Good evening. Welcome to >> Almost >> almost. >> Good evening. Welcome to the mayor and council regular meeting Wednesday. Oops, hold on.
July 23rd, 2025. This meeting is also being conducted telephonically. The dial in number is 425436365, access code 213563. And the meeting may also be viewed on the Ramsey YouTube channel and that can be accessed through the burough website.
May I please have a roll call. >> Mayor Dylan >> here. >> Councilwoman Cusk >> here. >> Councilman Gutwer >> here. >> Councilman Kilman >> here. >> Councilman Papo >> here. >> Councilwoman Poppy >> here. >> Councilwoman Woods
>> here. Thank you. I will ask officer Warnett to please lead us in the pledge of >> allegiance 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. The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to ensure the right of all citizens to have advanced notice of and to attend all meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting the public is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this
act, notice of this meeting of the mayor council was published in the Bergen record and the suburban news on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Can we please have approval of the minutes? I'll make a motion to approve the minutes from the June 25th, 2025
meeting. >> I second it, Madame Mayor. >> Thank you. Were there any comments on the minutes? >> Not hearing any. Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Cusk, >> yes. >> Councilman Gweeter, >> yes. >> Councilman Kilman, >> yes.
>> Councilman Pablo, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Poppy, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Wood, >> abstain as I was absent. >> Thank you. Okay. Communications. >> Madame Mayor, I make a motion to receive and file the following uh communications
as listed on tonight's agenda. >> Thank you. Second. >> This is Councilwoman Cusk. I second. >> Thank you. Any comments on the communications? >> Okay. Um well, I will say that I think we accept with regret the um retirement of Carolyn Green and Ralph Venttorini
from the building department. They will be surely missed. They are wonderful people and it's our loss that they're retiring. Okay. Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Cusk, >> yes. >> Councilman Gutletter, >> yes. >> Councilman Kilman, >> yes. >> Councilman Pablo,
>> yes. >> Councilwoman Poppy, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Woods, >> yes. >> Thank you. Okay. Can I please have a motion to go out of order um so we can jump over to appointments and consent resolutions because I want to make sure I give enough time for public hearing
tonight since we have so many people. >> Yes, madame mayor. I make a motion to go out of order with the appointments. >> Madame Mayor, I second that. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you. Okay. I hereby make the following appointments. Diane Warick, Sergeant, Ramsey Police Department.
Nicholas Moser, Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department. Ralph Hurtler, Ramsey Rescue Squad. Enzo Bernard, Ramsey Rescue Squad. Kyle Lynch, Ramsey Rescue Squad. Kieran Mueller, Ramsey Rescue Squad Explorer member. And Kathy Dany,
Planning Board, alternate 2. We have the consent resolutions, please. >> Uh, thank you, Madame Mayor. Uh be it resolved that resolutions 124 2025 through and including 143 2025 having been considered by the governing
body of the burrow of Ram DB center and are hereby passed and approved. Are there no special permit requests tonight? There's a block party request at 17 Tulip Street requesting a block party on September 13th from 12:00 noon till 8:00 p.m. >> I'll second that.
>> Thank you. Okay. Any comments on the resolutions? Not hearing any. Roll call, please. Councilwoman Cusk, >> yes. >> Counciloman Gweer, >> yes. >> Counciloman Kilman, >> yes. >> Councilman Pablo, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Poppy, >> yes. >> Council woman, >> yes.
>> Okay. At this point, I'd like to um call up Diane Warnette to be sworn in as sergeant. Do you want to hold >> square? I swear that I will faithfully that I will faithfully impartially impartially and justly perform >> and justly perform all the duties all
the duties of the office of the office of >> Sergeant Ramsey Police Department. >> Sergeant Ramsey Police Department >> according to the best of my ability according to the best of my ability. I do further swear I do furtherly swear that I will support the Constitution that I will support the Constitution of
the State of New Jersey of the state of New Jersey and I will bear true and I Fiance to the same and to the government and to the government established in the United States and the United States and in this state and in this state under the
authority of the people under the authority of the people. So help me God. So help me God. [Applause]
I've known Diane for 22 years now. to a lot of calls together. Um, worked on the same squad for a number of years. Just looking forward to her bringing her expertise, her experience, her years of knowledge to the police department, um,
adding her own touch to it and we look forward to many years of her leadership. So, thank you very much and congratulations. [Applause]
just for a minute. Um, I want to thank everybody for coming out. Um, I know it's hard to get people out in the middle of July in the summer. Um, this has been a long time coming. Um, I just want to say four years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. It was members of
my department and members of this community that were lifting me up when I was falling down. And now it's my turn. this department and I'm looking forward to the challenge. So, thank you for coming out. Um, to all the other appointees, I apologize I cannot stay. I
actually have to go to work. But, uh, congratulations on your accomplishments as well. Thank you very much. I need that pen back. Sorry. >> Thank you. Congrats. You can all rights Kathy
>> and May de Kathy. I think Kathy's here too. Do you want to do her at the same time? >> Yeah. Kathy, do you want to come up against one? >> Yeah. Oh, great. Yay. >> Her oath is down there. Squareally perform
>> fire department >> fire department. I'll support the constitution support >> of the state of New Jersey. to the states >> United States United States >> and this state
>> people [Applause] can borrow mine. I got to have that back. Dave, >> the M blanc is mine. Good.
>> Oh, when? >> Congratulations. >> Good. How are you? >> Yeah. >> Oh, that's awesome. >> Congratulations.
That's uh Is this your Shane with the key on it? Oh yeah, that's me. Thank you. House farmer tech is me. Thank you. >> Is that >> No, this is >> this is mine. Wait, >> this is
>> H. Right. [Music] >> But the thing is it's not white. My wife has seen forever. Okay, back to it. >> Okay. >> All right. So, do I do I have a motion
to go back into order? >> Yes, madame mayor. I make a motion to go back into the regular order. Next is public comment. >> I second. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> I >> I >> Okay, this is now the public comment. Let me in do the introduction of it and
then we're happy to hear what you have to say. Okay. Public comment. Anyone wishing to address the governing body, please give your name, spelling the last name and address. Please speak in an audible tone and address your comments to the chair. There will be a five-minute time limit per speaker
unless reduced because of the volume of business on the agenda. Pe please note public comment is your time. And respect and fairness to all. There be no interruptions or questions answered during your time. No time shall be seated to anyone else and no time shall
be saved for later use. Any responses may be given during the governing governing body's comments later in the meeting or is directed by the chair. The burough clerk is the official timekeeper. Okay. So, who wants to go first? >> Step on up.
>> Thank you. Uh my name is Nick Capuano. cap UA N O. I live at 50 Hollywood Road, Ramsey. Good evening, mayor, council members. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm here on behalf of the
Ramsay pickle ball community. So, by way uh by a show of hands, would all the pickle ball players in the room please acknowledge themselves, raise your hand, please? Both hands up. Thank you. Awesome. Thank you very much. So, um,
I'd also like to submit on record, um, a petition that I have, uh, I've signed over 300 Ramsay residents, and I'll give that to you at the end of my speech. Um, expressing, um, shared concerns about the current and future state of our
town's pickle ball facilities. For additional context, I have a cell phone. Um, there are 782 players on the Ramsay Finch Park team reach group. many of whom could not be here tonight but strongly support the effort that we're
here and we're going to be talking about. Uh we're here because we are deeply concerned about the condition, access, and scheduling of the Ramsay pickle ball courts. Pickle ball is more uh just more than a game. Pickle ball is one of the fast and growth sports in the
country and it's here to stay. It's taught in our schools and my school in the Ramsey schools. It's taught in our Ramsey community school. It's embraced by residents of all ages, young, old, male, female, all genders.
It's easy to learn, accessible for all skill levels. It's social. It's inclusive, which helps builds friendships, and it builds our community. It's great for health, promoting physical, fitness, activity, and mental well-being.
Pickle ball connects people. It's become a valued part of this community. At the June 11th, 2025 meeting, two households expressed concern about pickle boying no pickle ball noise. One
of them purchased their house in 2024 knowing it was adjacent to the courts. That raises the question, why buy next to train tracks if you don't like the whistle? So in legal and planning terms this is
known as coming to a new nuisance. The activity exists first and the new resident knowing narrative. So the pool court access. Let's begin with the pool courts. Uh until recently these courts were wellused and
well-loved community resource but due to changes in access they are now rarely available to residents. The new schedule severely limits opportunities to play, especially for working adults and families, school-aged children. Limiting the hours at the pool courts forces
players to look elsewhere, which leads us to Finch Park. Finch and East Oak Court scheduling. Uh, and this was the ordinance of 1320 2025. We recognize that the amendments of the ordinance of 132025 were passed with good intentions.
Absolutely. specifically to address concerns about noise and crowding, but in practice, the new rules are overly restrictive and unbalanced. Here's what we're facing. Finch Park hours now end at 8:00 p.m. instead of 900 p.m. Exclusive resident hours are
minimal and just a few weekday mornings and two small weekday windows. and East Oak is even more limited with Sunday play ending at 4:00 and weekday access tapering off at 7 p.m. These restrictions don't match the
growing number of players and the varied schedules of those who play. Instead, they limit the access and put more pressure on Finch Park, which brings me to Finch Park. Finch Park Courts, they opened September 2000 uh 29th, I
believe, 2022. I may be off on that. Within weeks, players noticed severe problems. Serious problems. The courts were uneven and poorly pitched. There were dead spots that ruined the rhythm of play. The surface began to peel within a month and water pools after
rain, making the courts very unplayable. These aren't the small cosmetic issues. They make fresh play frustrating, and they've gone unresolved for two years. In closing, we respectfully request the following steps. Reassess and expand the
hours at the pool and Finch Park court, especially in the evenings. Revisit amended ordinance 13-2025, and work with residents. Please work with us and players to strike a fair balance. Prioritize proper resurfacing
and repair of FG courts. Additionally, we request that LAN Associates presents a plan for the proposed renovations, basketball courts and pickleball courts at the future meeting. Please, please explore the idea of possibly flipping the current basketball courts and the
pickle ball courts to better serve both sports. Please explore the installation of lights and the expansion play from maybe four courts to eight courts. At Finch, we are happy to volunteer, all of us. And there's a lot more of us to
volunteer and offer our time to be a part of this process. These courts aren't just asphalt and nets. They're where friendships are formed, health is improved, and the community is built. We urge you to support this growing community and help us move forward
together. Thank you very much. Madame Mayor, I have a petition on um May I >> please give it to Miss Bendy. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your very eloquent words. >> Okay. Is there anybody else that wants to speak?
>> Yes. Uh John Hannah um Hna 125 Momar Drive. I'm here to speak on behalf of tennis. Uh but we are kindred spirits certainly uh with respect to our cause. So, I'm going to speak specifically with respect to the courts at Oak Street
because we live on Marrive and the back of our home faces uh the pool parking lot. And so, our house on a straight line is about 200 feet from the courts on Oak Street. So, whatever sounds are emitted from there, we are exposed to constantly.
And really, the only sounds that we hear, especially more recently, is the bop bop bop of pickle ball. And we don't consider that to be an unpleasant sound. But the sound of people enjoying themselves and participating in in exercise and recreation. Honestly, I
would say the noise emitted from the pool is much more significant. We have people parking all over our street and there is music on particular nights and a lot of noise. But again, I'm not here to complain about that because that's part of living within a community and within a neighborhood. it as part of
simply we don't live in a rural plot of 10 acres that has no neighbors. We live in town. We know where we're living and we understand that this is simply part of sharing a community with with others. So um now with respect to this
particular regulation that has sort of unfolded over the past several weeks, we as a family have kind of participated I think unknowingly in what has taken place because my sons, my my two boys, one is a college student, the other
one's entering college, just graduated high school. They've taken an interest in playing tennis and their younger sister who's 10 years old wants sort of shows up with them sometimes to be part of the action because she doesn't want to miss out on whatever her big brothers are doing. And so my son, my younger son
decided that he wanted to play tennis early in the morning ahead of beginning his summer job. And I thought this was a pretty good thing that we would want to encourage. So he went and played and then somebody came out and and told him to stop cursing which he wasn't doing and then end up calling the police
on him. Um and then subsequently the two my two sons were playing in the evening during hours of regulation when again somebody came out and sort of complained and they and they just simply said we're we're allowed to be here and
as soon as closing time hit this person said I'm calling the police and so I'm not I understand that there are sensitivities and people have different makeup of what they can endure in terms of noise in terms terms of what bothers
them. But honestly, I think young people and honestly people of all ages participating in exercise, being outside, enjoying themselves is the kind of activity that we as a community would should wish to
encourage. I think it's certainly at least in so far as I'm concerned as a father I'm very happy that my my children are outside exercising instead of inside on screens or doing anything else that might be tend to be a little more troublesome right and so this is
now again and I think weighing we want to you know if this were vandalism if it were assault if it were stuff that were dangerous then certainly the balance would weigh in the direction of of those who the the smaller number who might be affected but in this case I think the
balance balance of interests weigh substantially in favor of permitting the exercise and the outdoor activity and the enjoyment that all of us get to be a part of. This is not I think again has already been said in the opening
statement by Mr. Capuano. Um you live by the tennis courts. We live by the tennis courts. We understand maybe there were some things you could be blind whenever you buy a house. There are certain things that you may not be aware of that come with the home, but again, once you're there, you realize,
well, I guess I should have taken notice of that or this is what it's like to live in this community. And in particular, I think extended daylight hours are during the time of year when midday midday hours are particularly inmperate or hot. Therefore, the hours
in the evening are more conducive to people playing and enjoying themselves. I tried to play last Saturday in the middle of the day with my son and I almost suffered from heat exhaustion, right? I sort of I for I had to swallow my pride and beg out. I was like, "Okay, I'm done. We need to go home." Right?
And so it's really that honestly four on Sunday I and I know you guys do your best to make I'm not here to criticize you. I know you're doing your best, but I think four especially on Sunday is too early. 6 on Saturday is just too early. These daylight hours are really when
people want to be outside and want to be playing and want to be enjoying themselves. And I'll again I'll reiterate the interest especially that we have of young people enjoying the amenities of living in Ramsey. So thank you. >> Thank you very much. Stacy McMahon, MC M A H O N 8 Valley
View Drive, Ramsey. Uh, for the public record, I want to read a letter I sent to the burough administrator on June 12th, 2025 prior to the evening's mayor and council work session that amended ordinance 13 2025.
Dear Mayor Dylan and Ramsey council members, as you may know, pickle ball is the fastest growing sport in the United States. More recently in the health news, members of a community that played racket sports such as bad mitten tennis and pickle ball stood out in lifelong jeopardy. The public's interest,
especially in pickle ball, is ever increasing and for good reason. It pro promotes a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally, and socially. With the tremendous growth in the sport, Ramsey residents have been extremely pleased to play on the East Oak courts. We recently
discovered that the mayor and council are considering an amendment to the ordinance 132025. Upon review of the proposed amendment, Ramsey residents have questions about the assignment of exclusive Ramsey resident playtime as well as the proposed available playtime. Many Ramsey
residents prefer to play pickle ball at the East Oak courts as opposed to the Finch Park courts. The courts at Finch Park, while their dedicated pickle ball courts have become overrun with people, hence the preference for East Oak courts. We understand that ordinance
number 12-2010 passed on July 14th, 2010 authorized reconstruction and resurfacing of the East Oak courts for $160,000. We also understand that Ramsay paid 85,000 or 53.1% of the cost while Bergen
County paid 75 or 46.9%. Ramsey residents therefore are surprised that our Ramsey mayor and council did not allocate a corresponding percentage of exclusive playtime for Ramsay residents at the East Oak courts. As our
elected Ramsey mayor and council, we expected your support in this matter. The ordinance number 1325 amendment change all lots only eight hours per week of Ramsey exclusive play on East Oak courts with no aotted time for weekday mornings for our residents. The
times allotted to Ramsey residents at Finch Park are a total of 18 and a half hours per week and exclude exclusive play three morning per week as well as some weekend times. We would prefer to have exclusive Ramsey resident playtime at East Oak Courts Monday through Friday
9 to 12 and from 4 pm to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday 9 to 11. In addition, since we play outdoors, especially in the summer heat, we request that the courts remain playable until 6 PM on Sundays. We ask the mayor and council to consider
our request and to support the Ramsay tennis and pickle ball players. End of letter. Now I have another um subject supporting the growth of pickle ball in Ramsey. With the increasing growth of pickle ball across the country, there is also a growing body of research that
highlights the many social, health, and wellness benefits associated with the sport. Below are just a few examples of recent studies and articles that support its positive impact. Pickle ball's popularity surges. Health benefits abound, Penn State. Health benefits of
pickle ball, Duke University. The mental and physical benefits of pickle ball for college students. Pickle for pay. How pickle ball helps promote healthy aging. Colombia doctors. The social side of pickle ball. How the sport is building communities. Here in Ramsey, the sport
has become much more than just a recreational activity. It has become a bridge to community. Many of us have formed lasting relationships with people we might never had the opportunity to meet otherwise. From my perspective, that's one of the most meaningful and cherished aspects of being involved in
this sport. In addition, I'm sharing the links to companies that offer acoustic noise reducing fencing solutions specifically designed for pickle ball courts. Some of them look really good. These providers offer case studies and product details that show how other
towns have addressed similar concerns successfully. I'm also including the pickle ball court rules and regulations from the township of Rivervale, which demonstrates how a nearby community has implemented a wellmaintained and respectful court system. Thank you for your time and your
consideration. I truly believe that with thoughtful planning, pickle ball can continue to grow in a way that benefits the entire Ramsey community, promoting health, connection, and quality of life for residents of all ages. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you.
come on up. >> Um, my first time here, so bear with me. Okay. >> And your name, sir? And please spell the last name. >> Yes. Good evening. Uh, my name is Desmond Dim from 273 Elizabeth Avenue. >> And can you spell the last name, please? >> Name L I M. >> Say it again.
>> L I M. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. Um, I would like to make some comments on the uh neighbors who complained about the pickle ball noise uh in the last meeting.
>> Uh, I understand that the noise bothered them. However, when they brought their house, they already knew that there were tennis and pickle ball courts there behind them, just immediately behind them. And also I also want to note that uh
there's really no continuous 12 hours of pickle ball noise which they mentioned in the meeting right um these courts were not used throughout the day and especially during the hot
summers the weather nobody's playing there in in the hot afternoon. Um I this the the buyers when they bought the place they chose to move there they chose to move to the nuisance soal. Now
would you apply the same thing to people who move next to the rail track or near to the airport and says that you got to shut down the airport or shut down the rail track. Right? because ultimately they want to shut down the pickle ball
courts. I think that's totally unreasonable. So right now they seems to be having biased remorse because of this noise. So and this course have been providing much uh joy and fun to people of all
ages in our community. Right. And with this restrict new restrictive hours that was passed just last month, especially on Sundays which ends at 400 pm, that is really totally unreasonable because who
is going to be able to enjoy the summer time at 4 if they cannot play at after 4 p.m.? Um, so I would respectfully uh request that the hours be extended
to like 8:30 p.m. or dust so that people can enjoy and have much more fun. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi. Uh, my name is Roseanne Cameer. K A M R for Teen Large Avenue.
Ramsey is an amazing active community. I take such pride in living in this town and when I see people running, walking, riding bikes, playing ba baseball at the fields, it brings me so much joy. I live close to the pickleball courts. So when I drive by, I see people playing pickle
ball and tennis. Our pickle ball and tennis courts over by the pool for me personally give me a chance to exercise and stay healthy during my retirement. I have also met many new friends. Everyone is so welcoming and inclusive. I see
grandparents playing with their grandchildren, young families, everyone from seniors to little kids. I know you have recently installed pickleball courts at Finch Park and many don't go there because it is a completely different level of play. There are over
700 members on team reach and it's not the Ramsay community environment. here at the pool courts. It is very social and fun. I don't know if any of you have been there in the evenings, but when I drive by at night, the amount of teenagers that are playing pickle ball
and tennis is just so great to see. They are not in their house, in their basement, on their phones. They are outside exercising, being social, and interacting. What more could we ask from our youth? I am shocked to see that the pickle ball courts close at 7 o'clock, 6
o'lock, and four o'clock on Sundays. It's summertime. It's beautiful outside. We want people to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and exercise. We want to promote healthy living. Many people work and are not able to play until the early
evening. And because somebody new moved to our community and can't handle the noise, all of this has to change. I don't think that's really fair. The courts were here before they moved in. I'm not here to badmouth anyone, but I know firsthand and through conversations, people are being harassed
for being on the courts, and I'm sorry, it's just not right. And it's really sad and it's upsetting to a lot of people. Last week, I went to the courts during the day and there was a younger mom with her three teenagers playing and they were having so much fun. and I knew the
mom and I went up to her and I said, "Please don't be so loud because the neighbor will call the police on you." And the boy said, "Oh my gosh, that guy called the police." The mom was surprised she didn't even know and myself. So, you know, that just
shouldn't be happening. Two days ago when I was there and I was on the courts, I was talking to a young tennis player and he said he was there the other night with his little brother playing tennis and was on the courts and all of a sudden the cops came and was chasing in them off the courts. He felt
terrible. He was there with his little brother. The courts are not used 65 days a year, 24 hours a day. The courts are not used when it's windy. They're not used when they are wet. The courts are not used when it's raining and when it's snowing. And the courts are not used
after 4:30 in the fall. It gets dark. The courts are not used practically all day during the summer because it's too hot to play. People wait until it gets cooler and they go out after dinner. They want to go out after work when the sun is not so high and so strong. It
just makes sense. It makes me so sad that our young teens are a not able to go out and enjoy the time with their friends. How many of you have raised children? What did we always say? Go outside and play. That's what we want for our our kids. So, I think we really
need to look at these hours and reconsider and I hope you will because you are representing the good of everyone. And I'm just asking that you reconsider and look at the big picture and look at how many people you are impacting. And I really hope that you decide to do what's right for the Ramsay
community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Hi, I'm Laura Capawano, CAP UA. I live at 50 Highwood Drive. Um, good evening, mayor and council members. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm
here respectfully to propose an update to the operating hours for the pool courts to better align with seasonal use and the needs of our Ramsey community. I'm suggesting new hours as follows. October 1st through April 1st, 10:00 a.m. to 6 pm or dusk, whichever comes
first. Sometimes that's 4:35 p.m. April 1st through October 1st, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. as it was daily, so people can enjoy the cooler hours. Uh these hours reflect both practical use and community consideration. During the colder months,
midday is when the courts are most likely to be used as the sun sets early and temperatures are lower. In contrast, the hotter summer months make midday play unpleasant and even unsafe. So allowing play in the cooler morning and evening hours ensures broader access and
greater comfort, especially for those who work or attend school during the day. This adjustment is also a fair compromise to those who have voiced concerns since overall it does offer a reduction in hours. It reflects seasonal
shifts and align aligns usage patterns with community behavior. We believe this is a common sense approach that serves the broadest number of Ramsey residents. To to sympathize with noise concerns, I'd like to offer the additional possibilities of relocating the
designated p pickle ball courts to the shaded front corner of the pool court area further away from the neighbors who've expressed frustration over noise. This is a neighborly solution that shows we are willing to adapt without removing a cherished community activity
altogether. Another suggestion is installation of noise barriers on the fences as I realize there are some very good options that neighboring towns have installed. At the last meeting, a resident raised concerns about mental health impacts related to the sound of pickle ball. While I respect his right
to voice concerns, I also believe it's important we keep perspective. You can find nearly anything to support a point on the internet. In contrast, I could cite hundreds of credible studies showing how engaging in sports like pickle ball contributes to the mental clarity, reduced anxiety, physical
health, and cognitive function, particularly for seniors. Regarding the topic of music, I agree it's a it's an unnecessary added noise. However, the town pool just across the street is allowed to host live bands until 10 p.m. Banning music altogether at the adjacent
courts seems inconsistent. That said, a reasonable compromise could be to discourage or limit music at the pool courts and encourage players who enjoy music while playing to use the Finch port the Finch Park courts instead. Now, about Finch Park, yes, it
is designated for pickle ball, but that's only part of the story. The truth is those courts are in a serious state of disrepair. They were constructed incorrectly from the start. Dead spots, uneven pitch, and multiple depressions make for frustrating experience while
playing. Rain renders them unusable for at least 24 hours unless players bring towels and spend time drying puddles manually. Only four courts exist and they're open to players for from surrounding towns. The result, overcrowding every weekday from 4 to
8:00 p.m. making it impossible for beginners, seniors, and children to get meaningful court time or feel welcome. So, I am asking this council to consider prioritizing the full renovation of Finch Park's courts, including repairing
the faulty construction, adding four additional courts, installing evening lighting, and maintaining it as a designated pickle ball hub. If Finch were rebuilt properly and extended hours were allowed, especially since there are no close adjacent homes, Ramsey
residents, especially young adults, college students, and advanced players would be far more inclined to play there. That in turn would significantly reduce traffic at the pool courts, easing concerns from neighbors while preserving access for seniors, casual
players, and families closer to home. This isn't about choosing sides. It's about balanced, inclusive solutions. Let's honor the community's diverse needs by creating more opportunity and not less. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> Hi, Paul Aliano, 137 Marmar Drive, right
behind the pickle ball courts. I'm probably the one that calls all the time, so you guys can get a good look at me if you want. Um, when you do a an ordinance, that means it's legal, right? I mean the name is they have to abide by it people. Okay. So
>> last night it was 8. I wanted to sit outside at 8:30 to watch the rest of the baseball game. I go out there a bunch of people playing younger kids. >> So I go there I said it's 8:30. You guys have to leave. And the one tough kid all you know are you kidding me? Are you kid? What are you talking about? Are you kidding me? And I said no it's 8:30. You
got to leave. That's what it says on the sign. And they were just you know going off. And then all of a sudden, um, the one tough girl that was there, they were walking, fbombing me. You guys know what an F-bomb is? Yeah. I was getting that. You got to move. You're going to be hated in this town. I don't care if I'm
hated in this town. I don't care. But unrespectful. I don't know whose kids they are, but fbombing me. You got to move. You're hated in this town. You're a loser. That's what I was called last night. It really bugged me, okay? And something's got to get done, okay? that
this pickle ball court I don't care what anybody says don't belong in somebody's that close to the house look at every other respect is supposed to be as a respectful town that's why we moved here I thought it was every other town doesn't have them by somebody's house go to Franklin Lakes go to Mwa go to Montville where are they not by
somebody's houses and the people that go there tennis players are are you know they're pretty controlled they're quiet they play tennis pickle ball courts is like playing a softball game I mean it's ridiculous old young what It doesn't matter the age. It's just And last night, what happened last night? You know, they're
like, "Oh, I'm going to call the cops and tell them you're harassing us." I'm like, "I'm not harassing. I'm just telling you 8:30. You have to leave. That's the time." And now they got the new time up there and everybody wants to change to the later time. Sit in my backyard and listen to this crap every time every night. Just listen to it.
Okay. Goodbye. >> Thank you, Mr. Al. >> Hi. Uh, it's my first time here. My last name is Fang. F A N G. Excuse me, sir. >> No, ma'am. You have to speak to us, not J. >> All right. No, what he say is not true.
>> Okay. No, you're allowed to counteract. You're certainly allowed to. >> My last name is F uh 273 Elizabeth Avenue. I was there last night. I was just sitting down and there are two courts there playing. So, I was sitting down my friend and you know the fans, he
came and just bang on the fence and look at me. you know, you got 10 minutes to leave. And I look at him, I say, I'm not playing pickle ball. I'm sitting down. I'm I say, you know, I'm going to call the He use a F word. He used F word first. I can be the witness. So, he left
already. So, now how you know, he's not telling the truth. Then he went to the other kid. I said, "Oh, uh, I don't know them." He said, you know, I said, "You can tell them." Oh, I'm going to f the whole freaking uh tennis court, you know, and I keep quiet. So then he went
to that too late. Those kids are nice. Those kids say, "Hey dude, you know, take it easy." He was screaming at them. He was using the f-words first. Of course, he used the f word. Those girls will use the f word back to him. And then so another group, another group and
lady, her name is ania said, "Hey, just calm down." He was not, he was very violent. I just want to be >> I'm there. I just telling you. Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. [Applause]
Okay. Anybody else? >> Hello everyone. Uh Rob Schuba, 190 North Spruce North Spruce Street over by Finch SCU BBA. Um so I didn't have anything planned tonight. Um this is my first town council thing ever. So thank you for having me. Um, I guess first off,
um, I mean the word community has been brought up a ton tonight. I know it's kind of like a buzz word everyone throws around and I guess I can be a testament to it as a 25-year-old coming to a town council meeting. Um, that it is completely true and pickle ball's been something in my life where having played
competitive sports in the past for Ramsey High School, I've lived here almost my entire life. It's it's a wonderful town and being able to have that competitive spirit um, in a sense still be part of my life has been amazing. me and my friends, my family, we started playing last year almost like
every Thursday on the the pool courts. So, and then transition to um on other nights of the week doing the finch courts where it's the more competitive and I'll go with my friend who played like D1 tennis and you go there and compete and it's super awesome. Um I think as far as the noise complaints, I didn't know that was a thing and to
speak to a bit of character, the fact that he couldn't stick around and uh you know hear anyone come back from them I think says a lot. So, I didn't know that was a problem, but that's kind of my just view of it. I think as far as the finch courts, this has been something with my friends. If you would be able to
in some way repave them, do things like that, I think it would be amazing more just so because I know this town is awesome and great and can be great. And I think the courts can definitely be a reflection of that. Um, so I think whether that be extending them, repaving the ones we have, finding some middle
ground there, as well as adding some level of lights because I know me and my friends been a little young and like to stay out a little later, but when it's dark out and everything, having the lights, the option to stay later has been awesome. And just especially at Finch, the nights during the week when it's packed and there's everybody from the community making friends, like they
said, of all ages, walks of life. Um, for me, me personally, it's been an amazing experience. So, I just hope that's something uh that can continue. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> So what I think I would what I've been formulating in my mind and you minus I
take copious notes. Okay. So is there anybody else who wants to speak? >> Sure. >> This is spontaneous too. I don't have anything >> ahead of time. >> Eileen Rowski uh 100 West Oak Street. R A K O W S KI.
I want to talk about misophonia because it's something that I suffer from. Misophonia. It's irritation by specific sounds. Mine is chewing gum. I've had to deal with this my entire life. So if you're
chewing gum, I will walk away. Go someplace else. So with this guy, I think he has this mental health condition. I'm not a therapist, but let me just read it. Misophonia may cause a reaction to sounds such as dripping water, chewing,
snapping gum, or repetitive noises such as pencil tapping. I mean, I don't know. Does anyone in here suffer from the same thing? >> No, nobody. Oh, me, my husband. >> Who's direct your comments to the Dis? >> Oh, okay. So, me, my husband, and one daughter all have it. It drives us
insane and we have to walk away. Or we listen to white noise. Just by that guy's reaction, I empathize with him because I don't think I would be able to stand the noise. But there's stuff that you could do. You turn on your air conditioner. You do something to drown out the noise. So, I understand. But
again, he should have rethought where he bought the house. That's all I have to say. Thank you. >> Is there anyone else who would like to make a comment? Come on up, Mrs. Hi. Uh, Tammy, Missouri, 83 Momar Drive.
Um, >> spelled the last name. >> Oh, A Z O U R I. Yep. Lived here almost 30 years. I think the first time that I've ever gotten up to speak except for the variance from my front porch. So, this is um a really important issue. And as um a member of the board of health
stigmafree um I'm not representing those um groups but I I am a member of those committees and public health community health the health and well-being of our community is very important to me. I'm very passionate about that. Um if you have a chance and you know time to read
an 82page report from the surgeon general from 2023 he released something called the loneliness um epidemic and he actually noticed these findings before COVID. So after COVID it actually increased um and finding ways and social
connections in communities is really important. I found that pickle ball was one of those places where the community came together. I've never been so welcomed and encouraged to play. I'm not really good at it. You know, it's nice that they keep inviting me back, but I
appreciate that. I know I'm not great. But the camaraderie and the community that we feel is really important. Um loneliness is directly related to cardiovascular health, um diabetes, cancer risk, and obviously mental health, right? Depression, anxiety.
Coming together as community is so important. And I think pickle ball is one of those cute little niches that just came up out of nowhere, right, over time that people have found to be fun. It's physical. Um, and the social part is really important. So, I would just
ask you to consider that as you peruse all the all the information. But there is, you know, science out there saying the importance of staying active for our mental health, physical and emotional. That's it. Thanks, guys. >> Thank you.
Okay. Is there anyone else? >> Come on up. >> This was not planned. I got railroad in from my neighbors to play pickle ball. >> No worries. Okay. >> My name is Mrs. Newsbomb. N US SSB AU M.
I've been here for over 40 years. address >> 107 Refi. So, if we're going to build any barriers or any of that kind of stuff, could we get one on Refi to block the noise of the train? >> I tell you, the train is under New
Jersey Transit's jurisdiction. We're not allowed to touch it. >> I know, but when you're buying a home, you should do your um investigating, do your research. the gentleman that I heard on the I got your last board meeting about that all of the stuff like
that when you should have had a better relationship with your real estate person and she should have maybe informed you. So I'm expecting you to move the pool. Are you going to be moving the pool next? You know, >> no plans. >> Oh, okay. I don't know. According to
him, you might have to. No, it's just something that this is a very good community and you should be happy that the kids are out playing pickle ball and tennis at night rather than harassing people on Main Street or doing bad
things. You know, taught for 38 years, so I kind of know the kids. And he sat there while everybody was talking mumbling mumbling. And I said, "You're being rude." And he didn't want to hear it. So, I knew when he got up that and
then I said he said something. I don't know what he said. I didn't care what he said, but you know, it's just one of these things. When you aggravate the kids, they're going to go back at you. You treat people with respect, you will get respect. And I could tell the tone
if he did, they gave it back to him. And they should have done more. No, sorry. So, and we have to have a happy medium. You have to have people that are on Sunday with their family and then they
want to get out and play pickle ball at 4:00 in the afternoon when it starts to cool off. Those are the hours that are more important, you know, and if is still a problem, then he needs to redo his windows,
turn on the air conditioner, and do that white noise. What do you call that stuff? You know, I don't have any kids. I had plenty in school. So, you do that. You can avoid a lot of the noise, but it's just annoying to him because now
he's annoyed. Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] >> Okay. Is there anyone else? Okay. Not seeing anybody. This is what
I've been thinking. I I take copious notes. So I really heard what you've said and and what you really drove home I think was the point about summer hours. You need evening early morning evening hours because it's so hot during the middle day. Understood. Um what I
would recommend is that you know you can't really take any action tonight just the way you have to run the burrow and with ordinance and things like that. You have to introduce them. You have to have public hearings. You have to have public notice. So what I would suggest is that amongst all of you,
you come up with a couple of people, I'd say three at the max to be your representative. Okay? Does that sound good to you? You know, however you want to um organize that. and then to work with the utilities um buildings and
grounds committee because this falls under utilities buildings and grounds um tennis courts, pool, finch park, all that kind of stuff falls under UBG. So that's a committee and that is um Councilwoman Cusk is in charge of that. So what I would suggest is you all come
up with your three members. We'll get to we'll have meetings with the UB&G committee and come up with a solution. And you know, it's not going to be perfect for everybody, and I'm sorry to say that, but you know, we all have to live in the same community. We all have to respect each other, but I hear you
loud and clear and I think um we certainly can make adjustments to the ordinance. Absolutely. But I want to do it in a very smart way so that people, you know, we hear you and, you know, we take in your points of view and then, you know, Judy can also or Councilwoman
Cusk, excuse me, can also like say, well, from a burough's perspective, this is what we're thinking of what we have to um consider. Okay. So, I think that's probably the best way to move forward. And as far as Finch Park goes, we're actually doing um a introduction of
ordinance tonight. We have three open public space grants that we're combining together in order to do improvements of those four courts. We're we're going to resurface them and really improve them. So, that is being introduced later tonight. As far as lighting goes, that
is an actually a bigger project for Finch Park, something that we've been working on for quite a while. Um, >> so the ordinance does include lighting for the courts. >> Perfect. All right. So, we're already halfway there. We're introducing the ordinance
this evening. >> Lighting. >> Lighting is part of the ordinance that's being introduced tonight for the Finch Park courts. >> So, as far as the introduction of the ordinance goes, we will um introduce the ordinance tonight. We'll do a second on it, but there won't be any public
hearing because you can't do that the night they introduce an ordinance. What we'll do, Miss Bendy will make public notice of it. So, at our next council meeting, we'll consider it in August. So, at the August council meeting, which I believe is August 27th, we only do one council meeting in July and August to
try and give everybody a little bit of a break. Um, we will have the public hearing on that and Mr. Vose will give, if you want to stay tonight and listen, when we do the introduction of the public ordinances, um, there will be a detailed explanation about exactly what
is in that ordinance, um, and what it hopes to accomplish. So, you know, you're more than welcome to stay and listen to it, but otherwise we'll go over it once again at the August 27th meeting because that's when action will be taken on the ordinance when the actual voting will be.
>> So, is there Yes, ma'am. >> No, it's the courts. >> It's the courts themselves. >> Okay. Because I courts and match. I don't think that's going to happen again. But if it did,
>> well, well, this will it's it'll be very comprehensive that we do because it's the courts themselves. It's very hard to separate pickle ball from tennis in one set of courts as far as like drafting or an ordinance to do that. So, you have to look at the whole courts. the courts as
a whole. >> So, is there anyone else who would like to speak? >> Just a clarification. >> Stand up. You have to put your name back on the record, please. >> John Hannah, hna, 125 Momar Drive. So, obviously, we have an ordinance that's in effect and we can't take action on it
this evening. So, the the status quo from a legal perspective will remain until there's an opportunity to vote on a new ordinance in August. So that the the current hours are still in effect presumably. Yes. Correct. Okay. Thank you.
>> Yeah. Most Yeah. With the way the ordinances go because the goal is to introduce the ordinance in August and then pass it in September. >> Okay. Natalie Hansen. Hen 25 Sun Valley Road. So I was following up on what you just said. Mayor, Miss Mrs. Miss Mayor, I don't come get it.
>> I would address you a different way if we weren't in this building. Don't worry about it >> as a friend. But um >> so when it's proposed next month, you will be voting on it. >> No, >> the ordinance. So when are we looking on next month will be the ordinance for the
improvements at Finch Park. Okay. >> Because you have to do introduction, then you have to do the hearing. Got it. So the goal would be to have the working group come up with your solutions and everything working with Councilwoman Cusk and her committee and then
introduce that in at August and pass it in September >> in effect once it would if it passed in September and everyone is happy the new it starts September the next day after this meeting. >> Yeah. We'll what we'll do is take the signs down in September if it once when it passes.
>> Got it. >> Okay. Okay. All right. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Last name, Miss F 273 Elizabeth Avenue. But then how about those kids going to waste their whole summer?
>> That's the way it works with the and I just, you know, confirmed with U. Burough attorney Scanderado. It's an ordinance and to change it we have to go through the public hearing process. I understand that but you know last month nobody know about the ordinance and
nobody we were not here and then you guys at first table it then later on somebody on say that untab it you know so it's a sense it's not fair for the
youngster that this summer they pay 365 days I feel for the kids you know and especially Sunday and Saturday when you drive past this is a friendly neighborhood. You drive past, it's like a date town like that. No, we live 31 years here. My husband first time when
we buy, we drive past. My husband said, "There's a swimming pool. This has a tennis court. >> We're going to buy the house here." >> Yes, that's what we did. >> I've already heard you on this. Okay. Thank you. But this is the way the process works with an ordinance. And we did do an introduction of ordinance and
we did have a public hearing with it before it was passed. >> I did my best. Okay. >> Hi, my name is David Delissi. I live at 85 Dogwood Terrace. Last name is De L I Si. I really enjoyed listening to
everyone speak tonight, but I have to bring something to your attention. The new sign that you put up with the new ordinance, you spelled pickle ball wrong. And that's all I wanted to say. I got to tell you, I am embarrassed by that. [Applause] >> The sign is tickle.
All right, we'll bring that up with the DPW because they're the they're the ones who actually order the signs and put them up. Okay, so um Bruce will mention that to Mr. Dagasura who's the DPW superintendent. So, thank you for
bringing that to our attention. >> All right, so is there anybody else who wants to speak? Okay. Then what I would suggest, you know, have somebody who work amongst your all yourselves come up with the three people um that you'd like and you
know if you want to go to forehead >> your input is invalid. >> Oh stop it. Oh that usually Sarah usually gets that message not me. Um and then please reach out to Mr. Vose. Okay. Um by email and we'll we'll get things going up with Councilwoman Cusk.
>> Absolutely. >> Okay, >> folks. Thank you for >> I'm ready to start this weekend tomorrow. You guys just let us know. Okay. >> Okay. Thank you for coming. Appreciate your time. >> I know. I know. I >> see. Why are you telling
>> See you Sunday. I'm like I think I hit around with a kid. >> No. Folks, can you please take it outside? We still have more to do. [Music] You uh gave me the word.
>> Thank you. Thank you. Have a nice evening. >> My husband's from Jersey City. >> Believe me, I know. >> Believe me, I know. >> Thank you. Have a nice evening.
>> Hi, Sue. Eddie, [Music] >> why aren't you with your friend drinking? >> Don't say that to the day. >> Jeez Louise. >> Why aren't you with your friend drinking?
>> Soda. >> Soda. What? >> No. No. Committee report. >> Oh, we have we have to finish the meeting. >> Okay, folks. We got to finish our meeting. >> Bob, take it out. >> Yeah. Either sit down, be quiet, or take
it outside because we still have more meeting to do. >> Okay. At this point, I think we will close public comment unless there's anybody else who wants to speak. Not seeing anyone. We'll close public
comment at this point and let's move on to committee and leazison reports. Finance and administration Councilman Gutwinter. >> Okay. Thank you, Madame Mayor. First off, I would like to congratulate all those appointees listed on the
agenda this evening. Thank them for their service. I also like to congratulate Officer Warett for her promotion to sergeant of the police department. A report for tonight on the library board. The 2025 summer reading
program is underway since the end of June. Um and we'll I will have a report once the program is concluded later in the summer. Uh the library will be making a presentation to the residents of the Woodlands on services the library can offer to the residents. This will
take place on July 30th. Uh, the library is working on creating a native species seed lending program in conjunction with the local Girl Scouts group, the Ramsey Garden Club, and the environmental commission. More information to follow, and patrons can purchase many Ramsay Library branded merchandise such as
t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. For recreation commission, the four w soccer registration is open for play beginning in September. Uh, men's and women's softball leagues are continuing through the summer. Uh, adult registration available on team staff civic rep and the burough website for adult pickup
soccer. Summer camp at Finch Park will be concluding this Friday the 25th of July. Registration is available for the 47th Jack McKe and Memorial Ramsey run on Saturday, September 20th. Ramsey Farmers Market is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November. There will be a
peach festival on August 3rd sponsored by the Women's Club of Ramsey. and come out and check come check out all the great vendors that are in attendance at the market each and every Sunday as well as crafts for children and music and a nonprofit organization is usually in attendance. Thank you. That's my report
for this evening. >> Thank you, Councilman Gutwire, public safety. May I have that, please? Thank you, >> Councilman Kilman. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. I would like to um congratulate and
thank Carolyn Green and Ralph Venturini as they retire from office of emergency management. Like to thank them for their service. Also congratulations to all the appointments this evening. And let me move on to the new emergency services complex.
The design team continues to make strong progress on the Ramsay emergency services complex project. They are developing a revised comprehensive concept that remains within set budget parameters despite ongoing inflation and
construction costs. Once the design is complete, it will be presented to the full mayor and council as well as to the public. Following an internal review of the proposed plan and bid package, the bureau will submit the materials to the state office of controller for approval
before proceeding to the bidding phase. At this time, there is no estimated timeline for when these steps will occur. >> And that's it for tonight. >> Thank you. Anything from the BFW? >> Okay. Thank you. Building planning and
zoning. Councilwoman Woods. >> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Um I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I want to congratulate Diane Warett um on her promotion to sergeant and I also would like to congratulate Ralph Venturini and Caroline Green. But I am very sad to see them go and but I wish
them the best. Uh the design review board met last night and approved two applications with the help of our new board secretary. We are working on new procedures to help the zoning official with enforcement by communicating any infractions of the revised sign ordinance. We are also revising the information packet to applicants to
further clarify the sign ordinance. Lastly, we will be creating an educational introduction packet for new members to the design review board so they know what their responsibilities are. The next design review board meeting is Tuesday, August 26th. The senior trustees met July 10th. The
success of the senior gala was discussed and how thankful they were to the mayor and council members that attended and helped. They also thank the Girl Scouts and OEM. The seniors have 648 registered members and had a table at the new resident mixer which was successful. Uh
they are having a summer photo contest and getting ready for the senior picnic which will be September 3rd. a New Jersey Division of Taxation representative came to assist residents with filling out their senior tax release form. Um the next meeting will be August 14th. The zoning board of
adjustment uh meeting on for July 16th was cancelled because there were no complete applications. The next meeting will be August 20th. Uh lastly, I attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Dylan Hunt this past Sunday and shared the proclamation by the mayor. It
was a wonderful event. Um, I just wanted to mention that to achieve Eagle Scout, you must complete 21 very involved merit badges. Dylan completed an additional 79 merit badges and still has three months to complete any more that interest him.
He's exceptional. It was uh just a wonderful event and I was really honored to be there. Thank you. >> And also, what was Dylan's Eagle Scout project? ah the wonderful um sign project at the entrance to Ramsey um Garrison Pond.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Wonderful. So make sure you see it on the way in. >> Thank you. Utilities, buildings, and grounds. Councilwoman Cusk. >> Thank you, Madam Mayor. I I'm going to lead off by saying I'm impressed by the four courageous Ramsay football players who helped the victims of the crash on
the Parkway. I I think that there's more to come. Um, I also want to thank our Ramsay team for the wonderful Independence Day celebration. It's been a while since we've met. So, um, and congratulations to our appointments and Ralph and Caroline the best. My report
will be an update regarding our planning board, Sha Tree Commission, and Board of Public Works. The Ramsey Planning Board me on the 15th July. There were six waiver applications which were approved. At this meeting, the board discussed an amendment to the ordinance for front
porches which will be forwarded to the mayor and council for consideration. The next planning board meeting is 19 August. The shade tree commission met last week. Our next meeting is scheduled for the 21st of August. The commission has
started planning for the 2026 planting season. For the Ramsey Board of Public Works, it last met on the 21st July. The next meeting is 18 August. Burough administrator Vose will provide information on the DPW and BPW bond
ordinances regarding capital improvements for our bureau. I'm going to touch on some of the science. The perr and poly florinated substances substances POS are chemicals used in products that resist heat stains oil
grease and our US EPA water quality limits are in um effect and they impact our water supply. Our architectural and engineering firm, H2M, is collaborating with the Ramsey Water Department on treatment solutions for well facilities
at Arrow, Darlington, Brookfield, North Central, and Spring Street. The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, known as the I Bank, provides lowinterest loan loans through the New Jersey Water Bank for environmental infrastructure projects, including the PAS contamination,
treatment, and drinking water. Our burough projects have been submitted for consideration and the I bank is currently reviewing the environmental planning document. The lead service line replacement. The board of public works is actively planning and implementing measures to comply with the NJD's lead
service line replacement mandate requiring all lead service lines in the water system be replaced by the year 2031. And finally, the consumer confidence report summarizing the 2024 drinking water quality data is available
on the REC on the Ramsey website and it confirms no water quality violations occurred during 2024. Thank you, Madame Mayor. >> Thank you. Public and governmental relations, Councilwoman Poppy.
>> Thank you, Madame Mayor. I would like to um begin my report by thanking Carolyn Green and Ralph Ventini for your long tenure with the with the burrow. I wish you all the best in your retirement. Also, congratulations to
Officer Warnett on her promotion, to sergeant, and to all of those listed on the agenda who have been appointed to our wonderful emergency services teams. Um,
I would like to start with the pool commission. The next meeting will be on August 20th at the municipal pool um at 7:30m. It is an open public meeting, so all are welcome to attend. Um Gary Bach has been
doing a great job directing the pool. I was just there for the last two Fab Fridays and I thought that they were very wellrun. I thought that the staff was very on point. Um, and it was nicely done. Um, and I appreciate all the
updates for security and verifying membership as well. Um, Ramsey Day will be on September 6, so save the date for that. And I would also like to um make a comment on the Ramsey
Municipal Alliance. The Ramsey Municipal Alliance means a lot to me. It's an organization that I was the chair of before I was on council. Shauna Lella took over that responsibility of chairing the municipal alliance which is the substance abuse prevention education
programming within the community. They fund a lot of programs through the schools as well as for our community members. Shauna has served as chair for over three years. She did a fabulous job expanding um the program and she is stepping down
at the end of this month. So, I just wanted to take a moment and thank her for her hard work and dedication to our community. And that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you. Health, Education, Social Services, Councilman Papa.
>> Thank you, Madam Mayor. Um, again, I'd like to congratulate Carolyn Green and Ralph Ventini for their service. We're we're going to miss them and what they've done and we'll miss them dearly. Congratulations to all the appointees on their roles and thank
them for uh for their services. I'll start off with Reife. Um just to make note, we had the pool party event in August, which will be August 14th, probably begin at 5:00 p.m. and go till 8:00 p.m. Frankie will handle the food and barbecue. Um but we should have a
significant turnout. We usually do for that event um at the Ramsay pool. Again, thank you to Gary and his staff to help out. >> Um, soccer will begin in September. So, that's going to be next on the agenda for the writers kind of doing that. For
environmental committee, there was no meeting in July. The next meeting will be August 12th. Um, environmental did get their second half of the grant uh funding for for the signs and everything. So, at least they got that going through. We're in the process now of working through that and figuring out
how that's going to be utilized uh over the next couple of months for that. Uh board of ed did have a meeting. I think it was canceled and then we did have it in the morning at 9:00. I did not attend but I will follow up to find out the information on that. We are in the process uh with Earl Clerk Vendian
coordinating for August for the for Ramsey students. So hopefully that'll all work out for the August meeting that we have. And that is it for tonight. Thank you. >> Okay, for my comments, um I just want to take note of the Independence Day
celebration. It was supposed to be on July 3rd. We had inclement weather that night, so it was the right call to move it to July 6. It was attended by thousands of people. So, I'm very happy with how many people were there. Um, I'd like to thank B, Administrator Ros,
Councilwoman Poppy, um, the DPW, the Ramsey Police Emergency Services, the VFW for all making that such a wonderful event. And of course, the Women's Symphony did a lovely job performing during the fireworks. Congratulations to
Sergeant Warnette. We have very high expectations for her, so I hope I know she'll do a great job. Um, thanks to everyone who was appointed tonight, to Kathy Dany, to the planning board, and then to the gentleman for fire and rescue. And I'd like to thank all the
residents who showed up this evening to discuss the planning board, the pickle ball courts. Um, their comments were very eloquent and we will certainly take them into consideration. And thank you to Shauna Lauraelli. She has Laura Chella. He has done a great job with Ramsey M municipal alliance as well as
um kickstarting stigma free which had kind of fallen by the wayside and Shauna has really made it get going again. So appreciate her all of her help and her leadership from that and that's all I have for administrator. Thank you madame
mayor. Comments on some of the resolutions and the uh introduction of ordinances. Resolution 129 authorized the bureau to increase its bid and quote thresholds in accordance with the state changes in the local public contract law every five years. The state reviews and
modifies the threshold limits to the public contracts law. These limits determine the floor cost for purchase that would require municipality to solicit for multiple quotes from qualified contractors or require a formal advertised public bid. This year the state has changed the thresholds to
be any purchase over $53,000 would require a public bid and any purchase over $7,950 but under 53,000 would require soliciting multiple quotes. These are the limits that pertain to Ramsey's. We have a qualified purchasing agent which
allows these limits to be higher than they would be if we did not have a qualified purchasing agent. Municipality may purchase items from a state contractor through a cooperative contract also as these have previously been publicly bid by a state or the cooperative. These contracts generally
provide better pricing as state or cooperative bids have obviously higher quantities than a one town bid would have and can at times achieve economies of scale pricing. Resolution 135 um you saw tonight was the confirming of the appointment of Sergeant Diane Warett to
the Ramsey Police Department with Sergeant Sanders recent retirement. Chief Lyman had begun the process of promotion to fill that open position. A number of candidates applied and after the police department command staff review process, three candidates were recommended to the mayor and public
safety committee for consideration. Interviews were held by Mayor Dylan, Council President Kilman, Council Musk, and myself. The recommendation was to appoint officer Waret as the next sergeant for the Ramsey Police Department effective today. She was
sworn in earlier tonight. Resolution 137 is an emergency appropriation for the water sewer capital improvement fund. This is necessary to authorize the board of public works to make a down payment on bond ordinance 152025. The board of public works budget has funds available
in the capital outlay outlay line of the budget that's available for project project spending. However, although this ordinance is for funding of a couple capital projects by state requirements, the capital outlay funds may not be used as a down payment. This therefore this
120,000 will be added to the board of public works budget to make the down payment and will be raised through revenue in the 2026 budget in accordance with state guidelines for this situation. Uh resolutions 138, 140, 142, and 143.
All four are related to the building department as some of the things we've discussed tonight. On tonight's agenda, we have the official retirement notifications from Carolyn Green and Ralph Venttorini, longtime employees in our building department. They were accepted with regret as resolutions 142
and 143. Carolyn will be retiring as of September 1st, has been our senior technical assistant to the construction official for a number of years. Resolution 138 is for the appointment of a new technical assistant to the department. We had advertised for the position and after the application and
interview process are recommending the governing body appoint Alyssa Tempio for the position of technical assistant. Alyssa's worked as a technical assistant in a neighboring town and joins Ramsey with the relevant experience in the position as well as working in a municipality that also utilizes the same
construction office software as we do which will be a plus in the transition. She joins us uh next Monday for official start. So she'll have about a month of overlap with Carolyn to further help the transition. Due to the volume of permits and work that comes through the Ramsey
construction office, we have two full-time technical assistants. Our second technical assistant, Laura Kleti, were recommending with resolution 140 a salary adjustment to her annual salary with the retirements and transitions in the department. While Laura's title will
not change, certainly some of the workflow, duties, and responsibilities may change over the transition as the department moves forward. We will over the course of the ne next few meetings have additional changes to fill Ralph's position as well. I will also have more
to say at the future meetings regarding the retirements of Carolyn and Ralph and the value of they have brought as employees to the burrow will certainly be missed. Uh resolution 139 uh is appointing me as the municipal housing
leazison leaison in accordance with the state affordable housing regulations. the burrows to have a municipal housing liaison. I was appointed to this role a number of year ago years ago with the start of the new fourth round of state affordable guidelines. The resolution updates the old one to be part of our
compliance package for this new fourth round of affordable housing which just started on July 1st. Resolution 140 approves the New Jersey interoperable communication system user agreement with the state of New Jersey. The burrow as
part of its overall emergency communication capital investment upgrade has been reviewing options for utilizing the 700 megahertz network. Both the county and state offer these networks. In reviewing the options on the features and capabilities of both systems, it was
determined that the state system will provide the largest benefit to the burough in both moving our technology and equipment forward while preserving current operational and functional benefits at the local level where it is cost effective. This resolution approves approves the user agreement as the
required first step for the burough to become part of the state system. We have a number of ordinances for introduction on the agenda tonight. I'll make some comments on those. Uh ordinance 142025 is a multi-purpose bond ordinance for burough improvements in the amount of
5.3 million. This addresses capital improvements in three different areas. Resurfacing and new lighting for the pickle ball and basketball courts at Finch Park. 950,000. This project upgrades the Finch Park pickle ball and basketball courts with a removal of the court surface and a full resurfacing of
all the courts. In addition, the project will replace the existing lighting, install new court lighting for all courts. Over the last few years, the bureau has sought out and received three different grants for this work, which cumulatively total $312,775 or approximately a third of the
estimated cost for the project. It also includes this ordinance, emergency services, communication upgrades. The burough's emergency communication system infrastructure and radio equipment are all nearing the end of their useful life. Last year, the bureaus saw proposals from independent
professionals in the specialized fields who were not representatives of any of the equipment manufacturers to review our infrastructure and equipment and make recommendations on an upgrade plan. After review of the proposals, the bureau selected VCOM as its consultant and contracted with them in accordance
with resolution 127 of 2024. VCOM issued a report to the bureau with a few options for review and consideration that the bureau has used the VCOM recommendations and further refined the plan for implementation. The ordinance would fund this capital project covering a number of components.
Infrastructure equipment to move to the new 700 megahertz systems that the state, county of Bergen, most New Jersey law enforcement agencies have all moved to or will be moving to in the near future as they replace legacy systems. This equipment is planned to be added to
an existing communication monopole in the burrow. New mobile and port portable radios to replace the current end of life radios from the Ramsey Police Department volunteer emergency services and the Ramsey DPW and infrastructure equipment at Ramsey PD headquarters to
replace the current end of life equipment including the dispatch center and the other requisite support equipment. It is also uh includes as part of the ordinance construction of a new garage at the Department of Public Works. This portion of the ordinance is in
coordination with the project to build the new Island Avenue Emergency Services Complex after demolition of the existing Island A Firehouse. And during the year plus of construction, the burrow will need inside space to store and protect its investment in the life-saving apparatus of the fire department and the
rescue squad. This new building will be at that location at the DPW um and serve for that apparatus during the construction of the new firehouse and then transition afterwards to a DPW garage so that some of our trucks and equipment that are currently stored
outside will then be moved inside to preserve their life and extend their useful life. Ordinance 15 of 2025 is a multi-purpose bond ordinance for capital improvements for the board of public works in the amount of 4 million. This
bond ordinance addresses capital improvements for the Board of Public Works in three areas. The replacement of the Ster Avenue water man. The Board of Public Works has over the last number of years worked on upgrading some remaining old and undersized 4-in water manes in the burrow. This is a continuation of
that long-term project with the replacement of Snyder ABS water man. At the same time of the water main upgrade, any needed lead service lines, as Councilwoman Cusk referenced earlier, those replacements will also be made on the burrow's portion of the service line in compliance with the state mandate to
complete these upgrades by 2031. Uh, this ordinance also includes phase three of the lead service line water service replacements. The board of public works continues the multi-year project for these replacements in compliance with the aforementioned state
mandate. This is the third phase of the replacements will include test pits to identify the composition of any unknown lines as well as replacements of previously identified lead service lines. It also the ordinance includes preliminary engineering design and
permitting services for water treatment systems for PAS at the Darlington, Brookfield, North Central and Spring Street wells. As previously discussed, the EPA have instituted new water quality standards regarding PAS. Over the last two years, the Board of Public
Works has actively worked to develop water treatment systems at its supply wells for the PAS treatment. Ramsey had proactively put in treatment systems for PAS in advance of the EPA legislation at some of our wells and continues this multi-year capital investment plan for
the additional treatment systems at remaining wells. This portion of the ordinance would fund these preliminary preconstruction costs for this next phase of treatment systems anticipated to be out to bid in construction in 2026. And one final ordinance for introduction
tonight. Uh this ordinance 162025 amends previously uh adopted ordinance 4 of 2023 to provide additional funding uh for the design and architectural services for the construction of the new fire department rescue squad OEM station
complex on Island A. As Council President Kilman has discussed in his updates at the mayor and council meetings, this project have been undergoing further review. Through a number of meetings and evaluation of market conditions, it's been determined that material changes to the design and construction drawings needed to be made
to stay within the budget parameters initially estimated. These changes will still provide a complex that meets the future needs of these departments, but will ultimately reduce the cost to meet the original parameters of the project. This ordinance amends the original ordinance of 42023 that provided the
initial funding for the design and architectural services to increase the amount to revise and design to revise the design and construction drawings for the new design. And that would conclude my comments. >> You sure? >> Yeah, I'm pretty sure.
>> Wow. I'm done. >> Okay, good. All right. Thank you. That was very comprehensive. >> All right. Burough attorney. >> Nothing. Thank you, >> bor clerk. >> Nothing. Thank you. Okay. All right. Then let's move on to introduction of ordinances. Ordinance 142025.
>> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Ordinance 14205. Be it resolved that an ordinance titled bond ordinance to authorize the making of various public improvements in by and for the bureau of Ramsey in the county of Bergen, state of New Jersey to
appropriate the sum of 5,300,000 to pay for the cost thereof to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of
the issuance of such bonds. pass the first reading by title and that said ordinance be further considered for final passage and adoption at a regular meeting of the mayor and council to be held on the 27th day of August 2025 at 7
p.m. prevailing time or as soon after as the matter can be reached at the municipal building in said burrow. And be it further resolved that the burough clerk be and she hereby is instructed to publish in an official newspaper of the burrow in the burough manner provided by
law a copy of said ordinance together with notice of introduction thereof and notice when the same will be considered for final passage and adoption. >> Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you. Any comments in addition to Mr. Boz?
>> No comments further than Mr. Roll call, please. >> Councilwoman Cusk, >> yes. >> Councilman Gutweather, >> yes. >> Councilman Kilman, >> yes. >> Councilman Popp, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Poppy, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Woods, >> yes. >> Thank you. Vernon's 15 2025.
>> Thank you, Madame Mayor. Should I have the phone down here or No. >> No. Sure. >> I was in the A club, so Thank you. >> Intro to ordinance 15-20 25. Be it resolved that an ordinance
entitled bond ordinance to authorize the making of various public improvements in by and for the water sewage utility of the bureau of Ramsey in the county of Bergen State of New Jersey to appropriate the sum of 2.4
4 million to pay the cost thereof to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such
bonds. pass the first reading by title and that said ordinance be further considered for final passage and adoption at a regular meeting of the mayor and council to be held on the 27th day of August 2025 700 p.m. prevailing
time or as soon after as the matter can be reached at the municipal building in said burrow. And be it further resolved that the burough clerk be and she hereby is instructed to publish in an official newspaper the burrow in the manner provided by law a copy of said ordinance
together with notice of introduction thereof and notice when the same will be considered for final passage and adoption. >> Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> That was for 2,400,000. Correct, >> Madame Mayor. That was um 2,400,000.
>> Thank you. Roll call, please. >> Thank you. >> Councilwoman Cusk, >> yes. >> Councilman Gutwer, >> yes. >> Councilman Kelman, >> yes. >> Councilman Papa, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Poppy, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Woods, >> yes. >> Thank you. Ordinance 162025.
>> Thank you again, Madame Mayor. Be it resolved in ordinance 162025 entitled the bond ordinance to amend the title in sections 4 56 7 8 10 and 11 of the bond ordinance ordinance 04-2023
entitled bond ordinance to authorize the making of various public improvements and the acquisition of a new automotive vehicle including original apparatus and equipment in and by the burrow of Ramsey and the county of State of New Jersey to appropriate the
sum of $2,721,600 to pay the cost thereof to make a down payment to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the insurance issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of such bonds adopted on
April 26, 2023. pass the first reading by title and that said ordinance be further considered for final passage and adoption at a regular meeting of the mayor and councel to be held on the 27th day of August 2025 at 7
p.m. prevailing time or as soon after as the matter can be reached at the municipal building in said burrow. And be it further resolved that the burough clerk be and she hereby is instructed to publish in an official newspaper of the burrow in the manner provided by law copy of said ordinance together with
notice of the introduction thereof and notice when the same will be considered for final passage and adoption. >> Thank you. Do we have a second? >> I'll second that. >> Any comments in addition to Mr. Bose's earlier? No, Madam Mayor. >> Thank you. Roll call, please.
>> Councilwoman Cusk, >> yes. >> Councilman Gutwer, >> yes. >> Councilman Kilman, >> yes. >> Councilman Pablo, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Poppy, >> yes. >> Councilwoman Woods, >> yes. >> Okay. Thank you. We have no unfinished business or new business. Can I have a
motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Thank you very much.