Watch how that work. That capital gains will kill you. I'm sure you're aware of it. Thank you. I don't have a job where it is. That's good. The Burrow Pont Lake may counsel a municipal corporation in the county to say the
meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 23rd, 2025 in the municipal building, 25 London Avenue, Pontson Lake, consistent with the open public meetings act. Meeting will be open for public comments and shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the burough's municipal code and body. Please stand
for the flag section to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Please bless this fair and council as we
deliberate on the best of pompus. [Music] In conformance with the open public meeting, 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 Spurban Trends. Roll call, please. Here, excused. Councilman Cruz here. Councilman Hinton
here. Councilwoman Kent here. Councilwoman Hiller here. Councilman Bennett here. With us this evening is our federal attorney David Rubber and our veteran administrator Michael. Okay. Thank you. Before we get to our Arbor Day essay contest, I just want to give
an update. We had some larger events happen over the weekend. We had a pretty large fire at the Golden Palace Chinese restaurant downtown along with nail salon gold. I'm sorry. Uh I have to thank all the volunteers that come in. This is why our volunteer fire department is so important. They were
called to action. They came in, they got the fire out pretty quickly and there were no injuries involved. So, you know, when you think about a volunteer of any group, it's important that they show up and guys do. So, I have to thank all the groups involved. And the second one that I'm going to talk about was a we had a
12-year-old uh girl who kind of left home and was in the woods by herself overnight. Um, it was a harrowing night that went past and I have to thank the search, the police, fire, OEM, and the search and rescue teams from all surrounding towns came to help support
us. There was probably 50 search and rescue people there searching for her over the night. And thank God she was found healthy and she was found um in the morning about 10:00 and and things went on. But again, without all those volunteers helping us do that, who knows what could have happened there. So,
whenever you see any of our volunteers, please give them a round of applause and thank them for for everything they do. Okay, with that, I'd like to call up our shade tree commissioners and uh our arbor essay contest winners. Whoever wants to talk there so we can hear it. Sure.
Should it stay that way? You could turn You can turn it if you want it the other way. I don't care. At least like that. It's all right. Just watch the wire on the uh the microphone microphone. Hey, there you go.
[Music] Okay. Hi everybody. I apologize for the length of this speech, but it's difficult to graciously thank a phenomenal group of volunteers without doing
this. Thank you for joining us this evening. My name is Anne Passinelli and I am the chairperson of the Pumpkin Lake Shaing Commission. We are here tonight to commemorate Arbor Day. This is the PLSTC's 9inth annual Arbor Day contest.
The fifth graders have been asked to write a letter to their favorite trade. The commission then reads each of these essays and chooses one winner from each of the two fifth grade classes. These winners will receive the opportunity to
read their essay tonight and will then receive a special gift from the shade tree commission and a certificate from both Sha Tree Commission and town council. So with that said, I have some people to thank and bring notice to
before we move on. First, I would like to thank our mayor and council for allowing the opportunity to hold this event here in the council chambers. Thank you. A special thank you also to Liz Brandness, Kathy Trost, and Barbara
Sashawn for their support and hard work when resident when residents come into the municipal building with their concerns. Also, thanks to our burrow administrator, Michael, for his support and
assistance onto the public onto the Pumpkin Lake Shade Tree Commission. members. First, I would like to thank co-chair Pete Ortieri who has taken on Ranual Hinton's position and Pete worked hand in hand with Ranual who is now
serving our town in a higher position as councilman. Pete spends many hours throughout the town surveying trees and determining their safety or their need for pruning or removal. He has become the new shade tree steward. Stand up,
Pete. Come on. He offers a world of knowledge about trees. Pete will be putting up our 17th year tree city sign at the entrances into town. 17. Pete is also our county
liaison, our treasurer, and our liaison to JCPNL and Verizon. He is the first to be called on to investigate a complaint or a concern from a resident about a burrow tree. Mattaline
Denty, our secretary and an absolute asset to our commission as well. She has organized all of the tree plantings throughout the town which keeps our streets treelined and looking fantastic. She's also
organized this for eight years now, the Arbor Day event, and does so with great pleasure and expertise. Matteline also organizes National Night Out to help keep Pumpton Lake Shade Tree Commission in the forefront of the residents and
visitors to the event. Matteline also replies back to concerns and requests from the residents. Thank you, Maline. Our commissioner, Alexa Reeves, who is not with us tonight. She had another engagement, has proven to be an
amazing asset to our commission. Alexa is the liaison to the flood board and continues to attend webinars and in-person classes for education and the much needed CEUs which are necessary to
keep our Tree City USA accreditation. She brings to us all of the knowledge she acquires from these classes. Andy Dixon, another asset. He also could not be here tonight. He's at his daughter's lacrosse game. He's our
liaison to open space commission. He regularly does field checks in response to applications received from the residents along with keeping a tab on hazardous trees and prunings as he sees them. Andy is
wellversed in tree species and tree care. Our newest addition to our commission is Kayn O' Conor. Kayn also well-versed in tree identification and she now has taken the position which Maline Denty had done so
well. CA Kayn is mainly handling the task of our spring and fall planting list contacting the nursery to order the trees. She does field checks as well. Kayn also goes out to check on tree
complaints either along with or not with Pete and reports back to the commission on her findings. Also very knowledgeable in tree identification. We have a great group of very
well-educated folks. Folks, is that a good word? I'd also like to thank our councilwoman Maria Ken who was a past member of Sha Tree Commission and had been a part of many accomplishments. She is now offering her
expertise and support to us as liaison to the council administrator. Oh, I'm sorry. Support to us as liaison to the council administrator and attorney. This is her second year. Maria brings critical
shaitree concerns and opinions to council on our behalf. She provides mayor and council with updates and information on enhancing and maintaining our community forest programs. Thank you,
Maria. Dan Ror, our Dan Ror, our DPW superintendent, and Tim Ducky, our assistant superintendent. I got that right. Yeah. Help out in any way they can. And when we ask something of one or both of
them, they're always there to help out. So, as you see from this long reading, Pumpkin Lake Sha Try Commission is an extremely complex volunteer commission and requires many of us in order to remain on task in keeping our
town full of beautiful and healthy trees. This year we received our 17th year award for following and performing all of the criteria to be considered for Shade Tree USA. Our plaque is displayed
in the hallway of the municipal building. That ends my long- winded speech. I apologize for that, but I thank you for joining us and let us move on to the fifth grade essays. Now, I see only one fifth grader
here. Or am I missing someone? And you are? Juliana. You're Juliana. Okay. Did you bring your essay? Okay. Cuz I took a copy just in case. All right. Well, I think we can call her up so you can come on
[Music] up. Okay. So, I want to start off to I want to start off to thank um uh the mayor and the council people and Miss
Bridget. Um I'm going to start now. Dear tree, I want to thank you so much for all that you do for us. You are the best thing that we can ask for. You provide us with shade from the sun and protect us from the rain. What would we do if
you were not here to give us the pretty sight of watching the leaves change color changed all colors? You give us paper, wood, and homes for some animals.
You and more food like fruits, nuts, and seeds. You come in all sizes. You could be short or tall, skinny or fat. We have a day to celebrate you and your inconsistency which is called Arbor Day.
Arbor Day is a day to celebrate you and to encourage people to plant trees. Did you know that trees were not celebrated until 13 years ago? Did you also know that trees that the United States has
865 different types of trees, but there are 73,000 different types of trees worldwide? You're amazing to look at. In the fall, your leaves change all different color types of colors before
all your leaves fall off. In the spring, you start making buds for new leaves to grow. And in the summer, your leaves grow big and green. You draw your energy from the sun, and your nutrients comes
from your soil. Your big leaves provide protect a ton of shade from the hot sun during the summer which I thank you for. You are also very important because you
provide us with oxygen we breathe by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. You are very important to me and I feel connected with you because I see you are so big and when I climb on you
it shows how big the world is. Your safety and my and peace of mind are my priorities. Great job. It's not easy to get up there to speak. I don't even Okay. So, congratulations.
Yeah. We also have a certificate from the Baron Council for your great job and your great speech. So, keep it up. Good work. Yeah. Take a picture of Carol and then we'll complete a shot. Isn't that nice? [Laughter]
Take another picture of your face. Wait for me. Go [Music] ahead. Got it. break and read the other winners. I'm going to read the other winner's letter.
I can say her name. Zoe Rivera. She's in Miss Martini's class in Lennox Elementary School. She says, "Dear backyard cherry blossom. Thank you for being the tree I always read under and climb up. Your
shade during the summer is delightful, and I always take photographs of your stunning pink leaves. My brother and I always climb up your trunk, and we love to sit up in your branches. Sometimes when I'm alone, I read under your shade
with your leaves falling around me and the sound of birds chirping. It's very peaceful, unless my brother comes outside. and you've watched my brother and I swing on our swing set, run around
playing tag, swim in our pool, and just sit in the grass or in your shade. All the memories we have had together are priceless, and I have enjoyed every second. Again, your leaves are stunning, and you are my absolute favorite tree.
Thank you for all of the great memories. Others should be grateful for trees because they are beneficial to the environment. They should be grateful for trees for several more reasons. One of those reasons is that the trees absorb
carbon monoxide and release oxygen, improving air quality. Another reason trees are important to the environment is because they prevent soil erosion. The roots of the trees help reduce the chance of floods and anchor the soil. A
final reason why trees are important is because they provide habitats for several animals and plants contributed contributing to the biodiversity and helping
ecosystems. Your friends Zoe Rivera and I just want to add that the Shade Tree Commission has always done an outstanding job in this town for the last 15 years. Um, and you know, Mr. Hinton was big, Councilman Hinton was a big part of that for many years, but you've gone on strong since losing one
of your members. Uh, you know, you're just another one of the examples of the groups we have in town who go well above and beyond for something they love. So, thank you all for doing what you do. Thank you, madam. Okay, let's uh move on. Okay. You want to give her the Yeah.
Yeah. We're going to bring it to Sure. to school for her. You guys could stay the whole meeting or now's the time to get out. Okay, public hearing on our 2025 municipal budget. Congratulations. See you guys. Thank you. Uh we have our CFO here who's going to give us an opening
statement. Well, I would just like to say we thank you to everybody to help the process move as fast as it possibly could, at least for a municipal budget. Uh this is uh kind of my first budget. So uh don't kill me right away. You know
that's what I'm hoping for and um yeah just looking forward to the rest of the year really. And we thank you for stepping in and taking on this is you know for people don't understand CFO is a pretty important job in town and they handle all the numbers of everything behind the scenes with our administrator. It takes a lot of time and energy to put it all together at the
end of the year for our budget. So it's an important part of what we do but it's a quiet part that most people don't see and hear about. So, thank you for the time and effort. Um, miss whenever you're ready. You want to read that 251628 resolved by the Burough Council B. link to the county to say that the
budget here in set forth is hereby adopted and should constitute an appropriation for the purpose stated of the sums therein set forth as appropriations and authorization of the amount of 11 million 598,482 for municipal purposes and
117,958 for open space recreation farmland historic preservation trust fund levy 640 3,822 minimum library tax. Okay. I should mention that the open space and the min the library tax the library tax
is a state tax set by the state. Um so that's a mandatory tax and the open space is a number that we put aside for open space every year that comes out of our budget. The rest is our working budget. Motion to open the meeting for public comments on ordinance 2025 municipal budget. Motion. Councilman
Hinton. Second. Councilwoman Kent. All in favor? Against? Anyone like to address just this ordinance? Yes. Good evening, George Pov, 11:04 KFax Avenue. I'm just here this evening
to keep at the forefront the progress on repairing the So, this is just about this last ordinance we read. I'm going to open up for public comment a minute. Sorry. Who was it? just about the the budget we're talking about. Oh, my apologies. Yeah, I'll call you right back up in a minute. Okay. Motion to
close the meeting for public comments on ordinance 2025. Motion. Councilman Hinton. Councilman Bennon. All in favor? Against. Motion to adopt 2025 municipal budget for second reading and final adoption. Motion Bennon. Councilwoman Kilberg. Roll call, please. I'm sorry.
Kilberg. Kilberg. Yes. Councilman Hinton. Oh. Uh, yes. Councilwoman Ken, yes. Councilwoman Kilder, yes. Councilman Bennon, yes. Councilman Cruz,
yes. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, now motion to open the meeting for public comments. Motion. Councilman Bennett. Second. Councilman Cruz. All in favor? Against. Now, anybody who'd like to step step up from the beginning? Sure.
Good evening. My name is George Po, 11:04 Kfax Avenue. I'm here today to request the ongoing progress I hope in correcting and fixing the storm drain pipe at 11:02 KFax Avenue and the damage
that's done. Just don't want that to fall by the wayside. And I know you guys are all busy, but it's still very important because it's doing a lot of very critical damage. Thank you. Well, thank you. Anyone else from the public like to
address the book? And Tassinelli, 5 Lambert Street. Short and sweet. I'm just following up on the request to have um observance from a police officer or more than one on Wanq
Avenue for the speeding everything, buses, trucks, cars. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else from the public gardener Summit, 147 Summit Avenue, Compton Lakes, New Jersey. So, last time I was here, I asked about
parking overnight on the street by commercial vehicles. Last week, I drove around about 6:30 or so on a weekday night, and I counted at least 15 commercial vehicles parked on the streets of Pmpton Lakes. The most egregious one, the one I see all the
time, is at 525 Lincoln Avenue. It's the Bezy Brothers um uh garage door company, and they are always parked on on Lincoln Avenue overnight and on the weekends. If somebody had a billboard, the way this
truck is painted, like a billboard, sitting in front of your house or on a residential street, people would go nuts. But still, we have this car and others parked on the street as billboards clogging up the streets. And I don't know if anything's been done.
Has there been any since in in the last two weeks, has anybody gone out at night from the police department and seen the commercial vehicles parked on the streets and given any tickets? All right. And the other thing I'd like to bring up is that I sit through a bunch of these meetings and the worst thing I
can see here is that the interminable reporting of activities of each of the council members attending the same event. Can you somehow figure out how to just have one person report on an event to keep it the meetings a little shorter
and so people don't lose their attention? Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else from the public like to address? Seeing no one can have a motion to close the public session. Motion. Who is that? Councilman Cruz, Councilman Oh, Councilman Hinton. Uh Councilman
Bennett. All in favor? I against I know we're working on it. We have not forgotten about it. I I have almost weekly discussions with our administrator about it, but I'll let Michael jump in if you have anything you want to say. Thank you, mayor. Uh we have a site visit scheduled with our burough engineer for tomorrow uh
morning. Uh the resident has been notified. Um we're developing final cost estimates and then negotiations will ensue and we're hoping we can, you know, finally begin the construction and repair of the property. Um so we'll keep everyone updated. And I and I've got to
say in Mr. pop off defense. You know, this has been an ongoing thing for many years, but I will say this administration is making the most movement we've ever made on this. So, you got to give them a little slack, give them a little room to work. We're going to get this done. We're going to get it fixed, and hopefully everybody's happy with it. Tomorrow, okay. Um, Miss
Testell, yes, we spoke to the police department about uh U-turns and traffic on on the street. Um, again, I can't I don't speak for the police department on how they policed the matters, but they were made aware by myself, by I think Councilwoman Kilberg, and by our administrator. All three of us contacted
them to let them know. And and I agree with you. I've seen U-turns in the middle of the street. I mean, now granted, we don't they have to see that happen. They have to be there when it happens. Um, but if they're driving down the street and they see something, they should at least pull them over to warn them, resident or not, and say, "You're doing something wrong." So, they were
made aware of it. Um, Mr. Senate, uh, 525 Lincoln Avenue. We will look into that. Is it a commercial vehicle? I don't know. I can't speak for the vehicle itself. Um, and again, I can't speak for what the police department does and how they ticket it. Uh, but at the end of the day, again, myself, the
administrator, and Councilwoman, um, Tilberg have spoken to the chief and assistant and, um, captain about what you mentioned about parking on the street. So, that was brought up to their attention. We can bring it up again, but we do not run the police department. Let's get that in get everybody's mind.
They're their own department. They run their own department on how they do things. It's actually against the law for us to tell them to write more tickets or to go after someone. We can't do those things, but we will remind them. Again, I am not going to stop any council person from giving a report on what they feel is important to them. If
everybody here attended the same event, taking another minute to say that doesn't really affect anyone. And in the grand scheme of a big meeting, another 5 minutes is not making a difference. If these council people up here put the time and energy to go to these events, they deserve to talk about them. So that's what I have to say about that.
Okay. Bills and claims. Oh, I'm sorry. Motion to approve the following minutes. Regular meeting minutes, April 9th, 2025. Close session minutes April 9th, 2025. Can I have a motion? Motion. Second. Councilman Venon. Councilman Cruz. All in favor? I.
against uh authorizing of bills and wires in the amount of $48,54 and change. Motion to approve the following bill list as listed below. Motion council. Councilwoman Kilberg. All in favor? I against uh consent
agenda. Does anybody need anything explained or removed? Yes. I would like uh 25172 move. Okay. Anything else? Okay, Liz.
Whereas the mayor and burough council, the burrow of Compton Lakes has reviewed consent agenda consisting of their proposed resolutions. Whereas the mayor and council b the burrow of Compton Lakes does desire to remove resolutions for individual action from that agenda. Now
therefore, be it resolved that the following resolutions on the consent agenda are hereby approved. Resolution 251-164 through 25-1 17517. Can I have a motion? Motion. Second.
Councilwoman, who's that? Kent. Councilwoman Kilbert. All in favor? Against? 25172. resolution observing building safety month 2025. Question or just one explanation? Um, no. I understand that
it's uh obser it's observing building safety month and I understand exactly what the resolution is. It's that I had brought up previously and all due respect to our building inspector, I had asked for a railing down the middle of
those stairs in front of the municipal building. and being we're talking about building safety, it's an issue that I would still push. All due respect to our building inspector, but I still feel talking to a lot of residents, I've witnessed almost fall
down those stairs. I think for safety purposes, I talked to our administrator about it. It's not set right now for our budget this year, but I just wanted to bring that out that if we can take care of that, it's not a big expense and it's
a safety on those front steps in front of our municipal building. Okay. And and I agree. I mean it the building I did speak to S about it and he did recommend that we did need it by code, but if we feel it's a safety issue, that's something we can say and I feel it's a safety. So that's something we could talk about when we have budgetary time
to put it in. But uh let's vote on 25172 a resolution. Okay, please. You want a roll call? Yeah. Roll call, please. Well, who's going to make the motion? I'll make a motion. Oh, Councilman Bunn Councilwoman Kilberg. Roll call, please.
Councilman, yes. Counciloman Ken, yes. Council, yes. Council, yes. Council. Yes. Okay. Uh, ordinances whenever you're ready.
[Music] Ordinance 2517, second reading and final adoption. May 14th bond orders appropriating 933,500 authorizing the issuance of 886,825 bonds and notes for the burrow
for various conclusions for purposes authorized to be undertaken by the burough conflict in the county. Motion to approve ordinance 25-17 for introduction. So moved. Second. Councilwoman Kilberg, Councilman Cruz. Roll call, please. Could I have a
question on Sure. I just had a question on uh it says in 2024 improvements to pornic ramapo and wanq rivers 2026 same thing same thing
in 2027 and 2028 what kind of improvements to the rivers I think that's a river cleanup is that what that is yes our cleanup that what you're referring to is just a six-year forecast for the capital plan and that's required uh it's not anything that's set in
stone. Usually we look at a forecast of five to six years out and then we kind of make recommendations each year and that's what kind of formalizes our capital plan. We've always had ongoing funding to support our river work. Okay. So that's right. It was just the wording
improvements to the quantic. Yeah. River clearing, stream cleaning, tree removals. Also there was um um garbage truck replacement and then it said automated garbage truck. What is the difference in that? So so each year
each department submits a forecast for their capital plan. So in this case the superintendent of public works is has forecasted that we will need to replace a garbage truck uh one year and then he is looking into what's called the automated arm system although we don't
really know that it's costefficient for us. um and whether or not it would provide an increased level of service to the residents. Um but that's something we're looking at and stuff we look at we put in our capital plan just to keep it okay on track. So each department has
kind of a wish list kind of right I understand that it was just the the writing of automated garbage truck and you just answer my question so thank you. Okay. Roll call please. I do we have motions? Do we have motions? Yes. Yes. Move a second.
Councilman Uh, Hinton. Yes. Council Mcken, yes. Council, yes. Councilman Benning, yes. Council, yes. Ordinance 2518. An ordinance amended chapter 10
animal control general or motion to approve ordinance 25-18 for introduction. Motion. Councilman Denon. Second. Councilwoman Kent, um you want to give a little explanation or you want to do it next time? No. Uh
thank you, Mayor. Uh so this ordinance is to amend chapter 10 of the animal control uh code in our in our burough code. Uh specifically, last year the governing body had amended the code to to clarify that the dog and cat licenses
expire on March 14th every year. And that was due to some internal clerical procedures trying to increase services to residents, making sure we get licenses back in a timely manner. Uh but we've came to realize since in speaking with our animal control officer and our
health officer that the license has to expire on the 31st of of December. And so we're reverting back to what we had uh prior. Um and that's due to state statute, but but not entirely, right? because they don't they're not subject to a
penalty until later. So, this still reduces the log jam here at the municipal building. Correct. It further clarifies that the expir the uh late fee rather is March 15, not the expiration of the license. Right. Thank you. Okay.
Sure. Um 10-2.3 number five just an explanation on potentially dangerous dogs as here after defined $500. How do you determine
what dog is potentially dangerous? Thank you. I I believe this actually came up last time when we were talking about I might have asked this question at the podium. Yes. in that uh the animal control officer at his or her discretion can deem a dog potentially dangerous and
therefore charge an increased fee and the criteria for that really is up to the officer. Um but you know you're talking about a bite that led to a severe injury or death to another dog. Uh things like that and it would come from her herself. Nobody else but her.
So this is a previous incident which would deem this dog potentially danger. Correct. And we don't have any of those cases right now. Thank you. Okay. Roll call, please. Yes.
Council. Yes. Council. Yes. Councilman. Yes. Councilman. Yes. Okay. I just saw the mayor of Oakland walk in, but he walked out. Um I think if you don't mind, guys, cuz he was here to discuss something uh that we're going to jump to workshop and then we'll come
back to our reports. That's okay with everybody. here. Yeah. Okay. All right. So, we're going to talk about and the personnel uh group met the finance metal talk about waste collection and and a sheriff's service. Um and I'm going to let Michael jump into that. Thank you,
Mayor. Uh yes. So, as part of our annual budget process, you know, with all the state increases and and increases in fees and salaries and what have you, we're really trying to look for ways to bring in revenue to the burrow. Um, so
the the DPW superintendent and I have gotten together over the past few months to talk about ways to increase revenue. And one of the ways that we were talking about was to provide other services to other communities. Um and we've since realized that we're kind of an exception
in that we pick up our own solid waste. Many many communities in North Jersey um contract out and go out to bid for those services and some communities have faced you know 150% increase over the past 10
years. Um so we've kind of been shopping around. Initially, we had looked at the burrow of Riverdale uh to see if they would be interested in in some sort of shared service agreement. The economics did not work for Riverdale. They have too low of costs and we have too high of
costs to implement the service for them. So, we've been looking around for other partners and we came across the bow of Oakland in Bergen County. Um, who coincidentally their contract for solid waste, recycling, and vegetative waste collection services is up at the end of
this year. Um, so we kind of commenced negotiations with Oakland um, logistically to see if we can make it work with them. Um, we've had several meetings. I provided a financial analysis in your packets for tonight. So
just going through it a little bit. Um in order for us to provide the service to Oakland, we would need to hire nine new additional staff members uh to be burrow employees to facilitate that service to them. They would be Pompton, right? They would be burdened Lakes
employees. Um the net cost to that would be almost $400,000 total to bring on the additional employees. Um, there would also be fuel maintenance, a fuel and maintenance cost. There's fringe benefits. There's pension costs. So, all
in all, we looked at the financials. We looked at what Oakland was paying for for solid waste collection. And just to get into it, this year, Oakland is paying 1.7 million for solid waste. Um, if you kind of look at a 2% increase
with with bidding, uh, they could probably go up to 1.9 million in costs. although as the industry has seen, you know, you're you're receiving bids 50% higher than your prior bid. Um, so really Oakland has a significant issue
with cost if they were to go out to bid again. So we kind of looked at their cost. We looked at what it would cost us and we came to the number that, you know, it would cost us roughly a million dollars to provide the service to Oakland. Um so within the financial
analysis you'll see that you know for Oakland in a year one scenario if we were to enter into a shared service uh they would be saving almost $800,000 on their budget. Um as part of this agreement we're able to charge an
admin fee. Um so we would see an admin fee of 100 $133,000. That'd be net revenue to the burrow and that increases to 180,000 in year five of the proposed agreement. So over the course of the agreement, we
would be making just short of a million dollars re net revenue. Um we'd also get nine new employees paid for in full by the fee. And it's important to note that these employees once they're done collecting garbage, usually it's around
noon, 1:00 on a late day, you know, there are employees for the rest of the day. Um, so we're looking to designate them to a roads division or put them in the parks or cleaning up our downtown. Um, additional activities that we cannot sustain right now with our level of
staff. Um, also talking with Oakland, you know, we kind of went through schedules. We don't want to lose service for our residents. That's our number one priority. Um, and really this would be a separate crew that would go to Oakland.
Uh, we wouldn't be losing crew members that would be going to Oakland for the service. It would be extra people. Um, and then, you know, additionally, we talked to Oakland. they would be losing collection days with going with us. So, they're really
they're um they're compromising to come to us to save the type of money that that they're looking to save. For instance, there's certain holidays that our employees have that that their staff does not have. So, they would actually lose collection days because we have
more holidays than them. They're willing to accommodate that. Um we had talked about maybe the use of our recycling center for Oakland residents. Um it may seem, you know, a little bit much, but we don't really foresee that type of amount of people using the center. Um
and we can certainly monitor that on a case-by case basis. Um but that kind of was discussed as well. And we are recommending that we include that in the agreement. Um and like I said, all in all, it would be Oh, you know what? Just to go back,
uh, excuse me, we would need to purchase two additional garbage trucks to implement the service. Those costs would be paid for in full by the by the fee of the service. And also, Oakland has 33 dumpsters that their current hauler
collects from their schools, from their parks, from their municipal facilities. We would have to um purchase 33 dumpsters. we would own the dumpsters and and that cost is also built into the financial uh agreement. And let me just
add that I think you forgot to mention that our our DVDW supervisor was the one behind this plan to begin with. He he he really supports this plan. He thinks it's a good idea for both towns. He thinks his manpower can do it. He thinks the extra manpower for us is a benefit.
The extra trucks for us will be a benefit. And you know, our long-term goal is to get a new DPW garage down there, right? So, we can use some of this money that we offset from that we're collecting, put it aside to put towards the new DPW garage because we all know we're going to need a new DPW
garage at some point. Okay. So, I I you know, I just want everybody to understand that and I and I know the mayor's here. He'll get up and support this, too. Both sides are pretty much in agreement that this is a good plan for them. And when my DPW supervisor says we can do this, I got to believe that
sometimes. But go ahead, Mr. Thank you. Um, yeah, I think our our our DPW staff are excited about this opportunity. Um, and like I said, you're looking at just short of a million dollars revenue, nine new additional employees, all costs paid
for by the shared service fee. Um, and logistically, we believe that it would work. And I would just like to note, you know, Oakland had looked at this with other communities. They actually had gotten a grant from the state of New Jersey to to see if there was any shared service opportunities with any other
municipalities and they had conducted a a study with Franklin Lakes and White and it's really difficult to make this work. This is a very complex and complicated agreement. Um, and you know, it's it's very it's an exception that it
it works and we're very lucky that everything seems to sync up for this. Um, and we would recommend the adoption of this and we would recommend a shared service agreement uh on for adoption at the next meeting. We're here for any questions or concerns. Before we get there, I just want to add one more
thing. I don't know. I'm sure everybody's aware, especially in Bergen County, a lot of them gave up their independent garbage and went to private haulers, which for the first two years was great. They were making good money on it, but then they kind of got rid of all their equipment. They start getting rid of guys through attrition, and before you know it, they're stuck with
not enough equipment and manpower to do the work. and the and the haulers know that and they start increasing the prices. So a million dollars you were paying for the first three years becomes three million three years later and either you're paying that or you try to go back to where you were which is very difficult. So I think that's where kind
of Oakland is now. We're one of the few I won't say one of the few towns we got a great DPW. They pick up our garbage. They do a great job. So that's where he is. We'll take questions. Those concerns questions bring them up now is a good time. Are they nine full-time employees? All full-time. Yes. They would be nine full-time employees. Okay. Would we have
to go out to bond for for the trucks and for the initial trucks and dumpsters? Yes, we would. Uh we're looking at leasing versus purchasing outright, but those costs would be recouped as part of the fee over time. Okay. Um but year one, you're looking at a net revenue of
130 for for this agreement. What's the contract length? Uh it it's proposed for 5 years. They're looking for a sustainable partner. Okay. But I thought you said we would own the containers, not lease them. That's a choice. We we had looked if it would be
costefficient to lease them, but it's trending towards purchasing at this point and that's what's included in your financial analysis for tonight. Um so we are looking I would say in all likelihood we will be purchasing outright. And for anybody that's been through a flood here in Pompton, you know, Maria can speak to this. When we
have floods, we have to go rent out all these containers to pick up all the debris from the streets. And there's a big cost in renting those containers. Now that we have our own containers, that would be something unfortunately if another flood was to happen that we could use these containers for uh because and finding those containers
during a flood event is sometimes difficult because every town's looking for these containers. So if you know, unfortunately, I've been through a couple floods. Basically, we have bulldozers coming in and taking all the stuff and dropping them in containers and then we're taking them to the dump. And if we don't have containers, we can't do that. So we can have storage
facilities for these containers. We have talked about logistically if if we can well containers the the dumpsters would be housed at the facilities in Oakland and would stay there, right? Uh so we don't have to store any dumpsters, but we would have to store the two garbage
trucks and the additional staff uh vehicles, equipment, and and what have you, but our superintendent believes he can make it work. Um through the years that I've been observing since I've been retired and working with the DPW,
um a lot of DPW workers come and then they go because the salaries aren't as high as competing towns in the area. Is there any way that uh we could be increasing DPW worker salaries? Well, I would there's extra money that were
coming in. I think that's the long-term goal. uh during the last labor negotiations period, you know, they all got a pretty nice increase uh and were made to be competitive with other towns at least. Um but this would aid us in that effort and that would go through contract negotiations. Don't give our
secrets away before contract negotiations. Oh, I would never want to give secrets away from but also we're having issues with uh health care costs and percentage of health care that comes out of the salaries of the workers. Absolutely. And that's why we're looking
at bringing in extra revenue to the burrow. And we believe this is one way to do it. On the healthare, Oakland will be picking up the costs of our healthcare. Not our healthare for those nine individuals. Yes. And that's that's delineated in the spreadsheet that you
have healthare and retirement. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? I'm going to write Eric if you want to come up say a couple words. Good evening everybody. Eric M, mayor of Oakland, Mayor Council. Um, this is a really a wonderful opportunity to really
demonstrate shared services which is pretty hard to find in the state of New Jersey. As Michael had, you know, just spoken about, we had looked at partnering with our flow community, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, and White Wolf. And quite frankly, the the garbage collection business is well, how should we say organized in
a very peculiar way. We have let We have sent letters to the attorney general's office is clearly a problem statewide. Uh it doesn't seem to be something that the state wants to really address. Uh but clearly the work that uh Mike, our bur administrator, your administration, uh this is really and really
demonstrates a wonderful opportunity. We did have this under our work session yesterday. This is very well received by our governing body. Uh, and we certainly look forward to working with you and encourage you to really try and make this thing happen because it it really is a win-win across the board. And our
administrator gave us the same presentation that Michael currently gave to you. And you got very lucky stealing Michael from us. Thank you, sir. Thank Thank you. Any questions for the mayor? Anybody? No. Okay. Thanks. Thank you. So, so I I I will just to follow up on what that he
said. So, you know, this was a a a workable agreement, but we also had the connections in that Michael came from Oakland, so he was able to work with them, and that that worked out well for us in making this deal work. Uh, you know, a lot of the credit goes to Michael and putting this together with our DPW supervisor to make this happen.
Um, you know, this is a kind of a once in a-lifetime situation because everything's aligning at the same time. if if it was a different time and their contract wasn't up for three years and then our our union contract was up in two years, it becomes very difficult to kind of put that all together. So that's why we're in a in a in an area I don't
think you mentioned when it's going to start. Did you mention Right. So this agreement would be for January 1st next year. Uh we're looking to execute a shared service agreement on May 14th at the May 14th council meeting. Uh and then logistically we have some procurement to do that you'll see over
the summer. we have to solicit for the employees um some budgetary impacts uh for this year but uh all in all you know we're looking to have uh route familiarization training uh in December for our staff and then implement it
January 1st and talking to Dan for for our concern these extra employees we will make now full-fledged landscape crews full uh downtown cleaning crews that are responsible for doing these things so it's not like if I can get to And there's time extra garbage. We'll
actually have crews now with the extra manpower to do this on a on a weekly or monthly cycle. I just have a and I think I I think we answered it at the personnel, but I want to just double check. They will not be doing um snow removal. No, no, this is only for
garbage collection. And actually, you bring up a good point that we didn't cover in that if it's snowing, you know, normally Oakland's hauler will let them know if it's too too of inclement weather and usually they cancel and they push to the next day. One of the accommodations that Oakland's making for
us is that usually we go to the next regularly scheduled collection day. They're the next day and they're willing to accommodate us and move it to their next regularly scheduled day. So, you know, it would be up to our discretion working with their DPW to call it off or
see how the inclement weather's going, but no, no plowing as part of this. Okay. And the other thing we should mention, we mentioned the recycling center. I don't see a lot of residents from Oakland, especially the the south side of Oakland coming all the way down here to use it, but there might be some residents that are going to use it. But don't forget, we make money on most of
the things we collect in the recycling center. Uh, so it would increase our bulk bulkage at the recycling center if we were to to do that. And if we needed to bring in another employee because there was just so much, you know, their hourly part-time uh salaries there, it wouldn't be a big deal. But we don't expect huge numbers of people to come
out to to do that. Would we also be doing fall leaf pickup for Oakland like we do in Pton? That's correct. Oakland kind of has the same schedule as us. Uh fall and spring cleanup collections. Uh the only difference is they have grass
collection. I don't believe the burrow here has grass. No, I fought a for grass culture for 20 years. I want it back. So, we'll be collecting their grass as well. Well, then I'm saying we won't be collecting our correct. Wait, wait, wait. Can they pick up here? Wait, this is a big deal to my
husband. Yes, me too. Yeah, you're we're not going to have No. No. Oakland has grass collection. We do not, but obviously that's something in the future we could talk about, but uh Oh, boy. Okay. What we're looking for is just an a discussion. We're not looking for a
vote here, but if anybody has an outstanding concern, now's the time to say that. And if not, Michael's can move forward with the agreement. Okay. All right. Good. Thank you. Thanks. Good job. Yeah. The agreement. Oh, okay. There's a lot to be done yet. Okay. Okay.
Back to our res, I think. So, okay. uh under my report. Like I mentioned before, I I have to thank the fire department, first aid, police, uh CERT, OEM, all groups that come out when we need them. And boy, did we need them in this last two weeks.
They were really needed. And they did a great job. When there's no injuries and a pretty strong fire burning, that's a big plus that tells them they're doing the right thing. You know, when we're looking for a lost child and and and it's very serious that we're concerned. And let me tell you, they found this this child pretty far up in the woods up
by Walmart. So, it wasn't like they were around the corner. Um, they did a great job. The search and rescue that came in to help with that are all volunteers. They came from far away as West Milford and every surrounding town around us. Um, and they were there all night looking for them. So, thank I thank everyone for what they did. I thought
the both exercises were done very well and there was no really any big concerns with it. Thank God everything came out well. I'm hoping, of course, both established would stay in town. The buildings don't look like that this time they need to be torn down, but I can't be 100%. But I'm hoping they're all going to come back into the uh
establishments at some point. Okay. I had um some we like I said, we had some finance meetings, we had some personnel meetings. Uh we I attended the planning board, the zoning board. I did not attend this the first time I missed the Easter egg hunt in 18 years, but I understand it was a
well-run event and others will talk about it. Attended a did a couple weddings. Uh what is this? I can't even read my own writing. um administration. Okay. Yes, we uh we had a meeting today uh with our attorneys uh about our fair share.
Remember, there's a new fair share is out and we've got to come up with a new plan. I think it was a good meeting. I think we are closer than we believed we were before the meeting. Um and I think if we everything works out right, we could maybe go to get try to get a signed agreement, which is a big deal to
to make that happen. You know, it's a very complicated for anybody in the audience fair share is something the state mandates uh for obligations of low-inccome housing. When I say low-inccome, it's not low-inccome like very cheap. It's if rent is 2,000, they want it 1,700. But every house or
apartment that's built has to have a COA obligation. And then we have to find space within our town to do some building. We've identified some places. Doesn't mean it's going to happen, but it has to be identified. So, I thank everybody for that. Uh and uh that's my report. Councilman Hinton, you have a bunch of motions. You can do them
whenever you want. Yes. Thank you, mayor. Uh motion to approve request for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US John Han Tri County Post number 2906 to conduct the annual Memorial Day parade sponsored by
the John Han Tri County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2906 and the Burrow of Pumpton Lakes. On Sunday, May 25th, 2025, parade to assemble at 10:45 a.m. at the intersections of Lakeside and
Jefferson Avenues and the VFW Memorial Services to be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park, Jefferson, and Lakeside Avenues. Parade will then commence its route following the
services and ending at the VFW post 2906 located at 261Qu A where refreshments will be served. The police department will temporarily close the route. Portions of this route include county
roads. Notify police, fire, first aid. Got a second. Second. Councilman. All in favor? I. Against. Okay. Motion to approve the request of Pumpton Lakes Recreation to close Lakeside Avenue from
Roma to Elks and Parent Avenue on Sunday, August 31st, 2025. Rain date, Monday, September 1st from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for Pumpkin
Day. County police, fire, and first aid to be notified. Have a second. Second. Councilwoman Kilberg. All in favor? I I uh motion to wave permit fees for those vendors who hold a burrow food license
and wish to participate in pumped debt. Okay, have a second. Second. Councilwoman Kent. All in favor? Against. Motion to approve the request of Brian Foot and surrounding neighbors to host a block party on Sunset Road on
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Rain date, Sunday, June 15th, 2025. Police, fire, first aid to be notified.
Have a second. Second. Councilwoman Kilberg. All in favor? I against. Okay. Um in my report, Mr. Mayor, um I attended the open space meeting and uh asked them once again whether they'd be interested in coming to the new civic
center and or staying in Riverdale and they reiterated they'd like to stay in Riverdale. You said the open space. I'm I apologize. Yes, you must be a senior. I'm a senior. Yes, I am.
Yes, I am, Mr. Mayor. Um, and uh we had a discussion with u about the motor vehicle van coming for the licenses and hopefully that will work. But right as of right now, it's they're backed up. They are backed up. I
can um I attended the open space meeting. Um in the audience, they seem to be disappointed Karen Murphy about the uh not being able to attend the video meeting. So, um, they were a little disappointed
on the improvements. So, I think Maria will have something to add to that. Um, Bid Bucks is coming May 10th, which we'd like to always enjoy. Um, attended the, uh, Elks Fish and
Chips. Very good. Uh, fish was excellent. Um, I had the MUA meeting. Um they were talking about POS which is a contaminant for the water and uh we're testing for it and they're working on
treatment for it. Um but our levels are only slightly above the federal EPA standards. That's good news. So we're not really that bad at all. So that was good news. Um also, um the MUA is going
to be um um testing fire hydrant on the 28th. Hydrant flushing. It's going to take place April 28th. It's going to be lasting 2 weeks. just so that the residents understand that that's
important information because your water pressure could be a little lower or could be a little brown and then people don't hear us talking and they and uh that's my report for now. Okay, thank you. One thing I forgot to mention in my report and I I know it'll be talked about in open space. I know residents have called me about the docks
that not being put in yet. Unfortunately, our docks had some issues. They're old and we could not reuse them again. Open space uh had a meeting and they kind of can only pay for half the cost of those. So, they did approve the half of the of cost. We're the town will pick up the other cost as
soon as we get them ordered. We hope to have them up and running in the next month and put in. I know they are important in town and a lot of people use them. You just got to give us a little time. Uh hopefully we'll have them up in a month. Uh Council Mcken. Thank you, Mayor. Um, I want to thank
the um the uh Sha Tree Commission and I want to thank all of the contestants that submitted their their poetry on their special tree that they had and there were quite a few um entries. Correct,
Ann. And um we had a I didn't read them uh but the uh the commissioners read them and they they selected them and they were all excellent. Excellent. But there was there was just those two that were just a little bit ahead and it was very nice to have them. The young lady
here, Juliana, I have her here and uh the parents here. Um just just so you know, our Sha Tree Commission um the commissioners don't look for adelation. You know, they do the job. They put their nose to the ground. They and they get the job done. And going to those
meetings at once a month, which I did this month, of course, um they work very very very very hard. they pretty much know every tree in this town that's on the rightway and they'll know if the condition of the tree it's very important to uh to our our homeowners because some some trees are you know are
old and they they have disease or deficiencies and they need to be pruned. Um there's always a way of reaching us and if anybody has any question on that we do have a phone number it's uh and our our our crew are out there and they
are very well educated on that. So I'm very proud to be a liaison. Um that came up in 2006 when we started this open. We actually put people on. I was a council member here and uh we it was a long time coming but I'm very proud to say we're 17 years now with the
um the Tree City USA. We do an amazing job. So thank you very much and very very good and thank you. Um, we're also going to have a contest on the most beautiful Pumpton tree and that information will be coming out in
another week. Uh, one of the girls that that's working on that with me uh got engaged so we've been a little bit busy, but that'll be out there and we're going to be looking at uh people to select beautiful trees or a special tree that they think is very pretty that's on the
public right away. Um, and then we're going to have a little contest on that. So, that'll that'll be that'll be coming out. Um I also attended the open space meeting mayor and yes we um so the the open space committee decided that they were going to do a 5-year program
because there's a lot of different programs a lot of different parks that need different attention and you know it's a lot of money that we were trying to budget and trying to allocate that money in a in a certain way. Um so one of the things that we were going to do
five years ago came up now with and that is to replace that dock because it was so warped and uh rotted that it's not safe. So uh they are only allowed to put 50% capital improvement because it was not a
purchase of open space lands way back when we were doing that. So that is a a 50% contribution. So, we put a 5-year program up to today and uh they were um absolutely fine with that and that was unanimous vote. Um so, we're looking
forward to that. To follow up on that, we had a fishing tournament in April and one of the things that we are looking for is to, you know, try to maintain our parks and our recreation areas and uh about three two years ago, we passed an
ordinance 23 ordinance 2323, but makes people who is going to have any kind of fishing tournament or use of the parks either um town residents or out of town residents, they have to apply apply for a permit. It came to our attention at
the open space meeting that there was a big bass association and and they're very good people. They're very very uh you know do a nice job of cleaning up and after but they did not get a permit. Now the money that we collect for that permit is going to go to maintenance of
our our docks. And since we didn't have one, I was very concerned because the dock that is there now is not really one to tie up a boat. It doesn't have the proper cleats. It's not meant for that. It's really meant just for, you know, for uh just standing and looking out and
sitting and and uh that type of thing. So anyway, mayor um the police chief was notified uh and then the big bass uh association was notified that they are either going to have to come back, get another permit
or pay the fee. And they are also advertised that there's going to be a July bass tournament. And I can assure you they're going to have a permit for that or they won't be able to use our dock. Now, luckily, we'll have a fishing dock with cleats that they could use or
anyone can use, but you have to you you have to get a permit from this town. Contacted me. They did. Okay. So, that that's what has to happen. So, I'm happy to hear that and I'm and I thank the uh police chief for following up with that, which he did. Um, but just so everybody
knows, we're looking, you know, you have to every other town, every other park in in New Jersey who has a a launch for boats collects a launch fee and we are no different anymore. So, if you see that, let you know, you let us know and
uh we're going to have the police out there. So, I want to thank thank everyone for uh cooperating with that and thank you uh Liz for um handling that permit issue. Um the yes just on the boat house. So
for I say a number of years maybe two years we were talking about the boat house and the improvements. One of the things that the recreation commission was looking to do was using when they redid the boat house to make it a little bit bigger to put indoor steps um to put
a a a second floor or a mezzanine. Unfortunately, that can't happen because we are in a flood way and it is floodprone and to do any structural changes to that boat house uh over a
certain amount of money of its value uh is going to just be it's going to be outside our cost availability. We just won't be able to afford it. So, we're just going to improve the boat house in its looks and its appearance. uh is
we're going to make uh two um bathrooms that are uh ADA accessible and it's going to be a very nice change to it. We're going to get rid of the uh the port the portagon that's there. And yes, there was there was an
issue about being involved in a u a meeting, but unfortunately, you know, we can't all make meetings sometimes. And Michael, I want to thank you for letting me know that, you know, we extend the meetings to anybody that you can make it, but sometimes, you know, which is a schedule issue. But I spoke to Karen.
She's fine with it. She's okay. Yeah. Because she was a little upset with that. But and and you know because this is her program, the summer program is very important. It's important to the town. We have like 200 kids that go there. So, it's important that we have that. But we we've made concessions. We're going to give her a a trailer if
she needs if if we Yeah. And she will. She'll need it. And it'll be new cuz right now it's broken and it leaks. So, I think we've made the proper concessions that we needed to make in order to make the summer uh recreation program work and also to make the boat
house a more functional um facility because the bathroom facilities are horrendous. They've been horrendous for years and I'm glad that's going to be changed. So, and it's all done with open spa uh funds that are already been approved. So, it won't cost the, you
know, the bureau any additional monies. It's all done through grants. win-win for everybody. Just wanted to put that out there. Um I last night I attended the flood advisory board, the rain garden workshop. It's a very informative workshop. um are uh and it
has to do with water storage on your property and and you use gardens and you use you know rocks and drainage um and special soils and uh I want to thank the chairwoman uh Lauren Venon uh and the vice chairman Steve Fleman. They did a
lot of work with that. They gave out really nice handouts and uh everybody was very happy to to be a part of that. You know, Channel 7 today, they were just presenting how that's people in New Jersey are using these gardens now to fight flooding. So, it was a big whole big story on it. Yes. Yeah. Because you
know what? All that rain water coming off of your roof goes into your your your roads. You're flooding the roads constantly flooding the roads. I have a ring garden. I didn't know it was called that 20 years ago, but then I was a little bit ahead of the time. So, anyway, but that's okay.
Um but um yeah, so this is this is uh it's it's I want to say up and coming. It's been around a little while, but they've really done a really nice job to present you either with a shade garden or a or a uh a sun garden and whatever works better for your property. So it's
kind of sight specific. And if you have any questions, um the flood board is is the place to reach and I want to thank them for that. Nice. Nice job. I let her know your wife. Yes. Very nice. Okay. Um the the other thing that
I've been working on and I'm happy to say that it is almost done is the the entrance way to the burrow hall. The police display case was ordered. Uh we worked a little bit of money out of the uh the PBA. And so they're going to pay
for a portion of that and then the rest of it will come out of the the budget that we have for the police. And that project should the display case should be in next month. they'll be able to display whatever um beautiful um trophies that they have and uh that'll
be theirs to use and then we'll have a nice uh we'll have really have a nice entrance to the to the uh town. And this week, this past week, the Hersfield Park playground is being installed with uh
with the uh inst and the installers that that are that DPW I think did the mulch, but um the the installation is actually being done by the vendor and that's because they have to take that responsibility on for putting that thing correctly together. God forbid something
happens, they're they're responsible for how that whole thing stays together. It's I think it's going to be gorgeous. I can't wait to see it and uh looking very forward to to that. The DPW is going around to all the different playgrounds and putting in mulch underneath all the swing sets so it's a lot safer for the kids. Um they have to
do that. I just wanted to just say to you, mayor, that I do agree with you. Um, I think it's important that every council person who attends whatever event they have and county committee I mean and their council uh their council
reports are reported. So if we have you know a couple people that went to the same thing and sometimes Lisa and I go sometimes and I we have the same thing you know it's good she has a different perspective sometimes sometimes I miss something and we we we do that. That's our job. That's our job and and I'm I'm
happy to report that and I don't think it's a waste of time and I think it people say we we're not transparent. Yes, we are. So there it's my opinion. All right. Uh Emma, thank you. That's report. That's my report. Thank you. First of all, congratulations to our
council woman on being a grandma for the first time. So congratulations to her. Um and now you get to be as a grandma. I am very excited about that. I just want everyone to know. Um I can't wait to get my hands on
them. Um I attended this month's EPC meeting and this will be the 22nd annual river cleanup. It's going to be held on Sunday, May 4th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. So please come out and help keep your community clean. Um the Easter egg hunt was a huge success. There were
approximately 350 kids in attendance and lots of candy. I'd like to thank the fire department, the police department, the first aid squad. I'd also like to thank all the volunteers, including Nora and Ada, for stuffing 500 Easter eggs that were put out. Last but not least,
an extra special thank you to the Easter Bunny himself. Um, the Pmpton Lakes Explorers had a bingo night at the Pompton Lakes um, Elks. Uh, fun was had by all. I attended a planning board meeting. Um last night's recreation meeting was
cancelled, but they had interviews instead for camp counselors. Um there is one more interview session for May 1st from 6:30 to 8 in the Lincoln school teachers room. Um get fit classes are on Monday and Wednesday nights from 7 to
8:00 p.m. It's $40 for 10 classes or a $5 dropin fee. Pickle ball is Saturdays at Lincoln School from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. April 26th through May 17th. It's $40 for the entire session or $15 drop in fee. Shreddit day is May 3rd
from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or until the truck is full. Bid bucks are being sold Saturday, May 10th from 10:30 to 1:00 p.m. in the Pmpton Lakes parking lot. Summer camp is June 30th through August 1st at Hersville Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The deadline to
register is June 14th. Um, and today, Council President Pydori, Councilman Hinton, and myself went to both grammar schools to teach them about Arbor Day and hand out tree saplings. Um, I'd like to thank both principles and all the teachers, and I loved hearing the kids
name their trees. Um, and we were pretty sad that for the first year there was no John Cena. Um, that only means we're getting old. And, um, I just want to thank, um, the police department, um,
and the fire department, OEM, the sir, and everyone for all they did for the, um, the missing child. And I want to say it was I um have a friend who works in a department that's actually in Essex County um and reached out to me and said
what an amazing department we have. Um she helped I guess with um search and rescue. Yeah, search and rescue. And she said that um she actually specifically named one of our officers um Dana Wick and she said she is an an asset to our
our department. So, I was I did email the the chief and let him know that and I just wanted to tell everyone else. That's good to hear. And that's my report. Thank you. Uh just to follow up on on this this year, if you're signing up your child for camp, there will be no late registration. So, either you get your child in on time or she doesn't or
he doesn't go to camp. We're going to try that. This is the first time we're doing that, so we'll see how that goes. Good luck, Councilman. Thank you, Mayor. Uh I also want to echo my peers. Uh, thanks to our first responders as well as the cert team for their work over the weekend. I also want to congratulate the
Arbor Day winners. Um, thanks to all the contestants for submitting the letters. Giana did a fantastic job speaking in front of all these folks. Um, I remember when she was cuz she went to school with my uh my kids. So, to see her grow up and and do this is is amazing. Uh, thank
you to all involved in getting the budget put together. This is the closest I've been to I' I've been involved in the past, but this is the closest I've I've been uh to to uh having input and direction. And there were a lot of number crunching and a lot of tough decisions need to be made, but we were
able to uh put together something pretty good and and keep our um tax rate low. Uh thanks to a rec commission as uh Councilwoman Kielberg mentioned the uh Easter egg hunt was attended by a lot of kids despite the uh the date change
because of the rain and um and there's my report actually. Okay. Thank you. Uh Councilman Cruz. Thank you, Mayor. I have a brief report. Excuse me. Second. Um I attended the board of
adjustments meeting last night with a very short meeting and one application BOA25-06. Uh the applicant came before the board to obtain a used variance for a tenant uh Monet MCF mechanical for a new plumbing business as well as a
plumbing shop. Um the variance was explained by the planner there providing guidance to the board. Um and it was approved shortly after. Um, the only other thing that I have to say is the board of education is going to be having the final vote on their budget on May 6. That's a conference meeting. Um, they're
going to be sharing as much as possible on social media. They do not have a very big presence. So, I recommend if you're curious as to why the tax rate is going to be at 3 and a half if that's going to be the agreed upon number. I suggest you attend the meeting so you can hear the reasons behind that and not wait after
the fact. Um, yes, you can't talk. It's at 7. Huh? at 7:00 p.m. 7. Oh, they moved it up. Starting early. Starting early. 7 p.m. at uh uh at the high school. Okay. Um is it media center?
Media center. Okay. So, yes. So, you start obviously it's going to be uh starting at 7 um at the media center to accommodate a larger crowd. If one does show up, please attend. Do not wait till after the fact to voice your concerns or complain that you did not know. this is
the opportunity for you to find out the reasons why um they have to increase the rate for this year and possibly next. That'll do it for my report. And just to follow up that and that's good information, Councilman Cruz, I just want to remind the public at home the school budget is responsible for the biggest part of your tax dollars almost
60% is uh through the school we're about 21% and the county is about 19%. So when when you look at all those numbers um you know just you got to understand where they're coming. We have an excellent school system. We have an excellent programs run there. I would put it against any any in the area, but
you know, a cost is involved with that when it comes. So, I agree if you're interested in how your money spent, you should uh go to those meetings. Okay. Uh professional report. Uh nothing this evening, Mayor. Minister's report. Thank you, Mayor. Uh please be advised that the Doors Highway improvements
project which consists of the resurfacing of Doors Highway from Riverdale Boulevard to to River Edge Drive uh the schedule has been amended and will begin on or about Tuesday May 27th. Um the first three weeks will
consist of storm water drainage and concrete work and the milling paving will occur during the month of June. Uh so again the schedule has been amended. We've we've made we have uh posted on the burough website and on social media. Is there any signs up? I'm getting calls from residents who see them marking out
all the the utilities. Is there a sign up somewhere on DS? We're getting out the message board by tomorrow. Good. That's good. It's already out section. Thank you. Uh please note that I'm working with Tilcon on a potential donation andor discounted
pricing. We're looking to replace the Hersfield Park basketball court. Uh if you recall, we had some uh grant funding from the former uh Pmpton Lakes PL program uh that was initially going to be used for a crack seal of the court,
but I'm trying to see if we can replace it at that cost uh with Tilcon. Uh so that's forthcoming this year. Uh today I had a walk through on Albany and Water Vallet AB with our Bur engineer. Uh we're preparing the final design and bid specs for the project um which is funded
by a DOT grant. We're hoping to go out to bid this summer and resurface this fall. Um again, I'm working with the engineer on this year's municipal aid applications. We're looking at phase two for Albany a which would be from
Riverview Road to Arcadia Road. Uh so we'll be looking to submit that. And then we're also looking at a new grant program which is called the DOT local transportation projects fund which we've never taken uh advantage of in the past.
Uh so we're going to be looking to to fund phase two of Lakeside Avenue which would be from Van Avenue to Wanuku ad. Uh that that project cost was very high. So this type of pool of money is for
special projects at the discretion of the commissioner of the DOT and we feel it's a heavily trafficked area. So we're going to see if we can get some funding for that from the commissioner's office. Um in addition uh on tonight's agenda
was our congressionally directed spending applications to Congresswoman Nelly Poe who is our new representative for the area. um for the replacement of the BPW garage and for phase two of the library project. Uh just note that to
date we've submitted grant applications for both projects to Senator Booker, Senator Kim, Congresswoman Poe, and a state budget appropriation request to Senator Pacio's office. So, we've submitted eight grant requests for these projects, and it's now in the hands of
our legislators. We've done everything we we could have done. Uh so we're expecting feedback uh in the summer on those hopefully. Uh also uh I did a walkthrough on the former A1 auto body shop site behind Max. We're in the
process of installing a split rail fence because people are parking on our parcel that used to have the building on it and we'd like to keep people away from parking on our parcel. They're using it for business purposes and really, you know, if we own the parcel, we're
looking to make it a park at some point and we don't want to incur any further leakage or or damage to the property. So, we're looking to put a fence there in the near future. Uh temporary fence once we formalize what we want to do there, obviously, it'll be taken out.
Um, so that's forthcoming. And then lastly, I just wanted to to thank the DPW for the playground. Uh, and we did refurbish all the benches at the tennis courts. So, just want to thank them for all their hard work. Thank you. Okay. Just to follow up on what you said, um,
we did reach out to most of our representatives in the state and federal level. I also called the governor himself personally to ask for money for the appropriations for the DPW. He did not say no to me directly. So, I'm hoping that the governor can come up
with some money for our DPW building. Also, uh, you know, we we're all in this together. It's a very expensive cost. Any money we can get from any department is is greatly appreciated and will go towards what we need to do there. Um I'm glad to hear about the uh um park and
putting up the fence because with all the fishing going on, I think that's who was parking a lot down there. There's a lot of people parking right over our our new area there. Uh any questions about the minister's report? Well, nothing on the report. You got a question? No. I just had something I had
forgotten that we were out this morning for our day celebration at the schools and I want to thank Councilwoman Paul Dari for spearheading that the last 10 12 years. Um kids are great third graders so many interesting questions
they have about trees and planting trees and uh and the names were kind of comical. Um, also I had met with the police chief for about an hour and I had brought up an issue of electric bikes in town. Um, I was coming down Willard
coming to the meeting one night and uh there was two gentlemen on an electric bike right in the middle of the road. They had to be doing 40 m hour, no helmets. I've seen electric bikes on sidewalks and uh the chief had said I think he was working with our brow administrator on some kind of ordinance
to control There's a speed limit if it and I I think it's 30 or 35. I'm not sure which one it is. Uh whatever that is, if you're under that speed limit, you're considered a bicycle. If you're over that speed limit, you're considered a motorized vehicle. So, if you're under is 25, it doesn't matter what the speed limit is, you know, you're not getting
tickets to a bicyclist either who's driving too fast. Um the helmets, the sidewalks, the streets, all that. If you're under that speed limit, if you're over that speed limit, then you are a motorized vehicle and they can ticket it for a lot of things. I think that's the ordinance they're working on now. But Michael, maybe you want to talk more
about that. We have a draft ordinance. We'll present it to the ordinance committee this year uh over the summer maybe and look at that. I mean, how are other towns addressing this problem? Because I do agree. I've seen it. Yes. You know, at this point is it can't take for a child to get injured for us to do
something. Unfortunately, it's a state ordinance about the the speed. We can't change that. What about speed? What about reckless riding? I mean, to be honest with you, they're not riding the, you know, from what I've seen, they're riding it recklessly on the sidewalk. So, it's not necessarily so much about the speed, which is an issue, but
clearly they're not going to be doing thoroughly on a sidewalk. So, we're not going to get them off that. So, we have to basically look at see if they're riding recklessly, and they are, cuz I've seen it enough times, and you know, it's a small town. Our main area is it's right next to the high school, and the kids are constantly walking. So, you
know, I mean, I I don't mind the ordinance when it does come and we have to meet, but if it has no meat to it, we're not going to achieve anything. All right. So, we can talk about that at the It is an issue because they're they're not only adults, they're children going 30 miles an hour on a a bicycle, a
scooter. They're not obeying any of the street signs. I almost hit a child. Thank god I was going like 15 miles an hour. He came right through a stop sign right in front of my car. I mean the unfortunately though there are no laws
against mo like they have to create a law against motorized bicycles and scooters. There is no law. There's no guidance right now. There's no law. It is. So really the state needs to come out with a law. It's like a bicycle basically right at this point. Something we really have to address. Yeah. But
that would have Yeah. Another issue um I had brought up to Michael of a big pile of stone down Joe Bril Field. I want to thank Michael. Um I brought it up one day and two days later it was all gone. Good. So I just want to responsible for putting that there. Excuse me. Who was
the responsible party for putting the rocks and the lumber? Right. There was also I I do not know. I did not ask that question. I just brought up the issue and Michael took care of Yeah. Did you find out who was it, Michael? It it was part of our ongoing river restoration work and I think there was a
miscommunication between the DPW maybe. Uh but it's since been removed and and you know we're not looking to sustain any further issues with this matter. Uh so but we they they've been aware you can't do that. Yeah. Well, I would hope so. Of course. And I want to thank Michael for taking care of that as fast
as he did. Um one other last issue. You're a busy man today. Excuse me. You're a busy man today. It's been a crazy day today. Um, one other issue I when I went to pick up the fish at the Elps, uh, Pepo residents had brought up an issue with the St. Mary's
food pantry and the situation with, uh, parking tickets given to volunteers and to recipients of the food pantry. He's taking care of that. Now, I've had a I've had a nice discussion with Councilman Cruz about it, and I I
understand his viewpoint uh wholeheartedly, and I went over to St. Mary's today, and I talked to the gentleman, and uh he said that between the mayor and Mrs. Sunny, um you guys have been great about that. Um but there
still is an issue with the recipients. Now, these are people that are going to a food pantry for food. There's a reason why they're going there because they need the food. Um, they're only there 4 days a month. I have the schedule right
here. He gave me a copy. Um, a lot of these a lot of these uh recipients don't speak English. A lot of them don't have a credit card to use the service in the pond hole for parking. So this is
another issue that and he said quite a few times the mayor has been great with this issue and Mrs. Sunny has been great with this issue uh for the volunteers but we still have an issue with the recipients. Yeah. Unfortunately the only
thing I can tell them if they don't have a credit card is they'd have to park at the meters and walk because they can that'll take change. You can use change there. Uh we can't identify spots for uh drop off or pickup because then other businesses would say, "I get a haircut. I would like that. Identify this as
someone running in to get a haircut. I get this. I get that." Uh the other thing I suggested to the church was their driveway. Instead of parking their truck there, leave that open and somebody could park there temporarily, 5 minutes, go get what they need and come
out. Um and he did say that's something they would look at doing also. All right. Well, like I say, I'll reiterate it again. He said, "You've been great, and Mrs. Sunny been great, but we're trying to help. They're they're town organizations. We don't want to cause any issues, and I hear what you're saying. You know, these are people
looking for help, so why we don't want to punish them more." Yeah. So, but we got to work within the realm of what we got. If they're coming to a food pantry for food, we don't need to be giving them parking tickets. I agree. Temporary parking pass has been hand We discussed that. It just won't work. It's very
difficult to There was a a placer or something that they were using. We had to get away from those because other businesses were asking for the placers. That was the reason. That was the problem. Okay. Any other questions for the administration? Nope.
Okay. Motion to open the meeting for public comment. Motion. Councilman Bennett. Councilman Cruz. All in favor? Against? Anyone from the public? Please step up. I love the idea of shared services. The only thing that concerns me is you're locking us into a 5-year
agreement with the town of Oakland. I mean, everything looks great now. If something goes south and it starts to be not such a a great idea and the money doesn't play out the way we expecting it, 5 years is an awful long time. My two cents are okay. Thank you.
Thank anyone else from the public like to address and test 5 Lambert Street. So with the answer that you gave about, you know, you're going to the police department, you're letting them know, you don't know whether they're doing anything. Should I go over to them or
you're the liaison? You I've been over there and I I've spoken to them twice. Okay. So, so I just have to keep my eyes open and see, you know, because you mentioned the turnaround, the uh you that's only part of it. I know, you know, they don't kill people. Those turnarounds, they might cause a problem,
but they're not killing people. But the the speed, it's the speed. Everybody does not adhere to anywhere near a 25 mph um speed limit in town. Anywhere. And there's a lot of people walking. I I So, I just wanted to make that clear. If I
should go, you can go over. Yes, I'll answer to them as well and tell them I'm I'm I'm making I'll answer you later, but Okay. Okay. All right. Thank you. Anyone else from the public like to address? Seeing no one, have a motion to close the public session. Motion second.
Councilman, who is that? Cruz and Councilman Hinton. All in favor? Against. Uh Mr. Bulby, thank you. Uh I think we have looked into that and our accelerators are trying to keep up with anything that would change. Um, but you know, I I think this is a work in progress, too. I don't think uh Oakland
would be fighting us on anything if we had some other craziness happen in year four because it's advantage to them and it's also an advantage to us. Mr. Testelli, I agree with you 100%. I'm more concerned, especially when the kids are out for lunch, that they're just walking blindly in those streets and
there's people flying down the street. So, I I agree with you 100%. It's tight to begin with the cars on both sides of the street and then it makes the lanes even tighter when you're driving on them. They do have to enforce them. We'll keep pressuring him, but you are more than welcome when you're past, you know, the chief or you see him in an interaction, say, "Hey, look, I'm one of
the guys that's worried about it." And let him know that that's okay. You can send him an email. He'll he'll he'll welcome that. Okay. Um, a motion to adjurnn in Oh, no, I'm sorry. Approve the floor. Anybody? I I just had one comment. Um, I just want to
give a a call out uh for good job to Stephen Beg. He's back in the back over there. Uh Stephen is our chairman of the environmental protection committee. He's been doing a great job with running the river cleanup for three years now. But
he also the other day had a group of high school kids over at the town's um municipal utility authority and that they were doing a tour of the wastewater and the uh portable water treatment system. And this is a great way to get our high school kids involved in
environmental um environmental issues. you know, looking at colleges. A lot of kids are going into the environmental field. And um we, you know, that that's that was a really smart thing to do for Earth Day. And I just wanted to make a shout out. I thought that was a great
way to handle that. Um Earth Day, and I'll just say real quick, we were talking about this with the the plumes. And it I was thinking back 45 years ago, I was a young environmental person with the state of New Jersey. I know. and I was at one of the worst uh chemical
fires in the state of New Jersey at the chemical control. And when I mentioned that because I was on the uh marine police boat, we had to do sampling. We shut down Manhattan um because of the terrible plume and the chemicals that were in the you know that are in the uh
this the aftermath of of that fire. There was all kind of stuff, all kind of really bad bad things. But I was thinking about it, you know, how kids today don't even know what I'm talking about when they talk about, you know, you know, chemical control. So, I want to thank you for keeping the kids
involved with with recent, you know, with with things that are going on and uh and littering and we're doing some really good programs and Steve's done a really good job with that program and I just wanted to shout out. Nice job. And that's my um I just want to like to mention we lost two longtime residents
in town. uh Tom Woods uh for he's an older gentleman but he was very involved in in town in many different organizations and Knights of Columbus so I sad to see him go and then Jim Curran who died relatively young he was a good good gentleman he was very involved in soccer and and and every anytime you
needed help he was there to help so our blessings go out to both of those families um any other app okay do we have close session quick okay motion to uh go into close session motion Council, Council Member Gilbert, Council Member Kilbert. All in favor? I
against. Thank you everybody. How about that? In close session, we discuss the negotiation. Uh motion to adjurnn. Motion. Council Dunham Cruz. All in favor? Yes. Thank you. Thanks.