WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=iBx5WvpqcH4

NOTE
MEETING SECTIONS:

Part 1 (Video ID: iBx5WvpqcH4):
- 00:00:00: Meeting Call to Order; Flag Salute; Roll Call
- 00:01:08: Upcoming Meetings; Mayor Recognizes Victoria, Wrestling Champion
- 00:04:55: Back to Public Session; Introductions; Michael Smith's Statements
- 00:09:09: Public Safety Concerns; Truck Awareness; Road Speed Assessment
- 00:12:43: Council Reaffirms Horrific Accident; Road Speeds; Traffic Committee
- 00:15:15: Public Comments: Urgency to Slow Down; Article; Town Budget
- 00:17:45: Responses to Ms. Mary; CFO Protocol; Budgetary Inquiries
- 00:19:07: Public Comments: Waste Management; Slower Driving; Budget Details
- 00:23:08: Public Comments: Government; Open Space Neglect; Pesticides
- 00:28:54: Public Comments: Politicians; Property Taxes; School Traffic
- 00:31:40: Public Comments: Veil Road; Speeding; Support DPFW Department
- 00:33:32: Public Comments: Sidewalk; Detours; Visual Problems; Crossing
- 00:37:07: Public Comments: Road Accidents; Traffic Problems; Safety Concerns
- 00:42:40: Public Session Closed; Ammended Budget Public Hearing Open
- 00:43:26: Public Comments: Water Issues; Eastern Division Closing
- 00:45:27: Public Comments: Additional Budget Questions; Amended Budget Clarification
- 00:47:04: Public Comments: Expense Details and Future Budget Planning
- 00:51:47: Independent Audit; Financial Stability; Glenmont Paving
- 00:57:57: Budgeting; Utilities; Motion to Close Public Session
- 00:59:24: Resolutions and Budget Voting; Comments About Budget Philosophy
- 01:05:04: Kavanaugh; Fixing Past Mistakes; Sustainability
- 01:06:44: McGrath Expresses Tax Increase Concerns; Possible Revaluation
- 01:08:57: Patel Appreciates CFO and BA's Hard Work; Hernandez
- 01:11:29: Council Presentations; Tree City; Lake Haywat
- 01:16:01: Roads; Safety; Reckless Driving; EBike Laws; Vision Zero
- 01:19:24: Ordinance; Tree Removal; Replacement; Green Team; Ordinance
- 01:21:17: Business Administrator Update; Staff; Grant Funded Oppurtunities
- 01:22:39: Resolution and Contracts; Action Plan for Community Development


Part: 1

1
00:00:00.480 --> 00:00:16.400
Okay. Council agenda. Township precipity Troy Hills Township Council Agenda meeting of May 5th, 2026. Introduction. Posting of notice. Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided in accordance with the requirements to open public meetings law by following notice in the office of the township clerk and by posting the meeting notice in the bulletin board at the municipal building on December 4th,

2
00:00:16.400 --> 00:00:33.600
2025 which remain posted since that day. A legal notice appeared in the daily record in Norar ledger on December 17, 2025. May I please ask everyone to stand for the black >> salute to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for it stands

3
00:00:33.600 --> 00:00:53.120
one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, roll call. Mr. Karifi >> here. >> Mr. um Mr. Kavanagh >> here. >> Mr. McGrath >> here. >> M Patel >> here. >> Mr. Fernandez here. >> Also in attendance are Mayor Poker

4
00:00:53.120 --> 00:01:08.159
Desai, business administrator Mark Seaman, CFO and Jaka Sabatini, our township attorney Joe DeMarco, municipal clerk Colet Madden, council president. We have a quorum. May I begin? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Um upcoming meetings, you have May 19th, 2026 at 7 p.m. which is

5
00:01:08.159 --> 00:01:23.920
the regular meeting and June 9th, 2026 at 7 p.m. which is the agenda meeting. At this point, you can just review the ordinances second reading which will be adopted at the next meeting. Okay. Seeing that there's no questions by council, we're going to go ahead and go right into the public session. May I

6
00:01:23.920 --> 00:01:39.680
please have a motion to open up the public session? >> Motion. Second. >> Um before actually, if if Yeah. Yeah. I apologize. That was my fault. Before we go into the public session, we're just going to have the mayor do a quick recognition of uh of a student. So, go

7
00:01:39.680 --> 00:02:15.599
ahead, mayor. Hello everyone. Today I met Victoria in my office and I felt it was important to recognize her uh at the council meeting. So tonight, I'd like to take a moment to recognize a truly remarkable young woman from right

8
00:02:15.599 --> 00:02:32.959
here in PCI. Victoria Lou, an eighth grader at Brooklyn, is a trailblazer. She's the first female wrestler in her school, a sport known for strength, but also demands discipline, strategy, and mental toughness. Wrestling is sometimes described as physical chess. During the match, you

9
00:02:32.959 --> 00:02:47.519
can feel what your opponent is doing. You anticipate, you react, and Victoria has mastered that balance. She wrestles boys and she beats them. She has gone on to become a state champion. But wait, there's more. She's also a national

10
00:02:47.519 --> 00:03:12.480
champion. So, let's let's show her. Thank you. And that's not the whole story. Victoria is also an outstanding student. She'll be attending Blair Academy next year. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, showing that excellent doesn't come in just one form. Strength,

11
00:03:12.480 --> 00:03:29.519
intelligence, and creativity allinone. When I spoke with her mother, she asked me to recognize the support for Victoria that she received from Paripony Pal and our school system. That kind of community support matters. It helps makes achievements like this possible.

12
00:03:29.519 --> 00:03:44.879
Victoria's success is something we can all be proud of. It reflects not only her dedication but the strength of the community around her. It is my honor to present her with the certificate of achievement this evening and later this month a mayor's award. Victoria,

13
00:03:44.879 --> 00:04:05.680
congratulations. Participan is proud of you. So this certificate of achievement is for outstanding achievement in wrestling including winning the 2026 USA wrestling women's national championship and representing the state of New Jersey and

14
00:04:05.680 --> 00:04:21.919
the township of Paripony Troy Hills on the national stage. Congratulations on becoming the first girl to win the Greater Morris County Wrestling Tournament in the boys division, as well as New Jersey State Champion in both freestyle and folk style. Your

15
00:04:21.919 --> 00:04:50.680
dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence, both on and off the mat, including earning all American honors, bring great pride to our community. Good job. There you go. Agree. >> Let's get going with the family.

16
00:04:55.919 --> 00:05:35.440
>> National champion. >> Awesome. >> Thank you VERY MUCH. YEAH, THAT'S WHAT I thought. Okay, thank you. Congratulations. Okay, so at this time we're going to get back to the public session. I'd like to

17
00:05:35.440 --> 00:05:49.919
entertain a motion to open up the public session, please. >> Motion second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Miss uh Patel? >> Yes. >> And uh Mr. Hernandez? >> Yes.

18
00:05:49.919 --> 00:06:06.240
>> Okay. Thank you. Uh Mr. Smith. >> Yes. >> The floor is yours, sir. >> Council President, uh would you uh allow Mr. Smith to go a little bit over five minutes if it comes to that. >> Um

19
00:06:06.240 --> 00:06:21.680
>> Oh yeah, me. >> Yes, of course. >> Thank you. >> Okay, >> bear with me. I not a a public speaker. Um >> Okay. >> My thing is going to kind of range in three sections here. Um first, >> I'm sorry. Could I ask you to just speak

20
00:06:21.680 --> 00:06:37.840
into the mic a little bit? Yeah. I'm sorry about that. >> Sorry. Can you hear me? >> Yeah. Yeah. Cuz you got, you know, I just want to make sure they hear you. >> Um my name is Michael Smith. I live at 729 Bell Road and I'm speaking tonight as a lifelong resident and a member of the sanitation department. I want to take a moment to express something that

21
00:06:37.840 --> 00:06:53.919
honestly can't be fully put into words, but I'm going to try. I'm going to thank the entire community for showing up the way you have. The outpouring of support, the donations, the messages, the prayers. It has been overwhelming in the best possible way. It has reminded me

22
00:06:53.919 --> 00:07:09.759
all of us what this town is truly about. Anthony is somebody who spent his days serving this community, doing a job that often goes unnoticed, but is absolutely essential. And when he needed help, this community didn't hesitate. You stepped up, you showed up, and you prove that

23
00:07:09.759 --> 00:07:26.319
the people here take care of their own. To everyone who donated, whether it was $5 to $500, please know it matters. To those who shared the link, checked in, or kept Anthony and his family your thoughts, that matters just as much. On behalf of Anthony, his family, and

24
00:07:26.319 --> 00:07:42.080
everyone in the sanitation department, I want you to know that your support is making a real difference. It's help easing a burden during an incredibly difficult time, and it's giving strength where it's needed most. This is what community looks like. This is what makes this town special. I would also like to

25
00:07:42.080 --> 00:07:58.160
thank the administration for their quick response, continued support, and the followup. It's been both thoughtful and highly professional. So, again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Um, that's my first part. Second part, I'm going to give a brief

26
00:07:58.160 --> 00:08:14.240
update on Anthony. Um, I did call Anthony before I I said said I was going to say this. I allowed him to read it. He okayed it. So, it's going to be brief, kind of vague, but as for an update on Anthony, um, he remains in very good spirits and has

27
00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:29.919
been surrounded by family and loved ones every step of the way. There's been a constant stream of visitors, family, friends, his brothers from the Mount Taber Fire Department, and his brothers from the DPW, all showing their support. Less than 24 hours after his third

28
00:08:29.919 --> 00:08:45.519
successful surgery, Anthony sent me a video that truly floored me. It was him standing less than a week after the accident. Knowing Anthony, if there were a way for him to personally shake the hand of every single person who has helped, donated, or prayed for him, he

29
00:08:45.519 --> 00:09:09.200
would do it without hesitation. He still has a long road ahead, and I ask that you continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Okay. I don't even know where I am. All right. All right. Now, I'm going to touch on

30
00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:24.240
something that I think a lot of the residents have concerns about, including the township employees. Um, right now, you've got an entire sanitation department and honestly, probably an entire work force on edge.

31
00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:39.680
What used to be a concern has become very real, and our families are feeling it, too. Some are even asking us to consider finding a different line of work. Out on the routes, things have changed. We're moving slower, being more cautious. There's a lot more looking over our shoulders to make sure it's

32
00:09:39.680 --> 00:09:55.839
safe, and a lot more leaning on the horn when drivers try to pass us in places they shouldn't. So, I'll apologize in advance for those early morning honks, but they're apparent. They're happening for a reason. This job is physically demanding, but what most people don't see is the mental strain, and that can

33
00:09:55.839 --> 00:10:12.240
be even more exhausting. We're operating 40,000lb trucks down tight streets, navigating around parked cars, watching for pedestrians, dealing with impatient drivers, and most importantly, positioning the truck to protect the person working on the back. I'm here today to ask the public to help spread

34
00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:28.800
awareness. Please don't follow too closely when we're out working. Keep a safe distance from the truck. I hope most people are familiar with the New Jersey moveover law, but what you may not know is that the sanitation trucks were added in 2021. We've had way too many close calls, so please slow down,

35
00:10:28.800 --> 00:10:44.560
be patient, stay alert, and if you can give us space or simply avoid passing us altogether. I've lived on Veil Road for most of my life, and unfortunately, I hear speeding outside my home every single day. You'll never hear me complain about the men and women who protect and serve this

36
00:10:44.560 --> 00:11:01.120
community. I truly believe we're blessed to have such an outstanding police force. On January 29th, 2026, our community was shaken when a beloved crossing guard, Denise Roco, was struck by a vehicle while working her post. What has been done since that date to

37
00:11:01.120 --> 00:11:17.839
improve the safety of our crossing guards? What equipment, if any, has been purchased to help with the safety? Have the men and women who performed this job been involved in the conversation on how to improve safety? When is the last time we checked on the signage and painted painted the crosswalks? In just a short

38
00:11:17.839 --> 00:11:33.839
stretch of Veil Road, we have five apartment complexes, four schools, and multiple crossing guard locations. And in in the fact that it is heavily used cutthrough street, and it's clear how critical this road is. So why when crossing North Beverick heading east does the speed limit

39
00:11:33.839 --> 00:11:53.360
increase to 40 mph, especially on a downhill that leads into a curve? It doesn't make much sense to me. I think that's a I read I read a part that was supposed to be but I already read it. Um, you know, I I'm not pointing blame at

40
00:11:53.360 --> 00:12:09.760
anybody, especially, you know, some of the people sitting in this in here. I just think a serious conversation needs to happen. um you know with the traffic committee, the police department, the administration, um you know, veil road and it's just not

41
00:12:09.760 --> 00:12:26.800
railroad. And I I understand other people live on other streets at speed, but I live there. There's been two incidences with with township employees now in in in a 3 months time. I think, you know, a speed assessment needs to be done. Um and and and a discussion needs

42
00:12:26.800 --> 00:12:43.839
to be had and and that's going to be your your guys's job. I'm going to keep doing what I do and I'm going to keep utilizing my voice and and spreading awareness. Um, and I hope a lot of the people here do that as well. Um, and again, thank you everybody for the

43
00:12:43.839 --> 00:13:01.760
support for my co-work. I appreciate it. Thank the administration very much and and all of you. All right. Thank you. >> I really I really appreciate what you had to say, Michael. Um >> um I mean I I also had a statement I wanted

44
00:13:01.760 --> 00:13:18.079
to make about this. I'm going to kind of reiterate some of the things you said. Um over the last week as a community we witnessed a horrific accident and serious injury of a dedicated worker and volunteer firefighter. Sanitation worker is difficult labor and with

45
00:13:18.079 --> 00:13:34.880
inconsiderate drivers they are also at risk. Just this week there was another accident I believe on Veil Road. I heard we are very grateful for our first responders, but I would like to see them called less frequently. As drivers and

46
00:13:34.880 --> 00:13:51.680
pedestrians, we must be mindful of our actions and surroundings. People's livelihoods and lives are at stake. So, not only on V you talk about another road that goes from a one short mileage to another on 202. the

47
00:13:51.680 --> 00:14:08.480
same thing where that child got killed a couple of years ago. It's a 40 m an hour road and right Cassara that so we would love that to be changed. I don't know how we could do that. I would like to see the traffic committee. Maybe we could talk about that move over New

48
00:14:08.480 --> 00:14:25.440
Jersey have a conversation in Paripony about um how we drive and driving slower and driving more mindfully. We can talk about that maybe. Right, mayor. Maybe we can do that. I think it's time.

49
00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:42.399
I know the traffic advisory committee has wanted to do this for a long time. >> Council President, very quickly, uh, just to address something that, uh, Mr. Smith has indicated with regards to, uh, the situation that happened. It was very unfortunate. The mayor the very next day had spoke to me and uh we spoke to the

50
00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:58.959
chief and uh our head of patrol and we had indicated that they needed to increase police presence on Veil North Devilwick Hally frontage all the main roads in town and uh to be very vigilant of speeding and more importantly distracted driving. So just just so

51
00:14:58.959 --> 00:15:15.279
you're aware uh mayor I just wanted to just reiterate that. So that was from the mayor right after that happened. Well, just want to let you know, >> but and we need to do something longterm, >> too. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Michael. >> Any other member from the public? I'm assuming there's got to be more with all

52
00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:47.120
these people, right? There's not just one person that's possible. Oh, come on, Miss Paul Mary. How are you? Good evening, Mr. Mayor and the council. So, first I would like to take a moment and all bow our heads and say prayers

53
00:15:47.120 --> 00:16:05.279
for Michael. It is very important to me. The next day I was driving to work going on North Blick Road out to 46 and right in front of me a truck slammed into the back of an SUV and sent that SUV across

54
00:16:05.279 --> 00:16:21.199
the road in front of me. We need to do something urgently to slow people down. We need to have um education in the high schools for these young drivers that I see

55
00:16:21.199 --> 00:16:37.759
speeding all over town. Veil Road, North Beverick Road, Lake Shore Drive, over in Lake Pipany, up and down Allentown Road. We have to have more presence to slow people down and especially get them off

56
00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:55.199
their phones. It's really bad how often I see people driving like this. So that's my first comment. My second comment has to do with the article that was in the focus today. I'm sure you are all aware and have seen it. So my

57
00:16:55.199 --> 00:17:11.439
question is and please don't take this personally because it is not about you. It is about process. Okay. I would like to know, do we have the protocol in place for

58
00:17:11.439 --> 00:17:28.880
someone to have a job as high as a CFO within our town and another town? >> Is that all your questions, Mr. Mary? >> No. >> You have more? >> Yes. >> Go ahead and ask. >> Okay. My second question has to do with the budget. I see that we put something

59
00:17:28.880 --> 00:17:45.039
out, but I have not seen that it has gone down any more than what it was. And I'm sorry if your town workers can only get a two or 3% increase, you should be held to that same standard because that is what we are all getting. And to do

60
00:17:45.039 --> 00:18:04.320
anything higher than that, you are drastically affecting families. Thank you. >> Thank you for your question, Mr. Paul. I just want to address the second question. May I council president? this. Yes, you can address that >> unless you want to go first

61
00:18:04.320 --> 00:18:18.880
>> about the CFO. >> Yes, you can I do that. Okay. >> So, with regards to that the uh the protocol in place in general, so I just want to give first in town most department or division heads are allowed to have a second job. They just have to notify us and as long as it doesn't

62
00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:33.520
conflict with this job. So, in her case, she's working that second job and it's a part-time over there. Now, we do have other department and division heads that have second jobs, consulting firms that teach and do other things. So, yes. Go ahead. You were going to say something.

63
00:18:33.520 --> 00:18:50.000
>> New Jersey statute that was supposed to be um filled out for job sharing. I'm not going to miss it. I can look it up. But are we following? >> Uh I'm not aware of that statute, but I can always look it up and you can come

64
00:18:50.000 --> 00:19:07.440
down. But I can tell you we are we are following all New Jersey laws. We are not breaking any laws. I can tell you that pretty confidently. If you have, we'll do after the meeting. We'll talk. Yep. After the meeting. Um, thank you for your questions.

65
00:19:07.440 --> 00:19:51.200
Any other member of the public? Good evening. Richard Suarez Parcipony. I had a cousin that owned a uh waste management company. He was on the up and up. Um not often you hear that one. And every year

66
00:19:51.200 --> 00:20:07.039
he said that waste management workers were in the top three most hazardous jobs that >> I believe that >> people do on a daily basis. It's not

67
00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:23.840
going to kill you to drive just a little slower. Give these guys a little room. >> Mhm. >> You know, everybody's in a rush today. You know, this this is a guy's life that's been changed forever all because someone wanted to get to

68
00:20:23.840 --> 00:20:39.440
somewhere to beat you to the next red light. You're you you you're going to catch him at the next red light. We all know that. All right, that was item number one. Item number two.

69
00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:58.720
Um, as far as the budget, good thing it wasn't dynamite. As far as the budget, a couple years ago, Mayor Barbario sat here in the mayor's chair and he came up with

70
00:20:58.720 --> 00:21:15.760
a budget of $88 million in and change. And there was some discussion from the people who pay the taxes and he made a point clear as a matter of

71
00:21:15.760 --> 00:21:33.760
fact he said if you reject this budget I'm going to come back with the same exact budget. This administration at least has made an attempt to cut down on what needs to be done.

72
00:21:33.760 --> 00:21:50.559
It's such a good thing that they're taking maintenance to the preventive maintenance level like you are with the water towers and the uh and and the water lines. When you let something go,

73
00:21:50.559 --> 00:22:07.760
the problem doesn't go away. It only costs more to fix it. So if you can get your maintenance costs on an even keel rather than having peaks and valleys, that's what you strive for.

74
00:22:07.760 --> 00:22:23.039
And I don't think that and I'm on a fixed budget and I don't think a very fixed budget and I don't think that the increases given the fact that the health

75
00:22:23.039 --> 00:22:40.240
care costs are driving so much of this is not it's not a a ridiculous amount. It really isn't. Let's look at where the costs are are coming from. the costs are coming from outside sources beyond the control of

76
00:22:40.240 --> 00:23:08.720
the people here. That's all I have to say. Bye-bye. >> Thank you, Richard. >> You're welcome. >> That's correct. You answer. Uh, I'll agree what Richard just said about the budget, and I've said this

77
00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:25.600
before. Our problems stem from a lack of government as intended. We've been compromised by gangsters who are spending our money for everything. But the citizens of this country, health

78
00:23:25.600 --> 00:23:43.200
care, education, affordable housing, and they just how much can you bear? market will bear, economy won't. Uh I I'd like to to speak up here. I I've noticed uh I've noticed this before

79
00:23:43.200 --> 00:24:00.000
and they've been mentioned it in the past. We are neglecting our open space in Green Acres properties. Uh, I used to do the Rucker's rain garden about four times a year and the

80
00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:17.600
null area has been my adopted area since 2014. Invasive plants are starting to dominate the landscape and it's it's not a good thing. We have Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard,

81
00:24:17.600 --> 00:24:34.799
barberry stilt grass. No efforts myaminifine. No efforts are being made by parks and forestry or the community environmental or whatever, but there's a a little rain garden down on Wilbur and Lakeshore

82
00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:50.400
Drive in Hayawata. You cross the street along the dyke wall, we have the star flowers, the ephemerals and trout liies that still exist there. The guys cut the grass. They don't police the trash. They cut

83
00:24:50.400 --> 00:25:06.960
the grass. But that particular piece of landscape doesn't need any maintenance at all. Let it go. Nature's taking care of it. Go across the street to the Rucker's rain garden. It's full of garlic mustard now.

84
00:25:06.960 --> 00:25:23.120
It's the uh alilopathic. It doesn't allow anything to grow there. The sidewalk is deteriorated. And as usual, I spent two hours and all I got was alcohol related

85
00:25:23.120 --> 00:25:38.559
uh products, those little liquor bottles and all. And I can tell you by just my adopted area and looking around, people are driving and drinking and I don't know what hours of the day, but that's not good. That's another free market

86
00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:54.640
wonder. Go to the liquor store, get you a little shot, drink, drive, litter. So, so much for public safety. The other thing I noticed today, I'm sitting on the steps and the truck and it's been around big a tank on the truck

87
00:25:54.640 --> 00:26:10.559
from Parks and Forestry and it says pesticide. Pesticide. They treat the playgrounds with pesticides. Now, there's a bill right now pending in Trenton. It just began in February, but

88
00:26:10.559 --> 00:26:26.880
they want to outlaw pesticides on playgrounds in schoolyards and things like that. The town of Montlair right now has a local ordinance. They don't they don't allow it on their schools and

89
00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:43.679
and municipal playgrounds. So, they're they're ahead of the state. But how much do we pay to go around for a guy? He could pull the weeds. He get a little exercise to stay healthy, but he's spraying the cracks of the between the

90
00:26:43.679 --> 00:27:01.440
bricks and the mulch to get rid of weeds. I mean, it isn't that a waste, you know? And how do we really have to cut the grass as much as we cut the grass? Grass isn't harming anybody. We have no We have all these places that

91
00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:17.120
are being trashed. We have no duties and responsibilities from the employees to police the litter. Not only police the litter, inventory it and look at it and see what these products, these convenient products are doing to our

92
00:27:17.120 --> 00:27:33.440
community. these corporations are are profiting and and we're suffering the cost and they're producing safety issues. You know, like the guy I heard from the garbage truck, he was he was coming up when when the guy uh

93
00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:50.240
almost got squashed. >> You have 30 seconds. >> And he said, "Uh, the sun was in my eyes." Really? Well, the sun was You couldn't see the garbage truck. And I'll tell you right now on my street on Naida, we got guys that go from River Drive all the way up to North Bewick and

94
00:27:50.240 --> 00:28:06.320
we got a lot of them during the day. They're they're doing at least 40 m an hour and sometimes more. So it's all over the place. It's the way of life we created and they're not going to stop it. You're going to it's not going to stop. It's going to continue.

95
00:28:06.320 --> 00:28:22.080
Engineer a car that can only go a certain certain amount of miles, but it's not going to happen. Okay, Nick. >> All right. >> Why don't we meet and we could talk about those rain gardens? Maybe we could figure out a community project for somebody with the green team.

96
00:28:22.080 --> 00:28:38.960
>> It's manageable. >> But we'll figure it out. We'll talk about it. because the current admin parks and forestry aren't that's not how they're instructed >> and null needs to invest some of their money in abading these invasives that

97
00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:54.080
are taking over the landscape since I adopted that landscape. >> We'll talk. We'll talk. >> It's it's a >> we'll talk. >> Yeah. It's like a tidal wave of go sit down. >> Invasives. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else?

98
00:28:54.080 --> 00:29:13.760
All right. Everybody's running. Don't go come up too quickly now. >> Jack Rya, I like the mayor, but he threw out a jawdropper recently when he said politicians don't like to raise taxes. Starting with the base year of 2021, the

99
00:29:13.760 --> 00:29:31.039
last year of the Sorano administration where budgeted property taxes were just under 54 million. This year, 5 years later, we are discussing property tax revenue of nearly $73 million, a $19 million increase in a mere 5 years, a

100
00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:46.320
28% increase. In comparison, the school district revenue from 2021-22 was $147 million. Last week, the budget, the school uh district passed a budget of uh that was

101
00:29:46.320 --> 00:30:01.039
approved with property tax revenue of 170 million, a mere 16% increase over the same period of time. The schools have been mandated to limited to a 2% increase per year. This year was an

102
00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:18.799
exception and um for health care costs. The town needs a similar mandate. What are our priorities? Should spending increase for the town faster than it's increasing for the school district? That's something that we haven't really asked ourselves and I don't think that

103
00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:34.799
that should be the case. The schools have managed to restrain spending and and found time and found ways to work with less to do more with less. It's time for the town to do the same. um regarding that article I saw today about

104
00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:51.679
the about the CFO um in two towns now it's actually encouraging in a way because in the private sector CFOs are being hired on a fractional basis and I don't know the circumstances and the author of the article admitted they

105
00:30:51.679 --> 00:31:08.640
didn't know the circumstances either of the contract between the town and the CFO but if they're working to save money and do it on a fractional part-time basis I think that's a good thing and something that should be encouraged. Um, finally on the on the school traffic,

106
00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:25.120
nobody mentioned two years ago when right by Littleton school a car got turned upside down literally on the roof of its car. It was upside down. I I couldn't believe it. Apparently, it was a it was a fairly elderly lady who did that and luckily she didn't get hurt.

107
00:31:25.120 --> 00:31:40.960
But the car there was glass all over the road. It was an it actually like I couldn't believe it at that part of town right by the right by Littleton school. So, uh yeah, the driving in this town is out of hand. It's kind of like the budget increases. So, so I think we need

108
00:31:40.960 --> 00:32:12.320
to calm both things down. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anthony Wong Lake, Paul Sipony. First of all, I'd like to thank uh the mayor of Pulkit for helping us with Velvo Road with the problem we had there with the garbage.

109
00:32:12.320 --> 00:32:28.000
Um that's something Barbaria wouldn't do. He wouldn't take a call. He just leave a message. Um, and plus like everybody's talking about the speeding on the roads, you know, railroad railroad railroad. Yeah. 40 m an hour.

110
00:32:28.000 --> 00:32:44.720
You see people flying that one. 202 on uh by the Dunkin Donuts there where the two lanes going to one. When people go to that light, they try to break go for it. It's speed limits 40. There's a single lane and there's an

111
00:32:44.720 --> 00:33:01.519
entrance to Dunkin Donuts and everything. And I've seen numerous people's hit the brakes before they ran into somebody. >> You know that that that part should be the low the speed limit should be lowered there. Brown Brook Road in the morning when kids are going to school. You know,

112
00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:17.039
parents got to get their kids to school quick. You got to get that spot closest to the school and you race up that road. Put a couple of speed bumps between Camden and Kingston. That will slow the cars down cuz nobody wants to ruin their

113
00:33:17.039 --> 00:33:32.799
car, you know, and I think that should go around to other schools, speed bumps, then people maybe will wake up. And like I said, thank you, mayor, for helping us, you and the DPFW department. And my prayers do go out for the family, for

114
00:33:32.799 --> 00:34:21.280
the guy who got hurt. Thank you. Good evening everyone. I live on Nikki Avenue right near the lake Haywata library. So right now I know thanks for doing the sidewalk on the north perig. My son is artistic and he loves to ride

115
00:34:21.280 --> 00:34:38.159
the bike and now it's much smoother on some part of from the pariponyi funeral down the road. But now the problem is they block the road near the Minihaha North Berwick and then divert the cars, detour the cars into Nikcomiss Avenue.

116
00:34:38.159 --> 00:34:54.720
The problem is many of them are commuters and they just don't care. They turn in and they the same problem as everyone else has mentioned. That part is a very like two side car parking is there and only middle can go. It's not a

117
00:34:54.720 --> 00:35:11.119
two-lane road also and the cars are speeding. I called traffic and complained. Left a voice message, left my number and name. Nobody called me. And there's one more problem down the street in Nikcom and Lake Cho Drive. The corner property has a big bush which is

118
00:35:11.119 --> 00:35:28.240
well above 10 ft. And this I've been complaining for seven years for them to cut it down so that I come stop sign look at the left side because up the hill from the lake show drive the car speeds really and especially when they see the uh green light they speed very

119
00:35:28.240 --> 00:35:44.160
much and I can't even see the cars coming on this side. Numerous time I was about to take a right and car speeds numerous time. Luckily touchwood I not gotten into accident but someday or other it's going to be a wreck over that spot. What was that address again? Lake

120
00:35:44.160 --> 00:36:00.400
shore lake shore into the uh miniha into the lake shore left side there's a property and there's a huge bush >> okay >> and I even pulled out a cop and asked him to drive with me showed him that this is what the visual problem is because the stop sign is there the bush

121
00:36:00.400 --> 00:36:16.160
is right there many property does that they grow a bush which is that happened in the Roosevelt and leg shore also >> to the right and they fixed it so this is one and second um the crossing are near the central. I speak to her all the

122
00:36:16.160 --> 00:36:33.040
time. Many cars in the morning and in the evening, that's not a two lane. When the car takes the left into the back side of the central, many cars speed on the right side, they come right on the bumper, they speed. Something has to be done over there also.

123
00:36:33.040 --> 00:36:50.000
>> If you could if you could just give me your contact information and I'll get have it taken care of. >> Thanks. >> Thanks, Mark. also with the with the uh the first issue with um that you were talking about with your son driving. The first

124
00:36:50.000 --> 00:37:07.200
issue about the detour. >> Yeah. So that that's right down there. >> Yeah. Just give me your phone number. >> Thanks. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Oh, it wouldn't be a meeting without you, Mr. Barios. You know that I

125
00:37:07.200 --> 00:37:33.200
was waiting. I was I was going to call you out if I didn't see you. You know, Tim Burio's Farmstead Drive. Um, and let me state that I am a member of the Parcipony Board of Education, but I am here in my uh my as a taxpayer and a

126
00:37:33.200 --> 00:37:49.599
citizen and not as a member for the board. nor do I speak for the board uh at this meeting. Um, I wasn't going to say anything, but I did I had the it was unfortunate that as I was I also

127
00:37:49.599 --> 00:38:05.920
drive a school bus, not from Port Sipony, I drive for a contractor out Mauville. And as I was coming home, unfortunately, I was able to see what was the the last part of that accident. And it was I did not know at the time what the

128
00:38:05.920 --> 00:38:22.160
outcome was but just from my point it was horrific from what I saw. So, and a lot of folks have talked about the traffic and you know when I was driving, I had a route here in Port Sipony for a little

129
00:38:22.160 --> 00:38:37.599
while and you know, one of the things that really hasn't changed much over the years is like for example, you know, on a school bus when you put your reds on and your stop arm goes out, everybody's supposed to stop. Well, on Veil Road

130
00:38:37.599 --> 00:38:52.160
that is not the case. they just blow by you on the left side. Now, nine times out of 10, students are coming out of houses on your right, so you open the door. So, you're very it's it's odds are you're not going to have a

131
00:38:52.160 --> 00:39:09.440
problem. However, and as a bus driver, sometimes you have to make the decision that, you know, do I cut across Veil Road? Do I cross the double yellows just to block traffic a little bit the least to have safety for the the children? Um,

132
00:39:09.440 --> 00:39:26.640
but I think and I had suggested this many years ago is that's a major problem if you get busted and Veil Road and like I said I don't do the stops on Veil Road anymore. I'm not Madison, but Veil Road

133
00:39:26.640 --> 00:39:43.760
has a number of stops. And I think that it would probably benefit the town to put an unmarked car someplace vis uh not visible or or just where a few of the stops are. And as

134
00:39:43.760 --> 00:40:02.000
soon as you see someone blow the reds, you hit the lights and go after them because that's going to send a message. The other thing is uh I live on farmstead. Farmstead's a cutth through between uh no road and uh and Roosevelt. Um and

135
00:40:02.000 --> 00:40:18.480
unfortunately most of them are teenagers from our high school and we do talk to the principal and everybody else and we do try to send out safety information but you know I've offered it many times in the past. My drive I'm 24. I'm about four houses up from the street. Park in

136
00:40:18.480 --> 00:40:33.680
my driveway. I'll buy you a cup of coffee and you can sit there and tag people all day long cuz they go flying up farmstead. I'm sure there are any number of streets that are like cutthroughs that similar problems. But one of the bigger concerns that I

137
00:40:33.680 --> 00:40:48.960
have again also being with the bus and just driving sometimes at night from my my work um we're now I'm getting very concerned about these ebikes and or electric bikes or whatever the heck they're called

138
00:40:48.960 --> 00:41:05.040
these days because these young people um first of all when it's dark they're riding their scooters or bikes and they're not even wearing reflective clothing. I mean, they're just in a dark shirt, dark helmet, and you don't see them sometimes in, you know, almost at

139
00:41:05.040 --> 00:41:20.880
the la to the last minute. The other thing is uh you know even during the day you know um at the 7-Eleven you know especially after school a bunch of them will just a bunch of the kids will be there go 7-Eleven get whatever they're

140
00:41:20.880 --> 00:41:34.319
supposed to get and then they come tearassing out of uh 7-Eleven and you know Lakeshore or Bedwick Road I mean depending on and they don't walk for traffic they just go expecting everybody

141
00:41:34.319 --> 00:41:51.760
else to stop. Um, I was giving one young man jazz the other day because I was like, "What are you crazy?" And he basically told me what to do with myself. So, I mean, I guess my point is is that I think that from the township,

142
00:41:51.760 --> 00:42:08.960
you know, maybe even working with the board, talk to the president >> is maybe we can do something where >> we might annoy some people and have to write some expensive tickets out, but at least, you know, we're not talking about a uh sanitation worker that uh is now in

143
00:42:08.960 --> 00:42:24.560
the hospital and life has changed forever. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Jackson. I think those are worthwhile things to talk about with the police department and the traffic advisory committee. We were going to also do an ebike uh

144
00:42:24.560 --> 00:42:40.800
education for the township. >> Anybody any other member from the public? Okay, seeing no one else, I'd like to enter a motion to close the public session, please. >> Motion second. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi.

145
00:42:40.800 --> 00:42:56.000
>> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. Yes, >> Miss Patel. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, floor is closed. Moving along to the budget. Um, we are now going to have a public hearing on the 2026

146
00:42:56.000 --> 00:43:12.319
amended budget. Can I please have a motion to open up the public hearing for the 2026 amended budget? >> Second. >> Motion made by Miss Patel, seconded by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Uh, roll call. Mr. Creepy. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kavanaaugh.

147
00:43:12.319 --> 00:43:26.240
>> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Mr. Patel. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Okay. The floor is open to the public to speak only on the 2026 amended budget >> on the amendment. Come on. Come on up,

148
00:43:26.240 --> 00:43:55.359
Mr. Pisano. >> Yes. So I have two questions on the budget. Uh one is uh the water situation in Mount Taber uh phases two and three is that included in the budget? >> So just so at this time we can we're

149
00:43:55.359 --> 00:44:10.560
only talking about the amendments that were removed from >> because the other situation I looked at is uh the no is supposed to be a negative or P&L zero cost. Uh they're asking for I think 1.3 million.

150
00:44:10.560 --> 00:44:26.240
>> Yeah. No. Again, that's not that's not what we're that's not what the hearing is on, but we can talk about that at another. >> Uh, another issue we have is number three. It's going to be affecting everybody in Mars County. M Kelly just closed it eastern division Friday.

151
00:44:26.240 --> 00:44:41.920
So, they're moving their offices. They're turning around. They're closing offices in Illinois, New York, and New Jersey. They control a lot of property here. Uh, my relative is one of the VPs. They're not expecting the commercial property to come back into this area

152
00:44:41.920 --> 00:44:58.079
until 2040. So, it's going to be a serious concern. Uh they control I would say uh about 25 office buildings in just in this town alone. So, the other situation is I keep

153
00:44:58.079 --> 00:45:27.599
hearing about the tariff, but this is not a budget issue. Uh I'll speak on that another time. >> Okay. Thank you. Lot to think about. Thank you, Annie. Council President, if I if I may just ask a question. >> Yes. >> Uh, this this public session is on the

154
00:45:27.599 --> 00:45:45.280
on the amended budget, not not just amendments. So I think if a member of the public has a question >> and it wasn't one of the amendments, the the question should still be answered. >> No, I if our attorney could confirm it is just the amendment. >> So last meeting we had the hearing on

155
00:45:45.280 --> 00:46:00.480
the budget. Then there was a motion to amend it. So technically tonight is the public discussion on that amendment. So the public was given a full opportunity last time to talk about the whole budget. Um the procedure traditionally

156
00:46:00.480 --> 00:46:17.680
is that the subject matter is limited to the the amendment those cuts that was made the adjustments that were made downward. It's always up to you know discretion. >> It's word it's worded that it's the amended budget. >> I understand that but that's so but

157
00:46:17.680 --> 00:46:33.119
again I mean if there's a valid question that you feel deserves an answer I mean that's always up to the chair >> confused. But but I'm saying if there's a an a question that does rise that you think should be answered that's beneficial to the public, you're we're

158
00:46:33.119 --> 00:46:47.680
free to answer that or you're free to direct someone to answer that. >> Yes, sir. Come on up, Paul. >> Thank you. >> See what he has. >> Paul Janelli, 5 Marine Road. Uh I was going to come up and ask the same

159
00:46:47.680 --> 00:47:04.240
question that Mr. Karifi asked and I am of the opinion that this session is understood to be on the amended budget not merely on the amendments to the budget and I'm in support of that position. Thank you.

160
00:47:04.240 --> 00:47:26.960
>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Miss Pomeary, please. Diana Arbertson. So I have a question because um in prior uh statements that we have

161
00:47:26.960 --> 00:47:44.800
gotten it showed more detail. So for example, there was a line item other expenses that was at a million dollars. I don't see that in this statement. So I was wondering where did that go? Because it didn't that didn't just miraculously

162
00:47:44.800 --> 00:48:02.160
disappear. What statement are you referring to? >> I'm sorry. >> What are you referring to? You have something in front of you. >> What was put out here? >> Is that from the bot? >> Sorry, but it's hard to read because it's >> I just want to see where it

163
00:48:02.160 --> 00:48:18.560
>> So, in the in the previous budgets, we saw other showing the amendments. So, it's just showing the lines that changed. >> Okay. So, that other expenses of a million dollars is still in there. >> Yes. Yes. >> Just so we're just so we're looking at the same thing. Just show me where

164
00:48:18.560 --> 00:48:35.040
you're referring to. >> No, in the in the previous handouts, I don't see other expenses on this one. >> Again, yeah, this is just for the amendments. >> So only the items, the line items that change. >> Correct. The other ones the other ones if they're not listed did not change and

165
00:48:35.040 --> 00:48:49.839
therefore they stay. >> Okay. >> So your to answer your question is yes. That >> okay item. And then my other question is, have you as the council reviewed a 5-year plan? Because you're asking us to

166
00:48:49.839 --> 00:49:04.880
accept an 8% increase without knowing what's going to come down the line. And I find that highly unfair to the residents because we have no clue. If you say 8% and then come back and say,

167
00:49:04.880 --> 00:49:22.880
"Hey, the next two years 2% and 2% that may change our opinion on how we feel about this budget." >> Well, can is that your only question? >> That that's a personal request. I asked it last time too. It would be very helpful. So when we tal the financial

168
00:49:22.880 --> 00:49:38.640
committee and the council people talked with the BA and the CFO, we asked what will this help us in the years to come and they said that by reorganizing this

169
00:49:38.640 --> 00:49:55.760
budget and correcting the issues from the past, we should be in better position next time and then the years after. So yes, technically I and I can you >> I'll make a statement. >> Make a statement about it that we should be. >> So you're you're asking us

170
00:49:55.760 --> 00:50:11.839
>> this is Yes. Yes. You know, take it with faith that we should be much lower than we are now. And that's I'm taking that on faith and I'm hoping. Of course, we amended it because we didn't want it. We wanted it to be a little less. So, we're

171
00:50:11.839 --> 00:50:27.119
still borrowing, >> but we >> Judy, I I understand that, but without seeing concrete facts in front of me, you're asking me to take a leap of faith and trust you. >> Yeah, but I can't I don't know if there's still going to be a war next year. So, we don't know what's going to

172
00:50:27.119 --> 00:50:42.240
happen, but 3%, can I say it's going to be 3%, 4%, 5%. And then if it's if it's not, what's going to happen? Judy, in working in corporate America, you never took this year at face value. You always

173
00:50:42.240 --> 00:50:58.559
looked in the future and without >> That's why Ra, >> but you haven't showed us anything. So, you're asking us to just trust you. >> So, ma'am, just during the process, the the a during the process, the auditors

174
00:50:58.559 --> 00:51:16.240
do look at future, right? They don't put it in in there's no hardfast projection what you're looking for, but the anticipation is that next year's budgets and budgets going forward would be more in line with a 3 or 4% increase. All

175
00:51:16.240 --> 00:51:31.119
things >> why can't we spread it out instead of all in one one? >> Okay. All things being equal, that's the anticipated thing, right? That's the the nature of it. And to your point, why can't you spread it out all the years?

176
00:51:31.119 --> 00:51:47.040
Because then what happens is when things hit the bumpy road, you get the 8% that you don't like, >> right? So when >> I'm from a finance background, I understand what you're saying. >> Okay, then we're good. >> We're good then. If you understood it, we're good.

177
00:51:47.040 --> 00:52:02.480
>> I got you. >> We do. >> You have 30 seconds. >> Thank you, ma'am. Council President, can I make a statement? >> Yes, please. Mayor, >> as I said from the beginning, we are going to do this the right way. And when it comes to something that's important, you don't guess, you verify. As said

178
00:52:02.480 --> 00:52:18.720
during the campaign regarding any financial discussion is trust, but verify. So, I brought in a second auditor uh over the last week. Not just anyone, but a firm that understands this town across multiple administrations for a second opinion. Just like going to the

179
00:52:18.720 --> 00:52:34.559
doctors, when it's when it's serious, you sometimes need a second opinion. This is important. NS Kavachio LLP AC auditing firm that I hired last week. They've reviewed and certified what we set out to do that this proposed budget

180
00:52:34.559 --> 00:52:51.440
puts Paripony on a stronger financial foundation for the future. It reflects a thoughtful planned approach with clear direction on funding priorities and long-term strategic preparation. We're not kicking the can down the road anymore. We're fixing the foundation.

181
00:52:51.440 --> 00:53:17.599
This is about getting it right, not just for today, but for years ahead. And the certification letter has been distributed to the council. Uh, and if they wish to make a statement, I'm fine with that. Mr. McCarthy, once you're done, if you could just sign it.

182
00:53:17.599 --> 00:53:34.880
>> Is this going to fall on me now? >> No. Uh, bring it down. >> Bring it a little down. See? Hold on. >> There you go. >> You good? >> Okay. >> Okay. I just wanted to make a statement about the budget. Um, probably have a little diff different take on it, but

183
00:53:34.880 --> 00:53:52.079
um, I think there's a basic financial principle that you can't spend more than you earn. I think that's true in business. I think it's true in government. I think it's true personally. Um, but the town for more than a decade has maintained a

184
00:53:52.079 --> 00:54:08.000
structural deficit and it's continued spending more than it earned to cover its daily operating expenses. Um, and using, as I've mentioned in the past, utility surpluses, reserves, and

185
00:54:08.000 --> 00:54:23.920
leveraging debt to uh to make up for what it's not collecting in revenue. And while and while it kept ticks taxes artificially low, it's not sustainable. And I think we're finding that out now

186
00:54:23.920 --> 00:54:41.680
as we can see. Um it's not sustainable. And um actually the federal spending cuts, the tariffs, the inflation 9% 900,000 I think it was less in the 1515

187
00:54:41.680 --> 00:54:59.280
revenue I think uh was less but where we are is what we voted for. So taking all that into consideration in my opinion given the challenges the VA and the CFO have delivered a fiscally responsible

188
00:54:59.280 --> 00:55:13.920
budget at 8 or 9%. And I think it addresses um wait a minute I think it addresses the immediate immediate critical issues. It aligns with long-term objectives. It

189
00:55:13.920 --> 00:55:31.920
sets a path for financial stability. And if the town doesn't address these imbalances between revenues and expenses, I think it's going to be increasingly difficult to uh uh invest in infrastructure. I think

190
00:55:31.920 --> 00:55:48.559
it's going to be difficult to maintain expenses and um I think so again I think it begins to build a better financial path toward for this town. I I really believe that and I

191
00:55:48.559 --> 00:56:05.040
believed that for a long time. So I have one other question. There was a uh statement made about 1.5 million to pave roads in Glenmont and I just wanted to understand I know that's a private community. So I just

192
00:56:05.040 --> 00:56:21.760
wanted to understand uh more detail about that. >> So we're we're the town has been sued by the HOA and the development. It's been a long ongoing process. Um I know the mayor was going to talk about it, so I'll just touch on it a little bit.

193
00:56:21.760 --> 00:56:38.160
We're at the point where um that should be resolved. There should be uh something put before the council at the next voting session in like 2 weeks. Um part of that is uh the roads are were always intended to be dedicated as

194
00:56:38.160 --> 00:56:53.440
public roads since that development originally started. Um there was just numerous delays and disputes over that dedication. But the initial intent when everyone bought those houses when the development was done and created was

195
00:56:53.440 --> 00:57:10.000
that they would be public streets. Um so ultimately in the end they will be dedicated back to the town as public streets. Um then they become the town's responsibility. >> So so that was in the original agreement because >> the original design of the development. Yes. That was always the way.

196
00:57:10.000 --> 00:57:24.799
>> So what? Yeah. It's typical though for private communities really to reserve for them. >> It depends. It it depends on the nature of the community, where it is, how it's situated, whether they have cut streets through it that other members of the public do, right? It's a lot. It it

197
00:57:24.799 --> 00:57:41.599
depends on the layout of the but it's but that one years ago before many of us you know paid attention to things in in the town um was designed to be public streets, public sewer system, public water. >> Yeah. So that's the this is the first

198
00:57:41.599 --> 00:57:57.119
phase of it as I understand it. >> So what what we did was in anticipation of resolving that issue we did earmark some money in the budget. >> Okay. >> All right. Former Councilwoman Janice.

199
00:57:57.119 --> 00:58:14.880
>> Thank you, Janice. >> Come on up, Nick. I see you're ready. >> Am I going to close this or Nick? You want to come up? >> I see you're itching, man. >> All right. All right. >> Okay. >> So, Council President, I like to add

200
00:58:14.880 --> 00:58:32.000
something to what Miss Miss McCarti said. May I include something? >> Uh, okay. So before before you add, mayor, let me just close the public session real quick. Let me get a motion to close the public session. >> Motion. >> Motion made by uh Mr. Karifi, seconded by uh Mr. Kavanaaugh. Roll call.

201
00:58:32.000 --> 00:58:49.280
>> Mr. Kiti. >> Yes. >> Mr. uh McGrath. >> Yes. >> Sorry. Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. Cal. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Okay. The floor is closed. >> All right. Miss Janice McCarthy. What?

202
00:58:49.280 --> 00:59:04.640
>> I just want to address one of your comments. Uh, with this budget, we're not taking any money from utilities to balance anything. We they're going to we're not taking any money from the utilities to balance the budget. >> Yeah, I know that. >> Okay. Just

203
00:59:04.640 --> 00:59:24.559
>> that's why, you know, as I said, I think that >> Yep. Thank you. Excellent. All right, Council President. I'm good. Thank you. Great. >> Um, >> okay. Uh, moving along. So, now we're going to go on to

204
00:59:24.559 --> 00:59:40.640
resolutions. R 20226104. >> Um, are we going to look We're going to vote on the budget now. Can we make a statement? >> Hold on. We're going to Yeah, the R the R2026104 amendment to the 26 20226 municipal budget. Can I just get a motion to

205
00:59:40.640 --> 00:59:56.000
approve that first? >> Motion. >> And then we'll move on to the adoption. First, we have to approve the amendment and then we'll adopt. Okay. >> Should we make comments? >> So, you'll make comments. U you want to make comments before the adoption. I'll open up for public comment.

206
00:59:56.000 --> 01:00:11.760
>> Yes. >> It doesn't say that. >> I thought we did that. >> Yeah. So, what we'll do is so let's do this. Just follow my lead. Uh could I have a motion to approve the resolution for 2026 104? >> Motion. >> Motion made by Mr. Hernandez. Second by >> Second >> by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Roll call. Mr.

207
01:00:11.760 --> 01:00:26.880
Karifi. >> This is for the amended. This is only for the uh amendment to the 2026. Just the amendment to the 8.25. That's what this is for. >> No. >> Okay. Uh Mr. uh Mr. Kavanagh,

208
01:00:26.880 --> 01:00:42.640
>> yes. >> Mr. McGrath, >> no. >> Miss Patel, >> yes. >> Miss Fernandez, >> yes. >> Okay. So, it's a 3-2 vote. Motion passes. Um and moving along now to R 2026 105. This is the adoption of the 2026 municipal budget. But what I'd like

209
01:00:42.640 --> 01:00:57.760
to do get a motion then a second and then if you guys want to make statements before I go into roll call. Okay. So can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh. Seconded by M. Patel. Now we're going to go ahead and go into

210
01:00:57.760 --> 01:01:13.359
um comments if you'd like before I go into roll call. >> Are we making all the comments now or before we vote? >> How would you like? >> Yeah. You want >> before each one of us votes? >> Would you like to do it that way? Mr. Ky, Miss Hernandez, how would you like to do it? Let's before each one of us go over. >> Fantastic. So, let's go right into it.

211
01:01:13.359 --> 01:01:30.240
Mr. Karifi. >> Okay. I have a couple things I want to say. Um, first off, I want to credit the mayor for making some cuts to the original budget. Um, I know he worked very hard. He cut some positions that

212
01:01:30.240 --> 01:01:46.880
originally were in the budget and, uh, I want to applaud you for for getting it down to that, um, the 8.25. I just think that we we have a different philosophy on um some of the things with the budget.

213
01:01:46.880 --> 01:02:03.520
Um, I don't think it was brought up about um spreading it out and to ask the residents, especially with the increase that the school board had to make. Um,

214
01:02:03.520 --> 01:02:21.520
and really in no part of uh on on them because of the insurance increases on both sides for them, for us, uh, it's crazy. It it really is crazy. But to see what that total is, you know, $20 and

215
01:02:21.520 --> 01:02:38.640
change for us and $44 a month for them for the average home. And a lot of people that are above the average home, your taxes are going to go up $1,000 a year or more. Um, I would have just liked to see it spread out. I I get the philosophy, for instance, of the

216
01:02:38.640 --> 01:02:55.920
budgeting a million dollars for the retired payouts. Um I had brought up maybe we could do part of that this year and then do the rest next year. Um one of the other things too was you know we haven't really seen any of the

217
01:02:55.920 --> 01:03:11.680
increases yet for the pilot money that's going to be coming in or this year now we're going to be getting income from cannabis as well. Um, unfortunately we didn't get really any pilot money last year, so we can't really include too much of that in the budget this year,

218
01:03:11.680 --> 01:03:28.480
but I believe next year we're going to see a big improvement in that. Um, you know, it's been brought up about the 14.5% increase that occurred four or five years ago. Well, I asked our auditor when we had a budget hearing and he stated that was true. That our fund

219
01:03:28.480 --> 01:03:44.079
balance, which is your bank account, your savings, was down to zero. No fault of this administration here whatsoever. Uh no fault of the past administration. It was from the administration before because the surplus was well up there

220
01:03:44.079 --> 01:04:00.559
and there was 2 years of CO in there. But there were also some dispensations through the state that the then mayor was able to get through the the governor that are not normal and revenues that were received from the state were count

221
01:04:00.559 --> 01:04:17.280
money that was given from the state to the town was allowed to be part of the budget as revenue which $5 million which was only a one-time deal. So the next year we weren't getting that $5 million so that had to come out of savings. Um,

222
01:04:17.280 --> 01:04:32.000
I believe that, you know, if we could, my my philosophy was ease it in, let's see what happens with the revenue from the pilots and the cannabis next year, but let the public

223
01:04:32.000 --> 01:04:48.400
know, hey, if we don't do well, like there's going to be, you know, a decent a decent increase again. But at least everyone kind of knows that. I just think just to wallop everybody with an 8.25 even even though again I give credit to

224
01:04:48.400 --> 01:05:04.079
the mayor for getting it down to that. It's it's a lot right now especially with what the school board had to do no fault of their own. So for those reasons I'm going to vote no cuz I would have just liked to see it a little bit lower.

225
01:05:04.079 --> 01:05:23.839
>> Um okay, moving along. Uh, Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yeah, thank you everybody. Thank you for this uh time to talk about this. Um, I think what's important about this budget is we're fixing a bunch of mistakes that occurred in the past. Um, we're not um

226
01:05:23.839 --> 01:05:39.039
attempting to borrow for things that we've always borrowed for and uh distributed expenses across 15 to 20 years. So, there's um some sanity to the budget that's important to me as well as being balanced and future focused. When we ran as a campaign, we talked about

227
01:05:39.039 --> 01:05:56.000
the future. We talked about what is going to be sustainable and what's going to be effective long-term, not yeartoyear. And then I want to read what's on this uh audit because I think it's important for everyone to hear this. While a large tax increase is proposed for 2026, we believe that this

228
01:05:56.000 --> 01:06:11.280
proposed budget also provides a stronger foundation for future budgets. Overall, the budget reflects planned approach with clear direction regarding the funding priorities and strategic preparation for the future. So, you know, we took that extra step to get it

229
01:06:11.280 --> 01:06:27.599
audited a second time to get more eyes on it. And uh I'm voting yes for this budget. And then additionally, I want to mention that part of the environmental aspects and the sustainability aspects that we're going to go after can target utility expenses, gasoline, they can

230
01:06:27.599 --> 01:06:44.000
target things that are millions of dollars of expenses to the to the township. And that's uh one of the things that I ran on. So, we will be approaching those in the future. It will take some time, but those are going to cut out costs. So, >> thank you, Mr. Kavanagh. Uh, Mr.

231
01:06:44.000 --> 01:07:00.319
McGrath. >> So, like Paul, I want to say thank you to uh the mayor, the BA, the CFO. We've had some spirited conversations over the last two months trying to to look at this. The big thing that I look at, you know,

232
01:07:00.319 --> 01:07:17.280
I think it's now going to be 35 to 40% tax increase over 5 years. That's a lot of money >> and uh sustainability and and you know, this is my third year of hearing this is going to get us on the right track, this budget. And it's always interesting to

233
01:07:17.280 --> 01:07:32.240
me to see the people that come up and cheer or the people that that yell at you for a 2.2% or 2.7% increase. When I look at what we're doing, this is going to be unsustainable. Right? I I've said it now

234
01:07:32.240 --> 01:07:47.920
three years in a row and I hope I'm not right, but there's going to be coming revaluation of your home. So, your 315K, you know, value of your home will be revalued for 500 to 750 based on the sale price of the houses around you. And you're now going to pay 40% more at your

235
01:07:47.920 --> 01:08:02.720
house. So, we'll have a sustained 1% increase here. That's inevitable. And that's on the this town, the state of New Jersey, the county, everybody. We're looking at the taxes are becoming irrationally high. And one of the big concerns I see is I don't know if

236
01:08:02.720 --> 01:08:18.799
there's gold at the end of the rainbow. You know, when you look at the pilot at 1515, there's three free months. Three free months of 3K at 10% pilot is $900 per apartment times 200, that's $180,000

237
01:08:18.799 --> 01:08:34.799
lost. Just think about that for a minute. I don't think there's gold at the end of the rainbow. I'm not going to approve this budget. I'm very concerned for the future of our town and again, I'm going to continue to hopefully fight this and do the best I can. But again, I I really

238
01:08:34.799 --> 01:08:57.279
do appreciate them listening and and coming down, but I'm going to be telling everybody every day, I'm worried about the state of our state. So, no, >> Miss Mattel. >> Yeah. Um, so I just want to take a

239
01:08:57.279 --> 01:09:13.440
moment to thank the mayor, to thank our CFO, our BA for all of the hard work that they put in. Thank you to our department heads for the countless hours that you put in answering our questions as a council and as a finance committee. Uh, thank you for all the work you put

240
01:09:13.440 --> 01:09:29.920
into this budget. Um, thank you Councilman McGrath for helping me understand some of the things in the budget. I texted you a lot and met with you a few times to understand it and I appreciate you helping me out. I'm voting yes on this budget. >> And Mr. Mendez,

241
01:09:29.920 --> 01:09:45.359
>> I would like to thank BA Mark Seaman and CFO Angela Angelica Sabatini for diving into the past budgets and holding the 20 26 Oh, I'm sorry. Forget about this. I would like to thank BA Mark Seaman and

242
01:09:45.359 --> 01:10:02.480
CFO Angelica Sabatini for diving into the past budgets and holding this 2026 budget as flat as possible. Mayor Pokeet, thank you for the town hall and meetings with various text cut scenarios to remind us of how many events that we

243
01:10:02.480 --> 01:10:17.840
have in this town and the costs that are not as burdensome as we thought. I appreciate the conversations with residents and I understand the burdens and concerns because I feel them too. I have a feel in my household

244
01:10:17.840 --> 01:10:34.560
especially with the health insurance and health and health care and all insuranceances um costs are high everywhere for reasons that we know and and some that just don't even make sense. As in years past I have been critical of borrowing and

245
01:10:34.560 --> 01:10:51.199
bonding to pay for everything and that happens a lot in this town. You and I would not run our households on a credit card. This budget will help us move away from that practice. Next year, we should be in a better shape.

246
01:10:51.199 --> 01:11:06.719
The report from our former auditor, Nishovichia, is a vote of confidence that our conservative approach to the budget was appropriate. I think this budget is pragmatic and fiscally responsible and most importantly will continue to provide

247
01:11:06.719 --> 01:11:29.760
Pipony residents with resources and services we appreciate. And I will be voting yes. OKAY. SO, UH the vote passes 3 to2. Moving along to the consent agenda. If you can just please take a quick look.

248
01:11:29.760 --> 01:11:46.480
Action will be taken next week. Seeing there's no questions from council, we'll be moving along to uh the presentations and reports. Mayor, >> sure. people who are leaving. Uh, have a seat. I got good stuff for you.

249
01:11:46.480 --> 01:12:06.719
>> Bad enough. >> I recently had the opportunity to participate in celebrating Paripony's 50th year as Tree City USA in Pamis alongside local and state officials. I want to thank our parks and forestry department as well as many volunteers who help prepare and distribute trees

250
01:12:06.719 --> 01:12:23.120
for Arbor Day celebrations at the town hall and at our schools. I had the chance to get my hands dirty and work alongside our young volunteers. This recognition reflects the effort of those who came before us. Individuals like George who spearheaded these

251
01:12:23.120 --> 01:12:38.480
efforts many years ago helped lay the foundation for what we continue to build on today. It is because of that leadership along with the continued dedication of our residents, children, parents, volunteers, and township employees that Peripany has earned and

252
01:12:38.480 --> 01:12:55.280
maintained its designation as Tree City USA. Together, we will ensure that legacy continues for generations to come. Over the past few weeks, I had the opportunity to attend several important community events. I participated in the purple stride pancreatic cancer walk

253
01:12:55.280 --> 01:13:11.760
which raises awareness and supports those impacted by this disease. I attended the American Legion vendor fair highlighting the strength of our local business and veteran community. And I was honored to join the temple Betham in celebrating their 60th anniversary a testament to the enduring spirit and

254
01:13:11.760 --> 01:13:27.520
contributions of faith-based organizations in our township. I was invited to attend the United the I'm sorry the unified flag football game between Piponyany High School and the Pipony Hills High School. I'll be honest, I couldn't pick a side. Both

255
01:13:27.520 --> 01:13:42.800
teams played with incredible energy, sportsmanship, and a heart. It was great reminder of what makes our community special, bringing people together, celebrating inclusion, and supporting one another. When I took office, I said we would stop

256
01:13:42.800 --> 01:13:57.920
kicking the can down the road and start solving problems. Two of those problems were Lake Haywat Library and Glenmont Commons. Issues that have lingered for years, issues the community has been raising again and again and again. I

257
01:13:57.920 --> 01:14:15.760
read your letters. I read your concerns. Visited these two places often. And in my first week, I directed our team to act. Today I can tell you we are moving forward with resolutions for the lake how at the library. We have a path forward. Last Monday I met with the

258
01:14:15.760 --> 01:14:32.800
library board to resolve the long stalled funds and evaluate our options. We made a decision to move ahead with the rehab of the library. I contacted the architect. The library will form a subcommittee that will finalize the the design and then we will move this

259
01:14:32.800 --> 01:14:52.400
project to bid. This is what progress looks like. listening, deciding, and delivering. Next up is Glenmont Commons. We have a resolution. At the next council meeting, we will take action to authorize a settlement that has plagued this

260
01:14:52.400 --> 01:15:12.000
neighborhood for far too long. You may have been ignored, but as I have demonstrated in short time that I listen and take action, the details will be shared with the public and the community. As usual, I will provide periodic updates. Recently, we had two accidents involving

261
01:15:12.000 --> 01:15:28.719
our town employees. Crossing guard Denise Roco and DPW employee Anthony Shandra. I spoke to Denise recently and she's doing well and on the road to recovery. Same with Anthony. And when I visited him, he was positive. He has a support of his family and co-workers and

262
01:15:28.719 --> 01:15:45.600
certainly the town. Due to his sense of humor and determination, he will recover with a new normal. Thankfully, both are recovering and we wish them continued strength and a full recovery. These incidents are a reminder that safety, especially on our roads, is not

263
01:15:45.600 --> 01:16:01.120
something I take lightly. I have directed our police department to increase patrols, to take a more proactive enforcement approach, particularly when it comes to speeding and reckless driving. We are already increasing patrolling on Veil Road,

264
01:16:01.120 --> 01:16:17.840
Lakeshore in Lake Pipany, Helysey Road, North Beverick, Frontish, Jefferson to name a few. We will be issuing more tickets where necessary to send a clear message. Public safety is not optional. It's a priority. I ask all residents to

265
01:16:17.840 --> 01:16:36.880
do their part. Slow down, stay alert, and help us keep everyone safe. Additionally, with all these new ebike laws coming into place and the growth of Pipany, I'm announcing an initiative called Vision Zero. Pipany has always

266
01:16:36.880 --> 01:16:53.199
taken pride in being a safe and welcoming place to live. But in recent months, our community has seen several pedestrian accidents on our roads. It is imperative for our township to take this incident seriously as they affect our employees, neighbors, and families. Even

267
01:16:53.199 --> 01:17:10.000
one life loss or permanently changed is too many. We understand that systematic changes are needed to make meaningful progress, which is why we're committed to implementing a proven road safety strategy called Vision Zero. A strategy that works to eliminate traffic

268
01:17:10.000 --> 01:17:25.440
fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safety, health, and equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero is built on a simple but powerful idea. Traffic deaths and accidents are preventable, not inevitable.

269
01:17:25.440 --> 01:17:41.440
Traditionally, we place responsibility solely on the driver as a pedestrian. But the provision zero recognizes that people make mistakes and it's our job as a community to design safer systems so those mistakes don't result in tragedy.

270
01:17:41.440 --> 01:17:56.560
With Vision Zero, we will be creating and sustaining collaboration amongst transportation professionals, our engineers, policy makers, public health officials, law enforcement, and community members. What this means for Paripony is that we will be taking a

271
01:17:56.560 --> 01:18:13.679
hard look at where and why crashes and other moving violations are happening that are acting swiftly according to that information. Some things that we will be doing are collecting data to analyze high-risisk intersections and roadways, managing

272
01:18:13.679 --> 01:18:32.080
speed limits, especially near schools and busy areas, improving crosswalk visibility and pedestrian signals, and working with law enforcement on targeted safety enforcement. Participants increased traffic on our roads. We must

273
01:18:32.080 --> 01:18:47.760
ensure ensure that our infrastructure and policies keep pace with these changes. Vision zero is a way for us to be proactive in addressing these challenges before they become larger problems. Every person who walks our

274
01:18:47.760 --> 01:19:03.840
street, works on our street, bikes to school, or drives to work deserves to get home safely. That's the future we're working towards. Together, together we can make PC's world safer for everyone. Remember what I have always said many

275
01:19:03.840 --> 01:19:24.320
times that in particip we take care of each other. I'm going to be reminding this to everyone everywhere I go. Thank you. >> Okay. Township council. >> Yeah, I have something. Uh the environmental environmental

276
01:19:24.320 --> 01:19:40.800
committee has in accordance with uh NJP regulations written an ordinance for tree removal and replacement. The instruction from the NJDP is as follows. By May 1st, 2024, all municipalities with a tier 1A MS4 storm water permit

277
01:19:40.800 --> 01:19:56.560
are required to adopt and enforce an ordinance to control tree removal and replacement to reduce storm water runoff and pollutants and to promote infiltration to of rainwater into the soil. At minimum, municipalities must adopt an ordinance that addresses both

278
01:19:56.560 --> 01:20:13.040
removal and replacement and it must apply to all lands of the mun municipality. The NJP has stressed that the uh model ordinance is a guidance document and serves as a template that can be used in whole or in part for municipalities.

279
01:20:13.040 --> 01:20:29.760
Over the past year and a half, the committee with the township developed the ordinance with the guidance of the model and approximately a dozen approved ordinances from municipalities in our area and similar to Paripity. Links to the NJD model ordinance and other FAQ

280
01:20:29.760 --> 01:20:46.480
will be in on the town website for public information. This is important to review prior to public discussions on reintroduction of this ordinance. Uh we also met the first time with the precipany green team. We had about 10 people there and then there's an

281
01:20:46.480 --> 01:21:02.480
extended list of about 40 people that are on the mailing list. But we looked at um a list of sustainability priorities that are, you know, 150 listed long. Um and we're going to start looking at what's important, what drives

282
01:21:02.480 --> 01:21:17.679
down costs, what makes our community more sustainable, and developing action committees around that. So, um thank you. That was my update. >> Thank you, Mr. Kavanagh. Any other membership? Any other uh member from council? I don't have any. >> Okay. Okay, seeing no one, moving along

283
01:21:17.679 --> 01:21:36.000
to business administrator. >> Thank you very much. Um, I just want to continue to wish Anthony a speedy recovery uh recovery as we continue to think about and pray for you and your family. Uh, I've met with the union's leadership and we are committed to working together to put much needed focus on training and safety. Um, as we

284
01:21:36.000 --> 01:21:51.360
move forward from this, I want to take another quick moment to once again thank the departments, the professionals, our CFO, the mayor, um, for the hard work of getting this budget in order, uh, in the time frame that we did and still being able to adopt it on time, uh, which is a testament to what I believe the future

285
01:21:51.360 --> 01:22:07.199
can bring for this township. Um, I want to thank the township council for their support for the budget and understanding those who did not. Your concerns have not fallen on deaf ears, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work with all of you to move us forward. We have been actively working to seek out grant funded opportunities to

286
01:22:07.199 --> 01:22:22.960
enhance the ways our residents can utilize our town and uh and services. I've started holding formalized monthly committee meetings with departments and division heads. And we are looking forward to continued progress of getting to know each other uh learning the ins and outs of their day-to-day operations and addressing common goals of serving

287
01:22:22.960 --> 01:22:39.679
the residents of the township. Thank you. Okay. Um I do not have a report. Anything for township offices and committees? Nothing. Okay, moving along. Uh, moving along to the non-consent agenda. So, R 226107 authorizing the

288
01:22:39.679 --> 01:22:55.040
township to submit an application for 2026 annual action plan for community development block grant funding. Can I get a motion to approve? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Karifi. Seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. Mr. Kavanagh. Yes. Mr. McGrath. Yes. M. Patel. Yes. Mr. Hernandez. Yes. Moving

289
01:22:55.040 --> 01:23:11.360
along to our 226 108 award of contract for NJ elevator inspection agency for elevator subcode private on-site inspection and plan review services. May I please have a motion to approve the resolution? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh, seconded by Miss Patel. Roll call. Miss u Mr. Karifi. >> Yes.

290
01:23:11.360 --> 01:23:26.800
>> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> M. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Moving along to our 2026 109 authorizing submission of a grant application for a management enhancement review program grant. May I please have a motion to approve the resolution? >> Motion. Second. Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh, seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll

291
01:23:26.800 --> 01:23:42.960
call. Mr. Karifi. Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath? >> Yes. >> Mr. Patel? >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Moving along to our 226 110 authorizing the purchase of two 2026 Ford 350 Super Cap 4x4 pickup trucks. May I please have a motion to approve the resolution above? >> Motion. >> Second. Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh.

292
01:23:42.960 --> 01:23:59.600
Second by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> M. Patel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nandez. >> Thank you. Moving along. R2611. authorizing the purchase of one 2026 Ford Transit cargo van T350. May I please have a motion to approve? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanagh, seconded by

293
01:23:59.600 --> 01:24:16.239
Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. Miss Mr. >> Yes. >> And Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. Thank you. Uh moving along to approval of payroll and bills list. CFO and J Sabatini recommends authorization for payment. One, authorizes payment of the May 8th, 2026 regular miscellaneous payroll

294
01:24:16.239 --> 01:24:32.719
estimated at 1,650,000. and two payment of bills from bachelor list of 5526 which is $2,129,94.30. May I please have a motion to approve? >> Motion second. >> Motion made by Mr. Kavanaaugh, seconded by Mr. Karifi. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. >> Mattel.

295
01:24:32.719 --> 01:24:47.760
>> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> Yes. >> Motion passes. May I please have the ultimate motion to adjurnn. >> Motion. >> Motion made by Mr. Karifi. Seconded by Mr. Kavanaaugh. Roll call. Mr. Karifi. Yes. >> Mr. Kavanagh. >> Yes. >> Mr. McGrath. >> Yes. Mel. >> Yes. >> Mr. Hernandez. >> The meeting is adjourned. Thank you

296
01:24:47.760 --> 01:24:54.280
everyone. Have a wonderful night. >> Okay.