muscles. Okay. Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Everything else comes pretty. Yes,
>> I was call. Thank you. Oh, she can't go I guess >> my father. Okay. >> Oh, okay. You too. I'm actually That's all right. There was
no >> right. I'm sorry. >> Hey, it's the weather check. No, I haven't. Scott did the last time. >> Yeah. All right.
>> Couple seconds. >> Yeah. Like make sure It's not >> okay. >> Good evening everyone. This is the city council work meeting. Today is March the
2nd, 2026. The time is 6:30 p.m. This meeting has been duly advertised in the city newspapers in conformance with the open public meetings act otherwise known as the sunshine laws please. >> Kimona >> present
>> present >> present. >> Swepson >> here. >> Thomas >> present. >> All in. First on the agenda is Scott. >> Whom is our city?
Who whom is our city auditor? And we're going to go over the 2024 audit review. Um but before you before you start, Scott, may I have approval of previous minutes? >> I have a second. Second.
>> All in favor? >> All right. That was that was quick. Good evening. Thank you for the invitation to summarize the results of the audit this evening. Uh first of complete the audit back at the end of
January and we subsequently filed the audit with the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services and they are the oversight state oversight uh agency for all New Jersey municipalities. Uh we also held an exit conference for the audit with the city finance committee
and CFO. Um and we did that was I guess about two weeks ago and we did review the report in fairly lengthy uh detail at that meeting. So I'm going to be pretty pretty brief pretty brief tonight. First I want to point out the audit is as of December 31st 2024. The
city operates on a calendar year basis and the audit contains through an audit over all city funds and transactions and accounts maintained by the city. We perform the under the audit under what's called government auditing standards and also in various compliance rules and
requirements as issued by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. So the primary objective of the audit is really to plan and perform the audit to determine whether the financial statements and the records as presented as the by the city are free of any
material in the statement. So to that end we were able to issue what's called an unmodified audit opinion on the city's financial statements. That's technically a clean audit opinion. Unmodified means there were no modifications needed to the standard report. So it is the kind of opinion you would want over the city's financial
statements. The second objective of of any New Jersey municipal audit is really to determine if there were any internal control deficiencies or matters of non-compliance. We talk about internal control. That's policies and procedures of financial nature. Things like bank
reconciliations, uh procedures over deposits, over expenditures, things like that. Those are the internal controls that the city has. Then compliance is really compliance or adherence to things like state statutes, budget laws, precurement laws and things like that.
So we do sample and test transactions to determine whether there's any non-compliance or matters of internal control deficiencies. The audit did have one internal control finding that is a repeat finding that the city has had for several years and
that is in regards to the general ledger accounting system that the city has and then on an annual basis we have had to have pretty significant journal entries and know journal entries are a normal byproduct of any audit. It takes the city's records and kind of agrees them to what our audit balances are shown
after we're done our audit. Uh but in the city's case, there were some pretty significant journal entries required to bring the city's records into the into the audit records. So it is something that we'll continue to work with with your finance office with. Again, it has been a repeat finding for several years.
It is a significant finding. We do want to see corrective action uh taken on that. It does unfortunately uh delay some of the other documents that need to be filed. As far as this time of year, we have to put together the annual financial statement for the city. that finding does start to actually delay
then the filing of that financial statement which needs to be filed since you come up with numbers to be able to put your budget together. So this finding has more of an effect of just just being a finding in the audit. It does delay some of the other financial documents that the city needs to put together and have adopted throughout the
year. As a result of that finding later on your agenda, there is a corrective action plan that you have to adopt and file with the state. And we also uh we also have a resolution that certifies that read the audit and you're signing that that you approve of the audit. Just want to point out that in addition to
the financial statement audit in any given year you could also have a separate audit that we call a single audit and that's over the grants that the city collects and extends. If in any given year you spend over 750,000 either federal grants or state grants then are required to have a separate single audit
in 2024 you expended over 750,000 in both federal and state grants. So you did have a pretty significant single audit on the federal side was over a FEMA grant that was for assistance with firefighters grant we spended a significant amount of money on the state side had a single audit the state single
a green acreage program I can report that there were no matters of non-compliance noted for did the federal or the state single audit report there were no significant difficulties I want to thank everybody for their assistance is always very responsive to our requests and I
appreciate that I want to thank the governing body for the opportunity to serve the city. So questions I can take anyone. >> Thank you. >> Thank you Scott. >> Next we have the agenda review.
First on your agenda is resolution 37 appointing council as a member of the planning board for year 2026. Resolution resolution 38 certified that all city council members have reviewed the 2024 annual audit.
Resolution 39 authorizes the implementation of a corrective action plan for the 2024 audit report. Council, anyone have a question on this? >> No. Okay. >> Resolution 40 authorizing the city to submit an application to the New Jersey
Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for funding in the amount not to exceed $50,000 for supplemental funding for Main Street Demolition. >> Any questions, council? >> See none. Resolution 51 approving the
acceptance of federal funds and participation in the 2026 safe and secure. You're >> saying 41. 40. What did I say? >> I'm sorry, I'm Russian. Uh, approving the acceptance of federal funds and
participation in the 2026 safe and secure communities program for the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. >> Any questions? Council see >> resolution 42 requesting a six-month extension from the New Jersey Department
of Transportation for fiscal year 2024 transit village grant program for second, third, and fourth streets improvements. Any questions? Council see >> resolution 43 requesting a six-month extension from the New Jersey Department
of Transportation for the fiscal year 2024 transit grant program for Lraine Avenue improvements. >> Any questions? Council see none. >> Resolution 44 appointing authorized representative for the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust grant application. >> Any questions, council? Say your mind. >> Resolution 45, approval to submit and accept a grant application and acceptance of the police department in
the amount of $4,558.95 for body armor funded and administered by the New Jersey Attorney General. >> Any questions? Council >> resolution 46, approval to submit and accept a grant application and execute a grant contract with the Atlantic County
and Pleasantville Police Department in the amount of $2,800 for distracted thriving enforcement mobilization. >> Any questions? Council see 47 authorizing personnel transactions in
the city for March 206. >> Any questions, council? See none >> resolution 48 add or authorizing prospective longevity payments for certain fire captain and firefighters removing the matter from arbitration.
>> Any questions council? See none. >> Next is review of the bill. >> Good evening. We have um the paid bills and that is like a two pager and I would like to start with that one
first. So really the information is going to be extracted from the first page. The second page is just a summary of the funds. So, we have um a payment to the board of education for the month of November and December
uh for a total of 1,729, $66 even. Um and then next we have our first quarter payment for the Atlantic County JIF. That's for our insurance liability workers comp.
And that was um that is split amongst two funds, our general operating and our sewer operating funds for a total of $420,156. And then we have
the construction company. It's $15,179 event. and that's for some of the sewer um work that has to get done. So that concludes that page. Does anybody have any questions in those payments made?
>> Yes. On a cover township 152,000 is that quarterly or >> Yes, that's a combination of payment. Thank you for bringing that up. That has to do with our dispatch and um some of our IT services. So when the payment
gets issued consolidates solid like two months, three months. >> No, no, it's a quarterly payment. >> We can then move on to the purchase orders listing and these are items to be paid. On page one, we actually have um police
uniforms for uh the new recruits. That's $3,736. It is a combination. Excuse me. It goes on. It goes on to the second page. Um is a total of $13,957. On that same page, you are paying the
Align County Utilities for our waste disposal, recycling, and tipping fees of $127,4348. Then on the next page, page three, We are here having um dental payment of 14,392
$392.76 on page on page six if we look we have $2,830 And that's for um clarification that is needed in the municipal clerk's office as the city council approved ordinances. >> What's that?
>> I'm trying to deal with you on >> page six. What do you have there? >> Quotifications $2,830. I paid six different not >> mine is cut off too. I don't know why the system does that.
>> So, um I'm not sure if your page four looks like mine >> for planning technologies. It says renewal email system. What is that for 6,830? >> What does it The fourth one down
the number 39975. >> God bless you. >> 39975. one down page four. >> It's an alphabetical technology. Okay.
Yes, we have to renew our email system and because the Microsoft has a new upgraded software, we have to renew this for um all city employees that are on. >> So, it's through Microsoft. >> Yes. >> Council, anyone else have any question?
>> Okay. Thank you. You have anything? May I have a motion to close the work session? >> Motion second. >> All in favor? Good evening everyone. This is the city council meeting. The time is March the
2nd, 2026 and the time is 6:46. This meeting has been briefly advertised in the city newspapers in conformance with the open public meetings act otherwise known as the sunshine law.
Please stand for invocation and flag salute. We going to have a solid prayer please. Amen. I pledge to >> the flag of the United States of America
to the stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. May I have a motion to dispense? All in favor? >> Mayor, you have any proclamations, >> and presentation?
>> I have none, but I would like for those me. >> I'm sorry for who? >> Jesse Cather. >> Oh, okay. Please stand for a moment of silence for Reverend Jess. Amen. Amen.
>> So, um, so the mayor, she doesn't have any things to consent this evening, but um, So, um, council
and Mr. Ba, we have something to present to you. Um, mayor me. >> Yes. >> Like, you know, So, the plaque reads, "The city of Pleasantville filled the energy. Today's
date, women's history month. The city of Pleasantville honors mayor Judy Ward as the first female mayor of the of Pleasantville and the first black female mayor in Atlantic County.
He said, "This is Happy Women's History Month, Mayor Judy Ward. This month, we proudly celebrate your leadership and your historic achievement as the first Africanamean mayor in Atlantic County. Your
dedication to the city of Pleasantville continues to inspire women and young girls throughout our community and beyond. Thank you for paving the way and for your continual efforts on behalf of
the residents. Wishing you a meaningful and empowering women's history month. family. Would you come up here? >> Terrence Jar, >> see man, not allbody.
Not all means >> DJ. DJ, don't see DJ. >> Okay. Okay. On three. One, two, three. Let's get a couple of We got many. She said my family's here. Did you see
them? >> They they were here because they couldn't be here for co. >> I believed it. >> Council, thank you. I'm without words. >> I really am. Thank you so much for honoring me. I'm used to being the one
to give the honor, so I do appreciate you appreciating me. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. >> See, they're not bad. >> We have another presentation
for our former council woman, Joanne Familo. So, we're free. Joanne Joanne and sincere appreciation for your dedicated service to the city of
Pleasantville council person Pleasville city council with today's >> also Joanne you know celebrating ating Women's Month. This says, "Thank you, Joanne Famo." In honor of Women's Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to
former council woman Joanne Famo for your outstanding dedication and service to the city of Pleasantville. Your leadership, hard work, and commitment have left a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for
your ser your remarkable service. We appreciate and honor you to president of old city council. >> I wish you well. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it. You know, my heart's here in Pleasantville. I hated to leave this
position, but I my gratitude for the city of Pleasantville is undeniable because I I never expected anything and I got every from everything from the city of Pleasantville. So, thank you
very much. I APPRECIATE >> Thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations. Good luck. >> Thank you, >> Councilwoman. Former council woman. >> I don't like the sound of that.
>> So, we have one more presentation. Um, Councilman um Carmona with his committee um decided that they want to um recognize our public works department.
>> Um I'mma read the plaque. It says Pville Public Works. The Pleasantville City Council has expressed gratitude towards public works employees for their dedication and hard work for maintaining and improving the city's infrastructure.
Their efforts in ensuring smooth operations from road repairs to utility management play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for residents. The council acknowledges the commitment of these professionals
especially in challenging situations and appre appreciates how their contribution foster comm community pride and safety. Such recognition is vital to encourage continuous excellence in public works
from the Pleasville City Council. >> All right. committee anyone council >> I want to say thank you to public works I'll be out there when they out there when They clean the snow. They do an excellent job for me. They do an
excellent job. I speak for myself. I I'll be out there checking every one of y'all guys out. Keep up the good work. Appreciate it. Thank you. >> Kyrie and Raymond, you come up front. Uh, and for me, we started off in public
works, and I know how hard it is and the complaints that we get when the snowstorms and all that, but guys, women and guys really do a heck of a job out there. And, uh, you know, very tiresome job. It's really not appreciated all time until someone needs it. And on
these snow stories, people really need. So, thank you guys. And thank you. the whole far. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Let's get all the public works up front. Let's go take a picture, please. While they're coming,
>> this man here looks shaking >> is the leader of these great men and women. I want to thank him for everything he does. Should we take a picture? >> Yes, it's all guys.
size much front. One, two, three. One more. >> Say snow. Somebody wants >> Yes. >> Go ahead, Mr. Kyrie. >> Go ahead. >> Well,
>> how you doing? My name is Kyrie Nordine. I'm the superintendent of public works and we are ecstatic to be recognized this today. Um, this actually goes to the team. They put in a lot of hard work. We're a small team. We're
streamlined. We love the city. We come in in the morning and we do a positive affirmation. We motivate each other. We go out and we give the city 100%. We want it clean. We're dedicated and we want to keep everything moving. During this last snowstorm, we came together
and we bonded so much. We were sleeping on the floor. We were, my wife was cooking, dropping off food, and we just kept pushing and just kept pushing until that storm was over. And I think that bond actually brought us closer together. And when I first took over
public works, my main goal was to create an atmosphere that people like to come to. If you can get them here, to get them to come to work, then we can do our job and service the residents. And that's our main focus, to go out and take care of our residents and work hard
for you guys. Thank you >> fellas. As you take your seat, I wanted to say to you all, thank you. And I know how hard you work in the summer and with the snow. >> So, I want you to know that you are appreciated. Stop on your phone.
>> Next we have public portion. We have um Jonathan Diego, >> Council President Thomas, members of the council, Mayor Mayor Ward. I guess initially congratulations to Mayor Ward and council person for their being
acknowledged for the service to Pleasant >> and uh appreciate the opportunity to speak. I know I only have three minutes. I think I did it well before my three minutes is up. U Thank you for allowing the to speak. I
would respectfully request, it's my understanding that there going to be three candidates that are going to be considered tonight to fill council person's vacancy seat. And what I would respectfully request at this time is
that we allow because I don't see it on the agenda that I think it would be prudent and proper to allow the three candidates to not only address the members of council that are going to make this decision, this very important decision, but also
address the individuals that didn't deem it robbery to be here tonight uh to support not only our great public works team but also So, the elected appointed officials that are here this evening representing the best interest of our
town. Uh me personally, um I appreciate everything that the council does and the mayor does and all of our all of our appointed officials. What I would ask is at this point when we have the opportunity to
not only acknowledge, as we should, um, the mayor being a first in our history, in Atlanta County history, um, and also acknowledge the importance of that and also realize that it's important for the
Latino community also to have more balanced representation. on this esteemed body. We do have wonderful individuals on this board, on this panel, on this council. Uh, and we have an individual that I think his resume
speaks for itself. And if all three individuals are have the ability to come up and address not only the council, but the attendees, uh, you'll see that one rises to the top. He has a master's degree. He serves the community. He
serves young people. um he wants to continue to serve our community. He ran for office for this vacant position and actually won at the polls. Um and it's an individual that has shown his intention to do good for our town and
show his appreciation and serve everybody in our city. So, as we're celebrating here today, again, I acknowledge that and echo that and applaud that. I would just ask that everybody on this panel also realize as you walk up and down Main Street that
there are other individuals that also need recognition and representation. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next we have Christian. >> Thank you, Counc. Good evening. Uh my full name is
Christian Moreno Rodriguez. I'm here on behalf of our community as well as our organization at PBLO for the people united. Uh first and foremost, I would be remiss if I didn't give Mayor Ward uh her well-deserved flowers as well as those
folks in public works that are still here. Um, honestly, I feel like sometimes we need these type of celebrations because there's so much pain and so much trauma out there right now in Pleasantville that it felt actually
therapeutic in a sense to to recognize and honor and have like a little mini celebration here. And so, bravo and and to those in public works, bravo. Um because as soon as we leave here, the city council meeting for
us, it's like back into a war zone. For the entire past year, and and some of you have seen me month after month come here, our community has been under attack. We've met with the mayor, we've met with council president. Um, every single day,
every single week, every single month, we get hundreds of phone calls, thousands of messages from people that are scared to go outside of their homes in Pleasantville to take their children to school because of what's happening at the federal level. And to those that are on the ground, you know more than most
that that fear is is is a reality. It's real. ICE is in our neighborhoods. We've had to respond like this is a war. Right now, we have a team of over 200 volunteer rapid responders that monitor our streets that respond to threats of
ICE that go out there to document, observe, and verify. And we success successfully been able to capture them, to hold them accountable. So much so that we haven't seen any ICE activity here in well over a month. No public raids, no kidnappings. And so, but
that's through grass that's through grassroots efforts. Last week at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. We hosted a know your rights workshop for our allied and Latino community. And it was a packed room of teachers of neighbors of
of young folks that just want to figure out how to help during this crucial time period. And so well-deserved flowers, but right after this, it's it's it's back to reality for us. And the point of us coming here today and please stand up or
there's a standing room raise your hand if you're here today to advocate for a more fairer, a more culturally competent, a better pleasant vote. Please stand and raise your hand. Right? And so we came out to the city council meeting one
because we want to be civically engaged but two because we're saying that this is the year this is the year that city council are the here's our cry for representation or as it is in America there will be a
re revolution at the ballot box. So one way or another one way or another >> and you can laugh all you want because it's not a joke to us council president. No, no, no, no. I I didn't get that. I'm sorry. I didn't >> No one led. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, you did.
>> No, I said and then I'm like, >> a revolution at the ballot box, which means whatever it takes, we'll get out and vote because right now we're organizing and we're asking for representation. We're asking for a seat at the table.
And this is America. We have every right to advocate for our community. We have every right to organize and we will and so Pleasville is changing. This room is well emblematic of that change and so it's you know we would love to work with
you but at the same time we will organize on our own if we have to. Thank you and have a good day. >> Thank you. >> Next we have Steve Young and that's Stephen Young and I'm coming to you today as your brother. No title.
And my grandchildren live here in Pleasantville. I pay federal taxes and state taxes in Pleasant. to have a really good interest and I'm your neighbor across the street. And I say that for those who may say,
"What is he doing here? He's always on that city or throughout the country." It should be unlimited for where you go. If you want things to be right, so I'm here to say congratulations to everyone, especially the award. welld deserving.
>> Thank you, >> council president, madam president. I thank you all and as well as council and I want to thank the city of Pleasantville especially to the workers that's out there boots on the ground every day that don't be recognized too
much anywhere and I want to say that because what I see happening and I have to echo what he basically said in community heard the word you have the word what we should have in common as
human beings as well as the word unite and unity. In order to do that, we have to bring everybody together to use their god-given talents to make Pleasantville
done. How do we do that? We have to communicate. Communicate in community. We cannot do them without each other. So I'm just proposing today and after we
speak today when we sit down with everybody, let's find out what what you have on your mind or what grudge you holding against each other for the last 20 or 30 years and let's move forward towards making this city better for our children and our grandchildren. We can
do it. There's a lot of plans going around from the school all the way to city council, but it has to be inclusion of our community. In order to do that, let's have a community meeting and let's talk about a town hall. So that's why I came here. That's what I
want to speak about. And this when you leave here, just think about the word community. What we have in common, community, unity, unite. We can do it because if we don't do it, somebody else going to train our future.
We must be part of the process of doing things right and in decent in order. It's an easy thing to do when you tell the truth because with the truth, it's always going to remain the same. But when you
lie, there's falsehood. But when truth comes, it's falsehood advances. So let's bring more truth together. Thank you. Next we have Mr. >> Probably unprofessional, but I have to give a big smile to Carla
and I have to congratulate you too, Carl. >> Thank you so much. Congratulations, Shannon. Thank you. >> And thank you, public works folks. My name is Belinda Manny. I'm a lifelong resident of Pleasantville.
My heart rests in this city. I don't get to these meetings a lot. Um, physically my life has changed, but mentally
I still have um the acumen to speak to issues that I find important. And I've come here today because there are two issues that are important to me today. Number one, I've worked with Irvin Moreno
for years as a competent professional who was advanced Stockton University and the young people of of this county
selflessly. The other thing is that I received about 1 minute and 45 seconds. I received a survey about work to be done at the Max Manning Complex and specifically the work that I'm
talking about is artificial turf. If you've seen the news, you know that the World Cup has said it will come to the United States, but it will not play on artificial turf because it is unsafe.
And those players are not going to play on. So on the fields of the United States where the NFL plays, that grass that that turf is going to be ripped up and they're putting down grass. You know where the grass is coming from? New Jersey.
It's coming from the side farms of New Jersey. And it is much safer to be played on. And NFL players have said that they hope it remains. So why would we want to put our children on there?
We have a responsibility as government that is different from that of businesses of industry sponsored organizations. We have a responsibility
to our children to this community because what happens to the children happens to this community. Forever chemicals are forever. Lead is forever. And it not only impacts the educational performance of our
children, but it also impacts them psychologically. Forever chemicals are forever. >> Still noted right? >> Yes. Amen. >> May I have a motion to close public portion?
May I have a second? >> Second. >> All in favor? >> First is resolution 37 appointing council as a member of the planning board for year 2026. Open up the floor for nominations. Motion to
>> close. This is just a >> favor. All in favor say >> anyone. >> Congratulations. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I have a
motion for council for the planning board for 2026. >> Motion. >> I make second roll. >> Okay. Kimona. >> Yes. >> Clay. >> Yes. Ogus,
>> yes. >> Thatis, >> yes. >> Swepson, >> yes. >> Thomas, >> yes. >> Okay. So, we will read resolution 37 of 4N. James Blay as member of the planning
board for 2026. >> Resolution. >> Resolution 38 certified that all city council members have reviewed the 2024 annual audit. I have a motion. I >> have a second.
Call >> Pomona. >> Yes. >> Or Clay? >> Yes. >> Obusby? >> Yes. >> Bettis? >> Yes. >> Swepson? >> Yes. >> Thomas? >> Yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 39 authorizing the implementation of a corrective action plan for the 2024
audit report. >> I have a motion. >> Motion. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Kimona. Yes. >> Barlay. >> Yes. >> Ogusby. >> Yes. >> Bettis. >> Yes. >> Sweepson. >> Yes. >> Thomas. >> Yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 40
authorizing the city to submit application to the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for funding in the amount not to exceed $50,000 for supplemental funding for the Main Street demolition. >> We have a motion. >> Motion. >> We have a second. >> Second.
>> Roll call. >> Kimona. >> Yes. >> Barlay. >> Yes. Obisky, >> yes. >> Fattis, >> yes. >> Sweepson, >> yes. >> Thomas, >> yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 41, approving the acceptance of federal funds and participation in the 2026 safe
and secure communities program with the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. >> May I have a motion? >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Kimona, >> yes. >> Clay, >> yes. Yes. >> Yes.
>> Swepson. >> Yes. >> Thomas, >> yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 42 requesting a six-month extension from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the fiscal year 2024 transit village grant program for second, third, fourth streets
improvement. >> We have a motion. >> Motion. >> We have a second. >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Pomona. >> Yes. >> Barlay. >> Yes. >> Obsby. >> Yes. >> Bettis. Yes, >> Swepson. >> Yes, >> Thomas. >> Yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 43
requesting a six-month extension from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for the fiscal year 2024 transit grant program for Lorraine Avenue. >> May I have a motion? >> May I have a second? >> Second.
>> Kimona? >> Yes. >> Clay? >> Yes. >> Obispy? >> Yes. >> Bettis? >> Yes. >> Sweepson? >> Yes. >> Thomas? Yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 44 appointing an authorized representative for New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey
Environmental Infrastructure Trust a grant application. >> May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Paul. Kabona. >> Yes. >> Clay. >> Yes. >> Obisby. >> Yes. >> Bettis. >> Yes. >> Sweepson.
>> Yes. >> Thomas. >> Yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 45, approval to submit and accept a grant application and acceptance for the police department in the amount of $4,558 and 95 cents for body armor funded and
administered by the New Jersey attorney general. >> May I have a motion? >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Pomona. >> Yes. >> Montlang. >> Yes. >> Oste. >> Yes. >> Bettis. >> Yes. >> Swepson. >> Yes. >> Thomas. Yes.
>> Resolution approved. Resolution 46, approval to submit and accept a grant application and execute a grant contract with the New Jersey with the Atlantic County and Pleas Department in the amount of $2,800 for distracted driving
enforcement mobilization. >> May I have a motion? >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Cabona. >> Yes. >> Barllay. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Bettis. Yes. >> Sweepson. >> Yes. >> Thomas. >> Yes.
>> Resolution. Resolution 47 is authorizing the personal transaction for the city for March 2006, which is a letter of resignation from Nicholas Mer. >> May have a motion. >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second.
>> Roll call. >> Pomona. >> Yes. >> Clair. >> Yes. >> Old. >> Yes. >> Bettis. >> Yes. >> Swepson. >> Yes. Thomas. >> Yes. >> Resolution approved. Resolution 48 is a add-on is authorizing prospective
longevity payments for certain firefighter and firefighters removing the matter from arbitration. >> I have a motion. >> Motion. >> May I have a second? >> Second. >> Roll call. >> Yes. >> Clay. >> Yes. >> Obisp.
>> Yes. >> Fathers. >> Yes. >> Sweepson. >> Yes. >> Thomas. >> Yes. >> Resolution approved. Next, I need a motion to approve the bill list. >> Motion second. >> Second. Pona.
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Obsby. >> Yes. >> Bettis. >> Yes. >> Swepson. >> Yes. >> Thomas. >> Yes. >> Motion approved. Next. Any a motion to approve the bingo licenses? Motion.
>> Second. Second. Pomona, >> yes. >> Orlay, >> yes. >> Oldest, >> yes. >> Dennis, >> yes. >> Swson, >> yes. >> Thomas, >> yes. >> Motion to approve. >> Next.
>> All right. Nominations for um second board. >> I nominate um Martin Gibson. Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. Yes. I'm sorry. So, um, for any candidate Urban, Mr.
Gibson, and Mr. Pablo, if you would like to speak, you can come up to the mic. Two minutes. >> Thank you, board president. Um, thank you, mayor.
Uh, I didn't have anything prepared and I'm just coming up here waiting two minutes. >> Okay. Um, Pablo Santiago, been uh in Pleasantville on Fremont Avenue for 19 years.
Um, served in the military for four years in the Marine Corps and served served, big word. um came to Pleasantville and thanks to uh Joe Maisy and Lincoln Green, I got
involved and ran for office with Mr. Bettis back in 2008. Uh been trying to break through and join the club, the Democratic club. Spent some time here uh on the zoning board. I
was on the planning board and I am currently the uh vice chairman of the commissioner's board for public housing here in Pleasantville. Been on that board for 12 years now. Um honestly
I I if if if it's meant to be and I am chosen, I'm here to serve to serve the residents of Pleasantville. That's what it's all about. And hopefully uh no matter who it is, you know, like
Mr. Diego was saying, the Latino community needs to reflect with this council the same thing, you know, that the Latino community is. We need to have some representation. And some people here, you know, that uh you know, Mr.
Carm, it's great to have in there. And you know, if we can get someone else, I'd be up there and I'm considered or Mr. Moreno. Great. But either way, once again, it's about serving the residents, all the residents,
the Latinos, African-Americans, the the whites, anybody we have in Pleasantville. That's all it's about. And I really can't say anything more other than I'd like to uh congratulate you, Mayor, on your recognition today.
>> Thank you. and Joanne long long uh long we go way back. And uh I'd like to recognize Christian Moreno and his crew for advancing the Latinos. Good job. And I'm watching you, too. I'm one of the
old heads in this town. Some people are older than me, but as far as the Latinos go, I'm probably one of the oldest ones around involved. Trying to do my thing. Thank you. Thank you. ANYONE ELSE?
Good evening, Pleasville City Council >> and a big congratulations to Mayor Ward today on a much needed uh endorsement and representation of your strength and your ability to inspire other. I know that
you have and I know that you will continue to inspire others with the work that we've done. It's historical. Uh, city council president, I want to echo what my patriot just
said, which is service. You know, before co, I had a big decision to make is where do I invest? Where do I bring up a family?
And there was no other choice but Pleas which is where I decided to invest, buy a home to to move my entire family to come live here in this great city. It was an easy choice. And although I
don't have the residency that some of the old heads do here, I grew up every weekend in W one going to my grandmother's house, playing in her house, staying over the
weekend until she died of a stroke. But this city is Miami. It's the home of so many people that are important to our community, to my community. I've heard a lot of things over over the few months here in this city, and we
need to nip it in the bud. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness. Diversity can move Pleasantville forward. It can never set us back. The time is now. The city is changing.
That's true. But we need to come together to ensure that city the city works for everybody. Just walk down Main Street. And it's beautiful. It's one of the most important places in
Pleasantville. And I guarantee you if we move this city in the right direction, it's going to be one of the most important streets in Atlantic County and in southern New Jersey. All of these businesses that are flourishing are going to be so important
to Pleasantville, but we have obstacles and challenges. And I'm here to state publicly and to all of you that I'm up for the challenge. I know I've been to my fair share of city council meetings. I know that I
haven't always agreed with the city council and even with the mayor. But that's never stopped me from extending the olive branch to calling you to discussing the issues that are important to all of us. And you've taken those phone calls and I appreciate it.
The time is now to move Pleasantville forward. I can talk for hours about my qualifications, but you have a decision to make. And whatever decision you make, whoever's here in the city council seat,
I wish him the best of luck. But this won't be the last time that you're hearing from me or the needs for my community. And I hope you heard about the needs today. They're important needs. There's fear. There's insecurity. There's violence.
But let's make Pleasantville better for all of us, for all of our needs. The time is now. Let's move Pleasville forward together. Thank you. Good evening everyone. >> Good evening.
>> My name is Martin Gibson. Congratulations. Congratul. Um, you know, I'm a school board member. I moved from New York to Pleasantville back in 1988. I've been in in from Pleasantville to
Atlant City back to Pleasville. My old family moved from New York and come here. I love the city of Pleasantville. I've been here a long time. My whole family is here and I hear all this stuff about diversity and everything.
I work with look for I'm a union member and that's why we call we name unite here we work with everyone every different ethnicity so I won't stand here and label no ethnicity because this is what we we do we work with everyone
and I think Pleasville is a beautiful city there's a lot of Latinos here I know that I have a lot of friends as Latino and I think we could all work together to move Pleasantville forward you know Um, I would love this chance to have a seat in city council because I
always like the challenge to help people. That's why I'm here always here for that build and thought to help everyone and that's why I want to sit and see. Thank you. All right. Open up the nominations for
the municipal office of World War II. >> Nominate Martin. >> Nominate. You got it. So for the nomination of Santiago which is the first I'm going to go all by the
names for Mona >> Santiago. So we just have It's not just right. Okay. >> Okay. So, or the nomination of for
Santiago Kimona >> or Clang. >> No. >> Ogusby. >> No. >> Dennis. >> Yes. >> Swepson. >> No. >> Thomas. >> No.
>> Nomination fails. for nomination for Gibson Kimona. >> Barlang, >> no. >> Ogusby, >> yes. >> Pettis, >> no. >> Swepson, >> yes.
>> Thomas, >> yes. Nomination for Urban Rodriguez. Moreno Rodriguez, sorry. >> Colona, >> yes. >> Clay, >> yes. >> Ogresby,
>> no. >> Bettis, >> Swepson, >> no. >> Thomas, >> no. So, we have I'm just going to We have uh one in favor for Santiago, we have three
for Gibson, and we have two for Moreno Rodriguez. With that being said, the successful candidate is Martin Gibson. Mr. Gibson, someone you >> Mr. Gibson, you have someone here to swear you in.
>> Okay, then I'll do it for you. >> Can you come forward, please? So I take today do solemnly affirm >> domly affirm >> that I will support the Constitution of the United States >> that I will support the Constitution of United States
>> and the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, >> the Constitution of the State of New Jersey. And I will bear true faith and allegiance >> I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the same >> to the same >> and the government >> and the government >> established in the United States >> established in the United States
>> and in this day >> in this state >> under the authority of the people >> under the authority of the people >> that I will faithfully >> that I will faithfully >> and partially >> and partially >> and justice >> and justice >> perform all the duties >> perform all the duties >> of the office >> of the office
>> of councilman >> of councilman >> for war two >> for for the city of >> the city of >> according to the best of my >> according to the best of my ability. >> So help me God. >> Help me God. >> I just want to thank everyone that voted for me and I'm looking forward to work
with everyone and to be a councilman and serve the city of Pleasantville. Congratulations. Mayor, you have anything? >> I'd like to thank everyone for coming out. Congratulations, Council Gibson.
And um thank you to council for the award honors tonight. I appreciate that. Thank you. And congratulations. I mean, and um I want to say to President and to Council President Thomas and Council
Leon, happy um women's month to you, too. >> Thank you. >> Yes. >> I wanted to um comment on um resolution 48 that um I wasn't in agreement with that. That's come to us. I know the history of
it. It's come to us quite a few times. And this last time even going against you know even talk after talking to the labor attorney we're here. So with this being with that being said I hope we can soon be full have all of our positions
at city hall filled so that everything that has happened it won't be a question you know because this has come before us many times. It's been a long time that we've been dealing with it and this would have gone another direction earlier if you know if
whatever happened this last time didn't happen. Also, I wanted to um say congratulations to public works for all that they do. They really really work hard. I always say they're one of the hardest working departments in the city. Yes.
>> You know, and they have to be out to clean every street. when there's snow, they have to be out there and the calls that I get, you know, them covering driveways back up and everything, things that they really can't avoid, you know. So, I I give them a lot of credit. And then in the summer, they're out there in
the heat. So, congratulations to them. And I guess that's it. every Tuesday, second Tuesday of the month at 5:30, we do have the uh council the um board meeting where you can come
out and I know uh Steve was back there earlier where you can come out and voice your opinion with um this population. >> Also, I wanted to say thank you to Mr. Morano
to Mr. Santiago and Mr. Gibson for coming out tonight >> everyone have a good evening. >> Thank you mayor. Anyone from council before that though I I just wanted to finish up Belinda.
Thank you. I I felt the same way about the turf. You know I understand it's better financially maybe but I've always felt the same way about the turf. >> Yeah. It's like lead paint. You know, you can paint over it, but when you
scratch it, it opens up. >> Breathe. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Welcome, counsel. >> I have >> First, I want to say congratulations, Mayor.
>> Thank you. And happy uh women's month to to all all women who serve care stated in my church this Sunday. We celebrate women every Sunday. And it was stated that none of us would be here
without women. That's right. >> And I always say that women are always in charge. We just don't get the credit. But I I was a little offended that of course the North went out but by Mr.
Christian he I didn't understand his his uh was >> yeah some of his remarks sounded threatening some and and he inu I took his remarks
as an innuendo that the city did not support his organization or their concerns and as far as I know the city the mayor has met with the organization Council president and I've never heard anyone
city official or otherwise not be concerned about what this uh federal administration is doing concerning immigration and I'm certainly against it. I'm against any any kind of activity that is against the constitution and
against the laws of nature. Every human being should be treated by the laws of nature. I just want to say that I don't know what he was implementing or complying but I resent it and I'll be willing to have a conversation with him
anybody else in any matter public or private certainly good to see Miss Manning again haven't seen in a long time and I do concur with your concerns
thank you congratulations sir >> thank you very much. Congratulations for your award. You deserve it. You are one of the standing few in the city government that I met here before I moved to Pleasantville.
I remember when I used to sit in meeting with the council green hammer, the former mayor. We were discussing issues about international affairs. Bless him. So I'm so glad and proud to be with you in the government system.
>> Congratulations. >> I also want to use this time to welcome city council that you are welcome. and uh we are prepared to work with you that you said but I want to look at a
camera and inform the word that blessing bill is a city that welcomes diversity and uh blessing bill does not discriminate on the issue of immigration that was referenced I hosted an immigration rally here at
St. church with the gentleman that's over that mean the city is concerned the city came and I invited a the uh what is the name of the police chief of the county uh
>> sheriff >> yeah the sheriff the sheriff was there >> yeah we had a robust meeting about immigration so I just want to set the record straight that this city cares about what's happening in our country but we have to approach it within the
legal bounds, but the world should know that blessing welcomes diversity. And what happened tonight, the vote that was taken tonight reassure to me the existence of United States of
America, the values that America has still exist in Pleasant. We voted tonight and we are going to go and come back again as friends. That doesn't happen in other countries. So, I'm thankful to be a part of this city. I'm thankful to be a part of the government here. Together we shall be able to see
and move forward. Thank you very much citizen and may God bless you. >> Yes. I would like to thank welcome Councilman Gson to the council. What was said today about diversity
aspect of it? Some of it a lot of but we are trying to work together. Everyone voters there. We're trying to work together. Federal government we don't always have to agree with federal government but as council said we have to abide by the law. So there's only so
much municipality can do when it comes to federal government. No one want to see as a young man press someone being taken from their homes and the children being scared going to school. I personally not totally disagree with that situation but on the other hand I'm
not the federal government and I would like you know to help the way we can in this city and we the mayor has the president has and the councilman has. So hopefully that word will get out is that you know our hands are tied when it comes to certain things every community
is just like the city of Pleasure. And then I'd like to say uh to uh our administrator, were you able to confirm with the chief for uh public safety event so I can announce that? >> Uh not yet. >> Next meeting you'll have
>> the chief there. >> So what what I wanted to do was I wanted to have a public safety event uh here with the public safety committee. I wanted to have that with us on March the 30th at uh here at 5:00 p.m. I sent that. >> Right.
>> I sent that to you. So, uh hopefully we can get that out to the community as soon as possible so these issues can be addressed. >> Right. I don't we just came up with it. >> What is it? What are we talking about? >> Having a public safety meeting. I mean, uh,
>> have a public safety. >> Yeah. >> So, we can address these issues that been coming up. >> So, we're going to have a meeting, a town hall meeting, >> town hall meeting, public safety committee, and going to have a police chief
>> and that was March 30. >> It's still in the plan. >> Yeah. It just be good to know about some of it. But you know, >> well, I just wanted to announce because of what he said about us not having town hall, like we already working on it. So, I'm saying we already had the date and
all that. So I want to congratulate my colleagues for electing me to the clinical. I I take it very seriously. I I see to be a challenging tax. I love it. I love the research. Madam President, I'm going
to engage you and collect make sure I all the bounds and needs for this new assignment. Thank you all very much. >> I just want to say thank you to everybody. Congratulations, man. Congratulations to uh public works.
Thank you for doing a good job. Keep up the good work and God bless you all. I want to say um happy women's month to everyone all the women out there you know work hard
>> start we work hard um and you know not only you know have not only for March but you know throughout the whole year 247 >> um mayor I'm glad that it it was a
surprise to you See, >> I'm glad I'm on the wraps now. It was on the >> I'm glad that you know your family kept it a secret. And you know, once again, congratulations on your accomplishments.
>> And congratulations to Mr. Gibson, Councilman Gibson. like >> and I and I just want to add that all of the employees here for the city of Pleasure are hard workers. >> Yes.
>> Um so let's let's give it up to all. I want to say good night everyone. >> Um Mr. Carmona, you want to add something? >> Yes, I forgot to say congratulations to >> graduate. Welcome aboard. Hope we work together. >> Good night everyone. May I have a motion
to return? >> Motion. >> All in favor? >> I