Except you're more involved in the 250th than I am. >> That's okay. Good evening everybody. Thanks for being here. >> It is April 27th, 2026. This is a meeting of the mayor and council of Princeton, New Jersey. And once again, welcome. We appreciate you being here.
Madame Clerk, could we have the meeting statement, please? Notice of this meeting was provided in accordance with the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act and state regulations governing public meetings, including the time, date, and location of the meeting, and clear and concise
instructions to the public for accessing the meeting and making comments. In addition, the agenda and all related materials were posted electronically and made available to the public on Princeton's meeting portal in advance of the meeting. >> Thank you. Lightton's could do the land
acknowledgement this evening. >> Thank you, mayor. We gather today on the land of Lenny Lapi. As members of the Princeton community, we aspire to show appreciation, respect, and concern for all peoples and our environment. We
honor the Lapi and other indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters, the elders who lived here before, the indigenous today, and the generations to come. >> Thank you. We have roll call, please. >> Mr. McDonald >> here.
>> Mr. Cohen is absent. Miss Peron Lamrose >> here. >> Miss Saxs >> here. >> Miss Frogga >> here. >> Mr. Nulan >> here. >> Mayor Freda >> here. >> If you're able and like to join us in the pledge of allegiance, please stand. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next up, we have approval of
two sets of uh minutes, November 10th, 2025 and November 17th, 2025. Thank you. Uh Leticia is going to move those two. Is there a second? Second. Thank you, Brian, for the second. Any questions or comments?
>> All in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> Okay. Next up would be council announcements. Anybody have any announcements or reports? >> Okay, great. I like that. >> Uh, so next up is film ready Princeton designation. Michelle,
>> thank you. Um, so really exciting. We have uh achieved our certifi certification from the um New Jersey Economic Development Authority which is um to say that we are now a film ready certified community. Uh we'll be part of
the NJA's network uh which markets and positions us to attract film and television production as New Jersey's industry uh film industry continues to grow. Um, we already see that the film industry is a major economic driver. Uh,
New Jersey generated more than a billion dollars last year alone and film ready towns like ours now are the ones that are most likely to see this activity come directly into the communities. Um, the impact's real. uh we can see uh productions will hire local residents,
work with our with their local crews, rely on our local businesses from restaurants and hotels to hardware stores, flores, transportation services. Uh shoot can mean a lot of spending across the town. So we've seen other uh
towns really prosper and and do things. And of course, we already know we're a natural fit. We've had many uh films here locally. Um, but now being a film ready certified community, uh, we'll just hope to attract more of this activity. And we're ready. We're
positioned uh, for it. And I would like to make a special thank you to Don Mount, our municipal clerk, who is now our official film ready municipal leazison. Thank you, Don, and thank you, Bernie, for working on this. Thanks. >> Okay. Thank you very much. Uh, next up
is the, uh, police monthly police report. Lieutenant. >> Good evening. Public safety is the primary responsibility of our police department and remains at the center of all of our efforts. To begin this month's report, I'd like to acknowledge a serious motor vehicle collision that
occurred yesterday at the intersection of Yuing Street and Tune Road involving a juvenile operating emoto. A press release was issued with the information we can share at this time as the incident remains under active investigation. Currently, our thoughts and prayers are with the juvenile, and our focus remains
on supporting the family during this incredibly challenging period. This incident underscores the importance of traffic safety, which continues to be a top priority for our department. The police department remains committed to proactive education and outreach. Earlier this month, we hosted a traffic
safety seminar focused on vulnerable road users. And the seminar emphasized safe riding practices, current laws, and the share responsibility between motorists, riders, and pedestrians in keeping our roadways safe. In addition, our community relations bureau continued
to partner with the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Authority to deliver bicycle safety education directly to students in our schools. We will continue these efforts with our upcoming Wheels event on May 16th. This event is designed to provide hands-on
safety training and reinforce responsible riding behaviors, particularly among younger members of our community. We will continue to seek out meaningful opportunities to educate and engage the public. Additionally, I would like to recognize a new milestone for our department. Last
week, assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police conducted an on-site evaluation as part of our police department's reacredititation and our first PAP public safety answering point accreditation process. The assessors provided highly positive feedback,
noting the efficiency and professionalism that define our entire department. This marks the fourth time our police department has undergone reacredititation, and we are on track to become the first in the county to receive PAP accreditation. This reflects the department's continued
commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing the highest level of service for our community. In closing, I want to return where we began. The incident yesterday is a reminder of why we continue to prioritize traffic safety, education, and community partnership.
These efforts are not just programs or accomplishments. They are practical steps to help improve safety and reduce risk. We acknowledge that there is still room to improve, but we remain committed to providing the best possible service to our community. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Any questions uh for the police? Yes, Laticia. >> Just a comment. I wanted to acknowledge and thank uh Chief Saliv, all the uh officers and department and staff who
have uh gotten us to this point that I understand if approved, Princeton will be the first police department in Mercer County to pursue public safety answering point accredititation and and kudos to you all for job well done.
>> Thank you. Anyone else? Uh, as chair of the TA traffic safety committee, I just want to share with the community that we get many, many requests for uh
more enforcement at various intersections throughout Princeton. Some of them we know well, some of them you may not know so well, but we just want to make sure that everyone understands and knows that along with the police department, we check and look
at all of the data-driven information that we can on each and every intersection that is deemed uh untenable or dangerous by any parent or any constituent here in Princeton. And we do a very good job of qualifying all of
them. And over the past couple weeks, we've seen several letters from constituents on several intersections. And we just want to share with you that they are all be taken and are taken very seriously and we are taking a look at
all of them. Thank you. Thanks, Lane. Okay, moving on. We have some proclamations tonight. The first is going to be a proclamation honoring our zoning officer, Derek Bridger, on the occasion of his retirement. So, let's
read that proclamation first. Go ahead. >> A proclamation honoring Derek Bridger on the occasion of his retirement. Happy for him, sad for us. Whereas the municipality of Princeton is proud to recognize Derek Bridger, zoning officer
in the office of zoning for his dedication to public service on the occasion of his retirement. And whereas Derek began his career with the former bureau of Princeton on December 3rd, 2001 as the assistant zoning officer. And whereas throughout
his tenure, he provided careful and consistent oversight of zoning matters, offering projects both large and small across the community. And whereas Derek's professionalism and practical knowledge of zoning and consistent
approach helped ensure local regulations were applied fairly and clearly. And >> okay, >> I left off on the sad retirement part. >> And whereas Derek's retirement from the municipality of Princeton will be
effective May 1, 2026. And whereas Derek has dedicated 25 years to serving the municipality of Princeton. And whereas Derek Bridger has served the community of Princeton with pride and upon the occasion of his retirement is deserving of recognition and the highest
commendation. Now therefore be it resolved I, Mark Frereda, mayor of Princeton and the council of Princeton, County of Mercer, state of New Jersey, extend the municipality's humble expression of appreciation and serious congratulations to Derek. We offer our best wishes for a long, healthy,
healthy, happy and healthy retirement. Derek, come on up and let's uh let's give this to your council administration. >> I just want to say thank you. It's been truly an honor and uh I'll miss everyone and uh still here to the end of the
month. So, thanks a lot. Take care, Derek. Thank you. Okay. All right. Next up, we have a proclamation celebrating America's 250th anniversary. >> Okay, thank you. So, proclamation
championing Princeton's contribution to to the United States semiquincentennial. Whereas local governments are the foundation of American democracy, delivering essential services and upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, inclusion,
and responsiveness for more than 336 million residents. And whereas from the nation's earliest settlements to its most dynamic communities today, local governments have played a central role in shaping the civic, economic, and cultural strength of United States. And
whereas Princeton holds a unique and distinguished place in the American story, having served as as the site of pivotal events leading up to and during the American re revolution, including the Battle of Princeton in 1777 and briefly as the nation's capital in 1783,
hosting the Continental Congress at Nassau Hall. And whereas Princeton has long been a town and a campus where people gathered to debate the most important concepts of our time in enriched by the presence of Princeton University in a diverse community
committed to public service, education, and the arts. And >> whereas the United States semi-quincentennial in 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and offers a once- in a
generation opportunity to reflect on the nation's founding ideals, celebrate its progress, and recommmit to the work of building a more perfect union. And whereas Princeton's commemorative efforts advance through partnerships
with local institutions including the Historical Society of Princeton, Princeton Battlefield Society, Princeton University, Princeton Public Library, Arts Council of Princeton, Morvin Museum and Garden, and Princeton Public
Schools. And whereas these partners are presenting a robust calendar of signature events and exhibitions including the Battle of Princeton anniversary commemoration and reenactment at Princeton Battlefield State Park, the Historical Society of
Princeton's Princeton and the American Revolution exhibition, Princeton University's nursery of rebellion, and real and remembered Princetonians Cup between study and revolution exhibitions
and related public programming and Morvin Museum and Gardens five independent souls exhibition and related programming and >> whereas additional programming will include the Princeton Public Libraryies America at 250 lecture and civic
dialogue series, Princeton University's Revolution Up Close, a public lecture series, the Arts Council of Princeton's Communitywide Arts and storytelling initiatives. Experience Princeton's revolutionary era walking tours of Princeton creative placemaking and
promotions and Princeton's public school studentled history projects and exhibitions connecting young people to the nation's founding ideals. And whereas Experience Princeton will partner with local businesses and cultural organizations to widely promote area events and exhibitions during this
250th anniversary and in following years featuring significant anniversary events as part of an evergreen umbrella campaign entitled Princeton NJ from 1776 to now. And whereas Experience Princeton and the municipality will partner to
enhance events happening throughout our business community starting this May with the Historic Society of Princeton's Princeton's Taverns on the road to revolution exhibition in Ali and various tavern events around town. An expanded
Spirit of 76 Memorial Day parade support for the Princeton Festival at Morvin this June with the Princeton Symphony. A summer calendar of cultural events in Palmer Square, a very special Fourth of July, a rousing 1776 festival celebrated
at multiple locations this October, and a new series of events at the battlefield this December and January. And whereas together these events and initiatives will provide meaningful opportunities for residents, students, and visitors to engage with history in
dynamic, inclusive, and educational ways, highlighting Princeton's enduring contributions to the American history. And whereas this milestone provides an opportunity for Princeton to engage residents of all ages in civic education and discussion, commemorate its historic
contributions, and inspire future generations through collaborative programming that reflects the community's diversity, creativity, and shared values. Na. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Mark Fredo, mayor of municipality of Princeton and the council of Princeton,
county of Mercer, state of New Jersey, hereby recognizes and supports the United States 250th and encourages all residents, institutions, businesses, and community organizations to participate in activities that com commemorate this historic anniversary. And be it further
resolved that Princeton commits to working in partnership with its cultural, educational, and civic institutions to advance and promote these signature events and exhibits, ensuring broad community engagement and lasting impact. Thank you, Mayor. Sir,
if I could just have one minute to give a special announcement. I wanted to wait for the right time and I think this is it. Not that you don't need more information, but the sad news is uh this week, past weekend, we had to cancel PorchFest and it was a good thing
because the weather just didn't work out. But the good news is is the people at the arts council are looking towards uh redoing uh retooling and perhaps redoing Artfest this year. So stand by for that. Number one. Number two is this
is this weekend, May 2nd. They're calling we are closing down Paul Robersonson from 11 to 4:00 p.m. for the Princeton Art Bazaar 2026. Shop 100 creative vendors working in ceramics, textiles, printmaking, wood,
glass, leather, jewelry, self-care, vintage, and more. Sip local brews in the garden. jammed to tunes by the Strange Brew Crew brand and get hands-on of all ages in open art studios. So, please do come out and take great
advantage of the fun and the festivities that will be happening this weekend uh on Saturday between uh what's the time? 11 and 4 p.m. on Paul Robus in place at the Arts Council of Princeton. Thank you. >> Thanks, L. Okay. Next up, an item of
maybe some interest to people, our municipal budget. Uh, I'm sorry. Oh, no. I'm sorry. We had one more proclamation. That's right. I'm sorry. Tonight is proclamation night. Sorry. Please. But we do. Whereas in 1872, J. Sterling Morton
proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. And whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with a planting of more than 1 million trees in Nebraska. And whereas Arbor Day is now observed
throughout the nation and the world. And whereas trees can reduce the erosion of our precious top soil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce lifegiving oxygen, and provide habitat
for wildlife. And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and beautify our community. And whereas trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of
business areas, and beautify our community. And whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. Now therefore, Mark Freda, mayor of Princeton, and the
council of Princeton, County of Mercer, state of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim April 24th, 2026 as Arbor Day. And we urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. And further, we
urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. >> Thank you. All right. Now, we'll do the budget and our CFO, Sandy Webb, is here. So, Sandy, why don't you kick us off, please?
>> Okay. So the uh the plan for this evening is we are going to uh do the adopt the ordinance the cap ordinance um which sets us up for the next two years to have bank available that we don't necessarily need this year but we'll have it available for the next two years
and then hold the public hearing on the budget and then I I will defer to uh Brian as the finance chair on to the next steps for the budget. Okay, let's do the uh ordinance on the uh on the cap bank first. Uh so that's
ordinance 26-17 and ordinance by the municipality of Princeton to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap a cap bank NJSA4A 4-45.14. If someone would move that. Thank you,
Brian. Michelle has the second questions, comments up here. Anybody in the audience either here or on Zoom with a question on the cap bank? >> All right, very good. We'll close the public hearing and we could do a roll
call vote on that, please. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Miss Pon Lamrose, >> yes. >> Miss Saxs, >> yes. >> Miss Frogga, >> yes. >> Mr. Nulan, >> yes. >> Okay, we'll open the public hearing on the municipal budget. And Brian, you're
going to kick us off with some tidbits. one of you >> should you want to make the motion or >> uh yes I'd like to start by uh making a motion to amend the introduced budget to
appropriate an additional $75,000 to the free Princeton Public Library and to take those funds out of surplus. Okay. Is there Michelle has the second questions or comments up here?
Michelle, >> thank you. I'd like to make a statement, please. Um, so this is a joint statement from the Municipality of Princeton and the Princeton Public Library. So, the Municipality of Princeton and Princeton Public Library are pleased to share that we have reached an agreement to close
the remaining $149,000 budget gap in the library budget. As part of this plan, the municipality will increase its contribution by 75,000 and the library will help offset these costs by restructuring its employee parking permits, reducing the total number by
10. The library will close the remaining $75,000 through fundraising and other revenue generating efforts. Both the municipality and the library value the strong partnership we share. The municipality is proud to support the
library and the highquality programs and services that you provide to the community. At the same time, the library recognizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and the municipality's obligation to taxpayers. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to working
together and continuing to serve the Princeton community in a thoughtful and sustainable way. And personally, I just I'd like to thank uh the Princeton board uh president Chris Van Burren uh for your work and the board's work and my
colleagues um particularly uh Brian, David, Mark, and and all of you. Thank you. >> Okay. Thanks, Michelle. Any other council comments on this? >> All right. Anybody from the public that wants to comment on the uh addition to
the uh budget? And just remember when you Oh, come on up, Chris. just state your name and then uh a magic timer should hopefully go on and you have three minutes. And there you go. >> That'll be easy. That'll be easy. Chris
Van Beern, president, board of trustees, Princeton Public Library. I wanted to thank the mayor, council president, head of the finance committee, and the entire council for um working with the library to come to this agreement. Thank you
very much. >> Thank you, Chris. >> Yeah, help her with the microphone. >> Hello, my name is Tou. I'm 7 years old. The Princeton Public Library. Everyone likes the Princeton Public Library.
The Princeton Public Library is full of life, full of books, full of play. Everyone that was that was born here likes it. And everyone that comes here likes it. After all, why did we make
this beautiful place? Hi, Sheila Ciderman. Um, I just want to say I'm delighted that you've come to this agreement, but I've been very distressed over the past few weeks
over the misleading statements that the mayor and the council have made about the budget. And I never ex I've been in Princeton 42 years and I've had many disagreements, but I always trusted the
people up on the deis. I'm sorry that you're killing that trust among me and my friends and many Princeton residents. I just want to say this. Normally, we just don't comment back to public comment, but
I will admit that there was misinformation, and for anyone to think misinformation was 100% on this body is incorrect. There was a lot of misinformation out there. And I think the fact that a small group of us continued to talk and try to find common
ground in spite of what was being said in the press and on social media shows that attacking people and giving half-truths and misinformation serves no good purpose. So a special commendation to everyone that ignored that and
continue to find a solution to the problem. Thank you. Next up to speak. >> Hello everybody. My name is Sophie Blavos and I'm a student at Princeton High School. Um before the solution was reached, I was equally as upset as I can
agree most of us were. Um so thank you so much for having this discussion today. Um so this issue as you can see today from the youth in the room um from Shira to Ara and Vihan and myself. Um, the issue of budget cuts does not only
affect adults but also the youth. Um, so in my interview on Sunday with the Daily Princonian, and I'm going to quote myself here, but the free parking is really great because living in Princeton, your taxes go to pay for the library. So if you have to pay extra to access that, it's kind of hypocritical.
Your taxes are paying for parking and you're not really allowed to use it unless you pay extra for it. The hypocrisy was especially felt by students. For many of us, the library isn't just a building. It's a workspace, a research hub, and a place um and a safe third space where we collaborate
and grow. When you add a financial barrier to a public service we already fund, you are effectively telling the youth that our access is conditional. We are told to value our education and engage with our community. Yet, these budget cuts and parking fees create a pay-to-play system for resources that
should be universal. Thank you for keeping the library and the access to it truly public. >> Thank you. Good evening all. I am in favor of library. Library is represents community at
large. Library is for diversity and inclusivity. It's provide coaching, craft, games, reading and also events.
Library is bridge which connect our Princeton people without raising tax. I request all to join me in support of funding the library.
I think library is by the people for the people and of the people. Hope for positive response. Thanks and good evening. >> Thank you. >> Well, as I can't speak well as my
daughter, I would still say a few words. Um so in the library in Firestone in uh in the university library it says um a quote often attributed to Einstein the only thing you absolutely absolutely
have to know is the location of the library. Well for many of us the the p the Princeton Public Library is truly a second home. It's where kids do their homework, where teens gathers, where where families spend spend time together, and where people of all ages
continue to learn and grow. We're already feeling what happened what happens when access is reduced. The cuts to library hours have directly affected our family and many others. When the library isn't open, those opportunities simply disappear. That's exactly what
makes makes Princeton a place where it's good to raise children. a community that invests in knowledge, in access to learning, and in spaces that bring people together. Cutting support for the library isn't just reducing a service. It's weakening the heart of our community, and that's why we're here to
protect this place, which is so much more than a building. It's part of who we are. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Hi, my name is my name is Ras Godelnik and um first I want to thank everyone involved in the
reaching the agreement but I've heard a lot today the the word community and I think that in a way there is no uh place in Princeton that it represents community as the library maybe the community pool but other than that I mean the community is really what the
library is all about and my sense is that we don't defend it as we should, including uh this body. I mean, I think the agreement is important, but at the end of the day, it's not more than just a bandage. It's certainly not a
sustainable solution. And I think that as we think about how do we defend the library, how do we make sure that we we restore the hours uh the opening hours that you know were cut uh earlier this year. I think there's a room really for thinking how to involve the public, how
to make sure that maybe there's, you know, a need in having a committee with all the different stakeholders involved to think about how do we make sure that the library as the heart of this community continues to to operate, continue really to uh to support and be,
you know, be part and be open to everyone here as it should. So I hope that uh this agreement is not just you know the end of it but as a starting point because at the end of the day it may you know solve the issue this year but uh not next year and not in the
following years and we need more than that. So I hope that you know everyone will open their hearts and ears and you know help us reach a sustainable solution. Thank you. Thank you. >> Hi everybody.
Um, I'm terrible at stuff like this, so I am going to look at my notes. Hello. Uh, my name is Jeff Trainer. I'm a resident of Princeton, and for the past six years, local organizations and
businesses have sponsored me to perform a free family event called Storytime with Jeff. Some of those local businesses and organizations are Lily Pies Bakery, Jazam's Toys and Books, Palmer Square, and most recently the Princeton Public Library.
What I do with story time is only a fraction of all of the wonderful things that the Princeton Public Library does for this community. So, in the spirit of story time, I have a psalm that I want to share with all of you.
You have to fund fund fund the library. Fund fund the Princeton Public Library. Fund fund fund the library. Fund the library. Now there are so many amazing people working at the Princeton Public Library.
So many wonderful people go there every day. Fun the library. Now they have incredible resources and programming all the time not to fund the Princeton Public Library. I think it's a
crime. So you got to fund fund fund the library. Fund the Princeton Public Library. Fund the Princeton Public Library. Fund the library now. Thanks everybody. All right, it's kind of hard to follow
that up, but I'll do my best. Um, my name is Vihan Singh. I'm a sophomore um here in Princeton, and I just wanted to say thank you. I actually came here with this whole speech drafted up about um funding the library. But I just want to
make a statement at least to say that as someone who volunteers here and spends a lot of time within the walls of the library today does feel like a real win. Free parking is staying and that means that this community's undisputed access to the library is protected and that
matters deeply to me. Though I won't pretend the road here was perfect. The cut hours were a real loss especially for me and I do hope that's something that we can revisit in the future. This library deserves to be fully available to everyone who needs it, no matter the
time of day. But I will admit that today is a step in the right direction. I sent emails because I believe that we could show up and we did. I believe that this community frankly deserved better than what it was being promised just a day
ago. And the fact that those concerns were heard does mean everything to me. So on behalf of everyone who studies here, volunteers here, and calls the Princeton Public Library home, thank you, and let's keep moving forward. >> Thank you.
Hello there. My name is Sher Karmagelnik and I'm a senior at the high school and I've been volunteering at the library for four years. I think everyone here has said much better than I can about how important the library is to our community. And what I wanted to emphasize is um the way we reach out to
our community. I personally, it was hard for me to find information or find ways to give feedback about the budget. And I think that as a community we should really work towards um connecting with the youth especially high schoolers and giving them opportunities to be aware of
the budget and to give their public opinion on issues like these like to get here was a very long road of emails and contacting people and seeing where it is. So I think we should just make the journey for political part participation especially for the younger members of
Princeton a bit easier. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Anybody else in the room on this one? Hang on. Let me just check. Oh, come on up. >> No. All good. >> Hi, I'm Hillilary Prersky. I'm a
Princeton resident. Um, here to speak on behalf of the library. Thank you for the agreement you reached. Um, I hope it's just a beginning. Um, I think that for me and so many others, the library, to quote an article and tap it to
Princeton, really is the beating heart of the town. Um, and I will never forget Hurricane Sandy when so many people gathered there. Um, as the article says, but I was remembering for warmth, for
power, for community. Um, I I think in that moment I felt so proud to be a resident of Princeton. I was so proud that I lived in a community where an institution, a public institution would
offer something like that to people. And I feel like it's time to support that institution as best we can. And I hope that um in a tight budget situation, more funds can be found to um close that
gap somehow. Um thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Any anybody else in the room before I look on Zoom? See if there's anybody on Zoom. All right. One sec. All right. All right. Anybody
on Zoom that wanted to comment on this? Okay. Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing and ask for a uh we need a resol. I'm sorry. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Yes. >> Uh sorry, Mr. Mayor. I realized I had
two notes that I forgot to offer. >> Um so, sorry to do it at this point. Um I wanted to correct something I said at the introduction. Um, when describing the impact of the 36.5% rise in the state plan, I was looking at
an older calculation and said that would be a 1.9 million burden, which if we passed on to taxpayers would result in a 6% increase in the municipal tax levy on top of anything else. Um, the correct
number is $1.8 million and 5%. So, I just wanted to correct that. And I also got an email from a resident who couldn't be here tonight who asked me if I could say a word about the state plan
and who asked why we're still in it when many people have exited it. And um the reason that we're in it is because with our three union contracts, we cannot change the plan without the approval of all three unions. that we have to
deliver an alternate plan that's equal to or better than the state plan. And given the timing last year, we just didn't have time to conclude those conversations. So, we're starting much earlier this year because we expect another uh increase. Uh the second thing
I would note is uh we are extremely limited and can't make changes to the plan. um some organizations are able to make shifts and I want to commend the library for making uh really uh hard and
important decisions. So while we're seeing the 36.5% increase they have uh managed their plan and are expecting an 18.2% increase. I wish we had the ability to do that. Um but I'm very grateful for them for their hard work.
>> Thank you. Any other council comments? Mia and then Leon. >> So, I want to talk a little bit about the Princeton Public Library and what it has meant to me and my family. Um, in particular, many of you may have
noticed there's a statue by Dorothia Greenbalm in the um uh on the children's section of the library which is uh entitled Girl with Bird Bird. The sculpture is about capturing a moment of quiet engagement,
a child fully absorbed in the world around her. That sense aligns closely with the role of a library as a place of reflection, learning, imagination, growth, curiosity, discovery, and trust.
As a young girl, I saw myself in that quiet moment of curiosity and care, drawn into a world that felt safe, expansive, and entirely my own. The Princeton Public Library for me was a second parent, steady, nurturing, and
always there, offering both refuge and possibility. Years later, I watched my own child find that same comfort among the books and spaces that had once held me. Now, the library keeps my mother, who is
elderly and homebound, connected to the world around her with the books that are delivered weekly to her in a red Princeton Public Library package. Across generations, the library has met our family where we are, provided for
our needs, and kept us connected to the community we love. Over the last few months, there have been municipal officials who have engaged with the library in keeping with their responsibility
to be prudent with taxpayer resources and to try to work together collaboratively to find a way to close the budget gap. uh library officials also have been fulfilling their obligation to support
the mission of the library. It is unfortunate that in the past week these conversations spilled out into the public in a way that as one resident mentioned led to an erosion of trust. I hope that
this will be the first and last time that this happens. I believe that the governing body and the library officials, their leadership,
the friends and foundation are jointly committed to the well-being and future sustainability of the library. And in a time when the federal government is attacking universities, public education,
supporting book burning, I am so proud to be in a town like Princeton where the issue that gives us a full room like this is residents who come out to support our public library. So, please
be reassured that we will be working together collaboratively, cooperatively, and productively with Princeton Public Library going forward. Thank you, >> thank you, mayor. Uh,
the young lady said it perfectly. She loves the Princeton Public Library. She was born and raised here. So was Mia. So was Mark. So was I. So I I really want to take a moment to make a statement.
And I I think I'm talking and I'm preaching to the crowd because this is the DEI crowd here. We've already proved that. So I'm asking you to listen very carefully and very closely to what I'm about to say because I am a native son here and uh this is my truth.
Let me start by saying this clearly. There is no daylight that I believe between me and my colleagues when it comes to our respect for and belief in the Princeton Public Library. It is one of the crown jewels of this community. It reflects who we say we are
at our best. Committed to learning, access, diversity, and inclusion. I have seen firsthand how the library shows up for this community quietly, consistently, and often for those who need it most.
That work matters. It always will. But here's where I ask us as a community to lean in with a little more balance and a little more understanding. Two things can be true at the same time.
We can deeply value and support the library and ask hard, responsible questions about funding, sustainability, and equity across our entire municipal package. Because here's the truth. Princeton is
not lacking support for its library. In fact, we are among the most well-reourced communities anywhere when it comes to library funding and endowment. That is not criticism.
That is something to be proud of. But it also comes with responsibility. A responsibility to ensure that as we invest, we are doing so in a way that reflects our values, not just in programming, but in stewardship. When we
talk about equity, it cannot stop at the library doors. It must extend to how we allocate resources across human services, affordable housing, public health, and the many unseen needs in our community.
Needs that do not always have a voice, a campaign, or a public relations push behind them. And let me say this as plainly as I can. Public pressure and organized response should never replace
thoughtful governance. We hear you. We always do. But we also have an obligation to look at the full picture even when it is uncomfortable and even when it is unpopular.
To the residents who have written to us, your passion for the library is noted, respected, and shared. But I would ask that same level of passion be extended to the broader needs of this community
because that is the work before us. Please do not measure us by a single decision or a single line item. Measure us by the totality of what we do, what we invest in, who we fight for, and how
we work to move this town forward for everyone. We are not pulling back from our values. We are asking all of us to live up to them together. I'm done. Mayor,
>> thank you. Leon Leticia. >> Yes. Um I actually I didn't prepare any remarks. I wasn't planning to speak, but I was moved by all the comments that I heard today. Uh like for many of you, the library has been uh a second home
for uh including when my children were toddlers uh and now for me. Uh I see many familiar faces because I think you will recognize me as a regular there. Um it's it's really is a wonderful place uh to
visit and I will continue to do so. But I also want to com commend and comment about uh all our youth that uh came today, especially the youngest one. What a great way to start uh civic uh civic
engagement. Uh I see one of our members from the youth advisory committee here too that I know that's something that they're focused on and and I just want to uh applaud you and commend you for for coming to speak today. Thank you.
Thank you, Leticia. Okay, Don or Sandy, the vote on amending the budget, does that have to be a roll call vote or is >> Yeah, we can do um e I I'll leave it to Don. I'm not >> We should do a roll call. >> Yeah, >> roll call vote. Okay.
>> All right. This is just on the amendment. We got to vote on the amend just so we know. We have to vote to approve the amendment and then we'll vote to adopt the budget just so everybody knows where we're at. Okay. Could we do a roll call then on the This is again is on the amendment to the budget adding the $75,000 from
surplus for the library. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Miss Peron Lamrose. >> Yes. >> Miss Saxs. >> Yes. >> Miss Bragga? >> Yes. >> Mr. Nulan? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Next up is resolution 26132, which is resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton to adopt the
just amended 2026 municipal budget. And if someone would move that. Thank you, Brian. And Michelle seconded it. Thank you. Questions or comments from anybody up here? Anybody in the audience with a question? >> I'm sorry. I I got to learn to look. I'm
I'm sorry. Uh I was late again. Um I just wanted to take this opportunity to once again thank Sandy Webb uh for a really amazingly hard work. And um it's uh bittersweet
that this is uh her last budget adoption. Um and we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for 26 years of uh dedicated uh hard work and service to the bureau and then to the uh to the municipality
of Princeton. And we look forward to saying wonderful things about her for months to come. Thank you, Sandy. Thank you, Brian. >> Okay. All right. Let's do a roll call vote on the uh on the budget then. >> Mr. McDonald? >> Yes.
>> Miss Peron Lamrose? >> Yes. >> Miss Saxs? >> Yes. >> Miss Fraga? >> Yes. >> Mr. Nulan? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. Anybody that wants to slip out now, feel free. You don't have to stay for the rest of the meeting if your main focus was the library or
something prior to that. Okay, next up are ordinance introductions and uh ordinance 2618 is first an ordinance of the municipality of Princeton pertaining to allowable business uses throughout the municipality and amending various
provisions of the code of the bureau of Princeton, New Jersey 1968. Accordingly, the public hearing will be May 11th, 2026. Is there uh Michelle moves it? Is there a second? Thank you, Leighton. Uh roll call vote.
>> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Miss Peron Lamrose, >> yes. >> Miss Saxs, >> yes. >> Miss Frogga, >> yes. >> Mr. Newan, >> yes. >> Okay. The next introduction is ordinance 26-9. an ordinance of the municipality of Princeton authorizing the conveyance of
a term deed of conservation easement to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in connection with the Community Park North Reforestation Project. The public hearing is May 11th, 2026. If someone would move that. Thank you,
Brian. Leighton has the second. Roll call vote, please. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Miss Pearl Ambrose, >> yes. Miss Saxs, >> yes. Miss Fraga. >> Yes. >> Mr. Nulan. >> Yes. >> Okay. Resolutions. Resolution 26133.
Resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton authorizing the sale of surplus personal property no longer needed for public use by auction on gov deals. Leticia has the motion. Brian has the second. Any questions or comments? All right. All in favor, please say I.
>> I. Resolution 26-134, resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton authorizing the submission of an award extension request for the Trune Road Pedestrian improvement safe streets to transit project LA24 SST000038
to the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Is there Thank you, Michelle. Leighton has the second. Questions or comments? All in favor, please say I. >> I. I. Resolution 26135, resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton
authorizing an agreement with landscape forms for trash recepticles for an amount not to exceed $162,52160. Michelle has the motion. Leighton has the second. Questions or comments? I see none. All in favor, please say I.
>> I. Resolution 26136, resolution of the mayor and council of Princeton designating an area of the municipality as more particularly described herein as an area in need of redevelopment pursuant to the local redevelopment and housing law. Leticia
has the motion. Leighton has the second. Questions or comments? All right. Seeing none, all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Next up is the consent agenda. There are five items on the consent agenda. We're paying bills. uh fireworks display
approving fire fire department membership uh authorizing the half marathon and in uh authorizing the Mayday March. Uh Leticia is moving those in block. Michelle's got the second. All in favor, please say I. I.
>> Those all pass. >> Next up, public comments for items not on the agenda. If anybody wants to comment on something that we did not cover on the agenda, this would be the time to come forward. Then you have the 3minut clock will show up if anybody has
anything. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I I forgot I had the list here. Go ahead. Are you going to go back? >> No, you're good. It doesn't really It's It's fine. >> I'll go. She doesn't come all the way. >> Yeah, it's fine. Okay. Efron Kawaji, I live in Princeton. So, I have twice
previously mentioned the Princeton Police Department's decision to investigate anti-Israel graffiti as bias intimidation, mostly while discussing other things. But in this comment, I want to focus particularly on that issue. So, as you know, the issue arises
from graffiti discovered in various places around town last August. The Princeton Jewish Center brought the issue to the attention of the council and the police department decided to investigate the graffiti as bias intimidation. Given the council's positive response to the Jewish cent's
input on this issue, I think it's fair to conclude that the council accepts the police department's approach. Now, I think there are several aspects of this approach that are worth flagging because there is no suspect in this case. There's no evidence of intent. Because
there's no evidence of intent, any suggestion that bias intimidation is involved is an inference made from the content of the statements themselves. The police department has somehow concluded that these statements imply bias intimidation just by inspection.
Now note first of all that no one knows which statements are the relevant ones. That's a guessing game. Number two, no matter how we answer that question, we don't know how they got from any particular statement to the conclusion of bias intimidation. So that's a second
puzzle. Third, we have no idea whether the statements expressed in a form other than vandalism would be treated as crimes. In other words, if a person asserts them, is that by itself arrestworthy? Well, I have asserted two of them in
print and I'm prepared to assert the other two for the record right here. So, on July 4, 2025, I wrote a blog post called Death to the IDF where I asserted that statement and defended it. On January 24, 2026, I wrote a post saying
localized the Inifada, which if anything should be worse than globalizing it since it's being done right here. Uh the other two statements were free Gaza and from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. So for the record, I will assert them right here. Free Gaza and from the record from the river to the
sea, Palestine will be free. So now what? Someone going to arrest me? I mean, if the statements are sufficient absent any indication of intent and any further context, that's an arrestworthy set of assertions
right there. You can reach for your phone, dial 911, call the police. If not, your hesitation is noteworthy and I think should be brought to the attention of the police.
Now, you said before that you have an exemplary track record on matters of free speech, something I've disputed right here. A track record that leaves you high and dry and leads me to a jail cell is not one I can applaud.
Thank you. Other people present that want to speak to something not on the agenda? Um, I'm Alexi Azmus Kip Cherry and I came to talk to you a while back about a planned compressor station on the border
of Princeton near Trap Rock Quarry. Um, there is now a second high emission facility being planned for the border of Princeton right across 27 from Trap Quarry, the Sentinel Data Center.
uh it's going to be running 24/7 to support the booming demand for for AI and the data center requires 70 megawws of energy a a lot of energy and will have 20 industrial size diesel
generators for backup energy. So, we don't know if these planned facilities will absolutely be built, but if they are both built, um Princeton should plan for shortterm pollution
spikes from these facilities due to blowdowns and combustion at the compressor station and to back up diesel generator use at the data center. Um, air quality in New Jersey is not great.
I mean, just to give you a sense, I have been tracking NO2 on Apple's weather app and we are routinely above the daily limit set by the World Health Organization for NO2 and we're above the yearly limit. So, our error is not great
as it is. And um we're asking and and Kip has not I I I expect her very shortly. um would she she would like to comment uh to to council briefly and then Kirk Frost who should be on the
zoom has been giving an expert report to various commissions, the Princeton Health Commission and the Environmental Commission and to council and commissions in South Brunswick and Franklin about the particular air
quality issues. And so I hope he will come on after me. We're asking that mayor and council send a letter asking that a um air permit hearing be held and also that we can work with you for
additional air monitoring for those two sites. Um if they are built, I want to say that the closest site that monitors NO2 is at Ruckers. It's been offline for a while. That's an NJD site. the site at
Ryder does not monitor NO2 for instance. Um so I think that if these facilities are built, it would be important for us perhaps to even to ask the NJP to to put a monitoring station nearby. Residents
deserve to to know if there are these shortterm pollution spikes from those kind of facilities. And I hope you see Kirk Frost on your >> Yeah. We'll we'll we'll go on to the Zoom. >> Yeah, >> we'll all right, Kirk.
There we go. >> Would it be possible to share my screen or not? >> I'm sorry. Say that again. >> Would it be possible to share my screen or not? >> I don't No. >> Okay. All right. Um
I I'll just start with the basics here. Um I have a packet that I'd love to share with you guys and it's continually evolving and thank you for the clock. I forgot to set mine. Um I love the passion of the community uh
regarding the library. Equally important is the air we breathe. And um these uh two new facilities are in addition to the compressor station 205 to the west of Princeton except uh compressor
station 206 is on the east and the sentinel data center is just a mile south of uh the main Princeton main area. Um included in the packet are uh two health
research reports that correlate directly link spikes to uh health health impact and health injury and chronic injury. Um those are included in the package. Um
the Sentinel data center uh permit is misleading because it's only approved for a generator operating one at a time once a month for 12 months. Uh but in reality and for 12 generators, but in reality they have 20 and they're going
to operate all 20 at the same time. It's more than 360 class A trucks of emissions of NOx and and uh so it's quite significant and never in a data center I've managed data
centers do they ever just do one at a time. They always switch on off hours to verify switch goes. So the compressor station is equally it has blowdowns that were not considered by NJD. And the last thing I'll just say is that
I've also presented about monitoring and I'm asking for a regional uh collective coordination between the towns and the counties to push for air monitoring. Other states are using them because they actually monitor the emissions. Uh the
final thing is the the locations of NJP's air quality are inadequate. They don't measure actual emissions and they don't capture local emissions. So, this is something local. It's very important. Protecting our air is not optional. It's
foundational. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Anyone else with uh public comment on anything not on the agenda? All right. Seeing nobody else, does someone want to move from the show? Is there a second?
Thank you, Leon. All in favor of adjouring the meeting, please say I. I. >> Meeting is over. Thank you all for attending. >> Lexi, you can Kip can email us.