We welcome you to the March 5th, 2026 city council meeting. In accordance with chapter 231 public laws of 1975, adequate notice of this meeting was provided by resolution of the municipal council adopted on June 17, 2025 setting forth the schedule of meetings for the
year 2025 2026. Said notice was published and posted on the city hall bulletin board by the office of the city clerk. Please be further advised this meeting will be conducted in person. The Zoom stream provided is for viewing only and is offered to the public as a convenience. On February 18th, 2026,
public notice and Zoom instructions for this meeting were published in the Herald News and posted on the city of Pake website at www.c cityofpate.com. Council agendas. Instructions are also available on the last page of this agenda. Please be guided accordingly. >> Roll call, please, ma'am.
>> Councilman Love, >> present. Councilwoman Melo >> present. >> Councilman Mayor >> present. >> Councilman Garcia >> present. >> Councilwoman Colz. >> And Council President Sher >> present. Shall we all please rise? >> Heavenly Father, we want to thank you
Lord for allowing us to meet this evening. We ask you to please guide us in the decisions that will take place this evening. In your beloved name of Christ. Amen. >> Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. >> Council President, if I may, >> just ask for a moment of silence for one of our citizens who've reached the landmark of a 100 years old who just
transitioned um on yesterday and that's u Miss Rosa King. of silence. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> We are on the agenda tonight. There is one addendum to item 5A. Office of
Congresswoman Ellie Poe submitting a correspondence regarding the city of Pix's infrastructure improvements project located at 86-34 and 34-10 Parker Avenue in Pay. On the agenda, we're on hearing of
citizens room 4 in accordance with the open public meetings act NJSA 104-16. The council opens every public meeting for comments of the public. However, in accordance with NJSA104-12, nothing in this act shall be construed
to limit the discretion of a public body to permit, prohibit, or regulate the active participation at any meeting. Therefore, please be advised that the council will not entertain any comments from person to communicate obscene material. Make statements which are considered to bias intimidation in which
a person attempts to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation or ethnicity, or makes comments intending to harass or speak any offensive language. The person who makes these statements will
relinquish their allotted five minutes for public discussion. If you would like to adjust the council, we ask that you please share with us your name. Anyone like to adjust the council? Yes, sir. >> Got to wait in line. >> Not cutting anybody off this. Joshua
Goldman, 185 High Street. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to address the council. Um, I also want to thank u Mr. Hernandez for inviting myself as member of the public to attend the uh planning board meeting that occurred last night to hear some of the uh discussions that
went by. I'm going to address it's on the agenda tonight as item number 26. Although not speaking to what's on the agenda, just a related item that came up at the meeting last night. Uh there's an apartment building located uh I believe it's 24 Orchard Street. It's a 32 plus or minus apartment building which is
subject to that item 26. my my uh I came up with a meeting last night within the study that was done for the the planning board that the building is a pre-existing non-conforming use. Mr. Fernando can correct me if I I misstated it. Uh and it was built in approximately 1980s. My understanding of a
pre-existing non-conforming use is that it was built legally according to code at the time that it was constructed and that the zoning or other ordinances changed thereafter um putting it into a non-conforming status. uh if the building that exists was built in the
80s or potentially even before then, then it would never have been conforming at the time that it was constructed. It would be illegally constructed. Uh and the item that the the council is now debating whether to include it in a area needed of rehabilitation in order to
mitigate a lot of the challenges that are created by the non-conforming use uh are in fact not necessary. because if the use is not actually non-conforming but in fact illegal then the city has numerous other remedies that it can take to eliminate the use as it's occurring.
Uh and so I'm you know as a question I'm trying to understand why the city is not uh addressing what appears to be an illegal use at that location. Mayor, I don't know if you're comfortable off with such a question or is this something that uh you'd like to
uh consult with and perhaps at our next meeting have an answer at some conclusion at that. >> Very good, sir. Thank you. >> So, to this is in reference to the item 26 on tonight's agenda. >> Yes, for the designation. So,
Exactly when the building was built and the ordinances at the time we don't have on hand. But it is a legally occupied structure. So it's not an illegal building. It is a nonconforming building because it does
not comply with any of the permitted uses under the current zoning. So to say that it's an illegal building that would that was built without permits and it has certificate of occupancies. It's been inspected by the code enforcement office. It is a legally existing
building that can be occupied, but it is a nonconforming building in the fact that it doesn't conform to any of the uses that are in that zone. So that's where the nonconformity comes in. Uh Mr.
Goldman is not incorrect that under the law there are pre-existing non-conforming uses that pre-existed the writing of the ordinance and hence are entitled to continue. Right? And then there's buildings that have gotten approvals
that you know receive the use varants that are still they're non-conforming with the zone but they received the use variance to be able to be occupied in that zone. So, the fact that um the legal term of pre-existing
non-conforming is correct that it existed prior, it's still the fact is that that building is a nonconforming building because it doesn't meet any of the uses even if it got an approval of use variance from let's say a zoning board. >> So, if in fact that building were
removed and another one put instead, would it also by definition be non-conforming? >> Say that again. >> If that building would be vacate and a new building, a new structure would be play built on that same space.
Does it then continue to be non-conforming or is it No, it's based on the use. So, it would depend on what is replacing that building. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And and and where that stemmed from from the meeting is that you'll
have before you a u the designation process and we looked at every single property and the uses of every single building that is being designated and all of those buildings are non-conforming uses. Right? So what does
that mean? that yes, this this building that has 32 units, a multif family building is not allowed. And it just so happens that the other properties that are part of this are also non-conforming. There are three families and four families which are which are also non-conforming with the zone. So
that's kind of where the non-conforming um conversation came from. If if I can sorry, thank you for the clarification. The other buildings that are uh sorry, may I continue? >> I'll give you another two minutes.
>> Thank you. Um the other buildings are older buildings that certainly pre pre or apparently predate the uh the zoning within the city. So, it's not surprising that they're pre-existing non-conforming uses. This building seems to post uh exist post that that that zoning. So,
and it could be that there is some approvals that were done when it when it came up in the meeting last night. they were they weren't discussed but obviously how that building was permitted and whether those permits were granted legally. Uh and other government I'm going to for just a moment because it seems to me that we're entering into
a very uh technical discussion which is not within the purview of this council at least not at this time. >> Um if you'd like to go on other areas that would be fine but you should delve down in this right now. on this not >> I I appreciate that and I guess I can follow up with the uh business
administrator uh after the meeting. It sounds like this should be information at the administration >> administrators makes himself available 247. >> All right. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you the council. >> Anyone else like to address the council of this? >> No hands. I move close public portion.
>> Second motion and second to close. Roll call. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Colunt. Yes. And Council President Shear. >> Yes. Mr. Mayor, it's a pleasure to have
you here as it always is. I think you missed one meeting and what after. Uh would council of course value your work. Could you should I be asking you now? Would you prefer speaking at the end of the meeting? Is there a more appropo?
>> Very concerned. With the uh with the council's permission, we're up to communications items one through five. Are there any questions from one through five? >> Seeing no hands is done to move it.
>> Second. >> Motion and second. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Love, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Colonz, yes. >> And Council President Sher, >> yes. Thank you. on items 6 through 13.
Are there any questions please on 6 through 13? Seeing none at this time. Is there a motion please to accept 6 through 13? >> Move. >> Second. >> Move and second on 6 through 13. >> Councilman Love.
>> Yes. >> Councilman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Coltz. >> Same. and council president sheer. >> Yes. On 1411, please. Is there a motion to accept?
>> Yes. >> Motion to accept motion and second on 14. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Colonz. >> And Council President Sh.
>> Yes. We're up to resolutions, please. Item number six on our agenda. Number 15 is a resolution authorizing closed executive session. Do we need closed executive? >> No, council president. >> Very good. Thank you, Mr. Fernandez. >> Mr. Mer.
>> Very good, sir. Members of the council. >> All right. If we can go on, please to items 16 through I'm sorry through 26. 16 through 26. Council.
>> Yes, council president. um to the business administrator and mayor just clarification um at least I I don't remember seeing this ever uh alternate bid one and what what what is that breakdown in terms of oh I'm sorry for 20 and 21
at the bottom it's just basically you know I want to assume but why when I have the professionals there So basically what happens we have a base bid right and we establish what
uh everyone has to like that's what the project's going to be and then we have alternates so that we can try to spend the entire amount right so we'll put in a handful of alternates and we hope that we can award them.
So if the bids come in low, we can award additional roads. If the bids come in high, then it limits the amount of bid of roads we can do. So this in the local house in the local public's contracts
law, you have to put in the alternates in order. But so I'll give you an example. If I were to put all of these alternates as the basement >> and it came and it came in too high, right? you got bid. >> We've got to do it all over again. So,
what we do is we pick a smaller project. >> That's the base bid, like the let's say the worst street of the worst. And then we do alternates >> and depending on how that bid comes in, if there's enough money, >> we'll award as many as possible. >> Alternates. We'll >> alternates, right? The base bid,
>> you always have to have the base bid. If you can't do the base bid, then you can't award anything. So the base bid is the the project and then you have alternates >> like additional streets to that project. >> Okay. >> In this case. Yeah. >> And if you did so if you didn't have the
alternates um and I'm just trying to make myself understand you did a great job. So if you didn't have the alternates and there was money left over, you would have to rebid again for the rest of the project. >> That's right. Okay. And in some cases the grant won't allow you to do that. >> Right. You bid you're only allowed to
bid it once and >> Thank you, council president. Thank you. Business administrator. >> Thank you, Councilman. Councilman M, please. >> Thank you. >> Um, were we eligible for any reimbursement from FEMA from this past dtor?
>> Yes, we're currently working on uh submitting that. In fact, I think it um by tomorrow we have to submit all of the paperwork. >> Great. Uh then real quick on item number 18 and 19 These weren't for city buildings. What
was >> Yes, >> that's for every single building. >> So 18 was an overage for the two-year contract and then it's a new contract going out for 19. Is that what it is? >> Yep. >> So the one So what happened in 18 what
happened in 18 is that there was a major repair which was the bulk of the change order at the fire department. So that's why that one went up. It was like almost $50,000 of the whole thing um that went over. And then what happened is ultimately Ben Benmar, which was the
company we had, um was bought out by another company. All right. So then um uh we bid it out again and they were the lowest bidder and it's again for another two-year term. That's that's 19. 18 was an overage from the last and that was
because of that the major repair at the firehouse. >> So 80 >> the new the new vendor for the city is giving a savings of $45,000 over two years. Is that what I'm reading here? >> Say that again. >> 19 is the new the new vendor.
>> Yes. >> And they're giving a $45,000 decrease from what you were paying before or what we were paying before in the prior two years. savings of $45,000. >> That's what it says. Yeah. Award approximate amount of $135,000.
>> What's the catch? >> I don't know. Maybe maybe all of a sudden there's a lot more hours thrown in there. I don't know. >> Maybe maybe for that don't say that too loud because you know they got to they got to bid again. I don't want to say
that too loud. Let me just uh >> I'd like to see that but beyond. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council. Councilman Garcia. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Welcome back, Council. >> Yes. We've missed a rain and a cold. >> We're leaving Puerto Rico at the end of the meeting. We understand you're
covering the bases here for the council. >> Thank this is not including my material, right? >> Say that again. No. So, so it won't do its maintenance. It's not equipment. And just there's a there's a misprint. And I
wish you were right, but it's it's 186,000. So, it's actually 6,000 more. So, I know what it says on the the title, but if you look at the actual resolution, because when you said that, I was like, wait a minute, that doesn't sound right. It's actually
86. >> Yeah. 196. Thank you, >> Mr. Fernandez. Can we come back to 26 and tell me, if you would be so kind,
what exactly are we doing with 265? >> So 26 is just a designation. Um it we're designating the parcel of land and area needed rehabilitation so that we can move to the next step of developing redevelopment plan. >> So by the council accepting 26 is it
accepting anything? What exactly is accepted? >> It's just saying that this particular parcel meets um the statutory criteria. That's all it's that's all this does. says that we're you've you've designated an area in need
of rehabilitation because it meets the criteria set by the statute and what becomes the next step developing a plan. And how is that done? So in this particular case, there's a developer a
property owner, right, who is going to submit some kind of draft of something that we're going to negotiate from. Who does the negotiation? Is this the city part of that process? >> Absolutely. >> Because it's not a
>> it's an ordinance and the administration has to present it before the council. So, they have to accept >> the proposal. Obviously, what happens is there are things that they're willing to negotiate and things that they may not. And then
that becomes a topic of discussion for the council at the time that plan become goes before them. Is it possible that the owner of the property who wants to do XYZ to the property that whatever board or council
or you know could deny that the well this so the process is the the council has the it's an ordinance or the council has the ability to not accept the ordinance. >> This is a resolution
26. >> Yeah. This is this is nothing to do with what you just said. This is the plan. This is just a resolution saying that this property meets the criteria and that you're designating an area rehabilitation. They had nothing to do with a plan. It's not an ordinance. This
is not an ordinance. This is just saying the study was done. It went to the the the planning board. The planning board said it. It met and recommended it and it comes back here for the designation. That's it. It's all it's by law. It's by resolution. Does the council have the
ability when presented with the the ordinance, the proposed ordinance, does it have the ability to refute it to say no? >> Absolutely. Just like any ordinance is is that does that happen often? >> Yeah, there's always discussion and changes. I mean, you yourself have done
that many a time on other resol ordinances. True. >> So, so in fact, what we're doing is is we're taking the next step, but it's a bit of a baby step. There's no commitment on behalf of the city at all.
>> No. >> Okay. Um I'm reminded also that after uh the vote on these resolutions, I neglected to uh have a vote on 5A. So we'll take a separate vote on that. Thank you to Councilwoman as always. Are
there any other questions please on the resolutions? >> You go ahead. Councilman Mayor >> I'm sorry I have a light on >> Mr. BA
>> Mr. Fernandez the in 19 I'm looking at 135. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yes. >> You're right. I was wrong. >> I don't want to be right. >> You would do me a favor. Please. Let's hold this moment because that is a
statement that is rarely been said because it hasn't needed to. Mr. >> So here's the question. Is it 186? >> It's 135. Okay. >> I was wrong. >> So we're saving $45,000. >> Yes, you are. We go back to the same initial statement. >> Yes. Good job. So So let's say this.
Great job, Mr. >> No. Let's continue to talk about maybe we can make it even more. >> Find two million somewhere in these ordinances. Councilman Miller. >> I'm good. Thank you. >> Any other questions? If not, can I have
a motion, please, to accept >> 16 through 26? >> Move it. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Councilman Love, >> yes. >> Councilman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes.
>> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Golanz, >> yes. >> And Council President Sher, >> yes. Thank you. With 5A, separate vote. Is there a motion to accept, please? >> So move. >> Second. >> Motion a second on 5A. >> Councilman Monk? >> Yes. >> Councilman Love? >> Yes. >> Councilman Melo? >> Yes.
>> Councilman Mayor? >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia? >> Yes. >> Counciloman Golz? >> Yes. >> And Council President Sher? >> Yes. Thank you. We're up to Roman numeral 7 on our agenda. Ordinance for introduction and first reading. Number 27. Proposed ordinance amending the designation of the Department of
Disabled Persons by New Jersey license plate number. Is there a motion to accept for set down for second and final reading in our next meeting of March 17th? >> So move. >> Motion. >> Second. >> And second. Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Councilman Love, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Melo, >> yes.
>> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Golz, yes. And council president Sher. >> Yes. Thank you. We're number 28, please. Proposed ordinance amending city code of the city of Pay. Chapter 295, Vehicles and Traffic, Part 10, Residential
Parking Permits, Article 21, Residential Parking Permit requirements. Is there a motion, please, to accept for set down for second and final reading at our meeting of March 17? >> So move. >> Motion and second. Thank you. Roll call. >> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Councilman Love, >> yes.
>> Councilwoman Melo, >> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Councilman Colinez, and Council President Shar. >> Yes. Thank We're up to 29, please. Councilman mayor, your light is on. >> Yeah. Just a quick question. When this is >> on 28.
>> On 28. Yes, sir. >> We're looking to do residential permanent parking in the grade out area, the street delineate. Is that what it was? >> Yeah. And what what was the criteria that this
area was chosen? So it started with res residential complaints especially during the storm >> that people were parking on their blocks. There's a lot of small blocks within this area as well. Um and it literally is the last block if from
Brook to Tune. It's like the last two blocks in the city that abuts Clifton. And the idea similarly to what was passed with the east side parking permit, people parking from Garfield in uh this would make it only Pake
residents overnight. Only Pake residents overnight would be allowed to park in this area. >> Do we know what caused people to park from Clifton or wherever in this area versus >> So people were just looking for parking and they were it was bleeding over. >> There was better plowing in Pay.
>> Yes. There's also certain areas may just mayor just there there is also certain areas of Clifton also have residential park permits which also may preclude us from parking in Clifton as well. So um
that may have c that might have caused a especially with limited parking with all the piles of snow in Clifton as well that that might have bled over into the city. Is >> what I'm getting at is this like a recent problem that only happened over the past month or this been ongoing? Uh,
so the the email we received from one of the residents that was on gold was actually an ongoing issue that some of the people that live in the neighborhood, they didn't have enough parking and were parking on their little one little little three house block uh
filling up the whole block and it was tough for them to get in and out of their driveways and things like that. So this should open up a greater amount of parking. If we reduce the people that right if if we reduce people from bleeding into the city then the our
residents may have more areas uh to park in. And well this is also you know one of the biggest storms we had in the last 30 years of over 20 inches of snow. So >> it was a busy snowstorm. >> No doubt. No doubt. I just want to like
understand that this You got complaints that there's no parking during a snowstorm >> and before and before >> and that oh there's going to be response to that and then hey look and then people start like wait I can't why do I need a permit? I was fine for the past 20 years till we had a 20-in snowstorm.
>> Yeah. So I quite frankly and I I think um the mayor has said this sometimes in a lot of meetings like with zero dollars down you can go and now you have you know where you used to have one or two people in the house share a car you got everybody has a car in the house um and
some of these driveways can only fit like one or two cars and they're all bleeding in the street and that because of the type of residential neighborhood it is it's very common that these so so in that area actually lived right around the block on on park which is also
included on this. Um there are smaller more modestsiz homes with smaller driveways that don't fit as many cars as you know some of the larger homes that have bigger driveways. So if you have more than two cars that that car is bleeding onto the street in some cases
it's only a one car length and it's not just the PIG side it's almost like a mimic on the Clifton side. So you know it's very simple for those vehicles to bleed into that area as well. So we needed a delineator. So we
we we started from Brook over which is only the one you know you have Marietta in between and then you got the one block of Tune. So it's not like you know it's literally one square from one block. >> Got two more on this and I'll leave you alone. >> The what what are the So you got a
house. You got four kids in college. They're all driving. You got six cars for a house. They're all all those cars are eligible for these parking permits. >> Yeah. So, if they live in the home, they're they're they're eligible to get the parking permit. In fact, there's also um Madam Clerk, if you can help me
out, but just the numbers because I know we've done several parking permits because we also have the main avenue parking permits. We're a little different than the residential ones. We have visitor parking permits that people can get and each one of the units, the >> one visitor permit per household. And then anyone in the household that has a
state driver's license can get their permit. >> That was my next question getting to the visitors. So you invited over family for, >> you know, two, three days to spend the holidays with you. >> You can get a permit for that. >> You have to apply for it. You automatically have that permit and you're now put in. >> You can apply for a permit and just keep
it at home for whenever you need it. But if you need additional for those additional guests, you would have to come in and request those before. >> So you can have one of those passes at home. >> That's it. Thank you, council me. >> Thank you, Council President. Um, yeah,
this is something I mean, I know we've talked about this in the past. This fourth ward definitely needs it. Um, because the fourth ward where we do have a lot of the auto mechanics that um bring their cars,
leave them out, and we've had residents really complain about them because they will keep the cars and then residents cannot park. So, I think this is something because I know we've we've spoken about this, but this is definitely those warts that have more body shops
>> because I know we did pretty much all the first wart >> because that's the whole east side is done. >> Um, then we did the main avenue one and then I know we're looking into the Highland Burgess area one process of
that one >> and then this one. Yeah, >> I I think mayor I think that council we we attempted to address the mechanic and auto body uh issue directly through ordinances and policies. However, through our zone parking permit
initiatives, obviously in the initial implementation, there has been push back and then after about a month or two, the residents see the benefits as there are less vehicles on the road from other areas and they
begin to express buyin. So, we've gone slowly. It's been a gradual effort to try to address the congestion within our city. As the business administrator articulated, there's been an increase of vehicle ownership. We've seen it
obviously further exacerbating issues with mechanics parking their vehicles on the road. some of our neighboring municipalities with Garfield and Watton that have overnight parking permits, Clifton as well, certain areas closer to our borders make it more attractive for
residents to park right over the border and to pake and leave their vehicles there. But in these uh small areas where we've noticed an increase of parking concerns, we've implemented them in zones and we've seen them benefit the residents. Again, as any transition of
initiatives first presented, there's always push back, but we've seen some positive feedback and hopefully as we continue to identify areas, we can target it specifically, but it is it is
something that we are seeing is a benefit. We want to be careful with it. And I know in the past when we've tried to to broadly apply the concerns of one area throughout the entire city, there have been concerns raised as to whether this would send the wrong message or
impede individuals from wanting to come to the city, whether visiting or shopping or otherwise. The model that we've seen most effective is the overnight parking permit, the specific hours, whether from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
>> Okay? because it it really prevents the individuals from just leaving their vehicles in our city, especially where otherwise they would find a driveway or a park in their city. But we we are getting more and more requests from residents in every ward to
really look closely at parking per Thank you. >> Yes. >> C is is your light on, sir? Yes, it is. >> Yes, it is. Yeah. Yes. >> Councilman,
>> thank you. There's still on this map this resolution. >> If we could ask you to speak >> the there's a few side streets that actually uh jut out from
like for instance Anthony Street. There's like three homes that right there's little side streets there that go I believe that's that's I believe that is um is that already Clifton halfway down Anton
Clifton. >> Yeah. >> So she included all those little side streets off to you. >> Okay. Fine. Okay. some of the biggest issues on those. >> Right. Right. Right. >> Street Anton.
>> That's what that includes. Right. That's pretty much the border. >> And then you have Anton which is three quarters of the road and then on Park Avenue to the city line. So that delineation is the city line. So basically it's from
the city line to Brookath. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Council, please. >> Yeah, just real fast on um ordinance 29. Um I I think I kind of read through enough to to understand, but I just want
to be sure. Um trout, you can take the fish at this point. >> That's why the that's why they told us we needed to change our ordinance. We had a catch and release and they're like, "You can keep the trout now." >> You can't keep them. But I thought I was
reading, but still um >> I mean, they're still catch and release for other fish, >> but hooks are still hook and line. >> Yes, you can't have It has to be hook and line. You can't do like a net or something. It's very specific.
>> Okay. All fishing except by hook and line is specifically prohibited. That's right. >> Okay. So, hook and line is the only >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Fish. >> Yeah. I got to get back at tour. The mayor is sharp, man. The mayor goes out there and just catch them like, you
know, he's shooting three-pointers. >> Madam 29. >> Yeah. >> Correct. >> The fishing initiatives with the fire department and police have become extremely popular every year along with our our camp out. It's one of the highlights in the morning where the
youths come. Those who couldn't camp out or come in the morning to go fish but stocking the huge lake and the fishing but we're seeing a lot of people who want to take the fish with them. >> Yeah. >> Only the trap. >> Madam cler on 29.
>> Yes sir. On 129, an ordinance amending chapter 203 parks and playgrounds to amend section 203-4, third ward park regarding fishing at Hughes Lake in order to conform with the New Jersey fishing game law and facilitate participation in New Jersey Dish and
Wildlife Spring Trout Stocking Program. Is there a motion please to accept for second and final reading in our meeting of March 17th? Please. So move and second. Roll call, please. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Counciloman Colinez. >> Yes. >> And Council President Sher. >> Yes. Thank you. We're up to 30, please. Proposed ordinance amending chapter 317-30B sub 8, affordable housing mandatory set aside.
Councilman Mayor, please. Um, we did a lot of affordable housing the past couple of meetings. >> Yes. >> Is this is this going backwards on it? No, it's actually clarifying. So, apparently it still wasn't clear enough. Uh, so what we did in this one is
specify exactly where you go find it. That's why we specifically said you go to the schedule of regulations, look at the use that you're proposing, that's where you find your density, and based off of that is where you do your set aside, and you round up or down from
there. So even though the only word the only time you see density is in the schedule of regulations, there was still confusion. In fact, um as late as this afternoon, Susie and I were looking at it and she's like, "Yeah, no, no, this makes a lot more sense to me now as
well." So, uh we made it very very specific so that there's no confusion. We led you right to the section. If anybody's confused now, they're not reading the ordinance. They're looking at something else. But basically, this doesn't change. This doesn't change anything the council's passed except the
way we frame the way we we the verbiage we used to direct you to the section. That's it. But it's the same it's the same meaning as was intended from the very first ordinance that you passed. Thank you.
>> Any other questions on 30? Uh on 30 or on 30 or 29, I'm sorry. >> 30. on 30 an ordinance maning chapter 317-30B affordable housing mandatory set aside. Is there a motion please to accept or
set down for second and final reading at our meeting of March 17th? >> So move. >> Motion second >> and second. Roll call please. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Gol. Yes.
>> And Council President Shar. >> Yes. Thank you. Payment of bills. Please. Are there any questions on the bills as presented by the clerk? See a lot of refunds. >> See alliance. Is there a motion please to accept bills? >> Motion. >> Second and second. Roll call on the
bill. >> Councilman Monk. >> Yes. >> Councilman Love. >> Yes. >> Councilwoman Melo. >> Yes. >> Councilman Mayor. >> Yes. >> Councilman Garcia. >> Yes. >> Councilman Coline. Yes. And Council President Sher. >> Yes. Thank you. Administrators report. Mr. Fernandez. >> Not at this time, sir.
>> Very good. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Sir. Mr. President. And um today we had the office of new Americans from the state of New Jersey present to not for-profit organizations and faith-based organizations in the city at uh city hall. It was an extremely successful
meeting where they uh explained to leaders of not forprofits and uh religious institutions the resources available throughout the state of New Jersey, the office of new Americans which deal with refugees and those seeking asylum as well as um those who
are in the process of dealing with their immigration status. It it does not itself provide legal services nor does it involve itself in regards to getting in between immigration enforcement and uh
individuals. However, it does provide information regarding all the resources available. It connects families to these resources ranging from uh mental health support, family services when families are separated, funding available for those who are in detention or
potentially about to be deported, legal aid support, and they work with a number of partners ranging from Catholic Charities to Rucker University uh legal department and many others throughout the state. This agency was formed in
2019 July 4th under the previous governor's administration. However, after co it I don't want to say it lied dormant but there wasn't as much activity. It recently for obvious reasons has found itself in a position of greater uh
interest around the state. There are presently 15 municipalities I mean states that have offices of new Americans and we are one of the few municipalities that have had them present and work directly with our not for project organizations in uh this
upcoming month. We will have an expungement clinic in the city of Pake as it's been highly requested by not for-profit organizations and residents. uh our assistant chasenya
with her legal background as an attorney will be directing this initiative with uh organizations from around our area. Yesterday at our seniors center we had uh a particular presentation regarding
energy and electric bill savings through solar panels. It is a remarkable initiative, council members, and a letter was sent out to our residents where we will be hosting additional community town hall meetings where you can save up to 31% of your energy costs
with solar panels that do not go on your property. Meaning, if you are uh in an apartment, you can sign up for your home. They place the solar panels in a property outside of your home. sometimes outside of our city, sometimes far away
from our city, as far as South Jersey where they'll find, let's say, a warehouse. I can see the eyebrows of Councilman M. So, let me try to elaborate. Um, they'll find a warehouse with about 100,000 square feet of roof and they'll place the solar panels there. because of funding that was provided years ago through the federal
government and state tax credits or rather um state energy um reimbursement credits. They apply that energy savings to homes in communities like ours where you have income eligible residents as well as those who do not fall under the
income eligibility to give you some uh idea of what that means. If you're a one family home, I mean a oneperson home, you can't make more than 72,000 For individuals who are income qualified, you see the savings within six months. If you make a lot more than
that, you still qualify. You just don't go first on the list. You'll begin to see the savings about a year after that. So, it's almost a set it or forget it. You apply. But again, you don't need permission from your landlord. If you're paying the electric bill because there are no panels put on the actual
building. The energy actually is coming from a separate location. the the benefit is to the residents. We're on a very aggressive initiative to spread the word. Um please look out for your emails as we will send the information through the clerk. But so far we've had over 330
residents sign up in the city of the state. We we've sent out a lot of communication, but as you can imagine, some residents receive them and uh they say it's from the city. It must just be either a tax bill or it's too early for them.
Also I want to share with you that our phbotomy classes have uh filled up once again. They become extremely popular within our city. These classes for job trainings ranging from sora license to uh lab technicians to phbotomy to CDLs
and much more. But that actually ties into a particular bill that our council president and his role as assemblymen may be familiar with. The state had just presented, I believe, legislation through um Senator Lagana regarding unemployment
and our unemployment agencies, our labor force agencies to direct unemployed individuals to get into the health care field and receive training because data has shown that there is a drastic drop in uh in eligible individuals going into
these fields. That is extremely important for us because we've been doing this training in various areas of the medical field. But we will now see if it obviously has gone out of committee if it's signed by the governor. Um they will see an immediate
push for those who are unemployed to be trained and sent directly into the health care field. So that is uh exciting. Um, I want to let you know that we recently had a meeting with representatives from the attorney general's office, uh, Jennifer
Davenport, and I spoke to her personally regarding our efforts considering FIFA coming here and event driven activities of that magnitude, including Super Bowls and things of this nature. One of the concerns and this is more of a dark topic is that there is an increase of
incidents of human trafficking. We have incidents like that whether hotels, Airbnbs, factories and warehouses where they identify individuals that are in these areas. Um we are we've been working on activities like this since the Super Bowl was in New Jersey. We've
been extremely successful in identifying areas, businesses, online um communications that fall into these categories or red flag um are red flagged by our police department. They actually reached out to us to find out
what we were able to do over the last few years that have been successfully recognized um in terms of our efforts and shutting down any businesses that operate uh within the definition of what can be considered
human trafficking. Unfortunately, there there are so many incidents and sometimes people associate human trafficking with just uh sexloitation, but it can also be labor. individuals that are uh trafficked or transported
into the country and forced to work in some businesses like hair braiding or salons or as uh as maids or nannies at zero to no pay for extended hours in the entire day with holding their papers,
passports or with some kind of debt presented before them and they would have to pay back. And uh there will be a an educational component that we will be a part of over the next few months working alongside hotels educating the community how to easily identify
incidents like this. Again, I reiterate we've had town hall meetings and presentations over the last six years with this, but uh most recently with FIFA coming and with the Super Bowl, which is usually one day with a week
buildup, FIFA will be many, many days. Yes. >> And with individuals coming from around the world, it is at the forefront of uh of many government officials concerns. It's been spoken about a number of times by our new attorney general. And I want
you to know that along with our our chief of the police, I had actually approached the attorney general to present our initiatives and then we met with the head of their department to give details as to what we have done and share our desire to collaborate with
them in any way possible, get the information out. Um with that stated, I wanted to share that um there there is uh the reception or rather the receiving of a of amendment 58. I did want to
share because the business administrator had asked me about it regarding uh $3 million. Council president, members of the city council uh regarding the efforts to uh to construct a potential parking deck. Many of you are familiar. Me and Councilman Mayor discussed it
often and in detail over the years. I shared with him over the year of my capstone project. Many of you were aware when I did the presentation at uh at the Dayton Avenue complex. Um I was able to share directly with the council president that it was the topic of my
capstone project for Ruckers. Um in fact, me and him had extensive conversations on my frustration that the SBA does not fund parking. I shared with the council president in his role as an assemblyman that one of the frustrations I had when they did the day avenue complex. Understanding the SDA does not
provide for parking and that it was a perfect storm there with our distribution centers, the warehouses, obviously a more densely populated area and with the school that unfortunately there is no parking. So that I would be pursuing uh funding for the Dayton
Avenue complex parking deck. I've actually presented it over the years to the city council in my reports, a number of them, um, when when I'm given the chance in the morning. But we we've applied, uh, for a few years for funding. I actually had joked with our
assemblymen about us potentially getting another bite of the apple for funding, which assemblymen joke back, I don't think so. But that that is to to his credit accurately. We we have not gotten additional funding from the state for it. I did share that I would pursue
additional funding for that parking deck that it would be a number of of three major projects. I think I shared with Councilman Monk when we sat there once there is the uh the Aspen Place project. It's big one. The parking deck in Dayton Avenue in Parker Avenue. I joked here in
front of the council in a number of uh meetings where I said uh well the name Parker AB is already there so all we need is additional Parker for the avenue. I share that because I sometimes share so much when I'm given the opportunity to give the reports in the morning that uh I just wanted to update.
We did pursue funding, federal funding. We actually had applied for uh $15 million. Um we did not receive 15 as you guys imagine. We we had applied uh initially with Congressman Pascal and
met with his office about it. And again, I remember some of you uh were aware of the town hall meeting at Dayton Avenue and the school was present there. The school attorney was familiar with it. We actually discussed with him in detail of a of a mutual agreement or an agreement
that we can make for the use of the parking lot to join and uh talk to the dascese. With that stated, we received $3 million. 3 million is obviously uh enough to get the conversation moving. not enough to
construct the parking deck. Um, I remember when I when I was called and asked and again I thank Councilman Mayor who took some interest in my capstone project in Brockers and I had shared with him the idea of uh of using that that was the topic of our parking deck
because and I even presented pictures of the meetings that I had regarding presenting it and information presented in front of the council with the dates in case anyone uh needs to be u sort of more familiar with it. With that stated,
we will continue to apply. And one of the challenges we had is we wanted to repurpose uh $4 million that we had received when Congressman Pascal was in the office to that project. And uh this this federal government administration
said, they said, "Give us back our $4 million." So, they did take back the $4 million, which uh obviously uh was okay because our parking deck was completed, but would not allow us to use it for a second parking deck. They said you have
to apply again next year, which has been their response a lot in terms of funding for different projects. I say all this to recap so they understand that coming next year, we're looking to apply again. They've apparently started a new policy where you can only apply now for $4
million. So prior you could apply for the 15 million. You might get seven, you might get eight. Their new direction is no municipality can apply for more than $4 million for a single project. You can apply for different projects. I think it's up to two projects or is it more
two projects $4 million? Which begs the question, how do we decide these projects? I think that over the course of the year we have conversations such as in this one parking permits or we
consider FIFA or we may discuss an issue of recreation a need in the city or a park or partnership with the county and in the presentations and the mayor's update I may share that we're looking to get funding in the future we're going to
look to have more specific on the record um reports of these conversations Because we understand sometimes when the funding comes in it's easy to say remember we talked about this for the last two years but then people go when how when did you mention and and we go
that's fair. So for the future projects when we discuss them here I think it would be helpful and we'll submit them to the through the clerk to let you know when we're going to apply for these funings because that's all it is is application. I mean, obviously we we have the hope optimistic that we would
receive it, but when when a senator or a congressman says, "What what projects do you have?" And they say, "Uh, you can go up to 4 million or go up to 2 million." We consider the needs of the community. This is a major project. Uh, I will admit I've been working on it for, uh,
going on four years. I identified the area one day driving down Dane Avenue and realized two parking lots connected to each other would make an ideal location for a parking deck. After the completion of this parking deck when some people say that's not possible and
now we can see it very tangible evidence of working together and u and being committed to a vision started pursuing this parking deck with with a lot of effort. I I believe we can get it done.
I think ultimately there are compelling reasons why in the most condensely um or more densely populated area with so much traffic and a Dayton Avenue educational complex for thousands with no parking created. And we sometimes
say, well, why teachers? doesn't go well. There's also custodians and pars and support staff and parents and uh with houses of worship there and families and businesses. The idea of just making structures without parking
doesn't make sense, especially when we're arguing about snowstorms and streets and things of this nature. So, I want to give you a quick recap on the 3 million. And then finally, and this is just revisiting what uh Councilman Mayor has shared about the snow. One of the other initiatives that we're looking
towards, Councilman, is uh potentially signs during snowstorms, even though this one was unlike any that we had in 30 years, of converting some of our streets into runways when there's snow. And we had a conversation briefly about that. It's not something that we've
seen. So, we have to explore it a little more with engineers. But we've realized there are a number of streets where if we get a snowstorm like this one, actually, you know what? This one was better than the one that came before. >> The one that came before, to give you
some perspective, we spent close to $200,000 in additional funding for snow removal because of the two weeks of temperature not over 30 degrees. Yes, >> it was extremely difficult for snow removal. Here,
when you compare, we spend under $30,000 to remove the amount of snow. And you saw the reaction of the community, you did a great job. That doesn't always work out where you spend less and do more. I understand. But because of the nature of the storm, the reason why I refer to that is because that first
storm left certain streets unable to withstand two-way traffic. >> Right? So these are some of the measures that we're exploring and I want to let you know beforehand and obviously uh again as to what I was sharing with our assistant here to make note of it so
that we will have that for you on record as part of our meetings so that when we revisit these policies or ordinances in order to address this everyone can have the same point of reference that is the extent of any reports that I would give any questions of course and may if I may
want thank you for that that >> of In terms of the money coming from Congressman Poe, that's obviously federal money. >> That is >> we have any indications from the states to any indications whether that would include Senator Kim and Senator Book?
>> So I submitted an application to Senator Booker as well as to Senator Kim. Um they both shared the same administration up there. Washington hadn't changed from the first time that we requested the funding, but
they will they will submit it. They could provide us with more funding. I want to give realistic expectations. We're not getting $12 million. To complete this project would be about $15 million. If we can get an additional 4 million to 5 million, that would get us
a really long way. We could possibly do half of the deck of the 400 spaces that I have presented in that town hall meeting. It's been covered in the paper a number of times for the past year. This particular parking deck, the goal is to get over 400 spaces there in the
Dayton Avenue complex. I think some of us who are into this stuff, we saw the governor publicly share that the state is facing some economic challenges that uh just a little bit right assembly you're aware and I believe there's a
budget address that will occur Tuesday that where she may echo those sentiments or repeat them again. We would hope that we can get funding unless there's some private donor or we find another creative source which will look under every rock possible. We believe this
parking initiative is extremely important for the downtown area. I mean it is the entrance and exit to Route 21. Um if you think we have parking issues in the other wards, second ward and third ward when it snowed over there, it
is horrendous. I think all of you can attest to it as you receive the complaints. But the parking deck that we had here was of great benefit during the storm that people can park there in general. again a school of that size to serve that many people and and I understand the SA I called the SDA
directly at the time I was I was frustrated as mayor they were adamant they do not fund parking even with our new high school it's been something that they've shared they will build the school but they will not allow any of the funding to go for parking that is up to the municipalities to figure out how
to accommodate so that is one of the challenges we get the benefits of the schools they're wonderful but without the parking they do become a bit of a burden. And if and if you want to see it, just drive by there in the morning. And the other thing is for the next three to four years, remember that the high school while it was closed
redirected all of our students to the downtown area. So, not only is it more densely, it's become even worse now with parents and individuals leaving their vehicles there with nowhere to park. Teachers, Home Depot had recently
decided the teachers can no longer use their parking lot. So, it's been a real challenge down there. >> I can attest to that a job myself >> in that area. >> But, um, again to the point initially, I know and I I've stated it. I've brought
it up. We have it on record. I've actually it's been in the paper um covered and the presentations have occurred here in the council mentioning it in my updates. But I think when it comes to these applications, it is important that we can take an additional measure of including the council and
letting them know when we're following up on these things because then we'll end up with the money and people go where where' the money come from and uh why do we choose these uh these applications over others, but we had agreed collectively that the parking issue was one of the priorities in the
city as a whole. And that's why through my administration, I've been directing not only that, but as many of you recall, updating the council every time we find uh space and turning it into a parking lot. Actually presented it during the meeting where I presented all the parking lots, the Jefferson one, the
Brook A with the main corner. In that presentation of all those little parking lots that we converted on River Drive into additional public parking, I had shared that we would be going after funding for the Parker Avenue parking deck. And uh so hopefully we can get
that much money. But um okay, that's the extent unless there's any other questions. That's it for >> Yes, that's what I said earlier. We applied again. Yeah, we applied for this year because we we only have the three million. We
keep the funding for about two years, but if we do not use it for that specific project, it goes back. The city of Pacific has an amazing track record of using the funding that we receive. We don't give money back. Even that 4 million, we never gave it back. It was actually given to us and we were
supposed to be able to use it. And there was a change of in case some of you heard of the administration, there was a different president. There was an election this year and they started taking some of the money back and withholding some of the funds. >> Councilman M.
>> Two questions. So, is there any uh data in terms of the parking deck here across the street? >> Council, I'm sorry. Yeah, I was just asking is there any data in terms of the um parking deck across the street this new parking deck regarding occupancy how
many cars are parked there average a day a week yes we are generating that I mean obviously during the storm we allowed for free parking so that that would not be good data and uh it's it's becoming more and more popular but we are looking
to give you accurate data by June we I want to make sure that we have a good sampling of what we expect for the whole year. But, uh, to the business administrator who meets our parking authority, do you have numbers that you can share there?
>> Uh, no. Off the top of my head, um, I do not have those numbers, but like the mayor said, it's extremely popular. It's been extremely helpful. Uh we did our first uh set of parking passes with the new retro.
That's not retro. >> Planet Fitness. >> What is it? >> Planet Fitness. >> Planet Fitness. They confuse all the the gyms. That's how often I go, right? >> From retrofitness to Planet Fitness. >> From Retro Fitness to Planet Fitness. um they they went ahead and bought over
$3,000 worth of passes to give to their uh clientele that they pay two hours in advance so that they when you go work out there, they'll give you the sticker, you can go in and out of the deck. So, we're we're not just relying on the people that are parking, just paying coming in and out. We've also done the
passes and we're in the process negotiating with the supermarket who's also interested in doing the same thing across. So, those are things I know off the top of my head. Uh, obviously I would have to run the reports, the daily reports, so you get an idea, but like the mayor said, running them for the
next two weeks, I mean, the gates were open. We were we're like, "Please get off of the street, GO ONTO THE DECK SO WE can clean the street." >> We're looking at revenue, which is the easiest way for us to keep track of them. Um, this was difficult season because we have that extended holiday where we do the the two weeks before
Christmas all the way up to three kings which is January 6 and then immediately leading out of January we started going into the storms where everyone can go in for free. We know it's much more popular overnight because it's free overnight for residents. So we know that outside
there's an indicator that tells you whenever the lots are full. So we are generating that. But councilman, is there a specific number that you're looking for? looking for revenue or you looking for >> in terms of occupancy. Um there's how many spots are in that
>> three night but to be accurate during the daytime there's a number that's reserved for employees >> who also have to contribute. I'm curious if we we're consistently at 30%, 50%, 80%. Just curious what you know, you know, in terms of like there's I'm
really this is a segue into my next question >> and that is maybe you talk you talk about the Dayton Avenue parking deck of 450 cars. >> What's the what's the science of 450 as opposed to 550 or 350?
Was is there any type of study that was done in terms of what the demand is? And the reason I'm asking is maybe we don't need 15 million. Maybe 250 is enough for that Marvin area and we can do it for 8 million and maybe possibly we should do smaller decks in different parts of the
city to take some of the pressure off many different retail areas we're having instead of trying to put 450 in one spot try to pick it up. Again depends on what the demand is. I don't know if there's a study that will give you some of those numbers. So yes, there is a study that's
why I had alluded to or or talked about my capstone project. I had to present the traffic study in the area and obviously the usage to residents and the permits. Right now the church lot actually provides parking to residents overnight. They would have a specific
need to maintain some of the parking for their congregation. But how do how do we come up with 450 or 410 or 310? Um, logistically we look at the size and what's possible. We look at the maximum amount of parking that can go into a
deck. Once we get that number, we get how much it would cost and then we put in an application. Considering now the federal government and it's it was similar prior where you only get two projects up to $4 million and the likelihood that they're going to fund
both projects is uh is very low. Zero. You get one project. So we try to identify how much can we get and how much can we do at one time understanding how no forgive me how fickle uh representatives and legislators can be
sometimes they can be excited about a project in the beginning and then later decide this isn't the most popular project for us to get behind. So if we can get the 15 million after they check out the measurements just if it's possible to put the maximum there that's what we apply for. um the the
practicality of us saying we're going to apply for 10 different lots for 10 different sources, we're not going to get funded for them. Basically, funding works like that. You put in one or two applications a year and you typically get one big one, >> right? So if if Sorry, go ahead, please.
Yeah, just and before you go because I don't want to move on to the next topic is there's there's also a trigger point uh where a the cost for the foundation of the deck it's actually cheaper as you go up, right? So a twotory deck may cost
you almost the same as if you built the third story because all you're you've already set up. So the the sweet spot like the mayor is saying you're somewhere in the size of next door which is about four to five stories. And when you run the four to five stories to get
you a reasonable cost per parking space because that's another thing. Um this this area kind of gave us that number, right? So when you do the four, four and a half, four or five stories based on the the you know roughly
3540,000 per spot to get you up to that spot. Um it it led you to the four or five story building because in a parking deck it's not financially
uh recommended to do of that size just to do like two stories because you just spend all your money on the two stories where the price of the of the next two stories, right? Significantly reduce the cost of the the space. Even though I get what you're saying, you only got $8 million just do the two stories. Uh, but
I'm saying from a from a dollar standpoint, you want to build the extra story because that reduces your spot your your cost per spot sign. I mean, just going from like a second story to a third story significantly drops the cost of the spot, >> right? But if you don't need those extra
parking spots, so really what the parking spots that you do need are cost you that amount anyway, if not more because you don't need the fourth floor, the fifth floor. >> And let's say parking an example. say down in Dayton, you only need 250 spots, right?
>> So, you're right. It's um it's cheaper, right, to build 450, but if you go to say to the government, instead of give us 15, all we need is nine. Do we have a better that's all we really need in that area? Do we have a better shot next year of getting another seven, eight, as opposed to if we ask for 15, we don't
really need 15 that the next two years we're out of the game and we can't we don't have the the opportunity to build something in another area of town. That's all. That's >> understood. But it's a fair point. It's a fair point though. I would argue there's definitely a need >> in that area considering the Dayton
Avenue complex alone itself justifies 250 by itself. But the the homes in the area and the lack of parking there, including the additional schools, not just our public schools, but the additional charter schools that have gone in the area, the distribution
centers, the increase of traffic by some of our properties, whether factory 220, the restaurants, there's a lot of justification and compelling arguments to be made. >> And that's why I'm curious also to see, I guess, obviously, you know, a full year of data will give you a better
handle what's going on. parking deck across the street 60% or consistently 85% full to give us okay what are what are our true needs >> but every section is not made the same >> understood >> so I one would argue especially in that
area where the majority of housing does not have driveways so these are two three family four families with pre-existing I mean we're talking about old building none of them have any driveways and then you and this is what the mayor's trying to say you compound the with, you know, not hundreds but like
thousands of people moving in and out of that area. Um the need I would argue is if not more than what the deck across the street is from a residential standpoint where this
is more a mix of residential overnight commuters during the day and and visitors to the downtown area. Right. as well as when you consider and connecting these additional services like our free shuttle that goes right by there and the idea of individuals just
leaving their cars in the parking deck and going to shop in our market street in our downtown area. >> Right. No, understood. But especially um what you mentioned about the the different needs like residential parking
as as shoppers as well or teachers again it's different hours, right? So if the need is 450 in the area, but at any given time you only might need 300 because there's day users and night users, why spend the money >> and and put it somewhere else and put it
put a smaller deck. Put a 100 lot. >> That's a great point somewhere else >> if we could get the money for somewhere else. So that that's what goes back to the grant application. The way that the grants are set up, you present one application. I mean, think about the involved conversation we're having about this one project. When it comes to state
funding, the federal funding, we can sit here and have opinions and end up with eight different projects that people think are worthy of the applications, but the reality is that the state will pick one or two or the federal government will pick one. We try to do our best to find out which one would
have the biggest impact on the city as a whole. We've been really creative. I go back to grabbing little parking uh lots, taking a piece of grass in a park that is unused and saying, "Let's convert that and create 50 spaces. Let's do that with 30 spaces here, another 30 spaces
in uh on Third Street." But when it comes to genuinely addressing the issues of parking, we're limited with the options, right? Like the business administrator said, very few homes downtown have drivers. The idea that we're going to convince people to have less cars, we're not
being we don't have a lot of space that belongs to the city. So, we can't grab it. So, we have very few parking areas that we can actually do a lot for. If we only have two or three, we want to maximize that and say if we can get 450 parking considering the trend of
increase of cars, we're not building a parking deck for data today. We're building a parking deck for what the city's going to look like 10 years from now, 15 years from now. So even if it doesn't justify it completely today, we see the trend of the parking need
growing every single year because of that. We try to prepare for that. That's why we look at more spaces than less with the money available. They give us 15 million, great. If we end up getting 7 million, we'll pursue 250 spaces. But I think to the to the business
administrator's point of look there are engineers and obviously financial experts that can explain it in better detail. But if they're going the foundation is the biggest cost and that cost us the six million and then since it's mostly prefab the rest is just
putting it on top. If we get if we get seven million and spend six on just the foundation and one or two levels and it's only going to cost us an additional three for every other level, then it just makes sense for us to go for as much as possible there. >> Councilwoman Kas,
>> yes, I'm not going to be speak about parking. Yes, there is. We need a lot of parking downtown, but um my concern with the snow, first of all, everyone did a great job. You always have one or two that's going to complain, but our city did a great job. And I was proud to be
part of this city when that was happening. I was watching the mayor. I was watching everything going on. I also watched when uh the DPW truck caught on fire. >> Yes. >> So, my concern is are the trucks going to be able to handle another snowstorm?
Not this year hopefully, but next year. >> That is a great question, Councilwoman. And I think that it gives us an opportunity to have a very real conversation with residents. I think it's important because most of us get uh on on education as it's going on, right?
When you have an a DPW coming in for 12 hours, >> they take a break and then at the end of their shift, somebody else comes in and covers them. The problem is that then after those 12 hours, someone else covers them.
Between those three people that have done 36 hours, they've probably gotten about two hours each worth of a break. The vehicle doesn't get a break. The person who comes in to relieve the driver of that plow or that vehicle takes that same vehicle. So, that
vehicle may have been turned off for the two hours that you went to lunch. Hopefully, you weren't idling or someone didn't switch it in those two hours. And for the 15 to 20 minutes it takes to change the shifts. So, some of our vehicles were working since Sunday when the storm started all the way to
Wednesday with maybe two to three hours where it's been turned off. This one, the hydraulic lock, uh, that's what actually caused the combustion, the fire inside diesel truck, and the mechanic tried to explain it the best he could to me that it expands and retracts and
expands and retracts and over a period of time we're overheating, explodes, and then all that liquid is flammable. And that's what occurred. Thank god a driver got out and there was no body harm. >> We don't have a fleet of vehicles to tell people, "All right, let's put these 12 trucks away."
>> And these next 12 drivers that come in, grab the other 12 trucks. Trucks range between $150,000 and some can go up to over $200,000. That's why we have in-house mechanics. >> They basically do the quick fix, put it back out on the road. A nut went loose,
we need a replacement part. >> It's really based on money. grants are are far and few in between and very few are available for DPW trucks. We have better chances of getting grants for a firet truck, an apparatus or police vehicle. You would
think that there would be more funding for DPW trucks. The truth is, and this is just the reality of situation, it may snow 10 days out of the year. 10 days out of the year. That means the other 355 days out of the year, no one's
thinking about snow. >> That's not a pretty bad winter. At best, at best, we have gotten maybe two or three life flies. At worst, we got what we got this year. But that's why you heard everyone say every 30 years, every
five to six years with the ice storm that we got, the frigid temperatures. As to your question, do we have enough vehicles right now to withstand another storm like this? No. Even though we don't have enough vehicles or enough salt in this particular storm, we had to borrow salt and pay it back. We had to
go to some of our sources in the county and elsewhere to get salt. We've had to employ vendors and contractors to help us with their trucks. And some of their trucks even were saying we've overused them during your storm. It is very
difficult. It is a challenge that we face but not alone. All the municipalities are facing similar challenges. The reason why I was adamant to share that information is perhaps to give some caution to other municipalities and drivers of what to do when this will happen again. But as to
your point, it is difficult. We try our best to uh rotate our vehicles, but with limited vehicles and more and more residents, what street do we sacrifice? What area do we say we're giving the trucks a rest for eight hours and then we'll give you guys later? We don't have too many of
those opportunities. >> Thank you. Councilman Mayor, please. >> Yeah. >> Discussing giving back funds to the federal government. Just that was there any anything going on with the Van Hen
Lacawana pump station or >> those funds weren't given back. >> Let me let me qualify. We did not give back funds. We applied to use the funds. The federal government after the transition of a new congressman decided
that we cannot use those funds or limited how we could use the funds and we tried to explain to them our project. The federal government said no but you can apply again and we did to keep those funds and they said no but we'll give
you the we'll give you three but we'll take back four and we'll give you three. That's sort of what occurred >> and the lot that that pump station we're we're >> that but we're those funds are safe. >> Yes. >> We have we do not give back funds. The city of Pake has not given back funds.
Those $4 million were that was a unique situation but we were able to complete our parking deck here and we wanted to use the $4 million to move forward with additional parking and the federal government said no. They said you you could use it here, but to Councilman
Monk's point, we weren't going to put two or three more levels on top of this parking deck because one, it wasn't necessary and uh I don't think logistically it would have worked. So, they did not allow us to use it, but we fought to keep it. We actually put in
multiple requests through uh through the new Congress representative Nelly Po through the senator and I will share with you because I had the opportunity to be on a zoom call directly with uh with Speaker Pelosi on a different matter. Reached out to her directly to
ask and uh from everyone we were told they were not going to allow us to use the 4 million that uh you see the check on the second floor. It came in with Congressman Pascal. They were adamant. They they put so many restrictions on what we could use it for. It just there was nothing reasonable that we could do
with it. >> Thank you. >> M is there any value to discuss opening up the parking deck to include commercial to include >> anything like that?
>> That's a good yes we're doing that. We're are creating an opportunity for commercial vehicles up to a certain size because there are weight restrictions and obviously they must be able to fit into the parking space to uh to use our parking deck.
What we're exploring is the fees, whether it's fair to charge them the same fee as a residential vehicle since they are making money off the commercial vehicle. But we we have moved forward on presenting an ordinance that would allow or rather a policy that would allow for
commercial vehicles if they pay. It's just figuring out how we would charge them more. >> Okay. I'm I'm curious also in terms of obviously the the available resources that we have that we've been in contact with during your administration certainly um you know bringing in unions
groups like that is is that within the is that >> for the building of the park >> any way we could get it in that would yield cash back? >> Yes, of course. Look, it's it's always our goal to work with um with unions.
They've been great partners with us and wherever we can do it within reason. I mean, our ultimate obligation is to the residents and as much as we want to partner with different organizations and agencies, at the end of the day, we serve the public. So, if we can get a parking deck done with obvious
partnerships where the money makes sense, great. But I I'll be very candid. My goal is to maximize the opportunities of creating more spaces and spend as little as possible because we don't have a lot of hopes of getting more money. So
if if we can get $20 million from the state, we'll work with whoever the recommended group is. If we can get up to $20 million, we'll get we'll get an amazing partner backed up. Um if we get $8 million, it really limits us on what we
can do in that area. I'm I'm curious also, forgive me on a yeah, on that other level that you just alluded to, if it's not possible that we bring in some of our friends over the years and get them to understand just how fundamentally important this the deck is.
>> Yes, definitely. >> And maybe that the request that we have for funding could go hand in hand with requests of other groups to put us on a better plane. >> Definitely, that'd be most appreciative. I mean, we we've reached out obviously to all the representatives that we have,
but being able to get as many of them together or reach out with a with a collective voice, but this is a a very needed project in that area and getting that done will make a big difference for our community. >> I know that the county and related
legislators are planning to meet and one of the topics obviously is funding. >> So, this will certainly be on the agenda. >> Yeah. Sometimes I I will share that the the interest rates on particular funding opportunities with the county are not
necessarily comparable dollars. We actually get a pretty good rate as you know the standing through your many years of council and through this collective body's responsible governing we have a pretty good rating and the interest that we look to is sometimes better than the county. There's there's
no doubt and frankly the benefit that the county would receive by underwriting the bonds versus having it done somewhere else is not consequential. Uh but what is consequential is if if some of our neighboring municipalities especially the larger ones like
Patterson are going to get you know a lot of aid and support as they should. >> Um then that certainly would speak well of us as well. >> Understood. Okay. Additional other questions for the mayor. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you for this uh
very enlightening. Um there's nothing else that I have on the agenda. Anything from anyone? >> Seeing none, move to close. >> There's a motion to adjurnn. Is there a second to adjurnn, please? >> Second. >> Motion and second to adjurnn. Roll call. >> Councilman Monk, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Melo,
>> yes. >> Councilman Mayor, >> yes. >> Councilman Garcia, >> yes. >> Counciloman Kolz, >> yes. >> And Council President Sheer, >> yes. Meeting is adjourned.