charles. It's a tough one. >> Just whacking out all the traffic over there. Plus, Charles is closed now. >> Or I mean, I don't know if you can lower the speed limit for that area from like a certain period of time to like 10
miles per hour. So, they really can't go through. >> It's like a 30 minute period. It's not It's not long. >> Again, that's County Road, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> We'll start with the >> All right. Let me let me talk to Joe tomorrow and we'll we'll get back to you
soon. Cool. Thank you. >> All right. Anybody else from the public like to be heard on any matter? >> Say no. Motion to close. >> Motion to close. Can I ask one more question? >> Sure. >> Ryan 2000 Squire. Um, is there any plans to do anything about the crazy deer
population? >> I know we missed that meeting. >> I missed that. >> Meetings ago. >> The investigation is ongoing. Uh, I can tell you just uh >> check the old videos. He had we had the uh biologist come in from the state uh and then we had another group come in
and talk about non-lethal type alternatives. Um and so it is a it is a process. There's probably one more group to uh to chat with uh about extending the the herd and then I think this council will make some sort of decision.
I don't want to I don't I certainly don't want to put words in their mouth, but I think this council will make some sort of decision pro or do nothing or do something in uh in 26. >> Okay. >> And if we do nothing, we do nothing. It's it's a matter of okay, that's a decision that uh that we'll make. And if
we decide to do something, that'll obviously be something. So, but right now, we're still in our due diligence phase. >> Okay. Well, thank you. Thanks. >> Okay. I think we had a motion to close uh and a second. >> Second. Second. All in favor? >> I.
>> Okay. Motion to adjourn. So moved. >> Okay. We'll roll right into our executive meeting. >> Uh roll call, please. >> Councilman Bagi, >> yes. Here. >> Councilman Boy, >> sorry. Here. >> Councilwoman Costello >> here. >> Councilman Quan, >> here.
>> Councilman Martine >> here. >> Councilman Yu >> here. Let the record state that the mayor is here as well. >> Oh, sorry. Mayor. >> Nice. Nice. >> All right. >> Dissing the mayor. >> I knew you was here. He's a new guy. >> All right, let's start with our
engineers report. Tom, please. >> Thank you, mayor. Good evening, everybody. Tom, >> hello. >> There's white on one item on the agenda under engineer support, but I'm going to do a couple other things quick first. Um,
still working on the tax maps. Hoping to wrap those changes up um next week. We'll send them out to the state, see what kind of comments we get back. Um but that is ongoing. Um the other quick item I wanted to mention is the Central
Avenue handicap ramps contractor scheduled to start that work tomorrow. He's scheduling three days. So Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday this week and that should be taken care of. >> How many time three? How many?
>> Three ramps total cuz the one at the existing high school entrance ex the one side is good. >> Yep. Yep. So, we're just working on the Iita side. >> Okay. >> And then there's two, one on each side by chestnut. >> Okay. And there they'll be ADA also.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Tom, real quick, since we're on Central Avenue, any word on the crosswalk, >> the crosswalks, >> the ramps, that's what I'm talking about. >> Oh, that's that's what the ramp is. >> So, once the burrow builds the ramps, the county then comes in and stripes the crosswalk.
>> I'm just think two separate >> projects the signs up. >> All right. Thank you. So, the item that is on the agenda is 19 Dearbornne. We got a road opening permit for utility upgrade. I believe it was um literally right after the street had been paved. So,
we did not authorize that permit. Wanted to discuss it briefly with the mayor and council, see how you felt about it. My recommendation would be we we pick a width. Is it 10 feet, 20 feet? and make them go curb to curb in a uniform shape,
a rectangular shape. Um, which I will report back to the utility company if if if that's what Mayor Castle think we should do. >> What's the reasoning for this? >> I think it's just an upgrade in service. Um, I'm not sure if it was an emergency. I didn't see that there was a leak, but
sometimes they don't. >> I'm sorry, you said gas. I'm sorry. Did you say gas? >> I don't think he said, but >> No, I'm not even sure if it was gas or water. >> I may chime in on this, please. Yeah. Hang on. >> You have to come in. >> Yeah. >> I think you live at 19our drive.
>> Not exactly. Uh Daniel Evar 8 in Keeper Road. I wasn't planning on speaking today. I just kind of wanted to come listen to the engineers report. Okay. >> I'm one of the members of the company that owns Nier Durborn Drive. We're planning on demolishing and redeveloping that property. And we're just waiting at
this point on the the permit for PSCNG to cut and cap the gas line so that we can go ahead with the demolition. >> Okay. >> Thank you. That that clears it up a little bit. Wouldn't that be done behind the curb? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We're not sure. In my past experience with these kind of things, yes, it's
done behind the curb. For some reason, PSCG wants to open the road and they won't tell us why. >> That's why I came here to listen. Maybe I can get some information. But >> yeah, because if we can get to the bottom of that, then it can be approved. Yeah, we prefer not to open a road. So, if they can cut the if they can cap that inside the curb,
>> uh, we'd rather go that route. >> Yeah. >> I thought there was also an increase in the service size. >> Not to my knowledge. No. >> Okay. >> If somebody from the town could communicate to that that to PSCG, it would be great because they don't listen to us on this matter and they don't share any information with us.
>> All right. So, you have his contact information. Our engineer Tom >> 19 is up up the hill, right? >> Uh, yeah. Just at the top of the hill. >> Yeah. Okay. Do you have a card or an email address? >> No, I'll get you. Just write your email down here. I'll include you on it. >> All right. So, we're going to table this discussion until we get more information. >> Yes.
>> And Tom, you're going to follow with PSCG? >> Yeah, I'll email them in the morning. >> Thank you. >> Okay. All right. So, we'll Thank you for the updated info. >> You're welcome. >> All right. Great. >> Anything else, Tom? >> That's all I had. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. And
>> what was it that we were just going to go over? Was it Oak Park or >> Oh, thank you. Was that long ago? I forgot. >> The site plan adding the site plan to the building. >> Yeah, I I went through the arch architectural plans briefly. Um
I think there are some things missing honestly, but nothing major. We we could certainly work through that. Um, I think it might be worth a meeting with with whoever prepared the plans. The biggest issue is the fact that there's not a site plan. Um, the the overhang is
intended to be driven through. Correct. >> No. >> No, it's not. >> Patio underneath. >> It's just a patio. >> Yeah. >> All right. Cuz that was one of my problems with it cuz there's >> um >> the materials for that area are specked two different ways in different spots on
the drawings. Uh, it was slate. Maybe it was blue stone in one >> stone in one pavers in another. >> We're Yeah, but we we kind of mix that and went to So it might have to be changed to like concrete. I mean, because we're not going to do blue stone. No,
>> we're not going to do papers. We don't have that big a budget. The issue with not having a site plan is and >> there's not a lot of information that would be shown on it, but as an example, if you're going to have an open covered
area that needs to be drained properly. There there should be grades shown. There is potentially the need for storm water management drainage. Um I'm assuming this didn't go to Bergen County soils >> if we're under the 5,000 square foot of disturbance. under five. Yeah.
>> Um cuz otherwise you would definitely need storm water management. Um just things like that. It it jumped out at me and I thought it might be worth >> Well, the only one who did it is the architect and he you know he just did the design building. So
>> if you can take that and do the rest of it, then we have a full plan. >> Oh, I think we can. It's just a matter of of Yeah. doing >> we can do >> we we won't be able to first of all the
timing this way we only have one meeting in December so if we could probably maybe that meeting if if it gets done uh approved to go out to bid and then in dece in January so we probably have
until >> you can definitely approve to go out to bid nothing's going to take a lot of time >> it's just a matter of putting heads together and doing it Okay, >> sounds good. >> Okay, >> so I'll follow up with Bill and the
architect and maybe get together. >> That sounds good. We'll walk the site together. >> Just I mean, silly comment, but if you go through that bid package, you don't know where the building's going. >> Well, that's
just the building. Yeah, he wasn't contracted to do the site. >> No, he wasn't. So, >> but you wouldn't know as a as somebody picking that that package up. >> It's right next to the dog park. >> Yeah. Right over there. >> A little bit of left. >> So, we I mean obviously >> we just want them to build it. >> Yeah.
>> And then we'll we'll figure out where to put it. >> Start here. >> Yeah. Wrong part. >> All right. You'll figure that out. We'll go. >> All right. All right, Tom. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Tom. >> Moving on to our council committee
reports. We'll start uh down this way with Councilman Yu. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. A few items. Um report of our senior citizens. They're working with the Jewish home in Rockley. Our seniors are invited to
participate in a health screening on Wednesday, November 12th. They'll It's a simple health checking uh health checkup of their heart health and eyesight. On Thursday, November 13th, the senior
advisory committee will be hosting their Friendsgiving lunchon at the firehouse starting at noon. They are um greatly thankful to the bureau for allowing them this opportunity to gather over a Thanksgiving feast. The participants are encouraged to bring
non-p perishable goods for donation to our food pantry. And finally, I'm sad to report that um one of our longtime residents and former member of the senior advisory, Eloise Lang, has passed away.
>> May she rest in peace. Um report of our recreation department. A big thank you to rec Director Gloria Weezner and the town day committee for their and all their volunteers for organizing another successful town day celebration. Thank you to all the volunteers that
came out to make this a very truly uh a truly special event, including the members from the fire department, ambulance corps, and the old police officers who came in on their day off to interact with our residents.
The day's events were made possible by all the hard work put in our by our DPW. They were uh at Stone Point early in the morning getting set up and they were there um well past dark cleaning
everything up. So big thank you to Andy and his crew. Report of our DPW. Somebody asked me about the BCUA um hazardous waste collection events. There are they're held several times throughout the year
in Pamis, Mawa, and Monaki. You can see the schedule on our burough calendar if you need to throw out any hazardous waste. Um, some of the work completed by our JPW in the mo month of October include the
collection of over 2,000 yards of leaves, prep work for the snow season, cleaning of catch basins in preparation for all the rain we got recently, and prep work for the emergency services 5K and town day. and I have received
reports that our two new hires in their DPW are doing very well and are great additions to the crew. I have a short report from our construction department. Um, in the month of October, we currently have a total of 41
um, permits open, yielding a total of 40,296 in fees, bringing our yearly total up to $345,75075 in fee collections for the year.
our report from our fire department. The call stats for the month of October. Uh the fire department responded to nine calls for service totaling uh totaling 51 man hours. The total for the year
thus far is 193 calls for service totaling 1,157 man hours. Some notable calls for the month. On October 21st, the Ultiman Fire Department responded to a mutual aid um
structure fire in Hillsdale. The fire was was extinguished on October 27th. Um there was a call for a resident caught u stuck in an elevator at uh the new apartment buildings on
Park Place. She was stuck there for over an hour until the fire department arrived and um they managed to rescue her through the ceiling hatch from the floor above. So great work by our fire department.
Um train some training. On October 20th, the Old Tapan Fire Department held a swiftwater awareness training. This certifies the members present with swiftwater awareness certifications. And I believe the fire department is
currently out during an extrication drill. Uh report of our apparatus 43 squad experienced an issue with its batteries and engineer Jung was able to replace all the batteries and the apparatus was placed back in back in service the same
day. And Mr. Mayor, that concludes my report. >> Thank you very much, Councilwoman Costello. >> Thank you. Uh just a few things I Yes. So I would we uh town day was fantastic,
well attended, beautiful day. Um lots of entertainment and I think both kids and adults had a great time. So and I agree the CPW and all the volunteers did a wonderful job in pitching in. It was a lot of work. Um just wanted to remind
everyone about the so the ultipan social services right here in town with um with some of the reduction in federal um benefits. The Girl Scout the local Girl Scout troop is having a um uh food
pantry donation bins at the library and at the school um to to make it easier to drop off donations to the food supply pantry. Um, and we also have an opportunity for our students. Um, for
the National Honor Society volunteer hours as well as the confirmation students that are that need community service hours as well, they can contact the Ultipan services to volunteer their time. Um, my daughter just did it got 3 hours for doing the meals program last
month. Um, and it was a great experience. Um, so I highly recommend it as a way to get the community service hours for the students. That's all I have. >> Thank you very much, Councilman Vanagi. >> Um, well, I don't have a formal police
report tonight, but however, I do have another report about police. Um, I got I I spoke with the chief this um this morning, yesterday morning about the uh Country Square Halloween thing and he said it went exactly as stated really
well. He also said it was a little less attended than usual. Not I'm not I'm not there usually so I don't know but he said there was definitely less people. He doesn't know why but either way anyway it worked fine. No reason why we couldn't do it again. Uh so that's that. You all know that our captain has also
put in his papers. He'll be leaving us December 31st. Uh I thought that was going to be a real problem because if our chief leaves December 1st, well, let me give you the scenario. The chief leaves December 1st, we we have to have either a chief in place or what's called officer in
charge. So our captain is going to be the officer in charge by default. He's our next administrative person. we can make him we not that we have to but we'll make him uh if it's okay with the council officer in charge then by the 31st he'll be leaving us
hopefully by that time we can have a new chief in place I'm not sure Anna sent out an email in reference to resumes being collected and we had a date nove December November 15th 17th something like that all applications and resumes
had to be in by that time this Council also spoke a couple of meetings ago more than that about should we or should we not have a third party interview process. >> We all the consensus here was yes uh in
my opinion was no only because we had a timeline. We had to have I wanted somebody in place by the end of the year. That being said we have someone who can do it second week in December. It comes from the Police Chiefs Association of Bergen
County. This gentleman, I'm going to tell you, his name is Ray Haduka Jr. and he provides uh file review for uh chief of police candidates. There's a flat rate fee for review is
2500. That could go up or down. Well, not down, but that could go up if we need other things like if we need him to personally come in here and speak about it. Anna, do you have something else about that or no? >> No, that's about it. Oh, and the only other thing we're waiting for is the uh police chief's association, which will
do it, they'll do it combined. >> The police chief I was told this is the police chief's association. >> He is the one who actually I think they have to work together. Um they're also going to give some kind of price. >> Okay. Oh, okay.
Either way, we will have we will have an interview done second week in December. Now the interview process by them will be a component of our overall process.
One component >> uh they're not going to decide who our next chief is. They're going to recommend. They're going to advise. We're going to interview and we're going to decide. I mean as a committee and three the three of us uh Councilman Guan, Councilman Boyce and myself. we're going to interview and then take that
other component into under advisement >> and then make our decision, >> make full recommendation to the council. >> We'll make a full recommendation to council where then we can vote and hopefully >> by December 31st we'll have someone in place. >> I think we'll if we don't we can cross
that bridge then. I have I have every confidence that we will. >> Okay. >> Uh and we could swear that person in and then on reorg could swear them in formally. I think reorg is the 6th of January. I'm not sure where it was. >> I don't know if it's set yet, but Monday to the 5th. >> Okay. >> Monday the 5th.
>> Okay. Um, so that's where I'm at with there's a lot of work done by the police chief here too, our current chief. >> Um, so that's where I'm at. Unless anyone has any questions for me. >> So the accreditation company has nothing to do with this decision making process then. >> Correct. But there a lot of their
information will probably be used by the inter the third party interviewer. >> Ron, thank you for your hard work on >> It's been a lot. It's It's a lot. It's a Joe. Joe, you know Joe makes me look better. >> But thank you. But thank you for keeping us on track. Yep. >> To get this.
>> Yeah. I've been really making sure we're and and Councilman Boyce and Councilman Guan, we're all we text I I get a text started thread and we we do talk things out. includes me sometimes on that. >> I did. I keep forgetting you're on the contractual. You're not on the other
team. >> All right. >> Because we have a different contractual team than we do. >> Yeah. >> And there's overlap. >> Yep. >> Anyway, I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> All right. >> That's all I have. >> All right. Thank you. >> Uh Councilman Mate, >> uh thank you, Mayor. A few things. uh lower schools uh they
are continuing the let's partner parent series with their third session starting uh Wednesday November 12th. Uh they have two sessions at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. So the superintendent uh Dr. Dejao and
also Dr. uh Palazado will be offering learning by mistake for all interested parents. Uh participants will learn strategies to turn mistakes into learning opportunities for all children. Um, mistakes could be framed as the groundwork for deeper learning.
All right. Uh, moving along. Um, enrollment. I just wanted to talk about enrollment. Uh, and I'll explain why. Um, at the schools continue to increase. Um, the superintendent provided me with some numbers that I had asked for.
Um these are enrollments going back from 2023 till October 31st of 2025. Um, and these are enrollments from basically the new developments in town, Enclave, Park and Arbor, and IATA.
Um, in 2023, we had 19 uh students that were enrolled in 2024. And this is this isn't the June numbers. 2024, we had 42. This is a rolling number, by the
way, 42 students. uh June of 2025 we had 58 students and as of October 31st we're up to 69 students and these are all enrollments from the new development >> just from those two
>> uh three Enclave Park and Arbor and I >> but yeah just those two properties. >> Wow. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um this is where it gets interesting. um out of those uh numbers that I provided
>> uh going back in 2023 uh students that um require services um in June it was seven at that time of I'm sorry June of 2023 June of 2024 we were up to 21
uh June of 2025 we were up to 26 students and October of this year 2025 we're up to 28 um students. So keeping in mind that 28 students that require
services um from the number of enroll these that's almost 41%. Out of all those kids and the reason I'm just going over this is because of what I'm going to say next. Um so they're
working on a project. They're nearing completion of the preliminary studies of the grounds at TBD and they're looking at increasing their footprint uh of the building which will add four additional classrooms and two additional uh group
rooms. Uh the student uh excuse me, the superintendent stated that as of right now they're at max capacity. If they wanted to add an additional class, they just can't. They don't have the space for it. Um, I asked about what's going on with CDW and she says
right now they can actually manage with what they have at CDW just cuz how the scheduling is is very different from the grammar school where they can actually use classrooms almost like a multi-purpose classroom where different teachers can go in there and um they can
kind of finagle the schedule. And so as of right now, that's okay. But they they don't really know what's going to happen in the future as we have people that uh continually um are moving into town um with the apartments.
Um and as you know, the students that require services, the cost is tremendous. But that's where we're at. All right. NVOT uh found out a little bit of information on the new turf
project that they're working on. Um that you can see from Russell A. I had stated before that they're doing a soccer field. Um turf soccer field. They're going to have netting. Should be very nice. They added a couple things to it. Uh so they're adding the addition of
field hockey lines on the field. Um, they also are adding a sidewalk uh, excuse me, a sidewalk to increase uh, pedestrian safety and they're also adding bleachers to enhance the spectator experience and that project is expected to be completed by Christmas of
this year. That's it for the schools. >> Juan, can I ask you a question? Just on TVD, uh, can I give you a timet on when they were going to go out, I guess? And uh I mean this I I would think would be a
>> Yeah. So she said that they would break ground June of 2026. >> Okay. This is not big enough that they have to have a public referendum. This fits into their operating budget. >> Well, you remember the uh how >> you know they had an 8% increase.
>> Yeah. No, it's not going to go off in referendum. >> This falls in their 8% increase. >> It's not going out because I that's also was addressed to him. So >> Okay. Okay. uh board of health. Uh just real quick on that, the uh mental health book club, their next meeting at the
library will be Tuesday, November 18th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. And the book that they will be reviewing is The Happiness Files: Insights on Work and Life. Very good. Okay, moving along. First aid, uh they have two members that
have just completed their assigned training. Uh we have one member, Michael DeMarco, who completed his driver training effective October 2nd, 2025. So I want to congratulate him. And we have a new uh EMT certification. That's
pretty cool. Uh and I'm probably going to master this last name, Zoe U Galat. Um she uh received her EMT card October 17th of 2025. Um so that's a pretty big achievement. EMT basis basic
school is about 190 hours um usually in the evenings and after that they have to pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam which is not an easy exam. So kudos to Zoe as well. Calls for October they had a total of 21
calls received. Out of those 27 calls, uh 20 of them were in town uh in Altapan and seven of the uh other calls were mutual aid and and all were actually sent to Riverville. Total calls for 2025, we're at 291 calls.
That is uh my time for first aid. The only thing I didn't want to talk about is on October 20 um 22nd of this year, I attended the um Orangetown uh New York
planning board meeting regarding the the data bank and uh that was very interesting. It was standing room only in that room. So uh on the agenda was the phase 2 project for the data bank uh site plan review. Uh I know back uh in
March 3rd at our council meeting um all that you know all that were in attendance we unanimously approved the resolution uh titled deposing the application for datab bank orangeberg phase 2 LGA-4. Uh I also uh spoke with the mayor. Mayor did attend one of their it was a mayor
and council meeting. Correct sir? >> I'm sorry >> you attended one of the mayor and council meetings. I attended the planning board meeting in Orangetown and spoke on the res behalf of the residents of >> Alapan. Correct. Yeah. So I stand correct that I thought it was a mayor and council meeting. So and I also uh understand that you handed in a
resolution that we to the clerk, right? >> I did. I handed it in. >> Unfortunately, they they didn't uh it wasn't mentioned as part of the record. So um maybe we can get that to them again. Um so it appears that the Orangetown Planning Board um like I said was not
provided. So we can always get that. When they did finally open up uh the meeting for public comment, I I also had the opportunity to speak. Um and there were many Ultipan residents there which was kind of great to see. Um and I just basically asked what the benefits were
uh you know for the data center and what what benefits it bring to the community. And unfortunately I was told that they don't answer questions. um earlier in the meeting at the data uh there there was uh multiple including their attorneys representatives for the data bank company and they were st saying
that uh you know it's not that big of a deal. We already have a couple in town and all we're talking about is um you know 30 megawws to fully power the the data bank. So when I spoke, I just said I'm like, you know, 30 megawws doesn't really sound like a lot, but that's 30 million
30 million watts. You know how many homes that can actually power um which is thousands. Uh and further, I just addressed the uh strain on the local power grid uh which would obviously lead to higher utility costs for all and uh safety concerns such as fire risk and
the potential effect on uh human health, noise pollution, and the impact on wildlife. uh schedule permitting, I will be uh going back up for their next meeting when it's on the agenda and providing them a copy of the resolution
if that is okay with all. >> When is when is that plan? >> I don't know >> when does that go to vote. >> So, they were just doing a preliminary. I don't know when it's going to be on the agenda again, but uh we're going to be following it and hopefully we can get up there again and just let them know
our opinion on it. That's all I have. >> Yeah. Thank you for attending uh behalf of that. >> Okay, Councilwoman B. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh just very quickly, uh from OEM, OEM added Sean
Smith as the second deputy coordinator. Uh his training starts in 2026. Uh Town Day, as mentioned, uh was very successful. Uh he mentioned that the EMS did a great job. Uh there were a few minor injuries that they took care of uh during town day. So we wanted to thank
uh EMS. Uh and then their next OEM's next meeting uh is to discuss winter season uh and emergencies that happen in the winter. Uh for library, the board meeting is November 12th. So I don't have an update since the uh last board
meeting in October. I do want to highlight some some dates in November. uh some of the programs. Uh there's a third and fourth grade lunch bunch. Uh it's a book discussion uh at TBD. Uh the book is the losers club. They will be
discussing. November 5th is game night. November 12th is the Lego club. Um November 25th is the scavenger hunt. And I hope everyone has December 6 on their calendars. That would be the craft
fair that we have at uh at the library. Uh and in closing uh last for finance uh we had a was a zoom call uh from our healthc care insurance company. Uh as you know we all have to uh select our
plans for the calendar year 2026. uh the lower deductible the lower deductible or no higher deductible the higher deductible option was introduced and uh talked uh our representative uh
showed the all the numbers the benefits etc. Uh I was on that call uh I felt it wasn't as clear as it could have been. Uh so I actually asked Andy and volunteered uh to do a town hall for the DPW employees the next day. Uh so I went
to DPW for an hour, fielded a lot of questions uh about what a high deductible plan, how it uh benefits an employee, how it benefits, it could benefit the town. Uh it might not be for everyone, but I described, you know, who it might benefit. So a higher deductible
plan uh as you know would be a cheaper cost. Uh the premium would be cheaper for the employee and for the town about 50% on average. uh the benefit to the employee is if uh oh and then the town would fund uh an
HSA uh for that deductible amount. So the deductible could be anywhere from say $4,000 to $8,000 depending if you're single or you're you have a family plan. So that deductible is covered by the town. Uh the town still saves money even though we're putting money into the HSA.
The employee obviously is covered through that deductible. Uh and if the employee does not spend uh you know does maybe goes to a doctor twice twice and only spends a couple hundred dollars they are they get to keep that money that's in the HSA permanently going forward. So if they need it for
subsequent subsequent years maybe some emergency happens and they more healthcare money. It is in their pocket and is it is their own account. Um, >> well, they can roll it. >> They can roll it for >> They can roll it. >> As long as you stay in the high deductible,
>> you will get you have the HSA. You will never lose the HSA, >> right? >> But you can't really use it unless you're in the high deductible. >> You can't get it. It won't be funded, >> right? >> If you're in another uh plan, >> right? >> Uh the negatives, and always say what the negatives could be. Uh the negatives
are the out of town out of network might be a little bit more expensive because that deductible is higher. So it it forces more employees to stay kind of in network for the medical and that's what makes it cheaper, right? Is is to put more of the employees to the to the network. Uh and then administratively um
and administratively submitting your expenses and getting reimbursed out of your HSA, etc. might be a little bit um a little bit more confusing than just walking to a doctor and paying a $10 deductible. So, that's what part of that town hall was is is explaining the
different options and explaining, hey, you know, this might save you money. Um but you you have to be on top of the administrative part of it uh as well. And honestly, for the the younger employees, and there were there was an employee there as young as 21 years old. I mean, when I was 21 years old, I I
don't know. don't don't think I went to the doctor and I could save that whole amount of money that was in in my HSA. So, but if you're older like myself and and visit the doctor more often and have surgeries, etc., it might not be for you. So, you know, I didn't try to sell it like it was the plan that you had to
take, but I gave I I show them um kind of what it might mean for different uh employees and their different situations. So, you know, I was open, transparent, and and they did thank me at the end of that. And I think we have some people that did sign up for the higher deductible plan. >> We did what we have to do now. Uh I was
hoping to have the resolution ready for today, but we we can't because we still have to see how it's it the state has the HSA. So we have to get with the bank to do that. But um we need a resolution that approves that we will fund 4,000
for single and 8,000 8,000 for family. Is that standard? >> Actually, the federal um the federal maximum is 4,400 and 8800, >> right? No, because I I I utilize a high
deductible and my deductible is my deductible. My employer, they pay a part of the premium >> and that's it. Not then they're not giving me $4,000. That's that's a lot of money, isn't it? >> That was common sense to get >> That's the That's the incentive >> because we'll save on the back. We'll
still save money. >> On the back end, >> if you have a family plan and let's just say you have 17% contribution rate, >> right? >> You're saving the borrow 33,000. They give you back the borrow saving 25,000 on that. >> So, we're going to give them the deductible, but they're still paying
every two weeks there. Something's coming out. That's okay. It's all on your because their premium is low%. They have a lot of savings. great way for them to stay employed. >> And the nice thing about the HSA is that
money if you leave that goes with you. >> And the nice thing is you don't even have to use it for medical. You'll just pay taxes if you don't when you get older. >> But I think once you >> It's like an IRA. It's like an IRA. >> Go on Medicare, you can actually pay your benefits through that. >> You can. But I'm saying if you retire
and you're like, I want to buy a boat. And you have 300 grand in there. You can buy a boat. You just pay taxes on it. Yeah. >> Good for your health. >> Boats are very good for your health. If you can get up to heal sinking, >> if you can get up to 300,000 contributing 8,000 a year, that's
impressive. >> We have the um the way it's going to be funded because uh Brian was going to put that in the resolution. Um we'll have a resolution for you guys and uh we have already people who have signed up which is great.
>> Knock on wood because I think the increase this year was going to be 46%. Unbelievable. >> So the the the plan that we're in is a $10 deductible plan that is for private companies that don't care for, you know, the companies are are so profitable.
Employees are making so much money, it doesn't matter. And $10 deductible is a convenience. It's very different, you know, versus versus a municipality >> where we're trying to Yes. save money, but also give our employees, you know, a good option here. So I I think it's a win-win for both. Good job.
>> Yeah. Really nice job all together. Thank you. End of my report. >> Okay. Council President, >> thank you very much. Start with the planning board. In uh September, we heard an application and granted a
variance for a change of use within a residential zone. It's a less intensive use. The previous commercial use in that residential zone was that of a like a tree surgeon and a landscaping company.
But the new use which was granted uh was that of a makeup studio and bridal suite kind of a experience with one employee. So that that variance was granted. Uh the golf course is again still
working on their bunker project. Actually took a walk through there today. They've made great strides. The bunkers are a bit smaller than they used to be. So, that probably will accelerate play a bit, but they look just like uh pro bunkers now. They're very defined.
The sod is kind of like weeping over the edge. The sand is nice and clean. And these are special bunkers. They drain from the bottom. So, it should reduce maintenance costs long term, especially since they're smaller. Um I don't I
spoke with Sam today. He thinks they'll be done in two weeks. I looked at this amount of work they have to do. That would be pretty impressive, but uh optimistic. Uh the golf course is continuing to play while they're working on the bunker project. We already discussed the Oaks
Park House, so I won't go into that. Um as you know, Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11th. Um, in honor of Veterans Day, NVOT has a veterans ceremony which uh the council is invited to. Veterans
are obviously invited to. Our own veterans committee will be going. Um, it's historically been attended two or three times previously, ever since the inception of our veterans committee. Um, they provide lunch immediately following the ceremony. as a a twist of our old
routine is that after lunch, we expect to go to Oaks Park and are hoping to have a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of our uh veterans park um side of the of the Oaks Park. So, that's
that's our goal there. We'd like to invite the mayor, if you have time, to come by. >> I'd like to if you can just sum up the >> Yes, Councilman. Uh, I think there's more of a twist because I think the high school has theirs on Monday, not on Veterans Day. >> Oh, that Well, no, that is correct.
Theirs is November 10th. Uh, so we were going to follow suit right after lunch on the 10th. >> So, you're still going to do it on the 10th? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Changing things up. >> Sorry. We'll uh we'll double check that, but I'm pretty sure that that's >> I don't know what they want to do. They wanted to do something on Veterans Day,
but >> why can't we just do Veterans Day? >> And the the flag ceremony that they're I thought was going to be for the veterans. Seems like the Boy Scouts are doing scandal. >> You're stealing my thunder. But yes, the
uh the I have a I have a flyer for the flag ceremony. Uh as you all know, we have a Eagle Scout project that's newly created. We now have a flag retirement box at the police department. It has taken in a lot of flags. So there
there's a need for a ceremony to burn the flags in the proper way. And that is due to occur on November 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Stanland Park in Ultan. It's hosted by Jackson Weaver of Troop 132
and the Veterans Club. They said club here, but it's a committee. So, a slight edit needed, but um that's a whole different thing. That's different from our walk to Oaks Park, which I expect will now be on Veterans
Day. All right. Um one last thing is that I'd like to read something from Facebook that was posted by Ultan Girl Scouts because it's pretty amazing and meritorious. Uh it says, "What an amazing and inspirational event. The Center for Food Action honored the Girl
Scouts of Ultapan with the 2025 Community Leader Service Award on October 23rd at the annual Nourish uh awards ceremony. This recognition honors the many Girl Scout troops in all Japan. So all of the troops I suppose who have
worked together to collect food and donations to create snack pack bags for the weekend snack pack program over the past decade in partnership with the center for food action. Congratulations to all the Girl Scouts, their families, and the troop leaders who have worked
together to help make an impact for children facing food insecurity in Bergen County. It's amazing to be recognized for something that's been a decade in the making. So I just >> maybe the mayor can recognize them too. >> The mayor would be happy to recognize.
>> I will forward this to you. All right. So um since we already discussed Oak Park House I that completes my report. >> Thank you sir. >> Bill just a quick question. >> Veterans Day. It's on a Monday right?
November 10th is it? >> No. >> No Tuesday. >> It's Tuesday. >> Tuesday high school is the Monday. Um, are we offering veterans and active duty service members free golf at the golf course? >> They certainly are. >> On
>> on Veterans Day, >> we've done it in the past. So, >> Oh, we should definitely do. >> Yes. >> And I know the county had the county is as well. >> So, Sam should be informed. >> I'll let Sam know that there may be an influx of veterans on Veterans Day and
to be >> accommodating. Bill, you'll be at the um uh Stanland Park one. >> Yes. >> So, I don't know if I'll be around. Um but just so you know, if you want to add that in. I'm still friends with the Stanland family. >> Lou Stanland was my boy scout leader when he he passed away when I was
freshman in high school. >> Yeah. >> And actually, his son's my best friend. But anyway, one of his sons, Lou Jr., is Navy veteran. Uh he's retired now. Lives in Hawaii, but he was a submarine guy. He was on the Navy for his entire life. So, also a veteran if that ties in.
>> We could video the uh the event and >> Yeah, glad to have his email. Yeah, sure. >> Be nice. >> That's all. >> All right. Thank you. A couple of comments for me tonight. Um I certainly want to thank our skeleton crew from
last meeting. Um with myself, uh Council President Boyce, and Councilman Bagi, uh all being unavailable for our last meeting. So, thank you. um for getting the uh >> Did we fill you in on all the votes we took? >> I wa I watched >> pull the legislation you ram through.
>> Remember I said I wa so I watched it. Everyone did a spectacular job. Thank you for that. Uh and and to to echo the sentiment there, my understanding is that not only from up here, you know, before Halloween, I think was a great proposal. I think uh I think the
neighbors uh in the neighborhood there, I think the kids were happy. I think everybody was safe. So nice job on the Halloween proposal. And I've heard from multiple sources that it went well, including tonight. Um during the month, I uh certainly had the
uh the honor to uh to administer the oath of office to our newest councilwoman, Castello, so I want to I wasn't at your first meeting, so I want to say welcome personally welcome aboard. And I look forward to working with you uh on the council. My understanding, Anna, we did receive a
grant from on for the um $30,000 grant for exterior work at the senior building. >> Yeah, the the steps uh the concrete that whole thing is crumbling. >> Okay. And um >> so that'll go towards >> So that'll be for next year. Yeah,
they've changed everything. Everything needs to have a con. So right now we have one this week and we'll be changing the doors and putting the key fobs on those doors. about that a lot and then next year we'll be back.
>> Okay, good. Um I attended the uh annual Ultipan Fire Department and Ultan EMS their open houses that takes part during National Fire Prevention Week. Uh I think the uh the kids who attended had a great time.
The fire department put on a demonstration cutting open the car. EMS always has a great time banishing people, putting fake blood on people and things like that. So, I think the uh the school age kids had a great uh great experience at our annual open house. Uh
I heard it a few times tonight. T uh town day was a big success. Um I attended the Reagan Muffin Parade prior to town day uh hosted by our women's club. They had a lot of great uh great costumes there uh walking around Oaks Park. So, it was really great to see.
And then again, town day just was, I think, a spectacular event. I love this time of year. Maybe it's a conversation as we head into next year about having it more as a fall event. Uh I will take responsibility for the weather this time. So, it was a it was a it got a little cloudy and it got a little cooler
at the end of the day, but uh but it was a great it was a great day. Um, this past Saturday I attended uh EMS had a uh they they're having uh some different trying to spark some recruitment efforts and
they had a pet adoption event uh at the building and they had a I forget the name of the organization that that puts it on a nonprofit, but they brought 10 dogs down, paraded them all around. all the kids and everybody else petted them and they took walks and it was really it
was a great day. My understanding that four out of the 10 were adopted that day. >> Wow. >> And that they have probably two or three more people who've been been preapproved and so probably at least another two hopefully three dogs will uh will find
permanent homes um after that event. >> Ties right into the dog park. >> There you go. >> There you go. All right. So, uh, that was a that was a great event, and I think I think they gave out a couple of, uh, applications for, uh, uh, new volunteers at the at the ambulance
course. So, it was a kind of a win-win. Um, what else? On November 13th, I have the once again the privilege of welcoming in our third graders to the council chambers here. They they walk over on a nice day. uh they got great
questions and uh we have a lot of fun uh uh I have a lot of fun uh talking to the third graders. So they're coming in here on the morning of uh November 13th and uh I forget the exact date but um most know that um we submitted our
fourth round affordable housing plan to the program as they call it. Uh and they uh if I say something wrong you can you can correct me. They uh they challenged our plan. They have a couple of things in there. So, we'll be doing a virtual
first hearing with Fair Share Housing >> mediation. >> Mediation to discuss uh maybe where they felt our plan was deficient or where it needs to be added to or something. So, that will take place 16th. I think it's a Tuesday.
>> It's the Tuesday. Oh my god. >> The 18th. >> Tuesday's the 18th. >> Tuesday the 18th. And Tuesday, we'll have uh we'll have a a virtual hearing with um uh with the court's mediation to to discuss that. >> The judge and the special adjudicator,
>> right? Okay. So, um we'll go over that and um I think that's all I have unless anybody has any questions. >> Brian have anything to do with the Zoom meetings? How many council people?
>> Yeah, it can only be three. three members of the governing body alto together. >> Okay. So, so far I think there are >> sounds like we have three. >> Okay. >> So, the the roster is closed. >> Okay. It would be myself, uh, Councilwoman Pastello, and Councilman Marty, >> and I will be on there. And I think John
Zel, >> John Zel will be on as well. Yes. >> Okay. We'll fill in everyone after that. Um, that's all we'll have. I entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So, move second. >> Second. All in favor? >> I. We're ajourned.
>> Thank you. >> Some fancy stuff, Jess. Some fancy stuff. >> Yeah. Look at them folded. Were they in the budget? >> Nice. >> You approve that for jump and make decisions on your own. Can you put a little
>> small just check things off and make little notes to myself? >> Bill, what time is um >> Veterans Day? November 10th. >> Which one? >> November 11th. What's the deal? >> That's Dan. at Dana Land is the flag.
All right, let's drop down after 11:00. >> 9 >> a trap. >> A chat. I got back, but I was impatient. So, I'm like I saw an hour later, but I never back. >> A chat? >> Yeah.
>> I said to Don, I would chat about the um >> Probably just a mistake. fourth round to >> Oh, she found a one.