WEBVTT

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

Part: 1

1
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:18.920
Yeah, yeah. >> The following is the agenda for the regular Borough Council meeting of the Borough Council tonight, Mayor and Council of the Municipal Corporation in the County of Essex, The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 22nd, 2026 in the Municipal Building, 25 Lincoln Avenue, Cedar

2
00:00:18.920 --> 00:00:34.960
Grove, New Jersey. Open public meetings at the Municipal will be open for public comments and shall be in accordance with the current conditions of the Borough Municipal Code of Ordinances. >> Please stand for a pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of

3
00:00:34.960 --> 00:00:54.440
America >> [clears throat] >> and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> We bless this Mayor and Council as they deliberate on the best of Pompton Lakes. In accordance with the Open Public Meeting Law

4
00:00:54.440 --> 00:01:11.160
Act, New Jersey SA 10:04-6, adequate [clears throat] notice of this regular meeting setting forth the time, date, location, and purpose of this meeting was provided by posting notice on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, by transmitting notice to all persons requested same, and pursuant to

5
00:01:11.160 --> 00:01:28.160
PL 2025 and the application provision of Title 40 and 40A of the New Jersey statute governing legal notice and advertisement by electronic publications on this official website of the Borough of Pompton Lakes. Now, I've been reading this for 15 years. This is a new one, and I memorized the other one, so this

6
00:01:28.160 --> 00:01:45.680
is a new one. The I think it's coming up. Uh I got to blame the attorneys. The attorneys wrote this. Um okay, roll call, please. >> Mayor Serra. >> Here. >> Councilman McKinnon. >> Here.

7
00:01:45.680 --> 00:02:00.920
>> Councilman D'Agostino. >> Here. >> Councilman Schroeck. Is he excused? >> Yes. >> Councilman Hitten. >> Here. >> Councilman Sanzo. >> Here. >> Councilman DeZenzo. >> Here. >> [clears throat] >> Would you just list the titles?

8
00:02:00.920 --> 00:02:17.440
>> with us this evening is our attorney Mark Semeraro and our borough engineer and Michael Carelli and our police chief Anthony Robinson. >> Okay, thank you. I have a bunch of presentations I'd like to do but I'd like to start with the first one recognizing our clerk. Our clerk Liz has been here for numerous

9
00:02:17.440 --> 00:02:33.200
years. How many Do you want to tell or not tell? 25 years. She is my right hand person when I do anything here and all the things I do I know I can always rely on her to give me the right information squarely and fairly and she's always there to help, always working the dedicated time. So this is a

10
00:02:33.200 --> 00:02:49.840
well-deserved award for her. Um and this is for the Borough of Pompton Lakes, the general code honor roll certification of recognition for Elizabeth Branson in celebration of your selection to the 2026 municipal clerk honor roll. This distinction is awarded

11
00:02:49.840 --> 00:03:05.880
following outstanding dedication to your community recognizing your effects to go above and beyond your official duties. Your steadfast dedication to public transparency and professional codification serves as a benchmark for the local government nationwide. And I can tell you everything I just read

12
00:03:05.880 --> 00:03:43.360
there is completely true about what Liz does. She really does support this town 100%. [applause] Liz is used to taking pictures but we're going to have somebody else take one. >> Thank you. >> [laughter] >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I'M VERY VERY HAPPY THAT I HAD THE opportunity to serve my community. Thank

13
00:03:43.360 --> 00:04:01.760
you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Liz. >> Thank you, Liz. >> Uh I think we'll go next to um the Eagle Scout Award project. Is [clears throat] Nicholas here? I'm sure he is cuz he's the man in the uniform. So, why don't you come up and tell us

14
00:04:01.760 --> 00:04:26.919
what you're looking to do? >> [clears throat] >> Right here, fine? Uh, may I give you papers? I don't know if someone has >> to the clerk and she'll hand it out for us. >> Do we have >> I think we have it. Yeah, we have this. We all have this. >> So,

15
00:04:26.919 --> 00:04:45.800
could we get my computer up in here? All right, so thank you for having me. I know there was a lengthy chain of emails that and there was some confusion. I was really logging gagging with getting this presentation over. So, my Eagle's uh Eagle Service Project Proposal, right?

16
00:04:45.800 --> 00:05:01.520
Uh, the project is a construction of the kiosk at the Morse Canal Greenway Trail and there will also be some nicening up of the trails. The I noticed there was very much lack of gravel. You could see some of the like weed prevention under

17
00:05:01.520 --> 00:05:18.120
the gravel and I assume it'd be great to have a beautiful trail. All right, this is down by 14th Ave. Right? Benefits, the Pompton Lakes Trail Committee will now have an additional place to post warnings, maps, and informational papers.

18
00:05:18.120 --> 00:05:35.040
I know that ticks can be problems for some people cuz there's Lyme disease or alpha-gal syndrome and that can cause lifelong effects and I'm sure there's other bugs that they would love to post about and make sure that people are safe from or maybe even snakes or other animals.

19
00:05:35.040 --> 00:05:50.320
Um hikers, they will certainly be warned by the Pompton Lakes Trail Committee and they'll have a more pleasant experience as I said with the gravel. It's a little bit lacking down by that trail. And then for myself and volunteers, I will be progressing myself in the Scouts. I will be running my Eagle

20
00:05:50.320 --> 00:06:06.920
project. And other people will have uh volunteer hours that they can use towards their graduation. Uh maybe they can put them on the resume. Uh the steps to be completed right now is approval from the council.

21
00:06:06.920 --> 00:06:23.440
Um and then the Scout camp council, they I will have send my Eagle papers to them after I get approval from all of you. Um after that, I will start obtaining funds and materials. Uh I write about the material cost and what we will need

22
00:06:23.440 --> 00:06:39.000
to fundraise later. Um recruitment, uh I hope to get this done in June, latest July. It should take no more than 2 days. Um I'll send out flyers. I know many people who would love to jump at the opportunity

23
00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:55.680
for volunteer hours, and I have many people from another troop who would love to come to the Eagle project. And then the final step would be execution. The uh fully assembling the kiosk and spreading the gravel. Okay. I am included multiple sides in what the

24
00:06:55.680 --> 00:07:12.280
site looks like. Um there's some weeds, so it might take a day to kill the weeds, and then we could also spread some gravel. Um and I also attached uh reference site of what a previous Scout did. Um he

25
00:07:12.280 --> 00:07:28.960
Um workplace necessities, I'm sure that kids will have to go to the bathroom. Um uh there there's a Scout parent who has offered they live nearby the trail to offer a bathroom, and with safe safe Scout transportation, which means buddy

26
00:07:28.960 --> 00:07:43.160
system, make sure uh there's nothing anything going wrong with adults. Um there's also ample room room for the trucks and the materials to come over and we can assemble. There is also near nearby field should

27
00:07:43.160 --> 00:08:00.920
there be any problem with that. Uh I'm not sure about what the title of the next page to me say, but it's supposed to be medical overview. Uh many problems can happen down by the trail. Um depending on whether it's cold or hot cuz with this New Jersey weather it

28
00:08:00.920 --> 00:08:16.400
seems to be all over the place. Um there can be dehydration, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, or um other heat-related injuries. Just make sure we send out notifications about what people should be wearing when they come to work. Um allergy reactions,

29
00:08:16.400 --> 00:08:33.159
I'm sure people will be able to account for themselves with that. Um I have friends who are allergic to have pollen or other things that I'm sure they know how to take care of. Uh poison ivy, sunburn, and animal and bug bites. Sunscreen, bug spray, stay away from the

30
00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:49.240
plants that don't look like they're supposed to be touched. Right? Work-related causes, cuts and abrasions, essentially bruises or scrapes. We will be using shovels, so I hope that they keep them away from swinging them like bats.

31
00:08:49.240 --> 00:09:04.320
Um splinters, we will be working with wood to assemble the kiosk, so that should be kept to a minimum to since they're being assembled with screws and other things. Um injury introduction, drink plenty of

32
00:09:04.320 --> 00:09:21.160
water. I'm sure that won't be a problem. Uh make sure everyone is well clothed for the weather as I've said before, and be mindful of surroundings. I'm sure there will be many eyes and no one will have a problem with keeping out for animals. Um supplies and tools needed. All of these tools that you see here

33
00:09:21.160 --> 00:09:37.440
will be provided by the scouts. We have a whole shed. Um and the supplies will be sho- shown later. Uh bagels and drinks, this will happen probably around 9:00 in the morning. So, in case people don't come

34
00:09:37.440 --> 00:09:55.440
uh with having eaten breakfast, that's what they'll be for them to eat. Uh drinks include water and Gatorade, things to make sure that no one gets dehydrated, electrolytes to make sure that you keep the hydration inside of you. Um there will also be pizza as a lunch since this could very well last 4

35
00:09:55.440 --> 00:10:12.320
or 5, maybe even 6 hours. And then and then garbage bags to dispose of all this stuff. All right. Uh supplies cost, I've calculated this for about 25 people. Um bagels cost around $80. Pizza for 25 people, assuming everyone got two

36
00:10:12.320 --> 00:10:29.680
slices, is about 150. And then drinks, like two or three water bottles per person and like two or three Gatorades, is going to be around 70. Um which totals to about 330, uh 230, I'm sorry. Any questions so far? >> Nope, we're good. Keep going. Doing a good job.

37
00:10:29.680 --> 00:10:44.320
>> All right. The materials cost, I've calculated this. I don't know how well you can see that, but that's a material list and their prices. Materials will cost up to 650.

38
00:10:44.320 --> 00:11:00.960
Although this is without any um discounts. Uh Home Depot has been known to give generous discounts for scout projects and one of the last scout projects actually got all of the materials for free. Uh supplies price, as I said before, was

39
00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:17.600
around 230. And then tools are provided for the troop. So, so far the total cost is about 880. Fundraising, I've fundraised for sports and through a method of just reaching out to friends digitally, I've raised over

40
00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:34.800
1,500 and which gave us lots of equipment for my fencing team. Um I'm sure it this will be There was a little bit of problems with that one. Let me with uh There was a minimum uh donation price, which is 25, which

41
00:11:34.800 --> 00:11:51.240
turned many people away. But, I'm I don't think there's going to be a minimum donation price for this one, and I'm sure many more people will love to donate. My mother works as a bartender, and my stepfather also works in the restaurant business. So, I they

42
00:11:51.240 --> 00:12:09.840
have received permission from their bosses to allow me to fundraise near their shop, and this this has been a recurring thing where I fundraise at their work. Right, that is all I have to present. Thank you. >> First, congratulations on reaching Eagle

43
00:12:09.840 --> 00:12:25.680
Scout. I can talk from personal experience, it's a very hard thing to do, so congratulations on doing that. Um I I think that I can help you with one of the things. I'm going to reach out to Councilman Vennin. He's a member of of the um uh Masonic Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and I think they might offer to make some

44
00:12:25.680 --> 00:12:40.480
donation. Is that right? >> Yes, that's correct. >> Okay, you can speak about that. >> Yes, they they we have some some money that we'd like to be more involved in the community, and uh I'll I'll connect you with uh the person that could help with that. >> Thank you. I also have a question whether you would be able to help with

45
00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:57.200
trucks and delivery of gravel. Um I'm not that would surely significantly reduce cost of gravel. I don't know if there's any availability of that. >> We have a connection to Tilcon. The issue is I don't know if they have the small gravel. Do they? I'll find out. Okay, well, I'll ask we we they if they have the small gravel, I'm sure they'll

46
00:12:57.200 --> 00:13:10.960
donate it. >> We were we were planning on 3/4 uh gravel. >> Okay, so let's wait, see if we can find that out, and we'll get back to you on if we can get that down to you. >> Thank you. >> Any questions from the council? >> No. >> No. >> I just have a comment. Uh I worked with

47
00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:28.520
uh health specific site and safety plans uh in my past life, you know, as a as a with the DEP. And this proposal that you put together with all the information of you know, on-site injuries is spot-on. >> Thank you. >> And I'm very proud I was very amazed to

48
00:13:28.520 --> 00:13:44.040
read that you would actually put that together. >> Many many of the Boy Scouts merit badges, they always go through what could happen while you're doing this, right? Orienteering, walking through the woods, preparing for emergencies, there's so much medical preparation.

49
00:13:44.040 --> 00:13:59.200
>> So the only thing I would have had is just that you put 911 and the hospital. That's the only addition I think you would add and it's a professionally done proposal. I'm very proud of you. Is this the the group that does the flowers in the spring and the fall? Thank you.

50
00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:15.200
I love those flowers and I buy them every year. And you're it's a great troop. >> Thank you. It really helps with the Boy Scouts and affording the camping trips. So we would not we'll have no issue we have no issue with the project. You'll be in contact with myself and Michael through email. You can continue doing that. Maybe Michael get back to you if

51
00:14:15.200 --> 00:14:37.080
we find out anything about the gravel and Councilman Better will reach out to you personally to figure out how we can do some funding. So good luck and if you need anything please reach out. >> Thank you. >> Okay, thank you. >> Please come see THE PBA, TOO. >> OKAY, NEXT WE HAVE IT'S OUR ARBOR Day

52
00:14:37.080 --> 00:14:54.120
festival, which is always a a great event. You know, we have a very active Shade Tree Commission that does a great job here in town. And part of that is identifying residents who do the children who do the Arbor Day essay contest. I also have a proclamation for Arbor Day, which I'm not going to read the whole thing. It's

53
00:14:54.120 --> 00:15:08.839
the same proclamation I give you guys every year. >> [laughter] >> I'll give it to you again. Um but I'm going to ask Ann Cascinelli to come up and say a couple words about it. >> Do you want me to turn the >> Oh, so that I'll face the audience a little but not my back. >> Wait, wait, the microphone.

54
00:15:08.839 --> 00:15:29.880
>> Yeah. >> That's a brand new microphone. >> [laughter] >> It won't break it. >> I'm going to keep this here though so you can come around. Just come around this way. All right, I'm coming. >> Good evening, everyone.

55
00:15:29.880 --> 00:15:45.080
Thank you for joining us. My name is Ann Tassinelli, and I'm the chairperson of the Pompton Lakes Shade Tree Commission. We're here tonight to commemorate Arbor Day. This is our 11th annual Arbor Day contest,

56
00:15:45.080 --> 00:16:01.600
thanks to Madeline Denti, who organizes it. Each year, the fifth graders are asked to write a letter to their favorite tree or a prompt that is suggested by the commission, which could change every year. The commission then reads each of these

57
00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:18.680
essays and chooses one winner from each of the two fifth grade classes. These winners will receive the opportunity to read their essay tonight and will then receive a special gift from the Shade Tree Commission and a certificate from both the Shade Tree

58
00:16:18.680 --> 00:16:35.480
Commission and Town Council. So now, with that said, I have some people to thank and bring notice to before we move on to the readings. First, I'd like to thank our mayor and council for allowing the opportunity to hold

59
00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:51.440
this event here in the council chambers. A special thank you to Liz Brandness, Kathy Troost, and Barbara Sishon for their support and hard work when residents come into the municipal building with their concerns.

60
00:16:51.440 --> 00:17:07.920
Also, thanks to our borough administrator, Michael Carelli, for his support and assistance. I'd like to thank our co-chair, Pete Wotier. Pete spends many hours throughout the town surveying trees and determining

61
00:17:07.920 --> 00:17:24.000
their safety or their need for pruning or removal. He's the first to be called upon to investigate a a or concern from a resident. He's our shade tree steward and offers a world of knowledge about trees.

62
00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:40.600
Pete is also our county liaison and our liaison to JCP&L and Verizon. He's also our treasurer. Pete will be putting up our 18th year Tree City signs at the entrances to the town.

63
00:17:40.600 --> 00:17:56.440
Madeleine Denty is our secretary and an absolute asset to our commission as well. She has organized for 11 years now this Arbor Day event and does so with great pleasure and expertise.

64
00:17:56.440 --> 00:18:12.640
Madeleine also organizes for National Night Out to help keep Pumpkin Lake Shade Tree Commission in the forefront of the residents and visitors to the event. Madeleine replies to residents about their concerns that come through by

65
00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:29.080
email on our web or on our website and by voicemail, right? Kaylin O'Connor, who's not here with us tonight, is with us for her second year now. She has proven to be an amazing asset to our commission

66
00:18:29.080 --> 00:18:45.240
as she not only is not only well versed in tree identification but for the second year she's handling the task of our spring and fall planting list. She contacts the nursery to order the trees and determines the trees' best

67
00:18:45.240 --> 00:19:00.600
location. Kaylin also goes to check on tree complaints and reports back to the commission on her findings. Kaylin is a professor of ecology at Kean University and has a PhD in

68
00:19:00.600 --> 00:19:16.240
environmental science and has recently become an ISA certified arbor- arborist. We are extremely thankful to have her on the commission. I would also like to thank Randy Hinton,

69
00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:32.600
who was a past member of STC and had been part of many accomplishments. He is again offering his expertise and support to us as liaison to the council. Randy brings critical Shade Tree

70
00:19:32.600 --> 00:19:49.600
Commission concerns and opinions to our council on our behalf. He provides mayor and council updates and information on enhancing and maintaining our community forestry programs. Thank you, Randy.

71
00:19:49.600 --> 00:20:06.720
Dan O'Rourke, our DPW superintendent, and Tim Duffy, our assistant superintendent, help out in any way they can. And when asking of one or both of them, they are always there to help out. This year, we received our 18th year

72
00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:23.120
Tree City USA award for following and performing all of the criteria to be considered for this award. Our plaque is displayed in the hallway of the municipal building and our signs are at the beginning of town, both on

73
00:20:23.120 --> 00:20:39.000
Hamburg Turnpike. I do also believe we should thank the teachers who allowed the students to take the time out of their busy day to support the students in writing these essays. A big thank you to all of the students who

74
00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:56.800
participated because they are really all winners. I hope I did not forget to thank anyone who may have taken part in our commission's work all year or in the planning of this evening's event. But if I have, we extend a blanket thank

75
00:20:56.800 --> 00:21:14.480
you to all. As you can see from this long reading, Pompton Lakes Shade Tree Commission is an extremely complex volunteer commission and requires many of us in order to remain on task in keeping our town full

76
00:21:14.480 --> 00:21:29.640
of beautiful [clears throat] and healthy trees. That ends my long-winded speech. I apologize for that. But it's difficult to graciously thank a phenomenal group of volunteers without a lot of words.

77
00:21:29.640 --> 00:21:57.840
Again, I thank you for joining us tonight and let's move on to the fifth-grade essays. >> You guys calling or you want me to call? You guys You can call. No, no. Go go for it. >> Justice Pierre

78
00:21:57.840 --> 00:22:16.520
>> I'm going to have Justice read it. And make sure you speak nice and loud. You can yell if you want to or something. Your young voice doesn't always carry. We want you to hear everything well. >> Dear tree in my backyard, I want to thank you so much for all that you do

79
00:22:16.520 --> 00:22:33.160
for us. Many people just look at you and think, "Oh, whatever. It's just a tree." But I don't see it like that. You give us oxygen to breathe and help us clean the air of pollution. You give us shade from the hot sun and look great in the winter and fall. Of course, you know you

80
00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:48.840
are a pitch pine. But when your pine cones fall, they add a great flavor to my mud pies and mud soups. But why? Why are you so important? Because you trap dust and absorb pollutants from the air. You provide shade from solar radiation and reduce noise. You prevent flooding

81
00:22:48.840 --> 00:23:04.520
and erosion, which we need in this part of town. On Arbor Day, it's a day for us to remember all that you do. Without you, people wouldn't be able to breathe clear clean air and more floods would happen. Yet on Arbor Day, we add more of your friends. On Arbor Day, we come together

82
00:23:04.520 --> 00:23:21.320
and show our appreciation for you. I may be writing to you, a tree in my backyard, but what about the cherry blossoms and the apple trees and the maple trees with that yummy maple syrup? All trees are great and beautiful. Trees don't only give us humans things,

83
00:23:21.320 --> 00:23:36.400
but also give animals things like a great home to live in and have and have a family with baby birds. You give little chipmunks and squirrels nuts to eat. You're an amazing back scratcher for black and brown bears. You even give

84
00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:51.760
bugs a good place to hide from woodpeckers. Now trees, you're just showing off. You do so much and we just look past you. We do have Arbor Day to celebrate you, but we shouldn't just celebrate you on Arbor Day, but every day. When I heard we were making letters for

85
00:23:51.760 --> 00:24:08.276
you, I thought of a haiku. Trees, trees, we love you. Your lovely leaves give us shade. Pine, oak, maple tea. I don't only speak for myself when I say this, but we thank you, trees. Sincerely, your tree-loving friend, JESSICA. >> [applause]

86
00:24:17.560 --> 00:24:39.120
>> WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A PICTURE. >> SHOULD I TURN? >> FIRST OF ALL, very good job speaking. You did better than me. You did a good job going the scariest. So, this is a little certificate for what you've done. You've done a great job at the speech. You want to change your shirt if you want to take a picture. Whatever you want.

87
00:24:39.120 --> 00:25:11.960
>> We'll do it at the end, all of us. That's what >> Okay. All right, so take a picture with this first and then we'll come back. Nice job. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> I'll be in your check out. >> And also speak loud, so

88
00:25:14.080 --> 00:25:29.960
>> Dear trees, I want to thank you so much for all that you do for us. People always want to cut you down, but you guys are the reason they are living. You provide us with oxygen, shade, clean air, and fruit. You are shelter for so many different animals like birds and squirrels. You are a nice place to read

89
00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:46.640
a book or even have a picnic underneath. I want to help out trees by protecting the trees in my community. I want to do this for you because you do this for me every single day. You protect us just by living. You provide oxygen and that allows us to breathe. I love trees because they remind me of the time my

90
00:25:46.640 --> 00:26:02.880
class hung wishes on our school tree. I love sitting next to you while doing my homework. When you shake your branches, you create a calming and relaxing breeze. When you make sound with the wind, it puts my mind at ease and puts me into a relaxing state of

91
00:26:02.880 --> 00:26:18.400
mind. We could never live without you. My whole yard is filled with beautiful and luscious trees. You make my yard look complete. No matter what kind of tree you are, you are all gorgeous. I love when you change colors throughout the seasons. One of my favorite seasons

92
00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:34.240
is spring because there is a beautiful tree in my front yard that grows pink flowers every spring. One of my favorite memories with trees is when my best friend and I went to a cherry blossom farm. Every tree I saw was beautiful from their luscious leaves to their stunning

93
00:26:34.240 --> 00:26:51.080
roots. They all had gorgeous pink light pink flowers that decorated their branches like ornaments on a Christmas tree. Cherry blossoms are one of my favorite kinds of trees because they are beautiful and only last about one to two weeks, which makes it even more special

94
00:26:51.080 --> 00:27:06.680
to see them in their peak. Another reason I like think cherry blossoms are so great because is because they do everything other trees do and look gorgeous while doing it. One of my favorite trees is the people tree because of its astonishing leaves out of

95
00:27:06.680 --> 00:27:23.880
all the trees people trees are in the top five trees for trees that produce the most oxygen. Overall trees create such a great environment for people to live in and that is just one of the many reasons why Arbor Day is such a great holiday. I enjoyed writing this essay

96
00:27:23.880 --> 00:27:39.134
because it taught me how important trees are to this world and how we should be extremely grateful for them. No matter what kind of tree you are you will always be have a place in my heart. Sincerely your tree loving friend Alina.

97
00:27:39.134 --> 00:28:05.480
>> [applause] >> THANK YOU. >> ANOTHER GREAT JOB SPEAKING. VERY nice nice job. And Alina happens to be my neighbor I know she loves trees so much you can always come over and rake my leaves anytime. Go for it. So there's a nice old speaking for you.

98
00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:44.689
>> Thank you. >> All right so what want to get a group picture. >> [clears throat] >> Let me try sliding over here a little bit. Come here. >> Yes. >> Make a cheer. >> Yes. >> Thank you guys. THANK YOU. >> [music]

99
00:28:48.480 --> 00:29:16.440
>> COME BACK. >> SECOND BACK. >> YES, QUICKLY. CAN we get ready? >> You're the lazy one. >> You're the lazy You're the lazy one. >> lazy one >> Go on that. >> lazy the lazy one >> the lazy one

100
00:29:16.440 --> 00:29:45.280
You're not lazy. He's the one. >> Thank you, guys. Nice job by everybody. And thank And thank you, Shade Tree Commission, for doing what you're doing. Now's your chance to get out of the meeting or unless you'd like to do the whole meeting, you're more than welcome to stay, but if you'd like to leave, now's a good time.

101
00:30:00.400 --> 00:30:35.386
Okay, can I have a motion to open the meeting for public comments? >> Motion. >> Councilman Hadden >> Second. >> Councilman Bannon, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? Anyone from the public like to address? Just step up. >> Thank you, guys. >> See you. >> Good night. >> Good night. Good night. >> [clears throat]

102
00:30:38.240 --> 00:30:54.800
>> Helene Zablocki. Um congratulations are in order Lieutenant Mike Papacci who earned the highest score on the police captain's test again. He is in addition to being a smarty-pants.

103
00:30:54.800 --> 00:31:13.520
He is also a really fine human being and and a man of integrity and a sterling example of what the Pompton Lakes Police Department is. >> Thank you. Anyone else? >> I'm a member of the Pompton Lakes Fire Department.

104
00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:30.240
>> Good evening. >> Before I begin for the record, I would like to state that I'm speaking in my personal capacity not as an Arlington County Commissioner nor as a representative of the American Psychological Association. >> Can I get a name as well? >> Andrew Ferrer.

105
00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:46.680
Residents of Hemlock Road are increasingly concerned regarding the condition and placement of the two fire hydrants located on our street. The hydrants are located roughly 100 ft apart which appears inconsistent with standard fire protection practices intended to distribute coverage

106
00:31:46.680 --> 00:32:02.560
throughout our neighborhood. Under NJAC 521 and 54, hydrants are supposed to provide adequate fire protection coverage and dwellings generally should not be more than 400 ft from a hydrant. The concern is whether the concentrating

107
00:32:02.560 --> 00:32:18.520
the two hydrants so closely together provide the best protection on the rest of the street. More troubling to the best of our knowledge, one of the hydrants is currently inoperable. Residents have been not been informed whether it is being inspected, flow tested, repaired, or officially

108
00:32:18.520 --> 00:32:35.320
designated out of service. Following the December 2025 fire on our street, many residents witnessed confusion and scrambling regarding hydrant access and water supply during a critical emergency response. No firefighter should have the to question

109
00:32:35.320 --> 00:32:51.200
whether nearby infrastructure is functional during that fire. So, tonight we respectfully ask have the hydrants been inspected and flow tested in accordance with New Jersey state standards? Is one of the hydrants still currently out of service and if so, for how long?

110
00:32:51.200 --> 00:33:06.600
Has the borough conducted any review following the fire response on Hemlock Road? And what actions have been taken to ensure that the town is fully prepared for an event of another fire on Hemlock Road? Thank you so much for this evening. >> Thank you. Anyone else from the public like to

111
00:33:06.600 --> 00:33:22.160
speak? I'll answer at the end. Uh anybody else from the public like to address? >> Thank you. >> Seeing no one, can I have a motion to close the public session? >> Motion. >> Councilman Bednar, Councilman Begg, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? >> Aye.

112
00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:38.680
>> Mr. Walkie, thank you for your comments. Um Andrew, yes, I was at that fire. I was there. Um there was a little bit of confusion, but unfortunately I I don't have much information to offer you. I'm going to have Michael or and our Who's our fire >> I don't even know. >> Well, that's >> That's the

113
00:33:38.680 --> 00:33:54.920
>> All right, so between and Michael will reach out to the fire department. I understand them with the confusion about the hydrant, so I I really don't have enough information to go on on that. And I know they had a run a long line at one point to get up the hill and it was a problem with the hill and and all those things.

114
00:33:54.920 --> 00:34:10.800
So, Michael, could you look into that? Maybe get the answers to some of those or maybe you know, I don't know. >> No, we're going to follow up with the both the fire department and the Packanack Lake Municipal Utilities Authority, which is the authority that manages the hydrants. Uh not the borough. So, we'll follow up with that.

115
00:34:10.800 --> 00:34:25.919
>> And then the question again, the inspections, can we find out if they were inspected? I don't know that. And I I'm I'm pretty certain one of them is out of service. I I So, we'll just verify that. And uh there was a discussion. So, when usually when there's a fire that happens like that, that there's a discussion

116
00:34:25.919 --> 00:34:41.679
within the fire department of how they handle it. It doesn't usually come to us, the council, unless they have a concern or problem, then they would bring it to us. Um but we didn't hear anything, so there's not much more information I can add, but I will reach out to the chief and see if he has any additional information for that. Okay?

117
00:34:41.679 --> 00:34:57.360
Okay. Motion to approve the following minutes: special council meeting minutes May 11th, 2026, closed session meeting minutes May 11th, 2026, regular meeting minutes May 13th, 2026, closed session meetings May 13th, 2026.

118
00:34:57.360 --> 00:35:13.240
Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Santarsiero. >> Council President Kent, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? >> Mayor, I'm voting from abstaining from the 13th cuz I wasn't here for the regular council. >> Okay. Abstention on just the 13th. Yes, Council. >> Okay.

119
00:35:13.240 --> 00:35:28.840
>> Authorizing payment of bills and wires in the amount of 8,800 8,800,000 84,405. Motion to approve the following bill list as stated below. >> Motion. >> Councilman Lennon. >> Councilman Hitten, all in favor? >> Aye.

120
00:35:28.840 --> 00:35:49.720
>> Against? Anybody [clears throat] have anything they'd like removed from the consent agenda? Seeing none, go ahead, Liz. >> Whereas the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Conshohocken has reviewed the consent agenda and reviewed the various proposed resolutions where the Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of

121
00:35:49.720 --> 00:36:05.880
Conshohocken does not desire to remove resolutions for individual action from that agenda. Now, therefore, be resolved that the following resolutions on the consent agenda are hereby approved. 2016 to 2019, 2026 to 2025.

122
00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:28.440
>> Motion to approve the resolutions. >> Motion. >> Councilman Lennon. >> Second. Councilman Santarsiero, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? Ordinances for first reading. >> Ordinance 2016-18, bonds ordinance appropriating 3,438,726 and authorizing issuance of 1,667,300

123
00:36:28.760 --> 00:36:44.440
bonds and notes to the Borough for of the capital improvement for purposes authorized to be undertaken by the Borough Council in the county of the state. >> Motion to approve ordinance 26-18 for introduction. Motion. >> Councilman Hiten. Who is the second one on it? >> Councilman Begg.

124
00:36:44.440 --> 00:37:01.240
>> Any discussion on this? No. Okay, roll call, please. >> Councilman Begg. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hiten. >> Yes. >> Council President Kent. >> Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Councilman Santarsiero. >> Yes. >> Councilman Begg. >> Yes. >> Ordinance 26-19

125
00:37:01.240 --> 00:37:17.120
is ordinance amending chapter 5 licenses, permits, and business regulation section 21 soliciting charitable subsection 21.4 prime regulation of the Borough Code of the Borough of Conshohocken. >> Motion to approve ordinance 26-19 for introduction.

126
00:37:17.120 --> 00:37:32.480
>> Motion. >> Council President Kent. >> Second. >> Councilman Santarsiero. Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Councilman Begg. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hiten. >> Yes. >> Council President Kent. >> Yes. >> Councilman Santarsiero. >> Yes.

127
00:37:32.480 --> 00:37:47.440
>> Councilman Begg. >> Yes. >> [clears throat] >> Ordinance 26-20 is ordinance amending chapter 7 traffic traffic section 21 parking of boat trailers and towable vehicles prohibited in our channel port of the revised general ordinances of the

128
00:37:47.440 --> 00:38:02.920
Borough of Conshohocken. >> Motion to approve ordinance 26-20 for introduction. Motion. >> Councilman Hiten. >> Second. >> Councilman Santarsiero. >> Any discussion? Roll call, please. >> Councilman Begg. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hiten. >> Yes. >> Council President Kent.

129
00:38:02.920 --> 00:38:17.120
>> Yes. >> Councilman Santarsiero. >> Yes. >> Councilman Begg. >> Yes. >> Take second reading as amended. Ordinance amending chapter 14 refuse and recycling section 2 article 2 recycling section of the

130
00:38:17.120 --> 00:38:34.040
municipal code of the >> Motion to open the meeting for public comments on ordinance 26-16. >> Motion. >> Councilman Santos. >> Second. >> Councilman Hitten. Uh, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Against? Anyone like to address just this ordinance?

131
00:38:34.040 --> 00:38:50.000
Seeing no one, motion to close the meeting for public comments on ordinance 26-16. >> Motion. >> Uh, Councilman Bennett, Councilman Hitten. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Aye. >> Against? Motion to approve ordinance 26-16 for final adoption. >> Motion. >> Councilman Bennett. >> Second. >> Councilman Hitten.

132
00:38:50.000 --> 00:39:11.480
>> Roll call, please. >> Councilman Is that Councilman Bennett? >> Yes. >> Councilman Hitten. >> Yes. >> Councilman Council President Kicks. >> Yes. >> Councilman Santos. >> Yes. >> Councilman Nathan. >> Yes. >> Ordinance 17, 26-17, an ordinance to fix

133
00:39:11.480 --> 00:39:27.880
the salary ranges of the employees of the Borough of Councilman Lakes in the County of Morris, in the State of New Jersey. >> Motion to open the meeting for public comments on ordinance 26-17. >> Motion. >> Councilman Santos, was it? >> Santos. >> Second. >> Uh, Councilman Bennett. All in favor?

134
00:39:27.880 --> 00:39:42.960
>> Aye. >> Against? Anyone like to address just this ordinance? Seeing no one, motion to close the meeting for public comments on ordinance 26-17. >> Motion. >> Councilman Hitten. >> Second. >> Councilman Bennett, roll call, please. >> I just had a question. >> Oh, good.

135
00:39:42.960 --> 00:40:00.160
>> Um, does this It's minimum and maximum of salaries. Does it include stipends? Or is that just the salaries? Stipends or about >> is for base salaries. >> These are just base salaries. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Okay. Roll call, please.

136
00:40:00.160 --> 00:40:14.920
>> Councilman Bennett. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hitten. >> Yes. >> Council President Kicks. >> Yes. >> Councilman Santos. >> Yes. >> Councilman Nathan. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, before we start, I know there's been a lot of talk on social media, um,

137
00:40:14.920 --> 00:40:31.760
about the naming of a bridge in for a past council person. Um I received an email from the family and and Council President Kent is going to address it a little bit more from the family that they would accept the idea of naming uh the bridge at Hersheypark in the vague and for our for our our friend Bill Begg

138
00:40:31.760 --> 00:40:47.520
named in that. So, that's something we'll talk about and discuss it a little later, but the the request did come from the family to do that. So, um we just so the public and everybody understands we now own that bridge. So, we don't have to go to the county for any uh approvals for that. It's our bridge to take what we're going to do. There is going to be

139
00:40:47.520 --> 00:41:03.760
a ribbon cutting. Uh I think it's the 15th for the bridge. If we decide now to do that, then I don't think we'll have a plaque in place, but at least we can call it that for the ribbon cutting. So, I'm going to Does anybody have any concerns or comments about it? Maybe you want to add some more? >> No,

140
00:41:03.760 --> 00:41:21.360
I I think I think it's appropriate and anybody who knew Bill Begg Well, I knew him 30 years. [clears throat] Um worked with PAL, worked with the county folks, the Boy Scouts. He worked with the county. So, it seems appropriate and and I I think the family would

141
00:41:21.360 --> 00:41:38.280
appreciate that. And uh a number of people reached out to me. Once Once it got started, it it just kind of snowballed, and people are very much in support of this. Um So, I would like to I would like to I don't know if they have to make a motion. >> Well, yeah, you make a motion. Let's do it that way. >> Okay. So, I make a motion that the

142
00:41:38.280 --> 00:41:54.480
Hersheypark footbridge uh be dedicated in memory of uh William Begg. >> Um let me just stop for 1 second. Is that what you'd want the family would want the wording? >> Um yeah, I think William Begg would be fine. >> William or Bill? >> You know, it's changed. You don't have to

143
00:41:54.480 --> 00:42:10.040
We can talk about it. So, thank you for that. And I really appreciate everybody's support with it. >> I second. I second. >> Okay, Councilman Hiten, Councilman Santos, all in favor? >> I. >> I. >> And for people who don't know Councilman Begg, he was a long-time councilman, a long-time board member. I'm sorry. >> Councilman Hiten

144
00:42:10.040 --> 00:42:25.480
>> made the motion. Oh, I'm sorry. Then it would be Councilman Hitten as the second. For people who didn't know Councilman Beg, he was a long-time councilman for a very long time board board of ed member, also a captain in our police department for many years, retired from our police department, was a very involved in the

145
00:42:25.480 --> 00:42:41.280
town. He's a true Pompton person from beginning to end. You know, if you needed something, you could always go to him and if it was for Pompton Lakes, he was involved besides all the other things he could do. And even into his advanced age, he didn't slow down a drop. I mean, he was always right next to me doing whatever I

146
00:42:41.280 --> 00:42:57.400
was doing right there all the time. So, you know, he is missed and glad to see his family following up in his footsteps, which is a very nice thing to see. So, I'm glad we're doing that and that we'll move that forward. Mike, you'll take care of that with the county. We'll talk about that. Okay. Under my report, I attended the Memorial Day parade. Unfortunately, the weather did not

147
00:42:57.400 --> 00:43:14.160
cooperate, but if you had been driven down Colfax Avenue, I think they the DPW did a great job in in the flags and the 250 year flags that are up. The street looked very nice. Too bad we couldn't have the parade. And believe me, we don't cancel this parade easily. This is only the second time we've canceled it in a very

148
00:43:14.160 --> 00:43:30.680
long time, but I have to thank the public. The public did come out for the event that we had at the VFW inside. We had over 100 people there for the event, which was that's amazing that the public still wants to recognize and support our veterans. So, I got to thank Bob McGrady who's been doing this for 35 years. His

149
00:43:30.680 --> 00:43:46.640
father did it for 50 years before that. So, between the two of them, they've been doing it for 85 years running this parade. Bob McGrady and and our post our VFW post put a lot of time and energy into making it work. So, I thank the public. I thank the post. It was a very nice ceremony. And I almost

150
00:43:46.640 --> 00:44:03.360
enjoyed the ceremony more inside than outside cuz it's more contained and you can hear what everybody's saying. So, it was a very nice ceremony. I had a meeting with the coalition with Councilman Beg. Unfortunately, the grant that we applied for is already 10 years that we applied for for the municipal alliance grant

151
00:44:03.360 --> 00:44:18.880
that we got a million dollars for over 10 years is running out. We actually were in an extension year right now. Um And after this extension year, unfortunately, the grant goes away. So, we had a a meeting to discuss how we're going to move forward with that. You know, [clears throat] I go back, you

152
00:44:18.880 --> 00:44:35.160
know, that was one of the things we did years ago. When we applied for that grant, there was only large towns that were getting it. You know, a Newark or Wildwood. You know, that Pompton Lakes was picked as one of the towns was an impressive thing at the time. I don't even know if they still offer the federal grant for this. But we did try

153
00:44:35.160 --> 00:44:50.280
to get some more funding. And unfortunately, we were turned down. There is still state funding that comes in from Passaic County to run our alliance municipal alliance. It's a much much smaller amount. So, that's what the meeting was about. We'll decide how we're going to move forward with the

154
00:44:50.280 --> 00:45:06.560
alliance moving forward. I attended the open space meeting. I'm sure the council council president will speak about that. It was great having one of the commissioners who Mike How do we say >> Romaglia >> Romaglia, yeah. Mike Romaglia attended the meeting. And the nice part about him

155
00:45:06.560 --> 00:45:23.480
is he is a Pompton Lakes resident. So, that's nice to have a county commissioner who lives in town and cares about what we're doing here at town. It was very nice of him to come and explain what he has. And I'm sure council president can speak more. But, you know, when you have a home field to somebody at the county level, that's always a

156
00:45:23.480 --> 00:45:38.880
good thing. I attended the Walk for Hope. That was run by the coalition. It was a great turnout. Great speakers. I love seeing the kids come out and support their own there. Ryan did a great job putting that together. There was great supplies and food and everything else. So,

157
00:45:38.880 --> 00:45:54.440
congratulations to everybody with that. We had our first mini bid stroll. The weather again did not cooperate. But so, I I what I've heard is from a lot of residents, they didn't know the event was going on. And now if you're not on social media, you might miss it. Once a month, usually

158
00:45:54.440 --> 00:46:11.040
around the third Thursday, we'll be having where we close down the side the street on Wanaque Avenue about halfway down, filling it with food vendors and vendors and the restaurants will bring tables out into the street where you can sit and eat and chat and talk and there'll be bands playing and

159
00:46:11.040 --> 00:46:26.400
music playing. This is the first one we did. It was pretty well attended for a rainy cold day. Um and it's only going to grow from there. So, if you're if you're And I had a lot of people saying, "Why was the road closed?" There was a reason why the road was closed and it was a nice event that we had put on.

160
00:46:26.400 --> 00:46:42.640
Um I noticed and I spoke to the administrator today, there there are um no parking signs down on Wononque if you notice right now. Part of the building of Meridian, the new building that's being built, they're going to repave Wononque Avenue kind of in front of where Meridian is and that's

161
00:46:42.640 --> 00:46:59.200
why we're uh there's no parking there. I will tell you we had our first meeting with historic in the new civic center um in the back. It's a beautiful building. It was a nice setup. Uh you know, that was all paid for by Meridian. They There were no costs to the taxpayers to redo that whole

162
00:46:59.200 --> 00:47:16.200
building. We've gotten uh women's locker room showers and locker rooms for our women police officers, new offices for our uh police department and the most important thing is some real needed storage upstairs. They built a second floor for storage. So, if you had to have a chance, we're also having a grand

163
00:47:16.200 --> 00:47:33.200
opening I think for that. Right? I don't know the actual date on that. Um >> The second. >> The second, right. Okay. Um you know, I sent out a letter to Congresswoman Poe today to thank her for taking uh trying to get some appropriations for us for our new DPW

164
00:47:33.200 --> 00:47:48.720
building. Uh she did get us some money and it's some real money. Um and if it goes through, this will go a long way in supporting what we need to do at our DPW, which is a big deal. It's This is a big deal about our DPW garage. So, you know, I've understood that we were one of the

165
00:47:48.720 --> 00:48:05.440
bigger grants for the appropriations that she gave out, which is nice to see that we're not forgotten as a small town. Uh and again, forget what party you're in, forget what what side you're on on the aisle. At the end of the day, we're here to make our town better and the state better. And I and I appreciate the effort that people put in when those

166
00:48:05.440 --> 00:48:21.680
things do happen. And that is my report. Council President Kennedy. >> Thank you. >> Just real quick, it's June 8th at the Civic Center. June 8th, okay, thank you. >> Uh, thank you, ma'am. Um, I want to congratulate Liz on 25 years of putting up with uh council people. I can imagine what that's like.

167
00:48:21.680 --> 00:48:36.280
You did a great job and you're you are a wealth of knowledge and and thank you for uh no matter what we ask, you you provided so thank you very much. Uh, I also want to give a shout-out to the Eagle Scout, Nicholas. He did a wonderful uh proposal. Uh, we you know,

168
00:48:36.280 --> 00:48:53.480
for for many many years we we created trails and the Eagle Scouts come up with the um the projects that help us even make our trails even better and this one looks like it's going to be actually beautiful and I I hope to be down there. If not, I'm going to buy them a pizza cuz that seems to be a big thing, pizza

169
00:48:53.480 --> 00:49:08.720
and bagels. So, let's get let's get the kids fed uh for all the work that they're going to do. Um, I want to thank the Shade Tree Commission. The Arbor Day essay is always beautiful. Uh, I love trees. I've always been involved with the

170
00:49:08.720 --> 00:49:25.320
environment uh for pretty much my whole life. And it's a lovely to see the fifth graders come here. They did a great job and it's something they'll remember. Um, so I want to thank all of the Shade Tree Commission, especially Ann Tessinelli, the chairwoman. She does an amazing job.

171
00:49:25.320 --> 00:49:40.760
Um, I also I also walked with uh the Walk for Hope. It's a mental health awareness day uh for Sunday. Brian Gossinger and the staff did a great job. The t-shirts were amazing. They were

172
00:49:40.760 --> 00:49:55.960
beautiful. And um the vendors and the refreshments that they had there were wonderful. Um, but most important was the information on the mental health. And how important that is to understand if you have a problem, there's there are places to go. Sometimes you really don't know what to

173
00:49:55.960 --> 00:50:12.000
do. Um but there are and and that brought awareness to to that whole issue. I also want to thank our police department, the ambulance and first aid squads, and the other community groups who came out and attended the uh event that morning. The And that's what made

174
00:50:12.000 --> 00:50:28.480
it a success. We discussed the footbridge and uh I want to thank you very much, Mayor, for bringing that up. And thank you, Steve, for allowing us to honor your father with that. >> No, thank you all. Thank you. >> Um I spoke Okay, so something not really

175
00:50:28.480 --> 00:50:44.160
related, but I spoke with Ken Bierman. He's from the Passaic County Election Board. Just in case anybody's interested, um they're having problems getting people to work the elections. And I've been doing it for a number of years now. So, he asked me in my official capacity if I could just say if

176
00:50:44.160 --> 00:50:59.320
you're interested in being an election official and board worker, they pay $300 a day. They are training people, and they do need people for the upcoming primary. Doesn't matter if you're Democrat, Republican, independent, doesn't matter. They will train you, and they will make give you that uh

177
00:50:59.320 --> 00:51:16.280
information to actually work on election day. So, if you're interested, contact the Passaic County Election Board, and that is all on online. I also So, go back to now to the Open Lake stuff. I attended the Open Space uh Committee

178
00:51:16.280 --> 00:51:33.200
meeting, and uh both uh Council Liaison uh Steve Beg and I were there along with you, Mayor. And Mike I see you're going to give a report on stuff as well, right? Okay. So, we kind of share that a little bit. But, the I I What I did is I

179
00:51:33.200 --> 00:51:50.200
asked the Commissioner uh Mike Romaglia to come out and kind of explain to us because we really do need um monies when we do our open space projects. The monies are they used to be 200,000. They used to cover a whole project. It doesn't

180
00:51:50.200 --> 00:52:06.680
anymore. Inflation is so bad that it doesn't cover a cost so it takes us and I hear sometimes complaints, well, it's taking forever to get things done. That's because we don't have adequate funding. Um not because of us, because we do a wonderful job, but everything is so

181
00:52:06.680 --> 00:52:23.320
expensive. So, to buy a piece of equipment, it takes three or four or five times more money than it used to. So, I we we uh approached the Open Space Group and um Commissioner Romaglia was very gracious and he brought the director of Open the

182
00:52:23.320 --> 00:52:40.200
County Open Space Program. Her name is Maeve McGinley. And she was absolutely lovely and they gave us some ideas on what we can do and how to apply better. Michael, I'm going to sit down with you which is kind of make sure that we're following all of that uh for and insights. She gave us also

183
00:52:40.200 --> 00:52:57.880
insights for future programs, our grant applications uh for the county. Um Well, and I'm going to let Steve talk about the rest of that. I also attended the VFW post 2906 Memorial Day um

184
00:52:57.880 --> 00:53:13.760
memorial that that day. Um it's a shame that the weather was not conducive to picnics and parades, but it was a very touching uh memorial and the new post commander, Connor Otto, is also is my neighbor. I knew him as a little little

185
00:53:13.760 --> 00:53:31.160
boy and he's a police officer uh on our on our uh police department and he did a wonderful job and he gave guidance with a beautiful prayer and a story and the the the VFW, they they handled the whole uh memorial service so beautifully and

186
00:53:31.160 --> 00:53:48.800
I'm very proud to be a part of that. Um We're going to be uh the uh I guess the mayor and council, we're going to be selecting a date to dedicate the PAL basketball benches that were placed down by the basketball courts in

187
00:53:48.800 --> 00:54:05.480
honor of Rich Blecher. We're going to come up with a date in June, just so you know. And I'm just waiting to hear back from some PAL members, which of course Gil Blake was one of the co-signers of all the checks of of that program for many, many years. And so when I when I get a date, I'm

188
00:54:05.480 --> 00:54:20.000
going to let everybody know we can all be there. Okay. Thank you. Um I'm going to ask our attorney again. Um did the Has the governor's office responded to any of our letters regarding the DuPont and the $75 million

189
00:54:20.000 --> 00:54:37.440
natural resource damages? And the And are they responding to anything? >> Nothing. >> That's ridiculous. All right, so just so you know. >> That's That's two letters now. >> Two That's two letters and you're going to You have a a system where you're going to file another one. And I want to know if they respond.

190
00:54:37.440 --> 00:54:54.160
And then we have to maybe do something else. Three times. >> We'll We'll give them three. >> Uh and I also went to the stroll, the mini stroll. I thought it was a great idea and we ended up having delicious smash burgers out of one of the trucks. But they also had vendors, too. So And

191
00:54:54.160 --> 00:55:09.960
the vendors were were very very interesting. Um but more important, I think, is that our big people that, you know, for the restaurants, they were active, they were open, um they were giving out trays of food, and it was really It was really a lot of fun. Les

192
00:55:09.960 --> 00:55:25.520
and I were walking around buying popcorn for the grandchildren and stuff like that. So if you can go to the next one, try you know, try to get out there and you know, eat your dinner there. Eat your dinner around by the on Wantagh Avenue. And Mayor Black is my report. >> Thank you. I forgot to mention one thing

193
00:55:25.520 --> 00:55:42.120
in my report. We did have a meeting with the DCA and the governor's office with Michael also about trying to get some funding for the um the the DEP building from them. They had a We had a good conversation. It was good open dialogue. They asked a lot of questions. So, I'm hoping, you

194
00:55:42.120 --> 00:55:57.160
know, we'll get some money. You know, this is a 9 to 10 million-dollar project that we're looking at doing for the DPW. So, it's a big chunk of change. Uh obviously, we don't want to put it on the taxpayers. So, if we can figure out a way to collect money from everywhere we can, it'll only soften the burden. So, the governor's office, I have to

195
00:55:57.160 --> 00:56:13.000
thank them for at least listening to us and the DCA of listening to how we can make things better. Uh Councilman Bannon. >> Thank you, Mayor. I want to congratulate the Arbor Day uh essay winners. Uh I too have learned the importance of trees, especially in our flood-prone areas. As

196
00:56:13.000 --> 00:56:29.440
mentioned before, I was absent for the last council meeting. Uh I attended the annual Girl Scout of Northern Jersey business meeting where they acknowledge adult volunteers. Uh I was nominated for and I was was one of the recipients of the Volunteer of Excellence Award for my work with the uh

197
00:56:29.440 --> 00:56:45.880
Steel Magnolias robotics team that I mentioned quite often up here on the dais. Uh the Steel Magnolias are all all girls all girls uh Girl Scout sponsored uh high school level First Tech Challenge team. Uh and we're currently accepting applications.

198
00:56:45.880 --> 00:57:02.280
Uh reach out to me if you have any questions. Uh it was a great event. Uh did lots of networking and I want to thank the folks that put that together. Uh and thanks to the folks who nominated me for the award. Uh there were 400 folks in attendance that night. I there I was one of five uh

199
00:57:02.280 --> 00:57:18.600
men including uh three who were on the uh the board or stepping off the board. Um >> [clears throat] >> The uh Spring Stroll as mentioned before was Thursday, 5/21. I attended this uh right before and then again after the Pompton Lakes High School spring

200
00:57:18.600 --> 00:57:35.240
concert. I want to thank Mr. Sharsmith, also known as Mr. Ash, for doing such a great job with the music program over at the high school. Uh there's two more events. I don't have the dates handy. I think I I wrote down the wrong dates initially. I think you probably Do you have them? The taken? >> Yeah, I think they're on the third third Thursday. >> Yeah.

201
00:57:35.240 --> 00:57:51.760
>> Want to put that out there. >> Uh you you you can mention it in your in your report, yeah. >> Um the redevelopment agency did not meet in May. Uh library board met uh last Monday. They discussed uh the process to borrow museum passes.

202
00:57:51.760 --> 00:58:06.560
There There's some museum passes that are available to the public to be borrowed, and then you uh return them once you visit the museum. Uh and in addition, they discussed uh trustee training requirements. As mentioned before, the Memorial Day parade was canceled due to rain,

203
00:58:06.560 --> 00:58:22.640
unfortunately. Uh know that it was a tough decision because the folks worked very hard to put that event together, but the ceremony that was held indoor was very well attended. Barely any room to to sit or stand. Uh and I want to thank those folks for all the hard work in putting that together. And that's my

204
00:58:22.640 --> 00:58:38.960
report, Mayor. >> Thank you. Congratulations on your award. >> Thank you, Mayor. >> You're one of the five. Um uh who am I up to? Councilman Beck? >> All right. Thank you, Mayor. Um this month's CBC meeting was canceled, so I don't have a report for that. I'm sure we'll meet this month. Um I attended the open space meeting. Um it

205
00:58:38.960 --> 00:58:55.560
was extremely productive meeting. Um County Commissioner Romaglia Mike Romaglia was there. Um he came and spoke to the group, stayed for the entire meeting. Um and in attendance with him was Mayor McKinley, as you mentioned before, and she's the assistant county administrator. So, they really put us in a lot of connections and connections

206
00:58:55.560 --> 00:59:11.560
with the county engineer. Um so, we discussed our ongoing projects and how the county assist us. And um they were really good. Like, they asked me to send aerial shots um of Lakeside Ave to possibly extend the sidewalk all the way to the bridge to make it safer for our students to walk to school and stuff like that. So,

207
00:59:11.560 --> 00:59:27.080
super responsive, and I think we all appreciate that. Um we also discussed at the meeting uh was the signs for the lightning detection system at Willow Field. The signs are in now. Um and they have instructions on them, so people know what to actually do if lightning it and the system goes off.

208
00:59:27.080 --> 00:59:42.160
So, I think we're going to go down and take a picture next month. >> Um so, another really good thing that we put in for the town. Um and then this Saturday uh I'm sorry, this Saturday before um was the last was the Prevention Coalition's Walk for Hope and Diamond Classic. Both

209
00:59:42.160 --> 00:59:58.160
were successful events. Uh the walk had 155 participants. Um I want to personally thank Doc Schup um for being our guest speaker at the walk. Um he's somebody that I personally know and was able to get uh to come and speak. Um he did a great job of getting everyone psyched up before we started

210
00:59:58.160 --> 01:00:14.840
the walk from the high school to Hershfield Park and then back. Um I also want to thank Councilman Cruz cuz he helped me out with doggy duty. >> [clears throat and laughter] >> Walked my dog on the way back, so thank him for that even though he's now not here today. Um I attended the first uh Spring uh Stroll as well last Thursday. Um it was

211
01:00:14.840 --> 01:00:30.120
a really nice community event with tons of vendors, um activities for kids, and a DJ was playing music for the evening. I think the next one they're going to have a band, right? So, they're going to have a live band there. Um there are two more strolls left. Uh that's June 11th and July 16th. >> [clears throat]

212
01:00:30.120 --> 01:00:45.720
>> So, please come out and support our local businesses. Um on Sunday I attended the Memorial uh Day celebration as well for the VFW. Unfortunately, the parade was canceled. Um however, they did an excellent job with the ceremony despite that the fact that it was held inside. Um and then last night I attended the

213
01:00:45.720 --> 01:01:02.640
historic meeting. Um again, first meeting at the Civic Center. Uh they're currently in the works of putting together a reenactment for the 250th anniversary at Pompton Day. So, that's in the works and um we're going to have like 10 set up and reenactment set up of what they would cook like cook and what they

214
01:01:02.640 --> 01:01:18.320
would do during that time. They're going to shoot um shoot their muskets off, you know, across the lake and they've got a boat coming in that they'll have people help caulk it. It's a revolutionary uh boat and their company actually crosses the Delaware every year on Christmas. And so, they want to use their boat to

215
01:01:18.320 --> 01:01:33.840
kind of cross Pompton Lake. So, hopefully that'll be a great event. And then after the historic meeting, I attended the recreation meeting. Um they wanted me to announce several things. So, summer camp is June 29th through July 31st. Registration is now open.

216
01:01:33.840 --> 01:01:48.920
This year's senior senior picnic is Saturday, August 15th. Um it's at the Elks. It starts at noon. Pickleball is every Monday and Wednesday starting July 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 at Hurstville Park. Um volleyball will take place Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 at Hurstville Park

217
01:01:48.920 --> 01:02:05.640
starting July 6th as well. Um the paddle boats and kayak rentals have begun. They started this past weekend except for the rain. Um that will continue through Labor Day. Um and they are on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 3:00. Uh there are also sweet cornhole and ping pong available as well for free if you want to come out

218
01:02:05.640 --> 01:02:22.360
and just have some fun at the lake. And then this year's summer concert series um will be on Thursday nights starting June 25th. The 3:00 a.m. uh 3:00 a.m. band will kick off the first concert series. Um so hopefully everybody will attend those as well. And then lastly, I just want to make sure everybody knows this weekend

219
01:02:22.360 --> 01:02:40.960
on Sunday at 10:00 um we have a trail trail maintenance day and we'll meet at the Lincoln Park Ave entrance. Um if anybody wants to come out and help support that that cause. So, thank you and that's my report. >> have a motion? Was it you? >> Oh, you have a >> I missed sorry. And I guess lastly, um I'd like to make

220
01:02:40.960 --> 01:02:57.040
a motion to approve the request of Pompton Lakes High School to close Lakeside Ave from the Pompton entrance to Adrian Street on Thursday, June 18th, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the 2026 high school graduation ceremony. That will commence at 4:00. Rain date is

221
01:02:57.040 --> 01:03:12.640
Friday, June 19th, 2026 with the time to be determined depending on the weather forecast. Uh please fire first aid to be notified. >> You have a second? >> Second. >> Councilman Van Orden? All in favor? >> Aye. >> And just to follow up on the senior picnic uh that it's open to all seniors.

222
01:03:12.640 --> 01:03:28.520
It'll be at the Elks Lodge on the 15th like Steven mentioned. There is food and music and and uh it's a fun time. It's not just made up for the senior groups in town. It's made for any senior. I don't know what that means, actually. What is senior? I don't know. Are we checking IDs at the door? I don't know.

223
01:03:28.520 --> 01:03:44.880
But uh >> You qualify, mayor. >> Do I qualify? All right. I'm going for a free hamburger then. >> [laughter] >> Um but yes, that is open to all the whole public. Uh Councilman Hintz. >> Thank you, mayor. Um speaking of seniors, I attended the senior meeting, and they had a speaker

224
01:03:44.880 --> 01:04:01.800
uh Charles Clarkson, Esquire. He's a project director for the Senior Medicare Patrol of New Jersey. Never really heard of it. It was the first time. And he was there speaking on Medicare fraud and Medicare, Social Security.

225
01:04:01.800 --> 01:04:17.800
So uh it was very interesting presentation. Um as far as the bid spring stroll, a lot of the seniors didn't know anything about it. So we have to bid has to work a little better on communication in that respect.

226
01:04:17.800 --> 01:04:33.960
Um attended the uh I was going to march in the parade already with my umbrella, but uh it got canceled. And uh but went to the ceremony. It was an excellent ceremony honoring all those servicemen and servicewomen

227
01:04:33.960 --> 01:04:50.400
who gave all for our [clears throat] freedoms. So it was well attended, like everybody said. Um and uh it was a great presentation. Um want to thank Liz for all her time. I want to thank Liz for

228
01:04:50.400 --> 01:05:07.000
all the help that she's done for me through the years. Even when I came in at 4:30 at closing time. >> [laughter] >> I yelled at her, but uh thanks again, Liz, for all you've done. Um I want to thank the Shade Tree Commission, also,

229
01:05:07.000 --> 01:05:22.920
uh for the essay contest, Maddie and Ann. Um and all the fifth graders who participated. >> Councilman Hintz, there a opening position on Shade Tree? >> Yes, there's still a slot you know, yes I do. >> If anybody's interested. >> Okay, if anybody is interested, we do have an opening for the Shade Tree Commission.

230
01:05:22.920 --> 01:05:39.240
Um It's a It's a great commission and I've been on it for quite a few years and um they do a lot for the town of Pompton Lakes. They give their heart. Um And uh let's see, our tree planting is

231
01:05:39.240 --> 01:05:55.160
tomorrow. We're planting 17 trees. And um three replacements of trees that Pat died. So um putting in 20 new trees in the town of Pompton Lakes. That's a That's a a good thing. And uh that is my report.

232
01:05:55.160 --> 01:06:11.920
>> Okay, thank you. Uh Councilman Santers. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh I also attended the Walk for Hope. It was uh a great turnout. It was beautiful day. We had plenty of students, teachers, and town residents who participated and um

233
01:06:11.920 --> 01:06:29.880
it was really, really nice day. Uh I also attended the Memorial Day ceremony. For the bad weather, it was great turnout. The VFW and it was packed. Uh attended the Spring Stroll, like everybody said. The vendors were great.

234
01:06:29.880 --> 01:06:46.280
Um weather held out, didn't rain. And all the restaurants were crowded. Um Tony's was crowded, Max's crowded. So it was it was good for our local businesses as well. Uh BOE for Board of Education, a

235
01:06:46.280 --> 01:07:02.480
reminder that there's the tree dedication for Carl Padula will be June 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Board of Education. So let me make that 21 trees. >> [laughter] >> There we go. Good. June 2nd, what time? I'm sorry. What time?

236
01:07:02.480 --> 01:07:17.960
>> Uh 7:00 >> [clears throat] >> for the Board of Ed meeting. Uh Planning Board was canceled this month and I uh attended the MUA meeting. Uh, there's nothing to report, but I will uh, mention about the fire hydrant um,

237
01:07:17.960 --> 01:07:33.120
also. And that is my report. >> Great, thank you. Attorney's report. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, I'd like to do a little bit of housekeeping first. Uh, I'm looking at board minutes 26-19,

238
01:07:33.120 --> 01:07:49.080
which was the solicitation ordinance. Um, I don't know exactly what happened, but the solicitation ordinance was supposed to uh, consist of two parts. Uh, one was the charitable and the other was the non-charitable, both of which were supposed to have the same time

239
01:07:49.080 --> 01:08:06.080
constraints. Uh, but this ordinance is only pertaining to the charitable. >> Okay. >> So, I would uh, ask for a motion to reconsider and rescind the introduction uh, so that I can have one ordinance go forward at the next meeting for

240
01:08:06.080 --> 01:08:22.359
introduction controlling both sections of the code uh, because we shouldn't be restricting one differently than the other. >> Okay. >> Uh, so that was an oversight. Uh, I apologize. >> Can I have a motion to rescind ordinance 26-19? >> motion reconsider and rescind the

241
01:08:22.359 --> 01:08:37.440
introduction of ordinance 26-19. >> What he just said. >> I'll make that motion. >> Councilman Council President Kennedy, Councilman Sanders, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? So, then the next meeting we'll have both of them on the agenda. >> Uh, Yeah, and then I think that I'll put them in one ordinance so that we don't

242
01:08:37.440 --> 01:08:54.000
have to publish two two separate things. Um, okay, so thank you for doing that. Uh, I just had an update with respect to the the railroad issue that that uh, we have been discussing over the last couple meetings. Uh,

243
01:08:54.000 --> 01:09:10.839
the annual maintenance cost has varied between like 4600 and 6100 for the last 4 years. Um the courts have no documents. They did get back to us on the Oprah request. Uh and the attorney for the railroad has

244
01:09:10.839 --> 01:09:27.080
not gotten back to us yet, either. Uh we do know that uh it certainly appears, and we have some corroborative evidence, not the only uh evidence being uh the newspaper, but we have some other documents that that refer back to a

245
01:09:27.080 --> 01:09:43.680
settlement agreement. So, we have, you know, a good basis for a belief that this was settled uh in accordance with what the original agreement was that we that we would pay for maintenance. Uh we believe that there were some terms

246
01:09:43.680 --> 01:09:59.720
in that settlement agreement that required them to give it us advance notice and approval uh prior to the bills actually being paid. Uh but we haven't been able to identify and locate that settlement agreement. So, we have two choices at this point.

247
01:09:59.720 --> 01:10:15.880
Uh we could pay one of my associates to go through the boxes uh that are in storage. Uh and we know that there's going to be an expense attached to that uh for her time, uh as well as uh the retrieval expenses uh from the storage

248
01:10:15.880 --> 01:10:32.560
facility. Uh or we could reach out to the railroad company and just ask that can try to come to terms with them and say, "Guys, you know, let us know in advance what the expenses are going to be." Uh which we understand was the obligation under

249
01:10:32.560 --> 01:10:48.400
the settlement agreement. Um again, I have no reason to think that uh there's any basis for us to get out from under an obligation to pay for maintenance. Uh we do have the original agreement from decades ago, and we do have corroborative evidence of the fact

250
01:10:48.400 --> 01:11:05.480
that, you know, there was a litigation and a settlement that didn't alter the fact that we were paying for maintenance. Uh so, I don't want to be just, you know, spending money without the the governing body authorizing it to to to hunt through records, which

251
01:11:05.480 --> 01:11:22.440
my guess is it's going to be futile. I don't think that we're going to find the settlement agreement. I could be wrong, and if we do, then we'll definitively know. But, in the final analysis, it seems to me that it's likely that the only thing for us to do is to get the railroad to

252
01:11:22.440 --> 01:11:38.880
give us advanced notice as opposed to just giving us a bill after the fact. And if that's the case, maybe it's just easier for us to reach out to them and try to establish a new relationship with them and get them to agree to do that. >> So, let me ask a question. Do we know why the bills are different? >> Is it depending on the maintenance they're doing?

253
01:11:38.880 --> 01:11:54.400
>> Well, it certainly depends upon the maintenance. And there's different degrees of maintenance that they've done at different points in time, but I'm certainly not an engineer, and I I I really can't uh explain it to you from a a basic knowledge. It's just

254
01:11:54.400 --> 01:12:09.800
>> So, I'm going to make a suggestion, and the council can tell me how you feel about this. Why don't we come up with a number, and have our attorney reach out to the attorney from the the railroad, and say, "Look, we're willing to do a $4,000 a year, or whatever it is, maintenance, and just flat rate at

255
01:12:09.800 --> 01:12:26.280
4,000." So, there's no questioning what the numbers are. Maybe they go for it, who knows? I don't know if they will. Um are we okay with that? Because what what I think he's trying to say at the end of the day is we reached out to them for this agreement. It was an okay agreement. It it There's nothing pushy about the agreement

256
01:12:26.280 --> 01:12:42.240
itself. Um it was done how long ago? Maybe 20, 30 years ago? I don't even know. >> Uh longer. >> Longer. >> Longer. >> So, I understand what Council McHitchen is saying. We're paying this money every year. >> But, we asked back then, not recently, to have this maintenance done. So,

257
01:12:42.240 --> 01:12:59.480
somebody at that time was concerned about the maintenance. So, we we It went to a settlement that was we lost, so we didn't win that. But, let's try to at At get something out of it. I mean, that's my suggestion. But, if you have some better suggestions, I'll take them. I'm okay. >> Was there any communication with the past attorney, Ken Petri?

258
01:12:59.480 --> 01:13:15.040
>> No. >> Who was over that and was handling that? >> No. >> Is that still a possibility or >> I I It's It's a possibility, but I could tell you um and I don't have a mega mind, but if you told me about an easement agreement or a litigation that

259
01:13:15.040 --> 01:13:30.960
had 5 years ago, I wouldn't remember the terms of settlement. So, this was something that was 25 years ago. I can't imagine it would be fruitful. But, you know, we could try. >> [cough and clears throat] >> We can always try. So, I I suggest we just make the call and see what happens. He might say >> Okay.

260
01:13:30.960 --> 01:13:46.800
>> You know, you had a good suggestion. That's a good suggestion. I don't know if they'll go for it, but we can reach out. They have some attorney working on this, I'm sure, right? >> Well, >> [laughter] >> we're getting silence. We didn't We didn't get a response yet. Uh but, you know, we'll we'll follow

261
01:13:46.800 --> 01:14:02.960
through with phone calls. We initially We led with a letter. So, you know, letters could be put on a desk. If we get someone on the phone, I don't >> And you know, we could we could come up with a number that we paid for the last 25 years, whatever that total number is, and say, "Hey, look, we paid you

262
01:14:02.960 --> 01:14:18.840
whatever, 50,000, 60,000 dollars. We need to go forward knowing what the number is yearly to budget." That would be my argument. Say, "You have to budget for this." Um I'd see what they go for. If they say no, well, then >> 4,000 for 25 years is over 100,000. >> Already. >> So, that's a lot of money we're paying

263
01:14:18.840 --> 01:14:35.080
for uh we don't see much really being done there. >> Well, I'm sure >> Well, you have a railroad crossing that you asked for. So, I mean, that's an issue of safety and convenience that >> And they haven't come up with the contract themselves. The railroad. >> They're not No, no. They They haven't

264
01:14:35.080 --> 01:14:51.840
responded to us. So, you know, who knows? When we get them on the phone call, maybe they'll they'll have it. And when you say the contract is really the settlement agreement, right? Cuz we have the original contract uh from '67. Um So, I I could proceed that way. Uh,

265
01:14:51.840 --> 01:15:07.040
Councilman Hand, you said that you had Mr. Peters' telephone number. >> I know I do. >> Oh, oh, okay. So, someone could reach out to him then. >> Liz might have it, right? Liz, are you here, please? >> I can. >> Yeah, I'm sure we have it. >> It's in our book. >> Yes, it's in our book. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, we're we all okay with that idea? We'll start there, make a call, you know, I'm sure he's not going to remember I agreed, but let's try. And

266
01:15:07.040 --> 01:15:23.040
then the next step is if we get somebody on the phone from the railroad, say, "Look, we just need the budget cuz we're we have to make things work for us. We can't just guess on numbers." So, we'll just give you a flat 4,000. See how that goes. They might say, "Forget it. We want 200." And then we're out of luck, but we're going to try. So, everybody good with that?

267
01:15:23.040 --> 01:15:37.320
>> Or or or at least tell us at the beginning of the year. >> Yes, I We need to know the number cuz we can't budget for something we don't know about. >> But they should really come up with a copy themselves of the settlement agreement. >> Yeah, but they don't have to give that to us. You know, that's They're going to

268
01:15:37.320 --> 01:15:53.680
say, "Go find it yourself. Go >> Well, when you say they really should, so should we. I mean, we're we're we're both on an equal equal footing to to have the record. You know, it's It's a problem when you're dealing with something that's a half a century ago.

269
01:15:53.680 --> 01:16:09.840
Uh >> All right. So, we're good with that? >> Yes. >> Yeah, cuz we're going You said 1967, we're going almost on 60 years. >> Right. >> Crazy. >> Yeah. It's a lot of money maintenance. >> It is. I agree. Yeah. Okay. Anything else? Yeah. >> I don't think so, no.

270
01:16:09.840 --> 01:16:25.840
>> Okay. Additional support. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh, for an update on the shared services agreement with the Borough of Oakland for solid waste, recycling, and vegetative waste collection services. The Borough and our Department of Public Works is in the

271
01:16:25.840 --> 01:16:40.920
process of getting ready for the implementation of these services to begin on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026. As you know, all of the new hires have been authorized and are scheduled to begin on Monday, June 8th, 2026 for the

272
01:16:40.920 --> 01:16:56.600
onboarding process. The 32 dumpsters have been received by the borough and will be delivered to the borough of Oakland soon. We have also signed the contract and confirmed the delivery for the two new garbage truck rentals and we

273
01:16:56.600 --> 01:17:12.400
are in the process of procuring the two new trucks for delivery later this year or early next year. In addition, we have been working with the borough of Oakland on messaging to the residents ahead of the start date of the services including information on

274
01:17:12.400 --> 01:17:29.560
our on our new recycling center. We have implemented a new decal system and have one of our existing DPW employees up at the center to plan for the potential influx of Oakland residents again attending the Pompton Lakes Recycling Center.

275
01:17:29.560 --> 01:17:43.880
>> talk cuz I have a citizen that's asking about that. Explain what we're talking about with the decal. So they have to ask for the decal. How does that work? >> Yes, so when the resident pulls up to the recycling center, when when the Pompton Lakes resident pulls up to the recycling center, excuse me,

276
01:17:43.880 --> 01:18:01.360
the DPW attendant will or should issue the resident a new decal. So we're issuing them on a when you come basis moving forward. So that's the new process. >> we going to do that before or just go ahead and >> That's the process moving [laughter] forward permanently.

277
01:18:01.360 --> 01:18:16.200
>> Permanently? >> Right. Right. >> a question. Somebody said to me that there's a deadline and then if you don't get it by the deadline, they're going to charge you. Is that true? >> No, I haven't heard that. >> Okay, it didn't make sense to me either. Okay.

278
01:18:16.200 --> 01:18:32.520
>> Yeah. So yeah, we'll keep you updated on the shared service. Please note that Meridia Capadagli has completed the resurfacing of the new Lennox Avenue residential parking lot as well as the new patching of the borough

279
01:18:32.520 --> 01:18:50.200
hall parking lot and in front of the new Civic Center. The Meridia Capadagli team will be milling a portion of Watervliet Ave in front of the new development to Babcock Place tomorrow, May 28th, 2026 and paving on Friday, May 29th, 2026.

280
01:18:50.200 --> 01:19:05.800
Uh there will be alternating traffic detours in place at this time and we have posted on our social media channels. In addition, uh the Bureau Engineer's office is coordinating completion of the remaining punch list items for the

281
01:19:05.800 --> 01:19:21.200
Albany and Watervliet Avenue resurfacing project including the restoration of lawn areas and repairs to the walkway at 104 Albany Ave. Uh the contractor is expected to come back on Saturday, June 6th, 2026

282
01:19:21.200 --> 01:19:37.920
for the work to occur uh behind the curb line and will not require any road closures or traffic disruptions. Uh so we're looking forward to that. And again, the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Hershfield Park pedestrian bridge has been scheduled by Passaic

283
01:19:37.920 --> 01:19:55.320
County for Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 12:00 noon. So we are looking forward to that. And again, for the record, the Civic Center uh grand opening is scheduled for Monday, June 8th at 4:00 with uh light refreshments to be served.

284
01:19:55.320 --> 01:20:11.320
And lastly, uh just wanted to thank on the record the DPW for installing the new American flags and America 250 flags along the Colfax Ave. Thank you. >> Did they when they paved, did they do that piece in front of the door back where the old trail was? >> yes.

285
01:20:11.320 --> 01:20:27.600
>> Oh good. So we got that all paved right to the to the to the >> Correct. >> Perfect. Okay. Any questions for the administration? >> Just yeah, one quick question just cuz a couple residents asked me. Um have we decided about when we're going to start picking up grass clippings in town? >> I think that's going to be a workshop item in the near future.

286
01:20:27.600 --> 01:20:42.720
>> Okay. >> So I'll talk to Dan. So it won't >> It's not going to be this >> It's not going to be this season. >> Yeah. I'll talk to Dan. >> All right, thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Yeah, there's three flags down by Georgia's. They're all torn. Looks hideous when you ride past.

287
01:20:42.720 --> 01:20:57.720
>> American flag? >> Or yeah, the on the on the poles, yeah. >> Did we put flags there? >> No, that actually the Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District called me about that today, coincidentally, and put put us on notice for that. So, we're going to tell the DPW. I think it's old.

288
01:20:57.720 --> 01:21:12.440
It's years ago and I don't think anyone's ever noticed it. >> Yeah, I Yeah, I I just noticed it and then uh the curb uh the handicap curb, I know it's a county road, but the handicap road on uh

289
01:21:12.440 --> 01:21:27.760
Hamburg and Ramapo, right by the the auto auto uh that's all damaged. >> Yeah. I'll uh I'll try to reach out to the county engineer's office, but just as a reminder, the county is scheduled

290
01:21:27.760 --> 01:21:44.080
to resurface Hamburg Turnpike from Wanaque Ave to Terhune Drive later this year, so they're probably going to be uh not receptive to fixing anything right now because they're going to come in and install all new uh ADA curb ramps.

291
01:21:44.080 --> 01:21:59.320
So, that's something just to consider, but I'll I'll reach out. Maybe a temporary patch or something. >> Yeah, just if somebody comes up with a wheelchair and they get stuck in the in the uh broken curb. >> And I know there's been a lot of uh

292
01:21:59.320 --> 01:22:16.160
on social media and calls to me and to other council people about the tree that's down on the Pequannock that's right by the bridge there. We are working on getting that out of there. It's a major job to get this tree out. This is not an easy fix. We might have to bring a crane in to do it. Um but we understand it's a safety concern for

293
01:22:16.160 --> 01:22:31.480
especially for flooding in this time, you know, we're in that flood time now and if that tree was to let loose, we'd have some issues. So, we're aware of it and we're trying our best to get it out as best we can. Um any other questions, Commissioner? >> Yeah, just a quick question. How long are we going to have the employee at the

294
01:22:31.480 --> 01:22:49.000
recycling center handing out stickers? >> I don't know. I can find out for you. >> a >> I think it's >> permanent job? >> No, I think it's a temporary position, but I I don't know for sure. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I'll find out. >> Thank you. >> Michael, are the old decals still valid?

295
01:22:49.000 --> 01:23:05.400
>> I don't believe they are. We're We're handing out new decals as people come in. So, we're checking regardless of whether or not you have an existing decal or not. >> Okay. >> So, if you have an existing decal, we're going to replace it with the new decal. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Just a Just a comment on the decals.

296
01:23:05.400 --> 01:23:21.160
The old decals you could put on the back of your mirror. These are not You have to put these on the windshield. I've heard a few complaints about that. But >> Right. >> Or your bumper. You can put it on your bumper. >> Excuse me? >> Put it on the outside of your car, bumper, on your car. >> Yeah, you can go on.

297
01:23:21.160 --> 01:23:37.600
I just don't know that you can do that, can you? >> I don't I don't know. >> So, the The only question is I've brought up to you already. If you go to the recycling center and you're not handed a new badge, you have to ask for it. You know, people are saying I went in, they must assume I have one and I just dump, but I didn't get a new badge.

298
01:23:37.600 --> 01:23:53.280
If you want a badge, then you've got to ask the guy right there when you drive in, I need a badge, please give me one, and he'll give you a badge. We're not hiding them and we're not, you know, we're trying to get them out to as many people as we want. So, >> He's checking people and stopping people if they don't have one. >> Right. >> he gives one. >> Right. So, I just want to make sure

299
01:23:53.280 --> 01:24:10.400
everybody I had a couple residents said I went right through and >> didn't ask for some. I didn't get a badge. >> Um, okay. Any other questions? No. Oh, anybody? Okay. A workshop. What do we got? Okay. Phase three. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh,

300
01:24:10.400 --> 01:24:25.440
well, you skipped the police chief. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Yeah. >> I am so sorry. Uh, Chief Rodriguez has an update. >> Yes. Uh, just a couple of things. >> That's a new me this for me. >> Yes. No problem. Um so, a couple of things. Um I just

301
01:24:25.440 --> 01:24:43.200
like to take a moment as a uh fellow VFW life member um to recognize uh former Pompton Lakes police officer Bob McGrady. Um I know you mentioned it before, but uh you know, Bob had dedicated a large portion of his life to

302
01:24:43.200 --> 01:24:59.440
to the community and the VFW. Um you know, and just to give a little history on him, we actually did a post for him on on our on our social media page, and I'd like to you know, read it to the community so they know too. So, uh uh Bob McGrady, he was uh drafted into

303
01:24:59.440 --> 01:25:14.920
the United States Army uh on March 23rd, 1966. Bob served 6 years uh total, 2 years on active duty, and four in the reserves. Uh Bob was deployed to Southeast Asia for

304
01:25:14.920 --> 01:25:31.880
12 months and 29 days in defense of our nation. Following his military service, Bob proudly served as a Pompton Lakes police officer uh for an incredible 42 years. Uh I also had the pleasure of when I transferred

305
01:25:31.880 --> 01:25:48.520
here from from the Sheriff's Department to actually working with with uh Officer McGrady uh on the road. Um good man. Uh as you all know, he's a lifelong servant uh to uh to his country and community.

306
01:25:48.520 --> 01:26:03.280
Bob you know, as you mentioned, carried out his family legacy as the master of ceremonies for the VFW Memorial Day parade for many, many years now. Um taking over that honored role from from his father.

307
01:26:03.280 --> 01:26:20.320
Um and I just wanted to give uh Bob uh that credit uh for keeping on the tradition. He does a good job with the ceremony. Um he's passionate about it. I've seen him in our in our VFW meetings putting it together, and he does a really good job and I like to recognize that. Um

308
01:26:20.320 --> 01:26:35.040
He's uh you know, he's one of a kind of uh Um that being said, I'd like to you know take take the moment to also recognize the community engagement from our from our from our police department. We had a lot of members show up for the for the uh

309
01:26:35.040 --> 01:26:50.800
for the ceremony that day. Um I'd like to recognize uh everybody for the that that showed up for the Walk for Hope. I was there, too. We had a lot of members show up for the walk for for the Walk for Hope. Um switching gears um

310
01:26:50.800 --> 01:27:07.640
uh I just like to let you guys know if you didn't hear there was a lot of commotion on Friday. Um we had uh a 24-year-old male that was uh riding uh dirt bike or UTV uh in the woods in Dupont who ended

311
01:27:07.640 --> 01:27:24.080
up getting severely severely injured. Um we dispatched our uh quad squad so to say. So, members of our police department and the fire department dispatched members that had all-terrain vehicles cuz this individual was uh like I said severely injured. He had to

312
01:27:24.080 --> 01:27:38.840
either uh broken broken leg, broken hip. Uh he was trapped. He couldn't couldn't get him out of the woods. Uh uh We ended up taking out our UTV uh along with other four-wheelers and we got the individual that was injured. We were

313
01:27:38.840 --> 01:27:55.320
able to render uh emergency medical care to that individual and then we were able to transport him out uh to an ambulance that was waiting on the Wanaque side and he was and he was able to get treated. So, I just wanted to highlight that. Uh this came in I want to say uh

314
01:27:55.320 --> 01:28:13.160
around rush hour on Friday night, uh but it was a great collaboration between us, the fire department, um you know, everybody did a good job. Uh you know, I I know personally Sergeant Sergeant De- Detective Sergeant Patrol was there and uh he was on scene during

315
01:28:13.160 --> 01:28:28.720
the incident. He's the one that gave me the report and filled me in, but by all accounts, everybody did really well and they were able to get him the attention that he needed. That's all I got. >> I know this has been an ongoing fight with DuPont and us in the town. You

316
01:28:28.720 --> 01:28:45.480
know, somehow that's on a website that that's one of the places to go quadding off line. It's private property. If you get caught there, you are going to be ticketed by whoever either our side or Wanaque. It is illegal to ride quads back there on the DuPont property. I say that but a lot of people do do it and this is what happens

317
01:28:45.480 --> 01:29:01.600
when somebody gets injured, it becomes a real issue. So, that's why we're you know, it's not a fenced in area. We put up fence many times and they cut through the fence with large equipment to get through these fences to bring the quads in. DuPont is you know, I know concerned about it too, but there's not much more

318
01:29:01.600 --> 01:29:17.320
we can do on our end, correct? >> Correct. Yeah, they they have people that manage the property. Um and they really they don't want anybody on their property. I would say even including us. I tried to schedule some some trainings out there because there's

319
01:29:17.320 --> 01:29:32.880
a lot a lot of our officers are not familiar with those trails and we've had some incidents back there where you get lost juveniles or or even even occasion like this and we need to get people back there to be familiar so we can so we know where to go. And I and I've gotten resistance even

320
01:29:32.880 --> 01:29:47.440
trying to schedule that. So, yeah, we really don't have it's private property. They control it, they fence it. We kind of have their mercy if they want to let us in to use that property or to do anything there. >> Okay. Any questions for the chief? >> No. No.

321
01:29:47.440 --> 01:30:04.280
>> Okay. Workshop. >> Thank you, Mayor. Included in your packets tonight is a construction cost estimate for the replacement of the Hirschfield Park walking trail project. So, with the completion of the Passaic County

322
01:30:04.280 --> 01:30:20.120
pedestrian bridge project and also the completion of the Hirschfield Park playground, and the Hirschfield Park recreation storage building. That brings us to phase three of our park improvements of Hirschfield Park,

323
01:30:20.120 --> 01:30:36.600
which includes the again the replacement of the existing walking paths. I did perform an inspection with the DPW a few weeks ago, and I'm sure many of you have seen that the county did pave a portion of the trail, uh but not you know not

324
01:30:36.600 --> 01:30:53.400
not the entire thing. So, I did talk to our borough engineer from Darvishaski Engineering Associates. You do have a construction cost estimate in your packet. Uh the total construction cost for the project, which includes

325
01:30:53.400 --> 01:31:09.720
reducing the reducing the trail width from 8 ft to 6 ft, which is a standard uh trail width that I've you know I've worked with the engineer in other communities such as Riverdale or Oakland, uh and that's

326
01:31:09.720 --> 01:31:28.280
typically what the engineer would recommend in terms of a width. Uh and also talking about cost, uh we did reduce it to 6 ft, and you do have a total construction cost estimate of $159,750 for the project, and that includes any

327
01:31:28.280 --> 01:31:45.960
and all areas within Hirschfield Park and uh forgive me. What's the other park the name of the park? I'm drawing a blank. And Marian Park, thank you. Uh so, again that brings you to 159,750, and included in your packets is a

328
01:31:45.960 --> 01:32:01.280
proposal for engineering services and construction, maintenance, and inspection services from Darvishaski Engineering Associates with a total recommended uh section 20 or otherwise known as soft cost budget

329
01:32:01.280 --> 01:32:17.360
of 40,000, which includes a 15,000 for closeout, 20,000 for the bid specs and final design, and 5,000 for the surveying for the project. Uh so, please note that I did talk to our CFO. We did look into our

330
01:32:17.360 --> 01:32:35.560
budget for the Hirschfield Park recreation storage shed project, and we were under budget as all of you know, and we do have $205,000 left in the budget that we could expend for this project. So, the recommendation

331
01:32:35.560 --> 01:32:52.520
tonight is a total cost of $199,000 for the project and the section 20 costs. So, we are looking for your support, and if you have any questions or concerns with the proposal. >> All right. I I What are the material that you're going to be using?

332
01:32:52.520 --> 01:33:09.560
>> This would be a porous asphalt. So, we did talk to the engineer about that. I've talked to the flood flood board chairwoman about this. The existing uh uh the existing uh surface is porous concrete, which has been known to

333
01:33:09.560 --> 01:33:26.960
deteriorate over time. Uh but, the engineer has had good success with porous asphalt. They did put porous asphalt at the Independence Park in Riverdale about 4 years ago uh with no maintenance performed, and it's still in excellent new condition.

334
01:33:26.960 --> 01:33:43.160
Um >> Are trucks riding on it, though? >> Yeah. >> No. >> See, there's the problem. The the garbage trucks go in there, and they hit that small patches, and it cracks it up pretty quick. >> So, we could go to the DEP for a non-porous asphalt, but you're looking

335
01:33:43.160 --> 01:34:00.000
at about you're looking at about 15,000 to get us through DEP to get a permit. So, you know, the recommendation is to move forward with the porous asphalt in terms of the upfront cost. You might have maintenance costs in the end, but

336
01:34:00.000 --> 01:34:15.760
our recommendation or our observance is that it's not going to be as poor of condition as the concrete was. >> So so the the issue I hear a lot from residents who walk there is that entrance where you first walk in, you know, right at the gate entrance there.

337
01:34:15.760 --> 01:34:31.360
That's where it's all broken up, and that's because the trucks back in there to pick up the garbage and and collect things. I mean maybe we have a conversation separately with Dan to see if there's a better way to handle picking up that garbage without bringing the heavy garbage trucks on that path. Cuz that's

338
01:34:31.360 --> 01:34:46.920
what's breaking most of that path. The rest of the path is fine. It's just that section in the front, which happens to be a very used section, right? When you're walking into the park, that's what you have to walk on. Um we've actually had a lawsuit there. I think someone fell there. Um so I that's my only concern with that. I don't want

339
01:34:46.920 --> 01:35:02.760
to put it all in and then it breaks up in in 6 months. >> Right. We did talk to the DPW about that. We talked about the relocation of the trash and doing it a better way. The last thing we would want is for a garbage truck to drive on the new trail, so we would definitely take that concern. >> So that that would help greatly. >> Yeah.

340
01:35:02.760 --> 01:35:18.000
>> Uh any concerns with that or questions >> about that questions? >> I mean it's well needed. I mean it is you know, people walk there a lot, and there's some big holes there. So >> Now just as I may, we we were thinking about including [clears throat] this as a bid ad alternate in the Lakeside

341
01:35:18.000 --> 01:35:33.480
Avenue resurfacing project, but we again found out that we had this uh surplus of funding in our budget for the Hirschfield Park storage building project, and we did talk about using the the county co-op that is used typically

342
01:35:33.480 --> 01:35:49.200
for paving, uh but we've decided to to recommend to go out to bid because the price although the cost might be 159,750, it could come in way under or way higher. So you know, we'll have to evaluate the bids as we get them in. >> And what's the time frame? What are we looking at?

343
01:35:49.200 --> 01:36:05.640
>> We're hoping to do this before Pumpkin Day. >> Oh really? >> Yes. So, again, we're looking for your consent tonight. We would have a contract award on for the next meeting for the engineering services. These are very basic bid specifications. So, we're hoping to go out to bid by

344
01:36:05.640 --> 01:36:22.400
July 1st. A receipt of bids and award of a contract by August 1st and it's it's a very quick job. >> All right, so the only issue we'll have is cuz that's right, you know, we got the 5K right during Pompton Day. >> Right. >> So, either they're going to finish it for the Pompton Day. >> Or not doing it at all. >> Right. >> Or not doing it at all. All right, so

345
01:36:22.400 --> 01:36:37.880
they'll have to go the week after Pompton Day. >> Right. That's something that we would have to evaluate with the potential contractor and their schedule. >> Cuz I don't want to dig up while we're working. >> Right. >> It's going to get worse. >> Any questions? >> So, the only comment that we had is and one of the issues that I brought up when

346
01:36:37.880 --> 01:36:55.280
they first put in the the the concrete was that they didn't put edging. So, there there was just a raw edge on both sides of the road. There was no edging and it just it just cracks. You know, when when frost comes in and the water comes in, it just dissolve you know, it just

347
01:36:55.280 --> 01:37:11.360
falls apart. So, are they going to put edging in cuz that's what started and then the heavy vehicles and the police vehicles, too. >> Yeah, this does not include edging. This is what you would see in a standard park trail with asphalt that it just ends >> It just ends. >> into the grass.

348
01:37:11.360 --> 01:37:26.640
>> That's kind of >> Um yeah, but the edging would cost a lot more money. >> No, true, but >> There is funding for grading and site restoration and lawn restoration. I don't know that you're going to have a a drop-off, if you will. I think it's going to be flushed to the surface. >> Okay.

349
01:37:26.640 --> 01:37:42.560
>> Um >> All right. That's That's one of the That's one reason that >> Yeah. >> We argued then and they said, "No, the cost was it was an issue." >> Well, I like the fact that we don't have to pay extra for this and so we already have the money funded for this. [clears throat] >> Right. >> So, I mean, I would say we get it done

350
01:37:42.560 --> 01:38:03.080
cuz I think it will last a Like it needs to be done. I get a lot of complaints about that. Um any other questions about it? Concerns? >> No. >> No, okay. So, go ahead. We're good. Thank you. That's it. Motion to open the meeting for public comment. >> Motion.

351
01:38:03.080 --> 01:38:24.600
>> Councilman Vegh. >> Second. >> Councilman Houten, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? [clears throat] Anyone from the public like to address? >> Dave Ruberto, 5 River Main Ave. Uh I just wanted to compliment the mayor and council. Um this winter I was in a whiteout.

352
01:38:24.600 --> 01:38:39.880
I slid from Bergen County all the way until we got to Pompton Lakes and the roads were perfectly clean. So, thank you. Like to congratulate our great attorney on his appointment and our great police

353
01:38:39.880 --> 01:38:57.960
chief on his appointment. And uh the only other thing Steven Vegh, congratulations on the bridge named after your father. He was great. I remember when he was directing traffic on Wanaque 40 years ago.

354
01:38:57.960 --> 01:39:15.040
And uh thank you for stepping into his shoes. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else from the public like to address? Seeing no one. Oh, okay. Seeing no one, can I have a motion to close the public session? >> Motion. >> Councilman Houten. >> Second. >> Councilman Santers, all in favor?

355
01:39:15.040 --> 01:39:30.040
>> Aye. >> Against? Uh thank you for the kind words, Dave. I I agree that you know, our DPW has made great strides. If you've been in this town a long time, maybe our roads weren't so good 15 years ago, 20 years ago, but they have gotten much better. Um and uh you know, I used to hear it the other

356
01:39:30.040 --> 01:39:46.040
way 15 years ago. You leave Pompton, all the roads are clean. You're in Pompton, they're covered with snow. So, I'm glad we're going the other way around. So, that's good to hear and thank you for the nice comments you made about the other things. Um privilege of the floor. Anybody have questions for the floor? >> I wanted to mention something. We have a

357
01:39:46.040 --> 01:40:02.120
We're always trying to improve our downtown as just everybody knows. And the one we have a Wanaque Avenue Walkable Community Workshop. You can sign up if you wish. You go to go records education Pompton Lakes website.

358
01:40:02.120 --> 01:40:18.840
And what we're going to have is a work agenda from 9:00 to 10:00. It's classroom training and then from 10:00 to 11:00 we're going to have a walk audit. And it's it's sponsored by records and New Jersey trans trans authority group.

359
01:40:18.864 --> 01:40:34.160
>> [clears throat] >> Excuse me. Anyway, and you can just come and walk through town and you can comment on Wanaque Avenue. And I know we do have people who comment on Wanaque Avenue. This is where you come in and decide whether or not you're happy with the road and you can make

360
01:40:34.160 --> 01:40:51.040
recommendations based on are the training that they're going to give us. I plan on being there. I suggest if you can make it during the day. >> What's the date? >> The date is uh June 9th, Tuesday, June 9th from 9:00 to 12:00. So if you're not working

361
01:40:51.040 --> 01:41:07.440
and you want to do something, I think it's an interesting project. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you. Anything else? I just want to remind the public that in the months of July and August we only have one council meeting. It's usually in the middle of the month. So just keep that in mind. We have one meeting a month that again remind everybody it

362
01:41:07.440 --> 01:41:25.120
starts at 7:00. With that can I have a motion to adjourn to close session? >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Bettini, Councilman Santoro. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? Thank you everyone for attending. >> Are you taking any action after the session? >> [clears throat] >> I don't think so. No.

363
01:41:28.240 --> 01:41:44.520
In close session we discussed negotiation and personnel. Motion to adjourn. >> Motion. >> Councilman Bettini, Councilman Santoro. All in favor? >> Aye. >> Against? Okay, thanks. That's it. >> Oh. >> Call the order.