I got a y. >> The following is the agenda for the regular bureau council meeting council municipal cooperation in the county. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on March 25th in the municipal building
consistent with the open public meetings act. The meeting will be open for public comment until the courts determine the condition of a borrowed and Please stand for our flag. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please bless this mayor and council as they deliver deliberate on the best of Pmpton Lakes >> in conformance with the open public
meeting law. Public law 1975 chapter 231 adequate notice of this meeting setting forth the time, date, place, and purpose of this regular meeting through notice posted on the bulletin board in the municipal building mailed to all have requested and paid for same and published in the suburban trends. Roll call, please. >> Here.
>> Council President Ken >> here. Councilman Bay >> here. >> Councilman Cruz >> here. >> Councilman Hen >> here. >> Councilman Sant >> here. >> Councilman Zen >> here. >> With us this evening is our burough attorney Mark Sano and our bur
administrator Michael. >> Okay. We're going to start with a hearing for our uh 2026 Pay County Open Space Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, the Willowfield playground project. and I'm going to throw it over to our administrator if he wants to
bring us up to speed. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh yes. So, as part of the annual P County Open Space Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grant Program, uh the next funding cycle
for fiscal year 2026 is now open to local municipalities. Um so as part of the application process which is due this Friday um through the county uh a public hearing is required at a at a governing
body meeting of the municipality in order to have a successful application. So, we talked with the open space committee and with, you know, some of our stakeholders about different types of projects and we've come to the um
we've come to the agreement that we'd like to see the Willowfield improvements project finished. And by finished, I mean when we went out to bid in early 2025 for the project, we had what's called an ad alternate bid. um which is
when contractors bid on the project, you put an ad alternate on for different components of the project that you you know you might phase or do at a later date and if the bid comes back for that alternate within your budget that you know the local units will typically award the bid if it's within your
budget. However, at the time, uh the understanding was that the playground was expensive and it wasn't within our original budget amount based on uh the bids that came back uh to the burrow as part of the public bidding process.
So, that got us thinking about how could we fund the additional components being both the bleachers and the playground. So earlier this year, we did apply to the Department of Community Affairs local recreation improvement grant program for the cost of the Willowfield
bleachers for the project. Uh namely for the larger field. Um and that's additional bleachers as included in our in our bid specifications which we'll address tonight. We have a change order on for tonight. Um,
however, uh, so again, we applied to the DCA for the bleachers and we're coming in here recommending a grant application through the county open space trust fund for the, um, playground at Willowfield. The playground location is if you're
driving down Willow A past the existing parking lot on the left, the playground will be just beyond that parking lot to the left um in between the existing field and the two new T-ball fields >> where the containers are now kind of >> correct. Um so the total cost of the
project is uh $259,000. Uh there's $30,000 worth of engineering and design costs and the gross construction costs are $229,000. Uh just want to highlight that the maximum the maximum request that you can put in
for the county is $250,000 and they do not fund design or soft costs. So it appears as if our request is under the maximum amount that they do fund. And historically, we've done really well with the county with our
awards. Um, so again, you have a grant application on for approval tonight through the consent agenda. Uh, $259,000 for the Willowfield playground. The design upon award will be forthcoming to the open space committee at which point
we will select the design of the playground, the colors, the the play components. Um, at this point it's just conceptual to get funding. Um, so we're here for any questions or concerns. I know in the audience is the president of the Pompton Lakes Riverdale Little
League Association, uh, Joe Klein, who's here to support and answer any questions for the application. Um, so thank you. >> All right. So, look, if we're lucky enough to start a project, get it completed, and then get our add-ons in all in the same time frame, that's a big
deal. Sometimes we have to put spacing in between that because we don't get the funding for for everything we need. So if the county and they have been very gracious to us in getting us some money for open space and the projects we need along with our our local open space committee group. If we can get this project completely done from front to
back. It would be a big improvement to the town. It'll be a big improvement to the community and a big important improvement to the sporting uh groups that are going to use it. You know I know our little league president is here but it is other groups that will be using this field too. soccer will be using it and we'll have a more availability for families with children
that will have a playground down there for them while they're watching sporting events. So, all in all, it's a good project, I think. So, I'm going to let at before I get to the council, you have anything you want to say? >> Yeah, I can. >> Okay, come on. >> Name? >> Yeah. Joe Klein, one uh 231 Willow,
president Lakes for Delo League. Um I think it'll just finish off this project really nice. Uh we actually have T-ball for three and four year olds now. So, you know, they're going to be down there when they're not playing, you know, watching their siblings. What are they going to do? They're going to run around
and, you know, ball fields run in the woods. So, let's keep them in a in a nice facility. Also, you know, some people don't even know where Joe go complex is. So, if there's a playground down there, I I'll bring my kids down there and now they might join little league, they might join soccer. So, it's
only, you know, fitting that uh it's just a small parcel of land that there's nothing on it. I mean, it's just our containers and and garbage basically. So, if we could finish off that project, I think it's it's a great idea. I mean, and again, I appreciate what you guys do, ladies and gentlemen. I I
appreciate, you know, all the support. Michael's been absolutely great um with this and and filling me in on all this information. So, uh I don't see a reason not to do it. Um so, I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. I'm going to open up to council. Any questions,
concerns, comments? No, I I just want you to know the uh open space committee uh has been supportive of this right from the beginning and uh they voted 100% to to fund this. So, we're looking very forward to finishing and putting the
playground in. I know we couldn't do it, but so happy that we got the funding and thank you, Michael, our administrator, for following up on that and getting that funding. >> Okay, good. Other questions? Okay. Um so, we'll vote on that in on the consent agenda when we get there.
Okay. Can I have a motion to open the meeting for public comments? >> Motion. Councilman Bennon. Councilman Cruz. All in favor? >> Against. Anyone from the public like to address? >> Okay. Seeing no one, motion to close the public session. >> Motion. >> Councilman Hinton. Second.
>> Councilman Santers or Councilman >> Bay. All in favor? >> You against? >> You. Motion to approve the following minutes. Regular meeting minutes March 11th, 2026. Closed session meetings March 11th, 2026. Can I have a motion?
>> Council President uh Kent that Councilman Sanders. All in favor? Against. >> Uh authorizing bills and claims to be paid as listed below. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Councilman. >> Councilman Hinton. All in favor? >> I
consent agenda. Does anybody need anything removed for questions? >> Mr. Mayor, I think that uh item uh 26 165 should be removed from the consent agenda. >> Okay, that's the Dresnner Robin uh contract for separate vote.
>> Oh, for separate vote. Okay. Okay. Anybody else? >> Nope. Okay, Liz, whenever you're ready. Whereas the mayor and burough council of the burough council where the mayor bur council of the burough conflates does desire to remove
resolutions for individual action from that agenda. Now therefore we resolve that the following resolutions on the consent agenda are hereby approved. Resolution 26-158 through 26-170 and we're going to remove 265.
>> Okay. Can I have a motion please? Motion >> Councilman Santers need a second. >> Second. >> Councilman Cruz. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. 26165. >> A board contract with Dreads rolled in
for UAD River channel Energy Services for Ramo River, Wanu River, and Acid Brook in the burrow of Compton Lakes. >> Okay. I think this Yeah, Ben. Well, I have a conflict of interest, so I'm going to abstain from the vote. >> All right. So, Councilman Bennett has
asked to abstain from the vote for conflict of interest of the people doing the work for that. >> That being said, can I have a motion to approve 266? >> Motion. >> Councilman Hinton, Councilman Cruz. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Ordinances.
>> Did you want a roll call on that? >> Roll call. Oh, roll call. >> Councilman Cruz. >> Yes. >> Councilman H. >> Yes. Council President, >> yes. >> Councilman Sans, >> yes. >> Councilman Bennman
B. >> Yes. >> Okay. Ordinances. >> This is for first reading and final adoption. April 8th. Ordinance 2612 establishing the annual compensation for members of the Pontton Lakes Municipal Utilities Authority.
>> Motion to approve ordinance number 26-12 for introduction. >> Motion. >> Councilman Santers. >> Second. >> Councilman Bennett. Uh, roll call, please. >> Okay. So, okay. Go ahead. >> Councilman Cruz. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Hinton. >> This is just for introduction. This is not to test introduction. >> Yes. >> Council president. >> I councilman Sans. >> Yes.
>> Councilman Bennett. >> Yes. >> Councilman Bay. >> Yes. >> Ordinance 2613 amending chapter 2 of the revised general ordinances of comprehending governing workplace contract. Can I have a motion?
>> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Bennon. Councilman Cruz. Roll call, please. >> Good. >> Uh, yeah. Again, this is just introduction. You want You have a question? Go ahead. >> Can I make a point here? >> Um, thank you. Uh, I'm going to cover this uh in close session.
>> Uh, however, it's just introduction, but uh we'll cover it. Thank you. >> Do you have a question? Go ahead. You want to ask something? Do you have a >> Yeah, I had a question I was going to ask. Um, I read it over completely. It said, "Elected officials of the burrow shall not be considered employees for
the purpose of this section." Um, could that be explained to me? I mean, I'm an elected >> employee of the burrow. Why am burrow elected officials of the burrow excluded from the >> Well, our first reg is that something
we're going to discuss in closed or >> Yes. All right. So, we'll discuss that in close session. >> I'll wait till close session. Okay. >> Perfect. You'll be there. I hope so. Unless I get thrown out again last year. >> Okay, continue. I think we left off on Did we do roll call? I I don't know.
>> No call. >> Councilman, >> yes. >> Councilman H. >> Yes. >> Council President K. >> Yes. >> Councilman Sans. >> Yes. >> Councilman Denny. >> Yes. >> Councilman De. >> Yes.
26-09 amending chapter 4 B section 4.1 vendors of cont day of the municipal code of the bureau of con >> motion to open the meeting for public comment on ordinance 26-09 >> motion >> councilman beg
>> second >> councilman Bennon all in favor >> I >> against anyone like to address just this ordinance >> is that a yes or you're waving a bug Okay. Motion to close the public comment on ordinance 2609. >> Motion.
>> Hinton. Councilman Cruz. All in favor? >> Against. Motion to approve ordinance 26-09 for final adoption. >> Motion. >> Councilman Santers. Councilman Vennon. Oh, no. Councilman uh Beg. >> Roll call, please. >> Councilman. >> Yes.
>> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Council President Ken. >> Yes. Councilman S. >> Yes. >> Councilman Brendon. >> Yes. >> Councilman Bay. >> Yes. >> 26-10. Inordance to exceed the municipal budget
appropriation limit and to establish a cap bank for challenge year 2026. >> You want to give an explanation, Mike, or >> uh Thank you, mayor. Yes. So, this is a this is an ordinance that's a state template from the division of local government services. uh has to do with
the annual municipal budget. As you may know, uh local units can only increase their appropriations by 2% year-over-year. This ordinance um as recommended by the burough auditor increases those appropriation limits to 3.5%
upon adoption of the ordinance and also establishes a cap bank, meaning uh municipal budgets must meet what's called the appropriations cap and the tax levy cap. Uh the appropriations cap has to do with our expenditures. The
levy cap has to do with our revenues and it'll the ordinance allows you to carry over your unused uh cap bank to the following year. Um so in other words, by passing this ordinance, this helps us in next year's budget cycle by allowing us
to have a cap bank to allow our budget to be under cap. Uh many communities are facing cap challenges where there's either their spending's too high or they don't have enough revenue. Um and again this just allows us to again cap our
bank for next year so we can um perhaps use more bank to offset the tax rate next year. >> That's the best way I could explain it. Thank you. >> Any questions for from us from first? No. >> Okay. >> Motion to open the meeting for public comments on ordinance 26-10.
>> Motion Councilman Bennon. Council President Kent. All in favor? >> I. >> Against. Anyone like to address just this ordinance? Seeing no one. Motion to close the meeting for public comments on ordinance 26-10. >> Motion. Council. >> Councilman Santers. All in favor?
>> I. >> Against. >> Motion to approve ordinance 26-10 for final adoption. Motion. Councilman Vennon. >> Second. >> Council President Kent. Roll call, please. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hinton. Yes.
>> Council President. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Councilman. >> Yes. >> 2611 amendment repealing ordinance 26-05 amendment chapter 190 article 4 of the municipal code of the bureau of content
to address the bureau's affordable housing obligations under the fair housing act and the uniform housing affordability controls. >> Okay. Hey, before I open that, I'm going to reach out to our attorney just to explain that. >> Sure. Uh I I just a a question for our
clerk. Uh we received uh the review from the planning board on this. >> I'm not sure. >> You receive anything, Michael? >> I don't specifically recall, but um
>> do we need that first before we do this? >> Yeah. Yeah, we do. So, I think that if uh we can't confirm that cuz I didn't see in the backup either. Uh let's have this uh >> table that. >> Yeah, let's second read this at the next council meeting. Let's So I'd ask for a motion to have this carried to the next council meeting.
>> Okay. Can I make >> I'll make a motion. >> Council President Kent. I'll >> second. Councilman Bennett. All in favor? >> I again. So my goal is we'll reach out to the planning board and find out if it was sent out the paperwork on that, right? >> Yes. >> And if it wasn't, then we we got to get that done before we can do this one.
>> Correct. Okay. Perfect. >> Okay, that's it. Okay. under my report. Um, >> no. >> Okay. >> Under my report, I'm going to just start off. I I attended an event last night. Um, and there was a lot of mayors, a lot of them from Morris County, uh, but you know, some from around here, too. And,
you know, the conversation between all the mayors was the budget. You know, the budgets are hurting every county. It's not just our town that's affected by these budgets. You know, and really the conversation goes up to the state level. the state is going to have to figure out a way to help the small, especially the small municipalities to catch up with
the budget costs. You know, our healthcare costs, our retirement costs are going through the roofs and it's the only way we can make that up is through a tax dollar. It's, you know, it's just unfortunate. It's not just us, by the way. So, I you know, the the the com the conversation kind of leaned towards
putting a lot of pressure on our local assembly and senate to kind of, you know, push them along and and try to do a little better to help us. We need some relief. You know, I've been doing this a little bit and years ago, we used to get some good uh money from the state as offsets for these costs. Our numbers now
are so low, they really don't mean anything anymore. So, you know, when we have an $800,000 increase just in healthcare, in the old days, maybe we get 300,000 or 400,000 from the state. We're not getting that now. So, that money unfortunately has to be made up by taxpayers. So, I I I just wanted to
bring that up that it's not just our town that's associated with that. Um, I attended uh two grand openings. One uh fruit f fruit bowls in uh the widle uh shopping center there. Great establishment. I'm going to tell you these are the kind of businesses we're
trying to attract to our town. This is a chain uh business. Um they found Pmpton Lakes. They see what we're doing with the redevelopment and the downtown and wanted to come into this town. Um what happens when these establishments come into town? It raises the square footage
costs that these renters can charge and it brings in the higher quality businesses that we're looking for to come into town. So the these are all big things when we get these businesses to come in. The second one was the uh wayward artisian market and books.
It's like a craft store with um a lot of different items in it. Again, something we normally wouldn't see. uh you know so we're looking for to change our outlook on what kind of establishments come into town. I do have a meeting this week with the uh Capidia project which is the big
project in middle of downtown which is moving along pretty well and you know I've been told they're about 95% complete with the back building. I mean the appliances are in sheetrock they got to do some work in the front but the reason I bring that up is the meeting is about they're bringing in hopefully a chain restaurant on the bottom of that.
Again, this is what we're looking for in our town to bring these kind of establishments into our town. So, these are all good things moving along. It's been a long time coming. I've been a fight fighter along with the councils and different councils to make this happen. We're starting to see some of that come to fruition now. You know,
forgetting the cost of the fact that we're bringing in pilot money to offset some of those costs that I talked about. So, these are all good things and and and and I can tell you our downtown is growing and that that is always a good sign. I attended a meeting put on by our chief with the clergy. Uh I thought it
was a great idea and a great meeting that the chief put in and I'm sure he's going to speak more about it. Um but you know we've always had a good relationship with all the religious groups in town. They're part of our groups and we're part of their groups and we want to keep that open communication going all the time and I'm sure the chief will talk about what was
talked about in the meeting. But you know for for everyone to show up shows that they care about the town. You know it wasn't like oh go they had great information and they want to be involved. So, I thank them for all coming and I thank the chief for putting that on. Um,
I attended a uh so I'm sure a lot of the things I'm going to talk about other people will talk about. I'm just going to mention that the bid had a meeting and they're going to be doing a new um uh type of stroll in the summer months, but I think Steven will bring or Councilman Beg will be talking about that more. Another great idea about
closing down the streets and bringing the restaurants into the streets. Uh, but he'll speak more about that. Um, I attended an ordinance meeting along with Councilman Cruz and Councilman Hinton. I'm sure they'll both talk about that. Some of the things we talked about are uh are nuisance complaints that we're getting more and more of in town and how
we can address those complaints and uh and how we can make things better in that. But I I'm sure they'll talk more about those things. I had a couple personnel meetings um with our administrator. I attended a um well I didn't attend the rec meeting but I would spoke with the
recck department this week. We do and I'm sure who's my rec leaison? Yeah, I'm sure he'll bring that up but we do have a Easter egg hunt on uh this Saturday and that is my report council president Ken. >> Uh thank you mayor. I also attended the ribbon cutting for the new gift shop
wayward artisan market in books and curiosity. It's a it's a really very different kind of uh store. It's like a gift shop, but very very different, unique uh items that the the artisans actually create and they are for sale
there. Jewelry and uh clothing and books. Very very cute. I would suggest everybody go and and support them. Um the Oakland Burrow, this is the first time that I I believe this has happened. They're inviting the Pompton Lakes
residents to a a program called Camp Go. And this is for children from 6th grade through 9th. So it will not interfere in our summer camp because that's the younger children. But it includes trips, movies, uh Mountain Creek, uh bowling,
and it will also include Franklin Lakes, White Coff, Ringwood, Wanq, and Oakland uh residents. Now, this what's important is that the signup is only good till April 7th. So if you're interested in that, it is kind of looks like that.
It's on our It's on our website and I would say if you have if you have a child or children in that age group, you really want to take a look at that because it's something we don't know. They they even have a Yankees game and Mountain Creek we're paying their the costs for all the costs. The
>> Oak Oh yeah. So it's >> it's not charging us more. >> Yeah. So yeah, we're getting it looks like a really good deal for what you can what what you're getting. Anyway, just take a look at that. I thought that was very exciting to have that. Um um I'm looking forward to the ordinance to
change for the solicitation of people coming to your door. Um, we couple months ago we had a problem with uh solicitors from the FiOS knocking on people's doors not going away. I brought that up along with the other council people and now we're going to change that and I'm very happy about that. I
want to thank the ordinance committee for for being on that. Um, looking forward to baseball's opening day parade which is on the uh April 18th. That's a Saturday at 12:00 noon. That's always a fun time with with the with the uh the baseball and softball players. The
lightning service for the Joe Grill Park and Willow Field is my understanding is is is installed. And I want to thank the Open Space Committee for their generous donations to make sure that that unit was purchased so that um when lightning is within a certain amount of miles
away, this unit goes off and we we leave the field. There's no questions about it and um and we'll we'll probably be down there and take some pictures or stuff and and try to understand how it works. uh it's it's a very good thing that's very safe for the children and it was absolutely necessary and I thank all the
uh I want to thank the mayor council for uh supporting that and the open space committee members as well and I did attend the open space committee meeting and we discussed the will of field and they're very excited about that whole thing as we spoke earlier and uh tonight we met with some of the high school
students CTO day and uh they are seniors that are coming up and they are going to be our counterparts and I believe they're going to be at next meeting. They're going to take the stage here and they're going to show us their idea of what town and town government should look like. So, that's always a fun uh
event. And I met with one of the young ladies that wants to be council president and she also wants to be an attorney for a municipality. So, she met with Mark and uh he was very gracious to her and gave her some information. And I want to thank Mr. Patrick um the
teacher. He's the uh the teacher that runs that and I know Mr. Patrick for oh my god almost 20 years now and he's done an amazing job and he's still doing it. So we're very lucky to have him and that is my report. >> Thank you and thank you for mentioning CTO which is change of officers day for people who don't understand it and the
kids have to volunteer for this. It's not a mandatory event of anything and we've been doing it for well over 20 years and the kids show up and do it. But the important part of the whole thing is they come up with ideas from the perspective of a high school student when they present their ideas that they'd like to see changes. And I can tell you in the years I've been
involved, we've actually incorporated some of their ideas which were good ideas cuz I won't say we're old, but we're not seeing that in the eyes of the of the high school. >> Um, so you know, I'm always looking forward to what they come up with. And you know, and every year it is
different. I can tell you that. every year they all have a pet project that they want to do and it's sometimes they're good enough that we incorporate it. So, thank you for bringing that up. Uh, Councilman Cruz. >> Oh, thank you, Mayor. So, Monday we the ordinance committee got together and as
Mayor Sarah mentioned, it's really to discuss some of the nuisance, complaints we've been receiving from the residents. Um, I'm not going to get into too much detail. This is our first meeting and there's probably going to be follow-up meetings after this one. Um but some of the ordinances that we were discussing was uh chapter 7-21
parking of both trailers until vehicles prohibited on shallow court. Um ordinance number 10-14.2 feeding wild animals. Um ordinance 10-13.1 chickens, ducks, and other domestic poultry and foul. And I believe the last
one was uh chapter 10-6.1 pets which cry habitually bark cry or disturb the peace. Um we're looking over the ordinance right now. Um it's not to say there's going to be any changes to that but we need to address obviously residents concerns for all the ones that are listed here. Uh hopefully within the
next few weeks we'll have more definitive answer the approach we're going to take and that we're going to amend the ordinances as they uh exist today. Um yesterday I attended the board of adjustments meeting and it was a very quick meeting as as it usually is. Um
approval of the bills collier engineering and design professional services for one application it was for $438.75 uh cents that's for BOA25-08 BOA- BOA25-14
that was for $1,95 and that brought a total of $1,533.75 for Merziti Falconee LLP their total was 1,776 and that is for legal fees. And
let's see, we only they only had one application which was BOA25-2 and one resolution which was BOA 2025-14. And that'll do it for my report, ma'am. And all those things you mentioned, the reason we pulled them out is because those are the complaints that we're
getting on. So, you know, if if that's the concerns of residents that then we're trying to see if we can address that. Uh, Councilman Hinton. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I also attended the ordinance committee meeting that Councilman Cruz just went over. Um, these are complaints like the mayor said
from residents in town and it's going to take some figuring out to come to our conclusion and uh then run it past the council as to the direction that we go in. Um, I also attended the grand opening for the Wayward Artisian Market.
like council president said, local artist, gifts, books, and vintage finds. So, very nice store. Um, I was talking to the owner's father, retired police officer from Elwood Park. Very nice man,
a very nice store, very nice family. So, if residents could go to the store and check it out, we'd all appreciate it. Um, enjoyed the CTO. I met my uh counterpart from the high school And uh there will
be coming next week, correct? Our next meeting, correct? >> And um I also want an issue came up in town of a tree on Ringwood A brought to my attention from OEM, Mr. Evangelista. And uh we went through chain of command.
It got came to the chief. Chief called up the county. County came up. The tree is gone. >> Oh, look at that. So, I just want to I just want to thank the chief directly and um it was a dangerous situation that could have happened and thank the chief
again for taking care of and uh that's my report. >> Okay, thank you. I'm glad you know we had that conversation today and that worked out so that I'm glad the county came up way and took care of it. That's good to hear. Uh Councilman Santers. >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. Uh I attended the special board of ed meeting, the
tenative budget. Um, as of right now, there will be a 3.9 increase in the school budget this year. They, uh, the district lost $80,000 in state aid, and their health insurance went up, uh, 1.6 million. Wow. So, to help, uh, get the
budget to 23.9. There are some teachers and administrators retirements this year. There'll be a reduction in a couple of supervisors. And then there will also be a reduction of workforce. It doesn't
look like they're going to cut any program, sports or classes, but some class sizes may have more students in them. Um, and then also at that meeting, they discussed the uh interview process
for the superintendent. So there will be a special meeting on April 28th, May 1st, and May 5th. That will be the first round of interviews for superintendent. May 8th, May 12th, May 15th will be the second round of
interviews and those will be the interviews of the uh superintendent likely that you know will may be the finalists for May 1st uh May
21st. And um these sessions will be open in public. Then we'll go into uh executive uh sessions for the interviews. Um the board will come back into session and adjourn the special meeting. So there will be no public um input. Uh the
planning board was cancelled this month. So the didn't come through the planning board this month. Um, and then MUA, just a reminder that the hydro flushings will start uh Monday, April 20th. They will be performed between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00
a.m. take about 2 weeks uh to complete the town. And noted that uh customers may experience temporary discoloration of water or drop water pressure. And if that's the case, um just run your water
until until the water clears up. And that is my report. >> Thank you. And just what we were talking about before, you know, that's a big increase for the school, which is in charge of 65% or so of our budget. So when you have a 1.8 deficit in your health care costs, where is that coming
from? It's coming from the taxpayers. Unfortunately, it's not their fault. It's not the school's fault. It's the way the system is working right now. So it has to be addressed. Um, Councilman Bennett, >> thank you, Mayor. Um, tonight we also met, as mentioned previously, our Cto
counterparts. I look forward to the Mach Council meeting, which is on April 6th at 7. It's a Monday. >> It's a Monday. >> Uh, 7:00. >> Oh, it's a Monday. >> Yeah, it's a Monday. Okay, good to know. >> The lunchon's at 12:00 and then the uh Mach Council meets at at 7:00. It's a Monday night.
>> Um, redevelopment agency was cancelled. I attended the library board of trustees meeting. uh they're doing a songwriters workshop and they meet on the uh last Thursday of each month around 6 uh 6:30 to 8. Uh they're looking to get that going. They had about five attendees
last time. Uh there was discussion of museum passes. Uh a lot of other libraries offer museum passes to the Intrepid Museum in the city, uh American uh natural history in in the city. There's one in a couple in Morris County that we
will be offering passes to. So you take you check it out like a book, take it uh use it for whatever number of days you are signing out for and then you return it so the next group of folks can can uh borrow it. Um there's currently one opening for the board of trustees. So if
anybody's interested, you can reach out to me uh or the uh stop at the library and talk to uh the library director. Lastly, I want to congratulate the uh the folks at Wayward Market attended the ribbon cutting. There's a bunch of folks that I know that are uh uh contributing
artists to that to that uh store. And that location's right by the um how should I describe it? It's by the >> by the sushi place, I would say. >> Yes. Sushi place. Yeah. Right. >> Right across from the Tony's. >> Exactly. To the right. Tony's after BFW.
>> We're using old landmark. >> Yeah. Exactly. There you go. There you go. And that is my report. Mayor, >> thank you. Um, you know, the, uh, end of the day, the one thing I forgot to mention, there is an application has opened up for the senior and vet housing, which we've spoken about in the last couple meetings. Uh, we've gotten
numerous calls. I know, Liz, we've gotten numerous people coming in. I got a call today, just today, asking how they get into that. You do have to fill out a paper application. You can pick it up here or you can download it from the county and then you have to make sure they get it and then it's a point system
and there are income verifications involved with that. But if you're interested in doing it, Pompton Lakes residents get first priority. So if you're interested or you know someone who's especially a vet from Pompton and they want to be in that housing, you know, have them do that because it's going to fill up fast. Uh Councilman Beg. >> All right. Thank you, Mayor. Um first
like to make a motion to approve request for Lakeside Middle School to close a portion of Lakeside Avenue. That's uh Lakeside Avenue from Vanav to Manderville Street for the eighth grade um award ceremony. um which is scheduled on Monday, June 15th uh 2026. The rain date is June
16th, 2026 and June 17th, 2026 from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. and to make Van A between Lakeside A and Lennox Away Street from 6:00 to 8:30 at night. Um also to notify police, fire, and first aid. >> Can I have a second?
>> Second. Councilman Vennon, all in favor? >> Again. Okay. >> All right. Um, I attended uh this month's EBC meeting. Um, this year's townwide river cleanup is Sunday, May 3rd. Registration is up and running. Uh, you can register by scanning the QR code
on the flyer, which has been posted on Facebook, or you can show up to the event at 9:30 in the morning um at Herszfield Park, and you can register there. Um, the EP uh EPC also supported this year's first trail maintenance on Sunday. So, um, myself, Mike Mer, and Danny Black attended um, and I'll go
into more detail about that in a little bit. Um, I also attended the open space meeting. Uh, the Hersfield Park garage looks great. The outside of the building's complete and the floor color on the inside, it's chosen and it's going to be gray with red speckles. Um, the Will Field project was delayed and construction has started again with the
better better weather. The T-ball fields will be temporarily uh relocated to the soccer fields. Um, last Thursday I attended the bid meeting. Uh, they hosted two grand openings which you've already heard about um with the mayor and council. One was Fruitable, which is located in the Leal Shopping Center, and
the other was the Wayward Market, which I described as located the building to the right of toys. Um, on May 21st, June 11th, and June 16th, the bid will be hosting its spring and summer stroll events from 9 uh 5:00 to 9 at night. Um, those are Thursday nights, so it's
during the week. Um, there will be a farmers market, approximately 35 vendors, and music, and you will also there will be tables out in the street where it's closed. you can get food from, you know, the different restaurants in town and sit outside and enjoy the night. Um, the bid's also conducting a comprehensive district
assessment um with the New Jersey Business Action Center on May 23rd. Uh, once the assessment is complete, the bill um the bid will receive a formal report from them. I think they also wanted some of the high school kids to walk with them because they wanted to see like the past if they walk in town and see what they're interested in. And
then on Saturday, uh, the trails maintenance committee um, hosted its first trails maintenance of the year. Uh Lauren Ven and I uh walk the Ed Merrill Trail, which has actually been out of commission for a number of years now. Um her and I are going to try to go out this Saturday or at least by next week and remark the trail and then ask the
county to come out and walk the trail with us. Um our goal is really to get assistance from the county to redevelop that trail so it can be usable again. And then tomorrow night, just as an FYI, there's a free community dinner being held at the Pompton Reform Church from 5:30 to 7:00. the dinner sponsored by
the Pmpton Lakes Rotary Club. Um, please come out and enjoy Pastor John's famous chili. I'll also be serving. So, I hope to see you all there. And then last night, I I attended the historic preservation meeting. Um, they submitted their annual report to the historic preservation office um so that they're
in compliance for the year. And then after the historic meeting, I attended the recreation meeting. Um, they have some events and programs that they'd like me to announce. So, here we go. Uh, Women's Get Fit is every Monday and Wednesday at Lincoln School. starts at 7:00 and it runs until May 20th. Men's basketball is every Tuesday and Friday
nights um at Lincoln School. The pro program runs through May. Um the Pmpton Lakes Explorers Wreck night is on Thursday nights at 7:00 at Lincoln School. This program runs until May 21st. Um pickle balls every Saturday morning at Lincoln School starting at 9:00 in the morning and that'll run
until April 21st. Um this year's summer camp will run from June 29th to July 31st. Um C uh counselor applications are due by April 3rd. Um there will be an indoor field hockey clinic from March uh 30th to April 2nd from 7:00 to 8:30 at
Lakeside Middle School. Um there was an adjustment to that so that the date changed. Um this Saturday is the Easter egg hunt. >> Uh this Saturday is the Easter egg hunt at Hersville uh park tennis courts. The event starts at 2:00 and please bring your own basket. Um the Pton Lakes
Riverdale low league parade and opening day is April 18th. Um and then the Pmpton Lakes bid paint and plant is Saturday May 9th. And then this year's concert series at the library lawn runs from runs Thursday nights starting in June. The 3M band will kick off in June
for us. And then this year's Memorial Day parade is Sunday, May 24th at noon. The ceremony for the event will be at Veterans Park and that starts at 11:00. And then I know Mikey wanted me to mention it too and I know um Councilwoman Kent mentioned it. Uh Oakland is inviting uh or opened up
their camp to our residents as well. Um so it's for middle school kids. And just as a note, the flyer will be distributed on social media and it'll be in the burrow um newsletter. >> And that's my report. >> Thank you. Uh for the Easter egg hunt, if you're interested, it's really for
like fifth fifth grade and under or is it fifth or sixth? I think I think it's sixth. >> Sixth. >> Sixth and under. You have to bring your own basket. Uh there'll be different age groups uh of times when they go out. It meets at the um uh tennis courts. Uh so if you're interested in that, please come down. And the last thing I'll add
is if you haven't taken a walk over cuz councilman began brought it up. Hersfield Park, they put in the new bridge. Uh it's not in place, but it's down there ready to be dropped, which will be hopefully next week. Uh it's a nice looking bridge. It's a one piece bridge with no stansions underneath it. Um I think it will look very nice once
it's all finished and done. Uh, so I, you know, the county and and and us together did a joint project on that and it and it's looking good. So I I think they'll have it in time, the dates that they're looking at and our camp will be able to run after that. So it's all working out well for that. Uh,
administer is Mr. Yeah. or you >> the attorney's first attorney. Go ahead. >> I I have nothing for public consumption today, mayor. >> Okay. Administrator. >> Thank you, mayor. Please note that the Willowfield improvements project remains in progress. The contractor is in the
process of installing the fence posts and chainlink fencing and back stops. This is expected to last another 1 to two weeks. Once complete, the contractor will be working on the irrigation lines and site grading before moving to the final stages stages of the project which
will include the restoration trees, plantings, seedlings, and the installation of the sod. Um, just wanted to note that once the sod is installed, it does require about 3 to four weeks to cure. Um, so just wanted to point that out to the public that although the
field will be done, we do have to wait a little bit until the players are able to access it for the uh season for T-ball and baseball. Um, again, we've been in contact with the Pmpton Lakes Riverdale Little League on scheduling moving forward. And um for those of you that don't know, the little league is moving
forward with the beginning of their T-ball season on separate fields, whether it's the soccer field or another field. Uh they're accommodating the kids for the time being due to the snow delays that we have occurred uh over the winter. Uh in addition, uh the new
lightning detection system was installed this week uh down at Joe Grillil Field and is operational to date. The system connects to the board of education's base station at Lakeside Middle School. The Bellow's DPW uh has been briefed on the system and the required maintenance
of the siren. And I am working with OEM coordinator Aliv Evangelista on the new signage for both the barrel fields and the board of education's properties and just wanted to thank the Pompton Lakes Rotary Club and Al and everyone for their assistance with those signs and uh
the DPW will be getting those up shortly. Um, I'd also like to acknowledge uh that we've made we've successfully made contact with the governor's office and are working on scheduling a site visit to the Department of Public Works garage with
Senator Pacio, the governor's office, and Congresswoman Poe's office sometime in the near future. Um, as you know, all of our grant applications were were submitted to Senator Booker, Senator Kim, and Congresswoman woman Poe for the project in the amount of $5 million and
remain pending at this time, awards likely won't be announced for another year. So, we do wait on that. Uh just wanted to highlight uh for those council members that may not know in our deliberations over a year ago the township of Wayne shared service
agreement for Wayne's flood buyout program. Um again initially included four properties in the burrow of Pompton Lakes. We did end up proceeding with two properties. Two of the homeowners that were originally interested had moved and the current property owners weren't
interested. But just wanted to highlight that 517 Popular A and 1411 Madison Place continued in the program. We closed on 517 Popppler on November 5th, 2025. And we did close on 1411 Madison
Place yesterday. So as of yesterday, we do own the burrow of Pompton Lakes owns 1411 Madison Place. The township of Wayne will be coming in at some point to demolish the homes with their grant funding and the properties will return to their natural state. Um,
so just wanted to thank the DPW, the MUA, and everyone for their assistance in decommissioning those houses. >> Can we ask Wayne to pay the taxes? Do you think we'll do that? >> That's a good question, but uh, yeah, we'll address that. Um, as you know, uh,
as part of last year's capital plan, the governing body funded the replacement of the fire department garage doors, which were experiencing mechanical issues over the last several years. The project was completed two weeks ago, and again, the payment application was on the bills
list for tonight. And just wanted to remind the public that our 2026 municipal budget introduction is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th at 7:00. the BO auditor and chief financial officer will be in attendance uh as we
present our annual budget and finance presentation. Um all are invited to attend and uh can be viewed on YouTube and again just wanted to highlight that the Pompton Lakes Business Improvement District budget will be on for adoption
on April 8th and we do look forward to seeing representatives from the bid to address any questions or concerns. Thank you. Okay, just uh, you know, for the public's concern, you know, the buyout program is a great program because it gets people out of the the zone, which, you know, costs less to to handle when
they they put claims in. The downside to that is we do lose the tax revenue that comes off those properties. So, they're taken off the books. So, back, I'd say 8 n years ago, we had, you know, maybe 25 houses taken off the the rolls. That
hurts a small town. It does hurt us. uh it took us, you know, a couple years, a year or two to catch back up to those taxes. So, while I'm a fan of this program, it we can't keep it going and keep losing houses. Really, the best scenario that would help us is to raise
the houses out of the flood zone. They no longer would have to pay a flood insurance premium, very high, very small, and we keep the tax dollars and the residents in town. So, you know, that's the way I would like to see this go, but you know, it is the state and they they offer the programs. And I have nothing against Wayne. Wayne does it all the time. They're just a bigger
community than us. >> Any questions for the Go ahead. >> I just had two more items. I'm so sorry. Uh just wanted to highlight on tonight's agenda, we do have a grant application to the Pay County Community Development Block Grant Program. Just wanted to make the public aware we are coming in. We're
looking to install a new crosswalk across Howard Street adjacent to DuPont Place and new crosswalks from DuPont Place to the playground at DuPont Park. Um, so that cost is over $250,000 for that project. Um, all hopefully funded
by the grant. Um, so we do await on that and I just wanted to highlight the improvements coming to that area. And I just wanted to follow up on the Burough Oakland summer camp. A very important point. It's only open to those entering seventh and eighth grade. We don't want
to lose our folks entering sixth grade because summer camp extends to those entering sixth grade. So the burrow of Oakland is accepting registrations but again only for Pton Lakes children entering seventh and 8th grade and that was at recommendation of our wreck director. Thank you.
>> Good question. You had a question? >> Yes. A question on 517 Popler and 1411 Madison that were being torn down. Was there no chance of those houses being elevated and we wouldn't have lost the tax? >> I don't think the program was offered to
elevate. >> It wasn't. I remember that conversation. And it was just just a demol. >> Mhm. >> And those two vacant lots that are going to be there now, are the DPW going to have to take care of them also? >> Yes. >> So that's added cost for loss in revenue
and added cost of maintenance. >> Unfortunately, we don't have a say because it came out of Wayne. Um so they applied in Wayne, not through Compton Lakes. Uh how they crossed the lines to do that, I'm a little cons. I don't know how that actually happens, but I guess it's
allowed to happen. Um, uh, we can I can tell you this what when you you know what I just said and I think what you're saying also is raising a house is the benefit, but it's also side downside of that is the seniors don't like the steps, right? Because you're going to have to have steps put them. >> We understand that. Then seniors don't
buy the house. >> True. But if they live there now, that's >> young people who can buy the house, they can run up the steps and their kids can run up the steps. We lose tax revenue. >> I agree. >> The these were severe repetitive loss homes and >> correct. But they could also be out of
it. >> It was out of pocket. >> But there's no program paid for. It was out of pocket. >> Yeah. >> They didn't have the money. >> So they did offer program years ago. But this one was only a buyer. >> Just a buy. >> Mhm. >> A Yep. It was >> if I may just highlight most of the
properties that the DPW does maintain are stateowned Blueacres properties and we do that out of good faith to the surrounding residents to keep those clean. We don't have to do that. We're not required to do that. Um we only owe very few burrow owned properties. However, to Councilman Hinton's point,
these are going to be burrowowned properties will be increased maintenance and the DPW will have to maintain those. We understand that. And the aspect the mayor can reiterate is no matter who owns the properties, the mayor could get a call that the they want the neighbors
want those properties maintained. >> And I can understand why if I live next to a lot that would bring back the natural state and it wasn't a natural state before that. It was a home. I would be able to preserve myself. >> Um just I noticed on our agenda um leaison to the DPW. It says Friday,
April 3rd, 2026 is a burough holiday. >> Municipal building is closed. No garbage pickup. DPW or recycling center is closed. The library is closed. >> Okay. Any other concerns, administrator? >> No. All right. Chief's report.
>> Yes. So, uh, I had the great opportunity to meet with all our religious leaders in town. Um I sent invites to uh all uh any and all uh religious communities that were were within the burrow. Um
most attended um but it was uh the purpose of the meeting um was to you know strengthen our communication uh build relationships um and establish an open dialogue of communication uh with everybody in the
room. Um, you know, to my knowledge, this is the first time in in decades that we've had uh any type of such meeting like this. Um it was a great opportunity um to to engage with them to to uh
listen to some of their concerns. um see how we can um you know uh keep this relationship moving forward and to you know uh also way raise awareness um for some upcoming programs that the police
department is going to be uh getting involved in which um I'll briefly touch upon it. Um it's going to be we're going to be in the upcoming months we're going to be uh starting our participation in the arrive program. Um and what the arrive program once it's implemented,
it'll enhance the police department and the burrow's ability um to deal with the individuals that need appropriate mental health. Um and a lot of times um our religious leaders are the first ones to
know uh about an individual, a person in our community, whether it's our youth or our adults or our senior population where they need extra help. um and um it's going to give them that ability to contact us and then have someone uh
respond if they need help. So, I think it'll be a great great program and in the coming months when when this is all uh ironed out uh in agreement with the prosecutor's office, I will be bringing uh further information about this to your attention prior. Um but it was a it
was a it was a great conversation. Uh we had great conversations. uh they they they uh they brought up uh some good points and it it was it was good to meet with them. I met with them along with uh my entire command staff uh along with
the detective bureau. Um the mayor was in attendance and it was just uh it was a a great beginning to I I hope to uh to a to a better relationship and open communication with them in the future. Plan is to to meet with them on a yearly basis if not more. Um, so it it it was
uh it was a really great community >> and one of the things actually the chief brought out when he had the meeting which caught my eye, you know, when we're bringing residents into our establishments here, you know, we have conditions. You're going through metal detectors when it's court. You know, I have a the contact to the police department if I had to reach out to them
where the church has no restrictions or or anybody anybody can just walk into the church with no concerns. They're welcoming people into all the religious groups. That's a double-edged sword, right? you're you're welcoming people in, but you don't know who you're welcoming in either. In this world, in
this time, it's it's it's a good idea that the chief put this together to be planned for the future for this kind of thing cuz they you never know what can happen. >> Yeah, we talked about risk assessments and how to, you know, make sure their, you know, their parishioners and congregation is safe at all times. Um,
so I, you know, I laid out the options that they have to if they want to further, uh, move along with any type of risk assessments and things of that nature. And uh like I said, it was it was uh very very productive meeting. >> Good. Okay. Uh workshop Mike, our old
solicitors. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh so on tonight's workshop agenda is regarding solicitor applications and soliciting throughout the burrow. Um so we do have several items to discuss. Um, I'm going to let our bear attorney kind of uh take the
helm on this one, but just wanted to highlight um we do have a draft ordinance in your packet to limit the time of the solicitation uh especially during the evening uh which the bur attorney will go through and we also have a fee schedule from
some of our surrounding communities uh ranging from Waniku Ringwood to West Milford to Bloomingdale to Wayne. It appears to be that we're kind of in the average, if not charging what most other communities charge. Uh some other communities do charge $200. We charge
$100 for the solicitor permit. Um so discussion will ensue about that and any other concerns or suggestions that the governing body has. Um so I'm going to let Mark uh just quickly highlight the draft ordinance that was included regarding the time.
>> Okay. Uh thank you. Uh so uh as everyone will recall this was raised a few council meetings ago. Uh and uh I I thought that the case law out there uh was more limiting than quite frankly I
found it to be. Uh so uh the the the ask was to see if we could stop solicitation at 6 p.m. in light of some of the issues that the the community was having. Uh and uh through our research uh we found
uh one uh case uh where the the ordinance was invalidated for other reasons. However, they had indicated that uh a 5:00 time was a reasonable uh restriction uh which they would have
upheld had it not been for the other provisions. I'm not convinced that the 5:00 uh is something that would uh be upheld by every court. Uh but we were asking for 6:00. >> Mhm. >> And I I feel that we have a defendable
position with respect to that. So, uh, that's what we're we're doing. We're able to provide what what you asked for. >> Thank you. >> So, everybody's good, comfortable with that nump time. Everybody's absolutely. >> All right. So, we can move forward with this that time frame. >> Uh, let's talk about the fee schedule.
Um, let me just throw this out there. I could be wrong. >> The higher the fee schedule, the less solicitors will have the way I'm looking at the exact same thing. >> So, why not go to the higher number and and if they pay it, then we're making some more money. But if they don't, we get less solicitors. I'm okay with that.
>> Well, I wouldn't make it ownorous. I mean, I I I think that what what they're suggesting works. Uh I think that you probably could uh face yourself with a uh uh interference with freedom of speech if if we get too high.
>> Is 200 too high? >> I I didn't do the analysis. What do you think? >> It's the highest fee. So, you know, I think the recommendation would be anywhere from 150 to 175. Again, these typically aren't residents that are coming in and getting these permits.
It's corporations or utility companies. So, this isn't something that we're expressly, you know, charging our residents for. >> And these are for commercial. Like I said, these are for commercial. >> How does everybody feel about that with the numbers? >> I like 175. >> 175. >> 175 works for me.
>> All right, let's do the 175. >> I agree. >> Right. >> Yeah. I mean, I just I don't want to be the high. I I was going to say it fast, but I guess >> Yeah, that might be it. >> Okay. >> All right. Uh what else you got on that? Anything, Mike? >> No. So, just to be clear, we're going to
have a draft ordinance for introduction at the next council meeting. Both limiting the time to from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and >> 9:00 a.m. >> Yeah. The the code is written is 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. I'm sorry, 10:00 a.m.
to 9:00 p.m. >> We're going to limit it from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. >> And again, uh adjust the fee from $100 to $175 for the permit uh fee. And I would ask Mark to include that in the draft ordinance. Thank you.
>> Yes. >> So, I just have a question because residents have asked me this. If they have a no solicit sign or on a no solicit list and then they come, what happens at that point? >> That's that's a violation of an ordinance and it's summonable. The the
no knock ordinance has to be followed >> by who? By the police would then follow that summon or how does that work? >> Well, I I'm not familiar right now with what the no notch ordinance >> I don't have it >> reads. uh I could familiarize myself with. >> Am I correct, Chief, that we have a no
soliciting list >> in? >> Yes, we have a no soliciting list that uh members of the public can they uh contact >> Liz, they sign up through you? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, if if if someone signs up and they knock on that door, then what's the next step?
>> So, I was actually just asking the while you were asking the same question. I was asking the bar administrator the same question. It appears that we can issue them a summon and then we have to go to the violations ordinance and I don't have the violations ordinance in front of me to find out what the fees are,
>> what the penalty would be. >> What the penalty? Yeah, what the penalties would be. Um, and that also would go to if they don't even get a if they don't even have the permit and we find them on there. It looks like it would also go to that too. Um I don't know um if that's something that you
want to uh if you want to review too of maybe raising what those penalties are um for individuals that violate because we did have a lot of people this year not even bother getting permits and they were you know we had to issue a number of summones.
>> So if you just so so the public hears this just putting a sign on your yard that says no soliciting does that carry any weight? I mean, not um if if they have the permit and they're not on the no solicitors list, they can still knock on the door. That's
not going to um they that's not going to we're not going to that's not going to prompt us to issue the summit. I I would hope that they would respect that the resident's wishes, but they're going to say, "Well, he wasn't on the permit." You know, >> that would make it a private trespass issues. >> Uh whereas this is something for us to
enforce. >> Correct. >> Yeah. So, um, if if you like, mayor, uh, if it pleases the the governing body, uh, I'll be conversing on that list at the next meeting and I'll also be prepared with any changes that I think might be advisable.
>> Okay. >> If I see anything that's questionable on it, I'll make sure I give the chief a call and we'll come up with a solution. So Liz, I'm guessing when when they come to you, you have a list >> whole process. When they come, they get the list, they're given a a memo that
states that they have to each week check to see if the list has been updated. Plus, they also have to get a parking a badge. So when they come in town, they get it for their card and um they have to get that updated as well. So for the
residents, again, this is for for the for the residents at home and the people here, you know, if don't be afraid if if someone's knocking on your door and they don't have a badge to show that they're they're IDed from being sponsored by the town or they don't have a badge on their car. It's not the police are welcoming that call to just we're not doing
anything illegal there. Hey, this guy's knocking on my door. I asked to see a badge. He doesn't want to show me the badge. You know, he'll probably leave by that point, but you know, I'm sure the police will find him at the next house, stop him, and say, "Hey, you we were told you don't have a badge. Do you have a badge? >> They get a certificate that's signed
with a seal on it, right? The barrels that they have to carry with them all >> and a picture. And I'm sure a picture won't. >> Yeah, I'm thinking a picture, too, right? Isn't it a picture >> or No, >> no, >> no, no. I'm saying a picture if they're at their house of of the party. >> Okay. All right. So, let's work on that. But I think any Go ahead. You have
something? >> Yeah, I was just going to say we just found the uh violation. So, I mean the if they are if the person was found guilty of violating the no solicitor list or without a permit, it looks to be that it's like a $124
fine total. Um, some of that goes to court costs and things of that nature. So, I don't know if that's something you want to >> Well, he'll he'll kind of look that up a little bit, right? >> It would sound a little sounds a little light. >> Yeah, it's for any and all offenses there. It's not broken down by first or second. Just >> any anyone
>> that is Let's increase it. It'll be a good deterrent. >> Yeah. Anybody have concerns with this? >> No. Okay. >> Okay. Um motion to open the meeting for public comments. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Councilman Cruz, Councilman Bennett. All in favor? >> Against. Anyone like from the public
like to address >> I'll get you next. >> Uh Joe Klein, uh 231 Willow F. Um, I'd like to thank Marie Ken for and her committees for the um, lightning detection. >> It's uh, it's on top of the snackstand. So, you really can't get to take a picture with it.
>> U, but you can take a picture there. Um, it works on a 5 mile radius. So, any lightning within 5 miles, it'll go off. Uh, sirens go off. There's four sirens up there. Um, it's got a timer for 30 minutes. As long as no other lightning
is detected, you'll they'll get a I don't know if it's a a voice or another uh message that'll say, you know, area is clear, go back to playing. So, it's a nice again improvement cuz we just do it based on sight, hearing,
stopwatch, and everybody wants to play. We don't see it, they want to play. So, this is a good for us, and it's actually a little league rule that we have to stop for 30 minutes. Um, also besides T3 and 4 as a new program, we also introduced a challenger uh division
which is for any child with disability up to 18 years old will have the availability to play little league. Uh, they play all by themselves 9:00 a.m. along with T3 and 4. So they have the whole complex to themselves. So if anybody wants to u Marie Catrell is
actually running that program for us. So um it's a nice ad to our program. So thank you again. >> Pass the question. >> Oh when we're done when we get through then I'll let you go. I think you want to go.
>> J Trumb 130 Legion Street. Um, does the solicitation stuff apply to religious groups? Can they still just knock on my door without a solicitation permit? I'm asking cuz they did a couple days ago. Just curious.
Um, please don't get rid of us being allowed to have chickens. I don't own any yet, but my neighbor does. They make noise. They're chickens. Please don't get rid of them. I'm not sure what the complaints were, but you guys brought up that their chickens were an issue.
And I'm really curious how a crosswalk cost $200,000. >> Just I mean we spent 180 190,000 on a bunch of cameras year or so ago and two crosswalks seems a whole lot simpler than 30 cameras with infrastructure and
all that other stuff. I mean my kid will go out and paint your wall paint your street for you for free almost. So just really curious how that is that expensive. Hey, >> thank you. Thank you. Anyone else from the public lecture? You step up. Uh, Zach, D willow.
>> Sorry, first name. I didn't hear. >> Zack. >> Zack. >> Yeah. >> Uh, first time here. Just curious to know. Um, I I see the developments, the changes on uh in Willow Park. Um, kind of been out of the loop on what's been going on. All I know is the establishment of the new fields, but in
prior passing seasons like I've noticed like I think it's what's Riverdale Pumpkin Lakes that uses the park, right, for the leaks with the addition of the new fields. Um I noticed you guys mentioned something about the irrigation. I think that's been taken in consideration and built into it. Uh
because you know just cost cost perspective like if it floods you fields, did you guys take that in consideration and implement it? Secondly, um two years ago we had speed bumps. We tend to have a lot of speeders that shoot up and down that block. Um I witness it daily. I noticed that wasn't
uh reimplemented last season. Not sure if that was taken into effect this season. And with the addition of the new fields, I take it we're going to have an increase of flow of traffic there. And I know we have a unofficial driveway and we have an official and I saw they just planted the trees today along the wooden
fence. So I take it that's not going to be used anymore. But has that been taken into consideration in terms of uh the increased amount of uh vehicles that would be on that street? Lastly, sorry I came with a full load of this. Um one of the neighbors mentioned to me that there was a mention of repaving the road. I
don't know if if there's any details on that, but I'm just out of the loop and looking for some details in terms of what the development was. >> When I'm all done, I'll give it I'll answer. >> Appreciate that. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. Anyone else from the public life to address? Please step up. Whoever Whoever's coming, one of you. Dave, come
on up first. >> David Fick, 107 Federal Hill Road. Uh, yeah, I've been meaning to ask you guys for I don't know how long. Uh, the season's greeting signs and the uh
bell that that we use for the holidays. Yes, you remember that that they were both used on TD's lawn to say like like this year would have been
the season's greetings then then the uh bell would have been over here at Max then then next year would be the reverse way. So why isn't it on TD's lawn anymore now?
And uh yeah then and also uh as you as you guys have seen in the town hall which you and Liz see it every day that that the uh high school booster club
has the uh golf outing in April and but you've seen the date on it but But uh but again contact whoever's on the fly to register or to get in touch with Dr. Perch
Balinski or Justin Jones on that and uh yeah then and for the solicitation as you start the subject then you came to me that that
a few meetings back ago which you said on channel 77 that that solicitors are allowed to to uh go to doors at 9 at night.
But but in the way I kind of disagree with that cuz cuz people are getting kids ready for bed in school and stuff then the same. Yeah. the uh
yeah like 8:30 9:00 and parents are getting kids ready for school and stuff like that and so then they see a solicitor at 9:00 and they're like why are you here and that
sort of thing you agree with me agent? >> Yeah, I'll address you at the end, Dave. I I'll answer your question. >> Yeah. and and I uh picked up my ticket for the uh fire department and beef steak and and
Dan, I saw your picture for officer of the year. Congratulations. And then I then as I was looking at then I was like okay now I know why because he knows
everything just like and to finish does anyone here or out here play Steven on words with friend. >> Okay. >> And last time I beat him was about
7 8 years ago. and and and God bless his soul. Bill and Stephen and I were at the Cardinal for lunch one Saturday and and sometime that week I finally beat
Stephen after maybe five years or so then that was the last time I beat him and I still can't Thank you, Dave. Okay. Okay. Some questions. Okay. I somebody else.
>> Good evening, mayor and council. Alivangelista, Emergency Management Coordinator. Uh first of all, thank you for passing the um expenditure tonight for the drone survey. As you probably know, uh we've had a benefactor doing
that survey for us for a number of years and it's getting to the point now where, you know, it's costly because of the detail that's required for it. So, um that's passed and I know the uh flood board was after that for a number of years. Mr. Carelli was nice enough to
add the acid brook to that survey because it's another uh another hazard in town that could present a problem. So, that was great. and uh that's done and I appreciate that. I want to thank besides your support of emergency management as a whole. I want to thank
the flood board membership. People in this town, I don't think know what that board does. They're very dedicated. They're very intelligent. Every single one brings something else to the table that all goes toward that hazardous mitigation plan that we just received
our final report on. So I want to thank those members publicly for meeting monthly as they do and bringing good information to the table following it up with our our administrator is also very supportive. So thank you Mr. Carelli. So the drone study is done. Um
the D uh two weeks ago deputy uh coordinator uh Dan Catrell, you're getting a lot of press tonight, Dan. Um he and I attended a Dan. >> Is that why he came tonight? >> I don't think so. No, I think it was came with Mike.
But in any event, we attended a dam course given by the D at the public safety academy. And basically what it is is it to it's to assuage any fears that we may have of upstream dams that might affect our community. And as you know, there's very very strict requirements
for dam inspections. They went all over that. The reporting requirements, if there's a problem with the dam, we're on the list. We get yearly updates to the reporting requirements and who the people are that's in charge. We keep them in the records bureau right here. Update them annually as we get them and
that's the responsibility of the dam owner. So all of that is done behind the scenes. People aren't aware of it but just know that the dams upream of prompt lakes are safe. They're inspected regularly and we do have information on those. I remember years ago when a dam
was breaking and the h the town was running around like chickens with >> we had a dam break and I brought this up at the uh at the uh seminar. It was a dam that broke in Stockholm. It was an earthn dam and the biggest cause of dam collapses is over topping and that's exactly what happened. We had a good
number of inches in an hour of rain. It overtopped the dam. That's what caused the breach. And I can tell you this because I know the Wanuk reservoir is always an issue and a concern. Their dams are top-notch and they're inspected more than once a year. Trust me. As you
know, they have a security detail. They have about 12 dams. I think about a dozen dams that surround that whole reservoir. And the main dam is the one that people see. All the other ones that are in the woods and here and there, they really don't see. One dam that affects us is in Lake Aasco, which is actually in Bloomingdale, but you have
to go through one to get to it. That dam was just recently re refurbed. Okay. And uh it meets the D requirements. The dam on Willard Street, you may know, is owned by the MUA, and that dam has just been uh refurbred last year. Okay? And
that dam has been complete and uh and inspected. So, to get back on the hazardous mitigation plan report, we received our final um recommendation. We did well. We achieved most of our goals with the exception of the Doors Highway
Bridge, which we're all aware of. But in any event, if you have any ideas as to mitigation projects, please bring them to our flight advisory board, uh the chairperson, uh Lauren Bennon, who does a superb job and or bring it to uh just send it to flight advisory at
ponttolakes, you know.ja.gov, and uh we'll act on that and include it in our next plan. This is a countywide plan. All 16 municipalities participate in it and we just completed everything and we're in good shape in that respect.
Shade Tree Commission. We pretty much had a good shakeout in that last windstorm we had a couple of weeks ago and we did not have another tree that was down in a public right away and that's phenomenal. Phenomenal. Uh other towns had a multitude of problems and
you know fallen trees lead to power outages. So we really didn't even have any power outages. The one power outage we usually get is on Hemlock Road. All right. Because that the trees are very close to the wires there. So, we fared very well on that. The Shade Tree Commission obviously does an excellent
job. Peter Terry and I were in discussion yesterday. Thank you, Chief, for your cooperation today. You got it done real quick because I know that uh that was probably a result of that uh wind gust. We had 25 mph wind gust, which is not a lot when you look at the
tables, but it was enough to shake a few trees up. But fortunately, that's taken care of. The lightning protection, you know, it's been an issue for a couple years. been a big concern of mine. I want to thank the board of ed obviously for for starting the project with their
uh referendum money. And then of course um the Rotary got involved because I knew we weren't going to cover all the fields and we were going to try to apply for a grant to get the the one of those at least. And then when we thought we were going to cover all the fields, they
missed the deadline on the grant. And um you know perhaps next year if we still have a field remaining, we can apply for that. But I want to give where credit want to give credit where credit is due. And the women's club stepped forward. President Maria Kent and uh they made a
substantial donation to cover the signs and the signage that we'll be posting around uh telling people about the warning devices and you know what what the timing is and what to do when a light flashes etc etc. So those signs are in production. Okay. Kudos to the
county for starting their own sign program because we're getting 15 signs at a very very low price compared to what a vendor a regular vendor would charge. And your very nice signs they're in production right now and already spoke to superintendent of DBW. Once we
get them, they'll be handed over and they'll post them. The board of ed will post their own signage. So, thank you to the women's club for that donation to the Rotary who then will, you know, cover that and then hopefully we can take it further as uh as need be. So, thank you very much for your time.
>> Thank you. >> Any else from the public like to address? >> Seeing no one motion to close the public session. >> Second. >> Hinton. Councilman Cruz. All in favor? >> Against. Joe, thank you for the information. Uh you know, the the new program you're starting, I think it's a nice program and it'll be a benefit to
the community. Uh, you had a question for >> Yeah, I just had a question, but I think uh, Alex evangelist might have answered it. The signage is being put up. I was just curious. Um, I know that umpires are trained. Um, are all the coaches trained as to what the sounds are, what
the lights are, or how >> I don't know the the audible sounds yet. Um, but umpires really run the games. Um, and there's usually board members down there, but this will definitely eliminate human error. We'll call it as far as it's not really 30 minutes, 25
minutes, >> but the signage that Al was talking about should specify what the lights are and the siren is about. >> I'm sure it'll be right on the snack stand probably on all the fields. So, and we'll communicate all the managers and coaches.
>> Definitely. >> I was just curious about that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Uh, Jay, you bring up a good question. And something I didn't think about three witches. >> Yes. That that uh that raised a memory
and I want to look at it. I I recall a Watchtower case and I I don't know if uh that was overruled or not. And it ended up having
restrictions or it it overturned restrictions that were associated uh with time and required a justification because of the heightened first amendment rights associated with
religion and politics. And uh I know that it associated with permissible restrictions being tied to dusk. Um, so what I would like to do is I want to
revisit the the time restriction. Make sure uh that uh we look at that because the solicitation ordinance is broken down into two sections, charitable and non-charitable.
And when my attorney looked this up, it was the the the non-charitable. Uh, and that's actually what was highlighted. Uh, so I'm not sure that you could even draw a distinction.
So since we end up having charitable there, what I would suggest is this. Let me doublech check the hours because we don't want to run into a first amendment issue with >> religion >> with religion. Uh and I will either come
in with the corrected date or an uh with the corrected time as we had discussed or uh some other adjustment with an explanation and the uh corrected fees uh and an explanation on the no knock
ordinance. Okay. So, more to follow on that, but a good point. Um, uh, the, uh, uh, chickens, uh, we are not looking at restricting chickens. It's just how we use them and numbers and things like that. But there's more to come from that group about that. Uh,
the costs. Uh, welcome to the government. The government charges a lot of money for a lot of things, but I'm going to let Michael address that a little bit. >> Thank you, mayor. Uh, yes. So, I neglected to include, uh, in my explanation. The project costs include uh the installation of six new ADA
sidewalk curb ramps with detectable detectable warning surfaces both at the intersections of Dupont Place and Howard. Um Dupont Place and uh um the other road adjacent to that. Uh
we also have 200 linear feet of concrete curb replacement, 200 linear feet of sidewalk replacement, and uh one of the key cost drivers here uh is the installation of three rapid flashing beacon crosswalk signs uh which is
$45,000 uh to that intersection. Um and again some uh ancillary costs with asphalt and striping and etc. Um, but again, just, you know, highlighting that our hope is that this project is fully funded by
grant funding, >> but I understand it's a big number, but that makes more sense and there's a lot more involved. Um, Zach, thank you for your questions. Uh, so yes, you know, we we all know that that's a flood zone. You know, I ran soccer for 15 years down there and, you know, I'm well aware of what goes on there. Unfortunately, it's
the only place we have for our fields. So, it's where we can do the best we can with what we have. Obviously, if a flood was to come off, our sprinklers are set up that they don't sprinkle when there's any kind of rain or any water. So, that that's addressed for that for that. Um, the speed bumps, the speed bumps were
unofficial speed bumps put down by an organization. I'll just leave it at that. Um, I don't know if that organization is going to put them back or not. Uh, but you bring up a point because again, I'm very familiar with the traffic there. That is something maybe the the council could look on
because we own that property. um that maybe we can look at that because they do move pretty quick. Bringing that up though, you know, was my suggestion when meeting with our engineers and with our administrator to push that fence back out, not allowing parking on that side because that's where we run into issues
with kids running across the street. We're trying to keep everybody in the parking side and then walking across the crosswalks that we'll be building to go to the fields. So, there will be no more parking along that side with the fence. Um the traffic, yes, there. So, we're only adding one more field, but it is an
add-on, but it will what we're trying to do is stop the cars from parking on the side streets. Was it Maple? What are those chests? >> Whatever those streets are in the back. We're trying to stop the parking there and get everybody into the complex itself. Uh, and that way it reduces the
extra parking on the outside. Yes, during some Saturdays there might be more games. If you ever been to a football game down in Carlo when they run their games, they're parking on both sides of the street. It's a little tedious to get through there. It's a short time, couple hours, and then that goes away. But yes, there could be more traffic down there.
>> Um, okay. What else do I got there? Uh, okay Dave. Uh, I I if I remember correctly, but I have to look into this. I think TD Bank no longer wanted the lights in front of their side, but I will look
into that. And Mike, maybe we can check up on that. >> Um, yeah, I I know what you're talking about. We used to have them. We used to alternate them back and forth and um and it just didn't work that way. Um so we we'll look into that. Thank you for the information on the golf outing.
Anybody's interested, we'll gladly join the the golf outings. >> Uhhuh. >> Did I miss somebody? Uh no. Okay. Ow. You hit almost every group. So, uh you know, we all have good things to say for the flood advisory board is one of the in my opinion one of the best boards out
there running around handling floods. There's nobody better than that. Um, same thing with Shade Tree. You know, they're on top of their game. They know what they're doing. And, you know, it and I, this always goes back to what I say about all all our groups. When you have good volunteers who care about the town, you're going to get good results.
You know, I talked to some mayors who can't fill their shade tree boards or their flood boards. They just can't get people interested. We have good people on those boards and it makes a difference. Same thing with like Rotary and and uh all the other boards you mentioned. They're there to work. They're there to do it. Including OEM. you know, we have experienced people
doing what they're supposed to do, which only aids us in how we do things. Uh, you know, the the damn thing is an interesting conversation because now when things are low and the numbers are low, nobody's thinking about it. But soon as that rain starts flowing and there's 8 ines of rain going down,
everybody's running around saying, "Oh my god, oh my god, what's going on?" So, it's good that they're staying on top of those things and and and being prepared. You know, again, being an old man and been doing this, we doing this before we had social media, it was much harder to reach out to the public with those kind
of things. Now, un good and bad, unfortunately, social media helps us get that message out. And it does help us understand, especially for new residents who don't know what they're in for when they when these floods, we let's knock on wood. We've done a lot of work to keep the flooding at bay, but we all
know at some point in the future, flooding is going to happen to our community again. It's just it's not cleared away. it's not going to go away. Um, we've done a great job and I think this council on the shade tree and the flood advisory board have done great jobs at handling that. But for the new residents, they might not know what's coming when when a big flood happens.
So, thank you for all that information. Um, and uh I think that was everybody. Did I miss anybody? No. Okay. Um, >> I have a question. >> Sure. >> The gentleman from Willow Lab said that trees were planted down there. >> Yeah. >> Well, >> who planted the trees
>> on the long along the road? That was just down. >> That's part of the the plant. >> That was part of the willow. >> So downs tree service planted. >> I don't I don't >> That's correct. Yeah. I don't know. >> Correct. That's what happened. >> All the T-ball fields trees are planted in the back too. >> Oh, okay. >> So, you know, when you come in, you had
the fence and they had that space where people parked along the fence coming in. >> I know. I see it was kind of graded out, >> right? So, we moved the fence all the way out and put trees in there so no one can park there anymore. Okay. >> U stopping that cross traffic back and forth. So, I guess we got extra trees that weren't part of the planer because that wasn't
>> No, that's part of the Absolutely. >> Okay. Any other questions? >> Um, yes. On a positive note, uh, you're still young. You mentioned old man twice. I You should You're still a young man. >> I appreciate that comment. Thank you so much. Could you tell my wife? >> Be on a positive note.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, privilege of the floor. Anybody have privilege on the floor? >> Something real quick. I wanted to acknowledge and thank uh, Council President Kent for running the meeting last time. >> Oh, yes. Thank you. a good job on that. >> Good. Good to see that. >> I I got everybody confused down that end. That's for sure.
>> No idea. >> Well, people don't realize they don't hear well. It's hard. >> It's very You have a very hard job there. >> Okay. Uh Pers, >> I just have one thing I want to mention to the um our attorney uh 5-20.3. There
is an exception section in the ordinance that you gave us and it does talk about religious prostilitizing. Uh, and it's covered under administrative code. So, I don't know if we've already addressed that or not. >> There it it's it's a more indepth analysis than that. I saw I saw the
exceptions in it. >> Okay. Um, but uh if you recall when we first discussed this, I ended up having some concerns about the town the the times >> and uh I know that my associate was looking at this from a commercial
solicitation issue because that's what the AT&T was the the catalyst. But now that uh that that that refreshed the memory and I just want to make sure >> that they're uh that there isn't an
issue. >> Okay. >> Okay. Uh I'm not sure exactly to what extent I I looked at that. I could tell you why I I I I think that there's still an issue. It's just a a
simple exception. uh when you look at the charitable portion of the code, it has the same language. So the charitable portion of the code is supposed to apply to
religion and then it's saying that this doesn't apply to religion. So it may be sufficiently parsed out and apply to charitable organizations that are not religious. And then I want to take a look at the first amendment cases because there was
a whole line of cases that were watchtower cases. >> Yeah. That came out. Um uh watchtower. I think that is uh I forget what religion that was. >> Um Jehovah Witness.
>> Jehovah's W. Yeah. Jehovah Witness >> which we have in town. So that that did uh there were a number of published decisions on that. So I would like an opportunity just to revisit that issue before I end up giving you the
ordinance. I'll either verify what we discussed uh with respect to the commercial that my attorney confirmed and if something has to be adjusted from there I'll have the information and we'll
we'll clarify. Can I just add to that while you're researching all that just see how a no soliciting list would also pair with religious part of it. So if you're on a no soliciting list, what does that do? >> So we'll add that >> that that seems to me at first blush that you that the cuz that's not the the
municipality that's doing. It's the individual and I think that that's okay. >> Uh but I'll reverify that. >> Okay. Any other questions? >> Not for the attorney but for privilege of the floor. Sure. I would like to read this. Uh, Next Door Pumpton.
>> What's that? >> Next Door Pumpton. That's on the internet. Is a Nextdoor Holdings. I got this from the Trends. Nextdoor Holdings, the neighborhood network with more than 105 million users has released its 2026
rankings of the friendliest cities, spotlighting the New Jersey cities where neighbors are most engaged, supportive, and welcoming with two Pay County towns, Humpton Lakes and Waniku making the top
five in New Jersey. The rankings for the friendliest neighborhoods in New Jersey are based on how New Jersey residents interact with one another on the Next Door platform. The data captures everything from neighbors helping each
other out to how they share resources and build community connections. The top five friendliest cities in New Jersey were Asbury Park number one, Pumpton Lakes was number two,
Chesterfield, three, Beachwood four, and Wanuku was number five. >> So, it's interesting. Like I said, I was at an event last night with these mayors and one of the mayors where the festival was being held was Form Park and he mentioned this study survey. I think he said his was named one of the friendliest towns. Next time I went to
see him, I was saying we were number two, huh? We're number two. >> I didn't know that at time. >> It went on to say, "Rankings like these are a reflection of something that can't be manufactured. The everyday choices neighbors make to show up for each
other," said the U uh official. Um from welcoming post for someone new on the block to sharing recommendations or lending a hand, those small moments add up to something real. Pumpkin Lakes exemplifies
what it looks like when a community genuinely takes care of its own. >> That's good. >> So, I thought that very interesting to read that. >> I'm excited to hear that. So, thank you. >> And as long as we ahead of Wanik, we're doing good. >> Okay. Motion to adjourn into close
session. We do have a close session. So, Councilman Bay, Councilman Cruz, all in favor. >> Thank you. >> Talk substantively on it. We just had this, right? Yeah, you got to vote now. >> Okay. >> You got to add it to the agenda. Then you got to vote. Amen.
>> So, what do you want me to do? >> We need a motion to add this resolution to the agenda. Unless it was added already, was it? >> Was this? We did not put that on. >> All right. Can I have a motion to add resolution 261? Is that 70 or 71? >> I think it's 70. >> 71.
>> 71 >> to the agenda. >> Motion. >> Councilman Santers. >> Second. >> Councilman Bay. All in favor? >> I against. And now we were voting on this, right? >> Mhm. >> All right. Now, an authorization and I should read the resolution or >> Yeah, the title.
>> Yeah. Okay. Settlement agreement between Timothy Duffy and the Burough Fountain Lakes. Resolution 26-171. Can I have a motion? >> Motion. >> Councilman Cruz. >> Second. >> Councilman Hinton. Roll call, please. Are you you got this, Liz? Right. I
don't need to mark it. >> Councilman Cruz. >> Yes. >> Councilman Hint. >> Yes. >> Council President. Yes. >> Councilman Sant. >> Yes. >> Councilman Don. >> Yes. >> Councilman B. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Motion to adjourn. >> So in close session discussed. >> Oh, I'm sorry. You're right. In close in close session, we discuss personnel uh and uh >> litigation. >> Litigation. >> Uh motion to adjurnn. >> So move. >> Councilman Bennon. Councilman Cruz. All
in favor? >> Okay. Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> See you. Good.