I didn't start. Did the meeting start? Yeah, I think that was me. Am I audible? Yes, we can hear you. All right. Okay, we will call this
set up yet to get download the Google Home app on a phone or tablet. We'll call this meeting to order. Uh the notice requirement provided for the open public meeting law
satisfied notice is properly given notice having been to the committees on Tuesday January 6 2025 as well as posted on the city's website. Council members Briggs Jones present.
Cherry present. Graham present. McCrae present. Wyatt present. Vice President Cess present. Council President Hawk present. We have all members present for this
virtual meeting and a quorum. Okay. Thank you. Um, please uh rise for the pledge of allegiance and remain standing for the invocation. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Council President, do you have the uh updated script? I do.
Humbly we ask God the giver of peace and the love of charity to give the entire family of nations true agreement with his will to grant the life of his spirit on all those who work for justice and peace. Amen. All right. Thank you. All right. Uh first with the approval of minutes, may
I have a motion to approve the minutes of our uh regular meeting of June 16th, 2025? So move. Second. Second. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposition or abstensions?
Okay. The meetings um the minutes of the meeting have been approved. Okay. We'll start with any communications from the mayor. Uh if there are uh any mayor, the floor is yours or BA. Um I don't believe
Oh, go ahead, mayor. No. Um Mr. President, I would just like to acknowledge the events of the last two weeks, which I am sure that everyone in attendance,
everyone is familiar with those events. and to let the public know that we continue to do all that we can to provide assistance to our residents and to be responsive to their needs. And one of the things that we will be doing this
coming Saturday is that we will provide assistance based on a group of volunteers that have pledged to make themselves available to assist homeowners who have things in their
basement that need to be brought out of the basement onto the curbs or in their backyards. And so we will have a group of volunteers and this would be for individuals who are not able to do it for themselves and we asking those individuals to call my office at city
hall, give their names and addresses and we will have a volunteer or volunteers come to their addresses and provide them with the assistance that they need in order to move those damage items uh to the curb to be picked up by our solid
waste and sewer and DPW departments. And that's all I have at this time. I'm sure there'll be more as we go through the meeting. Thank you. You're very welcome, Mayor. Um, appreciate everything that's been done
by your administration, uh, led by, um, many departments. Everybody's has had a hand in it, but but DPW has has done an amazing job and uh Sergeant Keith Kesha Betha in her new role has uh rolled up
her sleeves and and uh and got us through us through this as as as much as possible. Um it's just been a really difficult and trying and tragic time for our city. Um, and you know, we just
continue to pray that um that we don't experience more of these natural uh disasters. Um, because it's it's it's certainly been taxing on us. Uh, but it certainly helps to have a steady steady
hand of leadership uh with uh through these through these things. Um, so we will now move on. Well, discussion items, economic development presentation. Mr. President, yes.
With your permission, if you can allow the business administrator to also speak to the public about the benefit concert, I think it's important to talk to that at the top and at the bottom of the meeting. All right, let's let's let's hear it.
Yeah. I'd just like to encourage everybody to come out. We will be having a benefit concert at um 4 pm at the plane at the high school and we have a lot of great acts that have volunteered their time to perform. Some of them are,
you know, acts that were previously going to perform and and due to the first tragedy were unable to. Um we're hoping to have resources there as well for anybody who needs and we will be accepting donations to
um create a trust account that people can apply for grants for in order to recover from things they you know um home damage and flood flood damage in their homes. So we we hope to have a good turnout
this Sunday 4 o'clock at the high school. and checks can be made payable to the city of Planefield with storm recovery on the memo line. We prefer checks, but cash will be accepted
as well. And this event is not really about the celebration and the music. It's more about the money. And so the goal is to raise as much as we can to help as many people as we can. So, thank you.
All right. You're welcome. All right. We'll now move to discussion items from economic development. Um, council president, I can hold my item until the my section for the resolution or I could present it now. Which would you prefer?
Um, I actually do not have a preference, so I I'll allow you to choose. I'll hold until that section. Okay. All right. No problem. All right. So, we'll move to consideration of public hearing, second reading and final passage. Uh we now move on to ordinance
on second reading and final passage. Madame Deputy, please read MC 2025-24 by title and certify its compliance with all statutory legal uh requirements. MC 202524
is an ordinance of the city of Planefield in the county of Union granting a tax exemption pursuant to the long exemption law redevelopment area bond financing law with respect to certain property identified on the
city's tax map block 307 block 20.01 29.01 31.01 01 35 and 36 and designated in the city's tax records as 412-16 East 2nd Street 218-26
Richmond Street 347- 347-423 East 3rd Street 343-45 East 3rd Street and 339-41 East 3rd Street Planefield New Jersey and authorizing the execution of a
financial agreement with SRV Planefield 3 urban renewal LLC and authorizing certain other actions in connection therewith. It is hereby certified that notice of a public hearing on this ordinance was published in the Courier
News on June 17, 2025. Okay. Thank you. Uh the floor is now open to any member of the public who would like to speak on this ordinance. No one has raised their hand. Okay. Um
public comment is now closed. Okay. May I have a motion to adopt this? Uh, no move. Second. Clerk, may we have a roll call? Council members Briggs Jones, yes.
Cherry, yes. Graham, yes. McCrae, yes. Wyatt, no. Miss President Ces, yes. Council President, yes. That
unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on second reading, final passage. Okay. Thank you. Madame Deputy, please read MC 2025-25 by title and certify its legal compliance.
MC2525, an ordinance of the city of Planefield, County of Union, New Jersey, adopt the 13th amendment to the 197 scattered sites redevelopment plan dated April 17, 2025. does hereby certify that notice of
a public hearing on this ordinance was published in the Courier News on June 17, 2025. Okay. Floor is now open to any member of the public who would like to speak on this ordinance specifically. No one has their hand raised.
Still no one. No. Okay. I'll close public comment. I have a motion and a second to to adopt this ordinance on second reading and final passage. Move. Clerk, may we have a roll call? Council
members Jones. Yes. Sherry. Yes. Grant, yes. Yes. Wyatt, yes. Vice President Ces, yes.
Council Hag. Yes. All right. Thank you. We now move on to public comments limited to resolutions and motions being considered this evening. Total of of 30 minutes has been allocated for the same.
Uh the each speaker will be given three minutes. The floor is now open. Name and uh remember we're not giving addresses. So name and city that you're from is sufficient. Uh my name is Dr. Laura M. Diaz. I am a
pediatrician. I live in Planefield, New Jersey. Am I able to be heard? Okay. Wonderful. I prepared a small statement regarding um the ordinance that's being proposed for horses being banned on the
Planefield streets. Um, so I've lived in Planefield for 10 years. I'm a homeowner. I'm a board-certified pediatrician. I care for many children in Planefield. I practice in the area. I accept Medicaid, so I take care of a lot of our city's children. I'm here today to speak firmly against the proposed
ordinance banning horses on Planefield's public streets. As a pediatrician, I want to start by emphasizing the profound mental health benefits that horses offer children. Research shows that interacting with horses reduces anxiety, builds emotional regulation, increases confidence, especially for
children with ADHD, autism, and trauma histories. Even seeing a horse in a public space has been shown in studies to be associated with lower stress. A stronger sense of connection. Many children are overstimulated in the digital world, and so them being exposed
to horses is going to help them connect with nature. Removing horses from our streets eliminates one of the few enriching hands-on experiences still available to many of our children in their neighborhoods. The ordinance directly contradicts state law. New Jersey statutes protect horses on
roadways. New Jersey statutes such as NJSA 39 semicolon 4-72 explicitly recognize the right of horses to share public roadways. Motorists are required to slow down and yield to horses, reinforcing that equin presence is lawful and protected. It's important to
recognize that horseback riding in Planefield is not new. The Crazy Faith riders, who I hope will make themselves known during this meeting, have been riding on our streets for over 30 years. They're well known and respected in the city. They're in they're consistently celebrated in the Fourth of July parade,
which is an event that brings joy and unity to the entire community. The tradition was never treated as a nuisance or a problem until now. Trying to ban horses from the streets that they've peacefully traveled for decades disrespects their history and it sends the wrong message about who and what we
value in our city. Frankly, I must also say that as a resident and professional, I'm really disappointed that this is even being considered as an ordinance. Political differences should never result in punitive policy, especially when that policy undermines community traditions and restricts healthy
engagement for youth and families. I have two sons. My youngest enjoys riding. It would be a disappointment to know that he is no longer able to participate not only with the Crazy Faith riders, but with other horse communities who often ride through the
city. And I would like to be clear, this is not a public safety issue. There are many large cities which allow horses such as New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Even in hightraffic zones, there are mounted police patrols, carriage rides, and equestrian events which are all managed safely in places
with millions of residents. If those cities can accommodate horses, there is no reason Planefield cannot do the same. Planefield should not reject its rural roots or recreational potential under the weight of political posturing. This ordinance conflicts with state law. It
takes away meaningful community-based opportunities for recreation, tradition, and connection. and I am urging this council to reject the proposed ban. I would be happy to see you adopt inclusive, reasonable regulations that honor our laws and our community values,
but for the sake of our children and for my children, I am asking that you seriously reconsider this ordinance so that it can be more inclusive. Thank you for your time. Thank you. Good evening everyone. Uh could just get someone to show their hands. Can you
hear my voice? All right, cool. Thank you. So, my name is Dr. Cox and I come before you Dr. Tristan Cox. Excuse me. And I come before you not just as a resident, but a fourth generation Planefielder, someone who is deeply rooted in this city's history and its promise. About 15 years
ago, I witnessed something unforgettable. a man by the name of JR riding his horse through the streets of Planefield. I was wowed not just by the beauty of the animals, but his presence, his dignity, and the pride that came with it. God rest his soul. He recently
passed away. That moment led me to connect with the C crazy faith riders of New Jersey. Since then, I've become a rider myself and have taken part in countless community rides throughout Planefield. I've also partnered with Watch Young Stables to bring our youth,
especially those from communities who rarely if ever get access to this experience face to face with horses. These rides are about far more than recreation. They're about connection, healing, culture, and exposure to something greater than ourselves. And
now we're considering an ordinance that would effectively erase that presence from our city. I urge you, don't do it. This proposal sends the wrong message and takes away something powerful and positive that has inspired residents for over decades, many decades. Uh let me
also be clear, a permit system is not the solution. It's just a backdoor to more red tape, unnecessary control, and a kind of selective enforcement that has historically shut people out. the system will be a subject to the whims of the
powers that be and that's not fair or a righteous path forward. Respectfully and humbly, I ask the council to remove this ordinance from consideration. honor the people who have worked tirelessly to bring horses and equin activities into
our communities, not just as animals, but symbols of hope, pride, and tradition to hopefully inspire the young child that was Tristan of 15 years ago. Thank you for your time. Thank you.
Can you hear me? Yes, we can. Name name and city. Good evening, council members. My name is Richard Anderson. I was born and raised in the Queen City. I'm a proud graduate of Planeville High School, class of 1986, and I was the football
captain. My father served as head custodian at Cook School for 30 years, while my mom worked at RCA. They raised us with strong values of faith, discipline, and community love. Our family made history as the first black
family to purchase a home on West 8th Street. I hold degrees from Morehouse College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and a master of social work from Ruckers University as of May 19th, 2025. I am a social worker in training and I speak
today with personal conviction and professional responsibility. I oppose the proposed ordinance banning horses in the city of Planefield. This ordinance is not just about horses. It's about ex access, equity, and healing.
Horses saved my life as a child, and now as a professional, I use them to help save the lives of others. Ecoin therapy is an evidence-based intervention that has been proven to reduce suicidal ideiation, particularly among black and
Hispanic youth who are disproportionately affected by depression, trauma, and lack of access to mental health services. A 2013 study by Pendry and Roder demonstrated that equin assisted activities help regulate
stress hormones in youth resulting in healthier emotional outcomes. This is especially critical when we note that black adolescents are experiencing the highest increase in suicide rates among all racial groups according to the CDC.
The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics mandates that social workers challenge social injustice and advocate for vulnerable populations. This ordinance would strip Planefield's youth of a vital therapeutic resource and erase a
cherished part of our history and community fabric. Planefield's youth deserve access to non-traditional culturally relevant therapeutic modalities, especially when traditional systems often fail them. Horses do not
just provide entertainment. They offer healing. They create opportunities for connection, discipline, and trust. Since 1999, I have brought horses to the Planefield Fourth of July parade and into our
public schools through our organization, the Crazy Faith Riders of New Jersey. We are an approved vendor of PHS and Jefferson School, where we give rides to children, many of whom experience this joy for the very first time. These
moments are not merely fun, they are therapeutic. As a member of the clergy, I find it ironic that while Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the book of Revelation states that he will return on a horse. This proposed ordinance would
effectively declare him unwelcome to return to Planefield. Council President Speaker sign is up. Okay. Thank you. Name and city affiliation. The floor is yours. Hello.
Name and affiliation. The floor is yours. Oh, sure. I wasn't sure if you were talking to me. Hi. uh Jwan Palmer Chamblas, Planefield, New Jersey. I am also here to talk about the proposed ordinance to amend the animal ordinance to include language about horses um in
the city of Planefield. It's it's and everybody has done such a wonderful job with with the legal aspect of it, the historic aspect of it, the mental health aspect of it. But I would like to talk about the desire to change it and where
it came from. If I'm correct listening to people, and I'm also familiar with the Crazy Faith Riders, they have done Junth events for us um in Rawway, there has never been an issue where someone decided that they needed to amend a
sitting ordinance for horses in the city of Planefield. So, I wonder what happened to create a need that the BA's office, represented from someone who does not have a history in the African-American community in Planefield, would write or propose an
amendment to change what we have already had and has done no harm to anyone. It didn't even do any harm to the mayoral campaign because you won, right? All of you all who who supported our sitting
mayor, you won. So why the retaliatory things that happening now, you won. Let it go. You seem very petty and immature for using this as an opportunity to get
back at someone for something that they did that you did not appreciate. It's unnecessary. We have other things in this city that we need to be looking on. And bad enough, you don't even have enough people to enforce the codes that you already have on the books. Yet, you want to add something else and then make
it a financial burden. That $500, $1,500, $3,000 fine is absolutely ridiculous and is absolutely punitive. And as African-American people who know that we have a $600,000
wealth gap, why would you put this type of infringement on the backs of our people? It's black men who would riding horses through this town. I haven't seen anybody white ride any horses. It's been black people. And why would you inflict
that try to inflict that injury on them? So I urge all of the council people, especially my council person, Mr. Graham to vote no on advancing this ordinance. It's unnecessary. It's bad timing and it
makes every last one of you all look immature and petty. Do better. Thank you very much. Um yes, Nancy Pvar uh playing field. Um, I agree with all the speakers before me. I remember as a little child, um, the
horses that would ride up through my neighborhood when the ragman came through or the vegetable people came through and the scissors man came through. I don't think this, um, ordinance is necessary, but I also want to speak on 271 about the uee. I
understand and I read some of it that some of the residents areas are going to be taken out but I don't understand why the entire um Front Street from uh Gerard Avenue all the way to Clinton Avenue where there's residents
homes there why they're included in the UAE and why those sections weren't taken out. Thank you very much. name and address, name and city affiliation. Excuse me. Floor is yours, Miss Price. Unmute yourself, Leslie Price.
Good evening. This is Leslie Hall Price. I'm a resident of Planth, New Jersey. I apologize because I didn't know if I was muted or not, but I won't take much time, but I have been a volunteer at um Petty Farm, which is a
private horse farm in Edison, New Jersey, very close to Planefield for almost two years next week. And the amount of joy, the amount of of access and the amount of
happiness that has been given to children, families, and teachers um throughout the Planeville area
because of that location or that space is remarkable, unbelievable and just amazing. And as others spoke earlier, the history
of horsemanship and horse riding in Plle has been here for many, many, many, many years and there's never been any problem. So, if this is all a result of something that happened recently, I
would love for the council to make it clear to the public what happened like another person said or to definitely reconsider this need or necessity to have an ordinance in the first place.
The horses, they're majestic, they're mystical, they're spiritual. They bring healing not only to children but to adults who are going through issues. And for the
last few weeks, we have had so much pain here and unexpected trauma here in Planefield. Um, we're all affected by it. So now on top of what's happened recently it which was out of our control for this to come
up it just makes no sense and I just will close by saying as an adult as a plane resident being here since I was 12 being in the school district working with children every day there's you can ask anyone that knows me there is not
one day that I don't talk about horses getting more children involved giving them more access and making this a wholesome opportunity for all especially the children and families of Planefield who
just don't have anything a lot of times to begin with. Thank you very much. Very welcome. Hello. Hi, my name is Jan Martinez. I'm a resident of Planefield. I'm also speaking on behalf of the ordinance with
the horses on um public ways. Um so in the ordinance it states um whereas incidents involving the urination and defecation of horses in public spaces contribute to unsanitary conditions and present a public health concern for residents and city maintenance
personnel. Um one I studied um public health in undergrad. So I do have a little bit of research on this. Um, I think it's kind of ironic how last council meeting, um, a resident brought up the stray cats and the cat colonies in Planefield and basically was brushed
off how, um, they were going to look inside the budget, but it was very low budget. You you know you guys emphasized there was a very low budget to um for the trap and release programs, but feral cats and stray cats are way bigger public health issue than horses that are
actually cared for and have annual veterary visits and are have antibiotics and you know vaccines and medications to for these animals. But you guys are so quick to ban horseback riding on our streets, but aren't doing anything for
the stray cats in Planefield. Banning horseback riding in the city, an activity that occurs only a few times a year and poses little to no public health risk, feels misplaced. Horse manure, especially from properly cared for animals, breaks down quickly and rarely transmits diseases. Meanwhile,
the ongoing issue of stray cat stray and fereral cat colonies continue to be overlooked. These cats these cats present a significantly greater health concern due to parasites and bacteria in their feces such as toxopplasma gandhi which can contaminate soil water and
community spaces and I do work in the healthcare more so within pediatrics and these specifically are at risk for pregnant women and children. These are on playgrounds these are on our yards and not even just from stray cats from cats from within owners who don't
regularly check their animals. So these are on our lawns, our parks. These are more of a risk to pregnant women and children than manure from horses. And to even be more clear, there are bags to catch manure coming from horses. So why don't we implement that be a rule for
these horses to catch the manure, not just ban it and create a permit that that's absurd. Why why pri prioritize banning a rare low impact activity like horseback riding while ignoring a persistent public health issue that affects our neighborhoods year round? I
strongly encourage the council to focus on developing a rural situation solution for the stray cat population. Though TNR programs, public education and responsible feeding policies before targeting activity that brings minimal risk to our community. The you can look it up. Um the the state shows numbers of
people getting sick from from stray cat bites, stray cat scratches. And literally these parasites and bacteria found only in cat feces in in our in children and pregnant women around the state and even probably the city, especially with our city. So, you know,
we're sitting here banning horses, but we're neglecting actual issues that people actually complain about. Like, who genuinely has complained about who horse on our streets? I have never heard that but I do hear people name and name and city
for the records would be a place in Planefield and I usually don't give my credentials but I am a veterinarian. University of Pennsylvania 1988 been living in Planefield for over 40
years. I am a believer in safety and I do not want to transfer the uh attention the whatever you want to call it from horses
to cats and make them the target animal. And I am a a proponent. I am cats and my and horses are my flocks. I do not well I do understand the attention on the horse on the horses
and I'm I'm a proponent of safety for horses as well and well-being for them. I think this is a farce. I think it's this resolution, this ordinance is directed
um against a particular individual who ran against Mr. Mack. I would urge you all to look into your hearts and vote against this ordinance. I'm not sure if you
Thank you so much. heard my I heard everything. Okay, we appreciate Do the right thing guys and girls. Do the right thing. And oh, may I say one other thing. I did speak with Dr. Cissomes and she told me that she got many communications from
residents who were complaining about or thought the horses were a problem and she saw some problems herself. So, I am looking if she's going to vote for this uh ordinance. I'm looking for her to make those um comments. Thank you.
Her comments have concluded. She's still on there. Thank you. Name and city affiliation. The floor is yours. Thank you. M Rogers Frank, you might be on too many
devices because there's echoing, but the floor is yours. I think she's having technical difficulties. Uh, we'll need to move on to the next caller. Hello. Yes. Phone number ended in floor is
yours. name the city. Thank you. Norma Rogers Frank um from Planefield, New Jersey. Thank you for hearing me out. I am calling in reference to ordinance the new ordinance MC 2025- 32 which is the old MC 2025-16.
So I just I have a statement I wrote. I just wanted to say first good evening and I'd like to thank the city council for reconsidering um MC 202516 or 32 as is now numbered um and adding it back to the agenda and rec
reconsidering the decision to ban parking on the south side of the 1200 block of Wine Avenue because it speaks volume about your commitment to hearing all voices. My neighbors and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to be heard regarding this matter and the proposed
ban disproportionately affects the quality of life of many residents while addressing the complaints of only a few. Watch Avenue spans 2 miles from Bridge Street to Leland Avenue and to restrict parking on a single block from Kingsington Avenue to Hillside Avenue due to concerns tied to one house is not
only unfair but it sets a concerning precedence. As I shared at last month's meeting, we urged the council to resolve the issue with the individual properly directly rather than penalizing an entire neighborhood. So, on behalf of myself and the neighbors, thank you once
again for listening to us and voting to and hopefully voting to repeal the no parking restrictions on the 1200 block of Wrine Avenue. Your responsiveness strengthens the trust between the council and the community. And I've been living here at the same address for 14 years. Um, and as I stated last time,
this will be a quality of life issue for myself and some of my other neighbors. So, thank you for bring it brought back up um hearing us and reconsidering voting against um to voting to appeal this tonight. I appreciate each of you.
Thank you. You're very welcome. Okay, Miss Hoffman, please unmute yourself. name and city floor is yours. Good evening, council. Good evening, Mayor Matt. My name is uh Glenn Corky
Johnson. Uh I'm a lifelong resident of Planefield, New Jersey. I operate and manage a horse farm within Stone Throw of Planefield, New Jersey. Uh, I'm on here tonight at the meeting to ask that
you uh not pass the ordinance for banning horses in New Jersey. I've been involved in horses most of my life within the last 10 years as a manager of a small horse farm,
16 horses, and I'm there every day. My team as I call them, we have been riding into playing field for the past 10 years without incident. Okay? We are respectful of the
community. We are respectful to the citizens. We ride through Edison, South Planefield, and then into Planefield. Last 10 years we've been doing it, we have had not one incidents involving
safety with the horses. We have always been respectful to clean up after the horses. Whether I'm driving my pickup truck or as someone stated earlier, a bag where the riders would hop off their
horse, clean up, and continue on their way. Okay. Um, it would be a disservice to horse owners, uh, horsemanship enthusiasts
and the city of Planefield and their citizens. We take pride in training our horses to be street safe. Okay. Um, it takes a lot to train a horse to be street safe. I uh am willing
to open up my place to any member of the council. You can come by and see me. Um I'm in Edison and I hope that you guys do not pass this ordinance. Thank you.
Council President, before we move on to the next speaker, 7:55 would have been uh 30 minutes for a couple comments. So we have time for one more speaker. Thank you. Good. Good evening.
Good evening. Person seemed to have disappeared. Okay. Would you like me to go for the next? Yes, please. Miss Smith name and address name and city affiliation for the record.
Floor is yours. Miss man, the person is unmuted, but I'm not hearing anything. Yeah, I'm not either. I'll go on to the next, please. Dr. Griffin is the name on the screen.
Unmute yourself. Name and the city affiliation. Floor is yours. Hello. Good evening. Good evening. Hi, I'm Dr. Griffin. Um, thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. Hello to the council and also to the mayor. Um,
I'm a lifelong resident of Planefield and I want to express my concern about the proposed um being on horseback riding. Uh it's been a tradition uh since I was a little kid. I remember going to the Fourth of July parades and seeing the horses in the parade. And it
has been a very memorable experience. And as of recently, it's been used not only as to embrace cultural heritage in the city of Planefield, but as a form of peaceful civic engagement. Um, and as someone who's lived here my entire
entire life, I believe that we should be cautious about u making temporary political tensions uh rise as a result of permanent decisions and um make sure that we are embracing civic engagement.
So a ban of this nature could possibly erase the meaning of what horse riding has meant to the city and the city's identity. And I just hope that the council will reconsider um their decision on banning uh horseback riding
in the city and remember the history as well as consider the safety but remember the history and remember the right for everyone to engage. Thank you so much Dr. Griffin. I appreciate you. Okay. Uh public
comments is now closed. Uh we will move along to resolutions uh for consideration uh from the legislative body. Uh are there any questions of resolution R257-25? Okay. May I have a motion to approve uh that resolution?
So moved. Second. Uh roll call clerk. Council members Brick Jones. Yes. Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes. McCra. Yes. Wyatt. Yes. Cessence. Yes.
Council president. Yes. Resolution's been approved. Okay. Uh would the business administrator present their items? Yes. Thank you, council president. We only have one item this evening and it is a resolution for advice and consent
to the appointment of Pierre Emanuel Elmon for um who will be succeeding Judge Ror who has been appointed to the superior court bench. Okay, any questions?
Okay, may I have a motion to approve? Second. Click roll call, please. members Jones. Yes. Jerry, yes. Grant, yes. McCra, yes.
Why? Cess, yes. Council President, yes. Resolution been adopted. Okay. Thank you. Uh, would the corporation council present their items? Thank you, Council President. I have two
items for consideration this evening. Uh both are appropriations uh for attorneys handling redevelopment matters uh within the city. Uh one is for our primary redevelopment council uh McManam in Scotland and Bowman. Um this is an additional appropriation of $10,000
which would make the total for this year $45,000. And the second is to the Souer Law Group. It's an additional $5,000 to bring the total to $20,000 for the year. Those are the two items for consideration. I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you.
Any questions from council members regarding these two items? Okay. Seem like very modest increases. I I've known attorney bills to be more than that. But council president, I also neglected to mention these these are within the budget for the office of corporation
counsel. Uh there this is this is within the budget. There's no uh need to ext expand the budget for these appropriations. Okay. Thank you. Thank you so much. Okay. Um there are no questions from council. May I have a motion to approve and a second?
So move. Second. Okay. Clerk, roll call, please. Roll call on resolution 259 and 260. Council members Jones. Yes. Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes.
McCrae, yes. Wyatt, yes. Vice President Celes, yes. Council President H. Yes. Those two resolutions have been approved. Okay. Thank you. Uh we're going to move to the Department of Finance. We have
resolutions 26125 through 26425. Uh finance director. Good evening. Uh please your pre present your items. Okay. Uh good evening all. I will read
resolution 261-25 in its entirety and then I will continue with the other resolutions. Um resolution to amend the 2025 budget whereas the local municipal budget for the year 2025 was approved on the 21st
day of April 2025 and whereas the public hearing on said budget has been held as as advertised and whereas the council desires to amend said budget. Now therefore, be it be resolved by the council of the city of Playfield, County of Union, that the
following amendments to the approved budget for 2025 be made. Current fund general revenues. Number one, surplus anticipated from 10 million to 9,885,000.
Total surplus anticipated 10,9 from 10 million to 9,885,000. Number two, um, miscellaneous revenues. Section A, local revenues, interest and
costs on taxes, 6276 627,667 to $656,667. Payments in lie of taxes from 293,700 to $379,700. Total section A local revenues
8,828,7283 to $8,943,7283. Section B, state aid without offsetting appropriations. Other state aid from 0 to 956,000. Total section B state aid without
offsetting app appropriations 7,870,747 to $8,826. $826,747. Section G. Special items of general revenue anticipated with prior written consent of director of local government
services are the special items. Sewer utility operating surplus of prior year from $6 million to $5,44,000. Total section F special items of general revenue anticipated with prior written
consent of director of local government services se from 7,752,443.17 to $6,616,443.17. Summary of revenues. Number one, surplus anticipated from 10 million to
9,885,000. Um, miscellaneous revenue total section A local revenues from 8,828,728.83 to $8,943,7283. Total section B state aid without offsetting appropriations
from $7,870 7 $870,747 to $8,8267 $826,747. Total section G, special items of general revenue anticipated with prior written consent of director of local government services
from 7,572,443.17 to 6,616,443.17. Total miscellaneous revenues from 32,628 $628,56287 to 32,32,743,56287. and subtotal general revenues
from $44,950,56287 to $44,950,56287 and total general revenues from 18,76,982.84 84 to18,7618,76,98284. Be it therefore resolved that a certified copy of this resolution be filed forth with in the office of the
directors of local government services for her certification of the 2025 local municipal budget so amended. It is hereby certified that this is a true copy of a resolution amending the budget adopted by the city council on the sixth
day of July 2025. adopted by city council July 2025. That was the amendment. And now my next resolution would be the resolution adopting the 2025 municipal budget in the amount of 18 million and
7676,98284. Park and utility budget in the amount of 1,215,000. sewer utility budget in the amount of 9,354,25 and the solid waste utility budget in the amount of $14,854,698. Third item,
third resolution. Resolution number R263-25 is resolution authorizing approval for chapter 159 to amend 2025 municipal budget by inserting 15
items of revenue and appropriation in accordance with NJSA4A 4-87 totaling 1,749,463 and my final resolution olution. Resolution 264-25 is resolution authorizing the approval
to cancel taxes in the amount of $977.40 due to 100% disabled veteran exemptions. Are there any questions? Council President, can I just um direct Thank you, Director Gil. Can I just make one comment
on those items? Yeah. I just want to clarify for the council and for anyone from the sebback who's on or anyone from the public that the budget ch the budget amendment is there is no increase to the budget. There's no decrease. It's budget neutral. All we're doing is simply we
got more revenue via the pilots that we have and also an appropriation from the state for a grant that was reappropriated to revenue. And so because we have those that money, we can take less from our surplus. So, um, it is a budgetneutral amendment and I just
wanted to make sure that everybody understood this. It's the same dollar figure that you were originally introduced. Thank you. Okay. Questions from council. Council president, I have a question
for resolution R261-25. And pardon me, Director Morris, if you answer this question. What is the difference year-over-year for the school board portion? And I see it's 61 million. What was the amount last year?
R6 261-25. Um, did you say R261-2? The school board portion is usually around 27 million, but I have a check and tell you what the what which resolution are you referring to again?
R261-25. Um I can check but I think it's 20 about 29 million this year and it was about 27 last last year. But if we look at line and maybe I'm I'm looking at this incorrectly. If we look
at line three it says 61 million amount to be raised by taxation for schools. I'm not looking at the same docu I don't have the document that you're looking at, but um we're raising anything for the schools.
That 61 million is the is the uh tax levy for the the uh city only. The city doesn't raise that levy. Thank you. Questions? Mayor, you're muted. I think he's trying to speak.
Yeah. So, I was attempting to say that we take no actions on any budget obligations for the school. So, nothing you do tonight is about the schools and their budgets. Nothing.
That's an autonomous body and you have no control. Nothing you do tonight is about the schools. Thank you. Question. Go right ahead. Council vice president. So I I understand that the school is
autonomous particularly in their operations as well as in their fiscal um management. But in terms of what they ask of the city and we turn and give to them, was there an increase from what they asked for last year in comparison
to what they're asking for this year? Is that a part of your presentation? Yes, Ricky, you can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that there was an increase of about 2 million and slightly over 2 million. That's correct. Right.
Thank you. Further questions for council members. Okay. Uh may I have a motion to approve resolution 26125 authorizing the budget and amendments? So moved.
Can we have a roll call, please? Call on resolution 26125. Council members Brick Jones, yes. Cherry, yes. Graham, yes. McCrae, yes. Wyatt, yes.
Vice President Cessum, yes. Council President, yes. That's unanimous. This resolution's been approved. Okay. Thank you. Uh, may I have a motion to approve the resolution 26225 authorizing the ad adoption of the
calendar year 2025 municipal operating budget? So move. Second. Maybe have a roll call. Resolution uh roll call on resolution 26225. Council members Brick Jones. Yes.
Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes. Craig, yes. Wyatt. Yes. Vice President Cess. Yes. Council President. Yes. That is unanimous. Budget has been adopted.
Okay. May I have a motion to approve resolutions 263 and 264-25. So move. Second. Roll call, please. Uh roll call. Resolution 263 and 264. Council member Chris Jones.
Yes. Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes. McCrae, yes. Wyatt, yes. Vice President Cess, yes. Council President, yes. That is unanimous. Those two resolutions have been adopted.
All right. Thank you. Uh, will the police department present their items? Council President, I'll be speaking on behalf of Director Abney this evening. He has two items. The first is approval to apply for and accept the New Jersey
Division of Highway and Safety Pedestrian Safety and Education Grant for $22,025. And that will be an education and enforcement initiative. Um and he will also be purchasing radar signs so that
the pedestrian the cars could be aware of how fast they're going in areas that are heavily um heavy have heavy pedestrian traffic. And his second resolution is seeking permission for a street encroachment for
National Night Out which is coming August 5th this year. And as you know, um, we tend to we we ask for permission to close down Wong over in front of city hall so that we can have some events out there. Those are his two items.
Okay. Questions from council members. Okay. Can we have a motion and a second? Second. Okay. All those in uh let's have a roll call. Roll call on resolution 265 and 266. Council members Briggs Jones, yes.
Cherry, yes. Graham, yes. McCrae, yes. Wyatt, yes. Vice President Cessins, yes. Council President, yes. Those two resolutions have been adopted. Okay, we'll move on to the fire
department. Uh, go right ahead. Okay, that's me again. Um the fire department only has one item on this evening and it is a contract uh for paving for additional paving that they're going to be doing as part of
their engine for site improvement. Um and that's it. It's it's just for 5500. Okay. Questions from council members? Motion and second, please. Second. Okay. Roll call.
on resolution 26725. Council members Bricks Jones, yes. Cherry, yes. Graham, yes. Craig, yes. Wyatt, yes. Vice President Cess, yes. Council President, yes.
Resolution adopted. Okay. The Department of Public Works, uh, director, please present your items. Okay, that's going to be me again. Um, so the Department of Public Works has three items this evening. The first
one is seeking permission to submit a grant to the DOT for um, Belleview A and Belleview Court to do milling and paving. This would be a 2026 project and um, assuming we get this grant, it would
be fully grant funded. The second resolution is the award of a contract ch uh for the Sidlerfield ADA accessible playground improvements. I believe we've been talking about how we're working to make all of the playgrounds ADA
accessible. This is being awarded to the lowest responsible bidder in the RFP process. The amount is $426,776 and that's entirely funded by Green Acres. And the third resolution that he has is
a change order for $11,574. And this is for the speed humps. There were some speed humps that had to be shaved down um and they were in bad condition. So that that's what the change order is for. So that um we can
have the contractor either shave down the speed humps where they need it and and fix some of them that residents have come to us to complain about. And those are his items. All right. Questions from council members.
Okay. Can I have a motion in a second? So move. Second. Okay. Roll call, please. A roll call on resolutions 26825 through 27825. Council members Jones. Yes.
Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes. McCrae. Yes. White. Yes. Vice President Cess. Yes. Council President. Yes.
Items been approved. Okay. Can we have the economic development director present her items? Good evening, council. Um, I will be presenting resolutions 271
through 283. The first resolution is for the urban enterprise zone strategic plan. This is a five-year strategic plan. This is now a requirement by the department of
community affairs within the urban enterprise zone authority. We receive about $1.5 million a year in UE funding. This is distributed through
a set of programs. The new requirement is that we actually draft and get public input on a five-year strategic plan and identify programs within that plan and make sure that whatever we submit to the
authority that it aligns with this plan in order to draw down from that 1.5 million. This plan was prepared for us by the Neshwang group. They couldn't be here with the change in the schedule. I
will also say that this plan has been posted on our website. It is under the UEZ web page. The public comment period will be open for at least 30 days on this plan.
So within the plan we identify the UEE boundaries. We also have an opportunity to look at if we need to redefine any of the boundaries. A reason to redefine the boundary would be if something, for example, in our case, if there was a
park, if we added a series of other development areas that we want to focus on, or if we're not no longer looking for focus in a certain area. So what you're seeing right now highlighted in
the teal is the actual UEZ boundary that stretches from the Carara road all the way down going to the end close to Rock Avenue coming up here and then it also goes down towards where we would notice
where we have the Millenburgg complex over here. What you're seeing with the red dots, each business can register as a UEE business. That will look at the possibility of instead of conventional
um taxes, the 6.6 something% we're looking at a 3.5%. What we did to prepare the plan, there was a number of outreach efforts. The first effort we started with a series of surveys that were distributed to
residents as well as business stakeholders. We received feedback from approximately or exactly 155 surveys. We also conducted open houses. We um conducted a
inerson meeting during our business expo. We went to some of our SID meetings as well as hosted one-on-one sessions with a number of our business community members.
In terms of the feedback that we heard, we heard feedback of some of the challenges in the businesses, what they would like to see in the businesses in in terms of the challenges in the business, the language barrier for example with um Spanish-sp speakaking
businesses also noting in terms of marketing and attraction for a different a more diverse set of businesses or a variety of restaurants. looking at parking and also looking at the possibility of transportation
improvements. So based on what we heard, what was proposed was a series of programs and goals. So one of the biggest things that we heard, make sure that we're focusing on special events. So, we're looking at
uh traction to the city that we're actually marketing the city w with promotion. In terms of administration, we also heard feedback that it would be helpful to have a task force established, a task force that would
collaborate with our UEE coordinator and work in tandem with, for example, our special improvement district or downtown Planefield as well as our business owners and and some residents where they would provide feedback on what on some
of the programming. ing that we provide. There was a desire to have more business workshops and also focus on workforce development. Another part that we looked at too where we mentioned earlier we have the
opportunity to look at redefining the geographic boundaries of the urban enterprise zone. So what you're seeing here mainly in the gray that's showing the existing boundaries in the pink
these are the recommended areas to be removed. So given an example of areas that we thought should be removed, for example, schools were included in some of the UVZ areas. We have um certain
parks that were included in the areas. Things that we were added that you see that they're identified in the blue. These are areas where we have focused on development and there's a potential to attract development in these areas.
So what you're seeing here in the yellow is the identification of the new UE boundaries. Now this is this document is over 100 pages. Again it is on our website. It will remain on our website
and we will be open for comment for the next 30 days before passing it on and presenting it to the DCA. So, at this point, I'm going to pause, council president, and ask if we have any questions or discussion items.
Uh, on this specifically, yes. Okay. Council members, any questions on the UEE presentation? Council President? Yes. Um, thank you, director, for your presentation. I had one question um with
regards to the areas that are being removed from the plan. What's the benefit to the city by removing those areas and what is the um I guess what is the the detriment to the plan for
keeping them on? So what's the pros and cons here? So the benefit is if you remove something you have to add something back. So, for example, if you see where it says a school is removed, there's
nothing that we're really going to get in terms of programming that would support a school. So, a benefit, it gives us an opportunity to put programming or resources elsewhere. Um, the cons in terms of what's removed,
I think we were able to see how the city has evolved since the last time we've defined the boundary. So it it upstates with the condition that's actually within the city and where we want to focus our our resources and
opportunities. Any other council member Mr. Chime in question how does this relate to our master plan? Sure. So our master plan where this is a five-year document. Our master plan it
is looking at a longer horizon but it it is looking at the next 10 years. It aligns in some some of the goals too. So if we look at the entire plan, it identifies goals that were in the master
plan. So if the master plan was talking about focusing on workforce development or business attraction, this is a shorter term for implementation and identification of a clear funding
source. I'm sorry, councilwoman. Thank you. And then my next question is um how are residents able to comment? We are going to post a contact. So within the might be on the website for
comment. Is it Yes, it is on the website for comment. It's on the UEE web page and the contact there is the UEE coordinator and her email and her phone number are listed.
Did we lose counsel on Cherry? Did I miss any parts of her comment? Thank you. All right. Thank you. Any other council person wish to uh chime in on this? I have a followup. Um Council President,
um director, you said that DCA Department of Community Affairs requires a five-year plan. Is this an update to an existing plan or is this a new one? So, when was the last one prepared? This is a new requirement from the DC. A new requirement. So this would be
considered our initial submission. Yes, it is. Okay. And if adopted, it would be in place for 5 years. Yes. So the term would be from 2025 to 2030. Okay.
Mr. President. Yes. Go right ahead, council. Yes. Just two quick questions. Uh one, what are some of the resources for attracting businesses? And the second question is uh will we have a town hall where residents can come see the presentation and submit their questions
in person? So the some of the tactics for attracting businesses one that we're coming up with right now is our retail recruiter that those funds were actually paid for by the UEE funds to make sure
that we're reaching out to businesses. We are inviting them to come look at our commercial spaces that are available. Towards the end of this summer, we will be having a commercial pace commercial
space showcase and tour where we'll be inviting local businesses and national businesses to come see what we have available in Planefield. in terms of locating here. Um, we are we're going to end up with a marketing
guide. That's one of the deliverables from our retail recruiter. In terms of an openhouse and comment, we did host several openhouse events when we were forming this plan. So, that was a part
of the surveys. They were able to come and contact and comment in person. Right now we are accepting written comment on this plan. Thank you. Um question. Um you said that you're
accepting open comments. Um maybe it suggestion maybe you should have like a QR code available that maybe the residents constituents um could take advantage of. That's just a suggestion. And the other question is um what is the
benefit to the city to have residences in the uee zone? The mainly the benefit is actually to the businesses itself because they get a
lower um tax rate and in terms of the attraction and capital funds that are available. So when I say the sales tax rate in instead of the con conventional one, we're looking at the 3.5 tax rates. That's if you are a reg a registered
business. And then we are the benefit to that business too is that they it can help them with their capital needs as well. So that recontributes to the city of
Planefield's economy in general in terms of traction and the businesses there. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Okay. So now with your permission um council president, I'll move on to my
other items, please. Okay. So I am looking at resolution 271 and 270, excuse me, 272 and 273.
These were resolutions that are being requested to be pulled by the Planefield Housing Authority. So, please remove resolutions 271-25, 270, 272-25,
and 273-25. Okay. The next resolution looking at 274. This is a resolution for a area in need study to be conducted for 229-231
Prescott Place. This is a area need study requested for what we would consider a undersized lot in a residential area. There was a request made to us by a resident to look
to take advantage of the small home ownership lot program to create an affordable home on this site. Next resolution, resolution 275.
This is looking at 1500-12 West 3rd Street. This is a resolution to conduct a area in need study for a relocation of a
charter school. Resolution 276. This is a resolution. All the studies that I have presented so far have been non-condemnation redevelopment study. This resolution is
a condemnation redevelopment study. All the parcels that are listed here are mostly on our abandoned vacant and abandoned list and they have tax leans against them. And this is an opportunity
to look at redevelopment of properties that are underutilized. Right. Item number 277. This is for um not also now we're moving back to a
non-condemnation resolution to designate a area in need. So we've already done the study at this point. Now, we want to move forward with designating a area in need for block 533,
lot 8, lot 9. Should you designate this area in need, we're presenting the redevelopment study for this, it would move on to direct the planning board to develop a redevelopment plan.
278 looks at block 113, lot 9. This is adding to one an area where we've already conducted the studies and it's been amended into a plan. This is just adding an additional lot for more
parking options. 279. This is a designation of a redeveloper for a mixeduse area. We are looking at 52 units here. six of which would be
workforce affordable units. There would be 750 square ft of commercial, 44 parking spaces with a community benefit of 50,000. Resolution 280. This is a resolution to
amend 306 watchon Avenue. This is originally a 55 unit development. What would change in terms of what we're amending is originally we were looking at five workforce housing
units. Now the amendment would go to 11 workforce housing units. Originally there was a community benefit of $100,000. This would now be a community benefit of $150,000.
That $150,000 would be used to commission a m a mural prepared by Alonzo Adams. And I'll refer to that in a later resolution. Resolution 281.
This is a resolution to an amend and agreement with 953 to 955 West 4th Street. The only thing that would be changing into this agreement, originally we did
not have these identified as eight units of parking, eight eight units of apartments, eight units of parking, but those eight units are now identified as all workforce affordable units.
Resolution 282. Again, it refers back to the resolution of 306 watch on revenue, which is 280. This 282 is to commission our artist mural. This
$150,000 would pay be paid for by the community benefit previously identified. Resolution 283 is authorizing the lean placements for
the cleanup of 11 properties. These 11 properties are to remove the debris on those properties. That concludes my presentation. Council President. Okay. Questions from council members on
any of these resolutions? Yes. Real quick, uh, director, for resolutions 272 and 273, um, are are those taken off so that adjustments can be made or amendments can be made?
Yes. Okay. The agreements are not ready to be presented yet. Okay. So, they're so they're coming back. Yes, they are. Okay. That's it for now. others. Uh, Council President Alco, since no one
else was ready, um, on 278, you mentioned that you're adding additional parking. What was the original plan? What is it going from what to what? Um, they're haven't proposed it right now. They've looked at the study, but
this is supposed to be a mixeduse. We haven't presented the concept yet. This just this just gives them the opportunity to expand. We have not presented that redevelopment agreement where you'll have the full description.
279 and you said 62 units as workforce. Is that correct? 52. 52. So 52 units and six would be work force. I'm sorry I heard 62. Okay. So 52 units and only six is workforce.
Yes. Of that 52, what's the parking? The parking is 44 spaces for 52 units. Yes. Have we talked to developer about making it one to one?
We have, but it's always presented as that's the preferable option. Okay. So does that mean presented to the developer as the preferable option or presented to us and then we we indicate that that is either that's something
that we would like to see. So it's presented to the developer when we're negotiating and this is the concept that the developer would like us to present to the council tonight and we can counter that. Correct.
It's your choice to choose whether to authorize the designation as is or not. And if you there is a request for an amendment. Okay. 280 55 55 units um going from five workforce
development now to 11 on that. Do we have a parking a parking designation this parking designation? So we are not amending it right now. The parking on this one is 35. So what's being
presented right now is not the parking amendment. Okay. Um 281. Can you talk about what is the parking for that one? Eight. It's one to one. One to one. There's eight units, eight parking
spaces. and 276 on the the lots that are listed, you indicated that they're all currently vacant and abandoned. Is that correct?
For most of the lots here, yes, most or all. So, there's what? All of them are currently vacant and all of them are not being used. I would not classify one of them as being abandoned. Um, I'm going to pause there, council
president. I'll let I'll let anybody else have a question. Come back for council. Go ahead. Yes. Uh, back to the parking. As we know, parking is a huge issue within our city. Um, so how would that work if we
approve this and everybody has a car that moves into the unit? So whether it be a lottery and say, "Okay, hey, there's not enough parking spaces for you. Where would the people park at? How would that work? I just don't understand not having enough parking spaces." Are we talking about a specific
resolution? Yes, we are. One second. I'll go back to it. Said it was 35 parking spaces for was it 56 units? I'm sorry. You remember that one? So, which resolution aren't we talking
about? One second. Is it 281? How many units are there? No, 281. It's eight units, eight parking spaces. Okay, move up. Two, it was 56 units all together. How many parking spaces was
it? Which resolution is that one? So I believe you're talking 25 279 has 25. So 279 has 52 units, 44 parking spaces. 44 parking spaces.
Okay. So knowing that we have a a major issue with parking within our city, why would we approve this one here and not send it back to them and say at least do onetoone although many of the apartments may have two cars but one to
one is that should be the bare minimum. Sure. So currently there is state legislation that's been approved for8 parking. In this particular one, we have approved for our transit oriented development redevelopment plans that if
this development is within a half a mile of a train station and this is particular one is within the planefield train station that the parking requirement is.8. So we have approved a
statute 4.8 for this. So the the developer has proposed what's allowable within this redevelopment plan as of right. What is thought about when we had this redevelopment plan that if you are
living within a half a mile of a train station, you have certain tenants that don't have a vehicle at all. And that condition does exist. Thank you. Uh, more questions. Okay, Councilwoman Cherry.
Thank you for resolution 279-25. Is there anywhere in that area that we could afford or avail parking? Um, yes, we have other municipal lots that are in that area. So currently we
have lot five and that's the lot that's right across from the police station and it's I think it's actually less than a block away. So with this uh resolution can we add
parking in that lot for those residents and revise it so it could be one to one? So, we wouldn't have to revise this actual proposal of the concept to make the parking available. If if you're
saying that you're looking for the resolution, but any resident is allowed to get parking within our municipal lot. So, within that municipal lot, can we provide a parking permit?
Yes, a parking permit for for the remainder residents for the 5244. Yes, there is eight spaces available. Thank you. But councelor, there will be a cost for that. We don't give away free
parking in city lots. As the director said, anyone can park in our lots. Questions, comments? Yes. All right. Councilwoman, uh question on 272-25,
the relocation of the charter school. which charter school is being re relocated and where is dorn to dust. Where's that going? Is is it just doesn't exist anymore or where where is it going? Councilwoman, you said 275, right?
So 2 275 that dayare no longer exists. They they have sold that daycare. So, as far as I know, I don't know if the daycarees itself is being relocated, but they have sold that property to a a charter school. The charter school is
Crest Haven Academy. So, Crest Haven Academy is not going to be on West 7th Street anymore. The 5 through 8 grades are going to be relocated should this be approved. Okay.
Fifth through 8th grade, you said, right? Yes. Okay. So, uh back to parking, right? Um if you don't mind, I understand uh the 08
requirement. Um that is a state guideline. Is am I correct in saying that? Yes, you are. So, but when we look at the reality of our constituents, our residents, um very
few uh work in uh New York City, very few uh commute to New York City, and even if all of them worked in New York City, they still need a car to get around the state of New Jersey. uh particularly uh food shopping
um what what we uh uh with Jersey Shore and and and other things like that. It's just hard to get around uh even our city without a car. Um, and
I guess to not require, but just say, uh, you know, for is it realistic to have our residents park a half uh half a mile away or quarter mile away, especially on
uh rainy days um and and and during the winter and the snowstorms. And I know that we can't combat that parking requirement because it's a state guideline. Uh but what what what sort of message can we send to our developers to
give us uh moving forward uh one-on-one parking? Okay. So we are not proposing that they park a half mile away or a quarter of a mile away. What this is saying, if you
are within a half mile of the train station, we have already adopted a redevelopment plan. So, it's a ordinance that allows a 0.8 parking rate ratio.
Um, in terms of this particular development, we're looking at if there is a need for additional parking less than a block away, there's an option in a municipal lot. Sure. In terms of the message to our
developers, we have a adopted plan that was vetted with the council and I understand that some of the council members weren't on board when it it was adopted, but the these are adopted laws that are
available as of right and incentives for when they're looking at how are they going to finance their development. They're really weighing out the parking options and and the concept here. I I
will say that we have the conversation with developers about looking at the one to one and the conversations that we are getting back is that there are stricter requirements in other cities and they
are bringing back to us. This is allowed as of right. And doesn't that ratio change when uh don't they allow I guess um allowances for electric vehicles as well? Um you get a credit for electric
vehicles. For example, right now we have in our ordinance that you are required to provide 15% of your parking spaces to be electric charging stations that
are there. Should you pro by providing that you can reduce your parking requirement by 10%. I can say that most of our developers actually don't take advantage of reducing it by that 10%.
Sure. Sure. Sure. All right. Yeah. I just wanted to get a better understanding um of of our parking situation that we have here in our city. You know, this is the feedback that we get from our residents. Um but that's it for now. Thank you.
Uh, director, I had a a followup because I wanted to make sure that I wasn't conflating two issues. So, the 0.8 that you referenced, is that you said that's a state guideline or is that state law?
It's state legislation. So, it's been adopted by state legislation for Okay. And then we adopted that in our ordinance. Okay. is our so being that the state has set the standard at the 0.8 8. Does that
mean that our ordinance cannot be different from the state standard? It can it can differ. Okay. Thank you. All right. Director, my last question. What is the cost per parking spot?
So the parking spot the requirement we have an ordinance. Are you asking for the municipal parking spot or the parking that's earlier? Earlier the mayor said it would be at a cost. Um for residents it's $40 a month
and then that would be considered revenue for the city. Yes. Other questions? Just one more. So, this doesn't allow for visitor parking as well, right? No, you only provide parking for the
units. Okay. So, um, Councilman Graham asked, "How can we send a message to a developer?" If we know that parking is the issue within our city and we talk to our residents and constituents on a consistent basis, I believe the way that we send that message is to vote no on
this because it's not right for our city. Just wanted to add that to you earlier. And you know, Council President, with your permission, if I may add, a parking issue is not a unique issue to playing
field. The parking issue exists all across the county, all across the tri-state area. And it is why development is happening. It's wider the state has provided that incentive to spur development. So it is not unique to
playing field and you know parking challenges mean that they are coming which is no different from when at the holiday season you see the challenges that people have in finding parking. So
when they want to go shopping they park two blocks away. When you go to the mall, you park probably half a mile away to walk into a store. This is what this is the reality of the situation. A parking challenge is a good problem to
have. It means that you have people in your city, people in your downtown, they're coming to your area, they're investing in your city. And so I have a different opinion about this than probably most. I just I just had a followup. So I guess
for me like this this issue of parking is an issue and the residents, you know, have have made it clear it's an issue. I don't know if saying voting it down is the way in which we fix it and and let me explain why I'm saying that. And
that's why I was asking clarity on what is law, right? So if the state if the state has already put together law that says 0.8 is the standard and we adopted that ordinance that said8 is the
standards they are in fact presenting their plan within the guidelines of what we gave them. I think if so they're coming to us saying I'm playing by the rules of the rules in which the city gave me now you're asking me to do something which you haven't changed your
own law. So there's that fine line for me whereas are they doing something within the law that allows them to do it that we've adopted ourselves as a city. So maybe the answer for me on the back end is do we then change the ordinance?
But right now what's presented in front of me is what's on record is we said 0.8 is the standard. So that's that's why I wanted to get clarification so I could um make a determination based on that
because of that and unfortunately us denying we could get sued right and they'll still get their way. It's kind of how and then um our corporation council can like confirm that.
Councilman Graham, I'm Calvin Solder, uh Solder Law Group. I am redevelopment council or one of your redevel development councils for the city. Um, but the analysis around being sued because of this and and having a significant chance of losing that
lawsuit and it being punitive to the city would be significant in this scenario. Um, having someone follow the rules somewhat to a tea. Um, and then telling them that they cannot do that poses significant constitutional issues.
Thank you, sir. So why is it presented to us for a vote? If if they followed the rules and the law to a tea and they did everything possible, then why can't they just skip this layer of bureaucracy and say, you know what, we did everything to a te. We followed the guidelines. Point eight is
what it is. Although you are elected to represent the people within your city, we follow the state guidelines. So why not just override this level of bureaucracy here? Um we come to you for advice and consent.
That's why these things have to be presented to the governing body. I I would just again this is Calvin S. I would like to note uh Councilman Y that there are municipalities in this country that do just that. When you do follow
the rules and you can show that on paper there there are bodies that will then give the authority to approve it to typically the director of economic development or someone in the the planning office. That is an option that the city would
would have if this if the council made that the law. Um but it is it behooves the city to seek the consent and advice of city council and I believe that is what is happening here. Thank you redevelopment council.
further questions and we will get to um figuring out which uh which of these we want to remove from the voting block.
So uh I will allow any council member to uh state which one they want to remove from the voting block and the remainder will the the voting block will stand. We'll vote on that and then we'll vote on the item separately.
Question. Director Phils, you said it was $40 a month. Is that what you said? Yeah, it varies per lot, but that lot that's there in lot five is $40. Okay. And there's going to be permits um and how many permits are going to be allowed if there's going to be permits
for that until the lot is full. So I believe Councilwoman Cherry asks if there's uh to enough space available to cover the difference. Currently there is. Okay. Just a concern, you know, if
people really want to walk a half a block from their home. Just just a question. Mr. President, 279-25. Can we go on that separately? Okay. Any others? No. No. Ultimately, it's the market
dictates uh you know the the survival of uh any of our developments. If a person uh chooses to uh sign a lease knowing that they have no parking, that is totally on you know that person. That is their rational educated decision. So,
you know, I'm good. Council President, yes. Uh because we're in the uh voting portion of the council meeting, uh there was a request to withdraw resolution 272
and 273 before vote. Going to need a motion to withdraw those two items from the agenda. Can I have a motion and a second? Second. Okay. All those in favor for withdrawal of those two motions say I. I.
All right. Any abstensions or objections? Opposition. Okay. So, those two have been formally removed from the agenda. Okay. So, we have 279 uh that Councilman Wyatt has removed
from the voting block. Uh are there any other proposed removals from the voting block? Um, you know, I am there is a a a matter here. Let me just look
see for 275-25. Uh, I am going to abstain from. So, I'd like to move that uh from the from the voting block as well, unless uh I could just note my abstension and and it go forward. We'll just we can
Yeah, let's vote on this separately. Okay. So, I think we have a summary of of of the one the the the voting block and then two items that we'll vote on separately. Correct. So would be a motion to approve 27125 through 2B325,
272 and 273 have been removed. 275 and 279. So you need a motion to move. Second. All right. All those in favor for the voting block say I. I. I.
Any opposition or abstensions? Okay. The voting block has been approved. Now let's move to the acceptable items. Uh resolution 27525. All right. Motion in a second, please. So move. Second.
Um roll call, please. Council members Bridget Jones, yes. Cherry, yes. Graham, yes. Mccra, yes. Why? Yes. Vice President Cess. Yes. Council President Had
abstain. Favor one abstension. Resolution's been adopted. We now move to resolution 27925. So move. Second. Roll call, please. Council members Bricks Jones. No.
Cherry. No. Graham. Yes. McCra. Yes. Wyatt. No. Vice President Cessence. Stain.
Council President. Yes. Three in favor. Three opposed. One abstension. Resolution fails. Okay. We now move to uh Department of Health and Social Services
items. Uh Department of Health and Social Services. Uh, please present your items. Good afternoon. Good evening, council president. I have three items. Resolution 28425, which is an agreement between the city
of Planefield and um the county of Union. This allows for us to access our HUD funds as we are part of the consortium with Union County. This is done yearly, so we we do this every year. Um resolution 28525
is a resolution to extend our health educators contract by one year. We both mutually agree uh on the job that's being done is being done well and so we ask for support on that. And finally, resolution 28625
is a resolution authorizing a a memorandum of understanding with United Way of Greater Union County and the city of Planefield women, Infant uh and Children Wick program. This this this will allow uh for recruitment on-site
recruitment. It will happen uh I think believe one day a month. Uh and there's no cost to either institution as it's funded by the grant. Those are my three resolutions. Questions from council members. Okay. Can I have a motion in a second?
Second. Okay. Roll call on both on all resolutions of the department of uh health and social services. Roll call resolutions 28425 through 28625. Council members Jones.
Yes. Cherry. You're muted. I'm sorry, Council President. I need to abstain from 286-25. Okay. Um, do you need Yes. Okay. So this will be 284 and 285 and we'll go
on 286 separately. Okay. So council members Bricks Jones on 284 and 285. Yes. Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes. Mccra. Yes. Wyatt. Yes.
Vice President Cessence. Yes. Council President Had. Yes. We now move to resolution 28625. Motion in a second. So move. Second. Roll call, please.
Council members B Jones. Yes. Cherry. Stain. McCra. Yes. Graham. Yes. White. Yes. Vice President Cess. Yes. Council President Hakad. Yes.
Six in favor. One extension resolution passes. Okay. Thank you. Uh the department of sewer and solid waste. I have two resolutions for your approval tonight. 287-25 is a resolution authorizing an award for
one year with Masle Mulch. It's a lo It's a disposal site where we take our vegetated waste and uh the amount is not to exceed 210,21430. The other resolution 288-25 is a resolution
uh authorizing uh governmentdealss.com to do a auction for our vehicles that are no longer uh worth um repairing. I'll be glad to answer any questions. Questions from council members?
Yeah. Real quick with regard to uh 287-25, um I guess what at that cost? Um are we
are we saving money or like what's the alter what's the alternative? Um, and as that the is is Tinton Falls the closest uh place where we can drop off our uh vegetation? Yeah. Uh, it's a good question,
Councilman. Um, unfortunately, we don't have any large disposal sites locally. Uh, we do have disposal sites, but the cost is far exceeds what Mazo charges. Okay. So, Titten Falls is the closest. The number that you see there is a projected
number. We uh unfortunately had a big storm. So that number is going up, but uh we don't anticipate spending all of that, but it's a far cheaper price than we could get locally. Sure. All right. That gives me a a great understanding of Thank you, director.
Other questions. All right. Can we have a motion in a second? So move that. Okay. Okay. Roll call, please. Roll call resolution 28725 and 28825. Council members Briggs Jones. Yes.
Cherry, yes. Graham, yes. McCra, yes. Wyatt, yes. Vice President Cess, yes. And Council President, yes.
Those resolutions have been adopted. Okay. Uh we now move uh to ordinance on first reading. Madame Deputy, please read MC 2025-26 by title. NC 2025-26
is an ordinance to amend article 7 rules and regulations concerning animals by adding section 15 horses on public ways. Okay, let's have questions from council members regarding this ordinance. Make a motion. I I want I would like to table it.
Council President, am I am I going to get an opportunity to speak on the ordinances to present the ordinances? Oh, take that opportunity now. Okay. So, we're not doing questions. Well, I think you
she's going to answer the question. Okay. And council president, there were questions raised regarding the legality of the ordinance. I'd happily speak to those as well. Okay. I'm sure that there there's questions that everybody has and you can probably preempt some of those right now.
Should I do what I normally do like go through them all? No, we we're just on the horse or Okay. Okay. Um so the first ordinance that we're bringing to you tonight um is an ordinance amending the rules and
regulations concerning animals. And this is an ordinance to be as least restrictive as possible. It's it's not to ban horses in Planefield. It's just to in the in the least restrictive way
possible ensure public health and safety around the horses that are in Planefield. So, what we're looking to do is require a permit for horses in Planefield. um just like we do when you're using parks or anything else that we're we're just looking to install
institute a permit policy. Um we'd like to make sure that the horses have their vaccines and we'd like to h just be aware of when horses are going to be around in Planefield. We did review other ordinances that other municipalities have regarding this
topic. For example, Atlantic City has a very similar ordinance to this in which they require a permit. Newark also requires a permit to have a horse. Um, in Patterson, there isn't even a permit process. It's just banned. Nearby in North Planefield, it's banned except on
certain trails. We felt like that would be too restrictive. We didn't want to point out anywhere you can't have a horse. We just simply want to institute a permit process. Um, and so I I just wanted to explain that because it sounded like maybe there
was some confusion about what it is that we're trying to do here. And council president, let me just add to add some more information onto that. Um, as a business administrator said, this
has nothing to do about banning horses. And there were a number of people who spoke and the pediatrician who spoke. I agree with almost everything she said in terms of what horses do for kids. And
there were others who spoke to those things as well. And I don't think we're at odds as far as those benefits are concerned. Where we are at odds is the fact that
we have a license process, a permitting process for dogs that weigh 25 lb, 50 lb, 100 lb for cat. In the same way that we can have a permitting licensing
process for other animals, why can't we have a permit process for an animal that wears weighs well over a,000 pounds? And so I think the idea that we are seeking to ban forces is absolutely totally
false. And the idea that this is is you know retalitary. No. But when things come to our attention, we certainly have an obligation to act. We should not wait for bad things to happen before we act.
And so, it's about health and public safety. And I would urge you to not let what you heard earlier influence you into thinking that this is retalitary
because we currently have a process for dogs and cats and other animals. And all we're doing here is instituting instituting a license process for horses. That's what we're doing. We're
not banning horses. Um, there are stables all around and I think it's a wonderful thing for kids to be able to go to stables and pet horses, horseback riding and so on and so forth. But just imagine from a public
safety point of view that you have someone riding a horse on front street and you have six or seven kids walking behind and trying to pet that horse. that becomes a public safety nightmare and that's something that we have to be very careful of if we were to allow
people to just indiscriminately ride horses across the city without any controls in place. And that's all we're trying to do. Horses will not be banned in the city of Planefield. It's a license permitting process that we're
trying to institute and that's what I wanted to share with you. uh corporation council, I think you wanted to chime in. Yes, I I I'm going to probably cover a lot of some of the same ground and I think the mayor and and the business administrator said it best, but I'll do I'll do my best just to add that any
legislation uh coming out of this governing body uh is only valid if it if it addresses the health, welfare, and safety of the community. And what does that mean, the health, welfare, and safety of the community? Well, in Planefield, if you want to sell a hot dog on the
street, you need a license. If you want to have a a 5-year-old's birthday party in a public park, you need a license. to, as the mayor said, to have an animal like a horse on potentially a narrow
city street without any knowledge of it, without anyone in the city knowing about it, with anyone knowing who is who is uh riding this horse, whether they have the requisite experience is dangerous. So, I think if we're willing to to regulate a hot dog, we can
certainly have a regulation for, as the mayor said, a,000 pound horse. Um and um you know I at this point if there's any questions I think all of us are ready to answer them. I just also want to clarify that this is a free process. Um I I know there were
some comments about financial burden. Um and also I know there were comments about July 4th and we absolutely still intend to have horses with the permit in the July 4th parade. Okay. So, uh with regard to um
this um ordinance that requires um anyone um wanting to ride a horse to have to get a permit. Are there dos and don'ts? Like what are the dos and don'ts when riding a horse in playing field? you
know, outside of the ordinary, uh, cleaning up after your pet, showing uh, proof of vaccination, right? Yeah. Well, the the actual regulatory process, as in any license within the city, falls to the clerk's office. In this case, it will be the police direct, the the ultimate deciders in this case
will be the director of police and the city clerk. and they will be tasked as they are with every other license to come up with a reasonable set of regulations in order to achieve in order to receive that permit. All right. So, right now we don't we
don't really have that, right? No, because as we've done with every other license, that's always a function of the clerk's office, right? And the dos and don'ts don't necessarily uh speak to um one's experience in riding a horse. They just
own a horse. if they want to ride that horse, even if they just purchased the horse with the permit, they can do that if they get a permit. I mean, obviously they'd have to meet the standards is set by the police director and the clerk, but if they met the requirements, they can ride their horse. Yes. And and if I
could just add to that, uh, one of the reasons the ordinance isn't so restrictive, um, in looking at the application, there may be determinations that the police director of public safety may want to make special accommodations. For example, if you say no horses on
Front Street, yet you're going to have somebody put in an application uh for a funeral procession and they want to have uh horses on Front Street and public safety determines we're going to we have a need to shut down Front Street and we're going to have police personnel
directing the procession through. But if you put in there times, uh, different locations that you can't be, then that doesn't give the, uh, police personnel and public safety the flexibility to be able to accommodate the type of, uh,
request that's being. Um, now with this permit, uh, the permit, you're asking to ride your horse on a specific day, right? days. I'm sorry. I'll let I'll let AJ
when when you apply for the permit, is it is it for a specific day? That would depend on their their request. They could be requesting a specific day time. There could be a block party in which they want to have the horse just be at the block party. It all depends on what the applicant is
looking for. And you know, if if somebody wants to put in that they want to ride the horse all week long, that might be something that public safety might want to take into consideration versus one day for one hour. Yeah. The only thing I'm trying to
figure out is if I apply for August 23rd, if I owned a horse and I wanted to ride my horse and it rains on August 23rd, I'm not going to ride my horse. Do I have to come back and apply for another permit? I think it's the same as if you apply to
have a barbecue at a city park and then it rains and then you know you have to figure out a rain date and then do the process for that. Yeah. I'm just I'm just trying to figure out like how user friendly this process
is going to be uh moving forward, you know, uh for our horse riders who've um I guess um have been extremely responsible with their horses. And I'm I'm assuming that this uh ordinance is
aimed at any future bad actors, right? Because we haven't had any that I've heard of and I asked around. We haven't had bad actors. So, this is uh to deal with any future bad actors, but I want
to make sure it's friendly. So, um maybe perhaps if we can um consider just um having uh the license process so that hey, the city knows uh who my horse is and the city has my hor's vaccination
records and um if the city is going to restrict where uh horses cannot be uh ridden, then we kind of just go by that, right? I mean it's it's it's there's a there's a lot that we I guess, you know,
can uh do to make this ordinance very user friendly so that it doesn't, you know, uh it doesn't become frustrating because, you know, again, if I take out a permit for August 23rd, it rains on that day, I'm not bringing out my horse
um on that day. And and furthermore, if it's a if it's a heat wave, if I'm a responsible uh horse owner, I'm not bringing my horse out on a on a 90 degree day. It's it's dangerous for my horse. I I think councilman just to answer your your question. I don't the the goal of
the was not to be overly prescriptive because we felt that the clerk and the police director should have some latitude in making decisions to ensure to to be as flexible as possible for those who wish to to ride horses. Um the
concern would be if we are overly prescriptive on streets time frames by council, it may actually hurt those folks more who really want to ride. Um if we give it to the clerk and the police director, they can make decisions in real time to make sure that they can
they can evaluate these riders and make sure that they have an opportunity to do so. Exactly. And I just want to add in terms of the streets, councilman, that you said, you know, we could just ban it on in certain areas, which is it is pretty much what North Planefield does because they only allow it on trails. We felt
like in, you know, when when we were drafting this, we felt that that was too restrictive um you know, to just say, okay, you have like these four four streets that that you can ride on. We wanted to make it as accessible as possible. We didn't want
to restrict areas except like what um the clerk said, times, etc. So, um we're really just trying to keep it as open as possible. You know, might be I hope this uh ordinance um
uh encourages horse owners to to come out and do shows in our pedestrian plaza for the children. um to to go into our neighborhoods and really, you know, teach our children about the horse culture and introduce them to the horse
culture and other things like that. So, you know, I'm I'm hoping that this ordinance can be made into a positive light be made out of this ordinance. Okay, just to just to respond to a inquiry that you had. Um, majority
of our licenses have rain date uh options built into them. Uh, that's number one. Number number two, there are various license that have to go to various different departments and divisions for approval. And that's what makes, you know, some certain licenses
you have to have in two weeks in advance, a month in advance, two months in advance. Uh, this license, like the BA said, is a very straightforward process. It's filled out of my office. It gets sent to the director of public uh public safety, I'm sorry, the police
director. They try their best to accommodate it as long as it's a reasonable request and the and the permit is issued with no fee and no charge. So, it's a very simple permitting process.
Yeah. Yeah. I uh I I I could agree with you, but I've said a lot. So, if I have any more to say, I'll wait until others are finished. I'm going permit this permit. You finished? Um, council, you finished,
Councilman? Okay. All right. Um, this permit process, um, is that per horse per horse or is it is it a group rate or, you know, like the crazy horse riders? Is it
a group rate or is it per horse or There's no fee. No fee at all. No rate. There's no fee at all. Oh, okay. And um and the next question is and I heard from the constituents that they were saying they've been riding
years ago. What happened years ago and it just came about. What did they do years ago about a permit? Well, we've never had a permitting process. Okay. Um, and I think with increased horse riders, I you know, I it's come to
light and it it should it's it's my recommendation. I think it's my legal recommendation. It's a recommendation of this administration that it's certainly permissible and should be permitted, but permitted subject to a license. We license everything, you
know, and we do for good reason to make sure that there's safety on our streets and that's the goal here. And then to answer your first question about how many horses it would be per applicant. So if you're an applicant and you fill out an application and you want to have
three horses for a special event, that would be considered one application and one permit. Okay. Okay. Go ahead. So the the BA mentioned that the horses
will be required to have vaccines. Could you talk more about what that looks like? So we would want the health records of the horse to make sure that it's up to date with the vaccines and that's something that you would likely submit with the permit
with the permit application. I'm sorry, not the permit. Okay. So there is a the horses will have to require you will require some type of documentation to show that the horse does not have any illnesses or will be spreading anything. Correct. Correct. Correct.
So um and the permit process I'm going to assume it could be within 24 48 hours. I think our you AJ what oh sorry what is our usual turnaround time there? And I and I'm asking and I'm asking that
because you know should a funeral home want to you know have a procession at the last minute and city hall is not open what accommodations will the administration do if it's not Monday through Friday and or a constituent may
want to do something on a Saturday or Sunday. I know that we do a lot of permits obviously for the weekend events, but also I know that in a funeral situation um or an urgent situation like that,
myself, the city clerk, the police director, I mean, you know, we don't we don't shut off our phones on the weekends. So, it's something that we would be able to get done. And let me also add, counselor, all of my cabinet members are familiar
with the 248 rule, which means responses are to be given within 24 to 48 hours and they're very familiar with that rule and so we can turn things around rather quickly and that is the expectation. Hey, sound like me.
Thank you. I'm I'm glad to see that it's not a ban and I'm glad to see that there are some parameters around the public health. Um the last question I have is about the public safety. How will we inform drivers? So, you know, somebody like me, I know not to blow a horn next
to a horse. Um how do we educate now our community now that we are, you know, because they've the horses have been on the street. How do we make this a little bit more safer? I think that's a great point because I I've actually learned in the last month
that like you're not supposed to blow your horn and I I didn't know that. So, I I think it's not reasonable to expect that all um that all drivers know that. And I think that it would be a great campaign for our PD to take on to just, you know,
we could put it on our electric signs and we could put it um we go to the senior center with it and do some sort of campaign around safety if you see a horse in the street, safety for drivers. and and and quite frankly,
business administrator, I had a conversation with councelor Cherry about that. And there's certain things that that ought to be done by government and other things that should be done by nonprofit and animal rights
organizations and so on. And I don't know that that's a role for us quite frankly. the permitting process is certainly a role for us, but you know, in terms of the question that's being asked by the council, I don't know that
that's what we should be doing. And to to also add to that, I think that is exactly the intent of of this ordinance. There's a big difference between riding a horse down front street
with a lot of vehicular traffic and uh horns and buses and you know you put an an application for that. Public safety will see that a lot different than someone requesting to have a horse in one of our parks where there's not going
to be a lot of traffic or a lot of people around. So when you're looking at those applications, you're looking at at that those type of accommodations and making that determination. Thank you. So any any more questions?
Yeah, I have a few questions. Um so as I understand this um well before I ask asked my questions um one of the callers had had asked me to acknowledge on the record that I had received some
um some comments regarding uh not allowing or some concerns about horses um on playingfield streets and not necessarily the horse itself. I think the concerns came more so from um the
impeding of traffic and how the writer um was conducting themselves. So I I acknowledge that on the record that I did receive those inquiries and I will always acknowledge on the records both sides of the calls that I received those in support and those against. Having
said that um I have a few questions. So with regarding the permit process, um we are talking about permits for events where someone wants to have a horse. Correct? We are not talking about I want
to take my horse out and ride down whatever whatever street because that's what I want to do. You're saying that that part you cannot do. You cannot just casual ride for your own personal transportation
down any public street and planefield. The permitting process is about events. Is that correct? Did I understand that correct? I think that it's very Oh, go ahead. I'm sorry. Did I interrupt? The process is about writing in the
public right away. and AJ and you can weigh in in terms of how the ordinance was drafted, but it's about writing in the public right away. Councilwoman, I I'll address that just on the plain reading of just the the way the ordinance is written. You could put
in an application to ride down Front Street. You may not get approved for that. They may think that's not the best place, but you certainly have the right just as a rider to put in a a a put in for a license to ride on whatever day,
you know, down whatever street you wish to to put to put in an application for. That doesn't mean it's going to get going to get approved, but there's no prohibition on any specific uh public right away. It just requires a license and you would have to do that for each
time you want. It's not like an open-ended license. Every time you wanted to take your horse out, you would have to apply for a permit for that. Yeah. I mean I mean there's certainly I mean I I I could envision a situation where the clerk may accept a permit for a multiple of days. Um he could do that.
However, we would need to know the days you're going to ride. I think that's important. I think that's important for public safety to know when you're out with your horse. Okay. Yeah. I think it wouldn't be indefinite, right? The other follow-up question was about I heard it mentioned and I think I read
this too that health records would be required of um so that the city had some knowledge of the animals um health records. I'm assuming that we do the same with dogs and cats. Would that be true when a person comes and applies for
a license for a per license for their dog and cat? Is that we do that for both? That is correct. I just wanted to see what if there was par in that process. Um the other thing was I read um there were some pretty um
there were some fines listed while you know you referenced that there there's no cost to the permit itself. The permit is free. There were some fines that were noted. I think it was 500,500 and 3,000. um what would be an example of the the
violation that would require those that fine schedule to be implemented and how did the administration come up with that dollar figure? Is that um parody to you mentioned Newark and Atlantic City which are major cities like where did that
dollar amount come from? I can't I won't speak to the to the dollar amount. I think the BA can speak to that, but I can I can at least speak to the idea that just the the fines themselves are only for riding without a permit. There is no fee associated with any application for a license. Um those
are ju merely for unlicensed riding within the limits of the city. Um and our only obligation when it comes to fines is that they not be considered arbitrary, capriccious, and unreasonable. And that is only determined by a court of law if we were to be challenged. In my recommendation,
these are not unreasonable fees for riding a horse in a city without a license. Um, but the BA may want to offer more information on the on the fee. I just want to add that since we our goal is to make this process as easy
as possible and free that we are hoping that these you know that the public is encouraged to come follow this process and therefore these fines are you know not not we don't have to give them but also we wanted to make them prohibitive
enough to encourage you to to come get a permit. So the and thank you for that again. You always want the the the least restrictive process. Um and I can appreciate that. But to to the question, can you speak to how was the dollar
amount determined? Is there par with other municipalities? Yes, this this this was uh taken from a separate municipality. I think the logic behind a first offense, a second offense, and a third offense is if if if you get a and and there there could be
warnings by discretion of the police department as well. Um similar to traffic violations, you can be issuing a warning. Uh but if if you have a first offense and you were warned and you have a second offense, that means that you're
just choosing to not follow the ordinance. And if you have a third offense, you you basically are saying at that point that you are just willfully not complying with the ordinance. And I believe that's why other municipalities have instituted first offense, second
offense, third offense as well with higher fines associated with that. Council President, I had a question regarding the conduct. Um, and in terms of Yeah, go right ahead. I'm sorry. Um, I see the fines schedule,
but I don't see anything in here that really talks about the conduct. And I did hear um the administration talk about holding up traffic. Now, would that be something that would be considered a fine if they're holding up traffic? No, they would not get
the only thing that would issue a f the only thing that would precipitate a fine is not having a license and not cleaning up behind yourself and No, not even that. I mean, that's not the way the ordinance is written. Um, now you may not if we if police be
become aware that you are not being a responsible rider, not cleaning up after your horse, then they may not want to issue you another license. Um, but as far as this ordinance is concerned, the only fine is associated with riding without a license.
So, let me get this correct. So a a horse could defecate in the street and not clean up and there's no fine that would the permit process. I'm only asking because that's how the the ordinance is read is yes because there's a lot of discretion in the permit process be and the permit
process just like the park permit pro process may need like for the parks you have to put a cleaning deposit because we were getting people who we were having to clean up after them. And so then you put, you know, your cleaning deposit down, which you get back after
you've, you know, your your time has expired and and we didn't have to go clean up after you. So, I just want to make sure I'm hearing this correctly. So, if there's a horse on one of the side streets and the horse defecates, it is definitely not a fine
if they're not cleaning up behind themselves. That it may be a loss of license. It may be as part of a regulation that the clerk's office comes up with to say, "Listen, you as part of this license, you must clean up after your horse. Failure to do so will result in your
revocation of horse and possible uh loss of any um deposit that you put down. Um that's something that the clerk could do. But this ordinance itself, just what's in front of you tonight only addresses just the just creates the license so that we now can create the
clerk's office can create regulations associated with that license. If that's something the council wants to see, I'm sure the clerk is here. He's hearing you. He'll make sure that that's part of any application process. And I believe that I think the challenge that I'm seeing is
in this ordinance is I see that there's there's there's language in here about the conduct and then there's also penalties and it does sound like there are some kind of like policies in here that between the city and clerk and the police are putting in section
15- five col five col 15-1. I see that. But I don't see anything about the conduct and I'd like to see a little bit more language. Well, that's to to Councilman Graham's concern. That is there is that it becomes more prescriptive. The more we add to it, the harder it's going to be
for folks to get a permit. So, our goal was to make it as flexible as possible so that we could have riders in Planefield and that the clerk and the police director would have that flexibility to make sure that the responsible riders will have a chance to ride in Planefield. The more we add to
this, the harder it's going to be. I'd also like to note that this ordinance is uh on first reading and if adopted tonight, uh it would be a dimminimous change to add there to add into the ordinance that if you would like to see a fine or some type of
language for picking up after your horse or a fine if you don't pick up your horse can be added to the ordinance upon second reading. Thank you, city clerk. that that's exactly what I would like to see. I mean, when we talk about the public health of our community, I I I think
that that that verbiage needs to be put in this ordinance that can that can be added on a motion to amend and also talk and I'm I'm going to assume um city clerk, you're going to add the information about the conduct as well.
Uh yes, we can have a conversation about what what exactly you mean by conduct conduct and we can uh add that to the ordinance for second reading and those will be considered dimminimous changes. Also, I just want to clarify that this ordinance does say you know I mean I think you're talking about consequences
but it does say that you know no person shall allow a horse to urinate or defecate on any public street right of way or any other public property of the city. Um, and no person shall leave a horse unattended um in the right of way or other public property of the city. So I I think what
we're talking about is the consequence of doing that which we could we could add. Yeah, that's the part that has to be tweaked because every horse is going to urinate because you gota your horse has to stay hydrated and you know we can't
prevent horses from defecating but you know just like uh whatever our dog ordinance is about cleaning up after our dogs you know um that's why we walk our dogs. Um, so, um,
yeah, that would need to be tweaked. So, not picking up after your dog will result in fines. Yeah, we have that ordinance from last year as well. Do we want those motions tonight or uh on second reading?
I I I think a more comprehensive look at at uh the language would be better to be able to have a more comprehensive uh thorough uh language added to that as opposed to making those amendments right now. Same table me come back to it.
Can I make a motion to table this until we have some correct verbiage? Second. There's a motion and a second on tableing this. Okay, let's have a roll call. It's a motion to table ordinance 202526.
Council members Bruce Jones. Yes. Yes. Graham. Yes. Mccra Mccra. Yes. Council Wyatt.
Yes. Vice President Sass. Yes. Council President H. Yes. Ordinance. Okay. See, there we are. Okay. We now move to
MC 20 25- 20 27. Okay. Um, deputy clerk, uh, please announce that and afterwards, madam ba, please explain the ordinance.
MC 2025-27 is an ordinance of the city of county of union, state of New Jersey, amending and supplementing the city code so as to amend article 13, chapter 17, colon 13-22,
which shall be entitled affordable housing development fee ordinance. Okay, madame BA, please explain. Thank you, Council President. So, this is a really exciting ordinance and I'm
I'm very happy to um speak on this. This is an ordinance that would allow us to create a um a grant process for homeowners to be able to be eligible for grants from 10 to $20,000 to do repairs.
And the goal here is to keep people in their homes. So what we're seeking to do is add a fee to developers. And this would be 2.5% of their construction fees for commercial
properties, 1.5% of their construction fees for residential properties, and charge that fee, put it in a trust account that we then use to issue grants to homeowners. 10 to $20,000
for repairs on their homes. Not cosmetic repairs, but repairs that, you know, will let them be in their home safely. Um, it's kind of a twofold. It's it's uh there's two great things
here. The first one is that it the the if you have a 100% develop if you have a 100% affordable building, then you would be exempt from this. So, it incentivizes developers to do 100% affordable and
then it also allows residents to benefit from the developments that are not 100% affordable in that they will be eligible to receive this grant money for home repairs. So, it's um I want to give a lot of credit to Director Fields. It's
very innovative. It's I think an incredible benefit for residents and I'm really excited to hear um you know what everyone has to say. Okay, questions from council members. Question, two questions. So, is there an
age requirement and also is there income parameters? I know that there is, you know, I know in the past there's been grants afforded to seniors. Um so, just want to know those two questions, age and income. There is no age or income requirement
for the recipient of the grant. Counciloman Cessums. Um, so I I think looking at income um would be some Well, first of all, I want to say thank you to the city. I I agree and I I think this is the highlight of
the evening and I hope it doesn't get lost in the conversation about the horses, but this is um this is a very good thing for those who um need that financial support and and can't and it helps us to keep them in our home in
their homes. I'm thinking about those on fixed incomes that you know have roofing issues and and other major repair issues that you know it's just cost prohibited. So, I want to say kudos to the administration for this. I'm I'm extremely excited about this. However,
there are those people in our city who who can afford some things. And so, I I would just, you know, take a pause to um ask that we consider perhaps an income um a ceiling in terms of, you know,
those that that can afford. So, I would want that to be considered. And then my other question was um as we continue to talk about community engagement and having the residents be a part of the solution as they say those closest to the problem are best with the solutions.
If there would be some consideration to have an advisory board um that was made up of some residents that could work with the administration to review the applications. I think that would be a good marry um and allow us to engage
residents in the process. So those are my comments on that and again kudos to the administration because I think this is amazing and awesome and definitely fits my mode of community engagement. Councilwoman, just to add to the
question and go back to um Councilwoman's Cherry and and Cessums, we with this what we're required to do with DCA is that we have to create a guideline for administration. So in our guidelines, we can identify
income thresholds. We can identify an an we have to identify an administrative whether we choose to have a consultant or we have a task force or a committee bot for identifying how the funds are
distributed. Awesome. Congratulations. I also support the income guideline uh because if a person or household um
makes plenty money um they have to make a repair on their house uh they can get financing and other things and they could they could afford those payments. So that's not a hardship for them. Uh so yeah, if we could uh work on the uh
income guidelines that would be awesome. resident. Yes, go right ahead. This in addition to the uh community benefit agreement. Please repeat your what you're saying. This in addition to the community
benefit agreement. This is an addition. So this is completely separate to the community benefit that's no negotiated with each development. This would apply for every single development whether they're
designated as a redevelopment or not. Okay. And whether or not they get a pilot, right, director? Correct. Okay. Are there questions? Yeah. Um
on the covenants are there restricted covenants on this trust money to the residents who apply who apply. So the restrictions have to be identified in our guideline. So that after should you adopt this ordinance
then we are responsible for identifying the guidelines and restrictions and how this gets administr administered. And I know we were talking about the affordable housing and and now will this apply to the housings that
already exist now as well in terms of what could be repaired? It's for existing house hous. Yes. Um I think I just wonder if this would apply to Go ahead. Were you asking if this will
apply to developments that already exist? Yes. Okay. I wanted to clarify. Yeah, that's I wanted to know. No, it has to be moving forward. We have to adopt the ordinance before we can apply the 1.5 and 2.5D.
Okay. Okay. Any other questions? Okay. Uh, I'll entertain a motion to adopt this ordinance on first reading. So moved. Second. Okay. Roll call, please. 202527.
Council members Bruce Jones. Yes. Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes. Yes. Wyatt. Yes.
Vice President Ces. Yes. Council President Hak. Yes. Unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on first reading. Okay. Madame Deputy, please read MC 202528 by the title. Madame Deputy, you're muted.
Oh, I'm so sorry. MC2025-28 is an ordinance of the city of Planefield in the county of Union granting a tax exemption with respect to certain property identified on the city's tax map as block 548, lot 9, 953-55
West for Street, Planefield, New Jersey, and authorizing the execution of a financial agreement with Mubarak Holdings Urban Renewal LLC in connection therewith. Okay, madame VA, explain this. Okay, this is an ordinance seeking a tax
exemption for um a building at 953-55 West 4th. This is going to be eight workforce units um and eight parking spots. And what we're asking for is a 15-year tax exemption with accelerators.
This property currently gives the city $5,740 of tax revenue annually. That would be moving to $22,400 annually if if this is adopted. Okay. Questions from council members?
B. Did you you said 22 at 15 years? At 22,400 per year. How many years? That's the tax. That's the taxes we would start to get on this property that we currently get $5,740 on. So,
and at year 15, what does it look like at year 15? There are a couple phased in completely to conventional taxes. Say that again. At year 15, you phase in completely to
conventional taxes. Okay. Okay. So what I guess the question I'm asking is it every year for 15 years 22,000 or are you incrementally going up? So right now you we have the option of getting 10% or phasing in for example
20% 40% 60 or 80 by statute. So whatever is greater that's we we will get it will always be greater than that 22. Thank you. More questions?
Councilwoman Briggs. Oh, okay. All right. Can we have a motion to adopt this on first reading? So move second. Roll call, please. Council members Brooks Jones.
Yes. Cherry, yes. Graham, yes. McCrae, yes. White, yes. Vice President Cess, yes. Council President, yes.
MC 202528 has been adopted on first. Thank you. Madame Deputy, please read MC 202529 by title. MC 202529 is an ordinance of the city of Planefield and the county of Union adopting the downtown east front street
redevelopment plan amendment dated July 2nd 2025. Madame BA, the floor is yours to explain the ordinance. Okay. Thank you. What this ordinance is seeking to do is to adopt the redevelopment plan that was adopted at
the July 2nd redevelop um the July 2nd planning board meeting. Um, and this is the East Front Street redevelopment plan, and we're seeking to add educational use. Okay. Questions from council members.
No. Okay. I'll entertain a motion and a second. So moved. Second. Okay. Roll call, please. Roll call. MC 202529. Council members Bricks Jones. Yes. Cherry, yes. Graham,
yes. McCrae, yes. Wyatt, yes. Vice President Cessums, yes. Council President Hawk, yes. Unanimous. This ordinance been adopted on first reading. Madame Deputy, MC 2025-30 by title.
MC 2025-30 is an ordinance for the city of Planefield in the county of Union adopting the West Front Street and Clinton Avenue redevelopment plan amendment dated July 2nd, 2025. Okay, Madame BA, floor is yours to
explain this ordinance. Thank you. Similarly to the previous one, this ordinance seeks to adopt a redevelopment plan that an amendment that was voted on at the July 2nd PL uh
planning board meeting. And this would be a change to the West Front Street and Clinton A redevelopment plan that we are seeking to change the bulk standards and add commercial and restaurant footprints. Sounds good. Uh any questions from
council members? Okay. Motion in a second. Second. Roll call. Roll call 202530. Council members Brooks Jones. Yes. Cherry. Yes. Graham,
yes. Craig, yes. Why? Yes. Vice President Cessum, yes. Council President Hakad, yes. Unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on first reading. Okay. Madame Deputy, MC2025-31
by title. You're muted. still uh on mute, deputy clerk. There you go. MC 2025-31 is an ordinance for the city of Planefield in the county of Union adopting the TODN North Avenue
redevelopment plan amendment dated July 14th, 2025. Okay, madame BA, the floor is yours to explain the ordinance. Okay, this is another amendment that went in front of the um planning board and this is seeking a um amendment to
the TOD to North Tood North A redevelopment plan um to add the parking criteria for the recreational uses over in that area. Okay. Questions from council. Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion and a second.
So move. So move. Second. All right. Roll call, please. Roll call. MC 202531. Council members Jones. Yes. Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes. McCrae, yes. Wyatt, yes.
Vice President Ces, yes. Council President Heday, yes. That's unanimous and adopted on first reading. Okay. Madame Clerk, please read MC 2025-32 by title. MC 2025-32
is an ordinance to repeal certain parts of chapter 16A section one, schedule one, no parking. Okay. Uh, questions from council members. I don't think that needs an explanation, but if it does, uh,
can ask any questions. Okay. Motion in a second. So move. Second. Okay. Roll call. Roll call. MC 202532. Council members Brooks Jones. Yes. Cherry. Yes. Graham. Yes. Lra,
yes. Wyatt, yes. Vice President Cessum. Yes. Council President Hakaday. Yes. That is unanimous. This ordinance has been adopted on first reading. And that concludes ordinances for this evening.
Okay. Uh we'll move to general comments. A total of 30 minutes has been allocated for the same. If you wish to be heard, hit the hand icon, dial star nine to raise your hand to be recognized. Each speaker will be given three minutes. The floor is now open.
Hey, good evening. Can you guys hear me? Yes, we can. Thank you. Name and city and uh Joan Ricardo, Planefield, New Jersey. Uh good evening, council and mayor Matt. Uh thank you all for hearing me out. Um everyone earlier today uh spoke on the
health benefits and history of horses in Planefield. So, I'm going to skip that part. Um, since I truly believe it's not about horses to begin with, and I know that you guys are all smart enough, uh, to you guys are all smart enough to not believe that. Um, I was born and raised
in Planefield, um, resident of 30 years, and I've never heard of any problem with horses. What I do know is that horses were recently used as part of a political campaign opposing the current administration. Um, this ordinance, whether intentional or not, feels like retaliation rather than a genuine public
concern. Um, public safety concern. Um, regardless how you feel about horses, we should all be concerned when the government uses legislation to silence or discourage civic participation. This is more than just horses. Is about democracy, fairness, and the right of
everyone to be seen and heard without retaliation. And if it if this is actually about horses, then I think Councilman Graham's suggestions like license versus permits is a better idea and less restrictive. Uh you don't need to know the days, just that no bad
actors are in play. Um and perhaps permits for those that don't have licenses at the moment. Um but like the councilman also said, there's never been a buzz regarding bad actors on horses, at least not to the extent to warrant this response. And the attorney also said that this ordinance is due to it
recently being brought to the city's attention. So what exactly happened? Uh like I said earlier, the only thing that comes to mind is the recent election. Um are you guys going to mention any incidents that may make this ordinance make more sense to the public? Um, I'm
grateful that it's been tabled, but the point is that it shouldn't be it should be tabled indefinitely unless you can provide actual stats about how this how it's affecting public um, health and safety in the Queen City. Um, we should have we have so many issues in
Planefield. Um, but we're going to concern ourselves with something like this that's not actually a problem. Like I said, it's not really hard to see what's actually happening. Um, I'm going pivot and say that I look forward to reviewing the Planefield UEZ report that the Department of Economic Development
went over this evening. Um, and comparing it to the master plan and providing comments. Um, I also want to mention that the Planefield Special Improvement District is hosting their live jazz events tomorrow in downtown Planefield on Front Street and Park A. So that's all. Thank you and have a good
night. Y'all, thanks so much. Next uh next caller. Hi, can you hear me? Yes, we can. Hi, this is Richard Anderson. I spoke earlier this evening. I have a question
in regards to when uh the date was that the uh this ordinance for the horses was initially uh drafted. Just trying to get a time frame as to when the uh the ordinance began. The draft of the
ordinance began. Is that of public record and is that is something that we could know? All right. Uh, thank you for your comment. I'll have Corporation Council answer that if he can um at the
conclusion of public comment. So, thank you for your question. I'll have it answered. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Name and city for the record. Yes. Hello, Marie and Siri Planefield.
Um, my goodness, the horse discussion was grueling. I so appreciate all of the speakers. What professional and informed people they were. Um, since
this government clearly is determined to get involved with for horses, I suggest the following. My concern is the safety of the horse and as Councilman Graham
said, weather affects horses. Consider a onetime registration period. That way you know who the horses are. There should be oversight of the
horses. No hot weather, no cold weather, no icy streets for them to slip on. Consider asking the riders for input. They're your experts. Let's collaborate
here instead of trying to get back at someone. Um, I mean, how many horses are we talking about? The safety of the horse is much more important to me. Just so
you know, I am a registered nurse. I have a bachelor in nursing. My specialties among other things were infection control and behavioral health.
And I learned long ago that the connection between people and animals is very important. Children learn compassion usually from their first pet. Um, I do
not believe in demonizing one animal for another as seemed to have been done when the issue of cats was brought up. um actually
well stayed neutered vaccinated. Cats are incredibly healthy and so many people uh look forward to taking care of them. Um, as far as what they can
spread, well, every single animal, including the animal, the human animal, needs to be kept in a state of physical and mental well-being and free from
abuse and exploitation. I have since January stayed and neutered and vaccinated 64 pets in Planefield
on my time, my dime with the help of my nonprofit organization. They've been wonderful in doing the cats. I educate the people. I talk to
them about keeping cats in. Um, we've decreased the birth of kittens, but we still do have a problem. I was told at least a year ago that funds were going
to be included in this budget. I contacted uh director Brown. He believes it has not been approved yet. So, I really
would appreciate knowing if funds are available. I have saved the city over $10,000 uh from January
through now. That number of 64 is way higher. I usually do about 50 a year. So if I present Thank you.
Okay, Mr. Rosen. Uh, Rosson. Uh, name and address, name and city for the record. The floor is yours. Hi. Um, this is Dan Rosson from Planefield. Um, can you guys hear me? Yes, we can. Thank you. Okay. Um, I I'm not going to take my
whole time. I just wanted to say thank you um for reconsidering the ordinance um for the parking ban that was on my block. um beyond just reconsidering it. Um I've had I had a lot of communication
with several of you that are on this call tonight regarding it. And I know um that my neighbors and I feel very heard um for you reconsidering. And I know when once you do an ordinance and pass it um nobody really wants to go back and
reconsider it, but I it's just for me um my comment is about gratitude. So, thank you so much and that's really it. Thanks. Very welcome. Okay, Miss Chamblas.
Good evening, uh, Quane Chamblas, Planefield, New Jersey. I just wanted to uh thank you for the discussion about parking. Thank you, Councilwoman Cessums, for the questions that you brought up in terms of what is legal and
what is recommended or what is a policy as opposed to um what is what is legal because I think that is important. Just because the state sets a minimum, does that mean that we have to honor the minimum? Right? When I think of education, there are basic things that a
school has to do. And then you have some school district that go above and beyond. As long as they meet the state's basic minimum, they're good. But nothing says that it can go above and beyond. And I think that's a good question as to ask, well, what is it that says that we as the city as the city of Planefield
can't go above and beyond to meet the needs of our residents? When I think about how that water was coming through the other day, imagine parking so far away from your home that you have to walk and you get caught in something like that. So, we really need to reconsider making sure people can park
um within a safe distance from where they live if they're trying to run to go seek shelter. And the other thing is just because something is lawful, it does not mean that is it is it is expedient. And so for some of you to sit
here and not believe or not associate and not understand why the public would believe that this all of a sudden concern about large animals on the street came about when these large animals have been on the streets and
playing field for decades. And you need to be honest with yourself and honest with the public that it did not become an issue for you before this last election. And that is why you look petty and vindictive and nothing that the
mayor can present or say and the BA can back him up and the lawyer can back them up because all of them would stand to lose had Mr. Wyatt won. So I got you rep your team but be honest that you weren't thinking about horses, you weren't
thinking about their weight. You weren't thinking about any of these things that you wrote into this new amendment until after this election. If they need to be regulated, fine. Regulate them. But be honest as to what made it come to your
attention that after all these years, it needed to be regulated. Everybody have a great night. Thank you for your response about these recent storms. Shout out to Miss Paththeia and the work that her organization is doing. She is really being tried by fire. I'm not sure if she knew that this was going to be dropped
on her doorstep couple months after she was put in this position, but um the sister is doing a good job and um thank you. But be honest, you guys have a great night. Talk to you later. I love y'all so much. I tuned in from Nashville, Tennessee, but it had to be
said. Tata. Okay, Miss Pavar. Name and city. Yes. Nancy P of our uh playing field. It is with a respectful and heavy heart that I speak tonight. I pray that my words come out with compassion, dignity, and gratefulness. My block faced a
devastating event on the evening of July 3rd. The deaths of two passer by who were just minding their own business driving through my block. Strangers we never met in life, but strangers whom we meet in death. There are no words. Rest
in peace. I have prayed for you and your loved ones and I also pray for the two ladies and their families that just recently passed away. I want to say thank you to all the first responders and people who reached out to the neighborhood. You all know who you are. I especially want to thank my neighbors
and one in particular who was a good Samaritan who was first on the scene and saw and did some things that neighbors should never have to do or see. I will not go into details out of respect for the deceased and my neighbor. I hope that the first responders get the counseling that they may need. I am
asking the city if there are any counseling services available for the neighborhood residents and family members of the deceased if they are needed. I also ask that on behalf of what people went through just recently. I worry about the traumatic impact this could have on the children in the
neighborhood and their parents and the possibility of post-traumatic stress disorder setting in the future. It creeps up on you and PTSD symptoms can be subtle at first and then intensifies intensify over time. I am not sure what exactly the city can do, but I wanted to
make you aware that we're still living with the aftermath of July 3rd. We have disaster tourists. Cars sometimes block the roadway gawking at the site. I don't know who is responsible for removing the second crushed car off the street. I saw
that some of the huge trees pieces were moved off the sidewalk just recently and that is a start for us, but there's still more, especially the car. There was a memorial and there was a service last week, but many of us were afraid to attend because another storm was approaching with thunder and lightning
and it was cut short. Whatever the city could do would be most appreciated. I know there is still a lot on your plate with these two storms and I appreciate all that has been done and this is an extraordinary and tragic circumstance for all. I thank you. I also am
concerned now for the safety and um health about the we didn't get warnings. Um we need to go back to the siren warning system like we had in the past when the Greenbrook rose to a certain level at Rock Avenue bridge. Sirens
would sound. We would hear the sirens of Denellan, Greenbrook, North Planefield. We need a siren alert system to keep people safe. If if your electronic devices go off, there's no way that you're going to know that a flood is arising. And there's no way that we're
going to know except for if we have a si a siren system. So, I would ask the city to look into a new alert system that could be done and to help residents be sure that they're safe throughout the city of Planefield. I experienced the 1973 flood and this flood reached areas
that were never reached before especially like by national starch where my father was the um plant supervisor. There was never water there. He never got called out in the middle of the night. Mr. President is up. Thank you.
Thank you Nancy Pavar. those your comments are so on point and we thank you uh for speaking uh about what happened on Myrtle Avenue and for mentioning the two deceased women in Cedar Brook Park. You know, we our our
hearts go out to them. uh our community is still reeling from those from that loss of life uh and the subsequent damage and uh and I just thank you for for having a heart for the community as always.
Uh Miss Gilbert, name and city affiliation. The floor is yours. Can you hear me? Okay. Yes, we hear you now. Okay. Thank you so much. First of all, let me say good evening to all of you.
Um, and glad to see that all of you have weathered the storm and is able to be in your seats tonight. I send my condolences to those who lost loved ones. By the grace of God, it didn't
touch us. But I want to talk to y'all tonight because couple of things I I I don't want to be long, but I do want to talk to you about a couple of things. To all of you who commented on this this this whole idea about parking and
whatever with different uh uh buildings that were being built, let me say to you, thank you that you did not accept something just because it was laid before you. You got through the fat and got down to the bone and made it squeaky
clean till you understood what it was supposed to be. Then you found out that the state had passed whatever. But you did not have to accept it that way. That's not the way it was presented to you. But you asked enough questions that you got that understanding yourself. And
I am so proud of y'all for doing that tonight. The second thing I want to talk to you about, and I hope that you continue to do that. The second thing I want to talk to y'all about is this ordinance about the horses and you talked about the fact that it would obstruct traffic and those kinds of
things. Well, that has been tabled. But while it's been tabled, I want you to consider that while you're talking about horses are stuck in traffic. Let's talk about these here great big trucks that ride around here with people's pictures on it
during election time with lights on it because that's obstructed traffic, too. And it's a possibility that it could cause people to have accidents because of the size of it. So, what governs those trucks? what governs the size of
those trucks, what governs the the whole idea of those trucks and where they ride and when they ride. And I think something needs to be put on the books about those trucks. Irregardless of who they're riding for, by or about, there needs to be something put on the books
about them. I want to also talk to you about those grants, the grants that came up tonight. We have two grants that are already in the city. So, I would hope that you would take those grants and put them side by side with the grants that
are already on the city books and see how they differ. If there's a difference, if there's a difference, so be it. But if there's not a difference, would somebody be able to get both of those grants or you just get one? Because if I'm not mistaken, there's one
grant that the um I think the the the the total amount the highest amount you could get on that one is $25,000. And I heard that this grant so much uh Tisma name and
city for the record. Floor is yours. Trisma Planefield. Hi, good evening everyone. I'm glad I'm after the young lady that just was talking because my concern is also about the grants. Um the um suggestions for the suggestion about
a salary cap, which is good, but my concerns is the salary cap always interfere with the middle class. Everyone that gets something now in Planefield, it's either they're below a certain level, so they getting everything and anyone above they get what they need. But the middle class is
hurting here. My area is so congested. People are talking about they don't have parking. I can't even park in front of my house. Um Seven Street, I see kids dodging big trucks since they put all of these I don't even want to say humps. They
didn't put mountains on every block around. Everybody is speeding up and down that highway. There's homes there. People still live there. The school, the trucks are just running by. There's no police. No one gives out tickets. No one stopped them from running. I have to sometimes help
children cross the street and now y'all stopping them from coming. Now you got these motorbikes that all night long that's going up and down that street speeding going around hanging out there while homeowners are trying to get home and and my block we sitting watch
cuz there's a lot of elderly people there to make sure they getting in or if they're okay. During the time of the um flood and of the um torn of the tornado, I was helping out my neighbors because no one came there. I was going back and forth to the police station getting them
ice and water cuz nobody delivered anything to them. It's like we a forgotten area right there. Everything else is being beautified. Everything else, my block is so raggedy. There's nothing there to stop people from running up and down and being up at
night. Music. There's so many houses now that are made into apartments. You can't even see the street. Something's got to be done about that, too. Don't forget about your middle class. Some people want to stay right there. Nobody don't want to move off
somewhere else. Okay. And as far as the grants, is there going to be another grant that we have to pay you back? You going to have a piece of the home? Is it a grant going to only be for if you need some help with a a wire? What if matter of fact, what if the wires are okay? Maybe the
house might need different walls or might need air conditioning system or because it's older homes or might need some different lightings or might need closets built in there because they don't have that which would stop people from being hoarders. I went to older p other people houses where I help cuz I'm
also in healthcare and their homes are whack. Those are things that we're not looking at. They have boxes and books and everything and kitchens. They have coats and stuff and everything all over their porch, on their side, in their yard. Like, I don't
understand. We're missing something right here. The middle class is hurting. Everything can't be for those without cuz then they end up getting everything. President, thank you.
Thank you so much. Uh Laura Miranda, name city. For the record, floor is yours. Good evening. Laura Miranda Brown, Planefield. Um I will be very quick. I just wanted to say a big thank you to
our C councilwoman here in the second ward. Um Councilwoman Cessums has been beyond helpful to us over here in this area. um in the Pine Street Highland area. Um PSENG, as you know, has been working diligently on replacing gas
lines around the city. They came to a dirt road. They semi-paved it, created a little bit of a problem, and councilwoman together with the city um has stayed on top of that issue. And in fact, as a result of the torrential rain
on Monday and the river that ran down Pine Street, the work recently completed by PSEG subcontractors actually washed away. And um thank you to the mayor and to uh director Abney for putting PSENG
directly in touch with us here on Pine Street as we were able to tell them their gas line was semi-exposed and a giant trench had opened up in the road. And so so while the city has been recovering and services have been directed to those who really really need
it, we were still able to multitask and make sure that we could prevent another potentially large issue with an exposed gas line um on the street. So I just wanted to thank you all for the multitasking, for the incredible job the city is doing. There are a lot of
literal and metaphorical fires taking place. Um, and each of us live in the city as do all council members and so you must all be dealing with the fallout of the storms and flooding personally. So this is truly just a thank you from a community member who sees the hard work from everyone in the city, from
everybody in the administration, and from all city council members. Um, I hope that we keep this community spirit moving forward and um, that we all focus on helping one another as we do during times of stress. Thank you so much and have a good evening.
Much appreciated. Name and address, name and uh city affiliation. Miss Jennifer Popper Planefield. Go right ahead. Floor is yours. Thank you, council members, for this opportunity to speak. I would like to
actually address the residents of Planefield here based on your vote. Um, according to resolution 276-25, you voted for a condemnation study that includes the property of the Planefield
Rescue Squad. Um, back in I think it was May 28th, the city accepted a $500,000 check from the county of Union for the building at 700 West 7th Street that they don't own. So,
the council tonight has approved a resolution for the for the Planefield Planning Board to now approve a or not approve a condemnation study for that property. So, what happens now? Was that
transaction of $500,000 um legal? First and foremost, legal. Um I will let the residents decide. Go to the planning board and voice your um
opinions. That is all. Thank you. Bye. Miss Kathleen name city affiliation. Are you there? We are. You're audible. Oh, great. Hi. Um, this is Kathleen Nichi, West End of Planefield. I'd like to thank the DPW, the first responders,
and all the people that are our unsung heroes that are pulling together in this community during these times of stress. These last two storms have really hit us hard, and it shows us that we can move move together as a community and help each other. Uh, my main concern is maybe
if you can address and publicize some communication. Um, unfortunately I didn't get any alerts for any of the storms and I'm signed up for all the different towns around me. So luckily I heard all the different alerts for the towns around me, but nothing came from Planefield. I see all these different alerts from the towns around me. North
Planefield, Watchog, South Playfield. Hey, come here. Are you stranded? Do you need food? Do you need help? How about insurance? Red Cross. Um, Salvation Army. I need to I would really like to know where do I get to see these things? We have um there's things that are are
publicized about go here, look here. Can we put something out on the city council um Facebook and website in Spanish and English? Hey, are you looking for something? Go here or put a tag. But make it easy to see in these times of stress. Um I'm concerned about the
unhoused people that maybe were renters and could be um maybe they don't understand English or maybe they're people that aren't very comfortable in asking for help. if we could put out that hey there are services available and if there are who are they and where did you go and keep them safe don't let
them go in fear when they need help. Lastly, the the ordinance about the rescue squad. Um during these times of stress and when we had these storms, a place like the rescue squad that would be open 24/7 and in other towns were open, stranded people went there. They
had some place to go that was warm and they were able to get something to drink and they were able to call their loved ones and say they were okay while their cars were floating down the street. Lastly, I'd like to give a shout out and just to let you know that those people that died, let them not die in vain. Let
us do better. There's going to be more storms. There's going to be more trouble. We're a community and Planefield does their best when there's trouble and our community comes together. We have a lot of good people out there. We have a lot of good We have a lot of helpers. Let's use them and
have our our council people and our city work with them to get the communications open so everybody gets what they need. Thank you so much and thank you for all you do. Take care. Thank you, Miss Ambrose. Name
and address. Name and city affiliation. So used to sign address. Floor is yours. Good evening. Actually, my name is James Proctor. I'm Anna Ambrose's husband. Okay. And I'm a resident of Planefield. Uh I would like to say I've been a I've been
a part of many relief operations both in a professional capacity and as a volunteer. And I can honestly say I've never felt so neglected as a community member. Planefield has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the safety of its community members and you have
failed. You have a responsibility to call action the entire city in such devastation. Exhaust every asset you have during such relief efforts. Mobilize every unit, every vehicle, every man, and every woman sworn to protect and serve our city. I have done
search and rescue and I have seen devastation before. I've seen FEMA clear codes and body count numbers written in spray paint on people's front doors. And if we do not change how Planefield responds to these events, this is where we're headed. Community members have
died and if we don't re-evaluate things, more deaths will come. Any loss of life is tragic and when you could, you know, you could have prevented it, it is it's just tragic. Uh July 3rd, my brother and I started clearing down trees on
Putinham Avenue with just our bare hands and safed off down power lines to provide first responders quick quicker access to roads. And yet no one came. Three days passed, no one came. No power, no canvasing, no emergency
services, no rescue or wellness checks. Saturday the 5th at 10:00 a.m. we finally went to city hall to seek help. City Hall was closed. How can city hall be closed during a state of emergency? It's ridiculous. Finally, a local
council member pointed out me in the right direction due to lack of signage. How could there be no signage? Finally, we get to the OEM director's location and boy did I have a lot of questions for and uh understandably she felt attacked. I introduced myself with a
handshake, my name, my address. Where are boots on the ground? No answer. Where's the Red Cross as you claimed on Instagram? No answer. Where's our emergency response people? Her response is, I repro, I promise you that we're out here, but I asked exactly where.
Where is PS&G? Where's the DPW? Where's PD? I offered that I've been all over Planefield and seen no PSEG trucks or PMUA trucks or PND or PD station at any intersection. Who's tracking this? We
need to know. I did rescues at multiple locations at vehicles on Burkeman Street as cars floated by with people. There was no alert system in place. Waters were made impossible. There was no sirens, not one
announcement. There was no one out in the field to help us. I had so many things to say. I know third. I only have a short time left. Time is up. Thank you.
All right, we've reached the time. Public comment is now closed. Uh, administration, were there any questions that uh were outstanding that need needs to be uh answered? Yeah, Council President, I'd like to
speak to um one of the items that was asked which was about mental health services. And I want to make sure everybody's aware that this is something that the Red Cross provides is mental health services for those who were traumatized during these storms. So, I
want to make sure everybody knows 1800 Red Cross, they do provide mental health services. It's not just tangible items. Um, they met with they met with us this week and they made that very clear. That's something that they're happy to do. So, um, I want to make sure that
that everyone's aware of that. Okay. Mr. Mayor, thank the last person who spoke those comments given the hard work of our men and
women, every person in DPW, every person in our fire department, every person in our police department, our OEM, All hands were on deck. We had the services and
the support of the state of the county. PACG was here around the clock. PSNG had a trailer parked at our command center at our police department. I don't know, Mr.
But clearly he is wrong and our people don't deserve that kind of criticism. Then they rose to the occasion. Every person who worked on these two disasters
and for them to be attacked in that manner is something that they don't deserve. the city of Planefield stepped up in the face of adversity, in the face of these devastating weather events. And
I don't know Mr. Ambrose, but he hasn't been here in Planefield to see the hard work of our men and women who responded to this emergency. And it pains me to see or to hear the criticism that was
leveled at our employees at our OEM at all the people that were on the ground during these two emergencies. And so Mr. Ambrose, you are wrong. And our people don't deserve the criticism that you just heaped on them because the people
in Planefield know the job that our first responders did. They know the resiliency of our people. They know how much our city came together in a time of crisis. And
we did what we needed to do. We responded immediately. We took action. And that is an ongoing task that we continue to work on each and every day. And we will let no one turn us around.
This city will continue to address the needs of its people. And I will close by simply reminding everyone that there is a benefit storm relief concert. The purpose of which is
to raise funds to support the victims who perish their families on Myrtle Avenue when the tree fell on the vehicle and to aid the families of the two individuals who were swept away by the
flood on Monday. And we urging everyone within the sound of my voice to step up to the plate and to write checks and to show that we are standing as one community where we're looking out for each other
and we're going to take care of our own and we're asking our partners, our friends, wherever you are to help us during this time of crisis. And we will continue to stand by our city employees who have stood by our residents and who
have done an excellent job in responding to this crisis that we were faced with. And that's all I have to say. Thank you, Council President.
Yes, Councilman. So, I was um in the floods and what I can say is I saw the opposite of what Mr. Ambrose was
uh articulating during public comment. I saw our fire department conducting rescues. Our police personnel was in the street conducting rescues. our DPW was conducting rescues. And and when I
Yes, I I said DPW because I saw our DPW personnel using a loader to put families in the loader to get them home because they could not uh move from where they were. I saw that with my own eyes. So, I
I I disagree uh with Mr. Ambrose and I honestly don't know where he was. Uh could he have been in North Planefield? I don't know. Um but nonetheless, um our staff, all of us, uh our my fellow
council colleagues, um we were doing all that we can to help others, um alongside our personnel, our OEM, um our police department, our first responders. Like the mayor said, all hands were on deck.
And I actually saw it with my own eyes because I was in the floods. I was in the storm trying to make it home myself and helping others. Yeah, I' I'd have to echo those sentiments, you know. Um I also saw
PS&G. Uh I saw OEM handing out waters. I saw f fellow council people uh out there helping uh you know it was a all hands- on deck
thing and you know I won't um I won't discount Mr. Ambrose experience. Uh it's unfortunate that that was his experience. Uh but it was a particularly trying uh and unrelenting two weather
events that we had. Um and it is very possible that with the magnitude of of what we experienced that that we weren't able to get uh some personnel on on a block as quickly as he needed. I don't
doubt that at all. But it wasn't for a lack of trying. It wasn't for a lack of all hands being on deck. People people helping. And it wasn't even their role to help. You know, that that's what I saw uh over
these past two weather events. Uh and it was an admirable thing. But at the same time, I'm not going to discount his experience. uh you know it it anybody who experienced that and didn't get the help they need exactly when they needed would experience
uh trauma from that experience you know and so I feel for Mr. Ambrose in terms of that. Um, so what they say is two things can be true at the same time. You know, I don't take it personally, honestly, uh, as a an indictment against
our department because we know what we saw and and and what and what happened out there in the community. But, you know, just just like they say, you know, any loss of life is is is is
unacceptable, right? So sometimes it doesn't even matter how great a job you're doing when you experience um loss of life, you know, but uh the city of I agree with you, council president,
you know, the the city was was working and it was working very hard, very diligently uh and and they are certainly be to to be uh applauded by that. Mayor, you popped on. You wanted to say something else? Did he say he was from North Paint? Like
he lives in North? No, no, no. That that was Robert uh perhaps inest uh indicating that you know maybe he was somewhere else because you know to most people it was it was
visible that you know folks in playing field it that it was all hands on deck you know. So, uh, he said that in just so I I don't think it's I don't think it should. Yeah. I'm just
bothered knowing the amount of work that our employees put into these two disasters and to be attacking that manage something that as the leader of the city I just can't stand for that because I know what they did and how
much effort went into this and I know that every single person in this city rose to the occasion. Our first responders did an excellent job led by OEM coordinator
Kesha, Sergeant Kesha. And so I have to stand by our employees and all of what they have done and even by PSNG that did an excellent job
rising to the occasion and helping with resources and getting us back online in three or four days. And so I don't know what else to say other than we rose to the occasion. We met the
moment and I am proud of our employees. I'm proud of the council members and everyone who played a part in helping to restore some level of normaly. So, thank you guys. I appreciate you.
All right, yes, council. Yes. Before we adjourn, um I request that consent to change my vote on agenda item 27625 from a yes to a no. Clark, I can't I'm I'm not sure how to
do it, but perhaps council or clerk can uh make note of that. uh the corporation council can can weigh in, but um seeing that uh you are uh the affirmative
vote of that be a motion to reconsider and a re call on that item. So you need a motion to reconsider. Can't hear you. Correct. Yes. need a motion to reconsider and a roll call on that.
Yeah, for from my perspective, we you know, we've concluded business. So, um I think we need a motion to adjourn. Personally, move. I can't change the vote prior to adjournment. I was looking at Robert's rules. It says as long as the meeting
hasn't adjourned, then I can take We have not adjourned. We have not adjourned yet. So, can I make There was a motion. There was a motion to adjurnn from Councilwoman Cessums. I asked a question prior to that.
The motion takes precedence. So, the motion takes president. I asked to change my vote. So, I can't do that because she made a motion to adjurnn. Correct. There's a motion on the floor. All those favors they are. Somebody's got to second the motion. Yeah.
Yeah. Councilman there. Councilwoman Cessum's made a motion. I did not hear any second from any member of council in support of Councilwoman Cessum's motion. Is there a second? And if not, we deal with any other motions. No, that's correct. The motion to
adjurnn has failed. Are there any other motions on the floor? Do I have to make a motion to change my vote? Is what you're saying? Yes. Yes. Okay. No, you need a motion. Make a motion to change my vote.
A motion to reconsider. Yeah. To reconsider 276-25. I need a second. That motion fails for lack of second. Okay. Can we have another a motion? Need another motion to adjurnn. So move.
Second. Okay. We'll go to a vote. Thank you. All those in favor say I. I. Okay, that's good enough for me. Uh motion
accepted and meeting ajourned. Thank you all for coming out.